You're Off My List!

Aaah. Peace and quiet. No noise in the house except for the steady coughing coming from each of the little Indians' rooms. Yes, they've all got it--for the umpteenth time since November. I suspect I'll have it, too, before the weekend is over. But, I just can't stop lovin' on those babies--even when they're spewing their germ-infested sneeze-spray all over me.

So, I felt like blogging. Not really about anything in particular. Just found myself wanting to pound on the keyboard a little bit...since the other entertainment options weren't nearly as appealing (folding clothes, doing the dishes, making my training calendar for the triathlon). I'm sipping a delicious wine beverage that was sent to me for my birthday in the most delectable, chocolate-filled basket by my sweet friend, Catherine. I'm relishing the alone time...Animesh is out of town on business...and the computer and remote control are all mine.

A couple weekends ago I flew to Dallas for the day for my sister-in-law's baby shower. I'm going to be an aunt again in a few weeks. Can't wait. On the plane ride up and back that day I started and finished one of the wisest works on motherhood that I have ever read. The book was given to me by Vanessa for Christmas, and, judging by the title, I was certain it was just another hilarious take on what it means to be a mother. Yes, it was certainly that, but it was also filled with SO MUCH MORE! "The Three Martini Playdate: A Practical Guide to Happy Parenting" offers wickedly funny (yet remarkably refreshing) viewpoints on such topics as play dates, children's music (why?) and bedtimes, just to name a few. I regularly woke up my sleeping neighbor on the plane with my "I'm-trying-hard-to-stifle-them" chuckles.

Perhaps my fave "helpful hint" (and their are many sprinkled throughout the book) is how to help your child with school projects.

"Start saving your empty shoe boxes now. Empty shoe boxes fill a wide variety of project needs, from a smart "California Mission" to a clever Story-Time Diorama to a Valentine's Day mailbox. The best way to secure enough shoeboxes is to continue to buy dozens of pairs of shoes. (AMEN! says the honorary Indian). I know this may be difficult for some of you, but we all have to make sacrifices to ensure that our children are project-ready."

Heee-larious. But some of my own child-rearing tactics that I used to deem "old-fashioned" were re-affirmed as being ok after I read this book. It may not be right for someone else's family, but it's right for us. I highly recommend this fast and easy read--especially for a parent. Of any age.

And, a side note. Tonight Deven did something that wasn't naughty but that Trevor didn't like. 2 1/2 year old Trevor says to almost 5-year-old Deven, "I don't like you. You're off my list."

WHAT?! First of all, I hadn't heard any of the Indians say this before. Now, my 2 year old was declaring that his older brother was OFF HIS LIST? Holy cow. Priya was in speech therapy and NOT EVEN TALKING AT THIS AGE!!!!

One of the many benefits of being the youngest. Not only does Trevor inherit all of Deven's clothes, but he also gets to use Deven's own original comebacks. The tables are turned. And, I'm betting that this won't be the last time one of Deven's clever sayings returns to haunt him.

Happy Things

Don't you sometimes dread getting the mail? Most of the time we find crammed into our teeny-tiny community box nothing but bills, junk mail, more catalogs than we could possibly order from, and now the frequent political solicitation telling me WHY I should vote for their candidate. A couple weeks ago I had quite a few nice birthday cards...but no letters from anyone like I used to receive. Email has replaced that...and, truth be told, I'm a little sad this has happened. Back in the day I was quite the letter writer. My grandma can attest to that.

So, imagine my glee when today I discovered not one, but TWO non-junk, non-catalog tiny packages waiting for me in my mailbox. The first happy thing was this precious camera strap. Have you visited ETSY yet? If not, you should. Darling hand-made, unique items--you can find just about anything. Melody gave me a pretty necklace from Etsy for my birthday. Isn't the camera strap cheery? You can find it here. I just know it will make me happy when I pull out my camera and wear this cute, pink thing as I snap my shots. So fun.

And, then THIS adorable piece of artistry arrived today, too! I have been admiring this rustic cross cuff here for a month now. I've followed her blog, and she just seems like such a cool mom! I finally decided to order the cuff...and I'm so glad I did.

But, it wasn't just the cuff bracelet that was so spectacular in person (although it IS!). It's the way it was packaged. The cuff was wrapped in tissue with such great care...and placed perfectly into a craft bag. Then, she tied it so creatively with a turquoise leather cord with her card attached. The hand-written note added the final and pleasing personal touch. HER thanking ME for the order! It should be the other way around.


So, Brown-Eyed Fox...thank you for my adorable creation. It was made with the utmost of care, I can tell, and every time I place it on my wrist it will make me smile.

Here's to happy things!

Celebration

Just some shots from my wonderful birthday...enjoyed an "oh-so-appropriate" sermon at church, a lovely lunch by the river, and then a "hike" on the nature trail we have never explored in all our 4 years of living out here. In the past we've always had a child who needed a stroller or wagon...but this year...on this simply gorgeous afternoon...the little Indians walked the entire way. I felt bittersweet about how much they've grown since we moved to the country...especially baby Trevor.

Deven is all boy...walking with his stick.




On and off since I was 16 years old I have been treated to a Paesano's (yummy Italian-ish food) birthday dinner by my parents. The new one has a great fish pond on the patio. The little Indians love to watch & feed the fish (and act silly). Helps pass the time for restless young'uns who are hungry.

It took a lot of convincing for Trevor to join his siblings for a group shot...

...but it was worth the wait.

It's also tradition for the kids to choose the cake theme for Mommy & Daddy's birthday. This year, in honor of one of our new fave movies, I was treated to an Enchanted cake. Perfect for my enchanted birthday.


Excited for what the year has in store for me/us...

Uncommonly Unique

This was the title of my Mac Lucado devotional this morning. Completely cool...since today is my birthday. Praise God that I was "sculpted from nothing into something" (Ps. 139:15 MSG) 38 years ago today.



This picture was taken at about a year of age...I haven't changed much, have I? Smile. I was born on February 17, 1970 at 11:17am. For years I carried around the notion that 7 was my lucky number. I wasn't sure how that was going to play out, but whenever anyone would ask what my lucky number was, well, I sure had an answer. Of course, in my teenage years, I thought I had an answer for everything!

Now, I don't have so many answers. Of course I'm older and wiser concerning some things, but there are still situations that occur in my life that I simply do not understand. But, ya know what the great thing is? I don't have to. Because God gets it, and he's in the driver's seat. I just need to trust Him.

Sometimes, though, that is REALLY hard to do.

So, I take comfort in the fact that God made me--and ALL OF US-- in a unique and wonderful way. Complete with flaws, insecurities, quirks, and gifts. I love what Max Lucado wrote in this morning's devotional:

"Don't dull your life by missing this point: You are more than statistical chance, more than a marriage of heredity and society, more than a confluence of inherited chromosomes and childhood trauma. More than a walking weather vane whipped about by the cold winds of fate."

No matter what we feel about ourselves--good or bad--, we must remember who made us. Suddenly, I don't feel so down on myself when I recall who my Creator is. I mean, I don't wanna be the one to diss God's handiwork!!!

While I already have a beautiful family, my health, my friends, and numerous other blessings to celebrate as I begin my new year of life on this earth...I can be extra joyful celebrating my uncommon uniqueness in the eyes of the One who made me.

And, an extra large piece of cake won't hurt, either.

Committed

Commitment. Some shudder at the mere mention of the word. Guys, in particular, have gotten a bad rap in the past for their stereotypical disdain for any sort of love commitment. Then there's the commitments that you aren't so committed to, such as a play date, a dinner party, etc. where you SAY you'll be there, but at the last minute something comes up or you just don't feel like making an appearance. Whatever the reason.

So. There's this triathlon thing I've mentioned on occasion. It sounded really good...cool, in fact, when I would write about training for a triathlon. Wow, I would think to myself. I sound like all that and a bag of chips. I'm going to be a tri-athlete.

To make this commitment a ton more real, I finally (after months of procrastination) bought a bike. This was not a simple "drive to my nearest Sears and pick out the prettiest pink Huffy I could find with a matching Powder Puff helmet" excursion. This took 2 1/2 hours. With a VERY patient, knowledgeable, kind, polite young man who eats, sleeps, and breathes bikes. He measured my thigh bones, watched me pedal for what seemed like an eternity (my bladder was full so the time dragged on), and patiently taught me some basic bike lingo. He was so gung-ho I left the store believing I could actually compete and WIN the Iron Man triathlon...this guy had that much faith in me. I hope I have that much faith in myself when I attempt to complete a tri that is on a much smaller scale come this spring. He also suggested the fine reading material above...something that is sure to keep me on the edge of my seat as I read about cadence and swim strokes, how to prevent blisters and chaffing down there while riding the bike, and how exhilarating it will be when I run across the finish line. If I make it that far. Priya couldn't resist taking a few shots of her mommy zipping up and down the street.

I wasn't attempting to be a fashionista, but it just so happened that the bike (that fit me and was in my price range) and shoes were blue. Mr. Bike Expert told me they matched my eyes. What a sales man. Then, while I was trying on the padded bike shorts that resembled lycra panties with a Huggies diaper inside of them, he found me a matching white and blue helmet. What a guy. With an eye for fashion. Sold to the rookie triathlete.

And, if I don't complete the race, at least I'll be color coordinated when they haul me off in the ambulance.

All You Need Is Love

Yee Haw

Sunday we visited the San Antonio Rodeo with our friends, the Hip Family. A good time was had by all.

Just love the western duds. Deven was dressed at 6:30 that morning...ready to go in his Wiggles cowboy outfit. As usual, Trevor declined participation in the group shot.

It's just not a rodeo till you ride a horse--or a pony. This is Deven saying, "Howdy, pardner." Complete with a hat tilt.


Future rodeo queens.

The petting zoo was a big hit.



Free samples. Yum.

Moo.

Love this alternative to a stop sign.


A fun (expensive) time was had by all--at the fairgrounds and food stands. Maybe next year we'll actually get to see the real rodeo.