Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Writing implements

Avery is very observant. She doesn't miss a thing. Chad and I have caught her doing just about anything to mimic us. She has noticed how we write with pens or pencils and always wants to do the same. We gave in and let her carry around a click-top pen that we didn't think she could open. I think we have underestimated her.

This morning, I gave her the pen and she pretended to write on a book. In a split second, she managed to open the pen. Not only was she writing on the book, but she had also drawn all over her legs. I quickly took the pen away—leaving her thrashing about on the floor—and got out the video camera.

I dug out some crayons for her to try. I thought she'd love them since they're colorful. We did a little bit of drawing together on a legal pad, but she just wanted to put them back in the box.

When she lost interest and moved along to playing with her blocks, I thought I was in the clear. But Avery dug out one of the crayons and tried to draw on every toy she had. I either need more cleaning products or a safer writing implement.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

The MySpace Vortex

Some of you may be wondering what has happened to us lately. MySpace. I got sucked in. I'm not sure how it happened, but I'm addicted.

A few days ago, my brother John told me that he found Hanna, our Austrian exchange student from 1996/97, on MySpace. So I got on his page to see what they'd been talking about and to read up on her. I got curious and started searching for old friends from grade school. It was so bizarre to see how many people are on MySpace.

The strangest part for me, though, was learning how little discretion some people have on there. They feel the freedom to use words they'd never use in public -- maybe just assuming that their parents, church friends, potential employers, whomever, may never see it.

I started subscribing to the newspaper last week. A few days ago, I found an article about how some people aren't getting jobs they interview for simply because their potential employers looked them up on MySpace and didn't like what they saw. They've thrown away the value of their education and experience by posting stupid pictures or saying crass things. I honestly believe that comments other people post on your profile can be harmful to your reputation, too.

So as far as I'm concerned, at least for now, I'm keeping a close eye on what ends up on there.

And by the way, the newness will wear off soon, so I'll be back to blogging more regularly.

Monday, March 05, 2007

I'm an aunt!

My niece, Caroline Marie Streling, was born Saturday afternoon in Huntsville, AL. She is so beautiful! She was born at 3:55 p.m. and was 8 lbs., 8 oz., and 20 inches long. Julie was a powerhouse and did great during the delivery. She and Shawn are going to be great parents. I'll post pictures later. I took plenty!

When babies are born, I can't help but be overwhelmed with the responsibility that God has given us to raise a child of His. He entrusted us with the job of housing His little workshop where He knitted our children together in our womb. He formed us all from nothing and His plan for us is perfect. I am in awe. It makes everything else seem so petty and insignificant.

On another note, Chad's parents told us they were ready for us to have more kids. Wow! Didn't see that one coming!