The Great Wall...

• Grace and I had a conversation the other day that is well worth repeating...
  
  Grace: Is there a real Great Wall of China?
  Me: Yep
  Grace: WHAT? IN AMERICA?
  Me: No. In China.
  
  Grace is so funny. She is also very interested in China, as of late... It's mostly because she has realized that's where most of her toys were made... Oh bother...
  
  Lisa

• Comments (1)

  • 
    I was once very interested on China too.. It must be a phase...

    • 2/27/2007 3:28 PM
    • Shanderific08 (message)
    • reply

  
  

Retro...

• Currently Listening Free at Last By dc Talk see related

  Sometimes... I admit... my age shows...
  
  But really... I just have a hard time grasping the fact that DCTalk's "Free at Last" album is... well... retro...
  
  I would really appreciate comments about this from anyone born between 1974 and 1980. If you don't have a xanga, just send me an e-mail. Because I am interested to know... Did you have ALL of the lyrics memorized at some point in time? Do you still own a copy of the recording? When is the last time you listened to it? And... maybe most importantly... could you still sing along?
  
  In case you're wondering, I listened to it this morning. I'll admit, I had to explain to Seth that we were listening to the... uh... "early works" of Toby Mac, and I also had to skip track 14, because it's one thing to have Caleb running around singing, "Jesus is still alright," but it's a completely different thing to have him singing... well... if you have the CD, just check out track 14...
  
  Lisa
  

  Comments (4)

  • 
    I'm NOT going to leave a comment because I was NOT born between those dates.

    • 2/19/2007 7:27 PM
    • momkat4 (message)
    • reply
  • 

    Okay, didn't exactly make the cut off point. But it's close enough...

    Yes, I did have the lyrics memorized. I think...okay maybe one or two words....um...or a line I'd stumble over....

    No I don't own a copy anymore. I gave mine away. This person's tape of this music got sick and died. I think the cassette player ate it. Remember that problem? And you would try to wind it back up? Well they were a bigger fan than I was..infact they got me into this band so I felt bad for this person so after much "no you take it" "oh I couldn't" and back and forth...this person took it. And this person better still have it :O)

    On a side note I still have Dc Talk's Nu Thang. Now there's some good stuff!

    So the last time I listened to the whole album was probably back in late 1999 early 2000. But I bet I could probably still sing along. Other than that word or line I would stumble over. And I actually looked this up so if it's wrong...you know the line that went something like this: with the flow in the know, on the go like a pro........or the me or the ray. That part! For a long time I was beat behind. And amazingly after many times of practice. ( Because I had no life back than other than band and quizzing.) I was a beat or two faster! So I guess if it were a race I would win!

    Oh hee hee hee! Caleb singing 14 would be awful. I once was in a store and heard a little girl sing this one song....and even as an adult I would never sing that song or say those word in front of my mother. And no one in my family, even the ones that do say those words, would dare speak them in front of my great-grandmother. Unless of course they wanted their thumb twisted back. And don't be fooled by her age. She's pretty strong. My "manly brute 30 something" year old uncles still says that hurts a whole lot.......

    • 2/19/2007 9:35 PM
    • thorns_in_water (message)
    • reply
  • 

    OK, even though I didn't quite make the cut off point either...and we won't discuss which end of the scale I missed...I will not not leave a comment just because I failed to meet the initial regulations set forth by the author... Oh, and YOU thought YOUR age was showing!!! Feel bad yet? Here, let me put my teeth in so I don't slur my words when I type. Get back here you young whipper snapper so I can rap your knuckles with my cane. Oh, dang, lost control of certain muscle groups again...

    On to #14...Isn't it the story of three men in ministry? The non-conforming Mom Lady in me says there is a whole lot worse he could be singing. I trust your judgment as Caleb's mom to censor, though. Especially since I'm not the one grocery shopping with him while he's singing it!

    • 2/20/2007 7:09 AM
    • momkat4 (message)
    • reply
  • 
    True...True on the scale of things it is better than him saying "I want it" or other songs about slapping some....well fill in the blank..... But even so. Maybe I am just a prude. Yeah....maybe :O)

    • 2/20/2007 9:09 AM
    • thorns_in_water (message)
    • reply

Birth Order...

• It's funny, but I have been thinking, over the past few days, about how I have done so many things differently with Caleb than I did with Seth and Grace. And now, even more things have changed with Ian... On the other hand, many things stay the same…
  
  First kids really have it rough in a lot of ways. Sure... they get the constant attention of Mommy and Daddy for the first part of their lives, but they are also our guinea pigs. We experiment with first babies, because we've never done this before. I prayed for a baby, and Seth was the answer to that prayer. Seth Matthew means, "God's Appointed Gift". I was only 21 when Seth arrived. I pretty much thought I had it all figured out. I had taken care of other people's babies for years, so I'd had some practice. But it's different when the baby is your own. I am a serious type A personality. I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect, and in the process of trying to make it turn out that way, I made a whole lot of mistakes. Somehow, even though I was extremely comfortable with babies, Seth made me nervous. I guess it doesn't matter so much when you mess up with someone else's baby... but when it's yours... Seth has not one, but TWO baby books. They are both kept meticulously. Seth was a bottle fed baby, because I was afraid I was starving him after just a few days of trying to nurse. While we were waiting for Seth to arrive, we made a list of everything a baby could possibly "need". We had two baby showers and got much of what was on that list. What we didn't get… well… we bought. Phil had to put the crib together twice to get it… uh… "just right"… and by the time Seth actually slept in it, he had a toddler bed. During Seth's first year of life, he was left in a nursery only a handful of times, and he was left with a "babysitter" only once, for a couple of hours... that was Grandma... and I was just down the street. I think I called at least twice. Seth and I took walks often and played at the park... and I'm still kicking myself for selling his stroller in a garage sale... several years later. Seth has always been highly intelligent and extremely passionate. And from the moment he was born, I have had a fierce instinct to protect him from being hurt by others... and I still do…
  

  
  
  And then came Grace. Grace is unique, because she is our only little princess. And even though she's a "girlie-girl"... well... she's tough as nails, too. Grace was born just thirteen months after Seth, and I refer to her as the "greatest surprise of my life". When I say that, I really mean it. I was thrilled about Grace. Grace Anne means, "Gracious Blessing". I was 22 when Grace arrived, and you'd think I would have learned a thing or two. And I thought so, too. I figured that after the first amazing year with Seth, I knew how to do this "Mommy thing". And I still made mistakes. But Grace didn't make me nervous. I figure she's probably saving that for the teenage years. Grace has a beautiful baby book, but I didn't add her birth certificate to it until last month. That's what happens when you're a PK, nearly from day one, and your birth certificate doesn't get ordered for quite some time and then gets lost in the midst of some move. We had a baby shower for Grace and got tons of beautiful clothes. We knew we were having a girl. We didn't have to buy much, because we had all of Seth's baby things, but we learned pretty quickly that girls are more expensive, anyway. By the time Grace started sleeping in the crib, she was old enough to jump out of it to come find us in the morning. I will always remember the sound of those little feet. Grace "grew up" in church nurseries. She stayed with a babysitter for half a night, an hour away, when she was only 2 months old. It was necessary, but you'd better believe I called... more than once! Grace and I read books... over... and over... and over. And now she reads to me. Grace was independent from the moment she arrived. I have always been captivated by her personality, and I hope the rest of the world is, as well...

  
  

  Caleb's story has grown to something of epic proportion… at least in my mind. He first "arrived" during one of the most difficult times in my life. He filled me with hope, and I was absolutely in love with him from the moment I laid eyes on him. Caleb Ethan means, "Bold, Faithful, and Strong". I was 24 when Caleb arrived, and I really had learned a few things about life… but not enough to avoid making some mistakes. I was determined to hold Caleb as much as possible and to enjoy every moment. And I did. And I still do. Caleb's baby book was finished a few months ago. It was quite the project, because the hospital lost his wrist band (which I did find later), and the photographer lost his baby pictures (which were never recovered). But we took tons of our own pictures of Caleb, and his baby book is quite complete. Funny, everyone said I wouldn't be able to keep up with it once baby # 3 arrived… Our church gave us a card shower, and we used the money to buy new crib bedding and to replace some of the baby things that had been worn out by Seth and Grace or discarded by us. He loves his "airplane blankie", but I still don't know why I bothered with the rest of the bedding. He slept in our bed (at least part of the night) until Ian arrived. Caleb spent lots of time in the nursery and more time with Grandma (and even other babysitters)… but I still called. Caleb has done most everything right by my side. I love to play with him, but mostly we snuggle. Caleb has always been very sweet, and I hope when he recovers from the "terrible twos" he still will be…

  

  And now we have Ian. We first learned about him in the midst of getting ready to take our first ever family vacation… to Disney, nonetheless. Looking back on that, it is quite fitting. Although Ian is only closing in on two months old, it feels like he has always been a part of our family. Even from the start, he has simply "belonged" with us, in everything we do. I cannot imagine life without him. Ian Justice means, "God is Gracious and Just". I am now 27, and I've learned more than I ever wanted to in some ways, but I know I have a long way to go, too. I will make mistakes here and there… probably far more than I'd care to admit. But I'm still trying to get everything just perfect. Being the 4^th baby has some perks… at least around here. For example, I have already completed 21 pages in Ian's baby book. Digital cameras will do that for you… He is the only one who has professional pictures from the hospital (as mentioned earlier, Caleb's were lost, and no one ever came to take Seth's or Grace's). I guess I will prove the people wrong who assume there is no need to scrapbook for baby # 4. There was no shower, but we do have good friends and family who sent gifts. And I think I went a little off the deep end with my own purchases… Ian has a wipes warmer… cloth diapers… and his own little "nest" for sleeping in our bed. He is a pampered baby. The crib is set up, but let's face it… it's just for looks. So far, Ian is too little to play in a nursery or with a babysitter, and he probably will be for quite some time, but rest assured, when he does… I'll call. Ian is blessed with a big brother who makes up creative games to play with him, a big sister who is like a second little mommy, and a best friend who will all too soon be his partner in crime… And although I haven't figured out just what special things he'll like to do, I am sure enjoying just holding him and watching him grow…
  

  
  

  Kids are such a gift. Each one is special. And I sure love mine.
  

  Lisa

Today I Remembered Why I Hate Potty Training...

• 
  
  I was working on the computer this afternoon... still trying to get the Disney highlights down to two hours so people might actually want to watch my DVD... while nursing the baby... and thinking about what else the kids needed to do for school after their "lunch break"... when the cry rang out...
  
  It sounded something like this: "Somebody come quick, there's poop on the floor!" I can always count on Grace to start screaming in a real "emergency". She screams at other times, too, and my version of the boy who called wolf was... well... lacking. But anyhow...
  
  I did not come "quick"... at least not quick enough... but I did come. As I realized that Caleb was wearing underwear and I had forgotten, I was slightly embarassed. I wasn't sure whether to scream (like Grace) in hopes that the "poop cleaning fairy" would emerge or whether to commend the kid for making it until 2:00 in the afternoon without having an "accident". I did neither... simply helped him jump over the wall into the shower (still fully clothed) and began cleaning up...
  
  Then I put a diaper on him... I can only handle this once a day... Give me a break...
  
  By the way... I have quite a few more "serious" things to write about, but by the time I sit down to do it, my brain has turned to mush... One of these days I will likely post something so long that no one will really bother to read it, but humor me. Would you at least scan it? It might actually be important!
  
  Lisa
  

  
  

Just When You Think All Is Lost...

• 
  Grace had a super gymnastics class tonight! I was relieved, because it has been difficult for her since being put in an older class. She is definately the comic relief of the group, but she had a good time tonight and was actually doing what she was supposed to do... well... most of the time. We shopped afterward, and it was a better experience than last week, because we actually bought what we set out to buy...
  
  Have been listening to Casting Crowns... yeah... that's good stuff...
  
  More to come on that... probably...
  
  Lisa
  
  PS Why is someone always sick around here? I think we might have caught the 24 hour stomach flu somewhere, because Caleb threw up a couple of nights ago, and last night Seth threw up 10 times... he counted. I thought that was kinda cute... He was completely fine by this evening, though. At any rate, I'm hoping the rest of us don't get it, but at least it doesn't seem to last that long... L.
  

  
  

Big Boy...

• A couple of days ago, Caleb and I had a great conversation. I need to post it here before I forget. It went like this:
  
  Caleb: "Hi Mommy."
  Me: "Hi Baby"
  Caleb: " 'scues me, I'm a big boy, Mommy."
  
  And I guess he really is, because he corrected my grammer... twice... on the same day, and he was right. He also reminded me to put my coat on before going outside... hehehe... They grow up fast...
  
  Lisa
  

  Comments (1)

  • 

    Awee!!! Caleb!!! He can't grow up!! I miss the little guys and gal, exspecially Ian, since I haven't met him yet...

    Love ya, Shandi

    • 2/11/2007 4:46 PM
    • Shanderific08 (message)
    • reply

The Feast At "The B's" Is History...

• 
  
  Can't say any records were broken... at least not by me (ask Phil for more details)... but I sure enjoyed the pizza! Well, actually, I don't think I even tasted the first several pieces... just inhaled them. The rest was good, though. The grand total came to 3 breadsticks and 9 pieces of pizza... I probably could have gone on, but enough is enough, right?
  
  It's funny, but to tell you the truth, I think my eating habits have been changed forever by this crazy experience. Other than chocolate (which I am still hopelessly addicted to...) I don't really want a whole lot of empty carbs. anymore. Can't say I'm disappointed that I can eat the good ones again... oatmeal and spaghetti are going to be on the menu a lot... but I can do without the rest now, for the most part.
  
  Now... if only I could get back into my exercise routine...
  
  Lisa
  

  
  

It Was A "Sporty" Kind Of Weekend At Our House...

• 
  
  Saturday, Seth had a basketball game. I am very proud to announce that he scored his first two baskets ever in competition... Speaking of which, he is a competitor. Seth has cried at every game, because his team doesn't score a whole lot of baskets (pretty sure his were the only two this week). Mind you, the league he's in does not even keep track of score... but Seth does. And it's really easy to start to feel a bit embarrassed when your child is the only one (at least seemingly) out there not having "fun". We work on this sportsmanship thing nearly every day, because Seth loves to play ball. In reality, it's fun to him in his own way, and I'd really hate to take it away. But the tears over missed baskets really have to go... Or do they?
  
  The more I've thought about this, the more I realized it's a whole lot like someone I once knew... ahem... who shed tears at nearly every quiz meet she competed at. And I have to be honest... It wasn't bad sportsmanship. It was passion for the "game". I (oops, did I let that slip...) simply had more refined manners (and a bit more pride) as a teenager than a six year old should be expected to have mastered.
  
  And then, as I was watching the rare televised Piston's game on Sunday, it occured to me that these grown men were running around the court doing the same thing. And, for the most part, we love them them for it. Their (again, even more refined) "temper tantrums" give them "character" and occassionally sway the referrees...
  
  And even though I guess I'd rather Seth didn't cry, I kind of understand it, too. But please... don't tell him...
  
  Well, on to the Super Bowl... I was definately cheering for the Colts and "Poor Peyton Manning" who finally proved himself in the big game. And all I can say about Tony Dungy is the man has class. Besides, I can't cheer for Chicago teams... It's just not right...
  
  Tonight we tried to continue on with the sports theme, so I drove Grace to gymnastics... half an hour away... only to find that it was cancelled because of the weather. Uh... It's not like they practice outside! This is gymnastics for crying out loud! And Ian did, as soon as we got to Wal-Mart, so we didn't get to shop, either...
  
  Lisa
  
  PS Can anyone tell me what a "Key of a Donut" is? I'll give you a hint... You can watch movies in it... hehehe... L.