tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87748914041671568522024-03-21T16:41:12.495-07:00The Adventures of Mrs. SchmoopieA little blog about the comings and goings of Mrs. Schmoopie...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-50972151102399739262010-06-24T19:26:00.000-07:002010-06-24T19:26:58.096-07:00Wake-up Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc2oQUVNPDeE6FUVuAeApoXoK89rUXKZslICZ9QDmD7aNhE6Luwga1ZVRtRYuPiDV6Ycxdnc_qbjd5r1BXpnBavrEsknrCwkp0djPbkZt6GZ9oH6zGwUD1ipME9BFyX9HgFtEZvlMjOD9/s1600/fruit-of-spirit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc2oQUVNPDeE6FUVuAeApoXoK89rUXKZslICZ9QDmD7aNhE6Luwga1ZVRtRYuPiDV6Ycxdnc_qbjd5r1BXpnBavrEsknrCwkp0djPbkZt6GZ9oH6zGwUD1ipME9BFyX9HgFtEZvlMjOD9/s320/fruit-of-spirit2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24703734@N02/2789285537/">Ksugirl126</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Today at the pool I was watching some of the kids play in the water while an older girl fumbled around in her mother's pool bag aimlessly for minutes on end only to end up empty handed. It was evident that she didn't fit in the with the other kids, played either by herself or spent most of the time with the adults present but not engaged in conversation or activity like the other kids her age. It seemed as though her mother was annoyed by her mere presence and though the girl didn't seem to notice, I can't help but wonder if deep inside she sensed the annoyance that her mother wore all over her face and with her body language.<br />
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I sat for a while and pondered how I react and respond to my children when they are on my last nerve. I know that at times I can be short tempered and don't always remember to hold my tongue...and then I wonder why my children respond in the same manner to each other. How can I expect them to respond to each other in a Godly manner when I don't always model for them love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, and gentleness? I guess that means I'm not always filled with those things and I should be. <br />
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So for a while I plan to spend time really trying to figure out what is causing me to not always be so "fruitful" and I need to weed those things out. In that process, I hope that I am able to start living out the fruit the God intends for me and to share with my kids so they can start to grow and tend their own fruit.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-65030301394044368662010-06-23T18:37:00.000-07:002010-06-23T18:42:15.827-07:00Maddie's RoomMaddie has decided she wants to ditch her bubblegum pink room for something more hip and stylish. Teal seems to be the common theme, so in an effort to try to wrap myself around something artsy for her, I made this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpe5Pct0Pcsadf3CyK4Hh6Lij_6H8GqSxwQqfZYzVHNlpO2KlqkaK3XC3zT2vJ4sJVsSBq8vq1v6MBzfaWL2RPh5HwZ34OKmrUsNU64Ie9pTN1F-wipQn-q50LTxPzxOe6d1KRcexbQxr/s1600/Maddie+canvas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486148777635389490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpe5Pct0Pcsadf3CyK4Hh6Lij_6H8GqSxwQqfZYzVHNlpO2KlqkaK3XC3zT2vJ4sJVsSBq8vq1v6MBzfaWL2RPh5HwZ34OKmrUsNU64Ie9pTN1F-wipQn-q50LTxPzxOe6d1KRcexbQxr/s400/Maddie+canvas.jpg" border="0" /></a>What do you think? I was thinking of a darker shade of the teal in these flowers. She has a gray solid beadspread, so I figured some fun pillows in lots of bright colors would be good and then maybe a canvas of this somewhere (if it's not too dorky for an almost 7 year old's taste).<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-65908617773651755612010-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:002010-05-06T19:45:40.496-07:00It's About Time!Several friends have mentioned that they stopped linking my blog to theirs because I haven't written in such a long time. Well...I'd say that 14+ months does fall into the "long time" category.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's been a long and eventful 14 months. We have had our ups and downs and with God's grace, we keep plugging along at full speed ahead.<br /><br /><br /><br />In that time, Buddy had tubes put in his ears and his adenoids removed. He started walking, qualified for First Steps due to a speech delay (b/c of his ear issues), was released from First Steps b/c he basically caught up before he really got started, he actually started gaining weight and hit a whopping 3% on the height and weight growth chart (not 5% is when the scale actually begins). The true test will be at his 3 year check up to see where he is at now (yes, I said 3 year...sniff, sniff).<br /><br /><br /><br />Boo graduated from kindergarten and has had a wonderful year in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span></span>-first grade class with the same teacher. She has blossomed socially and with confidence and is reading, writing and drawing like a mad lady! The girl can make art out of junk and I have to hide recyclables so that she isn't dumpster diving for her newest inventions! She is a huge help and is a wonderful big sister. If I had a big sister, I'd want her to be at the top of my list.<br /><br /><br /><br />Bear has really grown and changed a lot this year. She has lost her "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">budha</span></span> belly" and has shot up like a weed to where she is wearing clothes that Boo wore last year! She has lost her toddler look and as she starts to approach #4, she is blossoming into a big girl! She has an amazing imagination and is such a sweetheart. Bear has struggled for months with her sleep, and after an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">adenoidectomy</span></span> and tonsillectomy, we haven't seen the kind of improvement we'd like, so I think we are on the path towards a sleep study. In the meantime, the king sized bed we bought last fall is coming in quite handy!<br /><br /><br /><br />The King of the house has enjoyed our new basement renovation and finds it to be a place of solace and hobby. He has a beautiful space where his love and passion for wine has been able to grow and he actually has a place to store and serve it! We are enjoying the "man cave" as he calls it, and it has afforded us many more opportunities to entertain friends...and the 60 in. plasma helps too!<br /><br /><br /><br />I have had an interesting 14 months myself. I have enjoyed teaching and realize again how truly blessed I am to have the opportunity to work and be home with the children. My colleagues are outstanding teachers and friends and have been a tremendous support to our family as we have plowed through health and sleep issues over the past 12+ months. We are excited to be opening <a href="http://www.faithmontessoripreschool.com/">Faith Montessori Preschool</a> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Noblesville</span></span> in the fall and I will continue to teach while Bear and Buddy get to reap the benefits of the best early childhood program in Hamilton County!<br /><br /><br /><br />I have also had a chance to grow personally this year. I had the pleasure of being introduced to and inspired by an amazing woman who is in the business of changing lives of children and families in Indianapolis. Amanda Byrd is the Executive Director of <a href="http://www.indyearlylearning.org/">The Indianapolis Early Learning Center</a>. Amanda has opened an amazing school in a part of Indianapolis that a lot of people don't want to talk about. <a href="http://www.indyearlylearning.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">IELC</span></span></a> is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Reggio</span></span> inspired school and as an early childhood educator, when I enter the building it's like I've stepped into Disney World. To see the learning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">opportunities</span> created for children and the potential they have to become <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">intrinsically motivated learners is amazing; especially when many come from homes where education is not at the top of the list of needs. When research shows that children who do not participate in an early childhood experience are <a href="http://www.eoionline.org/early_learning/fact_sheets/ELCLinkCrimeReduction-Jul02.pdf">70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18 </a>, we're on to something. If a child that hasn't caught up socially by the 3rd grade has a 50% chance of graduating from high school - we need to do something. That "something" is being done at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">IELC</span>. If you have some time, I'd love to share <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">IELC</span> with you!</span><br /><br />I have more to write, but as many of you know I like to ramble. So I will ramble on some other day.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-7310745929612355812008-12-23T18:28:00.000-08:002008-12-23T18:29:24.005-08:00Save Handmade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi18O82fqkhYqAKzCcqbxKjAkhny8B9FVQmAOUgk8xc5TD0eu3tQvKp-oW9VQk3xJV-lVC6NfZWjl1zX_xozCcwhxE383adb33zK6hJCrq695LldLpKpudBgJNoCxu1zIXGJvt_Uop9r7-/s320/savehandmade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283178069824831986" border="0" /></a><br />Click on the bear to read about the future of handmade children's items in the U.S.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-21098465362059885692008-12-23T08:06:00.000-08:002008-12-23T20:19:15.620-08:00Maybe not...For some reason, the thought of sleeping in this morning crossed my mind...right. Gone are the days of sleeping until noon on a day off! I guess I need to start going to be earlier if I want to catch some extra shut eye. So instead, we spent the morning cutting up a cardboard box for the dog to have a "cave" to sleep in...good luck with that one kids.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-43795170431442150882008-12-22T19:16:00.001-08:002008-12-22T19:25:34.186-08:00Does it really have to be winter?I've finally gotten past fall and have forced myself to admit that it's finally winter...UGH! I've lived in Indiana for 16 years and still have the desert rat in me. There's nothing better than 60 degree weather in Phoenix for Christmas! Gotta love those desert holidays! I remember our last Christmas in Phoenix was cold (may 50 degrees) and our first Christmas in Evansville was colder than a well diggers bu$$ (as my dad would say). "It rarely snows in Evansville," he said. Yeah right...we missed almost a week of school and I learned how to sled by the river without getting hit by cars or arrested...<br /><br />Today was my first day off for Christmas Break (I can call it that since I teach at a Christian school). We spent part of the day playing with friends and then came home to a clean house for naps/quiet time and then playing in the warm basement. Tonight I had a chance to update my personal and <a href="http://aashleydesigns.blogspot.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">A. Ashley Designs</span></span></span></a> blogs and my <a href="http://www.aashleydesigns.etsy.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Etsy</span></a> shop. <br /><br />Tomorrow will be a relaxing day of play, laundry and coffee!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-90507676764803736312008-11-28T16:45:00.000-08:002008-11-28T16:54:38.925-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!We have much to be thankful for this year! Paul's mom came to visit and we celebrated Thanksgiving at our house with all of our favorites: turkey, Williamsburg sweet potatoes, Aunt Wilda's rolls, mom's Mexican cornbread crack mix, cranberry apple pie and dairy free pumpkin pie (tastes the same as regular!). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VfCOdGRQyQq22v7DyHXvjYZ6oN2-9ii-7EtwZjeVMIUNIvDuQ-_sUYbsdHMG4CVrP3VgZ2Msyc2gkY_MbsiZaqUsU0uI-tGY4kFsIFWFWoF8gBmnbidKXoqpYjaKBrajg6jr-okNKUh0/s1600-h/PICT1137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VfCOdGRQyQq22v7DyHXvjYZ6oN2-9ii-7EtwZjeVMIUNIvDuQ-_sUYbsdHMG4CVrP3VgZ2Msyc2gkY_MbsiZaqUsU0uI-tGY4kFsIFWFWoF8gBmnbidKXoqpYjaKBrajg6jr-okNKUh0/s320/PICT1137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273876097088258850" /></a><br /><br />For as quickly as we devoured our dinner, it sure took a long time to clean up! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFsLcs2MwJisulbJZWZw3ww_AQUYl4C7ATluMnjMqlZsYFIFmcEr8BA19XT0way0NJsr76np4_c6-OxqOpzxuOfuXPLBgT9RxjOV7c-YqZKA2GI7Bwmnqa_meyM105hx7IRscy2BVs6GD/s1600-h/PICT1133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFsLcs2MwJisulbJZWZw3ww_AQUYl4C7ATluMnjMqlZsYFIFmcEr8BA19XT0way0NJsr76np4_c6-OxqOpzxuOfuXPLBgT9RxjOV7c-YqZKA2GI7Bwmnqa_meyM105hx7IRscy2BVs6GD/s320/PICT1133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273876320644988786" /></a><br /> <br /><br />As I reflect upon 2008, I have a lot to be thankful for and realize how lucky we are and how we are continually blessed by friends and family. Where I fall short is figuring out how to teach my children (specifically Maddie) how to be thankful...any ideas?<br /><br />Paul and I celebrated the 9th anniversary of our first date on Black Friday by our traditional visit to the Children's Museum...with children. Finn was the brave one willing to have his picture taken with Santa...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj497w5FhT60WrfOMMokPWKZgTrK50TgcWjGUhsWruNVDUKh5fhmRiv4mW-wrK26WmVxuIRlT0mHtGYKfmfztnaNrEHyCi3HiMtrPLJUaKH0UFwb5VDnIQLetlbXQAwykYw-nwkw-EpDXbi/s1600-h/PICT1146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj497w5FhT60WrfOMMokPWKZgTrK50TgcWjGUhsWruNVDUKh5fhmRiv4mW-wrK26WmVxuIRlT0mHtGYKfmfztnaNrEHyCi3HiMtrPLJUaKH0UFwb5VDnIQLetlbXQAwykYw-nwkw-EpDXbi/s320/PICT1146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273876514343140690" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-73764505547113765092008-11-27T17:11:00.000-08:002008-11-27T17:17:29.748-08:00taggedtv shows i love to watch:<br />1. Grey's Anatomy <br />2. Brothers and Sisters <br />3. House <br />4. The Office<br /><br />4 of my favorite restaurants: <br />1. Mama Corolla's <br />2. Cafe Patachou <br />3.Bazbeaux's <br />4. The New Orlean's House (no longer established)<br /><br />4 things that happened today: <br />1. Broke my favorite Pampered Chef stone <br />2. Finally put some laundry away <br />3. ditched all of the old food growing in the refrigerator <br />4. Spent $12 at CVS and got $92 in product and $17 in ECB's to spend next time<br /><br />4 things i'm looking forward to: <br />1. going to Fogo with Doug and Carol <br />2. Holiday Craft show season to be over<br />3. Sawyer finishing up her potty training <br />4. SUMMER!<br /><br /><br />4 things on my "wish"/hope list: <br />1. that Maddie's attitude issues are related to food<br />2. that my kids will know and love Jesus and want to share that love with others<br />3. that i could get on the ball when it comes to keeping my house organized and clean 4. that God will continue to provide what we need exactly when we need it.<br /><br />4 people i'm tagging: 1. emily 2. abbey 3. jodie 4. mistyAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-17278452433398641872008-11-08T16:27:00.000-08:002008-11-08T18:08:02.213-08:00I Scream, You Scream, Hooray for Dairy Free Ice Cream...and it tastes good!We have finally found a decent ice cream for Finn and Maddie that is dairy free AND tastes good! It's made by<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> <a href="http://www.turtlemountain.com/">Turtle Mountain</a> using coconut milk as a dairy substitute...YUM! Finn even went so far as being willing to share...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1a2nIRyKZMY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1a2nIRyKZMY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-59051979714311575272008-10-24T19:36:00.001-07:002008-10-24T19:53:35.537-07:00It's About Time!Sad news that it's been months since I last posted! Things have been so busy with school starting and the debut of <a href="http://www.a-ashleydesigns.com">A. Ashley Designs</a>. I've been trying to balance work, laundry (not so well), house keeping and sewing and knitting like crazy! Things have died down a bit and I have my first craft show under my belt.<br /><br />Since my last post Maddie started kindergarten, turned 5, Sawyer turned 2 and I started my new job...oh, and mom sold her house and moved across the highway from us. For some reason, life can never be slow with us!<br /><br /><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNAyUlw0VkZZDMth4FoWY7KCXX1CltBsS2ixeCzgCr0gMXVIqWyZ5HH9NoNWF9XRl3k01L6eZO3KL_XSoGNNhRYQFV38-sJEJ-KElzxLWdIvfFA_GJruXRWcJ-Y1QGW6k6EfwAUFNPK48/s1600-h/PICT0822.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNAyUlw0VkZZDMth4FoWY7KCXX1CltBsS2ixeCzgCr0gMXVIqWyZ5HH9NoNWF9XRl3k01L6eZO3KL_XSoGNNhRYQFV38-sJEJ-KElzxLWdIvfFA_GJruXRWcJ-Y1QGW6k6EfwAUFNPK48/s320/PICT0822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260915696360098946" border="0" /></a> Happy 5th Birthday Maddie!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIurkqCUcy2OlV2vxTRMNf4P1zOyVYIQMRkztsoQgYRKS1raqLzj2jA1g4iDh-BhMi6aeN2IUiISQ8uJY7rDv9_P1S6nSgXncvQjl-b_vJrVpSSsTl9wK8PuASxr8U3PpdLztypGsgHVar/s1600-h/bear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIurkqCUcy2OlV2vxTRMNf4P1zOyVYIQMRkztsoQgYRKS1raqLzj2jA1g4iDh-BhMi6aeN2IUiISQ8uJY7rDv9_P1S6nSgXncvQjl-b_vJrVpSSsTl9wK8PuASxr8U3PpdLztypGsgHVar/s320/bear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260917607344806386" border="0" /></a> Sawyer chilling at her friend's birthday party.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7JWjXCuwiEhU1Oi4ZqOciQSm1PWPa3gBw753Lujk10LtDTLJQIPODZSf3-h7juO-GjjL5vrwxW5AZv0qbiUw8j8CDTTnq6lY54CDHmeVhXEKW-o7SsCy3m3cCAEe-LvmrIuZINJ_jCft/s1600-h/PICT0832.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7JWjXCuwiEhU1Oi4ZqOciQSm1PWPa3gBw753Lujk10LtDTLJQIPODZSf3-h7juO-GjjL5vrwxW5AZv0qbiUw8j8CDTTnq6lY54CDHmeVhXEKW-o7SsCy3m3cCAEe-LvmrIuZINJ_jCft/s320/PICT0832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260918626878922818" border="0" /></a> Little Man loves to sleep!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-54618566064919054892008-07-27T17:42:00.000-07:002008-07-27T18:02:50.708-07:00Happy Birthday Little Man!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX8EkOJZDFShx-IaWrm83IlnVAuodz0qAjU49eOCNABXOVLuTjW6e-jhcB7TT9XUmCcquN_n3IyggaDKjJLbakyp3TmRiTsDKCzHx50sCOjS07w3BDtpCJGq1Y5jZTsMjvjaHhekMaoC2/s1600-h/PICT0528.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX8EkOJZDFShx-IaWrm83IlnVAuodz0qAjU49eOCNABXOVLuTjW6e-jhcB7TT9XUmCcquN_n3IyggaDKjJLbakyp3TmRiTsDKCzHx50sCOjS07w3BDtpCJGq1Y5jZTsMjvjaHhekMaoC2/s320/PICT0528.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227863966115262018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPePCp9sgYwtbb1tNgYlLa7EVrlkVJ5SdZL2FJMOTKX65qSO8C0MY6PgLapBQJ8lo0GGZpw0hP6psDyO4_keV10mrbhUcyZqUAXNXkbaCTlIhL1U-J3DOOWWgckYwSMZxQzp0FH_qIkQn1/s1600-h/PICT0514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPePCp9sgYwtbb1tNgYlLa7EVrlkVJ5SdZL2FJMOTKX65qSO8C0MY6PgLapBQJ8lo0GGZpw0hP6psDyO4_keV10mrbhUcyZqUAXNXkbaCTlIhL1U-J3DOOWWgckYwSMZxQzp0FH_qIkQn1/s320/PICT0514.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227863699438768658" /></a><br />The past year of my life has been overwhelming at times, full of change, lots of distance traveled, new friends made, full of joy...we made it!<br /><br />Yesterday we celebrated Finn's first birthday and the 2nd anniversary of when we first learned about Sawyer. To celebrate, we had friends and family over for a cookout and water fun for the kids. It was so neat to see how our friends have changed this past year - several have had a baby, some are pregnant, some newly married, and some have moved close to us, some have moved away and some moved and have moved back again!<br /><br />As I reflect on the past year of Finn's life, I see how God has had a hand in each and every day of his growth. He gave Finn two amazing sisters who love him (sometimes too much) and lots of extended family to love him here in Indiana as well as far away. Yes, our house at times is "organized chaos." I've had to learn to let go of my neat and tidy habit in exchange for tripping over toys, piles of laundry forgotten to be folded, something gross stuck to one of the light bulbs over the kitchen table, Sawyer peeing on the carpet instead of the potty...all worth the hugs, smiles, cuddles and giggles of my 3 precious gifts. God gave Finn a laid back disposition amidst a not so laid back house of women. He knew what He was doing! God gave Finn the ability to melt his mommy's heart at his the sound of his infectious giggle, silly shaking of the head or sad little lip pout when he's sad, hurt or scared. God knew that Finn would gain weight even though Finn decided that food was for the birds and nursing and being on the move was much better than any can of formula our doctor could prescribe. <br /><br />God's continued faithfulness as our family grows and changes continues to astonish me as I look back and reflect upon the past year. Take some time to reflect on the past year of your life - how has God had a hand in your life? What did He know that you didn't?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-69983371683510992902008-07-22T12:21:00.000-07:002008-07-22T12:31:12.028-07:00Got Talent? My Cousin Does!18 plus years ago I was changing this kid's diapers (sorry Jonny) and now he's an amazing young man and on his way to ASU next fall. He's good looking, a talented musician, highly intelligent and loves God. What more can you ask for? Check him out on YouTube as he raps to "Ice Ice Baby." Jonny is the rapper and his friends are in the background. The music is amazing isn't it? Would you believe me when I told you that he spent HOURS arranging it on his computer each instrument at a time?<br /><br />The kid has talent.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3Gs_o1WUvg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3Gs_o1WUvg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-85393835964484707022008-07-06T19:01:00.001-07:002008-07-06T19:09:51.164-07:00Finn is famousSo, my kid is famous. He is a stud and doesn't even know it!<br /><br />Paul took the kids to a 4th of July party while I was at my friend Carter's wedding rehearsal. Apparently Finn had 13 year old girls all over him and this was the result...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=finns+rap&search=Search">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l9UPjHDV1I<br /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-89195459381893340212008-06-30T20:23:00.000-07:002008-06-30T20:34:58.389-07:00Mission AccomplishedI've found it difficult over the past year to take time for myself other than a shower, using the restroom by myself or grocery shopping without kiddos (does that count?). It seems as though my "free time" is always taken up with loads of laundry, bills to pay or something around the house needing to be cleaned or straightened. Trust, me when I say that I'm not complaining. Things are always moving around here and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's just nice to finally be able to take time to do something that I enjoy...knitting.<br /><br />While I was in Arkansas waiting for Sawyer's adoption to be finalized I knitted and felted a purse with the intention of donating it to the St. Elizabeth/Coleman Elizabella Ball auction. Well...it's been almost 2 years and I FINALLY lined it and made the handle tonight. I think it turned out pretty well considering that it's been waiting so long to be finished. I still need some practice at making my lining fit better, but I think all in all it looks pretty good. Hopefully it will get lots of bids at the auction!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNhAuCuxX1YJurCpHfRkNCjIl039X-MnhJ8Zcx0H9xn7C2d9V3hBpfNmuUNCPt2Xc7mMGHX0dTKaY-zE14sWsLYAAJDXHN2TMXr7UCpK73Ah7brDBniCHPRyf6sM-3L6GuQCrpUnMIgFH/s1600-h/PICT0415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNhAuCuxX1YJurCpHfRkNCjIl039X-MnhJ8Zcx0H9xn7C2d9V3hBpfNmuUNCPt2Xc7mMGHX0dTKaY-zE14sWsLYAAJDXHN2TMXr7UCpK73Ah7brDBniCHPRyf6sM-3L6GuQCrpUnMIgFH/s320/PICT0415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217882913137666738" border="0" /></a><br />I also have started knitting wool soakers for the babies to wear over their cloth diapers. Sawyer is growing out of her diaper covers and I really don't want to buy the next size when she is showing an interest in potty training (I'm not ready yet!). I figure that I can knit soakers and shorties for the summer and then some wool longies for the winter and maybe if I get more adventurous I will try to sell some!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1EpaUwarz6U_ScAhYa6KwHtrWMKzULMvRnuCtXAZs8tsuYR6b45bcrGuSt_JIEzrTsElQndBIHlAGnVtClPgC9zV1u4nT7vyB6wfjuqCnHDNPmgJ67Qzc-kGfO6XMilUGdYt06vVJeKh/s1600-h/PICT0413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1EpaUwarz6U_ScAhYa6KwHtrWMKzULMvRnuCtXAZs8tsuYR6b45bcrGuSt_JIEzrTsElQndBIHlAGnVtClPgC9zV1u4nT7vyB6wfjuqCnHDNPmgJ67Qzc-kGfO6XMilUGdYt06vVJeKh/s320/PICT0413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217883595671045618" border="0" /></a> Back<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBaPirbE_xvFm6FLxy7T89Txh8212dYhocBGTueCcOeG7QwhEoqW90OJ35Y77aEWzuH5HEYaKhx1ozWclN7xb2jCGlb1_RPnyBXLz0zULqGJaBK-MdUH__ZWOd2Nc-Qn8yqO6NjJbEuo8/s1600-h/PICT0412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBaPirbE_xvFm6FLxy7T89Txh8212dYhocBGTueCcOeG7QwhEoqW90OJ35Y77aEWzuH5HEYaKhx1ozWclN7xb2jCGlb1_RPnyBXLz0zULqGJaBK-MdUH__ZWOd2Nc-Qn8yqO6NjJbEuo8/s320/PICT0412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217883588047276786" border="0" /></a> FrontAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-26817348111743543322008-04-10T18:21:00.000-07:002008-04-10T18:27:31.906-07:00Frustrated...Finn has his 3rd ear infection in 45 days. The little booger is terrible to administer antibiotics to, so in the past he has had an injection of antibiotics in case we don't get much of the oral ones in him. Today I went back for my "monthly" visit to our pediatrician and once again asked for a "buy one get one free" punch card since we seem to frequent the place at least once every 6 weeks. Thank goodness Meijer has free antibiotics...it doesn't sting as much then. <br /><br />Reality has kicked in and I'm pretty sure that his first EI started a few weeks after I introduced dairy back into my diet, so I guess that means no more cream in my coffee...bummer. When we go to the allergist at the end of the month for Maddie's check up I'm going to ask about having him tested since I also know that peanuts in my diet make him throw up. How in the world did I get these high maintenance kids?<br /><br />On a positive note, I have noticed a difference in the babies' skin since we got our water softener! Makes it work the expense.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-79650754774846138972008-04-08T17:37:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:48:44.667-07:00Feeling Good<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ikTU5900DdOelP4t65OGibGI2uMLORZLeTeX7k64AlXtgRrysAGK4M0wLaA3gmZnFi_n8aXc2cgHgJD_XVVwKKY2P-FD_77dpIl2COSDCAmuj1l7aIGYbe-USlggcxRdJkevgTnix0wu/s1600-h/DSCN2247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187040854662096674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ikTU5900DdOelP4t65OGibGI2uMLORZLeTeX7k64AlXtgRrysAGK4M0wLaA3gmZnFi_n8aXc2cgHgJD_XVVwKKY2P-FD_77dpIl2COSDCAmuj1l7aIGYbe-USlggcxRdJkevgTnix0wu/s320/DSCN2247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This weekend we spent a lot of time outdoors with the kids and had a chance to meet several of the people in our neighborhood. Maddie and Sawyer loved playing in the driveway and going on walks around the block and Finn found the shade under the tree in the front yard to be a great place to play. Paul spent sime time playing basketball with the boys next door which they think is pretty cool.<br /></div><br /><p></p><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187040433755301650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LYPZfZI0orfgQtS1FJ540ZLejumjV66MCe5787EERvXo8YZ8zhkgj-UQPVYCncrZqtIj-vEirQHbJI5uVyznD1xwbOkcHjFCzBwU9H36ldKemdJmWqkOHnltP7Rts37FiKrPdBqlvczV/s320/DSCN2240.JPG" border="0" /></div><p></p><p>There is a family from our house church that lives 2 blocks away in our neighborhood and we finally were able to get Maddie and Mady together to play. We can't even call them by their first/middle names b/c they are the same! It was so nice to be able to have someone to hang out with and then walk home. Tonight, Mady's dad called for some peroxide and was on our doorstep in 2 minutes...and tomorrow night we will be having dinner together. </p><div>Spending the time this weekend with new friends was such a blessing. Paul and I stood outside in the cul-de-sac last night visiting with neighbors and playing basketball with the boys until 9:15. When I came inside I had a huge smile on my face...this weekend of new friends and hanging out was exactly what I was wanting from our new neighborhood...and hopefully there's more to come! </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-12716785292803432272008-03-05T19:08:00.000-08:002008-03-05T19:21:42.798-08:00Humble PieSaturday I decided to venture out and grocery shop all by myself...I guess I needed "alone" time. I hit my usual haunts - Walmart (sorry Micah) and Aldi. In order to stick to my budget, I have to bite the bullet and avoid the temptation of Trader Joe's and Whole Foods more than once a month. I was excited to hit Walmart with a purse-load of coupons and was sure that I was going to do well bargain shopping. When I went to check out, I swiped my debit card only to find that it was DENIED...I guess I should have activated the new one sitting on my counter for the past 3 weeks! I paid with credit card and went happily on my way...until I got to the car. I realized that Aldi is a cash or debit only kind of store and I have an expired debit card and no cash. So, I headed off to the local bank for some cash to finish grocery shopping. When I got to Aldi I loaded up my card with the items from my list and 2 packages of diapers (cheap, I know but they just poop in them!). When the cashier was almost finished scanning my items I realized that I had more food then I had money for. I had to stop her from scanning and ask her to take a few things back out of my cart. I was so embarrassed that others would think that I couldn't afford what I had and was afraid that I had annoyed the cashier by having "eyes bigger than my pocketbook." I humbly paid for my items and went to the car. I immediately called Paul and told him how I was feeling - why was I so embarrassed? I knew that I could afford the groceries but didn't have enough cash to cover the whole cart...but THEY didn't know that. Why did I care so much when I didn't know any of them? I always thought of myself as a person who didn't care what others thought...until now. Somehow, I let my fear of what others may think of me get in the way of the true issue...I had more than I needed and it took an expired debit card to get my attention.<br /><br />Instead of giving up caffeine (yeah, right!), chocolate or something else utterly delicious for Lent, I made a commitment to myself to give up buying things that aren't of necessity. I never realized how hard it is to pass up the dollar bin at Target until now...for some reason the kids always NEED one more pair of socks or because I have a coupon it makes sense, right? I don't think so. I'm doing well in the "stuff" department, but food is still a tough one for me. I think this week I am going to write down a meal plan for not just dinners, but also breakfasts, lunches and snacks so that I can map out what I really need to buy and stick to it. Who knows, I may even try to cook from scratch!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774891404167156852.post-8463843481747806482008-03-05T13:37:00.000-08:002008-03-05T13:40:28.245-08:00Trying againSo I set up this cute blog about my prince and princesses on another blog site only to find that it was a royal pain (no pun intended) to upload pictures. I also realized that I had other things to write about besides the royal kiddos...there's more to me than diapers, snot and chicken nuggets...a little more! <br /><br />So, I'm hoping that this blog will be more successful than the last since it hopefully will be much easier to update!<br /><br />Happy Reading!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02171008207844071402noreply@blogger.com0