Every morning Kev and Kaden make coffee while I try to get remotely coherent and start my day. Kev just bought this new coffee pot that's a little more high tech, and since they make the coffee every morning, I have never yet learned the concept. Anyway, I had a baby borders scrapbooking class last night for all of the young and pregnant moms in our complex, and I wanted to make a pot of decaf. Kev was running late for class, so he wasn't able to make it for me like I had planned. As he was running out the door he said: "Just ask Kaden. He makes it with me every morning - he'll show you how to make it." I thought to myself: Yeah, right. A two and a half year old will not know the steps of what buttons to push on this coffeemaker, no matter how many times he's made it with Kev. Well, let me tell you....I wanted the coffee, so I asked him if he could help me.
This is how it went down:
"Kaden, Could you show Mommy how to make some coffee for her friends?"
"Yup. Do you want regular or strong?
(WHAT? I even have that option?) "Uh, I guess regular."
"Regular? O.k."
(He pushes that appropriate buttons and then proudly says:)
"That's it - there ya go!" And he runs off to play with his legos.....
Oh my, oh my - the sins of the father shall come back to haunt us someday!
A Little More Detail....
Okay, I've been getting some questions concerning what exactly I am doing my research project on, and why I am asking these specific questions. As briefly as possible, I will try to give a small rundown. We have to come up with a "problem" that we see - either in our specific church, in churches in general, in society, in the workplace - wherever, and then after MUCH research and study, we have to come up with a proposed solution/program that we could implement which might HELP in solving or aiding this problem.
The particular problem that I have chosen is two-fold: First of all, I am stating that "a devastating problem in today's society is that with increasing numbers, the Christian community, and our nation as a whole is being threatened by escalating numbers of divorces, marriages that simply exist but that are certainly not thriving, and a diminishing readiness and preparation for marriage among engaged couples." The second part of my problem is this: "Within every church there are couples with good, solid marriages who could be of help to other couples who are young or struggling, but they have never been motivated, trained, or inspired to come alongside to help mentor and disciple these marriages in order to make them successful and meaningful."
Here is my statement of purpose: I am proposing to implement and establish a program which will serve as a "mentoring marriage ministry" for helping couples begin, build, and sustain better marriages, and to restore those threatened by divorce. The process will be simple: equip couples with solid marriages to mentor and disciple other couples at ALL stages of the marital cycle so that they, in turn, will one day have vibrant, thriving, marriages of their own.
My end goal as a result of establishing this "Mentoring Marriage Ministry" is to have an explosion of strong, stable couples and families who will grow the church, who will have a huge impact on their surrounding community, and who will reach out to other needy marriages and families in their areas - saved and unsaved alike.
NOW - there is definitly much more to this problem, program, statement of purpose, and end goal, but that is the basic idea. One question that I forgot to ask on my little survey was this: Do you feel there is a need for this kind of ministry in your church, and if so, would you attend such a ministry program - either as a mentor couple or as a couple who would like to be mentored?
I realize that there are differing views out there - and I LOVE THAT - that's great! This is the whole point of research. I want to hear them and the whys of your agreement or disagreement. This is all very very helpful in the accumulation of my research. So, PLEASE tell me what you think. Give honest analysis and insight. If you don't wish to publish on either my blog or your own, email me: kevame@verizon.net
The particular problem that I have chosen is two-fold: First of all, I am stating that "a devastating problem in today's society is that with increasing numbers, the Christian community, and our nation as a whole is being threatened by escalating numbers of divorces, marriages that simply exist but that are certainly not thriving, and a diminishing readiness and preparation for marriage among engaged couples." The second part of my problem is this: "Within every church there are couples with good, solid marriages who could be of help to other couples who are young or struggling, but they have never been motivated, trained, or inspired to come alongside to help mentor and disciple these marriages in order to make them successful and meaningful."
Here is my statement of purpose: I am proposing to implement and establish a program which will serve as a "mentoring marriage ministry" for helping couples begin, build, and sustain better marriages, and to restore those threatened by divorce. The process will be simple: equip couples with solid marriages to mentor and disciple other couples at ALL stages of the marital cycle so that they, in turn, will one day have vibrant, thriving, marriages of their own.
My end goal as a result of establishing this "Mentoring Marriage Ministry" is to have an explosion of strong, stable couples and families who will grow the church, who will have a huge impact on their surrounding community, and who will reach out to other needy marriages and families in their areas - saved and unsaved alike.
NOW - there is definitly much more to this problem, program, statement of purpose, and end goal, but that is the basic idea. One question that I forgot to ask on my little survey was this: Do you feel there is a need for this kind of ministry in your church, and if so, would you attend such a ministry program - either as a mentor couple or as a couple who would like to be mentored?
I realize that there are differing views out there - and I LOVE THAT - that's great! This is the whole point of research. I want to hear them and the whys of your agreement or disagreement. This is all very very helpful in the accumulation of my research. So, PLEASE tell me what you think. Give honest analysis and insight. If you don't wish to publish on either my blog or your own, email me: kevame@verizon.net
Wild Child
Man oh man - we've got a wild one in my womb this time, let me tell you! With Kaden, there were entire days where I felt minimal movement - to the point of being slightly concerned at times. With this one - day and night - my stomach ripples with movement....to the point of making me nauseous (I don't know how to spell this word. I just asked my grad student hubby Kev, and he said, "Ummmm, n-a-u-t-i-0-u-s????" I think I'm right, but we're both too lazy to consult a dictionary.) Anyhoo, back to my topic..... So, I think our #2 is going to be our wild child. Not too sure how I feel about this; I've been quite spoiled with my tender and timid, mild-mannered little boy. I'm SURE it's a girl who is probably going to drive me to drink!! Lord, have mercy!!!!
Research!
Okay friends, my research has begun in full force and I need your help! I am conducting a survey for newlyweds, "married with kids," and "empty nesters" for my research project, so whatever category you fit into - I would LOVE if you would respond to these questions!
How long have you been married?
How long did you and your spouse really know each other before you married?
Looking back, how prepared do you feel you were for marriage?
If you have kids, how long did you wait before starting your family?
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
What challenges have you faced at this stage in your marriage?
If you have kids, has your relationship changed since you've added them to your family?
If so, in what way(s)?
What resources or support systems do you have that benefit your marriage?
What advice do you have for young couples contemplating marriage and starting a family?
AND THE BIGGY......
What is/are the biggest need(s) that you have as a husband/wife at this stage in your marriage?
If you can only take the time to answer ONE question, please answer the last one!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
How long have you been married?
How long did you and your spouse really know each other before you married?
Looking back, how prepared do you feel you were for marriage?
If you have kids, how long did you wait before starting your family?
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
What challenges have you faced at this stage in your marriage?
If you have kids, has your relationship changed since you've added them to your family?
If so, in what way(s)?
What resources or support systems do you have that benefit your marriage?
What advice do you have for young couples contemplating marriage and starting a family?
AND THE BIGGY......
What is/are the biggest need(s) that you have as a husband/wife at this stage in your marriage?
If you can only take the time to answer ONE question, please answer the last one!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Refreshed & Rejuvenated!
Well, the reason for my lack of blogging these past couple of days is that my sweet, sweet hubby whisked Kaden and I away for THREE nights to the Poconos for one final "last hurrah" before the arrival of baby #2! We had SUCH a great little family getaway, and it was a really special treat to just get away from life for awhile.
The weather was FAH-REEZING for the first couple of days - especially with us being up in the mountains, but we still had tons of fun swimming, eating :0), vegging, and checking out little shops. On the days that it was warm we explored the area, went on some fun hikes, ate at some yummy places, and just had a blast as a little family!
With having only one wee one who still takes naps and who still goes to bed fairly early, we were able to have a really great balance of family time AND couple time, so that was really nice. It was just wonderful to reconnect and have some great talks about US and about what this next year of life will bring with baby, Kev's internship, graduation, and future ministry.
For naps and bedtime, we rigged a blanket up over Kaden's pack and play and called it his "tent bed!" He thought this was the coolest thing ever, so he loved naps and bedtime - and we were still able to stay up later and watch T.V! Good times! Holy dyin' - that kid talks a lot in his bed! I never realized how much until we shared a room with him for those three nights. He sang to his puppy and told it stories for a good half hour before he settled down!
So anyway, here we are - back home with noses back to the ole grind, but IT'S ALL GOOD! A few days away does wonders for the soul!
The weather was FAH-REEZING for the first couple of days - especially with us being up in the mountains, but we still had tons of fun swimming, eating :0), vegging, and checking out little shops. On the days that it was warm we explored the area, went on some fun hikes, ate at some yummy places, and just had a blast as a little family!
With having only one wee one who still takes naps and who still goes to bed fairly early, we were able to have a really great balance of family time AND couple time, so that was really nice. It was just wonderful to reconnect and have some great talks about US and about what this next year of life will bring with baby, Kev's internship, graduation, and future ministry.
For naps and bedtime, we rigged a blanket up over Kaden's pack and play and called it his "tent bed!" He thought this was the coolest thing ever, so he loved naps and bedtime - and we were still able to stay up later and watch T.V! Good times! Holy dyin' - that kid talks a lot in his bed! I never realized how much until we shared a room with him for those three nights. He sang to his puppy and told it stories for a good half hour before he settled down!
So anyway, here we are - back home with noses back to the ole grind, but IT'S ALL GOOD! A few days away does wonders for the soul!
Tirty Point Buck!
In case you missed it, I shot a "tirty pointer" this year! To celebrate, I'm dedicating this song to that ole' deer. To hear it, go to this website:
I'll miss him.
Kev
Kev
Su-nny Days....
Do you know, dear Maine friends, that while you are getting your blizzard today (at least that's what Mom is calling it....but she could be exaggerating, I suppose) that we are having 50 degree t-shirt weather? Ca-razy! These are the days where I feel like a hypocritical Mainer. I'm loving the temperature here, right now. This is my kind of weather! However......give it a couple of months. The summers are rather dreadful.
ALL Boy!!!
My little man is really blossoming into....shall we say....a full fledged boy in every aspect of the word! This is actually the stage that I love the most and that I have been looking the most forward to. He constantly keeps us laughing, and although he is causing me MANY more messes these days, he brings such comic relief and happiness in the crazyness of life.
A few examples of what I mean that have happened just recently:
* Daddy had a Saturday class a couple of weeks ago, so Kaden and I went on a breakfast date all by ourselves. Well, during the course of our meal Kaden (how shall we say this?) let a very large "gaseous explosion!" He looked surprised and then quite pleased with himself and then LOUDLY broadcasted: "OH! I DID A TOOT MONSTER!!!" Fabulous.....
* Just a couple of days ago, I walk into the bathroom while Kaden is peeing, and instead of "tucking" himself in like he ALWAYS does, he decided to aim outward and looked quite impressed with himself that he could spray almost all the way to the door!
* This morning I went into the bathroom and found him parading around the room with his potty seat on his head like a hat. Delicious.....
* He knows how to spray water out of the gap between his teeth now, and during baths one of his favorite things is to see if he can spray a stream clear across the bathroom. His favorite thing to say now is, "Mommy, I'm making a MESS!"
* This morning, I COULD not get out of bed, so he marched into our room, climbed into bed, took my face in his hands, pried open my eyes, and rammed his fingers into them saying, "Mommy!!! I talking to you....I NEED to see your eyeballs!"
* And I won't even start with the different names that he likes to call his "creations" when he goes #2. I swear - I have no idea where he comes up with these names, but they get more and more wild with each experience.
Ahhhhh, the joys of boys! Gotta' love it!
A few examples of what I mean that have happened just recently:
* Daddy had a Saturday class a couple of weeks ago, so Kaden and I went on a breakfast date all by ourselves. Well, during the course of our meal Kaden (how shall we say this?) let a very large "gaseous explosion!" He looked surprised and then quite pleased with himself and then LOUDLY broadcasted: "OH! I DID A TOOT MONSTER!!!" Fabulous.....
* Just a couple of days ago, I walk into the bathroom while Kaden is peeing, and instead of "tucking" himself in like he ALWAYS does, he decided to aim outward and looked quite impressed with himself that he could spray almost all the way to the door!
* This morning I went into the bathroom and found him parading around the room with his potty seat on his head like a hat. Delicious.....
* He knows how to spray water out of the gap between his teeth now, and during baths one of his favorite things is to see if he can spray a stream clear across the bathroom. His favorite thing to say now is, "Mommy, I'm making a MESS!"
* This morning, I COULD not get out of bed, so he marched into our room, climbed into bed, took my face in his hands, pried open my eyes, and rammed his fingers into them saying, "Mommy!!! I talking to you....I NEED to see your eyeballs!"
* And I won't even start with the different names that he likes to call his "creations" when he goes #2. I swear - I have no idea where he comes up with these names, but they get more and more wild with each experience.
Ahhhhh, the joys of boys! Gotta' love it!
The Lord Gives....
So, what do you say to two dear friends who are newly and happily pregnant who have just informed you that they both have just miscarried? Meanwhile, you already have one happy, healthy son and baby #2 is only three months away? You can't say you understand - because you don't. And all of the other things that you want to say to let them know you love them and want to walk alongside them sound so trite and shallow...... Meanwhile, just the mere sight of ME reminds them of what they have just recently lost. Tough stuff. Not my favorite. Makes me sick.
I love you - my little bro and Marmie
Well, after this morning, for the first time in about twenty years, my childhood home will be "pet-less." Mom called this morning saying that our old dog, Sassie, has been having some pretty serious seizures for the past few days, and the vet said there was nothing that could be done. So, Mom made the tough call to put her down.
For those of you who are NOT animal lovers - you will not understand.....but for those of us who are....man - they really become like part of the family. I feel the saddest for Mom, because she's had to do the dirty work and make the tough calls with all of our pets. My cat lived - believe it or not - to be 20 years old! I had her since I was five, so I was long gone by the time she kicked the bucket. Sassy is Aaron's dog, and although very attached to her, he has also moved out and has a life of his own, as well.
Meanwhile, this leaves poor Mom who has to deal with all the animals when they become not so cute anymore and actually quite senile in their old age! This is the not-so-fun part of welcoming animals into the family. Having said that, however, both Kev and I are animal lovers, and we have a die-hard little animal lover in Kaden, as well. So, I know that we will go through our share of strays, adoptions, litters of babies, AND I'm sure many a crying fest, as well, at pets who will have become road kill, lost, or who will simply kick the bucket because of old age.
I sure experienced my share of animal joys and "tragedies" growing up, but those are also some of my greatest childhood memories, as well. So, I thank you, sweet Marmie, for always letting us have our little furry friends and for doing all of the dirty work when we left home! May I do the same for my children. I love you!
For those of you who are NOT animal lovers - you will not understand.....but for those of us who are....man - they really become like part of the family. I feel the saddest for Mom, because she's had to do the dirty work and make the tough calls with all of our pets. My cat lived - believe it or not - to be 20 years old! I had her since I was five, so I was long gone by the time she kicked the bucket. Sassy is Aaron's dog, and although very attached to her, he has also moved out and has a life of his own, as well.
Meanwhile, this leaves poor Mom who has to deal with all the animals when they become not so cute anymore and actually quite senile in their old age! This is the not-so-fun part of welcoming animals into the family. Having said that, however, both Kev and I are animal lovers, and we have a die-hard little animal lover in Kaden, as well. So, I know that we will go through our share of strays, adoptions, litters of babies, AND I'm sure many a crying fest, as well, at pets who will have become road kill, lost, or who will simply kick the bucket because of old age.
I sure experienced my share of animal joys and "tragedies" growing up, but those are also some of my greatest childhood memories, as well. So, I thank you, sweet Marmie, for always letting us have our little furry friends and for doing all of the dirty work when we left home! May I do the same for my children. I love you!
This One's For Esther.....
For some reason, I am having extreme difficulties posting on Esther's blog. I'll write a nice long comment, and then - I don't know why - it refuses to post for me. So, my dear friend, just know that I faithfully click over to your blog at least once a day, and even though you are receiving no posts from me - I greatly anticipate your new postings and love reading them. So, nicely done on your recent writings! Keep it up, my friend! Love you!
A Transient Time
It's interesting living where we do - at this stage of life that we are in. Part of me truly loves the adventure and uncertainty of the future (believe it or not!), and part of me gets kind of stressed by the whole process!
There are currently three couples here - good friends of ours - who are at this stage of the game. Watching them go through this whole process of figuring out "what's next" makes me thankful that we still have another whole year to go before we will need to make these kinds of decisions. (Kev is always thinking future, and he is always planning - which I'm thankful for - but, still, we can sit pretty for another 12 or so months before we really need to bite the bullet).
It's just interesting to me, because until we moved here, I honestly thought that we might settle down in our little home in Levant for a good many years, stay in that little house until we outgrew it, and then buy another one - a little bigger, but in roughly the same area. Now that I've experienced the difficult and emotional process of "uprooting," it's freeing to REALLY know and to actually EXPERIENCE the truths that: God WILL look out for me, He really will take care of me, He will provide for my needs and desires, that He really does do "exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask or imagine."
I am thankful for the times of having the safety net pulled out from underneath me. I'm thankful for the uncertainty of the future, and as I watch my friends work through this process, it is faith building to see how God takes care of each one of us in this journey of life!
Anyway, yet another really long ramble just to say: although my heart's desire is to go back to Maine and to raise my children near our families, I am willing to go wherever the Lord asks of us, and I am willing to do whatever He would have us to do. He's taken care of us once....He'll do it again.
There are currently three couples here - good friends of ours - who are at this stage of the game. Watching them go through this whole process of figuring out "what's next" makes me thankful that we still have another whole year to go before we will need to make these kinds of decisions. (Kev is always thinking future, and he is always planning - which I'm thankful for - but, still, we can sit pretty for another 12 or so months before we really need to bite the bullet).
It's just interesting to me, because until we moved here, I honestly thought that we might settle down in our little home in Levant for a good many years, stay in that little house until we outgrew it, and then buy another one - a little bigger, but in roughly the same area. Now that I've experienced the difficult and emotional process of "uprooting," it's freeing to REALLY know and to actually EXPERIENCE the truths that: God WILL look out for me, He really will take care of me, He will provide for my needs and desires, that He really does do "exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask or imagine."
I am thankful for the times of having the safety net pulled out from underneath me. I'm thankful for the uncertainty of the future, and as I watch my friends work through this process, it is faith building to see how God takes care of each one of us in this journey of life!
Anyway, yet another really long ramble just to say: although my heart's desire is to go back to Maine and to raise my children near our families, I am willing to go wherever the Lord asks of us, and I am willing to do whatever He would have us to do. He's taken care of us once....He'll do it again.
Yeesh!
So, I made a girl cry in my class last night. What a moron. (Me...not her).
My professor asked me to facilitate a group of people giving their devotionals since I gave mine last week. Class was cancelled early due to an ice storm, and only a couple of us were able to complete the assignment. My role was simple: time each person for twelve minutes, cut them off when they were done, and then facilitate discussion on what they did well and what they could improve on for next time.
It was an easy going, open format. We all were careful to give each other great encouragement, but we also offered one another one or two areas that we felt needed a little improvement, as well.
Well....this girl did a fine job, but she just read off her devotional verbatim from her notes with absolutely no emotion or passion in a very monotone voice. So, after telling her: "I thought you came across very confident, you definitly showed us that you knew what you were talking about, there was good evidence of background study, great use of cross-references etc. etc." I went on to suggest that maybe next time she could read a little less from her notes and show some conviction and passion in what we was teaching us. If she personalized it for herself, she might be better able to personalize it for the rest of us. I believe the words I used were: "Be more transparent and vulnerable with us."
Sooooo, anyway........finally, when the last person had finished giving their lesson, this girl said: "Can I just say something? I understand what you were saying about me being more open and transparent, but I did this intentionally. I chose to show no vulnerability because I'm tired of crying. My brother just passed away, and a person can only be vulnerable and transparent for so long before they have to choose to set their emotions aside for awhile."
Shoot me now........
My professor asked me to facilitate a group of people giving their devotionals since I gave mine last week. Class was cancelled early due to an ice storm, and only a couple of us were able to complete the assignment. My role was simple: time each person for twelve minutes, cut them off when they were done, and then facilitate discussion on what they did well and what they could improve on for next time.
It was an easy going, open format. We all were careful to give each other great encouragement, but we also offered one another one or two areas that we felt needed a little improvement, as well.
Well....this girl did a fine job, but she just read off her devotional verbatim from her notes with absolutely no emotion or passion in a very monotone voice. So, after telling her: "I thought you came across very confident, you definitly showed us that you knew what you were talking about, there was good evidence of background study, great use of cross-references etc. etc." I went on to suggest that maybe next time she could read a little less from her notes and show some conviction and passion in what we was teaching us. If she personalized it for herself, she might be better able to personalize it for the rest of us. I believe the words I used were: "Be more transparent and vulnerable with us."
Sooooo, anyway........finally, when the last person had finished giving their lesson, this girl said: "Can I just say something? I understand what you were saying about me being more open and transparent, but I did this intentionally. I chose to show no vulnerability because I'm tired of crying. My brother just passed away, and a person can only be vulnerable and transparent for so long before they have to choose to set their emotions aside for awhile."
Shoot me now........
It Has Begun!
Kev decided to skip class this morning and just be home with us for a bit as life has been crazy lately. When he heard Kaden talking in his bed, he offered to let me sleep in for as long as I wanted. What a nice gift, right? To be able to sleep in for AS LONG AS I WANTED? Well, could Amy's little mind relax enough to slip back into La La Land?
Oh no - all I could think about was what needs to get done before baby #2 comes. It's like I realized all of a sudden that I only have a little over three months to get this HUGE list of things done that I want to accomplish.
So, instead of laying there and stressing, I got up and have begun my little list of goals that I have to accomplish within these next 3 1/2 months. Here goes:
* I would really like to get Kaden's album caught up. I am 10 months behind. Our family album will just have to wait. That is non-existent at this point.
* I would like to start my baby album, and be caught up with doctor's visits, pregnant pictures, and my church shower, so that I can be ready to just start putting pics in as soon as the baby is born.
* I need to finish my book one month ahead of schedule as the presentation date is June 6th and I am due June 10th. It at least needs to be ready to go by mid-May in case the baby comes early. I'd like to hop into another class and just present it to them so that it can be done!
* I need to either take or CLEP out of 6 more Gen Ed credits. That really needs to be done the month of March. PBU really wants me to take a counseling course in July, but that may be too much with a newborn - even if it would only be for 5 nights. Sooo, if I could just get it done now, it would be done.
* I would like to take some Bradley Birthing classes, as we are going the Birthing Center route this time, but that is 12 weeks of needing a babysitter and a 12 week commitment of being out an extra night. Is it worth it? I don't know yet.
* And then just the regular stuff of getting extra organized, culling what isn't needed, figuring what I need for baby things, and figuring out where exactly we're going to put this newcomer once he or she arrives!
So, there you have it. Today, I'm going to research courses that I can possibly CLEP out of at the local community college, and I'm going to try to do at least a few pages in Kaden's album each week and just putter away. After that, I'm going to buy another Power Sorts Box and just really organize and label all of my pics for when I am able to get to them.
I'm off.....Did you call it "Build Rome in a Day," Shannon? That's me, today.....at least in my mind!
Oh no - all I could think about was what needs to get done before baby #2 comes. It's like I realized all of a sudden that I only have a little over three months to get this HUGE list of things done that I want to accomplish.
So, instead of laying there and stressing, I got up and have begun my little list of goals that I have to accomplish within these next 3 1/2 months. Here goes:
* I would really like to get Kaden's album caught up. I am 10 months behind. Our family album will just have to wait. That is non-existent at this point.
* I would like to start my baby album, and be caught up with doctor's visits, pregnant pictures, and my church shower, so that I can be ready to just start putting pics in as soon as the baby is born.
* I need to finish my book one month ahead of schedule as the presentation date is June 6th and I am due June 10th. It at least needs to be ready to go by mid-May in case the baby comes early. I'd like to hop into another class and just present it to them so that it can be done!
* I need to either take or CLEP out of 6 more Gen Ed credits. That really needs to be done the month of March. PBU really wants me to take a counseling course in July, but that may be too much with a newborn - even if it would only be for 5 nights. Sooo, if I could just get it done now, it would be done.
* I would like to take some Bradley Birthing classes, as we are going the Birthing Center route this time, but that is 12 weeks of needing a babysitter and a 12 week commitment of being out an extra night. Is it worth it? I don't know yet.
* And then just the regular stuff of getting extra organized, culling what isn't needed, figuring what I need for baby things, and figuring out where exactly we're going to put this newcomer once he or she arrives!
So, there you have it. Today, I'm going to research courses that I can possibly CLEP out of at the local community college, and I'm going to try to do at least a few pages in Kaden's album each week and just putter away. After that, I'm going to buy another Power Sorts Box and just really organize and label all of my pics for when I am able to get to them.
I'm off.....Did you call it "Build Rome in a Day," Shannon? That's me, today.....at least in my mind!
Shannon - This One's For You!
I have been tagged for the list game, so here goes......Shannon C., Angie, and Esther - you're it next!
Aprons - Y/N? No - although I should - especially with my ever expanding girth. My belly seems to be a catch-all these days.
Baking - Hmmm. I go through phases where I love it and then phases where it's a hassle. This week I love it, and I have hot scones waiting for hubby when he gets home from class tonight.
Clothesline - Y/N? A community one that we all share in our communal backyard.
Donuts - Ever made them? Never made them. Have eaten my share. The only ones I have ever craved are Krispy Kreme hot off the press. De-lish!
One homemaking thing you do everyday? Man, I love homemaking. I do dishes, tidy up, organize, and clean some aspect of my bathroom every day. I love cleaning and organizing.
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freezer? No, I wish I did. Since Kev shot his deer, that's practically all that's in our freezer....it can hardly even hold an extra icecube tray!
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? No, I agree with you, Shannon - I think they are kind of scary.
Handbook - Y/N? I'm not sure I even know what that is? My Bible?! - My handbook for life!
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Oh man - despise it within the very depths of my soul. Poor Kevy - he irons most of his stuff. I'm actually quite horrible at it, as well....probably because I never do it.
Junk Drawer - Nope - but I have lots of cute "catch-all" wooden boxes that hold various things.
Kitchen - Design and decorating? - ummm, well we live in a rented apartment. But, when we moved in, we painted, laid tile, and I cutsied it up as much as I could.
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Just being home. Making it "me." Decorating with fun things - bringing the outdoors in - lots of wooden things, berries, etc. Making it cozy for my boys. Cooking yummy food so the place smells good. I also LOVE throwing things away....actually a bit anal in this area, I must admit.
Mop - Y/N? Nope - I'm a hands and knees kinda' girl.
Nylons - Oh my - I swore those things off after three years at N.B.B.I. To this day, it's beyond me why I wore them on my wedding day. Beyond that moment, they have touched my legs on only one other occasion. They are the bane of my existence.
Oven - Do you use the window or open it to check? I open 'er wide and let all the hot air out!
Pizza - What do you put on yours? Whatever we have! Yummy cheese, turkey pepperoni if we have it, and lots of veggies.
Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? These days - lots of homework. Although today I scrapbooked during Kaden's entire nap and did 13 pages! Whoo-hoo!
Recipe card box - Y/N? Nope. Binder. Much better. (Good answer, Shannon!)
Style of house - A ghetto apartment in a ghetto town....glorified dorm life with marrieds.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Tablecloth, no. Napkins, yes.
Under the kitchen sink - All my cleaning products
Vacuum - How many times a week? My place is small - but I usually do it twice. I probably sweep my kitchen and bathroom floors every other day.
Wash - How many loads do you do a week? Because I hate clutter - the three of us share one hamper. It's the equivalent of one load, and when it's full, I do a wash. Depending on how often we go to the gym - the average is probably three. (Shannon - I can't believe you do 16!!!!!! - OH MY WORD!)
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? I am most assuredly a list lover.
Yard - Who does what? Our landlord does it all, baby! Oh for the day when we will have to do everything again, though!
ZZZ's - What is your last homemaking task for the day? Pick up all of the rooms. Make sure that everything is in its place before I start the day all over again tomorrow
Aprons - Y/N? No - although I should - especially with my ever expanding girth. My belly seems to be a catch-all these days.
Baking - Hmmm. I go through phases where I love it and then phases where it's a hassle. This week I love it, and I have hot scones waiting for hubby when he gets home from class tonight.
Clothesline - Y/N? A community one that we all share in our communal backyard.
Donuts - Ever made them? Never made them. Have eaten my share. The only ones I have ever craved are Krispy Kreme hot off the press. De-lish!
One homemaking thing you do everyday? Man, I love homemaking. I do dishes, tidy up, organize, and clean some aspect of my bathroom every day. I love cleaning and organizing.
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freezer? No, I wish I did. Since Kev shot his deer, that's practically all that's in our freezer....it can hardly even hold an extra icecube tray!
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? No, I agree with you, Shannon - I think they are kind of scary.
Handbook - Y/N? I'm not sure I even know what that is? My Bible?! - My handbook for life!
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Oh man - despise it within the very depths of my soul. Poor Kevy - he irons most of his stuff. I'm actually quite horrible at it, as well....probably because I never do it.
Junk Drawer - Nope - but I have lots of cute "catch-all" wooden boxes that hold various things.
Kitchen - Design and decorating? - ummm, well we live in a rented apartment. But, when we moved in, we painted, laid tile, and I cutsied it up as much as I could.
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Just being home. Making it "me." Decorating with fun things - bringing the outdoors in - lots of wooden things, berries, etc. Making it cozy for my boys. Cooking yummy food so the place smells good. I also LOVE throwing things away....actually a bit anal in this area, I must admit.
Mop - Y/N? Nope - I'm a hands and knees kinda' girl.
Nylons - Oh my - I swore those things off after three years at N.B.B.I. To this day, it's beyond me why I wore them on my wedding day. Beyond that moment, they have touched my legs on only one other occasion. They are the bane of my existence.
Oven - Do you use the window or open it to check? I open 'er wide and let all the hot air out!
Pizza - What do you put on yours? Whatever we have! Yummy cheese, turkey pepperoni if we have it, and lots of veggies.
Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? These days - lots of homework. Although today I scrapbooked during Kaden's entire nap and did 13 pages! Whoo-hoo!
Recipe card box - Y/N? Nope. Binder. Much better. (Good answer, Shannon!)
Style of house - A ghetto apartment in a ghetto town....glorified dorm life with marrieds.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Tablecloth, no. Napkins, yes.
Under the kitchen sink - All my cleaning products
Vacuum - How many times a week? My place is small - but I usually do it twice. I probably sweep my kitchen and bathroom floors every other day.
Wash - How many loads do you do a week? Because I hate clutter - the three of us share one hamper. It's the equivalent of one load, and when it's full, I do a wash. Depending on how often we go to the gym - the average is probably three. (Shannon - I can't believe you do 16!!!!!! - OH MY WORD!)
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? I am most assuredly a list lover.
Yard - Who does what? Our landlord does it all, baby! Oh for the day when we will have to do everything again, though!
ZZZ's - What is your last homemaking task for the day? Pick up all of the rooms. Make sure that everything is in its place before I start the day all over again tomorrow
Seeing Double
So, I had my first day of babysitting the twins yesterday. Did I mention that the neighborhood that I am now working in is super ritzy, and the twins literally live in (what I would call, anyway) a mansion? Yep - living the high life! It's a beautiful neighborhood and a gorgeous home, but I was telling Kev over supper that even if we ever make enough money for a huge home - I don't want one. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE space and I HATE clutter, but I don't want our place to be so huge that we never run into each other in the run of a day! If I could have enough bedrooms for everyone plus a spare room for company, and if I could have a "catch all" room that could double as an office for Kev and a scrapbooking room for me - than I would be perfectly content. I like to feel cozy. I felt drafty and tiny in that huge house!
Anyway, although the day was long, I really have no complaints. The twins are quite mellow (is that how you spell that word?) and Kaden had a great time over there and napped three hours for me! The little girl naps for a long time but the boy is a 45 "minute-er". So, I'll at least have a 45 minute break during the day. She pays me $12 an hour - so it's really pretty easy money. At the very least, it gives me confidence that I can handle two kids of my own! :0)
My devotional is DONE! I now just need to videotape it in front of some peers and then present it in my class. After I whip off a 15 page final paper, yet another class will have bit the dust! Let the good times roll!
Anyway, although the day was long, I really have no complaints. The twins are quite mellow (is that how you spell that word?) and Kaden had a great time over there and napped three hours for me! The little girl naps for a long time but the boy is a 45 "minute-er". So, I'll at least have a 45 minute break during the day. She pays me $12 an hour - so it's really pretty easy money. At the very least, it gives me confidence that I can handle two kids of my own! :0)
My devotional is DONE! I now just need to videotape it in front of some peers and then present it in my class. After I whip off a 15 page final paper, yet another class will have bit the dust! Let the good times roll!
Been Awhile...
Nothing overly exciting to post...just that I'm not dead.
My "devotional/sermon" is due to be videotaped this week and I'm feeling a little pressure. Not too bad - I've done all of the inductive study etc., now I just need to put it together, make it catchy and contemporary, and invite some friends over to pick it apart....I mean "critique" it for me. :0) Then, next Tuesday, I have to present it to my entire class.....of which there are at least 6 pastors, who do this for a living, might I add. Joy.
So, here is the decided upon topic. I'm going to teach from Titus 2:1-5. My audience will be women my age - at my stage of life, specifically - young wives and moms (or soon to be moms!) And, I'm going to come at it from a feminist/women's lib approach - a TRUE women's liberation approach, and a TRUE feminist approach the way that God originally designed our roles to be. From these verses, I'm going to teach a little bit about discipleship (how the older are to teach the younger) and what exactly we are supposed to be examples in: being lovers of our husbands, lovers of our children, and lovers of our homes. We're supposed to have catchy outlines....I'm not a catchy person, so this has been stressing me a little.
So far, here are my points: On Becoming.......(1) Lovers of Husbands - living purposefully in our submission; (2) Lovers of our Heirs (I needed an "h" that represented our kids!) - living purposefully in our selflessness; and (3) Lovers of our Homes - living purposefully in our servanthood. Or maybe instead of the three "s" words, I could do: godliness, guidance, and grace. Good grief - I don't know. Catchy phrases kind of irritate me! Anyway, those ARE the three things that I am going to be talking about.....all areas that I am constantly needing to grow and become more godly and gracious in!
Anyway, that's what's been consuming my life this week. AND the fact that one of my 14 friends who are pregnant just had her baby yesterday!!!!! So much fun!....AND the fact that I am possibly going to start babysitting two 15 month old twins. Let me tell you how thrilled I am about that possibility........
My "devotional/sermon" is due to be videotaped this week and I'm feeling a little pressure. Not too bad - I've done all of the inductive study etc., now I just need to put it together, make it catchy and contemporary, and invite some friends over to pick it apart....I mean "critique" it for me. :0) Then, next Tuesday, I have to present it to my entire class.....of which there are at least 6 pastors, who do this for a living, might I add. Joy.
So, here is the decided upon topic. I'm going to teach from Titus 2:1-5. My audience will be women my age - at my stage of life, specifically - young wives and moms (or soon to be moms!) And, I'm going to come at it from a feminist/women's lib approach - a TRUE women's liberation approach, and a TRUE feminist approach the way that God originally designed our roles to be. From these verses, I'm going to teach a little bit about discipleship (how the older are to teach the younger) and what exactly we are supposed to be examples in: being lovers of our husbands, lovers of our children, and lovers of our homes. We're supposed to have catchy outlines....I'm not a catchy person, so this has been stressing me a little.
So far, here are my points: On Becoming.......(1) Lovers of Husbands - living purposefully in our submission; (2) Lovers of our Heirs (I needed an "h" that represented our kids!) - living purposefully in our selflessness; and (3) Lovers of our Homes - living purposefully in our servanthood. Or maybe instead of the three "s" words, I could do: godliness, guidance, and grace. Good grief - I don't know. Catchy phrases kind of irritate me! Anyway, those ARE the three things that I am going to be talking about.....all areas that I am constantly needing to grow and become more godly and gracious in!
Anyway, that's what's been consuming my life this week. AND the fact that one of my 14 friends who are pregnant just had her baby yesterday!!!!! So much fun!....AND the fact that I am possibly going to start babysitting two 15 month old twins. Let me tell you how thrilled I am about that possibility........
Happy Scrapper!
Well, I am home - after a blur of a whirlwind week-end. Okay, so I didn't quite make all of my goals, but I am totally thrilled with the week-end and all that I was able to get done. I got my Christmas album caught up to date - except for the pictures of when we went to Maine this year because I'm waiting on some from Mom, and I did a couple of months worth of Kaden's life (so, not totally caught up there, either)......but my GREATEST work of satisfaction is that I finally, seven and a half years later, totally and completely finished my wedding and honeymoon album!!! What a burden that has been lifted off of my shoulders! In total, I completed 71 pages! I still have SO much to do to ever be totally and completely caught up, but I don't think that will ever happen anyway!
All of us girls had SUCH a blast, the retreat center was beautiful, the meals were yummy, and it was just such a fun and refreshing little getaway. AND, when I came home, Kev had organized a couple of closets AND totally rearranged our bedroom - which looks awesome! He is totally the interior decorator of the family!
Kaden had so much fun this week-end with "just the boys." He has been telling me all about his adventures and how they went to Cabella's and fed the fish, to Cracker Barrel and had pancakes, and to church to sing songs..... AND "I had long long naps, and I missed you SO much!"
Good times!
All of us girls had SUCH a blast, the retreat center was beautiful, the meals were yummy, and it was just such a fun and refreshing little getaway. AND, when I came home, Kev had organized a couple of closets AND totally rearranged our bedroom - which looks awesome! He is totally the interior decorator of the family!
Kaden had so much fun this week-end with "just the boys." He has been telling me all about his adventures and how they went to Cabella's and fed the fish, to Cracker Barrel and had pancakes, and to church to sing songs..... AND "I had long long naps, and I missed you SO much!"
Good times!
A Surprise Gift!
Last year one of my new friends and I went on a week-end long scrapbooking retreat at this beautiful retreat center a couple of hours away for 3 night/2 day week-end. The entire week-end cost $150, but included two nights, all meals, and endless hours of scrapbooking fun! I did Kaden's entire album. Money well spent.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Cute Kaden Quote
I was leaning over Kaden yesterday pulling up his jeans while wearing a tank top that doesn't quite cover my belly anymore. He glanced over at me and exclaimed, "Wow! Your tummy is bigger with that baby in there!" It's the first time he's actually really noticed a difference in how his Mommy has changed. I thought it was so cute - I died laughing! So, now that he knows his comment made me laugh, he likes to make remarks every time he sees my belly.
This COULD get old.......
This COULD get old.......
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