It's a Jungle Out There...err, in here!

With all the rain we've gotten recently, the 'wild' things that love damp climates and woodsy habitats have been out in abundance at our house. So much so that they're looking for a new place to live - in our house! Here are three such animals I saw just today:

A Blue-Tailed Skink (in the house), an American Green Tree Frog (in the house), and a Luna Moth (fortunately on the outside of the sliding glass door)

Fortunately I am not really afraid of any of these creatures since I had to catch and send them back outside - although I have been known to climb whatever I can to get away from other creepy-crawlies. Actually the skink is still inside because as you know, they move lightning-fast - which means I'll probably find it belly-side up sometime in the next week - great! The moth looked like a bird flying by and fortunately stopped so I could marvel at how huge it was. Apparently these Luna Moths don't have mouths and don't eat. They are alive for one week just to mate and that's it! I guess this is Cicada season also, because I've seen -err, heard - plenty of them flapping their wings on my sliding glass door this week. Let me tell ya - you'd think a bird hit the door they're so loud! The poor dogs just don't know what do to with their wild kingdom in the back yard - hopefully they won't think any of them smell appetizing!

T Minus 5 weeks and 2 days!

Well, Aubrey will be here in 5 weeks and 2 days! We scheduled the repeat C-section last week for 7:30am Wednesday, October 1st. Unless she comes early, that's her birthday! That means I've got a list to conquer. Let's see:

• Finish last bumper for crib
• Finish sewing changing table skirt
• Find stuff to decorate the walls - name, shelves, art, etc.
• Find bookcase for Ellie
• Find baskets to put stuff in/organize
• Make a sling?
• Make/buy a diaper bag
• Normal, everyday life stuff

You know, if it didn't take me so long to complete projects, I would have this all done by now; but oh well - it does.

Recommittment to Blogging!

Okay, I know it's been over a month again since I've blogged. I have the hardest time just sitting down to blog something little each day. I'd rather wait until I've got something bigger to talk about; but then that takes forever and you haven't seen what's been going on in our lives. So, I'm going to try to blog something small each day so you'll stay informed (and I won't forget the small joys of each day)!

With that said, enough of the rain already! I know I shouldn't complain. I keep reminding myself of Noah having to endure 40 days of it. And I'm not in my in-laws situation, who've had to leave their home because they were told it was going to flood. I'll let you know more about that when I catch up with them later. For me, it's the inconvenience of not being able to get out of the house - either literally due to no electricity to open the garage door! (thanks again, Webb's, for letting me out!) or just because it's such a hassle with a little one to try to get out in the rain. However, I am learning little by little not to be so inconvenienced because that shows an attitude of pride and overall discontent and that is not how we're supposed to live. Once again, the biggest turn-off is watching or listening to your child repeat things you've said that are so ugly - and this really makes me want to change. The other day she said 'Mom, the stupid yogurt got in my hair.' WOW! If that didn't sound like me and sooo repulsive. Thanks for the 'mirror', Ellie. Hopefully, it's making me a better example - and a more joyful individual.

Aubrey's First Gifts

I am reminded each day of how much people that surround our family love us unconditionally and take delight in us, even if we hardly know them. It compels me to want to be more Christlike in many ways; but in these instances, I want to show and take the time to communicate what someone means to me or our family.

A lady at our church whom I've become very fond of for her volunteerism, her can-do attitude, and her desire to just serve regardless of how it may inconvenience her, gave me Aubrey's first presents today. I don't think she can be inconvenienced. (Now, this is an attitude I struggle with immensely and which my husband does a great job reflecting for me. Sometimes I wonder how someone could not feel inconvenienced - that shows the extent to which I struggle with it!) Anyways, and she's not one of those meek people who you wish would stand up for themselves. Oh no, she's got a voice and the height to match! But she enjoys serving. So, she helped me a bunch with our church directory a couple of months ago and she and Ellie became 'tight'! It didn't hurt that Ellie always got a lollipop from her! Well, she surprised me with her generosity and immense talent with this beautiful basket of custom, handmade items for Aubrey and Ellie.
In this basket are: 2 bunnies with each girls initials on them, the burp cloth you see with Aubrey's initials - which I love, in part because they are very familiar: they remind my of my sister's maiden initials which were AED and Aubrey's are AEW, 2 white pillows with white trim with each of the girls initials, 2 pairs of matching socks: one for Ellie and one for Aubrey with lace sewn on, 2 dresses for Ellie: one with her initials and the other with 'Big Sister', and the most beautiful crocheted dress and booties for Aubrey - that Rhonda made!!!! She told me she used to sell this stuff and let me tell you, she does amazing work! Here they are (pics don't do justice):What a blessing to have this new, precious friend in our lives! Thank you, Rhonda!!