Hotter than . . . .

When you turn on the local news, what's the top story? This horribly hot summer we are having. Today marks the 40th straight day of triple digit weather. On Saturday, we will break the record for the longest streak of consecutive triple digit temps. And the 7-day forecast is showing no relief. And did I mention the drought? I can't remember when we last had rain, but I know it was at least 60 days ago. At least. The garden is fried. Most of our plants are looking rough, if not already crispy. If it wasn't for the sprinkler system, we'd be up in flames.

In other--and more pleasant--news . . . .

Monday marked our last post-placement visit, meaning we are only a court hearing away from Anna Zane becoming "officially" ours. Whoo-hoo. Come on, September 8th!

We also had the pleasure of hosting our niece Baylee for a week. I'm proud to report I tested her shopping stamina. She's 14, which is saying a lot. Good to know I've still got it. (Teehee.)

Rangers game with Baylee! (I'm not quite sure why this photo is so small.) We lost 3-0, but it was fun nonetheless. We got the bright idea to eat ice cream in 100-degree weather. Can we say "melted-by-the-time-we-got-to-our-seats"?

Ah yes, the cousins in a photo shoot. Such pretty girls, right?

And just a side note: Baby clothes with ruffles look really cute on the hanger at the store. But when you wash, and then have to iron . . . ugh, no.

Reading My Mind

A juggling act--that's my new profession. Wife. Mama. Sister. Friend. Church member. Gardener. Writer. Editor. Author. Cook. Family calendar administrator. Taxi. Bell-hop.

And all the veteran mamas, nod their heads (and probably roll their eyes) . . . you know what I mean.

With so much on the ol' plate, a lot has been shuffling through my mind. So here, now you can read my mind:

• Some days (like yesterday) Anna is fussy for no apparent reason; well, except teething. And that is a major reason. I'm just trying to pretend it's not true. :-)
• On Saturday, I saw an elderly woman who suffered from a severe arched/humped back. She seemed homeless, since she was carrying several tattered bags loaded down with goods. She was dressed in several layers, one of which was a winter coat. (Did I mention it was nearly ninety degrees on Saturday?) And this lady was trying to cross a busy street. My heart was blessed when I witnessed a van stop to help. Three ladies from the van helped put the struggling woman's items inside, took off her coat, and offered her a ride.
• Addressing the recent end-of-the-world predictions, I read a marquee this weekend that said: "You can be a good person without a belief in God." Strange. It's as if the person thought the goal of a relationship with God was to be a good person. Clearly, he or she does not know much about God.
• What is the difference between the hand wash and delicate cycle? Really, the washer seems to be doing the same thing.
• How in the world do mothers across the globe clean their homes?
• Cloth diapers will make me crazy. Whose bright idea . . . .
• Anna is growing faster than I can keep up. I'd like to relish each milestone, but at this rate, her baby book will soon turn into a novel.

Here's a picture of Anna because no blog post is complete without one. :-)

This I Know

Here's what I've learned this week:

• Anna Zane looks so cute in light shades of green and blue, especially aqua tones.
• I can survive and function quite nicely on a handful of hours of sleep.
• Bryan will win the Father of the Year Award. He's so wonderful.
• Rectal thermometers double as life savers. Not the candy.
• A church family is really a family. We were blown away by the kindness and generosity of a sip-'n-see thrown in honor of Anna . . . put together in only five days!
• Two a.m. is becoming a favorite of mine.
• I'm becoming more of a mother every day.
• "Sure, that tile looks good."
• Normalcy and routine will again come my way.
• I love brownies . . . a lot.
• Poop happens. Ahem.
• It's easier to sacrifice when it's for someone you love.
• I'm addicted to hovering . . . a.k.a. watching Anna every moment of the day.
• We can do this.

Parenting Advice?

As we think about becoming parents, so many situations, choices, and opportunities flood our minds. So, for some issues, we've decided to get others' perspectives . . . just cause we're curious.

What do you think:

1. Should an infant be held every time he or she cries? Why?

2. At what age does discipline enter the picture?

3. How much money is appropriate to spend on a child at Christmas?

4. Should we throw a birthday party every year? Why?

5. What is "too" scheduled or active when it comes to a child's participation in activities?

New Year Starts and Ice, Ice Baby

What have the Yourees been up to thus far in 2011? Well, here goes . . . .

After suffering sticker shock from our first bid for the bathroom remodel, we opted for a "second opinion." This week the second contractor came for a look. Hopefully, we will have the bid by the beginning of next. Then, it's decision time! The pic below shows the wall and floor tile we've chosen, even the grout color. :-)

Bryan's parents also came for a visit in January. We always enjoy them so much. We took these pics before a great dinner at Ellerbe. It's one of my favorite FW restaurants. Mmmm . . . let's go now!

And then, there's been the weather. Certainly, we haven't forgotten it's winter! Last week, we were doused with ice and snow. It essentially crippled the metroplex for four days. . . . and just in time for that little thing called the Super Bowl. We do have some winter weather today, but mostly just a dusting. Nothing like the precip or temps of last week. (Notice the water barrel hit the dust because it froze through and through. I'm waiting for the deluge when it thaws.)

Waiting for a Reason

This week we welcomed a new arrival to the house--a rocking chair and ottoman for the nursery. We ordered it at the end of November, and it just arrived on Tuesday. Apparently, the holiday season isn't a high-demand time for the rocking chair industry. Thus, the manufacturer worked at half staff, making it a longer process. But that's neither here nor there.

I'll post pics of our addition once I get everything sorted.

The arrival of the rocking chair was exciting and a reminder that we are still waiting for adoption news. But we were so encouraged recently when we read a devotion together on the topic of waiting. Ben Patterson, the author, wrote: "Waiting isn't just the thing we do until we get what we're hoping for; it's a critical part of the process of becoming what we hope for." Such good news! While we are waiting to be parents, God is using the "in between time" to prepare us as people and parents. It's so freeing to think of this process as preparation with a purpose than just twirling my thumbs waiting for the call. Oh, to keep the perspective of trusting an all-wise, ever-loving God!

Back to Jr. High

I'm reverting back to jr. high with my new bangs and glasses. If you see me wearing jeans with zippers near the ankle or shirts with puffy paint, stage an intervention.

Thanksgiving in Review

As my last post informed, this Thanksgiving I tackled the culinary apex of roasting a turkey. It did, thankfully (no pun intended), turn out a-okay! But my roasted fowl paled in comparison to the yummies Ms. Alexis "cooked." What a feast it was! And a bit of explanation about the tea picture. We'd placed it in a snazzy glass container, but then realized that was not wise for travel--too heavy and leaky. So, I came up with a great solution. :-)

The Thanksgiving weekend also brought our first below-freezing temps here in North Texas. I bundled up my garden as best I could, but most of my plants fell victim to the freeze. The next day, I was picking tomatoes and peppers until my hands grew numb. This is my loot:

The Bird Has Landed

My first turkey . . . . I gasped as I pulled out the neck and felt guilty as I placed the onion, apples, and butter in the unnamed cavity. Here's hoping it turns out edible!

New Glasses

After 7 years, I just bought new glasses. Like 'em?

Tulips

When I walked into the house on Sunday--just home from the church's women's retreat--I happily discovered a beautiful bunch of tulips on the counter for me from my sweet, wonderful husband. What a special surprise! My heart swooned.

And yesterday, we celebrated four years of dating. We are going to relive the magic at Starbucks this week--our first date locale.

How blessed am I!?!?!?!

I'm Sorry, Derek

While I will not relent that his live concert was less-than-stellar, I will apologize to Derek Webb for my previous rash conclusions. I now own his newest, "explicit" CD and am loving it. Sorry, Derek.

Just figure out something for the concerts . . .

Do You Know This Child?

As we have been sorting through boxes full of items once belonging to Bryan, we cam across this picture. Bryan has no idea who he is. Do you know?

The boxes in our middle bedroom full of memorabilia from Bryan's childhood and school days are compliments of my in-laws. The cleaned out their attic and fill my house. :-) And they say there's more . . .

T.C.Ew

Preface: I am not trying to make enemies in Fort Worth. :-)

Snuggled up in my FWBBC blanket last night, I watched the Monday night BCS bowl featuring the TCU horned frogs and the BSU broncos. Seeing that I live two blocks from TCU, I thought I should support the hometown troop. Before last night, I had never seen TCU play anything, but had heard heaps about them, especially about their stellar, undefeated season this year. I was prepared to be impressed.

Maybe I'm bad luck. Whew, it was rough.

(I'll try to avoid bad jokes like "they croaked" or "ribbet.")

Now, I have seen my fair share of bad football games--did I mention I'm a die-hard Kentucky fan? But this one was perhaps the most ridiculous BCS football I've ever witnessed. Certainly, it was not all TCU; BSU looked less-than-exceptional on many, many plays. I have pondered all day--how did this happen? Was it truly a powerhouse defensive game, resulting in all those hideous offensive moments? Or, what I suspect to be true, these two teams were not ready for the big stage--playing on the big boys playground. Only a few weeks back, several friends were bemoaning the BSU match-up, saying this was too easy. "Give us Texas. Give us Alabama. Give us Florida." Give me a break.

Maybe TCU will work hard, improve, and be able to swing it in a few years; but from what I saw last night, my only reactions was--Really?

Vegetation

If you've known me for any amount of time, you know I love plants. Each year, I purchase new plants to add to the plants I already have. It's a strategy. If I buy only a handful a year, Bryan won't realize they are taking over the house and yard.

Yesterday, I experienced fall in full force. When coming out my backdoor, I saw leaves raining to the ground. Ah, it was beautiful. I love plants, even when they're molting.

Here are some pics of our garden; it's near the end of its cycle (although we have a tomato plant that's exploded with fruit). The marigold pictured was planted in the spring. It is the largest marigold plant I have ever seen in my life. Notice the other flowers in the background compared to the one in the forefront. So huge!

You can also check out the before and after of my new flower garden. Let's just say the sweet potato vines did well. The latter pic was taken after the plants were cut back at least ten times--no lie.

Now, time to buy more winter pansies. . . .

"Hello Emily, I'm George."

As part of our anniversary week celebrations, we stayed one night at the Rough Creek Lodge. Truthfully, it was a bit less glamorous than that. Bryan had a physicians' retreat to attend. It just so happened to be on our anniversary week. So we made the most of it! The Lodge and area was breath-taking and so very wonderfully quiet.

The biggest surprise of the weekend, besides the incredibly comfortable, California-king-sized bed, was meeting former president George W. Bush. We knew a couple of days in advance, he was going to be a keynote speaker; but had no idea we'd get to meet him and strike a pose! Now, no matter your political leanings, you have to admit, meeting a former president of the United States is VERY COOL.

Tom Daschle was also a speaker the next day. Alas, his session was too early and I've already mentioned how I felt about the bed . . . so I didn't make it to the session. But, my sweet husband got him to autograph a book for me. Thanks, Bryan!

Here's the view from our room . . .

Derek Webb, What Happened?

One of the things I miss about Nashville is the opportunity to see/hear good live music almost any night of the week. In DFW such opportunities occur, but are few and far between. Thus, you can understand my excitement to hear Derek Webb in concert last night.

My "love affair" with Derek began in high school when I discovered Caedmon's Call. Forty Acres sustained me through college. And even in the infamous break-up of CC, I stilled supported Derek, while maintaining my CC loyalties. Solo release after solo release, I have enjoyed Derek's music and lyrics more and more.

And then the concert.

He was promoting his new project--the Stockholm Syndrome. I confess, I have not purchased it, mainly because I wanted to hear it live first--get an unadulterated first taste of the music. Sadly, all I could hear of this techno-driven new work was the bass. Now, don't get me wrong, I applaud and champion musicians to grow in artistry and expression; but when I cannot hear the music, not to mention the lyrics . . . .

Derek, I'm disappointed.

However, the 20 minute set he did of familiar, acoustical pieces was well worth the $12 I paid. So, it wasn't all a wash--just confusing.

We left after the second set. And we weren't alone. The group of five walking out in front of us were saying, "Um, do you know what that was? Anybody else confused? Did we really just see Derek Webb?"

Please, Derek, don't make me break-up with you.

Perils in Homeownership

While the recent days have been full of fun and treats, "real life" has peeped its head into our celebratory world. Let me explain.

On the way home from the airport on the 11th, we noticed some funny business with the car. The next day we, er, Bryan toted the car to the dealership. Thankfully the tab wasn't too devastating; annoying, but not devastating.

Cue cable collapse. Of course, Charter DVR isn't a necessity for life . . . but when you are on a staycation, one does have dreams of vegging on the couch catching up on missed shows. Alas, the cable repairman had to make an appearance at the house.

And then the refrigerator . . . the ice machine and water dispenser decided to dispense on the floor instead of its proper location. Thus, the appliance repairman made a visit too. That project is still out of commission until a part makes its way to Texas. You know it's bad when you hear phrases like: "I've never seen anything like this." "This type of part goes on a car. Why is it in your fridge?" "Uh-oh, I think that broke." Ahem.

And the apex of "instances" occurred last night when I was tidying up for dinner guests. As I dusted in our formal living room, I noticed two . . . then three . . . then five wasps in the window sill. Since we had a wasp infestation last fall thanks to a motherly wasp who fancies our chimney as a perfect nesting area, I quickly killed the pests and searched diligently for just-hatched vermin. Bryan, at my request, started our gas fireplace to kill any remaining wasps. Just as he closed the flue, we heard a crash; the nest fell to the bottom of the fireplace. Thirty wasps or so swarmed into our living room.

I screamed.

Bryan began fly-swatting as never before seen. I quickly snatched the wasp spray, only to stand in the hall yelling, "There's one. Ooohh, by the door. On the ceiling . . . [scream] on the couch . . . " Once the initial impact was ore, Bryan asked for our hand-held vac, along with its super long drapery attachment. Making all ghost-busters proud, I carried in the vac into the infested area for my husband to bravely catch and kill every wasp . . . we thought. At dinner, a couple hours after the fiasco, one lone wasp nosedived into my HAIR at the dinner table. Imagine, just imagine. Thankfully, my husband again saved me. And just to be doubly sure, we're running a fire again tonight. Adios, wasps!

Busy, Busy Bees

Bzzzzz . . . .

We are the busy bees! (Not to be confused with busybodies, mind you.) The last two weeks have been, by far, the busiest times for me freelance-wise. Bryan has had a busy schedule too, thanks to on-call weekends and partners being on vacation. Of course, the added issue of my father's health had occupied some of our mental energies as well. But alas, we are happy to report, the stress is manageable and we are not insane . . . yet! Ha!

My dad has somewhat stabilized . . . not progressing or digressing for the last few days. He did attend church on Sunday, but found that was a bit too much for him. He is getting bored at home, so he attempted the church trip. So if you're in the area, stop by for a visit! We are going back north to see my parents and Bryan's family this weekend.

The weather still proves to be very much summer and not so much fall. I was thinking on Saturday, "It's almost September. I should whip out my autumn decorations." But it's hard to think fall when it's 102 outside. Ah, good ol' Texas! I'm truly not complaining. God knew where to put me. I hate cold weather!

If you haven't checked out my latest gig--Fort Worth Evangelical Examiner, then click here. You can even subscribe for an e-mail update each time I submit a new story.

That's all for now, folks! Keep us posted on what's new with you!

Van Cliburn

My recent ventures took me to the press room at the Van Cliburn piano competition here in Fort Worth. I volunteered in the press room for a few "slots," keeping the place tidy, searching the newspapers for any coverage, stocking the food, etc. It was so great to learn more about this prestigious event Fort Worth is honored to host every four years. This is just another reason I'm starting to love Fort Worth so much; it has a lot to offer in the arts and hospitality. The finals are this weekend; be sure to find out who wins!

cliburn.org