Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for P-man wanting to help me with everything, even if it mostly just slows me down or makes a bigger mess. ;)

Washing Dishes

I'm thankful for Parker's new bath markers and crayons. Getting him in the tub is easy as pie now! The crayons are kinda messy, but it's well worth cleaning the tub every day to have a less stressful bath time experience.

He always asks me to draw "Happy Parker" and "Sad Parker"

I'm thankful for our nice walk to the park and the visit to our old neighbor Carly at her new house.


I'm thankful that Parker is interested in the world around him. Even if that means on every walk/tricycle ride I have to tell him the make and model of every vehicle we pass. *laugh* I'm learning a lot about cars because of this kid.

I'm thankful we are getting closer to owning our own place, and it's going to be brand spanking new! Whoever created laws stating that new developments had to incorporate low-income housing... well, may God bless you! ;)

I'm thankful for Gma and Gpa Munns always helping me with Parker.

And I'm thankful that our place is a little cleaner again... for now.

Peek-A-Boo Blinds

Wordless Wednesday

Recognizing More Words

(FB users please click on View Original Post to watch video)

OH MY GOSH!

My Facebook friends have already seen this, but I just had to blog it as well for those of you who are not on FB and who might also be Huell Howser/California's Gold fans.

Our friend posted a link on FB to this YouTube video:


And this is Dada and Pman watching it:


This post is dedicated to my Dad, AKA Eartaste, AKA Grandpa Soos...

HAPPY TRIPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

Late Thankful Thursday

I got caught up cleaning and what-not today, so this is very late, but at least it's not never.
Does that make any sense?

1. I'm thankful for a great time at Disneyland for Dada's birthday. The weather was perfect, Parker was a super good boy, and it was lots of fun.
2. I'm thankful to Jake's family for joining us and helping out so much with Parker at Disneyland.
   
3. I'm thankful for the box of books my little sister sent me for no reason other than to share! Whoo-hoo!
4. I'm thankful Jake was home today and I could get some decent cleaning done while he played with Parker.
5. I'm thankful Jake's home tomorrow, too!
   
6. I'm thankful for Parker coming up to me this evening after dinner and saying out of the blue, "good job making dinner, Mama." What a sweetheart.
   
7. I'm thankful Jake caught that the stove burner was left on for a few hours after I made dinner and that I didn't burn the house down. Oops!
   

Wow, Is That Little Jar of Powder Enough for That Bum-Bum?

Dada, Parker will be doing this again for you not too long from now - right before he puts us in a nursing home. Cheers to growing old(er)! We love you bunches and bunches!

Happy Birthday!





Jake's face upon seeing this.

Adventure Walk in our Complex

On one of our adventure walks around the neighborhood, I was trying to capture a picture of a ladybug that P and I were admiring and was not having any luck.

Do you see the ladybug? Didn't think so.

I kept thinking about my sister Sarah and how she's able to get such clear pictures of up close things and it inspired me to try messing around with our camera to see what it could do. I didn't expect much since it's just a cheap little digital thing and there's really no such thing as a manual setting, but I found that if I changed to different pre-set modes, I could get much better results! These photos were taken on a lower quality setting and have been re-sized for faster uploading, but I think they weren't too bad (for me, anyway... these look pathetic next to Sarah's).

Stopping to smell the flowers...

Walking on...

Tried to get the flower AND Parker clear. Didn't work so well.

Look closely. Can you see the bee flying next to the flower?

View from the hill

Just a cool plant

Water grate

Crazy clouds that day

Parker and I tried a new church today that a friend (and fellow blogger) told me about. It's called The Shoreline and it is held at a local school in San Clemente.

'the shoreline' theme verse:
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on the shoreline, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11)

This church is casual and fun. I was mostly thrilled to discover that they are going through whole books of the Bible, instead of topical preaching. Not that there's anything wrong with topical preaching, but at the moment I am trying to read through the Bible and one of their goals as a church is to read the whole Bible in a year. Our goals match up! There are also lots of opportunities for service and volunteering and getting to know other people. Parker also did really well in the toddler room, even though the service was over an hour and a half long. He seemed to enjoy it as much as I did! I'm excited to go back next week.

Today we read through 1 Samuel 21... and we got homework for the week! Pretty cool. Psalms 34, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59 and 142 were supposedly written during the time frame of 1 Samuel 21. So we are encouraged to read one Psalm each day this next week. It will be neat to line up what David was going through when he was writing different Psalms. Reading through this chapter in 1 Samuel was exciting for me because I recently read through Matthew and the story of the disciples eating grain on the Sabbath was still fresh in my head. That is where Jesus references David eating the holy bread on the Sabbath. I didn't know where in the Bible Jesus was referencing... turns out it's 1 Samuel 21. Hey, whaddya know?

After my last post regarding my spiritual quest, I had several people contact me with advice and encouragement. One thing my Aunt Barbi said to me really hit home. She reminded me that sometimes God uses tools to bring us back to Him, but that the tool isn't necessarily the answer; in other words, God knew I needed a jump start (and kick in the bum) and he may have used Liz and Arlene to bring me back to Him, but that doesn't mean that their religion is His path for me. God works in mysterious ways, right?

Speaking of which, my hubby did some research on the Jehovah's Witnesses and shared some interesting information with me. Some of it doesn't ring true with what Liz and Arlene have already shared with me, and I am very curious to see what they have to say on these different matters, but so far if even half of these things are true, I could never join the Jehovah's Witnesses.

This list lines up closely with what I've already learned about the JW group.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witness3.htm

This one lists some strange stuff, but not sure how accurate it is.
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/reasons.html

Therapist (and former JW) describes mind control (cult-like tendencies) of JW group.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vISWAgy_emg&feature=related

I know my blogs lately have been kind of serious, but don't worry, I plan to post some more fun P-man stuff soon!

My Spiritual Quest

I am taking advantage of the little guy being with his Gma and Gpa Munns today and have spent most of the morning reading the Bible and journaling. I had this strong urge to share some things that have been weighing on me lately.

First of all, I have continued my weekly Bible study with Liz and Arlene, two members of the Jehovah's Witness group. I have done so because 1) it is so much easier to understand the Bible and keep reading it when you have people guiding you and encouraging you, 2) these women are warm and friendly and 3) I feel like God led them to me for a reason.

Which leads me to the next issue. My family and friends (this means you) think I'm nuts. That I'm going to get swept up in their way of life. And now I'm beginning to wonder, what's really wrong with that if I do? I understand that they are ridiculed because they go door to door preaching about God (Jehovah) and Jesus and that makes people UNCOMFORTABLE. We want to live our lives the way we choose. What's easy for us. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, yadda yadda yadda.

Here's what I know. I was unhappy and lost for a long time. During this time, I often thought about the happiest point in my life and honestly it was during my first years in college when I was active with the Otter Christian Fellowship and studying the Bible. I kept wondering why I was so happy then and not now. I have everything I always wanted. A loving, devoted husband and a beautiful son to share my life with. But something didn't feel right. Something was missing. It was my faith in God. And when these women persisted at knocking on my door, I truly believe something outside of myself let them come inside. And when they started getting me to read the Bible again, it was as though I stumbled across an old friend that I hadn't seen in years and we picked up right where we left off. But now that we realize how much we missed each other and what a great thing our friendship is, we have more reason to keep it strong and not lose each other again.

So I wonder, must not there be more people out there like me? Who might welcome someone, even a stranger, to warmly and humbly guide them to having a personal relationship with God? Isn't that what Jesus preached that we should do? Today I was reading a lot in Acts and so much of what the disciples and Jesus follower's experienced reminds me of the Jehovah's Witnesses. No matter where the disciples went, there were always people who turned to Jesus because of their teachings, and there were always religious leaders that ridiculed Jesus and the disciples. Hmm... interesting. Why is it that the Jehovah's Witnesses are ridiculed, especially by other Christian churches? Well, I'm trying really hard to find out. So far, I have not stumbled across anything that has stood out as unbiblical in their beliefs. Until I do, I see no harm in continuing to read the Bible with them and gaining a stronger relationship with God. In fact, I am strongly considering attending one of their weekly gatherings where I think it would be more clear to me or not whether something doesn't feel spiritually sound.

Depending on what more I find, I just might have to "eat my words" on a previous post. I know my husband is probably upset reading this now and may even be embarrassed by it. But know I still love you hunny and I hope you can accept that I'm trying to change myself not just for me, but so that I can be a better and happier wife and mommy. I'm not saying yet that I will join their group, but I am saying that I have not completely shut that door. All I am asking for is an open heart, love, and compassion while I take this spiritual journey and try to find the right path, God's path, for my life.

Thankful Thursday

1. I'm thankful for my new running shoes. Fit like they were custom made for me.
2. I'm thankful for long walks.
3. I'm thankful for prayer time with Parker yesterday (a blog for another day).
4. I'm thankful that my new journal from Sara has already inspired some writing (not poetry though... yet).
5. I'm thankful our TV is fixed.
6. I'm thankful for dental insurance. Having a root canal performed today! Boo. Let's hope this one actually makes the pain less instead of worse like the last one.
   
7. I'm thankful I'm almost done writing this and I'm not embarrassed to use the toilet in front of my hubby because at the time of writing this, I REALLY have to "go" and he is in our only restroom brushing his teeth. Thank goodness (especially for his sake), it's just number 1.

Easter Sunday

We had a nice relaxing Easter. We've all been a little under the weather. Not sure if it's a cold or not; it's been mostly sore throats and a little dry coughing (and Dada's been suffering from additional new medication side effects. No fun)! But just in case we're contagious, we opted not to go to church and spread more germs around. Fortunately, although Parker's been coughing all night the last few nights, he's only asked for me once and it was just to "tuck him in." I'm not sure he was even really all the way awake.

Thanks to the Capra's (um, I mean the Easter Bunny), Parker got a really cool Easter Basket! We "hid" it in our room and told him that Baby Jesus and Baby Lily left him a present. I tried to tell him the Easter story beforehand and Dada thought I was crazy. Like a 2 year old is going to understand, right? He certainly understood a present though! He was so excited when he saw it. He wanted to have the truck basket with him all day. I took him on a little trip to the grocery store and he had to bring it there, too. And he wanted it with him in quiet time, too. Very cute.

He loved the Whopper malt eggs!

Opening the card from Cousin Lily.

Getting a glimpse of the monkey in a bunny suit.

Hey, they look alike!

He could do this all day...

Later in the afternoon, Grandma Connie and Grandpa Dan came over to have a BBQ dinner with us. Everything turned out great and we had lots of fun.

Enjoying the meal... wait, what's wrong with this picture?

Parker was so happy to see his Gma and Gpa, and kept thanking them for coming over. He even wanted to go home with them! Fortunately he settled down for bed quickly, pooped out from all the excitement of the day.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that we live in a beautiful area.

I'm thankful for forgiveness, God's and people's.

I'm thankful for another visit with Christine and Sara.

I'm thankful for their beautiful, thoughtful gifts.

I'm thankful for the sun peeking out.

I'm thankful for my hubby's hard work, at the office and at home.

I'm thankful for God always blessing us with just what we need.

Plates

I think food is on my mind a lot this week... I found these kids plates at Target in the $1 section awhile back and I just had to share that it was the best buy ever! The sections keep food separated for those kids that don't like different things touching. Granted, we're pretty fortunate that P-man is generally a good eater, but these plates have really helped him to chow down the veggies. See this pic? Look closely at the animals...

About halfway into the meal

He likes putting "eyes" on the animals with different veggies (especially peas). The first time I did it I was afraid of his reaction. Would he be freaked out and not want to eat their eyes? No! He thought that it was really cool and ate them all up! Yay!

Then of course, the other special thing about these plates is the littlest section especially for dipping sauces. He loves salad with uncooked spinach and carrots as long as he gets to dip everything generously into salad dressing! One other thing I've learned about Parker is that if I start out with smaller portions, he is more likely to go at it and eat everything and ask for more. If I put too much on his plate it's almost as though he gets overwhelmed by the amount in front of him. These plates help me remember how small his tummy is!

All done. Not bad!

Chicken Pot Pie

Another family favorite I thought I'd share. Great comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, cubed
  
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
  
• 1 cup chopped potato
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed
• 1 14 oz. can chicken broth (or 1 & 3/4 cups)
• 2/3 cup milk
  
• 2 Deep dish 9 inch unbaked pie crusts (frozen or your favorite pie crust recipe from scratch)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
2. In saucepan, combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery & peas. Add water to cover and boil 15 minutes.
3. If frozen, take pie crusts out to thaw (HINT: turn one upside down on the provided wax paper for easier removal from pan later).
   
4. In the meantime, in another saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft & translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper & celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth & milk. Simmer over med-low heat until thick.
   
5. Place chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour liquid mix over. Cover with top crust. Seal edges & cut away excess dough. Make several slits to allow steam to escape. Mine always looks messy when I'm done, but it still tastes good!
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Great with side salad and cornbread!

Mama Smells Like Monkey Balls

One day I was trying to get P-man to rest but he was too antsy so I thought I'd try a game my sisters and I used to play many moons ago when we were trying to fall asleep. It was called "Whoever Talks First." One of us would proclaim, "whoever talks first smells like_________!" or "whoever talks first is ____________!" and then we'd count down. So I tried to explain the game to P (knowing full well he wouldn't get it) and then I said, "Whoever talks first smells like monkey balls! OK, when I count to three, no talking or you'll smell like monkey balls! 1...2...3..." And of course, not too long afterward, P-man exclaimed, "Mama smells like monkey balls!" I cracked up so he repeated it over and over and now it's a running joke.

Later on, I told my sister Sarah about it, who told my mom about it, who asked that I try to get it on video for her to see. Well, it's hard to get a toddler to fully cooperate with the camera, so I had a long boring video with a few good parts. Fortunately, my hubby showed me how to use Windows Movie Maker (which I forgot I even had on the computer) and I learned how to edit my videos! Cool. So now I was able to put together the best parts I could get on video. Here ya go, mom!

(As usual, Facebook users will have to click the button "View Original Post" to watch the video)

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful today is a lazy laundry day. I needed a break from doing "stuff!"

I'm thankful P is sitting on my lap.

I'm thankful for the beautiful roses from my hubby.

I'm thankful for ALL the birthday wishes and gifts I received!

I'm thankful for spice cake with powdered sugar and praline ice cream.

I'm thankful we got to see Annie Banannie for free at the library yesterday!

And I'm especially thankful it's almost lunchtime so I have an excuse to eat again... and maybe dig into some more cake, too. Oink, oink! As P always says: "Mama's a piggy now!"

Park Time with Dada

It seems like lately we don't often get quality three amigo fun time. Our weeknights are usually busy with eating dinner and then straight to getting P-man ready for bed. And our weekends have been pretty full lately with house hunting amongst lots of other activities. So, when we finally got to go to the park a couple of weekends ago, all three of us, I just had to take some pictures of the little guy with his favorite dude, Dada.