You Know You're Tired When...

Cookie Monster Visit

The Cookie Monster found an awesome website (from a friend) and paid Kendall a visit during nap time. She awoke to a special treat. It didn't take much to get Miss Lazy Bones out of her bed when I uttered the word, "Surprise" followed by, "Snack". She all of a sudden became Miss Up And At 'Em.

I've blogged before about Kendall's nasty little food allergies. The site I was introduced to is foodallergymama.com. This awesome mother of five has children with food allergies which are much worse than Kendall's. And instead of wallowing in self pity or asking all the "why" questions, she decided to do something good from it. You know, make lemonade from lemons. I spent a little time meandering around her site this afternoon. I reminded myself how blessed I am to have a healthy little girl (as she feels about her children) and Kendall's allergy, which is slight-moderate and should be outgrown by age four, is really not a big deal at all.

I don't know if this mom professes to be a Christian, but she did remind me today of two things. First, God's grace is sufficient. The use of the word "sufficient" does not fit in the box of "good enough to get by" that we sometimes put it in. God's grace is abundant, all-sufficient, everything we need and lacking nothing. We don't need God's grace plus a little something extra. God supplies ALL we need for strength and grace to face any circumstance in our lives.

Second, "God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." This mom is finding good in the hand she was dealt. And we "being evil know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him" (Matthew 7:11) comes to my mind as well. Situations that look bleak to us can be used for God's glory. In fact, everything in our life should be be done for and because of God's glory. So I thank God for sweet Kendall. I thank God for the food allergy because I know God will use it for good. He wants to teach me something about myself, teach Kendall about His love and grace, and show others through us that He alone is worthy of all glory. And sometimes that involves walking THROUGH something instead of a miraculous healing.

And really, in writing this in the context of food allergies, I am being convicted of other areas of my life where I need to solely rely on His grace and view the circumstance as an opportunity instead of a burden.

Whew! All that said, I had fun baking these d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s cookies (with no milk or egg ingredients) for Kendall this afternoon. Seriously, y'all, they are yummy yummy in the tummy tummy. High five to Food Allergy Mama! Click on her site earlier in this post for a direct link. Here's evidence from an eighteen month old...

"Kendall, where is your cookie?"

"Right here, Mama."

"Take a bite, Sweetie!"

"Hold up. I need to get in a better spot."

"There! Now that I'm settled on my rocky zebra, I can eat my cookie!" said Kendall in all her glory and "nap time hair".

"Mmmmm...yummy!"

"Show Mommy your cookie." (in attempts to capture pure cuteness)

"It's right here," responded the literal-minded tot. (Not quite what Mommy was going for, but an accurate answer none the less.)

So, the cookies were a success. And my child is not missing out on good 'ole milk and cookies today. Eat up, Princess!

REMINDER: All you out there who haven't sent me an email yet to include you on my access list when I go private, don't forget! (bloglistforcarey@yahoo.com)


"You don't want to miss out on THIS, do you???"

Quite the Mess

Toddler fun. Rearranging project. Daddy slacking on the clean up job. Call it what you want, but Kendall's room was quite the mess. While Mommy was slaving away in the kitchen to get dinner on the table, Daddy and Kendall were patiently waiting and playing in her room. And you see what I found when I called the family to the table. Daddy had fun getting all the jammies put back in the drawer, organized by sets, size and long/short sleeve, of course. (teethy grin) I coulnd't help but post it for several reasons. First, it's just plain cute. Second, it reminds me that play comes before neatness sometimes. And lastly, one day all too soon I will not have a messy, curious toddler to pick up after.

Scary Stuff??

Scary??? Nah! But awefully doggone cute if you ask me. Kendall begged (ahem) her Gigi for this loving monster costume while out shopping one day. She insisted she would not leave the store until her Gigi bought it for her. Though I find that story stretched and a little hard to believe, I will not deny that (A) Kendall has a strong will and a mind of her own and (B) Gigi has a weakness when it comes to Kendall and especially when it just looks so plain cute.


Here's the full effect so you can judge the cuteness factor for yourself. I especially like the little claws on the feet. Though Gigi would like to believe it's a bug costume, the claws are a dead giveaway that it's not. So we agreed to call it a "love monster" costume. Either way it's adorable.

Now, I'll tell you what is scary. The fact that Kendall loves to rummage around in the kitchen cabinets. She's quite the little meddler. WATCH the glass vases!

Again, a little scary that Kendall has already perfected the art of letting it be known when her rights are infringed upon and her feelings hurt.

Ooh, yeah, scary hair-do kid!

I guess she can be a little scary after all if she wants to.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!!

Or in other words, Let the Good Times Roll!

Kendall received her first King Cake today to help celebrate her first Mardi Gras. It was addressed to her from her D with a note that said to share it with her parents. She has some advise to help you celebrate Fat Tuesday as well...

Look really cute and really pathetic, and someone might give you some beads...



Smile really cute to show off your beads...



Share your King Cake with your parents. And look carefully for the hidden baby. Finally, a baby smaller than Kendall!



Smile with Mommy, who is the Keeper of the King Cake!



And don't party too hard! The ill effects are self evident here...



Guess that's what happens when you are 5 months old and barely take naps during the day. Nothing like squash and carrots to lull a baby to sleep. And she actually slept like this for 30 minutes, long enough for Mommy and Daddy to enjoy a meal with both hands free.

Ah, yes, let the good times roll!!!

Doin' What She Does Best

There's only so many things Kendall can do that I can get pictures of. And looking cute is what she does best. She now loves the camera and just stares at it when I have it posed and ready. It's hard to get pictures of her playing and not staring at me, trying to figure out what in the world I'm doing and why that shiny thing flashes in her eyes while Mommy makes crazy noises in hopes of conjuring up a smile.

I was successful here...


Not as much now...figuring out the camera again...


Gotcha!


Multi-tasking (what we women do best).Once again playing while keeping a close, watchful eye on Mommy...


OK. Seriously. Done looking cute. Can't Mommy see she's trying to play here! Mommy's just all up in the way.


Now, the crazy thing is, while I'm (attempting) to post this entry, Kendall is sitting (actually - propped) next to me in the chair "typing" on HER baby laptop. Oh, yes, Kendall has a laptop computer. That should be another post in and of itself. Can't believe that now even babies have their own computers. Stay tuned...

Just 'Cuz

This blog entry is "just 'cuz" Kendall is so darn cute. And that is not just a biased mother's opinion. I have been told that by many of her admirers. I just happen to agree! And the other reasons I'm blogging right now are: it's 5 pm, Kendall is napping (yea!), Gabe is not home and I'm bored.

Say Cheese!

FINALLY!!! I was able to capture part of a smile! Gabe was holding her in his lap just now and I snuck up on her. But the flash of the camera hindered her a little. I've been unsuccessful up to this point since Kendall turns it off at the sight of a camera. Hopefully I can get it on video soon.