"Julie's Favorite Things"

I have two words this Christmas season. 1. Parchment paper and  2. standing mixer.  O.k. so that is four words, but you get the idea.  For years I've watched Martha Stewart and quietly loved her and hated her, all at the same time.  Did I really need to be so detailed, I thought? And, why does she always look so relaxed as she belts out a two page cake recipe?   I always justified my lack of neatness and creativity to the fact that she 'did all of that as a full time job'.  I lived in the real world , I couldn't possibly pull off the things she did or made, and I surely didn't need a fancy KitchenAid or waste my money on paper. Well, I broke down the other day and thought I'd try the parchment paper, just to see if it'd really save me time and frustation.  Yes ma'am!  How wonderful to not burn my cookies or have to scrap the pans.  And, Brian brought home a Kitchen Aid standing mixer a few weeks ago, because he knew I'd talked about wanting one.  WOW!  I can't believe I didn't register for this thing, when we got married!  It was so nice .  I could actually leave it on and walk to the other counter for a minute and I never broke a sweat or got a cramp in my hand. Glorious day in the Borges kitchen!
So ladies, if you've been holding out just to save a few dollars or think you're a "pioneer woman" and don't need a fancy pants standing mixer, like I did.  ( Or, if you are already a kitchen diva and I've been using these wonderful items for years).   Then, give yourself a break and just do it.  If we lived in a third world country, that would be one thing.  But, 'hey, we're here and might as well enjoy a few luxuries in life.  Don't ya think?

Thank Heaven for little boys

So, this is out of order chronologically with the events of our family life, this past week.  However, I couldn't help but blog about it, especially so I don't forget such an awesome moment. 
On Saturday morning, out of the blue, David tells me that he talked to Jesus today. I, of course, asked him again because I thought I had heard wrong but he explained that he indeed had talked to Jesus that morning.  When I asked him what he talked to Him about, he said he thought he had seen monsters and he started talking to Jesus.  Jesus told him that he shouldn't be afraid, and that He would be his friend, 'all day long'.  This fabulous moment opened the door for more discussion and encouragement to call on Jesus for all things. He has been questioning baptism a lot lately.  I guess because he comes into church with us occasionally and has witnessed believers baptism a few times. I definitely don't feel equipped to make him understand the whole process but just to be able to have discussions with him about it is very neat and I know in time his understanding with increase naturally.

 It overwhelms me that God trusts me enough to be responsible for teaching and guiding this little 4 year old. What is so cool about it though, is as we say the prayers with him and recite scripture, God does all of the rest.  There is security knowing that ultimately David's salvation is not up to me or Brian but we are to lead him under the direction of Yahweh and trust that the seeds we plant will be sown into a foundation of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 

Fall Fun

One of our new traditions in October  is going to the Coon Hollow corn maze.  Apparently this is the second year and it has grown tremendously with new activities and amenities, since last year.  The concept is so simple and given the resources, this family has taken their many acres and grown some corn and added a few little buildings for food and selling jams and pumpkins and 'Viola!', you have a fun family activity for fall.  The kids usually spend some time climbing on the stack of hay bales and take a ride in the barrels.  But, their favorite thing to do is run through the corn maze with their daddy.  He makes it much more exciting than I do and this year I had Reagan and a nauseous belly so we sat out.  Overall, it was a really enjoyable day and it always gets me in the mood for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Typically, I feel pressured as Halloween creeps up on me.  For some reason I have to work hard to come up with costume ideas and I make it more of big deal than it deserves.  Neither David or Daniel would dress up last year and of course Reagan can't put up a fight.  But, this year I was determined to go all out and head to our big church event, Trunk or Treat.  After a few discussions and persuasion, David decided to be Buzz Lightyear and Daniel would be Bob the Builder.  Thankfully, the consignment store came to my rescue and Reagan was a lion.  So, off to church we go.......Sunday afternoon, after waking up from naps and a long day all ready.......David was a good sport, motivated by candy ( he was convinced that he wouldn't get any, unless he was dressed up). Daniel, on the other hand had a melt down from the moment he woke up and refused to wear his outfit. (he still got candy ;)  Reagan was very happy about his ferocious get-up but he went through with it and was cute as can be.  The evening was fun, energy (sugar)packed and probably not worth the late night but in this world of childhood memories, it had to be done.  A special  thank you to my sweet, patient husband who helped the effort every step of the way.  muuaaah!!

More progress day by day

This past week, Reagan turned 11months old.  This is significant to me, because he is not one yet and can still feel like my baby.  Since my last post of him at 9 months, he's decided to crawl for real.  Now, no more worm action. He moves fast too, I am afraid he's going to get a rug burn scooting from one side of the living room to the next.  He's pulling up on things and standing, especially in his crib.  He acts like he's the coolest kid around because he can stand up- it's so sweet too because usually he's blabbering or saying momma until I dont' answer, then he starts calling dada.  For some reason, I am not too excited about his first birthday.  I know it'll be exciting, because it's supposed to be, but it is so huge- he'll be one, never to be a baby again.  I was craddling him in my arms yesterday and realized, he was almost too big for that already.  What an incredible journey the first year is. There are so many changes and accomplishments and yet each year will unfold like that, as long as we have them.  His blue eyes still amaze me and his toothy grin can light up the world.  Changing his diaper, however, takes 4-point restraints.  He tries to roll over and won't allow you to put his diaper on or snap his britches, I am usually out of breath once I finish with him. It's ridiculous but he thinks it's hysterical. He is already into the boys trucks and gets in their way, but David and Daniel are so kind to him and actually play with him to help me out when I am making dinner. He is eating some solids now, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, nilla wafers and puffs.  It freaks Brian out because he likes to put the whole wafer in his mouth and suck on it.  His birthday is right around the corner and the expectations are high, that he'll be walking.  I know this isn't fair, but it seems right because the other boys were walking at 10.5 months.  We'll see.  I'll try not to be too disappointed but I plan to practice with him until then.  
Speaking of the other boys, David has started pre-K officially and going everyday to school.  Some days are only mornings and I pick him up for lunch but the other days he stays like usual until I wake up from post-call. He seems to be more comfortable in his shell and making friends. His "best friend' right now is Elijah. I thought this was really cool until I realized that Elijah is always saying "holy crap" and I thought 'well that doesn't seem like something you'd here from Elijah'.  So, we're working on that.  It is a difficult process teaching David and Daniel how to stand apart from others, at such a young age.  I give David credit for trying though.  We talk about praying for the kids at school, if they aren't nice or say bad words and they both are learning to walk away from confrontation.  It really tugs on my heart though when I realize that someone has hurt their feelings or David said to me the other day, in response to me saying, 'you should pray for him'.  He said "well, he doesn't pray for me'. And I thought, what a difficult concept to grasp at 4 years old but he is getting it more than I realize and I know the wheels are turning, with the seed that we are planting, and thankfully God will do the rest.
Daniel's been going in the mornings with David. They didn't want to be separated. They are in different "curriculum" classes but for play time, the 3's and 4's are combined, so they get to be together and they both really seem to like that. A few days after his 3rd birthday, he decided to go to bed without his pacifier. I almost wanted to find it for him, but I caught myself and he's made it without it ever since.  His maturity level is definitely not up to David's and he's into throwing temper tantrums lately, so he's getting more spankings than David. Yes, we're one of those "types of families" but these boys, it's necessary and effective.
The mornings are nice to have with only Reagan and know the kids are learning.  God seems to be taking care of things at their school.  I've been happy with the new teachers and director and have seen more church member involvement, which is encouraging.  I feel a little guilty taking them to "school" each morning, but they seem to like it and it is helpful.  I think if I didn't work, I'd really guilty but those few hours in the morning are about the only moments to myself and I am trying to make the most of them.  I actually was able to read my Bible three days in a row last week.

So, life is moving along.....fast.  But it is so sweet these boys make it worth it.

Daniel turns 3

Another birthday, another year. Another wonderful reason to celebrate. Daniel is 3 today! (Well, September 29th to be exact)  A little rougher around the edges but for the most part a joyful three year old.  I have definitely seen the feistiness come out over the past year and he really likes to stir things up.  He gets the biggest delight out of taking things from David and letting him chase after him, crying- like the world has come to an end. (Feisty).  He burps at the table and loves to gargle his juice.  (Feisty). He runs through the house naked, yelling at the top of his lungs; obviously showing off his manhood with pride. (Feisty). This feisty boy however, has the softest, sweetest kisses and shows his tender side when he's sleeping quietly enjoying the comfort of his pacifer (I haven't had the heart to take it away cold turkey), and still on occasion will ask to "hold me".   He potty trained almost without any intervention and has been sporting his undies for a few months now. 
He knows four Bible verses and almost always asks to say grace at meals.  He loves going to "school" (day care) and his Sunday and Wednesday classes at church. He's not very shy and will try just about anything.  We went to the springs for the first time and he jumped off the tree swing without hesitation and has learned to drive their 2 speed tractor like a pro.
He celebrated his birthday with dinosaur cupcakes at school and a spaghetti dinner with grandma and papa Stalnaker that evening.  And, more cake.  He got a new bike but isn't interested in riding it but will wear his helmet when we go for walks.  He carried his #3 candle around the house for the whole week and seemed to enjoy his glorious moment when he blew it out, realizing that he was a new number now.   He still thinks his birthday is going on, because he is still getting cards in the mail and wants to eat cake and ice cream after every meal. 

                                                        Showing off his new fireman boots. These boys have been
                                                        5 pairs of boots since they started walking! The walkway he's
                                                        standing on, Brian made when he was doing cement in the pole barn.
                                                        All the boys have their names and hand prints in it.  Love it! We'll be
                                                        it up when we move one day.                             

                                          Daniel's First Easter 7 months

8 months

Daniel is a riot is all I can say.  He is tough on the outside but so sweet on the inside. Every day is a new adventure with him and I cherish each one, praying we will have many more and praying ultimately that he will come to know Jesus.  Happy Birthday Snugglebug.

Family ties that bind

Went to Pt. Charlotte to celebrate my mom's 67th birthday.  It was difficult to get away during this weekend, but it was important.  My brother Mark and his wife Mie, pronounced (Mee-ey) were here from California. After spending a few moments with them, I couldn't believe it had been 2 yrs. since I had seen them.  The east/west coast is so hard.  It seems when I am ready for the day to end and my head hits the pillow, the "west coasters", (my in-laws included) want to talk. I can't blame them, when I lived in Arizona, I was the same way.  It's weird but when you're the one out there, it seems like you're on another planet and it's perplexing to me that a whole other world is going on, or has ended 3 hrs. ahead. 
Anyway, we had a great time being together for my mom's birthday.  I think she really cherished her celebration and enjoyed the excitement that surrounded her.  We actually were able to get a family picture with all of us and the boys tolerated the many takes that insued. I made her a mocoa cake that turned out good, but I thought a little heavy on the coffee flavor.  She seemed to like it thought, which is what counts and I enjoyed making a new recipe. For her gift, we got her a pair of sapphire earrings to match her necklace I had gotten her a few years ago.  She seemed really overwhelmed by them and kept saying how beautiful they were.
We took the boys to the harbour, which is a cheap, easy, and closer alternative to the beach.  However, we found out in an untimely manner that there was warnings for bird droppings.  Apparently, the seagulls are nesting on shore and spending more time than usual hanging around. Great.  After we just waded and swam in the water for the past hour.  Thankfully, nobody got sick and the next time I guess I'll have to be more adventurous and head to the real beach.  The boys did see a big crab hanging out on the dock, which they thought was way cool.
It's always weird going "home".  I have a lot of memories there growing up. Many aren't that good either, especially the high school years,  b/c of my old boyfriend.  In some way it feels like a healing process each time I go back and I thank God over and over for bringing the man I married and replacing those not so good memories, with new healthly great ones.

From trash to treasure

Most friends of ours know how great Brian is mechanically.  However, what most may not know, is how brilliant and economically inclined he is! It is a little embarrassing to share, but so far he has brought home two initally, non-working machines and got them working for about the price of peanuts.  I am usually a little reluctant to see what he may bring home from the dump (we have to take our trash in), especially if he may want to use it in the house.  Thankfully, this has never happened but recently the captured items have been very useful. 

The first is a commercial mosquito trap.  If anyone has ever been out to the "Borges ranch", especially at night, then you know how bad the mosquitoes can be.  Brian has been wanting one of these machines for awhile and warned me that we would soon spend $500-1,000 to get one.  Praise the Lord that my husband is a great mechanic! He got this one working for a few hundred bucks and after tweaking with it patiently, it's working.  David checks it everyday, to make sure there are mosquitoes in the net and we've already noticed less attacks by the pests. 

Second, is a John Deere tractor that the boys are loving.  It apparently had a wire that wasn't hooked up or something, but Brian got it running and besides missing it's hood- runs like a champ.  David has learned how to drive, like a pro and has been explaining to me the correct sequence of R, 1, 2.  He drives around the yard convinced that he is mowing, and takes it very seriously, the changing the gear thing.  Daniel on the other hand, isn't quite as proficient with the gears and scares us half to death when he's behind the wheel.  Just imagine, crazy almost 3 yr old Daniel behind the wheel- in second gear, with a huge smile on his face yelling "WHEE!".  Then seconds later you see/hear BOOM! and see that he's ran into a tree or another stationary object.  All the while laughing out loud the whole way.
So, until the next trip to the dumps.  Who knows what was someone else's trash will become our treasure. :)