tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116042612011-08-28T10:51:37.898-05:00"Remember your chains. Remember your chains are broken." This quote reminds me of two facts that I can never forget: 1. I was bound by the chains of sin and self; and, 2. Those chains were broken by my Savior, Jesus Christ. Remembering these two facts keeps me grounded in Him and trusting Him to daily break my chains.american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.comBlogger791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1170337693854016892007-02-01T08:31:00.000-05:002007-02-01T08:48:13.893-05:00

A few pictures of the now-one-year-old:Christmas 2006Birthday #1: South Padre Island, Texas (a little concerned about turning 1)In the Bath

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1162566349296154172006-11-03T10:04:00.000-05:002006-11-03T10:05:49.306-05:00

The child, she doth crawl. And the weight-loss program, it doth begin.Video shall follow. If I can figure out how to post it.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1158801421128328842006-09-20T19:56:00.000-05:002006-09-20T20:17:21.003-05:00

I went shopping today, at Winners, which recently came to town. They sell name-brand clothing at WalMart-type prices. (Which we are boycotting, by the way. WalMart, that is. They became part of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and are now giving "homosexual-owned businesses special treatment when making purchases." What? Whatever happened to not discriminating based on sex,

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1157046700392463742006-08-31T12:36:00.000-05:002006-08-31T12:51:40.456-05:00

I saw this meme somewhere, and thought it might be interesting. All About Cate...3 Things That Scare MeCatsWhen mommy yells unexpectedly (maybe because I bit her? c'mon, mom, toughen up!)Being thrown up in the air3 People That Make Me LaughDaddyMommyBoth Grandmas3 Things I LoveDogsStanding upDaddy's hair3 Things I HateWhen mmmy doesn’t share her foodLaying down to get my diaper changedWhen mommy

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1156987836626858772006-08-30T20:03:00.000-05:002006-08-30T20:30:36.663-05:00

Time for a few more pictures...Cate has learned how to get food to her mouth all by herself, although whether or not she'll do it is highly dependent on her mood. If I position the spoon so she can grasp it, she'll often bring it to her mouth. The first few days she did this eagerly...then she figured out that mom was still holding onto the spoon, so why bother? She'll grasp it very lightly,

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1156439605208206372006-08-24T12:01:00.000-05:002006-08-24T12:13:25.236-05:00

A few thoughts swirling around in my head...1. Cate is not a wee baby anymore. Well, she hasn't been for a while, but with the whole sitting up thing, and getting two teeth thing, and actually enjoying being on her belly for longer than 2 seconds, it's becoming rapidly apparent to me that she is GROWING. Every time I see those two teeth I think, "STOP GROWING ALREADY!" This goes way too fast,

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1155749703475487542006-08-16T12:18:00.000-05:002006-08-16T12:35:03.533-05:00

Molly at Brittle Crazy Glass started a meme and tagged me for it, oh...um, let's just say "a while ago" and leave it at that, shall we? Here are the rules: "Summer is a time when I feel an especial joie de vivre, so this meme is in honor of celebrating and loving life. If you could pick one photo that epitomizes joie de vivre, or quote one short piece of prose or poetry, or write one, what

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1155572313297830412006-08-14T10:02:00.000-05:002006-08-14T11:18:33.500-05:00

Well. We just "returned" from our week-long vacation, and we probably will never go on vacation again. It was not quite what we had planned.A couple of months ago we planned to go camping with two other families during the second week of August. For various reasons, that didn't work out, but Neil had already notified all of his clients that he would be unavailable that week, so we decided to

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1153790352490343982006-07-24T20:12:00.000-05:002006-07-24T20:19:12.503-05:00

Have you ever gone through something awful, truly awful, and had a few well-intentioned people, in an honest attempt to comfort or encourage, say something like "God won't give you more than you can bear", or "all things work together for good"? Have you maybe said those things yourself, to someone experiencing significant suffering? I know I have, on both counts. Sarah's experience with her

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1153362505814049212006-07-19T21:28:00.000-05:002006-07-19T21:35:35.173-05:00

Ellen over at The Reign of Ellen The Reign of Ellen is an excellent cartoonist and the mother of an adorable little girl. Check out her post and downloadable book, A Wee Book About Jesus. She's "distilled" the gospels and illustrated them. As a seminary graduate, I have to say that what she's written isn't complete and there's a lot of value to reading the gospels in their entirety, yet there

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1152757454304832312006-07-12T20:54:00.000-05:002006-07-12T21:24:14.363-05:00

You wouldn't believe how many posts I've started in the last few weeks...and not finished. I am DETERMINED that this one will be finished, no matter how short it ends up being! In my last post I said that I needed to just write, regardless of how self-conscious or unsure I feel...obviously that didn't work out so well.My main reason for posting today is to get some new pictures of Cate up, but

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1150424504074056922006-06-15T19:32:00.000-05:002006-06-15T21:21:44.130-05:00

You'll likely notice that I haven't posted in a while...and you'll notice that's not an uncommon occurrance on this blog. I've been thinking about possible posts and have even come up with some really good ideas, even written them! In my head. While driving. As soon as I sit down in front of the computer, the words are gone. I'd really like to post to this blog more often. Maybe I'd get

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1147785616567328082006-05-16T07:54:00.000-05:002006-05-17T07:26:31.553-05:00

It's Works-for-Me-Wednesday over at Rocks In My Dryer. I've enjoyed Shannon's blog for a few weeks now, and thought I'd add my two cents to her weekly column. Not sure if I'll have anything for next Wednesday... Be sure to click on over to her blog to see the other participants and their helpful hints.I'm not the most organized person in the world--my husband will be the first to agree.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1147740033639791432006-05-15T19:32:00.000-05:002006-05-15T19:40:33.663-05:00

No breakfast in bed, no brunch, no flowers. Just a cooing, hungry baby to snuggle with in bed, and cards from her and her daddy. And a couple of flower urns to come.I was tempted to feel sorry for myself yesterday--in fact, I did feel sorry for myself--because my husband is not one to pamper or make a big deal of holidays or special days. I appreciate those kinds of things quite a bit, and the

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1147396710561962682006-05-11T20:06:00.000-05:002006-05-11T20:18:30.700-05:00

I've never done a meme on my blog before because...I usually think they're kind of boring...and I'm lazy. But this one looks interesting. Participate if you want to!I AM: a new mom who's enjoying this thing called motherhood.I WANT: my baby to stop this screaming for an hour every evening and to take predictable naps during the day.I WISH: that I could get started on our landscaping.I HATE:

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1145999743182911952006-04-25T16:03:00.000-05:002006-04-25T16:15:43.203-05:00

...to me that even when Cate can't see me, but she hears my voice, she breaks out in a huge, open-mouthed smile that says, "that's my mom! and I love her!" ...Cate always wakes up with a smile for me, no matter how rough the night has been (although the rough nights are few and far between)....she can go from screaming her pretty little chubbo head off one second to smiling and laughing at me

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1144776188697350722006-04-11T12:10:00.000-05:002006-04-11T12:23:08.713-05:00

Yep, version 30, not three-point-zero. My dear, sweet husband turned 30 on Saturday, so although this post is a little late...happy birthday, Neil! I'm not sure why I'm bothering, because he doesn't even read my blog (don't you think that's weird? If he had a blog, I'd definitely read it! I'd be so interested to see what he was thinking about and what he thought was important enough to

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1144190191808012222006-04-04T17:36:00.000-05:002006-04-04T18:01:51.570-05:00

...weeks, that is. We can hardly believe that we have a two-and-a-half month old daughter...I'm still not sure I've fully adjusted to the fact that I am a MOM. I still feel like I'm 21 at times, not 27. However, those are the facts, and it's been amazing to watch Cate grow and learn, especially since she started talking and smiling 3-4 weeks ago. As I type this, Cate is playing with a

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1142688707437374512006-03-18T08:20:00.000-05:002006-03-18T08:31:47.456-05:00

So all I ever blog about these days is my daughter, but at this point in my life, she's about all I think about. Mothering is a 24/7 job, so how do other moms have time for other things? I guess I'll figure it out eventually. Let me just say, however, I can NOT imagine going back to work at 6 weeks like so many other moms have to or choose to do. She was so little then (she still is). I know

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1141837074220841602006-03-08T11:44:00.000-05:002006-03-08T12:00:50.396-05:00

Cate is now a little over six weeks old...and she's just about sleeping through the night! Hee hee...my little sleep-loving heart is rejoicing, believe me. Four nights ago she slept from 10:30pm to 6:30am. Unbelievable. Do you think I slept that well? Um, no. I kept waking up wondering if and when she was going to wake up and why she wasn't awake. However, she's kept it up, going down

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1141055059310446422006-02-27T10:44:00.000-05:002006-02-27T10:44:19.336-05:00

Aunt Holly came for a week-long visit. We miss her already! 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1140022273043922462006-02-15T11:42:00.000-05:002006-02-15T11:51:16.066-05:00

I tend to surf the net a lot while I'm feeding Cate...either that or read a book. What else is there to do...except stare into space and think? And most days thinking just allows me to dwell on how our lives have changed dramatically in the past month, how much I miss being just the two of us, how exhausted I am, how many diapers I'll have to change today, etc. But that's another topic, I

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1139508531345703102006-02-09T12:51:00.000-05:002006-02-09T13:08:53.083-05:00

Wow. So this is the kid who wouldn't nurse and who I despaired of ever gaining weight...I was certain she would be a 19in, 6lb kindergartener. She is now, at 3 weeks of age, almost 8lbs. She gained a pound in a week, people. Babies typically gain an ounce a day, which works out to a little less than half a pound a week. All that feeding every hour has had its effect, I think. And her belly.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1138730863757577152006-01-31T12:49:00.000-05:002006-01-31T13:07:43.776-05:00

If you're breastfeeding, do not eat broccoli one day and expect your 11-day old daughter to be the angel she has been up until that point. Yep. You'll end up with someone that looks NOTHING like this. All. Day. Long.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1138205380467814062006-01-25T11:06:00.000-05:002006-01-25T11:09:40.526-05:00

Here's our little girl...Cate MeredithJanuary 19, 200611:59pm6 lb, 8 oz19.75in

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1137430564666536902006-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:002006-01-16T11:56:04.690-05:00

So here are a couple of pictures of the nursery...We're using my old crib, cleaned up a bit, and an old dresser of Neil's that I painted white. It's the perfect height for a changing table as well, so that eliminated another piece of furniture to buy. My mom and sister bought us the rocking chair, and the bassinet that we'll be using my mom found at a garage sale for $10 and then kindly and

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1137084856486490362006-01-12T11:43:00.000-05:002006-01-12T11:54:16.506-05:00

It occurred to me that two out of the three people who read this blog (are you guys still out there? or have you given up on me?) might be wondering about this whole pregnancy thing and whether it's OVER or not. The answer is...no, it's not over. Not yet. I'm not actually due until the 21st, but 37 weeks is full term, and things could definitely happen before the actual 40 weeks is up (or

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1135878297275553462005-12-29T12:31:00.000-05:002005-12-29T12:44:57.296-05:00

Can I just say...REAL contractions are NOT fun at ALL. They mess up your day and make you incapable of doing the most basic, party-preparation tasks, like going to the grocery store. Yesterday was the pregnancy center's Christmas party, at our house. Very low key (I am 9 mos pregnant, after all), but there were a few things that had to be done around here before the guests arrived. So, of

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1133831918458510012005-12-05T20:14:00.000-05:002005-12-05T20:18:38.473-05:00

Hey y'all...Check out our baby's website: www.9-18-2004.com. Some of you will remember the address as one we used for the wedding. It's not much at the moment, but hopefully after he/she is born we'll have pictures, etc. Maybe even updated by "Biff" him/herself. The joke around here is that this child is going to be born with a Palm Pilot in hand. His/her first words will undoubtedly be "did

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1131053341800597852005-11-03T16:29:00.000-05:002005-11-03T16:29:01.806-05:00

6 Months! 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1131053432605555552005-11-03T15:57:00.000-05:002005-11-03T16:30:32.626-05:00

I am currently nursing a sick husband by sitting next to him in bed while getting a few things done on my computer, so I thought it would be a good time to finally update my blog. And post pictures! It's hard to say where the time has gone and what I've been doing during it...but I'm now in my third trimester, and so far haven't felt many of the effects of it. But it's still early. I have

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1129296603792395122005-10-14T08:14:00.000-05:002005-10-14T08:30:03.800-05:00

So what do you do when you have a bad day? You know the kind of day I mean...when you get bleach on a new shirt, when you don't think the chocolate stains will come out of one of your husband's dress shirts, when your house seems a mess with little hope of getting it under control in a reasonable amount of time, when you make and eat lunch but it doesn't agree with you, when it's grey and damp

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1128174929984782262005-10-01T08:42:00.000-05:002005-10-01T08:55:29.993-05:00

Only three more months until little Igor/Biff is due...it's hard to believe time has gone by this quickly. Apparently I am now in my third trimester, which means I get to start wishing this was OVER, already. Truth be told, I've already wished this a little bit at times, especially when I have to struggle to get my expanding body from a prone position to an upright one. No more abdominal

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1127247842787439722005-09-20T15:14:00.000-05:002005-09-20T15:24:02.800-05:00

It's amazing how much you can get done when you are almost completely cut off from the telephone and internet. After moving three weeks ago, we have been without both. Today we got phone service hooked up to the "demarcation point"--a box outside our house. Hopefully tonight we'll have it hooked up the rest of the way and we'll be able to connect with friends and family again.All that to say--

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1125094725849591402005-08-26T17:07:00.000-05:002005-08-26T17:18:45.856-05:00

Twenty-eight years ago tomorrow, my mom and dad married on a hot, hot, August day. Mom was in a long-sleeved, high-necked dress. Papa wore a ruffled ivory long-sleeved shirt under an ivory suit. One of my most favorite pictures of their wedding (they don't have many) is of my dad with his Bozo hair, cigarette in mouth, bending over my mom's train to bustle it. She's half-turned to look at him

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1124934320449891302005-08-24T20:41:00.000-05:002005-08-24T20:45:20.450-05:00

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1124933992734994042005-08-24T20:29:00.000-05:002005-08-24T20:39:52.743-05:00

Our house is ALMOST FINISHED!! We take possession on Friday, and move in on Saturday...can you believe it? I barely can. They were rather slow in doing much after the electrical and plumbing was in, but my dear husband managed to "talk" them into hurrying it up a bit, since we only have the apartment until August 31. So we're closing about 2 weeks late, but just in time. And I have pictures!

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1123034347580635352005-08-02T20:50:00.000-05:002005-08-02T20:59:07.586-05:00

Have you ever had an Orange Julius from one of those stands in the mall? Weren't you immediately hooked? Did you know you can make your own at home? Yes indeed, my latest obsession is orange julius. My mom used to make them for us as a special bedtime snack once in a while, particularly during the summer. We'd beg for them for a while, and then forget about them until the next summer.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1122384602558435912005-07-26T08:28:00.000-05:002005-07-26T08:30:02.563-05:00

Okay, not so sure about the seven INCHES part (it's more like seven centimeters), but nonetheless...

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1122383928239019492005-07-26T08:15:00.001-05:002005-07-26T08:18:49.083-05:00

Sunday was Nueva Texan and her husband's first anniversary! Happy anniversary, guys! I hope you had a wonderful day, and Neil and I wish you many, many more years of loving each other and loving and serving the Lord together.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1121811518434538442005-07-19T16:51:00.000-05:002005-07-19T17:18:38.450-05:00

So this is baby Igor. Looks like an alien, doesn't he/she? We had our first ultrasound yesterday, at which we found out that I am further along than previously thought (by about 5 days, which puts me at 13w3d). Can't complain about that! The baby measures 7cm from head to bum, with a heart rate at the time of 154bpm. Seems fast, but babies' heart rates are normally 120-164. All that poking

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1120696799284788352005-07-06T19:39:00.000-05:002005-07-06T19:39:59.290-05:00

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1120137759240573322005-06-30T08:04:00.000-05:002005-06-30T08:22:39.253-05:00

I have never been one of those delightful sorts of people who find it necessary to plan, plan, plan and prepare, prepare, prepare...nope, I've always been a spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous kind of girl. Which drives my husband nuts at times, but that's not what this post is about.Perhaps this aspect of my personality is what is causing me to not really be too sure about this whole pregnancy

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1119370852617303412005-06-21T11:18:00.000-05:002005-06-21T11:20:52.630-05:00

The gasps, the wide-open eyes, the exclamations, the jumping up and down, the squeals, the giggles that didn't stop until much later...these were all part of the much-anticipated reaction of my mom when we told her on Thursday evening that she's going to be a grandma. It was priceless.

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1118362708622524722005-06-09T19:18:00.000-05:002005-06-09T19:18:28.626-05:00

Our house! We actually walked through it the other day and were able to visualize walls, etc. I can't believe it's really happening. 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1117573921638841542005-05-31T16:11:00.000-05:002005-05-31T16:12:01.643-05:00

You Were Actually Born Under:Your most comfortable inside your head - and often daydream the day away.You have an artistic temperament that makes you seem creative to some, eccentric to others.You avoid conflict at all costs, and you have a difficult time with relationships.Attractive and with good manners, you tend to shine in social situations.You are most compatible with a Pig or Rabbit.You

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1116551519053325962005-05-19T20:11:00.000-05:002005-05-19T20:11:59.056-05:00

I tried to write something to post, but this picture captures my feelings much better than I can in writing right now. Doesn't the tree look lonely? 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1116361397456195592005-05-17T15:23:00.000-05:002005-05-17T15:23:17.473-05:00

Neil and I went to GR over the weekend. On the way there, we hit some heavy rain that was preceded by dark clouds. I took this from the car window...it was sort of an accident, since we were moving. 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115935595282461512005-05-12T16:51:00.001-05:002005-05-12T17:06:35.283-05:00

I confess...I am a grammar snob. I scrutinize and judge and disparage others' grammar to an almost-distracting degree. Very often I can't concentrate on the content of a piece of writing because I can't get over the grammatical mistakes. Things like unnecessary apostrophes or quotation marks, misplaced commas, incomplete sentences and poor word choices tempt me to question the writer's

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115675994931797052005-05-09T16:47:00.000-05:002005-05-09T16:59:54.996-05:00

I had every intention of posting a really good entry this afternoon when I got home from babysitting, but found that I am so tired and down that there's no hope for a good entry. I know I've been a bad blogger (not that SO many people read this anyway as to be disappointed by my disappearance), and I really don't have much of an excuse, except to say that reading others' blogs is far more

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115675057641107462005-05-09T16:44:00.000-05:002005-05-09T16:44:17.670-05:00

We had a family birthday party Saturday night...we had a good time, somewhat aided by these, um, adult beverages. 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115674888450391272005-05-09T16:41:00.000-05:002005-05-09T16:41:28.493-05:00

I've been a bad blogger lately and only posted pictures...here's one (very important) more. The site of our future home... 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115159080821206702005-05-03T17:24:00.000-05:002005-05-03T17:24:40.820-05:00

Apparently, cheese is so wonderful that it needs a security tag so that you can't walk out of the store with all its wonderfulness.  

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115159010399944842005-05-03T17:23:00.000-05:002005-05-03T17:23:30.400-05:00

Cheese...it's a wonderful thing. 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115123831090678482005-05-03T07:34:00.000-05:002005-05-03T07:37:11.093-05:00

Goodnight Moon tagged me to play "If I were."So, here's the scoop on how to play: I pick 5 occupations out of the list below and post my answers. Then I tag 3 other people to post their answers on their blog. If I tag you, and you don't want to be a part of this, then that is okay. Just let me know and I'll tag someone else. Make sure you note who tagged you!The "questions": If I could be a

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1115122764630196162005-05-03T07:15:00.000-05:002005-05-03T07:19:24.636-05:00

Thanks to Fiona for this neat quiz...Your #1 Match: ENFPThe InspirerYou love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules.Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!You would make an

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114462038719892152005-04-25T15:47:00.000-05:002005-04-25T15:47:18.720-05:00

And to top it off...it's spring cleanup in Woodstock, which means PILES upon PILES of JUNK. Everywhere.  

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114461946405763912005-04-25T15:45:00.000-05:002005-04-25T15:45:46.406-05:00

The daffodils were even less impressed... 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114461740646299922005-04-25T15:42:00.000-05:002005-04-25T15:42:20.646-05:00

I don't think the trees were too impressed with the snow. 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114461530548535002005-04-25T15:38:00.000-05:002005-04-25T15:38:50.546-05:00

It snowed on Sunday... 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114461280431232492005-04-25T15:34:00.000-05:002005-04-25T15:34:40.430-05:00

Glimpses of Spring 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1114199451104542822005-04-22T14:47:00.000-05:002005-04-22T14:50:51.106-05:00

Your Linguistic Profile:75% General American English15% Upper Midwestern5% Dixie5% Midwestern0% YankeeWhat Kind of American English Do You Speak? Neat little quiz...and further proof that I am NOT, contrary to what my dear husband claims, a "Yank".

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1113958944068050852005-04-19T19:58:00.000-05:002005-04-19T20:02:24.070-05:00

The Daisy What hand but His who arched the skies,And pours the dayspring's living flood,Wondrous alike in all He does,Could raise the daisy's purple bud,Mold its green cup, its wiry stem,Its fringed border nicely spin,And cut the gold-embossed gem,That, set in silver, gleams within,And fling it, unrestrained and free,O'er hill and dale and desert sod:That man, where'er he walks, may seeAt every

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1113585648457389392005-04-15T12:20:00.000-05:002005-04-15T12:20:48.456-05:00

Jacques--he's still alive! 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112966126861646072005-04-08T08:15:00.000-05:002005-04-08T08:15:26.860-05:00

The birthday boy...ain't he cute? 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112964929400629782005-04-08T07:47:00.000-05:002005-04-08T07:55:29.400-05:00

In honor of the birthday...here are a few things about my husband that bring me great joy.1. He sings. A lot. And makes up songs. Frequently. About nonsensical things. It’s hilarious and joyful and wonderful.2. He also raps…sort of. He makes bass sounds with his throat, and other noises with his cheeks and lips…he makes music!3. He can come up with a poem at the drop of a hat. He rhymes like no

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112964419805267622005-04-08T07:39:00.000-05:002005-04-08T07:46:59.806-05:00

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you...Today is a day to celebrate--with red text--the beginning of your 30th year. Hmm. Maybe just saying your 29th birthday is better? :)"The Lord bless you, and keep you;The Lord make His face shine upon you,And be gracious to you;The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,And give you peace."I hope you have a wonderful day! I love you!*And, internet..

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112834340796985722005-04-06T19:25:00.000-05:002005-04-06T19:39:00.796-05:00

We got the financing for our first home!! Woooo-hooooo!Wow. Not as excited today as a few days ago, but still rather overwhelmed. And feeling guilty, for some reason. I've always thought that we wouldn't build a house until we were older, had a couple of kids, wanted to move out into the country, etc. But, here we are, 26 and almost-29 (more about THAT on Friday!), and not only on the verge of

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112664838476795572005-04-04T20:33:00.000-05:002005-04-04T20:33:58.476-05:00

My first attempt and use of Picasa and Hello... 

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112390450086029472005-04-01T16:04:00.000-05:002005-04-01T16:20:50.090-05:00

Hmmmm...maybe I should have titled this post "House Hunting Part 3"? 'Cause that's what it's about!We have, in our "hot little hands" a CONTRACT to BUILD a HOUSE. SIGNED. [sorry for shouting...can you tell I'm excited?] This totally freaks me out, and of course Neil is totally stressed about it. Good news: my dad thinks it's a good investment, and would himself go for it. Good news #2: this

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112364710225478522005-04-01T08:36:00.000-05:002005-04-01T09:11:50.230-05:00

Yep, I'm convinced. She wanted my blood...and she got it.I had to get blood drawn yesterday for an immigration-related physical, and it was undoubtedly the WORST part. First an hour-long wait with a lot of elderly people and pregnant ladies (I felt rather out of place, and kept wanting to let other people go ahead of me. I didn't.). Then, when it was finally my turn, the blood letting began.I

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1112047098779528152005-03-28T16:45:00.000-05:002005-03-28T16:58:18.786-05:00

I heard a convicting and uplifting Resurrection sermon yesterday morning, and since I won't be able to do it justice in a post, here's the link:http://www.hnrc.ca/sermons/audio.aspThe sermon is titled: Resurrection: A Call to Remember His WordsEssentially, when we remember Christ's words, we are reminded about who He is and who we are in Him. His words are life-giving because He died on the cross

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111876315702659272005-03-26T17:26:00.000-05:002005-03-26T17:31:55.703-05:00

Okay. So. Today. We both a) found a house we really like, and b) are considering building a house. How to choose??!! The house we like is only 6 years old, and would suit us quite well. The new homes we looked at would, obviously, be brand new, and we could customize and choose everything, from countertops to flooring to paint. How in the WORLD does one make such a decision??!! We are

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111760666419398552005-03-25T09:17:00.000-05:002005-03-25T09:24:26.420-05:00

My husband and I are going house hunting today.We've looked at one house already, which sold two days later (not to us, obviously). We were semi-prepared to put an offer on the house, but wanted the in-laws to look at it first...that was supposed to happen on Saturday. Frankly, we were disappointed, although I think we're over it now. After all, it was the first house we looked at! However.Now I

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111604718418695742005-03-23T13:47:00.000-05:002005-03-23T14:05:18.420-05:00

It's just occurred to me that I really needed to read the quote that I just posted from John Flavel. I've been having a rather self-indulgent pity-party day today, mostly with regard to my feelings of loneliness. I've been wishing--and praying--that God would send just one person my way...someone my age, who doesn't have children to tie her down, shares similar interests, has room in her life for

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111603609980187092005-03-23T13:45:00.000-05:002005-03-23T13:46:49.983-05:00

"He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). How is it imaginable that God should withhold, after this, spirituals or temporals, from his people? How shall he not call them effectually, justify them freely, sanctify them thoroughly, and glorify them eternally? How shall he not clothe them, feed them, protect and

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111500169668282372005-03-22T08:51:00.000-05:002005-03-22T09:02:49.670-05:00

I have learned that I am...a klutz. I did not know this until I got married, and my husband lovingly pointed it out to me. I am constantly tripping over nothing, walking into walls, dropping things, etc. I suppose I could blame it on our tiny apartment, but how would that explain my klutziness in the parking lot, or grocery store, or others' houses? No...I am a klutz. I have thought long and hard

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111455856700010752005-03-21T20:37:00.000-05:002005-03-21T20:44:16.703-05:00

This is actually a relatively appropriate first topic...Anyone who knows me will have no trouble identifying one of my most passionate dislikes...KIM CHI!! Sorry to my dear Korean friends...I know you love it just as passionately as I dislike it, but how could you ingest something that smells like really rotten gym socks? I will never understand it. I could go on and on...but I won't. In fact

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11604261.post-1111439921908674322005-03-21T16:17:00.000-05:002005-03-21T16:18:41.910-05:00

What does one write for a first post? Something profound...but you won't find that here! Profundity is a little difficult for a Monday. I suppose all I can say today is...welcome!

american girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17393356705681159308noreply@blogger.com0