He Is Risen Indeed....and boy howdy, it's cold up here!

We celebrated Anna's first Easter yesterday! Caleb is beginning to understand what Easter is and why we celebrate it, which is both exciting and sobering to think about. I pray that the Lord gives me wisdom on how to encourage him and teach him as he gets old enough to understand exactly who our Savior is and why he needs Him just like we do.

Our church had three services (we had to be there for all three), and thanks to our handy dandy programmable pressure cooker, we were still able to eat an Easter lunch at home. We had the Lewters over, as well as Betsy, a friend who used to be one of our students.

playing music with Betsy

Lana Kate (8 mo.)

It's been pretty cold up here, as we had snow flurries on Friday and have had lows in the 20s for 3 or 4 days. (Poor flowers and veggie garden didn't have a chance) We don't emphasize the "easter bunny" much, but we do let Caleb search for eggs. It's so odd to have to hide and find eggs when it's in the 40s outside! But we did it anyway...

"Can I go outside yet?"

Showing off a "find" while surveying for more. He never stops :)

Enjoying the loot...

Drawing My Sword?

We've had some moments lately where things to come in the future have been (and remain) unclear. As it happens, Providentially, I'm sure, the lessons I've been teaching in our small group Ladies' class at church, the book I'm reading with my discipleship girls (Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper), and in talks I've heard on the internet, the Lord has been teaching me about the products of a life that follows Him.

Our small group class for College Ladies is studying Men of the Bible (the lesser-known ones). So far we've studied Jonathan, Job, Caleb, Joseph, and Boaz, and we've covered the godly qualities that they displayed as they lived out their faith in easy and in hard times. Incidentally, those qualities are love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. (We didn't plan to do a study on fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22,23 - but look what God can teach despite us) Every one of those are things that have challenged me in recent times.

The book I'm reading talks about what makes a life truly worthwhile, what assures that it is not wasted, what true Purpose is...glorifying the One who created us with everything we do. Lately I've read the chapters on doing just that through times of pain and death, and also about learning to take risks, not for the sake of risk itself or for pride, but so that Christ can be magnified.

Then today, I listened to a talk by a pastor who went to A&M around the same time we did. Again, the Lord challenged and encouraged me. As we approach Easter week, those of us who attend church expect to hear sermons on Christ's road to the Cross. This pastor, however, doesn't aim for topical lessons. He's been preaching through the Gospel of John for about a year, and he is just now reaching the chapter that describes Christ's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Planned or not, that is very timely to the holiday season.) The perspective he took, though, is very applicable to all of us in whatever stage of life we're in. I encourage you to listen to it by clicking here if you have the chance. The sermon is titled The Sin of the Drawn Sword.

Lastly, I have another song to share with you as I did previously. It is called Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin and it is based upon Isaiah 40... waiting for the Lord. It is available for listening on the "McDonaldspot Radio" to your right. (If you click forward to find that particular song too many times, you may be asked to stop and listen for a while...that's how the FineTune service I use works.)

Taking a Risk...of sorts

We usually get caught going to Wal-Mart for groceries and other sundries, but occasionally, when I don't want to be tempted by the low-price deals on things I don't really need, we visit the Price Cutter grocery store near our home. Now that I have two kiddos, it is necessary to have some sort of cart arrangement that keeps both confined, whether that be a two-seater, one of those extended carts, or like at Lowe's, a car cart. Price Cutter has car carts, so I thought..."It's almost nap time, Caleb needs a diversion, and maybe that'll be just the ticket to getting in and out without a bad attitude episode." Don't get me wrong, he's usually great, but we have the occasional fatigue related meltdown.

Lo and behold, as we enter the vestibule of the Price Cutter, there are car carts ready and waiting. HOWEVER, there was something even more intriguing... mini carts! I had seen one in the store before and witnessed the cuteness, but also a tantrum by the darling child pushing it who didn't want her mama to tell her where to go. Should I risk it so close to nap time? Could I accurately gauge Caleb's fatigue indicators? I took a deep breath, got his attention for some "If you're going to get to do this, here's what I expect..." preparatory comments and some "If you decide not to obey, here's what will happen to your chance to push a cart" preemptive comments, and took that blind leap of faith.

Let me just say, I love when the "I love to be a helper" attitude of Caleb's kicks in! He did spectacularly, and we didn't even have any "Mama, I'm the leader- you follow me" issues that are so common with Caleb at this age. And can I mention that he was pretty cute while shopping?

Spring is Here!

I love when Spring arrives and our WhiteBud tree blooms. Just thought I'd share it with you...

Get your motor runnin'...Head out on the highway...

Looking for adventure....on our family trip to Lowe's today.

Caleb loves when we're able to find a "car cart", and today, for the first time, Anna went along for the ride/drive.

YardStones part 2

While they're definitely not Milestones, per se, we've definitely had some progress in the McDonald household as of late.

• Anna (after about 2 months of arduous babyfood-feeding attempts) is now opening her mouth in anticipation of the spoon coming toward her! She's a huge fan of cinnamon, so even introducing chicken with apples for the first time was a breeze with the addition of some of the magical stuff.

• We've realized that Anna likes to do things in her own sweet time...coming exactly on her due date though she had dropped into position well before...showing us over the Christmas holidays that she actually is capable of rolling over both ways, and then being content enough to not do it again since... and now, while Scott was in Mexico, deciding it's time to show off that she can get up on all fours and rock back and forth a little. I don't know if I'm ready for her to be mobile, but I know that she's not really in a rush. She'll get there when she's ready.

If you look there's space between her and the floor on the second one...my timing was a little off. ;)

Daddy Fun

Wrestling is big in our house. Scott can't wait to get Anna in on the fun...

Musical Discovery

I have been convicted lately, while reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, that I need to be deliberate in my speech about what God is doing in my life, and more specifically about Christ and how He has saved me and made it possible to have a relationship with God. I woke up this morning encouraged and joyful- something I don't remember happening before. I can only explain it as this: I have begun praying that I won't have to manufacture such speech, but that it will be an overflow of my relationship with the Lord.

I ran across a new song that I can't stop singing, pardon the pun... It's a perfect blend of meaningful lyrics and musical score, not to mention applicable and encouraging in life! I'll provide the lyrics here and hopefully you can access it on the new audio player on the right-hand side of the blog. (by the way, you can get to the next song on the player by holding your mouse cursor over the right side of the player until "next track" pops up...then click.)

"How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin
There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

Grace on the Silver Screen

Well, in a move that is completely unlike our normal pattern of life, we found a baby sitter and went to the movies tonight. We caught the prime-time, opening night showing of Amazing Grace, which is the story of William Wilberforce, who lived (and lived out his faith) in the 1700s in England. I would highly recommend this movie. Our showing here in MO was sold out! See it! See it!

Here is the trailer, if you haven't seen it on TV yet...

Old Feet?

Caleb loves bible stories from his illustrated children's Bible. His all-time favorite so far (though daily favorites may vary) is David and Goliath. He loves the story, my paraphrased version, the VeggieTales version, and acting it out with himself as David and Daddy as Goliath (then they switch). We picked him up from the baby sitter tonight after watching Amazing Grace and this is what his usual barrage of comments and questions began with:

Caleb: Hey, Mama? Mama? Hey Mama... I'm NINE FEET high.


Mama: That's funny. I thought Goliath was nine feet tall.

Caleb: Mama? What number of feet old am I?

She Does Others Good (Gal. 6:10)

Here is the second installment from the girls at Girl Talk. The post shares that Carolyn McCulley spoke to both married and single women as she addressed "The Walk of Faith" as exemplified by Sarah, Rahab, Rebekah, and Abigail in the Bible. You may find links to the audio and the outline on the girlTalk blog by clicking here. Here are some of the tidbits I'd like to share...

Here are “10 Ways to Do Good to Others” (Galatians 6:10).

• Show up at a friend’s workplace with her favorite drink and a magazine.
• Invite a family over for a dessert and game night.
• Arrange a “welcome home” party at the airport for a traveling friend.
• Pray for a verse to encourage a friend and put it in a note.
• Put together a get-well basket for a sick friend.
• Mail a coffee-shop gift certificate to a friend to initiate time of fellowship.
• Babysit for a mom with young kids.
• Coordinate friends to pray—one per day—for someone going through a trial.
• Prepare a tea for neighbors or coworkers and invite friends from church.
• Call a friend out of the blue to tell her why you’re grateful for her friendship.

She Does Him Good (Prov. 31:12)

The girls over at the Girl Talk blog have recently posted some tips that I found particularly encouraging and helpful. The first of these posts is taken from Nicole Whitacre's study of Prov. 31:12 and is partially included below. You may find the entire post, audio of Nicole's talk, and other helpful links by clicking here.

Also, to complement the teaching topic that morning, the women received bookmarks with “10 Ways To Do Your Husband Good.” Here are their creative suggestions:

10 Ways to Do Your Husband Good (Proverbs 31:12)

• Write him a love note and place it in his sock drawer.
• Take an entire evening to enjoy his favorite hobby with him.
• Show up at work with a special drink or take him to lunch.
• Encourage him for demonstrating a specific godly trait—in front of friends.
• Arrange a datenight at his favorite restaurant.
• Pray for him today and tell him you are doing so.
• Surprise him with his favorite dessert after dinner.
• Greet him in an extra-special way when he comes home from work.
• Lead the children in a time of honoring him.
• Ask him: “What is one way I can be a better wife?” Then do it!

Old McDonald had some peas...

Anna is growing accustomed to baby food (yea!). She still refuses a bottle and resists a sippy cup, so we're working on that. So far, her food repertoire consists of mixed-grain cereal mixed with fruit of some sort (rice cereal was a no-go), pears, applesauce, sweet potatoes, squash, apricots (big hit), and plums with apples (biggest hit). Today was the day to try peas. Although I don't normally buy the organic variety because I'm a farmer's daughter...I caved this time because the regular kind said "peas" and the organic said "sweet peas." What a sham. :)

Here are the before-peas pictures:



Here is Anna's response to the Gerber attempt at peas:

E-I-EEE-Igh-OHhhhh.

Artist and Singer

Caleb's Pre-school class and the others at his school held an Art Show after Valentine's Day. We all gathered in the auditorium to be sereneded by our stellar progeny. There were some fun moments as they sang their folk-songs, such as Skinny-marinky-dinky-dink. Some classes had obvious perfectionists, wall-flowers, and clowns. Caleb did excellently, although it was evident that he was either focusing entirely on the motions or entirely on the lyrics...not both. :) Would that be the effects of testosterone?
We proceeded to the gymnasium for the art exhibits: traced outlines, paper doll collages, American flags, and hand-shaped fish... See if you can see evidence of perfectionist oldest child who prefers to do things his way at his own deliberate pace...

not in the mood for laying down on his back...

orange shirt, pink overalls, magenta shorts
"Mama, sometimes boys can like pink."




As evidenced by the other artwork, the students were instructed to spread out their stars. Caleb either wanted to make rows (which I prefer to think) or simply moved so slow, no, so precisely, that he only had time to place three stars. (the likely scenario)

I guess he's more like his oldest-child mom than I realize. Scott reminds me of this often. (Perfectionist, precise...painstakingly so, and logically reasoning through why an unexpected choice must be the best)

We're so excited to see how Caleb functions with classmates (Jake and Daniella are his good friends) and responds to his teachers (good reports so far). He loves his Pre-school class.

Bubbles and Splashes

So I never really resorted to taking humiliating bath pictures of Caleb (that I can remember), but it's never too late to start with your kids, right?

Anna loves her little inflatable bathtub, and Caleb begged me for a picture of himself once we were done.

Christmas Pictures...finally!

I hope these little slide viewers work on your computer! They're such an easy way to show a lot of pictures! If you want to see a particular picture larger, click on it. :)

Here are some of the pictures I remembered to take while we were in Canton for Christmas!

Do you know Wilberforce?

I must admit, the name William Wilberforce had only a vague familiarity to me. Thanks to my friend Phillip and to the movie trailer I saw today, I truly want to find out more about this man whose faith affected us and made history. You can also find out more through the recent biography of him by John Piper. I've attached the trailer here for you to see... If you know something of this man (or have seen the movie, since we never get to go to the movies), comment back and let me know! :)

Pics over the past 2 yrs

YardStones (FootStones?)

I thought that Milestones might be an appropriate title for this post, but seeing as I'm going to describe the ever changing growth of two kiddos, I thought smaller increments might be better. :)

Anna is to be 9 months old just after Valentine's Day this month! I can't believe the months have flown by. She is so content most of the time, which has been a blessing considering the circumstances of our lives right now. As a result of this contentment, however, she has not been in a hurry to get mobile or display newly acquired skills. (Which could also be a blessing) She waited until New Year's Eve to roll over for the first time (almost 8 mo.), and when she did, it was back to front, then immediately front to back. I am also pleased to announce that Dandy (Scott's Dad) got her started with the concept of clapping just before Christmas, and by the time we were at Mimi and Pawpaw's a week later, she was delighted to do it on command.

Just two weeks ago, the college girl who cares for her in the church nursery told me Anna was pounding on the 4-key piano toy and wailing away in her high-pitched singing squeal. And now, just a week ago, we were out to eat with Brad and Kati, some friends of ours, and when Kati waved at her, she responded by waving her own fingers! It's fun to watch her learn and grow! We're expecting her first two teeth any day now, and it's so funny to watch how she copes with the feeling: she sticks out her tongue just a little and sucks on her gums. I'll attach a picture to this post soon!

Caleb is also doing some learning and growing. We've had a hectic winter, with normal Christmas traveling followed by a return to Corpus Christi just a week later for my grandpa's funeral. I always assumed that Caleb was pretty flexible, since I'm not one for rigid schedules and routines. However I was reminded rather quickly that we all crave some semblance of routine once he began struggling with obedience and the abnormal schedule we were following. Getting a virus as well as strep-throat didn't help either, and our sweet boy is learning how to cope with feeling sub-par and still obeying Mama and Daddy, even in the little things. It's been quite a challenge lately. A good friend here reminded me that it's always hard to see our precious little ones show their very own sin natures, and that it's so amazing to relate even a little to what it's like for God to lovingly teach, train, correct, and be merciful toward us, His children.

We as parents are reaching our own little "yardstones" as we learn to be teachable by the Lord, and to be patient and merciful with each other and with Caleb during these times.

I do want to share something funny that I never want to forget... Caleb has learned to love games like Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders. We're still trying to help him learn to follow rules of the game as he sees what is necessary to win and would rather not settle for the cards he is dealt or spins he winds up with. I try to use those teachable moments as often as possible so that maybe handling those moments will transfer to obedience and handling not getting his own way somewhere down the road. Today, as we were preparing for sliding the chutes and climbing the ladders, Caleb selected his game piece ( a little brownish-blonde haired girl) and, being the typical oldest child, selected mine also (a boy with dark brown skin and hair). I made the remark that Caleb always liked to choose that little girl. He mumbled something about pretending to be a girl. To find out more, I said, "Does that little girl remind you of something? Is that why you choose her?" (I thought maybe one of the girls in his preschool class was blonde and a good friend.) Here was his unprompted reply:


"Mama, she reminds me of how much I love you."

Caleb's Unabridged Dictionary, Entry 3

Reindeer: n. (sometimes wayn-deew, but usually rayn-deer) ruminant mammal related to the elk, moose, and white-tail, commonly seen around Christmastime. This animal provides for holiday cheer in a way none other can... (see context below)

usage: "Look, Mama, that's a reindeer."
context: "Mama, reindeer are deer that keep the rain away at Christmas."

The flu

Caleb received his flu vaccination today. He was surprised by the cruelty of the "medicine" we told him he'd be getting. He talked about his shot the rest of the day. "I don't like shots, Mama. They hurt." We explained that shots only hurt for a little while, but getting the flu would make him really sick...worse than the hurt of the shot. This conversation echoed several times throughout the day.

This evening, we repeated the same conversation once again. Then Caleb asked how people get the flu. Daddy and I explained as briefly and simply as possible about germs and how they get into our bodies. "That's why we wash our hands so much."

A few minutes later this question arises: "But, Mama, why did that Christmas song talk about turning on the flu?" A song in our Christmas musical referred to closing up the flue of a fireplace. [Quick definition of what a flue is...] "Oh."

Then the best part after a few minutes of silence...
"Mama, how old is the flu that makes you sick?"

*Scott and I exchange glances*
"Umm, well, Caleb, that's hard to tell."

"Mama, I bet that it's 35 years old."

Caleb's Proclamations

1. Caleb: "Mama, in the desert there are cactus! Cactus is all prickly and if you touch one of the 'horns' on them they will stick you and make a red dot on your hand. But if you don't see any horns, you can touch it. "
to which I say, "ooh, you're right, but they're called thorns, and sometimes they're so skinny you can't see them very well. They'll still make little cuts on your hands and make you bleed."
to which Caleb replies, "Just like the pink stuff in the garage [from the attic]. So if I see a cactus I won't touch it."

2. [While watching a dinosaur show on tv] "Oooh, the wonderpets are dressed up like dinosaurs. If I see a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I won't get close to it."

Curtain Call & Break a Leg

Well, tonight is our first performance of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" at a newly renovated 1930's Theatre in town. The Theatre is gorgeous, the set looks great, and our costumes and dance moves are ready to go. Scott has been so great about being Mr. Mom each night this week as we've had rehearsals and early call-times. My family is headed into town (minus Aunt Licia :( ) to see the Saturday Matinee performance.

We'll be performing 5 total. If you're in our area, there are still tickets available! I'm really enjoying playing a part in it... I just hope my dancing doesn't cause me to fall into the orchestra pit! ;)

How-to and Recently Heard...

How to Sound like Anna-
With lips together, begin making a "b-b-b" sound. Then raise a single finger or combination of fingertips and proceed to flick your lips up and down as though talking underwater...all while making the "b-b-b" sound.

Combine the "dh", "da", "an", "na", "gee", and "dee" sounds in as many combinations as you can think of except "An-na", then throw in random grunts.

How'd you do?

Recently Heard at the McDonaldSpot-
When a hole was discovered in the knee of Caleb's jeans: "Uncle Bryan has pants with holes like these."

When Mama got into the car in full stage makeup and curly hair after theater practice this past Monday night (and every night afterward): "Mama! Why did you do that?"

Cutting a Rug

I'm becoming more of a "priss" now that I'm aging...not that there's anything wrong with that. Normally I wouldn't be comfortable with any sort of active movement without a (basket/volley)ball in my hands or occasionally a machine or exercise step involved. However... our church is putting on a Broadway style Christmas musical this year after a long hiatus. What makes it more exciting is that our community just renovated a 30's era theater that was built along the original Route 66. It's gorgeous, and our musical, set at Thanksgiving of 1941, will be a perfect opening Christmas event for it! (Not to mention fun!) We're doing "I'll be Home for Christmas," which is set partly in a family's San Francisco apartment and partly in a radio station (which, back then, would have had live audiences frequently). My part is to be a radio actor/live performer for the radio station. I, along with about 10 others, have to learn authentic dance steps to perform along with the music we're singing. I even had to by character shoes for dancing!!! I'm feeling pretty awkward, but judging from the relative position I have on the stage (they won't let me hide in the back) and from the fun I'm having, I must not be "stinking it up" too badly. I never thought I'd enjoy something like this so much, or that it would be such a welcome diversion from other things that are going on ;). I'll keep you posted, but for my benefit, there will be NO video cameras allowed at our practices or performances! Ha ha!

New Caleb-ism

We all had a laugh the other day as a result of Caleb's budding sense of humor. Scott was teasing him a little at a staff barbeque last week, and Caleb grinned a squinty grin, laughed a fake "ha ha", turned to leave and said "Daddy, you're a FUNNY MAN!". We still have no idea where that came from.


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