Grocery Story

Some how, by default, Thursdays have become grocery shopping day. I have tried a few different time slots to see what works best for the girls since Thursday mornings can be very harry around here. The girls often get to bed late on Wednesday nights due to church, so they are very cranky on Thursday mornings. For a long time it didn't occur to me that if I just put them down for nap early on Thursdays that they would wake up as much happier little campers. (I think it finally sunk in at library time a few weeks ago when Julia and Lydia both went bonkers. I put them to bed early that Thursday, and it seemed to make the day much better.) So, with that thought it place, it became my plan to go to the store right after the girls' nap times.

This idea is much better than going before nap, but of course, when you're talking about planning things with preschoolers, there are always kinks in the system. So, the girls woke up early, and both needed a snack right away. The snack was packed and promised to be delivered as soon as the girls were securely strapped into their car seats. (This is why are car is disgusting.) There was a lot of whining about waiting to have snack, but they gave that up with a few reminders of the consequences for whining. Then Julia started in on what she can bring:

J: "Mom, can I bring pinkie bear to the store?"
Me: "No, I don't want her to get lost. She can come in the car."
J: "Well, can I have a drink?"
Me: "Yes."
J: "Can I bring it in the store?"
Me: "Yes, I guess I'll pack some water."
J: "Well, can I bring my stick-horse, named Matti into the store?"
Me: "No, Julia. Lydia, stop whining. I am getting you water too."
J: "Why, why? Why can't I? Why can't I bring her? Her name is Matti, Mom? She wants to come she'll be sad all alone here. Can I bring her? Why can't I?
Me: "Because, she is too big. She can't come to the store with us. You can play with her when you come back home..........."

So, we finally make it into the car. Julia wants her window down. Lydia freaks out because she thinks I might roll her window down. She does NOT like her window down.

And then, after arriving at the store, I open my grocery list and start the long hunt. I check and re-check the list hundreds of times, pass out samples to my girls, explain to my girls why running away isn't acceptable, try to let the girls help me put things in the cart without going crazy, fumble with coupons, try not to scream at the balloon that has hit me in the face billions of times, go by the seafood area to show the girls the lobster tank, and then finally I make it to the register to pay. I gasp at the price, and hope that my coupons are better than I remember. I pay, and then I feel "aaaaah" relief. I have successfully hunted bargains with my two wonderful and frustrating daughters with only a few melt-downs and a somewhat low number of "come to Jesus" meetings with them.

However, today it finally hit me as we were leaving. Usually I don't think about it until I pull into my drive way, but today, it hit me early. My job of grocery shopping is only half done when I leave the grocery store. I still have to load all the groceries in the car, take the cart back, buckle the kids, haul in all the groceries from my car to my house, keep the kids from running to play with neighbors, put the groceries away in their proper places, and come to the unhappy realization that there was still one or two things that we needed that was left off the list. I think I forget the ordeal from week to week due to God's goodness and grace in my life. By next week, hopefully I will have forgotten all about today, so that I can get up enough gumption to do it all again.....
So, that is my not so bad, but crazy as usual day. I'm sure it's not much different than all of yours. But, I hope that you enjoyed your's too! -Amber

I'm so proud.

I'm watching the weather right now, and can you believe it? It is currently cooler in Houston than it is in parts of Canada! That is AWESOME. Next week's forcast has highs in the 80's. And, tomorrow's high is in the 70's. That makes me so happy! It feels like fall to me for the first time this year.

Besides feeling like fall in Houston, we had some other firsts in our little neck of the woods. For example, Julia had her first dentist appointment. She did not appreciate them taking x-rays of her teeth, so she fought and cried a little bit, but she got through and did great the rest of the time. I'm so proud. I watched the x-rays from the hallway, and was greatful that Lydia was keeping me too distracted to tear up very much while Julia was having a hard time. Julia was much calmer after the hygenist laid her back and she got to watch a princess movie.

Also on our list of firsts: Lydia sat on the potty chair long enough to tinkle in it. I don't think she acutally knew when it happened, but at least it did happen. I'm so proud. She's no where near potty trained, but I have confidence that she will learn quickly.

 Julia is getting really good at writing her letters. She has tried to copy letters before, but she usually gets frustrated and upset that the letters aren't turning out the way she expects them too. However, she has really improved the skill of manipulating a pen, and started drawing J's like crazy. This is also a first of sorts for her. I'm so proud.

Here is a close-up of the J's Julia drew.  Of course, I wrote the numbers at the top, and spelled her full name in the middle. I guess I'm doing a pretty good job manipulating the pen as well. Aren't you proud?

So, we had some new things happen last week, and I love that I have the oppurtunity to blog about them as a sort of a digital scrapbook. During these past few weeks, life seems sort of ho-hum during the week, and super packed and crazy during the weekend, but, big things are happening! My babies are growing before my eyes, and I love having the opportunity to watch them do just that. I don't know how things will change and develop for us in the next few weeks, months and years. But two things I know won't change. One: I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with such amazing kiddos. And two: I'm so proud. -Amber

Pumpkin Cookies

This weekend was very fun and very busy. Dave was off on Friday. So, the four of us kept very busy going to the church in the morning for the baby worship cd, going grocery shopping, and running errands. Friday evening, the girls and I made snacks for our young married's Sunday school class. I knew Saturday was going to be crazy, so, the girls and I cooked, and tasted pumpkin cookies, and then put the goodies in the fridge to wait for Sunday to arrive. Saturday we got to visit with our friends, the Igoe's, in the afternoon, and then go to a dinner group established by our Sunday School class at the Pearce's. The Igoe's brought delicious enchiladas to our house for us to share, and we brought drinks to the dinner group where we got to eat grilled burgers with all the fixin's. Yummy! We also got some great deals at a community garage sale on Saturday. Yeah!

The cookies seemed very well accepted at church this morning, so I thought I'd share the recipe with all of you. They're a perfect fall treat! By the way, this recipe comes from a very sweet lady, Kay Little. Her son used to be one of Dave's best friends.

Pumpkin Cookies

4 cups flour (I used 2 cups all-purpose white flour and 2 cups whole wheat.)
2 cups oats, uncooked
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Cream butter in mixer, gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla: mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mxing well after each addition. Stir in morsels. For each cookie, drop 1/4 cut dough onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees, until firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet; cool on racks.
Note: Dough may be frozen in air-tight container. Thaw in frig; then bake as directed. Makes about 32 large cookies.

The following picture is what my kitchen sink looked like after making dinner and baking cookies on Friday. It looks slightly better now.

 Saturday night, I decided to make some cute little flower clips for the girls to wear to church Sunday. These are what I came up with:

 I think they turned out pretty cute, but we already lost one at church. Maybe it'll show up soon. If not, I will just have to get my glue gun back out and craft another.

This morning was great. Pastor Gregg delivered a wonderful and convicting message. Then we went to Sunday School followed by a Leadership meeting at church that fed us all lunch. We rushed home afterwards and got the girls down for nap an hour and a half late. But, it was a great morning. Daniel (Dave's brother) and Dave are working on Daniel's Math homework at the moment, and Xiaolan (Danie's wife) was taking a little nap, but Julia and Lydia didn't let her sleep very long.

Well, that's about it for these Good Stewart's for this weekend. We are enjoying this fall season, and we can't wait to continue with all the festivities! Love to all of you who read my blog! -Amber

BabyWorship

My girls got to do something very exciting today!! They got to get pictures and videos taken of them while they played with toys and friends. These pictures and videos will ultimately end up in a worship dvd for kiddos! The ministry that is heading this whole thing up is called Touch the World Media. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this dvd!! But, in the mean time, pictures I took myself will have to suffice. :)

These are some of the photos I took of the girls as they interacted with everyone. However, I wasn't allowed to use my flash, so some of the pictures ended up a bit blurry.

The end result of this is gonna be fantastico!!! I'll let you know where you can buy your own copy when it comes out! (Wink, wink.) Love, Amber

Road Trip

Last week was very different for me and my family. If you have read my blog at all before, you know that in the last several posts, I have talked about going to visit my sister and brother-in-law to meet my new nephew, and that I would be then driving down to Topeka with my parents to visit my Grandpa. Then, my parents drove me to Bartlesville where I got to reunite with Dave and the girls and go to my 10-year class reunion.

I had a great time at each location, but am glad to be home. At my first location, I met this little guy:

I reminded him not to forget me between now and Thanksgiving. I'm sure he'll remember.

I had a great time visiting Josiah and my family, and seeing my friends Julie and Jamie. I was so surprised at how the time flew by and can't wait to host everyone in my home for the holidays.

Seeing my Grandpa was great, but somehow, in the short time we got to see him, I forgot to pull out my camera and take a pic of us with him. He told us several times that he is starting to forget things, but he also told us many stories about things that happened a long time ago, as well as things that are going on in his life and the lives of his freinds' currently. While I believe him that things are harder for him to remember, I am glad to see that he is doing well overall. I just pray that he isn't too lonely. I know he still misses my Grandma, as we all do.

After traveling to Bartlesville, my parents saw Dave and my girls for a few seconds while checking on their house that is still on the market in Bartlesville. (We are all hoping and praying that it sells soon.) I was amazed that we all rode into Bartlesville at the same time. We couldn't have planned it better if we'd tried. My brother also saw Dave and the girls and gave them hugs before he had to get to his house and get ready for work the next day. Dave and the girls and I got to head on over to my mother-in-law's house and visit with her and Dave's step-dad before the reunion festivities began the next evening.

The following morning, Ruth (Dave's mom), Dave, the girls and I went to the Dewey State Fair to visit the animals there. The fair was not very large, and there were no rides, but it was the perfect pre-nap activity, and I am so glad that we went. Below are a few pictures of the girls enjoying themselves at the fair.

We were also lucky enough to see a few friends from Bartlesville at the fair, and that was great fun. That evening, Dave and I went to meet with my former classmates at a local restaurant. We didn't stay very long though because we looking forward to seeing our friends, Jared and Lela. We had a great time both places and I was happily surprised that I was not afraid of all of my former classmates...which was very different from the way it was in high school.

Then on Saturday, we got to see Jared and Lela again as we checked out some garage sales with them in honor of the 100 mile long garage sale of Oklahoma. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch with Ruth and Don (Dave's step-dad) and then got the girls down for a nap. After they woke up, we got to visit with Krista, (Dave's step-sister), and her daughter, Mattisyn. Julia and Lydia L-O-V-E their cousin Mattisyn and were very, very sad to see her go. I couldn't believe how tall and big Mattisyn is getting. She's already 5 years old!!!! I hope my girls never get that big. I mean, I want them to grow normally....I mean, I want my girls to stay small forever...but I know they can't and that makes me sad....you probably know what I mean.

Anyway, that night we got to go to my high school reunion and thankfully, we had a great time!!! I talked to some of my classmates more that evening than I had the whole 4 years I went to school with them. Hallelujah and Praise the Lord, I am no longer painfully shy! I was so glad to see so many of them happily married, and surprised to hear so many of them already have children. Dave and I also hit the dance floor a few times and enjoyed watching others do the same. I wish we didn't have to wait 10 more years to do it again.

The hardest part of my trip was definitely the travel. Everything else was so much fun!! (My flight got delayed on the way there, so I sat on the plane for an hour and a half before we even took off. Then the last 45 minutes of the plane had some major turbulence, and since I am easily motion sick, I seriously thought I was going to lose my lunch snacks. Then, on the way back from Bartlesville, the 4 of us had to travel in the heat because the a/c in our van is broken, and Julia did end up losing her lunch. I think the poor dear is easily susceptible to motion sickness like me. Luckily she is old enough to let us know before it happens, so I had time to pass her a cup before Dave pulled over. It made clean-up a lot easier.) I am so thankful that besides a few little traveling quirks that everything turned out wonderfully!

Thanks so much for reading my blog, and keeping up with what our family is up to. I appreciate you all. Love, Amber

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

In Wyoming, it feels like fall. The air is crisp and cool. The tree leaves are turning the beautiful colors of autumn. It wouldn't feel weird to eat chili for dinner. It feels like fall.

Houston does not feel like fall until December. Last year we carved a pumpkin, but we had to wait until the last minute to carve and put it outside. The poor thing just cooks out there in the warm, autumn Houston sun. Maybe this year, I'll bring the pumpkin in during the day so that it won't rot immediately...

But, I digress. I got on the computer tonight to blog about the wonderful time we are having so far at the Hazelet's. I got some fun pictures of Josiah that I plan to post when I get back home. We made plans for the week of Thanksgiving and drew names for who we are going to buy gifts for at our Christmas celebration in November. We got to hold and help take care of Josiah. We enjoyed the autumn air. It's been great.

Tomorrow we leave to see my Grandpa in Topeka. He is turning 90 this February. I am so sad to leave this sweet family of three, but so glad to be one day closer to seeing my Grandpa, my husband, and my girls. Well, I better get to going. I need to hold Josiah one more time before he goes to bed. Love ya'll! Happy Fall. -Amber

That's My Story...and I'm Sticking to It.

We got to go to MOPS this morning. It was so nice to be back. The girls seemed to enjoy themselves. And, I KNOW I did. I packed lunches for both of them to bring to their classrooms, and Julia was adamant about carrying her lunch box into her class. I think it made her feel big, like she was in school. My friend, Sarah is Julia's teacher this year. "And that makes my heart feel super happy!" (quoting Kai-Lan from Ni Hao, Kai-Lan) And in addition to those tid-bits, I am really looking forward to the next meeting because Annalee, our group discussion leader, will be back.
On Saturday, I am leaving to visit my sister, my brother-in-law and my nephew. I am flying up there, and then riding back with my parents to Bartlesville over the course of 1.5 days. We will be staying one night in Topeka to see my Grandpa who is turning 90 on February 20th of next year. Dave and the girls will be meeting me in Bartlesville on the 9th of September, and he and I will be attending my 10 year class reunion. I'm sure I will be so anxious to see my wonderful husband and sweet kids again! My parents will head back to Louisiana to get everything together by church on Sunday, and Dave and I will stay in Bartlesville, enjoying reunion festivities until Sunday and then we will travel back to H-town.

I have already packed the girls bag for their Bartlesville trip, and have picked out their clothes for this coming Sunday. I still have to write everything in my brain on to paper in an attempt to make Dave's single-parenting time with the girls seem as smooth and seemless as possible. I haven't packed anything for myself yet, but I did decide to bring one black sweater so far. Ha! I figure I need to start rummaging through my winter gear because after spending the last year in Houston, Wyoming is going to feel like the North Pole. I really don't want to think about what I am going to wear to the reunion. You know how reunions are....I'm guessing I'll either have the time of my life, or an experience that feels like the biggest nightmare I've had since high school it's self!

On Friday, we will have faster internet!!! Yeah!! (Too bad I will only get to enjoy it for one day before I leave!) Currently, we have THE SLOWEST internet available. But in exchange for faster internet, we have to give up dvr and all of our good channels for basic cable. Boo. It will be hard, but I figure the girls and I will get movies to watch from the library and hopefully watch less t.v. all together. On the bright side, maybe the phrase I quoted earlier from Ni Hao Kai-lan will stop popping into my head every single time I think of something exciting to write. Maybe I'll read some biographies during the girls' naptime instead of droning out to whatever is on HGTV. (I've been inspired to read a biography on Deitrich Bonhoeffer from the LPM blog.) Maybe this will make our daily lives even better...who knows?

Anyway, thanks for reading my blog posts and putting up with my quirks. I'm not really sure why I got so link happy today...but, just for your information, you all are the best! Love, Amber

Josiah Paul Hazelet

Josiah, my nephew, was born at 7.78 pounds and 20 inches on August 20, 2010. I now have some pictures of him to share.

My sister was in labor for 6 hours, which is pretty fast for a first-time birth, and Aubrey and Josiah are doing well. Aubrey did have some issues after she had Josiah...she passed out twice from standing-up, but the nurses are keeping a close eye on her and she has vowed to stop acting up.

Look at him sleeping. I bet he never cries. I am not sure what sort of meds the nurse is giving him here. Maybe they administer sleep medication these days.

Doesn't Josiah look cute all rolled up like a burrito in this photo?

I wish I could hold him!

Maybe Josiah will be a good-sleeper like his mom.

I have a very similar picture of Andy holding Julia. It is sort of surreal to me (and probably also to him) that he has a baby of his own now. Andy's already started changing diapers -- two thumbs up, Andy Dad!

In just two weeks from today, I get to go visit this little family of three and wish them congratulations on Josiah's very, very first birthday. I can't wait to get to hold that little bundle of joy! Unfortunately Dave and the girls won't get to come with me this time, but the Hazelet's will be visiting us for Thanksgiving, so my family will get to see him pretty soon. I will miss my girls and Dave so much, but in the same breath, I will relish the four days of vacation from my two little preschoolers. I know I'll be smiling and crying as I am whisked away in an airplane. It'll definitley be bittersweet, but I am hoping it will be positive for all of us.

Anyway, It hadn't occured to me until just now that I've never really pictured how little Josiah would look after he was ushered into this new world. But as you can see, God gave him a cute little crop of hair and a precious little face. I can't believe that my baby sister just had a baby!

And now, we'll enlighten you with a word from our sponsors

Thanks so much for reading about my very new nephew. Lots of love, Aunt Amber

P.S. Andy, I still need some pictures of Aubrey!! Thanks. :)

Baby Hazelet

Josiah Paul is almost here! We are excited to hear all about his arrival. I will keep you all posted on the birth of my nephew when I get pictures and more information. I told Julia this morning that Josiah is being born, and she is already anxious to hold him. Love, Amber

It's the Holiday Season!

At least as far as I'm concerned!!! I know some of you are about to hate me a lot right now, but I can't help myself!! I love all things fall, winter and holiday!

August is when it all starts for me. My birthday is on the 24th, Dave's is on September 13th, and my siblings' birthday's are also in September. Then there is my father-in-law's birthday, and my Dad's birthday, with Halloween smack dab in the middle. Then it's turkey time and CHRISTMAS!! Julia's birthday is right in between Thanksgiving and Christmas too! I've already started the annoying habit of humming and singing Christmas songs. Don't you miss it people? It's been 8 months already. My kids like it at least. :)

I think Julia is going to grow up to be just like me in this area. (I am sure it has nothing to do with my influence over her.) Julia and I went to Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. We were absolutely giddy over all the Christmas decorations that are already out. We sauntered into the fall aisles as well, and I loved picturing our family celebrating Thanksgiving in our new home. The scent of the cinnamon candles almost put me over the top! I actually had to hold back tears. I am so excited!

I am excited to let my girls help me decorate the house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am excited to trim the tree as a family. I am excited for my girls to get to meet their new baby cousin, Josiah Paul Hazelet. I am excited to pretend like it is cold outside and drink hot cocoa or hot apple cider together. I am excited to light a fire in the fire place, even if it's unnecessary. I am excited to listen to Julia and Lydia play with their fisher-price nativity scene, talking about baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the others. I am excited to see my family at Thanksgiving, and Dave's family at Christmas. I am excited to kiss Dave underneath the mistletoe, visit mall Santa's, eat turkey, listen to Christmas songs sung by Bing Crosby, and watch old Christmas movies. I am excited to attend holiday parties and church gatherings. I am just so excited!

I think this year is even more meaningful to me because last year was so hard. Thankfully, it was not near as bad as I thought it was at the time. I was just depressed about our new location, and, needless to say, that can really put a downer on things. I had a hard time choosing joy. I had to really gear myself up for the holidays instead of anticipate them with giddyness like I usually do. So, this year I am going to make up for last year's lack of enthusiasm. And, I think I am going to start NOW! Sorry, if you have to endure any of my holiday humming when it is still 100 degrees outside. Love, Amber

Stewart Weekly

So, our lives are pretty boring right now. Sorry blogworld...I just don't have a lot to offer. But, what I do have to offer, I will gladly share.

Stewart Weekly News:

I love Francine Rivers' books. I am reading the Mark of the Lion Series for the third time, and I still can't put it down. I love all of her brilliant, well-written novels!

I finished the first book a few days ago, and have been so disappointed in realizing what I already knew to be true. The second book of the trilogy has gone missing from my personal library. I think I loaned it out a year or two ago. I checked to see if our local public library had it, and they do, but I was something like fourth in line to put it on hold. So, then, I got the bright idea to get it from our church library. But, the library was closed when we were there on Wednesday night. How disappointing! I decided to be patient until Sunday. However, that idea didn't last long, and, I got the idea of talking my sweet husband into swinging by the library today to check-it-out for me. (Yes, I am that obsessive.) He told me that it was just not possible for him to leave work during the day (even during lunch break) to run an errand because things have been too stressful at work. Poor Dave...he has been working so hard. Poor me...having to take the advice I give my daughters daily about having discipline and patience.

Lo and behold, Dave surprised me when he got home with the book from the church library. It was extremely nice of him to go out of his way to run by the church to grab it for me! I have no idea why I am not reading it RIGHT NOW; except that, I am already in the fourth chapter and I know what happens next, and it makes me sad.

Dave and I are going to take our turn in leading our small group this upcoming fall. I am excited that we are because that will force me to be even more involved and get to know the wonderful ladies in our small group better. I'm not really a shy person, per-se, but it does take me a little while to get warmed-up. Dave will love the teaching aspect of leading (but finding the time to prepare will be the tricky part). We probably won't have additional homework in comparison to our other group members, but we will have to be much more diligent about actually finishing the "homework assignments" than we have been. It will be a revitalizing challenge for us both.

The girls and I plan on attending MOPS again this year. I am so looking forward to it! Please hold while I double check what day that starts!

We went to a birthday party tonight for one of our little neighbor boys. He turned 9 this week, but he still counts our girls as some of his good friends. The girls got to break open a pinata, eat pizza and cake, swim in a kiddie pool, and splash on a water slide. Dave and I got to eat some delicious, traditional Mexican food for dinner, (including cactus) while we were immersed in a different culture, and language, and watched our girls have a great time. They had such a good time, in fact, that we were met with great opposition from them when it was time to go home. Bummer!

A lady from my community's online women's group emailed me today about getting together next week for a play date. I don't know her or her 3.5 year-old twin girls from Adam (or Eve) , but I am so excited to make her acquaintance. I would love for us to have some more friendships blossom right here in our own 'hood.

Meeting new people, grasping for friendships in a humongous city, learning about other cultures, and watching my kiddos grow, these are the things I will remember when I am old. I am so thankful for each and every memory we are making. I know that when I think back on these times, they will seem as sweet as honey. I am so thankful that God knows more about me than I do. I am here for Him and by Him, and, I'll do the best I can to bring Him the glory He deserves while I'm on this earth. Although, I know that I will grossly underestimate how wonderful, powerful, wise and holy God is, I'll do the best I can to bring Him glory and strive to teach my kids to do the same. At least, that's something to keep on prayin' for.

Well, I guess that's about it for this time. I'm not sure how I got where I ended up, but I'm glad that my ramblings ended on a positive note! Love to you all, Amber

Drawrings.

Julia and Lydia are very into drawing right now. Julia loves to draw faces: And she is learning to write her name. Her first attempt:

Of course, I think both of my girls are genius....but that's just me. Happy 8-9-10! -Amber

Highlights

Well, since our one-week summer vacations are over, this blog is back to me reminiscing over the past week's nuances so that I can gladly share them with the you; my readers on the world wide web. :) Dave and I are getting back to working on the house. I got the little downstairs bathroom painted this week, and painted the daybed we bought at a garage sale a few months ago. Dave has almost finished putting together a playset we aquired and has carried the painted daybed up stairs and put it together. The girls are still up to their eyes in hilarious antics. I spend the majority of my time just trying to keep up with them.

The other day, the girls and I went outside in between rainstorms to clip our finger nails and get them painted a nice shade of pink. We enjoy girlie stuff like that. As we sat out there, a neighbor of ours, whom I am guessing is Middle Eastern, walked by and we said our hellos with polite smiles. I love to watch the girls greet adults because it usually puts a smile on the adults' face. Anyway, the man was polite as well and then kept on exercising. As he turned the bend of our culdesac, Julia said "Bye, bye. Grass-yas. Grass-yas!" I looked over to her and she was beeming from ear to ear. It was so not politically correct, but so cute. It also made me realize that when I ask her to tell our neighbors "Gracias" that she doesn't understand what it means. And, obviously, she also doesn't understand the difference in race and languages. But, that's what I enjoy about Houston, she will have the quite the opportunity to learn.

Besides running away from me at the most inconvenient times, Lydia is growing and learning and talking a lot too. She has started pointing out different colors, and just this week, she surprised me by indentifying pink, red, blue and orange all by herself. Older syblings really do help teach their younger syblings! I haven't worked with Lydia on colors all that much. And yet, she is learning them. Julia doesn't always teach Lydia in the nicest way, but, she is teaching her. Today, Julia was instructing Lydia on how to fetch all the black checkers for her. When Lydia touched a red checker, Julia would say, "No, the black checkers, Lydia." Lydia would respond by saying, "Oh, okay Sissy."

Lydia has started doing something else that makes me laugh. The other day, I was tickling her, and in the midst of it, I spurted on her stomach. In response, she giggled and said "Cuse me". We both laughed, and continued to play the "tooting game" a little longer. She is so hilarious.

We had a nice surprise this last week. Our neighbors are redoing their 9 year-old's bedroom, and in that, wanted to get rid of a bunch of dress-up clothes, toys, and games. So, our neighbor stopped by the other day and asked if we would like to have all that stuff. Woohoo! Christmas in July is so fun!!! The girls have been playing and reading and playing some more with their new-old things. We made some cookies this evening as a thank you to them. Thank you God for our neighbors!! Love it.

Thanks for reading!! See you soon! -Amber

I Might Have Some Bald Spots

Pulling out your hair is a completely natural side effect of motherhood, right?!? It's not just me, is it? And, why is it that when you pray for patience God, in all his Magnificence, doesn't just hand it over as a free gift? He knows it's good for us to work for it, doesn't He? Or, maybe it's the case that if I pray for patience, God just allows me to see all the times I am totally NOT patient, and then reminds me to "Watch it!". Oi vie. Either way, I have a lot to learn.

Aah! What a kooky day this has been!! My kids are so funny and trying and crazy and wonderful and frustrating! We had two places to go today: the library and the grocery store. My girls are usually excited to go to both of these places, believe it or not, so it's usually not a big deal to go back to back. But today, today was a different day. Lydia has been showing us more and more of her personality lately, and I love it. She is extremely comical...and mischievous. But, in the last few days she has started 1- antagonizing her sister (I guess it's payback time) and 2-running the opposite direction when I tell her to come to me.

The whole time we were in the grocery store, Lydia kept ripping Julia's head band off of her head, bringing bits of hair with it. Finally, I let Julia get out of the cart to be relieved from her sister. (I guess I didn't want Julia to have the same bald spots I am getting! Ha!)

And on top of that, twice today, I went running after a crazy little two-year-old who thinks that running away is hilarious. The first time was in the library. The second time was in the HEB parking lot!!!!
Picture it: "Lydia, sit right here by your sister for a minute." (We'd parked by a little grassy area.) Lydia sits for .4 seconds before getting up. Immediately after grabbing my coupons and my purse, Lydia started walking towards the street. "No, Lydia sit down!" I said. "LYDIA, LYDIA!" Lydia looks at me with a mischievous grin, turns around and bolts into the street. "LLYYYYDIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" I throw down my keys, my purse, and my coupons and run as fast as I can to catch her. Thank God there were no cars coming--she'd already made a pretty good distance!!! Needless to say, her hiney didn't leave the cart or her car seat until it was in bed for nap time. I am all for anything that straps her in! Oh, what's a mom to do? .....Seriously, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

So, then after we got home, Julia decided she would "help" me bring in groceries. I gave her light bags and a cereal box to bring in, and she did a great job. I was so glad, though, that she was out of harms way when a jar of spaghetti sauce broke through the bag and onto the garage floor, crashing it's entire contents onto the cement floor and breaking the glass into a thousand pieces. Needless to say, glass and red sauce went flying everywhere!! I cleaned up the mess a few hours ago, but it wasn't until a few seconds ago when I sat down on the couch that I realized I hadn't wiped down my legs and that they were sprayed red as well. Good thing it didn't get on the couch!

Oh well...I am currently rewarding myself for making it through the morning by drinking chocolate milk and relaxing. And so, on a happier note, I will share some fun things my girls have been doing lately. After Lydia's birthday party Saturday, I asked Julia to help me clean some stuff up around the house. Julia's response to my request: "You got it, girl!" So cute! And Lydia is constantly asking us to "read me" (translation: read to her). Her current book of choice? "Toe Wipe"...(a.k.a. Snow White).

Like I said, they are funny and trying and crazy and wonderful and frustrating.....
I hope my hair grows back. Love, Amber

Party Central

Lydia turned 2 this last week, and we partied in her honor. She had a "Fun in the Sun" themed party that (I'm hoping) she loved. I know Julia loved it even though it wasn't her big day. Thank you to everyone who could make it to the party and for all the wonderful presents we received. It was such fun!























One item on the party menu:

Another item on the party menu















We also had chips, pasta salad, watermelon, iced tea and cherry lemonade. I got the cherry lemonade recipe from my friend, Annalee's, blog. Thanks, for posting the recipe, Annalee. It was yummy!


Some of our partying friends and family:






Papa and Lydia with her Ariel doll.















Marlee was a big helper. :)

Caleb really liked the scattered balloons. He was so cute to watch.

Julia did most of the blowing out of these candles. She was too much of a big helper!

Amanda is greasing Patrick up before he takes off for a few sprints through the sprinkler.

I wish I had thought of giving more of the kids balloons as they left. Sheila was doing the distributing here. There are balloons to be popped all over my house!

Thanks again for everyone who could make it!! We appreciate all of you, and are so privileged to get to know each and everyone of you!! Love, the Stewart's