I've moved to lagrantcreative.com

After 10 years of good intentions, I'm finally launching my graphic design portfolio website. For years, I've been trying to find the best online platform to showcase my work. I settled on squarespace.com in October and it's been a lot of fun to customize.

Stop by lagrantcreative.com and have a look! While I'm currently working through a busy season with one of my favorite clients, I am always happy to discuss new projects. I appreciate referrals and encourage you to share my site with your friends. 

In order to maximize use and increase content on my portfolio site, I've moved my blog there. It's a beautiful template, but the blog is a work in progress. Please re-direct your bookmarks to www.lagrantcreative.com/notes.

Thanks so much!

Monelle on the move

Monelle in Taiwan just months after
we got her. 

As of this Wednesday, our gorgeous girl, Monelle has become a Wicker Park resident. Her new owner is additionally gorgeous and they connected very well. Funny timing, David was just starting to pronounce her name, look for her around the house and nicely pet her for upwards of 5 minutes without her running for safety.

It's a new season for us and we're praying that Monelle is so much happier in her new hip home that she leaves her challenging behaviors behind. Leona is showing signs of much content. I think she's convinced that she 'won'.

A happy, rainy, dreary, sticky Halloween

If I could sum up Halloween in one word, I'd say - sticky. Or at least the post trick-or-treating part.

This year was our first trick-or-treating experience as a family and it almost didn't happen. The weather was rainy all day and plans were being changed continually. 

Due to lack of coffee supplies, I finally got us all out the door and into the van at 4pm. Destination, New Starbucks drive-thru. I suited the kids up in costume just in case we drove past an awesome house and I felt comfortable enough to run them up to the front door. 

Coffee mission complete and our fist candy of the night in hand from the barista, I took a right down Glenlake. I was hoping the Lickety Split custard shop might have an indoor party for rained out trick-or-treaters. Nope. Instead I saw a few bundles of parents with umbrellas shuffling their kids door to door. We parked and fell in step with two middle school girls, fearlessly ringing every door. Got LOTS of candy!

Even though it was dreary and damp, Glenlake was ready for their trick or treaters. Some sat on their front porches with buckets in hand and even one mom manned a tented station next to the sidewalk with her baby. I asked an older couple how many kids they normally get each year and they said '500'. I think they'll get 502 from now on because David and Judah will definitely be among the regulars.

We stopped by the Driscolls where David was ready to call it a night and play with all their Halloween decorations. Then headed home to have post trick-or-treating pizza with David's buddy Jana and family. They reported excellent trick-or-treat options on our street. 

Trick-or-treating turned out to be an activity that rain could not ruin. David went from timidly repeating the appropriate words after me to singing 'Thank You!' as he rushed on to the next house. I kind of wish there we're other times to mingle in this way with our neighbors. It was so fun.

November desktop from Ann Meer

It's just lovely. Visit Ann Meer's blog to view more of her work.

Tent Making: Month 1

Today marks the 1 Month milestone of the Interim Lead Pastor position for Tripp as a tent maker.

There are many examples of Tent Making in ministry and international outreach. Generally the equation includes commitment to ministry with little or no pay + working a job to provide support. Tent Making is not superior to full-time or part-time paid ministry, we're just encouraged to see it's not inferior (or impossible).

Paul modeled Tent Making in Acts 18:1-5 (ESV)

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wifePriscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

In theory, we value this model. Time will tell, whether or not this model is advisable to a young urban family. For now you may ask...

So, how's it going? 

After once month, Tripp and I both see God's leading in his life. Tripp enjoys teaching on Sunday mornings and so far congregants have shared that it's enjoyable to listen. From here, it's going to be a temptation to judge Tripp's call by the amount of filled chairs. Pray for us. Pray that God would give us more faith to trust Him.

Romans 12:3 ESV

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

How is your family doing? 

We're doing pretty well! Thankfully, God has been providing people to lead where we should not, and they are excelling beyond what we could have asked. Yesterday, we officially called a break for Tuesday Root Group. It's going to be up to me to redirect energy back into my family during the day. Training and discipline needs to happen for both the kids and myself and I'm seeing this as an opportunity to refocus. This is not my favorite parenting area.

A weekend of answered prayer

Prayer has not been a notable priority in Tripp & I's relationship from the start. When we were dating in college, we each favored very different worship and prayer styles. I remember struggling so badly with social anxiety that I would lay on the floor of my bedroom crying out to God for internal transformation. I know Tripp had a passionate prayer life but couldn't tell you when or where it happened. We did pray together for friend's to be healed, wisdom on future and over food. However, for us both having such a strong belief in the power of prayer - we were ripe for change and leading in this area.

I would say our first year of marriage set much change in motion, but not yet in a good way. Setting aside alone time to cry out to God seemed awkward and therefore I remember more time spend reading quietly. Again, we prayed for food, for people and healing.

In moving to Rogers Park, and landing in Rogers Park Community Church, we were both able to press a reset button on our relationship as one in Christ. We followed leadership, glory to God, who prayed a lot. Prayer was first in the hearts of our leaders and it became first for us. Finally.

This weekend, Tripp and I both anticipated a lot of challenges. In addition to two very poignant church meetings, Tripp was preaching on Ephesians 5:22-33, 'wives submit to your husbands...'. We prayed as worries presented themselves.

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. -Psalm 69:13

Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! -Psalm 143:1

By Sunday afternoon, Tripp and I were celebrating the faithfulness of our God. He listened to the cries of our hearts, though we were not prostrate on the floor, and honored the prayers of His new creations at Rogers Park Community Church. Kids Club, our children's ministry, will be lead well and the covenant partners will be taking it upon themselves to prepare budget details for 2014. Tripp was able to look back over the day and also give God glory for the most positive feed back he's received yet for a sermon. Glory to God for answering us in His righteousness.

Pregnancy helpers

Yep, it wasn't easy.

At the end of Judah's pregnancy I recorded this list of actions and 'things' that helped with pregnancy
round #2. I'm seeing that I forgot to post it, but feel it's still good material and may be helpful to other mama's out there.

I'd like to thank all the friends who have lent their helping hands and pregnancy gear that helped me through the harder days of belly vs. toddler.

Helpful Friends...

Lent me their maternity pillow
Listened/Celebrated/Lamented/Texted/Chatted with me every at every stage
Arrived early to Root Group to help prep and lend their husband to play with David
Stayed late after Root Group to clean up
Babysat David so I could go get a pedicure 
Washed dishes
Carried and changed loads of laundry
Babysat David during worship practice so I could stay put
Threw me a "Last Hoo-rah! Diaper party for Judah"
Organized a meals for mom sign-up
Brought their toddler over to play with David while I got mom-chat-time
Dropped by lasagna leftovers
Played with David while I did laundry, sewed
Treated me like I was exhausted, even when I tried to pretend like I wasn't


Helpful Things...

1. Maternity Pillow
2. Celestial Seasonings Herbal Teas (specifically Lemon Zinger) as a decaf option
3. Sweet Petula Mediterranean Mint Butter Balm for belly
4. Craigslist boxes of plentiful maternity clothes, one stop shopping
5. Coconut water, or boxes of healthy drink options for on the go

I think there must have been more helpful things I found, but this is where the list ends. Maybe with round #3, it'll grow.

Another Weekend in the Smokies

Oh-Olivia! You're just gorgeous.

This past weekend, we revisited the Smokies in Sevierville, Tennessee for Tripp's annual family reunion. Read about last year's for more detail about the stay experience. This year, it was all about the kids.

Leaving Chicago at 6:30pm at night, Tripp and I forged the 10 hour road trip in the dark. I was coming down with a pretty severe cold and the pain in my head kept me awake and alert for us to arrive by 5am EST. We immediately set up pack and plays in closet & bathroom and got to sleep from about 6am -9am EST. Tripp woke up with David and I slept in waiting on Judah. That sweetie pie (and Claritin) gave me rest till 10:30am EST. The rest of the day consisted of visiting with Aunt Bebe, Uncle Bill, Suzanne & the King family in our cabin, and also a walk up the steep hill to visit more of our Savell family.

David surprised us and revealed
excellent hidden cutting skills.

Thanks to my cold, I was allowed lots of naps and miraculously – Judah slept longer naps than he's ever done in his life. I felt that was God's grace tangibly extended to our family who was very much in need. Tripp worked out a business meeting in Knoxville for Monday, so we spent our last night at Uncle Bill's house. That meant a little more time together with the family and a stop at a very delicious buffet with southern home cookin'.

You'll see below some very precious shots of our kiddos spending time together. Last year, Tripp and I were in newborn Judah mode and this year, we felt much more at home in the reunion experience and enjoyed our family even more.

Aunt Cayte!

I think we'll have to continue to pose the kids
together on this swing. Such cute mugs.

Encouraging & beautiful Wallpaper

iPhone wallpaper. Had to share. You can check out Lizzy Lee's backgrounds on her flicker site (they're all the ones with scripture). She has a lot of sizes and very neat image options. These are all at original size, so they should be okay to save out and use.

From Eat Drink Chic

From Eat Drink Chic

From Quinn Luu

Cafe Bustelo & a tbsp of sugar

Last Year's RP Parent's Group Halloween Party
where Kerri's family met mine

Last year, this time, I met Kerri and her two young red headed boys at our park on a city cleaning day. The leaf blower man loudly cleared debris from each nook and crevice of the play structure, while we attempted to play. Judah was only 3 mo. old and napping in my Ka'Tan wrap. This was a memorable day because we learned how to make new friends.

Kerri was tall with gorgeous long highlighted hair and I was sure she couldn't be American. Her oldest boy was 4 and walked along with David up and down a half-moon cinderblock wall as we waited on the leaf blower man. Her youngest sat snuggly in his stroller. Kerri initiated conversation with me and I discovered that she was new to RP. They had just relocated from the East Coast for her husband's job. Our conversation carried on for the next hour as her oldest patiently directed David around the big kids play structure. I so enjoyed talking to Kerri, and before we parted she invited us over to play. Our first invitation to have a play date with new friends!!

Heading over to Kerri's apt for the first time, I reassured David that our destination contained lots of new toys and his new buddy. Upon entering Kerri's beautiful home, my hopes were confirmed - amazing toys and David's friend was ready to give a tour. Kerri and I chatted about our families, her husband's job at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, and I felt like I had known this woman for years. We discussed this shared familiarity, how we were thankful to have found one another. However, I was most thankful for Kerri's example of reaching out and inviting new friendship in. I'm not sure she even realized all that meant to me. She had come at a time where I was navigating the loss of close friendships and anticipating winter.

In the Spring, Kerri and her precious family ended up moving back to the East Coast for her husband's job. We didn't get enough time playing with them before they left, due to our youngest boys, their nap schedules and runny noses. However, I think of Kerri often, and it warms my heart to think about the possibilities of relationships in our futures. Kerri's family did not claim any specific belief in faith, but God definitely used her in my life to remind me that He provides. I didn't have to reach out to find her friendship, she reached out to me.

Sometimes it's easy to forget about people who are in our lives for short seasons. And sometimes, little events bring the memories back. I remember now why I knew of Cafe Bustelo, beyond that my bud Kelly shares her daily pot with me often - It's the coffee Kerri poured me on our first play date. Still more memorable was the heaping tablespoon of sugar I was offered to sweeten it! She had asked me if I took sugar, to which I replied, 'Oh yes.' And apparently that translates into a heaping tablespoon. Cafe Bustelo is so intense that one must have a heaping tablespoon of sugar to sweeten. And thus, I'm thinking of my dear friend and praying for her two boys as I enjoy yet another cup (and tbsp of sugar).

Cafe Bustelo

Cafe Bustelo keeps popping up on my friend's counters and I'm trying it for the first time today. I picked up the Espresso ground $2.99 6 oz. package at La Unica. It's:

• Bold
• Richness is not overpowered by half/half & sugar
• Smooth and similar to TJ's dark
• Would probably be amazing iced. I'll try that later today

A New Grace Period

Today marks the beginning of a new season for many people in our closely knit community of Christ's followers at Roger Park Community Church. The Greenberg family of 5, whom we've come to know and love over the past 6 years, has been called on to Florida to live near family. While the parameters appear secure, they leave behind their Chicago home of 15 years for no job and no certain landing place. They leave behind a legacy of evangelistic teaching and example of gospel sharing without fear. I don't think Tripp and I will realize to what extent they've impacted our lives until we're walking more closely in their shoes. 

As of today, Tripp was unanimously voted in as Interim Lead Pastor at Rogers Park Community Church. This is the role that Pastor Keith Greenberg is trusting the Lord to pass on to his friend and Elder, Tripp. The term 'Interim' in this instance simply means 'Lead Pastor with a Grace Period'. Tripp will fulfill all the duties of Lead Pastor as a Tent Maker, keeping his current position at his medical waste company. Interim means that the commitment though complete is not final. We'll assess God's leading as a family and church in early 2014. 

Let's take a moment to look at Tripp in 2007, the height of his good looks. 

Thanks to that sweetie pie in my arms, Tripp and I worked as helpers in a VBS program at a church in our hometown in Taiwan. Her parents were Christians and invited us to come help. While helping, we were asked if we wanted to go receive prayer from a man that was well known for prophesy. Tripp was unsure of the experience but we felt it would be culturally rude to say no. The man prayed for Tripp and it was translated to English by one of the other helpers. The prophesy included a few life turns, one that has become heartbreakingly true, and another that we're seeing today. 

Fluffy headed Tripp was informed that he would be called to ministry. This confirmed a dream he'd had sometime before:

"When I was in college, Jesus Christ appeared to me in a dream, and showed me what he would have me do... Namely to be in the church, and point the people to Him. This is hard to explain, but it was the most vivid dream of my life, and has given me great confidence in my purposes.  This experience has had a profound influence on me."

I wish I could get Tripp to sit down and detail out his feelings about this current grace period we've now entered into as a family. However, he fell asleep on the couch watching football tonight. He falls asleep on the couch most night while I work on my laptop on the other couch. 

Today I feel that we're given a very unique opportunity to taste missionary toil for Christ. This toiling is not partnered with insecurity about whether or not we're following God or doing the right thing with our lives. This toiling, according to 1 Timothy 4:10 and Colossians 1:29, is married to teaching the Gospel, the living hope, to everyone that everyone may be presented mature in Christ. We toil to get the word out that Jesus is the Savior to all. 

This is good news for our family because regardless of whether or not the Lord calls Tripp to Lead RPCC beyond winter 2014, we will learn to toil here and now. 

Welcoming Fall Donut-Style

It's not officially fall, but it may as well be. Came home from a walk today and David was asking if we could get in the car and get donuts. Welp, I gave in after about 30 seconds and picked up 4 of these beauties.

They bring back a memory of being so late to work one day back in '09 - that I stopped to pick up a dozen pumpkin donuts for the office. I had hoped the donuts would deter my my HR boss from obnoxiously looking at his watch as I walked into the office kitchen. I don't have a memory of his reaction. Which means there wasn't one - mission accomplished!

Navigating Education for us

Next year will mark the commencement of our educational journey. I'm feeling like this journey will be incredibly winding and confusing and possibly require multiple starts and stops. In anticipation of conversations to come with friends, family and fellow navigators, I'm going to record the process here.

I'm pretty sure in a few years, I will look back on these entries and want to delete them for sounding naively smart. Honestly, I'm more sure that I will look back on these entries and wish the mother that writes them today, with all the optimism and hope, were me now.

I am trying to trust in the Lord to lead us, and trust in His ancient wisdom to be our principal educator. It is very difficult to do this. It's difficult because I see my own childhood scenario and all it's security and protection and loudly recall my own failures and shortcomings. My scenario of education in a wealthy suburban city in a high school of about 3 thousand students walking the halls of a 17 million dollar school - will look much different from my sons. Yet even in that wonderful setting, I experienced pain that I can hardly bear to imagine plaguing my boys. Probably because they're babies, and no one should ever reject a baby :)

Today, my feeling is to follow the steps of the families with grown children whom I admire still living in the Rogers Park area. I would like to shadow them and their choice to home school through at least middle-school. A lot of them use Rod & Staff curriculum, though I'm seeing that bloggers recommend a blend of resources. This somewhat discourages me because I want a simple inclusive series. The one close family that I'd like to shadow has kept their studies simple due to budget, there are 8 kids to provide for. You can read their incredible story of adopting their two youngest from Ethiopia and also learn more about their approach to life & family in the Chicago Tribune.

I'm looking into Classical Conversations which is a home school community that meets at Moody once a week down town. The program includes a trained tutor who teaches them each subject of study on the day of 'class'. Essentially, I'm drawn this method of learning in an accountable community setting that includes someone else teaching my kids! There are fees involved which deter some families, but it may be a good middle ground to start us. I've heard, of course on a blog testimonial, of a family that started with CC and then left to continue in a smaller community with different curriculum. This just encourages me to know that CC could be experienced on a trial basis for us.

I am also looking into public schools in our area and will be vigilant to see what other parents are doing as they navigate education for their families. I'm largely motivated to try homeschooling by the time and experiences I will gain with my guys. I really adored my mom and probably would have loved a home school education as a child. My brother was the only one of us who asked to be taken out of public school because he did not click with many of his teachers or methods and preferred to take long afternoon naps - reportedly during math. Except he was actually really good at math!

This is how I am navigating education for us today. Tomorrow could be a different story. I recognize that what we do for our family will be somewhat or significantly different from even our best and closest friends. Believe me when I say, these differences really pull on my heart because I love shared experiences. I'll probably be always a bit (or hugely) insecure with the way I navigate our educational path, similar to the imperfect way I navigate training & discipline. Reconciling what's in my heart, our family scenario, and my desire to live in community with those around us will be a constant tension. I'm pretty sure there will be many 'I told you so' moments around this journey and I see an enormous need for grace. Hoping in return to be a conduit of grace to those who need to hear the same words, 'do what is best for your family.'

It's gonna be a long road.

Meal planning

So I'm going to give a serious go at meal-planning this week. Grocery shopping has been a challenge for most of my life. Student, single, living at home, living with roommates, married, living with a man and now kids... no season of life got easy enough for me to feel like meal planning just 'fit in' with ever thing else.

To top it off, I'm incredibly foolish when it comes to budgeting for food - I generally prefer to eat what I want, whenever I want. Unfortunately, not only is this philosophy not working for me, it's not working for my wardrobe. If I continue this way, I'll loose more money on food and clothing that a woman with a working brain and a degree should! 

So now instead of waiting for meal planning to 'fit', I'm just going to give it a try this week. Using this free printable below, I'm hunkering down and heading to the store in the morning. 

Any tips from you meal-planner buds of mine?!

Morning quiet times

latte of my dreams

This morning, I woke early and enjoyed some time with the Lord over a steamy latte within the quiet of my cozy living room. And then I woke up from that dream and picked up a crying Judah baby.

I've had an interesting thought today as I did, praise Jesus, finally sit down for prayer and scripture memory review with lukewarm drip coffee. Is there something else I'm adding to the goal of morning quiet times that is not from the Lord? What upsets me more on a day that I haven't met with the Lord, lack of peace so I can feel better, or lack of time with Him?

People, I cannot even meet with the Lord without seeking to gratify my flesh. I cannot even open my bible with a pure heart that cries out to Jesus out of an untainted desire to just simply love him. It would be the same as making a coffee date with a dear friend with the ulterior motive of connecting so I can feel better about myself. And, that dear friend would know I did that.

Now, let's take a look at how good our Savior is. Here is the passage I'm committing to memory:

Psalm 90...

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.10 The years of our life are seventy,    or even by reason of strength eighty;yet their span[c] is but toil and trouble;    they are soon gone, and we fly away.11 Who considers the power of your anger,    and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days    that we may get a heart of wisdom.13 Return, O Lord! How long?    Have pity on your servants!14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,    and for as many years as we have seen evil.16 Let your work be shown to your servants,    and your glorious power to their children.17 Let the favor[d] of the Lord our God be upon us,    and establish the work of our hands upon us;    yes, establish the work of our hands!


The Lord knows of my need for gladness in the morning and all day. He knows, He forgives, and He POURS Himself out for me. Have pity on your servant today Jesus, satisfy my broken heart with your steadfast love. Meet me for coffee, know that I don't love you as you deserve, pay the bill and sing over me. Wretched woman that I am, you JESUS are gold.

I am a Woman

Wonderful weekend with Belmont University roommates concludes as my friend reads aloud this poem in the car and I am touched to tears:


"I am a Woman"
by Christiana Moss


My willingness to carry life is a revenge, an antidote to the great battle of every murder, every abortion, and every genocide. I sustain humanity. Deep inside of me life grows. I am death's opposition; I push back the hand of darkness today.

I have caused there to be a weakening tremor among the ranks of those set on earth’s destruction. Today a vibration that calls angels to attention echoed throughout time; laughter threatened hell today.

I have dined with the greats of God’s Army~~ I made their meals, I tied their shoes. Today I walked with greatness and when they were tired…I carried them. I poured myself out for the cause today. It’s finally quiet, but life stirs inside of me, gaining strength. The pulse of life sends a constant reminder to both good and evil that I yield myself to Heaven and now carry its dream

No angel has ever had such a privilege, nor any man. I am humbled by the honor. I am great with destiny. I birth the freedom fighters. In the great war I am the leader of the underground resistance. I smile at the disguise of my troops. Surrounded by a host of warriors, destiny swirling, invisible yet tangible and the anointing alters history.

Our footsteps make our land for conquest. We move undetected throughout the common places. Today I was a barrier between evil and innocence. I was the gatekeeper watching over the hope of mankind and no intruder trespassed. There is not an hour of the day or night when I turn from the Host—the fierceness of my love is unmatched upon the earth and because I smile instead of frown, the world will know the power of grace.

Hope has feet; it will run to the corners of the earth because I stood up against destruction. I am a woman, I am a mother, I am the keeper and sustainer of life here on earth, and Heaven stands in awe in honor of my mission. No one else can carry my call.

I am the daughter of Eve, and Eve has been redeemed. I am the opposition of death-I am woman.





Thanks for sharing dear friend.

2006

2008

2013

Last year, this time

Last year, this time Ebony offered to do a family maternity photo shoot at our apartment. It was wonderful having her take pictures of me and the guys, she's a joy of a friend. They were so precious and intimate, I wanted to keep them private... but looking back at them now I think they're so creative it's a shame I didn't share her talented artwork. Thank you Ebony!

A Teacher's Touch

About two years ago, a very important teacher stepped into our lives - for the sake of her privacy, we'll name her Mrs. Sweet. She's courageous in every way and has set a powerful precedence for toddler behavior in our little church nursery. The first Sunday I left David in her care, I was amazed and inspired by the way she crouched down to communicate with the little man. She praised the way he set down toys and immediately guided him with gentle words when he revved up to throw one. When it looks like David is going to runaway with his emotions, Mrs. Sweet suggests a new fun thing to do or play. And that new fun thing is often her.

This past weekend, we got a chance to go to our favorite frozen custard place with Mrs. Sweet and her husband. By now, David's grown very fond of her and will run when she suggests or take her hand to cross the street. I absolutely love saying to David, 'Mrs.Sweet is coming!' because he gets shyly excited. Very endearing to see my sons grow attached to people I also love.

At the custard place, I sat back a bit and observed Mrs. Sweet interacting with David. She was so kind and David became such an important person in their conversations. His getting up from the table didn't ruin our conversation and turn in into discipline. Instead, Mrs. Sweet got up and took him to have a closer look at candy and we picked up when they returned.

I'm reminded as I write how my Albanian missionary friend said that my children are a key part of my ministry. That's exactly how Mrs. Sweet treats David, like he's a key part of our outing.

This past year, I've set to really 'train' David in obedience to me and Tripp. This has required a lot of communication, consistency, teaching, outlasting, and bootie spanks. After a while, Tripp and I feel that all we do is reprimand David. Our tones (everyone's) start to intensify until someone is yelling and sadly, that's Tripp and myself by most bed-times. It's become increasingly harder to train without loosing self-control and heaping past frustration on to accidental spilled milk. And we're only on training child #1!

Watching Mrs. Sweet, who has raised children and teaches many daily, literally changes me from the inside out. David and I have had one of our best weeks, and I just wonder if it's because of the custard date. Which brings an interesting conclusion - I am the variable. My changed attitude and heart somehow effected my interaction with David enough that he acted differently. I suppose I am the one that needs training. Or maybe just simply, a teacher's touch.

Leftover oatmeal = babyfood

Leftover Oatmeal & Apple babyfood

Leftover oatmeal & all the toppings
1 cored apple w/peel
yogurt


Blend all ingredients, add a little water and whalla - babyfood. Freeze in ice cube trays.

Never toss another unfinished bowl again.