Thinking Things

Come See my "new" bloggy home. . .

2008-07-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

http://camaschick.wordpress.com

see you there!!

Moving. . .

2008-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm working on moving my blog. Stay tuned.

While I work on that. . . Some good words I've been reading. . .

"Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, facinated attention, with our whole being fully present. . . Listening is a creative force, something quite wonderful occurs when we are listened to fully, we expand, ideas come to life and grow, we remember who we are. . . Listening well takes time, skill, and a readiness to slow down, to let go of expectations, judgements, boredom, self-assertiveness, and defensiveness. . . "
-Kay Lindahl
The Sacred Art of Listenin

I love so much about this quote, what a world it would be if we could all learn to listen well!

We Got Rhythm

2008-06-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

I was walking with a friend and her daughter last week and she asked about our “schedule”. Actually it’s a common question. “What is best with your schedule?” “What is Reid’s schedule.” Etc. etc.

The Meyers-Brigg “P” in me wrestles with that question. Because the truth of the matter is the word schedule just doesn’t seem to fit the life we live. Schedule (to me) seems like a set order of things, at a set time.

sched·ule - / [skej-ool, -oo l, -oo-uh l; Pronunciation noun, verb, -uled,
-ul·ing.
–noun
1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed
objective, esp. with reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each
item or operation necessary to its completion: The schedule allows three weeks
for this stage.

2. a series of things to be done or of events to
occur at or during a particular time or period: He always has a full schedule.

3. a timetable.

Okay, away from dictionary.com and back to schedule. After hemming and hawing about “Well, you know, we sort of. . .” she laughed (she knows me well) and said, “You know the good thing about a schedule, is you have a schedule, and the bad thing about a schedule, is. . you have a schedule.”

Later that day as I nursed Reid I went a little way down the road of feeling guilty that I don’t have more of a schedule, and then decided that I wasn’t in the mood for that and embraced how our lives work out. Just a few minutes later (after deciding I wasn’t going on a guilt trip) it hit me. . . WE’VE GOT RHYTHM!

I can predict the daily Rhythm of our lives, but there isn’t “nap time” “playtime” “eat time” “naptime” “dinner time” “bed time” (emphasis on time). We get up, we play, we go for a walk, we play, we eat, we nap, we play, we eat, we take a bath, we go to bed. Our Rhythm is based on the Rhythm of Reid’s body. When he’s sleepy (and it’s a good time) I put him down for a nap, when he’s ready to play we play or he plays by himself. A few weeks ago I spent several agonizing evenings trying to get Reid to go to bed at 7:30, the time the books and I thought was good. The thing was, it was a fight. As I sat there trying everything in my power to get him to sleep I thought back to earlier in the day when I laid him in his crib without a fight, with out a sound and he rolled over and went to sleep. I thought “What made that different?” It was that he was sleepy.

So now when people say, ‘What works for Reid’s schedule”.. I say “Our rhythm is. .”
It’s just semantics, but it works for me!

Daddy took a business trip. . .

2008-06-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

and brought mommy and Reid. . .

Still a bit big. But SOOOO cute!

Thanks Daddy!

xoxox

Reid & Mommy

a pink duck?

2008-06-25T21:53:00.001-07:00

Reid got a package today!

What? Purple paper!?

SOOO much fun!

We LOVE to crumple paper . . .

but wait. . .

there's more. .

a PINK duck.. . that squeaks!

Does life GET any better than this?

When a pink duck comes your way, sometimes

ya gotta clap!

Crawler?

2008-06-22T17:13:00.001-07:00

He's making progress, he's not there yet. These are from last night, he made circles around the room doing the "army crawl". . . Go Reid Man!! These blocks from Counsin Hunter are his new FAVORITE toy. He prefers the blue and yellow.

The Faces of Reid

2008-06-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

"When the disciples.. asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus pulled a child out of the crowd and said the greatest in the kindgom of heaven were people like this (Matthew 18:1-4). . . He was saying that people who get into heaven are people who, like children, don't worry about it too much. They are people, who like children, live with thier hands open more than with their fist clenched. . . "

-Frederick Buechner
Beyond Words, Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith

Support vs. Challenge

2008-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Support vs Challenge

I’m not sure the very first time I was introduced to the human development concept of “support vs. challenge”. . but I’m pretty sure it was sitting in the office of one of my former bosses and it probably started out with something about a Bob Dylan song and then onto the real lesson. . . “it all comes down to support vs challenge A., you’ve gotta learn how to support and challenge people just right. . .”

The last few years I ended up working with the “Master” of “Support vs Challenge” himself. (who without a doubt was responsible for teaching my former boss the concept himself) (I like to go to the source on things to learn. . . )

Support vs. Challenge is human development concept that says (basically) that in order for people to develop they need to have the right ratio of support and challenge in their environment. I have charts and notes and graphs about how this concept plays out in the development of leaders, college students and staffs. When people are in an environment of too much challenge with not enough support they get frustrated. When people are in an environment of too much support without enough challenge, they get bored. Either way people get stuck and don’t reach their full potential.

All that “academic” knowledge is great, but what it really comes down to, and where I’ve really seen the concept in action is with my seven month old.

He is a late sitter. He was rolling over and showing off young. But he wasn’t sitting up like the rest of the six month olds. I wasn’t challenging him enough, I was over supporting and not challenging. (I had that ratio wrong!). Our Gymboree teacher pulled me aside one day after class and said, Do this, this and this for three days, he’ll hate it and cry, but in three days he’ll be sitting up and loving it. (in other words “you are supporting him TOO much and not challenging him enough. .” )

So we followed her recommendations, I challenged him to sit, I let him fall over and then pulled him up again (didn’t support him as much as before, so his muscles got stronger) and guess what. . .Now he’s a sitter. He will sit for a half and hour and play with his toys.

Support vs. Challenge. Isn’t it cool how we learn this concept in a very physical way at seven months (through watching his muscles develop), so that when he is 10, and 15, and 21 I’ll know how to support and challenge him in ways that are so much less tangible, but important none-the-less.

A Soap Box. . .

2008-06-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Excuse me while I crawl up on my soapbox.

Okay, now that I’m here. This blog entry may shock or scandalize a few of my dear heart and gentle people readers, other’s may say, “No kidding”, and yet others may think, “so why is this a big deal?”

This isn’t a soapbox I’m just climbing on to climb on, I’ve actually been thinking and talking with people about this for weeks.

Here goes. . . .

Tomorrow marks a historic day in California. Same-Sex marriages will become legal in our Golden State. Those who are against this development (and there are many) argue that this is a “threat” to families and the institution of marriage. I for the life of me really cannot in any way, shape, or form understand how my family will be threatened by this.

It seems to me that, NOT allowing people who love each other to marry is MORE of a threat to marriage than allowing people who love each other and desire to nurture that love and commitment to marry. If we allow the state to “pick and choose” which lovers are allowed to marry isn’t that more of a long term threat than allowing love to be the basis for marriage, regardless of the gender of those desiring marriage?

Then I hear those (particularly in the Conservative Christian world. . . ) say that “We must fight for families and fight against things in our society which are threatening families.” (That’s almost a direct quote from a pretty well known Christian leader I heard on the radio last week) I say, “Amen”. . .
Let’s address the economic inequality that exist in our world, that’s a threat to my family.
Let’s get to work on finding alternative form of energy and move (quickly) away from our dependence on oil, because the rising cost of gas is negatively affecting my family (and every family) daily.
Let’s find ways to address poverty, educational budget cuts, rising food cost, our broken health-care system. . these ALL are threats to my family daily.

Tomorrow when same-sex couples get married, that won’t threaten any part of my family life. I just can’t help but wonder if we’re spending our time and energy barking up the wrong tree?

Okay, I’ll step off my soap box now. I’ve got to go stir my compost pile! 

Compost Happens

2008-06-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I did it. I started my compost bin. One week down, no smelly mess to speak of, no fly infestation. All is well.

It's been fun to figure out what goes in the compost bin, what doesn't and how to make it all work. It's an art, not a science. . well, maybe better stated, it's science and art.

There is something almost spiritual about this composting experience. A death and rebirth, in a very real way. Used coffee grounds,
mushy apples,
left-over salad,
used tissue,
freezer-burned peas,
and crushed egg shells from yesterday's egg salad sandwich. . .

. . the "yuck". The dead, the useless, which last week was bound for the garbage because its usefulness was gone, has suddenly become filled with the possibilities of life, of reuses, of purpose.

As I go through my day everything has the potential of being saved for the daily trip to the compost bin. (Dryer lint! Paper Towels! The dust and dog hair from my vacuum canister. . ).all get swallowed into the layers of compost with the hope and expectation of "black gold" that will nourish our roses, feed future tomatoes, lettuce and pepper plants, and help "green" our lawn.

Our home is becoming it's own mini Ecosystem.

Following the lead of a friend of a friend I purchased a $15 Fifteen Gallon garbage can from Lowe's and some dirt. I do need to put some air holes into the sides of the can. We haven't done that yet. Todd wants to know exactly WHERE each hole should be, I say. . 'anywhere'. . (This reveals much about our personalities). I keep a small Rubbermaid container next to my sink, where I collect all my composting material. Like I said above, coffee grounds, tea bags, paper towels, egg shells *(crushed), apple cores, dryer link, used tissues (Reid has a cold). . . In it all goes. They say it's 25 parts "green" (kitchen waste) with 75 parts "brown" (dirt, dry leaves, shredded newspaper). It's a mix of carbon and nitrogen. We'll see as the days get warmer, how my percentages are working out. What I have been doing is putting in my "green" and then putting in a couple of large handfuls of dirt, yesterday I put in two torn up sections of the LA Times. Today I'll "mix" it. (Using a rake to mix up all the layers.)

It really feels good to take what appears to be "garbage" and "waste" and give it a new life.

Start composting people!!!! :)

www.compostguide.com
http://gatheringinlight.com/2007/10/15/how-to-start-a-compost-bin-in-the-city-with-little-money/#more-791

Fun with Nana & Papa

2008-06-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

I put my toes in the sand. . .

showed nana how I eat peas

played in my "pool". . it was really just my bath tub outside, but don't tell mommy & Nana, they thought it was a pool!!

and jumped with my uncle Will. . . he's really fun!

Wise Words. . .

2008-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sabbath is not dependent upon our readiness to stop. We do not stop when we are finished. We do not stop when we complete our phone calls, finish our projects, get through the stack of messages, or get out this report due tomorrow. We stop because it is time to stop.-Wayne Muller

If you can't take time to do nothing, you're a slave to doing.
Doing nothing is a radical, revolutionary act.
It frees you from the universal slavery of our age; slavery to the clock.
The clock measures doing, but not being.
- Peter Kreeft

The pace of life and our preoccupation with unimportant things take so much of our attention. The significant things, like taking time to develop friendship, to read, and pray. . to listen to God, these all get sacrificed on the alter of good works and Christian busyness.
- Luci Shaw

How to Change the World

2008-05-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just found this web site

www.fiftythousandshirts.com

Help the victim in China, one shirt at a time!

JAW DROPPING. . .

2008-05-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just found this amazing website. . . it is staggering. . .

http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=7

Fun with Reid. .. .

2008-05-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Nana said today that I haven't been putting enough pictures up. . .

Just call me Banana Boy!! He doesn't really like to eat, but he had FUN mushing a banana today (and got some in his tummy too!)

He's becoming a "ham" for the camera. . seriously, I pull it out, and he turns on the charm. . it's almost scary!

Since the banana worked so well I thought I'd boil a sweet potato and let him try to mush that. . . I think that face says it all.

100th POST!!!

2008-05-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

100 Things about Me.

This, my friends, is my 100th post. It seems a right-of-passage of sorts in blog-land to do a “100 Things About Me” list at #100. So idulge me if you will, and for anyone besides my mom who reads all 100. . Thank you!

1. I am the oldest child in my family. (one younger brother, who is a pretty all around outstanding guy)
2. I grew up in RURAL (and I do mean RURAL) Idaho.
3. There were 13 students in my graduating class (a public school)
4. I love to down hill ski. (although I haven’t been in a couple of years. )
5. My brother and I one time went “Back Country Skiing” in the mountains behind our hometown. (SOOOOO FUN!)
6. I hated athletics in high school.
7. I was the manager of the girls basket ball team
8. One time they didn’t have enough players, and I had to play.
9. I stole the ball and got under the basket and fell down. . . .
10. BUT I did train for and run a marathon in 2001! (26.2 miles baby!)
11. Sometimes I think I might run another one some day
12. Now I love to walk for my exercise.
13. I also enjoy Yoga
14. I once took the night train to Mombaza (Kenya)
15. I have taken a safari on the Masi Mara (Kenya)
16. I have snorkeled off the coast of Phuket (Thailand)
17. I have snorkeled in Jamaica
18. I have climbed Tai Shan (one of the five “holy” mountains in China)
19. I have seen water puppets in Hanoi (Vietnam)
20. I have had tea at the Peninsula Hotel. (Hong Kong)
21. I have ridden an elephant over a mountain (Thailand)
22. I love to travel and see new places.
23. I once played the bag pipes (very badly, it’s quite hard)
24. I can knit.
25. I hate moths.
26. I LOVE to read.
27. I have an MA in Organizational Leadership.
28. Every house I’ve lived in the past 5 years (2) have had a significant number of walls pained “Light Cocoa” from the Martha Stewart line of paint.
29. I’d rather been in a room with painted walls than white.
30. I Love fruit. Especially apples. I think the old adage “an apple a day. . .” is true.
31. I prefer chocolate soy milk in my coffee.
32. I have one cup of coffee every morning.
33. I can do my best work in Starbucks.
34. I wrote most of my MA Applied Thesis in Starbucks.
35. I spent a weekend by my self in the heart of Amish Country (Illinois)
36. I once sang “This little Light of Mine” at a Jazz Breakfast in Chicago. (I can’t really sing, but I’ve got personality!)
37. My first stay in the hospital was when I had Reid.
38. Which was a surprise since we planned to have him in a birth center with a midwife. . .
39. I worked on Skid Row in LA for one year.
40. I love Friends (the TV show)
41. My favorite Friends episode is the one where Ross wears leather pants.
42. I lived in Qingdao, Shandong, China for one year.
43. I’ve eaten silk worms
44. I belong to a book club.
45. I LOVE inner-library loan.
46. I try and eat as many organic foods as possible.
47. Lilacs are my favorite flowers.
48. I carried Lilacs for my wedding.
49. 45 people came to our wedding
50. which was two years ago this week
51. Todd and I met on a blind date
52. I once told a friend I would “never meet my husband on a blind date”
53. My eye doctor who was also Todd’s best friend set us up.
54. A friend and I (years before I met Todd) use to talk about our imaginary husbands, named Todd and Brian (we picked those names out of the phone book. . . )
55. I love the movie Steel Magnolias
56. I have too many favorite books to count . . .
57. I’ve had 10 roommates (college through getting married).
58. I love documentaries.
59. Grizzle Man is one of my favorites. . .
60. I have given gift bags to women who work in a dominatrix club and strip clubs around LA (a Christian ministry called “Treasures”)
61. I hate stroganoff
62. I was on the game show “Supermarket Sweep” with my friend Kristin.
63. We came in second. 
64. I love to read “The Message Bible”
65. I read the LA Times almost every day
66. I can play the piano.
67. I can’t speak any Spanish (even though I did take two years in school)
68. I like to write
69. I love “My Utmost For His Highest” daily devotional
70. I’m not a big fan of James Dobson
71. Some people don’t like to go to movies with me because I tend to scream (loud) if I get scared or startled. .
72. The worst scare I every had was when Mark and Forrest pounded on Kristin and I’s window after seeing Signs. . .
73. which was made worst because Gina came home unannounced, I hit under my covers and SCREAMED. .
74. I would like to jump out of an airplane someday.
75. I am reading about how to start composting. .
76. I am a little scared to start, because it could be a BIG, SMELLY mess.
77. A new mall is opening on Friday 1 mile from our home. . part of me things’ “ugh” but I can’t wait to walk to Barnes and Noble with Reid.
78. I worked on a state Senate campaign in Idaho
79. I was a page in the Idaho state Senate
80. I like to make my own cards
81. I think I could learn to draw or paint if I took lessons
82. I love to laugh
83. Todd makes me laugh a lot! (as does Reid!)
84. I love to listen to people who are good story tellers
85. My mentor’s mentor, mentor, mentor was Sigmund Freud
86. I love the book of Philippians in the bible.
87. I love Anne of Green Gables (the books more than the movie!)
88. I wear too much black
89. It’s taken me three days to get this far
90. and it’s been much harder than I thought it would be.
91. I love Fredrick Buechner’s writing
92. I watch way too much reality tv (Top Chef, Project Runway, American Idol. . . )
93. I feel blessed with really wise and strong parents
94. and wonderful friends who bring joy and delight to my life
95. I love having people over for dinner (or anytime)
96. we have an overstuffed red chair in our living room, and I love it!
97. the pastor of our new church thinks I am “liberal”. . which I LOVE and take as a HUGE compliment.
98. I can spend way too much time on the computer
99. I love to talk about strength (Strengsfinder from Gallup
100. My hats off to anyone who read this far!!! Thank for your time and attention!

Just so you know. . .

2008-05-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

The word "pundit" is a noun and means: A learned person, expert, authority.

One can barely watch the news or read the newspaper these days without hearing (or reading) "Pundits say. . ." I wasn't quite sure what the word meant. I'm making a new vow to myself to look up words that I'm not sure about the meaning. Starting with Pundit.

Now you know too!

Things that make me wonder. . . (Part 2)

2008-05-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

I can hardly write a post about the disaster in Myanmar, and then not write about the thousands of people who have died as a result of Monday's earthquake in China. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a China girl through and through. I fell in love with China when I moved there for a year to teach English. "My" China is further north and east of where the earthquake struck. But the scenes and faces are familiar to me.

The reports of hundreds of school children killed and missing at several middle schools in Chengdu is so tragic, especially when you stop to consider that most children in China are ONLY children. (Thanks to the Communist One Child Policy). I'm sure nothing in the morning when moms and dads sent their children to school foretold them of the heartbreak and fear the day would hold.

Some of my favorite conversations in China happened in my "room" (It had green astro turf carpet. . )when my students would come in the evening for "free talk". One of the most common questions was:

"Army (they called me Army for some reason, some how an "R" always got added), how are Chinese and American different?"

I preferred to answer how much we were the same, "We love our families, we think about what our future will hold, we worry about this, and think about that.". . It was always fascinating to see their response. .

"Really, Americans love their families? But they live so far apart from them (our books say).
Really, Americans worry about their future, But everyone is rich in America (so our books say)
Really, Americans have bad eyes and have to wear glasses (The first time I showed up to class with glasses, their jaws HIT the ground! The thought that only Chinese people had bad eyes. . I don't quite know why). .

What a beautiful journey it was for me, and all my students to learn how much we were all the same, our language was different, our food was different, our government was different, but our hearts, souls, worries and joys were all the same.

So I pray for all the doctors I know who may be helping those injured. I recall the summer I spent hanging out with Chinese Middle School students, and pray that those alive will be found, that parents will be comforted and God will be glorified in a beautiful, amazing, enchanted land I love.

Things that make me wonder. . .

2008-05-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

One hour of my life was spent in Myanmar.

I was in Thailand with over 50 college students. They were there for the summer teaching English. They were scheduled to be there for 33 days, but only had a visa for 30 days. The Missionary we were working with arranged for the group to cross the border into Myanmar, stay for an hour, then come back into Thailand, getting an additional 30 days in the country. I happened to be visiting the teams when the trip was planned, and got to tag along.

Myanmar was a tiny bit scary to me. The border town we were in didn't feel safe. It was overwhelming that I could take one step farther than a whole lot of people who had their toes on the border, but couldn't make that one more step without risking their lives.

So when I think about the 63,000 to 100,000 people who may have died in Myanmar this week, it becomes just a little more real. I can't comprehend there are military leaders who until today weren't accepting outside aid. It's all so overwhelming to ponder from the safe confines of my suburban home, in Southern California, where we worry about gas cost getting to $4.00. It's also so easy to think "Where are you God? Did that Cyclone get past you?" Yet God says that he put Kings and Rulers in their place (Daniel 2:21), He rules the wind (Job 28:25) So clearly this didn't just "slide past".

So I turn to prayer. The military leaders can't decide to accept or not accpet my humble prayers. (If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray. . . . I will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14)). We often think of that verse around May 1st and the National Day of Prayer, in America. Today I'm claiming the whole earth as my land. . . it's what I'm doing when I use a cloth bag instead of plastic (saving the earth. . right?)

So I pray for the mother in Myanmar who had a baby boy on November 14th, just like my little boy.

I ask that angels will walk among those in need with a cup of clean, water.

I remind God that the widow in 2 Kings 1 who helped Elijah the prophet, found that her small jar of flour and jug of oil didn't run dry. I ask for that miracle to be played out over and over across Myanmar.

I'm not an international aid worker. But I choose to believe God enough to think that one or two small prayers really do matter for people in a place I'll probably never set foot, for faces that I'll never see, in a situation that's way too big. . .

Will you join me?

Yummy. . .

2008-05-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

I read the LA Times. I'm one of "those". . I don't read every single article, I scan most of the headlines, I occasional read the editorials. I see what's happening locally, I look through the Calendar Section,and the Business section. I usually leave the Sports section all to Todd.

I look forward to Mondays and the Health Section, Thursdays and the Home section. . and of course the SUNDAY TIMES. . . Editorial, Book Reviews, Coupons, Image, Travel. . .

I really sort of like reading the paper.

My favorite section. . the FOOD section on Wednesdays. I've found some great recipes. . sometimes it's all too "foo foo". . but sometimes, it's just my speed. . . like this. . .

Joan's on Third's lemon bars

Total time: 45 minutes, plus cooling time for the crust

Servings: Makes 9 bars

Note: Adapted from Joan's on Third.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, divided

1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting the bars

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 cup flour and the powdered sugar, stirring just until the dough comes together. Pat the dough into an 8-inch square pan and bake just until lightly golden, about 18 minutes. Remove and cool the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, baking powder and remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Whisk in the lemon juice and eggs until thoroughly combined. Pour the custard into the pan over the baked crust and bake again until it's set, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and cool the tart on a wire rack.

3. When cooled, dust lightly with additional powdered sugar and cut into bars. The lemon bars will keep for 1 week, refrigerated.

Each serving: 277 calories; 3 grams protein; 42 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 11 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 74 mg. cholesterol; 44 mg. sodium.

I made these a couple of weeks ago. . . super easy, so yummy!

It Works for Me!

2008-05-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've noticed in all my blog reading some patterns, one is "Works for Me Wednesday". . not to be confused with "Wordless Wednesday". . anyway, today as I was filing my bills I thought, "This so works for me". . and it hit me!! I have a "Works for Me Wednesday"

I heard this on the Radio, about a year ago. . it's really helped me get a *TINY* bit more organized. Are you ready for this. . HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS!!

I use a 12 month pocket folder to file my bills. Here's how it works. Every bill that I pay in May (2008), I simply slide into the May pocket. Next year, when I come back to May, I take out the 2008 bills, shread them and then I'll put the May 2009 bills in. The theory is that if you haven't needed a bill in one years time, then you will never need it. It's a little thing, that really has helped me conquer out of control paper! Also. . BILL PAY ONLINE! It's the best. I've heard that it saves you up to 2 hours every month. . plus stamps, envelopes, checks. . . SOOO great!

* okay, lest you think I'm THAT organized, the file folders are part of a system that Todd and I purchased earlier this year. . . it's another great thing, that took some time to do, but we LOVE it! Check it out: www.filesolutions.com

Giggles. . .

2008-05-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

I apologize if this isn't "politically correct". . . I've been giggling over this for days. . .

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's Mayonnaise was manufactured in England.
In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz,
Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.
But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank,
and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise,
and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great,
that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as
Sinko de Mayo.

I know. Corny. It just makes me laugh.
Thanks to Auntie A!

Crazy . . . (again)

2008-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Our journey to a better night sleep is (knock on wood, cross your fingers, and all that) going well. Most nights we only wake up one time, and when he's sleeping close to 12 hours a night, I give him a "free pass" for one feeding in the night. He's got a little tummy, it only makes sense!

I realized a couple of days ago that I have got to CHILL. In my zeal to "help" Reid take more naps during the day, I've realized I've got some serious control issues! It first came to light a few days ago when I wasted an ENTIRE afternoon (and I do mean ENTIRE) trying to tell Reid that "you need a nap". He wasn't buying. It resulted in a frustrated little boy, and an even more frustrated mom. When I reflected upon the wasted afternoon later I realized, I needed a nap, so I was trying to force him to nap, and he was just not having it! A valuable lesson learned: 1) He slept just fine that night, even without the nap that I was so "sure" that he "needed. I had convinced myself that only with great daytime naps does he sleep at night. 2) I need to be aware of my needs versus his needs, and differentiate the two. The reality is that I probably could have gotten the rest that I needed by even just sitting down for 15 or 20 minutes to read a book. He would have been fine playing. . . and I would have been saner by the end of the day, and he would have been happier, I less tierd. . .

To avoid (or try and avoid) this scenario in the future when I think that the little one needs a nap I look at my watch and decide how long we are going to try and "make the nap" happen. I can peacefully settle into "nap" mode and know, if he falls asleep in 15 minutes, great! If he's not asleep. We'll play and wait for the next "nap window" to open.

It's working well. They say little ones are sensitive to our "energy" and I think it's true. When I'm calm and peaceful, he's more calm and peaceful. We've had much better naps since I've institute the "Chill Out Amy" policy.

I find it funny, as I surrender my need for "control". . it all seems to work out so much better. . . . hmmmm

So many firsts. . .

2008-04-28T19:54:00.001-07:00

FIRST FOOD. . . Banana's. . . Not so much. We liked the bowl more.

FIRST BALL. . .It's harder than you might think to find a ball for a little guy. This is a bit big. . but delights him all the same. When I brought it home yesterday he was giggling as we played with it. (and yes. . he got it up over his body like that on his own.)

FIRST BED HEAD. .. We've got enough hair for "bed head". . or "nap head"

FIRST AVOCADO. . . If you can believe it, he liked this SO much more than the Banana's. He's a guacamole guy!

Stopping to Smell the Roses. . .

2008-04-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

These beautiful roses are from Mark's Rose garden. Aren't they beautiful? And they smelled even better.

Ratatouille. . more than a movie!

2008-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

My experiment with Vegetarian cooking has been so much fun, and resulted in numerous YUMMY meals. One of my favorites was Ratatouille! I found a recipe in Oprah Magazine and had all of the ingredients on hand except the eggplant. It was more an issue of practicality to use up ingredients. .but the result was divine!!

Ratatouille

4 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic (I use smashed garlic in a jar)
1 small eggplant cut into 1 inch cubes
2 small onions-cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 small zucchini sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 scant pint of sweet cherry tomatoes
salt & pepper
a few fresh basil leaves-torn

Cook each veggie separately over medium heat, using 1 Tb of the olive oil and 1 clove of garlic.
-Eggplant- Cook about 18 minutes, until soft
-zucchini-Cook until tender, about 12-14 minutes
-onion-Cook until soft and slightly caramelized -about 18 minutes
-Tomatoes-Cook about 9 minutes, until wrinkled and barely holding their shape.

* Season each veggie right before you are done cooking it.
* You can put the veggies together in a bowl when you are done cooking them

When all the veggies are cooked, put them all together in a large saute pan, cook until heated all the way through, add torn basil and season to taste.

The recipe said to serve with a crusty bread. Both Todd and I thought it would have been good over couscous or pasta.

SO YUMMY! I learned to enjoy eggplant while living in China. . I'd never been sure how to cook it. . but now that I figured that out. . . eggplant here I come! :)

ONE NOTE: Dear, Sweet Todd was so excited when I said I was making Ratatouille. (we loved the movie) and when he walked in the door from work. . he thought it smelled "Amazing". . he liked the taste. . but told me later in his mind Ratatouille was an amazing cheesy, pasta. . so a plate of veggies, perfectly seasoned, while good. . was a bit of a disappointment on a few levels! :) (But still good!)

Happy Veggie eating!

knowledge is power. . . or something like that

2008-04-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Over the past month my little sweetie-pie has gone from being a pretty good little sleeper. . to a not-so-good-little-sleeper. I knew something needed to change when I could barely pull myself out of bed this weekend, and neither Todd nor I could accurately recall the number of times that I'd been up with Reid.

For me any of the cry-it-out options, weren't options. The few times that I have been tempted to try it, (and I haven't) I've found him stuck in some funky position (on his stomach, which his feet through the crib slats)which he was truly unable to fix on his own, or soaking wet, (another thing he is unable (for the time being) to fix on his own). I feel like when he's crying there is a reason, and it's my job to help him try and fix it. (And needing a cuddle or reassurance in the middle of the night is still a valid reason for getting my attention. . )SO I was left with trying to figure out how to solve this night-waking problem. I changed the way I diapered him (which helped) I decieded that wet diapers were NOT a reason we needed to be waking up. (Our Bum Genuius Cloth Diaper with THREE inserts have done the trick)

After some reasearch I discovered a book, that according to the reviews on Amazon sounded like it would be in alignment with how I want to try and solve this sleep problem. The book is called: The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. I found it yesterday at our local book store and by the end of the forward I KNEW it was the right book for me. . I got a couple chapters read yesterday afternoon, the authors story and an overview of infant sleep patterns (so I didn't even get to the meat of the book). BUT I did know that I had knowledge, or the opportunity to gain knowledge at my finger tips.

So, I put Reid to bed last night, the only thing that changed was my attitude I felt like there was hope out there, I knew I didn't have it yet (last night), but I knew that it was out there.

I'm not sure if the book has some magical power and just being in my house unleashed it (highly unlikely)
OR If my attitude and HOPE changed, and therefore something in Reid changed (more likely) BUT Reid had the BEST night sleep he's EVER had in his whole life! I put him to bed at 7:00, he woke up at 12:57 I fed him for 20 minutes when the alarm went off at 5:00 (Todd was going to the gym to work-out) I heard Reid just slightly stir, I got him (still asleep) feed him and he slept until 7:00 (that's 12 hours, with 2 feedings. . but one was forced upon him by me!)

As I thought about it this morning, I felt like, Knowledge is Power. . My "energy" changed as I put him to bed last night, I wasn't edgy or nervous wondering "how long is he going to sleep". . I felt like, "I don't know what to do today, but I know that tomorrow or the next day I'm going to have more ideas.. ." There was light at the end of the tunnel.

So, who knows what tonight will be like, but I have hope and I've got to get reading.

For the Love of Dye. .

2008-04-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I’m not quite sure how it hit, I decided that the perfect “hobby” for me would be to TIE-DYE. (A craft that requires no precision, just wad up a shirt and dip it in dye!) I’m not quite sure why, or where this idea hit, but none-the-less I became a woman on a mission as I looked up information on-line about tie-dye. I found a complete “mini-tie-dye” kit to order, and I was off. I thought that onesie (just the right size for Reid) would be a good project to get me started.

It took a couple of weeks from getting the kit, to finding the perfect tie-dying day. In the mean time I explained my new hobby with glee to several friends. One dear friend, who has been around along enough to experience my, lets say, “misguided exuberance” one-too many times was a bit leery of my plan. His response (in not so many words was. . “WHAT makes you think that YOU and PERMANT DYE is a good idea?) I explained with great confidence that “of course I know better than to do this in the house, I thought the patio would be a perfect place.” . . He explained that Todd probably would NOT like tie-dyed cement. . (Good point) and made me promise on my life that this project would take place on the grass.

Sunday, (on the grass) I tie-dyed my little heart out. . well five onesies at least! As I explained to Todd why I was going to be outside for a bit, he said something I thought so strange. . .
“Have you washed all my white T-shirts. . could you do that before you start?”
A bit confused I said, “Why?”. . my DEAR husband said, “I like my T-shirts white”
I carefully explained to him that my tie-dyeing would have no effect on his t-shirts.
And THEN under his breath I heard something like. . . “Can I get that in writing?”

WHY DOES NO ONE TRUST ME?????

Alas. . The onesies are tie-dyed. The Cement is still cement. And ALL Todd’s T-shirts are white. (Who get’s the last laugh now??)

"Does the light blue tint make me look fat?"

Spring Sprang. . . .

2008-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ah. . the green grass. . . sunny day. . . a spot of shade. .

toes in the grass. . does it get better?

Sweet Denali. . .

yummy. . .

2008-04-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

I've decieded to "sneak" a few vegetarian dinners into our diet each week. (I'm not really "sneaking", I told Todd. . did you really think I could keep a secret?!)
I'm reading an interesting book (In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan) which is confirming my inspirtation. Don't worry, I'm not going to go all "veggie". . I am a firm believer in "moderation in all things". . .more on that later.. . for now, I want to share our YUMMMMMMY dinner. . . we had it tonight, and I think the left-overs tomorrow are going to be EVEN BETTER (That's what I've found with another veggie dish from Monday. . .)

BLACK BEAN, CORN & ZUCCHINI ENCHILADAS

Enchilada Sauce
* You can prepare this in advance. I made it this morning, but the recipie suggests up to several days before you plan to make these YUMMMMMMY delights.

1 tsp canola oil
1/2 C. diced red onion
1 tsp. minced garlic (you know they sell this in a jar at TJ's!)
1/2 C. Organic Vegetable Broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained.

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.

THE ENCHILADAS!
1 tsp. canola oil
2 C. diced zucchini
1 (10 oz) package frozen, whole-kernel corn
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
8 whole-wheat tortillas
2 C. shredded cheese.

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add zucchini and corn, saute for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and stir in beans.
3. Spread 1 C. of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
4. Spoon about 1/2 C of the vegetable mixure down the center of a tortilla, sprinkle with a bit of cheese, roll and place seam side down in pan. Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas.
5. Cover evenly with the remaining 2 C of enchilada sauce.
6. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and top with 1 C. of Cheese and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese metls.

(8 servings: 348 Calories per serving :) THANKS Cooking Light!

The best part about cooking vegetarian. . you don't have to deal with raw meat!! (and the clean up seems to be easier!)

Crazy. . .

2008-04-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last week a friend sent me a link to a "mama-support-group-web-site-thing". . .Since I was asked to join, I did. (It's only good manners).

I realized after only two days it makes me crazy. Moms post questions, and then every other mom can post a response. I noticed right away several things. .

1) EVERYONE is an expert in cyberspace.
2) How MY child does anything. . MUST be the RIGHT way.
3) Parents of newborns talk way too much about SLEEP.

Now that I've got that off my chest. . here is what I have come to understand as rock MY sweet-angle-boy to sleep. .

1) Everyone IS an expert. . ON THEIR CHILD. Every child is a unique, one-of-a-kind, break-the-mold-when-done individual.
2) How each child does anything. . IS the RIGHT WAY for that child. There are for sure transferable lessons between children, BUT that whole "unique individual thing" is back again. . :)
3) I get this, I really get this, when you aren't getting a full night sleep. . it is an easy thing to talk about. I'm not sure that it's really helpful to compare children's sleeping habits too much. . again, each child has their own rhythms.

I am swearing off that particular message board, I realized that it was subtly causing me to doubt decisions that I've made for my family, that have been working for us. I found myself getting worked up and second guessing things that just last week hadn't bothered me a bit. I love advice, but I think I'm finding it's much more helpful and meaningful from someone who knows me, and my little-sweetie-pie-pants than from some anonymous person in cyberspace.

THAT'S WHAT I THINK! :)

Drool. . . . .

2008-04-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Who Likes Snow?

2008-04-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Not this little guy. . . .

BUT. . .

He LOVES a Bouncer!

Redeeming Rocks

2008-03-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

(yummy recipie to follow!)

School lunch. Ah, the days of a mass produced meals served in the compartmentalized, plastic tray, with a carton of milk and plastic silverware. A long line to get your appointed portion all while (slowly) working your way up the pecking order of tables. . . In our school lunch room there was a definite order to where people sat. Kindergartners at the end of the middle table, THIRD graders sat at the far end of the first table (prime spot) and so on.

The lunch menu was published each week in the "Snowshoe" and I could almost predict the sort of week it would be by the lunch menu. If it was a "Chili" Wednesday and "Burrito Friday". . it was a GOOD week. . throw in a Grilled Cheese Any day. . and wow LIFE WAS GOOD. Now if the menu included Beef-a-Roni (need a I say more, just the name. . ) Cold Ham & Cheese (on a homemade, a bit too floury roll. . ) and horror of horror's BEEF ROCKS. . . it was going to be a pretty disastrous week!

Beef Rocks. . . let's just talk about Beef Rocks. . . first the name. . who wants to eat something called. . B-E-E-F R-O-C-K-S?? Some of you more open minded people out there might say, "well what is it, it can't be that bad, can it?" IT CAN, my friend, picture ground beef (the school lunch room variety of ground beef. . have you been watching the news lately, can we say BEEF RECALL?) surrounded in a mushy, homemade (with that same too floury dough) roll. It sends shutters up my spine to recall. Beef Rocks always meant "sack lunch".

So, when in a recent issue of "O" (The Oprah Magazine) I saw a recipie for "Chocolate Rocks" my mind leapt to "beef rocks". . how often do you see "rock" in the name of a recipie?

Chocolate Rocks. . . ROCK! This little morsels of yummy, wholesome (really) chocolate chip cookie goodness made up for any bad association of recipes with the name "Rock". . .

Try them. . you'll see. .

Chocolate "Rocks"

2 Cups whole wheat flour
1 Cup rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
8 Tbsp (1 Stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 Cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 Cup Apple Butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Cup Walnut pieces (I used pecans)
3/4 C Raisins (I didn't have any, so I didn't use, but next time I will)

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large bowl combine flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in brown sugar. Stir in apple butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour mixture, stir until well combines. Stir in chocolate chips, walnuts (or pecans) and raisins. Return dough to bowl, cover, and refrigerate until firm 30 minutes to hour. (I just put in freezer for about 5-10 minutes. Worked out fine)

Line baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray with Pam). Drop by rounded spoonful. Bake 13-15 minutes. Cool. Eat!

What I Love about California. . .

2008-03-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a "I LIVE in Southern California" minute. They come much less often than they use to. It still just doesn't seem possible that a SMALLLLLLL town girl from Idaho ended up in Southern Cali. . . It hit early in the morning when I was savoring my ONE cup of coffee with carob rice milk (why, carob. . because it was on sale. . why rice milk. . because I think Reid might be allergic to soy . . . and rice milk sounded fun) and trying HARD to wake up. I've had a cold the past few days, and of course Reid's been off his schedule at night. . anyway, there was an advertisment for the local news on "Why We Love California". . and I watched the scences from Santa Monica, downtown LA, Hollywood, Chinatown. . all places I've been, I know how to get to on the freeway without really thinking (and I even know where to park!) and it hit me. . I LIVE here!

However it took a few hours for the point to really be driven home. Reid and I are flying to Idaho on Sunday afternoon for a week. (We've got lots of people to meet. . Great Auntie A in particular!)I wanted to send a few things that we'll need in Idaho ahead. Mainly just a couple of blankets, I've got quite a stash here, and I figured we could use them there and they will probably find a home there too! So there I was, a bit woozy with a head cold, standing in line with a bag of blankets and Reid cozy in his Ergo Carrier on my chest. I didn't have a box at home, so I had to get one at the Post Office. But of course I didn't have TAPE to shut the box, so I had to wait in the long line, find out the boxes were free (who knew that?!), get a roll of tape from the nice lady, then step aside to pack my box. All was going well until I dropped the roll of tape. . I COULD have picked it up, but it was all getting a bit crazy. . when my guardian angel walked up. . and older Indian man. . "Dear, let me help you". . (with a strong Indian accent). . My Indian angel knelt down on the floor, taped my box up, packed my blankets, taped it shut. . using lots of tape (we want it to be secure dear!) and sent me on my way.

As I left the Post Office, my box of blankets safely on their way to Idaho, I walked out into a clear, sunny, high 70's day and thought. . That's why I love California. . . the rich fabric of PEOPLE who live here...

And "thank you Lord for all my post office angels!" (When I lived in China, I really believe God sent me a Post Office angel. The Post Office was probably the most difficult outing I had to make in any given week, and on more than one occassion, when I was completely confounded and frustrated in the Post Office and older Chinese woman who spoke perfect English would appear at my side and say, "Amy, what do you need?". . . . Post Office Angels!

What a cutie pie. . .

2008-03-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

"you're so vain". . . He just LOVES a mirror.

Gotta love Harry the Hedgehogs yummy nose!!

My New Favorite. . .

2008-03-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

. . .craft project! I have a great appreciation for people who are all crafty and make cool scrapbooks, note cards, quilts. . all that cool stuff. I wish I were that talented. . or maybe it's not a question of talent, as much as patience. My attention span when it comes to that stuff is about 10 minutes. If I can start and finish something in about 10 minutes, I'm good. Beyond that, well, let's just say there are a lot of 'good intentions'. (which have all been purge in our recent 'decluttering frenzy') So I was thrilled to come up with my own little 10 minute craft project this week!

Someone recently gave me a hand-crafted journal (one of those black & white composition notebooks, with a personalized cover). This week I was putting together a couple of gift baskets and wanted to include something similar. At Micheal's I found the COOLEST product. I thought I would get some craft paper and cut out the paper to fit the notebook and be good to go (MIND YOU. . this was probably a stretch for me, because in addition to having a short attention span, I have a bit of a problem when it comes to details, so I probably would have cut the wrong size paper. . . or who knows what?!)I was THRILLED to find that they now have cute patterned "packing tape". . . YES. . they sell this tape in the scrapbook section with three or four coordinating tapes, of varing widths in a package.

The results (drum roll please). . . . .

. . . personalized journals. I might become their best customer for this stuff. Someone after my own heart thought of that! Brilliant!

Happy taping. . .

Contemplation

2008-03-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

A future contemplative??

I’ve been “contemplating” Contemplation. It all started with this GREAT book my dad gave me called, “Eat This Book” By Eugene Peterson. (Eugene Peterson did the translation of the bible called The Message). It’s about the practice of Lectio divina which is divine reading, or the practice of reading the bible, (or anything really) in a slow, thoughtful, intentional, contemplative way.

“Contemplation means living what we read, not wasting any of it or hoarding any of it, but using it up in living. . .” (Eugene Peterson)

The practice of lectio is about finding the holy in the ordinary. Seeing God’s fingerprints displayed throughout our days.

“Lectio divina comprises four elements: lectio (we read the text), meditation (we meditate the text), oratio (we pray the text), and contemplatio (we live the text). . . Lectio divina is a way of reading that become a way of living” (and with that it’s clear WHY I love lectio so much. It spills over into everything I read: reading, thinking, praying and LIVING.)

“Contemplatives fly off the handle, make bad judgments, speak out mistakenly and regret their words, run stoplights and get speeding tickets. Contemplatives get depressed, get confused, get fat, get lost, and sometimes don’t get it at all.” (whew, because this seems to describe someone I know. . (me). . so I feel that there is hope yet that I might just might learn. .

So. . Fiat mihi . . “Let it be to me according to thy Word”

Smiles

2008-03-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning we spent some time enjoying our patio. . . We love our newest blanket from Mary-Jo!(Can you tell that he was making raspberries. . he loves to make all sorts of fun noises!)

My little Reid. . I mean Reader. . .

yummy. .

2008-03-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe in a magazine called: Clean Eating.

It's really yummy (Todd even liked it, and he's not one for many baked good (sadly), or sweets (he says he is "sweet enough as it is). .)

Breakfast Fruit and Nut Cookies (as a yummy alternative to muffins)

1/2 C brown sugar
1/4 C oil
3 egg whites (I used 2 egg whites and one whole egg. . why, because the yolk of the third egg fell into my batter. LOL)
1/4 C. finely chopped dates (the orginal recipie called for figs. . I had dates on hand. . they add a nice sweetness)
1/4 C. dried cranberries (I have some good golden raisins that I'll add next time)
1 tsp vanilla (I have been using vanilla "paste" from Trader Joes. . it's really great and add a really nice flavor and color with actual vanilla bean 'flakes')
1 C flour
1/2 C whole-wheat flour (I have in my flour jar a mixture of finely ground whole wheat flour with a littl all-purpose white flour mixed in.. I'm finding that a really good quality (like King Arthurs) Whole-wheat flour works in everything and adds great texture and nutriets. I used 1 1/2 cup of that mixture)
1/2 C. Bran-Flakes (I used All-Bran, because it was what I had, I didn't soak it or anything, added great texture to the cookies)
2 Tbsp ground flax seed (This is a great ingredient, full of omega 3 fatty acids and easy to add to ANYTHING)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice (I added giner instead, because I didn't have any all-spice, and I really like ginger)
1/4 C sliverd almonds

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine sugar, oil, egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Stir in chopped dried fruits and vanilla.

Combine flour, bran, baking soda, flax seed and spices. . mix.

Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, stir until just combines. Add almonds

Drop by tablespoon onto lined baking sheet (I used parchment paper) Bake 12 minutes.

YUMMY. Next time I might add some more nuts and dried fruit, just to mix it up, they were really great, not too sweet, a good morning, noon, or evening snack. :)

clearly, i'm not one that is bound by convention when it comes to recipies. . . that's what makes it fun though.

Enjoy!

Something New. . (the verdict so far)

2008-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

So, I just washed my face using the "OCM". . .(See my previous post)

I used one part castor oil and three parts extra virgin olive oil (right off my kitchen shelf)

Advantages I see so far:
1) It's like a mini-spa treatment before bed!! The oil is so luxerious on the skin. . I just had to take my time and massage my whole face and neck. It felt SOOOOO good. (I smoothed some on my lips, a great lip balm, and it totally took off the little bit of eye make up that I wear. . )
2) Then a warm/hot steamy wash cloth. . . heaven. . . and you have to "re-steam" it a couple of times to "cut" the oil. . H E A V E N. (I'm going to keep the OCM up, just for this. It's a vacation in an instant!)
3) My skin feels great. . . not at all oily, just. . I don't know, nourished, soft, balances. . . right.
4) No moisterizer needed. . . my skin right now feels perfect, clean, fed, and ready for bed!

We'll see what happen while I sleep. . . maybe a huge breakout headed my way?!

Sweet Dreams.

Something New. . .

2008-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, So I don't know how this is going to work, it sounds a little strange, but enough intersting that I'm going to try it. I read on another blog about The oil cleansing method (www.theoilcleansingmethod.com)for face washing at night. . .It uses a mixture of castor oil and another kind of oil (olive oil or sunflower are recommended) you massage your face with it, then use a warm, steamy cloth to cut the oil. . . a massage and a "steam bath" in one!

I have been working hard to incorporate as many natural, chemical free "cosmetics" into my routine as possible (without getting too radical. . that fine balance) and this sounds like it could be a good alternative, completely natural and sort of fun to boot!

I have castor oil and extra virgin olive oil that I'll be mixing up tonight to see how it works. . . Stay tuned!

Naptime. . .

2008-03-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

sweet naptime. . .

Rock-n-Roll

2008-03-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

Tummy Time. ..

I love these little polo shirts. . .I find I like the "preppy" boy look. .

Big milestone this weekend. Reid's a roller. Two nights ago at our 2:00 feeding I found the little man laying on his tummy, sucking his thumb. I knew that I didn't lay him down on his tummy, so that meant one of two options, A) He rolled over on his own. . or B) The magic faries came and pushed him over. I'm thinking "A".
Since then we've see the rolling in action. It's quite fun to watch him; he lifts his legs and bottom and sort of rocks himself over, the one trouble point in the sholder. . but he's figuring out how to pull that out. He hasn't figured out how to get from his stomach to his back. . yet.

Adventures in Granola Making. .

2008-02-29T07:31:00.000-08:00

I'm into making Granola at the moment. Here's my latest recipie (I actually have never made the same batch twice, Granola is quite easy to personalize. . but the basic start I use is this:

BUILD YOUR OWN GRANOLA. . . It's an art, not a science. . .

4 cups of regular oats (I actually the like texture of a "six grain" oat mix better with (Wheat, Rye, Barley flakes. . it's a little more crunchy)

THEN add whatever you like. . I usually add:
1/3 (ish) Cup flax seed meal
1/3 (ish) Cup wheat bran
1/3 (ish) coconut
1/3 (ish) sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, chopped pecans, sesame seeds, whole flax seeds (whatever sounds like fun)
3 TBL turninado sugar (if you like)

I like this mix as the "glue"
3/4 C pineapple juice
1/2 C apple juice

boil this until it reduces to about 2/3 Cup. And 1/4 Cup honey, (Or I usually add Agave Nectar instead, it's a bit sweeter than honey, so I put less, and Agave is thiner than honey, so the "pour factor" is easier) I've also added a couple tablespoons of peanut butter (which is good).

Add the juice mixture to the oat mixture, stir well, then spread on a jelly roll pan and bake at 325 for about 40 minutes. . stir it a couple of times during the cooking. (this too you have to watch and adjust as needed, I over cooked one batch and it wasn't as yummy)

I always add dried fruit at the end, after the cooking is done. . .I'm still working through memories of my "nanas" granola with COOKED Raisins.. I just don't like them cooked. . . they get a bit hard and burned. . anyway,

WHEN IT's COOL ADD:

some. . mixed dried fruit (I have a mix with apricots, rasins, pears, peaches, apples,that is all chopped up really small, it works great and tastes yummy)
I've also added banana chips (I crunch them up a bit), dried mango, cranberries. . really whatever sounds good!

Store in an airtight container. . one batch usually lasts about a week. SOOO easy and so much fun, each batch is completely different and yummy in yogurt or milk, or just by the handful!! :)

The Danger of Blogs

2008-02-28T07:41:00.000-08:00

Lately I find myself almost obsessed with reading blogs. It's totally addictive reading the thoughts, lives, belives etc. of random people out there in the world. One blog leads to another, it's pretty crazy. (but totally fun, and man such a time "waster?". . )

Anyway, so one blog (happy foody) (See my blog roll. . I'm even learning the lingo. . ) issued a 30 day "Green Smoothie Challenge". . and being a sucker for, I don't know, a challenge, I thought I'd give it a try.

What's a green smoothie you ask? We'll yesterday my "green" (although it seemed a bit brown to me, see the picture and judge for yourself) was 2 Kale leaves, 1 whole orange, a bit of water, a handful of frozen mango/pineapple and 2 handfuls of frozen blueberries. . (all organic of course!)(a note on the organic: I've started being really mindful of that as I am breastfeeding and most experts say that breastfeeding women should make as much of an effort towards organic as possible. . ) They (IE: the other bloggers and other "challegers" say that they have so much more energy, alertness and less sugar cravings. . .) I have to be honest and say, I topped of yesterday's smoothing with a brownie. . so much for the sugar cravings!

As weird as they sound, they are actually pretty good. . the secret is adding sometype of greens to your traditional fruit smoothie (spinach, romaine lettuce, Kale are the most popular it seems). This whole thing is a hallmark of a "Raw Diet",I have not interest in that, I just like bread way to much to go "raw", but the smoothies are good, I know they are packed full of good vitamins and minerals (Kale is a good source of calcium. . important for the nursing woman) . . So I will continue with my green smoothies. I have learned you must really blend, blend, blend otherwise there might be a texture issues. I am generally not a texture issue girl, but I've had a couple that the texture really turned me off, but they (my fellow bloggers) say that if you blend the greens with water first, it works better.

Try one today, you might like them too (just shut your eyes because the color is sometimes a bit yucky, but taste is great!)

Growing. . .

2008-02-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is our little guy in a 9 month outfit. . it fits way too good on a 3 1/2 month old!

When my parents were here last week my dad gave me a book (it's genetic!)by Eugene Peterson called, "Eat This Book: a conversation in the art of spiritual reading". GREAT book! It's quickly working it's way up into one of my top. .let's say 10 most influential books.

"What I mean to inisist upon is the spiritual writing- Spirit sourced writing- requires spiritual reading, a reading that honors words as holy, words as a basic mean of forming an intricate web of relationships between God and the human, between all thing visible and invisible."

I've never really thought about different kinds of writing requiring different kinds of reading. I guess it does stand to reason, and I engage in different kinds of reading on a daily basis. . I scan through the LA Times, picking sentences and paragraphs here and there to get the "gist" of a story. I pick up my "Streams in the Desert" and read slowly and thoughtful, pausing to ponder and apply a spiritual truth or insight, My mind relaxes and enjoys my latest fiction (Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral), I pick up a highlighter (with post-it tabs) when reading "Eat this Book". . And scanning blogs. . .So yeah, I do read different things differently. (By the way, that represents today) Peterson's challenge for spiritual reading, namely reading the bible is (so far) that the bible is STORY and those stories are included for a reason, and we must apply THE story to our story. . otherwise we miss the whole point. That the story of one of us, is in some part (or whole) the story of all of us. (Fredrick Buecher writes on this concept as well) This "ah" is changing the way I read the bible. I've been reading from Peterson's translation of the bible the Message. . and I can't tell you how much I've gotten out of Numbers and Deuteronomy as I start to take up this view point, that the text is meant just as much for me today, as it was meant for the Isrealites "way back when".

I loved the Streams in the Desert devotional today. .. (Joshua 1:3) "I give you every place you set your foot, as I have promised" The Isrealites didn't really take God seriously with this promise, because they only went "half-way" into the promised land. (or a third of the way according to Steams in the Desert) They got what they came for, (the promised land) and didn't keep going. . "They never possessed more than one-third of the land".. . So the challenge. . To not stop, to not become comfortable and complaciant, but to take God seriously on the promises that he makes. . .

Something to think on while I fold diapers tonight. .

Favorites . .

2008-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this Burt's Bee lotions. . especially the "Mama Bee" Lotion for legs. . .the peppermint makes my legs "Buzz" for quite a long time. I've been trying to get products that don't contian Parabens. . . (It will drive a person crazy trying to avoid them, these products are Paraben free (yipee).) The honey handcreme has a "honey smell", that is quite nice!

I think Reid might be in the beginning stages of teething. . . He has started sleeping less at night. . drooling, drooling, drooling, a little runny nose. . not so interested in eating, sucking his hand like there is no tomorrow. . and much more general fussiness. A friend gave me a book of "Prayers for New Mothers". .I looked up a prayer for "teething". In the prayer that mama observed that "This is just one of many times in life when I can't take away his pain. . I can rock him and hold him, but he'll have to get through this himself."

And so begins the "long good bye" of raising children. . .

I'll love and cuddle you as much as I can Reid, I'll distract you when you will be let me, but ultimatly this pain, discomfort it's really for your own good. . bananas, avacados, chicken and chocolate chip cookie all require teeth.. .

Somehow my 3 1/2 month old doesn't quite get it.. but I think someday he will.

Little Feet

2008-02-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Some of our favorite shoes. . er. .socks. . .

Marking Time

2008-02-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

a few days old. . .

3 months old. . . Today!

Book Report

2008-02-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

I'm loving "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to follow the Bible as Literally as Possible"

Normally when I borrow a book from the library I try to respect the book, this is just so good that I find myself folding the tiniest corner of a page down so I can come back to a section either because it's quite funny, or more often because it's quite insightful. . . .

Take for example page 98. A.J. visits an "Atheist Meeting" at a Greek cafe in New York. Remember A.J. (the author) is a self-proclaimed agnostic who took on this project to see what he could learn (and because he had a book deal, no doubt) His observation when leaving the meeting was this, "It's hard to be passionate about a lack of belief" Which begs the question, "Am I passionate about my belief?"

Or page 122. A.J., in following Ecclesiastes 9:8 (Let your garments be always white), wears all white. He says, "But the thing is, I'm enjoying it (wearing all white). My white wardrobe makes me feel lighter, more spiritual. Happier. It's further proof of a major theme of this year: The outer affects the inner." I think this is such a profound statement. . . and so true I'm finding (as a new mom) that it takes just a bit more energy to look cute, as it does to just put on an old sweatshirt and sweats. The thing is, I feel better about myself, my home, my life when I have a cute pair of jeans and top on, and I wear real shoes, not my slippers. . . The outer affecting the inner.

And then there is page 220, this I thought was rather profound, and challenging, and quite frankly a pretty keen insight, that I'm not sure I've heard "preached" at many churches, so all the more insightful from an agnostic. He writes in the preceding paragraph about "Praise the Lord", and how uncomfortable it makes him feel to say that. (even though he is commanded to, and does) He said he thought it was sort of "over the top" "I'm used to understatements and hedging and irony. And why would God need to be praised in the first place? God shouldn't be insecure. He's the ultimate being."
Now this is the part I thought, WOW. .
"Now I can sort of see why. It's not for him. It's for us. It takes you out of yourself and your prideful little brain."

A great read.

This OR That

2008-02-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

People say that we have the same eyes. . .

Each day I think of about five different things I could write about on this blog, getting around to writing them, well, that is a bit trickier!

I could write about. . .

The pile of books that I have to read. I hardly know where to start, I ordered three from the library, and three from Amazon, and they all came in on Thursday. . .

From the library:
Anny Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish
The Know-it-all by A.J. Jacobs
The year of living biblically by A.J. Jacobs (This is what I'm reading right now, it's SOOOO great. A.J. decides to follow the bible as literally as he can. He is a self-proclaimed agnostic with no "religious" training at all. It is hilarious, insightful, and informative. . did you know that there is a rule in the bible about not wearing mixed fibers? There are actually Rabbis who will check people's wardrobes to make sure they have not mixed clothing, intentional, or unintentionally. . .WHO KNEW?

From Amazon:
Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings M.D. and Dan Ullman
When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custic James
The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley

OR, I could write about yesterday morning when I was holding Reid while he was in that not quite awake, not quite asleep phase and he pulled his thumb out of his mouth and held is right up to my mouth and in my mind I could here a little voice say, "Here mom, you want to try it for a while, it's really good"

OR, I could write about my answer to the most common question I am asked these days, "What has been the biggest adjustment, or most surprising thing about becoming a parent?" It has been learning to trust my instincts. At first I wasn't really sure how to answer the question, because I've gotten use to waking up several times a night and it's not that big of a deal and while it takes some planning to go anywhere, it's really nothing that can't be handled. What is the biggest adjustment is the momentary panic comes when I hear one parenting expert say, 'You should always do this. ." and it resonates with me, and the next day I hear another parenting expert say, "You should NEVER do this". . and I panic, but yesterday someone said I should and it felt right to me, and you're saying that it's wrong?" My "Ah-Ha" moment came in this regards when I stopped panicking and thought about it. . thoughtfully (or I thought it was a thoughtful thought) I realized that NO ONE in the world knows my little guy better than I do, so really I am the expert when it comes to raising my little one. So my job is to filter all of the experts advice and see what MY expert thinks (IE: ME) and feels is appropriate for my little guy. What relief.

OR I could write, along the same lines as above, why is it that most of the "Parenting Experts" I run across are men? I am all for men, but it is curious that in most cases (not all) women are the ones who stay home and raise children, but men are the ones writing the books and hosting the radio programs on raising children???

OR I could write about how blessed I was earlier this week when a homeless lady who attends the women's bible study I go to and sits at my table this week prayed for me, and what a beautiful blessing it was, because of the faith and simplicity of her prayer, because she is (to be honest) quite challenging in our group because of her "victim mentality" that permeates every comment, and how beautiful it was to see that all stripped away in prayer. .

OR I could post picture about how our organization is going. . .

OR. . . I could stop now.

STEP TWO

2008-02-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

2008 seems to be the year of "Clutter Busting" for the Hoppock Household. It wasn't something we set out intentionally to engage in. Rather, it feels like it's a lesson/journey, which has selected us. We've been rather systematically organizing each room in our home, using Peter Walsh as our guide (It's all too Much: An easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff). It's amazing how good and peaceful (for lack of a better word) it is to get rid of the excess that so quickly builds up in our lives. It does seem to add more space for just being when flat surfaces are clean, closets are organized and paper work is not in stacks and piles.
So apparently, that was STEP ONE.

I think we stumbled on STEP TWO yesterday, and I'm not sure where step two leads. . .
STEP TWO began yesterday when both Todd and I watched:

www.storyofstuff.com

It's about how we have a "linear" system in an ultimately finite system. (Watch the video, it will make you think, and all this will make more sense). The Story of Stuff really made us think about what we consume, and the impact that it does make in our world, whether we see or feel it immediately. The SOS sort of helps shed more light on the consumer driven society we live in. (Like the historic context for SPENDING as patriotic . . . after 9/11 we were told the best thing we could do was . . SHOP? That line of thinking for the US dates back to WWII. It's being demonstrated right now as the government contemplates tax refunds, so that we'll go SHOPPING. . ) We continue to ponder how to live responsible. Anyone have any thoughts about the Story of Stuff??

So anyway, I've got to go to the mall. . . (I really am going to the mall today, just to buy one plate to replace a plate that I broke last week.)

HumanBeing vs. HumanDoing

2008-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

I heard an interesting thought on the radio today. A mother called into Rabbi Shmuley and asked about her son's overbooked schedule. He asked her if she was raising a human being or a human doing. I thought it was a pretty cleaver and powerful point to make. Am I a humanBEING or a humanDOING. . I'd so much rather be a BEING than a DOING. The Rabbi said that BEINGS know who they are and don't derive their value from the doing, rather it's from their being. . Being or Doing? It's a question Todd and I will have to keep before us as we shephard our little boy.

Speaking of the boy. . he's a bonifida thumb-sucker these days. . it's been sort of fun to watch the process, since birth he's sort of enjoyed his hand, over the past couple of weeks he's become much more focused and intentional (I guess you could say) about sucking the side of his hand, then last week he figured out, wait, it's a lot more fun if I suck my thumb. . Today he gagged himself a couple of times with his vigour and enthusaism about sucking that thumb. I figure a few more times of that and he'll figure out that he needs to becareful!

He's starting to move towards longer sleep cycles, last night being an exception. He only did about three hour stretches, (which was sort of disappointing since he had been doing 5-6) BUT it was sort of okay because I noticed that I wasn't being awakened by crys, rather by GIGGLES. Yep, he was in his crib at 12 and 3 GIGGLING and having a jolly old time. . . The good thing is, he doesn't mess around when it comes to nursing and he falls quickly back to sleep. .

Pondering Proverbs

2008-02-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Todd is doing a Wednesday night bible study on Proverbs. I decieded to "read" along reading one chapter a day (works out swell because there are 31 chapters in Proverbs). I keep my Message Bible by my nursing chair, and at one of my "nursing dates" with Reid, I read the days chapter out loud to us both. A passage yesterday hit me, a great prayer for my little guy, (and for us big kids too!)

From Proverbs 2 in the Message:
So now you can pick out what's true and fair,
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep and eye out for you.
They'll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions. . . "

I love how the message translations makes things so visable and descriptive. . Lady Wisdom, Brother Knowledge, Good Sense. . .it's quite easy to visualize a prayer of Lady Wisdom, sort of a mother earth, hippy type who exhudes wisdom about the world, God, relationships, nature. Brother Knowledge the "guy-next-door" sort of a know-it-all, but in the best possible way. Good Sense, the jewish mama figure, and Insight the college professor. . . Not a bad band of friends.

It is good to be reminded of the treasures that are in the book of Proverbs. So much down to earth, daily advice (wisdom if you will) for living. In the first few verse of Chapter 1 the writer says the Proverbs is "to understand what life means and where it's going, a manual for living. . . to give people a grasp on reality, fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate. . "

I'll keep you posted as Reid and I "ponder proverbs" this month.

Cuppa Tea

2008-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm in a bit of a "tea" phase these days. Maybe it's the overcast rainy days we've had here, or the "antioxidant" health/medicinal qualities, or just the inspiring "Yogi" tea boxes. . .These two are two of my favorites, they are completely yummy just the right mix of sweet (slightly) and other enchanting flavors. . . mmm good.

Speaking of tea. . When I was in the early part of labor leading to the birth of our little man, I told Todd and my mom quite a random thought. . but it was a thought that carried me through for quite a while. Here it is: I'm a bit of a "China Girl" at heart. I have almost a whole shelf of "China Books" on my shelf. In all the reading I've done about China, both past and present, one really can't get around learning about the beloved (or not so much) leader Mao. Mao was sort of know for his "Red Book" (a collections of his musings on communism) one that you read quite often is: "Revolution is not a tea party". . .at 3:30 in the morning with contractions 8 or 9 minutes apart, my thought was "labor is NOT a tea party" (but having a little guy giggle and coo with you. . THAT'S a tea party!

"If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
if you are depressed, it will cheer you;
if you are exhausted, it will calm you." -William Gladstone

A New Sleeping Habit. . .

2008-02-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

He's started something new when he sleeps. . . Two days in a row I've found him sound asleep, sucking his finger. . . isn't it cute? Yesterday was a big day. He slept 6 hour. . S I X H O U R S in a row during the night. I figure that was probably the most uninteruppted sleep that I've had since about August! (yahoo) AND, AND. . we were at Bible Study and I went to check in him half-way through the morning to see if he needed to eat. . and he had just finished the bottle I took for him. (The biggest bottle he's eaten to date!)

Way to go bud!

A Good Dose of Vitamin D

2008-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

A happy, smiley boy!

I heard recently that the population most prone to Vitamin D deficienceis are breast fed babies. One easy way to get Vitamin D is to be out in the sun (without suntan lotion) for as little as 10 minutes. Our bodies synthesis vitamin D. I know this because when I was in high school I did a presentation on skin cancer, and one of the judges asked me if I knew which vitamin we got from the sun, I didn't know then, but after she told me, I've never forgotten. All that to say, we went for a walk today. So that Reid gets the vit. D that he needs, and it can't hurt me either! It felt a little bit like a traveling circus, not that I'm exagerating or anything! Picture Amy with Reid in the Baby Bjorn and a wild and crazy Denali dragging us behind. . . It actually worked out pretty good. Denali isn't the best dog on a leash, but we long ago learned to manage and Reid was great in the Bjorn, he took the whole thing in, he even figured out that if he turned his head the sun wouldn't be in his eyes. Before when we've got out on short walks he's gotten a bit fussy, today was just a peaceful fun walk. . . So we'll probably go for more Vitamin D strolls soon!

No. .

2008-01-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

I heard something today (two things really), which I find fascinating. . .

1. When men say "No", it's the end of discussion. When women say "No" it's the beginning of negotiation. hmmm. .

2. No, always means "No", so when someone starts trying to tell you why your "no" isn't, or shouldn't be "no", the question is why is this person trying to control me?

hmmm. . .

Much to think about the simple word "no". . .

Sleepy Boy

2008-01-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Oh the life of a sleepy little baby. . .

Seventh Generation

2008-01-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend I bought "Seventh Generation" disposable diapers. . . the quote on the bag I find thought provoking and generally challenging. .

"In our deliberations, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations"

The Great Law of the Iroguois Confederation

Giggles & Coos

2008-01-20T19:40:00.000-08:00

Reid & Ned. . I really want Reid to Love Ned, because he's so funny looking, (Ned, not Reid). He DOES love Ned, because of the big eyes. This morning he was cooing at Ned and grabbing for him.

Is it too unbelievable if I say that I was reading an article about savoring and learning from each moment, when I looked down (in an effort to seize and learn from this present moment), saw my sleeping son in the crook of my arm, smile and giggle (his first giggle, or what I think was a giggle). . . It was the most precious of moments. It must have been some funny dream, I've had my eyes and ears on him all day waiting for another giggle. . . so far nothing, but lots and lots of coos. He is so fun right now, Todd and I have "conversations" with him. . . he tells us lots of stories. . about what, we're not sure, but he loves to coo.

Yesterday we got him a "Giddy Up and Go Gym". . it's a floor mat with toys that arch over his head. . he LOVES it. For some reason it got him all fired up to roll over on his own. He hasn't done it yet, but it was so fun to watch him throw his arm over his head and lift up his legs and bottom in an effort to roll. . he gets about half way, and then doesn't know what to do. Any day now, he's going to get it figured out. He also was lifting his head and upper body up more during tummy time. What a joy!

Daddy's Hands

2008-01-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Todd was telling Reid all about Gumball Car Races. . (Relates to some book he is reading) It was so precious, as Todd talked, Ried STUDIED his daddy's hands. . . these pictures don't really do justice to how precious a moment it was as Reid ran his hands along Todds, pulled his fingers, placed his little hands on his daddy's big hands. . ."maybe my hands will be this big someday. . . "

Not what I thought

2008-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

About week 30 of my pregnancy I started to believe I'd be pregnant forever, that having a baby was just some sort of myth. . . I thought I would NEVER see my ankles again, and for sure the ankels that people told me were "pretty" were some distant memory because of the "puffiness" that had invaded. It's hard to believe that it DID all come to an end. . I marvel daily that I can move easily and freely, I can sleep on my tummy, the thin "pretty" ankels I remember are back (I love my ankels like never before these days, they got really "puffy" at the end and for a couple weeks after Reid was born. . . I'm SO glad to have them back!), all those "cute" freckles have disappeared, and I can go a whole hour or two, (or three) without visiting the little girls room. In short, Reid "live and in person" is much better than his "pre-show".

One thing that I did enjoy about pregnancy was all the learning and research I did about "birthing". . . Ina May Gartner and Marie Mongan were my hero's. Here's a confession, I sort of like taking the road less traveled. . (I know, SHOCKING isn't it!) I loved telling people we were preparing for a birth at the birthing center, with mid-wives in a bathtub! I had hoped (and authentically believed) that I would be one of those women who were advocates for natural birth, who shared great stories of giving birth natural, who would be an encouragment for other women. That's why is was a sad moment for me this weekend when a women in her last weeks of pregnancy, eager with anticiaption about her upcoming birth,started asking me questions about my birth, and I had to tell her, "You really don't want to talk with me about my birth expereince. . " (and maybe by choosing NOT to share my story with her, I was an ecouragment and advocate. . .?) I assured her that it was ALL worth it, but it wasn't how I pictured it would be. A few weeks after Reid was born I was talking to a woman at church who had a similar birth experince as I did, and she said, "I was laying there after my C-Section, and I saw a Lamaze class walk by, before I could stop myself I sat up in bed and yelled, "SUCKERS" This story I love, not that I believe I was a sucker in all my research. . I've actually making peace with my expereince. . . I talked to the OB/GYN who did my C-Section a couple of weeks ago and asked him why the Pitocin didn't work. . his answer was the BEST answer I've gotten, he said that Reid was too big and probably, after all the hours of labor, still wasn't engaged in the birth canal when I went on Pitocin, so he wasn't in position to be pushing down on my cervix to help the Pitocin work. . So basically I might never had had Reid any other way. I find a strange sense of comfort in this, not that I question my effort or committment to a natural birth, I know that I gave it all that I had, but sometimes you have to know when to step back and say, "I can't do this" . . and that after all, maybe ONE of the lessons that I take from this whole experience. . you give it your best, for as long as you can, but them sometimes you have to know when to change directions. . . .hmmm.

Things you can only do while they are young

2008-01-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Reid and I went to a baby shower. . . a totally "Chick" event. . so I figured that Reid, being the token male, should wear his "Chicks dig me" shirt. It was a hit. . everyone (of course) loved him, and the shirt made for lots of fun chatter. (And I think Reid LOVED all the attention. . he "digs Chicks" :)

I have sort of gotten out of the habit of "wearing" Reid in our Baby Bjorn. Today, out of desperation, (he was having a little bit of a rough day). I put him in the Bjorn so I could make lunch. We're getting back into the Bjorn habit. Making lunch was such a great event for us both. He is a very sensory little guy and he loved seeing all that I was doing, and just watching me open the fridge, close the fridge etc. Plus, I realized as I was slicing and apple and peeling an orange, what great opportunities to introduce him to smells. . . So I held the apple slice, orange slice, and even salami slice up to his nose and told him about each. (not that he'll remember anything. . .but, he seemed to enjoy all of the experiences.) He experience so much more of the world when he's "worn" rather than laying in his crib watching his fish (which he does love!), or bouncing in his chair watching his zebras (which he does love too!) But it seems to ME that might be a bit boring after a while, so we're going to mix it up and bit and learn about the pantry, refrigerator and doing laundry! Right now as I type this, he's still on me, only now, he sound asleep. . too many adventures for a little guy!

Mommy & Reid enjoying the Baby Bjorn!

Sometimes a guy just needs a little nap when it's all said and done!

Hands

2008-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Before Reid was born, Todd made one of his famous "mix" CD about, "Amy, Reid & I". .it is a great mix of songs. . one song was Jewel's song, "Hands". . some of my favorite lyrics are below. . .

If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own . . . . .
. . . . We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands

It had so much meaning for me thinking about our little boy and his HANDS. . "They aren't yours, they are my own". . . I hear that song as Reid's message to us, 'These are my hands. . . " and how I hope and pray HIS little hands will be used for mercy and justice, kindness and compassion in the world. I was reminded of that the other day when I noticed Reid studing his hands. He was laying is his small play pen and wiggling his fingers, bringing his hands into his face and away. . making a fist and opening it. . it was like, "Wow, are these mine? How exactly do this things work? MMM, they taste good too!"

Hands. . . .

2008-01-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

Reid & Daddy hanging out, watching some "Letterman"

MORE. . .Reid Pictures. . .

2008-01-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Someday when he sticks out his tongue, it won't be so cute, but for now, it's picture worthy!

Here we have Reid sporting a "cute friends" (6-9 Month) outfit, from the Smiths of Fairfield! (Thanks Smith family!) And he's enjoying a "fishmobile" from the Frostensons of Fairfield. The other day I spotted him studing one fish that has an "O" expression, he was cooing at it and his mouth was in an "O" shape. . it was pretty cute.

Reid, just hanging around in his own, personalized "Reid" bag. . . we don't really carry him around in the bag. . :)

Last night Todd said, 'maybe we should put him in commericals". . He wasn't serious. (at least I hope not). . .

2008-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Our cloth diap(red) baby!!

We decieded before Reid was born that we didn't want his mark on the earth to be thousands of pounds of diapers from his first years of life that will outlive him for 300-400 years (or so "they" estimate). He is leaving a disposable diaper mark, we do use them when we are "out and about" (carring around poopy diapers just isn't my idea of fun at this point!)(and at nights we use disposable because he is so sensative to wet diapers, he was waking up because of his diaper, and we need all the sleep we (read AMY) can get!) Still a better part of each day, we use cloth, and we LOVE them. . really! Todd is in charge of washing the diapers, which he does every evening. We recently got some "AIO" (All-in-one) diapers, which are the greatest things. . . they are easy to wash, protect his little bottom from some of the wetness of cloth diapers, and are a bit easier to use. . no fancy folding etc. There is a whole WORLD of cloth diapering (mostly found on the internet. . . wool, hemp, cotton, organic cotton, AIO, chinese pre-fold, pro-wrap covers, diaper pails, wipes. .. it's sort of amazing.)

In addition to cloth diapers, we use our own cotton wipes (why throw away disposable wipes, when we are doing loads of laundry anyway?) Wipes are the best part of the whole system. . one wipe always does the trick and really works SOOOOOO much better than the disposable wipes.. .

And I just wrote a whole lot more than anyone really wanted to know about diapers. . Sorry for that. . . and I'm told the best part is when we are done with diapers, I'll have dusting rags for life (lucky me!)

peace and diapers!

Chicks Dig Me

2008-01-05T14:05:00.001-08:00

"Chicks Dig Me".. . Thanks "uncle" Mark!!

Reid is doing great. I hesitate to write this, because as soon as I do, something will change. . Reid the past TWO NIGHTS in a ROW has slept 4 1/2 hours at a time! This is a first, and it's amazing how good (what turns out for me) 3 1/2 to 4 hours of uninterupped sleep can be! He is such a delight. I was telling Todd the other day, that as diffcult as nights are sometime, they truly are blessed times. . . Reid eats and then cuddles into my arms, sometimes it's all I can do to lay him down, he is so peaceful in my arms, I hate to interupt his sleep. . . I've started having him sleep with me after his last feeding, which is usally around 4:30. When I don't do that, he tends to wake up and fuss, but when he sleeps in my arms. . we can get anouther 2-3 hours of sleep, which makes for a pleased mommy. . and Reid, our little cuddle boy, seems to love the "in arms" time too. I was reading somewhere that, "You can't spoil a baby by holding too much, which is good, because Reid gets held an awfully lot! But the main point of this article was, even if you hold a baby 12 hours a day, it's still a 50% decrease from what they are used to, having spent 9 months listening to the heartbeat and voice of mommy up-close-and-personal. . .

I don't know how many chicks really dig him, but THIS chick, totally digs him! :)

Some Thoughts I like. . (2)

2008-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Hoppock Ranch, Ola Idaho 2006

I have too many notebooks to count with different quotes, thoughts, ideas etc. from things I've read. . . in our "CLEANING" I've found another one . . some thoughts. .

. . . I have come to realize that in every human encounter there are not only gifts to be given, but gifts to be recieved." (Ken Gire)

. . Our highest activity must be response, not initative. (C.S. Lewis)

. . . Telling secrets because I have come to believe that by and large the human family all has the same secrets, which are both very telling and very important to tell. They are telling in the sense that they tell what is prehaps the central paradoz of our condition-that we are hungry for perhaps more than anything else to be known in our full humanness, and yet that is often just what we also fear more than anythign else. . (Fredrick Buechner)

Detachment: Being free from wanting certain things to happen, and remaining to trsuting of God that what is happenng will be the thing you want and you will be at peace with all. (Dorothus of Gaza, from Kathleen Norris's book Amazing Grace)

In reality, our lack of fulfillment is the most precious gift we have. It is the source of our passion, our creativity, our search for God. All the best of life comes out of our human yearning-our not being satisfied. (Gerald May)

Ahh. .

2008-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Isn't he cute?

Cause & Effect

2007-12-31T21:06:00.000-08:00

We had a baby (Reid).
Babies must ride in car seats.
Car Seat fits well in 4 Runner.
4-Runner had Sirus Radio.
Todd stops driving 4-Runner mostly.
Todd drive Honda.
Honda has XM (THIS IS GOING SOMEWHERE, Stay with me!)
Best XM Station: Oprah & Friend, XM154.
Todd listens to Oprah & Friends.
Todd learns about Peter Walsh.
Peter Walsh writes, 'It's All Too Much' (How to oraginze your life.
Todd buys book.
We are ORGANIZING OUR LIFE. . .(Cause & Effect) and I do mean organizing! We spent the weekend in Palm Desert with Todd's parents. He read almost the entire book, we talked about the concepts over dinner and the entire drive home yesterday. To date we've cleaned out eight bags of clothes, reorganized our entire closet. . because our closet wasn't meeting the "vision we have for our life". . . YIKES!! As I write this, Todd is systematically organing all of the CD's in our house (and there are quite a LOT of these CD's). And don't be suprised if any gift you might recieve from us in the future is wrapped in brown paper with one of three different colored ribbon's, (Black, white or Red)(Because this is what Peter suggests. . ) This organization frenzy is actually a really good thing, not that we live an "unorganized" or cluttered life, but it is nice to "lighten" the load. :) Poor Reid, I hope he turns out okay. . he seemed not the least bit disturbed today by watching me sort through all my drawers. . . in fact I think he enjoyed it, or maybe it was the hanging on the wall that was so facinating. . .
So I hope your home, room, space matches the vision you have for your life in 2008. . and if it doesn't. . .we know a really good book, or Todd can come share his new found knowledge with you. . he's QUITE excited about all this!

Manners

2007-12-19T16:11:00.001-08:00

Reid and I went on a little outing today. (We're learning how to get out, things take a lot more time and thought with a little one!) He was doing so well after our errands and I hadn't had any coffee ALL DAY, that I thought, "Let's go to Starbucks". . so while I was waiting for my decaf Vanilla Latte my little guy, it seems, was entertaining the other Starbucks patrons. The gentleman (with a smile) said, "He's sticking his tongue out at me!". . I guess it's never to early to start teaching manners. . not that at this point of Reid's five WEEKS that I really have much influence. . it was pretty cute, he was totally looking at (or in the direction of) this gentleman, and sticking his tongue out at him!!

It was actually a great treat for me to go out, he was snug as a bug in his new stroller, I was able to sit down and even read a bit!! I LOVE it! For any parents, or will-be parents. . I HIGHLY recommend anything by Dr. Sears. . but his newest Vaccine book in particular. It's a GREAT resource about vaccines, there is so much controversy about shots these days and I've been looking for a good resources to get information and I FOUND it with his book! I like to make informed decisions and I think I'll be able to do that when in comes to Reid's immunizations now!

Today is a monumental day, we are now officially in 3-6 month outfits. . all of our 0-3 month clothes have been put away, and at the rate we're going, these clothes aren't going to last for very long either! He's growing like a weed! I think he is close to 23.5 inches (he was born at 21 inches!)

Sappy Mommy Entry. . .

2007-12-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, in some context, I'm not quite sure what, someone said something (okay, how's that for descriptive. .someone said something. . . Let me elaborate a bit more, shall I?!)

I think it was at church at a baby dedication and the parents read "life verses" for their children. I loved the concept and started thinking and praying that God would show us a "life verse" to claim and teach little Reid. A few mornings ago, as I was singing through EVERY song I could think of I sang, "He has shown you, oh man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, but to do justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God". . It's from Micah (not Palpant, although I see these traits in Micah Palpant. . but from the book in the bible Micah. . I'm a new mom, so I get a pass on quoting the exact location, for now, right?) Anyway, that was about the last song I knew the words to, and Reid was calm by then too. . so I picked up my "Daily Light" and daily collection of Scriptures. . . This was the first time I had read any thing from the bible to Reid (I figure reading anything to him is a good thing, I like to think that he is starting to enjoy the very hungry catapillar. . probably not as much as I love reading it to him, but that's an entirely different story. . back to reading the bible. . the Scripture to start the day. . Micah 6:8 (I picked up the Daily Light. . .so now I know the "call numbers", if you will)"

He has show you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. . .

I think I have MY life verse for little Reid. . I sing and pray it for him every day now, I can't really think of anything better, DO justly, LOVE mercy and WALK humbly with God. . .I bought two frames, one to put this verse in and the other to frame the most wonderful card that my dad and brother sent us from their trip back to Idaho after Reid's "debut". . The card said:

"The first time
his laughter unfurled
its wings in the wind,
we knew the world
would never be the same

Okay, that's the sappy mommy part. . I'll write about as a friend called them (and a BRILLIANT naming at that, "Pooptasterphies" tomorrow. . . or not!

Very Polite

2007-12-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

According to Oprah, (and Oprah IS a reliable source) there are like five women in America who haven't read, "Eat, Pray, Love: One Women's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was one, so now, there are only four left. Anyway, I have to say, it's a great book, about a 30 something women's "life crisis". Liz (I can call her that, we're friends now, because I'm reading her book) spends a year traveling to learn about herself and capture the year in a wonderfully written memoir. (If you are one of the remaining four, it's a delightful book, she's a wonderful writer...)

But, I should back up, GUESS WHAT? I've discovered that I can read paperback novels and nurse at the same time. . It's wonderful. Prior to discovering my agility at balancing a bobby (a nursing must have, a half donut shaped pillow), baby (another MUST HAVE for nursing), nursing bra, (tricky little contraptions), burping cloth, AND paperback book, I had watched three entire seasons of "Project Runway" (Bravo did a weekend long marathon. . . any questions on fashion, I'm your gal!)and watched Paula Dean cook EVERYTHING imaginable in butter and bacon grease ("I just love the flavor of butter and bacon grease ya'll!) Reading is a much better way to go!

After all that, I'm FINALLY at my point. . .Liz befriend an Italian man who was her Italian language coach. Over some amazing dish of pasta, or pistachio gelato he said to her, "Liz, you must be very polite with yourself when you are learning something new.". . . My new mantra for this "new" something in my life. . . "Amy, you must be very polite with yourself when you are learning to. . get up every hour to nurse a hungry little boy, you must be very polite with yourself when you are being peed on, (and pooped on) by a little boy. . you must be very polite with yourself when you agree to let the ladies from church bring meals for a week or two. . . So many new things to learn. . basically everything in my life is being re-learned right now, how to take a shower, put on my make-up, go to the store, fix a sandwich, do the laundry and type this blog. For some reason those words just resonated with me. . so as I muddle through my days, learning everything new, I'm being polite to myself. . and I have to say, it's working out good so far.

Things that make me laugh. . .

2007-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was on the Amazon website looking at Children's books. The Amazon number one book for the year is: "Do unto Otters". It's a book that teaches kids manner, you know the golden rule (Do unto Otters, as you would have Otters do unto you.". . Anyway, I love to read the reviews on Amazon (really, it's a riot to read what people write. . . like this review I found on "Do unto Otters' . . . So this is what someone wrote. . . .

. . . . "What I Dislike: Personally, I don't like the illustrations. The characters remind me of Ren & Stimpy, but my kids like it. Also, there are two things that more conservative Christians might find offensive. First, on the page about "when to say 'Excuse me.'", two characters pass gas. (Both do say "Excuse me!") Second, when Mr. Rabbit and one of the Otters share books, one of the titles is "Harry Otter." The cover illustration is a clear reference to Harry Potter. Considering the target age group, I don't think these minor details detract from the value of the book. . . . "

Are you kidding me? Passing Gas is offensive to conservative Christians? Whatever.

On the Reid front, all is well. He is passed the 10 pound mark. . .still amazing to me that we have such a big guy. We have officially outgrown the "newborn" outfits that we had. We're solidly onto the 0-3 months, and he's such a LONG guy. . who knows how long those will last. . he's long and lean. . . so who knows what he'll end up wearing. He's not too picky, as long as he is warm and dry.

We love the hair dryer, it's like the magic, "stop crying button.". . . it's so crazy, but when he's really fussy and can't seem to calm himself down, and we know he is dry and not hungry and burped. . . we turn on the hair dryer, and in under 30 seconds we can go from CRYING baby to comatose baby. . he gets all calm and starts to stare, eventually he'll even fall asleep to the hum of the hair dry. . the vacum works for this too. Who knew?!

One Hour?

2007-11-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last time I checked, one hour was sixty minutes. . I think it's sort of a universal thing. I've noticed something though, with a baby, one hour can be the LONGEST segment of time or the shortest, but it's rarely only 60 minutes.

Take sleep, lately I've been averaging one hour of sleep, every other hour for four or five hours every night. It's the CRAZIEST thing, I can sleep for one hour, sixty minutes, and when a squeaky little baby wakes me up (he doesn't really cry, he just starts "talking") I'm always SHOCKED, truly blown away that it's only been an hour since I laid him (and me) down. I think that God truly does provide a special dispensation for nursing mom's, because it truly can be a restful one hour of sleep.

Reid thinks he needs to eat every two hours, the pediatrician encouraged me that big boys like Reid (who has already gained back, and then some of his birth weight, PLUS grown 3/4 of an inch!) should eat every three hours, I'll produce more milk, it will grow his tummy and he may even sleep longer than two hours during the night! ONE hour, sixty minutes, when you are trying to entertain a crying (sometime screaming baby) that's the LONGEST hour in the world. (We've never made it a full hour before I feed him, I just can't bear it!)(Although as I write this post, we are speeding towards the three hour mark, and after a bit of fussing, he's happily asleep in the baby bjorn on my chest. (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Baby Bjorn, a bonus for a big baby is they fit in the Baby Bjorn from the very start. . and he LOVES it too!)

ANOTHER "LIFE" LESSON FROM REID:

Reid LOVES to eat, sometimes he gets so excited to eat that he starts sucking like there is no tomorrow on his little fist, on on my knuckle. The thing is, the "good stuff" can be just inches from his face, and he still would rather try and get milk from his fist, or my knuckle. . sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to get him to raise his eyes a half an inch or less for the stuff that will REALLY satisfy him. I can't help but think about how often God might be offering me the "Good Stuff" and my eyes are so focused on something that will NEVER satisfy, and God is saying (just like I say to Reid), "look up. . just stop this madness and look up, I've got the best for you RIGHT here!"

16 more minutes and we'll have made it THREE hours!!

Pants.

2007-11-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

Reid's been home for one week! It's crazy how fast time is going. Each day is getting easier as we learn his routines and he learns ours. We are figuring out how to get him to sleep without being held (I never thought about teaching a baby that! I thought they knew how to sleep in a crib. Our guy sure doesn't, he's happier snuggled in our arms. . but it's really hard to get any good rest that way. . . as precious as it is!)

We've had lots of fun with him. The peeing on the wall and projectile poop when his diaper comes off. . . all that fun stuff!

My mom's favorite story so far is this. . if you come to visit. . she'll probably tell you about this. . (And she wasn't even there to see it!)

Two nights ago Reid and I were enjoying the a "wake" time at about 3:00. I took him downstairs to sit in a bouncy chair that he loves so I could make some tea and even read a few pages of my book. (Three Cups of Tea-I highly recommend it!)

A few notes to help set the stage for this story. My recovery has been really, REALLY smooth. I am a huge believer in lots of walking, water and as much rest as possible. . really I think all the walking I did during the pregnancy has had a direct corraltion to my speedy recovery. The changes in my body are noticable daily. During the labor and delivery I was pumped FULL of IV's which took a few days to get out of my system. . .lets just say that for a week or so my ankles were a dim and distant memory as I experimented with as Todd said "Club feet". . So a couple of days ago I put on the same outfit I came home from the hospital in (which by the way I could BARELY get on at the hospital because my thighs were so HUGE. . NO FUN) and to my GREAT delight it was quite loose. . . . . So loose that in the middle of the night as I leaned over to put Reid into his bouncy chair. . my pants FELL OFF! Yep, there I stood at 3:00 in the living room with my drawers around my ankles! I was SO glad it was in the middle of the night with the whole family happily dreaming away!

We'll try and be better about keeping this blog updated and I'm going to learn how to post pictures. . and you won't want to miss any Reid pictures, he's just so CUTE!

30 Days

2007-10-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Reid Jackson is due in one month from today. I had a "Talk" with him this morning, I explained to him that he needed to start thinking about "moving", that he can't stay where he is forever, and well basically "You've got 30 days and then you need to come play with us." I figure it's standard to give "tenants" 30 days notice when they need to move out. . so same for Reid. . . "30 days left". :)"Don't get to comfortable kid"

Pillowcases, Dog Treats & Strangers

2007-09-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

It finally happened, I'd heard stories about it, I'd read about, people have asked me about it, and last night it finally happened. Todd and I had made a quick stop at target to get a new pair of pillow cases (to match the sheets I'd bought that didn't come with the pillow cases), and a dog treat for Denali (as long as we were there. . ) We were walking up to the counter when about of now where this lady stopped mid-stride, grabbed Todd's arm, moved around him and stood in my face, "How far along are you?" It all happened so fast, I wasn't sure exactly what was happening, I thought Todd has tripped the nice lady or something. . "Umm. . . I'm about 7 months. . . " "Oh, and you are having a boy aren't you, I can tell by the way you are carring him." "Yes, yes we are having a boy" (my mind is still trying frantically to figure out who this person is, what sort of conversation we are having. . "Do you mind, can I touch your belly". . "Um. . sure. . " and she starts rubbing my belly. . "where's he at, where's the boy. . so sweet". . (You should know, she was an older African American Lady and we were standing between the cleaning supplies and greeting cards in Target (so you have the full picture) She stopped rubbing my belly, Said with a large smile "Thanks so much, I can't believe I just did that" and set off laughing down the aisle. Todd was in minor shock, "What was that, did that just happen?" and I was saying "I've heard that that happens, but It's never happened to me. . . "

In other Reid news. . .

At the last mid-wife appointment he was head down. . which is a good thing, he moved head down a bit earlier than normal, but that's a good thing, we hope he stays that way. He's quite a mover and a shaker. We got his crib and changing table/dresser this week, his room is painted and the furniture is together. . . so I guess we're really having a baby! His room is dark blue (sort of a darkish wedgewoody type blue. . for those who know their blues) on two walls and the other two walls are a light, light, light blue. . it's a really nice contrast. . (I think).

We're taking our Hypnobirthing classes. . we have a nice lady who comes to our house every other week or so. . . So we're learning how to deeply relax. I have to say, I think it's working. I have a CD which is on my IPOD and when I can't fall asleep at night I just pop in my Ipod with my relaxation cues. . and I'm always out like a light before the CD is finished (and it's only 18 minutes). The idea is the more you can relax during labor and "turn labor over to my baby and my body". . the easier time I'll have. (I hope it works!)

Becoming a "Dog Person"

2007-09-06T17:15:00.001-07:00

Through my 20's, if you asked, I'd say, "I'm not really an animal person". Then I married Todd and Denali (A Brittany Spaniel) was part of the deal. I made my peace with Denali while we were dating (I had too, I found out later that my getting along, or NOT getting along with Denali was a "deal breaker" for Todd. . what stakes!) Over night I found myself living with a dog. Now, I can't imagine my life without Denali. There is just something about a dog.

Early on in our marriage I started taking Denali for walks, it was an uneasy partnership, because that dog LOVES to walk, really, she'd rather run, and despite what Todd says, she's REALLY bad on a leash. (Really, just picture Denali walking me, and you've got the picture)The thing is, I can hardly tell her "no" any more when it comes to walking. She gives me about an hour after we wake up, then she looks up at me, and walks around me, and then when I start to go upstairs she RUNS up the stairs, stops on the landing, gets down on her front to legs, pats the ground, wags her tail and begs me with her eyes. . . "Walk, Walk, Walk" On the mornings when I can't go for a walk with her, I feel bad, and the morning I don't feel like going for a walk. . I do, because I just don't want to disappoint her. When I don't walk with her, I feel like I've dissappointed her, and she mops around for a little bit. . it's just horrible.

It's from these walks that slowly she's become "my dog". She follows me everywhere I go, if I'm typing on the computer, she's asleep at my feet, if I walk into the bedroom to get something, she's there, if I go downstairs she follows. . . she's always right beside me. . just watching me with adoring eyes. She watches when I make the bed, when I cook, when I talk on the phone, she LOVES to get the mail in the late afternoon, and when I go to bed, she's right behind. Todd has started to get a little jealous, she use to follow him everywhere. . he's been replaced, and he's not so sure how he feels about that. . . She still loves him and all, but I walk her, I give her cold water (She prefers her water with a few ice cubes. . )I'm home with her and sometimes I give her treats (who am I kidding, I give her treats almost every time I leave the house)

There is something so peaceful about having a dog around. She's totally quiet, but so attentive and alert to all that is happening, her needs are few: food, water a walk and an occasional belly rub. Sometimes she'll be laying or sitting at the sliding glass door with her nose pressed up to the window just watching the world. . what a picture of peace. . She can sit still just watching outside for hours. . I wish I could sit with such calmness and peace. And she loves us so unconditionally, I can leave her outside all day in the heat while I'm gone, (That can't be fun can it?) and still, when I get home she dances around and greets me like I'm her favorite being in the whole world.

Yep. . I'm a dog person.

Gone, but not forgotten. . .

2007-08-29T15:17:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago the retired superintendent of the school district that I grew up in. (Camas County School District 121)wrote a letter to the editor in our small town paper. (The Camas Courier)my parents called me right away, read me the letter and said, "You have to write and keep this going a while longer." (Apparently the letters to the editor in Camas County were getting entirely too serious. . (County Planning & Zoning Issues. .and, you know how THOSE discussion go!)

Mr. Stroud, if statistics are correct, feels he has got about four more years of life left. (Mind you he's healthy)and he has a few unanswered questions in life, one being, "Who stole the KING Size Snickers Candy bars?" Mr. Stroud kept candy bars in his office and handed them out to students who were doing good things "or just hungry". This particular theft of interest happened while I was a freshman in high school. (It WAS NOT ME, and I really have NO idea who did it, although I have a good guess, it has to be a senior. . I'm not about to name names, but I'd put my money of J.R. or J.D., not C.W. because I sat next to him in Spanish class forth period, when the "crime" in question happened). . you know how squirley the boys were in the class of 1990. . .) So I wrote an anonymous letter to the editor of the Camas Courier giving some clues, or "educated deductions" based on my experience in the school. I gave enough hints about my identity that pretty much anyone who knows me, or knew me back then, could figure out who was writing, but I figured it all adds to the fun.

My identity is no longer a secret, apparently a letter to the editor in the Camas County Courier (published today) began. . Dear Amy, Nice try, no Snickers for you. . ." (in essence)

It sort of cracks me up, that fifteen years after I graduated from high school, nine years after I moved away. . I can still engage in the small town banter. It's sort of comforting to have roots in a place where the Superintendent of schools writes open letters to the editor, about events that happened eighteen years ago. Time moves at a different pace in small towns, and I'm thrilled to have roots in a place where time stands still.

As for the Senior Senator from Idaho. . that's an entirely different story. I woke up this morning to Senator Craig's voice on my So. Cal radio station. . . that's a trippy feeling. . .

A Thousand Splendid Suns. .

2007-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini, the same author of The Kite Runner. I love a book that engages me, challenges me, and moves me. It was the kind of book that I found myself praying for the characters. . . I KNOW the characters are fiction, yet the story is a story that I'm sure, while the details may be different, IS the story of women throughout Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan that entire part of the world is so far removed from anything I understand or have experienced. I feel like through this one book of fiction, and my NEXT book "Kabul Beauty School" help open just a sliver of a mysterious, somewhat scary, very foreign world.
A Thousand Splendid Suns was the story of two Afghan women, one of them two years younger than I am. . it traces her life in Kabul growing up, as a teenager, through civil war, the Taliban. . While a fictional story, it's based in historical fact (She and her husband watch 9/11 happen on television, just like I did)I finished the book so THANKFUL for my life, for the country in which I live, for the freedom I have as a woman, for my education, for my husband, for safety and security. . .
If you have a chance, or want to borrow my copy, read A Thousand Splendid Suns. . . and today my prayers are with the women, the young girls, wives and mothers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq. . .While I know NO faces, I've shared no meals or experiences, I LOVE the fact that God is answering my prayers, that he knows what women I pray for, which women need the grace of God (or Allah) to fall on them today.

Who needs Beckham. . .

2007-08-17T18:38:00.001-07:00

. .when you've got a little guy playing soccer in your belly? Reid seems to be in CONSTANT motion, I fear my hands will be full when he's 2,3,4,5,-16. . . It's so wierd to feel him moving ALL THE TIME. . . the other night I woke up, and I'm pretty sure he was exploring his bounderies by pushing his hands and feet at the same time. A friend was asking me what it felt like, she said, "Is it like you've eaten a small animal." It's more like I've swallowed a small animal whole, and it's really letting me know it's there!

Movement is good. . . and they tell me he'll start to move less, but more forcefull as he grows and gets stronger, and his space to move gets more and more cramped.

Hobbies. . .

2007-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Forgive any typo's first of all. . . I had some friends over for dinner last night, and in my zeal of cutting green onions for my Mango, Shrimp, Avacado Salad, I did a NUMBER on my Left pointer finger. . . (IE: I SLICED my finger.) All is okay. . actually turns out it's not a bad way to get guests involved in last minute meal preparation. . . someone accused me of planning the whole thing to get out of the last minute details. . . (I could find better ways to get out of work, and besides I really don't MIND doing all that stuff. . . ) Anyway. . finger will heal, Salad turned out better for all the creative genuis and chef'ing skills of my friends. . . and Spring Rolls are always a winner with guests. . .

A couple of weeks ago I had a mini-identiy crisis. . . I realized that I don't have any "hobbies" (ie: crafts). I don't scrapbook, or stamp, or make cards, or quilt, or cross-stich, collect stamps or laundry lint. NOTHING! What kind of childhood will Reid have without a mother who scapbooks? After a bit of panic and a trip to the bookstore craft magazine section to review ALL the craft magazines to see what my "craft" could be I had an epiphany. There is so much creativity in the world, and I'm sure I could find something wonderful to do, but I have a hobby. . it's not so crafty, but it's a hobby and I'm totally going to own it.

MY Hobby. . .what I do. . . I READ. I'm a book worm. I read books. . .I collect information, quotes, thoughts and that's my "gift" to people. So Reid might not have every month of his life documented with pretty pictures and cool pages (I really appreciate people who can DO that), However, Reid will have a mommy who reads. . . In the past month I've read. .

Becoming Madam Mao (about the rise of Mao Xiadong's wife in China),

The Last Chinese Chef (about the unique culinary culture that IS China),

Peony in Love (about a 16th century 'maidien in China and a famous (real) Chinese Opera which was the first time in history that women's writings were published and women become acknowledged as having intellectual capabilities),

Walking on Water (on Faith and Art by L'engle) about the connection between "secular and sacred in the "creative relm"),

Gifts from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindberg (about the seasons of a womens life. . so great!).

The Distant Land of My Father (a fictional story about a girl who was born in China and grew up in So. Cal-wonderful story),

Empire Falls (a Pultize Prize winning book about a small town in Maine, GREAT character development, my favorite character was the senile old catholic priest who called everyone "Pecker head").

I realized in my search for a craft that I would be 'crafting' because it was what I was suppose to do, not because it was a natural 'outflow" of WHO I am. To be true to Amy, I needed to think about WHO I am. . and i realized that I am a reader. I read quickly (more quickly than most, I admit,) I LOVE to be transported to a different culture (looks like China's on the brain these days for some reason!), I love to explore new ideas and learn and be challenged by other people's best thinking on ANYTHING. I have lots of people in my life, who HUMOR me wonderfully by listening my my lastest learning, book report or 'deep thought'. . I think that Reid will benefit from that too. . .(I hope so! I can't wait to read to Reid (what a perfect name for my little boy!!! REID. . get it! :) (add that to the fact that the birthing center we are going to use is ABOVE a Barnes & Nobel!!!! Oh my!

Currently on my reading list:
* Animal, Vegetable, Mineral: A year in food life: about a family who vows to live only on what they can grow or buy locally for one year. FACINATING. . Although I have to be careful about reading these type of books. . . I tend to get swept away by the 'social justice' under-pinnings, and my innocent belieft that what one or two people really do make a difference. . . I fear I'll soon find myself contemplating how to plant a garden in my back yard. . .

* Land of a Thousand Suns, by the same author of the Kite Runner. . . suppose to be a fabulous book.

* Secrets in the Dark, a Life in Sermons by Fredrick Buechner, a pastor who is one of the BEST writers. . I love his stuff.

In "owning" my hobby I learned how to order books from my local library. . often times the books I want to read I can't find in my local library. . . Now I have ALL of San Bernadino County at my disposal. . . I just open my library account, put my books on hold, wait for a call from the library, and all the lastest books I want to read show up at the library. . I LOVE it when my tax dollars work so well!

Any good books I should read??

I never thought of it THAT way before. . .

2007-08-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back in my "Oswald" phase. Oswald Chambers that is. He was a Christian Preacher in the late 1800's in England. His wife recorded all of his sermons (in short-hand), and after his death they were turned into a daily reading called "My Utmost for His Highest." My "utmost" has been a faithful friend for close to ten year. Carrie introduced me to Oswald in China. . and as soon as I got back, I got my own.
June 30th. . really got me thinking. . . What do you think about the first few lines of June 30th. . "Disillusionment means having no more misconception, false impressions, and false judgements in life; it mean being free from these deceptions. However, though no longer deceived, our experience of disillusionment may actually leave us cynical and overly critical in our judgement of others. . "

We seem to talk about Disillusionment as a "bad" thing. And all of a sudden last Monday I saw it as something totally different, as a GOOD thing. Something that is difficult, and not easy, but necessary none-the-less. WOW!

Get this, he goes on to say, "Many of the things in life that inflict the greatest injury, grief, or pain stem from the fact that we suffer from illusions." (What are your illusions? That's something to think on!)
"We are not true to one another as facts, seeing each other as we really are; we are only true to our misconceived ideas of one another."
Whoa. . . think on that for a while. . . I hope it disturbs you as much as it's disturbed me (and not in a bad way, but in challenging myself to BE Disillusioned. .

(If you have a "My Utmost for His Highest Laying around. . check out the entire text on June 30th) Powerful stuff!

Mint Green. . Part 2

2007-07-26T20:30:00.001-07:00

A while back I wrote about our efforts to be "mint green". Changing light bulbs, using re-useable bags at the story (TRY IT, YOU'LL LOVE IT!), using our own coffee mugs at coffee stops, recycling more, trying to buy more local produce etc. (produce from the farmers market really does last longer. . . and taste better) ANYWAY. . I discovered something quite cool today. . I was paying our electric bill today, and we cut our electric usage last month by 55-60% from last year. . . which translate to a bill this month which was less than HALF of what we paid last year at the same time. . . This we attribute to replacing several older appliances with Energy Star appliances (most new appliance are), particularly a 25-30 year old refrigerator. (and I have to believe that all the light-bulbs we've replaced are helping too. We also unplug many appliances when we aren't using them. . like cell phone chargers, coffee pot, toaster. . . really the only thing I leave plugged in are the appliances (stove, washing machine etc.), TV (so TIVO works), and computers. . .I think the little things really do add up.

I'm starting my research on cloth diapers. . . the amount of waste that one little guy puts into the land-fills through diapers. . . amazing. . . plus the fact that it takes up to 500 years for diapers to decompose. . . Any tips on cloth diapers??

Really, it's been FUN to see the little steps we can make that directly (like the electric bill) or indirectly like the number of plastic bags we've saved for someone else to use because of our reuse able bags. . . make some sort of small difference in the world. . . so change your light bulbs. . or get one cloth bag. . . it's really fun to see what you can do!

Some Thoughts I like. .

2007-07-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have LONG been a collector of word (word groups, really, quotes shall we say?) that inspire.. Here are some I like. . .

"We have been called to be fruitful--not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness." (Henri Nouwen)

"Each time a person stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, she sends for a tiny ripple of hope." Robert F. Kennedy

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being" Goethe

"We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and to do the rest." Archbishop Oscar Romero

"If you are not a part of the problem, you can't be part of the solution, if we cannot see how what we are doing, or not doing is contributing to the things being the way they are then logically we have no basis at all, zero leverage, for changing the way things are, except from the outside, by persuasion or force. . if we want to help we must first understand and acknowledge our role-by commission or omission in creating the situation." Kahane

With or To?

2007-07-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the line I heard something about how we interact with people. . . To, With, For or Ignore. We do things TO people, we do things WITH people, we do things FOR people, or we IGNORE. It's always stuck with me as a good model to think about when interacting with people, groups etc. There is probably a time and a place for everything, but WITH is a good model to strive for. (At least I think)

I had my first midwife appointment today, and it drove home WITH instead of TO or FOR like nothing else. I'm so excited about this journey of growing a baby (Reid) and bringing him into the world WITH a midwife.

So I got to my appointment, sat down for like 3 minutes before they were "ready to see me".. . She took me to the bathroom the first step in every prenatal appointment and gave me a cup to pee in . . but here's where it got interesting (and I knew that I had some to the right place. Which I guess proves that I am indeed some sort of a freak) When I had collected my sample, she said, "Let me show you what you need to do every time you come. Take one of these strips, dip it in your cup, wait a minute and compare these three color squares with the color squares on the guide, and when you have done your urine dip, tell me what the numbers were. And here's the scale, you need to weight yourself each time you come in." She told me what each color meant, why they might be different colors, what was a concern and what this test was monitoring and why it's important. So suddenly instead of them doing it FOR me. . I'm partnering WITH them to collect information about my body and this pregnancy!
Then they gave me a binder with information on what each appointment would entail, what information was collected, why, a chart for me to keep track of my weight, urine samples, stomach size etc.

Midwife means, "With Women". . . and I totally get it now, nothing was done TO me, everything was done WITH me. Even measuring my stomach, she told me what she was measuring, had me feel the top of my uterus (which I could never find on my own), showed me the tape measure and said, "You are 22.5, the right size for this stage." (I'm going to record that in my handy, dandy chart!)

This is what I've been looking for from the day I found out I was expecting. I think back to my first doctor's appointment when I went to my regular doctor and all she said was, 'Why do you think you are pregnant." I told her and she said, "Well you are, here's a list of OB/GYN's. . good luck." And then I called an OB/GYN and they said, "What makes you think you are pregnant. You are. Call back in 4 -6 weeks to schedule your first appointment, we don't see Mother's before that time." I wanted someone to sit down with me and say, "Yes, we know you are pregnant because. . and this is what is happening in your body, and this is what you should be doing."
The midwive gave me several assignments, to keep a food dairy for a week so they can monitor my diet. They gave me a list of nutrient requirements I need to meet on a daily basis to keep me healthy and Reid healthy too. Gave me some tips about things that if I do now, will help me to deliver better latter.
SO great.

WITH not TO it's so much more empowering!

New Age. . Kooky Chick. . .

2007-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

. . or so Todd claims. If there was one thing that I really learned and internalized during my year in China it was that, the way things are done here (in the US) isn't the only way to do things, and sometimes, other ways are better. SO, it's worth understanding how and why we do things they way we do. I was probably more open to learning this lesson because as a child my parents did a pretty good job of teaching my brother and I (see what you think about this Will) HOW to make decisions, not WHAT decisions to make. SERIOUSLY, we had dinner time conversations about decision making "Eating Problems for Breakfast" by Tim Hansel etc.
So when it comes to having a baby, I've been more prone than (in Todd's words) "the average chick" to explore the options, learn about alternatives. . and ultimately embrace an "alternative view" of birthing.(In the US anyway)
We're going to have a baby in a birthing center, attended by mid-wives! It's really not that crazy (I don't think.) The US rates 42nd in the world when it comes to Mother and infant care surrounding birth, which means that there are 42 countries in the world that DO IT BETTER than the US. These are a lot of European countries (and others) which rely on more "traditional" views of birth, such as birthing is a natural process, which a woman's body was designed to do (The Human Race existed and thrived before the advent of modern medicine) Many countries in Europe use Mid-wives commonly as a first line with OB/GYN as back-up for the RARE true medical emergency. The World Health Organization recommends that mid-wives for "normal" pregnancies be utilized by mamas-to-be in the US (and the world). For me, and my journey towards this decision what became important was the quality of care and quality of relationship between the "Medical Model of Birth" and the "Midwifery Model of Birth". I am a HIGHLY relational person, relationship matter, (growing up in Fairfield I NEVER knew my bank account number, because the ladies at the bank hand my account number memorized. . . relationship) OB/GYN's allocate about 7-10 minutes per appointment with a patient. They arrive in time to catch the baby, the labor process is monitored by which-ever nurses happen to be on shift (and changing shifts) during the laboring process. (There is MUCH research that indicates that during labor and birthing, women progress better, faster, smoother when "safely" surrounded by people they know and trust, in gentle (lower lit rooms) etc. environments) In the Midwife Model of Care a Mid-wife will allocate 30-90 minutes per appointment with the mother, and be with the mother THROUGH the entire laboring process. (Most OB/GYN as part of their medical training are NOT required to sit and observe a full Labor and Delivery. . hence they don't always know what is normal, what is not, etc.) While a midwife spends her careers observing women laboring.
So, I had my last Doctor's appointment this week, and will start seeing my midwives next week. (My Doctor was great about my decision, he said, "that's a perfectly reasonable decision, and if you need anything or develop difficults please come back.")
This decision is a decision for a completely NATURAL birth. . there won't be an options for drugs, we'll rely on the wisdom of my body (which I truly believe knows what to do) and the experience and expertise of the midwives who have been doing this for years.
The birth center is 8 minutes from a hospital and operating room, in the HIGHLY unlikely case that something goes wrong we are in essences no farther from medical help than we would be if we labored in the hospital. (Even in a hospital when something happens, it take 10-20 minutes to prepare an operating room) Our midwives would be in contact with the hospital from the minute the decision is made to transport, so basically no time is lost.
I could go ON and ON about all that I've learned from this journey. Todd has been wonderful to support me. . this is so far outside of his world view, but he is willing to support this decision, is starting to understand why, and I've heard from many people that daddy's become the biggest advocates of all for midwifery care when they experience the birth (and even catching their babies).
So, that's my story.
When I ran the LA Marathon I remember someone saying, the two most physically difficult things a women can do are run a marathon and give birth. I've done one, now it's time to apply the marathon lessons that I learned to birthing, (which God MADE women to do) (I'm not so sure He really made us to run 26.2 miles)

Careful what you ask for. .

2007-07-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

I've been on this reading binge lately about the Mormon Faith. Idaho is second only to Utah in the number of Mormons. . . I have a strong momorn heritage myself (My dad's mother came from a staunch LDS background, that goes back generations, for sure some of the early pioneers who came to Utah with Bringam Young, maybe even those who went to Missiouri and Illinois with Joesph Smith. . . so it's an honest curosity.

My two "informing reads" have been, "Under the Banner of Heaven" by John Krakauer and "Leaving the Saints" by Martha Beck. Both books present different stories, but much of the same "facts" regarding the Joseph Smith etc. Basically, lets just say there is a whole lot that doesn't really add up. The Chuch can add it up just fine, but those outside that church haven't been able to find the same proof. Last week, when I finished Leaving the Saints and was processing and thinking about all that she'd written, and comparing it with Krakauer's book . . my prayer was, "Lord if the Mormon's ever come to my house,(and I kind of hope they will now) help me ask the right probing questions."

Mind you, I've NEVER had Mormon Missionaries come to my house . . Until today.

Usually I don't answer the door. . I keep saying that, and I keep coming up with stories about answering the door. . . but whatever. . . I was quite suprised to find two young boys (19 years old) in black pants and crisp white shirts standing at my door. My first thought was, "Ah, Man, get rid of them quick, no need to waste their time". . quickly followed by. . . "How ironic. . I've just finished my "moming reading binge" and these two boys show up on my steps. . ." So with a quick, "Help me Lord" prayer, I smiled, opened my door and said, "Can I get you two some water, it's an awfully hot day."

In my reading I learned that a Mormon Mission is successful if they can get one or two converts during their two years out. It's really more about solidifying their own faith. Which I totally get from my year abroad. . that's what living in China did for me. So my cleverly crafted plan last week, while reading these books, and thinking about what I WOULD do IF a missionary came to my house was to ask at least one pointed question that would maybe, on some deep level cause them to think. So after chit chat about the fact that I was from Idaho, and NOT mormon, that I did have mormon heritage etc. I said, "So, I'm curious about the Pearl of Great Price (one of four sacred books on the faith), I understand that Joseph Smith translated that from a Papyra that he bought, that at the time no one in the world could translate, which Joseph Smith DID translate, but now they have learned to translate and basically NOTHING Joseph Smith wrote has proven to be accurate. Is that true?" They told me, as best I could understand, because quite honestly, I got a little lost with their answer. That it was right, because Joseph Smith had a REVELATION, so Revelation and prophets trumps translation. . . again, they lost me on their answer. I did press them a bit, and one said, "well, I haven't heard that.". . .My prayer, is that even a fraction of a seed of thought is lodged in their minds. . because it can't just be some freaky coincidence that the week after I pray that a Mormon Missionary will come to my door. .. they did.

Eyes in Front

2007-06-28T13:10:00.001-07:00

Today Todd and I took seperate cars to our ultra-sound to see Reid Jackson. We braved LA Morning Rush Hour traffic (a 35 minute drive becomes 75 minutes. . CRAZY). I was in the lane of traffic right next to Todd. At one point my lane started moving faster than his, only to stop, but I ended up right next to him, try as I might to catch his eye for the 15 seconds our cars were next to each other, his eyes were glued to the road ahead. It struck me that was a real metephor for how we (or maybe better stated I) live my life. I live my life with my eyes straight ahead. The only reason I happened to notice Todd right next to me this morning, is that I knew to look for him, but I didn't see any of the drivers on my left side. I thought about how many times in the just the past week I've not really even seen people who were "on the side". When the BSU Football player came to my house, I didn't even really SEE the other guy. I thought about that later and felt bad, I'd given preferential treatment to the football player, not seeing the other guy, who has as much value and his story is probably just as interesting as the BSU Football player, but I missed out because I had my eyes straight ahead.
Todd and I went to a birthing information class on Monday. I talked to several of the women who were my age. . but the lady who was there by herself, the one who said, 'I wasn't suppose to be able to get pregnant, but here I am". . . For some reason I didn't really see her I realized after we'd left.
Living (and driving) in a fast paced place like LA survival demands that we DO keep our eyes straight ahead on the road in front. Our rules of the road demand that we stay in our lanes and the other guy stays in his lane. Those are the rules of the road here, but let me tell you in China, Vietnam and Kenya, countries I've been blessed to ride on roads in. . keeping your eyes to the road ahead is just half of your job, you've also got to see what's happening on your left and your right. I appreciate our rules of the road, driving in the US (even in LA) is much less chaotic, but I guess the challenge is not to let the rules of the road become the standard for how I live my life. I want to do better about seeing those who are on the left and the right of me (Literally and figuratively), I can't let the rules of the road become the rules of engagement in my life.

Todd and I got to our appointment a bit early and walked to the Starbucks down the street so Todd could have his second caffine fix of the morning. I was putting my wallet back in my purse when I realized I hadn't really even SEEN the lady who had taken my order, brought Todd's coffe and given my my change, I stopped, looked her in the eye and said, "Thank you so much, have a good day." Seeing, no matter who or what direction requires my full attention. . .

And it's a. . . ..

2007-06-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Boy. Reid Jackson Hoppock.

Waffles

2007-06-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of a breakfast snob. It's all my mom's fault. She raised us on Sour Dough Pancakes, thin, light with just a hint of the sour dough tang, with huckleberries. None of that Bisquick three inch thick, "cake" type pancake for me. Sour Dough all the way. I didn't know there were any other kind of pancakes until I left home and ventured into the world on my own.
Waffles, let's talk about waffles. Light, crispy waffles, smeared with butter and syrup. . Light being the key word, Mom's waffles were always made with beaten egg whites, which produce a delightful lightness and added crispness. . again none of this "just add water" stuff for me and certainly NO freezer waffles.

The thing is, making yummy pancakes and waffles takes time and organization. . . and planning ahead. Last week in the LA Times Food section there was a whole article on "Sunday Morning Waffles". . my mouth was watering as I read about the Joy of Cooking 1957 edition Sour Cream Waffles and the Fannie Farmer Yeast Waffle recipe. . I was so relieved to find at the end of the article the recipes for both. Saturday night I pulled out my waffle making bowl (I have one thanks to Gina, It's a butter yellow mixing bowl with a handle it's a great bowl, but given to me specifically to make waffles with!) and mixed up the Yeast-Raised Waffle batter. I might have found my new favorite waffle recipe. . you mix up everything, let it sit overnight, wake up Sunday, plug in the waffle makers and light, crispy, slightly sour doughesque waffles are steaming on the plate in no time.

Try your own waffles:

1 Package active dry yeast
2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 Cups flour
2 Eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Place one-half cup warm water in a large mixing bowl (the batter will double in volume), and sprinkle in the yeast. When dissolved, stir in the milk, butter, salt, sugar, flour and eggs and beat until smooth and blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (HOW EASY IS THAT?)

Just before cooking the waffles, beat in the baking soda. The batter will deflate and become about as thin as soft yogurt. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturers' instructions in your waffle maker.

(In the article they suggested cooking any leftover waffles slightly less that "done", these you can put in the freezer and warm up later. To warm them up, I have found the best thing is to warm them up slightly, in the microwave or toaster oven, THEN toast! Yummy, Crispy waffles (so much better than the boxed stuff!)

Such joy and delight in yummy, home cooked food. . and I've got to get on this since I'm having a baby soon so I can create memories of great breakfasts like my mom did for us!

The Doorbell

2007-06-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

If you are coming to visit me, it's best to call and let me know you are coming, because I might not answer the doorbell. It's just that 99.9% of the time it's someone trying to sell something, and well, we all know how that goes.

Last night Todd wasn't home from work yet and the doorbell rang, with nothing better to do, I answered the door. It was two college age boys that were "interning" at a security company. Had I ever considered my very own alarm system? As politely as I could, while holding Denali back from running out the door I said, No, but thank you.

One of the boys said, "I noticed you have an Idaho Licence Plate in your garage."

With ALL my Idaho pride, "I was born and raised in Idaho." I said with a smile.

"I go to Boise State."

We were friends instantly at that point. "Really that's great" and before I could stop myself out came, "Wasn't that the most amazing football game ever on New Years? I don't even like football and I LOVED that game. . " (Gushing)

He looks at me with a slight smile, "I'm on the football team, do you want to see my Fiesta Bowl Championship Ring?" He holds out his hand to show me the HUGEST ring I've ever seen. . sure enough, there it was. . . a Boise State Football Player, who played in arguably the best college football game EVER was standing on my doorstep in Chino Hills, California! (And I don't even like football!) He took off the ring and let me HOLD it! I told him how proud Idaho (and displaced Idahoans everywhere) where proud of their Boise State team. I thought about telling him how my brother an avid Boise State non-fan even cheered them on, about Shirley who took a Boise State Fan plane to the game. . . but I decided he probably got the picture. . . No alarm system for him to sell, but he'd stumbled onto and awe-struck fan none-the-less. (which in the end probably mattered to him more than selling an alarm system)

I JUST LOVE random stories. . .I was delighted to know that I didn't have to even leave my house. . it just came and rang my doorbell!

Meditations on a Spring Roll

2007-06-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Todd and I were having a friend over for dinner. THAT is always a good excuse to try a new recipe. (okay, it always sounds like that to me all the way up until I'm getting ready to serve something new. THEN I think to myself, "WHAT were you thinking?) Apparently I never learn. . .

Okay, let's get a few things straight from the start.
1) I would LOVE to be one of those people who plans ahead. I PLAN to plan ahead, but the fact is, I don't really have that whole concept down too well. . . so as much as I plan NOT to be figuring out what I'm going to be cooking on the morning I'm cooking. . . It's just not how I work. (This applies to almost everything else in my life too. . . )

well, that's the main thing we need to have straighten out.

So, Monday morning I sit down in front of my favorite website. .www.foodtv.com and set out searching so something fun, something summery, something "light". . .I immediately find a Chicken Satay Recipe that's got 5 Stars. . and looks easy enough. What's great about FoodTV is all the recipes are from shows, that have good complimentary dishes. . so the complimentary dish was "Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce" . . I love a good Spring Roll (or summer roll). I've never made Spring Rolls before. . . eh, Why Not? So after a morning of working, and lunch with a friend I head to the grocery store with my list in hand. . .I got the bean sprouts, the beet, the carrots, sesame oil, only the Rice Flour wrappers weren't at this grocery. .. not to fear, there is another grocery on the way home.. . not there. . .Let's just make a LONG story short. .. SIX grocery stores later I finally found the wrapper. . . I was determined to make my spring rolls, (to say the least)
I had all the ingredients, and it was 4:30 by the time I finally found them. . I didn't have time to think of something else. . .Again, the advantages of planning ahead could be argued at this point.

It's so much fun to make a good meal. . to mix a cup of yogurt and curry together with thinly cut slices of chicken, and set to marinating with the knowledge of flavors seeping into the meat over the next few hours.

To julienne a beet into thin little slices. . . . Beets are not my favorite veggie, but they are beautiful! Not much to look at from the outside, just a lump of purplish something. . but as soon as I started peeling, to uncover the BRIGHT purple/fuchsia underneath with views of darker and lighter coloring running through. . . Who says worship is reserved for Sunday morning singing "Amazing Grace". .. savoring the simple and transcend beauty of a beet counts for something sacred to me!

Into my bowl went the bean sprouts, the beautiful beet, the farmers market carrot, 2 handfuls of hand-torn cilantro, chopped peanuts, a drizzle of dark sesame oil, juice from a lime and salt. I added some Vietnamese cellophane noodles. . tossed together, it was a work of art. A meditation of ordinary into something extraordinary! When that was mixed I poured hot, not boiling water into my bright red pie dish and soaked for 10-15 seconds my round rice papers (the ones I went to SIX stores to find). I carefully removed them from the water, places on a wet rag on my counter and carefully put a single spoonful of my beet mixture. . . carefully folded up the end, the right side, the left side, placed two fresh mint leaves and rolled to the end. . It was art. . the perfect green outline of the mint leaf under the cool opaque rice paper skin.

We savored our spring rolls with a Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce. . .a masterpiece of Vietnamese flavor, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, fresh lime juice, garlic and some red chili past for a kick. The mint, the garlic the chili, with the crunch of the carrot, the brightness of the beet. . each on it's own, not bad. . . but together, it was a symphony. I guess that's the beauty of our world, our communities, our relationships. . we need each other to bring out the best in each one, to release our "flavor" to the world! (all this from a Spring Roll)

I served the chicken on Jasmine rice I'd cooked in coconut milk. . (yummy) with a Peanut Dipping Sauce. . . peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili paste, lime juice. . . as Todd would say, "It sure didn't suck!"

I don't cook like that all the time, I seem to convince myself I need a reason. Today I'm thinking maybe cooking good food, for the sake of cooking good food is good enough? Something to consider.

You can check out the recipes at: www.foodnetwork.com Search for Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce and Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. . both from Tyler Florence.

What's Faith Got to Do With It?

2007-06-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

In church today I saw things differently, I wondered about the language, I questioned what does it mean with the missionary says, "before we went to "the field." What is that language about anyway?

The Faith Club; A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew, Three Women Search for Understanding, by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner, It's this book that caused me to see church differently. It's the true story of these three women in New York City in the months and years following 9/11. The Muslim women's search for what her religion means in today's world, and how she can authentically practice Islam in America. A Jewish women who was a "Member of the Tribe" but unsure of God in such an unstable, unpredictable world, and an Episcopal, strong and sure in her faith, maybe even "rigid"? They share, they challenge, they lay bare their doubts, their stereotypes of each other, they unintentionally offend each other, and celebrate Yom Kippur, Easter and Ramadan with their friends. They uncover what divides, but much more so what unites as women, as mothers and as citizens of a fallen world. The Jewish woman learns to love and respect Jesus, The Christian learns the history that divides Jews and Christian and how easy it is to unknowingly offend, the Muslim learns how to embrace her faith, The Jewish woman and Palestinian Muslim learn how to look beyond the political chaos in Israel to something more. . .

A few of my own lessons from these articulate, educated, FAITHFUL women. . .
* The Holocaust shapes much of the views of many Jews today. They (or Priscilla) lives daily with the doubt and fear, "It happened before, it could happen again, and it could happen to me."

* The Crucifixion of Jesus is where the rub comes, especially for so many Jewish people. When Christians talk about the Crucifixion, it's easy for Jews to hear, "The Jews who crucified Jesus. ." When I've always thought it was "ALL of us" who were responsible for his death.

* Muslims (or the Quran, the Holy Book of Islam) views, Christians, and Jews as fellow "Followers of the Book"

I could go on and on. . . It seems like EVERY book I've picked up over the past month or so. . . from "Hypnobirthing" (an alternative to Lamaze birthing), to Lost Women of the Bible and now this book, have caused me to think deeply about, "The way things are, isn't always the way things ARE." We are shaped by our history, we are shaped by our culture, we are shaped by the expereince and baises of those who have come before us, and our baises will shape our world. But can we live outside of these biases? I'm not sure that we every truly can. I guess we live the best we can within the culture and expereince we've been given, we learn what we can, we question where we can, we share our journey with others and do the best we can with what we are given. . .my weak faith and feeble questions somehow help us all. . .

Todd's Dog

2007-06-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

In the year since Todd and I got married, and I moved in with Todd and Denali, I've come to love Denali. She the sweetest dog. She loves it when I am home, she followes me everywhere I go, she's usually only a few steps from me at any given time. We go for walks most mornings and she goes nuts when I walk up stairs to get my shoes, you've never seen a more joyful dog.

I'm over her.

Here's what happened. Yesterday about 5:45 I had just gotten home from tutoring Jayma, Diana and Terysh in Ponoma. (which is another story). I was standing in the kitchen talking to Todd on the phone, when I hear Denali come in the house. . not unusual, we have a doggy door for her, only this time. . THIS TIME. . . she came in wagging her tail, as PROUD as can be, with a newly, DEAD, Rabbit in her mouth. I'm not one who reacts calmly to uninvited animals in my home, alive or dead. I start screaming, which make Denali even more excited to show me what she's caught, so she comes closer, I run around the island to get away, she runs the other way. (Mind you, Todd is on the phone the whole time hearing me Screaming, jumping, Yelling "NO Denali, get outside, Stop it!") Finally I was able to get to the door, while she was coming at me from around the other side of the table and get her to take the rabbit outside. I was so scared she was going to drop it on the floor in the house! AHHH Can you imagine? Good thing Todd was on his way home. I would have walked out of the front door and sat on the steps until he came home. . even if I would have had to sit out there all day.

I don't do dead varmints on my floor.

Denali was so pleased with her self. Todd told me my reaction was ALL wrong. I crushed the poor dogs spirits, she just wanted to show me what she could do, I was "suppose" to praise her. WHATEVER.

I look at Denali different now. Gone are the days of innocence!

About Tutoring:

Jayma is probably in fourth grade. When I got there Diana (6th grader) was doing her division problems on Terysh's cell phone. (The teacher in me couldn't have that)
"Diana, what are you doing?"
"Jayma's home work"
"How is that helping her?"
"I dunno know"
"What's she going to do on a test?"

Finally she erased all the work and I made Jayma sit by me and LEARN it. She was just starting division. I taught her the chocolate chip cookie method of division. . you've hear of that, right?

"Okay Jayma. when is says 13/3. Really what we need to find out is how many hand fulls of three chocolate chips do we need to put into a whole chocolate chip cookie for a total of 13 chips."

So we drew a cookie with 13 chips, then she circled groups of three. We found there were four groups of three, with 1 extra chip left over. 4 remainder 1.

It was meant as an example. She got it thought, and I saw the light bulb in hear head go off. She did five problems, no problem. The we went on to talk about how you figure out division from a more "mathematical" perspective. What was so exciting was to see a girl who really didn't have a clue what she was doing, GET IT! I couldn't have stopped her from finishing her division homework if I wanted to. That in and of it self was a minor miracle.

What strikes me when I go to tutor is what appears to me as a HUGE educational discrepancy. The little boys who are 4 and 8 can barely speak. They need a speech pathologist so bad, it's painful to try and understand what these little guys are saying. The kids can mostly read, mostly and math. . forget about it. Education seems to be an added problem in their life, not a ticket to something better. I'm only dealing with a handful of kids in one neighborhood in Pomona, but if they are any sort of sample. . . Something needs to change.

420 Gratitude

2007-06-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 4:49 Gina and I drove away from 420 N. Virginia for the last time. I would be lying to say I didn't cry. The tears surprised me as I drove away. Gratitude was really the word of the day though. As Gina and I sat on the floor of the empty house and waited for the new owners to come we realized that we had owned the house for two weeks short of four and a half years. I'm not sure that either one of us thought we would have had the house for so long when we bought it. We bought it with "two years" on the brain.

I remember when we got the keys and walking through the completely empty house, tearing down wallpaper in each room. . and the prayers that were prayed on that first day. . . that it would be a place of happiness, that it would be a place where people were comfortable, a place of growth. . . and to again, stand in the empty rooms and reflect on all the memories that were in those rooms. . .So many prayers were answered!

I feel gratitude for my grandparents . . Nana & Bampy who set aside a small bit of money for education or a home soon after I was born. . . I think they would be proud of the house I was able to buy with it, and the return on investment as we sold it.

I feel gratitude for Gina who was brave enough to agree to a journey of "co-ownership". . I'm not sure if we knew what that meant when we started. . but there is no one that I'd have wanted to walk through this journey with.

I feel gratitude for the amazing women who lived in the house. . . Kristin & Emily (while I was there. . still others in the year since I moved out.) There was so much laughter, tears, late night talks (which always seemed to happen on the kitchen floor. . I have no idea why!) There were first dates, blind dates, coming home after marriage proposals. . . Preparations for trips all over the world. . South Africa, South America, Asia, All points in the US, and the returns home. Coffee brewing the the morning, crackers and cheese for dinner, What Not to Wear, Friends and the Apprentice on TV. Dinner Parties, Movie Nights, Christmas Parties, Going-Away Parties and Birthday Parties. 420 was awfully good to a lot of single women as we worked our way through our 20 and early 30's.

I feel gratitude for how it sold. . . We had it on the market for all of 8 days. Received just a bit under our asking price, and closed on the day set from the very beginning. Everything went as smooth as can be expected.

The new owners were SOOOO excited to move in, and that was all I asked, 420 HAD to go to people who just "loved the house" as much as we did. . . I know that like the house today. . and I pray that they will "love" the house in the years to come as they grow at 420.