The Days Journey

Flirty, Frisky, Faithful February

2011-03-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

How's that for a title? It's the love month. I wanted to write a post on a weekly basis about our family adventures...but as the weeks went on I decided it was more realistic to update monthly...then as the months went on I thought "OK. really? I will NOT be a quarterly poster." So, while I'm a month behind, I am sticking to this format...just a little late! And my March post will be easy, as it's fresh in my mind ;) I have forgotten most of February but there are a few things I'd like to mention:

Dillon turned 7 months old. On that day he sat up on his own and began crawling. Yep, in one day. He had been mobile for weeks prior - which made it difficult to answer that popular question "is he crawling yet?". He is a very determined little boy; if he wanted to get somewhere, he was going to get there - rolling, inching, scooching, whatever it took! And many of you are aware of my 'crawling prevention intervention' - I was kindly encouraged to "let him grow". I did, and he took off.

Drew experienced his 3rd real snow of the year. Between the snow and various ice days, it became clear that he is my child. Snow is real fun the first and second time..any more thereafter is just a nuisance. We like the warm sun :)

I'll let the video tell the rest...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Our life today:

2011-02-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today, specifically, we are lazy. We have nothing going on because, like the rest of the country, it's too stinkin cold. Wednesday's are one of our busier days but our activities have been canceled (except for GNO!) so we'll just use today as a day of rest :)

Generally speaking, our lives today are filled with so much excitement! At home, as Queen of the Household, I have been trying to clear our "marginal space" to allow for more downtime - time to go freely about as a family, flex time. This actually increases the excitement around this place. It's pretty cool to step back and look at what I have going inside this little haven we call home.

Robbie is in his 5th year at Ozarka, and loving it every bit of it. Duck season just came to an end, but there's determination to extend the overall hunt season - I see this through all the conversation on Sandhill Crane. Last week Rob started back at the school routine. This was something I was dreading, but it's actually working out quite nicely! He is making some additional sacrifices in order to be here more - and for that, I am SO thankful :) And so is Drew. Robbie is also discovering that he's been mislead on the all the "great" things about "cold weather." His desire to live in the Northeast - "where it's so cold all the time!"- is slowly fading as we get a glimpse of what it's really like up there. We have the mild portion of the blizzard, yet its TOO COLD for us!

Danielle is keeping busy with all sorts of things. I really dislike talking in third person so I'll switch gears. I have been SO incredibly blessed to have the best of both worlds taking place in my life. I am a stay at home mommy all the while having an out-of-the-house job :) I've opened my own enterprise here on Chilton street. There are goals, there is a mission statement (or 5), we are a brand, I could create a logo (hmm, maybe I'll will), it is work, and it's full of rewards...I call it Crain & Co. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best job there is. I am really enjoying my time staying connected in the "Mom World". Currently, it is with Mop's, a Bible Study, and playdates. I hope to get back to the sewing class this semester, we'll just have to see. There's another little world I play in, usually during nap time or once the boys are asleep: I have re-entered the legal scene! I have been doing contract legal work for an attorney here (who, he and his family, have become very special and important to Crain & Co.!). I have always been "weird" in the sense that I like work. I like all the pens, binderclips, colored tabbies, pink post-its, etc, but it goes beyond that, so I am feeling VERY happy about this setup.

Dillon is almost 7 months old. Although just months old, he has accomplished a lot in his young-buck age. He has been working right along side me in the office for a few months now. I am sure, if he could speak, he'd be able to tell you the difference between pleadings and discovery. He is beginning to crawl, although can't quite sit on his own. In this month, he has tried a lot of new foods: squash, zucchini, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, prunes and peas. He loves all of them except peas. When he eats peas, his faces squishes up tight and in a matter of seconds they are pushed out of his mouth. He loves to play, and everything he get's his hands on goes strait to his mouth. His absolute favorite thing in the world, and it couldn't be more obvious, is his brother.

Drew is a busy one himself. He is in a part-time preschool at our church, which is home away from home for the whole family. The program and it's people are something special to us. At "school" he plays with his friends, enjoys music class, chapel and LOVES the days he goes to Kids in Motion. In the next two weeks he and his friends will go on their first field trip (I'm sure the bus ride will be the best part of all), they will have "Special Friends Day" (where a special friend comes to play with them at school), they'll have a costume day (where he'll dress up as what he wants to be when he grows up), and a Valentine's party. Outside of school, Drew goes to KidsPraise (or choir) once a week. At the end of the semester they will have a show. If I can figure it out, I'll post the video from last semester. Every week, Drew looks forward to his Sunday School class...especially now that he's joined a new one - one that some of his school friends are in. At home, he loves to "play trains", read, make up stories, boss his stuffed animals around, work outside with daddy, cook in the kitchen with mommy and hold baby brother.

I am grateful to the Lord and all he has given me and my 3 boys. I am proud to wake up to the responsibilities I have and I am grateful for all we've accomplished when I go to sleep.

Oh my!

2011-01-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to post on this blog since I moved back to Tyler. I, actually, will post the entry that was started two months after we moved back... but never hit "publish" on. This blog was started almost almost 4 years ago! It was created to journal the Crain family and our adventures (since we had started so many in such a short amount of time); it was a view inside the action (!) that goes on - to keep family and those dear friends we left back in Austin up to date.
Once we returned back to Austin, life was so busy that it prevented any sort of blogging. And, of course, our move back to Tyler kept us so busy with new things that I never made the time to post here...I was posting somewhere else :) http://amothersfindings.blogspot.com/. I wish I had made the time. We've definitely been on a journey, one with more blessings than I can count. I read some of my previous postings on this blog and it has brought back some really happy memories - I want to be able to look back in another few years and feel the same way. So here we go!

I think it is so funny and so cool to see some of the names mentioned in the posts from "long ago." I have remained friends with some, others I get to see from time to time, some I know very well now but didn't realize we had crossed certain paths previously (I'm sure they will get a kick out of this one)...and there is one in particular that I wish so badly would move back!

It will take several posts to get our readers up to date, but it will happen :)

Welcome to The Days Journey!

If you choose to read prior posts, I beg you to keep this in mind:

This blog was started 3+ years ago.

We've grown - a lot :)

I'm, now, quite embarrassed at how open I was!

Though it may not appear this way, http://amothersfindings.blogspot.com/ is still active.

It is my creative outlet, which will be more abundant in weeks to come.

"She's back!.....and ready to attack!"

2011-01-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you don't know where this quote comes from! Though I'm pretty confident most of you do;)

So I'm back. I'm back to Tyler, I'm back in my own home, I'm back to the stay-at-home-mommy world, I'm back to blogging, I'm back to my lesser chaotic life.

My favorite story I tell of this move describes a 2 year old and his conception of "moving":
During the weeks of packing up our house in Austin, we tried to prepare Drew by explaining what moving meant. We knew the hardest preparation was the distance between him and his Nannie, Grammy and Uncle Will. With that in mind we hyped up the idea of moving to the Tyler house. With the "Tyler house" came a new big room, new park, new pool, new friends and he'd be able to spend the day with mom!
Apparently he didn't grasp the full concept of moving back to the Tyler house. When we arrived, Drew was extremely disappointed when "Tyler" was not in the house. For days the poor guy asked for Tyler. All this explaining and this is what he takes of it - "we're moving to Tyler's house".
We've been here almost 7 weeks now and he still refers to our home as "Tyler's house".

"Mommy, I like Tyler's house."
"Mommy, I want to go back to Tyler's house."
"Mommy, I sleep at Tyler's house?"

I still have moments where I feel it cant be true. We made it through that journey ;) Here's to a new one!

Caught Up

2008-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

I skipped yoga again this morning. I skipped all studying today. I skipped the intern hunt today. I skipped an interview today. But I caught up on all things I've skipped out of since the new semester began.

I woke up this morning and decided I needed to break the mundane routine I've had for 5 weeks now. I needed me some family time. I took Drew up to Nannie's office so he could get some good flirt time in. We were introduced to millions of ladies! A few of them have toddlers Drew's age. They seemed very content being at the office and away from their babies. Will I be that way? Or will my constant thinking about my kiddo prevent me from getting the job done?
Nannie took us to Fudruckers for lunch. I was playing kickball for Northwest Little League the last time I ate there (15 years ago?!).

We spent the rest of the afternoon at Grammy's and what a special afternoon it turned out to be. She inspires me in so many ways. I take so much with me when I leave her. And not just homemade cinnamon rolls (they are truly the most delicious thing ever - and made with walnut extract). She's been a great supporter of this "going back to school" deal. She's a talented seamstress who insists on making everything on her own, but still knows the importance of having a few pairs of Italian leather wedge heel Ferragamos sitting in the closet. Too bad they're size 5! She understands every aspect of my studies and it blows my mind. But she's fully aware of the grueling work that goes behind the scenes and has let me know this side of her thoughts. For the first time, I left her house more confused on my feelings than ever! However, I figured out where my "read a magazine from the last page forward" gene came from.

~Energy and persistence conquer all things~
Benjamin Franklin

The madness in my house only escalates....

2008-09-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

2008-08-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

The condo is officially done. I hope my hard work pays well. Its just funny this whole condo thing. Immediately flash backs come about of all the years I've known this place. It was 8 or 9 yrs ago when I was first introduced to this place, and Robbie as well. But the most significant memories happened between 2004 and 2006. The first renovation happened when we were parting ways from our 4 other roommates off Duval. One night two of our dear friends decided to give us their input: our stairs would look "really cool" if the handrail was removed. Shortly after, the handrail was absent. Then it was decided that carpeted stairs were ugly, so that had to go as well. I'd give anything to have pictures of this night - it takes too many words to tell the whole story. 4 years later here I am prepping and staining the latest addition to the condo - a custom made hand rail. I laugh the entire time I do this.
Today we wrapped it up, photo's and all. We even showed it to 3 inquirers.
Reminded that our condo days are over (or not?) we drove around campus and reminded each other of stories associated with almost every block in the neighborhood. We even make a trip over to Washington street, the most beautiful and widest street in Austin. There you will also find Rob's favorite house - the Alamo house. Oh and the new zen center! Unfortunately, I'm not so pleased driving around the area. All the new construction is cool - admit - but it's quite sad when you see so many Austin/campus traditions being taken under.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Responsibilty Hits

2008-08-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Responsibility - The ability to respond.

I have a new outlook on responsibility as mine is growing at a rapid rate. I have a lot of it on my plate and while it keeps my life in check, sometimes I want to escape. One would suggest that this little break from school would allow me some time off from these duties but somehow stress has only increased. Thanks to the condo, my break wasn't such a break after all.

As my baby makes his transformation into toddler-hood, I give up some of those previous responsibilities of feeding, soothing, preventing crash-and-burn falls, lugging a 40 lb car seat around, etc. More than that, daily tasks go much smoother. Baths in particular - as long as I've got a watchful eye, I can open a book and read while he tires himself all the while cleaning himself. Brushing teeth isn't even a 15 minute struggle anymore. I lucked out....the kid loves to scrub those teethers, and does it quite well on his own.

But with those responsibilities out the window, more difficult ones arise. This is where the title of the blog comes into play. Drew is learning from every step he takes. I'm learning as well....I'm learning that I need to pick my battles already. I'm learning what ability, if any, I have to respond to his not-so-intelligent moves! This 23 pound 15 month old is testing my limits beyond belief. I feel like the words "no" and "stop" just rest on the tip of my tongue. It's hard to determine when to use them, as he gets his satisfaction off my reactions. If I have the ability to determine a perilous situation, versus non-threatening, and keep a consistently firm tone he's more likely to respond suitably... but much easier said than done when the boy is attached to your leg squealing one minute, teetering on the stone hearth another minute, and immediately over pushing electronic buttons the next.

My conscious effort for my personal well being this week will focus on my responsibility of being able to respond - to everyone and everything ;)

What are you thankful for?

2007-11-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just a few days away! People are showing their gratitude everywhere you turn. I noticed it last week at church when we showed thanks to all the veterans surrounding us. Each day after that I found thanks for many things in my life. I was not thankful for the tummy bug that floated through the community, which prevented us from partaking in many fun activities. Ok, I just had to throw that in. Today Rob and I were thankful for our health. We conquered the virus. More importantly we have recognized our thanks for the life-long healthy conditions that have allowed us an active, fun-filled, do-as-we-please lifestyle. We took Drew to the Breckenridge Christmas in the Village this afternoon. Breckenridge Village is a community that allows mentally ill adults to live a lifestyle with a sense of independence. Every year they have a Christmas festival where they entertain people with their abilities to play instruments and sing. They walk around the grounds and greet people. They have Santa pony rides, moonwalks, Christmas cakewalks, and even the Chick-Fil-A Cow. Local dance companies came and the little girls sang and danced to "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." We went thinking we were going to bring holiday joy to the residents of Breckenridge; turns out it was the other way around. It wasn't just the joy they brought to us, but the little reminder of how lucky we are to have the capabilities we have. These residents could not have been happier people. They truly feel thankful for what they have. However, it is a true advantage to have all control of your mental stability and unfortunately we forget that at times. So, today we express our thankfulness for the healthy lifestyle that we are able to lead.

Character is you when no one is looking.

2007-10-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Drew and I joined some other kids today in sharing some Halloween spirit. The kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes and passed out candy - sugar free! - to the residents at the nursing home. You could feel the joy pumping throughout the room. These people were living this moment to its fullest. I know that my little man brings so much love to my home, but to see him bringing that love into others homes was incredible.

These kids are full of personality. They have no idea how pleasurable it is to have them as company. Their character is pure.

We came home and I lay him on his play mat and just watched. I watched in amazement. He had no idea I was up above him on the bed. He would scooch to one toy, pick it up and look at it - or bite it. Then he would look over at another toy with a big grin and reach for it. At one point he caught eye of his t.v. where a kids show was playing. He looked up and when the man on t.v. was smiling Drew laughed at him. At 5 months, the kid has one of the greatest personalities I've ever seen. I just love every moment I spend with him. I wish I knew how to instill in him the importance of being yourself, respecting yourself, loving yourself. I hope he never feels he has to change himself for another to accept him.

Character is you when no one is looking.

That's Life

2007-10-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Another marvelous weekend has passed. Last week was a bit crazy with Robbie being gone and there was no slowing down even when the weekend hit.

I began with loading up the car. Actually, I began with washing the car...I'm not really sure what I was thinking. Anyway, I don't remember how many times I hit my head on the car. I stopped counting after three. Before I get out the door I mapquest my directions, as I've never driven to Houston on my own. Not too mention, I was taking a completely new way.

I get to Palestine, TX and realize that I've made my way completely around town. Mapquest has outsmarted me once again. I'm lost. But that's no biggie because I have OnStar right? Wrong. In order to take direction from your car, you must have faith in your car. I guess I can be stubborn once in a long while. I was having a moment and I just wasn't trusting the car. Besides, two of the Tahoe's turns were the complete opposite of the mapquests turns. I give up on the car and the mapquest and take things into my own hands. Again...what was I thinking? As you may suspect, I was totally lost. Giving all of my hopes to the man speaking through my vehicle, I make my way to I45 - finally. Does this mean I can sue mapquest?

Family = instant joy. Everyone is just so happy! Maybe it was because we were there, maybe it was because we were going out for sushi or maybe it was because of the weekend that was to be had. Whatever the reason, it's just so comforting to be around. Drew and I had so much fun spending time with the Cousins and Aunt Kel.

No matter what kind of planning you do, sometimes it's just not enough. Unfortunately it happens more often than not. Sadly this happened to Robbie and I. I like to blame it on a little thing called Houston traffic. So, this little bit of blogging is for those of you who live there! How many times have you been late to something due to I10 being shutdown. What about the being late for class because the Beltway was shut down? I'm sure it happens every day! We got a little taste of what it's like - We missed a wedding. We sat in the middle of the Beltway staring at the "Exit in 1 mile" sign while a dear friend made her way down the aisle. Heartbreaking, I know! Our patience was definitely tested but we managed to keep a smile. We felt lucky to have gotten to the reception on time and the evening was well spent. The Bride was absolutely gorgeous!

Friday was a very special day for Aunt Kel. It was her birthday but I'm pretty sure most had other things on their minds. I say this because of the bigger surprise that awaited her at the end of the day. She spent most of the day on a scavenger hunt that Aaron had so thoughtfully put together. At her last stop is where she found him waiting with a sweet poem (he's awesome at these!) and a GORGEOUS ring! ***I had to add this little story...it's just so sweet***

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

Pace yourself.

2007-10-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I want to title today's blog. I just feel like writing.
I woke up this morning contemplating on staying in bed and skipping MOP's. I'm pretty sure this is the second time this has happened. When I'm walking back to bed I remember the outcome of the last situation - I ended up going and having a really great time. duh. I knew all along that's what would happen. Needless to say I race around getting ready and hit the road.
Yay! Is all I can think when I walk in the door. Two exciting things happen before I even crossed the line from Church hallway to Church room, a.k.a. MOPs galore. I'm told we're making apple pies today and that we are swapping groups! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my girls, they really are the best for so many reasons. However, until this swap there was no opportunity to meet other mommies. Apparently many babies were sick so a lot of moms didn't come = small group swaps. I only had two other mommas at my table. But that's just great because we had the best time of all the groups. We even got to make two pies! Pie making was a silly way to get to know each other but it worked. I'm so pleased I had that one-on-one with these amazing women. So, thank you Becky and Chelsea for sharing your stories with me - it was a fantastic time!
Gym time! Run home, grab clothes, run to gym. Drew goes strait in the arms of his fav lady at Premier, and I go strait to the free weights.
Swoop up Drew from this girls arms and hit the road. He's one hungry monkey. Get home, feed him, shower me, shower him, hit the road again.
Shelly at Starbucks time! *whoop* whoop* I love this girl. I have a blast every time. I mean, if it weren't for our "responsibilities"then we could sit in that place for hours - does 4 hours sound good? ShellyTime is just the best!
We leave Shelly, Drew's sad he wants to squeal at her/flirt with her some more. but we make it to Walmart. Quick run in, Slow run out.
Drew gets his dinner and cuddle time then to bed. This is when I begin my days worth of chores to do before getting out of town. I'm ending it here. This is the strangest blog I've ever done. Scatterbrained. That's what happens when your husband is on a week long biz trip while you are at home packing for the family trip that begins the day before the Husband returns.

MISS YA ROBBIE

**Remember to Ask your Questions....You'd be surprised that most get answered***

There will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.

ECCLESIASTES 3:17

Accomplishments?

2007-10-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

A lot was accomplished this weekend, beginning with my mom's arrival Thursday night. I welcomed her with my oh-so-perfect-talent of cooking by adding 2 cups of veggie oil instead of the required 2 cups of WATER to the Stir Fry. My poor hungry mommy complimented the meal anyway.

We start Friday morning off with a great work-out at the gym... only to stuff ourselves with a plate of RootyTooty Fresh N Fruity pancakes IMMEDIATELY after! Weight Loss:Accomplished-not. We somehow managed to make the rest of the day without a nap. We're in search of a brown cardigan to cover up my spring-time tube top dress- it was one of those dresses I just had to have but had no reason to buy....so I made up that reason - the two Fall weddings coming up. We shopped till we dropped. Literally. Starting south of Tyler working our way up to the north side, we shopped. However, there was total failure in finding that cardigan. Our night was concluded with DrewTime, goo-ing over coach on Friday Night Lights while stuffing our faces, yet again, with Thai food. yum.

Mommy's Day Out: Accomplished

Rob comes home from his hunting trip to find us anxiously awaiting his arrival. It's time to get hay bales and punkins! Drew's first trip to the pumpkin patch was quite successful. We came home with 3 big guys and 4 little ones. He had fun, but I'm thinking that sticking his hands in the goo that comes out of the pumpkin was more enjoyable for him. After carving, we decorated the front yard - Happy Halloween style. Once that was accomplished, we decorated the baby. DrewBugMonkey became the name.

I was feeling like our day revolved around these pumpkins, so I decided it was my duty to bring on some more action with a little help from Soulja Boi. Teaching my mom and hubby how to do the "superman" wasn't as hard as I'd thought it be! Super moves were perfected by all!

Sunday morning was a very special day for Rob and I. It was beautiful, touching, emotional and exciting. We accomplished a lot this weekend but the events that happened this Sunday will top our accomplishments for a lifetime. As we work to build our family and relationship - between ourselves and others- we are developing this passionate life together. And because of this, at the end of the day I feel that needed sense of accomplishment.

**Just Ask...You'll usually get the answer**

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit"

ZECHARIAH 4:6

Playdate

2007-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Please remember mommies - This is all in good fun! I've learned so many great things and have found the best support group within you ladies!

So yesterday was, yet another, humorous reminder that I've entered the world of motherhood.
It was my MOP's first group playdate! I was so pumped. In the days leading up to it I would revise my morning schedule so that NOTHING would go wrong. Rob and I were expecting dinner guests as well that evening. I clean the house the night before, and I made my dish the night before, leaving only the whip cream to add in the morning - that stuff is best fresh. I get up extra early, one reason being that Drew takes 30 minutes to eat breakfast now - thank you solids. Of course I look at the clock and I'm supposed to be on the road in 5.

I'm on my way finally! And I'm having a great convo with a friend back in Austin talking about the silly things we talk about - thats when I realize I've left my wedding rings at home. Just great!
Still feeling guilty about the rings, I arrive at my new mommy friends house - late. The upside = all the other girls are just now arriving as well. One, in fact, did not make until 45 minutes later. Shortly thereafter one of the moms is discussing her potty training issues when low and behold her little tot comes yelling "mommy I pooped my pants".
There are kids everywhere. It's loud. Toys spread all over the place. I LOVE it. It's incredible. It's my first play date!
Shortly after the potty incident, another mommy is changing her kid in one of the bedrooms when she sighs....really loud. Her child has just peed all over the carpet. I can only imagine how she might feel....embarrassed? upset? maybe it doesn't phase her. After all, this is her 2nd child. She probably is used to the fact that accidents are going to happen. Well, all I can say is she kept her cool.
We're all "eating" lunch now. I say this b/c half the moms are chasing their kid around or making sure their little one is ok with the food that's on their plate - which their not. One kid wants what the other kid has on their plate...not their own. duh! Anyway, Kate finally catches a breath and sits to eat. Snap...their goes her plastic fork, along with all of her food. All over the floor. Chanda is across the table from me staring at her plate of food while she feeds her 3 month old. Isabelle is up from the table again b/c her little boy didn't chew his chicken all the way and is beginning to choke on it. I think we managed to get in a full 5 minutes to sit and eat together. welcome to mommy hood!
To some (non-parents especially), this may sound chaotic. You'll be amazed when I tell you that while all this was going on, it had very little effect on us moms. No one even thought twice about it. If one kid is screaming, the mom can successfully carry on her conversation. She might be yelling from another room, but the communication with her friend is still there.
It's time to leave. Everyone is making multiple trips out to their cars. How are you supposed to carry your kid, your kids things, and your casserole dish all at once anyway? I get my things packed up in two trips, get in my car and wave to other moms hitting the road. That's when I notice foil flying off the top of one mommy's car - she's left her casserole dish on her hood. I try to catch up to her but she's already made a turn. She gets all the way to the highway when she realizes it. Luckily it's still there.
It's amazing what a child/childREN will do to your life. There are too many to realize. All I know is that my son has allowed me the best experiences I've ever had. He's allowed me to join this wonderful group called MOP's and make friends with the most amazing mother's I'll ever meet.

Life Needs Flavor

2007-10-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

We started Drew on "solids" last week and he is loving life now. Can you imagine having never tasted? I mean, how tasty can formula be? I tried it...on accident. Tastes like nothing. So I can only imagine how these carrots might taste like the sweetest thing on earth.
He has had carrots and sweet potatoes so far. I can already tell his preference is for the yams. Luckily he still looooves his milk.

We started with the apple juice not too long ago as well. But mommy adds more water to the bottle than actual juice. He obviously doesn't know the difference and therefore it is the yummiest thing to put in his belly. Maybe thats why he gets so excited about his milk still...he's hoping for the best - apple juice!

~pure~

2007-10-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a weekend in Sikes, Louisiana (population 113 but feels like 13). The Crain Family Reunion is held here the first weekend of October every year. This is my 4th year to attend and I love it for so many reasons.

The reunion began with my mother-in-law flying into Tyler Friday morning. We had a nice ride catching up with her. We even drove through her college town in Natchitoche, LA. where she told me about meat pies. Meat pies? hmmm....I'll have to think about that one!

Pulling up to the Crain Land brings a wholesome feeling to the air. The minute you pull up you feel a pure sense of relaxation. We find Jerry at his little house. It's amazing. Most would drive by and not even notice it. Or if they did catch sight they would think nothing of it. It's only when you see the pure joy in Poppy that you realize this little home has so much meaning. He had taken a shack and created a home.

After lovin up on Drew, we all head over to the main part of the property where Uncle Jack and Jerry have built a huge pavilion. Crains are runnin all over the place! There are tables (built by Jack) all around filled with Crains catching up with one another. Pure laughter rushing out the sides of this pavilion.

Everyone has been waiting to meet the latest Crain addition. Immediately I'm swarmed and just as quickly DrewBug (this is his official name now) is being passed around. I spend the next two hours giving and receiving hugs. Pure love.

It's time to eat. This is the main activity in the Crain reunions. It's what I look forward to all year! Pure Cajun cookin at its best. More food than you can imagine. And two of everything. There were 5 different macaroni casseroles! Oh and Jacks gumbo = pure deliciousness.

Rob takes me for a ride on the 4wheeler...what was I thinking? I should have been in the driver seat from the get go. That boy scares the geezers out of me...and then proceeds to tell me there are no brakes on the darn thing. He keeps me safe but I'm still thinkin PURE IDIOT. I wish I had given him another shot because the area we drive in is absolutely beautiful. Just that little moment that him and I had together was special.

A favorite thing about the reunion (this goes for both Rob and I) is catching up with some very special loved ones that we just don't see as much as we should. Surrounding yourselves with these kind of people is Pureness in every which way. Family comes from all over: people are bringing their kids...and their kids may have kids.....and their kids kids may have grand kids. Really! And everyone has there different lifestyles. One has been raised slightly different from the other. One drives a Dodge pick up while the other drives a 4wheeler, or one may even drive a bulldozer (yes, jerry drives a bulldozer). My point being: everyone is different from another in their daily lives but every year these people come together on this weekend to preserve this family tradition.The family tradition of praising one another and remembering that you are a Crain, remembering that you have this group of people who love you for who you are, they love you for how many bowls of gumbo you can eat, they love me for the 7 slices of sweet potato pie I gobbled up.

The whole thing is Pure Love.

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.

TITUS 1:15

Lunch Date

2007-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

I love lunch dates. Half my day was spent on a lunch date. They last so long because I like them so much. I'm having such a nice time that I don't even realize it's been 2.5 hours. Yes, almost 3 hours long.

Rob and I had a long and lazy morning. Drew had his morning bottle and we all laid in bed and watched GMA, Regis n Kelly and then turned the channel when The View came on. Those crazy ladies somehow grab my attention most mornings but I just couldn't handle them today.

I left for lunch to meet a new friend and discuss becoming a Pampered Chef host. I'm so lost on if this is something I want to do. It would be fun, of course. I'm just not sure if I can book enough parties to make it worthwhile.

After a looong lunch I grab a starbucks and drive. I've been doing this a lot lately. It's good thinking time while Drew naps. I think about this lunch date and what I've taken from it. I've gotten to know this new friend a lot better. I shared some stories. I listened to some stories. I've walked away with some decisions to make. I take my personality into consideration through this new "job" offer. Some good self evaluation that I hadn't taken the time to do.

Will I be able to maintain the self confidence to make the sales? I'm not a pushy person when it comes to sales. Especially when its something I have to do in order to fulfill my end goal - which in this case would be my income. I'm not sure if I'm making sense. If I really like a product I'm likely to tell my friends about. I'm likely to persuade them in using it was well. Buuut, when I know that my ultimate goal is gained after I've 'sold' the product then it makes it harder. Pressure! I don't know what took so long to get that word out.

Pressure is something I don't handle well. That is something I've wanted to work on for a long time. Certain types of pressure are harder than others. I am fully aware that dealing with pressure is key in a successful career. Am I going to let the fear of success and pressure get in the way of taking on this "job"? I'll sleep on it.

I've labeled my days journey "Lunch Date" due to the impact that today's lunch date had on the rest of my afternoon.

Mommy Hood

2007-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today was mommy hood at its best. From the time I woke up everything I accomplished was for Drew. Of course I didn't realize it until just now when I had my 'downtime' (my translation for 'me time', 'thinking time', 'breathing time'). But what a fun-filled day it was!

My alarm goes off...I hit snooze contemplating on skipping my mommy group (MOP's). But less than 5 minutes later I hear Drew giggling in his crib. He's awake and no going back to sleep. I decide I'm crazy/lazy for thinking about passing up a meeting with some girlfriends - not too mention it's the one I've been waiting for for quite a while...holiday cooking and entertaining- so i get up for the day.

I drop Drew bug off with the ladies that watch him every other Wednesday and head over to my group seminar. I remember how lucky I am to have met these strong hardworking mommy's. Our speaker is an older mom with lots of entertaining experience...I thought I was good at this stuff! My session was cut short due to Drews 4 month check-up (even though he's a week shy of 5 months). I run over to the daycare and swoop him out of the room where there are 15 screaming babies. Mommy to the rescue. I find him swinging, sucking on his hands, taking in all the activity around him. So patient he is. Little does he know, he's about to get 3 sticks in the leg.

We get to our dr. appt. 5 minutes late. Who would have thought? Drew is only 12 lbs- he's in the 10th percentile...hmph. I thought surely he would be 15 or over. I guess all his food and calories are going strait for the kids length. He is over 25 inches long! Dr. Austin was pleased with everything else. This little boy has the strength of a 5 year. He's really come a long way. Tonight we get to give him his first solid! We've decided we'll start him with sweet potatoes! I never thought about the importance of having good nurses to assist your doctor. We have the best. From the day Drew was born, Miss Michelle has been my backbone when it comes to caring for little man. She knows the key to healthy, happy babies is healthy, happy mommies. She's always made sure that my confidence level stays high. We were told today she'll be moving to Germany. One more visit we'll have then we'll be 'welcoming' a new nurse. We will miss her! Michelle gives lil baby his shots and we're off!

We're supposed to meet a friend at the Grand Opening of Kohls. "Woo hoo" - according to everyone and their mothers here in Tyler. I've never been to Kohls....I have no idea what all the hype is about. Thanks to mommy brain I've crammed my activities to close together and I'm not able to meet her. However, how could I possibly miss out on the arrival of this new store? I pack up the car and head down to Kohl's. It's not so bad. Would have been better if I had gotten something for myself. Drew needs a jacket. We're going to northern Louisiana this weekend and it will be chilly. CUTEST jacket ever.

Now we're home and I have this moment to myself. It won't last long but I've enjoyed it. When Drew wakes up we'll head to the store to get some yams!

Can you enjoy loneliness?

2007-10-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am without Rob this evening...again. Only this time I'm finding the joy in feeling lonely. Bringing the positive out of the negative - lookey there!
Sometimes I find myself so worked up and all I need is a little downtime. Why is it so hard for me to find this downtime? I don't even have a job. Maybe I should rephrase that... I don't even have a 2nd job! When the time comes for relaxation, I always - without a doubt - find something that "needs" to be done.
Rob's boss, Dave, came to see the house before they left on a business trip yesterday. We made sure the house was completely free of any dust speckles. When they left and I had the house to myself (and Drew baby), I realized this was the perfect opportunity to relax. I think everyone has their own opinion of relaxation. Me, well, I can't seem to determine any one definition. I take the time to think about the things I've experienced and how those experiences have impacted me as a person. I take the time to appreciate me and my life.
When I'm lonely, I try to do things to better myself. It could be fixing up my nails or writing in a journal. It could be cleaning an inhabited corner of my haven. Maybe lighting candles to bring in a nice aroma to the air surrounding me.
Whatever it is I did in the past 48 hours - after my moment of loneliness passed - life feels more wholesome.
The past two days have been the most enjoyable loneliness I have felt in a long time. I have not picked up the broom once. It's funny because there was actually no need at all to pick up that "pal" that I so often dance with around the house- multiple times a day. The house is perfectly clean and it's been lived in these past two days. The thing is...my husband has not been living in it the past two days. Hmmm? (I must add that I would rather mop 5 times a day and have him here with us.)
I went to lunch with a new friend this afternoon. It was perfect. There was so much to talk about. So much relation to one another. This is a situation I have been finding myself in a lot lately. But that's a whole notha blog! After lunch I drove. Just drove around town and released my thoughts of how my life has changed. I feel wonderful. I feel proud. I feel lucky. I feel that moments of loneliness is beneficial to one's self.