Yep, Boo is 4.5 months old now. It really has been a while. I felt the sudden inspiration to blog, brought on by my good friend MaryAnn's blog: momofg.blogspot.com. Check it out - she's a great writer. She and I were good friends in college, but we fell out of touch afterward. MA found me on Facebook! If you haven't signed your life away to facebook yet, you're sorely missing out. There is no way under heaven I would have ever found so many of my long lost friends from high school, college, work, and beyond if it were not for facebook. Thank you, God, for giving someone the idea of facebook. Hooray!
But right now, Boo is having difficulties napping. There have been days that she hasn't napped more than an hour total, which I guess doesn't really count. I've been reading books about techniques to help babies sleep independently. Boo needs motion or to be held in order to go to sleep, and being held is the only thing that seems to help her stay asleep. She's resisted everything I've tried so far, including our first round of "crying it out" this morning at nap time. I'm reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child for ideas. This is after reading The No Cry Sleep Solution, which got me no where. To be fair, I haven't given many techniques ample time to work yet, but I'm trying to figure out which technique I can live with first.
At this moment, Boo is napping in the bouncy seat next to me by the fireplace. She's completely exhausted. I'm praying she'll stay asleep for more than 30 minutes...this would be a record of sorts for her. Aaah. Sweet silence.
God bless your journey! See you at the next party!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Santa's Prayer
Santa's Prayer
Author unknown
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed, "be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need Your blessing, then it's easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them Who gave me this job."
Author unknown
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed, "be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need Your blessing, then it's easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them Who gave me this job."
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Day After...
THE DAY AFTER
by Chuck Colson
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you're recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today's a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
The new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world, challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.
How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved? I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. "I recall," he said, "hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened."
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can't find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.
We have also forgotten that American democracy, indeed Western Civilization itself, is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God's judgment upon us. I don't know.
As I've re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn't help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.
Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We're responsible. Because instead of worshipping God, we've worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We've put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It's a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.
This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.
So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.
By: Chuck Colson - November 5, 2008
Received from: A Moment To Consider
A Ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider
Servant Soldiers Ministries, Daphne, Alabama
by Chuck Colson
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you're recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today's a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
The new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world, challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.
How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved? I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. "I recall," he said, "hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened."
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can't find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.
We have also forgotten that American democracy, indeed Western Civilization itself, is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God's judgment upon us. I don't know.
As I've re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn't help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.
Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We're responsible. Because instead of worshipping God, we've worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We've put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It's a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.
This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.
So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.
By: Chuck Colson - November 5, 2008
Received from: A Moment To Consider
A Ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider
Servant Soldiers Ministries, Daphne, Alabama
Friday, October 17, 2008
And...we're back!
Alright, alright...I've been a little busy. Baby Boo was born Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. after a 4 hour and 12 minute labor. WOW. It was mighty fast. No time for tunes on the iPod. Drat. All that work for nothing. Oh well.Boo turned out to be a girl after all...Jenna Mae. She's named for her 98-year-old great-grandmother Genevieve, her great-great-grandmother Mae Maneval and her great-aunt Mae McClure. She weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces, and she stretched out to 20 inches long. She's beautiful...Mama's wavy brown hair and Daddy's chin. We think she'll have blue eyes, but only time will tell.
Unfortunately, JM had to return to the hospital shortly after being released for some light therapy due to some hefty jaundice. She came home the next evening, but it took several days before her jaundice cleared. The doctor finally determined she had breast milk jaundice - a variety of jaundice that is exacerbated by breastfeeding, of all things. But she's all better now! JM is 5 weeks old today. WOW! Where has the time gone?
We're getting along great. I'm sleep-deprived, Paul is buried in work, J is acting out a little since little sister gets all the attention, and JM just sleeps and eats, poops and pees, like a good little girl. Even now, JM's snoozing in the bouncy seat next to me as I type.
So the party has continued in spite of the blog remaining quiet. I'll attempt to update as we go along, but we'll see! Until then, God bless your journey. See you at the next blog party.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Okay...any day now... No really, go ahead....
No, seriously...I'm READY.
Child of my womb, I have just about had enough of your antics. What's with trying to make an early appearance on more than one occasion, in such a hurry to make your entrance, and then when we finally get to the safety zone of 37 weeks, you decide, "Oh, can't come now...no, that would be the right thing to do." Are you seriously trying to drive me nuts before you've even been born??
I'm just a little weary of feeling bloated, heavy, uncomfortable, and, oh, gigantic. Not to mention that my husband's little giggles over the size of my preggers pooch are testing my marital patience level. "It's just so cool," he snickers. Yes, this is your spawn growing inside my belly. Laugh it up. You're not the one who has to push it out. Jerk.
See if I ever let you lay another hand on me. Humph.
God bless your journey...yes, truly. I'll see you at the delivery party. Hopefully very soon.
Child of my womb, I have just about had enough of your antics. What's with trying to make an early appearance on more than one occasion, in such a hurry to make your entrance, and then when we finally get to the safety zone of 37 weeks, you decide, "Oh, can't come now...no, that would be the right thing to do." Are you seriously trying to drive me nuts before you've even been born??
I'm just a little weary of feeling bloated, heavy, uncomfortable, and, oh, gigantic. Not to mention that my husband's little giggles over the size of my preggers pooch are testing my marital patience level. "It's just so cool," he snickers. Yes, this is your spawn growing inside my belly. Laugh it up. You're not the one who has to push it out. Jerk.
See if I ever let you lay another hand on me. Humph.
God bless your journey...yes, truly. I'll see you at the delivery party. Hopefully very soon.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Prep work
I keep getting signals that D-day is near. (Watch, I'll go 42 weeks before I deliver...wouldn't that just figure.) Anyway, I've nested about all I can. I have a few more projects up my sleeve that could occupy my time, but I'm hestitant to start them. So instead, I decided to prep my iPod for labor & delivery.
There's nothing like picking your music for one of the most painful days of your life! What do you choose? I've got quite an eclectic mix, designed for various stages of labor. First, I'm starting out with selections designed for relaxation...thunderstorms, meditation, chimes and crickets...you know, nature crap. But wait, it gets better!
When things start to pick up, I've selected some fantastic 80s, 90s, top 40, and other junk. Lend me your ear...how about Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" followed by Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten?" Or "Seasons of Love" from Rent followed by "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benetar?
I'll probably hate it and not use it at all, but right now as I listen to it, I'm strangely energized...I even feel like PUSHING. AAAAAGH!!!!
Okay, not so much. My dear husband asked me, "So what music do you listen to when you're in labor?" I replied simply, "Whatever I want."
God bless your journey! See you at the next party.
There's nothing like picking your music for one of the most painful days of your life! What do you choose? I've got quite an eclectic mix, designed for various stages of labor. First, I'm starting out with selections designed for relaxation...thunderstorms, meditation, chimes and crickets...you know, nature crap. But wait, it gets better!
When things start to pick up, I've selected some fantastic 80s, 90s, top 40, and other junk. Lend me your ear...how about Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" followed by Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten?" Or "Seasons of Love" from Rent followed by "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benetar?
I'll probably hate it and not use it at all, but right now as I listen to it, I'm strangely energized...I even feel like PUSHING. AAAAAGH!!!!
Okay, not so much. My dear husband asked me, "So what music do you listen to when you're in labor?" I replied simply, "Whatever I want."
God bless your journey! See you at the next party.
Monday, August 25, 2008
37 weeks tomorrow!
So much for regular blogging. Seems baby boo has stolen my mojo. As of tomorrow I will be 37 weeks pregnant, which seems so much like a miracle these days. I keep going into false labor...an exciting and super-fun passtime, but not one that I wish to continue much longer.
J started preschool today! Two afternoons a week of silent bliss for me (that is, until "boo" arrives.) I have to give huge kudos to his teachers this year as they have taken his food allergies so much more seriously than the teachers did last year. What a refreshing switch. They made it almost a picnic for me to leave him there knowing he's safe.
He looked like such a big boy. He's one-up on many of the kids in his class because he started preschool last year (although at just one day a week.) But he's familiar with the routine of it and with being away from me for a little while, which makes the transition sooo much easier.
Time to go get J. First day is almost over!
Until next time, God bless your journey! Wish me luck at the D-Day party!
J started preschool today! Two afternoons a week of silent bliss for me (that is, until "boo" arrives.) I have to give huge kudos to his teachers this year as they have taken his food allergies so much more seriously than the teachers did last year. What a refreshing switch. They made it almost a picnic for me to leave him there knowing he's safe.
He looked like such a big boy. He's one-up on many of the kids in his class because he started preschool last year (although at just one day a week.) But he's familiar with the routine of it and with being away from me for a little while, which makes the transition sooo much easier.
Time to go get J. First day is almost over!
Until next time, God bless your journey! Wish me luck at the D-Day party!
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