Word of the Day: Syzygy

Seriously, is that not the coolest word ever? I heard it last night on "The Closer". Awesome. When three bodies are in alignment, it's syzygy. I just like it because it doesn't have any true vowels.

Review: The Carnival

We are so blessed to be friends with the crew at Intentionally Katie. Our firstborns were born within six weeks of each other and we've become best friends because of it.

Accordingly, we were invited to Ryan's 5th Birthday party. And Oh My Goodness. Seriously, it was fun. What a great party. And since Katie had planned everything out so well it went off without a hitch.

But I would be remiss if I didn't give her a smidgen of a hard time. Most of us who have been friends with Katie for longer than six months know that she's crazy about her photos. This party was no exception. She attempted several shots of the 30 3-5 year olds. Group shots. Of preschoolers. A better friend would have helped get all the attentions. But no, I just watched. And then, my favorite part, we sang "Happy Birthday" twice. So she could get the right shot. And the shot was good. She did get it. :) Her camera did not fail her!

The cupcakes were awesome. My three-year old refers to them as the "Camping Cupcakes" because they had marshmallows on them. Like I said, everything went off without a hitch.

I was only wondering one thing-what does she have planned for Ryan's 16th Birthday? Is she already planning it?

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn? Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice

Speaking of Loss...

My car was broken into yesterday. At my parent's house. I was parked in their DRIVEWAY! The low, rotten, souless theives broke open my car and took my GPS, the DVD player and all of our kids' DVDs.

There are many things that could have been worse. Like my parent's cars could have been broken into. The girls and I could have been in the car. I could have left my purse in the car. Thankfully none of that happened.

But really. What kind of scum would take 30-40 children DVDs? I can understand the Tom Tom, but honestly, kids stuff? It makes me sick.

Of course I believe that all things work for the good of those who love God. And I hope it's more than apparent how I feel about the Lord. And I can say that the things taken are just materials. Not of eternal value. As my dear Reagan said last evening, "They're just movies, Mom." Yes, she is right. They have a sentimental value to me and Erik, but really, they are just goods. Meant to not last a lifetime. Not of long-term value at all. I'm sorry for the monetary loss. There are few things that rub me like losing money. And you know? God seems to keep at me in that area. Just another example of turning all things over to the Lord. He gives and He takes away. All for His glory. All so that my heart, and the hearts of my family will be turned toward Him.

On a happy note, my parents unexpectedly gave us a new DVD player for the car. I pray their generosity and compassion will be rewarded beyond their comprehension. However, I'm nervous about putting it in the car. I think it'll only be for trips longer than an hour. And also I'm thinking about having the windows tinted beyond limo tint.

Lamenting the Loss

My awesome sister-in-law and her husband just bought themselves a new car. You may remember that I recently posted about our mini-van purchase. I was, and am still thankful, for that car. However, when my in-laws drove up in this little hottie, I was suddenly filled with sadness that we were no longer DINK's. (Dual-income, no kids) That car doesn't even have a back seat to speak of. And you can never ask them to help you move! Wow. What a great car. Totally gets them out of a bunch of things! :)

In any case, maybe it's the third kid and all, but I am realizing that I am forever limited by what cars I buy. How sad. Not like we're huge into cars or anything, but you know, if the choice isn't there all of the sudden it's the only thing that appeals.

Stinking pregnancy. When will the kids be moved out of the house?

It's A Boy!

The Wilhelmsen name will live on!

Mother's Day Gift

I am a huge Jane Austen fan, Pride and Prejudice being my favorite of her books. In fact, it is one of my favorites of all times. It is a running joke at my book club to not bring up Jane Austen because inevitably I will make some comparison from the current selection to one of the Austen novels. Most of the club actually roll their eyes the minute I say "Jane".

In any case, my dear darling husband supports my love of all things Austen by frequently giving me Austen-ian gifts like shirts with favorite phrases, books that continue the saga of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (if you do not know who they are you should be ashamed of yourself.), and most recently a variation on Pride and Prejudice for Mother's Day.



That's right, you read correctly. My endearing husband gave me Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance-Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem. The first line of the book is: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." Awesome. I can't wait.

I love you, Honey. You have made me a mother and I am ever grateful.

Gardening

I have started gardening. It started because I read this series of books by Terri Blackstock about what would happen if God allowed an electromagnetic pulse which caused total disarray to economies, which included food sources. Basically, I saw how necessary it would become to be self-sufficient. Thus, a garden was formed.

Anyways, I like new things and LOVE new challenges so I started this garden in February. Erik built the box (wonderful hubby that he is) and I started the seeds.




And this is what we have so far. The plants on the left started from seeds and are Italian Parsley, Jalepeno Peppers, and Basil. And then I planted others from pots, Cilantro, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Yellow Bell Pepper and Lavender. Those are the enormous things on the right.

I have learned that I probably shouldn't have planted the tomatoes so close. They are enormous. Add that to how big beefsteaks get and I'm in TROUBLE! I need to stake supports very quickly or they will fall over, as I think they are about to!

I go out there every afternoon to check on the moisture level. The girls go with me and it is very rewarding. Unfortunately they have learned how to turn the hose off and on and that's not so much fun for me. Loads of fun for them, however!

This afternoon for lunch I was able to clip fresh basil from my garden and make a spinach basil pesto. It was awesome! I'm thrilled with the progress. And it hasn't been too hard, actually. Thankfully my wonderful husband has had some experience in the gardening arena due to his New York childhood.

All in all, I'm so happy that I got to thinking about the end times which allowed me to pursue a new past time.