Erin-isms as of late

Some interesting quotes (or as near as we can remember them!)

"Mom, me and Bubba (stuffed bunny) are gettin' pretty and are going to go see my barn. Wanna get pretty with us and come along?" (since when it is necessary to get "gussied up" to visit a barn? no idea, but she was stunning, with jeans, hot pink shirt, too-small pink hat, Sunday shoes, and a big red bag to accessorize!)

Erin: "Gwanma, whatcha been doing today?"
Grandma G: "I've been sewing a new jacket."
Erin: "Oh, you're making a new jacket to wear outside?"
Gma: "Well, it's for Grandma to wear to Mitch's wedding. Grandma hopes she gets it done, cause it's been kinda hard!"
Erin: "Oh, it's been kinda hard? Kinda twicky?"
Gma: (laughing) "Yeah, kinda tricky."
Erin: "I'm sorry Gwanma, I hope it's not so twicky tomorrow for you. Good job Gwanma!" (a little cheer is good for the motivation, I guess!)

At a stoplight in Lawrence. Light turns from red to green. As the cars around us begin moving forward, Erin, with arm in the air proclaims, "Good for you, cars! Way to go!" (again, maybe even random drivers need a pat on the back and a "right arm" compliment!)

1:00am, Sat. night. Mommy enters Erin's room (Erin has supposedly been sleeping) to find lights on, Erin lining up pieces of crayon on her table, completely sans clothing and diaper, talking to the crayon bits ... "You are my keys! We've got to get dressed so we can go to the livary (library) and unlock the doors. We'll have to get a bow in our hair! Come on, come on! Hurry to get to the livary! Oh, hi mommy. We're going to go to the livary, and these are my keys, and we're going to unlock the doors! Want to come with us and unlock the doors? You need to get ready!" (Erin has never visited a library -- we've had lots of books at home -- but tonight we watched part of the movie Matilda, and the little girl there visits the library everyday, and so Erin is excited to visit. She now has a dress picked out for the event on Monday!)

Erin and Mommy are playing on the landing of the stairs, looking in the "grass" at all the "animals". Suddenly,
Erin: "Mommy, shhh, do you hear that?"
Mommy: "Hear what?"
Erin: "It's a bunny crying."
Mommy: "Why is it crying?"
Erin: "You're sitting on it!!! Mommy, mommy, you're sitting on the bunny!"
Mommy: "Where? Which way should I scoot?"
Erin: (hands flailing madly) "Mommy, can't you see it? It's a pink bunny! You're squishing it!"
Daddy: (a few hours later, chuckling heartily) "Yeah, mommy, can't you see the pink bunny? Come on, it's right there!" (thanks, Daddy!)

That's about it for now. I may have to go into the pink bunny story later, but it's late, and the laundry I've been waiting for is now ready to head into the dryer. Thought you'd enjoy a few more Erin Tales!

Veggie Song

I found a site that corresponds with someone's (maybe David or Krista?)earlier post about Erin responding to a question with a part of the Veggie Tales theme song. So for anyone in question about the words ... check them out here!

Freecycling

Hi! I am SOOO excited! I'm getting a piano next week (if we can get enough big strong men to help load it)!!!! I have missed having one around so much -- especially since my ability had gone down the toilet without practice. David introduced me to the wonderful world of "freecycling", where people give and receive things for free in a local area, and this morning he emailed to ask if I wanted a piano! I of course said YES, and now we can go pick it up from the Lake Perry area anytime!

Although it may not be a show piece (it's description was "painted a buttery yellow with a faded decal and 'distressed' finish"), it is definitely something to be excited about. Maybe I can finally learn/master how to "make up" accompaniment from chord sheets and play "improv" parts for UC music things (however, at UC, I would have to use a keyboard, as I don't think we could get the big strong, men to load and unload my buttery-yellow, upright piano twice a week indefinitely). Regardless, I am looking forward to being able to play for me again, as a stress reliever and just for enjoyment! I'm sure Erin will enjoy it too, but we'll have to cross that bridge as we get there. Now our neighbors ... don't know how they'll enjoy our new instrument, but they haven't complained about David's guitar or bass, so I'm hoping for the best!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

misc weekend things

I was so disappointed to look at my blog today and find that the "peed-on foot" entry was the most recent ... I posted, or at least tried to post an entry on Friday night recapping my surprise and observations of a very artistically interpretive performance during the "Smuckers Stars on Ice" even airing on A&E that night. I was sort of disturbed by it, but not one to be interpretive about artistic things, I realize my opinions and displeasure of the performance were probably inaccurate and uninformed. If anyone saw the man drop out of the ceiling in a "stork" sling, and understands the significance of this, please let me know. I just thought it was plain strange, but, to each their own! So ... that's the recap on the post that never posted! Sorry, Krista, my first draft was much more cunning!

The weekend was great! We helped some friends move on Saturday morning, I had a Mary Kay skin care class featuring the new Timewise Microdermabraision in the afternoon which went smashingly well, and we went to Jade Mongolian barbecue in Lawrence for dinner, which was a very good time! Today, we went to church at our new "morning" church, Jacob's Well, in Westport, MO. Wonderful music, amazing teaching, and great discussion -- for the sermon! -- made the service a very full worship experience. Erin met lots of new friends in "her special class" (2-2 1/2 year olds), and was hoping to go back tonight. After lunch at Chili's, a stop at US Toy in Leawood, and the jaunt back to Eudora, David and I put Erin down for a much-needed nap, and planned the music for tonight's service for University Church. Our service went well, and although we are only having 2-4 people that aren't "staff-type" people, we seem to be "gel"ing as a group. God is definitely pulling some things together here, and the evil one is trying just as hard to pull them apart, so please keep us in prayer!

Now, Erin's in bed asleep, I'm almost asleep at my computer, and David's downstairs on his laptop, probably making lists of "optional" parts he wants for his Jeep (dreaming for now!). I'm hoping this week will be steadily busy instead of busy in spurts. Hope you had a fabulous weekend and are off to a great new week!

My foot was peed on today

Well, it's time for the late night posting ... and another episode of Erin Tales. What a day today has been! Thankfully, my daughter has collapsed in exhausted slumber after a hard day's work! We started off well, at 9:15, and things seemed to go downhill from there. She made a mess everywhere she turned, from grinding laundry lint into the hall carpet in the laundry area and my freshly cleaned pantyhose to pouring anti-itch liquid (Caladryl Clear type stuff) all over herself and a pile of sorted dirty laundry (the grayish load). She also managed to fall off my bed twice, spill a basket of clean laundry, bring half of her toys into my bedroom, and get more bread crumbs from her turkey and cheese sandwich on the table/floor than in her mouth. At Phat Tuesday, she managed to spill her milk on the carpet and dump an entire tin of porcelain dominoes into Habit's water bowl. The loud crash and splash zone was impressive from the latter! What a day!

The household topper for the day, however occurred during naptime (which she avoided with extreme craftiness today). We had just settled down, and low and behold, the potty fairy struck. So, we trudged to the bathroom. I helped Erin pull down her pants, still leaving the pull-up in place. Somehow, Erin forgot this, and started going potty. I did not realize this, and pulled down the pull-up to set her on the toilet. Wasn't I surprised by the warm shower on my clean bare foot?! I pulled the pseudo-panty back up quickly (they are called pull-ups for a reason, I suppose!), and asked her what the puddle was on and around my foot. Her response was, "Mommy, that looks like a big mess on your foot!" I can laugh now, but wasn't exactly pleased at the time. I pulled the pull-up down again, and set her on the toilet to keep her feet out of the "big mess", and was surprised to hear her peeing again (thankfully, this time in the toilet!). So, even though I irritated, I was impressed that she stopped in the middle and continued when she was in the right position! "Mommy wow, I'm a ...." Our little girl is growing up!

I think that's all for today. I'm beat! Until we meet again ...

Authentic Community

Wow! Tonight University Church was ... great, awesome, fun, ... yes, but I think "real" is the best word to describe tonight. The order of service was all screwed up, Daivd and I didn't have music ready until we flew out the door, and there weren't many people there, but God was. We only did three of the songs, we anguished over choosing and Sean didn't give the exact "sermon" he had prepared (at least that was my impression), and again, there weren't many bodies present, but, where two or three are gathered ...

The laughter, tears, prayer, and conversation that took place tonight were authentic, they flowed together the way life always does, but in the way that God entertwines it, not our knotted, chaotic mess of "organized living". Thank You, Father, for giving us a glimpse of what You desire in our hearts, lives, and Your church! Hope You enjoyed the evening as well!

Our budding community is something I am so excited about these days! I hope to meet some of you through UC, which meets each Sunday evening at 7:30 in Danforth Chapel on KU's campus, and each Tuesday for free food (Phat Tuesday) and a fun time at Sean and Lisa's house which is very close to campus (approx 21st and Naismith). We love to have fun, and get to know all sorts of people from the Lawrence area. Hope to see you soon!

Microdermabrasion!

I am so excited ... my new Timewise Microdermabrasion Set arrived today, and I'm going to try it this evening! After a haircut and brow-wax yesterday, I'm feeling like a new woman!

Anyone interested in trying a FREE Microdermabrasion treatment? At the spa or dermatologist clinic, the treatments are anywhere from $50-$100 a pop (at my OB office the treatments are $65). The Mary Kay product uses the same professional grade aluminum oxide crystals that are used in the "professional" treatments, however, you can do these yourself at home, and don't have to clear your schedule for an appointment!

If you are in the Lawrence/Kansas City/Topeka area, or Emporia, I would love to get together with you in person. If you are from "out of town" (like my North Carolina, Maryland, and Oregon customers!), I would love to send you a sample in the mail!

I am anxious to get this product on as many faces as I can (men or women) so I can see the results and get opinions on the matter. Soo ... if you'd like to help me out and get an expensive spa treatment for free (you will also get a quick Mary Kay facial!), email me or post to my blog, or visit my website and contact me there! My phone numbers are also available on my website!

I would also be interested in microdermabrasion experiences you have had at a spa/salon/clinic or products you have used at home -- I've heard dissatisfaction with some products individuals have purchased from department and discout stores. I'm just trying to be as educated as possible!

I'll post my response of this brand new product soon! Can't wait to hear from all of you!

Piddlefartin' and butt sweat

Wow! We just returned from the Allison Krauss and Union Station concert in KC! I was not particularly excited about this event, at first, just because I only knew one song by this very talented lady (When You Say Nothing At All - which is one of my favorite songs of all time, btw). David's boss, Richard, invited us to go with them, and we thought it would be a fun evening out and it would help us get to know them a little better.

We had a great time, and the music was GREAT! I don't know much about bluegrass music, but two of the people in the band are I guess "legends" (one played the dobo(?) and the other sang and played guitar/mandolin -- he was George Clooney's singing voice in "O Brother Where Art Thou"). I really enjoyed the entire evening! Plus, it was great to spend time with Richard and Janet, their kids Annie and Steven, and Chris and Tammi. We laughed a lot - which is always something I enjoy a tremendous amount - and had a wonderful time.

There were many funny moments throughout the evening ... one being one of my graceful moments. Those of you who know me are probably already rolling your eyes or laughing. We were trying to decide who was going to ride "shotgun" in the suburban, and I was "elected". Well, I moved to get into the large black GPS-ridden vehicle and didn't notice the dead plant stub sticking up out of the ground. You can guess the rest. I tried to make it graceful, but there was no stopping the trip. I thankfully did not fall to the ground, but managed to grab onto the open door, and kind of fall into the front seat. Needless to say, I was worried about the remainder of the evening, as it was off to a "great" beginning. I did not feel so bad, however, after witnessing someone else's graceful moment at the concert. The stairs to our seats were very short and steep, and after the lights went down, it was very hard to navigate. I also was nervous about having to move about in these conditions. My fears were realized in someone else as a tall young woman came down the stairs to find her seat in the near-dark. I saw her start to topple, and grieved with her silently as she fell down the last three stairs. It's nice to know there are other clumsies out there too!

Other funny moments of the evening revolved around various "new" words that emerged in our conversations ... piddlefart ... butt sweat ... , other guests at the concert ... woman with very big fluffy hair that Tammi was able to see through for the duration of the concert and the girl with a very annoying laugh sitting directly behind me (this girl laughed EVERY time Allison Krauss opened her mouth to speak -- and it was the EXACT same laugh each time, same number of chuckles, same pitch, uuhhgg!), and our quest to find Richard's big black suburban in the parking garage after the concert -- who knew the panic button on a vehicle would come in so handy, and so unhandy at the same time! There was also some commercial "jingle singing" on the way home, which is always exciting. My contribution was the Emporia ABC Seamless Steel Siding tune. I would have to say a good time was had by all!

Thanks to Richard and Janet G. for inviting us out for a great evening!

I have returned

Hello all. I return to the blog community with sad news. David and I were hoping this entry would be joyful, but it is not in the capacity we were hoping. We have known for about a month now that I was pregnant, but found out at my first doctor visit that there was no heartbeat, and our baby was no longer living. I started miscarrying on Saturday evening, and am still awaiting the end of this process. I may have to have the D&C tomorrow to finish things.

We are of course, heartbroken, but have been served, once again, by our Heavenly Father in ways we didn't know were possible. The incredible peace that has settled over our family is amazing, ... truly something that passes understanding. The power of prayer has been demonstrated over and over to us, as we have slept soundly and had the strength to move forward each day. We have had emails, phone calls, and visits with so many folks who have shared their love, compassion, and stories of their own loss. The most exciting thing to me is being a part of the Body of Christ, as it functions the way it was "built" to function. We continue to praise our Creator, whose ways are above our ways and thoughts above our thoughts and timing is literally, everything. I know that our baby is laughing and cuddling and sleeping in the arms of Jesus tonight and every night -- what more could I ask as a mommy, that Perfect Love cradle my child? It is hard, and I know I will have good days and bad, but I am excited to see (or not see) the glory that will come to Father because of our little one.

Erin is holding out okay -- we haven't really made a big deal about a new baby to her yet, just with little comments along the way about sharing some of her things with a new baby. In her mind though, the new baby is Aunt Chelle and Uncle John's baby, who will be arriving in early August (YEAH!!!), and we will just keep it that way. We've been blessed with family being close by to keep her overnight and help as we try to get to all the appointments and as I try to begin the physical healing. She is aware that I am "sick" and has been trying her best to help me feel better by administering lots of hugs and kisses, and occasionally washing my legs and feet with a damp washcloth. She is such a blessing and joy -- even if she is loud and jumpy lots of the time! We treasure her, even more now, as we pull together as a family. What a gift.

Okay, as usual, I've rambled on for much too long. Thank you for your prayers -- please keep them coming, as the days and weeks ahead will still be difficult. May God's peace envelope you today as we have experienced it in this very moment.

In Him, Sarah

Erin's Post

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"Mommy says howie havah."

Who knows exactly what that means, but, ... :)

Not much going on here

Hello all! Just a quick post to say hi. Haven't really had that much exciting news around her since last week :) Erin's done some more wall art ... some out of creativity and some out of anger. However, it's spreading throughout the house, and no longer sticking to her bedroom. Keeping the Magic Erasers handy! She's also been quite the nose-picker lately. Don't exactly know why, but she's definitely an expert. And also ... she does eat her findings. I think sometimes she even just sticks her finger in her nose to taste it. How gross!!! I'm sure this is part of some psychological phase she has to go through, but still ... gross.

David was arguing again with the HP support people tonight, this time, via phone. I don't know yet how that fared. I'm guessing he'll post (vent) about it on his blog. He's not so excited about their customer support these days!

I've seen some interesting blogs over the last few days. It's crazy how much time one can spend "trolling" or whatever it's called! I spent like two hours on two separate occasions this week bouncing from blog to blog. However, I found some people to connect with about UC, so that was a blessing!

Okay, see, I told you I didn't have much going on here! Have a great Friday! Love to you all!

Taco Tuesday!

Hello All! Today is Phat Tuesday for University Church, and we are having TACOS! We meet at the Heston's house around 6ish and eat around 6:30. No exact thoughts on the dessert of the evening yet, but I'm thinking Tollhouse Pan cookies and chocolate cake?? Suggestions welcome! Hope to see you all there! Post or email me for directions! Have a great day!

Mystery Poster

Well, if any of you read the posts on the blogs like I do, I received one from redhairblueface. His goal is to post random thoughts on random blogs to gain "hits" on his own blog. I don't care, but thought this was funny if a little irritating. And, I'm all about pancakes and honey ham, so more power to him, but I guess he's caused a stir in the blog community. Just so you know, I do not know this strange individual, but was slightly amused by his blog. Have a great day.

Mr. Wonderful

My husband is amazing! Since I was gone to Emporia yesterday until 12:30 at night, Daddy and Erin spent the day together. They built a snowman, Erin colored herself with sharpe markers, and had lots of fun educating daddy on a day in the life of a two-year-old! Today, I hosted a facial here at home, and our home was a MESS when we went to bed last night. My husband, aka "Angel Man", got up (earlier than me) to help start cleaning up. He cleaned right up to the time the doorbell rang, and my guest arrived. He then trooped upstairs, persuaded Erin to take a nap, and worked on laundry. WHAT A GIFT this man is to me! THANK YOU DAVID! I LOVE YOU!

New Consultant!

Hey! Great news! I have a new consultant on my Mary Kay team, Linda from Emporia! She has been one of my customers for about a year now, and decided she wants to share what she's found to be a wonderful thing with others! So excited to have her on my team! I currently have three consultants, Linda, Shannon, and Tina, and am anxiously waiting for them to become active! I know they will all be great!

I traveled to Emporia on Saturday to help Shannon, my team member in the Tri Sigma house, do her first skin care class! We had 5 guests, and a few "walk through" guests, and had a great time! Haven't laughed that hard in a few days! I also made 6 deliveries, had dinner with my dear friend, Kelli B., and did a class in the dorms in the evening, where I met a girl at a snack machine and sold a Cadillac Bag! What a great day!

Puppies and Poop

I know, I know ... I should be going to bed, but I wanted to share about Erin's busy last few days. Monday was so beautiful, we played outside for quite a while in the afternoon, blowing bubbles, playing "soccer" (or some version of it that involves me kicking the ball and Erin running to it, picking it up, and throwing it up in the air to hit her head), and rolling around in the grass. We also had the joy of playing with the neighbor's four 7-week-old puppies, Libby, Sugar, Roly-Poly, and ... I can't remember. They are some sort of a small pug dog, and so ugly they're cute. They were so small, and their main body almost fit into my hand! Of course, as puppies do, they licked Erin's face, ran around and jumped with her, and ... peed on me. This was okay, though, because it was a great day, and not even puppy whiz was going to put me in a bad mood! David came home from work, we ran to the bank, where Erin got her second batch of stickers for the day, and tried to confiscate the manager's family picture :) Nice, Erin. After the bank, we piled back in the car, headed home, and played outside for a while, but it was getting dark and cold, so we went in and made quesedillas for dinner. A FUN day!

Now, I was really looking forward to today, after such a great day yesterday, but woke up feeling horrible. Erin was kind of a mess all day, and wonder of wonders, didn't take a nap (those of you at Phat Tuesday can probably attest to this from the grumpiness factor!). After fighting with her for a few hours, I gave up, hopped in the shower, and tried to get ready for the Mary Kay "Trash It Night". I dropped Erin off with Sean and Lisa -- THANKS! -- and ran to pick up my guest for the meeting. Now, this in itself doesn't sound so bad, but the worst happened while I was away. Erin, who loves to watch movies in Caleb's room on Phat Tuesdays, accidentally got stuck in the room alone. Apparently the situation was distressing to her, and she had a messy (to put it nicely) diaper. While calling for help by knocking on the door with one hand, the other hand was busy making a mural out of Caleb's full-length mirror on the back of the door. I'll be you can guess the medium (and no, we were not so lucky as before when she colored her wall with purple crayon)! Yep, the princess smeared nasty poop all over herself and the door of Caleb's room. Lisa and a few of the other girls disrobed Erin and threw her in the tub, then dressed her in some clothes in her diaper bag (a KSU Wildcat shirt - great way to make friends at KU!). I guess this upset her terribly, and she cried for a while. David then took her downstairs to play the drums, I guess to work out her aggressions. It worked, but when I arrived, she immediately began misbehaving again, so a fun evening was had by all! Oh, the budding artist alive in our daughter!

Two great things about today -- we got to have a lunch date with David at Mr. Goodcents in DeSoto. Erin fell asleep on the way home, and we didn't have to fight about bedtime! Yeah! Well, I really do need to go to bed now, I'm a tired mama! Tomorrow is another day ... it will be great! Have a good one!

Trash It Night!

Tuesday, January 25th is Trash It Night for Derrell's Driving Divas! Our Mary Kay meeting in Olathe will be extra fun this week as we invite our guests to bring old non-Mary Kay products to "trash" in our big trash can, and receive special discounts on your new Mary Kay products for doing so!

Trash 1 item - 10% off corresponding MK item
Trash 2nd item - above + 20% off corresponding MK item
Trash 3rd item - above + 30% off corresponding MK item
Trash 4th item - above + 40% off corresponding MK item
Trash 5 items or more - above + 50% off corresponding MK item

Now, don't panic, if after trying Mary Kay products during the facial, a guest does not wish to trash the current product, that is fine. However, to get the discounts, the guest must trash their corresponding item.

I know many of you would have a great time at this event -- I'm so excited, it gives you a chance to clean out your cosmetic drawer, cupboard, counter tops, and boxes and fill them with products 1. you love 2. you will use 3. come backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee ... that are on SALE! How much better does it get? You say "They could be free!" Well, here's your chance ... for giving us your opinion about our meetings and business plan, you will be entered into a drawing for $100 in FREE Mary Kay product!!! This is a January promotion only, so this week is your last chance to enter! Now, I think we've covered the bases on why you would want to come! Also, it is a FUN evening out with the girls, full of compliments, positive affirmations, and lots of laughter! I'd love to have you as my guest! Please call me, or email, or post to let me know you're interested!

We'll meet in Olathe at the Machine Shed Restaurant, at I-35 and 119th and start at 6:20. If you'd like to eat there, try to be there at 6:00 to order. If you need a ride or directions, please let me know! Can't wait to see you on Tuesday!

Candyland!

The recipe was a success! David's persistence with the candy thermometer and stirring paid off and provided us with a smashing batch of Pecan Brittle -- he literally smashed it in a zipper bag! It tastes great too! Erin really liked it, and we did too, as it kept her little mouth busy for a while and kept her a little more quiet than usual! Thanks to mom Rahija for providing the candy thermometer and pecans!

Candy

David is trying a new recipe (for us) tonight. He's making Pecan Brittle. You might keep us in prayer that we don't 1. Burn our home down 2. Burn ourselves or Erin 3. Get so frustrated that we throw the stuff across the room -- quite a sticky mess to clean up, I fear! We'll let you know the outcome later!

Skunk Song a Big Hit

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that my grandma got to come home from the hospital yesterday! The doctors removed 1000 cc of fluid from the cavity in her ribcage around one of her lungs, and the other side drained itself -- that's a lot of fluid! Anyway, she's not so happy because she's on a low-sodium diet, and thinks she won't be able to eat anything that tastes good, but is otherwise in good spirits. Erin and I got to talk to her two days ago on the phone. She requested Erin sing a song for her. After much deliberation (like 2 minutes of silence!), Erin chose the Skunk song ...

Well, I stuck my head in a little skunk's hole

and the little skunk said,
"Well bless my soul!

Take it out! Take it out! Take it out! Take it out!"
Psshhtt ... I removed it!

Quite the charmer, eh?

Anyway, it seemed to lift the spirits! Thanks for all of your prayers for her, and my mom and grandpa. They have had some great ministry opportunities with other families who have been in the ICU, and also with the nursing staff. God was at work here!