Monday, June 30, 2008

Yuck Yuck Yucca

Sunday morning was a lovely morning, we made a brunch casserole. My sister introduced us to her friend's Yucca casserole, it sounds funky, but it's really good.

CASSAVA (YUCCA) BIBINGKA

4 c. fresh grated yucca
2 c. coconut milk
2 tbsp. melted butter
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 c. coconut cream
Grated cheese

Peel and grate yucca. Beat eggs, add sugar, butter and salt. Add the grated yucca and coconut milk. Mix well and place in baking dish. Bake until almost done (light brown), about 1 hour, at 350 degrees. Then brush with coconut cream, sprinkle with grated cheese and brown under broiler.

We subbed splenda for sugar, and used light coconut milk, no cream and mozzerella. It was only about 450 calories per serving. It made about 8 servings, 1 plenty for brunch, leftovers for supper or lunch later this week.

So, yeah, we're silly for buying a yucca and following a recipe we found on the internet, after only tasting Lisa's friend's dish. However, not crazy enough, I popped that badboy in the oven, and went outside and weeded for an hour. So, you know how I said on Friday, perhaps I'll get wild and crazy and do a little weeding. Yeah, I did. The weeds were so bad they are/were drowning out my cucumbers. I had to! OK, grating and weeding are two tasks that are not happy together. After breakfast, my hips and lower back were mad, and I ended up taking drugs and going to church. Amazing how good the pastor sounds when I'm drugged. "The Church is only one generation from going exctinct." It's our responsibility to continue the apostle's work and pass the Truth on to our kids and anyone we meet. He has wise things to say, and I must say I'm actually getting motivated to renew my participation in regular activites. My small group has fallen off the wagon a bit with school out, but I'm going to kick it up a notch. We came home and took a heartier drug, crashed and I went to bed. Didn't even need no stinky lunch. Gotta go, boy's up.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Friday Fill Ins

1. Birthdays are wonderful, and crazy. Both Eric and Chris are December birthdays. So many people I love celebrate birthdays in December.

2. Spring is my favorite season because of the beauty of new life. Though this is a hard one, I think I love all seasons except for hot hot humid summer, when I (we) can't go outside if I (we) want to breathe too.

3. I feel my best when Chris is happy. When he's well rested and happy, so is Mommy. Also, it feels pretty fabulous when I put on a piece of clothing that was tight, but is getting bigger on me because I'm getting smaller.

4. Chocolate is my favorite food! It should be its own food group.

5. First impressions are often wrong. I hate that sometimes I have been known to judge a person by my first impressions, only to get to know them later, and find I was wrong.

6. The best piece of advice I ever received was sleep when the baby sleeps.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to getting Christy from Netflix in the mail, and watching it with Eric after the boy goes to bed, tomorrow my plans include a fun toddler birthday party for my friend Corie's daughter Maddie (who said she really wanted Chris at her party), and Sunday, I want to take a nap, go nowhere, and maybe do some weeding around the cucumbers if I'm feeling really wild and crazy!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Berry Good Tries

So for this week's Thursday Thirteen, I was posting pictures of our adventure going berry picking today with Chris, his Nana and Mommy. I used my phone for pictures, and for some reason, blogger loves all my vertical shots, but the horizontal ones are coming up crooked. I could post them, but I won't as they'll give me a headache, and likely you too.

Chris was Berry Ready.



We thought the blueberry plants were so cool. We'd never seen them growing. Not only are they pretty, but they had this wonderful light fragrance. I SO want to grow blueberries.



Chris had a good time. By the time we finished picking blue and rasp berries we were too tired and Chris was a hot fuss. He was happy to get back in the car.


We had a great time, first we picked berries: 2 Quarts of Blueberries, then half a quart of black raspberries, which had just begun to ripen, and someone else "cleared them out" earlier in the day, so we didn't get lots. Then we found some bushes of mulberries and some mystery berry, that looks like a mulberry too, but a bit bigger. We picked up some already picked strawberries, though we didn't do them ourselves. Here's a picture of our berry stash. Berry yummy.



Mom and I decided to get a bit crazy and while Chris slept sweetly, we made jam. First we made blueberry jam, then we used a bit of the leftover blueberry and added strawberries, the black raspberries, and mulberries. Oh, just stirring smelled better than any lotion or candle. I'm stirring the jam, though it's hard to see, I'm also pouring it. Mom and I make a great canning/jam making team. She burns her hands on the dishes, and I stand at the pot, getting splattered by boiling fruit sugar mixture. But, we make a mean jam, mighty fine, I can't wait to taste it.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


If you have any idea of what this creature is that I've found in my backyard, please let me know. I have a theory. Or please leave a caption.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Fast Acting

As I sat down here to begin this entry, the boys were prepping for the bathtub when I heard Eric yell, “Help.” Not loud, not shrieking, just pleading. That almost scared me more than crashes or shrieks. I went upstairs to find Christopher naked on Daddy’s arm, which was literally dripping with poo, splatters on the floor. “I could use some help.” I was paralyzed with shock. “The Miralax worked”, he said.
Yes, the miralax worked, or rather has begun working. Perhaps being a "Wee Wicked Beastie"is the new sign and symptom for constipation, because just when I can't take anymore of my wee wicked beastie, I find out that there is a very good reason for erratic behavior. I am sorry for backtracking and bouncing a bit, but Chris is constipated. Earlier, this evening, we gave him a full capful in 8 ounces of water, and pushed it right into his g-tube, over an hour. I don't think we've seen a full colon's worth, but it was indeed fast acting. 2 hours later...zowie! We were told to double his miralax by Dr. Z, who very kindly took us in and did an X-ray at the spur of the moment this afternoon. (I love that office) I was on the phone with the nurse from the Developmental Pediatrics at Riley, when the subject of constipation came up, as it often does. I can't recognize his signs anymore, so sure, anytime you ask me, has he pooped? I'll say yes, he goes every 2 hours. He's constipated if he goes more than all night without going. Come to think of it, he hasn't gone much today, and his diaper was actually NOT muddy this morning. And Tuesday after his MRI, nothing was moving. She said, why don’t you run over to Dr. Cooper, and see if you can get an x-ray? Umm, ok. I called, they said come now, we did, and bam, x-ray. Though, I don’t think they are as accustomed to giving kiddoes Chris’s age x-rays. They wanted diaper off, directly on the hard table. I’m like, wanna put a sheet under him, or something over his places, you might regret otherwise? I had him pinned in place, his hands with a death grip on mine, him crying, shades of blue, and she suddenly asks me, wanna wear a vest? Puh-lease. Anyway, in spite of small problems, we got the x-ray. And yes, his colon was full.
Eric brought up the very good point, when has his colon not been full? Mmmm…never. That got me thinking, thinking I was glad I stalked the Developmental Peds department. One of the things that the nurse that I spoke with asked, Has Chris ever seen GI (Gastro Intestinal)? All of a sudden, light bulbs flashed in our minds. Ah ha! Yes, that’s what he needs! Why didn’t we think of that before? God bless this nurse, who finally had a bloody brilliant idea! Of course, 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon is not the time to pursue a new specialist, but still. A few colorful metaphors flew out of my mouth in my excitement and relief. Of course! A Specialist that covers the WHOLE flipping colon! Perhaps a GI specialist can figure out why Chris is puking and is constantly plugged up?! The G-tube was supposed to make things easier, but honestly, it really hasn't. Sure he's gaining weight, but we've got all new problems, he still doesn't eat, accept for 3 chips, now he can't drink either, and we need to work on fixing that, which we haven't really done because we're bulking him up. He wasn't eating much before, now he's not eating to keep his skills fresh. I mean seriously, just what I wanted was more doctors, but on the other hand, we want to figure out what's going on....and more importantly, FIX it.
I must comment that I find it strange that earlier today in my Friday Fill Ins, I said I want more Jesus, and less Medical Drama. So what do I get? More medical drama. Part of me laughs at God's sense of humor and timing. I wrote that before I finally got a hold of Riley, and before the X-ray. Even with all that has gone on, and as helpless as I feel so much of the time, I remember I can always pray. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that prayer is being Proactive, it IS doing something, because so often I turn to it when there is nothing left physically I can do. But perhaps the reason I get more medical drama is so that it can bring me closer to Jesus. These last few weeks, I've been praying all the time.
Seriously, keep off the roads, because I have a tendency to pray while driving, and you know how the Spirit can really work in prayer; sometimes the Spirit closes my eyes. Someone is watching out for us, obviously; I haven't had an accident while praying.

Friday Fill Ins

1. A smile is forever. (especially if you catch it on film) My heart simply warms at the thought of Chris's smiles, or his laughter, they get me through medical procedures, not just the ones on him, but on me too. Because no one can be as wonderful and strong and resilient as Christopher.
2. Shanghai Rummy is my favorite board or card game. But I love Beans, or Killer Bunnies, Trivia Pursuits of various flavors, but I stink at Strategy games.
3. I would love to have more Jesus in my life and less medical drama.
4. When I think of the Summer Solstice, I think of my girlfriend Lisa's birthday, and Chris's half birthday. He'll be 2 1/2 tomorrow.
5. I just remembered I need to phone stalk Dr. Wilson's office. He's Chris's Developmental Pediatrician at Riley. Awesome guy, but not fabulous at returning calls.
6. One of my favorite song lyrics goes like this: "Such a Tiny Offering, Compared to Calvary, Nevertheless, we lay it at your feet." God With Us by MercyMe There are many others, but this one is heavy on my heart this week, perhaps next weeks Thursday 13 should be top 13 song lyrics. Hmmm.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to Eric is making a "surprise" dinner on the grill that he just finally fixed, and he's not telling me what it is, tomorrow my plans include Deckfest 2008 at the Julius's and Swim Class, oh and a Bridal Shower for my new sister (in law to be)and Sunday, I want to take a nap, of course! But I'll be hard pressed, because...(drumroll please) I'm having a girly day with Caryn which will consist of lunch and Pedicures. We used to try to do 1st Pedi's of the sandal wearing time of year together, but time gets away from us, and instead of it being in April/May, it's now Mid-June!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

I got to go to Chick Fil-A with Amy and girls yesterday, and I was once again given a reminder why I love Chick Fil-A. See #1.

Thirteen Reasons to Love Chick Fil-A

1.The People-Yesterday a young girl (like 4 or 5) saw me waiting for Chris by the play area and asked me, "Shadey dogs in zoos?" "What?", I asked. "Do you love God and Jesus?" "Why yes," I replied, utterly shocked, "yes I do." "I just knew it." she said, and with that she turned and left. Maybe she saw my cross pendant, maybe an angel was lurking nearby. But wow. The thought made me smile all the way home.
2.The Playground-One time, Chris wanted to go up the jungle gym to the slide, but its not meant for parents to enter, and this young girl, daughter of an employee, helped Chris up, and over, and went down the slide with him, like 5 times. He calls the playground, My Slide. Even though he hasn't slid it since. He melts down when he can't play on it. Yesterday all he did was run around the tree once, and open the door 6 times, and I said we were done, and meltdown. But Chick Fil-A is one of all 2 places near us that has a play area, and I love them for it.
3. Free Refills
4. The Staff-Sometimes the staff will come around, offer to take my trashy tray, or get me free refills, sauces, I don't even have to get up. Even their drive thru crew is super cheerful and polite.
5. All White Meat Chicken Breast. All their chicken is noticeably from chicken. I worked at KFC and Boston Market, I know chicken. Even the nuggets have muscle fibers, that shred like meat off the bone, not like Chicken McNuggets where the origin is iffy.
6. Chicken Nuggets. Yum. Can you say Party Platter? There were NONE left after Christopher's First Birthday Party, we got a tray of 200.
7. Chicken Sandwich. The first. The Original. Yum-O.
8. Whole Wheat Buns. How many places offer a whole wheat bun option? Seriously.
9. Caffeine Free Diet Coke -Hard to come by in public, but our whole family is so sensitive to caffeine anytime after lunch keeps them up for hours, but we love our Diet Coke.
10. Breakfast Chicken Burrito-Grilled onions and green peppers, eggs and cheese, and their own fabulous chicken nuggets. How can we go wrong? Can't.
10. Their whole Breakfast campaign. -Eric loves the Chicken Biscuits. I'm partial to the burrito, but we do agree on the Chicken Minis-nuggets wrapped in yeast rolls. Plus, how many fast food restaurants put flowers on their tables?
11. The Crazy Cows -Every time we see those signs, Eat Mor Chikin, we can't help but giggle a bit. And you should've seen the cow calendar they put out last year, hysterical.
12.Christian Music -Pumped strongly in through the stereo. I have been known to accompany Chris in the play area, singing loudly. (only when he's the only kid in there.
13.Not open on Sundays-I give them kudos for this in a retail world, even though it's usually on Sundays after church when I want Chick Fil-A the most.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


What do YOU think Chris is thinking/saying?
Please leave a caption.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Home sweet home


Chris's MRI went well. He's recovering nicely. We'll know in a day or two how things turned out. It's just nice to be home. Take it easy. Take a good fat nap. Even Nemo isn't annoying. Thanks for all your prayers. They are greatly appreciated.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Better Days


Get this, I am blogging to you, live from the basement, where all my lights are once again working, and my son?...My son is gone, our friends Mary and Emilie "kidnapped" him and took him to the park. How lovely. I am getting a chance to be productive, blog, knit, do laundry...In the MIDDLE OF THE DAY! (I've got my priorities straight!)
When last I left you, the latter half of last week, I was in a darker place. Has that ever happened to you? When the stress gets thick, I internalize it. But today, I'm in a much happier place. Better days! It's amazing how therapeutic quality time with family and friends can be! Sometimes, ok often, if truth be told, I'm a stress eater. So, no more of that. However, last week, Eric and I hopped back on the healthy bandwagon. The stress of the last two months was taking its toll, i.e. the scale going the wrong direction, and so, no more drowning my sorrows in triple chocolate meltdowns and green apple martinis. OK, at least, no more for a few weeks. The carb cravings are gone, but I am getting a little tired of snacking on nuts. I'd love something chocolatey. Eric's company is doing a "Biggest Loser" thing, if he can lose 8% in 10 weeks he'll get a 250$ gift card to Dick's and a share of the pot they paid at the start.
Yesterday was a great Father's Day, not just for Eric, we all had a good day. I made Eric a lovely low carb breakfast, extra cheesey eggs, which he loved. Chris had colored him a card, he even focused on the picture, it was a toolbox and Chris was naming all the tools, and I swear he was trying to stay in the lines. I made a black and white photo collage and created a Daddy and Chris slide show that is even now still running on our little computerized picture frame (100 of our favorite pics of Chris and Daddy together). Eric had gotten up and gone straight to work outside on fixing the grill. I swear, I didn't ask him to do it, he wanted to fix it, hadn't had the time and all that, so we made the time. I slept off my tweaked back while the boys went to church. At the same time, Eric was creating his great dinner. We were invited to a special Father's Day round of Game Night at the MeyPfan household. The girls played In a Pickle while the menfolk enjoyed a few rounds of the very manly Marvel Heroscape, then we all played Bohnanza (Beans) together. We were up for main dish, and Eric decided to break out his new smoker/roaster to create Luau Pork. The roaster was a Christmas gift, but he hadn't gotten to break it out due to weather and all that. He was so excited he went out and bought this HUGE pork butt, 10 pounds! An assload of ass! Unbeknownst to us, it doesn't remain an assload once cooked. So, it fed the 7 of us well, with enough for another dinner for us. But holy yum, it was so good. I was trying to rack my brain to think of the last time I had shredded pork that was that good, and maybe Hawaii? Maybe never? He got many a compliment. Eric LOVES to cook, and he loves new manly toys, so breaking out the smoker/roaster was his idea of a good time. (Cleaning it afterwards...not so much.) It was great to see him so excited. It was lots of fun, but we were pooped afterwards.
So, I tweaked my back a bit yesterday morning, but drugs and a nap fixed that right up by dinner time. Saturday night, Eric had gone to the store, and got the meat and much needed lightbulbs. It was a surprise to me, just now, to come down stairs and turn on the basement lights to have all 6 working, instead of the two above the desk, in permanent mood lighting mode. It's the little things.
So, also on Saturday, we had some fun. Chris started his Summer Swim class at Northwestern park, I'll discuss that more on his website, but suffice it to say, that park is awesome, and I'm loving this class, even though the pool isn't heated, it doesn't matter, too much fun. He was so adorable. See the picture above. My mother in law got us a shirt short swim combo outfit, so Chris can go to the pool and his g-tube can be hidden, also safe from other curious children. But I don't think I need to have worried so much. He was in our arms the whole time. There was even a boy with a g-tube scar in his class. I talked a bit with his Mom. Chris and Eric were so sweet together, swimming around. Eric hadn't made it to Chris's other IndyParks Swim Class, but he had visited the Brownsburg one. Boy, has Chris's kicking ability improved, he's really getting to almost swim. They had slides but he didn't want to go down them. After that, we went for brunch at Le Peep, I think it has been at least a good year since we'd gone there. After naps, we went to a beautiful church service with our friends. Chris was a bit vocal, but he was surrounded by friends, so I can't blame him. I'm glad I made it to church with them, because of my back I didn't make it to church yesterday. After that, Eric and I showed extreme willpower having supper with our friends at Noodles and Company...and eating no noodles. Their Parmesan Crusted Chicken and salads were pretty scrumptious though!
Friday was a busy day, we had company. My small group came over to our house, normally we had been meeting downtown, but with school out, our friends could come here. It was so nice, candles, friends, lunch, and we got a lot more studying and discussion done with Chris watching Veggie Tales than we are able to do in public. At least it felt like it. In the afternoon, we met up at Mike and Kathleen's to watch Emily for a bit. Oh, did she object highly to me being the one to collect her at the end of her nap, I was not her mommy. She actually asked to go back to bed. I've threatened Chris with that a few times, but not had to do it. She pointed at her crib, and said, Baa Seep. (back to sleep) Perhaps she wanted to try again, for the "right" result. Then we all went to supper at Ruby Tuesday together. I love their salad bar, it has all kinds of goodies on it, especially the craisins!
I guess it was nice just to have Eric around, to play with Chris with, to talk to, to be able to share the burden with,...to have Chris puke on someone else. Poor Eric got puked on twice this weekend! In public, both times! Mike had to literally give him the shirt off his back (thank goodness he was layered) at Noodles and Company so that we could finish our meal. We've learned our lesson, now we're keeping an extra adult T-shirt in the diaper bag.
Chris has his MRI tomorrow morning at 9:30, I'm a bit nervous about that, but they aren't cutting into him, just knocking him out a bit, they say we'll be home by noon.
Anyway, God bless Friends, Family, and thanks for all your prayerful support. God Bless Us Every One!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday Fill Ins

1. Getting out of the country with Eric and Chris is high up on my bucket list.
2. My favorite quote is Dogs and Cats, living together, mass hysteria; it's from Ghostbusters. "Pain is temporary, Chicks dig Scars, and Glory is forever." from the Replacements is another good one, that really applies to Chris, and us this week.
3. Getting pregnant with Chris inspired me to start blogging.
4. Strawberries are best fresh, covered with chocolate, or in a milkshake. Oh, I know, how about all three!
5. I bumped into my high school friend Laurie Barrett while we were all in Valencia, California in the last dream I remember having.
6. The most enjoyable time to go for a walk is when it's warm enough for t-shirts, but still cool.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching Emily for a bit, and having dinner with the Julius family, tomorrow my plans include Christopher's First Summer Swim Class that Daddy can come to, and Sunday, I want to make sure Eric knows how much we love him, value him, and treasure all that he is and does! A nap wouldn't hurt either.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

So, it's been a crazy day, ok few days but let's count out:

Guilty Confessions of a Tired Mother.

Maybe we'll hit 13, I hope not.

1. When he starts crying lately my first thought is, Oh no, he's going to puke. I shouldn't just leap to that conclusion. But I can't stand puke. They say when it's your child, you don't mind. That's not true, puke is still puke and it's still really gross.
2. When he is going to puke, I step away, or give him to Daddy. Did I mention, I really don't like it when Chris gets pukey. I'm a sympathetic puker, and I heave just at the thought of him heaving. Enough.
3. When he started to bleed last night, my first thought was Oh no, not another hospital visit! Shouldn't it be, oh baby are you ok? OK, I will say that was my second thought.
4. I don't cook. Eric cooks. I bake occasionally, but since Chris, I have a low tolerance for raw meat, (see numbers 1, 2, and 3) and that marks out a lot of cooking processes. I feel like a defunct housewife that doesn't cook. Even Chris is getting in on cooking "toot" picking up spoons and stirring in real or imaginary pots.
5. I leave Chris behind, for example, I leave him for "Girl time" or drop him off in a play group or the church nursery where he is tortured by toys. Or at least you'd think he was tortured by the way he can tend to go on.
6. I take him on outings so I won't lose my temper with him. Not only does he behave better in public. But I am a better mother in public.
7. Time Outs are time outs for me. Lately Chris has gotten back to back time outs, because he hasn't come leaping out of the crib all happiness. Grudges do need more time. Last night he actually asked for More Time Out (Timer). Oh, and sometimes I forward it to 3 minutes for those few precious extra seconds. The thought of a 33 minute time out for me sounds heavenly. I'd probably fall asleep and take 3 hours.
8. I drink because he won't drink (either in his tube or the days when he could drink orally).
9. I drink because he cries. (Sometimes alcohol and sometimes Starbucks)
10. I pinned down his arms and a leg while the nurse did terribly painful things to his open G-tube wound today. They had to do the Silver nitrate therapy for granulation tissue on his site today, and they were very thorough.
11. I intentionally inflicted pain upon my baby "for his own good". See above. And I "helped". I did not feel helpful, I felt mean.
12. I could do nothing to stop his cry.
13. I bribed my son. I bribed him with a ride in a Riley red wagon. It didn't work. I bribed him with a trip to the zoo. That worked...for a while. I bribed him with drinks of water, which he probably shouldn't have, but at least he doesn't silently aspirate water, he noisily aspirates it. I bribed him with TV and he fell in love with Fraggle Rock.

OK, I can't think any more. Good night. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

Taking a Moment



I'd like to take a moment to remember the Kodiak Bear that died at the Indianapolis Zoo this week.


http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8460009&nav=0Ra7



We stopped there today and were saddened by the empty exhibit.

Thank you bear for many smiles, and for inspiring me and my baby, and also for not eating us. We'll miss you.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Please provide caption.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Summary Sunday, The Rest

I was so excited last night to write down and post pictures, that I realized this morning how much I wanted to tell you guys, but I hadn't mentioned. First, we painted the living room, but since we wanted a relaxing rest of the weekend, given it's our summer vacation, we opted to NOT paint the kitchen too. I'm glad of this decision actually, we've been able to take it easier today. It also gave us the opportunity to put pictures back on the walls, and to pull together a collection for GoodWill.
So, Friday night Eric and I dropped Chris off at Grandma's and continued on to the Cantebury Hotel. They knew we were coming, and had upgraded us, no charge, to a Parlor Suite, which was fairly Victorian in nature with a King Size 4 poster bed, whirlpool bath, two lovely spacious rooms. http://www.canterburyhotel.com/ It was beautiful. We went downstairs for dinner at The Restuarant, which (and this is high praise) is as good as The Glass Chimney. Expensive. Yes. Worth it? Oh yes. Apparently, their valet parking is free if you go to The Restaurant, for future reference. Our highlights included ahi tuna appetizer, lobster bisque, duck, kobe beef, and passion fruit creme brulee. We were buzzing a bit, from enjoying our Reisling, and the evening, and our lovely day....and we went outside (we only had to step out the door) for a Carriage Ride. Storms were rolling in, threatening, but they were very kind to us, held out, and we only got lightning and thunder and the sky turning beautiful shades of red, blues, and orange of sunset during our ride. Our horse didn't freak out either, another blessing, and our carriage was covered, and though it was sprinkling when we got back to the hotel, the entrance was covered, and we didn't get wet. Little things. Apparently there were tornados, but we didn't hear anything of the sort downtown. I tried to snap pictures with our cell phone, but it looks kind of crazy.





We decided to go see the late night showing of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. How lovely to be so crazy and go to the movies at 9 p.m.?! Remember the days... And actually, it WAS a good movie. My scale for the goodness of a movie is how much would I pay to see it. For example, would I wait for cable? Would I rent it? I don't know that I would pay night time prices to see this one again, but I don't regret our paying night time prices. Does that make sense? I would recommend anyone go see it in the theatre, definitely for matinee prices.
*Spoiler Alert* I had heard mixed reviews. Overall, if you are an Indy fan, I'll say, I didn't like it as much as 3, but better than 2, and fairly similar to 1. Actually, there were a lot of nods to the previous movies and characters which I did appreciate. Cate Blanchett does scary spooky so well. They really had her eye piercing the screen. The aliens thing was a little farfetched, but they managed to tie it in with archeology quite well I thought. They could've done worse trying to carry on the line, but I think they pulled it off. They call Indy's son, Mutt. The kid who plays him was great. They could move on, but they don't have to, enough closer for me, happily ever after sort of thing. Not quite, horses riding off into the sunset but not bad. Eric wondered if perhaps they named the dog Mutt, like they "named the dog, Indiana".
So then the next morning, we got Room Service. We ordered a huge breakfast, an omelette, Eggs Benedict, and pancakes delivered to us just as I climbed out of the whirlpool bath (a tub with jacuzzi-ing jets, not as wide as a garden tub, but still fabulous). They had bathrobes. I tell you, I had not been treated so fancy since our honeymoon....And it felt good.
From the hotel, we grabbed Chris, who had been an angel for Grandma until we got there, at which time he lost his lunch. From cleanup we went to participate in Brownsburg Relay for Life. It was awesome. Chris only took a power nap between locations, but it was great. There was some confusion and delay with the rain, they'd moved the party into the Brownsburg West Middle School. We arrived just in time for the Beginning Ceremonies, and I was thrilled that they included God in their celebrations. So many people had such spirit. I was so proud of my friend Corie who had Team T-shirts and posters and all kinds of cute goodies and things. She did an amazing job! (And I'm not just saying that because she likely will be reading this, she did!) She'd even got her massage therapist to come and donate her services, in which you bet I partook. (Is partook a real word?) There was a silent auction, and so many tempting goodies (that I didn't need) that let's just say it was good that I had to keep walking, and not stop to shop. We walked for 2 solid hours, no easy task given the crowds. They had made the "track" go from circling within the gym, down a hall into a lap in the cafeteria. There was entertainment in the cafeteria and gym, but in the middle path, the auction was set up, and stopped people made constant walking difficult. I was sore afterwards, not sore enough for drugs, but enough for an early night, today I'm just fine. I broke in my new walking shoes, and my feet felt fabulous.
Today, we took it super easy, getting the house back together, letting Chris be crazy, and enjoying our last day of vacation. I can't wait for the next one.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Summary Saturday, The Ten

So, yesterday was our big Ten Year Anniversary.
Reminscent of Friends, (the Anni-Vegas-Versary episode) we were messing around with what to call it, since we were headed to the Cantebury hotel for dinner and overnight escape, we thought Cantebursary, or the Anntebury?
Anyway, the day called for a family picnic to Butler Gardens, to the site where Eric proposed. Eric gave me my promise ring, and asked me to marry him on that same park bench. And we chose that site to place on each other's fingers our big gift. We've updated our wedding bands, to a platinum milgrain band for each one of us.

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It was beautiful, sunny, and Chris was running around us, playing in the trees. When we sat on the bench, he wanted to be by our sides, which actually felt kind of appropriate. What a wondrous live we share. Ten Years is not enough....I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I am honored to spend the rest of my life with him, love of my life, father of my child.





We asked each other to list the Top 5 highlights of the last 10 years. I figured, we'd then get a list of 10.

Cathy's Top 5
1. Disney World Honeymoon
2. Christopher
3. Hawaii
4. Family Cross Country Trip
5. Day trips to Ventura/Ojai when we lived in LA.

Eric's Top 5
1. Wedding
2. Son being born
3. Hawaii
4. Big Road Trip
5. California

I was amazed. No, each of us made the same list. Not only did we pick pretty much the same things, we even picked them in the same random order. Eric found it very interesting that I picked 5 of our happiest times and he picked based on significance. For example, he sites Christopher's birth, umm, that particular moment was not the happiest in my life, however Christopher has made me the happiest ever. Or our wedding, he picked our wedding day for significance, I picked our honeymoon in Disney World. (I got little stressed and hungry on the actual wedding day.) Our two years in California- I picked the happiest of those days, he just lumped it into one big significant thing, which it was. If not for those times, I don't think we'd have as strong a marriage as we do. Being out there with no family taught us we had to rely on God and each other.

All things considered when you look at this list, we've done a lot in 10 years! Part two of this Top 5 was for us to make a list of 5 things we want to do in the next 10 years, also interesting.

Cathy's Top 5
1. Have another Baby
2. Go to China
3. Europe
4. New House
5. California-two week road trip

Eric's Top 5
1. New House
2. Disney World
3. Expand our family through birth or adoption
4. Europe (Germany, Ireland, England)
5. Extended Family Trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota

So many things overlap, and so many similar goals. I'm so glad we're such a perfect pair.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Friday Fill Ins

1. Idle hands are the devil's playground. Why is it that I can no longer be content to just sit and be, my hands MUST be either crocheting or knitting, or typing away on the computer....
2. I love the last 30 seconds in the shower. I kick up the heat, pray, and just the troubles melt away before facing the day refreshed and renewed.
3. My favorite time of the day is when I put Chris down for a nap, and I can get a few things done before taking a small nap myself. I also am mighty partial to sunrise/sunset...when awake for them.
4. The last tea I drank was Starbucks Chai Tea, Eric and I stopped for a little Joy on our way to Riley. Found another non-coffee beverage there that Eric likes.
5. I like to swim in the Summer. OK, not like I do laps, maybe one or two, but really I just find relaxation in grabbing a floaty, and bobbing around, soaking, total relaxation and it feel so good on the back. Too bad, gravity kicks back in when we have to get out of the pool.
6. My mother always said Once is a mistake, Twice is a habit. She was referring to abuse, saying that if he hits you once, ok maybe a mistake, but twice, get out of there! Amazing how many other things this phrase refers to also, like leaving the toilet seat up, definitely happened more than once. She also said, Don't lose the string.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a romantic anniversary dinner, carriage ride, and hotel stay at the Cantebury...Christopher free, tomorrow my plans include Room Service! And Relay for Life! and Sunday, I want to make sure Eric joins me for a nap! He's getting up to take the 5-7 a.m. shift at Relay for Life. Super awesome of him. But he's been working so hard around the house, the living room looks great, and Executive Decision to postpone doing the kitchen made for a decent bedtime last night and has made today a much lower stress day. Perhaps a picnic is in our immediate future?....

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

We finished painting the ceiling and baseboards ultra white yesterday, and we JUST finished putting on the second coat in the living room today. Eric's going to redo the outlet covers so they all match, pretty in white, and we'll be moving things back.

Today's Thursday Thirteen are the colors that our living room may now be called.

1. Cincinnatian Hotel Brig Beige-the actual name of the color
2. Mocha
3. Frappaccino
4. Latte
5. Chai Tea
6. Decaf White Mocha with Carmel sauce and Carmel drizzle-seeing a theme here?
7. Brown
8. Tan
9. Beige
10. Khaki
11. Chocolate Malt -or Chocolo malto according to Danny Kaye.
12. Blogger Box Brown-it actually matches the outline of the little brown box I'm typing in.
13. False Linoleum Grout Line-Our favorite! The color matches the line on our floors, and when Eric called it this color last night at 1 a.m., we laughed so hard, well, there were tears and snorting involved.

Tune in tomorrow to find out if we get to paint the kitchen too?!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


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Monday, June 2, 2008

Moving Forward


Well, after a good few weeks of insanity, I have to say, life around the Willman household is calming down, even, dare I say it, settling into a routine. I was talking to my friend today, and it feels like we've been in a static holding pattern these last few weeks. It feels like we're finally ready to move forward. And move forward we shall. Eric has this week off of work, and we've opted not to travel as a family, given recent events, but we're still going to have a happy mix of play and fun. We've been making sure to do something fun everyday, in spite of a fair amount of productivity. Saturday, we stayed home all day long, watching movies, ok Eric ran 10 K in Lafayette, but Chris and I didn't do much. We only ventured out for 1/2 hour to the Brownsburg Rec Center to find some goodies which included a Harry Potter Broomstick, and a swimsuit one piece with floating vest attached, excellent for hiding a tube. Yesterday, was more fun, with Putt Putt, lunch and napping. Very important things! Though Eric did productive computer things. Today, we began preparations to paint the living room ceiling, clearing out living room stuff, and picked up paint to do the kitchen and living room. Tweaked my back a bit, not too bad, drugs and a nap helped immensely. We played by making a Starbucks run on the way home from Lowe's. The kitchen is going to be yellow, and the living room, a pale mocha. It looks weird and empty up there now. The couch is in the front hall, the piano is blocking the back hallway, only Mr. Eric skinny legs can get into the bathroom. Crazy. We registered Chris for a 10 a.m. Saturday Swim Class with IndyParks at 62nd and Georgetown. Looking forward to that. Today, we officially registered to participate in Relay for Life, which is a 24 hour walk to benefit cancer from this coming Saturday to Sunday. We, of course, joined a team, we're not crazy enough to go 24 hours alone; our friend Corie is leading, she's that crazy, but we're participating too. See donation link, or prayerfully consider joining our team. Not sure which hours we're taking, but Chris will be coming along!
We feel Chris is doing really well, he's still a little sensitive to speed filling of his stomach, but we've got down a system....AND, here's great news, his Grandma Willman is eager and willing to learn how to feed Chris, so she can borrow him without our presence. She actually conducted the majority of his lunch feeding, with absolutely no incidents, no backflow, no mess...Awesome. We actually were able to leave Chris in the nursery at church this Sunday, also without incident. We were so excited at how well things have been going, and with how willing our friends and family are to help out. We've decided to skip out. Our big 10 year anniversary is this Friday, and we were planning on running away for the weekend. That changed. However, Chris is doing so well, and since Mom is wonderful and willing, we're going to attempt to do our 10 year anniversary at the Cantebury, having an overnight at the same hotel as our wedding night. Eric called today, and they actually DID have an opening. It's going to be awesome. We're running. I'm a bit scared..scared and excited.

As they say in Monsters, Inc. "Great plan...Simple, yet insane!"