Crocs + Dryer = Shrinkage

After a particularly muddy soccer game on Saturday, I instructed the girls to throw everything they had on into the washing machine. We washed cleats, soccer uniforms, shin-guards and Elisan's croc's which were muddy from wearing around the field before her game.

The cycle finished and I fished out the cleats and shin-guards but totally missed the crocs. They must have been hidden within the soccer uniforms. I tossed everything into the dryer and forgot out it. Hours later, I am clearing out the dryer and I see Elisan's crocs. They were um... how shall I say... about 2 sizes too small? YIKES!

Sidenote: For those who do not personally know Elisan, let me explain something to you... she is a freak out child when it comes to her stuff. Like super bad freak out child!

So, I called her over and showed her the damage. I told her I was sorry and that it was an accident. She asked if we could get the "jibbitz" out (the little decorations that stick in the holes of the crocs) and I could not get them out! Why? Because the holes shrunk too. Mayhem ensued...

Fortunately, the shoes now fit Kyla. So, Elisan will have to live vicariously through Kyla's new shoes.

Blooms

Spring, is springing!

Airplane Funk

Randy went on a business day trip to Phoenix yesterday. When he got home last night he REEKED! It was the tell-tale airplane funk smell that was all over him. What is it about airplanes that make people stink?

Is it the recycled air? The stuffy quarters? The "public transportation" aspect of it? The millions of butts that have sat on those very seats?

Whatever it is, it's bad.

I need a vacation!

In the 9 1/2 years of my marriage to Randy, we have only been on 3 vacations.

The first one, was our honeymoon to Las Vegas. It was really great.

The second vacation was a road trip through New Orleans, Atlanta to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - yes... home of Dollywood. We met up with Randy's folks in Pigeon Forge and stayed in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. I'll be honest here... this wasn't a vacation to go down in the history books.

The third vacation was a church ski trip. I was 12 weeks pregnant and did not ski. The only thing I did was hang out with a bunch of people I really didn't know. Randy had fun. I did not. Oh, and did I mention it was a bus trip? Yes, a Greyhound bus trip. 20 something hours on a bus, while pregnant = NO FUN!

(Randy would interject here and say that our 7 month stay in Denmark constituted a 7 month long vacation. And while that may be true, in some regards, I don't really consider it a true vacation...)

So, as you can see, our vacations have been less than lackluster, aside from our honeymoon (and living in Denmark!)

Over the weekend, we made plans to take a vacation in July. Randy's folks have agreed to keep both girls for the week and we're going to have a week long vacation! Yippee!

So, I need help. First up, I need a destination... gimme some ideas! I need ideas! No car trips, please. I'm open to anything, under $4K. (Preferably less, but we understand that vacations are costly!)

THOUGHTS?

Can you spare a square?

While traveling to visit my folks (which BTW is a 5 hour trip by car) we made a pit stop about mid-way on our journey.

I ushered the girls into the (clean!) restroom at the gas station/fast food combo stop. Elisan went into the first stall, KM went into the middle stall, and I in the last.

Immediately (but too late... if you know what I mean) I notice that my stall doesn't have toilet paper. So, I reach my hand underneath the stall divider and asked KM to "hand mama some toilet paper." She is more than happy to comply. She then places in my hand a 1/2 of a toilet paper square. A HALF! Um, hello!

So, I tell her, "Baby, mama needs more than that. Please give me A LOT more, okay?" She then hands me three squares.

That, and the previous 1/2 square got the job done. Whew!

Crawfish, Crawdads, Crayfish... it's all the same!

One of the truly great things about living in Southeast Texas are the yummy crawfish! If you just aren't sure what a crawfish is, then click here and educate yourself!

Every Spring, crawfish season is underway. Most people order up about 20-30 lbs of crawfish (for a family of 4) and boil 'em up in a big ol' pot of seasoned water. Add some new potatoes, corn and onions and you have a true Cajun feast. Yum! (Don't forget to shake on some Cajun seasonings too!)


Here's what they look like close up! Like a miniature lobster!

Crawfish are usually bred/harvested out of crawfish farms (a.k.a. man-made swamps), but did you know that crawfish also burrow underground? Here's a picture of Elisan standing next to a crawfish hole (or more appropriately called a crawfish chimney). See how tall it is? That is for ONE crawfish. Crawfish dirt clods are a nuisance, especially when mowing the grass.

We didn't have crawfish when we visited our folks over the Easter weekend, but we've been invited to a crawfish boil next weekend! I'm sooo looking forward to it. Again... YUM!

Happy Easter

The girls and their cousin at the park during Spring Break.

I'm signing off for the weekend! Have a wonderful Easter holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ Jesus!



Free Digi Kit "the PROMISE collection" from Shabby Princess

405 and counting . . .

Wow! This post will be my 405th blog entry since I began my blog back in June 2005.

Here are some highlights and some of my favorite entries:

My first post "Splinter"

A lesson in "Offering"

A potty training excerpt "Business Order"

My love story "Love You Long Time, Baby"

Teenage rebellion and my mom "A Mother's Love"

My favorite POOP TALK excerpt "Big Spender"

Favorite photo "If I've told you once..."

A huge milestone for me "20"

Mothering, even when it is tough "One of life's toughest lessons"

My favorite rant "Bite Me" in case you missed it!

My biggest shopping "Score"

My guy "-gasp-"


So, that's it. Those are my favorites of 405 blog entries. Enjoy!

My child, the worrier

My sweet precious little six year old girl is a perpetual worrier. A little girl should not have a care in the world, but Elisan is in a constant state of panic over something. Randy says that it is totally a characteristic that I've passed onto her. If that is true, then Elisan, I truly am sorry for the burden I have placed on you.

The other day, Randy and I were discussing politics and Elisan overheard part of the conversation. The deluge of questioning began. "Who's the president?" "Do you want her to be the president?" "What is taxes?" "Why does the president want to take our money?" So, now, at each prayer, be it dinner blessing or bedtime prayer, Elisan prays "That the person that we want to win will become president." I am not making this stuff up. She came up with this by herself.

Another example of how intense this little person is... Last night, we were expecting some significant thunderstorms and a slight possibility of tornadoes in our area. Elisan launched into the whole, "What if a tornado hits our house?" "What about the thunder, Daddy... I'm scared of thunder." "Daddy, is there going to be a tornado?" And, on and on... and again, this morning... The poor child was awake at 5:30 a.m. worried about the wind outside. How do I know? Because I heard her milling around upstairs and when she came downstairs to find me, the first thing she said to me was, "Mommy, it sure is windy outside. Was there a tornado last night?"

I worry... that my child is a worrier. It breaks my heart to see her so full of worry. Randy and I remind her that she needs to stop worrying and let Mommy and Daddy worry about stuff. That she is six and she only needs to be concerned with... well, nothing, really.

But, how do I do that, if I too, am a worrier? I need to focus more on what the Bible tells us about worrying and convey that message to Elisan everyday. If she sees me in a less worried state, perhaps it will rub off on her.

Paul reminds us in Philippians (4:6) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I think those are words to live by, don't ya think?

Weekend Wrap!

We had a nice weekend! The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and we spent the morning at the soccer fields. Elisan and Kyla are getting to be really good at soccer, if I do say so myself!

I finished up painting my gameroom. I still have some touching up to do, but I am pleased with the final result. I'm going to be on the hunt for some curtains now.

I met my friend Leigh Ann for dinner on Sunday night. It was so great! It was nice to sit and chat, face to face and have a sans-kids adult conversation. We're having our girl shopping day on Tuesday! Should be fun!

Girlfriends!

I'm very excited because one of my dearest friends is coming for a visit!

I haven't seen Leigh Ann since she moved to New York in September 2005. They have since wised up and she and her family have moved to Kansas... a wee bit closer to Texas! And, because of that, her whole family is taking a road-trip to Texas for Spring Break week. They are making a pit-stop in Austin to reminisce about the good ol' Texas days.

On Sunday, LA and I are planning a girls' night out at her favorite Mexican food joint. Monday and Tuesday will be spent with the kids, running around doing gobs of eating at her local favs, shopping and catching up.

I can't wait! It's been too long!

P.S. - On a personal note... WOW, I looked young in that picture. {sigh}

Things that go "OINK" in the night

What is it about sleep that allow us to incorporate sounds into our dreams? I know from my experience that I can be sound asleep and the phone will ring and immediately, I'm dreaming of a phone ringing in my subconscious.

Last night, I was in deep sleep when I heard a tinny tinkling noise. I rolled over and resumed sleep. I then heard it again. This time I subconsciously incorporated that it was some mystery noise downstairs. Well, that's enough to wake anyone up. A noise downstairs? As we're sound asleep upstairs?

I popped up out of bed and asked Randy if he heard the noise (which he did not) and I headed downstairs. Nothing. I even checked my cell phone, thinking that it was tinkling culprit. Nothing.

I crawled back into bed and we lay there for a second or two and the noise happened again, only this time I was not hearing from the depths of my unconsciousness. I was hearing it loud and clear... "Old MacDonald" from the Little People Farm set.

Now, the strange thing is, that I have no idea how that thing was engaging itself to play music. You clearly have to turn the knob to make it play... and yet, there it was... playing for the third time that night. And it wasn't a strained depleted battery sounding song either. It was loud and clear.

I turned the toy off and for the second time that night, crawled back into bed. Wide. Awake. As was Randy. I don't know what time it was that we both finally fell back asleep... 4:00 a.m. or so? So, as you can imagine. I'm tired. Confused. And likely going to rip the batteries out of that toy today.

One down, three more to go

It only took me 3 hours to complete the first wall of painting. But, it's done! Whew! Only three more walls to go in my massive gameroom. I think the longest wall will take me two days.

By the way, did I mention I'm painting it with a brush - not a roller? Um... yeah.

Last night, Randy joined me at the Y for the "Body Pump" class. He really liked it and was surprised it worked him over like it did. We're going to go again on Wednesday evening, too. The bad thing is that I've never done a class at night before and while my body was exhausted, I couldn't shut my brain off. Must of been too wound up.

Today, we're going to have our picnic in the park. The weather is supposed to get up to 70 today. That calls for an outdoor celebration!

It's Spring Break

It's Spring break. And, it's raining. And cold.

This week will entail entertaining not two, but THREE girls for the week. I'm also keeping my 6 year old niece too. And, although it will be fun for Elisan and Kyla, it will be sheer mayhem for me.

Since we'll be homebound most of the week, I plan to tackle painting my gameroom. I have decided to play it safe and purchased a nice deep tan for that room. I just can't get wild in a room that size. I'm boring, I know.

So, while the girls are playing, squealing, screaming and having fun, I'll have the iPod plugged in my ears (blaring) and painting. Think of me this week, as I am also PMS'ing! Oh, the timing.

Luckily the weather will turn out some nice warm (and dry) days mid-week, so I plan to take them on a picnic at the park and ice cream at least one of those days. Should be fun!

That's all for now. I'll post some painting progress pictures later on today or tomorrow.

One Big Happy Family

"My Family"
by Elisan
1st Grade - 2008

The Machine

In my younger days, I once considered myself a political know-it-all. I loved politics! Yet, I'm not sure if my old age has softened me and taken the 'edge' off, but I'm not as enthralled with it as I once was.

I used to get so aggravated at people who didn't share my vigor and knowledge for politics. I would think, "How can you be so uninterested? Politics is a awesome!" I'd truly walk away from heated discussions scratching my head wondering how someone could be so uninformed, or better yet... how can they not support my issues? I've since come to realize that it is virtually impossible to change a person's mind to your political beliefs and that getting all worked up over it is fruitless and a waste of time.

So I've eased up... A LOT. I still enjoy hearing about the political machine, but I enjoy staying on the fringes. It doesn't mean I am uninformed... on the contrary. It means that you will not get me riled up about issues any more. Oh, sure... I've got 'my' issues that I whole-heartedly will defend, but I've learned that they are MY issues and I cannot expect others to embrace them, thus the 'vigor' in my defense is subdued.

My final thought on the matter is this: Just because your issue doesn't jive with my issue, doesn't make you right and me wrong. It makes us different. I wish more people could take the time to understand that concept. It took me a long time to get there.

Maybe I've matured?
Surely not.

Haphazard Food

In my quest to try using more low calorie and protein rich chicken, I found another recipe that really ROCKS!

It is a Vietnamese soup, named "Cheat n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup" and I found it off of Recipezaar.com. I've made it three times and we really love it. Plus, it is so super easy to make and it is low calorie!

Just be warned... it is spicy! But, don't be afraid of this one... just use the red pepper to your own tastes.

Ingredients

1 ounce cellophane noodles

8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon peanut oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

28 ounces chicken broth

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1. Cook noodles according to package.
   
2. Cut chicken into thin julienne strips.
3. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken; garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes.
4. Cook, stirring for 1 minute; then add broth and fish sauce and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is done, about 8 minutes.
6. Drain noodles and cut into short pieces, about 1-1 1/2 inches long.
7. Arrange noodles in bottom of bowls; ladle soup over the top and sprinkle with cilantro, onion, and basil.
8. Serve with"Tuong Ot Sriracha" (Viet hot sauce), or chile paste, if desired.

** I add a cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms for a little extra "oomph!" at step #5.

What's your name again?

I am a face and name girl. I always remember a face and I always remember a name... with the exception of brief encounters with people... and then I may not remember their name, but I at least remember their face.

Unfortunately, I have one of those faces that does not spark recognition... EVER! It's really weird, almost as if I'm invisible.

So, how weird is it for me to recall someone by name only to have them look at me as if I'm from bizarre-o world. Well, let me just say... it is very uncomfortable.

Take for instance Elisan's class-mom. It has taken 2 class parties, a field trip and numerous encounters at the YMCA for her to finally remember my name. Why is that? Are they that forgetful? Or, do they have so much going on in their brain that they can't possibly stuff another insignificant detail in there?

I have a sneaking suspicion this type of person is also the 'chronically late' person as well... but, I'm making generalizations here, since we all know that I am not a chronically late person and I tend to lump people into two catergories... those who are on-time (type-A's) and those who are not on time (type-B's).

I guess there are only so many type-A personalities to go around. Which is okay, I s'pose... I mean, if there weren't any type-B people in the world, then there wouldn't be any reason for me to blog.

Not lovin' the library right now!

I was on the library's website yesterday to renew a book that I had checked out and I noticed that I had two items overdue.

Anyone who knows me personally knows this is not possible. So, I immediately got on the phone and called the library.

I spoke to a lovely lady named Ethel and told her of my plight. I told her that I had indeed returned said books and if she could kindly check into that for me, I'd appreciate it.

Five minutes later, Ethel called back and said that she was able to locate one of the items, but not the other... a children's book.

Ahem.

So, the library failed to "recieve" two of my returned books, but "found" one of them... so where is the other one? Well, according to Ethel, if it is not found at the library then after 60 days I will be charged the entire cost of the book.

WHAT?! Um... you (library) "lost" both books. You (library) "found" one book. You (library) will charge me for the cost of an entire book for your (library's) mistake in failing to properly receive a book?

What part of this makes sense to you?

Just in time!

Look what our dear friend, Charlotte (from Denmark), made for Elisan and Kyla! Their very own tooth fairy pillow! It's it adorable? And, it's just in time for a loose front tooth.


Thank you again, Charlotte!

Childlike Faith

Mark 10:15
15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

If only I operated in the mind-set of a child.

In the Book of Mark, chapter 10, verse 15, Jesus said that anyone who does not regard the kingdom of God like a child will not enter heaven. What does that mean? It means, that we should operate with childlike faith even when things look to be hopeless and childlike beliefs that God is ever present in our times of need.

Today I learned a powerful lesson from Elisan. This morning on the way to church, I wondered aloud if my husband's brother's family would be at church today. Elisan said, "Mommy, I prayed last night that Trinity would be at church today." I said that praying for Trinity to come to church was a great idea. And then Elisan said, "And tonight, I'll pray that she comes again next week."

I praised her for her faith and really didn't think much about it... until... I saw Trinity rush up to Elisan as we were dropping her off to her class. Tears filled my eyes. Not only for Elisan's answered prayer, but for the lesson in FAITH that my child taught me.

She did not second guess that God would fail her. She simply believed that it would "be", and it was.

On the way home from church, we talked about how exciting it was that God answered her prayers. She just kind of shrugged and said, "Yeah" as if it was no big deal that God answered her prayers... probably because he ALWAYS answers her prayers.

That girl has got the faith!