Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fun with Daddy
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Happy Birthday Anderson
Today a precious little boy is turning three years old. I have been fortunate enough to work with Anderson and his family for the past year. Anderson and his family are very special.
In January 2009, Anderson was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He has been receiving treatments and is doing so well with those. He is a very brave little boy. However, due to his illness, he wasn't able to really have any contact with outsiders. Therefore, he wasn't able to hear any other kids and interact with them, so he started to present with a speech delay.
When I first started to see Anderson, he was this adorable bald-headed, super-quiet little boy ... nothing at all like what I see today. Oh sure, he's still adorable, but now his little personality is shining through and he's cuter than ever before!
Anderson has come so far!!! As I worked with him for the last time, I heard lots of laughter, words, jokes, etc. He makes me so happy! He no longer has a language delay at all. He is well above his age level with his language skills. He still has some articulation errors, but those will be addressed by the school system. I am so thankful that I was able to meet this family. They have been an encouragement to me in my Christian walk and an excellent role-model for Christian parenting, especially in tough times.
Good luck with everything you do Anderson! You can do anything you want, you're a superstar!!
P.S., Sorry for the weird formatting today. Can't get it fixed the way I want it!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Happy School Days
Happy First Day of School to everyone. I know that some schools in Alabama and surrounding areas started earlier this week, but today is Michael's first day back at school. Poor, pitiful thing. It must really be hard to wake up and get dressed and work all day! Just kidding. Michael has been working really hard all summer with his class. By the way, he got an A in his History class!!! I am so proud of all he does for our family. This year at Cornerstone, he designed a new Bible curriculum that will be used in 7-12 grade Bible. Now, if they would just pay him more -- this private school gig might work out after all!! Well sweetie, have a great day at school today. Sarah and I will be asleep when you get home tonight. I'm sorry that you'll have to stay at school for high school open house and not get home until almost nine. We love you and are so proud of you!!!! (We'll get you your own Elmo for school since Bug doesn't want to share!)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Best Ribs Ever
This was our first meal at Callway Gardens. I wish I had taken a picture of my ribs, but I forgot. They were so good. I got the rib basket which had three bones and fries. The meat was falling off of the bone. The sauce was great and the meat was so tender. I really wanted to go back and get more later in the trip. This is a family run restaurant and everyone was super nice. You must try the ribs if you are ever in the area. A bonus is that everyone in the family are HUGE Alabama fans. Roll Tide Whistling Pig!!! See you on Game Day!
Butterflies
Can I touch it? Please, I'll be gentle. Yes, we tried to touch butterflies at Callaway Gardens. No, we were not successful. Sarah enjoyed seeing the butterflies, but they moved a little too fast for her. She could never get one to stay still long enough to touch it. And that is why God designed them that way! :)
Are you kidding me?!?!?!
This past weekend, we went to Callaway Gardens with my parents. We had intended on buying some stuff at the grocery store, but it closed at 8 pm. So we had to make do with buying some "groceries" at the corner store (aka, gas station). I was amazed at the cost of some things. Here are a few examples.
Seriously??? $7.19 for a box of graham crackers and $7.15 for a jar of Easy Cheese. Who can afford this?
We had to break out credit cards just for a few groceries, and before you ask, no we didn't buy those things!! We did spend $15 on just a few little important things ...
These were really important things ... chocolate and Mountain Dew. Oh yeah, and the other stuff for Sarah! But one thing I noticed, normal food was crazy expensive, but what about this --
Are you kidding me?? Something this disgusting is only 99 cents?!?! Just for comparison sake, I checked at Publix the other night and look what I found ...
So ... who's getting the extra money? Welcome to vacation people ... where everything costs more!
Welcome Home
It has been two weeks now since Granny went home to be with the Lord. I found this picture on my computer today at work. This was taken last June. It is amazing to look at and see how much both of them have changed over the past year. Sarah has obviously grown up, but Granny had dwindled down to nothing really. She had lost a ton of weight and she wasn't herself. Secretly each time we saw her, I worried that it would be the last time. I am thankful for this picture because she looks happy and looks like herself. The past few months had been really hard and she didn't look or act like herself. I know that she is in heaven now dancing and rejoicing. She is back whole. She is at peace. She can see, she can dance, she can remember everyone and tell them all stories of us. Michael told me that he hopes that she can get the chance to meet his grandparents and tell them all about me and Sarah. They never met me and they would never have imagined that he would be a teacher now! They were convinced he would be the next Billy Graham. Talk to everyone Granny. Have a great time. Hug your daughter, your baby Sarah that you only had for one year. Love your friends, your husband, your family members. We miss you, but your craziness and love for life lives on in little Sarah Mae. I love you!!!
First Haircut
Friday, July 30, 2010
Feed Me Books Friday: History
This week's books are BORING!!! At least they are boring to me. However, they have occupied the past month or so of our lives. These are the required reading books for Michael's history class that he is taking at Montevallo. He has enjoyed taking the class and loves to learn about all of this "ancient" stuff! I'm so proud of him for going back to school to get another master's degree. He is pursuing something that he enjoys and is really good at! So without further ado ...
I don't even really have any reviews to offer of these books because they are so far over my head. However, I will be pleased when we can put them away on the bookshelf in another week or so!!! Happy Reading!
I don't even really have any reviews to offer of these books because they are so far over my head. However, I will be pleased when we can put them away on the bookshelf in another week or so!!! Happy Reading!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
McWane Center
On Saturday, we ventured down to McWane Center with about 5000 other people for a day of fun out of the heat! We bought a membership so that we can go more often. Sarah really has a great time. This weekend, was Membership Alliance Day. This means that if you are a member of some specific places in Bham, that you get free entry into several other places. This is partially why it was so crowded. However, as a perk of this -- other groups were there to perform and show a little about their organization.
The Red Mountain Theatre Company was there to do a performance of The Sound of Music. I love this movie, so I was super excited that Sarah got to be in a picture with the VonTrapp Family!
The Red Mountain Theatre Company was there to do a performance of The Sound of Music. I love this movie, so I was super excited that Sarah got to be in a picture with the VonTrapp Family!
Of course, we had to spend some time with Mr. Potato Head. After all, he is the main attraction right now at McWane Center. Sarah actually did pretty well with getting up close and personal with a character.
So much fun for the family!!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Daycare Drama
Oh well, Sarah earned a play day with Nana!
Update: eye all clear, now a cough!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Feed Me Books Friday: The Joy of Giving
If you give a pig a party,she's going to ask for someballoons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she'll put on her favorite dress. Then she'll call all her friends -- Mouse, Moose, and more. The little pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake is back, and this time she wants to throw a great big party! Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond have created another winning story for this beloved character in the tradition of the best-selling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
This story begins with a girl, a cat that originally appeared in Numeroff's If You Give a Pig a Party (HarperCollins, 2005), and a cupcake. The cat asks for some sprinkles, and naturally, they spill on the floor. Cleaning them up makes the cat hot, so he asks for a bathing suit, and hijinks ensue. The resulting series of events leads the protagonist and the cat to the beach, into a boat, through an amusement park, and eventually back to the sprinkles and another cupcake. Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Classy Wedding Style
Friday Night Date Night
Last Friday, Michael dropped Sarah off at his parents house for the afternoon so that he could do some schoolwork in peace and quiet. They agreed to keep her while we went out to dinner. It was great! We went to eat at Chuy's at the Summit. This is a new restaurant in town and it is fabulous! The menu is authentic Tex-Mex (and Michael verified that this was true!). He said that the queso was the best he's had since living in Texas.
We had some really great Mexican food. Michael had the Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken (A Chuy’s original). This was a tender chicken breast breaded with Lay’s potato chips, deep fried and smothered in Green Chile sauce and cheddar cheese. Served with green chile rice and refried beans.
He said that the green chili rice was really hot, but we had read that on a review from Urban Spoon already. I had a Chuychanga. A chuychanga is a fried flour tortilla filled with fresh, oven-roasted chicken, cheese, cilantro & green chiles, garnished with sour cream & your choice of sauce.
For my sauce, I asked the waiter for his suggestion. He suggested the Deluxe Tomatillo sauce. It is a mild tomatillo sauce combined with sour cream, fresh herbs, cilantro and spices. I thought it was really good!
We would definitely recommend going here again. We didn't feel that it was very kid friendly in terms of menu choice. I think it would be better with an older child or an infant. Much too much "stuff" for a toddler to be distracted by!!! On a random Chuy's note, if you eat at the Dale's Southern Grill in Hoover, the kids cups are from Chuy's. Odd, but true!
Big Girl Helper
Sarah got to see her favorite cousins last night. They were spending the night in town, so we met them for dinner at Cracker Barrel. Between screaming out "Stevie" and "Colton" for the entire meal, Sarah was being a great helper to Aunt Mel by feeding John Colton his bottle!
In addition, we are ready for some football! We bought Sarah a cheerleader outfit last night. Roll Tide!
In addition, we are ready for some football! We bought Sarah a cheerleader outfit last night. Roll Tide!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Introducing ... Milo!
Sarah and Daddy went to the zoo today. This will be one of their last daddy/daughter zoo dates before school starts back for Daddy. They have really loved going together and seeing the animals. We have definitely made good use of our membership this summer. Well, as I was sitting at work, I got this picture on my phone ... hmmm, who is this??
I wonder where this little monkey came from. How did it jump into the car? It must have followed Sarah out from the monkey exhibit. Oh no, what will we do??
Here's a close-up of monkey. It appears that he may be a little wild! He's hanging over the seat of the car. I hope that he isn't wild like this all the time!! After all, we already have a wild Sarah-bug and a wild Gus-dog. Hmmm, where did this little monkey come from?
Well, in the end I was able to find out that Sarah and Daddy had picked the monkey out from the gift shop. Her other choices had been an otter or a tiger. She chose the monkey. They held monkey's hands going out of the zoo. Originally, she named it Stevie. However, we had to change the name because she has a cousin with that name. While he may act like a monkey sometimes, he may not want a monkey named after him! So, we have a new monkey named Milo. Welcome to the family Milo!
The Zoo Funerals
This was a picture of Sarah when we told her! She loves the zoo animals. In fact, that is where she is at this very moment. I told her daddy to dress her all in black in case she was able to participate in the funerals.
(just so you know, she was really only upset that i was chasing her around trying to get a picture!)
This Week's Artwork
On the green paper, you have a bunch of grapes. The grapes were made by crumpling up tissue paper and gluing it on the paper. On the purple paper, you have a blackberry made with her fingerprints and a carrot. Yesterday, she colored strawberries and painted a squash.
My little artist ... I'll be selling her work to the highest bidder! :)
Feed Me Books Friday: Eat your Fruits and Veggies
In this hurried world, Jody Shapiro's lovely book "Up, Up, Up! It's Apple Picking Time" (beautifully illustrated by Kitty Harvill) captures perfectly the warmth of extended family life and the wonder of new experiences. It's a simple story told in sensory rich language; giving us red, green, yellow and pink apples, "cool and crunchy and sweet," with evocative names like Anna, Stark Red, Winesap, Arkansas Black and Winter Banana. Along with Myles and Amber-the brother and sister in the story-- we breathe in the perfume of apple cider and "fresh-baked apple dumplings, floating like islands in a sea of milk". But, best of all is the time spent with family, picking and selling apples, and lying on a rug in front of the fireplace at the end of the day, when Grandpa plays his old jazz records and everyone dances."Apple to Zucchini, / come take a look. / Start eating your way / through this alphabet book." So begins this delectable feast of fruits and vegetables, in a diverse and plentiful array. Each turn of the page reveals a mouth-watering arrangement of foods: Indian corn, jalapeno, jicama, kumquat, kiwifruit and kohlrabi. The words are shown in capital and lowercase letters set in bold type for easy reading. At the end of the book, Ehlert provides a detailed glossary that includes pronunciation, botanical information, the origin and history of the particular plant and occasional mythological references, with a small watercolor picture to remind the reader of what the plant looks like.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What has Sarah been learning?
Well as most of you know, Sarah attended daycare at Cornerstone (with Michael) since she was 6 weeks old. This week, we started a new adventure and put her in "real" school with her age appropriate peers. The morning drop-offs have gotten better, but she still cries when we pull into the parking lot. It doesn't bother me too much because I know that she has fun during the day. Last night she was talking about Mrs. Mary and Ms. Gabby. She also kept trying to tell Michael all about pickles. Why pickles? Because she is learning about them!!!
In the short three days that she has been at school, so far she has learned about grapes and corn (Monday), carrots and blackberries (Tuesday) and pickles and apples (Wednesday). Today she will learn about squash and strawberries. She has even brought home artwork! It makes me happy to see the little notes from her teachers and see the art that she has done. She also gets her hair done each day. She told me that Ms. Gabby does her hair. Apparently she really does, because each day that Michael has picked her up, her hair has been different than when we sent her. Oh well! Today I didn't fix her hair, so we'll see what happens with that! :)
I'm excited to see how much Sarah learns -- not just cognitive tasks, but socially. She hasn't been around many kids her age and she tends to keep to herself. Other adults often comment that she is a serious child. I can't wait to see her evolve and play more with her little friends.
In the short three days that she has been at school, so far she has learned about grapes and corn (Monday), carrots and blackberries (Tuesday) and pickles and apples (Wednesday). Today she will learn about squash and strawberries. She has even brought home artwork! It makes me happy to see the little notes from her teachers and see the art that she has done. She also gets her hair done each day. She told me that Ms. Gabby does her hair. Apparently she really does, because each day that Michael has picked her up, her hair has been different than when we sent her. Oh well! Today I didn't fix her hair, so we'll see what happens with that! :)
I'm excited to see how much Sarah learns -- not just cognitive tasks, but socially. She hasn't been around many kids her age and she tends to keep to herself. Other adults often comment that she is a serious child. I can't wait to see her evolve and play more with her little friends.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 2
Today's morning was much better! Last night Sarah had a few mini-night terrors which she hasn't had in a while, but they weren't bad. Just bad enough for her to end up in bed with mommy and daddy. You know, from her perspective, sleeping with us is a great situation. She can reach out and touch both of us and feel instantly secure. However, it is hard for the grown-ups to sleep with you are holding on to the edge of the mattress and hoping you don't fall off while a 19 month old is laying horizontal in your bed!!!
She did better at dropping off this morning because she was the first one in her room. There were still some tears, but she was able to get under control much quicker. I know that it will be bad for a few days, but she ended up having a great day yesterday. She had a great nap, ate most of her food and enjoyed playing with other kids. Each day will get better and better!
She did better at dropping off this morning because she was the first one in her room. There were still some tears, but she was able to get under control much quicker. I know that it will be bad for a few days, but she ended up having a great day yesterday. She had a great nap, ate most of her food and enjoyed playing with other kids. Each day will get better and better!
Monday, July 12, 2010
First Day of School
Sarah and Sammie
She's just a few months older than Sarah, but she has SO MUCH HAIR!! I think they wash her hair with miracle gro or something.
This picture was taken at our recent family reunion.
Family Reunion
Just kidding. We went to a Nabors family reunion recently and this is the location of it. It was a very nice time of seeing old relatives that we had never met before and my daddy getting to show off his little Sarah-bug.
What more fun can a Saturday be?! :)
Feed Me Books Friday: A New (Old) Favorite
This classic book by Ezra Jack Keats is a new addition to our home. This is a wonderful story with delightful illustrations about a young boy who is feeling displaced because he has a baby sister on the way. He is upset to see his old layette painted pink for baby Susie and his infant toys passed down to her. The one thing that has escaped the fate of the pink paint is his old toddler chair. Peter stashes his chair away and later sets up a clever trap to fool everyone into thinking he is hiding behind the curtains. Peter tries to reclaim his old seat, but he has long outgrown it. Sadder, but wiser, he accepts his new sister and even gives her a prized gift. This is a wonderful classic!
Friday, July 02, 2010
Feed Me Books Friday: July 4th Holiday
Taking a few days off work to enjoy my family ... Happy 4th of July everyone!!! Enjoy the weekend with family and friends and remember why we celebrate the holiday!!! Happy Birthday America!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Country Fried Shrimp and Gravy
Okay, really? I saw a sign at Captain D's this morning coming to work that advertised Country Fried Shrimp with Gravy. Are you serious? That just doesn't sound good to me. What kind of gravy do you put on shrimp - even if they are country fried? The only "gravy" that I would want on any shrimp would include minced horseradish and ketchup. We live in the south, and I know that means that everything must be fried. However, when I think of country fried - i think steak or chicken. Shrimp, not so much. But, if you decide to try it for yourself, be sure to let me know how it is!
Feed Me Books Friday: Alternative Lifestyles
Well, we went to the library on Tuesday night and picked up about 10 new books for Sarah. Let me set the stage for you ... the Hoover Library has a great kids section. It is full of puppets, computers, puzzles and books, books, books! However, I tend to look for Sarah's books after we have attended whatever special event is going on. So, the book supply for her age is usually pretty picked over. This week, I was determined to pick up some good books. Usually, I flip through them, but we were short on time so I just grabbed some based on the titles.
Well, this was the book that I picked up. I only looked at the title and I thought it would be great. She has a Daddy (Michael), she has a Papa (that's what she calls my dad). Hmmm ... not exactly what this book was about! While I don't have anything against homosexuals, I don't really want to celebrate their lifestyle in my home. I want Sarah to know love and respect for others, but I want her to know that God does not honor this choice in life. Therefore, this week when we read this book, we will also read what God has to say about this way of life and talk about the sanctity of marriage between a mommy and a daddy.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Are we crazy?
Toddlers and Frat Party Similarities
Why Having a Toddler is Like Being at a Frat Party*
*That one frat party I've ever been to, having gone to a Very Serious Arts College.
10. There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.
9. There's always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.
8. It's best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.
7. You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone's going to start banging on the door.
6. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.
5. You've got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.
4. There's definitely going to be a fight.
3. You're not sure whether anything you're doing is right, you just hope it won't get you arrested.
2. There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.
1. You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.
Any additions ... you know you have some! Please share!!
(originally posted at Suburban Snapshots)
*That one frat party I've ever been to, having gone to a Very Serious Arts College.
10. There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.
9. There's always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.
8. It's best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.
7. You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone's going to start banging on the door.
6. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.
5. You've got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.
4. There's definitely going to be a fight.
3. You're not sure whether anything you're doing is right, you just hope it won't get you arrested.
2. There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.
1. You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.
Any additions ... you know you have some! Please share!!
(originally posted at Suburban Snapshots)
Praying for the Hintons
This is a picture of our Sunday School teacher and his family. Brian, Heather, Laney and Daniel are preparing to take London by storm! They are going on a family mission trip to London for two weeks in July. Brian is a lawyer, but is pursuing a call into ministry. He is attending Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. Heather is a stay at home mom who devotes her life to her children and teaching them about Jesus. She is passionate about the Lord and it shows in all she does for her family. We have had the opportunity to be in a small group with them recently and have come to appreciate them even more! I personally cannot imagine taking my children on an international flight and staying all 4 of them in one hotel room without any of our "stuff" from home. This must truly be God telling them to go!!
For the first week, Heather and the kids will be hanging out in parks and playgrounds doing what moms and kids do best! She will use this time to talk to other moms and/or nanny's about what they believe. This will be an unbelievable opportunity that most mission trips aren't able to do because they don't usually involve the kids! Brian will spend that week doing prayer walking around the city and engaging the people of the city. The second week, they will move locations and host a "bible school" for the kids where they are located. This is sure to be a life changing event for their family. Please join me in prayer for this sweet family as they live out the Great Commission!
Celebrating Cathy and Baby Kumquat
Watermelon - Nectar of the Gods
At our house, Sarah and I LOVE watermelon!! We try to buy the little small ones and literally the two of us can eat it in just a few days. I usually cut Sarah some into pieces and she just devours them. I decided to be a little adventurous and give her a whole slice of her very own!
So, how do you think she did with it?? :) Check out the mess on her shirt!! When will I ever learn?! Never feed watermelon to a little girl in a white shirt!!!!!
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