Three-in-One Post

The Lake, Take Two....

Last weekend our friends, the Kings, invited us to bring Sarah to their lake cabin for the day. We left Andrew behind with my parents and headed out to Grand Lake. Sarah was super excited for her first boat trip. She was an absolute angel. She was so pleased to let the wind blow through her hair and was thrilled to watch the King's two oldest boys wake board and then watch her daddy H2O ski. She swam in the lake with us, off the back of the boat, but she was really unsure the whole time in the water. She wore a life vest the whole time, but she never really got her balance right and would topple forward or backward if we didn't hold onto her. I can't believe we didn't get any pictures or video of Sarah's first boat ride. Unfortunately for Michael, he took a big spill on the skis and perforated his eardrum. He has temporary hearing loss in his ear and has experienced some nausea associated with losing some of his equilibrium, but the ear should completely heal in 3-4 weeks.

Accountability

Not long ago I set a goal for myself to get back into (some level) of shape once I was finished with work and staying at home. I guess I am opposite of most people, because I actually eat way less food when I am home. In the office I consumed countless calories from mindless eating. I blame it on fatigue from trying to balance work, home, family.... Also, I could never find a good time of day to exercise, so I wasn't burning off the extra calories. Especially in the last few months the pounds have crept up on me. This week I started walking 3 miles again in the mornings before my family wakes up. I have my old walking buddy back - Molly - who I used to walk with most mornings before Sarah came home. Also, I have started a food journal so that I am accountable for everything that goes in my mouth. I am hoping that these two things will be enough and I won't have to actually go on a "diet." We'll see..... I figure if I blog about it, I will actually have to follow through or face lots of humiliation (hee, hee). I am going to take my time and make positive changes that will last beyond shedding a few pounds. If I lose and keep off 10-12 pounds I will be very happy.

You Don't Have to Be So Sensitive!

Tonight, after the kids went down, I asked Michael if he minded if I went to the local book store (Barnes and Noble) and kick back with a chai and a few mags. You know, kind of like a date with yourself. I was cruising down the street and I falsely thought that I was going to miss my turn. After I pulled into the turn lane I realized that it was one too soon, but I took the turn anyway. I meandered through a quiet neighborhood and wrapped around to get back on the road I needed. From this point on, it is a little foggy, but as I took a left turn I clipped the center median curb. Thud! In slow motion the driver side of the car became lower than the passenger side. I pulled back into the neighborhood where it all started and got out to discover that not one, but two tires were completely deflated. What the heck? Who knew tires could be so sensitive to clipping a curb? Seriously! Okay, I was in the Accord and not the Sienna, but I'll bet my sweet minivan could've handled that curb - no problem. So, tomorrow we will purchase new tires and I'll probably have to go get a job at the local burger establishment to pay off my debt. Gee-wiz!

Deal!

This may be the shallowest post ever, but I found the most amazing deals today. On my way to pick up Sarah from VBS I took Andrew to our local shoe store Trippets (sorry, they don't have a website) to get his foot measured. His shoes were looking small (again!). Dreading paying full price for new shoes that will be outgrown in a blink, I fully planned on coming home to surf for some deals. Then I saw it....the precious clearance bin full of Pedoodles. Then I looked up and saw the selection of Robeez Tredz sandals, also on clearance. I left the store with $110 worth of shoes and only paid $49! Even Sarah got a new pair of shoes. So, if you are in the area and need shoes for your little munchkins, you may want to head on over to 27th and Harvard.

Quick Trip

Sunday we left for a short trip down to Ft. Worth to see Michael's parents and some of his siblings. Michael's parents had put their house on the market in hopes of moving soon to Albuquerque, so we wanted to make sure to see them again while they were still just a short drive away. Before we left on Thursday they gave us the "good" news that, for several reasons, they have postponed their move indefinitely. Though I know Jim would like a geographical change, selfishly I'm glad they will be staying closer to us. The kids love seeing their other Papa and Nana - and all the cousins.

We hit some local tourist attractions this time. This is Sarah with her cousin Katie at the Dallas World Aquarium. Michael took Katie's brothers to Hurricane Harbor and my SIL DeAnn came with me. It was the prettiest aquarium I've been too, but I'm not sure aquarium is the appropriate name for this place. Unless the word aquarium conjures up images of monkeys, jungle, and waterfalls. It was a beautiful mix of rain forrest animals, vegetation, and sea life.

Before we left for Texas, Natasha gave Andrew his first big boy haircut. He was so cute and sweet all week and had a great time at Nana and Papa's house. Just look at those eyes!!

Sarah and I were even able to have a super fun play date at the Children's Museum with Mandy, her daughter Anna, Kelly, and her daughter Lucy. Anna and Sarah are both from Ninh Thuan and were at the orphanage at the same time. Mandy and I "knew" each other through our agency's forum, but met for the first time at heritage camp in June. Mandy and Kelly met when they re-finalized their adoptions and have become really good friends. I think it is fantastic how adoption has caused paths to cross and created friendships that otherwise would not have been formed.

Sarah, pleased with her distorted image.

Here are the three girls pushing Anna's older brother. Do you notice that they are all nearly the same height, yet the ages of the girls are 2, 3, and (almost)4. I thought that was pretty funny.

These two little guys are 7 days apart in age. I always enjoy getting a new picture of Dalton and Andrew together and comparing it to the previous ones.

Sarah and her cousin Mattison also had a great time playing together. The girls are about a month or so apart in age.

Mia Culpa

So, the title should actually be Mea Culpa, but Mia is going to fit better for this story. Michael and I celebrated our 8th anniversary Wednesday night ( a week late) by going to downtown Ft. Worth (we were visiting my in-laws) for dinner. Without any concrete plans other than dinner, we decide that maybe we should see a movie - as we stroll past a theater. Michael suggests the new Batman movie. Not really being into the whole super hero, dark movie thing, I suggest we see something lighter. What could be lighter than Mama Mia? I figure popular Broadway musical + great Abba music = excellent movie choice. Michael gives the okay. As we are walking towards the theater door, Michael says to me that he has a bad feeling he may be the only guy in the theater. I think to myself, surely not. Then.....we enter the theater and spot two other males in a female sea. I'm immediately informed that I am going to owe him big! I was frequently reminded of how much I am going to owe him throughout the coarse of the movie, especially when the majority of the women in the theater decided to sing AND dance during several movie scenes. OMG! (For those who know Michael, you can at least appreciate that he made the most of it by snapping and singing along - to my embarrassment.) So, if you are looking to have a fun night out with the girls....and you feel like singing and dancing....I highly recommend Mama Mia. If, on the other had, you have a babysitter and a night out with your hubby.......

New Chapter and Favorites

I did it - I made it! Yesterday was my final day of employment outside of the home. In the 9-ish years since college graduation I have taught second graders in the public schools for 5 years and worked as a ministry assistant at our church for the past 4. It seems impossible to me that it has been that long. I constantly forget my age (unless I go inner tubing behind boats in lakes - see post below) and it catches me off guard at times to think how fast time is passing. It also caught me a little off guard when I realized that I will probably only have one year at home with Sarah before I start sharing her time and schedule with the school system (if we enroll her in the pre-k program). My friends and colleges threw me a nice little farewell party yesterday and gave me some lovely gifts. As far as employers go, the church was fantastic to work with me and be flexible with me when the kids were sick, pre-school wasn't in session, or Michael's pastoral schedule demanded that I be available to pick up the kids. I know that many working moms do not have these luxuries. Still, I'm ready to be home and I am so grateful for an understanding husband and awesome friends who have encouraged and supported this sacrificial decision. Especially in our struggling economy, it is a little scary to step our there and cut out a paycheck. I hope in the end, though, that our children will look back on this as a special gift we have given them even though they may get fewer material gifts.

Speaking of material things...... I have always enjoyed it when people blog about their favorite products. I like getting honest reviews about items and/or learning about new products. So, I thought I would blog about a few of my favorite things.

The Neti Pot - It is used for rinsing out your sinuses. Great for allergy sufferers like myself. It is not a cure, but it can bring a measure of relief and prevention that drugs just can't. I take 4 prescription allergy drugs and during peak seasons add Benedryl (sp?) on top of the 4. Still, I believe that the Neti Pot is the one thing that keeps me off antibiotics.

Burt's Bee Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion - Not only is this product great for your baby's skin, but I use it as my daily facial moisturizer. It is 98% natural. The only down side is that they don't put sunscreen into any of their products because sunscreen is not a natural product. I do mix in a little with the Burt's Bees in the morning. I know it says it is baby body lotion, but it is so, so good on the face.

Preperation H - I know, you think I'm confessing to hemorrhoids. I'll tell you that I don't have one! Anyway, this lovely product takes the swelling out of mosquito bites on Sarah's skin. She has awful reactions and this really does the trick. It even comes in an anti-itch formula.

Crocs and Keens - My favorite summer shoes are made by these two companies. Shoes, to me, are all about comfort, and these companies don't disappoint. Plus, I think that they make some really cute styles. (P.S. if you really search on line you can find some sweet deals on Keens.)

Dansko - In the winter, I'm a clog kinda girl. Always have been. These are the best! You pay more, but you also get your money's worth.

Chamois Stroller Blanket at Pottery Barn Kids - They are the softest, most heavenly feeling things. They have washed and worn well for both of my kids. I want an adult version for my bed!!!

Curls Rock by TIGI - The curl amplifier is awesome for anyone with super curly, moderately curly, or wavy hair. I have bought and tossed more hair product than I care to admit to my husband in search of "The One." This is it, my friends!

Huggies Diapers - I've tried several brands, including store brands. For my two kids, Huggies have been the best at fit and leak protection. The best deal that I've found on them is at Sam's. At Sam's Club, they are actually a better deal than buying Member's Mark brand (which is Sam's brand). That being said, the best deals that I found on baby wipes and even baby formula were at Sam's and it was their brand, Member's Mark. Especially the formula was an awesome deal and just as nutricious as any other brand.

Melissa and Doug Wooden Toys - I love the look and natural feel of these toys. I also like that they are quiet and great for cognitive development. Another bonus is that they are reasonable priced.

Britax Car Seats - Something that comes with a bigger price tag, but I feel is well worth the money. They are comfortable, safe, and very, very, very user friendly. :) Even though this site doesn't show any sales going on right now, I was able to get both of our car seats at a much lower cost through this store. I didn't get to choose my favorite colors when buying the ones on sale. Then again, when it comes to safety and comfort, does it really matter?

That's it for tonight. I'm sure I'll think of other favorites from time to time to share. And, I'd love to hear some of yours.

Hurt So Good

We're sunburned, (I'm randomly bruised), we used muscles we didn't know we had, and......um......our bodies have reminded us that we aren't twenty-something anymore....unlike our boating companions.... Man, was it fun!

This all looks simple enough, but don't be fooled. Our "captain" called this the marriage challenge - and it is required of every couple who goes boating with him. It took many (painful) attempts to find the "magic" position to get and keep us both on.

Another picture that makes this ride look rather wimpy. This is before the boat really got going and we went flying over the wake.

M and M all smiles before getting thrown from the tube. :)

Our trusty captain and his lovely first mate. Thanks for the fun times guys!

Sarah's Birthday

July 5, 2005 this sweet baby girl entered the world -a half a world away. Through pain and joy our worlds merged together.

People frequently comment about the joy and happiness that Sarah radiates. And, it's true. She is a joy- filled child. A quality that I hope will serve her well through the mountains and valleys of life.

My two little monkeys. "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children." (Psalm 113:9) God is amazing!

My little dude..... I just love this little guy. He challenges me, drives me crazy, and fills me with so much love and happiness. He's all boy and then some. No fear.....tackles life with reckless abandon. Currently cutting 6, yes 6, teeth simultaneously.

Enjoying Capri Sun drinks. Can you believe these things are still around? And, now my kid is doing what I used to do.....refilling it with air like a balloon.

Havin' a little cake with friends. What could be sweeter?

A book is a good friend, and even better when shared with a best friend.

We had a blast celebrating Sarah's 3rd birthday. The fact that it falls right after the 4th just makes it feel like one huge celebration. On the 5th we met my parents at our favorite Vietnamese establishment. Ri-Le made us a wonderul dinner ("not on menu, only freshest ingredients, so good you will come back on Monday") that included two appetizers and 4 or 5 entrees. I find it completely adorable that Sarah still loves to eat Vietnamese food....although it is so good, who wouldn't love to eat it? We opened family presents that night. The next afternoon we invited some of Sarah's favorite friends to join us at the pool for burgers, dogs, cake and lots of swimming. We are using water wings (aka floaties) on Sarah and she is loving the freedom to swim independently with them. She even went of the diving board (twice) for the first time at her party. I'm shocked that she was brave enough to do it.

For my sweet friend....

For my sweet friend C and her husband and daughter.........and for her son who entered the world and also entered God's nearer presence on July 2nd, laid to rest today. My heart is heavy for you tonight.....

I Will Carry You

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?

People say that I am brave but I'm not
Truth is I'm barely hanging on
But there's a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this

So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who's chosen me
To carry you

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says...

I've shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?

I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who's chosen Me
To carry you

Song lyrics by Selah (I believe) and taken from the blog Bring the Rain.

Havin' so much fun!

Cooling off!

I'm a chunk of love!

Enjoying wide open spaces.

I turned 3 today!!

Papa Roy and Nana Barbara's new pride and joy (sorry Sarah) -
Model A Cabriolet

Think I'll get to drive this someday? :)

Until next time.....

Happy 4th of July to us - LOL!