My head feels thick today - like I need more sleep or something. Kev let me sleep in a little this morning because Jesse was up a lot in the night with his teething. Poor little thing has eight teeth that are trying to break through all at once. I think he was a little chilly in the night, too. He's right by the air conditioning, and we need to blast it into order to reach our room. Soooo, I shall plan accordingly tonight and put him in his footies.
I think that as much as I like the opportunity to sleep in once in awhile, I really don't like the way the rest of my day goes because of that. By the time I enter the world, the boys are already fully embracing their day with all cylinders blazing, they are ready to PLAY and have Mommy's undivided attention, and all I can think about is stumbling over to the coffee pot and SITTING. The house is crazy, the beds are unmade, and the worst for me is that I then have to wait and get my shower when Jesse goes down for his morning nap. I really love my shower, and I really love it to happen pronto. It makes me feel ready for the day - focused, alert, and on top of the world! Well, not quite, but close enough....
But instead, this Monday morning, here I sit - scuzzy and unshowered, BUT with coffee in hand. Jesse is napping and Kaden is watching McGee and Me. Good times. Good times. Must. Get. Going. Laundry awaits. Bread must be made. Dust overtaketh this home. Boys must be snuggled. Books must get read. Walks must be taken.....
Buuuuuut, I can't move SO more coffee must be drunk first.
So, while I partake of this delish beverage and neglect my eldest, here's a little rundown of the weekend. We checked out a new beach on Saturday. One in the town of AVON in New Jersey. First, we ate at a really fun little place on a balcony overlooking the ocean. And then we spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the sand and water. Another time, this would not be my beach of choice with wee ones, but it was really fun to check out - and it would be awesome for bigger kids and adults. The waves were CUH-RAZY there, and the beach was a little more slopey than others, so the entire day, Jesse couldn't really get his footing. He just kept taking major diggers and face plants. It didn't really phaze him a ton, but he couldn't just run free like at other beaches he's been to. And the waves kind of took Kaden out a couple of times and scared him a bit, so we hung pretty close to shore. All in all, though, it was a glorious day. Kev and I got major fried, we ate some yummy ice cream, it was a great family day, and we always love exploring new places. So, it was fab.
On Sunday, there was no nursery worker for the Sunday school hour, so because I had the most kids, I felt that it was my duty to step up and be the volunteer. Joy. True confession: I don't like doing nursery. Tiny, stinky room. Whiny kids because it's everybody's naptime and no one feels like sharing. You know. So, we all went outside for a "nature walk" instead. I threw Jesse in the backpack, and we went over to Kaden's and my secret place by the woods and caught a whack of worms and bugs. It was joyous, and we found a kickin' huge yellow and black centipede to boot! Kaden was in Heaven, and the Sunday School hour went by pleasantly enjoyably for moi. To my delight, the little girls had a blast getting grubby, as well. Aaaand I'm sure their Mommies were thrilled with the looks of their little lacy dresses. Hmmmm. Maybe they'll volunteer next week! :0)
Okay. I have more news about our future, by this post is a mile long already, AND I am STILL scuzzy and unshowered and I really really want to have that accomplished before wee one awakens. Happy Monday all! And happy belated birthday, sweet Angie!
Sleeping on the Job
Yep. I admit - I did it. I took a nap while my wee one had free reign of the house yesterday. I was so blasted tired yesterday that I decided to nap while the boys took their snoozes. Jesse is teething, so his naps haven't been the greatest lately, so just when I reached that really deep, body numbing slumber of bliss, I was rudely awakened by his protests to get him out of bed.
Sooooo...
I grabbed a couple of blankets and a pillow, and I just sprawled out on the living room floor! He, being the quality time and touch baby that he is, loved the unlimited access to Mommy, and every thirty seconds I would have little fingers shoved up my nostrils and in my ears, I was almost blinded and scalped, a wheat thin was smashed between my lips, and more times than I can count, I was dive bombed upon!
Forty-five minutes of being horizontal was well worth the abuse, however. And by the time Kaden awoke, both Jesse and I were quite happy with the arrangement that had taken place! He was provided with unlimited access and entertainment, and I was able to at least get some semblance rest!
Sooooo...
I grabbed a couple of blankets and a pillow, and I just sprawled out on the living room floor! He, being the quality time and touch baby that he is, loved the unlimited access to Mommy, and every thirty seconds I would have little fingers shoved up my nostrils and in my ears, I was almost blinded and scalped, a wheat thin was smashed between my lips, and more times than I can count, I was dive bombed upon!
Forty-five minutes of being horizontal was well worth the abuse, however. And by the time Kaden awoke, both Jesse and I were quite happy with the arrangement that had taken place! He was provided with unlimited access and entertainment, and I was able to at least get some semblance rest!
Some Linkage
Well, it's naptime on this crazy day. The weather lied. It never did rain, so we could have had our previously planned day. All in all, the morning went well. We did lots of reading, we made some crafts, and we built a somewhat putzy fort. I ran out of steam however, midway through, so we did no painting. Instead, I ran damage control for my teething baby and for Kaden who got clocked in the head by a large toy from his brother. Good times. Good times.
Anyhoo, on with the post! I've been wanting to show some links to a few things that I've read lately that I think are worth passing along.
This is a great perspective song (and a great post by a friend, also) for those days when one feels like selling their wee tyrants to a zoo! Jesse has six teeth trying to poke through, and let me tell you, he has been just a bundle of joy these past couple of days. This song gives immediate perspective and humility at the privilege that is mine every day, it instantly shuts down any complaints on my tongue, and it makes me stop and be eternally thankful for the gifts of my children.
I found this to be one of the most balanced perspectives on getting baby to sleep through the night. I love this lady's blog. She is a mother of eight who has been at this for fifteen years. Me-thinks she hath a boatload of wisdom to bestow!
And lastly, for today, a just beautiful and oh so sweetly sentimental somewhat of a tear-jerking post that a Mommy writes about her little boy in his adjustment to his new baby that just got brought home from the hospital. This made me think of you, Shannon!
Anyhoo, on with the post! I've been wanting to show some links to a few things that I've read lately that I think are worth passing along.
This is a great perspective song (and a great post by a friend, also) for those days when one feels like selling their wee tyrants to a zoo! Jesse has six teeth trying to poke through, and let me tell you, he has been just a bundle of joy these past couple of days. This song gives immediate perspective and humility at the privilege that is mine every day, it instantly shuts down any complaints on my tongue, and it makes me stop and be eternally thankful for the gifts of my children.
I found this to be one of the most balanced perspectives on getting baby to sleep through the night. I love this lady's blog. She is a mother of eight who has been at this for fifteen years. Me-thinks she hath a boatload of wisdom to bestow!
And lastly, for today, a just beautiful and oh so sweetly sentimental somewhat of a tear-jerking post that a Mommy writes about her little boy in his adjustment to his new baby that just got brought home from the hospital. This made me think of you, Shannon!
A Day of Play...
I had big plans of doing lots of outdoorsy things with the boys today. There's a really nice library and playground a couple of miles away, and we were planning on taking a nice long walk to the library to look at books, play puzzles, and play with the cool toys they have in the kids' section and then meander over to the playground for a picnic and some play before heading back home for naps. Kaden was stoked, and I was getting all my ducks in a row so we could just fly out after Jesse's nap.
Alas, the weather is forecasting scattered thundershowers all day, so now we're gearing up for a day at home. No biggy - I just have to switch gears. So, now the day's plans consist of lots of reading in our p.j's, crafts - I'm going to lay a massive sheet of paper on the floor and just let them have at it with paint....so probably baths will also enter into the picture, forts, picnics on the floor, and naps for all of us when the time comes! :0)
Bring the rain! Tomorrow we shall work!
Alas, the weather is forecasting scattered thundershowers all day, so now we're gearing up for a day at home. No biggy - I just have to switch gears. So, now the day's plans consist of lots of reading in our p.j's, crafts - I'm going to lay a massive sheet of paper on the floor and just let them have at it with paint....so probably baths will also enter into the picture, forts, picnics on the floor, and naps for all of us when the time comes! :0)
Bring the rain! Tomorrow we shall work!
What in the World?
Remember how just a wee post ago I said that I was comfortable with boys? Well, I'm quite convinced that it's because I'm half boy myself. Seriously. I really wouldn't mind be slightly feminine once in a awhile, but honestly - when I try - I feel like a fake and like I just can't quite pull it off. Here are some examples of my lack of girlishness:
~ I wear only one dress, and I have owned it since my wedding day. It was my "going away" dress for my honeymoon. This is the dress that I wear to every occasion: weddings, funerals, and even my graduation. I tell you - that 80$ was well worth it!Kev doesn't care. Kaden thinks I am "soooo pretty!" because he's only seen me in a dress twice in his entire life, I think; and Jesse doesn't have a clue to save his soul.
~ I absolutely detest nylons with a purple passion. I have worn them only three times since my Bible school days. All three times to weddings. One being my own. What was I thinking?
~ My wardrobe consists of mostly black, khaki, and grey. I really only wear keen's and flipflops. And I don't own a single pair of high heels. I never have.
~ I own two articles of pink clothing.....and I actually like them, but feel somewhat numb nutty in them. At least they are capri's and a tank top - not overly feminine.
~ And if Kev were to take another church position someday, I told him - in my not so spiritual moments - that if there is some sort of dresscode expectation for the wife and I have to wear a dress each week - then it surely is not the Lord's will for us to be taking on THAT position!
~ My house decor consists of mostly sticks, twigs, rocks, earthy, old, and outdoorsy things. There is not a single frill, ruffle, or peice of lace to be seen!
~ The only jewelry I wear are my wedding bands, a fish ring that we got on our honeymoon, a twenty-five cent bracelet that I got on a yardsale, the occasional cheap-o toe ring, and on Sundays a rockin' brown, leather, stoney necklace...that is by far the nicest thing I own besides my wedding bands. (A gift from sweet Shannon, or I would never have owned such beauty!)
~ But HERE'S the kicker - hence the name of my title. I got my eyebrows waxed and shaped for the first time a couple of months ago. Like my two brothers, I have been blessed with a uni-brow, and I finally decided to do something more serious about it. Well, when the lady waxed them, she also trimmed them with little scissors, which made them look quite nice. So, last night, I thought I could probably save a couple of bucks and trim them myself. Well, I don't have a blessed clue how I managed this one, but somehow, my eyelashes on my left eye got in the way, and I trimmed my eyelashes right along with my eyebrow! I have like half the length of eyelashes that I do on my opposite eye! Let me tell you - I am stunning to look at now!
Now if that isn't the epitomy of feminity, I don't know what is?! Holy dyin'......
~ I wear only one dress, and I have owned it since my wedding day. It was my "going away" dress for my honeymoon. This is the dress that I wear to every occasion: weddings, funerals, and even my graduation. I tell you - that 80$ was well worth it!Kev doesn't care. Kaden thinks I am "soooo pretty!" because he's only seen me in a dress twice in his entire life, I think; and Jesse doesn't have a clue to save his soul.
~ I absolutely detest nylons with a purple passion. I have worn them only three times since my Bible school days. All three times to weddings. One being my own. What was I thinking?
~ My wardrobe consists of mostly black, khaki, and grey. I really only wear keen's and flipflops. And I don't own a single pair of high heels. I never have.
~ I own two articles of pink clothing.....and I actually like them, but feel somewhat numb nutty in them. At least they are capri's and a tank top - not overly feminine.
~ And if Kev were to take another church position someday, I told him - in my not so spiritual moments - that if there is some sort of dresscode expectation for the wife and I have to wear a dress each week - then it surely is not the Lord's will for us to be taking on THAT position!
~ My house decor consists of mostly sticks, twigs, rocks, earthy, old, and outdoorsy things. There is not a single frill, ruffle, or peice of lace to be seen!
~ The only jewelry I wear are my wedding bands, a fish ring that we got on our honeymoon, a twenty-five cent bracelet that I got on a yardsale, the occasional cheap-o toe ring, and on Sundays a rockin' brown, leather, stoney necklace...that is by far the nicest thing I own besides my wedding bands. (A gift from sweet Shannon, or I would never have owned such beauty!)
~ But HERE'S the kicker - hence the name of my title. I got my eyebrows waxed and shaped for the first time a couple of months ago. Like my two brothers, I have been blessed with a uni-brow, and I finally decided to do something more serious about it. Well, when the lady waxed them, she also trimmed them with little scissors, which made them look quite nice. So, last night, I thought I could probably save a couple of bucks and trim them myself. Well, I don't have a blessed clue how I managed this one, but somehow, my eyelashes on my left eye got in the way, and I trimmed my eyelashes right along with my eyebrow! I have like half the length of eyelashes that I do on my opposite eye! Let me tell you - I am stunning to look at now!
Now if that isn't the epitomy of feminity, I don't know what is?! Holy dyin'......
Boys Will Be Boys?
Okay. Help me process a few things here. I grew up in hicksville with all boys, I have all boys, I'm very comfortable with boys, and I feel like I know boys pretty well. As much as a girl can - I feel like I somewhat know how little boys are wired, what they like to do, what they are naturally drawn too, etc. Don't get me wrong - I am no expert by any shape of the imagination, but not too much surprises me where little boys are concerned.
So, here is my dilemma. Well, first let me just back up for a minute and explain what I am processing here. Last night, our family - along with one of Kev's friends and his son - went to Tyler State Park to fish and play in the water for the evening. This place is a little boy's paradise - the water is not too high right now, so they could go out as far as they wanted, we caught three baby turtles, Daddy caught a sunfish on his flyrod, and we caught tons of little mini baby black tadpoles. Everything went into buckets, and the boys touched and played with things to their heart's content while we were there.
Okay. So here is where my processing begins. As we are all playing, three other little boys come down to the water and begin to splash around just like we were doing. They are all probably around ten years old - I'm not really sure; I'm quite pathetic with ages, actually - but they were quite a bit older than Kaden. We showed them the turtles and the tadpoles, and then they decided that they wanted to catch some tadpoles for themselves. Instead of catching the tadpoles, however, they began throwing massive rocks onto them and yelling: "Got you sucker!" and "Oh - that one's not dead yet! Get him! Get him!"
Let me just stop right here and say that I realize this is nothing like little boys shooting a puppy or maiming a kitten for sport. However, in my book that is just not cool and it will not be allowed in my home. I talked this over a bit with Kev on the way home, because there is that whole delicate balance and line of letting boys be boys, and where do you draw it? I don't want to be extreme - I have no problems with letting them have guns when they are older. I have no problems with them going hunting with their Daddy. But, in my book this is vastly different. We do not kill for sport. We kill for food. And from the time Kaden has understood speech, he has known that difference.
Anyway, this is a slightly rambly post, but I wanted to see if Kev felt as strongly as I did about not allowing our kids to do things like that. He said that he did agree, and although he didn't do tons of that sort of thing when he was a kid, he did share a few things that he did that he still feels bad about to this day! So, I'm sure it will probably happen at some point in my boy's lives - I'm not naive. But, I am also trying to make a very clear impression on them at a very young age that we take care of little things and treat them with respect. I don't even like Kaden catching bugs and leaving them in his bug box until they die. I'm all about catch and release!
Anyway, that's my philosophy. What do you guys think? Too extreme? Right on?
So, here is my dilemma. Well, first let me just back up for a minute and explain what I am processing here. Last night, our family - along with one of Kev's friends and his son - went to Tyler State Park to fish and play in the water for the evening. This place is a little boy's paradise - the water is not too high right now, so they could go out as far as they wanted, we caught three baby turtles, Daddy caught a sunfish on his flyrod, and we caught tons of little mini baby black tadpoles. Everything went into buckets, and the boys touched and played with things to their heart's content while we were there.
Okay. So here is where my processing begins. As we are all playing, three other little boys come down to the water and begin to splash around just like we were doing. They are all probably around ten years old - I'm not really sure; I'm quite pathetic with ages, actually - but they were quite a bit older than Kaden. We showed them the turtles and the tadpoles, and then they decided that they wanted to catch some tadpoles for themselves. Instead of catching the tadpoles, however, they began throwing massive rocks onto them and yelling: "Got you sucker!" and "Oh - that one's not dead yet! Get him! Get him!"
Let me just stop right here and say that I realize this is nothing like little boys shooting a puppy or maiming a kitten for sport. However, in my book that is just not cool and it will not be allowed in my home. I talked this over a bit with Kev on the way home, because there is that whole delicate balance and line of letting boys be boys, and where do you draw it? I don't want to be extreme - I have no problems with letting them have guns when they are older. I have no problems with them going hunting with their Daddy. But, in my book this is vastly different. We do not kill for sport. We kill for food. And from the time Kaden has understood speech, he has known that difference.
Anyway, this is a slightly rambly post, but I wanted to see if Kev felt as strongly as I did about not allowing our kids to do things like that. He said that he did agree, and although he didn't do tons of that sort of thing when he was a kid, he did share a few things that he did that he still feels bad about to this day! So, I'm sure it will probably happen at some point in my boy's lives - I'm not naive. But, I am also trying to make a very clear impression on them at a very young age that we take care of little things and treat them with respect. I don't even like Kaden catching bugs and leaving them in his bug box until they die. I'm all about catch and release!
Anyway, that's my philosophy. What do you guys think? Too extreme? Right on?
Happy Monday!
It's been a few days since my last post. Did ya miss me? Let's see. How about some wee updates for those inquiring minds?
The tail end of last week is a blur...sorry I can help ya there with the details. I'm remembering lots of heat and sun, bike rides, stories, and oh yes! One night, we had some friends over for supper and dutch oven strawberry shortcake out back. That was fun. There was also a rambunctious game of soccer afterwards where Kaden took a header from the soccer ball - I was totally impressed and yelled "AWESOME!" - to which Kev promptly scooped a sobbing Kaden up into his arms and scolded me with a: "It's NOT awesome!" Okay then. He was quite fine; just a wee bit shocked at this thing bouncing off of his head! After the initial fear and minor pain wore off, he was back in the scuffle with the best of us. What a tough little guy! Good times! Mommy was so proud!
On Saturday, we went to Ocean City, New Jersey - our absolute favorite place to go in the summer! The weather was gorgeous - not too hot and slightly overcast for the kids, and we just stayed and played all day. To our pleasant surprise, Jesse ate nary a shell or handful of sand! Also, - NOT to our surprise - he was fearless around the water, so we had to be on our toes the entire time we were there! He took a couple of face plants into the salty water but really didn't seem all that phased. He absolutely loved the freedom to be able to run wherever he wanted, and all throughout the day, he would give handfuls of sand to random people!
And then, yesterday, after a marathon day at church, "the boys" took Kev out to Bugaboo Creek for a Father's Day supper. We had a really great weekend, and we hate to see it end. So, we're contemplating going to pick sour cherries tonight and making a yummy pie to top it all off!
The tail end of last week is a blur...sorry I can help ya there with the details. I'm remembering lots of heat and sun, bike rides, stories, and oh yes! One night, we had some friends over for supper and dutch oven strawberry shortcake out back. That was fun. There was also a rambunctious game of soccer afterwards where Kaden took a header from the soccer ball - I was totally impressed and yelled "AWESOME!" - to which Kev promptly scooped a sobbing Kaden up into his arms and scolded me with a: "It's NOT awesome!" Okay then. He was quite fine; just a wee bit shocked at this thing bouncing off of his head! After the initial fear and minor pain wore off, he was back in the scuffle with the best of us. What a tough little guy! Good times! Mommy was so proud!
On Saturday, we went to Ocean City, New Jersey - our absolute favorite place to go in the summer! The weather was gorgeous - not too hot and slightly overcast for the kids, and we just stayed and played all day. To our pleasant surprise, Jesse ate nary a shell or handful of sand! Also, - NOT to our surprise - he was fearless around the water, so we had to be on our toes the entire time we were there! He took a couple of face plants into the salty water but really didn't seem all that phased. He absolutely loved the freedom to be able to run wherever he wanted, and all throughout the day, he would give handfuls of sand to random people!
And then, yesterday, after a marathon day at church, "the boys" took Kev out to Bugaboo Creek for a Father's Day supper. We had a really great weekend, and we hate to see it end. So, we're contemplating going to pick sour cherries tonight and making a yummy pie to top it all off!
Life
We have fully eased into our summer rhythm here. It's been hotter than blazes for the past few days, but the humidity has finally eased up. Each day looks much like the previous for us - lots of long walks, dips in the kiddie pool, bike rides around the parking lot, snuggles with Kaden while reading Little House on the Prairie books during Jesse's naps, ice creams and parks in the evenings, and sweaty, tired bodies easing into bed at night. Just the way we all love it.
We have this month and next to play and then decision time will be upon us. Kev finishes up with his school in August and will be the second person in the history of PBU to graduate with 3 degrees in 3 years! He is not one to brag, so I will do it for him. He's been such a trooper - always an awesome father and husband throughout it all - and we are so proud of him.
Our lease runs out August first, and then it's crunch time. For months, we have been praying and asking the Lord to clearly show us what His next step for us will be. A door looked like it was opening awhile back, and we started to walk through it, but neither of us felt like this was what our next step should be. Looking back at that decision now - a few weeks later - we have total peace that we made the right decision. We have some other options that we are looking at - ones that will change life as we know it now quite significantly - so we are earnestly seeking His wisdom and His will. For someone who hates change, I am surprisingly calm and at peace - and even excited at these new potential chapters of life for our family. I will update more as we know more! Kev and I have been on the same page throughout this entire journey, and we have seen the Lord so clearly lead us, so we have full faith that He will do the same again - in His time.
No matter the decision - I have two months to play before d-day. Two more months to just "be" with my boys - to play, to read, to eat popsicles, to go camping, to go to the beach, to wipe blood and kiss bruises - which happens A LOT with Jesse, to go on walks, to dig for worms and look for bugs, to "chase life!" (as Shannon writes), and to savor the summer with those I love most.
Life is good.
We have this month and next to play and then decision time will be upon us. Kev finishes up with his school in August and will be the second person in the history of PBU to graduate with 3 degrees in 3 years! He is not one to brag, so I will do it for him. He's been such a trooper - always an awesome father and husband throughout it all - and we are so proud of him.
Our lease runs out August first, and then it's crunch time. For months, we have been praying and asking the Lord to clearly show us what His next step for us will be. A door looked like it was opening awhile back, and we started to walk through it, but neither of us felt like this was what our next step should be. Looking back at that decision now - a few weeks later - we have total peace that we made the right decision. We have some other options that we are looking at - ones that will change life as we know it now quite significantly - so we are earnestly seeking His wisdom and His will. For someone who hates change, I am surprisingly calm and at peace - and even excited at these new potential chapters of life for our family. I will update more as we know more! Kev and I have been on the same page throughout this entire journey, and we have seen the Lord so clearly lead us, so we have full faith that He will do the same again - in His time.
No matter the decision - I have two months to play before d-day. Two more months to just "be" with my boys - to play, to read, to eat popsicles, to go camping, to go to the beach, to wipe blood and kiss bruises - which happens A LOT with Jesse, to go on walks, to dig for worms and look for bugs, to "chase life!" (as Shannon writes), and to savor the summer with those I love most.
Life is good.
Watch This.
I love love love drama presentations. Somehow the acting combined with the music behind it speaks far more to me than mere words ever could. This group of kids gives an AWESOME presentation to the Lifehouse song, "You're All I Need." It starts out a wee bit cheesy, but it just gets better and better. Wait for the chorus. Wait for it. It'll move ya!
Handling Disappointments
I was really proud of my little boy today.
Since he just turned four, he is now able to go to "Junior Church," and this is something that he has been excited about doing for quite awhile now. The kids always get a little snack and then they have a lesson time of their own. Usually he's a little shy at first about starting new things with lots of kids, but today he just walked right into class like a big boy.
He was the last kid getting in there, because he had to wait for me to get done singing, and there were more children in there today than usual. So we just found him an extra chair, the kids all made room for him, and he sat down eagerly anticipating his fun little snack. Well, the teacher had a really special treat today. The only problem was, there wasn't enough to go around. All of the other children were sitting around this table all together dipping their fun little lollipop treats into the sugar candy and licking them off, while Kaden just sat there and watched them. When the teacher realized that there wasn't enough to go around she quickly gave Kaden a mini box of raisins and told him that "they were just as good (and sweet too!)" WHAAT?!!
In the grand scheme of life, this is so not a big deal. And really - I would prefer my child to be eating a snack like goldfish or raisins or even crackers, anyway. But, when every other kid in the room is getting a really fun treat, it totally just broke my heart that he was sitting there eating raisins. Again - I know it's not a big deal, but it made me so sad. And he was so big and brave. He looked at me and all he said was: "I would like a snack like they're having." So, I knelt down beside him and just explained that there wasn't enough to go around today. I could have used this as a perfect teaching time about "how the last shall be first" or how "someone had to be the one to not get the lollipop, and it's nice for him to be the big boy," but I just didn't have the heart. He nodded that he understood, and he quietly picked away at his snack while I walked back to the service with my tail between my legs. Disappointments are good and necessary to learn about - I know this. He will have his fair share of them thanks to this mean world. But as his Mommy, how I wish I could shelter him from unnecessary hurts. My heart just felt so sad for him and so proud that he was trying to be so big and brave.
On the way home both Kev and I talked to him about how proud we were that even though he was really disappointed and even kind of sad that he didn't get a fun treat, he didn't make a scene, he didn't act out, and he wasn't mean to the other kids. He really did act like a big boy and he didn't let that disappointment get in the way of having a really fun time at Junior Church, either.
Needless to say, we took a wee bit of a detour on the way home and bought someone a very VERY special ice cream treat to have all for himself!
Since he just turned four, he is now able to go to "Junior Church," and this is something that he has been excited about doing for quite awhile now. The kids always get a little snack and then they have a lesson time of their own. Usually he's a little shy at first about starting new things with lots of kids, but today he just walked right into class like a big boy.
He was the last kid getting in there, because he had to wait for me to get done singing, and there were more children in there today than usual. So we just found him an extra chair, the kids all made room for him, and he sat down eagerly anticipating his fun little snack. Well, the teacher had a really special treat today. The only problem was, there wasn't enough to go around. All of the other children were sitting around this table all together dipping their fun little lollipop treats into the sugar candy and licking them off, while Kaden just sat there and watched them. When the teacher realized that there wasn't enough to go around she quickly gave Kaden a mini box of raisins and told him that "they were just as good (and sweet too!)" WHAAT?!!
In the grand scheme of life, this is so not a big deal. And really - I would prefer my child to be eating a snack like goldfish or raisins or even crackers, anyway. But, when every other kid in the room is getting a really fun treat, it totally just broke my heart that he was sitting there eating raisins. Again - I know it's not a big deal, but it made me so sad. And he was so big and brave. He looked at me and all he said was: "I would like a snack like they're having." So, I knelt down beside him and just explained that there wasn't enough to go around today. I could have used this as a perfect teaching time about "how the last shall be first" or how "someone had to be the one to not get the lollipop, and it's nice for him to be the big boy," but I just didn't have the heart. He nodded that he understood, and he quietly picked away at his snack while I walked back to the service with my tail between my legs. Disappointments are good and necessary to learn about - I know this. He will have his fair share of them thanks to this mean world. But as his Mommy, how I wish I could shelter him from unnecessary hurts. My heart just felt so sad for him and so proud that he was trying to be so big and brave.
On the way home both Kev and I talked to him about how proud we were that even though he was really disappointed and even kind of sad that he didn't get a fun treat, he didn't make a scene, he didn't act out, and he wasn't mean to the other kids. He really did act like a big boy and he didn't let that disappointment get in the way of having a really fun time at Junior Church, either.
Needless to say, we took a wee bit of a detour on the way home and bought someone a very VERY special ice cream treat to have all for himself!
Science at its BEST!
We just witnessed the COOLEST thing over here! Kaden caught seven army worms awhile back, and we've just had them hanging out in a tupperware container for about a week. Within a couple of days of catching them, four promptly cocooned themselves away while the other two just sort of shriveled up and died. I had never known that army worms did this, so we've just sort of had them hanging out on top of our fridge waiting to see what would happen.
Well, yesterday I looked in the container and saw a little moth in there. I didn't really put two and two together because Kaden had also caught a moth just yesterday and I just thought it had gotten loose and that I had stumbled upon it. This evening at supper time, I looked in again and there was a second little moth hanging out. And then it clicked! These babies were hatching - or whatever you call what they do when they come out of their cocoon!
And then - just as we were watching these little guys hopping and floundering around inside the container, one moth starting coming out of its cocoon and WE GOT TO WATCH THE WHOLE THING! It was SO cool! Seriously! I have never seen anything like this before, and I was amazed! The boys thought it was cool and then they ALL promptly went back to their wrestling and roughhousing, but - oh my word - I just watched this little guy all evening as he crawled around and dried his wings out and then practiced flapping them. It was amazing. We released the other two babies into the wild, but I'm going to give this little guy a few more minutes to get a good head start on life before I release him to the birds. Two more babies to go!
Come on now - do you not think that this is a pretty cool thing to witness?!! Kevin mocks my enthusiasm......:0)
Well, yesterday I looked in the container and saw a little moth in there. I didn't really put two and two together because Kaden had also caught a moth just yesterday and I just thought it had gotten loose and that I had stumbled upon it. This evening at supper time, I looked in again and there was a second little moth hanging out. And then it clicked! These babies were hatching - or whatever you call what they do when they come out of their cocoon!
And then - just as we were watching these little guys hopping and floundering around inside the container, one moth starting coming out of its cocoon and WE GOT TO WATCH THE WHOLE THING! It was SO cool! Seriously! I have never seen anything like this before, and I was amazed! The boys thought it was cool and then they ALL promptly went back to their wrestling and roughhousing, but - oh my word - I just watched this little guy all evening as he crawled around and dried his wings out and then practiced flapping them. It was amazing. We released the other two babies into the wild, but I'm going to give this little guy a few more minutes to get a good head start on life before I release him to the birds. Two more babies to go!
Come on now - do you not think that this is a pretty cool thing to witness?!! Kevin mocks my enthusiasm......:0)
Amazing Blogs and Posts Worth Reading.....
I've been wanting to post a couple of links for awhile of things that I've either stumbled across or have been told about. If you have the time, these are some blogs written by some amazing women who are completely sold out to their Savior.
Here's one that will make you RUN to your babies and thank Jesus for every moment that you have with them. Warning: have tissues ready. I'm sending you just to one post; but you can see where you can read her entire blog there, as well. OH. MY. WORD. What a humbling, tear-jerking blog to read.
This one gives really great perspective on "the quiverfull movement." At least out here, this is a pretty hot topic these days, and I love how she puts the kibosh on all of the spiritualizing that we - especially we young mothers - can do.
For my prego friends: the most complete list of natural labor induction methods! Just let me say, however, that I DO NOT recommend the caster oil. Had a friend with really really bad results.....
And finally Here's something that is just plain gross.
Here's one that will make you RUN to your babies and thank Jesus for every moment that you have with them. Warning: have tissues ready. I'm sending you just to one post; but you can see where you can read her entire blog there, as well. OH. MY. WORD. What a humbling, tear-jerking blog to read.
This one gives really great perspective on "the quiverfull movement." At least out here, this is a pretty hot topic these days, and I love how she puts the kibosh on all of the spiritualizing that we - especially we young mothers - can do.
For my prego friends: the most complete list of natural labor induction methods! Just let me say, however, that I DO NOT recommend the caster oil. Had a friend with really really bad results.....
And finally Here's something that is just plain gross.
The Winds of Change
Do you want to know how much this anal cleaning Mama is relaxing? Today is a perfect example. I really wanted to vac my kitchen and living room floors before the boys went down to nap. Upon mentioning this to Kaden, he asked if he could help - like he always does - and I suggested that he get out his lawn mower and pretend to vac along with me - like he always does.
Well, today, this suggestion didn't fly. This time he really wanted to help for real "because I'm four now." So, I got out the vac and proceeded to let him clean both floors all by himself. He was so proud of the work that he accomplished with Jesse dutifully carrying the cord and attachments along behind him wherever he went that I didn't have the heart to run through really quickly and touch up the places that he missed. So there you have it - my place is sufficiently cleaned!
And now we are off for a cookie break, because "cleaning is hard work!"
Well, today, this suggestion didn't fly. This time he really wanted to help for real "because I'm four now." So, I got out the vac and proceeded to let him clean both floors all by himself. He was so proud of the work that he accomplished with Jesse dutifully carrying the cord and attachments along behind him wherever he went that I didn't have the heart to run through really quickly and touch up the places that he missed. So there you have it - my place is sufficiently cleaned!
And now we are off for a cookie break, because "cleaning is hard work!"
Happy Birthday, Jesse Micah!
I cannot believe that my baby is one today. Where has the time gone? I can so vividly remember twelve months ago today waking up at one in the morning feeling a little "off" and wondering if "this was it!" I had had to be induced with Kaden because of complications and was so praying to be able to go completely natural with this one. I had already been put on complete bedrest for two days straight because of symptoms of pre-clampsia, and I was so discouraged. Well, that morning, the Lord gave me the absolute greatest gift ever in giving me the birth of my dreams, but also in giving me another absolutely beautiful little boy who came out just a screaming!
What an intense little man we have; and what a delight he is to our family! He has completely turned us inside out and so totally changed the dynamic of what we look like now. It has been a crazy, wild ride these past twelve months - really not a quiet minute since he's joined us - and actually quite the funny farm now that I look back on the year - but what a gift these months have been.
I absolutely love this little boy. I never quite understood how moms were able to love their children equally, or how they could spread the wealth of their love to so many people. The love that I felt for Kaden was so deep and strong, I just wondered how I would ever love another as much as him - but it's true! It's like your heart just gets a little bigger and a little fuller and it just expands to hold another. Sometimes it feels like it'll explode!
So, to celebrate this joyous occasion of Jesse's birth, we took him to his favorite hospital and got his cast removed! What a way to celebrate, eh? He was actually a bit of a wreck today, so we're going to do presents and things like that another day when he is more rested and his naps are not so thrown. But he is quite thrilled to have both of his hands free AND to be able to have baths again. The highlight of his day was playing in the tub with his big brother once again.
What a privilege to be a Mother. What an honor and a humbling responsibility. So often I do not feel up to the task or equipped for this calling. But, I am so thankful that the Lord has given me these little boys on loan for however long He will let me have them. I am in awe of these gifts.
What an intense little man we have; and what a delight he is to our family! He has completely turned us inside out and so totally changed the dynamic of what we look like now. It has been a crazy, wild ride these past twelve months - really not a quiet minute since he's joined us - and actually quite the funny farm now that I look back on the year - but what a gift these months have been.
I absolutely love this little boy. I never quite understood how moms were able to love their children equally, or how they could spread the wealth of their love to so many people. The love that I felt for Kaden was so deep and strong, I just wondered how I would ever love another as much as him - but it's true! It's like your heart just gets a little bigger and a little fuller and it just expands to hold another. Sometimes it feels like it'll explode!
So, to celebrate this joyous occasion of Jesse's birth, we took him to his favorite hospital and got his cast removed! What a way to celebrate, eh? He was actually a bit of a wreck today, so we're going to do presents and things like that another day when he is more rested and his naps are not so thrown. But he is quite thrilled to have both of his hands free AND to be able to have baths again. The highlight of his day was playing in the tub with his big brother once again.
What a privilege to be a Mother. What an honor and a humbling responsibility. So often I do not feel up to the task or equipped for this calling. But, I am so thankful that the Lord has given me these little boys on loan for however long He will let me have them. I am in awe of these gifts.
An Ode to The Pregos!
I seem to have quite a few friends who are with child at the moment, and I have just been thinking about all of you a lot lately. Shannie, Esther, and Sarah, in particular are are on my mind, but also my dear friend Kristi who just had her first little guy a few weeks ago also comes to mind all the time. So, I just want to give you all a little shout out!
My friends - know that I love you and I am praying for you. I'm so excited for you, and I want to remind you that even if you accomplish absolutley nothing in your day sometimes, you are really climbing a mountain with the work that your body is doing in making that little baby. So, sit back, relax, put your feet up, and remind everybody of that impressive fact! You're doing more than most each and every day! Much love to you all!
My Jesse turns one on Wednesday, and I must confess that I'm starting to feel the itch again - a little craving in my soul - a few stirrings within. Kev thinks I'm insane and is no where even close to being ready....not sure if he ever will be, quite frankly.....but it's beginning again! We shall see. I want to fully savor my little baby, so I really am in no rush, but oh my - I am finding him so yummy these days! For me, the infancy stage is quite challenging. Both of my boys were really fussy newborns, and Jesse was really quite a wreck up until 9 or 10 months. But from here on out, I am in my element, and it just keeps getting better! I am very content right now, and I feel that our family is complete for the moment....but I can't say that I feel we are done. I just can't imagine that.....God alone knows when our quiver will be full! We'll keep you posted!
My friends - know that I love you and I am praying for you. I'm so excited for you, and I want to remind you that even if you accomplish absolutley nothing in your day sometimes, you are really climbing a mountain with the work that your body is doing in making that little baby. So, sit back, relax, put your feet up, and remind everybody of that impressive fact! You're doing more than most each and every day! Much love to you all!
My Jesse turns one on Wednesday, and I must confess that I'm starting to feel the itch again - a little craving in my soul - a few stirrings within. Kev thinks I'm insane and is no where even close to being ready....not sure if he ever will be, quite frankly.....but it's beginning again! We shall see. I want to fully savor my little baby, so I really am in no rush, but oh my - I am finding him so yummy these days! For me, the infancy stage is quite challenging. Both of my boys were really fussy newborns, and Jesse was really quite a wreck up until 9 or 10 months. But from here on out, I am in my element, and it just keeps getting better! I am very content right now, and I feel that our family is complete for the moment....but I can't say that I feel we are done. I just can't imagine that.....God alone knows when our quiver will be full! We'll keep you posted!
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