I'm feeling sappy today, so be prepared!
I love the friendships where you could go months - years even - without talking, but in a single phone call or visit you are able to reconnect instantly. When I went home to Maine to visit with several of them, and this week when I got messages from three others who live out of state and in Canada, I have once again been reminded of the depth and gift of friendships that God has given me.
When we go home to visit with our friends and family now - the visits with friends have changed. I usually now only have an afternoon at best, or more likely an hour or two to reconnect after being gone for four or five months. So, we've got to make that time count! In a way, I love these visits even more, and I KNOW that I appreciate my friends more now - because I treasure those few moments that we have AND we don't spend time talking about petty things. We go deep immediately. It may no longer be "quantity" time, but it surely is "quality." (Although I didn't get as much of that with Esther and Jess - but Christmas is coming!) Anyway, I just love that even though we haven't been sharing in each other's lives for months, these friends make time for me and we can always pick right back up where we left off.
I had a conversation like that a couple of days ago with my beautiful friend Angie. I think it has been almost a year since we've talked. The same happened a few months earlier with Kristi - my longest known friend and with Tracy, my CRAZY freshman college roommate. I am mortified to think of the time that I have allowed to lapse in between conversations with these girls, but I LOVE how we immediatley reconnect, how we know each other's hearts, and how we feel safe to be able to share the deep things even though it has been months. THAT is true friendship. These are women who I may not see for five or ten years, but it will feel like yesterday when we finally do get together again. My cousin, Jodi, is the same way. I swear we play phone tag more than we actually talk, but she cares enough to play! We live states apart and see each other only twice a year, but she is still the sister-I-never-had.
God has blessed my life with women who are kindred spirits and sister's of the heart. And He has blessed me with wonderful new friends here in Philly, as well. I have a full life, I am blessed, and He has given me some wonderful women to walk this journey of life, of being a wife, of motherhood, and of ministry, alongside me - and I am SO thankful.
Stay at Home Working Mommy
So, this will just be a rambling blog.....as I guess all of mine usually are, but I am just feeling blessed and refreshed (catchy, eh?) these days. It is my MOST favorite time of year - still warm, but without the dreadful mugginess, soccer season has started and we love going to watch the college kids play, Kaden and I are outside playing, walking, and running ALL the time, we are finally finding our rhythm to our new semester's routine, and life is just plain good.
I have been praying some time now for an opporunity to bring in a little extra income for our family so that Kev can focus more on classes and not feel like he needs to pick up a third part-time job. But, I also am very protective of Kaden's and my days together, his nap schedule, and getting too busy etc., so I have been VERY choosy about what job(s) I would take. I have been cleaning a lady's house every other week for an afternoon. This works perfectly with Kev's schedule - he can study while Kaden naps, and then when Kaden wakes up they can have some good Father/Son time. But this was just one thing for one afternoon two times a month - a pithy contribution of gas money.
So anyway, as of this week, I just picked up two more bitty part-time babysitting jobs that totally mesh with our daily schedules, that do not make me feel too frazzled or stressed, and that relieve some of our financial stress. Three mornings a week, Kaden and I go to a single mom's house and basically just hang with her two kids until they leave for school. She leaves for the city really early and doesn't want them home alone, so I go and fix them breakfast and just hang with them until their bus comes. The kids are fabulous, Kaden loves them, and once they get on the bus we go for long walks all around their beautiful SAFE neighborhood. Lovely. And job #2 involves my new neighbor and friend right here in our complex. For two afternoons a week, I will be babysitting her little seven month old just for 2 1/2 hours each time. Perfect. It's not my entire afternoon, but it's just enough to help. I wanted something that would not just bring in money, but something where I would be able to bless others, as well - and this is what God has given me. Yay.
I have been praying some time now for an opporunity to bring in a little extra income for our family so that Kev can focus more on classes and not feel like he needs to pick up a third part-time job. But, I also am very protective of Kaden's and my days together, his nap schedule, and getting too busy etc., so I have been VERY choosy about what job(s) I would take. I have been cleaning a lady's house every other week for an afternoon. This works perfectly with Kev's schedule - he can study while Kaden naps, and then when Kaden wakes up they can have some good Father/Son time. But this was just one thing for one afternoon two times a month - a pithy contribution of gas money.
So anyway, as of this week, I just picked up two more bitty part-time babysitting jobs that totally mesh with our daily schedules, that do not make me feel too frazzled or stressed, and that relieve some of our financial stress. Three mornings a week, Kaden and I go to a single mom's house and basically just hang with her two kids until they leave for school. She leaves for the city really early and doesn't want them home alone, so I go and fix them breakfast and just hang with them until their bus comes. The kids are fabulous, Kaden loves them, and once they get on the bus we go for long walks all around their beautiful SAFE neighborhood. Lovely. And job #2 involves my new neighbor and friend right here in our complex. For two afternoons a week, I will be babysitting her little seven month old just for 2 1/2 hours each time. Perfect. It's not my entire afternoon, but it's just enough to help. I wanted something that would not just bring in money, but something where I would be able to bless others, as well - and this is what God has given me. Yay.
Revamping My Book
I have to write a book for my final project in order to graduate from this program. I have been thinking about doing something along the theme of marriage - but there are already so many books out there on the topic. However, I honestly don't think that there is ANYTHING new under the sun to write about on ANYTHING, so I think I'll still stick with this theme.
We have to write about a problem that we see in life that we are passionate about and develop a plan or program to help. I think I'm going to do something for young marriages - ten years and younger - possibly even for engaged couples or others who are contemplating marriage. The statistics show that Christian marriages are failing almost as rapidly as unsaved. Pretty sad and scary. So, I think I'm going to research the failure rate of young marriages and the reasons why and write something about that.
Maybe my title could be something somewhat cheesy and catchy like: "Surviving the First Five Years - Establishing the Foundation for a Lifetime of Friendship." I am now accepting applications for other brilliant ideas, as well.
We have to write about a problem that we see in life that we are passionate about and develop a plan or program to help. I think I'm going to do something for young marriages - ten years and younger - possibly even for engaged couples or others who are contemplating marriage. The statistics show that Christian marriages are failing almost as rapidly as unsaved. Pretty sad and scary. So, I think I'm going to research the failure rate of young marriages and the reasons why and write something about that.
Maybe my title could be something somewhat cheesy and catchy like: "Surviving the First Five Years - Establishing the Foundation for a Lifetime of Friendship." I am now accepting applications for other brilliant ideas, as well.
Potty Training 101
So, the plan was that after we returned from Maine, Kaden and Mommy would begin the potty training saga. I have purchased Thomas the Tank Engine big boy skivvies, a little seat to go on top of our big potty, and M&M's for bribery (I mean, reward). I am seeking all wisdom and advice to glean from experienced professionals before we begin our adventure. I have done nothing to even begin to prepare him for this - he has never even sat on the toilet before. This is probably my first mistake. However, we are ready to dive into this challenge just as soon as I know my plan of attack.
Any wisdom? So far I have heard: start with pullups; plan on three or four months. Go immediately into big boy underwear; plan on one week. Don't give rewards; it's something everyone needs to learn and not be rewarded. Give incentives; everyone likes to be encouraged when they're learning something new. Give them their own potty seat, and let them sit on it whenever they want. Go immediately to the big potty; don't be sucked in by the gadgets. The list goes on, and this is advice that I have not even asked for!
Sooooooo, all my friends with kids who have potty trained - i.e. Wendy, Chantelle, Angie, Jen, Rachel and others..........be prepared for a phone call! We're coming to conquer! Good times!
Any wisdom? So far I have heard: start with pullups; plan on three or four months. Go immediately into big boy underwear; plan on one week. Don't give rewards; it's something everyone needs to learn and not be rewarded. Give incentives; everyone likes to be encouraged when they're learning something new. Give them their own potty seat, and let them sit on it whenever they want. Go immediately to the big potty; don't be sucked in by the gadgets. The list goes on, and this is advice that I have not even asked for!
Sooooooo, all my friends with kids who have potty trained - i.e. Wendy, Chantelle, Angie, Jen, Rachel and others..........be prepared for a phone call! We're coming to conquer! Good times!
Marvelous Maine!
Well, Kaden and I have returned from our galavanting. We had a GLORIOUS time in Maine! It was so nice to be back home visiting with friends and family. Kaden was so excited to see the grandparents, and we had really great weather for doing tons of fun things that we love: going to the ocean, yard saling, four wheeling, catching frogs, going to camp, riding tricycles (Kaden - not me), having bonfires, going for walks....and the list goes on. It was so nice! Visits with friends and family are always too short, but I am so thankful just for the chance to reconnect face to face every few months.
My little bro and I had our first road trip together while driving back to Philly. We had a really good time, although on two different occasions during the trip we had a one hour delay due to road work and an overturned trailer truck. Those moments were not quite as joyous! However, we made it home safely, and Kaden was SO pumped to see his Daddy. He had been sleeping, and he woke up and started crying just as we drove into the driveway. All I had to say was, "Kaden, we're home, and here comes Daddy," and he IMMEDIATELY stopped crying. He balled his little hands into fists, and his entire body shook with excitement. He died laughing as soon as he saw Kev, and we couldn't get him to go back to sleep for an hour. It was so precious and sweet.
While Aaron was here we ventured into New York City. We totally conquered the place - it was awesome! Well, I should say that Kaden and I had a fabulous time anyway. After the day was all said and done, both Aaron and Kev said that they were on high alert the entire time! I was happily oblivious to their watchful concern all day in the city! We walked through Times Square, saw the Liberty Bell, Ground Zero, ChinaTown, Little Italy, and tons and tons of other things. We were invited to a free taping of the David Letterman show, too! We paid seven bucks and road the Subway all day long. That is totally the way to go. It was so much fun!
It was pretty sobering and special to be at Ground Zero on September 12, as well. The President had been there on the previous day, and there has been an entire street devoted to commenorate the area. There are still lots of flowers and pictures, and a beautiful mural has been placed on one of the buildings, as well. The place looks so different from when we went the year right after the attack. Pretty amazing.
So, now Aaron has gone home, my apartment is finally cleaned and organized, and we are settling in. I decided it was time to get groceries when Kaden looked at me with disgust and said, "Mommy has no bananas for my eat. And nooooo juicy. Only water!" Too funny!
My little bro and I had our first road trip together while driving back to Philly. We had a really good time, although on two different occasions during the trip we had a one hour delay due to road work and an overturned trailer truck. Those moments were not quite as joyous! However, we made it home safely, and Kaden was SO pumped to see his Daddy. He had been sleeping, and he woke up and started crying just as we drove into the driveway. All I had to say was, "Kaden, we're home, and here comes Daddy," and he IMMEDIATELY stopped crying. He balled his little hands into fists, and his entire body shook with excitement. He died laughing as soon as he saw Kev, and we couldn't get him to go back to sleep for an hour. It was so precious and sweet.
While Aaron was here we ventured into New York City. We totally conquered the place - it was awesome! Well, I should say that Kaden and I had a fabulous time anyway. After the day was all said and done, both Aaron and Kev said that they were on high alert the entire time! I was happily oblivious to their watchful concern all day in the city! We walked through Times Square, saw the Liberty Bell, Ground Zero, ChinaTown, Little Italy, and tons and tons of other things. We were invited to a free taping of the David Letterman show, too! We paid seven bucks and road the Subway all day long. That is totally the way to go. It was so much fun!
It was pretty sobering and special to be at Ground Zero on September 12, as well. The President had been there on the previous day, and there has been an entire street devoted to commenorate the area. There are still lots of flowers and pictures, and a beautiful mural has been placed on one of the buildings, as well. The place looks so different from when we went the year right after the attack. Pretty amazing.
So, now Aaron has gone home, my apartment is finally cleaned and organized, and we are settling in. I decided it was time to get groceries when Kaden looked at me with disgust and said, "Mommy has no bananas for my eat. And nooooo juicy. Only water!" Too funny!
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