tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213913872024-03-07T02:38:01.637-05:00Two and TwoOur Daily life for your amusementj.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-89535396557800941662009-07-02T22:04:00.001-04:002009-07-02T22:11:47.301-04:00Lydia's 4th Birthday Slideshow<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_57QanbiODk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_57QanbiODk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-71310721756708852802009-06-30T11:21:00.005-04:002009-06-30T11:33:46.351-04:00A long-awaited visit!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe4-3UArkvxWG7TistF2jALfYXBPk9b9tPlDOI0t1QFTCfjBrHUz86HkuuNAujGeJEN3KFoXfq0cKmjNzpXZw2HSOnltjn1uF9DE0pFTg-eTCTnG1WUHAU5tjiewcncO_dEkmng/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe4-3UArkvxWG7TistF2jALfYXBPk9b9tPlDOI0t1QFTCfjBrHUz86HkuuNAujGeJEN3KFoXfq0cKmjNzpXZw2HSOnltjn1uF9DE0pFTg-eTCTnG1WUHAU5tjiewcncO_dEkmng/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353141304905424098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. and Mrs M!</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Last night my cousin, Sean, and his wife, Lisa, stopped for a quick visit and dinner on their whirlwind tour of visiting friends and relatives before they settle in Indiana. They both went to Tech for their undergraduate work and have been in California for the past five years while Sean completed his doctorate. He now has a "Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering" and will teach classes at at college in Indiana.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4CAD1SgYyjQr4abhZQFafzxNnIJR0DHDQDI10DCeO4pSNWR3qP8dUS7uWtMSLkJ3kES9pMw_SJ1Lvf41T-W1pmUiSXGl9xZyJK4vMIh-sqwS9wwLxyeDQV95TKwOq-dEzhc_1A/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4CAD1SgYyjQr4abhZQFafzxNnIJR0DHDQDI10DCeO4pSNWR3qP8dUS7uWtMSLkJ3kES9pMw_SJ1Lvf41T-W1pmUiSXGl9xZyJK4vMIh-sqwS9wwLxyeDQV95TKwOq-dEzhc_1A/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353141295573014818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A_stlxu8KeZmDf2nFci74MrZwi3WMJ7_0-oga3m0No_WKyj2mTHyJ2FbVP4tu7BAC546UzdmZKl1Doi6q0XxbRPSdzgVJTzt2Nyp9qzSbt8n6_2RUZwNbh4seiet_1wP-VteVw/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A_stlxu8KeZmDf2nFci74MrZwi3WMJ7_0-oga3m0No_WKyj2mTHyJ2FbVP4tu7BAC546UzdmZKl1Doi6q0XxbRPSdzgVJTzt2Nyp9qzSbt8n6_2RUZwNbh4seiet_1wP-VteVw/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353141298956243170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">cousins!</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There are 11 first cousins in our family, but we were the ones represented last night. Thanks for carving time out during your travels to see us Sean and Lisa! Here's hoping we see each other again before three years pass!<br /></div></div>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-33207050400675168852009-06-27T20:56:00.003-04:002009-06-27T21:02:56.485-04:00another success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKgUhIvLMZchBLh3ll1udhThUubBOjYxdvzRZZbLU2Wi9KUpZuY6BwIH9x4b-3YGALwyXfw-12IIP9xDnQ1fKaBCs8bvYMx9-0Lo2u4QruDOOHWbNmY_0Xd_N8ry1eIARIQlr-w/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKgUhIvLMZchBLh3ll1udhThUubBOjYxdvzRZZbLU2Wi9KUpZuY6BwIH9x4b-3YGALwyXfw-12IIP9xDnQ1fKaBCs8bvYMx9-0Lo2u4QruDOOHWbNmY_0Xd_N8ry1eIARIQlr-w/s320/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352176150400920210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Here she is showing us her undies<br /></div><br />She insisted she needed to go this evening saying, "Poop potty! Poop potty!" several times before I decided to let her try. She was right! She received lots of praise and the current fav for treats: starburst jelly beans!<br />Then I decided to let her wear some underwear for the rest of the evening. I don't know if it was the underwear or the previous success, but she wanted to sit on the little potty in a different bathroom on and off for about 30 minutes while we were prepping dinner. She stayed dry in the undies until bedtime. I guess this means I really do need to get serious about training...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtT5j5pXXoGr0Yt0aqMRvrBVNzeLSktAB83uskOFQP7tx5EFGSSNluyls_9lj795BrsweUAw04Gr0F-UcXmwxxDKO2ec_djqudlcwjoBcO9LCHOtcsW7TwXW732c_PXoc4GL9Sw/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtT5j5pXXoGr0Yt0aqMRvrBVNzeLSktAB83uskOFQP7tx5EFGSSNluyls_9lj795BrsweUAw04Gr0F-UcXmwxxDKO2ec_djqudlcwjoBcO9LCHOtcsW7TwXW732c_PXoc4GL9Sw/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352176149805090962" border="0" /></a>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-2987255352518391552009-05-28T09:23:00.003-04:002009-05-28T09:33:51.258-04:00overheardThis morning the girls are sitting at their little table in the family room playing with magnetic dress up dolls. Lydia is carrying on a running conversation for both of them about what the dolls are doing and where they are going. Then I hear....<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh"<br />Lydia: very excited that sis comprehends the pretend play, "Yes, Lauren! They are going night-night. That's right!"<br /> ...more talking....<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh"<br />Lydia: Right, Lauren. It's time for night-night.<br />...more talking...<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh"<br />Lydia: I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span>, Lauren. Yes!<br />...talking...<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh"<br />Lydia: losing patience, "Lauren, yes! Will you stop talking about night-night?"<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh"<br />Lydia: "Stop saying it Lauren! They already did sleep! Now they need to do something else."<br />Lauren: "Nigh-nigh".....j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-11542009088392428842009-05-27T16:14:00.005-04:002009-05-27T17:19:43.629-04:00Lauren reads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibAP_H2NgXRgisMBtYLWMtlTWNr5IFAOO_JZfrB-65dDEiUDWUvWesRDOQ5UeyNPQdvcw_B5NoT8L0044AaVMQViGkMLM8Z08YTO9n-Me90W5B01dHpZdj62z88NUwmoUpa9xIw/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibAP_H2NgXRgisMBtYLWMtlTWNr5IFAOO_JZfrB-65dDEiUDWUvWesRDOQ5UeyNPQdvcw_B5NoT8L0044AaVMQViGkMLM8Z08YTO9n-Me90W5B01dHpZdj62z88NUwmoUpa9xIw/s320/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340600895632841218" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBu8erq1ILFRNR8oZKXMwr614Xc7_Y9CftwkUn8DnPmwRMlXzFch4l9oSzUfPQ-VU58u5oLAWycYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I had to capture her little, high-pitched "reading" voice.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-67613656710592477582009-05-11T22:03:00.003-04:002009-05-11T22:06:28.691-04:00Success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse8iX12CBXIJiVZUZ5WF8f6hsS6q6-wWINjbO77IvT4idMOqmz9ORhsFvAAY7FcP6E7uxI6Ut_4lIt09Um3pJMqgbaF9u8mdmkBtLbfZw1TYeoHMVDumzymf6cp2SNRLsrHd9ng/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse8iX12CBXIJiVZUZ5WF8f6hsS6q6-wWINjbO77IvT4idMOqmz9ORhsFvAAY7FcP6E7uxI6Ut_4lIt09Um3pJMqgbaF9u8mdmkBtLbfZw1TYeoHMVDumzymf6cp2SNRLsrHd9ng/s320/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334752478848914930" border="0" /></a><br />We had potty success with Lauren this week! I'm hoping the generous bag of treats she received will not be forgotten as we move forward in the training<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6wSQWWpYYTgwl6WoSa5dFg9CPEJqMtpc333VITRzM6W_7yVUI_6ZkMiGjFH_g6vQeMf-a5dx77rzOx1-YFM4DUIH0tXXd6m2BYY9hISGlhyphenhyphenfJiaM_NX9hFAM03W8kStp3_Pbw/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6wSQWWpYYTgwl6WoSa5dFg9CPEJqMtpc333VITRzM6W_7yVUI_6ZkMiGjFH_g6vQeMf-a5dx77rzOx1-YFM4DUIH0tXXd6m2BYY9hISGlhyphenhyphenfJiaM_NX9hFAM03W8kStp3_Pbw/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334752474213842802" border="0" /></a>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-2104512866438670302009-05-11T14:10:00.002-04:002009-05-11T14:18:37.860-04:00The things she pondersLast night as Lydia and I were snuggling in bed, she asked, "Mom, why do boys sometimes kiss girls and the girls don't like it and they cry?" I was astonished and began (quickly) pondering how to answer my almost four year old.<br />Me: "Who told you that boys kiss girls and make them cry?"<br />L: "Eden." (yeah right, she's also four)<br />Me: "I don't think so. Who said this?"<br />L: hemming and hawing, then finally .... "You know, Mom. Georgy Porgy, pudding and pie, kissed the girls and made them cry...."<br /><br />This girl makes us laugh!j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-81093710825322261972009-04-29T09:59:00.000-04:002009-04-29T10:00:07.828-04:00when she wants toLauren doesn't talk very much, but this week she said her first sentence:<br />"I wan moosik ahn." (I want music on.) How appropriate. She does love her music!j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-49837146730538390742009-04-23T16:44:00.001-04:002009-04-23T16:44:39.911-04:00the wheels are turning...Today Lydia asked me, "Mom, is my hair dirty?" I thought that was funny because usually she could care less. I told her it was fine.<br />L: Why does Uncle Josh call my hair blonde dirty?<br />Me: You mean "dirty blonde." He was telling you what color your hair is.<br />L: But my hair isn't dirty. Why does he say that?<br />Me: He was just being silly.<br />L: Why?<br />Me: Uncle Josh likes to be silly sometimes.<br />L: (after processing the info)..... Boys like to be silly, but girls just like to be right.<br /><br />HA!! Well, I had a good chuckle over that whole exchange!j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-46464454571403932292009-02-19T16:26:00.002-05:002009-02-19T16:33:22.097-05:00sisters<div style="text-align: center;">Lauren - 17 months<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7MccT_DeMIbBWcSGX90vGdnIuS8aNSm3CJoSw1p19W3_ddvvpxWKdwTFKnNrmHePFSKrbLnhmg4_S3al2PylW_-JiwVuz7hdoOy21ALoj8OY1Tapg-blt9EgIYUXi7QpoaDZdg/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7MccT_DeMIbBWcSGX90vGdnIuS8aNSm3CJoSw1p19W3_ddvvpxWKdwTFKnNrmHePFSKrbLnhmg4_S3al2PylW_-JiwVuz7hdoOy21ALoj8OY1Tapg-blt9EgIYUXi7QpoaDZdg/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304623978660532930" border="0" /></a>Lydia - 17 months<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP-ARtsjyoLr95Sy52YsD1lC4jG8K9dwNopIoF1Tkf5eKtr2U3KBwwsXwHw2IpKiFMyeDD1ausFoe1lcYNl1MJgptBspYtZIez9XR66MUQi-l-7hUtqqG39hkM_qAv6UUqkBXBg/s1600-h/VariousFebruary+131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP-ARtsjyoLr95Sy52YsD1lC4jG8K9dwNopIoF1Tkf5eKtr2U3KBwwsXwHw2IpKiFMyeDD1ausFoe1lcYNl1MJgptBspYtZIez9XR66MUQi-l-7hUtqqG39hkM_qAv6UUqkBXBg/s320/VariousFebruary+131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304623479604188226" border="0" /></a>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-5733400819126762342009-02-17T17:43:00.006-05:002009-02-19T16:07:58.531-05:00Someday I might get back to blogging with regularity..... Until then, a few things I want to remember:<br /><br />Lydia is obsessed with skunks lately. I think she read about one in a book and wants to know lots about them. In the car the other night, it was just the two of us and we had a conversation about skunks. The last question she posed: "Mom, do skunks pray?".<br /><br />Lydia is a pretty picky eater and we are battling on this front daily. The food she detests the most and the only one that I allow her to pick out of a dish: onions. (Unfortunately, they are in many of the things I cook!) But boy, she always finds the onions, no matter how small or hidden they might be. And no amount of my cajoling or proclamations of how delicious they are has yet to effect a change of her mind. Yesterday, the girls were playing in Lydia's room with the kitchen and accessories. Lydia brought me a dish she had prepared just for me -- onions, because "you love them Mom! They're your favorite!".<br /><br />Most days you will find Lydia dressed in a skirt and leggings combined with a long-sleeved shirt ( a "leave shirt") with both sleeves shoved above her elbow. She would be most happy if warmer weather would arrive soon - allowing her to ditch the leggings completely and wear a short sleeve shirt! She has very decided opinions about her hair and attire, both of which are commonly modeled after someone or something -- everyone from me to cousin Kate to a character in a storybook.<br /><br />Lauren, it seems, likes her role as baby in the fam. She doesn't say many words, although you can tell she thinks about it when you ask her to say something. She is also very attached to her paci -- a habit I know we need to break soon. She LOVES animals - stuffed and real. While Lydia clings to my legs around animals, Lauren will be racing to greet them. She is an excellent eater, putting big sis to shame! She eats fast and she eats a lot. Particular favorite lunch foods are avocado and cheese.<br />Words she says:<br />Mommy<br />Daddy<br />Shishee (sissy)<br />Leeya<br />cheese<br />cackuh (cracker)<br />no<br />hi (usually said with a small, quiet "shy" voice)<br />nye nye<br />uh-oh<br />Papa<br />Liss (Liz)<br />ahh duh (all done)<br />doddie (doggie)<br />byeeeej.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-29543033967698073222008-11-25T15:07:00.002-05:002008-11-25T15:14:02.962-05:00what colors are you?I thought <a href="http://www.voiceofcolor.com/en/colorsensegame/index.asp">this</a> was a fun quiz.<br />I am<br /><strong>"water beads"</strong> Blue refreshes, soothes and induces meditation; it lends the feeling of protection to the frenzy of daily life.<br />and<br /><strong> "al fresco"</strong> The greens of Al fresco are inviting; they comfort, soothe, and restore.<br /><br />What are you?j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-82249074028148158832008-10-16T09:54:00.002-04:002008-10-16T09:59:23.249-04:00Good for a laughLast night the girls were getting a bath together. They were playing happily and then Lauren passed gas -- a lot! Just as I was checking to be sure they didn't need to do an immediate exit from the tub, Lydia looked incredulously at Lauren and said, "Lauren, how did you get thunder???"<br />(Ben thought she learned some new euphemism for that bodily function, but honestly I could tell she actually thought Lauren had produced thunder like she hears when there is a storm outside!) Ahh...the things that child says.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-46902501200677916432008-09-15T17:00:00.004-04:002008-09-15T23:18:13.582-04:00random tidbitsI had planned to post a few pictures of my recent foray into crafts -- sewing projects and jewelry. Unfortunately, Lydia broke our digital camera. (She tried to close it by pressing the lens into the floor.) Repairing it was going to cost more than it was worth. I briefly entertained the idea of a newer, fancier model -- maybe an SLR. But as it turned out, Ben found our exact camera on Ebay - brand new in the box - and at a price we were willing to pay. I hope we get it soon. I guess I didn't realize how much I like having a camera AND how much I use it!<br /><br />Today I found my beloved watch that Ben gave me when we were dating. I thought I had lost it around the holidays last year when he gave me a sporty/waterproof watch that is "kid-friendly." I cannot express how surprised and delighted I was to come across my old watch. I wasn't looking for it (isn't that how it always happens?) but was doing some cleaning in our room. (I found it in the box that my new watch had come in. )As much as I love my new one, I was SO disappointed to lose my old watch nearly nine months ago. Anyway, it is found and I am thrilled!<br /><br />Also today and on a sillier note - Lydia was playing with two of her Pups. Quite a while back I stopped being concerned about her knowing we had more than one of her favorite stuffed animal. And she loves having multiples out at a time. So this morning she calls to me over the railing, "Mom, can you throw Pup's sister up to me?" I almost laughed out loud. So now Pup has siblings. He may never have a brother though, since Lydia thinks all siblings are "sisters" =)j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-50798028326074383522008-08-28T15:11:00.010-04:002008-08-28T21:21:46.800-04:00I don't want to miss it...<p><br />I was at Target with some returns a few weeks ago when the cashier decided to engage me in casual conversation. My girls were with me per usual, and while they weren't being disobedient or rambunctious, their behavior was....childish! (They are after all, children!) If I recall, Lauren was probably doing her best to convince me to unbuckle her from the cart and hold her and Lydia was likely dancing around talking to me non-stop about basically anything and everything. Our conversation went something like this:</p><p>Her: "Cute girls."</p><p>Me: "Thank you."</p><p>Her: "How old are they?"</p><p>Me: "Three and one."</p><p>Her: Do you stay home with them?</p><p>Me: Yes, I do. They certainly keep me busy, but I love being home with them.</p><p>Her: I have one kid. He's in daycare. (Lauging) That way someone else gets to chase him around all day!</p>I hope I didn't appear as bothered as I felt my her glib remark. I walked away wondering why a person who feels that way about her child even has children... This is not meant to be a diatribe against mothers who work outside the home. Her comment just caused me to think...."Do strangers (or even friends) see how I interact and react to my children and wonder if I am happy with my life?"<br />I can get too focused on "my agenda" and what I need or want to get done in a day. I've realized it's not enough for the kids just to be happy or entertained during a day while I check things off my list. I want to engage them more and spark creative thoughts and ideas, even while they are very young. Sometimes I stop and really think about all that my three-year-old is learning and absorbing and I realize that I have an opportunity, a choice really, to influence her to teach her <em>in so many ways</em>. Of course this means managing my time better, spreading out my daily tasks and maybe even letting go of "me time." ("Me time" could warrant a whole other post!!)<br /><br />Well, this week I have endeavored to do better, and I can see a difference in the girls, especially Lydia. I have made a concerted effort just to get down on the floor and play with them more. Not that I haven't done that previously, but this week, instead of watching and waiting for them to "need" me, I took a more active role. We have built forts and tents in their rooms everyday.(A huge hit with both girls.) We have played hide-and-seek (usually under Lauren's crib - her fav. little "spot"). I have had every non-deadly bodily injury I can think of to keep my little doctor busy. We have cooked many, many meals in the play kitchen including detailed discussions of what foods are most healthy, what foods are most yummy, and what foods should only be treats. We have worked on counting and addition and subtraction, using our stash of beaded necklaces! We have built castles and towers with the blocks. The Little People family and farmers have been introduced to a whole world on the floor, under the desk and in the cubbies of the girls' rooms.<br /><br />I have also begun putting Lauren in her crib for a mid-morning "rest." She has become unusually fussy around this time and I finally just decided this is how I would deal with it. Amazingly, it seems to calm her down and in a way, adjust her attitude. Regardless of how fussy she might have been while we were all playing, she never cries when I put her in the crib. She seems fairly content with her newfound "alone" time. I have used this opportunity to do "schooling" (this is Lydia's term for it) more regularly with Lydia. She LOVES learning to write her letters, which is the bulk of what we do. Sometimes we do a little craft too. I have made it a priority to sit there with her to do the crafts along with her. She has enjoyed it, and so have I.<br /><br /><br /><br />Like my cousin, I too occasionally read the blogs of people I do not know. Some posts are so insightful, some quite crafty and creative and others are just so eloquently and succinctly written that I can't help but enjoy reading! I realize that my blog doesn't really fall into any of those categories, (sometimes to my chagrin!)but today, I just thought I'd share something that has really made a difference in our day to day life. I guess when you boil it down, it is most simply, a different perspective and a change of attitude for <em>me</em>!j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-55211785686895786842008-08-01T22:21:00.001-04:002008-08-01T22:21:37.192-04:00Lauren's First Birthday Slideshow<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wVbRfqWZgSY"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wVbRfqWZgSY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><br /><br /><a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b1.lilypie.com/O2Thm4.png" alt="Lilypie1st Birthday Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-27383777792330573822008-08-01T22:03:00.005-04:002008-08-01T22:26:05.344-04:00friends and family<div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Here are a few pictures of people with whom we have visited over the last month. There is much more to show and tell, but this is all for now.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My friend, Kelley, and her daughter, Greta came to visit</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOFdnHFzjtx6x2XjTTBUWMbPbJ5IWay-tvZpeD7ID-oKR8DdKoEimBwx8h-lQEd8O96KjJo8ZrUjjU97Ls-n2HHkfuMoUkMJWkVbOY-33xIhAx3rupft2z8HkZEYqxoN9yNTnwg/s1600-h/summer+119.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229738147483709698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOFdnHFzjtx6x2XjTTBUWMbPbJ5IWay-tvZpeD7ID-oKR8DdKoEimBwx8h-lQEd8O96KjJo8ZrUjjU97Ls-n2HHkfuMoUkMJWkVbOY-33xIhAx3rupft2z8HkZEYqxoN9yNTnwg/s320/summer+119.jpg" border="0" /></a> Greta is just as adorable in person as she looks in all her pictures!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrsybZJckDwe81x59R285kaSCkEMRSgdv4kyYwHPS2QmSxyNLgGUaBrOLQ6DLHI5nCB_ZT0g2wiym7TYfeqC5VyJSCudcUmR1gskLjZhU2dIkhtX3jh_L_ZbHoEKEs_TZEQmcfg/s1600-h/summer+124.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229738159501787506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrsybZJckDwe81x59R285kaSCkEMRSgdv4kyYwHPS2QmSxyNLgGUaBrOLQ6DLHI5nCB_ZT0g2wiym7TYfeqC5VyJSCudcUmR1gskLjZhU2dIkhtX3jh_L_ZbHoEKEs_TZEQmcfg/s320/summer+124.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">On a separate occasion, my friend Katie dropped by and we got to meet her daughter, Charis, for the first time!!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQH6riQ4D3Kg2Wy3rfDPQTOS4lPZCB3uRUaRy6mZUX7E1iqJGaA4RW_JAvO02OSo9bYI5crdNsHtkVA0eJQg8kA1TPi9-jh_yOxs-D7etGZWCWx9yuEaSd7goBGAy1x3obUgv8Q/s1600-h/summer+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229737298290768498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQH6riQ4D3Kg2Wy3rfDPQTOS4lPZCB3uRUaRy6mZUX7E1iqJGaA4RW_JAvO02OSo9bYI5crdNsHtkVA0eJQg8kA1TPi9-jh_yOxs-D7etGZWCWx9yuEaSd7goBGAy1x3obUgv8Q/s320/summer+053.jpg" border="0" /></a> Charis seems SO low-key and easy going.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVS8PX-grlHsmpURWIKJ3vmxx40JDRFJ8wBgtdS_k8ILy7XnxRPYYIUmrrVv4JFPi3RwvoTbHo0ieR_UPg0SAzvLilf8XhzlW6pmIfHRhiZdTKjUCFrJMWrOtuzP7OyTLzsMFLg/s1600-h/summer+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229737307558029538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVS8PX-grlHsmpURWIKJ3vmxx40JDRFJ8wBgtdS_k8ILy7XnxRPYYIUmrrVv4JFPi3RwvoTbHo0ieR_UPg0SAzvLilf8XhzlW6pmIfHRhiZdTKjUCFrJMWrOtuzP7OyTLzsMFLg/s320/summer+056.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Little Buddies: Emma, Lydia and Kate</div><div align="center">fun times at the park<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMCSBDbzyht1eK3Nank5U_MFtyGbOLLlh8TKzV393k-7Ea8kP_wl2UoFxe4KCYqDN1KQsp7isAZGuWdpAmpvg31e-XrfiQdkLe8cqPMnvQVzYjZ6g9Cq-ZU6W9sgCdHfR1RnSFA/s1600-h/summer+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229737310250195826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMCSBDbzyht1eK3Nank5U_MFtyGbOLLlh8TKzV393k-7Ea8kP_wl2UoFxe4KCYqDN1KQsp7isAZGuWdpAmpvg31e-XrfiQdkLe8cqPMnvQVzYjZ6g9Cq-ZU6W9sgCdHfR1RnSFA/s320/summer+073.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Lydia and Uncle Jake tickling the ivories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmja38YKQ4dsZTCvvU-iTohlnUoBuDqXqfiwnASU7apKL2uBMfoO-GpzhvA9aOowaRridtj7F5jHgPaQu3tTm4eOkcTsPh5hVGL6oUe5IeHFVBMM7vyltIezwb82nyX_nZvXoow/s1600-h/summer+146.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229737320511040146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmja38YKQ4dsZTCvvU-iTohlnUoBuDqXqfiwnASU7apKL2uBMfoO-GpzhvA9aOowaRridtj7F5jHgPaQu3tTm4eOkcTsPh5hVGL6oUe5IeHFVBMM7vyltIezwb82nyX_nZvXoow/s320/summer+146.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My cousins and my daughters!</p><p align="center">Megan, Lydia, Kate, Lauren, and Anna<br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs4LRXGGkHER__URHKOzA0GGQKNJopJ59deZ2C5vbxoMDjjxHKypW82IRM3t4hPbnQGK-8VYRkBkRNJewi-9ju7yVhjtdx5mS2cgoy4VAULEUiZVaV7g24Xmy46eEzygtFtuRVg/s1600-h/summer+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736147773162402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs4LRXGGkHER__URHKOzA0GGQKNJopJ59deZ2C5vbxoMDjjxHKypW82IRM3t4hPbnQGK-8VYRkBkRNJewi-9ju7yVhjtdx5mS2cgoy4VAULEUiZVaV7g24Xmy46eEzygtFtuRVg/s320/summer+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><p align="center">We love you Aunt Becky and Uncle Elias. And we miss you!<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgikCHcf58_OozYNKqNkUBXm5d3V8Y-3SsuFcWdgdmfvA1WyNC4aKt5Zo76ax_IDYGecSooBdXJoSlGciU9oMc_WEFVtpFtzhHJh1a_LAUrdKHgDmpPhxZ1FqbUZey3IYeTRaBg/s1600-h/summer+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736156575874642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgikCHcf58_OozYNKqNkUBXm5d3V8Y-3SsuFcWdgdmfvA1WyNC4aKt5Zo76ax_IDYGecSooBdXJoSlGciU9oMc_WEFVtpFtzhHJh1a_LAUrdKHgDmpPhxZ1FqbUZey3IYeTRaBg/s320/summer+028.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center">Ben's relative, Brad, just moved down to be the head librarian over the theological division of a joint library for several colleges in downtown ATL<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinebaXTED_lsV1eDWrP-w_Is41Sr4dDB64qVM0YmlzjkfPJmsE_43kwR3Ln9puA_CUv6rauvV0mqPZnK3-cCcYra7F2HN0xoCN3KoZ_003XTXm6LYk4x7ooSoZu_DiQaNi9DHaVQ/s1600-h/summer+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736159352489650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinebaXTED_lsV1eDWrP-w_Is41Sr4dDB64qVM0YmlzjkfPJmsE_43kwR3Ln9puA_CUv6rauvV0mqPZnK3-cCcYra7F2HN0xoCN3KoZ_003XTXm6LYk4x7ooSoZu_DiQaNi9DHaVQ/s320/summer+040.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Good times over dinner at Josh and Liz's house<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKN52kWklbifP8W60P1MA23-NO26rV2ATwW3IlPNomTX0osQRxuUOTelQncGPPfmo4vej7ukzggJZK4LShQeLX5aDA8QYf-R-qsXMH-cL1Ncph7665dfvWFBpyJjDQaLAFgciuQ/s1600-h/summer+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736177436008050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKN52kWklbifP8W60P1MA23-NO26rV2ATwW3IlPNomTX0osQRxuUOTelQncGPPfmo4vej7ukzggJZK4LShQeLX5aDA8QYf-R-qsXMH-cL1Ncph7665dfvWFBpyJjDQaLAFgciuQ/s320/summer+041.jpg" border="0" /></a>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-33370266715053744192008-07-07T22:18:00.002-04:002008-07-07T22:20:51.765-04:00New Videos<strong>Lydia's 3rd Birthday Slideshow</strong><BR><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qYF8Q6YYoUM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qYF8Q6YYoUM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Lydia Feeding Lauren (from May)</strong><BR><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v6CCSM4i8j8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v6CCSM4i8j8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-21130815451883498372008-06-02T23:06:00.003-04:002008-06-23T09:20:31.237-04:00There are so many things I could say that I'm at a loss for where to begin. Also, I may never "finish" this, so I'm going to go ahead and put it out there!<br /><br /><br />LAUREN:<br /><br /><br />She loves to eat table food. She will allow me to feed her some foods with a spoon, but she prefers to feed herself anything she can pick up. Bread is her favorite. She can spot it on someone else's plate and she starts her "happy" hands and feet -kicking and banging her tray until she gets her wish.<br /><br /><br />A couple of weeks ago, I had her weighed and she was just a few ounces shy of 17 lbs. She is growing faster than her big sis was at this same age.<br /><br /><br />She is so active and wants to be able to do everything Lydia does.<br /><br /><br />She has a very strong-willed, stubborn personality and it is quite obvious even at this young age. She has shown us her temper!!! yikes!<br /><br /><br />Every day she gets more confident standing on her own. She makes it very clear by pushing my hands away that she doesn't want me to hold her up or help her. She can maintain her balance even if she gets excited and begins waving her hands or shaking a toy. Today she took three steps toward me all by herself!<br /><br /><br />She loves hair. She likes to play with mine, especially while nursing. She has a very bad tendency to pull Lydia's hair. Let me say, it hurts!!! Lauren is also really bad about pinching. She likes to pinch and grab you whenever she is in the mood. I'm convinced she does it on purpose to get a reaction.<br /><br /><br />She loves riding in her stroller and it doesn't seem to matter if it is while on errands or outside for a walk. She loves to be outdoors.<br /><br /><br />Lauren is a Mommy's girl, no question.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />LYDIA:<br /><br /><br />It is so neat to be able to have a conversation with your little child. Lydia learns new words all the time and it is so funny as she experiments with how to use them in a phrase or sentence. As an example, I usually say "bless you" if someone sneezes. I don't think Lydia knows the word "sneeze." When I asked her in the car the other day if Lauren had her paci in her mouth, she responded, "No. She blessed it out." -- meaning Lauren sneezed and the paci came out.<br /><br /><br /><br />There aren't many words that Lydia pronounces incorrectly. Latest favorite: sun scream<br /><br /><br />Lydia is extremely observant. Today at the grocery store she was (loudly) pointing out all the women she saw who were wearing lipstick! Then, our cashier was a woman with very short hair. Lydia asked, "Is that person a boy or girl, Mom?"<br /><br /><br />She has an excellent memory.<br /><br /><br />She knows the letters of the alphabet by sight and the sounds the letters make.<br /><br /><br />She LOVES to change her clothes during the day. She goes into her closet and tries on several outfits AFTER she is already dressed for the day. She also loves to dress up in leotards, and ballet accesories that have been given to us.<br /><br /><br />She is cautious in new situations and is by no means a fearless daredevil.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-18057857362999438282008-04-12T09:52:00.003-04:002008-04-18T14:06:12.953-04:00I'm ITI've been tagged. Since most of you have been tagged already, I won't bother!<br /><br /><br />1. I am a little fanatical about brushing my teeth. In college, I kept a toothbrush in my backpack and in my car so that I could brush whenever I wanted!<br /><br />2. I love to read. It is my favorite way to relax and unwind. When I was younger my absolute favorite genre was mystery/suspense! I read every Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Trixie Belden book that our library had. I used to finish one in an evening. Now I have little time for reading and it takes quite a bit longer to finish something. The last three books I have read are a Sherlock Holmes mystery, a Jane Austen novel, and a Christian parenting book.<br /><br />3. I took private violin lessons for twenty consecutive years. I wanted to begin, but several times along the way I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> wanted to quit. My mom would never let me! It was to be my choice when I was out of high school. When that time arrived, I had decided to make music my major in college. I even ended up with a masters degree. I am very thankful to my mom for the sacrifices she made in order for me to take lessons as a child and for her insistence that I continue, even during the rough times.<br /><br />4. I am <span style="font-style: italic;">very </span>competitive. I played soccer for many years on co-ed teams and perhaps that influenced my natural tendencies! I also have a blue belt in TKD and would LOVE to get back into it someday. I have mellowed a bit ( I think!) over the years, but especially when I was younger I never wanted to be viewed as weak or wimpy. I wanted all the same chances as a boy and no excuses or concessions because I was a girl. I thought I was just as strong or as tough as a guy. That was probably true for a while, but eventually, no matter how determined I was, it just wasn't the case any longer!<br /><br />5. I love to find a bargain. It pains me if it is ever necessary to pay full price for things like shoes and clothing.<br /><br />6. My least favorite household chores are cleaning my wood floors and the stovetop. =)<br /><br />7. I have seen The Phantom of the Opera in Atlanta, New York and England -- all expenses paid.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-62491671130371885982008-04-09T23:31:00.006-04:002008-04-10T00:02:39.309-04:00Few and Far BetweenIt has been so long since an update on anything around here that I just keep putting it off because I don't have the time right now to devote to putting down all the things I'd like to. If I can't chronicle all the little goings-on then I may as well write nothing...No! That is worse! So, tonight I'm sticking to the two things that happened so far this week that I can remember right now and that I don't want to forget!<br />Lydia has been wrapping her brain around the fact that there are boys and there are girls. She is also learning about familial relationships. She doesn't know what a brother is and always calls other people's siblings their "sister." Of course she doesn't know what a husband or wife is -- adults are all just Daddies and Mommies. So, I am Ben's Mommy as well as her Mommy ;) Lately an added twist is the argument between Lydia and Ben about Pup's gender. (Go ahead and chuckle.) When you ask Lydia if Pup is a boy or a girl, she insists that "he is a girl." So we worked on he/she and now she will say it right and with extra emphasis - "SHE is a girl!" Anyway, Ben likes to tease her that Pup is a boy. She denies it every time. Yesterday she waltzed into my room and said this: "Mom! Pup has big ears, so Pup is a boy." I laughed heartily and wondered who put <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> idea into her head. (Daddy of course!)<br />Lydia has trouble being scared at night. We also go through periods where she wakes up crying about being scared. She has mentioned that "the birds are scary" but I don't know where she got that idea from. (We haven't been watching Hitchcock lately!) Anyway, we've been working on some short Bible memory verses and including ones like Ps 56:3 and others. I remind her that God is with her and that she doesn't need to be afraid. He loves her and cares for her. At the same time we've also been talking about how God does not have a body like we do. We can't see Him, but he sees us. Probably quite hard for her to grasp very well, but she usually accepts my explanations readily. Well, tonight she was whimpering at bedtime saying she was afraid. We'd already done the storytelling (she has to have a story every night about Curious George and Jeremy Monkey--Kate's stuffed animal is cousin to George, for those not in the know). We had also done the singing and the cuddling. So I reminded her that God was with her and she need not be afraid. Then, as I gave her her final kiss goodnight, she said, "Mom, will you go get my Bible so God can be here with me?" I haven't looked in at her, but I expect that she'll be cuddling Pup and her little bible tonight.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-25273498148990257882008-03-24T20:23:00.003-04:002008-03-24T20:26:18.153-04:00Lydia Sings<strong>Hallelujah Praise Jehovah</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bho_pRFdMBE&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bho_pRFdMBE&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Joy to the World</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U4WkEJsi7Lw&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U4WkEJsi7Lw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-76565492325053669452008-02-19T09:28:00.007-05:002008-02-21T10:05:21.670-05:00Stats for LaurenI finally took Lauren to the doc last week. It was her first well baby check. We went about 3 times during the first month of her life and that was enough for us for quite a while. I don't really like to go to a place where germs abound when I feel my kids are "fine." It just seems counter intuitive. In fact as we got ready to leave, the PA told us to wash our hands well because the flu was really going around. (Great!)<br />So my curiosity regarding Lauren's weight was satisfied. Almost seven months, she weighed close to 16 pounds. I was a bit surprised as I guess I was expecting a little less. I seem to remember Lydia weighed 19 lbs at 1 year. (My mom always reminds me that I weighed only 17 lbs at 1 year. I must have been a sickly looking child!) I do think Lauren looks a little more filled out than her sister did at this age. I love it! Baby chub is great! (I wish Mommy chub was also great.) I don't remember Lauren's length, but it was in the 25 percentile.<br />Lauren is a happy baby. She smiles a lot with her big grin - her tongue usually sticks out and her eyes nearly closed. Lydia is good at making her grin and laugh. The girls like to play "chase" where Lydia runs and Daddy zooms Lauren around after her. This can produce belly laughs from both girls.<br />Lauren loves the johnny jump up we got from our cousins. She is quite good at bouncing around. If Lydia is nearby, she will "swing" Lauren. I have to remind her not to be so exuberant in the swinging!! Lauren thinks it is great though, and she always gets a big smile on her face when big sis swings her.<br />Lauren is proficient at the inchworm crawl and has been for about 2 months now. Occasionally she gets on her hands and knees and does it the "right" way. When she is a few inches from her goal (be it a toy or Mommy!) she gets so excited that she goes spread eagle on her tummy and stars waving her arms and legs.<br />She is enjoying her food and likes to eat 3-4 times a day. Nursing is not waning either! She eats rice cereal, sweet potatoes, avacado, banana, pears and peaches.<br />She has been working on cutting a tooth for about a week and it finally broke through her gum. Just this morning I noticed that it seems to be <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> bottom teeth that have come through and not just one like I thought. (I recommend <a href="http://www.hylands.com/products/teething.php">Hyland's Teething Tablets</a> for fussiness and soreness that often accompanies teething.)<br />Well, that's all for now. The girls are calling!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Edit: Add to Lauren's latest stunts - When playing on the floor she can maneuver herself into a sitting position AND we have seen her pull herself up to a standing position!</span>j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-7984256262704025572008-02-07T20:19:00.000-05:002008-02-11T00:18:13.034-05:00recent quotesThings Lydia has said lately<br /><br />"I sink so."<br /><br />"I need to tell you a question."<br /><br />"We need gwoshees from Pugwix."<br /><br />"Look Mom, I'm running around like a boy!"<br /><br />"I need to milk (nurse) Pup."<br /><br />"Lauren doesn't want to nurse. She wants to play with me."<br /><br />"I <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> to match baby sis. I'm the big sister and Lauren is the little sister. She likes to match with me." ( I hear some variation of this story <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> day!)<br /><br />When she is being silly I often tell her she is a "nilly" - basically derived from part of a nonsense nickname given by Gramma. She responded the other day with, "I'm a <span style="font-style: italic;">big</span> nilly and Lauren's a <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span> nilly."<br /><br />New nickname for Lauren: baby sister-li-la<br />New name for Daddy: Mister Dad or Ben-Dadj.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21391387.post-46474645013489788492008-01-29T12:35:00.000-05:002008-01-29T13:02:35.451-05:00How long has it been since you ate an Oreo?I know some people consider these cookies to be the ultimate indulgence - especially with a glass of milk. I don't drink milk and I have never really craved an Oreo. However, this past weekend I bought some in order to make a dessert for the youth group. Of course the recipe didn't call for the entire bag...so I took a bite...and ended up eating several cookies. =)<br />I cannot think of Oreos without also thinking of a particular woman at our church. She is an older lady and is very much into all things natural (which I am certainly not against, but she is on a whole other level than I am!). Anyway, whenever she mentions junk food she equates it with coke and oreos. She cannot imagine how anyone could crave such things. (I've had this conversation with her more than once.) She is very direct and will look you right in the eye and ask, " Do <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> REALLY enjoy cokes or oreos?" =)<br />Here is the recipe for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oreo Ice Cream Dessert</span>. It is always a hit with young and old alike. Don't expect to have any left-over!<br /><br /> 1 - 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, slightly softened<br />1 carton of Cool Whip, thaw to spreading consistency<br />24 Oreos, crushed<br />1 stick of butter<br /><br />Fudge Sauce<br /> 4 oz of unsweetend chocolate<br /> 1/4 C butter<br /> 2/3 C sugar<br /> 2/3 C milk<br /> dash of salt<br /><br />Make the chocolate first so it can cool while you put the rest of the ingredients together. Over med-low heat, melt the chocolate and butter together and then add the sugar and stir. Add the milk and a little salt and cook for a few minutes stirring constantly so the chocolate will thicken but not burn.(You can use other types of chocolate -german, semi-sweet, etc. Just taste it to be sure the proportions are right. I never measure the ingredients for the fudge sauce, so I'm only guess here!)<br />Crush oreos in a bag and sprinkle in a 13x9 pyrex dish. Pour melted butter over the cookies. Scoop ice cream evenly onto the cookie crust. Pour cooled chocolate over the ice cream. (It doesn't have to be completely cool, just not too hot.) Spread the cool whip over the chocolate. Sprinkle nuts or oreo crumbs on top if desired. Store dessert in freezer. Allow a few minutes to thaw before cutting and serving.j.j.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00132733375406469179noreply@blogger.com5