Playgroup at the Capitol

Every year as a young child, my parents took Liz and me to the state capitol at Christmas to see the pretty decorations. Our playgroup decided to check out the 2008 version with the tiny tots and enjoy the festive sights and sounds. A fun time was had by all.

Camera, Christmas, Can't stop jumping, and Catch-All Post

Happy Early Christmas Present to the Lipsey's! It's your nice up-to-date digital camera to take pictures that you can treasure of Christmas 2008 with your two toddlers.

I have been busy trying to learn this new piece of technology. It's such a small thing compared to the 2002 version that had served us well for the past few years. I guess six years isn't bad. Some people don't even keep their cars for that long (well, not us, but I'm sure there are some people out there that do).

Last week, I finally got our Christmas decorations put up during Russ's morning nap time. Here are some of the results:



If anyone out there needs a "Meredith" stocking in the Red and Green style as shown, let me know. I couldn't find another stocking like these I made two years ago when Meredith was 9 months old, and Russ was not exactly on our radar screen so I didn't buy an extra one just in case. I didn't want Russ's stocking to stick out like a sore thumb, so decided to make two new stockings for the kids. I also have a Razorback and Sooner stocking that I would also like to part with for any takers who would like to have in their Christmas collection.

Yep, I decided to leave the large Christmas tree in the attic in lieu of our old Apartment tree so that I can avoid saying "No, no Russ - don't touch the ornaments" 20 times a day. A choice I am willing to live with this year!

Meredith had a fabulous time at Brook's birthday party. This girl loves to bounce! After Ms. Kim showed her how to climb the ladder to this slide, she was busy sliding and climbing for the better part of an hour.

Watch out, Kaden! Here comes Meredith.

Thankfully, our house improvements are complete and we are back to taking afternoon naps at our house in peace. Meredith is doing well in her big girl undies with limited accidents, and I am usually cleaning up Russ after him "helping" by sticking his hands in the potty while I am helping Meredith clean up He's a fast one!

A Mother's Joy

I remember a little over a year ago wondering across from the diaper aisle to this fabulous section called potty supplies. My face must have glowed as I saw the little potties in boxes that said 18 month+. Perfect for my almost 20 month old, and with this new little pumpkin in my belly about the pop - one less thing to worry about, right? My mom had said not only was I trained at the ripe old age of 2, but that I practically trained my little sister and she was standing at the potty at 18 months just waiting for someone to pick her up and place her on her porcelain throne. Meredith obviously came from a long line of potty princesses, and was sure to quickly catch onto the idea.

So, beautiful baby Russell comes and mommy just doesn't have the time or energy to put into cleaning up messes that darling daughter may have in her undies (and floor). Spring and Summer roll around, and the magic pull-up pants seem to Meredith as just pretty diapers. Fall comes, and I am convinced that I will not be able to send my brilliant child to Pre-3K next year because we will still be struggling with "pee pee goes in the potty, not in our pants."

So, finally the foot was set down a few weeks ago. Rule #1 - No pat-pat, unless we use the potty. What is pat-pat, you are asking yourselves? Well, that is the beloved gang of Annie, June, Quincy, and Leo (and Rocket, too) who currently take up 1/2 of our DVR space for the kids show Little Einsteins.

After a couple of weeks of "I had an accident" and "I need a napkin for the floor" being professed on a daily basis, I was about the give up and wait for this to be yet another new years resolution. But, imagine my surprise yesterday as I hear the sweet sound of liquid flowing into the potty as my child gives the proudest smile I have seen. And, so far so good as we have been able to watch "pat-pat" a few more times as well.

While I know that I have a ways to go before we are free of the messes that may be made, let's just say that this early Christmas present may be my favorite this year.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving day, and were able to spend time with family and friends and reflect on the blessings that you have received this year. When I think about all that I have to be thankful, it reminds me of the numerous stars in the sky. Just when I think I have counted them all, another one pops up into my line of sight. Thank YOU for being such a blessing in my life!

A friend of mine posted this on his Facebook page, and I thought it was appropriate for today.

Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

Idea Help for Thanksgiving for Kids

I'm in need of some idea help for Thanksgiving for young kids. First, I've got a scheduled playgroup this Friday and we are having a Thanksgiving feast. Any cute ideas that you have seen for this age group?

Also, I've got my Pre-K choir group next week. Crafts, games, food, etc. I'm hoping that my teacher friends will have some cute ideas they have done in the past.

Any suggestions are very welcome!

Blog Shower for Harper

Dear Kelly,

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your new daughter, Harper. I remember first "meeting" you through a mutual friend's blog; and then realized that in small world Arkansas we had several friends in common. I remember praying for you after your Easter Eggs post and how dissapointed I was when your dream wasn't fullfilled at that time. I am so glad that God has blessed you with a child, and that His power was shown so vividly for the world to see.

So, get ready for a ride that will completely change your life. Remember to take time for yourself and treasure those first few months, weeks, days, and minutes that will only come once in Harper's life. Ask for help when you need it, and turn to God in prayer when no one else is around.

I'll be praying for you and Scott as you guys transition into a family of three.

Rachel

Falling Into Place

We have had a busy, but fun month in the Lipsey household. Russ is walking, climbing, and generally getting into trouble. We finally installed a much needed gate in our kitchen (no more escaping to the stairs and potty for Mr. Adventure), and has become a mobile young man. Meredith is doing well -- just getting adjusted to a life with a walking brother and loving being outside during these crisp, fall days.

The rest of the family is good, but nothing much to talk about. Here are some pictures of our fun, laughs, and good times.

Special thanks for Melissa and Laura for their photos. Our camera has bit the dust; and thanks to these gals for having some memories that we can treasure when we are old and gray (and not changing diapers).