Dirty Laundry

Though we may not admit it in detail, we all have or have had dirty laundry that we would rather not be aired (especially by someone else).  If you can imagine your past as dirty laundry; stained, wrinkled, smelly, and torn.  But at some point (hopefully) Christ stepped in and cleansed us from our unrighteousness (if you haven't had that happen, contact me I'd love to introduce you to my saviour).  

Unfortunately, when our laundry has been cleaned we fold it and put it away and for most of us that's exactly what we do with our pasts.  We minimize our sin and store it away in fear of man.  Because our culture is so advanced our clothes are dried in a dryer in 60 minutes or less.  However, with our spiritual lives we should let our once dirty laundry, air dry.  Why?  Because if we never testify of what God has done in our lives and show where he has brought us from we rob him of his glory.  

Did you know that salvation is only one step of a Christian life?  We often forget the second part and thats the word of our testimony.  We overcome staining our clean garments again, by His blood and our testimony.   So I encourage you, let your dirty laundry out of the drawer.  Testify of God's glorious works.  Show just how amazing his blood is.  I think you may be amazed to find yourself wondering why you no longer struggle with the strongholds that still so easily beset you.  

Allow me to encourage those who have received salvation.  Stay out of other people's drawers.  It is not your duty to air someone else's dirty laundry.  It is our responsibility to lead other's to the same cleansing flow, we once found.  By airing someone else's gruesome and sometimes traumatic past you are only adding more stains.  

His cleansing flow still cleanses.

I Love Rev Run

"The people who do things that count, usually don't stop to count them."

-Rev Runs (words of wisdom)

Not exactly the landing we hoped for...

Today has been a pretty peaceful day. Dalen came to work with me and after a while of being pretty wild he was placed in his playpin to play with his toys. There was just something interested in the atmosphere...or I guess my "mother's intuition" was in overdrive.

You know that feeling that your little one is up to something? You have no concrete evidence but you just know. I felt like I had eyes in the other room. Dalen was quiet for sometime. I peeked in to check on him and he was looking up. His eyebrows were scrunched together as if he were deep in thought. Hmmm, he was doing nothing wrong. I just couldn't shake the feeling though.

After about 30 minutes of silence I began to hear clanging. It sounded like someone was eating. I began to picture the room he was in. There was china on the table not too far from his play pin, but far enough away that it was beyond his reach. I tiptoe to the room only to find Dalen munching on an imaginary cuisine and occaisonly sipping from a glass coffee mug. He finally saw me standing there in shock. Grinning from ear to ear he continued devouring his "meal".

How in the world did he get out of that playpin!!!??? There was only one way to find out. I put him back in the playpin and watched for a while. He then climbed up on his tonka truck, threw his left leg over the side of the playpin and lunged up, out and DOOOOWWWWNNN!!!

Yea not exactly the landing we hoped for but I now know he is capable of getting out and how. Oh gosh, lets hope he doesn't try this in his crib one night when we are asleep. Our poor house would be demolished, trashed, in flames...it wouldn't survive! I have his crash landing on video for Mario but I felt it would be not very nice to put it on here. Minutes later Dalen was still eating his meal. Needless to say it was plate lickin good.

PS- Anyone know of any playpins sold with lids?? ha, ha I am kidding

Preacher's wife

This is a rather honest post. I am usually more private about my personal feelings but I felt I could share a little from the heart.

I guess it hit me while driving the other day I am officially a "preacher's wife". A little overwhelming because I personally I don't feel that I fit the traditional mold for that. Maybe thats a good thing?

When we interviewed for the position Mario has at Grace Community, I made one vow to the council: that we would be teachable. We are young and inexperienced, yet called for God's work. My prayer is always, "God teach us something today." Here is what I have learned so far as a preacher's wife.

1. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you DON'T know.
I think this is the 1st step towards humility. Pride is learning and thinking you know more instead of realizing there is still more to learn and more you don't know. Pride is definitely man's denial that he needs to learn more.

2. Ministry is NOT for the lazy.
With the societal issues we are facing, ministers and their wives must constantly be in prayer, led by the spirit and decrease their self in every move they make. The issues and questions that ministers are experiencing today are so unreal I don't think we could even begin to have answers for them. Direction in these areas must come from God.

When God has truly called you to do something, you will see to it that it is done (with or without the help of others). This means more labor, extra work hours and hard sacrifices.

3. Rewards aren't always instantaneous or visible.

If you think of jobs where a lot of labor and hands on are required, it always takes time to see results. For example, a gardener can spend months waiting on results from crops he planted...and sometimes he may never see results. The most important part of growing crops is tilling the ground and planting the seed.

Sometimes our job isn't to witness the outcome, our responsibility is prepare someone or something for the harvest. Preparation is the most grueling of that process.

4. You must be cautious of biased prayers.
God's word is clear that he will do exceedingly above what we could ask or think. So why do we limit what he does or how he does them? When God calls us we must be very cautious to be open to his will and pray for his will. Our selfish desires begin to pray for things we want or things we see, when really God intended things to be radically different.

He's got the whole world...

upside down. So, I am not really sure if Dalen has picked up yoga or if he just likes looking at things upside down. Lately he does this until his face is blood red. I guess there is no harm in this?

upside down

America's funniest videos

Sunday night America's Funniest Home Videos came on. I am not sure if Dalen heard the audience laughing and he was copying or if he really thought the videos were funny. A segment came on of just animals. Anything with feathers or fur is a "bow wow" to Dalen and he barks immediately. This is Dalen watching a funny dog clip.

Best Friends

Ok here goes a cheesy, sentimenal post only a mom can write. Even though Dalen is only 1 1/2 we already pray for his future, daily. One thing I pray everday is that God will send him righteous friends from good homes. We missed Parent's Day Out last week because of the "flood"and Dalen was more than excited to be back today.

When getting out of the car, we see John (Dalen's cousin and best friend) through the window. Dalen immediately runs to the window to see him closer and takes off to the door. When Dalen arrives at his class John runs to him and embraces him! So adorable!

I got in the car to drive to work and just thanked God for such a sweet friend. John is always so nice to Dalen, even when Dalen isn't so nice back. He comes from a great home with awesome parents who welcome Dalen over a lot.

God is already answering my prayers.

John hugged Dalen forever!

Dalen looking at John through the window!

Welcome To Society:my eye-opening weekend

Friday night was date for Mario and I (thanks for the 1st Baptist crew that put on Parent's Night Out). We really hadn't planned anything in advance like we normally do, so we decided to catch a movie kind of last minute.

I think for the 1st time in my life I experienced culture shock. Although I haven't traveled too much I think culture shock must be what I was feeling. We normally catch matinees (b-c its cheaper and you have a better chance of having a theater to yourself, which is our favorite thing) but Friday, Premiere was swarming with preteen hormones, drama and clueless parents.

The 14 year old couple in front of us in the ticket line, were pairing up with their single parents who were also on a date. Literally Mario had to tell me to shut up I was gasping at their behavior so loudly. I just wanted to scream get your hormonal hands off of her! You are disgusting!

He would kiss her neck, she would giggle, then push him away and then he would smack her butt, IN FRONT OF HER MOM, who thought this behavior was humorous!!! Normally, I walk away from situations like that asking what is wrong with these kids but that night I walked away asking what is wrong with parents. On top of literally smelling an overflow of hormones in the air, I saw three girls get into a verbal altercation over an offensive text. Lets just say I hear a lot of 4 letter words.

And may I ask, what the deal is with 12 year old boys wearing skinny jeans for girls? I am sorry but the day I have and daughter who wants to date a boy who wears jeans more fitted than mine the answer is NO. I am all about fashion but guys, you can be fashionable without looking like us women. I must be old school but I personally think 12 is WAAAAY too young to be on an unsupervised date and to have a cell phone of your own! And for you moms that pull the "oh, my kids have a cell phone of their own in case something happens to them..." well, I think if you weren't constantly letting them run around the city with the freedom of an 18 year old you wouldn't worry about it so much b-c they would be with YOU!!!!

Sunday was the bridal show....very exciting. The most brides this show has ever had attended. THe booths were amazing and we made a lot of contacts including one I am still a little haunted by. I was approached by a young girl (prob. 20) who was covered in mood rings, snake rings, black hair and black eye liner an inch thick. She said her date was Halloween, her colors were "black, black, and more black", and she was having problems finding a wedding site because all of the places wouldn't approve her to have a ceremony in darkness. My, my, my the society we live in. What an eye opening weekend.

FULL SIZE!!!

Mario and I have almost been married 3 years!!! So hard to believe! Well for 3 years, we have endured only having 2 love seats. We have never had a full size couch. I know it sounds silly to even think about, but if you were to try only having a couch that fits 2 and you will quickly see how annoying it can get.

Anytime we want to sprawl out and watch a movie its nearly impossible and adding Dalen to the mix...was just getting a little too close for comfort. So our good friend T moved this weekend and already had 2 full size couches and both can't fit into the new house he is moving to....SO LADIES AND GENTS......we have a full size couch!!!!

It's pretty amazing that even Dalen realizes it. He climbs up there and runs from one end to the other (accident waiting to happen I know, but after the window breaking incident I have losened up just a little. I think I am convinced he is made of rubber.). Right after it was dropped off Dalen stood in amazement and climbed up in my lap and fell right to sleep! I think I am LOVING this couch just for that.

Mr. Rogers

Two days ago while shopping at Target, I found the 75% off rack.  Dalen is in desperate need of some new clothes...gosh, he grows fast!  Anyways I put this outfit together and it cost me under $15.  Who said you had to spend a million $ to look like a million bucks??  I think Dalen looked so super cute in this outfit.

The sweater cardigans are so in for guys who dress retro but on Dalen, I saw a little Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

if, because or in spite of

A loooong time ago I traveled to Florida with my parents.  My dad spoke for a marriage night at my uncle's church and he said something I've held onto every since.  He advised the couples not to love on terms of "if" or "because" but "in spite of".  Best advice ever!

I can say I love Mario because he works hard or I will love Mario if he stays faithful to me but really if we evaluate Christ's love, which is based on grace, we find he loves us in spite of.  God knows we at some point or another will fail on terms of "if" and "because" so he loves us in spite of our imperfections, sin, rebellion, hypocrisy and broken promises.

Tonight I felt that kind of love.  One of my friends had a baby not too long ago.  She has a precious son and I visited tonight to help out with laundry, dishes and to just give her time to breath (and shower, haha).  She text me earlier and said does it ever get easier?  Ha, ha I thought.  I had literally been asking myself the same question today.

While helping out I realized wow, I wish I could love more like her.  Although I helped out around her house and she expressed much appreciation she displayed in spite of love.  She thanked me just for being there. It's been a long time since I have felt appreciated just for being Megan,  loved just for being  present, noticed for just listening and thanked for absolutely nothing (I really didn't do much but listen and be there).  Tonight I am thankful for feeling appreciated for being me and being reminded of "in spite of" love. 

This Is My Life

The hardest thing about posting this story was finding a title. I debated for a really long time. My choices were: Grandparents Are Unbelievable, My Son Must Have Been A Climbing Ape In His Former Life, My Baby Made Of Rubber, or This Is My Life. I came to the conclusion after reverting back to grade school remembering you pick the title most relateable to the story. This Is My Life would definitely be it.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Parent's Day Out was cancelled due to the treacherous and dangerous weather conditions (haha), work was steady but good and Dalen was in a fine mood. Dalen's latest trick is running behind the TV to unhook our TV antenna and Dvd player. The funny thing is I don't even know how to do this.

I guess my pride got in the way and while on the phone with my sister, Mel, I decided I would "try" to put the antenna back up to the TV b-c how dare a 1 year old know how to do something I don't. I rarely EVER have a fun one on one conversation with anyone because when Dalen is left to "play" unfortunate circumstances find themselves in the baby book and on my blog.

Distracted, I look up. I hear grunting and growling. Dalen is SWINGING from our curtain rod. No, I am not making this up. He is using his feet on our wall to gain leverage to climb higher. He got a rocking chair for Christmas that he is constantly standing in to see outside. First he would stand in the seat, then on the arm and then on the back of the chair. My only guess is he stood on the back of the chair and climbed onto our window ledge and climbed on the curtains from there.

Hesitant to say anything at all I make my way over to Dalen to get him down. A few steps before I do the curtain rod gives way. You know those scenes in movies where everything sounds like its drowning in the toilet and the producers play it in slow motion? Yea, that really happens folks. I always thought that was original but no. That was probably some mom's idea after a traumatic happening with their terrible toddler.

So I am watching as my curtains are falling and Dalen is slowly soaring south, head down. Unfortunately, his head met our window. Thankfully, he wasn't cut or decapitated but our poor window is ruined. Somehow in the midst of this Dalen landed on his butt.

He is then laying under the curtains. There is no movement, no sounds. Literally, I did not know what I was going to find under the curtains. I thought for sure he was knocked out, bleeding, in need of stitches. But no, not Dalen. I pull the curtains up to find him smiling with fishy faces.

If I have ever had a meltdown it was at that very moment. So Dalen went to his crib for a while, while I tried to salvage the curtain rod and window. I guess it needed a man's touch. It's now securely back on the wall (thanks to Mario) but our window will have to be replaced.

It took me a full day to muster up enough guts to tell my dad (we rent from him). If one of us girls would have damaged something from home out of pure rebellion...we would have been punished, yelled at, spanked and possibly grounded. But oh no according to my dad, "boys are supposed to climb." A new window should be underway by the end of this week. Wow, I wish I would have had that kind of grace growing up. Yep, grandparents are unbelievable.

Our busted window
A mom full of grace.

So maybe everyday isn't this crazy but just about. Last night dozing off to sleep I kept thinking of the events of the day and I came to the conclusion...this is my life. And I'm starting to kinda like it. Though crazy, I think I'm content...broken window and all.

Cousins

Olivia is getting so big! She is definitely displaying a little more of her personality daily. Recently, she has begun to act a little shy and I can tell she is going to like her own space. Thats probably because when Dalen is around he literally gives her no room to breath. Meredith and Jonathan went away to a bed and breakfast for their anniversary last night. It was their 1st night leaving Olivia overnight since my sister had been sick. I visited my moms last night with Dalen and she did great! She was super smiley and independent. She played for a long time in the floor with her toys. Here are a few shots of her recently.

Not so happy Yibby.
Cute coat

Dalen hovering

Kissing Cousins

Yibby playing at my parents.

Dalen giving Grump 1000 goodbye kisses.

Cousin love

King Day

This is probably my mom's story to tell but I am sure she won't mind me "borrowing it" to give you blog readers a good laugh.  My mom is a teacher and she has more funny stories than you could imagine.  Here is one of the funnier ones:

A kindergarten teacher at her school began lesson on Martin Luther King Jr. the other day.  She decided to begin the lesson by holding up a rather large picture of Martin and asked the kids if they knew who it was.  One kid blurted out, "Yea!  That's Judge Joe Brown!"  

Hilarious!  Needless to say, the teacher picked the right lesson because the kids obviously weren't too sure of this heroic character of our history.  

I love days like today where reflection upon such a strong and brave individual stirs you to stand for what is right, fight for change and pray for the unimaginable.

GREAT LAUNCH!

Tonight was our big night! We launched Arise at our new church. We kicked off with 33 young adults, a motivated staff, a rockin' band and an awesome word (brought by Mario). I am so pleased with everything. I know God was there honoring the prayers we have prayed for so long. Tonight was awesome, but I stood looking at a staff, listening to a band, meeting new people and hearing Mario speak and was so overwhelmed (in a good way) with how much potential was in ONE ROOM! I am so excited about all God is going to do through us, for us and to us. He is one faithful, gracious, merciful, awesome, loving God.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. It has meant a lot and if you didn't get a chance to come out tonight visit us next week if you are in the area.

RIP Ba-Ba

Well its official...Dalen's precious ba-ba is forever resting in peace. He seems to be taking well his "sippy-sippy" although he has to be contantly watched with it because he won't allow us to leave the slow flow stopper in it. He hasn't had too many spills. Occaisonally, he still cries for his ba-ba but he is doing great.
For some reason, he has started waking up in the night a lot again and refusing nap time. Hmmm....didn't we already fight this battle? Needless to say, our dukes are up. I am trying to manage taking these battles one day at a time. I have SLOWLY but surely come to the realization that babies change SOOOO much SOOOOO quickly! Everyday its something new they have learned and its not always pleasant things. The most difficult part of this is just when I think we have adjusted to Dalen's newest phase, he begins a new one.
I wonder what tomorrow holds.

Mike Tyson Jr.

Here is Dalen in his robe he got at my baby shower. He is just now fitting into it. I love it. I think he looks like a little boxer.

Dalen with his tempermental look b-c he was woken up from his nap.

Sports Fanatic

Saturday night we took Dalen to a Lee basketball game. He really loves going to games. After watching this video you will see how much past his bedtime the game was. Poor guy just couldn't watch any longer. He feel asleep on his Pop and about 20 minutes later woke up out of his sleep clapping. It was hilarious.

Any Guesses...

on what Dalen's favorite word is? I'll give you a hint, it starts with an N and ends with an O. Just watch the video...there will be no doubt.

Peace. And. Quiet.

Since 9:00 all I have heard is the soft buzz of our heater breathing warm air. I am warm, comfortable and still. Parent's Day Out picked back up today, after a loooong Christmas and New Year's Break. Honestly, I didn't realize how long its been since I have had total peace. No phones ringing, no dirty diapers, no husband asking questions....just me in the stillness of the day. Thank you God.
Yesterday, was certainly the most trying day of my life. Does anyone remember the old Step By Step epidsode where the Mom is reading the book What To Do When Your Baby Hates You?Unfortunately, I remember the episode quite vividly except for the part that says what to do! Of course, yesterday began with a fit because Dalen's precious daddy left. After arriving to work it was one fit after another. (These fits occur for no reason whatsoever.) While on the phone with Dalen's babysitter he decided to throw a fit and go tossing our table settings at the store. I hang up quickly and run after him. He then darts the front of the store and I follow. I fall pretty hard on my left wrist and just lay in the floor shocked for a second. I couldn't believe this just happened. (Luckily there wasn't anyone in front of our glass storefront.) Just as I look up Dalen is screaming with a huge glass vase in hand. I shout NO! and just as I do he chucks it as hard as his little arm can and it shatters everywhere. I put him in his playpin to clean the glass. He then proceeded to rip off the wall border while confined. Needless to say I am glad yesterday is over.
I am literally the ONLY individual Dalen does this to. He throws fits for no one but me (at least to this extent).
So needless to say today I am most thankful for peace and quiet. Something I have not had in a long, long time. Any suggestions on what to do with this behavior? Just for the record we spank, we scold, we ignore, we put Dalen in his playpen to timeout....none of this works.

Our BIG Week

Wow, can I just say what a big week is ahead for the Hood house? Tomorrow is the bridal show for Cleveland. Since we are participating, we have been packing up so much stuff for that. Then the rest of the week will be devoted to our launch service on Thursday. We are so excited.

This morning was a staff meeting we had with everyone available to meet (a lot of students are not back in town yet from Christmas break). We got to know each other a little more and Mario shared about the core values of Arise. I know that God is going to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we have asked or thought during our prayers for this ministry. I know that God is in the vision of this kingdom building ministry. I can imagine Heaven counting down the days for this service where the Holy Spirit will just invade us with a divine presence through free worship.

Please pray for us this week. We are believing for the beginning of a radical revival for this area.

I must say I am extremely proud of Mario for the bold stand he is taking. It is not easy being a leader to your peers. God is definately guiding him.

Oh and if you are in the area join us! Grace Community Church of God @ 7pm on Thursday.

PS- Mario informed I need to work on the spacing of my blog a little more. He says I never space my paragraphs good and it makes his eyes hurt. I hope this is better for all your hurting eyes :)

You Have Now Entered...A Bottle Free Zone

After taking Dalen to the pediatrician and our very nosey Nurse Practitioner sneaking a peak in Dalen's diaper bag, I got a pretty good scolding for "still having him on the bottle". I mean seriously the kid is 15 months. She asked a rhetorical question. "Do you want your son to have to have dental surgery?" I so wanted to respond, "Of course, isn't that every mothers dream?" But I was kind...kind of. So then the lecture came of how he was supposed to be off his bottle at 12 months! 12 MONTHS! yea you read right 1-2! Bottles are for babies and cups are for kids....or so I thought. Or maybe I just don't want to admit my baby isn't so much a baby anymore??
Anyways. She told me to take the bottle cold turkey. Do it for 3 days and he will be adjusted. YEAH RIGHT! This is the 3rd day! I have been strong and not given in. Ba-ba, bottle or anything similar to these words are now profane and considered cussing. Dalen is not adjusting very well without his precious Ba-Ba.

Dalen freaking out this morning. He was so mad he had a cup and not his ba-ba he ripped down every hanging towel in the bathroom.

Trying to adjust.

This is not really working.

Ode To Crawfish Pie (A special thanx to Hank Williams)

Yesterday, holds one of my all-time favorite memories of Dalen. Luckily it lasted long enough for me to catch a few seconds of the fun. Dalen took about a 30 minute nap yesterday. His teeth have been killing him. After giving him orajel almost instantly he fell back to sleep on my shoulder. Lately the only time Dalen has been happy with me is if he is eating or sleeping...he just wants Mario. So I decided to let him finish napping on my bed. I dozed off for a few as well.

I woke up a bright and cheery smiling Dalen. As soon as my eyes opened he sat up and went for our alarm clock (which he now knows how to turn on and off and UP!) He turned the volume up and began to dance. Here it is...

I am not sure if I laughed more at the lyrics of this old Hank Williams song or more at the fact that he tuned the radio there and chose to listen! The lyrics are hysterical; I have copied and pasted them below. Hopefully you may get just as big of a laugh as I did. Once the song ended Dalen laid back took a breath and began to whine dada....then the "real" fun began.

Hank Williams-On the Bayou

Good-bye Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou

(Chorus) Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file' gumbo 'Cause tonight I’m gonna see my ma cher amio Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou Thibodeaux, Fontainenot, the place is buzzin’ Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou

(Chorus) Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file' gumbo 'Cause tonight I’m gonna see my ma cher amio Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou Settle down, far from town, get me a pirogue And I’ll catch all the fish in the bayou Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou (Chorus) Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file' gumbo 'Cause tonight I’m gonna see my ma cher amio Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou

Moms Nurturing Moms

Today was our first Moms Nurturing Moms meeting for 2009! Today's topic raised interesting questions and made me think of many debatable issues. Tara Waldrop (lady in charge) had a panel of moms who homeschool their children. I do wish there were moms who chose public school and private school so that you could hear more from other sides...but there may have been a cat fight. JUST KIDDING! But seriously, I found myself seeing a new side of homeschooling and being a little disturbed by a few ideas and practices of homeschooling moms. I never realized how sensitive this subject could be until I heard a few people discussing it afterwards.
One of the mom homeschools 9 children. They are all hers. Two of which are dislexic and one is down syndrome. WOW! Can we give her a golden trophy or something?! But I have some very strong doubts all of these children (who range from 1st grade to 11th grade) receive a proper education all in the same room. I mean is that possible?? She says it is.
The other mom has 5 children and another on the way. Her youngest is 20 months old. She did at one point state that her 20 month will lay where she is laid and sometimes her children hold the baby while learning. I personally feel this baby is being served an injustice. A baby should be a baby. It should enjoy baby things and I seriously doubt a baby enjoys being a classroom of 4 other siblings all day.
I have great respect for women who homeschool their children. I know it is not easy and agree with them both that to do a great job you must be called to do it. I am NOT. One other thought they had disturbed me too. They said life skills go a lot further than educational skills. I think while recieving a good education you in return develop life skills and as you develop life skills you become more educated. I do think life skills are important but whether you like it or not we live in a society where you need education. There are plenty of statistics to prove it. I think emphasizing one of these over the other is dangerous.
I can't help but to wonder...if these moms are with their children all day everyday when do they develop any type of independence or chance to live without mommy? Just a few thoughts that stirred...I do have a great respect for someone who has the patience to do this.

I can snore...just like grandpa

Dalen is now officially just like grandpa. He can now snore just like him. Watch his eyes.

So hilarious....you can tell his is using ever ounce of energy to focus on making a perfect snore.

I wish I was a little bit taller.

I am thinking Dalen may feel his height just isn't good enough. He is constantly using things to giving just a little extra boost. Usually its to his advantage so that he can reach something he isn't supposed to have.

Dancing Generation

We know without a shadow of a doubt Dancing Generation is Dalen's favorite song. I mean seriously would you dare to disagree with that comment after seeing this video? From the first beat of the song to the last drumroll he is freaking out kicking his feet, clapping and headbanging. This was taken on our way to church on Sunday.

Rock-a-bye

Dalen enjoying football and milk in his new rocker.

Twinkies

Mario and I recently made a church change. Mario is the new young adult pastor at a small church in Cleveland. They don't have nursery for kids Dalen's age and let me sum it up as nice as possible...every Sunday has been challenging. They have a cry room which Dalen has unfortunately been admitted to every Sunday. He gets so excited during the music that he wants down to clap run and dance. Well we tried that and realized that was his outlet to just run wild. This Sunday Mario got to welcome the congregation and Dalen amen'd his comments with screams of DADA!! So this week in the cry room Dalen was trying to do everything possible to even just get a glimpse of Mario. So here he is standing on a toy just to see out of the cry room. Once he spotted Mario he began shouting DADA! Then he began screaming and I began to cry. Seriously, my life feels so hopeless because all Dalen wants is Mario. Shortly after my tears began and his screams increased, I noticed the back row turning around. Yea, that new mother that told me the room was "sound proof"was TOTALLY wrong. She also told me you can only see out so that mothers can breastfeed and after checking to see if that was the truth...I realized that was false as well. So our new congregation was probably watching as I cried and Dalen shouted. What a GREAT 1st impression. After Dalen began banging on the window like a jailed prinsoner I figured he would disturb just as much in church as he would out of church. We quietly made it back to our seats and enjoyed the rest of service.
Here are my twinkies. Mario wanted this sweater for Christmas and we randomly found Dalen a matching one at the consignment store. They proudly wore them to church.

Snip, Snip

I love the salon I go to. My hairstylist, Victor, agreed he would cut a VERY SMALL portion of Dalen's off. I really did NOT want to cut it but being that I couldn't get a brush through the ends without it being World War 3 I decided we should get the ends taken off. Dalen did great and was very curious about the snip snip sounds from his scissors.

After shot

Before shot

Gran

I think I forgot to post pics of Dalen and his Gran.  He went to see her in her wonderful play at school.  She played a reindeer.  Mrs. Connolly gave him her pair of antlers which he proudly wore his whole visit.  Mom's students were supposed to do a play but the lead character began puking minutes before.  Needless to say after being in an enclosed gym of elementary students Dalen spent the rest of the day being sanitized periodically.