Beyond embarrassing

One day a couple of weeks ago, Ceilidh had to potty really badly while on campus. Andrew was meeting us for lunch, so I quickly ran her into one of the buildings. Since then, every time we pass Manning (the building), she all the sudden has to pee. She definitely thinks its cool to walk inside the buildings! ha

Anyway...today as we were passing Manning, she of course had to pee. Well, there was no Andrew to help out today, so here I am, literally pushing the "suburban" into the building using the handicap ramp. Ok, if you aren't laughing at this scene in your head yet, just wait. Young beautiful college students are walking around me, as this huge stroller with a no-makeup/hair up crazy mom, tries to push this stroller into a tiny bathroom. Thankfully it was nearing time for class to start, so we were the only ones in the bathroom. I'm pushing the door to the bathroom open to leave, and I see it. I know immediately she is going straight for it.

In the hallway of Manning, is a statue of David. I'm sure many of you know where I'm going with this! ha She says to me in her loudest, sweetest voice, " Mommy, what's that?" as she is pointing to the leaf covering the nude David! HA And of course, here comes a guy around the corner to hear every word! ha I'm sure he got quite a laugh out of me explaining the importance of modesty and "keeping our bodies special." ha I'm just glad David was wearing a leaf! We have taught her correct terminology ( I think this is important), she is almost three, and she has a new baby brother; so I can't imagine what would have come out of her mouth if there was no leaf! HA

Side note: We got to meet Elam today!!! I have pictures to share, but my camera died. I will have them up soon!

Babies, babies, babies!

This week/weekend was full of exciting baby happenings!

Timothy "Elam" Carey was born Thursday morning!!! The boy/girl suspense is finally over! ha Nicole was again a champion of champions as she was overdue (again), delivered without drugs (again), and still looks beautiful in all her pictures (again)! Thankfully, one difference was this labor was a LOT shorter. I can't wait to share pictures once I get to meet little Elam in person. Congratulations Tim, Nicole, and Hudson!!!

Speaking of pictures..... we got to meet Phoenix in person Saturday!!! He is as precious as his mommy told me. wink You can definitely tell that Zion and Phoenix are brothers, but I think he "has his own look." (gma phrase! ha) It was a lot of fun watching Zion be a big brother. It was as if Phoenix had been around forever. smile Ceilidh and Zion were definitely excited to see one another. I'm not sure if we will schedule playdates around bedtime anymore! ha What do you think Lyd?! wink Here is my newest beautiful nephew!!


Obviously not Phoenix! ha Random Pops/Graeme pic









I also got to see my college girls this weekend as we were celebrating Baby Grey at a baby shower. I, like a crazy person, left my camera in my purse, which was in the car with Andrew. UGh! Just take my word for it that Mel looked adorable! We also learned that Baby Grey has officially become Bryant Grey. Can't wait for Bryant's arrival in late June!!

The happiest day of my life

The combination of trying to redeem a taxing day with sweet thoughts, our 5th anniversary (wow! 5 years already)approaching quickly, and watching "Say yes to the Dress;" has put me in a reminiscing mood tonight. I know this is so cliche, but I have never been happier than the day I married Andrew Carpenter Clendenin. In fact, the months leading up to May 21st, 2005 were pretty spectacular as well.

I was in my senior year of college, living with some of my best friends. I was nannying for one of the sweetest families you will ever meet. I graduated from one of the greatest Universities in the country the weekend before our big day. That whole season of my life puts a huge smile on my face!

I LOVED my wedding dress probably more than anything else (besides Andrew that is, ha)! At the time, we knew of a bridal gown buyer; so myself, my maid of honor, Summer, and my mother went to NY to see a bridal gown fashion show as well as try on dresses. AMAZINGLY fun! We saw Rent while we were there which was awesome. Sum and I cried through the whole thing and my mom slept! ha To give mom some credit, I think she had worked that morning before we flew up so she was pretty tired. Sum's husband is actually starring in Rent this weekend in Asheville. I definitely knew as soon as I tried the dress on. It was very simple, but absolutely perfect. I always thought I would want a really elaborate gown; but all your "ideas" go out the window when you start trying them on for real. We did my bridal portraits at the Old Well (yes cheesy, but a must for a Carolina bride), Polk Place, and the arboretum. It is kind of crazy, I think a God thing actually; but the bridal portrait we chose to frame has "Kenan's tree" in the background.

Even as much as I loved the dress hunt and preparations; it didn't hold a candle to the actual day. The weather was perfect and everything went smoothly. Actually, it all ran smoothly once my hair dresser showed up after being an hour late, many tears, and frantic best friends calling other salons in the area to find someone to help. ha Thankfully that was the only glitch! I really could not tell you who sat where once the doors opened for the bridal procession. I felt like Andrew, myself, and Mark (our pastor), were the only people in the sanctuary. Again, cheesy, but totally true. In fact, I can't quit smiling as I write this as I think about sharing communion and reciting our vows.

I am a self-professed crier. I cry at everything. I actually was quite worried about my make-up, so Sum walked down the aisle with hidden tissues just in case. Would you believe I didn't shed a tear?! Not one!! I was too happy to cry! My face literally hurt b/c I couldn't quit smiling! ha I'm still shocked I didn't cry, but I'm glad I didn't have to re-apply any makeup. Our ceremony was my favorite part of the day, but the reception was a close second. The whole day was perfect! I'm so thankful that I still feel that incredible happiness/giddiness when I think of Andrew. Those feelings have even deepened and matured in ways I never knew possible. Every marriage has its issues; but I am incredibly grateful for the man I could not have imagined, know I don't deserve, but was still blessed with.

Walking thoughts

I have always enjoyed walking, but since moving back to Chapel Hill, I have grown to love walking. I love being alone with my thoughts, getting myself and the children outdoors, and getting a little exercise. Chapel Hill is beautiful always, but spring has to be my favorite time of the year here! Andrew would argue and say Fall, but I'm sticking firm with the GORGEOUS flowers and landscaping. Ceilidh wanted to have a picnic at the "Huge quad" (aka..Polk Place! ha) today, so I thankfully remembered my camera. Andrew and I have been on a mission for our entire marriage to capture the Old Well during every season, and frame the pictures side by side. We have been missing winter and spring until now, so I think this year we may do it! ha Many mornings, my vivacious almost three year old talks my ears off. She has been battling some kind of yuckiness the last couple of days so she was a little quiet today. Therefore, my mind went in a million different directions.

First, I'm wondering why they will not turn off the lights and close the windows to "the" apartment in Odum Village. It is really starting to creep me out.

Second, why does the crosswalk button work when you are heading home, but not when you are heading to campus at Manning and Hibbard?

Third, it was pretty cool walking next to one of the Wear brothers near Rams Head. He was probably going to tutoring! ha

Fourth, I want to wear a tee-shirt that says, "I promise my husband is in graduate school. I'm not "that mom" who can't leave her college years," as I push my suburban of a stroller through campus! ha

Fifth, I start thanking mom and dad for our stroller. It's huge, but I love the mobility it provides us!

Sixth, I am wondering why preschool has to be so darn expensive! I mean really. I can see the supply fee, and I can even see a reasonable teacher salary. But what is up with the registration fee, a supply fee, a last month deposit, and the regular monthly rate on top of all that! Still, I'm running the pros and cons through my head and the sacrifices we would have to make to send her even just two half days next year. She is so excited about the possibility though that my mind stays put for a while on this subject.

Seventh, A sweet looking old man is posing a doll of some kind at the Old Well and taking pictures. I start making up this scenario in my head that he is taking this doll everywhere he goes and taking pictures for his granddaughter! I know this sounds ridiculous, but someone I know had to do this for a school project for real. I'm sticking to my made up story for the old man b/c it is sweet! ha

Lastly, I start wondering about the effectiveness of my exercise as I am standing in McAlisters ordering a tea! Maybe the walk home will cancel it out?! HA




I will be sending this to Carolina's marketing department for advertising tomorrow! wink

The wait is over!

Lydia won the race! ha Hopefully Nicole and Laurinda won't be too far after, but Phoenix was born Saturday morning!!!!! I am so excited for Paul, Lydia, and Zion. Phoenix Miles James Collins was born Saturday morning, weighing in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and 21 inches long. Lydia had an amazing birth experience with a birthing center here in Chapel Hill where she was able to labor/deliver in a birthing tub, and Paul even got the privilege to deliver his own son! How neat! Even though I am a Clendenin by name now, there must be something about the "blood" Clendenin women and their quick birthing abilities! She arrived at the center around 9ish, and he was delivered by 10:40ish! I could only wish! ha I am so proud of Lydia and Paul both!! I can't wait to share pictures once we get down to meet this sweet little boy!! I have seen pictures, and he won't disappoint! wink Congratulations Collins family. We love you!

Fun random photos: Daily activities

I have had these on my camera for a little bit so I thought I would just add them even though I don't have much to say about our family of four tonight. I do have fun news about the Collin's family of FOUR, but they deserve their own post! ha


Every morning, Ceilidh and Graeme spend some time "talking" to each other. Its one of my favorite parts of the day!




Tear. They love each other so much!




We are going to have to put up his swing soon. As you can see, he is now sitting up in it! ha He isn't an infant anymore!


Meeting the live Ramses for the first time!


Not a day goes by, where Ceilidh isn't making me laugh by something she is doing to Graeme! ha


This was a bday party she threw for one of her babydolls. Thanks for the cutie dress Aunt "Sus!"




An Easter gift from Grappy. Thanks mom, I love the dress!


I wish I were more crafty/creative. She loves crafts. Her latest obsession is princess crafts out of a book from ZZ and Pops. This is a masquerade ball mask! ha


Graeme gets so excited looking at himself in a mirror on his exersaucer. It is really cute to watch.

Effortless Perfection

Andrew and I are involved in a couple's lifegroup at church that has been wonderful this semester! The women and men meet on alternating weeks (therefore you don't have to worry about childcare), and then we have family get-togethers once a month with spouses and children. We study the same material, so that way we can talk about it together at home. It probably is the best set-up I have ever been apart of in terms of couple bible studies.

I have really grown to love "my" Monday nights, as I feel the women have really invested in one another. I can't remember exactly what we were discussing this particular night, but along the lines of "passive righteousness", when something prompted one of the women to bring up a study that is being conducted at Duke right now. In today's world, there is huge pressure for women to present a perfect, all-together life; but with seemingly little to no effort at all. Researchers at Duke are literally studying this idea of "effortless perfection" with the undergrad population at the University. Wham... I think it hit us all in the face. How easily I fall into this mindset, and why? We all know its a facade. Life is hard. Healthy relationships; whether it be spiritual, marital, or parental in nature take effort. It's ok to acknowledge that. Do we need to sit around and bemoan every little thing that happens to us or by us... no. But oh how our lives would be so much more rich with a little transparency.

I think for me, this idea of "effortless perfection" has more implications than just wanting to be more "real" with the people around me. I think it shows a more serious problem of trying to gain or earn my righteousness from God and people (wrongly so, but true),with the things I'm doing and how well I'm doing them. The thing is, he of all people (or deity I guess... that figure of speech doesn't really work here! ha),knows the truth. He knows my house only gets picked up when people are coming over, my bathrooms get cleaned when I finally remember they need to be, I am less patient and less agreeable sometimes at home than in public, my kids don't always act in a way "I" think is proper, etc. Why do we crave this appearance of "all-togetherness?" I can almost promise you, that though our "junk" might look different, we are all carrying "junk" of some kind.

The night ended on a good note though, when one of the ladies laughingly brought us back to our thoughts on "passive righteousness." In reality, we do have effortless perfection. The righteousness of Christ that is passed on to us as believers, has NOTHING to do with us or our efforts, and is completely and utterly perfect! I am praying to stand more in the truth of God's "effortless perfection" than my own each day. I also pray this over Ceilidh even now, that she might avoid some of the struggles I encounter if I freely talk with her about these things. My first admission of many imperfections: though the joys are immeasurable, the burdens of parenthood are great. Even at two, I am worried about her adult life! ha

One more quick post

My mind has been reeling since 10 this morning, so I thought I would share how proud of my little girl I am. We have a friend on our floor that I met when we first moved in. She is a really neat person and was expecting as well, so we had a lot to talk about! Long story short, when their son was born the last week of January, he was born with extensive heart and stomach complications. So much so, he was sent to the O.R. within the first 6 hours of his life and has had 2 more surgeries since then. He even now is still on a vent. I post all of this to ask for your prayers for this little boy and his parents. Their lives have obviously been turned up-side down, but seemingly are doing as well as can be expected.

This has left us in a precarious situation as to how to love on this couple. First of all, we met them in July. We've spent good time together over this last year, but still, it's not like I have known her my whole life. You never know how much to pursue someone, or if they just think you are being annoying; especially in a situation like this. She has been very receptive to phone calls and visits, so I have been trying to call her once a week, just so she knows they are on my mind. It was/is always encouraging to me when people talk about Kenan.

I'm rambling now. Back to being proud of Ceilidh. The baby's mother called me today and asked if they could borrow our mobile. This is probably the most excited I have ever felt for someone to actually take me up on, "please let us know how we can help in ANY way." Recently, Ceilidh has actually been requesting Graeme's mobile to be turned on when I leave her room at night. She knows Baby M is sick and has to "spend the nights" at the hospital. So, after we talked about how much it would make him happy to listen to Carolina's fight song, she immediately wanted to walk over to the hospital! I think I have mentioned before that I specifically prayed for her to be compassionate, and boy has God delivered. I am so thankful for her and her sweet spirit!

Easter

Wow... this week I have been incredibly tired at night! Therefore, Easter pics are just now getting posted to the blog. We had a great weekend! We saw my parents for a few minutes over a quick bite to eat Saturday afternoon on their way to see my brother and his family. How could my parents DRIVE to see my brother you might ask? Well, they have moved HOME!!!! YAY! That is my exciting family news that I couldn't share until now. Chris and Neisha have been stationed back in Va. Beach! I am so excited to have them stateside... it has been 4 years since they lived on American soil. I can't wait to see them all soon, and meet Lilly for the first time! Glad you are home!

After lunch, we went to the Andrew's parents for a day FULL of Easter celebration. ZZ knows how to put on a party! Of course there was an object lesson on the true meaning of Easter, an egg hunt, egg dyeing, easter baskets, decorating an Easter bunny cake, and a meal that was out of this world! Ceilidh didn't know what to do with herself she was having so much fun. In fact, there were a few potty accidents from a certain set of toddlers b/c they were having so much fun together! Ceilidh also got to meet baby Jack on Sunday. She was thrilled. Now we are anxiously awaiting Baby Phoenix! It is a race to the finish for Lydia, Nicole, and Laurinda! Who will be first? Can't wait to find out!