Blessed

I'm sitting here tonight reminiscing over the last 2+ years with Lil M... and just completely realizing how blessed I am and have been. I can't believe just how little she was when we met and how much she's grown!!!

I'm still praying about a 2nd child, but I'm so extremely thankful for my daughter, it isn't even funny. She is so amazing to me. Her personality has always been so sweet. And, I especially love it when she gets jealous or tries to "protect" me (from the dogs or whatever she sees as something not good for Mommy)!! LOL It's pretty darn adorable.

Anyway, I'm just really happy tonight realizing just how lucky I really am to be able to be her Mommy (always and forever, as I always tell her).

Peace.

That face!

This week's show and tell... please go check out the others! :)


You'd think that something was wrong when she made that face... nope, she was just opening a present. LOL But she's been making this face recently, and I just had to share.

Peace.

scripture quote

Happened upon this today on a blog I read... wanted to save it.

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?”
2 Corinthians 2: 14-15

and this one:

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48.

Peace.

Birthday Bash!

We had a really fun day on Saturday with family and friends. Lil M turned 3 on Thurs., and I planned her party for Saturday so we could do it up nicely. :) And, that we did!

Before everyone came over for the party, we had our own present opening party that morning. :) It was a safari themed party... and eventually included Dora, Boots (the monkey) and Swiper. The little kiddos, of which there were 4 total, got to color, play on the back porch with all the tricycles and cars... and get Monkey and Lion temp tattoos, as applied by my nephew, Chase! He was great with the little kids and seemed to have a good time, too.

Lil M really seemed to enjoy having everyone over and loved everything she got! She looked great in her cute little dress and white shoes! She blew the 3 monkey candles out in 2 breaths... and loved the cake and ice cream! :)


I just want to say that we are truly blessed to have the friends and family that we do. We love you all from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Peace.

Not the flu

Lil M was sick yesterday and the night before last. She had a bit of a fever (100.5) and threw up at daycare two different times. So, I brought her home and then took her to the Dr. yesterday afternoon. He said she probably had a little stomach virus, but not the flu. The flu test confirmed she didn't at least have that. Thank goodness.

So, we're staying home this morning for a little bit, maybe all day depending on how she feels. But so far, she seems to be feeling a little better. She didn't eat much of her banana this morning, so we'll see.

I was pretty cranky yesterday, just felt bad for her because she was sick on her birthday. Yep, she turned 3 yesterday. :) Here's crossing fingers that we're both OK for tomorrow's birthday party!

TGIF.

Oh, besides all that, she was 27 lbs and 35.5" tall, which still puts her in the 40th percentile, like she's been the whole time. Nice to be consistent.

Peace.

PS. now my stomach isn't feeling so good. :( Potty issues, and not throwing up... but that's not good either. i hope it passes as quick as hers seemed to!

recipes i want to try

homemade chicken tenders

egg&cheese drop biscuits (except i'll use turkey sausage or bacon)

man, they look yummy. :)

peace.

WFMW - Toddler Chores

Cleaning the house as a single Mama can sometimes be a little tricky. ... with a 3 year old (tomorrow) in the house!! So, sometimes I try to pick times of the day that Lil M is asleep or eating or watching her show to get chores done.

Other times, I let her help. Things she can help Mommy with (which, of course, is all relative)!!

1. sweeping the kitchen floor with a broom,
2. putting folded clothes in her own room, or on mommy's bed, or in the kitchen for me,
3. putting her toys in her toy box (nightly),
4. putting her dish(es) in the sink when she is done eating. she can't quite open the refrigerator herself, yet, so she puts her leftover drink on the counter, too,
5. picks up the weekly newspaper from outside and puts it in the recycle bin,
6. helps mommy get the mail and brings it in,
7. helps mommy unload the dishwasher, by taking things (not knives) out of the dishwasher and hanging them to me to put away
8. helps mommy unload the groceries. she can carry up a light bag from downstairs to the kitchen, and then she takes the items out of the bags for me, and i put them away.

What a great little helper I have. :) This works for me!! Go check out other WFMW ideas!

Peace.

basketball camp final day

Here are a couple of pics from today's camp. I think Lil M liked it, but an hour each day for the 3 days was more than plenty for a 2 year old!! :)





Peace.

basketball camp

So, I got Lil M into a 3 day (1 hour long) basketball camp for little kiddos (3/4/5 YO). She's actually still 2 years old, but will be 3 at the end of this month. She's done pretty well, so far. Day 1, she played a lot, and really looked like she was enjoying herself. They were all on the big basketball court.

Day 2, she played some, but not as much. They moved the smaller kids to the small basketball court that has walls about as high as the kiddos and made it much more loud. About halfway through, she decided she would rather be with me than to play with a basketball. So, all in all a good day, but after the halfway point it was harder to get her to play.

The interesting thing is, I was OK with it either way. As you should be, you say? Well, of course. But when you're in the middle of it, you don't always know how you will react. Or how she/they will react. The very cool thing was that she didn't just sit in the middle of the floor and have a meltdown (not that she ever does that, but i could almost see it coming)... and instead she came to me and only wanted Mommy.

When thinking about attachment and whether or not our adopted kiddos really feel safe and loved, it is a great feeling whenever she wants me and me alone. It is definitely what I think is 'supposed' to happen, and when it does, it's a great feeling. The other great feeling is to know what her limits are. I felt like I could push a little more at one minute and then a few minutes later I knew she was done. There seems to be a balancing act with that, though, and I could see how she could get overwhelmed quickly. That's all about being a toddler.

I wonder what the Three's have in store for me/us. lol.

Day 3 of her camp is tomorrow. I also wonder how she'll do then! I think this makes me even more determined to get her into a dance/tumbling class, so she has different experiences in the next few months! :)

Peace.

Saddens me

My thought for the day....

You know what saddens me?

When a so-called friend says they don't want to be your friend after you had to take a stand for yourself in a bad situation.

When women put other women down for their choices of motherhood or non-motherhood.

When someone allows the harassment or oppression of another.

When a Working Mother or a SAHM puts the other down for their choices.

I'm sure there is a lot more to say here, but these are the ones that come to mind. It is my opinion that we should build each other up in love. We all have our unique gifts and talents and we should encourage our fellow human beings to pursue theirs as well. And we as women should help each other when people are mean to us and to our fellow mothers/sisters/daughters/friends.

Peace.

President Jimmy Carter

I'm so pleased with our former President Jimmy Carter for coming out against the Southern Baptist Church (SBC) against the subjugation of women.

In his words:

We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.

The carefully selected verses found in the Holy Scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.

......

The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.

Here's a link to two articles, one written by him and the other about his decision to leave the SBC.

Losing my religion for Equality

Jimmy Carter leaves church over treatment of Women

Frankly, the more I read about him, the more I like him. :) I am so pleased that he continues to do good work!!

I've been reading so many different kinds of articles and blogs lately about the subjugation and demoralization of women, even in our own country. It makes me SO sad and, actually, angry. I really believe that his taking a stand against the SBC is just awesome. :) He has his own foundation - The Carter Center - and he's won the Nobel Peace Prize. We could stand to learn a thing or two from him and his wonderful wife, Rosalynn, IMHO.

Peace.

Batiks and goal

I just remembered that I have some absolute gorgeous fabric at home that I haven't found a project for. It is this earthy colored batik fabric... batik fabric is basically hand dyed and the dye is layered on. It is contemporary looking, but not something that won't look good years from now. It was very spendy to buy, and I have had it for probably 3 years or more now sitting in a drawer.

I need a new project or goal. Maybe making myself a quilt for a change might help. So, I'm toying with taking that fabric out and cutting it into simple squares and sewing them together to make a top. I sort of feel like it should be a fancier pattern, but I'm not sure I want to get too fancy with my first project back. But, I might look up patterns tonight and see what I think I can manage. Else, it'll be squares. :)

Even just to get an idea of a project seems somewhat appealing to me today. I need goals. And I have none right now.

Peace.

How do you do

So, it occurred to me today, yet again, that my life is different than it was 2 years ago. Different does not mean bad. It's definitely been a good thing. But some things have taken a backseat either due to energy level, time constraints, just having adequate mommy time... etc. And I'm wondering if I'm the only one who feels this way.

How do you keep up, or do you, with some of the things you did pre-baby??

I used to quilt all the time. Not now.
I used to run all the time. Not now.
I used to travel all the time. Not now. (this one is for races, family, anything really... just pick up and go)

I'm trying to get back into something, but am not even sure I want to do the hobbies I once did. Is that normal? But I haven't found anything that I like as much or better to replace them. So, I'm sort of feeling stuck.

Anyway, looking for thoughts and ideas from others who've maybe gone through something similar...

Peace.

Cat...and not Manna

I have had my Manna girl (cat) for 15 years now... crazy. She is suffering from a thyroid condition right now, and has lost a lot of weight. I've been giving her meds for a few months now, and need to take her to checked again soon. Money, money, money... but I love her.

Anyway, today a cat walked up to my neighbor's house...they both asked if it was mine. It wasn't. It is a white and tan/grey calico. They tried to convince me to take her. So did Mindy and Chase. She's pretty. She has blue eyes... and has been laying on the couch with me all evening. But is it YET MORE MONEY if I keep her. Good grief.

I haven't made a decision yet.

Peace.

One with Two

I have my nephew this week, so he can go to a baskeball/sports camp. He started this morning, and I'm hoping he's having a great time! Surprisingly, this morning wasn't much worse than our normal mornings... of course, it is just one week, but it does sort of give me hope that one day I can be a mommy of two.

I've got to figure out how to get Maggi (my sheltie)'s stake back into the ground tonight, as well as mow the yard. But I've got dinners figured out for most of the week, I think. I'll stop by the store before picking up the kids... then we might do dinner and the park (if I have enough energy!! LOL)

Peace.

Show and Tell

Another blogger friend has a Show and Tell wednesday thing going on. I don't usually participate... but after looking through some pics, I really thought I ought to do it this week!!! :) Please go visit the other participants over at her place, too!!! *PS, I'm using her graphic, 'cause she's a Mel and some folks call me Mel, too. :) Hope she doesn't mind!!

Our Show and Tell: Mia and her happy face mirror.

What is so special about a toy mirror, you ask? Well, it happened to be one of the very first toys I took with us to China for her to play with. The nose honks, it is a happy face, and she can see herself in it. What more could a girl ask for?!!!!! :D It didn't hurt that it was small and portable! (my sister and Mia are probably the only two people the world who even remember it, besides me, of course!)

So, last night I was pleasantly surprised when she found it in her box (after removing every single item from the box, I might add, so she could put her animals in there...which she never did actually do!!)

I was so pleased to see her interested in the long-lost-toy, if even for a moment... after 2 whole years! :) And, of course, she looks adorable making faces. hehe.


Look at me... aren't I PRETTY!!! hehehe

Peace.

Savings Make Cents: WFMW: Oatmeal Bars

Savings Make Cents: WFMW: Oatmeal Bars

Kitchen Cleaners

So, a quick note to say that I went to the store last night and got a Clorox kitchen cleaner last night... thought I should get something "real" in addition to the vinegar solution I use in the kitchen. Just let me tell you - that crap stinks!! I mean, literally. I can still smell it and I'm not even at home. It is just WAY too strong. So, either I'm going to dilute it, or just use it for outside or something.

Back to the vinegar I go!!

Oh, Sis asked me how to make laundry detergent, so I thought I'd post it here, too. It is a dry detergent, I haven't made liquid stuff, yet.

2 cups grated Ivory soap (or bastille, but I just use Ivory and it is great)
1 cup Borax*
1 cup washing soda*
Mix well

Use 2 TBL for a regular to large load of laundry. It if is extra soiled, use 3 TBL.This does NOT make suds in the wash...but, it cleans just fine!!! :)

*Both Borax and Washing Soda can be found in the laundy aisle at your grocery store, at least it can at Kroger.

Peace.

Orphans and Widows

I read a great post today about a ministry that helps Widows. Please read it here, and prayerfully consider helping.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Peace.

Absent

I guess I've been a bit absent lately!!

In the land single parenting, one thing that is different than if you had a partner is that all decisions and responsibilities are carried out by one person instead of two. Ok, duh. But here's an example. Summer day camps and working. Us single folks have to work (unless you're blessed to be independently wealthy... not here), so when summertime comes, you have to figure out what to do with your little ones if they aren't in school. With Lil M, she's still in Daycare, so it's not an issue. but with my Nephew, well... it's something that needs to be done.

So, Sis got him into a YMCA program for part of the summer, and I got him into two sports camps - one is a basketball centric one, and the other is more general. I think he's going to love it. :)

He came down this week and hung out with Lil M and I and we had a nice time. He comes back in a week or so for his baskeball camp. I hope that goes well, too. It's kind of nice to get to have some concentrated Auntie M - Chase time!!!

Not sure if we're going to see fireworks tonight. Might try to find some. Otherwise, it's just a relaxing weekend here. Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!

Peace.