Saturday, October 26, 2013
Scheduled Nesting
Last Saturday my mother-in-law cheerily asked if I was all ready for the baby to come. I glumly admitted, "No. Not at all. I hope she doesn't come early!" "Well you already have five kids, what else could you need?", she replied. Feeling sheepish and childlike about it (does that make it "lamb-ish?")I said, "I need to clean my room". I also needed diapers, and baby jammies at the least, and all my supplies for a homebirth would be great... since we are having a homebirth.
Regarding the diapers and jammies: Little did I know that a diaper shower had already been planned, and we were blessed with many packs of them, as well as some jammies and other cute things after church on Sunday.
Regarding the homebirth supplies: I will have to get them this week. I usually go overboard, so I'm trying to think about what I have truly needed and used in the past. At this point it's a bit late, but with our first homebirth we simply ordered a birth kit form www.inhishands.com That made it really easy, and all we had to do was have snacks, Gatorade, etc. in the house.
Regarding my room: Yikes! We have a ridiculously large bedroom. We are not the type of family in which everyone holes up in their bedroom and does their own thing. We are generally all out in the main areas doing things together. So, the bedrooms are primarily just a place to sleep. And in the case of our master bedroom -- to store junk. When we need something out of sight, or we aren't sure what to do with it yet, it goes in our room. Obviously this makes for a bit of a mess after a while. I don't like it, but it seems to be our M.O. Also, it does not make for a good space to give birth and hang out with a new baby. As this last trimester of pregnancy has been ticking away, my room has been a "monkey on my back". Amid, homeschooling, and caring for my home and children, as well as a plethora of church responsibilities and activities (which we scheduled long before I even became pregnant), and needing to rest more to make it through this pregnancy, our bedroom keeps getting put on the back burner. I have definitely been in the mood to nest, but it just wasn't happening. I needed it to be put on the calendar or something.
So, back to last Saturday....That evening, my sweet mother-in-law called to invite all five kiddos over for a sleepover this weekend so that I could rest or nest or whatever I needed to do. YAY!!!! What a blessing! Nesting was officially on the calendar. Hubby helped with a few things this morning, and then left to take care of some church things. Then I cleaned, and pitched, and organized to my uninterrupted heart's content. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Rip VanWinkle and the Baby Shower
After so many months of negligence, I am here, writing again. I feel like there are other activities that might be a better use of my time, but I keep thinking of things about our life right now that I would like to share. Maybe they could be a help or encouragement to someone. I read a few other blogs faithfully, and it is because of the inspiration and encouragement that I feel from those writings that I keep going back.
First, and foremost, in our life right now is the new baby that will be here in the next month or so. Girl number four. We are so looking forward to meeting her! At first there was much rooting for another boy, to even the score, but a girl will be delightful and perfect for us-- two "big" girls, two boys, and then two "little" girls. Aside from our master bedroom, our home has 3 small bedrooms -- again, perfect for two, two, and two. We praise God for His precious thoughts toward us and His good and perfect gifts.
On the subject of gifts, there has already been quite the "to-do" around here for this little girl. The world has much to say about a family with many children. A few things I have heard are that none of the children get enough time spent on them, and that the older ones are resentful of the younger ones. A friend who has more children than I do, says children are naturally pro-life. I would have to agree with her. I know it is not the case for every family, but my experience is that the older children are more than welcoming of new little ones. Each time we have announced a pregnancy, our children have been thrilled, and sometimes even during a pregnancy, they talk about the prospects of adding more and more kids to the family! With our last baby, there was much preparation and signage posted around the house regarding a parade for the new baby before she arrived. the parade was carried out in grand fashion through all the rooms, and included stuffed animals and siblings alike.
This time around, there was plotting, sneakiness, and a lot of loud whispering. There was practicing and a suspicious trip to the store with grandma. And then there was a special Saturday, when the big girls (ages 8 and 9) cleaned the whole main living area, and then kicked hubby and I out of the house (after grandma and aunt arrived). We returned an hour later to a "surprise" baby shower put on by the children. Of course they had some help in the logistics and carrying out of it all, but there was a meal, cake and ice cream, streamers and balloons hung beautifully throughout the house, homemade games, baby-themed readings, and a song (actually two songs as the two year old sang something different while the other four kids stuck with the plan). All of the grandparents, and great aunt, were present, and there were gifts from them and the children. It was wonderful!!!!! Beautiful, humble, and sweet. My heart swelled with the truth of how much my children already love their baby sister, and how they look forward to welcoming her into our family, and helping her to know what it is to be part of "us".
Sunday, January 22, 2012
His Eye is on the Hamster
You know the hymn, and the Bible reference, right? La la la -- "His eye is on the hamster, and I know He watches me." Just kidding! But I am here to tell you that God does care about hamsters. I witnessed His provision with my own eyes.
Last week my oldest took on the task of cleaning her hamster cage. The routine is that she puts the critter in his ball and shuts him in the bathroom while she tidies up his home. On this particular day, I stepped into the bathroom and noticed the ball sitting there all lonely-like and the hamster scurrying from toilet to bath toys to bath rug. AAAAAA! YUCK! HE's OUT!!!! Wiggle, shiver, hurry shut the door! I admit that rodents are not my favorite of God's creatures. I think they are pretty gross. So, when the hamster ran out of my reach and crawled into a little opening under the towel cabinet, I freaked out a bit. All day I pondered and stewed about the varmint and just where he might be lurking. We have a crawling baby in our house, and she puts EVERYTHING in her mouth. Her favorite is dirt and bits of splintery wood that get dropped when wood is being carried in to feed the fire. I'm sure hamster droppings would be right up her alley. Blek!
Before bed time, my husband and I explained to my sweet girl that we really could not have a rodent running free in our home - soiling the floors and counters; chewing at the furniture and toys, and getting into our food. She was saddened, but accepted matter-of-factly that we planned to set a trap. I'm still not positive if this was the best course of action, but we didn't know what else to do.
Without making this any lengthier, I will say that in the middle of the night I heard the hamster crawling around in our room. I turned on the light and it stared at me from under my side of the bed. As I gathered the courage to reach for it, it ran. I moved the trap to where I heard it next.
Here is where I saw the hand of God move in the life of a tiny rodent. The hamster crawled over the trap at least three times. He sat on the trap and ate the peanut butter off of it. THE TRAP DID NOT RELEASE! I couldn't believe it! By this time my husband was awake and suggested that the hamster might be thirsty after a whole day of roaming the house. I brought his cage into our room, opened the door, and stepped back. In the next few moments, I surely felt some of what Mr. and Mrs. Noah felt as they watched animals come from all over the earth and board the ark. The hamster ran up to his home, circled it a few times, and then walked right up the ramp and inside. I know that my eyes bulged, and I covered my mouth with shaking hands like they do in beauty pageants. I whispered in awe, "Honey, God really does work miracles!"
(Luke 12:6-7)
Last week my oldest took on the task of cleaning her hamster cage. The routine is that she puts the critter in his ball and shuts him in the bathroom while she tidies up his home. On this particular day, I stepped into the bathroom and noticed the ball sitting there all lonely-like and the hamster scurrying from toilet to bath toys to bath rug. AAAAAA! YUCK! HE's OUT!!!! Wiggle, shiver, hurry shut the door! I admit that rodents are not my favorite of God's creatures. I think they are pretty gross. So, when the hamster ran out of my reach and crawled into a little opening under the towel cabinet, I freaked out a bit. All day I pondered and stewed about the varmint and just where he might be lurking. We have a crawling baby in our house, and she puts EVERYTHING in her mouth. Her favorite is dirt and bits of splintery wood that get dropped when wood is being carried in to feed the fire. I'm sure hamster droppings would be right up her alley. Blek!
Before bed time, my husband and I explained to my sweet girl that we really could not have a rodent running free in our home - soiling the floors and counters; chewing at the furniture and toys, and getting into our food. She was saddened, but accepted matter-of-factly that we planned to set a trap. I'm still not positive if this was the best course of action, but we didn't know what else to do.
Without making this any lengthier, I will say that in the middle of the night I heard the hamster crawling around in our room. I turned on the light and it stared at me from under my side of the bed. As I gathered the courage to reach for it, it ran. I moved the trap to where I heard it next.
Here is where I saw the hand of God move in the life of a tiny rodent. The hamster crawled over the trap at least three times. He sat on the trap and ate the peanut butter off of it. THE TRAP DID NOT RELEASE! I couldn't believe it! By this time my husband was awake and suggested that the hamster might be thirsty after a whole day of roaming the house. I brought his cage into our room, opened the door, and stepped back. In the next few moments, I surely felt some of what Mr. and Mrs. Noah felt as they watched animals come from all over the earth and board the ark. The hamster ran up to his home, circled it a few times, and then walked right up the ramp and inside. I know that my eyes bulged, and I covered my mouth with shaking hands like they do in beauty pageants. I whispered in awe, "Honey, God really does work miracles!"
(Luke 12:6-7)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
C25K
So......Spring was great, Fall was great, Winter is great so far. Now that we are all caught up, I'll share my latest endeavor. C25K. "Couch to 5K". Yikes! I heard about this program a few years ago and thought it was a great idea. I have had a few babies in that time, and have been thinking recently about what I want to do to get back into shape.
Information and glowing testimonials about C25K came my way again a few weeks ago, and I have been considering it. C25K is a plan for becoming fit through running, using an interval training plan. The first week involves warm up/cool down, and in the middle 20 minutes you alternate jogging for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds. This plan is meant to be moved through slowly. It is for people who mostly sit on the couch. And also for people who run after little children a lot, and sit on the couch a little to read stories, fold laundry, and nurse babies. It has never been one of my life's dreams to run a marathon or even a 5K or anything, but at this point in time it is my life's dream to feel like I'm living in my own skin again.
Monday struck me as a good day to start, but then it began to rain. People run in the rain all the time,and it was "warm" outside that day so hubby and I agreed I should still go for it. We live in the woods now, with only a few flat areas on our property. "The meadow" seemed like a good place to run around in circles for 20 minutes, so that's where I headed. I forgot to take along any kind of timing device, but figured I could just count out the time, and it would be close enough. The whole experience on my own "mini-grassland-track" was GREAT! I felt the burn a little, but was not too wiped out, and overall felt very confident. When Wednesday dawned sunny, and again "warm" I was excited to execute C25K - Day 2. Little did I know that C25K - Day 2 was excited to execute me! I remembered my phone to use as a stopwatch this time, and quickly realized that my counting during the previous workout may have been a bit short. Like half of what it should have been. Oops.
Being the flat area that it is, the meadow was quite muddy after the early-week rains. So after a few times around, I decided to hit the trails that my hubby has cleared through our woods. Did I say our property is mostly hills? I ran downhill like a champion. I walked the rest of the way down the trail like a champion who is walking for 90 seconds. Then, my 90 seconds, and the trail ended simultaneously! I jogged uphill for 60 seconds after that, but barely. For the next several intervals I worked through the trails trying to time it so that I could walk uphill and jog downhill. I completed most of the workout in this way, and when the meadow came into sight again, it was so beautiful. So flat, and beautiful, and flat. I was on a 60 second jog at that point, but I really believe it was more of an enthusiastic walk. Not an Olympic race-walker strutting his/her flag around the arena type of enthusiasm. It was more the kind of enthusiasm with which a small animal tries to free itself from death or maiming from a stealthily set trap. C25K- Day 2 was way harder than Day 1. My bad. Day one should have been just as hard. Day 3 will be tomorrow or Saturday. I will do it. I will not die. Philippians 4:13 right? :) I'll have my trusty cell phone with me. So, you know, if anybody wants to call me and cheer me on.... that's cool. Or I can just keep time with it. :)
Information and glowing testimonials about C25K came my way again a few weeks ago, and I have been considering it. C25K is a plan for becoming fit through running, using an interval training plan. The first week involves warm up/cool down, and in the middle 20 minutes you alternate jogging for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds. This plan is meant to be moved through slowly. It is for people who mostly sit on the couch. And also for people who run after little children a lot, and sit on the couch a little to read stories, fold laundry, and nurse babies. It has never been one of my life's dreams to run a marathon or even a 5K or anything, but at this point in time it is my life's dream to feel like I'm living in my own skin again.
Monday struck me as a good day to start, but then it began to rain. People run in the rain all the time,and it was "warm" outside that day so hubby and I agreed I should still go for it. We live in the woods now, with only a few flat areas on our property. "The meadow" seemed like a good place to run around in circles for 20 minutes, so that's where I headed. I forgot to take along any kind of timing device, but figured I could just count out the time, and it would be close enough. The whole experience on my own "mini-grassland-track" was GREAT! I felt the burn a little, but was not too wiped out, and overall felt very confident. When Wednesday dawned sunny, and again "warm" I was excited to execute C25K - Day 2. Little did I know that C25K - Day 2 was excited to execute me! I remembered my phone to use as a stopwatch this time, and quickly realized that my counting during the previous workout may have been a bit short. Like half of what it should have been. Oops.
Being the flat area that it is, the meadow was quite muddy after the early-week rains. So after a few times around, I decided to hit the trails that my hubby has cleared through our woods. Did I say our property is mostly hills? I ran downhill like a champion. I walked the rest of the way down the trail like a champion who is walking for 90 seconds. Then, my 90 seconds, and the trail ended simultaneously! I jogged uphill for 60 seconds after that, but barely. For the next several intervals I worked through the trails trying to time it so that I could walk uphill and jog downhill. I completed most of the workout in this way, and when the meadow came into sight again, it was so beautiful. So flat, and beautiful, and flat. I was on a 60 second jog at that point, but I really believe it was more of an enthusiastic walk. Not an Olympic race-walker strutting his/her flag around the arena type of enthusiasm. It was more the kind of enthusiasm with which a small animal tries to free itself from death or maiming from a stealthily set trap. C25K- Day 2 was way harder than Day 1. My bad. Day one should have been just as hard. Day 3 will be tomorrow or Saturday. I will do it. I will not die. Philippians 4:13 right? :) I'll have my trusty cell phone with me. So, you know, if anybody wants to call me and cheer me on.... that's cool. Or I can just keep time with it. :)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring
I drove to town yesterday to exchange size 1 diapers for size 2's for my 3 week old daughter. Yep... she's a whopper!
So she and I were truckin' along, and as we crested a hill, I saw out into the corn fields and pastures at the top of our road. The golden skim of early sunset played with the green of tiny buds and new leaves. "Spring is really here." With that thought, came the most unexpected sense of relief. I had to question myself.... Did I really think it would be winter forever? Ummmm maybe.
We started the winter off by totaling our minivan in a frightening three-car accident. Then it snowed, and snowed, and snowed. And snowed. We are snow-loving people, but enough is enough for a midwestern state!
While the snow piled up, the inches and pounds piled on my pregnant body. My sweet tooth lost the battle against the holidays. My due date came and then flitted away, smiling and laughing at me. Five days later, my precious giganto-baby was born.
I'm not complaining about any of these events. They just happened. It's how the winter was this time around. No big deal. But I think there was a subtle oppression; depression maybe?; a thin veil; or cloudiness over me. Maybe a crazy, teeny part of me really didn't think Spring would come again.
But God is good like that.... keeping the world turning, and the seasons changing and all. I'm praising Him for that. I'm praising Him for new life in the land, and in our family, and for all the wonderful things this Spring and Summer hold in store for us.
So she and I were truckin' along, and as we crested a hill, I saw out into the corn fields and pastures at the top of our road. The golden skim of early sunset played with the green of tiny buds and new leaves. "Spring is really here." With that thought, came the most unexpected sense of relief. I had to question myself.... Did I really think it would be winter forever? Ummmm maybe.
We started the winter off by totaling our minivan in a frightening three-car accident. Then it snowed, and snowed, and snowed. And snowed. We are snow-loving people, but enough is enough for a midwestern state!
While the snow piled up, the inches and pounds piled on my pregnant body. My sweet tooth lost the battle against the holidays. My due date came and then flitted away, smiling and laughing at me. Five days later, my precious giganto-baby was born.
I'm not complaining about any of these events. They just happened. It's how the winter was this time around. No big deal. But I think there was a subtle oppression; depression maybe?; a thin veil; or cloudiness over me. Maybe a crazy, teeny part of me really didn't think Spring would come again.
But God is good like that.... keeping the world turning, and the seasons changing and all. I'm praising Him for that. I'm praising Him for new life in the land, and in our family, and for all the wonderful things this Spring and Summer hold in store for us.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Appearances
I saw a young woman at the store tonight. I can barely call her an acquaintance, but we are always friendly when we see each other around town.... which is not infrequently. There is a pretty stiff language barrier between us, so I don't know much about her other than what I can observe.
Anyway, this woman had several young children with her (3 of her own), and she looked tired. Her husband is a busy local businessman. Amazingly, one of my first thoughts tonight was "Man, I hope her husband isn't running her ragged. She looks more weary each time I see her." (I know, totally presumptuous and judgemental)
Then I thought, probably 98% of the time, I have several young children with me (4 of my own), and I know I look tired. However, I would say that most tiredness in my life is my own doing. Staying up too late, not drinking enough water or eating enough FRESH food, harping at my children/giving them chances -- instead of nipping problems in the bud and saving everyone the heartache/earache, etc, etc.
My prayer is:
Lord, thank you for each day's grace. Thank you for the insight you give to me, when I seek you first in each moment. Father, please help me to create tranquility in my home by making good decisions. Please help me --through my appearance and attitude both in and out of our house to honor You and my husband and to be a testimony of the love and provision of you both, and of the honor that my husband also shows to me . Lord help me always to consider that there is more to other's lives than what I see, and to always be loving and assume the best of people until I know otherwise.
Anyway, this woman had several young children with her (3 of her own), and she looked tired. Her husband is a busy local businessman. Amazingly, one of my first thoughts tonight was "Man, I hope her husband isn't running her ragged. She looks more weary each time I see her." (I know, totally presumptuous and judgemental)
Then I thought, probably 98% of the time, I have several young children with me (4 of my own), and I know I look tired. However, I would say that most tiredness in my life is my own doing. Staying up too late, not drinking enough water or eating enough FRESH food, harping at my children/giving them chances -- instead of nipping problems in the bud and saving everyone the heartache/earache, etc, etc.
My prayer is:
Lord, thank you for each day's grace. Thank you for the insight you give to me, when I seek you first in each moment. Father, please help me to create tranquility in my home by making good decisions. Please help me --through my appearance and attitude both in and out of our house to honor You and my husband and to be a testimony of the love and provision of you both, and of the honor that my husband also shows to me . Lord help me always to consider that there is more to other's lives than what I see, and to always be loving and assume the best of people until I know otherwise.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
YUM!
My hubby did an awesome job this Valentine's Day. He usually does, but this was really cool! I have commented on the commercials for Edible Arrangements, and that it would be neat to get one of their bouquets. Well, hubby delivered........
This bouquet is adorable, and delicious!! What a treat to have mouthwatering strawberries, grapes, and melon, and thick, juicy cuts of pineapple, dripping with vitamin C here in the dead of winter. Love it! So thoughtful!
Happy Valentine's Day everybody!
This bouquet is adorable, and delicious!! What a treat to have mouthwatering strawberries, grapes, and melon, and thick, juicy cuts of pineapple, dripping with vitamin C here in the dead of winter. Love it! So thoughtful!
Happy Valentine's Day everybody!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Bathroom Renovation???
So, I've been comtemplating the pros and cons of sound-proofing the bathroom.
I admit that if it were sound-proofed, I wouldn't be able to hear what my children were doing outside the door, and there might be an emergency (occuring in all of two minutes time), or I might get carried away with the sheer silence of it all and accidentally stay in there for a few hours.
The incident that got me thinking along these lines went something like this...
(Kids are playing in their room. Mommy enters bathroom and closes the door. Mommy sits)
Clomp, Clomp, Clomp (Speep coming downstairs)
Knock Knock Knock
Speep: Mommy? Are you in there?
Mommy: Yes
Speep: What are you doing?
Mommy: Going to the bathroom.
Speep: I wanna tell you sumsing.
Mommy: I'll be out in just a minute.
Clomp Clomp Clomp (Apple coming downstairs)
Knock Knock Knock
Apple: Mommy?
Mommy: Just a minute please
Apple: Can I ask you something?
Mommy: Yes, When I come out.
Apple: Ok, I want to know if we can have a snack.
Mommy: (to self) grrrrr
To sound-proof or not, you be the judge.
I admit that if it were sound-proofed, I wouldn't be able to hear what my children were doing outside the door, and there might be an emergency (occuring in all of two minutes time), or I might get carried away with the sheer silence of it all and accidentally stay in there for a few hours.
The incident that got me thinking along these lines went something like this...
(Kids are playing in their room. Mommy enters bathroom and closes the door. Mommy sits)
Clomp, Clomp, Clomp (Speep coming downstairs)
Knock Knock Knock
Speep: Mommy? Are you in there?
Mommy: Yes
Speep: What are you doing?
Mommy: Going to the bathroom.
Speep: I wanna tell you sumsing.
Mommy: I'll be out in just a minute.
Clomp Clomp Clomp (Apple coming downstairs)
Knock Knock Knock
Apple: Mommy?
Mommy: Just a minute please
Apple: Can I ask you something?
Mommy: Yes, When I come out.
Apple: Ok, I want to know if we can have a snack.
Mommy: (to self) grrrrr
To sound-proof or not, you be the judge.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
We Are Family
I heart my Pop-pop and my little Bubba-licious, and couldn't resist entering this picture taken during my birthday celebration last year.
Monday, December 14, 2009
I ♥ Faces : Pets Only
Themba ("tem-buh"); Themble-fritz; Thembles; ...... these are the names of our dog. Though frequently annoying, he's a good friend to us. I think most of his downfalls are from being a horse trapped in a dog's body, trapped in a house in town. Poor guy.
His devotion to my husband nearly matches mine, and my little Speep would be lost without "Buh". In fact he said "Buh" (and actually reached for the dog while saying it) long before he said "Mama".
Themba is a lovely sight, as are most Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and frequently ends up the subject of my photographic endeavors.
The subject this week over at I ♥ Faces (www.iheartfaces.com) is Pets, so I decided to enter this picture of our precious friend.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I meant to
My grandpa ("Pop-pop") died this week. He was 90, and lived quite an adventurous life. He outlived 3 wives, the last one being my "Grandma". She was six years older than him, and passed away last year.
With my grandparents being so old, I've spent about the past 10 years thinking (and being told) "OK, this could be the last visit". We have always lived far apart, so visits were only made once or twice per year. However, I spoke to them on the phone every week as I was growing up, so we actually had a close relationship in spite of the distance.
Knowing the end had to be nearing, there were a few things I really wanted to tell them like:
-- Pop, thanks for teaching me that if I ever got swept away in high creek water, to curl in a ball and wrap my arms over my head so as not to hit my head on the rocks.
thanks for taking me up in your airplane to count all the blue speck swimming pools below.
thanks for always taking my arm in yours to cross the street; always opening the door for ladies; always saying "Thank You"; always being a gentleman.
thanks for loving grandma and for being exactly who she needed.
---Grandma, thanks for welcoming all into the family.
thanks for loving to giggle and have fun.
thanks for being strong, and still wearing your heart on your sleeve.
thanks for your example of empathy, sympathy, and compassion.
thanks for creating a lovely and peaceful home for you and your husband, and a perfect "grandparents' house" for me to come to.
I meant to tell them all of these things, but "I'll do it tonight" turned into "I'll do it tomorrow"; and 'nearing the end' became THE END............ there was never a question about how much we loved each other; I'm not going insane over loose ends left untied, but I do wish all those "I meant to's" were "I did's".
With my grandparents being so old, I've spent about the past 10 years thinking (and being told) "OK, this could be the last visit". We have always lived far apart, so visits were only made once or twice per year. However, I spoke to them on the phone every week as I was growing up, so we actually had a close relationship in spite of the distance.
Knowing the end had to be nearing, there were a few things I really wanted to tell them like:
-- Pop, thanks for teaching me that if I ever got swept away in high creek water, to curl in a ball and wrap my arms over my head so as not to hit my head on the rocks.
thanks for taking me up in your airplane to count all the blue speck swimming pools below.
thanks for always taking my arm in yours to cross the street; always opening the door for ladies; always saying "Thank You"; always being a gentleman.
thanks for loving grandma and for being exactly who she needed.
---Grandma, thanks for welcoming all into the family.
thanks for loving to giggle and have fun.
thanks for being strong, and still wearing your heart on your sleeve.
thanks for your example of empathy, sympathy, and compassion.
thanks for creating a lovely and peaceful home for you and your husband, and a perfect "grandparents' house" for me to come to.
I meant to tell them all of these things, but "I'll do it tonight" turned into "I'll do it tomorrow"; and 'nearing the end' became THE END............ there was never a question about how much we loved each other; I'm not going insane over loose ends left untied, but I do wish all those "I meant to's" were "I did's".
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Little Socks
Now that we have been married for eight years, I am accustomed to picking up Boyd's socks (truth be told, I actually pawn the job off on the kids these days:) )But now we have little boys (or should I say boyds) in the mix. Speep has never really been the destructive type, but he is definitely into everything. His new hobby is to get up after we put him to bed and play in the bathroom. Yikes! Scary I know. A whole range of nightmarish scenarios flood my mind when I think of what could happen between the cleaners, cords, razors, soaps, etc., water, and my two year old. Last week I heard him stomping around up there, and found him desperately trying to use toilet paper to clean up shaving cream that he had sprayed all over the place. When I got to thoroughly cleaning and investigating the mess, I discovered a brand new, but mysteriously empty econofamilyjumbo-size bottle of body wash laying on a shelf, and many many bubbles in the toilet. Literally money down the drain. The bathroom smelled great, though!
One night this week, I sent Speep back to bed a couple of times after various complaints and pleas. The final one was some mumbled issue about his pants.........the pants seemed fine to me, so "To Bed!" When I retired for the evening, I construed that the pants issue must have had something to do with the several jars of mineral makeup spilled all over the bathroom and toilet issue. I'm glad Speep was asleep at that point, because Boyd and I couldn't help but laugh. Of course there was discipline and a lot of cleaning up to do in the morning, but seeing that crazy mess, and his little footprints all over the tile was pretty cute.
I think we have the boundries about staying in bed all settled now. I'll let you know next week.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Flutter by
Today is a beautiful day! My mom informed me that the heat index over the weekend is supposed to be in the 100's. I'm trying not to acknowledge that.
Since it is so lovely outside, of course we went out and played. The kids love stepping out the front door and peeking over to "GB's" (my mom's) to see if she is on her porch. About 90% of the times she is there reading her newspaper, and about 90% of those times, we go over for a little visit. What a blessing for our children to be able to be so close to their grandparents -- in proximity, and in heart, too!
I really love watching the kids play out there in the front yard, and joining in the fun some, too. Sidewalk chalk; running races; grass and clover and dandelion bouquets; princesses dancing; princesses laughing; princesses playing dead in the grass until someone comes to kiss them; using jump ropes to hitch siblings up to scooters for a "modern-day"(?) horse and buggy......and watching butterflies. They all love to spot and chase butterflies.
When I was a kid I played alot of the same games, but with my friends and mostly my neighbor, since I don't have any siblings. I think our all time favorite, go-to game was "Goopy-Goop". Translation: mud pies. A majority of the time was actually spent shoveling and sifting dirt with our sandbox toys. The dirt had to be perfect -- free of rocks, bugs, grass, etc; lovingly and repeatedly sifted to form millions of tiny spheres of earth. Then we could add water. We could sneak around the garage to the other neighbor's yard and steal their gigantic wild onions. We could mix and slop it around. The end product was usually a pail- or wheelbarrow-full of grassily garnished and rockily decorated sludge. Of course it was a cake for some forest animal's birthday. Because we were orphans who grew up in the forest and befriended all the forest animals.............. you know, there in the back yards of our homes, in the middle of town. :) It was glorious.
So, what did you play when you were a kid?
Since it is so lovely outside, of course we went out and played. The kids love stepping out the front door and peeking over to "GB's" (my mom's) to see if she is on her porch. About 90% of the times she is there reading her newspaper, and about 90% of those times, we go over for a little visit. What a blessing for our children to be able to be so close to their grandparents -- in proximity, and in heart, too!
I really love watching the kids play out there in the front yard, and joining in the fun some, too. Sidewalk chalk; running races; grass and clover and dandelion bouquets; princesses dancing; princesses laughing; princesses playing dead in the grass until someone comes to kiss them; using jump ropes to hitch siblings up to scooters for a "modern-day"(?) horse and buggy......and watching butterflies. They all love to spot and chase butterflies.
When I was a kid I played alot of the same games, but with my friends and mostly my neighbor, since I don't have any siblings. I think our all time favorite, go-to game was "Goopy-Goop". Translation: mud pies. A majority of the time was actually spent shoveling and sifting dirt with our sandbox toys. The dirt had to be perfect -- free of rocks, bugs, grass, etc; lovingly and repeatedly sifted to form millions of tiny spheres of earth. Then we could add water. We could sneak around the garage to the other neighbor's yard and steal their gigantic wild onions. We could mix and slop it around. The end product was usually a pail- or wheelbarrow-full of grassily garnished and rockily decorated sludge. Of course it was a cake for some forest animal's birthday. Because we were orphans who grew up in the forest and befriended all the forest animals.............. you know, there in the back yards of our homes, in the middle of town. :) It was glorious.
So, what did you play when you were a kid?
Monday, July 27, 2009
One of those moments
When Peach turned two, we bought her a bicycle. It was a tiny one, but a full-fledged bike non-the-less. Again, she was two......... her birthday is in the middle of winter........ but I knew that somehow she would learn to ride that bike, and would be a pro by summer. Now Peach is five and half. She never learned to ride that bike, and now she can't even fit onto it.
Last winter we received a heavy duty, John-Deer-ish tricycle with attached trailer. In the Spring, we accidentally ordered about 1/2 a truckload too much mulch for a landscaping project. (oops!) Knowing that we couldn't leave all that mulch in the middle of the city sidewalk, but not knowing what else to do with it, we decided to dump it inside of our fenced backyard. Moving that much mulch is ..............a tongue twister!................. but it's also a BIG job! So, we drafted the kiddos and set to work. While Boyd and I filled and hauled the wheel barrow, Speep and Apple helped fill the tricycle trailer, and Peach rode it around to the back ............ about 496 times! Knowing how to pedal, turn corners, and the like were not an issue after that day.
Fast forward to last Friday. We found a "Big" bike for a good price. Peach loved it, Daddy aired up the tires, and off she went. Seriously, she just went. I couldn't believe it. The new bike has training wheels and all, but I still thought it would take a few tries (or maybe days............ we ARE talking about mini-ME here) to adjust from the tricycle to this big bike. But, no. She just hopped on and rode away. I was so shocked and proud that I just stood on the sidewalk with a dumb grin on my face. It was all kind of movie-like, too ---- All the kids were playing, she was riding into the sunset....... As I watched her I kept thinking "Remember this. Remember this moment. Take it all in. This is one one of THOSE moments in life."
Last winter we received a heavy duty, John-Deer-ish tricycle with attached trailer. In the Spring, we accidentally ordered about 1/2 a truckload too much mulch for a landscaping project. (oops!) Knowing that we couldn't leave all that mulch in the middle of the city sidewalk, but not knowing what else to do with it, we decided to dump it inside of our fenced backyard. Moving that much mulch is ..............a tongue twister!................. but it's also a BIG job! So, we drafted the kiddos and set to work. While Boyd and I filled and hauled the wheel barrow, Speep and Apple helped fill the tricycle trailer, and Peach rode it around to the back ............ about 496 times! Knowing how to pedal, turn corners, and the like were not an issue after that day.
Fast forward to last Friday. We found a "Big" bike for a good price. Peach loved it, Daddy aired up the tires, and off she went. Seriously, she just went. I couldn't believe it. The new bike has training wheels and all, but I still thought it would take a few tries (or maybe days............ we ARE talking about mini-ME here) to adjust from the tricycle to this big bike. But, no. She just hopped on and rode away. I was so shocked and proud that I just stood on the sidewalk with a dumb grin on my face. It was all kind of movie-like, too ---- All the kids were playing, she was riding into the sunset....... As I watched her I kept thinking "Remember this. Remember this moment. Take it all in. This is one one of THOSE moments in life."
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wish Bugs
Good news everyone! Peach informed me that the little dust particles that you see flying in the air when sunshine beams through your windows are Wish Bugs. Who would want to harm a harmless Wish Bug? Not me! Think of all that the wish bugs could do for you! I didn't get the whole scoop on these magnificent creatures, but I'm thinking they must be genie-like. In any case, I think we are all definitely off the hook. No more dusting! Save the Wish Bugs!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Round and Round He Goes
Over the past year I have been researching and putting to use more natural ways of doing things --- natural remedies and natural cleaners specifically. However, last week our big upstairs bathroom was looking pretty grungy, so I broke out the Soft Scrub with Bleach. Praise the Lord for that stuff! I scrubbed and scrubbed. Well, that evening, as I tucked my girls into bed, Speep waited in the bathroom for my help (he's potty training). I heard him repeatedly flushing the toilet, but I figured it was not that big of a deal, and I could get the girls hug and kisses in before tending to the situation. Upon entering the bathroom, nonchalance turned to horror! Each time the toilet flushed and the water swirled down the drain, Speep stuck his arm into the toilet as far as he could and swirled right along with frantic enthusiasm. NOOOOOOOO! Yuck Yuck Yuck! Don't do that! Yes, it was disgusting, but at least there was nothing in the toilet, and it had been cleaned just that afternoon. That makes it not so bad, right?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
One Less
Water Parks................... I. Love. Them. I! Love! Them! On the way to church camp (which we attended last week) we pass a water park. I went to said park many times as a kid. On the camp trip, we also pass a resort that used to have a year-round, indoor ice skating rink (it wasn't very good) which has been renovated into a year-round, indoor water park (sweet!)
Unfortunately, my children will probably never know the relaxation (and skin blistering sun exposure) of The Lazy River; the adreneline rush from zooming and spinning down the tallest water slide (though they'll be spared the inevitable wedgie at the end --- you know, from plunging into the water so hard......... maybe only girls' swimsuits cause that.....anyway...); the confidence of finally surviving the deep end of the Wave Pool. When we drive past, it makes me sad that we will never take our children to a place like that, because it really is a good time.
But I am confident that, as we raise up this family of ours, God has turned our hearts toward a higher standard. When you go to a water park, there's a whole lot of nakedness. This is according to the biblical standard of bearing the thigh = naked (Exodus 28:42, Isaiah 47:1-3) . And if thighs are to be kept private, I'm pretty sure midriffs, cleavage, cracks, and backs should be covered, too. This standard is fairly opposite of the general standard in our society, but God calls Christians to purity of thought and conversation (lifestyle). We cannot honestly teach our children to cover themselves daily, but then pick one day to run naked at the water park. We cannot honestly shield their eyes from sexy ads, but then take them out for a day of skin watching.
There will be plenty of opportunities in our children's lives for each of them to walk the tightrope of temptation; to see things they shouldn't -- accidentally or on the sly; to choose between covered and uncovered...
We choose to provide one less stumbling block in their journey.
Unfortunately, my children will probably never know the relaxation (and skin blistering sun exposure) of The Lazy River; the adreneline rush from zooming and spinning down the tallest water slide (though they'll be spared the inevitable wedgie at the end --- you know, from plunging into the water so hard......... maybe only girls' swimsuits cause that.....anyway...); the confidence of finally surviving the deep end of the Wave Pool. When we drive past, it makes me sad that we will never take our children to a place like that, because it really is a good time.
But I am confident that, as we raise up this family of ours, God has turned our hearts toward a higher standard. When you go to a water park, there's a whole lot of nakedness. This is according to the biblical standard of bearing the thigh = naked (Exodus 28:42, Isaiah 47:1-3) . And if thighs are to be kept private, I'm pretty sure midriffs, cleavage, cracks, and backs should be covered, too. This standard is fairly opposite of the general standard in our society, but God calls Christians to purity of thought and conversation (lifestyle). We cannot honestly teach our children to cover themselves daily, but then pick one day to run naked at the water park. We cannot honestly shield their eyes from sexy ads, but then take them out for a day of skin watching.
There will be plenty of opportunities in our children's lives for each of them to walk the tightrope of temptation; to see things they shouldn't -- accidentally or on the sly; to choose between covered and uncovered...
We choose to provide one less stumbling block in their journey.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Big Bubba
I have been asked on a few occasions now, "What is the baby's nickname?" Well, we do have a definite nickname for him, but with it being such a close variation of his name, and my vow to "protect the innocent" :) I won't reveal it here. However, many many times a day, I say to him "Are you some kind of big bubba?" This could be for burping loud, pushing off of my legs with his legs, rolling over.......... just anything that impresses me. Since the question is always accompanied by flashy-eyed, mommy smiles, I always get a big, dimpled smile in response. It's great! :) He also has this thing of raising one eyebrow and smiling. It makes me think of something Joey (from Friends) would do......... or any guy who thinks he's all that, actually (and presuming he is "all that" AND has the ability to raise one eyebrow at a time). OK, now everybody who has tried to raise one eyebrow at a time while reading this post, raise your hand. :)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Spaghetti Berries
Ever heard of 'em? Maybe they are only found in my house. :)
One day last week, Apple suggested that we have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Since we happened to have had some in the fridge, it was a go. Otherwise we would have had to make some spaghetti, refrigerate it, and wait until the next day's lunch to have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Phew! glad we didn't have to do that. :)
Anyway, while the spaghetti was heating, I gave each child a bowl of blueberries. Speep and Apple gobbled their blueberries on the double, while Peach saved hers to eat along with the main course. When we all sat down to eat -- thanks were given, napkins were tucked into collars, noodles were cut into bite-sized bits........... and peach dumped her bowl of blueberries on top of her spaghetti. (insert the sound of loudly squealing car breaks) Yes, she did this intentionally. There was much forethought involved. I usually don't bat an eye at the foods my children mix together or sop up with ketchup or ranch dressing. I want them to appreciate food, and realize all of the wonderful textures, tastes, colors, and aromas. But, this got a long stare, and an audible "That's disgusting" from Mama. Two of the world's perfect foods, but together........ a tragedy.
At least that's my opinion. Peach, however, ate every bite on her plate with a smile of satisfaction.
One day last week, Apple suggested that we have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Since we happened to have had some in the fridge, it was a go. Otherwise we would have had to make some spaghetti, refrigerate it, and wait until the next day's lunch to have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Phew! glad we didn't have to do that. :)
Anyway, while the spaghetti was heating, I gave each child a bowl of blueberries. Speep and Apple gobbled their blueberries on the double, while Peach saved hers to eat along with the main course. When we all sat down to eat -- thanks were given, napkins were tucked into collars, noodles were cut into bite-sized bits........... and peach dumped her bowl of blueberries on top of her spaghetti. (insert the sound of loudly squealing car breaks) Yes, she did this intentionally. There was much forethought involved. I usually don't bat an eye at the foods my children mix together or sop up with ketchup or ranch dressing. I want them to appreciate food, and realize all of the wonderful textures, tastes, colors, and aromas. But, this got a long stare, and an audible "That's disgusting" from Mama. Two of the world's perfect foods, but together........ a tragedy.
At least that's my opinion. Peach, however, ate every bite on her plate with a smile of satisfaction.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Can't wait to get to ________ ........
Where is it for you? Where is the place (maybe there is more than one) you can't wait to get to so you can relax; be yourself; take a deep breath; be around people who understand you?
Though this is starting to sound like the intro song from Cheers, that's definitely not what I'm getting at. :)
After a recent conversation with some dear friends, I have been thinking about church in this way. Church is where believers come together to worship God and fellowship together. To be completely transparent with everyone, there are many times that I feel burden and anxiety when I think about the arrival of Sundays. It's a long day for most, and especially so when you have little kids in tow. What should be looked upon as golden opportunities for service often feel like drudgery. Why is this? The most basic answer...... sin. Selfishness; laziness.
But going back to the conversation I mentioned.......... Our discussion revived in me a desire for church to be "home". It should be where I feel safe, and comfortable. It should be where I can go, and feel shelter, peace, and reassurance that we are all on the same team; moving toward the same goals. I should feel excitement at the prospect of assembling with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I should feel anticipation for the time when we can join together to sing praises to God, glean from His Word, and serve Him by serving each other. Trouble with the kiddos? Don't stay home because of it -- go to church where your family can help ease the burden and give support. Feeling discouraged by work or relationships? Go to church and allow your family to edify you. Tired from a long day, or week, or year!? Don't stay home. Go to church and be revived by the promises in God's Word, and good fellowship. Burdened by hardship or loneliness? Allow your church family to surround you with their care and prayers. Allow them to carry some of your load for you. God will bless you for letting them, and them for their willingness.
My mindset is changing in this direction. Can't wait to get to......... church tomorrow. :)
Though this is starting to sound like the intro song from Cheers, that's definitely not what I'm getting at. :)
After a recent conversation with some dear friends, I have been thinking about church in this way. Church is where believers come together to worship God and fellowship together. To be completely transparent with everyone, there are many times that I feel burden and anxiety when I think about the arrival of Sundays. It's a long day for most, and especially so when you have little kids in tow. What should be looked upon as golden opportunities for service often feel like drudgery. Why is this? The most basic answer...... sin. Selfishness; laziness.
But going back to the conversation I mentioned.......... Our discussion revived in me a desire for church to be "home". It should be where I feel safe, and comfortable. It should be where I can go, and feel shelter, peace, and reassurance that we are all on the same team; moving toward the same goals. I should feel excitement at the prospect of assembling with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I should feel anticipation for the time when we can join together to sing praises to God, glean from His Word, and serve Him by serving each other. Trouble with the kiddos? Don't stay home because of it -- go to church where your family can help ease the burden and give support. Feeling discouraged by work or relationships? Go to church and allow your family to edify you. Tired from a long day, or week, or year!? Don't stay home. Go to church and be revived by the promises in God's Word, and good fellowship. Burdened by hardship or loneliness? Allow your church family to surround you with their care and prayers. Allow them to carry some of your load for you. God will bless you for letting them, and them for their willingness.
My mindset is changing in this direction. Can't wait to get to......... church tomorrow. :)
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