Thursday, January 31, 2008
Update on Abby
Sadly, I don't have anything to report in terms of improvement, because really there hasn't been any. We get little flashes of hope now and then--"She actually ate an entire breakfast!" or "Her fever stayed down 4 hours after her Tylenol wore off!"--but she always goes back to her miserable, fevery, coughy sleeping-on-mommy self. Today was day 9. We've done a chest x-ray, a blood draw, and a urinalysis so far to determine the cause; at this point the x-ray and a couple blood tests are the only things that have come back, and they've all been negative, which is good since they would have shown scary things. The doctor really thinks it's just a horrific influenza, and said the fever could last 10 days. If that's the case, we should see some significant improvement by the weekend. We should also get the results of most of the other tests tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
FotF revisited
Focus on the Family finally added Ron Paul to their list of candidates. Thanks to those of you who brought their error to their attention!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Fever, I curse thee!
Abby is one sick little girl. I feel so bad for her! Today is day five of this awful fever that simply won't stop. Actually, I take that back--it does stop now and then; last night she was totally fever-free--but it always comes back. She woke up fine, but now, two hours later, is asleep on the couch and her temperature is 103.9.
Fevers are one of those things that really freak me out. I think because of all the books I've read set back in the 1800's when people died from them (supposedly) or became blind or deaf. Like Mary in the Little House on the Prairie books. But my head knows that it's not the fever that's to blame, it's whatever infection is in there that, back then, they didn't know about and couldn't see. All they saw was the fever, so that's what got blamed.
I have this awesome book called, "Raising a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor." The fever chapter is so interesting. Apparently the body will not allow its temperature to reach 106 if the cause is an infection or something viral. It will always cycle itself down. And under 106 fevers don't do damage--it's the ones above that which are caused by things like poisoning or heatstroke that can actually harm you. And, of course, it talks about how the fever is your body's way of killing off whatever you're sick with, so trying to reduce the fever just suppresses your immune system and keeps you sicker longer.
So I've been pretty good about resisting the urge to pump her with Tylenol or sponge her down, though I have caved a couple times. Yesterday she stopped eating or drinking, and that really worried me, so we gave her some Tylenol and she perked up in, like, ten minutes! I got some food in her, and a bunch of water, before her fever went up again and she was back to being miserable. Hopefully she won't do that to me again today. I can handle the fever; I can't handle the thought of her getting dehydrated.
So it looks like my birthday will be spent in the same manner as the last three days have been: on the couch with a hot little body curled up on my lap, or else wandering around the backyard with her in my arms. (every once in a while she'll say, "Outside!" I feel like we should have her in a robe on a deck chair with a quilt tucked around her legs. The Morrow Convalescent Home.) I'm going to need some serious chiropractic care after all this is over. And a massage. Mmmmm, massage...
Fevers are one of those things that really freak me out. I think because of all the books I've read set back in the 1800's when people died from them (supposedly) or became blind or deaf. Like Mary in the Little House on the Prairie books. But my head knows that it's not the fever that's to blame, it's whatever infection is in there that, back then, they didn't know about and couldn't see. All they saw was the fever, so that's what got blamed.
I have this awesome book called, "Raising a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor." The fever chapter is so interesting. Apparently the body will not allow its temperature to reach 106 if the cause is an infection or something viral. It will always cycle itself down. And under 106 fevers don't do damage--it's the ones above that which are caused by things like poisoning or heatstroke that can actually harm you. And, of course, it talks about how the fever is your body's way of killing off whatever you're sick with, so trying to reduce the fever just suppresses your immune system and keeps you sicker longer.
So I've been pretty good about resisting the urge to pump her with Tylenol or sponge her down, though I have caved a couple times. Yesterday she stopped eating or drinking, and that really worried me, so we gave her some Tylenol and she perked up in, like, ten minutes! I got some food in her, and a bunch of water, before her fever went up again and she was back to being miserable. Hopefully she won't do that to me again today. I can handle the fever; I can't handle the thought of her getting dehydrated.
So it looks like my birthday will be spent in the same manner as the last three days have been: on the couch with a hot little body curled up on my lap, or else wandering around the backyard with her in my arms. (every once in a while she'll say, "Outside!" I feel like we should have her in a robe on a deck chair with a quilt tucked around her legs. The Morrow Convalescent Home.) I'm going to need some serious chiropractic care after all this is over. And a massage. Mmmmm, massage...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Shame on you, Focus on the Family!
There's no love lost between me and FotF, but had I been a supporter I would have withdrawn it over this. I (naively, I know) expect organizations like theirs to give us the side of the story that the mainstream media buries, but in this case they're just as bad. Check out their presidential candidate page and ask yourself who's missing. Is it "I don't salute the flag" Obama? Is it pro-abortion Clinton? No, it's pro-life, pro-family, pro-America, Christian Ron Paul. One of the few candidates who is most in line with FotF's beliefs, and he's not included.
I've no doubt they'd sound the battle cry and call for a boycott were Huckabee excluded from a secular voter's guide--but apparently they have no problem engaging in such deceitful behavior themselves. So sad.
I've no doubt they'd sound the battle cry and call for a boycott were Huckabee excluded from a secular voter's guide--but apparently they have no problem engaging in such deceitful behavior themselves. So sad.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Congratulations, baby!
Dan's blog was listed today as one of Wordpress's top 5 fastest growing blogs! Have you checked it out yet? He's got some fascinating stuff on there. If you're looking for something that will keep you up at night, check out his videos page--the documentaries there will get your mind spinning. And if you are one of the drifting Fred Thompson supporters, check out his post on the similarities between Fred and Ron Paul--you may just find yourself with a new candidate to support.
Fallen by Matthew Raley
This week's CFBA offering is Fallen by Matthew Raley.
Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.
Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.
Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.
Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.
spoke too soon
fever's back. 104.0. man, whatever this bug is, it sucks. i don't like it when my baby's burning up. :(
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Blast from the past
Last week one of my best friends from high school came to visit with her hubby and kids. Meg and I have kept up via email since going our separate ways after graduation. I sang at her wedding back in 2000, but have only seen her once since then, back in '01. So having her show up at my door with adorable Lucy (3yo) and precious Eddie (almost 2!) and her fun hubby Joel was a HUGE treat.
They were escaping the Minnesota tundra, and thankfully the rain we're having this week held off and allowed us a great day at the beach, the San Diego Zoo, and LegoLand. We played the Wii one night after the kids hit the sheets, and Meg and I got to compare parenting notes and talk books and writing and heaven only knows what else. And, bless their hearts, they withstood our zealous political rantings and even managed to appear interested at times. THAT is a good friend, I tell you what.
I think the best part for me, though, was seeing Abby make an honest-to-goodness friend. Well, two of them, really. I've never seen her play with other kids the way she played with Lu and Ed. I have to admit her introversion makes me sad sometimes, but it was so encouraging to see that she could indeed connect with other kids and have a good time--and be so into playing with them that she didn't mind when I left her in the care of Meg and Joel so I could take a shower. Typically she'd be in the bathroom with me and would freak out if I tried to leave her like that. But no, she happily ran around with them--and even TALKED to Joel a few times. Talk about personal growth! 'Course it's just our luck that she'd click with kids she probably won't see for years. *sigh* At least I know it *can* happen.
It's amazing to me that after so many years you can still click with someone. And man, thank you Lord for the Internet--instead of spending a week catching up on what our lives have been like for the last 7 years, we were able to just hang out and enjoy each other's company.
But now they're back to their St. Paul home, torn up as it is from renovations, and we're battling some wacky cough and fever combo that had Abby burning up at 105.8 yesterday afternoon. Thankfully she's doing much better now, even without Tylenol, and her appetite seems to have returned as she has just polished off a ton of sweet potato. Not my idea of comfort food, but hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
They were escaping the Minnesota tundra, and thankfully the rain we're having this week held off and allowed us a great day at the beach, the San Diego Zoo, and LegoLand. We played the Wii one night after the kids hit the sheets, and Meg and I got to compare parenting notes and talk books and writing and heaven only knows what else. And, bless their hearts, they withstood our zealous political rantings and even managed to appear interested at times. THAT is a good friend, I tell you what.
I think the best part for me, though, was seeing Abby make an honest-to-goodness friend. Well, two of them, really. I've never seen her play with other kids the way she played with Lu and Ed. I have to admit her introversion makes me sad sometimes, but it was so encouraging to see that she could indeed connect with other kids and have a good time--and be so into playing with them that she didn't mind when I left her in the care of Meg and Joel so I could take a shower. Typically she'd be in the bathroom with me and would freak out if I tried to leave her like that. But no, she happily ran around with them--and even TALKED to Joel a few times. Talk about personal growth! 'Course it's just our luck that she'd click with kids she probably won't see for years. *sigh* At least I know it *can* happen.
It's amazing to me that after so many years you can still click with someone. And man, thank you Lord for the Internet--instead of spending a week catching up on what our lives have been like for the last 7 years, we were able to just hang out and enjoy each other's company.
But now they're back to their St. Paul home, torn up as it is from renovations, and we're battling some wacky cough and fever combo that had Abby burning up at 105.8 yesterday afternoon. Thankfully she's doing much better now, even without Tylenol, and her appetite seems to have returned as she has just polished off a ton of sweet potato. Not my idea of comfort food, but hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Well that's scary.
H.R. 393: Universal National Service Act of 2007
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-393
"To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the favorable treatment afforded combat pay under the earned income tax credit, and for other purposes."
This bill was proposed to the House of Representatives this week. Feel like joining the army?
Yet another reason I'm voting for Ron Paul.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-393
"To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the favorable treatment afforded combat pay under the earned income tax credit, and for other purposes."
This bill was proposed to the House of Representatives this week. Feel like joining the army?
Yet another reason I'm voting for Ron Paul.
Christian Writers Market Guide by Sally Stuart
I've really been slacking on posting reviews for the CFBA. No excuse other than laziness, and for that I apologize. Anyway, this week's offering is the Christian Writers Market Guide. For those of you who are trying to break into the Christian writing market, this book is an invaluable resource. Check it out!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator," "Advanced Christian Writer," and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.
Check out her blog!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!
Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!
Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.
To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.
A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator," "Advanced Christian Writer," and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.
Check out her blog!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!
Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!
Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.
To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.
A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Not at all surprised
I found out something new about Ron Paul: he's a Christian! When I found the link to his statement of faith, my emotion was akin to learning that the guy you have a crush on has a crush on you too. I also felt vindicated, in a way--I was following my heart and my head and not jumping on the Huckabee bandwagon simply because of his faith, and lo and behold Dr. Paul's a Christian, too. Like I was being rewarded for having faith in him or something. Silly, I know, and totally not true, but that's just how it felt.
They're planning another online donation bomb on MLK Jr. Day for Ron Paul. If you haven't yet checked out his site and read up on his politics, I urge you to do it before that date so that you can donate to the war chest along with the rest of us if you decide to support him.
They're planning another online donation bomb on MLK Jr. Day for Ron Paul. If you haven't yet checked out his site and read up on his politics, I urge you to do it before that date so that you can donate to the war chest along with the rest of us if you decide to support him.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Check out the Morrow Baby Prediction Contest!
I did this when I was pregnant with Abby and it was fun seeing what everyone predicted. So we're gonna do it again! Head on over to my pregnancy blog and check out what the old wives' tales say we're having. There are prizes to be won! I'll stop taking entries on March 4, which is two weeks before my due date.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Circle of LIfe
Dan's brother Andrew called this morning to announce the arrival of baby Gavin. He's a week and a couple days early, but he gave his mom an easy time getting here, and he's very very cute. And then, a few minutes ago, Dan's mom called to announce the passing of his grandmother. We knew it was coming, but it still sucks, though as Dan said to his mom, there's comfort in knowing these things aren't arbitrary. Our days are all numbered, but not by cosmic chaos--by a God who holds all our days in his hands and brings us home when our work is done.
Welcome, Gavin. You've got cool parents, and your brother's gonna love you.
Goodbye, Estelle. See you later.
Welcome, Gavin. You've got cool parents, and your brother's gonna love you.
Goodbye, Estelle. See you later.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Not long now
In 6 weeks it will pretty much be determined who the GOP presidential candidate is going to be. Never in my life have I cared. Heck--never in my life did I know what the caucuses were for! Now I not only know what they're for but I'm pleading with folks in the caucus states to look into Ron Paul, especially if, like me, they've always found themselves choosing a candidate based on who they were voting against rather than for. That's how I've always voted. But not this year!
Today I'm adding a new sidebar item: the Ron Paul Fact of the Day. Seeing as I only find time to blog every now and then, chances are it won't be changed daily, but I am going to make an effort to change it as often as I can. When I talk to people about Dr. Paul it always comes out that they barely know who the guy is and know virtually nothing about his platform. I think more people would support him if they had a clue what he stands for. The Fact of the Day is my little way of trying to spread the word.
If you're a registered Republican and aren't sure yet who to vote for in your state's primary, please check out Ron Paul's issues page on his website.
Today I'm adding a new sidebar item: the Ron Paul Fact of the Day. Seeing as I only find time to blog every now and then, chances are it won't be changed daily, but I am going to make an effort to change it as often as I can. When I talk to people about Dr. Paul it always comes out that they barely know who the guy is and know virtually nothing about his platform. I think more people would support him if they had a clue what he stands for. The Fact of the Day is my little way of trying to spread the word.
If you're a registered Republican and aren't sure yet who to vote for in your state's primary, please check out Ron Paul's issues page on his website.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Today she is two.
Wow. Two years old. I have a two-year-old. This is weird.
Two years ago this very minute I was facing a c-section and so tired and anxious to meet my baby that I just didn't care. It feels like it was much more recent than that, though the scar has faded nearly completely and I'm finally okay with the fact that nothing went the way I wanted it to.
We came up to Ventura to celebrate Abby's birthday with Dan's parents since we couldn't come up for Christmas. "Greena" (Grandma) bought her a lovely (and yummy!) cake and a big 2 candle which she lit with what looked to me like a torch. Daddy helped Abby blow out the candle, and then we sang, which was a mistake. Apparently we sounded just awful, because Abby burst into tears, and that was all she wrote. We ate cake while she sobbed on my lap. Eventually she pulled herself together and said, "Want some!" We gave her her own piece; she dipped the fork in the frosting, tasted it, and said, "All done." Ahhh, that's my girl. I was much relieved.
She really cleaned up in the gift department. Yesterday we went to Adventures for Kids, an awesome children's bookstore here in Ventura, and bought her a shelf-ful of books. Then today she got her very own set of Lynx golf clubs. Pink. Full-on backpack bag with built in stand, a driver, a 7 iron, and a putter. She's shockingly good at putting. She actually grips the club right and everything. We got some wiffle golf balls--pink, of course--for her to practice with. And when we get home we're getting her a play kitchen. I really can't wait to see her play with that; I foresee lots of time spent with that. She loves her play food and play set of pots and pans.
The one shadow over the day is the news that Grandma Estelle, Dan's paternal grandmother, is not long for this world. Hospice started today and Dan's parents are going up to Visalia tomorrow to be with her for a while before she passes. Now comes the awkward and anxious days where every time the phone rings your stomach drops. Her Christmas present still sits on my kitchen counter; the photos for my Christmas cards are en route, and I was waiting until I could send a card with it before I sent it. Regrets, regrets.
So say a prayer for us in these coming days--for the funeral, for a peaceful passing, and for the patience and wisdom that is required when parenting a two-year-old.
Two years ago this very minute I was facing a c-section and so tired and anxious to meet my baby that I just didn't care. It feels like it was much more recent than that, though the scar has faded nearly completely and I'm finally okay with the fact that nothing went the way I wanted it to.
We came up to Ventura to celebrate Abby's birthday with Dan's parents since we couldn't come up for Christmas. "Greena" (Grandma) bought her a lovely (and yummy!) cake and a big 2 candle which she lit with what looked to me like a torch. Daddy helped Abby blow out the candle, and then we sang, which was a mistake. Apparently we sounded just awful, because Abby burst into tears, and that was all she wrote. We ate cake while she sobbed on my lap. Eventually she pulled herself together and said, "Want some!" We gave her her own piece; she dipped the fork in the frosting, tasted it, and said, "All done." Ahhh, that's my girl. I was much relieved.
She really cleaned up in the gift department. Yesterday we went to Adventures for Kids, an awesome children's bookstore here in Ventura, and bought her a shelf-ful of books. Then today she got her very own set of Lynx golf clubs. Pink. Full-on backpack bag with built in stand, a driver, a 7 iron, and a putter. She's shockingly good at putting. She actually grips the club right and everything. We got some wiffle golf balls--pink, of course--for her to practice with. And when we get home we're getting her a play kitchen. I really can't wait to see her play with that; I foresee lots of time spent with that. She loves her play food and play set of pots and pans.
The one shadow over the day is the news that Grandma Estelle, Dan's paternal grandmother, is not long for this world. Hospice started today and Dan's parents are going up to Visalia tomorrow to be with her for a while before she passes. Now comes the awkward and anxious days where every time the phone rings your stomach drops. Her Christmas present still sits on my kitchen counter; the photos for my Christmas cards are en route, and I was waiting until I could send a card with it before I sent it. Regrets, regrets.
So say a prayer for us in these coming days--for the funeral, for a peaceful passing, and for the patience and wisdom that is required when parenting a two-year-old.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Me and my girl (and guy)
My computer has this great little camera on it and a program called "Photo Booth." Abby accidentally launched it today, and boy did she have fun!
Monday, December 24, 2007
'Twas the night before Christmas...
...and all through the house was the scent of Crispex mix and the strains of the "Hallelujah Chorus." Once upon a time I sang first soprano on that song. It's hard for me to sing now, not just because I can't hit half the notes anymore, but because it reminds me that I'm getting older.
We put the presents under the tree after Abby went to bed tonight. I don't like being on this side of Christmas morning magic. Through it's been many, many years since I knew the truth about how those shiny boxes got under the tree, it's a whole 'nother reality to be the one to actually put them there. No clue if Abby will be all that wowed--after all, she saw me wrapping them--so I guess next year will be the start of the true shock and awe of an empty space being suddenly chock-full of goodies--not that we'll fill it with too much chock.
It's been a funky holiday season. Maui was fab, but it really threw off the season for me--for everyone, really; we've all been talking about it. The last few days since we've been home have been non-stop. I even had to brave the mall this morning to finish up on my gift-buying. We had all sorts of plans to walk the fun decked-out neighborhoods with Abby, our resident Christmas light glutton, but only managed to make it to one. I haven't watched "It's a Wonderful Life" yet, which is my most favorite holiday movie ever, and while I can watch it any time I want to, it's certainly not the same after the holiday is over. Sigh.
And for the first time since 1996, I didn't go to church on Christmas Eve. Church is just so darn hard with a toddler.
But now the rush is over. The presents are all wrapped and in bags to take to my parents' or Dan's parents' places, or else under the tree for Abby's first Christmas morning surprise. The kitchen is pretty much cleaned, my clothes and Abby's chosen for the morning, and NBC is showing my movie. My focus can finally come off the preparations and decorations and expectations and remember why it is December 25 is such a big deal.
A nervous father, a teen-aged mother, and a squalling baby feeling the weight of humanity on his tiny frame for the first time.
Happy birthday, Jesus.
We put the presents under the tree after Abby went to bed tonight. I don't like being on this side of Christmas morning magic. Through it's been many, many years since I knew the truth about how those shiny boxes got under the tree, it's a whole 'nother reality to be the one to actually put them there. No clue if Abby will be all that wowed--after all, she saw me wrapping them--so I guess next year will be the start of the true shock and awe of an empty space being suddenly chock-full of goodies--not that we'll fill it with too much chock.
It's been a funky holiday season. Maui was fab, but it really threw off the season for me--for everyone, really; we've all been talking about it. The last few days since we've been home have been non-stop. I even had to brave the mall this morning to finish up on my gift-buying. We had all sorts of plans to walk the fun decked-out neighborhoods with Abby, our resident Christmas light glutton, but only managed to make it to one. I haven't watched "It's a Wonderful Life" yet, which is my most favorite holiday movie ever, and while I can watch it any time I want to, it's certainly not the same after the holiday is over. Sigh.
And for the first time since 1996, I didn't go to church on Christmas Eve. Church is just so darn hard with a toddler.
But now the rush is over. The presents are all wrapped and in bags to take to my parents' or Dan's parents' places, or else under the tree for Abby's first Christmas morning surprise. The kitchen is pretty much cleaned, my clothes and Abby's chosen for the morning, and NBC is showing my movie. My focus can finally come off the preparations and decorations and expectations and remember why it is December 25 is such a big deal.
A nervous father, a teen-aged mother, and a squalling baby feeling the weight of humanity on his tiny frame for the first time.
Happy birthday, Jesus.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Magical Maui
Dan posted a great post about our trip to Maui. He did a much better job of conveying how wonderful the trip was--and included some pictures, too! Check it out!
Congratulations, Maaike!
Maaike and I met back in 1996 when we were both exchange students in Glasgow, Scotland. We became good friends and kept in touch over the years, even met up in Scotland twice to hang out (which is a much easier trip for her, as she lives in Amsterdam!), the second time being back in 2004 when she came with her sweet (and cute!) boyfriend, Jurgen. We both miscarried back in 2005, and both became unexpectedly pregnant soon afterwards--and had our babies within 2 days of each other! (Christmas Eve is Matthijs' 2nd birthday--happy birthday, buddy!) Then, we got to trade exciting news again earlier this year-we were both expecting #2! Our coordination was a bit off this time, though: Carlijn was born on December 6 and is ADORABLE! Congratulations, Maaike!! Check out the precious pics at Carlijn's website--I use Babelfish to translate the entries in the "dagboek;" though it isn't the most reliable translation at times, it gets the main point across at least!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Getting political
Frequent visitors may notice the new banner on the page. I've never been into politics, but the last year has really affected my views of government and my role in the system as a citizen. It's the first time I've paid any attention whatsoever to the presidential process before the parties had chosen their candidates. And wow. I really, really love this Ron Paul guy. I don't agree with him on every point, but he's pro-life, recognizes that the government has way too much power in the lives of private citizens, is a huge supporter of homechoolers and wants to restore parents' authority in their children's education, and he is a proponent of health freedom, which no other candidate even discusses. Those are the biggest points to me right now. So I did it. I signed up. I have officially joined a political campaign.
If you haven't done a lot of research yet into the candidates, I encourage you to start with Ron Paul. Like the Constitution? Like your freedom? Check him out.
If you haven't done a lot of research yet into the candidates, I encourage you to start with Ron Paul. Like the Constitution? Like your freedom? Check him out.
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