Well Michael started his annual nosebleed yesterday. The dry air always seems to bring it on. When he was in college at Marquette he finally had to go have his nose cauterized to stop the frequent nosebleeds. Mike said they asked over and over if he did cocaine. (it was downtown Milwaukee after all). He finally decided to go to the doctor today to stop a particularly bad nosebleed.
So off we went after church, at a time already past Josh's nap time, to the walk-in clinic. Thankfully since he was bleeding they worked Mike in faster, but it still took an hour. Josh got pretty antsy while we were waiting - occasionally breaking free to run away and laughing uproariously, finding a used napkin on the floor, trying to get a bottle of bubbles left on the windowsill. The more tired he got the wilder he became.
The doctor said Michael had a pretty good clot and didn't think it needed packed or cauterized. It was good to get his opinion. Hopefully it will now start to heal and stop bleeding. We've got the humidifier going in our bedroom to help with dry air.
I need to go pack stuff for our holiday trip. The house is in dire need of attention. Somehow it will all get done before the day ends. Can you sense it? I'm tired.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Christmas Menu
My parents always have a BIG dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The last few years I've been encouraging them to cut back and make life more simple. Although the food is great it is a lot of work to prepare it and clean up. My dad's mom was a great cook and we said she always had to have at least 10 dishes when we came over for Sunday lunch. I'm not joking. She knew how to put out a big spread. Food seemed to be her way to show she loved us. Look at my waistline and you'll see I still confuse food and love!
So anyway, her tradition continues. To the best of my recollection here is the menu:
Ham (I wanted bone in, but I think a boneless has been purchased).
Sweet Potatoes - my dad makes wonderful sweet potatoes. The goo at the bottom tastes like candy. Our sweet potatoes must have toasted marshmallows on top.
Corn Pudding - This is a recipe my Ma-maw (mom's mom) used to make all the time. It is a tradition we must continue. We even have the dish she baked it in. I am particularly fond of it.
Cranberry Salad -Mom adores this salad. I could do without it, but I firmly believe that if there is dish someone likes for the holidays they should get it.
Cheese Grits - Yummy! These grits are baked with garlic and cheese. Michael even likes them. They may be a bit strange to people from the north. I think there is a funny story of my cousin's husband sneaking his to the dog and getting caught.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad - It has bacon, sunflower seeds and a sweet and sour dressing (and broccoli and cauliflower too, of course!).
Green Beans - Because there has to be something green.
Hot Rolls - If I have time I'm going to make some fresh ground wheat rolls. If not, we will have store bought rolls.
Stuffed Celery - My grandma (dad's mom) used to have this on her holiday tables. This is in rememberance of her. If possible, I steal some stuffed celery before the meal.
Carrot Cake - Mom makes a mean carrot cake - rich and moist. Of course I always say dirt would taste good with enough cream cheese frosting.
A Trifle - Michael has donned my sister-in-law, Shari, the Queen of Trifles. She didn't bring one to Thanksgiving (throwing Michael off) and promised one for Christmas.
I think Mississippi Mud Cake has been scratched off the menu since Shari is bringing a trifle. We once calculated the calories in an entire cake. It was beyond ridiculous. You might as well unbutton your pants before you start eating it. It is not for the faint of heart.
There may be some things I've forgotten. You know in some countries this amount of food is unheard of. I am so thankful for the abundance we have. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways, and I don't say that in an "oh isn't that nice" sort of way. God is really good to us and we should live our lives in thankfulness and worship of Him. I am so looking forward to spending Christmas with my family. Although we have our problems, they are my family and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
So anyway, her tradition continues. To the best of my recollection here is the menu:
Ham (I wanted bone in, but I think a boneless has been purchased).
Sweet Potatoes - my dad makes wonderful sweet potatoes. The goo at the bottom tastes like candy. Our sweet potatoes must have toasted marshmallows on top.
Corn Pudding - This is a recipe my Ma-maw (mom's mom) used to make all the time. It is a tradition we must continue. We even have the dish she baked it in. I am particularly fond of it.
Cranberry Salad -Mom adores this salad. I could do without it, but I firmly believe that if there is dish someone likes for the holidays they should get it.
Cheese Grits - Yummy! These grits are baked with garlic and cheese. Michael even likes them. They may be a bit strange to people from the north. I think there is a funny story of my cousin's husband sneaking his to the dog and getting caught.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad - It has bacon, sunflower seeds and a sweet and sour dressing (and broccoli and cauliflower too, of course!).
Green Beans - Because there has to be something green.
Hot Rolls - If I have time I'm going to make some fresh ground wheat rolls. If not, we will have store bought rolls.
Stuffed Celery - My grandma (dad's mom) used to have this on her holiday tables. This is in rememberance of her. If possible, I steal some stuffed celery before the meal.
Carrot Cake - Mom makes a mean carrot cake - rich and moist. Of course I always say dirt would taste good with enough cream cheese frosting.
A Trifle - Michael has donned my sister-in-law, Shari, the Queen of Trifles. She didn't bring one to Thanksgiving (throwing Michael off) and promised one for Christmas.
I think Mississippi Mud Cake has been scratched off the menu since Shari is bringing a trifle. We once calculated the calories in an entire cake. It was beyond ridiculous. You might as well unbutton your pants before you start eating it. It is not for the faint of heart.
There may be some things I've forgotten. You know in some countries this amount of food is unheard of. I am so thankful for the abundance we have. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways, and I don't say that in an "oh isn't that nice" sort of way. God is really good to us and we should live our lives in thankfulness and worship of Him. I am so looking forward to spending Christmas with my family. Although we have our problems, they are my family and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Am I the Only Tired Mommy?
Why am I tired? Well yesterday I got all of our Christmas cards mailed (yes it's way late to mail them), finished up the last bit of shopping with the crazy drivers out there, picked up Michael from work since his truck was being worked on, made dinner, dealt with a very cranky Joshua, wrapped presents for 1 1/2 hours+, and then got up with Joshua at 4:30am-ish for a strange middle of the night rendezvous.
Josh refused to go back to bed and wailed and boo-hoo'ed until I came back. After try #2 Michael went in. Josh was having none of that, and ran into our bedroom to find me. (Keep in mind this has NEVER happened before. If Josh wakes up he ALWAYS goes back to bed, and I'm super strict about goofing off at night. It is forbidden!). Joshua might have been allowed to stay in our bed but he put his head on my pillow and his feet in Michael's face! (He never sleeps in our bed). Then he sat up and was generally disruptive. At this point it was nearly 6am. I gave up and brought him to the living room where he played and I layed down on the couch. He finally got up onto the recliner and we finally slept until 9am. He's as cheerful as can be this morning. Me, not so much. Even after my morning coffee I feel "off."
What got into that boy I do not know. Perhaps gas? Perhaps teething? We get so tired of supposing what might be wrong with him, but never knowing. We look forward to him being able to tell us his problems so we can better handle them. Michael's mom said he came to her once and to tell her that his hair hurt. Some days my hair hurts too.
Josh refused to go back to bed and wailed and boo-hoo'ed until I came back. After try #2 Michael went in. Josh was having none of that, and ran into our bedroom to find me. (Keep in mind this has NEVER happened before. If Josh wakes up he ALWAYS goes back to bed, and I'm super strict about goofing off at night. It is forbidden!). Joshua might have been allowed to stay in our bed but he put his head on my pillow and his feet in Michael's face! (He never sleeps in our bed). Then he sat up and was generally disruptive. At this point it was nearly 6am. I gave up and brought him to the living room where he played and I layed down on the couch. He finally got up onto the recliner and we finally slept until 9am. He's as cheerful as can be this morning. Me, not so much. Even after my morning coffee I feel "off."
What got into that boy I do not know. Perhaps gas? Perhaps teething? We get so tired of supposing what might be wrong with him, but never knowing. We look forward to him being able to tell us his problems so we can better handle them. Michael's mom said he came to her once and to tell her that his hair hurt. Some days my hair hurts too.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
My Silly Boy
Josh LOVES kitchen appliances. You'll see him here with a few of his dear friends - the crock pot and the stand mixer. We even visit the appliance aisle at Walmart more than the toys! This morning he had the small crock pot stuffed with his animals, stirring them with a spoon and saying "hot." He is so funny.
Grandma's Here!
Thanksgiving
Yes, I'm backtracking, but I wanted to post some pictures from Thanksgiving. You will see the sad pumpkin pie picture. On the LONG two hour trip to mom and dad's Josh at one point escaped from his carseat. When Michael pulled over so we could get him settled in again he fell into the floor - and in to my pumpkin pie! I was not happy at the time (an understatement) but have since found a bit of humor in the incident. Michael even wiped the pie from Josh's foot and fed it to him! Josh loves pumpkin pie.
You'll also see in these pictures my niece Jessie and my nephew Britain, my mom "Nana" reading to Josh, my brother Matt and my Dad deep in prayer (or could it be sleep?) after the Thanksgiving meal.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Annual Cookie Exchange
Pic 1 - Some of the girls from our young married group (Amy, Juli, MaryBeth, Christina, Ashley and Me). Aren't they so cute? Perhaps some of their beauty and fashion sense will rub off on me some day.
Pic 2 - My girl Jennifer. A beautiful girl, inside and out.
Pic 3 - Some of the MANY cookies for the exchange. Connie has a giant dining room table. It was overflowing.
Pic 4 - Norma, Carol and Connie (the hostess). Connie has been so gracious to host many events at her lovely new home.
Here are a few pictures from our annual cookie exchange with the women at our church. There were 40+ of us in attendance. All sorts of interesting cookies were on display, some beautiful and some more plain-jane. My favorite cookie was a cranberry and pistachio cookie. I made frosted sugar cookies. Never Again! Josh played with my rolling pin the night before (Michael's doings) and although I searched for it for at least 30 mintues it was no where to be found in the entire house. I rolled out my cookies with a non-stick cooking spray can!
After the cookie exchange we have an ornament exchange. I tell you, the women at this church find the most gorgeous ornaments. Of course we play "dirty Santa" style and your ornament can be stolen by another. There is always a lot of laughter and upset at the crazy luck of some women.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Some Verse Favs From 07
Here are some of my favorite verses from the past few months.
"But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." Mark 4:34
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
Obviously the Lord has been speaking to me about finding time to be with Him. Since Josh has become a part of our lives it seems the days and weeks just fly by. Most days I'm overwhelmed with my to do list and the lack of time to complete it. I so long to rest in the Lord. I so long to find peace in His arms. But most often I turn to my own strengths and try to be self sufficient. It is when I try so hard to be everything and do everything on my own that I crash and burn (cry and generally lose it).
Having Joshua has forced me to be much more disciplined in my life and routines. This is the first year I've EVER been able to get up and have a quiet time in the morning. It's been a desire for a long time, but something at which I always felt a failure. I could never seem to get up earlier or go to bed earlier. But these growing pains of self discipline (and they were painful) have brought good things from the Lord.
I long to spend more time with the Lord. So often I read scripture and then find an hour later I've forgotten what I read. I want to somehow meditate on the truths until they become a part of me and my life. I want to understand how God thinks and moves. What is he doing in the world around me? How can I influence others for His sake? Obviously I still have a lot to learn.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
-The Apostles Teaching
-Fellowship
-Breaking of Bread
-Prayer
"...for I, the Lord, am your healer." Exodus 15:26
The Lord has taught me more this year about healing and His mighty touch. He has shown me this to the point where I believe it, really believe it, and really believe it more. He is all powerful and able to touch us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually (and in any other area we might need healing!). I don't understand why some are healed and some are not, but I am certainly convinced that he is able and DOES heal today.
I'm reading a book now that has enthralled me more than any book in a long time. It's called The Kiss of God by Vail Carruth. The book is about her deep journey into Transcendental Meditation and other religions and then into complete freedom and truth in Christ. She lived at Berkeley during the hippie movement. Her story has kept me wide-eyed with fascination as I read each night. She actually goes to my church. I have spoken to her husband Joe many times, but not Vail. I'm so excited to talk to her sometime and get to know her. It's obvious from her book that she is a brilliant, deeply perceptive woman.
"But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." Mark 4:34
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
Obviously the Lord has been speaking to me about finding time to be with Him. Since Josh has become a part of our lives it seems the days and weeks just fly by. Most days I'm overwhelmed with my to do list and the lack of time to complete it. I so long to rest in the Lord. I so long to find peace in His arms. But most often I turn to my own strengths and try to be self sufficient. It is when I try so hard to be everything and do everything on my own that I crash and burn (cry and generally lose it).
Having Joshua has forced me to be much more disciplined in my life and routines. This is the first year I've EVER been able to get up and have a quiet time in the morning. It's been a desire for a long time, but something at which I always felt a failure. I could never seem to get up earlier or go to bed earlier. But these growing pains of self discipline (and they were painful) have brought good things from the Lord.
I long to spend more time with the Lord. So often I read scripture and then find an hour later I've forgotten what I read. I want to somehow meditate on the truths until they become a part of me and my life. I want to understand how God thinks and moves. What is he doing in the world around me? How can I influence others for His sake? Obviously I still have a lot to learn.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
-The Apostles Teaching
-Fellowship
-Breaking of Bread
-Prayer
"...for I, the Lord, am your healer." Exodus 15:26
The Lord has taught me more this year about healing and His mighty touch. He has shown me this to the point where I believe it, really believe it, and really believe it more. He is all powerful and able to touch us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually (and in any other area we might need healing!). I don't understand why some are healed and some are not, but I am certainly convinced that he is able and DOES heal today.
I'm reading a book now that has enthralled me more than any book in a long time. It's called The Kiss of God by Vail Carruth. The book is about her deep journey into Transcendental Meditation and other religions and then into complete freedom and truth in Christ. She lived at Berkeley during the hippie movement. Her story has kept me wide-eyed with fascination as I read each night. She actually goes to my church. I have spoken to her husband Joe many times, but not Vail. I'm so excited to talk to her sometime and get to know her. It's obvious from her book that she is a brilliant, deeply perceptive woman.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Wart Home Remedy
After having two warts for 2+ years and putting off going to the doctor to have them painfully burned off (it pretty much hurt like the devil the last time I had it done) I found a home remedy. Here's the solution. Pull the cotton off the end of a q-tip and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Then tape the cotton onto your wart using whatever sort of tape you have on hand. I had tape they gave me after surgery that worked great. I did the treatment only at night since one wart was on my big toe, but you can do it during the day. The cotton needs to be refreshed as it dries.
The warts got black streaks in them and then started breaking off. If you google wart home remedy you can find more information. I was so excited when the big wart on my toe started going away. I hated it! How wonderful to find such a simple solution. I'd tried vitamin E (which did shrink them) and some over the counter remedies (which don't really work).
Anyway, just thought you should know. Since warts are so not-sexy it would be great if you could keep this our little secret. :o) I don't want my hundreds of high profile friends to find out.
The warts got black streaks in them and then started breaking off. If you google wart home remedy you can find more information. I was so excited when the big wart on my toe started going away. I hated it! How wonderful to find such a simple solution. I'd tried vitamin E (which did shrink them) and some over the counter remedies (which don't really work).
Anyway, just thought you should know. Since warts are so not-sexy it would be great if you could keep this our little secret. :o) I don't want my hundreds of high profile friends to find out.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Me a Runner?
Ha ha ha ha! Yeah right. I wouldn't call myself a runner, but I'm slowly trying to become that. My physical condition is strong as far as muscles go. I take some fairly rigorous aerobics classes and have improved tremendously over the past few years. However, my heart and lungs are in need of some conditioning. Why running? Well, I'm not too sure about that myself. It's just a desire I have - to be able to run.
The Plan
I'm on Week 2 of the 5K training program on www.coolrunning.com. Last week was devoid of workouts of any sort because of our illnesses. It's amazing how quickly one can transition to not working out and losing all desire to be active. Yesterday I made myself get back out and run (it's really jogging and walking - so you know the reality of the situation). This week I am jogging 90 seconds and walking 2 mintues in repeating intervals for 20 mintues. For you fitness buffs out there I'm sure that sounds like a weiner level of running. It is. But I'm working my way up. I could already see an improvement of my time in the first week.
The Inspiration
1. It's been 1 1/2 years since I birthed a child. Unfortunately my pants are still way tighter than the should be at this point. My battle with the scale has been long and brutal (usually with the scales victorious). I'll talk about my weight and how it's affected me some other time.
2. My friend Jen (Michael's buddy Dave's wife) recently started running and completed a 5K race. She so inspired me because she started from nothing and worked up to a 5K in 6 weeks. How cool is that.
3. I want to be healthy and live well. I want to be strong and capable of doing the activities I want and need to do. With my back surgery 3 years ago I don't take it for granted that I can bend over and pick up Joshua without pain or worry.
4. Running makes me feel energized and confidant.
The Plan
My goal is to run a 5K race in February. That's 3.1 miles. Can I do it? We'll see!
My Worries
Michael and I are concerned that my body just can't handle running. Several months ago I attempted to jog 1/2 mile and my back was out for a good week. The weird thing was that I felt the Lord wanted me to start running then. I was so disappointed when my back couldn't take it. This time it seems to be doing well. Praise God! My knees were a little sore yesterday, but otherwise I'm surviving.
The Plan
I'm on Week 2 of the 5K training program on www.coolrunning.com. Last week was devoid of workouts of any sort because of our illnesses. It's amazing how quickly one can transition to not working out and losing all desire to be active. Yesterday I made myself get back out and run (it's really jogging and walking - so you know the reality of the situation). This week I am jogging 90 seconds and walking 2 mintues in repeating intervals for 20 mintues. For you fitness buffs out there I'm sure that sounds like a weiner level of running. It is. But I'm working my way up. I could already see an improvement of my time in the first week.
The Inspiration
1. It's been 1 1/2 years since I birthed a child. Unfortunately my pants are still way tighter than the should be at this point. My battle with the scale has been long and brutal (usually with the scales victorious). I'll talk about my weight and how it's affected me some other time.
2. My friend Jen (Michael's buddy Dave's wife) recently started running and completed a 5K race. She so inspired me because she started from nothing and worked up to a 5K in 6 weeks. How cool is that.
3. I want to be healthy and live well. I want to be strong and capable of doing the activities I want and need to do. With my back surgery 3 years ago I don't take it for granted that I can bend over and pick up Joshua without pain or worry.
4. Running makes me feel energized and confidant.
The Plan
My goal is to run a 5K race in February. That's 3.1 miles. Can I do it? We'll see!
My Worries
Michael and I are concerned that my body just can't handle running. Several months ago I attempted to jog 1/2 mile and my back was out for a good week. The weird thing was that I felt the Lord wanted me to start running then. I was so disappointed when my back couldn't take it. This time it seems to be doing well. Praise God! My knees were a little sore yesterday, but otherwise I'm surviving.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Top 10 of M.C. Rendog
Here are the top 10 reasons Michael is a wonderful husband:
1. He is kind and tender toward me - never mean, harsh or ugly.
2. He is patient and has patiently loved this imperfect girl for 5 years.
3. He has proven himself trustworthy and dependable.
4. He is generous with me is always willing to spend money on something that will make my life easier or more peaceful.
5. He's a good Daddy to Joshua and helps share the load of parenting.
6. He is a wise and Godly man who leads our family well.
7. He is my bestest friend in the whole world - there for me in the best and worst times, a good listener and someone who always knows an interesting bit of something to talk about.
8. He will say I'm sorry (even when I'm wrong and he isn't).
9. He is ambitious and hard-working.
10. He makes me laugh, even with his goofy humor.
1. He is kind and tender toward me - never mean, harsh or ugly.
2. He is patient and has patiently loved this imperfect girl for 5 years.
3. He has proven himself trustworthy and dependable.
4. He is generous with me is always willing to spend money on something that will make my life easier or more peaceful.
5. He's a good Daddy to Joshua and helps share the load of parenting.
6. He is a wise and Godly man who leads our family well.
7. He is my bestest friend in the whole world - there for me in the best and worst times, a good listener and someone who always knows an interesting bit of something to talk about.
8. He will say I'm sorry (even when I'm wrong and he isn't).
9. He is ambitious and hard-working.
10. He makes me laugh, even with his goofy humor.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
My first blog
Tonight I told Michael I wanted a blog for Christmas. Santa must have come early because here I am 30 minutes later - blogging! How simple. Michael is so nice to me. If I would have known how easy it was I would have done it long ago.
Now I'm asking myself what one actually says on a blog. Apparently anything one wants! I can tell you it has been a rough week for the Reynolds's family. Josh has barfed at least seven times (and that means Michael and I cleaned up at least seven barfs) over the period of a week. Our carpet may not recover. Michael called in sick to work for the first time ever due to illness (also barfing). And although I never toss my cookies (22 years and counting) I felt pretty rotten too.
This time change has been killing me. Josh has been getting up an hour early - time I used to have to have a quiet time and get ready. Michael says we need blackout curtains. I tried to tell Josh it was the weekend and to let Mommy sleep. Ha! Forget it. He got even earlier today. So sleepy Mommy tried to get Joshua to watch a cartoon and lay on the couch. Ha! Forget that too. It lasted about 10 seconds. He's busy from the time he gets up until the time he goes to bed. So I gave up on TV and fixed us some breakfast. Josh kept licking the jelly off his toast and asking for more.
Now I'm asking myself what one actually says on a blog. Apparently anything one wants! I can tell you it has been a rough week for the Reynolds's family. Josh has barfed at least seven times (and that means Michael and I cleaned up at least seven barfs) over the period of a week. Our carpet may not recover. Michael called in sick to work for the first time ever due to illness (also barfing). And although I never toss my cookies (22 years and counting) I felt pretty rotten too.
This time change has been killing me. Josh has been getting up an hour early - time I used to have to have a quiet time and get ready. Michael says we need blackout curtains. I tried to tell Josh it was the weekend and to let Mommy sleep. Ha! Forget it. He got even earlier today. So sleepy Mommy tried to get Joshua to watch a cartoon and lay on the couch. Ha! Forget that too. It lasted about 10 seconds. He's busy from the time he gets up until the time he goes to bed. So I gave up on TV and fixed us some breakfast. Josh kept licking the jelly off his toast and asking for more.
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