It's a Wonderful Life!

2009-01-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Clara Evangelina Millan

December 21

7lbs 2oz

It's hard to believe that little Clara is already 2 weeks old today! She actually arrived on the day that I jokingly predicted by averaging the days that Olivia and AJ came early and subtracting them from her actual due date and rounding the date to the nearest Sunday (since Sunday is not the most convenient day for a pastor's kid to be born). Pretty scientific, I know.

I had random blocks of contractions Saturday night, and stayed awake timing them all night. Fortunately for me it was Chefography marathon night on Food Network! At 5 a.m. I was ready to go to the hospital. At 11:20ish, it was time to push. Clara was not coming as quickly as they thought that she would, and her heart rate began to drop. After about 10 minutes of pushing, everything got a little intense. I was able to take my sweet time with AJ, but with Clara, I sensed the urgency from the doctor to get her out ASAP. Thank the Lord, she arrived safely 10 minutes later-- and she was sooooo cute!

2008-12-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

With or without Clara...Christmas Traditions Continue!

We love going to the Festival of Lights every year! We picked up a dozen doughnuts, and let Olivia and AJ sit up front with us for the drive through the park. Their little faces beamed with excitement as we drove by all the light displays. It is so fun when the kids are as excited as we are about showing them a good time!

Now I have a better understanding of the "magic of the season". When else can you string a bunch of go-carts together and call it a train? This was hands-down AJ's favorite part.

Mom smiling while the kids are still trying to figure out why they had to get off the Carousel. We ride it ONE time... that's just as much tradition as the lights themselves.

When we got to the carousel, Olivia had her heart set on riding the "Pongo one" (trans. the dalmation). I stood in awe as I watched my mild-mannered husband muscle through the crowd, holding both children in his arms, to secure Pongo for her. Our hero!!

**************************************

Off the subject... this picture was taken not even 5 minutes after Olivia assured me that she wasn't tired and thus didn't need to rest. Ha! She didn't even make it onto the chair!

2008-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

So... how does YOUR 3 year old tell you that you are having a bad hair day?

MINE turns to me and says "Mommy, you need a hairbow".

Welcome Home Olivia and AJ!!

2008-12-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

37 Weeks!!! Praise the Lord! Now if someone would just let Clara know that she can start packing up shop and join the rest of the family... we've got a Christmas card to get out!

On the SUNNY side: I'm 4 cm. 80%. Head perfectly down. Full term. My sweet little Olivia and AJ (both born between 37 and 38 weeks) are safely and lovingly being cared for at grandma's house.

On the PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAINY side: I am feeling unusually impatient and restless and I really miss my sweet Olivia and AJ who are safely and lovingly being cared for at grandma's house. So being the mature, spiritually-minded person I need to be... I'm already planning to lunch at Los Reyes tomorrow in case I don't go into labor tonight... there's nothing like drowning your discouragement in enchilada sauce and chile queso! MMMM... even if I do go into labor, there's always take-out.

Thanks for putting up with all these pregnancy posts, and thanks especially for offering up some much-needed encouraging comments these past few weeks! Soon life will return to normal, AJ will have to be potty trained, I'll eventually venture out into public by myself with 3 children 3 and under (and believe me, I am sure something post-worthy will come out of that!), Olivia will say something brilliantly funny, and Clara will pass one of those million little landmarks babies pass in their first months of life. So stay tuned =)

2008-12-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Time for an Update. . .

We are so relieved and thankful to be approaching the 37th week without any further signs of pre-term labor. Today my OB said that I'll probably make it another week. She then sent me over to the ultra-sound ladies who checked Clara's growth. I was so excited about getting a 3-D shot of her, but the little stinker did not cooperate. She is weighing in at a whopping 5 lbs. 7 oz.
/
After my appointment, I met Alex for some soup and salad at the Olive Garden.... mmmm. We were having a lovely time until I started feeling some major braxton-hicks contractions and the room started spinning. Check please! Olivia was born the day after an Olive Garden date... so you might want to keep your eye on my facebook status over the next few days. Wishful thinking.
/
I feel like a ticking time-bomb right now. That's how it goes for me. No talk of inducement (is that a word?), no scheduled C-section, just ye ol' fashioned wait. it. out. I have this nagging feeling that when the time comes, it is going to go fast, and it isn't very comforting that my OB agrees with me on that point. My greatest fear is that I won't make it in time for the epidural fairy to find my room. When I think of having a baby without pain intervention, I imagine the scene from Gone with the Wind where Scarlett O'Hara happens upon the room where the soldier is getting his leg sawed off. Maybe that's my problem.

2008-11-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

To Grandmother's House They Go...

. . .And it is so much easier to plan it than to actually kiss those soft little sweet cheeks goodbye. Why can't I remember their picky-eating, toy-tugging, stinky-pooping, bossing-brother, hitting-sister, mommy-maddening ways as we wave goodbye? Instead, everything I absolutely love about my life with them is all that comes to mind.

Olivia was so excited about going to grandma's house, she helped me pack her bags. AJ didn't really get it. He was interested in his personal little camoflauge snack bag full of grapes and crackers.

As hard as it was to see them go, I am so thankful my mom was able to help us in this way. I would rather they be away for a little while than stay here where I'm neither taking care of them nor myself.

Today was genuinely restful. Alex drove me to Target to get a few last-minute items and fresh air. I decided we needed a few extra newborn sleepers. Though we usually just use whatever is given to us-- which has always been PLENTY, Clara is going to be a wee little thing and will probably be in newborn clothes a little longer than Olivia and AJ were. I also threw in a pack of infant hairbands. Whew! We would hate to be caught off-guard in that area =)

2008-11-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

Preggo Pics

As I got ready for my OB appointment today, I thought that I had better snap a few pictures while I still can! This is me at 35 weeks. People tell me that I'm still so small, but I feel like a horse.

Only one more week of bedrest before I can let nature take its course. I asked my OB if she could be a little more specific regarding how much activity I can do in a day (that's code for: Can I go to the Charleston Child sidewalk sale on Friday?). She said that aside from a shower and grabbing a snack, I can choose one low-key activity per day as long as I'm careful to be off my feet most of the day. I'll take it!!

2008-11-24T18:31:00.001-08:00

Bed Rest: Day.... what day are we on now??

This will be short. Today was good. Alex was home ALL DAY. *Pausing to discern exactly what he is attempting to run through the garbage disposal right now* Anyways, whatever. He completely KNOCKED OUT THE LAUNDRY, I took a spell-breaking nap, and AJ showed signs of improvement.

My mom and sisters are coming tomorrow! Yeah!

Bed rest=sitting duck. I can drop cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. but I cannot escape from Olivia and AJ. Of all the square footage in this house, they want to be in the 4-10 square feet where I am "resting". Olivia will lay next to me and ask me to read the Wal-Mart Holiday book to her. AJ thinks it is so fun to climb and balance himself on my legs and point to the puppy on the painting hanging above the couch. Today I got up and made my way to Clara's room and sat on the Lazy Boy in there. Just. to. get. some. space. It took a little while, but they found me.

2008-11-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

Bed Rest: Day 4

Let's just say that I am glad today is over. I was dreading it because sickness is in the air, so both children needed to stay home from church. Many have offered to help, but I didn't know how to ask for help today. When your kids are sick, they want YOU. I couldn't send them away, and it seriously would have been pointless to have someone here to help with them.

When I came downstairs this morning, Olivia had already staked out her position on the couch.... Hey! who's on bedrest here anyways? AJ was a snotty, pitiful mess who is at the stage where he doesn't know what to do with himself when he doesn't feel good. We cruised through 3 Disney movies before naptime.

I got up only to make a snack, get a buckeye, wipe a bottom, brush the kids' teeth, find the wooden spoon, and chase my neighbor's 3 little dogs out of the living room (they ran in the house when Olivia happened to open our back door just as the doggies were being let outside to potty-- I love my neighbor, she's a good friend, so it was more funny than it was annoying).

As I handed out the last of the chocolate milk this evening, I felt the guilt building up in my heart. Surely you have felt it. It is the guilt you feel because all you can think about at that moment is kissing those soft little cheeks goodnight so you can RELAX! It didn't stop there. I felt guilty because it seems like the final weeks of time with just Olivia and AJ have been cut short-- reduced to books and Disney movies.

But wait a second crazy emotional pregnant lady, what a gift! God didn't take time with Olivia and AJ away from me. He has graciously given me time with them by taking all other choices off the table. And even though a newborn is very demanding, Clara is going to be a gift not just to Alex and me, but also to Olivia and AJ. They will have a little sister to love and who will love them and look up to them in return. Our lives are about to be enriched, because the fruit of the womb is His reward. So even though today was a little hairy, I am thankful and my heart is at peace.

2008-11-22T09:10:00.001-08:00

Bed Rest: Days 2&3

You know how little animals can sense when a storm is brewing, so they start acting crazy. I think that kids do the same thing. They might not know all that is going on, and you try your best to keep life as normal as possible, but they can definately sense that something different is in the air. Not that I'm comparing my children to animals, but Olivia and AJ are definately starting to act a little crazy now that mommy is on the couch all day, and Daddy is giving the baths at night. They both woke up at 2:30 a.m. and wanted MOMMY. I cheated and got up to get AJ out of bed when he woke up, and Olivia followed right behind us. All three of us sat downstairs in the darkness. Olivia sitting on one side of me and AJ sitting on the other. Now I was stuck. After a while, Alex woke up and came downstairs and rescued me.

Today I'm planning to pack for the hospital. The way my luck goes, as long as I am not packed and completely unprepared, I run the risk of having to go in early. As soon as I pack and am totally ready and in bring-it-on mode... nothing will happen. That just about as supersticious as I get, but I have yet to be proven wrong.

Speaking of packing, I have a confession to make. I like to starch and iron my pj's, and I like for my pj's to color-coordinate with the gender of the child I am going to have. Yes, I bought blue pajama pants and blue slippers for when AJ was born. No, I'm not a meticulous person. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that. I definately don't do that when I'm home, but it is something that I was panicking about as I felt a few small contractions the other day. "My pj's aren't picked out and ironed!"

2008-11-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on doing an all-out nursery for Clara, but one thing led to another and now the child has a nursery.

At first, I was going to keep her in our room until she was big enough to move in with Olivia. We have 4 bedrooms, and one has been reserved for guests. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered why I didn't just go ahead and set up Olivia's old ("the green") room as a temporary nursery.

The goal was to not spend money, and once I realized we HAD all the stuff (with the exception of a changing table) we went ahead and set up a nursery. I'll post pictures of the whole room when the mattress airs out and no longer smells like the garage so I can put sheets on it. Until then, here's a sampling of a no-cost project that turned out pretty cute, and helped personalize the room for Clara.

Fabric Collage

These were cork-boards that hung on ribbons above Olivia's bed. I ditched the ribbons and covered them with FABRIC SWATCHES I had collected in my idea book.

The middle one is going to have a picture tacked on it, and the collage will serve as the "matting"

2008-11-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Bed Rest: Day #1

Don't worry, this isn't going to turn into a Bed Rest journal. I am an entertainer, not a journalist, and believe you me this is as boring for me to write about as it is for you to read.

Here's the rundown:
*AJ woke up covered in throw-up and needed a bath (oh Daaaaaadyyyy!)

*Alex and Olivia walked out the door an hour later than usual.

*Everyone at the office is calling Alex the "daddy-mama". He is a very good daddy-mama. The house hasn't looked this good (all at once) in months. Olivia's hair , however...

*Alex went grocery shopping. This was the only part he complained about, and he didn't even have both children with him [insert evil little grin]. He came home with some good stuff, though. I had such a hard time coming up with a list for him, because one way we cut corners around here is that I make a lot of stuff from scratch. I know, I'm a nerd. Maybe that's why the house hasn't looked this good (all at one time) in months. I suggested that he just walk the frozen aisles and see what looks good. With the exception of waffles, chicken nuggets, and ice-cream, I don't even know what is in the frozen food aisle. My mom, however..... (I love you mom!)

*I would love to tell you that the world fell apart around me as I, woman of the house, was unable to intervene and oversee each and every detail... but I can't because my husband really stepped up today. He cleaned, he went to the office to do what he needed to do while the kids napped, he shopped, he kept the kids away when they needed to be away, he did laundry, he made food and prepared snacks...he even made me a pitcher of sweet tea to enjoy! You should have seen how much the kids loved their Cheetos and yogurt lunch. MMMMM. I had chili.

*I sat on my bed for the first half of the day with AJ, reading books, and watching Handy Many. Then we went downstairs and he played with his Cars cars on the coffee table. I love that movie, and I think you have to have been raised in the south in reasonable proximity to some lovable red-necks to really appreciate it. AJ always reinacts the big crash at the end, and if you run across his cars laying around the house, McQueen is usually positioned right behind Dinoco and giving him a push. So cute!

*The only housework I did was to throw Blue Bear in the wash because he smelled like throw up and he had to be clean by nap time.

*I had a hard time relaxing. Bed rest is weird because you still feel like you need to be "busy" while sitting around... like I should start writing a book, or mastering a new verb tense in Spanish, or plan something, or read something, or make something, or write a list of some sort. A lot of time was spent worrying about how I should spend this time. Then this thought came to mind: "Leah, you ARE accomplishing something just by sitting here. You are doing your part to keep Clara where she needs to be to grow and be healthy for another day." That was all I needed.

2008-11-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

Confession is Good for the Soul

I had my regular OB appointment today. Everything was checking out great. Then my doctor asked me if I had any questions. I was just curious as to when my weekly appointments were going to begin because last time I was 3 cm for my first weekly. She looked at the chart and told me that my weeklies would start in 2 weeks.

I sat there for a minute because I knew that I should probably let her know that I was planning on going to Alabama for Thanksgiving. So I told her. She was about to walk out of the room, but stopped and asked if I wanted her to check if I had dialated at all. I'm usually an ignorance is bliss kind of a person, but in this case I thought that maybe she was on to something. She went to med school, I watch A Baby Story.

Sure enough, Clara's head is down and I am 3 cm. This means BED REST for a 34 weeker. Now I can think of moments several weeks ago that I would have shouted hallelujah for mandatory off-your-feet time, but I am in nesting mode! I still have curtains to hang and things to spray paint! I have to post pictures of Olivia's FINISHED room! I am on a roll!

All that aside, a healthy baby is obviously more important. Boy am I glad I T-Voed Monk.

2008-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Input Requested: Bake Sales

This coming Friday and Saturday, our school's annual Christmas Mall will be taking place. Of course, no fundraising event is complete without a BAKE SALE. Since this is an event that will be benefiting our wonderful teachers, I'm definately planning to contribute some sort of baked goodness.

I might not have been the best student, but I'm determined to be a great parent, and that means coming up with something that will really bring in the $$$. Who would have thought I would turn out to be such an over-achiever after all??

I need your ideas!! What kind of stuff do you like to buy at bake sales?

2008-11-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Attention Husbands:

Be sure to add "Don't you think you have enough pillows?" to your list of unnecessary questions to ask your pregnant wife. In fact, I think that Olivia has a few on her bed that she doesn't actually use....

This blog has been sitting pretty for the last few days because the Nesting instinct has hit hard! We decided to move Olivia to the bigger room since she and Clara will eventually share a room. We also granted her request for a pink room, and boy is it pink! I'll post pictures of it when we are done. I think that the actual name of the color is "Hot to Trot"... if that tells you anything.

Have a great weekend!!

2008-11-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

In my closet sits a Gymboree bag.

It contains 3 pairs of Christmas pajamas

Very cute pajamas

And a Receipt.

If I had nothing else to purchase in life,

I would more regularly indulge in the fully-coordinated goodie goodness that is Gymboree.

We'll leave that in the hands of grandma.

But the pajamas are more than an indulgence.

They are cute.

They are snug.

They don't look like a doggie blanket after you wash them a few times.

I LOVE GYMBOREE PAJAMAS!

And they were on sale.

And this might be the first Christmas we celebrate as a family of 5.

The children need to coordinate

Because many pictures will be taken.

But the pajamas will still have to stay in the bag

With the receipt.

Just in case practical mommy finds out about them.

2008-11-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

We voted today!

Alex was at the polling station at 6:40 a.m. He returned at about 8:40 a.m.

We decided to go get his free coffee at Starbucks. I got an apple cider. AJ got a hot chocolate. We all shared an apple fritter. (Olivia was at school)

AJ sure enjoyed that apple fritter! He was probably happy to have mommy and daddy all to himself too! I also had to get a picture of his first "Starbucks". It's actually a child's size hot chocolate. I thought it was too cute!!

Now it was my turn to go vote. Today was Alex's day off, so he kept AJ at home. Alex suggested that I leave the Trail Blazer and take the Saturn just in case I wasn't done in time to pick up Olivia at 11:00 a.m. Was that ever the understatement of the day!!!

I arrived at the polling station at 9:30 a.m.

I FINALLY CAST MY VOTE AT 1:57 P.M.

Today would have been a good day to start having contractions. That could have expedited things for me.

Conclusion: If I can stand in line outside of the mall before the sun comes up in the freezing rain on the day after Thanksgiving for a $5 gift card and a free pretzel... I can certainly vote! (but I'm not making dinner)

2008-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can't make this stuff up. . .

It was a beautiful evening. Alex was cleaning out the car. Olivia was peddling her tricycle around the garage in her fluffy princess skirt. I was following AJ as he rode his 3 wheeler down the street.

Smile at a neighbor here. Wave there. What a life! Now I am about 3 houses away from my own house. I stop to congratulate a neighbor on the birth of her first baby as she picks up her mail. We make a little small talk, and she asks when I'm due.

Next I hear "MOOOOOMMMY...." Here comes Olivia running up the street in nothing but her underwear, holding her shirt in one hand and her shorts in another. "Mommy, can you put these on me?"

Love it!

2008-10-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Patch!

Olivia's K3 class visited a local pumpkin patch today. AJ and I chaperoned. I wasn't much of a chaperone, but I sure had a great time with my own kiddos!

My two little pumpkins!

Olivia got a pumpkin because it was included in the cost of the field trip. AJ "got" a pumpkin, but mommy put it back in the field when he forgot all about it. His pumpkin will reappear after mommy goes to Wal-Mart tomorrow.

The Giant Haystack

Had to be there moment: AJ trying to climb the giant hay mountain without touching the hay. He DID NOT like touching the hay.

Taking it all in!

Smile AJ!

Mommy muscling her way into the family photo album.

This picture just makes me smile.

2008-10-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

A First. . .

Olivia locked me out of the house this morning. It was THE coldest morning so far this month, and I had to slip outside to check and see if Olivia's brown shoes were in the back of the car. When I scurried back to the door, the dead-bolt was locked! AJ was still asleep, Alex was upstairs shaving, Olivia was fiddling with the deadbolt trying to undo what she did, and I was outside in my big red bathrobe hoping that the morning neighborhood commuters wouldn't notice the barefoot pregnant lady in the big red bathrobe knocking on her own front door. My favorite part of the situation was hearing Olivia's little voice from behind the door asking "Mommy, are you o.k. out there?"

2008-10-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

I wish I could have captured AJ's entire toothbrushing routine on video, but this was the last little bit of space left on the camera's memory card. He came up with some pretty interesting toothbrushing maneuvers. Brushing teeth is his only comfort and joy when he is snatched from his beloved bath time.

Yes, we post the good, the bad, and the ugly here at mammamillan! AJ's birthday fell smack dab in the middle of Mission's Conference this year. I planned on making a Lightning McQueen cake for him, had all the stuff that had gradually been purchased week by week using my 40% off coupons at Michaels, but with one look at the clock and one look at the task at hand I decided to switch to plan "common sense"... ye ol' fashioned 8" round with a road and a car! I quickly learned that black frosting is not something you serve or eat 15 minutes before going to church!

Last night, I took the kids to our neighbor's Halloween party. Here are the costumes of the evening. I was a kitty. You know you are 30 weeks and counting when you plan your costume around your favorite brown maternity dress! AJ kept the hat on just to get some candy corn.

2008-10-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Olivia 2008

2008-10-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

30 Weeks and Counting!!

I still feel like I've been pregnant forever, but reaching 30 weeks has perked me up a bit. Not too close and not too far. I don't remember Olivia or AJ moving as much as little Clara is moving. Seriously, this child is practicing her back-stroke as I write this.

I've been out of comission for the past few days, so I rediscovered all the afternoon baby shows. Before having my own kids, I watched the show up until it was time to have the baby and then I'd change the channel. It just grossed me out. Now I not only watch the whole show, but I actually talk to the television and sometimes even cry when that baby is born! People do crazier things... I guess. Anyways, the phrase "birth plan" came up in one of the shows this week, and I had to chuckle. I've read about the importance of having a birth plan, I've known people who take the time to write up a birth plan, but a birth plan is sooooo not me. Maybe I should be a little more responsible when it comes to these matters... so for the record, here's the plan.

1. If I go into labor on Dec. 31st, I will be sure to remember my makeup just in case we happen to have the first baby of the year and end up on the Today Show. Though with my luck, the Duggar lady will probably have her 18th on the same day, in which case we'll probably just get an honorable mention.

2. Upon arriving at the hospital, I will request epidural.

3. Don't forget to mention naproxin allergy this time!!

4. Receive epidural and chill out... but accept the fact that we will probably be watching "the game" or "the news" even though I am the one having the baby.

5. Have baby!

There's the plan... of course all is subject to change (heaven forbid an anesthisiologist strike!)which is why I don't write birth plans.

2008-10-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Patience

Now that you have seen a glimpse of my life as manifested in the picture below, I might as well go ahead and share with you some recent thoughts that have gone through my head when faced with n*ked babies running around a messy house.

Besides thinking that I really don't know what I'm doing, I also see my great need for patience. Normally, patience makes me think of that deep breath you take to get through an irritating moment, like NOT blowing the horn while you are waiting for that great parking space you COULD turn into if only the clueless driver of the neighboring vehicle would SHUT her door. I'm 29 weeks pregnant with a 2 and 3 year old in tow... I NEED a great parking space =)

In a matter of about 30 seconds, the car door was shut, I got the space, and life moved on with my testimony in tact. Super!

I'm not so concerned about exercising patience for those 30 second irritations that will probably never come up again with people I will never see again. What I'm having a hard time with is patience towards the trials that "return with each returning day" (line from Stepping Heavenward). Toddler eating habits, baths that need to be given and stories that need to be read when I'm ready to collapse, laundry that refuses to put itself away, children who always find SOMETHING to get into or break or jump on when we are visiting in someone's home, feeling limited in my ministry toward others because of this little thing called a language barrier, a 3 year old who insists her PJ's match, sibling rivalry, sibling rivalry, sibling rivalry.

So why have these daily trials reminded me of my need for patience? All of the above simply reveal selfishness in my heart and my lack of faith in God to bring on a harvest of blessings from all the scattered sacrifices sown throughout the day. Life is a process of sowing and reaping. If you don't sow, then you won't reap. If you sow to the flesh, then you reap to the flesh corruption. In this particular season of life I feel like I do alot of sowing, but I'm still seeing dirt. The temptation to think that nothing is happening and nothing is going to happen is always there. That's why I need patience. I need to patiently wait for God's blessing on my work. I need to keep pulling weeds even if it looks like I'm just keeping the dirt looking pretty. I need to water, even though those little chutes rising from the ground don't have a trace of fruit on them. I need to keep working and not neglect my field.

I sure wish I could hand you a warm slice of banana bread along with this post. Sometimes I think that if these issues are close to my heart, they must also be touching the lives of my friends who are in a similar season of life, so I write this to be an encouragement to you as you have been to me through your posts and musings

Romans 5:3
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Romans 5:4
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:5
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2 Thessalonians 1:4
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure :

1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Titus 2:2
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .

James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold , the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:10
Take , my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

James 5:11
Behold , we count them happy which endure . Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

2 Peter 1:6
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Revelation 2:2

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 2:3
And hast borne , and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured , and hast not fainted .

Revelation 2:19
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

2008-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, How was YOUR evening?

Looking at the photograph above, what might suggest that mom has completely lost control of the evening? Scattered toys? Cluttered table? N*de 2 year old pushing dump truck through living room? All of the above? Sure, I could have turned around 180 degrees and snapped a shot of the oatmeal cookies cooling on the counter, typed up the recipe and called it a post, but I think that this perspective is so much more interesting!

2008-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Firemen Visit Olivia's Class!

The N. Chas. Fire Dept. visited Olivia's class today. Have you ever been in a room full of 3-4 year olds when the Firemen come to visit? So much fun!

You have your handful of children that are scared and clinging to their teachers. The fire dept. has learned over the years the value of Mr. Fireman NOT entering the room in full fire-fighting gear... unless of course you want a room full of screaming 3 year olds. Instead, they put on the jacket, oxygen tank ("fresh air" backpack), mask, etc. while the kids watched.

Then you always have the child who blurts out: "There was a fire in my house". Then another 10 children chime in "yeah, in my house too... uh huh!"

When Firefighter Bianca asked what they should do if they see matches on the floor, you hear a little voice from the audience pipe up: "DROP AND ROLL". This became the answer-all for every question, except for one...

When FB asked if anyone knew what a smoke detector was, one little boy raised his hand and said enthusiastically... "The firemen BRING their BIG hoses and SPRAY all the FIRE..." This reminded me of some of the political debates I've heard recently. "Senator, how are you going to help seniors in the midst of this economic meltdown". Answer: "We need energy independence..."

3 1/2 is that wonderful age where your kids could care less about you showing up to their special day and taking a gazillion pictures of them. Olivia was so happy to see daddy, mommy, and AJ there!

AJ sat with the big kids for a little bit, but had to leave with daddy when he got too squirmy.

Firefighter Bianca and her puppet (can't remember his name)

Check out those big tires! We took AJ outside to look at the truck and get a few pictures while the big kids were inside meeting the Firemen.

Notice I have NO pictures of Olivia with the firetruck. Well, I ran back to the office to get my purse, and when I returned, the children were taking turns climbing in the fire truck. I looked around for Olivia so I could take her picture, and there she was in her teacher's arms crying her eyes out. What in the world happened? She was fine 10 minutes ago. She wasn't the least bit scared during the assembly. She wasn't asking for me or wondering where I went. I walked her to the car and she said "Hurry mommy, we have to get home before the fire comes! It's going to get in our house!" I don't remember what I told her to calm her down... it sure would be nice to wrap up this post with some really wise motherly counsel I gave at just the right teachable moment, but I probably said something like "don't be scared, a fire isn't going to get in our house... let's go home and eat some lunch". Yep, way to seize the moment mom!!

2008-10-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today's Life Lesson:

Taking your teacher's Mt. Dew and drinking it behind the bushes is STEALING.

2008-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to all my former teachers, reminding them that little Leah the Entertainer may have finally left the building. . . but the genes live on!

Olivia's K3 Program

(Olivia is front and center with the bobbed hair and jean skirt. You'll notice toward the end she's staring in our direction. That's when she saw daddy handing AJ a sucker).

2008-10-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

So. . . who hasn't been 2 days away from pay-day, the debit card is on lock-down, the fridge and pantry are bare bones, COMPANY is coming over, and you would like to serve something a little classier than saltines and grape jelly? I HAVE! Granted, we had just what we needed to feed ourselves and the kiddos, but we were out of nearly everything else. When I found out company was coming over after dinner, I started to think about what little something we could put out for them. The only problem was that everything that came to mind was a no-go because we were out of one or more of the ingredients to make it. We were even out of every possible substitute for the stuff we were missing. Oh well... saltines and grape jelly it is... THEN I came across a hard glob wrapped in aluminum foil. What was this mystery ingredient??

CHOCOLATE COATING! Oh yeah... now to decide what's getting dipped in chocolate and we are in business!

Hmmm. . . where is that hurricane readiness kit? Peanut butter crackers!!
Dippety-Do-Da!
Still not ready...
Never too humble for a little garnish... smash the last package of crackers and sprinkle!
Yummy!

2008-10-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

On the way home in the car. . .

. . . Olivia, out of the blue, started praying.

Olivia: Dear Lord, thank you ...

AJ: Dear JeSUS. . .

Olivia: No, AJ I'm praying. Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful day

AJ: Dear JeSUS. . .

Olivia: NO AJ, I'm going to pray right now! Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful day. . .

AJ: Dear JeSUS. . .

Olivia: . . .and bless it to our bodies, and thank you for the doctor and the temperature, and please let us have rainbow ice cream when we get home, and bless mommy and daddy, and help me sleep good tonight. . . in Jesus name AMEN! O.k. AJ it's your turn.

AJ: Dear JeSUS. Food. body. AAAAAMEN!
***********************************************

2008-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Leah-nomics

I went to Target today because the laundry detergent I use AND have a coupon for is on sale... adding up to a whopping $2.00 in savings. Yes I was so proud of myself, until I looked down at AJ slurping his $2.00 Icee/popcorn combo. So maybe I just broke even.

2008-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Extra Strength Tylenol. . . seriously?!

I called my nurse today about the pain in my lower back and beyond, and she confirmed what I already Googled... a pinched Sciatic Nerve. The answer? Extra Strength Tylenol and maybe a little Yoga to try to get the baby to move around a little. So... be honest and raise your hand if the thought of me doing yoga just made you chuckle. Me too.

2008-09-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Notes from the Couch

Remember my horrible Monday? It was a terrible no good very bad day on one hand, but it was pretty profitable day on the other. Since things were already a miserable mess by the time I kissed Alex and Olivia goodbye, I figured I'd take out all my frustration on all the things that needed doing around the house (instead of the cute little fuzzy headed paci-loving spaghetti boy that was attached to my leg). So I went full gusto and did a complete house-cleaning top to bottom until it was d.o.n.e DONE. . . so today I'm sitting on the couch on a heating pad with a pulled something in my lower back munching on the crumbs at the bottom of the Doritos bag and sipping a Pepsi. . . and suddenly I remember THIS is why I don't clean the house top to bottom in one day.
=
Yesterday I went to the library and reluctantly turned in my overdue copy of The Strong Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson (along with a can of sauerkraut I fished out of my pantry.... LOVE food for fines month!!). That was a really good book. If you have a strong-willed child, you can understand how relieved I was to finally hear a voice out there who simply acknowledges that these children exist! Ahhh! You always feel like some snarky eyeball is shooting beams of judgment on you for being a slacker mom who never disciplines her kiddos when the truth of the matter is that you plop in bed at night utterly exhausted because you ARE. I was so happy to have read that book.
=
I did pick up Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. Maybe I should read the whole thing before offering a review, but I did want to share this little snippet that nicely sums up some recent personal thoughts.

"Regretfully, many parents today are victims of information overload. When they're expecting, they read magazines and books, do research, scour the Internet, listen to friends and family and specialists of all sorts. These are all valuable resources, but by the time the baby comes along, new parents are often more confused than when they started. Worse still, their own common sense has been drowned our by other people's ideas. Granted, information is empowering. . . every baby is an individual, and so is every mum and dad. Hence every family's needs are different. What good would it do for me to tell you what I did with my own daughters?"

=
I thought to myself YESSS!! You know the picture of the little devil on one shoulder vs. the little angel on the shoulder? Sometimes I picture a little laid back attachment parent mommy on one shoulder and a strict card-carrying Ezzo mommy on the other. "Let him graze" says one "If you want to raise a cow, let him graze; if you want to raise a disciplined and productive MAN you better make him sit and eat a square meal" says the other. Aggghhh says me.

Information overload is right. Don't get me wrong, I love gleaning insight from other moms whom I respect, and I think that we should definately learn from one another. I just think that my children might benefit more from a mommy who takes to time to know them and understand them rather than looking for the next great trick of the trade.

=
With the third baby on the way, I'm still trying to figure it all out. This time around, though, I want to have a quieter heart in the process. Less fear about not doing it right, and more rest in God's grace and help. At the end of the day the issue isn't so much about whether little buddy ate all his carrots. Deep down in her heart, mom just needs to know God still loves her and delights in her no matter how Battle Carrots went down.

2008-09-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

According to Olivia . . .

Olivia and I had to go upstairs to change our clothes after a little juice spill today. She asked me if I was going to wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt just like her so we can be matching. I told her that my shorts don't fit anymore because my tummy is getting SO BIG. Olivia looked at me with her wide eyes and said "Mommy, you're going to have to start wearing daddy's clothes!

2008-09-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is my Monday so far... How's yours?

Last night the church celebrated Pastor's 20th anniversary with an all-you-can-eat cookie buffet afterglow. Is there such thing as a cookie hangover? If there is, we all have one today.

5:30 am. . . AJ is up and asking for spaghetti.

5:45 am. . . Olivia comes downstairs and scowls at both of us.

5:50 am. . . First fight of the day over who has a better seat on mommy's lap while watching Little Einsteins.

6:00-7:00 am. . . Mommy cannot leave anyone's sight to do ANYTHING lest a complete meltdown take place.

7:00 am. . . Olivia eats some cereal. AJ is still asking for spaghetti.

7:30 am. . . Olivia and daddy head out the door for church/school.

7:35 am. . . Mommy makes spaghetti for AJ

8:00-11:00 am. . . blurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr (though somehow the dishes got done and all the laundry put away and my room dusted and all the toys in the living room picked up... is there such a thing as "auto-mom"?)

11:00 am. . . Olivia and daddy home for lunch. Olivia reports that she did not get a Skittle in school today.

MMMMM!!!! Spaghetti for breakfast! Some battles aren't worth fighting.

2008-09-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sugared Pecans

1 egg white
1 Tbs water
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz pecan halves
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325

Put sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a plastic bag. Shake to mix

Beat egg, water, and vanilla in a bowl until foamy.

Add pecans and coat well.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer pecans to cinnamon mixture. Seal the bag and shake until well coated.

Bake on a baking sheet lined with crumpled, well greased aluminum foil for 30 minutes. Stir pecans halfway through baking.

Let cool completely before serving!

If you love the chewey pecan crust on a pecan pie, you'll love these!

2008-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Polls are Open!

The "Middle Name for Little Clara" poll went up a few days ago, so be sure to cast your vote! We like to consider the meaning behind the name as we sift through all the possibilities. Also, the first name needs to sound good in both Spanish and English. AJ was the exception to that rule as his name is literally pronounced "Ah- Hota" in Spanish. Oops. Anyways, back to Clara which means "Bright, Clear". That is settled, but her middle name is still up in the air. Olivia's middle name is Faith, so we are thinking Joy or Grace to keep with the fruit of the spirit theme. Evangelina means "bearer of good news". The name Clara Evangelina actually flows a little better in Spanish than it does in English, but I really like the meaning. Our desire for all our children is that they live lives worthy of the Gospel; to have a clear, bright testimony that shines such Good News before our world. So there's the rest of the story... gotta go check on my pound cake!

2008-09-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

While I Was Out. . .

Alex took today off, and one of our church members, Abelardo, wanted to come over and make a shrimp cocktail (a tomato based chilled soup with all sorts of stuff floating in it). They actually went down to a local island to pick up the fresh seafood.

I thought that they were just going to make the shrimp cocktail, but when I came home from my OB appointment this pitiful guy was sitting on our kitchen table.

Sure, I could have complained that there aren't enough Yankee Candles in Charleston to cover up the smells that now permeated every inch of our home, but they were so proud to be eating something that still looked mad about being caught and cooked... so I held my peace...and since my wonderful husband already told Abelardo that the Mrs. won't be eating the seafood (especially shrimp), today was a good day to opt for a $5 Hot-N-Ready.

Pregnancy Notes: I feel like I've been pregnant FOREEEEVER. Did you ever have a pregnancy where you felt more impatient (about being pregnant =) than others? Uggh. As I sat in the waiting room, I looked at the "really" pregnant ones around me and felt a slight pang of jealousy. Sooo ridiculous. Probably not as ridiculous as daydreaming about about the OB entering the office with my chart and telling me she has been wrong this whole time... that I'm really due in October, not January. No such luck. Maybe it's because I've passed the 20 week ultrasound mark (a landmark I always look forward to), I'm still on monthly appointments, and the nearest thing I have to look forward to is the glucose test. Yuck. I've also had to completely transition to maternity clothes. (Stephanie... I saw those eyes roll!!) In the past, I needed a few maternity shirts and at least one trusty dress/jumper for the last month or so. Those days are long gone. This is baby #3.

Speaking of baby #3... someone recently asked me if I had a theme for this baby. . . You know, ducks, lambs, polka-dots, transportation, daisies, the seven wonders of the world...I had to laugh. Having a theme for baby #3 never really crossed my mind. Olivia had a theme. AJ had a theme. I guess that somewhere in my thinking I figured that Clara was going to have what Olivia had-- and for the most part she will. However, I've been thinking about this. I do have a practical side, but I also want to keep some hand-me-downs reserved especially for Olivia, spruce up some that she can pass along, and have a few new things that are unique to Clara. When they go their separate ways and start their own families, I want to be able to pass things along to the girls without one or the other thinking "mom, uhhh, where's my stuff??!"

2008-09-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain, Go Away

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hanna is now behind us. Whew! I really agonized over this one. Seriously. Earlier in the week, some weather forecaster somewhere had the mentioned the word "Hugo" (a very big hurricane that devastated the low country), and that's when my stomach began to churn. I can go without power for a day or two, but I'm not survivor woman! We thank the Lord for delivering our area from any serious weather on the night she was supposed to hit. The power never even went out! Even better, the next day was so beautiful you would have never known we were all gearing up for a hurricane just a few days earlier, so we went downtown to Waterfront Park to let the kids play in the fountain and "see the water".

A RARE moment at the park... AJ and Olivia holding hands! (He doesn't let her get a hold of him too often-- and I don't blame him!)

2008-09-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

My Little Teacher

Olivia is really into the whole school thing right now. Yesterday, she told me that she was going to tell me a Bible Story....

[Mommy is sitting attentively and listening to this entire monologue]

Olivia: Today I am going to tell you a Bible Story

You don't talk. I talk. If you talk you won't get a skittle.

Stand up. Now we're going to sing head and shoulders knees and toes. [Begin singing]

Sit down. Now don't talk. I'm going to tell you a Bible story. You don't talk.

My name is Mrs. Z... [name of her teacher]. Don't talk. Stand up. Now sit down.

Today I'm going to tell you a story about God is Not Happy with the Little Child.

[Hmmmmm....]

I can't wait to hear tomorrow's story!!

2008-09-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Lest you think I'm blogging because the kids are sleeping and I'm completely caught up on the zillion things that have fallen by the wayside in this house... let me just say HA! I'm blogging because I cannot stand on my feet for one more minute. This of course makes me a little nervous to know how I'll be feeling when the child within weighs more than a mango.
=

So, how is little buddy keeping himself busy while sister is away at school?? He found my Sports Ball Wilton Cake Pan Kit, and got a bit creative!!

2008-08-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Excuses! Excuses!

Maybe I should really crack down on my 3 year old's habit of getting out of bed. Yes, I should probably "nip it", but then I wouldn't get to hear the great excuses she comes up with for getting up and finding me! My favorites so far. . .

1. Mommy, I just want you to come turn the dark off

2. Mommy, I think the Wonder Pets are in my room

3. Mommy, my fairy has to go poo-poo

4. Mommy, my feet are woosling

2008-08-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Olivia Starts Preschool!

This was a big morning for Miss Olivia as she started K-3 today!! She will be going in with daddy at 8, and then coming home with him at 11:00 for lunch. This morning didn't go as I had dreamed it would. Of course, I had visions of hot cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, and pictures to chronicle this special day. Wouldn't you know it, the alarm clock didn't go off and we were in a rush rush. Daddy did give our school girl a piece of cinnamon toast and "coffee" (warm milk with sugar and a shot of Folgers). Hopefully we can do much better by the time K-5 rolls around!

Wearing the polka-dotted shirt she picked out for the first day

Olivia finds her seat

Mommy and her big girl

In all the rush, AJ never got his hair gelled. lol.

After getting Olivia situated in her class, AJ and I went to the Super BiLo grand opening down the road from our house. I basically went for all the free goodies, but with a few coupons I managed to come home with all this stuff for $3. Praise the Lord!

2008-08-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture to accompany this post. I wish I did, but I don't. As an expectant stay-at-home mom of 2 children ages 3 and 20months, my days are filled with. . . well, I don't really know what they are filled with. . . but I sure am tired by the end of it all. Sometimes I'm discouraged. Sometimes I'm fearful. Sometimes I'm weepy. Sometimes I'm "fed-up". And sometimes, like tonight, I laugh out loud right before I turn in for the night remembering a moment that wasn't so funny at the time. What brought the impromtu smile to my face? Earlier today, I heard a scuffle in the living room while I was changing over the laundry in the laundry room. Grrrr. . .that's it. somebody is going to get it. [Here's where I smile (though at that time I was still grrr...ing inside).] My little boy turns the corner with an unforgettable grimace on his face and a green crayon streak running down his cheek. I guess when it came to Battle Crayons, sister won. Unfortunately for Olivia, the arm of the sofa was not quite as washable as her little brother.

2008-08-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Baby Update

The Millans will be swimming in PINK once again as we prepare for the arrival of a baby GIRL. Yes, the big ultra-sound was this past Monday, and even though the big gender question was at the forefront of our minds, we are thankful that little CLARA (middle name still pending) is looking healthy and strong. I think that the ultra sound tech might have even picked up on a slight stubborn streak as baby did not wish to be photographed. She did manage to wave once before shooing us all off and burying her head in the depths mom's innards. The picture below is so funny to me. A little scary. Nevertheless, a full front-facing smile.

2008-07-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Alabama

Night #1

I'm here in Alabama with the kids visiting family for a few weeks. Needless to say, these were not the original sleeping arrangements of the evening. Somehow, after one and then the other waking up at who-knows-what-hour and both of them crying and wanting to be right next to me, and neither wanting the other to have me, we all found a happy place on a little round fouton cushion in the middle of the living room floor.

Don't you love getting little ones used to sleeping in a different place? Needless to say, we will be hunting down a pack and play today!

This post is dedicated to my good friend Erin Neiner who is experiencing the exact same thing this week =)

2008-07-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. . .

Yes, this is how he sat all throughout the evening of fireworks. If Alex let up the least bit, AJ would reach up and put his hands right back in place. That's o.k. little buddy, one day you will have to carry the weight of protecting and providing for those you love, but for now just sit and let us cover your ears from the scary boom booms.

2008-07-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

AJ almost fell asleep over his lunch today, and that was just too cute to keep to myself.

I would title this: "Tired Boy Tolerating Noisy Big Bossy Sister" any other suggestions?

2008-06-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo! Is anybody still there?

So obviously I'm not a committed blogger. Actually, my blogging time has usually fallen into the evening time slot where I have been plagued with EVENING SICKNESS this pregnancy. While I might not be hovering over the toilet all morning as I did for my first two babies, I am sitting on the big chair staring at the wall and trying not to think of anything gross all evening. . . wishing I would just throw up and be done with it. Being on the computer for any length of time makes the nausea even worse. Weird. Enough of the excuse making and onto the reason for this post... another FUNNY from Olivia!!! Enjoy!

Olivia was given a piece of watermelon after church tonight. She handed it back to me and said:

"Mommy, can I have another piece of watermelon? This one has beans in it."

(Does anyone remember when the only option out there was a watermelon with "beans" in it?)

The kids treated daddy to Smokeybones on Father's Day.

VBS is this week! Captain Millan and Lieutenant Leah reporting for duty!

2008-05-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Baby News

Today was my first doctor's appointment. If I didn't know better, it looks like we are having a gummy bear! At least that's what the ultra-sound pictures look like. Does anyone else get really excited about that first appointment (in spite of the you-know-what)? I felt giddy all day! I curled my hair, carefully picked out an outfit, and happily bopped down the road to my Spanish Rondalla CD.

The office recently purchased a new ultra sound machine, so they were happy to see me this morning. My OB asked if it would be o.k. for some of the other doctors and the Technician to sit in on the ultrasound so they could learn a little more about the machine. Sure. . . The more the merrier! That happened with AJ too! They were calling the residents and nurses in to see something about his birth. At that point. Who cares! It was interesting to hear all the professional commentary regarding my innards.

I also learned that they are now discouraging pregnant moms from eating cold-cuts and egg, chicken, and tuna salads you didn't prepare yourself. New bacteria issues I guess.

Right now, we are planning on another VBAC, but both my OB and I agree that the goal is a healthy and safe delivery. We still have to take all the necessary precautions in spite of a successful VBAC with AJ. Those being: No induction, scheduled C-section in case I don't go into labor by a certain time, and immediate hospital monitoring when I do go into labor (no home labor). Fair enough.

We thank the Lord for allowing us to once again experience these joys!

2008-05-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

More Funnies from Olivia. . .

We went to Dunkin Donuts tonight for a treat. Olivia handed me her frosted sprinkled donut and said "Mommy, could you take the bread off?"

On the way to the grocery store, Olivia asked "When we get home, can I sit on the couch with you so I can have a deep breath?"

2008-05-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

AJ's Buzz

Here is a picture of AJ's new do. I was very upset when I buzzed off his lucious dark beautiful preppy hair, but he obviously doesn't seem to mind the change.

Lesson of the week: never cut your child's hair when you are tired, frustrated, and in need of a jalepeno popper fix.

2008-05-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

Pop Quiz:

The apple juice stains in your carpet are starting to spell "SOME HOUSEKEEPER YOU ARE!" Then you feel like a bad mom because you don't teach your kids how to not spill stuff all over the carpet. Then you feel bad because they are just kids and you shouldn't be obsessed with how the house looks.

You feel like you can't do anything right. You would love to share what you read in your Bible this morning like you did back in the day, but this morning along with many other mornings is a blur.

You hate your clothes. Nothing looks good. You feel guilty for hating your clothes because you know there are people out there who don't have clothes. You hate your hair too. You can't remember the last time you didn't end up wearing a pony tail.

The children are down for the night. Ahhhhh.... the house is quiet. You put on a pot of coffee to enjoy while watching a little bit of news. You spill the scalding hot coffee all over yourself as you sit down on the sofa. You cannot stop crying... not because you burned the hooey out of your legs, but because the thought of cleaning up one more mess is just too much for you to handle.

Do you. . .

A) Rededicate your life to the Lord and pray for revival

B) Get a makeover

C) Call Stanley Steemer

D) Take a Pregnancy Test

The answer...

(D) We're due in December!!!

2008-05-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

A Royal Garden Birthday!

We packed up the car and headed to Alabama last week to celebrate Olivia's 3rd birthday with our family. Olivia had one request "pink", so we ran with it! I was pretty proud of myself for not going overboard and purchasing yards and yards of pink tulle... we didn't need elaborate decorations since the celebration took place in great-grandma's royal garden.

So happy together!

The pink princess dress from aunt Susie was a big hit! She is wearing it as I write this post =)

Opening presents. This one was a baby carrier for her doll. AJ looks more excited than Olivia does.

AJ hanging out with my uncle Kevin (can you see a family resemblance?)

Cousin Max came dressed as a storm trooper =)

The Royal Garden... a camera cannot capture the calming beauty of this special place. The kids walked around the flower beds and ran through the trees for hours!Alex found a nest of eggs, and I wanted to take a picture of it the next day. Suprise! When I pulled back a branch to snap a shot, a baby bird stretched his little head up for some food. I would have enjoyed this moment more were I not disgusted by lack of photography skills... hmmm blurry foreground sharp background... and this was the best shot...and I hope I didn't blind the poor little thing in the process!!

The princess taking a stroll

A little boy time with the light sabor. AJ is wearing his ghetto shorts =)

More pics of the garden

Olivia is keeping a close eye on the strawberries.

Dancing with great-grandma!

2008-04-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

C A M P D A Y!

After the morning services yesterday, everybody headed out to the grounds for camp day. We grilled beef that was chopped up and eaten with different salsas and fresh tortillas, rice, and beans. There was fun for the whole family! I think that everyone had a good time. . . I'm not a very good judge of that because I'm standing around worrying about what is or should be happening or where in the world AJ got the bottle of soda he's carrying around.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!

Adrian did a great job directing the games!

Being the pastor's kids does have its perks! Olivia and AJ loved riding with daddy on the golfcart!

Sometimes you have to share those perks

Sara started a great waterballoon fight!

Fun for the adults! Couples had to navigate their way through some cones while the driver was blindfolded. Now that was interesting! (all those summers at Northland Camp sure do pay off now and then!)

Now what could he be thinking??

MMMMM! The smell of meat on the grill! Everytime we eat Carne Asada (grilled meat), I am reminded of the verses that describe our sacrifices as a sweet smelling savor to God. Can you imagine the wonderful smells that filled the air as the priests offered the sacrifices for the people? What a picture set in your senses! This is about the only time cows smell good... when they are offered up on the grill. The same with my life. As I die to myself and live for the Lord, the aroma of such a living sacrifice fills the air. If not.... well you've smelled cows before!

2008-04-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

As long as there is a Chick-fil-A down the road, I will GLADLY pass by McDonalds, BK, Taco Bell, etc. I used to think that Chick-fil-A was really good, but a bit expensive for a fast food pit stop. I still think it is pricier than it's competitors, but Chick-fil-A has won my business. How?

Chicken that looks like real chicken
Special bendy straws for the kids drinks
Somewhat educational toys in the kid's meals
PLASTIC PLACEMATS THAT STICK ON THE TABLE!!!!
Fast Drive thru's (most of the time)
Cashiers who smile
LEMONADE!!
If you don't like the toy, you can trade it in for an ice-cream!

Eat More Chikin'!

2008-04-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

"This is interesting. . . mom left Olivia's step-stool here in the kitchen. Hmmmm. . . I wonder what would happen if I pushed it... o.k. there. I pushed it. Now what do I do?? I know! I'll climb it! MMMMM. . . grapes! I love grapes! Mom never gives me this many.... Uh -oh here she comes, maybe if I don't look she won't notice that I'm standing here eating all the grapes. Whew! She's walking away. . . here she comes again. . . *FLASH* . . . time to put the grapes back".

This n That

2008-04-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Olivia and I sat down with the sidewalk chalk yesterday to plan her birthday. We drew her cake. Pink. We drew her balloons. Pink. We drew the dress that daddy is going to buy for her. Pink. We drew the spider that wants a bite of the cake. Pink. Can you see an obvious theme developing? I love it! But if you aren't smiling at the mere girliness yet, here's the conversation we had this morning.

Olivia: Mommy, what's daddy doing?

Mommy: Daddy is spreading fertilizer on the grass... it will make the grass pretty.

Olivia: Is it going to be PINK?

We made breakfast burritos this morning. Olivia enjoyed stirring the eggs, and boy were those eggs stirred by the time I needed them! For our breakfast burritos, I just brown a pack of Jimmy Dean sausage, add a drained can of Rotel, let it simmer for a little bit, and then add about 6-8 beaten eggs. Top with Cheddar Jack cheese and yum!!!!! Served with fresh homemade tortillas! I did take a picture of it, but the picture looked scary.... I'm not a food stylist =)

Fresh Homemade Tortillas

(this recipe has been tweaked since I last posted the recipe):

3 c. flour

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

7 Tbs Crisco

1 cup warm water

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together. Smoosh in the crisco with your hands until it is nice and crumbly. Add the water and stir with a wooden spoon. Add a little more flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead the dough for a few minutes. Form in a log and cut it into 16 pieces of dough. Place the dough balls onto a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for about 15 minutes. In the meantime, heat up your flat-top griddle or skillet. Roll each dough ball in flour and roll out on a board, flipping it over each time you roll it back and forth. Don't worry if they aren't round. If they are round, give yourself a hand! Place on hot griddle (listen for the sizzle). Flip after about 8 seconds. Flip again after 5 seconds. Flip one more time for another 5 seconds. Stack tortillas in a towel if you don't have a tortilla warmer. If anyone is really interested in making tortillas, and could use pictures... let me know. I can take pictures next time I make them.

I'm also experimenting with CUPCAKES. These are my Oopsie Orange cupcakes. They were so good, and I'm a little shocked they turned out. I was using the recipe for a yellow cake, then dropped the page in the middle of making them. When I put the page back up, I accidentally put up the other side of the page which had a recipe for the white cake and proceeded to finish the recipe. Oops! I don't know what went into these things, but they sure turned out! Just add fresh squeezed orange juice and zest to the cupcake batter and to the buttercream frosting.

Random Picture of the Day

They both insist on having their own "book with the notes" while "pwaying priano"

I'm Beginning to See the Light!

2008-04-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm watching one of my shows when a commercial captured my attention. I wish I had the exact words, but it was a Kraft commercial advertising their newest salad dressing. Have you seen it? They enthusiastically declared something along the line that Kraft now has a salad dressing made with real ingredients... no artificial flavors or preservatives. I'm thinking, hmmmm... what have I been eating up until Kraft decided to use real ingredients... who else isn't using real ingredients... this is scary. Alex and I often joke about chicken nuggets, and how it probably isn't chicken, just a formula that makes it taste and look like chicken. Maybe we weren't too far off.

Lest you think I'm ready to start grinding my own wheat, let me assure you that I still have a tube of French bread in the fridge. I just need to start educating myself a little more about prepackaged stuff, and make some necessary substitutions.

Thank You Sweetie

2008-04-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Forget "My dad can beat up your dad", Olivia was bragging on her mommy today at church. She apparently insisted to all the children that her mom was the BIGGEST mommy. Hmmm... and in some strange way... I'm flattered.

2008-04-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Fancy Pants

Today I blew the dust off the sewing machine and set to work on a little project I've been wanting to do ever since Olivia started wearing "pantsies". She wears dresses everyday. She LOVES her dresses, and that was fine when she wore bulky diapers underneath. Mom here doesn't particularly like it when her cute little Cinderella "pantsies" are flashed before the world. So, I bought a pattern for shorts, some white cotton fabric, a little lace, elastic, thread.... and voila! Instant modesty! (Maybe not so instant... I am a little rusty) They need to be shortened and tapered a little, but I am sooo thrilled that I just MADE SOMETHING!! A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul!

2008-03-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is Raul. He was the winner of our Sunday School contest, so he and 2 friends were treated to fun and pizza at Chuck E Cheese.

This is Karen, his sister. She was one of his friends that he brought along.

This is Danielito. He needed a haircut, so after Chuck E Cheese, we brought the kids to our house where everyone got to play, eat ice cream, and Danielito got a haircut.

This is AJ. He is hot and sticky and needs a nap.

This is Olivia (not pictured). She avoids pictures at all cost, and the "Olivia, obey mommy. . . smile" ones don't usually turn out anyways.

When we took Raul and his friends to Chuck E Cheese, I thought to myself what a picture of grace. Raul won. He met all the requirements. He did the work. He didn't miss an opportunity to get points. Yet, Karen and Danielito were running around having a great time. They enjoyed everything Raul got to enjoy. They ate pizza. They played games. They redeemed their tickets for little plastic insects and bubbles. Danielito even got a haircut! They didn't hesitate to enjoy the day because they didn't win the prize for themselves... Raul won and that was all they needed to get in on all the fun. I needed to see this picture flashed before my eyes this week because this frazzled brain of mine is always struggling to take my eyes off of my works and set my eyes on the finished work of Christ. I have a hard time living by grace and not by works. Work is exhausting. Grace is inspiring.

2008-03-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

So Happy Together!

The Millans Color Easter Eggs

***Don't miss the BONUS video!***

Alternate Subtitle:

When the box says "Ages 3 and up"... don't ask questions

The Millan Family:

(left to right: AJ, Blue Bear, Mommy, Olivia, Lamby, Daddy)

Olivia was SO PROUD of her pink egg!

Woa! Who is that woman? Mommy made it in a picture!

Back to Daddy and the kids... yes, Olivia, I see your pink egg!

2008-03-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Beach!!

We came. We saw. We left.

My mom and sisters are here for Spring Break, so we packed a picnic and headed to the beach yesterday. Before all the dear friends of mine who are still staring at snow and slosh throw a virtual tomato at me, let me assure you it was not a day to break out our bikinis.

AJ and daddy feeding the birdies

Olivia keeping warm with Kaitlin and Danielle

Daddy whisking everyone back to the warm car... after and exciting 10 minutes of sand and wind.

"We'll be taking that to-go"

2008-03-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Product Review

Olivia's art stuff box was looking pretty pathetic and uninspiring with her little crayon bucket and watercolors that looked like various shades of brownish-something. It was definately time to add markers and paint :) to the mix! I also picked up these TaDoodles for AJ thinking it would be better than explaining to the nursery workers exactly why my son's mouth is green and blue.

These markers are very cute, but they are a pain. First of all, they are bottom heavy, so they are always upright. That might seem great in light of less mess for the floor or table, but when your child (AJ's age) grabs it, he grabs it from the top. You always have to place the marker in his hand just so. Then when he is holding it right side down, it needs to be at just the right angle to write. He scribbled with it for a few seconds and went for sister's blue and green markers. Olivia had fun with the cute little animal markers, but since it is marketed to the 18m+ crowd I thought it should work a little better for AJ.

Conclusion: You'd be better off buying yourself a White Chocolate Mocha Latte :)

2008-03-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday Night. . . Part 2

Shortly after I cleaned up the carnage from the Yogurt War, Alex came home with a special prize he picked up on the van route. A parent gave us a basketball hoop that her kids had outgrown! Yeah! This video will give you a little more insight as to how emotions run high in the Millan home on Sunday night.

2008-03-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Just Keepin' it Real

Does anyone else feel like pulling their hair out during the bewitching hour between coming home from church and putting the kiddos to bed?

Tonight I sat Olivia and AJ down for a post-church snack while I hurried to whip up a batch of tortillas for my wonderfully worn-out husband who was still out running the evening van route. Somehow, things got ugly while my back was turned and when I finally turned around, the yogurt war was already in full swing.

I don't know who started it, but I think that when it comes to yogurt wars, he who ends up with both spoons-- wins.

2008-02-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Cypress Gardens

I figured that it was time for the kid's wildlife experience to go beyond seeing the fishies and lobsters at Wal-Mart, so we headed up to Moncks Corner to visit Cypress Gardens.

Our first stop... The Butterfly Garden! A little nerve racking since the gift shop lady's parting words to me were "oh, and just don't touch the butterflies... they say if you do they die or something". I certainly don't want to be responsible for the untimely death of a poor little butterfly. The kids were very good, and I am happy to report that no butterflies were harmed during the Millan visit.

Next Stop. . . the Nile Crocodile. Olivia wasn't very enthusiastic about these creatures, but any Little Einstein buff can appreciate the NILE CROCODILE.

They also had an aquarium, a giant tortoise named Pedro, birdies, and a boat ride!! I wish I had pictures of the boat ride, but I was sitting in a canoe with a 15 month old and a 2 year old. . . need I say more.

(I mostly took video, but am having a hard time uploading all but one... if I can figure it out, I'll post the others later)

2008-01-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

4 Years....

... and Counting

Alex and Leah

Jan. 31. 2004

2008-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

This Little Girl....

I owe my first laugh of the day to little Olivia. She had a stuffy nose, so when she greeted me this morning she whispered "Mommy I have bread in my nose".

2008-01-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

A Fun Day Together

We set out to go to a lake today, but ended up at the first canal built in America. I don't remember the name of it, and I don't feel like going to the car right now and getting the brochure. Nevertheless, it was a wide open space with lots of bridges where the kids could run and look at the water and run and look at a bird and run some more. Olivia and AJ were savoring the great outdoors! It was better than a playground.

2008-01-06T20:34:00.001-08:00

We Have a Climber!

I lowered Olivia's kitchen so our little Iron Chef AJ could cook up a few things, but he found an even better use of the range!
This look kills me everytime. It is accomplishment, mischief, curiosity, and "mom's -gonna-love-this-one" all wrapped up in one goofy little grin!

2007-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Bible Study with a 2-year old

I was attempting to practice my Spanish this morning by reading aloud from my bilingual Bible while Olivia sat and ate her "Yum-Cereal" (Cream of Wheat with applesauce and cinnamon). She wanted her Bible too, so I handed her a Bible Storybook. Then she wanted coffee just like mommy. Why not. So, I poured my little copycat a cup of warm milk with a shot of Folgers. The conversation that followed went something like this:

(Olivia flips open her book to Paul's shipwreck)

Olivia: "Mommy, what he doin'?"

Mommy: "His boat crashed on the rocks, but God..."

Olivia: "Are dey goin' to da beach?"

Mommy: "No..."

(Olivia flips to another page)

Olivia: "Mommy! Look at da water!!!"

Mommy: "Yes, God moved the water out of the way so the people could walk to the other side..."

Olivia: "Are there fish in the water?"

Mommy: "Yes.."

Olivia: "Is that daddy?"

Mommy: "No, that's Moses..."

Olivia: "Is he goin to da beach?"

She was really cracking me up, and she was on a roll, so like a good mommy.... I had to get the rest on camera!

2007-12-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

Feliz Navidad!

2007-12-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

Burning Still

The following is an excerpt from Edges of His Ways by Amy Carmichael. I hope that it is an encouragement to you as it was to me this morning!

"She hath neither rusted out, nor burned out. She is burning still." I read that in an Australian magazine and I prayed that it might be true of each one of us. We want most earnestly not to rust out, we would gladly be burned out, but till that day comes, the Lord keep us "burning still."

Perhaps some of us are sorely tempted to think that just now there is not much that is "burning" about our lives. Some are ill, some have duties of a very simple sort-- where does the burning come in? Where did it come in when John the Baptist was shut up in prison? He could not do anything but just endure, and not be offended, and not doubt his Lord's love. But when our Lord Jesus spoke of him, He said he was burning and shining-- "a burning and a shining light".

It is not the place where we are, or the work that we do or cannot do, that matters, it is something else. It is the fire within that burns and shines, whatever be our circumstances.

2007-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas Program!

Today was a big day for our church. Our first ever children's Christmas program took place, and the children certainly rose to the occasion! Seeing all of them prance into the room with their little neckties, fluffy sparkling dresses, and bouncing curls made me smile. It also reminded me of Christmas past when I was sitting in a pile of ruffles waiting to get lined up for the big program. Sara Parks has diligently worked with them, and she even went the extra mile to make sure that every child had a special part... even if it was just saying "Dios le bendiga" (God bless you) at the very end. Our greatest desire was to see some of the parents come and hear the Gospel, and they did! Praise the Lord!

After the service, we had a special lunch where everyone brought their finest dish to share!

One of the biggest challenges for me is keeping track of my children... especially one in particular. Has anyone seen Olivia??

"Mommy, I'm stuck!"

(good thing mommy had the camera close by)

A.J. was not feeling the Christmas spirit! That's o.k. little buddy, mommy feels the same way sometimes!

2007-12-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Teething Troubles

AJ is getting a few more teeth, and my sweet little buddy has been miserable for the past few days. For a comforting and somewhat nutritious snack, I made him some yogurt chips. I spread yogurt in an 8x8 pan, froze it, cut it into cubes, put it in a bowl and stuck it back in the freezer. He loves these!

2007-12-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Me!

What a great day! Alex got AJ up this morning so I could sleep in a little bit, and the two of them set out to make me breakfast in bed. Olivia slept in with mamma. The rest of the morning was pretty normal... kids still have to go poo-poo and eat even if it is your birthday. That afternoon, we went to the Olive Garden for lunch.. YUM! I headed off to the grocery store with the kids, and Alex went home to wait for the CARPET CLEANERS!! Even though it wasn't an official birthday present, getting our nasty apple juice/banana/who-knows-what-else stained carpet cleaned was very exciting to me. My carpet looks like new, and I was happy to hear that ours was NOT the worst looking carpet they had ever seen (yes, I did ask).

We had a little party after church tonight. Maria (the lovely lady giving me bunny ears) had us over to her house last night for a birthday dinner... that was so sweet of her! You better believe I perked up when I saw this perched under the tree!
Thanks Sara! I love the red Coach umbrella! So cute!
You'll never guess who was first in line for cake... I took this picture during prayer. She even has the server in her hand!

My dear sweet friends!
"Hey Sara! This cake shur is good"

2007-12-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

Whoever said that you can't find cute clothes for boys?

My grandma sent this little suit for AJ, and I could have eaten him up today!

2007-11-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

A First for the Baby Book.....

...Olivia's First Broken Bone!

We spent Thanksgiving in Alabama with my family. Shortly after the feast had been spread, Olivia rolled off the couch. It didn't seem like a big deal, but she wasn't moving around like her normal 2 year-old self. When we got home on Saturday night, she didn't want me to touch her at all. I called her doctor and explained everything to him, and he said that she probably has a hairline fracture somewhere. So, Olivia and I headed down to MUSC Children's Emergency Room. We were greeted by nurses that know the characters on every children's program that exists and showered with stickers and children's books. I was even pleasantly suprised that I fit in a child's wheelchair (Olivia would have nothing to do with sitting in that thing by herself). She has a small fracture on her collar bone, and just needs to keep it still.... as still as a 2 year old can possibly get!

2007-11-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

Olivia's Favorite Dress

This is Olivia's first favorite dress. My grandmother made it for my little sister, so it is somewhat of an heirloom. She wore it to church today, and she will probably want to wear it again tomorrow. I've had to add tights, an undershirt, and a sweater just so she can still wear it with the chilly weather setting in. One day, I will probably pull this little dress out of a box and cry. Until then, I'll just let her wear it till it can be worn no more.

2007-11-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

MMMM... sometimes I suprise myself, and this Cranberry Cinnamon Tea Ring definately turned out pretty delicioso! The tea ring was a favorite in our house growing up. Grandma would crank out about 4 of these at one time, and they would be gone in no time. The only gripe I had was that it had rasins, and not being a big fan of rasins I purposed to make mine without rasins when I grew up... and that I did.... until now! Kneading DRIED CRANBERRIES into the sweet dough gives it a tart little punch and a nice festive look. Just be sure to let your cranberries sit in some hot water for a little while so they plump up and don't dry out while baking.

2007-11-07T05:25:00.001-08:00

Soccer Season is upon us, and we are thoroughly enjoying it! Even though AJ and Olivia aren't old enough to (officially) play yet, several families from the Spanish ministry have kids on a team, so we have been going to the practices, kicking balls around, getting in the way of things, and eating snacks!

AJ playing with his Mexican soccer ball that daddy brought back for him from the missions trip.
"Are you going to eat all of those?"
Fun watching all the little athletes

2007-10-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

We don't go all out and participate in Halloween, nor do we hunker down in the darkest corner of the house in order to avoid all the little fairies and superheros prowling the neighborhood. We do pass out candy and walk around with the kids to visit with neighbors and admire wobbling little Pooh Bears and Pumpkins. We didn't prepare for the evening since it fell on a Wednesday night. AJ woke up with a terrible fever this morning, so the kiddos and I were home. Good thing I had some left-over potty training treats stashed away. My neighbor brought some homemade goodies... "eyeballs". They were peanut butter balls covered in white chocolate with a chocolate dot in the top. They were so yummy. After AJ went to sleep, Olivia and I sat on the porch for a little while, and then we walked across the street to say hi to our neighbors. They were all dressed up and stationed on their front porch passing out candy. It was starting to get dark, so we went back to the house and turned out all the lights in order to avoid the older and probably not dressed like Pooh Bear crowd. All that to say-- YEAH! HALLOWEEN IS OVER.... LET THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS BEGIN!

P.S. Does anyone else take advantage of the after Halloween sales to stock up on dress-up clothes?... for the kids that is :)

2007-10-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great Sunday! 54 people attended the morning service, and so now we have a new record! While our focus and security isn't in "numbers", we do thank the Lord for this number because it represents lives being touched and changed for His glory!

I was especially excited to see Manuela, a single mom of 4 little ones. A few months ago, I spotted her across the produce section in Wal-Mart. Whenever I go to Wal-Mart, I have been trying to make the most of the trip by taking some church brochures and passing them out when the opportunity presents itself. It is one way that I can be involved in outreach while I go about my daily routines with my littles in tow :) When I saw Manuela, I felt impressed to talk to her and invite her to our church. I am not a fluent Spanish speaker, so striking up conversations with folks is more of a deliberate act of obedience rather than my glittering outgoing personality on parade :) I was simply drawn to her, so I made my way over to her cart and invited her to church. She was so friendly, and for the first time.... ever..... I actually felt like I spoke Spanish! God gave grace. Ever since that encounter, I have waited and waited for her to come. A few weeks ago, my husband came home from the Harvest Free Medical Clinic where he volunteers, and told me that a young mom came in that day. He pulled out a brochure and invited her to church. She looked at it told him that his wife had already invited her :) It was Manuela! Today she came, and my heart is full. God is enough. He can take our crude and pathetic attempts to serve Him, and actually make something happen!

Olivia was debriefing me on her Sunday School lesson today. She showed me her little story card that they send home with the kids, and told me that God gave bananas to the people. Hmmm... manna/bananna... maybe she'll get it next time around.

2007-10-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

A Toddler's Rules of Possession

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.

(Original author: unknown)

Now that the record is straight... Let's Play!!

2007-10-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Simple Pleasures. . . This definately goes on my list of what I love about living with a 2 year old... "Squeal" (squirrel) watching from her window perch in her jammies (at least half of them). What's on your list?

2007-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Northside's annual Missions Banquet was held Wednesday, October 17 with 413 people in attendance. At last year's banquet, our little family sat at an empty table we had reserved for the Spanish Ministry, and about an hour into the program, 7 men came.

THIS year, however, a total of 48 came trickling in to enjoy tri-tip steak, baked potatoes, and cowboy beans. We had to set up 2 extra tables in order to accommodate everyone! Please remember to pray for us! The harvest is ready!

Hopefully, next year we will be able to get a better group picture :) Not everyone was able to be in it (i.e. ME!).

2007-10-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday AJ!

AJ turned one on Sunday! We took a few dozen blue frosted, sprinkled, chocolate cupcakes (Olivia calls them "funcakes") to church to celebrate his big day.

He did eventually eat his cupcake.

2007-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Park Day!

On Saturday, we headed off to beautiful Daniel Island for Park Day.

Olivia and her "gwasses"

Family Picture by the Wando River

Olivia and AJ checking out the animals at the petting zoo

They really loved the hot air balloon!!

The Wise Old Owl

Looking at the Bald Eagle with Daddy.

More cool birds

I thought this little guy was just too cute!

The magnificent Oak trees!

Olivia is all tuckered out after a busy day.

2007-10-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who would like to know how potty training is going.... this picture pretty much sums it up! To be honest with you, I postponed potty training until November because.... I can. This morning Olivia came out of the bathroom with her Dora potty insert around her neck, and the conversation that followed went something like this:

Mommy: "Olivia! get that off.... wait... *click*... get that off your head. That is yucky!"

I Love you so much Olivia!!!

2007-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Olivia and Daddy Singing over Breakfast

The most beautiful sound came through the air this morning as I was getting ready for church. If only I could have grabbed the camera in time to capture the whole thing.

2007-09-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to make homemade tortillas. Deep down inside, I am a kitchen nerd who actually enjoys the process of making things from scratch. Some kids got in trouble for watching bad movies or calling boys late at night. I got in trouble for playing with my Easy-Bake oven... all night. Anyways, it was fun and I would really like to perfect the recipe. Tortillas are basically flour, baking powder, salt, Crisco, and warm water. The trickiest part is actually getting them to turn out round (as seen below). Fortunately, Alex stepped in and showed me how his Abuelita did it. Is it worth the time and effort? YES! You can compare it to homemade bread vs. store bought sliced bread... the store bought kind can work fine for you, but homemade is a special comforting treat!

2007-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Free Fun!

I am still learning the art of keeping a 2 year old entertained during the course of the day. Today, with Lamby and AJ in tow, we carefully selected some rocks from our yard, loaded them in Olivia's grocery cart, and headed down to the magnificent lake ... errr.. retaining pond (but she won't realize that until she comes home from college one day) by our house. When we got there, we threw the rocks in the lake. Yes, that's it. Then we did it again.

Do you have your favorite FREE FUN spots??

2007-09-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

AJ's first haircut.... from DADDY!

No more sissy mommy scissor haircuts for AJ... Daddy pulled out the big guns tonight. Our little guy was blessed with a headfull of hair that can quickly get out of control. Mommy personally loves his fuzzy little head, but it did need a little attention. My only request... no buzz job.

2007-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! AJ is not even a year old and he already plays better than I do ;) Keep it up Lil' Buddy!

2007-09-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

“Campaña Evangelistica”

2007

What a rich weekend for Iglesia Bautista de Northside! The doors were opened for a special Evangelistic Campaign this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! By the end of the weekend, 80 different people representing Mexico, Columbia, Honduras, Argentina, and Guatamala came to at least one of the services.

2 of our members, Catalina and Deyanira

Left to Right: Pastor Oscar Galvan (our special speaker), Pastor John Stevens (Senior Pastor at Northside), and Pastor Alex Millan (Pastor of Iglesia Bautist de Northside)
AJ is playing with his friend Danielito

The Children's Program: It was a Hawaiian/Treasure Hunt theme (I know... so original :) The kids made sunshines with their handprints--- very cute!

Olivia always enjoys anything where a snack is involved :)

A Special Visitor

2007-09-12T18:52:00.001-07:00

Check out this MONSTER TURTLE that crept into our backyard this evening. I was on the phone with my husband when I saw it. When I told him that there was a giant turtle in our backyard, he told me to catch it. NO WAY!! This turtle didn't look very friendly. Nevertheless, I did show a little hospitality and shucked a piece of corn for our guest. Do turtles even eat corn? This one obviously wasn't very impressed and eventually made his way back to the woods where he belongs.

Look at how FAT he is!!

Here is a video of Olivia enjoying our little visitor. She is shouting "The turtle likes it!!" (referring to the corn).

Sick Little AJ

2007-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Creepy Croup

AJ was up last night with what I thought was a very bad case of congestion. I consider myself to be pretty reasonable when it comes to the kiddos getting sick, but AJ's breathing had me worried. I couldn't sleep. I stayed up as late as I could and checked on him, and then I got up in the middle of the night to check on him again. When I crawled back into bed, I was genuinely frightened that something bad would happen while I slept. Psalm 121:4 kept racing through my mind. "Lord, you never slumber or sleep... please watch over AJ while I do" was my prayer last night.

Today, I took him to the doctor. Of course, AJ was a perfect little happy baby that showed no signs of being sick (has that ever happened to you?). The doctor listened to his chest and heard nothing. He didn't even have a fever. I was told that my child just has a bad cold. This was still unsettling to hear because I knew how AJ sounded the night before, but he simply wasn't giving the doctor any symptoms to work with at that time! We decided to knock off a few immunizations while I was there so that the trip wasn't a total loss-- not that you WANT something to be wrong with your child just to make the doctor's visit worthwhile... you know what I mean. While his doctor was writing up the order, AJ coughed the most horrible cough of them all. "Atta boy AJ!! Show them your mamma isn't a crazy overreactor after all!" The doctor looked wide eyed at his assistant and said, "Ooooh that's the croup" and then cancelled the immunization order.

So... little AJ is on steriods right now and sleeping peacefully with a cloud of water vapor wafting above his bed. If you need me, I'll be camping out with AJ in his room tonight.