Heritage Christmas

At the beginning of December, we went on a trip back to Texas to visit my family. One of the nights was really special. A complete Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner was made from scratch. The turkey sat in brine for hours. My sisters, my mom, and I bustled around each other in the kitchen, each adding our own flair to the dishes. Peter and my brother sat in the living room and played video games. We all had a good time. Yes, the turkey got cooked upside down, but it still looked pretty and it was delectable. There was too much food eaten and too much laughing on such full stomachs. A very special memory was created.

One of the best things about the night was seeing all the family heritage. Sadly, my Grandma passed away last year, but she passed a lot of things on to my mom and so I thought about her all through that night. My mom furnished the dining room with her table and chairs and my sisters used her dishes to set the table.

 

It's an amazing thing to see items passed on from generation to generation becoming more beautiful with each person's touch until they seem to glow. They're my grandma's things in my mom's house placed with my sisters love and surrounded in a baby's laugh. I know without a doubt that Grandma loves seeing Abby sit in those chairs.

Silent Night

Last night, our neighborhood was without power for about 3 hours. It was about 5 o'clock, Peter wasn't home yet and all of our candles were packed deep in the garage except one lone Christmas candle. I lit that pathetically and tried to keep Abby happy. Did I mention she's afraid of the dark? Then our new neighbors came over and lent me a flashlight. So kind!

When Peter did get home, we took the neighbors flashlight and the one Peter keeps in his car and went spelunking in the garage for candles so there would be enough light to make dinner. After about 5 candles were lit, Abby was content to sit in her high chair. The yummy Gerber puffs helped her mood a little too.

Despite not being ready for such an emergency and the initial stress of trying to make do, the evening was actually kinda nice. The neighbors came over again after about an hour and gave us some glow sticks they had which made a perfect nightlight for Miss Scardy Pants so she went to bed relatively peacefully. And Peter and I got a chance to just sit and talk. It's amazing how quiet it was with no TV and candles flickering.

Best of all, the power came back on and we watched TV and I got the Christmas cards addressed. All in all, it was a good night.

Before and...

The house is becoming a home.
We've been working our butts off to do the stuff we want to get done to this place. Meanwhile, Christmas kinda sneaked up us. So, Peter made an executive decision last Saturday. Let's take a break. Let's clean up the drop cloths and put away the paint brushes until after the holidays. And I'm so glad we did. We put up the Christmas tree and hung the stockings. Most of the presents are wrapped and under the tree. It's Christmas and it's so cozy in the Herman House. Yes, the wreath is hung over the dry wall patches and the paint cans are sitting on the patio obtrusively. But I can sit on my couch in the glow of the Christmas lights and look forward to family time and celebrating the birth of Christ. That's what is making it homey in here.

So, I don't have the after pictures yet. But I do have the Before pictures and I know certain people would like to see those. So, here ya go:

 Living room


 Kitchen

Hall bath complete with paint swatches


Abby's glowing bedroom

 Master bath

 Master bedroom

The pictures of the works in progress are still to come and hopefully the after pictures will soon follow.

Mommy Magic

I'm going to be changing the name of my blog in honor of a big new change in our lives: we bought a condo! I'm so thrilled with it. God really amazed us by moving some big mountains. I'll be posting some pictures of the process from pretty but empty rooms to beautiful and homey rooms.

Meanwhile, we're kinda camping. We have the necessities but we still have to be "creative" at times leaving me feel not quite as comfortable as I'd like. AND Abby's world has also been so topsy turvy for almost four weeks that she's going through some separation anxiety and she's getting a cold on top of that. Needless to say, those things are making it slightly more difficult for Mommy to get anything done.

That's when I use some Mommy Magic:

 A little time with NickJr and...

A second cup of coffee with Belgian White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Creamer.

It might not change the circumstances, cure the cold, or get a couch in the living room, but it can take me from "How in the world am I going to get anything done today?" to "Ok, I think I can do this."

Let's take on the world, Kid.

My Nanaw's House

My NaNaw passed away on the 13th of November. She was a beautiful woman. Vibrant.
The childhood memories I have of her house are some the most clear.
I got a chance to go to her house and capture on film some of the things that I will always think of when I think of her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An excellent woman, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10, 25-31

Hats Off to You All

Last Friday, I scheduled a much needed massage. Thank you so much, Sue. It's gotten me through this week. I'll be calling you again soon.

My friend, Rachel, babysat Abby for me while I was out. I think they had some fun.

The last couple days, Abby's hung out with Erin and Cade, and Ellen, Gabi, and Audrey. They've helped me get so much done during a crazy crunch time. And I know that Abby was well loved and cared for while I was away. Thank you all sooo much for helping out this mommy. I love you guys.

Abby Oakley: Halloween Costume Tutorial

I'm playing some blog catch up. Life is crazy right now, and always.

But! I wanted to share how I made Abby a costume on a budget and a time crunch. I think she turned out darn tootin' cute.

The idea started with the hand-me-down of a cute embellished onesie made by my cute and creative friend, Jeanne. (Here's her blog, Bubsies Boutique.)

So all I needed were the accessories. I had seen a costume cowboy hat headband in Michael's complete with yarn pigtails. It was cute, but I knew I could do better.

I got a kids cowboy hat from the Party Store. It was the most expensive part of the costume but it was only 7 bucks and I have a feeling it might be part of costumes and pretend in years to come. I made the pigtails from some left over yellow yarn. I laid it out and cut the strands all the same length. I tied it in the middle and taped it to the inside of the hat. I then braided the ends, fastened it with some rubber bands and tied on some red ribbon.

I dressed Abby in the onesie, some tights and sweater for toasty toesies and the hat made the outfit complete. She was ready to ride off into the sunset and party the night away. I'm really loving all of these holidays as a parent. Celebrating with a kid can make everything so much more fun. And I think the first Halloween was a big success.

Kids Club

This past Friday at the park I took my new camera out for a whirl. I got some great pictures.

These kids are pretty great examples for how to be dear friends. One of my little buddies, Cade, has to exercise one of his eyes by wearing a patch a couple hours a day. He is a trooper and complains about this very little. Of course, it helps that all his patches are super cool. Space rockets make anything cooler. Wearing a patch can put a damper on his playtime though. It's not easy to run around and navigate the playground. Fortunately, Cade has some good friends. We watched as Archer held Cade's hand and walked with him around the park, talking about whatever 4 year old boys talk about, probably space rockets.

I look forward to Friday every week. It's not just about getting out Abby of the house and getting some fresh air sun, but more importantly, I get to spend time with my friends. I know from experience that if I ever need a hand to hold, someone to walk with me around the playground and talk about space rockets, I can depend on these girls.

SCC Kids Club

One Woman vs. Two Babies

I have to admit that being a mommy to twins always held a certain mystique to me. One baby is so beautiful and precious, so the more the merrier right? I am not deluded anymore. And all it took is a mere two hours this afternoon.

My sister-in-law drove down this way for a job interview and I graciously offered to watch her 2 month old baby girl. The afternoon started off beautifully. Both babies were sleeping and I was able to continue on with my chores. Ma-Kay-Kay woke up first. She was a little fussy, but after some rocking and a bottle she was happy again, until Abbers woke up.

Right before the sympathy breakdown...

It was a free for all. How do you soothe two crying babies when you only have two arms? A boppy pillow and a snuggle bear. My child normally doesn't take a bottle, but today it worked well enough to tide her over. While I rocked my little niece to sleep.

One baby plus one baby might make more than twice the noise, but the satisfaction that comes from making two babies happy is worth all that work. I love Makayla, I love Abby, I love being an Aunt, and I love being a mommy... to one.

Sunday Song Lyrics

Tenth Avenue North
Times

I know I need You
I need to love You
I love to see You, but it's been so long
I long to feel You
I feel this need for You
And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?

Now You pull me near You
When we're close, I fear You
Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done
Are You done forgiving?
Oh can You look past my pretending?
Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become
What have I become?

I hear You say,
"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."

Sunday Song Lyrics

Let The Waters Rise
by Mikeschair

Don't know where to begin
Its like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?

sometimes its so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You're never out of reach

God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You

Ohhh

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

Sunday Song Lyrics

MISSY HIGGINS
"Going North"

I wanna dance the tango with chance
I wanna ride on the wire
‘Cause nothing gets done with dust in your gun
And nobody respects a liar
So Goodbye for a while I'm off to explore
Every boundary and every door
Yeah I'm going north

I wanna know where children would go
If they never learned to be cool
‘Cause nothing's achieved when pushed up a sleeve
Till nobody thinks you're a fool
So goodbye for a while I'm out to learn more
About who I really was before
Yeah I'm going north

Up where the hunted hide with ease
Under the arms of eye-less trees
Up where the answers fall like leaves
Oh and your love is all I need
Yeah I'm going north

Sunday Song Lyrics

Garden Song
by David Mallett

Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
Gonna mulch it deep and low
Gonna make it fertile ground

Inch by inch, row by row
Please bless these seeds I sow
Please keep them safe below
'Till the rain comes tumbling down

Pullin' weeds and pickin' stones
We are made of dreams and bones
Need a place to call my own
'Cause the time is close at hand

Grain for grain, sun and rain
Find my way in nature's chain
Till my body and my brain
Tell the music of the land

Plant your rows straight and long
Season with a prayer and song
Mother Earth will make you strong
If you give her loving care

Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
Gonna mulch it deep and low
Gonna make it fertile ground

Sunday Song Lyrics

Deeper Well :
(Dave Ohey/Daniel Lanois/Emmylou Harris)

The sun burned hot, it burned my eyes
Burned so hot I thought I'd died
Thought I'd died and gone to hell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well
I went to the river but the river was dry
I fell to my knees an I looked to the sky
I looked to the sky and the spring rain fell
I saw the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

I was ready for love I was ready for the money
Ready for the blood and ready for the honey
Ready for the winnin', ready for the bell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well
I found some love and I found some money
Found that blood would drip from the honey
Found I had a thirst that I could not quell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

Well I did it for kicks and I did it for faith
I did it for lust and I did it for hate
I did it for need and I did it for love
Addiction stayed on tight like a glove
So I ran with the moon and I ran with the night
And the three of us were a terrible sight
Nipple to the bottle to the gun to the cell
To the bottom of a hole of a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

I rocked with the cradle and I rolled with the rage
I shook those walls and I rattled that gage
I took my trouble down a deadend trail
Reachin' out a hand for a holier grail
Hey there mama did you carry that load
Did you tell your baby 'bout the bend in the road
'Bout the rebel yell 'bout the one that fell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

Family

"The family is all about grace. Because grace is so much more than the forgiveness of our sins. God was being gracious way before anyone sinned. The family is all about grace. It'll be where children will  learn that they are loved, prized, valued, and they have belonging before they have ever done a single thing to earn it. And adults will learn that you know when you give the most, you really do receive the most. Because it'll be in the family where young and old will learn what God's kingdom is really all about."

"Family is a divinely ordained idea created by God to be a reflection of His character and His kingdom. That's why nothing is deeper to us than the idea of home, of family."

 Mark Pickerill, Christian Assembly, Sunday, September 12, 2010

TvLand

Friday put the TV remote back in my hand. Sometimes your own life gets too entertaining and to get a break you have to turn to something less involved.

Things I Like About Today

1)  My new blog background :)

2) Trader Joe's individual bags of Kettle Corn. Only 110 calories for a whole bag of popcorn!

3) My "The Weepies" Pandora station.

4) My baby playing on the floor next to my chair while I work. She cuddles with her turtle, she plays hide and seek, she coos along to the music, she plays with her hair and she smiles with her huge pink cheeks whenever I look down at her.

 

5) How my chest hurts when I look at her because there's just not enough room for all the love.

 It's a good day.