Would you have eaten the apple??

If you surround yourself with church going women, or women who are at least familiar with common Bible stories, you have probably heard at least one them joke about Eve. Usually they say something along the lines of "You can think Eve for that" or "I have some words for Eve when I get to heaven" or maybe "It's all Eve's fault". I know these statements all to well, because I have made my fair share of the same or similar statements. I found myself thinking about this in much more depth this morning.

First, maybe you are not familiar with the "that" for which we are so thankful. A quick explanation is that in the Garden of Eden Eve is tempted by Satan to eat fruit from the tree of knowledge, from which she and Adam were forbidden to partake. Because Eve decided to eat from this tree and she shared the fruit with Adam, they were banished from the Garden of Eden and sin entered the world. God then passes judgment for the disobedience of Adam and Eve, condemning the man to sustain life through hard labor and the woman to create new life through painful childbirth.

Let me just say that I know the Bible does not specifically say that Eve ate an actual apple. We all tend to go to an apple because of how this story is often depicted in pictures or artwork. Also, for trivia people out there, another reason may be because the Latin word for evil is malum and the Latin word for apple is also malum. However, for the sake of the rest of this post we are going to go along with the precedent that Eve consumed an apple.

So, my question is would you have eaten that apple? I contemplated this question this morning as I laid in bed soothing Evan after he woke at 5:45 crying for some reason unknown to me. I am not sure why this question came to my mind, but I am sure it is God trying to teach me something.

My answer is yes. I probably would have. Satan made this fruit seem so wonderful; telling her that it will make her more like God, and that it will not lead to death. The fruit was perfect and looked delicious, it was tempting. And it had the ability to grant wisdom. I think just about anyone would have been tempted to eat it. In fact, I eat the "apple" regularly.

Now some would say I could just go back to the statements at the beginning of my post and thank Eve for bringing sin into the world so that I would have the sin nature to want to eat the apple. You would be right. I can thank Eve. But I can't go back to the beginning of man and change what happened. But rather I can look at this from a more current and applicable point of view.

As a result of Eve choosing to eat from the Tree of Knowledge she brought sin into the world, created painful child birth for women, and she was banished from the Garden of Eden - commonly described as a paradise. She gave up paradise for sin and painful child birth. That is a rough trade. Had she known, maybe she would have made a different choice. But she did not, she relied on her own thought process and understanding, along with Satan's temptations and decided that she knew better than God, who forbade her from partaking of the tree. God could see the WHOLE picture, he knew of the life that he had for both Eve and Adam, but the still had their own free will and they went against God.

I can look at my life over the past number of years and I can pick out different times where this is the case for me. No my decisions do not lead to sin entering the world, to labor pains or to being banished from a garden of paradise, but they do result to me committing sin, to bear the consequences, and to potentially miss out on the PERFECT plan God has for me. This is still a rough trade for immediate gratification versus waiting on God's perfect timing for the wonderful things he has for me; far more wonderful than whatever I settled for. Obviously some things are more serious than others, but don't we want God's perfect will for us in EVERYTHING.

Eve consumed an actual apple. Our "apple" or "apples" are not literal apples or pieces of fruit, but rather our own temptations and weaknesses. What is your "apple" or "apples"? I know I have my fair share. From not doing something that God is prompting me to do to choosing to do something that makes me happy over something that would be better overall choice to losing my patience to being selfish to being prideful and so on.

Just some food for thought! :)

Over the Past Six Months Post 1 [We Moved]

One of the bigger events over the past six months is that we moved. We traded our wonderful high rise apartment in Uptown for something a bit more practical just up the tollway in Addison. I love our new apartment. It is perfect for our little family and I love the LOCATION! It is so close to so many stores and restaurants. Church is a bit further these days, but I don't mind.

Moving is not something that I enjoy. I despise it. When we moved from Salt Lake to Dallas I was pregnant and living in Salt Lake by myself. So, we recruited many wonderful friends to help pack up our townhouse and move our things into storage, and then we utilized a moving company to get everything from Utah to Texas. I so appreciated all of the help from our friends and family, I really could not have done it without them, and the moving company was worth every penny...every nickel...every dime...every dollar!

This time was not nearly as simple. I moved most of the small stuff myself in my Explorer with Evan's help. He was such a trooper. He made every trip in and out to load and unload with me, helping to push the hand cart. He really could not have been better.


I wish that I would have taken more pictures of the moving process, but I was so focused on getting it done. I took this picture on our last load of small stuff. Evan was in a cave of boxes. I think he knew that he would be rewarded with Chick-Fil-A and the end of every day if he would just hang in there.

After we got all the small stuff moved, with the exception of necessities, we moved all the big stuff and the necessities in one day. Kyle loaded all the furniture, mostly by himself, in a Uhaul in the middle of the night, after work, and the next day we drove it to the new apartment. I have to give a huge shout out to my other half. He was AMAZING during the move. He was dealing with so much at work, had a partner breathing down his neck, and he still got us moved and situated. He went something like 60 hours with no sleep. I don't know about y'all but I would collapse and be unable to function if I tried to do something like that. My husband is my own personal version of Clark Kent. When he needs to he changes into Superman! Thanks babe for all you do. :)

I will post some pics of our new place. I finally feel like we are settled into the new place. Pictures are finally making their way to the wall. I love my home, I love my family and I thank God every day with blessing me with so many wonderful people and things!

My Artist

My little man is quite the artist. At Kid's Day Out he recently created this masterpiece. I must say that I was quite impressed that they were able to get him to open his and to the point of making an actual hand print. For the trunk they used the side of his hand. I can't believe that he is able to do such things. I constantly find myself thinking...where did the last year go. A year ago he was crawling, making baby cooing sounds and still a snuggle bug. Today he runs, walks, jumps has a growing vocabulary and though he is not a snuggle bug much these days, he is so FULL of love.

Time Flies!!

I cannot believe the last time I posted to my blog was in April....really...six months ago. So much has happened in the past six months that I do not even know where to begin, so I am not even going to try. I am just going to post about the things that come to me and they be out of order when it comes to the timeline of events, but I think that you will be able to manage. So, stay tuned because more is to come. I thought it would be fun to include a picture of Evan from the last time I posted and a current pic. My how he has grown!

Visit from Cousin Nikki and Easter Pics

Over the past few days Kyle's cousin, LeAnn, her mother Margaret, and her daughter Nikki, came to visit from Las Vegas, NV. It was great to see them, and Evan and Nikki are only 6 weeks apart so they play together well. Today we took them to North Park Mall and had their pictures taken with the bunnies for Easter. If these two kids were any more adorable, I don't know what we would do with ourselves. It was funny when the photographer put the bunnies down, Nikki wanted nothing to do with them, her vocal reaction told us so. Evan however, thought they were awesome. I noticed when one tried to jump away he grabbed it and he would occasionally put his hand on their backs. I told you, he loves animals. :) Enjoy the cute pics!

Fort Worth Zoo!

A couple weeks ago a girlfriend of mine and I took our kiddos to the zoo. Both of them LOVE the zoo, so we had a great time. It was so fun to take Evan this time because he is so much more interested in the animals, and he is able to get out of the stroller and walk with me and look at things that he previously missed. It is so much fun to watch him grow! He loved watching the tigers and penguins, which I have pics of, and he also loved the hippos, bears and lions. Basically he loves animals! But I think his favorite part was to the carousel. He became completely upset once he realized we were leaving the carousel. There's always next time little guy!

Cutie Pie!

Nothing to say really! I just love these pictures and I had to share them. This little man has the mama portion of my heart!

Sometimes you have to wonder......

So, a few weeks ago I received a call from one of the ladies at Evan's MDO letting me know that he had a fever of 101, that Evan didn't appear to be himself and that I needed to come and get him. Of course, I picked him up as quickly as possible. And Evan was definitely warm, and he definitely was not himself. Thankfully, I was able to get Evan into the pediatrician that same day. For being sick, which he really was, he was playful and laughing as we waited for his wonderful doctor, Dr. Stephanie Spaeth. But I really wondered how sick my child really was when he climbed into the middle of the bead maze thing...you know the one that they always have in the pediatrician's office. It was so funny! Evan was thrilled with himself, and I think he believed this was the purpose of this particular toy. I love my child and his imagination!

I'm a Dragon!

Evan loves to bathe....well, he loves to shower. He is currently on a bath strike! Since his induction to showers, he has become much more aware of his towel. My former boss gave me a wonderful child's hooded towel from Pottery Barn as a shower gift prior to my move to Dallas. Evan loves this towel, mostly he loves to look at himself in the mirror while the dragon towel is in place on his head. I love how precious he looks. Evan will always be sweet and precious to me, but I can see the days of full blown boy toddler hood lurking ahead. So pictures like this are priceless to me.

Our Little Climber

With the amount of climbing Evan is doing, I would not be surprised if one day he tells me that he isgoing to climb Mt. Everest, K2, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and so on. I am certain that at the root of his desire to climb is lack of fear (for now). He just goes for it. I have turn around to find him on the kitchen counter, dining room table, and desk. It all started when he figured out how to belly slide and pull himself up onto the coffee table. He quickly grew bored of this challenge and moved on to bigger and better things. The next step was his Fisher Price activity table, then he figured out how to get onto the bench at the table, and now he has figured out how to create very unique step stools out of toys, pillows, books, etc. I love that he is so curious, adventurous, brave, and bold, but these very things may be what begins to land us in the ER sooner, rather than later.

Sweet Slumber

I love the few minutes I hold Evan at night before putting him in his crib. I find myself wondering what goes through is busy brain while he sleeps. I know that some nights mine still races and other nights it is full of dreams...regardless of his sleep thoughts, he looks so peaceful. Oh, the innocence and sweetness of a child!

24 Hour Fitness Testimonial

For those of you who do not know, I workout with a trainer a couple times a week. I am still trying to loose my baby weight...post baby weight...lazy weight...whatever you want to call it, I am trying to lose it. Below are the three pictures showing my progress. The first one is in May 2010, Evan is 4 months old, the second is in August 2010, Evan is 7 months old, and the final one is in February 2011, Evan is 13 months old. Below that is my testimonial for the gym. I am really proud of myself, I still have a ways to go, but every pound and inch lost is more motivation.

I felt deceived, misled , stupid, and frustrated. I fell into a trap. The trap of “you are eating for two”, “it’s okay, you’re pregnant”, “you must fulfill your craving”. You know what I am talking about. I need not go any further. At the outset of my pregnancy I vowed to only gain 20 lbs at the most. I wish I could say that I succeeded at that, but I didn’t. At 27 weeks pregnant I moved from Salt Lake City, Utah to Dallas, Texas. I really didn’t know anyone, so I spent a lot of time by myself setting up our home and exploring the city. Eating out became easy and convenient, and part of my daily routine. So, the pounds packed on. But I justified it with my pregnancy. On December 31, 2009, we welcomed our little bundle of joy to the world. I believed that some how, miraculously the weight would just melt away. I felt like this belief was confirmed when I decided to nurse my baby. People told me that you lose weight so easily when you nurse. Well, that may be true for some people, it was not true for me. So I continued to eat what I wanted justifying the calories because I was nursing and the pounds continued to pack on. Total I gained about 60 pounds. I was devastated. I had never weighed nearly 200 pounds. I was overwhelmed, and didn’t even know where to begin. I always worked out prior to pregnancy and being a mom. I had worked with a trainer, and I knew how to do it, but I felt like I was so deep in my own hole, that it would just be easier to stay where I was…comfortable.

Finally, after having to purchase clothing for a trip and seeing my Dad (who lovingly pointed out to me that this was not healthy or good for me) for the first time since my son’s birth, I was motivated, barely, to do something. I talked to my husband and he agreed a gym membership was the way to go…we canceled our gym membership when we moved to Dallas. I really wanted a trainer, but knew that it would cost some money. I stayed quiet about it, knowing timing was everything, and then the next day my husband suggested that I work with a trainer a couple times a week to get some extra help. When I was asked which trainer I wanted, I had no idea and just said whoever comes up with my availability, and that was Kimberly. I have been nothing but pleased and I am so happy with my results. I don’t do everything perfectly. I have unhealthy days, I have off weeks, but Kimberly works with me, encouraging me, not ridiculing me for imperfection and she has, and continues to, learn what works for me and has a genuine interest in me as a person and getting to know me. Hiring a trainer was certainly the best thing I could have done, and it is worth every dollar sent its way. I have currently lost 24 pounds and several inches. I have a ways to go, but I am so encouraged by my progress.

Absentee....

Ugh! When did life get so busy! Or maybe it is just that some months...weeks...days...whatever...I manage it better. Well, lately I have not managed it well. In any event, here is an oh-so-cute video of Evan saying "uh-oh." If it was any cuter, I think I would lose my mind. Love this boy! (sorry it is sideways, filmed it on my phone and didn't realize...)

Little Traveler

During this last trip to Utah, Evan became very interested in luggage. While in Utah he would constantly climb in, sit in, stand on, and even attempt to drag our two pieces of luggage. When we got home it took me a few days to get to his bag. During the days it sat unpacked he was always climbing in it and pulling things out, and trying to move it around his room. When I began to unpack his bag and put things away he sat and watched me, with a very curious look on his face. The minute I took the last item out of the bag he stepped his way into the bag and sat down. He was content to sit there and entertain himself for about 25 minutes. It was really cute, funny and had I known that a piece of luggage would provide several minutes of entertainment, I may have broke it out a while ago.

My Little Energizer Bunny

The thought just occurred to me that I could dig up a pink bunny outfit similar to that of Ralphy in "A Christmas Story" and take a photo of Evan for the sole purpose of this blog post. After all isn't that what moms with blogs do...take photos and while taking them construct their next blog post in their head....well, if you won't admit it, I will. I do that. I take pictures and get excited about putting them up and typing out a post. That's why I started a blog in the first place. Anyway, back to the original point of this paragraph, I will save Evan the future humiliation of a photo wherein he dons a pink bunny suit, and, thankfully for him, he does not have a crazy aunt that will make him one for Christmas....at least not that I can foresee.

Okay, to the purpose of this post. Evan never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever stops moving. I am not sure from where he gets his energy. If I had his energy I would be a size 4, simple as that. He is either moving around doing something, or sleeping. Even when he eats if music comes on the television he starts to "dance" in his booster seat. It is just amazing. I remember when I found out that we were having a little boy, people would always make remarks as to the energy level of the munchkin-aged male species, and I would basically blow them off and think "thanks for sharing." Not sure why I had that level of arrogance. After all, what did I know, I had yet to actually encounter this behavior. (And let me just note, that no level of babysitting whatsoever can prepare you for this level of energy).

There is the commercial currently on TV, I have absolutely no idea what they are selling so if it is something completely inappropriate I apologize, but the commentator makes a statement similar to this: A body at rest tends to stay at rest, while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Evan is proof positive of this statement. If i didn't already know the statement to be true, all I would have to do is look at Evan.



Though I am exhausted at 8:30 when Evan goes down to bed, and I still have a list of things to do, I am so very thankful for my healthy, energetic, constantly in motion Love Bug. He is such a blessing in my life and, hey, maybe him combined with my trainer will get me down to that size 4....we shall see.

In order to curb this energy level as best I can, I make an effort to take Evan to the park or the arboretum a couple times a week and just let him run (there are no toys at either of these places, and this in on purpose-seems heartless, but I really don't need tempt fate with ER visits just yet). And he does run, and run, and run, and run. We chase each other and laugh, and stop for just brief moments to check out something interesting. So, i have posted pics from a couple of these excursions....enjoy!

Salt Lake City - Saturday, February 12 (Brighton Ski Resort)

On Saturday, my wonderful dad took my brother, Evan and I to breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Midvale Mining. They have the best .... well, everything. After breakfast, my dad, Evan and I drove up to Brighton Ski Resort so Evan could see "real" snow. At first he wasn't quite sure, but the longer we took pictures, he grew to like it. This made my husband very happy! We can't have a warm weather child when his parents hail from the likes of Montana and Utah. I had a blast taking Evan up to the resort. I cannot tell you the number of times my family made the drive up the canyon for various photo ops. It is a tradition. Plus, it gave me some extra time with my dad, let's face it, I miss him A LOT...almost as much as my brother!

We had a wonderful time in Utah. It is always hard to leave and come back, but we missed Kyle and, for now, Texas is home. Saturday evening, Tim and Sarah had a get together to celebrate Tim's success, Sunday one of my good friends did my hair and Kyle's folks watched Evan, and then that afternoon Evan and I hung out at the Witherspoon's. The trip flew by, but I guess that happens when you are having fun!

Salt Lake City - Friday, February 11 (Graduation Day)

Friday was the big day! Tim graduated from the Salt Lake City Fire Academy. I have never been so proud of Tim. You must understand that since about the age of 4 Tim has dreamt of being a firefighter, and to see his dream realized was awesome. As an added bonus Tim graduated number one in his class (there were 11 of them). The graduation was wonderful. Tim's wife, Sarah, got to pin his badge on him, which I thought was very cool. And my mother-in-law came through with flying colors on Evan detail so that I could watch the graduation ceremony. Tears brimmed my eyes as my brother took his firefighter oath, was handed his helmet, and made his way across the stage being congratulated. The sibling bond is like nothing else. I have been through a lot with my brother, and this experience tops the list! Congratulations Tim!

Salt Lake City - Thursday, February 10 (Children's Museum)

On Thursday, Kyle's Mom and I took Evan to lunch and then to the Children's Museum at the Gateway. We took Evan the last time I visited, and this time was much different now that I Evan is upright and 100% mobile. We had a wonderful time, and I think we were all ready for a nap when we left. Evan started in the ball area, where he was more focused on learning how to go up and down the stairs (since we live in an apartment, his exposure to stairs is minimal). Sandy did a wonderful job teaching Evan how to hold on to the railing and go up and down. It wore me out to watch them. From there we went into the main area, where Evan got his hands on something to push around, he played in the water, went up and down the slide, played dress up - as a fireman of course, and read books with Grandma.

I love this museum! It is wonderful. One of the many treasures we miss. Enjoy the pictures above - If I can ever figure out how to put them anywhere else I will. :)