While driving in the car the other day, The Girl and I were silent. The music on the radio was the only thing making any noise. I don't know what she was thinking about, but I was wrestling with God over some things that had been bothering me for a number of weeks now. I was praying that somehow He would remind me of His sufficiency for me. I need not look elsewhere. He was more than enough this time, last time, and for many times still to come. I needed to be reminded of just how big He is and who He is.
As I sat and wrestled, the beginning of a popular song came on the radio. After just the first few notes played, The Girl broke her silence, "Oh Momma! I just LOVE this song!"
This caught me off guard. If The Little Man said this, I would not have thought twice about it. He's my music kid. He loves to dance, and can remember lyrics to songs he has only heard just a few times. Often, he is in the back seat of the car singing right along with me. The Girl, on the other hand, not so much. Sure she sings along to a few songs, but that's about it. Also, I have never seen her break out a dance move that wasn't prompted by someone else asking for it, or encouraged because she was watching someone else get their groove on. She's just not that into music. So it was odd to hear her say that she LOVED a song. Odd enough to make me stop wrestling, and listen to what exactly was on the radio at the time.
After listening for a second, I realized that it was Mercy Me's newest song He Reigns. I too love that song, and have sang to it numerous times. As I responded back to her, "Really? You like this song?" I looked back into the rear view mirror to see her sitting in her seat, head back, eyes closed, and a big smile on her face as she soaked in the truth of the lyrics. There was no question in my mind that she did indeed LOVE that song.
At first, I was so happy to hear that she loved a song. Then happy that it was this song, one that I liked as well, and one that was so full of truth. Then, as I sang the lyrics, I realized it was just the reminder I was searching for. A reminder that it is Him who has been here all along. It's Him that is big enough, loves enough, and is more than enough for any need I have.
Here are the lyrics:
Even before there was a drop in the ocean even before there was a star in the sky even before
the world was put in motion You were on Your throne You were on Your throne.
[chorus]
You reign glory in the highest You reign let creation testify by Your name every knee will bow
and every tongue proclaim that Jesus reigns.
Even before Your hand made the heavens even before the breath of all mankind even before we
had to be forgiven You were on Your throne You were on Your throne. [back to chorus]
Yesterday, today and forever You are God who was, and is and is to come. [back to chorus]
Just what I needed, right when I needed it.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I'm Thinking of Bottling it Up and Selling It as a Fine Cologne
Today was laundry day. It was the first big laundry day since moving back in last week. Since we had the luxury of staying with my In-Laws while our house was being worked on, I was able to come home with all of our clothes CLEAN. I found this fabulous. I only packed enough clothing for one week, and then just kept washing stuff as needed. The Little Man, he didn't really care about my easy way around having to pack a ton of clothing, except for one thing. He noticed something was different with his Baboo.
Baboo is The Little Man's security blanket. Both of my kids have/had one. Whether they knew it or not, I was forcing a lovey on them from their first day of life. It made my life that much easier when they had something besides myself to get comfort from. The Little Man has several Baboos. He gets a new clean one each night before bed so they don't get too dirty. This is where we ran into trouble.
Part of the deal with Baboo, is that he has a certain smell. That smell would be the laundry detergent and fabric softener I use. Nothing too special just a little Purex and Bounce. Apparently Pax just loves it. So much so that he threw all his Baboos in the dirty clothes that last week at Grandma's house. He told me it was because they were all dirty. When I told him that I had just cleaned them all, and they were fresh he looked very confused and said, "No, they are not fresh. They are smelly!"
They were not smelly at all, but Grandma uses a different kind of detergent, and The Little Man's nose was very sensitive to this slight difference. He didn't care if the shirt he put on that morning smelled different or the PJ's he put on that night had a slightly different aroma to them, but when he put that Baboo up to his nose, something was amiss. I had to convince him all week that the Baboos were clean, and everyday I had to pull them out of our dirty clothes bin. Thankfully, they were still folded up so I could tell which ones were still clean.
Tonight, as I was putting the kids to bed, Pax pulled out a new Baboo. I washed ALL of them today so that he would stop with the insanity. I never mentioned it to him that they were all getting a washing, but I didn't need to. As he pulled out a fresh Baboo from his dresser and put it up to his nose, he smiled from ear to ear.
"Momma! My Baboo! He smells so perfect! He's clean and fresh again! Thank you Momma! Thank you for my new fresh Baboos!"
With that he ran to bed and snuggled that blanket like he hasn't seen him for a week.
For what it's worth, I thought the detergent we used at my In-Laws was just fine...
Baboo is The Little Man's security blanket. Both of my kids have/had one. Whether they knew it or not, I was forcing a lovey on them from their first day of life. It made my life that much easier when they had something besides myself to get comfort from. The Little Man has several Baboos. He gets a new clean one each night before bed so they don't get too dirty. This is where we ran into trouble.
Part of the deal with Baboo, is that he has a certain smell. That smell would be the laundry detergent and fabric softener I use. Nothing too special just a little Purex and Bounce. Apparently Pax just loves it. So much so that he threw all his Baboos in the dirty clothes that last week at Grandma's house. He told me it was because they were all dirty. When I told him that I had just cleaned them all, and they were fresh he looked very confused and said, "No, they are not fresh. They are smelly!"
They were not smelly at all, but Grandma uses a different kind of detergent, and The Little Man's nose was very sensitive to this slight difference. He didn't care if the shirt he put on that morning smelled different or the PJ's he put on that night had a slightly different aroma to them, but when he put that Baboo up to his nose, something was amiss. I had to convince him all week that the Baboos were clean, and everyday I had to pull them out of our dirty clothes bin. Thankfully, they were still folded up so I could tell which ones were still clean.
Tonight, as I was putting the kids to bed, Pax pulled out a new Baboo. I washed ALL of them today so that he would stop with the insanity. I never mentioned it to him that they were all getting a washing, but I didn't need to. As he pulled out a fresh Baboo from his dresser and put it up to his nose, he smiled from ear to ear.
"Momma! My Baboo! He smells so perfect! He's clean and fresh again! Thank you Momma! Thank you for my new fresh Baboos!"
With that he ran to bed and snuggled that blanket like he hasn't seen him for a week.
For what it's worth, I thought the detergent we used at my In-Laws was just fine...
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
I'm In BIG Trouble
I know she is my daughter and all, but I am absolutely smitten with her. She is the most beautiful little girl I have ever laid my eyes on, and I have proof. Look at these:
A little back lighting:
My favorite Weeping Willow:
Loving the sun flare:
Here's a B&W just for fun:
I was trying to re-create last year's shoot, kind of like a "One Year Later" type thing. We had such a great time together. The Girl loves to model, and I was having a ball with all the different types of lighting. I think we'll do this every year...for as long as she lets me. Don't be surprised if one day you get her senior picture, and it is from this location...
Thanks for the perfect dress Grandma!
A little back lighting:
My favorite Weeping Willow:
Loving the sun flare:
Here's a B&W just for fun:
I was trying to re-create last year's shoot, kind of like a "One Year Later" type thing. We had such a great time together. The Girl loves to model, and I was having a ball with all the different types of lighting. I think we'll do this every year...for as long as she lets me. Don't be surprised if one day you get her senior picture, and it is from this location...
Thanks for the perfect dress Grandma!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Good With Names, He is Not
Right now as I type, the kids and The Hubby are watching Star Wars. Scott has decided that it is really important to start introducing the entire series to our offspring so that they can come to love it as much as he does. I find it convenient that this revelation comes on the heals of getting a new TV.
Whatever the reason is, I am fine with it. I don't really have a love for Episodes 1-6 (I know, I am weird. I also don't care for Lord of the Rings either), so I get to zone out for a little while. Actually for a long while, since there are SIX EPISODES!
Good Grief.
Anyway, Scott is making them watch them in a certain order as well. I think they are going to do good just to follow along through the first movie. Tying them altogether, may take a force all of it's own.
What I can't stop laughing at is the interaction going on between the three of them. First of all, Scott is watching this movie like its the first time he's ever seen it. Telling the kids to, "Quiet down," and then repeating the lines to show off his memorization skills. I told him that he was going to have to do a narration of sorts through the movie to A) keep their interest, and B) to help them understand what was going on. That means they are going to ask questions, and he is going to have to talk during his movie. Secondly, and on a more precious note, they are all piled up on one chair. Forget the fact that we have a love seat and a sofa in that same room. They are all piled on top of each other in one chair (sigh). Lastly, and what I find the funniest, is The Little Man's recollection of all the names in the movie. He has called Darth Vader: Black Vader, Blacky, Dark Bader, and of course Mean Guy. Chewbacca has been: Chewy, Chew HooHoo, and Chew Caca just to name a few.
Scott corrects him every single time, yet the next time he has a question concerning those characters, or one of those characters enters the scene, he's all, "Hey! There's Chew Hoo Caca, Daddy!" and then Scott's all, "Pax, buddy, its CHEWBACCA". Then Pax comes back with, "I know, Daddy, that's what I said, It's Choo Choo Vaca!" Small pause then, "Daddy? When is Black Bader coming on?"
They may see this marathon of movies as an Adventure Series. I think its more of a comedy.
Whatever the reason is, I am fine with it. I don't really have a love for Episodes 1-6 (I know, I am weird. I also don't care for Lord of the Rings either), so I get to zone out for a little while. Actually for a long while, since there are SIX EPISODES!
Good Grief.
Anyway, Scott is making them watch them in a certain order as well. I think they are going to do good just to follow along through the first movie. Tying them altogether, may take a force all of it's own.
What I can't stop laughing at is the interaction going on between the three of them. First of all, Scott is watching this movie like its the first time he's ever seen it. Telling the kids to, "Quiet down," and then repeating the lines to show off his memorization skills. I told him that he was going to have to do a narration of sorts through the movie to A) keep their interest, and B) to help them understand what was going on. That means they are going to ask questions, and he is going to have to talk during his movie. Secondly, and on a more precious note, they are all piled up on one chair. Forget the fact that we have a love seat and a sofa in that same room. They are all piled on top of each other in one chair (sigh). Lastly, and what I find the funniest, is The Little Man's recollection of all the names in the movie. He has called Darth Vader: Black Vader, Blacky, Dark Bader, and of course Mean Guy. Chewbacca has been: Chewy, Chew HooHoo, and Chew Caca just to name a few.
Scott corrects him every single time, yet the next time he has a question concerning those characters, or one of those characters enters the scene, he's all, "Hey! There's Chew Hoo Caca, Daddy!" and then Scott's all, "Pax, buddy, its CHEWBACCA". Then Pax comes back with, "I know, Daddy, that's what I said, It's Choo Choo Vaca!" Small pause then, "Daddy? When is Black Bader coming on?"
They may see this marathon of movies as an Adventure Series. I think its more of a comedy.
Monday, July 7, 2008
It's Been Like Moving In All Over Again
We're back home! I am so happy to be back to my own domain. Like I have said many times in the past few weeks, the In-Laws digs were not bad. Not bad at all; but something about your own space really makes you feels good.
Plus, due to some packing and unpacking in a hurry several times, I had to get pretty creative with stuff because I would forget things. Like no skewers for shrimp kabobs. Sautéed shrimp it was. I forgot loveys for both kids a few times making nap and bed time just that much more challenging. I didn't have my round brush one night, and of course it was Girls Night Out, and also I forgot a strapless undergarment which completely ruined an outfit. I made due though and really all those things are pretty small and required very little creativity (if any at all) on my part to remedy.
Our floors look GREAT. I am really excited about them. So excited that I have decided that the whole area (kitchen/living area) needed a whole new look. So, we are not just enjoying new floors, but an all new area. Scott wasn't too thrilled to hear that I was going to re-decorate. He thinks that I do these things out of boredom. I have so much time to be bored. Also, it adds cost to the project.
I am happy to say, that because of a good friend ,who has a great eye for decorating, I was able to use most of my own stuff in a new way. My Mother-In-Law also had a bunch of stuff that she was willing to share with me. And as if that weren't enough, I also had coupon for Michael's this week for 40% off of one item and another for 20% off of your entire purchase. Oh yea, then I found out that Hobby Lobby had their lamps and all wall decor on sale for 50% off! I mean, come on, I would have to be crazy to not re-decorate!
Scott still wasn't all that sure. Then something happened. The new place for the TV just happened to be a place that would be better suited if there were a flat screen in it instead of our old tube dinosaur that used to be in it's place.
He came around really quickly to the whole re-decorating idea.
And guess who came out on the other side spending less money?
It was a no brainer.
Plus, due to some packing and unpacking in a hurry several times, I had to get pretty creative with stuff because I would forget things. Like no skewers for shrimp kabobs. Sautéed shrimp it was. I forgot loveys for both kids a few times making nap and bed time just that much more challenging. I didn't have my round brush one night, and of course it was Girls Night Out, and also I forgot a strapless undergarment which completely ruined an outfit. I made due though and really all those things are pretty small and required very little creativity (if any at all) on my part to remedy.
Our floors look GREAT. I am really excited about them. So excited that I have decided that the whole area (kitchen/living area) needed a whole new look. So, we are not just enjoying new floors, but an all new area. Scott wasn't too thrilled to hear that I was going to re-decorate. He thinks that I do these things out of boredom. I have so much time to be bored. Also, it adds cost to the project.
I am happy to say, that because of a good friend ,who has a great eye for decorating, I was able to use most of my own stuff in a new way. My Mother-In-Law also had a bunch of stuff that she was willing to share with me. And as if that weren't enough, I also had coupon for Michael's this week for 40% off of one item and another for 20% off of your entire purchase. Oh yea, then I found out that Hobby Lobby had their lamps and all wall decor on sale for 50% off! I mean, come on, I would have to be crazy to not re-decorate!
Scott still wasn't all that sure. Then something happened. The new place for the TV just happened to be a place that would be better suited if there were a flat screen in it instead of our old tube dinosaur that used to be in it's place.
He came around really quickly to the whole re-decorating idea.
And guess who came out on the other side spending less money?
It was a no brainer.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Boy Likes to Eat
I love the 4th of July. All the eating, games, fun times with family and friends, and don't forget, it's all done in the warmth of summer. I do love the summer time. The holiday always makes for a very long day, with tons of activities planned all the way to, and then way past bedtime. Hopefully, you don't have a full day the next day, because you have to have some time to recover.
The Little Man and The Girl stayed up WAY past their bedtimes.
And they were allowed to skip nap time yesterday so that they could play with cousins.
It was like hand making a Perfect Storm.
From scratch.
Somewhere in all the chaos, tantrums, and screaming that turned into bedtime, I figured out part of what was making The Little Man so upset. After attending a picnic, where he ate too much sugar and was now coming down off his high, we had told him we were going to watch fireworks.
Let me clarify a little, sometimes we said "Fireworks", and sometimes we said "Firecrackers."
He enjoyed the fireworks show that our town put together, but when it was done he was feeling little empty handed. That's when the chaos began. He wasn't ready to leave or go to bed until he had experienced the "firecrackers."
me: Son, we already saw the firecrackers. Remember, they were up in the sky? All the different colors?
Pax: Yea, the fireworks, but now I want firecrackers!
me: (totally confused) Son, I just told you, we saw the fireworks. That's it! That's all there was! We saw them, and now it's time for bed.
Pax: NO MOMMY! I want to eat some crackers with fire! Firecrackers? I want some of those for snack before bed!
I guess when you are only three, you should not be tempted with words that sound like food when you are completely sleep deprived.
The Little Man and The Girl stayed up WAY past their bedtimes.
And they were allowed to skip nap time yesterday so that they could play with cousins.
It was like hand making a Perfect Storm.
From scratch.
Somewhere in all the chaos, tantrums, and screaming that turned into bedtime, I figured out part of what was making The Little Man so upset. After attending a picnic, where he ate too much sugar and was now coming down off his high, we had told him we were going to watch fireworks.
Let me clarify a little, sometimes we said "Fireworks", and sometimes we said "Firecrackers."
He enjoyed the fireworks show that our town put together, but when it was done he was feeling little empty handed. That's when the chaos began. He wasn't ready to leave or go to bed until he had experienced the "firecrackers."
me: Son, we already saw the firecrackers. Remember, they were up in the sky? All the different colors?
Pax: Yea, the fireworks, but now I want firecrackers!
me: (totally confused) Son, I just told you, we saw the fireworks. That's it! That's all there was! We saw them, and now it's time for bed.
Pax: NO MOMMY! I want to eat some crackers with fire! Firecrackers? I want some of those for snack before bed!
I guess when you are only three, you should not be tempted with words that sound like food when you are completely sleep deprived.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
I Think a Drama Class is in Her Future
Thankfully, there is some progress on our home improvement project that has now lasted much longer than we thought. Actually, we both (Scott and I) knew from the beginning that we would be very lucky if they completed the project on time. So even though we thought we would be back at our home for more than just quick pop-ins and check-ups, we also knew that the possibility of staying longer with my In-Laws was going to be pretty high. The kids are still having a ball, and are totally treating it as though they are on vacation.
Tonight was a special night. Grandma and Grandpa have a very large and very nice hot tub. Because I am one of "those" parents, I totally used it to my advantage tonight, and bribed them with it. The Girl and The Little Man were able to keep themselves together for the most part as we ran a number of errands after dinner tonight. Since they were well behaved we said they could get in with us tonight.
They were thrilled beyond all belief. The Little Man stayed on the step, and only moved if someone would hold onto him. That was no surprise seeing as how his swimming lessons last week didn't go so swimmingly due to an extreme fear of deeper water that I had no idea he had. The Girl, on the other hand, well, she thought it was the best swimming pool ever. She was trying to jump and dive all around. Going under water and swimming back and forth, she was proud she could hold her breath the whole way (which was about 4 feet). She even asked me if I could run inside and grab her goggles for her.
It was hard because holding a swim team tryout was just what I had in mind for the night, but I had to say no.
Finally, after getting splashed in the face one too many times and getting kicked, I had to draw the line. I attempted to explain to her that hot tubs are for floating and relaxing in. She wanted to hear no part of that. As she continued her horse play, I told her that if she didn't sit still, she was no longer going to be welcomed in the hot tub.
Daddy, decided to help out with my explanation of the sequence of events that were going to take place if the rules of comfortably floating were not followed. He ended with, "And if you don't settle down, out you go! You'll be done for the night."
A very grumpy and mad Delanie folded her arms and scowled as she walked to the other side of the tub and sat with a big splash and a thud. Then under her breath she uttered, "At first I thought this was going to be the best day of my life. Then it turned into the worst day of my life. I never thought I would have a chance to get to be in the hot tub, and now I finally do, and it's the best thing ever. Then, my dad had to ruin it! He had to just go and bust me. Now it's the worst day ever!"
I sat and laughed.
I never knew how important the hot tub was. Now that I know it's power, I might use it for other parenting things.
Tonight was a special night. Grandma and Grandpa have a very large and very nice hot tub. Because I am one of "those" parents, I totally used it to my advantage tonight, and bribed them with it. The Girl and The Little Man were able to keep themselves together for the most part as we ran a number of errands after dinner tonight. Since they were well behaved we said they could get in with us tonight.
They were thrilled beyond all belief. The Little Man stayed on the step, and only moved if someone would hold onto him. That was no surprise seeing as how his swimming lessons last week didn't go so swimmingly due to an extreme fear of deeper water that I had no idea he had. The Girl, on the other hand, well, she thought it was the best swimming pool ever. She was trying to jump and dive all around. Going under water and swimming back and forth, she was proud she could hold her breath the whole way (which was about 4 feet). She even asked me if I could run inside and grab her goggles for her.
It was hard because holding a swim team tryout was just what I had in mind for the night, but I had to say no.
Finally, after getting splashed in the face one too many times and getting kicked, I had to draw the line. I attempted to explain to her that hot tubs are for floating and relaxing in. She wanted to hear no part of that. As she continued her horse play, I told her that if she didn't sit still, she was no longer going to be welcomed in the hot tub.
Daddy, decided to help out with my explanation of the sequence of events that were going to take place if the rules of comfortably floating were not followed. He ended with, "And if you don't settle down, out you go! You'll be done for the night."
A very grumpy and mad Delanie folded her arms and scowled as she walked to the other side of the tub and sat with a big splash and a thud. Then under her breath she uttered, "At first I thought this was going to be the best day of my life. Then it turned into the worst day of my life. I never thought I would have a chance to get to be in the hot tub, and now I finally do, and it's the best thing ever. Then, my dad had to ruin it! He had to just go and bust me. Now it's the worst day ever!"
I sat and laughed.
I never knew how important the hot tub was. Now that I know it's power, I might use it for other parenting things.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)