Kev and I sat down and had a serious chat about money the other morning and have come to the conclusion that this Christmas is going to need to be paired down in an extreme way. In the past few months we: moved, crashed our car, and graduated from college. So, needless to say, we are the poorest we have ever been!
On the one hand, this kind of stresses me and even makes me a little sad, because I really really really love to give, and I really really really love to cook, and there are also a few traditions (like sending cards and family photos) that I really love to do....but all those things cost money!
However, on the other hand, I HATE excessiveness, I despise shopping, I don't like stressing about money, and I thrive on simplicity. Soooo, whether we want to or not - this time, we have no choice in the matter - Christmas is going to be very simple this year. And the more that I come to accept this fact, the more I am beginning to embrace it!
We are going to forego the "Family Christmas Letter" along with the family photo. (Be still, my soul! This part of the plan I am reluctantly giving up). However, when thought about realistically, everyone will chuck the letter and picture within a couple of weeks if not sooner, anyway! And seriously, the people who really care about all the boring things that go on in our lives read our blog or check facebook or talk to us on the phone or see us face to face anyway! I'll instead write a little bloggy version of our Christmas letter perhaps, and post it just a bit before Christmas.
We are also going to only get each other one present. For the kids, we're going to give them stocking stuffers, one gift apiece, and one gift to share. Good heavens - that's totally sufficient in my mind, anyway! By the time Grampy's, Grammy's, Aunties, and Uncles all hand out their gifts, we'll still be dealing with the glazed eyes of overload. I'm sure of it. And I have many married friends who don't even get anything for each other, either. So, it's not like anyone is going to be suffering!
I want to be more intentional and focus better on what Christmas is truly about - especially with our children getting older. I want to do more of the simple things with them each day in the time leading up to Christmas, also - like decorating cookies together, reading and relaxing by the tree, doing little crafts, savoring the magic, having people over etc., - simple things! - as opposed to constantly fighting the crowds and stressing over how far to stretch the budget. I want Kaden & Jesse to see us living out what we are trying to teach them: It's better to give than to receive, it doesn't matter how small your gift is as long as you give it out of a heart of love, and it's not "stuff" that's supposed to make us happy, anyway! That is NOT what Christmas is all about!
When, just by sheer necessity, excessiveness is weeded out of our lives - at least for me - a burden is almost lifted - and I'm able to relax again and just focus on what I'm supposed to be thinking about anyway.
Gifts will still be given....but with more creativity and thought put into them. Packages will still be unwrapped....but they'll be savored more as there will just be a few. Bills will get paid. Wisdom will be exercised. Stress will go down! And above all, Christ will be better celebrated, more intentionally talked about, read about, and sung about - and perhaps even more so now, because after all - He truly is the reason for this season!
Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!
We got our Christmas tree yesterday amidst the drizzle. I looked online at the forecast prediction for the day and saw that it was only a 3% chance of rain....hmmm.... She surely did rain, but that did not spoil our fun one iota.
Up until we moved to Philly, we always went to a rockin place called Piper Mountain to get our tree, and I have craved going back ever since. So, yesterday - three years later - we were finally reunited with our most fave Christmas tree spot EVER. And having kids just makes it that much better. We took our hefty little saw and chose and chopped our very own tree. Then we meandered over to the little gift shop while the tree was being wrapped for us and got some free apple cider and homemade donuts. And then, to top the trip off, we went on a little horse and buggy hayride all around their tree property which the boys absolutely loved. So so so much fun.
And the drive there and back was beautiful, and we got some winterberries on the way home, and now our place looks super festive, and so far...knock on wood....Jesse hasn't done a whole lot of damage to this new "decoration" in our home! When we first brought it in, he kept on screaming at it and dancing all around. And he likes to keep "trimming" it by shoving whatever toy he's playing with deep into the branches, but as of this afternoon anyway, it seems to have lost it's newness factor for home. The last thing that he shoved into the branches was an empty oatmeal container last night! So, hopefully, the tree shall stay standing until Christmas.
Up until we moved to Philly, we always went to a rockin place called Piper Mountain to get our tree, and I have craved going back ever since. So, yesterday - three years later - we were finally reunited with our most fave Christmas tree spot EVER. And having kids just makes it that much better. We took our hefty little saw and chose and chopped our very own tree. Then we meandered over to the little gift shop while the tree was being wrapped for us and got some free apple cider and homemade donuts. And then, to top the trip off, we went on a little horse and buggy hayride all around their tree property which the boys absolutely loved. So so so much fun.
And the drive there and back was beautiful, and we got some winterberries on the way home, and now our place looks super festive, and so far...knock on wood....Jesse hasn't done a whole lot of damage to this new "decoration" in our home! When we first brought it in, he kept on screaming at it and dancing all around. And he likes to keep "trimming" it by shoving whatever toy he's playing with deep into the branches, but as of this afternoon anyway, it seems to have lost it's newness factor for home. The last thing that he shoved into the branches was an empty oatmeal container last night! So, hopefully, the tree shall stay standing until Christmas.
Thankful
Sitting in my p.j.'s.
Listening to Daddy and his two little helpers make coffee.
Christmas music playing in the background.
Revving up for a fun family day of getting and decorating our Christmas tree.
An awesome family day and feast with Kev's family yesterday.
A cozy, long apartment where the kids can ride their bikes from one end to the other.
Wonderful friends both near and far.
Two amazing little boys.
My best friend and soul mate of a husband.
A loving Savior who gives above and beyond all I could ever ask or imagine.
Thankful EVERY day......
Listening to Daddy and his two little helpers make coffee.
Christmas music playing in the background.
Revving up for a fun family day of getting and decorating our Christmas tree.
An awesome family day and feast with Kev's family yesterday.
A cozy, long apartment where the kids can ride their bikes from one end to the other.
Wonderful friends both near and far.
Two amazing little boys.
My best friend and soul mate of a husband.
A loving Savior who gives above and beyond all I could ever ask or imagine.
Thankful EVERY day......
Merciful Heavens!!!
Holy dyin'!!!!
Blessings upon us all - the internet access here is not the greatest, to say the VERY least. I have felt absolutely cut off from the world these past weeks, I must say. For some miraculous reason, we have connection today, but there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so I shall blog and email away with abandon! I also need to get our Christmas picture card together; otherwise, at the rate that we're going here, it's going to be a Happy New Year card!
This past weekend, our little fam kicked it up to the County to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with my parents and brothers. We had our first snow while we were up there which was tons of fun! We drove up late on Thursday after Kev's meeting at church, so we didn't arrive until Midnight, and we left late afternoon on Saturday - so it was a whirlwind visit, but still very nice and lovely.
We all went on a group four-wheeler in the FREEZING cold, we ate lots of yummies, the boys went hunting, and we just had a really great time vegging with family. Loved it. And we shall do it all over again on Thursday with Kev's little fam. Glorious!
I think we're going to be getting our Christmas tree this weekend, even though I feel like it's a little early to be doing so. The Holidays sneak up so quickly, and I just want to lengthen and savor them as much as possible, so methinks we shall do it on our family day this Friday. (This may also prove to be a very large headache with whirling dervish child who will probably attempt to climb said tree a kajillion times a day. I may wish we had opted for a fake table trop tree....but where is the fun in that?)
In a couple of weeks we are heading back to Philly for a five day trip (2 days of driving) for Kev's graduation. We have actually decided to leave Jesse with my parents as the weekend is going to be crazy with events, two very long drives back to back, and nights spent at several different places. I think it's a good decision that we made, but it will be the longest that I've ever left him....in fact, I don't think that I have EVER left him overnight, so I'm feeling kind of weird about it. He's quite the Mama's boy, but he absolutely loves Mom, and she gives him undivided attention which he loves, so I think he'll do okay. OH man - it's just going to be weird; I'm going to miss him like CRAZY! On the other hand, I'm also excited for some extended time alone with Kaden. Being older does come with its privileges!
So, that's all for now, I guess. Lots of covert Christmas ideas and shopping going on, fun things to make with the kidlets, and special memories to be made.
In case I can't get online forever again - Happy Thanksgiving! And while I'm at it -just in case - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patty's Day, May Day, Happy 4th, Merry Summer......you get it......
Blessings upon us all - the internet access here is not the greatest, to say the VERY least. I have felt absolutely cut off from the world these past weeks, I must say. For some miraculous reason, we have connection today, but there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so I shall blog and email away with abandon! I also need to get our Christmas picture card together; otherwise, at the rate that we're going here, it's going to be a Happy New Year card!
This past weekend, our little fam kicked it up to the County to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with my parents and brothers. We had our first snow while we were up there which was tons of fun! We drove up late on Thursday after Kev's meeting at church, so we didn't arrive until Midnight, and we left late afternoon on Saturday - so it was a whirlwind visit, but still very nice and lovely.
We all went on a group four-wheeler in the FREEZING cold, we ate lots of yummies, the boys went hunting, and we just had a really great time vegging with family. Loved it. And we shall do it all over again on Thursday with Kev's little fam. Glorious!
I think we're going to be getting our Christmas tree this weekend, even though I feel like it's a little early to be doing so. The Holidays sneak up so quickly, and I just want to lengthen and savor them as much as possible, so methinks we shall do it on our family day this Friday. (This may also prove to be a very large headache with whirling dervish child who will probably attempt to climb said tree a kajillion times a day. I may wish we had opted for a fake table trop tree....but where is the fun in that?)
In a couple of weeks we are heading back to Philly for a five day trip (2 days of driving) for Kev's graduation. We have actually decided to leave Jesse with my parents as the weekend is going to be crazy with events, two very long drives back to back, and nights spent at several different places. I think it's a good decision that we made, but it will be the longest that I've ever left him....in fact, I don't think that I have EVER left him overnight, so I'm feeling kind of weird about it. He's quite the Mama's boy, but he absolutely loves Mom, and she gives him undivided attention which he loves, so I think he'll do okay. OH man - it's just going to be weird; I'm going to miss him like CRAZY! On the other hand, I'm also excited for some extended time alone with Kaden. Being older does come with its privileges!
So, that's all for now, I guess. Lots of covert Christmas ideas and shopping going on, fun things to make with the kidlets, and special memories to be made.
In case I can't get online forever again - Happy Thanksgiving! And while I'm at it -just in case - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patty's Day, May Day, Happy 4th, Merry Summer......you get it......
Thinking, thinking, thinking.....
Sometimes my wee little pea brain just starts to go crazy with ideas and thoughts on life and parenting and being purposeful and intentional and "Am I doing a good job?" thoughts and "Am I doing enough?" questions and etc. etc. etc....
As of late, I am having lots of serious thoughts and ponderings mostly about this whole crazy responsibility of parenting my boys. I am this weird mix of one part of me wanting to be loosy-goosy, let's-just-have-fun and not be too serious and then the other part of me thinking that maybe-I-should-be-way-more-purposeful-and-intentional-in-ALL-that-I-am-doing with the kids. Kind of like how I was in school. I didn't take a lot of life too seriously and always wanted to be where the action was, yet I was super anal retentive when it came to my classes and my studies, and I demanded perfection from myself when it came to my grades. Kind of a weird combo.
I think that's what is playing out in my thoughts as of late. Sometimes I honestly, seriously toy with the idea of homeschooling my kids. I love the philosophy behind it and I stand by it; yet, this is something that I never in a million years dreamed that I would EVER want to do. I'm not sure if I could even stay structured enough to ensure that my kids were educated properly! Yet, as the time gets closer for Kaden to go to school, I'm not loving the idea of other people getting him for more hours of the day - actually his BEST hours of the day - than I do. I still have time, so I continue to process....
On a smaller scale, today I was reading Kaden some books from the library - just some fun and silly books - and then I got to wondering if I should just be reading him only Christian books, and "maybe I shouldn't read him the Polar Express because it's about Santa and we don't really do Santa in our family." And maybe while Jesse is sleeping we should be doing something that is educational. And I probably should have given him some carrot sticks for a snack instead of that handful of swedish fish. And what about this? Or how about that?
I guess the bottom line is balance. It is so easy to be influenced by other people and by things that I read or by things that others do. It's so easy to compare and judge and feel insecure and get all stressed! I think that an even true-er bottom line is doing what is right for your own family! What Kev and I may choose to do in our relationship and with our children may never work for yours and may not even be good for yours! No matter how big or how small something may be. There's freedom in that, eh?
My friend has a quote on her fridge that says: "Comparison destroys contentment." Man - so so true. Especially for women - I think that is something that many of us struggle with. I know that I do! But when I just let go of my insecurities and give them to the Lord - trusting that He will show me what He wants to do with my family and with my life - then I can rest, and I can just live and LOVE my boys.
And in living and loving and trusting my Savior for His wisdom and grace - I really do end up being intentional and purposeful in my mothering. That kind of takes the stress out of my ponderings. It also takes the comparing factor away, as well; because then my eyes are fixed on the Author and finisher of my faith rather than on other people and circumstances and such. He alone I desire to honor and He alone I desire to please. And as a result of looking to Him alone, it also takes the legalism factor out of life, which I really really love. Grace and truth, Baby.
Wow - rambly, I know. I kind of just went all around Robin Hood's barn, as my Mother likes to say. Maybe it didn't make sense to any of you, but it makes good sense to me. Enough of this seriousness for one Saturday. I need to go find my Kaden and eat a handful of M&M's with him while reading something mindless and perfectly silly......
A happy, rainy Saturday to you, my friends!
As of late, I am having lots of serious thoughts and ponderings mostly about this whole crazy responsibility of parenting my boys. I am this weird mix of one part of me wanting to be loosy-goosy, let's-just-have-fun and not be too serious and then the other part of me thinking that maybe-I-should-be-way-more-purposeful-and-intentional-in-ALL-that-I-am-doing with the kids. Kind of like how I was in school. I didn't take a lot of life too seriously and always wanted to be where the action was, yet I was super anal retentive when it came to my classes and my studies, and I demanded perfection from myself when it came to my grades. Kind of a weird combo.
I think that's what is playing out in my thoughts as of late. Sometimes I honestly, seriously toy with the idea of homeschooling my kids. I love the philosophy behind it and I stand by it; yet, this is something that I never in a million years dreamed that I would EVER want to do. I'm not sure if I could even stay structured enough to ensure that my kids were educated properly! Yet, as the time gets closer for Kaden to go to school, I'm not loving the idea of other people getting him for more hours of the day - actually his BEST hours of the day - than I do. I still have time, so I continue to process....
On a smaller scale, today I was reading Kaden some books from the library - just some fun and silly books - and then I got to wondering if I should just be reading him only Christian books, and "maybe I shouldn't read him the Polar Express because it's about Santa and we don't really do Santa in our family." And maybe while Jesse is sleeping we should be doing something that is educational. And I probably should have given him some carrot sticks for a snack instead of that handful of swedish fish. And what about this? Or how about that?
I guess the bottom line is balance. It is so easy to be influenced by other people and by things that I read or by things that others do. It's so easy to compare and judge and feel insecure and get all stressed! I think that an even true-er bottom line is doing what is right for your own family! What Kev and I may choose to do in our relationship and with our children may never work for yours and may not even be good for yours! No matter how big or how small something may be. There's freedom in that, eh?
My friend has a quote on her fridge that says: "Comparison destroys contentment." Man - so so true. Especially for women - I think that is something that many of us struggle with. I know that I do! But when I just let go of my insecurities and give them to the Lord - trusting that He will show me what He wants to do with my family and with my life - then I can rest, and I can just live and LOVE my boys.
And in living and loving and trusting my Savior for His wisdom and grace - I really do end up being intentional and purposeful in my mothering. That kind of takes the stress out of my ponderings. It also takes the comparing factor away, as well; because then my eyes are fixed on the Author and finisher of my faith rather than on other people and circumstances and such. He alone I desire to honor and He alone I desire to please. And as a result of looking to Him alone, it also takes the legalism factor out of life, which I really really love. Grace and truth, Baby.
Wow - rambly, I know. I kind of just went all around Robin Hood's barn, as my Mother likes to say. Maybe it didn't make sense to any of you, but it makes good sense to me. Enough of this seriousness for one Saturday. I need to go find my Kaden and eat a handful of M&M's with him while reading something mindless and perfectly silly......
A happy, rainy Saturday to you, my friends!
The Power of a Praying Mommy
This was not my idea, but oh how I wish it was.
I love this lady's blog. She has been through much heartache and loss, yet her love for Christ and for her family is so vibrant.....so how I want mine to be.
Anyway, she is challenging herself - and in the process me - ......who now wants to challange YOU....so that we can challenge each other....:0)....to intentionally pray for our children each day about specific things. She is a far more eloquent writer than I, so here is what she has to say about her idea.....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I don't sit around and pray that my girls will learn to read today, or that they will understand a foreign language by the time they are 6, or that they will know their times table by next week. I do spend a lot of time asking God to give them "undivided hearts (Psalm 86:11), " and praying "that they will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel when they open their mouths (Ephesians 6:19)." I pray that God will help them to be good stewards of their time, their money, their words. I pray for their character, their faith, their decisions, their husbands. I want them to be wise, Godly women who chase after the Lord.
I'm thinking that instead of getting a "My kid is on the honor roll" bumper sticker, I may create a "My kid has an undivided heart" one. And then people will make ones that say "My kid kicked your 'undivided heart' kid's butt" stickers.
Maybe not.
But, the point is that one of the most important things I am privileged to do as a mother is to pray for my children every day.
The other day I came across a verse that God used to prompt me to write this post. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.
Here are the events and verses I chose:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week.
* * * * * * * * *
Wow, eh?
What a privilege we have! What a responsibility......
Love it. LOVE it.
So.......do you want to play?
I love this lady's blog. She has been through much heartache and loss, yet her love for Christ and for her family is so vibrant.....so how I want mine to be.
Anyway, she is challenging herself - and in the process me - ......who now wants to challange YOU....so that we can challenge each other....:0)....to intentionally pray for our children each day about specific things. She is a far more eloquent writer than I, so here is what she has to say about her idea.....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I don't sit around and pray that my girls will learn to read today, or that they will understand a foreign language by the time they are 6, or that they will know their times table by next week. I do spend a lot of time asking God to give them "undivided hearts (Psalm 86:11), " and praying "that they will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel when they open their mouths (Ephesians 6:19)." I pray that God will help them to be good stewards of their time, their money, their words. I pray for their character, their faith, their decisions, their husbands. I want them to be wise, Godly women who chase after the Lord.
I'm thinking that instead of getting a "My kid is on the honor roll" bumper sticker, I may create a "My kid has an undivided heart" one. And then people will make ones that say "My kid kicked your 'undivided heart' kid's butt" stickers.
Maybe not.
But, the point is that one of the most important things I am privileged to do as a mother is to pray for my children every day.
The other day I came across a verse that God used to prompt me to write this post. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.
Here are the events and verses I chose:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week.
* * * * * * * * *
Wow, eh?
What a privilege we have! What a responsibility......
Love it. LOVE it.
So.......do you want to play?
A Week in the Life of Me....
Contact with the outside world has been a wee bit interesting these past few days. I don't have the computer during the day as Kev takes the laptop to work. This is going to be changing soon, as I feel that I have lost all connection with what is going on outside these walls, but regardless - even when I have had my opportunities to get online, the service at our hotel has been very sporatic. Today is a good day, so I shall blog at will with no guarantees of when I will be back!
Nothing overly amazing to report. I'm starting to get geared up for the Christmas season. Doing a little shopping and a little planning for what we're going to do with our family. Kaden is at the age where he is totally involved and where he will start to remember what we do for family traditions, so I'm trying to be really purposeful and intentional in the things that we are going to do. We've already made cookies together, and I'm just excited about savoring the little things and doing all kinds of fun cooking and crafting and reading and playing.
Kev and I were able to go on a really nice date a couple of days ago. It was just so nice to be able to really connect and catch up with each other's lives. It's so easy for one day to turn into a week before really sitting down and seeing what's going on in each other's hearts and minds. We had some yummy Mexican food, some great conversation, and THEN we were able to sneak over to see our new little "neice,".....another potential bride for one of my boys.....(right, Scott?) Sweet Kirsten Jael...a truly beautiful little daughter of some sweet friends of ours.
Let's see.....also in this week, Jesse managed to get quite the nice shiner from falling into the corner of a table, and I managed to run over Kaden's fingers with a grocery cart while shopping that very same day. Many tears and drama were involved on that day! A somewhat typical day in the life of us, I guess.....
I was able to have some nice visits with some friends and their babes this week...more to come this next week, as well. I always love that. We also went to a day long conference with the deacons and wives from our church yesterday. Although I'm not much of a fan for giving up my Saturdays, I really did enjoy getting to know these couples a lot better. We actually had quite the hoot together during a good part of the day. Kev told me that I was quite "boisterous.".......uh-oh. They all saw the real me, I guess!
We have started a new family tradition where every Friday night the boys put on their p.j.'s and we go downstairs to the little Christian cafe. We eat a pizza and listen to whatever live band is playing, and then the kids run around a little until bedtime. It's quite nice, really! Both kids love music, and it's really fun being so close to whoever is playing on the stage. This past Friday, we also acquired a new pet - a little lone fish that was struggling in an aquarium down there with no one to love him. Kaden and I took pity on him, so now we are fishy sitting him back to health. He's quite cute, and both boys are thrilled with our new addition. I have to keep Jesse from giving him hugs and squeezes. Instead, he just points and screams to his heart's content! Good times!
And the name of our new pet? "Fish Bowl." Classic.
So...yup. That sums up our week in a nutshell. I hope all of you are doing well. Happy Sunday to you!
Nothing overly amazing to report. I'm starting to get geared up for the Christmas season. Doing a little shopping and a little planning for what we're going to do with our family. Kaden is at the age where he is totally involved and where he will start to remember what we do for family traditions, so I'm trying to be really purposeful and intentional in the things that we are going to do. We've already made cookies together, and I'm just excited about savoring the little things and doing all kinds of fun cooking and crafting and reading and playing.
Kev and I were able to go on a really nice date a couple of days ago. It was just so nice to be able to really connect and catch up with each other's lives. It's so easy for one day to turn into a week before really sitting down and seeing what's going on in each other's hearts and minds. We had some yummy Mexican food, some great conversation, and THEN we were able to sneak over to see our new little "neice,".....another potential bride for one of my boys.....(right, Scott?) Sweet Kirsten Jael...a truly beautiful little daughter of some sweet friends of ours.
Let's see.....also in this week, Jesse managed to get quite the nice shiner from falling into the corner of a table, and I managed to run over Kaden's fingers with a grocery cart while shopping that very same day. Many tears and drama were involved on that day! A somewhat typical day in the life of us, I guess.....
I was able to have some nice visits with some friends and their babes this week...more to come this next week, as well. I always love that. We also went to a day long conference with the deacons and wives from our church yesterday. Although I'm not much of a fan for giving up my Saturdays, I really did enjoy getting to know these couples a lot better. We actually had quite the hoot together during a good part of the day. Kev told me that I was quite "boisterous.".......uh-oh. They all saw the real me, I guess!
We have started a new family tradition where every Friday night the boys put on their p.j.'s and we go downstairs to the little Christian cafe. We eat a pizza and listen to whatever live band is playing, and then the kids run around a little until bedtime. It's quite nice, really! Both kids love music, and it's really fun being so close to whoever is playing on the stage. This past Friday, we also acquired a new pet - a little lone fish that was struggling in an aquarium down there with no one to love him. Kaden and I took pity on him, so now we are fishy sitting him back to health. He's quite cute, and both boys are thrilled with our new addition. I have to keep Jesse from giving him hugs and squeezes. Instead, he just points and screams to his heart's content! Good times!
And the name of our new pet? "Fish Bowl." Classic.
So...yup. That sums up our week in a nutshell. I hope all of you are doing well. Happy Sunday to you!
A Week-end in the County
And we're doing this Dial-up style.....my the patience that has been required of me to wait for this one little page to open up for me to type upon. In the time it has taken for this glorious computer to dial up, I have managed to: run a bath for my kids, read an entire story to Kaden, do all of the supper dishes, and wash an entire load of laundry.
Just kidding......kind of...
Anyhoo, my wee bairns and I kicked it up to the County for a few days to see my little family. I haven't been up north (Canada, as Peter likes to refer to my homeland) since we've arrived back in Maine, so we were all more than a little excited for this trip.
While Hubbito has been the mighty white hunter this weekend, I have partaken in all sorts of wondrous country activities that my soul has craved for many a month. Dad and I went for a long four-wheeler ride all bundled up in whatever clothes we could find and went looking for a bunch of moose that he had found in some field the other day, we have raked mountains of leaves and jumped into them, we picked apples from Mom's winter apple tree and I'm going to make oodles of yummy applesauce when I get back, we carved a pumpkin, I've had splendid visits with my cousins and my big bro, Mom has let me sleep in EVERY morning - glory to God in the Highest!, we've cooked and decorated fall and Christmas cookies, we've had tea parties, I don't think I've been hungry once this entire week-end because I have never stopped eating, and Mom and I have had movie nights every night after the rest of the house has hit the hay!
Food, fun, family, fellowship. Wide open spaces, the country fall air. Quality time with my mom and my boys. I am refreshed and rejuvenated!
A glorious week-end, indeed!
Just kidding......kind of...
Anyhoo, my wee bairns and I kicked it up to the County for a few days to see my little family. I haven't been up north (Canada, as Peter likes to refer to my homeland) since we've arrived back in Maine, so we were all more than a little excited for this trip.
While Hubbito has been the mighty white hunter this weekend, I have partaken in all sorts of wondrous country activities that my soul has craved for many a month. Dad and I went for a long four-wheeler ride all bundled up in whatever clothes we could find and went looking for a bunch of moose that he had found in some field the other day, we have raked mountains of leaves and jumped into them, we picked apples from Mom's winter apple tree and I'm going to make oodles of yummy applesauce when I get back, we carved a pumpkin, I've had splendid visits with my cousins and my big bro, Mom has let me sleep in EVERY morning - glory to God in the Highest!, we've cooked and decorated fall and Christmas cookies, we've had tea parties, I don't think I've been hungry once this entire week-end because I have never stopped eating, and Mom and I have had movie nights every night after the rest of the house has hit the hay!
Food, fun, family, fellowship. Wide open spaces, the country fall air. Quality time with my mom and my boys. I am refreshed and rejuvenated!
A glorious week-end, indeed!
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