10 Honest Things About Me

Ok, I am WAY behind on tags...sorry. They're always hard for me to write because 1) they usually don't require pictures, and 2)I have a hard time believing anyone reads this blog to learn about ME (as opposed to N&E). Even so, I hate to ignore them, so here's my first installment in tag catch-up.

I have been tagged by Amanda to post a list of 10 honest things about me. It probably could have been a lot more interesting if I could embellish my list with a lie or two and make everyone try to pick them out of the group, but I'll play by the rules so as not to confuse anyone. Here goes...

1. I have slightly webbed toes. I inherited this trait from my dad, and I always hoped at least one of my kids would get my feet...no dice.

2. I am boring, scheduled, and predictable. I am able to deviate from "the plan", if needed, but am much more comfortable when things go as expected. (Need proof? Ask my friends about the surprise party they they gave me a few years back) I make a menu each week, and shop for everything at once (and my close friends know exactly what time, what day of the week, and where this shopping ritual takes place, rain or shine). I can recognize this trait in Norah already, which is good, because we jive well together--she needs to live by a schedule and so do I.

3. I was baptised on August 6, 1993 in the Medina river. It was my Dad's 33rd birthday.

4. English was always my favorite subject in school. I enjoyed every literary analysis project, and even looked forward to research paper time. I credit at least part of my love to the fact that it was the class in which I received the most positive feedback. You know, it's hard for a math teacher to write notes on your mid-term like, "Wow! I love the way you solved that equation!" or "Great use of prime numbers!!

5. I do not watch much tv (maybe 2-3 programs per week), but I AM obsessed with "Lost". It's the perfect blend of mystery, philosophy, and literary allusion, which, I know sounds dorky, but I like it so much, I don't even care if it classifies me as a geek.

6. I really have to work hard at working with other people. I am capable of it, I just prefer to do things my own way, at my own pace. When given the option of "group work" in school, I never took it. Lessening the work load at the cost of not getting my way just didn't appeal to me.

7. I don't think I ever fully embraced my "inner girl" until I had Norah. Growing up, I was not a fan of the color pink, dresses, or finger nail polish. I played softball, went barefoot nearly all the time, and didn't have many "girl" friends. However, in the process of raising a daughter, I have discovered I have an affinity for shoes, enjoy playing with makeup, and am even learning to accessorize. Best of all, I enjoy sharing these "girly rites" with my daughter, who, I can already tell will be giving me fashion tips in a year or two.

8. I have had long hair for about 90% of my life. My mom chopped off my long locks twice while I was growing up, both times as punishment/consequence for my actions. The first time was when I took gum from her purse wihtout asking her permission and fell asleep chewing it. I woke up to a wad of gum-encrusted hair, just above my right shoulder. Snip snip. The second time, I was making a cake for my 3rd grade class (which, incidentally, Jason was in) and somehow managed to get my hair wound all the way up to my head in the electric mixer (and completely saturated in cake batter). Cue the scissors. I also had a third major haircut my senior year of highschool, which took place in a motel room in Tusla, Oklahoma. This time, my good friend, Brooke Bomnskie was holding the shears. She was supposed to trim my waist-long hair to just above my elbow, but it wound up a little below my chin. Good times.

9. I like to load my own dishwasher. Seriously, it drives me a little crazy when someone else does it for me. I think it is SO kind when company wants to help clean up after a meal, but there are some things a girl just has to do for herself, and for me, this is one of them. (See #6) I do, however, really appreciate it when dirty dishes make their own way to the sink.

10. I love musicals. Except for the fact that sometimes watching them makes me a little sad that my life isn't one. I'd be perfectly fine if once in a while everyone around me just broke out in cheesy song and dance. I've had roles in a few stage musicals, but always dreamed of being Maria in "The Sound of Music" or Anna in "The King and I". Alas, that ship has sailed, but at least I can still enjoy watching them (and sharing them with my kids).

Whew! If you think that took a long time to read...you should have been here to see how long it took me to write it! I tag Jenny, Camille, and Hilary. I'm looking forward to learning your quirky secrets, ladies!

Challenges, Tags, and "Huh? It's Not Christmas!"

I've been tagged twice and challenged once, and since I've not been in much of a blogging mood this week, I figured I'd take care of them all in one, fatal swoop.

Tag #1 via Jenny:
Post the 6th picture in your 6th folder. Lucky me...mine was one of my favorites AND I'd been looking for it, everywhere! (It was out of place, so thanks, Jen for helping me find it!)

This is one day old, Eli, on his first Christmas, the day he came home from the hospital.

Sheri, Karen , Alison --tag! You're it!


Tag #2 via Caren:
Grab the nearest book.Open the book to page 56. Find the fifth sentence. Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your blog along with these instructions. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST. Tag five other people to do the same.

Alright, so I'm not 100% sure how to handle this challenge because technically, the closest book to me is "The Story of Little Babaji" (yes, Mom R, we're reading it...again!), which doesn't have 56 pages...well maybe it does, but they're not numbered and I'm not going to count (I'm sick, so how about a little grace?) So, in turning to a random, middle-ish page...here goes

"'Oh, please Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up and I'll give you my beautiful little Purple shoes with Crimson Soles and Crimson Linings.'

But the Tiger said, 'What use would your shoes be to me? I've got four feet, and you've only two. You haven't got enough shoes for me,'

But Little Babaji said, 'You could wear them on your ears.'"


"The Story of Little Babaji" is one of Norah's (and my) favorite library finds from this year (Once I got past the fact that about 90% of the sentences in this book begin with "And" or "But"). It is the classic story of "Little Black Sambo", as originally told by Helen Bannerman in 1899, but the names/setting have been changed to make it politically correct. The illustrations are by Fred Marcellino and they are fantastic! Norah can quote the entire book, word for word. I highly recommend it to anyone with small kiddos.

Tara, Camille, and Deminy, you're up next!


Now, for the matter of that challenge. Sheri has requested that her fellow blogging friends post some "sparklies" (bright spots in life in the midst of all the "bad news" out there). I generally try to make the Robinson County Post a pretty happy place. Since it is my journaling effort for the kids, I'd just as soon they remember more good than bad, but sometimes, I admit, the bad needs recording too. However, today's request is for sparklies, so here we go...

1. Fall is here! There is a different feeling in the air. Yes, it's cooler, but you can feel that anticipatory excitement of the upcoming holiday season, too...and anyone who knows me well knows that Christmas is my favorite time of year!

2. We're having a crock pot brisket for dinner! That means practically no work on my part, but a delicious, tender main course that Jason will love! Each summer, my crockpot gets lonely and forgotten in the cabinet, but as soon as that fall air hits, I am reminded of her tasty fares, and back out she comes, simplifying my life, and satisfying our dinnertime appetites!

3. I have really been enjoying my role as a wife and mom. After two years of the "Stay at home Mom" title, I've gotten better about actually staying at home. Some of the chores that I used to consider drudgery (cooking, loading/unloading the dishes, laundry, etc.) are less offensive than they were before--and if I'm being completely honest, I enjoy most of them, and look forward to them most of the time. I credit this change to God--who else could give me a good attitude about cleaning the toilets?

4. So many babies are on the way! (Not in Robinson County, mind you!) I can think of at least six of my friends and family who are expecting, and if that isn't a sparkly, I don't know what is. I am awed every time I consider the miracle of the creation of new life...and it's even sweeter when that new life will soon become a part of my and my children's circle. To think that the baby growing within a good friend's womb may very well be the best friend, college roomate, or even spouse of one of my own kids is a happy thought.

5. I saw my sister this week! I have missed Amanda so much since she and Trae were married this summer and have been so busy with work and newlywed life in Austin. (And with gas prices as high as they've been it's been harder to see them) However, I loaded up the kids and Mimi and we all saw AA on Monday, while enjoying the fringe benefits of the outlet mall in her backyard (literally) As an added bonus, the kids now have some warm winter clothes (thank you, Jason, for funding our mission!)

6. Speaking of gas prices...anyone notice how quickly they're falling. Sure, it's not the .97/gallon I paid once, in high school, but it's still worlds better than two weeks ago, and I'll take a price decrease, any day!

7. Gramps and I are working on yet another original, costume for Halloween, and I'm always happy when I get to be a little creative! The current project is for Eli, and if it is as cute as I am envisioning, I can't wait to unveil it! (Norah, on the other hand is being a little wishy-washy as to what she wants to be, so I'm waiting until E's is finished before I ever START hers!)

There you have it, seven sparklies. And if you've made it through this entire post and are still reading, then as a reward for your long attention span, consider yourself challenged as well. Shine on! (And keep in mind that sparkly acknowledgement doesn't have to be a one-time thing!)

Norah's First Meme

Norah has been tagged by Baby Bug of Island Life to complete her very first meme--"8 Random Things About My Life". She may be a week shy of two years old, but Norah's a bit chatty--I'm sure it'll be hard for her to limit herself to 8.

My mommy says my mission is to find 8 things about myself to share with you. Since I always do what my mommy says, "Let the mission, begin!" (That's "Little Einsteins" humor for those of you who failed to recognize it)


1. Upon my promotion to "Big Sister", I decided I'm much too grown up to continue referring to my mother as "Mommy". I immediately began calling her "Mom" the first time I saw her after Eli was born. Mom didn't take too keenly to this new moniker, so after a few days of her relentless pleading, I've compromised and have since been referring to her as "Momma". (But occasionally I forget my age and regress back to calling her Mommy...I think these brief mental lapses make her a little bit happy.)

2. My typical lunch consists of a half turkey (or roast beef if Mom's feeling a little dangerous) and Miracle Whip sandwich with colby jack cheese, 3 slices of apple, and Cheetos...if I eat everything else first. If I bat my eyes and say "Pleeeaaase" I can sometimes even score a cookie for dessert!

4. My mommy thinks I don't know how to count because I often choose to omit the number 3 from my counting sequence. Did she ever consider the possibility that I might have an aversion to this particular number because she and daddy occasionally count to three when I am headed for a spanking? I mean, would you like a number that always resulted in a beating? And for the record, I can count to eleven (and I do, at times, include 3, just to humor my parents).

5. Naps are for babies. I wish I could convince my mom of this, but she keeps insisting I take one every day.

6. I don't understand why if it's so important to share, that I can't borrow Eli's paci. He never uses it, and it's so clean and new...and blue. I'm happy to share all my toys with him, so what's the big deal?

7. One of the biggest highlights of my day is checking the mail. I love going out to the mailbox with my mom, and she lifts me up and lets me open the box all by myself. I even get to carry the mail inside and help her open it. Best of all, she lets me throw all the junk mail away for her!

8. I am the queen of 2-year-old (well, soon to be, anyway) stall tactics. If we're headed to Bible Class, I just fake out my folks by telling them I need to "Go Potty!" (This technique also works great if I happen to get caught out of my bed after lights-out) I can also prolong the "going to bed" process by making puppy dog eyes and saying, "Snuggle, Daddy?" (or Mommy, dependent on who's night it is to have the pleasure of putting me to bed). That gets 'em to stay at least 5 more minutes, every time!

Well, that was easy enough. Now it's time to tag some of my friends...how about Aidan of Design on Post, Cal of Los Livingstons, Clay of The Knightly News Report and Shelby of Growing Up Garner. See you on the next mission!

Middle Name Meme

While I was deep in the throes of my ABC's, I was tagged twice for this Middle Name Meme, by Tara and Morgan, and promised I'd give it my attention if I made it out of the "Encyclopedia of Me" alive. So, even though you might be sick of memes in Robinson County (honestly, is there anything left that you don't know about me!?), I will be true to my word.

Here are the rules: 1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts. 2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. 3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.

D...disciplined. This came back as one of my top 3 strengths when I had to complete a "strength-finder" aptitude test back when I was working at the church office.
E...expectant. I'm currently looking forward to the upcoming birth of "baby brother" in December.
N...naive. Maybe not as much today as 10 years ago, but there are things I'd just as soon not know about.
I...indecisive. If you're in need of a quick decision in a clutch--don't look at me. I research nearly every decision I make, and I would much rather have someone else decide where we go to eat.
S...smart. I may be naive, but I'm still well-educated. I love to read and learn new things/skills. I also enjoy sharing what I know with others.
E...empathetic. I try to be conscious of others' feelings. I don't like to see anyone left-out or hurt. I have been brought to tears countless times by witnessing someone else's trials/pain.

I'll tag:
Denise
Erin
Meg of the Knightly News
Kailani of An Island Life (I know you've already done it, but you're the only "I" I could think of...we'll just let your original post count for this one, too)
Karen of The Smith Scoop
Easy's Wife (sorry, but E's are hard enough to think of and I had TWO)

Z is for...

Zipper...I have successfully sewn in two (one in a bag, and the other in a dress), but I will unashamedly admit to choosing patterns that do not require this particular contraption. Both times I've had to sew them in, it really wasn't so bad, but for some reason, I have an aversion to zippers. Erin, at House on Hill Road assures me that her upcoming "Pillow Zipper" tutorial will teach me how to do it in a snap.

Zoo...One of my favorite family venues. The best one we've visited so far was the Cameron Zoo in Waco...but then again, we've only been to one other (Houston, which meant Houston-traffic...so there you go) I'm definitely up for exploring more in the near future, especially since Norah loved it so much, too.

And that concludes my August ABC's meme (finally!), we now return you to your regularly scheduled blog--high in Norah content and low in saturated fat. (Unless my pregnancy cravings continue to dictate my posts)

Y is for...

Yell...something I don't (or at least I don't think I) do very often. I might raise my voice now and then to get Norah's attention if she's headed for peril, but I'm just not much of a "yeller" (Now, "spanker"...well, that's a whole other story). Thankfully, Jason isn't either, so our kids will hopefully escape having to hear loud fights, at least between their parents. We're both pretty calm "discussers" when it comes to disagreements, and I have to say it is one of the things I love most about our relationship.

Yellow...the color of my bridesmaid dresses, which were all sewn by my Gramps. They were a very pale shade of butter yellow, almost cream. And no, yellow is not my favorite color. I just liked it for a simple, June wedding, with deep purple flowers.

Yodel...I can't, but I've secretly always wished that I could. For the record, I don't want to move to Austria, wear a goofy lederhosen and call down mountain goats. I'm talking more like "Blue" by LeAnn Rimes. It takes serious vocal control to be able to yodel, that's all I'm saying. My Memaw shares my interest in yodeling (although she actually can do it)--I even gave her a yodeling CD a couple of years ago for her birthday, which she loved. (Even though I'm sure the rest of the family thought that was a random present, I knew she'd "get it") FYI, I also love opera, and considered pursuing it as a profession when I was in high school, but decided to go another route. Ok, go ahead and ditch my blog now that you think I'm a total loser. See if I care.

X is for...

X-mas...My absolute favorite holiday! (And yes, I could have used it for C, but I knew X was gonna be a challenge, so I saved it!) It's not just about the gifts. It's just a feeling that comes with the season--like it's impossible for people to go on with their busy lives and be their "normal" selves when the season is centered around remembering the birth of Christ. Everyone seems so much "nicer" at Christmas time--people are polite in the busy stores. They smile and say, "hi" more freely. If only we could be more like that all year long. Not to mention the fun that comes with choosing (and witnessing the opening of) the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. Oh, and wrapping! I love to wrap presents at Christmas and arrange the packages "just so" under the tree. I love the smell of cinnamon and cloves that permeates all of the stores (and even our home), reminding me that "Santa packs are comin'...Santa packs are comin'" I love trimming the tree (usually the day after Thanksgiving), and listening to Christmas music (as early as the day after Halloween). Most of all, I love catching up and spending time with all of our family, and hanging around together in our pjs, stuffing stockings, playing games, and eating special foods that only seem to make their appearance around Christmas (like Uncle Wayne's peanut brittle!). Last year, I loved reading a special "Nativity Story" board book to Norah, over and over again, and I'm looking even more forward to it this year, now that she's older and understands more (and the way she says, "Baby Jesus" just melts my heart!)...I'm excited just thinking about it! And of course, we can't forget Baby Brother...who's due to make his appearance just 2 days after Christmas this year, so we'll have one more reason to love the season!

X-Men...Jason and I are fans of all three movies (and are still holding out hope for a fourth). Jason and his brother, Grant grew up watching the X-men cartoons, so they know all the characters, story lines, etc. It's been fun watching Jason turn into a "little boy" when he explains the movies' back-stories to me. Just another fun thing to enjoy and bond over together.

W is for...

Walmart...Call me cheap. Call me a redneck. Guilt-trip me for all of the Mom & Pop stores the "Big W"'s put out of business. Any store where I can stop once and pick up virtually anything I need (for less) is a good place, in my mind. Not to mention, ours has some of the friendliest checkers, meat market clerks, and stockers of any store I know.

Welcome Mat...I need to get one for our front door, but I never seem to be able to remember when I'm anywhere that would sell a cute one...although I'm sure Walmart has them!

Writing...I love to write. While research paper time caused most of my peers to break out in hives, it always spawned a little surge of excitement in me. I still have several journals that I periodically go back to writing in when inspiration strikes, and though I doubt much will ever come from it, they at least make me happy.

V is for...

Vacation...we don't take many...but I hope that will change someday. I always enjoy the adventure of navigating through an unknown place in search of good times, great food, and buried treasures. Some of my favorites have been skiing/snowboarding numerous times in Colorado (while Grant and Paige were there), our first anniversary at South Padre Island (even though I did get 2nd degree sunburn), and of course, our honeymoon in Cancun. Yes, vacations are expensive, but their memories are priceless. I think they'll be even more fun in the years to come, as we can share them with our kids. (Disneyworld would be a dream come true!)

Vacuum...I've said it before, I am a self-professed serial vacuumer. For full story, check out my previous "Confessions of a Serial Vacuumer" post. Most recent problem with this: Norah no longer sleeps through it, which means careful planning, vacuuming around her nap.

Vegetables...I love 'em! (And thankfully, so does Norah) I can't think of too many vegetables that I don't like (Brussels sprouts are about all that come to mind). I especially love them fresh from the garden (not mine, as I don't have one...but I love it when our generous gardening friends/family share). My favorites are the green ones--cucumber, broccoli, zucchini and okra.

Violas...my favorite gardening flower. Why? Because even I can grown them! I try to plant a fresh batch each September (since they're annuals, after all) and enjoy those beautiful, deep purple blooms through the month of May. I've never had to do more than plant them...not even water. They're just that easy...and they make me happy.

Verbal...the part of the SAT that I did well on. Probably came from a life-long love of reading...and talking way too much.

U is for...

Unloading the dishwasher...I used to hate it, but it's recently become one of those "chores" that really doesn't bother me. I think Norah has helped my attitude a lot. She loves helping me unload the dishwasher (and reminding me to tell her "thank you" after she hands me each piece). I've recently promoted her to helping with unloading the plates. I know it sounds nuts, but she just lifts them straight up from the rack and I take them from her before she lifts them very high--she is so proud of this new job and is very careful. It makes me so proud that even at just 19 months she wants so badly to help mommy. (And, as you can see from the picture she's been helping unload the dishwasher, regularly since she was 14-months old!)

Ultra-sound...two down, one to go...this pregnancy. These are definitely my favorite pre-natal appointments. Hearing the heartbeat is nice, but there is something so special about seeing our forming child move on that screen that just does my heart good. (The next best thing to meeting him in person, for now)

Used...I don't mind getting things second-hand. In fact, I get a little rush of exhilaration if I can find a bargain on something that "looks" new, but in actuality is used, and therefore cheaper! I especially love used books and dvds (and for the record, if you've ever considered buying me either as a gift, I would think more of you for it!)

T is for...

Teacher...I have always leaned toward being a teacher, though I've never done it professionally. I loved "teaching" and reading to my brother and sister (which earned me the reputation of "know-it-all" and "Serious Angela") when we were growing up. I have taught numerous Bible classes (usually for small children ages 2-5) and enjoyed them all, thoroughly. But the most rewarding teaching I've experienced to date is that of my own daughter. I am amazed at how quickly she learns and how much she retains. She is so willing to learn; thirsty for knowledge. I think she might be a "teacher" someday too.

Thank You Notes...the necessity of writing these for any act of kindness, gift, or service was instilled in my from an early age by my mother. As a result, to this day, I am a thank you note writer...and you know what? I no longer do it out of obligation-- I actually enjoy it. It makes me feel good to express to the giver how much they are appreciated when I know I might not be present-minded enough to thank them if I see them in person. (Especially after a shower of gifts such as Christmas or a birthday)

Tulle...not my typical crafting medium, but I bought some in hot pink yesterday, to use to hang a bow board I was working on for Norah's big girl room. We were having a rough time in Hobby Lobby (that's what I get for attempting to go so close to nap time) until the appearance of said tulle. After it was cut, I put it over Norah's head for the remainder of our shopping excursion, and she had a blast seeing everyone/thing through a shroud of pink! I guess she felt like I tree (not sure what that has to do with hot pink tulle...but don't squelch my daughter's awesome creativity, ok?), because she kept swaying from side to side, singing, "Swaying....swaying" like they do in Bible class. At any rate, the tulle was such a big hit (and so incredibly cheap!) that I've decided I'm going to incorporate some into her top-secret Halloween costume...which I hope to start on as soon as we finish up the transformation of the aforementioned "big girl room".

S is for...

Salmon...back to food again, I know. But I couldn't leave out one of my most-favorite foods! Growing up we had salmon patties, which were good, but I never sampled "real" salmon until Jason's brother, Grant grilled it for us in Colorado, a few years back. I've been sold on salmon, ever since! (In fact, it's on our menu this week)


Shopping...do I really need to elaborate?

Stationary...another one of my favorite things. I always have tons on hand, and really enjoy hand writing letters and cards to people. (With my trusty Pilot G-2 .07, of course) I am the proud owner, (and occasional user) of sealing wax and a letter "R" seal--I love my old-fashioned treasures! My most recent stationary-type purchase was a large, round, return address stamp that I still get excited every time I use (That's it pictured, right, only ours has our info.). It sure beats hand-writing my return address 50 times, and I like it better than the free labels I kept getting the mail.

R is for...

Red...My favorite color....though it took me half a lifetime to discover it. I remember on one of Jason's and my first dates (we were high school seniors), I asked him what his favorite color was, and he said "Blue" with no hesitation. He then preceded to ask me my favorite color, and I panicked. I had never had one...but I really wanted him to like me (so many potential relationships fail because of poor responses to "choice of favorite color?", you know), so I said, "Blue", too. About two years into our marriage, I noticed myself being drawn to red fabrics, jewelry, shoes, and then it hit me--I really like red!

Roar...Norah's has evolved! If you know our daughter well, you know that up until yesterday, her lion's "roar" sounded basically like a whispering of the word. But yesterday, she discovered a small, stuffed lion (courtesy of Jenny at our baby shower...remember, Jen?) in the depths of her toychest, and with that discovery, came the loudest "ROAR!" we've heard in Robinson County, to date. If you see her, she's very proud to demonstrate.

Robinson...I remember as a little girl asking my Memaw what would happen if I fell in love with a boy who had an awful last name, like "Girdlelump". Her sage reply was, "Well, sweetie, if you married him, your name would be Angela Girdlelump". That day I decided to only fall in love with boys with pretty last names, like "Butterfly". Granted, I never found any boys with Butterfly for a last name, but I really do love my married surname. I think it sounds just as good, if not better with my first name than my maiden name did.

Roses...call me cliche, but I still love them. Someday, I'd like to have a large bed of them growing in our backyard (the bushes aren't especially attractive when they're not blooming), just so I can cut them for vases and share them with friends and neighbors. Everyone likes getting roses, right? And I'm no exception, but despite it being my favorite color, red roses are my least favorite. For roses, I prefer softer shades, like pale pink or white.

Q is for...

Quilt...One of my most favorite sewing mediums. I've also determined that I enjoy designing my own much more than following someone else's pattern. (I've never been very good at following the rules when it comes to sewing) To date, I have made five of my own (two hand-quilted, three machine-quilted) and have assisted with a sixth. One of my favorites is pictured at left. It features hand-embroidered names and the favorite scriptures of three generations of Robinsons, and was a Christmas gift to "Mom R" (she also surprised me with a beautiful hand-made quilt that very same Christmas!).

Queasy... I've been blessed not to experience morning sickness with either one of my babies. About the only thing I can think of that does make me queasy is needles. But I'm getting better. After all, it's pretty hard to ask your kids to "soldier up" and get their shots if Mommy passes out when she gets hers.

Queso...mmm....Who doesn't like spicy melted cheese? This is definitely a favorite homemade party-food...but we also enjoy it on our fajitas (in lieu of shredded cheese). I've craved the Tostitos brand queso (the kind that comes in a jar) a lot this pregnancy too, but I haven't indulged too much.

P is for...

Peas... I love the texture, taste, and I think they just look pretty. In spite of my love of peas, I've never tried pea soup...the name turns me off, and unlike peas in their "natural" state...pea soup's not so pretty. Norah loves peas too, which gave birth to one of my favorite posts.

Pickles...and no, its not just because I'm pregnant, thank you very much. I love dill pickles. I would eat them in a box. I would eat them with a fox. I would eat them on a train. I would eat them in the rain...but more often, I like to eat them on hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and I'm a huge fan of Wings-N-More's fried pickle chips with ranch. And yes, I am a brand snob when it comes to my precious pickles...only Claussin will do!

Picnic...Ever since I was a little girl I've loved the idea of packing a picnic lunch and eating outside. Especially when it involves a good blanket, nice shade tree, and a slight breeze. Jason and I were given an awesome picnic basket as a wedding gift, and I love it! I look forward to many future picnics with our kids (and maybe even one or two with just my sweetheart and me).

Gosh...a lot of my letters have been food-related this week...maybe pregnancy cravings are effecting my posts...

O is for...

Oatmeal Cookies...My absolute favorite cookie, hands-down. Please note the intentional omission of the occasional additives "chocolate chips" and "raisins", which are, in their own rite, delicious and wonderful, but in my humble opinion, have a tendency to taint the pure and simple goodness that attracts me to oatmeal cookies. (And no, I do not judge you if you completely disagree) Meg Knight shared her fabulous salty/sweet oatmeal cookie recipe with me about 5 years back, and its still one of my all-time favorites (earning it a spot in "THE recipe book")

Olives...black or green, I'll gladly take either...or both. Side Note: I've always found it a little odd that "The Olive Garden", while named for olives, is, in fact, quite stingy with them. On average, they only put one olive per party member into their salads, which you must share with everyone at the table. (I know this first-hand from years of labor-intensive, extremely scientific study) C'mon guys, olives really aren't that pricey.

Okra...staple vegetable of the South. (My mom recently divulged that she had no idea of it's existence until she moved to Texas her junior year of high school) I recently tried my first attempt at homemade fried okra, and it was delicious, if I do say so, myself!

N is for...

Names...A hot topic of discussion in Robinson County these days. I'm sure it will take some time before we settle on the "perfect" name for Baby Brother, but I can pretty well guarantee it will not start with an "N". (Although, had Norah had a twin brother, we definitely would have considered Noah)

Norah...my sweet, angelic, baby girl. 2 years ago, I couldn't imagine what life would be like with a child. Today, I don't want to imagine what it would be like without her.

M is for...

Math...the part of the SAT that killed me. I would love to be better at it, but my brain just seems to be wired wrong for it. (Jason, on the other hand, is a whiz, so guess who'll be helping the kids with their upper-level math homework?)

Mermaid...as in my all-time favorite Disney classic , "The Little Mermaid" ("Aladdin" is a close second), and source of my inspiration for Norah's first Halloween costume, which was completely made-up and designed by Gramps and me, with no patterns. We had so much fun making that costume, and Norah loved wearing it. (She would happily "flip her fins" at anyone who paid her any attention). I can't wait for this Halloween! I'm already designing a top-secret follow-up!

Milk...aka, "that good old life-giving liquid", and an absolute staple in Robinson County. (At least for two of us...Daddy isn't quite the milk-oholic that Norah and I are) I buy 2 gallons a week for the three of us. A gallon of whole (mostly for Norah, but Daddy occasionally has a glass) and a gallon of skim for me. I can easily drink my gallon with no help...sometimes I even have to go back to the store for a half-gallon to tide me over 'til grocery day. It does a body good!

Mommy...one of my favorite personal titles. Not because it took any great skill to pro-create...but maybe because I feel like I've earned the title "Mommy" by every loving moment I've spent with Norah. Mommy is her term of endearment for me--and it is ever-so-endearing to hear her call me that. I'm proud to be "Mommy", and I'll hold onto it for as long as I can (because friends with older kids remind me all the time that my days as "Mom" are just around the corner).

L is for...

Library...Oh, the memories of the "Summer Reading Club", "Children's Story Time", and the countless "just because" journeys my mom took us on to our local library. To this day I still love that first smell when I enter the building (which, truth be told, is probably of mildewed books...but I love it just the same). I remember always being awed by the fact that they were actually going to let me take home the huge pile of books I'd so carefully collected. And I was so proud to hold my first library card. I am certain it was through these many, childhood ventures to the library that my love of reading was born, and I look forward to spending some time there with my own children.

Lists...I am the self-professed "queen of list-making" (though I know Jenny L could give me a real run for my money). I love making lists of any kind--To Do Lists (short-term and long-term), Grocery Lists (I pride myself on listing my groceries in the order in which I come to them in my grocery store), weekly menus, and of course, Christmas lists! I usually start my "Christmas Shopping" list in February and add to it as I think of things to buy for friends and family throughout the year. (I'm definitely gonna have to find a good hiding place for that list when the kids learn how to read!) The best part of making a list, of course, is crossing things off. (And no, I am not above listing things I've already done JUST so I can cross them off and feel like I've accomplished something....sick, I know)

"Lost"...as in ABC's hit series. Jason and I are huge fans and have watched every episode (most of them on dvd, since we only got into it last year and had a lot of catching up to do!) It's part sci-fi, part mystery, and clean, to boot, so it's right up our alley. We really enjoy Fox's "24" as well, but I think I like "Lost" even more...I love connected plots, and this one is about the most complicated connected plot I've ever encountered! Double-Bonus: it doesn't come on until 9pm on Wednesday nights, so not only do we have time to get home from church, but it's after we've put Norah to bed too...what could be better!? I can't wait for the next season to start-up, but I just read it's not until FEBRUARY...ugg!

K is for...

Kisses...Our family gives lots of them. Our "smallest" family member probably gives (and receives) the most. Norah will kiss just about anyone/anything right now. And she loves making her toys kiss each other. She has little bathtub monkeys who can't make it through a single bath without a kissing session between them. She kisses her stuffed animals, and her little people. Even her books (that would be the notoriously curious "George" on the receiving end, pictured left). But best of all, she gives tons of kisses to Jason and me at random. I can't rightly describe the way these kisses make me feel--but I am deliriously happy every time she walks up and "plants one" on my leg. (and her kisses make the cutest "SMACK!" sound I've ever heard) Don't worry, Jason and I give Norah lots of kisses too (maybe that's part of why it comes so naturally to her)--who can help but kiss such a sweet, angelic face nearly every time you pass it? Oh, and of course, Jason and I kiss each other too...but I'll spare you the details.

Kites...Jason and I had some great pre-marriage dates that involved ditching our college Chemistry class to fly kites (Terrible role models, I know). I don't remember much kite flying in my childhood (something I hope to rectify with our own kids), but I loved it as a young adult, and think it will be something fun for us to do as a family...not to mention, relatively inexpensive...that is, as long as Daddy and Uncle Grant don't renew their love of "kite fighting", which has been known to destroy "lesser" kites, including my beloved "Winnie the Pooh" kite that I made the mistake of leaving at their house one sad afternoon during our courtship. It proved far too tempting an "opponent"for the guys to leave untouched, and unfortunately was in shambles by the time I came back to claim it.

Knitting...After a lifetime of saying I had no desire to learn, last summer, I did...and I actually like it! Granted, I'm definitely still a novice, but I love to be able to knit and donate items to our church's "Threads of Love" group, which provides knitted goods to orphanages in Romania and Ethiopia, as well as to our local "Hope Pregnancy Center". It's been a great way to improve my skills, while doing something good for someone else. It's also been fun helping others learn to knit (not that I'm qualified to teach much more than the basics) and people are always amazed at how they can go from being "completely lost" to "fairly comfortable" with knitting in such a short period of time.