January 20, 2010
January 19, 2010
My political side for the day... Scott Brown
Yes, I am a Republican and I'm a health insurance agent, you do the math...
An old high school buddy of mine has worked her way to DC and has helped with many Republican campaign's in recent years, bragging rights to John McCain's presidential campaign. She had this video on her facebook page, and I just couldn't resist.
And yes, I have decided that this relates to Jacob because my financial well being (as a health insurance agent) is directly correlated to his upbringing, and the health care reform bill isn't looking so good for my future.
In other news: Pat (Mr. Handy Dandy) fixed my car. All by himself, no expensive mechanic labor fees in our house! My water pump had come loose, completely, so much it fell right off when my belt was removed (for those not so car savvy like me...this is NOT supposed to happen). It was so loose that it was causing my belt to slip, which was causing the alternator to lose it's ability to charge, which was causing the battery to not charge. Water pump replaced, belt replace and Lady Liberty is back in business. No new car in the near future, but in the distant future - say this summer??? On this week's horizon though, is a new car seat for Jacob that will squeeze into the back seat.
Also, in exciting news: Brownie #3 is moving back to KY. It is officially public news and I couldn't be more excited! Not that the travel time from Lexington to Bowling Green is much different than Lexington to Indianapolis, but I have more reasons to make a trip to BG than Indy (as has been pointed out) and I do believe there will be more visiting to Jacob's Godmother in the next few months than there have been in the last 2 years. I'm also excited for the opportunities this move brings for our friends. New starts, new possibilities. It's going to be a great start to a new year for them!
An old high school buddy of mine has worked her way to DC and has helped with many Republican campaign's in recent years, bragging rights to John McCain's presidential campaign. She had this video on her facebook page, and I just couldn't resist.
And yes, I have decided that this relates to Jacob because my financial well being (as a health insurance agent) is directly correlated to his upbringing, and the health care reform bill isn't looking so good for my future.
In other news: Pat (Mr. Handy Dandy) fixed my car. All by himself, no expensive mechanic labor fees in our house! My water pump had come loose, completely, so much it fell right off when my belt was removed (for those not so car savvy like me...this is NOT supposed to happen). It was so loose that it was causing my belt to slip, which was causing the alternator to lose it's ability to charge, which was causing the battery to not charge. Water pump replaced, belt replace and Lady Liberty is back in business. No new car in the near future, but in the distant future - say this summer??? On this week's horizon though, is a new car seat for Jacob that will squeeze into the back seat.
Also, in exciting news: Brownie #3 is moving back to KY. It is officially public news and I couldn't be more excited! Not that the travel time from Lexington to Bowling Green is much different than Lexington to Indianapolis, but I have more reasons to make a trip to BG than Indy (as has been pointed out) and I do believe there will be more visiting to Jacob's Godmother in the next few months than there have been in the last 2 years. I'm also excited for the opportunities this move brings for our friends. New starts, new possibilities. It's going to be a great start to a new year for them!
January 17, 2010
For the 100th Post
I started this a while back, so it wouldn't be so hard to do when the time came... but now, I have struggled to complete it. However, without further ado...
100 true things about me...
- My initials are LEM not LBM - in Bowling Green, KY in 1983 it was cool to shorten Elizabeth to Beth AND to have a double name... so, Laura Beth is the name I go by, not my real name.
-I cringe when people call me Laura, that's not my name, you obviously don't know me.
- I am married to the man I met and dated all through college. We will celebrate 5 years of marriage in March. 10 years of togetherness this month.
- I have one child, Jacob.
- Jacob was born May 31, 2009. He walked 9 months later....
- I have brown eyes (almost dark brown eyes), my husband has green/hazel eyes.
- Jacob has blue eyes. BLUE.
- I am a year round professional sunglass wearer. If they're not covering my eyes, they are a hair accessory.
- I met my husband when I was 17, on a trip to visit the college I later graduated from.
- No, I did not like him immediately, we went on our first date 8 months later.
- I have a wonderful husband, he does the laundry every Saturday morning before I get up, and other days in between
- I work for my father Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 5:00, I work for my son all other hours, and sometimes during the 8:30 - 5:00 day too.
- I bleed Blue.
- I am the oldest of 4 children, my siblings are Robert (Uncle Bob), Sarah Jane (Sissy) and Gracie.
- Us girls were all basically born 10 years apart - 1983, 1993, 2002. That's some strategic wedding planning!
- I am a Kappa Delta.
- I am a Brownie.
- There are 5 of us from college, in the same sorority, that have remained a tight group of friends. At the last "brownie" wedding the youngest "brownie" got REALLY drunk and kept talking about her brownie snacks. We still don't know what this meant, but dubbed ourselves the brownies after that night - it just stuck.
- I share the same first name as one of the brownies, and we were born in the same hospital within 24 hours of each other. She always says God knew the world wasn't ready for the two of us together... so we didn't meet until Bid Day our freshmen year of college. I too am convinced, the world was better this way.
- My other closest Brownie grew up an old soul in Horse Cave, KY and knows half of my family better than I do.
- The Brownies try to go to the River in Alabama every year since being named the brownies. As of August we have succeeded twice.
-We do not go to the riveR, we go to the riv-ah.
- I lived in Baltimore, MD for 2 1/2 years after college.
- Baltimore and I don't get along, beyond sight seeing.
- When I moved back from Baltimore my husband and I lived with my mom and sister for 3 months, it was cramped!
- We bought a house that was being built. The walls were white.
- The walls in the house remained white for 2 1/2 years until my son's first birthday party - when we decided IT WAS TIME. The entire house was painted in 1 week.
- I have had 4 vehicles is the last 10 years.
- The first 3 were Jeeps.
- The first one died after a year and a half (oh the stories)
- I flipped and totaled the second a year and a half later...
- The third I drove for 6 years and named Lady Liberty. She was good to me and my little family. I now have a Dodge.
- We were a one car couple/family for 4 years.
- I have a big freckle on the bottom of my left foot.
- I have had plastic surgery.
- No... not that kind. On my forehead, ask me and I'll tell you all about it. It was during my first 3 weeks at a new high school, how's that for timing?
- I LOVE Law and Order, all of them - I got this from my grandmother
- I began swimming competitively when I was 4.
- I was a very good at butterfly. I quit when I was a freshman in high school and had to have surgery on my shoulder 2 years later.
- I was a member of the WKU swim team my freshman year of college until we realized I was unable to recover fully from surgery.
- I am a retired Phi Delta Theta Carnation.
- My entire immediate family is greek. Mom- Kappa Delta, Step Mom -Delta Delta Delta, Dad - Sigma Chi, Brother - Sigma Chi, Husband - Phi Delta Theta. SJ will be headed to greek life in the fall of 2012.
- I worked at Express all 4 years of college and was offered an assistant management position during the fall semester of my senior year.
- The store's lease was sold to another retailer 1 month later and the store closed before I could take my new job.
- I was a compliance officer for a mortgage broker for 2 years.
- I think having a puppy is harder than having a newborn baby.
- When I sing along to Carrie Underwood's Temporary Home, I cry. Every. Time.
- I was 22 when I got married.
- I was 2 days shy of 26 when J was born.
- I have yet to go on an entire vacation with just my husband other than our honeymoon.
- I sleep with a blanket. It was made by my great grandmother before I was born. It's a wonder it hasn't fallen apart just yet, but it is close.
- I have the MOST thoughtful sister-in-law. She had someone else's great grandmother make another blanket JUST LIKE MINE before Jacob was born. One for him, and a surprise second one for me... for when mine does finally fall apart. Truly, THE. MOST. THOUGHTFUL. gift I have ever received.
- I was born at 4:12 am, my brother was born at 4:12 pm - weird???
- I love J Crew 5" chino shorts, and try to buy a new pair each summer.
- My husband has pointy eyebrows.
- I wear two bands with my engagement ring. One is my wedding band, the other is a first year anniversary band. Most of the Brownies hate this. One loves it, and I appreciate her for that more than she will ever know.
- Since pregnancy I have reacted to my wedding and engagement rings and get blisters on my finger from them.
- I am a licensed life and health insurance agent. I also have another license, but I'm not allowed to disclose that publicly without having to be monitored where I disclose that information. Being monitored requires a monthly fee - and I REFUSE!
- I shut down my facebook account for the same reason.
- My husband and I both work full time, therefore J goes to daycare.
- I pay more annually for daycare than my college education cost per year.
- I refer to all carbonated beverages as Coke, not soda or pop.
- My preferred Coke is Coca-Cola, not Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper - those were previous favorites.
- I LOVE fudge rounds.
- I haven't eaten ONE since we found out J has an egg allergy.
- I am right handed. I can not do ANYTHING left handed except drive a car and hold my son, on my left hip.
- My father taught me to drive with my left hand only so I would be able to shift gears.
- I have only driven a manual car twice in my life.
- I clip coupons.
- I always wear a watch. If I forget to put it on, I still look down at my left wrist and check the time, out of habit.
- I am always late. I overextend myself often and underestimate how long it takes to get places, I get this from my mother.
- I sell Kelly's Kids clothes.
- It's my retail fix, without the crazy demanding holiday schedule.
- I love college basketball.
- I specifically LOVE UK basketball.
- My favorite time of year is the beginning of school/football season... that flows into basketball season and ends with March Madness.
- Starting in September we watch football all weekend long - most girls hate it, I think it's FANTASTIC!
- My oldest sister-in-law and I have given ourselves a title that we share.
- She is the Queen, and I am the Princess EDIL.
- I have 7 nieces and nephews.
- I have a psychology degree from Western Kentucky University.
- I have yet to officially use that degree.
- I am an advisor for Kappa Delta at UK.
- I have been a co-chair for the last 3 years at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event Merchandise Tent. We raise money for the Kentucky Children's Hospital.
- I am a Notary Public.
- I have thought for years that I am 5'8. This fall I did a DEXA scan and was told I am actually 5'8 3/4 - that's some crappy posture on my part!
- I do not like that taste of coffee but I'll drink carmel frappuccinos and french vanilla cappuccinos (from the gas station) all day long.
- Recently I have been obsessed with peppermint white chocolate mocha at Starbucks, but I just ran out of gift cards from Christmas... so I might have to go through withdrawal.
- I do NOT like being told what to do and how to do constantly. I am a big girl, and can figure it out myself.
- I enjoy Excel spreadsheets -- a few brownies would say I'm known for them...
- I love a good wedding.
- If money and time allowed (and I wouldn't get made fun of) I would get married every day of the week and have a different wedding each time - I'm sure this would get old after a little bit, but a girl can dream can't she?
- I'm still trying to figure out how to win a blog giveaway.
- I have clothes in my closet ranging from size 6 to size 14.
- I'm not a very good housekeeper.
-I'm NOT and never claim to be an Interior Decorator, that's what I have the Brownies to help me with.
-I do my own taxes
-I love love love to look at other women who have really great makeup techniques and fix their hair all pretty... and aspire to look that good myself. Then I hit the snooze button at least 6 times and that all goes out the window...
- Recently I have become intrigued and developed a spot in my heart for some families adopting children... mainly twins - and it's crazy how things have been put into place for them, and I love that... and look forward to reading their blogs each and every day.
- I love my Nannie, she is my favorite person; and I am so glad that Jacob is getting to meet her and love her too.
- My favorite color is pink.
Congratulations if you made it to the end. Gold Star!
100 true things about me...
- My initials are LEM not LBM - in Bowling Green, KY in 1983 it was cool to shorten Elizabeth to Beth AND to have a double name... so, Laura Beth is the name I go by, not my real name.
-I cringe when people call me Laura, that's not my name, you obviously don't know me.
- I am married to the man I met and dated all through college. We will celebrate 5 years of marriage in March. 10 years of togetherness this month.
- I have one child, Jacob.
- Jacob was born May 31, 2009. He walked 9 months later....
- I have brown eyes (almost dark brown eyes), my husband has green/hazel eyes.
- Jacob has blue eyes. BLUE.
- I am a year round professional sunglass wearer. If they're not covering my eyes, they are a hair accessory.
- I met my husband when I was 17, on a trip to visit the college I later graduated from.
- No, I did not like him immediately, we went on our first date 8 months later.
- I have a wonderful husband, he does the laundry every Saturday morning before I get up, and other days in between
- I work for my father Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 5:00, I work for my son all other hours, and sometimes during the 8:30 - 5:00 day too.
- I bleed Blue.
- I am the oldest of 4 children, my siblings are Robert (Uncle Bob), Sarah Jane (Sissy) and Gracie.
- Us girls were all basically born 10 years apart - 1983, 1993, 2002. That's some strategic wedding planning!
- I am a Kappa Delta.
- I am a Brownie.
- There are 5 of us from college, in the same sorority, that have remained a tight group of friends. At the last "brownie" wedding the youngest "brownie" got REALLY drunk and kept talking about her brownie snacks. We still don't know what this meant, but dubbed ourselves the brownies after that night - it just stuck.
- I share the same first name as one of the brownies, and we were born in the same hospital within 24 hours of each other. She always says God knew the world wasn't ready for the two of us together... so we didn't meet until Bid Day our freshmen year of college. I too am convinced, the world was better this way.
- My other closest Brownie grew up an old soul in Horse Cave, KY and knows half of my family better than I do.
- The Brownies try to go to the River in Alabama every year since being named the brownies. As of August we have succeeded twice.
-We do not go to the riveR, we go to the riv-ah.
- I lived in Baltimore, MD for 2 1/2 years after college.
- Baltimore and I don't get along, beyond sight seeing.
- When I moved back from Baltimore my husband and I lived with my mom and sister for 3 months, it was cramped!
- We bought a house that was being built. The walls were white.
- The walls in the house remained white for 2 1/2 years until my son's first birthday party - when we decided IT WAS TIME. The entire house was painted in 1 week.
- I have had 4 vehicles is the last 10 years.
- The first 3 were Jeeps.
- The first one died after a year and a half (oh the stories)
- I flipped and totaled the second a year and a half later...
- The third I drove for 6 years and named Lady Liberty. She was good to me and my little family. I now have a Dodge.
- We were a one car couple/family for 4 years.
- I have a big freckle on the bottom of my left foot.
- I have had plastic surgery.
- No... not that kind. On my forehead, ask me and I'll tell you all about it. It was during my first 3 weeks at a new high school, how's that for timing?
- I LOVE Law and Order, all of them - I got this from my grandmother
- I began swimming competitively when I was 4.
- I was a very good at butterfly. I quit when I was a freshman in high school and had to have surgery on my shoulder 2 years later.
- I was a member of the WKU swim team my freshman year of college until we realized I was unable to recover fully from surgery.
- I am a retired Phi Delta Theta Carnation.
- My entire immediate family is greek. Mom- Kappa Delta, Step Mom -Delta Delta Delta, Dad - Sigma Chi, Brother - Sigma Chi, Husband - Phi Delta Theta. SJ will be headed to greek life in the fall of 2012.
- I worked at Express all 4 years of college and was offered an assistant management position during the fall semester of my senior year.
- The store's lease was sold to another retailer 1 month later and the store closed before I could take my new job.
- I was a compliance officer for a mortgage broker for 2 years.
- I think having a puppy is harder than having a newborn baby.
- When I sing along to Carrie Underwood's Temporary Home, I cry. Every. Time.
- I was 22 when I got married.
- I was 2 days shy of 26 when J was born.
- I have yet to go on an entire vacation with just my husband other than our honeymoon.
- I sleep with a blanket. It was made by my great grandmother before I was born. It's a wonder it hasn't fallen apart just yet, but it is close.
- I have the MOST thoughtful sister-in-law. She had someone else's great grandmother make another blanket JUST LIKE MINE before Jacob was born. One for him, and a surprise second one for me... for when mine does finally fall apart. Truly, THE. MOST. THOUGHTFUL. gift I have ever received.
- I was born at 4:12 am, my brother was born at 4:12 pm - weird???
- I love J Crew 5" chino shorts, and try to buy a new pair each summer.
- My husband has pointy eyebrows.
- I wear two bands with my engagement ring. One is my wedding band, the other is a first year anniversary band. Most of the Brownies hate this. One loves it, and I appreciate her for that more than she will ever know.
- Since pregnancy I have reacted to my wedding and engagement rings and get blisters on my finger from them.
- I am a licensed life and health insurance agent. I also have another license, but I'm not allowed to disclose that publicly without having to be monitored where I disclose that information. Being monitored requires a monthly fee - and I REFUSE!
- I shut down my facebook account for the same reason.
- My husband and I both work full time, therefore J goes to daycare.
- I pay more annually for daycare than my college education cost per year.
- I refer to all carbonated beverages as Coke, not soda or pop.
- My preferred Coke is Coca-Cola, not Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper - those were previous favorites.
- I LOVE fudge rounds.
- I haven't eaten ONE since we found out J has an egg allergy.
- I am right handed. I can not do ANYTHING left handed except drive a car and hold my son, on my left hip.
- My father taught me to drive with my left hand only so I would be able to shift gears.
- I have only driven a manual car twice in my life.
- I clip coupons.
- I always wear a watch. If I forget to put it on, I still look down at my left wrist and check the time, out of habit.
- I am always late. I overextend myself often and underestimate how long it takes to get places, I get this from my mother.
- I sell Kelly's Kids clothes.
- It's my retail fix, without the crazy demanding holiday schedule.
- I love college basketball.
- I specifically LOVE UK basketball.
- My favorite time of year is the beginning of school/football season... that flows into basketball season and ends with March Madness.
- Starting in September we watch football all weekend long - most girls hate it, I think it's FANTASTIC!
- My oldest sister-in-law and I have given ourselves a title that we share.
- She is the Queen, and I am the Princess EDIL.
- I have 7 nieces and nephews.
- I have a psychology degree from Western Kentucky University.
- I have yet to officially use that degree.
- I am an advisor for Kappa Delta at UK.
- I have been a co-chair for the last 3 years at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event Merchandise Tent. We raise money for the Kentucky Children's Hospital.
- I am a Notary Public.
- I have thought for years that I am 5'8. This fall I did a DEXA scan and was told I am actually 5'8 3/4 - that's some crappy posture on my part!
- I do not like that taste of coffee but I'll drink carmel frappuccinos and french vanilla cappuccinos (from the gas station) all day long.
- Recently I have been obsessed with peppermint white chocolate mocha at Starbucks, but I just ran out of gift cards from Christmas... so I might have to go through withdrawal.
- I do NOT like being told what to do and how to do constantly. I am a big girl, and can figure it out myself.
- I enjoy Excel spreadsheets -- a few brownies would say I'm known for them...
- I love a good wedding.
- If money and time allowed (and I wouldn't get made fun of) I would get married every day of the week and have a different wedding each time - I'm sure this would get old after a little bit, but a girl can dream can't she?
- I'm still trying to figure out how to win a blog giveaway.
- I have clothes in my closet ranging from size 6 to size 14.
- I'm not a very good housekeeper.
-I'm NOT and never claim to be an Interior Decorator, that's what I have the Brownies to help me with.
-I do my own taxes
-I love love love to look at other women who have really great makeup techniques and fix their hair all pretty... and aspire to look that good myself. Then I hit the snooze button at least 6 times and that all goes out the window...
- Recently I have become intrigued and developed a spot in my heart for some families adopting children... mainly twins - and it's crazy how things have been put into place for them, and I love that... and look forward to reading their blogs each and every day.
- I love my Nannie, she is my favorite person; and I am so glad that Jacob is getting to meet her and love her too.
- My favorite color is pink.
Congratulations if you made it to the end. Gold Star!
January 14, 2010
The DYNASTY is BACK!
Now, as I write this I fully understand that UK will lose Saturday - that's just the kind of luck I have.... but let me tell you, We're BBBBAAAAACCCCK.
I'm a HUGE UK fan, even bigger UK basketball fan. Not quite as obsessed as my dear friend Alice is with Alabama Football, but a close second. When Pat and I lived in Baltimore I would watch every game. We bought special cable packages just so I could catch a glimpse of the Cats. I am not a fairweather fan - I love this team all the time. I have delighted myself in yelling at the TV and old coaches when I {and the rest of the state} was not happy with a sub-par performance. I participated in heated debates at my old office over why UK should still be considered the greatest basketball program despite coaching changes and {what a true blue fan considers} not the greatest winning seasons.
I'm a HUGE UK fan, even bigger UK basketball fan. Not quite as obsessed as my dear friend Alice is with Alabama Football, but a close second. When Pat and I lived in Baltimore I would watch every game. We bought special cable packages just so I could catch a glimpse of the Cats. I am not a fairweather fan - I love this team all the time. I have delighted myself in yelling at the TV and old coaches when I {and the rest of the state} was not happy with a sub-par performance. I participated in heated debates at my old office over why UK should still be considered the greatest basketball program despite coaching changes and {what a true blue fan considers} not the greatest winning seasons.This year they have held their own. They've pulled off some close wins, gave us all UK2K, and now enter SEC play 17-0, just beat good ole Billy D and they're FUN to watch! Did I mention John Wall is on the cover of Sports Illustrated?? Oh, life is good as a Wildcat fan these days... And now.... I raise another one.
Jacob is not even 8 months old and he has attend a UK football game. He watched most of the game taking a short nap just before half time. We refueled with a bottle and diaper change at the beginning of the third quarter and he kept going.
We watched Big Blue Madness from the comfort of our home, and Jacob stood in his exersaucer jumping and pounding his hands as the team was introduced. We dance to the starting line ups and cheer for Pat Pat and John Wall when they're introduced on the radio {yes, we turn on the radio just to listen to the starting line up, because they don't show that part on TV}. Jacob loves to watch sports, and the Cats are no exception. My child could care less about cartoons, but a good basketball or football game? He's glued! I love that I {and Pat, of course} get to share this with Jacob, and that he's taking to it so well. The hats, the bibs, the clothes and socks - he's such a good sport. He loves to listen to the band, and with any luck our friend {Uncle} Kyle will teach him the fight song shortly.
Our Baby Wildcat has learned well how to cheer for his team and babble at the players during a game, but on this occasion - he was determined to mimic the Wildcat himself. Listen close, and Go Cats!
Jacob is not even 8 months old and he has attend a UK football game. He watched most of the game taking a short nap just before half time. We refueled with a bottle and diaper change at the beginning of the third quarter and he kept going.We watched Big Blue Madness from the comfort of our home, and Jacob stood in his exersaucer jumping and pounding his hands as the team was introduced. We dance to the starting line ups and cheer for Pat Pat and John Wall when they're introduced on the radio {yes, we turn on the radio just to listen to the starting line up, because they don't show that part on TV}. Jacob loves to watch sports, and the Cats are no exception. My child could care less about cartoons, but a good basketball or football game? He's glued! I love that I {and Pat, of course} get to share this with Jacob, and that he's taking to it so well. The hats, the bibs, the clothes and socks - he's such a good sport. He loves to listen to the band, and with any luck our friend {Uncle} Kyle will teach him the fight song shortly.
Our Baby Wildcat has learned well how to cheer for his team and babble at the players during a game, but on this occasion - he was determined to mimic the Wildcat himself. Listen close, and Go Cats!edit: chirpbit isn't working right, I've got to get the link above fixed...
January 12, 2010
I hope not an expensive funny noise...
I've been limping my dear Jeep Liberty along for a few days, I'm hoping not a few days too many.It started last Thursday when I noticed some high pitched squealing coming from the engine. When I started my car in the morning, it sounded like a hungry baby bird was dying under my hood. Followed on Friday by cold air blowing from my vents when I stopped my car for more than 10 seconds (keep in mind it was under 20 degrees here last week, cold air was NOT intentional). Friday I called our trusty hole-in-the-wall mechanic and they suggested we check the coolant level, and might need a new belt. Coolant was low and yep, need a new belt.
Saturday Pat loaded up my car with coolant... Sunday he loaded it up with more coolant, because it was low when he went to church. Yesterday I noticed a puddle of coolant under my car when I came out from dropping Jacob off at daycare. How special??
The squealing has continued along with a little knocking under the hood... thank goodness Pat picked up Jacob yesterday afternoon because I wasn't sure Lady Liberty would make it home last night. I had NO HEAT on the way home. My hands were so cold when I got home that my fingers were red. There was a little bit of sleet on the way home, and I had to stop twice to scrape it off my windshield, my lights kept getting dimmer and dimmer, and the battery light came on the dashboard the whole way home (previously it would just come on for a minute and then go back off) and still more knocking and squealing and a little shutter here and there.....
All this to say, Pat has Lady Liberty at his company's shop today and is working away. He won't tell me what's wrong - I just know he managed to get it to the shop this morning after he took Jacob and I to pick up Jen's old car to take into work this morning. I've heard belt, alternator, water pump, new hose... oh... the list sounds scary!
Jacob needs reliable transportation.
My experience with Jeeps over the last 11 years tells me that once they start to go... it's all down hill. We might be car shopping soon - any recommendations?? I'm thinking Nissan Altima. I have only ever owned Jeeps, and short of a brief 3 month stint in college with a Lincoln Town Car (wow, that brings back memories) I've only ever driven an SUV. However, the budget with a child in an not-so-cheap day care who likes to get sick and have Mom take days off from work will dictate A LOT of this decision. Also, anyone know a good place to sell a Liberty other than trying to trade it in? It will be in great running condition after this little trip to the car hospital. I wish car insurance covered repairs... and I could just pay a deductible ::sigh::
January 7, 2010
January 5, 2010
from email to the blog...
I have been delayed in my postings, and have many pictures to upload and videos to share. But in the mean time…
I was sent the following story by email today. You know the times when someone makes a comment, sends a card or makes a phone call and it just is a small reminder that you have all you need simply as it is, and it just hits home to something you've been thinking of a lot. This was one of those stories for me. I hope it can be good for you too. Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – from our house to yours…
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter... we must become as little children.'
Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important.
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