Grace said something so sweet today.
During the night she had some "croup"-type coughs. So, this morning when she woke up, we asked her how she was feeling. She said "fine," but we said something about her being sick. Here is what she said:
"It's OK that I'm sick because Jesus is in my heart. God loves you just the way you are."
PRECIOUS!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Domestic Diva?!
In the past 6 months or so, we've been trying to eat more organic and natural foods. Included with that, is trying to make food from scratch when we can.
Here are a few things I've made:
- BREAD: I make all of our bread from scratch (with the help of a bread maker). I do the dough in the bread maker, let it rise in a loaf pan and then bake it in the oven.
- CARAMEL SAUCE: I've made caramel sauce to put in lattes, on homemade cinnamon buns, and apples!!
- PEANUT BUTTER: I stopped doing this just because...well, I'm not sure why.
- CHICKEN BROTH: (nothing exciting to say here)
- APPLESAUCE: Tonight I made homemade applesauce...yummy! It's so easy and it also makes...
- APPLE JUICE: It's a little watered down, but I water-down Grace's juice anyway. She loved it.
For some people, these are all "no big deal" things. But, for those of you who know my "history" of cooking...
...I've come along way since macaroni and cheese soup! :)
Here are a few things I've made:
- BREAD: I make all of our bread from scratch (with the help of a bread maker). I do the dough in the bread maker, let it rise in a loaf pan and then bake it in the oven.
- CARAMEL SAUCE: I've made caramel sauce to put in lattes, on homemade cinnamon buns, and apples!!
- PEANUT BUTTER: I stopped doing this just because...well, I'm not sure why.
- CHICKEN BROTH: (nothing exciting to say here)
- APPLESAUCE: Tonight I made homemade applesauce...yummy! It's so easy and it also makes...
- APPLE JUICE: It's a little watered down, but I water-down Grace's juice anyway. She loved it.
For some people, these are all "no big deal" things. But, for those of you who know my "history" of cooking...
...I've come along way since macaroni and cheese soup! :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
12 Days turns into 52 Weeks
During the Christmas 2007 season, our friends, Adam and Amber-Rose, introduced us to the idea of celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. The 12 days leading up to Christmas, Matt had a surprise for me. Some things require money...others do not. But, they are all things that communicate love to me. This past Christmas we each took 6 days, so every-other-day we surprised each other with a gift, act of service, or something special. It was super fun and also enriched our marriage more than if we would have just exchanged gifts on Christmas morning.
Well, for my final "Day of Christmas," Matt wanted each of us to come up with 26 things (52 weeks in a year) that we would enjoy for 2009. Now, we rotate weeks and choose something off the other person's list. What a brilliant husband I have! Extending Christmas throughout the year!!
This week my "something special" was that I got to sleep in!! As a mother who has been nursing for almost 11 months, still getting up in the night, and still getting up early - this was VERY MUCH appreciated!!
Matt took the girls to get kolaches for breakfast and kept them out of the house so I could sleep peacefully. The only problem is...I could only sleep until 8:45 because my body isn't used to sleeping in! What a bummer! However, the good news is - I didn't have to get up at 6:50 when Grace woke up.
Ahhh...2 extra hours of sleep...sweet bliss. I never thought I'd reach a point in my life when I'd be excited to sleep until 8:45. But, who wants to sleep when the 2 most adorable girls in the world are wanting my attention?! Not I!!!
Well, for my final "Day of Christmas," Matt wanted each of us to come up with 26 things (52 weeks in a year) that we would enjoy for 2009. Now, we rotate weeks and choose something off the other person's list. What a brilliant husband I have! Extending Christmas throughout the year!!
This week my "something special" was that I got to sleep in!! As a mother who has been nursing for almost 11 months, still getting up in the night, and still getting up early - this was VERY MUCH appreciated!!
Matt took the girls to get kolaches for breakfast and kept them out of the house so I could sleep peacefully. The only problem is...I could only sleep until 8:45 because my body isn't used to sleeping in! What a bummer! However, the good news is - I didn't have to get up at 6:50 when Grace woke up.
Ahhh...2 extra hours of sleep...sweet bliss. I never thought I'd reach a point in my life when I'd be excited to sleep until 8:45. But, who wants to sleep when the 2 most adorable girls in the world are wanting my attention?! Not I!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Weekend with Minima & Bapa
My mom and dad (Grace affectionately named them "Minima" & "Bapa") came to Austin late Friday night and left Monday evening. We had a fabulous time and hated to see them go.
Our weekend consisted of...eating...eating...eating...did I mention...eating?! That's right - we LOVE to eat out when they come. We had kolaches and breakfast tacos for breakfast, burgers and fries at Mighty Fine Burgers, BBQ at Rudy's, chimichangas at Chuy's, burgers and salads at Central Market and chicken at Chik-fil-A. Yummy!
We also did a lot of playing, shopping, reading books, napping, and went to our church (The Austin Stone) on Sunday morning.
At the end of the weekend, we always want more time together. They are coming back for Easter in April, so we'll look forward to that. Grace is already talking about it. This morning I was getting her a cup of milk. She started doing a "happy dance" and rubbing her hands together. I said, "What are you excited about?" She said, "Minima and Bapa come back to my house in a month!" Oh wow. It could be a long 6 weeks! Little does she know that before that happens, so many more fun things will take place - her 3rd birthday, Alyssa's 1st birthday, and Nana & Papa are coming to visit! What a fun time ahead!!
Our weekend consisted of...eating...eating...eating...did I mention...eating?! That's right - we LOVE to eat out when they come. We had kolaches and breakfast tacos for breakfast, burgers and fries at Mighty Fine Burgers, BBQ at Rudy's, chimichangas at Chuy's, burgers and salads at Central Market and chicken at Chik-fil-A. Yummy!
We also did a lot of playing, shopping, reading books, napping, and went to our church (The Austin Stone) on Sunday morning.
At the end of the weekend, we always want more time together. They are coming back for Easter in April, so we'll look forward to that. Grace is already talking about it. This morning I was getting her a cup of milk. She started doing a "happy dance" and rubbing her hands together. I said, "What are you excited about?" She said, "Minima and Bapa come back to my house in a month!" Oh wow. It could be a long 6 weeks! Little does she know that before that happens, so many more fun things will take place - her 3rd birthday, Alyssa's 1st birthday, and Nana & Papa are coming to visit! What a fun time ahead!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Daddy/Daughter Conversation
Here's an exchange that happened tonight between Matt and Grace.
Grace hopped up in Matt's lap trying to see the computer screen that showed the flight tracker for Minima & Bapa's flight to Austin.
Matt: "Grace, you're all up in my grill!"
Grace: "I didn't open your grill! We don't have a grill!"
Matt: (laughter)
It was awesome and worth documenting for sure.
Grace hopped up in Matt's lap trying to see the computer screen that showed the flight tracker for Minima & Bapa's flight to Austin.
Matt: "Grace, you're all up in my grill!"
Grace: "I didn't open your grill! We don't have a grill!"
Matt: (laughter)
It was awesome and worth documenting for sure.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Cheese-Hamburgers
Ok, I know this is not the best picture - Matt took it with his phone. But, there is a great story behind it.
We love dates. Mommy & Daddy dates. Daddy & Gracie dates. Dates with friends. And, family dates.
Well, tonight we took a family date to Top Notch Burgers. A scene from Dazed and Confused was filmed there. Cool! Anyway, Grace normally LOVES "cheese-hamburgers," but tonight she was not digging it.
So, we decided to take things up a "notch" and stir the competitive spirit that she inherited from her Mommy. Matt would dip the hamburger in ketchup and move it to our side of the table. I "threatened" to eat it before Grace could. Well, she wouldn't have it! Thus the "Top Notch Fastest Biter Burger Competition" began.
Of course, Grace won. (Yes, I let her win - that was the whole point!) But, she was gracious enough to let me have the last bite (she actually insisted upon it). What a sweetheart. She's living up to her sweet name - Grace.
Friday, February 06, 2009
A tan in February?
The weather here (not to brag - as I have been known to do!) has been fabulous! It gets down to freezing at night, but in the 60's and 70's during the day. The past few nights the lows have only been in the 50's. FAB-U-LOUS! (Doesn't that make you want to visit?!?)
Because of the nice weather and Grace's obsession with playing on our driveway, we've been out almost every morning this week for hours at a time.
Every Friday my friends, Erika and Morgan, come over for lunch. Today Erika said, "Do you have a tan? Your arms look darker than mine!" It's quite possible! I think she's right. (I'm sure this will make my mom more excited to visit next weekend - bring your short-sleeves and capris, Mom!)
All this time on our driveway has also led us to meet and get to know a lot of our neighbors. The people in our neighborhood seem to enjoy being outside and are very friendly. I like it.
We really feel like God has placed us in this neighborhood for a reason. Not only to be closer to our friends, the Norris's, but also to establish relationships with neighbors and to live our lives in a way that shows them Christ.
Because of the nice weather and Grace's obsession with playing on our driveway, we've been out almost every morning this week for hours at a time.
Every Friday my friends, Erika and Morgan, come over for lunch. Today Erika said, "Do you have a tan? Your arms look darker than mine!" It's quite possible! I think she's right. (I'm sure this will make my mom more excited to visit next weekend - bring your short-sleeves and capris, Mom!)
All this time on our driveway has also led us to meet and get to know a lot of our neighbors. The people in our neighborhood seem to enjoy being outside and are very friendly. I like it.
We really feel like God has placed us in this neighborhood for a reason. Not only to be closer to our friends, the Norris's, but also to establish relationships with neighbors and to live our lives in a way that shows them Christ.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Sweet songs
As part of the curriculum for our children's program at church, the toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children are given memory verses and take-home lessons for parents to use throughout the week if they so desire. A few months ago, I decided that we could try teaching Grace to memorize verses by making up a song with that verse.
It has worked brilliantly! Grace has learned 6 verses!!! I've always had a hard time memorizing verses, but now we learn them together as a family! She loves it and sings them at the top of her lungs. Sweet music.
Here are the ones she knows:
Learn to do what it right. Isaiah 1:17
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son. That whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. Genesis 1:1
Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised. So I will be saved from my enemies, I will call upon the Lord. Psalm 18:4
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
She sings these in order...one right after the other. I'll try to get them on video and post them soon. It's precious. I always think of the verse when Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me."
It has worked brilliantly! Grace has learned 6 verses!!! I've always had a hard time memorizing verses, but now we learn them together as a family! She loves it and sings them at the top of her lungs. Sweet music.
Here are the ones she knows:
Learn to do what it right. Isaiah 1:17
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son. That whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. Genesis 1:1
Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised. So I will be saved from my enemies, I will call upon the Lord. Psalm 18:4
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
She sings these in order...one right after the other. I'll try to get them on video and post them soon. It's precious. I always think of the verse when Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me."
Jessie & Daisy
Just in the past week, we have noticed that Grace has an imaginary friend, Jessie. "She" is not always around, but I hear Grace talk to her when she's playing by herself.
Today Grace and I were playing outside while Alyssa took her morning nap. She went around to the side of the house and I heard her talking. I asked her to come back to the driveway and she said, "Come on, Jessie! Let's go back to the driveway!" I asked her if Jessie was with her and she said, "Yes! And so is Daisy!"
Wow. I'm not totally sure how to handle this. As far as I can remember, I don't think I had an imaginary friend. A part of me thinks it's fabulous that her imagination is so vivid that she has a friend that she talks to and plays with. The other part of me is freaked out - it's almost like a ghost is in our presence or something. Creeeeeepy!
We had to come inside to get a snack and Grace made me keep the door open as she persuaded Jessie and Daisy to come with us. I hope no one was watching us! Funny.
Today Grace and I were playing outside while Alyssa took her morning nap. She went around to the side of the house and I heard her talking. I asked her to come back to the driveway and she said, "Come on, Jessie! Let's go back to the driveway!" I asked her if Jessie was with her and she said, "Yes! And so is Daisy!"
Wow. I'm not totally sure how to handle this. As far as I can remember, I don't think I had an imaginary friend. A part of me thinks it's fabulous that her imagination is so vivid that she has a friend that she talks to and plays with. The other part of me is freaked out - it's almost like a ghost is in our presence or something. Creeeeeepy!
We had to come inside to get a snack and Grace made me keep the door open as she persuaded Jessie and Daisy to come with us. I hope no one was watching us! Funny.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Clothing Swap
In case you haven't heard of it, I'll explain what it is. Clothing swaps are my new favorite thing. The idea is that women bring clothes, accessories, household items, toys, etc. to the hostess's house for a party. These are things that you no long wear, want, and would take to Goodwill.
My friend, Morgan, has had two in the past 6 months. It is so much fun! We divide up the goods and separate them into different rooms in the house. For example, in the living room are shirts, master bedroom are coats and dresses, guest bedroom are pants, and the dining room is jewelry, shoes, purses, etc.
You bring your old things and leave with a bag (or bags) full of "new to you" clothes and accessories! It's a great time of socializing, shopping, and eating. I highly recommend doing this with your girlfriends.
I just went to one on Saturday and had a blast. I left with a new coat, several pairs of pants, a bag-full of shirts, a belt and bracelet. Basically, a whole new wardrobe. For free. Sweet!
My friend, Morgan, has had two in the past 6 months. It is so much fun! We divide up the goods and separate them into different rooms in the house. For example, in the living room are shirts, master bedroom are coats and dresses, guest bedroom are pants, and the dining room is jewelry, shoes, purses, etc.
You bring your old things and leave with a bag (or bags) full of "new to you" clothes and accessories! It's a great time of socializing, shopping, and eating. I highly recommend doing this with your girlfriends.
I just went to one on Saturday and had a blast. I left with a new coat, several pairs of pants, a bag-full of shirts, a belt and bracelet. Basically, a whole new wardrobe. For free. Sweet!
This Momma is back on-line!!
Hooray! This morning I took our computer to the Apple store so they could replace the hard drive and fix a crack in the casing. 30 minutes later it was fixed! Once the girls went down for their naps, I set up the computer and I'm back in business, kids!! I couldn't be happier!!!
This just shows what an Internet junkie I am. It's a little ridiculous! I feel a sense of freedom, revival, empowerment!
Now comes the daunting task of uploading all the pictures we've taken since Christmas. Talk about overwhelming. So, be patient with me. I'll get the pictures on our flickr site as soon as I can - in small increments, I'm sure. You may even see a few pictures on our blog soon! I can guarantee that I'll be blogging more. :)
This just shows what an Internet junkie I am. It's a little ridiculous! I feel a sense of freedom, revival, empowerment!
Now comes the daunting task of uploading all the pictures we've taken since Christmas. Talk about overwhelming. So, be patient with me. I'll get the pictures on our flickr site as soon as I can - in small increments, I'm sure. You may even see a few pictures on our blog soon! I can guarantee that I'll be blogging more. :)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Scrub-a-dub-dub there's poop in the tub?!?
The past few weeks we've had trouble with our water heater. Sometimes we have warm water...sometimes we don't. It seems like when Matt takes a shower, there is warm water, but when the girls and I need to bathe, it's only lukewarm or cold. That's merely a coincidence, but ironic.
A plumber came out and looked at the water heater yesterday and discovered that the lower element (whatever that means) needs to be replaced and can't get the part in until tomorrow. In the meantime, he turned the higher element (again, whatever that means) up as high as possible so we would get a little hot water.
We have a gi-normous bathtub in our master bathroom and since the hot water shortage, the girls and I have been bathing together. I filled the bath as much as I could with what little hot water was available. I put Grace in the tub and then Alyssa. As I was getting ready to hop in, I looked down and saw poop floating in the tub. Alyssa had pooped in the bathtub and contaminated the entire tub.
I was totally disgusted and so was Grace. Alyssa was like a cat pawing at fish - she was chasing the poop around in the bathtub and trying to grab it with her hand. Grace grabbed her and said, "Alyssa, come here. I'll save you!" I tried scooping the poop out with a cup and in the meantime had to drain the water.
You know what this means...the only hot water we had now has poop in it and is going down the drain. Bummer. So, the girls and I got cold sponge baths and quickly got out of the tub.
What a mess. I can't wait to get the water heater fixed - hopefully tomorrow.
Oh, and for those of you wanting to know about the "ice storm" we had last night...we had a tiny bit of ice on Matt's car, the mailbox, and garbage can, but the roads were fine. Whew! Problem averted.
A plumber came out and looked at the water heater yesterday and discovered that the lower element (whatever that means) needs to be replaced and can't get the part in until tomorrow. In the meantime, he turned the higher element (again, whatever that means) up as high as possible so we would get a little hot water.
We have a gi-normous bathtub in our master bathroom and since the hot water shortage, the girls and I have been bathing together. I filled the bath as much as I could with what little hot water was available. I put Grace in the tub and then Alyssa. As I was getting ready to hop in, I looked down and saw poop floating in the tub. Alyssa had pooped in the bathtub and contaminated the entire tub.
I was totally disgusted and so was Grace. Alyssa was like a cat pawing at fish - she was chasing the poop around in the bathtub and trying to grab it with her hand. Grace grabbed her and said, "Alyssa, come here. I'll save you!" I tried scooping the poop out with a cup and in the meantime had to drain the water.
You know what this means...the only hot water we had now has poop in it and is going down the drain. Bummer. So, the girls and I got cold sponge baths and quickly got out of the tub.
What a mess. I can't wait to get the water heater fixed - hopefully tomorrow.
Oh, and for those of you wanting to know about the "ice storm" we had last night...we had a tiny bit of ice on Matt's car, the mailbox, and garbage can, but the roads were fine. Whew! Problem averted.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ice Storm 2009
All day the weather forecasters have been talking about the "ice storm" that is approaching the Austin metro and surrounding areas. I love how their idea of an "ice storm" is "less than 1/4 inch" of ice.
While that is not a lot of ice, it's a big deal in Central Texas. Yes, we have ice trucks and some sand, but I don't think we have enough to handle any real ice accumulation.
We left some friends' houses about 10:15 pm and the rain was coming down. We were getting wet while trying to get the girls in their car seats. As we were driving home (luckily we live a mile away), Matt turned on the windshield wipers and sure enough - the rain was starting to freeze.
It should be interesting to see what morning brings. I've heard that the city shuts down when "bad weather" strikes. Unfortunately for my husband, he parks his car outside, so he may have to use a spatula to scrape his car because we've misplaced (aka thrown away) our ice scraper. :)
While that is not a lot of ice, it's a big deal in Central Texas. Yes, we have ice trucks and some sand, but I don't think we have enough to handle any real ice accumulation.
We left some friends' houses about 10:15 pm and the rain was coming down. We were getting wet while trying to get the girls in their car seats. As we were driving home (luckily we live a mile away), Matt turned on the windshield wipers and sure enough - the rain was starting to freeze.
It should be interesting to see what morning brings. I've heard that the city shuts down when "bad weather" strikes. Unfortunately for my husband, he parks his car outside, so he may have to use a spatula to scrape his car because we've misplaced (aka thrown away) our ice scraper. :)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A warm blanket and a little caffeine
That's what I'm doing today. Cuddling up with a warm blanket and drinking coffee. Yes, I know I'll get more comments on this post...it's only fair. My "thick" Missouri/Illinois blood has quickly thinned to Texas blood. It's in the 40's and I'm freezing. I know, instead of everyone commenting on that...I'll just say it...I'm a whimp...it's nothing compared to the negative temps up North...yadda...yadda...
Anyway, on a cold day there is nothing I like better than snuggling up with a blanket, drinking coffee and reading a good book or watching a movie. This morning I enjoyed some good coffee...while the girls are napping, I'm snuggled with my blanket...and tonight Matt and I are going to snuggle with a blanket, a warm beverage, and a movie - 24!!! So excited.
I love coffee. One - because it's delicious. Two - because it's warm. Three - because it's caffeinated (most of the time number 3 is the most important!!).
In Alyssa's 9 months of life, she has had periods of weird sleeping patterns at night. Sometimes she sleeps through the night...sometimes she wakes every 4 hours...and sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to hang out for a few hours! (thanks, honey, for getting up with her!!)
The night before we moved into our current house (about 6 weeks ago), Alyssa woke up at 2:30 am and was ready to hang out with Matt for a few hours. Not crying. Not unhappy. Just awake. While I was lying in bed trying to figure her out, it hit me. Maybe I drink too much caffeine and it's affecting her (I'm still nursing). I had been watching for signs of fussiness and kept adding a cup of coffee to my morning routine to test her out. But it hit me...maybe the coffee was keeping her awake at night!
Well, I was right. The next morning I only had 1 cup of coffee. When she woke up in the night to nurse, I fed her and she immediately went right back to sleep!!! Praise Jesus!! It has been that way ever since. While I miss my multiple cups of coffee, I don't miss being awake for a few hours in the night - and I don't think Matt does either.
According to our pediatrician, Alyssa should be sleeping through the night. He said I could feed her right before I go to bed and she could go 8-10 hours after that. Well, that hasn't been happening. On Tuesday morning she didn't go back to sleep after waking up around 6 and I could tell she was still tired. We put her in bed with us and as soon as she was under our blankets, she was OUT and slept until 8:45!!! So, we've started wrapping her up with a thicker blanket at night and she'll sleep from 10 to 6:30 or 7!!! Hooray! Mommy finally gets some sleep.
So, we're all enjoying a warm blanket and just a little caffeine in the Flener household!
Anyway, on a cold day there is nothing I like better than snuggling up with a blanket, drinking coffee and reading a good book or watching a movie. This morning I enjoyed some good coffee...while the girls are napping, I'm snuggled with my blanket...and tonight Matt and I are going to snuggle with a blanket, a warm beverage, and a movie - 24!!! So excited.
I love coffee. One - because it's delicious. Two - because it's warm. Three - because it's caffeinated (most of the time number 3 is the most important!!).
In Alyssa's 9 months of life, she has had periods of weird sleeping patterns at night. Sometimes she sleeps through the night...sometimes she wakes every 4 hours...and sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to hang out for a few hours! (thanks, honey, for getting up with her!!)
The night before we moved into our current house (about 6 weeks ago), Alyssa woke up at 2:30 am and was ready to hang out with Matt for a few hours. Not crying. Not unhappy. Just awake. While I was lying in bed trying to figure her out, it hit me. Maybe I drink too much caffeine and it's affecting her (I'm still nursing). I had been watching for signs of fussiness and kept adding a cup of coffee to my morning routine to test her out. But it hit me...maybe the coffee was keeping her awake at night!
Well, I was right. The next morning I only had 1 cup of coffee. When she woke up in the night to nurse, I fed her and she immediately went right back to sleep!!! Praise Jesus!! It has been that way ever since. While I miss my multiple cups of coffee, I don't miss being awake for a few hours in the night - and I don't think Matt does either.
According to our pediatrician, Alyssa should be sleeping through the night. He said I could feed her right before I go to bed and she could go 8-10 hours after that. Well, that hasn't been happening. On Tuesday morning she didn't go back to sleep after waking up around 6 and I could tell she was still tired. We put her in bed with us and as soon as she was under our blankets, she was OUT and slept until 8:45!!! So, we've started wrapping her up with a thicker blanket at night and she'll sleep from 10 to 6:30 or 7!!! Hooray! Mommy finally gets some sleep.
So, we're all enjoying a warm blanket and just a little caffeine in the Flener household!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
To all you Mid-Westerners
We love Texas. We love our friends, church, neighborhood, the culture of the city and most of all...the weather! (The only thing we don't like is our family being 15 hours away!!)
While you crazy mid-westerners were "braving" the sub-zero temps, we were out on walks to the playground and enjoying the Texas sun. I have the news on right now and just saw that the high for today was 80. That's right, 8-0. The 7 day forecast looks pretty sweet too. The highs are in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. One day the high is ONLY in the 50's. I'll take it. (the weather-woman just said that tomorrow's morning low would be "chilly" - how does 43 sound?!)
We're definitely enjoying the balmy January weather and wondering if we could ever move back to the mid-west. I guess if that's where God calls us, then we'll go. But, we may hibernate in the winters. :)
While you crazy mid-westerners were "braving" the sub-zero temps, we were out on walks to the playground and enjoying the Texas sun. I have the news on right now and just saw that the high for today was 80. That's right, 8-0. The 7 day forecast looks pretty sweet too. The highs are in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. One day the high is ONLY in the 50's. I'll take it. (the weather-woman just said that tomorrow's morning low would be "chilly" - how does 43 sound?!)
We're definitely enjoying the balmy January weather and wondering if we could ever move back to the mid-west. I guess if that's where God calls us, then we'll go. But, we may hibernate in the winters. :)
Time Alone with a Computer
On Wednesday nights Matt goes to a discipleship group with some guys from our church. All day I've been looking forward to a little time alone. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE time with my hubby. In fact, it's my favorite thing to do (and spend time with our girls). Monday night some friends of ours offered to watch the girls so we could go on a date. FABULOUS! Since my "love tank" is full from the date, I needed a little "Mommy time." I got the girls down to bed around 7:30 and crashed in front of the TV to watch American Idol. This was enjoyable, however, not what I had looked forward to. What I really wanted...
...was to break out the borrowed laptop and get caught up on my Internet surfing!! Now, 2 hours later, my "computer tank" is full. :) I read blogs, checked craigslist for a few items, and cleaned out my e-mail inbox. Ahhh...it feels good.
I'm glad to live in the age of technology and have such luxuries.
...was to break out the borrowed laptop and get caught up on my Internet surfing!! Now, 2 hours later, my "computer tank" is full. :) I read blogs, checked craigslist for a few items, and cleaned out my e-mail inbox. Ahhh...it feels good.
I'm glad to live in the age of technology and have such luxuries.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Computer Withdrawals
So, our Mac laptop crashed. The Apple store says the hard drive is not recoverable unless we send it away and pay possibly thousands of dollars. Fortunately, all of our precious photos are backed-up on the Internet.
My biggest issue right now is not having access to a computer or the Internet! I didn't realize how much I love checking my e-mail, reading blogs, and checking different websites throughout the day. I even keep our family calendar and recipes for our menu on-line. So, I've had to get creative with our dinners because I don't have access to the recipes and hope we don't miss an important appointment without our calendar.
Every night I only get a few minutes on a computer. I find myself desiring to "surf" as soon as I get the chance. Is it an obsession or a necessity in my life. Not sure. But, I'm definitely realizing how much of my life (recipes, calendar, communication, etc) is enhanced by the Internet.
Oh, and I do get e-mails and facebook status updates on my cell phone - Whew!
My biggest issue right now is not having access to a computer or the Internet! I didn't realize how much I love checking my e-mail, reading blogs, and checking different websites throughout the day. I even keep our family calendar and recipes for our menu on-line. So, I've had to get creative with our dinners because I don't have access to the recipes and hope we don't miss an important appointment without our calendar.
Every night I only get a few minutes on a computer. I find myself desiring to "surf" as soon as I get the chance. Is it an obsession or a necessity in my life. Not sure. But, I'm definitely realizing how much of my life (recipes, calendar, communication, etc) is enhanced by the Internet.
Oh, and I do get e-mails and facebook status updates on my cell phone - Whew!
Friday, January 09, 2009
What a difference a week makes
A week ago, Alyssa was perfectly content crawling on the floor, eating a few jars of baby food (per meal) and being a baby. Not anymore!!! Just in the past few days, everything has changed! You wouldn't believe it!!!
She is...
- solely eating table food now. Since the banana she had at Nana & Papa's house over the holidays, she isn't a big fan of baby food. She'll eat anything we put in front of her (corn bread, cottage cheese, Cheerios, bread, roast, veggies, peaches, etc).
- She signs "more" now!! I think she's been doing it for awhile now, but I finally picked up on it Tuesday. When she wants more, she bangs her fingers of one hand onto her tray. Just today she clasped her fingers together and banged both hands on the tray. Sometimes she did both signs (one right after the other). It's pretty cool! Last night we took dinner to our friends (who just had a baby). We fed Alyssa cornbread and she was violently doing the "more" sign after each bite. She did the same thing this afternoon when I gave her cottage cheese.
- She can walk with her walking toy and shopping cart across our living room! Every once in awhile she falls, but she's getting better. It won't surprise me if she's walking by the time Minima & Bapa come in February!!
- While I was folding laundry today, I let her stand holding onto my leg. She's so brave & has no fear - she let go with both hands and stood by herself for 30 seconds! (I know because I counted to 30!!!) Like I said, it won't surprise me if she's walking when Minima & Bapa come on February 13th!!! :)
We took Alyssa to the doctor for her 9 month check-up on Wednesday. She's now 20 lbs. 11 oz. (75%), 28 1/4 in. (75%), and 46 1/2 cm head circum. (95%) - she has the Flener dome!! :)
I can't believe in 3 months she'll be one! I'm trying to enjoy month #9 and the "baby steps" she'll take along the way.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas!
A lot has happened since my last post - sorry for being a horrible blogger! We've moved, gotten settled, met some neighbors and celebrated Christmas.
The girls had a wonderful day. Alyssa spent the morning eating wrapping paper and Grace did a fabulous job of "playing Santa" and taking turns getting presents for she and Alyssa. Matt and I enjoyed watching them.
This year was the first time in our lives we haven't been with either the Fleners or Richardsons on Christmas Day. It was a little weird, but incredible all at the same time (Don't take that the wrong way, family!!)
I say it was incredible because we are now a family of 4. 4 people feels more like a complete family unit than 3 did. Being at our home freed us to establish our own traditions...that was my favorite part. For me, traditions mostly include food! So, we had breakfast casserole, cheese soup and made a birthday cake for Jesus. We didn't push the Santa issue and tried to make it more about Jesus' birthday.
I think we "succeeded" at our first Flener family Christmas. And tomorrow, we head to Illinois, Missouri and Kansas to spend a week with our extended families. We're looking forward to that as much as we looked forward to our first Christmas as a family.
I'll try to post about our visits, but no guarantees. :)
The girls had a wonderful day. Alyssa spent the morning eating wrapping paper and Grace did a fabulous job of "playing Santa" and taking turns getting presents for she and Alyssa. Matt and I enjoyed watching them.
This year was the first time in our lives we haven't been with either the Fleners or Richardsons on Christmas Day. It was a little weird, but incredible all at the same time (Don't take that the wrong way, family!!)
I say it was incredible because we are now a family of 4. 4 people feels more like a complete family unit than 3 did. Being at our home freed us to establish our own traditions...that was my favorite part. For me, traditions mostly include food! So, we had breakfast casserole, cheese soup and made a birthday cake for Jesus. We didn't push the Santa issue and tried to make it more about Jesus' birthday.
I think we "succeeded" at our first Flener family Christmas. And tomorrow, we head to Illinois, Missouri and Kansas to spend a week with our extended families. We're looking forward to that as much as we looked forward to our first Christmas as a family.
I'll try to post about our visits, but no guarantees. :)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Alyssa is a-changin'
It seems like everytime the girls and I leave Daddy, one of the girls does something new. (Sorry Daddy!) Alyssa is now at that stage where it seems like she changes everyday. I don't want to take my eyes off of her for fear I'll miss something.
Alyssa loves to watch her hands. She looks at them and rolls her fingers from pinky to pointer finger. It's so cute. On Sunday, my mom and I were getting Alyssa out of the tub and I waved at her and said, "Hi!" She's been repeating that and saying something that sounds like "Hi", but this time she lifted her hand and rolled her fingers as she said it. ADORABLE!! We've gotten her to do it several times since then, so - no, it's not a fluke!!
Today she reached out for me and Uncle Jeff. I love that - it makes me feel so wanted and loved by her!! And, at ANY minute she's going to start crawling.
Poor Daddy. Fortunately we'll see him in STL on Friday. He can see all the new things she's learned at Minima and Bapa's house before we go to KC and she learns more there! :)
Alyssa loves to watch her hands. She looks at them and rolls her fingers from pinky to pointer finger. It's so cute. On Sunday, my mom and I were getting Alyssa out of the tub and I waved at her and said, "Hi!" She's been repeating that and saying something that sounds like "Hi", but this time she lifted her hand and rolled her fingers as she said it. ADORABLE!! We've gotten her to do it several times since then, so - no, it's not a fluke!!
Today she reached out for me and Uncle Jeff. I love that - it makes me feel so wanted and loved by her!! And, at ANY minute she's going to start crawling.
Poor Daddy. Fortunately we'll see him in STL on Friday. He can see all the new things she's learned at Minima and Bapa's house before we go to KC and she learns more there! :)
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