For Wendi

An old friend told me she was tired of seeing the same old rabbit when she came to the blog, so I guess its time for an update!

A Tea Party

Meredith had a chance to get pampered as a princess at a tea party themed birthday party this past month. She LOVED it, and would go around for the next week with her lipstick party favor and toy purse and apply make-up all week long. She also enjoyed talking about her painted fingernails, and would show them to just about anyone who came along.

Russasourus
Russ has kept us on our toes again this month. To get him used to the potty, we started taking him in the morning and night, and of course we would praise him if he performed. Well, apparently all that practice of taking off the diaper and using the toilet had made Russ think that he should take off his diaper in his crib, and pee through the crib slots onto the floor (or in the crib was fine, too). So, now we are duck taping the boy into his diaper, and thankfully with the cooler weather he is back to warm footed PJs at night. Ah...he's a mess :)

Fair and Zoo

My parents were nice enough to watch the kids at the fair while I helped with cattle check-in. They had a really good time, and so Matt and I decided to brave the fair the next day while he was off work. Cows, rides, fried twinkie, and lots of walking -- fun was had by all!

Yesterday, I took the kids to the zoo as Russ was getting over being sick, and Meredith REALLY wanted to go. Boo at the Zoo is going on, so all the halloween decorations are up. I really enjoy going to the zoo when its cooler, because most of the animals are out (bears, tigers, and cats) and don't mind the cooler weather (plus, there are very few crowds at this time of year).

With a K and an A and a P P A......

It has been a pleasure to help colonize a new chapter of Kappa Delta at UALR this fall. National KD had come into town last spring, and several of us area KDs met with two of the national leadership, and we were all excited about the opprotunity to colonize a new chapter at UALR. After coming back from convention, the CAKD alumnae chapter had been busy helping out with references, providing support and meals for the extension team, and just helping in whatever way that we could. Recruitment was the last week in September, with Bid Day on 9/27. UALR Panhellenic ended up requiring a chapter advisor for the semester, and I was honored when I was asked to serve. The colony has 20 girls right now, are so excited about growing, serving the community, and having a true sisterhood; and the advisory board is growing and I (and probably Matt, too) am excited to be able to just focus on one area of the chapter (and not everything) here at the end of the year. All that to say, while the new colony has kept me pretty busy these past six weeks (and for a few more); it has been AMAZING to be a part of watching a new chapter get started and I encourage any of my sisters (or friends who are in other greek houses) to be willing to step in if there is a need -- you will be blessed! (If you are interested in pictures, just go to the UALR Kappa Delta Group Page on FB).

We've had our normal church responsibilities, and been trying to stay on the work-out schedule. Just trying to honor God, be a good family, and keep the house clean :)

OH, and also trying to stop by with a meal and going to baby showers for several friends who have had babies this past month! It must have been cold last winter!

Fall and Friends (with some Friendly Lipsey Updates)

Hello Neglected Blog Followers!

I am seizing this late night insomnia to update you on the life and times of the Lipseys. We have had a fabulous month, and are looking forward to all things Fall that are headed our way.

Russ and Meredith at River Market
August 2009

Matt has been chronicling the paths of "Destructo" on his FB page in this album. He is a fast and happy little boy these days, and keeps his entire family on our toes! He recently got his first haircut, to the joy of both granddads, and has been enjoying some Mommy and Russ time for two days a week while Meredith is at preschool (and he doesn't have MDO). Exciting things we have done -- date to the zoo (with Russ being able to chose where he wanted to go, when he wanted to go), helping out with house cleaning (he still loves the broom and helping get the dishes out of the dishwasher), and watching mommy and her friends stuff some Lottie Moon envelopes at ABSC while trying to escape to the hall and push the elevator button.

Russ, the growing boy

August 2009

Meredith is getting to be a big girl these days. We have recently started a Preschool/MDO program, and she is doing very well. We talk about her new friends and the schedule a lot; and I can usually hear her singing a few new tunes from the other room (but she doesn't want to share her new songs with anyone yet). She has been blessed with some great teachers, and we couldn't be happier with the transition to a school-type program for our growing girl. Also, this past month, Meredith started taking dance lessons. Her class is so very sweet, filled with children that she knows from church, as well as making new friends, too. She LOVES tap, and could probably do without ballet -- but as most of us did, I'm sure she will grow to love it. During this time, the poor little brothers of 3 dancers get to have tried to entertain themselves in the lobby of the dance studio. Oh my! If only I had the resources to open up a Wonderplace 2 down from the dance studio.....

Meredith at Dance, Russ and Parker sharing the toy from the $1 store, and when Meredith is not out and about, she is probably playing candy land (and frightening her parents with her choice of step-stool)

August 2009

Matt and I are doing well. Matt has recently gotten back to playing bass guitar for the youth band up at church, and has been "jamming" in the evenings. He's also been enjoying some good books lately. I have been on a workout kick these past 3 weeks. My goal is to workout 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day. Its been going pretty well, and as an incentive to keep up the pace and change up the work-outs, I have started going to an adult tap class one day a week. Its been so much fun to get back into dancing, and I look forward to slimming down a little (especially if this rumored recital piece comes to fruition).

The church gang was blessed last weekend to get a visit from Chris and Melody, our sweet friends who are currently in OK. Chris and I (both of us engineers) met in our Cal 1 class at UA, and I met Mel when, gasp, she was dating Chris' roommate. However, I probably got to know them even better when we both ended up living in central Arkansas and members at Park Hill together. We had our old church group together for dinner, and Matt and I got the chance to hang out with them for the Razorback game on Saturday. We loved getting a chance to catch up, but I think my favorite part was catching up with Mel about discipleship and faith during the 3rd quarter of the football game (so, it wasn't the most exciting of games). We are so blessed to have you guys in our lives, and hopefully we can make it out to see Matt's Motherland (if HE doesn't fire them) this next spring.

Chris with his patented "You're fired" look (He didn't have to do it too often)

August 2009

Oh, and if you need a Razorback Football rolodex of information -- Chris is your man!

Controversy on the Disney Front

Hi Friends and Family -- I'll post about our month during the next few days, but there seems to be a trend that is popping up around me in regards to morality issues. Just wanted to get my thoughts down while they are fresh in my mind.

Vicki Courtney did an excellent job of summing up the Miley Cyrus act at the Teen Choice awards last night (I was not watching this event, but heard about it after the fact). Hopefully I am a few years away before the crazed fans/teen idolatry that seems to happen with stars that Disney or other media outlets promote, but it reminded of a recent family decision regarding a DVR'ed show. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a staple on the DVR at our house. Its pretty cute with one of Russ' few words being "Mickey;" and that majority of the time its all good, clean fun and shows new words, phrases, and other educational things to the kids while mom is folding laundry, or checking her e-mail.

However, Matt was talking about how the episode "Donald and the Beanstalk" seemed to promote many of the values that are wrong for us as Christians, let alone upstanding citizens. I think no way -- not Mickey. That is until I actually sit down and watch the episode. Background -- Donald trades this favorite chicken for 5 magic beans from the Giant. Mickey tells him that they are not magic, and suggests going and taking his chicken back from the Giant (think Jack and the Beanstalk). So, the Mickey gang decides to go back and get Donald's chicken so he will be "happy" again. They find early on that the beans are indeed magic, and grow into a beanstalk up into the clouds where the giant lives. Mickey and pals go up and steal Donald's chicken and the Giant follows them down. Justifiably, the giant wants his chicken, and Mickey says "Well, Donald made a mistake, and will trade back his beans, now beanstalk, for his chicken back." Apparently, the giant is appeased by a cuddly Teddy bear that he can love...and happily ever after everyone goes. Cue the Hot Dog dance.

OK -- so we all have made some pretty bad purchases in life. I've bought lots of toys that have broken when Russ chunks them across the room in the first hour, have gotten something that doesn't work just like it says, had buyers remorse more times then I can count -- but do I take it upon myself to go and steal my money back from the store. No Way -- that is stealing.

Now you might say "Well, Donald didn't get what he thought he was getting." However, in this case, Mickey and his friends find out that indeed the beans are magic, as they grow into huge beanstalks straight into the clouds up to where the Giant lives.

We should honor our contacts. Whether its our marriage vows, paying our bills, or even just dealing with the consequences of a bad decision -- we need to do what we say that we will do. Secondly, we should not steal. God's pretty clear about this one -- You Shall Not Steal. Exodus 20:15. I just hate that a show/franchise that is promoted with a good, family, and wholesome image completely misses the mark, to keep its characters "happy."

Lesson of the day -- it starts early, but we must be so careful what our little ones are shown. Especially when they are so young that they can't reason through what is correct and right in the Lord's sight.

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.

For the Father up above, He's looking down with Love.

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.

Testing 1,2,3.....

Just trying to test out why my blog is unavailable to me.....Hope this will help it out.

Happy Family

This past month has been super busy, and we replaced our air conditioner and furnace - creating a mini-vacation from our home and some time with both sets of families. Topped off with a trip to Kappa Delta convention for me, I think that we have done our part to keep the economic turn-around going. We've got one more trip coming up, Music Camp up at church, and then back to the fall swing of things. This summer is flying by!

Above are a couple pictures from earlier this summer at the Faulkner County Library with a Mini-Farm event. Meredith has pretty excited that she got to ride a horse, and Russ also got to feed some ducks. We had some happy campers!

Hope you are having a fantastic summer, too!

Summer, We Are Glad You Are Here

Meredith has been talking since January about wanting to go to the pool. Six months ago I would say "We have to wait until June gets here." Since Meredith really only knows one June, I'm pretty sure that she has been waiting for June, Rocket, and the rest of her Little Einsteins buddies to arrive and whisk her away to the tunnel slide, baby pool, and land of floaties and fun. She may be a little disappointed, but we are very glad that June as arrived!

Here is an update on the past month:

Promoting to another Sunday School class can only mean one thing, Russ is Happy! For back story, see blog entry here. Ms. Wilma, Ms. Pat, and Ms. Debra -- please don't worry, we did pull out the bucket and did not make him use the gladware as a bucket after this shot was taken :)

Our new favorite toys --

The Slinkie

And the Blue Car (enjoyed because Daddy will "drive us" around the house at blazing speeds).

Playing Fort
Oh Picasso Meredith, We mark on the paper, not on the walls

Hungry, Russ?

And that's where are phones are....

We still love you!

Crazy 8's Meme

Tagged by the bed-resting, mother-to-be of twin girls Leslie. I guess the least I can do is give her some good reading material :)

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. A remodeled upstairs hall bathroom
2. The pool opening
3. Nap time
4. Couple's trip to the Buffalo River
5. Watching my kids grow up
6. The garden producing squash, tomatoes, and peppers
7. The first good watermelon of the season
8. Getting the computer out of the toy room

8 things I did yesterday:
1. Went to the Farmer's Market
2. Told Russ to "Get down from there" about a hundred times
3. Ate lunch with my parents and kids
4. Read Trucks, That's Not My Dolly, and Tails to the kids (among other books)
5. Had cheese dip with both lunch and dinner
6. Watched some NBA finals action
7. Walked out in the rain to get the mail (hoping that the sun would come back out)
8. Decided to take a day off from Jillian's 30-day shred

8 things I wish I could do or want to do:
1. Keep a good schedule for house cleaning
2. Keep up with Jillian's 30-day shred
3. Scale back on some of my commitments
4. Be a blessing
5. Stop watching so much TV (its pretty bad that I could do the 8 shows section in no time)
6. Teach my kids to clean up and share
7. Keep learning
8. Recycle more

8 shows I watch:
1. How I Met Your Mother
2. Big Bang Theory
3. The Office
4. The McLaughlin Group
5. CSI NY
6. This Week with George Stephanolopous
7. Survivor
8. Grey's Anatomy

8 people to tag:
I hate telling people what to do :) Feel free to grab and go with the crazy 8 meme if you like.

Memphis Zoo

Dee Dee, Meredith, Russ and I traveled to Memphis last week, and meet up with an author friend of mine at the Zoo. Marla is writing a new book about 52 zoos in 52 weeks, and she traveled with her family from Ohio, down to Oklahoma and Texas, and then stopped by the Memphis Zoo on their way back home. She is so gracious to meet with her readers, and it was wonderful walking around the zoo with her and her family. Her books on marriage, pregnancy, and children are very relevant, and written with humor and love. I know that her zoo book will be a hit!

The Memphis Zoo was great, even better than I remembered. While we had a great time, and got to see different animals (like the Panda Bears and the Hippos); we may wait just a little longer before going back. It was a Thursday, which I thought would be a quiet day --- but the school kids really took over the place. Russ wanted to get down most of the day, but it was just hard to do with so many people around. We are doing better with crowds, but the kids can only take so much :)

The boat ride was a big hit

Russ' new girlfriend, Nina

Yes, you really do like the Merry-Go-Round, Meredith


Hangning on for dear life (he really did enjoy it)

Russ, Dee Dee, and Meredith

Thank you Dee Dee for taking the day trip with us, and it was great to meet you Marla, Gabe, Olivia, Ava, and Nina!

Lost

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. John Newton

Have you ever felt like you are losing a whole lot at one time? While I am generally an even-keeled, everything is replacable type of girl; these past few weeks have kind of jolted me.

Earlier this month I realized that my wedding rings had gone missing. Now, this is not an uncommon occurrence. I will generally take them off to clean or workout; and will get sidetracked with the kids and forget where I put them. However, we are pushing two weeks now with the rings nowhere in sight. I generally put them on a counter next to my fridge, and about a week ago I saw that my son has been pushing the chair over to that particular counter to find adventure in the kitchen (well, maybe for the M&Ms and coin jar). So, my current theory is that its either under the fridge to the right of the counter, or they fell in the trash can to the left of the counter. In any event, I went out and found a cz replacement for my left ring finger, because I was just feeling a little too naked. Even sadder -- I really don't want to pull out the fridge, because if they are not there -- the plausible conclusion is that they were thrown out a couple of weeks ago with the garbage!

During this same time, dear friends and mentors to me are leaving the comfort of Arkansas to follow God in a new place of ministry. Losing this couple has been hard on me -- not just me, but lots of people. My poor husband watched me cry through practically a whole worship service as I remembered how much these people mean to me. Yes, I am happy to watch them follow Jesus to a new area of ministry -- just a little sad that its 6 hours away from me!

Earlier this week, a friend lost his life after a long battle. While I probably hadn't seen him in almost a year, he holds a special place in the hearts of so many. I was lucky enough to watch him play sports from the comfort and up-close view from my cheer leading position since junior high. I would give him a sly smile and tell him that he was never going to learn American History by copying my homework; only to have him smile back with those bright eyes and pearly whites. I remember the lump in my throat and the tears when he didn't get up after being hit on the football field; but also the pride watching him go across the stage at graduation. While he was an amazing athlete before the accident, he was probably a stronger man after it -- recovering to be a great example of strength, humility, and honor for me and so many others.

This perfect storm of emotions has left me a little anxious and vulnerable, but when I finally get my act together and bring these feelings before God I am of course humbled and comforted by his answers. David said "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD" in Psalm 121. So, where better to turn than to his word. I was lead to the parables of those things lost -- the sheep, the silver coin, and the son. It didn't necessarily relieve my pain, but it did help me to remember than God rejoices when we are in his presence -- when we leave everything in our lives at his feet. How easy that is to forget, when we try to load down our lives with everything that we are feeling, thinking, and doing.

So, my rings -- well, as sad as I am that they may be gone, they are only rings. My friends who moved are following God into a new area of ministry, and my other friend -- I will see again, just as God has promised.

*Disclaimer - This probably came across as a "Debbie Downer" post, and for that I am sorry. I am hoping that this reflection may help me, and maybe others. Regular, posting shall resume shortly.

Easter

The Lipsey family had a fun-filled and fabulous Easter. Hallelujah, He is Risen!

Unfortunatly, we did not get a family picture on Easter......but since I was up at church from 7 till 12:30, I don't think the before or after church photos would have been very good anyways :)

Our church bid farewell to our beloved music minister, so it was a pretty emotional morning -- not to mention the celebration of Christ Jesus' resurrection. It will be an Easter to remember.

Bracket Blowout

While this was a much bigger deal when we were DINKs, Matt and I enjoy a little bit of family-friendly bracket picking competition. It's kind of like fantasy football to us -- it just makes it a little bit more exciting to watch. Generally, the winner gets to pick a place that we will go eat. Not a bad deal either way!

My last good bracket was way back in 2002, when Maryland won the NC. Amazingly enough, my bad picking streak has lifted (or maybe every 7 years I will get a good bracket), and I finished up with a 76% win, versus Matt's very respectable 73%. Thank-you Tar Heels!

So, any suggestions for where I should take the two of us out to eat?

Who are these kids?

Amazing their mother these two kids climbed up into the lap of the Easter bunny this year. Afterwards, Russ decided the decorations needed his extra touch. Oh My!

Spring has Sprung

We have been busy having a fantastic start to spring. Nothing really too interesting to note.....

Happy Spring!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Meredith

Sweet girl, you have turned 3 today. While we would have prefered to not be celebrating your birthday while you are recovering from the stomach flu, this is the day that God has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it (while you lounge on the couch and watch some TV).

God has blessed us with a beautiful, strong-willed, and caring young girl who is finding her own voice in this world. We love how you pray for your friends and family at prayer time, and want to know if we will see "so and so" today.

Your favorite things include Chick-fil-A, Little Einsteins, dancing, coloring, painting, throwing sticks in the creek, swinging, sliding, riding the toys at Wal-Mart, washing the dishes, and reading. You have learned so much this past year (but potty training is the only thing that comes to your mommy's mind at the moment), and we can't wait to watch as you discover new things in the future.

Happy Birthday, Meredith and please get well soon!

Last Week in Pictures

Blooms

I love my maintenance free flowers that pop up this time of year. The previous owners had great flower sense, and its a colorful addition to our yard. What's blooming in your yard?