Meet Charlie & Lola

No, not that Charlie & Lola, though they are my favorites! This weekend we decided that the time was right for our little Dr. Dolittle to get his first pet(s). We made a spur of the moment decision while at Costco that we could go to the pet store across the parking lot and let Remy look at the fish. We should have known ourselves enough to know that was a big mistake... we are not good at leaving anywhere empty-handed. We really didn't want fish, though that would have been Rem's first choice, so we decided on the African Dwarf frog. Two tiny little frogs and two snails to keep the tank clean(er). We marched home with a tiny little tank and our new brood of pets and set up house. So far, so good...

But that is not the end of the story, my friends. As you can tell in the last picture, the tank is not the same as it was on day one. I'm sure you are just dying to know why, and I would hate to keep you in the dark. Well, Sunday morning we awaken to one frog not doing so hot. Still alive, but on his back. 'Charlie is sick!' Remy announces as he comes into our room. So on his way home from church Trace takes Charlie back to the pet store. He comes home with a 'healthy' Charlie to Lola not acting so hot. He then calls the pet store only to find out that you have to treat tap water before it is safe for frogs... no one bothered to tell us this the first two times at their store. Oh, and one more thing, naive new pet owners, frogs really like to have a bigger tank with something to play/hide in. So off Trace and Remy go AGAIN to the pet store. This time to pick out a nice big tank and a house for them to play in. And they (Charlie #2 and Lola #2 if anyone is counting...) lived happily ever after. Or at least they seem pretty happy today, which is only day 3, I know. It never ends.

And here are a few shots of 'Hallelujah' in her favorite spot. It's mostly because she can now get up there herself, I think, but she spends an awful lot of time there.

Friday Love

Today I'm loving this sibling love-fest from my two favorite little people, and I thought I would share it with you. And no one got hurt... that in itself is a miracle!

I'm also loving:

~that after living in our apartment for about 10 months our fridge decided to start making ice. Seriously, that is the weirdest thing!

~that we got to spend some time (finally- our schedules never match up) with this family. You should check out their story and ways to get involved. They are completely sold out to what God has called them to do- And they are selling all their stuff and living the calling, which is awesome!

~the new(ish) Shane Claiborne book about prayer. I have been waiting on it from the library for like 6 months, and it finally came in. I'm only through the intro and first chapter, but it looks to be a great, eye-opening read, as have been his other books.

~last but not least~ As we were leaving our friends' house last night Remy said 'We'll see y'all later!'. His first Y'ALL! I am thrilled to hear this in his vocabulary! My little southern boy... Love him!

I hope y'all have a great weekend full of things that make your heart happy! See ya!

The Happy Accident

Some accidents are not so good:

~Remy missing the potty and proceeding to slip & slide in the bathroom; Yuck! (Oh, and a shout out to Aunt Jenny, Uncle Shane, and Reese who showed Remy what a slip & slide is... Thanks, guys!)

~Sewing my finger to a pair of booties; no good.

~Getting my lip busted from a violent nap time kiss just a few moments ago; not my favorite thing...

You get the point. But through a cutting mishap I ended up with these little shoes. I was testing out a pattern and cut into some beloved fabric scraps. (Rule #1 should be 'Don't use good fabric when not sure of one's pattern!') A miscalculation led to not having enough of either fabric for a full set. I made them anyway, still wanting to see the pattern in the end stages. There was no turning back.

As they sat on my table for more than a week they grew on me. In fact, if my Halle had teeny-tiny feet still, I'd snag them for her. But alas, she grows. (Sniff, sniff, sigh) So I'm putting them in the shop hoping that someone will love them for their own 'sweet thing'. Here's to making lemonade!

The Lunch Box

We entered into day two of the search for the perfect lunch box. One would think that going to preschool for one day a week wouldn't merit such a hunt, but indeed it did. We went to the big red bullseye yesterday, and Rem was none too keen on any of theirs. I wasn't looking forward to packing some terrible character-themed box for the year, so I wasn't too upset about not finding one. When we arrived home I showed him a few online, and he decided that he did like this one in the skateboard print camo. (He is really into skateboards right now, which is strange because he's never even used one.)

After Halle's nap this morning we headed to the mall in search of that exact lunch box. Luckily they had it in stock. We happily paid for it (well, he was happy... I thought it was pretty expensive!). I handed Remy the bag as we headed out of the store, he looked inside and said 'What good is a lunch box if it doesn't come with lunch?'. Good question, little man.

Oh, and I managed to list a few things last night in my shop... check 'em out if you get a sec!

Monday Random-ness

We had a pretty good weekend with only one minor setback. (I say minor, but I think if you asked Trace about changing our dead car battery in our apartment parking lot he might call it something else.) The weather was wonderful!

If you want a picture of the 'Curly Girly' these days, chances are she'll be eating. She is VERY serious about her snacks, and usually isn't far from her snack trap (which, in my opinion is one of the most fantastic inventions for children!! This is our favorite.).

Saturday morning:

Sunday afternoon:

Here's Remy doing some sort of pose for the camera. I think he looks like a ninja or something...?

I also had my first custom order from etsy this weekend. These shoes with a matching bib and burp cloth turned out so cute! I think I may have enough of the fabrics left to make a few more.

This is a dress that I've been working on. I sort of folded on the ruffles for the front, and it turned out just like I had imagined it, which is always an unexpected bonus. The lighting wasn't great when I took the picture, but you get the idea... It should be in the shop along with several other things later this week.

Hope y'all have a great Monday. I'd better get off of here before Miss Halle's snack cup is empty. =)

Friday Love

Today I love:

~That Trace isn't working late tonight

~nap time coffee and that both littles are asleep soundly at the same time

~Remy's new school. My hands are already a bit clammy at the thought of dropping him off on his first day, but we have found a wonderful program that he will attend for one day a week starting in September. After taking a tour he was practically begging me to leave him there. Plus Miss Carolyn, the director, told him that we would need to buy a special lunch box for him to take- with that he was sold!

~That this weekend we are getting to see my Aunt and Uncle from Washington that I haven't seen since I was in middle school. I love the chance to catch up and show off the wee ones a bit.

~These little people... The thing that amazes me as I look into these sweet sleeping faces is that there is so much promise there. Remy expects a new day each time he wakes up (which is why it's so hard for him to tell the days apart, but that's another story...) and with each new awakening everything is fresh again. There aren't grudges or lingering disappointments... What a lesson, right?

Psalm 30:4-5

Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hungry

Psalm 17: 14b-15

You still the hunger of those you cherish;

their sons have plenty,

and they store up wealth for their children.

And I-in righteousness I will see your face,

when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

It was funny to me this morning that I was reading a verse about hunger when I am on day three of a self-imposed 'Boot Camp' of diet and exercise. I think I am indeed hungry! But (again) God gently reminded me that he is all I need, and that truly I am not hungry for food- just addicted to it in true American form. All of chapter 17 is a beautiful example of how to pray and how to live... a tall order. In verse 1 David declares his plea to be righteous. He is certain of the condition of his heart (v. 1-5) even going so far as to say that God will find nothing sinful (v. 3). Awesome! Can I say these things?

Thinking about being hungry... literally and figuratively. When so many are in need right now, but not just for physical food, but also for a Savior. Hunger. Do I? I love that these verse come full circle- "You still the hunger..." How? "I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." The word 'likeness' to me says several things. Not just seeing God, though I do believe it means that, but also seeing God in the things around me. I can see his likeness in my husband, in my children, in creation, and by being aware of his presence in those things I am satisfied. Those things even help me to be more in his likeness to others- and that's the goal, right?

Just some thoughts for today... Happy Wednesday!

God as Crafter and cookies

Several weeks ago our pastor set up an image for us of intimacy with God. For him, as he pictured spending time with God, he saw the space as a smoking lounge and of himself pulling up a chair next to a fire with God, sharing a fine cigar and deep, meaningful conversation. That is who God is to him. He then challenged us to journal/blog about our own intimate place where we can hear (and be heard by) God. I have thought a lot about this. I think I am closest to God, and myself maybe, when I am working with my hands creating something. I imagine God feeling at home on a chair in my studio (I know, I know, some might call it my dining room...) and creating together. Let's face it, one cannot look at this amazing world around us and not see that God is the Ultimate Crafter!!

Although I'd not pinpointed it until just now, I think this closeness with God is a big part of why I make things. When I sit at my table, it's usually during nap time, and aside from the hum of my sewing machine, it's quiet. I can hear myself think and can allow God to speak to me. This is intimacy, and I realize I need to shut out the noise and find this time with him more often!

I love all the references in the Bible to God as Creator. Remy and I recently worked our way through a Veggie Tales book about the creation story in Genesis. It's so fantastic to see Remy's face light up with wonder asking 'Did God make this?' and 'How did he do that?' One of my favorite verses is Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

So where is it that you find God?

And on a completely different note, I have to pass along this recipe. I think it was Amy from Angry Chicken that referenced Small magazine a while back, and while skimming it, I found this amazing recipe. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies. If you know me, you know I make cookies several times a week and consider myself a bit of a cookie expert (or just an addict, I'm not sure where the line is). So when I tell you that these are really the most amazing cookies I have ever made, I'm not kidding around. They are so incredible that you should make a batch right this minute!! They require no strange ingredients and turn out just like the photo. I am in love!

Proverbs 16:9 Memory Monday

So it seems like Remy has gotten the short end of the picture-stick lately, what with Halle being my top model and all, so here's a shot of the man himself at the mall in the helicopter. (Yes, I have huge issues with the germs on those things, but if you could see the joy in his eyes that 75 cents can bring, you would decide it's worth the disinfectant post-ride wipe down.) We were lucky that Trace didn't have to go in to work until noon today, so Remy chose to go to his favorite spot and see the sights. He is my child, and he picks the mall EVERY time!

Not to be outdone, here's Sweet Thing #2 strutting around and modeling some new shoes I made...

My verse for last week was Proverbs 16:9, and here it is from memory:

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord orders his steps.

Well, short as it was, I must admit that I had a refresher earlier this morning. The point of the verse stuck with me all week, but for some reason the word order didn't. This one was a little hard for me, as I think it applied so much to my situation this week. I have blogged before that I struggle with depression on an ongoing basis. Each time I start to feel a bit 'dark', for lack of a better term, I come back to the real heart of the issue. For me I look at my life and find reasons, real or imagined, at why my disappointment and depression are pointed at God. I have had my course planned since I was young- what I thought life should/would be. And so many things have happened along the way that have changed the course of things. We are so fortunate that Trace's work has picked up a bit, but he is not doing a job that he feels called to do. And the job he feels called to do doesn't seem to be panning out the way we felt like it would... so we're at a kind of stand still- and that is frustrating!! That is why this verse has struck such a chord with me this week. My course, my plans, will not come to fruition if not aligned with the plan God has for us. So my prayer has been that God reveal his plan for us, and that he order our steps accordingly.

I'm not sure exactly what direction my study will take me this week, so I don't yet know my verse. I think I'll just keep heading down this road of searching out God's direction. Vague, I know, but it's where I'm at... Have a great day!

Oh, the places you'll go!

Well, Halle is starting to walk more, and she is definitely climbing more! Just about anything that is a foot or so off the ground is fair game. Here's a look at where she's been this week:

The car drawer of Remy's train table is a favorite perch. From here she has enjoyed several snacks and loves handing Remy his cars one at a time. He takes them, makes a giant pile and squeals "This is a disaster!!" Fun for everyone, except when it comes time to clean up all those cars.

Here she is on Remy's potty. I have wonderful fantasies that she knows what she is doing and that she will be potty trained by 18 months... Just kidding, I'm not that insane.

This is the box from our CSA. Remy told me the other day that she must be "Farm Fresh".

I have also added a few new things to the shop, so check it out!! I'll see ya tomorrow with my verse for the week.

Shop Update 8/13/09

Good morning! Just a quick hello, as I am being beckoned to play Chutes and Ladders with the littles. We are doing our best to stay cool while Trace is working a ton this week. I did an update in my shop, and you can check it out here (or from the link on the sidebar...). I have added a few dresses, as modeled here by my best girl and some bib sets that would make great gifts. Have a great day!

Monday madness: a random entry with several topics...

First some awesome news: we received a letter this week from our adopted son, Nthiani, whom we sponsor through Compassion International. We have sponsored him for more than two years now, and this month he turns five. He told us in his letter that in January he received Christ as his savior at a Compassion project in his village in Kenya. Hooray!! If you have ever considered child sponsorship, Compassion is a wonderful organization. You can make a huge difference in the life of a child! We love receiving Nthiani's letters and pictures, and we love sending him letters and pictures in return. Every night we pray for him with Remy before bed, and it is so special to hear our little guy lift up Nthiani in prayer. I'm going to add a link on the sidebar if you're interested.

I know it's Memory Monday, too, and I must be honest: I am way behind on the verse from Proverbs. I am really going to try to do it for next week. I know that it's one I need.

Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Here are a few more random pictures from our trip to OK. My sister has some other great ones on her blog, if you want to check them out. I will try to get some more on Flickr soon, but as for the blog, I'm moving on...

These dolls (and matching dress) were made for Halle by my terribly crafty mother for her first birthday, which we celebrated on August 1st. She got the pattern from here after I saw them and fell in love with them. There names are Olive and Archie, and Halle loves them nearly as much as I do, I think! They have been carted everywhere in her new doll stroller and are given wet, slobbery kisses regularly.

I can't believe that it's been a year already since Halle was born. She is such a sweet little firecracker, and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.

On Saturday we had a few friends over to commemorate her birthday. At first she was a little tentative with the cake, but once she realized we weren't going to fuss at her for getting messy, she dug right in. Like her mother, she couldn't get enough buttercream!

I have been getting a lot done at my sewing machine in the last week, and I am hoping that by tomorrow I will have a bunch of things to put into my etsy shop. I was also thinking about having my first little blog giveaway- does that interest anyone? Please check back soon!

And we're back!

Well, after the last week of chasing wee people all around Oklahoma, we need a bit of a vacation from our vacation. I have about a zillion pics to wade through, but here are a few to get started. Remy had fun getting to know his 5 year old cousin, Reese. The weather wasn't too hot, and we did all sorts of fun things.

Reese showed Remy (aka the melon head in the huge helmet) how to ride a scooter and bike.

The slip-n-slide was a big hit. Remy had seen the pictures of it on my sister's blog and had greatly anticipated it. Here's Reese making a big splash. This is one of my favorite pics from the week.

Remy did like to slide, but he prefered to just stand in the pool of water at the end.

My sister, Jenny, is reading to the boys before bed.

We called this booster seat Halle's 'throne' because she sat on it every chance she got. She has to put her new climbing skills to the test, I think, and it was the perfect height for a snacking spot.

I'll post again as soon as I get through the other pictures. I did post some we had taken of the three on Flickr, which you can link to at the side bar. Later!