My Adorable Daughter

So, Christa said the cutest things yesterday that I thought were worth re-telling here on the blog. Prepare yourselves for an actual, entertaining story... I'll give you a moment...

Ok, so last night we went to dinner at the hospital with Cline. I had high aspirations of stopping by the grocery store to pick up a few things, and then, if all went well, even going to Home Depot to return some plastic doorknob covers that I had accidentally purchased too many of. I was going to do these things *by myself* with my *two children*, and I have to say I was already feeling pretty smug about it. Anyway, as we were driving home, we passed by a great church in the middle of town who puts on a live Nativity Scene at Christmas every year. Well, yesterday evening, they were re-enacting Jesus washing the disciples feet, and then the Last Supper, in honor of Easter. I just love this church and the ways they've found to minister to the community! I pointed the activity out to Christa, and she replied, "I want to go see." I agreed, and proceeded to go around the block for another look. Christa continued to express interest in it, so I decided that an opportunity to tell her about the true meaning behind all of the Easter-egg-hunting we've been doing lately was more important than having apple juice for my infant. I'd just have to figure something else out in that department.

We pulled into the parking lot, and I got the kids out so we could sit and watch for a few minutes. I did my best to explain to Christa what "Jesus" was doing and why this group of people were eating together. A nice lady offered me communion, which I accepted with the most reverence I could muster, while trying to make sure Christa didn't run out into the busy street about 5 feet away from us. In spite of that distraction, I was almost moved to tears at this impromptu opportunity to worship and share Jesus with my daughter.

A few minutes later, Christa's Preschool teacher came up to us. Ms. Susan is a member at this particular church, and she picked Christa up and asked if she could take her inside where Christa's Kindermusik teacher was. I said that was fine. A few minutes later, Ms. Susan came back out with Christa and informed me that Christa needed to ask Jesus if she could have a cookie. I busted out laughing, and agreed that she could, indeed, partake of the cookie.

We all went inside for a minute and I was introduced to several people. Just as we were about to leave, Christa said, "I need Jesus to wash my feet." So adorable! I offered to wash them for her when we got home, but she decided she just wanted a bath instead.

Before bed, I decided that our bible story for that evening would be the story of Jesus' crucifixion. When we got to the part where Jesus was actually hanging on the cross, picture included, Christa lovingly pointed out his "boo-boos." I told her that Jesus was so sad to be on the cross and that He had many boo-boos. So she kissed each one of them. She's been fixated on that picture and that story ever since.

The past 2 days have been amazing, and it is so humbling to be able to have these conversations with Christa. I am so honored to be able to share these stories and His love with her. I don't know how much she is "getting" at this point, but I sure hope I am laying a solid foundation for her. I am also realizing I need to brush up on my bible stories so that I can tell her about them accurately when these opportunities come up!

Well, we have a big day planned tomorrow, so I'd better go pack clothes and Easter baskets!

Happy Easter!

Quick Update

Hey guys! I plan to post pictures soon - Cline really needs to show me how to download them myself onto the new computer! As soon as he does, I'll have some new ones.

Just a quick update on the family. We're doing great and enjoying some beautiful weather around here. Easter weekend is supposed to be gorgeous, so we have several egg hunts and outdoor activities planned!

Cline is staying busy at work. He's not working any more than he was before, but it has felt like that lately for some reason. We used a good bit of off time this month to go to San Antonio (where I was the Matron of Honor for my college roommate's wedding), so maybe that's why things have seemed more hectic. We had a great trip! Did I tell you about it already? I'm thinking I did - my brain doesn't work so well these days :)

I am finally starting to feel adjusted to having two kids. That took a while! Actually, there are still days when I feel pretty overwhelmed, but I'm having more and more days where I feel like a normal person and not a crazy loon who doesn't know where to start! We're staying at home a little more these days - it's exhausting to take both girls out, and it's easier here. I probably over-schedule us, because I am someone who likes to be on the go as opposed to sitting around the house. There are so many activities I want to do and friends I want to see. But I'm learning to make time to just relax at the house and let the kids enjoy their toys here, too - I think it's a good thing for all of us!

I'm looking into Dance Camp for Christa this summer. Our local Civic Ballet has a wonderful, Christian program called Footsteps in Faith that I have heard rave reviews about. I'm going to try her in their summer camp for a week, and if she likes it, I think I'll enroll her in the program in the Fall. I never took dance, and have always wanted my little girl to - I can't wait to see recitals! Hopefully she'll like it, and if she doesn't, then we'll try something else.

Also, we are planning a very exciting trip to Disney World!!!! We plan to go in May, hopefully before school gets out and it gets crazy busy! This year, both Cline and I are turning 30 and celebrating our 5 year anniversary. Since I'm too chicken to leave the girls for very long, or fly on a plane without them, we decided to take them as well as Cline's youngest brother, Cleve, with us on a nice vacation. Disney was the obvious choice for us, since we need a kid-friendly place. I can't wait - I haven't been in years, and if Christa takes to the characters like she took to the Easter Bunny, we will have a blast!

In other news, Abby Kate is starting to sleep mostly through the night most nights. I've given up on having a predictable nap schedule, and am trying to enjoy the flexibility she gives me by only needing cat naps. I don't think she gets the minimum 12 hours of sleep that they're supposed to get at her age, but she's happy as can be ALL the time. She's eating baby food, and after a few weeks of talking her into it, she can't get enough. Oh yeah, and she's crawling now. I'm proud of her, but I'm hoping she's not going to be one of those 9-month walkers. Christa took her first steps with coaxing on her 15-month birthday, and that suited me just fine!

Well, I'm going to try and get some laundry and straightening done before Christa wakes up and we go enjoy some outside time. Have a great day!

The Day After The Vote

Alright, I'm going to type a few thoughts on the healthcare vote, because you all know I have them! I've spent the day reading the Facebook postings and blogs, and trying to lick my wounds from last night. What happened is a scary thing, for sure, and I think the next few months will be interesting to say the least.
I am most broken-hearted about the abortion language. To make me participate in an act that I find morally reprehensible by using my tax dollars to fund abortions is... well, there just aren't words. I certainly don't have very many nice things to say about Congressman Stupak tonight.
"But at least the government option didn't get through!!!" Yeah, let's look at that. The bill prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. It's an issue that certainly needs to be addressed, but what's to stop healthy people from dropping their coverage and opting to pay the minimal fine, since they can be covered at a moment's notice should something go wrong with their health?? That will drive prices out of reach for most Americans (you think they're high now???), and private insurance companies will go out of business, or morph into the government option pretty quickly.  (If anyone has any estimates on the time frame for this, I'd be interested to know).

I spent a lot of time yesterday praying that God would intervene and send an "attack of conscience" to those who were prepared to vote "yes" on this bill. As we know the bill passed - 2 weeks before Easter. In my opinion, it's a horrible, unjust, cruel bill, and the exact wrong thing was done last night that will have horrible, horrible consequences for our nation. I am outraged that my "elected leadership" used my tax dollars to buy votes for a bill that I want no part of with no regard for what the American people want, not to mention the enormous rule-changing that took place.
And then I remember that this isn't the first time that a horrible, unjust, cruel, exact wrong thing was done by a government. In 12 days we are going to celebrate "Black Friday" - a day when a government leader listened to the loud cries of a very wrong and unfair crowd and let a murderer walk free while the perfect, sinless, Son of God went to die the most horrible, unfair, cruel, exact wrong death - perfectly line with God's plan for His Son and our world. I imagine that Mary, the Disciples, and a few others watched in disbelief, shock, and disappointment in their leadership, and many of their fellow citizens, as our Messiah was beaten and hung to die. And as a result of that terrible tragedy, God brought immeasurable good as only He can.
No government decision, no matter how despicably crafted, will ever be as unjust and far-reaching as the decision made on Black Friday. This healthcare bill pales in comparison to the wrong that was done to Jesus during His last days on this earth. Although I don't think the healthcare bill resembles anything close to the Christian principles that this country was founded on, I do believe that God can and will bring good out of it and that like all things, it falls perfectly in line with His plan for our world.

It still stings a little today, though....

A Family Update

Good evening! The kids are in bed at a decent time tonight, and before I do the happy dance and call it a night, I thought I'd better make sure my oldest child doesn't escape from her room 10 times, as has been her recent pattern! So, I figured I'd blog with this time.

We're doing well, as always, but the past week has been a bit challenging. We went to San Antonio for my college roommate's wedding last week/weekend and had a blast. The kids did great on both flights, and I was really glad that they aren't old enough to sense my fear on airplanes. Christa loved it - even the very bumpy ride back and thought it was a fun ride. I informed Cline that we're never flying again (as I have sworn for our last 3 trips :) I wish I wasn't scared of flying - I enjoy the thought of traveling to exotic lands. But I worry for weeks leading up to the flight, and the actual experience is torture.

At any rate, the wedding was beautiful. I was honored to be the Matron-of-Honor and quite pleased to fit into my dress (although I was hoping it would be a little big by now, but that's another rant for another day)! The kids did great, but it was a long trip for them. They got wayyyyyy off of the nice sleep schedule we were starting to establish. Christa went for several days without a nap and a late bedtime, and today is the first day she's napped and gone to bed without a 2 hour talk about going to sleep since we returned home. To add to that, poor Abby Kate flew back home with a fever and was diagnosed with an ear infection (and probably a virus or two on top of that) on Tuesday. She seems to be doing better now, with the help of some antibiotics, but she's still not eating wonderfully.

Needless to say, it's been a hectic and exhausting week for us. I'm hoping the girls sleep well tonight and that by tomorrow I can officially declare us back on schedule! I'm really looking forward to some warmer weather and hopefully sunnier days. I am very much over the rainy winter and want more daylight hours.

Well, I'm off to surf Facebook for a little while before I decide that Christa is actually going to bed :) Have a great night!

No Time For Words...

... but thanks to my wonderful mother, who is watching my children right now, here are some pictures for you to enjoy! Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to put them in order, so I'll just tell you what's going on and about when they were taken.

Abby Kate is 6 months old!! (March 2, 2010)

She's scarily close to crawling - she has no teeth and can't sit up, but she's starting to scoot on her hands and knees - HELP!!

This picture was taken sometime a couple of weeks ago - my girls still love each other so much, although we're having to explain to Christa that it's not OK to hit or kick even if it's just a game.

Winter trip to Gatlinburg in February!

Snowball fun!

Sweet sisters!

Cline and I went to an auction recently - I'm not actually as "busty" as I appear here - I guess it was the dress.

Abby Kate is 5 months old (February 2, 2010). Christa wore this outfit that a sweet friend handmade with room to spare at 6 months old. When I put it on Abby Kate at 5 months, it was already a little snug.

Gotta run - don't want to take advantage of the help :) Thanks mom!

Not that I Think Anyone Actually Checks This Blog Anymore....

..... but I do have plans to post some pictures in the next couple of weeks. We're pretty slammed right now with a wedding in San Antonio coming up (please start prayers for smooth and safe flights now:) and just life in general is hectic. I do appreciate those of you who continue to keep me on Google Reader and drop an occasional comment. I know that this blog isn't what it used to be. Honestly, I've thought about dropping it altogether, but I read something tonight that might make me reconsider. It is my version of scrap booking and a nice little place to tuck away some fun memories of these great days. For that reason alone, I'm going to try and write enough to keep this blog going until these busy days offer me a little more time and energy than they have for the last year.

For the next 2 weeks, I have some projects and traveling to do, but after that, I hope to make pictures a high priority. Until then, have a great day!

I'm Really Trying....

.... but I just can't find time to update this blog! I'm not giving it up or anything; I'm just drowning in the daily chores of parenting, social activities, paperwork, and rearranging the house over and over again trying to find a set-up that is both functional and minimally attractive! (Some new furniture would help this endeavor greatly, but in the meantime, I'm doing my best to work with what we've got).

Briefly, I'll update you on what's been happening around here, and hopefully I'll post some pictures sometime before Abby Kate's first birthday :) Christa is growing more every day. She speaks soooooo well, and carries on complete conversations quite articulately. She's still a little junk-food junkie, and when we offer her 2 or 3 M&Ms as a treat for trying to go potty, she will say "I need big M&Ms" (meaning a large handful). She cracks us up daily, and has lots of little songs she likes to sing. Tonight, she entertained us by galloping around Wal-Mart, enthusiastically yelling, "yeah!" I guess she was excited to be there. Who can blame her?? Yesterday, she discovered she can write letters on her Magna-Doodle with some tracer-plastic-thingies (yes, that is the official name for these learning tools :), and is quite proud of herself when she finishes. She will hold it up and proudly say, "Look, Mommy, Look!"

Abby Kate and I are still working through feeding issues - keeping her fed is a full-time job, and our lactation consultant still isn't quite satisfied with her weight gain, so we've stepped the supplements up another notch. Dare I say that we may have found the right feeding routine because she has slept much better the past few nights and is going a good 4 hours in between feedings now. At the advice of several trusted friends, I went ahead and moved her to her crib, even though she was still waking up 3-5 times a night. Let me just say that this move has greatly improved our relationship! She is such a delightful baby, and her smiles are all the more adorable now that I've gotten a couple of nights of decent sleep.

As for me, I'm staying busy meeting the demands of the two sweetest girls on the planet day in and day out. I've also been busy with my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, organizing play dates and trying to start a couple of supper clubs. I'm starting to feel like I can handle 2 kids and have some version of a social life, too!

I'm also on Facebook now, and update that a little more often, so friend me there for more frequent updates. I'm still trying to keep this blog updated, as I do enjoy writing here, but it's pretty obvious that the weekly updates are still a little too ambitious.

I'll try to post some pictures really soon! Have a great day!