Simeon's Daily Vomit

Putting the Blog to Rest

2010-11-05T11:11:00.002-04:00

We're going to go ahead and put this blog to rest for a while. It has served our families well as we have been away from them for the last four years, but now! wow! we're close and enjoying the fact that we get to see them regularly. For those of you in the North and extended regions of our lives that have been checking this, feel free to find us on facebook under "Stephen Abigail Bowne." We will post pictures of the kids there. Also, please always feel free to email us at snabowne@hotmail.com or call us at 781-584-3126. This blog has had a good run (this is the 477th post!) and has been a great way to share the kids with you all. May the God who created us keep you and may you be a holistic follower of Christ with a life completely surrendered to Him.
Thanks for all your comments over the years! Love, the Boston Bownes

North to South and Now West to East

2010-11-04T14:14:00.003-04:00

We've packed up our deodorant, albums, Hess trucks, books, your wedding gifts, and kids once again. This is the sixth home since we were married five years ago.

Bam. Here we are. Messy move. Kid's emotions sprawled out all over the place. Rainy day in the new place.

Through all changes we have seen the kind hand of God urge us, hold us, and teach us. This latest move is no exception. We have moved just a mile away from the church we are attending, named Grace Bible Church (it's website: http://www.gbcphilly.com/) and are super jazzed about things to come as well as enjoying the present.

Stephen is now working as the assistant Manager at this Oreck Store: http://www.oreckstore.com/langhorne/ and we're chilling at home.

weeks ago before the move

2010-11-04T12:56:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago Aunt Annette and Grandmas Ruth Sager came for a visit and we road the train a bit. What awesome women to have in our family!!!

Lake Taghkanic State Park

2010-10-05T15:47:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we got the chance to camp with Nick and Aimee Otto in rural New York State.
GREAT trip. We'd highly recommend that park and certainly those people!

Here's manly dad chopping wood. (He asked mom to take a picture of him).

Curled up to sleep at Grommie & PopPop's

2010-09-27T09:34:00.000-04:00

football

2010-09-23T11:48:00.001-04:00

Providence and Poo

2010-09-22T07:05:00.003-04:00

"Floor. Poop." Simeon said as he pointed to the white carpet.

The adults at the table looked up. Took in the scene. Continued in conversation.

"Floor. Poop!" Simeon said again.

We were at Cliff & Julie Montgomery's house. Many kids galloping through the room. Toys, food, bliss.

Julie leaned back in her chair and took a distant look.

Something was on the carpet.

"Where's Clay?" I think.

Clay slides closer.

Simeon comments yet again: "Floor. Poop."

There had been a diaper malfunction with a kiddo and sure enough, Sim was notifying the adults that something that certainly should not be on the carpet, indeed was.
After several warnings to us by Sim, it finally sank in. The adults sprang into action. Clay was rescued about one armful away from the poo. He puts everything in his mouth at this age.

There is a term that Christian's use where they refer to the "providence of God." It's a term for God's action in the world and in our lives. Simeon has learned enough words in the last three months to put together the simple phrase "Floor Poop." He saved his brother from a mouthful of poo, the Montgomery's from a white carpet smeared in it, and even more embarrassment for the tike who's diaper didn't make the cut that day. God's providence in our lives.

May you enjoy a day where you see God's action in your life- he is rescuing you from a darkness with much more a depth than poo.

Philadelphia Zoo-ing it

2010-09-17T19:16:00.004-04:00

Cousin Timothy
Cousin Paul

Cousin Sara

Uncle Terry & Aunt Dee Dee

The BLOCKS

2010-09-11T10:20:00.003-04:00

Mom played with these as a kid: endless hours of ships, submarines, rafts, castles, mazes, houses, cars, roads, and more. Grommie's and PopPop's house truly is amazing.

The studliest-stud that ever studded: Clay Bowne

Jumping with V-girl

2010-09-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

IFT (Intermural Football Team) College Reunion

2010-09-08T11:34:00.001-04:00

2010-09-02T10:51:00.002-04:00

atlantic city air show!

chocolate icecream!

Vienna dancing!

recent pic of clay

Mum and dad at Jodi's wedding

Dance Dance Paul&Timothy Evolution

2010-08-30T11:07:00.002-04:00

Mad dancing skills!

Ain't nothing like it

2010-08-20T09:19:00.005-04:00

Our recent Bostonian brains had a humorous culture shock experience this past month when we went to the central Pennsylvania Tioga County Fair. Belt buckles. Cattle contests. Pigs. Goats. Oxen. Cows. Sheep. Bunnies. Ferris Wheel. Train ride. It was amazing. This picture below got Mom laughing. It was above a rather large pig's stall.

These two brothers posed for Mom with their Cows.

I got to pet this baby goat.

Brown's Lake 2010

2010-08-19T19:23:00.002-04:00

Kayaking in the rain with mum.

Riding a bike with dad.

And this one is Dad, then me, then Mum, and Aunt T, half standing up on a kid's wagon. It rocked my toddler face off.

All that glitters is not gold, but sequins.

2010-08-07T22:23:00.002-04:00

here's a pinata that mum made for mom mom and pop pop Bowne's 40th wedding anniversary party. the 80's do live yet. (two disco shirts were certainly harmed in the making of this pinata).

2010-08-03T15:37:00.000-04:00

All I Have Is Christ

2010-08-02T10:38:00.001-04:00

Here's a video of a song we recently learned at Grace Church in Philly. (http://www.gbcphilly.com/). It has been very refreshing to hear some Sovereign Grace music. Often we find that current worship music is centered on the person and not God (creating an awkward dynamic when the purpose of worship is to focus our lives on God and His will, yet the songs are asking us to concentrate on our own persons alone).

All I Have Is Christ

By Jordan Kauflin

As recorded on Looked Upon

Lyrics

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

The rail roads are the best properties in real life too

2010-07-28T21:15:00.007-04:00

Some of my train addiction was quenched this week when I was able to take a train ride at the Strasburg Rail Road. Mum's favorite part was breakfast (she likes to eat). The toast was homemade bread and that just can't be beat eh. I choose the pancakes (little did I know that soon mom would literally have to remove my shorts and shirt because of the tremendous amount of syrup and jam that smothered them). We had an extra pair of shorts so I got to go shirt-less in the restaurant (all the toddler girls were swooning at my muscular guns rippling in the Lancaster air). The day was full of good food with family amongst the great smell of train grease and horse manure. It really is a good smell.

These two first ones are mum's favs. Aunt Kelly took them.

I sat with Grandma for most of the ride.

Mom says that Lancaster is sure a different world than Boston as far as most things go- but especially Christian culture. What a riot.

What Mom would call a good time:

2010-07-27T15:24:00.001-04:00

Man decorates basement with $10 worth of Sharpie - Health - Kentucky.com

Rummaging

2010-07-26T16:37:00.004-04:00

In the midst of the move, Mom came across this article for the Intramural Football Team dad was a part of in college. What memories eh. Four years and several sports and a beautiful losing streak.

2010-07-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

This one is for Sandra, Aimee, Pauline, Marli and Hannah.

2010-07-21T16:41:00.004-04:00

Warning: This one will be VERY boring for everyone else!

The week summed up in one video:

2010-07-21T10:33:00.002-04:00

There are these things called cousins

2010-07-19T18:07:00.002-04:00

Timothy, Sara, Paul, Simeon, Clay, Lydia, Eliza, and Vienna.

I can see Ryan hard core in Vienna's face on this one.

So we're here and. . .

2010-07-17T13:29:00.001-04:00

So we're here and we'd like to blog a video but we can't find the cord yet that connects the camera and the computer. . . .moving. . . . .hum bug.

On our Way to Pennsylvania this Weekend

2010-07-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

rocking and rolling

2010-07-05T20:35:00.004-04:00

yep, I rolled myself up and then continued to roll, roll, roll
This video is me at the church playing the drums. Maybe I'll be a real drummer like my cousin Timothy.

for fellow toddlers

2010-07-05T18:37:00.000-04:00

This post if for my fellow toddlers. Check out http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/index/load.htm?f for phonics games.

Only one week until the Move

2010-07-03T18:50:00.003-04:00

Today I put Bill, my train, in time out on the kitchen floor.
I sternly said "No Poop!" and turned my back as I set the timer on the microwave (according to his age).

One week left until we move from Ma to Pa. How cute.

lake winnepasakee winapawsaukee wynapasahkey

2010-06-30T17:55:00.000-04:00

2010-06-30T17:45:00.000-04:00

George's Island

2010-06-29T21:33:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I got to go to George's Island and Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands State Park. We took the subway and then a few ferrys.

kettle corn

2010-06-25T18:07:00.003-04:00

Ever get kettle corn at a fair? This recipe is reminiscent of that great taste:
Mom asked me to share this fun home recipe with the group. It's fun for a family treat (although kids probably shouldn't do it themselves as there is hot oil involved).

1. get out your large soup pot (the size you use for mashed potatoes or meatballs. . .)
2. put 1/4 of a cup of vegetable or canola oil in the pot
3. turn the stove top on medium and then add 1/4 cup of sugar and mix it together as it heats up
4. put 1/2 cup of corn kernels in the pot and mix it as they heat up.
5. cover the pot and keep the kernels moving around so they don't burn .
6. listen to them pop like crazy, then let them cool and enjoy!

Win A Pah Sock EEE

2010-06-23T20:57:00.002-04:00

We're heading up to Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend to enjoy the weather with Nick and Aimee.

Behind on bloggin'

2010-06-18T21:32:00.003-04:00

Sorry 'bout the week delay in ole' post-tee-toes.
We've been busy watching water boil and rocks sit.

In family news:
Clay is now 6 months old.
Dad is at church tonight for the last Friday night at Glendale. (!) He has a bible study and gym night there every week for the teens.
Tomorrow is a picnic to celebrate Dad's graduating.
I wear Thomas underwear now and Mom says that no reverting is allowed.
(She's tough at times.)
Clay can't sit up yet but Mom and Dad still can.
Nick and Aimee are in Mighigan so I have TP'd their side of the apartment.
I now follow in the footsteps of my great grandmother and I am a bird watcher (Lynn mostly just gets Robins).
Tomorrow I get to play at the beach.
My favorite word is "Cake."
My favorite food is cake.
My favorite past time is eating cake.
My favorite play is one where they eat cake.
My favorite ice cream flavor is cake batter.
My favorite thing to talk about is cake.
My favorite thing to think about is cake.
My favorite line in Mighty Ducks is "cake eater."

If you were to say around me "Sim, hold on a minute, I just need to get. . ." I will likely insert the word "cake" into the sentence. Mom thinks this is hilarious. I like to make her laugh.

family.

2010-06-14T15:02:00.003-04:00

This one is taken from Ryan's Blog and I think it's up there with one of my favorites of Ryan's photographs.

All Checked-Out

2010-06-14T14:48:00.002-04:00

We just got back from Clay's follow-up appointment and we just wanted to pass along the news that all his throat innards look great. We are very grateful to God that all looks well. We'll set up another follow-up appointment in 3-6 months in Pennsylvania but the surgeon said today that he feels very hopeful that it will not grow back.

top of the morning

2010-06-10T09:13:00.004-04:00

Mom has been hanging out with me this week as dad is taking his very final class in seminary.

She says we must say goodbye to certain things in life, when we are (or are not) ready to say goodbye.

I said goodbye to the beach yesterday after our apple and muffin snack on the east coast sand.
That is small potatoes.

This morning I said goodbye to my box-made kitchen set as mom took a knife to it. She told me it's okay and that we could always make more box-constructed appliances and cabinets. I have stowed away the stove for later use.

But what about the greater things? Those items in your life that rip big heart tears when you try to leave them? Mom says that as her and dad became such good friends, she could literally feel a binding around her deep heart to dad's. (She doesn't even suffer from heartburn so it's slightly believable.)

Mom told me this morning that my heart will tear a bit one month from today when we climb in the car and I have to say goodbye to Nick and Aimee.

Last night they ran around the house with me for oh-such-a-long time while I , half-naked, flailed and giggled. We even played hide and seek.

Mom says that it's okay for a heart to tear a bit. God is a comforter. That sunk feeling and the quiet reflection afterward is a reminder of the depth friendship and companionship can bring and stir in a human being. Surely this is a example of the complexity of our beings. What a mind-boggling concept that God has chosen to love us even when we chose to "leave him" continually.

Soon I will get heart-bound to my extended family. I am looking forward to that.
And Mom will let me know as I grow how much I enjoyed my time with Nick and Aimee (in case I forget) and, as Christopher Robin says "Old friends always keep their places in the heart."

May you enjoy your heart-bound friends. May you bask in the scandalous grace of God that has chosen to love us even knowing that He is committing to a life-long heart tear as we do not love him like we should.

Top of the morning to you,
Simeon

fine skills

2010-06-06T17:27:00.004-04:00

brotherhood

2010-06-04T17:11:00.003-04:00

I had a blast playing in the dirt (as you can see from above).

in honor of my parents

2010-06-03T20:07:00.003-04:00

I went streaking at the campsite to celebrate mom and dad's five-year anniversary.

2010-06-03T18:12:00.001-04:00

the gator plunge

2010-06-02T20:56:00.001-04:00

Setting Up Camp

2010-06-01T20:02:00.003-04:00

Dad and I set up my tent:

It's the one on the far left.

Clay was kind of lazy.

We're off

2010-05-29T17:31:00.000-04:00

We're off tomorrow for my first camping trip ever. I've got my axe to cut wood and my lighter fluid in my knapsack. We'll take lots of pics to share.
Happy Memorial Day!
-Sim

Diaper Rash Cream in My Coffee... okay, just everywhere else

2010-05-25T20:42:00.005-04:00

Mom made the most of the evening, but tension was still high. I got to have a lollipop tonight after dinner and that was the beginning of the end. I peed in the toilet once, but I graced the kitchen twice and my bedroom once. My Thomas underwear are not as absorbent as I may like them to be.

The nighttime bed routine was clearly re-defined when mom was feeding Clay in the kitchen while I was applying diaper rash cream to myself in the living room. Thankfully, I was naked, so I was able to get good coverage. Mum was upset overall, but did laugh out loud after she cleaned off the couch, sent me to the bathroom to start cleaning my hands off, returned to me in the bathroom, wiped off my belly and then discovered that my backside was also covered with pasty white cream. Who knew I could be more white? Moments later, when I had my entire body wedged between the wall and my bed and I yelped for help as only my head was visible, mom was simply at a loss for words. Clay and I survived the night. (barely).

My new favorite words are "Cake" and "Crash" and "Poops." Dad taught me the last one.
Oh hey, and I discovered Clay this past week and decided to start talking to him.

Happy warm summer night,
Simeon Bowne

Memorial Day Adirondacks

2010-05-23T21:52:00.002-04:00

Any advice on tent camping with an infant and a toddler?

All 90 Years of Humor

2010-05-16T15:46:00.003-04:00

That's Vienna photographed above.
And below is Vienna and Clay with their Great Grandmother Ruth Sager.
We drive to western Pennsylvania last weekend (before the surgery) for her 90th birthday bash.

We really like this one below. After lunch, she disappeared and comes back rather dressed up. This is one of the many glorious facets of Ruth Annette Rankin Sager. She's still getting (and giving) a kick out of life at 90 years old.

Thanking God

2010-05-13T11:31:00.010-04:00

Here's three pictures from right before the surgery. Clay is in a baby-size johnny. It was stinking cute. Stephen went to the OR with him to see him put under.

Amazingly, he fell asleep. He hadn't eaten in quite a while from food restrictions for surgery so we were glad when he choose sleep over whaling.
After he was in surgery, he was sent over to the building next door: MGH's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

We had to wait most of the day to see him again.

He had an AMAZING amount of tubes, nodes, lights, and IVs attached to him. The PICU had about six doctors and then many more nurses on the floor constantly. They monitored him very closely. He was sedated and put on morphine for a full 24 hours so that he would not pull the tubes out.
This was his room/area. The back section is where parents can sleep.

We knew that this surgery was potentially saving his life, so it was a GREAT day. It was hard to see him like that, but the gratefulness we felt for the surgery over-road our concern.

Above is what he looked like the first day. Below is the following morning after they took out the breathing tube and had inserted a feeding tube and put on an oxygen tube.

Once he was stable, they moved him back over to Mass Eye & Ear. We spent the night again.

He smiled when he woke up the second day and that's when I knew Clay was back in town.

The view was fabulous. We could see most of Boston.

Thank you to all of you for asking God to protect Clay. He owes us nothing, but has chosen to be gracious.

Proverbs 3:25a and 26a
Have no fear of sudden disaster . . . . for the LORD will be your confidence.

Surgery

2010-05-10T06:34:00.002-04:00

Hi again computer land.
We just spoke with the hospital a few minutes ago. Clay's surgery is tomorrow (Tuesday). We are still fuzzy on the time of the surgery and should know later this morning.

We had a great weekend celebrating Grandma Ruth Sager's 90th Birthday and I have some hilarious pictures to share with you after the craziness of the surgery. Dad mentioned over the weekend that the death rate with kids with the type of rare cyst that Clay has is rather high (40 % !). I was reading abstracts and medical journals last night and sure enough almost 1 in 2 babies with them die because it can very quickly obstruct the airway. I am just amazed and so so so very grateful that the cyst was found last week. The thought of something happening to Clay is frightening.

Again, we are grateful to God for caring enough about all the little sheep with broken legs to go after little Clay. I don't know the formula for these things and I know that some of you do not believe that God really cares, saves, or is alive and well. Clearly the cysts aren't found on many children. I simply don't know his will, but I do take comfort in that God didn't make our world like this from the start.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Ps. 145:7&8

We'll post after the surgery but likely not before. Tonight we'll have a lot of organizing to do. We need to find a place for Sim to hang out and pack, etc.
Thank you for praying and thanking God,
Abby and the fam

Clay Update

2010-05-06T20:47:00.002-04:00

Hi family and friends,
We are busy packing to go to Pennsylvania tomorrow, but we wanted to post about Clay. He is a happy baby and doing rather well and I sure didn't expect to have this news after our appointment today.

I took him to Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital today to see the specialist again and this time he saw a cyst in Clay's throat when he looked with the endoscope. I saw it clear as day too and it sure wasn't there the last time we took at peek at his larynx. It is called a Vallecular cyst and it is just behind his epiglottis (just above his vocal chords).

It looks as though Clay will be having surgery next week. He will be "put under" with anesthetic and will stay over night in the hospital (Mass Eye and Ear in Boston). The cyst cannot be removed because of it's location so they will be draining it and then checking up on it in a month or so to see if it is filling up again.

He will be getting a CT Scan as well as a whole bunch of "scopies" that I don't fully understand but are more intense than what he has been getting so far.

He also got X-Rays today and the final word is that he has mild tracheomalacia and also mild laryngomalacia. Both will heal with time and need no further treatment. He has been eating very well and it really hasn't been a stresser lately for any of us.

Praise God that the cyst was found! It would have obstructed his airway if it continued to grow.
Clay (and our family) are fortunate to have medical care and we are very grateful to God for providing it.

Love,
Abby and all the boys.

Clay and my Train

2010-05-04T19:40:00.003-04:00

Batters Up in our home made batting cage

2010-05-04T06:22:00.004-04:00

Down on the Farm

2010-04-30T22:06:00.003-04:00

Mom, Clay and I wandered to a local farm in Hamilton that is an organic one. We didn't manage to buy anything, but we did like their chickens! Included is a picture of Clay enjoying the chickens and a special bonus picture of me remarking how the grate in the floor looks like train tracks. Trains on the brain. . .

Good 'ole Dad

2010-04-24T12:23:00.000-04:00

chases me in this...

my first Sugar cookies

2010-04-23T20:07:00.003-04:00

My final product for the first cookies I ever helped mix, then roll, then cut out, then place on the pan, and then eat!

Does Redners sell Plantains?

2010-04-22T12:10:00.002-04:00

Now that our move is getting closer, I have been pondering the little benefits of the city that we will miss like walking to the library regularly or being able to pick up fresh bread at a bakery a few blocks away (you probably think I'm leaving out the word "pastries" in that statement if you know me well, but actually we've tried most all their pastries and they just aren't something to blog about).

But what really got me thinking today about this is my new plantain fix. For those of you from Pottstown- can I get plantains in Pottstown? I assume I can get avocados at least. Are there any small Central/South American food shops in Pottstown?

Hmmm....................

But of course, our stay with my parents for a bit will certainly have perks that this city does not. Like grass for instance.
We'll just enjoy each place as it comes.

-abby

Unprompted

2010-04-21T20:02:00.003-04:00

Mom was surprised (thinking that I was playing Thomas or FisherPrice activities online) to find me watching draft pick videos on NFL.com.

Topping the Charts

2010-04-19T20:23:00.005-04:00

Clay's head in comparison to a coconut, jam-filled muffin and a medium-sized banana.

Sorry for the few posts lately- we're all busy here watching Clay's head grow.
Marli at church asked mum what she was feeding him. Steaks aside, it's just breastmilk and wow, he's pulling his weight for the family.

He's healthy, doing well, and rolled over this past week.

Other big news: This is basically the last week of Dad's seminary! He has one small class left this summer but that will be it. There just ain't a thing shameful about getting a three-year degree in four years while embarking on the adventure of two kids! If I owned a hat, it would be off to you dad. We're all rather excited to get to see dad more after this week is done. His joyful humor is certainly not easily replaced.

We hope you all are having a great beginning to your week and that you enjoy your days.
-Sim

Nahant Beach

2010-04-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

Our newest top ten lists

2010-04-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

simeon's top ten at 2 years, 7 months:
1. trains - all sorts. Today I even made a paper envelope into a train in my mind.
2. toddler Pig-Latin (I like to add "-ay" onto words) Mom suggested I add it onto phrases for a Canadian twist.
3. dogs and most animals are still making it high on the list.
4. believe it or not, yes, milk is still (after all these many months of life) nearing the top of the charts for me
5. wrestling with Dad
6. playing pinochle with the boys
8. fixing stuff and helping my parents
9. "ready, set, go!" with Aimee
10. watching myself pee

clay's top ten at 4 months:
1. smiling
2. eating my left hand
3. MILK!
4. being happier than I was two months ago
5. my parents being happier than they were two months ago
6. watching the Cosby show online when my parents think I'm napping. Theo is so cool.
7. drooling and regurgitation
8. watching Simeon
9. napping
10. that elephant toy

we hope you all had a great Easter!

2010-04-06T12:48:00.002-04:00

Nick roasted a leg of lamb! That was quite a treat and sparked great conversation remembering Passover.

Can you name this dead animal?

2010-04-05T21:39:00.002-04:00

We found it in a pine-tree grove on the beach.

Living the Dream

2010-04-05T21:19:00.002-04:00

Family (with Great Grandmothers!)

2010-04-03T13:02:00.004-04:00

Clay got to have his picture taken with two of his three great grandmothers.

amaryllis

2010-03-31T20:38:00.003-04:00

High school was when I first developed my love for amaryllis bulbs.

I penned the song “My name is Amaryllis and I am a bulb.” The tune was simple, and I still sing it.

This morning I was preparing for the best weekend of the year (Good Friday through Easter Morn). I was rummaging through the pantry, looking for a place to let something dry where a toddler couldn’t see it when I discovered an amaryllis bulb on the top shelf of the pantry. I had carefully left it there, on its side, in the dark, last year.

If you do that with these bulbs, they grow again each year and sprout fabulously large, stunning, bright flowers that remind us that yes, God loves beauty way more than we do. This stunning plant changes your home for a few weeks each year.

Amaryllis’ only shoot up one stalk every year. From that stalk comes several large flowers.

But the bulb was not in good sorts of any kind.

The bulb had already started to sprout this large stalk. I had forgotten about it, and, on time, it was crying out for sunlight, food, and water. And the worst part about it (besides it’s curved pale stalk from lack of light) was that in the process of its growth, it was cutting its stalk on a sharp edge in the pantry.

I rushed and cut holes in the bottom of our Trader Joes animal crackers’ plastic tub, filled it with dirt, mashed in some water, and found a spot in the house with sunlight. So there it sits, with a gaping hole in its lifeblood, on our chest freezer.

I actually cried.

If it blooms, I’ll post a picture.

This is Easter week- the best week of the year, and I’ve only begun preparing my heart since last night. I have been so forgetful- both with my amaryllis and much more with preparing to remember Christ’s sacrifice. God has this riveting beauty about him that can change our homes forever. I’ve just been letting it sit in a dark room.

This certainly isn’t the first year that I’ve found myself so irresponsible with God.
Praise God for His grace. May you remember Him.

Abby

Vienna

2010-03-29T20:21:00.004-04:00

Otts

2010-03-29T20:06:00.001-04:00

Pennsylvania

2010-03-28T20:28:00.001-04:00

We've got some great pics from PA to share. We think Ryan took the one above.

More to come!

Sun

2010-03-18T16:01:00.005-04:00

We did it. We broke out the off-brand glass cleaner and attacked the porch. Mom vacuumed. I swept. And then came the vitamin D. I soaked it in like a snake on a rock. Mom closed her eyes, leaning against the door frame.

Clay slept inside. . .

This one below is mom's fav.

Freedom

2010-03-17T12:50:00.005-04:00

Truth be told: Usually mum helps me with the camera. But this post is all my own.

This video is all mine too. I call it "Pot and Ball." I think you'll note the artistry immediately.

Let's Eat Cake

2010-03-12T21:04:00.003-05:00

Mom and the cake book she got for Christmas from the Bownes:
She's thinking "Oh! Let us make some cake!"

And here is the recipe she decided on:

In an effort to try something new (we all must live eh) she did, in fact, try the recipe that included five eggs, almonds, semolina flour, figs, limes, and sesame seeds. . .
Now Mum says "Next time, I'll go with a different one." "We'll let the Turkish tastebuds eat that cake."

We did try "Whipped Cream Cheesecake" from this book already and oh man, that was the best cheesecake this toddler has ever dreamed of.

Maybe next time

2010-03-10T20:07:00.002-05:00

Forget the dentist- I'm still too wacked out with a cold.
This cold is a serious one. Perhaps more than a cold?

Ah, the Dentist

2010-03-10T10:55:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow Dad is taking me to the dentist.

Elmo is helping me out: http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_player/-/pgpv/videoplayer/0/20d26ed1-157d-11dd-9bc7-777dea8a73e7/if_elmo_had_teeth

Toddlerhood

2010-03-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

Toddlerhood: a crash course on the human psyche

2010-03-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Have you hugged your fire hydrant today?

2010-03-03T20:59:00.002-05:00

If you spend any time around young children, you are familiar with the thought "Oh man, I sure wish I had my camera on me right now."

Today Mum took Clay and I for a walk (it was snowing and windy) around the block. It was so very cold, but I am rather tough I think and Clay's baby fat will keep him warm. We trekked, we trekked. . . bundled. Mom makes me wear these mittens that are so big I can't get my thumb in the thumb-spot. Actually, I don't even know that mittens have thumb-spots. I wear Dad's winter had too, that Swarty made. Mum rolls the lip up thick so it doesn't fall over my eyes. It still does anyway, but I like not seeing wear I am going.

We made it around the block twice (I had to coax mom at one point and then she had to coax me at another) but we did make it.

When I turned the last corner and we were in the homestretch to our apartment, I saw this big, beautiful , recently-painted, bright red fire hydrant. I just couldn't resist giving it a big hug. Mom was laughing pretty hard, so I kept on hugging.

Let it not be said that only dogs give fire hydrants attention.
I hugged that hydrant so long that it hugged me back.

May you get a good hug today and may you give one too!

The Clayster at almost 3 Months Old

2010-03-02T13:31:00.002-05:00

BBQ Sauce

2010-03-02T13:08:00.004-05:00

I try not to give much advice over the blog. Most things in life wax and wane with the best of us and we are all certainly learning as we go. I think advice is similar to Barbecue sauce. Most of us like it at one point or another, but we certainly don't want it everyday for dinner.

So, with a chunk of humility, I'd like to throw out some information for the women who read this who plan on having babies in the future.

When Sim was a baby, I missed this boat. I sure wish I would have known about the simply order listed below.

Here it is!
1. When the baby nurses or bottle feeds, don't let them fall asleep while eating.
1a. Make sure the baby eats well- assuring that you won't need to feed them until the next feeding time.
2. After the baby eats, keep them up for a bit.
3. Then, after the kiddo has been up for (minutes as a newborn, about an hour for a 3-month old) simply bundle the kiddo up and lay them down in their crib. They will learn to fall asleep on their own.

With Simeon, I didn't realize what a predictable schedule most children can have at this young age. This simple instruction has made my life so much more peaceful and predictable with Clay. He can fall asleep on his own. This tool he has helps him sleep through the night.
-abby

2010-02-26T20:30:00.001-05:00

my super suit

2010-02-23T19:40:00.004-05:00

Above: a picture of the original superman suit, as displayed in his hometown of Metropolis, IL.

Below: yes, it's true, a real super suit, with the original superman S handmade by my grandma. the cape is even extendable for when I get even bigger and have photo ops for pres. I know it's real because it even came with Kryptonite.

Thanks boom boom!

Time and Leather

2010-02-22T20:04:00.003-05:00

Mum looked down today at the belt she was wearing. She bought the belt in college. It's brown, thick leather. The buckle had a silver plating of sorts on it at one point, but now the base metal is showing through. We're not sure how old the cow was, but we know the belt is at least seven years old. Oh, yep, and it was on the clearance rack so I guess it could be more like eight years old.

Time.

The buckle has been drifting down the belt over the years. This isn't a bad thing she tells me. Women get hips. A young woman becomes a mother. Time is 'a marching. As mom noticed the dark indents by the three previous holes, she thought back through time.

What a great illustration of time.

Graduation. Marriage. Move. Move. One kid. Move. Two kid.

(Dad calls us "thing 1" and "thing 2" when he wants to get mom laughing).

Now Move again.

In the ballpark of the next half of the year, we'll add another "Move" to the belt o' time.
It's a wild thing to contemplate the next big change in our lives. It's a big version of trying dad's "banging tuna-noodle casserole"- there's a new version of it each time and the nutritional content is vague.

Back to the belt:

So thanks to the cow who gave the hide that's lasted so long being worn almost every day and thanks in a much greater way to the God who sustains us. And may you, when you see how time has passed, take rest in God's genuine past, present, and future provision.

Vienna

2010-02-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

If you want to see some rocking cute pictures of my cousin Vienna in the snow, click HERE.

The Measure of a Man

2010-02-16T12:07:00.005-05:00

This coat rack. . .

This remote-controlled boat. . .

This genuine Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Plush Crocodile. . .

and yours truly. . .

are all 36 fabulous inches long.

Cupid Cuties

2010-02-14T15:36:00.004-05:00

Last year Mom dressed me as cupid. But this year she had a new victim, oh, I mean cupid. In fact, she also decided to attempt to make a sculpture of cupid out of Rice Krispie treats. She couldn't pull off the arms and the whole thing was rather freaky. We've eaten most of him already.

this one is me last year.

here's cupid's tush

and this year's cover cupid- oh yeah baby Clay!

FREE DESKTOP BACKGROUND! Just click on this picture, it will become big on your screen, then right click and select it to be your desktop background. Come on, where else can you get a background like this!

2010-02-12T20:43:00.004-05:00

Last week we moved a television back into our home just for the superbowl and it has not been removed yet. (We're still TV free and LOVING it). It is sitting on the Otto's side of the apartment.

I just put Sim to bed. I said he should go kiss Aimee and baby Clay good night. (Stephen is at the church tonight).
He kissed Aimee, Clay, and then the TV.
He waved to Aimee, Clay, and then the TV.

oh my.

-abby

Caught off guard

2010-02-10T12:28:00.007-05:00

Being caught off guard is not always a bad thing.
Yesterday evening I was picking up clothes off the bathroom floor when I noticed these footprints on the rug.
I was caught off guard by the lovely little prints of Sim's feet.
I'm in wonder at the gifts of God.
What an honor it is to mother his boys.

For years now I have struggled with certain aspects of mothering. I enjoy being a mother immensely, but I was/am having trouble embracing all the areas of my life and my will that have been altered. Believe it or not, all women don't dream all childhood about having babies and making pies all day : ) About two months before Clay was born, I asked God to change me and teach me in this area. Like the patient teacher that He is, He is bringing me around.

I've been going to a group for mothers. It is a group of about eighty women (it's huge!) that meet bi-weekly. We have a meeting while our children go to childcare. I mention the meeting because it has been making me more aware of something that is missing in our culture. I know it is missing because I just found it. What is missing is mothering pride. I laughed rather hard when I told Stephen that the meeting starts with women announcing birthdays, then pregnancies and adoptions. Then we have a lecturer that strictly relates to mothering, then discussion, sometimes prayer. . . In fact, I feel like I'm stepping into the 1950s at times. Bring your baked goods girls.

I used to think these types of gatherings were ridiculous. But now, I am finding that it meets a need in me. The need is pride in being a mother. I have been taking the responsibility seriously, but not enjoying the responsibility.

So perhaps you know a lonely mother or two (we're all over the place) that you could encourage. Our current culture can be a sad place for a momma. To the young mommas that read this, ( I think of Kelly, Ally, Jordan, Holly, Dee Dee, Aleen, Heather, Carol & Cindy) I hope that you have mothering pride, and if not yet, that you get that fix soon.

Happy Way-Before Mothers Day.
Love,
abby

Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13

2010-02-06T19:36:00.001-05:00

34 Registers

2010-02-05T21:41:00.002-05:00

The grocery store Stephen and I worked at when we were first married had seven (I think) registers. We averaged three open at one time.
This Market Basket has 34 (yes, I said 34) registers. Clay and I stopped to take this picture for those of you whom are ruralites or suburbanites who quake at the thought of this large of a store.

Yes, they run all the registers at the same time on the weekends. And yep, each register gets its own bagger. And even more yep: there are still lines.

This urban shopping experience is downright stressful. We have become expert shoppers, able to dodge the elderly, spare the young children on foot, heed the young in our own carts, maneuver around the glass bottle displays, turn the cart on a dime, avoid unneeded isles, spare the deli-line at all costs, prepare diagrammed shopping lists that caters to the store's layout, and even check ingredients in the mayhem.

On a humorous note: Sim decided to explore the anatomy of a chicken's eggs this week while we were in a grocery store. In a matter of seconds, there were literally eggs in my cart, eggs on the floor, eggs in the diaper bag, and two eggs that Sim could reach- which he instantaneously smashed his hand into. I had Clay wrapped on my front (Sim was in the cart's seat) and I am grateful for the kind Greek woman that helped me. Wipes came in handy for than just dipes.

She said (in a deep Greek accent) "You have boys! NICE boys! Congratulations!." She just may have pinched a cheek or two.

-abby

Pablo Picasso and my Mother

2010-02-02T20:00:00.004-05:00

Above: Pablo Picasso's Mother and Child and Four Sketches of the Right Hand (This is hanging in one of the birth center's rooms).

Clay is looking rather elf-ish (Lord of the Rings quality) in the above shot.

Do you have a good caption for this last one? (Notice that both mouths are open).

Claydough

2010-01-31T21:21:00.002-05:00

We haven't posted a slew of pictures of Clay as of yet. We haven't because, well, he's not usually very happy (We're all trying to help him out in that area). So here's a few recent pics. We'll try to get a smiling one soon, but no guarantees. He may be generally discontented- but he sure is cute. We're loving him and enjoying his presence in our family. God be praised.

Museum of Science (Trip Two!)

2010-01-30T08:42:00.001-05:00

To Bed

2010-01-28T19:53:00.003-05:00

Footballs
Nerf balls
Racquetballs

Curious George book
Silent night LCD display book
Toddler's Bible

Nalgene for kids
Old milk sippy
Ziploc container with one piece of pear in it

Wooden trains
Thomas
Thomas with mud

Chuck trucks
Hess motorcycles
Hot Wheels

Diaper rash cream
mom's face lotion
Body lotion from the bathroom

Magnetic letters
Bathtub numbers
Bathtub letters

Peas
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Kix

Lambie
Teddy Bear
Eeeyore

I have taken all these things to bed with me at one point.

May you take heart in having something close to you tonight. Whether that be your spouse, your family, or your stuffed Eeyore.

There are moments

2010-01-27T20:00:00.004-05:00

There are moments in life when you face the unknown and the unknown sends little shivers rippled through your skin.

In those moments, seek God and His righteousness and remember that as you seek Him, He goes before you.

The unknown is known, (just not to you).

Obey God. Prepare your army. March to the fight. Then rejoice in His provision.

And be sure to remember that Christ never promised safety. Living life to fullest does not always mean the traditional view of things being good.

Out with the Old, in with the Blue

2010-01-25T22:22:00.003-05:00

Mom's faithful nine-year-old water bottle is finally being recycled. She is having trouble saying goodbye to it as she has used it almost everyday for the past nine years. So here's a tribute to the old orange and a big welcome for big blue.

May you know the sweet taste of nine-year-old plastic and may you not take it for granted.

brotherly love

2010-01-25T20:48:00.002-05:00

Beaker and Squeaker

2010-01-22T19:39:00.006-05:00

We've been having a great time. Mom Mom and Pop Pop came up this past week and we celebrated some more Christmas.

Clay is doing alright, but he does have some things to sort out. He has some reflux, colic and a thing called Tracheomalacia. Basically, the cartilage rings that support his windpipe are weak. He makes quite a squeak! It (as well as the reflux) have made things like nursing and sleeping much more complicated. But, praise God for his overall good health and for our doctor, whom has been very attentive to our family. If you're looking for a pediatrician in the Boston area, we have a serious recommendation.

Mom just started back at work for a few days a week. I made a fantastic puppy face to her this morning from our second floor window as she cleaned off the ice on the car windshield. I tried to look as cute as possible, but she still had to go. She's taking Clay with her to work, so basically Dad and I will be partying like it's 1999 all day long.

News on the Sim front.

2010-01-15T14:51:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I awoke from my nap to find the television missing.
It's covered up in the back hallway and I'm not letting on that I know where it is. I'm not quite sure how long it will be hiding, but I've been enjoying the experiment so far. My parents think they are seeing the affect no television has on me, but actually it is more of an experiment to see my parent's stamina with book reading and game playing. So far mum is doing well at reading the Bob the Builder book many, many, many times. Dad is also impressing me with his ability for rough housing. Clay's demeanor hasn't changed. I don't think he cares either way.

Clay and baby Jack (I also give Clay balls and trucks to play with. Mom gets a kick out of finding them placed beside Clay.)

My tricycle. Oh yeah.

It even has a compartment in the back for food, trains, chuck trucks, and balls.

Haiti

2010-01-14T21:54:00.002-05:00

We'd be honored if you prayed for the people in our church. Many of them have family they have not heard from yet after the earthquake in Haiti. A friend of mine's entire family lives in Port-au-Prince and is unable to contact them. A man in our congregation stated that "everyone has lost someone, we just aren't sure whom yet."

May the hope be an anchor to our soul.

If you'd like to donate to World Vision, click HERE. If you want to give to a smaller organization, we have a few connections. Also, the woman I led woman's ministry at our church with is highly involved in a Haitian support group. They do the work themselves with the money they raise and I could give you her contact information directly if you'd like it.