boys in da hood

 

boys

I am surrounded.

Matchbox cars, army guys, swords, guns, rocks, balls, lightsabers, legos, baseball bats, sticks, superheroes, bugs.

It's not that bad, actually.

Three things:

1. Johnny eating more in hopes that he can be tall enough for the Lagoon rides

2. Ashton not enjoying the makeup Maggie put all over him yesterday

3. Rhett smiling and reacting to peek-a-boo

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up in the hair

From the Archives of I Don't Know How My Mother Still Loves Me:

For whatever reason, when my hair gets longer, more of it seems to come out in the shower.  For me short hair equals no hair falling out.  I know this isn't entirely true, of course my hair falls out.  But I never see it.  Yet, the longer my hair gets, the more of it I pull out when washing.


I am sure someone out there can explain the why to this.  My brain hurts, so I'm not even going to try.


Most of my adolescence I had long hair.  And in the shower it would come out in my hands during washing.  And I would put said hair on the shower wall so that it would not clog the drain.


And sometimes, because I was so funny, I would write messages to my brothers with my leftover hair on the wall.


Most of the time I wrote, "hi".  Sometimes there would be enough hair for a "hey" or a "sup".  And because I was in charge of cleaning the bathroom most weeks, I would leave enough hair on the wall so that the next time I could add to it and spell out their names.  "hi Nick"!


I thought of this very thing the other day as my hair is getting longer and I am trying to save the drain from clogging.  It made me think of how my brothers NEVER commented on my messages to them and how my mother NEVER complained.  


I have to admit now that it was pretty disgusting.  My hair and I, crying for attention on the shower walls.  Or perhaps it was us crying for a creative outlet.  Either way, kinda gross.


You're welcome.


List of Gratitude for Three things:


1. VitaMix blender
2. plumbing
3. goodnight kisses


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hurry up and fast

my Maggie many years ago

 

Today was Maggie's first time fasting since she was baptized last month.  Last night we sat by her bed, talking about the reasons we fast and why it is important for her to begin.  I explained that we fast at least once a month to show God that we are willing to sacrifice.  And also, to show ourselves that the spirit is in control over the body.


This morning brought her first rumblings.   

I'm so hungry.  My small intestines are wiggling in pain.  (for real, she said that)


Mother Anna chimed in and explained how this was so great for her to learn self mastery.  

"Spirit over Body," I proclaimed.


And, as is any true teaching moment, I learned.  I've been wallowing a bit in all of the things I might no longer be able to do.  I might never be able to run a marathon, as I had hoped.  I might not ever eat red meat again (not too sad for me, truthfully.  but the thought of NEVER having a hamburger EVER AGAIN is daunting).  I might not ever be the poster woman of a prime physical specimen (HA!).


Waa, waa.  So sad for me.


Then again, here I am telling Maggie that her spirit is stronger than her body.  Maybe mine is, too.


Plato said, “The first and the best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.”

I'm not foolish enough to think my spirit can force out all of the ills and symptoms of my body.  But, I am in charge of this body, and I can make it work better and more fully.  I can conquer.




Sunday Three Things:
1. fitting into my fancy shoes again
2. babies cooing
3. lunch with old friends

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link love

Today is a busy one for me, so I leave you with awesome places to visit sur l'internet.

The above are from HERE seen via HERE for all of you who, you know, would rather not.

Rockstar headband giveaway is so awesome that I want to win, so please don't enter! 

Make your own folding screen.  I could use one at the head of my bed to block out the window.

Now I want to run over to the thrift store after reading this thrift shop 101 tutorial.

A darling top that would look cute on just about everyone.

I want a rainbow party with a cake like this one!

Do you watch the Bachelor, too?  (don't lie) This weekly roundup is hilarious and true.

I lived in a kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee with this girl (rough life I've had, I know).  I love what she writes about her son growing up.



If you live in AZ, sign up for this run which will be on Feb. 20th.


Written for a wedding blog, but this lighted paper pennant garland could be cool for almost any party. (maybe too much for the Super Bowl?  or not)


Bon weekend, mes amis!




Three things
1. a market within walking distance
2. a stroller to keep Ash in when he tires
3. walking with boys



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captain obvious

In my "not eligible for Mother of the Year" category, may I introduce to you our family superhero: Captain Obvious!

A typical moment with Captain Obvious (C.O.)

The scene: A loving mother (L.M.), leaves her baby for a moment to make him a bottle. A three-year-old boy (C.O.) sits on the couch playing some Lego game-or-other on the Wii. The baby cries loudly.

C.O. : Mom, the baby is crying.

L.M.: Thanks, Captain Obvious.

Three things:
1. 7 hours of sleep--in a row!
2. high fives
3. artisan french bread

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oh babies

Saw this via here and was told by each child to watch it again and again... laughter ensued:



genius idea. can't wait to see it


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clever lady #3 and winner announced

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

Anais Nin

I'm not a huge fan of Anais Nin, but I have long thought her to have wise impressions.

What is remarkable to me is how amidst the fear and uncertainty I have felt these last couple of months, I have gained consciousness and gratitude. In the beginning of this "journey", I was told--as all doctors must do--all of the possible outcomes from my symptoms. I am not upset by this. Probably because I prescribe to the belief that it is best to "prepare for the worst" and most likely be pleasantly surprised... and at worst, prepared.

I'm not going to lie, some of the possible illnesses scare(d) the BLEEP out of me. Some of them I am coming to terms with and some are no longer possibilities, I am happy to share. For a while, I wasn't entirely sure how long I had to live. In hindsight it seems rather dramatic, but at the time it was huge and real. I prayed to my Heavenly Father to give me more time with my husband and children. I pleaded to let me see them live a little longer, that they--and especially Rhett--needed to know their mother. And I needed to know them.

I suddenly realized that I didn't know if I would be able to travel the world with Alan after all of the kids have flown the coop, as we have planned and dreamed. And, honestly, I now realize that I will only know it when it happens. I have Alan today. That is my gift. I have today.

Today, I have my kids and they have me. Today, I have Alan and he has the best of me that I can offer to him. I have my family and friends today. Tomorrow? God only knows and I can only hope. Today is my gift.

Has my gift changed?

I've been given over 11,000 todays. I'm not so sure I treated them all as I should have. I haven't written appropriate and thoughtful "thank you" notes for each one of those gifts like my mother taught me. Sometimes I threw them away, stomped on them, and even spat at their offering. I've treated lesser gifts with more respect.

The gifts haven't changed. Every day is an offering.

I have been given today and I hope that I appreciate it.


THREE THINGS:
1. a cozy blanket
2. a new song that makes me smile: "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train
3. TWO CD winners: Sarah S. and Crissa Pollmann Robertson (email me your addresses and I'll send them... TODAY!) arzabud@msn.com

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i HEART you more

Did you enter the CD giveaway? If you are one of the "older" readers whom I adore and you think that you won't like my music, be not afraid. I can cater to your musical preferences and I guarantee you will fall completely in love with your CD mix. Trust.

(Not to brag or anything, but I've got over 10,000 songs in my iTunes library and all genres are represented.
a lucky girl am I)

And HAPPY GROUNDHOG'S DAY!

Did you celebrate yet? Six more glorious weeks of winter!!

I also have a revision to my Valentine heart. Some have had trouble finding pom poms pre-strung. I admit, when I purchased the pom-poms last year, I wasn't anticipating them being strung together. I had planned on using them for a separate craft, but decided to keep them together and use them as a garland.

I went searching at a couple of different craft stores and didn't find the pom poms. But I did find THIS:

it's like a giant pipe cleaner! It's called a Noodle Roonie and I found it at Robert's Arts and Crafts for about $3 each. (tell them at the register to use the 50% off coupon and it'll be... wait for it... $1.50!)


I made two more hearts and I am imagining where I'd like to put additional ones. They were so fast and easy. I timed the process from the beginning at plain old hanger until completely formed and decorated and it took 1 1/2 songs (so, about 5 minutes). Isn't that awesome?

Wouldn't they look cute on the backs of all of your chairs?

My list of gratitude for THREE THINGS:
1. infant swing (this might be added on the list often)
2. sunny days in February
3. Monday night date night (thanks, Mom)

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horchata weekend and a GIVEAWAY

It has been a short while since I've shared good, new music with all y'all. The wait is over, because I have a RAD one:

Horchata from Vampire Weekend

When a song rhymes a Mexican cinnamon rice drink with a freaky ski mask, well, we call that genius around these parts (horchata and balaclava, respectively).

The video below is a live version, and while entertaining, it doesn't serve up the same perky beats as the recorded version, which makes me want to grab the first flight out of here to someplace tropical... in a good way, not in the Lifetime-movie-where-I-just-murdered-my-abusive-husband-and-I-gotta-escape-with-my-kids-and-ailing-mother-to-Mexico way.

Enjoy:



And for the giveaway? What else but an incredible mix CD made by yours truly? All about LOVE and ADORATION this time around, because it is the season of the Valentine, after all. (I guarantee you will love it all your 'round, not just during Valentine's.)

Leave one comment before Tuesday night. Bon chance!

THREE THINGS:
1. new snow
2. Indian food (namely, the Bombay House)
3. finding jeans that fit


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good things, home edition

I am fully aware that two days ago I wrote a post about my new-found reality sans consuming and wanting more. And yet yesterday's post was about my new couch and my new rug. And today is all about two things I would LOVE in a future home.

I didn't forget Mother Teresa and my new sentiments. But, a girl still has desires and style, right?


First, isn't this bed incredible? Found HERE and in my dreams. I think my Maggie needs this bed so that en lieu of making it every morning, she could shut the doors and call her room CLEAN. I do think changing the sheets could be tricky, though.


I can't seem to remember where I found this image, but I am completely enamored with it. I have always wanted to have a slide in my home ever since I was a little girl. This one is so streamlined and modern. Coolest house slide ever!

MY THREE THINGS:
1. play dates
2. an open, empty weekend to fill with whatever
3. hot, fresh-baked bread


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ch-ch-ch-changes

The other day, I told you I was grateful for a strong man. Boy, was/am I.

You see, I suffer from occasional bouts of Bee in my Bonnet. I get an idea and I can think of little else. I become completely absorbed. Most of the time, I gets the job done before Alan even hears about it. I decide, contemplate, then deliver. Sometimes within an 8-hour period.

I was about 6 months pregnant when I bought our new couch. After the kind men delivered it to our home and merely placed it inside my front door, I started to itch. I paced back and forth around the living room, circling each piece of my new sectional. Alan told me specifically to wait until he got home to move anything. I let about an hour pass before I knew I had to take matters into my own hands.

Armed with a beach towel, I pushed each and every brown piece down the stairs, suffering only a loss of a big toenail and a close call (where I almost tripped/fell down the stairs while maneuvering the biggest piece). The couch fit perfectly in the basement. It was like a dream come true.

And then we had a pipe burst directly above our new couch. Boo!

After that and some sick days of banishment downstairs, we realized that our big purchase was relegated to the basement... where the kids play! What kind of not-genius idea was that?

So, my wheels started a-turning. And the bee was heard softly buzzing around in my bonnet. Until one day I asked Alan to move the couch upstairs. Then the buzzing got louder and louder. I almost couldn't contain myself much longer.


Without my nightly plea for help moving the sectional upstairs this recent Monday evening, he did it. Alan moved the couch up piece by piece all by himself. And I sat on the couch, feeding Rhett, watching a little telé. As soon as all of the pieces made their way upstairs, I began to arrange, and rearrange, and rearrange some more. That blasted bee buzzed all night until I found something that I could live with...

... until my rug showed up last night.
My daily gratitude list of three things:
1. wii remote chargers
2. having my Mom at the LONG doctor appointment
3. nap time


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clever lady #2

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

--Mother Teresa

For over a month, I felt like I was propelled--face first--into the reality of humanity. I am mortal, I could lose anything and everything in a minute. I didn't realize that my previous frame of mind was on obtaining--more children, more money, better home, nicer cars, cooler furniture, better body... more, more, more.

And then suddenly I wasn't sure if my face/arms/body would ever be the same again. I couldn't do the mundane things in life as I used to; I couldn't even sing in church because it made my vertigo kick in like mad. Did I appreciate how easy singing was for me before? Probably not.

Now my face is practically normal (I still have exhaustion on one side) and my arms are also normal. As far as I am concerned, I feel like myself. Which is all a heavenly blessing, in my estimation.

I feel the need to write down all of my introspection regarding life, service, mortality, perspective before I find myself too far removed. It is easy to fall back into the life of consumption, obtaining, and selfishness. Last month I couldn't tuck my kids into bed without crying and hugging them one minute longer. I already feel myself rushing through the rituals again.

I got a swift kick in the behind from a loving God who has given me incredible amounts of good fortune that I can no longer squander. "Hey, Anna," I hear, "get moving. Do something more. Be the daughter I know you can be. Do you realize what I have given to you? Do you know how lucky you are? Do something. Serve. Love. Grow!"

Three Things:
1. church activities
2. income
3. roses

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yes, Valentine's

I've had my Costco pine bough wreath up for the last couple of months and was definitely ready to replace it. Owing to the upcoming "holiday", I wanted to do something festive.

What to do, what to do?

and then it came to me: wire hanger


so with a little tweaking, I made it into a heart.



twisted on some felt pom poms (craft store, pre-strung in bag).
et voila! I like it.

No, I LOVE it!

Check out my updated hearts with huge pipe cleaners HERE!




Three things for which I am grateful:
1. the Bachelor (I know this comes up all too often, but DANG)
2. a strong man (yes, Alan)
3. 1st cousins, once removed

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3 second rule

Seen this? Via here.

I'd also add that if it is for your 3-year-old... EAT IT!


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so hard to be tiny

Oh, don't you just feel so sorry for him? Life can be so hard for a 7 weeker who is constantly held, snuggled, fed, adored, and loved.

I admit that I do love the crying pictures as much as the smiling ones. They definitely are more true-to-life!

Three things:
1. grapefruit
2. slipper socks
3. a fire in the fireplace on snowy days


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