Good McLean Fun

So many people in this world have less living and personal space than I do. Granted,  I don't personally know any of them, but I've seen pictures of tents in Africa and I know I've got it made in the shade compared to them. So I am ashamed when I have burning desires to own my own home, to have a McLean kitchen that I can organize, a closet with McLean items only, a living room with pictures on every wall of our lives together. What is wrong with me? Who cares?? So I live with my husband and FOUR children in my GRANDMOTHER's home. So there are 4 other adults who live here besides us, for a grand total of TEN human beings in one house...no big deal! Why can't I get over it???? I'll tell you what I think. I think it's because what I have isn't normal.  Most people when they start families of their own, they have a small space of their own.  Wherever they live, wherever they're growing their family, they have their own space. Even if they ren...

Ever been curious about fasting? Seeking God through discipline and denying oneself is the core principle.  Gotta say, I did a full fast for 3 days (no food, only water) followed by the Daniel Fast (only fruit, veggies, whole grains, and water) for 18 days in January 2010 and I prayed for blessings for my family, but specifically for my children.  A year later I was pregnant with twins. The pregnancy was without complications, the deliveries couldn't have been easier, and since birth they have been healthy, hearty little boys, thriving. I don't know if God rewarded me because of my fasting a year before, I don't know if God has kept sickness and disease away from my children because of my actions and fasting. But what if He has? What if He did? What if He is? All 4 of my children are beautiful, smart, funny, and healthy. I'm going to go off track for a sec, to address the idea that fasting is just an...

I love December so much! Santa Claus comes to town, Jesus celebrates his birthday for the 2,000+ time, candles get lit, family gets together, and then the whole thing culminates in a goodbye to 2012.  Although yesterday marked the twins turning 15 months old, which is shocking and scary how fast life is going, I still consider December to be pretty fantastic. My birthday kicks it off, and even though I had to turn an ugly number I still enjoyed getting pampered and shown extra affection by my family and friends. Ryan even bought me a new laptop to mark this birthday. I haven't had a new computer since I was a freshman in college, and it was such a fond memory, getting my own room for the first time in my life, AND a new computer!  So this private treasure brings back fond memories and I'm in love with this thing.  It smells like scotch tape and the keyboard lets me just fly. (I like the smell of scotch tape--can't explain.) December isn't with...

It's been brought to my attention that my blogs are long.  I will be making efforts to rectify this in future posts, starting now. During last election day I was in the hospital having Juliette. (Yes, I voted early.) Like many, I'm really over reading facebook statuses that only involve this election. I know it's super important. I know dialogue about issues can open lines of communication and perhaps education. But for many, our minds are made up early on and your status isn't going to sway that.  It's nice to feel like your opinions are being heard. I suppose that's why we can't help but write about them. But I feel so uncomfortable during these divisive times. Truly, I want us all to work together for good. And it is hard for me and probably you, to look past snarky disrespectful political posts and comments. You vote, I'll vote, and then let's work together. I will pray for our elected officials, as always, no matter the outcome. And if you...

Times they are a changin. I'm 29 for only about another month, and then I'll be that other age. Sometimes I think about that other age and really have no qualms with it.  All of my friends have hit that number or are right behind me. I don't want to be associated with those who don't know who Urkel is anyway-- those who never knew the thrill of playing Oregon Trail on the only computer in the classroom .   Sorry, you have lost all your cattle in the river and will soon die of dysentery. T hose kids who don't know what a Popple or Wuzzle is. How sad for them. But on the other hand I am having a really hard time letting go of some things, and I don't enjoy being shocked into being old.  For example. I heard on the radio a new coffee place was opening, and the young adult scene was welcome to come hang out specifically on a certain night and time. How fun! I keep listening for the details. "...so come on out all you young adults, ages 18-23, Friday nights...

The first two T o be honest, it was not as hard as I expected.  I nursed my other two until 11 months, and experience was a big factor in helping me to know that I could succeed. I was nervous while pregnant, not sure how it would work. I had 3 different twin breastfeeding pillows, not sure which would help the most. I read every blog, pamphlet, and book I got my hands on.  I thought I wouldn't get any sleep, or I'd be too busy nursing to care for my 3 and 5 year old. But once the babies came, it was really much easier than I anticipated and came very naturally to the 3 of us. W e had a great delivery, both born vaginally at 37 weeks 1 day via induction (I was BEYOND ready. I couldn't move, breathe, sit, stand, bend, hurry, sleep--you get the idea), 8 minutes apart. I had my epidural (thank you God) and didn't feel much. When baby A (Jackson) came out (6lbs 9oz), we were all pretty flustered with excitement,  but soon got focused on Baby B (Lincoln), who upon Ja...

Now that the school year has started we've got a pretty sweet schedule going, and the twins take a consistent nap every morning for about 1-2 hours while Juliette and Luke are at school. During that time I make some yummy ice coffee and settle into the horribly uncomfortable wooden computer chair no one in their sane mind would ever purchase, we probably found on the side of the road years ago. I check my facebook page and get caught up on the happenings of my peeps, I send some emails usually focused around my church responsibilities, do some calendar checking/planning, etc. Sometimes there's nothing very engaging so I get up and do more productive things, like picking up rocks and pins and hairballs and marbles all over the house that will find their way into my babies' hands, then mouths. But today I was engaged. I fell headfirst into reading mommy blogs. I became connected with another mom pregnant with twins a few months earlier in her pregnancy than I was, living in...