So I'm writing on Saturday instead of Monday in hopes that I can get ahead on everything this coming week. I started the trend by preparing Sunday dinner ahead - a dish we actually had last Sunday (Rosemary Ranch Chicken, tossed salad and spiced rice). We loved it so much that we're having it again.

My husband is giving me tutorials in the art of grilling. The grill may be my new best friend. Grilling cuts down on clean up, and just about everything that comes off the grill tastes great! I am also utilizing my rice cooker/ steamer that Jason and I received at our wedding. It is one of those small appliances that gathered a lot of dust over the years on the top shelf of my cabinet until I discovered that I could cook large quantities of rice to freeze in smaller portions and that I could steam vegetables with much greater ease than on the stovetop.

Something I've been meaning to share... if you're in the market for car seats, strollers and pump accessories, good and bad ways to increase milk supply, call me, write me, come see me. I have logged countless hours researching these subjects and have made some good and bad purchases/ decisions. Now that I've made all my mistakes, I might be able to keep you from doing the same. I'm the person that just can't leave well enough alone. I make the purchase and

continue the research. I am very faithful to write reviews, but I'd much rather share what I've learned with the people I know and love.

One bit of advice I'll give you now... don't flip out over the fact that you'll probably end up buying multiple strollers and car seats. It's just a fact of life these days. I don't care how many people ask you how we survived "back in the day." Things are definitely different now and there are standards that we have to conform to. Otherwise, we'll get to pay the piper if officer friendly decides to have a chat with us on the side of the road one fine day. Moving as we do every 2-3 years, we try to keep our lives as clutter-free as possible. Although I tried to keep it to one or two strollers and as few car seats as possible, we now have three strollers and are already in the market for another car seat. We bought a super nice car seat that would take Jonathan to 35 lbs. and a small stroller frame. This saved us money that we then used to buy a glorified, somewhat stylish, lightweight umbrella stroller. What we didn't realize was that the company that makes the glorified umbrella stroller was slightly misleading in their marketing of said stroller. "Six months plus" should have read "one year plus". We needed another stroller to fill the gap. Right about the time we realized this, we received a gift card from Giggie and Bop.

I had already started research on an inexpensive stroller that would recline a bit and offer a little extra cushioning for baby boy. The option I came up with only put us out about $35 and filled the bill. It's lightweight (if just slightly ugly), reclines and folds pretty small to fit in the closet or the back of the van or truck. Again, the reviews weren't as true to form as I'd hoped. The "gender-neutral" pattern looked pretty feminine to me, so I spent a couple of nights with my sewing machine and one of the many blankets we received at showers, and designed an easily removable, plush seat cover that's a little more masculine. I'm so proud of how it turned out that I think I'm going to make another one. They get dirty so fast, it won't hurt to have another cover to interchange. We've decided that we really like the stroller because Jonathan seems to like it so much.

Tomorrow is my 37th birthday and though I'm about as exhausted as I could possibly be right now, I still don't feel as though I'm just three years shy of the big 4-0. My sweet husband had flowers sent to the house and took three days off to help me get some much needed rest. My Mom and Dad sent a beautiful Willow Tree figurine (Happiness), the Max Lucado book Fearless (a book that is seriously speaking to me right now), and a gorgeous card, my Mamma Allen sent a beautiful card and some money and I received several other lovely cards from friends and family. I share a birthday with my Sis-in-Law, Stephanie. Happy Birthday Stephanie! My Brother-in-Law's birthday is today. Happy Birthday Jeremy! My Father-in-Law's birthday is Tuesday. Happy Birthday Bop! On April 3rd, my Sis-in-Law, Cyndi has a birthday as well. Happy Birthday Cyndi! Sweet Cyndi is expecting. She and Josh have the whole family anxious for a blessed day coming in September.

The Max Lucado book is getting me primed for our return

to San Antonio. We will be living just a couple of exits northwest of the church that he pastors. I am anxious to sit under him again (Pastor Jeff, if you are reading this, I want you to know that we've loved sitting under your teaching for the past three years and we hope we'll get to come back for more someday.). I will sorely miss the gorgeous and unique Albemarle Country... the Sound, the Outer Banks, the interesting dialects, the soft evenings, the swans, geese and bald eagles, the warm-hearts of the folks here and the beautiful hardwoods, pines and swamplands bordering the farms. Still, I can't help but pine for a little house sitting just at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, the sun setting just beyond those hills, the days upon days of sunshine and warm temps, the live oaks, and the bluebonnets, indian blankets, indian paintbrushes and evening primrose that cover the countryside in spring. We'll be leaving one type of heaven to live in another. What a life.

On to more important things...

Jonathan definitely has two teeth coming in at the bottom. He is making all sorts of new and interesting sounds and he's getting really good at spraying his Mamma with pureed food. He likes to show us what he can do with those things in his mouth. This boy is still not exactly crawling, but we REALLY have to keep an eye out as he can get where he wants to go VERY quickly. He crawls forward a foot or so and then ends up on that tubby little belly. He pulls to a stand on his toddler seat but hasn't quite mastered that trick on anything else. I really need to lower his crib mattress one more notch. Jonathan doesn't like to nap much anymore, but he gets so tired at times, he just can't fight it. I sometimes have to restrain him in my lap to get him to go down. It takes just a couple of minutes to get him to close those sweet eyelids and go limp for 1-2 hours. He is just about as happy as they come and has a smile and wave for everyone. He is getting into stage three food and falling back on his milk consumption a bit. Last night we discovered that he's a big fan of pancakes. The next few days are supposed to be dreary and cold, so we won't be able to take this boy to his favorite place... the great outdoors, but soon enough we'll be able to stroll our neighborhood again and enjoy pulling grass and feeling the wind on our faces.

In other news, the house showed again this week, and we sold our Civic. Things really are coming to a close here. Jason does seem to have a pretty serious case of reflux although we still haven't heard from the doctor's office. He is feeling much better this week and we are working to create a menu that will naturally keep him heartburn free. Thanks so much for the prayers. Within the next few weeks we'll be giving an open house, we'll be serving our last breakfast at Salem church and I will be singing a little solo in our Easter presentation. Our last weeks here have been, and will continue to be, very busy ones.

I am coming to another place in my spiritual walk... learning that although I want to be in complete control of everything concerning Jonathan Clark, Christ wants complete control of me. Lessons learned this week - my tongue has a damaging effect and I still haven't placed it under His control, and I still haven't learned to die to self in the way that a Mommy really should. I am thankful for the prayers of friends and family and hope that in motherhood I can find a ministry and become more like the One who gave His life for me.

²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our “God is a consuming fire.”

~Hebrews 12:28-29

It is the beginning of a new week, it's SPRING... and it's my birthday week! I received two gifts from my sweet hubby already - the first season of Downton Abbey on DVD and a very nice camcorder to capture sweet baby smiles, giggles and sighs. Friday we travel to Williamsburg, VA to deliver our Civic to its new owner. Maybe we'll have time to stroll around Colonial Williamsburg and the Yorktown Waterfront before heading back. I'm voting for Baker's Crust or Red Robin if we get to eat lunch out.

Last week was quite challenging and gave me an opportunity to try and live by one of my new favorite verses (the one posted just under the main title of this blog). Thanks to my friend Anna for bringing it to my attention. Tuesday, Jonathan was just down for a nap when the realtor called. Show time! Fortunately I was given two hours to let him nap, during which I blazed through here and made everything as presentable as possible. I was a sweaty mess when we showed up on my neighbor's doorstep to wait out the showing, but we had a nice visit with Ms. Brenda and Hannah (her puppy dog). Thank goodness for Brenda!

Mid-week, the ice maker on our fridge went out during the night and we literally waded into the kitchen Thursday morning. Jason missed the first half of the work day. We had wet molding, wet sheet rock, ruined food... the whole bit. Our appliances remained in the middle of the kitchen most of the day. Later that evening, Jason checked in the crawl space under the house and found a nice little pond just under the kitchen area. That had to be soaked up, the sub floor dried and the insulation replaced. Thankfully - no calls from realtors that day!

Our Wednesday had been nice, but hectic. Jonathan and I got to visit with his friend Austin for the morning and Miss Cassie came for her first piano lesson. I got to spend some Mommy time with my sweet friends, Melissa and Lorrie and that evening I got to sing with the choir during our revival service. Maybe the fact that Wednesday was such a nice day allowed us to manage a difficult Thursday and Friday with a bit more grace.

If it wasn't already hard enough to cook for Jason (He's not a cheese eater.), I am now trying to find recipes that are easier on a guy with GERD. He was officially diagnosed last week and Wednesday morning he goes in for an Upper GI. I am worried and hoping he can be treated with as little medication as possible. Unfortunately Jason married a Texan. I like it spicy and that's the way I cook it. It's time to expand the repertoire. If you're reading this, pray for Jason. Not only is his food getting to him, but I think he's dealing with some pretty major stress at work, not to mention his job as brand new daddy. He's been in a lot of pain... so much so that he hasn't eaten much this week.

Yesterday, Jason and I were both on the roster to teach Sunday School as our youth leader was out for a youth function in Western NC. Jason teaches every week and I fill in when our youth minister is out. Our lesson covered chapters 5-8 of Genesis... a genealogy of the descendants of Adam, and the story of Noah (a guy who certainly knew the meaning of extreme obedience). I was impressed to find three of the youth (young men in our church) studying the lesson having already prayed and completed the roll. Sundays are always hectic for us, but it turned out to be a really nice day and Jonathan enjoyed being in the nursery with little Caroline.

That brings me to today. We are enjoying a beautiful day complete with all the trappings of spring. This morning, thunderclouds rolled through creating a nice cozy backdrop for some nap time on the recliner (Mommy has dispensed with trying to lay little boy in his crib for his morning nap on Mondays.). All the green that has appeared seemed all the more

green. The clouds rolled away just as nap time was ending, some laundry went in the wash and the windows were opened. We had some play time in the floor and enjoyed watching Little Bear together. We also visited Stanley's daffodils... in full bloom. We sure miss that little guy and will miss the yearly show at his grave. I hope the folks that buy our home take care of his "spot" and care for his daffodils. At some point today I will need to do some major house cleaning and a lot more laundry, but for now, we're just enjoying the day.

Jonathan is loving his yogurt and apricots this week. He cut a tooth on St. Patty's Day and is drooling and chewing like never before. He is on the move and getting around faster and faster. He is crawling backwards but still trying to figure out how to move forward. I can hardly believe this boy is now over 9 months old. He is a joy and a blessing.

Today, Jonathan is nine months old. We paid a visit to Dr. Robinson who told us that Jonathan is VERY consistent on weight, but falling off a little in height. Everything seems normal, even with Mommy's laundry list of concerns. As we can't have him vaccinated early, we will be going back in a month and a half for a height/ weight check and finding a pediatrician asap when we get to San Antonio. Jonathan was a lot of fun at the doctor's office. He's quite a ham. He made at least two friends before we went back.

Yesterday he hammed it up with the ladies at church. This week is the start of our revival services and we had a big family meal after big church. Jonathan did not protest at all as he was handed from person to person. In fact, he loved it! Wednesday, Austin comes for a morning visit. We might have Cassie, Colin and Ms. Melissa over for a piano lesson too. Jonathan loves company and Mommy almost always sees an improvement in his skills after he's spent some time playing with other kiddos.

Jonathan is trying hard to crawl. He likes to sit himself up, go forward onto his hands and knees, roll and then sit himself back up again. Sometimes he takes a longer spell on his hands and knees, rocks back and forth and then pulls up on his feet like a little teepee. He hasn't quite mastered the moves to really crawl. He ends up pushing himself backward. He is pulling up on his toddler chair, the love seat and the side of the tub. We think he'll be crawling any day now. He loves to clap. He also loves to fling his little arm out at me, wave to himself and say "Heh!" I think he's saying "Hi!" or "Hey!"

Jonathan loves books, balls and people. He is fascinated with faces and he could watch Praise Baby all day long if I let him. He protests loudly now if he is not allowed to have exactly what he wants when he wants it. He is also getting good with the sippy cup, although he doesn't always use it for drink. Most of the time he just chews on the spout.

Mommy and Daddy are learning to deal with sleep deprivation. This is a time when we could really benefit from having family nearby. We have lots of sweet friends who offer help, and we are beginning to think we need to take someone up on those offers. The house is a wreck, but thankfully, no calls from the realtor today. Whew.

I am trying to get back into my quiet time routine and it's making all the difference. My natural tendency is to be a hermit crab. Both words are soooooo applicable to me these days. Hermit and crab. Hmmmmm. The Lord knows I want to obsess on this house and every flaw within its walls. I want to make sure it's spotless "just in case" the realtor calls. I want to be prepared for every eventuality. The eventualities I forget... I will forget about this house, but I won't forget about the friends and family I've neglected while I obsess on getting my list of "to dos" perfectly complete. I won't forget that I missed moments with my tiny son while I sanded and touched up walls.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. ~Psalm 55:21-23

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

~Psalm 139:22-24

It has been a very long time since I updated our blog. I hope to make this a weekly endeavor, but since it's Monday, let's just say, I'll update when I can. Let me explain.

If the Allens make it to church on Sunday, Mondays are disasters. If we're lucky, a load or two of laundry gets done, Mom washes her face and brushes her teeth and supper gets cooked and eaten. Jonathan won't nap in his crib until Tuesday morning, Mom probably won't get out of the clothes she slept in and the house will stay dirty. I accept this. The fact that the house was recently listed has made me a bit more anxious about Mondays, but today I decided, I'm over that. I can be thankful on days when the phone doesn't ring because that means we won't be showing the house. I can also be thankful that I have finally allowed Monday to be a disaster. Let me qualify by saying that disastrous days are only really disastrous if you don't expect them to be. Mondays are now fully devoted to the reading/ singing of Snuggle Puppy at least a half dozen times, slobbery kisses, lots and lots of cuddles, living with the distinct possibility of b.o. and bad breath.... oh, and maybe this blog.

Don't get me wrong. I love going to church and I love taking my son to church.

We both need the socialization and he LOVES the ladies at church. The production involved in getting us there wears me out before 8 am, but I definitely want to be there.

Here's the rub. Jonathan's morning nap coincides with the Sunday School hour.

Jonathan will not nap in the nursery crib. Jonathan's morning constitutional

also coincides with the Sunday School hour. By the time Big Church rolls around, Jonathan is very tired, has a dirty diaper and is not at all happy about the shift change in the nursery. Melt down.

Mommy generally always has plans to cook after church. Mommy generally always persuades Daddy to drive through Cook Out or Dairy Queen (or both). Thank Heaven for Dairy Queen and Cook Out! Thank Heaven for spicy cajun fries, large chocolate/ vanilla twist ice cream cones and understanding husbands.

Jonathan was dedicated in Salem Church on February 27th. He was wearing a darling outfit that Giggie and Bop gave him for Christmas. Mommy held him in the blanket she made during the months she carried him. We were so thankful that we were able to have the dedication at Salem. Jonathan has spent his first year in that church and our church family has been very gracious... giving us a shower, putting up with nervous new parents and dealing with a baby boy in the nursery that is rarely separated from his Mommy. I'll enjoy bringing him back to the church when he's older.

Despite the fatigue and frustration of being new parents, we are feeling very blessed right now. This little boy is precious and we really cannot imagine life without him. He recently learned to clap and will clap every time Mommy and Daddy say "yeaaahhhh." He waves, but generally at himself. Jonathan is becoming so mobile that he doesn't want to stop practicing to eat or sleep. He is very involved in learning how to crawl, sit up and pull up. Jonathan also does a lot of talking. We're not sure what he's trying to say yet, but a lot of noise comes out of that mouth. This is what nap time has been looking like this week. Not a lot of napping going on. He actually managed to move the pillow in the back left corner and turn off the monitor today...

In less than three months, we will be leaving this little corner of the world, and returning to Texas. Although we still have a lot to learn, Jason and I did a better job of immersing ourselves in our surroundings this go around. It's going to be very hard to leave Elizabeth City and our friends here. Many of our friends have become like family. If we had the choice, we wouldn't move right at Jonathan's 1st birthday, but we are very thankful for Jason's job and thankful that we get to move to a place we know... closer to family and childhood friends. That will be a major relief for me as my Mom has not been able to visit since Jonathan was in his first week (due to illness). We repeat the same scenario from day to day. Mom only ventures as far as Wal Mart most weeks and we spend lots of time in the living room floor, practicing our new moves. This week we're traveling over to the TV cabinet and unloading the bottom shelf.

Here he is, picking out a movie!