Number Three!

Crock Pot Yogurt

I just made some yogurt in my Crock Pot. I know that sounds strange but it worked really well!

Click here to find out how to make your own! (I let it culture for 13 1/2 hours...the recipe said for 8-12)

This is way cheaper than buying organic yogurt from the store and I love the simplicity of not hassling with a yogurt maker or anything like that. The texture was very smooth, almost like Greek yogurt. If you try it, let me know how yours turns out!

Coffee?!?

A 12-year-old neighbor stopped by and played with Jackson in the front yard today. After several minutes of kicking around the soccer ball, chasing each other, and playing baseball, the boy dropped to the ground and laid on the grass. Exausted, he then asked me, "Does Jackson drink coffee?!?" Yes. His question was absolutely serious. I assume he isn't used to 2-year-olds! I laughed and replied, "Nope. He has this much energy all the time!" I wonder if he'll stop by to play again.

The Quotable Jackson: Sucker Man

I was telling Jackson that we were going to attend a birthday party with a "Taco Man" who makes tacos for everyone. He got all excited and jumped up and down. Then he stopped and thought for a moment and asked, "Mommy, will they have a Sucker Man, too?" Hehe. Yes. He likes suckers that much!

Mommy FAIL! -Ketchup-

Sometimes as a mom I do something really silly and I just have to laugh at myself. Otherwise, I'd get mad at myself and that isn't good. Today, I whipped up my kids some Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets only to find the ketchup missing. Everyone knows a toddler can't eat chicken nuggets without ketchup! So, I looked high and low, in the pantry and in the fridge, with no avail. Somehow in the midst of looking, I stuck my hand in my hot cup of tea (ouch!) and splashed it all over my new tank top. After I washed off my shirt and hung it to dry, I gave up and decided to just open a new ketchup bottle. As I grabbed the new bottle, it slipped out of my hand and broke on the kitchen floor! And, guess what? I opened the fridge just after that fiasco and found...yes...the ketchup. Sigh. Now you see why I had to laugh at myself!

The Quotable Jackson: Star Wars

Jackson L-O-V-E-S Star Wars and his daddy is thrilled! Troy showed him the movie a few weeks ago and he has asked to watch it everyday since. Troy bought him a Star Wars t-shirt and he asked to wear it everyday and to bed every night. So, we bought him another one. If asked his favorite character, he will tell you, "Dark Vader." He also loves Luke Skywalker and told me one night when I was putting him to bed, "Mommy, I should meet Luke Skywalker tomorrow." :)

Madelyn's Kittens!

On Madelyn's birthday we took her to pick out a kitten. I know what you must be thinking. "She's only one! Why would you get her a kitten?!?" Troy and I have both noticed how happy animals make Madelyn. Our cat Cassie tolerates Madelyn, but that's about it. We wanted a kitten that was used to children and it just so happened that we knew a family who had six kittens and three kids. Bingo! So, we went to pick up a kitten and *ahem* took home two kittens. We couldn't split them up! Also, we thought for Cassie's sake, they would entertain themselves and leave her be. That is exactly what has happened. These kittens also entertain Madelyn. She is always so happy around them! She is very gentle with them and only gently pets them. I am very impressed with how she treats them. I'm also impressed with how they treat her. No scratching or anything! They love her and rub up against her. It really is quite adorable! Here are some photos of the kitties and Madelyn for your enjoyment!"I'll take this one..."
"...and this one!"
Pick of the litter!The tabby's name is Abby and the black one is Olive.Madelyn watches Abby carefully and vice-versa.Olive and Abby LOVE to sleep in Madelyn's doll stroller and Madelyn LOVES to push them around. They don't mind it one bit. It's the start of a beautiful relationship!

Thoughts for the Lord's Day: Help the weak.

Photo credit: http://www.sunday-school-ideas-for-new-teachers.com/thessalonians-bible-study.html

Troy spoke on this passage during a school Chapel a few weeks ago, and I believe is preaching on it next week at church. So, naturally, he has been bringing it up often. I decided to look at it to experience the richness of the passage myself. Paul is writing to the the Thessalonians---encouraging them and reminding them of some really good things for us as Christians to remember. The whole book of 1 Thessalonians is filled with good reminders to Christians. Take a look:

(Final Instructions and Benediction) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

[12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil.

Now, there are several good reminders in that passage, however, the verse of Troy's focus is verse 14. This has been a challenge of mine lately. I think of things I can do more for people at our church, our food bank, the neighbor down the street. But, I admit, when I read this verse, I mainly I think of my mother who is very ill right now. She is currently out of my reach, as she is away from home in Washington right now. My brother and sister-in-law are taking care of her. She is very weak physically, and just a call or video chat from the kids, Troy, and I lights up her day. I am challenged to encourage her more spiritually as well. I need to pray with her on the phone. I need to encourage her more with scripture. She can't see that well right now, but could use a good devotional on CD perhaps.

In the busyness of the day, it is so easy to forget these simple things. I pray that, with the Lord's help, I remember them.

Madelyn @ 1 Year: Happy Birthday, Madelyn!

A year (and a week) ago, on August 26th, 2009, at 9:38am, I met Madelyn Sue for the very first time. She came a little early with the "help" of HEELP syndrome. At 7 pounds, 2 ounces and about 20 inches long, she had long, skinny legs and fingers. Her lips were perfectly shaped and she had a cute, little nose. I remember the first time I saw her little precious face. I could barely lift my hand because it was numb, but I managed to rub my finger across her soft head. After hearing her delicate heartbeat slow dramatically down a few minutes before, tears streamed down my face at the sight of this precious gift from God, even if this gift came via emergency C-section. The Lord was truly gracious to both of us that day.
A year later, Madelyn is now 20 pounds, 15 ounces and 26 1/2 inches tall. She is such a joy in our lives. She giggles and smiles and talks in her own language that somehow Troy and I, and even Jackson understand. Madleyn is walking now. She started walking the day before her birthday. Her hands wave in the air wildly and she smiles from ear to ear whenever she walks. Madelyn has a total of 4 teeth, and three are making their way through. Teething hasn't been easy for her, but, then again, who said teeth cutting through gums would be easy? Hyland's teething tablets take care of most of the pain, along with an occasional dose of infant's Acetaminophen.
Madelyn still has a lack of hair. As they say, good things come to those who wait. I hope that means she will have good hair. So far, the little hair that she does have is adorable. She has little curls at the back of her head! :)Madelyn absolutely adores her brother. Her face still lights up every time he enters the room. It still warms my heart every time I see that happen. They giggle and laugh together, and, when Madelyn allows it, they wrestle. Jackson told me today, "Mom, I'm so glad that Madelyn is walking!" He is really enjoying seeing her grow and accomplish things that he can do.
Madelyn also LOVES animals, especially kitties and doggies. "Kitty" was her first word, afterall! She gets so excited when an animal is around and shows a ton of interest in them. Cassie isn't sure what to do about this enthusiasm. Even though Madelyn is very gentle with her, Cassie would rather be left alone. This is why we decided to get a kitten (or two) for Madelyn's birthday. (More about that later!)
I don't know if I could say it enough---Madelyn is truly a joy to us. I can't kiss her little cheeks enough! My heart melts at every smile. Her bright blue eyes light up my days (as do Jackson's!). I can scarcely believe it has been a year since she came into this world. What a whirlwind of a year! I thank God for this darling little girl and I can't wait to see what this year of her life will bring. Although, seeing how fast this past year went, I will strive to cherish every milestone, every little moment, and every precious smile all the more!