Music Therapy

The radio was playing while I was filling the dishwasher and Molly was playing with a book.  I didn't know what station I was listening to, when I heard a female voice singing about a hospital bed.  Molly started talking to me while I teared up.  I don't want to hear songs that cause grief to emerge, but I was straining to hear the words.  I heard some other lines about this world not being home and seeing God.  Molly was still chattering away while I cried.  The song ended, and I realized it was a country station.  I switched to a Christian station to continue my music therapy.

I grieve the most when I'm listening to music.  It is heart-wrenching and comforting at the same time.  I'm sure you can relate.  I worship God and fully experience pain and healing together.  Then I heard "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin.  It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:9,10:  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness... For when I am weak, then I am strong.  I have to hit the lowest of lows in order to heal and move on.  Thank you, God, for making me stronger through my weakness.

Then and Now At the Botanic Gardens

Running Away from the Mommies April 2009

Running Away from the Mommies April 2010

Then

Now

Out and About

Molly's favorite thing to do at the zoo.  She wants all birds to land on her finger, wherever we go.

Making lemonade is almost as much fun as drinking it!

A Little Science Ditty

As a Physics major, I was pretty excited to get the opportunity to review a biography of Isaac Newton for booksneeze.com. While I was very familiar with his famous three laws after having taught them to high school students for several years, I didn’t know much about his personality or life events. The author, Mitch Stokes, actually takes on the role of a teacher as he writes. He explains many physics concepts in a way that makes them understandable to non-scientists. He also engages the reader by giving fascinating details of the person of Isaac Newton. I came away from the book somewhat bewildered by the unique qualities he possessed. It is apparent that God gave him the abnormal ability to concentrate solely on his studies in order that he might formulate correct explanations about mysteries in creation. The amount he accomplished in his lifetime is incredible. Although this book is part of the Christian Encounters series, Newton’s faith is mentioned sparsely. The main focus was on his scientific accomplishments and interactions with his scholarly peers. During the latter years of his life, this interesting character even worked on busting rings of counterfeiters. Stokes’ account of Newton’s life is an enjoyable and informing read.

Oh, Really?

On the way to the grocery store the other day, I asked Molly what her favorite food is.  "Carrots," she replied.  "Vegetables... onions."  I repeated the question today at lunch.  "Chicken, green beans, smiley face fries, catsup," she answered, listing the foods she saw on her plate.  The "chicken" was actually a turkey hot dog.  Funny that she never requests vegetables, but it's popsicles that she begs for.

Molly has been imitating my speech lately. She sat in front of the computer and held up her index finger, "I'm just going to check one thing," she said. While I was squatting in the back yard working in the dirt, Molly came up behind me, "Come here, babe. Let me hold you." She wrapped her arms around me, "Let me give you a hug." She walked in the house from the yard last evening and announced to me and Nanna, "I'll be back in one minute."

Chillin' with Ella

Finishing the Chocolate Bunny from MaMere

See, Mary Lynn.  I hung them straight!

Finding Eggs

Now She's Smiling!

She hit the jackpot!

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Molly loves to help me clean.  She loves to use the washcloth and bucket of soapy water (I use all-natural cleaner) to wash the floor.  It gets pretty wet, but then I just go over it all with a mop.  It gets really clean this way.  She also likes to use a spray bottle with water and vinegar to spray the front of the dishwasher and then wipe it with papertowels.

We were in the gameroom at CiCi's recently.  One of the videogames had two guns attached to the front of it.  She picked up one and handed me the other.  "Clean with this one, mama," she instructed.  Oh, I  love her naiveté!

Do I Need to be Concerned...

that Molly's new favorite saying is, "My name's Molly Clara *******, and I promise!"  I have no idea where that one came from. 

She loves to use the restroom in public places.  I often try to gently support her midsection with my hand so she doesn't fall when perched atop the potty.  Being an independent two year-old, she protests this, so I discreetly remain close enough to catch her if she loses her balance.  After she finishes her business and it's my turn, she places her hand on the front of me and informs me, "I'll hold you!"  Thank Goodness!  I was concerned about falling in!