First Day Trip in NWA: Wild Wilderness Drive Thru Safari

We took our first day trip in northwest Arkansas.  I had heard about this drive thru safari place in Gentry but had never been there.  Now, the moms I talked to said their kids really liked it but the nannies I talked to said it was "ghetto."  Whatever that means when referring to a zoo atmosphere.

Anyways, my parents came up and went with us.  It took about 45 minutes to get there from our house.  We did the petting zoo first so Eli could get out of his car seat and walk around.

He had some bread to give the animals but he really wasn't too sure about sharing it.

Eli loves to pick up rocks.  Of course he found a rock at the zoo!

He also loves sand, gravel, and dirt! 
When we put him in the turtle pen he sat right down and played in the sand. 
He could care less about the giant turtles behind him.

Now this peacock perked him right up! 
It was just roaming around the park and Eli decided to chase it.

Until it jumped on the fence to get away from him.

Exploring this part of the park took about an hour.  Once we finished this we purchased some over priced drinks at the concession stand then hopped in the car for the drive thru safari.  My dad was a little paranoid about animals sticking their heads in the car so every time an animal got it's head close to the car he rolled all the windows up.  I think he's seen too many YouTube videos about animals going crazy in your car.  It was pretty funny to watch some of these animals just walk right up to your car and look in the window!

This fella just stood there because my dad wouldn't roll the window down for him. 

I think Eli and this zebra were having a staring contest.

Overall, I'd say it was a success.  The cost was 10.00 per person and Eli was free because he was under 2.  I do think now is the best time to go because I'm guessing tons of animals pooping in Arkansas heat could be quite disgusting come summer time.  We got there around 1:30 and left around 3:30.  When we left there was a very long line of cars to get in.

When you go take your own bread and your own drinks. 

Limited TV Week Summary

Like I said in my previous posts about limited TV was not a life altering week. One thing it did make us realize was how much TV Eli watches. Most of the time he is playing and completely un-interested in anything else but if a song comes on TV he stops what he’s doing and makes his way to the living room to check it out. Cheers, for instance, is a theme song he loves! It is kind of funny to see him “dance” to things on TV but it is also not necessary.


After last week Chris even talked about not having a TV in our living room and putting it either in our bedroom or a guest room just to keep the kids (yes, in May we will have two kids) from watching too much TV. Most of the shows me and Chris watch come on at 9:00 anyways so the kids would be in bed already. You know those 9:00 shows you love: The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Castle…admit it!

Overall, it was good and I don’t think it would hurt people to make a conscience effort to limit their TV just to see how much they do watch and/or depend on it for things. As I said in the beginning I was using the TV to keep Eli occupied so I could get ready or unload the dishwasher, etc but now I’ve just learned to keep my bedroom more child proof in case little feet come wandering in and I’m getting pretty good at loading and unloading the dishwasher with his “help.”

Limited TV Day 3

Like I ended my post about day two--there is no life altering revelations taking place.  We are just being more productive with our time since we are not sitting in front of the TV.  For Eli that means we read more books and practice coloring more.  Reading books, alone, makes me realize how old Good Night Moon is getting.  Before Eli was born he actually received two copies of that book and they both look like they have been through the ringer.  As soon as I start reading one book he'll throw Good Night Moon down in my lap.  His own suggestive way of saying he wants that one read next.

This challenge is actually not that difficult for me and Chris because we both like to read so when the TV is off and Eli's in bed we'll just pull out our Bible or another book we're reading.  It's not really torture.

One thing I have noticed this week is my sleep pattern.  I don't know if it's because I'm seven months pregnant or not over-stimulated by the TV but I have been REALLY tired at night and therefore, I am sleeping so deep I haven't had any crazy pregnancy dreams this week.

Limited TV Day 2

Yesterday was day one of our little challenge and it went good.  There were no major melt downs or desperate pleas for TV. 

This morning started off with the news and Eli decided he wanted to be REALLY cranky so he went down for an early nap at 8:30.  Once he went down I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher (always a nap time chore), and sorted laundry and started washing the mountain of laundy that had taken over our bedroom closet.  Eli ended up sleeping for two hours!  When he woke up we played for a little while then it was time for lunch!  After lunch I attempted to clean the guest room but with little hands "helping" I didn't get much done.  Once I gave up on the guest room we moved on to practicing coloring.  We colored some pictures and practiced not eating crayons (it's still a work in progress).

Then, guess what?  Eli got super cranky again.  Lately, he hasn't been taking two naps but the rule in our house is, "Cranky babies go to bed."  I put him down in his bed and we went right to sleep so he must have been tired.  During his second nap I worked on some Scentsy stuff and read until he woke up.

There was no life altering revelation on day two.  I'm not really expecting there to be but it's nice to know it can be done.

TV Challenge

Yesterday I read an article about a family that went a week with limited TV viewing.  They didn't do it to be super holy but instead to see if it was the cause of their son's sleeping issues.  I was intrigued.  I asked Chris what he thought about it and he was game to limit our TV viewing.  I know of families that don't have TVs or don't have cable and props to them.  We have a TV and basic cable in our house.  I don't feel that we are addicted to TV.  It is merely a crutch we lean on or noise in the background.   

There are three main reasons we watch TV in our house:

1.  When I want to dry my hair or put make up on I will turn on PBS and as long as someone is singing my son is interested in it leaving me the chance to quickly make myself presentable without having to pull Eli out of the closet or keep my lipstick out of his hands.

2.  3:00 is when Friends comes on TBS everyday and I love Friends.  When it was on NBC originally we watched it religiously.  3:00 is usually when I take my good mommy break.  Eli is usually eating a snack or playing with his toys and I'm watching Friends.

3.  Relaxing.  After Eli goes to bed Chris and I have our favorite shows we like to watch and just chill out.  There is something to be said for being able to enjoy a TV show with no 1 year old screaming just because he can or the possibility of getting a ball thrown at your head. 

After discussing it with Chris we decided that starting today and ending next Sunday we would watch the news in the morning, leave the TV off all day, and then watch only 1 hour at night after Eli has gone to bed.  I know, it may not seem like much to you do-gooders that don't watch TV at all but it might turn out to be a pretty big deal for this family.

I think this will probably be hardest for me during the day with Eli.  Don't get me wrong, he doesn't sit in front of a TV all day but, like I said earlier, it is often my way to keep him occupied while I attempt to do other things without his "assistance." 

So far in Day 1 of our challenge it has not been difficult.  We had the news on in the morning, then went to church, came home, ate lunch, and now Eli and Chris are napping and I'm updating this blog.  I'll keep you posted how it goes!

It Happened

Well, the Plunkett's are growing again!  I have taken two tests, both saying positive so we're saying we're pregnant!  I talked to our doctor today to schedule an appointment for Eli's 1 year check up and she said that she's guessing about 6 weeks along. 

We are very excited.  About two days after I had Eli someone asked me if I was ready for another one.  I think they meant it as a joke but I said, "Sure, I could do that again."  Thank you Mr. Epidural.  I didn't have a bad pregnancy with Eli (except the 20 days of bed rest).  Him being in the NICU was stressful but it was over almost as soon as it began.  Now he's crawling all over the place and getting into everything.

Let me answer a couple of questions I know you are probably wondering about:

How far along are you?  Probably about six weeks.  Our first doctor's appointment is September 8th so maybe then we'll be able to pin point it better.


Do you want a boy or girl?  I do not care either way.  Part of me wants another boy just because I already have boy stuff and it would save some money but then part of me wants a girl because I see these cute little girls that just sit and play with their hands while my son is biting the ends off door stops.  But Chris wants twin boys.  He has always thought twins would be fun even after we're around twins he still wants them!  I always have a fear of twins because Chris' great grandma had two or three sets of twins and no one has had twins since then.

Do you have names picked out?  We do.  But we probably aren't going to tell anyone until we know the sex.

Do you have any symptoms yet?  What started the whole pregnancy test thing was the fact that I was cleaning house and got really dizzy and nauseous and I had to lay down.  When Chris came out of the bedroom I told him what was going on and he said, "Do I need to go buy a pregnancy test?"  Off he went to Walgreen's to buy a pregnancy test and Sprite.  I took one test that night that was positive and I took another one the next morning and it was positive also.

I'll try to keep you updated!

Chaotic Grace

These days I'm starting to feel like Maria in the Sound of Music when she's in the field spinning around and around with her arms open.  There is so much stuff in my mind and in my life God is really forcing me to take one day at a time.  Better yet, one second at a time. 

When I think about everything going on around me God really starts putting things in perspective for me because occasionally we humans can be pretty self-centered.  It's usually in times of suffering people's true colors shine through--for better or worse.  Sadly, during suffering it's usually the worse that comes before the better.  In his book, Desiring God, John Piper says, "All experiences of suffering in the path of Christian obedience, whether from persecution or sickness or accident, have this in common:  They all threaten our faith in the goodness of God and tempt us to leave the path of obedience."  This is so true!  It is in days of chaos and suffering that we tend to spend less time with the Creator when, in fact, we should be spending more time with Him.

"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.  But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1:9)."  By no means, am I saying that my suffering compares to the persecution of Christians in Paul's day but the same God that raises the dead and created the solar system can handle my chaos.  If only we would trust Him more and not ourselves. 

What Lasts for 32 Years?

Back in May I did a post about what had lasted the entire time my husband and I had been married (9 years).  Well, I'm in Arkansas for a couple of days and decided I would look around my parent's house and see what has lasted them 32 years.

My mom has a set of silverware that was a wedding gift from her Aunt Gladys.  I have no idea where this silverware came from and this might be the only piece my mom still has.

This dresser has been around longer than my parents have been married.  It was my mother's dresser when she lived at home.  I have sanded it down and I'm going to re-finish it whenever I buy the stain.

This is a mirror that was in my room when I was little. 
I don't know for sure when my parents bought it but I know that it was in my room for a LONG time.

My parents might kill me for this!  This is their engagement picture!  In the orginal frame, I'm sure!
Now, when you come over this is not proudly displayed so don't expect to see it again--I had to go looking for it.

While I was looking for the engagement picture I came across this little gem.  Again, I don't know when my mom got it but I know it's been on her bathroom counter for as long as I can remember.

Last but not least, the games!  Notice the duct tape holding Battleship together!  The games used most often were the United States puzzle, Taboo, and Family Trivia Pursuit.  Don't ask where the original Trivia Pursuit game is.  Why all the games?  We lived in the country and didn't get satellite until I was about 16 years old--what else were we going to do?

There is also a Bible story book I was going to get a picture of until the camera died.  Because, I did this while my parents were at work I don't really know the back story behind any of this or where they are hiding the really old stuff! 

Update Time

Well, last night I learned that this blog holds some sentimental spot in my husband's heart.  Therefore, it will not be deleted.  Instead it will be more personal and less informative.  For more informative stuff visit my cluttered corner.  For family updates and personal ramblings stay here.  And always for all things running go to the running blog.

So for things of a personal nature.  The only reason most of my family reads this blog:  Mr. Eli Plunkett!

He will be 9 months old July 14th! 

He scoots all over the place!  Nothing is off limits to this mobile little boy!

He has found his bedroom!  While scooting around he wanders in here to play with some of his other toys!

He loves his Daddy!  While in AR for the 4th of July Chris took him for a ride on the four wheeler.  Eli loves being outside so this was right up his alley!

Summer Movies

Thanks to my mother I have a special fondness in my heart for old movies or "classics."  I remember several times in our house (after we got the satellite) she made us watch TCM because, "they were classics."  Esther Williams, Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, you name 'em we watched 'em.  Now, sadly, my husband gets to to also watch old movies with me.

Being the nerd I am, I am in a summer reading program at our local library.  In my defense, they have some pretty cool prizes for adults!  Anyways, I recently checked out, "The Great Movies," by Roger Ebert.  Basically, this book is his list of great movies and with each title he gives a little background into each movie.  I'll admit, most of the movies in this book I've never of and after looking them up on Netflix I discovered it's because some of them are foreign movies.  For your viewing pleasure I have listed SOME of the movies from his list (*=I agree with Mr. Ebert):
All About Eve *  This was the first movie I saw Bette Davis in.  I'm pretty sure she was born to play this part.
Apocalypse Now  I kind of want to see this because it is a Francis Ford Coppola movie but Chris said I probably wouldn't like it because it is pretty violent.
Beauty & the Beast  This is not the Disney version.  The movie Mr. Ebert is referring to is the 1946 version of the film.
The Big Sleep *  This movie is a little confusing but it gives you a chance to see Humphrey Bogart in something other than Casablanca even though, it seems like the same character in both movies. 
Bonnie & Clyde  I have not seen this movie but it is in our queue at Netflix to get once I return Valentine's Day.
Casablanca *  Does this really shock you?  Even if you've never seen it, everyone's heard of it.
E.T.  This was the first movie I ever cried while watching.  You know the scene where E.T. might be dying?!  I love the way Mr. Ebert wrote the chapter on this movie--he wrote it as a letter to his grand kids because he was watching them watch the movie through child eyes instead of movie critic eyes.
Fargo   I have not seen all of this movie.  I catch it sometimes on TV but I have never actually seen the entire movie. 
The Godfather *  I love the Godfather trilogy!  I don't know why but when I saw the first one we had to go out and rent the second and third installment.  Anytime I see it on T.V. I want to watch it all over again!
Gone with the Wind *  Is there any doubt this movie is on the list?  I remember the first time I watched the entire movie I just kept wondering when it was going to be over because what else could possibly go wrong!?
It's A Wonderful Life  It might be un-American but I've never seen this entire movie either!  However, I'm not going to put it in my queue because it comes on every Christmas so I'll have the opportunity to watch it.
JFK  I have not seen this movie but I want to.  Chris was not in the mood to see it a second time so this might be one I watch when he's out of town. 
Pinocchio  According to Mr. Ebert this movie is said to be one of the best movies Disney ever produced.  I do not think I agree with that statement.  Sorry, Mr. Ebert.
Pulp Fiction *  I remember watching this movie after I saw Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2.  I was fascinated by Quentin Tarantino.  I think they should make an amusement park ride based on his brain and the working of it.  Perhaps it might be a little scary but interesting, none the less. 
Schindler's List *  I actually read the book before I saw this movie.  I remember thinking it was so depressing.  But then again, concentration camps are exactly chicken soup for the soul material either.  Watching this movie made me feel like I was there, which I'm sure is the goal. 
The Shawshank Redemption *  This is a movie Chris has actually watched more than once.  Movies that make me feel sorry for criminals intrigue me because that is exactly what the directors, writers, and producers want you to do--feel sorry for their characters.
Singin in the Rain *  Of course, this is no shocker either.  Again, a movie everyone's heard of but not everyone has seen.  Go ahead--rent it.  You'll be singing that song all day after you do!
Some Like it Hot *  Marilyn Monroe is probably not recognized for her acting as much as her looks but when I saw this movie I couldn't really imagine anyone else playing her part. 
Star Wars  It doesn't shock me that this movie is listed but I'm not really into Star Wars movies but some people are.
The Wizard of Oz *  For its time I'm sure this movie was great.  But, every time I think of the Wizard of Oz I think of my mom.  My mom absolutely hates this movie--apparently, when she was child it scared her and even as an adult she refuses to watch it.  Ironically, one year we were on vacation in Missouri and my mom had a seizure and was rushed to a local hospital.  The doctors asked her several questions, one of which was, "Ma'am, do you know where you are?"  Her response, "Kansas."  At the moment I didn't think it was funny but looking back now it makes me laugh. 

I have not seen all the movies listed above but I would like to.  Thanks to Netflix and being able to watch instantly we did watch The Big Sleep the other night.  I agree with Mr. Ebert that it was very confusing and after reading the chapter on this movie I think it's humorous that even the director of the movie had to call the original author of the book to understand the plot.

If you get bored this summer and need to expand your mind a little watch an old movie.

Happy viewing!

Motherhood

Since I've been a mother all of 7 1/2 months I have learned A LOT! Not just about my son but about other mothers (and women in general).

1. It's hard. People joke around that stay at home moms don't do anything but watch their kids. There are some days I would like to sit in my old office and close the door. That's what I did when I needed a break from my co-workers. Now, I can't really just shut the door. My son is mobile and therefore, nothing is off limits to him...until I snatch it out of his hands.

2. It's wonderful. As hard as it is being my son's mom it is also wonderful. I love for him to wake up from a nap and smile at me through his crib. It is as if he's had the most wonderful dream and can't wait to tell me about it.

3. Women are mean. I was reading this blog about Julia Roberts being a mom and the stuff she liked about her kids. My first reaction when reading it was, "Ahhh, that is so sweet." I scrolled down and read what other people put as comments. Let me just say, they are mean. What ever happened to, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?" I think that's a pretty good rule to stand by when leaving comments on blogs. Seriously? We have so people people and things trying to bring us down why do we need to do it to each other?

4. We are different. Praise the Lord for that! I hang out with a wonderful set of friends at least once a week and we are all different but we are all excellent mothers to our children and wonderful wives for our husbands. I thank God for this set of ladies in my life. Our children are about the same ages and we just swap stories and compare baby products and just hang out. I love our times together!

I leave you now with two videos Christy Nockels did about motherhood:

Being A Mom {Part 1} from christy nockels on Vimeo.

Being A Mom {Part 2} from christy nockels on Vimeo.

What Lasts for Nine Years?

Today my husband and I celebrated our nine year wedding anniversary.  It just seems so crazy to me that we have been married for nine whole years!  I started thinking about everything we've been through together and then my mind slipped to our things.  I started looking around the house for things we have had the entire time we've been married.  Enjoy.

Oneida silverware.  Chris' Granny told us she would buy our silverware for us...until she found out we registered for it at Pier One then she told me to look at JCPenney for "real" silverware.

Correll white dishes.  Every time I think about getting new dishes I always go back to how versatile these are.  Notice there are only 4 red plates--I couldn't bear to buy a whole set--I wasn't ready to replace my white ones.

This is a tote bag I bought on our honeymoon.  You guessed it--Disney World!

American Eagle shoes.  I bought these on clearance right after we got married for $9.99!  It was a deal I just couldn't pass up!

Last but not least, my wedding band.  I love this ring!  My husband designed it using all the rings he'd given me.  The small hearts came from a promise ring he gave me about 2 years before we got engaged, the diamond came from my engagement ring, and the wedding band was bought to complete the set.  Sometimes we talk about getting me another set for the big anniversaries (you know 25, 50, etc) but right now I don't think I can ever replace this ring.  It really is one of a kind.  A Chris Plunkett original!

I remember the first item we had to replace after we got married.  Bath rugs.  Chris got really sick when we had been married for about 3 months and he threw up on everything in the bathroom.  I mean EVERYTHING!  I couldn't stand to clean the rugs so I just threw them away.  Sorry, to who ever bought them for us. 

Our First Family Pictures!

Tis the Season...

This past Sunday the following two questions were posed at our Freedom table group: 1). What are you most looking forward to this Christmas? 2). What are you not looking forward to this Christmas? Not surprising the answer to these questions can sometimes be the same answer: Family. As much as we love to see our family during the holidays sometimes it is that very family that also drives us crazy at the holidays.

I like to say that I have plenty of crazies in my family but they are my crazies. Most of them I wouldn't trade for anything (haha). It's sad that we don't think about everything we missed with our families until there are less and less of them around. Recently, it seems like every time I open my e-mail or get a phone call it's to tell me something bad about someone I know. One of my good friends from Southwestern lost her brother-in-law in a car wreck, another friend also lost her brother-in-law in a wreck, too many people are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, and then there's always someone you hear about that's just not talking to their family for some reason or another. You only have one family for better or worse God gave them to you.