Going Green?

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about going green. You know, the the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I am not exactly sure what I think about it. Many question have been passing through my mind. I know that God gave us the earth to take care of but I also know that it will pass away one day (when Jesus comes back). What does it mean to "subdue" the earth (Gen 1:28)? What is our responsibility as stewards of creation? Should we worry about tomorrow even though the Bible says not to? Is our environment a big factor in the cancer epidemic?

Even though I still have a middle of the road perspective which stems from an eternal prospective. I have personally decided to take baby steps and do what I can. Our first step has been to use light bulbs that are more energy efficient. We are only replacing them when they blow out (baby steps, we have 48 recess lights). I am now recycling plastic. It is amazing how much plastic we go through with a toddler in the house.







I have also starting to take my own bags to the grocery store.





I do have some energy saver appliances: washer, dryer and a tankless hot water heater.



What is your opinion on the matter? I would love to hear you thoughts. Is it possible to make a difference to the environment without having to become a tree hugger or an eco geek or having it costing you a fortune in time and money?

I will keep you updated on my progress.

1-2-3 JUMP!

We had a play date at the pool today with lots of friends. Abe is getting to be a little fish. He even jumped off of the diving board twice (with a little help from Mrs. Nancy). He is not afraid of the water a bit and loves to jump off of the side.

Abe and Coco

Trying to catch a butterfly

Play Date

Abe had a play date with his friend Luke today. They played very well together and had a lot of fun. Thanks Steve and Emily for having us over to play.

Retirement Party

TW and I had the privilege of hosting a retirement party for my great-aunt Joyce yesterday. Everybody had a wonderful time.

The guest of honor

Granddaddy and Abe


The life of the party

Little Tornado

I have always hoped that Abe might be a neat freak because TW and I are so messy. But look at the living room after a few hours this morning. I am still holding out for him to not take after us in terms of neatness.

Abe is a clumsy kid but look a that balance.
Watching TV while balancing on the drum. Now that is multitasking.
I got Abe a new bib that covers from his neck to below the knees. I am trying to prevent the many stains that comes along with the way a toddler eats. I still might need to invest in a shower cap. He has more food in his hair that he does in his belly after eating. Also, it is a good thing that we have dogs because I can not imagine having to clean the floor after the Abester's 3 meals and 2 snacks per day.

Waves of Mercey, Waves of Grace..

"Every Move I Make" was the theme song of the day. Last week Bentley and Macauley learned a lot of praise songs at VBS. They kept singing this song all day and Abe would join in at the "na na na na na na" part. It was pretty cute:) Paw and Maw's pool is getting a new liner and we have not been swimming for a week. Last Wednesday we turned the pool cover into a huge slip-n-slide and today we went to the Ripley Water Park. Here are some pictures from both adventures.

What fun!!!
The water park
Abe and Maw
"LOOK a bird"
Macauley went down the big slide.

Bentley and Macauley
Bentley and Abe
This is how Abe was suppose to slide down the baby slide.
This is how Abe actually came down the slide several times. Face down but he wanted to do it again.

It's official...

Abe is obsessed with his daddy. If I have to hear the words DA-DY, DA-DY, DA-DY, my DA-DY in a winy voice one more time I might scream. Just kidding, I think that it is awesome that Abe is so in love with TW. I think it is very normal for toddlers Abe's age to have separation anxiety when away from their mom (which he does) but he has gotten really bad about wanting his daddy. I think it is because TW leaves a lot. He is usually just going to work or is working outside but Abe is devastated every time he leaves. As a result, Abe is constantly worried that TW is going to leave him. Only a great dad is worthy of such love.

Here are some examples of Abe's obsession:
Monday my mom, Abe and I were at Subway when Abe saw a white truck and had a melt down because he thought it was his daddy. What was so bad is the fact that the truck was driving away and Abe thought his daddy was leaving him. He just screamed my DA-DY, my DA-DY, my DA-DY, my DA-DY... and he was devastated:( (At least we know he is not color blind)

This weekend at the mall we were shopping for fathers day gifts. Abe was in the stroller, TW and I were taking turns pushing the stroller. If one of us got out of site for a second he would cry for us DA-DY MA-MA. He would get so upset I ended up holding his hand while walking beside the stroller as TW pushed him. That just made his day.

Abe hates to get his diaper changed and when I change it he just cries for his daddy, even if he is not here, like TW is going to come in there and rescue him.

#1 melt down of all time happens when TW tries to mow the yard before Abe goes to sleep. We live on 2 acres and it takes a while to mow. So TW will try to start away from the house hopping Abe will not hear the mower. But as soon as he does he wants to go outside immediately or the biggest temper tantrum occurs. He loves riding on the mower with his daddy.