Before I Forget...

 PARENTS INVEST HOURS, DAYS, AND MONTHS OF THEIR LIVES TESTING, TWEAKING, AND REFINING ROUTINES THAT WILL (HOPEFULLY AND ULTIMATELY) BENEFIT THEIR FAMILY, RESULTING IN SUCCESSFUL, PEACEFUL, JOYFUL AND LOVING HOMES.  NOW THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE NO LONGER INFANTS, I FIND THAT IT IS EASY TO FLIP ON THE "AUTO-PILOT" BUTTON AND GO ABOUT OUR NICELY SCHEDULED AND ROUTINE LIFE.  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE MOMENTS THAT PROMPT ME TO PAUSE, SLOW DOWN, AND FULLY EMBRACE THE BEAUTIFUL AND UNSCHEDULED MOMENTS THAT ARE HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES.  SO, BEFORE OUR SWEET ONES ARE ONE MOMENT OLDER I FEEL THE NEED TO RECORD THE MANY WAYS THEY HAVE RECENTLY MADE ME SMILE IN GRATITUDE, APPRECIATION, AND AFFECTION.

THE LITTLE LADY

- RECENTLY "WROTE" AN ORIGINAL SONG ENTITLED, "YOU ARE."  SHE SINGS IT AROUND THE HOUSE (USING A TURKEY BASTER AS A MICROPHONE), AND OFTEN ASKS IF SHE CAN WATCH AND HEAR "YOU ARE" ON THE COMPUTER.  (SHE AND DADDY SPEND TIME WATCHING MUSIC VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE.)

- SPENDS MANY A NIGHT TIPTOEING AROUND THE HOUSE HUNTING FOR "THE GIANT" WHO APPARENTLY LIVES IN OUR HOME.  WE ALSO HAPPEN TO HAVE A BLUE MONSTER RESIDING IN OUR FRONT HALL CLOSET, AND "GOOSE BUNNIES" THAT OCCASIONALLY MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN HER BEDROOM.

- SPENDS MUCH OF HER DAY CARING FOR "HER BABY BOY, " A HAND-ME-DOWN DOLL THAT SHE WIPES AND  RE-DIAPERS ALL DAY LONG.  I AM OFTEN HANDED A TISSUE THAT "NEEDS TO BE THROWN IN THE GARBAGE BECAUSE IT IS DISGUSTING."

- WITHIN MINUTES OF WAKING, SHE LOVES TO OPEN HER DRAWERS AND DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE DAY.  SHE HAS A STRONG AFFECTION FOR "CAMMIES" AND WEARS THEM UNDER HER SHIRTS EACH DAY.  HER FAVORITE OUTFIT TO DATE IS HER "TEAM CLOTHES" - JEANS AND PACKER JERSEY UNDER A 49ers SWEATSHIRT.  THE SWEATSHIRT IS HOODED AND HAS A LARGE POCKET ON THE FRONT.  BY THE END OF THE DAY IT IS FILLED WITH TRINKETS.

- THOROUGHLY ENJOYS SPENDING TIME ALONE IN HER ROOM, AND NOW WELCOMES THE COMPANY OF HER YOUNGER BROTHER IN THERE TO PLAY. (JUST AS LONG AS HE LETS HER HAVE FIRST DIBS ON ALL TOYS, INCLUDING THE GIANT GREEN TENT THAT HE TENDS TO KNOCK OVER MORE THAN PLAY IN.)

- REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF MYSELF THESE DAYS (IN PERSONALITY MORE THAN APPEARANCE) THAT I FIND MYSELF SMILING (AND PRAYING FOR HER) ALL DAY LONG.  IS IT POSSIBLE TO MASTER THE ART OF HOLDING GRUDGES THIS EARLY IN LIFE?

THE LITTLE MAN

- FINDS HIS WAY INTO MY LAP AS SOON AS I SIT ON THE FLOOR.  I BELIEVE HE THINKS IT IS HIS PERSONAL THRONE, AND HE DOES NOT CARE IF IT HAS ANOTHER OCCUPANT IN IT.  HE WILL FIND A WAY TO SHARE THE LIMITED SPACE FOR SEATING.

- COOS AND MOANS IN HIS SLEEP ALL NIGHT LONG.  HE ALSO MOVES ABOUT ALL NIGHT LONG, BANGING INTO THE SIDE OF HIS CRIB, SWITCHING POSITIONS. (VERY SIMILAR TO HIS DADDY) BECAUSE HIS CRIB IS IN OUR ROOM, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF HEARING THE SWEET SLEEP SOUNDS OF BOTH MY MEN THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.

- LOVES. TO. EAT.  HE IS ENVIOUS OF ANY PERSON THAT IS EATING WHEN HE IS NOT.  AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE,  WILL STAND AT THE FOOT OF THE COUCH WITH MOUTH OPEN TO RECEIVE ANY SMALL BITS OF FOOD THAT HIS DADDY WILL SHARE NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR HIS DADDY TO BECOME AWARE OF HIS DESIRE.

- WATCHES HIS "SISSY" ALL DAY LONG, AND IS NOW TRYING TO MIMIC HER ANIMATED WAYS.  HE IS ESPECIALLY AWARE OF HER SINGING AND WILL NOW PRODUCE HIS OWN SWEET SONGS TO ACCOMPANY HER.

- HAS A STRONG AFFECTION FOR PENS.  IF HE SETS HIS EYES ON ONE, AND IS UNABLE TO HAVE IT, WILL PROCEED TO THROW A VERY LOUD AND FRUSTRATED FIT THAT INCLUDES HUGE CROCODILE TEARS. 

- CONTINUES TO HAVE SUCH STRONG AFFECTION FOR HIS MAMA, AND OFTEN GREETS ME WITH THE SWEETEST AND BRIGHTEST OF SMILES.  HE FINDS GREAT COMFORT IN MY ARMS AND CANNOT RESIST LAYING HIS HEAD ON MY SHOULDER THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  (IT IS OVERWHELMING AT TIMES TO KNOW YOU ARE SOMEONES FAVORITE PERSON IN LIFE.  I AM BEYOND BLESSED BY HIS TENDER LOVE, AND STRONG DESIRE TO BE AT MY SIDE.)

Her New Request

TWO DAYS AGO THE LITTLE LADY ANNOUNCED "SHE NEEDS PRIVACY."  AND, WITH EACH TRIP TO THE BATHROOM SHE WOULD LOOK UP AT ME, HOLD HER HAND IN THE AIR (THINK ARM OUTSTRETCHED WITH SUBTLE POINT OF THE FINGER) AND SAY, "I JUST NEED PRIVACY.  YOU GO WORK AT THE COMPUTER.  I WILL PULL DOWN MY PANTS AND GO POTTY AND WASH MY HANDS.  I JUST NEED PRIVACY."  I HAD TO LAUGH THE FIRST TIME SHE SAID THIS, AS 1) I KNEW SHE WAS WEARING JEANS AND HAD NOT DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY TO PULL DOWN HER PANTS LET ALONE GET BOTH UNDERPANTS AND JEANS BACK UP 2) SHE CONSIDERS MY TIME SPENT ON THE COMPUTER AS WORK AND 3) SHE HAD PREVIOUSLY VIEWED TRIPS TO THE BATHROOM AS ONE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION WITH HER MAMA.  NOPE.  NO LONGER INTERESTED.  AND, SO FOR THE PAST TWO DAYS SHE HAS PROCEEDED TO MARCH HER LITTLE BEHIND TO THE BATHROOM FOR A SOLO EXPEDITION.  I LOVE TO SEE THE PRIDE ON HER FACE AS SHE LEAVES THE BATHROOM,  SOAP RESIDUE ON HANDS, UNDERWEAR CLEARLY BUNCHED, AND PANTS ASKEW.  WE WILL SEE HOW LONG OUR LITTLE INDEPENDENT SPIRIT BANS US FROM THE RESTROOM.

 NOW,  IF ONLY I WAS GRANTED THE SAME LUXURY.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - "The Office"

Fruit

IT IS SUGGESTED THAT WE CONSUME 2-4 SERVINGS OF FRUIT EACH DAY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET. 

OUR HOUSEHOLD LOVES FRUIT, AND WHILE MUCH OF OUR PRODUCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR COMES FROM SUPER TARGET THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I FEEL THE NEED TO UPGRADE OUR PRODUCE AND THE KIDS AND I HEAD TO BRENNAN'S. (EVEN BETTER, IS WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO PURCHASE BEAUTIFUL FRESH PRODUCE FROM THE FARMER'S MARKET...OH SPRING AND SUMMER WILL YOU EVER ARRIVE?)  WITH A MONTHLY BUDGET FOR GROCERIES THAT I ALREADY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME MAINTAINING, A TRIP TO BRENNAN'S IS A TREAT.  THE CHILDREN AND I LOVE STROLLING DOWN EACH AISLE, STOPPING TO SAMPLE EACH FRUIT (AND BELIEVE ME, WE STOP AT EVERY FRUIT, TO SATISFY THE APPARENTLY RAVENOUS HUNGER OF MY TWO-FRUIT-CONSUMING-TODDLERS). IT IS LITERALLY A SWEET TIME, AS WE TALK ABOUT THE FRUIT AND SELECT WHAT PRODUCE WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE HOME. (THEREIN LIES THE DIFFICULTY, AS WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ALL OF THEIR JUICY PRODUCE HOME.  WHEN THEY BOAST "CHIN-DRIPPIN' PEACHES" OR "JUICIEST ORANGES IN TOWN" THEY ARE NOT LYIN'.)  THE STAFF IS GENEROUS AND KIND, AND FIND PLEASURE IN WATCHING THE CHILDREN SQUEAL WITH DELIGHT AS THEY TASTE THE FRUIT.  ALL IN ALL, A TRIP TO BRENNAN'S ALWAYS GUARANTEES SATISFACTION, ENJOYMENT, SMILES AND THE PROMISE OF SWEET AND DELICIOUS FRUIT.

THIS PAST WEEK WHILE READING GALATIANS, I CAME ACROSS A VERSE THAT I HAVE KNOWN SINCE CHILDHOOD. 

"But the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL.  Against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

I MIGHT HAVE BREEZED OVER IT, AS I (REGRETFULLY) DO WITH SO MANY VERSES THAT I AM FAMILIAR WITH, BUT THIS PARTICULAR MORNING I PAUSED, ALLOWING THE VERSE TO RATTLE MY EARLY MORNING BRAIN AND SOFTEN MY HEART.  SO OFTEN I HAVE TREATED THIS VERSE LIKE A TRIP TO BRENNAN'S.  I HAVE SKIMMED OVER EACH FRUIT, SELECTING ONLY THOSE WHICH I COULD AFFORD TO ACT OUT IN MY DAILY LIFE, NOT CHOOSING THEM ALL FOR IT WOULD BE TOO COSTLY, REQUIRE TOO MUCH.   UNLIKE A TRIP TO  BRENNAN'S, THIS VERSE DOES NOT PROVIDE ME THE LUXURY OF CHOOSING.  IT STATES SIMPLY THAT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. AND, WHAT A LIST THAT IS. 

AND SO, LIKE I WOULD DO WITH ANY GOOD LIST, I GOT OUT CARD STOCK, WROTE DOWN EACH FRUIT AND PUT IT ON MY FRIDGE (WITH THE SWEETEST LITTLE PEAR BOTTLE CAP MAGNET).  THIS LIST WILL SERVE AS A REMINDER, AS DO ALL MY OTHER LISTS, OF WHAT IS ESSENTIAL, NEEDED, A TOP PRIORITY. 

MY EYES OFTEN GO TO THE CARD EACH DAY, AS I SEEK TO HONOR THE LORD WITH MY CHOICES, AND SO OFTEN FAIL TO EMULATE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.  IN SPITE OF MY FAILED EFFORTS, THE VERSE CONTINUES TO FLOOD MY HEART AND MIND AS I INTERACT WITH MY CHILDREN (THE COMBINATION OF A 3 YEAR OLD AND 16 MOS OLD CAN BRUISE OR EVEN SQUASH THE RIPEST OF MY FRUITS), SPEAK WITH MY HUSBAND, AND GO ABOUT MY DAILY TASKS.  THANKFULLY, I NEED NOT RELY ON MY OWN STRENGTH AS I SEEK TO LIVE OUT MY DAILY 9 SERVINGS OF FRUIT.  "So do no fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

Meatless Meal - Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion

IT MAY COME AS A SHOCK, BUT I DO PREPARE OTHER RECIPES BESIDES THOSE THAT COME FROM INA GARTEN'S (AKA - BAREFOOT CONTESSA) KITCHEN.  OUR COUSIN, AURA, RECENTLY INTRODUCED ME TO A DELIGHTFUL FOOD BLOG CALLED SMITTEN KITCHEN (http://www.smittenkitchen.com/).  BROWSING THE CATALOG OF RECIPES AND BEAUTIFUL IMAGES OF PREPARED FOOD HAS BECOME MY NEW minor OBSESSION.   THIS MONTH I HAVE FOCUSED MY ATTENTION ON BAKED GOODS, PASTAS AND MEATLESS MEALS, BUT ANTICIPATE EXPLORING ALL CATEGORIES AS WE ONCE AGAIN BECOME A CARNIVOROUS FAMILY. 

THIS WEEK I CAME ACROSS A RECIPE THAT WAS SO SIMPLE, BUT RECEIVED SUCH HIGH PRAISE FROM FOOD BLOGGERS I HAD TO TRY IT.  I ALREADY HAD TWO OF THE THREE INGREDIENTS ON HAND, SO IT MADE FOR A QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE TRIP TO SUPER TARGET.

Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion

http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/01/tomato-sauce-with-butter-and-onions/

THIS VELVETY SAUCE WAS A PERFECT PAIRING FOR CAPELLINI PASTA.  IF YOU ENJOY EQUAL PARTS SAUCE AND NOODLES, LIKE I DO, I RECOMMEND MAKING HALF A POUND OF SPAGHETTI.  WHAT SAUCE REMAINS IS THE PERFECT AMOUNT TO POUR IN A BOWL AND USE FOR DIPPING GARLIC BREAD.  YUM! 

THIS RECIPE WILL FIND ITS WAY TO OUR KITCHEN TABLE AGAIN.

No Need to Pinch

WE ARE COMING TO THE END OF RESIDENCY AND WITH IT COMES, AMONG OTHER THINGS,  ONE GIANT FAT "TO-DO" LIST.  I LOVE TO MAKE LISTS, AS DOES MY HUSBAND.  YOU CAN FIND THEM ON POST-ITS, DRY ERASE BOARDS, REFRIGERATOR PADS, ON THE COUNTER, NEXT TO THE COMPUTER, ON THE FRIDGE, IN WALLETS AND FLOATING IN PURSES ALL AROUND OUR HOUSE.  SOME ARE SCRATCHED OFF, OTHERS ARE CHECKED AND SOME (MY HUSBAND'S AND FAVORITE) HAVE TINY SQUARES (THINK BULLET POINTS) WITH A SLASH MARK THROUGH THEM INDICATING ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN PURCHASED, BILLS THAT HAVE BEEN PAID, PROJECTS COMPLETED OR TASKS ACCOMPLISHED. GREAT SATISFACTION CAN BE FOUND IN PUTTING PEN TO PAPER, CREATING A CRISP, BOLD CHECK MARK.

ONE OF THE MORE DAUNTING TASKS ON OUR TO-DO LIST THIS YEAR INVOLVED THE SELLING OF OUR HOME.  IF YOU HAVE EVER PUT A HOME ON THE MARKET YOU KNOW THERE ARE TO-DO LISTS WITHIN TO-DO LISTS, AND THE CONSTANT FEELING THAT YOU ARE ADDING MORE ITEMS THAN DELETING.  AND, IN ADDITION TO TASKS THERE ARE COUNTLESS QUESTIONS, "SELL BY OWNER OR ENLIST THE HELP OF A REALTOR?"  "WHEN SHOULD THE HOUSE GO ON THE MARKET?  "HOW MANY  SHOWINGS WILL WE HAVE TO PREPARE FOR?" "WILL IT SELL?"  "WILL THE CLOSING DATE ALLOW US TO STAY IN MADISON TOGETHER AS A FAMILY UNTIL GRADUATION?"  (and so many more...)

OUR HOME WENT ON THE MARKET IN LATE JANUARY AND THREE WEEKS LATER WE HAD AN OFFER, TWO COUNTERS AND AN ACCEPTED OFFER IN HAND.  WE DID NOT PREPARE FOR SUCH A SCENARIO.  OVER THE PAST MONTH MANY HAVE ASKED US THE STATUS OF OUR TOWN HOME, AND IN MY RESPONSE I OFTEN HEAR MYSELF SAYING, "I HAVE TO PINCH MYSELF..."  YES.  RECEIVING AN OFFER SO QUICKLY, IN A MARKET WHERE TOWN HOMES ARE A DIME A DOZEN, WAS UNEXPECTED.  YES.  WE WERE IMPRESSED THAT THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS WENT AS SMOOTH AS IT DID, RESULTING IN A FAIR OFFER.  YES.  IT FEELS UNREAL THAT MONTHS OF PLANNING, AGONIZING, AND PREPARING FOR THE SELLING OF OUR HOME WAS RESOLVED IN A MERE THREE WEEKS.   BUT, SHOULD I BE SURPRISED THAT AN ANSWER (TO PRAYER) CAME SO QUICKLY? 

OH, ME OF LITTLE FAITH. 

I KNOW THIS OFFER WAS A GIFT. SIGNED. SEALED.  DELIVERED.  IT WAS OURS.  IT ARRIVED, IN WHAT INITIALLY WAS PERCEIVED AS LESS THAN IDEAL PACKAGING, BUT AS WE CRACKED OPEN THE BOX WE DISCOVERED A PERFECTLY PERSONALIZED ANSWER FROM THE LORD.  

"SHOULD WE ENLIST THE HELP OF A REALTOR?"  YES, IN FACT I'M PROVIDING YOU WITH A YOUNG REALTOR THAT LIVES IN THE TOWN HOME DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF YOURS.  A REALTOR THAT KNOWS THE INS AND OUTS OF YOUR SPECIFIC TOWN HOME ASSOCIATION, WILL TAKE THE TIME TO TALK TO YOU WHEN YOU BUMP INTO HIM IN THE COVERED PARKING GARAGE, AND WILL ENGAGE YOUR CHILDREN IN CONVERSATION AND WAVE TO THEM FROM HIS CAR AS THEY PEEK AT HIM FROM THE KITCHEN WINDOW.

"WHEN SHOULD THE HOUSE GO ON THE MARKET?"  HOW ABOUT THE WEEK BEFORE YOU HAD PLANS TO LEAVE TOWN FOR A WEDDING, MAKING IT VERY CONVENIENT FOR THE REALTOR TO HOST AN OPEN HOUSE, WITHOUT THE WORRY OF WHAT YOU WOULD DO WITH THE CHILDREN FOR FOUR HOURS ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON DURING NAP TIME.

"HOW MANY SHOWINGS WILL WE HAVE TO PREPARE FOR"  THREE.  JUST ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FEEL STRESS, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FEEL OVERWHELMED AND LOOSE YOUR MIND WITH TWO LITTLE ONES WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO KEEP UP AN IMMACULATE HOUSE. 

"WILL IT SELL?"  YES.  THE PROCESS WHICH WILL SEEM ALMOST SEAMLESS (IN HINDSIGHT).

"WHEN WILL THE CLOSING DATE BE?"  JUNE 24TH (PER THE BUYER), THE EXACT WEEK JEFF IS DONE WORKING, ALLOWING YOU TO STAY IN MADISON AS A FAMILY FOR THE DURATION OF RESIDENCY. 

HE HAS ANSWERED SO MANY OF OUR PRAYERS CONCERNING THE MOVE, AND HAS  BEGUN TO SHED LIGHT ON SOME OF THE UNKNOWNS ABOUT CLEVELAND.  I HAVE A PEACE ABOUT THIS TRANSITION THAT I KNOW CAN ONLY COME FROM HIM, AS UNDOUBTEDLY THERE WILL BE CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD.   HE HAS TAKEN CARE OF IT ALL. THERE IS NO NEED TO PINCH, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" WILL DO.

Things That Make Me Smile

~ I RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT LUCKY CHARMS ARE ONE OF JEFF'S FAVORITE CEREALS (CONJURING UP DELIGHTFUL CHILDHOOD MEMORIES), AND SO THEY MADE THE GROCERY LIST THE WEEK OF HIS VACATION.  IN THE PROCESS OF HIM ENJOYING THIS SWEET TREAT, THE LITTLE LADY ALSO ACQUIRED A TASTE FOR THE COLORFUL CHARMS.  (OUR SHELVES DO NOT HOUSE SUCH SUGARY CEREALS.)  THIS WEEK OUR GIRL HAS REQUESTED THE CEREAL FOR BREAKFAST EACH MORNING, AND FOR THE FOURTH DAY IN A ROW SHE HAS SLYLY EATEN ONLY THE MARSHMALLOWS IN SPITE OF PROMISING TO EAT THE BOWL IN ITS ENTIRETY.  I ONLY HAVE MYSELF TO BLAME, AND IT MAKES ME CHUCKLE. 

WHAT IS MORE IS THAT AFTER HAND PICKING ALL OF THE MALLOWS, SHE REQUESTS FRUITY SNACKS TO COMPLETE HER MEAL.  HA.  REQUEST NOT GRANTED...HAVE A BANANA.

~ JOEY HAS TAKEN TO "HIBERNATING."  HE HAS CONTINUED HIS STREAK OF SLEEPING IN, AND TODAY REACHED HIS PERSONAL RECORD, SLEEPING FROM 7PM to 9AM.  IT HAS TAKEN ME TWO FULL WEEKS TO ADJUST TO HIS NEW SCHEDULE.  THE FIRST WEEK I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A FLUKE AS JEFF WAS NOT RISING EARLY WHILE ON VACATION.  THIS WEEK I WATCHED THE MINUTES TURN TO HOURS AS I WAITED FOR OUR SWEET SON TO RISE EACH MORNING. 

THE LITTLE LADY AND I COULD GET USED TO ALL THE EXTRA GIRL TIME.  THIS MORNING WE SPENT A GOOD AMOUNT OF TIME FLIPPING THROUGH COOKBOOKS TOGETHER.  SHE ESPECIALLY ENJOYS LOOKING AT DELICIOUS DESSERTS FOR US TO MAKE.

~ THE LITTLE LADY IS FULL OF LOVE THESE DAYS AND I OFTEN HEAR HER SWEETLY SAY, "MOM, YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND, DAD IS MY BEST FRIEND, JOEY IS MY BEST FRIEND AND I AM MY BEST FRIEND!" 

YESTERDAY SHE BLESSED US WITH NEW AND SURPRISING WORDS OF AFFECTION (THANKS TO WATCHING CLIPS OF LITTLE RASCALS) "JOEY, YOU ARE MY SWEETIE-POO."

~ SPRING IS (ALMOST) IN THE AIR, AND OUR AFTERNOONS ARE SPENT WITH WINDOW BLINDS UP ALLOWING THE SUN TO STREAM THROUGH OUR LIVING ROOM WHILE THE CHILDREN PLAY.  IT FILLS MY SPIRIT WITH JOY TO SEE THE SUN SHINE UPON OUR SWEET ONES AND KNOW THAT SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO SHED OUR WINTER LAYERS AND TAKE TO THE OUTDOORS TO LET OUT A LITTLE (OK...MAYBE A LOT) OF ENERGY. 

Me and My (little) Man

WITH TWO LITTLE ONES AT HOME WHO ARE EAGER FOR ATTENTION, I AM ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR TENDER MOMENTS THAT I AM ABLE TO SHARE ONE ON ONE. 

THIS LITTLE MAN IS CURRENTLY PRESIDENT OF HIS MAMA'S FAN CLUB, AND PRESENTS MANY OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE DAY FOR ME TO CUDDLE, SQUEEZE AND SMOOCH.

THOSE EYES CONTINUE TO MELT MY HEART.  I'M PRETTY SURE THEY ALWAYS WILL.

BE STILL MY HEART...

So Long Two...Hello Three.

MARCH 22, 2011 

THE LITTLE LADY'S LAST EVENING AS A TWO-YEAR-OLD

(I'M THRILLED SHE CHOSE SUCH A ROCKIN' PJ COMBINATION TO WELCOME YEAR THREE. SHE CAME DOWN THE STAIRS WITH WIDE GRIN, ANNOUNCING "ARE THESE [PAJAMAS] JUST PERFECT?!")

AFTER WAITING PATIENTLY FOR DADDY TO ASSEMBLE HER HOT WHEELS CAR WASH (WITH LIMITED "CAN I PLAY, YET?" COMMENTS), SHE WAS ECSTATIC TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SOAPING, WASHING, AND DRYING THE CARS. 

  IT WAS EVERYTHING SHE HOPED FOR AND MORE.

TWO WAS TIRING.

WINDING DOWN FOR BEAUTY SLEEP.

March 23, 2011
"HELLO THREE!"

ALREADY BUSY AND FOCUSED, SHE FIRES OFF SOME EARLY MORNING "TEXTS."

(DID YOU RECEIVE THEM AUNTIE BECKI?)

SETTING THE MOOD FOR A DAY OF FUN.

THREE-YEAR-OLD BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS (IF YOU'RE A LITTLE LADY) - SPARKLE PINK PANCAKES w/ FRUIT FLOWER.

A MOMENT OF DISSATISFACTION.

APPARENTLY, THREE HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS AS WELL.

THERE WE GO.

ALWAYS SATISFIED WITH FOOD IN HAND.

THINGS TO DO NOW THAT I'M THREE:

ASSERT AUTHORITY OVER LITTLE BROTHER. CHECK.

PROVIDE COLORING TUTORIAL FOR LITTLE BROTHER.  CHECK.

PREPARE SNACKS FOR LIGHT BIRTHDAY LUNCH.  CHECK.

ASSEMBLE FRIENDS FOR CRAFTS. CHECK.

BE SWEET WITH FELLOW THREE-YEAR-OLDS.  CHECK.

FIND TIME TO (STILL) CUDDLE WITH MY MAMA.  CHECK.

CONTINUE TO SAVOR THE DELICIOUS TASTE OF MILK WHILE CUDDLING SOFT BLANKET.  CHECK.

DINE ON TACO BELL (TWO TACOS- ONE SOFT, ONE CRUNCHY.  MEAT AND CHEESE ONLY, PLEASE.) 

CHECK!!!

"I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD YEAR."

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - "Hello World"

Charlotte Marie

March 23, 2008

Tea for Two and Turning Three

IT IS AMAZING HOW CERTAIN EVENTS IN YOUR LIFE REDEFINE YOU, THE DETAILS OF WHICH YOU CAN REMEMBER AS IF THEY OCCURRED YESTERDAY.   THREE YEARS AGO I WAS IN A HOSPITAL BED, PATIENTLY ENDURING THE LONG AND LABORIOUS TASK OF LABOR.  I WAS FOCUSED AND DETERMINED AS I KNEW I WAS ONLY HOURS AWAY (OR SO THEY TOLD ME) FROM RECEIVING ONE OF LIFE'S GREATEST BLESSINGS, A BABY, OUR FIRSTBORN. 

AS YOU PREPARE FOR MOTHERHOOD, YOU ARE BOMBARDED WITH ADVICE AND PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM OTHER PARENTS.  I REMEMBER HEARING REPEATEDLY THAT 1) YOU CANNOT FULLY PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE AMOUNT AND DEPTH OF LOVE YOU WILL HAVE FOR YOUR CHILD AND 2) SAVOR EACH MOMENT, FOR CHILDREN GROW SO QUICKLY.   WHILE I APPRECIATED SUCH SENTIMENTS, I DID NOT YET HAVE MY BABY GIRL AND WAS UNABLE TO FULLY GRASP THE REALITY OF THOSE TWO STATEMENTS.

THREE YEARS LATER, I AM IN AWE OF OUR LITTLE LADY AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT 1) SHE IS OURS 2) THE LOVE WE HAVE FOR HER AND SHE FOR US AND 3) THAT SHE IS THREE.  HOW IS IT THAT THE TINIEST OF HANDS CAN GROW LEARNING TO FEED, PAINT, COLOR, AND TURN THE PAGES OF A BOOK SO QUICKLY?  AND, THE SWEETEST OF FEET CAN LEARN TO WALK AND RUN, GAINING MOMENTUM AND GROWING IN INDEPENDENCE RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES?  HOW CAN TWO DARK EYES THAT INITIALLY FOCUS ONLY ON YOU SOON LEARN TO TAKE IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM, IDENTIFYING TREES, SUNSETS, AND LOCATING THE MOON.  HOW CAN LITTLE LEGS THAT ONCE ONLY SQUIRMED LEARN TO JUMP, CLIMB AND DANCE?  HOW CAN HAIR THAT WAS ONCE BLACK AND STANDING STRAIGHT UP GROW IN LENGTH AND CHANGE TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SHADE OF BROWN WITH GOLDEN HIGHLIGHTS? IT HAS HAPPENED RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES, OUR PRECIOUS  GIRL BORN AT 2:55 PM WEIGHING 7 POUNDS 8 OUNCES IS NOW 32 POUNDS OF CHARISMA, CURIOSITY, CHARM, AND DRAMA - NO LONGER OUR BABY, BUT OUR LITTLE LADY.

SHE IS BOLD - ASSERTING HERSELF IN INDEPENDENCE AND WITH DETERMINATION.  SHE IS CURIOUS - ALWAYS QUESTIONING LIFE, LOOKING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES.  SHE IS HUMOROUS - FILLING OUR HOME WITH INFECTIOUS LAUGHTER AND SILLY COMMENTARIES ON LIFE.  SHE IS DAINTY - APPETITE SMALL, LIMBS LONG AND WAIST SLENDER. SHE IS COMPASSIONATE - ALWAYS ASKING WHY ANOTHER IS SAD OR CRYING, TAKING TIME TO PAUSE WHEN ANOTHER IS HURT.  SHE IS INDEPENDENT - ATTEMPTING TO SOLVE ALL OF HER OWN PROBLEMS ON HER OWN TERMS.  SHE IS FRAGILE - HER SPIRIT IS TENDER AND SHE BRUISES EASILY.  SHE IS ENTERTAINING - OFTEN THE LIFE OF THE PARTY.  SHE IS JOYFUL - WAKING WITH A SONG EACH MORNING AND LAUGHING OFTEN.  SHE IS SPIRITED - CHALLENGING BOUNDARIES, VERBALIZING HER OPINIONS, AND STANDING UP FOR WHAT SHE BELIEVES IN.  SHE IS A LEADER - OFTEN BEING THE FIRST TO VOLUNTEER, HAVE AN IDEA, OR ENGAGING OTHERS IN AN ACTIVITY.  SHE IS HELPFUL - ASSISTING ME IN THE KITCHEN, FOLLOWING ME WITH A SPONGE, FETCHING THINGS FOR HER BROTHER.  SHE IS ANIMATED - EXPRESSING HERSELF WITH LOUD VOICE, TALKING WITH HER HANDS, A SPARK IN HER EYES.  SHE IS LOVING - ALWAYS BESTOWING KISSES ON HER BROTHER, TELLING US WE ARE HER BEST FRIENDS.

SHE IS SO MUCH MORE, AND AMAZINGLY SHE IS OURS. 

SHE IS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM ABOVE.  FROM THE MOMENT I LAID EYES ON HER I KNEW I WAS CHANGED.  SHE HAS CHALLENGED ME IN WAYS I NEVER EXPECTED CAUSING ME TO GROW IN WAYS I NEVER ANTICIPATED.  SHE HAS ENRICHED OUR LIVES, INCREASED OUR JOY, FILLING US WITH HOPE, GRATITUDE, AND LOVE.  JEFF AND I ARE FOREVER CHANGED BECAUSE OF HER ARRIVAL THREE YEARS AGO.  WHAT A GREAT PRIVILEGE IT IS TO BE A PARENT.  WHAT A GIFT FROM THE LORD.   I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL FOR HER LITTLE LIFE AND THAT THE LORD ALLOWED US THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HER PARENTS. 

CHARLOTTE'S BIRTHDAY TEA PARTY

ALWAYS EAGER TO BE BY MY SIDE IN THE KITCHEN

TASTING THE FRUITS (FROSTING) OF HER LABOR.

TEA PARTY ATTIRE

LET THEM HAVE TEA.

HER ONE BIRTHDAY REQUEST...A LIGHT BLUE CAKE.

(HOT PINK LADY CAKE w/ LIGHT BLUE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING - recipe from Smitten Kitchen)

IT IS HARD TO CONTAIN A 16 MOS OLD AT A TEA PARTY. 

IT IS ALWAYS HELPFUL TO HAVE A SURGEON CUT THE CAKE.

Lord, we praise you for this special little lady. 

We praise you that she is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Watch over her young life; we thank you for her health.

Grant us wisdom as parents, that we may honor you in the way we raise her.

It is our prayer that she would come to know you and serve you with her life.

Thank you for allowing us the mighty privilege of being her parents.

We give her into your care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLOTTE MARIE!

Meatless Meal - Pizza Without the Red Sauce

THIS WAS A TASTY AND EASY MID-WEEK MEAL.  I SNICKER AT THE NAME OF THE RECIPE AS THE SAUCE IS ACTUALLY RED ONCE PREPARED; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT A TRADITIONAL RED PIZZA SAUCE.  IT WAS A PLEASING AND SUBTLE CHANGE FROM THE USUAL PIZZA FLAVORS WE SO OFTEN CRAVE IN OUR HOUSEHOLD (THAT WOULD BE EVERY FRIDAY EVENING...THANK YOU ROSATI'S!) AND, AS WITH ANY PIZZA YOU CAN BE AS CREATIVE WITH TOPPINGS AS YOU'D LIKE.

Ingredients:

2 Tbs butter, melted

1 Tbs olive oil

3 Tbs minced garlic

2 Tbs sun-dried tomato pesto (I used the "Classico" brand, which Super Target carries.)

1 tsp dried basil leaves

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese

1 unbaked pizza crust (I used Boboli, but any crust would do.)

Toppings:

The recipe called for the following -

1 tomato, sliced

1 bunch fresh spinach, torn

1 sweet onion, sliced

1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped

1 (6 oz) package feta cheese, crumbled

Our pizza's toppings were -

1 tomato, sliced

3 oz crumbled feta cheese

3 oz grated Parmesan and Asiago cheese blend

salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven according to pizza crust package directions.

2. In a small bowl combine butter, olive oil, garlic, pesto, basil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.  Spread mixture evenly on pizza crust.

3. Arrange toppings on pizza. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

4.  Bake according to package directions.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words - Jam Session

Madison Children's Museum

ONE OF OUR OUTINGS DURING JEFF'S VACATION WAS A TRIP TO THE MADISON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.  I HAD BEEN WANTING TO TAKE THE LIL' LADY AND FELLA THERE FOR AWHILE, BUT KNEW THAT IT WAS A TWO PARENT TASK, NOW THAT THE LITTLE MAN IS ON THE MOVE.   WHAT A DELIGHTFUL AND WHIMSICAL PLACE IT IS!  EACH CORNER, NOOK AND CRANNY IS FILLED WITH COLORFUL AND STIMULATING IMAGES AND PLACES FOR LITTLE HANDS TO TINKER.  AS SOON AS ADMISSION WAS PAID AND COATS WERE OFF OUR CHILDREN RAN IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.  IT WAS A SWEET MORNING AND I WAS ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL THAT WE COULD EXPERIENCE IT AS A FAMILY OF FOUR. 

THIS LITTLE MAN ENJOYED THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE AT HIS OWN PACE AND CHOOSE HIS ACTIVITIES INSTEAD OF HAVING A CERTAIN LITTLE LADY PICK THEM.

CURIOUS AND CUTE.

I WISH I HAD SUCH A WINDOW AND WELL FOR THE CHILDREN TO PAINT ON.  THIS CENTER PROVED TO BE THEIR FAVORITE.  (NOTE TO SELF - PURCHASE SPRAY BOTTLE AND SQUEEGEE.)

FUTURE PAINTER?

THE WATER ROOM WAS ALSO A BIG HIT, AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FIRST CHOICE OF ROOMS TO PLAY IN AS A CHILD.   THE TRICKLING WATER INSPIRED THE LITTLE LADY TO PLAY BARISTA AND MAKE "COFFEE" FOR HER DADDY.

COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED.  NO MORE ENERGY FOR LIFE.

YES, THEY NAPPED WELL THAT AFTERNOON.

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

THIS HAS BEEN A WEEK OF VACATION FOR MY HARD-WORKING HUSBAND.  IT IS ALWAYS REFRESHING TO HAVE HIM HOME, AND LAST SUNDAY EVENING MY HEART WAS GIDDY WITH THE THOUGHT OF HIS UNDIVIDED PRESENCE IN OUR HOUSEHOLD.  LIFE IS JUST SWEETER WHEN HE IS AROUND.

A FEW MOMENTS THIS WEEK HAVE CAUSED ME TO PAUSE IN GRATITUDE FOR THE SPECIAL AND UNIQUE MAN HE IS, FOR OUR MARRIAGE AND FOR THE FATHER HE IS TO OUR CHILDREN.

-ALL WEEK HE HAS ENJOYED THE LUXURY OF NOT SETTING AN ALARM CLOCK, AND HAS WOKEN TO THE SWEET SOUNDS OF HIS SON EACH DAY.  WELL, BLESS JOEY'S HEART FOR HE HAS NOT RISEN BEFORE 8 AM EACH DAY (CRAZY!).  TO SEE MY SWEET MEN DESCENDING THE STAIRS EACH DAY WITH TOUSLED HAIR AND SLY SMILES HAS BROUGHT ME GREAT JOY EACH MORNING.

- ON DATE NIGHT WE DECIDED TO SEE THE MOVIE "THE FIGHTER" AT THE BUDGET THEATER.  DURING THE MOVIE A GENTLEMAN IN THE BACK ROW BEGAN SNORING LOUDLY AND FREQUENTLY.   IT BECAME QUITE THE DISTURBANCE AND PEOPLE BEGAN MOVING (IT WAS NOT A CROWDED THEATER).  AFTER ABOUT 45 MINS OF LISTENING TO HIS SNORES, JEFF QUIETLY LEANED OVER TO ME AND ASKED IF HE SHOULD GO WAKE THE MAN.  HE THEN PROCEEDED TO GENTLY WAKE THE SNORING SOUL, WHO WAS EXTREMELY APOLOGETIC AND GRATEFUL.  I LOVE THAT JEFF HAD THE COURAGE TO DO WHAT SO MANY WANTED TO DO, HANDLING IT WITH GRACE.

- ON HIS FOURTH DAY OF VACATION, I RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE FROM JEFF THAT SIMPLY READ, "I'M HAVING SUCH A GREAT VACATION.  THANK YOU."  AT THAT POINT WE HAD NOT DONE MUCH, BUT I WAS BLESSED TO KNOW THAT HE FINDS SUCH SATISFACTION AND JOY IN THE SIMPLE MOMENTS.

- JEFF AND I DECIDED TO FUN A 5K IN MAY.  (I HAVE NEVER BEEN A RUNNER.  ALWAYS ADMIRED THEM.  NEVER WANTED TO JOIN IN THEIR FUN.)  THIS WEEK HE HAS ENCOURAGED ME AND PROVIDED ME WITH THE TIME TO "TRAIN" FOR OUR RUN.  I WOULD NOT HAVE DECIDED TO RUN A 5K ON MY OWN.  THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW MY HUSBAND CHALLENGES ME AND MOTIVATES ME.

 

- AND, THERE IS NOTHING THAT BRINGS ME GREATER JOY THAN WATCHING MY HUSBAND WITH OUR CHILDREN, HEARING THEIR GIGGLES, AND SEEING THEIR GREAT AFFECTION FOR ONE ANOTHER.

Bracketology

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?!  WELL, IN OUR HOME THIS WEEK OF MARCH HOLDS ALMOST AS MUCH THRILL AND EXCITEMENT AS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS.  IT IS MARCH MADNESS, BABY! 

SELECTION SUNDAY, MONDAY'S USA TODAY PAPER, ESPN'S BRACKETOLOGY, FRESHLY PRINTED BRACKETS, MECHANICAL PENCILS, THE WISE WORDS OF JAY BILAS, ALL GLORIOUS SIGNS LEADING TO THE TOURNEY'S FIRST TIP-OFF AND A TIME OF CELEBRATION (AKA MADNESS) IN THE LARSON HOME.   IT IS A TIME FOR VACATION (JEFF'S FIRST CHOICE OF VACATION WEEKS FIVE YEARS RUNNING), A TIME TO RETURN TO MILWAUKEE (HIS PARENTS HAVE THE PERFECT BASEMENT FOR VIEWING COUNTLESS HOURS OF BASKETBALL), A TIME FOR FRIENDS TO GATHER (JEFF HAS HOSTED A MARCH MADNESS PARTY EACH YEAR [MINUS THE YEAR OF OUR DAUGHTER'S BIRTH WHEN WE WATCHED GAMES IN THE HOSPITAL] SINCE MEDICAL SCHOOL), A TIME FOR FOOD, FELLOWSHIP AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL! 

TUESDAY NIGHT

THE LITTLE LADY'S FIRST BRACKET - TAKING HER SCRIBBLES VERY SERIOUSLY.

OUR VERY OWN MARCH MADNESS PRINCESS.

BY THE LOOKS OF IT, SHE IS VERY CONFIDENT IN HER FINAL FOUR.

ON WISCONSIN.