Some over due photos

This was after a big snow fall, or maybe the snow was still falling. Just thought it looked beautiful.

Noah gives the thumbs up for going to play in the snow

Another day of getting dressed to play in the snow....

With potty training comes a new set of problems...how to hold the pants up!

Thanks!

Well, the last couple of days have been really great. We had Dan and Lynn come stay with us last night and Lynn and I stayed up really late discussing all sorts of great stuff! Girl talk is always fun and never seems like you can get enough.

Also, had a great time at my Pampered Chef Christmas Party. It was a small group, but I think sometimes smaller is better!

We are all planning our trip for 2010. My director Carol with her "ears" on!

Melissa, next to me, has become a really good friend and I really enjoy getting to spend time with her and her little ones. It is so nice to have someone to talk to about life.

Best of all, my good friend Katie called me today and it was so nice to catch up a little with her on the happenings of Iowa and NC. I definitely needed that. Thanks Katie!

Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 45! That will be really nice, however the low tomorrow night is supposed to be -1! That is a huge swing! Monday there will be a high of 2 and wind chills of 15 below. I am not looking forward to that! We are working on all of the details of the house stuff and will close on or before the 19th! It is coming up so fast... and then best of all my mom is coming to visit on the 23rd!

Forgive me Lord...

So as I was reading today, I came across this and I was again convicted. Bear with me as I show you what I feel like God has been showing me lately.

Romans 13:1-2
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves

Well, for starters I am asking for forgiveness for being against that which God has established as an authority in this country. I have resisted and I will have to be judged for that when I meet my maker.

However, I also believe that many Christians to this day are freaked out about the leadership-elect in this country. I implore you to look past what differences we have with our leadership and instead support and pray and uplift our leadership.

This is hard for me to talk about or do, because our current leadership I feel has made some "unloving" decisions, but I nonetheless have to do that which I feel convicted of, even though it will be hard and not always pleasant.

Lord, please grant me the wisdom, patience and most of all love, to do what you ask of me. Amen

Thanksgiving

I had heard a story at my MOPS group, read by Nancy, our mentor mom. I looked for a similar story on the Internet and I came across a blog which I really liked the shortened version of the story as told on this blog. I thought I would share it with you all. My prayer is that I could have a faith that would carry me through a ration of 5 kernels of corn, no matter how my corn comes, whether it be in food, clothing, relationships, or any other source in which God rations me to be dependant on him.

Five Kernels of Corn by Candice Watters on Nov 22, 2007 at 10:02 AM
It's easy in our culture to lose sight of what we're remembering -- what we're celebrating -- on Thanksgiving.
In the midst of garish glitter and premature pictures of Santa; of circular charges to "give thanks for thanksgiving," for a day off, for too much food, for friendships, for new toys and stylish clothes and beautiful homes and fancy cars and strong bodies, it's easy to forget. The Light and the Glory for Children says,
During the winter of 1621-22, the Pilgrims entered a "starving time" like the settlers in Jamestown. Plymouth now had thirty-five extra people so the supplies went quickly. They were down to a daily ration of only five kernels of corn apiece. But, as always, they had a choice. They could either give in to bitterness and despair, or they could trust Jesus. They chose Jesus.
The people who came to America before any of this country's bounty was known or even imagined, sacrificed everything -- to the point of death. And then they fasted. Repeatedly they turned to God with fasting and prayer, even as they faced starvation, to seek His guidance and provision.
He was their source and they knew it. And when God sent help -- the Indians -- they recognized the rescue for what it was: God's answer to their prayers. I'm humbled and sobered by their example.
Today isn't a day for generic thanks for unparalleled wealth. It's a day for humility and gratitude to God. He is still our source.
Colossians 1:16-18 exalts Him saying,
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Oh, that we would never forget. Lord, grant us a heart of gratitude.

Hello? Hello!

Noah's new word...

What???

So about a week ago it snowed enough over night to cover the ground and the car. I was not so impressed...

A few days prior to that, on a very cold morning we went to Heartland farms and their pumpkin patch. Noah had a good time, but was ready to go when it was time because it was sooo cold!

Matt worked over 100hrs in eight days last week, but hopefully that is coming to an end tomorrow morning at their shift meeting. They should be moving to 4 on, 4 off which will be so nice.

We also made a peanut butter chocolate torte a few weeks ago and I never posted the video of Noah enjoying the spoon!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Noah sings-

Fast Update

Well I am not talking about a "quick" update on us, but updating you on my fast from the Internet. I did it from last Sat to this past Fri. I fell off of the wagon when Tues night came around because I was updating the election results as they came in. I did read my bible during the time that i would normally be on the Internet. I read in Romans 6 and I really appreciated this because my friend Amber was baptized into the family of Christ last Sunday. It was really neat to be reminded of what that meant for her life. It also pointed out to me that I needed to be "exercising dominion" over my body and be able to realize the grace that has been extended to me through Christ's sacrifice for us. I think I will definitely be more conscious of the time I am spending on the internet.

Fast

I have come to the realization that I desparately need an internet fast. So for the next week I am committing myself to only be on the internet for checking my email. This mainly for business purposes. I will let you know what I learn from my fast.

Happy Halloween!

Well, this is one of those holidays that we as Americans have fun celebrating but it is sometimes in direct opposition to what some people believe Christians should be participating in. We have decided that we would participate, or maybe I decided because it is fun to dress up and get candy and it is all in good fun. If we cut all of these "celebrations" out of our lives, the first one to go definitely should be Christmas because of the way it is commercialized and the focus is no longer on Jesus and his birth, but on what presents will be under the tree. I heard on the radio today that Americans spent 5 billion dollars on Halloween this year. I was slightly shocked and pretty appalled at the expense we go to for one silly holiday. One way I believe as a parent this commercialism can be somewhat squelched is to give far fewer presents to my child and give used if at all possible. This takes the focus somewhat off of the presents at Christmas time. As for Halloween, use items to dress up in that you already have around, or can find at a garage sale, or buy a used costume at a garage sale!

Matt and I have only bought Noah a few Christmas presents ever...Last year I know Noah opened "big boy" underwear which he didn't even start using until a few weeks ago. He also got socks and maybe an outfit the year before... This year I got Noah some Spanish books at 70% off from Usborne books and a mickey set of Tupperware. Anything else he gets will be from relatives and I am hoping they will try to buy used. This saves stuff from ending up in the land fill, and saves money that can be spent on helping feed and clothe those less fortunate than Noah, which is probably 98% of the world and even some people in this country. If any one would rather make put money towards college for Noah that is ok with me too!

Anyway, on with the Halloween festivities that took place at the Bolin household. We carved a pumpkin -or "mar-urn" as Noah calls it, on Wednesday. This was our first time carving a pumpkin since Noah was born. He wasn't too interested in pulling out the pumpkin guts, but he did a great job sorting out the pumpkin seeds. I roasted them later that night and Noah loves snacking on them.

On Thursday, we went Trick-or-treating in Clarksville. Noah dressed up as the cutest scarecrow you ever did see. But something was wrong, and Noah looked like a cowboy instead of a scarecrow...He was missing his black nose!

Cousin Nick went as a cow and we had fun having Nick with us. Then Friday morning we dressed up again and went to the library for story time and we put some cheeks on Noah too. I think he looks cute all three ways, but I am the mom! It was a fun adventure...what can we dream up for next Halloween? total costume cost: $6 Maybe we can beat that next year!

We also took come more fall leave pictures and Matt took one of Noah taking a snooze in my arms...this was at 5pm after he refused to nap for the day...he finally succumbed!

What did you do for Halloween, and do you have any ideas for toning down the holidays?

Congratulations!!!!

If anyone has time, drop Matt a call to tell him congratulations on his promotion at work. This is a big financial blessing for our family and I am so proud of him. Just thought it would be nice if some of you had time to give him a "pat on the back" too.

brrrr

Well this morning when Noah and I arose from bed, we found a white morning. Of course not snow yet, but frost everywhere. The plan was to take off and get some groceries first thing, but we are in a dense fog advisory so I think we will stay put for the time being.

I wanted to update everyone on Noah's potty training. He has gone two full days in big boy underwear with no accidents. Yesterday he even went #2 on the potty by telling me he had to go. It was pretty exciting. He is still in a disposable over night of course, but we are so proud of him and how great he is doing with his potty training.

I found out from my sister yesterday that Target is now selling the diapers that I have been selling to everyone I know, Bum Genius. If you still haven't checked them out, these really are for mainstream Americans...or target would not carry them!

We have a speech appointment on Monday, but as far as I can tell Noah has progressed majorly since his appointment about a month and a half ago...He is trying to say new words all of the time and is starting to repeat things. One day on my way out the door, I forgot something (probably for the fourth time or so) so I exclaimed, "Oh shoot!" Noah quickly repeated me and it was one of the funniest things I have ever heard! It is a good thing I try to refrain from the use of 4 letter words...or my two year old probably would have shouted one the other day. He still is not saying the "p" phoneme, although we have been working on it specifically for over a month. He also doesn't sing along with nursery rhymes, or other familiar songs which is a benchmark that he needs to reach too. We are working diligently to try to get his oral motor skills working.

Well I think that is the rest of the story of our lives as of now. Tune in next time when we bring you the continuing saga of potty training and speech...Until then, give me a call!

where does the time go?

Well it has been over a week since I last posted and lots has happened.

We went to eat pizza with Howie and Justin Clark. Here are the boys in their seats on the way over to Waverly.

I went garage sale-ing on Friday and Saturday last week. I did not find much in Waverly...all girl stuff! But I hit the jackpot in Clarksville on Saturday. I got a bunch of clothing, 2 sizes of snow pants, snow boots and a Bob the Builder DVD for under $35!

Last Sunday, Amber and Jenna came home from church with me and we cooked Cajun Cornbread Skillet and had a fun afternoon. After we ate they helped me get some more fall pictures of Noah. He looks so adorable playing. Later this week we hope to get to carve our pumpkin. It will be Noah's first pumpkin!

Noah saying "Here's lookin at you kid!"

On Wednesday nights I have been leading a youth group at the youth center in Clarksville. I am so blessed to have one of the college kids (hahaha that sounds funny coming from me!) helping me with the group. His name is Trevor and I am so glad that God put working with youth on his heart. It is no secret how much a good male influence is needed in Clarksville, but with Matt working rotating shifts and 6- 12's at the moment it isn't really feasible for him to be that guy right now. Trevor has been coming to eat dinner with us before we head to the YC. This past Wednesday we looked at a couple more houses in Waverly, but nothing really exciting. For dinner, Matt dug up some of our sweet potatoes...so far this one takes the prize! No trick photography here, it really was that big! Matt, Noah, Trevor, and I ate off of it and there is about 2/3 of the potato left.

for some odd reason, the blogger photo uploader continues to turn this picture to the left. Nevertheless it is a giant sweet potato!

We are still loving the Jetta. Last time I filled up (10/11/08) I got 49.5 miles to the gallon! I still have a half of a tank and I went garage sale-ing house shopping, etc and have not needed to fill up. I am waiting until I get to 1/4 tank because since the last time I filled Diesel has come down about 20 cents. I am hoping that the trend continues. Gas has gone down even more here, but Diesel has to be about double the price of gas before it is less cost effective to drive the jetta. Plus, I have loved having heated seats because it has already been pretty cold here for a few weeks. We did have warmer weather last week, but it froze the other night and finished my garden off:(

Cooking with Daddy

This morning I woke with a sore throat and aching sinuses from forgetting to turn on the humidifier...yes it is that dry here already. I slept in some more while Noah and Matt got homemade dough ready for our lunch- calzone. Matt put an apron on Noah that Leigh Anne gave me about 13 yrs ago! He looked so cute in it...it says Ashley on it but I still thought the picture was mighty cute.


Also, Monday night I finally cut Noah's hair with distraction help from Matt. I think it turned out pretty good, but it is shorter than I originally wanted it... guess it gives us more time before we have to cut it again though so that is definately a plus!

Noah's new do...


Trying on Daddy's goggles from work...

My friend Jenna came over on Saturday and spent the day with us. It was great because Matt had to work from 7am-7pm so it was nice to have company. We made the Chipotle Chicken Cornbread Cups for lunch and they were awesome! Definately will be making those again.


Another one of Noah's friendly awerpeir- or translated to Caterpillar

He loves those things!!!

Because I laughed so hard...

I had to share this link with everyone because I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants...Jen, I know you know what I mean!!! Have fun!
-Mole Valdez Palin

Fall Fun

Yesterday Noah, Sandy and I played out in the yard for awhile. I got the camera out and took a few pictures.

I think this one is my favorite...I just think it looks like a greeting card front, and on the inside it would say some clever thing about why he is really smiling, and no not because it is your birthday...


Noah found some treasures yesterday...he gets really excited and does this high-pitched giggle when he finds something exciting. The caterpillar and cicada molting were enough for him!


Sad...I can't let the dog out anymore?!?!


"Hey mom, ever heard of something called scissors? My bangs are getting a little long here...pretty soon I will be able to blow them out of the way with my nose!"




I think he had a rock in his hands for this one...


and in this one he is clearly saying "it" which translated to "stick."

Well that is all for now...I think I have posted enough in these past few days to take care of the next few months...hahaha now you will actually have to call me to know what is going on!