Remember when...?

Do you remember the skit "The Chris Farley Show" from SNL? Chris Farley used to "interview" guests by asking them, "Do you remember when...? Remember that? That was cool." He spent the entire time asking them if they remembered his favorite parts of their movies. There was nothing else to the interview. It was hilarious! What a great skit!

Psalm 77:11-12 says "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds."

Three years ago, Steve and I started keeping a written record of the miracles in our lives. Here are a few of the wondrous works God has performed in my life:

• My amazing husband, Steven
• My dream home
• Being debt free
• Job that I love
• Wonderful family
• Great friends
• Great church
• Favor
• Promotion for me and Steve at work
• Financial increase
• Healing for me and other family members
• Ability to quit my job and travel
• Claire

These are just a few. The list goes on and on. We are so very blessed. Today I encourage you to remember the miracles in your life.

Psalm 126:3 "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

Psalm 118:17 "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."

Remember when...? Remember that? That was cool!

Happy Birthday Claire

Claire is one month old today -- today we celebrated by sharing a fun new video on her blog

CLICK HERE

Happy Fathers Day To Me!

I've had a wonderful first Fathers Day (well as a Father that is, I've actually had 29 Fathers Days in my life). Lets start with the little gift that made me a Father!

Isn't she cute? and the bow! Well she was a little off kilter today, to maintain order she really needed to dine prior to our departure for Church. We made time for this and attempted to force feed her, but it was to no avail. She just simply wasn't hungry -- fast forward 45 minutes, and our arrival at Sunday School -- guess who is just instantly starved?? We are still working on this pumping business, we had a little milk but not enough. What we had held her over for another hour; but sadly we were forced to leave a little early.

We would use the 'Nursing Mothers Room,' but let me tell you, it needs a little work. There are three of them, and they are wonderful spacious rooms with all the amenities, even a microwave, baby swing, and crib. There's a large TV on the wall -- pause -- the TV doesn't broadcast the service! What?? I asked why this was, and am told they are still working on that. For crying out loud the building was finished three years ago, we are beaming video across the globe via intergalactic satellites in real time, but we can't push a video feed to a room 20 yards from the Sanctuary? I'm debating a special offering!

All this to say, sending Amy to this room to feed Claire while I am enjoying Church seems torturous. So we will just try to be more prepared with stored milk in the future. Amy asked what I wanted for Fathers Day -- I was delighted to tell her that I wanted nothing more than for her to bake me a Rhubarb Pie. Lets talk a little about Rhubarb shall we? This little flavorful weed is EXCEPTIONALLY difficult to find. When I was a kid it grew in my Grandparents garden. We always had it, in the last few years I've really been wanting Rhubarb pie, and Amy's Grandma is kind enough to make it for me on my Birthday each year, and my Grandma makes it when ever I make it out that way. But I want it a smidge more often.

I guess about 18 months ago I started trying to find Rhubarb in the grocery stores around Houston. We went everywhere! We tried the Farmers Market, most of the chains, the Internet. Nothing doin -- we even went to one of the fancy stores that has valet parking (quite the experience, now they had EVERYTHING), but they were out of rhubarb. There was a store near our house that we had been boycotting because of some issue the American Family Association had with them. A couple of weeks ago I needed something and decided to go in this particular store, as neither Amy or I could remember why we were boycotting or if it was still in force.

This particular chain (which incidentally owns the store with the valet parking) is known for their service above all else. I confidently walk to the produce man and ask him for rhubarb, fully expecting to be looked at like I was from another planet. I was astonished when he immediately rushes to the section where rhubarb would be, sees it isn't there, and then informs me he could have fresh rhubarb in two days if I could wait. Or he was sure they had some frozen! I was delighted. He WALKED WITH ME to the frozen section, and handed me a bag, I pushed him aside and grabbed eight bags.

Today my dreams came true, Amy baked me a pie, now I can cook -- you name it I can cook it. But Amy -- she can bake! She is just so clever, I pretend to know how to bake, but usually screw it up -- just today I saw her fluffing the flour prior to measurement, who knew this was required? Every time I've made cookies since we have been married they have always been a little off. Recently she helped me with a batch, as I skipped adding the salt to the recipe she asked me why. I replied that my Grandma had told me salt was always optional (I probably misunderstood), so I always opted not to add it. We added salt this time and the cookies were exquisite!

Anyway, here's to Amy's pie -- doesn't it look delicious, the crazy part is she HATES rhubarb, and everything it stands for; now that's love!

Coming soon fun at the 99 [cents] Only Store!

Norton The Second Part 2

So I've been a little busy with the baby and all -- but as promised more on my forthcoming proclamation that I shall be known as the second Emperor of the United States.

No doubt you'll recall this fine looking chap! Yes the first Emperor of the United States (self proclaimed). He held meetings, had representatives, and sent his imaginary Army to the halls of Congress countless times in an attempt to put a stop to their foolishness up there in DC.

Let me also remind you that he had ridiculous proclamations, like the one fining people for referring to San Fransisco as 'Frisco.' I believe his wording referred to the word Frisco as meaningless, and without definition.

Let me share with you some more fun facts. He spent his days meandering around town, riding the trolleys, and inspecting public areas. He would approach Policemen and inspect their uniforms for proper appearance and cleanliness. Most of them allowed this behavior, but one day a particular officer was not amused. He arrested the good Emperor for disorderly conduct, and hauled him to jail.

Oh the outrage that ensued, the police chief immediately released the Emperor, issued a public apology -- gave the Emperor a new uniform (as the one he had been given from an Army officer ten years earlier was getting a bit tattered), and he ordered the Police Force to salute the Emperor in passing.

Too funny -- he really had all these people eating out of the palm of his hand. He then decided to try something ingenious, he started printing money!
Just crazy, isn't it? Would you believe that business owners in Frisco accepted these bills as legal tender? Anyway Emperor Norton spent the remainder of his days essentially penniless and living off of the charity of others. Since he lavished the finer things in life he decided to become a food critic.

The Emperor proclaimed that establishments were not fit to eat at unless he gave it his seal of approval. Almost immediately restaurateurs were begging the Emperor to come and dine at their restaurant, if he liked the food he would sign his plate and hang it on the wall -- that's all it took, that was the seal of approval.

So basically the guy was an idiot. Although a smart idiot, he left a legacy, it was originally his idea for the Golden Gate Bridge, he must have been a good leader - as there were thousands of people the respected him, and his self imposed position.

In passing his funeral expenses were paid for the businessmen of Frisco, there were 30,000 people in attendance. Although I would love to claim the blood line and become the second Emperor of the US, he didn't have any children; making that virtually impossible. Besides I really don't have time -- perhaps I'll run for the position of HOA President, or something a little more manageable.

I hope you have a splendid weekend

TTFN

Claires First Swim!

Claire rather enjoyed her first time swimming, we had the water at a comfortable 93 degrees, which she found most enjoyable.

We have been working on and off for a few months on a video re-cap of our lives together. This picture was taken for that, but I had to give you a sneak peak!

I Know I Know

I'm sure many of you have been checking daily for the conclusion to the 'Norton The Great' post part 2. You'll have to wait a bit longer, perhaps tomorrow I'll present that hilarious conclusion.

Now for the burning question that everyone keeps asking us -- Are we getting any sleep? The short answer is yes! We subscribed to the schooling of this fine program. And with the exception of a few small deviations, Claire sleeps really well at night, usually at least twelve hours, only waking three times to eat; at 10, 1, and 5. Of course the 10:00 feeding is no biggie, as we are usually still awake. This means we (Amy in particular, as she has the mammary glands) only has to actually get up two times.

Amy's parents were here for the past five days. We had a really good time with them -- and appreciated their help while I was away for work. They left on Tuesday afternoon, and we are trying to again get in a routine as a family of three.

There really isn't too much else going on so I thought I might share the story of my first Pineapple!

For starters this is what I had to deal with -- I bought this in the hopes that Doyce and/or Linda had actually cut a pineapple before, and could help me to figure this out, as I've recently decided I love the taste of fresh pineapple. Sadly it wasn't to be, neither one of them was certain of the proper way, so I was left a monumental task I chose to document for your enjoyment.

Here we have the raw pineapple -- I know it looks REALLY intimidating!

At our local grocer they have this little engineering marvel, that perfectly skins and cores the tropical fruit in one quick motion. Of course I refuse to buy this at our local grocer due to the excessive cost no doubt necessary to afford their fancy pineapple core machine -- instead I purchased mine at Sam's club, which has no such gizmo.

Instead I was stuck using the included instructions, lets see how closely I can follow them...

The top of the pineapple reminds me a little of Sanjaya's hair -- who by the way is back on the airwaves in 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!' He is quickly becoming our favorite cast member.

The core is evidently a little tough and must be removed for maximum enjoyment.

As well as the tough exterior...

No doubt someones Grandma could have gotten another 10 ounces of fruit out of this, but I'm proud of my first attempt.

Now for the taste!

And finally the all important presentation!

Perhaps tomorrow we will chat more about a certain historical Mr. Norton --- TTFN!