A Thousand Words

It's not as humble as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, or as impressive as Kitchen Aid Artisian stand mixers and refrigeraters equipped with televisions (only housewifes/nursing moms sitting on their couch at 4pm each day know what I am talking about...) but nontheless, here is my list of favorite things of 2007, in no particular order.

Hershey's new line of premium chocolate

I LOVE good dark chocolate and have a little almost every day. Bryan and I have been pleasantly suprised by how good Hershey's new Cacao Reserve chocolate is. My favorite is the 65% and Bryan's is the Arriba.

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products

In my effort to become more green, these products have made it much more fun. It is so nice to have a yummy smelling house (literally - my mom got the the gingerbread scent gift set for Christmas). My favorite scent outside of the holiday season is lemon verbena.

This recipe for chai tea mix
If I have put on any pounds this holiday season, this may be the culprit. It has been a hit in our house as well as within the Davis family.

This sweater

Anyone who ever comes to visit probably knows my love of all things comfy. There should be no shame in staying in your pj's all day. This sweater is amazing. B got it for me for Christmas and I think I could wear it every day in January. Maybe Feburary too. It feels better than a sweatshirt, yet looks somewhat dressy. But if you see me out in it, don't tell anyone else that it came from GapBody.

Zout stain remover.
Throw away your Shout. Especially if you come across a poopey diaper or two during your day.

The color brown.
My husband, son, and I all probably wear it way too much. But I like it, and will keep wearing it.

My necklace and earrings from Olaria Studio

They go great with my brown wardrobe. But I love all of Amy's stuff. I'm thinking I need to venture out and get something red.........Bryan, you reading?

Herbs de Provence
I found out about this popular European herb mix a couple of years ago, and have already been through 2 jars of it. It goes well with any meat, veggie, or pasta and makes a great salad dressing. Our favorite way to use it might be with sweet potato fries. Simply toss sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of H de P and bake at 400 for about 20-30 (depending on how thick you slice them). You can buy it for around $15 at Williams-Sonoma, or 99 cents at Whole Foods. Speaking of......

Whole Foods
When I lived in CA I thought it was overpriced considering we had a Trader Joe's and an open market down the street. But I am so happy to have one in Birmingham. I love that I can buy a variety of organic produce for Charlie, bulk herbs for 99 cents, true Wild Alaskan Salmon (I opt for frozen for cost sake) and any other gastronomic item I can think of - all while sipping on a latte. A couple of hours there (without a child) is better to me than a day at the spa.

The Johnney Jump Up

Although it's been around for decades, it has been Charlie's favorite toy since he was 4 months old. It allows me to get at least 3 minutes of housework done.

Mpix
Love their printing quality, their prices, the forums, and especially the customer service. I have emailed several questions and they have responded within minutes.

O'Henry's Celebas Kalossi coffee

Cottage Living and Domino magazines

The Kite Runner

I would say this is my all time favorite novel, but I can't say it definitively because my memory is so horrible. But, I loved this story. It forever changed the way I view immigrants.

Red Mountain Church
I don't know where to start in writing about how much we love our little ragamuffin church. I appreciate it's humility. I value it's sincerity. The Lord has used it in challenging me to learn and know people rather than fade into the crowd, to love and serve those both inside and outside it's walls, to be honest to myself, to others, and to the Lord about who I really am......to accept the radical grace that the Lord gives. I've got a pinky-hold on a freedom in Christ that I have yet to experience.


If I were into chain or tag blogs (whatever you call them) I would tag you with this. I would love to see others lists!

My friend Amanda (whose blog Bryan has deemed ridiculously funny, I agree) recently posted a recap of her Christmas. I liked the idea, so here is ours (though not quite as funny).

The day of course revolved around the only grandchild and his presents. You could pretty much sum up the day with this one picture, maybe inserting different gifts in place of the John Deere. The sounds of the day consisted of many "ooooohhhh......ahhhh.......Chaaaarlieee, loooooook......"s, while Charlie himself was content to play with the tiny piece of wrapping paper caught between his fingers.

Charlie and his new Fargo hat. I'm sure we will get tons of use out of it in this crazy Alabama snow. (Just kidding Mom, we love it, and it will get much use on our walks).


Lacey is excited about decorating her room in grown-up cowgirl style.


But her favorite thing this Christmas was her life-sized dress-up doll.


Dad was excited to get new toys for his new hobby. I love that he has always taken up whatever his children enjoy. Although, I feel slightly duped that he never took up cheerleading and gymnastics.


I guess Dad thought diamonds and pearls were too expensive, cookware too housewife-y, and clothes too difficult. So, why not a Playstaion II for his wife?
?!?! We were all laughing as Mom said "you would think after 30 years he might know me a little better....". But Dad was laughing the hardest......


because, he DOES know her. (She loves to excersise, and loves to dance, and loves the show.....). Other than Charlie, this was the highlight of the day (and night, and the next day).

Cute couple #1 (only cute because of the cute baby).


Cute couple #2 (truly cute, although overshadowed by the cute baby this year).


Bryan opening his 2nd box filled with premium Belgian beers. Dad asked if there was anything he should be concerned about. :)

It is neat to me that the birth of our Savior is celebrated with family, and is met with much joy and laughter - even if the laughter is over silly and seemingly unimportant things. Because of His birth, our joy is greater, and our graciousness to each other more abundant!

From the title, and from my previous 42 or so posts, you may assume I am talking about Charliebaby......but can it be that I am attempting to write about something else?!

Last Christmas, my thoughtful husband bought me a digital SLR. I held it with both excitement and intimidation, tears in my eyes. I have always loved having a creative outlet, but I am such a dabbler. I get really excited about a project, but inevitably leave it half finished. I have always been known as a jack-of-all-trades......master of none.

So, I held my new silver baby knowing that there was much to learn, and new challenges awaited. That is, if I wanted take full advantage of what I had. Why buy a Jag only to drive it around the block? Until the last month or so, every mode but auto-focus has been collecting dust as I have basically been playing with composition only. But slowly I have been trying out my "P", "AV", and even my "M". Although frustrating at times I am loving the challenge! It helps that I have the perfect little subject crawling around my house at all times. Well, I say "perfect", but I think constantly moving objects might not be the best to learn with, but he is definitely motivating.

So, bear with me as I continue to post hundreds of only slightly different pictures of him. I know the grandmothers don't mind, but for everyone else I post all but a few on my picassa site. Also, forgive me if you are near and I am obnoxiously in your or others face with my camera. I'm not at all attempting to be a professional (my brother deemed me "Zap girl" this Christmas - really b/c of my new flash), just taking others advice to snap away, and simply because I love it! Surely the newness will wear a little and I will better find the line between obnoxious and appreciatively capturing the moment.

To keep continuity with my other posts........

Ok really I just posted it because it is so cute. He thought he was pretty funny.

You are still quick to smile and easily brought to laughter, which still brings us to tears at times.

You gasp and squeal when your dad opens the door at the end of the day, and then look at me like I just came home too.

You sometimes cry when we leave the room now, which I must admit, I secretly like.

All of this, but you are also easily frustrated (don't they say this about smart kids? :) I can't help but laugh when you make your new "mad face" (last picture, as well as many others here). I see it often, and your dad tells me that I shouldn't laugh every time because one day it may not be cute anymore. But my laughter somehow breaks through your frustration, if only for a moment.

So many new "tricks", faces, sounds.......you are so utterly, what's the word? CHARLIE. You are your own person. I know that although I hold you tight, you are truly not my own. I am grateful that the Lord's grasp will always be tighter than mine. I pray that it will feel this way to you, even when you are doing those scary things like driving a car, dating, making all sorts of decsions that I'm sure I'll wish I could make for you.I pray for you the verse, or chapter rather, that I have held as my "go to" passage for years. Psalms 139 has penetrated my heart countless times, and I pray it will yours as well.

"Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me.........you hem me in, behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.....where can I go from your Spiriti?........you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know that full well...."

I pray that you will.

sitting up, scooting, up on all fours attempting to crawl, laughing, squealing, gasping with excitement, saying "ma ma ma ma" when crying, and "da da da da" when happy,.....these are a few of your recent accomplishments.

You have grown to 14 lbs and 27 1/2 inches (6 month appt.).

Many have called you endearing, and that is just what you are. You capture many hearts with that twinkle in your eye and toothless little grin!

Charlie Scooting:

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He has been scooting in little 2 foot increments since he was a little over 5 months old, but it wasn't until Halloween night that he decided to go any further. Bryan dropped a bag of Skittles on the floor, and this is exactly what happened. I guess it just took the right motivation!

if i added a hook on his left hand and an eye patch he could be charlie the tiger-pirate. grrr...argh!



Thankfully I waited until yesterday to buy candy, so the added pounds may only be in the single digits. I usually don't care much for candy bars, but there is this one little stinker in the mix that I can't get enough of. Do I just go ahead and down them all to get it over with? Or should Charlie and I step out of the box this year and knock on doors early and give it away? Self-control, self-control......Why oh why did I buy the good stuff? Why did I not give into my thriftyness and buy the yucky cheap mix with the orange and black wrapped chewy thingies?
Oh well. Come to our house for the goods tonight. Either that, or I will be dressed as the 500 lb. woman.

The nip and smell of the air, the changing of colors, sweaters, cinnamon and pumpkin, seeing my baby bundled up for the first time....it may be brief, but I love this season.

I'm sure moms everywhere have experienced it - you lay your child down, expecting a couple of hours to yourself to finally take a breather, kick your feet up, and do the laundry. But just 30 minutes or so later (after you have just wasted that time piddling on the internet) you hear the dreaded wimper (or wail) of wakefulness. You then, if you are like someone I know, race down the hall thinking that if you get there quick enough a pacifier might soothe him back to sleep.

But how can I do anything but scoop him up and smother him with kisses when I tiptoe in, only to see him craning his neck to see over the railing - watching for me.



Of course he can't talk yet, but it's obvious that I have just made his day. He is absolutely ecstatic. What's a few more minutes to myself?

Here are a couple of new tricks:
He is now sitting up


And he has now chosen not his fingers, thumb or pacifier to suck on, but his bottom lip. Smart kid. It doesn't get more convenient than that.

So, I've been tagged by my friend Jessica. Although I enjoy reading others attempts at this game, I've ignored my tag for a few days because I am not very good at these things. To DTR with these games, well, it takes me back to my campus ministry days that abounded with acronyms. But I figure this is a great way to get me to write about something. So hear goes.......

****Yes, I (along with a few others) am too vain to play with my middle name (a great name that I actually love, just tainted by the southern accent, and maybe a few southern "belles" who have also donned it. At least, as our friend Clay might say, it's not preceded by Meeesty) so.....

A - Adjusting. There is the obvious, adjusting to motherhood, but I would say that this week I am feeling the weight of adjusting to marriage with child. How did I ever become so selfish? Maybe my "N" should be needy.....

N - Ntuitive. I'm an iNfp. Nurturing. Night owl.

G - had to get the husband's help on this one, and he quickly replies "good-lookin', great, and gastronomy". ok, so the first 2 show that he is as good at this as I, but the last one speaks. It probably doesn't mean what you think, but the fact that my husband knows what it means says much about me. Or that he has watched an episode or two of Top Chef with me. He says I should add "gourmet chef", although I sincerely say there is room for Growing.

I - Indefineable. This Incapsulates me. I don't want to be put in a box, ever. I am always trying to wiggle my way out. hmm.....maybe that's why I'm not "good" at this game?

E - Explainer (is there also an E word for one who likes to make up words?). I always feel the need to explain my actions or words. *Bryan - "I highly agree"* My friends laugh at how often I preface what I am about to say. This is simply due to a desire to be understood. I guess this is a pretty universal trait - to be fully known and yet really liked, but I think I am the queen of it. Slowly, but surely, the Lord is helping to rid me of this crown, but I know I won't likely see this fully realized on this side of the gates.
I only now realize that I think I prefaced this game!

Whew. Thanks Jess. Ok, I'm supposed to pass this on? Hmm....Heather and Bec are with new babes, and I know you are going to squirm at the thought of this Bec, but I tag you guys anyway. And Elizabeth too.

And Katie, I don't care how oh-so-cool and aesthetically pleasing your blog has become. All eyes are still on you. Just get your husband, or your kids (that would make some great busy-work) to play for you if you have too!

I have a feeling our little guy is going to be quite the busybody. He is constantly on the move, even if it's in one place. Don't dare try to cradle him like a baby, hold him too tight, or "confine" him to a car seat, bouncy seat....any kind of seat. He is already scooting on the floor, and he "runs" in place when you hold him up. Bryan and I are convinced he would take off if he could only balance.

My days are spent in constant entertaining mode. Little guy doesn't like to be left alone, not for a second. If I must do something without him (meaning him sitting next to me) I am at least narrating the joys of folding laundry and cooking dinner. What used to take minutes (household tasks for example) now takes hours, and what used to take hours (getting ready, exercise, long and hot showers...) now takes minutes.

Not much like his laid-back parents, he is either in ecstatic laughter and smiles, or full-out frustration and tears (which usually seems to be just boredom or confinement). This makes for pretty tiring days, but extremely fun moments. Will he be a passionate soul?

All of this has pretty much been the case since birth, but it is so interesting to see more and more personality come out each month. I don't know what any of this means, and what it all will develop into, but I look forward to seeing who this little guy will become. I wouldn't change a thing. I thank the Lord daily, in amazement, that the Lord gave him to us.

I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen Bryan teary. Yesterday when he came home from work Charlie reached for him. This was one of those times.

Charlie's first Auburn game


A lazy morning

Number one was spent in a Penske, moving across the country. Number two was celebrated in L.A. with an unknown pregnancy. Number three, although not so exciting, was a blessing in disguise. At first I was bummed that our air conditioning went out during the Southern heat wave, on our anniversary; but then I realized we could pack up and go to my parents home - pool, walking trails, workout room, and best of all, babysitters! Charlie wasn't the only one spoiled.

A glimpse of our babysitters

Pop (aka Big Charlie, but we think Pop will stick)

GG

Lacey couldn't wait to put boots on (Jamie's retired boots)

checking them out

shoes to fill

How will I ever blog about anything else? He is just too much fun.

just

so

difficult!

success!

Charlie has been trying since birth to get his fingers - any or all - into his mouth. Finally this week we are having consistent success. Congrats little man!