Gone Going

Danny has been off working (too much in my opinion). So it's just been us three girls at home day after day hour after hour.

I knew I was missing him, but I didn't think about how much the girls were, until yesterday. Sati asks me...

"Hey, Mama... member Papa, Mama?!"

God vs Science

Does it have to be one or the other?

I was reading a blog recently where a woman was talking about her homeschooling and the fact that she doesn't teach the subject of science to her children because it is the subject of the devil (or something like that) and would confuse them into unbelief. I was shocked mildly taken aback. I have known for years that christians and scientists seem to be on opposite sides. I know that many christians scoff at the idea of global warming and scientists roll their eyes at the creation story. Still I assumed even the biggest sceptic believed some theories of science (like that there are other planets and solar systems out there). In the same way I have always believed that even the scientist most apposed to christianity still believed there were certain truths in the world (such as murder being wrong and choice being right).

First of all let me just say that I do have an issue with the idea that we all just happened to accidently form from a mud puddle (it seems way more far fetched than the idea of design to me). And I'm not 100% into the whole global warming/cooling issue not for lack of proof, however... but the simple idea that climate changes are normal i.e. the ice age (this doesn't mean that I don't think taking care of God's creation isn't something that we should always be conscious of). I do know, however, that science helps prove christianity over and over again (and you could probably say the same of the opposite).

To me, discrediting science for fear that it might disprove Christianity is like turning your brain off -something that i don't believe in any way we were called to do- . Why would you even want to follow a God that didn't want to be found in the very thing that he created. I believe that he wants to be found and that he has proven himself over and over again, even in the science realm (no matter how much they want to deny it).

YouTube - Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (Super Trailer)

looks like science has just as hard of a time of questioning their beliefs as christians do.

Thoughts...

I have way too much going on in my head right now so I'll just leave you with this, a nice hot cup a' chai tea... enjoy!

In other news, I plan to be back posting all my obnoxious ideas real soon.

House Hunting...

We've been looking for a new place to rent sense January. I thought we would be somewhere by now because there are a zillion houses out there for rent. We've tried several times to get something. Every time the person seems to not want to rent to us (maybe because of the dreads... but one of the guys didn't even meet us). It's kind of annoying and our house is starting to feel like it's closing in on us. My projects are taking over the house and I really have no room to work on anything. Like I said... it's just annoying. We're not looking for anything fancy, or huge... just something that's set up a little better for our needs.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

We just found he PERFECT house to rent, here in Portola. It has everything that we want....... but it's a lot little more than we can afford.

Just a few reasons I love it...

• I really feel that it would be a big step in getting our products out there, because we would have the room to make and store them (away from our little, grabby, dirty handed children).
• It has a large back yard, with a garden and a covered patio, that feels very private and open.
• WOOD STOVE: an item on our "must have" list (or at least our "want, really, really, want" list).... yep, has it!
• It also has a kitchen that is open to the dinning and living room with, get this, counters... I know, right? I would kill for counters.
• and because the floor plan is so open it would be awesome, AWESOME for game nights!

It's a much nicer house than we would ever need, but it's right by friends and would make it much easier to be a one car family. I know the owners, and some one has talked to them for us about the possibility of us renting it, but I have no idea how willing/able they are to come down on the price.

Oh, and did I mention, it's a block from the park?

*sigh* We shall see...

The Order of Things

Danny's mom is having to evacuate her house because of the fire in Auburn. He said that all is fin,e because the wind is blowing the fire away from her house. Good news! Later Danny and I were talking about it, though, and he said he had to evacuate once when he was a kid. I asked him if it was really cool and exciting (cause thats what I would have thought it would be). He said, "no, I was scared to death..." and then, "but my mom was totally freaking out, so it probably came from that."

There was a line in "Saving Private Ryan" that went something like, If you're going to complain you complain up (in rank). This make sense... there really is no point in complaining down, it's just not beneficial. If there is no one higher, however, you share your thoughts, concerns, and complaints, in the wrong direction, to the wrong person. In the case of Danny's mom, she shared it with her kids.

I remember my childhood being supper secure and comfortable. I always felt safe. I don't think it came from knowing that my parents loved me, although they did and I knew they did. I think it came from knowing they loved each other. I remember that before my dad would go to work each day he would kiss my mom goodbye, and my parents would hold hands when we would drive in the car. It was more than even that, though. The way that they would talk to each other... it was soothing.

So after saying all of that, it shouldn't surprise you to know that I try not to put my kids first, and I don't think that raising them is the most important job that I have. While I do talk about them an awful lot, and spend more time with them than any one else, I almost try and think of it as a day job (although I am tempted to consume myself with them)... or maybe a career. I do this for 20ish years and then retire. Sure I go back and visit and maybe even work part time every now and again, but for the most part I'm retired.

I'm their mother and I love them dearly, but they only have a temporary place in my home. My husband is permanent, my girls are only mine (really mine) until they are 18. Danny is the love of my life and by loving him I am loving my kids. By loving Danny (and being close enough to trust him with my worries, concerns, and thoughts) I am giving my children the comfort, security, safety that they need.

Safety First

Dude!!!

YouTube - Francis Chan - Balance Beam

The Bigger Picture

In response to Colette's latest post :o) Enjoy

YouTube - Shane Claiborne - Fundamentalism

Not okaying sin, but inviting sinners to come to the Lord... loving people as people. Ministering to them where they are, not where we want them to be. Showing them that they have a place in God's kingdom. That they aren't a mistake, and that they can still experience love.

Warning: this may be uncomfortable!

God's not American

We really want to put a bumper sticker on our car that reads "God is Not American". My Dad thinks we'll get shot. He's probably right (the bullet might even come from somebody at our church)... American Christians seem to think that this is God's chosen nation. You know the part of the bible that talks about the Israelites and the Americans... haha.

When I bring up the fact that I have an issue with Patriotism most of my friends are shocked. They say, "Well, yes, America has walked away from God. But it started out as a Godly nation, laid out with the 10 commandments (more or less) as our governing system. So there for we support American and bringing America back to God." What I say to that is... check your facts. America was in no way founded as a Theocracy. Our "Godly" forefathers were not Christians and many of them were running from something (the law). These were not good, ethical, or bible following people. Even if our nation was "the chosen nation" and was God fearing, do you think it would be biblical to pledge our allegiance to it?

I think patriotism breeds indifference (at the very least) towards other people groups. In fact, there is a man from our church (who I respect as a Godly Christian) who said out right, " I don't care about [such and such a country] I'm American". OK, so the context of the conversation was having to do with gas prices and how much other countries have to pay for fuel in comparison. But I really think, regardless of the subject, that this is the way that the majority of the American Christian church feels. How sad is that? Basically we're saying screw the rest of the world we're the only ones that really matter.

I think my husband also makes a good point when he said "Patriotism is one of the foremost avenues for racism." If we think we are better than others, or more deserving than others, than how are we any different than the Pharisees?

A good friend of mine has some very good questions for the American church (and many other thought provoking ideas) on her blog... I strongly recommend checking it out.

You Did What?

First we name our kid Marleigh (yes, like Bob Marley) and then we make her a little stoned stuffed animal. Does it sound to you like we might get hell for this when she can voice her own opinion about the tortures of her youth? -- Of coarse, that's why we're doing it now and not later... hehe.

What can I say, except that my heart beats to reggae music. Hope yours does, too, someday my little Marleigh. Until then, enjoy your little rastapus.

Money bags

My husband and myself consider ourselves to be thrifty (more like dirt cheap) when it comes to spending paychecks. We do most of our shopping at second hand stores and make most of our products out of used or discarded material. The true minimalists... and then a friend pointed out that I do have a $400 stroller (quite a large price tag for such a cheap couple). That got me thinking...

We totally do spend a lot on some things. The things that we consider important, I guess you could say (although we have plenty of amazing thrift store finds that we use, and love, daily). I thought it would be fun to list those big ticket items.

So, in order of expense...

-Our two cars... We've never had a car payment... love that

-Our Camera... OMGoodness it took us a loooooong time to talk ourselves into it! But we don't regret it...

-Our Dryer... so that we could stack it on the front load washer that we have and make a little more room in our oh so tiny laundry room (not fun to hang clothes out in the snow either).

-The Love Sac... First perchance of our marriage (best buy ever).

-Danny's RC heli... One crazy expensive hobby.

-Our Refrigerator... Got it used for under $200.

Really, that's it (other than like our rent, heating and insurance... that's totally outrageous). There are a couple things that we got for $100, but for the most part this is a complete list. I would have put the "BOB" revolution stroller on here too, but my parents bought that for us as a baby gift.

where do you spend your money?

Baby Wearing

first of all I want to say that I'm not against baby wearing and have been known to carry a babe around in a sling / mai tei (and have some awesome baby carriers, too) on many occasions. It's really awesome to be able to go for a hike with your hands free, or for a walk without the stroller.

Now... the problem I see with the overuse of baby wearing...

• It promotes dependance on, you, the parent for their comfort and happiness.
• It is confining (doesn't allow for the exploration of their large motor skills).
• It can cause separation anxiety (they're scared to be by themselves).
• It can totally mess up sleep/ eat patterns... and that always makes life hard.
• It can encourage a false sense of bonding. Just because you have your baby strapped to you does not mean that you are spending quality time with them.

We are not marsupials...

Thoughts?

Wiped Out

Radio Silent

Over here at the Harmon house we have been BUSY for the last few weeks! Here's a taste of what's been going on sense the last post.

I finished my dad's father's day present (left). A self standing screen with birch trees painted on it. It's made from the old fence at my parent's house that my dad and brother are now redoing (thrifty and meaningful... how cool is that?!) It took about a week, but with some perfect finishing touches from Danny it was done just in time to give it to him before our trip.

The day before we left I made a birthday present for one of my sister in laws (totally forgot to take a picture).

I'm scared to death of Sati loosing her monkey so just before we left (like hours) I decided that Mono needed a safe place to ride around on our trip. So I made a sling for his mama. She LOVES it, and I think Mono is happy, too.

.... and then it was finally time to head off to family camp in the redwoods for a week (here's a picture of all the kids... minus marleigh). We had a BLAST but are glad to be back home catching up on sleep

While You Were Sleeping...

This is what I was doing at 2:00 in the morning. I guess I'm just missing all of that sleep depravity now that Marleigh sleeps a good 7-8 hours a night...

Yes, I think it was worth the lack of sleep. Sometimes you need to feel like you're not just a mommy... art helps!

Time Out

One month, already... really?

The Right Way

Normally, I would say use whatever means necessary to accomplish the goal, in other words do it any way you want as long as it gets done. But around the house I'm a bit of a nazi, I feel like there is a right way to do things, and Danny thinks so too... Unfortunately we have somewhat different views on what the "right way" is.

From how the dishes fit in the dishwasher, to the laundry, to picking up around the house, we just step on each other's toes, start getting irritated and redo what the other one has already started. Luckily this only happens when we're trying to work together, so it doesn't happen all that much (typically only when we're having company... the perfect time to start a fight).

We both have type B personalities so I wouldn't think this would be a problem, but I'd almost rather go into labor than cook or clean with my favorite person on earth.

~Is something wrong with me?

Coffee Please!

"I want coffee"

"Ummmm... ok you can try a little."

*slurp*

"So, what do you think. Does it taste yummy or yucky?"

"It tastes aweful!"

..........................

..........................

"I want some more."

This was my little sweetheart at 12:30am....

needless to say I've learned my lesson!

Best Friends

Sati and "Mono" have been attached at the hip sense the beginning. It was partly our fault because we had him sleep with her and he always got to go along with us on car rides (several to Mexico). He's her best buddy, they're great friends. She really LOVES him!!!

I don't mind that she is so attached because that means she's not that kind of attached to us. She can go places with other people and as long as she has her mono she's fine. This does present one major problem though... what happens if we loose him? Well we found a replacement monkey, but he's just not the same. He's made by the same company and all, but he has different eyes and he's not warn out like her mono.

anyways... the real reason for my post...

On the first car ride that we took with both kids Sati looked at Marleigh in horror... "Where's her Mono???" We realized that this was a problem and have been looking for a friend for Marleigh ever sense.

We found the perfect buddy for our new little girl, but I guess they don't make them anymore because I have checked up and down the internet and only found the small one (we want the bigger one) and you have to order it from Australia... Dude!

So if, in your travels, you see this little guy will you pick one up for us (actually two)? His name is Octavius and he's made by Russ... Thanks!

Number Two

Marleigh's crying (screaming) in bed...

I come in to see what's up.

What do I find?

She's turned herself completely over and woken herself up (for the third time this week).

Is that even possible at 3 weeks?

Dropping Names

I lived in Mexico, at a deaf boarding school for two years, right out of High School. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. I think it has made me into the parent I am today... and also shaped my character tremendously. The "Ranch" taught me a lot about myself and what I like and dislike. All of those things just seemed magnified at the Ranch for some reason. One thing that I came to really dislike in my time there was name dropping.

The director of the ranch is a very "cool" guy. He's always in with the latest trends... including (in the short time that I was there) Converse shoes, Livestrong bracelets, and XM radio. (and to be completely honest I had all of these as well, but not multiples of each.) He also loves the idea of fame. We had a few different famous people come to the ranch and it was always a BIG DEAL to the director and most of the staff. Danny and I always joked that we did more for these people of fame than we would have done of Jesus himself (it is slightly overstated, but has truth to it).

After I left the Ranch they made a movie about the "Ranch Story" (which really is a pretty great story of how the ranch came to be). Many of the staff and kids from the ranch were on the movie... and I've heard some of them refer to themselves as Movie Stars (as one of my friends pointed out "everybody believes in their own fame.")... and I guess they are, to some extent. I've heard that people follow the director around (when he goes to share the movie at different state side churches) and get his autograph and what not.

Obviously it's not just the director and staff there, at the ranch, that like to tell of the different famous people that they've met. On facebook I have friends that did "15 random facts about me" and almost all of them wrote in one or two famous people that they either went to the same school as, or bumped into them at the mall or something.

I just don't get it... what's so attractive about fame?

Sorry there is no picture, but I don't have any pictures of famous people (surprise, surprise).

Picture This

My latest creative adventure...

Baby blues...

I'm back and forth with feelings like...

"I wish it could all just stay like this!" -to- "will it never end?!?"

They say this is normal, and even title it "the baby blues". Like it's some kind of crazy chemical reaction that happens when you have a baby or something. Maybe it is, but I think it's more like "I haven't slept in weeks, there are two little ones screaming at the top of their longs, their dad's working late (again), I haven't had adult conversation in what seems like weeks, the house is thrashed (again), and I feel like I'm doing everything all by myself, blues." I don't think I need drugs... although it might be nice. It just seems to me that there is a perfectly good explanation for how I'm feeling (with or without the *crazy* hormones).

Not to say I don't love being at home with my girls, really, I do love it! There is just a couple times a day when I feel completely overwhelmed. Anybody else feel like that?

Life

~ a refection of the last 20 days with two little girls...

• Sati has become deathly afraid of eggs causing her to not want to get in the bath tub (I know it's odd, but she is my daughter).
• People don't critique your parenting skills nearly as much the second time around...
• Marleigh looked just like her big sister when she was born but is now taking on her own look (and she might have some of her mother in there... about time).
• I LOVE baby schedules, Marleigh is doing great, Sati sleeps right through the one time a night when Marleigh gets up to eat... and I'm catching up on my Zzzzz.
• I think Danny has slept more sense the baby was born than he did before... Dude!
• I'm loving being a mom of two, and I feel so blessed that God gave us girls!
• Sometimes I just want to talk to an adult.
• Sati says all kinds of things that we had no idea she knew. Today she was watering my plants and ran out of water in her bucket. handing me the bucket she says "filler up"... what? where did she get that?
  
• "little sister" is already getting big. I'm feeling sad about it, it seems too fast.
• I'm healing so much faster than I did after Sati and I feel wonderful! So glad it's over!!
• Sati has become MUCH more attached to her Mono.
• I thank the Lord multiple times a day (or should) that I get to stay home and take care of my family.
• I'm actually enjoying nursing this time around, but can still identify with a cow (and I hate the way I smell because of it... tmi?).
• I'm ready for the weekend!

My Girls

The Story...

...of how our little Marleigh came into this world. This is for all of you that are detail oriented (but don't worry I wont get too graphic).

As most of you know I started having contractions about 5 weeks before my due date (so I thought we were going to have an early bird) and they continued off and on until the 14th of May when they changed from being really annoying and uncomfortable to painful.

It was around 6:00 pm that I realized that this might be it. My parents came and got Sati at 9:00 ish. Danny and I waited around and played cards for a few more hours just to make sure that it was "real" (because we almost went several other times and then the contractions stopped... really annoying).

We got to the hospital around 11:00, they checked me and then sent me out walking for an hour to see if I could get things moving. We came back and the nurse told us that she spoke to the Dr. and she said that they would check my progress in the morning and if I hadn't progressed they would send me home. (This was a bit disheartening because the hospital is an hour away from our home.) She turned out the light so that we could get some sleep if we wanted to.

And then I started having really intense timely contractions (while Danny was asleep on the pull out bed... haha) and decided to go for a little walk and then take a bath. This is also when I started throwing up, and didn't stop until little Marleigh was born. Danny woke up at around 5:00 am (I think) and they checked me again I was at 7cm (and so excited because I never got that far naturally when I was having Sati). The pain was hard, but manageable... and the labor was progressing wonderfully... yea!!!

At 7:00 they checked me and I was at 9cm... "dude piece of cake I'll have this baby within the hour!"... and then something changed. She flipped and was now sunny side up, hello back labor. The progress that I had been so proud of was now slipping away I was back at a 7cm and couldn't handle the pain.

Somewhere around 11:00am I got an epidural and my whole world changed... haha. I could breath and talk again. I wasn't totally numb and could still move my legs, but the pain was gone. It was great! Then my blood pressure dropped something crazy and I turned white so they put me on oxygen and gave me a shot of something that made me feel much better.

12:30 a slough of nurses rushed in slapped an oxygen mask on me and raced around like crazy... the baby's heart rate had dropped dramatically. They quickly found that she had totaly dropped and I was at a 9 again (a good thing). Just then my water burst and I was ready to push... one problem, I couldn't. The epidural had made it impossible for me to feel what was going on. So they turned it off.

Most, if not all, the feeling came back and finally at around 2:15 they asked me to give a "practice" push. The baby almost came right then... they ran and got the Dr. (we took a quick poll of what sex the baby was going to be... everyone in the room said "boy") and then in two pushes I had another BEAUTIFUL baby girl!!!!

Marleigh Karai Harmon

Our new baby GIRL!! was born May 15th (on her due date) at 2:33pm after 20 hours of labor. She is beautiful and looks a lot like her big sister. Weighing in at 7 lbs and 14 oz and measuring 20 inches long, she's not quite the chunk that Sati was. She's a good eater and sleeper (praise the Lord), and we are enjoying every second of being a family of 4.

More info to come after I catch up on some sleep :o)

Could it be?

Is spring finally here? I sure hope so (my allergies think so)!! This is the first flower I've seen and it's only about an inch tall... still my hopes are high.

Of coarse, it snowed a couple days ago, but I just took a look at the forecast and I see 70 degree weather in our future. Is that exciting or what?

Anybody have fun plans for spring / summer this year? I think it'll just be nice to go outside without having to put on 15 layers... bring on the heat!

What's With the Egg?

Easter is an event that is just too amazing to wrap my mind around. While I do feel that I could give my life for another person (maybe I'm morbid in that way). I really can't imagine taking their blame and letting it separate me from God (even if only for a min.). That is just too much of a sacrifice. Yet, that's what Jesus did for me... and he was closer to God than any one of us has ever been... I can't even imagine the pain of that separation. He sacrificed EVERYTHING so that I could live forever in glory. And what happened next???? Even more exciting... HE CAME BACK TO LIFE... dude! Like I said, I can't seem to wrap my mind around it.

So, with that being said, you will understand why I'm a bit annoyed. The American church has just added pagan festivities to their own. With sermons on "what the egg means to the Christian" and Easter egg hunts in the Church, how are we separating ourselves from every one else? How are we communicating the truly amazing gift that "Easter" has brought us?

If you want to take your kids out in your back yard and hunt easter eggs, or decorate your house with bunnies, that's your call. It's your family, your house, and your own convictions. But, to me, the church has no place to sponsor these activities (I think the message that is sends is confusing). Sure, maybe it's fun, maybe more people will come if we tone down the message... but in the end will they see Jesus or just the easter bunny?

That's What She Said

A few more things our little girl does that we find irresistible.

• She lines her "friends" (stuffed monkey, frog, and bear) up at the door several times a day and has them say "bye, Dad dad".
• She makes her friends sign "with" before she will pick them up.
• After she wakes up from her nap I'll hear her asking "Night, night all done??" and then answer "NO!" (while laughing). She also does this in the bath.
• She always asks if she can brush her teeth before we leave the house.
• When she's in the nursery at church and the person in charge doesn't know sign, our little Sati "teaches" it to them. She will sign something and then show them what it is... I love it.
• My parent's cat gets annoyed with her sometimes and will hiss and scratch her. Sati (sometimes bleeding) will say "awww" and give the cat a big hug. As if to say I'm sorry you had to do that.

Lent

The end is nearing, and to be honest I'm going to miss it. The biggest reason that I'm going to miss it is because I'm not the one participating (lent started right after I found out that I had GD and I just felt that I couldn't joyfully give up anything else... so I skipped out this year) , Danny is...

He gave up video games. I think it's awesome because I can't stand them... haha. Our little vacation from the controls is coming to an end, however. I can't be sure, but I think he might be a little more excited about it than I am.

Are you practicing lent this year? If so, what is it that you gave up? If not, have you done lent in the past? Do you feel like you are closer to the Lord because of it?

Living off Fear

I really don't pay much attention to current events. I prefer it that way... in fact I make a point to not watch the news. It's not that I don't want to be informed, I would just rather hear both sides of a situation before I make my mind up about something (and I don't remember a single time when the news broadcast has spoken on both sides and allowed you, your own view). Normally, I would say, they find something that might put a couple people in danger (somewhere in the world) and make you feel like you're one of them. American's are fed by fear. I just choose not to partake in the feast.

I'm a little surprised by the people that are really afraid, though. It's the Christians... the ones that claim to have the power of God (GOD!!!!) by their side. I'm a Christian, I know what I believe, and to me, it seems silly to be in fear's grasp. It's paralyzing!

It seems to have been this way sense I can remember. When I left for Mexico (for two years) people from my church were upset and couldn't imagine why I would leave the US when there are people in our own neighborhoods that need to be saved. It is true... there are, but that's not what I was called to.

** In my eyes, American's have all the resources they need to come to Christ. In my eyes, it's a stubbornness that keeps them from the Lord. That's why I don't make a great missionary here in the US (I just don't have the compassion for the rich that I do for the poor). **

A couple months ago, just after the results came in of the presidential election, most of my bible study group walked in looking defeated and somewhat sick. They kept shaking their heads and saying "scary times, we're living in scary times". I really don't know if Obama is the anti-christ or the "hope" that our country is looking for. But Am I the only one that is a little excited at the prospect that he might be "the one" (anti-christ)? We could be witnessing amazing prophecy right here, right now.

** I'm just thinking what is there to fear??? GOD'S ON OUR SIDE... we're on the right side (and by the way if it's foretold by God that there will be an anti-christ, than there will be... we aren't going to stop it). **

The most recent thing that has been brought to my attention is the Mexico scare. When people found out that we were bringing our daughter to Mexico with us on a little short term missions trip.... THEY FLIPPED!!! Even if we were going to be in some kind of danger (which we weren't) is that supposed to stop us from serving the Lord? We are only on this earth for a short time, and if God calls us to some place scary we will go (and we will bring our kids) because God, not fear, is in control of our lives.

** "The only thing to fear is fear it's self" **

Thoughts?

an earlier post on fear: State Side: The Fear Behind it

One Day at a Time

This is what my overly scheduled days are looking like.... I'm not much for being glued to a schedule, so it's a challenge for me.

7:00 am *alarm* take med. *hit snooze*

7:30 am *alarm* get up, test blood, eat (a carb and a protein), return to bed (if I'm not dying of heartburn by this time)

8:30 am *alarm* check blood, try and get something done before the baby wakes up (on the really bad days I try and go back to sleep, or take a bath)

10:00 am eat my snack (strawberries and milk), wake, feed, and bathe the baby

12:00 pm outside to play and then make lunch for Sati, my mom, and me

1:00 pm eat lunch (a carb and a protein)

1:15 pm go for a walk (to get my blood sugar down)

2:00 pm test blood

2:15 pm put Sati down for a nap, try and take a nap myself (again if heartburn isn't killing me)

4:00 pm snack again (and I usually have strawberries and milk again... haha), get Sati up, feed her something, go outside to wait for Danny to come home

6:00 pm make dinner

7:00 pm eat (a carb and a protein)

8:00 pm check blood

10:00 pm put Sati down, have my last snack (a carb and a protein)

12:00-1:00 am try to go to sleep (I hate heartburn)

3:00-7:00 am the time I actually get some sleep (because by then the meds have warn off and I don't have heartburn anymore)

7:00 am *alarm*

And it goes on and on.... but I only have six more weeks until the baby comes. Can I hear a wha who!!

So my question is... are you a schedule follower or do you just go with the flow?

A Day Dream Believer

I have a dream... well it's more of a day dream, or maybe a fantasy.

Danny and I, both, have a huge desire to live by the ocean (the details of our fantasies maybe differ a little bit, but for the most part we're on the same page). But when I'm talking about "by the ocean" I don't want you to get the idea that we want to live in a town that is close to the ocean, no, no, we want to live on the beach.

I want a large porch with a picnic table on it. A place where we can eat breakfast as a family and then, after, turn the kids loose to find oysters, play in the tide pools, and build sand castles (while mom and dad finish up our coffee). Danny can take our little groms surfing on the weekends, and when they come back I can make them a snack and we can all take a lazy afternoon nap outside in a hammock or on a beach blanket laid out in the shade. I want to be able to go out kayaking with my husband and be able to chase my kids around on an endless beach. I want my kids to grow up outside with a continual supply of sand in their ears and no shoes on their feet. I want to live in another country, and send our kids to school there, learning that countries language. Our ministry can be right there on the beach, and maybe scuba diving will even fit into God's call on our lives.

So is it a tall order? YES! but I really believe that God sees our dreams, I even believe that he gives us those dreams. So, now we're just waiting for God to send us to this paradise, we'll take the bugs and all.

~what this doesn't mean is that we've completely shut down here... No, we still have a ministry here, and are not wishing time away... our hearts are just a little closer to the ocean.~

What is your dream?

Life according to Sati

Our little one has been doing, saying, and signing all kinds of great (and sometime hilarious) things. She's 19 months old and is truly getting a grasp on language, social skills, and life in general (at least as much as her age allows). She isn't as talkative as most kids her age... that might have something to do with the fact that she's trying to learn three languages at once... but I'd say she's doing a pretty good job.

• She calls the little boy that I babysit... "Baby Doll" (but she calls her dolls "baby")
  
• She can sing a whole song without any words (and you would totally know what song it is that she's singing)
  
• She just learned how to climb up on the table... yeah
  
• She points to my belly, says and signs baby, and then asks to kiss it.
  
• Her first language is sign and she can get around with it pretty well. She surprises us with the signs she knows, and with the ones she makes up to get her point across.
  
• She is almost always smiling or laughing... she really enjoys life!
• She loves going for walks in "Bob" (our stroller) and can finger-spell "bob".
• We never taught her "animal sounds" so she copies the animals real sounds and actually sounds a lot like them.
  
• When we go for walks and I make an unexpected turn in "Bob" she says "WOWA MAMA!"

There are a lot more things that she's doing that really crack us up, but I don't want to write a book or anything...

Updated (photo style)

The babe, the belly, and the beginnings of dreads.

Pink or Blue?

We're not finding out the sex of our little one until the day he or she enters the world. That doesn't mean that we're not guessing, though.

So, what do you think? Will the next Harmon come home in pink or blue (most likely he/she will come home in brown, but you know me). Do you have any theories on how to tell if it's one or the other?

I also have a little pole on the left side of the blog if you want to enter your guess there.

Sadly, this is the best "belly picture" I have (from a month ago).

The Land of Sunshine

We just got back from a trip south, where the sun seems to always shine. We absolutely loved it!

at the beach, south of the boarder

a birthday party in La Mision, Mexico

a total cheater picture that danny took at the aquarium in La Jolla

My little niece with a young tiger at the San Diego zoo

Now, back to reality (as I watch the snow falling, back at home in Portola). What have you guys done for fun recently?

GD!

Welp, I thought I had it bad with this pregnancy... but now they're telling me that my blood sugar is off the charts.  That's right, I have the dreaded gestational diabetes.  

The Dr.s are a little perplexed because I was quite low on the charts with Sati, but this time my count is sooo high (204) it doesn't seem to make sense.  This could mean a couple of things: 

1) I was already becoming diabetic and pregnancy just sped it up (in which case it most likely won't go away after the baby is born). 

2) it was a total fluke and my blood sugar is really fine. 

3) it's just one of those things... I'll have to deal with it for the next three months and then again if we have more children (but will be fine when there is no child in the belly).

So, while this does happen to many women (and it's not that big of a deal), I'm asking for your prayers (in whatever way you feel lead to pray for me and my little #2).  Thanks!!

Updated

... again!

Danny ~ recently had a ton of work (we have no idea where it came from, but are thankful).  Now, it has sluffed off a bit and he's had more time to hang out with the fam. (which we are also thankful for).  He's had much more opportunity to play around with the camera than I have, and has had a much more active roll in posting our makings to ETSY.  On a completely different note... His hair is getting LONG and he's begging me to put dreads in for him.

Me ~ I'm nearing the end of my second trimester (wha who)!  I'm not a happy pregnant person... I'm ready to be done.  Heartburn seems to be controlling my life... I'm trying a few new things to see if I can get more than an hours sleep at night.  I'm loving having the whole family around and am sooo thankful when Danny and Sati pick up the floor so that I don't have to bend over (I really think I need one of those grabbers that people use to pick up trash).  

Sati ~ Oh goodness where do I start... She's saying and signing the funniest things.  She keeps us laughing all the stinking time.  I love this age!!!!  I'm excited to see how she is with her upcoming sibling.  She has a love/hate relationship with the little boy that I babysit, it's funny and sad to see the competition thing start so early.   She has definite preferences... she hates pink (I swear I had nothing to do with it), gloves, and koosh balls.  She loves animals, food (almost any kind), and going on walks.

#2 ~ 26 weeks old in the womb.  One big kid... the Dr. said that "he's" larger than normal.  This one feels and acts like Sati did, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of personality "he" has.  We are all anxious to meet the newest member of the family, but pray that "he" stays in there until at least the due date (May 15th).  Also... no we don't know the sex of baby #2 and don't plan to find out until the middle of may when "he" is born.

Up and Running!

Finally! Our Etsy store is up and running... 

Our camera arrived about two weeks ago, we love it (although I have a lot to learn about it still).  We did decide on the 50D in case you were wondering.  We still pinch ourselves from time to time, wondering if we really spent that much money on a camera (and yes I suppose we did because I'm getting bruises from all of those pinches).

Because we now have a camera we are able to take and post pictures to our store... yea!  I've been feeling under the weather sense our camera arrived, so I haven't been able to go out and take pictures like I want to, but I'm hopeful for this weekend (even if it's just here in town).  

We still have a ton of things to post on our store, but they should all be appearing over the next month or so.  Our shop is called Creation Inspired because most of the things that we make are a reflection of the what we see in nature (our God is a creative one!).

So if you have a moment to spare stop by.

*Click, Click*

Our old point and shoot camera finally died... 

We decided that it was time for a serious upgrade anyways, so we're considering buying either a Canon EOS 40D or 50D. We've read a bazillion reviews on both and are still largely undecided.  

We're thinking this will probably be the last time we buy a camera for another 10 years or so... we're trying to ask as many people as we can what they think, and find out as much as we can about each so that we can make the best decision for our little family.  

What kind of camera do you have? Do you like it?  What would you recommend?