Family Picnic

The simple things bring the biggest smiles for everyone some days!

Battling It Out

Well, this is how it is some days. With Edwin working from home and now needing to study for his 2nd national board exam (aka Step 2) I don't know that I will ever get a few minutes to post a blog or read an email. But I am hopeful that some days the universe will move in my favor and both my girls will nap at the same time, Edwin will not need the computer and I will return to indulge in the glorious blessings of the Internet. For now I will settle with the 10 minutes I have right now to let you know...it may be a while before I return! However, Edwin had better be careful because I do have a tough right hook!!!

Eavesdropping On Grace

We overheard Grace singing her ABCs! She did it by herself with everything in order!

(Okay so she missed the letters "E" and "L" but come on she's not quite 2!)

Something Beautiful for God

I recently read the book "Something Beautiful for God" by Malcolm Muggeridge. It is a view into Mother Teresa's life and work. The book is broken into three parts. Part One is the author's view and perspective on Mother Teresa's lifestyle and dedication to her faith. The author is not catholic and doesn't anticipate that he will ever join the church despite his feelings of wanting to belong to something great. There are some very political and religious points the author makes and I was grateful for his willingness to share his own perspective on Mother Teresa's life. While discussing the value of life he states that life is always precious or it is never precious, but it can't be precious some of the time and disregarded other times. People are therefore all precious all of the time or no one is ever precious. Part Two includes Mother Teresa's philosophies on topics such as Service, Prayer, Holiness, Silence, Love, and many other poignant ideas. This is a refreshing look at how intricately her religion is woven into her life. Her love for Christ affects every aspect of her life, as it very well should. I was touched by her dedication to religious services and the strength she drew from worshipping the Lord. She needed Him daily and made prayer and worship the highest priority every day. Part Three is an interview between the author and Mother Teresa. There is only dialog, no fillers or third party interpretations. I could really get a sense of Mother Teresa's simple view on life and how to serve God. Her faith and devotion shine brilliantly and I enjoyed reading her words.

I remember being in high school when she passed away. I did not know very much about Mother Teresa other than she was a nun who received the Noble Peace Prize and was rather old and homely looking. Since reading this book I have come to appreciate the way she lived her life and the philosophies she treasured and shared with the world. Mother Teresa taught school to the poor children in the neighborhood. She also created a place to tend to the unwanted babies (a growing trend among the middle-class youth is to induce early labor and leave the fetus with the midwives). This kind woman found a way to purchase a printing press for the lepers so they would be able to make pamphlets and sell them to the public to provide for their livelihood. I was especially touched by the Home for the Dying. A place of beauty for the homeless and forgotten people to die peacefully. A place for the forsaken to be loved one last time before leaving the cruel world they had known.

I feel the need to follow Christ's example and serve others. Some days I am overwhelmed by the insurmountable task to be Christlike in all things, however, I am filled with hope when I find others who have succeeded and live truly beautiful lives. Mother Teresa speaks volumes when she says the basic need every individual must receive is love. Human love.

At the Lake

Edwin kept asking me what I wanted for my birthday, and after several weeks of this I finally found something worth having! A quiet morning on the lake enjoying nature.

Edwin gave me the world!

Family campsite

Our fishing hole

Dad and Grace going fishing and finding "camping treasures"

Grace fishing with Daddy

Grace fishing alone

Girls hanging out at the campfire

Edwin's catfish

Anne ready to go home!

Turning 27

27 AND PROUD!!!

Today I'm 27! It's not customary for my generation to be pleased with getting older, but I'm totally excited to face another year for growing and changing. When I was a child I couldn't wait until I could wear nylons and shave my legs. Then I was excited to drive and date. Soon I was awaiting graduation and college. Then I looked forward to a mission. Once home from my mission I prepared to marry Edwin. Now I'm 27 with two little girls, staying at home, and supporting Edwin emotionally while he strives to reach his dreams. What can a happy woman possibly be looking forward to reaching in the years ahead? Freedom!

One of the things I like best about getting older are the liberties and freedoms I allow myself. I'm not talking about freedom from tyranny or anything that oppressive, but rather freedom from trends and social pressures. The freedom to go to the grocery store confidently without wearing make-up. The freedom to embrace simplicity and not be apologetic because it doesn't fit the social norms. The freedom to be me and the wisdom to realize that who I am IS ENOUGH!

I still feel young, but I am grateful the era in life were I was blindly grasping to find myself has come to an end. I have now entered the era to EMBRACE myself and my family.

Edwin's love and my desire to be a GREAT mom by being a better ME have helped me to let go of the pressures I often feel from my own peer group. I know I still have a long way to go before I am completely okay to be me, but I'm well on my way. My birthday is a day to celebrate where I've been and where I'm going. The future is looking good!

Now I know why my mother loves the poem, When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple by Jenny Joseph.

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired
and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
and run my stick along the public railings
and make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
and pick the flowers in other people's gardens
and learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
and eat three pounds of sausages at a go
or only bread and pickles for a week
and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
and pay our rent and not swear in the street
and set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Blessing Anne

Anne's Blessing Day

Uncle Daniel, Uncle Richard, Aunt Leonora, Anne, Edwin, Grace, and Jen

Anne

September Goals

I learned a few things last month about setting and accomplishing goals. First, I had too many goals to think about all at once. With the difficulties and changes in life if I'm going to set goals and hope to accomplish them I need to be a little less aggressive. The second lesson I learned was the need to be very specific. Because my original goal was to exercise 3 days a week I would spend too much time every day trying to decide if "today was going to be an exercise day". After a week or two the internal battle was more difficult than actually exercising. So it is no surprise that I didn't even come close to success! Lesson number three was about relationships and goals. Although the goal was Friday night date nights at home, Edwin often times fell asleep during Grace's bedtime. I realize now that I don't think I even told him about my desire to have some quiet couple time on Fridays. So the lesson about relationships....I had better clue the other party in on my goals if I'm hoping for changes and results!

With those lessons in mind here's what I have planned for September!

• Physical- Walk Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings with Edwin and the girls Leave the house by 7:30 am!
• Spiritual- Memorize one scripture a week.
• Personal- Institute new menu planning techniques and have meals planned at least one week in advance.

August Goals Report

Well, well, well... August goals?! August was a lost cause as far as goals went. It was all I could do to survive it. But we made it out alive and September is looking much more productive! On the bright side of things, we did try two new dessert recipes. Frozen ice cream squares (not so successful at a baby shower) and strawberry freeze crunch were this months tasty treats. I'd post the recipes, but that would require more typing...maybe in the future or if requested. Edwin really enjoyed the strawberry freeze crunch, it was one of his favorite desserts growing up. We were able to share this with several people in our little community. I like dessert groups where we get to know a few new people in the complex! I tried a few new dinner recipes, but I can't even remember which ones I tried....must have had some pretty good food at my place this month, eh? Oh, well. There is always another day for a new recipe! Exercise 3 days a week! Ha! Ha! Ha! I did get a lot of reading done this month thanks to feeding time with Anne. Nothing shouts READ more than being compelled to sit down for 20 min every couple of hours! Here's the list Just Two More Bites-Linda Piette This had some creative ways to help picky toddlers get involved with preparation. Grace now helps make her sandwiches, pudding, and we have lots of dips! Boy do kids like to dip their food! I especially liked the advice to plan meals out monthly (something Edwin and I have been doing for a few years) and make your shopping list as you plan the monthly menu. This is something I'm going to try for September, hopefully it will eliminate the need to look through recipes as often as I do. I devised a worksheet for dinner plans and I already have two weeks put together...wish me luck! The No Cry Sleep Solution- Elizabeth Pantley Grace had a difficult time sleeping since Anne has been home from the hospital. While I was up through the nights with Anne, Edwin was up comforting Grace. We have censored what we watch on television and banished the Incredibles for now. Mostly this book was help me stay calm while we worked on helping Grace to take naps and sleep more at night. She is still waking up sometimes, but there has been a major decline in her terrors. I'm glad she is finally taking naps again! Good Nights- Jay Gordon This book is about co-sleeping and I enjoyed reading it. How Clean is your House?- Kim Woodburn This was something "just for fun". I laughed while taking the "housekeeping test". The way some things were depicted were hilarious to me because I know I would never want to admit some of my bad habits in public but I could admit them while I read them. Now I know "I'm NOT the ONLY one who does THAT!" HA! Cut the Clutter, Stow the Stuff- edited by Lori Baird This was about organization and learning to cut back the clutter that fills our house. Our place is getting smaller as our family is growing, and I'm getting excited about moving. However, I don't want to pack things that we have "just because" and I want to cut back on our clutter! The opening chapter is about cluttering personalities and it was interesting to find out why I do the things I do! I'm a collector-tosser-dropper person. Edwin was perplexed that I can be both a collector of things and a tosser. Thankfully there was a whole section devoted to my type of clutter bugs! I collect things until I get to my breaking point then I go crazy and throw everything away. Usually I end up throwing away Edwin's things...I'm going to have to work on that! I was glad to know that even the people who appear to be most organized are often the rulers of clutter, they are just addicted to storage bins but they have clutter just like everyone else. So there you have it Martha Stewart, the word is out you have clutter too!!! This was a lengthy book, but it was broken up so you could skip the things that don't apply to your house. Since we have a small apartment I was glad I didn't have to think about the garage, the attic, the spare rooms, and the other places you hope no one will ever see! This is one book I would consider owning... with a bigger house in our near future I don't want it to become a bigger place to keep more junk. One thing I really liked about this book was the references it gave to productively and safely get rid of your stuff. For example, all the bath and shower gel you receive that you don't necessary want to use...give to a shelter for battered women. Books and old computers....call the after-school programs to see what they will take. I tend to clean out my stuff one of two ways; trash can or thrift store. This book really opened my eyes for ways to recycle my things that can truly help others. Granted I may have to work a bit harder, but certainly worthwhile. I now have a list of places where I can make donations and provide service as my lifestyle permits. All in all, I liked this book! Word of caution...they have some pretty tacky ways to control clutter too! YIKES! Taunton's Home Storage Idea Book- Joanne Keller Bouknight This is a bit more idealistic in organizing a home. Unlike Cut the Clutter, Stow the Stuff, this book deals more with space and design in your home for the messy comings and goings. I really enjoyed reading it and took some notes for future home plans. I think this really helps to examine how to create a space for your life-style. A good read for those who are planning to build a home in the future. Delicious and Dependable Slow Cooker Recipes- Judith Finlayson Read two books for crock pots and realized....if it's not roast or soup it's not for me and my crock pot. Found a roast recipe that Grace called "Yummy Meat". So I guess I'll keep that recipe for future Sunday dinners. I think crock pots serve a great purpose for Sunday roast. I was hoping to use my slow cooker more than periodically, but I guess Sunday dinner is going to be about it. Oh well, another lesson I learned about me.

The Beach

Edwin's siblings came to spend some time with us this weekend. We had a FABULOUS time together seeing the sights and experiencing the outdoors.

Edwin thought he was prepared to chase Grace through the waves, but here he is rolling up his shorts so his pocket hang out trying to stay dry!! Grace loved the beach!!! She was much braver than I thought she would have been considering she doesn't like to get her head wet. There were many times the waves rolled right over the top of her! After a quick pat on her face she was off to catch the next wave. Bring on the water! Grace is ready!

Daniel, Richard and Leonora enjoyed the water, abundant sea life and my babies! Everyone took a turn to run through the water, play with Grace and hold Anne. Edwin found a washed up coconut. He peeled the outside husk off to let a foul odor permeate the air and nauseate anyone within smelling distance. Richard and Daniel swam with a school of fish and enjoyed all the tide carried in. Leonora is the family biologist (way to go on graduating last month) and she had lots of things to tell us about the creatures that dwell on the coast! Every family could use a biologist on outside adventures!

The overcast sky provided a great atmosphere to relax and take in the beautiful morning. The water was overly warm on our feet but unexpectedly a refreshing cold burst of water would swirl around our feet with the incoming tide. We marvelled at the birds as they ran across the sand in an incoherent pattern, but somehow they seemed to find something to eat. However, there were some pretty weird things we saw and no birds were eating them! I don't know what we found but they sure were interesting!!

Unfortunately Baby Anne is a bit small to thoroughly enjoy the beach. But we had fun sitting on the towels and basking in the glorious day that we were experiencing. Life doesn't get better than a full belly, a comfortable place to relax, and surrounded by those you love!

Brazos Again!

I don't know if I can express how much we love this park! If we were thinking ahead we should have purchased the Texas State Park Pass for the year....maybe we will look into further so we can continue to spend some quality Gator hunting!! Okay, so I guess hunting is what you do with a gun, but what do you call a medical student who caught an alligator with a fishing pole? Yeah, I don't know either!! Yep, Edwin fished an alligator, well...more like the alligator attacked Edwin's line. We were standing on the dock while Edwin's fishing line lured in two alligators. One gator was expressly interested in Edwin's floating orange and white bobber. While Edwin was trying to multi-task (keeping Anne calm and still fishing) and Richard, Leonora, and Daniel were taking a million photos and capturing the wild beasts on film the poor alligator ate Edwin's bobber. That gator kept chomping on the line and the little bobber was taking a serious beating. Edwin managed to cut the line before anything too dramatic happened. All that alligator got was a hook in his mouth and a new bobber for a swimming companion. Even though we felt bad for the gator and wish that we could remove the hook from its mouth he continued to chase the fishing lines. He became especially interested in the lady next to us who arrived with hot dogs for bait! Who wants a worm when you can have a dog?!

During all this excitement you might wonder how we managed to let a alligator get our line in the first place. Well, it was the other alligator who had our immediate attention. Gator #2 sat on the edge of the deck (we could have pet it if we were really daring it was so close). We've seen alligators jump out of the water before and believe me they can get some pretty good air time. Gator #2 was especially interested in Grace. Where ever Grace went the alligator followed. It was kind of like the alligator from Peter Pan who kept his eye on Captain Hook. Needless to say I was holding on tightly to Grace despite her thrashing about for freedom. I was a very nervous mother with my babies so close the alligators and making enough ruckus to attract everything's attention. There were a couple of times I wondered who was preying on who!

Edwin didn't catch any fish, but his sister Leonora nearly caught a snake on her head during our morning hike!! While spying on a rather young alligator in a pool near the trees Daniel head something falling through the trees. Much to everyone's suprize it was a snake! Leonora jumped out of the way just in time! Boy oh Boy! What a day!

It was a great way to end the weekend with everyone! Thanks Daniel, Richard, and Leonora for visiting us and enjoying the great state of TEXAS!!!