So that was the problem

I lay down this afternoon with a very antsy Rosie to get her to take a nap. She flipped and flopped and talked and talked. I suggested that she pray and ask Jesus to help her to be quiet and have a good nap. So she prayed, "Jesus, please help Mommy be quiet so me can sleep. Amen."

daughterofhope

Which Chronicles of Narnia character are you most like? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Mr. Beaver Mr. Beaver 83% Peter Pevensie 70% Lucy Pevensie 67% Aslan 63% Edmund Pevensie 60% Susan Pevensie 57% Oreius 57% Mrs. Beaver 57% Mr. Tumnus 43% Ginarrbrik 37% The White Witch 13%

Spring photo shoot

Last Friday, we handed the kids a camera a set out to find signs of spring. We had lots of fun, but I think our walk down an azalea, dogwood, and wisteria filled residential street last year actually offered more in spring flower shooting opportunity. We'll go back to that next year.

Happy Arbor Day!

Day 5

I didn't care much for the ship decor. We were on an old ship on its second to last sail, but there was a Carnival TV channel playing in the room and when it showed Carnival's other ships and their common designer, I really found them all to be gaudy and rather ugly. I'd like to see if other cruise lines have nicer more elegant, or just simpler, decor. I'm all for themes, but I prefer the way Disney resorts, for example, interpret them.

That said, our ship's inspiring theme was supposed to be New Orleans. I've been to New Orleans (before Katrina) and it was gorgeous. I really didn't get the feel of it at all here. But this one deck had a few stronger elements with the trolley and trolley line, and the lamposts.

I do think that this Endless Summer Lounge is a really cool room.

I very much wanted to revisit Jekyll Island on our way home. It's so beautiful, and who can get to much of oceans and islands? Besides, we were still feeling lulled. Going from boat to car kept us in that rocking motion, but sleeping while driving is not recommeneded. Brian treated me to a delicious fresh seafood lunch. The man's a gem.

View of the marina from the back porch of the restaurant.

I have a love affair with Spanish moss. It just makes me happy.

See, don't I look happy?

This may well be the softest sand I've ever felt.

Hamming it up.

Pelicans are my favorite seabirds to watch. They're really pretty ugly, but I love to watch them dive. I saw a bunch, but they were to far out to get good pictures. Trust me, I tried. There were, however, plenty of sandpipers and seagulls.

Day 4

I managed to not take very many pictures today somehow. It was a lazy day at sea, and we were lulled by the ship. We slept in, had breakfast, met and talked to a cardiologist about his medical research, got some sun (not that we needed any more after the day snorkelling), took a nap, and took pictures of the sunset. I wish I had read the tutorial on sunrises and sunsets. I took a million shots, but just couldn't capture what I was seeing. And the tropical breezes were now long gone - it was freezing out on deck that evening!

I've always wanted to try karaoke and decided that this was the place to do it - I'd never see anyone there again. :^) Broadway, here I come!

Day 3

Day 3 found me scrambling to get dressed in a hurry

so that we could run up on to an open deck

to watch us pull into the port at Nassau at 8 AM.

Entrance to the city

Souvenir shopping - we avoided shopping as much as possible,

but had to pick up gifts for our kids and parents. I collect magnets and postcards,

do that keeps my souvenirs at a minimum. I kind of wish I had

gotten myself something a little more significant from the islands, but

I guess that that's what my photographs are for. I thought that

I was going to be able to bring home a piece of coral I found on the beach,

which would have pleased me much more than shop merchandise,

but found out that stuff like that doesn't go through customs. :^(

Nassau was a center of pirate activity in the 18th century, and Brian really wanted to see the Pirate Museum.

It was a very nice wax museum and lots of creepy sound effects.

I'm pretty easily spooked and I was sure that one of those guys was going to turn out

to not be wax and was going to scare me to death.

The guy outside turned out to be the only resident pirate. But he more than made up for it.

The locals recommended The Fish Fry on our request for an authentic and "untouristy" restaurant. They also recommended trying conch. I had cracked conch (breaded strips) and Brian had grilled conch which came in a foil packet with peppers and onions. It was served with salad and french fries and we were stuffed! Oh, and a virgin strawberry daiquiri for me - perfect on a tropical humid day. :^) Conch is like a cross between clam strips and calamari. It was pretty good, but I was wishing for the marinara sauce.

We're sitting on the back balcony of the restaurant. Can you see our ship in the distance? click on the picture to enlarge it. It's the ship on the left.

We even got a lesson in how they "crack" conches and cut the meat out.

On the way to the fort, we had to pass these market booths, and Brian met his Bahama Mama. She stuck this coconut hat that she'd made on his head, and said, "Come get a picture with Big Mama." Then she wouldn't let us go until we'd bought coral necklaces and t-shirts from her.

Fort Charlotte

It was time to hit the beach, the buses take you most places for $1, and they stuff them full, but these buses had a unique feature. instead of standing in the middle holding on to a pole, they had little seats that flipped down from the side seats to fill the center aisle.

We went to Cable Beach, thinking we'd find an open stretch of beach. The bus driver, however stopped in front of a hotel casino and told us to go through the casino to the beach. We did, and found a lovely beach a the resort, but spent a little while wondering if we were really supposed to be enjoying the lounge chairs and tiki huts, then decided not to worry about it. And enjoy them (and that gorgeous blue water!) we did.

This is a view of the other two cruise ships from our ship.
The only time I really felt nervous on the ship was out on an open deck on the open sea, in the dark. When the only other mental images your mind has of a big ship cutting through dark water is Titanic, it's a bit unsettling. Hehe.

The guy spinning the plate was our head waiter, Martin. He was a hoot! And our maitre'd was a crazy man. Every night as we finished dessert the lights in the dining room would flash, and he'd whisper "showtime" into the microphone in his French-Canadian accent, and a hilarious five minute show would follow. One night it was Italian night which ended in the wait staff singing "O Solo Mio" in Italian in 16 different accents. Another night it was a congo line. The last night a hilarious farewell song.

Your children's vocations

If you haven't met Anna yet (and even if you have :^), hop over to Pleasant View Schoolhouse and read her article "Vocations". I've often marvelled at her beautiful and talented home schooled children who are always pursuing their heart's passions, and in this article she tells how it happened and how you can help facilitate this in your own children.

Shhh!

After you've read a few books about Earth Day you can give your kids a bag and ask them to clean up the trash in the yard, toys too. For some reason, my kids are finding this to be a fun Earth Day activity rather than a chore today. See if it workds for you too!

Earth Day Question

If it takes plastic bags 200 years to breakdown in landfills, then what do you line your trash cans with? It seems like getting cloth bags for grocery shopping is all the rage now, and I wouldn't mind doing that at all, but I reuse those plastic shopping bags in my trash cans. And with little kids, I don't have to tell you how nasty the cans would be without them. Is scrubbing out every trash can in the house every day the only eco-friendly solution or do you all have a better way? Because if that's the only way, I'm afraid I'm going to have to find other ways to reduce my "human footprint". :^)

Earth Day for Kids

1. Plant some seeds in an empty egg carton
2. Christian Preschool Printables has a Genesis 1:1 coloring page of the earth
3. And their sister site, Little Blots of Faith, has a Creation lapbook
4. Get cool handwriting paper from PrimaryGames or abcteach.
5. Make a coffee filter earth craft from the Idea Box
6. Older kids can recycle CDs into a disco ball at National Geographic Kids
7. While you're there, play the online game, Recycle Round-Up
8. Learn how to grow a green garden and do a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Worksheet from Time for Kids.
9. Make rice krispy treat "earths"(alternate method here.)
10. Get a headstart on next year by ordering these Creation Globes

Easy and Fun

Earth Day for Grown-Ups

1. For information on climate change visit ICECAP.


2. If you haven't tried it yet, take the 10 question Global Warming Test.


3. Coolest way to reuse and recycle ever? a Paper Bag Floor


4. "Greener than thou" from World magazine


5. An essay at Answers in Genesis that explores two questions: “Can an evolutionist celebrate Earth Day?” and “Can a creationist celebrate Earth Day?”

Happy Creation Day!

Psalm 104, ESV

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, 2covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. 3He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; 4he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.

5He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. 6You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. 8The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. 9You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.

10You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills; 11they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. 13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

14You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate,that he may bring forth food from the earth 15and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

16The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. 18The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.

19He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. 20 You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about. 21 The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. 22When the sun rises, they steal away and lie down in their dens. 23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.

24O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. 26There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

27These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. 28When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. 29When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. 30When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.

31May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works, 32who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! 33I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. 34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. 35Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!

What is Global Warming?

Terror Level: High

Ever have one of those days when you can't decide which would make you feel better, locking all of your kids in a room, or locking yourself in a room? It's especially discouraging when you woke up that day with so many good things you wanted to do with them - reading, planting seeds... and at the end of the day, you did nothing but referee arguments, fix problems, and clean up messes. Makes ya glad that days only have 24 hours - then you get a new one. ;^)

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin flesh is rich in beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A in the body, and it's more concentrated and easier for the body to process in canned pumpkin!), potassium, and dietary fiber. A mom's dream come true. Especially when your two year old is a picky bread-lover.

Our favorite pumpkin muffins are these Pumpkin-Blueberry Streusel Muffins with the addition of xanthan gum, and the modification of mixing the ingredients all together rather than dry and moist separately (makes a denser, moister muffin). But the blueberry crop was damaged in the spring freeze last year, so we haven't made those much lately. Yesterday I decided to find a recipe for plain Gluten - Free Pumpkin Muffins, and these turned out well. everyone in my family enjoyed them, even the picky Rose, but you may want to put in less spice.

All you regular bakers, the first muffins were written as a regular wheat flour recipe - try them!

We interrupt this vacation journal to bring you:

It's opening day! PluggedInOnline's review. Answers in Genesis' review.

Day 2

Windy morning on deck

We were scheduled to pull into Freeport at noon. The plan: rent a scooter and go to Lucayan National Park to walk through a mangrove forest to a quiet beach and see some of a underwater cave system. The problem: Brian's boss who lived in Freeport for a while had suggested the scooter rentals, but everything on the ship's information discouraged it.

We had talked about snorkelling and other activities, but I had shied away from reserving them early, not knowing how Brian would be feeling, but Praise the Lord, he felt great the entire time! (And is still feeling well, making this past month and half the longest good streak he's had since diagnosis, I think. Although we have determined that whenever he is not working, he has that strength and energy to use on fun things. This is just not available on weekends after a long work week.)

Anywhoo, as we discussed this at 11 AM this morning, looking at the shore excursion list, and wanting to be sure that there would be no regrets, Brain decided that he wanted to go kayaking. I was a bit skeptical, but he insisted that he felt good and could do it, so I put in my hope to do some snorkelling, which perfectly combined in an excursion that was leaving at 12 PM! I was sure that there wouldn't be any tickets left, but on running to the purser's desk, we got the last two, ran back to our room to change and pack a bag, and ran to debark.

Of course, we waited at the wrong deck, enjoyed a conversation with a Baptist preacher and his wife, then ran to the right deck, debarked, and met Shami, the absolute coolest Bahamian guide and naturalist.

A study on palms (which, of course, turned out to not be native to the Bahamas at all):

native vegetation

Shami needed someone to sit in the front of the van with him and I quickly volunteered in hoped of getting a few shots on the way. He gave us so much information on the history of Freeport, its industries, and the native plants and trees.

Barbary Beach

view from Peterson Cay (pronounced "key") back to Barbary beach

Peterson Cay is a one and a half acre island. It and its adjacent coral reef make up the Bahamas smallest national park. It is basically empty except for vegetation and lots of little hermit crabs, which are more than happy to finish your lunch for you. Oh, and did I mention that there are no bathroom facilities on either beach? Fun times.

Another shot of Barbary beach

Tonight was the captain's dinner and the Grand Gala midnight buffet.

Also another example of missing pictures. I carried my camera all night, but never had someone take a shot of us dressed p for the formal dinner. Arrrgh.

Nightly turndown service with delicious chocolates and a new towel creation each night. Brian crashed for the night, but I had to stay up and see the midnight buffet.

Worth the wait. I will say, though, that it looked better than it tasted. Which surprised me.

I have more shots of the snorkelling and kayaking on an underwater disposable camera. I don't know how to scan them in, but I will share them when Brian has a chance to do that for me.

Day One

I found that despite carrying my camera everywhere, I took far fewer photos than I had anticipated. Life on the cruise ended up being far more anecdotal than event-oriented for us, and many a moment passed by me unnoticed until later. Next time, I plan to take pictures of more people and moments, and have more pictures taken of us together.

first view of the ship

Our stateroom. We also had three closets and a small bathroom.

The bridge we would pass under from the port.

Our first excitement came from skipping the required safety exercise. We could not understand half of what the speaker said from the upper deck we were relaxing on, and thought that it was optional. I kept worrying that we were goingot be in trouble, and characteristically, Brian was not at all worried. When someone finally told us that it was required we got five decks down to our stateroom for our lifejackets just in time to hear the all-clear signal. Good grief!

The bridge workers waved to us as we passed...

And we giddily waved back.

It looked like a tight squeeze, and the back of the ship was even higher.

First sunset and Brian making the first of many perfect wallpapers for his phone (and mine, because he's gonna share!)

Mikael, the jazz pianist we enjoyed many times.

He played right outside our dining room and we found sitting

and listening to him much more fun and relaxing than standing in line.

While you're waiting for the full scoop (and lots more pics)

Check out sermon jams - way cool. Try this one first, it's a bit longer than others, but still only several minutes. Loads of food for spiritual thought. LOVE IT.

We're back!

A new perspective on age

My mother was on the phone teasing me again about being old (I find this very amusing). Ethan was listening in and starting joining in the teasing, despite my denial.

Then he nailed me. "Yes, you are mom. You were born in the 1000's."

I started to deny that, too, when it struck me what he meant, and that it, indeed, was true. I was born in the old millenium, he was a part of the new.

Just think what they're gonna say about us when we're really old. [Read in news reporter drone]: "As the last survivors of the old millenium are now in their nineties..."

Am I the only one who hasn't seen this?

It is soooo cool!



Want to see more? This one's even better.

Wake-up call

"Mommy, the sun is up! Look, it is not black any more."

We finally dyed Easter eggs today

Anna Kate's Birthday Pics

the make-up kit she's "always wanted"

breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts


new outfits from Gramma - she sent four,

Anna chose one to wear to the park - and so did Rose!


at the park


finally at the end of the day, the new Barbie Mariposa
movie she'd been waiting for

She had to cut her hair too

She wanted to look like Ursula (George of the Jungle's love/wife).

She gave her dad another heart attack (see here, if you missed the first one).

She looks really cute (if I do say so myself).

Anna Kate's Ballet Party

ballerina cake - a 12 Dancing Princess barbie, no less

real leather ballet shoes from Gran

doing a ballet routine on an improvised barre
with the I'm a Ballerina Now DVD

"Happy Birthday, dear Anna Kate"


Beautiful Beaded Hair Ribbon Ballerina Craft

Ballerina Says

the up and coming ballerina

More Links and Ideas for a Ballet Party:

1. Free printable ballerina party invitations
2. We started with this ballet class hidden picture activity as the guests were arriving.
3. Raspberry floats - raspberry soda with raspberry sherbet
4. Blow up a bag of pink and a bag of lavendar balloons and scatter them across the floor
5. Dollar Store princess crowns and/or tutus as favors - we also had stuffed ballerina bears and unicorns that I got 50% off after Valentine's Day (and later saw for 75% off!)
6. I meant to scatter artificial rose petals down the table too, but I forgot
7. Play "pass the slipper" (hot potato) to Nutcracker music
8. You can find Angelina Ballerina coloring pages here.
9. More great ideas here and here.
   

Don't Miss...

Sashwhy's scoop on getting $40 of Picture People pictures for $5.

Keren's tips on how to save gasoline. I hadn't heard most of these and the scientific explanations for some of them were very interesting.

Newest prayer request manager

I'm always trying out new ways to remember prayer requests. Each new way allows me to remember more requests and remember them better. I still use stickers for specific friends and family, but I've got a new way to remember specific time-stamped requests and also people that I really want to remember on a regular basis. I have yahoo e-mail and I've begun utilizing the calendar that's at the bottom of the inbox page. This is awesome on so many levels. Here's a shortlist:

1. My inbox window stays up most of the day and is checked regularly anyway.
2. The events/requests for the day stay listed across the bottom of the page.
3. The calendar sends me reminder e-mails 20 minutes before a scheduled event.
4. You can set the event /request to repeat at daily, weekly. monthly, and other shorter and longer intervals automatically.

Now I can remember a bloggy friends' sick daughter specifically on T,Th, Sa and a real life friend with a difficult pregnancy M,W,F. I can remember when Tricia (and she could use your prayers right now, having just received her new lungs!), Gwyneth, or Ashley is having a procedure or when my mom's foot surgery was scheduled. I can remember when a friend is leaving on a flight to pick up their adopted child, and when they are returning home. And when you tell me about something you need prayer for next Tuesday afternoon, I can remember you too!

Give it a try!

And now for the conclusion of the matter:

I found out who was in charge of the tax collector's office and left him a voicemail in which I very politely informed him of what had happened and suggested that he ought to take care of this by at least having a message letting people know that they are unable to accept calls at this time rather than rudely keeping them on hold for hours.

He returned my call a few hours later and I have never been so profusely apologized to in my entire life! He went on and on about how inexcusable it was, and how that sometimes they were busy, but today was practically dead, and how there was no excuse, and how he would be addressing it at their meeting today, and how he knew the supervisor in charge and would be talking to them, and how he never wanted this to happen again, because the next time it could be him, or his next-door neighbor, and this was just not acceptable...

I think someone's going to be in big trouble. Oops. :^)

On Hold

I've been on hold with the county tax collector for 70 minutes and 17 seconds so far.

But my time is very important to them.

I know, because they've told me about 70 times so far.

Supposedly, I can leave my number and they'll return my call in the next 48 hours.

Why don't I believe them?

Update: 97 minutes, 50 seconds and still counting...

Update: 113 minutes, 45 seconds - after using my cell phone to call people who answer their phones in nearby county offices, I talked to someone who could answer my questions.

Moral of this story?
If you know where I live, and you have to call the county tax collector:

1. They do not value your time
2. They do not answer their phone

Happy Birthday, Tuesday's Child

Little Anna bird,

You were born a Tuesday's Child, full of grace, and you become more graceful all the time. We finally found a ballet program this year and dancing is still your favorite thing.

This year you could most often be found wearing a leotard or tutu, usually with your beloved tights. You can't wait to get real toe shoes.

Your bangs are finally growing out from the "great hair chop" escapade, but Daddy's still in mourning months later. Purple has officially overtaken pink as your favorite color. You still sleep with your sweet teddy, Molasses. And that thumb sucking that I thought we'd conquered last year? Well, let's just say, "I've not yet begun to fight!"

And speaking of fighting, you sure do have that stubborn streak still. We watched The Quiet Man a couple of weeks ago, and sometimes you remind me of Maureen O'Hara! You still like to do anything that will cause a raucus. :^) You can certainly make the thunder roll, but most of the time, you're my sunshine girl.

It's always easy to list Ethan and Rose's interests, but you're not so easy. We've decided that it's because you're the social butterfly who just loves to flit from person to person and do what they're doing. You and Rose definitely love your Barbies and the castle that you got for Christmas. Your also Ethan's trusty sidekick. You love to play UNO and other board games, and you love to be outside, as you always have. And animals, you love living things, especially puppies.

You love all things girly. Pretty dresses, shoe shopping, make-up...Daddy and I laughed and marveled at your circled choices in the Avon catalogue - a set of make-up brushes, any pink make-up available, flip-flops, pretty watches, and carefully selected fragrances (chosen from the wrist rubbed samples) - you're so much fun!

You still love Barbie movies, Mariposa is a new favorite. Your other new favorite movie is George of the Jungle! You, Ethan, and Rose act it out, and spout quotes, and crack each other up. You also love Shirley Temple.

You certainly love Ethan and Rose. You're the tightest bunch and hate being apart.

And you can be such a little helper, when you want to be. You were a great nurse for Pa after his surgery, and you're always eager to cook. Chores? Not so much, but you sure can make your bed look beautiful when you want to.

You got a little bogged down with schoolwork this year - playing with Rose was higher on your list, so we let it go. But you read your little Bob Books so beautifully and are often sounding things out, and you add and subtract well enough to give Ethan a run for his money. You're very smart, always surprising me with how much you know.

And you still love to snuggle. You're so warm and cozy. Still part baby. And I'm holding on to that part for as long as possible, Anna girl. Oh, sweet Anna Kate, you are so precious to me!

I love you, a bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck,
And a hug around the neck
Hug around th