Friday, May 27

Intro...vert

I like to follow some fashion blogs, to keep myself feeling a little taken care of on the outside. You know stretch my wardrobe with some variation...

Today's info on I'm Clothed Much included the following...it's a list compiled by Carl King that he read from The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World.

I've always considered myself an introvert, but no one thinks that way about me-typically. It was so interesting how I resonated with so much of this!

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
Here. You can read for yourself: original source

Tuesday, May 24

The Party

Emalyn picked a Zoo theme for her party this year...I have to confess I somewhat directed her towards that idea since she was bent on having a princess party. Daddy planted THAT seed.

I just feel we have many years ahead of us to do princess-type parties. We don't have to do one quite yet...

So the invitation from Zazzle started out the "theme..." I also got coordinating stickers there which you'll see elsewhere.

I included this on the back because it truly is important to Cameron and me that she live her life for Christ. Our intentions are to raise her as Godly as we are able, however, I know more than not, it is praying actual scripture for a person that can make the difference.
I had a lot of the things that you will see already on hand (fabric, cups, napkins etc). So all I really bought were plates, streamers (few other decorations), favors and balloons.

I found this idea for making ruffled streamers and really loved how it turned out.
(REALLY cheap too since you can buy a 2 pack of streamers from the Dollar Store for $1!!)
And of course, I had to do something waterproof in the patio since we have hardly had any dry weather as of late. Found this balloon idea, just in time!! Instead of doing 4 balloons per set I did 3, one of each color-white, bright pink and light pink.
Flamingos courtesy of the Dollar Store...from their Luau party section!
This is the best shot I got of the balloons:
Following are the favors...some of the monkeys had cotton candy and others an age appropriate activity book. All from the Dollar Store.

I ended up making a wall dedicated to Emmy's photos and school work/art projects. School work, you ask? Check THIS:
(Really, I have checked this out myself. If you write the dotted letters, she can trace them herself. This just takes practice I know, but a smart cookie she is!!)
Onto the "tablescapes." The dining room table included a lot of different fun project type things in case it was pouring outside when the party was going on. Thankfully it was pretty decent outside and we were able to actually sit in the patio for a bit!

Here is the food table....and another monkey from that same luau section at the Dollar Store.
Finally some shots of the Birthday Girl. She had fun...I think. When I asked her later if she liked it she didn't answer. So I asked her again. Annnnnd she didn't answer. So finally I said, well did you think it was fun or yucky?

She smiled and said "yucky." Man, she's 3 going on 13.

Those rose barrettes in her hair make me think she's a little Minnie Mouse. My neighbor Eydie gave those to her. So sweet.

This is about as dirty with food as you'll ever see her. She is so particular about napkins and making sure she stays clean on her face for the most part. I always wanted messy kid photos, but I don't think I will be getting many of those with her!
And lastly, here she is "riding the flamingo." Creative and spirited this girl of mine.

Three!


She turned three yesterday.

Hard to believe!

It is so fun watching her grow and learn and become a "big" girl.

Photos from the party to come soon! (I keep forgetting to scan in her invite to show everyone, and that was my favorite part!)

Sunday, May 15

LJW-10Months

(Shame on me, I have had this post sitting in my computer waiting to be published for over 10 days....I'm in the middle of planning Emalyn's birthday party (which is Saturday) so that has been taking my time! Bad mommy!!)

Hi Sweetie boy,

You have two more teeth! The bottom ones poked through right around the 11th. Teething is miserable for you. I always feel so badly for you.
And you just got on meds for a double ear infection and pink eye to boot-notice the irritated right eye pictured above. You are in some sorry shape little boy! I will say I feel happy about this being the first ear infection you have had, let alone serious cold in your whole 10 month life. Grateful to God for that!

You are full blown crawling and have gotten quite fast! One of your favorite things is the nightlight before we have pulled it out of the hallway plug EVERY morning. You know there is one in Emalyn's room and one in the hallway and there is little anyone can do to stop you from getting there. Your objective is to pull that baby out and into your mouth it goes.
Just to give you a little perspective of how big you are right now...the little dinosaur sweatshirt that you have on in the above photo...yeah. That's 24 months. Typically you wear 12 month pants (we're getting into those 18month ones quick!) and 18-24 month shirts. The smaller sizes just ride up your torso all day long.

Here's your little model pose:
It's kind of funny that we have never actually bathed you and Emalyn together. So we decided we'd do that this month. YOU LOVED IT. She did too of course. I have never seen such huge smiles on your little faces. Cutie pies.
In the last pic of that trio above, you had just flipped yourself into the water and had gotten your whole head wet. Your daddy and I couldn't believe your recovery. Not one tear! You are so much a go with the flow kind of kid.

You are loving the fact that we are getting outside more.

However, crawling in the grass is one of your least favorite things to do. You pick up your hands and it is obvious that you do not like the feel of the grass, but you don't cry or fuss about it. Eventually you will make yourself touch the grass to get where you want to go, but if you don't have to, or can figure out a way to get around touching it by finding a blanket or one of mommy or daddy's legs to stand yourself up on-you are there!

The boy in you is truly coming out. So is your will of iron. But did I honestly expect ANYTHING else? Nope. That is why I have practically memorized Shepherding a Child's Heart. (Godly discipline book.) And continually pray your heart will belong to Jesus.

Love you little man.
Love your momma


Thursday, May 12

Truth

The other day someone said to me, "I believe the Bible, I just don't believe the interpretation... ."

Meaning Pastors, Priests, Christians, and the like-you know, people who talk about what the Bible says.

Then they went on to say even the people that wrote it, they have a hard time believing even them.

Immediately, I mentioned the Bible says it is "God-breathed."

They answered "yeah, but you don't know for sure."

My response, that was blown off while I was speaking, was the need then "to go to the Greek and Hebrew and decide for yourself."

We were interrupted by someone else showing us the latest app for the iPhone and Droid which trumped anything in our previous conversation.

How very 21st century.

But I am still remembering that conversation.

Both the people I was talking with have a parent that is fighting for their life-right now. One has cancer. The other a terrible accident.

I think my battle with this conversation and these two people is the fact that while they may be correct that one must be careful HOW the Bible is interpreted, they refuse to even read it and know what it says for themselves!

I don't, and have never, thought myself a scholar. But there is one simple truth the Bible states.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and you will not die.

The only way to believe is to know Him personally.

That truth, only found in the Bible, will set you free.

Monday, May 9

Holding Hands

I saw someone else post this on their blog and thought...yeah right.

And then it happened.
This was after church on Sunday. Too cute if you ask me!

Monday, May 2

This Boy...




After dinner, probably around 6, we gave Liam his bottle and he drank it down without a problem.
We sat him on the floor because it didn't seem like he wanted to go to sleep. He babbled and made noises and started crawling around.
Through the living room, around through the french doors to his sister's room. Paused a bit in there a played with something left lying half hazard on the floor.
He then proceeded to his room, where he stood himself up next to his crib. Cameron had followed him in there and Liam looked at him from next to the crib as if he was insisting it was time to get in there!
Cameron picked him up, swaddled him under his arms like always, and gave him his nuk along with his soft little puppy, then promptly left.
I had to photograph it-the lighting was terrible so blurry was all I got-but it makes me smile.

What a boy I have!

Sunday, May 1

Big Blue

Love those eyes.
This tongue-to-the-side maneuver is his newest thing to do.

He conquered the higher/harder screened door threshhold. Didn't even look back...