Fido the Blanket

I've always been a cat person. Growing up we had one dog...and since he died of old age we haven't had the heart to replace him. He was the kind of dog who was all bark and no bite...the worst treatment you'd get from him was being licked to death. His name was Bear, but I think *Teddy Bear* was more appropriate. :)

Everyone keeps saying we should get Merrick a dog, since he loves them. But I always use the excuse that our rental house doesn't allow pets, so its not MY fault we can't get him a dog. ;) The real truth is I'm not sure I can handle one more wild animal in my house. There are already several, who barely pretend to be human. ;) The growling and climbing and destroying of my furniture convinces me that my children really may be part wild animal.

Maybe one day, when Merrick and Tirzah are old enough to get the "as long as you feed it and take care of it speech" we'll get a dog, or another cat. But for now, Merrick seems content with his own pet "Bear".

This being a blankie with a stuffed bear head attached. He and Bear make quite a team...he burps Bear when I burp Tirzah, puts bear down for a nap, and even is kind enough to put Bear on Tirzah's head when she's upset. I guess he's thinking Bear comforts him, surely sister will benefit from Bears company when she's crying. :) Maybe one day we'll have a real pet in the house, but for now I think my wild hooligans are enough wildlife for one house. :)

This week at I Heart Faces the theme was "Pets"...check out their site for more photos!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Last Wednesday wasn't the norm. Usually, mid-week, I'm home with the kiddos up to my eyeballs in diapers and burp rags. Having a blast, of course, but making good headway down the road to the exhaustion, too. Last Wednesday, my brother made good on his promise to take us to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra for our Christmas present. It was...amazing.

Before we went to the concert, we wandered around DC a little bit with my brother and his girlfriend, and my sister and her boyfriend. It was nice to be around people who aren't wearing diapers for a little bit. ;) Although sometimes the boys could fool you...picture of maturity that they are.

After the wandering, and a few arguments over where we were, *my bro and sis got into it at one point when my brother wanted to walk 2 blocks to get to the metro, so we could ride back the way we had just walked 3 blocks*...we decided we weren't so good at riding the Metro. Metro surfing was fun, but I don't think the locals appreciated the tourists trying not to fall and roll down the car. ;)

We headed to the concert...and my brother had really hooked us up with some great seats right on the floor in front of the stage. The concert was amazing...lights, fire, snow and an orchestra all in one building...you can't go wrong. :) Yes, it definitely started snowing in the building at one point, and a guitarist and violinist floated above the crowd on a small stage that lifted off the ground.It was a wonderful show, and a great time with family. If you ever have the chance to see TSO in concert, do it. It was an awesome Christmas present and something we'll never forget. If you ever have the chance to go to DC with my family...um, think twice about that part. ;)

Mama Don't Dance

I believe I had mentioned before how Merrick is still singing happy birthday to himself, 1 1/2 months after the actual event. I of course encourage his singing anytime I can, cuz it's so cute. *Even though lately he has taken to telling me, his mother and only source of transportation, to "MOMMY, STOP!" when I sing and dance in the car...which admittedly I do a lot. And I didn't think it was that bad. ;)

But anyway...I guess giving birth to someone doesn't necessarily guarantee they'll approve of your singing/dance moves. I should have known the king of dance might disapprove. I don't plan on stopping, but hope he decides to move on to something else I shouldn't be doing...lately that would be getting him to eat anything besides cheese and yogurt. Here is a little video of him singing "happy to". :)

Dirty Shoes

Everyone has their means of getting rid of a little stress. For me, the wound up, high energy, worrier that I am...I need a good way to get rid of stress. Sometimes being home with the kids makes me even more stressed out, as much as I love it.

So, in the process of figuring out how to get rid of some of that nervous energy, I discovered running. I took up running as a senior in high school. At first we had quite the love-hate relationship...I hated it, but loved how much better I felt afterward. Now I hate when I don't get out and run, or work out, or just do something physical to get out some energy and a good sweat.


I noticed, also...that my head is so much clearer when I'm running. Alot of people say this...that it's a good time for them to think, or even to pray and plan. For years running has been the time that I pray, and just talk things out with God. I feel His presence when it's just me and the road, listening to my feet hitting the pavement and feeling the burn in my muscles. *I've always like to run alone too...because of this. I don't have to worry about chatting...just breath and pray*I was thinking about this today, and how it's the same with my life. If let myself get comfortable with the way that I am, which I do more than I want to admit, I get lazy and slow, not just in my running, but in my pursuit of Christ and loving those He's placed in my life.


I need to push myself...push myself to be uncomfortable, and to sweat a little in the effort to know and love God and the people around me. Go another mile, feel the burn of ignoring juicy gossip, or self-righteous judgments that only make me feel better about myself in the short term. Deal with the sore muscles of actually forgiving people who hurt me, loving people the way they need it, and seeing them as someone who is treasured by the same God who treasures me. I'll reap the benefits of this just like with running...my heart will be healthier and I'll finish my run, or my life, feeling healthy and strong. Exhausted from the hard work, but knowing I got my shoes dirty doing something good, something that mattered. See you on the road...;)



This week at YouCapture the theme was lines...check out the link for more great shots!

Sliced Bread

So many people I know have made fun of the infamous Snuggies. *But admit it...what's not to like about a blanket with sleeves? It's definitely no worse than socks with toes. :)* Those goofy commercials don't help. You know, the ones with the big manly guy wearing one at a football game. Riiight.

But me on the other hand? I wanted one SO bad. ;) I know it sounds dramatic...but I've always identified with those people on the commercials...shivering and fighting with a blanket while trying to do something and keep your hands free. When I saw the commercials, I had a "why didn't someone think of this sooner" moment. It's right up there with that bottle-washer brush we have for Tirzah's bottles, or sliced bread, in my opinion anyway. :)

So when Billy surprised me and brought me home a present the other day...I was very excited to find out it was my very own Snuggie. Not just a Snuggie...a leopard print Snuggie. Now I can blog and wear a blanket at the same time. ;)