Kenly has been to the NC Mountain Fair every year of her life. This year we almost didn't take her because she was feeling a bit under the weather while cutting her two year molars. We decided to take her for a few hours on Thursday, and we did not regret our decision.
Maybe the deep fried candy bar and the corn dog, but not our decision to see the fair through the eyes of our child.
I packed everything we needed for the fair except the DSLR camera. Bad mommy. I did bring my flip camera and we were able to take a few videos of Kenly enjoying the carousel. If you need pictures of past years, you can check here and here. We rode the carousel a total of four times. Three of those times were in a row. We paid $18.00 and at first I thought that was crazy. But after seeing Kenly's joy and her radiant smile, I decided I would have paid $100.00.
Her favorite part of the fair was the loud noise thing. While we were on the carousel, we prepared Kenly for a loud noise because they were about to shoot a man out of a cannon. Kenly's not a fan of unexpected loud noises, so we didn't want her to be taken by surprise. It turns out that the blast that propels and man through a ride is silent. Kenly loved watching the man fly through the circle, especially since it didn't make any noise. This video is of Kenly riding her favorite red horse. Yes, the horse is black, but the saddle is a deep red. Isn't her joy contagious?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
An Appropriate Simile
When we minimize a window on the computer, the sound effect we hear is bubbles under water. Something like you'd hear in an aquarium.
Adam was just bathing Kenly when she let one rip in the tub. Adam asked her if she tooted underwater.
Kenly proudly announced, "It sounds like the computer."
Adam was just bathing Kenly when she let one rip in the tub. Adam asked her if she tooted underwater.
Kenly proudly announced, "It sounds like the computer."
Resolve Pet Stain Cleaner
Just when I thought we were rounding a corner in this potty training business, today happened--a day with a flurry of accidents both muddy and wet. Kenly is having a few issues with putting her poo in the potty. I think the sensation freaks her out a bit, so she cries that her hiney hurts and then refuses to relax enough to get any relief.
I hate watching her be uncomfortable.
So today I am thankful for Resolve Pet Stain cleaner and a large stack of 2T underwear and training pants.
I'm also thankful that Adam was home to help run interference when I needed to be cleaning a puddle or starting laundry.
Even though I'm feeling a little like a sewage treatment facility right now, I know I'm going to miss these days.
I hate watching her be uncomfortable.
So today I am thankful for Resolve Pet Stain cleaner and a large stack of 2T underwear and training pants.
I'm also thankful that Adam was home to help run interference when I needed to be cleaning a puddle or starting laundry.
Even though I'm feeling a little like a sewage treatment facility right now, I know I'm going to miss these days.
1:46 AM
It's 1:46AM, so why am I blogging. Kenly just woke me up with a cry that screamed urgency. When I walked into her room, she announced that she had pooped her Pull-up. I check the situation out, and she was bone dry. She said, " I need to poopy, Mommy." I took her to the bathroom and she peed. I was shocked. I didn't expect that at all. I took her back to her bedroom to rock, and she announced that she had to poopy again. Since she didn't make mud all day, I thought I better not blow her off. When we went back to the potty, she made more pee.
After yet another round of songs and rocking, she announced she had to poopy again. This time we read Many Colored Days and Polar Bear, Polar Bear.
Nothing. She started milking her new found potty-power for everything it's worth.
The catch-22 of early potty training is never knowing if I'm dealing with a true emergency or a false alarm. It's a new kind of mommy-on-call.
I'm so proud of my little girl. She made it all day without an accident of either variety.
I'm bursting with pride, even at 1:46AM.
After yet another round of songs and rocking, she announced she had to poopy again. This time we read Many Colored Days and Polar Bear, Polar Bear.
Nothing. She started milking her new found potty-power for everything it's worth.
The catch-22 of early potty training is never knowing if I'm dealing with a true emergency or a false alarm. It's a new kind of mommy-on-call.
I'm so proud of my little girl. She made it all day without an accident of either variety.
I'm bursting with pride, even at 1:46AM.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Labor Day (Finally)
Labor Day was a blast in the Brand household. It was the most "normal" weekend I can remember since Kenly was born. Before she came along, Adam and I kept a break-neck pace. She's forced us to slow down just a little, and we're grateful. This weekend was super, but exhausting. I've been playing with the photos on Lightroom 3, so I'm a bit behind posting everything. On Friday, Kenly and I went to the Apple Festival in Hendersonville almost as soon as it opened. We walked around and listened to a few performers. Kenly danced in the street and marveled at the balloons. I paid for some apple slices and caramel. While I ate, Kenly climbed around one of the many bears that line Main Street.
As I was taking this picture she was screaming, "Look at me, Mommy,"
This kids' ride is free, so I put Kenly in the yellow barrel and thought she'd have a blast. I was wrong.
See her looking back at me with panic in her eyes. Two second after I snapped this picture, Kenly started wailing, and the driver had to turn around so I could remove her. When we went back to the festival on Saturday Kenly announced, "I not gonna ride the scary tractor." Okay.
On Saturday she was able to get her arm painted. We picked a ladybug because Kenly loves ladybugs. She waited patiently in line and sat oh-so still while the lady painted. The artist said she could paint for hours if every child smiled as sweet as Kenly.
Pretty good bug, huh?
We watched several bands/dance companies perform near the courthouse. Kenly danced her heart out. She'd even try to imitate the dancers on stage. At one point, a sweet old man approached us and squatted down.
Old Man: How old is she?
Us: She turned two in August.
Old Man: If she doesn't become a professional dancer, I'd say she's missed her calling.
Kenly enjoyed a candy balloon (sucker) while watching the performers.
It wouldn't be Hendersonville's Apple Festival without a rock, some "face paint," and an apple cider sipper.
Kenly was too small for most of the kids' attractions, so we just let her explore. She saw this huge, inflatable slide that was shaped like a tree and thought it was Madame Blueberry's house. If you have kids who watch Veggie Tales, you know all about Madame Blueberry's house. Kenly and Adam knocked on the tree and asked her to come down, but they determined that she wasn't at home.
On Sunday evening, we decided to take Kenly to the Blueridge Parkway for a sunset dinner. I packed Kenly's dinner, and Adam and I picked up some Taco Bell.
Kenly got her first shot at walking Chance. She loved feeling the power of being in charge. I think Chance was groaning the entire time. Adam was close at all time just in case.
After dinner, we hiked to the lower falls at Graveyard Fields on the Parkway. Kenly did pretty well in her chariot.
She enjoyed picking out rocks to throw with Daddy.
Once we finished the quick hike, we drove to the nearest overlook to catch what was left of the sunset. Kenly danced on the "stage" to the music we were playing in the car. I think we might have a little performer on our hands.
Adam staged this shot by placing the camera on the car. I love it. A family photo is so rare. The only bummer is that Chance isn't in this one. He'd off exploring somewhere right behind us.
Kenly had a tough ride home. She was tired and it was dark. I didn't pack her binky, so she whined for her binky the whole ride home. After potty training is done, the binky is going to have an unfortunate accident with a pair of scissors.
On Monday morning, we decided to do a hike to Wintergreen Fall in Dupont State Forest. It was a nice hike even though it was a bit buggy. When we got to the falls, we let Kenly run around naked. They'll be no pictures of her nakedness though.
Even Benny Bunny enjoyed the hike. At one point I realized he was missing. I had to jog about 1/4 mile to find him. Apparently he thought it would be nice to base jump out of the pack for a closer look at nature.
Here is my favorite shot of Wintergreen Falls. The falls are off the trail. There's even a swimming hole at the base.
I love this shot of Kenly playing with the water in Adam's hands. It makes me smile and think of the old country song--Daddy's Hands.
At the end of the hike, Kenly got to frolic in a field of tall grass. She had a time playing. Her favorite part of the hike was throwing acorns for the crows to eat.
To top off a great day, Kenly got to pet a horse before we got in the car to go home.
Labor Day was fun. It was great to have Adam for a long weekend. It was even better to have some quality family time. I think Kenly's going to grow up with an adventurous spirit. She'll have to if she wants to keep up.
As I was taking this picture she was screaming, "Look at me, Mommy,"
This kids' ride is free, so I put Kenly in the yellow barrel and thought she'd have a blast. I was wrong.
See her looking back at me with panic in her eyes. Two second after I snapped this picture, Kenly started wailing, and the driver had to turn around so I could remove her. When we went back to the festival on Saturday Kenly announced, "I not gonna ride the scary tractor." Okay.
On Saturday she was able to get her arm painted. We picked a ladybug because Kenly loves ladybugs. She waited patiently in line and sat oh-so still while the lady painted. The artist said she could paint for hours if every child smiled as sweet as Kenly.
Pretty good bug, huh?
We watched several bands/dance companies perform near the courthouse. Kenly danced her heart out. She'd even try to imitate the dancers on stage. At one point, a sweet old man approached us and squatted down.Old Man: How old is she?
Us: She turned two in August.
Old Man: If she doesn't become a professional dancer, I'd say she's missed her calling.
Kenly enjoyed a candy balloon (sucker) while watching the performers.
It wouldn't be Hendersonville's Apple Festival without a rock, some "face paint," and an apple cider sipper.
Kenly was too small for most of the kids' attractions, so we just let her explore. She saw this huge, inflatable slide that was shaped like a tree and thought it was Madame Blueberry's house. If you have kids who watch Veggie Tales, you know all about Madame Blueberry's house. Kenly and Adam knocked on the tree and asked her to come down, but they determined that she wasn't at home.
On Sunday evening, we decided to take Kenly to the Blueridge Parkway for a sunset dinner. I packed Kenly's dinner, and Adam and I picked up some Taco Bell.
Kenly got her first shot at walking Chance. She loved feeling the power of being in charge. I think Chance was groaning the entire time. Adam was close at all time just in case.
After dinner, we hiked to the lower falls at Graveyard Fields on the Parkway. Kenly did pretty well in her chariot.
She enjoyed picking out rocks to throw with Daddy.
Once we finished the quick hike, we drove to the nearest overlook to catch what was left of the sunset. Kenly danced on the "stage" to the music we were playing in the car. I think we might have a little performer on our hands.
Adam staged this shot by placing the camera on the car. I love it. A family photo is so rare. The only bummer is that Chance isn't in this one. He'd off exploring somewhere right behind us.
Kenly had a tough ride home. She was tired and it was dark. I didn't pack her binky, so she whined for her binky the whole ride home. After potty training is done, the binky is going to have an unfortunate accident with a pair of scissors.On Monday morning, we decided to do a hike to Wintergreen Fall in Dupont State Forest. It was a nice hike even though it was a bit buggy. When we got to the falls, we let Kenly run around naked. They'll be no pictures of her nakedness though.
Even Benny Bunny enjoyed the hike. At one point I realized he was missing. I had to jog about 1/4 mile to find him. Apparently he thought it would be nice to base jump out of the pack for a closer look at nature.
Here is my favorite shot of Wintergreen Falls. The falls are off the trail. There's even a swimming hole at the base.
I love this shot of Kenly playing with the water in Adam's hands. It makes me smile and think of the old country song--Daddy's Hands.
At the end of the hike, Kenly got to frolic in a field of tall grass. She had a time playing. Her favorite part of the hike was throwing acorns for the crows to eat.
To top off a great day, Kenly got to pet a horse before we got in the car to go home.
Labor Day was fun. It was great to have Adam for a long weekend. It was even better to have some quality family time. I think Kenly's going to grow up with an adventurous spirit. She'll have to if she wants to keep up.
Potty Training 101
It's official. We are in the throes of potty training right now. We started yesterday, Wednesday September 22nd. Kenly has been showing signs of readiness for awhile now. I've been too worried about the logistics to start. So, I refused to let myself buy diapers again. I knew if I put it off any longer, it might be Christmas before I was ready to start.
Yesterday when Kenly woke up, I dressed her in big girl underwear and put away any remaining diapers. I took her to the bathroom to show her the success chart I posted, the stickers, and the Mason jar of M&Ms. We talked about how she needed to tell me when she needed to pee or poopy. I explained that she's a big girl now, and that means that she needs to put her pee and poopy in the potty instead of in her pants.
We had breakfast and then I started pumping her full of juice (Capri Sun Water). She was so excited about the M&Ms and the stickers that she went to the potty five times in the first hour. She didn't have an accident until much later in the day.
She'd tell me she needed to potty and we'd hurry to sit on the big toilet. Every time she started to pee, she'd ask, "Is that it, Mommy?" I'd squeal and jump up and down. She'd proudly place her sticker on the chart and ask for a candy.
All in all, she had 13 successful visits to the potty and 4-5 accidents on our first day of training. I was really pleased. I was exhausted and moody by the time the day was done, but I was proud of my little girl. Running to the potty every 20-30 minutes is really exhausting. If she says she has so go, we go. Even if only five minutes have passed. I don't want to be the cause of an accident. I did have to remove the candy from the bathroom after several meltdowns that involved begging for candy. Now if she tells me she has to go without any prompting, she gets candy. One for a pee and two for a poopy.
We are using Pull-ups or Easy-ups during nap time and bed time. When I put her to bed last night, she begged me to wear her big girl underwear. I guess that is a good sign. However, she is not physically ready to go 8-10 hours without wetting, so for the time being, she will have to be okay with wearing her alternative big girl pants.
It's 7:30 now, and she's still up. So far we've had 17 successes and 4 accidents today. Two of the accidents were nasty poos, but we survived. While Adam was bathing her, she told him she needed to pee. That is so huge that I nearly wet myself with surprise. We went to swimming lessons today, and she refused to use the big potty without her seat attachment, so we're going to have to come up with a creative solution for that issue. We do have a travel seat, but the thought of taking home public toilet germs really freaks me out.
I'm new to the potty training scene, so the information I'm about to share is gross, but funny. We were reading books before nap, and Kenly was wearing her Dora Easy-ups. She started showing signals that she was trying to poo. I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom, and she told me no. I took her to the toilet anyways. Before I pulled her pants down, I peeked to find the biggest mound of poo in her pants. She looked up at me and said, "I finished."
I wanted to see if she could do more, so I snatched down her pants only to have the monstrous bowel movement fall on to the floor. I freak and put her on the ground to try and remove the BM and she stumbled and stepped on the turd with both feet. She freaked out and tried to clean her feet with her hands. I quickly cleaned the poo off her hands and tried to put her on her potty seat so I could deal with the disaster on the floor. I didn't realize she had chucks of poo on her hiney, so I smeared poo all over the toilet seat. Long story short, we had poo everywhere, and I learned a valuable lesson. Never pull a poo-filled Pull-up down...RIP THE SUCKER OFF.
A little later in the day, Kenly made a poo in her underwear, but we managed to clean up that accident without all the drama. I should have caught those cues, but I was talking on the phone. Bad Mommy.
I'm not sure if she really "gets it," but she is doing great. On occasion I will find her standing in the living room with pee running down her legs while saying, "Is this it?" But accidents happen. This is a new skill set, and as always Kenly is a quick study.
Hopefully we'll only be home bound for about a week and then we can venture out into the world when I'm sure she understands. Hopefully she'll put her poo in the potty tomorrow. Hopefully I can remain chipper and encouraging as the days and the accidents wear on.
The best part of potty training is seeing Kenly beam with pride. She knows she's doing something great. While she was sitting on the potty today, she leaned her head against mine and said, "I love you so much, Mommy." Her love and her precious comments make all the hard work seem easy. I love being her Mommy.
UPDATE: At 2:00 AM Kenly started screaming for Mama and Daddy. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me she didn't know. I asked her if she felt wet. Bingo. Easy-ups let kids feel the wet, and the sensation really upset her in the night. She wanted dry underpants. I told her it would be a long time before Mama required her to stay dry at night. Poor child got really upset. I guess that is a good sign again, but apparently she's a bit of a perfectionist. Wonder where she got that from?
Yesterday when Kenly woke up, I dressed her in big girl underwear and put away any remaining diapers. I took her to the bathroom to show her the success chart I posted, the stickers, and the Mason jar of M&Ms. We talked about how she needed to tell me when she needed to pee or poopy. I explained that she's a big girl now, and that means that she needs to put her pee and poopy in the potty instead of in her pants.
We had breakfast and then I started pumping her full of juice (Capri Sun Water). She was so excited about the M&Ms and the stickers that she went to the potty five times in the first hour. She didn't have an accident until much later in the day.
She'd tell me she needed to potty and we'd hurry to sit on the big toilet. Every time she started to pee, she'd ask, "Is that it, Mommy?" I'd squeal and jump up and down. She'd proudly place her sticker on the chart and ask for a candy.
All in all, she had 13 successful visits to the potty and 4-5 accidents on our first day of training. I was really pleased. I was exhausted and moody by the time the day was done, but I was proud of my little girl. Running to the potty every 20-30 minutes is really exhausting. If she says she has so go, we go. Even if only five minutes have passed. I don't want to be the cause of an accident. I did have to remove the candy from the bathroom after several meltdowns that involved begging for candy. Now if she tells me she has to go without any prompting, she gets candy. One for a pee and two for a poopy.
We are using Pull-ups or Easy-ups during nap time and bed time. When I put her to bed last night, she begged me to wear her big girl underwear. I guess that is a good sign. However, she is not physically ready to go 8-10 hours without wetting, so for the time being, she will have to be okay with wearing her alternative big girl pants.
It's 7:30 now, and she's still up. So far we've had 17 successes and 4 accidents today. Two of the accidents were nasty poos, but we survived. While Adam was bathing her, she told him she needed to pee. That is so huge that I nearly wet myself with surprise. We went to swimming lessons today, and she refused to use the big potty without her seat attachment, so we're going to have to come up with a creative solution for that issue. We do have a travel seat, but the thought of taking home public toilet germs really freaks me out.
I'm new to the potty training scene, so the information I'm about to share is gross, but funny. We were reading books before nap, and Kenly was wearing her Dora Easy-ups. She started showing signals that she was trying to poo. I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom, and she told me no. I took her to the toilet anyways. Before I pulled her pants down, I peeked to find the biggest mound of poo in her pants. She looked up at me and said, "I finished."
I wanted to see if she could do more, so I snatched down her pants only to have the monstrous bowel movement fall on to the floor. I freak and put her on the ground to try and remove the BM and she stumbled and stepped on the turd with both feet. She freaked out and tried to clean her feet with her hands. I quickly cleaned the poo off her hands and tried to put her on her potty seat so I could deal with the disaster on the floor. I didn't realize she had chucks of poo on her hiney, so I smeared poo all over the toilet seat. Long story short, we had poo everywhere, and I learned a valuable lesson. Never pull a poo-filled Pull-up down...RIP THE SUCKER OFF.
A little later in the day, Kenly made a poo in her underwear, but we managed to clean up that accident without all the drama. I should have caught those cues, but I was talking on the phone. Bad Mommy.
I'm not sure if she really "gets it," but she is doing great. On occasion I will find her standing in the living room with pee running down her legs while saying, "Is this it?" But accidents happen. This is a new skill set, and as always Kenly is a quick study.
Hopefully we'll only be home bound for about a week and then we can venture out into the world when I'm sure she understands. Hopefully she'll put her poo in the potty tomorrow. Hopefully I can remain chipper and encouraging as the days and the accidents wear on.
The best part of potty training is seeing Kenly beam with pride. She knows she's doing something great. While she was sitting on the potty today, she leaned her head against mine and said, "I love you so much, Mommy." Her love and her precious comments make all the hard work seem easy. I love being her Mommy.
UPDATE: At 2:00 AM Kenly started screaming for Mama and Daddy. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me she didn't know. I asked her if she felt wet. Bingo. Easy-ups let kids feel the wet, and the sensation really upset her in the night. She wanted dry underpants. I told her it would be a long time before Mama required her to stay dry at night. Poor child got really upset. I guess that is a good sign again, but apparently she's a bit of a perfectionist. Wonder where she got that from?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
More
I'm afraid I've adopted one of society's annoying little qualities. I didn't realize the more mentality had taken hold of my heart until recently. It all started innocently. We bought a nice camera before Kenly was born. I love taking pictures with it, but I wanted more. For two years, I lusted after editing software and a larger monitor to do editing work. Finally I broke down and bought both. Now that I have it, I want more. I want a nice computer with more storage that works just a few seconds faster. I want online storage/backup so I don't have to worry about losing any of my work. I want more. But, it doesn't stop there. Oh no. I want a laptop for when Adam is using the computer, so I don't have to develop patience and wait my turn.
MORE.
It really is a vicious cycle that can deprive me of joy. Instead of focusing the many wonderful blessing I have right in front of me, I allow lust for more to deprive me of the beauty of what I already hold in my hands. Pointless. Futile. Defeating. Draining.
At first I thought that my more mentality applied only to my desire for material items--only things money can buy. But searching my heart here recently, I have realized just how deeply rooted this more mentality has become. I want more of Adam's time. I want to be given more special treatment as a consumer. I want more. I want another child. I want to be a mother twice over. I want more. In January, I came off my RA medication in order to begin planning a second pregnancy. I didn't know how my body would handle the transition to a milder medication, but I was shocked by the transition. I began to believe that I could live methotrexate free for the rest of my life. I felt great. I'd have a few minor aches and pains, but life felt normal. We've been trying for a baby since June. I know that is not long at all, but this second time around, I've been rocked with disappointment every time it doesn't happen. I know we have a small, open window of time before it happens--before my illusion that I can live free of powerful medication crumbles right before my eyes.
I started feeling achy on Saturday. I just thought it was residual soreness from my new exercise regiment. I ignored it. On Sunday night, I tried to sit down to dry Kenly's hair, and the pain that shot through my right hip nearly made me crumple to the ground. Panic set in. When I had my first flare, my right hip was excruciatingly painful. I could barely walk. I popped a few ibuprofen and hoped for the best. The joint pain has been disturbing my sleep the past two nights. When I woke up this morning, my knee and my left hand were stiff and uncomfortable. While I am not in a full flare, I am uncomfortable. My 34 year old frame feels older than it should, and I'm feeling my chances for a second child start to slip through my fingers. To be honest, it really pisses me off. I know God knows that, so I can be raw and honest, and tell it like it is.
I want more. I feel like I got robbed of Kenly's infancy because of this idiotic disease, so I want a do-over. I want a chance to do it right. To feel the intimacy a mother feels with her newborn without dealing with the crap that comes with finding out you have rheumatoid arthritis. I want Kenly to have a sibling. I want to watch the man I married fall head over heels in love with another child.
So I was feeling sorry for myself this morning. I was all mopey and angry. One of the biblical characters that comes to mind when I feel this way is David. Let's face it, the dude dealt with some serious mood swings. While Kenly watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I cracked open the Psalms and read the first few. I was reading out of The Message. I needed modern language this morning. I need to feel like a close friend was telling me her story. God showed up. He's reliable like that.
Part of Psalms 4 in The Message reads
MORE.
It really is a vicious cycle that can deprive me of joy. Instead of focusing the many wonderful blessing I have right in front of me, I allow lust for more to deprive me of the beauty of what I already hold in my hands. Pointless. Futile. Defeating. Draining.
At first I thought that my more mentality applied only to my desire for material items--only things money can buy. But searching my heart here recently, I have realized just how deeply rooted this more mentality has become. I want more of Adam's time. I want to be given more special treatment as a consumer. I want more. I want another child. I want to be a mother twice over. I want more. In January, I came off my RA medication in order to begin planning a second pregnancy. I didn't know how my body would handle the transition to a milder medication, but I was shocked by the transition. I began to believe that I could live methotrexate free for the rest of my life. I felt great. I'd have a few minor aches and pains, but life felt normal. We've been trying for a baby since June. I know that is not long at all, but this second time around, I've been rocked with disappointment every time it doesn't happen. I know we have a small, open window of time before it happens--before my illusion that I can live free of powerful medication crumbles right before my eyes.
I started feeling achy on Saturday. I just thought it was residual soreness from my new exercise regiment. I ignored it. On Sunday night, I tried to sit down to dry Kenly's hair, and the pain that shot through my right hip nearly made me crumple to the ground. Panic set in. When I had my first flare, my right hip was excruciatingly painful. I could barely walk. I popped a few ibuprofen and hoped for the best. The joint pain has been disturbing my sleep the past two nights. When I woke up this morning, my knee and my left hand were stiff and uncomfortable. While I am not in a full flare, I am uncomfortable. My 34 year old frame feels older than it should, and I'm feeling my chances for a second child start to slip through my fingers. To be honest, it really pisses me off. I know God knows that, so I can be raw and honest, and tell it like it is.
I want more. I feel like I got robbed of Kenly's infancy because of this idiotic disease, so I want a do-over. I want a chance to do it right. To feel the intimacy a mother feels with her newborn without dealing with the crap that comes with finding out you have rheumatoid arthritis. I want Kenly to have a sibling. I want to watch the man I married fall head over heels in love with another child.
So I was feeling sorry for myself this morning. I was all mopey and angry. One of the biblical characters that comes to mind when I feel this way is David. Let's face it, the dude dealt with some serious mood swings. While Kenly watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I cracked open the Psalms and read the first few. I was reading out of The Message. I needed modern language this morning. I need to feel like a close friend was telling me her story. God showed up. He's reliable like that.
Part of Psalms 4 in The Message reads
Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day
Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.
Funny how God show up and uses the language I really need to hear. Really? Can you get more perfect than I have God's more-than-enough?
It's true. I have more-than-enough. I'm still pissed off right to my core, but I know it is true. I am so blessed. So I have RA. It's a disease that can be managed. It won't rob me of seeing Kenly grow and thrive. So I might not have another child. I have a daughter who thrills my heart every day. Kenly's everything I prayed for and more. I have a loving, supportive family. So I might not have the latest and greatest gadget, but I do have a husband who is my lover and best friend. I have a roof over my head. I have money to cover the bills. I have LOVE, beautiful love, in all aspects of my life.
I'm fighting. I'm not there yet, but I'm praying that God will help me be content and happy with His more-than-enough.
"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day
Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.
Funny how God show up and uses the language I really need to hear. Really? Can you get more perfect than I have God's more-than-enough?
It's true. I have more-than-enough. I'm still pissed off right to my core, but I know it is true. I am so blessed. So I have RA. It's a disease that can be managed. It won't rob me of seeing Kenly grow and thrive. So I might not have another child. I have a daughter who thrills my heart every day. Kenly's everything I prayed for and more. I have a loving, supportive family. So I might not have the latest and greatest gadget, but I do have a husband who is my lover and best friend. I have a roof over my head. I have money to cover the bills. I have LOVE, beautiful love, in all aspects of my life.
I'm fighting. I'm not there yet, but I'm praying that God will help me be content and happy with His more-than-enough.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Not Me Monday--Red Handed
Have any failures in parenting this week? Feeling guilty because you let your child eat raisins that appeared from what seemed like nowhere? Join me in letting it all hang out. You can go see what other people have not been doing on MckMama's blog.
While having a conversation with my husband, I did not look down to find that Kenly had destroyed a tape (My Utmost for His Highest) right under our noses.
I did not laugh.
I did not proceed to take pictures instead of giving her a stern lecture on how we don't destroy things, especially thing that don't belong to us.
She did not call said tape innards floss. She did not proceed to try and use the "floss" to clean her teeth.
Speaking of tapes, I did not introduce Kenly to the joys of New Kids on the Block last Sunday. We did not jam out in the kitchen for almost an hour to Popsicle and other jewels from my musical past. Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract and Arrested Development's Mr. Wendell were not on the playlist. I don't secretly plan on adding these songs to the next CD I give out as a party favor at Kenly's birthday.
I've moved on to better music, right?
I did not put off potty training, yet again, because we failed to run out of diapers at a time convenient for me. I always think of my child before myself.
I am not putting off getting rid of the binky because I feel I will have lost my baby forever when it is officially gone. I'm not that irrational.
What have you not been up to these days?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Feeding the Ducks--Patton Park
Adam had parent-teacher night on Tuesday, so Kenly and I took advantage of some cool evening weather. The ducks at Patton Park are rather tame, so I set her loose with a bag full of various stale breads. She loves feeding and chasing ducks. I took these photos in RAW, and so far, I'm not a huge fan of the format. I spent a good deal of time editing these photos in Lightroom 3, and I'm pleased with the results. I'm still getting the hang of things, so I might look back at these in about 5 years and wonder why I thought they looked so good. I want the colors to be vibrant, but not unnatural. A few of the photos have some blur to them, but I don't have a problem with that at all.
This is my favorite action shot of Kenly feeding the birds. One lady came up to me after we were through feeding the ducks. She asked, "She'd not afraid of all those ducks around her feet?"
Apparently not.
I love that she looks so thrilled to be standing next to ducks. Having a duck themed second birthday was a fantastic idea. These feathered friends have not lost their appeal.
When the bread runs out, Kenly really gets to let lose and have some fun.
She chases the ducks all around the park. She squeals with glee if she can get one to fly. No success on this trip, but a little boy joined the quest and sent about ten ducks flying.
I can hear her saying, "I'm gonna get you, ducks."
To me, Kenly looks two going on seventeen in this photo. She knows she's cool, and you can't share her bench.
She also had fun climbing this big rock in the park.
Feeding the duck is all that it is quacked up to be...so sorry...couldn't resist the awful pun.
This is my favorite action shot of Kenly feeding the birds. One lady came up to me after we were through feeding the ducks. She asked, "She'd not afraid of all those ducks around her feet?"
Apparently not.
I love that she looks so thrilled to be standing next to ducks. Having a duck themed second birthday was a fantastic idea. These feathered friends have not lost their appeal.
When the bread runs out, Kenly really gets to let lose and have some fun. 
She chases the ducks all around the park. She squeals with glee if she can get one to fly. No success on this trip, but a little boy joined the quest and sent about ten ducks flying.
I can hear her saying, "I'm gonna get you, ducks."
To me, Kenly looks two going on seventeen in this photo. She knows she's cool, and you can't share her bench.
She also had fun climbing this big rock in the park. 
Feeding the duck is all that it is quacked up to be...so sorry...couldn't resist the awful pun.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Lesson Learned
This morning Kenly and I put together a pot roast to cook in the crock pot. She helped me add the spices and all the ingredients. She looked up at me and said, "I a very good helper, Mommy." I would have to agree.
After getting dinner started, we headed off to run a few errands and to go to the library--one of the most magical places on earth. Kenly picked out two videos and four CDs and left me to pick out a million books while she tackled and mastered every puzzle in the place. The library is running a special for the month of September. If I signed Kenly up for her very own library card, she could pick out a free book to take home. So, we did. It thrilled Kenly's heart to have her own card.
While trying to get Kenly in the car, I let the door slip and the sharp corner of the car door smacked her in the back of the head. A nice little bump quickly rose to the occasion and made Kenly quite miserable. I was kissing and soothing and trying my best to calm her down. I finally got her settled and stared buckling her into the car seat. As I was doing this, I scratched her with my engagement ring which created a welt that sent her into hysterics once again.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "Mommy. You be a little more careful, okay?"
After getting dinner started, we headed off to run a few errands and to go to the library--one of the most magical places on earth. Kenly picked out two videos and four CDs and left me to pick out a million books while she tackled and mastered every puzzle in the place. The library is running a special for the month of September. If I signed Kenly up for her very own library card, she could pick out a free book to take home. So, we did. It thrilled Kenly's heart to have her own card.
While trying to get Kenly in the car, I let the door slip and the sharp corner of the car door smacked her in the back of the head. A nice little bump quickly rose to the occasion and made Kenly quite miserable. I was kissing and soothing and trying my best to calm her down. I finally got her settled and stared buckling her into the car seat. As I was doing this, I scratched her with my engagement ring which created a welt that sent her into hysterics once again.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "Mommy. You be a little more careful, okay?"
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wordless Wednesday--Labor Day
Kenly enjoyed hiking to Wintergreen Falls on Labor Day. She really enjoyed playing in the "big grass" after the hike. What's more adorable than a toddler frolicking in a field? Nothing.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Learning Lightroom 3
I've been wanting to play with Lightroom 3 for awhile now, but real life keeps me from playing for an extensive period of time. All I can say is that I am hooked. I need to sign up for a class in photo/video editing because I could do this for a living. Talk about fun.
Kenly and I met Ava and Meghan at a park off of Sweeten Creek about a week ago. I took this picture of Kenly playing music. With the exception of her blurry hand, I was please with the straight out of the camera shot.
MckMama wrote a blog about some of her editing this weekend, so I used some of her settings and a few of my own. With about 20 minutes of editing, I was able to produce this warm, colorful version of the original.
And now I'm in so much trouble. Laundry might never make it to the washer again.
Kenly and I met Ava and Meghan at a park off of Sweeten Creek about a week ago. I took this picture of Kenly playing music. With the exception of her blurry hand, I was please with the straight out of the camera shot.
MckMama wrote a blog about some of her editing this weekend, so I used some of her settings and a few of my own. With about 20 minutes of editing, I was able to produce this warm, colorful version of the original.
And now I'm in so much trouble. Laundry might never make it to the washer again.
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