Our house gets painted next week and that should help even more - yeah!
Here's a closeup of our patio now...
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Yard... an update.
I never took pictures of our yard now that the patio has been put in and all of the work has been done. I was waiting for us to get everything planted and the stair railing put up, but I think it might be next spring before that happens now. So I thought I would post our before/after pictures of the backyard. The pink stars I put on the pictures are where the plants will be. And the blue ovals marks where the vegetable garden will be. It's a marked improvement already!
Our house gets painted next week and that should help even more - yeah!
Before
After
Before
After
Here's a closeup of our patio now...
Our house gets painted next week and that should help even more - yeah!
Here's a closeup of our patio now...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Look Nana, it fits!
This post is for my mother who bought this cute little purple number last Christmas thinking it would fit in March. Um...no. Granted it IS a 6 month outfit (3 month sweater) but it's Carter's which runs big and this is also my child we're talking about - skinny little thing.
Ah well.. at least it fits now!
Ah well.. at least it fits now!
Monday, October 6, 2008
It's Been Crazy Round Here
Life has been hectic around here. And I guess that's why the posts have been far and few between. It's a season - not a waning of interest. I want to post, but finding time has been hard to do. As it is, it's almost midnight.
I seem to catch myself coming and going these days. Do you do that? I tend to demand more and more of myself the more I do. Tidy up, stay on top of picture taking, work, make list after list of chores or things to buy or journal new discoveries of Natalie's, read, pray, workout, and the list goes on. And yet, my laundry is un-done, my floors have not been scrubbed, my bathrooms are in desperate need of a cleaning and I haven't worked out in who knows how long. And yet I WANT to accomplish these things. It's as if I'll get all the to-do's scratched off for one single moment, breathe a sigh of "ahhhh" and then the dishes will start piling up in the sink yet again. Does it ever go away?
I fear becoming a slave to the "grown-up stuff" in life. The stuff that will always be there: the need to pay bills, clean the house, make dinner, work, yada yada. I LIKE that stuff. Doing it makes me feel better about myself. (Isn't that silly?) And what does it really add up to? Will they say at my funeral, "she really kept a clean house"? Or, "she always had a healthy dinner on the table"? Seriously. I KNOW that what life's about is really WHO I am at the core. It's about finding time to let God transform me. Because I'm learning, that transformation isn't something that just happens without me allowing it to happen.
I've been reading lately an excerpt from Henri Nouwen's writings regarding solitude. He says that it's the only time that we may hear God's voice in the midst of our daily storm. He talks about shutting out the flood of attention grabbing thoughts that come charging in when we just try to sit silently before the Lord - without motive but to listen. I've found that it's incredibly hard to do. My mind wanders to a task list within 10 seconds of having cleared it. A five minute stretch seems to be an eternity. And yet, I think Henri is on to something. If I find my identity in the "grownup stuff", where is there room for God? How am I to become what He wants? I don't think it means I stop paying the bills, making dinner or cleaning my house. But it does mean that I stop to focus (even if for 5-10 minutes) and clear my mind to hear the Lord and then meditate on His Word. I think eventually that I'll be able to silence the "task lists" during that time and just be in His presence.
So that's what I'm mulling over these day. Other than that, Kevin and I both are traveling a lot this fall. Kevin is away this week, and then again in a few weeks. I leave the end of the month and then am basically gone for all of November. It's going to really be hard to be away from the family for so long, but I absolutely LOVE my normal 30 hr/wk schedule and the ability to work from home so I guess this intermittent travel is a good tradeoff.
We got a new nanny for Natalie. She's a DELIGHT and a total and complete God-send (especially with all this travel coming up for me). We had to fire the nanny before her for having a criminal record and not alerting us. She had been arrested for stealing three weeks prior to starting with us and when confronted told us that she "kinda forgot about that". Nice. The new lady (J), is a Christian woman who attends a nearby church and drops her kids off at the school there every day. She is SO patient with Natalie and does so many creative things with her. We feel so blessed.
Well its after midnight, I ought to be off to bed. Here's a toothy grin to send you on your way. Look at that gap between the front two teeth. You could fit a straw in there - poor kid!
I seem to catch myself coming and going these days. Do you do that? I tend to demand more and more of myself the more I do. Tidy up, stay on top of picture taking, work, make list after list of chores or things to buy or journal new discoveries of Natalie's, read, pray, workout, and the list goes on. And yet, my laundry is un-done, my floors have not been scrubbed, my bathrooms are in desperate need of a cleaning and I haven't worked out in who knows how long. And yet I WANT to accomplish these things. It's as if I'll get all the to-do's scratched off for one single moment, breathe a sigh of "ahhhh" and then the dishes will start piling up in the sink yet again. Does it ever go away?
I fear becoming a slave to the "grown-up stuff" in life. The stuff that will always be there: the need to pay bills, clean the house, make dinner, work, yada yada. I LIKE that stuff. Doing it makes me feel better about myself. (Isn't that silly?) And what does it really add up to? Will they say at my funeral, "she really kept a clean house"? Or, "she always had a healthy dinner on the table"? Seriously. I KNOW that what life's about is really WHO I am at the core. It's about finding time to let God transform me. Because I'm learning, that transformation isn't something that just happens without me allowing it to happen.
I've been reading lately an excerpt from Henri Nouwen's writings regarding solitude. He says that it's the only time that we may hear God's voice in the midst of our daily storm. He talks about shutting out the flood of attention grabbing thoughts that come charging in when we just try to sit silently before the Lord - without motive but to listen. I've found that it's incredibly hard to do. My mind wanders to a task list within 10 seconds of having cleared it. A five minute stretch seems to be an eternity. And yet, I think Henri is on to something. If I find my identity in the "grownup stuff", where is there room for God? How am I to become what He wants? I don't think it means I stop paying the bills, making dinner or cleaning my house. But it does mean that I stop to focus (even if for 5-10 minutes) and clear my mind to hear the Lord and then meditate on His Word. I think eventually that I'll be able to silence the "task lists" during that time and just be in His presence.
So that's what I'm mulling over these day. Other than that, Kevin and I both are traveling a lot this fall. Kevin is away this week, and then again in a few weeks. I leave the end of the month and then am basically gone for all of November. It's going to really be hard to be away from the family for so long, but I absolutely LOVE my normal 30 hr/wk schedule and the ability to work from home so I guess this intermittent travel is a good tradeoff.
We got a new nanny for Natalie. She's a DELIGHT and a total and complete God-send (especially with all this travel coming up for me). We had to fire the nanny before her for having a criminal record and not alerting us. She had been arrested for stealing three weeks prior to starting with us and when confronted told us that she "kinda forgot about that". Nice. The new lady (J), is a Christian woman who attends a nearby church and drops her kids off at the school there every day. She is SO patient with Natalie and does so many creative things with her. We feel so blessed.
Well its after midnight, I ought to be off to bed. Here's a toothy grin to send you on your way. Look at that gap between the front two teeth. You could fit a straw in there - poor kid!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
This Week in Pictures
The nighttime news was just too much to handle.
"Why is she naked?", you ask. Hmmm... you'd need your clothes changed (and a bath) if you were playing in the toilet water too!
Notice the painted toenails. I did it while she was asleep. She LOVED it! I know I'm nuts and that I'm setting my daughter up to be high maintenance and perhaps too "girly" but hey...it was fun.
Yeah for warmer clothes! I was actually shocked she let me put this hat on. She only really would leave it on if I put it on her and distracted her.
Home-grown watermelon from the neighbors garden.
She "chases" now and says "uh oh", wave "bye bye" and understands what it means to "pick up your cup", "change your diaper", etc. She also loves carrying around her shoes. I'm trying to write everything down but it's all happening so fast. I know we'll be out of this stage and on to the next before you know it. I love this kid.
Alright, enough shameless posting of my kid's pictures. I'm off to soak up a little "me" time. What will that look like? Probably playing this game while sitting in my pjs in bed.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Let Her Eat Cake!
So I know it's been a while since her birthday - but at least I'm still in the same month! We had two birthday parties for her - a family birthday party (before everyone left on vacation) and then a friend birthday party. Up until a couple weeks prior to the event, Kevin was adamantly opposed to Natalie having as she "didn't need the sugar" and "she wouldn't know any difference". But after a little coaxing (and probably some peer pressure) he finally conceded to allowing a mini-cupcake. She LOVED it (both times)!
Here are some pictures from the two parties.
Here are some pictures from the two parties.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Around here, a monster's got to work for his keep!
This is usually how I'm greeted in the morning. Bouncing in her crib like there's no tomorrow. I hope I never forget.
It's getting harder and harder to photograph her by myself. She refuses to look at (much less smile for) the camera if its just me and I find myself making a fool out of myself to get her to flash me a grin. It's really a two person job. (Grover was helping this time.) This is probably the result of too much picture taking. The second kid will be throwing his/her body in front of the camera and hamming it up big time so their existence is documented as I'll probably have no time for photos then. Life is just so unfair, little egg, so unfair.
Jamaica Pics - Finally!
Here are pictures from Jamaica! My sister and I had such a good time. Man, I wish I was back! Everyone knew we were sisters and quite a few people we ran into thought we were twins. I have to say - being 6.5 years older than her - that felt PRETTY good.
Here's the view from our room! The color of the building? Lavendar.
My sister bought a dress in town. You REALLY had to bargain. We heard all the lines from the shopkeepers "the more you smile..the less you pay" and so on and so on. Some were so pushy it made it no fun to look. We definitely were done shopping after 2 hours.
The water was SO blue and clear you could stand up to your chest in the water and still see your toes! We went snorkeling on the reef there and I got stung by a fire coral. Its been two weeks since I returned and I STILL have an itchy red mark on my arm.
The swim-up bar at the pool. Why can't they have restaurants with these in the states???
Look Ma, no kids!
I need a way to beam back when life gets hectic here. Thanks for the good time, Lib!
Here you go, Mom and Dad.
I know it's been a while since I posted anything. I haven't felt the blogging bug this week. I am constantly amazed at people that can type something interesting everyday. I've been a bit caught up with things though and I guess the busy schedule squeezes out all of my creativity.
Anyway...My parents wanted a video because they said it had been FOREVER since they'd seen a pic. Ok, mom and dad. Here's a sideways video of a pretty fussy Natalie. Ha! The best I could do in a pinch. I'll try to be better with the blog this week. I'm resolved.
Anyway...My parents wanted a video because they said it had been FOREVER since they'd seen a pic. Ok, mom and dad. Here's a sideways video of a pretty fussy Natalie. Ha! The best I could do in a pinch. I'll try to be better with the blog this week. I'm resolved.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
One.
Today you're one. And though you won't remember it, I drug you all over creation running errands and then tried to find bargain toys because I'll be rolling over in a grave before I spend $37 on a silly Little People toy that you'll play with a few times and then get bored with. We finally crammed the stroller into the too-narrow aisles of a consignment shop and I found what I was looking for on the VERY TOP shelp - a Little People schoolbus: $6.50. Then I woke you up after you JUST drifted off so we could run into a beauty supply store so I could buy some clips for your hair that I could fasten bows to. Buy a bow for $5? Not your mom - if she can make it! Natalie I hope I pass on to you the good things about frugality - not the annoying "pinch a penny at any cost" kind. I think its fun to find a bargain. Hopefully you will too.
Right now you're sitting on my lap, fussing because your nap wasn't QUITE long enough and you're not getting the attention you want from me. You say you don't like it when I type on the computer and expect you to entertain yourself? Come on, kid...this one's for posterity!
I'm so looking forward to watching you grow up. To when we can bake cookies together or scrapbook together or you can slide down the slide all by yourself. But I dont want to rush the now. The first steps, the way you reach out for me to pick you up, the cute way you sign "more" and "all done" and the obnoxious way you push my hand out of the way when you REALLY DONT WANT ANY MORE GREEN BEANS! I can't wait for later, but I want to hold on to NOW with all I have. I love you, Natterbug. You're the sunshine in my day - even when you are having a complete melt-down in the middle of the floor. Gotta go!
Take Me Back!
So I know its been a while since I've written, but I've been off doing important things like sipping fruity cocktails by the pool, stuffing my face with jerk chicken and getting stung by unknown reef inhabitants in Jamaica. Last week, I had a first ever girls getaway with my sister and we really had a terrific and relaxing time. I have yet to get all of the pictures, but here is a snapshot of one particular moment I take myself back to when sogging through poopy diapers and wiping snotty noses.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Walking Breakthrough!
Natalie has had a walking breakthrough! Before today she'd only done 3-5 steps at most. Suddenly she's pretty brave!
I should also mention that she has some teeth coming through! About time! It was getting a little difficult to gum all of her food. There's one poking through on the top and another on the bottom just starting to show (not pictured).
Here's the closeup of the top tooth.
I should also mention that she has some teeth coming through! About time! It was getting a little difficult to gum all of her food. There's one poking through on the top and another on the bottom just starting to show (not pictured).
Here's the closeup of the top tooth.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Branson Pics...Finally!
So, we had a wonderful time in Branson, MO last week for our family vacation. You know how you wonder if you just "glorify" things in your youth and if it would really be just as much fun as your remember? Well Branson delivered. I probably had MORE fun at Silver Dollar City than I've ever had. Probably due to the sheer number of memories I've made at that place.
Here's a picture diary of our trip.
On the way down we stopped at Mr. Yens for some Springfield Chinese and then on to Pineapple Whip. I didn't get a picture by the hula girl because I was in a hurry as it was raining. But I did get a picture of me holding the beloved pineapple whip/grape twist cone. I love those things!
We stayed at a huge community of timeshares, actual homes and nightly rentals called StoneBridge with my parents and my sister. It was a maze inside, but very nicely kept. Our lodge was right on a humongous pond.
My uncle and his family came up from Arkansas to hang out with us and see Natalie. It's been a while! My grandparents were also in town staying at a hotel in the "show district".
Uncle Mike and Natalie
We had breakfast here - it was GOOD.
The weather was weird the week we were there. It was COLD for August (68-72). Too cold the first few days to do anything in the water. Here's a run-down of what we saw...
I still love Grandfather's Mansion at Silver Dollar City
We had to bail Natalie out of a little trouble
We got a chance to meet up with Angie, Reese and Miriam at the Landing at a good restaurant called Cantina Laredo. My visit with Angie and Miriam was too short, but I was SO glad to be able to catch up over dinner.
Cantina Laredo was so good we took the rest of the group back for another meal. Guacamole prepared table-side, flank steak wrapped around roasted poblano peppers, frozen margaritas... can anyone say "YUM"?
Reese - such a doll!
Don't we look saintly with those flames over our heads??? The light show at the Landing was pretty cool!
Poppo and Me
We HAD to take a picture of this down at the Landing. This was NOT the only sign we saw like this. Come ON folks.
On our last full day in town the sun peaked out for the afternoon and we took advantage and rented a boat. I am DEFINITELY not as young as I used to be - I was SO sore the next day from tubing.
All in all it was a wonderful time. I even squeezed in a visit with my friends Matt & Beth (at a pizza place Natalie sent people packing from because she was SOOO super tired) and Rachel (all in KC). I wish I had more time to spend and hate the fact I have friends I only get to see for a few hours once a year... but I am so grateful that we still maintain those connections. I HEART Missouri.
Here's a picture diary of our trip.
On the way down we stopped at Mr. Yens for some Springfield Chinese and then on to Pineapple Whip. I didn't get a picture by the hula girl because I was in a hurry as it was raining. But I did get a picture of me holding the beloved pineapple whip/grape twist cone. I love those things!
We stayed at a huge community of timeshares, actual homes and nightly rentals called StoneBridge with my parents and my sister. It was a maze inside, but very nicely kept. Our lodge was right on a humongous pond.
My uncle and his family came up from Arkansas to hang out with us and see Natalie. It's been a while! My grandparents were also in town staying at a hotel in the "show district".
The weather was weird the week we were there. It was COLD for August (68-72). Too cold the first few days to do anything in the water. Here's a run-down of what we saw...
On our last full day in town the sun peaked out for the afternoon and we took advantage and rented a boat. I am DEFINITELY not as young as I used to be - I was SO sore the next day from tubing.
All in all it was a wonderful time. I even squeezed in a visit with my friends Matt & Beth (at a pizza place Natalie sent people packing from because she was SOOO super tired) and Rachel (all in KC). I wish I had more time to spend and hate the fact I have friends I only get to see for a few hours once a year... but I am so grateful that we still maintain those connections. I HEART Missouri.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Almost 1 Year
It's been a little while since I've put pictures of Natalie up and I know my parents are always chomping at the bit for new ones. I was going to post pictures from our trip to Branson, but I'm still awaiting pictures from my sister's camera. I haven't forgotten to post, though. So, stay tuned.
These pictures are from today. She figured out how to get herself behind the tv armoire where I can't quite reach her and there's all sorts of fun cords to play with. Quite the little rascal.
These pictures are from today. She figured out how to get herself behind the tv armoire where I can't quite reach her and there's all sorts of fun cords to play with. Quite the little rascal.
What a Bargain!
Kevin and I have been pinching penny's in August. Well, somewhat. We had a few things we planned to spend money on (family birthdays, our anniversary and vacation to Branson) but otherwise we're trying to reign in our "normal" spending. So, I've tried to find some creative ways to enjoy a day out of the house without spending a ton of $$. Today I was marveling at a deal I'd gotten on something in particular when it hit me...I'd had a WHOLE DAY of bargains. "What do you mean?", you ask out of politeness, really hoping I wont bore you with the details. Well...DON'T PUT IT PAST ME. =)
Lauren's Cheap-O Day of Fun (aka Wednesday)
1) Breakfast with a friend at Panera...Natalie in tow - $3.39
2) Pedicure...Natalie NOT in tow, thank goodness - $4 (thanks to a bit of birthday cash from my grandparents I hadn't yet spent...thanks Mommo & Poppo!)
3) J.Crew Bermuda Shorts on clearance at the THRIFT STORE - .50 (yeah, that's 50 cents!)
4) Style & Co. polo-style shirt (thrift store find too...looks like its never been worn) - $4.79 (I actually thought this was a bit expensive for the thrift store)
5) Semi-annual haircut - $15 (honestly, she gave me a discount and didnt dry it)
6) Re-usable plastic cup full of soda from Baja Fresh - 2.02 (not a deal but I can use this for my upcoming trip to Jamaica)
7) A trip to CVS to buy things and get Extra Care Bucks - spent $14 using a coupon and got $6 in Extra Care bucks for next time
8) Baby seat for my bike (Craigslist find) - $15
9) Meximelt for Natalie's Dinner (I'm cringing at this one. I just fed my daughter horse meat or something I'm sure, but I didnt want to cook.) - 1.39
10) Chipotle Salad for dinner for me & Drink - FREE!!! (my work had some sort of appreciation day with them today where all employees could get a free meal...woot!)
Total for the day o' fun (net out-of-pocket): $54.09 That's not too bad for a haircut, an outfit, a pedicure, three meals, a baby seat for my bike, a few things from CVS and a cup!
I did also go to Target and get some essentials that didn't really factor into the "day o' fun" so I didn't list them here. However, I did buy one thing there that I thought was a pretty good deal.
How could you pass this up for $2.98?
Lauren's Cheap-O Day of Fun (aka Wednesday)
1) Breakfast with a friend at Panera...Natalie in tow - $3.39
2) Pedicure...Natalie NOT in tow, thank goodness - $4 (thanks to a bit of birthday cash from my grandparents I hadn't yet spent...thanks Mommo & Poppo!)
3) J.Crew Bermuda Shorts on clearance at the THRIFT STORE - .50 (yeah, that's 50 cents!)
4) Style & Co. polo-style shirt (thrift store find too...looks like its never been worn) - $4.79 (I actually thought this was a bit expensive for the thrift store)
5) Semi-annual haircut - $15 (honestly, she gave me a discount and didnt dry it)
6) Re-usable plastic cup full of soda from Baja Fresh - 2.02 (not a deal but I can use this for my upcoming trip to Jamaica)
7) A trip to CVS to buy things and get Extra Care Bucks - spent $14 using a coupon and got $6 in Extra Care bucks for next time
8) Baby seat for my bike (Craigslist find) - $15
9) Meximelt for Natalie's Dinner (I'm cringing at this one. I just fed my daughter horse meat or something I'm sure, but I didnt want to cook.) - 1.39
10) Chipotle Salad for dinner for me & Drink - FREE!!! (my work had some sort of appreciation day with them today where all employees could get a free meal...woot!)
Total for the day o' fun (net out-of-pocket): $54.09 That's not too bad for a haircut, an outfit, a pedicure, three meals, a baby seat for my bike, a few things from CVS and a cup!
I did also go to Target and get some essentials that didn't really factor into the "day o' fun" so I didn't list them here. However, I did buy one thing there that I thought was a pretty good deal.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Why I blog...and other randomness
A friend of mine asked why I blog...and it got me thinking.
I dont blog nearly as much as I'd like. But I guess I blog because I have a lot of people I care about that I get to talk to rather infrequently. So its a good way for them to keep in touch. It does weird me out that people read my blog that I don't know, but not enough to lock it down. I guess I figure if somebody I don't know is actually interested in something I type - that validates my thoughts that maybe my friends dont just read my blog for the pictures of Natalie. Or else it means they're a psycho. I'll go with option A.
I wish that I could blog mentally... that would be the best. Like when I'm standing in line at Target and some kid starts picking their boogers and flicking them into their mom's hair without her knowing. The big problem is that I take note of that and think "I should blog this" but then I get distracted and the day ends and all I can think of to blog about that night is "went to the store, ate dinner, went to bed". Sounds a bit like a gerbil. I started carrying around a digital recorder so I can remind myself of those blog-worthy moments later on. I'm not sure if it's helped so much, but it is rather amusing. I bought this thing about 4 years ago for a work presentation I needed to memorize. I never really did that, but in the process of carrying it around I used it to rant one particular time about a *ahem* disagreement my darling husband and I had. I never deleted it and to this day its still there. I think I went on for about 10 minutes detailing my side of the story and how he was SO WRONG. We listened to it recently because I thought it would be a good laugh but we just ended up bickering about it all over again...4 YEAR LATER. Nice.
...WARNING: BIG Tangent...Is it just me or does everyone HATE their voice on recordings? Why is it that your voice inside your head sounds so much less annoying when its coming out of your mouth rather than a tape recorder? And will Natalie ever know what a TAPE recorder is? She'll probably just think tape is what you use to wrap a present. Speaking of... I was thinking of not getting her anything for her birthday. Is that bad? Do I have to go out and buy her a toy for her 1st birthday? I know... it's awful, but what does she need? I could go out and pay full price for a toy that would be just as nice as all the other garage sale finds we have, but honestly, my child would enjoy a cardboard box at this stage of the game. Do you recycle? I started recycling last year on Kevin's birthday and I feel pretty good about it. My BIGGEST pet peeve about that is holding onto all of the recycling in our garage for two weeks at a clip. It takes up so much dang space! Speaking of pet peeves, I'm starting to get REALLY annoyed by sitters/nanny's that you ask to call you and instead correspond in email. My last sitter was so frustrating as she would ONLY communicate through texting. I, even though I'm a techy person, happen to HATE texting. I've warmed up to it ever so slightly since I've gotten a phone with a QWERTY keyboard, but it's still obnoxious because I could have had my questions answered in a whole lot less time on the phone than it takes me to text them back and forth.
Alright, I probably better sign off. I've been avoiding my devotionals for the past few weeks and its starting to really bother me. So I'm off to try to focus. I need to get into something really good - because just flipping open the Bible to any old verse is NOT inspiring in the least. I'm reading a book entitled "The Deeper Journey" and getting ready to start a study with a few girls I know. Hopefully something will kickstart my butt into gear because things are pretty D*R*Y. Anybody else struggle with this stuff??
Signing off. Night all.
I dont blog nearly as much as I'd like. But I guess I blog because I have a lot of people I care about that I get to talk to rather infrequently. So its a good way for them to keep in touch. It does weird me out that people read my blog that I don't know, but not enough to lock it down. I guess I figure if somebody I don't know is actually interested in something I type - that validates my thoughts that maybe my friends dont just read my blog for the pictures of Natalie. Or else it means they're a psycho. I'll go with option A.
I wish that I could blog mentally... that would be the best. Like when I'm standing in line at Target and some kid starts picking their boogers and flicking them into their mom's hair without her knowing. The big problem is that I take note of that and think "I should blog this" but then I get distracted and the day ends and all I can think of to blog about that night is "went to the store, ate dinner, went to bed". Sounds a bit like a gerbil. I started carrying around a digital recorder so I can remind myself of those blog-worthy moments later on. I'm not sure if it's helped so much, but it is rather amusing. I bought this thing about 4 years ago for a work presentation I needed to memorize. I never really did that, but in the process of carrying it around I used it to rant one particular time about a *ahem* disagreement my darling husband and I had. I never deleted it and to this day its still there. I think I went on for about 10 minutes detailing my side of the story and how he was SO WRONG. We listened to it recently because I thought it would be a good laugh but we just ended up bickering about it all over again...4 YEAR LATER. Nice.
...WARNING: BIG Tangent...Is it just me or does everyone HATE their voice on recordings? Why is it that your voice inside your head sounds so much less annoying when its coming out of your mouth rather than a tape recorder? And will Natalie ever know what a TAPE recorder is? She'll probably just think tape is what you use to wrap a present. Speaking of... I was thinking of not getting her anything for her birthday. Is that bad? Do I have to go out and buy her a toy for her 1st birthday? I know... it's awful, but what does she need? I could go out and pay full price for a toy that would be just as nice as all the other garage sale finds we have, but honestly, my child would enjoy a cardboard box at this stage of the game. Do you recycle? I started recycling last year on Kevin's birthday and I feel pretty good about it. My BIGGEST pet peeve about that is holding onto all of the recycling in our garage for two weeks at a clip. It takes up so much dang space! Speaking of pet peeves, I'm starting to get REALLY annoyed by sitters/nanny's that you ask to call you and instead correspond in email. My last sitter was so frustrating as she would ONLY communicate through texting. I, even though I'm a techy person, happen to HATE texting. I've warmed up to it ever so slightly since I've gotten a phone with a QWERTY keyboard, but it's still obnoxious because I could have had my questions answered in a whole lot less time on the phone than it takes me to text them back and forth.
Alright, I probably better sign off. I've been avoiding my devotionals for the past few weeks and its starting to really bother me. So I'm off to try to focus. I need to get into something really good - because just flipping open the Bible to any old verse is NOT inspiring in the least. I'm reading a book entitled "The Deeper Journey" and getting ready to start a study with a few girls I know. Hopefully something will kickstart my butt into gear because things are pretty D*R*Y. Anybody else struggle with this stuff??
Signing off. Night all.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Us
((picture removed by Editor (Kevin)-- Reason: Kevin thought this was a terrible picture of him!!!! ))
Has it really been 6 years? My, how its flown by!
I can still remember the nerves I had on our wedding day and the fear I saw in your eyes as you worried I might hike up my skirt and sprint down the aisle with a case of cold feet. I think if Natalie ever tells me she wants to get married to someone she met 3 months prior I'll sit on her myself! But God knew what He was doing when He lead us to each other... how glad I am now that we listened to His voice.
You're my very best friend and my biggest cheerleader. You challenge me get to the root of what I'm sad about and don't let me mope without reason. You sing silly made-up songs to make me laugh and enjoy getting excited about good food with me. You're a bit of a redneck-renaissance-man and make me laugh with you're diverse interests like fine wine, classical music, gourmet food, fishing and hunting and beer. You love our daughter without reservation and are actively involved in the not-so-glamorous details like diapers, feedings and getting out of bed to soothe her when she's crying. I never have to worry about asking you to stay with her - you're a natural and always so attentive. Kev, you're more than I could have asked for in a husband and I hope we get to have a ton more anniversaries together each one growing more and more in love.
Always Your Girl,
Lauren
Has it really been 6 years? My, how its flown by!
I can still remember the nerves I had on our wedding day and the fear I saw in your eyes as you worried I might hike up my skirt and sprint down the aisle with a case of cold feet. I think if Natalie ever tells me she wants to get married to someone she met 3 months prior I'll sit on her myself! But God knew what He was doing when He lead us to each other... how glad I am now that we listened to His voice.
You're my very best friend and my biggest cheerleader. You challenge me get to the root of what I'm sad about and don't let me mope without reason. You sing silly made-up songs to make me laugh and enjoy getting excited about good food with me. You're a bit of a redneck-renaissance-man and make me laugh with you're diverse interests like fine wine, classical music, gourmet food, fishing and hunting and beer. You love our daughter without reservation and are actively involved in the not-so-glamorous details like diapers, feedings and getting out of bed to soothe her when she's crying. I never have to worry about asking you to stay with her - you're a natural and always so attentive. Kev, you're more than I could have asked for in a husband and I hope we get to have a ton more anniversaries together each one growing more and more in love.
Always Your Girl,
Lauren
Funny Story
I was at the grocery store today with Natalie getting a few things for a picnic I am headed to tonight. As we were wrapping up, a very nice, albeit quiet, black teenager was ringing up our items. (Why do I mention he was black? You'll see....)
Natalie was happy a clam and had been making friends all over the grocery store. She's busy babbling up a storm and then it happened. My blonde-haired baby looks at the cashier and starts saying "Da Da Da Da Da Da Da". He looked at me and raised his eyebrows. Ha! What could I do but just smile? I'm sure he'll be trying to figure that one out the rest of the day!
Natalie was happy a clam and had been making friends all over the grocery store. She's busy babbling up a storm and then it happened. My blonde-haired baby looks at the cashier and starts saying "Da Da Da Da Da Da Da". He looked at me and raised his eyebrows. Ha! What could I do but just smile? I'm sure he'll be trying to figure that one out the rest of the day!
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