Pumpkins!

The local farm markets are brimming with all things Fall...pumpkins, gourds, apples, haybales,

foddershocks, dried corn, mums, etc. As you can see, Maggie was very excited to pick out some of our very own pumpkins!

Ahhhhhhtumn...

"Fall is my favorite season in Los Angeles, watching the birds change color and fall from the trees. "

--David Letterman

Changes and Rearranges...

For all the Trekkies out there that can fondly recall these words: "Space...the final frontier"...
...well, our basement was not taken into consideration when those familiar words were penned.

The real final frontier lies underneath our beloved old house.

Gone are the fabled knotty pine poker table once securely bolted to the floor, and all traces of the former bathroom. Neighborhood legend has it that at one time, a "pet" alligator and flying squirrel both resided in these same basement quarters. Thankfully, no evidence of either has been unearthed to date.

The sounds of change...saws, hammers, drills, etc., have been buzzing underneath for a few weeks now. The visible signs of progress both welcome and exciting.

When it is done, we will have a level space for family and guests. Most importantly, an area with a bathroom on the same floor that we can be in together when Maggie has her surgery, and is in a spica cast for an extended period of time.

And sorry, but no gators or squirrels allowed!

Look closely...

...see the horns and pitchfork?

look again.

closer...

they're there, so I've learned.

Contrary to what you might have thought, the devil does not always wear red, (or Prada).

Nope, the devil has been busy sloshing around in sippy cups.

And this comes from a well informed source.

No, not talking BPA here.

That's different news, and the very reason for the recently purchased BPA-free-yet-evil-cup

in the picture above.

Now, I learn (from a speech and language workshop I attended the other evening) that it is the general consensus of many respected speech pathologists that sippy cups can and do contribute to speech problems in children.

Really?

Okay, you ever try to drink from your toddler's sippy cup?

I have. It's hard. Really hard.

What I did not notice originally was the position of my tongue when I did this.

You ever notice what a work out your tongue and jaw get when you are speaking?

Sorta like spin class for your mouth.

And those movements are very important to speech and language development.

And continued use of sippy cups can inhibit proper speech and language development.

The presenter (a speech pathologist) at this workshop sited some case studies as well.

What was recommended instead?

Plain old ordinary cups.

Cups with a straw as an alternative, but only if the child learns to properly drink with the straw- meaning only about 1/4 inch of the straw in their mouth.

I can hear shrieks of "Oh, but the mess"...

I understand.

But as a new mama to a toddler learning a whole new language,

it is my responsibility to provide the best opportunities for healthy speech and language development.

A little spilled milk is just a minor inconvenience...

...and a reminder of the precious gift we have been given.

"When you least expect it...

...expect it."

That's what my dad used to say teasingly to me as a young girl when we would pull tricks on one another. One never knew when or where a black rubber snake would make it's surprise appearance- sometimes in the shower, or a kitchen cabinet, a pair of shoes. In an effort to try to thwart my retaliatory tom-foolery, dad would always warn..."just remember, when you least expect it, expect it." His warnings, of course, only resulted in more hijinks. Golf shoes up a tree, plastic spiders in his car, and that same rubber snake absconded, hid, and held for ransom.

This tradition of trickery has carried on into our household, and that same warning given to our son...fostering many more playful pranks. And now with our daughter, games of "hide", and "chase" with Baba promise to carry on that spirit of cheerful mischief.

One year ago to date, we received the phone call from our adoption agency that would change our lives forever.

Actually, it was a message left on my cell phone. Strange, I had thought, since most of my friends and family know I am completely inept when it comes to cell phones- so they never leave messages, knowing the futility of their efforts to reach me. I noticed I had a message as I was leaving the office for the day. I listened to it, sitting in the parking lot. Twice. Then, leaving the car running, got out and returned to the office in search of my husband. Hands trembling, listening to the message a third time, holding the phone out so my husband could hear.

There was a file on a little girl...would we want to see...

...please call back as soon as you get this message.

Mark dialed, and I sat next to him, my mind spinning.

What would happen in the next moments, days, weeks, months, seemingly so unexpected, so unbelieveable. In reality, so perfectly planned, perfectly amazing, and plain-old wonderful!
Totally unexpected...

...exactly what to expect from a God who loves to surprise with His miraculous ways!

Dad is smiling from his place in heaven, for certain.

A day to remember...

"In a state of the world unparalleled in times past, and never again to be expected, according to human probabilities, no form of government has, so far, better shielded its citizens from the prevailing afflictions." --Thomas Jefferson 1808

Pray for our country, it's leaders, military, and it's citizens...

And never forget...

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for his inheritence."

Psalm 33:12

"A girl should be two things...

...classy and fabulous." - Coco Chanel

Maggie's stance on fashion is one can never be over-accessorized. There is never an errand or outing without at least one purse, cell phone, and other miscellaneous bling...

"I am your parent; you are my child..."

..."I am your quiet place; you are my wild.

I am your calm face; you are my giggle.

I am your wait;

you are my wiggle."

From the children's book- "You Are My I Love You".

by Maryann K. Cusimano

Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa

Daily, I am witness to some pretty amazing happenings. Oh sure, there is the mundane repetition of daily tasks. I am mindful that in the midst of all the "ordinary" there is something extraordinary taking place. From putting on her own socks and shoes, to striking it out on her own in the poolwaters (in her swimmies)...each day brings new discoveries of independence. And the joy of discovery... measureable from one ear to the other.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue..."

..."but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

Popsapalooza II has come and gone.

Fishing...swimming...scavenger hunt...corn hole...ladder ball...

good eats...special treats

...great fun and lasting memories...

a special time for us all!

Looking forward to Popsapalooza III!