Another Favorite Milestone

Someday we will have a cool new cell phone that can capture a video more clearly than our current phone - a Razr. For now, I can only share this new event with you with a less than stellar image:



It's hard to believe that Gabriel is already walking. This has probably been the fastest 10.5 months of my life. Well...I'm pretty sure the first year is always the fastest, and I know I felt this way with Caleb and Sarah, too. The years to follow do seem to slow down a TINY bit, but the first year just goes by in a blink.

In the last month or so, he has "achieved" several cute milestones. He can clap. He gives kisses - doesn't everyone love those open mouth kisses that a baby gives? He said, "Mama" about two weeks ago, and I literally jumped up from the couch with excitement. A few days later, he said, "Hannah," when we watched my friend's daughter for the day. It was pretty cute. What's even cuter...I can't seem to get him to say it unless he's around her!

Nighttime has gotten somewhat better. He still does not consistently sleep through the night, but I'd say every other night he does, and on the nights when he doesn't, usually he will settle back down if Josh just goes in and gives him his pacifier and pats him on the back.

I am finally at a point where I feel like I have my days figured out with the three of them. I often go to Wal-Mart or K-Mart with them, on my own, and they do just fine. My life is in order.

And I recall feeling this way in February of 2008. Guess what happened the last time I felt this way?

Before I Blogged

Before I used my blog to record the things my kids said or did, I used to just type it up in the form of an email and send it to my mom, mother-in-law, and Josh...and sometimes a few close friends. I would also send it to myself, and I have a folder in yahoo where I've saved them.

Today I was looking through some old messages, and I found this one:

Friday, September 28, 2007

Ever had a time in your life when you said, "I wish God could just give me a sign," or "I just want to hear Him loud and clear to know He's here." He can speak through others if we just listen...

I was at playgroup on Wednesday, and it's held at the First Church of God here in St. James - so some of the toys are "Christian" like Veggie Tales characters and dolls that look like disciples.

One doll was one we would recognize as Jesus.
















Caleb found it and showed it to me. I asked him who it was, and he said, "It's Jesus!" Then he sat next to me and put the arms on the doll straight out. He looked at it, then turned the doll towards me and said, "Jesus wants to carry you, Mommy."

No joke...it's what he said. I just looked at him for a second and smiled. I gave Caleb a hug and told him thanks.

Isn't God awesome??

I just smiled as I read it. I remember that day. I needed to be reminded that Jesus does want to carry me through my life.

And I wanted to remind you, too!

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

Caleb's Confession

Tonight I drove to Rolla - in the pouring rain - to pick out a costume with Caleb. Just the two of us. I told him we could do that tonight, and I always enjoy our trips together.

He was talking about being hungry, and I told him he should have eaten his dinner. He completely avoided eating because he was so determined to eat a cookie. I told him he could not have one until he ate dinner. Then...the battle of the wills began.

I won.

As our conversation continued, he said something to me that I hope I never forget. In the most serious and sincere tone, he said, "Mom. I need to tell you something. I've been keeping something from you."

All we were talking about was dinner. What on earth could have come to his mind? But I said, "Ok, what is it?"


"I like spaghetti-o's better than pork."


Alright, fellow moms. We all know we do our best to keep from busting out in laughter when our kids say something we perceive as funny but when we know they are being serious. Tonight was not one of those times for me. I tried so very hard. But I laughed. A lot.

He asked me why I was laughing, and I said I was just laughing to myself. I'm not sure if that was good enough to keep him from really knowing I was, in fact, laughing at what he said.

"Will you tell dad?" he continued. "I don't want to have to tell him."

That time, I held back the laughter.

"Yes, sweetie. But it's ok, you know. We all like different things!"

That seemed to help his troubled conscious.

Tonight's one-on-one time was so fun. And I'm glad Caleb felt comfortable enough with me to confess something so important.

:o)

Attn: FBC Nursery Workers

Dear FBC Nursery Workers:

My little guy is officially weaned. This means I will be bringing bottles on Sunday mornings with powder in them. All you have to do is fill them with 8 oz of luke-warm water, probably around 11:00 or so.

Thankfully, after a massive closet-cleaning-frenzy last Saturday, Josh and I found all of Caleb's bottles. I was so glad to know I would not have to buy any new ones. We put them in the dish washer, and they looked as good as new. With one exception. Since Caleb went to daycare at that age, we wrote his name on all of them with permanent marker.

I just wanted to make sure you knew that I am aware of this. I have not lost my mind. I did not write "Caleb" on Gabriel's bottles. It's just that Gabriel is using Caleb's bottles.

Just wanted to clarify. I might seem like I'm going in a million different directions at times, but I do still know my kids' names. (Most of the time.)

Sincerely,
Chrissy

You Need a Good Laugh, Right?

I'm working on a "boo hoo I'm turning 30 in less than a month" post, but it's not complete. Still getting my pathetic feelings all put together.

So until it's done, how about a good laugh instead? This video had my husband laughing so hard there were tears running down his face and his stomach started to hurt.

No joke.

WFMW

This week only, I'm going to join Kristen over at We Are THAT Family and share something for "Works For Me Wednesday"...this will take the place of Wordless Wednesday...just today.














As a "themed" WFMW, we are all to share cleaning tips...but I'm not really very creative or knowledgeable when it comes to cleaning.

There was really only one thing that came to mind that I found to be helpful a couple months ago.

On occasion, I will let the kids chew gum. Oh, yes. You know where this is going. Somehow (and I still don't know how) Sarah's gum ended up on a pair of her shorts. I don't even think they were the shorts she was wearing at the time, they were an extra pair I had packed for her!

I just happened to be at my mom's house, and I asked, "How on earth am I going to get this off of her shorts?"

"Go get an ice cube," she responded, "and hold it on the gum."

And how exactly was that going to work? I was perplexed.

But...nonetheless...I tried it. And to my surprise, it worked perfectly. The ice chilled the gum so much so that it basically froze it. The gum turned into a hard substance, and it peeled right off. No trace of gum left on the shorts.

So if you find yourself in a sticky situation, grab and ice cube and rest assured, you'll be ok!

And thanks Tina for introducing me to her blog. She is one of us even though we don't know her personally :o)

Sarah and a PBS Kids Character

I've come to realize that my daughter looks way too similar to a character on Sid the Science Kid.



















I've even known Sarah to dance like her...ha!

Christmas Music in October

As the weather changes, and as each morning is crisp and cool, I always find myself pulling out my Christmas CD's from our stash hidden away in our hall closet. Yes, I know it's only October. But ever since I can remember...our Christmas-music-listening-time always started around marching band season. Call us crazy. It's ok. (Oh, but don't put Josh in that crazy group...he thinks I'm crazy, too.)

I am very particular when it comes to my taste in Christmas music. If I find a CD that has mostly traditional songs (I'm talking at least 7 out of 10!) and if the arrangements are also traditional...having beautiful, symphony-like accompaniment, then that is the CD for me. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, it has to meet those requirements.

My all-time favorite will always be The Carpenters Christmas Collection.














As I listen, I can just close my eyes and see our downstairs living room in the house I lived in as a kid. The lovely brick fire place...nicely decorated for the season. The Christmas tree that stood in the corner, always full of red poinsettias because that's what mom liked back then. That CD is gorgeous, but it also brings back wonderful memories.

Others that I listened to as a kid were Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, and Barry Manilow. As an adult, I have purchased these CD's because the music allows me to step back and remember the winters of my childhood. Call me nostalgic.

Recently (over the last 5 years or so) I have grown to love other Christmas music. My current favorite (#2 to the Carpenters of course) is Christmastime by Michael W. Smith.














I love, love, love this CD. It is gorgeous. Really. He has a newer one than this, but I'm partial to this one. You should buy it if you are a fan of Christmas music. It's a must have for people like me...ha!

My other recent favorites are Point of Grace, Vince Gill, Andy Williams, Charlie Brown Christmas, and Selah.

And I just remembered Jewel after my sister's comment!

Believe it or not, I actually have more than this, but the others didn't make the cut to mention on my blog. They didn't meet my expectations, so they might need to be donated to Good Will. Perhaps someone else will enjoy them. Someone who isn't as picky as me.

Just thought I'd share this tidbit of information with you. Perhaps you were wanting to find a new CD to enjoy this Christmas season.

And I've just given you several ideas! :o)

His Favorite Toy

There is a toy that always seems to entertain my 10-month-old more so than any other. He is getting better at playing on his own, but I know for sure he will play on his own if this is in the room:











Annoying...yes...but it's always nice to find something that you know for sure a child really likes to play with! And not nearly as annoying as this toy.

And I'm hoping it inspires great, musical aspirations! :o)

Happy Friday to you! I might take the weekend off from blogging...come back on Monday!

The Post that Refers to the "B" Word

Have you ever been so angry at someone who hurt a friend or family member that you really wanted to punch them in the face? No...of course not...you are a Christian who would never even consider that sort of thing. Christians don't become angry, they don't have impulsive thoughts.

Have you ever had a woman do something that made you so angry that you actually called her the "b" word to yourself? No...of course not...you are a Christian who does not use that sort of language. Even the fact that I typed that concept should be enough to ostracize me from my local congregation.

The fact of the matter is...I'm human. I do strive to be Christ-like. I want to obey the scriptures that say, "Let no unwholesome talk come from your mouth," or "Do not repay evil for evil." I would never act on a thought like above. I would never use that kind of language. Those who know me best know that I genuinely don't talk that way. I don't act that way.

But...I have wanted to stand up for my sister when someone hurts her. I've wanted to drive 2.5 hours and beat up someone who has treated her so poorly.

I've had the "b" word come to mind when someone tried to interfere with my family on a very personal level. I even typed it out to one of my best friends when I sent her a message as I "vented" about someone.

WHAT? CHRISSY DID THAT?

Yes. I did. I am human.

But I know that God's grace is unfailing. He understands my emotions. And while I have asked for forgiveness concerning these particular instances - and really have to work at not feeling this way - thankfully, He has given me the strength and maturity not to act on any of these thoughts.

And that's a good thing. Otherwise, I would be in big trouble.