democracy, division?

It's election year.

If this is news to you, well we all welcome you back from your hiking trip in the remote Himalayas. (and I am personally jealous of you).

Kinda hard to miss that this event is coming right up. Not as bad as when we lived in Iowa (an early primary's state)-they've had it bad with commercials and news for like a year and a half already.

Let me just preface this rant complaining cautionary post with this: I am QUITE thankful to live in America. To have the freedoms we do, to vote to choose our forthcoming leaders, those things truly are a privilege.

So this is what gets me in election years especially: People's WILDLY opinionated and slanted statements, hardly fact-checked, and so cutting and insensitive. (I'm not taking sides here- not even a little). I'm not even going to touch on the politicians themselves, I'm talking about my friends and family here- people I know and love.

Great. Already stepping on toes.

My main open wound: Facebook. (and a random email here and there).
Who: lots of "friends" (I promise I don't have anyone particular in mind)

Why? Well, it's just too easy to post, share, or repost something that struck a chord with you in that small moment, in split second, with the click of a button. I think this may be the case for many. Or maybe posting your opinion online gives this feeling of false security to the one proclaiming their opinions or comments (ie: the positives and negatives to each candidate, their parties and their projected plans- good or bad).

It seems there is no balance or DEFERENCE to be found. People feel so led to use their social platform(s) to sway potential voters to their "side". -AS IF the insanely biased post will do any good (or !change the mind!) for the person of the 'opposing' party who you are supposedly trying to reach and recruit. (I mean, really, why else would you post a political commercial on your personal space, pushing for certain candidate or party, unless it was to sway other voters to see it your way? -we all know who we're are going to vote for in the end. And that is the beauty of our democracy, YOU are the only one at the end of the day who gets to cast your vote). {no sarcasm on this point- ok- in a perfect world, that's how it's set up}.

NOTES to MYSELF:
Where is our courteous respect for others? I'm not at all talking about laying down like a door mat, and not standing up for your beliefs, convictions, and rights... But it's PEOPLE we're talking to.  Real people with real feelings and stories and needs connected to them. Speak in such a way that it communicates LOVE to them. Not just my love, but the Author of Love- Jesus.

Elections, laws and leaders and nations are actually TRIVIAL in the end. They are simply a part of the world we live in. We are called to pray for leaders, and respect (ALL) of them as believers. (and respect should be considered when posting "terrible" things they may have done that you disagree with). I guess my main issue is why do we feel so riled and compelled to campaign for our party of choice so valiantly? It is SO much more important to be fighting for the SOULS (not the votes) of those around us.

MY MAIN POINT
Am I winsome and showing Jesus to those who know me?

I feel like it's divisive to be posting (all the time) about politics. We could definitely be building walls, and turning away more potential believers when we take part in this. Would you say the things you post about to others face to face- all of your 907 facebook friends? - believers or unbelievers? Will it help you build a relationship that will help point that person(s) to Jesus? Do you really wanna die on that hill? Is there not only one decision/relationship we should be so passionate about sharing?

Not everyone is where you are mentally. Where has there story brought them, how did they get to today? How can I make Jesus look attractive to them today? How can I be loving to those I know?

Grace. I know we'll see lots of things we disagree with in the coming months, and there are very few issues that are just a matter of right and wrong, biblical or sin- but not as many as you would like to think. Be gracious, loving, thoughtful, and slow in your responses to what your eyes may come across. Think first about the kind of relationship you have or don't have with someone, is it truly helpful?
In the end only Jesus and eternity matter.

now or never

ready. set. go.
hands up.
flying leap.

There.
That wasn't so bad. I've had this persistent itch to jump back into writing here on my little lost blog.
I've had so many great boring interesting things to write about.
This is how my 11- - - ELEVEN - - -  (wow. that's a long time) month dead zone got out of hand:
(please read "excuses for having NOT blogged"):

1. Asher turned 11 months. YAY! But along with the awesome consistency in sleeping and eating age brings, it also brought along walking and talking, more teething, more independence and general full-time busyness. Mom's, I know you've got my back on this one. Let's just say my free & alone time seemed to shrink because during his awesome afternoon naps I either needed to cling to God in study or prayer, sleep, clean, make supper, blah, blah blah.

OK, you get the point: Asher grew up more, I had to figure out my new normal.

2. I did figure out my new normal. YAY! Now it is February-ish I'd suppose. I promise I revisited the idea of blogging again.

Looking back at the host of posts in the past two years has been fun and good. This place is totally just my decompressing, processing, remembering, thinking (out loud), release, honesty-spouting, sharing SPOT. And along the way I had to write down what my Abba was teaching and showing me, what He was walking me through (often kicking and screaming, but sometimes quietly and enjoying the gift of now).

Being the introvert that I am. -Well I'm a weird one probably- It's true I'm introverted now for sure; yet I do have this completely open side of me, and I have no qualm sharing my entire (please read: 'cervical lengths', 'absurd horizontal living', 'misgivings', 'crazy thoughts', -lol!) life, in excruciating detail, with the world. So anyway being the mixed introvert that I am, I like to process internally, alone, and it takes me a while. Probably because when I talk, I can't always find the words I'm really thinking or feeling. And this is an excellent place for slow, thoughtful (well sometimes-not always) expression of the real me. I'm not a good writer, I simply write as I talk for the most part. Nothing fancy.

So anyway, as I revisited I found myself dreadfully behind, and the perfectionist in me was going absolutely, completely, frantically, CRAYZY-NUTZ.  So as I said, the story of our past few years has become quite centered around our family. pre and post. what a journey it's been, so consuming. And the blog had also become a baby book of sorts. -That's the nice part, 'cuz I would forget a lot of it otherwise.

But now.  Oh boy. By February I was 5 months behind on pictures and details and thoughts, which I could have caught up on, but seriously- who (in the general public) really wants to know Asher had his first (of hundreds) scrape or had zucchini for first time, etc.  OK OK OK, I know Grandma and Gigi cared a lot, but other than that? what? no hands wildly waiving? No one?  No?....   ..... really?!  LOL!  Thought so.   I was feeling guilty for subjecting my faithful few to the posting torture of routine family life. (I first realized my little blog was going this direction in july 2010, see this post. OH DEAR!)

My solution? I opened Asher's very own little privet blog. There are still one or two months I've missed somewhere in there. But there is less pressure to make it anything more than it is: a record of my son's irresistible cuteness and remarkable smartness.  I'm not at all bias. It's just the facts.  If you really wanna see more pics, and stories of our daily "family" life, I can hook you up.  Or just check my facebook or instagram.

OK. I'm throwing a picture in here so I don't loose ya. It's an older one, from March I think.
I'm just about done.

3. The blog needs to be worth your time (well at least kinda worth it, because I know post after post week after week can easily become boring).  I had a dry, very non-creative, and VERY uninteresting spell. I think this is a really normal part of life for me. I had nothing but the daily life to report or share. In many ways, I'm still there. But I'm really going to try to dig down deep and rediscover some of my interests and passions and amusements once again. Perhaps you'll join me, perhaps you'll pop in for a visit every now and then, or just say in your head 'good for you' and move along. All three are perfect options.

The point: if you're taking the time to read, I want you to leave encouraged in some way.

Another one so you don't leave yet.  ;-)

4. I'm still trying to get over the fact that there is no possible way of writing you a bridge from last november until now. But alas, there is not. breathe amanda. breathe. Get over it. Nobody cares. LOL!
I'll try to post silly little updates here and there, cuz who wants an impersonal no-picture page to drudge through? Yup, not me. Life IS my inspiration after all.

______
This summer was very low maintenance. Hours of pool and park time. Lots of playing cars and balls, and basketball and chasing my fantastic and happy Little Mr.  Charlie has been pretty busy at work and has been trying to squeeze in time for his hobby's.  I've been enjoying the ride, the goodness and fun-ness in the now. (When I'm NOT pulling my hair out, or scraping dried cheese and peas off the floor). You get my drift.

Hugs to you guys. 

Cheers to many more.

Thanks for letting me process with you.

Holy cow, that was a wordy way of telling you I'm gonna try blogging out again! HA!

my lovelies and littles

This week has been just like "July in Minnesota is supposed to be".  Or so the radio announcers said today. Supposed to be or not- I agree with this lovely less humid, yet hot weather. It promotes fun days with my dearest friends, at local parks, nestled by lakes, grassy hills, sun-kissed cheeks, laughter, hugs, and bonding.  -Did I mention I LOVE SUMMER!!!?!

Anne, Jaime, Andrea & Erica w/the littles

 See that tiny Little Hat-Covered Dot head'n for the hills? (or rather, truck'n down the hill and toward bath house...).  That would be my child. No second look back, no 'mom, is this ok?' look, only one small break to look about and make sure he was on HIS track...Yup....dooo-ti-deety-ti-doo-doo. He was on his own little adventure, until I retrieved him. Which apparently wasn't entirely disagreeable either; -judging from his high-in-the-air tossed giggles and kissed up, smiling cheeks.

My Lovelies.  

This happened to be Erica's last picnic with us before they enter the next chapter of the lives in a different state. I (we) will miss this woman of god and her humble depth, inner joy and peace, and real transparency.  HUGS TO YOU ERICA! Fare better than well!

what on earth

my elbow

This little dandy started to show up on Sunday night and with each day has gotten more and more colorful, and less painful.

Weird part... I have absolutely NO idea what I banged it on. But the battle mark was impressive.
How is that possible?!

golf balls and clouds

It was a great evening to get out and hit balls. So all three of us packed up and headed to the driving range. Asher was most fascinated by the grass. And he would smile at the occasional passer by.


Then, on 5.10 we were on the edge of a crazy storm. We hardly got anything at all, but the after party was awesome. I've only seen clouds like this once before. Pretty neat.

random fun

Aunty Anna and Uncle Paul were in town in April and we grabbed supper with them.
They were completely in love with you baby boy!
You were really good while we ate too. 

Mesmerized Baby Blues
(He was feeling grumpy)

It was one of those days. 

He had to be plugged in. Mommy needed a break.

You understand.

We have really been enjoying spending time outside since the weather finally turned nice!
And in the bottom right is my shout out to our house (not done yet).  We're on an improvement rampage.
Recoating the driveway, arrogation, seeding, flower planting, weeding, trimming, and we're getting our house PAINTED at the end of June! YAY! NO MORE PEACHY PINK!
Owning a house is a lot of work and MOOOOLA.   :-P
I'll be sure to post pictures in about a month with all the updates.

yes, white does get old

The white that gets old is pictured above.

Snow.

ON APRIL 20th!!!!


Seriously.  It came on November what?...16th-ish 2010? -and wasn't gone until Around April 23, 2011.  That's a plenty long winter for our family, thank you.  Charlie says it's El Niño. I say, whatever it is: Enough already!

Asher actually thought it was pretty neat to watch. It was coming down in huge flakes.

magical furniture

I didn't know, but we bought magical furniture. It can change colors!
It changes from a gorgeous dark wood to a weird shade of grey. Huh! WOW! Cool! I wonder if anyone would be interested in purchasing very unique pieces that change colors with time. $$!!$$


Oh.

Wait.


hold on. crap. I was wrong. I just touched it, and it is only large layers of
DUST.

Bummer, no magic here folks. Just a really good old fashioned case of a REALLY dirty house.

So, I guess this means our toilets can't magically turn pink either- that's grime that needs to be scrubbed.  uhg.

I guess I have my work lined up for me the rest of the day.

In cuter news:

asher chews on everything!

And this is what our front lawn was looking like one week ago today!

good bye beauty rest

good bye beauty rest.

HELLO STERNS AND FOSTER!

That's a great trade off for sure.  Charlie and I decided it was high time we got a bed that was just awesome, with no divot-ed holes to arrange ourselves in, one we could wake from without knee and back pain. Enter our new bed.

It arrived this morning, in the middle of our March snow-storm. (Yes we have a lovely fresh 5-6 inches on the ground so far. But I digress....)




The last two nights, as I lay there in our old bed (rather uncomfortably I might add...) I became strangely sentimental about it. I began to imagine where they would be taking it when it left our home. You see, I think I grew oddly attached to the old thing. When one lays in one's bed, morning-sick as could be weeks on end during three pregnancies, or spends an ENTIRE summer and fall snuggled in it (hummm, perhaps THAT'S where the divot's came from!) on bed rest praying that a certain Little Mr would stay put, or has friends sitting on the end or on the side or in the middle with me, helping to pass the long days there....one may quite possibly grow fond of this inanimate object.  It felt like I was throwing out a tiny part of me.  So this morning I lingered a smidge longer when I woke, reveling in my side of the bed in my (self-made) hole. Good grief.  Good bye sore mornings!

LOL!

Laugh at me if you will. I'm laughing at myself.

To welcome a new chapter of the Johnson Bed Chronicles our darling, loud, giggly little boy helped to put on fresh sheets. He broke in the bed with a (new to him) game of peek a boo. He was delighted as you can see in the video.  This completely erased any "sadness" I had about tossing out the old mattress.

whirling and swirling

I've had lots on my mind lately
I have a bunch of posts started and not finished
I keep dreaming about real life things- putting outfits together, lists, wording for new posts, new room arrangements, etc-weird (and I always forge exactly how it goes when I wake)
I'm not sure what, how or if to communicate these whirling thoughts
My mind is slightly fuzzy from a week of yucky sick nights with my little Asher-man (I wouldn't trade the moments though)
I desperately need to go for a run to clear my head
Found out that although 3/4ths of my clothes fit once again-I still have no dress clothes that do -I tried them all on last night -depressing

I'll get it all sorted in (and out of) my head soon- I always feel better when i type or write it out, so it must be done.

Stand by

I'm going to take a nap

manda's favorite things -kitchen list

I'm not too much a of a "kitcheny" person. So if I really like something from that room- that's saying something. Cooking and baking are not my forte; but I've mastered the art of consumption. These are the products I find myself using everyday. (along with my dishwasher, obviously).

Bodum French Coffee Press

OXO Grip Plastic Bowls

Nonstick 12-Inch Open Skillet

Food thermometer digital

Aroma water kettle

manda's favorite things -baby list

Manda's Favorite Things

(New Baby/Mommy List)

I just thought I'd post a list of my favorite things that get nearly daily (some multiple times daily) use.  Some I've found the hard way, trial and error, or highly recommended from friends. 

• Dermaplast, and epsom salt - These two things were a life saver in my healing/recovery process.  My Dr. said the dermaplast was not widely known among OB's and told me to use it. Can we just say "Ahhhhh, relief!" 
• Mary kay under eye brightener, those first couple of weeks the suitcases and black circles under my eyes were quite the sight.  So this handy little product and lots of sleep are my secret weapon. And LOTS of water!
• Woombie- Asher LOVES his. I like it because he's never gotten out (like he would in multiple different swaddlers).  It's also made of t-shirt material with a zipper, this allows his body to breath and his arms to wiggle just a little into a comfy position. (not so much like a medical straight jacket or something!)
• Fold and go bouncer - I like this because it's colors go with our house more, could be used for boy or girl, it's vibration is quiet, and the best part- it folds up for storage or travel. I'm not into baby clutter all over.
• Burp cloths by dana- These burp cloths are the most absorbent of all that I've tried. And the best part, they're made with love by my friend, Dana.  
• Target nursing bra's- I know this says it's for sleeping, but i where these all the time comfy and easy one hand snaps. And also I finally broke down and bought a glamour mom tank- SO worth it. I wear it as many days in a row as I can get away with. (It's a bra/tank, it keeps your tummy covered during feedings). I should really buy another.
• Belly Band- you can wear this during pregnancy to keep your tummy covered and after I love how it keeps my tummy sucked in a little bit, and provides tummy coverage when I'm not wearing my GM tank, I can lift my shirt and still stay covered.  Handy. Warm. 
• Mam Paci's
• Gap Baby Socks (or old navy)- They actually STAY ON.
• Maya Wrap & Ergo Sport carrier. Asher loves these. I have reasons for liking the maya best with babies under 6-7 months. It's easy, provides perfect support, and is small. The ergo (VERY COMFORTABLE) works too, but will be even better when he's a little bigger.
• Peg Perego Si Stroller. I really like this stroller. it's light, easy, tall, sturdy, well-made, and it fits with chicco car seats. Fabulous.
• Oh and the Boppy- I use it multiple times per day.

• Asher and I love to have this radio station playing all day long. "Classical Minnesota Public Radio". It's just relaxing, and I think I've read somewhere classical music help baby brain development.  I just found iTunes Radio (never used it before), this station is in the classical section under that title. It streams live all day from my Mac. (I don't think we even own a single radio anymore)! But I always have them on in my car (that or Citie's 97)

What are your favorites? Please tell me!

good 'ol eeyore

This sums up our winter thus far.

thought i wouldn't do it this year...

...but I did.

But I did it the unconventional way. I claim the new mommy excuse, or the I don't enjoy cooking/baking excuse.

I wanted to go to a Christmas cookie exchange party, but didn't think I'd go 'cuz I didn't feel like making the traditional Christmas time cookies.  So this is what I did:

1. Grabbed my Little Cooking Buddy (of course):

 2. Bought "Chistmas Colored M & M's" -'cuz that's how cheaters do it:

 3. I mixed up my most favorite batch of Chocolate chip cookies and added the red and green m&m's so I could get away with calling them Christmas cookies.

 4. Got them all packed up and ready to go- I think my friends should be happy with this, I mean really- who thinks to make good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies at Christmas?!  LOL!

This is my first confession. I'll blog the next.

stunning 3-yr-old ability!

I don't usually forward you to other people's blogs, but this is one you'll wanna take the time to check out... all the way to the finally. -this kid made me laugh and my jaw hang open.  Nose wiping and all.

http://twentytwowords.com/2010/11/09/3-year-old-passionately-conducting-a-symphony/
(22 words blog often has really unique and interesting stuff on it).

or you can watch it here:

instant childhood summers

There are a few smells during that season that instantly transport me back to young summer days with my sisters...

One is BLT's. We had them Thursday night for supper and it smelt divine. We must have had those frequently when I was little.

The second is wet pavement (from rain or the hose). I used to think I could smell the rain, but in fact I think it's the hot, wet sidewalks that trigger that thought/memory.

Third is Waterbabies (or any other really, we just used this one lots) sunscreen. Some friends (the kiddo's I used to watch) walked in my front door a couple weeks ago, on their way to the pool. MMmmmmmm. They smelled delish'. Many a day us girls slathered that stuff on. (and too many days where we should have -the little brown spots on my arms at 30 years of age remind me of that).

enjoyabilities

Things I enjoy recently:

I really enjoy a good summer thunderstorm. The kind that make the sky black, and pour out rain and boom with rolling thunder.

A cool, remarkably creamy, fruit smoothie. (been making 'em at home)

(*hanging head*)- My PJ pants. (every time I'm home I'm in them-probably too much).

My little Janome makes me happy, and makes me clothes when I have none that fit.

And sitting outside in a lawn chair soaking in the day.

personal walls

Upon urging from my big sister to just post something... you get several photos of things that are on my walls, and very few words. (and horrible photo's, 'cuz it's my iPhone). I know I appreciated finding these types of little tips here and there; they're very inexpensive to create). These are a few ways we've decorated, personalized and livened our home:

BOOK HIM! (isn't that what cops say in the police station meaning: FINGERPRINT?)

Charlie and I used a black ink pad and made 10-30 thumb prints each and I inspected them for the best one and cut it out. I took it to Kinko's and enlarged them to nearly the same size each, and then printed them on photo paper. Framed them up and hung them together. I think it'll be fun eventually to add our children's finger prints to the collage. Perhaps with a printed verse like Psalm 139:16.

Speaking of fingerprints and children, last week our Little Baby J "grew" fingerprints of his/her own! (this happens between week 12-13). We also have so pretty cute foot prints from Bennett the nurse took for us.

Frame a Christmas Ornament on Fun Material

For this, I simply duck taped a "J" ornament to a piece of material wrapped around some cardboard and framed it.

Frame Unexpected Things

Like a license plate, or record album covers, etc. We actually used to live in Johnson county so when we moved to MN we framed our plates. For those of you big time movers- this would be a fun conversational collage of different states plates you've lived in.

Cover Plywood or Wood Frame with Material

This was easy and fun. I just stapled some great fabric around the edges, made sure it was smooth and hung them. Got this idea from Crate and Barrel. I enjoy using Marimekko fabrics.

Little Baby Update

Little baby is now 13 weeks 5 days old.

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, his veins and organs are clearly visible through his still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of his body size now. If we're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Little Baby is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce.

verbal desert

I want to blog, but I'm not sure what I want to share that anyone would care to read. It's been an interesting week. Hopefully in a few days I will know what to write. I've not forgotten my blog, I'm just in a verbal desert.

fuzzy trees

God made the trees look like they had white fuzz on them when we woke up this morning. (actually really light/sparkely snow and ice). In any case it really pretty. I wish I could find my good camera.