New Things

1.  Felix is getting his first tooth.  It broke through the other day.  Milo is still toothless.

2.  Milo started pushing up on his hands and knees.

And does some push-ups that I will never be able to do.

Felix still won't roll from back to belly, but he loves his feet.

3.  Felix jabbers all the time.  Milo just started trying out his voice.

Not the same, folks!  It's neat to see how their personalities assist them in their development.

1.  Lucy had a 103+ fever for four days.  I am glad it went away.

2.  Sam has poison ivy (or something).  It's EVERYWHERE.

3.  Maryn and I are getting our hair cut on Saturday.  I'm going back to my pixie ways.  These locks are driving me crazy.

In other news:

1.  I really, really like The Vespers.

2.  I also really like Ray LaMontagne (I realize I'm a bit slow to hop on this boat...but I had twins, so give me a break.)

3.  Dave and I are still working on our movie project blog.  We are getting more accomplished since it is summer and our shows aren't on.  I will be posting about Dr. Zhivago soon.  Next up is In the Heat of the Night.

4.  I finally got some important things mailed.  It makes me feel better to get them out of the house.

5.  Working on a sweater for my friend, Manda.  It's actually for her baby girl, Charlie, who needs to hurry up and get here so we can see how cute she is.

6.  I found some new cotton yarn colors to add to my granny square afghan that I'm patterning after this lovely one.

That is all.  Sorry to be brief and shallow.  :)  My thoughts are quite unorganized these days, and my opportunities to blog are few--so this is what you get today!!!  Thanks to those who read--I am shocked you still do--I hope to someday be interesting again!

Our New Bloggy Project

Dave and I don't have a lot of free time on our hands, especially since the twins arrived.  We also don't get to go out much because sitters are hard to come by where we live.  If we could go out, we would go to a movie.  It is our favorite date.  We typically sneak in candy from the dollar store and buy a refillable large drink.

We love movies.  But, shamedly, there are MANY classic and greatly heralded films we've never seen.  We were talking the other night, and I thought it would be a good idea to remedy that.  So, we decided to make a list of movies and watch them and, better still, blog about them!  That is exactly what we intend to do.

You can go HERE to see our list and more info about the films we have chosen.  We're looking forward to it!  Feel free to watch-along and provide your own commentary on the films.

Documentaries will be the Death of Me.

I really like documentaries. I like the way they make me think. I like the way they expose the truth. I like seeing real people tell their stories.

I think the first documentary that was the death of me was "Super Size Me". In this documentary, a guy eats only McDonald's three times a day for a month. In the end, his health is deteriorating, he is depressed, and he gained an obscene amount of weight. I learned a lot about the chemical preparation of their food process as well as their marketing schemes. And, as a result, I only eat at McDonald's if my options are severely limited.

Like in a foreign country.

No, not really, I have eaten at McDonald's a number of times since watching the film, but I definitely consider homemade food over fast food. I really hate fast food in general. I don't like eating it. I feel gross when I do. I didn't use to feel that way, but now that I know what is in it and how it is processed, it makes me feel NASTY.

Another documentary that I watched was "Paper Clips". It was so inspiring. It's about a small school in Kentucky (I think) that began a holocaust project by collecting a paper clip for each Jew that was exterminated in the Holocaust. Secondary students organized the project and found Holocaust survivors who came to tell their stories as part of the project. A rail car was obtained as part of a memorial and filled with the paperclips, symbolizing the Jews who were transported like cattle to the concentration camps.

I loved that film because it was inspiring. It helped a community look beyond itself. It makes you want to do the same.

Last year, I watched "The Business of Being Born" by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. I watched it in preparation for my own natural childbirth with Lucy. This film is so informative and empowering. I encourage all women to watch it whether pregnant or not. I learned a lot about the profession of midwifery as well as an often flawed hospital system. My husband is a physician, and he couldn't argue with the film. He felt like it was really well done. My friend's husband is an OB/GYN, and he felt similarly.

Last night, we watched "Food, Inc.". It is about the food manufacturing in the US. It was astonishing. It was disgusting. It shocked me. And now, I want to buy local, organic food. ONLY. It may not be possible to go all the way with this where I live, but I sure want to give it a try. This woman in the film lost her two-year old son to hemorrhagic E. coli in 12 days from contaminated hamburger meat that tested positive for E. coli but wasn't recalled until a month after the positive test. Heart-wrenching. Makes me want to go completely vegetarian!!!! I like meat, and I think I could give it up, but I know Dave wouldn't. But still.

These films have changed the way I've looked at how fast food is destroying the health in this country, how my culture views history, how well-designed the female body is for childbirth, and how the food I serve came to be. They've been informative, but they also were convicting. Now that I have this information, what am I going to do with it?

Am I going to DIE to convenience and embrace a simpler but more hard-working lifestyle?

Am I going to DIE to my culture and look outside of myself?

Am I going to DIE to insurance companies, health systems and embrace the design of my body?

Am I going to DIE to the dollar and support those who work hard to respect workers, animals and the planet?

I want to. I don't know if I will. I want to do what I can. With greater knowledge comes greater responsibility.

Get my coffin ready.

Weekend

Just so you know, I'm not depressed or anything. I think I may have worried some of you. I'm actually good, but we all have bad days. I thought I would catch you up on some of our happenings.

Friday night, Dave and I watched "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." It was funny in our generation kind of way--like "Happy Gilmore" meets "Dumb and Dumber." We enjoyed our relaxing night together.

Saturday, we geared up to go to Little Rock for the day. I had a chance to see some of my good friends while I was there. I got to visit with Marla for a tiny bit. They were in for a whirlwind 48 hours, and Nate's parents' house was busy, but it was super good to see them. We realized we hadn't seen Nate in 3 years! It has been over a year since I last got to see Marla, and it was fun to see Shep and Owen.

Maryn decided to go down the slide into the pool WITHOUT floaties or a life jacket on, and she went under. Before I realized what was happening, Nate's brother's girlfriend jumped in the pool with all her clothes on and brought Maryn out of the water. Maryn was a little upset, but went right back to the pool (WITH a life jacket on). I couldn't thank Angie enough! Surprisingly, though, I was really calm and at peace. Thank you, Lord, that I didn't flip out. I think that actually helped Maryn get back in the pool. I'm glad she wasn't afraid to go back.

I also got to see my friend, Abby, and her two kids, Aden and Angel. It was so great! We met at a McDonald's b/c Abby was on her way home to Alabama. I was glad to see Angel while she is still a tiny baby! It's always good to see Abby. She is the oldest best friend I have. I still have my half of the necklace to prove it. :)

Another highlight of the day (besides Sam's Club and Target) was going to pick up my Basket-a-Month from the Central Arkansas Farmer's Market CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). You have to buy a three-month subscription for $180, but you get a basket each month of locally grown and produced foods. It is pricey, but I really love supporting local farmers and putting money into our communities here. I have never been in a position to do this before, and it is very exciting to be able to. It's also great b/c all the food is fresh and organic.

Here's a list of what was in my basket:

• Sweet potatoes
• 2 canteloupes
• Watermelon
• Okra
• Tomatoes
• Purple-Hulled Peas
• Italian and Japanese Eggplants
• Peaches
• Spring Mix Salad
• Free Range Eggs
• 3% cow's milk
• Homemade butter
• Beefalo--(cross b/w a cow and a bison)
• Colby Cheese
• Tomato Infused Whole-Wheat noodles
• Buttermilk

Super exciting, eh? I just need to find some good recipes and QUICK!!!

You don't get to pick what's in your basket; it is a surprise each time. I like that.

I have some spiritual posts forming in my mind. Be on the lookout for those. I'm sorry I haven't commented much lately. Our internet is REALLY annoying. I'm way behind on reading too. I get overwhelmed when it is actually working, b/c it doesn't seem like I have enough time to check everything. Be patient with me!!! xoXOxo

Moving Right Along

I've gotten a lot accomplished since we last spoke. I've gotten all the utility set-up and disconnects taken care of. I found a satellite ISP since we live out in the boonies and can't get cable internet or DSL. Moving truck/movers is established and scheduled. I've changed addresses where I can. Some I have to wait on. Talked to the bank about new checking accounts. We're keeping our current cell service. We still haven't decided if we're getting satellite TV or not. Part of me says "yes!" so that we can have Oscar parties and Superbowl parties, but we rarely do that anyway...so "no!" seems more acceptable. All of the shows we watch are online...and our TV screen is about the same size as our computer monitor anyway (I'm not kidding.). I just measured them. Our computer monitor is 17" and our TV screen is 19". Yeah, the 2" doesn't make too much difference.

So that's going well. I've continued packing. I love packing. I'm good at it, too. I think I get it from my mom. I don't know how, but I did. She and I both know how to pack things really efficiently--the dishwasher, the trunk of a car, a suitcase. You name it. It must just be how our brains work. I can make it fit. I bet I could win a packing contest, too.

I've got a few things on the calendar as well. Date night tomorrow night...trying to decide what movie to watch. I'm guessing it will either be "Angels and Demons" or "Land of the Lost". We're saving "Up" for netflix with the kids. May go to OKC to see Sweesha. Birthday party for Funke on Sunday. Small group goodbye sometime next week. 2 or 3 baby showers. 2 more weeks at church. :( Last book club. :( Get to see David Asher this evening. Still need to work in all those other goodbyes...

Made some iced coffee this morning. Yum.

Dave and I went to bed before 10 last night. I can't remember the last time BOTH of us were in bed before 10. That :never: happens.

Today I have some Craigslist goals. I need to photograph several items and get them all posted on there. I really need to sell some stuff before we move. Well, I think I've overstayed my welcome in this post, so I'll mosey along and get stuff done. xoxo

Developments and Things to Do

You know I like lists. Here's a couple.

Developments:

1. Our house was shown twice last week by other realtors.

2. Our realtor had an open house here on Sunday and had a dozen families come through. A couple were very promising. She hopes to hear something this week.

3. I saw Wolverine and Star Trek in one week, and they were both amazing. I've been pondering why I like Sci-fi so much. No conclusions yet. Except for the obvious nerd factor.

4. We went to Mayfest during the Open House. It was nice to be out with the kids. Sunblock is now a must-have for the season's fashion.

5. I discovered a new chocolate bar that I love. Ghiradelli Luxe Chocolate--Duet. It's milk chocolate on top and dark chocolate on the bottom. And velvety. Smooth. Delicious.

6. My older children both commented on my weight this week. Time to cut out the chocolate.

7. This just in!! We have two back-to-back showings this evening!!! Yahoo!!!!

To Do List:

1. Hem my two skirts that I made on Saturday (don't laugh, Katie.).

2. Finish making the third skirt (again, don't laugh, Katie.).

3. Get the house straightened up.

4. Don't forget to go to the bathroom at some point.

5. Drink the rest of the yummy coffee I made: Dunkin Donuts Dark with SF vanilla creamer, lite whipped topping and ground cinnamon. Mmmmmm....

6. Finish my book.

7. Begin book club book for June (my last book club meeting). :(

8. Look through all the free magazines I've been getting. "Mothering", "Parents", "Woman's Day"...all free.

9. Put clothes on the baby.

I think this list is neverending, so I'm going to defy the laws of nature and end it.

The I Did List

I've not had a lot to say lately. A rarity, to be sure! What have I been doing? I'm assuming you're on the edge of your seat.

I like lists, so here goes:

1. Reading my book club book--Goodnight, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian. This book is fabulous, and I'm sad I didn't get to talk about it with my book club on Saturday. It's sad and wonderful all wrapped up into one.

2. Playing a video game--"The Legend of Crystal Valley". I'm down to playing in five minute increments courtesy of Yahoo! Games. It's okay. It gives me good reasons to stop playing. I've mentioned before on my former blog that I enjoy video games. I know this is weird for a lady. It's fun.

3. Watching movies--I watched "Tootsie" the other night. I remember watching it on TV as a kid, but I didn't even remember the plot. Well, I got it from the library, and it is rated PG on the box. I swear (no pun intended) that it would be rated R now b/c of the language. The "F" word was used more than once, and I know that you can only use it once in a PG-13 right now and certainly NOT in a PG. Maybe our movie ratings are better than they used to be? I also have "Ladies in Lavender" waiting for me. Dave is not thrilled. LOL. I also watched "Bridget Jones' Diary" instantly on Netflix while Dave was gone. It's pretty raunchy, sadly. The thing I loved the most was that it is a trashy parody of Pride and Prejudice...and the character of Mark Darcy is played by none other than Colin Firth! For those of you out of the loop, Colin Firth played Mr. Darcy in the BBC production of P&P.

4. Wearing my hoodie in the mornings. It has been a tad chilly.

5. Wanting to sew badly and refusing myself the luxury. I can't do it right now. It makes too much of a mess, and I don't need to be doing that! I've run across some delightful ideas, though. I hope I don't forget them...

6. Trying to savor our last little bit of time here. I'm going to miss our church family so much. It's home, and it will be sad to leave. I will miss the folks from residency too. Trying not to think too long or hard about graduation.

7. Praying for lots of babies, but especially THIS ONE.

What are you doing?