the Mitchells

a couple more firsts...

2009-07-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

some of the same...

2009-03-02T16:04:00.001-08:00

6 weeks already!

2009-02-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

From our run down south:

How about now?

2009-02-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

A few of our dear friends had a hard time recognizing Rodney in the previous post. Well, as his friend sees fit to continue posting these priceless treasures on Facebook, I have to follow suit. PLUS, this one might look more like the Rodney we all love today--he IS eating, after all. ;) AND how cute is all that wavy hair!?!

THIS is what I'm talking about!

2009-02-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

Love it, love it. love it!! The hair, the shirt....the whole deal!!

After bath

2009-01-26T10:01:00.001-08:00

Finally, Eden pictures!

2009-01-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Just a few of the 300 or so, so far. Click here for the full screen version.

Eden Nicole was born January 9th, 2009 at 7:47am, weighed 7lbs 1oz, and was 19.5 inches long. Mommy and baby are both doing great.

Getting ready for baby...

2009-01-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Although he may not completely appreciate this picture when he's older...NRMy's excited about all the new fun "stuff" mommy is pulling out of the closets in preparation of the soon arrival of his little sister later this week.

ahhh....memories....

2008-12-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

How awesome are my in-laws!! We just got a little package with these two fantastic nuggets included!! Seriously, how could I resist, love?!?! Look at how happy you look!!

Kids are too much fun!

2008-12-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

What the heck were we doing for fun before this?!?!

"pun-tin pie and bacon, Mama?"

2008-12-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

Sadly, we had neither...and had cereal and fruit.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

As an annual tradition, a number of our friends avoid the crowds and head up to Apple Hill the day after Thanksgiving. The weather was awesome and we had a blast being able to join the gang this year to pick out our Christmas tree!! Nathan was mostly preoccupied by all the sticks he found along the way but paused long enough for Mommy to get a couple cute shots to mark the adventure.

Follow up on PIE!

2008-11-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Nicole, it's only 1:47 not 2:41.

2008-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Nat's first words this morning.

2008-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Nathan calls when he wakes up in the morning, "Mama! Mama!" So Stacy went in to get him and the first thing he said was, "I want pie and a spoon."

(Picture stolen from Lara's Apple Hill Facebook album where she said, "Nathan insisted that the ice cream he was eating was PIE, no matter how hard Auntie Lara tried to change his mind....")

He's been talking about pie pretty much non-stop for the last few days. I think that trip had an effect on him.

Deals to be had...

2008-11-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, so usually I would leave such a post in the very capable hands of our deal-sniffing friends, but I can't NOT mention a few things to the "group".

First, live.com is a search engine arm of Microsoft and for some reason has seen fit to offer cashback rewards for searching through their site. I found this out when I was scouting out a sweet ebay deal and then got an additional 25% off by going through live.com. It's similar to ebates, or sites like it, but the percentage off is much greater (meaning it won't take forever to earn it) and it includes maybe not more stores, but at least a little different variety. So, I'd strongly encourage anybody who plans on doing any online shopping to sign up for a Microsoft cashback account and get going! Unless you like chasing your toddler down the store aisles. :) It has been fun to find the treasures that NRMy has placed in our basket at checkout.

Ok, Second. Amazon grocery. Seriously. First of all, we love Amazon.com...who doesn't? But after snooping around their grocery "aisles" I have realized that if we didn't have a Costco membership, we could get some very competitive pricing on a whole bunch of stuff, with an added bonus of NOT HAVING TO GO TO COSTCO. A whole host of bulk items can be sent to you automatically in 1, 3, or 6month increments--free shipping and an additional % off the regular Amazon price (which as I mentioned is already competitive to Costco). If you don't feel as though the bulk shopping is your bag than at the very least checkout some other stuff...shipping is free, generally, on any order over $25 so don your sweatpants gleefully and save the going out for fun stuff like park day!!

Also, I have long had disdain for Raley's and their higher prices...I mean, seriously, who pays $2 for generic bleach?!!? C'mon!! Anyway, I may be changing my position...sort of. Their email club offers some pretty snazzy insider deals and coupons on occasion. You haven't won me over completely, Raley's (although the dutch crunch loaf for .99 is a good start!) but I may not speak so ill of you in mixed company.

Lastly, this is for the folks:

Carving our first pumpkin

2008-10-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

We had hoped to be joining the annual pumpkin carve-off at the Nevins this year but sadly, a snotty nose and some rain precluded our journey over. We did, however, manage our own small gooey mess on the kitchen floor and captured some carving action in the collage and video below.

(Please excuse my numerous attempts to get him to say "pumpkin." Before the camera came out he was running around saying it over and over and it was so cute....anyway, on to the show...)

Nattie loved cleaning out the inside pumpkin guts but got a little hung up on piecing the pumpkin back together after daddy cut out the pieces.

Older, bigger . . .

2008-10-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

. . . but still really cute.

So...it happened...today at Costco...

2008-10-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have heard that pregnant gals crave strange things like dirt, clay, and a whole list of inedible substances that up until today I've thought unbelievable. And then...waiting for Nana in Costco a guy had a whole flat cart filled with enormous jugs of delicious? Pinesol. It's weird but I really did look at them and think they would be good in some way...strange. Of course, I did naturally wonder why the heck would one person need soooo much Pinesol in the first place?? And then I thought it sounded yummy... Anyway, I am sure that I can fight the urge...but Love, don't be stressed if you come home to a house smelling like sparkling wave tonight. I'll be more inclined to clean the floor more often these next few days but that's all I'll do....I swear! :)

In other news...

We went to Bishop's Pumpkin Patch in Wheatland this Monday. Good times. Great corn dog....pretty good pie. Looking forward to an Apple Hill trip soon, though!!

AND Papa's Pirate party week is worth a little mention...

Rodney's office had a week long employee appreciation party and while it didn't help the impression of lax state workers it did include free breakfasts, lunches, eye patches, and walking the plank...AND we scored a nice date night prize at Pyramid Alehouse! Way to go, Babe!! ARRRR!!

They copy everything

2008-10-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Effie Yeaw

2008-09-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

We went to Effie Yeaw Nature Center last weekend and Nathan had a great time chasing the turkeys

throwing rocks in the river

and watching deer

FunFest

2008-09-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

From FunFest

Here is a great picture courtesy of a friend who does professional family portraits. Check out their excellent work at Eikon Photography. There are a few more picture from the FunFest at our church last Sunday at the album link above.

Swing!

2008-09-10T08:58:00.001-07:00

You might have seen this picture before in a previous slideshow but it's so great it really deserves it's own post. Plus we need to bump that last post down. It was, however in the tradition of the picture we sent in an email announcing Nathan when we first found out we were having a boy.

BTW

2008-09-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't heard

It's a girl.

2008-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Quick camera phone pic

2008-08-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

seriously...how could I resist ??

2008-08-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

2008-08-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! The parade of sugary goodness has come to an end but not without leaving behind some great memories...

Sneak preview

2008-08-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 14th 2006

2008-08-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today we started this blog. Here's a snippet from that first post:

The doctor wanted us to come back to his office to go over options. We got there about 6:30, well after his regular hours, and he told us he thought it would be better not to wait til Saturday so we decided sooner was better than later. He called the hospital and set it up for 6am tomorrow.

We all know what happened then!

remind me what "normal" is again...

2008-08-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sure...our friends are posting videos of their kids doing smarty-pants things like first words and first steps but why follow the crowd, I say! This will be just another video he'll appreciate is on the web when he's applying for college. We love you, little bucket-head!

He looks like such a big boy!

2008-08-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Lara again!

What do you mean I haven't posted this picture yet?!

2008-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

feeling nostalgic

2008-07-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

thanks to this post, I got to thinking...wow, 2 years! man! have they been awesome...and quick! our little guy isn't all that little anymore. he doesn't even look like a chubby little baby and he's on his way now to be a big brother. i can hardly believe it.

Playing with Grandpa

2008-07-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here's one from Stacy and Nathan's recent trip to Wisconsin.

Nathan saying "cheese!"

2008-07-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Too fun!

2008-07-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

It's great to hear this little guy get excited and use his voice!

Alien Feet

2008-07-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Nathan found mommy's gloves in the closet and decided they should go on his feet. He needed some help getting them on but was pretty pleased with the outcome.

CHEESE

2008-06-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

We had to get a cheerful, albeit somewhat gross, close up of our little man up here since the last post generated too much sympathy from well-meaning grandparents. :)

Plus, this picture just makes me giggle. Who knew peanut butter could be so much fun!

Another fat lip

2008-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Stacy called me this morning and said, "your son has only been awake for two hours and he's already bled twice". I'm not sure why I think that's so funny.

**Mommy report: Because for some odd reason I am not able to leave a comment on this post, I feel compelled to "edit/update" Papa's post by saying that our little NRMy is alright. His tumbles aren't anything that our "Mr. Bump" ice pack can't handle. And who doesn't like extra lovin' from Mama?!?

**Comments should be fixed now. Sorry. And I never had any doubt Nathan was just fine. I just know these are the first few of many future injuries.

Just something silly for the grandparents (and daddy at work)

2008-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Nattie is starting to make all kinds of noises (some words--but mostly enthusiastic noise) but I was able to catch a few moments of his latest little noise game on video. He does this sometimes while we drive around...especially if mommy and daddy are busy talking to each other.

Our little sprout can really dance a jig!

2008-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Unlike big brother NRMy, this little one gave mommy and daddy something to really watch during our last ultrasound!

Doc says baby looks healthy...measures out right and heartbeat is strong. News on boy/girl won't be for a couple months....somewhere around August/September and that's if the baby cooperates! So, we'll keep you posted!

Oh, hey. Did I miss another Wednesday?

2008-06-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Photo by Lila.

We love it when Nathan laughs

2008-05-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Nathan likes sleeping with a pillow now

2008-05-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

2008-05-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Extending the praise list

2008-05-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Our news has been pretty widely spread at this point, but just to keep a record of events in our household...

WE ARE PREGNANT.

About 6 weeks along and our first doctor's appt. is tomorrow afternoon (when we'll get an actual "picture" of our little sprout).
The picture above however was too awesome to not share. Taken from a magazine that charts the growth of a baby from conception to birth, the photo above is 2 months and theoretically what our baby will look like in a couple weeks.

We'll keep posting information as God, time, and mommy's energy allows!

Water fun

2008-04-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a great collage Stacy put together from their trip to visit grandparents! So fun!

Couch laugh

2008-04-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Nathan is visiting his grandparents and this came from their cell phone. I'm not sure why he's doing what he's doing but it cracks me up. Of course I'm a bit biased.

It's sideways but I have this great free software that flips and rotates video--it's called Free Video Flip and Rotate--and it works great except it strips the sound. And, really, the sound is the best part.

Nathan's first real boo-boo.

2008-04-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Nattie took a tumble today at the park and scored himself a real big
boy boo-boo.....and lives to "tell" the tale.

Daffodils!

2008-04-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Picnic at Daffodil Hill before it closed for the season.

[Editorial note by Rodney: Inspired by the Yows Stacy had the great idea to have a picnic at Daffodil Hill. The flowers were a bit past the peak but it was a great way to spend a sunny Saturday! Thanks for posting the pic, baby!]

Poppies!

2008-04-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

On the way home from a great week of vacation in Southern California, Rodney took us past the CA Golden Poppy Reserve as a special treat to break up the long drive. What a great time too!! The poppies were vibrant and gorgeous and even Nattie was happy about the stop!

Helping mommy in the kitchen!

2008-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Awesome!

2008-03-12T15:07:00.001-07:00

Big Boy

2008-03-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, this will be the last one of these, I promise, but, for Matt.

Salsa!

2008-03-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Nat was digging the salsa at his Nanty's rehearsal dinner a few weeks ago.

Tintin?

2008-03-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

This is kind of a repeat but it was inspired by, I think, Lucy, a very long time ago. I just saw the Tintin picture again recently and knew what I had to do.

This are old ones but good ones

2008-02-28T08:38:00.001-08:00

Fun in the snow!

2008-02-21T08:40:00.001-08:00

Congratulations, Derrel and Nicole!!

2008-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Please feel free to leave comments for the bride and groom below....until they get there own blog started again...

Baby steps to Mrs. Ebert...

2008-01-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well the time has arrived!! (I figured I could post a picture of Nicole and her "mini-dress" without giving away too many wedding dress details.)

The week before the wedding is almost a memory and my sister cleaves to Derrel Ebert THIS Friday...and the happy couple is more than ready to put this event behind them and begin a normal life (as I am sure many of you can relate to). :)

Through the highs and lows of emotion and even just the fun "girl" stuff, I am thrilled to be able to be down here to be along side her this week and would just ask that as we all get prepared for the day's events, please pray for them....and us too. They both are feeling a healthy amount of enormity in their decision and am certain they would appreciate your consideration before the "Big Man".

Thanks!! (Hopefully I will have "clearance" to post more pictures once the weekend has past.)

Sleeping on the airplane

2008-01-17T09:22:00.001-08:00

Nathan slept most of the way both there and back which made the long airplane trips much easier.

A few pictures from Christmas Day

2008-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

I know it's not a video but you can click for a bigger version.

Here you go.

2008-01-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry to disappoint all 21 of you (or 12 or 15 depending on who you ask) that visited yesterday hoping for the new Wednesday picture. Here's one just for Nicole.

That's the roasting meat at Plaza Hof Brau. Yes, roasted by light. It's a beautiful thing. Nicole's fiance and I took Nathan here last week. Oh, you asked for a picture "of Nathan". We'll have to get back to you.

Yogurt

2008-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

Eating yogurt all by himself! (click for bigger)

Snow!

2007-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Nathan at Niagra Falls Wednesday

2007-12-23T13:50:00.001-08:00

Nathan at Niagra Falls Wednesday.

He didn't know what to do with his hands.

Sweet ride

2007-12-13T08:10:00.001-08:00

Oops, I missed New Picture of NRM Wednesday!

You couldn't get a very good look at NRM's moose hat in the video so here you go.

NRM's new toy

2007-12-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

Nate takes his new toy for a ride.

Whoa!

2007-12-05T13:21:00.001-08:00

This is how excited Nathan was when he saw all the huge inflatable Christmas decorations at Home Depot.

End of drought

2007-11-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, this drought of posts has gone on long enough. Let's aim for one a week, shall we? Let's make Wednesday new pic of Nate day. New quotes on Monday and Thursday (although I missed the Monday update this week). Maybe someday we'll throw in a video on Fridays. It's good to have lofty goals. So, you haven't seen this one yet have you?

A shout-out from our blog door...

2007-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences by Dr. Martin Luther (1517)

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.

2. This word cannot be understood to mean sacramental penance, i.e., confession and satisfaction, which is administered by the priests.

3. Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh.

4. The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

5. The pope does not intend to remit, and cannot remit any penalties other than those which he has imposed either by his own authority or by that of the Canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring that it has been remitted by God and by assenting to God's remission; though, to be sure, he may grant remission in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in such cases were despised, the guilt would remain entirely unforgiven.

7. God remits guilt to no one whom He does not, at the same time, humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to them, nothing should be imposed on the dying.

9. Therefore the Holy Spirit in the pope is kind to us, because in his decrees he always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity.

10. Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory.

11. This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the tares that were sown while the bishops slept.

12. In former times the canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties; they are already dead to canonical rules, and have a right to be released from them.

14. The imperfect health [of soul], that is to say, the imperfect love, of the dying brings with it, of necessity, great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater is the fear.

15. This fear and horror is sufficient of itself alone (to say nothing of other things) to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair.

16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ as do despair, almost-despair, and the assurance of safety.

17. With souls in purgatory it seems necessary that horror should grow less and love increase.

18. It seems unproved, either by reason or Scripture, that they are outside the state of merit, that is to say, of increasing love.

19. Again, it seems unproved that they, or at least that all of them, are certain or assured of their own blessedness, though we may be quite certain of it.

20. Therefore by "full remission of all penalties" the pope means not actually "of all," but only of those imposed by himself.

21. Therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope's indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved;

22. Whereas he remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to the canons, they would have had to pay in this life.

23. If it is at all possible to grant to any one the remission of all penalties whatsoever, it is certain that this remission can be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest.

24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty.

25. The power which the pope has, in a general way, over purgatory, is just like the power which any bishop or curate has, in a special way, within his own diocese or parish.

26. The pope does well when he grants remission to souls [in purgatory], not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by way of intercession.

27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory].

28. It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice can be increased, but the result of the intercession of the Church is in the power of God alone.

29. Who knows whether all the souls in purgatory wish to be bought out of it, as in the legend of Sts. Severinus and Paschal.

30. No one is sure that his own contrition is sincere; much less that he has attained full remission.

31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e., such men are most rare.

32. They will be condemned eternally, together with their teachers, who believe themselves sure of their salvation because they have letters of pardon.

33. Men must be on their guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to Him;

34. For these "graces of pardon" concern only the penalties of sacramental satisfaction, and these are appointed by man.

35. They preach no Christian doctrine who teach that contrition is not necessary in those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessionalia.

36. Every truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without letters of pardon.

37. Every true Christian, whether living or dead, has part in all the blessings of Christ and the Church; and this is granted him by God, even without letters of pardon.

38. Nevertheless, the remission and participation [in the blessings of the Church] which are granted by the pope are in no way to be despised, for they are, as I have said, the declaration of divine remission.

39. It is most difficult, even for the very keenest theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the abundance of pardons and [the need of] true contrition.

40. True contrition seeks and loves penalties, but liberal pardons only relax penalties and cause them to be hated, or at least, furnish an occasion [for hating them].

41. Apostolic pardons are to be preached with caution, lest the people may falsely think them preferable to other good works of love.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the buying of pardons to be compared in any way to works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying pardons;

44. Because love grows by works of love, and man becomes better; but by pardons man does not grow better, only more free from penalty.

45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a man in need, and passes him by, and gives [his money] for pardons, purchases not the indulgences of the pope, but the indignation of God.

46. Christians are to be taught that unless they have more than they need, they are bound to keep back what is necessary for their own families, and by no means to squander it on pardons.

47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of pardons is a matter of free will, and not of commandment.

48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting pardons, needs, and therefore desires, their devout prayer for him more than the money they bring.

49. Christians are to be taught that the pope's pardons are useful, if they do not put their trust in them; but altogether harmful, if through them they lose their fear of God.

50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the pardon-preachers, he would rather that St. Peter's church should go to ashes, than that it should be built up with the skin, flesh and bones of his sheep.

51. Christians are to be taught that it would be the pope's wish, as it is his duty, to give of his own money to very many of those from whom certain hawkers of pardons cajole money, even though the church of St. Peter might have to be sold.

52. The assurance of salvation by letters of pardon is vain, even though the commissary, nay, even though the pope himself, were to stake his soul upon it.

53. They are enemies of Christ and of the pope, who bid the Word of God be altogether silent in some Churches, in order that pardons may be preached in others.

54. Injury is done the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or a longer time is spent on pardons than on this Word.

55. It must be the intention of the pope that if pardons, which are a very small thing, are celebrated with one bell, with single processions and ceremonies, then the Gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies.

56. The "treasures of the Church," out of which the pope grants indulgences, are not sufficiently named or known among the people of Christ.

57. That they are not temporal treasures is certainly evident, for many of the vendors do not pour out such treasures so easily, but only gather them.

58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the Saints, for even without the pope, these always work grace for the inner man, and the cross, death, and hell for the outward man.

59. St. Lawrence said that the treasures of the Church were the Church's poor, but he spoke according to the usage of the word in his own time.

60. Without rashness we say that the keys of the Church, given by Christ's merit, are that treasure;

61. For it is clear that for the remission of penalties and of reserved cases, the power of the pope is of itself sufficient.

62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God.

63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last.

64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first.

65. Therefore the treasures of the Gospel are nets with which they formerly were wont to fish for men of riches.

66. The treasures of the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men.

67. The indulgences which the preachers cry as the "greatest graces" are known to be truly such, in so far as they promote gain.

68. Yet they are in truth the very smallest graces compared with the grace of God and the piety of the Cross.

69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of apostolic pardons, with all reverence.

70. But still more are they bound to strain all their eyes and attend with all their ears, lest these men preach their own dreams instead of the commission of the pope.

71. He who speaks against the truth of apostolic pardons, let him be anathema and accursed!

72. But he who guards against the lust and license of the pardon-preachers, let him be blessed!

73. The pope justly thunders against those who, by any art, contrive the injury of the traffic in pardons.

74. But much more does he intend to thunder against those who use the pretext of pardons to contrive the injury of holy love and truth.

75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God -- this is madness.

76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned.

77. It is said that even St. Peter, if he were now Pope, could not bestow greater graces; this is blasphemy against St. Peter and against the pope.

78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii.

79. To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy.

80. The bishops, curates and theologians who allow such talk to be spread among the people, will have an account to render.

81. This unbridled preaching of pardons makes it no easy matter, even for learned men, to rescue the reverence due to the pope from slander, or even from the shrewd questionings of the laity.

82. To wit: -- "Why does not the pope empty purgatory, for the sake of holy love and of the dire need of the souls that are there, if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a Church? The former reasons would be most just; the latter is most trivial."

83. Again: -- "Why are mortuary and anniversary masses for the dead continued, and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded on their behalf, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?"

84. Again: -- "What is this new piety of God and the pope, that for money they allow a man who is impious and their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God, and do not rather, because of that pious and beloved soul's own need, free it for pure love's sake?"

85. Again: -- "Why are the penitential canons long since in actual fact and through disuse abrogated and dead, now satisfied by the granting of indulgences, as though they were still alive and in force?"

86. Again: -- "Why does not the pope, whose wealth is to-day greater than the riches of the richest, build just this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of poor believers?"

87. Again: -- "What is it that the pope remits, and what participation does he grant to those who, by perfect contrition, have a right to full remission and participation?"

88. Again: -- "What greater blessing could come to the Church than if the pope were to do a hundred times a day what he now does once, and bestow on every believer these remissions and participations?"

89. "Since the pope, by his pardons, seeks the salvation of souls rather than money, why does he suspend the indulgences and pardons granted heretofore, since these have equal efficacy?"

90. To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy.

91. If, therefore, pardons were preached according to the spirit and mind of the pope, all these doubts would be readily resolved; nay, they would not exist.

92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace!

93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.

[Taken from a friend's blog who got it from Project Wittenberg]

Posting Duran style...

2007-10-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

I have seen the Durans post a few things with some success so I thought, since we no longer have a network to do these type things, I'd do the same.

Here it goes...I have a hefty handful of clean used cloth diaper covers...nothing fancy, but totally usable. They were given to me and I'd love to pass them on to someone who could use them. I wanted to throw it out here before I went to Freecycle. So, if you know anybody...

For Nanty

2007-10-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Guess where we went!

Rejoicing with those who rejoice!

2007-09-23T20:45:00.001-07:00

Little more than a week ago my sister became a blushing fiancee! We were happy to be able to join in the excitement of Derrel's well-conceived plan! The slideshow above includes some of the highlights...but excludes some pretty funny pictures of Derrel (by request) :) To get the full rendition of the serenading proposal and all the excitement to follow, check out The Road to Mr. and Mrs. Ebert.

Congratulations!! Derrel you've got yourself a winner!

Nate's First Birthday

2007-09-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a giant slideshow to celebrate our new layout. [UPDATED with a slightly less-giant version.] There might be a few more tweaks coming but this takes advantage of the giant wide screens people are using nowadays.

"Brandario"

2007-08-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone knew it was coming but now it's official. Since they don't have a pedestal of their own on the internet (and, really, they should--blogger.com, check it out--or Tumblr, it's hip) we wanted to spread the news here!

If you hadn't heard already, Rosario Cortes and Brandon Kapeller are engaged to be married! Congratulations! We're very excited for you both!

A Toddler?

2007-08-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well, officially he must "toddle" to be considered "one who toddles" but by the one year mark our little man is no longer referred to as an infant. (for the record, I think this means that the poundage I have settling on my hips is no longer called "baby weight" either.) I digress. Well, our little guy is a year old today. And even though he won't think today as being any different than yesterday. Mommy is a little teary-eyed when recalling his debut (which is also no different than yesterday! What has happened to me?!).

Rodney and I had NO clue what we were praying for when we were considering the jump from two to three. With great excitement (and some rockin' role models), we considered the responsibility and changes that would be the most dramatic once we were parents. We tried not to sugar-coat some obvious practical realities that would indeed change our family dynamic. Less sleep, less spontaneity, less money (esp. staying home)...not earth-shattering changes...but...differences that would require some adjustments.

We did and do sleep less...especially when we are watching him sleep. (this is just silly...but we do it every night). For Pete's sake, I really miss the late evenings/early mornings when I could rock him close to my chest...now he is restless and wants to be on the move. We are a lot less spontaneous! Same songs, same storybooks, same routines, same games....and I must say "ma ma ma ma ma ma...." at least a hundred times everyday before breakfast in hopes of hearing the slightest repetition. And if Nattie does anything fun or sweet we practice all day so Papa can see it when he gets home! yea....spontaneous....we are not. Our days and nights are not ours any longer! And it couldn't be better!! Less money has only meant that our entertainment and fun are rolled up in our nights together. Seriously!

This last year for Rodney and I have been filled with unspeakable joy and excitement for the future of our little family and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for allowing us to have such an awesome and sweet gift. With pure elation we congratulate and share in the happiness of all (new and not) mommies and daddies who also know what a great blessing having a child is. And with the same excitement we look to our future...watching our little boy become a man and praying that God will continue to bless our family according to His will. (No, Christina, that isn't an announcement...not yet anyway.) ;)

Happy Birthday, Nathan. Your Mommy and Daddy love you so so so much. We want to shout it from all the corners of cyber-space!

C'mon!

2007-08-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

At the current moment I am opening all my windows and doors letting in the 100 degree Sacramento "breezes" so that the smoke alarm won't screech and remind the neighbors that I CAN'T ROAST A CHICKEN. What does this bird require for Pete's sake?!? I own "The Joy of Cooking" among others, have access to thousands of recipes online, have had some organized "training" in culinary arts and I still can't get this stupid bird to look and BE delicious. My hubby, who fortunately enjoys cooking, is always having to come home to rescue my failed bird. 450 degrees for about 60-75 minutes....and it's still under cooked. Cooking it longer dries it out. Please (Sharon....Christina....anybody...) help! I want to conquer this foul fowl!

Crawling! And other milestones only Mommies and Daddies care about

2007-08-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well, ok. Milestones might be a touch dramatic for a few of these...but c'mon, a first is still a first, no? Let's call them moments of interest to few...

So after months of dragging his belly across the carpet, Nathan has started to crawl. And with some coaxing (and a steady line of O's) we have even crossed the hardwood floor! Which is awesome because now Mommy can take all the little heiny pictures his album is missing! Aside from that, he's building upper body strength by pulling himself up on stuff around the house.

For the grandmas and grandpas...

we liked our first go at real milk in our big boy cup and had PB & J sandwiches...well just the one so far.

Nathan remains a 21lb "good eater" and delights his papa by loving strange flavor combinations and Chinese/Korean food.

banana stains? What's in your arsenal?

2007-07-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

Nobody told me that this perfect food would doom Nattie's outfits to the "outside clothes" heap. I have looked on the web for some tips on handling this deviously destructive fruit but alas have come up short....SHOUT hasn't worked nor has Spray N Wash. The web offers "cold glycerin water and a good scrubbing with the banana peel" but that hardly sounds like a solution to the BANANA problem. Am I crazy?

So please, if you can offer your tips I'd be so glad to bring these soiled jammies back into the circle of dressing. I know you mommies have got some experienced secrets out there...

2007-06-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting with Nanty and Derrel last weekend. We got a chance to see the Sacramento Zoo and Nathan had a good time applauding the animals for sleeping and hiding from people. Our fearless navigators did, however, work us around to see some giraffes and monkeys moving about.
Here is some proof of our gallivanting...

I wonder if Nate's old enough for this?

2007-05-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Actual train of thought in my brain within the last few days:

Sprinklers are like an erector set for grown ups . . . Except cooler because it's with water . . . pipes and connectors would be a good toy for kids . . . it would be cool if kids could hook up pipes in different ways and then run water through them . . . that wouldn't really work because it's too hard to keep the connections from leaking . . . I wonder if you could make some kind of toy with easy to make connections . . .

Ok, all of that is just normal random activity in my brain that was soon forgotten and would have stayed forgotten — until I saw this.

(Make sure you follow the link to where they found it to see the awesome video of it in action!)

forgive me...

2007-05-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

BAM!

4 pictures for the price of 1!

2007-04-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

[UPDATE: Google just added an embeddable slideshow widget to Picasa (finally!) so I changed the not-very-good one used here before.]

Do moments on this earth get more precious?

2007-04-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Watching Rodney and Nattie play has been one of my greatest joys these last eight months.

2007-04-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

Some experiences come early

2007-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Too much fun!

2007-04-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of my sister...

2007-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

[Updated for a larger image!]

Happy Birthday Nanty!

2007-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday!

A chick magnet!!

2007-03-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Grandma Craig knitted up some treasures too!

How fun is this!?!?!

2007-03-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Craig built Nattie a shiny new wagon.....and they're off!

So, today Mom FINALLY let me feed myself!

2007-03-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

MMMMMM.....eggs! Yummy!

Then Mommy thought a bath would be a good idea before Daddy came home.

Baths are fun...but kind of silly since I'll just be messy again!

Oh, the fun we have...

2007-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

See!! It's not just you!!

2007-02-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

He saves some real tears for mommy too!

Note on comments

2007-02-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Based on this post I'm turning off the word verification requirement. We'll see how it goes.

More evidence the press wants us (or at least Bush) to lose

2007-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Every day, Slate magazine has a column called "Today's Papers" which summarizes the top headlines from the top five newspapers in the country. I highly recommend it as a great way to get a quick overview of what's going on.

These are quotes from "Today's Papers" in the last four days (FOUR DAYS! Imagine all the things that aren't as obvious!).

The NYT goes inside with news that virtuoso U.S. envoy Christopher Hill is close to a deal on North Korea's nuclear program, swapping it for fuel and normalization talks. He sounds pretty confident, calling it "a Libya model," but he "wants to be careful about predicting success tomorrow." Just think: Bush's record on the Axis of Evil could be two down, one to go. (Saturday, 2/10)

Wow! That looks pretty promising. But of course it's Saturday, and no one will notice a bit of pro-Bush news on a Saturday. But then on Sunday, as most people settle into the morning with the Sunday paper, let's see what's going on in the world:

On the other axis of evil front, talks with North Korea have been extended after negotiators failed to reach an agreement over the energy aid North Korea would receive as compensation for closing its main nuclear reactor. (Sunday, 2/11)

Notice the emphasis on "failed to reach" by making that the link. That's Slate's spin but that story's from the Washington Post whereas the first was the New York Times.

The New York Times fronts the presentation, but leads with the apparent collapse of the North Korea talks. The main stumbling point appears to be North Korea's demands for large amounts of aid before it agrees to anything. (Monday, 2/12)

Ok, now it's Monday morning and people go back to work—unless you work for the state—and check in on the news and the NYT is making up for it's absent-minded pro-bush slip over the weekend. How did that Bush-lover get in the door, anyway? But wait, look what comes next!

The New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times lead, while the Wall Street Journal tops its world-wide newsbox, with word that negotiators from six countries reached a tentative agreement that could be the first step in getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program. Under terms of the agreement, which wasn't released but the papers all have sources, North Korea would be given energy assistance and aid in exchange for the closing down of its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon and readmitting nuclear inspectors into the country. Discussions about North Korea's existing nuclear weapons and fuel would be left for a later date. (Tuesday, 2/13)

"Uh, never mind." Things turned out fine after all! I guess they were too eager for something to go wrong to wait for TWO DAYS in the middle of years-long negotiations to give anything the administration does the benifit of the doubt.

2007-02-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

2007-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

Rodney and I spent a great weekend visiting Nicole in DC. The weather was nicer than in Sacramento. In fact, we didn't even need a jacket most of the time! So here are some pictures of what we did and saw while we were there.