A Beach Wedding and Other Ramblings

Colin and I headed to Astoria for a friend's wedding on Saturday. Since Juliet was in attendance also, it made for an interesting evening. Luckily, we sat next to a couple who left their four kids at home and love babies, so they held her a lot. As we entered Astoria, I realized how long it had been since I had visited that town - it has changed so much! It had numerous book/coffee shops (does it get any better than a book and a coffee shop?) and people strolling casually along its streets. I wish we could have stayed the night, but Colin worked the next morning, so we settled for a late night on the town. The ceremony was short, the food was fabulous and it was a great time to actually talk to my husband in the 4 hour car ride.

Here's Colin and Juliet in Astoria.
Here we are before departing - I am making an effort to be in more pictures. I really don't want to be the invisible wife/mom in all of our photo albums.

I love b&w pictures!

Oh my 4 year old: While taking pictures of Juliet yesterday, Samuel asked me the same question over and over about a picture in his scrapbook. After saying "Just a second, Samuel" for the third time, he sighed and said, "I guess Mama doesn't love me." Manipulation comes early, people.

On spiritual stuff: I've been trying to wake up early and do my devotions before the chaos/questions/diapers start and today, it was 5 a.m. While reading a book on hospitality and service, I paused at a question the author posed. What stops me from serving others? Well, beyond the obvious fact that I serve my family like, 24 hours a day, I'd say the fear of rejection holds me back. I don't like people having to say "no" to me. But, I think if I could get over this, I could be serving others so much more.

Observation of the day: If you always have a bag available to put Goodwill stuff if, you'll be a lot more organized overall. At least, that's what is working in our house right now. Simplify and you don't have so much stuff to clean all the time!

On health issues: I have been on about 6 rounds of antibiotics due to breast infections since Juliet was born. Needless to say, my body has no natural defenses left in it and I am currently battling a sinus infection resulting from a common cold. I have decided to give my body a break, so to speak, and spend a few days eating very healthy. No sugar (very hard for me since I eat baked goods every day) and whole foods - whole wheat, lots of veggies, lots of water. However, I will not give up caffeine, it just won't happen. I have been eating like this for about three days - I feel much better, but really do miss eating the comfort foods - muffins, scones, cookies, etc. I have more time because I'm not baking so much. I won't commit to this "diet" forever, but at least give it a try for a few more days and see how my body responds.

On Jude: While reading a Clifford story the other night, Jude, as usual, was asking a million questions about the pictures. After asking, "Where's Clifford? What's he doing?" He stated, "Clifford has a wiener like me." Kids are so nonlinear sometimes.