Crisis in the Bathroom!

So, I'm in the bathroom, picking clothes up off the floor, when my hand bumps the basket that holds the girls' bath stuff, & I hear something clatter to the floor. And I think to myself, "Did I just lose an earring? Because surely that would be the only thing that would clatter in such a manner, right?!?" I turn on the light & much to my horror & dismay, there on the floor is the diamond from my engagement ring, complete with prongs still attached!! So then I looked at my hand . . . the ring itself was still there. I wasn't aware that chlorine erodes platinum (or so they said at the jeweler's) -- the crown of my ring had snapped right off!!!!

Now the hubby & I, being true examples of "men are from Mars, women are from Venus," had 2 very different reactions to the incident. I immediately cried out, "OH, NO!!!!!!!!!" and the tears began to roll. He, however, very calmly walked into the bathroom, assessed the situation, & said, "Well, praise the Lord, you didn't lose the diamond." And although my practical side could see that he had a very good point -- at least it happened at home & not when I was out & about running errands -- my sentimental side was crying out, "But it's my ENGAGEMENT RING!!!! (sob) I LOVE this ring!!! (sob, sob) You PROPOSED to me with this ring!!! (sob, sob, sob)"

The good news is that we took the ring to the jeweler's last night & left thinking that it would cost at least $100 to have repaired. When they called me today, they decided to only charge $50. And it will be ready to be picked up on . . . Valentine's Day.



****Potty Training Update: Caleigh is doing a FANTASTIC job. We haven't had more than 1 accident per day all week. And most days, she doesn't have any accidents at all!!! Of course, the incentive that MomMom is going to buy her more outfits for her Snap & Style doll doesn't hurt!!

Great Adventure Praise

What a wonderful surprise! I went to the mailbox today & there was a letter from PBU . . . I breathed a quick prayer, "Please, Lord, let this be something good." And it was!!!

Most of you know that Jason attended Automotive Training Center for 18 months & graduated with highest honors & a specialized degree. However, ATC did not become an accredited institution until after Jason graduated. So we knew that going to PBU would pretty much be starting from scratch.

And then I read the letter . . . they assessed Jason's transcripts & not only does he not need to take "Freshman Seminar" (not too big of a deal, since it is not a class for credit), but he also does not need to take a professional elective (3 credits) during his 7th semester!!!!! It may not seem like much, but that's roughly $1296 that we do NOT have to pay!!! And it's 3 credit hours that Jason does not have to devote to study & away from the family!!!


Yea, God!!

Ahhhh . . . isn't it funny how sitting down to have some quiet time with the Lord can be like taking a nice deep breath of fresh air.

Just moments ago, I finished blogging about illness & potty training & tiredness . . . & just being, in general, tapped out. I put the girls down for their naps & picked up my Bible (the 1st chance I had had all day) & there it was. It wasn't that the devotional itself was particularly apropos, but the passage of Scripture was awesome.

Why to you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my
God"?

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can
fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the
weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and
fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like
eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31

Yea, God!!!

Tahiti -- One Way Please!!

It's been 3 weeks . . . 3 long, arduous weeks . . . 21 seems-like-an-eternity days . . . since I've been outside this house for any reason other than church or errands!! And I think I'm starting to lose my mind!

It began as colds (5 days), which grew into ear infections (5 more days), which grew into ear infections that were not responding to antibiotics (7 more days) . . . okay, Christine -- you say -- check your math because that's only 17 days . . . oh, did I mention we're potty training (4 more days) -- I now spend the better part of my day chained to a plastic potty.

Then add to the mix that I'm exercising. Yes, you read that sentence correctly . . . I, Christine (aka "please pass the chocolate") am exercising. I now look back fondly on the days when I could eat whatever I wanted without a second thought. A blissful, guilt-free existence. But those were the pre-children days. Not only does one's body not go back to what it used to be, but apparently one's metabolism also goes on hiatus. No one told me that. I used to be able to eat an Oreo (or 2 . . . or 10) & not feel it, see it, or even remember it. Now all I have to do is sniff the Oreo & my thighs begin to swell.

So I've foolishly been brainwashed by the theory that the more one exercises, the more energy one has. And I have to be honest with you . . . I'M NOT FEELING IT!!! Although there is a great satisfaction after I'm finished my stint on the treadmill, I'm not so sure that "satisfaction" is converting itself into "energy."

So not only am I housebound, but now I'm tired (read "cranky"). But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Valentine's Day is right around the corner & I'm sure we won't be celebrating the entire holiday at home . . . will we?!?!

Amazing God

Growing up in the church, you better believe I learned those 3 famous attributes of God: omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient. So why am I surprised, as I sit down to do my devotions, that He gives me exactly what I need to hear. Here is what I read today:

Matthew 6:25-34


Right on Time


Sometimes you're sure about what God wants you to do, but movements seems slow & hard.


When we were called into the senior pastorate from youth ministry, there were about 6 months when Bill ran his own business. We didn't have a large savings account, & when clients were late paying their bills, we were between a rock & a hard place. I put a list of "needs" on the refrigerator: grocery items, electric bill, gas for the car, etc. Each day I'd pray, "Give us each day our daily bread." I realized that I expected God to provide ahead of time, instead of day by day. I was secure only if I could see money in the bank.


While I believe the Proverbs clearly teaches that the wise save for a rainy day, sometimes life's storms last longer than the savings. I began to pray, "Lord, help me not feel the need, until it is a need." And "God, give me faith to believe You will provide right on time." Some days I prayed, "Just let me go one more day & trust Your provision." I prayed verses like Ps. 37:25: "I was young & now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread." And if things felt really tight, "Lord, help me make it one more hour, with my focus on You, not the need!"


I kept a journal of God's provision. The unexpected job that paid cash, the diaper rebate check that bought milk the day we ran out, etc. God provided what I needed right on time.

Amazing!!! Amazing!!! Amazing!!! A devotional tailor-made just for me!! For those of you who have been keeping in step with the "Great Adventure," you know that what the author wrote is especially close to my heart. Being a woman, I LOVE security! That's just the way we women are wired. It's not a bad thing . . . it just means that letting go & letting God is a bit more of a challenge. I completely identify with wanting the need met BEFORE it becomes a need. But sometimes it doesn't work that way . . . & that's okay. Because while I'm holding one small vague puzzle piece, God -- the Author & Perfecter of my faith -- sees the whole puzzle. He knows how every piece fits together. I may think I'm looking at a dark, ominous rain cloud; when, in reality, it is the center of a beautiful flower!

Potty Training & Answered Prayer

Before you get too disgusted with the title of this post, rest assured that for me, today, the two did not go hand-in-hand. Although we were able to keep a pair of Elmo panties dry for almost 2 hours, the next 2 pairs were wet within less than 20 minutes . . . (sigh) . . . we'll try again tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank you to those who have been praying for us as we continue on our "Great Adventure." Please continue to pray as we have had some specific needs arise. We will not be taking our waterbed with us (most apartments do not allow you to have a waterbed due to the weight -- not to mention that it's just too big). Although we have the frame for a full-size bed, we are in need of a box spring or mattress. Also, Jason will be trying to CLEP out of his freshman English comp. class. I have been tutoring him & we will let you all know when the date of the test is.

Please know that your prayers are making a difference. We've seen 2 answers to prayer in the past 2 weeks. For those who have been praying that the Lord will help us (ME!!) loosen our grip on our "stuff" -- last week, we cleaned out the playroom (one pile for yard sale, one pile for Goodwill) & we were able to wittle things down by about half. My sister has graciously agreed to provide a home for my piano while we are away (thanks, babe) & my mom will be providing a home for our recliner, as well as some storage space in her attic for various odds & ends (thanks, Mom). It's hard to see those things go (even if temporarily), but as a very wise woman (Sharon) once told me, "It's not your stuff, it's God's." For those who have been praying about our finances -- a wonderful opportunity has presented itself. I will be watching a beautiful 20 month old little girl for 3 months this spring. I am a firm believer that God always provides for ALL of our needs . . . but sometimes we are expecting the check to be in the mail . . . & although I've seen that happen before (to me, in fact), sometimes He expects us to get off of our duff & do our part!!! So Caleigh will have a little playmate & Jason & I will have a little extra income. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -- 2nd cow . . . SOLD!!!

We have TEETH!!!

They are finally here! After months of waiting & checking & fussing & crying . . . 2 little white buds (okay, so I practically had to get my magnifying glass out to see them) have finally poked through!! I've been keeping an eye out for them, suspecting they were on their way. You fellow moms know the signs . . . cough, runny nose, itchy ears, irritability, sleeplessness -- even though 9 out of 10 pediatricians will swear to you that there are no side affects to cutting teeth! {Either they don't have any children of their own or their kids came out of the womb with a full set of pearly whites!} Anyway . . . this morning, I was offering Pey-Pey bits of banana on the tip of my finger when I suddenly scraped something sharp. Upon further investigation, there they were -- in all their glory!! Ahh, she's growing up so fast!! Next thing I know, she's been donning a cap & gown or a wedding dress or a maternity shirt . . . why, oh why, can't they stay like this forever!?!

Me & My Honey

Just wanted to post a pic of me & my honey. This is the picture that we took to put on our prayer card that we're going to be sending out by the end of the month. So, friends & family . . . be watching your mail!!!

Here to Stay!

The germs, that is. Caleigh finished 10 days worth of antibiotics on Saturday. This morning the runny nose, cough, & fever were worse than ever!! She spent the majority of the day on the couch watching about 97 episodes of "Dora the Explorer." We got in to see Dr. K. late this afternoon. And lo & behold -- 3 RAGING EAR INFECTIONS!!! One for Peyton & two for Caleigh!! Caleigh's been put on a stronger antibiotic & now we have a consult with an ENT specialist so we can have tubes put in her ears.

I know, I know -- simple procedure, out-patient basis, routine. Not when it's your 2-year-old!!!!! Just the thought of her in the hospital, having something stuck in her ear that God did not put there Himself makes me nervous!!!! But if this will help my little angel from going through more painful infections with high fevers . . . and if it saves me from 97 more episodes of Dora . . . it will be worth it!

Zest for Life

You know, I was just saying to someone yesterday that it's such a shame my girls don't love life just a little bit more!!!! As you can see, Peyton's a real ham! Those girls are happy the minute their feet hit the floor in the morning! They are truly a joy to be with.

Caleigh is now at the age where she will repeat things that I say to her back to me at the most opportune moment. For example, in moments of disobedience (or selective hearing . . . whichever you prefer), I will often say to her, "What did Mommy just say?" The other day, while tidying up around the house, I was singing to myself, which apparently is NOT what Caleigh wanted to hear. So she told me to stop. Without thinking, I continued singing. She looked at me as serious as death & said, "What my just say?" (She still mixes up her pronouns.) It was so cute!!!!

PBU Update

For family & friends, or perhaps the curious passerby, here is the latest update on the Dickinson "Great Adventure." In Saturday's mail was Jason's 1st scholarship from PBU . . . $5000 per year for all 4 years. Jason will be required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, as well as "commuter" status. Praise the Lord!!! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (as my father always says), there's our 1st cow -- SOLD!!

Please continue to pray for our housing situation. We still do not know if we will be able to secure an apartment in the building owned by PBU. And even if we do, we are still unsure how it will be paid for. Jason has a gut-feeling that we will not be living in those apartments . . . that God has something else in mind. I'm not sure where we'll be living, but I know God will take care of it. We just need LOADS of wisdom because it's a little tough to sell a house when you don't know where you're going or when you need to be there :)

There is a passage of Scripture in Joshua that Jason & I have often referred to during this "Great Adventure":

Joshua 3:7-8 -- And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'"

Joshua 3:15-17 -- Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away . . . the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."

WOW!!! What we have always found fascinating about this passage is that the Lord did not stop the river first and then ask the priests to step in. The priests had to have the faith to step into a raging river first.

So here we are, standing at the river's edge. Where did I put those flippers?? Oh, wait, that's right . . . I'm not going to need them.

The Germs Have Invaded . . .

. . . and are taking up residence in my home!!! And the biggest victim of their nastiness -- poor, adorable, PITIFUL Caleigh!

Wednesday's night's ni-ni time proved most difficult. Starting at 9 o'clock, Caleigh woke up every 15 minutes crying for Daddy or Mommy. By 12:30 am, sleep was becoming a most precious commodity in our home. So, I spent the night with a feverish 2-year old flailing about in my waterbed.

We greeted the morning with a fever of 99 . . . by 11 o'clock we were up to 101.5 and so exhausted she was falling asleep in the middle of the livingroom floor . . . by 4 o'clock (& after a very restless nap) we were up to 103.1. I always wondered what age marked the I'm-sick-so-I'm-staying-in-bed era. And now I know. Caleigh is normally like clockwork -- up no later than 8 am, resistant to 2 pm naptime, in bed by 9 pm. But on Thursday, I took a phonecall from a friend around 10:30 am, and I noticed Caleigh was being unusually quiet -- there she was, curled up in Daddy's chair, fast asleep.

So, needless to say, we made a phonecall to the doctor's office & then got a second opinion from Aunt Sharon. And now, we are up to our eyeballs in Tylenol, Motrin, Benedryl, & Amoxicillan. Fortunately for me, she takes medicine like it's candy.

She seems to be back to her old self today. Her fever is down, her appetite is back, & she's insisting that every stuffed animal she owns needs a diaper. Ahh, good ol' Caleigh.

Resolutions

The new year is upon us. It seems like just yesterday I was making & breaking my 2006 resolutions. But, alas, hope springs eternal, so here goes . . .

This 2007 year, I resolve . . .

*to be more patient with my children
*to work on some household project 3 afternoons a week
*to read through the entire Bible chronologically
*to eat healthier (notice it does not say "healthy," just "healthier")
*to devote more time & energy to Morgan Marie Designs
*to remind myself everyday that life is more than just checkmarks on a To-Do list . . . that one day I'll blink & my girls will be all grown up & I'll wonder why I didn't laugh more, get down & play on the floor more, dance more, snuggle more, love more, be Mommy more . . .

So far things are going well . . . okay, so I've had to whisper, "Calm down, Christine. It's just Play-Doh" a few times . . . but yesterday some toys found their way into a bag marked for Goodwill (1 project), I pre-cooked all my meals for the month (2 projects), I did 4 loads of laundry (3 projects) . . . I'm up to Genesis 11 . . . I'm munching on honey wheat pretzels . . . I have 3 pages formatted for my new Morgan Marie Designs catalog coming out this spring . . . & I laughed until I almost cried when Caleigh made up a song pledging her eternal devotion to egg salad . . . I rolled on the floor while playing "This Is the Way the Ladies Ride" with Peyton . . . I danced at least 6 times to the theme song for "Dora the Explorer" . . . I nuzzled Pey-Pey's neck as she fell asleep . . . I diapered a stuffed monkey because he needed it to go to Rest Time . . . & as I sit here typing this blog I count my blessings: 1) Caleigh 2) Peyton 3) they belong to me.

Happy New Year!

The Holiday Crash

Well, the holidays have now come to an end. I know many people hate this time of year . . . the hustle & bustle of buying gifts for loved ones while pleasantly humming Yuletide jingles is over, the merriment that inspires us to wave at our neighbors & greet complete strangers with a jovial "Merry Christmas" is past, & the twinkling lights & shiny decorations that we have "oooh"-ed & "aaah"-ed over are being placed back into Tupperware containers & stored in the back of the attic until next year.

I can identify with the sadness -- it seems like months of shopping, wrapping, decorating, & baking were gone in a moment. But then I looked deeper . . .

It was never about the shopping . . . or the wrapping . . . or the decorating . . . or the baking. It was & still is about the birth of our Savior.

As for myself & my family, we had 2 wonderful opportunities to regain our focus this year. The 1st was at our church. Our church observes Advent & our family was asked to light the "Christ candle" at the Christmas Eve service. Now, growing up in a conservative Baptist church, I had never really been familiar with Advent, nor did I have any knowledge about the Advent wreath. So I did some homework, and now I pass my education on to you. The evergreens in the circular pattern represent the immortality of the soul, the eternality of God, & the eternal life Christ offers. Each of the four candles represents 1,000 years, totaling 4,000 years which is the time span from Adam & Eve until Christ. And then I came to the significance of the white Christ candle. And for me, it was an awe-inspiring "lightbulb moment" (to borrow a phrase from Oprah). Christ is the "light of the world" . . . the light that came to a very dark world . . . "long lay the world in sin & error pining." In the past, I have been guilty of sitting through the Christmas Eve service thinking, "I hope she got me the right size sweater" or "I wonder what's in that really big box under the tree" or even "I hope he's not offended when I ask for the receipt." But this year, as the four of us walked down that center aisle with "O Come, All Ye Faithful" being sung by our congregation, I was forced to think about what Christmas truly means to me & what it should mean to all of us. And I came to the realization that the true "joy" of Christmas is something that I carry with me every day -- not just during the holiday season when it is politically correct to celebrate Xmas.

The 2nd opportunity to regain my focus came in the form of my children . . . particularly my two-year-old. She is now at the age where total strangers will approach her in the store & ask her what she wants Santa to bring her this year. Now, for those of you who play out the whole Santa charade . . . more power to you -- have a wonderful time! However, it is important to me that Caleigh knows that Christmas is Jesus' birthday & that her family gives her gifts because they love her & because we are following the example God set for us by giving His most precious gift . . . His Son. I want that to be important to her . . . and in wanting that to be important to her, it became important to me.

On a lighter note . . . our girls had a wonderful Christmas. Jason & I thoroughly enjoyed watching our girls' faces light up with delight as they opened their gifts. Granted, some of our own glee faded as we brought out a fully-wrapped rocking horse with all manner of pomp & circumstance -- you know -- "I wonder what could be in here?" "Wow, this present is really heavy!" And before it even touched the ground, Caleigh very matter-of-factly stated, "It's a horsey." How did she know??

Now Available on eBay!!!

For my faithful customers, loyal family, & loving friends, or maybe those who just stumbled upon this blog (perhaps you typed in "gospel" or "Christmas cookies" or "Target" or "INSANITY" & wound up here) . . . whatever the reason . . . I have news!!! Morgan Marie Designs is now on eBay!!!!!! Here's how it works -- go to eBay, look under the "Jewelry" category, type in "MMD" (for Morgan Marie Designs), & start bidding!!!!

There are only a few items there now, but I will be adding more & more everyday (provided the bidding goes well).

And, while we're on the subject, Morgan Marie Designs will be expanding to include all sorts of gift items . . . book baskets for that avid reader, fleece tie blankets for that new arrival, jar mixes for the unique baker . . . all manner of goodies!!! So stay tuned . . . my spring open house will be the great unveiling!!!!

But for now, here's the link to get you started: www.ebay.com

The Gospel of Santa?

Today at work I found myself driving by an elementary school that was obviously in full holiday swing. The marquee out front announced the politically correct holiday musical "Elves in Musicland." I can't say for sure what the motives were of those who were responsible for approving this play, but I imagine it was an effort to keep from offending anyone. I guess they thought that by erasing the historical baby Jesus from the play and replacing Him with short-statured, pointy-eared mythical creatures that dance around in bell-clad pointed shoes they could keep the musical religiously neutral. Did they?

I guess they did not want to cater to a section of society that believed in a man that came a long time ago to spread love and kindess to a world that had little. He performed miracles for those who believed in him and promised to return shortly to reward his followers. His group call on him to grant their requests as he had promised to fulfill their greatest desires. WAIT A MINUTE !!! Are we talking about Jesus or Santa!?!

It struck me as ironic, as I pondered this thought, that in the name of religious neutrality they would change the focus of Christmas from that of Christ, whose followers say He died and rose again, to that of jolly old Saint Nick whose followers state is still living. I'm glad we took "faith" out of the schools!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Santa-squashing Scrooge. As a former follower of the "bowl full of jelly", I used to leave the cookies and coffee religiously (pun intended). I'm just trying to point out the lengths the world will go to supress the truth.

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man ... They exchanged the truth of God for a lie." (Rom 1:21-23,25)

On a lighter note I would like to state what a wonderful time of year it is. I am writing this after my date with my girls. Tonight Daddy, Caleigh, and Peyton all went shopping for mommy's gifts and stocking stuffers. We ooohed at the ten-feet-tall blow up Santas, Grinches, reindeer, snowmen, polar bears, and Homer Simpsons (your guess is as good as mine). We aaaahed at the blue, green, red, white, blinking, and twinkling lights on every tree, bush, house, fence, and porch. We sang eight rounds of "Jingey Bells" (a remake of the traditional "Jingle Bells" by Caleigh Morgan) and twelve rounds of "Piggey Pudden" (figgy pudding for those not fluent in Caleighnesian). I know we encountered crowded lots, long lines, and cranky people but the funny thing is I don't remember it. I only remember the two pairs of wide blue eyes staring at every shiny decoration. This is what Christmas memories are made of.

Happy Holidays!!!

The holidays are upon us in full force! "How do I know this," you ask? Because I was among the ready-to-be-committed people who braved Target's toy aisles on Saturday night (not to mention the Target parking lot)!! Talk about taking your life into your own hands . . . but far crazier than that were the certifiably INSANE individuals who were lining up outside the store for the new Wii products. That's right, I said OUTSIDE (chilly . . . but if you've been keeping up with my blogs, you know that I fully acknowlege that electronic junkies are a whole different breed). But despite all the hustle & bustle (and pushing & shoving & cursing & swearing & charging & crying), our trip was quite successful. Does anyone else out there have a hard time restraining themselves when it comes to buying for their kids?? Off to the POOR HOUSE!!!

But far better than the shopping & the wrapping was the hour that I spent with Caleigh making Christmas cookies . . . and after 2 days of shopping (& spending) it was a much-needed, quiet break. Daddy was outside, Pey-Pey was sleeping, & "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" was wafting quietly into the kitchen. Granted, if you look closely at our cookies, you will also see a Christmas chicken & a Christmas bunny (????) not to mention the biscuit-cutter cookies that Caleigh insists are pies.

But along with the joy of the holidays, comes the insane busyness of the season. Shopping, family gatherings, wrapping, more family gatherings, church services, and even MORE family gatherings! Trust me, I sympathize. I was even so bold (or should I say NUTS as to add my wedding anniversary to the mayhem -- December 22nd -- Happy Anniversary, Honey). But wherever this blog may find you . . . finished with your shopping, finished with your wrapping, fully decorated, humming "Let It Snow" as you merrily put the last festive sprinkle on those sugar cookies -- OR -- haven't even started shopping, much less wrapped anything, who needs decorations, Bah Humbug!!!! -- a very Merry Christmas to you & yours from me & mine!

Precious!!!

Last night's bathtime was too cute for me to resist! (Yes, I realize that when Caleigh & Peyton bring their boyfriends home, this is a sure-fire way to embarrass them!) It's awesome when your children reach the age that they are old enough to start interacting & enjoying each other. Granted, it doubles your work, but it definitely doubles your joy!!

As Jason & I were getting the girls washed up, toweled up, & off to put on jammies, we reminisced back to the day when we thought we wouldn't be able to have any children -- we longed for the day when we would be drenched from head to toe from an especially exciting bathtime (you know the ones . . . lots of splashing), longed for the day when the house would smell like a mixture of diaper cream & baby powder, longed for the day when Christmas stories were the order of the evening before bedtime songs & bedtime prayers, longed for the days when the rhythmic sound of a child's breathing would be coming over the monitor. Ahh, this is the life!

The Writing on the Wall

Yestereday was a busy day -- we've all had them -- there are bills to be paid, phonecalls to be made, online shopping to be done, & TONS of cleaning for the guests you are expecting tomorrow. And, of course, Caleigh was playing quietly, by herself, like a little angel. She headed up the stairs to her bedroom, & I thought perhaps I should follow, just to make sure that everything was okay -- she was happily playing with her Little People & the dog. So I went back to my work. About 10 minutes later, up the stairs I went again to let her know that it was Rest Time. She looked at me with those big, blue eyes & pleaded, "No Rest Time -- I play wif Wivvy." Okay, I admit, I'm a sucker for her! I told her I would set the timer for Rest Time & back to work I went. After about 10 more minutes, I noticed that things were unusually quiet upstairs . . . perhaps I should go check this out. By the time I crested the stairs, Caleigh was standing there with an open bottle of Peyton's gas relief drops. "Did you eat this??????" I asked in disbelief. "Uh huh . . . I take medcine," was the reply. As I cleaned up the mess & tried to hypothesize as to what could possible happen to her body after taking that much gas relief medicine (granted, the girl won't "fluffer" for a year), that when I saw IT. "IT" would be a long streak of blue pen across Peyton's bedroom wall . . . & that streak led to another streak . . . which led to another streak. And then I noticed the pattern. Caleigh was trying to color in all the polka dots on Peyton's wall!!!!!!!!!! I'm telling you . . . if she wasn't so cute . . . TO THE MOON!!!

The Naughty Step Song

Read on for a funny motherhood moment . . .

I don't know what's going on - maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the terrible two's, maybe it's a full moon - but whatever it is, Caleigh has been spending an unusual amount of time on the Naughty Step. Yes, SuperNanny, we have a Naughty Step. It started with telling Mommy "No", then it was breaking a bulb off the Christmas tree (which she's not supposed to touch . . . I know - how cruel - something shiny & sparkly & right on her level & she's not allowed to touch it, but that's so not the issue), then it was throwing a toy at her sister's face & hitting her right in the nose.

Anyway, last night, we came home from the mall & Caleigh went right to the piano, climbed up onto the bench & started banging away. The funniest part was that the only words that I could make out to this "toddler tune" were NAUGHTY STEP! Apparently it's become such an important part of her life, she wants to sing about it!