I got it good. I mean, when it comes to family members that have come along via a marriage, I seriously can say that I have it really, really good. My amazing mother came up with the term "Bonus Children" rather than Son-in-law or Daughter-in-law. I love that. So here is what my Bonus Family is like. And by the way, if it sounds like I am bragging...that's because I am.
My brother's wife, Robbie...geez. Could I have asked for a more caring, funny, sweet, patient and well-rounded wife for my brother? Nuh-uh. I could not. Seriously, an absolute jewel of a human being. Seriously. I wish I could be half of the wife that Robbie is. She is just awesome. My brother is such an incredible person who was going to be an amazing daddy and husband that it had to take someone pretty special for them to deserve him as far as I was concerned. That's exactly what she is.
Now, Andy is the youngest of 3 boys. Probably gonna have a problem with someone in the mix there right? Um, nope. Matt, the oldest, I am just getting to know and have discovered that he is really a great guy to hang around with. He is an amazing Dad even in some pretty tough circumstances by all accounts. Any guy that will sit during his alone time and let my kid flop on his bed to watch Deadliest Catch with him has got to be a pretty great Uncle.
Luke...I just adore Luke. When I think of the words generous or giving, that's Luke. At first Bella was terrified of his deep bellowing voice, but now Unka Looook is a common topic of conversation in her little world. Now Luke's wife Janie, or Jane-Jane, is seriously one of my greatest friends and closest confidant. Not only did I get Robbie who is incredible, I got it extra good getting to have 2 amazing Bonus Sisters. There is a lot to be said for having a safe place to do some serious venting without it turning into husband bashing. That only works when you have someone who loves and cares about your spouse as well. Plus, I have a built-in advice giver since in a lot of ways, we kind of married different versions of the same person. She makes me laugh until I almost wet my pants...that's my Jane.
Now Jim and Sammye. Alright, I think if you know me then you know how absolutely phenomenal I think that my Mom and Dad are. And if you know them, then you know that I am right. I Love My Momma and My Daddy. So much that it is hard to even find the words. But what did I end up with after I married Andy? A whole new set. And I gotta say that I have got to have probably the best Bonus Parents in the world. In fact, I love being with Jim and Sammye so much that when Bella was a newborn and Andy started traveling all the time I pretty much moved in with them. More than once. More than twice. Not because I had to or was pressured to or needed help. Seriously I just wanted to be there. I mean, I just spent almost 2 weeks sleeping in their living room and there was no other place in the world that I wanted to be for that moment in time. Of course your parent's house feels like home. I love being home with my parents. It's a comfort that is hard to match. But your in-laws house? Ummm, yep. I got that. Cooking with Jim is one of my most favorite things and learning how to cook from him is a close second. Jim raised my amazing husband to believe deep in himself that he can do anything. You know what? He can.
Laying around for days in my ratty house shorts with Sammye as we watch Dr. Phil episodes that she has been recording for over a year now is priceless time to me. Even if it does take us 3 hours to watch one show with all of the kids running chaotically around the house. I am so thankful for so much that Jim and Sammye have done for me, no questions asked. What I am most thankful for though? Having that third kid. Thank you for his life, his mind, his humor, his faith, his stability, his courage, his hope and of course for makin' such a good lookin' kid! That's what I always want them to know, thank you for Andy.
So again, if it sounds like I am bragging then you heard me correctly. I love my family. I. Love. My. Family.
Showing posts with label Tilly Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tilly Life. Show all posts
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Our Home
We have lived in our beautiful home for a little over a year now. This was our first house to buy since we have been married and I must admit that I am very, very proud to say that it is ours. We started in 600 sq. feet, then 744 sq. feet, then 800 sq. feet, then 950 sq. feet before we ended up where we call home today. And yes you did count correctly, if you include our move into our first place, Andy and I have moved 5 times in the last 3 1/2 years. Needless to say, we are very, very good at moving.
I love this house. I mean I really, really love this house. Really. After a year I am still learning the ins and outs of home ownership. For instance, I get the pleasure of knowing that I can paint any room in the house any color that I want to...because I can, and I did. Andy can drill holes in any wall of the house to hang our massive speakers that of which I can play music out of any time of day as loud as I want to...and he did, and I do. I can have more than 1 person in the kitchen at a time and not have to go hose down after I get done cooking dinner...and I love it. So many good things some to mind. However there are a few negatives that I have learned. For instance, if the hot water heater, in the hellishly hot attic, on a Saturday night, the night before Father's day, THE DAY THAT OUR HOME WARRANTY EXPIRES, decides to go out, um yea you gotta pay for that yourself. Things like that haven't been so great but I get it, it's just part of it.
I will say that I discovered today that in case of a fire in our home, we will definitely be woken from our sleep by the ear-piercing symphony from our securely mounted, fully operational, 8 smoke detectors. I know this because today I set them off. All of them. 10 times. The food I was cooking for Andy's team lunch is in the trashcan outside and it smells like someone played the flaming bag of dog poop trick on us about 15 times. And then we decided to take one to bed with us and place 5 of them in our living room for safe keeping. It stinks in here today.
But you know what? It's alright. Because I just love this house.
I love this house. I mean I really, really love this house. Really. After a year I am still learning the ins and outs of home ownership. For instance, I get the pleasure of knowing that I can paint any room in the house any color that I want to...because I can, and I did. Andy can drill holes in any wall of the house to hang our massive speakers that of which I can play music out of any time of day as loud as I want to...and he did, and I do. I can have more than 1 person in the kitchen at a time and not have to go hose down after I get done cooking dinner...and I love it. So many good things some to mind. However there are a few negatives that I have learned. For instance, if the hot water heater, in the hellishly hot attic, on a Saturday night, the night before Father's day, THE DAY THAT OUR HOME WARRANTY EXPIRES, decides to go out, um yea you gotta pay for that yourself. Things like that haven't been so great but I get it, it's just part of it.
I will say that I discovered today that in case of a fire in our home, we will definitely be woken from our sleep by the ear-piercing symphony from our securely mounted, fully operational, 8 smoke detectors. I know this because today I set them off. All of them. 10 times. The food I was cooking for Andy's team lunch is in the trashcan outside and it smells like someone played the flaming bag of dog poop trick on us about 15 times. And then we decided to take one to bed with us and place 5 of them in our living room for safe keeping. It stinks in here today.
But you know what? It's alright. Because I just love this house.
Monday, July 14, 2008
To Whom It May Concern
Bella and I are taking some very, very much needed time in Oklahoma for the next 10 days. The blog will probably get the boot off my "things to do list" until we get back based on the fact that my "things to do list" has nothing on it other than the following
1. Enjoy not being in full Mommy Mode.
2. Stay in my pajamas all day long while my mother-in-law does the same thing and not be ashamed of it at all.
3. Only switch out of before mentioned pajamas to take the girls outside and play naked in the sprinkler. (Not me, the kids.)
4. Cook and eat and cook and eat.
5. Soak up time with 3 of my favorite people in the world. Mimi, Pa and Uncle Matt.
1. Enjoy not being in full Mommy Mode.
2. Stay in my pajamas all day long while my mother-in-law does the same thing and not be ashamed of it at all.
3. Only switch out of before mentioned pajamas to take the girls outside and play naked in the sprinkler. (Not me, the kids.)
4. Cook and eat and cook and eat.
5. Soak up time with 3 of my favorite people in the world. Mimi, Pa and Uncle Matt.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Daddy's Big Bye-Bye
Bella woke up missing Andy this morning. I have been prepping her for him to be gone for the next 14 days or so starting on Saturday. Little does she know that this year has been the most that Andy has been home since we have been married. But she has no idea what the last 2 Summers have been like. Today she started to get nervous...
First thing when she woke up-
Bella: Wayer is Dad at Mom?
Me: He went to work Bella.
Bella: He need to come back Mom.
Me: Why Bella? He will be back later today.
Bella: Heez not on heez big bye-bye today?
Me: No Bella, that's not here yet. He is just at his office.
Bella: Wit Papa and Uncle Bubba?
Me: Yep.
Bella: I don't want heez big bye-bye Mom.
Me: Why Bella? You are going to have fun with me.
Bella: No Mom, onwy Dad is fun.
Me: Bella, I am fun too. What do you think we do all day?
Bella: Um, you hep me poop..............an put me in time out.
Me: I do more than that Bella. Come on now.
Bella: Um...........an you get me macawoni an cheese das too hot fo me.
Me: Whatever Bella.
Bella: Wudeber Mom.
It could be a long 2 weeks.
First thing when she woke up-
Bella: Wayer is Dad at Mom?
Me: He went to work Bella.
Bella: He need to come back Mom.
Me: Why Bella? He will be back later today.
Bella: Heez not on heez big bye-bye today?
Me: No Bella, that's not here yet. He is just at his office.
Bella: Wit Papa and Uncle Bubba?
Me: Yep.
Bella: I don't want heez big bye-bye Mom.
Me: Why Bella? You are going to have fun with me.
Bella: No Mom, onwy Dad is fun.
Me: Bella, I am fun too. What do you think we do all day?
Bella: Um, you hep me poop..............an put me in time out.
Me: I do more than that Bella. Come on now.
Bella: Um...........an you get me macawoni an cheese das too hot fo me.
Me: Whatever Bella.
Bella: Wudeber Mom.
It could be a long 2 weeks.
Monday, July 7, 2008
I Don't Know Why I Am Surprised
We just got back to Denton after a great few days in our hometown of Edmond, OK for the 4th. We did a lot of relaxing, spent a lot of much needed time with some of our closest friends and just had an all around great time. Oh yea, and we discovered that our daughter happens to be more fearless than we thought. This was Bella's first time in a real swimming pool where she was actually able to enjoy it on her own. Yes, I said on her own. At first she was a little timid, however I should have known that wasn't going to last. Soon all I heard was "Momma, let me do it by myself". By the end of Day 1 Bella was entertaining the crowd by sitting with water covering all the way over the top of her head, looking around under the water at everyone. By the end of Day 2, she was actually holding onto things just to keep her head under water longer. And I am not exaggerating on that one folks. My kid is part fish.
She also had a first time experience with coming face-to-face with 2 very large horses both of which once again she was not afraid. Andy was more nervous than anyone about her getting her hand taken off when she insisted on feeding these massive animals treat after treat that were no bigger than a piece of shredded wheat. In fact, Bella introduced herself to one of them by jamming her finger up his nostril when I was not paying attention. Of course he didn't like this one bit, however Bella insisted on trying it over and over again because she said "But Mom, heez gots boogers in dayer".
Overall it was an amazing time. Lot's of firsts for our little family. It was a little hard to come back home. I'll get some pictures posted as soon as I get them.
She also had a first time experience with coming face-to-face with 2 very large horses both of which once again she was not afraid. Andy was more nervous than anyone about her getting her hand taken off when she insisted on feeding these massive animals treat after treat that were no bigger than a piece of shredded wheat. In fact, Bella introduced herself to one of them by jamming her finger up his nostril when I was not paying attention. Of course he didn't like this one bit, however Bella insisted on trying it over and over again because she said "But Mom, heez gots boogers in dayer".
Overall it was an amazing time. Lot's of firsts for our little family. It was a little hard to come back home. I'll get some pictures posted as soon as I get them.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
You Silly Tease
As I lay in my backyard this afternoon for water play time with Bella it hit me. There I was, in my bathing suit, laying in my folding sun-chair...sweating to death. Every now and then I would let the water coming out of the little spout on Bella's Froggie swimming pool (Wal-Mart $4.99 special) sprinkle on my feet to try to keep my body temperature somewhat regulated. It felt a little ghetto, but no one could see me anyway. Soon the Devil Heat of Texas began to get to me. Next thing I knew, I found myself rigging up our Elmo the Firefighter Sprinkler to the water hose only to strategically place it where just the right amount of continuous water would sprinkle across me every few seconds. For a moment, I felt like a genius as I lay perfectly cool in the hot sun...until I glanced up and saw through the cracks in the fence the glistening blue water of the pool next door teasing me like a teenage girl on prom night. (Sorry about that one, but you have to admit it's funny.)
It was that moment that I realized, my little set-up with Elmo and the Froggie Pool probably belonged somewhere that my neighbor would resemble Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Vacation. Especially when I found myself irritated that Bella actually wanted to play in the Elmo Sprinkler rather than have me use it for my personal mist machine.
How do I feel about the fact that my Russian neighbor who is in Europe the entire Summer, each and every Summer has a perfectly maintained swimming pool that sits un-used just steps away from my door? Well, I think it's kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic. And if you ever hear that Andy had to come and bail me out of Denton County Jail...it will be for trespassing.
It was that moment that I realized, my little set-up with Elmo and the Froggie Pool probably belonged somewhere that my neighbor would resemble Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Vacation. Especially when I found myself irritated that Bella actually wanted to play in the Elmo Sprinkler rather than have me use it for my personal mist machine.
How do I feel about the fact that my Russian neighbor who is in Europe the entire Summer, each and every Summer has a perfectly maintained swimming pool that sits un-used just steps away from my door? Well, I think it's kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic. And if you ever hear that Andy had to come and bail me out of Denton County Jail...it will be for trespassing.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Imagination?
The other day I was telling someone about something that Bella had come up with and they said to me "How fun, she is starting to imagine". Maybe it's just me but I don't know that I quite consider it imagining as much as I think of it as Bella has just started making stuff up. As for Andy, well he says that she is a liar. I think that's a little harsh yet kind of funny. But he still does a good job of humoring her. (For an example, my post about the monster hunt...)
Here are some of the latest.
Scene- In my car, headed back home from the Argyle Campus
Bella: Momma! I see a ewaphant!
Me: An elephant! Where Bella?
Bella: Wite dayer on da gwass!!!
Me: Really! Wow Bella, cool.
Bella: Uh-huh, hees blue.
Me: A blue elephant, that's great Bella! What's his name?
Bella: Uh-huh, hees name is Isabella Gwace Tilly.
Me: Oh yeah? What a beautiful name.
Bella: Yep, hees bootiful. An he likes chocwat.
Me: Chocolate Bella?
Bella: Uh-huh. An when we get home, I need to give heem one.
Me: Oh you do huh?
Bella: Yes. He peed.
Me: Oh, ok. I get it.
Bella: But...but I need to give da chocwat to heem.
Me: Ok.
Bella: An you need to go in da udder woom.
Or this one
Scene- Tilly Family Living Room, Bella has her "cell phone" up to her ear.
Me: Bella, what are you doing?
Bella: I'm jus talkin to Dad.
Me: Oh yeah, what's Daddy have to say?
Bella: Um...he says hees gonna bwing me a wowitoe.
Me: A burrito? That sounds good. What else is Daddy saying?
Bella: He says dat you needa go to time out Mom.
Me: What? Why do I need to go to time out?
Bella: Because you was naughty.
Me: I was not Bella. You are the naughty one.
Bella: Daddy jus said now you needa spankin.
Me: A spankin! Your nuts.
Bella: No Momma, Daddy says you cwazy or sumfin. (A quote from Channing in their video together, you can watch it...see a few posts back.)
Me: I'm crazy or somthin? I think your crazy or somethin.
Bella: Ok, fine. Now you godda go night-night Mom. Daddy says.
Here are some of the latest.
Scene- In my car, headed back home from the Argyle Campus
Bella: Momma! I see a ewaphant!
Me: An elephant! Where Bella?
Bella: Wite dayer on da gwass!!!
Me: Really! Wow Bella, cool.
Bella: Uh-huh, hees blue.
Me: A blue elephant, that's great Bella! What's his name?
Bella: Uh-huh, hees name is Isabella Gwace Tilly.
Me: Oh yeah? What a beautiful name.
Bella: Yep, hees bootiful. An he likes chocwat.
Me: Chocolate Bella?
Bella: Uh-huh. An when we get home, I need to give heem one.
Me: Oh you do huh?
Bella: Yes. He peed.
Me: Oh, ok. I get it.
Bella: But...but I need to give da chocwat to heem.
Me: Ok.
Bella: An you need to go in da udder woom.
Or this one
Scene- Tilly Family Living Room, Bella has her "cell phone" up to her ear.
Me: Bella, what are you doing?
Bella: I'm jus talkin to Dad.
Me: Oh yeah, what's Daddy have to say?
Bella: Um...he says hees gonna bwing me a wowitoe.
Me: A burrito? That sounds good. What else is Daddy saying?
Bella: He says dat you needa go to time out Mom.
Me: What? Why do I need to go to time out?
Bella: Because you was naughty.
Me: I was not Bella. You are the naughty one.
Bella: Daddy jus said now you needa spankin.
Me: A spankin! Your nuts.
Bella: No Momma, Daddy says you cwazy or sumfin. (A quote from Channing in their video together, you can watch it...see a few posts back.)
Me: I'm crazy or somthin? I think your crazy or somethin.
Bella: Ok, fine. Now you godda go night-night Mom. Daddy says.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Monster
So monsters are the new thing, but with Bella it's not in a scary way. In fact, being the complex child that Bella is she only acts like she is scared of monsters. For a while she has been talking about a monster in her closet, but the other night she decided it was time for them to make an appearance. She came running into the room yelling "Ahhhhhhhhh" at the top of her lungs and stopped dead in her tracks in the entry way. With those big brown eyes about to pop out of her head, the following took place:
Andy: What is it Bella?
Bella: Dere's a monster in my woom Dad.
Andy: Bella, there are no monsters in your room.
Bella: I said dere's a monster in my woom Dad, wight dayer!! AHHHHHHH!!
Andy: Ok, if there is a monster in your room then prove it.
Andy thought he had out-smarted Bella, however she was about to beat him at his own game. She then directed him to each room in the house in search of the monster.
Bella's room- No monster
Bella's closet- No monster
Guest room #1- No monster
Guest room #1 closet- No monster
Guest room #2- No monster
Guest room #2 closet- No monster
Our room- No monster
Our closet- No monster
Andy: Ok, Bella I told you there were no monsters.
Bella: Ummm, he is on da potty. He needed to pee Dad.
Guest bathroom- No monster
Andy: See Bella, there is no monster on the potty.
Bella: He likes Momma's potty Dad. It's nice and warm in dayer.
It was then that Andy drew the line. As Bella ran back to me on the couch it was clear to me that she felt triumphant. Daddy had chosen not to prove that the monster was not sitting on my toilet, thus to her, he very well could have been.
Me: Well, where's the monster Bella?
Bella: Um...he's on yo potty mom.
Me: He is? You want me to go get him?
Bella: No Mom, don't go get heem. He's poopin.
Andy: What is it Bella?
Bella: Dere's a monster in my woom Dad.
Andy: Bella, there are no monsters in your room.
Bella: I said dere's a monster in my woom Dad, wight dayer!! AHHHHHHH!!
Andy: Ok, if there is a monster in your room then prove it.
Andy thought he had out-smarted Bella, however she was about to beat him at his own game. She then directed him to each room in the house in search of the monster.
Bella's room- No monster
Bella's closet- No monster
Guest room #1- No monster
Guest room #1 closet- No monster
Guest room #2- No monster
Guest room #2 closet- No monster
Our room- No monster
Our closet- No monster
Andy: Ok, Bella I told you there were no monsters.
Bella: Ummm, he is on da potty. He needed to pee Dad.
Guest bathroom- No monster
Andy: See Bella, there is no monster on the potty.
Bella: He likes Momma's potty Dad. It's nice and warm in dayer.
It was then that Andy drew the line. As Bella ran back to me on the couch it was clear to me that she felt triumphant. Daddy had chosen not to prove that the monster was not sitting on my toilet, thus to her, he very well could have been.
Me: Well, where's the monster Bella?
Bella: Um...he's on yo potty mom.
Me: He is? You want me to go get him?
Bella: No Mom, don't go get heem. He's poopin.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Whisper Game
The following post is not meant to be offensive to people in wheelchairs in any way. If you think you are someone who might be offended easily at this matter, just pass this post on by.
Ok, so this morning once again I am in Albertson's on Loop 288 in Denton. Yes, this is the same place that humiliation has plagued me at the hand of the adorable, very well spoken and innocent little girl. This morning had all of the makings of the most embarrassing few seconds of my life, however in my effort to save myself or someone else the humiliation I seem to have stumbled across a way of stopping the problem dead in its tracks while still allowing my free-thinking 2 1/2 year old to express herself...
As we strolled through the produce section (which still makes me nervous after the whole "bear incident") when I saw a man in a wheelchair. We exchanged smiles and "Good Mornings" and I kept moving on. However as I glanced at Bella I noticed that this had definitely caught her attention. I watched her little eyes studying this man who was in what I am sure she thought was very interesting. Since I love to watch my sweet baby spin her little wheels in her head as she tries to figure something out, I sat for a few seconds and watched her think, and think, and think. But then it hit me...
Sweet Father in Heaven, please do not let Bella say anything that is going to hurt this guy's feelings. Like really, please.
Right about that moment, the man slightly changed the angle of his chair. I saw then that both of his legs had been amputated at the knee. Normally this would not have struck me in any way, however I realized then that Bella had zeroed in on the fact that something was very different here. Holy crap, what is she going to say. I immediately sprung into action in true mother fashion and whispered gently in her ear...
Me: We are going to play the whisper game now Bella. Can you do that?
Bella (In her best whisper voice): Ok Momma. I can do dat.
Me: So anything you want to ask Mommy, you need to whisper it ok?
Bella (with her eyes still locked on the man in the wheelchair): Ok Mom. But...but...
Me: But what Bella? You can talk to Momma. Just WHISPER.
Bella: Ok, but Momma...Wher'd heez legs go?
Me: Good whispering Bella. Keep it up.
Bella: But...but, is dey hiding?
Me: Bella, he may have gotten a bad boo-boo on his legs and they had to go away.
Bella: Can I hep him find dem?
Me: That's sweet Bella, but I think he is ok. Alright?
Bella: Ok Mom. But if I find dem, I can give dem to him?
Me: Yes Bella, if you find them you can give them back to him.
So I seemingly avoided what could have been an extremely awkward situation all with quick thinking. The Whisper Game is going to be a staple with Bella in social situations from now on. Let's just hope it works. I finally left that Albertson's with my head hanging high and knowing that my innocent little girl had not unknowingly insulted anyone or made me look like an idiot. It was a proud morning for me.
Ok, so this morning once again I am in Albertson's on Loop 288 in Denton. Yes, this is the same place that humiliation has plagued me at the hand of the adorable, very well spoken and innocent little girl. This morning had all of the makings of the most embarrassing few seconds of my life, however in my effort to save myself or someone else the humiliation I seem to have stumbled across a way of stopping the problem dead in its tracks while still allowing my free-thinking 2 1/2 year old to express herself...
As we strolled through the produce section (which still makes me nervous after the whole "bear incident") when I saw a man in a wheelchair. We exchanged smiles and "Good Mornings" and I kept moving on. However as I glanced at Bella I noticed that this had definitely caught her attention. I watched her little eyes studying this man who was in what I am sure she thought was very interesting. Since I love to watch my sweet baby spin her little wheels in her head as she tries to figure something out, I sat for a few seconds and watched her think, and think, and think. But then it hit me...
Sweet Father in Heaven, please do not let Bella say anything that is going to hurt this guy's feelings. Like really, please.
Right about that moment, the man slightly changed the angle of his chair. I saw then that both of his legs had been amputated at the knee. Normally this would not have struck me in any way, however I realized then that Bella had zeroed in on the fact that something was very different here. Holy crap, what is she going to say. I immediately sprung into action in true mother fashion and whispered gently in her ear...
Me: We are going to play the whisper game now Bella. Can you do that?
Bella (In her best whisper voice): Ok Momma. I can do dat.
Me: So anything you want to ask Mommy, you need to whisper it ok?
Bella (with her eyes still locked on the man in the wheelchair): Ok Mom. But...but...
Me: But what Bella? You can talk to Momma. Just WHISPER.
Bella: Ok, but Momma...Wher'd heez legs go?
Me: Good whispering Bella. Keep it up.
Bella: But...but, is dey hiding?
Me: Bella, he may have gotten a bad boo-boo on his legs and they had to go away.
Bella: Can I hep him find dem?
Me: That's sweet Bella, but I think he is ok. Alright?
Bella: Ok Mom. But if I find dem, I can give dem to him?
Me: Yes Bella, if you find them you can give them back to him.
So I seemingly avoided what could have been an extremely awkward situation all with quick thinking. The Whisper Game is going to be a staple with Bella in social situations from now on. Let's just hope it works. I finally left that Albertson's with my head hanging high and knowing that my innocent little girl had not unknowingly insulted anyone or made me look like an idiot. It was a proud morning for me.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Notice Anything?
The Schedule below was taken from the official handbook for Falls Creek 2008. On the very last page of the handbook is a listing of the speakers who will be featured at Falls Creek 2009.
Notice Anything?
June 8-12 Week 3 Falls Creek: Jeff Johson, Praise and Worship
Dave Edwards, Evening Speaker
June 15-19 Week 4 Falls Creek: Kyle Cantrell, Praise and Worship
Ronnie Hill, Evening Speaker
June 22-26 Week 5 Falls Creek: Dutton Band, Praise and Worship
Andy Tilly, Evening Speaker
June 29-July 3 Week 6 Falls Creek: Dutton Band, Praise and Worship
Lance Shumake, Evening Speaker
July 6-10 Week 7 Falls Creek: Matt Papa, Praise and Worship
Tony Nolan, Evening Speaker
That's right folks. He's gonna be at FALLS CREEK!!!
Notice Anything?
June 8-12 Week 3 Falls Creek: Jeff Johson, Praise and Worship
Dave Edwards, Evening Speaker
June 15-19 Week 4 Falls Creek: Kyle Cantrell, Praise and Worship
Ronnie Hill, Evening Speaker
June 22-26 Week 5 Falls Creek: Dutton Band, Praise and Worship
Andy Tilly, Evening Speaker
June 29-July 3 Week 6 Falls Creek: Dutton Band, Praise and Worship
Lance Shumake, Evening Speaker
July 6-10 Week 7 Falls Creek: Matt Papa, Praise and Worship
Tony Nolan, Evening Speaker
That's right folks. He's gonna be at FALLS CREEK!!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Great Video of Bella and Channing
Ok, so if you want to see something funny...our little Channing Kuykendall and Bella at their best, go watch this video on Robbie's blog. I think it's priceless...
http://kuykendall.wordpress.com/
http://kuykendall.wordpress.com/
Monday, June 9, 2008
If You're Gonna Hide...
Having a tiny-sized child definitely has it's interesting little additions to everyday life. For instance the random person thinking my child is the smartest 1 1/2 year old they have ever met, only to find out that they are indeed a year off in the age estimate. But in addition to the random awkwardness of this type of conversation with a perfect stranger, there are a few size related issues that can be a little scary and quite hilarious at the same time. Example: The ability to hide in the most non-obvious of places. Granted sometimes Bella does consider it "hiding" when she simply throws a blanket over her head on the couch as Andy comes in the door from work and remains convinced that he cannot see her until she rips the blanket from her head screams at the top of her lungs.
But when she does decide to really, really hide it can get a little scary for me being that she can fit in places that you wouldn't normally think of. The hamper, Andy's suitcase, inside one of the kitchen cabinets to name a few. There is one spot that she has chosen to favor more than all of the other which is simple to point out now, however the first few times she tried it out it literally took me 20 minutes to find her. You see, Bella can not only fit into small places, she also has possesses a unique skill for a 2 1/2 year old in which she can remain perfectly silent as her tiny little body is tucked away waiting for me to stumble across her. She waits in anticipation for the second when I let out my fake scream of terror at which time she let's out her most fearsome ROOOOAAAAR that happens to be her impression of Sully on Monster's Inc.
Today Bella was in this new favorite spot which happens to be tucked behind the clothes on the lower rack of our rather large walk-in closet. Most kids you would spot right off of the bat, yet Bella can tuck so far back in there and she uses her skilled little hands to steady the movement of the clothes around her to be sure there is no hint of her to be found. Since I know this spot well now, even though she switches up which part of the closet she hides in I knew exactly where she ran ran off to after I stripped her of her Pull-Up this morning. However today it was quite humorous the series of events that followed her hiding session. I did my normal routine where I state a few times "Where did Bella go?? I hope she doesn't scare me!!" This time as she emerged from her hiding place once she knew she was caught I noticed that one of my tennis shoes was following her. As she took a few more steps she also realized that something had decided to join her to come and scare Mommy. She quickly reached the level of a slight freak out that then turned into an all out panic as she frantically turned in circles trying to get rid of this object that was following her at a fierce pace. She had no idea what was going on and kept screaming
"Da shoo is twying to get me Mommy!!! Is a SHOO MONSTER MOMMY!!!"
However I could easily see the problem...and it was truly hilarious. Now, Bella knows NOT to pee-pee on the floor. However it seems that the need to "go" had hit her right in the middle of her hiding time. Due to her stubborn nature she chose to not just make the 6 step run to the potty out of principle for the task at hand. Instead she chose to simply wiggle around on the closet floor to try and stop the natural "flow" of things. Yet apparently during her un-controlled wiggling in efforts to stay hidden and not pee on the floor at the same time she seemed to have great success in snuggling the shoelace of one of my tennis shoes to lay directly between her 2 tiny little butt cheeks just like a big piece of dental floss. Being that I wear a size 5 shoe, it was not hard to see how this tiny hiney could have such a great grip on a worn out Nike, especially in the midst of a panic episode.
Moral of the story: If you're gonna hide, you better put some pants on or at least head to the potty first.
But when she does decide to really, really hide it can get a little scary for me being that she can fit in places that you wouldn't normally think of. The hamper, Andy's suitcase, inside one of the kitchen cabinets to name a few. There is one spot that she has chosen to favor more than all of the other which is simple to point out now, however the first few times she tried it out it literally took me 20 minutes to find her. You see, Bella can not only fit into small places, she also has possesses a unique skill for a 2 1/2 year old in which she can remain perfectly silent as her tiny little body is tucked away waiting for me to stumble across her. She waits in anticipation for the second when I let out my fake scream of terror at which time she let's out her most fearsome ROOOOAAAAR that happens to be her impression of Sully on Monster's Inc.
Today Bella was in this new favorite spot which happens to be tucked behind the clothes on the lower rack of our rather large walk-in closet. Most kids you would spot right off of the bat, yet Bella can tuck so far back in there and she uses her skilled little hands to steady the movement of the clothes around her to be sure there is no hint of her to be found. Since I know this spot well now, even though she switches up which part of the closet she hides in I knew exactly where she ran ran off to after I stripped her of her Pull-Up this morning. However today it was quite humorous the series of events that followed her hiding session. I did my normal routine where I state a few times "Where did Bella go?? I hope she doesn't scare me!!" This time as she emerged from her hiding place once she knew she was caught I noticed that one of my tennis shoes was following her. As she took a few more steps she also realized that something had decided to join her to come and scare Mommy. She quickly reached the level of a slight freak out that then turned into an all out panic as she frantically turned in circles trying to get rid of this object that was following her at a fierce pace. She had no idea what was going on and kept screaming
"Da shoo is twying to get me Mommy!!! Is a SHOO MONSTER MOMMY!!!"
However I could easily see the problem...and it was truly hilarious. Now, Bella knows NOT to pee-pee on the floor. However it seems that the need to "go" had hit her right in the middle of her hiding time. Due to her stubborn nature she chose to not just make the 6 step run to the potty out of principle for the task at hand. Instead she chose to simply wiggle around on the closet floor to try and stop the natural "flow" of things. Yet apparently during her un-controlled wiggling in efforts to stay hidden and not pee on the floor at the same time she seemed to have great success in snuggling the shoelace of one of my tennis shoes to lay directly between her 2 tiny little butt cheeks just like a big piece of dental floss. Being that I wear a size 5 shoe, it was not hard to see how this tiny hiney could have such a great grip on a worn out Nike, especially in the midst of a panic episode.
Moral of the story: If you're gonna hide, you better put some pants on or at least head to the potty first.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The One About the Fence
Andy took a much needed few days up at a cabin North of McKinney to do some fishing and relaxing. After 2 nights he decided that he wanted to stay one more night but he wanted me to come and spend it with him. Such a doll that husband of mine. Such a doll...
Anyway, here is what Andy did:
And here is what I did:
What you see here might only look like scratches, however in actuality it is 1/2 inch deep puncture wound in the back of my calf muscle accompanied by 3 gashes in my leg and knee. There was an incident with a barbed-wire fence, my hands were too full to catch myself...and as I fell with force of my entire body weight onto the rusty fence, the entire barb decided to settle nicely directly in the back of my leg. 4 days later, the entire portion of my leg is a shade of black that to me would normally indicate a form of the plague. However Dr. Josh Clark at the ER Care Clinic down the street from our house assures me that the maximum strength anti-biotic and emergency tetanus shot that I received on Sunday should take care of everything.
For the Record: I did not cry. I did not return to the cabin. I did not ask Andy to go and get me a bandage to seal up the gaping whole in the back of my leg. I got a piece of semi-clean ice from our cooler and after the bleeding stopped waddled my way through waist high grass only to watch Andy catch one fish after another that of which he had me repeatedly take pictures of.
The 1 and only fish that I did catch was too small to even get out the camera for however I did receive a new nickname from my husband...
Barb
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Interpretations of Lyrics. Author: Bella Tilly
Well, Andy came through with the most amazing gift to our home. Hours of Craig's list and a little but of a scary trip to meet a strange man at a storage unit on Garland Road later...Andy has brought music into our home! If you know me, then you know that this new addition has excited me more than just about anything in our new home so far. I Love Music.
I used to think that my mother was crazy for wanting to always have worship music playing throughout the house I grew up in. Yet as an adult living the call that Andy and I have chosen to live, now I can see what just that simple act can do in the environment of our home.
It so happens that Bella loves music does as well. However, due to her limited understanding of what the actual words that make up the lyrics of a song are, she has developed her own interpretation of a few of her favorites that she asks me to play throughout the day. As she hops, jumps, sways and twirls in circles until she inevitably runs into the fireplace or the TV, her tiny hands clapping or lifted high in the air, of course as her loving mother I am in awe of the innocence taking place in my living room in its purest form. However having the sense of humor that I do, I can't help but laugh at the words that come out of her mouth as she tries to mimic the words of the song. Here is just a few of her originals:
"Hosanna in da high-chair" (Hosanna in the Highest)
"Hoeding is da door" (Holy is the Lord)
"Is awe because a Jesus I'm a die" (It's all because of Jesus I'm alive)...umm we might need get this one straightened out soon.
"Jesus, u da my bess fwend, you da is a bee" (Jesus, you are my best friend, you will always be)
"Ebwy day is you I dig fo" (Everyday it's You I live for)
And for her favorite non-worship song by Paul Simon...
"You can be my potty barn, I can be da losta towel" (You can be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal)
Yes, that's our Bella.
I used to think that my mother was crazy for wanting to always have worship music playing throughout the house I grew up in. Yet as an adult living the call that Andy and I have chosen to live, now I can see what just that simple act can do in the environment of our home.
It so happens that Bella loves music does as well. However, due to her limited understanding of what the actual words that make up the lyrics of a song are, she has developed her own interpretation of a few of her favorites that she asks me to play throughout the day. As she hops, jumps, sways and twirls in circles until she inevitably runs into the fireplace or the TV, her tiny hands clapping or lifted high in the air, of course as her loving mother I am in awe of the innocence taking place in my living room in its purest form. However having the sense of humor that I do, I can't help but laugh at the words that come out of her mouth as she tries to mimic the words of the song. Here is just a few of her originals:
"Hosanna in da high-chair" (Hosanna in the Highest)
"Hoeding is da door" (Holy is the Lord)
"Is awe because a Jesus I'm a die" (It's all because of Jesus I'm alive)...umm we might need get this one straightened out soon.
"Jesus, u da my bess fwend, you da is a bee" (Jesus, you are my best friend, you will always be)
"Ebwy day is you I dig fo" (Everyday it's You I live for)
And for her favorite non-worship song by Paul Simon...
"You can be my potty barn, I can be da losta towel" (You can be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal)
Yes, that's our Bella.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Favorite Afternoon
So our trip to NYC last weekend, other than making idiots of ourselves as I mentioned in my last post, was nothing short of amazing. We have been so beyond busy the last few months that time having Andy all to myself was awesome. We flew first class, ate great food, had the greatest hotel room, saw Blue Man Group (sat second row), did some shopping and enjoyed the life of The City That Never Sleeps. It was fantastic. But overall, my most favorite part of the trip has now become my most favorite afternoon that I have ever spent with my husband.
If you know Andy and I then it's no secret that our lives are very, very full of many, many things. Andy decided a long time ago that he would maximize each and every opportunity thrown his way to make any impact he can on anyone that he can get his hands on. Marrying him, well this sort of became my lot in life as well but that was no surprise to me. If God has ever made anything crystal clear to me it was the day that He told me that my purpose in life was to bring Him glory and the way He was going to have me do that for the rest of my life was be sold out and dedicated to supporting and loving Andy Tilly and raising any crazy little ones that we may have to follow in their Daddy's foot steps...headed to change the world around them. Even though I had no idea what the future would hold for me, make no mistake about it...I knew that this would not be a normal life with it's challenges and sacrifices, nor would it be one that too many people get to have with it's blessings and experiences. All of this is to say, time...real time with my husband is priceless to me. In fact, I don't even know if priceless can even begin to describe how much I truly treasure any moments I can get where he is just all mine. No emails, no text messages, no talk about the latest book idea or project, no proof-reading our latest book to publish. Just me and Andy taking a walk.
It was after our incident in Central Park when we decided to head to Chelsea Market. I had been super excited to see this place being that above the market is the home of Food Network Studios. So the market was a bit of a disappointment and after I moped all the way through brunch Andy had the idea that we would see where we were on our $7.95 map of NYC (a whole different story) to see how far we would actually have to walk to get back to our hotel in lower Manhattan. It looked a good 3 miles away, but we decided to just walk until we got tired and then we would get a cab. Andy wanted to head to the harbor and then walk south from there. I agreed. As we walked through Greenwich Village it started to cloud up and get a little drizzly. Once we got to the harbor of the Hudson River we turned to the left and just started walking. We talked off and on about things not of any particular significance, which is quite rare for Andy to do. We laughed at some old stories that we hadn’t thought about in a long time. We enjoyed seeing this part of the city, out of the trendy tourist spots…this was just people living everyday life in Manhattan. The air was cool and full of a mix of smells from the stink of the city to the saltiness of the harbor. We came across the most interesting enclosed/outdoor sports complex full of little ones playing soccer at one end and stopped to watch a little league game at the other end. It was a truly amazing thing to stumble upon, you never would have even known it was there.
As we walked and laughed, I hung on Andy’s every word. It was just Em and Andy, in no hurry and with no point in what we were doing at all, and I was going to soak up every single second of it because this was the exact opposite of how our life together has played out so far. Lot’s of people get their time with my amazing husband, this was my turn. Next thing we knew, we had made it the entire way back to the hotel…it had to be at least 3 miles. But as we approached the entrance, even though it was starting to lightly rain again…we kept walking. We rounded the corner and headed to get a slice of authentic New York City pizza, one of my favorite things. Sitting in the drizzle on the steps of some corporate building we finished our pizza and I realized that our afternoon full of things of no particular importance was coming to an end. I looked to my husband, who bless his heart works harder than anyone that I know and thought to myself “Remember this day Emily, when you are frustrated that Andy walks around like a zombie after a 14 hour day. Remember the time he took just for you today when you want to get mad that he has to start a project in the middle of the night because he just can’t stop his wheels from spinning. Don’t forget about this afternoon when you have to go back home and share him with the world again.”
I know it may seem like nothing to most people, but this afternoon with Andy will be with me forever. It was just me and Andy, taking a walk. I had him all to myself and it was fantastic.
If you know Andy and I then it's no secret that our lives are very, very full of many, many things. Andy decided a long time ago that he would maximize each and every opportunity thrown his way to make any impact he can on anyone that he can get his hands on. Marrying him, well this sort of became my lot in life as well but that was no surprise to me. If God has ever made anything crystal clear to me it was the day that He told me that my purpose in life was to bring Him glory and the way He was going to have me do that for the rest of my life was be sold out and dedicated to supporting and loving Andy Tilly and raising any crazy little ones that we may have to follow in their Daddy's foot steps...headed to change the world around them. Even though I had no idea what the future would hold for me, make no mistake about it...I knew that this would not be a normal life with it's challenges and sacrifices, nor would it be one that too many people get to have with it's blessings and experiences. All of this is to say, time...real time with my husband is priceless to me. In fact, I don't even know if priceless can even begin to describe how much I truly treasure any moments I can get where he is just all mine. No emails, no text messages, no talk about the latest book idea or project, no proof-reading our latest book to publish. Just me and Andy taking a walk.
It was after our incident in Central Park when we decided to head to Chelsea Market. I had been super excited to see this place being that above the market is the home of Food Network Studios. So the market was a bit of a disappointment and after I moped all the way through brunch Andy had the idea that we would see where we were on our $7.95 map of NYC (a whole different story) to see how far we would actually have to walk to get back to our hotel in lower Manhattan. It looked a good 3 miles away, but we decided to just walk until we got tired and then we would get a cab. Andy wanted to head to the harbor and then walk south from there. I agreed. As we walked through Greenwich Village it started to cloud up and get a little drizzly. Once we got to the harbor of the Hudson River we turned to the left and just started walking. We talked off and on about things not of any particular significance, which is quite rare for Andy to do. We laughed at some old stories that we hadn’t thought about in a long time. We enjoyed seeing this part of the city, out of the trendy tourist spots…this was just people living everyday life in Manhattan. The air was cool and full of a mix of smells from the stink of the city to the saltiness of the harbor. We came across the most interesting enclosed/outdoor sports complex full of little ones playing soccer at one end and stopped to watch a little league game at the other end. It was a truly amazing thing to stumble upon, you never would have even known it was there.
As we walked and laughed, I hung on Andy’s every word. It was just Em and Andy, in no hurry and with no point in what we were doing at all, and I was going to soak up every single second of it because this was the exact opposite of how our life together has played out so far. Lot’s of people get their time with my amazing husband, this was my turn. Next thing we knew, we had made it the entire way back to the hotel…it had to be at least 3 miles. But as we approached the entrance, even though it was starting to lightly rain again…we kept walking. We rounded the corner and headed to get a slice of authentic New York City pizza, one of my favorite things. Sitting in the drizzle on the steps of some corporate building we finished our pizza and I realized that our afternoon full of things of no particular importance was coming to an end. I looked to my husband, who bless his heart works harder than anyone that I know and thought to myself “Remember this day Emily, when you are frustrated that Andy walks around like a zombie after a 14 hour day. Remember the time he took just for you today when you want to get mad that he has to start a project in the middle of the night because he just can’t stop his wheels from spinning. Don’t forget about this afternoon when you have to go back home and share him with the world again.”
I know it may seem like nothing to most people, but this afternoon with Andy will be with me forever. It was just me and Andy, taking a walk. I had him all to myself and it was fantastic.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
History Makers...or Not Really...
Location: Manhattan, NY- Central Park South Entrance
Time: 8:30 AM EST
Goal: Take a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll through Central Park.
What We Expected to See: Runners, Joggers, Kids with parents, Women with strollers and a few random New Yorkers who would also be out to take a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll through Central Park.
The series of events:
8:30 AM EST: Entered the park and soon found ourselves surrounded by a sea of people rushing towards the top road of the park. Odd? No but not what we expected.
8:35 AM EST: Found the path less traveled and headed deeper into the park.
8:40-8:55 AM EST: Took a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll in Central Park.
9:00 AM EST: Alerted by the booming sound of voices and cheering over a loud PA system a few minutes from us.
9:01 AM EST: Andy had to check it out...maybe it was a church service??
9:10 AM EST: The crowd around us began to change. Hundreds of people were now in view. Lots of guys holding hands with guys, girls doing the same as well. People in matching shirts. Signs every now and then.
Thoughts for the moment: "Hmmm, this is a little odd. I am pretty sure this isn't going to be a church service. But hey, it's Manhattan so it's not like this is too far out there for Manhattan right? I mean, none of this is too strange, like crazy strange. Let's keep going and see what's happening here."
9:25 AM EST: Bruce Villanche (from Hollywood Squares) and Hal Sparks (from various TV shows such as I Love the 80's) take the stage.
The Opening Line: "Let's just take a minute to celebrate what has gone on recently with the advancements in the rights of Gay Marriage people!!!! Let's also take a minute to be sad for those who settled for members of the opposite sex and hate it."
Thoughts for the moment: "Ok, well...this might get a little awkward...but ok that's a big issue throughout America for some people so I get it. I mean once again this is NYC right?"
9:35 AM EST: For the first time we actually begin to survey the area around us.
9:37 AM EST: A bright green sign reading "Condoms Save Lives." Not too strange for me, I get that.
9:38 AM EST: A tall man (or woman) dressed in an outfit that resembled a large banana suit, which I later realized was indeed not a banana suit at all. Ok, this is getting a little odd.
9:40 AM EST: A bald man, wearing the slip of a wedding gown, with nipples drawn on his sleeveless t-shirt, sporting a pink stick-on beard on his chin, pushing a gold spray painted grocery cart loaded with trash bags and a small chihuahua who was dressed in a dog-sized clown outfit, all while keeping a parakeet perfectly balanced on the man's head. Side Note: Andy seemed to think that the clown-suited dog was the only thing odd about this guy as he passed us...which I found kind of humorous and a little scary at the same time. Ok, this was getting weird.
9:45 AM EST: A glance past the same sex couples, the cross-dressing man with the bird on his head and the huge gospel choir (yep, they were there too) revealed literally thousands of people gathered in groups at the back of the clearing. When I say thousands, I mean thousands.
The realization of the morning begins to come from the stage:
"Welcome to all of you who have joined us today. (Crowd of thousands goes wild.) Thank you so much for being here to participate. This is one of the largest events in Manhattan and YOU are all a part of it."
Me: Ok, participate...Ummm Andy I think it's time to go.
Andy: Yes babe, let's get out of here before we get run over. I think we are standing on the starting line for whatever this is. Huh, isn't that odd?
9:50 AM EST: We head to exit the park. Happy for those who were walking for a good cause however I was feeling quite out of my element. That's just the truth of it folks.
10:00 AM EST: We find ourselves being cheered for and clapped at as we are mistaken for 2 dedicated Walkers being that we chose to take the path out out of the park that was the actual route for the Walk. (In retrospect I think we need to pay more attention...I get that now.)
10:10 AM EST: Cheers in our direction turn to scowls and "you know where you can go buddy" looks as we actually, it needs to be admitted, wiggle past the barricade set to keep the route in place for the Walk and truck it out of the park.
10:15 AM EST: We noticed, for the first time signs up and down the streets of the city,
Sunday, May 18th 2008
Central Park, Manhattan
New York City Aids Walk
In one light: Andy and I were a part of one of the largest events in Manhattan and did something to make a statement for a good cause. We were a part of history!
In another: We were 2 people from the Bible Belt who even though believed in the cause, were admittedly out of our element and I had never been so nervous of getting slapped in the face by a man dressed from head to toe in the latest styles from the Gap.
Time: 8:30 AM EST
Goal: Take a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll through Central Park.
What We Expected to See: Runners, Joggers, Kids with parents, Women with strollers and a few random New Yorkers who would also be out to take a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll through Central Park.
The series of events:
8:30 AM EST: Entered the park and soon found ourselves surrounded by a sea of people rushing towards the top road of the park. Odd? No but not what we expected.
8:35 AM EST: Found the path less traveled and headed deeper into the park.
8:40-8:55 AM EST: Took a relaxing and romantic Sunday morning stroll in Central Park.
9:00 AM EST: Alerted by the booming sound of voices and cheering over a loud PA system a few minutes from us.
9:01 AM EST: Andy had to check it out...maybe it was a church service??
9:10 AM EST: The crowd around us began to change. Hundreds of people were now in view. Lots of guys holding hands with guys, girls doing the same as well. People in matching shirts. Signs every now and then.
Thoughts for the moment: "Hmmm, this is a little odd. I am pretty sure this isn't going to be a church service. But hey, it's Manhattan so it's not like this is too far out there for Manhattan right? I mean, none of this is too strange, like crazy strange. Let's keep going and see what's happening here."
9:25 AM EST: Bruce Villanche (from Hollywood Squares) and Hal Sparks (from various TV shows such as I Love the 80's) take the stage.
The Opening Line: "Let's just take a minute to celebrate what has gone on recently with the advancements in the rights of Gay Marriage people!!!! Let's also take a minute to be sad for those who settled for members of the opposite sex and hate it."
Thoughts for the moment: "Ok, well...this might get a little awkward...but ok that's a big issue throughout America for some people so I get it. I mean once again this is NYC right?"
9:35 AM EST: For the first time we actually begin to survey the area around us.
9:37 AM EST: A bright green sign reading "Condoms Save Lives." Not too strange for me, I get that.
9:38 AM EST: A tall man (or woman) dressed in an outfit that resembled a large banana suit, which I later realized was indeed not a banana suit at all. Ok, this is getting a little odd.
9:40 AM EST: A bald man, wearing the slip of a wedding gown, with nipples drawn on his sleeveless t-shirt, sporting a pink stick-on beard on his chin, pushing a gold spray painted grocery cart loaded with trash bags and a small chihuahua who was dressed in a dog-sized clown outfit, all while keeping a parakeet perfectly balanced on the man's head. Side Note: Andy seemed to think that the clown-suited dog was the only thing odd about this guy as he passed us...which I found kind of humorous and a little scary at the same time. Ok, this was getting weird.
9:45 AM EST: A glance past the same sex couples, the cross-dressing man with the bird on his head and the huge gospel choir (yep, they were there too) revealed literally thousands of people gathered in groups at the back of the clearing. When I say thousands, I mean thousands.
The realization of the morning begins to come from the stage:
"Welcome to all of you who have joined us today. (Crowd of thousands goes wild.) Thank you so much for being here to participate. This is one of the largest events in Manhattan and YOU are all a part of it."
Me: Ok, participate...Ummm Andy I think it's time to go.
Andy: Yes babe, let's get out of here before we get run over. I think we are standing on the starting line for whatever this is. Huh, isn't that odd?
9:50 AM EST: We head to exit the park. Happy for those who were walking for a good cause however I was feeling quite out of my element. That's just the truth of it folks.
10:00 AM EST: We find ourselves being cheered for and clapped at as we are mistaken for 2 dedicated Walkers being that we chose to take the path out out of the park that was the actual route for the Walk. (In retrospect I think we need to pay more attention...I get that now.)
10:10 AM EST: Cheers in our direction turn to scowls and "you know where you can go buddy" looks as we actually, it needs to be admitted, wiggle past the barricade set to keep the route in place for the Walk and truck it out of the park.
10:15 AM EST: We noticed, for the first time signs up and down the streets of the city,
Sunday, May 18th 2008
Central Park, Manhattan
New York City Aids Walk
In one light: Andy and I were a part of one of the largest events in Manhattan and did something to make a statement for a good cause. We were a part of history!
In another: We were 2 people from the Bible Belt who even though believed in the cause, were admittedly out of our element and I had never been so nervous of getting slapped in the face by a man dressed from head to toe in the latest styles from the Gap.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Innocence...and a little more humiliation
So even though I vowed never to return to the Albertson's on the loop in Denton after Bella's last stunt there...it's just so darn close that 2 days ago I ended up there once again. However I was holding my breath that Jeff from register 7 would not be there, of course he was indeed...he is always there. Why couldn't Bella have picked the flaky, dirty girl who never seems to show up for work to humiliate me in front of rather than the employee with the best attendance of all time???!!
Anyway, so Bella and I are rushing through picking up just a few things. I figured what could she possibly do in 20 minutes at 8:00 in the morning...I now know that I grossly underestimate my daughter's ability to make every situation the most time efficient as possible to accomplish her goals. (Sounds like her Daddy to me...)
Headed to the produce section to pick up a few bags of salad (horribly over priced by the way and if I ever get ecoli...I am gonna be ticked) Bella does a double take at a large man standing at the tomato and avocado section. Nothing abnormal right? Sure, if you are not a 2 year old with a big mouth. There was nothing strange about the man to me as I see people with dark skin, light skin, yellow skin all the time. However not only was this the darkest (I mean DARK) black man that I had ever seen, he also had a huge bushy black beard and a head of bushy black hair to match. All I thought as we passed him was "Man, I bet he gets pretty hot in the summer time with all of that hair and beard." Bella on the other hand had eyes about to pop out of her head in silent awe until she suddenly blurted out
"Mommy, DERE SA BEAR IN DA GWOSHWY STORE!!"
I don't think that I can accurately describe the level of humiliation that I felt at that very moment. Yet it was about to get worse...
I said in a hushed voice directly in her tiny little face "Bella, Look at me right now. Do NOT say that again. That is a not a bear".
Bless her heart, just like when she spots a bug on the back porch and I can't see it...she was ready to try her hardest to get Mommy to see that there was indeed a bear in the grocery store.
"No, right dere Mommy! I see it! It's a bear in da gwoshwy store!!"
Her eyes were huge with excitement and fear. I on the other hand felt such an intense shade of red all over my entire body that I feared I was going to ignite right there on the spot. This was worse than the tooting incident. Worse that the Dr's office asking everyone as they came out of the bathroom if they had pooped or not. Worse than her pulling 1/2 of my boob out of my shirt in front of about 20 people after Andy had just finished speaking. Even worse than the day I started my...girly monthly visitor and our school secretary who was a little hard of hearing marched from classroom to classroom, each one full of my peers, announcing that "Emily Kuykendall is out here in the hallway and she needs a Kotex."
This was worse than all of that. I was so nervous that she had offended this guy and here I was with the racist 2 year old! However, the truth of the matter was that this was nothing but innocence at its finest. Bella sees people with different skin than hers all of time and it has never even crossed her mind to think of that as strange. But this guy...not to be rude, really did resemble slightly to me and for sure to the 2 year old mind a bushy, hairy, dark bear ready to make some guacamole.
To end the story, this guy (thank the Lord!!) actually got quite a kick out of Bella's analyzing him and in fact turned to her with a huge grin and gave her a little growl. All I can figure is this was not the first time that this had ever happened to him. Nonetheless I was still so embarrassed and high-tailed it to the check out for fear of what she might say next. I was just waiting for someone in a wheel chair to come around the corner and have Bella need to give her 2 cents about them as well...again in innocence, but geez kid!
As we get in the car, I am still reeling from the entire incident what does Bella have to say about the recent turn of events?
"Does bears eat tomatoes Mommy?"
"I don't know Bella...I bet they probably do."
"I tink dey do Mommy. I tink dey do."
Anyway, so Bella and I are rushing through picking up just a few things. I figured what could she possibly do in 20 minutes at 8:00 in the morning...I now know that I grossly underestimate my daughter's ability to make every situation the most time efficient as possible to accomplish her goals. (Sounds like her Daddy to me...)
Headed to the produce section to pick up a few bags of salad (horribly over priced by the way and if I ever get ecoli...I am gonna be ticked) Bella does a double take at a large man standing at the tomato and avocado section. Nothing abnormal right? Sure, if you are not a 2 year old with a big mouth. There was nothing strange about the man to me as I see people with dark skin, light skin, yellow skin all the time. However not only was this the darkest (I mean DARK) black man that I had ever seen, he also had a huge bushy black beard and a head of bushy black hair to match. All I thought as we passed him was "Man, I bet he gets pretty hot in the summer time with all of that hair and beard." Bella on the other hand had eyes about to pop out of her head in silent awe until she suddenly blurted out
"Mommy, DERE SA BEAR IN DA GWOSHWY STORE!!"
I don't think that I can accurately describe the level of humiliation that I felt at that very moment. Yet it was about to get worse...
I said in a hushed voice directly in her tiny little face "Bella, Look at me right now. Do NOT say that again. That is a not a bear".
Bless her heart, just like when she spots a bug on the back porch and I can't see it...she was ready to try her hardest to get Mommy to see that there was indeed a bear in the grocery store.
"No, right dere Mommy! I see it! It's a bear in da gwoshwy store!!"
Her eyes were huge with excitement and fear. I on the other hand felt such an intense shade of red all over my entire body that I feared I was going to ignite right there on the spot. This was worse than the tooting incident. Worse that the Dr's office asking everyone as they came out of the bathroom if they had pooped or not. Worse than her pulling 1/2 of my boob out of my shirt in front of about 20 people after Andy had just finished speaking. Even worse than the day I started my...girly monthly visitor and our school secretary who was a little hard of hearing marched from classroom to classroom, each one full of my peers, announcing that "Emily Kuykendall is out here in the hallway and she needs a Kotex."
This was worse than all of that. I was so nervous that she had offended this guy and here I was with the racist 2 year old! However, the truth of the matter was that this was nothing but innocence at its finest. Bella sees people with different skin than hers all of time and it has never even crossed her mind to think of that as strange. But this guy...not to be rude, really did resemble slightly to me and for sure to the 2 year old mind a bushy, hairy, dark bear ready to make some guacamole.
To end the story, this guy (thank the Lord!!) actually got quite a kick out of Bella's analyzing him and in fact turned to her with a huge grin and gave her a little growl. All I can figure is this was not the first time that this had ever happened to him. Nonetheless I was still so embarrassed and high-tailed it to the check out for fear of what she might say next. I was just waiting for someone in a wheel chair to come around the corner and have Bella need to give her 2 cents about them as well...again in innocence, but geez kid!
As we get in the car, I am still reeling from the entire incident what does Bella have to say about the recent turn of events?
"Does bears eat tomatoes Mommy?"
"I don't know Bella...I bet they probably do."
"I tink dey do Mommy. I tink dey do."
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The Joys of Parenting Part 1
So many things happen as parents that I think are probably hilarious to others. In fact, I think that it is quite humorous when I see some kid in the grocery store pull down his Mom's skirt with his feet as he is riding in the grocery cart. However to the parents of the misbehaving child...it can be difficult to find the humor. So here is my first entry about the many joys of parenting...when your kids just don't so what they should in the most inopportune times.
So if you have read my other stories about Bella then you know by now that she happens to have picked up the English language in a way that has honestly amazed me. My sweet little girl, so an assuming with those big brown eyes and her wispy hair (which yes, I am aware is slightly beginning to resemble a tiny mullet). I know that I am not just saying this as her mom, Bella can seriously put together complete thoughts and sentences better than any other kid her age I have ever met. My Mom (awesome woman by the way and if you don't know her, you are missing out) any way my Mom brought it to my attention the other day that when I was a kid my teachers would always comment on my use of big words. So I guess it's kind of similar to Bella's knack for speech. She also seems to have inherited her Momma's creative childhood imagination when it comes to thinking quick on her feet. When I was in pre-school I sat at the lunch table with a single chip in my lunchbox. To avoid getting in trouble for the fact that I had already snuck off and ate my lunch, when the teacher asked me where my lunch was I told her that my parents lock me up under the stairs and that they do not let me eat. We didn't even have any stairs. According to my Aunt I also felt the need to add that this abuse was the reason that I was such a small child. So I can see where she gets it.
There is a certain delicate beauty to the combination of these 2 things. Having a child who can speak extremely well who also has a pretty good imagination can be entertaining and humiliating at the same time. Case-in-point: We are in Albertson's picking up the stuff to cook lunch for Andy's youth and kids teams. As it becomes our turn the young man, Jeff, at the register smiles and gives Bella a little wave. She pretends to be shy of course (the act begins). Once he stopped paying attention to her she decided that she needed just a little more from him.
So if you have read my other stories about Bella then you know by now that she happens to have picked up the English language in a way that has honestly amazed me. My sweet little girl, so an assuming with those big brown eyes and her wispy hair (which yes, I am aware is slightly beginning to resemble a tiny mullet). I know that I am not just saying this as her mom, Bella can seriously put together complete thoughts and sentences better than any other kid her age I have ever met. My Mom (awesome woman by the way and if you don't know her, you are missing out) any way my Mom brought it to my attention the other day that when I was a kid my teachers would always comment on my use of big words. So I guess it's kind of similar to Bella's knack for speech. She also seems to have inherited her Momma's creative childhood imagination when it comes to thinking quick on her feet. When I was in pre-school I sat at the lunch table with a single chip in my lunchbox. To avoid getting in trouble for the fact that I had already snuck off and ate my lunch, when the teacher asked me where my lunch was I told her that my parents lock me up under the stairs and that they do not let me eat. We didn't even have any stairs. According to my Aunt I also felt the need to add that this abuse was the reason that I was such a small child. So I can see where she gets it.
There is a certain delicate beauty to the combination of these 2 things. Having a child who can speak extremely well who also has a pretty good imagination can be entertaining and humiliating at the same time. Case-in-point: We are in Albertson's picking up the stuff to cook lunch for Andy's youth and kids teams. As it becomes our turn the young man, Jeff, at the register smiles and gives Bella a little wave. She pretends to be shy of course (the act begins). Once he stopped paying attention to her she decided that she needed just a little more from him.
"Mommy tooted in the car" she spouts out.
I tried hard to pretend as if I did not know what she had just said hoping that he was not skilled at translating 2-year old. However the kid talks so freakin good...who was I kidding. The guy couldn't have been any older that 19 so of course this was funny to him. His reply "Oh yeah?" followed by stifled laughter by not only him but the 15 year old packing up my groceries.
Bella, to increase my humiliation just a little more "Uh, huh. We wowed the windows down." Are you kidding me child! What are you trying to do to me??!!
However it was too late at that point. The awkwardness of the situation was quickly over-ridden when my sense of humor kicked back in. It was funny and if it wasn't me it would have been hilarious. The best part folks: I never tooted in the car. The event that she so matter-of-factly told Jeff at Alberston's on loop 288 never even happened. I don't know who tooted in the car with Bella and rolled the windows down to alleviate the stink however it was not me. But will I pay the price every time that Jeff is the only register open. Thanks Bella.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Little Girls and Their Daddies
I have the most amazing Dad on the earth. Andy grew up the youngest of 3 boys so he really didn't understand when I have mentioned things about the special bond between Daddies and Daughters. I guess it's fair to say that the bond is only special if it is done right, so maybe special isn't the right word. Maybe influential to life is a better term. Think about it, done wrong (or not done at all) it can create a gaping whole in the middle of who we are but done well it can be the best foundation for who we are going to be in life.
I happen to be someone who was raised with the most amazing, strong and tender father in the world. In my common sense I know that he's not perfect since the fact remains that he is indeed human, but in my heart he absolutely is. As a little girl my Dad was gone a ton. When he would come back into town sometimes he would take me on a date. I can still remember getting dressed up in the fanciest Easter dress that I owned complete with pink pearls ready for a night out at Steak and Ale with my Daddy. I felt pretty...but looking back now I think the reason that memory has stuck with me for so long right next to the times that he would take me to the nicest restaurants in Manhattan and let me order whatever I wanted was not about feeling pretty but about feeling special. I saw my Dad as the single-most powerful person on the planet and for those moments he was interested in me and only me. He was interested in my stories (or at least pretended to be), he laughed at my jokes. He would beam with pride when some waiter would make a comment about how beautiful my big brown eyes were or how shocked they were that I could eat more than a grown man. I used to love it (and still do) when people would tell me that I looked just like him. It was just one more sign that he was my Daddy. In fact as silly as it sounds, I could not be more thrilled that Bella looks just like him too. Goes to show you that things girls feel when they are little don't always get erased with logic and responsibility. I think its safe to say that some of the saddest moments in my life have been when I knew that I let him down or hurt him. I feel the same way when I know that I have done or said something rotten to Andy.
I have begun to get so excited about the bond that Andy and Bella will have. Granted he does send her screaming and running out of the room when he walks in the door half of the time. But I think he is learning that it's not because she wants to get away from him but only to give her some attention. It's like her funny little way of saying come chase me, pick me up and launch me onto the bed way too hard, then tickle and kiss me under my chin until I am about to throw up from laughing too hard. When I watch the 2 of them sometimes my mind goes to the days when Bella will be backstage watching her Daddy speak to thousands of people, seeing God use him to change lives. I can't wait to see her learn to admire, respect, fear and adore her Daddy the way that I do mine. How awesome will it be to see her huge brown eyes beam with pride when she can say "That's my Daddy" just like I do. Geez how blessed am I to have that in a Father and a husband...pretty amazing.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Freakin Ants
One quick note, what is the deal with the stupid ants in Texas! I have spent almost half of my morning sharing the focus with Bella on her poor little foot that is covered with itchy, red, bumpy blisters! Two days ago, despite the fact that I repeatedly told Bella (and Andy) No Dirt!! not shockingly she ended up squatting with a stick in her tiny hand firmly shoved smack-dab in the middle of an ant pile. By the look of her foot, the ants did not enjoy her visit. But Bella however had the time of her life! If it weren't for the foot covered in blisters you would have no idea that they absolutely bit the crap out of her. The kid didn't even make a peep. Now in my opinion my child happens to have an extremely high pain tolerance. In fact, there was a point when she was a baby (and I had spent entirely too much time alone with a baby, no car and way too much Oprah) that I almost convinced myself that Bella had that rare disease where you never feel any pain.
Side Note to Elaborate: Did anyone else see that Oprah with the kid in the goggles and helmet who had to have her teeth pulled out to keep her from chewing her own tongue off?? I am not making fun, but geez how much would that suck...I mean really.
So anyway, for some reason I started to think that maybe Bella had some sort of neurological disorder that kept her from feeling any pain because even though she was dramatic, stuff didn't seem to hurt like it should. I knew that this was leaning towards the "lady who keeps bags of her kids hair under the bed" life style, so soon after I decided that I needed to limit my Oprah intake. However then I moved onto Little People Big World and what followed was a slight season when I thought that Bella might be an LP. But Andy totally played into that one too so it wasn't just me!
Anyway, all of this is to say that I am counting the minutes until Trey from Adam's Pest Control knocks on my door with his jug of bug killer and eliminates the Tilly Ant Sanctuary in our backyard. And as for the LP thing, everyone assures me that Bella is not a dwarf, just petite.
Side Note to Elaborate: Did anyone else see that Oprah with the kid in the goggles and helmet who had to have her teeth pulled out to keep her from chewing her own tongue off?? I am not making fun, but geez how much would that suck...I mean really.
So anyway, for some reason I started to think that maybe Bella had some sort of neurological disorder that kept her from feeling any pain because even though she was dramatic, stuff didn't seem to hurt like it should. I knew that this was leaning towards the "lady who keeps bags of her kids hair under the bed" life style, so soon after I decided that I needed to limit my Oprah intake. However then I moved onto Little People Big World and what followed was a slight season when I thought that Bella might be an LP. But Andy totally played into that one too so it wasn't just me!
Anyway, all of this is to say that I am counting the minutes until Trey from Adam's Pest Control knocks on my door with his jug of bug killer and eliminates the Tilly Ant Sanctuary in our backyard. And as for the LP thing, everyone assures me that Bella is not a dwarf, just petite.
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