Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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T (age 4): I don't want anyone else to touch me ever again!
(luckily we were playing Sorry and she was tired of being sent back to start)
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K (age 6): Daddy, where is something sharp I can play with?
(Lovely. Her daddy was using a chainsaw and T had found hedge trimmers to play with. And yes, he did find her something and she trimmed the fallen branches contentedly)
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D (age 2) is busting out with sentences like mad. Here are a few favorites:

I can't do it.

Let me do it.

Let me try.

Let me have it.

I can't turn light on. I did it. I turn light on!
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D: Want Whee Thins.
(his favorite food - Wheat Thins)
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Your Turn:

Intermittent Mothering

Intermittent Mothering - Mothering "on and off" throughout the day as one attends to the interruptions and enjoyments of facebook, twitter, blogger, google reader, text messaging, cell phone ringing, home phone ringing and various other ways to stay "connected".

It's not a term I invented, but read about it here. (and there was more the next day) And it is a term I needed to define exactly the battle I fight at times.

I am trying to STOP being an intermittent mother. And yes, it is a non-stop battle because I have blogged about taking "breaks" before. (but now I don't explain them when I take off)

I, for one, am working on saying goodbye to the intermittent mother who occasionally visits this house. Because I confess that all too often I know a day goes by and there are one too many visits to the computer, the cell phone, or even my home phone.

What have I done about it the last few weeks to prevent distraction from my priorities?
(or why don't you see me commenting much anymore, posting as much, updating my status's, etc)

I shut down the computers at night. This prevents the on and off email check throughout the next day because it is a pain to do when the computer still has to reboot. Yes, I make a quick check on the iPhone in the AM to be sure nothing "major" needs to be dealt with. But I hate replying on that little text screen, so it prevents a quick check from turning into a bunch of replying.

And I leave the computers shut down until I have set aside a 30 min or so block of time to get on. Most of the time I find that I sit down to that machine when the kids are all in bed.

It's amazing how this little step has helped me to stop reading blogs so often. Stop facebooking and updating my status. Stop even blogging on my own blog so much. (though that is where I tend to focus when I have some time)

I am not saying any of that is bad. We all need to determine our own level of free time. I happen to have very little true "free time" because all three of my children are still home with me, one of which is being homeschooled "officially".

I have stopped running to this machine every night for entertainment. I play quiet music while reading my bible or other good book, talk to a friend, relax with my husband, and yes, occasionally have some "screen time".

Funny thing is, the further I pull away from "all that distraction", the less I miss it.

And the less I become an intermittent mother. Or the intermittent wife.

And I like the continual mother who is taking her place.

27 weeks

Dear Baby,

In the busy life I lead with your siblings, I have spent the last few months often forgetting that I am pregnant.

I don't forget that I am pregnant anymore.

When I sit down, you are sitting in my lap. Quite literally. My tummy is sitting there on my legs and I feel it. It is a reminder that you are there.

I cry a lot more than normal over the littlest things. For example, on Friday morning I began quietly reading the book, "Faith Training: Raising Kids who love the Lord," before your siblings woke up.

(from page 5) ...God blessed her with a daughter in the delivery room, He wasn't just saying, "Congratulations. You're about to become a parent!" he was saying, "Push, Doris, push! And with a few more pushes, you're about to become the coach of one of my dear little runners. Train her to run well, Doris. For her success depends on your training."

I cried. Thankfully I hadn't put on my mascara yet because then I cried some more. I suddenly felt completely overwhelmed with the task before me. I felt completely in awe that God would entrust our family with another one of His special children and I just cried a mix of overwhelming joy, a little fear, and a lot of pregnancy hormones.

Then I got myself together and woke up your siblings. But in that little moment, I was reminded of your presence again.

I am tired. Oh so tired by the end of the day. I know there is a lot on my plate, but even with a nap I find myself exhausted most nights. This is yet another reminder of your growing little body.

I feel your movements everyday now. I don't have to really sit and concentrate anymore. If I am sitting still at all, I can feel your movements. The moving isn't a general movement anymore either. I can feel specific types of movement now...an arm, an leg. It isn't too uncomfortable...yet, so I am able to enjoy it!

It won't be long till you are kicking me in the ribs.

Normally I give very little thought to my sciatic nerve. But your growth is an ever increasing reminder that this nerve does in fact exist in my body. And right now, during the day it yells at me, "Rest lady! Put up your feet!"

I am trying to obey and remember my priorities. You are one of them and you need me to take care of myself.

Some of my early on maternity clothing does not fit anymore. The pants are too tight and I have had to put them away. Yet another reminder that you are going to join us soon.

Very soon.

I took a look at the calendar and it occurred to me that 27 weeks is in the third trimester!

Very Very soon little one. And we can hardly wait!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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Ok, so I realize that every child does the whole, "Look Mom!" thing. But my four year old little T has really taken it to an extreme recently. While eating her fruit snacks she insisted that I look at EVERY SINGLE ONE of them before she ate it.

So while I am trying to rest and the kids are watching a show...

T (age 4): Look mom! I got red.
Mom: I see it.
T: LOOK AT IT! It is red.
Mom: I know T. I see it.
T: Look! It is red.
Mom: Yes T, I see that it is red.

*I began to catch on that I had to look AND say the color, or it didn't count to her.

She has continued to do this all week and I am ready to toss the fruit snacks in the trash for my sanity.
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D (age 2) has adapted to his sisters. When he greets K (age 6) in the AM he smiles and talks so sweetly. If he can, he'll give her a hug or a tap.

When D greets his 4 year old sister, T, it is entirely different. He yells a hello. She shouts. They giggle and run.

It is amazing to see him adapt to their personalities. So cute!
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While playing with playdoh.

K (age 6): Look mom. I made a pretty hard cat.
Mom: That is great, K!
K: Yeah. It was hard to make and it is pretty, so it is a pretty hard cat.
(I had to smile because I clearly didn't think of it that way. I just assumed it was pretty hard to make)
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Your Turn:

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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We bought the "big sister" version of this book for K (now 6) when she was 2. Both of our daughters loved it. When we found learned that we were expecting another baby, we immediately bought D (age 2) the "big brother" version.

He adores it and insists on it being read to him every night. He also totes it along in the car sometimes. He was looking at it in the back seat of the car when I heard, "Look at me baby. I big brother".

Oh so cute!
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We have been learning about the instruments in the orchestra. Daddy brought a slinky home from a conference for the girls and T (age 4) asked, "Mommy, which kind of instrument is this?"
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While playing Monopoly Jr. (the girls latest game obsession), T (age 4) rolled a one. She moved her piece one square and landed on a square with K's ticket booth. She moved her piece back and announced, "That wasn't a very good roll," and proceeded to roll again.
(no, we didn't let her get away with that, but all cracked up)
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Your Turn:

A firm Foundation

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Matthew 7:24-27

I have been pondering these verses for the last few days. My head is filled with thoughts, decisions, and prayers as I read this text. I'll see if I can make any sense of it here on my blog.

Jesus is the firm foundation I want my children to build their lives upon. I want my children to be the like wise man who hear His words and put them into practice. Of course, that means learning His Word and putting it into practice daily in our home.

But I fear that too often I get focused on the wrong materials for them to use as a foundation. I am amazingly distracted by the things of this world.

Currently I am planning their 2009-2010 school year. I am truly excited about some of the ideas I have and can't wait to begin a year with some experience under my belt. But I find myself getting wrapped up in goals and standards of the world.

Shouldn't they study some classical composers? At what point will be begin Latin? I know their friends have learned things we haven't yet.

And what about sports? K (age 6) is going to be great at swim team and I know T (age 4) is going to love soccer. Do we begin this year or next? Do I really make them pick just one? But what if they are good at more than that?

And even worse, I begin to feel that tiny voice of pride as I plan their year. My plans begin to make me "feel good" about the wonderful knowledge MY kids will have.

And so it goes...

Until I hear the voice of God gently reminding me to build their foundation on HIM and not things that are temporal.

Luke 21:33, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

It's not that Latin, classical music, artistic pursuits, sports, or anything I ponder are bad things. In fact, they are great things and God may use my children in MIGHTY ways as they pursue these various pursuits. But without a foundation built on the knowledge of and obedience to His Word, then they are in danger of a foundation that is easily swept away.

And as I was pondering these things, I came across this post at A Holy Experience. It made me begin to think eve more about these things.

I have no clue how Satan will attack my children, but I know that he will. I don't know what weaknesses He will find in their hearts, but like my own weaknesses, he will use them to whisper lies about God and themselves. He will tempt them and distract them from the pursuit of their God given callings.

I have no clue what tragedies may strike during their livetimes. Will death come close to home for them? Will they experience heartbreak, loss, wounded pride, anxiety, or deep hurt?

I am sure they will. We live in a fallen world. Satan will attack. Tragedy will come. Heartbreak, dissappointment, and failure will be part of their lifetime and their life stories.

Will they be ready? Will their foundation be solid? Will they be able to hear His voice whispering words of truth and purpose into their lives or will have built a foundation on things that will be washed away, leaving them lost, confused, and in doubt of God?

It will not be the history songs they memorized, their ability to diagram a sentence, or the sports trophies that will bring them securely and confidently through life's storms.

It is God and their obedience to His Word.

Right now, I can't help but prayerfully ponder how I will encourage them to be truly ready.

Duh.

At breakfast this morning:

Me: Man, I am still so tired, but at least my headache is gone. I don't get it. I am going to bed earlier and the kids haven't woken us up at night for a few nights. And they have been sleeping in since the time change.

Eric: Uh. Let's see. I have two things for you. 25 weeks pregnant. Iron.

Mary: Oh yeah I am 25 weeks pregnant today, aren't I? And I haven't been remembering my iron pills. Gotta get them out on the counter so I remember to take them. (thank goodness he remembers these things)

So after taking my pills, I had to wonder why I still don't get it. I am a pregnant, homeschooling mommy of three kids and the oldest one is six.

Do I really I have wonder why I am tired, regardless of my bedtime?

On my Mind

I received this quote by John Piper from one of our elders. I've been reading every day for quite a few days because I'd love to make it the reality of my own life.

But the reality is that I don't live out these phrases perfectly in even one hour of my life.

I pray that God will change my heart, my actions, and my motives to reflect this quote more and more each day:

“I love Jesus Christ.”

And as I say it, I want to make clear what I mean:

I admire Jesus Christ more than any other human or angelic being.

I enjoy His ways and His words more than I enjoy the ways and words of anyone else.

I want His approval more than I want the approval of anyone else.

I want to be with Him more than I want to be with anyone else.

I feel more grateful to Him for what He has done for me than I do to anyone else.

I trust His words more fully than I trust what anyone else says.

I am more glad in His exaltation than in the exaltation of anyone else, including me.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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D (age 2) is busting out with big phrases all over the place! After his nap, daddy brought him outside. His sisters were playing across the street at their friends house and he announced...

Kay-ee, Tisha, playing, Maggie, Ian's house, go cross street.
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T (age 4) let me know this week that, "I love God the most. I don't love mommy and daddy the most. I love God the most."

I told her that she was right. We need to love God with all our hearts, above everyone else. It was cute to hear her talking, like she was processing through the concept as she spoke out loud.
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Your turn:

Sports - Standing on my Soap Box for a bit here...

My daughter wants to join swim team this year. I am not so sure I am up for 7 AM Saturday swim meets. I am not sure I am ready to have my wake up call determined by a 6 year old swimmer, but I decided to explore the team's website.

I found these "Rules for Parents" on our local swim teams website. I want to take them and post them outside of every sporting event in this area. I want to nail them on doors of every parent with a child in sports. I want to announce them LOUD and CLEAR to so many moms and dads across the US.

But I digress....because clearly I liked the rules. So instead of hammering them to front doors, I'll blog my thoughts about them.

Without further ado, here are the Rules for Parents: (in this case, for swimming)

1. Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on thy child.
Swimming is your child's sport; let them enjoy it. Progress happens at different rates for different children. Don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. One of the nicest things about swimming is that success is based on doing your personal best.

2. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what.
There is only one question to ask your child after a meet: “Did you have fun?” Once the fun disappears, do not force your child to participate.

You mean they should quit if it isn't fun anymore???? Huh?
(Can you sense the sarcasm in my question cause I LOVE this rule!!!!)

3. Thou shalt not coach your child.
You have taken your child to professionals; do not undermine them by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to love, support, and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. THIS IS NOT YOUR AREA. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent the swimmer/coach bond from forming.

4. Thou shalt have only positive things to say at a swim meet.
Cheer and applaud the swimmers; never criticize your child or the coach. If you have concerns, talk to the coach at a different time; they have a job to do at a meet.

5. Thou shalt acknowledge thy child's fears.
The first time at a meet or swimming a particular event is scary enough; be understanding of this. Assure your child that the coach thinks they are ready for the challenge if they suggested it.

I have to add here that I particularly love number 5. So many parents get their own pride wrapped up in their child's performance. I have seen people yelling at kids who are just scared. Sports can be scary as you begin them. Just because your neighbors child had no fear doesn't mean your child won't! It's not about you!

6. Thou shalt not criticize the officials.
If you do not have the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best they can, and who are there so that your child can compete.

7. Honor thy child's coach.
The athlete-to-coach bond is special and contributes to your child's fun and success. Don't criticize the coach in the presence of the athlete. It will only hurt your child's swimming. If your child asks for advice before a race, tell them "Good luck, and listen to your coach."

8. Thou shalt not jump from team to team.
There is something to be said for consistency. The water isn't bluer in the other team's pool. Often times swimmers who do switch never do better than they did before.

9. Thy child shalt have goals besides winning.
Giving 100% is more important than the blue ribbon. A lifetime best time can be had and still not be first place; the personal best is more important.

Uh...can I get an AMEN on #9???

10. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian.
There are more than 250,000 registered USS swimmers and 52 spots on the Olympic Team. Swimming is much more than the Olympics. Ask your coach why he/she does it. We are not Olympians but still got enough out of the sport to want to pass that on to others. Swimming teaches self discipline and sportsmanship, builds self esteem, and provides friendships that are life long. These intangibles far outweigh any medal. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy that your child wants to participate.

The rules have me thinking that this is the kind of team I can get up for at 6:30 AM on a Saturday!

Maybe.

Afterall, there are only 4 or 5 swim meets.

Snowy Day

I was hoping for at least one good snow this season. One day of snow is plenty for me at this point. After all, preschoolers love it but they require quite a bit of help to enjoy it! But one good day of sledding, snow angels, and outdoor fun is worth the work! Thankfully, we finally got our one day this year and we had a great time!


As you can see, just under 8 inches of fluffy white snow fell in our yard! Daddy took the day off and we got the kids ready for a few hours of snow time. D (age 2) was ready this time! He felt the excitement in the air and quickly began gathering his things. "Boots boots boots!"


Three little ones, dressed and ready for the snow!


First some fun exploring the snow in our front yard:



D (age 2) had to get his bearings straight to figure out how to walk in 8 inches of fluffy white!


Mommy and the kids:



I wasn't really thinking when I set off on this sled journey. The journey DOWN the hill was easy, but pulling D back up was a whole other story!



Some playtime in the snow at the bottom of the hill. Our neighbors have a great playset!



The girls really got into sledding this year. They were finally at an age where they could sled on their own, carry the sled up on their own, and do it all over again! (Thankfully the hill is in our yard!)

D (age 2) had a great time sledding with his sisters. The hard part about letting D sled was the fact that he couldn't hike back up the hill by himself wearing all those clothes. Thank goodness Daddy was home to bring him back up.



Of course, sledding isn't so much fun when you fall off!


Thankfully, everyone still had a great time! And we have some video of the sledding to prove it:

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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My husband likes to go to the target range occasionally. He needed a few supplies so he took T (age 4) with him to go to the Sporting Good's Store.

They were in the gun area and T exclaimed, "Look at all those fishing poles dad!"
(that would be a rack of rifles)
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We were talking in the car about a game we were going to play when we got home. T (age 4) wanted to go first. K (age 6) said, "No. We'll do youngest to oldest, so D (age 2) goes first."

T responded, "I want to go middlest to youngest to oldest."
(She had a point. When you always start with oldest or youngest, the "middlest" never goes first. So we have been making a point of starting with the middlest sometimes.)
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D's phrase: Shoes on. Shoes on. Shoes on.
Meaning: I want to go outside.
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We had a great time in the 8 inches of snow yesterday! D was so excited and gladly put on his boots, snowsuit, hat and even gloves this time. He kept pointing at the various clothing and telling me...

"boots" "hat" "gloves"

In that adorable 2 year old excited little voice that you can never capture in text.
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T (age 4): When is soccer?
Dad: It starts in the fall.
T: Ok.
Dad: What is your favorite part about soccer? Do you like to kick the ball?
T: Winning.
(Uh....I have NO clue where they get that competitive edge)
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Your Turn:

A crush continues

We learned earlier this year that our oldest daughter, K (age 6), has a crush on another boy in our homeschool group. It is quite clear that they enjoy each other's company and she has informed me that they will be getting married.

I hadn't heard much about him from K in quite some time. Afterall, he isn't in her class and we hadn't seen him as often since the weather turned colder. I never really ask about him or mention him to her. This isn't something I want to encourage, nor is it something I am concerned about. We just listen to her when she talks about him, but leave it alone for the most part.

But we attended his birthday party this weekend, so I had the girls make him birthday cards while I ran some errands. I came home to check out the cards before taping them to the gift.

Here is the card that K (age 6) made for the birthday boy:



I think the crush is still there.