Happy Birthday My Love

Today is a special day because it is the day that the love of my life was born. He is such a precious gift that keeps getting better. I knew when I met Matt (9 years ago) that he was a special guy, but I had no idea living my life with him would be a dream come true. Sure we have hard times, mostly involving raising our children, but there is no one I would rather be living this life with. And even on the worst of worst days, he is the one that I want to come home and rescue me (which he often does!) I often tell the boys that they have no idea what a great father they have. Not many children can boast a dad that seriously would rather stay home and play with them than practically anything in the world. He loves them so dearly. In fact, he has given his entire self to me and them. He prays for us, he comforts us, he is strong for us, he is wise, he works hard to provide for us, he leads us faithfully, and we love him tremendously. Happy Birthday Matt and Dada, we love you!

On a Lighter Note

Here are some of the things we have been enjoying this summer. Thought I would pass them along to you.

Delicious! Hands down, the best I've tasted from a container-and it only has a couple of ingredients and uses real sugar. It is pretty strong, so it can really go a long way if you mix it with 1/4 glass of water or unsweet tea.

These are delicious and have 5g of fiber in two of these thin little slices. My favorite these days: spread a little mayo, pile on sliced tomatoes, and add some salt and pepper. You will not be disappointed.

These are my favorite chips. Try them with some guacamole or salsa, or really just eat them plain-delicious!

Happy snacking!

Long Day

Wow has it been a day. These boys,whether it is me and my non-patient pregnant self, or them and their disobeying, viper in diaper selves, (just for the record I am sure it is me and my non-patient self, and I am of course referring to my children with tongue-in cheek) have pushed me to my limits today. I just love them to death, but lately am discouraged and disappointed in their behavior. How do you love your children unconditionally, treat them with true grace, and teach them to obey at the same time. I find myself either being the nice guy who gets no respect or being the mother who has completely lost control and deserves no respect. I want so desperately for my children to obey. I get deeply saddened when they don't, and often can't imagine what on earth is wrong with them that they could look me in the eye and do exactly what I just finished disciplining them for. And then I remember-sin- that is what is wrong with them. I find myself desperately praying for the Lord's intervention because I can teach my children nothing apart from his help. They, just like me, want to do things their own way on their own terms. I want to prick their little hearts with my words and His so that they will flee from sin, but I often can say nothing because I can't get them to stop giggling or disobeying for two seconds to listen to me. I then start fuming, my ears start turning red, I can't breath, I want someone to come rescue me for 30 min. so I can take a cold shower. Then, with tear stained cheeks, I run to Jesus and beg his mercy and wonder how on earth people do this job, and why on earth the Lord would give me another child I so clearly do not deserve. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day, and perhaps it won't. Thankfully, as these words from the hymn, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, say: the Lord is slow to anger, deals with us gently, and is the same on the good days and bad. Now may he grant me, through his spirit, some of those attributes.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favor
to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide and swift to bless:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness.

Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore him;
ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

Just Because It's Been a While

Honestly, I have been jumping into bed the second I leave the boy's for naps and bedtime, so there has been very little time for posting. Many have asked how I am feeling. Well, I can't complain too badly. I have felt worse, and I have felt better. Being pregnant is not fun for me. I hate waiting-I want my baby now. I have anxiety-I want at least a window to view my baby so that I know everything is okay (I get much better after I can feel movements). I have been hungry and thirsty-so thirsty- but can't find much that sounds or tastes good this week. I try to eat and drink and end up with horrible heartburn or feeling more nauseated than when I started. I am exhausted. Some days are better than others. This week was pretty good tired wise because Matt was home by 2 three days, and we had a nice relaxing weekend last weekend. Tomorrow he has to work, so I am hoping not to get too wiped out. On a positive note, I am still so excited about a new baby. I am starting to have a pretty prominent pooch in my belly (you may not notice, but I sure can tell!) which is exciting. Owen often points to my belly and asks "is the baby still in there?" He is very excited about the baby. He will sit on my lap at night and look at ultrasounds of babies our baby's age and then want to give our baby a kiss. He will lift up my shirt and plant a big one right on my belly button. It is extremely cute. Micah is pondering the whole baby thing. I know he really gets it this time because he has done this whole thing before. Today, while we were talking at breakfast about going to the pool, he asked, "Can babies get in the pool?" I said "sure" not knowing what was really on his mind. "Even really little ones like 0.01 year olds?" I realized he was probably concerned with what we were going to do next year about swimming. I assured him that by the time summer roles around, our baby will be plenty old enough to give the pool a try as long as I hold him, or put him in a float. So, I guess that is all the baby news. I am looking forward to when I feel better and can start feeling little flutters that make this all seem more real-shouldn't be too much longer.

And now some photos of our summer fun:

This is a frog loving boy. Matt found some frogs for him, we stuck them in the baby pool, and Owen scooped them up in his dump truck.

Lots of water. The boys love sprinklers, their new slip and slide, the hose, and the plastic baby pool. I love it because it requires very little entertaining on my part. I just get to stick my feet in the pool and watch them have a blast.

More Birthday Weekend Fun

My mom and granddad, Bill, came in town for vacation last weekend. They stayed at the Opryland Hotel, so we went out there on Friday night for dinner, to walk around, and to let the boys swim. As soon as we entered the hotel, Owen's face lit up. He started running and pointing excitedly at all the flowers and waterfalls. He couldn't run fast enough into Nana's arms when we got to the restaurant. One thing that is so strikingly different in the two boys is there reaction to new things. Owen just knows it is going to be so much fun, and even if it isn't that great, he sure makes you feel like it is. It is contagious. We often times find ourselves having more fun doing something just because Owen is enjoying it so much. I think that is one reason Micah loves to have him around when we go to new places. Micah doesn't know how to perceive new things. He gets shy, and a little closed off. He doesn't like the unknown or rushes of emotion, and having his happy-go-lucky brother there helps take the edge off. What a great match those two little ones are!

On Saturday, after golf and naps, we met my family again at Cock of the Walk restaurant. If you have never been there, take the drive and order a large plate of fried dill pickles. You won't be sorry-they are the best I have ever had. The boys were a little feisty, but Micah absolutely loved the food, and they had fun playing on the oversized rocking chair.

Sunday evening we had a small birthday party (at Micah's request-"I don't want it to be a lot of people"-we understand buddy, boy do we understand!) at Matt's parent's pool. Micah had fun splashing around, blowing out his candles, and opening his gifts. By this time, we were all so worn out from our busy weekend. The party was short and sweet and we went home to get some rest.

Notice the difference in Micah's and Owen's expression. He was so happy to see Nana, but you would never know by the stunned look on his face! Love it.

Making sure we had enough napkins!

Playing a game with Aunt Jessica. She has hung out with Owen at every one of Micah's birthday parties. Thanks Jessica for making Owen feel special!

The boys with both their great-granddads (Matt's paternal grandfather and my maternal grandfather). We were so happy they could come.

Saturday's Golf Trip

Last Saturday we took a family trip to a nine hole, par three golf course in Franklin for Micah's birthday.  He was so excited to go, and we were hoping that it would be everything he had hoped.  Well, I think it is safe to say that it was.  The place, The Little Course, was so accommodating.  They even let us use the golf cart as my grandfather wanted to come watch, but couldn't walk the course.  We didn't hear a complaint from Micah the entire 2 hours.  He had a blast.  He loved driving it down the fairway, hitting it onto the green, and then putting it in the hole.  The only thing he ever got upset about was when we tried to help him too much! Owen had a blast walking around, watching the birds, pretending to hit a few balls, and digging in the sand pits.  When we were finished, Micah said "now can we do holes 10-18?"  

Happy Birthday Micah!

Playing golf this weekend.  My big, handsome four-year-old!  
Celebrating with flan as a new three-year-old!
Playing at the park as a new two-year-old!
"Touchdown!" at 18 months.
So many presents, so little time at your first birthday party.  
Unwrapping all the presents under your first Christmas tree at six months.
Playing with Dada at three months. 
Sleeping soundly at a week old.  You slept all the time until 3 weeks.  Then you decided you might not want to ever sleep again.  Boy have we had a time training you to rest.  

My beautiful baby boy.  This was the day we brought you home from the hospital.  You were gorgeous and absolutely perfect.  You had such a pensive expression and we knew from the start you would be a thinker.  Oh for one more chance to hold you like this!  

Micah, we can't believe this day is here.  You were so excited to turn four.  I don't think you have slept much these past few days.  You were a little shy to come into my room this morning, but your face lit up after a big hug and a round of "Happy Birthday."  You couldn't wait to see what life was like as a four year old.  You were convinced that you could take bigger bites of your cereal.  I think you beat your record by one fruit loop!  We weighed you on the scale and did the math to see how much bigger you are today than the day you were born-  4.28 times as big!  We had a fun morning of playing Chutes and Ladders and then playing on the new slip and slide from Uncle Andy and Aunt Jessica.  We celebrated for dinner by going to eat Mexican-your all time favorite.  After gymnastics, we came home to open your birthday presents.  You were so excited to see the new (gently used) set of golf clubs that Dada picked out especially for you.  You said: "I did not know about these!  These are an awesome birthday present.  These are my very own golf clubs!"  After several shots in the backyard and promises to visit the golf course again soon, we coaxed you inside for a bath, some milk, and a few more gifts.  You got some new books, new shoes, and UNO.  You were very excited about a new game to play.  

Micah, we cannot express how proud we are of you.  We love you immensely.   You are so tenacious-you stop at nothing until you figure things out.  You can be so tenderhearted.  You love your brother to pieces and are always checking up on him.  You will often ask him to play with you, and you always want to be sure that he will be coming wherever we go.  This morning you said "I hear Owen, let's go get him up!"  I love your new interests.  You always pick a couple and really go with them.  Right now you are focused on golf and skipping rocks.  You told us yesterday that you wanted to be like Tiger Woods!  You have big goals and big dreams.  We are praying that the Lord will continue to grow you into a healthy boy who loves and trusts Him. We are praying that God will make you a leader that strives to bring glory to Him alone.  We are praying for you as a big brother, that you will help guide your siblings in a way that pleases the Lord.  We love you so much, Bubs and we are so happy you are four! 

A Recipe for You

We had the Myers over for dinner last night and I made this.  It is one of Matt's favorite dishes, but I thought I should write a little post about it so A. you can try it too. and B. so I could fill you in on some changes that I think really "kick it up a notch."  First, use any pasta you like.  I usually use mini penne or last night gemelli.  Second, I like to use sweet Italian turkey sausage.  The flavorings in the sausage really add a lot.  I also tend to double or triple the chicken broth and flour parts because it can be a bit dry otherwise.  I add a healthy pinch of herbs de provence to the vegetables.  I also use chicken stock instead of broth (kitchen basics makes a good one.) I also add more feta than called for.  It is a cooking light recipe, so I know they are trying to save fat, sodium etc.  So, just do whatever is best for your family.  I hope you get a chance to try it. It really is yummy!  

Birthday plans update:  Micah has been asking to play "real golf."  We got a 10:30 tee time for Saturday morning at The Little Course in Franklin.  It is a par three course that is supposedly great for juniors.  We are really excited about taking him.  I told him we might get a sitter for Owen, so we could just have a date with him by ourselves, and he instantly got sad and said "I want it to be Mama, Dada, Micah, AND Owen.  You got it buddy, Owen it is .  This melted my heart.  Owen truly is Micah's best bud.  We are going to gather with the family for a little pool party on Sunday evening, and I am going to make a chocolate cake with whipped mocha chocolate ganache frosting to go along with our pizza.   I am hoping it turns out okay because I am not sure I will be able to fit in a trial run!  

A Newsy Post

I figured I better get around to posting the big news in the Morrison house: I am pregnant! I think I have told most of you, but please don't be sad if you are finding out via blog. I really am having a rough time keeping my head on straight these days ;) I am a little over 7 weeks along and my approximate due date is Jan. 16th. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster the past few weeks. Hormones are crazy things. I am forgetful, antsy, sleepless and so tired at the same time, overwhelmed etc. Just to clarify, I am not yet feeling too overwhelmed about having a new baby, more just about getting daily chores done. I am tired and want to rest and things are backing up- I hate when things back up! I am emotional. I feel myself getting my feelings hurt for little to no reason, and getting a sudden urge to cry-sometimes about nothing, sometimes about something. Micah's birthday is coming up next week, and I still haven't decided what we are doing exactly. I had to order a bridesmaid dress for a wedding I will be in October. I had to make decisions based on a lot of unknowns-um like how big am I going to be. "Who knows!" is what I wanted to tell people, "but probably huge." I don't like making decisions anyway, but especially not when I have absolutely no idea what things will be like in October, or what dress will look good on a women entering her third trimester with her third child. I felt like today might be a good day for some blogging therapy. I have also been doing some inner housecleaning-taking inventory on some things, sorting through some thoughts and feelings I have been having. It is always hard to do this-taking stock of how am I glorifying the Lord with my life, do my actions even support this faith that I claim, how can I lose my patience so quickly with two boys that I love so deeply, where do these doubts, fears, and behaviors come from, why am I trying to put faith in my own faith and actions instead of resting in God's grace, and why is my faith so unpredictable? Some days things make so much sense, and other days I feel like I just have this head knowledge but don't know what to do with it. Does this make any sense? Do you ever feel this way? I was introducing Micah to a song on Saturday. I was sorting through a stack of CD's and found an old one by Caedmon's Call. I love the song Shifting Sand and played it for him. I realized, this is what I have been feeling the past couple of weeks. It reminded me that even though my faith is changed by every wave, the Lord and His grace have been there all the time. Here are the lyrics, and it really is a great song, you should consider downloading it!

Sometimes I believe all the lies

So I can do the things I should despise

And every day I am swayed

By whatever is on my mind

I hear it all depends on my faith

So I'm feeling precarious

The only problem I have with these mysteries

Is they're so mysterious

And like a consumer I've been thinking

If I could just get a bit more

More than my 15 minutes of faith,

Then I'd be secure

(Chorus)

My faith is like shifting sand

Changed by every wave

My faith is like shifting sand

So I stand on grace

I've begged you for some proof

For my Thomas eyes to see

A slithering staff, a leprous hand

And lions resting lazily

A glimpse of your back-side glory

And this soaked altar going ablaze

But you know I've seen so much

I explained it away

Waters rose as my doubts reigned

My sand-castle faith, it slipped away

Found myself standing on your grace

It'd been there all the time

Hopefully, I will be back soon with some fun birthday ideas for, did you miss it earlier, my almost four year old. Can you believe it? I know there are some of you who have been following us from the beginning. Can he really be 4? Talk about something to make a hormonal woman emotional. I am sure I will be taking some photo trips down memory lane this week for your viewing pleasure.