Raisin' Cains

whoops!

2010-05-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

So I fell off the wagon for a while but I am going to attempt at least one post a week. I take enough pictures and have enough hilarious Jacob stories right now that this shouldn't be too difficult.

Since I last posted (Christmas! EEK!), I quit my job as a preschool teacher of the deaf and now stay home full time (CHEERS!). It wasn't a hard adjustment as far as childcare goes but there were some major changes in responsibility in the house. . .mainly I am now in charge of our finances and the kitchen is back in my control. Adam has been a rockstar, making dinner after work everynight while I was nursing/feeding Jacob.

I will share some of my Dad's pictures that I think capture what now goes on everyday at the Cain household...

playing

helping mom cut coupons and make a grocery list from ads

coloring

hoops and other various backyard activities

we make dinner. . .Friday is homemade pizza night

we clean dishes. . .Jacob says bubbbbuls (bubbles)

we do a lot of reading

Mom pushes Jacob to our awesome park a mile away

almost every morning

And occasionally we get a family hike in!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Video update

2009-12-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

And then life hit us!

2009-08-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

I can hardly keep up with daily activities like eating, sleeping, and showering so I don't know how I am supposed to blog too! SOOO, I won't tell you what else I am doing while I am writing this at my desk at work (ok, just eating lunch, pumping, and trying to finish sub plans for Friday).

We took the boy to the doctor for his 8 month check-up. Yes, I know we aren't supposed to have one til 9 months but we are behind on vaccinations. We held off in the beginning because we wanted to read a couple of books before giving shots. SO anyway, the boy weighed 19 pounds 2 ounces and was 28.5 inches long. He has gone from 90th percentile in the beginning to 45th percentile in weight. I almost had a panic attack but our doc says that is normal once they start moving. He is still 80th percentile for length which makes him seem even skinnier (at least to Momma). We have hit some major milestones in the last two weeks. We got our first tooth, started to crawl, can move from crawling back into the seated position, and started throwing fits. I am elated about the first three. The last one not so much! He really lets us know what he wants and what he doesn't want. He is beginning to show signs of being like his father. Just kidding. More like me and my sinful self than anyone else. He does this awesome growl and hold his breath thing too. That he does for laughs not when he is angry. He is always trying to find new ways to make us laugh and he does it quite well.

I am anxious to get to the end of this week. I get to go home and see my parents. I am so excited for them to see the boy and all that he is doing. He has changed so much since they were here in Arizona in February. And oh yeah, I have my ten year reunion too! I am looking forward to reconnecting with my friends and seeing my best friend's little guy! I am also anxious to see who has come to have a relationship with the Lord. I have been quite surprised on Facebook by people who now walk with Him and I am so excited to see who else loves my Jesus! I am also excited to show off my baby and hot hubby! :)

That's all for now. Gotta go get ready for my crazy afternoon!

Summer favorites

2009-07-24T09:06:00.001-07:00

Cain clan

Our smaller Cain clan

First Diamondbacks game

All suited up

He likes to ham it up

But he's sweet too!

Maybe not!

He loves to laugh especially when caught red handed

trying to unzip the pillows

and bang on things in his Bam Bam shirt

And he loves his homemade baby food!

and time in the kitchen with Mama

movin' and a shakin'

2009-07-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Update

2009-06-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

SOOOO, life is just crazy and I haven't had any time to update my blog other than posting pics or video. I may have some time on my hands the next 7 weeks while we are out of school, so I will try to start writing again! The boy is 6 months old today. I know it is so cliche but time is moving so quickly. Everyone tells you that before you have kids but I didn't really believe them!

Jacob's physical development is moving along at a rapid pace. In the last couple of weeks, he has started sitting up unassisted and creeping around wherever I lay him down. Babyproofing the house and my in-laws is in the near future! I set him down on his belly a couple of days ago (like I always do) and returned less than a minute later and he was gnawing on our coffee table (a good 4 feet from where I had placed him!). He rolls over pretty effortlessly now and we have found him a number of times with his knees pulled up under his belly. Crawling coming soon!! My favorite is finding him in his crib at night with his butt up in the air. It looks so funny!

We start swim lessons next week. I don't expect him to retain any of it. It will just give us something to do everyday to avoid the dreadful heat! He really loves Grandma and Grandpa's pool so we figured he might enjoy a pool with other munchkins. He is really quite aware of other children and becomes pretty social after he warms up (kind of like mom and dad :) ha ha).

I am happy to be off work for a while. I am gonna soak in as much as the boy as possible. He really has a great little personality and I wish I could spend every day with him. I am going to savor the now, though and not think about August. Maybe, I won't have to go back. . .

Crazy Boy

2009-06-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I would have a while before I came away from bathtime drenched.

I think it may be sooner than I think!

Caught on camera!

2009-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

So Dad thought he would give it a try which gave Mom a chance to take some stills.

only this and milk for three weeks! bring on the veggies!
this is so messy!

is this supposed to taste good?

dad, you're so weird

ok, it's my turn!

hand it over

see, i can do it

all by myself

dad, i'm serious!

mmm food

2009-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Catch-up pics

2009-04-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

So I don't know how to get everything in my life done right now so here are some pics from the last 2 months! AGH! And I am currently sleep deprived so I didn't get this in the correct order. They are from the most current (up top) to the oldest (down below). So as Tracy says, "Let's Tarantino it back, y'all"

Patricia with the boy when she was here for her (and part of my) Spring Break

Mommy and Daddy think it is funny to put stickers on our child and then take pictures
. . .think Baby Breathe Right Strips

Tracy visited over her Spring Break, too. Jacob loved both my sisters!

Fat guy face

Tongue!

Our little fighter

Auntie Em gave Jacob bunny pjs for Christmas in The Christmas Story style!

My dad and Jacob taking a snooze when my parents came in February!

Just after learning how to smile!

The introduction to his future wife, Eleanor

(daughter of one of my best friends, Joceline)

And that's a wrap. Easter pics coming as soon as I upload them.

A day in the life. . .

2009-03-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

of this working mom. I started back Monday and here is what my life looks like now. . .

5:40 AM- get up, shower, get ready
6:00 AM- get boy out of crib, change diaper, get him dressed
6:15-6:45 - feed the boy and run around the house throwing last minute items in my bag
6:45-7:00 - scarf down breakfast, make-up?, head towards car
7:00-7:30 car ride to work: Adam driving, Michelle pumping breastmilk, Jacob napping
7:35-8:30 run around school pulling my lessons together
8:30-10:00 Teach three lessons
10:00-10:15 Kids go to recess; Michelle PUMP#2 for the day, trying not to spill after like a I did on Tuesday
10:15-10:30 Frantically scarf down my snack, change my room out for the next set of lessons
10:30-12:00 Teach 3 more lessons
12:00-12:30 eat lunch, catch up on email, lesson plan
12:30-12:45 PUMP#3, see above
12:45-1:00 lesson plan, switch out classroom for afternoon
1:00-3:00 4 more lessons
3:00-3:30 Frantically run around school to pull tomorrows lessons together
3:30 Adam picks me up and takes me back to the Cains
3:45- 4:15 Feed the boy
4:15-4:45/5ish- hang out while Adam finishes work, play with the boy
5-5:45- drive home, Jacob naps, Mom and Dad talk
5:45-6:30 prep dinner, eat dinner, change boy into PJ's/bath??
6:30 Feed the boy
7:00-Try to put the boy down unless he is still eating (which he tends to for a while at night)
7:30-9 Finish lesson planning, laundry, clean up from dinner
9:00 start prepping for last feed and pump of the day
9:15 Feed the boy
9:45 Pump while praying the boy sleeps through the night again
10:00 Night night and start again tomorrow.

Are you tired? I am!

Recent photo favorites

2009-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mush ball baby

grumpy face

our neighbors love him and come over all the time!

favorite sleep position

Mommy thinks I am the most beautiful baby ever!

Naps with Grandpa Hagenbuck rule!

I am smiling with my tongue hanging out here!

It makes Mommy laugh hysterically everytime I do it!

This is also a smile. It's our newest milestone!

Jacob's first week

2008-12-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

Jacob William Cain

December 22, 2008

7 pounds, 14 ounces

20.5 inches long

Cov Com shower

2008-12-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Warning: Very pregnant, only posting for you people thousands of miles away!

My dear friends at church threw me a lovely shower! Here are some of the pics!

It was very frog themed and cute!

Some crazy ladies I love with some of the delicious food!

My big ol' belly (and face).

(Tracy and Patricia, you better appreciate me posting this)

Joceline and I listening the the sheep pray!!

A cute little bear outfit. . . look for the ears up top!

All my cloth diapers! Yay! I was soooo excited!

Such a huge blessing to have this one time cost delivered to me as a shower gift!

Props to Joceline for inspiring and educating us!

A scrapbook of sweet sweet prayers for our sweet sweet baby!

I cried when I read them at home!

Attention K-mart shoppers

2008-11-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

After living in Waxahachie, Texas for a year, I avoid any shopping experiences at Wal-Mart because that was my only choice when we were there. I avoid K-mart mostly because I was coerced at a young age by the movie Rainman to think, "K-mart sucks." I ventured into K-mart, however, because they had a giant banner that stated, "STORE CLOSING SALE" and I thought maybe a I could find a couple bargains for my classroom.

Instead, this really old man, whose wife was pushing the cart and making it no more than about 10 steps a minute, sees me and grins. He says quite loudly so that the entire front half of the store can hear, "LOOKS LIKE YOU WERE CAUGHT IN A SPERM STORM!" I nervously laughed and bolted for the game section.

What does that mean? That is the oddest thing that has been said to me since I have been pregnant. . .and it just confirms. . .K-MART SUCKS! I should have listened to Raymond.

Family Baby Shower

2008-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Some pictures from my family baby shower.

What pregnancy has taught me

2008-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

I was pondering the spiritual as well as the practical things that pregnancy has taught me. I thought I would jot those down before I am in a new stage and have so quickly forgotten the former days. I'm not going to seperate my little lessons into categories. I'll just list some of them as they come to mind:

* God is in complete control over every situation and I feel rest in His SOVEREIGNITY!

* God is in charge of my child's salvation as much as I think I would like it to be me.

* I never knew I could detest vegetables as much as I did in my first trimester.

* I finally knew what Amelia feels like (on a permanent basis) around raw meat!

*Just when you think your belly could stretch no more it amazes you and stretches beyond your wildest dreams!

*I HAVE THE BEST HUSBAND EVER. He has been quite the stud not only picking up the large amount of slack that I am leaving behind but also his love of me and our child!

*Being pregnant is like being in a secret society. . .you get all the juicey details of labor and delivery, raising children and marital relations afterward (whether you want to know or not).

*It's harder to not know the gender of our child than I anticipated.

*I really don't like for things to be unplanned or unorganized (like not knowing when my child will arrive)

*Arrested Development is a really funny show (I learned this while on my short lived bedrest and many DVD series to accompany me).

*I stink at accepting help.

*I have an excellent family and Adam does too! I don't know what I would do without them!

* I laugh everytime I see my belly morph into some odd shape!

*I never knew I could be this disproportionate. My belly can be off center for hours at a time!

*I understand the Lord's love and sacrifice for me a little more than I did 8 months ago.

*I understand my own mother better than I did 8 months ago! :)

*I am a lot more selfish than I gave myself credit for.

*I am thankful that everyday is full of new grace and mercy!

*God knew what he was doing when he put me in my career. . .I have taught younger and younger students each year which has really helped my develop patience with very young (and disabled children). I don't think I could have recieved better preparation for having my own children (not to say I won't learn a ton from that!).

*I love Jesus Christ and what He did for me on the cross more than anything else in life. I pray everyday that our child will know Him at a very young age and walk with Him forever!

pics!

2008-11-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

BEWARE: Content of this blog post may scare you

Halloween costume thanks to my creative sister, Tracy

the great pumpkin

How I look at 33 weeks

How I feel at 33 weeks!

Witches' Night Before Halloween

2008-10-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

I never anticipated how exciting it would be to work at a Deaf school and be pregnant. Today was the funniest story yet! My friend had just finished reading Witches Night Before Halloween to her class. A character in the book is named Potbelly Pat. The teacher explained to the students that you get a pot belly if you eat too much food like candy or too many sodas. They headed towards the playground after their class period ended. As one was headed out the door, he turned to me and stated, "Miss Michelle, you have a potbelly!"

I couldn't help but laugh as I shrieked, "NOOOOOOOO! I HAVE A BABY IN MY BELLY! NOT A POTBELLY! The teacher emerged from her room down the hall laughing and said as they read the story, she explained the meaning of a potbelly. Seeing that they had referenced my belly in a previous story when the character was pregnant, the children asked, "Like Miss Michelle??" The teacher said she replied, "OOOH NO! Miss Michelle has a baby in her belly. Her belly is not from candy or soda!"

I'm guessing that didn't sink in with a select few but it sure made for a good laugh in the hallway!

Unsolved mysteries. . .solved

2008-10-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Shortly after we moved to Phoenix, Adam and I got new cell phone numbers. We received numbers with the Scottsdale area code, 480. Shortly after that I started receiving weird messages from this girl named Charlee. I didn't know if she was slightly confused or if I was. My message clearly stated that anyone calling had reached the voicemail of Michelle Cain. Here's how some of the meassges on my voicemail went:

#1: Hi Michelle! It's Charlee. I wanted you to know I found those black pants you were looking for down in a shopping center on McClintock. Ok, talk to you later" (WHO IS CHARLEE? I'M NOT LOOKING FOR BLACK PANTS)

#2: MICHELLE! We are so sorry! We know you are already at the club and we wanted you to know that we are stuck in traffic. We will see you in about 20 minutes. I promise we didn't forget you. (I AM NOT A CLUB TYPE PERSON NOR WAS I AT A CLUB WHEN YOU CALLED)

#3: Hey Michelle. We are going to get together at AZ on the Rocks tonight at 7. Hope you can join us! (THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING THEM. . .I DO ENJOY CLIMBING WALLS)

At this point I programmed Charlee into my phone. Sometimes I debated answering but really I was curious how long this would go on. How many times would the person she intended to reach miss out or argue that her friend Charlee hadn't called? This went on for a better part of a year and then the phone calls stopped. I still kept Charlee in my phone. Thought it may be fun to tell her where we were going and see if she would show.

Well, the mystery resurfaced this past weekend. I was in charge of our women's retreat at church. I was making and receiving numerous phone calls Thursday night and Friday morning about maps, directions, carpools, etc. etc. etc. My friend, Tracy had called because she was going to drive up with a bunch of ladies in the church van but her sweet baby boy was sick and she was looking for a later ride. She and I called each other a couple times and then she said she would call me once she got a ride. Our phone calls had been pretty frequant in a short amount of time so I thought it funny when 20-30 minutes had passed. She called and this is what she had to share:

Tracy: "Michelle??? It's Tracy."
Me: "Hey Tracy! How are you?!"
Tracy: "You are never going to believe this. Your phone number is 330-19## right?"
Me: "Yup."
Tracy: "Well, I have your number in my phone without the area code. After I found a ride I just figured it would be easier to text message you. I think I just assumed because of where you live that you would have a 602 number. So, I sent you a text."

Here is how the texting conversation went:
Tracy: "Riding up with Gail at 2:30"
Michelle: "Who is this?"
Tracy: "Tracy."
Michelle: "WHO?"
Tracy: "Tracy C*****"
Michelle: "And who is Gail?"

Tracy, then thinking I am playing a joke on her, picks up the phone and call 602-330-19**:
Tracy: "Michelle, It's Tracy.
Michelle: Hi!
Tracy: "I've been text messaging you."
Michelle: "I know, I don't know who you are!"

So that's when Tracy called me at 480-330-19**. Michelle and I apparently have the same cell phone number, just different area codes. I had suspected this early on but Tracy confirmed our suspicions in a slightly embarrasing but hilarious way.

Semi-belly pictures

2008-09-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Still haven't had 4 spare seconds to take a dumb picture of my belly. So here's my friends and I at youth group tonight. My belly is real. . .theirs are balloons. Hope these hold you over.

Me and Anna

Val, me and Anna

My life in list form

2008-09-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to this blog:
*belly pictures
*some quotes from the book I just finished, "Created To Be His Help Meet"

Things that are exciting:
*buying a new used car (with cash, booya!)
*getting my shower dates on the calendar
*seeing my kid move through my clothes
*watching our child respond to my singing (it probably wants me to can it)
*4 weeks until I get a two week fall break
*3 weeks til the women's retreat (that I am the director of )is over

Things that are sad:
*I am wearing my slippers at work because my feet are so swollen
*I cannot wear my rings anymore because my hands look like creme puffs
*sometimes I put on my maternity clothes and they are too small.
*my butt
*saying goodbye to my Dodge Ram truck

How God is good to me:
*He gave me a husband who loves Christ and loves me
*I am carrying a miracle in my belly
*provision to buy a new used car without a loan (i.e.- a hard working husband)
*steadfast friends (sisters included) who listen really well

My kid rocks out

2008-09-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I can tell our baby is already going to be musically inclined. For one it is part Hagenbuck so it has to love music but the thing that leads me to believe our child will be a music lover is the amount of movement that goes on when I sing. When I sing at school during music time, I get a little movement.I am aware that the baby is there. When I sing at church during worship time, I get a ton of movement. I am sure having a congregation singing and a band adds to the volume of what the baby hears. This past Sunday though, our kid rocked out to one of my favorite songs, Glory in the Highest by Chris Tomlin. I couldn't help but think of the passage in Matthew about John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother, Elizabeth's, womb when Mary came to announce she was pregnant with Jesus. There was some definate leaping for joy. You could see it on the outside of my dress! SOOOO, below are the lyrics!

You are the first
You go before
You are the last
Lord, You're the encore
Your name's in lights for all to see
The starry host declare Your glory

Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest

Apart from You there is no god
Light of the world
The Bright and Morning Star
Your name will shine for all to see
You are the one
You are my glory
And no one else could ever compare To You, Lord

All the earth together declares ...
Glory in the highest ... to You, Lord
All the earth will sing Your praise
The moon and stars, the sun and rain
Every nation will proclaim
That You are God and You will reign

Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory to You, Lord
Glory, glory hallelujah

Check-up on Baby Cain

2008-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

We went for the 6 month check-up today. This was the last one before they start coming every two weeks til December and then every week after that. Adam and waiting are enemies. I think this is a product of his lack of medical issues. He never has to go to the doctor so he never really has to wait for much of anything. He was getting fiesty again. Knowing our track record however, I begged him not to make me laugh when Dr. Jaacks was diong the doppler to find the heartrate. (See last post on check-ups if you don't understand.)

Dr. Jaacks finally came in. She gave us a speech about how now the baby could live outside the womb if s/he were born early. And then gave us a speech about all the things that should send me to the hospital before my due date. It was rather comforting (sarcasm). Finally, it was time to listen to the heartbeat. She slathered the goo on my stomach and pushed around to find Baby Cain. She did and had stopped moving the wand long enough for our child to beat the crap out of it seconds later. Baby Cain has some pretty good hand-eye coordination in there because it hit the wand dead on 4 times. I couldn't believe it the first two times and it almost made me laugh (the one thing I am trying to avoid!). The third time the doctor said, "Wow, you've got an active one in there. Doesn't like to have it's space invaded either" Adam was a very proud father at this point. He shared with the doctor how every time he pokes my belly, the baby responds with a hearty kick or punch (so much fun for mom). I think it is probably a sign of what's to come. . .a very active child with a very tired momma! SOOO, everything was normal. Heartrate was 154.

I am having some psychological issues. I know weight gain is normal but it's a killer to get on that scale at the Dr's office. She assured me that 14 pounds (yes, I said 14 pounds) was perfect for this point in the pregnancy (25 weeks) and that it was only going to add up faster from here. It's fun when you weigh more than your husband. Adam was glad she said something because I am sure he is sick and tired of answering me when I say, "Are you sure the rest of me is not getting bigger? Are you SURE it's only my belly??"

My other psychological issues include the rate at which the future is coming. I think summer gave my a false sense that this process was gonna take a while. December is so far away! Now that school has started and the weeks rush by, December is looming. We scheduled the rest of my doctor appointments through December when we were there yesterday. I felt like I was going to throw up. I am excited to meet our kicking creature but there is some anxiety involved in the process! I know millions of people have done it so I will be fine but it's freaking me out right now! Trust in the Lord, right?

Belly pictures will come soon. I will try to take some today in between scheduling birthing classes and test driving cars. Much love!

Pee is not funny.

2008-09-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Pee all over my circle time rug is even less funny. I don't understand how we can have kids move up from the Toddler Program at our school when they are peeing in their pants MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 has been the record so far. Somehow I have avoided pee in my room until this morning.

The Lord is really training me up to be a mother right now. I have actually thought that about my entire career. In Dallas, I worked with predominantly high schoolers when I was itinerant. When we moved to Phoenix my caseload shifted to only elementary/pre-k. Boy did I learn patience over those two years. . .or so I thought. Then I started my current job where I have only 3 and 4 year olds. I've learned that my markers will never again be in color order or my books as organized on the shelves as I would like but that's ok. The Lord has taught me a lot about my control issues through that and what a joy it is just to enjoy relationships. I have learned even more about patience through my little friends. This year might be the kicker, though. The Lord looked at me and laughed when I thought the lesson was learned.

God:"Patience?? You think you are patient?? Here are some more situations where you will be tested. . .be faithful to me and I will bless you."

I want to be faithful to Jesus and what he has taught me in how I respond to everyone and every situation in my life. I want to filter the words that come out of my mouth and make sure they all glorify God. That isn't easy. I learn more and more about my own depravity every day though. . .which leads me to be more and more thankful for the grace God has shown me through His Son! You can pray for perseverance in these things!!!

Yearbookyourself.com

2008-08-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Just in case you get bored one day. . .yearbookyourself.com

I only did four and then i had to get back to work. . .maybe more later because I think this is hilarious.

1952

1958

1964

1968

Have fun!

Momma to a big baby

2008-08-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures that are proof to being a mom of a big baby. The two pics are two different big babies. So I guess I am a mom to two big babies. . .

Here's a pic of me at 22 weeks. You can go back and compare it to the 14 week one. It makes my 14 week pooch look pitiful! We have a very active baby (who would expect any less though) that moves constantly. For a while it was just before and after meals and when I laid down to go to sleep. But now it's pretty constant and I notice only when the baby is not moving. Baby Cain is also comparable to a cat with the midnight crazies. . .excpet it's the 10:30p.m. crazies. That's when the movement is the biggest and most violent. Adam thinks it's funny to push on my belly and get kicked back really hard. We have a good time laughing about it!

Here's my other big baby. His parents recently gave him a box of his stuff. It was entertaining to go through. . .4 canteens, 4 ponchos, camping pots, poop shovel, old cards from previous girlfriends, 2 sets of boxing gloves and this at the very bottom. A tabletop pinball machine. I wouldn't usually mind because we goof off all the time and have a great time but this thing is obnoxious. And Adam, of course, has it all figured out to get the maximum points so the noise this thing puts out is unbelievable! So, if anyone every doubted my ability to be a mother, you forgot that I married a giant 4 year old!

They're baaaaaack!

2008-08-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

School is in full swing and the munchkins are back. I had a hard time believing that my class was going to be as fun and funny as last years was. I had so many kids move up to kindergarten that I couldn't envision what my new class would be like. I have 7 returners and 7 new kids. My returners have blown me away with intelligable full sentences or new intelligable vocabulary! It's so satisfying to hear them speaking so clearly. My seven new ones are a handful but it's such a blessing! They are so exciting and such fun personalities Some of my favorite conversations over the last two days are as follows:

A is my student that was naming things at the beginning of last year and came into our school six months before that only smacking her lips. Some background so you understand why I fell over after this conversation:

A: Miss Michelle, you came back and your belly is bigger!
Me: You're right! I have a baby in my belly!
A: I know. You will go to the hospital and not come to school for a while.

E is no longer my student; she's in kindergarten now, but very excited about the baby. Today when she saw me in the hall she said:

E: Miss Michelle! I see your baby! (touching my belly button)
Me: THAT'S MY BELLY BUTTON!
E: No, that is your baby's finger poking out!

Here are some one liners! They may amuse me more than you but they all made me laugh:

T: Wow Miss Michelle! Nice catch! (upon catching several sheets of paper after I pushed them off the counter)
A: Soap (pointing under the sink with soap), no soap (pointing under the sink with no soap. . .to our surprise she was right and the no soap sink was missing the container that hangs underneath. . .this is coming from the girl with NOOOOOO VOCAB last year!)

Still cookin'

2008-08-06T19:46:00.001-07:00

Our baby is now 20 weeks cooked and needs another 20 (or so). We had the 30 minute anatomy ultrasound today! We were good and we didn't peek even when we knew the ultrasound tech was looking at the gender determining anatomy! Very tempting though. I so badly wanted to turn my gaze from Adam but I am sure he would kill me! We got a whole CD of pictures but I am just sharing the best ones! So here goes. . .

Best Profile

Some babies suck their thumbs, ours sucks it's entire hand! Naturally!

Arm

Leg

Feet

Fishy pics

2008-08-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Silly me forgot to charge our camera battery before leaving for Minnesota so here's 3 of the 5 pics I have from our week long vacation! I took a lot of pics with Dad's fancy camera though. So I will share those when he shares them with me!

First two pics are me and my two large mouth bass caught on Monday night and the last pic is Dad and I with our large mouth bass caught on Wednesday morning!:

Would You Please Do Us A Favor?

2008-07-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you what the favorite part of my day is. I love to go get the mail. Usually, it is filled with junk and bills (and I can just hear my dad saying, "Welcome to being an adult.") but there is always some hope that there will be something personal or exciting. Today, when I got the mail there was the usual barrage of bills and some excitement. There was one fun package of baby stuff from my dear friend, Kathy, but after opening that, I was left to bills.

One piece of mail caught my eye. Real Simple, my favorite magazine ever, sent me an envelope that had huge letters on the front asking, "Would You Please Do Us A Favor?" The "yes" and "no" stickers peeped through that little plastic window next to our address. I opened the envelope and the bill-like paper inside says, "Tell us what to do about Tracy Hagenbuck?" For those of you who don't know, that is my sister. The middle child. The funny one who says and does things for shock value and constantly keeps my family in stitches. I laughed out loud. I don't know what to tell anyone to do about Tracy Hagenbuck much less Real Simple.

The explanation behind such jolting questions: I purchased gift subscriptions for Tracy and Patricia last December for Christmas. Real Simple was just asking if I should renew those subscriptions. All that I kept reading however was "Tell us what to do about Tracy Hagenbuck?" And it continues to tickle me as I write this. No mention of Patricia besides a renew or do not renew box to check. But that Tracy!!

Doctors visit

2008-07-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

We took our monthly trip to the doctor today. It's been rather uneventful since the first one in May when they told us we were indeed pregnant and we got to see the little one. Now it's just a listen to the heartbeat (like that's boring, right) and she answers any and all of our burning questions.

Adam was in an especially foul mood today after we waited almost an hour in the waiting room (we are usually in and out so quick there is hardly time to read an article in a magazine). Last time we listened to the heartbeat, he found that if he makes me laugh while the wand is on my belly, it makes this awful scratchy noise. Well I didn't think that we would have to deal with that today because he was not cracking jokes. Just being grumpy.

WRONG! It took our doctor a little longer than usual to find the heartbeat today (which freaked us both out a little). But she did find it and was making kind comments about what a strong heartbeat it was and how beautiful it sounded when Adam decided to pipe in. He remarks, "Is our kid flying a helicopter in there?" And then the rest is history. I laugh and laugh and she never gets to the BPM because I stop laughing long enough for her to put the wand back on my stomach and then I crack up again. Adam is convinced that Dr. Jaacks hates him. I wouldn't be surprised.

16 weeks

2008-07-09T17:06:00.001-07:00

So the baby books say that our child has doubled its length and weight in the last two weeks. I believe it. People are beginning to recognize me as pregnant and not just chubby. That's nice! AND big news, I felt our munchkin move for the first time on Sunday. . .it feels like butterflies in your lower belly. . .WEIRD! And that's all for the baby update!

Tahoe

2008-07-08T15:24:00.001-07:00

Some highlights from our trip to Tahoe:

Our 4th Anniversary!

2008-06-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our fourth anniversary. Adam is our trusted planner. He does such a fabulous job of planning fun date nights, birthday, anniversaries, and much more. I knew he was up to something but I thought it was just a really nice dinner since that is what we usually do for our anniversary. Well, I was wrong.

He had tricked me into packing a decent overnight bag by telling me to come over to his parents right after school so we could use their pool and go workout. If we did that, I of course needed all my stuff to get ready at their house for a nice dinner. . .this was the story at least. So I packed a swimsuit, clothes to workout in, all my make-up, shampoo, etc. and my nice outfit for the evening out. When I arrived at his parents, he had a couple more logistical things to do for his job and he soon presented me with this lovely basket of fruit since 4th anniversary is flowers/fruit. I laughed and expected only a dinner to go along with my fruit basket.

Not long after he finished his work, he asked me to put all my stuff in his car. I was a little confused. I thought we were going to go jump in the Cain's pool. So i did what I was told and we drove a couple miles down the road into the hidden parts of Paradise Valley and arrived here:

at the Sanctuary. A chic modern resort and spa tucked away on Camelback mountain. To my surprise, we checked in and had a lovely room for the evening!

MY HUSBAND IS RIDICULOUSLY GOOD TO ME!

Here's our cool room:

The fun entry way:

The room:

The crazy art and sleek TV:

The lounging area and minibar equipped with an on-call martini bartender that would come to your room and make your martinis. Unfortunately martinis and pregnancy are enemies.

Peek-a-boo into the . . . bathroom!:

Part of the gorgeous bathroom:

The fluffy robes:

The view:

We took a nice swim in their awesome negative edge pool (http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/ has pictures) and ordered take-out, rented a movie, and bought some ice cream. We figured we had the room til noon on Friday. . .why leave? So we had a fun, relaxing night in and a great breakfast Friday morning!

The Lord has truly blessed me with the best husband a woman could ask for. He is such a Godly man and he treats me so well! He is my best friend and I look forward to continuing our adventure together! Here's to four great years!

p.s.- My family is cool. Check out their blogs for more anniversary fun:

http://ajstigerlily08.blogspot.com/2008/06/4-glorious-years-of-love.html

http://cooliodad.blogspot.com/2008/06/26-june-2004-need-i-say-more.html

Pooch Pictures

2008-06-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

The pooch

Not turned enough to see the pooch, sorry

Maybe the pattern will help?

Daddy's first gift for baby. . .hope he/she likes Monty Python

My Texas onsies thanks to Cari!

Open Letter to Uniformed Peoples at the YMCA

2008-06-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Uniformed Peoples,

I am pregnant not disabled. Yes, I can still workout at the gym with you. Yes, my doctor knows about this and gave me the go ahead. The go ahead to do what? To workout like I normally do until Week 28 as long as I keep my heartrate below 140. Oh, and I cannot lay on my back anymore because I am in my second trimester now. But I was smart enough to read a book on modifications and speak with a trained professional. You do not have to ask the aerobics instructor for me if I should be in these classes or keep working out. Thank you for your concern.

You can however continue to make comments like, "The pregnant lady is schooling me!" or "The pregnant lady still has more energy than me." These comments are true and I will continue to school you and have more energy than you. In fact, this is probably even more true now that I am in my second trimester. I am suppoed to feel better and have more energy. Probably not more energy than you but what can I say.

I am sorry if this seems rude to you but you might pick up a book on pregnancy and exercise. Statistics show you will have healthier babies, a less painful labor, a SHORTER labor and you will deliver your child dangerously close to your due date. These are only some of the perks. Just thought you should be informed.

Thanks,
The crazy pregnant lady who will continue to workout.

p.s.- My husband thinks I look hot!

Excitement with germs

2008-06-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day. I came to work expecting business as usual and what do I get? I get kicked out of my room. We sent one of my kids home yesterday (we'll call him Rash Child #3) because he was covered in this horrid rash. . .the same horrid rash the pair of brothers had last week (we'll call them Rash Children #1 and #2). So this morning, we take our morning run and we go to sit down for circle time when my door cracks open. Our director, Emily, sticks her head in my room at 8:40 and says, "I need to talk to you." So, she says, Rash Child #3's mom calls and said she thinks it's fifth's disease. She tells me to get my phone and call my doctor. AND I will not be allowed to be in my room or around the kids today til we get the diagnosis of the Rash Children and my current immunities in check. Apparently Fifth's Disease and pregnancy are enemies. As I walk out the door to get my phone out of my truck, Rash Children #1 and #2's mom signs to me how excited she is that I am pregnant. She proceeds to give me a congratulatory hug. She did not, however, explain that she is currently covered in the same RASH! I head straight to the bathroom to wash some more after I leave my husband a disturbing phone message.

So, I spend my morning in the lunchroom making supplies for my classroom and waiting for my doctor to return my call. When she does call back they check my two bouts of bloodwork and tell me, as a teacher, I have been exposed to all childhood diseases including Fifth's disease which makes me immune to all of them. I let our director and principal know this shortly after they put me back in my room at 11:00 because both moms of the 3 Rash Children have called and said their doctors said "If it itches, it's not Fifths!" That's good because I feel really itchy right now!

"Where'd that come from?"

2008-06-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

My belly finally popped out this week. It was obvious to me but the comments this week helped me conclude that I am officially "showing." My favorite was from my dear husband. While we were sitting on the couch this week, he turned to say something to me and caught a glimpse of the belly. All he could say was, "Where'd that come from? It wasn't there last week!" It made me laugh. It's kind of cute.

I'd take a picture and post it but I am unsure of the whereabouts of my camera charger. I have a good guess so I will see if I can get that up and running today.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

I almost forgot

2008-05-28T18:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, my blog has been void of posts lately which means funny preschool stories have been lacking. Now that we are telling people we are pregnant, I thought I would share the most hilarious preschool stories of the year from last week (at least for me):

In the hall for all to hear:
M: Is there a baby in there?
Miss Michelle: Yes, there is.
M: Are you pulling my leg?
Miss Michelle: (laughing) Nope, I am not pulling your leg!
M: "Pulling my leg" is an expression. It means, "Are you kidding me?"
Miss Michelle: It is an expression! It's an idiom! You're right!
M: So, you're not pulling my leg?
Miss Michelle: Nope, there's a baby in there!

A day prior when M wasn't around:
W: Is there a baby in there?
Miss Michelle: Yes there is
W: (in disbelief) JUST LIKE MY MOM!
Miss Michelle: Yup, just like your mom!
W: Well, I hope it's a girl just like my mom is having so the babies can be friends.
Miss Michelle: I think that would be nice, W.

Class discussion about baby since my tummy is no longer flat:
C: Baby in you tummy?
Miss Michelle: Yes, there's a baby in my tummy
S: But you don't look like Miss Michally (who gave birth early this morning 5/28)
Miss Michelle: My baby is still very small. It has to grow in my tummy for a long time. Miss Michally's baby is already big. I will look like Miss Michally at Christmas.
C: You have big belly at Christmas
Miss Michelle: Yup, just like Santa
Class: ooooooooh.

Expecting!?!

2008-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

SOOOO, here's our baby's first picture! We are due December 28, 2008!! We are having a Christmas baby! This fits right into the Hagenbuck clan birthday schedule considering Dad is the 20th, Jesus is the 25th, Mom is the 26th, and Grandma is the 27th! It's already been an adventure with the "morning" sickness, loosing weight yet gaining a small belly, and the endless need for food/naps! So, if you have any useful advice, send it this way!

7 more days

2008-05-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

if you don't count today. I am excited for the school year to be over. I am very tired right now. They are testing my patience. So I am threatening most of them with whether or not they will be able to move up to the Kindergarten room. It's worked pretty well so far!

Hope all is well out there in blogger land. Pictures to be posted on mine soon! :)

Love ya!

Romans 12:16

2008-04-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Gotta love John Piper. I dream of going to Minnesota and hearing him preach! This was his blog the other day. That it was a happy reminder to me, a 26 year old, who often thinks she's pretty wise in her own sight. :)

Never Be Wise In Your Own Sight
(Author: John Piper)

If a twelve-year-old makes A's in school and generally makes wise choices, how would you help her apply this verse to herself?

Never be wise in your own sight. (Romans 12:16)

You might say:
1. It means that you gladly admit that all true wisdom is from God. It is his, and not finally ours.

2. It means that you recognize that any sense of superiority comes from comparing yourself only with your inferiors. But the most important person to compare yourself with is God, and he is infinitely wiser than you. Not only that, there are a lot of people in the world wiser than you.

3. It means that you feel humbled by the fact that you are a sinner deserving of God's wrath, and that you are amazed at the grace that gives you eternal life. This humility and amazement swallows up a sense of pride.

4. It means that you do not count yourself worthy of being served, but rather "empty yourself" and become obedient and serve others, both the wise and the foolish.

5. It means that you are mainly not thinking about yourself at all but taken up with how admirable Jesus is and how wonderful his works are and how interesting and needy others are.

Birthdays through the years!

2008-04-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

Happy 5th! Billy's blowin out your candles!

Happy 12th! Ferbies are scary!

Happy 14th! You're a dork!
Happy 16th! Driving!! oooh!

Happy 17th! A luau with your friends!

Happy 18th! Now take a hike (I mean, they got you camping gear!)!

Tracy, I laughed as I looked through a lot of these! Wish I could have found every year because you are just so darn cute and funny! I praise God for how you've grown up and who you've become! I love you!

Brrrrrrrrr

2008-04-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

SO, we had a cold front come through and now it is only 81 degrees outside. I might have to dig my sweaters back out. Just when I thought itwas safe to put them away fror the summer! Dern Phoenix.

Honestly, I am not complaining, considering it was 98 degrees on Monday and I was not mentally prepared for it. I need to ease into the 100s not jump into them early April.

Anyone wanna come visit in July when it peaks at 120 degrees. Didn't think so.

Props to the Parentals

2008-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Tax Day? Nope! Happy 30th Anniversary to my parents. Heck yes!

Psalm 145

2008-04-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. [c]
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Ellie Hears A What?

2008-04-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

A proud Mom and Dad sent this to me today. It's on You Tube so I figured it was ok to share publically. One of my babies recently went from bilateral hearing aids to a cochlear implant. It can be pretty traumatic. Thought those of you that know what I do might like a taste of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrPA2qv13j0

p.s.- I cried like a baby when I watched it. The part where she says, "I can leave this on" and "We will take it home" just about killed me.

Oh the drama

2008-04-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

I am ready for lots of drama to be done with. In no specific order:

1. Co-worker snotty drama
2. Family sickness drama
3. Baby drama
4. School drama (only 6 more weeks)
5. Husband working two stressful jobs drama
6. Everybody elses drama

I feel like I am in high school again. . .never wanting to be in the middle of the drama but always finding myself to be in the middle of the drama!

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRG!

March babies brought to you by the letters H & I

2008-04-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Isaac

March 3

6ponds 7 ounces, 20 inches
Congrats David and Ishani!!

Hugh
March 18
7 pounds 8 ounces, 20 inches
Congrats Boots and Kirsten!

Isaac
March 31
8 pounds 3 ounces, 22 inches
Congrats Jason and Cari!!

Manic Monday

2008-03-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Not really, no Monday is hardly manic in preschool or with pregnant friends giving birth. . .

Cari, my best friend, had her baby this morning. They welcomed Isaac Leach into the world at 11:05 AM after 17 hours of labor. He is 8 lbs 3 oz. and 21 3/4 inches long. Cari said he has head full of dark hair. I found that odd. I am dying to see pictures. Even more restless to be in Austin with her. I am so excited for the Leach family. I love them dearly!

Preschool was filled with zoo animals and farm animals. We differentiated between the two. Maybe we will throw in the pets category tomorrow! They were full of zest today. They keep me on my toes and full of humor and animation. I feel like I put on a daily show for them!

All that to say the Lord is so good to me. I wish I stopped to realize that everyday. I wish I preached the Gospel to myself everyday. I wish I got out of bed and would praise God for His new mercies every morning. That I would know that the grace I am given today is only because Christ suffered and died on a cross and rose again three days later. I wish I was astounded by the resurrection knowing that Christ walks with me every day. I wish I had the wisdom to acknowledge the daily provisions or daily bread that falls from heaven like manna. I wish I surrendered to His sovereignity over my life and just let Him lead. Somedays are easier to surrender than others. This was one of those days. I just pray I will wake up tomorrow and surrender tomorrow to His will.

Blessed Be Your Name

2008-03-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

List for Spring Break

2008-03-17T14:36:00.001-07:00

Certainly not in order of importance. The only real important one is the bolded one!

-FINISH SPARE BEDROOM!!!!!!!! (We only started over Thanksgiving weekend)
-Donate all things laying around and most of my wardrobe to Goodwill
-Organize all closets
-Eye appointment
-Haircut
-Clean truck (detail it really)
-Find suitable Easter dress
-Change the women's ministry part of the church bulletin board
-Invites for women's ministry luncheon
-Write new budget
-Menus for this week and next
-Turn sprinklers on/water lemon tree
-Bring snacks to Bible study on Wednesday
-Plan and prep lessons for next two weeks
-Workout everyday
-Spend time with the Lord everyday

There. . .aren't you jealous of my break now. I knew you would be.

Today's One Liners

2008-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

M: My oatmeal was mad at me today because I ate it.

B: I had bad waffles for breakfast. (Me: Why?!?) Because we just like bad waffles

T: I can't seeeeeeee. I can't seeeeee. (eyes wide open??? don't know what happened there)

C: Misashell, you look pretty today!

M: Do you have a baby in your tummy? (Nope, just wearing a very unflattering yet comfortable dress)

A: Wyatt take a long ride to school. (when he showed up late)

J: I DON'T HAVE GERMS!! (after telling him 800 times to get his fingers out of his mouth because his mouth has germs)

My favorite today actually came from a teacher at our school who has been vegatarian for over ten years (since she was 14, I think). She started a story with, "I used to work at a steakhouse."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud. In fact, I couldn't stop laughing. She proceeded to tell us it was a steakhouse where you choose your slab of meat and they cook it for you or you can cook it. I just found it amusing that the vegatarian worked at a steakhouse.

Warning Another Funny Preschool Story

2008-03-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

So, this semester we have been doing units on community helpers and common places my kids would experience (grocery store, sporting goods store, etc). A couple weeks ago we did doctor's office. I taught them the basic vocab and for the funny word of the week I had them listen to me say "sphygmomenometer." In laymans terms, a blood pressure machine.

Soon I had 5 or so kids running around the room chanting, "SPHYG-MO-MEN-AH-METER, SPHYG-MO-MEN-AH-METER, SPHYG-MO-MEN-AH-METER." I wrote in my newsletter that it was our funny word of the week and a couple of them really thought it was hilarious to say.

A teacher at school who is also a mom came to me yesterday to tell me a funny story. She said she had taken her daughter to Urgent Care on Friday because she had pink eye and they couldn't get into the doctor. The CNA called her daughter back to take her vitals and guess what word pops out of my student's mouth, "Look mom, it's a sphygomenometer!" Mom said that the CNA dropped his pencil on the floor and said, "I am in pre-med and that was on our test last night." Mom said she credited the word knowledge to me and they went back out to the waiting room. The next time they called for my student they referred to her as "The future med student, Kenzie."

I have about 4 of these stories a week. I think I may start writing a book. I love my kids. A day never passes where I haven't laughed til my stomach hurts.

The Beardless Wonder

2008-03-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Daddy No Beard

Daddy Bearded Man (almost exactly a year ago)

So my title links to my dad's blog. I will let him tell the story instead of repeating it. I am excited for the progress Dad has made. He had to shave the beard off for electrotherapy on his face. Wish I could be there but I can't.

Gotta run to the gym right now. Updates later!

The Whirlwind that was the Last Couple of Days

2008-03-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

So the last couple of days have been a little crazy. God was and is and will be sovereign over all our days so that is what I have been resting on and trusting in. We believe my dad had a stroke on Sunday night in the middle of his dinner. By the time I got a phone call, he had been rushed to the hospital, received a CAT scan, and been admitted into the ICU. The CAT scan revealed bleeding on the right side of his brain disabling his left side.

Monday morning, we were told the slurring was still there when my dad was speaking but he could move his left limbs with much thought. By lunch he had lost the slurring and was harassing the nurses to bring him lunch. He had additional testing that morning (another CAT scan, MRI and MRA) and we spent the day waiting for those results.

Tuesday morning was even better news. We were still waiting for test results but Dad had improved so much that they were planning on moving him out of ICU into his own room. I called him in his own room at lunch and Dad sounded like Dad. . .belligerent as ever. . .thanking me for not dropping everything and flying to Texas. . .that he was fine. RIIIIGHT!

I praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for a community of believers that came together to approach the throne of God in prayer. I believe when the nurses call my dad's pace of recovery "miraculous" that it truly is. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for boldly asking for God to heal my dad. I pray that the glory may be all His for the entire situation.

OH to be a blunt Deaf child

2008-02-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of kids that keep me on my toes. . . here is this mornings conversation:

M: Miss Michelle, you do not look like yourself again. You are not wearing make-up again.

Miss Michelle: You're right. I am not wearing make-up again. I forgot.

M: You forgot? How?

M: I had to hurry to get to school

M: Oh.

ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER out of nowhere

M: Does Adam like it when you don't wear make-up?

Miss Michelle: *Laughing* Actually, Adam does not like make-up.

M: Why?

Miss Michelle: Well, some boys don't like it when girls wear make-up

M: Well, I like make-up.

Miss Michelle: Thanks, good to know.

How can you not wish you were that observant? I love my kiddos! And, just for the record, I only wear mascara on the days that I do wear make-up.

Think before you speak? Really?!?

2008-02-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

I am in a Wednesday night Bible study that is currently doing a book study. I am usually not a fan of the book study or even a topical Bible study. I want the good stuff. I want to go through books of the Bible exegetically (verse by verse). However, the book we are studying resonates with my soul's desire to be a Godly woman. The book is called By Design by Susan Hunt.

Thus far, the book has been about how Biblical womanhood has been distorted by the past/sin and how many terms such as submission and authority are not accurately defined in the public's mind. The first part of the book explains what actions the church/elders should take to ensure a women's ministry can effectively mentor and protect women.

I am excited to get into the next part of the book that defines the role of a woman as a helper or ezer. I know the Lord has been working on me this past year by teaching me about putting a leash on my tongue. He has taken me through a journey of evaluating the words that come out of my big fat mouth. I have seen how shutting the yapper has enhanced my marriage. I have learned that the things I say to my husband really do effect him strongly and that I should be using those words to give life instead of take it. It applies outside of marriage too, though. How much do I say everyday (at work, at the gym, even at church) that really doesn't give life to those situations. I feel like thinking before I speak is easier to do if I am spending time in the Word and in prayer. I am slower to speak and much quicker to see the conversation for what it truly is . . . a chance to share my love for Jesus and what He did for me on the cross through my response to or initiation of conversations.

If you know me, hold me to it. Heck, if you don't know me but are reading, hold me to it. :) These are my ramblings after a full day of evaluating Bible study last night.

Things I Learned This Week

2008-02-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

*I don't like change much (even if it is for the better)

*Training another human being to be your aide is not an easy task

*Common sense is not always used

*Play-Doh can get stuck in the weirdest places

*I know how to get Play-Doh out of the weirdest places (if a paper clip is too big a staple or needle never is!)

*Don't trust a three year old to listen to directions (ie.-pretend you are using the tongue depressor- don't put it in anyones mouth)

*Being jabbed in the back of your throat by a three your old hurts

*Some deaf preschoolers really would grow up to be excellent doctors. Maybe they'll remember me then.

*Any game played with toliet paper will be hilarious.

*The wound of losing someone dear still hurts after two years

*The Lord is sooo sovereign over all and he knows my pain

*I am jealous of those who are already partying with Jesus

*I have the best husband in the world. No really, I will fight you on this one.

*I've grown accustomed to Arizona storms and when a Texas type storm blows through, I freak out.

*People in Arizona can't drive in the rain

*I miss my family and wish I had money so I could go see all of them!

My Funny Valentine

2008-02-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

My day started with my husband jumping out of bed (which is unusual) and much to my surprise when I came downstairs there was a vase of red roses and a really sweet card. Adam was making me breakfast and I just got to sit and chat with him which was nice. I could tell that I was rubbing off on him; my preschool ways have taken over! He puts up with me stealing weird things from the pantry or our home to make lessons work, calling the bathroom a "potty," and talking to him like he is 4. Well this morning when he made my toast he used a heart shaped cookie cutter to make my toast extra special. I couldn't help but laugh. My funny Valentine!

School was organized chaos. I actually welcomed it today. It started with Sara coming in with her older kids to have a nice language experience. They gave my kids chocolate (SUGAR in teacher lingo) at 8:30 and the rest of the day kind of escalated in energy from there! I didn't know passing out Valentines would be so dramatic. Lots of little ones not understanding the concept of giving to others or what Valentines was. If I had a dollar for everytime I heard "Birthday party?" yesterday, I would be a rich woman! OH, my funny Valentine!

My day ended with my amazing husband cooking me and excellent dinner! My taste buds were overwhelmed with wonderful manicotti, asparagus and bread! It was delicious. I married an excellent God-fearing man and I would tell you that any day of the year! He's my funny Valentine!

Preschool Funnies

2008-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Favorite preschool quote of the week:

Tony: "Miss Michelle, where the grocery store?"
Miss Michelle: "The grocery store is gone! Now we have a post office!!!!"
Tony: "Miss Michelle ate all the food?"
Miss Michelle: *uncontrollable laughter* "NO! Miss Michelle did not eat all the food!"

This was our Monday morning conversation when after a 2 and 1/2 week unit on the grocery store, the kids came in and realized it was no longer there. For the last three weeks I was saving all the empty containers from our eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, cake mixes, oatmeal, etc. and adding them to the grocery store. Some of the kids noticed they were empty containers and would ask where the food was. . .so I always told them that I had eaten it. I guess this was Tony's understanding of that!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2008-02-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

It is my favorite day of the week! In the last couple of years it has truly turned into a day of rest for us. We get up and go to church and then we have a nice lunch and a relaxing afternoon. I usually try to steal a nap which I find to be just what I need most Sundays. Sundays really recharge us for the week.

What we learned today:

1. The importance of the sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper; how they relate to the sacraments in the Old Testament and how they bond us to the community of believers today. In the service we had a real life example as little Owen was baptized! I pray the children in our church and our own children will have a real relationship with Jesus Christ at a young age.

2. We are looking for love in all the wrong places! Just like the Samaritan woman at the well, we need to replace the idols in our life with Jesus. He does not rebuke her or correct her for her bad choices/sin but gives her a better love to chase after. He offers her eternal life through a relationship with Himself. I pondered today what I need to replace with Jesus. Is it my comforts, my relationship with my husband, or maybe my own pride in asking for help. The first two aren't bad things in and of themselves but when they become more important than my Savior, they have become idols. My pride is just a sin issue that can be solved when I finally know that I offer nothing to God but He is the one that fills my life with grace and mercy.

3. Old school Nintendo still rules and I will forever be the Queen of Dr. Mario!!!!

Hope your Sunday was just as refreshing!

Back in Action

2008-02-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

I think we are going to try this again! Ha ha! I blogged once in October of 2005 (literally once). It just seems like such a great way to keep up with the lives of the people we care about (i.e. sisters, cousins, friends with babies!) We are the Cains. We got married on June 26, 2004. We lived in Waxahachie (loveingly called Waxacrapie), Texas for a year before moving to Phoenix. We are learning to chase after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ together and are having a fun time doing so. We love our life and love growing together! We have an awesome church family that we enjoy getting to know! We are excited to share our joys as well as our dips in life with you!

I am supposed to be helping my husband paint one of our spare rooms and weeding the front yard so I will go do that! More to follow about the Cains!