I awoke this morning to yet another rainy, cold, yucky day. And I really wanted to get back in bed.
When Brandon poured water down the heater vent, causing it to pour out in the kids play area in the basement, I really wanted to go back to bed.
When I realized that he was soaked and would need to be changed for the second, or was that the third time since he got up this morning, I really wanted to go back to bed.
When I saw my piano music spread all over the kitchen floor (even the really old sheets that will now need to be taped back together), I really wanted to go back to bed.
So I wearily picked up Brandon, changed him, put him in his crib to "play" or whatever he does in there, becuase it's certainly not sleeping, and sat down to coffee and devotions. And now after some time with the Lord, I feel better. The sun has not started shining, Brandon will still be getting into everything today, and I will still be tired, but the one constant in my life is the Lord. He never changes, He knows what today holds and I'm leaving it up to Him for the rest of today...Lord, could you manage to finish up the laundry while you're at it? :)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Winter Refuses To Leave
Winter somehow has a grip on us that it is refusing to let go. Just when we thought the warmer weather was here to stay, a cold snap has come that has my poor daffodils wilting and threatening to just give up under the weight of frosty mornings!
There's a part of my life that has had me in it's grip now for some time, and I feel sort of like those daffodils every time I try to get out from underneath it. April starts in just a few days, and I will begin my journey out from underneath what has been squeezing the life out of me for so many years. I will probably be writing a lot more, getting my feelings out, and reaching out for prayers.
It's time for the winter in me to leave, it won't be without a fight, but it will be worth it in the end. Appreciate your love and prayers, and I will keep you posted.
There's a part of my life that has had me in it's grip now for some time, and I feel sort of like those daffodils every time I try to get out from underneath it. April starts in just a few days, and I will begin my journey out from underneath what has been squeezing the life out of me for so many years. I will probably be writing a lot more, getting my feelings out, and reaching out for prayers.
It's time for the winter in me to leave, it won't be without a fight, but it will be worth it in the end. Appreciate your love and prayers, and I will keep you posted.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Movies
Zach and Julia are getting older now and since Dora and Diego frustrate them, we've been trying some new movies with them. I blogged earlier about their love for Jurassic Park, and when I told my cousin about that she suggested Star Wars. Said that her oldest loved it! Well we don't have those movies, so I figured I'd ask mom for some movies with a more of science fiction/fantasy theme. The kids imaginations are great right now, and it's always fun to see something out of this world, so to speak.
So we watched Avatar with them. Obviously they didn't get the entire plot, or the tree hugging overtones that flow through the movie, and I wasn't ready to explain to a six and four year old that people believe in other gods, even ones that live in all living things around us, luckily they didn't ask. What they did walk away with was the desire to go to Pandora and see all the amazing creatures that they saw on the screen. Zach even decided he wanted to fly one of the dragon type birds that all the hunters had in the movie. Julia (ever ready to burst Zach's bubble) was quick to point out, "Zach it is only a movie, those things aren't real". He didn't seem to care.
Since there was a big fight scene in the end, I didn't want the kids going to bed with that on their minds, so we stopped the movie at a good part and saved the fight for the next day. During the movie (amidst the millions of questions from the kids) I wasn't sure how to explain how Jake goes from being a normal human and goes 'into' his Avatar. So I came up with this, "Well Julia, watch, when Jake falls asleep as a human, he becomes an avatar...and when he falls asleep as an avatar, he becomes himself again". Ha, I thought to myself, I'm pretty good at this explaining stuff.
Then it backfired on me:) Later that evening, I told the kids that it was time to get ready for bed. Julia told me she didn't want to go to bed. When I asked her why she replied, "Mommy I don't want to fall asleep and wake up as a blue person"! Man...she had thought this through!! I asked her if it would be okay if she woke up pink or purple, and she said that would be fine:) I assured her she wouldn't turn any colors, and even though she wasn't sure if she should believe me she went to bed.
Dora is different, she doesn't change colors, the kids fully understand everything she does, and there certainly is nothing happening that's impossible in those shows. I think the predictability is what's beginning to frustrate the kids though. Zach was yelling at the tv the other day, "Diego, you know what's behind cloud number three, why do you keep asking me over and over again". I wasn't ready for the questions that adult movies would bring, but it has sparked their imaginations. I can't wait until they are old enough to watch some of the movies that I know will captivate them...but we are waiting until I'm ready to answer all the questions that are sure to come with it!
So we watched Avatar with them. Obviously they didn't get the entire plot, or the tree hugging overtones that flow through the movie, and I wasn't ready to explain to a six and four year old that people believe in other gods, even ones that live in all living things around us, luckily they didn't ask. What they did walk away with was the desire to go to Pandora and see all the amazing creatures that they saw on the screen. Zach even decided he wanted to fly one of the dragon type birds that all the hunters had in the movie. Julia (ever ready to burst Zach's bubble) was quick to point out, "Zach it is only a movie, those things aren't real". He didn't seem to care.
Since there was a big fight scene in the end, I didn't want the kids going to bed with that on their minds, so we stopped the movie at a good part and saved the fight for the next day. During the movie (amidst the millions of questions from the kids) I wasn't sure how to explain how Jake goes from being a normal human and goes 'into' his Avatar. So I came up with this, "Well Julia, watch, when Jake falls asleep as a human, he becomes an avatar...and when he falls asleep as an avatar, he becomes himself again". Ha, I thought to myself, I'm pretty good at this explaining stuff.
Then it backfired on me:) Later that evening, I told the kids that it was time to get ready for bed. Julia told me she didn't want to go to bed. When I asked her why she replied, "Mommy I don't want to fall asleep and wake up as a blue person"! Man...she had thought this through!! I asked her if it would be okay if she woke up pink or purple, and she said that would be fine:) I assured her she wouldn't turn any colors, and even though she wasn't sure if she should believe me she went to bed.
Dora is different, she doesn't change colors, the kids fully understand everything she does, and there certainly is nothing happening that's impossible in those shows. I think the predictability is what's beginning to frustrate the kids though. Zach was yelling at the tv the other day, "Diego, you know what's behind cloud number three, why do you keep asking me over and over again". I wasn't ready for the questions that adult movies would bring, but it has sparked their imaginations. I can't wait until they are old enough to watch some of the movies that I know will captivate them...but we are waiting until I'm ready to answer all the questions that are sure to come with it!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Little Light
I am busy doing my morning routine, which includes coffee, a bagel and getting to read my Bible (mostly because Brandon is napping, this would not be possible otherwise!).
Proverbs 22: 3 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."
I love my Bible becuase it's a study Bible, and on the right hand side of the page has the text written out in the Amplified version. Generally it helps me understand the King James language better, but today I actually had a light bulb moment while reading the King James version.
King James uses the word 'foreseeth', and the Amplified says, 'sees the evil'. I guess they could be one and the same meaning, but for me the word foreseeth popped off the page. I feel like it's two different things to foresee evil and to see it. For me, it was clear, God wants me to look ahead before I just walk into it and end up with the punishment that the verse later talks about.
It made me think of what I always tell Zach, "Before you do something, you need to think in your head and say, 'Is this going to get me in trouble'". I think I might be taking my own advice...and will thank the Lord for the reminder that it applies not only to little kids, but adults as well!
Proverbs 22: 3 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."
I love my Bible becuase it's a study Bible, and on the right hand side of the page has the text written out in the Amplified version. Generally it helps me understand the King James language better, but today I actually had a light bulb moment while reading the King James version.
King James uses the word 'foreseeth', and the Amplified says, 'sees the evil'. I guess they could be one and the same meaning, but for me the word foreseeth popped off the page. I feel like it's two different things to foresee evil and to see it. For me, it was clear, God wants me to look ahead before I just walk into it and end up with the punishment that the verse later talks about.
It made me think of what I always tell Zach, "Before you do something, you need to think in your head and say, 'Is this going to get me in trouble'". I think I might be taking my own advice...and will thank the Lord for the reminder that it applies not only to little kids, but adults as well!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Chicken Nuggets And Naps Are For The Birds!
Brandon is in the new in between stage with napping...I can't stand it. If he takes a morning nap then he doesn't generally take one in the afternoon and vice versa. The problem with this is that I like to get my running around errands out of the way first thing in the morning. So I loaded up the baby and after my last kiddo made it on the bus safely I took off. We made it to one store and grocery shopping before I could tell that I was losing Brandon to the sleepy eyed stare:)
I tried to entice him, "Baby please stay awake and mommy will get you chicken nuggets okay?" He blinked veeeeery slowly at me and grinned. I knew all too well what was about to happen. Sure enough, just as I reached out the window to get his Happy Meal box...he was asleep! Even the smell of his favorite food couldn't entice him back awake. Sigh...
At least today was a success in the fact that I got the grocery shopping done:) One small victory at a time right?
I tried to entice him, "Baby please stay awake and mommy will get you chicken nuggets okay?" He blinked veeeeery slowly at me and grinned. I knew all too well what was about to happen. Sure enough, just as I reached out the window to get his Happy Meal box...he was asleep! Even the smell of his favorite food couldn't entice him back awake. Sigh...
At least today was a success in the fact that I got the grocery shopping done:) One small victory at a time right?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Good reminders
This morning I was drinking my coffee, reading my Bible and eating my breakfast. All was quiet in the house, Brandon napping, kids were at school so I actually had time to read!
How nice to be reminded in II Corinthians 5 that this world surely is not our home. I get so caught up in the little things that go on here, and if I could just focus on the eternality of my soul, some of those worries just might drop off and seem insignificant.
And so on this very rainy day, when my mind wants to wander towards a worry I will count my blessings instead, I will be thankful, I will laugh with my kids, I will kiss and hug my husband, I will smile and have lunch with my amazing step-mother in law (yeah let that title blow your mind!) Fran, and give my baby raspberries on his belly, and fold my laundry and love life.
This too shall pass and I want no regrets when God calls me home...I want to leave with a smile:)
PS - not planning on leaving anytime soon...just sayin'.
How nice to be reminded in II Corinthians 5 that this world surely is not our home. I get so caught up in the little things that go on here, and if I could just focus on the eternality of my soul, some of those worries just might drop off and seem insignificant.
And so on this very rainy day, when my mind wants to wander towards a worry I will count my blessings instead, I will be thankful, I will laugh with my kids, I will kiss and hug my husband, I will smile and have lunch with my amazing step-mother in law (yeah let that title blow your mind!) Fran, and give my baby raspberries on his belly, and fold my laundry and love life.
This too shall pass and I want no regrets when God calls me home...I want to leave with a smile:)
PS - not planning on leaving anytime soon...just sayin'.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Spring, Bunk Beds and Dinosaurs!
I can't say that I am sorry to see the winter months go. For some reason just the presence of the sun makes me feel better in just about every way - physically, mentally, emotionally.
I took Brandon out in the yard today for his first "walking tour" of our yard. He hasn't had this before for several reasons. 1. He couldn't walk, so it wouldn't be much of a walking tour as a "mommy carries me around the yard" tour. 2. David hadn't cleaned up the dog bombs, and I didn't feel like adding "doggy cleanup" to our list of new experiences. 3. I with shame admit that I haven't wanted him to see the playhouse in the back yard. I knew it would mean that I had to stand for endless hours helping him up and down the slide and trying to keep him from climbing the rock wall. All things that do not interest me in one bit. I was glad when the older two were able to entertain themselves outside, and I see the feeling of elation will be the same when Brandon can do the same:) Lucky for me, he has two older siblings that can't wait for him to come play outside with them.
David and I checked out our baby flowering pear trees and saw that they are just a few weeks away from bursting into flowers. I can't believe just how fast these little trees grow, they are now taller than me and within a few more years will be at their full size! Amazing since the ash tree that we have in our side yard seems to be going backwards in growth compared to these little over achiever trees. Due to the hard winter and lots of wind and rain lately we noticed all the cleanup of small branches, twigs and debris that needs to be done around the yard...yuk. On a brighter note though David is going to expand my vegetable garden this year, and the kids and I are excited about planting and eating fresh veggies once again.
As a surprise to the children my parents bought a set of bunk beds and yesterday afternoon, after a burst of nervous energy, I put the beds together all by myself! Brandon is still too small to be in the lower bunk, so Julia has happily taken up residence in the boys room for now, I noticed she even moved her piggy bank in! Once the pig makes the move, it's official! I was also pleasantly surprised at how well all three of them slept last night despite all the excitement over the new beds. Zach of course is on the top and loves every minute of it! David is already plotting what to do with Julia's room, but I think once the newness wears off, or one of the boys annoys her (which happens quite frequently here) she will be back in her own room again. Although she may surprise us all; the kids have been begging to be in the same room for several weeks now. And I have to admit that the thought of an office/playroom UPstairs would be wonderful.
The kids have found a new love, Scooby Doo meets Batman and Robin! It's the older Scooby Doo shows and even though Dave and I find them annoying, the kids love them! I never realized just how much Robin shouts and talks in exclamations, "Holy retreads Batman, look at those tire marks!" Its very annoying, but the kids have found new heroes, and it sure does beat watching Dora and Diego a million times over. Zach not only had lost interest in the younger shows, but was getting frustrated with them. He would say, "Mommy they know what the next number is, why are they asking me again and again?"
We are having our share of spring showers up here, and with a rainy Sunday on our hands the kids were restless to watch something new and different. They casually mentioned to me that none of my movies were scary to them...so why couldn't they watch something of mine? I thought I was in for a night of terrified nightmares, but decided to show them just how scary mommy and daddy's movies really are and clicked on Jurassic Park III. With a evil little laugh I told them they would be begging me to turn it off, I'd show them!
After all up to this point the only things they had seen about dinosaurs were happy and nice, Diego was never mauled by the dinosaurs he was trying to help. Zach claimed he always knew dinosaurs weren't all nice...especially that T Rex! (Smart boy) After the entire movie was done, the kids LOVED it and completely proved me wrong by sleeping soundly through the night. Zach loved the suspense, and even Julia couldn't wait to see where the dinosaur was going to pop out from next. Surely these are not my kids...I hate being scared and can't stand suspense!
Needless to say, we are planning a Jurassic Park movie night tonight, since mom-mom had the first two movies, and the kids went off to school looking forward to dinner time tonight when mommy would be scared and they wouldn't! Gotta love kids:)
I took Brandon out in the yard today for his first "walking tour" of our yard. He hasn't had this before for several reasons. 1. He couldn't walk, so it wouldn't be much of a walking tour as a "mommy carries me around the yard" tour. 2. David hadn't cleaned up the dog bombs, and I didn't feel like adding "doggy cleanup" to our list of new experiences. 3. I with shame admit that I haven't wanted him to see the playhouse in the back yard. I knew it would mean that I had to stand for endless hours helping him up and down the slide and trying to keep him from climbing the rock wall. All things that do not interest me in one bit. I was glad when the older two were able to entertain themselves outside, and I see the feeling of elation will be the same when Brandon can do the same:) Lucky for me, he has two older siblings that can't wait for him to come play outside with them.
David and I checked out our baby flowering pear trees and saw that they are just a few weeks away from bursting into flowers. I can't believe just how fast these little trees grow, they are now taller than me and within a few more years will be at their full size! Amazing since the ash tree that we have in our side yard seems to be going backwards in growth compared to these little over achiever trees. Due to the hard winter and lots of wind and rain lately we noticed all the cleanup of small branches, twigs and debris that needs to be done around the yard...yuk. On a brighter note though David is going to expand my vegetable garden this year, and the kids and I are excited about planting and eating fresh veggies once again.
As a surprise to the children my parents bought a set of bunk beds and yesterday afternoon, after a burst of nervous energy, I put the beds together all by myself! Brandon is still too small to be in the lower bunk, so Julia has happily taken up residence in the boys room for now, I noticed she even moved her piggy bank in! Once the pig makes the move, it's official! I was also pleasantly surprised at how well all three of them slept last night despite all the excitement over the new beds. Zach of course is on the top and loves every minute of it! David is already plotting what to do with Julia's room, but I think once the newness wears off, or one of the boys annoys her (which happens quite frequently here) she will be back in her own room again. Although she may surprise us all; the kids have been begging to be in the same room for several weeks now. And I have to admit that the thought of an office/playroom UPstairs would be wonderful.
The kids have found a new love, Scooby Doo meets Batman and Robin! It's the older Scooby Doo shows and even though Dave and I find them annoying, the kids love them! I never realized just how much Robin shouts and talks in exclamations, "Holy retreads Batman, look at those tire marks!" Its very annoying, but the kids have found new heroes, and it sure does beat watching Dora and Diego a million times over. Zach not only had lost interest in the younger shows, but was getting frustrated with them. He would say, "Mommy they know what the next number is, why are they asking me again and again?"
We are having our share of spring showers up here, and with a rainy Sunday on our hands the kids were restless to watch something new and different. They casually mentioned to me that none of my movies were scary to them...so why couldn't they watch something of mine? I thought I was in for a night of terrified nightmares, but decided to show them just how scary mommy and daddy's movies really are and clicked on Jurassic Park III. With a evil little laugh I told them they would be begging me to turn it off, I'd show them!
After all up to this point the only things they had seen about dinosaurs were happy and nice, Diego was never mauled by the dinosaurs he was trying to help. Zach claimed he always knew dinosaurs weren't all nice...especially that T Rex! (Smart boy) After the entire movie was done, the kids LOVED it and completely proved me wrong by sleeping soundly through the night. Zach loved the suspense, and even Julia couldn't wait to see where the dinosaur was going to pop out from next. Surely these are not my kids...I hate being scared and can't stand suspense!
Needless to say, we are planning a Jurassic Park movie night tonight, since mom-mom had the first two movies, and the kids went off to school looking forward to dinner time tonight when mommy would be scared and they wouldn't! Gotta love kids:)
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