Tuesday, April 28, 2009

YAY SUN!

It is an absolutely beautiful day outside!  I am so in love with the breeze and sunshine.  Which made me think how great it is that sitting outside enjoying it, is always FREE.  Those of you on facebook saw my status.  We aren't really taking a true vacation this summer; but sitting outside today made me think of all the things that God blesses us with that are FREE.  

Some of you were a bit confused on my random ramblings in my earlier post.  I'm not here to explain it.  Those who understood it or just want to hear more....here is where I am now....

I can't do many things.  I do aspire to do many things. I am a dreamer, always have been.  I always am the one who comes up with the BIG IDEA.  Following through, on the other hand, well that might be a different story.  BUT, I am determined to follow through on this.  I am praying that God help me figure it all out!  This ministry http://amazima.org/ I learned about it through this blog www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com  I desperately want to do something to help. If I had my way I would be pursuing an adoption right now to give one of these kids a true home and family that could love them.  BUT, that is not where God has us right now.  So, something I CAN do is cook.  Cooking is one of my true passions in life.  I am going to be selling some baked goods to try and raise money for amazima.  Pray with me.  I don't know if this is the thunder God was speaking to me through the other day or not.  We shall see.  I will post more details as I get things figured out.  

Random Goodwin boy stuff:  (I know how you all love them :)
Joseph asked me "why Mom?" for the first time yesterday.  I know that might sound odd to be excited about, but that is a true skill he has accomplished there.  We were so proud and yet so scared at the same time.  

Nathan BEGGED me to let him "just get a tardy" at school today so he could watch his favorite TV show this morning.  (didn't happen)

Tracy

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Great day / Theory of a six-year-old

Mowed the yard in the beautiful weather.  

Went to the book sale at the library and picked up a load of books for only $8.  

Headed to Franklin Festival and saw a race car at the BP on the way.  Turns out it is some sort of promo car.  The boys got to play in it and Nathan got to play this very, very cool racing game.  The graphics were so real!

Had a great time and some lunch at the Franklin Festival.

On the way home, we stopped by Tractor Supply for a fundraiser car wash for the niece of a friend going on a misson trip.  Car cleaned and gave to a worthy cause.  While at the store, we went inside and saw some baby chicks.  Luckily for us it was "Demo Day" so I got to take the boys around for some laps in a go cart.  They were stoked!

When we got home we chilled for a bit and then headed outside to play in the glorious sunshine.  Nathan played in the sprinkler with the kids down the street and I did some more yard maintenance.  

Dinner.

After dinner, Nathan and I started changing out the sprayer on the kitchen sink only to realize the old one is a proprietary one and the clip broke when I was taking it off.  So, off to Lowe's.  No luck at Lowe's so off to The Home Depot.  No luck there either.  Looks like we will need a whole new faucet in there. 

All of that to get to this.  While Nathan and I were leaving Lowe's, he says to me, "Dad, you know how Sprout and PBSKids.org work together?  Well, Lowe's and Home Depot should work together.  I mean, look at all of these supplies!  They both have the same supplies so they should just do it.  Work together."

I tried to give him a short primer on competition, but he still thought they should work together.  Then, at The Home Depot, he goes into a monologue on the company colors of The Home Depot, Lowe's and Target.  He does not like the orange that is everywhere at THD.  Just do you know, his favorite corporate color is Target's red.  Also, he is very against the "THE" before "Home Depot."  Nathan thinks it should only be called "Home Depot."  He said, "THE before it really doesn't sound right."  The kid really likes Lowe's.

That is it.  Brought him home and put him to bed.

Great day.

Tim

Thursday, April 23, 2009

thinking outloud....

So many random thoughts flying around my head....not sure if any of them would make any sense to anyone.  Maybe not even me.  Maybe it's the sun that is out today and the nice mild weather coupled with a nice quite house.  Quite for the moment anyway.   I just want to say, I'm not sure what God is up to right now in my life.  I am sure He is up to something.  I can almost hear the thunder softly in the background.  I can almost feel the walls start to just barely shake.  I feel no fear, only excitement for what is to come.  I see God working in friend's lives and I am overjoyed for them.  I can't wait to see more of His touch.  Okay, seriously I just finished typing that and the loudest clap of thunder just hit the house!  With nothing else.  One loud clap of thunder.  So, as I was saying, God is up to something in the Goodwin house.  There is my Joseph, I must go tell him everything is okay.

Tracy
PS- If this has made no sense at all to you, don't worry.  My next post might.  No guarantees though :)  

Thursday, April 16, 2009

My new mantra....

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15

That's it.  

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

wow'd...

I am so blessed.  I LOVE this life that God has blessed me with.  It's not always easy.  It often seems NOT to be what I would have chosen for myself.  Not that I wouldn't choose THIS life, but I would not have chosen THESE struggles.  Although, I don't think you can really seperate the two, can you.  So I go.  I move forward because God gives me everything I need.  Right when I need it.  I am so in love with my boys.  So in love with my husband.  So in love with the fact that my job is to take care of them.  

As most of you know, this is our BIRTHDAY BLAST month.  Joseph turned 3 April 6th, me 30--something April 7th, and Nathan will be 6 on April 12th.  It is emotional this year.  For 2 out of the 3 years of Joseph's life we weeped and waited and hoped for him to come home.  HE MADE IT.  I can't really put  into words how it feels.  I am just wow'd by God.  Nathan turning 6 is blowing my mind too.  Didn't I just have him?!  We are beyond blessed.  I am feeling overwhelmingly thankful for all that God has done for me and my family.  It wasn't so long ago....for a brief moment I almost wasn't here.  God knew that there was a Nathan and a Joseph in my future.  Wow.  I love you God.

Tracy

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Go fly a kite! OK



This morning we hopped out of bed and headed to Loveless.  Love the biscuits!  When we got home, Nathan wanted to fly his kite.  We had a little wind, but, sadly, it died down too quickly and we had to put the kite away.  Well, this afternoon there is a front blowing and so the wind is up!  We got the kite back out and had a great time.

Tim.


Friday, March 20, 2009

Getting busy and excited...

As many of you know both our boys are getting ready to have birthdays.  BOTH our boys, that is so great to say this year.  We've been saying it for 2 and half years, but this time the 'both' in that sentence is physically with us!  They are so pumped up about these parties, and I am too.  Joseph talks about his Mickey Mouse cake everyday.  Too cute.  We have two fun filled weekends of Mickey Mouse and Aliens coming up. Can't wait.

We are having some big milestones at our house.  Nathan has finally graduated speech classes at school!  He no longer qualifies as ALL his teachers can understand him clearly 100% of the time.  YEAH!  Joseph is a walking talking mess now-a-days too!  He knows how to express himself very well.  He knows what he likes and he knows what he doesn't like.  I'll take that any day over throwing a fit 'just because.'  It's easier for him now, since he can communicate so much better.  Along with that comes an adorable little personality too!  So we have our baby turning 6!!  Going on 12.  We have our real baby turning 3, and two very happy parents.

Praise God for his goodness.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A little off topic

I have posted a little something to my personal blog that some may find interesting regarding our current financial status.  Not well researched, but interesting to me.  You can find it here.

Tim

Friday, March 13, 2009

when you know it's time....

to do the laundry!

yes that is a paper towel hanging on the towel rack.  Tim is such a genius.  This made me laugh out loud when I walked into the bathroom. 

Thursday, March 12, 2009

2 post in one day....

Crazy uh?  Well I had to share this.  I posted some time back about my cousin Jaime who had been in a terrible gas explosion.  He is recovering and God is taking care of him.  His wife, Natalie is pregnant with their first son.  Click the links below and see how God shows us how much he loves us:



why?

Why is it necessary to have horrible mornings? I believe God has a purpose and plan in everything that happens. Even the silliest of things matter. So, what was God's purpose in me and my 2 boys struggling to make it through the morning rush??? I mean whoow. Maybe He wanted to make sure He had my attention for the rest of the day. He's got it. So, first thing Nathan comes in my bed snuggles up and starts in "my head hurts, I can't go to school." Mom says "sorry your head hurts, we have tylenol, you are going to school." Mom is thinking in her head "oh how I wish you could stay home with me today, sniffle sniffle." Truth is I have a doctor's appointment today so I needed him to go to school. Probably good because I might have caved otherwise. Moving on, Dad is still home so both boys aimlessly follow him around. I look at the clock and realize we are 30 minutes behind schedule! Dad had decided "sure Nathan turn on the TV." WRONG!! So it took Nathan and extra 15 minutes to get dressed. Remember we are already behind. I am frantically making lunch, and breakfast with the last bit of supplies. It's also grocery time. I realize Nathan didn't feed the fish before he came downstairs, I sent him upstairs for that and to brush his teeth before he eats. The whole time Joseph is yelling "mom, eat. mom, eat. mom, eat. mom, eat. mom eat." So I tell Nathan HURRY! As I'm packing the lunch, I remembered Nathan saying he didn't bring home his lunch box because his drink spilled in it yesterday. So now I have to fashion something as a lunch box that I can put an ice pack in, but still have separation for the little crackers that are his entree. The next moment I hear "MOM, COME HERE QUICK!" I yelled up "what happened?" He answers, "ummm I spilled." GREAT. I go up to his room, and yeah almost an entire container fish food is on his floor. To top it off, he had also been looking for his belt so his dresser drawers were open. Yes, the fish food not only was on the floor, but all in his drawers and clothes. So, I get all of that cleaned out. I'm not happy by this time. I finally did get the boys downstairs and fed. Then they wanted to sit in the floor and watch TV. So I decided to let them. Nathan finished first, of course. So he was already sitting in the center of floor watching TV when Joseph went into the living room. Joseph walks in and very bully like says "Nathan MOVE." Nathan moves over. So I tell Joseph, no Nathan is just sitting in the floor you sit beside him. Joseph proceeds with a crying fit. You can imagine how fond of those I am. He finally stops and sits beside Nathan. (well, beside almost on top of :) A few minutes later it's time to get in the car and go to school. I left out the part where I spilled milk all over the kitchen counter while packing lunch. Anyway, Nathan goes to put on his shoes and says OUCH, these shoes have shrunk. We'll shop for a new pair this weekend, just wear them for today. Thankfully he says, "ok, I'll be fine." Ahh a nice answer. I definitely remembered that song about motherhood that lady sang. It's funny, if you haven't seen this TRUST ME it's worth the click.  The Mom Song

So now that I've seen it all typed out, I guess it wasn't so bad afterall. It was just not our norm. Our mornings are usually very smooth and peaceful, mommy likes it that way:) Actually like most things, I blame Tim. He forgot to set up the coffee maker last night. That REALLY throws things off balance and the Goodwin house. If I can't wake up to a fresh hot cup of Joe, I'm just ruined!! Ruined I tell you.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Let me try again...

One more thing about the mom of the octuplets. What I was trying to express yesterday was my frustration with the way people were judging her for the phone call to 911. She did sound 'crazy' on the call. If one of my boys went missing I would have sounded crazy too. I loved getting some feedback from you guys on that subject. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that I wasn't trying to debate whether or not she had made good choices. Or if she was a good mother or not. I was bothered by the brutal personal attack they were giving her about the 911 call.  

On to other things.... I am LOVING the nice weather, HATING the fact that later in the week we'll be in the 40's AGAIN. Tim and I have been joking that we should open a t-shirt joint in Hawaii. Doesn't that sound great?! It does to us. I told him, ya know we don't need much. I'm cool to live in a tiny little place, my kids back yard can be the ocean. So I'm telling you this story to lead up to this crazy dream I had last night. So we have been joking so much about this and talking about it; that I think it crept into my subconscious. I dreamed that we lived in this tiny tiny apartment. It horrible decor, and Nathan and Joseph had to share a tiny old room. It was all run down and dilapidated. YUCK!! Okay, so maybe I do need more than I realized!! Okay God we'll stay put. Thank you for my beautiful un-falling-apart home!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

UGGGG!!!

Okay I just watched one small blurb on the Today Show.  I am so irritated, outraged even at these so called 'experts' who think they have the right to judge, or give an opinion on this mom of octuplets.  This one lady, who is an author, was VERY judgemental on this poor mother.  Then, this author towards the end of the interview says "well I'm not saying I'm perfect either I have the zanex in my purse to prove it."  Are you kidding me lady?  So we aren't supposed to judge you on your mental instability, but you can judge her?  I'm reminded of being a child and having my parents explain to me that kids put others down because they are insecure.  They have to make themselves feel better by making themselves feel 'above' everyone else.  The only way to do that is to put others down.  I see a classic case of bullying from this author.  I'm not saying that this mom didn't mess up, but is there any mother on this earth who has done everything flawlessly, perfectly, never yelled at her kids, never lost her temper, never over-reacted?  Come on!  They were REALLY criticizing her for that 911 call when one of her older sons was missing.  The lady was pregnant with 8 babies at the time!!!  I'm sorry but until you personally have ALL OF THOSE hormones running through your veins I just don't think you are in a place to judge.   I know there are other mothers out there, with far less children, who also have temporarily lost track of their kid(s).  I know as a child I personally got lost in a store once.  It happens.  Even the most conscientious parent can turn around one second, back the next and her child not be where he was. I'm not saying it's okay, but I'm saying don't judge.  She was worried about her son, and probably completely realizing she is WAY out numbered with the children she is going to have.  Why do people in this world feel it is necessary or helpful to come down on each other?  I'm having a hard time putting this into words.  It is ridiculous to me that people think they are so high above the rest of us, that they are qualified to say what this woman should or shouldn't be feeling.  I would think that it would be very hard to be going through what she is going through, in the public eye under public scrutiny no less.  You know she could have chosen selective reduction, but she didn't.  She must be terrified.  She must be wondering how on earth she will care for all these children.  I don't know if this woman is a christian or not, but either way I will be praying for her.  God has a plan.  I just wish people would get off their high horse, and realize we are really all the same.  You don't know what you would do.  You can say what you think you would do, but the truth is YOU DON'T KNOW.   I am frustrated and worn down with people putting others down to make themselves seem better.

ug.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

She was right. Again.

I enjoy a great bowl of popcorn. Really enjoy it. But, I am not a big fan of the microwave stuff from that old guy with the funny name. I like the loose kernels popped with love. We had had this great popper that was like a hot plate with a plastic bowl on top. It was called stir crazy or stir popper or stir me a drink or something like that. Sadly, it died this weekend. I thought maybe we got a bad batch of kernels so I headed off to the store to get some new ones. It was not the kernels.

Tonight I decided I would just make it on the stove top like we used to do, but Tra brought down the hammer and told me I would make her quite unhappy if I woke the kids with all the noise made by sliding a nice quality, heavy duty pot across the little metal things that sit over the gas flame. Oh, I'm sure they have a name, but I can't think of it right now.

Here is where the different ideas came into play. Tra said something like, "You know you don't need 'microwave popcorn' to make popcorn in the microwave, right?" Well, as I am sure you all know, that is just crazy talk. I mean, how could big companies make millions of dollars off of microwave popcorn if there wasn't some special sort of pixie dust in that bag? After much discussion and doubting, she proceeded to find it on the Internet. Well, there you have it. It is on the Internet so it must be true. Finally, I give in. I take a paper bag, smear one of the inside walls with butter, add the kernels, and add some salt. Four minutes later we had wonderfully smelling, wonderfully tasting popcorn.

When will I learn?

Tim

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Boys will be Men

This is a story from the Associated Press that touched me deeply.  I hope it does the same for you.  

Amid the grieving, a rare act of sportsmanship

The coach never considered any other option.

It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.

Johntel Franklin scored 10 points in the game following the loss of his mother.
Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.

Only this time it was different.

"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.

Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.

It was a Saturday night in February, and the Barbs were playing a non-conference game on the road against Milwaukee Madison. It was the third meeting between the two schools, who were developing a friendly rivalry that spanned two states.

The teams planned to get together after the game and share some pizzas and soda. But the game itself almost never took place.

Hours earlier, the mother of Milwaukee Madison senior captain Johntel Franklin died at a local hospital. Carlitha Franklin had been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer, but she began to hemorrhage that morning while Johntel was taking his college ACT exam.

Her son and several of his teammates were at the hospital late that afternoon when the decision was made to turn off the life-support system. Carlitha Franklin was just 39.

"She was young and they were real close," said Milwaukee coach Aaron Womack Jr., who was at the hospital. "He was very distraught and it happened so suddenly he didn't have time to grieve."

Womack was going to cancel the game, but Franklin told him he wanted the team to play. And play they did, even though the game started late and Milwaukee Madison dressed only eight players.

Early in the second quarter, Womack saw someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Franklin, who came there directly from the hospital to root his teammates on.

The Knights had possession, so Womack called a time out. His players went over and hugged their grieving teammate. Fans came out of the stands to do the same.

"We got back to playing the game and I asked if he wanted to come and sit on the bench," Womack said during a telephone interview.

"No," Franklin replied. "I want to play."

There was just one problem. Since Franklin wasn't on the pre-game roster, putting him in meant drawing a technical foul that would give DeKalb two free throws.

Though it was a tight game, Womack was willing to give up the two points. It was more important to help his senior guard and co-captain deal with his grief by playing.

Over on the other bench, though, Rohlman wasn't so willing to take them. He told the referees to forget the technical and just let Franklin play.

"I could hear them arguing for five to seven minutes, saying, `We're not taking it, we're not taking it," Womack said. "The refs told them, no, that's the rule. You have to take them."

That's when Rohlman asked for volunteers, and McNeal's hand went up.

He went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.

His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.

It didn't take long for the Milwaukee players to figure out what was going on.

They stood and turned toward the DeKalb bench and started applauding the gesture of sportsmanship. Soon, so did everybody in the stands.

"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was the right thing to do."


They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night.
 Dave Rohlman, head coach of the opposing DeKalb team on what his players will take away from this experience.

Franklin would go on to score 10 points, and Milwaukee Madison broke open the game in the second half to win 62-47. Afterward, the teams went out for pizza, two players from each team sharing each pie.

Franklin stopped by briefly, thankful that his team was there for him.

"I got kind of emotional but it helped a lot just to play," he said. "I felt like I had a lot of support out there."

Carlitha Franklin's funeral was last Friday, and the school turned out for her and her son. Cheerleaders came in uniform, and everyone from the principal and teachers to Johntel's classmates were there.

"Even the cooks from school showed up," Womack said. "It lets you know what kind of kid he is."

Basketball is a second sport for the 18-year-old Franklin, who says he has had some scholarship nibbles and plans to play football in college. He just has a few games left for the Knights, who are 6-11 and got beat 71-36 Tuesday night by Milwaukee Hamilton.

It hasn't been the greatest season for the team, but they have stuck together through a lot of adversity.

"We maybe don't have the best basketball players in the world but they go to class and take care of business," Womack said. "We have a losing record but there's life lessons going on, good ones."

None so good, though, as the moment a team and a player decided there were more important things than winning and having good stats.

Yes, DeKalb would go home with a loss. But it was a trip they'll never forget.

"This is something our kids will hold for a lifetime," Rohlman said. "They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night."

Thursday, February 12, 2009

I want the T-shirt...

Big news at our house, we are officially OUT of diapers.  Joseph is potty trained!! Can you believe that? Me either.  I wasn't quit ready for it, but he was.  He has been in "big boy" pants all week with NO problems.  Thank you God for grace and mercy.  I want the t-shirt that reads "I survived potty training, AGAIN!"

So, I'm thinking that means bring on the next one....right?  

Other fun things, today at school Nathan got to be a dog.  Here is a picture:

Yesterday he also dressed as an old man. 100 years old to celebrate Longview's 100 days of school.

His teacher sent me better pictures of both events, but I can't get them to load properly for some reason.  Maybe I'll try again later.
OH and one more thing....if it wasn't inappropriate, I would post a picture of cute little Joseph in his big boy pants!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I've tried everything

About 30 minutes ago Nathan came down and asked us to start his CD again.  He likes going to sleep to music, but has a new CD player and doesn't know where the play button is.  The button really is hard to find.  Tra and I usually have to turn on the light to find the stinkin' thing.  Why, oh why, would the play button on a CD player, geared towards kids, be so hard to find?  The thing is shaped like Lightning McQueen!  Come on!  Put big easily identified buttons on it!  But, I digress.

We sent him back to bed on this trip down telling him that he can go to sleep without the music.  He said he "really" needed it.  I promised him if he would just be still and close his eyes, he would fall asleep.

Well, he just came back down and informed us that he still could not go to sleep.  His opinion was that he could just stay up with us until we go to bed.  He curled up with me on the couch and told me that he tried everything to go to sleep.  "I even tried closing my eyes."

Tim

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Click...

I know there is a better way to put this video on the blog, but I don't know it.  So, please click this link and listen.  Maybe it is meant for someone to hear today.

http://www.iamsecond.com/#/seconds/Jason_Castro/


Monday, February 2, 2009

I lost...

The battle with facebook.  I'm enjoying it.  I finally gave in and signed up this weekend.  It has been nice connecting with people from the past.  However, I've already had someone say "sorry I don't know you."  OUCH!  Oh well.  It is a cool world over there at facebook.  

The Goodwins had a fantastic weekend!  Even though we lost the Wii battle to team Forslund.  On Saturday, Nathan aired Tim's 'dirty laundry' at the dinner table with the Altman family.  I'm sure they enjoyed that.  Then on Sunday, we had great food during the super bowl.  For me this is what makes super bowl night so fun:) Thanks Rampullas!

I don't have much to post about today.  I'm watching Jospeh wonder around the house with a clear plastic box on his head.  He does keep me laughing.

Tracy

Here are some photos of the kids we took this weekend....take a look click here 

Friday, January 30, 2009

Weekend Fun...

Doesn't this look yummy?! I can't wait to dig in later tonight! I have to say one of my favorite things about having friends over is the food!! The dessert I decided to go with for tonight is Peach Delight. Oh my, is it ever so delightful! I hope the Forslunds will agree! Lady Forslund is eating for two, so I made sure to make plenty :)

Speaking of weekend fun, one of the great things Tim and Nathan do together is the Saturday morning "build something" class at Lowe's. I don't really know what the thing is called, but they do build something together, and it's a once a month class. Nathan loves it!! So this morning he woke up way before it was time, and this was one of my mornings to sleep in. I told him he could get in bed with us, but he had to lay there still and quiet. He says "ok". Then in his LOUD whisper he says "mom, what are they building at Lowe's tomorrow?" Needless to say I'll be checking into that today! So much for sleeping in. Didn't matter anyway because about one minute later in walks Joseph. Tip toeing and whispering "mom, mom, mom." And off starts a glorious weekend!

On Saturday we get to "play" with the Altman's and I get to enjoy someone else's dessert making skills; yummy again. Can't wait to see you guys!

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the super bowl! I will be cooking, and half way watching it. If the Titans aren't playing I just don't care that much. Sorry Tim! I will make sure you have something yummy to munch on though!! :)



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Pardon our dust

Tracy has informed me I need to make more posts. Also, that I need to redesign and change pictures. Let the construction begin!

The new picture at the top of the blog is one I took while we were in Guatemala on our first trip to visit Joseph (Yes, I originally had Nathan as the one being visited. Don't judge me.) The mountain had been under a cloud most of the time we were there. Then, there was one lovely moment, and the sun was shining perfectly and the top of the mountain was in view. It was beautiful.

There will be more changes to come.

Tim

It's a miracle!

Okay, I'm still reeling from that video I posted.  I hope many of you were moved by it, and you too want to prayerfully consider what you could do to help.  Isn't it great that those children were found and they are thriving now?  

So onto the miracleous thing at my house this morning.....Nathan and Joseph have been playing TOGETHER peacefully all morning!  I would not have believed it if I hadn't been here to witness it myself.  I even heard Nathan say "do you need help buddy?" in the sweetest voice.  I have been astonished and so so so very happy!  I was in the next room with a huge smile on my face folding laundry, I was so happy to complete a task for a change!  They are getting along so well, I've even prolonged Joseph's nap.  A miracle in itself.  Seriously, I can't believe it.  There has been no yelling, taddling, or blood drawn.  What a day!!  Maybe they are finally learning it can be fun to have a brother.  For those of you wondering "why is Nathan home?" school was canceled today.  Weather. I am enjoying my boys being with me!  I posted this picture of them playing together, it's not a great picture but a spectacular sight!

Have a wonderful day!



Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Sam and Esther

I will warn you, this is not easy to watch. You will ache. I pray that the aching moves us to action. Please pray. Pray that we can come together as a people and STOP this from happening. I am only one person, I cannot do much. What I can do, I will do. I can gather people to form MANY, and DO something. PLEASE visit www.sandamianofoundation.org after watching this video. Help me come up with ways to raise money, awareness, and bring help to these people. Thank you God for helping Sam, Esther and Jane.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Yup, Gups

The conversation started like this,

Nathan: "Mom, am I allergic to fish?"
Tra: "No."
Nathan: "Is Aunt Kim allergic to fish?"
Tra: "No."
Nathan: "Well, Mom, I want a fish."

So, at the dinner table one night, Nathan presented me with the pet solution. Fish. It works for everyone. He was pleasantly surprised and shocked by my immediate agreement to this new aquatic adventure. Nathan wanted one goldfish. I did not want a goldfish.

See, we have had a fish before. It was a goldfish named Dora or Dollie or Dottie or something like that. For those of you who don't know, goldfish are nasty little creatures. They are the aquatic equivalent to a garbage truck in use for the past 43 years that has never been cleaned, upgraded, or loved. Stinky. They burp and poop at a remarkable rate. I think I once saw it sit back and scratch itself like a slob on an old couch. I had to clean the tank about every 34 1/2 minutes.

Sadly, well not so much sadly as joyously, Ditto met her maker on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Nathan didn't seem to notice. She was there and then she wasn't. The tank was dirty and then it was clean. I am glad he didn't see her floating in the tank. From what I remember, Nathan never said anything about her abrupt departure from his room. I kept the food, the water conditioner and the tank for months; just in case he wanted a replacement. About six months to a year later, I gave the tank away and Tra threw out the food and other supplies.

Saturday we had the joy of buying all of those supplies again. This time we went for the five gallon tank. We picked out a little plant, some gravel, and other decoration. Then, we headed for the fish! We looked at goldfish - keep moving people! We looked at Mollies and Platies and Tetras and Cichlas and Guppies. Nathan wanted one fish. Then, two. Then, three.

The nice lady at Petsmart told us the rule-of-thumb is one inch of fish per gallon of water. So, in our case, we could have five one inch fish or one five inch fish or a couple of two inchers. You get the idea. We decided to go for the one inch size.

Me (fish tank under arm): "Could you help us pick out some fish?"
Nice Petsmart Lady: "Sure. Is this for that fish tank?"
Me: "It is."
NPsL: "Oh. Well you need to first condition the water and let it sit for 24 hours before getting any fish. This is always tough for the kids."
Me: "OK." - in my head, "Crap."


Today Nathan and I went back and picked out four nice little Guppies. Two males and two females. Flippy (the orange one), Rainy (the rainbow one), Sunshine (the yellow one) and Dot (the silver one with the orange tail with black spots). They are all currently swimming happily in the tank in Nathan's room. Guppies are cleaner, smaller and more active than goldfish.

RIP Darlene or Dorothy or Danielle or Dancy or whatever your name was. Ya dirty girl.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Creative Soul...

I am driving my husband crazy.  He says I have too many "outlets."  I say he doesn't have enough. So what if I jump from this to that, expressing my love hate relationship with all things creative.  Alright, so if I were to be totally honest here I drive myself nuts!!  I need more hours in the day for loving on my kids, sewing, photography, reading, knitting, violin, cooking, art, and cleaning the house.  Although that last one, I would certainly not call a hobby.  I can't help it, I have this unquenchable urge to create.  There is magic and fulfillment in making something out of nothing. Unfortuanetly I wish my talents matched my desires, as of now they do not!  I stumbled upon someone else's devotional blog the other day.  On this blog I read about how we come from the ultimate "creator."  Maybe this urge within me is straight from above, and I should fully surrender.  At least that is the story I'm telling my husband!  Maybe that will give me the much needed grace I always seem to need from him!

To all my fellow creative souls, have a wonderful day!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Just had to say it....

I love my husband.  For many reasons, but today a very special reason.  HE IS GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE FOR ME!  Ahhhhhh, I am so happy.  I would say it's the little things that keep a marriage going, but let's be honest, grocery shopping?  That's a BIG thing in my book.  He's great.  Not to mention this weekend he finally gave in and is buying Nathan a pet fish.  Nathan also expects his dad to build him a rocket ship, tree house, and a go-kart.  Nathan has LOTS of confidence in his dad.  Joseph just wants to be on top of him, always.  Anyway, nothing much is happening at the Goo house today.  I just wanted to say I am getting a break from the grocery store today, and if you can't tell I'm very excited about it!

21 But this I call to mind,and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness
Lamentations 3:21-23

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Baby it's cold outside...

Fire up the fireplace!  It is cold! I'll be off to get some firewood today, that is FOR SURE.  On the mornings when Nathan rides to school with a friend, we stand at the door and wave as he drives away.  Joseph says shivering "mommy cold!"  Then he hides behind the door softly saying "bye dadan."  It doesn't get this cold in Guatemala.  He doesn't let it stop him from playing out there though, he just likes to be bundled up!  So does Nathan for that matter.  Nathan refuses to go to school without a hat on his head.  That just makes me laugh.  His little face is so cute tucked inside that big ole hat.  I don't know about you but the cold weather makes coffee all that much better!  I LOVE waking up to a cold house and a warm cup of coffee in my hand, all snuggled up in my robe. That is just the best.  Then of course I crank up the heat for the little ones.

Don't get me wrong, if I had my choice I'd be on a beach right now!!  I don't think a beach vacation is in our future this summer, too many bills.  BUT, you can gaurantee I'll be dreaming of a beach.  Luckily, the local pool will get the job done!  I can't wait to introduce that to Joseph this summer, he is going to LOVE it!  It is so much fun having a baby around the house again.  I know I know, he isn't really a baby.  But he is a baby to me, especially compared to the 5 year old.  I am really enjoying introducing him to new experiences.  It's really beyond words.  Like when we first got him the foster family told us he HATED the bathtub.  Now, he cries because he doesn't want to get OUT of the bathtub.  It's been 3 months that we have had him home with us now.  Every day things get more simple, if that makes sense.  More and more he is just our son.  Not our newly adopted son from Guatemala who doesn't really know us or understand us yet.  He is just our sweet little boy.  I no longer feel the need to explain, we just got him and he doesn't really understand what you are saying to him.  That is a good feeling!  

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your fires!  Well, the intentional ones that is.

Praying for Jamie Moser-  if you have a moment please say a prayer for him.  He is my cousin, and he was badly burned, the life threatening kind.  He was just doing his job and there was a gas leak in the house where he was working.  There was a bad explosion.  He is hanging in there, and recovering quite well.  He has a long road ahead of him, and he is still in the hospital.  His wife is expecting a baby in April.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Life does move fast

I just wanted to say, it's hard to get older.  As a matter of fact, I have thought that my whole life. Being a little kid, you always want to be older.  However, being older always included extra responsiblities; never been a fan of that one.  Now that I'm uhummm....30something, the responsiblities don't bother me too much.  Realizing I have limitations because I'm not 20 anymore, that bothers me A LOT.  It really feels like yesterday I turned 25. When did I get in my 30somethings?  So it looks like I should have "thought things through" in my 20s.  I said that just for you Kim.  A wonderful sister who finds humor in my ignorance.  I'm sulking a bit because I didn't take the time to plan out the rest of my life.  Things like what age I would want to be starting new endeavors.  Well, it's a good thing that God is always in control even we aren't aware.  He knew, He knows, I am where I am supposed to be.

Bottom line, life moves fast.
Tracy

Sunday, January 4, 2009

One of the items Tra wanted for Christmas was a new waffle maker.  I felt a bit like I was buying her a vacuum cleaner or a toilet bowl brush, but it was what she wanted.  OK.  So, Saturday I got up and took the boys downstairs so Tra could sleep in for a while.  I then decided to break-in the new waffle maker.  I popped open the computer, found a waffle recipe that didn't look to intimidating and off I went.  Flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, oil, milk, and some other stuff.  Easy enough.  Plug-in the waffle iron.  Lights on.  Mix the goods and pour it in.  We were on our way. 

Well, somehow the first round stuck to the non-stick coating.  Liars.  I figured I would adjust my cooking time and technique and try again.  Luckily, the batter was enough for eight and I had only screwed up four.  The next group came out wonderfully (as you can clearly see in the picture).  A little crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  Just like a waffle should be.  I will take a line here to say that I think there are some better recipes out there than this one I found at the Krups website, but they were good none the less.

Here is where the trouble starts.  I had to clean the stinking waffle iron.  I remember my mom used to have one that had removable plates.  They were waffle on one side and griddle on the other.  I thought I had searched for that before purchasing this for her, but I must have dreamed that little sequence.  I have since searched and found it on some other models.  I have to start making notes.

Back to the cleaning.  I guess that at most companies, the designers are never forced to try the products they create.  Or at least they don't have to clean them.  The batter got into places that weren't even close to the plates.  But, those little areas had heat.  How does batter actually get baked into the handle?  Seriously.  I wiped and scraped on this thing for 45 minutes and finally put it away with batter/waffle still on the thing.  Tra can deal with that next time.  

Pancakes.  Stick with pancakes. 

Friday, January 2, 2009

Two things

Two great things happened tonight.  I will give them to you chronologically. 

First, Nathan and I were pulling the cars into the garage after cleaning up the bikes and such.  As he got into my lap, Casting Crown's East to West was playing on the radio.  He was mid-sentence and chimed in singing, "from the west."  He just stopped there and carried on with his thought.  I thought it was really cute, kissed him on top of his head, and told him that I loved him.  He said, "I love you, too, Dad." (too many commas? oh, well.)  It was he usual, without much thought, response.  I laughed and asked if he got tired of my always saying I love you.  He said, "No because I really do love you."  Man, I love that kid.

Second, Joseph pooped on the potty.  M&M's were eaten.  Everyone cheered.  More M&M's were eaten.   Keep it up Joseph!

Thanks!

To those of you who have given financially to help complete our family and give Joseph a home, there are not words to describe our gratitude. Simply know that you will forever be a part of our family, and we thank God for you.