Where's Waldo/Hannah?

She loves Hide and Seek, but is only now figuring out how to hide. Here's her new favorite spot. Is she cute or what?

Signs that I watch too much Food Network

I dreamt last night that I was on the Rachel Ray show. I was a guest who needed a new hair style....dreams do have a way of revealing truth, don't they? Anyways, Rachel just happened to be a hair stylist in a former life. Apparantly, she opened a spa that became world-reknown. She took "before" shots of my hair, measured the length, then began snipping away. As she worked her magic, we chatted it up. I asked her how could she possibly come up with so many recipes to fill books as well as a couple tv shows. She confided in me (BIG mistake) that she was working on a kosher cookbook. I mean, who has tapped into that market? How many kosher 30 minute meals are there, really?

Then I woke. I never got a glimpse of the new do.....and I really need some ideas.
And, by the way, if you see a new kosher cookbook by Rachel, herself....you heard it from me first.

realization

I've been watching The Office recently and am completely sucked in.
Have you ever wondered if you were one of the characters, which one would you be? I'd like to think I'd be a Pam or a version of Jim, but if I were completely honest with myself, I'm more of a Dwight....a nicer version, but nevertheless, a Dwight. A depressing conclusion, but I definitely want to acknowledge this fact before others beat me to it. Just my way of dealing with my insecurities. =)

Dear Hannah,
Well, it's been a month since your 2nd birthday and I have to admit, you are no longer a baby anymore. Here are just a few new things in the last month:
-you've been sleeping in a "big girl" bed for about a week
-went potty in the "big" potty (just once, but we're on our way)
-identify several letters in the alphabet (H is your favorite, of course)
-can tell the difference between water from the kitchen faucet as opposed to the bathroom faucet
-throw tantrums more frequently and usually in public places

I know these letters tend to be sappy, so I'll try to keep this one short and sweet.
As you continue to grow, I just want you to know how much your dad and I love you and enjoy each new milestone.
You have brought so much joy and laughter and made me a better human being.
And even though the baby stage is over, you will always be my sweet baby.

We'll miss you , Lo Lo!

Here are a few pics of last Saturday before we bid Laurie farewell.



Thanks goodness for iChat! We love you, Lo Lo!

Confession

We caught a mouse.
I'm embarrassingly terrified of them.
Isaac is out of town.
It's in one of those trap door things......still alive.
I put gloves on and threw the whole trap out on the hill, out of our yard.

I am just now realizing it would have been a little less silly and more responsible of me to at least throw it all away in our trash can...the lid would seal it in, right?
I guess I just wanted to leave a strong impression on that horrid critter: stay FAR away from me. Not sure if I really got the point across.

Which Theologan Are You?

You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?' Anselm 73% Martin Luther 47% Augustine 40% John Calvin 40% Jonathan Edwards 40% Charles Finney 33% Friedrich Schleiermacher 27% J�rgen Moltmann 20% Karl Barth 13% Paul Tillich 7% Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

I love this week

Yesterday we returned from the Chicago marathon. I know. I'm crazy. But I LOVE race day. Plus lots of people I love came to cheer us on. What a good weekend.

We returned home to eat dinner with my in-laws and Hannah and listened to their weekend adventures.

Today I read book after book with my daughter.

Vickie came by to chat and play with Hannah.

Pete and Janet brought dinner.

I just got back from listening to Sarah Vowell, an author and contributor to a radio show I really like, and all I can say is, I want her to be my friend. We went to the book signing and all I could muster was to tell her my name. I mean, what do you say that is really of any significance in that moment? "WIll you be my friend" just seems a little needy and creepy. But then again, we stalked Pete and Janet and they still come around.

Friday, Hannah turns 2. 2 years old. I am so blessed and so grateful. My heart is full.

Those of you who know my husband, can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?

While it lasts

The second I publish this, it will all change...but as of right now, I'm sitting on my cozy couch watching the Food Network, while my three, sweet girls are sleeping upstairs...and have been sleeping for about 2 hours. This is very rare, and VERY nice.

Now before I begin, I realize how, in the big scheme of things, my life is pretty good. But I've been feeling very anxious lately. Not that this is all that unusual, for myself or for anyone else for that matter, but I'm trying to figure out the root of this reccurring problem. And my recent anxiety seems very trivial and petty, but nevertheless, it's mine.

I volunteered to lead a sing-along time for the kids at a mom's group on Wednesdays. This past week was my first attempt. The loud and large gym, the enticing, destracting toys scattered throughout the gym, the large number of very young children, and the tired, drained college kids were just the right ingredients for disaster. Now, I'm sure I'm exaggerating somewhat, but I felt ridiculous singing and acting out these fun songs to kids that either looked at me as if I were trying too hard, or they were completely unaware I was up front attempting to get their undivided attention. Very humbling, I must say....which is always good for gaining perspective, right?

As of now, I think the root of the problem is I care too much of what other people think of me....even the opinions of 3 year olds. Wow, that seems borderline psychotic. Now I realize this is just 20 minutes of their lives and doesn't hold much significance, so why does this make me so angst ridden? Because I have nothing else to do? Probably depends on who you ask. But how can I let go of this need/desire/fixation to make sure I leave positive impressions everywhere I go? (However, as I write this, I realize I don't do this with my husband, the one person I definately should value.)

I was just talking to a good friend and we were pondering the question, "Why are we so guarded with people? What does it take to be more comfortable in our own skin?" I'm sure there are some obvious answers, but right now I'm stumped. It's one thing to figure out the solution, but another to apply it in the moment, one act at a time.

Actually, it's rather liberating to be silly in front of a young crowd....and even more liberating to laugh at myself afterwards. Now, if they'd only join me in the tomfoolery.

more pics

The cutest White Sox fan, besides Vickie, of course. (Thanks, Barb!)

European beer guy

If you mess with the White Sox, you mess with me.

rookie observations

Vickie has opened my eyes to the world of baseball and I feel like a kid who's just learning about the basics. She's very patient, and a little amused I think, at my naive questions....and I'm grateful that she takes the time to answer them.
Here are a few things I've noticed (please accept my apologies for any misuse or neglect of baseball lingo):

1. Baseball is a game of multi-tasking. I couldn't believe all the stats they post and keep current play by play. We could get detailed facts on each player, the speed of the pitch, etc., PLUS we could watch the scores of other games. NOT ONLY THAT, but the stadium continually had games/songs/videos playing to keep us entertained. AND SOMEHOW, we still find time to feed our faces. Baseball is either a woman's game, or men have lied when they said they can't multi-task....being the skeptical person that I am, I'm opting for the latter.

2. I love being in the midst of greatness. No matter if it's sports, academics, cooking, music, whatever, I love being present while people, who are considered some of the best in their field, do their thing. I find I especially watch them in the mundane moments. For example, I couldn't help but watch and wonder what the pitchers talk about in the bull pen area. What do they drink? What were they doing prior to the game? Did they drive here on their own after grocery shopping? I never knew that they had their own area, separate from the bull pen.

3. Baseball is all about the pitching. I'm still confused at the complexity of the pitch, but what pressure!

4. How cool would it be to have 40,000 people get up from their seats cheer for you! What a rush! On the other hand, having every mistake under the microscope would be devastatingly humbling.

5. Baseball fans (probably not ALL) are very passionate about their team. However, the players (at least from my observation) seem friendly with other teams.

Here are a few pictures from this past weekend's game:
Vickie and her mom, Barb (and our ticket into the game...thanks, Barb!)


The pitchers heading to the bull pen.

The picture that almost made the big screen!

If only Laurie would have displayed her shirt at the game!

just wondering

I've always thought the word "condone" was misleading. Doesn't it sound like it means the opposite of its actual definition?
I'm surprised some politician or entertainer hasn't misused it in some humorous way. That, or I'm the only one who has to think twice whenever I hear it.
The more I think about it, it's probably just me.

22 months

Hannah,
I know it's cliche, but time has flown by. It seems the minute I feel I've adjusted to a new milestone in your life, you're moving on toward the next.
A few of the milestones:
1. Speaking. You're amazing. Several new words/sentences everyday. I can't keep up.
2. Using utensils. It's messy, but you love to eat applesauce all by yourself.
3. Throwing fits. Telling me, "no." Especially in public. Very humbling. And probably very satisifying for my own mother.
4. You seem to have two sides. One that is very social, friendly, and courageous. And another that is timid, shy, and fearful. You love the playground and seem to have no fear. Yet, when it comes to getting wet, you cling to me and beg to be taken away.

A few thoughts I want you to know about these milestones:
1. Words are powerful. Despite my own failures, I hope you grow to learn how to use them to build up, encourage, and praise. I also hope you know that I will do my best to listen to your heart when words reach their limit for understanding. With God's help, I will try to be slow to speak, and quick to listen.
2. My job is to help you become responsible and independent. But I will always be there for you whenever you need me.
3. I think this is the beginning of a tough stage for me. Your will vs. my will. I hope I always show God's and my love for you throughout the process.
4. I love you just as you are.

Isaac told me that this verse opened the first chapel service at LCC. I think I found my new favorite verse.

"Ask questions. Find out what has been going on all these years before you were born. From the day God created man and woman on this Earth, and from the horizon in the east to the horizon in the west—as far back as you can imagine and as far away as you can imagine—has as great a thing as this ever happened? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? Has a people ever heard, as you did, a god speaking out of the middle of the fire and lived to tell the story?"

Deuteronomy 4:32-35 (The Message)

Tasks completed:
1. Successful completion of a Sudoku puzzle (I'm new at this, but I think I'm addictied)
2. Answered a million questions...many of them were duplicates...from 2 children I'm temporarily watching.
3. Housecleaning...not worth recording the details, because it's a never ending job and back on the list for tomorrow.
4. Fed the children.
5. Fed & medicated the dog (don't worry, I'm not drugging him for my benefit, it's the doctor's instructions)
6. Babies sleeping and kids having quiet time =)


Still left to do:
1. Shower

We all scream for ice cream!

As part of Laurie's summer extravaganza (or whatever she's calling it.....but who are we kidding, we'd get ice cream for any reason), we took a trip to a favorite ice cream parlor. So we hopped into the car,


and headed to Emack & Bolio's.


Delicious ice cream was consumed and great conversation was had. A good time was had by all. The end.

...worth a thousand words

Where's a sarcastic caption when you need it? Any suggestions? Anyone?

New computer with camera!

I know, you're amazed at my photography & modeling skills. More to come...you're on the edge of your seats, I know it.