I hope you're ready to scroll down...
because as of now, I'm officially caught up! There have been 9 posts in the last 2 days, and lots of great pictures!
Don't miss any of them!
Prepare to scroll down. Preparing to scroll down. Scroll down! Scrolling down, Sir!
Sunday, March 28
Saturday, March 27
Seven
Seven - (n.) 1. a cardinal number following 6. 2. a symbolic number in Judaism and Christianity that indicates completion or the infusion of Godliness into creation 3. numerical cannibal Why was six scared? Because seven [ate] nine! 4. a scary movie with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman 5. the perfect first name according to George Costanza 6.How old Abby turned this month!
See Ree Uhl.
Ah, it has begun. The relative ease of only nursing has given way to the somewhat tedious, but exciting process of solid food feedings. Abby had an appetite switch that got flipped somewhere around the 6 month mark. She was already very interested in everything we were doing at mealtimes. She would watch so intently and with wonder as we would repeatedly raise food to our mouths and it would disappear.
Hmm. This could be good.
Ummm
wait
a
minute
Stop
the weirdness
get it away
look cute and she'll forget the cereal
it's working...
Do we have to keep going?
But you told me...
Up until her 6 month appointment, Abby had not tried any cereal or baby food. I wasn't withholding this from her, but the doctor was amazed enough at her rate of growth by 4 months and the nourishment she was already receiving that she told me that unless her appetite increased, there was no real reason to introduce those foods unless I just wanted to. I told her that I might just wait, then.
So, a few days before the 6 month appointment, I introduced rice cereal. I'll post those pics shortly. During the preliminary developmental check by the nurse in the doctor's office, she asked if she was on Stage 2 (not so soupy) foods yet. "No," I replied, "we just tried cereal this week." The nurse was shocked. "Why?" she exclaimed. I told her that the doc said we could wait. She started to argue, but kindly (albeit quickly) finished the checklist instead.
Even the doctor, when she arrived for the remainder of the checkup, expressed surprise that I hadn't begun the solid food journey yet!
So weird!
So, a few days before the 6 month appointment, I introduced rice cereal. I'll post those pics shortly. During the preliminary developmental check by the nurse in the doctor's office, she asked if she was on Stage 2 (not so soupy) foods yet. "No," I replied, "we just tried cereal this week." The nurse was shocked. "Why?" she exclaimed. I told her that the doc said we could wait. She started to argue, but kindly (albeit quickly) finished the checklist instead.
Even the doctor, when she arrived for the remainder of the checkup, expressed surprise that I hadn't begun the solid food journey yet!
So weird!
Half Birthday!
Six Months
17 pounds, 27 inches (65%ile, 85%ile)
Cute as can be and ready to go places
Happy Half Birthday, sweet Abigail Grace!
Gitcher Boots! It's Time!
Something in me gets excited during the beginning of January. No, it's not the dawn of the new year, and it's definitely not the dreary, cold, and rainy weather that inevitably comes during the second week of January.
It's the thought of pulling on some cowboy boots with a destination in mind, and in a weird sort of way, it's also the memories of a specific smell. Etched in my mind's nose (?) is a combination bovine, porcine, ovine, galline, caprine, equine aroma complete with their feed and other (generally unpleasant yet strangely comforting) smells.
It's time for the Junior Livestock Show!!!
Having raised lambs for show and sale in middle school, I can't help but get excited about taking my own kiddos to experience the sights, sounds, and smells up close. While there's part of me that loves the city, I don't ever want to lose my country roots!
It's the thought of pulling on some cowboy boots with a destination in mind, and in a weird sort of way, it's also the memories of a specific smell. Etched in my mind's nose (?) is a combination bovine, porcine, ovine, galline, caprine, equine aroma complete with their feed and other (generally unpleasant yet strangely comforting) smells.
It's time for the Junior Livestock Show!!!
McTionary
If you've spent much time around me, you know that I love puns, and words intrigue me. I often find myself wondering where words come from and insisting that words mean something (e.g. specific words chosen in Scripture) and shouldn't be redefined easily (e.g. in politics for deceiving people).
So.... to satisfy my wordy-nerd urges, I'll occasionally be highlighting some words in the McDonaldSpot McTionary. Will you tolerate a little basic etymology? (that's the origin of words)
A word I like: from Wordnik.com
Adroit -- / (ə-droitˈ) /
Scot-free
What a great phrase for this time of year... Ha!
So.... to satisfy my wordy-nerd urges, I'll occasionally be highlighting some words in the McDonaldSpot McTionary. Will you tolerate a little basic etymology? (that's the origin of words)
A word I like: from Wordnik.com
Adroit -- / (ə-droitˈ) /
- adjective Dexterous; deft.
- adjective Skillful and adept under pressing conditions. See Synonyms at dexterous.
Scot-free
No, this term is not related to the supposed penurious [stingy] nature of those living in the north of Britain. Rather, it derives from scot meaning a payment or tax. So to get off scot free is literally to get away without paying taxes. The word appears during the Middle English period and is related to the Old English sceot, a type of coin, but the exact relationship is uncertain. The Middle English word may be the same word, from the Old Norse skot, or it may be a cognate borrowed from the Old French escot.
What a great phrase for this time of year... Ha!
Friday, March 26
Lots and lots of dribble
(betcha thought I'd be talking about the incessant drool from our sweet baby girl)
Our strapping young boy didn't opt to play spring soccer this year, although he still talks about playing again sometime. No, this time he decided to branch out.
The best opportunity for that in our town is to participate in a local Upward basketball program. It's an instructional league and also seeks to provide spiritual enrichment and instruction as well.
Caleb got to learn the basics of Mama's sport, basketball, and also got to hear weekly devotionals and learn some Bible verses. We were pleased with how it turned out! Caleb is a good shooter, but this season played more of the role (by choice) of point guard. He had more steals than I can count on one hand, and got much better at staying with his "man" defensively. (The matching colored wristbands sure helped!) We're proud of you, Caleb!
be warned, there will be some blurred shots from my point-and-shoot camera and due to the lighting
Our strapping young boy didn't opt to play spring soccer this year, although he still talks about playing again sometime. No, this time he decided to branch out.
be warned, there will be some blurred shots from my point-and-shoot camera and due to the lighting
Through a different lens...
...or from a different perspective...
Here's what happened when my camera disappeared over our Christmas vacation to see Nanny and Dandy...
we figured out afterward that it must have gone on a scenic tour with a certain three year old...
Here's what happened when my camera disappeared over our Christmas vacation to see Nanny and Dandy...
we figured out afterward that it must have gone on a scenic tour with a certain three year old...
Saturday, March 6
McFavorites
One of the sites I follow for current events is The Big Picture by The Boston Globe.
This is a compilation site of many high resolution licensed and public domain photos from photojournalists around the world.
While discernment may be necessary on some of the topics (cultural festivals can be immodest and disasters and war are brutal) and captions (every once in a while some of the photographers have an evident social/political agenda), most of the images from all sorts of events and occasions are excellent and moving. Many are beautiful, many are gritty, and, though some are initially blacked out (earthquake victims, etc.) for the squeamish, they are generally really good depictions of the state of things.
Because I don't have rights to the pictures and don't want to violate copyrights, I won't post the photos (rats!), but I have linked to the original post topic, and each caption links separately to the individual picture being described. I highly recommend clicking on the two small captions... these are strikingly great photos!
Scenes from Afghanistan
This is a compilation site of many high resolution licensed and public domain photos from photojournalists around the world.
While discernment may be necessary on some of the topics (cultural festivals can be immodest and disasters and war are brutal) and captions (every once in a while some of the photographers have an evident social/political agenda), most of the images from all sorts of events and occasions are excellent and moving. Many are beautiful, many are gritty, and, though some are initially blacked out (earthquake victims, etc.) for the squeamish, they are generally really good depictions of the state of things.
Because I don't have rights to the pictures and don't want to violate copyrights, I won't post the photos (rats!), but I have linked to the original post topic, and each caption links separately to the individual picture being described. I highly recommend clicking on the two small captions... these are strikingly great photos!
Scenes from Afghanistan
If you use a feed reader (like Google Reader or Feed Burner, for example), you can subscribe to this site and get new posts via the web or email. I love being able to see past my own little community and culture, and prayerfully reflect on happenings and the realization that it's "not all about me" and that even in the midst of hurt, our God is sovereign and completely in control.
Friday, March 5
McFavorites
remember, I'm not being paid or compensated in any way for these products/companies I mention in McFavorites
I received a great little gift for my birthday/Christmas this year! Scott's mom introduced me to Scentsy.
I love for my house to smell good. With 3 kiddos, a husband, and a multitude of diapers (for the little ones, not the husband), accomplishing that can be next to impossible. Not to mention the lingering bacon smell that lasted 3 days after I cooked it... love bacon, but don't want to smell it every time I walk in my house.
Candles are a no-go with kids. I've tried plug-in types, but they're generally too strong or I forget about it after I plug it in and rediscover it WAY after it's dried out.
I usually stick with my Lavender and Vanilla Febreze spray. Not as much anymore, though!
Scentsy is a company that sells flameless candles
(wax scent bars, really) that are melted in a warmer using a low-watt bulb. The cool thing is (pun intended), the wax really doesn't get all that hot.
They have gobs and gobs of scents from which to choose, ranging from strong outdoorsy scents to light, fresh scents, to flowery scents, to yummy scents.
It's simple really, you just grab the scent bar carton, separate however many blocks you want to melt, and plop them in the removable warming dish.
Then, you flip on the rotating switch part-way down the cord and get ready for the scent to fill the room. I have mine up high and out of reach on our bar/counter, but the wax cools so quickly out of the dish that I don't think it would cause any harm to Caleb or Anna if they were to jostle it. (Common sense caution still encouraged)
Check it out:
I have a few scents, and so far my favorites are Cutiepie Cupcake (sweet clementines, yellow cake batter, vanilla, and sugary icing), Sugar (lemon drops and cotton candy), and Coconut Lemongrass. Skinny Dippin' (light scent of green apples with melon and pear) and Camu Camu (mandarin, camu camu, and passionfruit) are fun too!
The thing I like best is that all you have to do in order to switch scents is pour the warm wax back into the plastic case to cool, then after a quick swipe with a Kleenex, the dish is ready for new cubes!
Thanks, Nanny, for the delightful gift!
I received a great little gift for my birthday/Christmas this year! Scott's mom introduced me to Scentsy.
I love for my house to smell good. With 3 kiddos, a husband, and a multitude of diapers (for the little ones, not the husband), accomplishing that can be next to impossible. Not to mention the lingering bacon smell that lasted 3 days after I cooked it... love bacon, but don't want to smell it every time I walk in my house.
Candles are a no-go with kids. I've tried plug-in types, but they're generally too strong or I forget about it after I plug it in and rediscover it WAY after it's dried out.
I usually stick with my Lavender and Vanilla Febreze spray. Not as much anymore, though!
Scentsy is a company that sells flameless candles
(wax scent bars, really) that are melted in a warmer using a low-watt bulb. The cool thing is (pun intended), the wax really doesn't get all that hot. They have gobs and gobs of scents from which to choose, ranging from strong outdoorsy scents to light, fresh scents, to flowery scents, to yummy scents.
It's simple really, you just grab the scent bar carton, separate however many blocks you want to melt, and plop them in the removable warming dish. Then, you flip on the rotating switch part-way down the cord and get ready for the scent to fill the room. I have mine up high and out of reach on our bar/counter, but the wax cools so quickly out of the dish that I don't think it would cause any harm to Caleb or Anna if they were to jostle it. (Common sense caution still encouraged)
Check it out:
I have a few scents, and so far my favorites are Cutiepie Cupcake (sweet clementines, yellow cake batter, vanilla, and sugary icing), Sugar (lemon drops and cotton candy), and Coconut Lemongrass. Skinny Dippin' (light scent of green apples with melon and pear) and Camu Camu (mandarin, camu camu, and passionfruit) are fun too!
The thing I like best is that all you have to do in order to switch scents is pour the warm wax back into the plastic case to cool, then after a quick swipe with a Kleenex, the dish is ready for new cubes!
Thanks, Nanny, for the delightful gift!
When He Whispers
Things have been really tight. My political/economical soapbox will not make an appearance here, but let's just say that we're feeling the squeeze much like many others are.
We've experienced this in the past once or a couple of times, with unwise spending or with medical bills, but when you know you've practiced self control and it still happens, there's a helpless feeling that can be difficult to shake.
I had to make a conscious decision the other day not to wallow or despair. That's when a little verse popped into my mind... I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... (something something something) in abundance and in need, I can do all things through Christ...
Wild how the Holy Spirit can whisper a verse back into your mind that you memorized a long time ago, even though it is against your very nature to be in automatic Spiritual Response mode.
So, I dragged myself to the Word and decided that I needed to get some context on that verse. Over time, I've learned a couple of things about God's Word:
Here's what I read:
written by Paul to the group of believers in Philippi (modern day Greece near Turkey)
Philippians chapter 4, verse 4 and following
I wanted to believe that. I do believe that, in an abstract way. I choose to trust.
Then He whispered again.
Something I had done a few days prior that popped back up again without warning. I discovered our neighbors' 3 schnauzers out one afternoon because their garage door was left open by accident when they left for work. We don't know our neighbors well, but I wrangled the dogs back into the garage, and managed to shut the door without them getting out. I told them that evening about putting their dogs back, but that I wasn't sure if their belongings in the garage had been affected or taken during the time period before I came home. (They have a really nice car that was in the garage also and was still there). The neighbor thanked me profusely for helping rescue the dogs. I went home.
Within half an hour of reading Philippians (above) and deciding I would choose to be a doer of what I read instead of reading and forgetting, there was a knock on the door. I don't like answering the door when Scott's not home, but when they wouldn't go away, I answered. It was my neighbor and her husband. This is why they came over:
A week's worth of groceries and a toy dog for my kids in thanks for something I thought was inconsequential and just something neighbors do for each other. It was my turn for profuse thanksgiving, both to the neighbors...
and to my Lord, who whispered a tiny little concrete reminder that The God of Peace is near to those who follow Him.
I'm thankful for this time of frugality. This required simplicity will teach me to not be attached to material things. It has already opened a door to get to know our neighbors better. I choose to rejoice and eagerly learn whatever else the Lord will teach us during this season of our lives.
We've experienced this in the past once or a couple of times, with unwise spending or with medical bills, but when you know you've practiced self control and it still happens, there's a helpless feeling that can be difficult to shake.
I had to make a conscious decision the other day not to wallow or despair. That's when a little verse popped into my mind... I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... (something something something) in abundance and in need, I can do all things through Christ...
Wild how the Holy Spirit can whisper a verse back into your mind that you memorized a long time ago, even though it is against your very nature to be in automatic Spiritual Response mode.
So, I dragged myself to the Word and decided that I needed to get some context on that verse. Over time, I've learned a couple of things about God's Word:
- All Scripture is straight from God, and it's useful in every aspect of life.
- Every part of Scripture is a message originally written to a specific audience for a specific purpose. The undergirding principles in that message are of ultimate importance for me today, regardless of whether the original audience is "outdated" or the situation is foreign to me.
- If I don't read before and after a verse, I might misunderstand it.
- If I don't get that surrounding context, I might be tempted to twist it to apply to my situation, when it really doesn't.
Here's what I read:
written by Paul to the group of believers in Philippi (modern day Greece near Turkey)
Philippians chapter 4, verse 4 and following
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ouch. I wasn't rejoicing always. I was being unreasonable and anxious. However, WOW. The Lord is at hand. I can take my concerns to Him instead of being anxious. Because Christ has redeemed me, He gives me unfathomable peace in exchange, which will guide my heart and mind.
Ok. That's what I need to be thinking about instead of having a pity party. This will be so much more easy with that unfathomable peace that guards my mind. God is with me.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Financial abundance does not necessarily indicate God's approval or blessing, nor does lack of money mean that God disapproves. Paul had seasons of both as he faithfully lived out God's call on his life.God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Verses from the ESV Study Bible
That's it. Because I'm in Christ, my needs will be taken care of. For His glory.I wanted to believe that. I do believe that, in an abstract way. I choose to trust.
Then He whispered again.
Something I had done a few days prior that popped back up again without warning. I discovered our neighbors' 3 schnauzers out one afternoon because their garage door was left open by accident when they left for work. We don't know our neighbors well, but I wrangled the dogs back into the garage, and managed to shut the door without them getting out. I told them that evening about putting their dogs back, but that I wasn't sure if their belongings in the garage had been affected or taken during the time period before I came home. (They have a really nice car that was in the garage also and was still there). The neighbor thanked me profusely for helping rescue the dogs. I went home.
Within half an hour of reading Philippians (above) and deciding I would choose to be a doer of what I read instead of reading and forgetting, there was a knock on the door. I don't like answering the door when Scott's not home, but when they wouldn't go away, I answered. It was my neighbor and her husband. This is why they came over:
and to my Lord, who whispered a tiny little concrete reminder that The God of Peace is near to those who follow Him.
I'm thankful for this time of frugality. This required simplicity will teach me to not be attached to material things. It has already opened a door to get to know our neighbors better. I choose to rejoice and eagerly learn whatever else the Lord will teach us during this season of our lives.
In the interest of full disclosure...
This...
is why I should not be blogging right now.
Just keepin' it real.
is why I should not be blogging right now.
Just keepin' it real.
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