First blog of the year

I can't believe that 2009 is already 22 days old, and this is my 1st blog! My mood of the day is "cautiously optimistic." Rob and I are going through the process of buying a house in Mississippi. Assuming that the financing goes through, we will be closing on Feb. 13th. I am cautiously optimistic that the loan will go through, and that we will soon be living in our brick house with its very large backyard, kitchen with a gas stove and a dishwasher (can you believe that our faculty house doesn't have a DISHWASHER?), 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, built-in gas fireplace, lovely landscaped front yard... I could go on & on.

I am also cautiously optimistic about the future of our country. Regardless of your feelings toward Barack Obama, there is no denying that his election is an historic one. Our first non-white president. His Inaugural Address was inspirational. He has made us all sorts of promises (health care, the economy, affordable education), now the time has come to see if he can use his current popularity, and the Democratic Congress, to get some of those things passed.

My Review of New! KidKraft All-in-One Bright Pastel Play Kitchen

Originally submitted at PlayKitchens.com

Everything she needs to prepare a wonderful meal and create realistic fun is right here in the KidKraft All-In-One Pastel Play Kitchen. Constructed of medium density fiberboard, this play kitchen is full stocked with all the modern appliances. A pink fridge and freezer will keep pretend food ite...

New! KidKraft All-in-One Bright Pastel Play Kitchen

Very cute!

By Kate from MS on 1/8/2009

 

4out of 5

Pros: Attractive Design

Cons: Difficult Assembly

Best Uses: Playing House, Group Play, Imaginative Play

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent, Stay At Home Parent, Education Oriented

This kitchen is ADORABLE! My daughter loves it. One drawback, however, is that she has removed the oven & the microwave doors, and slightly (not irreparably) damaged the particle board. Perhaps at only 2 yrs 3 months, she is too young for this type of kitchen. That was my mistake as a parent, not the fault of the company. We will re-attach the doors when she is a bit older.

Assembly took my husband and I about 3 1/2 hours on Christmas Eve.

(legalese)

Merry Christmas to All!

Last year at this time, we had no idea that we would be living in Mississippi, of all places. But here we are, settled in to our new home. Presents are wrapped and under the tree, stockings are filled, dinner is planned (but not yet started), and the Christmas Eve service is in just a few hours. We are so thankful for the friends that we have made and the opportunities that our great and glorious God has provided for us. We pray His blessings on you, as well. Rejoice, for Christ is born!

In-Law Visit, Part 2 and Church Membership

Well, they are here. Rob is out playing golf with his dad, and Grace and I had a lovely morning of shopping with Grandma! Grace has learned to say "Grandma," but instead of the "gr" at the beginning, it's an "m" sound. We went to a new store in town, Tuesday Morning, where I spent more than I should have, and was tempted to spend even more. We also found a lovely bookstore downtown, where "Mandma" found Grace a pink MS State hat, something she'd been looking to buy for her. Then we came home and had a delicious salad for lunch. I think we're going out to dinner, again...

Also we were privileged to join our new church here yesterday. We were equally privileged to have Grace baptized. We've been made to feel very welcome by everyone here, and we are grateful for that.

A visit from the in-laws

My in-laws are expected to arrive sometime around 2pm today. They will be visiting for about a week, during which time we plan to take them to see Graceland! After all, Elvis still lives on in the hearts of his many fans. I also have to keep up with my schoolwork while they are here. That includes taking the Praxis II test in English at 7:30am on Saturday, and taking an online Sociology exam sometime between Wednesday and Friday next week, when we will be in Memphis.

Also on Sunday, my husband and I are joining our church, and our daughter Grace is getting baptized! We are very excited and blessed, and it adds to our excitement that Rob's parents will be here to see that. We are praying for God to move in their hearts while they are here.

We also continue to follow the new administration with great interest. We are excited to see what the next four years holds for this great country of ours.