Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Fun at Grammy's
Grammy kept Kirkley last night so we could have a little date night. We had a fun night out at a wine tasting, appetizers at one of our favorite restaurants, and then rented some movies; then our house underwent a major decluttering this morning -- amazing what can get done without little feet running all around! Grammy just sent this picture -- so wonderful to know that she's over there having the best time -- doing whatever she wants!!! We hope she wants to come back home to us after all the fun!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
First Basketball Game
We had a great time tonight at Kirkley's first basketball game! This turned out to be a great night! Kirkley had the best time watching the players, meeting the cheeleaders, pointing and waving to Aubie, snacking on popcorn, and directing and dancing with the band! She even made her first appearance on the jumbotron dancing during a time out!
Been Busy!
So I've totally been playing with Christmas photocard designs! Thanks to my models in the pics -- these are not their cards -- just some I'm playing with. If you need help with your Christmas card this year, let me know! I've already designed for about ten families. It's been really fun! Email me for details, and I'll explain how it works! And FYI, the greens below look electric but they print much darker. Now I just need to get Kirkley's pic this week and our card ready!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Bye Bye Fall!
Can't believe December is right around the corner! Daddy headed out to clean up our fall leaves today after church so Kirkley took full advantage of playing in them before they were all gone!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tank ou!
Since early summer we've been so focused on language development with Kirkley. We have got to capture the animals sounds on video -- those were the first words after daddy and mommy. And they're hilarious -- did you know a donkey says, "Ha how"? We have been persistent with talking to her and for her, sounding crazy saying our part and her part -- a terrific tip from mommies of older children. Like we say yes ma'am when she nods her head yes so hopefully she associates that phrase with telling us yes.
This morning she proved these crazy conversations have not gone unheard. I got her out of her chair after breakfast and was wiping up the floor. She too wanted a wipe to help and pointed to the counter for me to get her one. I handed her one and she let out a big, "Tank ou!" and started wiping the floor. It was the first time I'd heard her say this without prompting. Prouder than proud and of course I hope she remembers this forever without prompting!
We are building great cathedrals...
Someone forwarded this ages ago -- an excerpt from a book by Nicole Johnson. I don't typically like or even read forwards, but I did read this one and really liked it. I have not read the book -- anyone out there read it? With Kirkley as young as she is, I can't yet relate to some of it, but I love the second to last paragraph about Thanksgiving.
I catch myself thinking of this often and reminding myself that while I love party details, shower food, a clean house, etc., I cannot forsake time with my husband and child for these things -- if it can't get done during naps/after bedtime/before he comes home from work, I have to really analyze if it's a worthwhile cause or just something I want to do. And who does that glorify??
With the holidays approaching faster than ever, it's such a good reminder...
Perspective on Motherhood: The Invisible Woman
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right.
By Nicole Johnson
It started to happen gradually …
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.
She's going … she's going … she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
- No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
- These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
- They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
- The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."
And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
I catch myself thinking of this often and reminding myself that while I love party details, shower food, a clean house, etc., I cannot forsake time with my husband and child for these things -- if it can't get done during naps/after bedtime/before he comes home from work, I have to really analyze if it's a worthwhile cause or just something I want to do. And who does that glorify??
With the holidays approaching faster than ever, it's such a good reminder...
Perspective on Motherhood: The Invisible Woman
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right.
By Nicole Johnson
It started to happen gradually …
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.
She's going … she's going … she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
- No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
- These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
- They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
- The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."
And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Night Night Time
at Pa Pa & Grammy's is so fun because I get to head here! 
Can you tell she got spoiled over the weekend?
Can you tell she got spoiled over the weekend? She walks right to the side of the bed and says, "Up pease!"
Then she lays her head on the pillow to go night night.
7 Daily Prayers for Our Children
Saw this on a blog and thought it was so practical. We can never have enough reminders to be praying for our sweet little ones.
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Glory Days
They were officially relived this weekend by my sweet husband! You may not know that Alex earned lots of extra money in college playing music. Yes, my cute husband was in a band! He and Cory began playing together when we were all in high school. They played all sorts of venues from youth weeks to Bottchers to fraternity parties. Their music ranged from Pat McGee to Dave Matthews to one of our favorites Jackopierce. Cory and Alex got wind they were playing this weekend so off we were, with old Gunter James Band recordings blaring from our ipod, and Cory and Alex going on and on about, "Remember that show...." They were loving it. Carrie and I tried to stress how much fun it was back then -- their eyes lit up so much talking about the glory days that we grew a little concerned the band would be getting back together soon! We had such a great time getting to see Cory and Carrie and of course so much fun at the show! Much thanks to Grammy for keeping Kirkley! We had a great little getaway night!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Final Count
We sold the rest of the goodies this week for a grand total of $528.25! We were so pleased with this especially since we planned on short notice! I had HUGE amounts of help from a mom of one of my students that secured the location, set up, etc. Kids wanted to come help sell, and it was so fun to watch them! We set up right before the doors to walk in the voting room, so each voter was met with sweet girls saying, "Cookies for kids' cancer donation!" I tried telling them that wasn't really a sentence, but they were hooked on that tag line. Meanwhile, Kirkley ran all around the table, sampled some of the goodies, and ran in and out of the voting room. I don't know how we avoided election officials until Alex came to get her after work.
It was the first time I'd ever worked a table like that and it was interesting to see who breezed right on by (like recognizable local business owners) or who said they'd stop by after they voted and didn't (like a certain unnamed head college football coach -- I assured the girls that he has lots on his mind right now). The girls learned a great lesson to say, "Have a nice day!" when they got ignored or turned down. They were also impressed with how many of my sweet friends stopped by to shop -- thanks yall! And a note for the next time you vote-- the polls are empty from 6-7! 
Check out the Cookies for Kids' Cancer website if you'd be interested in putting together a sale. I assure you it was super easy and the site is so helpful! And as the girls announced repeatedly, "It's going to a great cause!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
Eat this FOR that!
This sweet girl continuously surprises us with what she knows! She cracked us up when she woke up this weekend as she normally does telling us, "Eat!" We headed into the kitchen for breakfast, and she spotted the bag of leftover candy. She was so insistent that we let her peer into the bag and out came a little dum dum sucker in her hand. Knowing we were not about to let her eat this for breakfast, I tried to do a little explaining, not knowing how painful of a battle this could be. I explained if she ate her breakfast and drank her milk, she could have the sucker and I set it on the counter. Fully expecting a protest, we were shocked to see her sit down in her chair, quickly gobble down her breakfast, take big gulps of milk, then point right to the sucker sitting on the counter! So of course she had a little dessert with her breakfast!Tonight she did the same -- she'd take big sips of milk or bites of dinner for a craisin! Too cute! We know it is only a matter of time that a little explanation does not go this long of a way...but we sure will savor this while it lasts!
Sweet treats, coming right up!
The masses have produced some serious amounts of treats for the Cookies for Kids' Cancer bake sale tomorrow! My students at school piled in this morning with boxes and bags full of bagged treats from Ghirardelli brownies to oatmeal raisin cookies! Then I came home to this on my doorstep from Alyssa: 
She tried to say they weren't cute -- she's crazy! Lots more students said they're bringing goodies to school tomorrow, several friends are dropping off more to me, and I have a homeroom mom that is setting up and manning the table! Kirkley and I plan to get there asap after school! Can't wait to see what we sell!
She tried to say they weren't cute -- she's crazy! Lots more students said they're bringing goodies to school tomorrow, several friends are dropping off more to me, and I have a homeroom mom that is setting up and manning the table! Kirkley and I plan to get there asap after school! Can't wait to see what we sell!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Cookie Update
We will be selling at a local voting location on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. We had a hard time getting workers, but we figured this would be a peak time anyway! My mom and I were a total cookie factory this weekend -- 200+ are made and bagged -- now we need to figure out pricing!
Some tips if you're working on this too:
- LOVE the cookie mixes in the bag. I added all sorts of things to the bag mix: 1 c butterscotch chips for every bag of oatmeal cookie mix, 1 c mini chocolate chips for every bag of peanut butter cookie mix, 1 c white chocolate chips and 3/4 c craisins to every bag of sugar cookie mix.
- Wal Market has great 3 x 4 treat bags in the cake/craft section that fit one cookie perfectly. I made labels with the CFKC logo on them and the cookie type -- they look cute!
- I enlisted the help of friends, students and parents from school, etc. Can't wait to see what we come up with! We may have lots extra -- we may run out!
Happy Baking!
Some tips if you're working on this too:
- LOVE the cookie mixes in the bag. I added all sorts of things to the bag mix: 1 c butterscotch chips for every bag of oatmeal cookie mix, 1 c mini chocolate chips for every bag of peanut butter cookie mix, 1 c white chocolate chips and 3/4 c craisins to every bag of sugar cookie mix.
- Wal Market has great 3 x 4 treat bags in the cake/craft section that fit one cookie perfectly. I made labels with the CFKC logo on them and the cookie type -- they look cute!
- I enlisted the help of friends, students and parents from school, etc. Can't wait to see what we come up with! We may have lots extra -- we may run out!
Happy Baking!
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