Everyday Tomatoes

I love and I mean *LOVE* my boys' pediatrician!! I don't know where to begin. Last night Mark came down with croup and I grabbed the nebulizer and started the epi-treatment. He went right back to sleep and slept peacefully all night long. Could it be that easy? When I was prompted to come up with my Everyday Tomato guess where my thoughts went? Yep, you guessed it, Dr. Dershewitz!!!

• When they have been sick with croup -- he's there to treat it.
• When I have called at 11pm because a fever struck Matt -- he's there.
• When both boys had rotavirus in April and I was a basketcase -- his staff was there to help.
• When we go for wellness check ups -- he comes in with a smile and surprises.
• When we leave guess what is all over Matt -- STICKERS!
• When Mark's ear were not clearing -- he was quick with a referral to an ENT.

There is a sense of security when you have a pediatrician on top of things. One day I made a joke asking if I could take him home!!! The offer still stands...

Christian Women Online

Darlene, editor from Christian Women Online's blogroll, posted an encouraging word and added my blog as well. It never ceases to amaze me how God joins believers together even though our journeys differ. I am blessed to have blessed her. ENJOY!!!

Morning Interview

It's 7am and Steve is getting ready to leave for work. Lori wakes up to the bedroom door opening. It's Matt, who is feeling better by the way, and he crawls in bed.

MATT: Morning, Mom. Did you have a nice sleep?

LORI: Yes, I slept ALL NIGHT LONG, thank you. How about you?

MATT: I am stuffed up, but I slept all night long too.

Lori sighs with a "thank God" tone. Matt looks at Steve and Lori's wedding photo framed on our dresser.

MATT: Mom, when were you and Dad married?

LORI: 1995

MATT: Well, that photo should be in black and white!

LORI: (laughing) It's not that old.

MATT: When did you meet Dad?

LORI: 1990

MATT: I was born in 2000 and Mark was born in 2005.

LORI: That's right. You know you are very smart.

MATT: (with confidence) Yep, I know.

Wordless Wednesday

Works For Me: Snoozes

My thoughts are jumbled this morning as I try to think of a weekly tip that will make life easier. My older son started a cold yesterday which turned into a fever with that nasty barking cough -- yep, you got it, CROUP!! He's on top of his inhalers and hopefully we'll be over another illness hump soon enough. I hate it when my kids are sick, especially during the summer. Just praying my 1-year old is protected...

Ok, now back to WFMW: Daytime naps!!! (How timely, huh?) When I am lacking nighttime sleep from let's say *a sick child* it helps to forego the dishes in the sink for some much needed shut-eye. I find my attitude is better and I can think clearer -- especially when life gets so demanding!

"Mom, I need water!" My son is calling for me now. Nurse Lori to the rescue...

Friendly Neighbor or Nuisance?

Last week on Thursday we were greeted by a red tail hawk on our house’s chimney. Stan, our beloved next-door neighbor, met us outside as we watched this enormous bird make himself comfortable. For two hours I heard his squeals echo down our chimney into the living room. At first we thought, “How cool!” Then the noise wore out its welcome and we were longing for this bird to leave.

Since then we have found a family of three red tail hawks in a high tree near our subdivision. Other neighbors are sharing stories about these birds hunting down squirrels and leaving the carcass on their driveways/sidewalks. GROSS!! So what started out as a wild experience seeing a great bird in our typical subdivision has become a neighborhood nuisance. They travel from one chimney to the next while robins follow them like groupies looking for their next animal of prey. Will this ever end??? I do not need a carcass-surprise at our front door!!!

First Steps

This weekend Mark hit a huge milstone: WALKING!! However I am not sure we are ready for his explorations, tumbles, and falls. Watching him pull up, get his balance, and let go for the few steps he attempts is too cute. After he plops back on his bottom, he claps with such pride, then he's ready to do it all over again. What a big boy he is!

It is interesting that through our children we learn our own lessons in life. Adventures in Babywearing posted a similar experience. With Mark's first steps, plus falls, he is quick to pick himself up and ready to do it again. How does fear strike you when you need to get up again when life knocks you down? The unknown can intimidate anyone!! Rejection sets in and we feel trying will only produce another dissappointment. But God says something different:

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord'' Psalm 112:7

Be encourgaged that you can get back up again, start over, and God will be there. He loves you and designed a plan that is unique and special for YOU!!!

Funny Birth Announcement

During my free time this Sunday afternoon, I came across this in Baby Talk Magazine by Melissa Balmain (June/July 2006). Enjoy the laughs and maybe some unwanted memories:

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

IT'S A BABY!!!

(and a mom!)

BORN: Jordan McDermott Adams

GAVE BIRTH: Karen McDermott Adams

DATE: March 3, 2006 (Yes, it took Karen months to get around to ordering announcements. So sue her.)

WEIGHT: The baby is 7lbs 12oz. As for mom, let's see: She's eating 500 extra calories a day for breastfeeding, plus half a pound of chocolate to stay awake, plus all the lasagna her friends can cook. You do the math!

EYES: Baby's blue/Mom's bloodshot

HAIR: Baby's brown/Mom's unwashed since last Tuesday and falling out by the handful.

LENGTH: Practically forever -- at least 26 hours of labor, plus 3 hours of pushing. And that's not counting those eight visits to the hospital the week before, when Karen thought she was in labor but it was really Braxton Hicks; or the half hour after the baby came out, when her OB kept doing things "down there" that are best not thought about...

OH, and the baby was 21 inches!

SEX: Never again!!

Everyday Things

Starbucks is a must when I am out running errands. If there is one on the way to my destination, I am there ordering my caramel macchiato or vanilla latte. Until...

I stumbled across this chai latte mix called Chamba Chai!!! It is my everyday "spa in a mug". I drink a cup every morning and it honestly puts a smile on my face that says "ready to start the day". What a cheesy commercial that would be! It helped my addiction to Starbuck's drinks dwindle, which also helps my budget as well.

Let's have a morning toast to Chamba Chai -- my drink that makes my everyday!!!

Two Things...

Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing tagged me. If you have stumbled upon this meme, consider yourself TAGGED as well!!! Here we go:

Two names you go by:
1. Lori
2. Mommy

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Brown "romantic" shirt
2. Capris jeans

Two things you really want in a relationship:
1. Integrity
2. Humor

Two things you want really badly:
1. Healthy family
2. To know Christ more

Two pets you have/had:
1. Hermit crabs when I was little my brothers owned
2. A turtle named Fred in grade school

Two favorite sports:
1. Summer Olympics
2. Football

Two people that will fill this out:
1. Mother's that have time
2. Women without kids!!!

Two things you did last night:
1. Made dinner for my parents and father-in-law
2. Celebrated my baby, Mark's, 1st birthday

Two favorite places to eat:
1. Steak/seafood
2. Italian

Two things you like about yourself:
1. Hospitable
2. Friendly

Two things you ate lately:
1. Tuna salad
2. Side salad

Two people you last talked to:
1. Matthew
2. My friend, Kristi

Two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. Laundry
2. Maybe head to the park

Two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Easter

Works for Me: Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface

Ok, I am not big on product endorsements, but I just LOVE this stuff!! After a day of childhood visitors or just everyday use, I just spray this stuff and walk away. I use it on my baby's high chair, refrigerator, all the hard surface toys, and much much more!! I have a bottle in every bathroom and in the kitchen. It definitely makes my life easier knowing areas in my home are disinfected -- especially when an illness strikes (aka the dreaded stomach flu virus).

Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface -- works for me and my family's health!!!

On This Day...

As I sat in bed this morning I reflected back on June 21, 2005 when I gave birth in the wee hours of the morning and woke up to the nurse saying, "Ok, Lori, I think little Mark is hungry again." I was waiting for Steve and my other son, Matthew, to arrive. This was Matthew's first time seeing his little brother and you can see the gleam on his face!

"Mom, he is so beautiful! Mom, you are so beautiful! I love you and baby Mark."

"Lori, Mark looks just like your dad. Look at that long forehead!"

"UGH, Mark is STILL not latching on!!!"

"Wait, how am I supposed to feed both kids and give them baths?"

"He's my little boo-boo!!!!"

"It is possible to get both boys in bed at the same time!"

"Wake up, Mark, gotta get your brother from preschool."

"Wake up, Mark, gotta run to Matt's t-ball practice."

"Oh no, do you have ANOTHER cold!"

"Lori, I think Mark would be a good candidate for ear tubes."

Back in bed I think, "How did a year go by so fast?" Then I look forward to years ahead: family vacations, brother "sleep overs", and more.

Happy Birthday, Mark!! We look forward to many years together!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEVE!!

Today Steve celebrates his 36th birthday. He took the day off to spend a relaxing day at home. Nothing is better than family time!!!

Happy Father's Day

"Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." Bill Cosby

Even though this site attracts women's interest, we all need to be thankful for the dedication and hard work our husbands do on a daily basis. It is easy for jealously to set in when my husband is so lucky to leave the home and work with adults -- or so I think! The pressure to provide and protect this home is a heavy burden I would never want. I guess wiping messy mouths and making meals isn't so bad after all, huh? As busy as Steve is with his job, his heart's desire is to be home. My children are fortunate to have a daddy that spends time with them.

So from manicuring the lawn to fixing the toilets to stopping those obnoxious squeaks to playing catch with our sons -- FATHERS, TODAY WE SALUTE YOU!!!

Italian Beef Crock-Pot Style

I received a comment requesting I share my Italian Beef Recipe from my ABC Meme. Your wish is granted!! I make this for parties and company. Its also a good idea to let meat cook overnight for an after-church lunch.

3-5 lb rump roast
1 large onion; sliced
1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing (not bottle, but dry in the packets)
1 green bell pepper; sliced
3 beef bullion cubes
1 jar sliced pepperocinis (mild or hot -- your preference)

Put the rump roast, sliced onions, Good Seasons dressing, sliced green bell peppers, and bullion cubes in the crock pot. Add water until it covers 1/4 - 1/2 of meat. Turn crock pot on low and let cook for 8-10 hours.

Take meat out and shred with fork (should be VERY tender and easy to do). Put shredded meat back into the crock pot with juices, then add the pepperocinis. Enjoy on kaiser sub rolls (regular sub rolls can get too soggy).

Works For Me: BEDTIME 8 o'clock

This Works For Me Wednesday sounds like a no-brainer, but seriously, I would not remain sane if I didn't stick with my kids' 8 o'clock bedtime routine. Now some nights, especially during the summer months, this time gets stretched, but I try to remain consistent. After a long day of "kid work" it is refreshing to spend time with my husband or do whatever I want to do for a change. We usually like to watch a movie and make popcorn or cookies -- sshh, don't tell our kids!!

8 o'clock bedtime: works for me and my sanity and keeping my marriage solid!!

Do You Know My ABC's?

Reflecting Him conjured up another meme -- this time it goes A...B...C...D...

1. Accent: Midwest with a touch of Indiana-twang
2. Bible Book I Like: John and Romans
3. Chore I Hate: Cleaning the bathroom!
4. Dog or Cat: Neither - not really a pet lover
5. Essential Electronics: COMPUTER!!
6. Favorite Cologne: Not a perfume wearer, but I love bath products with mint and vanilla. My hubby doesn't even wear cologne!
7. Gold or Silver: Gold
8. Handbag I Carry Most Often: When it's not my diaper bag I have a variety of different ones.
9. Insomnia: No - too tired from a day full of errands and kids!
10. Job Title: Full-time Mom
11. Kids: Matthew (5) Mark (almost 1)
12. Living Arrangements: Two-story home in suburbia with my husband of almost 11 years and two sons.
13. Most Admirable Trait: Hospitality and compassion
14. Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: On my school report card my teachers always wrote "Talks too much during class."
15. Overnight Hospital Stays: Two - when I gave birth to my boys.
16. Phobias: BUGS!!!
17. Quote: I am not big on many quotes, but anything from Proverbs is good at dishing out wisdom
18. Religion: Following Christ and making him Lord!
19. Siblings: Two older brothers
20. Time I Wake Up: Depends on when my rooster, Matt, gets up. Mark is the sleeper and doesn't get me out of bed until after 8am.
21. Unusual Talent/Skill: Juggling. Does changing a diaper while the child is standing count?
22. Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Brussel Sprouts
23. Worst Habit: Chewing the side of my mouth
24. X-Rays: Besides yearly dental films I did have pictures taken of my arm when I broke it at age 3 (do I remember that?)
25. Yummy Stuff I Cook: I make a good Italian beef!!
26. Zoo Animal I Like: Anything from the monkey family. They are SO funny!!!

Two More Weeks Until Toddlerhood

I am trying to comprehend how a year went by so fast. Maybe it was Matt busy with preschool? Maybe it was because we were dealing with so many illnesses I wasn't sure if we would make it through? Maybe it was trying to adjust to making time for a 5-year old's wishes and still caring for a baby's needs at the same time?

Whatever it is all I know is that my baby, Mark, will be a year old June 21st and just like *that* (with a snapping sound) he will venture into toddlerhood. Am I ready??? We'll see...

Works For Me: Bibs with Pouches!!

From catching what doesn't go in my 1 year old's mouth to craft time messes, these bibs are a lifesaver when it comes to clean up. The other day Mark had a hay-day with our dinner: SPAGHETTI!! As you can see his face was covered with sauce and noodles. The bib's pouch was full of extra stuff as well. But when he was finished he cleaned up very well with little on his clothes. Bibs with pouches -- WORKS FOR ME!!

Summer Days

Ah - the wonderful days of summer!! I am excited for longer days, walks to our neighborhood's park, and pools. Next Monday Matthew starts day camp which is a great way for him to spend time with friends and get outside (pictured to the left is one buddy, Matthew).

As you can see Mark is joining in on summer fun! Although he is not fond of the sprinkler OR sitting in the grass. As we say, "It's like a cat going in water." HA! It is great not worrying about the cold wind chills or jackets. He spends most days barefoot. Is there anything cuter than baby's feet?

Another plus about summer is entertaining friends. Steve and I are always up for company and cook-outs. It has only gotten more fun since our friends are having kids. Watching all our children play is an image we cherish -- there is nothing better!

We hope your summer season brings memories and lots family fun!!

A Spiritual Meme

Reflecting Him posted this spiritual meme. Now here is mine:

1. What is your life verse? I made Jesus lord of my life when I read John 14 & 15. These two chapters are drenched in God's love and His purpose in sending Jesus -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life!!
2. Give a bit of your testimony: Where do I begin? I was born into a Godly family, but like most people I enjoyed the tastes of the world. This included drugs, excessive drinking, and looking for self worth in all the wrong places. It only lead to distruction until I made Jesus Lord. Depsite my failings He picked me up, made me new, and in turn I had to allow Him to be the Potter -- a decision I never regret!!! I have been serving the Lord for 13 years and counting...
3. Do you have a favorite preacher/teacher? My local church's pastors are wonderful! I also enjoy listening to Charles Stanley and James Dobson.
4. What is the best bible study you've ever done: NaviPress Life Change Series are excellent!! I have completed Ephesians, James, Romans, and 1 Peter. WOW -- how the Word can change a way of life!!
5. What do you feel is God's calling in your life? REFLECTING HIM IN DAILY LIVING!! That sums about everything I put my hand to.