Real Dreams

Cupcake is now 6 months old.  She is a really good sleeper, but still wakes up about once a night to eat.  For the past week, when I hear her crying, I get out of bed and go help her - either with a bottle or to replace her binky.  And then she cries again.  That's about the time I realize that I didn't get up a few minutes ago - I dreamed it.  It's really tough to remember what time I actually feed her (if it was 3 am or 530), since I imagine myself getting up and it's so darn real.

Needless to say, it feels like she wakes up about 4 times a night.  It's not my favorite.

Trying Hard...

So we are facing a difficult situation right now - I can't really go into it, and I apologize for bringing it up.  But we've made a decision about it, prayed about our decision, and feel confident that our decision is a good one.  The problem has now become rethinking and doubt. 

We are trying hard to stay focused on the decision and that things really will work out, just like we feel they will, but when we stop looking at the big picture and think about the details that will inevitably follow and crop up unexpectedly, we start worrying and wondering if we really did make a good decision.

So here's to letting go of the doubts and holding on to our faith that we made a good choice.

ArtPrize

Last Saturday, Cupcake and I went to downtown Grand Rapids for ArtPrize.  It's an annual event there, and I wanted to check it out since I've never heard about it and it's supposed to be awesome. 

Well, it is.

Every year, artists from all over the world can contribute artwork, which is then put on display for 2 weeks in Grand Rapids.  There is a vote (I'm not sure if it's a popular vote or how that works, but I know the public can pay $5 to vote), and the winner of the competition is given $250,000!!!!!  Anyone placing in the top 10 gets a monetary prize (the lowest being $7000). 

This year, the winner did a LIFE-SIZE pencil sketch of a 1921 American calvary.  It's amazing.  You can check it out here, but of course seeing in on the comp is nothing compared to in person.  My favorite one was in the same location, the Grand Rapids Art Museum.  I wish I knew the name of it, but I forgot.

But I did take a picture, but you will have to wait for it because I used my regular-film camera and not the digital.  So as soon as I fill it up, I will post pics of the ones that I liked best.  **I only went to a little over a dozen venues, so there is no way that I saw even one quarter of the entries. 

Private Journal

I'm following the advice and example of a friend of mine and putting a journal online.  It's not super personal, just info about me that doesn't need to be for anyone to read.  If you're interested, let me know and I'd be happy to add you to the list.  Post a comment or email me.

Let's Play A Game...

...of Catch-Up!

I wish I could say that I haven't posted because things have been so hectic and crazy and I'm so exhausted from all the running around we have been doing and just haven't had time, but that would be a big, fat lie.  Things have been busy, but I've just been procrastinating and then three weeks have passed and I had better get back into it before I lose the handful of people that read this.

September is always a busy month for us, as well as an exciting one.  Three out of four people in our family have their birthday during September.  But first, Labor Day. 

I have never lived somewhere that had so many parades as they do here in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  Seriously.  If there is a reason to have a parade, at least one town will do it.  It's great.  On Labor Day, there is a big rig parade, celebrating all the hard-working local companies that employ so many.  This is how Tooty spent the whole time.  She was really excited about it until the trucks actually showed up and were honking.  She promptly covered her mouth and wouldn't move her hands until we assured her the whole thing was over.

 Next came her birthday...the big 3!  We had a couple of her friends from downstairs come over.  I didn't want to make a big cake, so I gave her the option of several shapes and she chose a star with chocolate frosting.  It was delicious.

 And of course, at age 3, a birthday is all about the presents.  She received 2 presents in the mail the day after the party.  Here are two pictures that express her feelings:

 She kinda liked it.

During FHE a couple weeks ago, we sat at the kitchen table rather than on the couch and Daddy asked me to define a term that we were using.  I think he didn't know how to explain a goal to a toddler.  While I was explaining it and we were coming up with goals for each family member, Tooty reached over to Daddy and held his hand the entire time.  She said they were "best friends".  So, so cute.  Especially since she is such a Mommy's girl.

 We went to a county fair the next week - on $1 day.  $1 per person for entry, $1 for each ticket for rides, and 1 ticket per ride.  So we coughed up $2 so Tooty could pick a ride.  We narrowed it down for her after we discovered that the one I wanted to take her on (the giant slide) had a height restriction for her. 

 So she chose the car ride.  She chauffeured me around the line.  I'm in the back seat.

Daddy and I enjoyed our birthdays.  They were pretty much just like any other day.  Which in a way was a bit disappointing.  My sister and mom called on my birthday, and my mom and his dad called him on his.  I'm not saying that I need a big to-do about it.  And it was our choice to not have a party.

Tooty and I made a tree for the slider door.  I cut out the leaves and had her draw a line down the center of each one for a vein.  She really enjoyed it and did a great job matching colors - red crayon for red leaves, orange for orange, etc.

 Here she is at the PumpkinFest parade - I told you they pick anything to celebrate with a parade.  It was a little chilly and sprinkled a few times, but we had a great time.