Shopping Cart Laughter

I was reading a devotional the other night, called Joy Breaks, by various Chrisitan women authors who spoke at the Women of Faith event several years back. I borrowed the book from my Mom, and I read it-pretty spuradically. But the other night it was talking about the importance of laughter. The author used an example of hysterical laughter that had happened to her and a friend...she wanted an outfit dry-cleaned-in the one hour dry-cleaning. Which is not normally a problem, unless you are WEARING the outfit you want cleaned (and you don't have a change of clothes with you.) Her friend took her to the dry cleaners, and took the outfit in for her...while the author (Luci Swindoll) tried not to be seen, and ducked down in the car, holding a purse in front of her on the way home, while her and her friend Marilyn laughed all the way home.

This reminded me of the time Noelle and her friend Jeremiah came to visit back in 2004 and we went out on the town for a good time. No, I did not go to the dry-cleaners...but we ended up at Target, where Noelle thought I should get in the shopping cart, while she would push me around the parking lot. Really? I don't make a habit of that. But, we were all goofing around, and sure enough-I got in the cart. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard-she pushed me FAST through the parking lot, while Jeremiah snapped some pictures. (Oh yes-there ARE pictures!) Thankfully my scanner does not work...:o) The devotional I read challenged me to do something today that will make me laugh...it said to, "Dare to embrace something a bit risky and wild. And don't put it off until tomorrow. How do you know tomorrow will ever get here?" The reference was Proverbs 27:1, "Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth."-New King James Version. 

While I don't intend to run to Target and jump in a shopping cart (which would be FUN...) I do want to try to not take life so seriously! In this time of economic hardships, the uncertainty of the job market, and trying to lose weight (again) there are a LOT of things to be concerned about, yes...but I do believe that LAUGHTER is the best medicine, and I WANT some of it. :o) 

Making me laugh today-is Mr. P-who is 3. He told me this morning that he needed some coffee. What a riot. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! 

Romantic Notions

Since I posted pictures of my gorgeous roses, I feel it's only right to expose the 'other' side of Valentine's Day at our house. Since our second year of marriage, Joel has brought me home a lovely little singing creature-the day after Valentine's Day (hint: 50% off-which is a good thing. :)

I tried to capture their vitality and spirit with a photo-but did not accomplish it. My favorite is the green frog, who wiggles his hips from side to side, while opening his jacket and croons, 'you're UN-believable...' Magical, no? 

In fairness, I'll admit that our first Valentine's Day as a married couple-I was guilty of giving Joel the little hamster with the Elvis haircut. His little cheeks light up as he dances and sings, 'Ain't too proud to Beg'. It's heart-warming.

Notice how I've kept several of these cute lil' creatures in the original packaging. One might think I was getting ready to sell them all on Ebay-as one lot, to make a few bucks. No, I wouldn't do that. But-I am wondering what we'll do with them all in say another 20 years of marriage. Maybe build an addition? A room just for them? Or put them all in a lovely display case? Ha!! Until then, they'll all be huddled up on the top shelf of the closet until next year, when we can bring them out to laugh and entertain ourselves. Ah, who said romance was dead?!

Roses are Red...

Six gorgeous roses were delivered to me on Wednesday. This has never happened before. Flowers-delivered! I was impressed. A friend was over, and urged me to read the card-to make sure they were from Joel. ;) (They were.) He amazes me. I love them-so I had to capture their beauty, before they begin to wilt...(they already have.) But-it doesn't matter, I have pictures! And I will remember them forever.

A Puppy or a Preston?

This past week was another frustrating week for potty-training at our house! Friday morning, I was ready to give up. Preston sat and sat on the little potty chair, to no avail. I knew he had to go #2, but he didn't have any luck there. I answered a phonecall (my mistake) and told Preston he could get up. After he got up (and before I put his diaper back on) is when the ACTION happened. I felt like I had an untrained puppy. There was poo on the bathroom floor, and again in the hallway. (GASP, carpet!!) As I was approaching Preston, he stepped back (onto the poo) and smooshed it into the carpet. YIKES. I lysol wiped/windexed/baby-wiped the carpet until I felt it had been sufficiently cleaned.

Ew.

This morning, at 5:45 am - I tried to move my legs, and couldn't. It felt like there was a lead weight on me. I sat up, to see Preston laying on top of the covers, at my feet. I'm not sure how long he'd been up - but the kitchen light was on (so he'd prowled the house...) and ended up at the foot of my bed. I pulled him up to snuggle with me, and then ended up putting him back in his bed shortly after 6am, where he did go back to sleep! Kinda felt again like I owned a puppy. :) 

Potty-training is going much better, and hopefully we'll make great strides this week. A relative had jokingly suggested using a laxative to help him 'go'...but, it was a much needed idea! Preston was in PAIN over the weekend...but just couldn't have success going #2 on the potty. He'd tell me he had to go, and we would sit and sit in the bathroom...no luck! Almost an hour spend trying Saturday night, Sunday morning about 30 min. more, and much crying for Preston - but the children's laxative I'd given him Saturday night HELPED!! Sunday around noon he had great success! I'm hoping that will be encouragement for him, now that he can see he's such a 'big-boy'...(and because he earned quite the jackpot of mini-m&m's.)

Sorry for all the 'potty-talk' but that's about the extent of the excitement around here. :) Besides, what is a blog for, if you can't tell it like it is? HaPpY MoNdAy!!! 

2009 Aspirations

Some of my blogging friends have posted 2009 Goals and this has made me ponder...what do I really consider important for this new year? Well, there are some highlights, here goes:

1) I want to grow in my relationship with Christ. This means more time in Bible study and prayer, and sharing my faith with others...I'm excited to see how the Lord will work in our lives this year.

2) Nurture my relationships with friends/family. Whatever it takes-cards/email/etc. These people are important to me, and they need to know it!

3) Watch my WORDS. My mouth gets me into trouble-alot. I want to work hard at not letting my attitude and emotions take control! That's what happens when I blurt out hurtful words. I love Ephesians 4:29, and need to apply it to my life! Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 

4) Read more books. I have SO many that I want to read-and several that are already started, I just need to finish! Books on Christian growth, parenting, fiction books, marriage, etc! I want to spend more time reading, and less watching T.V...(should be easier now that our downstairs T.V. is broken!)

5) Lose weight. Ah, this is most always on 'the list' I suppose. It's frustrating to me that I worked SO hard to lose the weight (and then some) after Preston was born, and now some has crept back on again! For me, staying 'fit' will most likely be a constant battle! Time to become GOOD friends again with the elliptical! :)

That's all for now! Hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's!!!

Merry Christmas!!

It is COLD and snowing and blowing, and I'm glad for now that we're cozy in our little home. I don't want to go out! Joel doesn't want me to go out alone, either-could this be because I got stuck in our driveway last night?! Because it's less than ideal conditions, he's taking me out this afternoon to get some necessary groceries for company that is coming for lunch tomorrow! His sister and her husband are bringing my new niece from Florida, and their flight comes in tomorrow morning...IF this weather cooperates.

Joel and I are celebrating our 5th Anniversary today! WHY did we get married in December? I wonder that too. :) Instead of getting to go out, we will most likely spend the evening 'trapped' in our basement. It's ok though-because there's no one else I'd rather be snowed in with. (aww...:)

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Milestones

We have a 3-year-old! It seems like the past 3 years have zoomed by-I can't believe Preston is no longer a baby!! To prove it, he's been sleeping in a toddler bed for the past few weeks. What a big change for him! I still think he slept sounder in his crib...and he does seem a little afraid of the dark now. He sometimes wants to sleep with his lamp on. I'm looking at getting him Twilight Turtle for Christmas. Anyone seen this great invention? It's a plush turtle that kids sleep with, and it puts little stars on the ceiling, making the room 'less scary'. I'm thinking that it's worth the $25 or so, if it means P will sleep longer and sounder because he'll hopefully feel safe in his room!

Here's some pics of his new bed:

Monday night, we had a small party for P's Birthday. It featured chicken (his most favorite food) and side dishes, and of course chocolate cake-with Cars on it...what more could you want? :) 

Heres some photos of the excitement:

In other exciting news, my new nephew has arrived! Nathan Mark Coates was born on 12/7, weighing in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces! Congratulations to Seth and JoAnn!! I think Luke & Andrew will make great big brothers. Here's a glimpse of the happy family:

What a good-looking clan, eh? 

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying this busy Holiday Season, as you get ready to celebrate Christ's Birth! I believe I'm about halfway done with my Christmas shopping, and hope to accomplish a bit more-today. We've also been enjoying the advent calendar that Joel's Mom made us. Although Preston doesn't really get it yet-and has put several pieces of felt animals/angels/etc. up while I've been on the phone...it's great to reflect on the true meaning of this Season!