Prayer

Lately, I feel like there has been nothing but bad news. I feel like with each breath, there is a prayer that accompanies it. Maybe this is how we are supposed to live. There hasn't been anything in my immediate family that has required this type of praying, but things that surround us. I find myself in a constant conversation with God. It is both good and bad, I suppose. I am learning to rely on God more, but also questioning the ways of the world. I cannot believe in a God who let's things happen to "teach us a lesson." Therefore, I believe in some evil in the world, something that someday God will overcome. In the meantime, I will continue to pray and give thanks to the one who gives us these great gifts.

Just Because

Today President Obama was in Kalamazoo speaking at Kalamazoo Central High School's graduating class. They graduated on the campus of Western Michigan University. We happen to live about a mile (or less) from WMU. So, we were lucky enough to see the President's helicopter fly into Kalamazoo and out of Kalamazoo. Each time, I took Madeline out to wave to the President.

As his helicopter was flying out, all the neighbors were out to see the sight. Madeline was standing next to the neighbor boys and, as the helicopter flew by, I glanced down to see the three of them saluting the President. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!

It gets better. About an hour after I put Madeline down to bed, another helicopter flies by (probably the local hospital helicopter). I hear Madeline yell for me, so I go up to tell her to go to sleep. She declares she heard a helicopter and that it's the president, and we had better go wave to him. Oh, to be a child again!! :)

Life Lessons

So ever since Millie was born, I have been feeling bad that she hasn't received some of the same things Madeline did. For example, I didn't get newborn portraits done, no new clothes (well, some of course!!), Madeline's old room. Some of this is inevitable, I suppose. However, there have been a few things that I have for Millie that I WISH I had for Madeline! Here is a list of things I wish I had the first time around:

1. BumGenius diapers. I LOVE these cloth diapers. I never thought I would be one for doing cloth diapers, but it is super easy! They are really soft, good for the earth and save you some money (some estimate $1800 per kid). www.bumgenius.com

2. My Ergo baby front carrier. Not only is it a front carrier, but can be used as a backpack carrier as well! The baby/toddler is right against your skin and it is very easy to use...I recommend it to everyone!

3. Hotsling! Once again, I never thought I would be t

he sling type, but Millie likes to snuggle in close to me. It's nice to use these first couple months when they can't sleep very well in the front carrier, but you need your hands free. Yes, there have been some recalls, so make sure you are using it correctly!

www.hotslings.com

4. My Volvo wagon. Yes, we just bought a car a year ago (--not the Volvo wagon...insert life lesson #36 here :)). After some deliberation and much consideration, we traded in our old/new car (which will remain nameless) for our Volvo wagon. It is 6 years old, but will save us some money in the long run and I feel much better about myself and my kids in it. I love it!!

This may sound like a commercial for baby products and cars, but these products are awesome and worth the money :)