WILW

I'd like to be able to tell you I'm loving some glorious Spring weather, but the groundhog must have been a little confused this year because it's still cold here! I imagine the robins are all looking at each other, thinking "who's idea was it to come back here so soon!".

Anyway, there's still plenty of good stuff to love ... here a few from this week!


I'm loving that we have friends that like to come over and play cards, and I'm loving that Owen has such a wonderful time playing with their kids! Exhibit 1 - this picture taken by Grace of her sister Avery and Owen. They're probably singing "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed".


I'm loving that my parents came down last week and we went out to lunch and did a little shopping. I'm loving that we went to Pier 1, where all the Easter and Spring stuff was so cute. Isn't this bunny adorable?


I'm loving the smell of Bath & Body Works' Green Apple Foaming Soap. It reminds me of Kazakhstan as it has the same scent as the dish detergent we used there. Believe me, a baby + 2 cooking pots + three forks + no dishwasher = we went through a lot of that dish detergent.


I'm loving this recipe for Chicken Casablanca. I'm not the world's greatest cook, and I actually don't like following recipes, but this stuff is yummy (and low-fat, low-cholesterol and high in fiber). My italics below.

2 large onions, sliced (or however much you want!)
1 tsp ground ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp canola oil
3 large carrots, diced (I just cut up some baby carrots until the pile looks big enough)
2 large potatoes, unpeeled, diced
3 lbs skinless chicken pieces (I don't like chicken pieces, I use breasts)
1/2 tsp ground cumin (I double)
1/2 tsp salt (double)
1/2 tsp pepper (double)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (yep, double)
2 tbsp raisins (I just used two of the boxes, not the mini size the other individual size box)
14.5 oz can chopped tomatoes (I used petite diced because Bob doesn't like big chunks of cooked tomato)
3 small zucchini, sliced
15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained (reminds me of my Nana every time!)

Saute onion, ginger, and garlic in oil. Put in slow cooker. Saute carrots and potatoes in oil (you may need to add a little more). Put in slow cooker. Brown chicken over medium heat in oil. Place in slow cooker and mix with veggies. Combine seasonings in separate bowl. Sprinkle over chicken and veggies. Add raisins and tomatoes. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. Add sliced zucchini and beans 30 minutes before serving. Serve over cooked rice (I use brown) or couscous.


I'm loving washing my face with L'Oreal's Go 360 Clean face cleanser. The little "scrublet" things makes me feel like I'm really going after that dirt and oil, plus it's oddly fun!

Hope you all are finding lots of things to love this Wednesday and everyday!

Where My Heart Lives

Tuesday night at our first ever t-ball academy. Owen easily joins the cluster of players listening to a coach, and when directed, runs with the pack to the far side of the field for warm-ups. I watch his little red-jacketed form do stretches, then chug along as they all run a lap (and smile as he cuts the loop short in order to keep up with the bigger kids).

Back to the corner across the way from me, and I can no longer see him as the group once more crowds around to listen for their next activity. I hear another parent saying they will need their glove now, so I start across the field to take his to Owen.

He's not in the small group breaking off in a trot to the left, not among the ten or so boys streaming by me on their way to a practice station flag. And then I see him, a few yards away, crying in the arms of another mother. I quicken my step and hear her ask him what color his mommy is wearing; as I come into their line of sight Owen leans towards me as I reach out for him.

He nestles his wet cheeks into my neck as I rub his back and ask what happened. A few deep breaths and moments later, he manages to whisper "I couldn't see you ... I thought you left me!".

Oh, my sweet baby. My heart twists as I imagine his growing panic when he looked around and saw only faces he didn't yet know. I can picture the look in his eyes as the fear crept in. I hug him tight and promise I'll never leave him (please God, allow me to keep that promise for a long, long time). I wipe his face and talk softly to him until he feels safe again.

We go to the first station together. I gently encourage him to join the group of six boys and follow the coach in a throwing exercise. Owen participates timidly, looking over his shoulder for me often as I stand a few feet behind. He and I make our way through a few more stations this way, until once again he is smiling and laughing with the boy next to him, running to the next flag with the rest of his group when the whistle blows.

The night ends well. He is happy, if a little tired and cold, and I think his comfort and confidence will grow in the next academy. But days later, the memory of his tears still pains me. And I know that next time I'll be sure to stay in his sight from the start.

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Yesterday morning we walk into school and his two buddies, Brice and Ben, come running up immediately to engage him in their favorite game of "My favorite color is ...". Owen joins right in, laughing at what they all find hysterical.

I help him hang up his jacket and backpack, and kneel down for our routine hug-kiss-"I love you" before leaving. But for the first time, he's already started to turn away, a grin on his face, big eyes sparkling in obvious anticipation of more fun with his friends.

"Owen, where's my hug?"

He comes back right away and gives me quick kisses, then runs off to join Brice and Ben. I know he's happy and it's wonderful to see him so engaged and making friends. I love hearing his laugh as I leave ... although there's a small tugging feeling in my chest. Because as much as it's good and right, it still sometimes feels like he's growing up too fast.

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Two days, two stories. Further evidence that my heart no longer lives inside my body.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Welcome back to What I'm Loving Wednesday. Feel free to play along by leaving a comment! OK, let's go ...

I'm really loving that we've already raised $440 for the people of Japan! I'm going to make and sell the flower pins until the end of June, at which time I'll send all the monies to a charity that is still doing good work there.


I'm loving working on creating a new look for the blog and your nice comments. And yes, I'm writing up the bee story!


I'm loving Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara! My all-time favorite mascara is Dior DiorShow, but since my budget does not generally include almost $25 for make-up, I find the MK version a very nice alternative.

If you are interested in trying Mary Kay make-up or skin care, my Aunt Cathy would be happy to help you - and I promise she won't bug you about hosting a party or becoming a consultant (unless of course you want to!). Visit her site here.


I'm loving that after 2 years, "Baby" no longer bolts off the deck the minute I open the slider, and that last week she actually ate a little while I sat outside. One of these days I will pet her!


I'm loving Owen's cute new cleats (in the smallest size they make) and watching all his fellow t-ball players at their first "academy" last night. So sweet and funny!


I'm loving watching our lilies "spring" to life after a long, cold winter!


And as always I'm loving every second with our little man - even if it means playing combine demolition derby for the 100th time!

That's it for this week; have a great day!

New Season - New Look

Inspired by the recent balmy weather and my friend Alison over at Lyle Living, I decided the blog needed a clean, fresh look (Spring cleaning so to speak). I'd also been thinking for a while that I needed a new title; after all, we brought Owen home four years ago!

I've still got some tweaking and writing to do, but I'm liking the look so far ... hope you do too. And if you aren't a fan, hang in there, I'll most likely get bored in a few months and switch it up again.

Happy Spring!

A Flower for Japan

Yesterday was one of those days and my mood was reflecting it ...

Everything I picked up, I dropped. I put things down and then couldn't remember where I had left them. I tripped over my own feet - several times. The laundry literally whacked me in the head (truly, but please don't ask how). Bob called and said he had to leave in a few hours for DC Cook to do some testing for them (yes, that's a nuclear plant and no, I wasn't at all worried about his safety).

To sum up, I was being a crank. A grumbler. A whiner.




And then I thought of the people of Japan, and I straightened up. Lord, forgive me for being ungrateful.

I guess we all do that though. Have days where we momentarily forget our blessings in the face of frustration. It's sad that other's pain is sometimes what it takes to make us remember how lucky we are, but perhaps that's why bad things happen ... so that we don't overlook the good.

I'm certain that like me, the Japanese people have been on your mind and in your hearts constantly since last Friday. You may be wondering how to help, or perhaps you have already made a donation to rescue efforts.

I've always noted that when disaster first strikes, people are incredibly generous with their efforts and contributions. As time passes, other events necessarily take over the news, but the clean-up and aid efforts in areas affected (think New Orleans, Haiti, etc.) continues, as does the need for financial support.

So I had an idea. I created the felt pin pictured below, and I'm going to "sell" them for $10 each. At the end of June, I will donate all proceeds raised - and personally match the total (up to $200) - to an organization that is still working in Japan at that time, most likely one like Save the Children.


About the pin: Hand-crafted from felt (so each one will be slightly different), about 2.5 inches in diameter. Each layer is cut then sewn in place. I chose white and red to represent the Japanese flag as well as the courage of the Japanese people. The green leaf represents regrowth and hope. A black rhinestone centers the flower (if you would prefer a white rhinestone please specify when ordering).

By purchasing and wearing a pin, you will be reminding yourself and others of the ongoing need to help a devastated country. I plan to pin my to a ribbon and tie it around my purse handle; I think it would also look fantastic on a spring jacket.

Leave me a comment or email me at jkmechem@yahoo.com to order a pin. Please feel free to share with anyone you think may be interested ... I hope to have sore fingers from cutting and sewing!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

On Monday, Owen and I went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. After eating his nuggets and fries he happily went off to the play area and quickly became buddies with another little guy about his age. They had the best time - chasing each other around, laughing, doing somersaults! When he had to leave, Owen struck up a friendship with a girl a bit older than him; they enjoyed playing hide and seek, and pretending that part of the tower structure was their boat.

The point of this story? This week, I'm really loving getting glimpses into the independent, friendly, growing-up-fast Owen! And ...


I'm loving letting my OCD side out and re-organizing his toys.


I'm loving this stuff! My friend Amy told me about it and it's wonderful - makes my thick, coarse hair silky and shiny.


I'm loving that my Alma maters - Penn State and Old Dominion - made it to the dance!


I'm loving how much Owen loves the first tractor ride of the season, spreading catfish oil on the lawn!

Put Me In Coach!

I'm ready to play!

Official T-ball academy starts next week; today was just us in the yard tossing/batting the ball around and having fun.


Coach Daddy


Love the effort behind the throw


Must keep eye on ball ...


got it!


Whack - right back at me!

Prayers for Japan

We had a day of pretty strong winds and rain on Thursday; enough to topple an old tree into power lines on an adjacent street and leave us without electricity for three hours.

When the lights flickered off, Cearra, Owen and I sat in the silence for minute, amplified by the sudden shut-off of Sponge Bob on TV. I gathered flashlights - thank goodness for Owen's toys because none of the "real" versions were working - and lit almost my entire collection of candles to hold back the darkness.

I was slightly annoyed in the way you are when dinner plans get scuttled; entertainment options are lessened; general niceties are momentarily abated. But I was also quite aware of how very lucky we are to live in an area of the world where power outages are rare and often brief, and more inconvenience than anything else.

Friday morning I woke to the news of a massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan. And I can't stop thinking ...

At roughly the same time Owen and I were playing combine demolition derby by candlelight, a mother in Japan was desperately trying to protect her child.

As Bob made his way home around blocked roads and without a few street lights, a man in Japan was wondering if he'd ever see his wife and children again.

While I pondered what to serve my family for dinner without benefit of stove or microwave, a family in Japan scrambled to survive.

I saw a comment on facebook that this ripping apart of the earth, this devastation of life and land, was God's wrath. I don't believe that. I think any miracles that come in the form of survivors is God's work.

Once again, I am reminded of my blessings. To appreciate each and every day I am given and to hold my family and friends close. And I find myself praying constantly for the people of Japan as they try to ease the darkness.

Clowning Around

First Owen was a clown at school (he told me he was "jungaling" aka juggling) ...


then he and Cearra were clowning around at home. They sure make me laugh!



Love my kiddos!

Veggie Tales

Owen took one look at the box Bob brought into the house for my birthday and said ...


"You got Mommy green beans?"


Thankfully, not.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving that Cearra is home for Spring Break! Watching her and Owen goof around is such a joy!


I'm loving that I have been blessed with such amazing friends and family! My birthday on Sunday was made special with cards, calls, texts, facebook messages, and the incredible decorations, cake, and gorgeous gift that my friend Missy and her kiddos surprised me with!


I'm loving decorating for Spring by freshening up the fireplace mantel with yellows, whites, and bright greens!


I'm loving this beautiful bracelet and the fact that 100% of the purchase price is donated to this organization which provides grants to people wanting to adopt!


I'm loving Remy's love for her big ol' catnip ball!

Have a wonderful Wednesday y'all!

(Almost) Instant Karma

I believe in karma. You know, good goes around. And so, because ten of you responded to my "Hello?" post (either by comment here or on facebook) and made me smile, within a week or two I'll be sending out something that (I hope) makes you smile!

Hmmm, what are they??


Mary and Leah, may I please have your mailing addresses? You can email me at jkmechem@yahoo.com

What I'm Loving Wednesday

First, today and everyday I'm loving being a mom! I'm loving too that last week my mom and my mother-in-law played along! I'm really enjoying giving thought to the little (and big) things that make my world a happier place, and I think it's a good exercise in graditude. So here we go ...


I'm loving that after 8 years we are finally getting the basement cleared out and cleaned up (complete with work-out area). Hooray for the trifecta of old "treasures" - Goodwill, consignment, and bulk trash pick-up.


I have a love/hate realtionship with foundation (love because I have horrible skin so I won't leave home without it; hate any heavy, cakey feeling), which is why I'm loving L'Oreal's new foundation. It's soft and light and goes on like silk, but still does a decent job covering up what you don't want the world to see.


I'm loving the adorable, preppy Polo shirt I got for Riley; and the so cute Crew Cuts (J.Crew) cardigan I chose for Kenzie; and the colorful, stylish Children's Place skirt I picked for Samantha. And I'm loving that I got all three for $2.52!

I'm loving that I just earned another free Snapfish photo book by collecting Coke points. My diet coke habit does has its benefits!


I'm loving that I have a family so ready and willing to support important causes with their time, efforts and donations. If Autisum research touches your heart as it does ours, please consider making a contribution to my sister-in-law here.