Happy Birthday to Me.

Due to the craziness of Wednesday evenings (Awana for both kids, class for S.) I decided we would go out last night. Very yummy at Mike's American Grill imperial crab dip, filet tips and penne pasta, flourless chocolate waffle with ice cream and my family singing "Happy Birthday" to me. Today was a fair day. I can't believe I am 37. How did I get this old? I don't feel like I should be 37. What should it feel like? When my mom was 37 I was 15/16 and dating my now husband (who'd've thunk that then???) I have a 4 year old, 2 1/2 year old and we are talkinga bout numbers 3 and 4.

Do I wish I could have started my family sooner? Yes.
Would I trade any of the experiences I have had in my life? Nope. Not even the negative/bad ones.
Do I feel my age? some days - especially when my feet are killing me
Do I act my age? NEVER!!!

What did I get for my birthday? a few ecards, a few phone calls, a book and a card

And chocolate cake at 9pm - complete with kids singing and helping blow out candles.

God is great and life is good.

Also - Rich Mullins went home to heaven 10 years ago today. On my 27th bday. If you haven't checked out his music and lyrics, please do so. It'll touch you.

Blessings
the Birthday Girl

Madeleine L"Engle 1918 - 2007

Miss M had a tremendous impact on me. I have most of her writings and am always searching for more. I remember reading A Wrinkle in Time when I was younger and being fascinated yet overwhelmed by the intricacy of the story. One of my favorite books by Miss M is Troubling a Star . This the closest I have gotten to traveling to Antactica so far.

Miss M's faith was also something I admired. She wove themes of God and his amazing power throughout her books and poetry. We even quoted her at our wedding.

To close, here is poem she wrote that is perfect for today:

Lines After M. B.'s Funeral
There's a hole in the world.
I'm afraid I may fall through.
Someone has died
Was
Has gone
Is where?
Will be
Is
How?
This is neither the first
Nor the only time that space has opened.
We are riddled with death
Like sieve.
The dark holes are as multitudinous
As teh starts in the galaxies,
As open to the cold blasts of wind.
If we fell through
What would we find?
Show me
Let me look through this new empty space
To where
The wind cmoes from
And the light begins.

~Madeleine L'Engle, Lines Scribbled on an Envelope

Blessings to you...

On Friday we were called with a referral from CCAI of a little boy who has a cleft lip/palate. The special need wasn't an issue with us. We read his file. Talked, prayed, asked many of you to pray, talked some more. Went to church on Sunday and talked about Hannah .

Our application is in a holding pattern with CCAI pending me losing some weight. I have been giong to Curves again on a regular basis and last night I joined Weight Watchers so I can attend with a gal I met in Sunday School. I need to lose some weight so our application can be officially approved to China standards.

So - we agreed that we should say 'no' to this particular little one and get motivated. We let our agency know this morning. I know this little guy's perfect family is waiting for him and that our next child is out there for us. We have always said we wanted 4 children. We are halfway there. And God is always, always faithful!

Oh - and I ate broccoli Saturday night for the first time and....:::::GASP:::::.....I liked it!!!!! See - miracles happen daily! :-)

C.

Raising a true gentleman....

On the way home from school Friday, TA told his daddy that he lost the flower for Mommy and had to get me another one. So they stopped at the florist and TA and EQ picked this out for me. Isn't it beautiful!!




We are trying to teach him to be a gentleman...holding doors, using polite words, letting ladies and girls go first, not pushing, buying flowers, and all the other things that come with being a polite little man. Buying his mommy flowers is an excellent start!

At dinner tonight we were reviewing TA's Sunday school lesson about Jonathan and David. Jonathan gave David 5 things and we asked TA what they were. EQ piped up, "Two M&M" Hmmm....we don't think they had M&M's back then. Do you?

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Yellow was my Granny's favorite color.

You Are a Carousel

You are young at heart and a truly playful person. No one would ever accuse you of taking life too seriously. You are definitely in things for the fun. You find joy easily, and you are often building up anticipation for your next adventure. In relationships, you tend to want to be babied and taken care of. And while you may be a bit high maintenance, you are incredibly loyal. Your life is simple and satisfying. Each day you treat yourself to something you enjoy. You have a lot of emotional attachments, and experiences are extra vivid to you. You tend to be nostalgic and sentimental. The past is important to you. Comfortable around all living things, you have a special connection to animals and children. At your best, you are whimsical, free spirited, and creative. Even if your schemes seem a bit strange, they usually work out wonderfully. At your worst, you are spoiled, demanding, and impossible to satisfy. You've been known to act like a brat if you aren't getting your way!

What Carnival Ride Are You?

One of my favorite rides!!

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and expressive, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

I did love Paris...Hmmmm

TA and EQ

When you are anticipating becoming a parent, you don't hink of some of the things you find yourself saying. Here are some of our favorites:

S. to TA (4yo): You have coffee breath! (He had been drinking a 'spot' of coffee after dinner - decaf of course)
C. to TA (almost 2yo): What are your glasses doing in in your soup? (He signed 'all done' - not sure if it was the for the soup or glasses...)
to both: Don't sit on your sister/brother/the dog.
C. to EQ (2): Get out of the pantry! (the pantry is a closet type. She walked in and closed the door behind her!)
C. to EQ (2): Sorry sweetie, girls can't stand up to go peepee in the potty.

More to come, I'm certain!

I realized there haven't been many photos lately, so here are some from random days/events. Enjoy!!!

On a side note, we too the kids shoe shopping last night. TA got size 11 1/2, EQ 7 1/2. In March TA was in a 9 and EQ in a 6. I wonder who is feeding them miracle grow! We have been getting busy for fall. TA is promoting to the 4 year old class at school and church. Both kids are going to be in Awana this year. TA will be a Cubbie again and EQ will be a Puggle. TA learned so much about Jesus and the bible last year. They start with scripture memory and his memory is amazing!

I am also trying to find a Chinese class for him. And he wants to take gymnastics (aka 'nastics). He walked up to me tonight, balanced one arm on the chair, grabbed his foot and lifted his leg straight up, saying, "Watch me Mommy!" Once upon a time I could do that too...many years and pounds ago!

We have finally found a church . Our sunday school class is great!!! The teacher uses greek to really get to the real meaning of the scripture. I dig that! The kids are enjoying their classes as well. We didn't intend on going to a Baptist church, but God obviously had other plans!!!

Well - it's late and past our bedtime. EQ is sitting on my lap, night owl that she is. Guess I better tuck both of us in. Sleep tight!
C.