Fame in Philly

We travelled to Philadelphia this weekend to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday which happened to fall on Friday the 13th this year. He was born on Friday the 13th as was his wife, my aunt, one of his great great grandchildren, and me. (My father-in-law was also born on Friday the 13th.) My grandfather could have had an entire hour dedicated to his life story about how God has taken care of him over the years, but you'll catch just a brief glimpse of that here.

This is not my television debut in Philadelphia. My photo has been on the news twice before when the reporters covered the same story with a different angle. This is, however, my first interview on the news in Philadelphia!

Happy 90th Birthday, Pop-Pop! Proud to be one of the fellow Friday the 13th-ers in the family!

(Print version can be found here.)

Philadelphia

I am sipping tea out of my Philadelphia mug.

My grandparents lived in Philadelphia for as long as I can remember, so I probably should be thinking of them when I drink from it. Nonna and Pop-Pop. Nonna died about 7 years ago. I remember the day because it was near my first wedding anniversary and Mr. Bean and I had just made an offer on the condo where we are now living.

String Bean has recently gotten into the story of Noah again. Instead of Noah, she says Nonna. It has led to some very confusing moments for me because she never knew Nonna and we haven't been talking about her lately. But it is a nice reminder of my grandmother.

No, instead of thinking of my grandparents, I am reminded of my husband's friend, Bryan. He lives in Philadelphia (not the suburbs like my grandparents) and used to work at Starbucks. One time when we visited, we spent some time with him and he gave us the Philly mug that I enjoy my tea out of this morning. Thanks, Bryan!

Pop-Pop turns 90 in August, so we will be visiting Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, then....as a family of 4!

Traditions

It has been a tradition in my family since my dad was a kid (eons ago) to have a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Eve.

String Bean is 25 months old and has adopted "Happy Birthday" as her favorite song. I believe this has something to do with her birthday 6 weeks ago and Daddy's just a week ago. There is nothing quite like explaining to your 2 year-old that we will be singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and watching the glee on her face as we sing her absolute favorite song.

This is our nativity. String Bean points to it when we refer to Jesus' birthday.

(This is not a photo of OUR specific nativity, just on from the Willow Tree stock photos of their product.)

Merry Christmas, String Bean! May you learn soon the meaning behind the birth of Jesus.

Mama's Pound Cake Recipe

Before my great grandmother, who we called Mama, died, she shared her pound cake recipe with my Aunt Joan making her promise to share it with others. So, here I am sharing it with you. I hope to make this cake for Jesus' birthday cake this year.

Light Pound Cake

1 pkg (1lbs) powdered sugar (3 ½ cups)
1 cup shorting (2 sticks of butter or margarine)
3 large eggs (4 medium to small)
1 cup milk
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt

Cream sugar and shorting together. Add eggs one at a time mixing well. Add flour, salt and baking powder, alternating with milk. Add vanilla.

Bake in greased and floured pan at 350 for 50 – 70 minutes. When toothpick comes out clean.

This cake freezes very well, and keeps for a while. You can also put in extras, like chocolate chips, nuts, etc. If you do, the cake will be a golden brown in center and darker on sides when done.

To freeze, wrap in foil.

Things You Should Know...

...about decorating for Christmas with a toddler

1. Verbal commands such as "stop" and "gentle" suddenly mean nothing when the glow of Christmas lights captures them.
2. Expect shrieking, screaming, jumping up and down, and possibly temper tantrums from your husband (well, if a Bears game is on while you're decorating anyway).
3. Empty boxes are fun to stack and knock down. Be sure the ones your toddler grabs are indeed empty.
4. If you have a toy shopping cart at your house, it is amazing what chores associated with decorating you can get your child to do.
   
5. If you have one of those ornaments that you touch to turn on and off the tree lights, be sure not to do so in the presence of your child. You will regret it the rest of the season.
6. Animal ornaments are a crowd pleaser.
7. When setting up the nativity scene, be sure to explain whose birthday it is. Inevitably your child will respond to the question, "Whose birthday is at Christmas?" with "Daddy!" *slaps self in forehead* We are working on correcting this although technically, she's right.
8. When chopping down your Christmas tree, picking a field that is without mud is desirable.
9. Mittens are also desirable.
10. When your toddler experiences Christmas for the first time (in her memory anyway), the reactions are simply priceless. Have your camera ready (and battery charged)!
    

Where's My Tail?

My sister-in-law purchased this as a gift for String Bean's birthday:


The Where's My Tail? puzzle is made by Infantino and can be found at a pretty reasonable price. (For some reason, Amazon is listing this at $45 right now. I think it really should be $15 or less. There must be a glitch.)

Just this evening, we put together this puzzle 5 times before I called it quits. I cannot believe how quickly my 2 year old is matching the parts together. It is really amazing!

A Perfect Party

As you know, String Bean turned two this week. Today she had her birthday party. Had we invited all her friends and fans our house never would have held everyone, so we had to limit it to family and babysitters.

The morning started out with String Bean taking Pop (grandpa) to her favorite park. With the two distractions gone, Mr. Bean, my mom (Nana) and I were able to set up for the party and cook lunch for everyone. Mr. Bean assembled his famous homemade lasagna the evening before and prepared most of the green bean casserole. Mr. Bean also put together an awesome slide show of String Bean's Second Year. He got the garlic bread ready while my mom and I spot cleaned, moved furniture, set the table, laid out the buffet, and decorated with photos of String Bean.

String Bean and Pop arrived home from the park and while Pop took a bath, String Bean took a (very brief) nap. When she awoke, Nana gave her a bath while Mr. Bean and I took care of last minute details.

Auntie Carolyn showed up early to the party since today was String Bean's fitting for her flower girl dress for the wedding. My mom made the dress and had to do some last minute hemming, but wanted to be sure the length was correct first.

Guests began to arrive at 11:30 and lunch was served at noon. Just prior to eating and saying the blessing, String Bean lead the group in singing the "Choo-Choo Song" which introduces everyone in the room. String Bean was the perfect hostess.

Following lunch, we watched the slide show Mr. Bean had made. It was a hit. By demand of the cousins, presents were opened immediately following. Ama and Grandpa tuned in for the present opening via Skype and enjoyed seeing everyone and everything String Bean got. String Bean enjoyed opening the gifts and loved everything she got (which was evidenced by her playing with every toy this afternoon).

We ate ice cream and cupcakes while String Bean made a mess.

It was the perfect party and we are happy that String Bean is loved by so many!

Happy Birthday, String Bean!

Dear String Bean,

We have enjoyed being your parents these last 24 months. You've brought much laughter to our home and have enhanced our lives in ways we never could have imagined. We look forward to this coming year and seeing you grow into a big sister, learn to use the potty and expand your vocabulary more and more. We can't wait to hear all your thoughts and help you discover new things.

We love you more each day than the day before.

Love and Kisses,

Mommy and Daddy

Why Birthdays Rock

My birthday is on Tuesday and I love free stuff. That's why birthdays rock.

So far, I have gotten coupons for free things from: Caribou Coffee, Noodles and Company, Qdoba and Cold Stone Creamery.

Who doesn't love birthdays when you get free stuff just for having one?!

(You can sign up on their websites or in their stores for free stuff on your birthday, too!)

Rate My Day

Mr. Bean's Facebook status yesterday:

Rate my day--Pros: Friend bought us lunch, got a nap, went to birthday party of another dear friend, curry rice for dinner. Con: Stepped barefoot in String Bean's poop.

Independence Day

Family. Fireworks. Picnics. Parades. If you are lucky, it is really hot out and the sprinklers will be turned on! It isn't just a 3 day weekend. This is the one day a year we celebrate the birth of our country. Happy Birthday, America!

Here are some fun America trivia for you as you prepare for your festivities!

• Besides John Hancock, can you name one of the other signers of the Declaration of Independence? I can! I'm related to John Morton, one of the signers from Pennsylvania.
• Do you know the name of the famous American symbol of freedom across the street from Independence Hall in Philadelphia? I do because my father and grandfather both took their oaths of office for the military there!
• What town has the oldest continuous celebration of Independence Day?
• This year (2009) is the ________ anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
• What year did July 4th become a paid holiday for federal employees?
• Where can you go to view the Declaration of Independence?

Happy Birthday, Hazel!

Today is Amy's birthday! Join me in wishing her a great year ahead!

Happy Birthday, Cashew!

As soon as I knew I was pregnant with each of my kids, I knew something about them. With Walnut, I knew as soon as I saw the pink lines, that he would weigh over nine pounds. I don't know how I knew it, but I was without a doubt that this baby I was carrying would be huge and he was, 9 lbs, 4 oz. With Peanut, I knew he would be born early. Mind you, I was thinking 2 or 3 weeks, not 7. Filbert's parents planned a long vacation, for the entire month before his due date. Their plan was to be back 3 days before my due date, and I assured them that they were going to miss the birth. As it turns out, they missed their whole trip, as Peanut arrived before they even left, and they couldn't bear to leave with him in the NICU.

Five and a half months after Peanut's birth, I knew I wanted another child someday, but not quite yet, and I didn't know what Filbert wanted. So it was with great trepidation that I took a pregnancy test. I cried when I got a positive and showed it to Filbert. He got that funny look on his face that a man gets when he knows he is "da man" and then I was relieved and started to be a little bit happy. I knew that this was the daughter I had always longed for and even more, I knew that she was going to be fine.

My darling Cashew, I wish you that happiest of birthdays and many more to come. You overwhelm me with your life-force and I hope you always will. I pray the Lord will guide me in the way to mold you into the woman you are meant to be, for you are a force to be reckoned with. You are so much more than fine, but words fail me.

100 Years Old

My great grandfather is turning 100 on March 27th. String Bean and I are going out to Seattle to celebrate. I am looking forward to getting a 5 generation photo while we are there! That's pretty fun because when I was about String Bean's age, I was the 5th generation in a 5 generation photo with another grandfather of ours at his 100th birthday party.

I'd like to get something small for him for his big day. Any ideas? He's 100, so I don't think he needs anything. Apart from ordering a card online, I'm having a hard time finding a happy 100th card.

Another Year Down!

Congratulations to Amy on the 6 year anniversary of joining the league of motherhood! Her oldest, Walnut is 6 today. Walnut was born during the 4th quarter of the Superbowl (Bucs vs. Raiders where the Buccaneers won 48-21). He is in kindergarten this year.

Happy Birthday, Walnut!

THE Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Purchased Birthday Presents, Yet?

So, Jesus' birthday is rapidly approaching. I know it is a busy time of year for all of us. I know you've probably got shopping to do, baking to do, and travel plans. But, have you remembered to get His birthday present? If not, I have some last minute gift ideas for you:

Toys for Tots. Help the Marines gather toys for the less fortunate. (There is also Toys for Teens sponsored by Best Buy).

Salvation Army. Probably the easiest place to donate this Christmas season since the bell ringers are at nearly every store this time of year! Rumor has it that some bell ringers have credit card machines at their buckets this year so having cash on hand isn't necessarily necessary.

A Friend in Need. Consider a donation to your church to help a fellow church member who is having problems making ends meet this Christmas.

Your favorite missionary. Many missionaries are low on support this year because the value of the dollar has dropped. Consider making a special gift to your favorite missionary to help them make ends meet. If you don't know a missionary personally, consider Ben and Sarah Badgero working with Native American youth in Canada with NAIM.

As you celebrate Christmas with your family this year, don't forget to wish Jesus a happy birthday. After all, we've all gotten presents for one another-Don't want to forget the person of honor!

What's left to do

Don't forget to sign up for our giveaway which ends Monday, December 8 at noon!

I'm nearly ready for Christmas. Go ahead and throw tomatoes. There are a few things I have left to do before I can sit back and enjoy all the holiday has to offer.

I have 3 addresses left to find. (Wade and Jenni, Nicolette, and Kurt and Jen if you are reading this, get them to me pronto.) Once I have all the addresses, phase one of getting the card out is finished. Phase two involves folding the Christmas newsletters I so lovingly wrote (that Mr. Bean hasn't bothered to photocopy for me, yet). Phase three is writing "May your days be merry and bright, and my all your Christmases be white," or something like that in each of the cards. Phase four is putting the photos in the envelopes sealing, stamping and dropping them off at the post office. Lucky for me that I got an e-mail from CVS today telling me those photos are on their way to my local store! I'm excited because I got the prints for 10 cents each. I so totally rock.

I have to finish shopping for Mr. Bean and String Bean. I have one stocking stuffer for String Bean. That's it. You'd think this kid would make a list of what she wants for Christmas. Is that asking too much of a 12 month old? I don't think so. Maybe she'll just get an extra donation to her college fund this year...and the cell phone stocking stuffer so my cell can be mine again. Mr. Bean made me a whopping list of one item. I guess he knows what he's getting. No surprises under the tree this year.

Mr. Bean is one of those "Christmas babies", so I have a birthday to shop for. I already got him tickets to the Bears Jaguars game on Sunday, but that is a bit anti-climatic to have your birthday present 11 days before the big day. So, I'll get him something small to go along with it. My sister, Holly, is a Christmas baby, too, but I got her gifts (Christmas and birthday) mailed to California earlier this week.

I have to wrap about half the gifts I bought. The other half, including those for my parents dog, Leia, and cat, Mango, are already wrapped and in my closet. I suppose I should bring them out and put them under the tree.

That's about it. Today is December 3rd. I'm doing pretty well. How about you? What do you have left to do this season?

1 Year-Old Today!

Exactly one year ago today at 7:19 pm, String Bean was born via C-Section. Happily, I never endured labor as the induction never took. No complaints here. She weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces and measured in at 19 inches.

We've enjoyed this year with you, String Bean! Here's to many more happy and healthy years. We love you!

-Mom and Dad

A Historical Day

For my birthday this year, my sister sent me a book. It is a book about things that happened in history on your birthday. I found this entry to be intersting:

October 13, 1912
To increase the population, the government of Australia announces it will pay a $25 bonus to couples who are citizens and have a baby.

This is an interesting concept. I wonder what would happen if something similar happened in America today. How much is that same $25 worth today? I did a quick Google search and came up with this. According to measuringworth.com,

Current data is only available till 2007. In 2007, $25.00 from 1912 is worth:

	$551.44	using the Consumer Price Index
	$409.38	using the GDP deflator
	$1,155.96	using the value of consumer bundle *
	$2,390.35	using the unskilled wage *
	$2,913.97	using the nominal GDP per capita
	$9,233.48	using the relative share of GDP
* The 2007 data for unskilled wage and consumer bundle are estimated and will be adjusted when official data become available.

I had a baby last year. I could have used that money!