My Current Status: Fuddy Duddy :)

The music swells, perfectly creating a tense atmosphere. The scene is a dark alley--or maybe a mountain top--either way, it's the climax of a good 'ol action or mystery movie.

James' eyes are glued to the TV, as he watches the hero tumble and roll with the villain.
Bullets fly, people are punching each other left and right-oh, and someone just about fell of the side off a cliff.

This is the kind of movie no one could sleep through-right?

Nope.

More than once now, James has been able to peel his eyes off just such a scene long enough to see one thing - Me - sound asleep.
I am officially a Fuddy Duddy now. :)

It's one thing to fall asleep at the beginning of a movie - but in the middle - or right at the end? Definitely a Fuddy Duddy! ;) and It's not because I don't like action or mystery movies-I do!
I just find my eyes getting so heavy-and it feels so good to close them--then, before I know it, I wake up and the movie is over.

This happened TWO nights this weekend. We were ready to Partay Harday - something to eat, something to drink - ice cream and movies. We were set. And I fell asleep BOTH nights.

Finally on Sunday night, with the help of James, I was able to stay awake long enough to finish two episodes of Elliot Nes. :)

~ Remembering Brietta ~

Sweet little Brietta is with the Lord now. What a sweet and beautiful little girl she was, and how blessed we were to have known her!

She and her family are very dear to our hearts, and we have many a special memory with them...first meeting their family so long ago, at Northeast Bible Church.....I think I even knew them when Jadon was born - which amazes me!

Then James taught them music lessons - I remember them playing "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus".....Our friendship continued through several years.....then I taught them lessons! They were always such wonderful students-a joy to teach!

They were there on our wedding day too, serving and helping in so many ways! Then such an exciting thing happened - both 'us moms' were pregnant-due just about 5 days apart! Who would have thought we would be pregnant at the same time?!

Then little Brietta came early - God took good care of her - their little miracle baby!

Exactly three months later, our little Patrick was born!

Their family was so busy - trips back and forth from the hospital - yet, I remember that they took the time to come visit us in the hospital after Patrick's birth! We had such a good time talking-and realizing that both our babies had a lot in common! Not only were they due at the same time, born exactly 3 months a part, both spending some time in the hospital - but they both had Irish names!

Then a happy day arrived -both our little babies got to come home from the hospital! and on the same day, too!

Over a year past - We got to see each other occasionally, greatly enjoying any chance for our little ones to be together!

Then, a week ago, God called Brietta home. She is now resting safe in His arms.

I cannot know the reasons why God allowed this - and I cannot begin to understand the pain that our dear friends must be experiencing. But I must trust them to God - that He will watch over them and comfort their hearts as no one else can.

We love you dear friends! Our prayers are with you, and we will always remember your sweet little girl with much fondness!

We will miss you, sweet Brietta ~ but our hearts are comforted by the fact that you our with our Saviour! What wonderful peace and joy you must feel right now-and forevermore!! We look forward to seeing you again, one day in Heaven!

~ Psalm 23 ~

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Joy from Children

Children are wonderful things! They can find joy and wonder in the seemingly smallest things around them - and in turn they give us great joy, just by doing so!

For about two months now, we could not seem to get Patrick to consistently (or rarely ever for that matter!) say "Mama."
He has said it from time to time, but it wasn't something he repeated over and over, day after day.
He has however, delighted in saying something pretty close to the word "Daddy" - multiple times on various days! ;)

Well, about two days ago that changed! Little Paddy whack started saying "Mamamama" - and as the days passed, it began to seem that he really was saying "Mama" and meaning "Mama" :)

Today as we were walking around outside, he started saying it again - and as he did (and I repeated it to him) he looked up at me with a great grin on his face-then reached out in my direction. How that melted my heart!

Then, after I had left him in his bed for a nap, I heard him saying it again!
It is a wonderful thing to finally hear your child speak your 'name' - and know that they know what they are saying!

And now the thing that made me laugh. :)

Patrick wasn't going to sleep, (that wasn't the funny part! :) ) and I went to check on him.
When I peeked through the door, what should I see, but Patrick standing up in his crib, with his teddy bear blankie draped across his head.
Just standing there, looking out the window.
I opened the door and just laughed! It was such a funny sight. He looked at me a little surprised, as if to say "What is so funny?" - then he too started to smile!

He also seems to be getting the hang of waving down quite well now, too.
He has been able to wave and say his own version of "bye bye" for awhile - but he is doing it more now- and at different times. Once or twice he has waved at me when I have put him to bed - which I thought was so very sweet!

As I watch Patrick learn more about this world, my heart is overwhelmed with joy!
It's an amazing thing to watch a person grow from the very beginning - each day becoming more and more "person-ish" :)

What a gift children are!

Different Blog Update

I updated my other blog!

and here's a little picture from the past for ya! Me and my little P :) I was getting ready to go to a play with James, and Patrick was getting ready for bed!

Time Away...

We spent some time away this past weekend! It was so lovely-I only wish it could have lasted longer! We went back to the Grimm's cabin. We went there last year, and also back when I was a little girl!

We got to celebrate Jedidiah and Rachel's birthdays while there! It was a great time together!

talking and laughing about something, after J and R blew out the candles to their cake!and speaking of the lovebugs :)......

Aren't they cute?!
The two couples attempt to take a paddle boat ride together....they managed to take a very short one, then resorted back to just going a couple at a time!

Playing Scrabble while little Sweet Pea eats his lunch!

Father and Son
Mother and Daughter
Patrick was so intrigued with the miniature golf balls! He got so sad (mad!) when he would have to give them back to the players!
Various conversations going on, while Patrick continues to enjoy his version of Putt-Putt :)...and I leave you with this! It's so fun to be married! ;)

Of course you can see more pictures from our time away by looking at Patrick's blog! www.life-with-patrick.blogspot.com

New Bloggie!

I made a new bloggie today! :) Yes, I know. I have a lot of blogs! But they are so fun to start! Besides, I like things to be organized. Each blog for it's own subject--or sort of, anyways! ;)

Anyhoo, here's the link: www.rockingchairthoughts.blogspot.com

In case it's hard to tell, the words there are Rocking Chair Thoughts

Too-ti-loo for now!

Quite Various

Today was a good day. I'm tired now, but it was a good day.

It's rather funny that I'm tired, too, since I went to bed around 7:45 pm last night!
Yesterday was exhausting! Good, but exhausting.
Patrick and I went to a luncheon for some dear friends who are moving away. It was over an hour away and started at 1:00. Patrick was cranky before we even left, and proved to be just a little out of sorts on our outing as well. Yes, not too pleasant, especially when you are the mother dealing with a tired, hungry and naughty 1 year old--especially, especially when you are the mother trying to do so in front of others! Here you sit in a room full of girls and women, and your son begins crying. Crying loudly. Instead of having a clear mind to deal with/instruct him as you should, your mind begins to fill with all the things your sure everyone else is thinking of you....ah well, we both survived! :)

and today was a nice day to recover :) We went on a morning trip to Wal-Mart to retrieve Patrick's breakfast. (we were out of both items!) Then we spent a relaxing morning at home....around 11:00 Patrick went down for his nap. He put himself to sleep, after a little exploring about his crib, and proceeded to sleep until around 1:00. In that time I managed to finish cleaning the kitchen, clean the bathrooms, do Pilate's for 10 min. and take a shower (and also some computer time! ;) )
Then I got my happy little boy up. Soon it was time to eat. Awhile after that, we set off for Albertsons. It's right down the road from our house, and has our bank inside. Patrick and I made a deposit, then set off for the Park. The parks here have BEAUTIFUL trails to walk on. I walked/pushed P for 31 min., then we got back in the car to head to a park with slides, swings and whatnot. Patrick and I had a good time together there! He loves to go down slides--and climb up them (with help, of course!)

We arrived home a little after 4:30. Daddy got home about an hour later, and Patrick got to enjoy his dear "Da" :) or "Da-eee!"
We went on a little walk around the apartment buildings--and Patrick got to play with the "BAAAH" (balloons) that are tied around our apartment. He was oh so delighted.
I also set him down in the grass and got a good laugh! He does NOT like to be in the grass with bare feet. It was really too funny to watch!

Well, I guess that's about it. James is teaching right now. I should be folding laundry. Guess I'll go do that now! (after I find something to eat!)

My camera is broken right now. I am very anxious to get it back. Thankfully we have a warranty on it--but I hate waiting. and the worst part is that it hasn't even been taken in yet!

Have a wonderful night!

Resurrection Day, Egg Allergies, Jamie and Rocking Pea to Sleep

We had a lovely Easter with our families! In the morning James and I spent some time reading/reviewing the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. After that we went to the arboretum with Joseph, Marche and Kylee. It was rather cold, but we still had a very enjoyable time. The little cousins seemed to enjoy it too, despite their little red noses and cold cheeks!

The two couples...

....I guess the beautiful scenery made us all feel a little romantic ;)

Then we headed back to our apartment, where both sets of our parents, and "the kids" were waiting! (and making lunch!)

After eating and lots of visiting, it was time for an Egg Hunt--Patrick's first! I loved watching him....we showed him where they were, and off he went....it was so sweet and cute!

It was an altogether wonderful day! Thanks to everyone who made it such! We love you guys and gals! :) and Thank You to my Savior, for sending Your perfect Son to die for me~a sinner. I don't deserve your mercy and love, Father! Praise the Lord that Jesus is alive today, and that someday, by His mercy and forgiveness only, I will be with Him in Heaven!

The next day James had off work (He is on a "work Saturdays" month) so since he had some music lessons to teach out in Greenville anyways, we decided to make a day of it at my mom's house! What a treat. I don't think I have been to her house since December (although she has faithfully come to mine~I'm so blessed!)

We had a good drive together, then I dropped James off at his student's house. (He was going to drive another car to my mom's house when he was done teaching)

While we had been driving, James had eaten two hard-boiled eggs. Before he left to go teach, he said goodbye to Patrick, stroking his forehead and hand. We know that Patrick is allergic to eggs, so I wondered if that would affect him. After I'd left, as I was driving down the road, I looked back to check on Patrick--and sure enough--he was breaking out in a rash on his forehead. I drove a little further and pulled into a gas station to give him benadryl. I then washed his hands with hand sanitizer, and set off for my mom's. I kept an eye on him the entire way, and he seemed to be doing ok. However, as I pulled into my mom's driveway (about 15-20 min. later) I looked back and saw that his eye was swelling (I'd seen him rub it earlier) I stopped in the driveway to give him steroids, then hurried into the house--taking the epi-pen with me in case it was needed. These moments are so horrible. Not knowing what to do, or if he will be ok. My mom and I observed him for a few minutes, then I called James. After James got the allergy doctor's number for me, I called her. She said to call his pediatrician. However, we were over an hour away from his office, and I figured that by the time we made that drive, little P's eye would not be swollen anymore--but it sure looked awful. It seemed to have some sort of "bumpy" things around it too, along with the swelling. So we opted to just wait. Soon his eye began to look better. Praise the Lord! He happily played with all the wonderful toys at his Grandmerry's house, ate a banana, then took a nice nap in Grandmerry's pack-n-play. After his nap he looked so much better! So we enjoyed the afternoon with my mom~having lunch, playing with Patrick, talking and playing catch-phrase.....all too soon it was time to head back to our apartment. We said our goodbyes and drove off down 30.

We arrived with a few minutes to spare before James' student arrived. It's always fun when this student comes, because her little baby brother comes too! It's fun to see the two boy's together. Patrick loves people! He had a blast with little Kade--and he also LOVED having all the family here on Easter! He was having so much fun that we didn't even make him take a nap! ;)

Since he loves other people and children so much, maybe he will love having a sibling too! If little Jamie had made it, I would now be somewhere between 6-7 months pregnant.....Patrick and Jamie would have been 18 or 19 months apart.

Well, speaking of little Patrick....he is in his crib talking and (was) playing with the blinds! He is supposed to be sleeping :) I didn't rock him to sleep though, so awake he still is! I've been rocking him to sleep (at least for his nap--bedtime is sometimes different) for awhile now. He used to go to sleep on his own--at least some of the time anyways! At first I started rocking him to sleep just to get him to go to sleep.....and it really was a sweet time together. Then I thought about how I had the time right now to rock Patrick to sleep. If I was trying to prepare for the arrival of Jamie I might have felt differently.....but since there is time to spare with just my little Pea, and I was quite fed up with him not napping, I decided to rock him to sleep~and we had some very special times together. It does stress me out some though, that I have to rock him to sleep every nap, so eventually I need to teach him to put himself to sleep again. It's strange though, cause he does put himself to sleep at night. (with some exceptions, of course!) Anyhoo, I hope I never forget the feeling of holding my little boy in my arms and looking into his little eyes, laughing with him, singing to him, and watching him fall asleep.

Well, that was a long post! My hands are cold and I have things strewn across (compliments of Patrick, of course!) the floor that need picked up--and I need to make Patrick's lunch....so too-ti-loo for now! I'm off to turn on the heater, tidy up my house, get Patrick up and cook some beef! Tonight I get to go on a tennis date with my husband! Hurray for Tuesday!

Rejoice in the Lord today, for He is good!