Life in the Fam Lane

Looking ahead and staying here.

2010-12-21T14:15:00.003-06:00

Ahhh Here we go--Again!

Welcome (or welcome back) to our blog! I'm honestly not sure where to go with this blog. So many questions fill my mind. Is this a family update, talks from the heart, work being published, an exercise of the written word once again... yes i guess it is.

I'm sitting here at a old rickety yellow desk in our 2nd floor apartment right above the street. Espen naps and Ryan is wrapping up some things for work, and I have the day off. It's time to exercise and work my voice a little. My writing voice. It's the week of Christmas, 4 days in fact until Christmas day. I'm neutral. Of course I adore family time and wish time would slow down in those moments. I love having a break off work. I love this time to reflect on the beautiful story of our Savior coming to deliver His people from their oppression. Sometimes I try to get into Mary's head and ponder with her the things she would accomplish, or her son for that matter! I'm amazed at her obedience and willingness....
There are a few more gifts to pick up but i'm putting it off until tomorrow.

When Fall blows in, I get excited and start looking for all my sweaters. Even though I won't be really needing them until January I must put them close. The pumpkins start rolling out and appearing everywhere, we start to plan Espen's birthday. October 31st comes and goes way too fast. I soak up every day until Thanksgiving. Now that's my favorite holiday. The noise and sounds of Christmas start ringing and getting louder... yes I love this time of year but I'm mostly looking forward to New Years. For the same reason I like Mondays. It's a fresh start. I get to dream and make new plans.
Though I'm still formulating in my mind what my "new list" for the new year will be, There are a few things that rise to the top of the ever evolving list.

* Less Hulu, More reading
* I want to cook more
* More writing singing and playing

But most of all I want to make our home a place I want to be. We are transient by nature and mind, but Bishop Taban from Southern Sudan said one thing in early december when visiting our church... "You can't bloom unless you've been planted."
I want that. I'm not sure really how that would look for our little family, but I think I'm a little more ready than before.
Ryan and I have done a lot of talking and crying and waiting this last year. Living in the struggle of our will vs. God's will...our dreams and what's laying here before us, and we feel like 2011 is a year for us to get ready. For what? I'm not sure. I desire to hear God's voice, see His hand position and move us to where He can use us. We are willing. So willing.
So when I think about the new year, i just wonder what's next. I feel like i'm always on my tippy toes looking for the next thing.
This might be hard for a visionary like myself, but in 2011, I want to pivot my chair from the window back to the living area. This is where we are. This is where we love. This is where we're made ready. We will go and do, no doubt about that. This is where we are investing in memories...for the time being.
Trust. Patience. Rest. Deep planting is what I want to grow in this year.
A quiet grounded feeling for stability and balance like on a dance floor.

Ready Willing Waiting Resting. That's me.

Lindey

family band

2010-05-14T00:37:00.005-05:00

Uncle Connor came for a visit! Espen loves his Connor... I was able to get a couple segments of the jam session

Canton!

2009-12-05T16:43:00.013-06:00

Yesterday my friend Becky and I went to Canton Texas which is an hour and half away from our places (she's also my next door neighbor). I had never been to canton before! They have what is called First Monday. It's like a gigantic flea market on hundreds of acres in tons of tents and pavillions on the weekends right before the first Monday of every month.

It was 40 degrees and I wore 5 shirts, gloves, long underwear, lip saver from Aveda, and a good pair of shoes.

Becky and I were on a mission. We did not want to stay all day, and I knew exactly what I was looking for. My list included a storage cabinet or buffet for my dining room, a chandelier, 2 vintage chairs to mismatch with my others at our dining table, writing desk, and any other treasure I thought I might "need"..... The whole place smelled like fair food, bad coffee, moth balls, and old people. I don't know how many people we saw on scooters pulling their carts behind them just in case of finding treasures. Some people go to Canton and stay the whole weekend because of all the shopping there is to do there. We saw motor homes, trailers, vans, trucks and any other big vehicle to carry things home in. So the people that bring the big vehicles and stay all weekend don't walk very fast. I mean they have 3 days to choose and gather and shop and eat! Becky and I on the other hand walked like Black Friday shoppers, weaving in a out of all the other people.

We found some amazing things! I didn't come home with my chandelier or any other thing that wasn't on the list in my mind, which is probably a good thing. I don't mind to wait for the perfect thing.

Also, these items I don't even need to rebuild or sand down or paint! There are a few changes I will make to the hutch I bought but I will keep you up to date on how that project is going, when I decide to start it.

There's nothing better than finding a good deal! And making an even better deal by negotiating! (which I'm still learning to do with my friend's help ;)

I think I spent around $200 for everything! My most favorite purchase was 2 magenta chairs! "When in doubt pick magenta!"

Becky

Espen added his chair on the table for the pic :)

color shot...color phase

my favorite thing about these is the magenta part

This is the before shot of the hutch...an after is soon to come!

you can tell the color better here :)

as is. Not going to have to paint it. Love that.

good thing Becky brought their truck! It all fit perfectly.

She found the cutest Green dresser for Saige! The little one in her tummy.

All in a daze...

2009-11-28T21:06:00.013-06:00

First Idea shot

My little love...Who still calls me babe

Pulled our tree in through the window... it worked!

"Eppen's Chee"

Decorating the Tree

Love these little hands

A little black Friday purchase, excited about Advent

up to some trouble.... notice the lines on the dishwasher...

Found Markings here and inside a cabinet a little more major than this...

And here!

He told me "E bus!" "E-S-P-E-N-R-2-9" so thats his

name there written on the bus

(still haven't found the cap)

This bus has been through so much cream cheese!

It's weird when it dries. I've been wiping off the bus, the floor,

the wall, toes, hands and a little face.

Play the game

2009-11-17T15:56:00.004-06:00

So I've been playing a game. It's called the Grocery Game. It was started by this woman named Teri Gault. Ryan and I saw her on the Donny Deutsch show when were were living in Houston...I thought it was cool then but didn't participate in it or learn anything more about it. It's just been recently that my friend, and now next door neighbor Becky, told me about it. She saves so much freaking money! She is teaching me the ins and outs of it all and I've been simply picking up a sunday paper full of great coupons which I date and file away, only to pull on them when its time to grocery shop. You go on to thegrocerygame.com and set up an account for a small fee every 2 months, put in your zip code, and in return, Teri gives you the participating stores in your area, and all of their deals and specials going on. You have to check it out!

Ryan is fully amazed and pretty much thinks i'm a super woman. Well thats what I feel like at least when I stand at the register and see my bill rack up to around $120, hand over my kroger card and it falls down to around $65 and then give a few coupons (which took me like 10 min to clip, because you only clip the ones Teri tells you to clip, hence, the small fee you pay for convenience) and ends at about $50. Thats what happened today. And that also included a 20 lb. turkey!

Some deals in the last few weeks have been so great!

- I bought a package of bacon, and with it came a dozen large eggs, box of bfast sausages, fruit cup, and english muffins all came free.

- Buy one get one free Wheat bread

- Evaporated Milk (for baking) free!

- Free Downy fabric softener

- Ghirardelli supreme brownie mix .99

...on and on! All name brand items, all great food! My friend Becky last week bought a gallon of milk for a dollar!!

In the words of Ryan "That's pretty awesome!! just sayin"

testing one, two

2009-11-12T21:03:00.002-06:00

Found this pic, have no idea where we're going.

(my friend Aina just showed me how to use blogger.

Just trying it out this way)

Espen is 2!

2009-11-03T00:14:00.012-06:00

October 31st Espen turned two years old. I hardly remember him being a little baby! now he's a big boy saying sentences, learning to share with his little friends, brushing his teeth, eating new foods...etc. I LOVE this age! Espen is very polite and uses his manners well. How can a little wicked heart be so polite? :) So many friends came out for his birthday party which was held in the courtyard outside of our place. Sunny and 70! Perfect. Most came in costume, I think more would have come in costume if we had actually included it on the invite. The invites are another issue. Anyway, such a great long day on Saturday! We are so grateful for our family and our friends!

Can't wait to show you pics and videos!

Fo Reals!

2009-11-03T00:00:00.002-06:00

Back to blogging for reals this time! It could be the faster router that has made me feel excited again! Stay tuned as I learn how and what to do....

A little Question and Concern

2009-10-22T00:18:00.004-05:00

This is where I need to tell the truth. I have no idea how to keep this blog alive or make it cool. I don't know how to really follow blogs, or put all the cool little things on my blog. I admit a very large portion of me doesn't want to take the time to do this. Yes I'm overwhelmed. I can't just continue to keep up pretenses. I can type. Got that going for me. I can barely upload photos, i wish i could upload photos like my friend Aina on her blog, but I have no clue how to do it and always forget to ask her.
I'm a perfectionist sometimes and i don't always want to publish something I've written unless its been edited a hundred times. I'm just getting back to the purpose of this blog and why it exists. I have many ideas for it...topics, pics, recipes (only 1 really), the way it should look....but now i beg the question--to myself, "Are you willing? Willing to stay with it and do what it takes?"
My writer side says YES! my transient side says "nah, whats the next thing?" My Artsy side says "maybe this should just be a photo blog" My Designer says "make it a fashion blog" .... see, very conflicting.
And. When I blog/post, who should i be writing to? Now i'm so confused! Am I writing to myself? To friends? Family? To the people who I wish read my blog? who would that be anyway?

Contemplating some very heavy things right now....

2009-07-29T14:51:00.001-05:00

I dreamt last night that I was running. Through the woods down a long path, up hills, and through rough terrain. I never got tired just more energetic the more I ran!

How I wish it could happen in real life!

-Lindey

aaaaand break!

2009-07-28T01:25:00.002-05:00

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!
It's been amazing having a break! School is over, thank the Lord, and I start my new job in a Salon (Pura Vida Salon) in 7 days. When I left school i was really ok with never ever doing hair again. I was burnt out and tired to say the least. 2 days after school ended, Ryan and I were involved in a youth camp for 10 days near Houston, so that allowed some time for me to visit my music/worship leader side....it had been a while since I had even sung. But I can't say it was the break that I so desperately needed. When we got home I was able to sleep in a bit and start to enjoy my home and being with Ryan and Espen more, going to the Water Park, walks, lunches and so on. I've met with my new soon-to-be boss James and I feel good about where I'm going....excited actually. I've decided not to lay down my shears; too early for that.
I think all I'm trying to say is that I feel like i've had that break that I needed. I feel like myself again. I feel creative, i love blogging more, taking more pictures, cleaning my house (i've cleaned my house like 2 times in one week--yes Ryan is in shock too!) to take a walk, read books while it rains outside, show Espen how to jump on the couch without falling off (which he fell today, nothing broken just a tongue-bite), re-arrange my furniture (again), hang a piece of art Ryan and I made.... so essentially, i don't hate my life like I had the end of June when my schooling was almost completed....

So for the very near future
I will try:
to keep this positive and restful attitude when I start my job as a stylist
to look for quality time to spend with Ryan....love talking on the patio
to continue spending time reading and rereading scripture
to lift Christ higher in my life in general and everyday
to get more rest and keep a peaceful home
to maybe cook dinner sometime before I die
to be a good mommy, realizing we've been given a little heart to steward
to count it all joy....all.

Only with God's help I can do these things.

-Lindey

First for everything

2009-07-28T01:10:00.017-05:00

It was time. Time to cut the wings off the back corners of E's head. Most of his hair would curl except the back corners. they would stick straight out, and flap in the wind when he would run and whip him in the eyes during jeep rides with with the top down. So it was time. I was a little sad but it happened.
He sat still for 3.5 seconds.....

A little life Surrendered

2009-07-19T18:04:00.002-05:00

I'm watching right now as Espen is watching and swaying and raising his hands, worshipping to Desperation Band's DVD. I'm not quite sure what his little mind and heart can grasp but I am sure that his little spirit, the one God created in him, knows. Earlier he was jumping and dancing and singing into an orange bat. He loves loves music and guitars and drumsticks and pedal boards, I just wonder what God might be saying to his heart, or drawing him to.
My heart melted as I noticed and I felt inspired yet convicted that in the middle of his play he sings and worships, claps at the end of songs and raises his hands, that this is what the kingdom of God looks like....Children at play, worshipping and listening and open to the spirit of the Lord.

2009-06-05T23:38:00.001-05:00

Here's a update....
I have 4 more weeks of school, I'm tired mind and body and in desperate need of a vacation!! I must admit I'm working through being happy for everyone who gets some time off and is going away...that's just my honesty groaning ;)
Espen says so many more words now! Like " oh no, wait wait wait, mall, bus, hello, bye, yaya (for aunt Lydia)...." E loves fruit and raisins and Goldfish, and so many other things :) He is a very good helper! The other night when I said " start thinking about going to bed" he started taking toys to his room and went to get his blanket. He came back into the room and said Yay! Ready I guess!
Ryan is keeping us together he listens when I cry every weekend and keeps the house awesome and is taking incredible care of Espen, he squeezes in work when E sleeps and late at night. He is also playing out almost every weekend... All of us are ready for that break!

This weekend I'm taking it easy and trying to enjoy the sunshine, going to brunch with friends, and getting some pool time in hopefully!
Tonight we went to Yogurtland! I cannot believe how much I love this place!! It was a fun treat we had after riding in the jeep in the warm weather and having Aunt Holly over for dinner. (Ryan makes amaaaaaaaazing chicken tacos)

Ok love peace and happiness :)
Later folks

Rice Cooker

2009-04-26T22:33:00.003-05:00

Ok. so the latest thing in our house is a Rice Cooker. I feel as if I know a secret that everyone should know!!! It's just crazy. I have no idea how long rice cookers have been around but I love them. We have the one that is black and you can steam veggies on the top rack. So fast, easy, and yummy! The rice we've been using is organic long brown rice from whole foods. So great with chicken and any veggie really....
Just try it. Get it. Use it. Often.

Well there it is.
:)

2009-04-21T00:53:00.001-05:00

Trying this new thing...blogging from my phone!

Busy!

2009-04-05T22:46:00.003-05:00

Ok its serious how much Espen talks now. Talking and singing. My most favorite word that he says is AMEN! he says it so loud and long. All you have to say is ...in Jesus' name...and he finishes it every time! He's also in the parrot phase. Well for a while now he recognizes our street, when we pull in he makes a very high pitch "yay" or "ome" for home. So tonight after getting back from target I said 'where are we?' and he said "are-we". When the car stopped I said 'lets get out!' and he says "eh-out". He wants to say everything!
My mom (his Nona) has successfully taught him to answer a question she asks him often..."Who does Nona love?" and he shrills "me"! I believe he is taking pride in all the words he can now say; or almost say. :)
Busy and energetic is his middle name. I feel like it increases every day! And I'm not home as much as Ryan is.
All of Espen's teeth are poking through from the front to the molars to everything in between.

I'm pleased that I got to spend a whole day and a half with him this weekend. It was a crazy one, but I had some good QT with him. I've been getting a lot of hugs, and today standing in line at a restaurant he pulled my face to his and gave me a kiss!
i have a long week ahead...I'm daily giving my "mommy guilt" to God. The mommy-guilt never ends I'm told, no matter what you're doing, but this week I'm going to take one day at a time and look for opportunities to show love and be with my little one!

lately....

2009-03-25T22:35:00.018-05:00

Weird! second blog in a row! yes I've missed it.
I finally uploaded some pics off the camera, I shall post whatever I think is good to catch you up....

Espen Loves corners

Mommy and Espen made a tent in the hallway

Wagon ride with Charlotte

Mommy has the camera again

"please take me out of time out?"

chair photo shoot

Allergic to Lavender fabric softener :(

A boy and his mommy

Blog-seeing

2009-03-24T21:55:00.008-05:00

I have been glued to a certain blog lately. Though I feel as though I don't have enough time to blog myself I feel that it is faster to read some favorites than sit and think of thoughts on my own :)
But you must visit this blog! It just makes me think and rethink about things. What I'm putting in my mouth, what I'm using on my skin, where and how i'm spending my money, on and on and on.
A friend of mine is the writer and she is so inspiring. I've learned so much already!
Somebody give this girl a book deal!!!

www.frugalwellness.blogspot.com

a few things...

2009-03-14T23:57:00.002-05:00

- 91 days of school left

- I'm ready for vacation

- i can't believe we all slept in till 11am today!

Routine

2009-02-16T09:35:00.003-06:00

I've never been one to obey or be happy in a weekly schedule....you know, the kind where its the same every week pretty much. I feel weird even saying how our schedule has actually been so great for us and has worked! I'm in school 5 days a week therefore away from my boys for about 40 hours a week. Some days its tough for me but for Espen it has totally worked out being with Ryan. He's such a daddy's boy. My Sun Mon and Tues mornings are so great because I can be with Espen and actually feel like i'm off. I have to keep reminding myself that this will only last till July. I'm so glad for a short season of this.

I was home a few days last week but it was because I was violently ill with food poisoning....Ryan too. If you feel the urge to buy the tub of popcorn in the checkout line at blockbuster, just turn your head and walk on. Yes I ate the whole thing. Ryan just ate a tiny portion of it and got just as sick as I did. Poor Espen...Ryan threw him into his bed on that thursday so he could run to the bathroom to throw up. We were so weak we couldn't take care of Espen. Thankfully my dad and Lydia drove up to pick up Espen and he stayed with them for 2 nights while we recovered. Yeah, I never want to go through that again!

It is the middle of February and natural point in the year where I start to become antsy....cabin fever, wanting to put away the winter clothes, wanting to spend more time outside with wagon walks, stroller rides, eat lunch on the patio...but I'm finding the joy in the end of winter....keep the tea out and the hot water going. Enjoy the fuzzy boots for a while longer and be sure to snuggle with those I love.

I promise to blog more....I'll have to put it in my schedule

a few things...

2009-01-21T23:40:00.006-06:00

- My Grandpa was ordained tonight as a Deacon at Prestonwood. This was something that he never sought after but was asked many times over to consider, and finally he accepted. We all attended (the McWilliams Family) this event tonight and it was rather special! Ministry is not foreign to my Grandparents, they are ministry. For most of their lives they have given themselves to people in so many ways. There are so many stories I still haven't heard, but I know that he was a chaplain in the Navy, They've had young people in their home to live with them, they've started bible study groups, helped start and fund a traveling singing group called the Horizons, he's been an elder, a pastor, a business exec for most of his career (which is another form of pastoring to another kind of congregation :) group leader, teacher, and now a Deacon at 75 years old. He is a spiritual giant and incredible example. We were so proud to support him tonight.

- Espen said 'cat' and 'horse' today....of course its not the full word just variations. He just says the 't' and 's' sounds. He loves to bark at dogs in a high pitch woof woof, and every single person gets a "see ya!" when we're passing by; including tonight when we were all at Prestonwood witnessing the 'swearing in' or ordination night of their Deacons. It was a special night tonight and kind of sacred in a way, so when Ryan takes Espen out after being on Nona's lap for a while, he turns back to our row and to the back section in the auditorium and says "see ya"! Classic.
He also loves to count to three.

- I am back at Cosmetology school to finish, and i'm excited about being back and am starting to get busy seeing clients again. It's been weird getting into a schedule in a way. Ryan stays with Espen, where he can work during nap and some play times. I miss my guys being away around 30 hours a week. I'm glad it's for a season though, I will be finished in July.
As a matter of fact, if you're in the Dallas area I'm at The Salon Professional Academy at I35 and bus. 121.....a Redken salon with great prices. You can call and make an appointment with me!

here's the info....

The Salon Professional Academy
1165 S Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, TX 75067
(214) 222-2436

Happy Thursday.

Saturday morning after Oatmeal

2009-01-10T12:23:00.002-06:00

A little lesson

Finding little imaginary things on the carpet

Dancing to Gnarls Barklay

I put my foot down

2009-01-10T12:19:00.003-06:00

we just received our new rug. We're complete. :)

New Routine

2009-01-08T22:51:00.003-06:00

I started back to Cosmetology school on Wednesday....I am about half-way finished but stopped going when we found out we were moving to Houston which was September 07 (that sounds so long ago) I was a month away from having Espen and getting ready for a move. But after a year in Houston, we moved back to the Dallas area, so now I am back to finish and as fast as i can.
Its been weird having a schedule and making myself go to bed. Hopefully it will become natural soon....the getting up part. When does that click in?

E gets bigger and bigger everyday. He's so good for daddy when I am gone. I think we're close to hearing him say mom or mommy. His new word is baby! He saw a gerber baby picture yesterday before I did and said baby; also when he see's the baby on the YoBaby Yogurt bottle, he says it so well and clear. His first time to say baby was Christmas eve the night we read the Christmas story out of his bible book from Nana and Baba, he pointed to the baby Jesus on the page.
Tonight he counted to three. Not exactly saying the words but the inflection he has down....quiet, louder, and squeal!
Oh and I think he loves the feeling of juice running out of his mouth, off his lips, and on to his shirt and eventually his jeans. Must be a roar, because he's had two different outfits on today and a bath finally before bed.

I love my little sticky boy.

Catch up

2009-01-05T20:53:00.004-06:00

AHHHH!!!! Finally! Our cable guy came today and we now have internet. It has been the longest month without it. I'm just happy we're back to up and running.
We had an awesome Holiday....it felt like a month of Saturdays! I have never looked forward to a Monday ever until last night! I'm happy to start a routine of sorts and I actually start back to Cosmetology school on Wednesday (which was faster than I thought) but no complaints. I'm totally excited and ready to get in and get finished.
Over the Holidays we had a family photo shoot with Ryan's brother and fam. We presented several of the pics to "Gigi and Poppy" for Christmas (loved them). So I'll be posting some as we go along, there are so many. The new pic at the top of our blog is one of them. Rhonda Robbins was our photographer....amazing. Check out her stuff at http://www.rhondarobbins.typepad.com.

Have a wonderful new year friends! May we all resolve to write more blogs this year and naturally read more!!

Let me just say it was near 30 degrees with a wind chill lower than that! We rescheduled for another session because of the wind, so those are the ones that are coming later.

better things...

2008-12-30T11:10:00.002-06:00

It's Ryan,
just wanted to say some things because i don't blog very often.

this might get long, so please hang on... i have to say it.

There's a closet in Espen's room in our new place. It's kinda becoming a storage place for seasonal decorations, extra blankets... things that don't store well in a garage, but can't just sit out in the living room. It's also become the dwelling place for a few of my guitars. My acoustic sleeps under our bed, but there are 5 more guitars that found their home in the dark closet in Espen's room. It's the best place for them since we moved back to Dallas.

I've seen many music DVDs and interviews with artist, writers, musicians, singers... they always seem to do the interview in this great home studio where the walls are covered with vintage guitars that they've played over the years. Sometimes they'll pull one down and relive the story behind when and where they bought it. They'll go into a story about the time they played it at some big stadium, or when they used it in the studio on they're first gold record. Maybe it's a vintage electric piano, or drum kit... Whatever the instrument, i've longed for that day. The day when I'm on a music DVD, or whatever the media is in that day, and i'm talking about all the shows and the records, and i can pull down my guitars and say "i've had this one since i was 17, i bought it from a friend of mine who..." and the stories will go on and on. So i've always said to my self that i wouldn't get rid of any of my gear, and i would only collect more.

I often criticize people (to myself and lindey) about their constant quest for "things". It's especially easy to do so living in Dallas. There are people everywhere who are on this unending quest for more things, bigger stuff, newer cars, more toys... it's truly never ending. I realize that there is temporary solace in finding something new... There's nothing like getting a new car and sitting in it for the first time, taking in a deep breath of that "new car smell." It's a fun thing to open the garage and pick which ATV you want to ride that day. It's a blast going to the lake with the new boat with a bunch of friends. I like the way new cloths feel, and cool shoes, and jeans. Even as a guy, i like the idea of having a cool bag to carry my stuff around in... there were times when i had 3 or 4 to chose from. I've thought for a while that i was over that stage.

I thought that i had risen above needing the approval of people, or wanting them to notice me... i am in some areas. I don't care what someone thinks of me in most cases. I don't care if someone likes my shirt. It doesn't matter to me if you dig my shoes, or if you know that i bought them at Buffalo Exchange, and someone else used to put their feet in them... I don't care. i've worn the same jacket for the last 4 years... which was also preowned, i don't care. I wear one of two pair jeans almost every day... i don't care if you notice. I'm really over caring what you think of the way i look. I do make sure that Lindey likes what she sees, but she's about the only one that matters in that area.

Since Espen joined us in this life, i've even taken that focus further. My first priority in every situation is Espen and Lindey. Nothing that anyone else is doing or saying ranks as high the two of them. Everything else is secondary to them... of course God is my first thing, but anything else falls short. and by saying God is first, i don't by any stretch mean church. i've found that God and Church can be quite different, but that's another blog all together. My point is that if Lindey and Espen aren't welcome, don't expect me.

Back to my original point... I'm not here to impress. There are better things.

I thought i was doing good with this area of my life until i thought back over our recent move to Dallas. There were so many things to do before that move. Packing up all the 2400 square feet of our house, Renting the truck and trailer, taking care of canceling all the services that we've signed up for, making sure everyone has our new address, settling everything at our new apartment, packing the truck, hoping everything fits... on and on it went. But what was one of the last things i packed? my guitars. I didn't want them to sit out in the car and get cold. I made sure they were not stacked under things or near things that could damage them. How would that look some day on my interview if i pull out a guitar and say "this one was broken in half by an ironing board because i packed it wrong when we moved to Dallas." These are the thoughts that went through my head. so, they were packed carefully. And now they sit in my sons closet.

please hang on... i'm getting to my point.

I've had many conversations with people in the past, and often times it is said, "don't you have like 9 guitars?" or "how many guitars do you have now?" Then i'll go into the list... i'll start counting on my fingers and naming each one. "there's the '61 reissue strat, the telicaster, the telisonic, the les paul, the 1959 es330, the taylor 714ce, and the Tak. nylon string..." and so on. Then we'll go on to the guitars i still want for my "collection".

My dictionary says that "collect" means "to accumulate or store up over time." really... aren't there better things to store up?

Like i said, i thought i didn't care what people think.
but I've noticed that when i'm around musicians, i do care what they think. Secretly inside, i hope they will ask me about my gear. If they are at my house, i want them to oooh and ahhh over my stuff... my music stuff. We had a concert at our house in Houston a few months back, and a lot of musician friends were there. after the show, i couldn't wait to take them upstairs to see my music room. Couldn't wait 'til they saw the '59 Gibson... the drum kit, the 1950's piano/organ... stuff, all of it just stuff.... there are better things.

For a few months now, i've had this ongoing dialogue with my self... (that looks weird when you type it out)
It kinda goes like this:
Me: why don't you sell some of your guitars, you don't need them all, you don't play them all

Me: but if i get rid of one, how will i build my collection? I need to have a bunch so that my walls are full some day.

Me: you can get another one some day, but you only bring them out when you want to show how many you have.

so, on and on this inner discussion would go... for months...

I don't know what the final thought was that caused it, but i've resolved to get rid of some stuff. I don't need 7 guitars. Maybe some day i'll have a cool collection, but it won't be my "go to" thing when talking to my friends. It won't be a source of pride.... that's why i've kept them. i've been proud of the fact that i play guitar, and i have cool guitars to play. i don't need a bunch of toys to show off.

I've often dreamed of the day when i can sit Espen down, hand him a guitar from my collection and tell him how i got it, what it means to me, all the gigs we've done together...

i'd rather sit him down, hand him a bible, or talk to him about Jesus and tell him how i came to know Him, what He means to me, all the "gigs" we've done together... I'd rather Espen see that Christ is my favorite thing, not my guitars, or music... they're just things

so my prayer is that the Holy Spirit would continue to show me things like this...

character things...

better things...

and may He do the same in you.

simply, ryan

A story lives on

2008-12-26T01:58:00.002-06:00

Last night Ryan and I watched The Nativity Story. If you've seen it before watch it again! If you're never seen it, please see it! Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
Ryan said last night that when churches and groups put on a pageant at this time about the story of a little king coming into the world to save us all, we forget the simple wonder and mystery of it all. One silent night God became flesh, he came to be our liberator. We celebrate Him today.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-26T01:33:00.004-06:00

Drafted a week or so ago.....forgot to post i guess.....

What a wonderful day! We came down to my fam's place where Anna flew in from StL and Holly and Lydia drove in from Michigan. Lydia went up to help Holly pack to move back! So we were all together including my G'parents, Chet and Janet for lunch. Eating delicious ham and deviled eggs (kind of a tradition) green beans, potatoes, and a pineapple dish which actually didn't make it to the table because we simply forgot to put it on the table!
Christmas in the McWilliams family is stretched out as long as possible. Lots of table talk, tons of laughing....my face hurt today from all of it. Ryan Espen and I arrived at about 10 am, we ate at 12:30 and got up from the table around 3. And of course when present time came which was after a lengthy dessert and more stories and all of us singing a line of the twelve days of Christmas in a round all singing very loudly on lines 5 and 1, we open all the gifts one at a time. Since we all gave each other something it took another 2 hours or so....which is great. Espen loved all of his books, and balls, and caterpillar talking thing and elmo cell phone, the rest of us received Toms shoes, which supplied that many more kids with a pair of shoes. Many more things were passed out, it was like a small and big Christmas all in one. Also when we all get together now its like a big photo shoot....which is ok with me! :)
Most of us live here in Dallas now which is weird to get used to again, Holly moved back and we moved back and we're in a mode where it feels like we need to start getting ready to pack up and travel back--but not really! crazy.
Tomorrow we head to the Duckworths to spread some more cheer, so more updates are on their way.

All is well

2008-12-18T12:20:00.003-06:00

So much has transpired since the last blog! I don't even know where to begin.
We are back in Dallas. We love being near our families again, and some dear friends. We are apart of a great church and home group already! Actually some members of our new home group came to help us move in, which we are so grateful for!
Ryan and I have already had our Christmas in a way....we purchased a camera and I can't wait to post all the pics we take with it. Well as of right now there are way too many to post at one time.
Espen is adjusting well to our new place. We live at the Shops at Legacy which is a community of shops and restaurants, lofts and apartments. It is also a dog community so it is perfect for Espen! Since he loves dogs and loves to say the word, he stands at our kitchen door which over looks the courtyard where all the dogs and the walkers come to play and do their business. He stands at the glass and barks at them and says "look"!
We are fully moved in and every box unpacked...we love the location too! We're excited.

And Christmas Time is here! I love this time of making soup and drinking Chai Tea, having every excuse to eat sweets and more sweets and look at all the lights. Our neighborhood has all the lights set up and its fun to drive around and show Espen all the lights.

More later of course!

Happy Christmas!

On the first day of advent....

2008-12-02T18:50:00.004-06:00

these pics are from my phone, hope they're clear enough.

If you can't find an advent calendar (like me-I've been looking for a month now) make one! I'm not really a theme person but I have this little theme going for Christmas decor....well when we get to our apartment in Dallas...it's turquoise and cranberry red. All of these things I found at Hobby Lobby. I've been taking notes reading my friends Aina and Liz's blogs how to describe projects.... :)

All you need....
-Felt (any color you like)
-A make-it-yourself frame
-Cork Board
-Metallic Stickers
-Thumb Tacks
-Paint
(cost about $16)

Make something for the Holidays!

Gotta Be Thankful, Thankful

2008-11-30T21:23:00.005-06:00

What a great few days its been! My family came down to Houston to celebrate thanksgiving. It started with Holly coming in last monday from Michigan, Mom Dad Anna Lydia Connor all came on wednesday and G'ma and Baba came in Thursday for a 2:00 lunch. Everything worked out perfectly! We had a great time with a lot of great laughs. And a lot of West Wing. Thank you all for coming down and thanks Greg and LT for joining us for thanksgiving lunch.
Now we are on to the packing! We are moving to Dallas in 6 days. And the packing is so under-way its not even funny. Lists and lists have been made... God-willing we'll roll out of here at 6 am Sat morning.
All the kitchen is packed so we will be dining on leftover Chinet and dixie products, also bottled drinks.

On another note....Ryan said today that he wonders where the baby went? A little boy now lives with us. So busy! Walking everywhere, exploring everything on a different level. I love that little face!

Ok more later.

Thinking about today.

2008-11-21T00:51:00.009-06:00

Monday November 10th we celebrated our 2nd anniversary. It's crazy because 2 years seems so short and so long--in a good way, like we've known each other forever! I don't even know what to say. I love Ryan more and more every day. I know that love grows but how much bigger than this?! I believe love takes on body-form as it grows. Love can be a blanket to cover, but when it grows and is acted out and tried and used, it extends arms and grows legs and wraps around someone, love is life that is given. We met in 2001, started a courtship in 2004, and got engaged and married in 2006. Now 2 years later we've had a baby and will move twice and have lived a year at a time so far. We are good with that. Yes we have dreams, visions, desires, but we are given today. I love Ryan today and he loves me today. All of the today's we get, I will love him.

I found some engagement pictures...had to share...

...And Espen walks

2008-11-16T19:57:00.001-06:00

It's a plan!

2008-11-13T20:11:00.003-06:00

I watched Espen make 6 total steps today....that's walking isn't it?
I tried to have him do it again but I guess he forgot that he was actually walking.

So we're having thanksgiving at our house this year a whole 8 days before we move to Dallas, 5 days to move after our company leave. We are excited this year because we have the room and they're all coming in from Michigan, St Louis, and Dallas. I cannot wait! I'm planning even now what we're going to eat, how its going to look and what it might smell like....yummy. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday! As you know from a couple blogs ago I loves leaves and the smells of this time. Why not celebrate in my house!
I can only imagine there will be laughing, story telling, coffee drinking, eating, movie watching, movie going...the fire lit, maybe an outing planned, and late late nights talking making ourselves go to bed at 4 in the morning.
I'm glad that all the sisters will be in one house together. If I had it my way everyone would stay at our house and fill every square inch of the place with air mattresses and people stepping over each other like a huge slumber party. But I understand that for it to be enjoyable for everyone we can't possibly sleep on top of each other.
One sad note....most of my kitchen is already packed and labeled so thanksgiving dinner will be served on chinet and plastic cups (unless we can get to ikea before then)

Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today....happy planning!

With Espen in the family happy happy home...

2008-11-12T00:35:00.008-06:00

We all had a family date tonight. We have several of those a week, but tonight just felt special. Maybe its because the ground was wet from all the rain, we had our sweaters on and hot drinks in hand.
Espen learned how to drink out of a straw tonight. He drank from my Sprite from Chick-fil-a but when the sprite hit his mouth he backed away from the straw kept his mouth open cause it burned his little mouth (his first carbonated drink)...he kept his head back and mouth open until the burn went away then wanted more. We only tried 2 or 3 times, since he didn't swallow any, his shirt and my sleeve were soaked. We'll try water next time. Ryan and I laughed so hard.
Espen waits for me to laugh now with him after he sneezes. It's been so fun to get tickled about sneezing. He does it once then I do 40 fake ones loving to hear him laugh so hard.
Espen rode the carousel tonight with me. It's his second time total to ever ride one, but we would watch for daddy every time we would come around. He waved at everyone! But he would go right back looking for Ryan to wave at him.

Oh our little Espen is so cute and funny! He truly enjoys the world, and I really think the world enjoys him. Tonight we stopped into Anthropologie and Ryan told me later that he observed a tired lady who just looked sad, she saw Espen and said hi to him; he responded with a big smile and his little laugh, she thanked him for that smile, and said "that really made my day". Ryan said her face changed and it was like she genuinely needed that smile.
Its so cool to see how such a little life can give life.
I'm so thankful for my joy named Espen.

Espen also loves to play in a certain cabinet and he loves to climb...

(Espen's still not walking on his own but he's confident enough to just hold one hand. Hopefully we'll get it on video when it happens)

And Practicing for Christmas Carols...

Our little E is 1!

2008-11-04T23:56:00.008-06:00

So we just rolled into Houston a few hours ago from being gone for 6 days....this trip was made for Espen's first birthday to celebrate with our family.
His birthday is October 31, now one of my favorite days. Espen's first official word was dog (gog) so guess what he dressed up as?
We had orange and green balloons, baked mac n cheese, little hot dog wraps, orange punch, pettit fours, and caramel apples, toddler music by Go Fish, costumes and awesome presents.
Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate, he will remember this day through the pictures we took and the stories we tell. Here are a few pics for you to look at.

1. The petit fours (extra sugary)

2. Espen (the dog) and his good friend Charlotte (the spider)

3. Opening presents with Nana, and me (dressed as Demi Moore)

4. Candy Bags

5. Ryan melting the caramel for the apples

Sweata Weatha

2008-10-17T20:53:00.004-05:00

What an amazing cold day! Finally a day for a sweater!
Ok the high was 70 which is like almost freezing in Houston. The break is so nice.
Ryan and E and I went out today. It's so great to get out of the house, none of us are home-body's. We went to our fave spots today off Westheimer in Houston. We shopped, walked, window shopped, and ate outside at Cafe Adobe...love!
We got to stop by a little pumpkin patch to pick out a few pumpkins for our home, but mainly to experience pumpkin time and celebrating Espen's birthday which is upon us in 2 weeks. Oh my heart beats so fast thinking about it all, makes me smile.
I love this time of year, the smells and tastes, and autumn colors are my favorite! I've been adding leaves in our home here and there, and I can't get enough of pumpkin spice candles and spice cake with cream cheese icing (something i made the other day).
Anthropologie has all sweaters in now and coats and jackets and corduroy in all deep colors.
You know that sign you can hang on your door that says "Happy Fall ya'll"? I don't have one but thats the line that comes to mind. I raise my pumpkin spice latte to you and bid you a cool and pleasing autumn.

Debut

2008-10-11T11:38:00.007-05:00

So Espen is a model! Check out this great site and you'll see him... click on the word "Debut" at the top and it'll take you there.
He is in the baby apparel and the children's apparel, you can't miss him.

splurge

2008-10-07T15:18:00.004-05:00

I went with a friend last Wednesday through Sunday to the International MOPS conference. a whole 4 1/2 days away from Espen, and Ryan of course. My friend LT and i had such a HUGE weekend which is a story in and of itself!
I got back just in time to get Espen up from his nap. When I walked in he smiled really big and even after picking him up to hold him he kept looking at my face, like he was glad to see me. I loved it!
Well anyway the guys and I went to dinner and then to the park.
Espen is so sweet and we love every minute with him! He is about to turn one the end of this month, and its hard to believe a whole year has passed and he has learned so much.
My mantra of late is that "Life is the splurge" and thats how I live it. spare nothing. soak it up. find beauty in the little things that are normally overlooked.
what is your splurge?

falling summer

2008-09-25T20:04:00.004-05:00

So we're back in town. Its still a mess here, inside and outside. We are so grateful we were able to escape this powerless part of the world (i don't say that lightly 490,000+ are still out of power).
Its nice and weird to be back.
A new season is blowing in, it's supposed to be fall but it still feels like summer. I would love to switch to my cardigans and boots, but I am forced to continue in my flip flops and v-necks. No hot drinks or soup, just iced drinks and chicken salad. Soon change will come then I will feel more at home.

7 days and counting

2008-09-20T23:04:00.004-05:00

Well it's been one entire week since we entertained Ike and Ryan Espen and I are still in Dallas. The power went out at 1:15 am saturday, and we lived without power for a good 14 hours then decided to leave. We are staying with our very close friends Caleb and Aina and Charlotte. It has been so weird feeling at home and displaced all at once. I mean when we decided to go to Dallas I quickly packed some things for Espen and 2 days worth of clothes for me. I had no idea it would be this long away from our house. We got word today that we might be getting power on monday night. It's just crazy.
We are totally in a blessed place though, being able to leave Houston! There have been thousands of people living in their homes without power and some without water. I told our family the other night I don't ever want to take for granted pulling up to a gas pump, fill up and zoom off. So many people have driven and waited for hours to get gas in their cars. People in our area would use their cars for AC when it got too hot and their car was a place to charge their phone. We also heard today that though there are several places in Houston that have power and water, other areas might not get power till mid October.

Please continue to pray for those who have yet to rebuild their lives and homes due to this big crazy storm.

all gone

2008-09-12T11:08:00.004-05:00

so this morning we went to the doc to follow up on little E (he's so much better btw), and we decided to stop in at HEB just to see what everyone is getting and what's left. We were met at the door by an HEB employee yelling "we close at 10 am and we have ice". So we just pushed the stroller around picking up just a few things. Everyone here in North Houston will be in the storm when it reduces to a Tropical storm level, well thats what 'they're' saying. I don't even know what that means. We are planning for power outages. Our doc this morning said that when Rita came the power was out for 5 days. Well in that case we'll drive to Dallas for AC.
Here's a pic of the bread and water aisle but don't worry they were fully stocked with hair color.

Ike!

2008-09-11T18:46:00.003-05:00

So I'm sitting here waiting on our company Ike to get here...well hopefully he won't "get here". It was crazy to see the ENTIRE target bread and water section empty. The lines at the pumps are may-jore; I talked to a friend in Sugarland today and she said they were out of gas--most all of the pumps. I mean I've never really experienced this...how do you really plan for a hurricane? How do you prepare? Bread, Water, Non-perishables? And what if they're out? Ryan and I have been back and forth on the phone all day, "Do we leave? Do we stay? Should we get a candle or two? Good thing we got gas the other day. I'll pack something just in case." I mean what the heck?! So we decided to get a can of beans, baby food, some kind of gourmet oat bread, and charge the flashlight. So don't be alarmed family members. We also are charging the portable dvd player. It'll be fun if the power goes out.
This is all so weird.

Espen is doing so great! He loves to open and close doors, climb back and forth on the couch squealing then stop to sit and put his head back for a tiny rest; he loves feeling like a big boy. He loves to be chased, he just laughs and tries to escape. He just got over and nasty eye and ear infection...snot is still bubbling from his face. He's oh so lovable and cute, we decided to keep him. :)

Well I'm watching the neighbors board up their windows as I write this, which makes me a little nervous, and Ryan just came in saying the other neighbors were leaving....we'll be ok...I mean we have beans, and a charged dvd player.

Reflecting

2008-08-23T10:34:00.002-05:00

We have been away in Ft. Morgan, Alabama for a Duckworth Family vacation. Though I've had phone calls from people with concerns of how it might be storming, we have had sun and sun and sun and tons of beach time. Espen has had great fun with his little cousins Kynzie and Celia.
While on vacay Espen has learned to say uh-oh (a variation of it anyway), and doo-wah, doo-wah, doo-wah. He has also learned to yell in the direction of his cousins to get their attention....or just yell really.
Of course we just found out that a storm is headed our direction--perfect time, since its our last day here.
I will post pics later.

I'm glued to CNN right now, not really a new thing, but I'm caught up in the Biden motorcade leaving Delaware, and wondering why Obama took so long in letting it out who his pick was. I love the speculations about Obama leaving it such a secret and then wondering if he will make the White House and the business therein secret as well.
I also love hearing that Obama and Biden are headed to Springfield, Il, the city where I was born.

Also our hearts are still heavy and our thoughts and prayers are daily with our friends Caleb and Aina. We got word that Caleb's dad passed away rather quickly during a heart-attack on the way to the hospital on Wednesday night the 20th . It shook Ryan and myself realizing how quickly life can slip through our hands. Please pray for The Carruth family.

More Later,

Lindey

More from under the living room lights

2008-07-25T16:58:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to put more stuff up from the concert we had at the house last week.
I won't soon forget that night...

i'm ready...

you're driving me CUP...

2008-07-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

Just sitting flipping channels tonight and another Sonic commercial made me laugh out loud.

please enjoy...

ryan

Pics 2

2008-07-21T17:27:00.001-05:00

Nana and Baba visit cnt'd...

More E pics

2008-07-21T17:21:00.003-05:00

Ok I have to post these pics...
After camp we went for a quick trip to Dallas so I have a few pics of Espen then.

Room 15

2008-07-21T15:27:00.004-05:00

Espen recently had his first pediatrician appointment. We LOVE our pediatrician....Kathleen Hassel. She has 3 little ones of her own, and she is so great with Espen. He had a couple blood tests done (all came back normal) so his blood was drawn 4 times and he was given one vaccination. It was only on the third prick in his heel that he took his thumb out of his mouth and cried a little but settled back down and didn't cry with the prick in his finger. He is a trooper. He is in the 75th percentile for his height and weight. So as of July 16th he weighs 22 pounds and and it 29 in long.

Under the lights at our house...

2008-07-21T01:43:00.007-05:00

If you've never had a concert in your living room,
you must try it some day.

Tonight we were glad to have David Ramirez in our home as part of his tour this summer.

I've never experienced a more intimate show...

songs clearly from the heart...

friends...

food...

lighting...

Hard Day's Night...

Great conversation before and after...

what a great night!

Here's a couple of songs from the show.

r

Box Destroyed

2008-07-17T23:26:00.002-05:00

Lindey is back! Lindey is changed!
I'm just different. I feel different. Life smells new, colors seem vibrant. I was losing touch of Life and all of its joys. And I have no idea how or why? All I know is that I feel new and fresh, I feel original, like I found my place! My place is right where I am. I'm now trying to reflect on why the change or why do I feel different!? It could be so many things ... the post-partum phase has ended (whatever that means); I've lost a lot of weight since baby; I'm singing again; I've realized how much I treasure my Ryan and Espen; I'm realizing how deeply Ryan loves me; I feel safe where I am in life; I feel like taking on challenges in business, and life in general; I've been awakening to the sufficiency of Christ in and over all things, and how deeply He loves me....maybe all of it is a small part of a big picture being painted for me.

Ryan and Espen and I just got back from camp a couple days ago. We were very involved in the band, we led worship with our friends about 14 times in a 9 day period. We heard messages filled with great God things, We got closer to our friends. We averaged a small amount of hours of sleep. We totally had a great time.
I let God out of a box that I had kept Him in for a long time. So now instead of cracking open the box to let God out into my life when I need Him, I destroyed that box.
How can we possibly put God in a tiny box when He is so vast and huge and great?! We all found a way. And it is all of us. I realized and have been realizing every day that God just wants to hang out with me and that he hates being put in a box and bound up so that I cannot hear from Him; or see what He wants me to see.
But the thing about God is that he is willing to wait in that box so you will come to him, hoping that one time or two that you'll let Him out for something when you need Him.

In the Old Testament days he wanted to be with the 'children of israel' so bad that he put Himself in a box (ark of the covenant) so that even from a box he could still be seen and carried and talked about and near his children.

At one time in History there were only a select few who could enter His presence in a Temple, and that was after sacrifices of animals and cleansings and sayings and prayers were made just to get to God.
He wasn't near enough to His children then, so He made away where His son Jesus became the one and only sacrifice. That there wouldn't be just a drop of blood from an animal anymore, ALL of His son's blood was poured out so that we would be forever cleansed of sin and cleansed of all the things that separate us from Him.
He found a way to get as close to us as possible. To live in our hearts and in our lives beacause he wants to hang out with us.

What is the box that keeps you from Him or Him from you?
Let Him out He longs to be with you.

Its hard to get to know someone deeply with only a few visitation rights.

I've seen God in such a different way because of this.
Maybe that is the source of my feeling lighter, and happier, and safer. I think i've overcome the fear of Him being too much apart of my life. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Its funny I let Him out of the box and I'm the one who feels free.

-L

Espen has a tooth!

2008-06-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

...popped up last Sunday.
He is 8 months in a few days, and learning so much! Officially everywhere is where he is. Espen is a little loud mouth. He has an ear for sound, so he crawls into the back hallway to hit a wall which sounds deep and hallow. He crawls into the kitchen and yells, he loves his echo. He'll stop whatever he's doing to listen to Ryan play the guitar or when I sing. Hmmmmm. Here we go! Vontrapp family move over!

crawling

2008-06-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official. Espen is growing up. I know it's just one tiny stage in a long series of them, but it's just another reminder that every day counts. I'm only uploading one video of him crawling. I have about 50 more of him "almost" crawling. I never thought i would be the guy... the dad... hovering around the corner with a video camera waiting for my son to do something cute, but i am.

So... here it is. I'm very proud of my boy.

enjoy,

r

Ah finally!

2008-05-20T13:13:00.000-05:00

So my latest project was a domestic one, like totally. I made curtains. An easy undertaking I thought, until I started the project. I feel very accomplished since finishing my project, but I also feel free to buy curtains from now on. There is no problem with that.
I made 4 panels and lined them and after the first one, I said "never again." I will say though, how it completely changes the look and feel of my living room and for that, I'm so glad I did something. Putting 32 Grommets in were kind of frustrating, I don't really like details. My friend LT put a few in for me when the fabric was too bulky and I was annoyed. Well now I'm sure you're confused. Did you like doing this or not? You might ask...yes and no, but mainly yes now that they're hanging. On to the next project?

Mother's Day...My Day

2008-05-20T12:59:00.001-05:00

My favorite day in a very long time has to be Mother's Day! I felt so loved and I felt so deserving of a day just for me, honoring what I am and what I do. Any time I heard Happy Mother's day on the radio and every billboard i saw that said it, and at church where they honored the mothers it was all for me!
Ryan was so great to me...He knows that I am a 'time' person so he took me to our fave place Houston's on Saturday night. We just lingered, having a long talk, not rushing, total quality time. Then I received from him a spa package which he said Espen helped him pick it up. On Sunday I woke up feeling so special! My mom and anna changed their plans to come to Houston from San Antonio (where my mom had been speaking all weekend) to spend the night before going back to Dallas. Just a nice weekend.
So I hope you mom's celebrated yourselves and were celebrated by those that love you most. And guess what! It happens every year. There is so much to celebrate!

Mother's Day eve with my love.

Pics for Holly

2008-05-05T17:36:00.000-05:00

Here Holly, recent pics of E-man.

Secret Garden

2008-05-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

This last weekend Cindy (Ryan's mom) and I worked for about 7+ hours in my backyard. There was a major overgrown bed of, well, we didn't know what. You've got to know Cindy, but she is practically a master gardener. She knows EVERYTHING about flowers and plants and anything in that category. I am not a yard person and definitely NOT a bug person! But I feel such a sense of accomplishment and I'm still sore these 2 days after the fact. Between us we shared a pair of clippers and a garden hoe and bug spray and we knocked it out in about 7 like I said. It was a great memory we made, and most of all we found a secret garden.
I love making things beautiful. Well I didn't make anything beautiful, I just worked really hard to reveal beauty that was tragically hiding.
Thank you Cindy for your gift and hard work. Anyone who needs a little peace and beauty in their life, you're more than welcome to find it in my back yard, or my secret garden I should say.

From Espen

2008-05-05T12:53:00.000-05:00

There is so much to be happy about!
I'm eating different kinds of foods now. Mommy has given me orange stuff called sweet potatoes, I have had bananas, and cereal; They started adding apple juice. I love it and it helps me poop!

I've been rolling across the floor and stretching and piveting and doing whatever I can to get to the other side of the room. My mommy says I need to crawl, so until then, I'm figuring out how to travel on my own. My gigi and poppy just came to visit me and soon my nona and papa mac are going to visit.

I have a loud voice and I love to use it often. I can sit up by myself now, but sometimes I get distracted and fall over. My hair is still growing in, and I love my bath times and love to get mommy and daddy wet. I reach for everything but only a few things mommy or daddy lets me put in my mouth.

I love my carseat and going for rides in the car.
I smile really big when mom sings the abc's and spells them with her hands.
And of course I laugh a lot and get excited I can hardly contain it!
This is such a fun world! I can't wait to move and crawl and run, instead of being stuck in someone's arms or on my belly. Soon...you just watch.

about tv...

2008-04-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

American Idol is getting a little old. Just give it to David Cook. Love originality.
The office is totally a fave, you know its good when you watch a rerun and its just as funny or funnier than the first time you watched it.
The food network is just on like CNN in the airport. Gotta love it. Totally inspiring.

Thats just tonight.

Its nice to have a down-time night. Last one for a while.

(Espen updates later. He's just sleeping right now)

Chi-Town

2008-04-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Ryan, Espen, and myself just got back a few days ago from Chicago/Michigan. My birthday was March 30th and we got to celebrate there in Chicago. We stayed on Magnificent Mile and walked forever! My sisters Anna and Holly drove down from MI to meet us when we flew in, they stayed with us that night and we had a lovely meal at Cheesecake Factory. The next day (on Friday) we all drove up to their turf and stayed in a great house, watched the West Wing all weekend, played with Holly at her church on Sunday, froze (i wore my long underwear all weekend), Had a birthday dinner in Grand Rapids, visited Lake Michigan, and finally drove back to chicago to catch a flight back to Houston, bringing home a souvenier named Anna. We're glad that she is staying with us for a while.
(When we left on Thursday, it was about 80 and sunny, then we arrived in chicago--33 degrees and blowing snow! Crazy i know. Now we're back and I'll never see that long underwear again now that we're home.

-L

colorful

2008-03-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say that we had a very nice Easter. Some friends of ours invited us for an Easter dinner and they had an Easter basket for Espen....his first!
It was perhaps his first time to see a little bunny rabbit; his very own (not a real one of course--they poop).
What a great spring! This is such a great season. Everything is new and fresh and colorful....we're surrounded by gorgeous life.

-L

grain of salt

2008-03-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'm a little hesitant about posting this particular blog but I just wanna say something about this. I've heard that many Christian's are put off and very offended by this...
Apparently Kathy Griffin, a comedian, recently won an emmy award and her acceptance speech was very very vulgar which i will not quote here; but she essentially said that most people who win awards at the shows come up on the stage and thank Jesus and she said that Jesus had nothing to do with the award she won that night...among other derogatory comments. I researched it a little and if someone heard ONLY what she said at the emmy's (which I'm sure she just used the platform opportunity for shock value) a christian or one who claims to love Jesus would be gravely offended. But I went to see articles and finally saw the Larry King show where he interviewed her; her point was that Jesus seems to be in the business of helping football players make touchdowns and basketball players winning a game in the last few seconds, and movies making $10 million on opening weekend, so he must not be in Dar fur and other places that really need him.
((Those of us that know and serve Christ, know that we serve a omniscient God, that He sees everything and is everywhere. He, like a good Daddy, loves to shower his kids with good things, and loves to give victories; But at the same time cares for those who are hurting and desperate))
I am not condoning her by any means but she makes a point --crude but valid. I'm afraid that many christian's are so quick to take things out of context. Too touchy about their Jesus. But why not use this to make opportunity for others who might be having trouble or questions with Kathy's behavior and comments. Help others understand that sarcasm is not always appropriate and can be appalling but God can be in artist's and ball players success--and war--and times of hardship.
I believe that so many issues that christians deal with are simply issues of balance. Kathy Griffin will be held accountable for her actions and so will we.

-L

Crossroads

2008-03-12T00:12:00.001-05:00

I'm just sitting here watching one of the best sessions i've heard in a long time. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss together on CMT Cross Roads. And thank God for my Music HD channel.... and T Bone Burnett, he produced and played on this one. Great musicians, great gear, just a cool sound all together. You must see it. I have it on my DVR and must pull it up from time to time. I don't really know what else to say about it, but i had to tell someone about it.... I've already told Lindey about 800 times that i love it.

so... i hope you can check it out.

r

A BIG DAY FOR ESPEN!!!!!!

2008-03-06T21:37:00.000-06:00

Today was certainly a big day for Espen. You may know this already, but he is sleeping 12 hours at night, and sometimes more. Today we have started Espen on cereal. He Eats a little bit after his normal meal.

SO.... i'll keep it short. Here's a video of his first spooned meal.

...AND, that's not all... Like the title says, it's been a big day. Maybe he was just excited and confident in having done so well with his first kinda-solid food, but as Lindey and i were not looking Espen was on the floor figuring out how to roll over. SO... we didn't actually see the first one, we just looked down at him because of a very high pitched excited squeel, and discovered he was on his stomach holding his head up.

here's the footage of the next try.

thanks for watching.

r

A trip to Taiwan and back...

2008-03-04T22:31:00.000-06:00

Connor is staying with us for a few days so we took him to see Galveston today. We took the ferry to the mainland, went to the Strand and the sweet shoppe and walked a little. It was a beautiful day and we had fun. Towards the end of the day Connor and I played chess on the pavement where they have a giant chess board...I was about to beat Connor's pants off when a taiwanese camera crew came running up to us asking if they could "interview" us. She wanted to know how to play so we showed her every piece and how they work, then she started to play Connor, and he beat her very quickly. The Knight she kept calling the horse and acting like she was riding it every time she moved it. She kept saying she needed her horse because she was in Texas. Anyway, we asked if she was famous in Taiwan and they all said yes. Apparently she has a travel show which one of her crew members said its like a Rachael Ray type of show. So we will be on TV in Taiwan in a few months and they'll be sending us the dvd...can't wait to show it when we get it.

Enjoy the latest pics of Espen and our new taiwan friends...

-Lindey

Espen, Nona, and a Table

2008-03-03T23:38:00.000-06:00

Espen is 4 months now and growing bigger. I have not taken many pics lately, I will try to work on that. He is so cute and we love looking at him. He's squealing with delight, blowing bubbles, still trying to roll over from his back. We have people over often and he loves watching everyone and has to see whats going on. The only problem we've had the last few days is that he has "shown up missing" from his bed when our parents come to town. Just this weekend my fam rolled in just to stay for the weekend. It went way too fast but I went upstairs on sunday after I thought Espen had been sleeping for an hour (because I didn't hear him on the monitor) and he had been in my parents room right next door. My mom had stolen him from his bed. She said that it had become a game....to sneak in and get him without us hearing them on the monitor. Needless to say, Espen slept all day today catching up on all of the "stolen sleep" he didn't get.

Latest News:
We finally found a dining table and we love that all of our fam and friends can sit all at one table when we get together for meals. Thanks Dad and Connor for putting it together I hope you've recovered from simply carrying it in. It's beautiful.

-Lindey

Leg-A.C.-y

2008-02-27T07:56:00.000-06:00

I was asked once, "what things, about you, did you get from your dad?" I remember a few of the things i told them... "my hands," every time i see my hands, i think of my dad. They look the same, i think it's the knuckles. They even feel the same... i remember they would always feel kinda flat and solid... i don't know if that makes sense...

I got my silly nature from him for sure. I don't think it would be possible for that to ever escape our blood line. Pa-Paw Duck was the SAME way. Just goofy sometimes... I know i got that one.

The ability to make a good omelet. Lindey and I have really been enjoying that one. I think there are 2 things that make a great omelet. A really hot pan, and whipping the eggs. I think i may have one after i finish this blog.

There are tons of other things that my dad has inadvertently passed on, but the reason for my blog this morning is simply the ability to figure things out. This week it falls under automotive conundrums.

My Jeep, of 7 years, has had this little problem where the A.C. fan seems to short out. The compressor seems to work fine, but there is nothing blowing the cold air out unless i'm driving and the vent is just open. Since moving to Houston it's been off and on, just like it was in Dallas... but a good working A.C. is a very important thing here, especially as the summer months get closer. I used to be able to lightly tap the A.C. controls, on the dashboard, and the problem would be solved... but sooner or later, it would short out again and there i would sit... hot. (Lindey thinks it's all in my mind, that if i know the air isn't on, i will get hot even if it's 30º... she may be right)

Yesterday i did what i remember my dad doing many times as i was growing up. I started taking the car apart. See, there were some years where we didn't have what we have now. My brother and I may not have known much about it until later, but let's just say there were multiple jobs being worked just so we could make it each month. For that i'm very thankful... but during those times, a budget for car repairs wasn't even close to happening. So, Dad did it himself.

I remember many trips to the library so we could check out the mechanic's book on what ever car we were driving. 77' Buick, rebuilt 78' 280z, the old mini-van.... you name it, we checked it out. Then, home we went to figure out what was wrong with the car. That's where i learned to change brakes, change the oil & filter, spark plugs, thermostat... dare i say.... rack and pinion (12 hours we'll never get back). Of course dad did most of the work... a lot of my time was spent holding a flashlight, or running into the house to get us a glass of tea. Sometimes it was a quick fix, and sometimes it would have to be left until tomorrow, but almost every time we figured it out and found a way to fix it. I guess we figured that it was working before, it's not working now, something must have broken or worn out... if we look over it long enough and figure out how it's supposed to work, we can figure out why it isn't working. So we did.

And almost every time, his hands were in some tight space under the hood, one of those knuckles would scrape something on it's way out. That's when we could tell that we were finished. Somehow a part of his knuckle was always sacrificed.... and today.... my knuckles.

So, thanks Dad... for the many lessons on how to just figure it out. It's been a little while since i've worked on my own car so when i was sitting in the front seat of my Jeep yesterday, with the dashboard outside on the driveway, i thought back.

I've found that not everything can just be "figured out", but with most things if we will just look back at how something works, recognize that it's not working now, and be willing to sacrifice some time and a few scraped knuckles while we work on it... it can be fixed. It helps to have the manual handy.

Maybe i can pass this on to Espen. Even if we have the resources to take it to the shop, or call the repair man, I think we'll spend some time our selves under the hood. Maybe we'll figure it out, maybe we won't, but some day when he's in my shoes... maybe he'll remember like i did. Maybe it will help him figure things out sometime. Maybe it will just be time spent under the hood for no other reason but "time."

So... i figured out why my A.C. wasn't working. I fixed it... but maybe the reason it wasn't working was so i would get to remember what i just remembered.

r

Catch up

2008-02-19T22:59:00.000-06:00

Here are a few recent pics of Espen.
He is now grabbing his feet and rolling over. He also laughed the other day for the first time from his belly. Ryan was talking to him in a silly voice and he really liked it. We'll put that video up soon. We weighed him the other day and he was 14.8lbs.
He's growing really fast it seems; every time he wakes up from the night, he looks different or older or something. I think we'll keep him.

-L

Fun with Daddy's mac

2008-02-13T11:42:00.000-06:00

It looks like Espen has been playing with Photo Booth.

Dallas Daze

2008-02-11T21:11:00.000-06:00

Lindey and I took a trip to Dallas this week in order to get the best nanny in the world back to her house. Lydia has been staying with us, but if you keep up with our blog, you would know that. SO... what's a trip to Dallas without a trip to visit everone we freaking know in Dallas. It's kinda been a long day today, but we LOVED every minute! Last night we came in and went to Lindey's parents and had dinner and grandparent time. We left there to come to my parent's house, only 15 minutes away, where we are staying while in town. Of course we are just "the ones who drive Espen around".... he's really who everyone wants to see.

So today we took a drive north. First, stopping at Highland Park Village to visit with Dragan and Elissa (i'm not even trying to spell their last name), whom we haven't seen since August or September. Then, while Elissa had to work, Dragan joined us for a lunch with Chris and Lindsay at what might be one of the best italian places in Dallas, Patrizio's. Though, the people who are usually there are probably my least favorite type of people in the world.... usually full of plastic people. But today it was quite empty... and quiet. So it made for a great lunch with great friends.

From lunch, Chris and Lindsay joined us for drinks at Starbucks.... where we talked about everything, but mostly Subaru. After an hour or so there, Lindey and I fought a little traffic on our way to Plano to see friends, Caleb and Aina, where we wandered around Willow Bend mall for a while before dinner at PF Changs. This dinner may or may not have included the great wall. And we may or may not have had the world's most intrusive, annoying waitress... AND they may or may not have skipped their child birth class just to hang out.

in all, the day was a success.... friends like these make long drives and no sleep well worth it. Friends who are just friends, who understand what it is to live and enjoy life. They don't judge, they don't have anything to prove, they don't hide, they just ARE! I highly recommend that everyone get at least one set of friends like these. We are blessed to have been with three sets of them today. Thank God for REAL friends... who don't over use the word "Real."

The only down side of our day is that we only took one picture, and it was taken when Lindey and I got back to my parents house and sat down to relax on the sofa. (see above)

comfy,
ryan

A visit with Lydia....

2008-02-09T14:20:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful time yesterday taking Lydia to Galveston. Lydia, my sis, has been staying with us for 8 days and she has to go back tomorrow....Its been so great having her here! She's not only funny and easy-going but she has been awesome with Espen. Espen seems to enjoy her. She sings to him and talks with him, and he'll talk back. I think I've only had to feed him. She offers to carry the baby seat to and from the car, she volunteers to change and burp him, she'll go up and get him out of his bed when he wakes up. What are we going to do without her? So yesterday we spent the day in G-town and it was so much fun! We took pics by the ocean, we went to the Strand (old-town Galveston), went to an Olde Sweet shop (called the candy factory), we took a ride on the ferry from Galveston island to the mainland and back. Then the very last thing we did was have dinner on Seawall with our friends after the sun disappeared. It was truly like we took a little vacation. We can't wait till Lydia comes back again!

2008-02-07T19:33:00.000-06:00

Well, it's Thursday and i'm at rehearsal. I got hear a little early (as one should) so i could set up and be ready. So i'm sitting here while the vocals go over their parts for a bit. I'm sitting right in front of the drum cage, so when i lean back on the wall it feels like Logan's foot is going through my back... I like that feeling. Here's a picture of me, and there's one of logan. He's here early too. So, off to rehearse now. Oh... I'm getting my "Axe Trak" this weekend... no more having to play direct. Now i can have an amp on stage and not kill everyone's ears. YAY!!!!!!! TONE!!!!! FINALLY!!!!

ryan
(my first post)

Trip to D

2008-02-04T16:40:00.000-06:00

I told Ryan that he can blog on this site whenever he wants but I love doing it so much, he really never gets a chance.

Espen and I went to Dallas a few days ago--just the 2 of us. He's a great traveler and it was a breeze taking him here and there. We stayed with my parents but he also got to see his Poppy and Gigi and cousins one night. When we go to Dallas there is always so much to do and we run out of time doing it all. I went to Dallas for my good friend Aina's baby shower so we arrived a couple days early to see Lydia perform in a benefit concert held at her church....she was incredible! I got to get my hair done by Nash my stylist, i went shopping with bro connor, visited my Grandparents (Nana and Baba) it was so great having brunch with them and for them to see Espen, and I also helped my parents out with their class that they teach at a bible college in Dallas.
I took a couple pics of my G'parents with Espen and I love these so much.

the End. (more later of course)

Royalty Sits on a Green Throne

2008-02-04T16:10:00.000-06:00

Espen loves sitting up....he wants to pull up and out of his car seat. If he's laying too far back sitting in a lap he will pull forward. He's getting stronger at this...he'll have great abs! This is our solution to his wanting to "sit up but my head is too heavy for this" situation--the Green Throne.

(3 months and 3 days old now)

Baby Blog

2008-01-29T21:10:00.000-06:00

Espen turns 3 months on the 31st and he's growing so fast. In the last 2 days he has started to fold in both lips and bite down. He has also started to chew on his whole hand. The drool is pouring now, and its pretty obvious that he has started the teething process. He's not fussy just a drool-mouth. He had been making noises and trying to talk as you can see on the video below; but now he just folds those lips in then trys to talk making an mmmmmm sound.
We all went for a walk today and he loves his stroller. He just looks at the trees passing by as if we're still and they're gliding. He doesn't mind the bumps or the sunshine. Very content is he--our litttle bub.

Here's to you

2008-01-29T20:46:00.000-06:00

One of our fav drinks right now is Carrot-Apple Juice. It is THE MOST refreshing drink you'll ever have. It takes just a little bit more of an effort to wash the carrots and apples and to disassemble and rinse the juicer when you're finished, but it is completely worth it. You must try it! There are so many juicers out there but the one we bought over a year ago is great, its quiter than most (which i like having in an echo-y kitchen). The vitamins that you will consume in such a drink are valuable for any age. There are so many variations of carrot juice....throw in any other veggie, fruit, or i just recently heard a little bit of ginger, and you will have a beautiful, healthy, energy-giving cocktail. Try it and Enjoy!

Cheers!

A Family Focus

2008-01-23T13:58:00.000-06:00

Where do I begin?
The McWilliams family were all asked to come to Colorado Springs to visit and sing/speak for Focus on the Family. This event had been planned for many months and we all looked forward to seeing each other first, and then to be together for a what we considered an honor to stand on that stage. We girls sang a few songs and introduced ourselves during a chapel that they have for every single employee, i heard about 1300 people were there. My mom spoke on valuing life and anyone who has ever heard her can just imagine that she was her best and her performance was stellar. The chapel service was all that was planned for the entire trip but God rolled his sleeve up and we found a few more things He had waiting for us. This included a lunch at "Whits End" which is from the kids radio series from Focus on the Family called "Adventures in Odyssey", which was so exciting to me. It was magical! We kids got to be a voice on a mock-up odyssey adventure where connor (my brother) was the sound effects person.
My parents (Tony and Gail) were taken to record a Focus on the Family interview in another studio in another building....THAT was exciting for them! But then we were called (Ryan and Myself) in to the recording studio to tell our story of our courtship and marriage. It was the most fun i've had! I could do radio for the rest of my life.
To say the least, it was such an honor to do all that we did there at Focus in Colorado Springs. My feeling is, is that some of us will be back...definitely my parents.
The radio programs will air sometime in '09. I will let you know when i find out.
The trip surrounded the event at Focus but we also had some great Family time...Lydia's birthday was celebrated by all of us, Espen was spoiled with kisses and love from everyone, we got to all drive up and visit Garden of the Gods, and of course have many meals out together, including a movie "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" Veggie Tales, which Espen was the only one who was glued and loved it. We're all glad he liked it.
I'm reminded of the verse...Ps. 68:19 - "Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits the God of our salvation". God has a shopping cart full of surprises he's picked for us, on a daily basis he blesses us. And on this occasion the shopping cart seemed really big, and really good.

-Lindey

Rewind it!

2008-01-15T20:37:00.000-06:00

DVR has to be the best thing that ever happened to Television. ok ok i know that i might be a little behind in getting such a thing, but here it is. How awesome to rewind anything! And you can do it over and over. Ryan has his shows to record and i have mine. Shows from Abbey Road Sessions and anything from the HD music Channel to Project Runway and now American Idol and many many others. TV junkie you might accuse....perhaps....i guess i'm just a DVRie.

"no"...i think?

2008-01-15T16:24:00.000-06:00

could Espen being possibly saying no at 2 months? check it out....

its a bloggy blog world

2008-01-14T17:05:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to be apart of this new world! How great it is to know that all i have to do is write a few lines, compose a couple thoughts, upload a pic or more, and the whole world gets to know what is happening in our lives. Well i'm sure the WHOLE WORLD will not be reading this but perhaps the ones we find important to us--in our world; our family and friends.
Stay tuned for updates and fresh stories, pictures and hopefully videos if i can do that on here.

cheers!