Lots of plans for the weekend

On Saturday our nanny, Jessica, will be doing roller derby so we'll swing by and catch some of that. I was hoping to have Chloe's new skull and crossbones hair bows but it doesn't look like they'll be here in time.

Arch Rival Roller Girls

On Sunday we're going to see Ralph Covert of Ralph's World fame perform at Blueberry Hill. I'm really excited and hoping we can meet him and get pictures.

Ralph's World

Otherwise, I'm pretty wiped out. Chloe was having some sleep issues during the early part of the week and now that they're lined out, Benjamin is having sleep issues from teething. His amber necklace broke but I managed to get it back together. One whole day without it really made a big difference. Benjamin doesn't fuss much so when he does you know he means business.

I'll never forget 9/11

I was having a similar day in a different time. I was working at my desk like I am now, but seven years ago I had no husband and no children. I was barely 21 but very much still a child myself. 9/11 not only brought about full adulthood but also brought me back to my Christian faith.

I had never felt fear like I did that day and I literally fell out of my chair to my knees and prayed to God.

I find it sad, but not surprising, that there's not more coverage on the anniversary today.

God bless the victim's families, especially those who were never really found.

Kids look bigger in fall clothes

Well, fall is coming and that means it's time to get out the warmer clothes. Chloe spent the summer in underpants, shorts and t-shirts, and sundresses. Benjamin spent most of the summer in his diaper.

I was excited to get Chloe's things out because I had been collecting from clearance racks, friends, and garage sales for two years now. Seeing these clothes again was fun.

Now that the kids are in them, they look, well too old. Much older than being on the verge of 1 and 4. The jeans look impossibly long for Chloe but fit her perfectly. And clothes on Benjamin make him look like a boy and not my sweet little baby.

And while I hear Chloe talking non-stop, I almost missed Benjamin's words: hi, bye, ball, dad. He talks in gurgles, grunts, and this funny bubble type voice.

As much as I love watching my kids grow up, expand their minds and face new challenges, seeing them get older before I'm ready breaks my heart a little.

Overheard in the Hickman house

Chloe looking at herself in the mirror (our closet doors are mirrors) "why you look fancy today Chloe!"

Chloe and Daddy

Chloe: What are those
Daddy: My balls
Chloe: Can I touch them?
Daddy: No

Chloe to me: You need to kiss Daddy because you're falling in love, remember?

from my husband: what does having your period have to do with fertility (in a convo about the third daughter we are to have...)

Yea for hot water

The new part came, it works and we have hot water. Too bad this week has worn me out so much I can barely think about the dishes that have been sitting all week. Not the mention the countless McD meals we've eaten trying to avoid dishes. This family will be loading up on fruits and veggies stat!

I had a great night with the kids. We hit Babies R Us where I rocked the sling and got lots of questions about it (take that, over priced strollers!) for some baby/eco friendly diapers then off to Costco for some much needed groceries.

Chloe is such a cool kid. She's funny and kind, smart and resourceful, clever and witty. She is in love with babies and would shout "Hey, can I touch your baby!" at anyone who passed by with an infant. I guess babies, like toys, are more fun when they are not yours. That's not to say she doesn't love Benjamin b/c she's such a great big sister.

I really need to pray more often for patience. A little extra effort on my part really brings out the best in my daughter, and myself.

But I'm the judgemental one...

I am a Christian. I am not ashamed of that. I believe in God, Jesus, redemption, salvation and faith. I believe in the Bible.

I do not judge you if you don't believe. I don't hate you. I don't say you're going to hell. I love you and try to be your friend. I might even pray for you (whether you've asked or not). If you have questions about my faith, I will answer them. I'll admit to not knowing an answer and will try and find it.

So do you not see the irony in saying I'm judging you simply because I believe. If my beliefs offend you so much just by me verbalizing them, perhaps you should ask yourself why. Then get back to me with any questions because I'll still love you.

I will not, however, be a doormat for you to wipe off your guilt and doubt.

Sarah Palin rocks my socks

She's conservative, she has family values, she loves her husband, she breastfeeds and slings her kids... dare to dream?

Yeah rag on her about things her relatives have done and her daughter being pregnant but she's pretty great.

While I planned to vote for McCain, I wasn't excited, but now I am.

I feel like I can relate to her, like I could sit and discuss things with her, like she understands me.