'Tis the Season...

I've had an enormous struggle for whatever reason this season, not to completely go overboard buying gifts for Lake. He's at such a fun age, and he's so much more vocal this year. He's been meticulously going through the Christmas catalogs (btw, how are we on SO MANY CATALOG LISTS? I don't shop THAT much!) picking out all the things he wants 'Santa' to bring him. He's at the point now that he's saying, "Santa's going to bring me everything on this page." He's not, but I'm having a hard time explaining that to him. He has quite the little sense of entitlement. He's three. I guess his world still revolves only around him. I've been trying to teach him about all the little kids in the world that don't have beds, toys, clothes, etc..but I'm not sure he's getting it quite yet. It's hard to explain privilege to a 3 year old, but we're starting early. I desperately want to instill a sense of service in him young; simply due to the fact that we do have a greater responsibility because we are privileged to those who are less fortunate than we are.

I've also been teaching him about Creation this season, and how God made the mountains, rivers, people, animals and all the other glorious riches on our Earth, so he's been getting God and Santa mixed up. (Naturally. They're woven from the same thread, right? Both are givers of great gifts. I can see where he gets them confused.)

The other day he said, "Mommy, my toys are so beautiful." (I always talk about the beauty of the trees, or the flowers, etc). Then he said, "God made them. He made them ALL for me." I was like, hmmm. Well, Santa made the toys, and God made people, and people help Santa pass out the toys..which made him pretty happy. At least he's getting the concept, or at least starting to, right?

We're also having work done on our chimney. Yes, it's official. We live in a money pit. If you haven't seen the 80's classic film by that title, watch it. That's our house. The chimney needs rebuilt. (Shock. Disbelief.) Of course, I've been discussing Santa coming down the chimney as we've been talking about the upcoming holiday; which led Lakie to believe the masons who brought the scaffolding and started working on the chimney yesterday were 'Santa'. He said, Mommy, "Santa is outside, working on the chimney. Let's go see him!" Last time I checked, Santa wasn't two, 6 foot tall 200 + pound bearded dudes in Carrharts chugging Diet Cokes, but hey that may be some kids' Santa somewhere in the world! He had to go out and say hello to them, just to make sure they WEREN'T Santa, but he was still very impressed with them both.

Regardless of his confusion on who Santa is, where he's coming from, and in what shape or form, there is still boundless JOY emanating from every little pore of his being - and I must say this has been the most fun holiday already. We decorated the Christmas trees on Sunday and he was just in absolute awe of it all. The perfect summation of that day was "Mommy, I LOVE my Christmas Trees. I love them." I still have quite a bit of decorating left to do, but he's loving it already.

I'm wishing each of you boundless joy too this Christmas...hopefully, it will be less energetic than my little bucket of joy, but present in your homes anyway!

Peace & Grace,

Our Little Trick-or-Treaters in the Kokomo Tribune (Submitted by the Grandpa)

READER PHOTOS: Week of Nov. 5

The kids made the Kokomo Tribune, (again) with their Halloween photo published on the Home Page online. Little Stars! They misspelled Albrecht, but hey, that's okay! We don't want everyone to know how almost famous Lake already is.

Click on the Reader Photos link above, and scroll down on the page to see them on the right.

Enjoy!

I'll be posting some new photos very soon.

For The Record...

Lakie is officially a big boy. He told me so just this morning. He woke up, in his skeleton pajamas, and said, "Mommy, I'm a bag of bones!" He's funny, isn't he? I told him that last night, when he was looking at his glow-in-the-dark bones, on his jammies. Then he said to me, "I'm big. I'm getting tall. I'm a big boy, Mommy". True, true. Sad, but true.

He's completely potty trained. Which is unbelievable, really. People always say potty training boys is tough. It wasn't the case, thankfully, with Lakie. He was so easy. We did it in four days. He's been trained for about a month now. #1, #2, and for the most part, even dry through the night. The funniest thing he said during the process is "Daddy, I can't go poo. Can you help me? It hurts. It won't come out, it's LOCKED!"

Daddy must have had the key...because he rubbed his back and his belly, and it became 'unlocked'. Whew. That was a close one.

He's been a rock star at school, and even at Grandma's. We've really had no accidents, which is good. However, he has taken to dropping trou and pottying outside. It's a nice shock for the neighbors, I'm sure.

He's moving into the "Preschool" class at his daycare. It states that you must be three, and you must be potty-trained. That was a sad day for his mama when they told me he's moving into the Preschool room. He had just gotten used to "Miss Raine" and "Miss Barbara," his two-year old classroom teachers. They are going to  miss him, I'm sure. (Or, at least I hope so!)

He's still only going two days a week, so hopefully the transition will not be that bad. They had computers in the classroom, along with all the other fun pre-school stuff. They still have "rest" time, but he never rests there anyway. Too much going on, I assume.

That's all the news we have for now. We are going to paint pumpkins (self-portraits) this weekend...Each of us will paint our own pumpkin. I'm still deciding what will go on mine. I'm sure lots of glitter and some bright colors, no doubt. John's will probably be drawn up ahead of time in PhotoShop or SketchUp, and then painted in 3-D or something ridiculously grand and well planned. And, Lake's, well his will be plain brilliant. He's a child prodigy. In case you didn't know.

We're also going to attempt to make cut-out "painted" cookies and hit ZooBoo with the fam on Sunday. Lake's a lion. He's been practicing his "ROAR"! Which is helpful, especially in our neighborhood. It always helps to have a second guard dog on the lookout!

Peace,

Digging In Again.

It's been over a year since I've worked on  our family blog; since someone graciously decided to hack into all of my accounts last summer. They even left me nice little notes saying "It was just for fun". Yeah, right. Good times had by all. However, I realize how much I'm missing by not recording the small things with Lake. He's growing up so fast, it really is a detriment to myself and to John and anyone else who cares to follow along with our crazy lives, for me not to be keeping a record of our golden little moments.
So here I am again, diggin' in to the world of personal blogging. I hope to record as much as I can, as often as I can, and maybe someone can help keep me accountable! (I have lots going on, you know?) But, when all is said and done, this journal will help me remember all of the little things that should be at the forefront of my mind, because after all, they are the only things that really matter.
Peace.

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!

Happy Birthday, Lake Austin.

Oh what a difference a year makes. I can't believe we made it! Wow. It flew by. Lake turned one on Sunday, December 21st. We rang in his birthday with family and friends and it was perfect. Thank you everyone!

Some highlights from our first year...

1. When he was about a week old, I realized he had a small rash covering his chest...I was rather concerned. I really couldn't figure out what the two larger red circles were. They were right in the middle of the sandpaper fine red rash that encompassed his chest cavity. Lo and behold, the two bigger ones (yep, this is true) were his nipples. At least I didn't call Dr. Carrie in a panic over that.


2. I did call Amber and Barb in a panic when he was about 12 weeks..wondering if his urine had crystalized. I could not for the life of me, figure out what the jelly-like crystals were in his diaper. Apparently, Pampers leave little jelly crystals if the diaper gets too wet. I'd had him in his diaper a bit too long. No, urine does not crystalize into jelly.


3. It is possible to leave your infant and take a vacation! In fact, we took two. Much needed ones. Once to Miami, and once to Jamaica. It does get easier. However, we do have a $250 plus some change, cell phone bill from the frequent calls home while in Jamaica! Was it worth it? Yes, it was.


4. Lake makes all kinds of sounds. Go figure. He has a ridiculous range. In fact, I took him to the doctor around 7 months of age, because he was making this odd strangling sound. I thought he was continually choking. A $20 copay later left me shaking my held as the Doctor told me he is experimenting with his vocal cords and learning to make noises. He will be like his mother, after all.


5. Lake has been published already in his first year..He made the Kokomo Tribune on a visit to see Santa. Next, it'll be the Wall Street Journal.


6. Infants can climb stairs. It doesn't happen after they are toddlers. No, it happens when you aren't looking. They are QUICK!


7. If you let babies sleep in your bed (which I swore I'd never do), they get accustomed to it. Go figure. Now we are back at square one. Smart one, he is.


8. The best thing in the world is having Lake crawl up to your legs, pull himself up on you, and lift up his arms for you to pick him up. Nothing beats that. Nothing.


9. His favorite word, and favorite person I might add, is Da Da. And Jackson.


10. Lake loves Maryn, and Maryn's dog Duke. He loves Dukie so much that he likes to grab his tail. In fact, while Lake was holding his tail, Duke took off and drug Lake across the floor. He's already prepping for his future stunt man job. He will be a star one way or another.

Yes, our year has been full of life, love, tears and unexpected gifts. We are wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a glorious 2009. We plan on bundling in and nesting for the winter. Maybe catch up on some laundry. Until then..Cheers!