Libby and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week

My week has felt pretty much just like the much beloved children's book. Not bad as in "my dog died, and I used sour milk in my cereal." But bad as in "I'm just not quite myself." Let me explain.

On Friday, I woke up with a very sore throat. This sore throat traveled north into the sinuses and has resulted in the use of two entire tissue boxes.

On Saturday, I arrived at the beach to realize that I had forgotten MANY things:
1. Isabel's sunglasses
2. My strapless bra that would go with 3 tank tops.
3. My white cami that would go with my OTHER 2 tops (read: No shirts to wear!)
4. My razor.
5. My contact case.

On Sunday, I went into my HOT car and found my favorite tub of lip gloss...melted all over the place.

On Monday, well, Monday was an OK day!

On Tuesday, I drove home from vacation, only to realize that I had forgotten MANY things:
1. My bathing suits
2. Isabel's bathing suit
3. One cantaloupe, a box of granola bars, and food containers
4. One green towel, one white towel, one washcloth, and one pink pouf

On Wednesday, I had another OK day.

On Thursday, I drove past my exit because I just had to tell Kristin something that I had forgotten to tell her just seconds earlier. I then had to drive 10 miles out of my way to hit the next exit and turn around.

On Thursday, I also managed to buy a box of crackers that I didn't really want for a measly $4.99!!!!!! While browsing the cracker aisle, I saw a new type of cracker with a "Try me for free" rebate sticker on it. All that was required was an original receipt and the rebate form. "No problem," you might be thinking. However, in the self-check out line, I ran into Erika. We chatted while I checked out. I left. Once I was home, I went to fill out the form and realized I had forgotten to grab my receipt. Lovely.

It truly was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week...at least for my organized, generally put together brain. I think I'll move to Australia. Or go make a list.

all grown up

I have officially graduated into adulthood. I will now eat tomatoes, well at least tiny cherry tomatoes cut into quarters ;-)

What foods are you enjoying this summer?

Psalm 103

¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

² Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

⁶ The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

⁹ He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

jewelry

I am not a jewelry kinda girl. But I saw this and think that A) I love it, B) I need it, and C) It's a quirky, yet sophisticated idea. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I honestly feel like I have weeks where I am constantly asking, "What day is it today??!" I've had to reschedule my work appointments so many times, and think this bracelet could be the solution to my "daily" confusion!(Click on the picture to see the Etsy store)

Books

It's been a while since a good old fashioned book review. I had not read a whole lot, and was finally able to get back into the swing of things. I find that if I don't have my next book ready and waiting, I will go months without reading.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Story of a young girl in WWII Nazi Germany. Story told by the omniscient narrator, "Death."

Initially, I was hesitant to read this book club selection. It's on the 9th grade reading list, for heaven's sake! It is shelved in the Juvenile Fiction section of the library. Yet as I delved in, I was pleasantly surprised. The author's writing style was unique, and the plot was more than the typical WWII drama. You will fall in love with Liesel, the book thief, as she grows and changes. You will laugh at her misadventures; hold your breath as she stares Death in the eyes; cry at her losses; and perhaps even feel your heart breaking for her. Warning: I sobbed through the last two chapters of the book.

Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman. Suspense thriller about a private investigator. One of the books in the Tess Monaghan series.

Laura Lippman used to write for the Baltimore Sun, and I was told that all of her books are set in Baltimore. That was the initial draw. It certainly didn't stop there! I couldn't put this thriller down. The writing was excellent, and at times, dictionary worthy. The characters were believable, and the plot was intense. I loved that I could picture Tess walking through town to eat at Burke's. Or the film crew cruising along Locust Point. I will certainly be grabbing the next book in the series. Warning: there is a bit of foul language in the book, though no more than a PG-13 movie would contain.

Sneak Peek

On Saturday, we had a family photo shoot with Megan Russell. Check out her website for a sneak peek of the pictures she took. Isabel's silly faces make me laugh. I can't wait to get a few developed, framed, and hung.

summer

As a kid, I spent many long hours at the Harford Square Pool. There were play dates, and swim lessons with Mr. Norm, and push-pops from the snack bar, and yearly swim tests, and cannonballs off the diving board. I was never a great swimmer, nor did I learn to touch the bottom of the pool. I didn't have a ton of neighborhood friends, and was only allowed one snack. But I don't remember those things so much. They weren't important at the time, and aren't now. I can still hear the carefree laughter, feel the warmth of the sun, and see the smiles, even after twenty years.

As I splashed in the pool yesterday, I had this overwhelming desire to ensure that Isabel grow up with those very same experiences. Perhaps it won't be Mr. Norm teaching her to swim. And perhaps she will prefer strawberry shortcake Good Humor bars. It really doesn't matter. I want my daughter to have vivid memories of her childhood, giggling and splashing away the summer hours.

What memories do you have of your childhood summers?

ohboy

I think we're in trouble. This girl LOVES her food. Flaps her arms and legs when she sees it. Whines if it doesn't come fast enough. Cries when it's finished. On top of all of that, she is a Barowski, which means she is destined to think ice cream is a major food group. AND, we've become "those" parents that give their children sugar before their first birthday. *sigh* it was a lost cause, why did I even pretend?!

Quinoa

Zucchini with Quinoa Stuffing
Serves 4

• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
  
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped (about 2 ounces)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

• Heat oven to 400° F. In a large saucepan, combine the quinoa and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Arrange in a large baking dish, cut-side up.
• Fluff the quinoa and fold in the beans, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons of the oil.
• Spoon the mixture into the zucchini. Top with the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake until the zucchini is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

I have been into quinoa for a while now, thanks to Hope. Generally, I've used the pure protein as a substitute for pasta or rice. Last month's Real Simple had the above recipe, and since I had all of the ingredients, I tried it. At the very end, we drizzled balsamic vinegar over it, to add a little flavor. It is a great, filling side dish for chicken, steak, or even fish.

Purpose

Often I wonder why I am cleaning my house, again; why I am doing laundry, again; why I am persevering through the mundane, again....This morning's excerpt from Morning and Evening brought a bit of light (and encouragement) to my daily, seemingly meaningless tasks.

"We live unto the Lord."—Romans 14:8
Why are His children still wandering hither and thither through a maze...? The answer is—they are here that they may "live unto the Lord," and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as "workers together with Him." Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of the glory of His grace." -C.H. Spurgeon

Right now, I am called to live a useful life, a holy life. My areas of ministry may have shrunk drastically, and my contact with "the outside world" may be limited, but I am still called to bring glory and praise to HIM in this season. As I go about my daily chores, as I care for Isabel, and as I carry out those oh-so-boring tasks today, I pray that I will keep my purpose in life in mind.

Middle of the night

I talk in my sleep, this is a proven fact. Usually, I wake myself up, realize how silly I sound, and go back to sleep. Last night, apparently, I was talking but did not wake myself up. Miguel called me this morning and relayed this conversation:

Me: Get it, get it. *sitting straight up in bed, screaming*
Miguel: What is it??
Me: I'm serious this time, it's really in bed.
Miguel: WHAT is it??!
Me: An umbrella, get the umbrella! I'm serious!
Miguel: What's an umbrella going to do??
Me: Poke me in the eye!!!!

When Miguel told me our conversation, I cried from laughing so hard! I often dream that things are in our bed-bugs, animals, people. I have never, however, dreamed that a killer umbrella was on the loose. Too many rainy days in a row, perhaps?!

Psalm 61

verses 1-4
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah

Chocolate Cake Heaven

When I get to Heaven, I pray this cake is on the dessert buffet!

%-iles

Isabel has been quite the slow grower, weight-wise. However, her doctor is happy, so we're happy. Today, at her 6 mo. appointment she weighed 14 pounds, 10 ounces and was 27" long. That puts her 86th%-ile for height and 19th%-ile for weight. Tall and skinny. Let's hope she stays that way!

Fun things she's doing:
*Sitting up on her own
*Sleeping on her belly 90% of the time
*Blowing raspberries quite loudly
*Feeding herself everything in sight (including rice puffs)
*Eating solid foods and loving every single thing she's tried
*Showing us two very different personalities-loud and silly at home; quiet and reserved in public-wonder where she gets those two opposing traits?!

Forgetful

I love the brown and sea foam green color combination. My daughter's room, my nursing cover, and my wallet are all variations on the theme. Not normally a problem.

Grocery shopping has become quite a task with Isabel in tow. Her car seat is too large, and therefore does not snap into the grocery cart. I either carry her in the baby carrier or put the car seat in the main part of the cart. By the time I am done shopping, the bottom is full, Isabel is surrounded by food, and she usually has one or two items on her lap as well. It's a bit of an adventure, to say the least. Today was no different. The senior citizens were out in force, every line was jammed, and I had a longer than normal list.

As I waited in line, the line behind me continued to grow. I rummaged through my bag to get my coupons and wallet ready. My wallet. The one that I KNEW was in the bag, because I had double checked. As I rummaged around, I let out a sigh. No wallet to be found, just a pretty, sea foam green nursing wrap.

"ah ha"

Ever had one of those moments. The ones where it just "clicks" and you get it. All the questions are answered, the confusion is gone, and "Ah Ha!"--you know. I had one of those moments this week.

Isabel is a SLOW bottle drinker. Some days it would take her more than 45 minutes to drink 5 ounces. It was to the point that we really hated giving her bottles! The other day, Miguel defrosted some milk and it was therefore warm. She drank it down in about 2 minutes. We realized, duh, that we'd been giving her cold and/or not-so-warm milk. Some babies don't mind, but obviously she was trying to tell us something. She HATES cold milk. Now we heat the bottles, and like magic, she slurps it down in under 5. That's my girl.

What "Ah Ha" moments have you had lately? Any that will spare me months of parenting torture?!

Too cute

I want these!!! How cute would it be to hang from my diaper bag, or a bottle, or her favorite stuffed animal, or her soccer bag...the possibilities are endless. I think I could convince myself that this is an investment piece!










Check out the adorable site for more tags and labels.

Isaac

The journey to contentment (and a car) has been a very long one. For two months, I have wrestled with anger, bitterness, and impatience. After my car died, I assumed we would find another within a week. I could wait a week, even two. As the weeks passed, and all the great deals seemed to pass us, I began to lose hope. Had God not heard my desperate pleas? Had Miguel not heard my desperate pleas?

Contentment. Not the lesson I wanted to learn. Yet, I have so clearly seen God's provision in God's timing. Was I going to have an "Ishmael" car by forcing the issue? Or an "Isaac" car by allowing God to bring the car of his choosing across our path?

Last Saturday, we stumbled across a newly posted Honda Pilot on Craig's List, and the story began. The car was beautifully kept, had low miles, and had everything we were looking for (and more) in a vehicle. But, it was out of our budget. Miguel called the woman, Ellie, and immediately liked her. We decided to go see the car, but had to wait until Monday. As we were walking on the trail, we decided to call her and offer her a lower price, just to see what she would say. Before we could call, Ellie called US and offered the car to us at the exact same price we were going to offer. She said to think about it while she talked with her husband. Monday we drove to see it, and we both loved it. We had our deposit ready until she quoted us a higher price. Her husband did not want her to sell it for such a steal. I walked away feeling disappointed, but honestly at peace. I could be content to wait a few more days, weeks, or perhaps even a month. The next day, Miguel called to thank Ellie for her time and to tell her that we would not be purchasing the vehicle. Ellie immediately told Miguel that she wanted to bless us as a family, and she would sell us the car at a greatly discounted price. Ellie's sister had reminded her that there is blessing in being generous and blessing others. We had our "Isaac" car!

Unbeknownst to me, Miguel had prayed that morning that God would be gracious to us and allow Ellie to offer an even lower price than she had originally quoted. Miguel prayed a big prayer and saw God answer immediately and powerfully. If for no other reason, I truly believe the my VW died to increase my contentment and Miguel's faith. It is amazing the circumstances God uses to mold us and teach us. I pray that in the next trial or test, I will be able to find contentment as I look back and see God's provision in God's perfect timing.

4 months (a week or so late)

Time has literally been flying by. I teared up last week as I sat and watched Isabel. She is no longer a newborn, and at times seems like a little girl. We have enjoyed every single day of being her parents. Each day seems to be more fun than the one before.

Isabel's favorite things:
*Staring thoughtfully at people
*Watching her dog and laughing as he licks her hands
*Playing with her toys on her playmat

Silly things she's doing:
*Crying at certain (unnamed) friends
*Eating cereal and squealing between bites, almost as if she's saying "more Mom!"

Tasty Tuesday

Cheesy title, right?! I figured everyone else does it, why shouldn't I? Today found me enjoying Reubens (my all-time favorite sandwich) and ice cream from Bonkey's.

This Reuben recipe was truly tasty: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/182780-the-reuben-corned-beef-vs.-pastrami

I even used the skillet and 28oz tomato can that they suggested. It felt silly, but it was fun!

And Bonkey's. There are not words enough to describe the experience. If you haven't been, please come up and we'll take you!!! Homemade ice cream shop housed in an old movie theater; families enjoying ice cream/snowballs/candy at incredibly reasonable prices; little town feel where you always run into someone you know; I love the whole Bonkey's experience.