Girl Talk

If you have time, please visit my favorite website:
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/

What an amazing and encouraging place to spend your time at your computer. I love reading the insight this mother and her daughters have to give. It's full of information on various topics...so much that I still haven't managed to look through all the archives. Enjoy!

My two boys

Both Andrew and Luke took a nap this afternoon at the same time, although Luke didn't sleep as long as his older brother. Andrew loves playing with Luke and I managed to grab my camera in time to capture a moment of them together.

Children's Catechism 1, 2, 3

We've been repeating the first three Children's Catechism questions to Andrew for about five months now. He's spitting the answers back to us and using sign language to express himself.

Q1: "Andrew, who made you?"
A: "God!"

Q2: "What else did God make, Drew-Drew?"
A: "All tings!" (he makes a large swooshing circle with his arm when saying this)

Q3: "Tell me, why did he make you and all things?"
A: "For [His] gory!" (his hands are up in the air shaking, praising the Lord!)

Piles for miles

Last night wasn't the first night I've noticed the piles. Little piles of "TO DOs" all over the apartment. I'm getting claustrophobic. This space is squeezing in on me. I'm going crazy. It's affecting my outward-being. Am I making any sense? Look...see, there is my pile of wooden crafts to paint for the boy's room. Over there are my scrap fabrics that I need to sort through and organize. Oh, and on the side counter are various magazine pages I've ripped out to be placed in plastic sleeves for my craft notebook. There's that fine point Sharpie I've been looking for! My nightstand has a stack of books six high that are balanced just right. Yes, I'm reading them all at the same time, picking up where my bookmark left off (right now I'm reading Shepherding a Child's Heart for the second time). I won't even try to explain the mess my scrapbooking materials are in. No organization there and it's driving me insane when I try to find that certain embellishment or tool. The den bookcase has turned into a catch-all for such items. I'm going to a crop this Friday night and I'm going to have to block out an hour tonight just to find the pictures and materials that I need/want to take with me. AHHHH! Oh, and there's my constant TO DO list....the clean laundry has been sitting in the basket for two days now. I'm so happy to have a dishwasher so I can hide my filthy plates....

...Kind of like my sin....I want to hide it so others can't see it. I like to hide it so I don't have to see it or think about it. My two year old can recognize my sin....sure, he doesn't know it's called SIN, but he knows! Ever have those moments alone (usually, for me, that's only when in the shower and sometimes Andrew thinks I'm in danger so he pulls the curtain open constantly while I'm washing causing water to get all over the floor, his socks, etc) when you think back on your sin and you wince in disbelief and embarrassment? Why am I so consumed with ME and not with Christ? Am I wincing because of how my sin made me look or how I hurt the heart of God?

My goal and desire is to be organized for I love to sort things and put them in their proper place. I love sitting on the floor replacing batteries in Andrew's choo-choo for the fourth time in one week and I adore "chatting" with Luke, listening to his cooing.....but I'm tired. However, Christ is refreshing. He waters my soul, cleanses me of my filth, sees me as perfect, dances over me, disciplines me, and doesn't care that my house has random piles of random things in random places.

Finally...a smart blonde joke

Are you tired of the "dumb blonde" jokes"? I'm a blonde and, although I'm never offended by the often told jokes of my hair color, I loved reading the joke below which finally tells the truth and explains what we're really thinking.

A blonde walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the blonde hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce. The car is parked on the street in front of the bank, she has the title and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.

The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the blonde for using a $250,000 Rolls as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then proceeds to drive the Rolls into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the blonde returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Miss, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely,but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?". The blonde replies....."Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"

Finally, a smart blonde joke. AND THAT'S WHY SHE'S A MILLIONAIRE!

A Great Quote

I think sometimes we think church music should be sunny or majestic, but for me, that’s not where I live most of the time. I live more in longing and hope, in both joy and sorrow. I want to make music that people can find themselves in, not as they think they should be.
-Sandra McCracken

We all have our preferences of music style but we should be focused on glorifying God, not on what we are comfortable singing or listening to.

Why did I torture myself?

Mitch and I wanted to watch a movie tonight so we (or should I say, I?) decided to view Napoleon Dynamite for a second time. Yes, it was my decision...I was trying to be mature in thinking that my opinion of the movie might change if I were to watch it again. Ugh! Why did I put myself through that torture? It's got to be the dumbest movie ever made. I've heard that you either loved the movie or hated it. I am definitely a member of the "hated it" club. From what I hear, there are more "loved it" members. I just don't understand. Here are just a FEW reasons why I spent the entire movie rolling my eyes.

1. What Stupid-O bakes a cake and leaves it on the front doorstep in hopes that the girl who answers will accept it as an invitation to the high school dance?
2. Come on....a pet Llama?
3. Grow up and stop throwing action figures out the bus window to be dragged down the road on a string!
4. I'm all about taking my leftovers home for a later time but who puts tater tots in their knee-side zipper pant pocket?
5. The ONLY time my face broke into a grin was when Napoleon was sitting on the school steps waiting for his ride, drawing a liger. In case you didn't know, a liger is half lion / half tiger.
6. Napoleon's tone of voice and inflection is just weird.
7. Who calls home to have someone bring them their chapstick?
8. Who dances like that?
9. The Happy Hands Club? Come on!
10. I'm not even going to go into Kip and Rico's daily routine......what losers.
11. I'm am ashamed that I even remember the character's names.
12. The ONLY thing I liked about the movie was that it was free of any dirty-words. If there were any then I missed them....I was probably rolling my eyes.

Yes, I know that MTV's purpose in making this film was to show what losers these guys were but it didn't win me over. Maybe I am the stupid one...I never did these things nor knew anyone in high school who was as lame as Napoleon. Get a new last name.

From two to four in a matter of months

Mitch's side of the family has gained two new grandchildren in the past three months. Here is a picture of Emma, the oldest, Andrew (two years younger than Emma), Luke (age three months) and Ella (almost two weeks old now). I can't believe the difference in size of Luke to Ella. The girls belong to Mitch's sister, Valerie, and the boys are ours. At least the McGinnis name will live on!

Potty Time

Andrew will be two years old in just a few weeks but he's already started showing interest in using the big potty. We're just letting him do it himself at this point since it's still a little early to rush into the whole potty thing, but we're impressed with how interested he is in it.

Luke is making more noise each day. He is smiling almost every time someone talks to him and he loves being held. He's sleeping well (praise the Lord) and loves kisses.

That's about it for now....it's been a slow week. We're all sick with either runny noses or sore throats so we've stayed inside for the most part.

24

Well, there's been a tornado warning issued tonight smack dab in the middle of my favorite show, 24. Not just once did they have a newsbreak, but twice! Of course, a tornado notification is much more important than any television show but it's still frustrating. The city-wide sirens have gone off and the tower to the local FOX station went out with 20 minutes left in the show. I'm hoping that I can purchase the broadcast on iTunes so I can see what I missed. If not, someone tell me what happened after they confronted Chloe in the Situation Room.

Kudos

My thanks to businesses that have parking spots specifically for MOTHERS with CHILDREN. That's all I have to say.

Back Home

Wow, it's been a long and enjoyable week. I won't go into detail of what we did each day, since no one really cares to read every detail but those that participated, but I will say that I had fun and am dead tired. I was able to spend some "quality time" with my friend Suzie while sitting on the floor playing with our toddlers. I love talking with Suzie. She's real. She's honest, open, and we share a lot in common. I was also able to spend some more time with her that night when I visited our "home" church for the weekly fellowship dinner.

Thursday was spent with my granny. What a woman. I am really enjoying getting to know her better. As I've grown up I've learned to appreciate her more. That's not to say I never appreciated her but I think I'm growing to respect her more, despite the fact that she and I have very different opinions about essential issues. She's such a spry, clever, and funny old lady. I love describing her to my friends. Unlike some 80-year-old grandmothers, mine still gets down on her knees to garden, still drives a car like a champ, is still active in the local social clubs, and still plays bridge every Thursday with four women who are older than her! Her favorite place to eat is Wendy's so she treated us to lunch (we found no finger in our chili, by the way). Andrew thinks she's cool and loves spending time with his great-grandmother. Granny loves spoiling her great-grands so I wasn't surprised when she walked in with a basket for each of my boys, full of plastic Easter eggs.

Friday was special because I was able to spend it with my college roommate, Heather. It was the day of her 30th birthday and she chose to celebrate it with me. I decorated a cake for her (see picture of another cake I made). What did we do? We sat on the floor and played with our children; my two boys and her three children (one boy and two twin girls). I also got to eat lunch with her and her sweet husband, Drew, whom I think is the BOMB! I love that girl and wish we could see each other every day. Love you, Scooter! I'll keep the candle burning for you.....



I have spots of hair dye on my arms due to staying up til midnight coloring my niece's hair. I spent the regular hours this morning with my mother and sister making a cute flower bouquet from ballpoint pens (see picture). It was sad pulling out of Mom's driveway. Andrew cried for five minutes after leaving. He loves his Gami. It was a good weekend.

Well, thanks for reading about my week......no deep thoughts here.

Our New Niece

Mitch's sister, Valerie, had a baby this morning.

Here is the first pic of Ella Ruth!

I miss my husband

I miss Mitch. I don't like being without him. It's not that I'm clingy...I get my energy from time alone and savor moments of reflection and quiet. But how often does that come my way? Mitch is my home. It's with him that I sense Jesus. Yes, I know God is with me in all I do and everywhere I go but He gave me a best friend here on Earth and I always want to be with my sweet guy. I love you, Mitch, and only two more days til I can hug you, my buddy. Your boys miss you, too.

What's wrong?

Caught Luke crying. He hardly ever cries. What a good baby. He only cries when he's hungry, tired, or when someone gives him hard slobbery kisses at unexpected moments (like in this picture). He's three months old and already sleeping through the night (do you hear the angels rejoicing?).

Today is busy and I can't seem to stop perspiring. I know that's not a pretty mental picture but it seems that my brow is always wet....rush, rush, rush! I'm taking the boys to my mother's house for five days but Mitch can't go due to work and meetings. We sure are gonna miss him. So, today is full of Daddy time, not to mention all the laundry and packing I've got to do. This will be Luke's first trip to south Georgia so I'll be sure to take lots of pictures while I'm there (as if....).

A rainy Friday afternoon

It's 3:30 in the afternoon. Andrew has been sleeping for almost two hours. Luke has been awake for almost two hours. I wonder when I'll ever get them on the same nap schedule. I know.....don't rush it. Let it just happen and let Luke get a little older. I was excited that Luke slept five hours straight last night before waking to be fed. He then slept for another two before "starting his day". It's been raining all day so we've been stuck inside. I'm usually the one clicking away with the camera but Mitch caught a few moments of me with Luke.

A smile captured

Need I say more?

Cake decorating

Ok, so I'm already into scrapbooking and acrylic painting.....what more do I need to dive into? Well, I attended my first cake decorating class last night and loved it! I've got several more courses to take before I can start making the big bucks (weddings and birthdays) but I'm enjoying all the fun tips and techniques. So far I've learned how to make the icing (do you have any idea how much Crisco and powdered sugar goes into that recipe?.....you don't want to know!), how to color it, how to spread and smooth it onto the cake, and how to ice a cake using several decorating tips. I'll be sure to take pictures of my masterpieces/disasters next week! I hope I don't gain too much weight dealing with all this icing each week!

Another Video!

Click here if you can't see the video.

You must view this!

You will definitely want to see this cute video. Click on the link to the right that reads "The Chambers Family blog". Their twin daughters, Kate and Lily are a little over a year old and have discovered that they can make funny noises with their tongue. It's hilarious! While you're there, read Phil and Jennifer's story as to how God blessed them with the adoption of these precious girls from China.

A Day of Drama

If you notice the time, I'm still up....it's after 1:00 a.m. My youngest child is refusing to go to sleep so I sit here next to him trying to calm him down so he can visit dreamland (...no, I'm not speaking of the famous ribs you'll find in Tuscaloosa and B'ham!). Wednesday (is that today or yesterday...do I type it as "today" or "yesterday"?) was quite an eventful day for us. A day full of drama. It would take too long to type it all in paragraph form so here it goes the quickest way I know how since my head is about to fall off my shoulders:

1. Ran many errands this morning and things went pretty smoothly
2. Picked up Andrew from school and things were still going smoothly
3. Got home to get ready to put Andrew down for a nap, but.....
4. I went down instead....literally. As I was holding Luke, I tripped over the bouncy seat and fell, hitting my head on the door frame. Fortunately, I was quick enough to transfer Luke from one hip to the other so his head would be safe.
5. As I hit the frame, I see terror in Andrew's eyes and hear him let out a blood curdling scream. He was frozen in fear and worry. He slowly walked toward me with tears rolling down his cheeks. It took forever to calm him down and assure him I was OK.
6. Since Luke was transferred rather quickly from one of my hips to the other, he, too, was shaken and scared. So, here I was on the floor with a bang to the head trying to hug and comfort too screaming babies.
7. Called Mitch to come home and help me....he finally put Andrew down for a nap.
8. After naptime, I decided to make a much needed grocery store trip...with both boys. Mitch was at the church praying (for my banged up head!) so I was alone on this journey.
9. I really, really, really wanted to go to Publix but had two coupons for some free stuff at Winn-Dixie so off I went.
10. Why is it that out of all the carts/buggies at the store that I always manage to find the lemon? I didn't realize it was a lemon until AFTER I had gotten both boys situated in it and began "driving" down aisle 1. The bottom was about to fall out, the wheels were rusty and caused the buggy to stop for no reason, and, of course, it made an awful clanking noise with every push.
11. What's this.....a crying baby? Only on aisle 3. Did I mention that I'm nursing? Glad I had a bottle ready (insulated, mind you). No, Andrew....you may not pull down all the Oreo cookies from the shelf while I'm parked here feeding your little brother.
12. Got Luke out of the car seat since he was tired of staring at the grocery store ceiling. I'm now pushing a buggy full of groceries and a two year old. I've got a three month old on my left hip while pushing and manuvering around corners, trying not to bump into anyone along the way. And why is it that people park/stop their buggy in the middle of the aisle when looking for an item (esp. on a Saturday)?
13. Finally.....my list is complete....let's go check out. What? Only two of the twelve registers are open? You got to be kidding! What long lines.
14. The cashier forgot to scan the coupon so she sent the bag boy (is that the PC word? - who cares...) to get me another from the store display. He returned a few minutes later with no coupon. He said he couldn't find the display. After telling him for the third time where it was, another bag boy was sent. He couldn't find it either. The line behind me is getting longer and my children are getting more irritable by the minute (and so am I!).
15. A manager is called to the scene. I think he was 17....highly incompetent. He was no help. I finally told the cashier that I would go get the coupon but I was taking my children and buggy with me. As I get halfway to the display I see a third bag boy walking toward me with the coupon in hand coming directly from the area where I had said the display was located. AHHHHH!
16. I try to turn my loaded buggy around but can't and I watch as two men walk past, offering no assistance. Three random buggies are clogging the aisle so I ram them, wiping the sweat off my brow.
17. I finally pay for the items and am so frustrated that I refuse help from one of the many bag boys in unloading my groceries since all I want to do is strangle them all.
18. I've been gone way too long and realize there's no time to get home and cook dinner before Andrew's bedtime so I stop at McDonald's.
19. In the drive-thru I order. Two cars ahead of me is a person who can't find their wallet and we're all stuck since the drive-thru is blocked in with bushes. Andrew is crying for a french fry.
20. Home Sweet Home.....
21. Oh, and one more thing. My kid shoplifted a Thomas the Tank Engine book today while we were in Toys-R-Us spending a gift card. I didn't realize I'd left the store with it until I was folding the stroller to load it into the van. Of course he didn't intentionally steal it but I had to explain the story to the management when I walked in with the unpaid item. I wonder if they captured the take on camera? Well, if they did then I'm sure we'll see it on INSIDE EDITION in 20 years when Andrew is famous. HA!

Ok, so it ended up being long like a paragraph....HUSH!

Luke's Video Debut

Click HERE.
I'm not sure why it's so dark, but we're learning! The audio seems to be working now!!!!