Nice weather = Fun times

(The imp was trying to blow bubbles at me)

We have really been enjoying the nice weather. Noah has been playing outside everyday and we have even gotten the wading pool out.

Last night, my friend Darlene came over and we had a great time hanging out. We don't see much of each other these days. We watched a movie, talked and prayed...It was really nice.

This morning, I hit some garage sales and actually made out pretty well. I got a few things for each kid, and even a pair of shorts for me. :-) This afternoon, Summer, Lillie and Izzie all came over to swim in the pool. Again, it was great seeing them again and we enjoyed having them over. It was a good time for Noah to practice sharing his toys too.

Now, Noah is watching Monsters, Inc. and Dave is getting ready for work. I am hoping for an easy evening.

Boy, this entry is like a grocery list...boring. Well, now that you know all that we did today, I'll sign off.

Kid Stats

For those who are interested:

We took the kids for their checkups this morning (2 year/2 month). They are both doing really well.

Noah:

Height: 34"-50th percentile
Weight: 26lbs- 25th percentile

Callie:

Height: 22"- 25-50th percentile
Weight: 11 lbs, 12oz.- 50th percentile


Consider yourself in the loop. :-)

Yesterday was a great family day. We spent the morning cleaning cars (washing, waxing, steam cleaning the interior, etc). Noah enjoyed playing outside. Then we went to Jane's Deli for lunch. It's a little local restaurant that our friend Ryan works at. Great food. Afterwards, Noah napped and Dave and I continued with the cleaning of the vehicles.

Dave was supposed to go to an optional meeting last night, but instead opted to hang with us. :-) We went mini golfing, got Monicals and ate it at Columbian Park, went to the zoo (for like 15 minutes before it closed) and then played at the park. It was a full evening, but a LOT of fun! Noah crashed hard afterwards. I love spending time with my family.

This morning, Noah is in rare form and at 8:30 put himself back to bed after being in time out for awhile and throwing a couple of major fits. When he gets beside himself and can't pull it together, I really don't mind him going back and laying down. Frankly, I need the time-out myself so I don't lose it before 9am.

We have a full day today: Lunch with Sheena, dentist appt, and dinner with the Pools. I'm looking forward to all these events (minus the dentist).

Still no stroller. It was theoretically supposed to be shipped yesterday, but I have not received a tracking notice. I think they are getting tired of me calling/emailing them because I was sent an email that politely told me "We'll let you know when it gets shipped. You don't need to keep pestering us!". Politely of course. Not that my calling will make anything happen faster, I just want my dang stroller that I ordered a month ago! Sheesh. I have anxiously been checking my email for the tracking notice. Now? How bout now? Has it come yet?! Come on people!

Well, off to get some chores done while Noah is taking his morning snooze (perhaps his biological schedule is changing and he is switching to morning naps? He has napped quite a bit in the mornings lately...hmmmm)

Wordless Wednesday

Somedays it's hard to keep your head up...

Trying Tuesday

It's been a trying day. Dave has the sore throat junk that Noah and I had last week. Knowing how bad I felt during that time, we are leaving him be as much as possible so that he can rest. Noah napped early and woke up in a WRETCHED mood. He was non-stop whiny for almost 2 hours. I decided to take the kids out of Dave's hair for awhile and we went shopping. I managed to get the groceries with only a few minor tantrums from Noah.

Dave had high hopes of playing with Noah outside to expel some of this deviant energy...however it is now raining. Good luck to the people watching him tonight during lifegroup. Dave and I are ready for the break.

Although I say it's been a trying day, I am realizing that I am adjusting to having two children. God has really upped my patience level. 4 months ago, I would be ready to sit in a corner in the fetal position rocking back and forth crying. Now, I feel that I can still go on with my day and realize that it's not the end of the world. "He's 2" "She's a newborn" are my mantras these days. This too shall pass, quicker even than I am ready. I know that when I look back on the time that has passed too quickly, I won't remember the tantrums....but all the good times that went speeding by.

WooHoo!!

Callie slept through the night last night! (10pm-6:45am when Noah went in and woke her up)...almost 9 hours. Hallelujah. Dave has a sore throat today and is not feeling all that great. He decided to run to Meijer anyway to go get stuff for biscuits and gravy. Meanwhile, I am typing this and starting laundry. It's pretty quiet...which usually means trouble. I just went to go check on Noah...He has put himself back to bed. Figures. After waking us all up at 6:45 this morning, the little squirt decides that he is still tired. Pretty cute though to see him all tucked into bed by himself. (5 minutes later) It didn't last. He's up and about again.

Weekend Fun

Perhaps I should try and write something not pertaining to David Cook. :-)

It's been another crazy week. I've had some extra doctor's appointments that creeped up among other things.

Friday, we went shopping at the mall. Dave actually bought clothes for himself! He hates shopping, and I have been nagging him a little bit about getting at least one new pair of shorts this season (his favorite ones are getting pretty ratty). Once he got going, he went! He bought 3 pairs of shorts, and 2 shirts (that could be worn for either work or play). Go honey. We then went out to TGIFridays where we saw our friends Jonelly and Abby and thier crew. It was fun bumping into them randomly in the community.

This morning we went to our neighbor's 1st birthday party. Noah likes playing with her older sisters. We tried getting him to take a nap afterwards, but he refused. So, we went ahead and tried the carnival at the mall. Yep, we are small town Indiana. There was a mini-carnival set up outside our mall.

So, Noah went on his first rides and it was pretty fun. :-) I biffed it going down the big slide with him and completely wiped out at the end, landing flat on my back. Yep...that was fun. Noah, of course, crashed hard when we left at 5pm.

It's been an unexpected, but fun day spent as a family. We were supposed to have a friend of mine and her husband come for the weekend, but she got really sick and they didn't come. We still managed to have a really nice day. Thanks God for the beautiful day to enjoy. :-)

David Cook sings Time of my life

I do believe that I really like this song. David's voice is incredible. :-)

DAVID COOK ALL THE WAY BABY!!!

It was so great to see David Cook take American Idol tonight. He is just an all around great guy, cheering for the other David and keeping the compitetion kind. When he started crying...so did I. There is something about men crying that sends me over the edge. I always weep with them...doesn't matter who it is...I'm a goner. Was it me or did he seem to have mixed feelings about winning? Or was he just that moved to have won? It was a little hard to tell for me. Well, for whatever its worth...Good job David Cook. You earned it.

Perspective

Some days I need a little perspective. I was chatting with Sarah R. today and she mentioned this song and I am now almost in tears. I already look at Callie and Noah and realize how fast time goes by. It definitely puts my whining about the day in/day out stuff into a new light. This song is by Trace Adkins and is called "You're gonna miss this":

She was staring out the window
Of their SUV
Complaining, saying,
I cant wait to turn 18
She said, "I'll make my own money"
And I'll make my own rules"
Mama put the car in park
Out there in front of the school
And she kissed her head
And said 'I was just like you"

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Before she knows it
She's a brand new bride
In her one bedroom apartment
And her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies
And buying a house
Daddy shakes his head
And says "Baby just slow down"

Cause
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Five years later
There's a plumber
Working on the water heater
Dogs barking, phones ringing
One kids crying, one kids screaming
She keeps apologizing
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got two babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
It's hard to believe..."

But
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this
You're going to miss this
Yeah you're going to miss this

Callie- 6 weeks

This pic was taken on Saturday before the wedding.

Season Finales

After a long awaited come back due to the writer's strikes, prime time television finally came back to grace us with its dramatic presence. In our house that means: Bones and House. The season finale's last night were both a bit much for my system. If you have not seen them and are planning to, I urge you to not read further.

Bones: I missed the first 20 minutes of Bones and came in after knowing Booth was already alive. Upon re-watching it online, I didn't have the same emotions that I would have felt if I had been there from the first. Losing Zach, who I feel is one of the greater duos with Hodgins is really sad. He brought such a fun level of genius but was unbelievably awkward in social situations...which I thought to be very entertaining. I was actually really saddened that they made him out to be Gormogan's apprentice. He has such a sweet nature. I never envisioned him as a killer.

House: A great episode. It only took 4 seasons for House to show some emotion. I hated that someone had to die at the end though. Despite the fact that it wasn't a super main character, it was still pretty sad. This season has been tumultuous for me anyway because I really liked the original team and have had a hard time adapting to the new team. It's been even more confusing seeing Chase and Cameron still around. It's all been a bit befuddling. We'll see what next season has to offer.

And then of course there is American Idol...I am totally rooting for David Cook. He has a lot more poise and presence and seems to be a generally great guy. I think Archuleta is good too, but he'll probably get a record deal regardless. It should be an interesting finale. I may even stay up to watch the results (I usually have been just checking them online the next day).

On the mend

It was a rough night last night with both kids up around 4:30 (Callie awake between 3-5) and my fever still high. However, the fever broke this morning and although I have gotten tired easily today, I am feeling a lot better. I still have a hangover headache and sore throat, but they are manageable. Thanks for the prayers!

Sharing

Dave had a little talk with Noah this morning about sharing his toys. It did some good it seemed because he was very kind to the other kids in Sunday School. He's also good at sharing germs. I now have his nasty virus: 104 temp, scratchy throat, inability to move, alternating hot/cold. The kids are both in bed at 8 tonight, and I am on my way. Thanks to Dave who pitched in a lot so that I could lay down this afternoon.

Thanks

Thanks for the encouragement ladies. This morning, Dave let me sleep in. When I woke up he had unloaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. For some reason, this has completely made my day. I actually feel like I can tackle the rest of the house (which yesterday seemed too monumental a task) just because Dave had thoughtfully taken one (big) room off my hands. I have told him about 3 times this morning how much I appreciate that and him.

Grandpa Yenerich is coming this afernoon for a visit (and to check out Dave's concrete job...I'll have to post a pic later). I'm sure Noah will enjoy some "Papaw" time.

Now I am off to take a leisurely shower since everyone is taken care of at the present moment (again...thanks honey!)

Cool as a cucumber vs. Losing ones cool

You may ask, what had me crying at the end of the wedding today? It could have been the lovely couple...and they were indeed lovely and clearly in love. In fact, my eyes did well up a little as I watched the groom stare at his new bride with overwhelming joy. It could have been me missing Dave who was at work during the lovely ceremony. However, it was more the fact that I had (stupidly) taken two children to the wedding by myself. Fortunately, I am a part of a great community where the saying, "it takes a village..." correctly describes our church body. I have great friends. They all came around and helped with one kid or the other: carrying, playing with, watching, corralling.

To give Noah credit. He did fairly well for the majority of the day. The wedding fell right during nap time. I made him take a short nap this morning to try and help with that. He only cried out once during the actual wedding, but when presented with raisens, managed to pull it together for the duration. Callie, thankfully, slept through the whole wedding.

At the end, they were giving out bubbles. Noah opened his and proceeded to shake the contents of the bottle all over himself and then lamented that he had no bubbles. Sorry pal.

At the reception, William and crew all watched Noah while I nursed Callie. Ben jumped in there too for awhile and almost had Noah asleep. It was too cute for words looking in at Ben (one of our fav college students who is great with kids and has a soft spot for Noah) standing in the back of the reception hall rocking Noah and rubbing his back. Unfortunately, Noah saw me and thus ended my reprieve.

We were doing OK, but as we waiting the almost 2 hours for food, Noah's patience started ebbing. Mine hung in there for a little longer, but then followed suit. When the waiter asked me to keep him away from the trays, I finally had to force him to sit down. He was so tired, he was beside himself and threw a huge fit...all of it while I am holding him. I managed to keep the patience for a little while longer while holding a thrashing 2 year old. And then...it was like the tiniest poke in the back to send you careening over the edge. I lost it. I took him out and put him in time out for fear of my hurting him if he remained in my reach any longer. After time out, he still couldn't pull it together. I even tried laying him down in the corner, but since I didn't have his sleeping vices (frog and blankie) that he was begging for, that ended badly. Finally, my pastor (who also has 2 kids and one on the way) offered to take him so that I could eat my meal. I laid my head and my hands to well off the tears that I could feel looming. "How did I get to this point?!" I wondered. Feeling embarrassed for having lost my cool, especially in front of my friends, I silently swallowed my food. Thankfully, most were parents and they each tossed out some form of encouragement. However, after last weeks sermon on the Proverbs 31 woman and my reaction to that (a strong sense of not cutting it...despite my pastor's adament protests afterwards as I cried in the hallway) I left today feeling dejected. How do you get to the point where you lose your cool? To be honest, patience is and has never been high on my virtues list. Recently though I have acknowledged this and have really been praying for help in that area...and have seen a difference. Perhaps it's the nature of the week: Thursday was no picnic at the doctor's office, PMS kicked in and I feel as though I haven't stopped moving the last few weeks. Whatever the case...I lost my cool this afternoon, and am not proud of it.

Here's the icing on the cake: Noah slept 15 minutes on the way home...and has since refused to take a nap after an hour of my trying to lay him down. He's now walking around, wearing my shoes (much to Dave's dismay) and playing race cars. At least one of us is now happy.

Next time when my mother-in-law offers to watch Noah while I am at a wedding I am going to remember this day and say, "YES please!".

Wedding Blues

Given Thursdays performance, I am regretting my decision to take Noah and Callie to an 11:30am wedding today by myself. Let's pray that their behavior is manageable...atleast through the majority of the wedding/reception. Then we can all go home and take naps. Meanwhile, Callie slept 8 hours last night! Awesome!

Birth Control

I had my 6-week check up today post Callie. It was originally scheduled for tomorrow when Dave would be around to help. However, they needed to reschedule...so it happened today, while Dave is at Thorntown. When I made the appt, I thought...I can do this. It's not hard. We'll go and come back. No big deal. And that friends, was where I was wrong...

It started in the parking lot when I was getting Callie's stroller out. We have two strollers in there now because my double stroller is backordered (sad day). So, when I have two adults, then we use both strollers. I, despite my many capabilities, am not able to steer two separate strollers at once. Even though I explained to Noah that my super powers didn't reach this far, he was still not convinced. He cried about it the whole way up to the 3rd floor. Despite my attempts at saying, "That's enough!"...apparently my super powers don't stretch that way either...he was still crying as I was checking in. This woke Callie up, and SHE started crying. My favorite nurse came out, assessed the situation and took Callie to calm her down. I sat Noah in "time out" until he could calm down, finished checking in, then had to take Noah back with me. I, was now armed with fruit snacks though thanks to the receptionist. Anyway, Trudi, the nurse, is holding Callie. Noah is pouting in a chair while we get the routine stuff done.
Then they move me into a room. I get situated and ready to go and Dr. George brings Callie in, who is at this time, ready to nurse. She offers to let me nurse while she sees another patient and then she would come back. Sure, why not. Noah, thankfully played peek-a-boo in the curtains and had seemingly come out of his funk. When she came back, we noticed a foul smell and realized that Noah had deuced while playing behind the curtains. Wonderful. There was little I could do about it at that moment. He then hid behind the "table" and somehow managed to hurt himself...lending itself to THE tantrum of the day. He's screaming bloody murder, and I, was caught in a situation where I couldn't do anything about it at the moment. Both the doctor and the nurse were in there trying to small talk with me. In my mind, I am thinking..."Let's get this show on the road people!". They asked over the screams, "Is this your first time out with them?" It wasn't, but I was trying to decide if I would look better if I replied, "Yes...it sure is." Finally, everything got done. I changed Noah's diaper, finished nursing Callie, and trying to get shoes on (both of mine and one of Noah's which he lost in the tantrum).

As I am walking out, I look at the faces of the pregnant women in the waiting room, who I'm sure had heard the screaming and carrying on. I chuckle at their looks. They are thinking one of two things: 1) "My child will NEVER act like that!", which I, myself, so naively asserted before having children. My response to that is, "Honey, you just keep telling yourself that." or 2) "Oh my word...what am I getting myself into?" to which my response is, "In the end, it's all worth it."

Happy 2nd Birthday Noah

Grouchy Squirrels

Well, I was a bit premature in my diagnosis. Noah was still a little under the weather today running a slight fever. He still had tons more energy today than yesterday though. It's been a fairly weird day. We're all a little grouchy. Perhaps we all need to go to bed early. Why do I feel the need to stay up to watch American Idol??? It's not like I can't see the results on the internet tomorrow. But alas...I am sucked in dang-it! This is the most random post. Yikes...well hopefully the next one will be a little more on track.

Noie update

Noah's fever spiked at 104 degrees yesterday afternoon. Right around the time my mom came to bring him his birthday presents. He was clearly not feeling well and wasn't really into the whole present thing at that moment. She didn't stay real long though and Noah ended up falling asleep sitting up while watching Bob the Builder. Poor kid.

Dave went on to lifegroup and I stayed home with him (and Callie...who I really hope does not take a turn with this). He went to bed early, but woke up a few times in the late evening and we went in to comfort him. At one point we had his arm flopped over me and I was holding him and I almost fell asleep. I opened my eyes and just stared at this amazing kid that is a part of my life. Dave and I both spent some time praying over him at different times. Dave mentioned that when he was praying, there was a noticeable reaction from Noah. Cool.

He woke up at 6:15 and told Dave that his teeth hurt. So, Dave got up and got him some Tylenol. We definitely don't think that teething gave him that fever yesterday as he has already had a few molars come through without that kind of reaction. We heard that there is a viral thing going around. It lasts for about a day and gives you a really high fever.

After sleeping again until 7:30, he woke up back to the old Noie: chatty and busy. We'll keep him on Tylenol today because of his molars, but I'm happy to see him feeling better. Although, admittedly it was nice to snuggle with him yesterday.

Today is his ACTUAL birthday. He's 2 years old as of today. Happy Birthday buddy. 2 years ago today, Dave missed his graduation from vet school so that we can welcome Noah David into the world. He was 6lbs, 14oz of pretty cool kid. Wow, time flies...but its been a great journey so far. I can't wait to see what the rest of the ride looks like.

Kids, projects, and the great outdoors.

Noah loves his sister.

Both kids slept like champs last night. Noah woke up with a fever this morning and has been super cuddly. I can't say that I mind snuggling with him since the opportunity doesn't present itself much anymore. He laid down for a little while and just got up in a much better mood. Children are so resilient.

Dave is outside digging out the area where we are going to elongate the patio. We're adding another 7' section of concrete so that we have room for the new patio set. It's one of Dave's summer projects (along with pavers for the front bed and roofing the house). I'm totally fine with these projects, but I would still love to address the living room come fall. We have been talking about what we want to do there, but haven't reached any definite conclusions, so it has been put on hold while the outdoors beckon us. We try to do a little more each year out there as money allows. :-)

Birthday fun

It's hard for me to gather my thoughts with all the events that we have had the last few weeks. Saturday, we celebrated Noah's 2nd birthday. Technically his birthday is Wednesday, but Saturday was the best day for a party. We had all the aunts/uncles, grandparents, and our close friends here to celebrate. Again, I am continuously struck by our great community here. We have a great group of friends that I often consider our second family. We love you guys!

Noah got lots of fun gifts...mostly trucks and cars (the "in" thing of the moment), a tricycle, clothes, a few movies (Bob the Builder, Nemo, and Monsters Inc.), bubbles...He made out well. :-)

It was a beautiful day. The only nice day in the midst of the rainy days. We were able to be outside and use the new patio set as well. It was great to see my sister-in-law Laura and my sister, Jay. We don't get to see either all that often. I was so glad they were able to make the trip.

So...Happy 2 years of life Noah. You're a pretty cool kid!

Callie- 5 weeks

Recap

Wednesday: Great day with Dave at home. He had a meeting with some doctors, then I met with Tony and received some more vision. Meanwhile, Dave and Noah finished scouting out patio sets. We sold off ours at our garage sale and decided to upgrade this summer. This has been somewhat of an ordeal since the original one that we were looking at (and were told that it was in stock) was not in stock and they weren't getting anymore. We ended up going with our second choice, which seeing it set up...I love. We had our friends, Frank and Sheena over for dinner that night. They are also our lifegroup interns so we spent some time and planned out lifegroup for the next month or so. That was great to have a plan in place. :-)

Thursday: Dave worked in the morning and I went to the gym. My first time since having Callie. I definitely worked up a sweat. Dave came home around 2ish. We dropped Noah off at our neighbors house to play with her daughters while Dave and I did some birthday shopping for Noah. It was fun. I think we are doing a truck/construction zone theme. That's what his cake is and we ended up getting some yellow "Bob" construction hats for the kids. Dave is the mastermind behind this project. I'm just along for the ride and to get the house cleaned.

Friday: We totally hit some great garage sales this morning. I have been needing some Noah clothes for the summer/fall. I found quite a bit for really great prices this morning. A lot of it is bigger (3-4T) but he'll grow into it for the price I paid. :-) I also found some great little girl clothes for Callie at the same garage sale. Super cute and great prices. Our other great buy was at a sale where all their DVD's were $1...we got about 6 of them. It was wonderful! Then, we went to the bank to set up Callie's savings account. I sat in the car with the kids...It ended up taking over 30 minutes. The kids were about ready to declare mutiny, but instead they punished me by alternating tears during that time. Now, everyone is resting. I need to be cleaning, but I think I may allow myself a bit of rest too. Dave works tonight, so I have the whole night to finish cleaning. I just need to make sure that Dave finishes his "chores" before he leaves for work. :-) Mainly, hanging up a ton of stuff that has been on hold until he has had time...today's the day though.

Amazing Story. Worth the 2 minutes!!!

My new sling!

Here's a (not so great) pic of me using my new sling! I ordered it online and it came in yesterday...and I LOVE it! It makes living with 2 kids just a little easier. Besides its practicality, I heart the pattern. :-) Now, just waiting on my stroller...It's backordered, but coming in early May. Hopefully it will ship off soon.

Our day

I am enjoying my time with this little munchkin. We took the big munchkin to the Children's Museum today with some new friends that we have made: Jamie and her son Andy who is 2 as well. The boys got along really well. Since I still don't have my Joovy stroller for the duo, we let the boys walk. Thank goodness for Jamie! She did a great job corraling them! They were pretty pooped by the time we left. It was a really nice day. Dave has had to work both days-all day. We haven't gotten to see much of him. So it was nice to get out and do something productive. Noah has been trying with not listening well and smothering Callie. I am thankful that he likes her so much, but he is getting pretty bold (and not exactly gentle) in his attempts to hold her. I don't mind so much that he wants to hold her, as much as I don't want him to do it without me.

Callie-4 weeks

Boob Debate-Breastfeeding issues

I am back to being a breastfeeding mom. It's funny, when I look at other mom's nursing, I am not exactly the most comfortable around them because I KNOW what they are doing...which is the most natural thing in the world right? Sure. Unfortunately, it's not the most socially acceptable thing. Here's my dilemma. As stated, I am nursing Callie. I enjoy this bonding that I have with my daughter (and it saves us a boat-load of money on formula).

With Noah, I always banished myself away from the public eye to nurse (dressing rooms, separate bedrooms, leaving the sanctuary, etc.). Perhaps my filter has been completely drained now that I have two, but I have not "left" places as often to nurse. Rather, I cover myself with a neatly designed "hooter hider" as my friend likes to call it and discretly nurse. Of course, people still know what I am doing...I mean obviously.

My dilemma is that I don't really want to be banished anymore, but I'm also not exactly the most comfortable nursing in public either. I hate missing any of the action (lifegroup discussions, sermons, worship, time with friends when company is over). Should I have to? I know that I can be weirded out by the whole "boob" issue, so out of respect for others I sometimes leave so that it's not weird for them. Is sitting in the back of church enough or should I leave completely until I am done? We had people over the other night (guys and girls). I still sat in the living room, covered, and nursed. Does this weird people out? I'm genuinely curious. And if so, whose issue is it? Mine? Theirs?

Dave and I watch Bones on television. This last episode was of Booth and Brennan watching a baby. The maternally (and socially) challenged Brennan starts a dialogue with Booth (the FBI agent...and a man) about breastfeeding. He is completely not comfortable with the topic, which is hard for Brennan to understand. She asks him if it's the word "breast" that is so discomforting and asked if "teet" would be easier to discuss. Booth responds, "I do not want to talk teets with you!". Amusing? Yes...especially to me who nurses. But it brings up the point that not everyone is comfortable with this topic.

There is also the mom that got banished from the plane for breastfeeding. OK, I definitely have an opinion on this one: She had no where else to go, was covered, and decided to spare the plane a squalling infant by nursing her. I commend her. It still points to the very big issue of people who are uncomfortable around nursing moms.

So, I guess I'm curious as to other's thoughts. Where is the best place for a nursing mom to nurse? Should she remove herself for others comfort? Or even her own?

Proud to be an American

After church this morning, I was stuck in the McDonald's parking lot trying to turn out when I saw a really cool thing. It was actually a family from our church in the turn lane ahead of me. Their van had broken down, and the dad hopped out to try and push it. From my viewpoint, I saw a military hummer a few cars behind. All of a sudden, these two men clad in military gear came out of the hummer and ran marching style and helped him push the van the rest of the way. The poor man pushing had been making some progress. However, when these two men came...the van "flew". I sat back almost with tears in my eyes. I am proud to have men like that fighting on our side.

Garage Sale!

Well, we participated in the annual neighborhood garage sale again this year. We sold off a lot of stuff and made a good portion of the new patio set that we want to purchase this summer. We sold off a few of Noah's older toys. With his birthday coming up, we had to make a little bit of space. Most of them had come from a garage sale anyway...they just returned. :-) We took the rest to Goodwill with the exception of a few items that I might try for next year again. Most of it I just wanted gone. It felt good to purge. :-)

AND...I hit the goldmine garage sale! I found girls clothes for a quarter to 50 cents. PLUS I bought a whole bunch of socks for .05 cents. It was great! I just kept piling things up on this woman's table. They were nice things too. FINALLY! Even better, the y had a lot of 3-6 months. That's what I needed in sleepers and I found some, so I'm thrilled.

It was a busy day yesterday. A lot of our friends popped in, which was really fun to see them. I hung with my friend Emily for a bit in the afternoon as the garage sale was winding down. After a brief rest time (for Dave, Callie, and Noah) we headed out to River's birthday party bash. LOTS of 2 year old boys running around. It was a lot of fun. Then we stopped by Walmart to order Noah's cake for his party next week. We wanted Bob the Builder since that is what he is totally into right now. They didn't have that, so we opted for a tonka truck themed cake. He likes trucks too. Afterwards, we met up with our friends Dan and Darlene (who came to our house so we could put kids to bed) and hung out with them for a little bit. Dan has been at the police academy for awhile, and just graduated, so we hadn't seen much of them for awhile. It was nice to hang out, but I was so tired, I'm pretty sure I wasn't making much sense.

Callie who has been doing AMAZING sleeping (6-7 hours a stretch) was back to being awake every 3 last night, with Noah getting up in between. My body wasn't used to it so I am dragging a bit this morning. I am hoping that we can go back to the awesome sleep schedule that we were on. Pretty please Callie.

Well, I'm off to get ready for church and to pick up the house AGAIN.

I love our lifegroup!

A shot of (most of) the ladies in our lifegroup after the baptism. Congrats to Lindsey and Frank who got dunked that day. I really love how our lifegroup extends love and compassion. As everyone gathered around to pray for Lindsey and Frank afterwards, I just cried with joy (literally...tears rolling) because I am part of such an awesome group of people. I love you all.

Thankful Thursday

I'm feeling gripy with the amount that I need to do and my kids attitudes...so instead of giving into that...I feel the need to make a list of things that I am thankful for:

1) A great family. I have two healthy kids, and a great husband. What more could I want?

2) RVC- I love our church and all that it represents. I love that it is a place where people who are broken or skeptic can come and experience Jesus in a powerful way. I love that people are being baptized and that there are people stepping up to help carry the load (those two don't necessarily go together...it was just my thought process...)

3) Our lifegroup. We had close to 30 people at our party this last week. Many people invited friends and it was incredible how many people showed up. It is such a great group of people whom we love doing life with. I know that others are not exactly in the same position, so I am thankful that our lifegroup is one where I can go to when I have issues that I need pray for.

4) Double Stroller and sling: 2 things that I just purchased online. I will be thankful if they come soon! :-)

5) Garage Sale: Even though it's crazy and chaotic it will be nice to purge ourselves of unnecessary stuff.

6) The beautiful weather today. It's going to be a nice day. Dave called on his break from work and I think we are either going to the park or putt-putt golfing when he gets home. Yea! We haven't seen much of him the last few days because he has been working long hours and sleeping in between. He suggested it, so I think that he wants to see us as much as we want to see him. :-)

7) Naptime. One of the best times of my day. Not that I don't enjoy my kids, but its nice for everyone to be able to rest a little while.

8) That I am healthy and able to do housework even though I don't like to do it.

I am feeling a little better now. :-)