I catching up on some work, so I decided to try and use my down time to catch up on our blog, as well! Lainy is at such a busy age that I seem to be constanty chasing her around and cleaning up her messes...
For example - Today, I was sitting in living room, finishing my breakfast. Lainy headed for the end table and before I could stop her....she had knocked over my diet coke. On my way to the kitchen cabinet to grab some rags, I stepped in a large pile of salt. Yep...salt. She had managed to reach the salt shaker off of the table and then made her own sand pile to play in! Although I was not happy about having two messes to clean up at once, I couldn't help but laugh. :)
Speaking of Little Miss Trouble...her one year check up was last month.
20lbs 14 oz (50%)
30" tall (90%)
Along with checking her progress levels, she also had 4 shots. Not fun, but she never cries for long. She is walking all over and as of today can not only go up the stairs, but can get back down them, too. She also climbed to the top of the slide at the park on Monday.
I have new pictures and videos that I will add later today or tomorrow. I also have Elyssa updates to share!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Our Sweet Girl Turned One!
Last Friday, her actual birthday, was spent picking up the last few items that I needed for her party. My parents were really good sports about being drug around town. The best part of the day was when we stopped to let Elaina play at the mall. She and Papa had a great time together!
Saturday was her party. Other than mom coming down with the stomach flu, everything went well. It was so nice to see everyone who was able to come and share in the celebration of Elaina's milestone. There were so many people that we took over the entire park! (The support group of friends and family that we have is incredible. We are so blessed! ) The wind kept us on our toes, but everyone seemed to have fun and enjoy the treats. I was extra excited that my cupcake balls turned out. If you have never been to the bakerella site, it is really cool...you should go check it out. 
http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2008/01/chocolate-cupcake-lollipops.htmlAnd here is a look at mine...
The invitation really set the theme, as you can see- 
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Steps HAVE been taken!
Elaina has made tremendous progress when it comes to getting around. Yesterday she decided that she enjoyed standing up without looking for something to hold on to. I have seen her practice standing from a sitting position as well as bending down to pick something up and then returning to her upright starting point. She is also spending a lot more time bear crawling. It is so much fun to watch this progression. She has also began to take a couple of steps towards her desired destination before returning to a crawling position. (She is no dumby...there is no question what mode of transportation is fastest!) Walking certainly has captured her interest, though. In true Lainy fashion, she will do nothing on command. I managed to capture only a single step on video so far, but I will get a better one soon!!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Birthday Outfit
Birthday parties are my thing. Anyone who knows me well could tell you that. I have been going all out since Elyssa's first party 5 years ago. I think it all started back when I was in high school and flipped through my first oriental trading post. Just the thought of putting together a "lavish" party put a smile on my face :) Elaina is now on the receiving end of this royal treatment. Although after I try and coherce her into being still enough to get a good portrait tomorrow, she may feel more like a royal trying to evade the papparazzi!!!
Now, even though I go all out for parties, it is always done on a tight budget. Finding good deals is half of the fun! When searching on line for birthday outfit ideas, I found some things that I just adored, but was not willing to purchase. I understand that handmade outfits take a lot of time and hard work, which is why they are so expensive, but if they can do it, so can I! And if I can't do it, then I know someone (love you, mom) who can. First I found the skirt and sweater on clearance at gymboree for a total of $31. That store was a treasure trove this time around. I also picked up a pair of leggings and a shirt that are pink and brown and covered with sweets for her to wear to play in the day of her party. The theme, by the way, is Our SWEET Girl! (Picture pink and brown with lots of chocolate and other tasty treats.) After searching for the ideal hat, I finally gave up and decided to complete the picture outfit myself. I bought a felt hat at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 that was pink and purple with polka dots (which I preceded to tear apart and recover at home). Found a ribbon topper for $.99 that was intended to go on top of a present. Bought some pink, brown, and off white felt for about $1.oo including one piece that was peel and stick and a few extra squares for decorations. The trim was also peel and stick and only cost $1.99. Last but not least was the ribbon that was on sale for $.50. I took back a onesie to Children's Place that she had never worn and traded it for the off white one, so that didn't cost a thing. WooHoo!
So...for a total of $37.50 + tax, I made this adorable outfit. The ones I found on line were a lot pricier and didn't come with a sweater. The final product came out better than I had imagined, regardless of the fact that I can't make straight even stitches to save my life!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
One Word
I was reading a blog just moments ago and came across an idea of a single word that becomes your mantra for the year.
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
Something about this concept really struck home with me. I immediately began pondering what MY word would be if I had one. My initial thought was freedom, but that wasn't quite right. Letting go was closer, but it isn't one word (and anyone who knows me knows how I am about rules...), so that evolved into release, then surrender, then back to release. The definition for release one me over.
re-lease
verb
1. to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go
2. to free from anything that restrains
4. to give up, relinquish, or surrender
-noun
5. a freeing or releasing from confinement, obligation, pain, emotional strain, etc.
6.liberation from anything that restrains or fastens.
7.some device or agency for effecting such liberation. (umm...like GOD)
12.Law.
a. the surrender of a right or the like to another.
14.Machinery.
a. a control mechanism for starting or stopping a machine, esp. by removing some restrictive apparatus.
b. the opening of an exhaust port or valve at or near the working stroke of an engine so that the working fluid can be exhausted on the return stroke.
c. the point in the stroke of an engine at which the exhaust port or valve is opened.
I have certainly hit that point of exhaustion in my life where it is time to release some of the pressure before everything just bursts. This is certainly not an easy thing for me, though. Maybe I should go back and choose a much less challenging word like LOVE :) Anyway...
Release... my worries back into God's hands
release... my little girl spend some time away from mommy
release... my both my girls to try new things without me fretting so much
release... my husband to step out and be the leader
release... myself... to let go of the strong front that all is well and allow myself to work through all the things that have led me back into a life of constant nail biting
release... the shutter on my camera more for fun as well as profit :)
So, now that it is out there for all the world to see, let's see how I do with my follow through!!!
Oh, I forgot to add one more thing I would like to release... a few of those extra pounds that I am still holding on to!!!!
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
Something about this concept really struck home with me. I immediately began pondering what MY word would be if I had one. My initial thought was freedom, but that wasn't quite right. Letting go was closer, but it isn't one word (and anyone who knows me knows how I am about rules...), so that evolved into release, then surrender, then back to release. The definition for release one me over.
re-lease
verb
1. to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go
2. to free from anything that restrains
4. to give up, relinquish, or surrender
-noun
5. a freeing or releasing from confinement, obligation, pain, emotional strain, etc.
6.liberation from anything that restrains or fastens.
7.some device or agency for effecting such liberation. (umm...like GOD)
12.Law.
a. the surrender of a right or the like to another.
14.Machinery.
a. a control mechanism for starting or stopping a machine, esp. by removing some restrictive apparatus.
b. the opening of an exhaust port or valve at or near the working stroke of an engine so that the working fluid can be exhausted on the return stroke.
c. the point in the stroke of an engine at which the exhaust port or valve is opened.
I have certainly hit that point of exhaustion in my life where it is time to release some of the pressure before everything just bursts. This is certainly not an easy thing for me, though. Maybe I should go back and choose a much less challenging word like LOVE :) Anyway...
Release... my worries back into God's hands
release... my little girl spend some time away from mommy
release... my both my girls to try new things without me fretting so much
release... my husband to step out and be the leader
release... myself... to let go of the strong front that all is well and allow myself to work through all the things that have led me back into a life of constant nail biting
release... the shutter on my camera more for fun as well as profit :)
So, now that it is out there for all the world to see, let's see how I do with my follow through!!!
Oh, I forgot to add one more thing I would like to release... a few of those extra pounds that I am still holding on to!!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Worship
Worship is often thought of as the time spent singing before a service at church. It wasn't until I was in high school or college that I was taught that worship could take many forms. I was reminded of this by my amazing little girl when we were putting up the Christmas tree last week. As she hung an ornament on the tree she looked down at me from the chair she was standing on and stated, "This is the second time today that we get to worship Jesus, mom. First we went to church and now we are decorating this tree for him." It never ceases to amaze me that God can use a six year old child to speak to me so often. What a wonderful reminder to us all to slow down and think about what this season is truly about.
Encouragement
Pastor John's email this week was quite insightful. Tony forwarded it to a friend, but I decided to go a step farther and share it here. You never know...someone who reads my blog may need it as much as we did
Good morning (or afternoon or evening...)!Instead of running through a list of announcements for this week, I'll trust that you will read through the enews - www.hopefellowship.net/enews and that I'll see you in one of our services - I'm excited about this weekend!
There are times because of what I get to do in life that I become increasingly aware of the challenges that some of the people I get to pastor are currently facing. I can honestly say it is a joy to walk through these challenges with whomever and to try to provide guidance, comfort and hope for all of them.
So many are facing difficulty in marriage or have just gone through or are currently going through a divorce. Some are facing disease and asking God to bring healing to their bodies. A few have lost loved ones and are facing the pain that only those who have been through it know that it brings. Some are juggling schedules because they are a single parent and are wondering how they are going to financially make it one more day much less pay for Christmas. Many have lost their jobs or are facing cut-backs or pay decreases and seriously fear what the future might bring. Some face depression on a daily basis and wonder if they will ever "get healthy".
I could go on and on...
In years past as a young pastor (I'm still young...), I'd try to answer all the questions that arise when serious challenges face someone's life - pastors have all the answers you know... :-)
Over the years I've learned (in some cases the hard way) that I do not have all the answers and neither does anyone else.
In some Christian circles (or belief systems) there is the notion that a believer should never have to face much difficulty. That every Christian marriage will be healthy, every Christian should be healed, every Christian should be rich and so on... Although I pray for all these things to happen, sometimes they don't (and it ticks me off...)! :-)
However... (and however can be huge), God is not unaware of anything that happens in our lives. I believe with all my heart this passage from Paul in Romans chapter 8 - please take the time to read it all:
Romans 8:26-39 (NLT) 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one-for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is hope! God is at work! Be encouraged! Trust him! Trust him... There's still so much to be said - but little space. I love you and I pray for you. If you are facing a difficult time in your life, whatever you do - don't walk or run away from the Father, run to him!Love to all - I'll see you this weekend!
John
Good morning (or afternoon or evening...)!Instead of running through a list of announcements for this week, I'll trust that you will read through the enews - www.hopefellowship.net/enews and that I'll see you in one of our services - I'm excited about this weekend!
There are times because of what I get to do in life that I become increasingly aware of the challenges that some of the people I get to pastor are currently facing. I can honestly say it is a joy to walk through these challenges with whomever and to try to provide guidance, comfort and hope for all of them.
So many are facing difficulty in marriage or have just gone through or are currently going through a divorce. Some are facing disease and asking God to bring healing to their bodies. A few have lost loved ones and are facing the pain that only those who have been through it know that it brings. Some are juggling schedules because they are a single parent and are wondering how they are going to financially make it one more day much less pay for Christmas. Many have lost their jobs or are facing cut-backs or pay decreases and seriously fear what the future might bring. Some face depression on a daily basis and wonder if they will ever "get healthy".
I could go on and on...
In years past as a young pastor (I'm still young...), I'd try to answer all the questions that arise when serious challenges face someone's life - pastors have all the answers you know... :-)
Over the years I've learned (in some cases the hard way) that I do not have all the answers and neither does anyone else.
In some Christian circles (or belief systems) there is the notion that a believer should never have to face much difficulty. That every Christian marriage will be healthy, every Christian should be healed, every Christian should be rich and so on... Although I pray for all these things to happen, sometimes they don't (and it ticks me off...)! :-)
However... (and however can be huge), God is not unaware of anything that happens in our lives. I believe with all my heart this passage from Paul in Romans chapter 8 - please take the time to read it all:
Romans 8:26-39 (NLT) 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one-for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is hope! God is at work! Be encouraged! Trust him! Trust him... There's still so much to be said - but little space. I love you and I pray for you. If you are facing a difficult time in your life, whatever you do - don't walk or run away from the Father, run to him!Love to all - I'll see you this weekend!
John
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Christmas Season
Thanksgiving with the Sdao's was nice and crazy! Poor Emma wasn't feeling too well, but we still mangaged to get some first thanksgiving shots of the girls. We missed Elyssa being there, but truthfully I don't see much of her when the Sdao's get together. She is way to busy playing wit Keirsten and the rest of the kiddos.
It is amazing how quickly Christmas is coming. I have never been more thankful that I am an early shopper than I am this year. It is so much easier on our families income to start buying months ahead of time. Of course, then I have to try and remember all the different places that I have stashed presents!!!
I have taken lots of family Christmas pictures for people, but I still haven't gotten pictures of MY girls. Hopefully this weekend. We did manage to go visit Santa at the mall. Lainy is definitely not a fan of sitting on Santa's lap. The picture says it all!
It is amazing how quickly Christmas is coming. I have never been more thankful that I am an early shopper than I am this year. It is so much easier on our families income to start buying months ahead of time. Of course, then I have to try and remember all the different places that I have stashed presents!!!I have taken lots of family Christmas pictures for people, but I still haven't gotten pictures of MY girls. Hopefully this weekend. We did manage to go visit Santa at the mall. Lainy is definitely not a fan of sitting on Santa's lap. The picture says it all!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Moments
Sometimes, not very often, you see something that is so sweet you almost cry. Walking in and seeing my dad and Lainy sleeping on the couch was one of those times. She doesn't like men all that much, but she seemed to take to him right away. They played in the floor, walked all over the house, and snuggled on the couch. Dad, I know you are not a fan of big cities and traffic, but we sure do love having you hanging around the house!
P.S. Your dog misses you, too!
For more pics and videos go to http://www.tntsdao.phanfare.com/
Feeding Frenzy
Lainy is truly starting to get a handle on eating real food, but boy is she messy! This little one loves to feed herself. Lucky for her, she also loves baths. :)
Crazy Hair Day
A while back, Elyssa had crazy hair day at school. We dressed her up like Pippy Longstocking and she looked SO cute. I have been so busy the last month that I never got any pictures posted, so.....
The adorable frames you see in all of these pictures finally met their end this week and she is having to wear her red pair all the time. I am hoping that I purchased the fix it plan. Guess I'll find out when I go to the mall this weekend. Elyssa was one very unhappy little girl when the "leg" (ear piece) broke off of her glasses.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Elaina's 9 month checkup!
For someone who doesn't eat much food, she is definitely healthy! She has started to slim up just a bit. Height, weight, and head have all rounded out at about the 75%. She had three shots, including her flu shot. Now the rest of the family just need to get theirs...yuck!
Here are her stats:
19 lbs 13oz
28" long
Her check up was on Friday. Mom and dad were in town to see the girls. We had a wonderful weekend. I will try and get some halloween pics up soon!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Baby Love
Elaina Beth LOVES baby dolls. Last week we walked into the American Doll store while mom was in town, since it was right by the hotel she was staying at for work. I knew Elyssa would be excited, but I never imagined how much Lainy would enjoy it. She took in everything, looking around at each new baby and squealing with delight. I wish I would have had a video camera. She has discovered Elyssa's doll and will work to get to it and then hold it and pat it. I decided to give her one of Elyssa's old baby dolls and she loves it, too. Miss B clings to it. Her daddy loved watching her snug the dolly up tight as he tried to pry it out of her hands. She definitly has a strong grip! Here is a quick shot I snapped of Elyssa holding Lainy holding the baby. Too sweet :)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
State Fair of Texas
Do you ever wonder about the choices you make as a parent? Things you never would have considered before are now acceptable, simply because you crave that look of joy your child gets on that beautiful face! It sounds sweet, but in the end we stood in line for over an hour just so that Lys could get her face painted and be handed an inflatable balloon made into the shape of her choosing. Consindering that there were only about 5 families in front of us, I thought, why not? I sent her to wait in the face painting line and I stood in the balloon line and we would do whatever happened first. Who knew that Mr. Balloon man told a story as he expertly created each child's (and 2 adults') requests. It was definitely a sight to behold. He was great, but SO SLOW! By the time her face was painted, we were only 1 family away fron the treasured balloon. Tony caved and told her we could do that, too. (Did I mention how slow the balloon guy was and the fact that two adults in that last family in front of us requested he make THEM a balloon?) The trully sad part was that it was the last stop of the night, so we walked out of the vendor building and straight towards the car. The beautiful butterfly that graced Elyssa's face was only a car ride away from being washed down the drain... Lucky for us, the digital age made it possible for me to capture that butterfly and put it up on the web for all to see. :)Other than that, we had a wonderful time at the fair. We saw real butterflies in each stage of their lifecycle. Visited a make believe farm. Watched a bagpipe band. Fed baby animals. Looked at the latest cars headed for the dealers. Ate a candied apple and a turkey leg. And even watched both girls pick a duck for a prize. It was a perfect way to spend a gorgeous afternoon!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
It's been awhile!
Do you ever stop and wonder where a week (or month) has gone? There seems to be an "a-ha" moment nearly every day that I desperately want to blog, but just as quickly that moment passes and I continue with the daily grind...
That said, life is good right now. My photography business is growing exponentially, as are my girls! Parent teacher conferences were today and I am proud to say that Elyssa is doing wonderfully in school both academically and socially. Did I mention that her kindergarten teacher asked her and Abby (her best friend) to be flower girls in her wedding? They are SO excited! Lainy finally has a tooth peeking through her gums. I will try and get a picture of it soon. She is also grasping the concept of chewing and can pick up puffs and feed herself. It is a little sad, but her diet mostly consists of momma's milk, gerber puffs, and cheerios:)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
At our house...
...a six year old had another visit from the tooth fairy. She left extra money since Elyssa pulled her tooth out herself. 
...an eight month old decided to start pulling up on everything she can find. Elaina is also finally eating food (progresso soup puree, yogurt, and other not solid foods).
As always, you can view more of our crazy life at my phanfare site!
http://www.tntsdao.phanfare.com/
...an eight month old decided to start pulling up on everything she can find. Elaina is also finally eating food (progresso soup puree, yogurt, and other not solid foods).As always, you can view more of our crazy life at my phanfare site!
http://www.tntsdao.phanfare.com/
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thank you...
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for there notes, thoughts, and prayers. We made it through yesterday...although it never seems to get easier.
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