I saw a commercial the other day that really bothered me. It was for one of those miracle diet pills. You've seen these commercials. They show before pics of people sticking out their pooch with all their might and then the after pic where they are sucking it in for all their worth, saying something like, "I lost 52 lbs with this slim pill in just 2 days!"
The other day, I saw a similar commercial with this girl who said, "I went from a size 8 to a size 0!"
So now, we are being told that if you are a size 8 you need to lose weight? We should all strive to be a 0?
Gag me with a spoon. I feel for the girls who think 8 is too big. It makes me angry that this is what the media is teaching young girls and even some misguided older girls.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
And Another New Baby!
Not mine. No, No, NO.
My sister had her first baby on Friday, Good Friday. Her name is not Mary Rose, but that is what we will call her. She is cute. She is tiny. She makes me want another baby for about 10 seconds and then I snap out of it.
Being at the hospital with my sis did bring back a lot of fond memories. It wasn't that long ago that I was having babies. My youngest is only 3-1/2. I remember those first couple of days in the hospital where all I wanted to do was rest (good luck) and look at my baby. I remember those pink, blue and white striped blankies they wrap the babies in. I remember those cute, teeny, tiny diapers and the not so teeny tiny poops. But it was cute poop. Yes, it was. And I'm sure my sis thinks the same about her baby. I'm pretty sure my brother-in-law does too. Aside from my own husband, I've never seen someone look so tired and so happy at the same time. It was sweet. I hope that tired/happy feeling is able to coexist for a long time.
So, good luck, guys! Enjoy this short time with your newborn. Dress her up in cute clothes. Put cute little bows and ribbons in her hair. It will be gone before you know it and then she'll be 8 years old and arguing with you because she wants to do her hair and pick out her own clothes. But if you are lucky and your daughter is anything like mine, she'll still want you to sit by her and hug her lots and will help to make your life a joy.
My sister had her first baby on Friday, Good Friday. Her name is not Mary Rose, but that is what we will call her. She is cute. She is tiny. She makes me want another baby for about 10 seconds and then I snap out of it.
Being at the hospital with my sis did bring back a lot of fond memories. It wasn't that long ago that I was having babies. My youngest is only 3-1/2. I remember those first couple of days in the hospital where all I wanted to do was rest (good luck) and look at my baby. I remember those pink, blue and white striped blankies they wrap the babies in. I remember those cute, teeny, tiny diapers and the not so teeny tiny poops. But it was cute poop. Yes, it was. And I'm sure my sis thinks the same about her baby. I'm pretty sure my brother-in-law does too. Aside from my own husband, I've never seen someone look so tired and so happy at the same time. It was sweet. I hope that tired/happy feeling is able to coexist for a long time.
So, good luck, guys! Enjoy this short time with your newborn. Dress her up in cute clothes. Put cute little bows and ribbons in her hair. It will be gone before you know it and then she'll be 8 years old and arguing with you because she wants to do her hair and pick out her own clothes. But if you are lucky and your daughter is anything like mine, she'll still want you to sit by her and hug her lots and will help to make your life a joy.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
4 new babies!
Birds. 4 new baby birds.
As an appropriate sign of spring and of the upcoming celebration of our Lord's resurrection, we have a mama bird who has made a nest, oddly enough, on a blue tarp that was laying in a little alleyway on the side of our house. The other day, 4 baby birds made their way out of their eggs. They are not cute. They have no "hair" (Grace's words, not mine), huge, bug like eyes (that have yet to open) and these seemingly over sized, bright yellow beaks. They are really tiny.
We check on them each day to see if any progress in their growth has been made. So far, no. Sometimes the mama is sitting on them and sometimes they are left on their own for a bit while the mama goes off in search of food. I've taken a few photographs.
It's a little hard to tell from this picture what exactly you are looking at. One bird is laying on top of the others. "Clarence" almost fell out of the nest earlier today. Don't know how that happened. Paul used a stick, (so as not to make any human contact) to tilt the nest so it would be a little bit more straight. This helped Clarence to roll back into place. Hopefully they will make it to become full grown birds. It will be kinda fun to watch.
As an appropriate sign of spring and of the upcoming celebration of our Lord's resurrection, we have a mama bird who has made a nest, oddly enough, on a blue tarp that was laying in a little alleyway on the side of our house. The other day, 4 baby birds made their way out of their eggs. They are not cute. They have no "hair" (Grace's words, not mine), huge, bug like eyes (that have yet to open) and these seemingly over sized, bright yellow beaks. They are really tiny.
We check on them each day to see if any progress in their growth has been made. So far, no. Sometimes the mama is sitting on them and sometimes they are left on their own for a bit while the mama goes off in search of food. I've taken a few photographs.
Every time I use my flash, they wildly open their beaks thinking someone is there to feed them. It's kinda funny.
It's a little hard to tell from this picture what exactly you are looking at. One bird is laying on top of the others. "Clarence" almost fell out of the nest earlier today. Don't know how that happened. Paul used a stick, (so as not to make any human contact) to tilt the nest so it would be a little bit more straight. This helped Clarence to roll back into place. Hopefully they will make it to become full grown birds. It will be kinda fun to watch.
Monday, April 18, 2011
An Easter Song
Up from the grave He arose!
With a mighty triumph o're His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain;
and He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose!
He arose!
Hallejuah, Christ arose!
We were sarenaded "Low in the Grave He Lay" by our girls on Sunday after church while we dyed Easter eggs (over and over and over). I thought it was very appropriate.
With a mighty triumph o're His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain;
and He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose!
He arose!
Hallejuah, Christ arose!
We were sarenaded "Low in the Grave He Lay" by our girls on Sunday after church while we dyed Easter eggs (over and over and over). I thought it was very appropriate.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Bubbles
Yesterday, Elliott and I spent some time outside blowing bubbles. It still amazes me just how excited my kids can get about a bottle of liquid soap. I got some cute pictures and thought I'd share. 
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Fashion Five
The other day, I commented that Grace was going to be fashion forward one day. Elliott, who is never without comment, says, "No she's not. She's fashion five." Get it? Because Grace is 5 years old, not four.
Grace is our fashinista. She loves layers and frills. She loves jewelry and makeup. When my grandmother died, I got all of her old costume jewelry. She had quite the collection. Grace has since discovered her stash and has fallen in love with it. There are so many sparkles and so many options!
Even though Grace is almost 6 years old, I still have to keep a tight reign on what she wears on days when we are going out in public. If I let her completely have her creative freedom, she may come out looking like a cross between lady ga ga and an actual Disney princess. (Tiana from Princess and the Frog is her favorite princess, which is another post for another time. She cried and cried one day when I wouldn't use this dark brown eye shadow she has to "paint" her face brown so she could look like Tiana. Yes, I know.). Anyway, this is a picture of one of her lesser fantastic outfits.
Grace is our fashinista. She loves layers and frills. She loves jewelry and makeup. When my grandmother died, I got all of her old costume jewelry. She had quite the collection. Grace has since discovered her stash and has fallen in love with it. There are so many sparkles and so many options!
Even though Grace is almost 6 years old, I still have to keep a tight reign on what she wears on days when we are going out in public. If I let her completely have her creative freedom, she may come out looking like a cross between lady ga ga and an actual Disney princess. (Tiana from Princess and the Frog is her favorite princess, which is another post for another time. She cried and cried one day when I wouldn't use this dark brown eye shadow she has to "paint" her face brown so she could look like Tiana. Yes, I know.). Anyway, this is a picture of one of her lesser fantastic outfits.
Notice the pearls (which she did wear out yesterday) and the "diamond" earrings and the scarf adds a whimsical, "I'm fashion forward" touch to it all.
My friend Meredith writes a fashion blog, http://www.findingsoulbalance.blogspot.com/. She might even be impressed with Grace's sense of style.
I'm slightly worried we may have some issues with Grace one day concerning her sense of style. She often talks of how she wants to color her hair. And not normal colors. Colors like blue and purple and pink. And once she gets over her fear of the piercing gun, there is no telling what she come home with that has a new hole in it. She's a bit of a free spirit. I do love that about her, I'm just a little scared of how that will play out in the teen years. Fortunately, she has a VERY conservative older sister who does not want to do anything to draw attention to herself and insists on wearing an undershirt with everything and is terrified at the thought of needing a bra one day. Grace on the other hand, creates bras and the stuffing to go with it.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ode to the last 10 years.
It's been 10 years. 10 years that have flown by. 10 years since I married the love of my life.
A lot has changed since then, yet a lot has not changed. I still feel 25. (I may not look it but I feel it). When I was 25 I probably would have said I still feel like a teenager. I'm pretty sure I've outgrown that teenage feeling, but I still do feel young. I still find it hard to believe that I'm a mom to 3 kids and an experienced wife.
10 years ago, we lived in a little apartment about 900 square feet. Paul was working at Bell South. I was teaching 1st grade at an inner city school and counting the days until we got pregnant so I could quit. Since then, we have moved twice, Paul has had 6 different jobs (2 of those within the same company), we had 3 kids in 4 years, I quit my teaching job and started my own photography business.
Things have morphed and changed over the years into the life we live now. I often sit back and think I lead a charmed life. God has SO blessed us. I don't have to work. We have a nice house, 2 cars, 3 beautiful, healthy girls. I have a husband who loves me and loves the Lord. We have 2 extended families who love us and the Lord as well. We have a great church and great friends. God has SO blessed us.
And it all started when God separately led Paul and I to move away from our hometowns, the towns we grew up in, the place where all our family and friends were, to do something against our natures, to move to a new, big city where neither of us knew anyone. He led us to attend the same church. Both of us happened to be dating other people when we met (me, 1 guy in particular, Paul, a couple of girls- he wasn't shy of the ladies). He led us away from those other people and then led us together.
Our very first date was to see Sting at the fabulous Fox theater. It was really the best first date I have ever been on and I've been on a few first dates. We doubled with some friends of Paul's, friends that we are still friends with to this day, whom we've grown closer to over the years. We dated for 10 months before we got engaged - a whirlwind trip to NYC for the day - and were engaged for 4 months. And it's been bliss ever since!
Paul still exhibits all of the qualities and characteristics that helped me to fall in love with him 10 years ago and more.
He is a godly man, a spiritual leader. He is ambitious, supportive, loving, a devoted family man, a devoted husband, trustworthy. He calls me at least twice everyday from work, he takes the trash out without complaining, he likes to sweep and vacuum. He's a loving father, a hard worker, a good business man, very intelligent, a loyal friend. He likes (or at least doesn't mind) that I'm strong willed (right?). He's friendly, sociable, funny, bald and very handsome. He's an awesome, multi talented musician. He's athletic (or used to be). He loves the outdoors. He quietly goes along on all my family trip ideas even if he doesn't really want to and doesn't try to make me feel bad when said trip was not fun for anyone. He says "I love you" every time before saying goodbye on the phone. He's patient. very patient. He does not hold a grudge. He's funny and he thinks he's funny. He protects and takes care of me and our children.
All in all, he's a pretty good guy. I think I made a pretty good decision to marry him. I think I might give him another 10 years, maybe 50. My grandparents were married for 60 years before my grandmother died. 60 years! In 50 years, I'll be 85, Paul 88. That's doable. We could make it.
My prayer is that the next 50 years are as blissful and happy as the first 10 have been. Happy Anniversary, Paul! I love you!
FYI; Tomorrow's post may be about how Paul got mad at me for embarrassing him by writing all this stuff about him. Should I add "humble" to the list? Maybe "slow to anger" and " understanding."
A lot has changed since then, yet a lot has not changed. I still feel 25. (I may not look it but I feel it). When I was 25 I probably would have said I still feel like a teenager. I'm pretty sure I've outgrown that teenage feeling, but I still do feel young. I still find it hard to believe that I'm a mom to 3 kids and an experienced wife.
10 years ago, we lived in a little apartment about 900 square feet. Paul was working at Bell South. I was teaching 1st grade at an inner city school and counting the days until we got pregnant so I could quit. Since then, we have moved twice, Paul has had 6 different jobs (2 of those within the same company), we had 3 kids in 4 years, I quit my teaching job and started my own photography business.
Things have morphed and changed over the years into the life we live now. I often sit back and think I lead a charmed life. God has SO blessed us. I don't have to work. We have a nice house, 2 cars, 3 beautiful, healthy girls. I have a husband who loves me and loves the Lord. We have 2 extended families who love us and the Lord as well. We have a great church and great friends. God has SO blessed us.
And it all started when God separately led Paul and I to move away from our hometowns, the towns we grew up in, the place where all our family and friends were, to do something against our natures, to move to a new, big city where neither of us knew anyone. He led us to attend the same church. Both of us happened to be dating other people when we met (me, 1 guy in particular, Paul, a couple of girls- he wasn't shy of the ladies). He led us away from those other people and then led us together.
Our very first date was to see Sting at the fabulous Fox theater. It was really the best first date I have ever been on and I've been on a few first dates. We doubled with some friends of Paul's, friends that we are still friends with to this day, whom we've grown closer to over the years. We dated for 10 months before we got engaged - a whirlwind trip to NYC for the day - and were engaged for 4 months. And it's been bliss ever since!
Paul still exhibits all of the qualities and characteristics that helped me to fall in love with him 10 years ago and more.
He is a godly man, a spiritual leader. He is ambitious, supportive, loving, a devoted family man, a devoted husband, trustworthy. He calls me at least twice everyday from work, he takes the trash out without complaining, he likes to sweep and vacuum. He's a loving father, a hard worker, a good business man, very intelligent, a loyal friend. He likes (or at least doesn't mind) that I'm strong willed (right?). He's friendly, sociable, funny, bald and very handsome. He's an awesome, multi talented musician. He's athletic (or used to be). He loves the outdoors. He quietly goes along on all my family trip ideas even if he doesn't really want to and doesn't try to make me feel bad when said trip was not fun for anyone. He says "I love you" every time before saying goodbye on the phone. He's patient. very patient. He does not hold a grudge. He's funny and he thinks he's funny. He protects and takes care of me and our children.
All in all, he's a pretty good guy. I think I made a pretty good decision to marry him. I think I might give him another 10 years, maybe 50. My grandparents were married for 60 years before my grandmother died. 60 years! In 50 years, I'll be 85, Paul 88. That's doable. We could make it.
My prayer is that the next 50 years are as blissful and happy as the first 10 have been. Happy Anniversary, Paul! I love you!
FYI; Tomorrow's post may be about how Paul got mad at me for embarrassing him by writing all this stuff about him. Should I add "humble" to the list? Maybe "slow to anger" and " understanding."
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