I'm really late this time. Adeline celebrated her half-birthday on the 15th. I don't quite remember where we were on the 15th. Somewhere between Savannah and Central Illinois.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
In which I rant and rave like a religious fanatic
I really have been pretty good on this blog. I have not tackled controversial stuff, I haven't gone on and on about the phone company, I just barely mentioned that Victoria Secret sales lady. Jess can tell you I tend to get, um. . . a bit worked up about things at times, while he calmly reminds me that I should expect to feel like an "alien and stranger" in this world cause that's what I am, and that the things of God are indeed foolishness to those who don't believe, cause God said they'd be. I have a wise husband. A wise and usually-annoyingly-calm-about-things husband. But I just have to tell you that Halloween is my least favorite holiday. I LOVE autumn. I love spices and cider and anything to do with pumpkin. Sure I love to see my kids all dressed up, but really, they don't need a holiday to play dress up. Have you seen us at the commissary lately? I sometimes travel with a spiderman body guard or a princess entourage. But here's the deal. The reason I don't like Halloween is because somehow things that are completely inappropriate, like a life-size man hanging from a tree with a noose around his neck, become completely appropriate, all in the name of "good clean spooky fun." I just hate that we don't have to go looking for terror like this, it's on tv commercials during the morning news, or ringing our doorbell on Oct. 31st, or, in our case this year, a life sized hanibal lector in our neighbor's front yard.
I'm not a big fan of the Christian Broadcasting Network, honestly, but they had two good articles about Halloween. One asking Christians to avoid "circling the wagons" and having our "harvest festivals" instead of going into our neighborhood and being salt and light. I liked it better than the one suggesting we have our own celebrations. But, I can't bring myself to take my sweetly dressed 6, 4, and 2 year olds around the block, knowing what they'll see. And do I answer the door to trick-or-treaters? I have been known to peek out the window at each ring of the doorbell before I told my children whether they can answer, or go hide in their room while i answered. Why? Well, the 5 year old in the scream mask and the 7 year old with the bloody ax in his scull did a number on their dreams that night. Again, I have to scream "WHY IS IT GOOD CLEAN FUN TO DRESS LIKE A MURDER VICTIM AND A MURDERER?!" Ok, Jess, I know you're giving me the "simmer-down" look. I just had to let out a little steam. And I will leave it there and not try broach the subject of sexy french maid costumes on 6 year olds.
I'm not a big fan of the Christian Broadcasting Network, honestly, but they had two good articles about Halloween. One asking Christians to avoid "circling the wagons" and having our "harvest festivals" instead of going into our neighborhood and being salt and light. I liked it better than the one suggesting we have our own celebrations. But, I can't bring myself to take my sweetly dressed 6, 4, and 2 year olds around the block, knowing what they'll see. And do I answer the door to trick-or-treaters? I have been known to peek out the window at each ring of the doorbell before I told my children whether they can answer, or go hide in their room while i answered. Why? Well, the 5 year old in the scream mask and the 7 year old with the bloody ax in his scull did a number on their dreams that night. Again, I have to scream "WHY IS IT GOOD CLEAN FUN TO DRESS LIKE A MURDER VICTIM AND A MURDERER?!" Ok, Jess, I know you're giving me the "simmer-down" look. I just had to let out a little steam. And I will leave it there and not try broach the subject of sexy french maid costumes on 6 year olds.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Favorite Things Friday
We arrived home on Monday night, but it has taken me four days to recover from our 2 day journey. Adeline DOES NOT like the car now. She probably screamed 3 of the 6 hours from Illinois to Nashville, and 5 of the 8 to Savannah. She's fine when we take her out of the seat. Hope this turns around--we have 2 more long trips coming up. . .
1. Baby Legs: I can quite easily justify spending 10-12 dollars on these cute one-size-fits-all leg warmers because they can be used for years and years. SO MANY cute designs. And now they're available at Target! But my favorite place to get them is #3.
5. Slings: I don't have a favorite brand, but I like the ease of a plain old
fitted sling. I found a sling absolutely essential in getting 4 kids in and out of church while Jess was gone. I think I became known as the girl with the sling. I got one at mom4life and another on etsy, which brings me to favorite thing number 5.
OK, so there are mine. What new things have you found lately that you can't believe you ever lived without? Leave a comment or post them on your own blog and leave me a link!
On to happier things! A few of my favorite things, at least my favorite things that are available for purchase! Sometimes I find something that I just want to tell others about, so here are some of my recent discoveries:
1. Baby Legs: I can quite easily justify spending 10-12 dollars on these cute one-size-fits-all leg warmers because they can be used for years and years. SO MANY cute designs. And now they're available at Target! But my favorite place to get them is #3.
2. These two Susan Hunt books have been great in our family worship time. The stories make the Bible Verses and Catechism questions really applicable. I was sold after two nights reading the ABC bible verses. The first verse we learned was "A soft answer turns away wrath." Well, that has become Ella Rose's theme. The second was "Blessed are the peacemakers." Perfect for Sam, the one who likes to push Ella's buttons. The Big Questions book is good if you want to catechize.
3. http://www.mom4life.com/ I love the products, love the free shipping, and love the mission.
4. 
Shade Clothing: True story: I went into Victoria Secret one day this summer and told the saleslady that I had a very low cut dress I wanted to wear to my brother's wedding and I needed a camisole to go under it. She looked at me and, in all seriousness she said, "Hmmm. How about just a really pretty bra?" My jaw dropped and I decided it was stupid of me to try to find a modest solution in a store I won't let me six year old walk in. My friend Marlo suggested I try the Mormons. She was right!!! I might not agree with Joseph Smith's theology, but his folks know how to make some cute modest clothes. I bought two camisoles from shadeclothing.com and I LOVE them. They are high at the top and long at the bottom and fit perfectly.
Shade Clothing: True story: I went into Victoria Secret one day this summer and told the saleslady that I had a very low cut dress I wanted to wear to my brother's wedding and I needed a camisole to go under it. She looked at me and, in all seriousness she said, "Hmmm. How about just a really pretty bra?" My jaw dropped and I decided it was stupid of me to try to find a modest solution in a store I won't let me six year old walk in. My friend Marlo suggested I try the Mormons. She was right!!! I might not agree with Joseph Smith's theology, but his folks know how to make some cute modest clothes. I bought two camisoles from shadeclothing.com and I LOVE them. They are high at the top and long at the bottom and fit perfectly. 5. Slings: I don't have a favorite brand, but I like the ease of a plain old
fitted sling. I found a sling absolutely essential in getting 4 kids in and out of church while Jess was gone. I think I became known as the girl with the sling. I got one at mom4life and another on etsy, which brings me to favorite thing number 5.5. Favorite place to browse or buy: http://www.etsy.com/
Like handmade, original stuff? Like ebay for crafters and no auctions. Or an online craft show. But you won't find a lot of hokey stuff here. Etsy is full of modern amazing goodies, mostly made at home by regular people like us! I feel SO MUCH BETTER spending my money on something handmade than on mass produced items in the store. I LOVE it!
OK, so there are mine. What new things have you found lately that you can't believe you ever lived without? Leave a comment or post them on your own blog and leave me a link!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
AH Autumn!
As we drove through the Kentucky rain we thought, maybe there's fall on the other side of this front! And sure enough, as we crossed the river into Illinois, the sky opened up to a bright blue and the temperature gauge read 60 degrees. Ah, autumn, we finally found you!
this is Jesse pretending to swing a sledge hammer at my head. nice.
kids ready to go play at the Curry garden.
FRUIT! (do you know what that big tree is growing?)
Rachel, this one is yours:
Cousin Ally! The girls are at a perfect age now for instant bonding, hand holding, and wanting their hair styled just alike.
ella's fish
ella's fish
this is Jesse pretending to swing a sledge hammer at my head. nice.
City folk pay lots of money for the day we had in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard! We ended the night with a bonfire and hayride!
My favorite part of the evening-- seeing Jess's, Brent's, Ryan's, and Tim's kids having a blast together! More on that later. . .
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Yum Yum!
Ooooh, the food in Nashville is good. At home and when we go out!
Last night Jess and I went out to eat with sister Rachel and Dave. Because I fed Addie and put her to sleep before we left, this was the first time since she was born that I wasn't restricted to a 3-4 hour outing (yep, still won't take a bottle--she's 6 months, should i give up?) We went to Wildwood Oak Fired Kitchen on Hwy 100, kind of a neighborhood place. It was the kind of restaurant I love, where the chef has lots of seasonal specials and just reading the menu is a treat in itself. With the four of us ordering, we tried the Duck Crepe appetizer, the Salmon, Lamb, Duck, and Beef, an a Apple Crisp, a Chocolate cake, and a Passion Fruit Creme Brule. I don't think any of us were disappointed with any of it. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was laid back but still nice enough for me to feel like this was a special occasion. If you're in Nashville, I'd recommend it!
Then, this morning, my mom decided to try a Paula Deen recipe (so you know it's going to be delicious and horrible for you!) Canned biscuit doughnuts. MMMMMMmmmmmm! We made some dipped in chocolate, and others sprinkled with powdered sugar. We all agreed, the powdered sugar ones were by far the favorite--they tasted just like beignets. I think I'll have to make those again. So if you're in Nashville, I'd recommend stopping by my parents for some tasty breakfast.
Last night Jess and I went out to eat with sister Rachel and Dave. Because I fed Addie and put her to sleep before we left, this was the first time since she was born that I wasn't restricted to a 3-4 hour outing (yep, still won't take a bottle--she's 6 months, should i give up?) We went to Wildwood Oak Fired Kitchen on Hwy 100, kind of a neighborhood place. It was the kind of restaurant I love, where the chef has lots of seasonal specials and just reading the menu is a treat in itself. With the four of us ordering, we tried the Duck Crepe appetizer, the Salmon, Lamb, Duck, and Beef, an a Apple Crisp, a Chocolate cake, and a Passion Fruit Creme Brule. I don't think any of us were disappointed with any of it. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was laid back but still nice enough for me to feel like this was a special occasion. If you're in Nashville, I'd recommend it!
Then, this morning, my mom decided to try a Paula Deen recipe (so you know it's going to be delicious and horrible for you!) Canned biscuit doughnuts. MMMMMMmmmmmm! We made some dipped in chocolate, and others sprinkled with powdered sugar. We all agreed, the powdered sugar ones were by far the favorite--they tasted just like beignets. I think I'll have to make those again. So if you're in Nashville, I'd recommend stopping by my parents for some tasty breakfast.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
First Stop, Chattanooga
We're working our way up to Illinois to see Jess's family. First stop, Chattanooga, TN. This is a fun city! We never stop there because it's only an hour and a half from my family so we decided to take a couple of days for a mini-vacation. Fun but exhausting with four little kids.
We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel--plenty to see and do right on the premises. But in case you decide to visit, steer clear of the Indoor pool. Well, on second thought, I'm sure they've cleaned it up after the Curry kids. . .
Chattanooga has a great river-side park where we spent a good deal of time running the kids til they were tired enough to head back to the hotel. Uncle David and Aunt Esther came by for a visit too.
snack time!
sweet sleepy Addie.
It was about this time that we decided not to spend a third night in Chattanooga but to go to my parents', get a good night sleep in separate bedrooms, and do nothing for a day.
We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel--plenty to see and do right on the premises. But in case you decide to visit, steer clear of the Indoor pool. Well, on second thought, I'm sure they've cleaned it up after the Curry kids. . .
Chattanooga has a great river-side park where we spent a good deal of time running the kids til they were tired enough to head back to the hotel. Uncle David and Aunt Esther came by for a visit too.
This is Ella Rose's thinking face. . . . and Adeline's "Pop" face. (If you ever met my Pop, you'd see it right away)
mmmm. . . Superman icecream. BRIGHT blue, red, and yellow. Bathtime is next.
On Sunday we also saw my best friend Grace and family (second time in 2 months--since she lives in Boston and me in Savannah, that's a big treat!).
The Tennessee Aquarium was awesome! Here we are petting a ray, who decided he really wanted to play. He jumped half way out of the tank and freaked us all out!
snack time!
sweet sleepy Addie.
It was about this time that we decided not to spend a third night in Chattanooga but to go to my parents', get a good night sleep in separate bedrooms, and do nothing for a day.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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