goodbye... and maybe hello again...

2010-06-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

Hey, it's my final post at "more on the other side"... don't be sad, it's not like I posted much anyway.

I have started a new blog called punkinhood that will chronicle the "life and times of punkin". So, if you're interested in reading about the details of life in the punkin'hood, feel free to check out the new place and subscribe!

I promise I'll be ~~trying to~~ posting more regularly over there!

happy mother's day 2010

2010-05-09T20:36:00.002-04:00

I'm the luckiest mom in the world.

I've added this post to Wordless Wednesday at Two of a kind, working on a full house and 5 minutes for mom

happy easter

2010-04-04T19:37:00.000-04:00

He is not here; He has risen!

sweet shot: winter favorite

2010-03-16T16:41:00.000-04:00

I'm joining Darcy from Life With My 3 Boybarians for her very first Sweet Shot Day by sharing my favorite picture from this winter.

I just absolutely love everything about it (and have left it unedited).

To see more Sweet Shots,visit:

the end is near...

2010-03-15T17:14:00.002-04:00

Dear Blogosphere,

It's the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine... how about you?

In the end, it won't have mattered how popular your blog was, how many subscribers you had, or how many times you were retweeted on twitter. It won’t have mattered how many friends you had on Facebook (do you even remember half of your “friends” from high school?) or what your Bejeweled Blitz score was.

No, what will matter is what is left behind:

- Yourself. Were you true to yourself? Now that your blog is gone, will people who read it know the real you? Or is there just an image of what you wanted people to think of you left?

- Your family. Did you represent them well? Did you speak kindly of them? Or were you constantly sharing negative stories and causing people to form opinions of them that aren’t the opinions you’d really like them to have?

- The relationships you made with people you hadn’t yet met. Are they genuine relationships? Or were they only formed to get you more page hits or to make you feel popular? Did they mean enough to you that you will pick up the phone and talk to them or dare I say write them a letter? Or will you still try to meet them, even if there aren’t any blog conferences left?

Once the internet is gone, life will go on. Will you be content with what remains? I sure hope I will be. My goal is to be real, with hopefully a little humor thrown in now and then. But since time is ticking, I’ve got to go and print off my blog so it’s not gone forever (oh and play one more game of Bejeweled Blitz…)!
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This post is an entry into Mabel's Labels BlogHer '10 Contest. It's based off the hypothetical situation: Electrical storms are going to wipe out the Internet (perhaps forever). You have one day left to write about your passions: what do you want to say to the blogosphere in 300 words or less?

sunday reflection

2010-02-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

You're Beautiful

by Phil Wickham

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who You are
You're beautiful

I see You there hanging on a tree
You bled and then You died and then You rose again for me
Now You are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

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The lyrics are great, but if you haven't heard this song, you are missing out.

silver and gold

2010-02-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

Make new friends

But keep the old

One is silver

And the other's gold.

For anyone who is a former girl scout, sorry for getting that song stuck in your head, but it's been on constant play (in a round) in my head for a couple of weeks.

It all started as I drove away from my bestest friend's house a few weeks ago. It had been far too long since I had seen her. As in, she had a baby four months ago, and I hadn't met the precious little one yet (yes, I am a bad friend - I'll spare you the excuses). And even while she was still pregnant, I can't really remember the last time we had any real time together.

And no, she doesn't live hours and hours away. Just 20 minutes. Sad, isn't it? This is just one of the side effects of life getting in the way. And while I missed her, life was busy for both of us (see aforementioned new baby for her... see many excuses from me that I'm not mentioning). But I didn't realize just how much I missed her until I was driving away a few weeks ago and that song popped into my head out of nowhere.

You just can't replace a great friend.

I've seen her twice since that first time a few weeks ago. And I'm just amazed at how our time together has been so easy and smooth. It's as if no time at all has passed. It's been wonderful.

Just today, after my most recent visit with her, I told my husband how much I realized that our visits together are different than with any other friends. It was a simple visit - Punkin and I went over to her house, so Punkin could continue to get to know her two boys and give hugs to their new little sister and so my friend and I could just chat and catch up. She apologized for not really "stopping" the entire time we were there - she continued doing the tasks that she needed to do - and we gabbed and laughed the whole time. I told her that she didn't need to apologize - I actually think it's great that she's comfortable enough to not feel like she needs to "entertain" me. I just felt at home.

I love how after all these months, we just fell right back into step with each other, as if we didn't miss a beat. I'm blessed to count her as a friend.

sunday reflection; advice needed

2010-02-21T21:43:00.001-05:00

Sorry, no wise words today. No lyrics to favorite worship songs. No scripture or quotes from church.

I don't have much to reflect upon except that lack of sleep is not good for anyone.

If anyone has any wise words for me about how to get a three-year old to sleep through the night without waking up and walking down to my room over and over and over and over again, I'd love to hear them! Punkin goes to sleep on his own (as in, he knows how to fall asleep on his own), but once he wakes up in the middle of the night, it's like he no longer has that talent. If he does fall asleep quickly after getting back in bed, he typically wakes back up within 30 minutes (at the most) and is back down the hall standing at the side of my bed. When I walk him down again, he gets upset when I leave the room. It's like he doesn't want to be alone. And it's not like he says he's been having bad dreams or anything. I think he just wants to be with Mommy and Daddy. But WHY does he wake up SO MANY TIMES a night? That doesn't seem normal to me. Any advice? Any words of wisdom? Help? (Oh, just don't tell me to lock him in his room... he'd tear down the door before he let a little lock keep him in.)

P.S. I am loving this season of The Amazing Race! Go Team Jeff & Jordan!

sunday reflection; valentine's edition

2010-02-14T23:16:00.006-05:00

Hosanna

by Hillsong

I see the King of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

28 days of blah...

2010-02-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

Dear February,

You are my Husband's least favorite month. You're cold. You're dreary. The lack of sunshine by this part of winter is overbearing. I know you're only 28 days long (most years), but for him, you last an eternity.

For some reason, he also hates his birthday. Yup, it's in February. I don't understand this hate of the birthday, because starting March 1st, it's "Happy Birthday MONTH" to me! Anyway, he doesn't like his birthday or any attention that it brings. So, what am I supposed to do with that? It's no fun trying to celebrate someone's birthday who doesn't enjoy it. Oh, and this year, his birthday happens to be on Super Bowl Sunday. Typically, I'd say that was a good thing because we can go to a Super Bowl party and spend the day with his friends, with good food, good drinks, and a good game. But no, not this year. See, we're not Colts fans. Shhh... I know we live in Indy. That's part of the problem. Do you know how much media coverage there is about this team? When you're not a fan: It's so annoying. So that doesn't make things better. And given that we're not fans, it's not like we're welcome at anyone's Super Bowl party.

So, February, let's make a deal. You bring the sunshine and warmer temperatures. And I'll try to get Hubs to even acknowledge your existence. Rather than him turning the calendar directly from January to March. That's right, his calendar is turned to March for two months in a row! Wait a minute... that means Happy Birthday Month(s) to me! Let the celebration begin! Maybe this February-hate isn't such a bad thing, afterall!

love,
punkinmama

saying it out loud

2010-01-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago, I posted about wanting to be more intentional in 2010. I think about this phrase quite a bit every day. Unfortunately, I've come to realize that just thinking about it doesn't make it so. (If only.) Guess I need to put together some more concrete areas I need to focus on and come up with some steps to guage my progress.

So, in an effort to create some kind of accountabilty with my ~~readers~~ reader, I'm putting it out there and saying it out loud.

Things to be more intentional about in 2010:

Cooking - Menu Plan. Everyone's doing it - at least that's how it seems on the internet. For some reason, this is very daunting to me, but I'm not sure why. Probably because it's planning. Not something I'm terribly great at.

Household Maintenance - Create a "schedule" that will include daily/weekly tasks that need to be done. Then DO IT. (I could also add Organization - Figure It Out. I hate being so disorganized.)

Blogging - Do more than just "write posts in my head". Be devoted to spending time at the computer writing, rather than just reading everyone else's blogs.

Photography - Keep doing Project 360 - and miss less days (oops).

Spiritual Life - Figure out the best plan that speaks to me. Not what everyone else says I should be doing, but what I know helps me grow in my relationship with God. Something I heard at a conference several months ago: "Jesus never journaled.". It's not just something that lets me off the hook, but the point is - don't follow any man-created formula for your relationship with God, but find the thing that works to draw me closer to Him.

So, there's the start to my list. I know there's much more I could add to it, but for now, I think that's a good start.

What about you? Anything you know you need to take action on rather than just think about?

Project 365: 2010

2010-01-07T21:23:00.006-05:00

I got a new (awesome) camera for Christmas from the Hubs. I have a lot to learn about using it, so to help me out, I'm attempting to do Project 365. This means I'm planning to take (at least) one picture a day every day during 2010. I'm sure I'll forget some days, but hopefully, I'll remember more often than not!

Anyway, I may not post every picture on the blog, but I do have a flickr stream where I'm uploading them, so they'll be documented somewhere. (I also hope that taking pictures of our days will inspire me to write more blog posts -- no promises though.)

While I'm here, I may as well post the ones I have so far, right? Why not?

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

These are all untouched photos, by the way. Another goal for 2010 is to get into photo editing!

ch-ch-ch-changes

2010-01-01T13:53:00.014-05:00

I've never been a big fan of making resolutions at the start of the new year. To me, resolutions are things you promise to do or not do which you focus on for a few weeks and then as soon as something gets in the way, you leave them by the wayside. Once you break your resolution, there doesn't seem to be any going back. At least that's how it's always been to me.

For some reason, though, I've been thinking about the start of 2010 for several weeks now... maybe even months. I feel a strong desire to affect change in my life in 2010. Not that my life isn't great and all, but I know there are things that I could focus more on (or less on) and do more of (or less of), that would make me a better person.

So, I've been making random lists of goals in my mind for awhile. Unfortunately, I haven't written them all down as they've come to me. But an overwhelming theme in all of these goals is to Be Intentional.

I want to Be Intentional in everything I do.
- parenting
- marriage
- friendships
- serving God
- loving & serving others

I am really going to try to focus on Being Intentional every day of 2010. To help me keep my focus, I decided to pick a "lifeverse" for 2010. I wanted to pick a scripture that I could think of daily that would remind me of what my overarching goal is for 2010. I actually found several.

As I type this, I've settled on the following:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

Some of the other scriptures that I'll use as supporting references are:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action" I Peter 1:13

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

I'd love to have you join me in picking a "lifeverse" that is meaningful to you for 2010 - one that can inspire and challenge you. I'd love to walk this journey of change together. Please let me know in the comments if you're interested in joining me!

Happy 2010! I hope the year is full of Love, Peace, Joy, and Change! When you look at me a year from now, I hope you don't see the same person!

“This post included in Real Life’s Your Life Your Blog”

Christmas in pictures

2009-12-30T11:37:00.012-05:00

This Christmas season was a lot of fun. Punkin really got into the whole Christmas season for really the first time. He wrote his first letter to Santa and left out cookies and water for Santa (yes, water - that's what he said Santa wanted). Though he didn't want to go to sleep on Christmas Eve (though, that's no different than any other night), he heard "Santa's sleighbells" during story time, which encouraged him to go to sleep with less trouble (along with the threat that Santa would pass by our house if he was still awake - hey, whatever it takes).

Decorating gingerbread house with Daddy:

Oh Christmas Tree:

The Stockings Were Hung:

Santa's Message to Punkin:

Merry Christmas Punkin!

Merry Christmas Papou!

Ooohhh...

Merry Christmas Great Grandma!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

merry christmas

2009-12-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by love, joy, and peace today and always.

ketchup, catsup, catch-up

2009-12-13T09:01:00.005-05:00

Wow, it's been a month and a half since I posted anything. I know I've never been a "regular" poster, but this is ridiculous.

Hopefully, over the next few days I can add some posts that provide more details on what's been going on here.

I still need to post some pictures of Punkin's new big boy room that I referenced a couple of months ago. He's enjoying it, though having him out of the crib definitely presents some challenges. Getting him to go to sleep easily has been a struggle, as he often has to "go potty" - like 3 or 4 times within a 20 minute period, but we're working on it.

Speaking of "going potty", Punkin is thisclose to being fully potty trained (knock on wood). He is a champ in big boy underwear all day long. Our biggest issue is going #2. He's not a fan of doing that on the potty. I'm not a fan of him doing that in his underwear. He's still wearing pull-ups at night, so thankfully, he occassionally chooses to wait until then to do #2. But he's definitely not as "regular" as before, I'm sure because he's holding it in. But recently we've had some success with #2 on the potty, so hopefully that will continue. You'd think Punkin figured out how to create world peace with the celebrations we have around here when he does #2 on the potty. Miraculously, Punkin is usually dry in the mornings too. I thought that would be our biggest potty training issue - I've heard stories of boys not being dry through the night until around 5! So, I'm very thankful that he's doing that so well (knock on wood).

Okay, now that you know more about Punkin's potty habits than you ever wanted to...

Punkin also started preschool in November. He goes 3 days a week, all day. Punkin was in daycare from about 4 months until about March of this year. At that time, we pulled him out and shared a sitter with another family who had 2 boys. That was a great time for Punkin and the other boys. They really became good friends. Unfortunately, that family is moving to Pennsylvania, so we had to find another solution. While the sitter was great in helping Punkin try new foods (that's a whole other post), I also think it was a good time to find something with more structure and more learning opportunities. I was blessed to come across Primrose Schools. I was not aware of them previously, but I can't say enough good things about them. If you're considering a full-day option for your kids, I would highly recommend them. When I picked up Punkin after his first day, I asked him what his favorite thing was. He said, "EVERYTHING!" and proceeded to tell that to everyone we walked by. He's done some cute crafts as well.

Here's a picture of one of my favorites.

It was done around Thanksgiving. It's a turkey made from an apple, fruit loops, orange slices, and marshmallows. So creative and so cute.

So, anyway, I'm sure there's a million other things I've left out (like how Punkin got the flu after 1 week of preschool), but my brain can't think of anything else right now. My hope is that I will do a much better job of updating this blog. Because I kinda miss it.

Hope you are all doing well. Leave me a comment letting me know you're still out there!

sunday reflection

2009-10-25T19:07:00.002-04:00

Random things heard in church this morning.
I'm posting them here, so I don't forget them. Hopefully, I'll come back to them and think of them often.

He doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.

It is great, if God is in it.
Little is much, when God is in it.

Being attentive to the words & life of Jesus is absolutely necessary if you hope to get better at reaching out to others.
If we are going to go and DO, then we have to lay our burdens down and sit at the feet of Jesus.

Be ready, because a few moments alone with Jesus and you'll be off on a new adventure.

Choose what is better.

giveaway: harry connick jr, your songs

2009-10-18T22:12:00.005-04:00

** UPDATE: The contest is now closed. **

Who doesn't love a little Harry Connick Jr? That man can sing!

His newest album, Your Songs, is a mix of cover versions that he sings with a full jazz big band and string orchestra.

Here's the track list:

- All The Way
- Just The Way You Are
- Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
- And I Love Her
- (They Long To Be) Close To You
- Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much)
- The Way You Look Tonight
- First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
- Your Song
- Some Enchanted Evening
- And I Love You So
- Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
- Smile
- Mona Lisa

Harry's voice is unmistakable. This CD took me straight back to high school (the good part of high school, anyway).

If you'd like a little Harry to enjoy for yourself, leave a comment below letting me know.

For an extra entry, follow me on twitter @punkinmama and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment below, with the link to your tweet.

For another entry, subscribe to my blog in an RSS reader, and leave another comment letting me know.

The giveaway will end Friday night, October 23, around 8 pm EST (or whenever I get around to closing comments and picking a winner).

Thanks to One to One Network for providing me with the CD for my listening pleasure, as well as the CD for the giveaway. The above post is based on my own thoughts and is not influenced by the sponsor.

three

2009-09-27T17:48:00.014-04:00

September 2006

2007

2008

2009

Punkin has turned into a Big Boy overnight. On the morning he turned 3, he refused to even consider wearing a diaper. Unfortunately, the desire to pee on the potty didn't coinside... Buy stock in Pull-ups (you heard it here first) , because I think he'll be living in them forever. They're the only thing he'll allow us to put on him. Somehow, the Pull-up equals big boy underwear in his mind. And he is suddenly afraid of the potty. Given the other things he's accomplished, I think I'm going to have to just let this one go... for now...

Punkin also moved into his new Big Boy Room (another post to come) on his birthday. This included sleeping in a Big Boy Bed for the first time. I'm proud to say that it went very well. I did sing him to sleep (which I actually enjoyed... shhh... don't tell *him* that). The other unbelievable feat is that he didn't even ask for his paci one time. I had dreaded the "no more pacis" and anticipated a few nights of major crying before Punkin would sleep without it. Even though he had been telling me for weeks that turning 3 meant "no more pacis", I really expected some major withdrawals. I don't want to jinx it, but he's gone to bed the first night and taken a nap in his new room without even mentioning the word paci. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that in a few days, he doesn't suddenly bring it up and cry over it. (So, it's now 10:30 and Punkin is still awake... calling out every few minutes... he's not asking for his paci, but he's also not sleeping. How bad is it that I want to just give it to him so he'll fall asleep faster? )

He really is turning into such a big boy. But he'll always be my baby.

Happy Birthday Punkin! I love you more than you'll ever know!

I've added this post to Real Life's "Your Life Your Blog". You can read more great posts there.

wordless wednesday: camera play

2009-07-22T13:52:00.007-04:00

If you haven't tried picnik.com, you should!

wordless wednesday: pool time surprise

2009-07-08T09:45:00.006-04:00

First day at the pool this summer. Punkin was all smiles.

Weeks later when I finally was reviewing the pictures I'd taken, I came across this picture. I do not remember taking it or Punkin sticking his tongue out, but I thought it was so cute!

Find more Wordless Wednesday posts at 5 Minutes for Mom.
(No, I have no idea why it's "wordless" when everyone adds words.)

happy father's day

2009-06-21T15:33:00.003-04:00

The Hubs is an amazing father. He is so involved with Punkin and takes responsibility for so many things that other husbands just assume that their wives will (or should*) handle. I can't really express how much I appreciate him. I hope he has some idea of the huge help that he is to me. I know I wouldn't be the wife and mother I am without him.

*Don't get me started!

Picture thanks to queenofhaddock at The Ivey League. I won her giveaway for a free mosaic. If you've not visited her site, check it out!

shrink it

2009-06-05T23:17:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I've officially joined The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans for their Shrinking Days of Summer Challenge.

I am in serious need of motivation, so I'm hoping this challenge, in it's group format, will be just what I need.

One way I hope to be able to shrink is by exercising ~~more~~ at all. I recently got the EA Sports Active for the Wii and have started the 30 Day Challenge. I haven't exercised in so long I almost forgot what it felt like to sweat so much! I've only done two days of the challenge so far, but man, it's kicking my butt! I'm so sore today, it's ridiculous. But it's a good sore.

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing and how my team (Team Violet) is doing in the challenge.

This post has been included in Real Life's Your Life Your Blog.

show and tell: messy

2009-05-26T14:24:00.011-04:00

This post is my first contribution to Mom's Marble's new "Show and Tell" feature. Go check it out and play along! (Though it may not be 100% what they're going for, I wanted to participate -and encourage you to as well- and hope to do so more in the future.)

As some of you know, Punkin has "issues" with food - especially certain textures. He's also not a fan of trying new things most of the time. Whenever he does try something new, I get super excited. We do our best to get him to try new things/textures, even if it means we're "forcing" him to eat ice cream or other yummy (though nutritionally devoid) items. (We're so mean!)

Here's his first experience with pudding.

Not too sure:

Hmmm... this might not be too bad:

Pudding is awesome (and MESSY):

Having that mess on his face is quite an accomplishment. Though he did demand its removal within .5 seconds of the picture being taken!

i...

2009-05-06T22:50:00.005-04:00

I hate:

when I yell at Punkin
that I feel like sometimes the only way Punkin hears me is if I yell
that when I make dinner (which is a rarity) I expect applause and cheers and a parade thrown in my honor
when I make dinner (which is a rarity) but it doesn't turn out how I hoped
that I'm disorganized and can't seem to hold on to the motivation to do much about it
that middle school doesn't feel so far away some days when I wonder if people like me
that this list has become self-indulgent and whiny

I love:

that I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world
that Punkin loves to talk and ask questions (even if it is "why?" every 3 seconds)
Punkin's toes. Seriously, they're the only toes I've ever not thought were completely and utterly disgusting
that my relationships with my brothers have grown as we've all gotten older
that I'm actually looking forward to the day my parents move to the same town as me
that I've been blessed by the friendships of great women from my moms group
that God is faithful and loves me unconditionally
that this list makes the first list seem so small

What about you? What makes your lists?

wordless wednesday: stylin'

2009-04-29T15:48:00.003-04:00

success!

2009-04-27T21:26:00.009-04:00

Sunday was a beautiful day! My friend Ems* agreed to walk with me at the March of Dimes March for Babies walk. I had a great time catching up with her. This is a picture of us at the start of the race. Ems is proudly showing off her beads that symbolize that she is walking for her future babies. :)

image courtesy of TheMomExperience

Here we are at the end of the walk**. We made it! I was worried beforehand that I wouldn't succeed, but it was so easy walking with a fun friend.

image courtesy of theotherjackson5

We also met a lot of other cool bloggers (like mooshinindy, designhermomma, theotherjackson5, TheMomExperience, ordinarysarah, karensugarpants, and many others***).

It was a great experience walking for such a great cause. Maddie touched many lives and I hope that the money raised from these walks will help other families not have to go through what Maddie's mom and dad have.

I heard on the news that Indy raised over $125,000 for the March of Dimes! Go Indy!

* Ems said I couldn't link to her blog if I posted a picture of her. Since I posted 2, I figured I really better not. She's convinced these pictures are horrible. I think they're great, so I'm hoping she changes her mind and lets me link! UPDATE: Ems posted a comment so she inadvertantly linked back to her blog, so I went ahead and made it easier by linking above too!

** Okay, so we're also cracking up because we made theotherjackson5 re-do the picture she originally took of us. We were horrified about the # of chins in the picture. Let's just say there were more chins than people... not a good thing! I think this is the longest my neck has ever looked in a picture. Tyra would be so proud.

*** If I met you at the walk but don't have you listed, let me know your blog address, and I'll add you!

UPDATE: karensugarpants kindly sent me this group photo. I think it makes the post more complete.

added to your life, your blog

excitement builds

2009-04-21T15:14:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I still have no idea if I can really walk 5 miles all at once or not, but I'm getting more and more excited about the upcoming March for Babies walk for the March of Dimes.

1) The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. Sunny. And. Warm. I could really use some Sunny. And. Warm. right about now.

2) I got an email from the local coordinator discussing the details of the day. Sounds like they have some great things planned. And the walk ends at a local park, so the Hubs and Punkin will be able to meet me there and Punkin will be able to have some fun while he waits... and waits... and waits... Oh, and also the email mentioned a 4 mile walk... so maybe Punkin won't have to wait quite so long.

3) I am completely overwhelmed and grateful to my many sponsors. I had no idea what to set my fundraising goal at, but I am thrilled to see that I have blown right past it. I can't believe how generous so many have been! And it's for such a great cause!

If you'd like to join this awesome list of sponsors, go here: http://www.marchforbabies.org/punkinmama

4) I am hoping to meet some wonderful ladies whose blogs I follow or who I follow on twitter. It's been amazing to see the internet community band together and support Maddie and her family. We may not all have met Maddie, but she has impacted so many people in so many positive ways. I hope the walk can be another celebration of her much too short life... and will help improve the health of babies everywhere.

marching for maddie

2009-04-10T15:58:00.005-04:00

I’ve decided to participate in the March of Dimes “March for Babies” walk on April 26. Yes, that’s only 16 days away (and no I haven’t done any preparation for this).

Why the sudden urge to exercise?

I’m marching for Maddie.

Who’s Maddie?

Read more about her here: http://www.marchformaddie.com/about-madeline-alice/

Short summary:
- Maddie was born November 11, 2007, 11 weeks and 1 day premature. After 68 days in the NICU at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, January 18, 2008, she was finally able to go home with her loving parents, Heather and Mike Spohr. While in the NICU, Maddie’s mom kept regular updates of her site for family and friends. Maddie’s time at the NICU has been chronicled at Heather’s blog.
- Earlier this week, on April 7th, Maddie passed away unexpectedly. She was only 17 months old.

I’m also very grateful to have a healthy, happy son. We’ve had a small share of health issues with Sam, but it pales in comparison to what so many other families go through. I want to help those less fortunate!

The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will help:
- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children

Won't you please help me in this worthy cause? Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy, and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

My webpage: http://www.marchforbabies.org/punkinmama

I appreciate any support you can provide! And if you want to see me gasping for breath only half way through the walk, please join me and walk with me!

daycare FAIL

2009-03-23T12:32:00.008-04:00

Dear Daycare Teacher,
If a parent is repeatedly telling another child to not throw toys, you are not doing your job.

Just one of the many reasons I'm excited to start a new venture in Punkin's care.
I work part-time outside of the home, and since Punkin's been about 4 months old, he's been at a daycare fairly close to home. He's had some good experiences - he's learned a lot. But more recently, the Hubs and I have been concerned about some things that were happening (or not happening) at the daycare.

I could make a list, but instead, for now, I'll just focus on what we've decided to do. Today marked Punkin's first day of "in-home care". Another family in our neighborhood (who also used to attend the same daycare and had very similar concerns) approached us about sharing a "nanny"*. Two days a week, Punkin will be with the other two boys and one day a week he'll be by himself with the caregiver. She just happens to be one of his former teachers from the daycare - who has always done a great job - and who we've also used as a sitter on occasion.

Since we live in the same neighborhood, time will be split between both houses - that should help with any one child feeling like they always have to share "my" toys. Today, they started at the other house and walked down to our house after lunch. Hopefully that will help get them some fresh air and exercise and encourage good naps.

Even though I wasn't completely happy with the daycare situation, I was still nervous about whether or not the Hubs and I were making the best decision for Punkin. I have to say that the first day couldn't have gone much better. Punkin ate a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for lunch. Seriously. You have no idea how big that is.**

I feel 100 times better about the decision we've made. Who knew Grilled Cheese could cause such euphoria?

**Punkin has texture issues and food aversions. He's often times literally scared to try new foods. He's not a fan of much that isn't crunchy or breaded (ie. crackers, chicken nuggets). We're working on it. And now so is the "nanny".*

*I need another word for the "nanny". I'm not sure what the right term is, but I don't think "nanny" fits completely. I always think of a nanny as someone who lives in or someone who is in the home the majority of the time... Any suggestions?

This post is included in Your Life, Your Blog at Real Life. Go check it out!

remaining balance

2009-02-27T10:37:00.003-05:00

I received a Keurig Coffee Maker for Christmas and I absolutely love it! (No, they're not paying me to say that.) Now that I can easily (and I do mean easily*) make a cup of delicious coffee anytime I want to, I told myself that there is no reason to pay for Starbucks. Of course, occasionally, it's nice to have a special treat... especially when I'm not home and don't have access to my awesome coffee maker.

A friend of mine gave me a gift card to Starbucks for Christmas (score!), so this has been perfect to use when I'm out and about and wanting a fix. This morning, after I paid for my latte and coffee cake, I looked at my receipt and saw my remaining balance on the card is now $1.25.

Anyone know what you can get at Starbucks for $1.25? I didn't think so. My birthday is coming up, so maybe I'll be lucky enough to score some gift cards (hint, hint). Ahem.

* Seriously, making coffee has never been easier. I know it's not hard to make coffee in the first place, but it doesn't get easier than putting in a k-cup, hitting the button, waiting 30 seconds and having a steaming cup ready for your consumption. And the clean-up? Brilliant. No dirty coffee grounds or filters to deal with. Throw away the k-cup and you're done. E.A.S.Y. (Yes, I'm lazy, why do you ask?)

all boy

2009-02-18T20:49:00.015-05:00

So Punkin and I went to the local children's museum this week. It was a blast. We had so much fun together - I seriously couldn't believe just how much fun we had. I mean, I don't even remember yelling or getting upset even one time! Success.

Anyway, as I watched Punkin exploring, it struck me how much "boy" he really is. (Not to say girls don't behave similarly, but to me, all I could keep thinking is, "He's such a boy." Don't get me started on the fact that he growing up way too quickly... that's a whole other post or two.)

Punkin loves to watch how things work. He could have stood and watched the balls go around and around in this for hours. Of course, it didn't hurt that he also got to push the balls up a couple of columns to be re-released into the machine.

Another example of this was over the weekend when we were at a mall with an escalator. Punkin and I went up and down about a hundred times (I wish I was exaggerating). Punkin would occassionaly stop at the bottom and just watch the handrails disappear into the middle. A woman commented on him trying to figure out how it worked. She also complimented me on just letting him explore and watch and not rush him. This was a huge compliment to me!

Here's pictures of Punkin in the construction area. I think he went up the ramp, around, and back down pushing the wheelbarrow for about an hour. He would fill the wheelbarrow with "rocks", walk around, dump them out, walk back down, and start all over again. He was completely satisfied doing this over and over and over.

One quick rest for a couple of books.

And of course... the infamous train table. I don't know any boy who doesn't love to play at a train table. Of course, I thought this would be a goldmine at home providing hours of entertainment (read: quiet play while I have time to blog, etc.)... unfortunately, Punkin is much more entertained by train tables anywhere other than home. When we're home, he'd rather play cars with Mama.

But the ultimate example of Punkin being all boy... well, this wasn't at the museum (thankfully), but the Hubs and I were talking on the couch when Punkin started straining and turning red. I knew what was coming, or at least I thought I did, until when he was done, Punkin looks at us and says, "That was a BIG poopie!"

Ah, boys.

(**Note to self: remember the real camera next time... cell phone pictures don't quite capture all the moments.**)

there are no words...

2009-02-17T08:42:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this website: this is why you're fat?

Wow. I'm at a loss for words...

2009-02-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

"The babies everyone wants to see. The mother everyone wants to hear from." (Ann Curry)

Oh really? Am I the only one not interested? Not. One. Bit. Interested.

Seriously, I'm so tired of this story. Yes, I think it's ridiculous. Yes, I think she's crazy. No, I don't want to hear about it anymore.

I want to write so much more about my annoyance with this, but then I suppose, I'd just be perpetuating it myself, so I won't...

we are not alone

2009-01-28T15:18:00.002-05:00

I received an encouring email this week from a friend through my moms group. She sends out weekly emails to the group leaders and this week's story was so good, I wanted to share it. I knew it could benefit others too. So, with her permission, I'm sharing it here:

When I was in elementary school, our family visited Mammoth Cave. Aside from the pool at the hotel and a horseback ride, I don’t carry many fond memories of the trip.

The decent down into the cave was unsettling, even terrifying for an eight year old. With each step, we found ourselves deeper into the bowels of the cave, complete with stalagmites and bats. (I never saw the bats, but I guarantee you they were there.)

The most traumatic moment came, however, when our guide warned us he was about to kill the lights. In just a moment, he said, we would find ourselves in complete darkness. True to his word, the lights snapped off, and all was black. We weren’t even able to see our hand just inches in front of our faces.

I found myself on the verge of panic, knowing the walls were closing in and the bats were coming for me.

But it was then, in the midst of my horror, that the strong, gentle hand of my dad came out of the darkness and rested on my shoulder. “I’m right here, Julie. It’s okay.”

And it was okay. We didn’t leave the darkness or the cave for what felt like hours, but the strength and comfort which blanketed over me at the assurance of Dad’s presence saw me through.

These days of uncertainty, many of us are finding ourselves in a pit. A pit which may have come suddenly as the lights snapped off, or one which we have been descending into slowly over time. And many of us can’t see a way out.

But just like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, even though we are in a pit, we are not in the pit alone.

"So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, 'Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?' 'Yes,' they said, 'we did indeed, Your Majesty.' 'Look!' Nebuchadnezzar shouted. 'I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren't even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being !'" (Daniel 3:23-25)

Oswald Chambers says…
In the midst of the awfulness, a touch comes, and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. The right hand not of restraint nor of correction nor of chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," full of sustaining and comfort and strength. When once His touch comes, nothing at all can cast you into fear again. His tenderness is ineffably sweet. Do I know Him like that? (My Utmost for His Highest, 5/24)

As we navigate these uncertain times, even finding ourselves in a pit, may we be ever mindful of the unwavering presence of our Father beside us.

I love the message expressed in this story. I hope everyone knows the presence of the One who sustains all life. Thanks, Julie, for letting me share your story.

because i said so

2009-01-23T17:15:00.002-05:00

It's true... I've become that mom.

Punkin: I don't want to wear a coat.
Me: You have to - it's cold outside.
P: Why?
M: Because it's winter.
P: Why?
M: Because that's the way the world works.
P: Why?
M: Because God made it that way.
P: Why?
M: Because I said so.

Who knew that was more powerful than God? Only it wasn't, because it's not like the next response wasn't once again, "Why?". But that's when I changed the subject...

So, is it wrong that I think if I start saying, "Because I said so." now while Punkin's 2, that he'll get used to it and start thinking that it's an acceptable response? Yeah, I didn't think so...

sleep, glorious sleep

2009-01-15T11:53:00.004-05:00

So hopefully writing this post won't jinx anything...

We have recently had several nights in a row of Punkin sleeping through the night. Yes, he's over two. Yes, he should have conquered sleeping through the night a long time ago. Actually, there was a time when he did... it's hard to remember though.

Every time we have had a successful few nights, Punkin would get sick or something and then I just had to go in and hold him. Unfortunately, that caused a pattern and soon Punkin was wanting to be held in the middle of the night every night. I was so tired that I didn't put up much of a fight - I figured we'd both get more sleep if I just picked him up and we fell asleep (thankfully our rocker is also a recliner). I've spent so many nights in that recliner, I don't even want to think about it.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of opinions about whether you should let your child cry himself to sleep. I was one who didn't want him to cry "too much" (whatever that means). Over the last couple of weeks, I was trying to pick him up less and just sit in the chair and tell him to sleep in his crib. I tried laying on the floor outside his room and assuring him from there. Nothing worked and I was exhausted. Anyway, to make a long story short, Friday night, the Hubs and I decided that we were not going to go back into Punkin's room until morning (with certain caveats). I have to admit, when Punkin woke up in the middle of the night, I really, really, really wanted to just go in and help him stop crying and help him get back to sleep. But I didn't. And you know, Punkin cried for a lot less time than I thought he would. The next morning, he was all smiles and hugs. He didn't hate me. He wasn't angry. The next few nights the awakenings were for less time.

And then, yup, he got a little cold and his cough came back (the cough is another long story). So, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. He did wake up a few more times in the middle of the night from coughing, but amazingly, he was only awake for about 5 minutes each time - he didn't work himself into a frenzy like he would have before and he was able to put himself back to sleep, even though he wasn't at 100% health. Amazing.

Last night, he didn't cry out at all from the minute he was put in his crib until this morning. I should probably "knock on wood", but I feel like we're finally getting there... I'm sure something else is right around the corner...

sunday reflection

2009-01-11T19:58:00.003-05:00

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet, and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold:

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Ev'ry pow'r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine,

It shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

Words: Frances R. Havergal, 1874.

We sang this hymn in church this morning and the words struck me -- I want this to be the song of my heart. May my life be consecrated to Him and may all I do be for His glory.

where do they come up with these things?

2009-01-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

So, Punkin is taking a bath when he decides that the letter "O" needs some time alone. Here's what the Hubs and I hear:

"You go over here in time-out. You are being a bad boy. Don't move."

Ummm... any ideas where he got that from??? (Though I don't really think I've ever said, "You're being a bad boy" in the midst of putting him in time-out.)

Yeah, so apparently, Punkin's quite familiar with time-out. So, does this mean he's too familiar with it? Is there a rule for this? I have no idea, but it seems to be an effective form of discipline to make Punkin stop what he's doing and to calm down for a few minutes. The majority of the time, the simple question, "Do you need a time-out?" causes Punkin to stop, think, and decide no, he doesn't, and do something else. Sometimes, he chooses to keep doing what he's doing and gets put in time-out. Afterwards, he's always apologetic and goes back and corrects the behavior. As long as it's working, I guess I shouldn't question it...

connect the dots

2009-01-05T15:19:00.006-05:00

So, in response to my previous post "what does this mean?"...

It's still a guessing game. The Punkin has been through so many allergy tests and I really thought we'd have all the answers after today's visit... turns out we just got more conflicting information...

So, as a recap (of only the most recent tests):
Blood shows allergies to: peanuts, wheat, dairy, eggs
Skin prick test shows allergies to: eggs, corn, mustard seed, cats, but not to peanuts, wheat, or dairy
Skin patch test shows allergies to: peanuts, wheat (small reaction), dairy, corn, turkey(!), green beans, but not eggs

Yeah... anyone care to tell me what we're supposed to do with that information?

In addition to the food allergies, the other complex issue is that Punkin also has eosiniphilic espophagitis (ee). This basically means he has white spots/stripes (eosiniphils) in his esophagus. Normally you should have 0 eosiniphils in an esophagus; his last biopsy showed 60+ per area (anything over 15 is considered having ee). On the plus side, he doesn't have most of the symptoms of ee (vomiting, not thriving, difficulty swallowing, etc.).

The allergist is going to a conference in early March where he'd like to discuss Punkin's case with a few other doctors... that's always encouraging...
Off to send the photo of Punkin's back to the allergist so he has it for his files...

what does this mean?

2009-01-04T22:40:00.002-05:00

We'll find out in the morning...

it's not about me

2009-01-03T22:57:00.005-05:00

A great article on the pressure we put on our kids (and ourselves) to live up to certain expectations. Although Punkin is only 2, it's a good reminder that he is a unique individual and I need to let him be who he is and not push him to be who I want him to be. I know I'll need to come back to this many times in the future to remind myself to let go...

http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/2008/novdec/14.23.html

If I'm honest with myself, I know I need to apply this to my own life and be who I am and not let outside pressures/expectations try to force me into the world's ideas of who I should be.

what goes bump in the night?

2009-01-01T15:14:00.004-05:00

... a 2 year old who decides 4 am is the best time to try climbing out of his crib for the first time.

Ugh. Thankfully, he didn't hurt himself. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will have scared himself enough not to try that again. I really don't want to attempt the switch to the "big boy bed" yet. I'm just not ready for that. I know he can sleep in a big boy bed (he sleeps on a cot for naps 3 days a week), but I don't want the struggles that I know will ensue of him staying in his bed/room every night. I already don't get enough sleep as it is...

and so it begins...

2009-01-01T00:35:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2009...

waiting... no more

2008-12-31T10:49:00.004-05:00

It seems like I'm always waiting for something... something to happen that says, "Okay, NOW life can start". I'm tired of waiting. I want 2009 to be a year that I DO rather than sit by and wait for something to happen.

So that probably means I need to do something to ensure that happens.

In 2009, I'd like to:

- figure out what my real purpose is. I know I can do more than I'm currently doing. I know I can affect more people's lives. I know I can be used to serve God in a better, more effective way.

- be more organized. This is always something I *want*, but not something I do much about (beyond the rush of last-minute cleaning before guests arrive - which reminds me...). I'd love to have a place for everything and have everything in its place. That means I'm going to have to do some SERIOUS work.

- start scrapbooking. I have always wanted to scrapbook. You wouldn't believe the arsenal of supplies I have that have barely been touched. What a waste if I do nothing with it. I think the first step will be convincing myself that it doesn't have to be perfect, but to just dig in and see what happens.

- start cooking more. I probably could have left that last word off and been more accurate. I have grand ideas of having weekly menus and creating healthy meals for my family. Instead, I sit back and ask the hubs, "What's for dinner?". I'm lucky that he likes to cook, but seriously, I need to get on the ball and contribute!

- And of course, the goal that seems to always be around at the start of every new year... lose weight. Rather than just hope for it and try a little bit, I know I need to do a lot to make this happen. One step would be to actually strive for the previous goal (cooking). And of course, there's always exercise. Yeah, I hate exercising - well, that's not entirely true - I do like some forms of exercise. I just don't make the time for it.

That seems to be the problem for most of my wants - I don't make the time. I waste time instead. Perhaps that should be my main goal for 2009. MAKE TIME. Oh, and stop being lazy.