Crayons and Camels

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:03:00 +0000

Many people have written about rather we should write resolutions, how and why and why not. But I need a written reminder. A way to make goals and remind myself of priorities. I've been thinking a lot about what my Resolutions would be, if I were to write some.

Several weeks ago, a man in Sunday School was talking about something and one phrase stood out. He said, "we should handle our relationships as if they were entrusted to us by God." That phrase is why I have no idea what else he said. I couldn't stop thinking about it. If I treated my relationships as if God hand-picked me to be a part of this person's life, everything would change. Particularly, if they were part of a challenging relationship. *ahem*

My thoughts about people would change.
My attitudes towards them would change.
The way I spoke about them.
The way I interacted with them.
The way I loved them. It would all change.

My overarching goal for this year, is to start making those changes. To treat each person as if he/she were entrusted to me by God. Whether it is a momentary meeting in a store, an acquaintance, or a long-time friend or family member. I don't think this will be easy. But I think it will be amazing.

Goals for 2013:

Say "Yes" to the kids when I can instead of just an automatic "No".
Finish Benjamin's Christmas stocking.
Read to the kids every day.
Read a book a week for myself.
Create a cleaning routine and make it happen.
Learn to accept interruptions gracefully.

I would say something about blogging more, but remember that time I said that I was going to post a picture every day for a month and I did it for, oh, two days? Yeah. I remember.

Help Mohammed, Help Me

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Help Mohammed.

Mohammed is one of Brian's closest friends in Egypt. He and his family own one of the largest alabaster factories in Egypt and hand craft the most beautiful pieces out of quality alabaster.

We are trying to help Mohammad and his family and the many people they employ to work in their factory. Mohammad shipped 20 boxes of alabaster to us and we would like to pass it on to you!

Please check out Luxor Company on Ebay!

Also, please consider sharing on Facebook or through your blog.

Help Me.

I have 20 boxes of alabaster being stored in my hallway. I would love.love.love for all of these beautiful pieces to find their way out of boxes. My hallway needs to be free!

If you are local, we can save on shipping costs. Also, if you are local, if you buy two or more pieces, we will give a $5 discount off your total purchase.

Thank you so much!

PS. I had more pictures to share, but blogger says I have reached my limit! So sad.

I rescue people

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 00:42:00 +0000

I sat down to write a blog post, and guess what happened?

Sophie sat on Benjamin's head. True story.

And that is one of the reasons I don't post that often.

I'm very busy... saving the lives of children.

And taking people to the bathroom.

And to the park.

In my head, I write marvelous posts. And then I'm off to wash something or save someone from some tragedy.

Like now.

7 Quick Takes: the Random Version

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:37:00 +0000

A random assortment of today's jumbled thoughts. Ha.

1. Multiplying Scissors
Two weeks ago, I couldn't find a pair of scissors to save my life. Seriously. So, I went to Target (because I'm swearing off Walmart as soon as I'm out of the baby food stage) and bought a nice pair of scissors for my kitchen.
Today, there are 4 pairs of scissors in my kitchen. Why couldn't one of them show up two weeks ago, when I needed them?

2. Halloween Approacheth
We are going to participate in Halloween in some fashion. I'm not exactly sure how/what but we are, so Emily and I were talking about costumes today. Costumes are crazy expensive. CRaaaaaazy. So we wandered around the store, trying to think of creative, cheaper ideas. She couldn't let go of the idea of fairy wings and somehow that sparked an idea. The girls could wear their fancy Christmas dresses that they only wear once a year with some sparkly, silvery fairy wings and be... Christmas Fairies. Emily loves the idea.

3. Lunch
Yesterday, Brian's hip was hurting so badly he decided to stay at home and sit all day, hoping that letting it rest would kick-start the feeling better process. He's been hurting since he came home from Oregon. Its been pretty bad for quite awhile. But that meant I could go have lunch with Savannah.

4. Don't Dress Like Wal-Mart
If you absolutely MUST go to Walmart, don't dress like an employee. *sigh* Mental note to self.

5. Date Night!
We are having a last minute date tonight! I'm excited. Our sweet babysitter agreed to even watch Benjamin-buddy. I'm happy, so happy! I'm so happy I might even do something with my hair.

6. Whole30
Yeah. We are going to give it a go. Starting on the 22nd, so if you have done this program and have any helpful hints and recipes, please let me know!

7. Blog Post Rec
I've been following Jamie's blog for some time and her blog post today spoke to me. She puts her finger on everything that bothers me about times when Grace is thrown about flippantly. Check her out at Fortune Cookie Faith!

Check out Jen's blog for more Quick Takes!

7 Quick Takes

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:25:00 +0000

*post started on Friday, finished on Sunday.

1. Potty Training:
Sophie has the tiniest bladder I've ever met. I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but in the three mornings we've been wearing panties, she's only had one accident. Which is awesome. I do realize that major influence to her potty-ing is the introduction of Skittles. But as long as she actually creates matter in the toilet, I'm cool with it.

2. Personal triumph:
For the past month I have drunk one Diet Coke a day (with the exception of two days where I drank two Diet Cokes). A couple of months ago, I poured a glass around dinner time and realized I had drunk a whole 2-liter since that morning. I decided that was a bit excessive and it was time to make a change. As soon as I finish the Diet Cokes in my 'fridge, I will be off completely on a daily, regular basis. I'm not saying I will never drink a Diet Coke again, let's not be crazy. But they won't be a daily drink. I'm both proud of myself and worried about who I am becoming. Ha. *I've since been two days without a coke. I'm insanely proud. I even asked for sweet tea at Chik-fil-a yesterday.

3. Petty Crankiness
Brian just left to go out of town this morning and won't be back till Sunday night. I'm not excited about handling the weekend alone. Again. I tried to tempt him into staying by offering to let him grill and we could catch up on missed episodes of Revolution. Clearly, his priorities are skewed.
(For the record, I am 100% supportive of what he is doing this weekend, it is just hard to be the one left behind.)

4. Proving Responsible
I got the oil changed in the van today. That counts. I also fed, clothed and educated my children today. And I'm making them play outside. After that, we will have pizza and salad for dinner and then have popcorn while we watch this weeks episode of Survivor. A happy childhood is all about balance.

5. Pictures from the Zoo
We went to the Zoo again last Monday. Emily's been asking to see the dinosaurs again, so we did that.

All these animals around and Sophie is picking up rocks.

My sweet girls, posing on the buffalo.

The boy and his tongue.

We saw animals, I promise. Live ones, in fact. Including a one-winged eagle.

6. Painting
One of my survival techniques as I'm parenting alone, is the art of distraction. This weekend, we've done several painting projects.

7. Favorite picture from the weekend

The weekend is almost over. Praise be. I'm ready for Brian to be home.

The Last Two Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Life gets in the way of blogging, sometimes.

Emily turned 8 years old. I do not even know how this happened.

MawMaw bought cute nightgowns with matching gowns for their baby dolls. She thought they were so cute that Savannah got a present on Emily's birthday.

We celebrated with dinner with family and then a trip to the Museum of Natural Science.

Brian started a Doctorate Program and he spent two weeks in Portland while I kept life going here at home. It was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be. Except the nights were lonely and filled with terrifying noises for the first week. After that, I was too tired to listen for noises and I just slept.

We stayed busy and our worst days were days where we weren't busy. School, a trip to the Zoo with some new friends, Awanas, school, bathes, dinners, breakfasts, Skype calls with Daddy. We did it. I'm glad its over. And we only have 3 more two week segments before its over. sigh

Benjamin had his first banana.

Savannah gets to wear pink on Tuesdays in October because her school is having a fundraiser to help find a cure for cancer.

I saw somewhere that people were posting these "hope and change" stickers. But I never actually saw one in real life. Now I have. It was underwhelming.

Sophie has been having structured scissors time during Emily's school time. She has done really well and it will keep her occupied for the better part of half an hour.

Emily and Sophie had a picnic on the porch one day.

I turned around to see Sophie like this. I was less then thrilled....

Savannah has today off from school, yay Columbus day, and I had promised to take her to the Zoo. However, I'm stuck at home waiting on the airport to deliver Brian's missing suitcase... sad for me, but he needs the suitcase. So at home I stay. It was supposed to be here no later then 1:00. What do you wanna bet it doesn't show up by then?

The day is not wasted, however, there has been happy wii playing, much needed cleaning and laundry done. So it really is all good.

And I'm not calling them wii cheaters, but the possibility is there...

At least they are playing nicely, right?

And, the best thing of all, no matter wonderful or disappointing this day will be, at the end of the day, Brian will come through the front door.

And that is Awesome.

7 Months of Baby Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Benjamin turned 7 months old the beginning of September. Would you believe I actually took pictures of him that week? Crazy!

In this picture, he is grinning at his daddy. He loves his daddy something fierce. If Benjamin hears Brian's voice, he will strain his neck trying to see him. And if he sees him walk toward him, the little guy will kick his legs and wave his arms in what can only be interpreted as excitement.

I love this little guy. He has the best laid-back personality I've ever met. Wonderful for our current busy schedule.

I got my first speeding ticket two weeks ago.

Thursday morning I was helping Savannah get ready for school, when she informed me that she doesn't use the bathroom at school because she can't get the buttons unbuttoned on her pants. I encouraged her to ask her teacher for help and told her she has to go the bathroom at school.

That afternoon, I picked her up and she immediately began freaking out that she needed to go to the bathroom. No, she hadn't gone at school.

I turned from a 45 mph road onto a 35 mph street. But, because I was instructing Savannah to please keep her pants clean, I didn't realize that the speed limit had dropped. Flashing lights in my rear view mirror quickly brought that to my attention.

The interaction with the officer was quite uneventful. He asked for my driver's license and insurance and wrote a ticket.

This morning I went to the Municipal Court, requested and received delayed adjudication. As long as I do not "commit any crimes against the State of Texas" for the next 90 days, a fine is all I'll pay.

Now I'm paranoid about criminal activity. Not that I actually participate in any... I'm just paranoid. Wonderful.

Sophie found my bag of toe nail polish and climbed up on the couch to ask for her "toe-nalish."

She sat so still during the painting. And was so interested in the whole process. It was sweet and cute. Her verbal skills are growing and growing. I love listening to her talk. Sentences by two-year-olds are precious.

The other day she saw that Benjamin had spit up on the blanket and said: "Benjamin spilled, Mommy!"

School is still going great. Both girls are doing well. Housework, however, is falling behind. By the time I finish with Emily's work, it is time to pick up Savannah from school. And then everyone is exhausted and needs Mommy time and dinner needs to be done. I thought I would catch-up on housework on the weekend, but I blinked and the weekend was past and it was Monday again. I'm hoping that I can get the floors cleaned this afternoon, but I'm not sure.

Ya'll have a great week and I'll just be over here... trying to keep my criminal activity to a minimum.

Emily's First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 02:52:00 +0000

I asked her what she wanted to wear for her first day of school... and her Lorax shirt was what she chose. Little sister had to get in on the morning pictures.

This was her serious pose.

And she wanted to do a crazy picture.

And she wanted pictures with baby Benjamin.

Emily is a very sweet big sister.

Our first day was very busy. It isn't easy running drop-off and pick-up for one school schedule and educating another at the same time. I don't recommend it as a life strategy. However, it is where I am and we are going to make the best of it. But the first day made me ready for summer.

However, due to the crazy-business of life, we finished Day Three before I could post and now I can tell you that while it is not my ideal situation, it works. That counts as a win, to me!

Since we drop Savannah off so early, we can come home and jump right into school. Benjamin takes a nap because he was awakened so early and Sophie plays happily. By the time nap time and happy play time is over, Emily can work independently and I am free to help her when I need to and take care of the little ones.

One day at a time.

But I'm happy for a three day weekend!

'Twas the Night Before the First Day of Home School

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:17:00 +0000

We start Emily's first day of third grade tomorrow.

Third Grade.

How is this even possible? My little almost eight-year-old. Third Grade.

Today I've been buying folders and printing lesson plans and putting books in order. And thinking.

I'm a concrete person. Homeschooling teaches you things about yourself. And I've recently been given the word for what I am. Concrete. I've known this. I've seen it. But it comes out particularly in home schooling. I like lessons plans that are already made. I want to choose the what, but the how I need spelled out for me. If I do not have step-by-step directions and you just hand the book to me - I get overwhelmed. But step-by-step? I can do that.

Charter School for Savannah.
Home School for Emily.

I've been reading a new book, Going Public, recommended by a friend. I'm going to write its own post, but for now, I'll just say that it challenges and inspires me.

I believe that Harmony is where Savannah is supposed to be. Without a shadow of a doubt.

But when I sat today at the table, planning Emily's third grade year, looking at astronomy and art books, I was sad a little. Sad at the moments of frustration during math that Savannah will miss with me. The messes we won't make during astronomy and art.

But, in the place of frustration and messes, we have new conversations. We talk about her teacher and her new friends and music and computer class. And that is really how life does, ya know, new conversations. Because when you have only the same conversations, there is no growth. No change. No possibilities. No room for miracles.

I am excited about this opportunity with Emily. I have time for extra subjects like art because I'm only schooling one child. This is a fun age to teach because she is thinking and talking at such a new level than the previous years.

We started piano lessons last night. She also made tuna salad for the first time with minimal help from me. I'm using Veritas Press again this year where we will study Greece and Rome. Substituting Math-U-See for Saxon. And adding astronomy and art.

For her First Day of School dinner, she requested lamb and fatoush, with Death By Chocolate for dessert. Brian suggested we go eat at a middle eastern restaurant here in town instead of cooking ourselves and since I'm starting school with Emily and dropping off and picking up Savannah, along with caring for Sophie and Benjamin, I was happy to agree. I'll make the dessert and we will eat it when we come home.

These are exciting times.

Monday Morning Genius

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:18:00 +0000

Genius doesn't happen every day of the week... and typically not at all on a Monday morning. Today, when I saw a LaLaLoopsy doll on the floor next to the dollhouse potty, I had an idea.

I was reading in my potty training book on Friday in the pick-up line, about gently making going potty your kids idea. So, I've started asking Sophie if the Lala Loopsy needs to go potty. And then when we take LaLa Loopsy potty, we take Sophie potty too.

I'm not going to pretend that this works every time, I just figure I'll spare you pictures of the puddles when LaLa Loopsy potty needs aren't as frequent as Sophie's needs.

You're welcome.

Quick Takes Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Its Friday again!

First:
Earlier this week we visited Sam's Club, Sophie latched onto a zoo animal back pack and was quite content sitting in the cart, holding various items.

Second:
Our next stop was a resale shop to find some jeans for Savannah. She has "School Spirit Fridays" where she can wear the School Spirit shirt and jeans. Last years jeans were too small. While we were there, we looked at shoes for Sophie. When Sophie rides her bike, she scrapes her toes where her sandals don't protect them, so she needed some tennis shoes.
After shopping a few moments, I looked at her, and this is what she had put on herself!

Third:
I think I've figured out the magic of the school pick-up line. Go early enough to wait on school property and bring a book. I'd rather do the waiting before Savannah is out of school, then make her sit in the gym and wait while I sit in line. Much nicer and less stressful to go early. Plus, I get to read! We will see if it still work today at the same time, or if others have picked up on this strategy too.

Fourth:
After dropping Savannah off yesterday, Emily, Sophie, Benjamin and I went to the Just Between Friends sale. Because I have to drop off Savannah so early, we were about 50 minutes early at the sale. So we hung out in the car. Benjamin enjoyed sitting in the driver's seat for awhile.

Fifth:
This was Emily's find at the sale yesterday. Nerf guns are expensive, so I was as excited as she was. This is the Mac-Daddy of all our nerf guns and Emily sabotaged everyone in our family last night, although it seemed to me she went a little too easy on Brian.

Sixth:
I have a love-hate relationship with our new schedule.
The hate: We have to get up so, so early. No one is adjusted to this schedule yet. We eat breakfast and lunch early. Sophie has to take a nap earlier because we leave the house to pick Savannah up. Some days, she hasn't even gotten a nap. We put the kids to bed at 8 and they go right to sleep - that should probably be in the love section - but then both nights, Brian and I have crashed at 9:30, crazy early for us. Which means, we don't spend as much time together as we used to.
The love: When I drop Savannah off at about 7:50, breakfast is eaten, everyone is dressed and ready for the day. We can run errands or just go home, but it will still be early. We went to Wal-Mart and Sam's this morning and were home by 10:00 with all errands finished for the day. When I start school with Emily, this is going to be a huge love, because I will have started my day early and we will have time for school.

Seventh:
Thank God its Friday! There will be pizza for dinner and no alarms in the morning!

First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:57:00 +0000

She was brave and excitedly happy all the way to school. We sang our Blessing Song to her before she got out of the car. She hugged everyone on the way out... but when the door opened and she started to get out, she began to cry. The helper helped her out and took her into the building.

I know Savannah. And I knew she would quickly get over her tears and be happy as a bug in a rug. But it was still sad.

But when I picked her up, she was happy and confident.

Me: "How was your day?" "Good!"
"Did you like your teacher?" "Yes!"
"Do you want to go again tomorrow?" "Yes!"
"Did you make a new friend?" "Yes, but I don't remember her name. I think she is from China and she is 5! Like me!"

When I asked her about lunch, she said her favorite part was the carrots and ranch dressing. I should win extra points today because there are carrots and cucumbers.

Those of us at home miss her. Sophie asked several times during the day:
"Where 'Nannah, Mommy?" "She's at school!"
"Where Daddy, Mommy?" "He's at work!"

We had a very yummy, happy First Day of School dinner: salmon, asparagus, fresh bread, and spinach strawberry salad, with Death by Chocolate for dessert.

I'm very proud of my Savannah girl!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Several people have asked about how Emily is doing with Savannah going to school. She has been doing really well. She understands how the process worked with the school and didn't take it personally.

She was sad when Savannah got out of the car yesterday, but we've been keeping busy and I'm sure that helps. She will start school next week and that will help as well.

I asked her last week if she wanted to go to a school this year, just a different one than Savannah.
She replied: "Well, mama, if you and daddy really want me to, I will. But I'd really be more comfortable going to the same school as Savannah. I'd just feel better." So she seems happy to wait until next year and continue to be home schooled this year.

I'm excited about our school year this year. I think we are going to have a great year!

Twas the Night Before the First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 01:47:00 +0000

The girls are in bed, asleep, I guess, because I haven't heard from them in awhile. Benjamin is fighting sleep in his bed. But he is making sleepy-noises, so he will soon follow.

It is the night before Savannah's first day of school.

Clothes are laid out for all three girls, I figure everyone should get ready for the day. Savannah has her uniform folded with her shoes and socks on top.

The lunch box is open on the counter, waiting for the last few refrigerated things to be put in it with an ice pack from the freezer.

Her back pack is packed, though waiting for her lunch box. Papers for the teacher, an extra set of clothes, a bag labeled "Snack" with a juice box and goldfish crackers.

I hope I'm not forgetting anything.

It is all new tonight and tomorrow, after that, it just becomes routine. What we do. Like every other change in our lives. Each new baby was new, until she/he became an extension of us. Egypt was new, until it became familiar. Each new house is new, until it becomes home.

Savannah and I were talking yesterday about school, about fears and making friends, about learning new things. And we were talking about how it will be new, but soon she will know where to sit at her desk and where the bathrooms are and where she eats her lunch. It is comforting, sitting on the couch, thinking about all her new experiences tomorrow, knowing that we had that talk. That she knows it won't always be new.

I'll be sad, watching her go.
I'll be proud, knowing she is excited to go.
I'll be praying she is safe and happily making new friends.
I'll be hoping she is listening to her teacher and following instructions.
I'll be waiting for her to come home.
I'll be excited to hear about her day and to have our First Day of School special dinner.

7 Quick Takes Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:41:00 +0000

First:
Benjamin suffers from 4th baby syndrome. Poor baby is not going to have many pictures to show at his High School Graduation. But here is one from last night, when he had his first rice cereal.
He was neither impressed nor pleased.

Second:
I found this sandwich bread in the shape of goldfish! How cute is this?

Third:
The girls were playing outside in the rain this afternoon and I looked out the window to see them sharing secrets.

Fourth:
I've started doing market research surveys in my spare time. Last week, I took a survey about cork boards and at the end, they asked if I would try one out for a week and then complete another survey about how I liked it. So far, I really like it.

Fifth:
Savannah, Benjamin and I went to the schools "meet the teacher" day yesterday. We got to meet her teacher, see her classroom and also buy a "school spirit" shirt. Savannah shook her hand when introduced to her teacher, Ms. G, and answered her questions without hiding behind me. I was very pleased.

Sixth:
Savannah wants to take her lunch with her to school because she is worried she won't like the school lunches. Fine by me! Does anyone happen to know if the ice packs will keep lunch meat on sandwich cold enough until lunch time? Any lunch packing tips that you can share?

Seventh:
I went to the Home school Book Store on Wednesday. Spent about 3 hours in there, but came out with most of what I needed for Emily. I ordered the rest except for math... which Emily said was fine with her. haha. As soon as I order math and get a couple of bookshelves, I'm ready for this School year!

7 Quick Takes: Whats Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:42:00 +0000

What up with me? You know, just the normal, everyday things. But, its Friday, so lets talk and share pictures....

First:
Benjamin turned 6 months old a few days ago. This picture is, of course, when he was 5 months old. I'm a month behind, it seems.

Second:
I love my purple bedroom. I really do. I wanted something different then I've ever done before. I usually lean towards greens or blues. Also, do you notice my bed? Brian built this bed years ago for us and we are finally using it again. Even though it is a total room hog...

Third:
Sophie dressed herself one day...turning Emily's skirt into a dress!

Fourth:
Being without a second vehicle has some (few) advantages.... I spend my days with sweet little people. And they keep finding new things to turn into toys!

Fifth:
They have time for doing sweet things like reading to their brother.

Sixth:
I've spent much of my car time this last week going to School Orientation with Savannah, purchasing school supplies and uniforms. I think we will get to meet her teacher and see her classroom next week. And school starts in 12 days. Crazy. She is excited.

Seventh:
I've been working on finalizing Emily's 3rd grade year this past week as well. I am using Veritas Press again, but changing the math and handwriting program. I spent a couple of hours price checking on Amazon and marking prices. Early next week, I need some time at the home school book store to see how much money I can save by buying used. Then finalize my online orders. I'd really like to start the same week as Savannah does, so they can be on the same schedule. But I may be a little late ordering things for that to happen, realistically.

So that's whats up with me! Whats up with you?

Pictures of the Girl's Room!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:26:00 +0000

I wanted bunk beds. But Brian had this crazy idea of building loft beds for the two older girls. The week that we had no electricity and the kids and I went to my Mom and Dad's house, Brian spent hours laboring in the heat making these beds as a surprise for the girls. Needless to say, I was quite impressed and the girls very pleased.

It is difficult to take pictures of small, square rooms. But hopefully you can get an idea of the awesomeness. This is the corner of the room, both beds go off to the right and left. The "brick wall" was hand painted and is not a support, just decoration and to add a place to play.

This is Sophie's bed to the right of the brick wall. You can see Savannah's bed at the top left hand corner. And of course, the dollhouse bookcase my dad built for the girls.

Savannah's bed is at the top. Along the left edge of the picture you can see the edge of the brick wall. Sophie's bed is partially underneath Savannah's bed.

Emily's bed is at the top right of the picture. Toys and books reside underneath her bed and the dresser is to the left. The top drawer is Emily's, Savannah's is in the middle and Sophie's is the bottom drawer.

Upstairs- Emily's bed!

Savannah's Bed!

Brian added the pulley and the basket. The girls play with this for hours. It was a stroke of genius on his part.

Emily was enjoying all the pictures I was taking of her and her room!

Brian also bought these really awesome beanbag chairs while we were away and added them to the girls room. They are really comfortable - I even like to sit in them and read stories to Sophie before nap time.

I'm grateful for the creativity and hard work that Brian put in to this room. The girls love it!

Fifty Shades Worse

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:02:00 +0000

I had never heard of the Fifty Shades Trilogy until posts began popping up in the Christian blogosphere.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a book. Fiction. A make-believe. A story of an adult man and an adult woman having consensual sex. He likes her. She loves him. He does nothing to her to which she says, "No."

In the grand scheme of the Kingdom, Fifty Shades of Grey does not matter. Read this book, don't read this book, I don't care. But please, care about something that does matter.

Little Girls matter. In our city, the place I call home, innocent, precious little girls are being bought and sold, smuggled over borders and being exploited by men who do not give the promise of a "safe word." Human Trafficking matters. Eighty percent of human trafficking are women and girls. Fifty percent of all people brought across the borders are minors. Non-consensual. Most are forced into prostitution using threats, rape, drugs, safety of family members. Little girls are exploited and suffer life-long physical and psychological damage due to the perverse actions of other human beings.

Christian women are upset about this book. Should they be? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, people who follow Jesus are called to defend the weak, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, love those who are not loved. A book is easier to stand against. A book is safer to stand against. No one gets hurt fighting a book. Words just transition from my computer to your computer. These little girls and women who are sexually abused over and over get hurt. They don't have safe words. They can't say "no" and walk away. They don't know love. They are not safe.

What if all the women who are safely ensconced in their righteous indignation against a book, would begin using their platforms and readership to fight for the rights of the innocents?

I don't like writing these kinds of posts. I'm just a girl behind a computer. A mom with kids. But this has been simmering within me for the past two weeks. I don't have a readership. I don't have an audience. But this topic won't leave me. It follows me and haunts me.

If you feel led, please check out Not For Sale, an organization dedicated to fighting for little girls all over the world.

~~~~~~
Statistics taken from Texas Sex Trafficking Obliteration Project

Funnies from the Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:57:00 +0000

Me: "Emily, I have extra chores today if you want to make some money."
Emily: "What is it?"
Me: "Vacuum and mop the kitchen for $2."
Emily: "No, you should keep your money, you need it."
Me: "So you want to do the chores for free?"
Emily: "No." (laughing at me)
Me: "You want to pay me to do the chores?"
Emily: "uhhh... No!"
Me: "Well, I have lots of chores today and I need help!"
Emily, looking around the room: "Its okay, Mommy, the house looks fine."

Me: "Savannah! Stop waving those chopsticks around! You are gonna poke me in the eye!"
Savannah giggles.
Me: "It won't be funny."
Savannah: "Maybe a little funny."

Emily: "Sometimes when I need to think, I shake my head around. I imagine that my brain has lots of pockets. Each thing goes in a pocket. Math goes in a pocket. Animals go in a pocket, like that. Everything has a pocket. So when I shake my head around, everything flies out of the pockets and is easier to think of. Then I don't have to go sorting through all the pockets looking for what I'm trying to think about."

I've been working hard at potty training Sophie this week. It is going so well that Emily is begging me to use pull-ups instead of panties. As I was wiping up a puddle today, I muttered: "This is a lot of pee for such a little person." Emily joined in, "I can pee almost as much as Daddy!" Ah, the joys potty training induced conversations.

At lunch today, in Arabic, I asked Emily if she wanted to drink some tea. She replied: "I don't know what you are saying to me. But if you want to speak Arabic to us, you should say it in Arabic and then say it in English, so we know what you are saying." The little one speaks truth.

From There to Here

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:30:00 +0000

When we returned from Egypt, we had some sweet friends who let us stay in their home temporarily. But the time was coming that they needed the house back and we needed to find a place to call home. Our last job had some wonderful perks, but pay wasn’t one of them, so we came home with nothing in the bank and a pay history that was too small for a lender to consider lending us money for a home.

We could rent an apartment or house, but then we would be dumping tons of money into someone else’s pocket, leaving us unable to save towards a down payment. At the seemingly last moment, a local oilfield company donated a trailer to us and a spot to put it opened up in the right area of town. We are incredibly grateful for a place to call home and the low rent so we can save towards our Someday House. Our goal was to be near the school where Savannah is enrolled and to have a home that we can have friends and family comfortably come visit. One out of two isn’t bad?

If I were a great blogger, I would have taken pictures of the move. The moving truck. Emily walking Benjamin around in the wagon while he slept in the heat. The stacks of boxes. Savannah carrying boxes like a trooper. But I was too busy. And blogging was not at the top of my to-do list.

There was a week of lag time between the placing of the trailer and when the electricity was turned on. So the kids and I went to visit my parents and sister for a week. I cannot say enough about the hard work Brian put in that week and the several days after we got home. It is about 880 square feet that all 6 of us are living in and he has done his best to make the most of it. I’ve been impressed over and over by his creative ideas and the things he has bought and built. Ikea has become our go-to store for space saving items and inspiration. Inch by inch, this trailer is becoming our home.

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A couple of weeks has past since I wrote the first few paragraphs. In the meantime, we've eaten some good food, visited a couple of Museums, I've baked a lot of bread in my bread maker, met some new friends and spent a lot of time with other friends.

But, I miss blogging, so I’ll post this for tonight and plan on taking some pictures soon to wow you with my husband’s handy building skills. It’s impressive, let me tell you!

Happy Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:15:00 +0000

I turned 30 today. For such a sad occasion, we sure had a good time celebrating it!

We started the day with a yummy breakfast at Ihop. Its possible this should be a birthday breakfast tradition. Sophie at half of my breakfast and then some of Brian's pancakes.

Houston's Museum of Natural Science has a new dinosaur exhibit hall. Its hard to know what to expect, but I was really impressed with the collection of dinosaurs.

Then we went home for a Happy Birthday nap. It was lovely.

My birthday dinner was at... Outback Steakhouse! Somehow this restaurant slipped off our to-eat list and when we were talking about dinner options, I realized we hadn't eaten at Outback in two years! Something we remedied tonight... Brian and I had our orders ready before we got in the car to go to the restaurant. I would have a picture to show you of our wonderful food, but we were too busy enjoying it to take a picture.

The girls made cute cards and wished me "happy birthday" numerous times during the day.

It has been a really good day. I'm grateful and happy.

Even though I'm 30...

Coke Money

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:21:00 +0000

I've been saving all the cans from the coke that we drink for a couple of months now. My girls have been learning about taking care of the Earth and so this was my way of proving to them that I recycle and care about the Earth that they live on. Brian's been asking me to get them out of the garage, so today, I loaded them up in the back of the van.

When I pulled into the warehouse, I laughed at myself, thinking "they are gonna laugh at my little bags of cans." There was metal everywhere and a huge dumpster piled to the brim with aluminum cans.

I stopped the car and waited to go in to a little hallway with a desk. The man ahead of me finished and I entered. I expected to see a man behind the desk, but to my surprise, all I saw was me! Instead of seeing a person, I was looking into a mirrored glass. There was a small slot to put money and receipts through, a camera, and a speaker. There was also a sign saying that you had to have a photo id and to be fingerprinted to sell metal. The man must have seen the surprise/shock register on my face because he came out from the glass to tell me to pull ahead and have the cans weighed. He also said that unless I was selling copper, I was okay. "Aluminum cans are cool." No fingerprinting or carding for me.

When I opened the trunk, the man unloading snickered a little and asked: "Is this all you have?" I think it totaled up to about 12 pounds of cans. For which I was paid a grand total of $7.15.

Oh yeah. I took a picture.

Feelin' Bloggy

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:50:00 +0000

I'm lying here on my bed, all teenage-girl style. Laptop, on my stomach, feet kicked up behind me... I feel bloggy. I really should be trying to sneak in a snooze while the two littles are napping and the big ones are playing Legos. But my brain persists, so I'll unleash a little on the bloggy world and then maybe sleep for 5 minutes before Benjamin wakes up.

I think I would like to run. You know, like the Couch to 5K thing everyone talks about. I've never actually run, except when I was a kid and we played tag in the backyard. Or now, when Sophie bolts out into the street like a crazy person, then I run. But Actual Running seems like it would be good exercise and stress relieving. And I think I would like it. Well, I don't think I would like to run for the first 1500 tries or so. Those would be miserable. But even then, through the misery, I think I would like the quiet... the exercise... maybe I would lose a couple of pounds.

While I was washing dishes a few moments ago, I had a brilliant idea. No really, I did. I like to play games with friends, but I can't figure out how to do it if they have kids too. Its easy with just mine... I wait until bedtime, put them to bed and there ya go, peaceful game time. You know? BUT. If they have kids too... Then what? After dinner, kids are playing, adults play a game - ideal situation. Never works out. We tried it, a few weeks ago. We have four, they have four, our kids play together great. Except (and there is always an except), it was creeping up on bedtime and the littlest ones were getting cranky. Understandably so, its almost bedtime, they want their routine, their bottle, their own bed.
I felt so bad for Kyle, (can I call you Kyle on my blog?) the dad. Kyle was holding the one-year-old and he was fussing and tired and cranky, and I know what that feels like. I've been there. As the parent you want nothing more than to just put the kid on the floor, him to be happy, and you to get to peacefully play the game. Its Adult Interaction, people! With real adults!
But. I have an idea. Couple A and Couple B will take turns hosting and babysitting. No, not at all like that. How would that work? Like this: Couple A gets a babysitter and leaves their children at home. At bedtime, Couple B put their children to bed. Boom! Doorbell rings. Tada! Its Couple A! Game time! Then, next time, Couple B get the babysitter and Couple A get to host. Am I a genius or what?

Emily lost another tooth last night:

And she wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy:
DeaR tooth fairy. what is youR name. What dose youR wings have to DO with the moon.
Ar you Shy?
Love, emiLy

So, I'm not as genius as I once thought. Benjamin is waking up... no snooze for me!

A Sneaky Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:40:00 +0000

I went to the Home school Book Store today. It was overwhelming, so I picked a couple of shelves in the used book section and sat down in front of it. When I left, I had a stack of books and a plan.

I've been trying to think of creative ways for Emily and Savannah to work together - particularly if they don't think they are working together, to teach them to interact with each other sweetly. Nicely. Without arguing. For these types of plans to work, they must be sneaky. There must be sufficient motivation for both girls to be interested, without it seeming like a "get-along-sweetly" plan from Mommy.

I found a stack of books, The Magic Treehouse Series, that seemed it would interest both girls. The rules? Emily can't read ahead and she must read the books to Savannah. Emily is a good little reader and Savannah loves to be read to. Plus, it is reading. What better activity?

So why is Savannah frowning? Because she "doesn't like sitting next to her sister." The reading is great. The book is interesting. But sitting next to sister? Oh, no! Hence, the team-building exercise.

I also bought a few readers for Savannah from another reading curriculum then the one that we use. I thought it would be good for her to have something new to read and would give her some extra practice. Turns out, it was an unplanned stroke of genius. Because it is a different curriculum, the books are using words all in the same rule group that we are studying, but they are completely different sets of words. So she gets to practice new words and she is excited about it because they are new books! Go me!

Quick Glances

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:10:00 +0000

3 Months Old
Two weeks ago, Baby Benjamin turned 3 months old. I took pictures that day...

The Zoo
We visited the Zoo again early last week. It is nice to have a Membership because we can make many trips for shorter amounts of time. Rather than feel like we must spend all day and see everything.

The Graduation
Brian graduated with his Master's Degree last weekend. I'm so very proud of him.

The Picnic
Brian's brother, Josh, graduated with his Bachelor's and his sister, Sarah, graduated from High School at the same time. To celebrate, his mother planned a big picnic at a park. I love how all the cousins have a buddy to play with. Emily is the oldest and the 15th grandchild is due late this year.

The Dust Ruffle
Dust ruffles are evil. Did you know that? They totally are. Check out what I found when, on a whim, I lifted the edge of one of my sweet daughter's dust ruffle. Gross!

A Visit to the Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:24:00 +0000

We visited the Houston Zoo today. The girls spent the first ten minutes asking to get their faces painted which we finally figured out was actually what they did at the Cairo Zoo.

This may be the first picture of all four of them together... perhaps not. But it is definitely the most recent one. I like these kids.

Sophie had a blast today. She loved looking at the elephants.... we got to see them eating hay and one of the baby elephants was playing in the water.

Because we have a membership, we splurged today and let the girls ride the carousel. They loved it. Did you know that having a membership knocks the carousel price in half? Yes-indeedy. Happy day.

And then we had the mandatory picture with the rhino. I'm fairly certain we took these pictures last time we were here at the zoo. Savannah has decided that rhinos are her favorite animal. We had this conversation a few days ago. They are her favorite because they have horns and can poke the bad guys. What bad guys she is afraid of, I don't know. But she wants to have him live in the backyard. I'm thinking that's not gonna happen.