inspiration

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6406164
(You have to go here for the video.)


I love the faith of this guy (Craig Gross) and his family! Patrick and I have a few of his books and we have the Bible that says "Jesus loves porn stars". I think that what he is doing is what Jesus wants us to be doing here in this world. We need to love those who are uncomfortable for us to love....'the sick'. That is who Jesus came for...we all need Him.
I think that in my world the people I need to love is my neighbors. Just because they are different than me.... or they smoke doesn't mean I can't show them Jesus through my actions. It is Christmas and I should be showing them love somehow. Hmmm.... how shall I do this. Any ideas?

christmas cookies

So, I have found the cookie I can make amazing everytime....Peanut Butter Blossoms! Thats right, the ones with the Hershey kiss on top. YUM!
Patrick really loves cookies, in general, but especially ones made for him.
Tomorrow night we are having a little party and we are going to make the sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles. For me they are so much fun to make, because I can put in all the details that I want.
So, Patrick and I have been talking about making our own traditions for Christmas, mainly, we just like being with people... but I really want to have something special to do together as a family like.... caroling around the neighborhood, handing out goodies, getting together to make crafts/ornaments. I don't know... we can't really decide on any one thing.

Poll: What does your family do together at Christmas?

end to blogging silence!

(This is a picture of him as a cowboy for Holloween)



So I have been sitting back and watching myself and the other mom's I hang with and what I think is so interesting is that God is always teaching us about ourselves through our kids, and we are so amazed at how our kids grow and learn. Its so simple and obvious but it has really just struck me.
Like every little thing that Josiah is doing that is new is so wonderful!
Lately, he has been turning around, saying "dada" to almost everything, says "no" and "yeah".
He also understand a lot more than I give him credit for. He can throw and catch a small ball, and he can open books to "read". Its so cute him sitting there and reading aloud, he says "dou-dou di da" Oh, he can also curl his tongue!
Everyone is always telling me how cute his facial expressions are, and that he is such a good little boy. This always encourages me especially when he is teething and has turned into a little terror!
He just runs around the house literally tearing things apart and pulling things out of where they need to be. His favorite places to wreak havoc is the trash and the toilet. No matter how much I reprimand him or give him a swat on his booty, he keeps up the reign of terror! Aaaah! Those are the nights Patrick takes us out to dinner or just deals with chicken nuggets. =)

My delieverer

I'm in the middle of putting up pics and figuring out how to sell my jewelry online, via my blog so keep checking, but in the meantime I thought I'd share a little of what God has been doing in my life.
I have realized that He is my Deliverer. By this I mean that I can look back and see that in every twist and turn He has Delivered me....And I can remember back to when I was in Preschool!
I am just struck with the reality of who He is and who He wants to be in my life.

Its hard because one of the gifts I have is compassion, and this gift, like all other gifts, is great when used correctly but incorrectly I become overwhelmed and very anxious to the point of panic attacks. I don't have panic attacks anymore and I have learned how to control the feeling of anxiety and worry. However I am still worrisome, and I have to constantly give them to the Lord.
So, that is why He has constantly shown me to be my Supernatural Deliverer.

I really identify with the character in the book "the secret life of bees" May. She is very compassionate to the point of being so overwhelmed she gets out of touch with reality.
She takes on the world's hurt just like they are her own. This is a good example for me to know what can happen if I let my gift become too overwhelming for me.

adventures in babysitting

I was thinking about all the random, crazy things that happened to me while babysitting through the years.
-waking up from a nap on the couch to see the 2 year old, that I thought was sleeping, with poopy hands inches from my face.
-getting locked out of the house, with the kids, that I was babysitting at for the first time.
-making mac and cheese without measuring cups and making it too wet, and the kids were not happy.
- misunderstanding the lady I was sitting for and made the kids a sandwich with rancid meat.
- having to wait, scared, in a dark mansion for the parents to be home because the kids were in bed and I didn't want to go through the many rooms turning on lights, that is how horror movies start!
-playing hide and go seek (during the day) in the same mansion with secret doors and two basements (one was a ballroom)
- being nervous about meeting a new family I was going to babysit, then realizing that is was the drummer from the Counting Crows, and his wife a supermodel! ( I was so nervous to meet that family... You know I had to wear something cool!)
Anyway, that is all I can think of right now...

smirk

Laundry Day

This is the lovely sign that is above the toilet in the bathroom at the coin-op laundry I go to. I hadn't noticed it before because I never go into the bathroom there. But today I was curious and checked it out. This is what I saw......'hmm just a friendly sign' I thought. Then I got closer I couldn't believe how rude people are! However, maybe this sign does work, because the bathroom was nice and clean.

Its always fun to go to a public place and meet new interesting people, or just watch them. Today there was a nun wearing a full on black shroud. I could only see her face and hands. She also had a little cross pin on. Everyone there is sweet and pretty friendly. There was an old man, with no teeth, and a biker couple who have traveled all over Northern California and Nevada.
There is a doughnut shop next door and they don't have very nice equipment for coffee and hot chocolate, and only 20 doughnuts. Thats it! No old fashioned kind.... bummer.

Thank you!

Thanks eveyone who was part of the online surprise! It really was a surprise for me.
I had a very nice birthday (as you can see in Patrick's blog).
Well, Josiah is feeling better with his teething, but two nights ago he woke up with croup. =( Poor kid. But he kind of likes it. He thinks its funny how his voice sounds, when he laughs or cries he makes this barking seal sound, and its kind of scary to hear, but he gets a kick out of it. Like when he is eating or drinking he is making a sound in the back of his throat to test and see if he is barking. Its nice he has a good outlook on his illness.
I've been struggling with being able to maintain. All my life I have moved every 2-4 years and so now I am restless. I got to talk to a friend who has been living a nomadic life for the past 6 months and now they are looking at being in a place where there is a lot of nothing and she will have to be content with maintaining and taking care of her family. It was really encouraging to talk with her and to get a new perspective on what I am doing here and now.
I know that I need to take advantage of every situation I am presented and I know that this one is hard fro me because it is more mundane than I would like, however I am seeing that this is also a preparation for things to come. I'm not sure how long it will be, I just need to be patient and taking advantage of this time to learn some simple truths.
I'm reading a couple of books right now: Jesus for President, by Shane Claiborne/ No Perfect People Allowed, by John Burke/ the power of a praying parent, by Stormie O'Martian
I think that is plenty for me to learn.
=)

Happy Birthday Surprise!!!

This is Patrick Hardy [Bethany's husband] Writing to you all.. Ok, so I got this great idea from this guy.. To sneak into Bethany's blog and post this birthday card for her.. I thought that it might be cool to have all of her friends leave a comment/Birthday wish.. Her birthday is today July 10th, so comment away, and if you see her, wish her a happy birthday!!!

mmmmAH!

Josiah is starting to form the word 'mom' and it seems that he is understanding that it is Patrick and I. He moves his mouth, like a cow chewing, and then he starts to vocalize...mmmm..mah..mah..mmmm. Its so cute! He also recognizes his name now.
RIght now he is teething his top 4 teeth really bad. He has a fever and is very cranky.

The smoke is clearing from all the fires! Yeah!. I can still smell it in the evening, though. I know many people are bummed from the news that we won't have fireworks show this year, but I'm fine with that. I'm not too keen on fire works. I had a bad experience in China when our small 'American' group had our own show. It left one person with a hole in their arm and many of us with burning ash falling on our skin. I have little round scars on my thighs.

My Birthday is coming up and Patrick bought me the Once soundtrack, I was just thinking about it that day that he gave it to me! Wow does he know me or what?!

the booger picture

(Josiah sneezed and what a big booger!)

First of all, Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and encouraging me. It has really helped.
These past weeks have been crazy and fun. I think that in the hard times is when I learn the most.
And, I have!

Well, my little sister came up for the week and that was fun to spend time with her. We watched movies (KungFu Panda), went to pool parties, played games. It was fun except for Josiah's teething. So, that was part of the hard stuff. It is hard for me to be patient with others during the day if I don't get enough sleep at night.
One funny story about that was we went to American Eagle store in the mall and my sister saw a pair of guys boxers that had butcher meat all over it and said "nice to meat you". She thought of getting something for my brother and said she would get them only if they had fish all over them and said " nice to fish you". We laughed and laughed!

I'm really excited about our life group. We are seeking God in our communities, reading Ephesians and having a great time. I have been feeling God's presence in our group and it has been great.

Help

I just wanted to ask you all to pray for me. I am feeling very strange, like being attacked. I don't know how to overcome this. I'm hurting and instead of asking for help I push people away or just hurt them. Its been a few months now and it comes and goes. But I want it to stop. Thanks.

last comic standing

During the summer people are always watching "So you think you can dance" (Becky) or American Gladiators and other reality shows. But this summer I really want to get a group together to watch "Last comic standing". Actors from the show "the Office" will be judging for certain episodes and I love to laugh.
So, let me know if you are like me... It is on Thursdays, and I don't have TIVO.

Memorial Day

For me this weekend is always busy, my family always goes to family camp with the church I grew up in. They all cogregate in the Santa Cruz mountians. I guess there were over 300 people there this year! Some people had to stay in tents! Weird.
But Patrick and I have started our own tradition of going down to Spirit West Coast, Del Mar every year to help out with a band we know. We have done this three years now and this year I could see that things were different in a good way.

1. three years ago the Myriad had big, blue, banged up bins for their merch, last year they did a little better and brought rubbermade drawers that were also banged up, This year they brought these nice drawers that looked like they were meant to be brought on the road and airplanes. The drawers slide out so smooth!

2. Every year it feels more like an extended family.

3. this year we brought Josiah! Everyone wants to see him, man its really madness! "beautiful blue eyes!", " can I hold him?" one person asked if he was a girl or boy! (He was wearing green, blue and red!)
But Josiah really helped Patrick get some good connections just by being his cute self!
Patrick and I both got some great Ephriam shirts.... we watched August Rush, Once, and Lars and the real girl. We didn't really like August Rush, but the other two we really enjoyed! I think I know all the songs in Once. (I just watched it last night!)
Oh! a big thing I'm proud about is that I watched an episode of Top Chef and saw a dish and thought I'd try it. It turned out great! There was even calls for an encore! Woo hoo!
I'll give you the recipe so you can impress your friends and enjoy!

1 box of rice pilaf (follow directions on the box)
1/2 bag of baby mixed greens
2 1/2 chicken breasts sauteed with some seasoning
1 bottle of creamy italian dressing

put bed of greens on plate
then rice
then chicken
drizzle the dressing over
ENJOY!

Yes, Josiah is crawling!

So, Patrick finally put up the video of Josiah crawling. He actually started last week, and is already on to climbing. I can't believe how fast this kid wants to get moving!
You can check it out at our youtube account ( www.youtube.com/the3hardys) or on Patrick's blog

Trader Joe'S!

I think that we are still getting a TJ's is Redding, but who really knows, right?
Well, I have this cute little story to tell you about my funny family.
I ask them to bring some stuff from TJ's when they come and visit, and so today my mom called me from there and was explaining where they are and how much longer until they leave and what we wanted, etc.
The funny thing is that she kept calling it "Trader Joe"... Just one. She said it like 3 or 4 times in two sentences! I don't understand, maybe it is a mom thing, or a my mom thing, I dunno. I talked with my sister about it and she laughed and said that mom says "Trader Joe" all the time. I'm not sure if she is doing this on purpose or she just hasn't read the sign.

sick days

So, we all did very well this flu season and never got really sick.... until yesterday.
I woke up with my stomach hurting, like too much food, or I thought it was too much milk.
We went about our daily activities, and when we got to staff meeting we were feeling it pretty bad. (Josiah and I)
I just wanted to lay down, and then when I did get up I threw up, Josiah did also the same time!
Needless to say staff meeting was cut short....The whole rest of the day was spent laying down and changing poopy diapers. Not fun.
Today I think we are better but still feeling a little gross.
So, WATCH OUT for this stomach flu bug going around!
I know at least 7 people who have it or did recently!

youtube here we come!

Patrick made a youtube account for all you family and friends who are far away!
www.youtube.com/the3hardys

Three shades of blue

The blue shirt matching was by accident.
Josiah has the tale end of a cold and his nose is crusty with boogers. He is also learning that he is strong enough to wiggle, kick, and slap his way out of our hands.
He has bitten me twice in two days (while nursing), and headbutted me once in the face( I'm gonna need contacts)
Patrick today said, "I apologize before hand, because Josiah is going to be rough"
I know that, he is a BOY, I know how to handle boys... I babysat a family of 4 boys for a couple of years.
I guess it is just beginning!

a dream

Last night at life group I was talking to



someone and they were saying that they want their baby( one day in the future) to look just like Josiah, big eyes, really cute, etc.

And just then I remembered a dream I had in high school about a baby. In the dream I was a teacher and my baby was running all over the school, like a nymph, bouncing around in the air.
And, he/she looked like this doll kewpie! Crazy. I wonder if that is prophetic?


Patrick thinks that Josiah is like Curious George. I can see that....

my top 10 to do list for the summer

10. play tennis ( I don't know how but I have two rackets)
9. spend the day at Mt. Shasta City
8. picnics at the many parks
7. having tea with friends at one of the tea shops here in town
6. swimming at Whiskeytown Lake
7. hiking and swimming in one of the many water falls we have around us.
6. thrift store shopping
5. water balloon fight with the stirring kids!
4. jewelry making
3. making crafts
2. stirring mom's group!
1. BBQ's!!!!!!!

the awkward night

What kind of situation makes you feel awkward?

Well, to answer my own question here it an example...
The other night Patrick, Josiah and I went to the Olive Garden for some nice family time, and who should be sitting at the next table?
my gynecologist and his family! WOW....but you know he is a nice man, and the family is nice and so we are fine, and then Josiah is being very loud; happy but loud and there wasn't much we could do.
So, as we are eating and enjoying ourselves, as much as we can, our waitress comes over and tells us that the family at the next table has paid for our dinner! WOW! and so we tell them thanks and smile and stuff, and so they leave.
Meanwhile, we told the waitress that it is Patrick's birthday and so she is planning on having people sing... but Josiah is getting tired and so we are going to just go home, and she comes over and asks us if its OK that they sing, and Josiah starts crying!
So we start to leave but there is no bill... what do we do? Say goodbye?
Oh, and also we had only 2 dollars in our pocket and that is all we could leave for a tip! (cause we were gonna pay with our card) Horrible, I know!
That is my definition of awkward.

women's retreat reflection

Josiah is wearing this little outfit a mentor of mine gave him. The bib says "veal the new beef" because in high school my nickname was 'beef'.
I know its weird, but I think its funny.

So, the women's retreat this weekend was just what I needed, sometimes you need to get out of the situation you are in in order to see what is going on. That is what happened to me. Here are a few things I learned. We read the Martha and Mary story in Luke 10 over and over again, focusing on different aspects of it.

1. I am distracted easily. This is the word that I identify with most.
2. "Lord, don't you care...?" (Luke 10) This is the phrase I am saying constantly, and Martha says this in the scripture.
3. I need to be who God has made me and that is a leader. If I choose not to use my leadership skills, I am disobeying God, and letting others down. For example, if I am in a setting in which I should use my leadership role and refuse, what happens is others around me also seem to loose confidence in themselves and their gifts. I see this happen when it is a spiritual setting, or even just friends deciding what game or movie.
4. well, this one I learned last week on Dan's blog about waking up intentionally apposed to having circumstances wake you up.

I'm glad to view my life in a new perspective, it is exciting and clears up the fogginess I have been feeling.

Poop story!

the Big Give

So, has anyone else caught the big give spirit? I love this show because the more I watch the more it inspires me that I can give what little I have and know that it is changing someones life, maybe not in a big way but God can use anything no matter how small.
Last night one of the contestants went to a house where the child had died just 1 hour ago. He really didn't know what to do, but he was there as a support and encourager. I mean, who wouldn't want a nice stranger who genuinely cared to help you through your grief. I know that sometimes it seems the kindest actions come from strangers. I think that it is because I don't expect someone to go out of their way to help another.
I really feel that God has given me something special that other people see constantly whether I see it or not. Strangers are always coming up to me for help of some sort. I mean its not like I'm bombarded, but it happens consistently when I go out. Sometimes I remember and I go a step farther than just help them, like see if I can pray for them, but other times I just don't want to interact with anyone and that's when I miss my chance to be part of what God is doing right then.
Its really too bad that I turn away the opportunity that I've been praying for for weeks. Everyday its a choice. One time I even helped a dog, and not just any dog, a pit bull, that was just wandering in the streets and was almost gonna get hit by a car. I knew there was a risk, but the dog looked more scared than about to attack. So, I hung out with Julian, I found out his name, for a couple of hours before I found his owner. He was such a good dog! It was so surprising for me, a person who is jumpy and a little afraid of dogs in general.

Anyways, moral of the story, give God what you have and be willing to be used in surprising and exciting ways!

Easter!

So, we got this cookie bouquet in the mail from Grammy Pammy, Josiah laughed so much at the colors and crinkilee plastic wrap. So much fun seeing him so happy, and able to express his emotions. Its exciting to see him growing!

I also have a couple of stories to share.
Today my mom, dad, Josiah, and two sisters went up to Whiskeytown falls today. It was such a perfect day and a great hike! The area is so beautiful right now and my mom and dad are in way better shape than me! My mom hiked the whole way with Josiah in the baby bjorn, and he is 15 pounds or so! Go mom!
On the trail we met a 7 year old boy with autism, hiking with his dad and dog. He was so affectionate and friendly, he went up and hugged my mom and asked how we were. I was so blown away, because I really don't know much about autism, but I've heard way too many sad stories and not enough hopeful ones.
So, here is a very hopeful one!
------------------------------------
The other story is one of those "only in Redding" ones, like Dan has on his blog.

I was in a grocery store and there was a woman walking around shopping with a younger girl while nursing her baby. I mean it seems like a good idea, kill two birds with one stone, but I could see her midriff and it seemed a little weird to me.

News stories

I just read one of the funniest stories I've heard in a while.
This guy in London wanted to propose and so he put a $12,000 ring in a helium balloon and on the way to see her he lost the balloon.
It just flew away and he hasn't found it..... poor guy. I wonder if she will still say yes.

Another story I read that really touched me amid all the sad war stories and problems with our economy.

This starbucks barista is giving her kidney to a frequent customer. Basically strangers have become more, and the barista has saved a lady's life! Incredible! God is still God and the world isn't over yet! We still have much to rejoice about! He still answers prayer and there is always hope!

And, and update on Josiah, he is 15 lbs, 26inches and with a new tooth on the way (I can feel the little thing). He is also getting the idea that he wants to crawl. He's got the butt up and feet moving, but his arms are still. But he is working hard!

New Do

Here are some of my new model head shots. Blue Steel!

Two Valentines Day's ago I tried to cut my hair and it went horribly wrong...
It kept getting shorter and I started to cry in my bathroom and poor Patrick is wondering what is going on.....
Well, I have learned my lesson... No matter how frustrating your hair is never try and cut it yourself, unless you are a stylist.
So, Patrick and I got fabulous hair cuts from the incredibly talented Amy!
My hair was long enough for locks of love! Well, at least I hope. Fun Fun Fun!

Hooray!

So, I got the hard drive I needed and now I have unlimited computer access! MuahHahaha!
Ok, so we signed up for skype to video chat with Patrick's mom in Ohio and so if you have skype we are pbjHardys and maybe we can chat with you! This is the picture we took for our skype account.
We were laughing because Josiah had a mouthful of my hair in his mouth. This really defines his character right now... everything he grabs goes into his mouth.
Every day he is looking more and more like a little boy.

Delayed

I know I haven't blogged in a while... I am getting a new computer hard drive and memory today! Yey! It doesn't work at our house with just one computer because Patrick works on the main one. So I get no time on it.
So, lets see we have been traveling like crazy, to the Bay Area 3 times this past month, or so it feels like it. We are so pooped! But great news! Patrick is getting a lot more jobs and more people are calling back that they want to use his services. Praise God!
Meanwhile, Josiah is growing at an incredible rate!... Well, to me it seems like every morning he is a different person. He is 5 months now and he seems to be understanding more concepts about who people are and its fun to see him start to interact.
Right now he has defiantly found his voice. And he likes to yell this back-of-the-throat type of yell. And, it is fun, but loud and I can't hear what other people are saying.

Oh! one fun thing is that I need to read more books.... I'm getting kind of stir crazy with one car, no computer, and limited places to walk.
So, my challenge to you is:
I need to know what books you all recommend.
This should be fun!

Tonight

On ABC Nightline tonight there is going to be a debate that I'm sure will impact the country.
The question they will be debating is: Is America addicted to porn?
Its going to be great! Pastor Craig Gross and former pron producer Donny Pauling are up against two pron producers.
At our church, the Stirring, we had both Craig and Donny come and speak to us about what God is doing about this problem. He wants to heal us!
You can check this out here.
You can also check out how to buy Bibles for the next porn convention, or just to see what these guys are up to at xxxchurch.com.
So, watch tonight and then let me know what you think!

comedians

Another comedian that I think is great is Demetri Martin. I like him because he is witty, and makes normal things funny. He isn't like many other comedians who have to swear in every sentence for something to be funny. I don't get why people think that is so funny....

Who is your favorite comedian?

Feburary

This month has been so crazy for us. We were out of town the 1st week, then Patrick is going to a conference next week and Josiah H. is in town and so are the Lains, and Emily O. is coming at the end of the month, and some friends from Ohio are visiting S.F. in a week. And, we want to see them all! I hope that we get to see everyone at least once.

And Patrick is working as hard as ever to learn more about web design, and working on different web pages, and contacting people, and following up with people. I hardly see him anymore and he works at home! Hahaha.
Well, I do see him. He takes breaks. =) And there is dinner. I know he is thin, but he eats!

So, Josiah hadn't pooped in a day and a half, and I was getting concerned and the doctor said that they can go up to a week without pooping, and this is normal? ( yeah right!) Its not normal for me, how can it be normal for him?
But, (heehee) he did poop last night! It was so sticky...it took forever to clean.
Strange new things happen with a baby.

Oh, right now he is 15lbs, and 25 inches long/tall. He is really growing right now. He also loves to grab onto things, especially long hair. He grabs by the roots and if I don't cut my hair soon, I will be bald in one area of my head. Its true.

Ok I guess, that is it for now. Later!

Family

(Grandma Terri and Grammy Pammy)
(Josiah and Uncle Brad)


Well, last week we all went and visited Patrick's family in Cincinnati, Ohio. We got great cheap tickets with skybus, so you should look on their site if you are planning a trip. We got so many compliments on how good Josiah was on the flights. He is so mellow, nothing really seems to bother him. There were a few other babies and kids on both flights and he seemed to be the only one who wasn't fussy or crying! We are so blessed!
During our trip we had to eat at the restaurants that we don't have in California.
So, we ate at
Skyline twice,
Big Boy once,
Graeters ice cream once, and..... well I guess that is it. But it was all good.
Josiah laughed for the first time for Grammy Pammy. I am a little jealous because he hasn't laughed for anyone else like that since!
We also saw Patrick's extended family, and has a little party, and we played scene it, tv edition and the girls won! Lots of fun.
It was a pretty short trip, so we didn't get to see everyone we wanted to see, so you Ohio people all need to visit us in California. =)

(I'll have to add the pictures in later... when I have them. )

Hellooooooo.

My little boy, Josiah is really growing. He is 4 months now and we have started him on rice cereal, he doesn't seem to mind it, but not too crazy about it either. His personality is starting to show, and it is exciting! Here are some things I know about his character:
He loves to have fun
he is always excited when he is awake
he loves to eat
he smiles huge when he sees Patrick or I
he enjoys trips out to Target or Safeway

Overall, he is a lot of fun to hang out with. Its great being a mom!