Well, I have officially gone 2 months without a microwave. I know....I may as well be living in a cave. It hasn't been all that difficult, but I am really wanting to get one now. I am tired of heating up spagettios and other random things on the stove. It just takes too long. I mean, 5 minutes is soooo much longer than the typical 30 seconds. And what about left overs? What is the point of having left overs if you have to pre-heat the oven? But it's probably time to break down and get one.
But now that I have gone this long without one (I can't believe I'm saying this) it is hard to think of a microwave as a necessity. Don't get me wrong, I will probably go buy one this weekend. But it kind of puts things in perspective for me. We would probably survive without one. We are even thinking about selling my Honda. We hardly ever drive it. I walk to work, and can walk Kaitlyn to school as well. We didn't reconnect our satellite. We only have one cell phone. We don't have call waiting or caller ID, and we just now hooked up our answering machine. It's kind of fun to live on only what is necessary. Well....maybe not fun. But neat to say that we tried it!!
Friday, July 29, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Tag, You're It
This is another one from Kristen.
What I was doing 10 years ago
July 1995
It was the summer before my junior year of high school. I have a really bad memory. I'm sure I went to camps....Encounter at LCU and possibly Pine Springs. I think that was the last summer with our awesome youth minister Bobby Hise, before he retired. I was probably playing in a summer basketball league. My mom and brother have a much better memory than me, and if they read this maybe they can think of other things we did. I'm sure it was a fun summer!
Five years ago
July 2000
I was living in Dallas, doing my practicum at Scottish Rite Hospital. One of the greatest experiences I've had. I worked in the Child Life department. Basically, I got to plan all of the play room activities for the kids, go play cards or Nintendo games with them in their rooms, read with them, etc. I loved it, and would someday hope to go back to that. It was also a fun summer dating James. This summer was really the only time we lived in the same city until we got married. I lived with a lady named Dot. She had just had total knee replacement surgery on both knees, so in exchange for taking care of her we (my friend Susan and I) got to live there for free. James and I went on lots of fun dates.
One year ago
July 2004
We were living in McKinney. Kaitlyn had just turned one. We enjoyed a fun luau birthday party for her at our neighborhood swimming pool. I had just starting working for Dr. Mitchell as her dental assistant. My good friend Meredith Moore was the hygenist, and we had a good ole' time!! We enjoyed hanging out with our friends from church. Kaitlyn loved going to her gymnastics class on Tuesdays with Hannah. James was working at Eliane Ceramic Tile. I was kind of getting the feeling that I wanted to move to a smaller town....
Yesterday
July 27, 2005
Living in Abilene!! We love it here. It has been the best thing for our family. Yesterday I worked all day in the admissions department at ACU. I went to lunch with 3 really fun girls. Shout out to Sara, Tamara and Darby!! It was cool and rainy. I walked over to the campus center and bought a book that I have been wanting to read, Blue Like Jazz. I also bought a Jeremy Camp CD. Last night I cooked a gourmet meal of mac and cheese, smoked saugage and apple sauce. Random, but Jameses favorite meal. After Kaitlyn went to bed, I walked over to the ampetheatre and enjoyed a Kadesh devotional. I can always hear them singing from our front porch, so I decided to venture over there. It was really good and uplifting to watch these high school kids and camp counselors on their "spiritual high" from camp. I wish we had the discipline to feel that way every day.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
York peppermint patties, popcorn, fresh fruit, oreos and milk, cajun cones shaved ice
5 things I would do if I won $100 million dollars:
Just 5 things? Pay off all of our debt, buy a house, travel, quit working, give to church and our friends that are/will be missionaries.
5 Locations I would run away to:
I would love to visit Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe, Figi.
5 Bad Habits:
Biting my fingernails, leaving clothes everywhere but hanging up in my closet, not praying enough, doodling while I'm on the phone (is that bad?), locking my keys in my car. That happens at least once a month.
5 Things I like doing:
Reading blogs, reading People magazine, playing with Kaitlyn, watching movies with James, spending time with girlfriends.
5 TV shows I like:
Alias, Lost, Oprah, Alias and Alias
5 Things I hate doing:
Dishes, paying the bills, laundry, picking up Roly Polies (they are all over our house for some reason), shaving. (Can you tell that I'm somewhat lazy?)
5 Biggest Joys of the moment:
Enjoying the happiest I have ever been in our marriage, listening to Kaitlyn talk and sing, making new friends and loving our church, my Grandmother coming to visit, Kaitlyn got up happy, got dressed happy, got in the car happy, and went to Rainbow school happy!!!! :)
Now, you are tagged!! Reply back a comment and tell me some of your interesting facts!!
What I was doing 10 years ago
July 1995
It was the summer before my junior year of high school. I have a really bad memory. I'm sure I went to camps....Encounter at LCU and possibly Pine Springs. I think that was the last summer with our awesome youth minister Bobby Hise, before he retired. I was probably playing in a summer basketball league. My mom and brother have a much better memory than me, and if they read this maybe they can think of other things we did. I'm sure it was a fun summer!
Five years ago
July 2000
I was living in Dallas, doing my practicum at Scottish Rite Hospital. One of the greatest experiences I've had. I worked in the Child Life department. Basically, I got to plan all of the play room activities for the kids, go play cards or Nintendo games with them in their rooms, read with them, etc. I loved it, and would someday hope to go back to that. It was also a fun summer dating James. This summer was really the only time we lived in the same city until we got married. I lived with a lady named Dot. She had just had total knee replacement surgery on both knees, so in exchange for taking care of her we (my friend Susan and I) got to live there for free. James and I went on lots of fun dates.
One year ago
July 2004
We were living in McKinney. Kaitlyn had just turned one. We enjoyed a fun luau birthday party for her at our neighborhood swimming pool. I had just starting working for Dr. Mitchell as her dental assistant. My good friend Meredith Moore was the hygenist, and we had a good ole' time!! We enjoyed hanging out with our friends from church. Kaitlyn loved going to her gymnastics class on Tuesdays with Hannah. James was working at Eliane Ceramic Tile. I was kind of getting the feeling that I wanted to move to a smaller town....
Yesterday
July 27, 2005
Living in Abilene!! We love it here. It has been the best thing for our family. Yesterday I worked all day in the admissions department at ACU. I went to lunch with 3 really fun girls. Shout out to Sara, Tamara and Darby!! It was cool and rainy. I walked over to the campus center and bought a book that I have been wanting to read, Blue Like Jazz. I also bought a Jeremy Camp CD. Last night I cooked a gourmet meal of mac and cheese, smoked saugage and apple sauce. Random, but Jameses favorite meal. After Kaitlyn went to bed, I walked over to the ampetheatre and enjoyed a Kadesh devotional. I can always hear them singing from our front porch, so I decided to venture over there. It was really good and uplifting to watch these high school kids and camp counselors on their "spiritual high" from camp. I wish we had the discipline to feel that way every day.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
York peppermint patties, popcorn, fresh fruit, oreos and milk, cajun cones shaved ice
5 things I would do if I won $100 million dollars:
Just 5 things? Pay off all of our debt, buy a house, travel, quit working, give to church and our friends that are/will be missionaries.
5 Locations I would run away to:
I would love to visit Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe, Figi.
5 Bad Habits:
Biting my fingernails, leaving clothes everywhere but hanging up in my closet, not praying enough, doodling while I'm on the phone (is that bad?), locking my keys in my car. That happens at least once a month.
5 Things I like doing:
Reading blogs, reading People magazine, playing with Kaitlyn, watching movies with James, spending time with girlfriends.
5 TV shows I like:
Alias, Lost, Oprah, Alias and Alias
5 Things I hate doing:
Dishes, paying the bills, laundry, picking up Roly Polies (they are all over our house for some reason), shaving. (Can you tell that I'm somewhat lazy?)
5 Biggest Joys of the moment:
Enjoying the happiest I have ever been in our marriage, listening to Kaitlyn talk and sing, making new friends and loving our church, my Grandmother coming to visit, Kaitlyn got up happy, got dressed happy, got in the car happy, and went to Rainbow school happy!!!! :)
Now, you are tagged!! Reply back a comment and tell me some of your interesting facts!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Weekend in review...
I've got to find a better way to post pictures on this thing....
AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I just typed this huge long blog about the weekend. My computer was acting kind of slow, so I clicked the refresh button. BANG. Deleted. I really don't want to type all of that again. I'll give it a try....
I didn't get to type about my weekend on Monday b/c James really wanted to blog about the paci. Anyway, on Friday night we rented Million Dollar Baby. Such a good movie. Man, that girl was tough! I could take her. Saturday all three of us slept until around 9:30! Thats right, 9:30. That hasn't happened in like....ever. When we finally pulled ourselves out of bed we cooked pancakes and sausage for a late breakfast/early lunch. Then we decided to take Kaitlyn downtown to walk around. There are a couple of pretty water fountains that we thought she would enjoy splashing around in. While we were walking down a pretty vacant street, I look over at a parked car and discovered a clown sitting inside. It about scared the tar out of me. I seriously jumped. I don't know if I just wasn't expecting it, or if I have some hidden fear of clowns that I was just made aware of. Anyway, he gets out of his car and proceeds to make a balloon in the shape of a bear for Kaitlyn. She thought it was the greatest thing ever. I was still trying to get my heart rate down. Only in Abilene.....
Saturday afternoon we went swimming at one of the city pools. Kaitlyn had fun splashing around in the kiddie pool while James took part in the diving board contest. He showed all the other boys and girls how big of a splash he could make doing a cannon ball. Nice.
The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing. We really enjoyed spending time with just the three of us. We talked alot, laughed alot....and just had fun together.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I just typed this huge long blog about the weekend. My computer was acting kind of slow, so I clicked the refresh button. BANG. Deleted. I really don't want to type all of that again. I'll give it a try....
I didn't get to type about my weekend on Monday b/c James really wanted to blog about the paci. Anyway, on Friday night we rented Million Dollar Baby. Such a good movie. Man, that girl was tough! I could take her. Saturday all three of us slept until around 9:30! Thats right, 9:30. That hasn't happened in like....ever. When we finally pulled ourselves out of bed we cooked pancakes and sausage for a late breakfast/early lunch. Then we decided to take Kaitlyn downtown to walk around. There are a couple of pretty water fountains that we thought she would enjoy splashing around in. While we were walking down a pretty vacant street, I look over at a parked car and discovered a clown sitting inside. It about scared the tar out of me. I seriously jumped. I don't know if I just wasn't expecting it, or if I have some hidden fear of clowns that I was just made aware of. Anyway, he gets out of his car and proceeds to make a balloon in the shape of a bear for Kaitlyn. She thought it was the greatest thing ever. I was still trying to get my heart rate down. Only in Abilene.....
Saturday afternoon we went swimming at one of the city pools. Kaitlyn had fun splashing around in the kiddie pool while James took part in the diving board contest. He showed all the other boys and girls how big of a splash he could make doing a cannon ball. Nice.
The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing. We really enjoyed spending time with just the three of us. We talked alot, laughed alot....and just had fun together.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Pacifiers: The Epic Continues
Today, no tonight was the evening from H-E double hockey sticks. Kaitlyn has this thing for pacifiers, as most know she doubles her pleasure with these things. Tonight we decided to chop one of their heads off- and in doing so unleashed the demon that is Bad Kaitlyn.
Background: She begins her evening with the paragraph that brings tears to your eyes at 6:00 PM, "Take bath, drink milk, watch Nemo?" This is code for being really sleepy, for those scoring at home.
We needed to feed her dinner first.
Night Fall. We had successfully performed the lobotomy on the pacifier. When we gave her the news, it seemed that she understood. We were terribly wrong. No paci's could be found in the house except the one that had been destroyed. We gave her this paci and as expected it didn't pass her test - it was met soon after with a sling across the room. The wife and I retreated to the living room while Kaitlyn cried. 20 minutes later, she was still crying. Then the phone began to ring.
Three phone calls in a 30 minute period kills any momentum of peace trying to be achieved. Leslie and I gave up and decided to give her a paci. New challenge... locate a good paci. 20 minutes of looking turned up one pacifier that was wedged under the car seat for no telling how long. Once Kaitlyn caught sight of the precious plastic she quickly put it into her mouth and said, "MMM, that's better!" as if she was an avid user of fine pacifiers. She probably is, but who knows. But in case there was any doubt that this ONE pacifier was sufficient, when Leslie laid her down, she made a point to let her stuffed puppy know that, "It's all better, Puppy!" Now we could rest easy. Good night Dear Diary.
Leslie's added note: All you mom's out there.... I know that I am not a very patient mother. I know that 20 minutes of crying is not that long to wait. I know that when we do decide to tackle this battle for good, there is going to be a lot more than 20 minutes of crying. But for now, we are enjoying the peace and quiet. Better luck next time...
Background: She begins her evening with the paragraph that brings tears to your eyes at 6:00 PM, "Take bath, drink milk, watch Nemo?" This is code for being really sleepy, for those scoring at home.
We needed to feed her dinner first.
Night Fall. We had successfully performed the lobotomy on the pacifier. When we gave her the news, it seemed that she understood. We were terribly wrong. No paci's could be found in the house except the one that had been destroyed. We gave her this paci and as expected it didn't pass her test - it was met soon after with a sling across the room. The wife and I retreated to the living room while Kaitlyn cried. 20 minutes later, she was still crying. Then the phone began to ring.
Three phone calls in a 30 minute period kills any momentum of peace trying to be achieved. Leslie and I gave up and decided to give her a paci. New challenge... locate a good paci. 20 minutes of looking turned up one pacifier that was wedged under the car seat for no telling how long. Once Kaitlyn caught sight of the precious plastic she quickly put it into her mouth and said, "MMM, that's better!" as if she was an avid user of fine pacifiers. She probably is, but who knows. But in case there was any doubt that this ONE pacifier was sufficient, when Leslie laid her down, she made a point to let her stuffed puppy know that, "It's all better, Puppy!" Now we could rest easy. Good night Dear Diary.
Leslie's added note: All you mom's out there.... I know that I am not a very patient mother. I know that 20 minutes of crying is not that long to wait. I know that when we do decide to tackle this battle for good, there is going to be a lot more than 20 minutes of crying. But for now, we are enjoying the peace and quiet. Better luck next time...
Friday, July 22, 2005
The ACU hug
There is something about an "ACU hug" that just makes you feel good. Fellow ACUers know what I'm talking about. It is not uncommon to walk across campus and hug 10 people. It's just what you do when you see someone you know! They're just special. That is one of the biggest things I have missed about ACU.
I walked over to the campus center a few minutes ago in hopes of getting their version of a Starbucks frappucino. I was disappointed when I found that they were closed, but in my walk over there and back to my office, I got two huge ACU hugs. The first was from a friend from school that I had not seen in awhile, Jason Booker. He is here leading a group at a camp that is wrapping up today. He saw me and let out a huge (and very loud) "Whaaaaaaaats Uuuuuuuuup?!?!?!" He sat down the three boxes he was holding and gave me "the hug."
About 5 seconds later I ran into Bob Strader. King of all huggers. I immediatley smiled when I saw him and his huge straw hat that he wears every day. He won't LET you walk by him without giving you a hug. It just makes you feel good.
Hugs are important. Some people say you should get/give 7 hugs a day. So, hug the people you love today. And you have the guts, give someone you know a hug that you typically wouldn't. It just might make their day. (Or they may look at you like you're a huge freak) But I think it's worth a shot.
I walked over to the campus center a few minutes ago in hopes of getting their version of a Starbucks frappucino. I was disappointed when I found that they were closed, but in my walk over there and back to my office, I got two huge ACU hugs. The first was from a friend from school that I had not seen in awhile, Jason Booker. He is here leading a group at a camp that is wrapping up today. He saw me and let out a huge (and very loud) "Whaaaaaaaats Uuuuuuuuup?!?!?!" He sat down the three boxes he was holding and gave me "the hug."
About 5 seconds later I ran into Bob Strader. King of all huggers. I immediatley smiled when I saw him and his huge straw hat that he wears every day. He won't LET you walk by him without giving you a hug. It just makes you feel good.
Hugs are important. Some people say you should get/give 7 hugs a day. So, hug the people you love today. And you have the guts, give someone you know a hug that you typically wouldn't. It just might make their day. (Or they may look at you like you're a huge freak) But I think it's worth a shot.
Mayo Family Album
If you have a couple of minutes, check out these really cute pictures! Go to www.mayofamily.photoherald.com The password is ducks. You can't see the pictures very big, but they're pretty cute. Hope everyone has a fun weekend!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
A to Z About Me
I saw this on a friends blog (thanks Kristin!) Thought I would add my totally exciting information!
A is for age: Just turned 26
B is for booze: Chicken Express sweet tea. Yummy!
C is for career: daytime: admissions at Abilene Christian / night-time: mom
D is for dad's name: Tom
E is for essential item to bring to a party: my camera
F is for favorite song at the moment: anything by ZOE
G is for goof off thing to do: you're reading it!
H is for hometown: Born in Ft. Worth
I is for instrument you play: played the flute in 7th grade. yes...i was first chair. yes...i am a nerd.
J is for jam or jelly you like: plum
K is for kids: Kaitlyn (or Cake-a-lyn as she likes to say)
L is for living arrangements: currently renting a house in Abilene
M is for mom's name: Alicia
N is for name of good friend: shout out goes to Mere Speck, L-house girls, Prestoncrest girls, Highland girls..
O is for overnight stays at the hospital you have spent: 1 (with Kaitlyn)
P is for phobias: I have had a fear of E.T. ever since I saw the movie when I was 5. I don't like hearing or saying any word that has the sound "oi" in it. Ex: moist, hoist, etc. Yikes. Can't believe I even typed them.
Q is for quotes: "Ohhh, I'm shaking in my bright yellow shirt!" (From a commercial w/ David Spade), or any of the Sonic commercials
R is for longest relationship: I have lots of girl friends from Lubbock that I have known since I was 5 and still keep in touch with. Susan, Amanda, Rachel...
S is for siblings: one younger brother, Neil. Will graduate from ACU in August.
T is for Texas: where we live now -- where I have lived my entire life, and probably always will.
U is for unique traits: I have traveled to seven different countries in southeast Asia: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Phillipines, and Indonesia
V is for vegetables you love: corn, okra, Spring Creek bbque green beans
W is for worst trait: biting my fingernails
X is for xrays you have had: just my feet and my teeth!
Y is for yummy food: potato casserolle, chips and hot sauce, Rosa's, brownies, anything my mom makes
Z is for zodiac sign: Cancer
A is for age: Just turned 26
B is for booze: Chicken Express sweet tea. Yummy!
C is for career: daytime: admissions at Abilene Christian / night-time: mom
D is for dad's name: Tom
E is for essential item to bring to a party: my camera
F is for favorite song at the moment: anything by ZOE
G is for goof off thing to do: you're reading it!
H is for hometown: Born in Ft. Worth
I is for instrument you play: played the flute in 7th grade. yes...i was first chair. yes...i am a nerd.
J is for jam or jelly you like: plum
K is for kids: Kaitlyn (or Cake-a-lyn as she likes to say)
L is for living arrangements: currently renting a house in Abilene
M is for mom's name: Alicia
N is for name of good friend: shout out goes to Mere Speck, L-house girls, Prestoncrest girls, Highland girls..
O is for overnight stays at the hospital you have spent: 1 (with Kaitlyn)
P is for phobias: I have had a fear of E.T. ever since I saw the movie when I was 5. I don't like hearing or saying any word that has the sound "oi" in it. Ex: moist, hoist, etc. Yikes. Can't believe I even typed them.
Q is for quotes: "Ohhh, I'm shaking in my bright yellow shirt!" (From a commercial w/ David Spade), or any of the Sonic commercials
R is for longest relationship: I have lots of girl friends from Lubbock that I have known since I was 5 and still keep in touch with. Susan, Amanda, Rachel...
S is for siblings: one younger brother, Neil. Will graduate from ACU in August.
T is for Texas: where we live now -- where I have lived my entire life, and probably always will.
U is for unique traits: I have traveled to seven different countries in southeast Asia: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Phillipines, and Indonesia
V is for vegetables you love: corn, okra, Spring Creek bbque green beans
W is for worst trait: biting my fingernails
X is for xrays you have had: just my feet and my teeth!
Y is for yummy food: potato casserolle, chips and hot sauce, Rosa's, brownies, anything my mom makes
Z is for zodiac sign: Cancer
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Being Thankful
I totally forgot to tell this story in yesterday's post. On our way to Dallas last weekend we stopped at a gas station Wendy's to grab a bite to eat. While we were in line there was a family - mom, dad, and 4 children. They were all pretty dirty, they didn't smell too good. James has always told me not to stare. I have a BAD habit of "people watching." I just always want to know people's story. Anyway, the children were pretty young, but the oldest was probably around 15 or 16. They were all looking at the menu trying to decide what to order when the oldest boy looked up at his mom and said "We wouldn't be eating like this if you hadn't got a raise, huh mama?" His mom just said "Shh...", as to not let the little kids hear him.
I about started crying right there. A gas station Wendy's being viewed as eating some amazing dinner. We are so incredibly blessed. A small meal like that one, we take for granted all too often. I think so much about children or families in other countries that are less fortunate. But we were reminded that there are people right here who are overflowing with excitement when they get to induldge in a few chicken nuggets and fries.
Count your blessings!
I about started crying right there. A gas station Wendy's being viewed as eating some amazing dinner. We are so incredibly blessed. A small meal like that one, we take for granted all too often. I think so much about children or families in other countries that are less fortunate. But we were reminded that there are people right here who are overflowing with excitement when they get to induldge in a few chicken nuggets and fries.
Count your blessings!
Monday, July 18, 2005
Weekend Notes and Pictures
We had a really fun weekend in Dallas. We went back for James's mom's birthday and got to see some of our friends as well! (Thanks Mark and Tara for setting that up!) It seems as though I forgot how much I dislike Dallas traffic! Within a few minutes of getting into the DFW area I could just feel my shoulders start to tense up!!
We had a good time with June and Ron on Saturday. Kaitlyn LOVES their two cats. She chased and tormented them around all weekend. I'm sure they were not sad to see us go. We did a lot of shopping on Saturday and then James and I went out for awhile so that his mom could have Kaitlyn all to herself. We drove by our old house in McKinney - James wanted to make sure no one had destroyed or neglected our yard. (Not that it was Home and Garden quality to begin with). But it looked okay. The lady that bought it has yet to lease it out, and there are 4 other homes for sale on our street. It was kind of sad, though going back. That is the house we brought Kaitlyn home from the hospital, and for that reason (and lots of other fun memories) it will always be special.
On Saturday night we got to see our friends that we miss so much! Kaitlyn had a blast playing with all of her friends, and James and I enjoyed catching up with everyone. You would think Hurricane Emily hit the playroom when all the kids were through playing.
Kaitlyn did really good sleeping in a "big girl" bed all weekend! She never got out, and went right to bed when it was time! It made her seem so much older to tuck her in to an actual bed with her head on a big pillow and covers pulled up to her chin! We will probably get her a new bed when her room gets remodeled in August. Maybe by then her paci will be "broken" as well. Here are some pics from the weekend.
We had a good time with June and Ron on Saturday. Kaitlyn LOVES their two cats. She chased and tormented them around all weekend. I'm sure they were not sad to see us go. We did a lot of shopping on Saturday and then James and I went out for awhile so that his mom could have Kaitlyn all to herself. We drove by our old house in McKinney - James wanted to make sure no one had destroyed or neglected our yard. (Not that it was Home and Garden quality to begin with). But it looked okay. The lady that bought it has yet to lease it out, and there are 4 other homes for sale on our street. It was kind of sad, though going back. That is the house we brought Kaitlyn home from the hospital, and for that reason (and lots of other fun memories) it will always be special.
On Saturday night we got to see our friends that we miss so much! Kaitlyn had a blast playing with all of her friends, and James and I enjoyed catching up with everyone. You would think Hurricane Emily hit the playroom when all the kids were through playing.
Kaitlyn did really good sleeping in a "big girl" bed all weekend! She never got out, and went right to bed when it was time! It made her seem so much older to tuck her in to an actual bed with her head on a big pillow and covers pulled up to her chin! We will probably get her a new bed when her room gets remodeled in August. Maybe by then her paci will be "broken" as well. Here are some pics from the weekend.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Holy, Holy, Holy
James had to stay home from church last night because he had to take a defensive driving course online. (This is for his job, not because he got a ticket - thank goodness.) So, Kaitlyn and I went alone. On the way to church Kaitlyn said, "Sing Holy, Holy, Holy mommy." First of all, she rolls her tounge excessively when she says her L's, so hearing her say Holy, Holy, Holy was pretty funny in itself. Second of all, where in the world did she hear that song? I mean, I don't know about your church, but at any church I've ever been to, that is not your typical children's bible class song. And I sure haven't sang it to her! So, during the time that I am thinking about how in the world she has heard the song, she continues to ask me to sing it. So, I bust it out. (Trying to remember the correct words.) I sang the first verse, and she said "That was pretty mama." Thanks Kate. I needed the encouragement. I felt kind of weird singing that mature song to her. I'm used to ABC's and fuzzy caterpillar, not Holy, Holy, Holy! I had to sing it two more times, and then she was satisfied. Or maybe she was just like, "Mom, seriously, you've got to learn how to sing."
So, when I got home I told James about it. To my utter shock and amazement, he is the one that has been singing it to her. Coming from a guy whos CD collection is mostly Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, that is pretty impressive. Thanks daddy. Next time I'll ask Kaitlyn to have you sing it to her.
So, when I got home I told James about it. To my utter shock and amazement, he is the one that has been singing it to her. Coming from a guy whos CD collection is mostly Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, that is pretty impressive. Thanks daddy. Next time I'll ask Kaitlyn to have you sing it to her.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
25 Things I've Never Done
Things I've never done:
1. I've never broken a bone.
2. I've never been to Hawaii.
3. I've never been to New York.
4. I've never been completely finished with the laundry. (And probably never will be)
5. I've never read the bible from cover to cover.
6. I've never hit a homerun.
7. I've never run hurdles. ( I would fall on my face)
8. I've never had a 7 course meal.
9. I've never been to Europe.
10. I've never been scuba diving.
11. I've never dyed my hair.
12. I've never been able to touch my toes.
13. I've never been stung by a bee.
14. I've never seen "The Passion". Bad - I know.
15. I've never caught a bridal bouquet.
16. I've never been up in a hot air balloon.
17. I've never paid more than $35 for a pair of shoes.
18. I've never ordered a straight cup of coffee.
19. I've never read War and Peace.
20. I've never been to a rock concert.
21. I've never met the President.
22. I've never kicked the habit of biting my nails.
23. I've never run out of gas.
24. I've never had braces.
25. I've never thought this hard about things I've never done.
For Fun:
I will never forget the feeling I had when I held Kaitlyn for the first time.
I will never forget the day my dad baptized me.
I'll never forget how happy and excited I was on my wedding day.
I'll always remember the fun times on the L-house front porch with the 4 funnest girls in the world.
I'll always remember the weekend I had with my mom, when I was little, when we got to go stay in a hotel (in the same city we lived in) and do fun things with just us.
I'll never forget the faces of poor families and orphaned children I saw in Southeast Asia.
1. I've never broken a bone.
2. I've never been to Hawaii.
3. I've never been to New York.
4. I've never been completely finished with the laundry. (And probably never will be)
5. I've never read the bible from cover to cover.
6. I've never hit a homerun.
7. I've never run hurdles. ( I would fall on my face)
8. I've never had a 7 course meal.
9. I've never been to Europe.
10. I've never been scuba diving.
11. I've never dyed my hair.
12. I've never been able to touch my toes.
13. I've never been stung by a bee.
14. I've never seen "The Passion". Bad - I know.
15. I've never caught a bridal bouquet.
16. I've never been up in a hot air balloon.
17. I've never paid more than $35 for a pair of shoes.
18. I've never ordered a straight cup of coffee.
19. I've never read War and Peace.
20. I've never been to a rock concert.
21. I've never met the President.
22. I've never kicked the habit of biting my nails.
23. I've never run out of gas.
24. I've never had braces.
25. I've never thought this hard about things I've never done.
For Fun:
I will never forget the feeling I had when I held Kaitlyn for the first time.
I will never forget the day my dad baptized me.
I'll never forget how happy and excited I was on my wedding day.
I'll always remember the fun times on the L-house front porch with the 4 funnest girls in the world.
I'll always remember the weekend I had with my mom, when I was little, when we got to go stay in a hotel (in the same city we lived in) and do fun things with just us.
I'll never forget the faces of poor families and orphaned children I saw in Southeast Asia.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Its Over Now...
So my wife has been telling me about this new thing called blogspot. I am not one to jump on these internet trends because they typically last as long as fruit flies but as I am reminded of often, I could be wrong.
I just finished reading the "blog" and feel like I will need to check in on thhis thing every now and then to see how we're doing. So far I think we're alright.
However, tomorrow could be another posting about how I taught Kaitlyn to say "kicks" instead of sneakers or that I forgot to put on the swim diaper in the swim outfit.
Now I'm off to assist with dinner.
Good job on this blog site Sweetheart.
I just finished reading the "blog" and feel like I will need to check in on thhis thing every now and then to see how we're doing. So far I think we're alright.
However, tomorrow could be another posting about how I taught Kaitlyn to say "kicks" instead of sneakers or that I forgot to put on the swim diaper in the swim outfit.
Now I'm off to assist with dinner.
Good job on this blog site Sweetheart.
Friday, July 08, 2005
My letter to Kaitlyn
I wrote this letter to Kaitlyn the other day. I think about her so much, now that I am at work everyday. I just thought I would share it with whoever stumbles upon this blog. Maybe you can get a glimpse of what a special girl that she is.
My sweet girl,
I am writing this to tell you, at two years old, what a true blessing you are to me. I hope these words will encourage you as you may re-read them at different times in your life.
I am so blessed that God gave you to Daddy and me. So many of our prayers that started before you were born have already been answered. You are a healthy, beautiful, smart, funny girl, Kaitlyn. We have prayed that from a young age you would be close with the Lord – and you are. Listening to you sing Jesus Loves Me, I’m in the Lord’s Army, Pat the Bible, and so many others, bring smiles to our hearts. You make sure that before we eat a meal together we hold hands to pray. We continue to pray that you know you can always speak to your Heavenly Father.
We are so proud of you – and are amazed and how much you have learned in your first two years. You can say the ABC’s (and their phonetic sounds!), count to 20, and your vocabulary is amazing! You have a great personality and an awesome sense of humor. You keep Daddy and me laughing! We are in awe that you are ours.
I am so excited to see all that God has in His great plans for you. I can already tell that you are a very independent, ambitious little girl. I know God will bless your journey through life.
Another prayer that Daddy and I have for you is that you have good Christian friends. You are making new friends at Rainbow Bible School. I am thankful for Scott, Canyon, and Leighton, even though I don’t really know them. You mention them throughout your day, and I am thankful that they are in your life. You seem to enjoy spending your days there, though I desperately wish that I could spend all day with you!
I am so thankful for the relationship you have with your Daddy. It is so much fun to watch the two of you play together. You really savor the times when it’s just the two of you. One of your favorite things to do is snuggle up with him on the couch to watch a video. Daddy and I will always be here for you Kaitlyn, no matter where you are in your life.
Kaitlyn, you are growing into such a tall, beautiful, strong girl. The way you light up the room from the first good morning to the last kiss and tuck is unique only to you. You have to make sure we both rub your back before you fall asleep. We love your curly hair, your bright smile, your laugh and the things that you say. We are honored to be your parents.
We pray for you everyday. Sometimes when you are fast asleep in your bed, I go in and pray over you. I pray that God will always keep you healthy and safe. I pray that you know how much you are loved by so many. None more than your heavenly Father. The Lord looks at you and He is delighted! He made you because he wanted a relationship with Kaitlyn Anne Mayo. He is well pleased with you, not because of anything you have done, but just because you ARE.
Daddy and I feel the same way, and are so incredibly happy to be able to put our arms around you and hug you each and every day. We love you more than you will ever know.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Pictures
Here are some recent pictures of Kaitlyn. The air hockey game was pretty intense at Mr. Gatti's. She really got into it! She had the concept of the game wrong, however. She thought she could just catch the puck in her hand and put in the slot so that she could get it out. Then she would yell, "I did it!!" Pretty funny.
The baby is Julia Gordon. Our friends Skot and Elise came down for a quick visit. She loved having a baby to play with! We were so glad to get to see them! We miss all of our friends in Dallas!!!
We enjoyed going to the world famous (yeah right) Abilene Zoo on July 4th. Kaitlyn got a press on tattoo that she is showing off in the picture w/ the flag. It finally got scrubbed off in the bath tonight.
The baby is Julia Gordon. Our friends Skot and Elise came down for a quick visit. She loved having a baby to play with! We were so glad to get to see them! We miss all of our friends in Dallas!!!
We enjoyed going to the world famous (yeah right) Abilene Zoo on July 4th. Kaitlyn got a press on tattoo that she is showing off in the picture w/ the flag. It finally got scrubbed off in the bath tonight.
Sharing what has been shared with me
I read this today and had to share it. I love getting other, wiser people's perspective on things. I will never read the word "Guidance" the same!
Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" "dance."
God, you, and i dance.As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
Prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lots of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another.
I hope you dance...and let Him lead!
Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" "dance."
God, you, and i dance.As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
Prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lots of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another.
I hope you dance...and let Him lead!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Happy 4th of July!
Good Tuesday morning! Something about starting work on a Tuesday instead of a Monday makes me feel better. We had a fun, long weekend. We had so much fun with Skot, Elise and Julia when they came over on Saturday night. Kaitlyn loved having a baby to mess with! I'll hopefully post pictures tonight or tomorrow. (Makes me a little nervous about having another one!) Seeing them made us miss Dallas a little bit.
Sunday was totally relaxing. We played in the water outside. Our neighbors are moving and they gave us this big, nice wooden playset. So we moved that into our backyard. We put Kaitlyn's pool at the bottom of the big slide and let her slide into it. THAT was absolutely hilarious. I wish I knew how to put video footage on this thing.
Then yesterday we went to the Abilene Zoo. They have Festival on the Fourth. There was lots of fun things to do out there. Kaitlyn and I had our 15 minutes (or seconds) of fame on KTXS news. They interviewed me - quite embarrassing. I thought I did okay until I saw myself on TV. RETARDED. Kaitlyn looked cute though, with her press-on flag tattoo on her arm. She is pretty proud of that.
Now...back to work. Hope everyone has a good start to their week!
Sunday was totally relaxing. We played in the water outside. Our neighbors are moving and they gave us this big, nice wooden playset. So we moved that into our backyard. We put Kaitlyn's pool at the bottom of the big slide and let her slide into it. THAT was absolutely hilarious. I wish I knew how to put video footage on this thing.
Then yesterday we went to the Abilene Zoo. They have Festival on the Fourth. There was lots of fun things to do out there. Kaitlyn and I had our 15 minutes (or seconds) of fame on KTXS news. They interviewed me - quite embarrassing. I thought I did okay until I saw myself on TV. RETARDED. Kaitlyn looked cute though, with her press-on flag tattoo on her arm. She is pretty proud of that.
Now...back to work. Hope everyone has a good start to their week!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Yummy!
Kaitlyn went to town on the brownie bowl!! She looked in the mirror and said, "I look like a cow!" I look in the mirror and think that, but her reason is b/c her face is brown - not because she can't button her pants. Oh well!!!
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