February 28, 2010

Yes, the last day of February... and the kids are outside playing as if it were the end of May! They spent hours outside (in weather that chills me) jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, drawing on the sidewalk, and trying out rollerblades. B and I came out to watch (though I had on a winter coat and gloves!) and I happily snapped a few pictures. (If I can find batteries for the camera that I don't have to charge, it's a banner day.)

End of Febuary

My mind is finding it difficult to grasp that it's already the last day of February. Saying that it is March (tomorrow) changes my perception of how long we have of "life as usual" before life is shaken up by the arrival of a new baby.

I'm not complaining, by any means! My mind, however, can't fathom what that will mean or what it will look like. So, mostly, I don't think much about it.

We have friends whose lives were changed this week when a one month old foster baby arrived at their house with very little notice. I've been encouraged to watch them joyfully and excitedly accept this little girl and the responsibilities that accompany taking care of an infant. Even though I have so much more time to prepare, it is the heart attitude that really makes the difference.

At this point (32 weeks), I still prefer being pregnant to the thought of taking care of a newborn. Labor sounds painful. Nursing sounds painful. Sleep seems too precious. Life already feels hectic enough, with enough laundry and enough mouths to feed and enough little people who all need me.

Thank goodness that pregnancy becomes more and more uncomfortable! As it becomes more difficult to tie my shoes and bend over to pick up toys from the floor, as I toss and turn and hope for a comfortable position in bed, as I visit the restroom constantly, as I feel stifled with a child on my lap. . . my heart grows to anticipate the new one, to embrace the changes from expecting to holding. It's an amazing heart work the Lord does.

Live Today!

"Live one day at a time! Simply striving to bring joy to your Father's heart is enough to keep you occupied. For you know that He loves you, and you will find your peace as you rest in Him."

Frances Roberts in Come Away My Beloved.

Overwhelmed by Grace

We continue to ask the Lord to show us His provision and His care for our needs. I feel so helpless, so dependant... sometimes fearful and discontent.. . sometimes rejoicing in small signs of His love. Today was a day of being overwhelmed by His grace.

My friend, Jaime, wrote to me today: "God's grace, unmerited favor, is beyond fathoming. We don't deserve His grace, but we keep being blessed by it." That was my day; living this blessed grace.

58. A note and a box from a friend brought me to tears. Small things, but such blessing.
59. An opportunity to earn income by teaching a neighbor's child for a few hours a week.
60. Surprise referral. Excited for these children's health!
61. A hope that seemed too big and too impossible. . . suddenly looming possible and near. . . relationship with esteemed saints.
62. Little heel pushing on my hand.
63. Trundle mattress coming tomorrow.
64. Sunshine on my back.
65. Sidewalks clear for biking... the first time in a long time!
66. Family clambering over Brussels sprouts.
67. Options: bananas and apples and oranges for the first time in a long time.
68. T's joy in obeying and exclamation, "Daddy; I obeyed right away!"
69. Big boy bringing in the neighbor's garbage can without being asked to.
70. Clean, white, inviting matelasse cover.

Little Pregnancy Love Notes

Dear Maternity Pants:
I love you.
Even though I am not a size medium and you are; even though I don't know whose you were before I took you from my maternity box.
I am so thankful that I have you! It has been cold here and my capri pants were just not good enough. You have come through for me.
Thank you for surprising me, even after many weeks of wearing you. I wish you would have let me know sooner that you had an adjustable waist; that would have been really kind. Even so, you made me happy this week when I realized that there was more to you then I had previously known.

Dear Baby Widget:
I love you.
You make me smile every time I see you in the margin of my blog. Even though your countdown also terrifies me a little, I'm still glad you stick around. I admire your constancy. Thank you for trying to help me stay on top of things. I promise I will do something to prepare for this baby soon.

Dear Baby Belly:
I love you.
It causes me great satisfaction to rub you and feel your pokey-out places. Thank you for reminding me that life is always changing and that God creates new life. One of my greatest joys right now is watching the children delight in talking to you. You've been changing, though, and I'm sorry if I'm slow to appreciate that. I was disappointed to find yoga uncomfortable this week and I also noticed that bending over (in general) was rather unpleasant. I've also been running into things and people because I'm not used to your new dimensions. I guess there is just more of you to love.

T, Just Because

Just because it was a challenging day of training this 2 year old. Just because; despite the stain on the bedspread, the pineapple all over the kitchen floor, the toys dumped out, the water spilled, the whining and the disobedience. . .

Sold Items Bring Joy

There hasn't been much to report as far as our savings goal. We hoped to put $1000 in the bank by the end of February, but haven't added anything since January 20th. We've been sitting at $210 since then, and the goal is appearing lofty.

Today we were excited to see our microwave off Craigslist for $20. We also made $15 from Once Upon a Child for items I found in the basement (and B covertly whisked out of the house). My neighbor also brought by $15 to pay for granola I've been making for her.

WooHoo! This feels like such a big deal. I love that we're finally able to add something to the account. . . AND I love cleaning out and simplifying. Praise God for provision, again!

Adding Gratitudes

If I'm to get to 1000, I best count some of the gratitude thoughts from the week. Otherwise it will take me years to get to 1000 on Mondays!

48. Snow falling outside the window; it's still beautiful to me!
49. A compliment on a good dinner- it makes me feel good.
50. Hope of a tax return coming.
51. Valentine cookie to share with my loved ones. Everyone loves chocolate chip cookie!
52. Surprise emails from long-ago friends.
53. A hour-long walk with my husband. Such a treat! An hour to walk (briskly) and talk; so enjoyable.
54. Gospel truth heard again. I love hearing the gospel! May it penetrate ever more deeply.
55. Encouragement and wisdom from a friend. How good to hear her conviction on being her husband's help-meet and how that works out practically within her home and with her children.
56. Tender moment of asking for forgiveness from my children, and receiving it.

Hearty Bean Soup with Barley

Yum! This is one of our favorite soups. I've made it several times this winter, each time doubling it so I have plenty to share or freeze or use later in the week.

The recipe was more complicated to start with (using canned broth and simmering it with garlic, rosemary, and crushed red pepper), but I find that I'm liking my adaptation better. I prefer using dried beans to canned, and I usually have my own stock to use. So, here is another adaption of an originally Cooking Light recipe.

Hearty Bean Soup with Barley

1 pound dried beans (dark red kidney or great northern)
2 (4 inch) rosemary sprigs
6 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped celery
2-3 cups chicken stock (depends on how thick you like your soup)
1 (14 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked barley
10 cups torn spinach leaves (about 4 ounces)
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Rinse and soak beans overnight.
2. Drain beans and cover with water (about 5-6 cups). Add rosemary sprigs, a pinch of salt, and crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, (with lid vented) for 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours, or until beans are nearly done. Remove 1 cup of beans and mash with a fork.
3. Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook 4 minutes (until slightly tender).
4. Add mashed beans, beans in water, tomatoes, barley and chicken stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for another 34-40 minutes (until barley is tender). Stir in spinach and black pepper. Cook 5 more minutes, or until spinach is wilted and everything is ready. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.
Yield: 8 servings (1 cup soup and 1 Tbl. cheese)

Big Oops.

Buttons were buttoned. Collars turned up. Zippers zipped. Pants pockets empty.

It was a load of laundry, B's dress shirts mixed with the big boys' school shirts, mixed with other clothes and six white napkins from breakfast. . .

And there was one ink pen in one pocket of one shirt that I didn't see.

The dryer is now striped black inside and the entire load of laundry sports black smudges.

My first thought: "We don't have money to fix this."

My second: "It will be okay. He promised."

But is there any way to fix this big oops?

Snow Poems

Snow
by: Mary T. Lathrap (1838-1895)

Soft as the fall of a beautiful thought,
Or a leaf on the stream,
White as the robe by purity wrought,
Bright as the flow of a dream.
Calm as a sleeping infant's breath,
Cold as the brow just touched by death,
Falleth in many a graceful wreath
Gently, the beautiful snow.

Caught like a robe on the leafless trees,
With diamonds in every fold;
Stepping like sprites where the fallen leaves
Mingle their brown and gold.
Covering over the graves of the flowers,
And those other graves where gems of ours
We laid away in summer hours,
Now resteth the gentle snow.

Falling to gladden the hearts of some,
With the joys it has in store;
Falling to chill, in the hovel home,
The souls of the suffering poor.
Melting to pearls on the brow of the glad,
Melting to tears on the cheek of the sad,
What gladdens the one, drives the other mad,
Oh! coldly beautiful snow.

Bright as the clouds where the sun goes down,
Is thy fall to the happy heart;
Cold as the world with its bitter frown,
To the child of woe thou art.
But if thy coming shall cheer or chill,
One hand yet gathers the winds at will,
And the eye of the Sleepless is watching still,
In pity, O, pitiless snow!


Snowflakes
by Mary Mapes Dodge

Whenever a snowflake leaves the sky,
It turns and turns to say “Good-by!
Good-by, dear clouds, so cool and gray!”
Then lightly travels on its way.

And when a snowflake finds a tree,
“Good-day!” it says—“Good-day to thee!
Thou art so bare and lonely, dear,
I ’ll rest and call my comrades here.”

But when a snowflake, brave and meek,
Lights on a rosy maiden’s cheek,
It starts—“How warm and soft the day!
’T is summer!”—and it melts away.

February: Heart Health Month

February is "Heart-Health" month.
For February, I wanted to share 3 things you can do for a healthier
heart:

1) Eat Heart Healthy Foods
We read this recent article on WebMD that had some great ideas.
"There really is an abundance of fruits and veggies in many colors,
shapes, sizes that are good for your heart," says Julia Zumpano, RD,
LD. "You can definitely reduce your risk of developing
cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day." Indeed,
fresh produce is the cornerstone for a heart-healthy diet because
fruits & veggies help wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream,
protecting blood vessels."

Read the complete article & see what specific foods are best for
your heart at:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/25-top-heart-healthy-
foods
You'll be glad to know that one of the foods mentioned is dark
chocolate - so don't forget your sweetheart this month!

2) Share your Heart with those in Haiti
We have a unique opportunity to share our heart by sending food to
Haiti! Juice Plus has a powdered meal with all the natural
ingredients for a complete meal replacement - which is why it's
called "Complete." I am working with other JuicePlus
representatives and the Texas Baptist Men’s organization and they
are willing to ship as much Complete into Haiti as we can provide.
It works so well with this disaster response team because they
provide water filters and have already sent 5,000 of them to
Haiti!

TBM is willing to put someone on the ground with the
shipment to make sure it gets into the right distribution
situation. It will first go to hospitals and orphanages. Would you
consider sharing your heart and help us to provide at least 200
cases of Complete during the month of February? That would be
12,000 meals for the sick & orphans!

If you can help, please contact me at: callicurtis@verizon.net

A case of Complete will cost $90 and will provide 60 well-
balanced, nutritious meals (you can donate an entire case or half).
The Complete boxes will be bound on a pallet and hauled to the Ft
Worth Naval Air Station for military transport to Haiti. Time is of the
essence, so if you can help please do so this month!

3) Read Heart Healthy Research
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found in the blood.
Maintaining healthy homocysteine levels is important for the heart
and cardiovascular system. A clinical study on Juice Plus at the
University of Sydney in Australia reported a reduction in
homocysteine levels - even though the levels of the Australian
subjects were already within an acceptable range. Researchers in
Foggia , Italy also found a reduction of homocysteine levels in
subjects with elevated levels of homocysteine.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found
that subjects who consumed Juice Plus+ were better able to maintain
the elasticity of arteries, even after a high-fat meal.

Investigators at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine monitored
several measures of vascular health in a low risk population who
took Juice Plus+ for two years and noted various improvements with
no adverse side effects.

To read more about the Heart-Healthy research on Juice Plus, check
out: www.callicurtisjuiceplus.com

Monday Pause

As the day races forward, I am pausing to reflect and give thanks. In each of these little things that brings me joy, I see the love and care of the Joy-Giver, my Lord. Every good gift comes from Him!

28. The predictable lull of the afternoon.
29. The also predictable noise and excitement due to swimming lessons today.
30. Crunchy snow.
31. Being back to the Y this morning; the good feeling of moving.
32. Little wrinkles on the spinning baby. . . laying down fat, every day growing.
33. Message from a friend, timely and touching.
34. Enthusiasm of another friend, "The world needs more Curtis boys!"
35. A giant, simmering stockpot of soup to share.
36. Handprints (and mouth prints!) on the window; it means there was something good to see outside.
37. Listening to the Bible, the words filling the room as we are all quietly engaged.
38. Excellent dark chocolate.
39. Simple family prayers: "Thank you God, for food and for home."
40. Sitting by radiators, reading books.

Snow on the Crepe Myrtle

I lean my forehead against the cold glass at the head of our bed, gazing out into the night. The sky is inky black, and yet the snow seems to have a light of its own, mirroring the twinkling of the stars. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

The snow hangs heavy on the trees, encumbering the branches,
Causing them to sway slowly, laden in unfamiliar ways.
Like me.
A pregnant mother who moves differently with child,
Heavily, more slowly,
With a different gait, a quiet dance in the night.
The branches bow, holding the snow and ice that glisten and grasp them tightly.
Tomorrow, with the sunlight, this will change.
Tonight I watch and wonder.

T at Two

He makes me smile all the time. He's verbose and imaginative, saying things like, "What if YOU were the T and I was pulling you across the floor?" and "I think he was travelin'" and "Thank you, God for tables. . . and coffee tables."

He is such a sweet mix of boy and baby that it makes my heart ache sometimes. When I tuck him in bed he asks for memorized prayers that he can say with me. He tells me a little story or asks me to tell him the story I made up once and have retold many times; the story about a little boy named T and the tractor at the farm. Then he looks up at me with those same eyes that looked up at me from that baby face, and he slips his two fingers in his mouth and then searches for me with his other hand. . . And I marvel at this boy, who says so much and knows so much and brings so much joy; the boy that was my baby and is no longer my baby and yet will always be that same child.

Counting Pennies

$0.24 - the amount I went back into the health food store to ask for. I had forgotten to ask for my 10% discount on checking out and realized when we were at the van that I had (literally) shortchanged myself. We need those pennies!

$3.00 - approximately the amount spent on stamps that I found on L(4)'s letter to Uncle Zach.

OOPS.

In these really, really tight days it is easy for me to be upset about wasting a dollar here or $0.24 there. I keep coming back to the Lord, asking for more faith to trust Him as my provider.

28 Weeks

Simply for a frame of reference. . .
Don't you love that T (2) had to be in the photo with me?
O (8) was glad to play camera man. . . but he wasn't so discriminating about cropping out the mess of snow clothes and paraphernalia on the floor.
Feeling large already and chalking some of it up to being pregnant in the winter (comfort foods, less activity). Still. . . what a blessing to carry this child with me all the time.

February 2010

Pictures are worth more than words here. I can't come up with anything brilliant to say. I love these children.

Vegetables and Chocolate

B, at dinner tonight: "I think T's favorite vegetable is broccoli." (no kidding; he was packing them away.)

L (4) pipes up: "Yes! And my favorite is lasagna and chocolate."

Little Things

It's Monday again. I haven't been nearly as consistent with listing my glimpses of God as I thought I would be. Too many late nights staying up with working husband. Yet, I see so much of Him around me and I'm thankful.

16. It's never too late to list blessings.
17. A working lock on the bathroom door!
18. Grandparents' table beside me, better than ever after loving repairs.
19. Quiet goodness of crosstitching; watching something good come from my hands.
20. Compassionate children.
21. Shared book with my mom. It's so good to be on the same page!
22. Making a snowman with L.
23. T asking, "You play trains with me NOW?"
24. Crockpot flops that make us all laugh. (Whole wheat macaroni was completely unrecognizable. Hence, "Chicken Bean Mush" for dinner. Edible, but not delicious.)
25. Boy wearing my boots.
26. Playing air hockey with T.
27. Laying in bed with husband, staring at the sparkling white beauty outside, glimmering in the light of the full moon.

My Own First Responders

On Friday I saw what my littles are made of.

For no apparent reason (save being pregnant, wearing boots I don't often wear, listening to phone messages, and calling to children over my shoulder), I fell down the first flight of stairs to the landing.

I guess I gave a little scream, and I'm sure I thumped and bumped loudly. It seemed that as soon as I crumpled onto the landing I was surrounded by my little responders. Each of them tried to rub my back and the big boys wanted to check to see where I was hurt. The little two teared up with me in sympathy (and fear). T started repeating, "I sorry, Mommy. You 'give me?"

Thankfully, my worst injuries seem to be my knee, shin, and wrist. It could have been much worse! (There is a window on the landing and I wondered for a second if I would go through if I hit it just right.) Since we have been housebound because of snow, I've been able to rest more and even take a few days off from exercising. (Even though I miss it, I don't think my knee could manage.) I'm grateful for my children's quick, compassionate response; what a blessing it is for me to have them.