3.25.2012
3.17.2012
3.08.2012
Of late
1. Bentley got ahold of a marker recently and he decided Lillian needed a tattoo.... All over her face.
2. We went to a park on the river yesterday and had a blast!
3. Clayton asked to color too while we were driving yesterday so I looked in the rear view mirror and saw Bentley with a lipstick open. That required a pull over ;) (not pictured)
4. We are having a serious sewage/plumbing issue so I'm staying at my friend Lisa's (avoid buying a house at all cost!!!!!!)
2. We went to a park on the river yesterday and had a blast!
3. Clayton asked to color too while we were driving yesterday so I looked in the rear view mirror and saw Bentley with a lipstick open. That required a pull over ;) (not pictured)
4. We are having a serious sewage/plumbing issue so I'm staying at my friend Lisa's (avoid buying a house at all cost!!!!!!)
2.29.2012
2.28.2012
photo update!
We wore cowboy boots for Lily's dedication!
Family picture (I think we stayed up too late the night before with the Shoemakers in town!)
At least Lillian looks nice!
We had a great dinner at the Raymond's! So fun!
Daddy and his girl.
2.24.2012
the final bite
I have two little boys- so different, so unique.
The younger one- learning to talk. Repeating his desires over and over... and over again. Cereal, Mama. Cereal, Mama. Down, Mama. Down, Mama. I want that. I want that. Over and over... like the smooth sound of a beating dream it becomes faint background noise.
The older one- without words makes up for his lack of speech in actions. Already this morning I fished out an unopened letter from the toilet only because he was standing outside of the bathroom pointing- showing off with pride what he had done.
The younger begged relentlessly for a bite of Mama's oatmeal- his cereal had long been finished. I finally gave in to my wide eyed and smiling boy's request-just so long as he used kind, respectful words: Oatmeal, Mama, please. And after he joyously received what he so desperately wanted I scooped up the last bite of oatmeal onto my spoon and looked up-- and there was my older son- staring at me with his wide eyes and a giant goofy smile, tongue sticking out. And I know if had words he'd say something like- Me too Mama- I want a bite too!
And like any mother who enjoys satisfying her children's desires I gave him the final bite.
I am learning that releasing my final bites for the sake of my children is what parenting is all about. Releasing my selfish desires for my children's needs is key. From setting aside my phone while unanswered texts await me to rarely finding a moment alone... without children, laundry, a husband, dishes, chores- the things that forever beckon me. Giving up the music I have so loved over the years (music was used as a grounding when I was a child!) for the toddler songs- wheels on the bus and itsy bitsy spider play in my head. all. day.long. It's soccer and basketball and towers of blocks. It's naming colors and numbers and shapes and letters. It's exhausting and rewarding.
Yes, there was a time when sharing that final bite of oatmeal would have been unheard of. And now it's daily.
And it's all I ever wanted.
And it's Christ molding my heart to His.
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
The younger one- learning to talk. Repeating his desires over and over... and over again. Cereal, Mama. Cereal, Mama. Down, Mama. Down, Mama. I want that. I want that. Over and over... like the smooth sound of a beating dream it becomes faint background noise.
The older one- without words makes up for his lack of speech in actions. Already this morning I fished out an unopened letter from the toilet only because he was standing outside of the bathroom pointing- showing off with pride what he had done.
The younger begged relentlessly for a bite of Mama's oatmeal- his cereal had long been finished. I finally gave in to my wide eyed and smiling boy's request-just so long as he used kind, respectful words: Oatmeal, Mama, please. And after he joyously received what he so desperately wanted I scooped up the last bite of oatmeal onto my spoon and looked up-- and there was my older son- staring at me with his wide eyes and a giant goofy smile, tongue sticking out. And I know if had words he'd say something like- Me too Mama- I want a bite too!
And like any mother who enjoys satisfying her children's desires I gave him the final bite.
I am learning that releasing my final bites for the sake of my children is what parenting is all about. Releasing my selfish desires for my children's needs is key. From setting aside my phone while unanswered texts await me to rarely finding a moment alone... without children, laundry, a husband, dishes, chores- the things that forever beckon me. Giving up the music I have so loved over the years (music was used as a grounding when I was a child!) for the toddler songs- wheels on the bus and itsy bitsy spider play in my head. all. day.long. It's soccer and basketball and towers of blocks. It's naming colors and numbers and shapes and letters. It's exhausting and rewarding.
Yes, there was a time when sharing that final bite of oatmeal would have been unheard of. And now it's daily.
And it's all I ever wanted.
And it's Christ molding my heart to His.
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
2.21.2012
a thousand gifts
There is a really great blog called Passionate Homemaking for all you Moms out there! So Lindsay (who writes the blog) started doing this thing called Joy Dare which stems from this other blog writer, Ann (another great one for you moms!)
So Ann Voskamp wrote this book called A Thousand Gifts- I just started reading it and the first chapter blew me away! I can't wait to read more!!!
The idea behind the book (from what I gather) is that we have so many gifts from God that we don't see because we are in such a rush and life is just sort of happening and we're missing some of the small blessings that really are quite large. Ann lives on a farm with her husband and 6 children (she homeschools) and it seems this lifestyle has caused her to slow down. I really don't feel adequate to share much about the book since I haven't finished it, but the first chapter was so intense and so emotional that I really look forward to reading the book slowly and savoring what she has to say.
One of the things that Ann is encouraging all to do is called a JOY DARE. Basically in 2012 you will write over 1000 things you are thankful for- 3 a day. Doing this can help cultivate a life of seeing God's presence and gifts every day. It is designed to draw us closer to Him- and the richness and beauty that He pours out all around us.
On Saturday we had women's night for the women who go to our church and my friend, Lindsay led it and encouraged everyone to join her in this "dare".
Finally, here's a sheet to help you think about some things you might be thankful for!
I am excited to do this and I hope if you do it- you are encouraged too!
So Ann Voskamp wrote this book called A Thousand Gifts- I just started reading it and the first chapter blew me away! I can't wait to read more!!!
The idea behind the book (from what I gather) is that we have so many gifts from God that we don't see because we are in such a rush and life is just sort of happening and we're missing some of the small blessings that really are quite large. Ann lives on a farm with her husband and 6 children (she homeschools) and it seems this lifestyle has caused her to slow down. I really don't feel adequate to share much about the book since I haven't finished it, but the first chapter was so intense and so emotional that I really look forward to reading the book slowly and savoring what she has to say.
One of the things that Ann is encouraging all to do is called a JOY DARE. Basically in 2012 you will write over 1000 things you are thankful for- 3 a day. Doing this can help cultivate a life of seeing God's presence and gifts every day. It is designed to draw us closer to Him- and the richness and beauty that He pours out all around us.
On Saturday we had women's night for the women who go to our church and my friend, Lindsay led it and encouraged everyone to join her in this "dare".
Finally, here's a sheet to help you think about some things you might be thankful for!
I am excited to do this and I hope if you do it- you are encouraged too!
Snow!!!
It is coming down fast!!! So Clayton, Lily and I are reading books by the fire and watching if come down. ;)
Sleep
So last night marks the night of the most hours of sleep in a row in over 3 months!!! Not only did lily sleep 9.5 hours but I slept about 8 because I went to bed exhausted. So excited!!
In other news... today is one of those single mom days because David is already gone (left by 615 am) and won't be home till after 8 when kiddos are in bed. Kristen is in Chicago and Scott works till 10 or so. Guess we'll eat an easy dinner and maybe watch a movie ;)
(oh and expect more blog posts as i am thinking of weaning off fb ;)
In other news... today is one of those single mom days because David is already gone (left by 615 am) and won't be home till after 8 when kiddos are in bed. Kristen is in Chicago and Scott works till 10 or so. Guess we'll eat an easy dinner and maybe watch a movie ;)
(oh and expect more blog posts as i am thinking of weaning off fb ;)
Soo delicious
So I am back to eating mostly vegetarian again. Something about being pregnant made me want some meat! It is challenging to come up with a wide variety if vegetarian recipes that I enjoy. I don't tend to cook the same things over and over again I mean. So last night I made these really great sandwiches! I bought the marble rye bread (day old at Avalon) Friday in hopes of doing something fun! I cut up slices of tomato and marinated them in a garlic olive oil balsamic vinegar (oh and some fresh cracked pepper and salt) sauce for a couple hours. Then I places the tomato on the bread followed by freshly grated mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and slices of avocado. Then baked for 10 min and broiled for like 3 min. So yummy! Trader joes has a garlic aioli mustard sauce I put on mine too.
I finished off the meal with edamame and strawberries!
The photo shows them open faced, but I did add a piece of bread on top after I took the pic!
I finished off the meal with edamame and strawberries!
The photo shows them open faced, but I did add a piece of bread on top after I took the pic!
2.19.2012
oh the stuff we buy
I love apple. I am about to reveal my materialistic, consumeristic nature- so don't judge. Between David and I we have: 2 iMac computers (1 very old), 1 ipod (I have owned 3), 2 iphones, and 1 ipad.
Recently Apple has been under investigation for paying low wages and over working employees in questionable facilities.
According to a news report on NPR, Obama asked Steve Jobs a year ago how to bring manufacturing back to the US- to which Jobs replied- is impossible- to keep the prices of apple products low.
Many Americans are upset that we outsource so many jobs, but at the same time we want our products cheap. Giant corporations like Walmart have mastered selling products cheap- yet I often wonder at what cost do we buy these products?
I have written plenty of posts about money and how we should be frugal, etc... I still stand by those posts, but today I am looking into a different ethical dilemma... the issue of cheap labor.
What if the products we bought were expensive, but fairly made?
What if Apple had two lines of products- an American made line that cost more and a foreign line that cost less?
Recently I have been given clothes from 2 friends- both buy really nice clothes that cost a lot, but are made in the US. It just got me thinking that paying more for quality and fair products might be worth the price.
I tend to shop at thrift stores which avoids the issue of ethics altogether because I am getting things used- but if I did buy things new this is definitely something I would like to look into.
I will add this final thought- in my college ethic's class I argued pro sweat shops because of the jobs for people overseas who otherwise wouldn't have a job.... so I know there is another side to the issue, but I am just not sure if it's the right angle. http://businesstm.com/online-business-blog/sweatshops-child-labor-information.html
I don't have the answers, but I think it would be good to know if the companies we are supporting are adding value to communities and offering fair wages or if they're exploiting communities so that we can get a cheaper product.
Recently Apple has been under investigation for paying low wages and over working employees in questionable facilities.
According to a news report on NPR, Obama asked Steve Jobs a year ago how to bring manufacturing back to the US- to which Jobs replied- is impossible- to keep the prices of apple products low.
Many Americans are upset that we outsource so many jobs, but at the same time we want our products cheap. Giant corporations like Walmart have mastered selling products cheap- yet I often wonder at what cost do we buy these products?
I have written plenty of posts about money and how we should be frugal, etc... I still stand by those posts, but today I am looking into a different ethical dilemma... the issue of cheap labor.
What if the products we bought were expensive, but fairly made?
What if Apple had two lines of products- an American made line that cost more and a foreign line that cost less?
Recently I have been given clothes from 2 friends- both buy really nice clothes that cost a lot, but are made in the US. It just got me thinking that paying more for quality and fair products might be worth the price.
I tend to shop at thrift stores which avoids the issue of ethics altogether because I am getting things used- but if I did buy things new this is definitely something I would like to look into.
I will add this final thought- in my college ethic's class I argued pro sweat shops because of the jobs for people overseas who otherwise wouldn't have a job.... so I know there is another side to the issue, but I am just not sure if it's the right angle. http://businesstm.com/online-business-blog/sweatshops-child-labor-information.html
I don't have the answers, but I think it would be good to know if the companies we are supporting are adding value to communities and offering fair wages or if they're exploiting communities so that we can get a cheaper product.
2.18.2012
Oh Bentley
So often times if both David and I are home and there is a massive explosion of a diaper done by Mr. B we will partner up- one holding his arms up while the other works on the mess (the kid likes to play in his diaper)- we don't have a system for who does what- but maybe we should!!! Anyway today I was changing lily's diaper and Bentley ran over and grabbed her arms to make sure she didn't play in her diaper. Priceless.
2.13.2012
simple joys
Turns out the majority of women who are pregnant gain more than just the weight of the baby, etc... but there's an additional xx lbs that seems to latch itself onto your body only to stubbornly stick for several months.... Well, this Mama of 3 is just about done with working off these stubborn cells.. only a few more to go- so few that my pre pregnancy jeans actually buttoned today.
You have no idea how exciting this is- all those carrot sticks instead of cheese sticks were worth it!!!
So cheers- I am gonna have a piece of cake (just kidding). :)
You have no idea how exciting this is- all those carrot sticks instead of cheese sticks were worth it!!!
So cheers- I am gonna have a piece of cake (just kidding). :)
1.15.2012
I want a dog and other thoughts
One of the realities that we face living in Detroit is that our world can be a dangerous place. I tend to underestimate the dangers around me. I think it is good to not live in fear, but it is also good to be aware of my surroundings and admit we have chosen to live in a rough place. There have been a couple Incidents lately in our neighborhood (which I won't mention because my dad reads my blog!) and it has caused me to rethink getting a dog. I have wanted a dog for a long time because I love animals and I think the boys would enjoy it too. However, dogs are a lot of work.
1. They shed- must get brushed, floors need vacuumed, must take note of allergic friends
2. They poop- must get potty trained and then we have to pick it up
3. They need exercise- I would have to walk it (which I would love) but in the rain, snow, and heat ??
Those three reasons are enough for anyone to reconsider the decision, but with 3 kids so young it makes me think it might be too much. The bests reason I have to want a dog is for safety. People in Detroit are scared of dogs and so are less likely to break in your house or do anything else if you have a dog- the only criteria being that it barks.
Often I struggle with knowing if those three obstacles are worth our safety.
So the other day I was reading Ezra 8 and I was so encouraged. To understand these verses you'll need a little context- basically Ezra was chosen to lead a group of exiles living in Babylon to their home in Jerusalem.
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
I am not suggesting that God will protect us because He protected His people during this time- but I am suggesting I should have the same faith as Ezra. This passage was such an encouragement that we don't need to trust in armies of people or in my case-dogs, but in the Living God. Now we can have things that we use as securities- dogs, alarm systems, locked doors- but we must not turn to those things for gratitude- we must be thankful to God.
Because it seems like such a commitment and responsibility to add another "needy" thing to my life right now I sense God reminding me that safety and protection come from Him and to burden myself with a sense of "security" would be sinful.
The Lord will protect us- be it from dangers of people or dangers of Satan's lies- that's not to say I won't ever experience harm- its just to say my trust needs to be in God and not in things.
It's so cool when God uses ancient scripture to remind me to trust in Him daily.
1. They shed- must get brushed, floors need vacuumed, must take note of allergic friends
2. They poop- must get potty trained and then we have to pick it up
3. They need exercise- I would have to walk it (which I would love) but in the rain, snow, and heat ??
Those three reasons are enough for anyone to reconsider the decision, but with 3 kids so young it makes me think it might be too much. The bests reason I have to want a dog is for safety. People in Detroit are scared of dogs and so are less likely to break in your house or do anything else if you have a dog- the only criteria being that it barks.
Often I struggle with knowing if those three obstacles are worth our safety.
So the other day I was reading Ezra 8 and I was so encouraged. To understand these verses you'll need a little context- basically Ezra was chosen to lead a group of exiles living in Babylon to their home in Jerusalem.
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
I am not suggesting that God will protect us because He protected His people during this time- but I am suggesting I should have the same faith as Ezra. This passage was such an encouragement that we don't need to trust in armies of people or in my case-dogs, but in the Living God. Now we can have things that we use as securities- dogs, alarm systems, locked doors- but we must not turn to those things for gratitude- we must be thankful to God.
Because it seems like such a commitment and responsibility to add another "needy" thing to my life right now I sense God reminding me that safety and protection come from Him and to burden myself with a sense of "security" would be sinful.
The Lord will protect us- be it from dangers of people or dangers of Satan's lies- that's not to say I won't ever experience harm- its just to say my trust needs to be in God and not in things.
It's so cool when God uses ancient scripture to remind me to trust in Him daily.
1.13.2012
Christians- examine your life.
How many of you out there pluck your eye brows? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
Well I do- and I am convinced I am not alone.
David and I are getting ready to go on a nice little vacation to Arizona and so it is essential that I whip out the tweezers and magnifying mirror BEFORE getting on the airplane- because it is important to look your best when flying!
So first I had to find my tweezers and mirror. Then they proceeded to sit on my dresser for two days because I just couldn't find the time to pluck and when I did I didn't feel like inflicted pain on myself! Soo I waited until the last possible minute to accomplish the task.
While standing in a well lit bathroom I look into the tiny mirror and got ready to pull the first tiny hair when I say to myself, "WOW- this is WORSE than I thought!"
Through this experience I couldn't help but think of how examining my life is a lot like plucking my eye brows.
When I say "examine your life" what I mean is for us as Christians to sit down and accurately take a look at our walk with Christ. Like plucking, first you must find the materials- for me that is my Bible, journal, and quiet place.
To pluck your eye brows you need a good magnifying mirror so that you don't miss those tiny blonde hairs that like to hide! The same is true when examining our life- or our hearts rather- we must get out the mirror that looks into the depths of our hearts- we don't want to miss those things that deserve plucking from our deep, dark hearts.... in Christian talk we call those things- sin. In order to move from the place of sinning in an area of our life to not we have to identify it as in fact- sin. So often I sit down and pull out my heart magnifying mirror and I have the same experience as when plucking- WOW- this is WORSE than I thought!
It is really painful to pull out the tiny hairs from my skin and it is really painful to confess and walk away from sin. I often want to think that I am not so bad and I have it all together- but sometimes I am just as the hypocrites Jesus described in Matthew 15:8 when he said, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
The other thing we must consider is the very act of plucking vs. shaving. When I was about 13 years old I decided it was time to begin getting rid of those tiny little facial hairs that can become the DREADED unibrow (oh the very word makes me cringe!) So I pulled out the shaver and proceeded to shave my eye brows! As soon as my mom discovered this she said, "Adrienne, you really shouldn't shave your eye brows because they will grow back darker and you will have more!"I think the same is true when we consider what it means to examine our hearts. If we choose the easy way out and shave over our sin spots - they may in fact come back deeper, darker, and more! We must pluck those things straight from our hearts! In the Beautitudes Jesus is talking about how our hearts are more important than just upholding laws- For example- Murder- it's not enough to avoid killing someone- but we must not even go to worship God if we are quarreling with someone- first we must go and resolve the issue! Adultery- it's not enough to avoid having sex outside of marriage- but to even look at someone lustfully is adultery of the heart!
He goes on to say, "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
The act of plucking- or a genuine confession of sin and repenting- or turning away from what you just confessed is LIFE!
Socrates had it right when he said:
"An unexamined life is not worth living."
But John said it better when he wrote, 9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
In order to confess our sins we must examine our hearts to know what those sins are!
So let's find those tweezers and magnifying mirrors and pluck all that keeps us from pursuing Christ while remembering that it will be painful (only for a moment), but the end result will be recognition of our sinful hearts and hopefully greater devotion to the One who makes us pure and clean.
Well I do- and I am convinced I am not alone.
David and I are getting ready to go on a nice little vacation to Arizona and so it is essential that I whip out the tweezers and magnifying mirror BEFORE getting on the airplane- because it is important to look your best when flying!
So first I had to find my tweezers and mirror. Then they proceeded to sit on my dresser for two days because I just couldn't find the time to pluck and when I did I didn't feel like inflicted pain on myself! Soo I waited until the last possible minute to accomplish the task.
While standing in a well lit bathroom I look into the tiny mirror and got ready to pull the first tiny hair when I say to myself, "WOW- this is WORSE than I thought!"
Through this experience I couldn't help but think of how examining my life is a lot like plucking my eye brows.
When I say "examine your life" what I mean is for us as Christians to sit down and accurately take a look at our walk with Christ. Like plucking, first you must find the materials- for me that is my Bible, journal, and quiet place.
To pluck your eye brows you need a good magnifying mirror so that you don't miss those tiny blonde hairs that like to hide! The same is true when examining our life- or our hearts rather- we must get out the mirror that looks into the depths of our hearts- we don't want to miss those things that deserve plucking from our deep, dark hearts.... in Christian talk we call those things- sin. In order to move from the place of sinning in an area of our life to not we have to identify it as in fact- sin. So often I sit down and pull out my heart magnifying mirror and I have the same experience as when plucking- WOW- this is WORSE than I thought!
It is really painful to pull out the tiny hairs from my skin and it is really painful to confess and walk away from sin. I often want to think that I am not so bad and I have it all together- but sometimes I am just as the hypocrites Jesus described in Matthew 15:8 when he said, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
The other thing we must consider is the very act of plucking vs. shaving. When I was about 13 years old I decided it was time to begin getting rid of those tiny little facial hairs that can become the DREADED unibrow (oh the very word makes me cringe!) So I pulled out the shaver and proceeded to shave my eye brows! As soon as my mom discovered this she said, "Adrienne, you really shouldn't shave your eye brows because they will grow back darker and you will have more!"I think the same is true when we consider what it means to examine our hearts. If we choose the easy way out and shave over our sin spots - they may in fact come back deeper, darker, and more! We must pluck those things straight from our hearts! In the Beautitudes Jesus is talking about how our hearts are more important than just upholding laws- For example- Murder- it's not enough to avoid killing someone- but we must not even go to worship God if we are quarreling with someone- first we must go and resolve the issue! Adultery- it's not enough to avoid having sex outside of marriage- but to even look at someone lustfully is adultery of the heart!
He goes on to say, "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
The act of plucking- or a genuine confession of sin and repenting- or turning away from what you just confessed is LIFE!
Socrates had it right when he said:
"An unexamined life is not worth living."
But John said it better when he wrote, 9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
In order to confess our sins we must examine our hearts to know what those sins are!
So let's find those tweezers and magnifying mirrors and pluck all that keeps us from pursuing Christ while remembering that it will be painful (only for a moment), but the end result will be recognition of our sinful hearts and hopefully greater devotion to the One who makes us pure and clean.
1.05.2012
Bentleyisms
When I go into the boys' room in the morning to get them up I have a specific way to do things to eliminate chaos. If Lily is awake I get her diaper changed and dressed first and lay her on the bed hoping she'll be content. Then I get Clayton up- changed and dressed. Finally, I get my menace up and do the same. By the time I get to Bentley Lily is usually ready to be held and a bit fussy. So was the story this morning... so I picked up crying Lily and laid her next to Bentley- head to head- and she nestled up to his face and he turned to her and kissed her on the head. She stopped crying and laid there next to him while I got him ready- totally content. It was so beautiful. :)
While Bentley has some adorable characteristics he also is a complete MENACE! So I took the boys to my friend Ann's house so I could go to my 6 week doctor's appointment. It was so gracious of her to take the boys- she just had a baby girl 3 weeks ago and has 4 other kids at home this week because of break. So she called me while I was driving home (knowing I was headed her way) and asked how close I was... "Close," I responded.... but WHY was she asking!
"Oh I will just leave him so you can see what he did." Oh no.
Well, Bentley turned on the bath water and got in the tub fully clothed.
the end.
While Bentley has some adorable characteristics he also is a complete MENACE! So I took the boys to my friend Ann's house so I could go to my 6 week doctor's appointment. It was so gracious of her to take the boys- she just had a baby girl 3 weeks ago and has 4 other kids at home this week because of break. So she called me while I was driving home (knowing I was headed her way) and asked how close I was... "Close," I responded.... but WHY was she asking!
"Oh I will just leave him so you can see what he did." Oh no.
Well, Bentley turned on the bath water and got in the tub fully clothed.
the end.
12.28.2011
ACCEPTANCE!
So you may remember the preschool dilemma I had written about previously.
So GOOD NEWS.
I called to see if the local public school, Marcus Garvey, had a spot in their ECDD classroom. They don't.
So then I called to see if he is on the waiting list at the private preschool in midtown for next year. Soo.... the director said he could start NOW because a family moved away. I couldn't believe it!!! I hung up the phone and asked David what we should do- financially can we afford it?
After some thought and consideration we decided to go for it! I am SOOO excited. He'll go Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM- 4 PM. It is going to be such a great opportunity for me to have special time with Clayton (and Lily) and also allow him to be in a classroom with typical developing children.
This is SOOOO great!
To read about the preschool click here.
He's really good at using the tool set we bought Clayton for his birthday!
Here he stacked the horses on top of each other. He LOVES horses.
I think this BIG BROTHER is ready to enjoy a couple days without me. Bitter. Sweet.
So GOOD NEWS.
I called to see if the local public school, Marcus Garvey, had a spot in their ECDD classroom. They don't.
So then I called to see if he is on the waiting list at the private preschool in midtown for next year. Soo.... the director said he could start NOW because a family moved away. I couldn't believe it!!! I hung up the phone and asked David what we should do- financially can we afford it?
After some thought and consideration we decided to go for it! I am SOOO excited. He'll go Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM- 4 PM. It is going to be such a great opportunity for me to have special time with Clayton (and Lily) and also allow him to be in a classroom with typical developing children.
This is SOOOO great!
To read about the preschool click here.
He's really good at using the tool set we bought Clayton for his birthday!
Here he stacked the horses on top of each other. He LOVES horses.
I think this BIG BROTHER is ready to enjoy a couple days without me. Bitter. Sweet.
on showering... and the lack there of!
I have been taking care of the three kids all on my own successfully for over a week now! Now that Lily is five weeks old she is much more predictable. She's usually waking up to eat once a night between 2 and 5 and then again between 5 and 8. During the day she eats about every 3 hours. The boys already had a consistent schedule so I am just trying to work her around them. It's really not so bad unless everyone wants something at the SAME time... then there's some crying.... but hey- we're all surviving...so far!
I am soooo thankful that David's mom came for a week and then my mom was here for 2 weeks helping. It really gave me the opportunity to enjoy Lily while knowing the boys were having a blast with their grandmas. I was able to sleep in, have meals prepared, avoid excessive cleaning and just allow my body to heal. What a GIFT!
So even though emotionally we are doing great adjusting there are a few things that don't happen regularly.
1. Showering. It is impossible to find time to shower! I either have to get up at 5 AM or go at 11 PM when Lily is down! During the boys' nap Lily is often awake and not contented enough to sit in her bouncy seat while I get in the shower...(turns out babies aren't usually contented awake and not being held!) soooo I usually have to wait until David gets home to dump the kids on him while I find my 5 minutes of peace under hot water....:)
2. Cleaning. I am still playing catch up from the past five weeks! Also, with the holiday celebrations it was enough to clean up after a party, let alone clean for the sake of cleaning!
3. Creative cooking. We are eating... and even healthy things! However, I just can't get myself to spend a lot of time in the kitchen playing with new recipes... luckily I have an entire stock pile of things I love to make... but it's so fun to try new things!!! Tonight we are eating a Creole recipe of Red Beans and Rice that I have going in the crock pot. I LOVE the crock pot!!
4. Leaving the house. Turns out getting 3 hooligans out the door in the freezing cold weather is a LOT of work!! So I think we'll just stay in as often as we can!!
So here's my final thought-
Even though there are limitations in my day I have great joy in being with my children. I LOVE them dearly! We have sooo much fun together. I love hearing them laugh and watching them learn.
I find it frustrating when people make comments about the time commitment I have in raising these 3 young children- and the amount of work it takes. David is working 80 hour work weeks as a resident and people find it applauding- he's got a "real" career. I have two little mess making toddlers and one infant and all I get are stares and, "Wow, you must be busy." Why is it that raising children, keeping a tidy home, and preparing meals is looked down upon? I did the whole teaching thing and this is SO MUCH better. I wouldn't go back to work if you PAID me! (HA HA!)
So I am looking for words of encouragement and not comments of our crazy life. :) It's true, we are busy... busy enjoying life together. :)
Clayton and I playing outside
Bentley and I enjoying the fire!
Isn't she beautiful!!?!?!
I am soooo thankful that David's mom came for a week and then my mom was here for 2 weeks helping. It really gave me the opportunity to enjoy Lily while knowing the boys were having a blast with their grandmas. I was able to sleep in, have meals prepared, avoid excessive cleaning and just allow my body to heal. What a GIFT!
So even though emotionally we are doing great adjusting there are a few things that don't happen regularly.
1. Showering. It is impossible to find time to shower! I either have to get up at 5 AM or go at 11 PM when Lily is down! During the boys' nap Lily is often awake and not contented enough to sit in her bouncy seat while I get in the shower...(turns out babies aren't usually contented awake and not being held!) soooo I usually have to wait until David gets home to dump the kids on him while I find my 5 minutes of peace under hot water....:)
2. Cleaning. I am still playing catch up from the past five weeks! Also, with the holiday celebrations it was enough to clean up after a party, let alone clean for the sake of cleaning!
3. Creative cooking. We are eating... and even healthy things! However, I just can't get myself to spend a lot of time in the kitchen playing with new recipes... luckily I have an entire stock pile of things I love to make... but it's so fun to try new things!!! Tonight we are eating a Creole recipe of Red Beans and Rice that I have going in the crock pot. I LOVE the crock pot!!
4. Leaving the house. Turns out getting 3 hooligans out the door in the freezing cold weather is a LOT of work!! So I think we'll just stay in as often as we can!!
So here's my final thought-
Even though there are limitations in my day I have great joy in being with my children. I LOVE them dearly! We have sooo much fun together. I love hearing them laugh and watching them learn.
I find it frustrating when people make comments about the time commitment I have in raising these 3 young children- and the amount of work it takes. David is working 80 hour work weeks as a resident and people find it applauding- he's got a "real" career. I have two little mess making toddlers and one infant and all I get are stares and, "Wow, you must be busy." Why is it that raising children, keeping a tidy home, and preparing meals is looked down upon? I did the whole teaching thing and this is SO MUCH better. I wouldn't go back to work if you PAID me! (HA HA!)
So I am looking for words of encouragement and not comments of our crazy life. :) It's true, we are busy... busy enjoying life together. :)
Clayton and I playing outside
Bentley and I enjoying the fire!
Isn't she beautiful!!?!?!
traditions...
David and I spent a lot of talking through what we want Christmas to be like for our family. Since I blogged about this earlier I thought I should add an update about what we decided to do for our family traditions.
So David and I really enjoy the season of Advent- the 40 days leading up to Christmas Day. Each night we would like to do a family devotion. David's mom gave us felt pieces that you open each night and you put them up on a board to build the nativity scene.
We decided that we are going to have a Christmas tree symbolizing life- the lights symbolizing the light we are supposed to shine as Christ's ambassadors in the world. Ornaments go up and can be used as memories from years past. :) We have a nativity scene made out of wood that we bought in Burundi.
Felt board Nativity Scene
Christmas Eve we would like to celebrate by having a nice fondue dinner- this year we did cheese- gruyere & swiss with bread, broccoli, and green apples. We had sparkling apple cider as well. It was delicious! We opened presents on Christmas Eve together and then I went to church with the boys (David went in to work). We didn't really buy many gifts- what was opened were gifts from family! I enjoy buying things for the boys throughout the year as I see necessary. I find great joy in getting them things I know we can do together as I see their interests changing.
Clayton and Lily Christmas Eve
Christmas Day!
Christmas Day we had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls, eggs, and bacon. We enjoyed our time together and then put the boys down for a nap. When they woke up we gave them a healthy snack. Around 6:30 our friends Nate and Kristen Egger along with their daugheters (Aoife and Adelaide) came over and also our other friend Kristin to celebrate Clayton's SECOND birthday! I made carrot cake and he opened a few presents.
When we are with David's family we will continue with their traditions, which are great! This is what we'll do when it's just the 5 of us. :)
The boys enjoying their fireman hats!
So David and I really enjoy the season of Advent- the 40 days leading up to Christmas Day. Each night we would like to do a family devotion. David's mom gave us felt pieces that you open each night and you put them up on a board to build the nativity scene.
We decided that we are going to have a Christmas tree symbolizing life- the lights symbolizing the light we are supposed to shine as Christ's ambassadors in the world. Ornaments go up and can be used as memories from years past. :) We have a nativity scene made out of wood that we bought in Burundi.
Felt board Nativity Scene
Christmas Eve we would like to celebrate by having a nice fondue dinner- this year we did cheese- gruyere & swiss with bread, broccoli, and green apples. We had sparkling apple cider as well. It was delicious! We opened presents on Christmas Eve together and then I went to church with the boys (David went in to work). We didn't really buy many gifts- what was opened were gifts from family! I enjoy buying things for the boys throughout the year as I see necessary. I find great joy in getting them things I know we can do together as I see their interests changing.
Clayton and Lily Christmas Eve
Christmas Day!
Christmas Day we had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls, eggs, and bacon. We enjoyed our time together and then put the boys down for a nap. When they woke up we gave them a healthy snack. Around 6:30 our friends Nate and Kristen Egger along with their daugheters (Aoife and Adelaide) came over and also our other friend Kristin to celebrate Clayton's SECOND birthday! I made carrot cake and he opened a few presents.
When we are with David's family we will continue with their traditions, which are great! This is what we'll do when it's just the 5 of us. :)
The boys enjoying their fireman hats!
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