Carlson's Best Life: 6/7/09

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Busy Bodies

My family has not stopped going and doing for the past couple of weeks. I woke up this morning to a quiet house and realized that it was 10:45 and Alana was still asleep. Jim was gone Deep Sea Fishing and I was awake but still too tired to even think about doing anything. But once Alana got up I decided to take the day just to make her feel special and let her know that no matter how busy things get, I always have time for her. I decided to let her pick a place to eat and then choose an activity for us to do together. She picked McDonald's of course and then we went to the lake at McClay Gardens. She swam on her own for a few minutes but I got too hot just watching so I jumped in as well. We had the best time in the water. She talked to me a lot about much about nothing, but to her it was very important. She rode on my back most of the time and we just enjoyed being together. She seemed so grown up once again today. Sometimes I wonder where the time goes, especially when we have a girl's day out. I just realize everytime how much she's growing and how quickly time passes by. It's been a really good day though, and Jim will be back from his trip very soon. Alana was so cute this morning when she heard what he was doing. She said, "I hope he catches a catfish and skins 'em." I was really surprised by that remark. I don't know that she's ever been around anyone that's caught a catfish and I don't ever recall her seeing someone clean a fish. But then again, who knows? Now for the rest of the day it will go something like this: laundry, dishes, dusting, vacuming and hopefully a nap fits in somewhere. Then, tonight the three of us will enjoy being family.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

French Fried Onions

I get so cracked up at some of the things my five year old does. Jim recently bought some French Fried Onions which are commonly used as a topping on Green Bean Casserole, but Jim has some other recipes that he uses them for as well. Of all the things that I would expect Alana to like, it would not be French Fried Onions. However, she doesn't just like them, she LOVES them. Last night as we were cooking, she kept reaching her hand in the can and eating them as fast as she could. I finally had to push the can to the back of the counter so that she couldn't reach it. And then we proceeded with cooking dinner and I didn't think anything else about it.

Well, at least until this happened. Earlier this evening I was relaxing on the couch as little bit came sneaking thru the living room to get to her room. (note: she has to walk directly in front of us in order to get to her room, but she was definitely in the "sneaking mode.")I noticed that she was shoving something in her mouth as quickly as possible with her right hand and carrying something in her left hand. I asked, "what do you have baby?" and she turned and said, "oh, I'm just gonna eat this for a snack." Low and behold she was carrying the can of French Fried Onions. She seems to prefer them over any other snack (i mean food) in our pantry. Now, had I put those on her plate, do you think she would have loved them? I can answer that question for you, NO!!! But for no apparent reason French Fried Onions have become her preferred snack. And if I haven't said it 20 times tonight, I've said it 30 times, "Alana, those are not a snack!!" She just doesn't get it. She loves them!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Next Challenge

My newest challenge that I've set out to accomplish is successfully staying on Weight Watchers and getting in better shape. If this is of no interest to you just keep scrolling down to something you'd enjoy looking at or reading more, but I've only been doing it for 12 days, and I'm already feeling a major struggle. SHORT TERM vs. LONG TERM.....As you know this kind of thing doesn't come without hard work and dedication. I figure if I share it with whomever takes a look at this, I might be a little more cautious about what I put in my mouth and maybe find some more motivation. Anyway, tomorrow is the kickoff to week 3, so I'll keep you posted.

August in Review

August has been a very busy month and we are not quite done yet. Micah turned 5 months on August 16, and is doing so much: sitting on his own, playing every morning and afternoon in his activity saucer for 15 minutes at a time, pushing up on his forearms and getting on his knees when he is on his belly. He has also already cut his two front bottom teeth and appears to be working on cutting a top tooth. I'm thinking we are going to have a crawler very soon. He is growing so quickly and we are totally captivated by his every move.
Alana is getting ready to begin 2nd grade. I just can't believe that my child is going into 2nd grade. Where has all of the time gone? She is full of energy, love and zeal for life. Her typical days in the month of August have consisted of play dates, swimming, riding her bike, Bible School (she attended 5 this summer), traveling and hanging out with the family. I have promised her that we WILL go to the beach before summer ends, so I have two weeks left to make that promise come true.
Jim hashad a busy month so far and we are praising God for his new position/transfer closer to home. He will begin at his new location on the September 1, and we are so happy that he will be closer to home now. We are going to really enjoy meeting him for lunch and getting to kiss and hug him goodbye in the mornings now that he will not be leavign quite so early. God is AWESOME!!!! He always works things out for the good for those who love him (just a little paraphrasing..lol)
I have also had a busy month so far. One of the memorable things I've done this month besides playing the role of mom and giving vocal and piano lessons was being a part of the Royal Tea hosted by the 1st P.H. Church. It was a great experience and the guests speaker, Connie Hale, really spoke a message that penetrated deeply. Her word somewhat revived my heart and reminded me of the quality of life I have as a "Daughter of the King." I have willfully let go every unkind, critical and negative word ever spoken over me. I have determined that I WILL NOT listen to, entertain or accept any opinion of me given by others that is contrary to the words and thoughts of GOD. I am living a more productive and satisfying life because of it.
Below are a few pictures to document this month. I will obviously be adding more pics as the month comes to an end. In the future I will only update this section on a monthly basis.