in their own time

And Some More of My Girl.....

2010-04-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

First Communion

2010-04-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

2010-04-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

I Want to Be Just Like Him

2010-04-22T06:42:00.001-07:00

Fresh

2010-04-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

Wonder

2010-04-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Love

2010-04-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

Seven Months and Sixteen Days

2010-04-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

More of My Favorite Things....

2010-01-17T13:44:00.001-08:00

Chasing

2009-12-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

It's what sisters are for.

Once Upon A Time

2009-12-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, Mimi thought we had a small family.....

(That was before she met the two on her lap in this picture.)

2009-12-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

When I was born, my oldest sister was away at college. She sent a telegram home to my parents. It read, "Happiness is warm blanket with a new little sister inside."

Ditto.

Don't Hate Me Because.....

2009-11-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

Before our sweet littlest sister arrived, I prepared myself for baby life...You know, sleepless life. In fact, what my husband and I both really prepared ourselves for was him on the couch for a while and me in bed with the baby girl nursing all night. That's the way it was with the Little Guy, and we were prepared to go there again. Really, I was looking forward to so much snuggle time.

But this time is different than ever before. Way different. Way.

Really, I have to preface the difference with, "Don't hate me because my baby sleeps...." I mean, I might have felt that way with my three previous babies. I might have really had a hard time liking you if you told me that on your third or fourth week together your baby was sleeping through the night.

That's the first thing that most people ask me these days..."Are you getting any sleep?" And I can see that they're just trying to rib me about how much my sweetie cries, eats, won't sleep, etc. But then I have to tell them this....

"Actually, she's slept through the night since about 3 or 4 weeks. I mean 5-7 or 8 hours or so. But before 6 weeks, she was sleeping all night. Every night. I mean 10-12 hours. Sometimes, I've had to wake her. And she naps."

Yep, she's all that. (And more...)

Relaxing

2009-11-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

Fall Visit

2009-10-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Rememeber that I told you about our great friends who usually visit our house every three months or so? We had a great weekend with them (okay, it's been two weeks ago now....).

The littlest little sister got to meet two of her three godparents. Parrain(godfather) cooked delicious Italian sausage spaghetti and taco salad, and we feasted on his guacamole until they left on Sunday afternoon.

Of course, everyone was sad to see them go, but we look forward to the next visit and to them coming back soon for our little girl's baptism.

Six Weeks

2009-10-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Love this girl....

First Four Weeks.....

2009-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I love the smell of breast milk. And spit up on my shoulder. I'm not planning to wear either of them (yet, perhaps I will) out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary, but I love the smell.

It gets sweeter with each new life that comes into our family. Because I have more memories. That smell reminds me of each warm, little head that I held in my hands, each small body that curled into mine, each child that gradually worked his or her way into my heart...the way that a shoe string is drawn tighter little by little until it is finally so tight that it is tied together.

And that is what has been happening around our house lately.

Baby of Mine

2009-09-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

She's Here!

2009-08-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

She's finally here! And she wasn't even that big! 8 pounds, 8 ounces! I'll post more about what happened soon.

Last Days Before the Little Sister Arrives....

2009-08-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the time is upon us. If all looks good on Monday's ultrasound, the littlest sister will be born on Tuesday, August 18. My dad's birthday.

We're down to just two or three more days, and today the whole family went out as sort of a last "table for five" outing. We went to eat at a burger joint that boasts of a huge $20 burger. It's free if you can eat it all. None of us tried.

After the yummy burgers, we played at a local park. Well...mostly everybody else played, and I took pictures from my shady spot on a park bench.

I am so thrilled about the birth of the newest member of our family, but I can't help but feel nostalgic about these last days of our family as we know it now. The last days that my sweet little boy is the baby of our family (though you know that each one of them will always be my baby). The last days that Little Miss Sunshine is one of the younger two. The last days that my oldest is not a teenager, and I suspect the last days that she seems more like a child than a young lady.

The last days that I am pregnant and my little boy can put his head on my belly and "snuggle" up to his little sister and sing to her that way. Oh, and...the last days that "round" will be okay with me as a body type.
I can't wait for us all to meet the little one on Tuesday. I know that she will have us all wrapped around her little finger in the blink of an eye. But I will always treasure these last few days as well....

Tomorrow's Resolution

2009-08-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, my oldest two girls went to music camp. They, along with about 50 other children, put together a fabulous production called, "Go, Go, Jonah!" The music was really great...nothing more beautiful than the sound of sweet, cherubic voices singing Bible songs.

One day, part of their "homework" was to talk with their parents about the parents' favorite Bible verses.

One of my favorite verses that I shared is, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It came easily to my mind, especially since I had been using this verse to remind one child in particular that she can do even the hard stuff that comes her way.

What I've discovered about myself since I so quickly offered this verse, however, is that I don't really want to do all things. I know that Christ will give me the strength to bear all...even things that seem impossible to bear. But I really don't want to bear all things.

In reality, I just want to avoid most of the painful stuff. In reality, I just want to find another verse and claim it as my own. You know the one. It says that Christ will take away all the pain that would come my way if I didn't know Him. Except, as far as I can tell, that verse is nowhere to be found in my Bible.

Now that is a real downer. Because as the clock ticks down to the birth of our fourth child, I am extremely uncomfortable and unmotivated. And for the past few weeks, I've been thinking that this was enough pain already. I mean, really.

And then...whammy. I won't go into specifics, but let me just tell you that the pain that I've been experiencing multiplied within the course of a day. And nothing that I've done has reduced the pain. I've been trying desperately to stay off of my feet to avoid putting any more pressure on this part of my body. But in the end, nada.

And I have to tell you, I don't really want to bear this pain. I haven't been thinking about how I can get through this with Christ's strength. I've been trying to get around it with His strength. And when I think about how the birth of this sweet baby girl is very probably going to complicate the pain that I'm already having....ugh!!!!

Now I'm not saying that I should be out looking for pain. But, it's here, and now is my chance to be a life lesson, right?

Am I going to try to teach my child that she can do all things through Christ and remind her when she complains, "But, Mom, I don't waaaaant to do that........" that she can get through even the most difficult of circumstances...yet act in the same childish way when my turn comes?

What a blunder that would be. A missed opportunity. Something that I am sure I would look back on later with serious regret.

So my resolution for tomorrow: I will re-adopt an attitude of servanthood. I will respond patiently to my children even when correcting them. I will do at least one thing for each of them that will serve them...even if I don't want to do it (like maybe play Noah's ark on the floor...have you seen my belly recently?). I will find at least two or three ways to build my husband up and encourage him. In short, I will actively and purposefully love them. In the end, that's what I want us all to look back on and remember. That we truly loved each other. No matter what.

So Maybe I've Lost the Battle, But....

2009-08-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

My little guy is on the brink of 4 years old. (Really? Let me recount...) And I've never raised a boy before, only girls. My girls loved baby dolls and ponies with long, brushable purple hair, doll houses and the like. But this boy. He likes useful things. Like tools. And, well....weapons.

I've really tried to stave this thing off. When he was born, I made a committment to no guns, knives, swords, etc. And I've done pretty well with that until lately. But during swimming with a friend, he became very familiar with (and possessive of) some water...guns.

When we came home, I hid the ones that he brought home with him. But when we went camping, he discovered some more....

And then I saw this.....

Guess his conversation with the donkey went something like this...."Eat up--or else!"

So maybe I've lost the battle. But I can still win the war, right?

Only One Name for This...

2009-08-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

I know that you've seen lots of different faces with this title, but when I see this picture of my boy, I know that it has to be titled...."Honey.....I'm hoooooooome!"

Rite of Passage

2009-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

As we wait for our new little girl to be born, we celebrate the birth of our first little girl a couple of weeks early. In our family, there is no ear piercing before the thirteenth birthday. Let's just say that it's a rite of passage. And even though most of her friends have had their ears pierced for years, she's been very patient about it...usually.

She is so proud. And so grown up now.

Some things are worth waiting for.

Wordless

2009-07-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sleeping boy and one of the joys of my life......

She's All Grown Up....

2009-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

My niece, that is....

We attended her beautiful wedding this past weekend. It was a lot of fun! There was a small town church, a reception at a sweet little bed and breakfast, great food, children running around...all in all, it must have been a dream come true.

My niece married this man....a kind, down-to-earth Mississippi man who is a welcome addition to our family. I think she chose wisely.

And our kiddos? Beautiful, if I do say so myself!

A good time was had by all!

Our best wishes and prayers for you as you begin your married life!

That Face

2009-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

(This post was written three weeks ago, but due to scanner difficulties, it the pictures could not accompany the post until today.)
Baby girl's face in 4-D...if you look closely you can see her little nose, closed eyes, and sweet mouth...

Today we had a date with the newest member of our family. The whole family piled into the little ultrasound room at my OB's office. And then the fun started. Baby Girl was pushing against my side, and we could actually see that it was her foot doing the pushing.

There was lots of commentary from the peanut gallery....Little Miss Sunshine commented that the baby sister looked like a monster in there sometimes. And, "ew, gross" what was that clear stuff the tech squeezed on my belly before the show even started?

The little man chewed his orange lolli to bits as he watched, and after it was all over, he asked me if the baby was now in the box that I was carrying (a cord blood box). Such a mystery, how that baby is gonna' get out of his mama's belly...

The tech commented that Baby Girl was very active, and the biggest big sister, her daddy and I had to laugh because that's what Big Sis said when she saw the ultrasound of Little Man. And she was sure right. He is constant motion.

And baby's weight at 31 weeks? <drumroll please> Baby Girl is now a healthy (and hefty) 4 lb., 14 oz. Supposed to double her weight by the time she is 40 weeks. The sweet ultrasound tech tried to make me feel better by saying, "That's only about 8 lbs..." To which I had to say "Yeah, but she's 4 lbs. AND 14 oz. That's almost 5 lbs. Which is 10 pounds when you double it..."

Well, that's why I found a new doctor, right? So that he will induce me early (provided that Baby Girl's lungs are ready). I'll just be praying, trusting and reminding my doctor of what he said he would do. I'd appreciate your prayers, too, as we round the corner to Baby Girl's birthday.

34 weeks

2009-07-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

I Love Summer

2009-07-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

I really do love it...time with my kiddos that seems hard to find during the school year, time for Daddy to hang out with the kiddos a little more. Dollar movies, vacation Bible school, swimming, more play time, crafts with the kiddos....what's not to love?

But where we live, heat is not a refreshing change from a long, icy winter. It is a way of life, with few exceptions. Where I live, most years have consisted of two seasons....summer and not quite as hot as summer.

Okay, that's a little extreme. Sometimes there is a need for a sweater when we go to evening mass on Christmas Eve. And my children have been known to wear gloves or mittens...when a local church ships in ice, I mean snow, during the Christmas season.

But now as I sit inside at 33 1/2 weeks pregnant with my darling girl already weighing in at 5 1/2-6 pounds, our a/c turned down to 65 degrees, I'm finding summer very oppressive. Even inside with the a/c turned down that low and the ceiling fans on, I'm hot. Sweating kind of hot. And I can think of nothing fun and exciting to do with the kiddos. Okay, nothing fun and exciting that my pregnant body wants to do.

My pregnant body especially doesn't want to do the laundry. My pregnant arms would rather just shut the door to the laundry room so that my pregnant eyes don't have to see all that laundry piled up on the floor (a lot of that laundry being the result of two or three showers that I am taking a day because I feel so sweaty).

And have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate letting my children watch tv? I think I mentioned it here.

So I feel guilty when my children ask, "What can we dooooooooo?" And I feel guilty when my oldest daughter becomes a playwrite and directs her brother and sister in the play (I know I shouldn't; I know that's really what's good for them--to come up with something creative and fun to do, but I do feel like I should be directing every activity...)

And I already nested. Several weeks ago my hubby took the kiddos to see their grandparents, and I had a week of nesting. Everything was ready for this little bird to arrive when they came home. But she's not here yet.

Now I am behind in the laundry, and there are certainly a million things that I could do that I will surely be wondering why I didn't do once the little one arrives and there is sleep deprivation and the demand of caring for a newborn around the clock.

I think I'm whining.

But one more thing....did I mention that 2/3 of my children have strep? They've been on antibiotics for 2 days which is good because something fun for them is just around the bend.

Vacation Bible School starts Monday.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

My boys.....

Little Gems

2009-07-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

Recently....

Miss Sunshine: "When Daddy grows up, is he going to grow a real beard?"

33 weeks

2009-07-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Precious baby girl, I can't wait to hold you!!! I am truly a blessed woman to have the opportunity to carry you, feel your arms and legs kick around inside of me and wait on your arrival.

Your big brother promises that he is going to "love on you" and frequently gives you kisses and sings to you! And your biggest big sister says that she is going to spoil you. Miss Sunshine is going to read lots of stories to you! And Daddy? He talks to you most days and pokes my belly with his whiskers. He loves you already and tells me daily that he can't wait for you to get here!

Friends to Grow Up With.....

2009-07-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad, sad day....We have some friends--some great friends--that came for a visit on Friday and left today. They come for a visit once every three months or so, and it gets harder and harder for our two girls to leave each other on Sunday.

Those two girls are two peas in a pod, girls cut from the same cloth, friends forever.

Today, after some fun in the sun and a five more minutes reminder, my daughter's BFF was stashed here...

in the laundry sorter.

But, as with all good things, even the hiding came to an end....We miss you guys already! Come back soon!

Wordless

2009-07-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

My niece will be married two weeks from Saturday. But in my mind, she is still the same 4 year old little girl who pulled a pair of her mama's underwear out of her purse on one of my first dates with the boy who is now my husband! Best wishes to Caddie and Cortney!

For more Wordless Thursday posts, go here.

30 Weeks

2009-07-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I love this picture. Not because of wonderful quality or great composition, but because it makes me look smaller than most pictures (gasp!). And smaller than I feel. At 30 weeks, I am the kind of pregnant mama that people ask, "Are you sure it's just one?" (And who ever said that was a polite kind of question, anyway???? It's somehow akin to HOW MANY children do you have?)

However, I can understand wanting to ask that question, because at 30 weeks, I am also the kind of mama that feels like I am packing a bowling ball in my belly. Not just an air-inflated basketball. And I can no longer bend over to pick up a dropped pen. No siree, dropped pens just stay dropped until a more slender member of my family comes along. I am trying to walk most days, but it is a completely forced effort. I just want to sit. Don't really want to lay anywhere because of terrible indigestion and ribs that threaten to pop at any moment when I lay on my side.

Despite all of the complaints, however, I know that in just a few short weeks, I'll be holding our new baby girl in my arms and wiping tears from my eyes. This will all be worth it. And tomorrow, I'm one step closer to her...I'm having an ultrasound and will see her beautiful face. Will post pictures as soon as I can.

Now I am actually 31 weeks along.

For more Wordless Wednesday posts (without words!), go here and here.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

The diaglogue that went along with this picture went something like this...."Pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase?????"

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, go here.

Chuckoo!!!!!

2009-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

So I've got this boy. And he is all boy. And I am his girlfriend. Sometimes he'll put his little cheek up to mine and say, "I'm lovin' on ya'." It's a really sweet thing that thrills my heart.

But boys being what they are, my little boyfriend is a frequent sword fighter, "hammerer", karate chopper, and "practicer" of any other skill that any protector worth his weight might need to be well versed in. He can turn any item into a sword (though a random stick or abandoned baseball bat is his first choice) or a hammer (certainly a toy car, or remote control will do in a pinch).

He gets a lot of skill practice in while simply walking from one place to another. He might already have a sword in hand, or he might be lucky enough to find one along the way (superheros are often blessed that way). You know, there's a lot of useful time during that walk from the backyard to the bathroom. And you don't even really need a weapon. That's when karate chopping comes in extra handy...when you don't have any weapon except your own body.

Even more time can be found while walking around looking for his sisters upstairs. And if he tries really hard, he can usually remember to make the appropriate scrunched up face that would send any bad guy (or good guy) running to his mommy.

But he always, always, always remembers the sound effects. They go something like this..."chucooooow!!!!", "chuckooooooo!!!!" or just "chucku!!" Whatever the sound effect, it always starts with "chu". I'm no superhero or superprotector like he is, so I just have to take for granted that all important superhero noises start that way. It must be part of a superhero's magic or something. Who am I to question?

As long as at the end of the day, my family and I are safe and my little guy asks me to hold his hand as he drifts off to sleep, who am I to question the special words or all of the practice time that he puts in? It's a tough life. But somebody's gotta' do it.

Daddy

2009-06-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

I remember the day that you became Daddy
You had been my boyfriend and then my husband,
But you were still a boy, really,
And I was still a girl.

The day that she was born,
Your tender heart opened wider than you knew it could.
You started a journey that would bring you
To a completely different place--
One of giving your all
To a cause that could not possibly return the favor.

We didn't know what she was,
But then she was born, and you whispered
With teardrops in your throat,
"It's a girl! It's a girl!"

And since then,
Your heart has grown again and again
To welcome our second little girl,
Our only little boy
And anxiously waits
To hold our third little girl.

You are Daddy
To children who love you with a child's true love
Yet can not know how much you love them
Cannot know all that you invest in them
Of your time, your energy, your dreams.
They love you because you are Daddy.

And Daddy means silly,
Funnier than Mama,
Wrestling sessions on the living room floor,
Bubbles and water on the backyard slide,
Baby powder sliding on the hardwood floors,
Special rides in your truck and
Little gifts for no reason.

You are Daddy.
They love you.
I love you.
You're more than I ever wished for in my children's daddy.
Thank you.

Love,
Your Very Proud Wife

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

After that first corner, the mother-in-law started wondering if the son-in-law had secret plans to get rid of her.....

For more Wordless or semi-wordless wednesdays go here.....

We're Still Being Schooled

2009-06-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

If you have more than two children, you probably get the same questions that I do..."Are they all yours?", "How many do you have all together?", "Did you plan all of them?" And you've probably gotten comments like, "Better you than me!"

I think that all of those questions and more are evidence that there are two kinds of people in the world when it comes to children. There are people who view children
as a blessing, and there are people who view children as a burden to be handled, lived through, survived. You probably already know this, but the husband and I belong to that first group.

Many people have mentioned, and yes, we realize that there are lots of other things that we could do and there are many more things that we could buy if we didn't have any (or so many) children. Yes, our home is loud. Yes, there is drama and an endless amount of laundry to be done, meals to be fixed, dishes to be washed, homework to be completed, fights to be moderated. And there is way more than that.

But in washing that laundry and putting it away, fixing those meals and cleaning up afterward, breaking up fights and teaching the lessons that go along with it, we, ourselves, are being tutored in those things that God counts as critical in our development.

We are learning an attitude of service that does not come naturally to most people--it doesn't for us (an attitude of serving those who need us even when we are tired, sick and might feel like our own needs are more pressing). We are learning compassion for those who might or might not be showing compassion to us at the moment, learning not to respond because we are angry or even really ticked off, but to respond out of what is best for that other person.

We are learning to teach these little people instead of doing everything ourselves (when it would often be a lot easier and neater to do so). A hint here: teaching takes longer (but it's worth it). We're learning to foster relationships between other people and not to always claim all the glory. We're learning to look at ourselves, realize that there are improvements that we could make, and try to start making them.

By no means have we completed our coursework. We are in class every day, no week ends and holidays off and no regularly scheduled bathroom or shower breaks. We are immersed in this on-the-job training 24/7 (vomit and out-of-sync baby schedules know no routine).

And most people who wonder why we have so many little teachers wonder why we didn't make it easier on ourselves with fewer of them. But the truth is, even though this life is really demanding, we have a purpose here that goes way beyond ourselves. Even though it's really fun to do things exclusively for our own enjoyment, that feels a little empty and shallow after a while. That's not our purpose here on this earth. Our purpose is less about figuring out how to get more of what we want for ourselves and more about learning how to give more of what someone else needs (did I mention that we are still learning?).

And for those who feel sorry for us thinking that we get too little for ourselves...the joy that I see in my son's face when he learns a new task (recently: folding washcloths, sweeping up macaroni under the table, using Daddy's drill to screw in the bolts on some ramps that he and Daddy made) is an amazing reward. The pride that I feel when my oldest daughter is complimented for her integrity (ie: not watching a show that I told her not to watch when she is out of town with grandparents) and when my middle daughter shares her coveted cookie with a brother whose tummy is already full of cookies....these kinds of things are part of the package. Yes, our life is demanding, but the payback is rich. Even when we don't deserve it.

So if you see my family in the grocery store and start to count how many children we have, know that you are counting our blessings, that we are rich in what matters, that we wouldn't have it any other way.

Mamatutwo

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, go here and here.

Wordless.....

2009-05-28T07:52:00.001-07:00

What Can We Do?

2009-05-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Since school is almost out, I'm planning our summer activities....library, park, vacation Bible school, a camp or two. However, yesterday, which was technically five days before school is out for the summer, my progeny spent their day asking one question over and over..."When can we watch tv?"

Oh, they're tricky. They actually asked the same thing several different ways. "Can we watch it now?" "Have I earned watching a movie?" "Can we watch this movie?" "There's nothing to do but watch tv", "What else am I supposed to do besides watch tv?" "Why can't we watch it now?" and the big gun...."Pleeeeeaaaaaase?????"

Watching television is the bane of my existence. More on that in another post. However, I did hold out, and we didn't watch that movie that I had promised until right before bed. So what do you think happened today?

I guess it's true what they say. Necessity is the mother of invention.

Totally kid invented.

Totally kid assembled.

They've got their fair share of their daddy's genes.

Not once did they ask that ugly old question.

My Dad

2009-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

You may remember me telling you about my dad. There's more to say than I can begin to put down right now.
Unassuming. Gentle. Quiet Spirit.

Humble. Honorable. Responsible.
Organized. Hard-working. Stories that I have float around in my head right now. My dad passed away on February 12, 2009. He was 83.

He would have been 84 years old on August 18, 2009. We're hoping to celebrate his birthday by meeting his fourth granddaughter. (This hand belongs to her.)

Sometimes life.....

2009-05-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life comes at me faster than I can think it through or definitely faster than I can get 15 solid minutes at my computer. I know, I know, it's fast for you, too, yet still you find time to blog. What in the world is wrong with me?

It's been over four months since I've posted anything. So many BIG things have happened here since then that I feel sort of like a different person than the mom who posted here last. I mean BIG things.

This is the first thing that happened. Here's a picture to fill you in. Because you know what a picture is worth. And sometimes it's worth more than that.
This little girl will arrive in her own time....sometime before September! The announcement to her daddy was written something like this:

Merry Christmas!!! "Children are a gift of the Lord. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

We now qualify as having a quiver full. And we couldn't be more thrilled. All five of us. Little guy thinks that this little girl will only be his sister and will often correct his big sisters if they refer to her as their own.

And in our family's tradition, there will be a good distance between our last baby and this one. I mean, we like to stick with a theme around here. And I'd hate to mess around with the title of my blog. If this bundle had come sooner, I might have had to change it to something like, "In Their Own Time Except for the Last Two Who Share Their Time". And that would simply be too long.

Little Man will be almost 4 by the time this little love arrives...a good age for a big brother, don't you think? Biggest big sister will be newly 13. And youngest big sister will be 7. And me? Hahahahaha....did you really think that I would tell? A lady never tells her age (but if you catch her on a good day, she might tell you her husband's age!)!

I'm a little worried about how big this baby will be. If you read my Labor Day post, you know that I make 'em big. So I've shopped around for a doctor that tells me that he will not hesitate to induce me early to avoid an extremely large baby. And I've found one. I'm hoping for an induction date of August 18--my dad's birthday.

And that leads me to what happened next....

A Little Leftover Christmas

2009-01-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

2009-01-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday---Surprises All Around

2009-01-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

2008-12-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

2008-12-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

2008-12-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

2008-12-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

2008-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

2008-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

A month

2008-12-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

A month since my last post. And still life isn't slowing down enough to reflect much on paper, I mean, screen. But I thought that I could at least post a couple of my favorite pictures. Be sort of a photojournalist for today. Because, of course, I still take pictures like crazy.

MOPS convention...part two!

2008-11-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

So the first night of convention ended in a great way. Go Fish, a band that I highly recommend for Christian music that you and your kiddos will both enjoy, hyped us up and made us laugh with "The Mom Song" and "It's Hard to Be Cool in a Minivan", and then they sent us off to our rooms with "Jammies". (You've got to get that song! Puts a little excitement into bedtime!) I brought home a couple of their CDs (Snazzy and Party Like a Preschooler), and they instantly became my children's favorites! (Scroll down to find these songs, click and laugh!)

The next morning started off with a bang. More amazing mamas who made it through difficult times by holding tight to God's hand--and friends at MOPS. I started each session determined that I wouldn't need any tissues, but at some time during each one, my eyes watered and my plans were foiled again! The speakers and moms challenged me to be the best mom that I could be and to stop being so hard on myself!

More amazing music was sprinkled throughout the day...one of my favorites in Christian music--Jaci Velasquez and her husband (Salvadore) performed. Jaci has such a powerful and amazing voice. Both of them were just excellent and very moving.

One of the high points of the conference for me was this performance.
This is Plumb, and if you listen to Christian radio at all--or probably pop, too--I'm sure that you've been moved by her song, "In My Arms" This, of course, is who I was thinking about when I asked if you knew who I was standing with.

Now, I'm sorry if I'm sounding like a commercial here, but I have to tell you that I was just really thrown by the quaality of the music, the program and by the big names that this convention served to all of us moms. I was really not expecting this at all, and I was truly overwhelmed.

Tonight's post must end here, but I promise you another post tomorrow that is less of a commercial but no less full of big (and I mean BIG) names and surprises. See you tomorrow!

MOPS convention

2008-11-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

As I've been reading through previous posts and thinking about posts that are still swimming around in my head, I realize that there are several times that I've told you there would be a part two to a post or that more would be coming. Here's my first attempt to catch up! This post started in early October, and it's goes with this teaser.
I just got back from the MOPS convention in Grapevine, TX, and it was absolutely amazing! If you ever get the chance to go, don't think about it, just pack your little bags and go! This rousing endorsement comes from a mama who is never away from her kiddos overnight (okay, my big girl goes to Mawmaw's or Mimi's about once a year).

When it came to leaving, I worried. I fretted. To be honest with you, I went because a week or so before I had to give my answer, the little guy would not go to Daddy on several occasions. I don't know if Daddy got it, but I felt like the kiddos needed some one-on-one with him.

So on Thursday morning, four days after we got back into town from our "hurrication", I got out of the way. I packed my bags and got myself on that church bus by 9:30, and off we went.

Now, if you know me outside of blogland, you know that I am not the world's most outgoing person. In a group, a little shy, a little reserved (okay, sometimes more than a little)...that's me. Little did I know that this convention was going to speak directly to that part of me. That fear part of me. That paralyzing, I'm not good enough part of me (ahem...did I mention that today is "let it all hang out day"?).

Fear is an awful thing. Not a virtue. When I think of all the good gifts that God has given out, fear is nowhere on that list. Common sense, yes...as in, if I jump off of this bridge, I probably will not live to see another day. That kind of healthy fear...I would say that's a good thing!

But fear that keeps moms from talking to other moms, women from talking to other women, girls in grade school from talking to other girls in grade school, that kind of fear is an opportunity-stealer, a life-thief, really. It's the kind of fear that tells you that the other mom will think that you don't care about your child because you didn't breastfeed (or not for long enough) or in my case that you did breastfeed, but in their opinion, for way too long.

So, as I said, this convention was coming right for that part of me, and I didn't even have a clue. I thought I was just...getting out of the way.

The bus ride was really, um, cozy. For this shy girl. We were blessed with transportation on the school's little bus all the way up there. It was really a blessing not to have to drive, but it meant that we all had to sit very close together and, you know, make conversation. For several hours.

But again, a blessing. I was forced to think of things to say to these other mamas about things that had never come up at our tables at MOPS. And I had a chance to listen to who these other mamas were.

My seat mate, an amazing mom who has four children by birth and two adopted children (she's waiting to go get the third!) talked a lot about adoption--a subject that is newly interesting to the hubby and I. Several of us talked about the current political happenings.

Then we got to the hotel. The buzz of mommy adreneline all around--it was really a sight! Hundreds of mamas chatted in the lobby, in the coffee shop, in front of the fireplace, in the bar, up and down the halls, on the patio, everywhere that you could think of. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw a stray man here or there...

And then the convention started. Five thousand mamas. Five thousand missionaries to their own families, to their own MOPS groups, to other mamas in their communities. Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.

Throughout the weekend, we were inspired by other ordinary mamas whose lives and families had been changed through the ministry of MOPS. Mamas who then went on to be a part of the change in other mamas' lives. It was powerful. Each speaker was wonderfully polished yet very open in her presentation.

That first night, I heard what I already knew but really needed to be reminded of--God knew what He was doing when He put each of my babies in my arms. He knew my imperfections, and He still put them in my arms. I really needed to hear that. Because I love these babies more than I could have ever imagined. And sometimes I think that I'm not half the mama that lives next door (figuratively speaking!).

And then one of the speakers said, "I used to think that God gave me these children mainly so I could shape them to be more like Jesus. And then, I realized that He gave me these children so they could shape me to be more like Jesus." Yeah.

Now, I promise you, there really is more to come on this post! I'm gonna' get right to work on it. Check back tomorrow, and you'll see it here. Here. From my mouth, uh, fingers, to your eyes. Tomorrow. See you then!

Insect Body Parts

2008-11-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Little Sunshine is learning about insects. While studying for her test, I ask her to name the three body parts. Instantly, like she's known them forever, she rattles off, "head, abdomen and thyroid!"

Yep, I think she's getting me confused with an insect. It's easy to confuse, really. I had part of my thorax--I mean thyroid--removed about a year ago.

Piles of Laundry and Fingers that Can't Keep Up

2008-11-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I realize that I am so very behind on blogging. I mean, I've had such joyous moments that I have thought posts for. You know, I just haven't been able to bring my thoughts to the keyboard. Time is running away from me like it was working for a prize or somethin'!

Seriously, I've got posts up here <pointing to the noggin> from 2 months ago! But, here I sit with a handful of minutes a couple of pieces of news that I just had to put down.

One...we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of this:

Well, not that one exactly. You know, ours is way cuter. But from the same place. Illinois. She's flying in from Illinois as a gift for our little girly. Said girly lost her 17 year old doggy this summer (see--there's another post still floating around up there!). Even tonight, she asked if we would pray for Georgie.

I absolutely cannot wait to see my sweet girl's face when she realizes that the gift in the box (can we make that happen?) is for her. And when she sees what it is? Whoa. Can't wait. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait. Daddy, big sister and I are having a blast anticipating her excitement.

And in other news.....that big sister. I think of her as perpetually a "tween". But without the make-up, the girly stuff, etc., etc. Tonight, she pulled me into the bathroom where we could be alone. Then she asked, "What do you do when a boy likes you, but you like him as just a friend?" Now, God, I was really not ready for that today. But, I guess you knew that I'd never be.

I am blessed that she came to me to talk about such a thing. Because, frankly, as she flatly stated, "a lot of girls wouldn't talk to their parents about this." Thank you, God. This girl who seems to tune out so much of what I say...Thank you, God.

So, as usual, life happens faster than I can type. And faster than I can fold that day's laundry or wash that day's dishes. Hopefully I'll be back to more regular posting soon. But for now, sleep is calling. And...well, and a couch full of laundry to fold.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

All in fun....brotherly love...

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, visit here and here.

It's My Bloggy Birthday!!!!!!

2008-10-11T14:16:00.002-07:00

It's my first bloggy birthday! It probably couldn't have come at a crazier blogging time what with hurricanes and the catch up from all of that, but birthdays just come, ready or not, right?

I must say that my entrance into blogging has alternated between inspiration, reflection and addiction. I had to step away for a little while when it became all-consuming...I mean, I do have a life outside of blogging, and I really want to live that life with every part of me. At those times when I stepped away, I questioned why I was even doing this. Wasn't it just a time-waster?

But then I'd catch a glimpse of three journals sitting beside my scrapbooks...all of them neglected. Who has the time to get out all of those supplies (although I really heart all those supplies!) and to keep up with it all? My goal of writing journals to each of my children was being trampled by thirty little toes (and twenty bigger ones) living out their daily lives.

But blogging...it is my journal to my children--and to my husband and myself. The record of our life together, of the incidentals that we forget along the way. I envision my children as adults raising their own families with books of these journal entries and pictures--remembering what it was like, being encouraged when they think they are the only ones who have lived through these things, realizing how much their mama and daddy loved them in the details.

And reading your blogs has provided me with great inspiration for doing my job better...for being a mom who first seeks the Lord, and then strives to be the best wife and mom that I personally can be. You have tickled my funny bone (sometimes 'til I couldn't catch my breath), made me cry, and encouraged me to step up more fully. Thank you.

So in honor of my first bloggy birthday, I want to recognize a few blogs that I read often and have really inspired me. And I have this little gift for you....

4 Little Men and Girly Twins
Baby Tunnel Exodus
Blogahon
Chaotic Adventures
It's Almost Naptime
Meet Me In the Clubhouse
My Charming Kids
Notes on a Napkin
Our Little Savages
The Queen B

If I haven't been reading yours, leave me a comment, and I'll definitely stop by! And if you're just lurking, leave a comment. And if you here for the first time, leave a comment. In other words, leave a comment! I'll consider it a goody bag from my own birthday party!

Thing That I Wonder...

2008-10-11T01:05:00.000-07:00

Why are my toes magnets for my children's shoe-wearing feet?

Why is an iced tea from McDonald's so much better than iced tea that I make at home?

When do we teach the little guy to stand instead of sit? (You know, we're sort
of potty training.)

How many children would be enough?

Why do children love to rub and touch public trash cans, public restroom walls, the hand rail on the entrance ramp at the library?

Why is raunchy, racy viewing so prevalent on television? Why on the Disney
Channel? Why on ABC Family? Why is the entertainment industry pursuing our
children so vigorously? (Okay, I'll move on.)

Why is it easier to be critical than it is to be positive?

Why don't my children love to go to bed ('cause I sure do!)?

Why do 12-year-olds think that they suddenly have all the answers?

What did my husband and I do with all of our time before we had children?

How can I teach a spirit of gratefulness in an ungrateful world?

What happened to patience?

How can we live more simply?

Why are there hungry children?

Why did I wait until I became a mom to appreciate the sacrifices that my parents made for me?

Will my children know the sacrifices that we've made for them?

Does it matter?

A River of My Thoughts Ran Through It All...

2008-10-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

And yet I have been unable to get back to posting about any of it. But, it's coming! Over the past couple of weeks, we've had some amazing times, not the least of which was ....
Do you know this girl? This picture was part of an amazing weekend, and I'll be sure to post about it just as soon as I can catch a few zzzzz's and situate my kiddos!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-16T22:14:00.001-07:00

We will always remember....

Thanks for visiting! For more Wordless Wednesday participants, go here.

Simplicity

2008-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

My children are put to bed--Laura, Mary and Kerry. You know--Ingalls.

This is our second day without electricity, and as we said our prayers tonight, the big sister said, "I don't know whether to pray for electricity or not. I like playing 'Little House on the Prairie'...but it would be kinda'nice to have a/c."

Hurricane Ike paid us a memorable visit. But along with downed trees, a saggy, "broken" ceiling and some roof trouble, Ike packed some blessings in his bag. Blessings much bigger than any trouble that he brought to our family. Ike took out our electricity, and along with that, many of our distractions that sometimes keep us from being together even when we are together.

At no time over the past couple of days have we tried to talk to each other over the din of the evening news--or even over the background noise of "Little House on the Prairie". Mom and Dad have not been distracted by checking e-mail or blogging (gasp!). We haven't been rushing to answer phones...our land line has been completely down, and we've only had sporadic service on our cells.

We've been out in the yard today--cleaning up together. I don't think we sat on the couch once. And we even made it to church this morning where the priest and deacon led parishioners in worship in a very dim sanctuary--lit only by candles (and I suspected a flashlight).

Tonight at bedtime, the kids and I played guessing games about what the light from the flashlight looked like on the ceiling. Of course, there were shadow puppets, too. Giggles and laughter bounced off the walls in our bedroom. Little Man fell asleep holding my hand, snuggled up next to me on our bed. His sisters' giggles were his bedtime music. As I tucked the girls into "bed" (a pallet on the floor), they called me "Ma" and chided me for calling them by their real names.

Now, after the kids are asleep I sit by an open window and write by candlelight. I can't help but feel joyful. Life here on the "prairie" is good. There's a different focus here. We like it. The kids like it. My daughter is wondering whether she wants the lights to come back on and all to return to normal. We are nothing if not blessed.

Stand and Take It

2008-09-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

We're expecting a visit from Hurricane Ike tonight. All day long, we've been hearing things like "direct hit" and "glancing blow" (which does not seem to be our fate).

Really nothing for us to do except be armed and ready for no electricity, no conveniences, powerful wind and some rain. I thought about taking the kiddos and leaving (hubby was scheduled to work), but I really worried about getting our family stuck in traffic and running out of gas. I'd rather be home with some possible shelter than in that situation.

All day today, people ran back and forth to the stores....last minute batteries, bread, water....Lots of nervous energy in the air. But tonight, neighbors visited in driveways and chatted even as dark overtook the streets. We've done all that we can do. Now all we can do is stand and take whatever Ike brings with him.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting! For more Wordless Wednesday posts go here and here.

At Dinner Last Night

2008-09-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

After gobbling up a bite of spaghetti, Darling Daughter asks, "How do you get a baby?"

Adults look around, acting like they didn't hear.

Oldest daughter who has now had "the talk" uses wide eyes to look at Mom.

Persistant Darling Daughter--"How do you get a baby?"

Mom (seemingly preoccupied with spaghetti pieces on the floor), "Hmmm?"

Daughter "How do you get a baby? I mean, I know about going to the hospital and sitting on the bed and acting like you're sick and all, but before that....How do you get a baby?"

Mom's answer is most unenlightening (as it was meant to be!). "Oh, it's pretty complicated," said Mom. We'll talk about it a little more when you're a little older."

The first time around, Mama just told the oldest darling daughter that God gave out the babies. That was enough for her until she was older.

Silly Mama. This isn't the first time around.

What Would She Do At Home?

2008-09-08T11:22:00.001-07:00

Last night my hubby and I sat together and watched one of his favorite television shows. It's not a sitcom, and it's not a night-time soap, and it's...well, the little one calls it the news. And it is, but not the local kind. And you might say that the "anchor" leans in a certain political direction. And that is all I have to say about that. Because what I'm about to tell you really is not about my political leanings, although I'm not silly enough to tell you that I don't have any.

What I'm about to tell you really is about women and the disrespect that still exists within our gender, against others in our gender.

As my hubby and I sat snuggled up close on the couch, I heard Geraldine Ferraro speak about Sarah Palin and how wonderfully capable she is. She didn't talk about her stance on abortion, about her position on the war or any of the "issues"--they clearly disagree on those. But she gave a rousing testimony about her ability to succeed in the world of politics and elections.

And then, no doubt as part of her support (although certainly not political support) for this forty-four year old mom of five, Mrs. Ferraro criticized those who have criticized Mrs. Palin for not staying at home to raise her children.

Ferraro said, (and I'm paraphrasing, but not loosely) Really. She's a talented contributor. What would she do at home?

Simple, really. But that spoke volumes to me about where we really are in this country today. Women. Working outside the home and getting paid for it. Working at home--raising our children, taking care of our families--and not being paid for it.

I admire Mrs. Ferraro for all that she has done in her life. I may or may not agree with her politics, but I admire the fact that she was our first female VP candidate. But Mrs. Ferraro just tipped her cards. She still believes that staying at home to raise your family is for those who can't do anything else well.

"How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children about arithmetic, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness." ~GK Chesterton

**By no means am I criticizing Palin's choice not to stay at home to raise her family. My beef is with Ferraro.

Wordless Wednesday...Better Than Disney!

2008-09-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

When God handed out the daddies, we got the best!

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, go here.

Labor Day

2008-09-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

I visited Rocks in My Dryer today and thought this meme was fun! Join in; I'd love to hear your data!

How long were your labors?

Kid #1, 5 1/2 hours.
Kid #2, 7 hours.
Kid #3, 10 hours.

How did you know you were in labor?

Kid #1, Pitocin IV.
Kid #2, Pitocin IV.
Kid #3, Pitocin IV.

Obviously, I never went into labor on my own. I'm convinced that I would still be carrying around the last one if I hadn't begged my doctor to do something.

Where did you deliver?

The first two were born in the same hospital, same room, same day of the week, same time.

The last was born in a very large hospital room in a nice, new hospital. He was weighed, bathed, checked out and all in my same room. He never left us. Except for the one time that I just had to catch a little snooze, and I was afraid the hubby would doze and someone would come in and take my baby out of my arms.

Well, and there was that other time that he left...you know...it involved his little personal area (sorry, Sweetie...).

Drugs?

Most definitely. Yes. Although I did consider not having the epidural with my first. Until the contractions started. I was a pretty calm patient. No yelling, screaming. No ugly language. But my nurse, an older woman at the end of her shift, did drop this little question that has stuck with me for the past 12 years. She asked, "Did someone tell you this wasn't gonna' hurt?"

My second was "sunny-side up". Back labor. No question about the epi.

Contractions were pretty reasonble with my boy for a very long time. In fact, when the nurse gave me something before the epi, I really didn't think I needed it.

I got the epidural soon enough...soon enough for it to start to wear off before his birth. They fixed it or upped it or whatever they had to do, but by the time that he was almost here, the epi started wearing off only on one half of my belly. Enough that I could REALLY feel it. The staff finally told my mom that there was nothing else they could do for fear of parlyzing my lungs, so we'd just have to go with it.

A little later, as I was pushing and they were assuring me that if the doctor didn't get there in time they could deliver this baby no problemo, one of the nurses said, "Oh, man! Maybe if we turn the pitocin down, she won't feel those contractions as hard." That's kinda' funny. Now.

C-section?

No. And I have to thank my doctor who was wonderful with all three because while I was in labor with the first one, the nurse (you know, the friendly one) took my mom into the hallway and told her that there was no way I was going to be able to deliver the normal way. She was head down, but apparently her head was turned in a funny way. My doctor, though, was able to turn her little head so that it all worked out for me.

Third one, the doctor told me that he wasn't decending, and there was a strong liklihood that I'd have to have a c-section. But I had an amazing nurse with the little guy, and she showed me how to rock and move in ways that got him moving south. Would never want to do those things out in public, however.

Who delivered?
The same sweet, quiet doctor. He's great. A little bit of an underestimator on the weight, but great otherwise.

Weight of Babies At Birth?

Okay, I added this one. Because I think I should get a prize. In fact, I was a little surprised when the staff didn't bring it to me before I left the hospital.

#1 7 1b., 7 oz.
#2 9 lb., 8 oz.
#3 10 lb., 2 oz.

Did you read that part about no c-section? That trophy should be here any day now, don't ya' think?

I want to read your story!

More Little Gems...

2008-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

So Little Sister asks me if she can run off to say hello to last year's teacher. After she gets the go ahead, Little Guy asks where she's going. "To see her old teacher," I tell him. Little Sister leans back and whispers, "No, Mom....elderly!"

Oops...hope last year's teacher didn't hear that one!

It's a Different Kind of School Year

2008-08-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

School's in session! This year, we've got two different schools...traditional for our 6th grader, and a combination of traditional/homeschool for our 1st grader. And of course, our 2 y.o. will be part of our homeschool classroom.

Happy Birthday, Girly!

2008-08-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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12 Things That I Love About You

You jump into life's adventures without hesitation.

You are so good with your little brother. Your responsibility really shines through
when you are with him.

You like to run and play and sweat!

You love your grandparents.

You are great in math--and spelling, too!

You read your Bible--sometimes even in the bathroom!

When Daddy is away, you sometimes ask if you can sleep with me.

You know the definition of modesty and live by its code.

You are a truth-teller.

You work hard at school--even when you don't feel like it; you know how important your education is.

You have an amazing smile and a contagious laugh.

You are a Jesus-lover.

One to grow on....I'm proud to be your mama!

The Power of a True Apology...?

2008-08-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight, as your 12th birthday approaches, I lecture. About attitude. Snarly, snippy, ungrateful attitude. In my beautiful girl. I don't understand. And I go on and on and on and on explaining all that you have to be grateful for and that your Daddy and I love you more than anyone else in the world loves you and....

...And you argue. You defend yourself. You blame us. I finally lose my cool. I yell. Two little sentences, but I yell. Ughhhhhhhhh!

I'm so frustrated that I could spit. But I yelled, and now I have to apologize. To my darling child who is acting so very selfish and who is grabbing every imperfection in me and using it as an excuse for her inexcusable attitude!!

Frankly, I botch the apology. I apolgize for yelling but go on to add a little more. And after a couple of minutes I add a little more. I don't think this is what apology means. I have messed up, and I need to regroup.

This is my prayer for you tonight:

Lord, bless this daughter that you gave to my husband and me almost 12 years ago. You know our hearts and how we prayed for and longed for this girl, had her name picked out before she was even formed.

Bless her in ways that we cannot imagine. She is such a strong personality--a strong-willed girl; please send your Holy Spirit to mold that personality and will. Shape it so that it will bring glory to Your Name.

Bless her teachers and those in authority over her by bringing them closer to you, and let this shine through to my girl. Father, touch her heart that it will be open and responsive to Your Word and Your Will.

Grant her the humility that her 12 year old heart does not yet know. At the same time, grant her the confidence that comes from knowing You and from knowing that You hold her in the palm of Your Hand.

Bless her friends, Lord. Draw those that will bring her closer to You closer to her, and have the rest fall away. At the same time, call her heart and mind to stand up for You even when surrounded by enemies.

And Lord, when my girl crosses the line and directly disobeys or defies, send someone to catch her so that she does not persist in disobedience but comes back to the path of obedience quickly.

I ask that you work on our hearts, Lord, that her Daddy and I will be patient when needed and unwavering when needed. Help us know when to keep our mouths shut. Help us to be patient and trusting in You and Your Grace always--and especially when we have nothing left to give. Guide us all through these next few years; we've never been here before, and I'm not really sure that I want to go.

After all of these things that I've asked, I don't want to forget to say thank you, Lord. There was a time when I wondered if we'd ever have this child to pray for. You have truly given me the desire of my heart.

The Power of a Positive Word

2008-08-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Life is fast. Sometimes, it feels like I am speeding down life's freeway at 55 mph with no windshield...bugs in the face and all. It seems like I miss some...a lot... of things, because it's all coming at me so fast right now. A lot of times, I miss the power of an unsolicited, unexpected bit of praise for my children or my sweetheart. The power of that positive word was brought home to me tonight as God touched my heart through a gentle stranger.

Today was an amazing day. You know those days when you spend the entire day doing fun things,the kids get to be kids with very little fussing, and when the sun has been put to bed for a good, long time, the kids fall asleep in the car on the way home--all red-cheeked and sweaty around the hairline? Today was that kind of wonderful.

My daughter's birthday is this week, so we were celebrating. Family came in to visit, we had her birthday party with friends from school, dinner with my sister and brother-in-law and the surprise of this concert. (Thanks, Missy!)I couldn't have asked for a better day. As we sat on the field, the two younger kiddos danced, hugged, poked and just generally acted like children. I got to enjoy their hugs and "You're the best mommy ever!" sprinkled generously throughout their dancing. My birthday girl was happy. We were hot and sweaty, but I couldn't have cared less.

Sometime after 9 o'clock, we packed up to go home. The hubby and the little guy went to the car and let the "ladies" and I wait for him to drive the car around. As we were waiting, I felt a soft touch on my shoulder, and a sweet stranger said this to me. "We were sitting behind you, and I just wanted to tell you that you have a lovely family." She had a kind, soft smile on her face, and my heart melted at her words.

On the way home, I basked in the glow of a great day, and I started thinking that I want to be more like this lady. I do give praise. And I do try to get to the heart when I give it. But I have to tell you that a lot of times...a lot of times, I do it to get the desired behavior out of my children. ("Wow! You're such a big helper!" or "Thanks for feeding the dog without me asking you.") Not to say that training them in a positive way is bad. It's definitely not. But what would it do for them if I praised them sometimes when I stand to gain nothing? When it really is all for them? A gift to them. What would happen then? To them?

For that matter, what would happen if I praised my husband more--for being a hard worker, a risk-taker and possibility--see-er, a great and loyal friend, better than me at something? What in the world would happen in my home?

What would happen if I praised other people? I'm kind of shy, and it's an extra challenge for me to do this. But what would happen? If I praised a mom for her beautiful family? What would happen if I passed it on?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday posts go here and here.

And Today.....

2008-08-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Nonchalant sister to relaxed Mama.... "Remember that time when we were out and we lost little brother?"

Mama (quickly scanning all of the her F moments in parenting over the past three years but still coming up blank for this one) "Uhhhhh, noooo, I don't remember that."

Mama (a little less relaxed), "Where were we?"

Sister (still at least feigning nonchalance) "Oh, that's right. I don't think you were there. I think we were with Daddy."

More on where Mama was in the next few days.

Today

2008-08-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Overheard in the kitchen....

asked by the little girl who loves pretend play and agitating siblings, especially when they can be combined in one brilliant fell swoop,

"Little brother, do you want me to peck your head?"

Gems

2008-07-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of little gems that have trickled out of the mouths of my little ones...

While waiting for our coffee and hot chocolate at Starbucks, my sunshine girl observed (loudly), "That guy looks like Jesus!" After a few moments, her observation continued with, "but I don't think Jesus works at Starbucks!"

During a recent diaper change, "if you cut off that little tube, would my little brother be a girl?"

Just proof that we are still living the life--even though blogging about it has been next to impossible lately! More soon!

I'm Alive!

2008-07-22T23:40:00.001-07:00

Just a quick little post to say that my entire family and I are alive and well. Summer has been so eventful with piano camp, swim team, basketball camp, visits to grandparents, grandparents in the hospital, school changes for the upcoming school year, etc., etc., etc. Hope to get back here with a real post soon!

Daddy's Home!

2008-06-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

Daddy's home, and the fun begins!
Just for a minute,
Mama forgets that no running is allowed in the house
And that we take good care of the couch pillows...
We shouldn't ever throw them.
Or walk on them.
Or smoosh them in any way.
Mama's rule about not being rough with each other?
It gets lost for a little bit
As Daddy wrestles each child to the floor,
Tickles at the most unexpected times,
Growls like a wild lion
And poses in some sort of threatening stance.
Daddy's home, and the fun begins!

Lately....

2008-06-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Recipe for Our Saturday Memory

2008-06-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

1 rather large canopy tent
1 wagon
3 fold-up chairs
1 tarp
1 blanket
1 bag of things to do
1 bag of dry clothes
3 covered cups of orange juice
1 bag of breakfast food from McDonald's
3 lovely children
generous servings of heat and sunshine
a sprinkle of wind
a pinch of childhood frustration over any old thing (getting hair fixed, spilling
juice, etc.)

Early on Saturday morning, load all ingredients into your mixer or minivan, whichever will accomodate. Drop off the swimmer child, the blanket and the tarp at the designated spot to sign in while you park the van at least a mile away (no cheating, here!). Load all ingredients minus two children, the tarp and the blanket onto the wagon and walk the mile or more (remember, no cheating!) back to the pool. Have one extra helpful six year old help look for cars, carry the food and help boost the wagon up and down over the curbs where needed. Combine all ingredients under the canopy.

When all racing is finished for the swimmer, load up all ingredients and walk back to the mixer or minivan. Top with four juicy, red or purple snow cones on the way home--of course, one for each child and one for the mom. Don't worry about spills. You won't remember that part tomorrow.

Sunshine

2008-06-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Not my best photo ever, but the subject is something I've been looking for a lot lately. That beautiful smile.

What Do I Look Like?

2008-06-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I haven't mentioned this before, but a true fear of bears runs rampant through my progeny. Any kind of bears. Black bears. Grizzly bears. Polar bears. Generic bears. Most definitely unseen bears.

When my sweet middle girl was 3, we began hearing things from her. She wanted to know for certain that no bear would sneak up on her while walking to the car. As we walked into her dance class one day, she glanced over toward "the woods" and quietly said, "I think there might be a bear in there."

Not too long after that, my husband considered taking a job in Alaska. In all of my googling, I noticed that the words "black bears" cropped up quite a bit. In fact, I e-mailed someone who lived in our prospective town. I asked him about schools, climate, social activities...and bears. He assured me that there was nothing to worry about, only black bears inhabited the island of Ketchikan, no grizzlies. But he did say that a resident should expect to see a black bear on occasion. Like the occasion when he walked into his den to find a bear on his deck...staring straight at him through his sliding glass door. Thank you very much for this information.

May I just tell you something? My beloved would quite possibly have to be hospitalized after an occasion as ordinary as that. We decided not to move to Alaska. This was not the only reason, but it was definitely involved.

Lately, my sweet girl seems to have moved on a bit. She's thinking about raccoons. But my boy.....oh, he's got the bear thing covered for his sister. Yesterday, as I was getting him ready for bed, I turned off the light right before I walked over to the rocking chair where he was sitting. As I walked toward him, he used his quietest, most cautious voice to ask me, "Are you a bay-uh? (bear)"

Last week, he was with me at night as I turned off the lights upstairs and walked downstairs holding his hand. Using that same calm, don't ruffle any bear fur voice, he said, "You not a bay-uh...." Clearly, he was trying to convince himself and settle his own nerves.

What does this tell me? Hmmm.....I haven't had a hair appointment in a while. I'll be scheduling that tomorrow. And, I've slowed a little on the weight loss. Guess I'd better step it up a notch or two. And, for now...Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Goldilocks--you're officially banned from the family library.

Wordless Wednesday...on Thursday

2008-05-29T02:11:00.000-07:00

2008-05-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

In My Neck of the Woods...

2008-05-19T23:42:00.001-07:00

It's officially summer. Even though school is not quite over, swim team has begun, and this is definitley the beginning of summer in our household. It's just a matter of time until the backpacks are put away, and shorts and crocs are part of the required uniform for the kids. I love how that sounds... "the kids".

In a Matter of Seconds....

2008-05-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

I have to tell ya'....I love that kid and, years from now, I'll be laughing with her, I'm sure. But today, she doesn't know that I'm laughing!

I just think this is hilarious (maybe because I had a camera in my hand)! The temper flared, she stomped off, and the sister and brother looked on in amazement (because, you know, they would NEVER do such a thing). And then, in a matter of minutes, the tantrum went away, and my Sweetness and Light came back to us.

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, go here and here.

Is IT in YOU?

2008-04-30T12:13:00.002-07:00

My dad will be 83 years old this year. He grew up in a very different time. A time that was not at all like the one in which my children are growing up. It was simpler way of life in which the hustle and bustle of everyday living included picking vegetables out of your own garden, wringing a chicken's neck and plucking the feathers so that your family could have a good chicken dinner (obviously prepared at home). Clothes were washed in a heavy wash pot and hung on the line to dry.

They had no computers, cell phones (phones, for that matter), tvs, air conditioning. Instead of these things, they had self-motivation, responsibility, hard work before play, honor toward family and pride in their country. There were no temper-tantrums when asked to do something they didn't want to do. You did what you were supposed to do and didn't expect a treat for doing it.

It is in this light that I think of my dad, having just turned 18 years old and being drafted into the United States Army. Just a boy. His mother's only boy. Drafted, and quickly trained and sent overseas, to several places, but Belgium, mostly. The boy that would be my father not only went overseas, but was engaged in heavy , front lines battle...most notably, the Battle of the Bulge.>

He and his buddies spent a lot of time in the freezing cold, and a lot of time in wet foxholes. Eventually, my dad's feet were frozen and he was taken to a hospital. Thank goodness for that because his group was soon surrounded and many of those left were killed or taken as prisoners of war. Some others lost legs due to having feet and legs frozen, but my dad was blessed and soon recovered.

During this time, the Army lost track of my father. My grandparents didn't hear from him for two months. I can't imagine the anguish they must have felt, not knowing where he was or if he was okay. They eventually received a letter from him--from a hospital in London. And the war ended soon after. My father came home and began his life, a life of hard work, responsibility and raising three daughters with his wife of 61 years and counting.

Two weeks ago, my father got to travel to Washington D.C. for the day with a plane full of other World War II veterans and accompanying nurses. They visited the memorial, chatted with Bob Dole, and got the royal treatment, courtesy of Honor Air. My dad was chosen to help lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I understand that it was really nice. But the topper was when the vets came home to an airport full of family, friends, and other vets...all to honor them. Each vet was escorted....one at a time....down the escalator. The band played loudly and the crowd cheered and clapped wildly. My dad, a man who never sought praise for himself, tipped his hat and smiled. It was a great day.

Already at 18, my dad had what it took to be responsible and full of honor. Whatever it took to bring an 18 year boy to that point, I pray that IT is in ME, and I hope that I can instill IT in my own children.

Yesterday Was....

2008-04-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

My birthday. And I have now officially started counting backward.

I've had some great presents over the years, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, just because gifts. But I have to say, there are a few gifts that just can't be topped.

Wordless Wednesday--Zoo Day

2008-04-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks for visiting my post. For more Wordless Wednesdays, visit here and here.

This is Why I Am Not Currently Employed

2008-03-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a vet. And then a psychologist and an author. I never wanted to be a mom who stayed home with her kids. In fact, in my mind, that was for women who had nothing else to offer. Except wanting babies. And that seemed like a real weakness to me--to want babies more than any other accomplishment in life. I mean, really. I wanted to DO SOMETHING. Something that MATTERED.

Then I finished growing up (physically, anyway) and woke up to find myself a teacher. I really enjoyed my job and spent myself totally on it. I worked hard and often stayed 'til 10:30 or 11:00 at night making things to help my students learn better. It really was the definition of who I was. The closest thing to a miracle that I could do was to teach a child to read. And it was an amazing feeling!

But then we had our first child. Talk about a miracle! And leaving her to teach other people's children was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do. I wanted to be there to teach my child things that only I could and to love her the way that only I could. I wanted to be at home doing something that MATTERED most. But there was just no financial way that I could stay home with her then.

However, since my second kiddo arrived on the scene, I've been able to be home to raise our children. And it's been because I've been blessed enough to have a wonderful husband who believes in that gift to our children, too. I'm not perfect at it. And sometimes I get really sick of doing things like laundry and cooking and picking up and telling somebody to do something fifteen times. I mean, Holly Homemaker I am not. And sometimes, I miss the accolades that I got from parents and co-workers. But now I'm home to love my kiddos and teach them as only one who loves you this much can. And hugs from little arms and cries of, "You're the best!" are infinitely better than my "Teacher of the Year" award or perfect evaluations.

Now, sometimes I substitute in my daughter's class. When I sub, Little Guy (2) goes to child care downstairs. Mid-morning, his little group goes outside to the playground right downstairs from the 5th grade classroom. I get the chance to look down and see my little man in action. A couple of months ago, I looked down and saw him amidst a sea of two year olds. He was crying. Red-faced, hand to the mouth crying. He stood next to the teacher who made no visible attempt to comfort him. He stood next to her and continued to cry for the entire time that they were outside. He needed his mama. I know that some would say that he'd toughen up. He'd get used to being away. But I'm glad that he doesn't have to. One of the best gifts I can give to him is a solid foundation of love. One day he will have to go out to slay dragons, bring home the bacon, and all of those things where he will, undoubtedly, encounter people who are "not nice". He'll have to take care of himself. But he needs that foundation of knowing that he is not alone in this world. His mom, his dad and his entire family are for him.
I'll leave you with a sappy little poem that I received on the Mother's Day before I delivered my firstborn. The poem has hung on my fridge since then. It's a little corny, but it always reminds me of my purpose when I start comparing myself to someone who is amazingly successful in this world. I can never finish it without tearing up.

SUCCESSFUL

There are certain dreams I cherish
In the channels of my heart
That somehow seem more important
Every time a new day starts.
It's a feeling that comes to me
And can always top all others---
How to make myself successful
As a good, outstanding mother.

I may climb life's highest mountains,
I may gather wealth and fame,
They may list me with the greatest
Of the well-known, highbrow names.
But it all would have no meaning
If the test I didn't pass
And I failed to be successful
With my little lad and lass.

They are precious gifts God gave me
Just to make my life more bright,
And 'twill be my best ambition
That I set their footsteps right.
It's the one job that I dream of
And the biggest of all others
That I've got to be successful
As a good, outstanding mother.

Ruth J. Baker

In some ways, my life has changed 180 degrees since childhood. Somewhere during biology class, the dream of being a vet faded away. My B.S. is in psychology, but the closest I ever came to that was some very unimportant social work. And, well...I'm certainly no author. I'm not sorry that I didn't do any of those things that I dreamed of growing up. God has blessed me with another, bigger dream. But I do live the most important part of the old dream now. Every day, I get to do something that really matters. I pray that I am successful.

Let Me Introduce You to My Beautiful Daughter....

2008-03-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Once, when I was eighteen or so, someone told my mom that I wore my hair and clothes this way so that I could be the polar opposite of her. I think that person was slightly mistaken on my reasoning, but whatever the case, sometimes a mom just has to wonder where their daughter got that funny DNA! (At other times, we know darn well where; we're just hoping that nobody else knows where!)

So now I have my own pre-teen daughter. Thank goodness she is not yet into make-up or "dreamy boys" (at least out loud) or any of that other stuff. (In fact, I frequently have to send her back to the shower to wash her hair better or to actually let soap and water touch her armpits. My daughter still loves dolls and loves to play outside on the swingset and trampoline.

But, things have begun to change ever so slightly. Last week, she denounced the color pink, saying, "I just don't get what little girls see in pink!" (Of course, pink, purple and peach used to be her favorite colors.) In the past couple of days, she's posted this notice on her door: "Tomboys Only". In the lower corner, she's written, "tea parties....ugh!"

Just a little while before I noticed this sign, I overheard a conversation between her and her 6 year old, girly, sister.

11 yo--I love blue and green and brown. Rebecca loves black. It's good to be a tomboy and do things that boys do.
6 yo--Yeah, I'm a tomboy, too.
11 yo--Tomboys like to play outside and get dirty and all of that stuff.
6 yo--Me, too. I like that stuff.
11 yo--We don't like pink.
6 yo--Yeah....
11 yo--And we definitely don't like tea parties....
6 yo--Well, I don't know...I really like tea parties.

And that let the 6 year old out. She so wanted to be like the big sis. But, that tea party bit. She just couldn't concede to that. So, I guess the little one is my girly girl a little longer.

Back to the introduction. My daughter is now a tomboy. And, while I am certainly no clothes horse, we definitely have very different senses of style. If I enforce my "must wear a dress to church" rule, which I usually do, she's very likely to come down in her fancy black dress with the net underskirting, white bobby socks and black mary janes which have been tattered and torn from repeatedly tugging at the straps to get her feet out and which have no heel due heel-walking across the blacktopped parking lot at church. Oh, and from wearing them to school and being a tomboy. On the playground. The finishing touch is the white, warm-up suit jacket with the navy blue piping. (Once, when she came down wearing another equally amusing outfit, I took a picture of her to save for later. You know, when she has her own children and she just cannot imagine what they were thinking when they put that on. But then, my computer crashed and that picture was forever lost. Hmmmm....)

Something else has changed in her personality, and this is big. No, I mean this is really BIG. Just two days ago, she threw...I can barely type the words....she threw...princesses...to the wind. PRINCESSES!!!!!! TO THE WIND! We were driving home from school, and as she was sitting next to me (she can sit next to me now because she's almost as tall as I am!), and she actually told me that she didn't really like princesses anymore. Followed by a very dramatic, "They're always saying, 'Oooohhhhh, look at me!!'" What is THAT???? (I thought that was my daughter's mantra, by the way.)

Then, last night? Last night, my hubby was working, and I took the kiddos to the movies. We saw "Alvin and the Chipmunks", which the older two had already seen, but you know...the experience of the theater (dollar theater)....ahhh, the experience (buttery, sticky floors, squeaky seats, hand sanitizer....) We all sat together enjoying the experience, but during the movie, I looked over past the little guy toward my oldest daughter. Where was she? In the dark, in that sea of little people of varying heighths, I saw the silhouette of my tall, beautiful daughter who laughed just as much as all of the others there, but who really is no longer one of them. She, blissfully unaware of this fact, ate popcorn by the handfuls and guzzled her rare treat of a Coca-cola while mesmorized by the screen. But her mother...I couldn't turn back time. I already knew what I'd like to forget...for just a little longer.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-03-05T11:38:00.001-08:00

Our own little classroom....This lesson? Mmmmmmmm and not mmmmmmmm.....

Wordless Wednesday, Part 2

2008-02-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

Turns out that six really is just the beginning!

Thanks for visiting my Wordless Wednesday post. Scroll down to see two other pictures for WW. To visit some other great WW posts, go here and here.

Wordless Wednesday Part 1

2008-02-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

When it rains, it pours! There's been too much excitement in our household this week to choose just one.

Six Is....

2008-02-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Six is the number of Cokes that I could drink in 3 days, if I didn't try not to.
It's the number of chairs that came with our kitchen table.
Six is what none of my children were in poundage at birth (not even close!)
Six is....
the number of children's feet that scamper across my kitchen floor,
the number of times that my baby asked if he could have a lolli (on the
way home from the library)
the number of little arms that hug us before bed
Six is the number of boxes of Girl Scout cookies that sit on my kitchen
counter right now.
Six is the number of times I've told my husband that I'm seriously going to start a
diet (in the past six weeks)
Six is the number of years that my lovely girl has been in my arms,
the number of times that I think about her in a five minute period,
the number of kisses that I give her before bed.
It's the number of times that she comes down to ask a question before she's in bed
for the night,
the number of books that she'd like to read before bed,
the number of times that she asks, "What does that word mean?" during one
afternoon.
Six is the number of times that she shares her food with her brother or sister in
the course of two days,
and it's the number of times that she pokes, tickles or teases her brother
during the same time period.
Six is the number of years that I've told her to slow down, don't grow so fast.

But I think that
Six is only the beginning.

Payback

2008-02-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

The concept of payback goes something like this. Someone does something distasteful to you, and you do something equally (or more so) distasteful to them. To pay them back. Not a concept that I'd like to teach my children, but in real life, it happens. As my afternoon was humming along today, relatively uneventful, something happened that I could only explain as a twisted sort of payback. Misplaced payback. Or something else that I cannot explain.

I have to backtrack and tell you that when I was in my early 20's, but before I was a mom, I took my 12 year old niece to the store with me. While there, we visited the make-up aisle. There was some bright red lipstick smeared on the floor, and if I remember correctly, I told my niece to be careful and not step in it. After that, we went back to my parents' new house (with almost white carpet).

You can see where this is going. Mmmhmmm. When we got back to that brand-new house with brand-new carpet, my niece and I walked in, chatted a minute or so, and then she went off to a room in the back of the house to practice her flute. Have you ever played a band instrument? If you have, you know that tapping your foot (over and over again throughout the musical pieces that you play) helps you keep time. My niece, being diligent about her practice, tap, tap, tapped away for thirty minutes or so, cleaned her instrument and came back out to the kitchen. As she came out, she saw the red splotches that she had left across the carpet like Hansel's bread crumbs through the forest.

This would horrify most 12 year olds whose first thoughts might be about getting into trouble. My niece was no exception. Yet, her nervousness was escalated by the fact that the house was new, the carpet was new, and her grandfather ("Scrub" was his nickname at an earlier time) was about to see the horrific mess. She came to me in the kitchen and whispered in my ear (because "Scrub" and the entire clan were standing in the kitchen), "Help! I've got lipstick all over the carpet!!!"

There was certainly no inconspicuous way to clean it up. I mean, everybody was standing right there! But I grabbed the cleaner and helped her clean it up. It looked really good, and my sister planned to call the carpet cleaner first thing in the morning. My sweet dad, however, was a little "stressed out", as they say and decided to call it a night. But it all worked out. No long-lasting hostility. I think.

Yet, something funny happened over the weekend. We celebrated my daughter's birthday a little early with my mom, sister and brother-in-law. They came bearing gifts from themselves and gifts from my niece (now an early 20-something). Birthday Girl got wonderful, thoughtful gifts...a radio, pink baseball glove, balls and a bat, a stuffed animal and some make-up. Not to repeat myself, but, mmmhmmmmm. Some make-up. Birthday Girl has been pretty careful with it herself, but what can you do about little brothers?

Do you see my thought process here? Is this some kind of twisted payback or what?