Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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.
___________________________________________
We took the girls to Dutch Wonderland as a surprise on Sunday. It was a birthday present for both of them. They were both told that they were going somewhere special for their birthday, but they didn't know where or when.
Needless to say, we had a great time. Their gracious hearts were so evident that day as we heard...
T (age 5): This is my BEST day ever.
K (age 6): This isn't my best ever, but it is really really good.
T: It's my best!
K: You might have a better one one day.
Mom: I think she means that it is her best so far.
K: Oh. well then it is my best day too!
_________
K: Thank you mommy and daddy!
_________
K: Thank you mommy for this day!
_________
A man working there got us cotton candy even after the park closed because we had not been able to find it all day...
Mom: Isn't it nice when someone does something so nice for you?
T: Yes. Thank you mommy.
Mom: Not me, T. That man is the one who brought us the cotton candy.
T: But you brought us here.
______________________________________
Dutch Wonderland happens to be located in a farming area...
K: (getting out of the car) EWWWWWW...
Daddy: It smells like cows.
K: It smells like bad cows!
______________________________________
D (age 2) has a little flap book in his bedroom about a shepherd who loses a sheep. Each page asks if the little lambs is ___________ (behind the basket, in the bed...). On the last page, the little lamb is found in the garden...
Mom: (reading the last page) Was the little lamb in the garden?
D: (lifts the flap and sees the lamb) No. That's a sheep!
______________________________________
T (age 5) put her toys under one of the empty plastic bins in the room."Look mom! They are frozen in ice!"
Your Turn:
Friday, September 25, 2009
My Current Status
A lot of folks told me that after child number three, you hardly notice a transition to adding more. After all, routines are established and the house is filled with kids and their stuff anyway. I had often heard that you hardly notice one more kid being added to the mix.
That may be true for many moms out there. But for me, adjusting to four children has been the hardest transition since the rough adjustment I had to motherhood in general.
An infant is hard. They don’t work on everyone else’s schedule because they come with their own. They like to be held and often need to be rocked to sleep. They have fussy times that aren’t always convenient or predictable. Sometimes they stay up a lot later than their parents would like to stay up. Everyday is different.
A two year old is hard. My particular one is well into tantrum season. He has a hard time stopping anything that he is doing. He doesn’t transition well. He doesn’t like the word, “No” and he is hard to talk into anything. He wants to do what he wants and when he wants. Like I said, he is two.
(Some of you with an infant and 2 year old right now in your house know what I mean. Whether they are your only 2 kids or you have eight, it's tough!)
The choice to homeschool my older two has definitely made things more difficult. They would both be at school all day this year, but I have chosen to keep them home with our family. I am happy with that choice and feel completely confident that God has called our family to this lifestyle. But it does make this transition even more overwhelming.
This is the first time I have not wanted to go anywhere. It's just too much work. And if you know me, then you know that I don't like being at home all day. I am a “get out of the house” kind of person. I tend to be adventurous and take my kids out daily. Afterall, the best learning happens out in the world!
But this transition to four kids has made me quite content to be at home.
For the first time, one of my kids missed a friend's birthday party because I just didn’t want to do it. To make it happen, I was going to have to load up all 4 kids and take them to one of the moon bounce warehouses. After dragging all four into such a fun place, I’d have to remind them that only one of them was staying. I knew D (age 2) would freak out and I’d have to drag him back to the car while carrying the infant car seat and trying to convince the 6 year old that we’ll come back another day. Once we got settled at home, we’d have to do it all again 1.5 hours later to pick her up from the party.
No thank you.
I seem to regularly have tears in my eyes when someone truly wants to know how things are going. In fact, just last night I was in tears and had to stop talking to a group of women that barely know me because I admitted I was totally overwhelmed.
And clearly…TIRED.
Tears and tiredness seem to be normal when there is an infant in the house. At least in this one.
But that doesn’t mean that homelife is bad. Because it is not.
I love each of these kiddos more than words can say. Watching another child find his place in the mix is delightful.
And most days we do just fine. And many moments, we do more than fine!
This is just the first time I have really had to cut back and cut out activities on a grander scale. I have to remember my limits again. And I have to accept that this isn’t the season to do some of the things I so desperately want to do. There will be time for things like coffee dates, blog reading, scrapbooking, field trips to DC, and book reading in another season.
For now I just focus on the tasks in front of me. One task at a time. Attempting to mother with confidence, know that God promises that I can do all things through Him. (Phil 4:13) Every task He has called me to, He will be faithful to see fulfilled.
And that is the promise that I cling to right now.
That may be true for many moms out there. But for me, adjusting to four children has been the hardest transition since the rough adjustment I had to motherhood in general.
An infant is hard. They don’t work on everyone else’s schedule because they come with their own. They like to be held and often need to be rocked to sleep. They have fussy times that aren’t always convenient or predictable. Sometimes they stay up a lot later than their parents would like to stay up. Everyday is different.
A two year old is hard. My particular one is well into tantrum season. He has a hard time stopping anything that he is doing. He doesn’t transition well. He doesn’t like the word, “No” and he is hard to talk into anything. He wants to do what he wants and when he wants. Like I said, he is two.(Some of you with an infant and 2 year old right now in your house know what I mean. Whether they are your only 2 kids or you have eight, it's tough!)
The choice to homeschool my older two has definitely made things more difficult. They would both be at school all day this year, but I have chosen to keep them home with our family. I am happy with that choice and feel completely confident that God has called our family to this lifestyle. But it does make this transition even more overwhelming.
This is the first time I have not wanted to go anywhere. It's just too much work. And if you know me, then you know that I don't like being at home all day. I am a “get out of the house” kind of person. I tend to be adventurous and take my kids out daily. Afterall, the best learning happens out in the world!
But this transition to four kids has made me quite content to be at home.
For the first time, one of my kids missed a friend's birthday party because I just didn’t want to do it. To make it happen, I was going to have to load up all 4 kids and take them to one of the moon bounce warehouses. After dragging all four into such a fun place, I’d have to remind them that only one of them was staying. I knew D (age 2) would freak out and I’d have to drag him back to the car while carrying the infant car seat and trying to convince the 6 year old that we’ll come back another day. Once we got settled at home, we’d have to do it all again 1.5 hours later to pick her up from the party.
No thank you.
I seem to regularly have tears in my eyes when someone truly wants to know how things are going. In fact, just last night I was in tears and had to stop talking to a group of women that barely know me because I admitted I was totally overwhelmed.
And clearly…TIRED.
Tears and tiredness seem to be normal when there is an infant in the house. At least in this one.
But that doesn’t mean that homelife is bad. Because it is not.I love each of these kiddos more than words can say. Watching another child find his place in the mix is delightful.
And most days we do just fine. And many moments, we do more than fine!
This is just the first time I have really had to cut back and cut out activities on a grander scale. I have to remember my limits again. And I have to accept that this isn’t the season to do some of the things I so desperately want to do. There will be time for things like coffee dates, blog reading, scrapbooking, field trips to DC, and book reading in another season.
For now I just focus on the tasks in front of me. One task at a time. Attempting to mother with confidence, know that God promises that I can do all things through Him. (Phil 4:13) Every task He has called me to, He will be faithful to see fulfilled.
And that is the promise that I cling to right now.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
___________________________________________
K (age 6): What tree grows out of lima beans? A lime tree?
___________________________________________
D (age 2) was looking at a book. He pointed at a turtle and said, "Ribbit Ribbit." Then he paused and said to himself, "No. What does that say?"
___________________________________________
Been a long week folks...more next week!
Your Turn:
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The tough questions
The girls are memorizing the children's first catechism questions this year. We were reviewing the questions at breakfast after my rough weekend.
Where is God?
God is everywhere.
Does God know all things?
Yes. Nothing can be hidden from God.
Can God do all things?
Yes. God can do all His holy will.
So I suddenly asked the girls, "Was God there when mommy's wallet was stolen?"
Yes.
Did He see it happen?
(pause)
Yes. But Mom...why didn't He stop it?
Well girls. I honestly don't know the reason for what happened. But I do know that God was there with mommy. And I know we can trust Him in all things, even when bad things happen. Do you think mommy should be scared to go back to Barnes and Noble?
No. (some digression into tales of what could happen if the man was there...LOL...gotta love kids!)
That's right. God tells us that we don't need to fear. Mommy can certainly try to remember to keep her purse better protected, but she doesn't have to be scared and worried.
You know what girls, let's thank God for our weekend even though it was a rough one. God tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the good ones. (I Thes 5:18)
So we bowed our heads and prayed and thanked Him for our weekend. We also prayed for the man who stole my wallet and I confessed my anger. We prayed for God to "help mommy not be angry anymore."
And I silently thanked Him for this time with the girls.
Where is God?
God is everywhere.
Does God know all things?
Yes. Nothing can be hidden from God.
Can God do all things?
Yes. God can do all His holy will.
So I suddenly asked the girls, "Was God there when mommy's wallet was stolen?"
Yes.
Did He see it happen?
(pause)
Yes. But Mom...why didn't He stop it?
Well girls. I honestly don't know the reason for what happened. But I do know that God was there with mommy. And I know we can trust Him in all things, even when bad things happen. Do you think mommy should be scared to go back to Barnes and Noble?
No. (some digression into tales of what could happen if the man was there...LOL...gotta love kids!)
That's right. God tells us that we don't need to fear. Mommy can certainly try to remember to keep her purse better protected, but she doesn't have to be scared and worried.
You know what girls, let's thank God for our weekend even though it was a rough one. God tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the good ones. (I Thes 5:18)
So we bowed our heads and prayed and thanked Him for our weekend. We also prayed for the man who stole my wallet and I confessed my anger. We prayed for God to "help mommy not be angry anymore."
And I silently thanked Him for this time with the girls.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Really Quick...
I'd love to respond directly to some of the comments people leave me. Especially some of the thoughtful encouraging words some of you have written recently.
But some of you don't have a blog or anyway of reaching you linked to your profile.
IF you "check the box" in your profile that says, "show my email address", then I can hit reply to your comments and write back!
So, if you haven't done it, go to "edit profile" (in your goo.gle account) and then check the box that says "show my email address". It will link your email address to your comment so that I can respond. (so can all the other bloggers when you leave a comment)
Of course, please know that I am WAY behind in emails...
But some of you don't have a blog or anyway of reaching you linked to your profile.
IF you "check the box" in your profile that says, "show my email address", then I can hit reply to your comments and write back!
So, if you haven't done it, go to "edit profile" (in your goo.gle account) and then check the box that says "show my email address". It will link your email address to your comment so that I can respond. (so can all the other bloggers when you leave a comment)
Of course, please know that I am WAY behind in emails...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sometimes it all goes bad
Labor day weekend was the worst weekend that I have had in a long time. I am finally able to record the misery.
It began on Friday with some bad financial news. We will be fine but we have to make some big adjustments because of a miscalculation on someone else’s part. We’ll manage. But treats like Starbucks are about to become a very infrequent luxury. And we’ll adjust.
The next day, I took the girls to my parent's pool for a family party. I had just settled down in a chair to relax and chat with a friend when T (age 5) tripped and busted her chin. It was a deep cut, so off to the ER we went. Five hours and 9 stitches later, we went home.
T was amazing during it all. She laid perfectly still. It was hard to watch her hold back the tears and express such bravery. She suddenly seemed like such a big girl! So although it wasn't my plan, she and I did have a nice time together in spite of the long day at the hospital.
On Sunday I headed to Barnes and Noble with my sister. While sitting and chatting over coffee, someone stole my wallet. They took it out of my purse, which was hanging unzipped on the back of my chair. I didn’t realize it until that night when we arrived home to messages from our bank and credit card companies.
Thankfully, I am not responsible for his shopping spree, but I was devastated. The wallet had everything in it. I felt so horrible. So violated. How could someone do that?
And then I had to spend the next few days realizing how the system is set up to protect him more than it able to help me.
Did you know that Target’s corporate policy does not allow employees to request photo ID. This means that even though security interfered with the purchase, they didn’t ask for ID or call the police. The Kohl’s employee asked for ID, but then he ran. The police are not really pursuing it at all. They seemed bothered by the fact that I called to let them know that Target and Kohl’s had video surveillance. They asked me if there was a good face shot on the video.
Uh…isn’t that YOUR job to find out? Target security employees aren't going to tell me.
And the worst part???? It was a COACH wallet. A beautiful full size black zip around wallet with a light blue interior.
It was a gift. A very generous gift from a wonderful mommy friend. It will cost me $160 to replace it, which I can’t afford to do. But it is hard to go back to my other wallet after having one that was so amazingly nice.
But I’ll survive. Really. I will. And I did finally break it to my generous friend that someone stole it. We were both devastated as I relived the story. *sigh
On Monday, exhausted from the weekend, our family just stayed home. I had had enough. I was emotionally spent and physically exhausted.
That evening I sat on the floor playing with the boys. D (age 2) was showing C (2 months) his matchbox cars. D kept talking to him while he was playing. C just laid there on the ground watching.
I looked up at my husband.
"It’s been such a terrible weekend. Everything went wrong. Yet I am sitting here with these two little guys and I can’t help but feel so amazingly blessed."
Perspective found.
It began on Friday with some bad financial news. We will be fine but we have to make some big adjustments because of a miscalculation on someone else’s part. We’ll manage. But treats like Starbucks are about to become a very infrequent luxury. And we’ll adjust.
The next day, I took the girls to my parent's pool for a family party. I had just settled down in a chair to relax and chat with a friend when T (age 5) tripped and busted her chin. It was a deep cut, so off to the ER we went. Five hours and 9 stitches later, we went home.T was amazing during it all. She laid perfectly still. It was hard to watch her hold back the tears and express such bravery. She suddenly seemed like such a big girl! So although it wasn't my plan, she and I did have a nice time together in spite of the long day at the hospital.
On Sunday I headed to Barnes and Noble with my sister. While sitting and chatting over coffee, someone stole my wallet. They took it out of my purse, which was hanging unzipped on the back of my chair. I didn’t realize it until that night when we arrived home to messages from our bank and credit card companies.
Thankfully, I am not responsible for his shopping spree, but I was devastated. The wallet had everything in it. I felt so horrible. So violated. How could someone do that?
And then I had to spend the next few days realizing how the system is set up to protect him more than it able to help me.
Did you know that Target’s corporate policy does not allow employees to request photo ID. This means that even though security interfered with the purchase, they didn’t ask for ID or call the police. The Kohl’s employee asked for ID, but then he ran. The police are not really pursuing it at all. They seemed bothered by the fact that I called to let them know that Target and Kohl’s had video surveillance. They asked me if there was a good face shot on the video.
Uh…isn’t that YOUR job to find out? Target security employees aren't going to tell me.
And the worst part???? It was a COACH wallet. A beautiful full size black zip around wallet with a light blue interior.
It was a gift. A very generous gift from a wonderful mommy friend. It will cost me $160 to replace it, which I can’t afford to do. But it is hard to go back to my other wallet after having one that was so amazingly nice.
But I’ll survive. Really. I will. And I did finally break it to my generous friend that someone stole it. We were both devastated as I relived the story. *sigh
On Monday, exhausted from the weekend, our family just stayed home. I had had enough. I was emotionally spent and physically exhausted.
That evening I sat on the floor playing with the boys. D (age 2) was showing C (2 months) his matchbox cars. D kept talking to him while he was playing. C just laid there on the ground watching.
I looked up at my husband.
"It’s been such a terrible weekend. Everything went wrong. Yet I am sitting here with these two little guys and I can’t help but feel so amazingly blessed."
Perspective found.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
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.
___________________________________________
David likes to watch the "ba-nay-doe" (tornado) as the water drains out of the tub.
He became a bit obsessed with "ba-nay-does" this week because he got to see them at the science center.
He loves the "ba-nay-doe"!
His face while watching the ba-nay-doe...
____________________________________
While driving down the road...
K (age 6): Ants are so tiny that you can't even feel when you run over them.
____________________________________
Mom: I am going to drop you girls off and then go shopping at Safe.way.
T (age 5): Yeah. Cause you don't want to go shopping the not safe way.
(ah...dangerous shopping...)
____________________________________
Your Turn:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The calling of Mommy
Raising my children. Loving my neighbors. Keeping a home. Loving my husband.
Is that all you have for me, Lord?
Because, sometimes, I think I'd like to do more. In fact, I think I'd be really good at more. Something that uses my gifts. Something with a bit more impact. More punch. And maybe some more pizazz.
You know, something worth talking about in groups. Something worth sharing. Something to add when the conversation digresses into spiritual resumes.
Sure, everyone nods their heads in agreement that raising kids is tough. They agree it is such an important calling.
None higher
We all agree.
But You know we struggle with it. Our conversations confirm it as we all begin to spout off the more significant things we are involved in. The people we've impacted. The ministries we are a part of. The bible study we are leading.
Some of us are more quiet. We have very little to add in our sleep deprived state of life. So we talk about what we will do when time frees up for bigger things. When this baby sleeps through the night. When nap schedules end. Once the kids are in school.
Because we don't believe, really believe, that the impact is now. It is right where we are. Somehow, we don't really embrace that the calling is our very life. Our every breath.
There's got to be more than...just mom. just wife. just me?
Can't it be more?
Because sometimes I feel so insignificant. What I am doing doesn't “really count”. Isn't there a big world out there? Don’t I need to make a bigger impact? Am I really doing work for the Kingdom every day in the midst of piles of laundry, dirty diapers, temper tantrums while up to my eyes in playdoh?
Sure doesn’t feel like it.
And I ponder these thoughts, knowing I am not the only one who struggles with them. Wishing I could find the words.
Then someone said it perfectly. And it is well worth reading.
So I return…to my Africa. The one You choose for me.
This home. These little ones. This heart.
My heart. The one so much more messed up and dirty than my kitchen floor. And I turn them both over to You, God, that You may receive glory in the cleaning.
Daily.
Is that all you have for me, Lord?
Because, sometimes, I think I'd like to do more. In fact, I think I'd be really good at more. Something that uses my gifts. Something with a bit more impact. More punch. And maybe some more pizazz.
You know, something worth talking about in groups. Something worth sharing. Something to add when the conversation digresses into spiritual resumes.
Sure, everyone nods their heads in agreement that raising kids is tough. They agree it is such an important calling.
None higher
We all agree.
But You know we struggle with it. Our conversations confirm it as we all begin to spout off the more significant things we are involved in. The people we've impacted. The ministries we are a part of. The bible study we are leading.
Some of us are more quiet. We have very little to add in our sleep deprived state of life. So we talk about what we will do when time frees up for bigger things. When this baby sleeps through the night. When nap schedules end. Once the kids are in school.
Because we don't believe, really believe, that the impact is now. It is right where we are. Somehow, we don't really embrace that the calling is our very life. Our every breath.
There's got to be more than...just mom. just wife. just me?
Can't it be more?
Because sometimes I feel so insignificant. What I am doing doesn't “really count”. Isn't there a big world out there? Don’t I need to make a bigger impact? Am I really doing work for the Kingdom every day in the midst of piles of laundry, dirty diapers, temper tantrums while up to my eyes in playdoh?
Sure doesn’t feel like it.
And I ponder these thoughts, knowing I am not the only one who struggles with them. Wishing I could find the words.
Then someone said it perfectly. And it is well worth reading.
So I return…to my Africa. The one You choose for me.
This home. These little ones. This heart.
My heart. The one so much more messed up and dirty than my kitchen floor. And I turn them both over to You, God, that You may receive glory in the cleaning.
Daily.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: World Hoop Day
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
___________________________________________
We were taking a walk when D (age 2) picked up an acorn...
I got popcorn, mommy!
___________________________________________
T (age 5) wonders...
What if a bee stung the whole world and everyone died?
She thinks...
If a spider spun a web that covered the whole world, it would be tired.
___________________________________________
D (age 2) told T (age 5) to get inside the house and out of the doorway. Apparently she didn't listen because D yelled, "You better not disobey me again, T."
___________________________________________
T (age 5): Oh Lord.
Daddy: T, we really shouldn't say that. We are Christians and we know to respect God's name.
T: But Mater says it. (the tow truck in the CARS movie)
Daddy: Mater isn't a Christian...
At this point the girls cut him off as they screamed, "YES HE IS".
Daddy continued and explained that he was a cartoon and shouldn't say that either...yada yada...but their reaction to his relationship with God was priceless.
____________________________________________
Your Turn:
Friday, September 4, 2009
Swim Season Ends
Dear Kayleigh,
This year you participated in the summer swim team. And regardless of my hesitations about the schedule, we made it through!
In fact, I daresay, we loved it! We even learned to enjoy our early morning rush out the door. Just me and you, dashing off to warm-ups.
We had a great time watching you progress as a swimmer. Not only did your speed improve, your confidence level sky-rocketed. You ended the year with a first place ribbon for the freestyle relay!
And I admit it...I was therescreaming cheering you on like a mad woman! I was so excited for you!
Most importantly, the smile never left your face. Apparently it was clear to everyone because you were nominated by your coaches as the "Most Spirited" for the 6 and under age group! We were so proud of you and your positive attitude all season long.
This year you participated in the summer swim team. And regardless of my hesitations about the schedule, we made it through!
In fact, I daresay, we loved it! We even learned to enjoy our early morning rush out the door. Just me and you, dashing off to warm-ups.
We had a great time watching you progress as a swimmer. Not only did your speed improve, your confidence level sky-rocketed. You ended the year with a first place ribbon for the freestyle relay!And I admit it...I was there
Most importantly, the smile never left your face. Apparently it was clear to everyone because you were nominated by your coaches as the "Most Spirited" for the 6 and under age group! We were so proud of you and your positive attitude all season long.
I have a feeling we'll be waking early on Saturdays next summer as well.
And secretly (you know...for the whole world to read...), I can't wait!
Love you!
Mommy
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Baseball Ballerina
One of these players is NOT like the others:
She has her own sense of style. Without a doubt.
But don't let the tutu and flip flops fool you. The girl can pitch...
and swing a bat!
Rock on Baseball Ballerina!
She has her own sense of style. Without a doubt.
But don't let the tutu and flip flops fool you. The girl can pitch...
and swing a bat!
Rock on Baseball Ballerina!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
.jpg){kind=link}
