Tips? and Prayer Requests

Whew! Where do I even begin? The weeks are closing in for little Xochi's arrival. If she came tomorrow it would be frantic but it would be ok. But really, a couple more weeks would be nice in order to get some things straightened out.

Since I'm tired and ready for bed - I'll list these things sort of briefly so I can just get them out of my head.

1. I spoke with our attorney's office today. Um... all I can say is that it's a good thing I stay on top of these things. At least somebody is.

Me: No, the baby is not coming in June. The first due date they gave her was May 8. The second one they gave her was June 2. Now they're saying more like May 20. Her other two children were early..... so let's just get those papers to the birth father asap....

Prayer Request #1: That the papers will get to the birth father - in Spanish - and that he will sign them asap. To set all of your minds at ease and without going on about all the details - we're not worried about this. It will just make things a whole lot easier if he just signs them and sends them back.


2. I had a stroke of genius tonight. Believe me, I was surprised too. There are basically two airports we could fly into - one of them is Reno. HELLO!!! Reno is super, duper cheap to fly to. Why did I not think of that before? But here's where I need your tips: We rarely fly. Like hardly ever. Can you get flights in the middle of the night? Where have you all had the best luck finding cheap tickets? Is it best just to call the airlines directly? Come on peeps - here's where I need you. If you've never commented before and have any help for me - now's the time to do it. And as you might have guessed, as of tonight - our current plan is for the kiddos to go to Grammy and Groompa's and for Justin and I to fly down and fly back with little Xochi. I wish with all my heart that Steele and Adia could come with us but unfortunately our finances are dictating otherwise.

Prayer Request #2: That all the details of our trip down and back will go smoothly and that none of us will contract the Swine flu in the process. Seriously, I just told Lisa today that I'm not freakin' but now, thinking about being on that plane with all those germs being recirculated around my formula-fed little girl..... I don't know.


3. While our adoption agency is an amazing ministry that does not make money off of placing children in families - there are still costs associated with adoption that we have to pay. Namely, attorney fees, social workers fees, travel, lodging etc. Things are adding up quickly - we're pretty prepared, but not completely.

Prayer Request #3: That all the details of our finances would be worked out and especially that Justin would continue to have peace about it all in the mean time. I am blessed to have a very calm husband - but with selling the business, the continual van issues and our adoption fees things have been a little more challenging than usual.


4. A and Xochi are both doing well and are healthy. In addition to placing Xochi for adoption, A has some other very big transitions going on in her life right now. She is such a loving and brave young woman but these next weeks are going to be extremely emotional for her. Having gone through both Steele and Adia's adoption processes, we are always keenly aware that things are never 100% certain until that little one is in our arms and the papers have been filed in the courts 48 hrs after they are born.

Prayer Request #4: Please pray that the Lord would hold A's decision firmly in His merciful and loving hand. While we have confidence that A is certain about her decision - grief and hormones are so hard to deal with. Please pray that God would give her growing and immeasurable peace over these next few weeks. Pray that He would strengthen her and that she would trust Him with the path He has led her down. I am so thankful, especially in this situation, that she knows Him.


Thank you so much for remembering us in your prayers. We are thankful for anything you offer up on our behalf during this time.

I'll keep you posted!

Favorites

Ok, so this favorite isn't quite as exciting as the last one but if you're like me you might get excited about this kind of stuff too. Have you used this yet?





When Justin and I were first married he worked as a glazier. I know, I'd never heard the term before either - until he became one. Basically, he installed windows. But I like that it has a fancy name instead of just "window installer." Probably the number one best thing he took away from his time as a glazier was learning about this awesome product. Seriously. It is the best glass cleaner ever. Ever, ever. And I really like the way it smells for some reason - maybe it takes me back to those early days of being married. heh heh.

We buy ours at Costco in a three-pack and the can looks a little bit different. If you do that you won't have to buy it for a long, long time. Do you have a husband like mine? That man can not drive one single foot if his car windows are dirty. Funny guy. So we keep one in the car. We also keep one in the cleaning closet and one in the bathroom for mirrors. Well, at least I try to. Somehow the bathroom one always ends up in a car too.

As I was searching for an illegal photo to use for this post I also discovered that Sprayway has a web site and a ton of other cleaning products. They might be worth a try. I'm hoping that since I'm promoting their product, Sprayway will not care one single bit that I kyped their picture. Maybe I'll start a Sprayway revolution.

Sometimes I wish I could get more excited about using less chemicals to clean with. I try to be careful about what we eat - but those chemicals? They just clean so darn well. Bring me back my phosphates!!


Correction: Justin just read this and informed me that it comes in four packs - not three packs - which then begs the question: Why cannot I not keep one of those FOUR cans in the bathroom cabinet?! They're like scissors, I'm going to have to hide a can somewhere for myself.

Favorites

For a while now, I've been thinking of doing some posts about some of my favorite products around the house. The stuff I've tried and loved and bought over and over again. Specifically, I have wanted to tell you about a particular product that I really, really love. Although, saying "really, really love" doesn't seem quite appropriate for this product.

I've wondered what you might think of me if I posted about this. If you're conservative and lady-like you just might think to yourself, "Well I never! This gal needs some class! Posting about such personal issues on the world wide web!" If you don't already know that I'm a loon, well... you really don't know me that well. If you don't know that when I was in college Jodi and I used to drive around town screaming the F-bomb at the top of our lungs you just might be shocked by this. But if you're smart, which I know you all are, you'll listen up! With that, I apologize for taking so long to tell you about it. I wanted to post it long ago. I have done you, my sisters, a disservice. So here goes....

Have you used these!?!?
(Click here for more information)

If you haven't, you are missing out! You've been robbed! Now, maybe I have waited so long to tell you about these that you have all discovered them for yourselves and are all happy little Pearl users. But if I can convert even one of you, it will all have been worth it.

I have thought long and hard about this. And here are my conclusions. When it comes to such matters as these - all frugality, "green-ness", social consciousness etc. goes out the window. Just go right ahead and pile your garbage bins high with plastic if it means you get to use these babies. In short, and without getting too graphic: they go in great, do their job great and come out great. But, I am told, only when you want them to come out. (Having not birthed children, I don't have some of the problems some of you have shared with me. *ahem* Not naming names, just sayin')

So go out and buy them for yourselves, buy them for your friends, buy them for your daughters! I bought some for my mom as a gift. She loved 'em. So GO! Go now!


*Confession: I know that story about Jodi and me doesn't really fit. I've just been looking for a way to tell you all about it. Sorry Jodi. You can go ahead and post pictures of me with short hair and overalls now.....

True Dat

That was the first thing that came to mind when I started this post. I'm a freak. I know.

Anyway, LOVED this post from P-dub this morning. True dat. It gave me a much needed chuckle. I know we haven't even received child #3 yet, but I'm already praying for child #4. Poor Steelio needs a brother. That boy is so physical - he gets in trouble at Jazzercise for wrestling; he even tries to wrestle the chickens.

Yesterday, after nearly 10 minutes of our church service had passed, my little brother and two of his cohorts came slinking into the pew in front of me - faces flushed, hair tousled, wiping their noses. Gabe turned around to my mom and gave her a sheepish grin. My mom turned to me with a similar twinkle and grin. Our pastor's daughter, sitting behind me, leaned forward and whispered, "They were fighting in 'the Great Pine Cone War." I giggled, smiled and nodded my head.

Now, I don't know about you - but getting pelted time and again with pine cones is pretty low on my fun list. But to those boys? It rocked. What is this I see-eth? A pine cone? Lying prostrate on the ground? Surely the Lord God hath put it there for me to pick up and huck as hard as I can at my Christian brother. And it doesn't change when they grow up. Paint-balling anyone?

As a mama of a boy, I need to keep these things in mind the next time I feel the urge to tell Steele to quit throwing pine cones.

I'm A Rock Star

An old-ish one.

Hey - sorry I haven't been around much. My laptop got a virus from P-dub's site. It totally wasn't her fault but it still sucked. So after much downloading, installing, uninstalling, scanning, repairing.... I ended up wiping my entire computer and reinstalling the operating system. After I did that and everything was working again (well, just about everything... still having a hard time with the wireless) I looked at Justin and said, "I'm a rock star. I am such a rock star." He laughs when I say stuff like that.

Aside from dealing with the computer I've been researching anti-aging skin care and grey hair solutions and trying to figure out how the heck I've gained these 4.5 lbs. If only I were joking - I've been a little down in the dumps about getting older. I even made a new deal with myself: No looking in the mirror until at least half an hour after I wake up. Things look WAY better after half an hour has gone by.

Hmmm... what else. Baby news? A was 35 weeks on Tuesday. I really have no idea at all when this baby is going to come. Her due date was supposedly June 2 but if you count from Tuesday, June 2 is not 40 weeks. Another doc told her around May 20 which seems a little more realistic considering her other two children were early. Little Xochi is looking healthy though which is all that matters - currently weighing in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. I'm hoping, for A's sake, that she doesn't gain a pound a week for the next 5 weeks. Ack! That would be scary.

Tomorrow is our last day of skiing for the season. And actually, I should clarify that a bit - tomorrow is Justin, Steele and Adia's last day of skiing. I don't ski - you all know that right? I sit in the lodge while Justin trades off with the kids. I don't know how to downhill ski. I can cross country ski a bit and honestly, as long as the babes keep arriving, I don't see myself leaving the lodge any time soon. And besides, I like it there. It's warm and dry and cozy and I get to read and knit and eat. (Can anyone give me an amen on the 4.5 lbs!?)

We went skiing with my parents and brother and sister last Sunday. I have so many fun pictures and movies to share with you I don't know where to begin. I'll dedicate a separte post to that day though.

Until next time, I'll leave you with a little ski day teaser and a picture from the insane egg hunt we attended while visiting Justin's parents. You're seeing correctly, that is a Christmas wine bag Adia has to collect her eggs in.

Gear

In general, I am not a baby gadget or gear person. At times, though, I have found a few things that work well and make life easier. And sometimes, I realize that I need some gear that I don't have.

A few days ago as I was putting Steele in his car seat I noticed how much the seat base was pushing on our upholstery. I wondered to myself if I should put something underneath it to protect the seat from ripping. And sure enough, today - as I was putting him in, I found that it had indeed ripped. Ugh. I've been on-line today looking for seat protectors and there are bazillions out there - spanning a huge range of prices. I didn't know where to begin. So where do I go when I need some advice? To my bloggy peeps!

Any ideas? Experiences? Reviews? Good or bad. I'm not as concerned with protecting the seat from spills etc. as I am about it not pulling on the upholstery - although stain prevention will be a bonus.

As I was searching I found this. Heh heh. I love the name of it. Adia's been potty trained for several months now but she still has accidents every once in a while. And generally, it seems to happen in the car when we can't stop fast enough or if she falls asleep. Taking this out and washing it seems much easier than taking the whole car seat out and apart. I might just have to get one. I wonder if they make them for granny's too?

Moo Moo on Skis

Justin was quote, "totally bummed" that he somehow didn't get the "good run" on film. He thought he did but the camera must have turned off.

Adia cracks us up. She looks totally serious but, in reality, has enjoyed her first season of skiing way more than Steele did his. Steele tends to be a little hesitant when trying new things. Adia, on the other hand, told Justin she wanted to "go fast" on one of her first rides up the chair lift.

We're heading toward the last few days of skiing - looking forward to Sunday when we'll go up with my parents and my brother and sister. It's supposed to be sunny! And that's good news for Steele since he "doesn't have to wear his balaclava" on warm days.

As you can see from the man getting off the lift behind them, Justin and Adia get tons of smiles and cheers as they head down the slopes.

Thanks for another good year Baker!

Here's Where It Gets Hard

I haven't mentioned much about the transition of my business to the new owner because, well, up until this point it hasn't seemed much different. It's been everything I love about Jazzercise without the headaches. Starting in May, though, the new owner will be making a lot of changes. We got the first glimpse of them tonight in an e-mail. As the new owner put it, it was just the "tip of the iceberg."

I'd be lying if I didn't say it's a little hard. Hard not to take the changes personally as things that were somehow "wrong" with the business and wrong with how I was running it.

But I'm trying to keep everything in perspective:

1. I know, beyond any doubt, that selling the business was the right thing to do.

2. I want the business to succeed. I really do. In order to do this, there were some necessary changes that needed to be made. Changes that needed fresh eyes and new motivation.

3. It is a miracle that my business sold - in this economy, by a woman whose husband is in construction. I am confident that the Lord made the right choice in a new business owner.

4. In just a few short weeks my calling and purpose will be renewed once again as I snuggle that sweet baby Xoxie, Xochi, Xochitl in my arms. I'm hoping all the hard stuff will dim a little as the dearness of new life, redemption and God's amazing plans shine in our family and home.

Who Are the People In My Neighborhood?

Next Door Edition

Last summer, on the weekend of Steele's birthday, we were surprised by a sweet blessing in the form of new next door neighbors. Since that day, we have spent nearly one evening per week together for dinner, Lara has graciously watched our animals and given skin care advice (for me, not the animals), Aaron patiently loves and plays with our children longer than I ever thought a twenty-somthing, childless guy ever could. Justin, on the look-out for a summer side job, responded to an ad for yard maintenance help on Craigslist. Surprise! It was Aaron next door! Hiring for his yard maintenance business. I've already put in my request for a company Christmas party. Lara likes to yak on about stuff almost as much as I do, so we sit around and talk or go for walks. She lets me think outloud with her about everything from baby names to curtain colors. We see them almost every day and they have become like family to us. Dear friends - these are the sweeter things in life for which we are so thankful.

Business Sale Celebration Dinner
(Justin was at work)
We went over to the studio afterward and had a dance party on the stage.

It's been beautiful here the last few days.
We all headed out to Birch Bay for a beach fire on Sunday night.

I just thought this picture was cool.
I have no idea how I did it, but I like how the rocks are in focus
and Lara, Aaron and Adia aren't.

B.Y.O.D. and B.Y.O.U. on the back patio Monday night.
(Bring your own dinner and bring your own underwear)

We're off to visit Justin's parents for a few days. Hope you all have a beautiful Resurrection Sunday!

Volume

Tonight on the way home from the park Adia was recounting to Steele how she fell off the playground ladder....

Adia (2): I few off da wadda Teele.

Steele (3): ......

Adia: I few off da wadda Teele.

Steele: ......

Adia: I took some medicine Teele.

Steele: .....

Mama: Steele, Adia's talking to you.

Steele: I know.

Mama: Normally, when someone's talking to you it's nice to let them know you hear them by answering them.

Steele: Well, I'm having a hard time talking right now because my voice is turned down.

Mama: *hysterical laughter*

Steele: Here, let me turn it up. HEWO ADIA!!!!

Steele in the lodge

Little Steeley Lou Who with our neighbor, Lara.

The final snow.

Bravo!

We watched this movie last night




It truly is one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen. It struck a chord with me on many different levels.


I'd highly recommend that you rent it.


I'd also highly recommend that you rent it from one of these:

Redbox

DVDXpress

In our opinion as of late - one of the best inventions ever!

Irresponsibility

It's grey and rainy here today. I don't know if it's due to my new-found freedom, hormones or the weather - but I have not felt like doing much these last few days. There is laundry that needs to be done, toys that could be picked up, business receipts that should be organized and a myriad of other things to do but I've decided to put them all on hold.

My husband is wonderfully supportive of me in this. After loading up a van-full of things from Jazzercise he said to me, "Let's just sit around and watch movies today." So that's what we did. But only after I made these. And after we did that he said, "After dinner, let's just sit and watch another movie." So that's what we're going to do. Cozy.

I just finished making dinner but I don't feel much like eating so I'm going to go take a little snooze before the next showing.

One day in, irresponsibility is suiting me just fine.

Obviously, before I quit drinking 2 giant mugs of coffee in the morning.

Just for fun, did you see this?