Update on "The Kitten"

Bee & Bug went to my in-laws for the night.  When I picked them up this morning, Bee said she missed me. 

I had to ask.

"Would you trade me for a kitten?"

"NO!" she replied.

Phew.  I'm good for the moment. 

Trading for a Kitten

Bee and I play a game of sorts.  She asks me what I would trade her for. 

"A house?" She asks. 

"No.  Not a million houses.  I wouldn't trade you for anything," I reply.

"Would you trade me for a new car?" she wonders.

"No, I wouldn't trade you for a car.  Not a million cars.  I wouldn't trade you for anything." I go on, "I wouldn't trade you for anything or anyone--not a million little girls or boys.  I wouldn't trade you for ANYTHING." 

She laughs with delight.

Yesterday she said, "Mom, there is one thing I would trade you for."  (Yes, improper English with a preposition on the end of the sentence, but it's what she said.)

"Really?" I question, "What?"

"A kitten," she says.

"Really?  A kitten?"  I am in disbelief.  Surely not.

"Yep," she answers.

"So you would really rather have a kitten than me?"

"Yes."

My feelers are hurt.  She would trade me for a kitten.  She's serious.  She doesn't really knows what she's saying does she?

"So if I died and you had a kitten that would be okay?"

"Well, yeah."

Seriously?  She has no idea.  I know she has no idea what that would mean.  She says she wouldn't miss me.  She's not saying it like a rebellious teenager, but like a little kid who wants a kitten.  I try to reason with her.

"Okay, so who would kiss your ouchies and take you to dance class?  Who would feed you food, cook with you and give you snacks?"  (I think I threw in a few more things, but I don't remember them now.)

"Daddy," she replies quickly.  Too quickly.

I tell her how it makes me feel that she would want to trade me for kitten.  Bailey comes to the rescue, thinking I'm going to cry, she exclaims, "Mommy!  I'll take you!  Don't cry, Mama!" 

After thanking Bailey, I return to Brooklyn, "Don't you know how that makes me feel, Brooklyn?  That you would be okay with letting me go for a kitten?"

"I think I'm beginning to see what you mean," she says, but it's obvious she hasn't really changed her mind.  She comes to give me hug.  It doesn't make me feel better.

As a mother, I would do anything for my kids.  So how could she say that? 

And it came to me.  I've said it.  Over and over to the One who loves me more than I love my kids.I have said a kitten is more desirable than God. I have wanted a kitten. A kitten is cute, cuddly and never asks me to do anything. I can control a kitten.  Like a 5 year old who thinks a kitten would be more desirable than a mom, I have believed a possession, a position or a relationship is more desirable than God.  How must God feel?  (Yes, I believe God is emotive.)

The whole idea is ludicrous when I think about it.

What a ridiculous thought!  Trading God for a kitten.

While I hope Brooklyn changes her mind, I realize that the more crucial issue is that I change my perspective.  Because why?  He wouldn't trade me for anything.  

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What's in a Name: Caedmon

Sometimes people choose the weirdest names for their kids.  We all have distinct opinions on what names we do or do not like.  I know there are names I would never use because I associate the name with someone I did not particularly like.  Sometimes we hear names that are like ?!?!  really?  And yet, it's odd how kids grow into their names and we wonder how they could ever have been any other name.  I love that!  I figured with an odd name like Caedmon, people might wonder why we chose the name.  Well, here's an explanation! 

 The Playground Test

Justin and I are both also very adamant that a name must pass "The Playground Test."  Kids are mean.  If there is a way to distort the name into something unfavorable they will.  While I'm sure this is possible with almost any name, as a parent I feel responsible to at least make it difficult for this to happen.  For instance, our last name is Ubel.  Naming our son "Frank" would be giving him the initials "FU."  This would not pass the playground test.  Also, kids make up rhymes.  While I really think the name Tucker is cute, it does not (inmho) pass the playground test because of the cute little name-rhyming game I play with my girls.  Now, like I said, it will be possible to find something wrong with his name.  It kind of sounds like "caveman."  We're taking the risk on that one.  Things could be much worse.  Life is hard for kids, so at least the name ought to pass The Playground Test.

Agreeing on a Name

 This is hard.  Before Bee was born, Justin and I first agreed on the name Andrew for a boy.  Had either of our girls been a boy, Andrew was our go-to name.  We still like it.  Even though we both like the name Andrew, though, I like the shortened version "Andy" while he prefers "Drew."  Ah, tough decisions.  When we found out we were having a boy, we through out tons of ideas for names, but none popped out at me that I loved.  We agreed on Josiah and Coen.  In the end, Coen was our second choice.  

Caedmon

It seems like people gravitate toward certain sounds--in fact, both of our girls have "B" names.  Possibly because they sounded good with our last name because of the "B" in it?!  I liked the "C" or "K" sounds, so one night I found some obscure baby name website and began reading the "C" names.  When I read "Caedmon," Justin perked up.  He really liked it and so did I.  For the first time in the baby naming process, I felt like the fireworks were going off.  This was it!!! 

Caedmon--meaning and history

It was when we read the history of Caedmon that we felt this was the right name for our little man.  Caedmon means "Wise Warrior."  Not a bad meaning at all!  Then we read about Saint Caedmon, who was a 7th Century poet/monk.  He was the first English Poet and is known as the father of modern liturgical music.  Justin is such a "words guy."  He loves poetry and songwriting, so it seemed like this was a fit for our son. 

On a side note, the pronunciation is technically KAD mon.  But we are pronouncing it like KADE-mon.  Oh yeah, we can do that.  Parents prerogative.  And by the way, I think I was nervous about naming him something people might have negative reactions to.  But after we named him, I loved it even more.  It really does fit him!

Carrot-Zucchini Bread & Healthy Chocolate Muffins!

Well, I haven't been baking much lately.  Our house doesn't have air-conditioning, the the oven has remained unused.  However, Pinterest has been taunting me, so since it was a bit cooler this morning I made bread and muffins.

Baker & Spice

Baker & Spice Bakery in Portland, Oregon is by far my favorite bakery.  Ever.  Every time I visit, I want to order one of everything!  If I'm feeling especially hungry and wanting something filling, I order their Garden Bread, which has zucchini, carrots, & golden raisins, topped with almonds.  The slices are super thick and it's just . . . delicious.  So I had to make some of my own.

 Carrot-Zucchini Bread 

(Picture does it no justice! Anyone doing a camera giveaway?)

I found a recipe online at Coconut & Lime, and made a few minor changes. I'll post the recipe as I made it below.  I cut sugar, subbed coconut oil for vegetable oil, and added almonds on top.  It turned out so good!

 Triple Chunk Chocolate Muffin

(Knock-offs from Whole Foods Chocolate Chunk VitaTop Muffins)

This recipe I found on Pinterest, but the link is here.  I made the recipe just as it was written.  It has no oil and uses sugar substitute.  The batter is disgusting.  Don't try the batter.  :P  However, they turn out okay.  At 58 calories per small muffin, they are pretty good.  Definitely don't skip the chocolate chips!  If you are watching your calories, they are a treat.  If you don't care, skip this recipe and eat something really deliciously fatty.  :)  Check out this link for recipe.

As for me, I'm going to go cut another slice of bread to enjoy!

Carrot-Zucchini Bread (adapted from Coconut & Lime)

3 eggs
1 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup coconut oil
2 cups grated, raw zucchini
1 cup carrot, grated
1 tablespoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cardamom
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup silvered almonds.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour or spray with cooking spray with flour two loaf pans. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add sugar, oil, zucchini, carrot and vanilla. Mix well. In a small bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add to zucchini/carrot mixture. Mix until well combined then fold in walnuts. Pour into prepared pans.  Top each loaf with silvered almonds and bake for 1 hour. Cool on rack for 10 minutes then remove from pan. Enjoy!!!

Baby Announcement

Okay, so I know a few of you don't have Facebook and I wanted you to see our baby announcement!  Also, I know that some of you (Midtvedt kids) wanted to see this more, so here you go!  I hope you enjoy!

6 month update

With such a captivating title, I know you can't wait to read this post!  It's been a full 6 months since I've posted, and well . . . I figured it was time.

There's a good reason why I haven't posted.  Maybe several reason, but the one most of you are aware of is that I'm expecting Baby #3.  Names are always a topic of discussion around here, and it seems that everyone I talk to is interested in knowing what names we are considering.  I don't mind sharing at all; however, our track record of deciding on names before the baby is born is really not great.  So if you must call him (it's a boy!) something, then call him "B2."  No, not like R2D2.  More like "B-squared."  Why?  Well, our first baby in-utero was dubbed "BU" for "Baby Ubel."  Our second was "U2," (yes like the band), for "Ubel #2.  So "B2" (again, not like R2D2) is for "Baby Boy."

All that to say . . .

I've been too tired to blog.

Or hungry.

Or just too busy.

And now my computer is dying.  So until December, when I can update again, here is a sideways baby bump picture.  (BTW-I'm hoping to blog before December.)

Snickerdoodles . . . oh my!

I've been baking A LOT lately.  I love, love, love baking!  My girls love to help as well, which is really fun (although definitely messier and a bit slower).  Pinterest, my latest "time suck," has actually been a great inspiration for me experimenting with a lot of recipes.  I've tried making a chocolate cake claiming to be the best (and it was, imho).  I've also been experimenting with a lot of healthier recipes, which is exciting and fun.

Yesterday, however, my kitchen was filled with the amazing aroma of cookies:  snickerdoodles.  Not healthy, but our basketball teams love the cookies I make.  I'm thankful I have an outlet to to give away my baked goods so I don't get too fat!!!

Some of you asked for the recipe after seeing my post on Facebook.  When Bug was born almost 3 years ago, some church friends brought some cookies to me and the snickerdoodles were the best I had ever had.  I was so grateful that they shared this recipe with me.  I hope it's okay that I'm passing it on. 

Snickerdoodles 

with compliments to Mary Hines

1 1/2 c. sugar, granulated
1 c. margarine or butter, softened
2 eggs
2 3/4 all purpose flour
2 t. cream of tartar
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 t. cinnamon

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix 1 1/2 c. of sugar, butter & eggs.  Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.  Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into balls.  Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon:  roll balls in mixture to coat.  Place about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  bake until set 8-10 minutes.  (My note:  don't over bake--I look for them just to start cracking on top).  Immediately remove the cookie sheet onto cooling rack.  Makes about 6 dozen.

Messy Kitchen

So far today, we're happy . . .

Resolving to _________ in 2012

I know some scoff at New Year's Resolutions, but you know what?  I like them.  I love the New Year!  It does feel like a fresh start and a good time to take inventory of our lives:  what has been good & what we could change to make better.  Making resolutions is like making goals--setting your aims.  As a coach, I tell my team to make goals; afterall, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time."  I realize that fulfilling all of my goals may not happen, and I guess I'm okay with that.  I don't really feel like a complete failure.  In fact, I feel empowered to at least give something an honest attempt.  Without verbalizing what I hope to do, I'll probably continue to do nothing of significance.

Last year I blogged my New Year's Resolutions.  Although I did not fulfill all my resolutions, I did complete a few.  I've marked my updates on last year's resolutions with a **.

**First, I lost weight.  It wasn't the 15 lbs I originally set out to lose, but thankfully, by the time I entered Oakway Fitness's "Lighten the Load" program, I only needed to lose about 10 to get to my desired weight!  I got to my desired weight, then lost an additional 2 lbs on my way down to my "dream weight."  Sadly, I gained those 2 lbs back, which brings me to my 1st NY resolution:

1.  Maintain desired weight w/good body comp & lose 2 lbs.  I'm still down around my desired weight, but a little mushy on the sides.  I can fix that!  I would rather be solid.  :)

**Second, I started a yoga ministry in Eugene.  It started at Just Breathe in South Eugene & now I teach free classes near my home.  This is huge & I'm so thankful!

**I resolved to read through the NT in 2011.  I did not complete this.  Total bummer.   I did read through some of it, so I'm glad I made the goal.  This year I resolve to . . .

2.  Read the Bible following my church's reading plan & discuss with others.  I'm all about doing something with people.  It's easier for me.  It's the accountability and the comradery that really helps me to stick with something.

In addition,

3.  Pray with Justin for 10-15 minutes after the girls go to bed.  We used to pray together every night before falling asleep.  Now, we rarely go to bed at the same time.  There is no doubt that when we have been seeking the Lord, He does not hide from us.  There are so many things to take to Him in prayer.  I don't want this one to fizzle.

**I said I wanted to blog regularly.  Huh.  Well, this one comes and goes.  Maybe I'll be better this year!

**Also, I said I wanted to sew more.  Yep, still want to do that.  Piles of fabric need to be created into something better.  I made the girls Christmas dresses this year, and did quite a few projects for ThinkCrafts.com.  In addition, I had said I wanted to keep Etsy updated.  I did NOT do this.  Quite frankly, it's not a priority for me this year, so I think I'll put that one aside for now.

**I set out to run 2 more 5k races and to complete a 10k.  I can happily report that I did the 2 5k races, but a bit bummed to say that I never even considered entering a 10k.  Not really.  I still think I would like to do it, so I think I'll write it here:

4.  Run a 10k.  

**Why is everything about food with me?  Okay, it isn't really, but I did say I wanted to plan a weekly menu.  I did for several months, and you know what?  It really did change my life positively.  I want to start doing this again.  I think it saved me time, stress, and money.  It also helped me shave those pounds!

5.  Plan a weekly menu.  And try 1 new recipe each week.

**Oh yeah, I said I needed to replace the old undies.  The truth is  . . . er, I'm still working on it!  :)  But there is much improvement!!!  Really, I have made a dent in this task.

So here are a few more resolutions I'm adding:

6.  Spend less time in front of my computer doing nothing.  I have 2 daughters and I don't want to communicate that "checking my email" or perusing Craigslist or aimlessly checking Facebook is more important than showing me the picture they just created.

7.  Do more preschool activities with B & B.  They loving "doing preschool."  I want to make it a regular part of our day. 

8.  Keep up on laundry.    How hard can this be?  Laundry cannot .  . . will not . . . beat me.

And even though there are many things I want to improve in life, I think I'll stop there for now!  What are you going to do in 2012?  Inspire me!