Binkyless

I heard a preacher say the other day that women folk worry about things that haven't even happened yet. They are always anticipating what "could" go wrong or what "might" go wrong and they spend precious time fretting over possibilities in the future that could cause problems. The majority of those things never happen.

I found myself worrying about taking away Sydney's "bee bee." I could foresee weeping, wailing, and teeth gnashing. She has never been "addicted" to the binky and only used it when laying down for a nap or in times of great distress, but still yet, I was fearful of what was to be when I put her to bed without it. I did not want her to be hung up on this piece of plastic any longer...just 'cause.

Well, this is night 4 of binky freedom. You will never believe what happened when I put her to bed without it.

Absolutely nothing. She went right to sleep. No tears, no fuss, no nothing.

Wow. All that worrying for nothing. I guess I better find something else to worry about that hasn't happened yet.

Fa La La La La

Feast your eyes on the tree that won't die.

Yes...this tree is 30 years old...at least.

In my mom and dad's house there hangs a picture of my then tiny brother sitting by this tree looking up at it adoringly...and he's 30 now.

For the last several (9) years, I have not put up a major Christmas tree. I know that is simply appalling to my Christmas Crazy friends... You know who you are...you folks that have a tree in every room...I am praying for you..anyway.... With just Chris and myself, it just seemed silly. Last year, I put up a Charlie Brown tree that I snagged at the Family Dollar for $15. It was pretty, but just didn't have the magnitude of this dude

Sydney was 10 months old at Christmas time last year and truly just didn't "get it." She was barely walking and pretty much ignored the tree. We had to open her gifts for her...nuff said.

But...this year... is a whole 'nother story.

I was determined to bring 'ol Faithful out of my mom's attic (the attic with beams that will attack your cranium with no warning) and set 'er up in my living room. My husband protested, "We are not rearranging the living room for a tree. That is crazy." To his chagrin, the rocking chair relocated to the other side of the living room to make space for the mighty tree.

As I was assembling Gertrude, it was discovered that the piece that slips into the center pole which attached the tree top was missing. My mother who is the queen of "rigging" came over and with the help of wire, Styrofoam, and good 'ol fashioned ingenuity, we got 'er done.

I have lights and I know how to use them. There are 600 mini lights on this tree and at least 100 big whoppers. Gaudy? Yes!

After hours of stringing lights and decorating, my little one finally resuscitated herself from her coma-like nap. She walked into the living room and said, "Hi!" to the tree. She then walked up to the lights, touched them gingerly and murmured, "Hot!"

I asked her, "Do you like your pretty tree?" (Cause I did this for her to begin with...)

Her reply? "Happy!" and baby applause...

Definitely worth it all.

She Looks Just Like Her Daddy

This picture alone is why MY mother rolls her eyes when someone says, "She looks just like her daddy...not much of her mama."

Uh...ahem...this is HER MAMA! Can we say, "Holy Moly?!"

The likeness is uncanny...if I do say so myself.

I'm Gonna Get You Sucka

 I knew this day was coming.

Yes, the day when my child discovers that if she looks longingly at the bank tellers through our car window... 

 that her preciousness will evoke the desire on behalf of all bank staff to send her a delicious,

sticky and fluorescently dyed circular piece of glucose on a cardboard stick in the money tube.

 I think our favorite flavor so far is Tropical (will stain your clothes forever) Blue.

Pie Trifecta

Once upon a time, there were 3 little pies...

The first little pie was pumpkin. It begged to be topped with home made whipped cream. It held a pace of high honor as the traditional Thanksgiving dessert. It is not one that is particularly relished by yours truly, but I still respect its rightful place at the meal of giving thanks. I pledge allegiance...to the pie...

The second little pie was coconut cream. This pie was made from a recipe that has been in my family for years. It is my absolute favorite pie ever. If I was ever stranded on a deserted island and was forced to eat coconut for every meal, well, then...that would be A-okay wit' me. I blame the coconut cream pie alone for my extra girth and baked goods addiction. I have been raised on coconut pie. The feeling of gritty coconut between my teeth is one of pure ecstasy. This pie is always at the table for Thanksgiving. The earth may melt away and the mountains may crumble into the sea, but Nesha will have a coconut cream pie on Thanksgiving Day. Period. Case closed. My mother will make sure of it. (pardon the blurriness of the picture...I was trembling)

The third little pie was a new comer to the pie family. This piece of heaven on a spring form pan was discovered in a Tennessee restaurant. I searched the Internet tirelessly until the recipe was uncovered. I swooned. My eyes rolled back in my head. I smiled with glee as a glaze of peanut buttery goodness encompassed my mind. Ahhh... 3 hours and counters piled with sticky bowls later...it emerged in all of its decadent glory from my 'lil kitchen. The angels rejoiced. Oh help me...

And that my friends is a true Perfect Pie Trifecta. It does not happen very often so I do hope you appreciate the magnitude of three perfect pies coming together to be served at one meal.

I do hope you understand the amazingness of such dessert serendipity.

I do hope you take the time to rush out right now and grab the ingredients for the Double Chocolate Peanut Butter pie. Now...time is of the essence!

I also hope you do NOT hear my thighs clapping....for joy...and because of their sheer magnitude.

Where To Start?

I had good intentions this week to catch up on my blogging...I have so much to write about but can't seem to choose a topic. Has it really been 2 weeks since I've posted? Really? For shame..for shame..

Sydney is officially 21 months old. I cannot believe my baby is changing into a little girl right before my eyes. I am trying not to have baby withdrawals...but they are affecting me more than I realize. There are tiny babies at my church...little baby boys...and I soak them up like biscuits in gravy every Sunday. I know Chris would love to have a son and I would love to have another child if the Lord provides us with yet another miracle.

So many things to blog about... pea picking, sandbox playing, porch swing swinging, bonfires, thanksgiving feasts, etc...Maybe I will find my way out of the blogging blahs tomorrow and begin filling you in on all the details.

Life is good. It is busy, delicious, happy, and messy....but still very, very, good.

23rd Psalm

The Lord is MY Shepherd

  I shall not want

 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

 He RESTORES my soul.

He guides me in the paths of  RIGHTEOUSNESS

for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear NO evil. 

For YOU are with me,

Your rod and your staff

they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You annoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

FOREVER.