Monday, September 29, 2008

The Adventures of Mister Jude...and a lil treasure


So Kendra calls them "Taylor Joyisms".
But "Jude Elijahisms" doesn't really work, ya know?
Neither does Judaism. For obvious reasons. Ha.
Hmm. What should we call them?
Nothing's coming to me just now.
But I thought I'd share some total cuteness with you.
We'll classify this under the 2 year update. I know I'm late. So shoot me.
Hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
His little phrases have a way of disarming me. When I'm fed up or tired out Jude usually manages to say something that I can't help but smile at!!
Wanna be a fly on our wall?
On an given day, these are the things you'd hear:

Every SINGLE morning we hear this at least 6 times in a row: "Good Morning Brennan!! Sleep Well??"

First it was to Pops, now it's to everyone: "Happy Birthday to You!"

After taking medicine (which we've been doing a lot of lately): "Feel Better?"

He caresses Brennan's head and says "Sweet Baby". :0)

I was having to be really firm with Jude at bed time, making sure he didn't leave his bed. After a long struggle and some discipline, I was just plain frustrated as stood at the door, arms crossed, to monitor him. But my heart instantly melted with an almost whisper from his sweet lips: "Cuddle you?" Seriously. I almost wept.

With a very distressed face: "I can't find it."
And after recruiting me to help look: "Find it?"

The other night Jon & I were chatting in the living room as Jude was falling asleep and I sneezed. And out came a sweet little "Bless you!" from his bedroom! Ha!

After suggesting we go on a walk, or watch a movie, or read books, or play: "Sound good?"

Jon first heard this phrase while he was out on a walk with Jude. They came to a clearing and Jude turned to look up at Jon..."Race you!" And took off running! It was unmistakable!
Now he's learned: "I win!!"

Trying to make light of something that actually hurt pretty badly: "Owwie Kazzowwie!"
And after Mom or Dad kisses it: "All Better!"

The kid loves fruit, but thankfully he knows: "Wash it first?"

And more love for B-Baby: "Brennan's Smiling!" "Brennan's Yawning!"

You can totally judge us. But back from the days of Martin... "Dang Gina!!"

When playing chase: "I got ya!"

Thanks to Aunt Amy (of course!!): "Oh Stinky!"

The other day Brennan was tootin' up a storm. Jude got this crooked smile on his face and looked up at me: "Mommy Tooted?" I quickly cleared up the confusion, telling him not to blame it on Mommy! ...Mommy doesn't do stuff like that.

And on that note: Sometimes when pumping Brennan's legs for his gassiness we sing a little diddy-- "Get those pooties outta your booty". And now every time we do it, Jude tells Brennan very directly: "Get Pooties OUT!"

Two words: "Squishy Face!"

Once while I was nursing Brennan, Jude tugged on him: "MY Mommy!!" Poor guy. Jealousy's got him bad.

After knocking down a block tower, quite victoriously: "Knocked it down!"

We've tried to train Jude not to stand up in his chair at the table. But every once in awhile we have to stand on a chair to get something out of a cabinet, etc. And if Jude's around, we're surely corrected: "Get down. RIGHT NOW!"

When being the boyish risk taker he is, you'll hear him repeat: "Careful!" and "Don't Fall!"
...and sometimes this comes out in Arabic too! I guess he still remembers his nanny!

And the most charming of all. In the last month our sweet boy has learned the ever so meaningful: "I love you!"

If you made it to here, I'm totally impressed!
Anyway, Jude is TONS of fun these days!

Here are some pics from Jude's Birthday that I totally neglected to share with you. Scroll to the bottom to see him blow out his candles! To him nothing existed but that cake!!
Enjoy!!

Daddy & the Judenator!

He ate TWO pieces!!


Yep, that's carrot cake in the dump truck!

Who knows what this face was for!!


This is what happened when we told Jude to smile:

And where he got THIS face, I have NO idea!And THIS is as close as we got!!Just had to add one with Baby B in it!!

And here's Jude blowing out candles!
You'll notice at one point he closes his eyes...I think he thought we were worshiping!!
Of course at the end I tried and tried to get him to say "I'm TWO!"...but he just could NOT take his focus off of that cake! Ha!


a special little gift.
I hate to tag this at the end...
but I hope it's worth it!!

Precious B!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Chicken Pastaladas

***If you've already made this, I'm so sorry! But I have a change to make. It was haunting me in bed last night. (Yes, I'm crazy.) I think if you opt to use the canned cream of onion soup, it'll turn out too dry with not enough sauce. SO...I made a change below.

Here's an easy breezy recipe named for it's similar flavor to Chicken Enchiladas, but instead of tortillas it's served with whole wheat pasta! Jude (age 2) ate this up and even asked for more!

Chicken Pastaladas
  • 4 chicken breasts (cut into 2 in strips, use scissors- it's easier!)
  • chopped onion & bell pepper to taste
  • 1 can cream of onion soup w/ 1 cup milk (OR 1 packet onion soup prepared w/ 2 cups of milk, instead of water)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • shredded cheese (optional)
  • whole wheat pasta spirals
Preheat oven to 400F. Place chicken strips in pan, sprinkle with onion & bell pepper. Mix Onion Soup with taco seasoning and pour over chicken. Bake at 400F for 30min. In last 5 min, top with cheese. Serve with whole wheat pasta spirals.

(For those who are wondering, I brought taco seasoning with me from the States!)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Oh Happy Day!!



Brennan
You’re so much more real to me now.
A personality,
sweet affection,
rewarding reciprocation...
When I look into your eyes I see that big heart of yours.
Since the day I saw the plus sign, I’ve prayed for JOY to fill your heart.
And now here it is, staring back at me.
:0)
I love it!
Jesus make it grow!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!!

I couldn't have known
when I first saw you
how my heart would swell
and fill with love
I couldn't have known
what your tiny form would become
so precious, so perfect
a blend of your dad and me.
I couldn't have known
that serving you
would be
my heart's delight.
I couldn't have known
that your sweet voice
could still me and fill me
with such deep joy.
I couldn't have known
the hard days would come
so tired, so humbled
by how to raise you.
I couldn't have known
how desperately
a child
needs Jesus.

I couldn't have known
how loving you
would show me
just how much I need Jesus.
But here we are
two years past
and I'm finding myself
with not quite enough words
to tell you all you are to me.
Jude
I can't tell you enough that I love you.
I can't do enough to capture memories with you.
Time is passing so quickly.
And some days I feel like I'm failing.
But I pray with my WHOLE heart that you see Him in me.
That's what all this is for.
You won't be mine forever.
But I pray you'll always be His.
I love you my little Judebug.
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

You Show Us How

(I'm posting this early...for longer enjoyment!)These are just a few of MANY tears this man has cried for me.
For us.
For his sweet grandbabies.
For the the four daughters he raised.
For the wife he's loved faithfully for 31 years.

My dad & I took this picture just hours
before our plane left the ground to head to Africa.
And I don't think he's stopped grieving since.

I guess I'd say that I've witnessed very few people love the way
my dad loves.
To Dad loving is serving.
He never seems to stop.
Since I was a kid I can remember my dad
doing dishes,
cleaning house,
doing laundry,
fixing things,
getting coffee for my mom in the morning,
mowing his grandmother's lawns,
stopping to help a stranger fix a flat,
helping his employees with numerous needs,
and literally helping old ladies cross the street.

But his love didn't stop there...
with four daughters
he could have checked out,
decided girls weren't his thing,
disengaged,
gone off with his man friends to do manly things.

But instead,
He listened,
He hugged tears away,
He insisted on our heart's best,
He met the boys that wanted to date his girls,
He showed us how a husband should love his wife,
and He apologized when he messed things up.

And in turn, it's shaped my view of love in a very unique way.
I love the way I do, in part, because my dad loved me well.
I consider that I HIGH privilege in the world today.

I'm celebrating you today dad.
I'm cherishing our memories together
and thanking God for giving me such a special gift,
a very present,
ever-loving,
hug-giving,
wife-keeping,
baby-lovin',
self-sacrificing
Dad.

I say this every year
--every anniversary, every birthday, every father's day--
but thank you,
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
for loving Mom...
not just tolerating her or just living with her
but LOVING HER.
Thank you for keeping your promise.
Thank you for loving her still today.
Your love shows us how.

Thank you for loving us so well.
Thank you for embracing my Jon as a friend and son.
Thank you for giving our sweet Jude & Brennan
a special place in your heart.
Thank you for counting the cost daily so that the nations can know.
You're paying a high price for us being here.
Thank you.

Happy Birthday Dad.
I love you dearly.