Tonight's trick-or-treat adventure included a pizza dinner at Packy's house (that is how Jack refers to Grandpa) and a stroll for candy in their neighborhood. The picture with the boys in front of the red door pretty much sums up how the boys enjoyed the evening. The boys are now off to bed and Nate and I get to check out the goods! I love those Super Brothers!
Nate celebrated his 30th birthday this month. Jack's 2nd birthday was a few days ago. On Jack's birthday I turn a half. And Ethan has been 4 for 3 months now. For two months I have been secretly planning my husband's 30th birthday weekend getaway. He knew we were heading somewhere but destination unknown. I really can't believe I have been "mum" on the details. I'm a sucker for getting overly-excited about things and so I worked hard on keeping the plans classified.
The grandparents so graciously had the boys stay with them for a long weekend. I advertised their weekend as "Slumber Party Weekend" as to keep things exciting for them in case any fear of being away from mommy and daddy might surface. On Friday, before Nate and I headed out, we went to their house to celebrate Jack's 2nd birthday with a donut cake and some fun presents. I don't think he understood what was going on but he sure loved his chocolate covered donut with sprinkles! With a packed weekend with the grandparents consisting of some fall festival fun, Nate and I jumped into our car and headed for the wild frontier.
Since Nate had no idea of anything we were doing I decided to just show up at places and surprise him when we got there. Our first pit stop was Ikea. Nate's family chipped in to get him a little shopping spree at our favorite design store. We had a great time and walked away with a bowl and 3 yards of fabulous fabric that Nate will make into a wall hanging for our kitchen. (Now, I know that doesn't sound like much when the gift was titled "shopping spree"... he used the rest of his gift money to have his own shopping spree at Home Depot.)
Our second stop was to our weekend destination- Austin, Texas. Even though Austin is only an hour away... it is so completely different than anything we experience here on a daily basis that it truly seemed a world apart. We stayed at the Hotel San Jose. Modern. Simple. Trendy. Cute. Unique. Happening. I was quite nervous about our particular room since it literally was one of the last available places to stay in Austin that weekend and I truly had no say. Our room was one of three in the hotel that shared a common bath. I had no idea what to expect... would it seem gross to share a bath with complete strangers (hello, dorm living), would it be sanitary (yes), would we be fighting with others for "first dibs" (no)... in fact I fell in love with the bathroom. I fell in love with our little room complete with red floors and a bottle of wine- courtesy of the hotel staff in celebration of Nate's 30th.
Our third stop was to the pinnacle of all birthday planning for my dear husband. Drum roll please..... a Segway tour by Gliding Revolution! Check us out here. I know- I know. Many of you dear friends are laughing at us thinking we are complete dorks! We thought the same thing! Nate was completely caught off guard by our excursion and it was one of the best 3 hours of our lives! We got to tour the city, ride our Segway's into a restaurant for dinner, visit the state capitol, and laugh at ourselves. Later that evening we grabbed some coffee at Jo's, located in the parking lot of our hotel, and relaxed in the courtyard of the hotel. The evening was cool and crisp.
The weekend was also spent eating our way through Austin. We dined on shrimp tacos, verde sauce that I would have seriously considered drinking out of the bowl, breakfast tacos with crushed up tortilla chips, and plenty of other tex-mex dishes with interesting twists like a pork taco with pineapple and a side order of a gingerbread pancake. The weekend also included a surprise hour long massage for Nate, and watching "North by Northwest" in our humble abode. We felt like we were on a honeymoon.
We had great fun carving our pumpkin today that Ethan so appropriately named Big Pumpkin Harvey Carvey!
It's been a tough week. Nate is out of town this whole week. He returns on Saturday which also marks a total of 17 days he has been out of town in a month and half. Jack has decided to exhibit painful signs of separation anxiety. In all of his almost two years he has never struggled. Nap times recently have been a constant struggle. Screaming and crying for up to an hour and waking early in the morning. Ethan's school's Fall Festival is tomorrow night and I'm a part of the planning committee so I've been busy preparing for the fun time. Nate will miss the festival. I miss Nate.
I'm plain pooped out but I know there is relief in sight and the light at the end illuminates brighter each day. We made a paper chain count down, that hangs in our kitchen's art museum, for daddy's return. We tear off one link each day. There is also a paper chain count down for Jack's birthday on the 26th of this month. I look forward to tearing off those links each morning.
We've been looking forward to Costco's grand opening today. For a few months now we have enjoyed watching its' progress during our weekly pilgrimage to Target. I don't know why it has excited us so, now when I say us I mean Ethan and myself, but the boys have enjoyed watching the bulldozers prepare the foundation and the walls go up.
I decided to brave the conditions today and take the boys to the grand opening. In sweltering heat, and very improper shoes for such an occasion (my bronze pointy ones from Target), we stood in line for 20 minutes to register and get our shiny new Costco membership cards. This was after waiting a few minutes for a parking spot, with my blinker on indicating my impending action, only to be outwitted by another vehicle who took my spot! I blurted out, "Oh, you gotta be kidding me!" Thankfully Ethan was busy admiring something out the window and didn't hear me. I quickly confessed my outburst, changed Jack's diaper in the trunk of my vehicle, and then stood in the sweaty heat for my membership.
While in line Ethan declared he needed to pee and that he was hot. I had him stand in the shade, thanked him for his patience, and let him know we would use the potty very quickly. My definition of quickly and Costco's membership sign up definition were quite different. We finally got the cards, in the door, and literally sprinted to the bathroom. Poor Ethan got half of his business on his underwear. He spent the rest of our Costco experience commando style.
We then had a wonderful, fun, and enjoyable experience. Upon membership sign up I got a bag full of goodies. I decided to take a peek and there was a bottled water. Thank the Lord! We needed some refreshment. We then ate our way through the store. So many samples to be had! This is our sampling expedition, in order, starting with jelly beans... potato chips, chocolate chip cookies, pears, whole grain bread, banana nut muffin, trail mix, pumpkin pie, spiral cut ham, chicken salad, iced tea, vanilla ice cream, and a piece of chocolate. What random fun and the initial sweaty mess was long forgotten.
We then finished our date night at a "kids eat free on Wednesday" place. We ran into a friend, whose husband is also out of town and who was on a date night with her son, so we joined tables and enjoyed each other's company. As I was busy filling drinks and walking over to get the last high chair for Jack, another mom walked over and took the chair! I wanted to say, "Oh, you gotta be kidding me!" But I didn't. I just smiled, stuck Jack in a booster seat, and prayed he wouldn't tumble out.
I think we were full from our sampling because I packed two take home containers full of food. While the boys bathed this evening I sat outside the bathroom and finished my salad infused with chicken nuggets. After bath Ethan asked if they could brush my hair. I laid on the ground and let them pamper me. While laying there I realized the carpet smelled funny. After thinking the carpet probably could use a good cleaning I realized that it was me that stunk! The aftermath of the Costco experience! The boys are now asleep. Bedtime is calling me at 8:30... perhaps I should shower first!
My oldest son is a very curious fellow. I would think this is probably true for all four year olds. One topic that turns his wheels in particular is Jesus and Heaven. One of our biggest desires for our children is that one day they would come to know Jesus personally and so since we try to live our lives accordingly...Jesus is a much talked about "topic" in our home.
The other day we were driving behind a truck decorated with a huge white cross and words about Jesus and Heaven. Ethan was rather intrigued and it lead to a very sweet conversation that went something like this:
Mommy: Ethan, what are you thinking about?
Ethan: Jesus and Heaven.
Mommy: What about Jesus?
Ethan: That he died on the cross like this. [In which he demonstrated in the backseat of the car.]
Mommy: Do you know that Jesus loves you?
Ethan: Yes.
We then went back and forth about asking Jesus to forgive you for your sins (bad things) and to ask Jesus into your heart, etc. and how to get to Heaven. Ethan was rather concerned about how he was going to get there. I explained that mommy, daddy, grandpa, and other loved ones important to him, would one day be in Heaven. This topic usually brings on tears since he usually says he doesn't want to leave Texas. However, in the rear view mirror I could see that he was thinking deeply about what we were talking about.
When we pulled into the driveway he had a huge smile on his face.
Mommy: Why are you smiling so big?
Ethan: Because Jesus is in my heart.
Mommy: Well, how did he get there?
Ethan: He flew on a plane and went in my mouth and down my food pipe.
I just hugged him tight and chuckled to myself.
Deep Fried Green Beans...
Surprisingly delicious! After seeing that T.G.I Fridays commercial a few times featuring their version of deep fried green beans I thought I'd give it a whirl. A quick Internet search for a recipe dug up the tasty creation we thoroughly enjoyed this evening. Now, I can't even remember the last time I deep fried anything so I was a little apprehensive about the whole process but it was quick and easy. I would love to give proper credit to the recipe owner but could not find the source so thanks to the person for blessing us with this savory treat. On a side note... I also found a few recipes for wasabi dipping sauce to accompany the beans but since we don't have wasabi we opted for ranch dressing. Nate dipped his in ranch spiked with horseradish.
1 egg beaten
1 cup milk
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
6 to 8 ounces fresh green beans
1 cup flour
1 cup plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder (I omitted due to allergy)
vegetable shortening or vegetable oil for frying
To prepare the beans:
Place beans in the broth. Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes, then drain and place in cold water to stop cooking process. (I only boiled for 10 minutes)
Mix beaten egg with milk in a shallow bowl. Measure 1 cup of flour into another shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder into a third bowl.
Take a handful of beans out of the water and shake off excess liquid. Coat the beans with the flour, shaking to remove excess flour. Dip the beans, one at a time, into egg/milk mixture, then dip in breadcrumb mixture. Place the beans on a plate until all are coated.
Heat the shortening or oil to 350 degrees F in a heavy skillet (or use deep fryer). Use enough to cover the beans, about 1 1/2 inches. Fry until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Enjoy!
I often use the phrase, "I'm in a season of life" or a variation of the words "season" and "life" put together in the same sentence. For me that term helps define a moment in my life. It helps me see that what I'm going through is just for a time and that in hindsight the season does serve a purpose whether or not I can understand it at the moment. I try to view seasons like those little waffle squares- segments of space connected to form a whole. A life comprised of seasons connected to make me who I am.
I don't know if I necessarily feel that I'm in a certain "season of life" at this moment. I was just thinking about this today and reflected some on past personal seasons. I'd like to share a story that I wrote almost four years ago after the birth of my first son. It's a story that I often return to since it holds dear meaning in my life and helps anchor me when I feel a little uncertain during a season. I hope that it will encourage you as well.
Three tests confirmed my growing suspicion. A simple, faint line quickly re-defined my life. After ten months of holy matrimony, I still considered myself a newlywed, and now it wasn't just the two of us. We were expecting our first child.
We had not planned the arrival of this growing fetus. We were clearly months away from discussing the issue and planning for our future family. However, this surprise "gave birth" to a new world ready to welcome me. This announcement ushered me into new experiences (morning sickness, an insatiable hunger for breakfast cereal); it ushered me into a new vocabulary (linea negra, fundus, trimesters); and it ushered me into the embracing arms of a new season of life.
My dearest mentor raised me to believe that we are to welcome seasons like old friends; a rather difficult task for someone who clings to the familiar and finds security in the unchanging winds of routine. I must confess- my welcome mat is worn thin by consistency, ritual, and structure. These are my true friends. I often judge new seasons that knock on my door as I stare through the peep-hole wishing they would just go away.
It's kind of embarrassing to admit that I am like a bucking donkey. I seem to "hee-haw" my way through seasons. Like a child who stubbornly refuses to let go of a toy, I often resist the Author of change. My bucking is the result of fear, pride, and the desire to be in control. My donkey ways hold onto what I think is best. However, the Lord's faithfulness lovingly unfurls my fingers to disclose His perfection. How often I have sat clutching my will not realizing or appreciating the season God had me in. His patient pursuit baffles me.
During my struggle I am often reminded of a powerful line in a song from a Christian band called The Waiting. It says, "I spent all my resistance on someone I can't resist." I have learned that through my resistance the most fulfilling action I can demonstrate is to humbly lift my white flag of surrender. Although my fear and pride are blinding, I am glad God loves me enough to bridle my weaknesses and gently lead me through seasons in life. He has given me His Word to claim, His family to lean on, and time to reflect on lessons learned, character growth, and glimpses of Him.
Seasons are clothed in different garments: difficult, trying, exhausting, joyful, exciting, and wonderful. Seasons of waiting, unanswered prayers, a closet full of bridesmaid dresses, an engagement, new career... Sometimes these garments don't seem to fit. Too cumbersome. Too restricting. But, in the hands of the crafter is a fine piece of craftmanship. A garment specifically chosen for his child.
Throughout my pregnancy I was constantly reminded of my mentor's mantra by my ever-changing belly. Please don't misunderstand me! I was elated to carry a child into this world and loved each moment as my little one grew from the size of a pea, to an olive, plum, pear and so forth. Nothing could taint my joy. However, where this season would lead to and the seasons to come definitely made me fearful and resistant at times.
On July 23, 2003 I was introduced to one of the neatest people I have ever met- my son. The season of preparation brought such reward as the nurse placed a messy and perfect 8-pound, 9-ounce baby on my chest. As I soaked in his features and overheard my husband comment on his big hands and feet it made the season worth more that I could have ever dreamed.
The truth of God is that He will always do more. He will always outdo us in our seasons. "Now to Him is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20
What about my hunger for consistency, ritual, and structure? My cravings are still there but I am learning about a grace so perfect and lovely and rejoice that He longs to season my life. I am learning to enjoy the smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings of seasons. I am learning to welcome them home like old friends.
Today we worked on the garden. Nate was busy ripping out some bushes that unfortunately were smothered by a Medusa of a vine and started to grow through the cracks in our deck out back. We are actually busy ripping out a lot of things. We recently uprooted all of our lamb's ears that invaded our front flower bed and choked out some flowers I had planted. We replaced those with some ground cover. The backyard is in need of much pruning but the mosquitos still take residence and until cooler weather comes our outside time is limited. As Nate pruned back a bush with sweet burgundy flowers he was greeted by a turtle! How fun. Ethan named him Turtle "T". All this gardening inspired me to take out my "Gardening for Dummies" book and re-familiarize myself with some easy and manageable things we can do around here. This year we added a mommy and daddy scarecrow to the brother scarecrows.
What's not to love about October? I love the fall season and although I don't experience the full gamut of this gorgeous season I do love what I can get. Do you know that the first time I saw fall leaves was during college? And as a side note, the first time I saw snow was also during college. Growing up in South Florida didn't allow for much exposure to the fourth quarter of the year.
For October festivities we welcome pumpkins, spiders, bats, and candy corn- Brach's only please and preferably those cute little pumpkins. Ethan requested that he and Jack be "Super Brothers" so I am in the midst of making their costumes. This week we painted baby pumpkins and the boys made spiders complete with fangs and a web made out of pipe cleaner. Their creation is currently being displayed in our kitchen.
While the end product of our creative corner creations are fun, I must admit that the road to the said end product can be rather colorful- and I don't mean using crayons and markers! Tears and impatience are usually involved and while I try to keep my cool and cheerfully remind all parties involved, "Hey, we're suppose to be having fun here!", I often feel my blood pressure rise a bit. Case in point. During our spider adventure Jack started crying because he was scared. "Bug, Bug, Bug!!!!" He kept repeating, which I know from him seeing the real thing, means he is scared. I then put the spider away and distracted him with a tongue depressor to color in which he started crying again, "Bug, Bug, Bug!!!!" Deciphered this time that he was upset I had taken away the spider in the first place.
This has been a great week for us. Nate has been traveling quite extensively for the past month or so and while he was due to return this evening (Thursday) he actually returned Tuesday night giving us much needed family time. I love watching the boys with their daddy while their little tanks get filled to overflowing with wrestling and "guy" time.
Jack is becoming quite verbose. Today's new word is "brery" for library. One of his recent favorite expressions is saying "home",with such sweet inflection, as we pull up into the driveway. Ethan can be quite the rascal when expressing his sense of humor. I'll leave you with a few "out of the mouth of babes" stories for you:
I asked Ethan what he ate for snack at church school the other morning. His response, "Boobies!" Oh, my.
We were reading a book the other night about different animals loving something. Instead of the mouse loving cheese Ethan read to me, "Mice love boobies." Oh, dear.
Singing the hokey pokey the other day I caught Ethan with this version. "Put your phalanges in, put your phalanges out, put your phalanges in... put your mandible in, put your mandible out..."
