Christmas Bits

"Bits" has been a feature for awhile here at LifeTrain, and seems especially fitting for this busy time of year.  Better than nothing, right?

- Santa came and brought way too much stuff.  We really felt like we were doing well to not purchase much, and to pick handmade, but somehow (either our own random purchases, or those of family members) has meant that there is more plastic *stuff* in the house.  I'm sitting here feeling rather spoiled, actually, because Eric and I have a history of not buying each other gifts and this year we successfully surprised the other with something really cool.  I got Eric an iPhone, and he bought me a CHI hair straightener and some massage gift certificates to Massage Envy so that we could go together on a date for a couples massage.  Can I say Wow?  The hair straightener is the professional one that my friend, and stylist, Barbara, always uses on my hair and it will make it so much easier and faster to get the freaky kinkies out of my no-longer-straight, hormone-altered hair (add that to the crazy things pregnancy did to my body!).  

-On a walk into downtown today, I picked up some Bumble and Bumble products to try with the new CHI.  I've always appreciated nice fashion and style, but anyone who knows me, knows that I don't splurge on make-up or clothes.  But, I'm actually excited about using these products and trying to tame the mane.  I'll report back.  Sherry, I thought of you and actually searched your archive to find what you use with your straightener, maybe I'll try those products next.

- There have been massive amounts of Rock Band going on here.  With four extra people in the house, we've actually been able to have the microphone, a guitar, a bass, and the drums going all at once!  I'm no good, and was fired from singing.  :-(  Seriously.

- The Christmas tree was taken down the day after Christmas and was the driest, most dead one we've ever had.  It had to go.  And, isn't it the strangest thing when the decorations come down- you forget how big the house was before, and there is suddenly a newness to the house.  Certainly helpful to have more room when there are 9 people in the house.

- Christmas Day marked being on the wait list for EIGHT MONTHS.  Woot!  I got a bit emotional about that.  Unless some huge delay happens, we'll be matched in the spring/ early summer, which means her hear beats.  I feel strange about that.  Excited, yes.  But, as a woman who has been pregnant, I have a smidge of sadness that some other person is experiencing all of those things with my daughter.  The kicks.  The bulging tummy.  The thumps of baby hiccups.  Yet, we want to go the adoption route, and that has to happen- the essence of adoption dictates that we miss out on this part of her life.  I get that, but the emotion of it hit me in such a different way the other night.  I think it was the day after Christmas, and so much else was going on that I could tell Eric wasn't up for an emotional basketcase wife, so I got over it quickly, but I wonder how I'll cope with these feelings as an adoptive mom.  With God's wisdom, His comfort, and His love, right?  There really is no other way.

-We bought Christmas Crackers but forgot to use them.  Rats.  Maybe for New Year's dinner.

- I've been really encouraged by the people who have bought from the Etsy shop lately and let me know that they loved their order.  Thank you all for the kind words.  And, moving out some inventory has allowed me to keep stocking the shop with new items.  Additionally, I just bought some new watercolors with my Dad's Christmas money so I'm super excited to get a move on more painting shortly!

Things here are a good kind of busy.  Preparing for the arrival of guests while thinking of the fun we'll have together, and hoping that all the effort means they will allow themselves to feel completely at home in our home.  There is, of course, also the buzz of excitement surrounding Christmas, and giving gifts, and treats, and time off of work and school.

More to report, and maybe some pictures, as soon as I'm able.  Happy Christmas to you all!

I'm feeling a bit under the weather right now.  Nothing serious, but certainly irritating.  Sneezing.  Runny nose.  Tickle in my throat.  It makes me want to wear my jammies and watch TV and knit, but I just can't seem to do that with two active kiddos around.

I spent an hour on the phone with our adoption agency's director for the Taiwan program we're with.  I am encouraged.  It looks like we'll still be on target for a spring/ early summer referral and they'll let us know if that drastically changes.

I didn't drink coffee today, but I have had at least three cookies.  I'm not jittery, which is good.  I also made myself a berry tea from frozen berries.  We get the mondo bag of Cascadian Farm Organic berries from Costco and I filled half a mug with them, then poured boiling water over the berries.  Drank the berry-flavored liquid like tea, and then spooned out the thawed berries to eat.  My goal was a healthy snack/ warm drink with vitamins for my cold.  Tasted good, too.

I've just ordered Christmas photo cards.  Yay.  Snapfish does printing through Walgreens and they'll be ready for pick up this evening.  Already bought nice Christmas stamps at the Post Office this morning.  Maybe recipients will even get them before Christmas.  That would be nice.  :-)

We feel really good about the simple, meaningful, organized Christmas season we're enjoying.  We bought online and are making gifts.  I just love that this year has meant a slower paced season for us- just like it should be.  Last year was crazy with the house being on the market and the packing.  Whew.  I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Now to pick up grant from school.

Help

I need to stop eating cookies and drinking coffee, but this is near impossible as it is cold and there is a vast assortment of cookies in the house from our neighborhood cookie swap last night (nine different kinds!).  The caffeine and sugar are making me so jittery.  :-)

Spring 2008 Mamamade Show

I'm doing my research for a new location here in Nashville for the Spring Mamamade Market/ Open House/ Sale.  I have a huge list I've come up with, and I'll begin calls next week or right after Christmas to find out prices.  There will be SOMETHING that suits our group; I just know it!  Our goal is to have the location secured by mid-January.

Additionally, we are looking for more artsy craftsy mamas to join our group.  Our focus is handmade and high quality stuff but there are a few women with mama-designed, larger scale businesses that participate, too.  If you know anyone in the Nashville area that is a creative mom with something to offer, please point them our way.  Honestly, they don't even have to be in the Nashville area as long as they'd want to drive here for the event day.  This past sale had a Mama from Memphis. 

Lael Alert

One of those horrifying moments for all parents happened to me today-  I lost my child in a store.  She is found, so do not worry.

We- Dean, Lael and I- were in JoAnn getting a few craft supplies.  Lael was not in a stroller, but she was also not wandering far or being crazy.  In fact, she was quite clingy and insistent that I hold her for much of our shopping time.  I did, however set her down for a moment and was selecting a few colors from various threads, turned around, and she was gone.  I expected that she might be in the next isle looking at a few of the kid-related crafts that caught her eye a few minutes prior- nope.  "Lael?"  No answer.  "Dean, where did Lael go?"  He shrugged his shoulders and seemed as surprised as me.  I called her name a bit louder and louder for a minute and then told a store employee.  They promptly shut down the store and did not let anyone out.  I continued to search on my own, shouting her name and running about like a mad woman- telling everyone that my small three year old in a pink shirt and jeans was missing- while Dean did the same and tried to keep up with me.  I held back tears at the 5 minute point.  Five minutes is a LONG time to be without your gorgeous child whom "I'll never consider anything but precious again".  Probably about 7 minutes after the search began, it ended.  A store employee found her growling and crying on a ladder on the endcap right beside the isle where we had originally lost her.  She didn't seem to be crying over loosing me, just crying and growling for no one to touch her and she seemed to know she was in trouble.  Saying she is 'stubborn' hardly begins to describe her temperament.  I held her and softly scolded her for leaving my side.  Ten minutes later, at the checkout I was still shaking.

I know I can't be the only one to notice that my daughter was the first one to send us to the emergency room, also (just this year).  What are we in for with her?!

One Step Closer

Today in the mail, we received our 171-H.  This is our Favorable Determination issued by Homeland Security for adopting an international orphan.  We thought it might take 4-5 months to show up after we were fingerprinted, but it was only a matter of a few weeks!  So, we're ready for our referral if anyone is listening.  Ahem.  Okay, we'll continue waiting.

I know there are two months worth of people ahead of us on our agencies wait list (we got on the list April 2007), but the only one I'm certain of on the girl list that is VERY due for her referral is Sarah.  She's going to be mommy to a daughter they've already named Hannah Claire.  Now it's about time they get to see a picture.  C'mon referral!

We haven't heard anything from Families for Children (our agency) in a long time so I can only assume that we're still on target for an April- June 2008 referral.  Anyone heard anything?!

J-A-C-K-S-O-N

Our brother-in-law, Aaron, flew in for the Chargers game with Eric and I sent him away with their Christmas presents:  the painting for Riley, a lino-cut for them, a few other gifties, and this painting for Jackson, my nephew.  Just like his sister's, I've hidden his name in the image- see if you can find all 7 letters!  I am considering offering custom paintings of this nature on my Etsy site, let me know if you're interested and I'll think on how that could be offered.

Painting specs: 8x10 image size on watercolor paper using Grambacher opaque watercolor (pan)

Bits

-Eric and I went on a fairly spontaneous date Friday night.  Like, he called at lunch time and we scrambled to find a babysitter.  Our dear Amanda was busy, so we tried a few other avenues with no luck.  Just before we were about to give up, a mom I know from church offered up her 15 year old son and her 12 year old daughter in a two-for-one deal!  Very responsible homeschooled kids, and the son is certified by the Red Cross.  And the kids loved having a boy for a change.  it worked out well.  Amanda, you still have your job- we always prefer you- but it is soooo good to have another back up.  Importantly, Eric and I snuck out and did something "normal" and easy going.  Granted, it cost us a pretty penny to just for a quick dinner and a movie, but the ability to do that and to be with my favorite person on earth was SOOOO worth it.  We went to Wild Noodles (not recommended, so I won't link) and we saw Enchanted.  This movie had me smiling and laughing about 80% of the time.  So sweet and cute- a real feel good movie and it was just perfect for my mood.  Silly and funny and- I can't wait to watch it again on DVD.  Sometimes you just need a predictable, happy movie!

-The princess in the movie is a red head.  Eric has always had a bit of a crush on redheads as a "type".  Well, we got to talking, and I got to thinking- "hey, its just hair...maybe I'll get mine dyed".  For fun.  For change.  As long as we go into it thinking that I might have to have it re-dyed a month later back to brown, I'm okay with it.  I haven't made an appointment yet, but I've done a lot of clicking on pictures.  Update on that front to come after I talk to my hair stylist (we're playing phone tag).  Isn't this girl beautiful?

-The Mamas from Mamamade met up to discuss ways of improving turnout for the next event.  Everyone seems on the same page about how to continue growing/ improving the event and we're looking at a spring sale right before Mother's Day.  New location is needed, and that's my research project over the next month.  So, if anyone has a hip, reasonable space in the Middle Tennessee area to recommend- let me know!

- It's cold.  Our mugs are constantly in rotation.  I think up to at LEAST 3 cups of tea or coffee a day.  And, I 'm trying really hard to choose tea when I need a hot drink because I drink coffee with way too many extras, while I like my tea with only a splash of milk.

-Speaking of mugs, I had a lovely coffee morning with some neighbors here at my house Tuesday.  What a wonderful time of talking and nibbling we had!  I made citrus and white chocolate scones with some candied citrus peel rind I made the other day.  Yum!  I can see this will be a regular event, especially through winter when we aren't hanging outside gabbing.  We are so blessed to be in the neighborhood we are with such friendly people.

- My nephew Jack's painting is in the works.  It's all sketched on the watercolor paper, and I need to ink and paint now, which seems so much less complicated than choosing a subject, and drawing it to my liking.  I'll post when it is complete.

-Project Runway is in full swing again!

- My baby girl is THREE now!  The actual party is Friday, but there has been much celebrating already.  Daddy even took the day off work to take her shopping and eat out.  Lots of pink things entered our house after their outing!

-We visited Santa this week at the mall, and Grant was convinced by Mr. Claus' beard that he was the "real one".  I am doing my best to cherish each bit of wonder in his eyes, as I know this may be the last year he believes since he's seven and in the public school system.  Will he figure it out on his own, or will someone spill the beans?  When I was a kid, I just figured it out- I was six or seven.

- I made the advent calendar, with modifications.  Again, will post photos later.

- looks like this Bits post is going to need a Bits, Part II with photos.

- I still haven't picked out/ made/ thought much about Christmas cards and it is one of my favorite parts of Christmas preparation- reconnecting with far flung friends and relatives.  For the first time, last year, we printed out a Christmas letter.  Mostly, this was a way of explaining our adoption without having to write the details a zillion times.  But, I'm thinking maybe I'll do it again- I so enjoy reading the letters of others.  BUT, I really I really like traditional cards *and* I really like photos of the kids since they grow so fast.  It seems like the easy answer is to do all three, but I'm thinking that may be a bit expensive.  Maybe I should start with a list, and then decide.  Yep.  That's what I'll do.

- Dickens of a Christmas is this weekend.

- my brother in law, Aaron, is flying out to go to the Chargers-Titans game with Eric this weekend and they've got good seats.  I know Eric's hoping the Chargers win, but the nice thing is that either team is a "favorite" of his and it should be fun to watch!  And we get to see Aaron- for, like, a day and a half.  :-)

Hopefully pictures tomorrow.

Advent calendar

I know, I know, December has already begun but I'm still looking at advent calendar ideas.  Last year, I had my eyes on one of those wooden mini drawer kinds.  Anyway, this year we picked one up at Target and a drawer broke right away when we got home.  We returned it and didn't get another and I'm still wishing we had something.  I'd love to tuck a verse out of the Bible (relating to the Christmas Story) and a tiny treat for each child in a pocket, drawer, or door.  There are a lot of crafty people making wall hanging types from felt or fabric and I just don't have any more time for that this year.  I thought maybe we'd do the old stand by of having a paper chain and cut a link each day?  But then I saw this great wreath and think it could be made in a few hours.  So simple and beautiful.