The Meehans (with a silent 'H')

2010-04-05T23:01:00.003-05:00

Well hello blog thingamadoo. How've ya been? We had some good times, didn't we? Wanna pick up where we left off?

Okay, my little convo with the blog is getting a bit weird. So...9 months ago I quit blogging, which is just tragic because thousands upon thousands of people checked this blog first thing in the morning - even before their morning coffee! Even before peeing! Maybe I'm the only one who has to RUN to the bathroom when I wake up. Wow. I've got a bit of a stream of consciousness thing going on here.

So, anyway, Joel and I have three kiddos now. Three female kiddos. I said it outloud today (something about "my three daughters") and nearly hyperventilated. Three daughters! Oh how I pray that one of them becomes an absolute Twins fanatic for their dear long-suffering Daddy!

Kid #1: Marie, aged 4 years. Enjoys coloring, reading (being read to, rather), the great outdoors, coloring some more, pondering deep philosophical truths, asking approximately 2,156 questions each day, most of which I can't answer, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chili (which she has eaten for dinner three days in a row), and obsessing about various natural disasters and the probability that they will destroy our house. Marie is in her first year of pre-school and we're getting good feedback. She's been labeled by her teachers as a "rule follower". An all-around great kid.

Kid #2: And then there's Renee. She's 2 now and POTTY TRAINED. That's right, we only have one kid in diapers. Rock on with your bad self, Meehan family! Renee enjoys the finer things in life, such as thumb sucking, eating gum off of the underside of tables at restaurants, stripping down naked and running around outside (although, I must admit, I'd enjoy this too if it were socially acceptable), and carrying around a stuffed puppy that more closely resembles road kill than it does a cute fluffy canine. We love this girl.

Kid #3: Noelle is the latest (and probably last) addition to our brood. She's the peanut of the family. One week overdue and our smallest at 7lb 8oz. Also a solid pound lighter at her 2 month check-up than her big sisters were. At four months we're beginning to see that she's a bit of a social butterfly. And by this I mean that whenever she's left alone for .09 seconds she begins to shriek. The shrieking stops upon the reentry of any member of the family. Noelle loves her Mommy very much, as is evident by her 12-13 hours stretch of sleep at night.

So there ya go Mrs. Conklin. I blogged.

2009-07-07T14:38:00.005-05:00

Oooh! A blog from Maggie! This doesn't happen very often! I definitely am not staying on top of this blogging thing. After three + years it is starting to lose some of its appeal. Plus, everyone is on facebook now so that's kind of taking the place of blogging for some of us. But, anyway, I thought I'd "blog" because we do have some pretty exciting news! We bought a house last week, and will close on August 31! The kiddos went to their grandparents' house for the week, and Joel and I looked at about a bazillion houses with a realtor (who was great, by the way!). So, what was supposed to be a relaxing mini vacation to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary, turned into a pretty big, unrelaxing, deal! But we're so glad that we found the house that we did and that we were able to do so while the kiddos were away. It definitely would've been much more difficult to house hunt without an empty nest for a week.

So, here are some photos! It's in a great location in Maple Grove, 3 bedrooms, 1600 square feet...nothing too big or fancy, but it's perfect for our little family! And as a bonus, we took Chad and Heidi over to see in on Sunday and there was a family out across the street with two little girls, and another one on the way (just like us!). Hopefully that'll be a lot of fun!

In other news, our 19 week ultrasound is tomorrow, but I guess it's not all that exciting because we're not going to find out the gender of the baby. Although, I am going to have the ultrasound tech write it down on a piece of paper, and then we'll immediately mail it to my friend, Traci Davies, who lives in Nashville. She really wants to know, and promised us a super cute gender-appropriate outfit after the baby is born. Oh, and she knows that if she tells me or anyone else what the contents of that envelope are, there will be serious repercussions. I'm threatening the health and well-being of her English Bulldog, Winston :-) I don't think I could ever make such an agreement with anyone who lived within a thousand miles of us.

Have a great month - because that'll probably be how long it is before I post again!

2009-05-11T15:15:00.005-05:00

I love love love talking baby names, so when I saw on a friend's blog that the Social Security Administration has just come out with their stats on the most popular names of 2008, I had to check and see the status of Marie and Renee. We definitely try to stay out of the top 50(certainly the top 10), but have not intentionally stayed this far out. I really like our kids' names, but apparently not everyone feels the same way!

However, I have heard a few more Marie's lately. One of Joel's co-workers is naming his unborn daughter Marie, and we've run into a few at the grocery store. For the most part they are 60+. I'm kind of surprised that Marie hasn't made more of a comeback along with some other old-fashioned names that are suddenly cool again (Emma, Eleanor, Clara, Ava, Lucy etc.).

Popularity of the female name Renee
Year of birth / Rank
2008 / 734
2007 / 713
2006 / 580
2005 / 543
2004 / 476
2003 / 452
2002 / 418
2001 / 385
2000 / 362

Popularity of the female name Marie
Year of birth / Rank
2008 / 546
2007 / 557
2006 / 571
2005 / 508
2004 / 494
2003 / 506
2002 / 429
2001 / 403
2000 / 373

2009-05-11T14:39:00.004-05:00

Here are a few that my mom took during her visit at the end of April. Once again, I forgot to take any photos of the girls with their Grammy. Sorry, Mom! We'll make up for it later this month when we come to Nebraska.

2009-05-11T14:27:00.003-05:00

We fished all of Marie's old broken crayons out of her crayon box, and melted them in muffin tins in the oven at 350. They turned out like this, and are lots of fun for her to color with!

2009-05-11T13:56:00.005-05:00

I really dislike blogging lately. Facebook just makes uploading and writing captions on photos so much easier, which is the main purpose for which I use this blog. I think blogger.com needs to make some changes if they want to keep up with the Joneses.

Some photos from our weekend with Chad & Heidi, at their cabin. Chad's family built this cabin with their own hands about 30 years ago. It was fun to see the land and the house that he grew up visiting, and to read the cabin's guest book, which dates back to around 1979! Weren't there dinosaurs back then?

Heidi is 23 weeks pregnant, for those of you who haven't heard. They are due around Labor Day (how appropriate!). She's quite a trooper! Still jogging, chopping wood, etc. She puts me to shame! Anyway, we had a terrific time. The highlight for me was definitely trudging through the muddy swamp land on Sunday morning with knee-high rubber boots. Joel and I (who are not experienced mud trudgers) got stuck several times. It was really a hoot!

Chad, Heidi & Joel planted 180 bushes and trees on Saturday to create a wind break on their land. It'll be fun to go back in a few years (if they'll have us) and see how they've grown!

Marie was very brave and climbed to the top of a deer stand with Uncle Chad. She also enjoyed "doing work" outside like hauling logs and planting pansies with Aunt Heidi, and picking wildflowers to make bouquets. What she didn't enjoy so much were the lovely wood ticks. In fact, I had to take her into the doctor this morning to get a tick head removed from her armpit! But she did great and the doctor told her that she was even braver than a 5 year old, which really made her smile.

2009-04-03T22:31:00.003-05:00

"The whole goal of a baby's awake time is to bridge the gap as seamlessly as possible from one sleep event to the next."

A Joel quote from this evening. So true.

On that note, we are expecting another cute sleeping baby on 12/02/09.

2009-03-06T14:35:00.003-06:00

From a couple of months ago. Marie has about half of her books memorized, which is nice because she can "read" them to herself! This is an excerpt from Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words.

"I have a knack for mixing and matching ensembles. Take it from me, lavender works with almost anything....

Now can I watch it?"

2009-03-06T13:52:00.010-06:00

Renee doing her pig impression:

And here she is going going nuts:

And being cute:

Sweet:

Cereal Box puzzle:

Our favorite time - Story Time:

My french braiding skills are a little rusty:

Joel & Renizzle dancing:

And a few from their birthday party last month:

2009-03-05T07:03:00.004-06:00

RANDOM.

My sister-in-law, Carissa, and I rarely wear make-up and don't really know how to put it on. So last night we went to the Bare Escentuals (you may have seen the infomercials) store at Southdale Mall and got makeovers! I forgot to bring my camera, so I don't have before and after shots of Carissa, but she looked great! Both of us just want to be able to have the option of getting more dressed-up if we're going on a date, or to an event like Dan & Kaylen's wedding in June!

These photos are a little dark because I used the webcam.

Here's my before:

And after:

2009-02-19T15:15:00.001-06:00

Marie: "Mommy, let's make Chocolate Baby Soup for dinner!"

Sounds scrumptious!

2009-02-11T16:46:00.008-06:00

JUST WAITING FOR SPRING...

Whew! The Minnesota Meehans have a lot going on right now! And I'm not talking about our little family of 4. Things are pretty low key around here (especially with the girls being sick on an off). Nope, Joel's three siblings have a LOT going on!

Tim & Carissa:
Expecting Baby #4, Put house on market last week, House sold in 2 days!, Found a new house last weekend, Moving mid-March to new house, Baby due in April. Whew. Makes me tired just to type it!

Heidi & Chad:
Expecting baby #1 in late August! She's going to make the cutest matron of honor in her best friend's wedding this June.

Dan & Kaylen:
Engaged as of Sunday! Probably getting hitched in late June or early July!

So, ya, there's a lot going on here in Minnesota. It seems like every time we talk to someone lately there's more exciting news! Highlights for our family over the past couple of weeks include: Joel enjoying the blessing of employment, Renee turning 1 on Feb 4 (she also can pull-up and is getting pretty good at sign language), all of us throwing up over the course of a week (not a highlight, but noteable nonetheless), Joel and Tim taking their eldest daughters to a Sweetheart Ball (photos below), finding a new church, Marie starting preschool 1 day/week.

On Valentine's Day this Saturday we're having a Triple Birthday Party for Marie, Renee and their cousin, Naomi, who all have February birthdays. My mom is coming up from Nebraska, which we're really looking forward to! She loathes cold weather, so hopefully it stays pretty mild for her visit.

Alright, enough yappin'. Here are the photos:

Joel and his mini-me.

She's almost 3!

It's exhausting being 1.

"I'm 1, Mom."

"Happy Birthday To You!" Even though we're having a family birthday party on Saturday, Marie insisted that we celebrate Renee's birthday on the 4th. She was so sweet and cute about it.

Cliche "baby stuffing her face with cake at 1st birthday" photo.

The girls.

Opening presents. Go Go Caterpillar is a big hit.

Marie had another new friend over last Friday. They played great together all day!

Tim & Joel took the girls to a Sweetheart Ball last weekend. On three: 1, 2, 3, "Awwwwwww...."

Marie and Naomi danced mostly with each other while their Daddies chaperoned.

2009-01-26T10:16:00.008-06:00

Photos of the kids:

Renee gabbing on the phone.

Watching Winnie the Pooh together before naptime.

I love Marie's face as she is pretend-feeding Renee in this photo. I always open my mouth like this when I'm feeding a baby. It's so funny that she is doing it, too!

The following photos are from an indoor playground at a community center that we visited last week. We had no idea how deluxe it would be!

If you look closely, you can see Joel and Marie at the top of the orange/yellow slide! Marie LOVED it! She probably went down it a half dozen times.

An action shot.

Yay, so much fun!

Marie and her new pal from church, Owen. She's so happy to have made a few friends at our new church, which is overflowing with children her age!

2009-01-13T15:21:00.006-06:00

First Post of 2009:

We started off 2009 with a Quadruple Birthday Party! Isaac (our nephew), Dan (Joel's brother), Heidi (Joel's sister) and Barb (Joel's mom) all have birthdays on or around January 1st. The Meehans all got to spend the day together, and some of the group even went ice skating in between meals (and some of us napped instead!)

Here's Tim & Carissa's youngest, Ada Mae. She is coming up on 17 months.

Isaac got this cool race track for Christmas. His Dad, Tim, decided that Systematic Theology was large enough to hold the race track in place :-) At least it's being used for something...just kidding.

Auntie Heidi and Uncle Chad entertaining Renee. Heidi doesn't look a day over 30 in this photo, does she? Very funny, Maggie...

Dan got two lanterns for his birthday. Apparently he camps a lot. I'm not really sure, as Dan lives in St. Paul which is much too far away from Plymouth to come over for a visit. Yep, that was a guilt trip via blog. :-)

Isaac, Naomi and Marie - each with their own doodle pro.

Now...what have the Plymouth Meehans been up to, you ask? Well, let me show you. We'll start with Marie:

She's loves playing with her baby sister. Her baby sister is warming up to the idea.

She REALLY loves puzzles. We got her this 25 pc. Cars puzzle the other day and she did it in a jiffy. I'm not sure if that means she's a bonifide genius or not? Heehee.

Well, even if she's not a genius, she's definitely sweet! Marie is very excited to celebrate her 3rd birthday on February 17th. She, Naomi and Renee are going to have a Triple Birthday Party next month! She is proud to be a big girl who no longer wears diapers for naptime or bedtime! Also in the world of Marie is Saturday morning tumbling class with her Daddy, and soon a one morning/week preschool class.

Now, onto Renee:

Basically, she's uberbusy being a doll. It's a big job.

Here she is again, hard at work being cute.

Renee also loves to eat. Here she is eating her very first chocolate chip cookie. Unfortunately, we think she may be allergic to chocolate. After eating this cookie she broke out in bumpy red hives all over her body and messed her diaper a few times. This would make sense, as there is a chocolate allergy on Joel's side of the family (Thanks, Uncle Dan). I'm still holding out hope that this is not the case. We'll talk to the pediatrician about getting her tested soon. The thought of one of my daughters not being able to binge on chocolate every now and then is almost too much to bear.

...and Renee also enjoys drinking milk. No more bottles for this big girl! In other Renee-related news: She learned to crawl this past Saturday! She's much happier now that she's mobile, and her big sister is a little on edge. Today Marie asked me, "Mommy, can Renee crawl into my room and play with my toys now?"

Joel, a.k.a. Daddy has been keeping busy:
His new job is going well, and we are very thankful for it. He's also been playing broomball with his brothers on Tuesday nights in single-digit temperatures.

The caption for this photo is "Why We Love Daddy"

Joel and Renee are buddies.

Marie thinks her Daddy is the best. Here they are drawing a picture together.

One thing about Joel is that, while is he supposedly playing with Marie, he is always thinking of ways to entertain me (Maggie) at the same time. Here you will see that the shark has bitten off part of my leg. I explained to Marie that the shark is nice (she did not know what the red stuff oozing out of my leg was). The large black creature is supposedly a whale.

And I've been staying occupied, as well.

When I'm not playing with my children's toys during their naps...

...I'm staring out the window at this!

2008-12-30T21:46:00.032-06:00

CHRISTMAS 2008.

We have had a wonderful Christmas vacation so far, and it doesn't end until January 5! It started out on the 23rd when Heidi, Chad and Dan watched ours and Tim & Carissa's children so that we could go on a double date to see The Minnesota Wild (our professional hockey team) play in downtown St. Paul. They even provided the tickets! It was the first time we've ever been able to go out with Tim & Carissa sans kids and it was a great time. Thanks guys!

Joel and I.

Tim & Carissa Meehan (and baby #4 en utero).

A candid shot. Well, no, not really. I had them pretend to be freaking out at the game :-)

Next, we spent Christmas Eve at Joel's grandparents house (Norris and Lorraine Jobe). They're the ones with the 16 kids! Half of their children come on Christmas Eve and the other half on Christmas Day. Joel's mom is in the Christmas Eve group!

Family Photo on Christmas Eve.

The girls with their Great Grandma and Grandpa Jobe.

Marie and Naomi got to dress alike on Christmas Eve. It was pretty cute.

Christmas Day was spent at Joel's parents house. We opened presents in the morning and had a delicious Christmas Day feast. I might've taken more than my fair share of Ralph's famous stuffing.

Dan and his lady friend, Kaylen :-)

A couple of really cool girls.

Indoor sledding on Renee's Christmas present.

Grandpa and Renee

Heidi showing Renee the great outdoors.

Marie and Naomi in their princess dresses from Heidi & Chad.

What a goofball.

On December 26th we headed down and over to Nebraska to see my lovely parental units. First, we celebrated Jesus's birthday at Grammy Cindy's house:

Marie and Grammy made Jesus a birthday cake! It was angel food - how appropriate!

Marie modeling some of her new dress-up clothing.

Joel was pretending to be the Wolf who ate Little Red Riding Hood's grandma.

My cousin, Casey, came over for dinner and a playdate and brought his adorable son, Cole. It was getting close to his bedtime and he obliged us by taking a photo :-)

Grammy and her little grandbaby.

Me and baby Renee, or "Little Gus Gus", as Marie calls her.

Grammy looking groovy.

Great Grandma and Grandpa Wears with all three of their Great Grandchildren (who all have February birthdays!)

And finally...we had our Christmas celebration with my dad and his wife, Carolyn on their Ponderosa (acreage).

My dad and youngest daughter.

Carolyn made these little stuffed doggies for the girls. One is Zsa Zsa (their vizsla mix) and the white one is Missy (the ferocious pit bull).

Isabelle and I with our babies :-)

P.S. I will try to work on my overuse of smiley faces :-)

2008-12-22T13:48:00.005-06:00

I gave Renee a haircut today. I've trimmed the back a couple of times but have never given her, or anyone else for that matter, a haircut. I was pretty nervous, but it turned out alright!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

2008-12-21T21:02:00.007-06:00

A wordy post.

I realize that this post is entirely too wordy and probably contains more information than anyone cares to read. But, hey, I'm lonely and want to talk to someone and I figure that now that this blog is private, the only people who read it probably actually care about our family's strange anecdotes and quirks.

We found a church today thanks to an acquaintance (a good friend of our sister-in-law, Carissa) who actually lives in Virginia but has a friend who lives here in the Cities. Long story, but thank you Cindy A.! I just wish that we could go again next weekend and meet a few more people, but we'll be in Nebraska, which we are very excited about. Christmas will be celebrated in Faribault with Joel's family and then we leave on the 26th for a visit with my side.

Marie is becoming a big girl. She's almost potty-trained for naps/bedtime. She has been potty-trained during the day since May, but relies on her diaper during sleep. We made a sticker chart and each time she woke up dry she would get another sticker. Five stickers meant that she would get a reward, which she decided would be My Little Ponies. After she earned her first pony, she woke up wet from her nap. I asked her why she had wet her diaper and she said, "Because I already got my pony and I don't want any more ponies." Stinker! So now we've made her reward movie-watching. We'll print off a photo of a character or scene from a movie of her choice (one that we already own) and make a sticker chart out of it. When she gets four stickers for dry diapers, she gets to watch that movie. We'll see how this goes....

An interesting fact about Joel: He loathes unicorns. Marie's pony is a unicorn and it annoys him terribly :-) He always asks Marie if she is going to burst into song when she's playing with it. Apparently ponies remind him of rainbows and fairy dust and bursting into song while running through a field of flowers - all of which are very uncool. This afternoon Marie gave him the unicorn to play with and he said, "Tomorrow morning, instead of reading my Bible, I think I'll just bask in the beauty of this unicorn and rely on that strength to get me through the day." Yea, he's really sarcastic about the unicorn! It's hilarious, though, and all in good fun.

A few photos. Yes, a couple of them are practically the same photo, but I like them all and I know you do, too. Otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Our Christmas books on display.

Marie being a ham.

She's so big!

Renee is warming up to Marie ... a little. Marie adores her baby sister, but the feeling hasn't always been mutual!

Playing house with a moving box.

Ditto.

Renee's crazy hair. It was always in her eyes until...

I cut her bangs! Her hair is in a ponytail and wet in this photo, so it looks kind of strange, and I've since given her a few more bangs. But it is SO nice to be able to see her pretty little face, and I can tell she's much happier. Bangs are all the range right now, too!

2008-12-16T15:18:00.002-06:00

I wrote this on Tuesday and am just posting it today:

No photos (again). My apologies to the three people who occasionally read this blog. I'm having a terrible day and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. This morning I ventured out with the kids, which is a feat in and of itself in -9 degree weather. I checked on the TV before we left and that's what it said. NEGATIVE 9. It's surprisingly bearable, though.

Anyway, last Sunday we visited a new church and really liked it so today the girls and I went to the Moms' Group. I realize that I am emotionally fragile lately and my personality isn't exactly shining through, but seriously NOBODY talked to me other than to tell me when they would be collecting the money for the child care and craft project. I just sat there pleading with my eyes like a sad little puppy dog for somebody to talk to me. Anyway, I awkwardly left an hour early and bawled all the way home. So pitiful.

It's a good lesson learned for me, though. I'm not very good about making the new person feel comfortable and welcome. I'm sure there have been times when I could have prevented another emotionally fragile person from having a complete meltdown, but didn't.

And here's something on a bit of a lighter note:
(I totally stole this from my friend, Jenny's, facebook page) This song definitely reminds me of elementary school. Well, the original does anyway.

2008-12-07T20:46:00.015-06:00

Hi. We're alive and well, and healthy for the time being. Not a lot going on in our lonely little winterland. We've hung out with our wonderful family quite a few times, which is always encouraging and refreshing. But we're still working on finding a church and making friends who are not obligated to spend time with us (wink wink). Just kidding. We actually visited a church today that we really enjoyed, and it is overflowing with children.

Renee is starting to understand more of what we say now. She claps, waves, gives kisses and signs "water" and MAYBE "all done". "Water" and "all done" both involve shaking your hands, so it's hard to say.... Today I said, "Renee can you take off Mommy's hat?" And she did!

Here are a few photos from this past week:

Happy Renee. She has been a big grump recently (she's going through a bit of attachment anxiety), but I was able to capture this rare photo right after lunch. I'm sure she'll snap out of her grumpiness soon, but it is really draining right now!

Another happy shot!

Marie posing.

Making Christmas cookies (on Friday night).

Me and Marizzle.

Joel is our resident cookie-making expert.

Joel's three siblings and our neices and nephew all came over on Saturday night for dinner and a little cookie decorating contest. Here are the kids having some fun.

Eating their hard work. Unfortunately, Marie put a few too many spicy cinnamon candies on her cookie, so she didn't enjoy it all that much.

The grown-ups trying their hands at decorating.

Here are the grown-ups' creations. Tim made the liberty bell. That black line is a crack. I thought it was pretty creative, but unfortunately he did not win top honors.

Kaylen's stocking won, and her prize was this "Sugar Deluxe" cookie. It's a Dan/Joel specialty that they used to make (and dreamed of marketing) during their childhood. It's basically two sugar cookies, stuffed with a TON of sugar, and then rolled in additional sugar. Joel will be happy to fill any of your holiday orders. They are SO nasty.

Renee and Kaylen. Kaylen is Dan's friend and we reeeeeally like her. She's really funny and sweet and adores children. Definitely a keeper.

2008-11-30T15:18:00.002-06:00

Just checking in. No pictures to post right now. The girls are pretty sick. This morning Joel stayed home with them and I went to two different churches - the early service (9:00am) at a church in Plymouth and the late (11:00am) service at a church in Brooklyn Park. I didn't feel like either one was the right place for us, although I thoroughly enjoyed the preaching at the 2nd church that I visited.

I wish the girls were healthy so that we could all go as a family. I'd bring them along if it was just the sniffles, but they have developed yucky coughs so we're laying low, drinking lots of fluids and running our trusty cool mist humidifier. Those of you who have spent any time with Marie know that she is a puker :-) She has an amazing gag reflux that can be set off by foods with weird textures, coughing, a runny nose ... or really anything. It's amazing. So, she has thrown up a few times (which is pretty standard).

If you think of us, please pray that the girls would get healthy. It is pretty challenging to make friends when you can't leave the house. Impossible, really.

2008-11-24T13:14:00.003-06:00

We're here and are waiting for the movers to bring our stuff. They are over an hour late and unreachable (not answering their phone). Awesome. But other than this slight annoyance, the trip went well and Marie only threw up in the car once :-) No, seriously, she did. The kids are staying with Grandma and Grandpa Meehan for a couple of days until we get all settled in.

We just ate lunch at Subway about an hour ago. This is an excerpt from Joel's and my conversation:

Maggie: "Is your sandwich abnormally cold?"
Joel: "Yes, I think the lettuce is frozen. Or maybe it's the tomatoes."
Maggie: "Ya, I think all of the vegetables are frozen. That's weird."
Joel: "Ya, I think everything is colder in Minnesota."
Maggie: "Ice is probably a condiment here."

2008-11-16T14:29:00.003-06:00

Parties, Parties, Parties....

Marie's little buddy, Lucy, had her 3rd birthday party last weekend. She doesn't turn 3 until November 29th, but they moved up her party so that Marie could come! Now, if only Melanie's parents would push her party up two months prior to her birthday, we'd be tickled pink. That might be asking a little much, though.

Lucy's mommy, Amy, booked a Kindermusic teacher to come and sings songs with the kids at a park. The weather was perfect and the kids had so much fun singing and dancing. That's Renee at the bottom of the photo shaking her little frog-shaker. She surprised Joel and I with how much she responded and enjoyed the music.

Parachutin'-it-up. This was fun! It was such a hit, I'm tempted to buy one for home.

Marie is singing "Happy Birthday" to Lucy in this photo. Isn't the birthday girl's reaction priceless? She also made a wish when she was blowing out her candles. It was, "I wish to be a mermaid." 3 year olds say and do the funniest things!

Best buds.

Renee and Momma at the park.

This is from another party. Joel's former boss had a going away party for us at her house on Friday. The big kids are pictured above and played together until 10pm with no fights! There were also 4 babies at the party (all baby girls) whom we put down in various bedrooms while the adults visited and played Euker.

2008-11-10T13:18:00.003-06:00

Our last hike at William B. Umstead State Park:

The fall colors have peaked, so we decided to go on one final hike on our favorite path at Umstead.

We have a photo of me standing by this sign when I was about 6 or 7 months pregnant with Marie.

There were LOTS of runners and hikers out last weekend. One of them kindly took this photo for us.

On our way home we decided to stop at our old townhouse in Cary. When we drove up Marie said, "Why are we going to my old house?"

We lived in the end unit. Marie had her 1st birthday party here, took her 1st steps, slept in her first big girl bed, said her first words and the list goes on. She's standing on her stump, which we used to play on every day. We moved out of here a couple of months before Renee was born.

2008-11-06T14:49:00.004-06:00

This blog is now private. We want to do a good job of protecting the little girls whom God has entrusted to our care.

If we've invited you to read this, congratulations. You are our friend :-) What a great honor we have bestowed upon you that you get to read our exclusive blog. Haha.

Well, anyway, have a great day.

2008-11-05T19:15:00.002-06:00

Maggie: "Marie, did you know that Barack Obama is our new president?"
Marie: "But why isn't John McCain the president?"
Maggie: "Because Barack Obama won the election. He got more votes."
Marie: "Daddy voted for John McCain."
Maggie: "Yes, he did."
Marie: "But I wanted him to win."
Maggie: "Me, too. But Barack Obama will do a good job."
Marie: "Okay."

Well, we didn't vote for him, but we sure do think it's wonderful that the U.S. has its first African American president! Marie's warming up to the idea of an Obama presidency. It's crazy to think that by the next election our girls will be almost 5 and 7. And maybe we'll have another little nuisance...I mean blessing.

Bathtime:

2008-11-03T14:12:00.003-06:00

Halloween 2008.

Unfortunately, I made a big mistake and told Marie over dinner, "If you don't eat your peas, you will not get to eat any of your trick-or-treating candy." She said, "Ok Mommy, no candy for me," and got down from the table. I think this is why she didn't enjoy trick-or-treating as much this year as she did last year. You can't take away a little girl's candy on halloween...and before she's even gone out and collected it! I'm the grinch that stole halloween.

Poor little renee.

A view of the back of the skunk.

Marie and Mellie.

Katy and I trying to corral the kids for a photo. I'll have to see if she has a better shot on her camera.

Poor little Renee - again. She wasn't too happy about being buckled into the stroller in full costume. But thankfully a graham cracker cheered her up. By the end of our trick-or-treating outing she had figured out how to steal Emily's crackers. We were so proud!

Treat please!

2008-11-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

Lazy Day "photo shoot"

Marie took this one. I've been letting her play around with our camera quite a bit lately, in the hopes that she'll break and and we'll be forced to buy a new one :-)

2008-10-31T13:09:00.004-05:00

There isn't a single place that either us has lived that can compare to Cary, NC. This is an incredible town. It's beautiful and clean, family-friendly, has fantastic schools, an abundance of trails for hiking/jogging, is biker-friendly and has no shortage of shopping/dining/fun outings. The cost of living is pretty low and the job growth in this area is very high. Oh, and Matt & Katy Roberts live here. Enough said. This town was ranked #16 on the list of Best places to live in 2008.

Like I said, there isn't a single place that either us has lived that can compare to Cary, NC. Until next month?

1 PLYMOUTH, MN
2 Fort Collins, CO
3 Naperville, IL
4 Irvine, CA
5 Franklin Township, NJ
6 Norman, OK
7 Round Rock, TX
8 Columbia/Ellicott City, MD
9 Overland Park, KS
10 Fishers, IN
11 Olathe, KS
12 Highlands Ranch, CO
13 Parsippany/Troy Hills, NJ
14 McKinney, TX
15 Carrollton, TX
16 CARY, NC
17 Eagan, MN
18 Richardson, TX
19 Hunter Mill, VA
20 Allen, TX
21 Abington, PA
22 Troy, MI
23 Piscataway, NJ
24 Apple Valley, MN
25 Sully, VA

Read about Cary HERE.
Read about Plymouth HERE.

2008-10-30T07:06:00.003-05:00

Daddy's home from MN! We took these last night while we were playing with him. Renee really wants to crawl. We were enticing her with an empty box of macaroni and cheese. Mmmmm...processed food. It nearly worked. Marie's cute little sweater is from my Aunt Margaret. She looks so grown up in it.

2008-10-29T10:56:00.002-05:00

Can you tell we've lived away from our family a little too long? Our little Marie is all too familiar with airport travel:

Maggie: "I just talked to Daddy and he is on his way home right now!"

Marie: "Did he get on his flight?"

Maggie: "Yes, he's about to get on his flight."

Marie: "Does he have his boarding pass?"

2008-10-27T22:08:00.002-05:00

We have an apartment in Plymouth and will be moving in on November 24th.

Moving. To Minnesota. At Thanksgiving. Brrrrrrrr.

2008-10-24T13:14:00.011-05:00

Joel and I took Marie to the State Fair yesterday (Renee stayed behind w/our friends, The Dunnings). She had such a fun time, as did we. I'm really terrible about picking out a couple of good photos, so I'll just post them all.

Princess Presto (from "SuperWhy" on PBS Kids)

Hungry piglets.

We got to watch the cows getting milked.

I think this is a llama. He was so cute. Reminded me of Renee when she used to have the crazy hair.

See the resemblance?

Marie's first over-priced amusement park ride!

There she is, in the blue hat.

Enjoy 44 seconds of head-dizzying bright lights, buzzing and motorcycle riding. Our treat. Marie is on the pink bike, by the way. We were sooooo surprised that she was willing and eager to do this ride by herself. She's definitely growing up.

Daddy took Marie down this giant slide. I think they rode down it on a burlap sack. She loved it, as well.

Joel had to get himself some cheese curds. He has a one-track mind at the fair. They were pretty stinkin' good.

Clifford. He's such a loveable Big Red Dog.

And here are the girls watching Clifford the other day. Sort of related, so of course I needed to post it.

I got to take Marie on the ferris wheel. When we got to the top (and I was completely freaked out) Marie said, "Mommy, this is really cool! It's rocking!"

I didn't take any photos of the fireworks show, but we enjoyed that as well. Good times. It was nice to be able to give Marie a little special attention. Even if it did cost us an arm and a leg :-)

2008-10-21T13:25:00.003-05:00

My brother, Patrick, just joined facebook. And THIS is his profile photo. Not cool, Pat. Your big sister doesn't need to see these things. I prefer living in blissful ignorance of the fact that you carry around automatic weapons and roam the streets of Iraq.

Love ya! Be safe!

2008-10-20T20:37:00.001-05:00

THIS is by far the most difficult online quiz I have ever taken. I got a 21. And my eyeballs are pulsating.

2008-10-20T19:42:00.004-05:00

Renee learned how to pick up food and feed herself yesterday. What a big girl! Her first non-cheerio meal was a tyson chicken nugget and black beans.

2008-10-19T21:02:00.004-05:00

Minnesota Mommas

Do you know any?

Boy, I'm starting to get a little emotional thinking about December 1st (Joel's first day of work in Brooklyn Park). Who are we going to hang out with? What will we do? It's going to be freeeeeeeeeeeezing. And poor, sweet Marie. She really has a kind heart and loves her friends dearly. Every morning when she wakes up she asks to have a friend over to play. I'm trying to explain to her that Melanie, Lucy and her other "best friends" won't be in Minnesota. But I don't think she's going to get it until we're there. Today she did say to someone at church, "When I move to Minnesota you won't be there."

Carissa, my lovely sis-in-law, stays at home with her 3+1 kids, but I can only pester her so much (I'm afraid it will be a lot!). It will be a comfort to have her near, though. We always have great talks. And Marie is REALLY excited about getting to play with Isaac, Naomi and Ada more often. As am I!

I think the key is going to be finding a church. We'd also take recommendations in this department.

On a lighter note...Today, we had to let our pet Grassy go. We've had him for a little over a week, and he has been an absolute joy. Who knew that grasshoppers could be so entertaining? We told Marie that we could keep him for a little while, but then we had to let him go back into the forest. But today when we opened our bug catcher cage, Grassy wouldn't leave. We left the door open all morning and afternoon, but Grassy did not want to go back out into the big bad world. Joel had to shake him out. Marie's OK with it. But we're suppose to find another grasshopper and name him "Hoppy".

Renee started eating finger foods this week. Mostly cheerios and a little banana. She's hilarious. Snotty-nosed and sick right now, but overall such a giggle monkey. She loves to be held upside down in front of the mirror and to play peek-a-boo with her shirts when we're dressing her.

That's all. Can you tell I'm bored? Joel's watching the Red Sox w/a friend at a MacGregor Ale House tonight.

2008-10-17T15:01:00.010-05:00

21st Centurey Kids are the Coolest

Marie loves music, so naturally we got her her own iPod Shuffle. No, not really. But she does love listening to ours. Especially Mommy's non-roudy playlist. These headphones are great, too, and I love how it is clipped to her diaper (this was right before bedtime). I imagine we'll get lots of use out of them on the 3 days we'll spend in the car en route to Minnesota. And Daddy won't have to listen to Bullfrogs & Butterflies, The Music Machine and Adventures in Odyssey for three days straight.

Listening to a little Derek Webb. I promise we weren't letting her listen to "Wedding Dress". Although Mommy does love that song.

Another attempt at a live action Marie shot.

She just keeps getting cuter. Joel thinks the same about me.

2008-10-16T09:18:00.001-05:00

"Mommy, can I marry my Daddy? I want to marry my Daddy! That's my favorite man!" -Marie

2008-10-14T20:13:00.004-05:00

It has been a big week. Joel's parents came into town to help out, and Joel and I got to go on a mini-vacation for three days. We went to Manassas (Bull Run) and King's Dominion (an amusement park with righteous roller-coasters) in Virginia. I'm pitiful and did not take any photos the entire time. So lame, Maggie. But here are a few from today. Katy and I took on six kids plus 1 en utero (NOT en MY utero) at our house this morning. And it was actually quite managable! This parenting thing is a cinch. Ha. Haha. Hahaha! Okay, enough weirdness. Onto the photos:

A brunette, a blonde and a redhead walk into a bar....

The three big sisters with each of their siblings sitting on the floor below. I love Baby Emily's face in this photo.

I couldn't decide which one I liked better, so I posted both.

Babies, babies, babies! We love us some babies!

Marie and Renee ready for naptime this afternoon.

2008-10-03T13:03:00.003-05:00

Do you suppose that a child needs more excitement and adventure in her life when Mommy brings out the fingernail clippers and she exclaims, "Woohoo! A fingernail clipping party!"?

2008-09-29T12:42:00.004-05:00

Photos taken this morning before we leave....

2008-09-28T21:47:00.003-05:00

We've had a great stay in NE and will be flying home tomorrow. We miss Daddy a lot. Even though I have had a ton of help from my mom, it's still just exhausting taking care of the kids and living out of suitcases w/out Joel. But I must admit that since we've been here (September 19th) I have not washed or folded any of my own clothes, prepared a single meal, loaded or unloaded the dishwasher or washed a single bottle. Ya, my mom pretty much rocks.

We went up to Omaha yesterday to see the Conklins and Miss Molly. It was a day well spent, that's for sure. Marie and Jonah had a great time together. I just love my college girlfriends so much. They are amazing women, and are just getting more wonderful and strong in the Lord each time I see them.

Sorry to those of you I wasn't able to see (I'm specifically thinking of Nicole). Renee has been pretty sick since Friday (can't digest any food) and we're all just pooped. Pun intended. But we'll be visiting Nebraska more often now, since we're moving to Minnesota in less than two months!

Jenny and I walking around Costco with Jonah and Marie.

Jonah and Marie being silly.

Jenny, Molly and I in front of the Ashers' new place. They are going to completely gut and renovate the entire house. It's going to be so neat! You guys seriously need to make a blog to post photos of your progress! Then you can have it printed into a keepsake book.

Swinging.

Buddies. I do hope you guys will come visit us in MN :-)

Abby really loved this. Really she did. Heehee.

Sleeping today at naptime.

Oreos and milk and bonding.

Renee eating carrot wheels.

Dental hygiene is a huge priority in our family.

2008-09-25T23:24:00.010-05:00

Hello J-Man. We miss you.

We're still here in Nebraska (until Monday). Having a heckuva time, lemme tell ya! Patrick and I have been enjoying incredible amounts of brotherly-sisterly bonding. For example: I've been chased around the living room with a booger, been lured into the most toxic-smelling bathroom you could possibly imagine, and have proven time and time again that, yes, I am the most correct/smartest person when it comes to every issue in the known universe. That's what first-born big sisters are for: knowing everything (and not being afraid to admit it).

Have I mentioned we've been having a heckuva time?

Marie got to ride a real pony at the zoo yesterday. So adorable. Those photos are on Isabelle's (my step-sis's) camera yet...so they'll come later. Renee has been hilarious. She's getting so big and opinionated. The first thing everyone has said when they've met her is that she's going to be very playful when she's a toddler/young child. She is such a wiggly-worm and a chatter-box. She loves it when people talk to her. But she is a cuddler, too, which I love. Marie wasn't a very cuddly baby, but she's starting to be a snuggly little girl.

Tonight on the way home from Grandpa Ben and Nana's house Marie said a few interesting things. We were talking about Jesus and Marie said, "Did we crucify him, Mommy?" Uh, what do you say to a 2 year old who asks this question? I was able to fuddle something out, which I pray was helpful to her.

She also said that when she grows up she wants to be a Veterinarian ("Veginarian"), but then changed her mind. She settled on Princess. More specifically, a princess with a magic wand. And then suggested that Renee can be the fairy godmother, while Grammy Cindy and I can be the stepsisters. How generous.

Well, here's what you really came for. Photos:

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies w/Grammy Cindy. I only ate 9 or 10 today. Not bad. Isn't my mom gorgeous?

Waking up from nap. She loves sleeping on her air mattress.

With Papa and GG (her Great Grandparents on my mom's side) today. Papa is amazing with kids. Marie loved holding his hand. They brought the girls each a stuffed animal, which was very kind and generous.

I think this is my favorite photo of Renee yet. She is growing up so quickly. Love love love that smile.

The Meehan sisters.

The goofball Meehan sisters.

Playing with Uncle Patrick this afternoon.

At Grandpa Ben and Nana's tonight. Zsa Zsa (we got her when I was in high school) was Marie's entertainment for the night. Renee would watch her and belly laugh.

My dad and Renee.

Grandpa Ben with his two granddaughters.

Gramps and Nana with the girls.

Dad and me.

Does it get much better than a pit-bull, a mini-motorbike, one extremely tatted-up dude and a barn in the background? I think not. This is Nebraska, folks.

Me and Marie. She was really so over taking photos at this point.

Looking at the flowers, bumble bees and butterflies with Nana.

That's my brother with his albino pit bull named Missy. Isn't she adorable (gag)? She's been living with my Dad and Carolyn for several years now, and has become like a child to them. A hideous blood-thirsty child. Heehee. Apparently she is a really sweet dog, but I don't let her near the girls because...well...she's a pit bull.

Another one of that lovely, mild-mannered pit-bull. And the dog, too.

Dad, Carolyn, myself and the girls.

Renee was cuddly and sweet (much like Missy the pit bull) after an evening at my Dad's acreage.

Fancy Nancy, or Marveous Marie. We played a little dress-up before bedtime.

Marie with her new coin purse, courtesy of Grammy Cindy (who let her pick out any purse she wanted today). Very kind of you, Mom.

I'm not fancy enough.

Marie's new obsession is cherry Chapstick. "But mint is my favorite" -Marie.

Time for bed. I have to get up tomorrow to get my behind-kicked in racquetball.

2008-09-23T17:21:00.004-05:00

Okay, these are not going to be in any sort of order. We are in Nebraska. I thought Joel and a few others might like to see them. My step-sister took a bunch more on her camera that I need to get from her, and then I'll post those, too.

Renee was REALLY thrilled to meet Uncle Patrick for the first time :-)

Pat's first good meal in a while. He chose Old Chicago.

Hangin' with Uncle Patrick.

Pat's first time feeding a baby. Renee's first time being fed by a Staff Sergeant....

Watering Grammy's flowers.

Marie decided to get a little aggressive with the hose.

I got to give Pat the very first hug!

Dude, where are my civilian clothes?

Love from Marie

Marie making Pat walk blindfolded.

Grandpa Ben, Uncle Pat & Marie in the airport parking garage. Pat just wanted to get home, get a shower, change into "civilian clothes" and go out for a nice dinner.

2008-09-16T14:49:00.002-05:00

At the Sargeants' house today. The big girls were all playing upstairs unsupervised! They did quite well! So us mommies were able to enjoy the babies downstairs for a few precious minutes. Thanks, Amy, for always letting me steal photos off of your blog.

Lucy and Marie reading together

2008-09-14T15:03:00.004-05:00

treasuring and pondering...

so i changed the title of the blog again today. i liked "adventures in quiver-filling", but ultimately i think that that verse really speaks about having sons who will grow up to defend your family's honor (and possibly your lives). we may have a son some day, but for now we have been given the privilege of raising two little gals.

i'm not feeling particularly creative right now, so if you can think of something better, please do share.

2008-09-13T21:27:00.002-05:00

Look-Alikes?
We've had quite a few conversations recently about whether Renee and Marie look alike. There are definitely similarities, but so often people say, "They could be twins!!" I just don't see it. Do you? It honestly does not bother me at all when people say this, I'm just confused because they look so much different to me. Their hair and complexions are just so opposite. Marie had very little hair and has always had a dark complexion. Renee's complexion is very splotchy (especially when she's tired or fussy), and her hair is crazy!

We think Renee is going to be the drama queen of the family. She can snap at a moment's notice. And tonight she threw her first tantrum at the ripe old age of 7 months. Apparently she wasn't diggin' turkey with mixed vegetables. She was kicking and screaming and batting the spoon away. I didn't believe Joel when he said that she was throwing a fit because she didn't like the food, but then I tested his theory. As soon as the bananas and apples came out, she was all smiles.

Well, Joel's home from watching Auburn football. Bye!

Marie in September 2006

Renee in September 2008

2008-09-13T20:58:00.002-05:00

'da bomb diggity! who are the geniuses who did this???

you're probably going to laugh when you view our blog and hear the new "song" i posted this evening :-)

but seriously, does it get any better than a piper sermon set to some serious jams? i think not.

2008-09-13T19:40:00.005-05:00

I cannot thank my dear friend enough for introducing me to Red Mountain Church's music. I needed to hear this today:

"My wicked heart has said again yea, and again, That Christ my soul will leave, to perish in my sin;

But though I feel as cold as clay, He will not, cannot, go away."

And I needed to see this (you'll need to stop the playlist at the bottom of the page):

Oh, Katy. You're the best :-)

2008-09-09T20:02:00.005-05:00

Joel's new job will be in Brooklyn Park, MN. If you live in the Minneapolis area and happen to see a house or townhouse with a "For Rent" sign in the yard, please pass along the phone number. We're looking to rent something modest, but in a safe neighborhood. Hopefully a 20/25 or fewer minute drive to the Caterpillar plant in Brooklyn Park.

A Potpourri of Photos:

Marie and two of the Gretsch boys (Rhys and Daniel).

Mel and Marie

There were never such devoted sisters :-)

They really do love each other.

Joel playing scrabble with Dan & Jeanette (The Gretsches). I sat this one out to avoid humiliation. Jeanette is unbe-stinkin-lievable at Scrabble.

Renee being civil toward her father. She loves him except for when he's taking care of her and Mommy is within her line of sight. We're working with her on this. Marie was happy with absolutely anyone, so it's a bit different getting used to.

Playing dress-up with Lucy. Marie LOVES dressing up. We always try on hats and costume jewelry at Target and giggle while people give us odd looks.

Hannah and Marie. Hannah's mom told us that we could adopt her and take her with us to MN. I am hoping she was serious.

Joel makes a mean dog.

Katy and Maggie

And last, but not least...

MARIE'S FIRST DRAWING OF A PERSON!!! You may not be able to see it, but I watched her draw a head, eyes, ears, nose, face, arms, hands, legs, feet and hair! And she named her Kristin (her middle name).

Kristin and Bob.

2008-09-01T21:28:00.007-05:00

First, a few photos. Then, if you're up for it, a bit of a melancholy blog post.

Sweet baby 'Nee.

A lovely dress that Jeanette Gretsch made for Marie. She also made a matching one for Renee. So special.

William, Renee and Marie watching an early morning cartoon together. No, I don't typically let Renee watch TV, but this just happened to be a cute photo op.

Playing with water balloons with some friends in our front yard.

Sisters.

I'm not trying to be over-dramatic here, but I thought I'd share this - and I can't sleep. This afternoon I went for a run, and this song started playing on the iPod. I completely lost it. I was bawling my eyes out, attempting to walk/run down Lake Pine.
*You can hear the song if you turn up the volume on your computer. There is a playlist at the bottom of the page, just click on the first song - "Faith My Eyes" by Caedmon's Call.

I think it really hit me because in the 4 years that Joel and I have been married, there have been so many times that we have just desperately missed and longed to be near our families. My husband is not an emotional man, but I have seen his heart on his sleeve a few times over the past several years and I know that he has wondered why God has put us where He has. I know it hurts him to be away from his siblings and parents. A family like his, with four siblings and parents who all love the Lord, is such a rare treasure.

Right now was not one of those times where we were longing to move to the Midwest. Not that we don't both miss our families and want to be a bigger part of their lives, but we have been happy here in North Carolina. We have made some amazing friends whom we share life with. Marie is making friends, too. It's really neat to watch her learn to play and share and love people.

I think this is why God is moving us now. Because this is not one of those times during which we think that moving to Minnesota is going to make our life so much better. We love our friends and love our life here. We know that in MN raising our children will still provide daily challenges, Maggie will still have occasional attitude-flare-ups (who, me?), Joel's job is not going to be stress-free, and we're going to have to make new friendships with people who probably won't be as cool as the ones we have here. It's just not possible, right? Heehee.

For the record, Joel was not looking for a transfer. He happened upon the Minneapolis job when he was searching for a different job that he had applied for in Cary (to see if the posting had closed) - otherwise he never would have seen it, or applied. We're both just kind of dumbfounded right now. God definitely has plans and is making it very apparent that He is in control of our life.

I think this song just reminded me of all of those times I mentioned before, during which we've felt lonely/sad/confused starting over in new places, hundreds and hundreds of miles away from our families. Maybe even a little (or a lot) frustrated with God during some of our lower points. We've had countless conversations about how and when we might move "home" and what that would look like. And countless other times where we've not allowed ourselves to have these thoughts, because it just seemed so far-fetched. Now He has done this in his own timing; not ours. And although we're both hopeful that we will be in MN for a long time, and eager to share more life with our families, we are also thankful for where we have been the past 4 years and the friends and experiences we have had. So unbelievably thankful.

Wow, this turned out to be a bit dramatic. But oh well. I'm in a dramatic mood. I reserve that right as a female :-)

"Faith My Eyes", by Caedmon's Call

As I survey the ground for ants
Looking for a place to sit and read
I'm reminded of the streets of my hometown
How they're much like this concrete that's warm beneath my feet

And how I'm all wrapped up in my mother's face
With a touch of my father just up around the eyes
And the sound of my brother's laugh
But more wrapped up in what binds our ever distant lives

But if I must go
Things I trust will be better off without me
But I don't want to know
Life is better off a mystery

So keep'em coming these lines on the road
And keep me responsible be it a light or heavy load
And keep me guessing with these blessings in disguise
And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes

Hometown weather is on TV
I imagine the lives of the people living there
And I'm curious if they imagine me
Cause they just wanna leave; I wish that I could stay

But I get turned around
I mistake some happiness for blessing
But I'm blessed as the poor
Still I judge success by how I'm dressing

So I'll sing a song of my hometown
I'll breathe the air and walk the streets
Maybe find a place to sit and read
And the ants are welcome company

And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes
And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes

2008-08-29T12:05:00.003-05:00

We're moving...

...more to come.

2008-08-25T14:29:00.011-05:00

Joel and Marie returned from Minnesota last night. They were gone for 5 days and I missed them something fierce. Joel was kind enough to take lots of photos for me. They visited the Nature Center, got to see a combine cut hay and a baler bale it, climbed on said bales of hay, celebrated Ralph's 60th birthday and Ada's 1st birthday, played in an all-day church softball tournament (which they won), went to church with Aunt Heidi and Uncle Chad, played with cousins, ate donuts, played kickball/golf/tennis/cards/Pictionairy (which Joel tells me was hilarious), and who knows what else! We're talking about the Meehans here. They. Don't. Stop. But they're a lot of fun, and do manage to squeeze in some meaningful conversation between activities!

On Wednesday evening, before the rest of the family arrived, Barb/Ralph/Joel/Marie all went to the Nature Center by their house. Ralph volunteers there, and they have some really pretty walking trails, too.

Ending a long day of travel w/a story courtesy of Grandma Barb.

Marie got to see the combine cut the hay and the baler bale it, which she thought was pretty cool. On Friday while they were watching the Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics ribbon baton twirling, Ralph mentioned how he thought he could move one of the bales of hay. Dan bet him that he couldn't. Well, Dan lost that bet and had to perform a 1.5 minute long rhythmic baton twirling routine. Barb made the baton w/a ribbon and a paper towel roll. Seriously, did nobody video-tape this? Anyway, here are some photos of the bales...

Tim and Isaac

Cousins playing:

Playing Lincoln Logs w/Uncle Chad. That's quite the masterpiece!

Ada is 1!!!

Tim with his three kiddos (and one more on-the-way!) Our neices and nephew are adorable. Isaac is 4 1/2, Naomi is 2 1/2 and Ada is 1 now. Baby #4 due in April!

And, on a side note, my home state of Nebraska just passed a new law making it legal to abandon your children at any hospital, no questions asked, up to the age of 19. Many states have similar laws allowing you to abandon a newborn up to 72 hours after their birth with no penalty, but this is a bit different (I'd say!). You have a rough day with an unruly teenager and you go and drop them off with no penalty to be custody of the state. The point is to prevent parents from doing something irrational, I suppose. I probably wouldn't have lived at my parents house much past the age of 14 if this had been a law when I was in middle school/high school.

On another side note, the girls and I will be traveling to Nebraska next month. Hmmm...interesting.... Haha.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26353351/?GT1=43001

2008-08-19T13:36:00.003-05:00

Joel and Marie have a trip to Minnesota coming up soon - a fun Daddy/Daughter getaway. When Marie was a baby and Joel went out of town, I felt SO stressed out. It's funny how things have changed. I now consider being at home alone with Renee for 4 days verrrry relaxing.

Marie is trying to figure out how the world works, and saying some really funny things along the way. Sorry, I have to kind of give some context otherwise they won't make sense. There are some even funnier ones, but setting them up would take 10 years.

Yesterday we were talking about how Joseph was a carpenter, and taught Jesus his trade. I asked Marie, "Do you know what a carpenter does?" She responded,
"A carpenter cleans carpets!"

When Traci visited us last month we went for a walk around a pretty lake that our family frequents. On that walk, a truck was driving on the path toward us (it apparently had been doing some work at Apex Community Park). Marie has been obsessed with this truck that was driving on the path ever since. She thought it was funny because trucks don't belong on paths. Anyway, last night we went for a walk on that same path and Marie said to us,
"Where is the truck? Is there going to be a truck on the path? TRUUUUUCK! TRUUUCK (shouting for the truck to come)...TRUUUUUCK! I'm going to make it happen!"

And this morning she and a friend were watching Bambi. There's a scene where the owl is telling Thumper, Flower and Bambi about the birds and the bees. They blow him off saying that will never happen to them, and in the next scene they each meet their special lady friends. If you've ever seen it, it's pretty funny. The boy animals pass out, turn red and start acting really ridiculous when they meet the girls. When Bambi met his doe Marie said,
"Mommy, are they going on a date?"

Here's one of the girls playing together yesterday:

2008-08-12T07:23:00.002-05:00

SHE SITS! I tried sitting her up last night and - voila!

Marie wanted to see if she could fit in the Baby Bjorn and - double voila! This was actually histerical. She was laughing so hard.

Well, we're off to the theatre to see a free showing of "Veggietales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything."

2008-08-06T19:34:00.005-05:00

Baby Renee had to get a trim two months ago, but Big Sister Marie had her very first haircut today! Scissors had never touched this curly mess before 6pm this evening. I about had a heart attack when she made her first cut. I think she must have taken off 4 inches or so! It's a bit shorter than we wanted, but hair grows....

BEFORE

The Mop on Top.

The Wet Mop.

AFTER

Marie has started sucking her fingers lately. I think it's partially because Renee does it and she's a little copycat, and partially because she's getting her last molars.

"Night Night!"

2008-08-05T11:26:00.003-05:00

Today, 8/05/08
Renee turned six months old yesterday, so I attempted to take a couple of photos of her. This doesn't happen very often. I think they capture her cute little personality pretty well. She's a goofball.

The next couple are of Marie painting this morning. I read somewhere that you can turn an old box into an easel, so I tried it this a.m. with a box that Renee's new bathtub came in. Works pretty well.

Getting started.

About halfway there. The finished product was pretty much entirely brown, since Marie got really excited and smudged all of the paints together. Then she picked up the paper plate with all of the paint on it and smeared it all over her face. Awesome. Fun, though!

2008-08-04T15:32:00.003-05:00

A Hodgepodge of Photos...

Having fun with blocks at home.

Play-doh + potato head parts and pieces = weird creatures.

Renee and Daddy. Renee is 6 months old TODAY!

The next few were taken back in June during Tim and Carissa's visit (with Ada), but I forgot to post them until now. Here are the girls

This is our current home in North Carolina. A nice little 3 bedroom townhouse. It is our 4th home since getting married, and we recently celebrated our 4th Anniversary on 7/31/08. Lots of moving!

Uncle Tim and Marie

The girlies showing a little affection.

2008-07-31T12:52:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Lord,

for the two-week old leftover pizza that I found in the back of the refrigerator yesterday;

for the potty chair that we have to routinely empty and clean out (fun fun!);

for the mildew that has grown and is multiplying in our bathroom;

for Puppy, Bunny Rabbit and Junior Bunny, who must be present and accounted for at both naptime and bedtime…or else;

for the spit-up hiding in every nook and cranny of the exersaucer and jumperoo, and splattered down the back of our shirts;

for bottoms to wipe;

and for the Lincoln Logs, missing puzzle pieces, overdue library books and cracker/cheerio crumbs under the couch.

These and many other household messes and duties, annoying as they may be and as unkempt and inadequate as they might make us feel,

Remind us that we have a full life :-)

2008-07-29T15:31:00.002-05:00

Here is a cute photo that my friend, Katy, e-mailed to me today. I thought it was worth its own post. The girls were jumping and giggling on Melanie's toddler bed.

In other news, I learned this morning when you put play-doh in a garlic press (which is really the only thing that will ever be going in mine), it makes lovely hair or spaghetti, which ever you prefer.

Have a great week! Oh, and if you are in our immediate family you have pictures coming to you via snail mail. Even you, Patrick!

2008-07-25T12:43:00.006-05:00

My friend, Katy, and her girls came over for a playdate yesterday. Marie was being a little hyperactive and goofy, and I think I sighed or said something to the effect of "Settle down, Marie." She turned to Katy, who was sitting beside me and said, "I drive my mom nuts!" Oh dear. So true, though!

And this is just an FYI for those of you who order prints online. I placed an order today on Shutterfly for about 200 prints (haven't ordered any since October 2007) and the standard shipping rate was going to be over $12. I did not have a free shipping code, so I went on ebay and typed in "shutterfly free shipping". I bought a code for $2.00 and it worked. Voila! $2 shipping instead of $12 shipping. Maybe this type of thing is common knowledge to most people, but I'm just learning the ropes when it comes to online shopping.

We've had a great week here. The weather has been gorgeous and the girls are both getting over yucky colds with no antibiotics this time. Hooray. I do think Renee had an ear infection for a few days (because she would not sleep!) but the doctor didn't put her on anything and it cleared up on its own.

Just a couple of photos this time.

My mom got the girls these cute little t-shirts at a Newsboys concert she went to last weekend. Marie wore the brown one as a sleep shirt last night and told me, "Mom, this is actually a boy shirt."

Marie jamming out while listening to "Blessed Assurance" on our iPod today.

2008-07-21T20:00:00.004-05:00

Back in May we took a few of Marie's friends (mainly her boy friends - not boyfriends, mind you) to see the "big trucks that Daddy makes at work." Caterpillar has a pretty groovy visitor's center in Clayton. They got to climb all over all sorts of machines (some of them were pretty humongous) and see the testing grounds, and the kind people at Caterpillar gave them all hats and provided snacks after we were finished. So cute. Maybe we'll do it again next year. Here are a few photos. They were taken a couple of months ago, so Renee looks teeny tiny. She's 17 pounds now! Marie's pushing 30, but weight gain isn't as exciting at 2 1/2. Or 27.

Marie chillin' in a wheel.

Marie and the Telehandler

Exploring.

The Fam 1.

The Fam 2.

Joel explaining to the boys what exactly this gigantic-chainsaw-looking-thing is.

The gang in their CAT hats.

Josiah taking his work seriously.

The three V Boys in an excavator shovel.

Sam and Marie in a Skid Steer. Marie saw one of these the other day while we were driving down the road and pointed it out to me, "Mommy, there's a skid steer!" I had no clue. I would've called it a tractor.

Another one of Marie resting in a wheel.

Doing some work with Daddy.

Bulldozer.

Joel and Marie

Ethan & Andrew

2008-07-18T14:07:00.001-05:00

Pause the music on playlist at the bottom of the page, and watch this video.

2008-07-15T14:57:00.006-05:00

The rest of my mom's visit, dancing/dress-up with Judith, and Traci's visit. It has been a fun month so far!

Thanks for visiting us, Mom! You are one awesome Grammy and the girls and I love you very much. Joel thinks you're pretty swell, too.

Renee loves the water.

Grammy got Marie a Lite Brite.

Dancing to "Nina, Pretty Ballerina" with Judith.

Marie dressing up like Queen Elizabeth, wearing one of those funky robes with the neck fluff. "Off with your head!"

Traci just moved to Nashville, and drove down for the weekend. It was so great to see her for an extended stay. The longest we've seen each other since Joel and I got married has been around 4 hours (just long enough for dinner and a quick catching up). Three days was a real treat!
Gelato on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Traci convinced me to get off my bum, and go visit somewhere that I had never been before, so we decided UNC would be a good call. We ate the best pizza in the world, too.

Udder silliness. On July 11 Chick-fil-A was serving up free combo meals (or kids meals) to anyone who came dressed like a cow. Traci and I took the girls for lunch, and Joel took them back for dinner! We probably got around $40 worth of free deliciousness in one day. Above is a photo of Marie with three random high-school aged girls who came in full costume, complete with udders. They were so funny. EAT MOR CHIKIN!

My spots are green because I was cutting them out in poor light, and didn't realize until later. Someone did comment that they had never seen a cow with green spots before.

Traci was forced against her will to wear my cow ears/horns creation, as well. She'd never admit it, but she enjoyed it, and I think she took them home to wear around the house.

Renee giggling at Traci. She is pretty funny...looking. Man, that is such a 6th grade joke.

Marie Moo Cow Meehan, complete with bell.

A night out with the Moms, and one future Mom. Traci joined Katy, Amy and I on a night out. Strangely enough we found out that Traci had just met Katy's best friend the week before while visiting a new church in Nashville. So random.

Cramming as much junk down the hatch as possible.

Marie sharing a spot of tea with Winston Davies.

2008-07-14T19:44:00.003-05:00

Renee's a rollin' fool.

2008-07-07T07:25:00.011-05:00

My mom's in town right now! Today is her last day, and we're going to head to the pool in an hour or so. We've had a great time. The girls are both healthy and happy, and have been fun to play with. The 4th was a bit of a wash - literally. We got to the Koka Booth Amphiteater for Cary's annual spectacular fireworks display - along with around a million other Wake County residents. 30 minutes before the fireworks were scheduled to begin, a big ole' storm swept through. It was actually really fun running through the rain and lightning, pushing a double stroller, weaving through the mass exodus of people fleeing to their cars.

Joel planned a really fun surprise on my birthday. I got home from grocery shopping on Thursday to find him home from work (he had taken a half day), with a surprise date planned. My mom was a co-conspirator. We went to the YMCA and exercised, then played a couple of sets of tennis (Maggie 6-3, Joel 4-1), then swam in the pool and went down the waterslide, and then went to Streets at Southpoint (an outdoor dining/shopping center in Durham) and had a nice dinner and saw a movie. We stayed overnight in Durham and got to sleep in the next day. Really fun and not a little romantic. Thanks J!

A FEW TAKEN LAST WEEK BEFORE MY MOM'S VISIT:

I thought the look on Renee's face here was pretty funny.

Marie testing out the jumperoo.

She looks so sharp in Grammy's glasses.

The kids' dedication

A TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES on JULY 5:

Joel showing Marie the humongous bees at the insect exhibit.
Marie directing Joel away from the bees. Let's go somewhere else Daddy!

They were kinda freaky.

2008-07-01T12:55:00.003-05:00

Deep Thoughts by Marie Meehan.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
-Psalm 19:1

Today we were driving home from lunch and a playdate at Chick-fil-A, when Marie looked up at the sky (it was a vibrant blue with pretty white billowy clouds today) and said, "Mommy, is God way up there in the clouds?"

To the best of my recollection (and Joel's) neither one of us has ever said anything about God or heaven being up in the sky. It was just neat that she looked up at the beautiful sky and saw a little peek of the glory of God that moved her to ask such a question. She didn't look at the Panda Express or the Target that we were driving past and ask, "Mommy is God in that building?" Something about the heavens shout out that God created it all - even a 2 year old can see that.

But I don't want to overanalyze her words too much. After all, right after she made that comment she also said, "Mommy, I very love the cow at Chick-fil-A."

-----------------------------------------------------
Another cute Marie comment occured on the way to our lunch/playdate combo today:
"Melanie and Lucy are my best friends in the whole wide world!"

Going out to eat with friends is not relaxing anymore. With one kid it was great, but I think it gets exponentially more difficult as you add more to the mix. Today, my two dear friends and I grabbed lunch at Chick-fil-A with our combined 6 children. Their kids were all wonderful, but unfortunately I elbowed Renee in the head by accident, and Marie was knocked down by a "big boy" in the play area twice. Super fun! Katy was kind enought to crawl up inside the play structure to get her out for me when she was crying.
-----------------------------------------------------
My mom gets in tomorrow. Hooray! I've been shopping for a futon, but haven't found one that we like yet, so unfortunately Mom is going to get the couch again. Hopefully we'll find one while she's here, or soon after, for our next guests (Joel's parents are probably coming this Fall).

2008-06-30T11:55:00.001-05:00

RENEE:

MARIE:

2008-06-28T22:11:00.003-05:00

Today (Saturday) was a long day, but a good one. Our church moved to a new location, just a few minutes from our house! No more razor wire and dumpsters in the parking lot, or insects crawling in our toy bins ... or walls and roofs collapsing ... or a host of other difficulties that we had at our former meeting place. I can't tell you how vast of an improvement this is. Most of our family has visited our church at the old location, so I thought they'd like to see the new place. Our first service there is tomorrow, and both of our girls are being dedicated on July 6th.

Logo when you walk in.

Renee playing with the boys in the toddler room. Of course, these boys are not toddlers, but they love Renee and were so helpful by taking care of her today while I worked in the nursery and toddler room.

Toddler bathroom. I know most of you are not interested in a bathroom, but I'm very excited about this one :-)

Toddler room!!! This was my pet project for the past several months, with lots of help of course.

Another one of the toddler room.

Sanctuary. Clara/Gabe/Sam playing around.

Roger in the foyer.

Marie hiding in an ottoman. She missed her nap today and was just plain loopy.

Library.

Mingling area. Sanctuary doors just beyond.

Pastor Ken's office.

That's it.

2008-06-27T14:13:00.003-05:00

Messy house / Tired toddler. This is what our house looks like pretty much every day at 1pm - right before naptime. Marie has taken all of the pillows off of the couches, we've made a cave out of chairs and blankets, and the contents of two toy boxes are on the living room floor. Awesome. It's especially bad on "No-TV Days." Marie would watch movies all day long if I let her. No playing = no messes! Not a bad plan!

You can't see the kitchen in this video, but we made pizza this morning, and while I was talking to Aunt Carissa on the phone Marie decided that she would "help" by stirring the dough mixture a little bit more. So the floor was covered in flour/yeast/sugar/salt. I walked in and she said, "I was just trying to help, Mommy." If she thinks I might be upset with her she either says, "I was just trying to help" or "I'm just a little girl."

Marie LOVES Renee. I'm so glad that my mom will be here next week to see them together at this age - because I don't know how long this complete love for her sister will last. Hopefully longer than I think. She's loves to pick out her outfits, fetch me burp cloths and diapers and try to discern what type of mood Renee is in (tired, hungry, fussy, happy). Usually she gets it right, which is the neat part. Today she pointed out to me that I need to do laundry because all of the burp cloths are dirty and Renee needs them if she spits up.

A couple of weeks ago we were eating lunch and Marie randomly prayed for another baby - a brother - and she asked that his name would be Graham (the boy name we had picked out during the last pregnancy). So cute. Sorry, we don't make XY babies.

Well, time to finish cleaning up tornado alley. Have a great weekend!

2008-06-25T13:55:00.003-05:00

I'm mildly obsessed with Chuck Norris quotes. Joel enjoys them, too.

CHUCK NORRIS...

and Mr. T walked into a bar. The bar was instantly destroyed as that level of Awesomeness cannot be contained in one building.

can gargle peanut butter.

CAN touch MC Hammer.

doesn't believe in Germany.

doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

finished singing the song that never ends.

destroyed the periodic table, because he only recongizes the element of surprise.

is the only man ever to defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

can kill two stones with one bird.

is currently suing NBC, claiming that Law and Order are trademarked names for his right and left legs.

invented black. In fact, he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.

has cowboy boots made from real cowboys.

sleeps with a pillow under his gun.

can't love. He can only not kill.

CAN believe it's not butter.

beat the sun in a staring contest.

ordered a Whopper at McDonald's and he got one.

can blow bubbles with beef jerkey.

knows the last digit of pi.

has already been to Mars. That's why there are no signs of life there.

once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger by yelling "Bang!"

doesn't own an oven or a microwave. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

can speak Braille.

can hit you so hard that it can actually alter your DNA. Decades from now your descendents will occasionally clutch their heads and yell "What the heck was that?!"

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If you spell Chuck Norris in Scrabble, you win. Forever.

Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.

Light tries to beat the speed of Chuck Norris.

Tornados do not exist. Chuck Norris just hates trailer parks.

When taking the SAT, write "Chuck Norris" for every answer. You'll score over 8000.

A Klondike bar would do anything for Chuck Norris.

What goes through the minds of Chuck Norris's victims before they die? His shoe.

2008-06-23T14:05:00.002-05:00

FREE Thomas Wooden Engine (up to 12.99 value) at Toys R Us HERE. Expires 7/05/08.

2008-06-23T12:18:00.011-05:00

Thanks Mags!

Joel with the girlies. Marie's wearing a new dress purchased in China by my dear friend Maggie Hoppe during her many world travels. Maggie is currently a resident of Singapore. Isn't it cute? Renee is wearing the matching shoes. We haven't purchased the girls any matching outfits, but Marie enjoys it when they wear their matching socks from Aunt Carissa - and now the shoes from Miss Hoppe.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the playlist to listen to the video. Marie jabbers when she can't think of the answer to a question. Sometimes she'll jabber for a few minutes and then answer when she finally thinks of it. Kind of funny.

Here are a few of Marie swimming at Lucy's neighborhood pool this past weekend. It was really fun because she got to use her armbands and could swim in the deep all by herself (with a parent close, of course). At our pool they don't allow anything inflatable (including armbands), so she is kind of limited to the toddler pool unless we're holding her. We are really enjoying our YMCA membership, though. I'll have to take some photos next time we go. They have a really neat little fountain play area for the kids. There's a water tunnel they can run through and all different types of sprays for different ages.

Fun!

Renee observing.

The girls are really starting to play together well. We were at Lucy's house the other day, and could hear them fighting about something over the intercom. I ran upstairs to break up the fight, but by the time I got up there, they had worked it out themselves and were discussing who would get what. And Lucy was giving her a tour of her room. They didn't know that I was watching them, and it was just really nice to know that they can play all by themselves and I don't need to be a "helicopter parent" all of the time. Although I still need to work on not hovering so much.

I was too lazy to change Renee into her swimsuit and get both of us all wet, so we observed Joel playing with the girls.

Here they are in the deep water, doing great.

2008-06-20T13:55:00.011-05:00

We purchased "The Jungle Book" recently, and I thought it was really strange how the voices sounded so similar to the characters in "Winnie the Pooh". So, I checked out the cast - and voila! I'm not losing my mind!

the casts of
Jungle Book
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Kaa = Winnie the Pooh
Mowgli = Christopher Robin
Bagheera = The Narrator on Winnie the Pooh
Junior = Roo

Sterling Holloway does the voice for all of these characters:
Winnie the Pooh

Kaa, Jungle Book

Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland

Mr. Stork, Dumbo
Flower, Bambi

Roquefort, Aristocats

Narrator, Peter & the Wolf

Well, that's the extent of my research for the day. But here's a neat little video about him on YouTube.

And, yes, I do consider this a waste of time during my daughters' naps, but it was fun and I got to eat candy while doing it. Eating candy is good for my emotional well-being. And it's Friday. So there.

2008-06-19T13:45:00.002-05:00

Sitting down to a nice meal with friends:

Have I mentioned how much I love my husband recently? I noticed after I woke up today that he brought his toothbrush and toothpaste downstairs this morning so that he wouldn't wake me up by turning on the light in our bathroom. It's the little things.

Yesterday Marie and I were playing with glue and glitter, and I kept getting frustrated with her because she was accidentally touching the glue (heaven forbid) and I had made some pretty spectacular designs that I didn't want her to smudge up. After repeatedly showing her how to sprinkle the glitter a good distance above the paper, so as to not smear my amazing glueriffic artwork, she did it again. I snapped at her rather rudely to which she replied, "Mommy, I'm just a little girl." Aaaahhh. Am I the worst person in the world? Why can't I just relax and let her be 2?

And one more thing: We played "Does it sink or float?" this morning. Super fun and easy to clean up. M&M's and crayons sink, by the way.

2008-06-18T14:40:00.004-05:00

Man, I've been post-happy the past couple of days. I'm sure that my mom is enjoying it, though :-) Since she's the only one who reads this blog. It's all for you, Momma D.

Anyway, I thought this Joel-quote was pretty funny the other night.
"Remember when we gave Marie meatballs for the first time, and she totally went after them? It was at that moment that I knew: No paternity test needed."

It's so true, though. Daddy likes them meatballs.

In other news, Congratulations Dustin & Molly Asher!

Molls was my roommate in college sophomore and senior year (or was it my 2nd senior year?). I was on the five year plan. Anyhow, she was definitely instrumental in my born-againness, and for that, and her friendship, I am very grateful. Not to mention she's one of the funniest chicas you will ever meet.

2008-06-18T11:25:00.002-05:00

Having fun w/Marie today:

2008-06-17T21:41:00.003-05:00

Might be TMI for some of you:

For the past week Renee has made all of her poopies on the potty. No, that was not a typo. Renee (our infant) poops on the potty. It started early last week when she hadn't gone in over a day (which is unusual for her). She usually goes when she's sitting on my lap, and she started kind of straining like she needed to go. I thought, "Hey, I'll save myself from having to change a dirty diaper!", so I just sat her on the potty and let her do her business there. Worked like a charm. Every evening since then I've set her on the potty after her last feeding and she has gone - no problem. Peepeed a little, too. Now who knows if this will continue into toddlerhood, but I'm pretty happy to say that I am the mother of a 2 year old and a 4 month old, and have not changed a poopy diaper in a week! Awesome.

Apparently in a lot of other cultures, where they do not have the luxury of disposable diapers, children are potty trained right off the bat. My dear friend, Maggie, who recently traveled to Tibet showed me photos of Tibetan children (and infants) wearing pants with holes in the bottom. No diapers period from day 1 there, I guess.

Here is an article about potty training infants. No, I don't think I'll go off the deep end and do what these people are suggesting, but it is interesting and now I believe that it CAN be done. There's a bit of a movement among mostly stay-at-home moms to start doing this. I suppose it's good for the environment and spares you the hassle of potty training a strong-willed toddler.

2008-06-17T13:29:00.004-05:00

just a few. renee had her first haircut yesterday courtesy of mommy. i couldn't stand the mullet any longer. i cut off maybe 1.5 inches just in the back and she looks so much better now. that hair was preventing me from loving her. just kidding :-) but she really does look cute now. it's amazing what cutting off a mullet will do for a baby.

marie's hair + humidity = ubercute.

we were both tired. it was late.

found her toes!

this one isn't from father's day, but i will say that joel had a happy day. we went to chili's for dinner. marie gave him a t-ball set that they can play with together. i got him a pair of crocs, which he's been wanting for a while. he's a stellar daddy and husband and we love him so much. and he's pretty good-lookin' if i do say so myself. he'll probably make me delete that.

2008-06-12T19:40:00.003-05:00

joelisms:

"But you've gotta ask yourself one question: if she wasn't your baby, would you still think she was cute?"

"The only bill that Obama initiated as a senator was to make the word "change" a proper noun with a capital 'C' [paraphrased]."

2008-06-12T13:36:00.005-05:00

FLASHBACK:

Ada and Renee meeting for the first time in June 2008

Marie and Naomi meeting for the first time in May 2006

Renee smiling in June 2008
Marie smiling in June 2006

Renee in the Johnny Jump Up in June 2008

Marie in the Johnny Jump Up in June 2006

Tim & Joel holding each other's daughters in June 2008

Tim & Joel holding each other's daughters in May 2006
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More from Tim, Carissa & Ada's visit this past week:

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And a few others because I took them and feel the need to post excessive amounts of photos:

2008-06-05T11:51:00.004-05:00

I've discovered the webcam on our new laptop and it's fantastic! I'm able to chat with my brother in Iraq a couple of times each week and he can see me and the kiddos. Marie has talked to her friend Lucy via both of their webcams and a calling feature on Yahoo Instant Messenger. Very tech savvy 2 year olds. I also love to take photos w/it because there's not an extra step to upload them onto the computer. So get used to seeing our living room in the background of all our pics. Maybe if we're really cheap and lazy we'll just pose for our family Christmas photo in front of the computer! Lame-o.

Oh, and I'm wearing a shirt that says "NOT 40" because we had dinner last night for our friend's 40th birthday. We all wore black (except Renee who doesn't own any black). Marie's shirt said "40" on the front, and on the back it said "[the symbol for 'divided by'] 20".

Tim, Carissa & Ada will be here in 4 hours! Woohoo! Time to work on creating the illusion of a clean and organized house for our guests!

2008-06-04T14:20:00.005-05:00

Toys R Us and Babies R Us are accepting all bottles/nipples/breast pumps/pacifiers/milk storage containers/sippy cups/teethers (used or new) containing BPA for store credit in the full amount of the item's original purchase price. Today I returned all of my used BPA-containing items and received almost $200 in store credit at TRU. Usually, Joel and I don't really hop on these hysteria bandwagons, but if someone is going to replace our bottles for free, then why not? I bought new bottles with it, of course. And, since Marie was SO patient while the lady entered each item individually into the computer, I got her this:

You might want to call your local BRU or TRU to make sure they are participating. All of the ones in our area are doing this. If you want to learn more about the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) click here. If you'd like to see a list of BPA-free products click here.

2008-05-29T18:42:00.002-05:00

I read this a long time ago, but I keep forgetting to make copies of it for my other mommy friends. So I thought I'd post it.

What Remains, by Joanne Heim

If I spend my days building skyscrapers with LEGOs and creating relationships with other moms at Starbucks, but have not love, I am only the siren of the kids' ride-on fire truck.

If I have the gift of knowing which child attempted to flush the Hot Wheels down the toilet and which one pushed her sister, and if I have faith that somehow we'll survive life's emergencies, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I save all my box tops for school and give outgrown clothing to the local shelter, and if I surrender my body to stretch marks and under-eye circles, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient when someone isn't ready to use the big-girl potty. It is kind when my husband has a hard day. It doesn't envy my neighbor who drives the new sport-utility vehicle I can't afford.

It is not rude, snapping at my spouse our children when things don't go my way. It is not easily angered at perceived or real injustices.

It always protects the smallest, sweetest family confidences; always trusts God to provide for my children's needs; always hopes in the freshness of tomorrow and the bright future of family; always perseveres amid hardship and doubt.

Where there are sleepless nights, they shall end. Where there are diapers, Little League, and dioramas built from shoe boxes, they will cease. Where there is knowledge of baby-care trends, discipline strategies, and boy-girl problems, it will pass away.

Now these three remain: faith, lived out in my daily circumstances and instilled in my children; hope, of one day rejoicing with my family in heaven; and love, which covers over a multitude of less-than-perfect moments.

But the greatest of these is love. It is what remains . . . long after I am gone.

2008-05-26T20:32:00.002-05:00

This is Ada (our neice). Is she not uber-cute? Oh my word. For those of you who know our extended family, she's the youngest of Tim and Carissa's three kiddos.
We've only seen her once (at Christmas) and she's now 9 1/2 months old. But they're coming for a visit at the end of next week!

I stole this photo off of my husband's brother's wife's sister's facebook page. Come on people, it's really not that complicated.

2008-05-22T14:58:00.007-05:00

Extra! Extra! Hair all about it!

We've got some seriously wacky hair going on in the Meehan household. Daddy is the only one who doesn't look completely disheveled. I have no idea how to get Renee's hair to stay down, Marie's hair is lovely on occasion (if I take the time to fix it - although she has this strange combination of straight on top and curly underneath), and Mommy hasn't gotten a haircut since April of 2007. Yes, Heidi, that's BEFORE you got married.

This is one of my favorite things...ever. The only way it could be better is if I was laying on Joel's lap and the girls were laying in mine. But that would entail smothering Daddy, which is not cool because he brings home the bacon. Oh, and we love him.

First time in the ole' exersaucerooni

She is the sweetest little thing - and so mellow. Sometimes I'll go up to check on her when I think she should be about ready to wake up, and she's just laying in her crib smiling at her hands, or her puppy, or her mirror - or who knows what. Either she's really chill, or she's not got her daddy's smarts :-) I think the former.

2008-05-18T14:15:00.002-05:00

My husband cracks me up. I think I'm going to have to start posting Joel-isms on the blog. Maybe you had to be there. His comedic timing is just classic.

"Ya, because if Kerry had won the birds would be singing, and everyone in the Middle East would be holding hands and singing 'Kum Ba Yah'."
-Joel's response to a Kerry/Edwards '04 bumper sticker

"Where's the joy in my life? Look at her eye (pointing to Marie) and her hair (pointing to Renee)."
-Joel's comment (in jest) today at lunch. I was stealing his popcorn, Marie has a nasty case of pink eye, and Renee was being an adorably sweet baby with a head full of ridiculous hair.

2008-05-17T10:08:00.009-05:00

Photos from Florida. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to go. Dad and Carolyn came and stayed with us for a few days before we departed for Pensacola. They were here Friday through Tuesday, and then we all left for Florida together that morning. We had a wonderful wonderful time with Grandpa on Tuesday afternoon at his home. He got to meet some of his Great Grandchildren for the very first time, and was just gleaming with happiness and pride. I'll always remember him with Renee in his lap, holding her little fingers in his hand. He just loved it, and didn't want to give her up! Gramps unexpectedly died on Thursday at 10:05pm after suffering a bad fall on Wednesday which left him with three broken ribs and a punctured lung. It was wonderful that so many of us were there and able to spend time with him before he was injured, and also at the hospital with him on Thursday. Sarah (my cousin) and I visited with him from 5:00-5:30. Two of his three sons were with him just over an hour before he died.

This was in Cary. Nana and Grandpa Ben brought Marie a new book that came with a nifty glove. She loves it. Thanks!

Grandpa DeBord on Tuesday afternoon with Marie and Renee

Such a beautiful photo. He was loving holding her. It was just precious.

The hands of a Great Grandfather born in 1921 and the hands of his great granddaughter, born in 2008.

Gramps with his granddaughter, Sarah, and great grandson Sam.

Sarah and I with our eldest kiddos and Gramps on Tuesday afternoon.

Great-Uncle Ben with Gus. Or "Caesar" as Gramps affectionately referred to him. His full name is Jeremy Augustus Fisk.

Nana picking flowers with Marie and Sam.

Bathtime after they decided to rub dirt in each other's hair. This was a pattern of behavior all week. I think that they had 3 baths on Thursday :-) Oh well, kids will be kids.

Snuggles and movies. Sam was great about sharing and putting up with Marie wanting to be near him every single minute of the day.

Jammy time.

Great Uncle Robert got the kiddos new sunglasses for the beach.

Wow, we look really cool!

Heading to the beach for the first time.

There's the ocean, Mommy! There are mean sharks in there!

Woah, this is cool!

Gus and Renee enjoying some baby bonding time under the umbrella.

Learning that ocean water is not for drinking. Yucky!

Ben and Carolyn posing for a photo op.

This was Robert's idea. He let the kids jump around outside on his air mattress.

2008-05-07T23:25:00.003-05:00

Warning: You are about to witness the antics of an incredibly obnoxious mother. I sound like a pirate/rabbid dog/sputtering old car/prop airplane. You'll have to forgive me. I was trying (as usual) to get a video of one of her giggle fits. She laughs whenever I undress her - except, of course, for when I undress her with the camera on. Her neck is super ticklish.

Don't you just want to kiss those sweet little cheeks (and put duct tape over my mouth?)
-M

2008-05-07T07:15:00.002-05:00

Win an Ergo Baby Carrier here . I don't have one, but I have a friend who does and they're really neat. And if I put a link on our blog, I get my name entered twice in the drawing.

2008-05-01T09:24:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of the girls that were taken this morning. Marie is at a friend's house playing, and Renee is napping. I'm eating oreos and updating the blog. I'll do some real work just as soon as I'm finished here :-)

My dad and his wife, Carolyn, are coming for a visit one week from tomorrow! We are very excited. They will be here from Friday through Tuesday. And on Tuesday we are ALL (minus Joel) flying to Pensacola, Florida together to see my Grandpa DeBord! I'm so excited! Haven't been there in 7 or 8 years, I think. And Marie will get to see the ocean for the first time. Yes, we live in NC and she has never seen the ocean. Sad, isn't it? Poor deprived child.

I'm not overly excited about traveling (with a connection in Atlanta) with a 2 year old and a newborn, but it will be worth it. Dad and Carolyn are on a different flight, but we're departing from Raleigh and arriving in Pensacola at about the same time.

Pretty in purple. As you can probably tell, this is my favorite outfit on Renee. I'm going to be so sad when she outgrows it.

Is she not the silliest, cutest little thing you've ever seen?

Aaaaahhhhh! So stinking cute. My word, I love this child.

Lifting her head up a bit better these days. She's still lazy, though, just like her big sister was. She's content to just sit there and stare most of the time.

Freshly bathed children smell delicious.

2008-04-28T14:07:00.003-05:00

"Amazing grace,
how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I want some sauce,
but now am found.
Was blind,
but now I see."

-Marie Meehan

2008-04-22T22:59:00.005-05:00

HAVING FUN AT HOME...

This is Marie saying "CHEESE!"

Playing in the back of the van.

HAVING FUN WITH FRIENDS...
Lucy has three tutus (maybe 4?) so it works out nicely when all the girls are over to play. They each get to wear a tutu and it's darling.

A Mom's got to entertain herself somehow. At least Renee looks slightly amused. I'm pretending to be a lion, in case there was any confusion.

Looking at a lizard in the drain pipe. He was trying to run up it and making quite a bit of noise. Then Katy poked him and he jumped on Marie's face and she started running around the front yard screaming. Well, no, that didn't really happen, but it would have been funny. Katy poked him and he scurried away. All the girls got a good look at him and had a good ole' time, even without the made-up lizard attack.

I just love this picture of mini-Joel...er...Marie. I think a 2 year old little girl is about the sweetest thing that God can give you. Well, maybe a well-rested, well-fed 2 year old little girl. A tired and hungry 2 year old little girl is an entirely different story.

Thanks for the photos Katy and Amy!

2008-04-14T17:59:00.003-05:00

A family tradition was born today: Make ridiculous (ridiculously fun!) hat/crown for birthday boy/girl. Here's Joel in our masterpiece...

2008-04-14T14:35:00.003-05:00

I love my kids. I want more. But not yet :-)

2008-04-07T21:05:00.003-05:00

Mary Lou Retton, you've met your match.

Meet MARIE Lou Retton!

Joel is grooming her to be the next Olympian. Well, maybe not, but they are having fun together at gymnastics on Saturday mornings!

This (above) was a class that we tried last week, but we decided to attend somewhere else instead.

Lucy and Mr. Sargeant are attending, too! Here's Lucy in her funky Babylegs. She is by far the best little gymnast in the class. Marie hasn't quite figured out how to jump yet :-)

2008-04-07T14:23:00.004-05:00

Bragging alert:

I'd just like to let you all know that I (not Joel) picked Kansas and Memphis on my NCAA bracket to play in the National Championship. Maggie, not Joel. Just had to clarify that again.

Also, we just downloaded iTunes, which I'm very excited about, but I'd love some music recommendations. I prefer Christian music, but I'm open. I have not bought a CD in ages, so I really don't know who the "cool" new artists are. If you know of any good children's artists (other than Raffi, Go Fish and Cedarmont Kids), please pass those along as well. Marie LOVES to sing. She literally sings all day. Her life is like a musical.

MMM. Oh, and I picked Memphis and Kansas into the finals. Did I mention that already?

2008-04-02T12:58:00.005-05:00

Okay, this morning I had a bit too much fun with the camera. Marie started getting a little annoyed with me, at which time I decided to call it quits and return to normal parenting duties. We can take better video on the camcorder, but the mini DVD's are expensive so I try not to use them too often, hence the poor quality. Alright, I'm going to post these and then go be productive (make baked potato soup).

1. Marie's loud and lovely renditions of "The B-I-B-L-E" and "Jesus Loves Me". Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.

2. Forgiveness. I'm still not quite sure what happened here.

3. Renee learning to express herself. Marie seems to have no trouble with this.

4. Everybody does it. Even 2 year olds.

5. "I want to sing." Alrighty then.

6. And one more, just for kicks. If you've watched all of these it can only mean one of two things: You are either really bored, or you're my mom. Or both. Are you bored, Mom? Oh, and this one is an oldie of Marie and Mrs. Moozie.

2008-04-01T13:15:00.002-05:00

Just checking to see if this works! We got a new laptop this weekend and I can finally upload video directly onto our computer. You'll have to forgive me for not putting any pants on my daughter. She had just finished an unsuccessful trip to the potty.

2008-03-24T20:15:00.002-05:00

A few more that I stole off of the Sargeants' blog:

Don't I have the most beautiful Mommy friends? Gorgeous babies, too!

The daddies indulging their girls' candy cravings.

Kisses.