(Old) McDonald's (Farm)

Since summer came early to MN (I am continuing to show incredible restraint in not turning on the air conditioner - I am also restraining from turning on the oven) we re-instituted one of our favorite seasonal traditions: weekend ice cream cones at McDonalds. Even better than the ice cream tonight was Karis's association . . . one of her very favorite songs lately is "Old Macdonald Had a Farm". So, when we told her we were going to McDonald's for ice cream, she showed us how she was making sense of that in her head by exclaiming, "Old Macdonald's ice cream!". Even better was when we got to there and she started saying "Old Macdonald's farm!", her wide eyes scanning the whole place with wonder.

A memorable St. Patrick's Day moment, for sure.

A lefse making adventure with friends earlier this week. Yes, Karis is eating the dough. And wearing a 2T dress that is too adorable, and definitely too small. I love that she is dressing herself these days!

A fish story

I had this thought that Lent would be the perfect time to incorporate fish into our weekly menus. I told Trevor that I was going to start making tilapia once a week, and I enthusiastically explained how inexpensive and easy to prepare it is. To which he replied, "Well yeah, of course it's cheap. They're raised in huge tanks . . . " At which point I put up my hands and asked him to please stop. I really, really, really dislike fish and while I do enjoy eating some fish I don't like to think about it at ALL. And now I can't bring myself to buy any tilapia. Or any other fish, for that matter.

I savor this season of reflection and repentance - there are daily opportunities to give and receive grace always, and I'm thankful for the collective focus in these weeks of thinking about the road that Jesus walked, the sacrifices He made, the temptations He endured, the promises He fulfilled.

I've been thinking this week about growth. Karis is constantly growing in so many ways, but it hit me that so am I. Or at least, I hope I am. Growth never stops at a certain age, and it's quite remarkable that even within this little family, we can all learn and grow together. Surely at different rates and in different ways, but we're all changing and learning and experiencing life in ways that prune us and shape us. The following quote recently affirmed these thoughts about growth and grace:

". . . [many displays of winter are a reminder that] beautiful things are still happening in some of nature’s most quiet and dark seasons; just as sometimes we personally have to go through such periods to come out into new growth. Part of the process of creating your family often leads to acknowledging things you would like to do differently; things you would like to be better, and opportunities for a positive and beautiful new beginning.
 In the process of acknowledging what you would like to change or do differently, I hope you take the time to see all the things that you do right.  I also hope you forgive yourself for any unrealistic expectations that you were harboring about parenting and family life." (from the parenting passageway).

Yes, I like that.

Another thought I like, from the book Kisses From Katie (read it, amazing story. Katie adopted 13 children from Uganda . . . at the age of nineteen):
"Parenting is sometimes tough. Parenting is almost always hilarious."

Random Karis-isms this week:
- "Little Jay!" (Trevor named one of her 'little people' . . . and now 'Little Jay' is a bedtime must-have item)
- "I have an owie. Run around! Fell on Cedar Chest!" (Karis got her first big and noticeable owie - she did indeed run into our cedar chest and has a scrape on her eyebrow to show it. She is enjoying telling everyone she meets about it, as well as re-enacting the event sans actually hitting her head)
- Walking up to strangers in church to talk, probably telling them about her owie. This girl is an extrovert, it's so fun to watch.
- "I wanna go back to Sterling's birthday party" (exclaimed over and over all the way home from Sterling's birthday party)
- "I get orange gum" (Trevor got Karis orange gum, so sweet - literally)
- "Go talk in the bathroom!" (commonly heard when we go to restaurants. Karis likes to do things she's not supposed to in hopes that I will go have a talk with her in the bathroom. She really likes restaurant bathrooms. We left Snuffy's a little prematurely a couple weeks ago because of this)
- "I don't like tomatoes" (true and funny. you'd really have to hear the tone/inflection of this statement to get the humor. Or maybe you have to be Karis's mom to think this is funny?)
- "Read Ra-pu-pu-pum" (reading the Drummer Boy book, a latest favorite)
- "Wash on Monday, mend on Tuesday, churn on Wednesday" (a statement from her 'Laura book', an adaptation from the Little House series)
- "Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, it's a rainbow" (repeating a phrase sung by her picnic basket. Did you know picnic baskets sing?)
- "Check on snowman" (Trev and Karis made a big one, with 'milk balls', i.e. whoppers robin eggs candy, for the eyes and mouth. They melted off and Karis snuck one into her mouth before I could catch her. She looked delighted).
- "I wanna go to Bismarck!" (amen, daughter)
- Running full speed to hug my knees (please, let this last forever . . . )
- Singing "Old Macdonald Had a Farm" while dancing
-  "Mommy, leave! Mommy and daddy go on date. I eat dinner at Lukas's" (said as we dropped her off with friends for a couple hours - Trev and I went to a restaurant we've been talking about trying for years for an early birthday celebration. Dear K - I think that answers your question in the comment. =) )

DIRL 2

As I write this very sentence, I'm tuning into the Today show (my feeble effort at catching some news before K stirs and the week begins) and there is an interview of a tornado survivor. Life really is a breath, and every current breath is the only one we can count on - what will I do with it?

Speaking of life, today is my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday, DK! I hope you know you're life is incredibly celebrated today! You teach by example how to make the most of every day. Live it up!

And speaking of living it up and counting the crazy blessings that come our way at times . . . what are the chances of having two DIRL experiences within six weeks of each other?! We had the gift of time off and travel a few weeks ago when we converged with family for a long weekend in Florida. "Are you ready to go to Florida?!", said Karis for a couple weeks before. We had the best time with my parents, my bro and his girlfriend. The journey there was fun (going through a fabulous stage with Karis as far as flying is concerned, she even shocked me by napping on my lap. Precious). We arrived, shopped like maniacs for meal supplies at Supertarget, ate Chick-fil-A in the jam-packed van, and enjoyed a breezy drive to the house.

We fell into a relaxed rhythm of early mornings, time on the beach, rest, meals together. We enjoyed outings to a different beach, Bahama Breeze restaurant, a gorgeous drive to Captiva Island and a dinner at the Mucky Duck. Watching sunsets on the water, watching Karis hilarious entertain, reading magazines,  exploring . . . walking or riding bikes on the beach, people watching (you would too! beaches are fascinating places). It was quality time, refreshing, encouraging, fun. We even snuck in some movie watching and a round of Dutch Blitz. I am so sad to say we didn't take many (any?) videos - tragic! I also took a whopping 19 pictures. Ack. Karis was a delight to watch, we reveled in her joy at being with family and in a new environment. The girl loves life and her exuberant attitude is contagious.

There were a couple tell-tale signs that Trevor and I are novice beach-dwellers:
- You know that common perception about long, romantic walks on the beach? Our first day there, we tried that . . . Andrea style, which means fast. We got a good mile away, at which point Trev's toes were ripped up from walking on some rocks. Poor guy! We of course had to walk back, it looked painful. We did end up taking another walk on our last day there, with shoes that time.
- My toes were fine, but my pasty white shoulders burned pretty badly the first day and I wore a t-shirt the rest of the time. To further my midwest ways, I wasn't even disappointed to not get a tan.

Small blips on the bliss that was vacation. We're thankful for the memories.

Florida style Karis-isms:
- "The waves chase me!"
- "Go to the beach!"
- "Build sandcastles! Seashells!"
- "Watch cucumber, Bobby the tomato!" (Veggie tales, a fave activity at all times - especially dancing along)
- "Diapers!" (while pulling maxi-pads off the shelf at Target)
- "Paint nails again!" (almost everyone had a turn or two painting fingers and toes)

Leap day

 How did you spend this "extra"day of the year? Our's was memorable mostly because of the snow we woke up to . . . and then tromped through and tried to shovel (Trev had more success and I eased my guilt by vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom). The trees and scenery were gorgeous this morning, and then gave way to massive amounts of heavy, gloppy, messy slush. We also capitalized on a coffee date opportunity at Caribou.Happy Leap Day!

I need a place to capture quotes from books, articles, blogs - so many strike me, yet I seem to forget them almost as fast as I read them. This might as well be the place.

A recent line  I read in two different places within 24 hours (crazy! I think that means I should pay attention to what it says):
"Find new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold". If you are an "old" friend, and you happen to read this - well, please know you are a treasure.

A psalm said said daily around here:
118:24 "This is the day the the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"

Another recently read from How We Love Our Kids:
"Not only do kids reveal our weaknesses, they frustrate our need for control and predictability . . . like little coaches pointing out weaknesses and defining our training, children point spotlights on places we need to grow in our lives."

So true, in a very good way. I'm reminded often that Karis's life is a gift, and Trevor and I have the privilege of raising her. This entails many, many moments of joy - and plenty reflected in this quote as well. Sometimes at the end of the day, I realize how many tiny decisions have been executed in just one tiny square box on a calendar - I need wisdom and grace to be making the best choices on behalf of this precious little person entrusted to my care.

I was also delighted tonight when Anne of Green Gables (the Sequel) stated that she likes when names are spelled with "K" instead of "C". And a scene when her class is singing "All Things Bright and Beautiful", a song that Karis asks me to sing every night right before bed. It's the small things, as always.

There's too much to write about that I can't even start right now - we enjoyed an awesome vacation last week that deserves its own post entirely, with lots of pictures of beach baby Karis.

Lenten thoughts also deserve another session of writing . . . in the meantime . . . 

Recent Karis-isms:
- "I want some hair 'jello'" (my latest favorite!)
- Having to wear her purple crocs inside at all times
- "Where are we going?" (asked at anytime of day, not necessarily when we're going somewhere)
- "What's on your face?" (awkward when asked of non-family members)
- "No, no!" (common reply to any question she is asked)
- "I want a girl scout cookie!"
- "Daddy, come inside!" (peeking her head out the door while he was shoveling)
- "Play legos! Build a house!"
- Favorite books lately: I Love You, Mouse. Corduroy, Sheep Take a Hike, Always Room for One More, Nursery Rhymes, Goodnight Moon, Napping House, Piggies, The Foot Book, Runaway Bunny
- Favorite song this week: "You Are My Sunshine"

From a month ago, a ride on an escalator

Valentine's Day treats

I've always associated Valentine's Day with family, thanks to my parents who always made it a fun and special day for my brother and me (thanks, guys!). I have wonderful memories of time together, new pink socks, memorable meals and creative endeavors (like making crafty boxes for elementary school - wow, those were the days).

I had grand aspirations of having a little tea party with the tots today, but the morning just flew and no tea was steeped (Karis loves tea these days, just a wee bit of weakened chai suits her well). We did manage to get outside and shovel the freshly fallen snow (so gorgeous and refreshing), bake ginger cookies, and visit a neighbor . . . who sent us home with a special treat. She has a stuffed bear that sings "God Bless America" - Karis loves to sing along. So, neighbor Bonnie sent it home with us to "babysit" for a week.

We also enjoyed sending lots of mail, which to me is a favorite activity for this holiday. The other thing that I'll remember about this Valentine's Day is that for the first time, Karis wore her "big girl underwear" all morning without any accidents . . . and also went when I "offered" before going outside and after nap. What?! I'm so delighted and even more so am having fun watching Karis's excitement in this step of independence. I wonder what will happen when she realizes that getting gum after each session isn't an eternal occurrence?

Another couple of memorable moments today - Karis stuck cheese in her ears. Shredded cheddar, if you were wondering. ???? Also, I marked the day by getting my teeth cleaned, which I actually love. It ended up being such a treat (no sarcasm), I had a fabulous hygienist who ended up talking about her current relationship and asking about me and Trev. It was kind of a sweet interaction and seemed fitting for Valentine's Day. I forget how good it is to get out and do these normal things that are pretty much off my radar. Perhaps it's time to see the optometrist as well.

Tonight we kept our tradition started last year of Valentine's "BOGO" events. First, dinner a Qdoba (where it's buy one, get one if you kiss in line). We met dear friends there, and Karis just loved her dinner date with "D". Trevor had a very kind and outgoing "older" gentleman approach him and say, "There are only a few people in this world with good looking heads. Everyone else has hair." HA!

We ended the evening with our "BOGO" Caribou coffee and tried to recall memories of pre-Karis Valentine's Day celebrations. We couldn't remember many and so resorted to grade-school reminiscing.  We did carve in our own at-home date by watching some Harry Potter 3, which reminded us of when we lived in VA and we used a projector on a huge white wall to watch it for the first time- we completely rearranged furniture to make it possible - we both laughed recalling that memory. What really made my day is that in the cards we wrote to each other, we both talked about wondering where we will be and what we'll be doing on future Valentine's Days . . .

That's amore:  Karis, "D" and their PDA at Q doba

As I write, my fingers smell like turkey. I like it. Spring is in the air or something, I've had these bursts of energy to get things done that I've been meaning to all winter . . . like cook that huge turkey that's been sitting in the freezer for longer than I will admit to publicly. Turkey-cooking is also a part of our plan to "grow up" this year, it was fun to watch Trevor carve it and then to enjoy the results together. The simple life, that's what we're all about here - or at least try to be about. In many ways, Karis has helped us slow down, find a regular rhythm, relax at night.

The above paragraph was written on Monday . . . this paragraph is written on Friday as the turkey is turning into soup on the stove. Mmmm. Turkey is our new friend and fits a new motto and method I'm incorporating into cooking: "minimum input for maximum output".

Today (still Friday!) was momentous for Karis, she got her very own library card. Wow, she was SO excited, I wish I could've gotten her reaction on video. The awesome part of her getting her own card is that now she can check out 30 books at a time. Keeping up with library books is like a part time job, a juggle of when things are done, which ones to renew, which ones to reserve. I love it.

Momentous happenings this week also include diaper-ish things. I decided to be done with cloth diapers, I don't know what happened but I'm just done. As it would happen, Karis seems to think she's about done with diapers, period. I haven't changed a dirty diaper in about a week, she's literally training herself and just lets us know when she has to go. That was easy, all credit goes to Karis.

Before the memory fades, I have to recall some moments from last Sunday's church service: it was the first Sunday that I was called upon to help serve communion, which involves a good 15 or so minutes of me (and other servers) standing at the front of the church. I did wonder what Karis would think of that situation, my girl can be unpredictable about her mommy-separation moments (although less so lately, she is really growing up). Well, she was great, I didn't hear her at all . . . until Trevor actually brought her up front for communion. At that point, she started bawling and crying very loudly for mommy. Oh my Karis, I could see the tears pooling in her eyes. I appreciated many sweet glances from those receiving the juice I was offering, those who know Karis and understood and appreciated the moment - who, like me, knew she would be absolutely fine (nothing a bagel from the back couldn't fix!) and also knew it was a slice of time I'd remember forever. A friend who is a seasoned grandmother-of-five told me after the service, "You know, someday she's not going to like you!" While I hope that's not true (!) I do realize that these little memories are ones I will treasure, ones I will tell Karis about in those moments that she thinks she doesn't need me. 

Random highlights of our week are included, but not limited to:
Having neighbors join us for pizza one evening; meeting an aunt and uncle for dinner one night; celebrating a dear friend's 30th birthday here (with what else but turkey?!); seeing Trev's brother who was here on a long layover; meeting former coworkers for a mall playdate; watching The Help; going to the library book sale and finding some terrific treasures; spontaneously meeting my bro for coffee; purging closets and drawers & organizing piles of clothes - watching Karis try on old favorite dresses and put together hilarious outfits for herself.

It's a simple life and we're thankful.

Karis-isms:
- "Hey mommy!" and then proceeding to tell me anything and everything that is happening to or around her. This is my favorite exclamation right now.
- She knows our first names and sometimes calls us by them, especially when yelling down the stairs
- She stuck a ball of kleenex up her nose, we were able to fish it out but I was having visions of candy or small toys going up there . . .
- "Watch the turkey!" (peering into oven). When they turkey was out, she just wanted to touch it
- "Cover Karis up!" (she likes to have a blanket over her now - after watching me cover Lukas up for his naps here)
- "I have a little cough! I need honey for my cough"
- "I'm gonna be a flower girl" (it's true! Thanks, Jordan and Cassie, for that exciting honor)
- "I set the table" (true)
- "Let's go to ca-meh-rah!" (Karis-speak for "Panera")
- "Date with Lukas!" (true, we took Lukas on a birthday date to the playplace at a local mall and dinner at Chipotle)
- "Mommy go bathroom so bad" (true - usually after being out and about and having to go right inside for a minute before playing outside)

Cutest thing I ever did see

Well, yes, the picture below would depict one of the cutest things I've ever seen. But right before I snapped the photo, I saw something else pretty adorable: a cute old man from the "big red barn" house at the end of the block (the same one with the singing inflated reindeer at Christmas time) was walking to his truck . . . and what was just too cute was that he had a blue tooth in one ear and was chomping on a big old piece of red licorice. The whole scene just kind of made my day. It's the little things, don't you think?

Is it okay to say "cute old man"? Because he was. It was cute, I wish I could've gotten a picture of him, but that probably would not have been okay.

So, here's the picture I did get (please don't tell me you'd rather see a picture of an old man?!):

Another scene was Karis seeing Trev (after a few days of him being gone) at the end of block and biking as fast as she could to him. Pure delight.

Karis-isms:
- "Mommy blow on hands!" (when we get back inside and her fingers are cold)
- "I'm freezing!" (can you tell it's cold and damp here lately?)
- "Walk on ceiling!" (she loves for Trevor to hold her upside down so her feet touch the ceiling)
- "I want quinoa! I smell quinoa" (yes, she smelled it cooking without even knowing what was in the pot)

And one more, because it's Monkey Monday around here . . . Karis holding a book she pulled off the shelf this morning. Can you tell what it is?

 

 

 

You can't see it well in this shot, but the t-shirt displays Rainbow Brite - a shirt I wore at her age. Thanks, mom, for keeping it!