Is this Heaven?

No, it's Grandma's...

Friday Randoms

It's been a while since I've done a random post, so here goes...

• I've been busy working on the boys' rooms the last few weeks.  We've had Jacob's big-boy bedding since April (April!) but have been slow in renting a truck to get his mattress.  Our laziness paid off because in that time, my dad bought a huge tank of a Yukon, so we ended up not needing to rent anything.  Jacob's room is looking good.  I'm still on the hunt for a mirror above his dresser and then his room will be finished except for a few accessories.  The baby's room is turning out awesome!  The navy, white, grey-blue and orange looks so modern and has such a different feel than Jacob's room, which is exactly what I wanted. 

• Do yourself a favor and make this salad:

• Last week, I had a phone interview with a different university to teach an intro to health professions class.  I'm advancing in their hiring process and have submitted more paperwork, so I hope to hear more soon.  Not super excited about the prospect of a new baby AND a new job simultaneously, but I've been looking to pick up an additional class for a while now, and if this is the right time, I'll just figure it out.  The goal is that if one school doesn't have work for me, the other will.

(I hope I didn't just jinx that by writing about it!)

• Frank fished another bunny out of our window well this week.  It was a teeny-tiny little guy!  Frank's plan was to open the basement window, put it in a box, and carry it outside... well, it refused to go in the box... so Frank emerges from the basement holding a squealing little bunny by its hind legs!  That was our entertainment for the evening.

• My phone finally bit the dust.  Totally dead.  Won't even turn on.  I'm excited to get a new phone and retire this one to some sort of phone museum.

• We've started a new Friday tradition at our house of watching a movie in bed after bath time.  Usually, it only involves about 30 minutes of some cars-related movie on Netflix, but Jacob thinks its great and occasionally, we even get a snuggle from our non-snuggly child!

Dancing in the Minefields

This morning we had a guest speaker at church, not normally something I enjoy, but this guy was pretty cool.  To make a long story short, he said that he had officiated at his daughter's wedding last month and had read the lyrics to Dancing in the Minefields.  I'd never heard the song before, but the lyrics totally made me cry.  (Well, ok, everything makes me cry these days!)

It is such a different picture on marriage and staying together because of the promise you made to each other than what is portrayed in typical love songs.

I thought about the 3 weddings we've been to this summer; 3 of our cousins starting their married lives together.

I thought about us.  How awesome it is to find someone who you know will be there through thick and thin and whom you love more because of the things you go through together.

The video is below, and I'm also posting the lyrics in case you don't want to listen to the whole thing.

Enjoy.




***
Well I was 19 you were 21
The year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much to young
But we did it anyway
We got the rings for 40 each from a pawn shop down the road
We said our vows and took the leap now 15 years ago

Chorus:
We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for

Well 'I do' are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I've heard is a good place to begin
Cause the only way to find your life is to lay your own life down
And I believe it's an easy price for the life that we have found

Chorus:
And we're dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise was for
That's what the promise is for

Bridge:
So when I lose my way, find me
When I lose loves chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith
to the end of all my days
when I forget my name, remind me

Cause we bear the light of the son of man
So there's nothing left to fear
So I'll walk with you in the shadow lands
Till the shadows disappear
Cause he promised not to leave us
And his promises are true
So in the face of this chaos baby
I can dance with you

Chorus:
So lets go dancing in the minefields
Lets go sailing in the storms
Oh lets go dancing in the minefields
And kicking down the doors
Oh lets go dancing in the minefields
And sailing in the storms
Oh this is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise if for
That's what the promise is for

***

Lunchtime Concerts

When I hear people say there's nothing to do in Bloomington-Normal, it always surprises me.  Both Frank and I grew up in small towns, and we're so happy to be raising our family in an area that is small-ish enough to run into friends on the street yet large enough to have lots of opportunities for us and our boys.  Maybe because we grew up in small towns, we try to take advantage of as many fun things as we can.  Plus, I'm easily entertained, so there isn't much that I'll discount as being "boring."

The park district here is amazing.  There are so many activities and classes and free events for both kids and adults, and one event that we enjoy is the lunchtime concert series.  Each Wednesday from 11:30-1, they host a different band at a park shelter uptown, and people can come for free and listen.

A few weeks ago before this last heat wave, Jacob and I packed our PB&Js and decided to check them out.  The atmosphere was really fun because there were a lot of different people from little kids to college students to business people on lunch break, and the music got everyone into a chill, summer vibe.

We sat in the shade on our little blanket.  Jacob thinks eating outside is pretty cool anyway, and he was really getting into the music.

After he was done eating, he decided to play his "horn," too!

It was a fun way to break up our day!

Baby Bear

So many people have asked if Jacob knows he's going to be a big brother.  I know he knows... that something is happening.

He talks about baby brother and says that he will give baby brother a bottle and change his diapers.  (Yeah, right!)  He knows that baby brother will cry sometimes, and he also knows that lots of changes have been happening in the former storage room, which will be baby brother's room.

Last week, I was spending a lot of time in baby brother's room hanging curtains, doing laundry, switching around furniture and accessories, so of course, my little shadow was right on my heels.  He brought a bunch of cars with him, but then started to get interested in all the new stuff laying around.

So we wrapped a stuffed bear in a blanket and he kept himself busy giving the bear a bottle, burping him, and getting him in and out of the crib!  Jacob is the kid who never really played with stuffed animals (other than Mimi, his dolphin and BFF) and treats dolls like creepy aliens, so to see him interact with the bear was pretty funny.

He loved it when I told him the bear was crying and needed a bottle or a paci.  He was also more than happy to test the (empty) bottle and the paci (below) for quality assurance purposes.  I think by this time, he was also reading the baby bear a story.  

If he does as well with his real baby brother, that would be amazing!

A Friday State of Mind

This sums up my husband's philosophy on life:

It does look like a pretty fun place to be right now... Happy Friday!

Out of the Mouths...

Well, it's happened just like everyone said it would.  First, we couldn't get Jacob to talk and now we can't get him to STOP!  He uses words like, "absolutely," and "delicious," and he jibber-jabbers about cars all.  day.  long.  Sometimes, I just want quiet!  He does crack us up with some of the things he comes up with, though.

Here are some of the best ones from the last few days...


J- We have to turn on the heat because it's hot.
Me- You mean the air conditioning?
J- No.  Heat is hot. (Then gives me a look like I have no idea what I'm talking about.)

I don't want dinner, Mama.  I only need chocolate pie.  Just pie, thank you.

I can't go to Grandma Donna's because I can't go to Grandma Donna's because I'm home.

It's hot like the desert, and that wind is blowin' my hair off.

Me- Can you sing the alphabet song?
J- No, I can't and don't ask me to do that.

We in a alligator!  (He meant "elevator.")

Me-  Night, I love you.
J- Night.  I love Mimi.  (his stuffed dolphin)

(Next morning) Me:  Did Mimi have a good sleep?
J-  I don't know.  I'll look for clues.

As I'm singing "Old McDonald," he suggests an armadillo, a hippo, and a giraffe should be on the farm.  I tell him I don't know what sounds those animals make.  "That's really too bad,"  he replies.

and my personal favorite:


I a funny dude!

Nursery Sneak Peek

Finally!  The nursery is going from mint green to blue and blue-er.  I'm excited to see this first coat painted!

From where the blue leaves off to the top of the woodwork on the windows, we'll have a white stripe the same width as the baseboard.  Then, there will be a lighter blue above the white stripe.

Hopefully by the end of the week, we'll even get the crib set up!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-chia!

We have jumped on the bandwagon with the latest superfood craze- chia seeds!  Chia seeds are a "superfood" because they deliver maximum benefits for a minimum number of calories.  


Chia seeds (Salvia Hispanica) originate in Latin America and were an important part of the Aztec and Mayan diets because of their ability to fuel the warriors for an extended period of time.  The word "chia" is actually derived from the Mayan word meaning "strength."  


We became interested in chia seeds because they are supposed to be great for runners.  Although there are several websites with recipes for chia seeds, we just eat a tablespoon of plain seeds each day.  They taste very mild, kind of like how I would imagine birdseed tastes.  


So what are some of the benefits of chia seeds?

1. Supports Heart Health
   Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
   
2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar
   Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy.
   
3. Energizing
   Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
   
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
   A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
   
5. Weight Loss
   The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.
   
6. Detoxification and Elimination
   Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
   
7. High Quality Protein
   Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.
   
8. Antioxidants
   Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid - contributing to a long shelf life.
   
9. Provides Fiber and Other Nutrients
   Besides EFAs, Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. 2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3
   
10. Brain Power
    EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration).

(Source)


Pretty cool, huh?  No wonder the health food store in town keeps running out of them! 


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Additional Sources:
Here  and 
Here

Weekend Recap

On Saturday, we got ready bright and early to watch Frank run his first 5k.  It was a 5k for Orphans, sponsored by our church and held at a local park.  Fortunately, the race began at 8:30, so it wasn't really hot yet.

(Pre-race = not sweaty)

In addition to the 5k, there was also a 1k walk and a kids fun run.  According to the website, there were 550 total participants!

He finished in the top third of his age division and top third overall.  He puts a lot of time and effort into training, and it paid off!  I was so proud of him!  Here he is a few seconds after crossing the finish line.

On Sunday, we went to church.  There isn't anything monumental about that other than I found a cute button down for Jacob on sale at Children's Place, and this was the first time he wore it with his little khaki shorts.  I'm sure he was the cutest little boy in the 2-Ladybugs Sunday School class!

We ended up going over to our neighbors by late afternoon, kind of spur-of-the moment.  They have a 4-year-old boy, a 2-year-old boy (who is 11 days younger than Jacob), and their third little boy is due in a week and a half!  The kids played in the backyard until we got too hot and moved the party inside.  We had grilled brats and sweet corn, and I brought some pasta salad and fruit. It was a very laid-back evening.  Since two of their kids will be almost identical in age to ours, it's always fun to get together with them and swap survival stories!