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!

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 morning in the paper, we read that the Birmingham Zoo had recently lost two of its animals.  Neither was a surprise.  One giraffe was euthanized last week; it had been under doctor supervision for about 6 months.  Yesterday, the white tiger died of kidney failure. 

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

Just thought some of you (grandparents!) might like to see some of Sarah's artwork for the week.

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.

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.

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! 

First Day of School

Today was Sarah's first day at her new school.  This was a picture of her before we left the house.  She was excited to go to school and make new friends.  Once we got to school, she was super excited about seeing the playground.  They had wings (swings) and ides (slides) for her to play on.  (Yes, no need to comment -- cluster simplification and deletion.  I know, imagine that -- SLP has a kid with phonological processes!)  We went inside the building to her class.  We met two of her teachers.  One was Ms. Mary and the other was Ms. Gabby ( I think).  I'm not sure that she really speaks english!  There were 5 other children already at school and Sarah was immediately withdrawn.  Some of the kids wanted to give her a hug and were waving at her, and she's not a kid who likes all that in your face stuff.  She was doing okay, mom and dad were doing okay until it was time to leave.  All I heard was "mama, no".  The tears started for mommy.  I know that I made it worse by letting her see me cry, but i couldn't help it!  I became that mom!!!  you know the one ....  oh well.  we'll try again tomorrow morning!  until then, i'm counting down the hours until i can leave work and go pick her up.  we might have to get a special mcdonald's chicken nugget for supper tonight to make up for the potentially rough day!  hopefully, she got calmed down and had lots of fun.  i'll let you know soon!!

Sarah and Sammie

Sarah is attacking her cousin Sammie with a great big hug.  Sammie is the daughter of my late cousin Ben.  She gets to spend a lot of time with my aunt and uncle.  This was the first time that I had met Little Sammie, but she is a little firecracker!

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

You know that the family reunion is going to be a classic when it is held at the Saloon and Grill!

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!

Feed Me Books Friday: July 4th Holiday

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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!!

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.

Are we crazy?

I'll go ahead and answer for you ... yes!  Our phones have been due for an upgrade for months, but we had a feeling that the new iphone was going to be coming out soon, so we waited.  Since that time, my phone has been submerged in water twice.  Once on purpose, once an accident.  Michael can hardly read the screen and some of his buttons don't really work.  So we decided to take the plunge.  We've been saving money for phones and will be using our AL income tax money to cover the rest.  Here is Michael standing outside the Apple store in line.  So far, we don't have phones, but we are on the priority list.  That means that we will get our phones as soon as Apple gets the phones in.  That may mean today, or it may mean in a week.  We don't know, but we are getting phones!  Yeah!!  Thanks honey for standing outside in the heat!!  I love you!

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)

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

This past weekend, I got the chance to help celebrate my friend Cathy as she prepares for the birth of Baby Girl Carver.  I have secretly named the baby Kumquat, but somehow I don't think that they are going to go with my selection!  Cathy and Jeff are a lot like Michael and myself in that we all waited until later in life to find our soulmate and true love.  I think that makes love that much sweeter when you know that you have waited for this one special person and that you have finally found that person and will spend your life with them!  Cathy and Jeff have been married for 2 years and are anxiously awaiting the birth of their special little girl.  For her shower on Saturday, I made fruit kabobs.  I think they were pretty cute, but I'll need to work on them a little if I do them again.  I stuck the skewers into styrofoam, but they were really hard to pull out! 

Here is a picture of Cathy with all of her hostesses.  Hope you had a great time Cathy!  You and Jeff are going to be super parents!!!  I can't wait to see God's work in all three of you!!!

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!!!!!