Which came first - the babygirl or the egg?

Same old question - just substitute the word "chicken" with the word "babygirl" and not much changes. However, when it comes to humans the answer is a little more miraculous and fascinating.  Most people have probably never even thought about this question - certainly most men haven't. I would even guess that among women the number who have considered it is on the smaller side as well. However, in my opinion, this ranks up there as one of the most amazing realities of our female biology. It is so clear that God developed us with a future and a plan in place. And the future actually depends on the present which relies on the past - all in the same moment. If you still are not following me, read on...

As women, we are all born with 2 million eggs in our ovaries. Pretty amazing huh? That number is dwindled down to 300,000 by the time we hit puberty and only 400 eggs will actually be released during a woman's entire reproductive life. What's even more fascinating is that we have the most eggs we'll ever have before we are even born. That's right! Inside our mother's womb, a female baby has 6-7 million eggs in her ovaries. Isn't that incredible? I had the eggs that produced Paisley and Colby when I was inside my mom's belly. And my mom had the eggs that would later produce me and my brother when she was inside of her mom. Paisley has already created her her future offspring (should she decide to have some) and hopefully several of them will be fertilized one day (a long, long, long time from now) and that will be my grandchildren... and even though that seems so far away now, it's incredible to think that the building blocks (so to speak) were created before Paisley even took her first breath. 

Imagine that? Paisley was formed by my egg which had been formed while my body was still forming inside my mom's body. And while my body was forming Paisley - she was forming her future children - and all of this depended on my eggs that were formed 32 years prior before I was even born. There really is no disputing God's plan for us or the circle of life. It's very, very cool.

Can anything be organic?

I am constantly amazed at the wide range of things that can be classified as "organic". Sure I understand how food items and cleaning supplies are organic. But there are other things that claim to be organic that just do not make much sense to me. Generally, someone who is searching for organic is looking for the healthier option, right? Webster's defines organic as "not using, or grown without, artificial fertilizers or pesticides" Therefore, given that definition... a few oddballs that stand out to me are organic mattresses, organic manure, and, in my opinion, the worst offender of all: organic cigarettes. Seriously?? Are you kidding me here? As if anything about smoking a cigarette is healthy for you in the first place - so why would someone care about organic vs. non in this instance? My friend, Stephanie, found this ad in a magazine and as soon as I heard about it, I was fascinated. The ironic thing is that even if they are hoping to dupe you into thinking that this is a healthier alternative when smoking, they are still required by law to post the following warning on their packaging. I personally would love to talk to the idiot who actually wastes their money on such a hoax. (Newsflash: If it's healthy you seek - quit smoking!!!)

More random things about me...

I was responding to a request from a friend on Facebook and thought I'd post my answers here too. These are 25 random things about me (that you may not know or care to know):

1. I love photography- especially candid shots of real moments in time. I have about 3 photographers that I use to photograph my children regularly (besides me and my dad) and it drives my husband crazy. I figure I'll never get these moments back so I better capture them while I can.

2. I always dreamed about having a daughter (and am thrilled that I was blessed with one) but never knew how much of a crush I would have on my little boy. He has absolutely stolen my heart!

3. I am proud to say I was the wedding planner for the first wedding ever held at Turner Field (where the Atlanta Braves play baseball) - the couple got married on the actual field.

4. I am fortunate enough to have traveled to 41 of the 50 states in America (plus the District of Columbia). One of my favorite spots in the US is Grafton, Vermont... what a small quaint piece of Americana!

5. When I die, I'd like my epitaph to say that I was a great mom and a loving wife.

6. I hate drugs of any kind and avoid taking them at all cost: I prefer that my dentist drill on me without Novocain and I requested no epidural for my labor and delivery of both my children.

7. I love to read, but was surprised at how much I absolutely love the Harry Potter book series. I even cried like a baby when I finished the last book.

8. I wish my parents lived down the street from me (instead of 3 hours away)... I love to watch them interact with my children.

9. I am married to one of the most fun, giving and true people that ever walked this earth. I love him so much!!

10. I love playing tennis. I only started a few years ago, but have become completely addicted to it.

11. I can't stand judgmental people - no one knows what it's like to be you, but you. I love people who take the time to understand you and accept you for the person you are - flaws and all.

12. I am too trusting of people sometimes and as I grow older, I've (sadly) learned that I really only have a handful of TRUE friends on this earth.

13. I have always wanted to be a mom and have a (big?) family. It's really the only dream I can remember from when I was young. (The big part is debatable now, but I've been blessed with the family part.)

14. I love to travel. Some of my favorite international spots are Puerto Varas, Chile; Santorini, Greece; and Lucerne, Switzerland.

15. One of the happiest memories I have of my granddad (who died last year) is seeing him with my children (his only 2 great-grandchildren). He was crazy in love with them and the pride in his eyes when he looked at them moved me to tears. I feel blessed for the time they had together and that Paisley still remembers him.

16. I love the smell of a wood burning fire, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a newborn baby's skin and the air outside just after it's rained on a summer's day.

17. My greatest fear is the loss of one of my children. I don't know how I'll ever breathe again if anything ever happens to one of them!

18. I've always thought that once my kids were grown, if I could do anything I would write a novel or be a public speaker. I love being an event planner too.

19. I love being pregnant but it bums me out that my body won't go into labor on it's own... my babies just don't want to leave my womb, I guess.

20. My granddad owned a cabin in a small town in NC (now my mom and her siblings own it) and I love going there more than any place on earth. I go there to find peace and feel closer to God.

21. I was on the same ValuJet plane that landed in Miami on May 11, 1996 then turned around to return to Atlanta and crashed in the everglades.

22. I love ice cream. It is one of my favorite things to eat. By popular demand, I'm also adding that I love to put ketchup on my macaroni and cheese (it's better than it sounds) and I can eat a whole carton of french onion dip with my baked Ruffles in one sitting. And lastly, on the food front... I can eat a whole box of Thin Mints in one sitting too. It's sad but true!

23. My greatest hope is that I live until I'm really old... not for myself, but for my children. I cannot imagine the pain in losing a mother when you're young (or ever for that matter).

24. I love the beach - the sound, smell and sight of it. I love watching my children play on the beach... but I do not care so much for getting in the ocean.

25. I often wonder how I became so fortunate. I have a great life.

I feel the hope too!

No, I didn't vote for him.
No, I didn't think he was the best choice for our country.
No, I wasn't initially excited when he won.
It was a policy thing for me.
And I was disappointed in the early hours of November 4th when it became clear how the election would end.
But I watched the coverage. I watched the celebration. I watched the tears of millions of Americans - of all colors, race and religions. I listened to his acceptance speech - it was eloquent (as he often is). And I found myself wanting to believe.

I still want to believe!

I want to believe that he stands for bi-partisanship. That he stands for peace. That he stands for hope and possibility. That he doesn't care what party you are in as long as you have a solution that might help with some of our nation's challenges. I want to believe that he cares about bringing us together as a country. I want to believe that he will do what is necessary to protect us from terrorists and other evils in the world. I want to believe that he will stand behind our troops. I want to believe that he really is the family guy that he seems to be. That he loves God and will place all important decisions in His hands. I want to believe all that.

It's inauguration day and I feel it.
I feel the history being made.
I feel the excitement.
I feel the hope and optimism.
I almost wish I was there - watching all of those people celebrate this historic day for our country. I was there in 2004 and it was awesome then. I can only imagine the energy that is there today. I get teary eyed thinking of Dr. King and all that he fought for that has now been achieved. I am proud to live in a country where we can elect an african-american president.

The truth is that no matter what party I belong to, I have always been patriotic above all else. My love for America is stronger than any party or any politician. And I will stand behind any leader we have (even Clinton) because we are nothing if we do not stand together. If we cannot put aside our differences and work together to strengthen our country, then we will destroy ourselves eventually. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies in this country... sometimes.

So today I find myself hoping. I hope that he is all that he portrays himself to be. I hope that he can do a lot of good for our country. I hope that he trusts in God for everything and keeps Him at the center of our nation.
I hope. Don't you hope too?

May God bless America!
And may God watch over and guide our new President - Barack Obama!

Shameless bragging!

I just wanted to post this because I love this picture and it really captures Colby's essence for me. I know it's somewhat shameless to brag on your own child, but I'm going to do it anyway. I cannot tell you how much fun my sweet little man is: he is happy and full of laughter; he truly loves life; he listens and obeys (most of the time); he finds joy in even the smallest of things; he is easy to please; and he is friendly and affectionate with everyone he meets. I could be wrong, but I think he will always be the kind of person that everyone likes and wants to be around. Of course, I know I'm biased so all of this could be just a mother's perspective, but there seems to just be something about him that everyone loves!!

So now to the real question... how do I stop him from growing up so I can keep him this way forever?

Why I LOVE Paisley's teacher!

I just learned an amazing lesson from someone I didn't even know six months ago. She has given me such an amazing gift... just by sharing her wonderful perspective with me. Before I explain what I'm talking about, allow me to backup a few years and share with you a bit of history on this...

Paisley started going to a "Mother's Day Out" program when she was 14 months old at a wonderful church around the corner. We absolutely loved it so naturally when she turned 2, we signed her up for the 2 year old class there. She was originally placed (by the Director of the school - and I now feel by God as well) in the upper 2's class. However, I wanted her to be with some children she knew from the year before, so I asked that she be switched to the lower 2's class. BIG, BIG mistake. I now know to never mess with God's plan!! The problem was I didn't see this as God's plan back then... but I certainly do now. Paisley was miserable in the lower 2's class... and was crying every morning when I dropped her off and every afternoon when I picked her up. Something was definitely off and I knew it. She never cried like this the year before. I went to check on her one day in class and found it to be more like a nursery than a "class"... they had an assistant teacher who was great, but no head teacher yet and it always seemed like complete chaos in there. She never had any art or activities in her folder and I began to wonder what teaching was going on in there. I had a friend who's child was in the upper 2's class and he was constantly coming home with projects in his folder and he LOVED going to school. And the teachers in his class seemed really great with the kids. I began the conversation with the Director to move her to that class. It wasn't easy... the Director wanted me to be patient and give the other class a chance (even after Paisley had been there for 5 weeks and was still crying all the time). I knew in my gut that she belonged in the upper 2's and fought hard to get her moved there. And it was immediately evident that I was right! She instantly became happier and smiled every day. And she absolutely loved her teachers!! In fact, I loved her teachers too!!! They are amazing women and I thank God regularly that Paisley was able to transfer over and have them in her life. It ended up being the best thing I could have done to transfer her back where she originally belonged.

Well, knowing what happened last year, I made a promise to myself not to interfere with God's plan this year and to let Him place Paisley in the class where she belonged. She was changing schools and I had no idea what to expect... except that I knew that this was also a christian school and she would be loved and taught by godly women (and men). As the beginning of the school year approached several of my neighbors (whose children also attend this school) told me that they hoped Paisley got Mrs. X (I'm not using names for obvious reasons) because she was wonderful and everyone loved her! I heard this from 5 or 6 people and began to feel anxious about who she would get - knowing nothing about the other teachers in her grade. When we arrived at the orientation and I saw that she got Mrs. Y, I was practically in tears. Here I had trusted God to place her in the best class and she had not been placed with the "coveted" Mrs. X. Not only that, but one of my friend's children was in the other class and would not be with Paisley - and I had hoped they'd be together. I was so sad. My friend, Amy, saw me at orientation and saw my concern in my eyes. Her son had been in Mrs. Y's class last year and loved her. She helped me feel secure that Mrs. Y was a terrific teacher and it would be okay. I took a deep breath and told myself to trust that God knew best what Paisley needed. (Side note: for all of you who think I sound crazy... no one warns you before becoming a parent how STRESSFUL decisions such as which school, which district, and which teacher can be on you!! I mean - where did that come from? I never worried about these things before!!)

So... moving along. It turned out that Paisley seemed to be where she needed to be. I could see that on many different levels even before yesterday. And then there came the gift... this wonderful, wonderful gift that Mrs. Y gave to me. I was talking to her after school and we were discussing how Paisley is a July birthday and so she's one of the youngest in the class, which means that she is more immature than the kids who turned 4 in the fall or winter (basically she's almost a full year younger than some kids in her class). She also has a lot of energy (for this, I blame her father) so she doesn't sit still very well. While we were discussing it, Mrs. Y wasn't complaining at all - in fact, I can tell she truly adores Paisley - but we were debating which class she should be in next year considering her immaturity. And I asked Mrs. Y if there was something I could do as a parent to calm Paisley down and help her to sit still more. And this is what she said to me, "You know, Lisa, God made her that way! We don't want to change the beautiful person that God created her to be, we just want to help her harness that energy so she can use it in the best way possible."

And there it is - two simple sentences - yet one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. She is there to teach my daughter, but instead she taught me. Sometimes I get frustrated at how energetic Paisley can be when she won't follow my directions. And I admit there are times I've wished she wasn't that way. I hope that I never forget the lesson Mrs. Y gave me yesterday: that God made Paisley this way and I should never try to change that. She is a perfect creation in God's eyes... and I need to embrace that and love that about her (as well as help her to use it wisely). I will forever be grateful to this loving, Godly woman for teaching me something I should have seen all along. I was emotional about it all day yesterday after our conversation. I realize now that God definitely placed Paisley right where she belonged. Mrs. Y is the best teacher for Paisley because she is patient and loving, and able to meet each child right where they are... and not where we think they should be. Thank you Mrs. Y for the way you love my child. And thank you God for giving Paisley Mrs. Y.

New Year's Resolutions - 2009

I thought that in honor of 2009, I'd choose 9 resolutions this year. So here they are! Feel free to hold me accountable...

1) Spend more time with God.
2) Floss (I used to be really good about this but I've gotten slack since I had babies... sorry Dr. Barber).
3) Be FULLY present when I'm interacting with my kids.
4) Lose some weight, get back in the gym and stay healthy (sadly, this is a recurring one).
5) Wash my face every night (again, this is one that I've been slack with since having kids).
6) Love my husband the way HE needs to be loved and NOT the way I want to love him.
7) Read at LEAST 1 book a month.
8) Keep my blog updated regularly!
9) Get rid of a lot of stuff that I don't need... "Less is more!", they say. (That, and my husband is sick of looking at boxes in our basement).

Paisley-isms

Here are just a few of the funny things Paisley has said and done recently:
1) "Hear-phones" - this is what she calls the earphones that she wears in the car to hear what's on her DVD player. It's not only
funny but also makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

2) "I had a great day skate-icing" - the first time we took her ice skating a few weeks ago this was what she called it: skate-icing. It was really cute, but I told Curtis we had to correct her because it would only be cute for so long.

3) "I really like your scratches, Mr. Phill." Our neighbor and friend, Phill, is on crutches and she was complimenting him on them.

4) "Do you need one, Daddy?" (offering him a UNUSED, packaged tampon while he was sitting on the toilet one day). Upon his response of "No", she responded... "I will get one when I get older but not just yet."

5) Don't forget Cinderella in the manger. We have a little manger scene that Paisley loves to play with every day. I wish I had taken a picture of this, but one day she had Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angel, the shepherd and Cinderella all setup appropriately. Yes, Paisley, let's not forget Cinderella's role in the birth of Jesus!!

6) "I have ketchup in my nose!" She went to blow her nose this morning after eating something with ketchup on it. The ketchup that was around her lips got on the kleenex when she blew her nose, and as she was handing it to me, she noticed it and thought it came from inside her nose.

7) "You are not allowed in my office, Colby!" - This is what she told Colby the other day when he tried to enter the playroom. The ironic thing is that it may be my fault. She's not allowed to play in my office at home so I tell her the same thing... only mine really IS an office.

8) And, of course, the picture at the top of this entry of Paisley with the bandaid covering her nostrils. She has a little cold and her nose is sore. I've been putting "feel good cream" (i.e. vaseline) on it daily to help with the soreness, but today she also wanted a bandaid. I put it on over the top of her nose, but she immediatley took it off and re-applied it the way she wanted it. She informed me that I didn't apply it where it hurt most. It was too funny not to capture the moment on film.

Enjoy your children. They really do have a unique outlook on life!

Skate-Icing

As you read above, Paisley has been learning to ice-skate... which she refers to as skate-icing. She is learning quickly (has her daddy's genes) and really enjoying it. Here are a few pictures of her first time on ice.

Colby and Ellis - friends?

The day Paisley went ice-skating for the first time we actually met up with our great friends, the Ratliffs, since they were taking their children ice-skating in downtown Atlanta. Ellis is slightly older than Colby and wasn't too sure about him at our annual beach trip this past April. But she was much more smitten this time. Potential boyfriend and girlfriend?? Who knows... we sure think they're cute together though! Here are some pictures of the fun.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! We wish you health, happiness and great prosperity in 2009.
And may God be the focus as our nation and the world face many challenges.
In Him all things are possible!

We miss you, Ms. Raz!

Our family is blessed to have a wonderful person in our life. Her name is Ms. Raz and we love her so dearly. Technically, she's our babysitter, but in reality she is so much more!!
She is family.
She is a friend.
She loves my children as if they were her own and they adore her in return.
She is one of a very small number of people I would want my husband to call for help if anything happened to me.
She is a gem and we are blessed that God placed her in our life. Ms. Raz is from India and currently went home for a month to visit her family and share her heritage with her husband... Paisley and Colby are missing her terribly (of course, Curtis and I are too). Anyway, in case she's reading this ALL the way across the world... I just wanted her to know the following: We miss you and can't wait for you to come home, Raz. Be safe and Happy New Year! We love you so!