Sesame Street Style

Lake figured out that we have a celebrity living in our home. Yep. We do. He's red, furry, talks in a high pitched voice, and has a bright orange nose. You guessed it: Elmo! Lake and I watched Sesame Street on Friday morning for the first time together. I figure since he's 18 months, he can start watching a few children's programs, even though the American Society of Pediatrics says "no T.V. before 2 years of age", period. I'm sure by the time we have baby number three, I won't give a rip about what the Pediatric Society says. But, Big Bird never hurt anyone, right? It didn't take Lake long to recognize the Elmo on T.V. is the same Elmo that's in his toy box. He oohed and ahhhed at both Elmo's. He never ceases to amaze, or amuse me. Oh, and by the way...some of the same people who were on Sesame Street when I was a kid are still on the show; twenty-five plus years later! I guess Sesame Street never goes out of style. In fact, the girls singing the ABC song were dressed crazy cool. One of the young ladies had an entire arm length (sleeve-length) tattoo, and a nose ring. I was shocked. We've come a long way with our kid's programming. But, Lake dug it. And so did I. I think Lake and I'll watch Sesame Street more often. I may even take style tips from the singing ABC chicks.

We're Raising a Baby Bird...

Or maybe a Pterodactyl? I can't decide which one it is. See for yourself.

Rockin' PCB.

So, we are in Panama City Beach this week. It's our first "official road trip as parents of a toddler". Wow. PCB looks different as parents than it did as college bound spring breakers, that's for sure.
Lake Austin is unsure about the sand. He's not really a fan. He does enjoy the pool, however. He's not been sleeping nearly as well as he should be at night. He's so busy during the day that he should sleep like a champ, but it's been on and off. He was up five times last night.
The weather has been so-so..It's actually been warmer at home for part of the week. I have managed to read some great books while here..and am working on ignoring the work email--at least until Monday.

See you next week!
We miss Jackson C. Boo.

Pick up the phone!

You always hear about people in their Christian walk who are "called" by God to do his work in the world. I'm getting my call. I had no clue it would be so loud. Really, really loud. It's not unlike a fancy cell phone ringtone. Think of the ones you hear in the supermarket, or an elevator..when people can't figure out how to shut it off...Yeah, that's my call. It keeps ringing. And ringing. And ringing. I'm glad it's been this loud, actually. It helps me realize I'm heading in the right direction. I feel the change God is bringing about in my life, and I'm wholeheartedly excited, and open to where the Spirit is leading me. I'm getting really fired up for this part of my journey. Who knew I would end up with a heart for ministry? Well, God did. But aside from him. Anybody else know this? If you knew, why didn't you give me a head's up? I could have been more prepared! In all seriousness, please pray for me as I continue down this path. God is leading me into a healing ministry for women who have been sexually abused or sexually assaulted. As of now, I do not know the direction it will go; but I do know it is going, and I do know God will use me to make a difference in the lives of women who have been victimized in this manner. I'm not sure what it will look like, but I do know it's coming... Thanks!

Welcome...

to our new home. I now reside in a little town called Temper Tantrum, USA. It's a really small town, there are just 3 citizens in it, plus one dog. Let me introduce you to the Mayor, Mr. Lake Austin Albrecht. When he doesn't get his way, the whole town takes the fall. I'm starting to wonder if the governmental system in this town is askew, or do all Mayors act this way?

A couple of examples of the Mayor's radical behavior recently: He's biting, screaming, kicking, scratching, and clawing --basically using all means necessary to embarrass his loyal townsfolk--especially if it's in the public eye. Most recently, it was a trip to the vet that prompted his royal meltdown. I could feel it coming...his whole body went stiff, his face went red, and out came the screaming, heartbroken kid. I did the best I could; immediately removing him of the situation. We walked outside, as it was a sunny, beautiful day in Temper Tantrum Town, but alas it only escalated his grief. Why? I have no idea. I experienced my first time being bitten, hard, by my enraged son. It was sad.

Later that evening, I was recounting the story to friends on our front porch, wondering if the Mayor was starting to perhaps, either want to move to another town, or if he could be entering the terrible two's way early? Luckily, my next door neighbor, Senator Taylor was passing by and actually informed me that all three of his children went through this same embarrassing phase. He described the ramrod straight body, and the ridiculous screaming, biting, and kicking to a tee -- which eased my mind. He informed me that you just have to take it for a while, and that the lovely even tempered child you used to know, will eventually come back around. It made me realize that were more residents in Temper Tantrum Town than I had originally thought.

So if you need to find us anytime soon, check your local phone book for our new town, I bet you'll see lots of other young families live there as well!

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

Spring!

Yippee! Spring is here. Finally. I am thankful for the renewal that comes with Spring, particularly during the Easter season. I love reflecting on God's gift to us through his Son, and understanding the sacrifice he made for each of us; I'm filled with a great sense of peace and wonder at all he has done for us.

This year, we spent Easter with Kris & Aden and Barb and Jerry. Poor Lake, he was covered head to toe with hives due to an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. The kid's had a rough time of it lately. Aside from him not feeling the best, we were able to spend a wonderful weekend with our family. The boys got along famously, of course. Lake is smitten with Aden. He just loves watching him..and following him -which makes Aden a bit nervous for his toy collection, but he's great with him. It's a joy to see them together. Here are a few pics from the weekend. Enjoy!

Captain Heartbreaker

I found a pair of pajamas for Lake recently that say "Captain Heartbreaker" across the top. They also boast a glittery broken heart, with wings, reminiscent of an old Arrowsmith logo, or 80's CD cover of some sort. They're just darling. He's been practicing his new monicker lately, particularly seeming to focus most of his heartbreaking techniques on his already "hooked-on-him" mother; as she's a likely (and willing) target for his cunning ploys. (His father had me hooked on him for years, if you all remember that long ago, so it would make sense this same trait would befall his only child now wouldn't it?) Daddy had a few tricks up his sleeve, so of course, Lake does too.

Heartbreaking Technique #1: He's taken to ignoring me completely--especially, if there are any other men in the room. Primarily, his father. Or Jack. Or the mailman. He won't even let me pick him up if daddy's in the room. But, at least he's in love with his daddy. Aren't we all?

Heartbreaking Technique #2: He's becoming fierecely independent...wanting to feed himself, dress himself, refuses to be carried, is boycotting "rocking", and any other type of cuddly type baby stuff that I, of course, LOVE. Which translates to me not having a "baby" anymore, but a little boy. Sniff. Sniff. Unless he's sick. Then it's all mama, all the time.

Heartbreaking Technique #3: He's fiercelly independent...unless we are leaving him at daycare (triple sniff), or the nursery during church--where an immense meltdown ensues, typically with me trying to awkwardly leave the room while he's screaming at the top of his lungs, with both arms wrapped around my legs, while my heart breaks in two, and leaves his little face all scrunched up like a sour grape. Which reminds me he is still a baby, and he still does need his mama, but it's heartbreaking for me anyway. Although I know the second I leave, he turns into a rock star with all the toys, books, and commotion in the room.

I'm completely over the moon, hooked on, addicted to, and in love with this child. I'm afraid he'll try to take his heartbreaker status too far though, by behaving badly. For example, he will not allow any other child to sit on our lap. I saw it again today, in the nursery at church. He's quite jealous (unfotunately, he gets that from me) and will immediately attempt to push the child off our either mine, or John's, lap. Hmmmmm. I think that means it's time for baby number two.

Maybe that will help even out the favoritism a little too...we'll call it "payback" for all the heartbreak he, and daddy, have given me; which I wouldn't trade in ten million years. I just have to have an excuse to want another baby, right?

And of course, now I can't get "HeartBreaker" by Pat Benatar outta my head..."You're a heart breaker, dream maker, love taker, don't you mess around with me"...Repeat.

Golden Girl

My great Aunt Jean passed away this weekend. She's my Granny's only sister, and a real jewel of a lady. I can't help but picture her as I've always known her..blonde, tan, smiling. A true 'golden girl', if you will. Aunt Jean (Norma Jean Summerton) was always a big part of our family. As a child, we'd spend hours at her home in Kokomo-it had a pool, and was always packed with snacks; and of course, all the grandkids & cousins!   She owned a tavern, 'Norma's Place', in downtown Kokomo (as a kid, I always thought it was soooo cool that a classy lady like her owned a tavern), and eventually sold it to become a retired snowbird. She's been in Florida for years now, another place for her to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful weather, and the perfect place to work on her golden glow. She was made with a heart of gold..she was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt, and friend to all of us.   She'd just written Lake a beautiful letter for his birthday, and sent him a dollar bill. It's hard to think she never actually had the chance to meet him. As I grow older, I recognize missed opportunities, and I'm sad I hadn't taken the a chance to go see her in the past several years. I'm grateful Aunt Jean had family with her in Florida as her cancer progressed. Just last week, they took a drive down the coast and had a picnic together...she said it reminded her of years past, when she had all the kids & grandkids at her place.   Although I never actually stepped inside her tavern, I'll always have a special place in my heart for my Aunt Jean. I think I'll hang a little wooden sign on it, and call it "Norma's Place"..she would really like that.   We love you Jeannie..You will be missed.

Topsy Turvey

I'm a mess. Not a "hot" one, but a mess--never the less. One day I'm up emotionally; the next day I'm digging myself out of a deep, dingy, dirty, emotional dumpster. I've had a perpetual pout on my pucker for at least two weeks. February finally fled-which I thought would certainly do the trick. It didn't. I'm not sure if it's Lake's upcoming daycare enrollment that has me bamboozled, or if it's the fact I feel there's never the right amount of time to dedicate to each of the things I love the most: my God, my husband, my child, my home, my job, my friends, my hobbies, my life. No one gets a fair shake, it's not fair! Yes, I'm whining. This is me throwing a virtual fit. I'm stomping my feet in despair. Poor, poor, pitiful me. It isn't that I don't feel blessed, because I do. I know I'm lucky to only have to work part-time. Most people don't have that luxury. And, it isn't because I'm not happy, I am. My marriage is strong. I am just not sure WHAT it is I'm supposed to be doing with my life. Does anyone else ever go through this? What is my purpose? What am I called to do? I feel as if I'm just spinning my wheels, stuck in the mud...although I'm not quite sure WHERE it is I'm even SUPPOSED to be going. I feel like I'm just not doing "enough"-enough for God, enough for my family, enough for me. Just wondering if I'm the only spinning wheel on the surface of the earth?

Thank You & Invitation...

Several of you have asked me about my participation in the Great Banquet this past weekend. First of all, THANK YOU to all of the wonderful letters that were written to me..I've never felt so much love in one weekend; it was incredible. For those of you who are unaware of 'what' the Great Banquet is, it's a 3-day event to help you strengthen your faith, learn more about God, and draw closer to him. You have no cell phone-and no watch-which is great fun! Everyone has a different experience with the banquet, and I know I will NEVER forget my banquet weekend. I've never felt closer to God, or seen him work in so many lives, all at one time and in one place--it was overwhelming, powerful, and completely satisfying. I finally learned and understood God's plan for reconciliation, forgiveness, and TRUE GRACE is about, and I've been a Christian for many, many years. Whew, it finally makes sense! :o) For those of you who have an interest in learning more about the Great Banquet, regardless of where you are--whether you are spiritually strong or not strong in your faith, lukewarm for the Lord, completely confused, or just plain angry, God will meet you there, and you will meet him, I promise! I'd be happy to sponsor you if you are interested. This is for MEN and for WOMEN..they take place on separate weekends. The next dates to attend are for Men, 7/9-7/12 and for Women 7/23-7/26. If these dates do not work for you, there are other dates this year. And, the interesting thing is the Great Banquet is a community..they have the same 'retreat' all over the state of Indiana, and in Illinois (and other states--it's not just an Indy thing). I can help you locate one near you if you are interested, and can still sponsor you for one of those events. Thanks again to all of you who prayed for me, and shared your love with me. It means more than anything! I love you!

Take this Month and Shove(l) It...

I've decided that February is pretty much worthless when it comes to the calendar year. Aside from Valentine's Day, (which a lot of people boycott anyway as it's a "made-up" holiday) February doesn't hold much water.

It can't decide if it wants to snow, or be 60 degrees. Somehow, February manages to throw 50-mile an hour straightline winds at us, just for the sheer joy of it. Our poor neighbors ended up with a tree on top of their house, and our street ended up on Fox 59 morning news because of it.

Yes, February is a tempermental lass, which may be why she and I don't get along so well. I'm ready to push her out the door for good, and she's just not quite ready to go--kind of like an ex-girlfriend who thinks she can talk you into letting her stay.

It usually doesn't work. And, like the ex-lover, February too must go on. I know I'm ready, anytime now.

What About Your Friends?

There's a song by TLC (I probably haven't listened to them since bumping around in my mom's 1990 red Shadow on the way to Circus City Days) called 'What About Your Friends', which has recently begun popping into my head, for no apparent reason.    It's not your typical 'bond with your friends' bar song, like 'Friends in Low Places', and doesn't hold a candle to any chick pick tune by the Indigo Girls. It has lines like "People say I act a little funny, I wouldn't change, not for no money...even though I might seem easy, it don't give you no cause to deceive me", which makes me question how they ever went triple platinum. But never the less, they do get their point across.   When things get particularly hard in life, which unfortunately, happens more often than not; we find out who our friends are (Another poignant bonding song by Tracey Lawrence and Tim McGraw). We find out who's going to be around for us, and who isn't.   I love that my friends challenge me, support me, sob with me, and call me out when I'm failing in some aspect of my life. My friend Adam recently called me '1-Dimensional', in terms of this blog..(i.e. all I ever write about is Lake.) Good for you, Adam. It helps keep me in check; because the last thing I aspire to be is a mom who can only focus on their child.   For those of you who've 'been there' for us, we really appreciate it. We've recently walked through some potential pitfalls with John's job, as well as some other difficult life issues, and so many of you have willingly stepped up to become involved in our "messes." We haven't had to go through anything extremely hard, like illness or loss, but we know if we do..we won't have to look far for support. You don't get to pick your family, but you do get to pick your friends, and it appears as if we've picked well. Thank you.   The next time I hear something by TLC, I'll give you each a shout out.

Snow Day!

We are covered in snow. It's BEAUTIFUL! Lakers and I will have a snow day. We'll drink coffee (and warm milk), eat cookies (organic banana cookies), watch Ellen, and tackle laundry--my arch nemesis. Today will be a good day.

Look at me, Mom!