Memoirs of a Moorings

Beautiful Birthdays

"Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live." ~Unknown

I was so excited when my cousin called me out of the blue and asked me to do the invitations for her sweet little girl's first birthday. I jumped at the chance to make some girly invitations--seeing that I have a rough and tumble little boy.

Speaking of birthdays, my little guy is well aware that he is turning four on November 16. And he's already requested a Spongebob party. I've just booked a place today and am hoping it's a party he'll actually remember!

Cat Be Gone!

"Cats always know whether people like or dislike them. They do not always care enough to do anything about it.” ~Winifred Carriere

We've got a cat problem. Well, a cat poop problem to be exact. Turns out that a cat has found our front yard to be his favorite place to do the do. And it's always in the freshly-planted jasmine. And of course the dirt has to be kicked up afterward. I am NOT a cat fan at all. And definitely not a fan of one who thinks he can do whatever he wants to do in our yard.

So I'm on a mission to rid our yard of that cat. My mom suggested a garden stake of a cat. It worked for her. So I bought a Halloween cat from Mi*chaels--the closest thing I could find. The neighbors are probably wondering why the cat is even there since there is nothing else even remotely Halloween-related in our front yard. I was convinced this would work. Imagine my surprise, and disgust, when yet again, the cat had made a visit this week--less than six feet from the newly-purchased cat. ARRRGHHH!

And if that's not enough, Rhyan has taken a liking to the fake cat. He is constantly petting it, picking it up and moving it, trying to bring it in the house, asking why it keeps pooping in our yard, and wondering why he's fake. He's even named the "pet" cat Spongebob! *Sigh*

So my mother has suggested bleach in small saucers to deter the cat and some "Cat Be Gone" concotion that can be bought at Home Depot. Any other suggestions out there? 

Made With Love

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren

Growing up, I LOVED the TV show, "Leave It to Beaver." I adored its simple wholesomeness. Its focus on family. And yes, I'm going to admit this, I loved June Cleaver and still do. I know it was make-believe, but I loved the way she kept a clean and organized house, the way she greeted her kids after school with milk and cookies and sent them off to school with a warm breakfast in their tummies.

I'm far from June Cleaver, (though I do like to wear an apron in the kitchen) but I do hope to inject some of that simple wholesomeness into my own mothering. To that end, I made heart-shaped chocolate waffles (with some chocolate chips thrown in for good measure) this weekend for the guys. They loved them. I could hardly wake up Sunday morning before my little one was asking for them again.

I think this just might become a weekend tradition--June Cleaver-style!

Belly Shots

"A mother's joy begins when new life is
stirring inside...
when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the
very first time,
and a playful kick reminds her that she
is never alone.
      
-- Author:Unknown

A few weeks ago an awesome photographer came out and took some maternity shots of me and some with me and my two favorite guys. My mother had been trying to convince me to do this, but I wouldn't budge. Until I realized--this is probably my last pregnancy, I'd better capture it. So on a fluke  I found the most fabulous photographer! And the images she took blew me away :-) I LOVE her. She's featured a few shots on her blog here. If you need a photographer and are in the Southern Californa area, I highly recommnend Tara.

The First of 1,000 Gifts

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~ Brian Tracy

Last year just before Thanksgiving, Ann V at Holy Experience started the One Thousand Gift List. It is quite simply a gratitutde list--an ode to the wonderful gifts in life that God has granted us. I found out about the list late, so never joined in. With all those grass is greener thoughts I had been battling, I thought I'd start in on my own gift list. You can read more of the story behind the list here at this sweet site. Here's the start of my 1,000 Gift List.

1. Rhyan's sweet little kisses on my hand and him saying, "Mommy, I just want to kiss you."

2. Friends from junior high school calling to say hi.

3. My husband's strong hand on the small of my back.

4. Quick, sharp kicks from this growing baby in my womb--proving that he's getting stronger everyday.

5. Coming home to a delicious smelling dinner brewing in the crock pot.

6. A case of Formula 50 Vitamin Water left in the kitchen overnight by my dear hubby.

7. Stacks of clean and neatly-folded towels in the linen closet.

8. Freshly laundered sheets on the bed.

9. Rhyan falling asleep 10 minutes after he's tucked in.

10. Podcasts of my favorite radio shows: Homeword, Focus on the Family, Thru the Bible, New Life Live and FamilyLife Today.

11. My daddy's hearty, healthy laughter over the phone.

12. Daily phone calls with my mother.

13. Getting a surprise call from my 86-year-old grandmother on my cell phone.

14. Sharing a quick, sweet memory of my grandfather with her.

15. A home I love to come to.

16. Journals from years past that show how much I've grown and how much I've gone through.

17. A great aunt who leaves cute voicemail messages for Rhyan and who calls me at work to say check on me.

18. Friends who send instant messages throughout the day to share funny thoughts.

19. The lovely voice of Fernando Ortega singing some of my favorite hymns.

20. A 13-year-old well-worn Bible that is full of post-it notes and handwritten scribblings.

21. A free Saturday afternoon with no engagments, appointments or parties to attend.

22. An empty email in-box at work.

23. A friendly card in the mail amongst all the bills.

24. Direct deposit from work so the bills can be paid.

25. The luxury of being able to buy groceries online.

Rhyan's Aha Moment

Every couple of weeks Rhyan will ask how the baby is going to come out. I've talked about it before here. Seems like he's going over and over it again in his head trying to figure it out.

This week, he had an Aha! moment. He said, "I know how the baby is going to get out."

"How?" I asked.

"Through your mouth...like this, bleh." Picture my little three-year-old reenacting someone throwing up, his little hand moving from his stomach, up his throat and out of his mouth, complete with make-believe "throwing up" sounds.

Hmmm......now that was a good one. Never would have thought of that one myself.

Transitioning

"Life is one big transition." ~Willie Stargell

This evening was spent purging Rhyan's closet of clothes and shoes he's grown out of. He was such a sport as I had him try on at least a dozen pair of pants to see if they fit. He's in that transition stage--just about out of one size, not quite into the next size.

Feels like it's a transition all the way around. Emotionally, he's transitioning--trying to understand the concept of being a big brother with a new baby on the way. I feel in the midst of a major transition. In three months, I will be responsible for yet another precious little life. And it will be the biggest balancing act of my life. Praying for wisdom. Strength. Transitions are never comfortable--but just like everything else, they are a part of life--and soon enough they are a part of our history.

While we were cleaning out the closet, Rhyan rummaged through some artwork from his first year of preschool. He remembered which classroom it was and was proud to show me his artwork from just a year ago. And he specifically requested that I take a picture of this piece of artwork and posed for the shot.

Odd and Ends

"A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click."  ~Author Unknown

I don't know if I should be admitting this, but I LOVE the internet. There's a world of resources at your fingertips. I always come across something useful or cute in my online travels.

Lately, I've been shopping for side tables for the family room to no avail. Then I found this lovely (and inexpensive IKEA hack). When I get some free time I'm going to attempt this one. Isn't this just the cutest little thing :-)

And I've decided to ban microwave popcorn from the house. Sure it's fast and easy. But with all these conflicting reports about its healthiness--I thought it best to steer clear---especially since my little one really enjoys the stuff. We've gone back to the old-fashioned way of popping popcorn-straight from the kernel. Even Daddy made some for Rhyan last weekend and it was pretty good. And if Daddy can handle it, then I know it's do-able! I found a recipe for Perfect Popcorn here. Try it out!

And I think Rhyan will love these rainbow pancakes. Why didn't I ever think to put chocolate chips in them?

My Big Boy Helper

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.  ~Abigail Van Buren

With this belly getting bigger all the time, my energy level has plummeted big time--however, my workload has not. Being the brilliant mother that I am *wink* I've enlisted the help of my 3-year-old helper. What a willing worker. I've got him helping to unload the dishwasher and help put the unbreakable things away. Yesterday, he helped fix plates for dinner and today, he helped with the laundry. He loved putting the soap in and loading in the clothes. I also had him help put the wet clothes in the dryer. I really didn't expect that much enthusiasm from him. Now if only I can get my little helper to be as compliant at school. He's still crying, falling out and generally giving his teacher a hard time. I really can't figure out what is going on with him. But again, This Too Shall Pass.

Hula Hoop Fun

"It is a happy talent to know how to play." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This kid's got skills!