Happy Mother's Day!

Greg took Cate shopping this morning. On the way there, he apparently asked her what kind of present she wanted to get me. "A big bag" was the response. So she picked out a zebra-print tote bag that I'm sure I'll put to good use soon. I guess it's no secret I like bags; my 3-year-old even knows. Greg also said when they walked by the shoes, she said I needed the pink slippers. I'm wearing them now, and they're quite comfortable. Greg picked out flowers and a card, which Cate signed with a little help. The sentiment was something about her being just like me.

Being a mom is the best thing I've ever done. When I used to think about my life down the road, I never thought I would be staying home with two children we adopted. But, you know, I wouldn't change a thing about our life. Seriously. I like where I am and who I'm with. God teaches me something new every day through my 3-year-old girl and 5-month-old son. They challenge me and inspire me. She makes me laugh. He smiles in a way that melts my heart every time.

Maybe I'll become a little more like her too.

While I'm feeding Ben or helping Cate put on her shoes, I'm sometimes think about these ideas I have to write a book or get back into reporting, but I'm quickly interrupted with needing to burp Ben, change his diaper, fill Cate's cup with apple juice that she still doesn't mind me watering down, helper her in the bathroom ... or many other tasks that easily fill our day. But I don't mind. I'll jot down my idea and one day when these two don't need me like they do, I'll have time to be a little more creative. For now, I'll let get creative with Play-Doh and crayons. And I'll let these two fill my time all they want.

Because I know it won't be like this for long.

our visitor last night

Look at who greeted us when we got home last night ...

There he is looking down toward the steps from our garage to our basement, seemingly ready to pounce. Then he got closer, making the move inside the garage.

He was actually in the garage, near the trash can next to that bicycle (of which you can see the front tire ...). Then he scurried off by those garage steps. That's when Greg decided taking pictures would be a good idea.

We have seen a raccoon* run from the creek in our front yard along the tree line in our back yard a couple of times. I'm guessing this is the same guy. Apparently he likes our property. I'm not so sure I like him. Cate and I didn't want to get out of the car until, Greg, who was armed with a BB gun had chased him away, after he took pictures, of course.

* Did you know racoon and raccoon are both correct? I've never understood how a word can have two correct spellings, yet, neither of these look right to me.

Celebrating Cate

I don't think I could have ordered better weather for an outdoor party with 12 kids [not counting Ben, who took a nap during most of the party ...] from 1 to 6 years old. It was simple -- playing outside, hot dogs, cake, ice cream, presents, more playing outside -- but everyone seemed to have a good time.

Cate was thrilled her cousin Milla from Oldham County could come. And it was fun seeing all the kids play so well together.

So, yeah, the wind made it a little difficult [four matches ... ] for me to get the candle lit, but we got it, eventually. Cate got lots of neat presents, including this Dora big wheel from Grandmom ...

Even Ben had a good time when he wasn't sleeping ...

... he liked Indy, the dog my dad is watching for a friend and brought along on the road trip.
_____
I have more photos of this party and other recent birthday parties for our family in a Facebook album.

a 'charley' ride

At the library or across the street at the park, Cate often sees the local trolley, which she calls a "charley." Today we rode on it. For 25 cents.

Cate was free. Ben was free. My token was 25 cents. What a deal when it comes to entertainment for preschoolers! Noah, Emma, Luke and Norah (and Courtney and Jaclyn, of course!) rode with us. Together, it cost us all $1, total, to ride because Noah (who is 5) was the only kid who required a token.

Yes, I like a deal.

And entertainment for my birthday girl.

Cate is 3!

Cate rode on the local trolley this afternoon,
clinching a fist-full of flowers, taking it all in.

My sweet girl,

When you woke up this morning and I said, "Happy birthday, Cate!" and you said, "I'm not 2 anymore; I three." And you had a big grin on your face. That pretty much sums up how you go through life ... happily and remembering everything.

Daddy often tells me that you're just like me. You're independent, stubborn and organized. You like things to be done just the way they were done the time before. You like to be warned of change before it happens. And you like to know the plan for the day. Motherhood certainly has taught me that children are sponges, soaking up their environment. I want to give you good things to soak up.

You like to read Bible stories, although Jonah is your favorite. You love the Little Einsteins, Little Mermaid, blowing bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk, cooking "valicious" food in your kitchen in the playroom, and chasing birds. You laugh often, tell great stories and give the best hugs and kisses.

Three sounds so much older to me. Having you as a 2-year-old has been my favorite year so far. People tell me I will keep saying that. I have no doubts you'll keep me laughing, challenge me to be a better woman for you and your brother, continue to take care of "my new brother Benjamin," and amaze me with the new ways you discover the world around you.

In August, you'll start preschool. The day we went to register you, the secretary gave you a tub of books to read while I filled out paperwork. You were so content, looking at the pictures on the pages then looking up to watch the other kids walk in the hallways to their next destination. You waved. You smiled. You talked about how you want to go to school. As you grow up, I pray you always embrace life like that. Eagerly. Enthusiastically. Willingly.

Daddy and I are so thankful you're the big sister in our family. You fit perfectly with us. Happy birthday, Catherine Anna.

Love,
Momma

Secrets!

Ben apparently had something important (and secretive!) to tell cousin Evelyn, who is eight months older than him, when we were at the park yesterday. Whatever it was, I think she liked it!

Worth Repeating Wednesday

If we believe God is a genie with a wand granting wishes and doing magic tricks, we don’t understand the God of the Bible. God gave David confidence keeping lions from his sheep, then killing Goliath, then running a country. God did not give David a country and then instill in him magical confidence.

--Donald Miller on his blog

Have we LOST the candidate?

I didn't like "Lost" taking a one-week break. Nope. Not one bit. Thankfully, the drama, mystery and questions continue with last night's airing of "The Candidate." If you haven't watched it, stop reading. Now.

Sadly, we only have four hours left with our island friends and the friends/enemies they've made along the way. Keeping with my format to honor the bittersweet countdown to the end of the series, let's get going ...

1. While Jack and Locke's interaction in the flash-sideways didn't leave either of them making island connections, it does seem like Jack is close to realizing something happened on Oceanic 815. At the beginning of the episode when Jack said to Locke, "I think you're a candidate." I had to chuckle. I also realized how much island Jack has changed. He spent much of the series being the leader, protecting his people, believing his people and creating hope that they would one day get off the island. Then last night he said to Fake Locke, "They aren't my people and I'm not leaving the island."

2. Jack and Claire don't know the significance of their father giving her the music box, but I'm pretty sure (after my husband pointed it out ...) that it plays the same song she sang to Aaron and when she was in the hole in the ground at the temple. Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket. Never let it fade away ...

3. I'm not surprised Fake Locke tricked his "friends." I thought he was going to do it on the plane, but, hey, why not the submarine? It's an even more compact space with nowhere to go. And that leads me to Sun and Jin ... At first I was (in my head) telling Jin to go. Their daughter needs him. But then I couldn't help but the think about the journey they had come on, as a couple. Their marriage was in shambles at the beginning and now they are holding hands as they drown. Sad. Sad. Sad. But at least they found each other first.

4. Sayid. I still have questions. What was possessing him and how did he change back into the hero for his friends? I'm glad to know for sure (as sure as anything is on "Lost") that Desmond isn't dead. Did Desmond bring Sayid back? Will we find out more of his story these last few episodes?

Other questions remain: What happened to Frank Lapidus? Why did the Smoke Monster kill Mr. Eko? (That one is courtesy my husband!) Where are Richard, Ben and Miles? And, dang it, how are these flash-sideways going to work with the realities already established in their off-island lives?

Your turn? What do you think? What are you hoping for these last few episodes?

Shopping. Celebrating. Bowling. Playing.

We took a road trip to Louisville this past weekend, mostly to visit family. Greg did meet with some contractors at our southern Indiana properties and we visited with a couple of college friends.

I considered it my birthday weekend, and I spent (more than) the Kohl's gift card my grandpa gave me for turning 31. And I stocked up on scrapbooking supplies at Archiver's. Mom and I even made an us-only trip on Saturday night (post-Derby!) to Target.

But the best part of it being my birthday weekend was this cake, courtesy my 6-year-old niece Milla and almost-3-year-old daughter Cate.

Seriously. That's a layer of white icing, another layer of pink icing, an entire bottle (and I believe a few more!) sprinkles, all 48 candles from the box, and all those plastics toys. Yes, we took the toys off before we lit the 31 required candles!

Cate was apparently too busy to join in the cousins picture. Oh, yes, she found plenty of ways to keep busy ...

... driving.
... bowling.
... jumping.
__________
Teaching Cate to bowl was a fun experience. We went to Incredible Dave's, where the bowling alley totally exceeded our expectations. Right before we started, my brother and I wondered if we should have asked for bumpers for the girls. Well, turns out the guy (who we didn't think was the sharpest tool in the shed ...) programmed our lanes so the bumpers would come up in the gutters when it was Cate or Milla's turn. They really enjoyed it, as did the adults, who at times could have used the bumpers!

Between turns, Milla liked to take a break from bowling and hold her cousin ...

Jaxson, who wasn't bowling, enjoyed his snacks ...

And Cate just took it all in ...

Mmmmm ...

I think Ben enjoyed his rice cereal ...

... and the spoon!
... and his fingers!
... and his sister!

And, really, to be honest, this momma enjoyed the Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chairshe bought Ben. It's his first new accessory (thanks to all the hand-me-downs from his sister and cousin) and totally worth having!

Cate in the Box

... although I don't think that's what they had in mind with "Classic Child Carrier."

"My new brother Benjamin"

Even after 5 months, Cate often introduces Ben has "my new brother Benjamin." It's really sweet. And protective. And slightly possessive. I was joking the other day that she'll be 15, meaning he'll be 12 1/2, and she still be introducing him as her "new brother." Of course, she still calls our house, that we've lived in for six months, our "new house."

We'll talk to Ben. Or say, "Hey, Cate, Benjamin is talking to you." And she'll point out that he's not really talking and he'll be able to talk when he's bigger.

"When he's bigger." It's a popular phrase from my girl, who turns 3 next week. According to Cate, when Ben is bigger, he will ...

Talk.

Walk.

Give hugs.

Ride in the big red car at the grocery store.

The other day I was babbling to Ben about how he's getting bigger. And Cate corrected me: "He's not bigger yet, Mommy." No, I guess not. Not in the mind of an almost-3-year-old who sees the world as it is. Literally.

But, hey, he weighs 15 pounds. So he's indeed gotten bigger. At least a little.

Happy birthday! ... Almost!

Peggy is going on a cruise next week, so she'll be at some beautiful tropical location on Monday, when I turn 31, and some other sunny spot on Thursday, when Cate turns 3. So she organized a birthday lunch for us May birthdays today. Angela made this delicious chocolate cake. Notice the candles. 3 and 1. Nice work, Angela!

Side note: I asked Greg to get my camera. He did. Then handed it to me. Um, no, sorry, husband, you'll have to be the photographer at this party! So I'm glad he got this picture. I love it!

Worth Repeating Wednesday

If there are 43 "one anothers" in the New Testament -- serve one another, carry one another's burdens, confess to one another -- you can only do a couple of those in a church service. ... The question is, "Who do you call when your brother ODs on cocaine? If your mom is in the hospital, who comes and sits in the waiting room with you? When you cannot pay your rent, who do you go to and say please help me out?" That's your church.

--Rob Bell in an interview

Accomplished!

The truth is, we operate out of who we believe we are. And God needs us to be strong, because there is important work to be done. God isn't served when we can't own our own accomplishments. He doesn't want us arrogant, but He does want us confident.

I read that on Donald Miller's blog last night. It really struck me because too often I judge my day on the progress I see. But I'm called to a job right now that is more about long-term investments. Even so, in the daily life of motherhood, I find myself accomplishing many little things while investing in who my daughter and son are, as members of this family, as people in general.

Miller encouraged people to keep an on-going list of the day's accomplishments, which I realize that term alone is going to be defined differently by everyone. So I sat in bed last night and wrote, in no particular order, my "accomplishments," as a wife, mother and friend ...

* I made four doctor appointments for various members of my family.
* I folded the last of the nine loads of laundry I washed Sunday and Monday.
* I put away my basket of clothes, which I carried to my room with my almost-3-year-old daughter on my back.
* I made dinner for us and another family.
* I cut up lettuce for my lunch salad.
* I had lunch with my husband and daughter.
* I arranged childcare for Thursday morning, when I'm going to work at the office and get my hair cut. I then made plans for lunch at the park with friends because that's supposed to be the prettiest day this week.
* I walked to Jaclyn's house when there was a slight break in the rain.
* She then drove us all to the RSEC, where we walked some laps.
* I arranged childcare for one morning next week.
* I went to my diabetes check-up appointment.
* I talked to Jodi about "Fringe."
* I cleaned the kitchen. Twice.
* I read a chapter of "The Prince of Frogtown."
* I ordered a present online for a friend.
* I made some plans for the weekend.
* I scrapbooked two pages. And I thought about another one.
* I hugged Cate. She gave me kisses.
* I fed and snuggled with Ben. Multiple times.
* I helped Cate in the bathroom.
* I changed some diapers.
* I took my kids to Courtney's house before and hung out after my doctor's appointment.
* I talked to my mother-in-law, who was at home at night for the first time since my father-in-law died. That was three weeks ago.
* I skimmed the Ledger & Times.
* I chatted and texted with Holly.
* I held Cate after her nap and then had her help me in the kitchen.
* I made this list.
* I read some blogs and a devotion.
* I talked on the phone, emailed and talked in person with Courtney. Multiple times throughout the day.
* I laid on the floor with Ben and Cate.

And I laid in bed, thanking God for the day because despite a battle with my up-and-down blood sugar, I managed to be surrounded by all these accomplishments that somehow work together to make God's peace and love evident. I'm learning that accomplishment means something different each day, but I never want to forget that it means spending time with, being with and teaching these little people who depend on me as their mom.

Happy birthday!This time to Greg and Bryan.

We celebrated Greg turning 32 and Bryan turning 30 with a combined party, during which games from the television show "Minute to Win It" were played. The storms Saturday afternoon and evening didn't ruin our fun, just moved it indoors, where there were four different sized George Foreman grills for our burgers and hot dogs. I took many pictures, which you can see in my Facebook album. But here are some ...

There were games. And a serious time keeper.
And friends.
And more games. And more friends.
And much rejoicing.

my view

I love this view out of my living room window. The best part is I didn't even have to plant those pretty pink bushes.

Ben @ 5 months

I told some friends Wednesday how uninterested Ben has been in rolling over then I laid him on his belly on a blanket. And what do you know ... he rolled over. Twice. From his belly to his back. Like he was a rolling over pro, even though it was his first time. Nice. I guess he just needed some friendly pressure because he's done it several times since. [Although he's still holding off on going from his back to his belly. One thing at a time, people!] That was two days before he officially was 5 months old. In addition to his new discovery that time on his tummy isn't so bad, Ben ...

* Sleeps 11 hours at night and takes 3-4 short naps during the day.

* Chews on anything. Surely a tooth will come through soon ...

* Giggles and screams happily often. Especially at Cate.

* Only used Prevacid for a couple weeks after starting it last month. He still spits up some, but less than we attempted medicine.

* Likes attention. I think that's the trait of a second-born child who often isn't alone!

* Is still called "my new brother" by Cate.

I'm telling you ...

... he's a happy guy ...
... who likes to chew. On anything.
____

Here are a couple more shots from this week ...

"... you're made for more ..."

I have this song in my head today ...

You look around and staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go

So what are you waiting for
What do you have to lose
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water too

So get out and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don't wait
And don't you turn around, and miss out on
Everything you were made for
Gotta be, I know you're not sure, more
So you play it safe, you try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for
What do you have to lose
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water too

Step out, even when it's storming
Step out, even when you're broken
Step out, even when your heart is telling you,
telling you to give up
Step out, when your hope is stolen
Step out, you can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are waiting, what are you waiting for

So what are you waiting for
What do you have to lose
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water,
walk on the water too

"Walk on Water" by Britt Nicole

Worth Repeating Wednesday

Mothers, don't let the world rob you of the incredible joy of a life invested in your children. They are your mark on the world. They are your legacy, your testimony, and your contribution to mankind.

--Voddie Baucham in "Family Driven Faith"

The LOST Recruits

The thing about my bittersweet countdown is the closer we get to the end, the more I have to say. Yet I'm counting down, meaning my self-imposed structure of "Lost" blogging is backfiring somewhat. I guess I had hoped I would get questions answered, thus have less to say. But that's not how it's working. We have gotten some questions answered [like, yes, the Man in Black/Smoke Monster did indeed inhabit Christian Shepherd's body], but the answers always make me thing about things, thus making me want to say more.

I should stop here to warn you: If you've not watch last night's episode, "The Last Recruit," stop reading my babbling now. Unless you don't care about plot talk.

And, so, with only four episodes [rather five hours ...] left, I'll confess, I am packing each point with many related observations and thoughts. It's not cheating. It's just making the most out of my formatting ...

1. Fake Locke said because Jacob chose them [Jack, Kate, Sawyer, et. al.] they were trapped on the island until Jacob died. Hmmm ... OK. Then later Jack goes into a sentimental moment about how John Locke believe in the island and its power. Despite being in Locke's dead body, Smokey doesn't buy it: "John Locke wasn't a believer; he was a sucker."

2. Off the island, Locke sure has some traumatic injuries that don't kill him. [His dad pushed him from a building window and Desmond plowed him down with a car. The first incident put him in a wheelchair. Will the second one, and Jack's surgery, take him back out of the wheelchair?]

3. Speaking of Jack operating on Locke [which I saw coming, but it still was a nice intersection!], I love how these characters lives are intertwining in the flash-sideways world. Sun even seemed to recognize Locke as they both were being wheeled into the ER. And then there's Desmond, who was really freaking me out. Apparently he was spooking Claire too. Then Ilana shows up as an attorney, who has been looking for Claire because she was mentioned in Christian Shepherd's will. Speaking of the Shepherds, Claire and Jack sibling moments both on and off the island were great. [I especially loved Claire's matter-of-fact explanation to her brother about being with Fake Locke now: "You decided the moment you let him talk to you. Just like the rest of us."] The other flash-sideways intersection moment I loved was Sawyer arresting Sayid. What a move, tripping him as he ran out the back door! And Sawyer told Kate, the fugitive, "It's like someone is trying to put us together." Seems like it!

4. Oh, Sun. You finally found Jin. And after his embrace -- which I thought was going to come amidst a shock from the electric fence, despite Zoe's request to turn it off -- your language issue was corrected. You know, after her encounter with Fake Locke that left her only speaking Chinese, I'm wondering if recognizing Locke's body off the island in the flash-sideways had anything to do with her being able to speak English again on the island.

5. Poor Kate has watched both men she loves jump from a moving vehicle that was supposedly their initial transportation away from the island. First Sawyer jumps out of the helicopter to lighten the weight. Now Jack goes overboard because he has doubts. Speaking of Kate, I realized her name is a lot like my daughter's name. Katherine Anne. Catherine Anna.

What moments did you love? Are you -- like me -- thinking Sayid didn't really kill Desmond? Where do you see all this going? Surely it's going to all come together ... somehow ... somewhere ... right?

Elect Greg Taylor ...

... seems officially underway now that I ordered yard signs and helped publish his Web site. Spread the word, especially if you live in Murray, Ky., and are registered to vote!

There are 26 people (I know, seriously!) running in the May 18th primary. Two of those will be eliminated. Half of the 24 who continue on into the November election will be elected to at-large seats. Greg is #10 on the Primary Election ballot.

2,000 posts and counting ...

I have a couple of posts started, but I haven't had time to finish them. One about rituals. Another about freezer cooking. Then I have at least one [probably more ...] brewing in my mind about what God has shown me the last week while dealing with Gary's passing. But I noticed this is post No. 2,000 for me. Since 2001.

Since then I've gone from a single, recently graduated working woman to a stay-at-home mom with two kids. It's been a journey, that's for sure. And it will continue to be, I'm sure. I'm guessing you'll hear more than you want to about it, thanks to the way technology makes the world even smaller.

Until then, just know that words are always running through my head and sometimes I'm able to catch the moment with my camera. Or even on my iPhone. Like yesterday. Angela was feeding Evelyn and I was feeding Ben while the other three kids were jumping on Gran-Gran's bed while she sorted through the many beautiful flowers and plants. All five were happy, so I proposed a picture. I can't believe they all laid there ... for a few minutes.

Everybody seems LOST

Two friends texted me last night about how great they thought "Lost" was. I had just finished watching and was a little disappointed. "Everybody Loves Hugo" just didn't live up to the previous three episodes for me. It seemed choppy and like the writers were trying to do too much. Now, with that said, there were some great moments, especially with Desmond.

Consider yourself warned right now. If you haven't seen the most recent episode of "Lost," which aired last night, stop reading. Now. On to my bittersweet countdown. Sadly, there are only six hours of "Lost" left. But I'm oh-so anxious to see how it ends.

1. The theme of love continues with Hurley's mom trying to set him up. But then he meets Libby (again) and really falls in love. And then they finally get their picnic ... on the beach, which Libby describes as familiar. [Speaking of familiar, nice to see you, Dr. Chang. And you too, Michael.]

2. "If I tell you, you'll think I am crazy. " Don't worry, Libby. Hurley knows crazy. And then later Hurley realizes she's indeed not crazy. "Whoa. Dude. I think I am remembering stuff." Like love makes the island world surface in the flash-sideways reality.

3. Ilana says she has been trying her whole life to protect these people. "Nothing is more important than this." Then she dies. But maybe, just maybe, that doesn't matter, especially to Hurley, who says: "Dead people are more reliable than the live ones."

4. The whispers. Michael is stuck on the island because of what he did. He and the other whispers can't move on. Makes the island seem like purgatory.

5. Despite nearing the end, the troops are still splitting. This time it's Richard vs. Hurley. Should be interesting.

6. Just before Locke pushed Desmond down the very old well, I thought, "Fake Locke is going to push Desmond down there." So I wasn't surprised. But, still, it was quite a moment, especially after coming on the heels of their conversation about fear. [Locke asks Desmond why he isn't afraid. His response? "What is the point of being afraid?"] Back in L.A., courtesy more flash-sideways, Desmond seems to have more control ... especially when he ran over Locke!

Now you. What do you think about Hurley? Desmond? Locke? Any of our island friends?

Ben and his friends ...

... are highly entertaining, if you ask this biased momma. But take a look for yourself. I bet Ben, Davey and Eva will entertain you too.

"Hey, Eva. You could help me sit up, ya know?"

"Seriously, Eva. You're not helping. Maybe Davey will ..."

"Hey, Ben. Seriously, man, I'm not so sure about this."

"What's Eva doing?"

"Now you too, huh, Davey? I can't lean forward to pick up
mulch without falling flat on my face. Maybe in a few weeks ..."

"So are we done here?"

Yes, us mommas love being together with our close-in-age babies!

Sunshine! Baseball! Spring!

Have I mentioned I'm happy it's spring? Hooray for sunshine ... and baseball season.