An Oldie But A Goodie

You're probably wondering why I'm blogging about an old stand mixer...or maybe not, but indulge me nonetheless.

Who would have thought a 30-year-old Montgomery Ward stand mixer would have so much worth? Sure it's not the sleek color and design of a kitchen aid stand mixer...but there's so much life and story behind it...AND HORSEPOWER! This mixer is STILL going strong! (They sure don't make em' like they used to!)

My sweet mother-in-law pulled this guy down from her cabinet and offered it to me after hearing me dream (ahem...whine) about how I would love to have a stand mixer.

So, why so sentimental? This stand mixer was lovingly used to create the childhood birthday cakes and treats for her young sons and wedding cakes for her small business. She shared how often she used it and even reminisced of all the cakes she'd made (and taken pictures of...can't wait to see that album!). She then showed me some of her cake decorating techniques, gave me some pointers...and offered to show me more of what she learned! I can't wait!

This stand mixer opened up for us a fun afternoon playing around with frosting, chatting, baking and laughing. Now, it has a new home, proudly displayed on my worn counter and will continue to make sweet memories for our family.

"God Makes Me Grow"

During one of our many bedtime chats I gave Ethan a great big hug and made him promise me he wouldn't grow up. Ethan's wise response? "But, God makes me grow mommy!" *SIGH*
Here's what God is up to:

Ethan at 8 months

Eva at 3 months

Ethan 3 1/2 years

Thank you God for blessing me with healthy children and "making them grow."

Melt this mama's heart

Here's a story you mother's of boys will appreciate! While in Omaha, we spent some time in the Old Market District. It has some quaint local shops and is really a lot of fun (especially if you are a foodie at heart like we are). Anyway, back to the original story.

Brent and Ethan wandered into a cute little floral shop. After looking around a bit and watching the florist put together a bouquet of Gerber Daisies, Ethan shouted, "Mommy needs one!" The florist thought this was so cute that she gave Ethan one of daisies to give to me. Ethan was so excited and when he gave me the flower he even serenaded me to the tune of "Happy Birthday." Or more like, "Had a Burfday." I still can't get over how incredibly sweet and thoughtful he is...I'm still enjoying my beautiful *hot pink* daisy sitting on the dining room table.

O-M-A-H-A

This will mostly be an entry of pictures. We took a short trip to Omaha with the kids and Brent's parents. We had a blast! We stayed in a two bedroom suite, went to the zoo and did some swimming. The kids did fantastic the entire time (thank goodness!).

Here are some of the highlights:

The kiddos in the car on the way to Omaha...such great little travelers!


We did the zoo!

Got up close and personal (like a foot away) from a Lion Mained Tamarind that was on the loose!

Rode the train...

And the Carousel...

Pretended to be a spider...

An afternoon of swimming with daddy...

Ate yummy ice cream here...

All that play led to THIS...

And what about Eva you ask?

She spent most of her vacation like this...

And this...

Overall we had a wonderful time! We are eager to do it again!

Not for the squeamish!

I think this may be a story only a mother of boys could appreciate...or rather stomach.
I was in the car with Ethan this morning when suddenly he exclaimed, "Mommy, I did it! I did it! I did it!"

I figured he must have accomplished something pretty amazing so, I said excitedly, "What did you do buddy?!"

Oh, how I wish I hadn't asked.

Ethan said, "My boogers were stuck in my nose, but I got them out with my finger!!! They're gone now mommy!"

Oh, yuck! I was, and still am, left speechless.

Pray in the truck mommy!

These were the convicting words spoken by my three year old on the way to church yesterday morning, but, like a dummy I didn't get it. Like most Sunday mornings, we rushed around to get ready, scarfed breakfast, clothed the kids, grabbed our stuff and ran out the door to make it to service before it started.

I must add that our attitudes were not the best either. I grumpily got in the car and began to use the visor mirror to apply my make-up when I heard the sweet voice from the backseat,

Ethan: "Pray in the truck mommy!"

Me: "What buddy?"

Ethan: "Pray in the truck!"

So, I'm sad to say that I said a rushed prayer to appease my son. It wasn't until after we ushered our children to their respective places and we sat down to listen to Pastor Mike that I got smacked in the head with conviction.

Mike's sermon was does your walk match your talk. YIKES! Here I was heading to church with a bad attitude, grumpy with my hubby and my son was telling me to get my heart right with God before I entered into HIS house for worship! My brilliant and observant 3 year old knew that my walk and talk were not matching up! I looked put together on the outside, but my heart wasn't in the right place for worshipping God. I had told my son so much about how wonderful it is to go to church to fellowship with other Christians, spend time worshipping Christ, and learn more about HIM...yet I certainly didn't seem eager to do so.

I spent the rest of the service with my heart on the floor, sad that I had missed a perfect opportunity to set an example for my son...letting him see that Jesus was my priority.

My goal: to not just go through the motions...to make sure that my "walk and talk" match-up. If my heart's desire is for my children to know Jesus...then shouldn't I treat Jesus as my heart's desire?

Immunizations

So this could be a risky post...but I'm throwing it out there! :-)



I know several families who, after getting their children vaccinated, developed symptoms that they later identified as being on the autism spectrum. As a parent this frightens me. When I tried talking to our pediatrician about my concerns he practically got irate with me explaining how the media is totally the cause of the hype (which believe me, I get). After listening to his long diatribe, he handed me a sheet of paper basically telling me that I'd have to leave his practice if I chose to not immunize my children. He also said, "To me, it is worth it to vaccinate and take the chance of the 5% of children who end up on the autism spectrum, compared to an epidemic of measles, rubella or any of the other diseases that affect children and could lead to permanent damage or death." Ummmm...I was just asking a simple question. I guess I can understand his defensiveness...I'm sure he's answering these kinds of questions on a daily basis.



On the other hand. Look at all the diseases that have been prevented! These diseases, like the measles, could otherwise be very deadly for our children. And, because parents are more and more deciding to not vaccinate their children, we are seeing a come back of a few of those diseases. Scary.



The media is telling you some vaccines lead to autism. The Dr. is telling you that it's preventing diseases that they would otherwise catch without the shot. AHHHHHHHH! I wish there was a definite answer.



Are the vaccines really causing Autism? Or, are we just diagnosing it more?



I have chosen to vaccinate my kids, but I totally feel as if I'm playing Russian Roulette every time. I basically pray that this shot won't be the one that sends them over the edge. Am I the only one who feels this way?