Yes, that would be our dog in the crib with Jonah and Jordan. Miss Kinja the Ninja. How did she get in there you ask? Well... maybe this guy had something to do with it....


This little crib party happens every so often, usually on the weekends. Todd will take the kiddos in Jor's room to play. I can usually tell when it happens because i hear hysterical Jonah laughter behind closed doors. He know's it's a no-no in mama's book, and that really tickles him. OR maybe the laughter comes from watching his father hoist a 75 lb dog over the crib bar. Yeah, that's probably it. I would laugh too.

Confession. I am not going to lie... my first reaction is to be really irritated when I find the family (sans me) in Jordan's crib. Not because i feel left out (oh no...) but all these dumb things run through my head such as... "What if Jordan's crib bottoms out and someone gets hurt" or "What if Kinja thinks she can jump in there in the middle of the night" or (more realistically) "dang it, gotta wash the sheets again".

I hate that i am like that. i wish i could be more spontaneous and find it funny rather than be all grumpy about my family is in my daughters crib, and the mess it will cause me. These are the fun memories of life and by the look on everyone's face (even mine behind the camera at this point!) it IS funny.

And just for the record... No, Kinja has NOT jumped into Jordan's crib in the middle of the night.

Easter Sunday

Yesterday was a fabulous Easter- the weather was perfect, the sermon was inspiring, the food was delicious and Jonah and Jordan were happy little children (for the most part ;)

We went to the 11:00 service (we normally go to the 9) just to give ourselves more time in the morning. Our little Jonah went to bed the night before smelling like a campfire so we were going to have to do baths in the morning)

I just love dressing up Jonah and Jordan for Easter. I didn't really get them dressed up last year. Easter was in late March last year. The combination of having a one month old while also struggling with raging post-partum emotions made for a mama who was not all with it. In some ways i feel like yesterday was Jordan's first Easter.


We went out back for some pictures before church. Jordan borrowed a dress from one of my friends (thanks Heather!) and Jonah's jacket came from Target! Hope to use it many times this spring and summer : ) Jonah has become mister silly man when i take pictures- always makeing a face and then asking me if he can "look-it" after i take it. Gotta love digital cameras.


Can i just mention how difficult it is for me to get a good picture of both of my kids together? It's just about impossible to get a three year old and a one year old to look at the camera at the same time. I'll take what i can get :)



So off to church we went. Pastor Darryn gave a wonderful sermon on the Prodigal Son. I love it and loved worshipping our Risen Christ! Easter is so meaningful to me as a Christian. It is proof that we serve a RISEN Lord. He is the only One whose tomb is empty. He is ALIVE in each of us who chooses to accept Him.

After church we headed to my uncle and aunt's for lunch. By this time the weather was WARM and beautiful! A perfect Easter Sunday! We had pork tenderloin and all the wonderful fix'ins the Conner Family is known to bring. It was so wonderful to be with family.

Before we left to go home, we snapped a few pictures of Jonah and Jor in the daffodils. I think this will be a keeper.


Todd and I are beginning to face the whole Santa/Easter Bunny delima. I have alot of mixed emotions about what I want to tell my children. My hearts desire is that these very important holidays are focused on Jesus and not the make believe portion. I do enjoy the fun element of Santa and the Easter bunny, however, I don't enjoy how it gets blown out of proportion. Do any other mothers relate? What do you tell your children? It's hard, isn't it? I decided not to really mention the Easter Bunny this year (not to make a big deal out of it really). But Jonah does know about Santa... and still asks for his Santa PJs : )

Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

We tried this recipe over the weekend and WOW... loved it. A super quick recipe with a 3 minute marinade (can't beat that!). Great for spring and summer. We did the chicken on the grill for this one. Recipe and Photo courtesy of Cooking Light.

Fast: A three-minute dip into a pungent marinade is all that's needed to deliver big flavor to chicken breasts. Serve with saffron rice.

Yield

4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half and about 1/4 cup salsa)

Ingredients

• Chicken:
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 
  Salsa:
• 1 cup chopped plum tomato (about 2)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 avocado, peeled and finely chopped

Preparation

1. To prepare chicken, combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss and let stand 3 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.

2. To prepare salsa, combine tomato and next 4 ingredients (through pepper) in a medium bowl. Add avocado; stir gently to combine. Serve salsa over chicken.

Stellan's Name Gallery

Friends, keep praying for Baby Stellan! He is still in the hospital (now for over a week)- so many ups and downs for this sweet family!

Stellan's Name Gallery began this past summer when MckMama was hospitalized. In the womb, Stellan had a heart condition and was very sick. They did not expect him to live. While she was hospitalized blog readers were sending pictures to MckMama of Stellan's name all over the world. This brought a BIG smile to her face.

Now that Stellan is facing the same heart condition at 5 months old, thousands of people are praying for this child. Since the Name Gallery meant so much to the family, many are sending Stellan pictures once again.

We took our picture(s) today:

Extreme Makeover Home Edition is being filmed in our city this week. This particular project will be the season finale and will be extra special. Yes, they are focusing on re-building one particular house, but unlike all other projects, their is a focus on rebuilding the neighboorhood. many homes in the neighborhood are also receiving major repairs. Trees will be planted, alleys will be paved, and opportunities for continued community growth will arise. I can't wait to see the end result.

Although this show isn't labeled a "Christian" show, the concept (in my opinion) , is what we should be doing as Believers in Christ. As Christians, we should be KNOWN for coming along someone who is in need, just as these volunteers are doing in the picture. Doing what it takes to get the job done. Meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those in need. Being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Being the community of believers Christ intended us to be.

That is why we took "Stellan" with us today as we visited the job site. Thousands of people are following his story and hearts are being changed and challenged in the process. A community is being pulled together as we love one if it's members, one whom most of us have never met. A sweet small baby is challenging many to PRAY , even though it's a foreign concept to them. It is an amazing story, and it's nearly impossible to not fall in love with this child and family. Please keep praying for Stellan's healing. To follow his story, visit www.mycharmingkids.net