Question?

Does carpet fuzz/specs of things found in the carpet hold any type of nutrition for growing babies? Like, maybe protein.. or a really good source of vitamin A. Or maybe a high percentage of carbs! I hope so.

Note to self: Try to be quicker at Jade's supersonic reflex of picking any tiny spec up and eating it.

Sweet baby girl

Dear Jade,

I love you very much. I'm sorry I had to let you cry and get all upset tonight at bedtime. But you were so mad at me for trying to put you to sleep. I tried rocking you and singing your favorite bedtime song. You just wanted to play and play. So, I put you in your bed...and you got super upset. I tried consoling you by patting your back. Then I tried rubbing your head gently like I did when you were still so itty bitty. Well, that just seemed to make you even madder.

That left me no choice. I did the unthinkable. I left you in your bed, crying your little heart out. It broke my heart to hear you cry such a big girl cry. It wasn't all sweet and soft like your new cousin's cries. It was a "Mommy, puhlleeaaaasssse come back" cry. I heard every bit of it. And I promise.. I didn't let you cry like that forever. It was only 4 minutes. And as silly as it may sound, I think those 4 minutes were a lot harder on me than they were you.

I came back into your room, cuddled you in my arms, and we just swayed for a bit. You were out like a light before I even had time to blink.

Now, lesson learned, right? Just fall asleep while Mommy is rocking you and save us both the agony! =)

Love,
Mommy

SOOOO Dreamy!!

Much to her father's dismay, Jade is a big fan of this guy!

We had "Idol" on in the background last night.. as I was cleaning up the dinner mess, Matt was showering, and Jade was just kind of romping around before bath time. She was playing with her toys until Mr. Archie came on. Then she got into this little trance and stared at the TV the entire time he was singing!

Springtime is WONDERFUL!

These are from a few weeks ago... one of the first REALLY warm days here. It was just beautiful outside, and we had lots of fun taking pictures of Jade! (Well.. and her Aunt Krista for her "Senior Pics".)

Where's Jade?

The other night, I was taking care of dishes; unloading the dishwasher, rinsing dirty dishes, and reloading. Jade was in her walker, really scooting around. She patted and slapped at the chairs and barstools. I looked up and over the bar and what did I see?

Children

I'm not quite sure where this might lead, but I have had some things burning on my heart lately..and just need an outlet! So, I'm going to pause on the "Mommy Ramblings"-about Jade at least- for a moment or two, and just pour my heart out.



Now, where to begin?



Can I just tell you how much it hurts when I read of all the child abuse that seems to be running rampant in our country/world? Not that my heart doesn't hurt for any other injustice or other evil acts, but my heart especially aches for the children. I get so angry. I cry. I want to scream, and I want to literally beat some sense into those who do those things to these kids. At the same time, I'm overwhelmed with compassion and just want to bear hug them. "For they know not what they do..." Not exactly the same thing, but something tells me these people just don't have a clue. For all the babies that aren't hugged or kissed enough. (I'm sure Jade wishes I would just stop kissing her sometimes and give her some breathing room from all the hugs.) For the small children who aren't praised for every little accomplishment... even if all they do is put on a t-shirt! For the older ones who aren't told I love you and you are special. My heart aches.

Children have always held a special place in my heart. Since having Jade, my heart is even more burdened for these kiddos.

One huge thing that is going on right now... the FLDS sect that has been raided, and the children shipped off. My heart is somewhat joyful that these sweet children/adolescents are out of the immenint danger of sexual abuse. And I say somewhat only because can you imagine what the mothers must be feeling? They are teaching their children their lifestyle and beliefs, and what they believe to be right... "train up a child in the way they should go"... and yet their children are snatched from their homes. May they come to know the sweet love and grace of my Perfect Savior.

Another "thing" that is going on, something I was completely oblivious to and probably not aware of: child trafficking. Sunday, I had the privilege of hearing a passionate Believer talk on the abolition of child slavery.. specifically on sex slavery. Can I even put into words the hurt my heart holds for these precious children who are subject to such vile acts? I would encourage you to go to www.love146.org and educate yourself on the subject. Oh how greatful I am that I was raised in a loving, nurturing and God-fearing home. I praise God that I led a somewhat "sheltered" life, and my eyes were shielded from things such as this.

I also encourage you to do what you can. For me, the first step is prayer.. taking it to the Almighty Healer... the Most Holy Sovreign One. Maybe one day.. maybe we could give our time to volunteer at an orginization. Maybe one day.. we will open our home to a child who just needs a loving embrace, and a pat on the back... who needs a family and a personal relationship with Jesus. Maybe..just maybe.

I'm still here...

I think if my little blog had a soundtrack, the sound of distant, quiet crickets would fill the air right now.

Sorry its been forever since I've shared about the cutest baby girl in the whole entire world! Life has- and I mean my real life, not my geeky somewhat obsessive blog reading life- been a bit busy lately! (Jade got an ear infection, I got a funky eye infection, and Nana went on vacation...leaving me working from home full time while keeping up with "toots." We had so much fun, but of course missed the Nan'.)

Anyways.. all this to say, please stay tuned.. Adorable pictures and more ramblings to come very soon!

Thanks!