A New Beginning

I love the beginning of a new year. I love how it feels like you get to start over. And I love New Year's resolutions.

Now, I'm not once of those people who make arbitrary resolutions that last for 3 days and are then forgotten. I put alot of thought into my resolutions and the things I want to change about myself in the upcoming year.

I could probably make a list a mile long of all the things I wish I could change, but that's not realistic now is it? I must limit myself, which being the list maker that I am is a struggle in and of itself. I only allow myself 3 resolutions a year, and trust me, that's plenty. It's hard enough keeping 1 resolution, let alone 3, and naturally I don't actually succeed in keeping any of them, but it's the things I try to work on and pray about all year.

Here is my list for 2010.

1. I will attempt to grow in my relationship with Christ. This one takes alot of prayer, and is one that seems to stay on my list year after year. After all, we can never truly get this prefect, can we? I will strive, by the grace of God, to study His word and spend time with Him daily. This is especially important to me this year, as I have a cute little guy studying my every move, and I want to set a good example for him.

2. I will attempt to be a better wife, specifically to respect my husband the way I am called to in Ephesians. I like to be in charge, and when I'm in charge, my husband is not. Not that he has to be 'in charge' all the time, but he is the head of this family and I need to respect that, and him, more than I do. This one too, takes alot of prayer.

3. My third resolution is not quite as important as the first two, but it is something I want to do. I have a tendency to get very excited about things for a few weeks and then kind of lose interest. I've always been this way, and right now, I am very excited about this new photography business I'm starting. Now I can see myself putting alot of effort into this business for a few weeks and then losing interest in it, which I DO NOT want to happen. So, my third resolution is that I'll keep working on this business until it happens, until I am actually working as a photographer. It could happen this year, it could take several, but as long as I stick with it, I believe it will happen.

Even as I type this I am wanting to add more things to the list, but I know I'm going to have a hard enough time as it is.

So there you have it, my New Year's resolutions. And realistically, I know I could make any of these resolutions at any point throughout the year, but there is something about having a new year, a new beginning, that makes it seem more important and worthwhile.

Happy New Year!

Shameless

After much thought, and discussions with my husband, I have decided to start a photography business. And I am shamelessly using my blog to promote that business. Hope you don't mind.

I am by no means a professional photographer, but would like to be, hence the decision to start the business. I consider myself an amateur who needs lots and lots of practice, and honestly, how many pictures can I take of Caleb to get that practice? I've taken tons, don't get me wrong, but I need practice taking pictures of other people, as well.

So for the time being, I would love to take pictures of you, or your family, or your kids, or pets or whatever for free. It will get me the practice I need and you can get some good pictures (hopefully) out of it. I will only ask you to pay for the cost of printing, which isn't much.

You can see my photography website here : elaineclowersphotography.weebly.com

Happy Birthday, Charles

If you read my blog earlier today, you read a post from my sweet husband. And saw that today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Baby!

He's a year older, which means I'm right behind him because my birthday is one month after his. We are really growing up.

It was exciting to buy a birthday card for Charles, from Caleb. That was a first, and while Caleb isn't old enough to actually participate, he did enjoy chewing on the envelope.

I also made a birthday cake, actually I wouldn't even call it that, because it looked ridiculously horrible. I am no baker, even with a cake mix, and when I realized we were out of eggs, the trouble really began. First I thought I'd have to go back to the store (I had just been there about 20 minutes earlier), but thought I'd check and see if there was some sort of substitution I could use. After searching the internet I came across something that said you could substitute a coke (when I say coke, I really mean soda, but here in the south, they're all called coke) for the water and eggs. Interesting concept, but since I had no eggs and really didn't want to load Caleb back up in the car, I decided to give it a try. The 'soda' of choice was Mountain Dew. It's all we had, and just to let you know, it worked, and smells really good.

The problem was that it made the cake more moist than usual, which isn't a bad thing, until you try to remove the cake from the pan to frost it. It completely crumbled. So I was left with a crumbly mess. Did that stop me from frosting it? Of course not. I frosted that crumbly mess and we will eat it after dinner, and I'm sure it will taste wonderful, regardless of how it looks.

Happy Birthday Charles! (sorry about the cake)

27??? That's not right...

Today is my 27th birthday...and for the first time in my life a double take is necessary as I think about the number...27. Now...for those of you that are older (older is a term that is undefined for intentional purposes), please take a moment to laugh as you think about how young 27 is before you continue reading.

My 26th year of life was a big one as far as years of life go. I am not sure that the number 27 is as shocking as the fact that I am now a dad and an uncle. I am noticing now that I am an adult, yes sad but true that I am just coming to that realization. The ten year old kid running around the church slows down as he passes me now because that 'adult' might not like me running down the hall!?!? What? I still vividly remember fighting the urge to run down the hall like it was yesterday. And while I love being called daddy around the house, I still catch myself thinking 'who?'...or thinking about my dad as daddy rather than myself.

I love how God has designed life as a continuous transition. He never lets us get super comfortable in any phase of life before He moves us into new and exciting areas where He always shows us our total dependence on Him. Today, maybe more than ever before in my brief 27 years, I am very aware of that dependence. This dependence is what sparked me to write this post...so if you will let me take a minute and explain.

Adults have responsibilities. They have marriages to nurture, they have children to raise well, they have friends to love, they have to work at church, they have to work at their jobs, they have bills to pay for yesterday and bills to pay for tomorrow, they have houses to work on, they have yards to mow, they have cars to fix, instead of going on vacations, they plan and pay for vacations, and they often come home more tired than when they vacated...I think you get the idea. I am pretty bad at most of the list I just wrote. I laugh as I think about my ability to be a husband and a dad...really laughing, it's comical. And yet, God in His mercy, steps in like He did yesterday and like He will tomorrow and says "you are not able, but I AM" It is fun to watch God show off! Taking nothing and turning it into something is a task only our Creator can perform.

So as I become an 'older' person, yes even an adult, I am thrilled to know that as I plan my way God directs my steps.

Note to Caleb and any future children that God may bless us with: I haven't always been an adult...as a matter of fact I think I played a kid pretty well. I remember when I was dependent on my mom and dad to provide for me. If you are at all like me, you probably are dependent without even knowing that you are. But when you fall and scrape you hands and knees, or you score the winning soccer goal, or you make some sort of craft in Sunday school, or you're scared lying in bed at night you, Lord Willing, are going to run to your Mom and/or Me. I want you to remember those days and feelings and carry them into your 'adult' life and understand that the love that we have for you is only a mirror of the love that our Father has for us. We run to Him when we fall, when we have scored a goal, when we want to show someone what we have done, and when we are scared.

So on this my, 27th birthday, I pray that I never 'grow up' enough to think I can take care of myself or those that God has entrusted to me on this earth without His help and I pray for the grace and mercy to tackle the responsibilities of an 'adult'.

Charles

6 month check up

Caleb had his 6 month doctor appointment this morning. It's nice that he's still oblivious to the fact that he's going to the doctor, and doesn't realize he's going to get a shot until the needle sticks him.

He is still growing like a weed. He's 26.5 inches long and weighs 17 lbs. 5 oz. which is still right in the 50th percentile, which is where he's been from the beginning. He had a vision test that they do on all 6 month olds, which was quite entertaining. It involved pictures on a screen, probes stuck to his head, and an eye patch. I wish I had my camera with me because it was amusing.

After that it was time for shots, which he did surprisingly well with this time. The doctor informed me that he is now old enough to get the flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, so we went ahead and did those ( I had the H1N1 vaccine a few months ago, so I was comfortable getting it for him). That would have been 5 vaccines plus an oral vaccine, so instead of getting all of them, we did 3 vaccines (including flu and H1N1) plus the oral, and we'll go back in a month and get the others. I just though that 6 vaccines in one appointment was a little much. He cried for about 3 seconds, literally, after the shots and then he was fine. He actually cried longer and harder when I took away the wooden stick he was playing with (you know those popsicle stick things they use to look into your mouth?)

We also got the official ok on starting solids. We've been playing around with it for a few weeks now, trying a few things and getting used to the spoon concept, but it hasn't been anything consistent. Now I'll start giving him solids every morning and starting a new food each week. I think we're just gonna move on from rice cereal because he really doesn't enjoy it at all. The doctor suggested doing rice cereal (been there, done that), orange vegetables, green vegetables and then fruit (even though he's already had bananas and pears). So that's the plan.

I'm also planning on making some of my own babyfood. I'll let you know how that works out and maybe write a post on it later.

So, the appointment went well. Like I said he goes back in a month for the rest of his vaccines, and his next well baby check up is at 8 months. I can't believe he's so old. (I know he's not really old, but 8 months sounds old to me)

Christmas in pictures

Bouncing in his toy at "Honey" and "Pops" house.


Having a bottle with great-grandmama.


After opening presents with mommy.


Opening presents on Christmas morning. He liked the paper ... ALOT!


Wearing his new outfit at "Nanny" and "Poppy's" house.


Opening presents at "Nanny" and "Poppy's" house.





Sitting with Uncle David.


Loving his new high chair.


Laughing with Uncle David and Aunt Ragan.

Christmas Night

It's cold outside. Caleb is snuggled all warm in his bed, exhausted from a very long day. He did manage to squeeze one nap in late this afternoon, but it was far short from the amount of time he normally spends napping each day.

We spent the day with family; talking, laughing, eating, opening presents. It was a wonderful time. Caleb received some fun gifts, but to be honest, he enjoyed playing with the wrapping and tissue paper the most.

He got to show off his new skills (sitting, rolling, almost crawling) for his great-grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, and cousins, and he threw smiles around like crazy. He only got fussy for a short bit, when he was so exhausted he just couldn't take it anymore, but after a little snooze he was right back to his happy old self.

Caleb's first Christmas was lots of fun, but now ... it's time for bed. Like I said, it's been a LONG day.

Merry Christmas

6 months old

My sweet boy,
I can hardly believe it has been a whole six months since God blessed us with you. Your daddy and I love you more than words can say, and we are so proud of the little boy you are becoming. You are certainly the happiest little guy I've ever seen, smiling at everyone you meet with that big grin of yours. You bring a smile to my face every time I see it.

I love the way you get so excited over the simplest things, squealing and kicking your chubby little legs. Your energy astounds me. If given the choice you would roll and scoot around the floor all day, discovering new things to play with and put in your mouth. Gone are the days of laying you on a blanket and entertaining you by dangling toys above your head, how quickly they passed.

Then there are the calm, peaceful times just before you drift off to sleep. We rock in our chair, listening to your lullaby pillow, and you gaze at my face before closing those blue eyes and falling asleep. As I lay you in your crib I am amazed at how big you've gotten. You are no longer the little 8 pound newborn we brought home from the hospital, but a little boy, full of personality and life. 6 months have passed, all too quickly, but I can't wait for the months to come, watching you grow and learn. You are such a blessing to us, and I can't imagine my life without you, my sweet boy.

I love you,
Mama

Caleb is working on some new skills.



Sitting up all by himself!! He can sit for a few minutes without any help and then he loses his balance and topples over, but we're working on it. He really enjoys being able to play with his toys while sitting up.

He is also close to crawling, I think. He plays on the floor on his tummy several times a day, and for awhile he was rolling everywhere. If he saw a toy he wanted and it was out of reach, he would just roll on over and get it. But just recently he has discovered that he can push off the floor with his knees and scoot over to a toy out of reach. Once he figures out how to get up on his hands and knees at the same time, he'll be on the move.

I'll have to say goodbye to the days of being able to put him on a blanket on the floor and leave the room for a minute. ( I can't really do that anymore anyways with the speedy rolling skills)

And finally...
He has figured out how to reach for people that he wants. Just a few weeks ago he would see someone he likes and just give them a big ole' grin, but now if he wants you to hold him he will actually reach his arms out towards you. It's really cute!

He's getting so big and learning so many new things. Time sure is flying by.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas ....

Ahh... the Christmas elk.(or you can pretend it's a reindeer, if you want) Looks cozy, doesn't it? Kind of rustic. It's my parent's poolhouse, and it's where we spent the evening decorating last night.



And there's the beautiful tree!



It was just perfect outside (with the fire going) for Caleb. Not too cold, all bundled up in his coat, hat, and mittens.

This Little Babe

One of the songs we sang at Lessons and Carols was This Little Babe from Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols. I love the words to this song. I have a tendency when thinking about Christmas, to envision cute little baby Jesus, all snuggled up with Mary and Joseph, starry skies, pretty angels, and little shepherd boys with their sheep. Rarely do I think about this baby Jesus as the one who came to battle with Satan. But the words to this song portray just that baby Jesus. Not a cuddly little newborn but a mighty warrior born to fight Satan (and win!) on our behalf.

This little babe, so few days old, is come to rifle Satan's fold.
All hell doth at His presence quake, though he himself for cold do shake;
for in this weak unarmed wise, the gates of hell He will surprise.

With tears He fights, and wins the field, His naked breast stands for a shield;
His battering shot are babish cries, His arrows looks of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns Cold and Need, and feeble Flesh his warrior's steed.

His camp is pitched in a stall, His bulwark but a broken wall;
The crib His trench, haystalks His stakes; of shepherds He His muster makes;
And thus, as sure His foe to wound, the angels' trumps alarum sound.

My soul, with Christ join thou in fight, stick to the tents that He has pight.
Within his crib is surest ward; this little babe will be thy guard.
If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy, then flit not from this heavenly Boy.

Daddy's Future Hunting Buddy

Banana Puddin'

After several days of unsuccessfully feeding Caleb "real" food (aka rice cereal) I finally concluded that he just doesn't get it yet. He's not quite understanding that he's supposed to swallow what I'm putting in his mouth, that it is indeed food. Instead he just spits it right back out like some sort of messy yet strangely entertaining game.

I decided I must be rushing him. He's not even 6 months old yet, so we'll just keep practicing and surely in a few weeks he'll finally "get it" and it'll be smooth sailing from there, right??

Little did I know that this little man was just toying with me.

Over the weekend we had dinner at my parents house one night, and Caleb , who was sitting in my lap during dinner, started getting a little cranky because he was hungry. We were just finishing up dessert ... banana pudding. Someone (I don't remember who now) made the comment that Caleb was fussing because he wanted some banana pudding, so I thought, "Why not give it a try?"

I put a little pudding on my spoon and offered it to Caleb, completely expecting either more fussing, as this was not what he wanted for dinner, or more of our little game of "see how much of this I can get on my clothes before Mama stops giving it to me". But no ...

He ate it right up, and then clearly wanted more. Leaning forward, opening his mouth every time the spoon was within 6 inches, the boy likes banana pudding. A few bites later and I realized I could end up regretting introducing him to something so sweet so I quickly finished the pudding myself and fed the little man his real dinner.

Needless to say ... he knows what he's doing. He can take the spoon in his mouth and swallow whatever is on it, he just wasn't appreciative of my original choice of foods. He will still be getting rice cereal and by golly he will eat it and he will like it. I'll just keep trying (maybe mix a little banana in with it) and he'll eventually "get it". Just to be on the safe side, I think it'll be awhile before he has another taste of banana puddin'. Don't want to develop that sweet tooth too early.

Well, after several days without internet service (we had to replace our modem), it's now back up and running. Thank goodness. I've realized how much I use the internet on a daily basis, and it's rather sad, but oh well.

We had a busy weekend with Christmas fast approaching. I have officially finished my Christmas shopping ... ok, I have one gift left to get, but still, I am almost done. I think this is the earliest I have ever finished my shopping. I always get an early start (like mid-November) but usually don't finish until the week of Christmas, so I'm quite proud of myself this year.

I had choir rehearsal for Lessons and Carols on Saturday morning, Caleb hung out in the church nursery, and Charles went hunting. Then we headed to watch my sister play basketball (Charles coaches her team), which was ... what's the word?? Let's just say it was very entertaining!

This morning we went to church, out to lunch, and then back home for Caleb's nap. And tonight is Lessons and Carols which is always great and so much fun. It really feels like Christmas after Lessons and Carols.

Now very quickly I want to share a recipe with you. It came from the Pioneer Woman's blog and is so easy and yummy! A great breakfast treat. And we are just going to ignore the unhealthy aspects of it.

Monkey Muffins

what you need:

canned biscuit dough (or any kind of dough, really)
butter
sugar
cinnamon
sweetened condensed milk ( I know, I know, you can't get much unhealthier, but we're ignoring that remember?)

Get ready for the easiness of this recipe ... a child could do it, which isn't a bad idea ... let your kids help with this one.

Take a muffin pan, and put about 1 tsp of butter in each cup (just eyeball it).
Sprinkle in some sugar and cinnamon (as much or as little as you want).
Take the biscuit dough and separate each biscuit into thirds.
Roll each third into a ball and put it on top of the sugar and cinnamon.
Now we put a little more butter, maybe 1/2 tsp. and a little more sugar and cinnamon on top.

Pop it in the oven at 350* until the biscuits are golden brown, and you're done. Oh wait, I forgot.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of each muffin once they're out of the oven.

All I can say is YUM! Trust me, you don't want to make these too often, or you'll regret it.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

how lovely are your branches.

Christmas time is upon us, and we jumped right in by getting our Christmas tree this afternoon. We went to a cute little family farm and cut the tree down ourselves. Well, Charles cut, while Caleb and I cheered him on.

There is nothing so Christmasy (is that a word?) as the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree.

The rest of the afternoon was spent bringing decorations down from the attic and decorating the tree.