Recently, The Little Man made it as a finalist for the first grade spelling bee. (I assure you, he did not get the spelling gene from me). He was pretty proud of himself, as he should be. As of right now, he is tied for first place in his class. We are eagerly awaiting the day he competes against the two other first grade classes in his school.
Last night, as we did our devotional, we learned about how much God cares about the things that keep us anxious or make us nervous. We recited the Philippians verse about not worrying about anything, but instead we can bring all things to God. We also thought about the goodness of God who allows us to cast our cares upon him because he cares for us. After that, we decided to come up with some things that have been bothering us, and together bring them before God. After The Girl shared her anxious thoughts, The Little Man just looked puzzled.
p: I just don't have anything that I am worried about!
me: Really? Nothing is upsetting you?
p: No! I mean its all really fun and cool.
me: Wow. What about the upcoming Spelling Bee? Are you nervous about that?
p: No. I mean I'll just do the best I can. That's all I can do anyway, right?
And so we praised God for the peace that fills that sweet boy's heart.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Is That A Duck?
Somehow, we've become addicted to Duck Dynasty. The whole family is on board. Actually, I know exactly what drove us to the OnDemand feature. It was the Spring Break blizzard and one case of walking pneumonia that had us on our rear ends for a few days in a row. After burning through our DVR and getting reaquainted with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, there was this one show. This show I kept seeing in people's status updates, and hearing people laugh about in random conversations. All three seasons of Duck Dynasty just happened to be available on OnDemand for all of Spring Break. It only took a couple of episodes to become addicted.
With over 90% of the episodes watched, and many episodes watched three or more times, it's easy to guess that we have been throwing around some Duck Dynasty one-liners here and there in conversations. This morning's conversation, though, still had me cracking up well after it went down.
A very loud, gross noise breaks the silence that is our early morning breakfast. Obvious of where it came from, both in person and body part, The Girl was quick to holler at her brother.
D: EEEEW! Bro-y! That's so gross! I'm trying to eat my breakfast!
P: (with out even skipping a beat) What? All I heard was a duck call.
D: (Laughing) Bro! That's sick!
P: (Still not cracking a smile) I'm serious. I just heard a duck call, what did you hear?
Ahhh, the "Who stepped on a duck?" comment has evolved just a little bit.
With over 90% of the episodes watched, and many episodes watched three or more times, it's easy to guess that we have been throwing around some Duck Dynasty one-liners here and there in conversations. This morning's conversation, though, still had me cracking up well after it went down.
A very loud, gross noise breaks the silence that is our early morning breakfast. Obvious of where it came from, both in person and body part, The Girl was quick to holler at her brother.
D: EEEEW! Bro-y! That's so gross! I'm trying to eat my breakfast!
P: (with out even skipping a beat) What? All I heard was a duck call.
D: (Laughing) Bro! That's sick!
P: (Still not cracking a smile) I'm serious. I just heard a duck call, what did you hear?
Ahhh, the "Who stepped on a duck?" comment has evolved just a little bit.
Friday, April 5, 2013
It's Not Easier, Just Different
This parenting gig, is no joke. It's demanding, fulfilling, difficult, joyous, exhausting, down right painful, and then some all wrapped up in one. As the kids have grown, I started noticing (fairly early on) that it never got easier. It's not like some other jobs where the job becomes second nature because you master it. You never master parenting. Never. Ever. What works one time, will most certainly not work a second time. And if you are a parent of more than one child, forget completely what worked for the first child. You must start from scratch with each child. Come to find out: We are all unique individuals . Crazy.
Recently, we have been dealing with some issues with The Girl. It's heart wrenching to say the least. There have been tears, many late night talks, lots and lots of prayers, and even loss of sleep. The thing is, when they venture out of the house and into the world of school, friends/peers, and teachers there is so little that I control anymore. Like I was really all that in-control before.
The other day, I had someone over at the house. She was visibly exhausted, and understandably so. She is the mom of a three year old and a one year old. So hard. As she chased her little girl up and down my stairs about seventy billion times, she looked at me and said, "It must feel so good to be in an easier stage of parenting. It does get easier, doesn't it?" While it seems like almost a life time ago, I remembered.
I remembered how physically tired you get. How you constantly wonder if you are doing it right. Does my child even understand the English language enough to comprehend that I've asked them 281 times not to poke the dog in the eye? Do time outs even work? Why is suggesting a nap the equivalent to asking for their right arm to be chopped of? Exhausting, lonely, and frustrating.
Those were hard days, no doubt. However, I don't think it ever got easier. I also don't think that it has gotten any harder. It just gets different. There is no mastery. As soon as you successfully leap over the hurdle of keeping them from thinking it's time to play tag every time you're in a busy parking lot, they move on to something else. Something that is just as dangerous and/or annoying. There is no getting easier. It's just different.
I'm learning that I'll never master this "parenting gig" that I've been placed in. While the days of time-outs, arguing over naps, and potty training are behind me, today I face issues of the heart. Friendship, self-identity/esteem issues, forgiveness, and handling every emotion under the sun. I look ahead and see friends dealing with opposite sex relationships/heartbreaks, dealing with more and more freedom, and making decisions for colleges or jobs. It's all so very difficult, exhausting, and emotional.
As I've turned to God for His wisdom in my parenting, I'm also learning that I can turn to Him for his comfort. Not only does He guide the way I make decisions in how to address the issues we are facing now, He comforts me as I hurt over their hurts. He assures me with His love for me, and the truth that He loves them more than I could ever love them. Ultimately, it is He that is holding them. And as things get tricky, or down right painful, He reminds me that nothing is wasted. While sometimes I feel silly that my problems seem so small compared to what others may be dealing with, He reminds me that He has seen all of it, He is in control, and He cares.
Father God, thank you for knowing what it's like to be a parent. You are the ultimate parent, perfect in all of your ways. You know what is good for us, and you lead us in those directions. When things get difficult, you are not only my helper and guide, but my comforter. Thank you for showing me, these last few weeks, how you never leave my side, how you see each one of my hurts, as well as when my kids hurt, that nothing is too small or too big for you, and that you care. Thank you for letting nothing go wasted. You are training me too, as I train them. Thank you. In your loving name, Amen
Recently, we have been dealing with some issues with The Girl. It's heart wrenching to say the least. There have been tears, many late night talks, lots and lots of prayers, and even loss of sleep. The thing is, when they venture out of the house and into the world of school, friends/peers, and teachers there is so little that I control anymore. Like I was really all that in-control before.
The other day, I had someone over at the house. She was visibly exhausted, and understandably so. She is the mom of a three year old and a one year old. So hard. As she chased her little girl up and down my stairs about seventy billion times, she looked at me and said, "It must feel so good to be in an easier stage of parenting. It does get easier, doesn't it?" While it seems like almost a life time ago, I remembered.
I remembered how physically tired you get. How you constantly wonder if you are doing it right. Does my child even understand the English language enough to comprehend that I've asked them 281 times not to poke the dog in the eye? Do time outs even work? Why is suggesting a nap the equivalent to asking for their right arm to be chopped of? Exhausting, lonely, and frustrating.
Those were hard days, no doubt. However, I don't think it ever got easier. I also don't think that it has gotten any harder. It just gets different. There is no mastery. As soon as you successfully leap over the hurdle of keeping them from thinking it's time to play tag every time you're in a busy parking lot, they move on to something else. Something that is just as dangerous and/or annoying. There is no getting easier. It's just different.
I'm learning that I'll never master this "parenting gig" that I've been placed in. While the days of time-outs, arguing over naps, and potty training are behind me, today I face issues of the heart. Friendship, self-identity/esteem issues, forgiveness, and handling every emotion under the sun. I look ahead and see friends dealing with opposite sex relationships/heartbreaks, dealing with more and more freedom, and making decisions for colleges or jobs. It's all so very difficult, exhausting, and emotional.
As I've turned to God for His wisdom in my parenting, I'm also learning that I can turn to Him for his comfort. Not only does He guide the way I make decisions in how to address the issues we are facing now, He comforts me as I hurt over their hurts. He assures me with His love for me, and the truth that He loves them more than I could ever love them. Ultimately, it is He that is holding them. And as things get tricky, or down right painful, He reminds me that nothing is wasted. While sometimes I feel silly that my problems seem so small compared to what others may be dealing with, He reminds me that He has seen all of it, He is in control, and He cares.
Father God, thank you for knowing what it's like to be a parent. You are the ultimate parent, perfect in all of your ways. You know what is good for us, and you lead us in those directions. When things get difficult, you are not only my helper and guide, but my comforter. Thank you for showing me, these last few weeks, how you never leave my side, how you see each one of my hurts, as well as when my kids hurt, that nothing is too small or too big for you, and that you care. Thank you for letting nothing go wasted. You are training me too, as I train them. Thank you. In your loving name, Amen
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Love Wins
As I walked into the room, there were eight of them. Girls? No, they are too old to be referred to as girls. Women? No way. Too young. Young ladies? I don't know. That doesn't seem to fit either. It's certainly not what society would call them. Young ladies carries the connotation that these girls are proper, well behaved, clean cut, gentle spirited, maybe even refined. I'm not sure I'd use even one of those words to describe these eight, but it's hard to tell in here. This place where they all wear orange. This place where they must act infinitely more callous and guarded than any girl actually is or should have to be. The wounds they carry are already bone deep.
Yet, here they all are. And here I am.
I've never been here with a group this large. Usually, when I come only one or two is interested in what I have to share. The rest do what they do. I've even been scowled and hissed at. This time, all but one sit and wait for me.
Introductions are made, some small talk ensues, and we all try to get comfortable. Physically and emotionally. I think we all feel a little raw. In the rawness, I open up a balm. I've learned it's the only balm of it's kind. 100% effectiveness. It soaks into the places you never thought anything could reach, soothes aches you didn't know existed, and it brings a healing that leaves you better than new. It breathes life. It is life. Life in words. The Word.
They want to know how I know these "stories" are true. How can I be so sure? There are so many other theories. We work through the doubts and skeptical questions. We try to figure out all the angles.
They want impenetrable proof.
Then I tell them that the proof is when the truth lives in them. When you allow Him in something happens. The transformation is inexplicable, yet you completely understand. You are free. Your past disappears. You no longer live under a continuous, low-lying, black cloud. A strong wind has blown and magnificently cleared the air. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life.
I tell them they will know it's truth because they will feel the freedom of choice. No longer having to only act and react in the same ways that have previously caused chaos, wounds, and death. Now they will have a choice. And with that choice, a source of strength that allows them to make choices that are beyond what they are capable of. Beyond what they would even dream of. Choices that bring peace, love, and life. They will be free to take off their old ways, and put on new ways.
Lastly, I tell them they will know because not only will they feel love, they will freely give it. That not only will they live in forgiveness they, themselves, will be able give, in trust and in understanding. Trusting that they are loved and forgiven, and understanding of who we all really are.
The impenetrable truth will be them. It will be their lives. It will be how they live. That's how we know. There are no conspiracy theories that can change the truth of which they will live. It will be theirs. Something all their own.
Nervously, I ask if any of the eight would like to pray with me, asking for the Spirit of life to take residence in their hearts. In this place, many don't like that question. It's far too vulnerable. At first it was two. Then it was four. And as we bowed our heads to the One who makes all things new, I hear seven of them pray out loud with me.
And that's how I know it's truth. I've seen it. I've lived it. I've watched as He works. Right in front of my eyes, he has made beauty from ashes. Taken death and turned it into life.
They are older than girls, but not quite yet women. Their new names are, Daughters of the One True King.
Yet, here they all are. And here I am.
I've never been here with a group this large. Usually, when I come only one or two is interested in what I have to share. The rest do what they do. I've even been scowled and hissed at. This time, all but one sit and wait for me.
Introductions are made, some small talk ensues, and we all try to get comfortable. Physically and emotionally. I think we all feel a little raw. In the rawness, I open up a balm. I've learned it's the only balm of it's kind. 100% effectiveness. It soaks into the places you never thought anything could reach, soothes aches you didn't know existed, and it brings a healing that leaves you better than new. It breathes life. It is life. Life in words. The Word.
They want to know how I know these "stories" are true. How can I be so sure? There are so many other theories. We work through the doubts and skeptical questions. We try to figure out all the angles.
They want impenetrable proof.
Then I tell them that the proof is when the truth lives in them. When you allow Him in something happens. The transformation is inexplicable, yet you completely understand. You are free. Your past disappears. You no longer live under a continuous, low-lying, black cloud. A strong wind has blown and magnificently cleared the air. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life.
I tell them they will know it's truth because they will feel the freedom of choice. No longer having to only act and react in the same ways that have previously caused chaos, wounds, and death. Now they will have a choice. And with that choice, a source of strength that allows them to make choices that are beyond what they are capable of. Beyond what they would even dream of. Choices that bring peace, love, and life. They will be free to take off their old ways, and put on new ways.
Lastly, I tell them they will know because not only will they feel love, they will freely give it. That not only will they live in forgiveness they, themselves, will be able give, in trust and in understanding. Trusting that they are loved and forgiven, and understanding of who we all really are.
The impenetrable truth will be them. It will be their lives. It will be how they live. That's how we know. There are no conspiracy theories that can change the truth of which they will live. It will be theirs. Something all their own.
Nervously, I ask if any of the eight would like to pray with me, asking for the Spirit of life to take residence in their hearts. In this place, many don't like that question. It's far too vulnerable. At first it was two. Then it was four. And as we bowed our heads to the One who makes all things new, I hear seven of them pray out loud with me.
And that's how I know it's truth. I've seen it. I've lived it. I've watched as He works. Right in front of my eyes, he has made beauty from ashes. Taken death and turned it into life.
They are older than girls, but not quite yet women. Their new names are, Daughters of the One True King.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
He is Infinitely More
As I sat on the beach on the Big Island, I thought to myself, "I don't think it can get much better than this. Then, I opened my book and read this quote:
"Every time you feel in God's creatures something pleasing and attractive, do not let your attention be arrested by them alone, but, passing them by, transfer your thought to God and say "O my God, if Thy creations are so full of beauty, delight, and joy, how infinitely more full of beauty, delight, and joy art Thou Thyself, Creator of all!" --Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.
Here is some of the beauty I took in and experienced. To think of it as just a foretaste of what's to come, is more than my heart can handle.
By far, the best part of this trip was to see God's fingerprint everywhere I looked.
Praise you, Lord, creator of all things.
"Every time you feel in God's creatures something pleasing and attractive, do not let your attention be arrested by them alone, but, passing them by, transfer your thought to God and say "O my God, if Thy creations are so full of beauty, delight, and joy, how infinitely more full of beauty, delight, and joy art Thou Thyself, Creator of all!" --Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.
Here is some of the beauty I took in and experienced. To think of it as just a foretaste of what's to come, is more than my heart can handle.
By far, the best part of this trip was to see God's fingerprint everywhere I looked.
Praise you, Lord, creator of all things.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Is Anyone Out there?
You may have thought I had forgotten my Blogger password. You would be wrong. As embarrassing as it is, the truth is, I just haven't been here in over a month. Yes. I believe it has been longer than five weeks. In all fairness, I think the last post was a fair warning. The kids are keeping me so busy, and time moves so quickly. While to me it feels like I just posted yesterday, reality says it has been over five weeks. It's a bit sobering.
While I would love to dive into each item I'm going to share here and make it it's own post, it just isn't going to happen. Also, I don't feel like I can come here after so long and not do a catch up. Here's to hoping that catching up on the blog is not all I do this year.
Like I mentioned before, the kids are still no joke. Their activities are large and in-charge. Combined with homework, we barely have time to sit and watch TV. I know. The horror of it all. Currently, we are in Jiu Jitsu twice a week, Battle of the Books (which ends on Wednesday, but more on that later), AWANA (which we've skipped since the beginning of February because we can't fit it in), and we are between basketball and soccer season. I can barely talk about that last item. Soccer season. I'm not, and never desired to be a "soccer mom". I don't really like the sport all that much, but even more so, I do not like that this sport takes place outside during the craziest weather seasons Colorado has to offer. I have no love in my heart for sitting outside for an hour freezing my tail off in either frigid temps, snow, rain, or high (freezing cold) winds. But let's get real. We live in Colorado. We often see all of those things in the course of an hour. Easily. I'm no friend of cold weather. Combine that with a game that holds my attention for a short time, and I'm out. Apparently, I'm one of the few. My son may be one of the only kids on his team that will be playing soccer for the first time this season. I will try not to complain about this anymore. The Little Man is over the moon that his, "mommy finally let me play the game I love the most." I'm a horrible, selfish mother.
The Girl is about to wrap up Battle of the Books this season, tomorrow. I'm proud to say that they won the area championships last week and tomorrow her team will be battling it out for top seat in the district! It's been a very happy time in this house since Friday when they won. They made it to the same spot last year and lost. So, this year's win was that much sweeter. I'm both excited and nervous for her. I know these kids really know their stuff, and they'll do their very best. I just hope for her, it gets them a win. Will she survive if it doesn't? Absolutely. However, I can't help but want this for her. I'll have to keep the blog updated....you know in a few months.
Um, oh yea, I went to Hawaii. Never in my whole life did I ever think I would say that I have been to Hawaii (or any of the the Hawaiian islands) twice in less than a year. Never. I mean, I never stepped foot on an island until The Hubs and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2010. Also, I never thought it possible for us to go there and not pay a red cent for our flight, hotel, or 90% of what we ate. It was a true gift and blessing for Scott and I to be able to go on this trip at the end of February without our kids, and an even bigger blessing that my in-laws were so willing to keep our kids for the five days we were gone. It was a sweet time of slowing down and reconnecting as a couple. Not to mention spending time with my parents (who also came with us) and just feeling spoiled. God's creation absolutely floors me. I know I have heard people "ooo" and "ahhh" over the mountains. Their majestic beauty is something to notice for sure. However, the beach, the ocean, the tropical plant life, and sea life do it for me. I can't tell you how many times I had to stop, catch my breath, and then just praise Him for all He has made, and His creativity and power in it all. From lava flows and volcanoes, to watching whales play in the ocean, splashing their whale tales, I was astounded by the beauty of all of it. I am hoping to spend a post on this later, including pictures.
The Hubs has been on a serious diet for the last five weeks. I totally blame this diet for the lack of blogging. Totally. He has been gluten free, yeast free, and sugar free since February 11th. The gluten and sugar are actually not too difficult. Challenging, yes. Difficult, not so much. I mean, 15% of the country is gluten free which means at the super markets in my area, I can find numerous products that are either made without gluten, or are naturally gluten free. They are all clearly labeled and easy to find. Also, when I search the internet, there is a wealth of information, recipes, and advice from so many people who have gone before and paved the way. The yeast piece of this diet? Yea. It's REALLY difficult. Yeast is in everything, and it is not clearly labeled, and not many people have paved the way here. In all seriousness, this diet became a full-time job for me for at least 3 weeks. I spent probably 40+ hours a week researching about the diet, finding recipes, searching for substitutes, shopping for new foods, finding stores where the new products were sold, etc. I went from rocking dinner about 95% of the time to only serving something somewhat tolerable about one in every four to five dinners. The other dinners we gagged back, and it pains me to say, we would just throw out a lot of stuff. The diet was supposed to help resolve some major inflammation in his body, thus helping in some other health issues that he battles everyday. While inflammation is down and he has lost 30 pounds, we aren't quite sure that anything else has been fixed or alleviated. However, my husband is determined to follow this through to the end. So, two more weeks of this, and we'll try something different. It should be interesting, to say the least. Also, it has reopened my eyes to the crud we put into our bodies each day. No wonder we are breaking down and have so many different ailments. I'm convinced that we, as a society, are slowly killing ourselves with our food. That's a whole different topic, and I better stop there.
My youngest sister got engaged. Yup! I could not be happier for her or her man. They will say "I do" on August 1st this year. It is a speedy engagement, but it will be full of fun and special times. I can not wait to celebrate her in this precious season of her life. My kids are just as excited, and I have especially loved watching them take in this special time. The Girl is all about the ring, the dress, and the romance of it all. The Little Man has been very sweet in praying for her stress levels. Making sure to ask God for His help for her to get done what needs to be done, and that she'll be happy with all the decisions that are made. He also is quick to tell people that his aunt is going to get married and he'll have a new uncle. Precious.
Combining the trip to Hawaii and daylight savings, proved to be extremely difficult. I suffered from some serious jet lag due to the time change and the red eye flight that we had to make, twice (our airplane broke down leading to a canceled flight, and then we had to take another red-eye the next evening with no sleep during the day in between). Just when I was catching up, painfully I might add, the time change came, and I was off again. I'm convinced that this exhaustion led to my first cold in about four years. I had forgotten how miserable you feel when your head is congested and your body is just crummy feeling all over. Thankfully, I was able to fight it off in about five-ish days. I really reevaluating the way I treat the kids and The Hubs when they are sick. Compassion and grace are good things.
Here's to hoping I make it back again before another month goes by. I do miss it here, but have been writing in my journal frequently. One day I hope to share.
While I would love to dive into each item I'm going to share here and make it it's own post, it just isn't going to happen. Also, I don't feel like I can come here after so long and not do a catch up. Here's to hoping that catching up on the blog is not all I do this year.
Like I mentioned before, the kids are still no joke. Their activities are large and in-charge. Combined with homework, we barely have time to sit and watch TV. I know. The horror of it all. Currently, we are in Jiu Jitsu twice a week, Battle of the Books (which ends on Wednesday, but more on that later), AWANA (which we've skipped since the beginning of February because we can't fit it in), and we are between basketball and soccer season. I can barely talk about that last item. Soccer season. I'm not, and never desired to be a "soccer mom". I don't really like the sport all that much, but even more so, I do not like that this sport takes place outside during the craziest weather seasons Colorado has to offer. I have no love in my heart for sitting outside for an hour freezing my tail off in either frigid temps, snow, rain, or high (freezing cold) winds. But let's get real. We live in Colorado. We often see all of those things in the course of an hour. Easily. I'm no friend of cold weather. Combine that with a game that holds my attention for a short time, and I'm out. Apparently, I'm one of the few. My son may be one of the only kids on his team that will be playing soccer for the first time this season. I will try not to complain about this anymore. The Little Man is over the moon that his, "mommy finally let me play the game I love the most." I'm a horrible, selfish mother.
The Girl is about to wrap up Battle of the Books this season, tomorrow. I'm proud to say that they won the area championships last week and tomorrow her team will be battling it out for top seat in the district! It's been a very happy time in this house since Friday when they won. They made it to the same spot last year and lost. So, this year's win was that much sweeter. I'm both excited and nervous for her. I know these kids really know their stuff, and they'll do their very best. I just hope for her, it gets them a win. Will she survive if it doesn't? Absolutely. However, I can't help but want this for her. I'll have to keep the blog updated....you know in a few months.
 |
| My Champion |
 | |||
| The whole team! |
The Hubs has been on a serious diet for the last five weeks. I totally blame this diet for the lack of blogging. Totally. He has been gluten free, yeast free, and sugar free since February 11th. The gluten and sugar are actually not too difficult. Challenging, yes. Difficult, not so much. I mean, 15% of the country is gluten free which means at the super markets in my area, I can find numerous products that are either made without gluten, or are naturally gluten free. They are all clearly labeled and easy to find. Also, when I search the internet, there is a wealth of information, recipes, and advice from so many people who have gone before and paved the way. The yeast piece of this diet? Yea. It's REALLY difficult. Yeast is in everything, and it is not clearly labeled, and not many people have paved the way here. In all seriousness, this diet became a full-time job for me for at least 3 weeks. I spent probably 40+ hours a week researching about the diet, finding recipes, searching for substitutes, shopping for new foods, finding stores where the new products were sold, etc. I went from rocking dinner about 95% of the time to only serving something somewhat tolerable about one in every four to five dinners. The other dinners we gagged back, and it pains me to say, we would just throw out a lot of stuff. The diet was supposed to help resolve some major inflammation in his body, thus helping in some other health issues that he battles everyday. While inflammation is down and he has lost 30 pounds, we aren't quite sure that anything else has been fixed or alleviated. However, my husband is determined to follow this through to the end. So, two more weeks of this, and we'll try something different. It should be interesting, to say the least. Also, it has reopened my eyes to the crud we put into our bodies each day. No wonder we are breaking down and have so many different ailments. I'm convinced that we, as a society, are slowly killing ourselves with our food. That's a whole different topic, and I better stop there.
My youngest sister got engaged. Yup! I could not be happier for her or her man. They will say "I do" on August 1st this year. It is a speedy engagement, but it will be full of fun and special times. I can not wait to celebrate her in this precious season of her life. My kids are just as excited, and I have especially loved watching them take in this special time. The Girl is all about the ring, the dress, and the romance of it all. The Little Man has been very sweet in praying for her stress levels. Making sure to ask God for His help for her to get done what needs to be done, and that she'll be happy with all the decisions that are made. He also is quick to tell people that his aunt is going to get married and he'll have a new uncle. Precious.
Combining the trip to Hawaii and daylight savings, proved to be extremely difficult. I suffered from some serious jet lag due to the time change and the red eye flight that we had to make, twice (our airplane broke down leading to a canceled flight, and then we had to take another red-eye the next evening with no sleep during the day in between). Just when I was catching up, painfully I might add, the time change came, and I was off again. I'm convinced that this exhaustion led to my first cold in about four years. I had forgotten how miserable you feel when your head is congested and your body is just crummy feeling all over. Thankfully, I was able to fight it off in about five-ish days. I really reevaluating the way I treat the kids and The Hubs when they are sick. Compassion and grace are good things.
Here's to hoping I make it back again before another month goes by. I do miss it here, but have been writing in my journal frequently. One day I hope to share.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Overflowing Full
January was a full month. All sorts of stuff going on in real life, and in my head and heart. Here's what's going on (in no particular order):
1) The kids are no joke this year. I mean, between the two of them, I'm out of breath. Of course, it's all been good things. It's just that this is the first (school) year that we have really been engaged in several extra curricular activities. In the past, I have let each of them pick one thing at a time. Meaning, if The Girl was doing an activity, it was The Little Man's "off-season" and vice versa. It kept me sane. This year it just wasn't going to work out. The kids have both found things that they really enjoy, and it just so happened that their "seasons" overlapped. Right now, we are in the middle of basketball season for The Little Man, but we also have Jiu Jitsu and AWANA.
2) Going along with number one, The Girl is currently preparing for the school's talent show with a friend of hers. They are going to sing Avril Lavigne's "Skater Boy". Don't ask. Actually, I did ask. Their response was, "It was our favorite song on the karaoke machine." Awesome. I told them that next year, we could all work together to find the best song. Thankfully, they've agreed. You might be asking, "Why didn't you stop it before they tried out?" Well, friends, if I am going to be honest, I really didn't think they would make it in. I know. You all hate me. I don't really like myself for thinking it either. However, can I say, it made me all the more surprised to see just how cute they were. Even if they were singing about their skater boy heart throb. We'll see the grand performance tomorrow night. In the meantime, I've been shopping for the perfect "Skater Girl" outfits with two girls who would rather wear sequins because, after all, they are going to be on stage, and learning how to edit music digitally. Turns out that each performance can only be three minutes, and when those three minutes are up, there up. Well, the girls had some definite opinions on which parts of the music they wanted to keep and which had to go. So, there I was learning how to cut, split, combine, and fade music. I've impressed even myself.
3) Speaking of The Girl, I finally got some 10 year old portraits of her. Here are a few of my favorites:
4) Speaking of portraits, this past month I had some photography mentoring. It was fun and challenging, and most importantly, it opened my eyes to my own work. I did three shoots in the span of about 10 days, which is a lot for me. I don't think I've mastered anything she has taught me yet, but throughout the year, I am hoping to see some serious growth in my work. I'm also feeling like I could take another class or one on one mentoring again soon.
5) While I haven't been writing here, I have been writing "old school" style, you know, in a journal. God has really been working on my heart and teaching me tons about "Faith". I am loving it, but some stuff just has to be kept private. Maybe there will be some summary at some point, but right now, it's just my brain emptying as much as I can, as fast as I can.
6) The Girl's team for Battle of the Books won the school wide competition. That means she and her team will compete once a week against different schools in the district, and eventually they will compete for top school in the district. We L-O-V-E Battle of the Books. It is such a fun way to encourage reading. It also just happens to be the only form of competition that The Girl will engage in.
7) The Little Man has been sick more this school year than the last two school years combined. When he came down with some sort of funky flu like virus a few weeks ago, I looked back at the calendar and realized that he's been sick and had to miss school every single month this school year. Crazy. Here's to hoping that February will be different. Even if it is just because it has less days.
With all that has been going on, I'm really having to work hard on not getting too overwhelmed. I overwhelm very easily (if you haven't figured that out). God has really been good to me, showing me that, while there may be a lot going on, it's all good stuff. It's also all stuff that has been prayed about and for. We are living out our days full of answered prayers. He is showing me that instead of being overwhelmed and shutting down, I can be overwhelmed and full of thanksgiving. When I choose to pick the latter, it makes life so rich. That is my prayer for February.
"Lord, let me see the way you are filling our lives with blessing and answered prayers, and let me respond with praise and thanksgiving!"
1) The kids are no joke this year. I mean, between the two of them, I'm out of breath. Of course, it's all been good things. It's just that this is the first (school) year that we have really been engaged in several extra curricular activities. In the past, I have let each of them pick one thing at a time. Meaning, if The Girl was doing an activity, it was The Little Man's "off-season" and vice versa. It kept me sane. This year it just wasn't going to work out. The kids have both found things that they really enjoy, and it just so happened that their "seasons" overlapped. Right now, we are in the middle of basketball season for The Little Man, but we also have Jiu Jitsu and AWANA.
2) Going along with number one, The Girl is currently preparing for the school's talent show with a friend of hers. They are going to sing Avril Lavigne's "Skater Boy". Don't ask. Actually, I did ask. Their response was, "It was our favorite song on the karaoke machine." Awesome. I told them that next year, we could all work together to find the best song. Thankfully, they've agreed. You might be asking, "Why didn't you stop it before they tried out?" Well, friends, if I am going to be honest, I really didn't think they would make it in. I know. You all hate me. I don't really like myself for thinking it either. However, can I say, it made me all the more surprised to see just how cute they were. Even if they were singing about their skater boy heart throb. We'll see the grand performance tomorrow night. In the meantime, I've been shopping for the perfect "Skater Girl" outfits with two girls who would rather wear sequins because, after all, they are going to be on stage, and learning how to edit music digitally. Turns out that each performance can only be three minutes, and when those three minutes are up, there up. Well, the girls had some definite opinions on which parts of the music they wanted to keep and which had to go. So, there I was learning how to cut, split, combine, and fade music. I've impressed even myself.
3) Speaking of The Girl, I finally got some 10 year old portraits of her. Here are a few of my favorites:
5) While I haven't been writing here, I have been writing "old school" style, you know, in a journal. God has really been working on my heart and teaching me tons about "Faith". I am loving it, but some stuff just has to be kept private. Maybe there will be some summary at some point, but right now, it's just my brain emptying as much as I can, as fast as I can.
6) The Girl's team for Battle of the Books won the school wide competition. That means she and her team will compete once a week against different schools in the district, and eventually they will compete for top school in the district. We L-O-V-E Battle of the Books. It is such a fun way to encourage reading. It also just happens to be the only form of competition that The Girl will engage in.
7) The Little Man has been sick more this school year than the last two school years combined. When he came down with some sort of funky flu like virus a few weeks ago, I looked back at the calendar and realized that he's been sick and had to miss school every single month this school year. Crazy. Here's to hoping that February will be different. Even if it is just because it has less days.
With all that has been going on, I'm really having to work hard on not getting too overwhelmed. I overwhelm very easily (if you haven't figured that out). God has really been good to me, showing me that, while there may be a lot going on, it's all good stuff. It's also all stuff that has been prayed about and for. We are living out our days full of answered prayers. He is showing me that instead of being overwhelmed and shutting down, I can be overwhelmed and full of thanksgiving. When I choose to pick the latter, it makes life so rich. That is my prayer for February.
"Lord, let me see the way you are filling our lives with blessing and answered prayers, and let me respond with praise and thanksgiving!"
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