Well, I am home - after a blur of a whirlwind week-end. Okay, so I didn't quite make all of my goals, but I am totally thrilled with the week-end and all that I was able to get done. I got my Christmas album caught up to date - except for the pictures of when we went to Maine this year because I'm waiting on some from Mom, and I did a couple of months worth of Kaden's life (so, not totally caught up there, either)......but my GREATEST work of satisfaction is that I finally, seven and a half years later, totally and completely finished my wedding and honeymoon album!!! What a burden that has been lifted off of my shoulders! In total, I completed 71 pages! I still have SO much to do to ever be totally and completely caught up, but I don't think that will ever happen anyway!
All of us girls had SUCH a blast, the retreat center was beautiful, the meals were yummy, and it was just such a fun and refreshing little getaway. AND, when I came home, Kev had organized a couple of closets AND totally rearranged our bedroom - which looks awesome! He is totally the interior decorator of the family!
Kaden had so much fun this week-end with "just the boys." He has been telling me all about his adventures and how they went to Cabella's and fed the fish, to Cracker Barrel and had pancakes, and to church to sing songs..... AND "I had long long naps, and I missed you SO much!"
Good times!
A Surprise Gift!
Last year one of my new friends and I went on a week-end long scrapbooking retreat at this beautiful retreat center a couple of hours away for 3 night/2 day week-end. The entire week-end cost $150, but included two nights, all meals, and endless hours of scrapbooking fun! I did Kaden's entire album. Money well spent.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Cute Kaden Quote
I was leaning over Kaden yesterday pulling up his jeans while wearing a tank top that doesn't quite cover my belly anymore. He glanced over at me and exclaimed, "Wow! Your tummy is bigger with that baby in there!" It's the first time he's actually really noticed a difference in how his Mommy has changed. I thought it was so cute - I died laughing! So, now that he knows his comment made me laugh, he likes to make remarks every time he sees my belly.
This COULD get old.......
This COULD get old.......
A Question For You Ladies
Well, I really should be reading or writing papers, but there's just something about sitting down at the computer when my little nest is quiet and catching up on my friend's lives via the blogging world.....oh wait - I think they died. Was Maine hit with a massive snow storm that I know nothing about and my people all lost electricity so that they're unable to update their blogs? JUST KIDDING!!!...ahem...cough cough.....kinda'......Shan.....and Esther.......Come out come out wherever you are! I miss you!!! Seriously, I am totally kidding. Life is crazy, I know.
However, I do have a question for those of you who read my blog. For this last class of mine, my final project is to prepare a ten minute sermon/lesson on my topic of choice to my audience of choice. (The class is Teaching and Preaching. The men will preach, the women will teach...the format is somewhat comparable to both. Anyway......) For some reason, I'm having a mental block on what to prepare. I think because the subject is so wide open, you know? "Just teach Scripture!"
So, anyway, my comfort level of teaching has always been to the Junior/Senior High age, but I don't know anyone out here at that age; besides, I kind of want to do something that pertains to my life in the here and now. So, I'm going to invite a bunch of the young wives/moms from our complex over and teach SOMETHING. Got any suggestions? Where are you at right now? What are you learning? What are you wanting to learn? What is challenging you? What do you want to be challenged or inspired about?
Some thoughts running through my head......James 3 and taming the tongue, Titus 2: 3-5 where the older women are to teach the younger, something on motherhood, or something on marriage. I don't know - nothing specific has really hit me yet. I only have 12 minutes to teach, so that narrows things up a bit. I'm praying and asking for the Lord's wisdom and guidance. Thought I'd get some from you all, as well.
However, I do have a question for those of you who read my blog. For this last class of mine, my final project is to prepare a ten minute sermon/lesson on my topic of choice to my audience of choice. (The class is Teaching and Preaching. The men will preach, the women will teach...the format is somewhat comparable to both. Anyway......) For some reason, I'm having a mental block on what to prepare. I think because the subject is so wide open, you know? "Just teach Scripture!"
So, anyway, my comfort level of teaching has always been to the Junior/Senior High age, but I don't know anyone out here at that age; besides, I kind of want to do something that pertains to my life in the here and now. So, I'm going to invite a bunch of the young wives/moms from our complex over and teach SOMETHING. Got any suggestions? Where are you at right now? What are you learning? What are you wanting to learn? What is challenging you? What do you want to be challenged or inspired about?
Some thoughts running through my head......James 3 and taming the tongue, Titus 2: 3-5 where the older women are to teach the younger, something on motherhood, or something on marriage. I don't know - nothing specific has really hit me yet. I only have 12 minutes to teach, so that narrows things up a bit. I'm praying and asking for the Lord's wisdom and guidance. Thought I'd get some from you all, as well.
Reflections
I'm re-reading a book I've had for years - "Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul" by Nicole Johnson. Love it for many reasons - lots of coffee illustrations :0), and it's also just beautifully written, inspiring, and challenging to me to live intentionally, to respond to God's passionate love for me, to embrace my identity as a woman, my gifts, and my dreams, and to live and love others that way that God has intended.
In the first chapter, entitled "Surrender to God" I came across two really great quotes that I wanted to pass along. Maybe they won't do anything for you, but they just stuck with me for some reason.
"A quiet spirit is one in which all of those mixed emotions are sorted out, understood, shared with trusted friends, and submitted to a spirit of contentment. The butterflies in our stomachs don't die; we just teach them to fly in formation!" - (Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks, Why Beauty Matters)
I want that simple, contented quiet spirit in my life - no matter the circumstances.
"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to seek God's face, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better." - (Sarah Ban Breathnack, Simply Abundance)
How often do I make the mistake of cutting out this quiet, reflective time when my days get crazy and busy? Usually, it's the first thing to go, yet the very thing that is the most needed to stay. Teach me, Lord.
In the first chapter, entitled "Surrender to God" I came across two really great quotes that I wanted to pass along. Maybe they won't do anything for you, but they just stuck with me for some reason.
"A quiet spirit is one in which all of those mixed emotions are sorted out, understood, shared with trusted friends, and submitted to a spirit of contentment. The butterflies in our stomachs don't die; we just teach them to fly in formation!" - (Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks, Why Beauty Matters)
I want that simple, contented quiet spirit in my life - no matter the circumstances.
"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to seek God's face, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better." - (Sarah Ban Breathnack, Simply Abundance)
How often do I make the mistake of cutting out this quiet, reflective time when my days get crazy and busy? Usually, it's the first thing to go, yet the very thing that is the most needed to stay. Teach me, Lord.
Another One Bites the Dust!
I am thrilled to announce that I just passed in my final 15 page paper for my last class, and I am now embarking on my VERY LAST professional class for this program! The end is truly in sight! Other than this last class and my massive final book project, I only have 6 credits of Gen Ed classes that I have left to take and then I am DONE! No more studies for me for a little while after this. I can see myself going on to take some Master's courses someday. For the most part, I really do enjoy learning and studying. But, I am ready to be done for awhile and focus solely on mothering and family life. What I am REALLY ready for is to be done doing homework during every single free moment that I have! I would much rather be puttering, cleaning, cooking, scrapbooking, nesting and finding room for baby #2's things, etc. etc. I'm ready to not always have huge projects looming in the back of my mind and feeling pressure when Kaden wakes up early from a nap because I didn't finish my blasted paper on "Can believers expect the literal rebuilding of the Temple in the Millennial Kingdom?" Important, stuff? Sure - just not really up my alley right now, you know? (Gasp! Blasphemy!) No - I just really want to be focusing on things that are pertinent to my life in the here and now - mothering, being a great wife, keeping a happy, fulfilled, and organized home, teaching and training Kaden, figuring out how to do the whole Mother of 2 thing - and the like! So, in light of these thoughts - today I celebrate that another class truly has bit the dust. It was good, it was great. I truly enjoyed it....but moving on, moving on........
While My Sweet Boys Slumber....
This is one of those rare mornings where Kaden is actually sleeping past 7:00 and where hubby doesn't have to rush out the door as soon as he wakes up. I love these days. This semester is actually going to be busier for Kev as he is taking more grad classes, but his hours are much nicer. So, this morning, while my sweeties are sleeping, I was able to actually sleep in a little too, but then I got up and had the whole place to myself where it was nice and quiet, and I was able also to have some really nice uninterrupted time with the Lord.
I've been reading this book for my devotions lately. It's called "The Intentional Woman," and the entire point of the book is to get you to be thinking all throughout your day about living intentionally and purposefully in all that you do. What is on your plate that doesn't need to be there? What is out of balance or not in proper priority in your life? What do you need to be doing to further develop yourself as a woman, wife, and mother? Good questions! Probably since late Fall I have been feeling like my life is just kind of going by, you know? Like I was doing lots of things, but at the same time I was just existing.
I have found this study to be very helpful in showing me what I need to pray about weeding out, what I need to arrange in the priorities of my day, and what it is okay to say yes or no too. It is okay to be doing things that develop me in ALL areas of my womanhood - it will make for me to be a more balanced woman, wife, AND mom. So, as of late, I feel like I am getting back on track in taking care of ALL of me - emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.
This semester, Kev's schedule has allowed for me to go the gym any morning that I want to, so I am really taking advantage of this. This is helping me to get back in my rhythm physically AND it's making me strong for labor - not to mention it's good for my emotions! I am also being much more purposeful in giving the Lord the firstfruits of the alone time in my day - which is Kaden's nap time. This has always been a battle for me, as this is the time that I set aside each day for homework, AND I have a boatload this semester. But, this is a faith and trust issue for me, and so far - each assignment has been passed in on time.
Even being more focused on these two areas alone in my life is helping me to reap great rewards. I feel stronger and more focused, I feel like I am savoring Kaden more as I have also carved out a little time to better take care of myself, and I am learning where it is all right to say yes and no to things that are maybe even good things - but that are just not great for me right now. There are other areas that I feel the Lord is growing me and teaching me in, but as usual, this post has become a book, so for now - those are a few of the musings going on in Amy's life these past months!
I've been reading this book for my devotions lately. It's called "The Intentional Woman," and the entire point of the book is to get you to be thinking all throughout your day about living intentionally and purposefully in all that you do. What is on your plate that doesn't need to be there? What is out of balance or not in proper priority in your life? What do you need to be doing to further develop yourself as a woman, wife, and mother? Good questions! Probably since late Fall I have been feeling like my life is just kind of going by, you know? Like I was doing lots of things, but at the same time I was just existing.
I have found this study to be very helpful in showing me what I need to pray about weeding out, what I need to arrange in the priorities of my day, and what it is okay to say yes or no too. It is okay to be doing things that develop me in ALL areas of my womanhood - it will make for me to be a more balanced woman, wife, AND mom. So, as of late, I feel like I am getting back on track in taking care of ALL of me - emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.
This semester, Kev's schedule has allowed for me to go the gym any morning that I want to, so I am really taking advantage of this. This is helping me to get back in my rhythm physically AND it's making me strong for labor - not to mention it's good for my emotions! I am also being much more purposeful in giving the Lord the firstfruits of the alone time in my day - which is Kaden's nap time. This has always been a battle for me, as this is the time that I set aside each day for homework, AND I have a boatload this semester. But, this is a faith and trust issue for me, and so far - each assignment has been passed in on time.
Even being more focused on these two areas alone in my life is helping me to reap great rewards. I feel stronger and more focused, I feel like I am savoring Kaden more as I have also carved out a little time to better take care of myself, and I am learning where it is all right to say yes and no to things that are maybe even good things - but that are just not great for me right now. There are other areas that I feel the Lord is growing me and teaching me in, but as usual, this post has become a book, so for now - those are a few of the musings going on in Amy's life these past months!
New Baby Update
We had our "Stage Two Anatomy Ultrasound" today. I don't ever remember having this with Kaden, but it was very fun. We looked over each part of the baby's body and took measurements - bones, organs, limbs, brain, face, etc. to ensure that all is well. The doctor says that everything looks great. The baby now weighs 8 oz. and is 13 inches long! We also were able to see the ultrasound in 4-D. Very cool and slightly eerie. It looks like a baby....kinda...well, really more like a little skeletal alien. But, cute nonetheless. We bucked the trend and decided against finding out the sex. This was our last chance to know, but we really do love the surprise. I have my suspicions, but we shall have to wait. The ultrasound confirmed the June 10th due date, so in a little over a week we are halfway there already! Crazy, crazy!
My Hubby - My Hero
I must say - I fall more in love with that man all the time. He truly knows me, you know? Better than I know myself even. He gets me, he knows how to speak my love language, and he takes such good care of me.
On the days I feel frazzled in my mothering, he totally builds me up and points out specific things that he's noticed and appreciated that I have done with Kaden. During the times I'm overwhelmed because I've added too much to my plate, he gently steps in and shows me where I can very easily say "no" and helps me to realize that the world really won't come to an end as a result. And on the days my "baby brain" causes me to forget really important things at church (which is almost an hour away) for an assigment that is due within a day, he swoops in - calms my nerves, helps me finish, and goes the extra mile for my perfecionist personality until I am satisfied with the end result of my project.
So, because my heart is so full of this man that I married - and I have only listed a very few things that he has done in these past couple of days - Kaden and I are having a "We Love Daddy Day" today. All day long we've been working on this really fun mural that Kaden is going to hang on his door for Daddy to find when he gets home, and I am making him his favorite pie. Kaden colored a huge poster, and now we're gluing macaroni noodles onto it that says, "I love you, Daddy." Kaden said to me just before he went down to nap: "This is hard work, but Daddy's gonna love it. He's gonna say, 'Oh my word - this is cute!'".....Hmmm, gotta start teaching him some more manly words - but adorable nonetheless!
On the days I feel frazzled in my mothering, he totally builds me up and points out specific things that he's noticed and appreciated that I have done with Kaden. During the times I'm overwhelmed because I've added too much to my plate, he gently steps in and shows me where I can very easily say "no" and helps me to realize that the world really won't come to an end as a result. And on the days my "baby brain" causes me to forget really important things at church (which is almost an hour away) for an assigment that is due within a day, he swoops in - calms my nerves, helps me finish, and goes the extra mile for my perfecionist personality until I am satisfied with the end result of my project.
So, because my heart is so full of this man that I married - and I have only listed a very few things that he has done in these past couple of days - Kaden and I are having a "We Love Daddy Day" today. All day long we've been working on this really fun mural that Kaden is going to hang on his door for Daddy to find when he gets home, and I am making him his favorite pie. Kaden colored a huge poster, and now we're gluing macaroni noodles onto it that says, "I love you, Daddy." Kaden said to me just before he went down to nap: "This is hard work, but Daddy's gonna love it. He's gonna say, 'Oh my word - this is cute!'".....Hmmm, gotta start teaching him some more manly words - but adorable nonetheless!
Home Again!
Well, we have safely arrived back home to our little apartment after spending 2 1/2 weeks with friends and family. We had SUCH a nice time reconnecting with friends and spending some great quality time with both of our families. We may not get home again until after the baby is born, so we really wanted to spend as much time with our families as possible.
Kaden had a wonderful time with his Grampy's and Grammy's. He totally remembered them and loves them so much! He went running to both Grampy's when he saw them and died laughing when he saw his Grammy's because he was so happy. He kept saying, "It's nice to be here! I love to be here! I'm not ready to go home yet!"
We brought SO much stuff back with us - I'm slightly overwhelmed. I had to bring all of the baby things that I will need, plus all of our Christmas gifts, PLUS all of our junk. So, both Kev and I have spent the good part of yesterday and today finding room for everything. We brought Katie home with us and she's spending a few days with us until the campus reopens. Poor thing - we have been deadbeat hosts as we're trying to get back into the swing of things. She has been a doll, though, and has played so sweetly with Kaden who absolutely adores her!
Well, I guess that's all for now. Sorry for the boring post. I just wanted to let you know that we are back up and running! Happy New Year!
Kaden had a wonderful time with his Grampy's and Grammy's. He totally remembered them and loves them so much! He went running to both Grampy's when he saw them and died laughing when he saw his Grammy's because he was so happy. He kept saying, "It's nice to be here! I love to be here! I'm not ready to go home yet!"
We brought SO much stuff back with us - I'm slightly overwhelmed. I had to bring all of the baby things that I will need, plus all of our Christmas gifts, PLUS all of our junk. So, both Kev and I have spent the good part of yesterday and today finding room for everything. We brought Katie home with us and she's spending a few days with us until the campus reopens. Poor thing - we have been deadbeat hosts as we're trying to get back into the swing of things. She has been a doll, though, and has played so sweetly with Kaden who absolutely adores her!
Well, I guess that's all for now. Sorry for the boring post. I just wanted to let you know that we are back up and running! Happy New Year!
Only Three More Sleeps!
Oh man - only three more sleeps until we step foot on our blessed Maine soil! Whoo-hoo! The three of us can hardly wait! I got out our suitcases today to start packing and Kaden asked what they were for. As soon as I said that we're taking them to Grammy and Grampy's house, he exclaimed "OH!" and promptly hopped in one of them! Every day he asks if today is the day that we can go see Grammy and Grampy?! We can all hardly stand it. It's been six months for Kev since he's been home.
Exams are finally done for Kev. He still has a twelve page paper that he has to whip off before we head home, and we still need to pack - but the end is drawing near. We have a church Christmas party tonight, and we're going to do our family Christmas tomorrow. After that, church on Sunday, and off we go to Maine at 4:30 on Monday morning! Merry Christmas, all!
Exams are finally done for Kev. He still has a twelve page paper that he has to whip off before we head home, and we still need to pack - but the end is drawing near. We have a church Christmas party tonight, and we're going to do our family Christmas tomorrow. After that, church on Sunday, and off we go to Maine at 4:30 on Monday morning! Merry Christmas, all!
Midwives and Birthing Centers....
Because my last birthing experience was so yucky for both Kev and I, we have decided to go the midwife/birthing center route for this next labor and delivery. One of my dear friends out here has paved the way for me in going to this one specific birthing center which she loves and raves about. So, last week, Kev and I had our first appointment here.....and we BOTH loved it! I wasn't sure if Kev would go for the whole birthing center route, but he now hates hospitals as well, so it works out quite nicely.
There are only two midwives at this facility - one is my age! We go to our appointments downstairs and we labor and deliver upstairs. When I had my appointment, I discovered that there was someone upstairs in labor, so I made it a point to listen as carefully as I could to make sure that the walls were sound proof - and they are; I heard nothing. Phew!
With these women, we can choose to either give birth at home, at the birthing center, or at one specific hospital where the midwives will still have full control. Our apartment is just out of their realm of travel for a home birth -which I guess is okay since we live in a complex with paper thin walls and since Kev hasn't been real thrilled with that whole idea all along! So, for now, our choice is to use the birthing center - unless there are complications towards the end of my labor in which I will have no choice but to go to the hospital.
Either way, though, I'm thinking and hoping that this experience will be far more positive than the last. These women are holistic, they are content to wait and let you work, and they will first use more natural methods for everything before rushing such yuckyness as pitocin, cutting, and the like. It was a very positive experience overall, and although for a brief moment I had the thought of, "Oh my, we truly ARE doing this all over again!" I really feel excited and encouraged. :0)
There are only two midwives at this facility - one is my age! We go to our appointments downstairs and we labor and deliver upstairs. When I had my appointment, I discovered that there was someone upstairs in labor, so I made it a point to listen as carefully as I could to make sure that the walls were sound proof - and they are; I heard nothing. Phew!
With these women, we can choose to either give birth at home, at the birthing center, or at one specific hospital where the midwives will still have full control. Our apartment is just out of their realm of travel for a home birth -which I guess is okay since we live in a complex with paper thin walls and since Kev hasn't been real thrilled with that whole idea all along! So, for now, our choice is to use the birthing center - unless there are complications towards the end of my labor in which I will have no choice but to go to the hospital.
Either way, though, I'm thinking and hoping that this experience will be far more positive than the last. These women are holistic, they are content to wait and let you work, and they will first use more natural methods for everything before rushing such yuckyness as pitocin, cutting, and the like. It was a very positive experience overall, and although for a brief moment I had the thought of, "Oh my, we truly ARE doing this all over again!" I really feel excited and encouraged. :0)
First Ultrasound - It's For Real!
I had my first ultrasound yesterday. I LOVE ultrasounds! I finally makes things "real," you know? And yes, there truly is a baby in my tummy! The whole family came along for the event, so it was really fun and special. We want Kaden to be as much a part of the whole process as possible....to kind of prepare him every step of the way. He sat totally mesmerized while he watched the baby kicking his (her?) arms and legs and moving all around on the screen! It was SO cool! I am actually a bit farther along than I thought; I'm at 14 weeks as opposed to the 10 that I thought. This makes me feel a little better about my already expanding girth!!! So, this puts my due date at around June 10th - ironically Kaden's exact due date (except, I was induced two weeks early). Good times! The baby will be born before the real humidity of summer sets in. For this I am truly thankful! My next ultrasound is on January 14th. We have until then to decide if we want to find out the sex of the baby. As of right now, we're thinking we'll keep it a surprise. We'll see.......
Funny Potty Story
I promise - I will try to make this the last of the "potty posts" for awhile. I just have to tell this one funny story that happened in church yesterday. I apologize if this offends anyone's sense of "propriety." This story is ALL Kaden and truly emphasizes the phrase, "Out of the mouths of babes...."
In the nursery at our church there is a small child's bathroom with a kid sized potty. Kaden was quite impressed with this and liked that he could get up and down totally by himself. Anyway, in the afternoon right before music practice he told me that he had to go poop, so we went in and did our thing. When he got off the potty, he looked inside at his "deposit" and said, "OH! I made a snake.....and it has teeth on it!" Oh my word - I died laughing. Well, one of the lady's on our worship team (who thankfully is very down-to-earth and NOT prim and proper at all) walked into the nursery and asked Kaden what he was doing. He proudly proclaimed, "I made a POOP SNAKE!" So, now WHENEVER he sits on the potty he says, "I'm going to try to make more snakes." Oh my. Too funny.
In the nursery at our church there is a small child's bathroom with a kid sized potty. Kaden was quite impressed with this and liked that he could get up and down totally by himself. Anyway, in the afternoon right before music practice he told me that he had to go poop, so we went in and did our thing. When he got off the potty, he looked inside at his "deposit" and said, "OH! I made a snake.....and it has teeth on it!" Oh my word - I died laughing. Well, one of the lady's on our worship team (who thankfully is very down-to-earth and NOT prim and proper at all) walked into the nursery and asked Kaden what he was doing. He proudly proclaimed, "I made a POOP SNAKE!" So, now WHENEVER he sits on the potty he says, "I'm going to try to make more snakes." Oh my. Too funny.
1st day of the hunt
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I got my deer at 7:30am on Monday morning, opening day of the season here. A nice big doe came out about 7:00am, but I didn't have a doe permit. I was pretty bummed, but I guess it was a good thing! He was about 35 yards away and dropped right there. We have about 80lbs. of meet in the freezer now! Tastes real good! I'm going to have my buddy Kevin mount it for me. The rack has a 20" spread on the inside--
7 pointer. I am very thankful for the whole experience!
Drum Roll Please....
I must brag on my little boy today. This is the fourth morning of our potty training week, AND we have had NO ACCIDENTS since day #1!! He is even staying dry through his naps! I'm a little hesitant to say that he is completely day time potty trained, but man, I feel that he is pretty darn close. I haven't even used the timer to remind him since the first day. He comes and tells me when he has to do either #1 or #2, and then we just run to the bathroom and make a large deal out of the whole entire process! :0)
AND...I must brag some more.....even though he was only day #3 into his training, I decided to go to MOPS anyway yesterday. Instead of wearing normal underwear on him, I just put a pull up on, feeling certain that he would probably have an accident. This is a new place with a new potty and new people who he would have to tell. BUT, when I came to get him after my meeting, the ladies told me that he came right up to them and told them that he had to go, and he even went in a strange place on a big toilet with no potty seat!
I am just so proud of him and how quickly he's grasped this concept! I really feel like I haven't even done much to help him understand. It's like now that he's grasped the concept, he totally undestands. I think my lazyness in waiting until he was two in a half before starting has made this whole process a whole lot easier!! This is my new philosophy, anyway. I'm waiting until two and a half for all of them from now on!
All that to say - I am fully expecting for there to be more accidents along the way. I'm sure that we are nowhere near the end of this training process, but I am just SO thankful that each day since the first has not been a repeat of day #1. That was NOT my favorite! :0) So - thank you to all who thought of us and prayed for us. Have a great day!
AND...I must brag some more.....even though he was only day #3 into his training, I decided to go to MOPS anyway yesterday. Instead of wearing normal underwear on him, I just put a pull up on, feeling certain that he would probably have an accident. This is a new place with a new potty and new people who he would have to tell. BUT, when I came to get him after my meeting, the ladies told me that he came right up to them and told them that he had to go, and he even went in a strange place on a big toilet with no potty seat!
I am just so proud of him and how quickly he's grasped this concept! I really feel like I haven't even done much to help him understand. It's like now that he's grasped the concept, he totally undestands. I think my lazyness in waiting until he was two in a half before starting has made this whole process a whole lot easier!! This is my new philosophy, anyway. I'm waiting until two and a half for all of them from now on!
All that to say - I am fully expecting for there to be more accidents along the way. I'm sure that we are nowhere near the end of this training process, but I am just SO thankful that each day since the first has not been a repeat of day #1. That was NOT my favorite! :0) So - thank you to all who thought of us and prayed for us. Have a great day!
WE HAVE NEWS!!!
First of all, let me just state that this is NOT the way that I would normally broadcast our news for the first time for some of you to read, but I am having no luck reaching some of you via the phone, and as news flies fast, I fear that this may be the only way that some of you at least "read" it first from my fingers - even if you do not necessarily "hear" it first from my lips. So, especially for Angie, Shannie, and Kristi......I do so badly want to chat with you VERY soon, but just in case we end up playing phone tag for weeks, hopefully you at least read the news first from me rather than get it second hand.
O.k. here goes.......WE ARE PREGNANT! Yep. Very exciting. I haven't been to the midwife yet, but we think that we're about ten weeks along. This is a little bit earlier than we shared when we were pregnant with Kaden, but I feel like second time around it's a little different. We're so far away from home, and I think that even if something happened and I miscarried, I would still tell everyone anyway. So, rather than say, "Hey, by the way, I was pregnant for two months but I miscarried," I would rather have the ones that I love walk the entire journey with us from the beginning. That's my philosophy anyway.
So, we are both really thrilled. We really didn't want there to be ANY more than three years between our kids (if we could have our way), and we also did not want to put our family on hold for school. If our calculations are correct, we are due at end of June or early July - RIGHT IN THE HEAT OF THE PHILLY SUMMER (Praise the Lord), but my schooling wraps up mid-June, so that's pretty perfect. Kev will be right in the middle of his internship, so it will be a little crazy, but such is life. We are thankful and feel so blessed. So far, I feel really good; just a little sleepy and queasy if I don't eat. But, other than that, I have absolutely NO complaints.
As much as Kaden understands, he is excited. When I ask him what Mommy has in her tummy, he whispers, "A baby for Kaden." From day to day it changes as to whether he wants a boy or a girl! So.......that's our exciting news. Feeling blessed and filled to overflowing......
O.k. here goes.......WE ARE PREGNANT! Yep. Very exciting. I haven't been to the midwife yet, but we think that we're about ten weeks along. This is a little bit earlier than we shared when we were pregnant with Kaden, but I feel like second time around it's a little different. We're so far away from home, and I think that even if something happened and I miscarried, I would still tell everyone anyway. So, rather than say, "Hey, by the way, I was pregnant for two months but I miscarried," I would rather have the ones that I love walk the entire journey with us from the beginning. That's my philosophy anyway.
So, we are both really thrilled. We really didn't want there to be ANY more than three years between our kids (if we could have our way), and we also did not want to put our family on hold for school. If our calculations are correct, we are due at end of June or early July - RIGHT IN THE HEAT OF THE PHILLY SUMMER (Praise the Lord), but my schooling wraps up mid-June, so that's pretty perfect. Kev will be right in the middle of his internship, so it will be a little crazy, but such is life. We are thankful and feel so blessed. So far, I feel really good; just a little sleepy and queasy if I don't eat. But, other than that, I have absolutely NO complaints.
As much as Kaden understands, he is excited. When I ask him what Mommy has in her tummy, he whispers, "A baby for Kaden." From day to day it changes as to whether he wants a boy or a girl! So.......that's our exciting news. Feeling blessed and filled to overflowing......
Potty Training 101...Take Two
Since Thanksgiving is over, my Psychology work is complete, and we have only three weeks left until we head for the great country up North for the Christmas Holiday, I thought that this would be a good time to really buckle down and do the potty training for real this time.
I told Kaden right before he fell asleep last night of the plan to go into "big boy underwear" today and to start going on the big boy potty. He enthusiastically agreed that today would be a "good idea." So......here's the download of how things went this morning. The plan is that we set the timer, and every 15-20 minutes we go and sit on the potty. Kaden gets boatloads of drinks all throughout the day to help the process move along and a treat after each success. Bribery is a beautiful thing.
7:15 - Kaden wakes up with a super wet diaper from the night before. We immediately go into
big boy underwear with all pep talks included.
7:50 - Kaden yells, "I peeing RIGHT NOW!" and promptly gives me a small pond on the floor.
8:50 - KADEN PEES ON THE POTTY FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!! We are both totally pumped!
Kaden gets a treat and Mommy does, too.
9:10 - Yet another small pond on the floor.
9:30 - Pond #3 on the floor. (Mommy is feeling slightly exasperated but is trying to keep a
positive vibe going. In my head I am yelling: ALL I SAID WAS, "SHOULD WE TRY
TO GO AND POTTY AGAIN?" I meant - once we arrive to the bathroom - not NOW!!!"
9:55 - SUCCESS!!! Pee #2 on the potty! Thank you, Lord!
10:20 - Maybe we're starting to get this thing down. Pee #3 on the potty!
11:00 - Minor step backwards. Large pond on my countertop, no less, while he is helping me
fix us a snack. Lord, have mercy.
And.....nothing after this until naptime. To start out, I think I'm going to put him back in diapers for naps and bedtimes until we get the daytime conquered. Loving the song...."I've got a river of life flowing out of me".......Will keep you updated on the glorious going's on in the Booker household. In case any of you are wondering, I AM totally sanitizing all areas where pee has touched. Good times!
I told Kaden right before he fell asleep last night of the plan to go into "big boy underwear" today and to start going on the big boy potty. He enthusiastically agreed that today would be a "good idea." So......here's the download of how things went this morning. The plan is that we set the timer, and every 15-20 minutes we go and sit on the potty. Kaden gets boatloads of drinks all throughout the day to help the process move along and a treat after each success. Bribery is a beautiful thing.
7:15 - Kaden wakes up with a super wet diaper from the night before. We immediately go into
big boy underwear with all pep talks included.
7:50 - Kaden yells, "I peeing RIGHT NOW!" and promptly gives me a small pond on the floor.
8:50 - KADEN PEES ON THE POTTY FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!! We are both totally pumped!
Kaden gets a treat and Mommy does, too.
9:10 - Yet another small pond on the floor.
9:30 - Pond #3 on the floor. (Mommy is feeling slightly exasperated but is trying to keep a
positive vibe going. In my head I am yelling: ALL I SAID WAS, "SHOULD WE TRY
TO GO AND POTTY AGAIN?" I meant - once we arrive to the bathroom - not NOW!!!"
9:55 - SUCCESS!!! Pee #2 on the potty! Thank you, Lord!
10:20 - Maybe we're starting to get this thing down. Pee #3 on the potty!
11:00 - Minor step backwards. Large pond on my countertop, no less, while he is helping me
fix us a snack. Lord, have mercy.
And.....nothing after this until naptime. To start out, I think I'm going to put him back in diapers for naps and bedtimes until we get the daytime conquered. Loving the song...."I've got a river of life flowing out of me".......Will keep you updated on the glorious going's on in the Booker household. In case any of you are wondering, I AM totally sanitizing all areas where pee has touched. Good times!
Hallelujah!
Lord willing, you will never have to hear or read such phrases as: "Blasted Psychology" or "Psychology Schmycology" ever ever again. Do you know why? BECAUSE I'M FINISHED MY FINAL PAPER!!! Oh my, this is so very exhilarating. In retrospect, it's not even that the course was all that difficult - it was an Introduction to Psychology course - nothing advanced. However, because it was a correspondence situation that allows you to go at your own pace over a period of a year, it can just seem to drag on and on and on. I had until March to finish this final assignment, but it's just been hanging over my head for weeks and stressing me to no end. I don't like this vast amount of freedom for getting assignments done. I much prefer a bit more of a pressure situation, I guess. I like closer deadlines. So, now - praise Jesus - it is finished, and I can move on to more exciting and important things like figuring out Christmas gifts for people and enjoying our tree.......and Old Testament Prophets....yeesh....but not for a few more days. I need to revel in the success of one more completed class. I am so happy! Aaaand soooo sleepy....only....four....more.....courses to take.....zzzzzzzz.
P.S. - Our tree looks fantabulous! Kaden preferred much more to secretly stash our ornaments away into his own little box than to put them on the tree, but he loves the finished product, as well. When all was said and done, he proclaimed: "I love our tree. It's super fun!" I couldn't have said it better myself! :0) Good night, all. I'm off to la la land.
P.S. - Our tree looks fantabulous! Kaden preferred much more to secretly stash our ornaments away into his own little box than to put them on the tree, but he loves the finished product, as well. When all was said and done, he proclaimed: "I love our tree. It's super fun!" I couldn't have said it better myself! :0) Good night, all. I'm off to la la land.
It's Beginning to FEEL a lot like Christmas!!
Well, although once again the weather is in the high 60's today, it sure is beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas in the Booker household. We found the coolest spot to cut down our tree this year. We went clear to Jersey last year to cut one down, because everyone we talked to around here just seemed to always get their tree at Wal-Mart. This country girl MUST choose and cut her own. It's tradition! So, we found the greatest spot called Carousel Village at Indian Walk. (Weird, eh?) This is a whole mini "village" that gives hay rides all around the tree farm, carousel and train rides, sells food, and has a couple of little antique and Christmas shops to browse around in.
We spent our entire morning at this little place riding on the hay ride, scoping out the perfect tree, and checking out the little shops. It was SO much fun! They even had a mini animal farm to look at with emus and ostriches walking around! (Random choices of animals)!
Kaden got a little bored when Mommy couldn't find the perfect tree. So, finally I just told Kev to choose one and chop it down. Come to think of it, I think there has only been one year where I actually made the choice of our tree! Well, he found the cutest chubby little tree that I just love! Seriously, I would have a tree up in my home all year round if I could.
So, now it sits - naked in our tree stand until Kaden awakens from his nap. We're doing it piece meal this year. It will be an all day event! So, while he sleeps, Kev is off doing a numb cultural study for one of his classes, and I'm going to attempt to get a huge handle on this blasted Psychology paper. But, when that little boy awakens - no more work for us! No siree!!!
We spent our entire morning at this little place riding on the hay ride, scoping out the perfect tree, and checking out the little shops. It was SO much fun! They even had a mini animal farm to look at with emus and ostriches walking around! (Random choices of animals)!
Kaden got a little bored when Mommy couldn't find the perfect tree. So, finally I just told Kev to choose one and chop it down. Come to think of it, I think there has only been one year where I actually made the choice of our tree! Well, he found the cutest chubby little tree that I just love! Seriously, I would have a tree up in my home all year round if I could.
So, now it sits - naked in our tree stand until Kaden awakens from his nap. We're doing it piece meal this year. It will be an all day event! So, while he sleeps, Kev is off doing a numb cultural study for one of his classes, and I'm going to attempt to get a huge handle on this blasted Psychology paper. But, when that little boy awakens - no more work for us! No siree!!!
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