Adventures In Motherhood

  It has been a while, since I've posted anything so I will try and get you caught up on what's been happening in the Garnett household. 

 First, we'll start with Trinity.  Trinity just turned 4 months old on the 17th of August and amazes me everyday.  She is beginning to show her personality little by little as she gets older and I'm pleased at how laid back she is.  Our first child, Lydia, is so rambunctious and constantly into something, so Trinity's easy going attitude is a blessing.  She's rolling over, and cooing up a storm.  She also, as of this week, has come to LOVE rice cereal.  I've also started to supplement with formula, but her diet is still mainly "Mommy Milk" (I know, TMI - get use to it).    We recently pulled out Lydia's walker and Trinity adores it!  She has figured out that if she scoots just enough and coordinates her feet to work together that she can actually make the thing move.  (Our cats and dog just love it when she really gets to going on the tile floor!)   Trinity and Lydia get along famously and the bond they have formed is precious!  If you let them alone and don't instigate anything, you will find them playing together having a wonderful time.  The other day we were on our way to meet Daniel's Dad (aka Papa) to eat and Lydia was singing to Trinity in the backseat.  It was great! 

 Now for Lydia.  Lydia is starting to have a very extensive vocabulary far beyond her years!  I think for my next few posts, I'll share with you some of the things we hear from day to day.  Today, I'll share two stories with you from this week.  Enjoy!

 Sunday night, we were getting ready for church and Lydia comes up to where I'm sitting.  She says, "Mommy, I don't feel good.  I stay home."  I ask her what's wrong and she tells me that she has a headache.  So, I take her to church and her daddy asks if she still feels bad.  She says "Nope" and off she goes without a care in the world. 

 Monday, we were reading The Legend Of The Three Trees and at the end is a picture of Jesus on the cross.  Lydia begins to ask me questions about Jesus and why He is on the cross.  So after I explain why, she wants to know who Jesus died for and we begin to list everyone in our family (on both sides) plus half of the people at church (the ones she remembers anyways).  Afterwards, I ask her if she would like to go to heaven one day and this is her reply:  "Mmm Hmm, but I want to take my cup!"  It was the sweetest moment and now I have a great story to share with her when she's older!

 Well, that pretty much catches you up to present day in the Garnett Household.  Make sure you stop by if you're ever our way!

 Like most (normal) people, I find myself from time to time humming when focused on the "task at hand".  Usually, it is either the latest song I've come to love, a treasured hymn, or one of the few songs I can sing really well.  Being a Mom is hard work, so during those moments where you really need  "peace like a river" I turn to my old pal "It Is Well With My Soul".  In our household it has been sung as a lullaby, nerve relaxer, and as entertainment for the maid (me).  I love the words and how wonderful is it to know that no matter what we go through, our Lord will never give us more than we can handle. 

 Now with two girls under 3, I've come to know personally that the Lord truly has a sense of humor.  How else would you explain the need for potty training?!!? 

 Speaking of potty training, Lydia is bound and determined to stay in Pull Ups until Jesus returns.   She has to be forced to go and sit on the potty or else she isn't going.  We've tried everything to get her to go on her own:  reward chart, doughnut rewards, candy rewards, and books.  Vacation Bible School killed the sticker chart we were doing.  Lydia used stickers all week long and never did I ever think it would interfere with our potty training when I planned the activities.  Her princess books seem to be working when it comes to her actually sitting and not getting up until she's finished or she's sat until she finishes the book.  Either way, she is sitting and staying put for now.  We did have a breakthrough on Monday of this week when Lydia went #2 in the potty and decided she was "ready" for underwear.  The underwear only lasted for about 4 hours and then she went back to Pull Ups.

 Another thing we struggle with is the teenager sized attitude in a 2 1/2 year old body.  We are now at the age of "why" and "nope".   When did this happen?  My sweet little angel now has to have an explanation for everything and doesn't accept the answer, " Because I'm the Mama and you're the baby" .   Now when it comes to Daniel handing out discipline, Lydia takes it open armed and without physical negotiations (aka spanking).  Not with me, she fights, screams, and kicks until she finds herself in the corner or in her room.  I know what you're thinking, why her room when there's probably caboodles of toys in there, right?  WRONG!  I took them out and now it's a haven of rest or prison when necessary.

 So now you have a glimpse of why I am the way I am mentally.  There are no prescriptions that can be prescribed.  Only the love of Jesus and the thought that somewhere someone has it a lot worse than I do. 

Thanks for stopping by...........

Daniel and I had the awesome opportunity to see one of the most powerful movies I have seen in a long time.  It's called Fireproof and is put out by the same people who made Facing The Giants.  I don't want to ruin it for you, so here is a brief synopsis of the movie.  Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is a young firefighter whose marriage is falling apart.  During a visit from his father, he is introduced to someone who holds the keys to restoring Caleb's marriage - that's if Caleb will accept His help.  It's a wonderful movie for everyone to see.  It is nice to be able to have a movie that is suitable for all ages and where people of all ages can learn some valueable lessons. 

Never have I been so caught up in a movie before like I was during this one.  The scary thing about it is the fact that could easily be me and Daniel in that movie.  There are so many seminars and books on marriage, but can you really "fireproof" your marriage?

Here lately, I ran across a seminar for "Affair-Proofing Your Marriage".  How is that possible?!  It is my belief that as soon as you say "never", that's the kiss of death.  You are setting yourself up for disaster!  You've heard the saying: "Never say never." .  Well, it's the truth.  I've seen some wonderful couples hurt by affairs that were committed to their marriage, and it was some pretty rough stuff to watch them go through.  The crazy thing is that there is more than one type of affair.  The two I can think of is emotionally and sexually.  One is just as deadly to a marriage as the other. 

When Daniel and I got married 7 years ago, we signed a covenant.  The covenant is between us and the Lord.  It is my prayer that I will be watchful in my darkest hours when our marriage isn't at it's best so that even the slightest temptations will be of no interest.  I love my husband and I know that one thing keeping our marriage thriving is our relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Through Him, meaning Jesus, we are able to withstand attacks on our marriage and cling to God and His Word. 

I've said all that to say this.  Christianity isn't about any organized religion, it's about a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Visit www.beaconbaptistchurchalbany.org for more information on how you can start a relationship that is full of forgiveness and mercy, or leave me a message and I'll be sure to get back to you. 

        In our master bath, we have an all tile, step in shower (no bath tub and the opening isn't big enough to hang a shower curtain in).  It's a pretty beige/brown color and white compound.  Beautiful!  Well, this morning came time to clean our lovely shower and believe me this is an adventure.

 To clean it good, you have to climb inside of the "beast" and scrub.  I'm talking about some Mr. Clean, bald headed, muscle flexing scrubbing - no sissys allowed (if you're a woman, you know what I mean....ha ha).  So, I start on the side with the faucet and work my way in the corners first.  Then, I make my way to the floor and the drain (if that's what you wanna call it - Drain O disappears in our house!).  Next, you rinse with a bucket because the shower head doesn't reach all the way around and we're one of the ones who don't have the shower massagers to answer that question.  Now comes time for the grout to be cleaned, so you have to break out the all purpose scrubby brush that has definitely seen better days.  After you repeat the "rinse cycle", you have a clean shower. 

 I have to tell you of a cleaning secret I have come across that actually works, while we're discussing cleaning.  When you go to eat an orange and your microwave needs cleaning, save the peels, place in a bowl of water and put in microwave for about 5 minutes.  The water will boil and once it is done, take out bowl and wipe down microwave with paper towel.  The citric acid in the peel steam causes all the gunk to loosen up so clean up is a cinch with a paper towel!  Plus, your microwave smells really good!  You can even take the warm water and clean your stove top!

 I also, have taken peels and added cinnamon, put in a small sauce pan and placed on the stove.  Start out on Medium heat and once it boils, turn down to low until your home smells of cinnamon and oranges - really fragrant.  Even Daniel likes the smells of the house and microwave.

 Now I am not an eco freak, but this was a great way to clean without the chemicals and made my home smell good at the same time.  I was able to wash my hands after cleaning and not worry about a transfer to my children. :0)

 Kim Woodburn and Martha Stewart watch out......I'm a cleaning goddess now!

Gas drops

 Last week, we went to Panama City, Florida for a week without Daniel.  It was a blast and a vacation to remember.  I took loads of pictures, which now belong to Davy Jones' Locker thanks to a bad memory card.  Hope HE'S enjoying them.   We played all week and met the newest member of my side of the family: Wade Thayer. 

 Wade is two days older than Trinity and adorable.  Have I mentioned I took lots of pictures yet?  Yes my friends, some gorgeous pics of Trinity and Wade were taken.  Now let me tell you that in a stroke of genius on my behalf, I managed to upload some of the favorites to my myspace and facebook accounts.  You can go there to view the sweet pictures.

 We also took Lydia and Trinity to ZooWorld, Gulf World and Shipes Studios.  Shipes has been apart of the Cioeta (my maiden name) family for many years - well over 20 years at least.  They photographed me as a Senior in high school, my Wedding, and Lydia Grace, who'll be 3 in October.  This time we were able to do the Mother and Children in White pictures, which are gorgeous! 

 Okay, the whole week we were there, not ONCE did Trinity wake up more than one time or get the belly ache.  We come home and every night she wakes up at least twice.  She also decided to get a HORRIBLE stomach ache at 2:00 this morning.  After changing her diaper, attempting to feed her and walking around with her, I went to my old friends Mr. Tylenol and Mrs. Gas Drops.  After two doses of gas drops and one of tylenol, my sweet angel finally ate something and went to sleep.  I am such a sucker when it comes to sick children, that she did sleep with us until 8 something when she woke up.  

 At the time of this writing, my faith in gas drops have been restored from 2 am this morning.  I am convinced in the middle of the night, the dropper is smaller than normal and the bottle has a bottomless pit so you aren't able to retrieve the necessary dosage recommended.  Maybe that's why it took two "tries" for it to kick in.  Who knows.  All I can say is that my sweet baby is back to normal and everything is right in the Garnett house for now.   

 When it comes to cooking, I'm a far cry from Rachael Ray, Cat Cora, and yes, even Paula Deen (even though I live in Albany, Ga - where she's actually from).  I've been known to experiment on my family on occasion and that does include baking.  I'm bad about watching Food Network, then trying to use the tips and recipes they use on the different shows.

 Well, one day I was flipping through our local paper and checking out the grocery store ads to see who had the better prices on meats (this has become a favorite pasttime of mine over the last few months - remember we're a one income family).  I came across a recipe in one of the ads for a Blueberry Refrigerator Cake.  Here it is, as printed.

Blueberry Refrigerator Cake
3 layers of yellow cake - your favorite brand
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened or sour cream
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (21 oz) can blueberry pie filling

Mix whipped topping, cream cheese or sour cream, sugar, and vanilla together. Spread mixture on each cake layer. Spoon pie filling on each layer and on top layer. Refrigerate cake until all is served.

 After reading how simple this cake would be to make, I decide this is the cake to make for an event at church.  I bake my cake early in the morning on Saturday, so it can cool all day.  That afternoon, I make my "icing" and begin to frost the cake.  Before I begin to "frost" my last layer, the cake begins to melt!  I hurriedly place it in the fridge to set.  After about 20 minutes, I take it out and begin again.  Wouldn't you know, it begins to melt AGAIN!  So, I stick it in the fridge, but this time after about 5 minutes I get a brilliant idea. 

 Picture this with me:  I grab my bowl of frosting and decide I will stand in front of the fridge and ice my cake while it remains in the security of a cold fridge.  YES, this will work I say.  Well, I want to tell you that it indeed worked and was a hit at the Homecoming celebration at our church.  Every bit of cake was devoured.

 A few weeks later, I was sitting in front of the tv awaiting the arrival of our second child when Sandra Lee (who is a little too big for her breeches!) starts to make a refrigerator cake.  She does the exact same things I did, except for one.  YOU DON'T ICE THE SIDES OF THE CAKE, YOU LEAVE THE LAYERS EXPOSED TO SHOW OFF THE FILLING!  ARRGHHH!  No wonder the sides kept sliding off! 

 Since this mishap of sorts, I have made this cake two or three times and have never iced the sides again!

PS - If you would like some excellent recipes, today you're in luck!  I'm recommending two sites.  One is my friend Laura's "foodie" blog and the other is the supermarket I found the recipe at.  ENJOY and Bon Appetite!

www.kickinupdough.wordpress.com  is Laura's Blog - which I get a kick out of reading!  You'll enjoy it I know....

www.harveys-supermarkets.com/recipes   is for Harvey's Supermarkets

 Hello, everybody!  I've been secretly wanting a blog for months now just to share stories and tips that I come across in my everyday life.  When you're a mother of two girls under 3, life throws all kinds of situations at you.  I hope that you'll enjoy reading my entries as much as I'm going to enjoy writing them down for you.  So, here goes.......

The Not So Good, Very Bad Day

 There are reasons why they put warnings on electronic devices of the dangers of using the device around water.  I have learned the hard way.  I remember it like it was yesterday......

 It was a Monday and that morning I had went to my doctor's appointment.  You see, we were having our 2nd child and I was due the following Sunday.  We had no chance of an induction until Thursday, so we were disappointed having to wait four days until we would meet our darling daughter, Trinity.  That night, I had began fixing supper later than I usually do and used one of the front "eyes" on the stove top.  (For the record, I never do if cooking just one pot.)  Our two year old, Lydia was hounding me to let her cook with me.  I sent her into her playroom/home office to play.

 When I look to the doorway, my daughter is standing there with a look of sheer terror on her face.  I'm nine months pregnant and that afternoon I had taken a dose of castor oil (by the way, didn't work), okay are you picturing this with me yet?  Now, my daughter is telling me she's sorry and is really upset about something.  I run into the playroom and the laptop computer is shut and sizzling.  I pick up the computer and water begins to pour (think Niagara Falls) out. 

 My sweet angel, had snuck a cup of melted ice into the room and poured it onto the keyboard of the computer!  Then shuts the lid.  I begin to clean up the mess and the most horrible, bloody, bone chilling scream comes out of the kitchen.  Lydia had pulled a chair to the stove and stirred the pot of mac n cheese.  The pinky and ring fingers on the left hand were the only ones burnt, but the burns weren't anything to take her to the ER for.  So, I apply some of that gooey gel stuff you put on after too much sun at the beach and Lydia goes to sleep.

 Needless to say, the next day we had family show up to help us make it until Thursday.  Wednesday, the rest of the family showed up for even more help.  Then, Thursday finally came and at 1:42 pm, our second child Trinity Brooke joined our family.