Holiday Greeting

As we pause to celebrate our Savior's birth, spend time with family, and participate in the many festivities of the holidays we (the MaybeRed family) want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May we all continue to live and celebrate the glorious gift of Christ all year long.

Tis the Season

With so much going on, it's no fun to have the kiddos sick, but tis the season for illnesses. Liam has been very sleepy and very needy the past couple of days. Yesterday he seemed to have a stomach bug, poor little guy. We made it through the day, even though Audrey didn't get much attention...we made it through. This morning VERY early (2am) I was awoken by a small voice telling me her ear hurt. We quickly found out it was more than her ear that was hurting, she too had the stomach bug. While taking care of Audrey, Liam woke up. Albert took Audrey, and I had Liam. Albert gave up the remainder of the night so he could take care of Audrey, and allowed me to go back to sleep. The poor man has a full day of work ahead of him, but I'm thankful this morning for the few extra hours of sleep I got so that I can be ready for my day ahead. I'm so thankful for my giving husband. We pray our kids will be well soon. For now, we're a tired family.

Just for some cuteness, we took pictures of the kids on Sunday. They were so cute together. I especially love seeing Audrey holding Liam's hand as they giggle together.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Swinging...
Audrey: Mommy, push me HIGHER than the sky!
(whoa, I don't think I can push that hard!)
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playing "tent" with a large cardboard box (don't you love those things??)
She had put her blanket on top of the box to make it a yellow tent.
Audrey: Blanket, Blanket where are you?
coming out of the box...
Audrey: Oh, there you are!
(I am SO thankful I'm not the only one NOT seeing the obvious)
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Laying on the floor she kicked Albert's shoes...
Audrey: Oh, sorry Daddy's shoes (as she kicked them)
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A sweet moment...she was learning to cut with her scissors...
Audrey: I'm going to cut this so I can make Liam a necklace, and he's going to LOVE IT.
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Me: Audrey, you are NOT the mommy, I am.
Audrey: And Daddy is the Daddy, and Bandit is the Dog
(she's always good for some laughter after...or during a serious conversation)
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At the grocery store with Daddy, and passing an Amish couple in the aisle.
Audrey: (in her very loud voice) He looks like a farmer!


Check out more cute talk at Mary's

She Did What?

Ok, at first glance the picture isn't one of those "gotta blog it" pictures. But considering our 3 year old took the picture, I'm quite impressed she got all of us looking half decent, it became a "gotta blog it" picture. Even Liam is looking at the camera. How did she do that? Daddy is quite proud with his budding photographer.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

After trying a new method of training Audrey's tongue. (I tried giving her hot sauce when she used her mouth wrong - talking back, disrespect, etc...)
A couple of hours later...
Audrey: Mommy, I liked that sauce you put in my mouth.
(sigh...guess that wasn't very effective, but worth the try)
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After her bath and letting the water down the drain...
Audrey: (looking down the drain) Mom! Mom! Are you down there?
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While making lunch with Daddy...
Daddy: We're having rice and beans.
Audrey: Rice! Rice is the head of the church!
Daddy: No Honey, it's CHRIST is the head of the church.
(well, she's kinda learning her memory verse, does that count?)
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Tiny Talk Tuesday Holiday Edition

Audrey: Did you know God was a little baby?
Me: Yes, Jesus was a little baby. Do you know when his birthday is?
Audrey: On Wednesday.
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Me: Who is Santa? (We don't 'celebrate' Santa, but she's seen him around and we've mentioned him before)
Audrey: He wears a silly hat!
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Me: Audrey, where does Santa live? (Just curious if she knew)
Audrey: In his house! (Duh, Mom!)

Life as a Young Mom

Finding time to get on the floor and play, while still making time for myself to avoid burnout (hmm..might have already past that point) is tough. Last week, I really focused on spending good quantity and quality time with Audrey. I forget how fun it is to play, especially when I become overly focused on time for me. Granted, time for myself is important...making it priority over my children is not. After a couple of days trying to be creative (with a little help from websites), I truly enjoyed my time making things with her. I found myself even waiting with anticipation to have her wake up from a nap so that we could play. What a great feeling to have with my child. I have been SO blessed to have this opportunity to stay home with my children, I never want to waste it. Life continues to be a constant balancing act, but when I get my heart in it, it's amazing how God changes my attitude. I still need that time for myself, and I was able to take a day on Saturday, as my dear Hubby took his first full day with both kids. I'm so thankful for him!

Here are some of the fun things we did last week:

Playing in the snow, cloved clementines, and Kisses to count down the days til Christmas (thanks Leigh Ann for the idea!)

What a Sister!

She even helps to feed Liam while Mommy's away.

My Little Lady

Last week Audrey's Grammy (my mom) took her to hear children playing the violin. She was SO excited, as I dressed her up. All I wanted was a cute posed pictures of my little beauty, but the girl wouldn't sit still (does she ever? What was I thinking?). Despite my frustrations with not having her sit still I did get cute pictures, although I didn't realize it until later (after my frustrations were gone). This picture show her excitement, and she's still beautiful.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Audrey: Oh look, Mommy! I cut off my finger!
(panic would have occurred had I not been there watching her play with the finger nail clippers)
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Audrey: Do you remember, Uncle Jamie hit someone with a bat?
Mommy: He hit someone with a bat?
Audrey: No, no, no, he hit someone with a BASEBALL bat.
(I have NO idea what she was talking about, and I could not contain my laughter as I imagined Jamie hitting someone with a bat...I mean BASEBALL bat.)
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Tiny Talk Tuesday Holiday Edition
Mommy: Audrey, did Mrs. C. read a story to you in sunday school today?
Audrey: Yes!
Mommy: what was it about?
Audrey: It was about Mary, and don't be afraid.
Mommy: Did the Angels tell Mary not to be afraid?
Audrey: Yes, she was afraid.
Mommy: Why was she afraid.
Audrey: Because she was going to have a baby.
Mommy: And what was she going to name the baby?
Audrey: GOD!!
Mommy: God?
Audrey: Yes, No, Jesus

Check out more Tiny Talk especially the Holiday Edition, at Mary's.

Safe?

Psalms 4:8 - I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

In a recent magazine, this was a comment about a previous article.

"Marvin Olasky's comment - 'there are dangers all over, and we are always safest when we follow Christ, wherever He leads' (Urban Calling - World Oct. 13). I am working at a school in South Asia that was attached by terrorists back in 2002, and I get so tired of people who think I would be safer staying at home. Most of the time I feel safer shopping in Islamabad than I do in Houston. I told the kids I was with while our school was under attack, 'God called each of us here, we are in the center of His will, and there is no safer place to be, I don't care how many bullets are flying around outside.' And where do we get the idea that God wants us to be 'safe', at least in this life?" - Nancy Stewart Murree, Pakistan

I loved this comment. No, I don't live in violent area where I have to fear for the life of my family. I am thankful I live in a "safe" place. Safe is such a relative term, isn't it? I hope that if I did live in the war ridden areas of Africa or the middle-east that I would feel safe in the arms of Christ. We never know what today brings, even here in the United States. Even here we deal with terrible tragedies such as the Amish school shootings, the sniper incidences in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and even weather related tragedies like Katrina. Only by the grace of God has my life not been taken.

We currently live in the city. Cities are rarely ever considered the "safest" place to live. We're surrounded by people, which leads to higher volumes of theft, violence, and other forms of destruction. I do believe that if we are following in the Lord's will we will be safe. That doesn't mean that He will keep us from physical death, but we have the assurity of eternal life. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." What a wonderful promise. With an eternal perspective on our life, we can focus on the Lord's plan for us without fear.

Three Months: My Little Man

Wow....where does THREE months go? Liam's growing quickly, and not even giving his cute clothes a chance to be worn in. He's full of smiles, giggles, and chatting. He loves his sister, who is a constant entertainer for him. She walks in the room, and he completely focuses on her. I love seeing his little face shine just seeing her.

Mercies are New

It's been a couple of rough days and nights, but His mercies are new every morning. I've been reminded of this as I'm waking up several times a night the past couple of nights. The Lord has given me the strength to get through the days and nights. Unfortunately, Liam has his first cold. This is accompanied by a cough which wakes him up several times during the night, as well as during the day, making it very hard for him to have a decent nap. Last night Audrey was much more snuggly than normal, she's not at all, so even a little is a lot more than normal. This morning she was the same, and feeling hot/cold. Oh no! The virus has past from one sibling to the other, welcome to the world with more than one child.....sigh. We are praying it doesn't continue, and that we've gotten over the worst...especially for Liam as he can not tell us what he's feeling.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will post pictures soon. Oh yes, we bought another computer (we entered the Mac world), so once things calm down with the kiddos, and I learn my way around this mac I'll begin posting once again. I have a bit of a learning curve ahead of me. I'm sure I'll get it soon enough and you will all be updated on the happenings around here.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Audrey: Mommy, want to go on an airplane?
Me: Sure, where are we going?
Audrey: To Mexico and the airport!
Me: That sounds like fun.
Audrey: AND there will be toys at the airport!
Me: Really?
Audrey: And we can see Aunt Margie! OH BOOYY!
(In the past year her Grammy and her Aunt and Uncle have gone to Mexico, now she thinks all planes go to Mexico)
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Looking at her belly...
Audrey: Mommy, Mommy look! My boo-boo is all better. God healed it!
(I love the reminder that God continually works in our lives)
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Bringing home presents from her Aunt & Uncle.
Audrey: Look two presents.
Me: Yeah, one for you and one for Liam
Audrey: Nooo...only for me.
Me: No, honey, one is for you and one is for Liam.
Audrey: One for me, and one for me.
(it starts so early, doesn't it?)
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In excitement of her presents, which need to be put away so she doesn't see them until Christmas...
Me: When it's Christmas we can open the presents.
Audrey: When the snow comes?
Me: Yes, wintertime is when the snow comes.
later...
Me: Audrey, why is the door open?
Audrey: I was looking to see if the snow came.
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Audrey: movie trapped (real word - bo*obie trapped)
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Coming in to wake us up...
Audrey: Daddy, why is your clock blinking? (it had been unplugged and not yet reset)
Daddy: I don't know, what does that mean?
Audrey: It means you have to go downstairs, come on!

Check out more tiny talk at Mary's.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Me: Do you want to go get a 'special treat' from McDonald's (a fruit and yogurt parfait)?
Audrey: I want to go inside to get it.
Me: I can't do that by myself, with you and Liam.
Audrey: Leave Liam at home, he likes to be at home.
Me: I can't do that, he's a baby.
Audrey: But, Bandit and Addie will take care of him.
(In house babysitters! If I had only known sooner!)
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Audrey: (snuggling up with Daddy) I want to watch Football too, I like football.
(she just made Daddy's day)
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Before going to bed...
Audrey: Is Liam sleeping?
Me: Yes, don't go into his room, I don't want him to wake up.
Audrey: But I want to give him a hug and a kiss.
(I had to refuse her request, but it melted my heart. I'll try to make a point to have her give kisses and hugs before he goes to bed.)
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The difference between boys and girls...
Audrey: Boys wear pull*ups and girls wear pan*ties.

Check out more Tiny Talk at Mary's

Too Young

This is why 3 year olds should NOT wear make up. Despite her silly face, she's still beautiful!

Eight Random Things

Mary "tagged" me to write Eight things about myself. I normally don't do this type of thing because it's hard for me to come up with random things about myself. I figured 8 shouldn't be too hard, so I'll give it a try...

1. I used to take gymnastics, and loved it. The only organized athletic thing I was ever really into.

2. I love to go for long walks, especially with someone. This is why I love living in the city. I enjoy talking with Audrey when we go on walks. It's usually a slow walk with her, at this stage, but she loves to chat, make up stories, and ask questions while we go along.

3. I'm not much of a chocolate person (hence the chocolate still around from Halloween). Don't get me wrong, I like chocolate here and there, but I don't crave it. Cookies, now that's a different story. We don't keep cookies around here.

4. I love pretzels as a topping for ice cream...mmm, salty and sweet!

5. I love primitive, folk art, solid wood, well-worn and well-loved decorating and furnishings. Since my focus has not been on buying furniture for our home, we currently support the "basement motif". It's the stuff that used to be in someone's basement, with a touch up here and a slip cover there we've made it our own.

6. I can be very opinionated. I don't like debating because my mind doesn't think that fast, but if given days to come back with an answer I'd be alright.

7. I don't really think of myself as a leader, but in our house my hubby calls me "Take Charge Meggy".

8. I love to talk. I am intimidated by crowds, so many people who don't know me well think I'm shy or quiet....but get to know me a little bit, or chat with me one on one and you'll be tired of hearing me chat. I often wonder if I'm more chatty now that I'm a stay at home mom and those words are not getting out enough.

I'll tag anyone who wants to do it. I enjoy learning a little bit about my friends. Thanks for taking some time to learn a little bit more about me.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Audrey: When it's Christmas I'm going to get you and Daddy and me a present
Me: What are you going to get Daddy?
Audrey: A Pogo stick like mine (she proceeds to bounce on a pretend pogo stick) and I'll get you a pogo stick too with pink flowers....OH BOOOOOY!!
(alright, I guess I'm getting a pogo stink with pink flowers...she'll eventually get that she's not supposed to tell, unless she's like me!)
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Audrey still has candy leftover from Halloween, which I give her randomly.
Audrey: Why did you give me this? (the candy)
Me: Because I love you.
Later...
Audrey: When you love me, can I have candy?
(that would be way too much candy, honey)
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While standing at the bathroom sink...
Audrey: This sink is old, we need a new one
trying to move it...
Audrey: It's stuck, it'll be really hard to throw away.
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Me: Audrey, what did you learn in Sunday School today?
after a long pause...
Audrey: I didn't learn anything.

Check out more cute sayings here.

Desensitized

A Monday morning rant...

On Friday night our family decided to go get a movie or two. We knew at least one of the movies we rented would be for Audrey, since we were going to be taking a day trip on Saturday. I don't know about other video stores, nor how much of this is marketing, however in our video store the family section is in the BACK of the store. As we were walking to and from the family section, which happens to be next to the 'comedy' section (which, by the way, has very few humorous videos). So, as my daughter is innocently looking for a video...right there available for her to see are these disgusting video covers. We did our best to keep Audrey's eyes looking at the desired 'family' videos and continued to keep her distracted as we walked back up to the register.

Has our culture become so desensitized to images that we feel it appropriate to show the goriest, grossest, hideous image of the movie on the front cover for the sake of sales? It's not enough that the movies contain obscene amounts of violence and se*xuality, all in the name of marketing and profits? I'm not sure I'd feel different if these videos were put higher (so that young eyes couldn't see them), however it would show some sense of sensitivity to those of us who do not want to see these images. Our family does not rent movies often. We'd be lucky if we were able to watch a full-length movie once a month these days. However, due to our experience on Friday night we may consider renting movies via mail. We'll get what we want without having to expose our child to these horrible images.

We live in this culture, and I don't want to hide my children from the world, but rather teach them what is good and right before the Lord. I want to teach them God's Word so that they may be able to recognize what is right and wrong, and walk away from situations, or images in this case, that do not bring glory to God.

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (NIV)

18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood, from Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and power.

Not the labor of my hands can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee from grace;
Foul, I to the fountain; fly wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown, see Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.

Thank you, Oh my Savior, for washing me and giving me undeserved eternal grace!

My 'Crafty' Project

I am by NO means crafty. I like having a creative outlet, but that outlet usually takes me a long time. I love to scrapbook, but that's the extent of my creativity. Even in scrapbooking, it's a rare occasion when I haven't copied a page. Isn't that what scrapbooking magazines are for? In any event, craft time came at MOPS and I shuddered. We were about to make a flower arrangement. I'm not a big flower person, nor do I have the gift of creativity, but I was supposed to make this project fun (yeah ok). I was going to do my best. I just started grabbing flowers, greenery, and other 'fillers' for the arrangement. Before I knew it, I was getting really into this craft. I LOVE fall, especially the colors, so it worked.

And this is my prize creation...

I can't believe I actually put that together. I was really happy with it. When I got home I put a table cloth on the table (a rarity in our house), and later set the table nicely for dinner. Of course, we had Macaroni and Cheese for dinner....but at least there was some sense of elegance to our home and our meal.

In the Genes?

So, I was planning on posting a picture of a fun project I completed at MOPS, however there are other pressing matters I must post about first. The crafty project can come later.

Yesterday, my cute son found his hands. Cute, right? The problem is...

Will I really have a thumb su*cker? I su*cked my thumb until I was way too old, and I don't want to see that for my children. Today he's been non-stop with the thumb. *Sigh* I think braces are going to be inevitable. We'll continue swaddling during naps and overnight just to keep those fingers out of the mouth, in hopes that he won't become dependent. Looking on the bright side...there's a blessing in the thumb su*cking, he won't lose it. However, I dread the day when we have to break him of the habit.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Daddy: Audrey, why don't you listen to Mommy and Daddy?
Audrey: Because I'm a grown-up!
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Every time Audrey sees the Penn State paw print...



Audrey: Look! It's a clue.


Being in PA we see these all over. So, does the clue mean she's going to Penn State?
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Anytime we tell Audrey she can't do something she says, "When I'm...
...7 I'll drive a car
...6 I can have my own camera
...9 I'll wear deodorant (what is the rush?)
...6 I can cross the street without holding Mommy's hand
...7 I can wear make-up
...6 I can use a knife
(generally, she thinks she'll be able to do anything when she's 6 or 7)
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The reason Audrey shouldn't go out into the street without Mommy or Daddy
Audrey: If I go into the street, cars will make me flat like a pancake, and Daddy will throw me like a Frisbee.
(Daddy painted such a nice picture for Audrey...but it works!)

Head on over to see more Tiny Talk at Mary's.

Dressing up

For the THIRD, yes 3rd year in a row Audrey has been a ladybug. The same ladybug costume has been used for three years. It was so worth the $8 spent on the outfit! This was definitely the last year as I struggled to take the outfit off anytime Audrey got hot...often! And since it is now in the hands of Goodwill, we have made sure someone else can enjoy the outfit next year...but NOT us.

We had a great time this year. In the morning we met my grandmother for a fun walk around Willow Valley and some pictures in her apartment. That was BEFORE Audrey couldn't resist pulling the emergency cord, after I had told her not to, and having a nurse come make sure everything was fine. Thankfully the nurse was pleasant (I'm guessing this happens with grand & great grandchildren often), and stayed to see our little ladybug and pumpkin man. Does it count if Liam just wore a pumpkin shirt? :)

After our visit with G.G. we were off to a costume party with friends. What a great party! There were songs, games, crafts, candy, ghost shaped pb&j sandwiches, and lots of friends. After the party we were home and enjoyed the beautiful 65 degree day by playing outside.

We set off to the mall late afternoon to meet up with our good friends, and get the candy. It was a little confusing for Audrey as she wasn't sure who to ask for candy. Once she understood that people were just handing out candy she started going up to multiple people in one store, holding up her bag and waiting for more candy to be put in. After going around the mall it was still hard to understand, but she had a bag full of goodies, all of which she wanted to immediately inspect. "What's this, Daddy, can I have it now?"

It was a fun day, even without a nap for Audrey. Liam was happy to be carried in the front pack the whole way around the mall, even sleeping most the way.

2 Months

Liam is unbelievably two months old! How could he possibly two months old already? Where is the time going? Make it stop, just for a moment!


The boy is so sleepy, so I thought it appropriate to put up a sleepy picture. I truly never thought I'd have a baby fall asleep on the floor. Audrey was away for the morning with a friend so that I could get some work done. I placed him down to have some floor play time while I worked. I turned around a few moments later and there he was asleep, hands raised and all.

He is starting to "talk", but to get a good conversation you must be a bear. He seems to like the Gr*aco mobile bears the best. This is convenient as they are placed on his changing table. Makes the lovely job a little more fun as we hear him chatting away. As soon as he makes eye contact with anyone (even a bear) he beams. It's the cutest thing ever. Audrey loves to get in on the action, and Liam is very happy to give her smiles too.

A Night to Remember

Last night was a beautiful night in this house. Audrey AND Liam were in bed and quiet (Audrey probably wasn't asleep) by 8pm. I was determined to get to bed soon after them to catch up on some much needed sleep....right after I folded the mountain of laundry. Unfortunately, an hour and a half later I finally finished a last minute bit of work and folded the last bit of laundry. I headed up to bed fulling expecting to close my eyes and hear the cries of sweet Liam ready to eat.

It certainly felt that way, but rather than saying 10pm the clock said 5:30am!! I did a double take, even a triple take. Had he really slept through the night?? I rolled over, nugged Albert, "Hey, can you get Liam? He slept through the night!" I think I was more excited about telling him about Liam sleeping through the night, than really needing him to go get Liam. Albert willingly did so, even though his alarm was set to go off in 30mins (don't you hate that feeling?). He's such a great guy. Liam ate and went right back to sleep until 8:30. I was able to get up a little after 7, Audrey was still sleeping, get myself ready before little miss woke up. What a great night. I don't know if this is the start to our dream of sleep filled nights, but I'm thankful for the grace God has given me. It's the first night Liam slept through the night!

By the way, Costume pictures will follow (as soon as I get them onto the computer).

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Conversation about being at Uncle Jamie's house...
Audrey: Next time we go to Uncle Jamie's house we have to be careful. There are BIG dogs there!
Me: Yes, there are. What do they do?
Audrey: They give you big kisses.
Me: They do?
Audrey: No, no, no...not Madison, only Brooksie. He gives kisses like this.
(LICK right on my cheek, thanks for the demonstration honey)
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After finding her stuffed dolphin, Echo, on my dresser...
Audrey: I'm so happy to see you! I was so worried about you.
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Audrey: Are we going to Aunt Sue's house? The one with the TV?
(she was talking about a house with a 60" tv...guess that made a BIG impression on her)
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I love Audrey's jogger pants. They are grey with pink stripes on the side.
Me: I love your pants, Audrey.
Audrey: When I go to the store with Daddy, I'll buy you pants, so you can have them just like me.
(I loved how she knew to go with Daddy)

Check out more fun Tiny Talk at Mary's

Random Monday Thoughts

Over the last week or week and a half I have realized more people than expected check my blog. It's encouraging, yet a little frightening at the same time. It also made me aware that I need to post more pictures. Liam is changing constantly, and it's always fun to post pictures of the adventerous things Audrey is getting into. This weekend was particularly busy for us.

Liam is smiling all the time, even at 3 am when Daddy goes to get him. He fusses, then sees Daddy's face and gives a big grin...making those early mornings worthwhile.

For Audrey, she got her first...yes, FIRST haircut this weekend. We've been waiting because her hair is so curly it's forgiving of those uneven lengths, but it was getting a bit crazy so it was time. She did a GREAT job. This girl gives me a fit every morning when I do her hair, but she sat perfectly still while getting her hair cut. She loved the "special seat" she got to sit in, and was mezmorized by watching the hairstylist cut her hair in the BIG mirror. By the way, the "cat face" is thanks to Hands on House. A perfect rainy day adventure with Daddy.

I started back to work 4 weeks after Liam was born. I work from home, so it's a bit managable (not always, but we manage), therefore we headed down to Baltimore to get work done and to visit friends. Liam did a great job traveling, and meeting all the new people. While in the Baltimore area we were able to attend a special party. Do you see the fabulous food behind Audrey? It was delicious! Happy Birthday, JoAnn! Thanks Jamie and Amanda for allowing us to visit.
I love her hair cut! Just to be sure she didn't mess it up, and to avoid getting food on the floor and on her outfit, we came up with this...

Established Steps

As our Bible Study is working through Psalms together, I am often in awe of the 'Righteous Man'. I want to be a righteous [wo]man in God's sight. I want to walk in the way of the Lord. As I read through, the description of a righteous man does not describe me. It is what I want to be, it is what I am striving for, but sadly I miserably fail over and over.

This week we were looking at Psalms 37. Verses 23 and 24 really hit me, in fact I want to commit them to memory.

23The^(A) steps of a man are^(B) established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; 24^(C) though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD^(D) upholds his hand.

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way"
Thank goodness!!! I am so glad the Lord has already gone ahead and made a plan for me. My path is set.
"though he fall"
OH YES! I will fall, there's no doubt. That righteous man will fall. What a relief to read this. Although I fail in my walk with the Lord over and over, I can still strive to be that righteous [wo]man.

"he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand."
I love the imagery here. I'm not going to be thrown out if I fail or stumble along my path. I will certainly fall, but I just imagine the Lord holding my hand like a young child holds her Daddy's hand. When I (being the young child) fall, the Lord leans over and brings me back up, helping to brush off some of the grit from the fall. This doesn't mean there are no cuts, bruises, or lasting scars from the fall. It doesn't mean the path is paved and straight, most likely it's rocky and steep, but I continue on, my hand in his. As I take these established steps of my life as a wife and a mom, I am reminded not to be discouraged when I fail (daily). Rather, I need to get back up, grasp onto the hand of my savior and continue my journey.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Song: "Create in Me a Clean Heart"
words: "...cast me not away from thy presence, Oh Lord..."
As a family we were singing this song, teaching it to Audrey. After singing this phrase...
Audrey: When it snows we can give presents.
(you know, presence and presents? She's worried she'll be cast away from her presents, but no fear when Christmas comes, she'll get them back...right?)
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On Sunday while brushing teeth before church...
Audrey: Someday when I'm bigger I will go to the dentist.
Daddy: You want to go to the dentist?
Audrey: No, I want to go eat breakfast and go to church.
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Audrey: Mommy, Liam is older than me.
Me: No, he's younger than you.
Audrey: No, he's OLDER!
Me: Ok
(she was so intent, discussion had to be over)
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Role playing Do*ra the Expl*rer
Audrey: Oh no! Swiper stole the trees.
Albert: Where did he put them?
Audrey: He put them in the forest!

Head on over to Mary's to see more Tiny Talk Tuesday posts

Balancing Act

Here I am 7 weeks into my new life with two children. I love it! I really do, but I have these days like today when I feel like the balancing act is much too difficult. It's one of those days when Audrey wasn't being particularly naughty, and Liam didn't need me any more than usual. Audrey wants to help, sometimes too much. I do try to get her involved as much as possible, but today I wasn't into being creative with what she could do to help. So, she proceeded to climb on me when I was holding Liam, check his eyes and ears with her toy medical kit (as if she'd have a real one)...scary as she's trying to poke him in these sensitive areas. I kept pushing her off me, off him, and eventually out of the room because she wouldn't stop. After feeding, then changing him, I took an opportunity to hold him. I just wanted to hold my peaceful, content little baby. I feel like I often put him down to go onto my next task and he's pretty content so it seems ok, and then Audrey's ok because it's usually her I'm attending to. I just wanted to hold my baby, and I felt incredibly guilty for not paying attention to Audrey. I know all this is good, I know she'll adjust, I know Liam needs this time too. She is certainly not neglected, so why do I feel this incredible sense of guilt? I feel guilty because I made her leave the room so I could peacefully hold my baby. I didn't want to take the time to think of something for her to do for Liam. She's not a snuggler, so simply asking her to sit next to me or close while I hold him wasn't going to work. It was just easier for me to tell her to leave the room, to find something else to do. I never want her to think I don't love her, or that I'm pushing her away from me. I hope the moments that remain in her memory are the times we play, read, walk, talk, or watch movies together.

And then we have moments like this...

Old Friends and New Friends

Ok, I'm finally getting my post up about this weekend. Sorry girls, I really did mean to do it earlier. It was fantastic seeing my long time friend, Mary and meeting sweet Leigh Ann. How fun it was to chat and laugh for hours on end about everything, literally. Being fairly new to the blog world, and most importantly not being so computer savvy I was rather stunned by the stuff you could do with your blog. Who knew?!?! My husband reminds me often that I need to tinker more. I guess he's right. Since the other photos didn't include him, I wanted to show proof that my little man, Liam, joined in on some of the conversation, at the expense of cutting of Leigh Ann's shoulder (she does have two). He looks rather snuggly back there in his seat.
Hopefully after these conversations I'll be willing to tinker more with my blog and we'll see some cool changes in the future. Just maybe I might be the one to make the changes and NOT Albert!

Hope we can do it again sometime, girls.

Suffering

Today I dedicate my post to Logan Clark Stoltzfus. It is his 2nd birthday, but sadly I have never had the pleasure of knowing this little guy. The Lord took him home soon after my very dear friend, Kara, gave birth to him. I can't even begin to know what that pain is, to lose a child...all I know is the joy of loving them. Kara is a strong woman, she was before Logan's death, but she is certainly even more so now. She is not one to let this tragedy in life get her down. She has been able to talk, cry, even blog about her pain. She has stood up and wanted to do something, to help others feeling this same sense of loss. I admire her desire to get back on her feet, although I know she had many of days when she didn't want to get out of bed. I know there were days she did not see God's hand in her life. I am sure she often felt how David felt as he wrote many of the Psalms, like Pslams 13.

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.

We often can't help but wonder or question why God would allow a life taken so young, so new? We can often ask these questions about anything in our own lives. We may never know why, but we can certainly rest in knowing He is a mighty, sovereign, and Holy God. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and is omnipresent. He is with us, even through our darkest and deepest pain. He knows the deepest pain of loss, of giving His one and only son for our ugly sin. Not only did Jesus die, a death on the cross, but he experienced the pits of Hell. There is no greater punishment nor pain, and he took it upon himself even though he never deserved any of it! Oh the pain God the Father understands! He did it all for me! Unbelievable!

As we suffer through our own personal pain, I pray that I would be like David rejoicing in salvation, and trusting in God's unfailing love. Despite David's pain, he sang to the Lord "for he has been good to me". I want to do the same! Today I lift the Stoltzfus family up in prayer, and grieve with them as they face the suffering of losing their son, grandson, brother, and friend.

I Love City Life

Not always, but today I do. There are days I'd love to not have a parking lot in front of my house with cars that have speakers blaring, a neighbor that starts his parties after the bars close and happen to stand between our houses where the noise echoes, and smoke coming into our windows from our other neighbor. Yes, aspects of city life really annoy me...but then there are the reasons I love the city.

Today I got my jogging stroller and my baby bj*orn and off the three of us went, for a long walk. We walked to church. It's a 2 mile walk one way, so perfect exercise, and Audrey walks majority of the trip. The best part is that we can walk one way to church and a totally different way back, but there's not just two ways to go, we could go a plethora of ways. I love to walk along and see all the variety of houses, decorations, retail shops, restaurants, and people that I pass along my way. I love having a reason to get out and walk, other than just for exercise. Today we walked to church, other days we walk to go to the park's playground, coffee shop, restaurant, market, grocery store, or the video store. All are reasons to not use gas, get some exercise, and breath fresh air. And along the way we may meet a friend or two.

Today on my walk home I began walking along with another mom of two young children. She had this really cool stroller (donations, anyone?), so the conversation began, but being Moms we already had much in common to talk about. We talked as we walked together for several blocks. She's new to the area and recently put her child in pre-school to meet new moms and for her son to meet friends. I was thankful God put me at that place and that moment. I don't know that I'll run into this mom again, but it certainly helped make my walk home faster and I hope it brightened her day as well.

On days like today, the parking lot doesn't bother me (no one is doing laundry today, so it's quiet) my neighbor doesn't have parties on weekdays, so I'm thankful there's space between our houses giving us a bit more land than a lot of city dwellers, and I'm thankful for the large city house windows even if I do have to close them occasionally for fear of 2nd hand smoke plus he's a wonderful neighbor. It's all in perspective, right? Hopefully I'll come back to this post when I'm not as excited about living in the city. For today, I love city life.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Me: (to Albert) Do you like my new shirt?
Albert: Yes, I love it. You look sexy.
Audrey: (mimicking Daddy) Yes, I love it. You look silly.
Guess I'm thankful she doesn't know the other word, but not sure I was going for the silly look.
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The day after she stayed on her bed during nap time (a bonus for mommy) and coincidently Grammy came and took her to the book store.
Audrey: I stayed on my bed again!! Who is coming to get me today?
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For the next several days after throwing up and getting coke (a special treat) to calm her tummy down.
Audrey: Mommy, my belly hurts. I need some coke.
Me: Honey, if you throw up again you may have more coke.
Audrey: I think I'll throw up again.
is the coke really worth THAT??
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Real word: Sleeping Beauty
Audrey: Sleeping Judy

Check out more Tiny Talk Tuesday posts at Mary's

Close

This past week our little Liam smiled for the first time. This is one of those sweet moments, Liam with his Uncle Tim.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Me: Audrey, you make me tired.
Audrey: NO! You make ME tired!
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On a store run with Daddy and Mommy (Liam was with Grammy)
Audrey: Where's Liam?
Me: He's with Grammy, this is a special trip just for you, with Mommy and Daddy.
Audrey: But, I miss Liam

Check out more Tiny Talks at Mary's

Moments

Some moments I'm too tired, actually most moments I feel that way. I feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a Mom, to both a newborn and a preschooler. I had a friend recently encourage me by reminding me that the Lord's mercies are new every morning. He gives us exactly what we need to make through each day. She's right. The Lord gives us these unprompted moments to let us know children are a blessing, not just to us as parents, but also to each other. I am thankful for these little glimpses of affection, especially when they are not staged for the camera. I can make it through today, and better yet...with a smile.

One Month

One month goes by too quickly! His face says it all. "Whoa, I'm ONE MONTH?!" We've enjoyed this past month. It's been an adjustment for Audrey, but she's done very well. He's a very content, sleepy baby. This has made the transition go smoothly. We love the few times when he opens his eyes. We haven't gotten the cute smile on camera yet, but believe he has smiled at us for real this week. He's losing some of his hair on top. I'm curious if it will come in lighter, maybe he'll be a blonde boy?

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Audrey is the talker in this house, from the time she wakes up to the time she goes down. She's 3, and has much to say.

Reading a card to herself...
Audrey: The card says, 'Go to the store Love, Jesus'
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Truck backing up (beep, beep)
Audrey: That beep scares me, but it's ok, God is holding me, and you, and Liam
(so true, so true...thanks for the reminder)
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Audrey: Mommy, Bandit is barking. You can spank him.
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Audrey: When I be a teacher, I'll be a Mommy just like you.
(aww, so sweet)
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My favorite...during a discussion of bugs
Grammy: Do you like spiders?
Audrey: Some
Grammy: I like spiders. I like Daddy Long leg spiders
Audrey: I like Mommy Long Leg spiders

Go on over to Mary's to see more Tiny Talk Tuesday

Fall Has Arrived

Albert and I love fall. We have since we've been together. At first, while dating in college, it meant a new school year. This meant we no longer had the 4+ hour drive between us, and long distance phone calls. We were able to see each other every day. We enjoyed the cooler weather and beautiful western PA fall, full of vibrant colors. Once we were married and he was a teacher. It once again meant the start of a new year, but the season had lost some of it's "excitement", it wasn't the same. Slowly we started to rekindle our love for this season. I learned to make yummy apple pie, and then began the tradition of making it every fall. Mmmm...the smell does wonders to the house! The year prior to having kids we picked apples for the first time! Oh so yummy, this was a new tradition that had to begin, along with the hayride. Three years ago, we had our first child, in August, and feeling like I couldn't go anywhere nor do anything. We knew we'd have to wait until the next year to get her into the fall festivities we so looked forward to it for ourselves and for her.









The next year we took her pumpkin picking along with a hay ride. We had a fun time, and took great pictures...but she still wasn't as excited as we were. It was still a little early. Last year we weren't able to get out to pick pumpkins, but we got to pick apples...just as fun. This time she enjoyed it! She was picking as many apples as possible. Then we spent the rest of the day at Grammy's house making a years worth of apple sauce.












Now this year has come. We have TWO children, but our oldest now gets to be just as excited as we are. We couldn't just pick one thing to do, so we did it all...all in one day. Apple picking, hayride, pumpkin picking, and finally painting the pumpkin. All we need now is warm apple pie, hot cider, and the glow and aroma of pumpkin spice candles to make this day complete. The full excitement of fall has finally returned, and the best part is that we get to enjoy it with our children.


May this be one of those memories they will cherish forever!