There has been some talk lately about what the next generation will be named. It seems that there's a "letter" trend since the induction of my own generation: Generation X. Following us was Generation Y. So, I guess it seems fitting that some would recommend the title Generation Z for the current generation. I don't agree. I've given some thought to it, and I would like to submit my suggestion: The "i" generation.
There's the obvious connotation of the tech gadgets that begin with "i" like the iphone, ipod, ipad, itouch, etc. Kids are familiar with each of them; often owning one themselves (at ages FAR too young in my honest opinion). It's also slightly morbid, but mostly befitting, that the Apple mogul died during this generation. He is now idolized (another "i") and revered more than ever before.
There are some words with "i" that we hear frequently now: imagine, ideals, increase, identity, ideology, immersion, immediate, immunizations, IQ, Iditarod (ok, just making sure you're still paying attention). Any one of these can be spun into a description for the future of our children.
But it goes much farther than that. For me, one of the strongest arguments is for the "i" to stand for "ironic." We're getting so advanced in our technology that we can see people across an ocean and speak to them in real time. We can text and it takes mere seconds to reach someone. We're more "in touch" than ever before. Yet, look around. If you go to a restaurant, people aren't talking to the ones at their own table. They're texting, or facebooking, or emailing people at a distance. The "i" can also be for "internet". Are they still calling it that these days? I can't keep up. I still say w-w-w dot when giving a web address. Silly me. But the older I get, the more pessimistic I get about the direction we are headed.
I've been noticing for a while that parents are giving small children technology to keep them quiet instead of teaching them to be social or occupy themselves without a movie or game. I'm amazed at the 3 year olds that are allowed to run around with an ipad. I certainly wouldn't hand my daughter five $100 bills and let her run around with them! She hid my keys in the toybox once and I couldn't find them for 36 hours. She's not to be trusted.
The "i" can also be a capital "I." We're raising a selfish generation, because that's what we're modeling. I've already read a handful of articles that talk about parents needing to put their phones down and pay attention to their children. How sad that our children are not a priority! Have we forgotten that "Children are our heritage and a blessing from the Lord"? (Psalm 127:3).
How great would it be if we could flip that "i" into something positive? If this is the generation my children will be part of, I want to show them that their ancestors didn't have it all wrong.
I want them to be part of the "I can still sit and write a letter" generation; or the "I would love to have a conversation with you" generation; or the "I believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow" generation. Better yet, let's call it the U generation. I love YOU because Christ loved YOU. How can I serve YOU? What can I do to help YOU? YOU are important! YOU matter.
Imagine that.
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Not all 'healthy' is created equal
I have a friend (and I'm kinda hoping she doesn't read our blog!), that recently tried to make the "switch" to organic foods based on my recommendations. After almost a month she emailed and said "I don't see any difference. It's too expensive and frustrating. I'm going back to the way we did things before."
This is a topic I could disucss for days, so, let me address here a few reasons why all things labeled 'organic' are not always healthy.
As with all things in life, I like to take a comprehensive approach. In parenting, there is no "one" method that works best for each child. Our kids are not textbooks, so we need to adjust what we do and how we respond for each one differently. With exercise, you can't just run for 30 seconds everyday and expect weight to fall off. With being healthy, you can't just make a switch to buying foods that have "organic" on them and expect to feel different within a few weeks. In fact, eating organically is a long term investment.
Many of the pesticides that leave a residue on our foods are known carcinogens and cancer takes years to surface. By eating organically now, I'm investing in my children's future by not exposing them to harmful chemicals. Likewise, organic foods do not contain GMO's (genetically modified ingredients). GMO's have not been around long enough for us to know their true impact. Again, until we know the long term effects, we try to avoid them.
With milk, chicken, and beef, the non-organic versions contain antibiotics (which can lead to antibiotic resistance), and hormones to make the animals mature faster. Those hormones are passed on to the person eating the food, or drinking the milk. Doctors are noticing that children are maturing faster (girls as early as second grade) and some have linked this fact to the hormones in our food. Obviously, just a month of eating organically won't make a difference here.
In addition, the 'organic' industry has exploded so there's a lot of money to be made by misguided consumers. Just because something says "organic" on it, does not mean it's healthy for you. Granted, when choosing between a regular and an organic cookie, the organic is the lesser of two evils, but not by much. Cow manure is considered organic but you don't see me feeding that to my kids either. :)
Our bodies were not made to process refined white flour and refined sugar. We were made to eat foods that are whole, natural, and fresh. Just because a cookie has an organic label on it, doesn't make it any easier for our bodies to process. Does that mean that we only eat fresh, whole, natural foods at our house? No. But we're careful about the quantity. The bulk of our diet is made up of the good stuff.
We also (in that comprehensive approach) make sure that our kids get plenty of exercise and we take daily vitamins (with extra D and probiotics).
If you're considering a switch to 'healthy' eating, I encourage you to do some research on your own. And give it more than a month.
This is a topic I could disucss for days, so, let me address here a few reasons why all things labeled 'organic' are not always healthy.
As with all things in life, I like to take a comprehensive approach. In parenting, there is no "one" method that works best for each child. Our kids are not textbooks, so we need to adjust what we do and how we respond for each one differently. With exercise, you can't just run for 30 seconds everyday and expect weight to fall off. With being healthy, you can't just make a switch to buying foods that have "organic" on them and expect to feel different within a few weeks. In fact, eating organically is a long term investment.
Many of the pesticides that leave a residue on our foods are known carcinogens and cancer takes years to surface. By eating organically now, I'm investing in my children's future by not exposing them to harmful chemicals. Likewise, organic foods do not contain GMO's (genetically modified ingredients). GMO's have not been around long enough for us to know their true impact. Again, until we know the long term effects, we try to avoid them.
With milk, chicken, and beef, the non-organic versions contain antibiotics (which can lead to antibiotic resistance), and hormones to make the animals mature faster. Those hormones are passed on to the person eating the food, or drinking the milk. Doctors are noticing that children are maturing faster (girls as early as second grade) and some have linked this fact to the hormones in our food. Obviously, just a month of eating organically won't make a difference here.
In addition, the 'organic' industry has exploded so there's a lot of money to be made by misguided consumers. Just because something says "organic" on it, does not mean it's healthy for you. Granted, when choosing between a regular and an organic cookie, the organic is the lesser of two evils, but not by much. Cow manure is considered organic but you don't see me feeding that to my kids either. :)
Our bodies were not made to process refined white flour and refined sugar. We were made to eat foods that are whole, natural, and fresh. Just because a cookie has an organic label on it, doesn't make it any easier for our bodies to process. Does that mean that we only eat fresh, whole, natural foods at our house? No. But we're careful about the quantity. The bulk of our diet is made up of the good stuff.
We also (in that comprehensive approach) make sure that our kids get plenty of exercise and we take daily vitamins (with extra D and probiotics).
If you're considering a switch to 'healthy' eating, I encourage you to do some research on your own. And give it more than a month.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Love the one you're with
At a church we used to attend, I remember one message that resonated with me. I couldn't tell you his five points or anything like that, but he was talking about how overwhelming it can be as Christians to be good people. We're supposed to be great parents, great kids, great friends, give to the needy, read your Bible, pray, work to be more like Christ, etc. etc. etc. How overwhelming! So his advice was this: Focus on ONE thing until it becomes habit then move on to something else. His struggle was his patience. So, he said that his "goal" was to focus on changing his tone when he spoke to his wife and children. There's even a verse about it. "A gentle tone turns away wrath" Proverbs 15:1
That was about 3 years ago. I actually tried it with a difficult person in my life at the time. And amazingly...it worked! I used a gentle tone and it totally disarmed the other person! Lately, it has resurfaced as a theme in my life and wanted to share.
(pardon me while I slip into Communication professor mode here)
Did you know that we are communicating 24/7? There's not ONE second of a day that we aren't communicating. Even when you're sleeping? Yes, you're communicating, "I'm sleeping. Please don't wake me." What's even more amazing is that 95% of our communication is NON-VERBAL. That's right...95%! Imagine a teenage girl with arms crossed, lips pursed, looking down to the ground and saying, "No, I'm fine!" Her non-verbal would say otherwise. Non-verbal is not just body language though. (aha!) It's also "tone." Most sarcasm occurs in just tone alone. I've reminded my children (and husband) numerous times, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."
Last weekend our pastor said that most people complain that it's hardest to be a Christian at work. But he disagreed. He said the hardest place to be a Christian is in our own homes with our families. Why is that? My theory goes back to the old cliche of "you always hurt the ones you love the most." I guess we all feel like our families will love us unconditionally no matter what, so we can let our guards down, vent, be impatient, lose our tempers, yell, etc.
I've even noticed it in public a lot lately. The other day at Chick-fila, I was in line to get a refill on my sweet tea and a lady behind me was berating her son. Then, just as quick as a whip, she flipped into "sweet lady" mode and changed her tone for the cashier when it was her time to order. It broke my heart. Here she was belittling the most precious person in her life, but felt like she had to be nice to a total stranger. I'm not saying we have to be syrup-y sweet all the time. That's next to impossible and doesn't do anyone any favors. You can still correct your children in a kind but firm manner. It's all about choices. When your significant other says "Honey, can you come here for a second?" We can choose to say "NOT NOW! WHAT DO YOU NEED?!" or we can say, "I can't right now. Can it wait a minute please?"
My friend Anna just wrote a post about finding what's right in front of you. Hopefully today you take time to realize that the people in your life are a gift. Use a gentle tone. And they will do the same back to you. Don't worry, I'm not perfect (that's a whole post in and of itself), so I am on this journey too. I don't know that I will ever perfect that gentle tone; but I'd rather die trying than live with regret.
I'll leave you with a picture of the girls taken with my phone. Just so you don't forget what they look like :D
My three blessings eating ice cream after Reagan's first day of first grade.
That was about 3 years ago. I actually tried it with a difficult person in my life at the time. And amazingly...it worked! I used a gentle tone and it totally disarmed the other person! Lately, it has resurfaced as a theme in my life and wanted to share.
(pardon me while I slip into Communication professor mode here)
Did you know that we are communicating 24/7? There's not ONE second of a day that we aren't communicating. Even when you're sleeping? Yes, you're communicating, "I'm sleeping. Please don't wake me." What's even more amazing is that 95% of our communication is NON-VERBAL. That's right...95%! Imagine a teenage girl with arms crossed, lips pursed, looking down to the ground and saying, "No, I'm fine!" Her non-verbal would say otherwise. Non-verbal is not just body language though. (aha!) It's also "tone." Most sarcasm occurs in just tone alone. I've reminded my children (and husband) numerous times, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."
Last weekend our pastor said that most people complain that it's hardest to be a Christian at work. But he disagreed. He said the hardest place to be a Christian is in our own homes with our families. Why is that? My theory goes back to the old cliche of "you always hurt the ones you love the most." I guess we all feel like our families will love us unconditionally no matter what, so we can let our guards down, vent, be impatient, lose our tempers, yell, etc.
I've even noticed it in public a lot lately. The other day at Chick-fila, I was in line to get a refill on my sweet tea and a lady behind me was berating her son. Then, just as quick as a whip, she flipped into "sweet lady" mode and changed her tone for the cashier when it was her time to order. It broke my heart. Here she was belittling the most precious person in her life, but felt like she had to be nice to a total stranger. I'm not saying we have to be syrup-y sweet all the time. That's next to impossible and doesn't do anyone any favors. You can still correct your children in a kind but firm manner. It's all about choices. When your significant other says "Honey, can you come here for a second?" We can choose to say "NOT NOW! WHAT DO YOU NEED?!" or we can say, "I can't right now. Can it wait a minute please?"
My friend Anna just wrote a post about finding what's right in front of you. Hopefully today you take time to realize that the people in your life are a gift. Use a gentle tone. And they will do the same back to you. Don't worry, I'm not perfect (that's a whole post in and of itself), so I am on this journey too. I don't know that I will ever perfect that gentle tone; but I'd rather die trying than live with regret.
I'll leave you with a picture of the girls taken with my phone. Just so you don't forget what they look like :D
My three blessings eating ice cream after Reagan's first day of first grade.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Kid Quotes
I think my kids are hilarious! I don't get to write down all the funny things they say, but these are a few of my favorites as of late:
I was singing in the van and Reagan said, "Mommy, you have such a pretty voice. Too bad you're too old for American Idol. You could have been somebody." :D
I was "racing" my parents to the house after dinner out one evening (don't worry, no speed limits were broken in the writing of this post), and Reagan said, "Mommy, this is the fastest and coolest van on the planet!" You just keep thinkin that Baby! Don't ever get too cool for your mama and the family minivan!
Skylar was "breastfeeding" her baby doll and said "oh man, I think my boobies are too small for my baby." Reagan replied, "Skylar, they are called nibbles." HA
I always tell the kids, "Let's hit the road Jack!" Last week, Skylar said, "Let's hit the Jack, Road!"
Thank the Lord for comic relief! I love that my kids keep me laughing!
I was singing in the van and Reagan said, "Mommy, you have such a pretty voice. Too bad you're too old for American Idol. You could have been somebody." :D
I was "racing" my parents to the house after dinner out one evening (don't worry, no speed limits were broken in the writing of this post), and Reagan said, "Mommy, this is the fastest and coolest van on the planet!" You just keep thinkin that Baby! Don't ever get too cool for your mama and the family minivan!
Skylar was "breastfeeding" her baby doll and said "oh man, I think my boobies are too small for my baby." Reagan replied, "Skylar, they are called nibbles." HA
I always tell the kids, "Let's hit the road Jack!" Last week, Skylar said, "Let's hit the Jack, Road!"
Thank the Lord for comic relief! I love that my kids keep me laughing!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Progress
I am without internet. All the facebooking and tweeting I have been doing, have been from my phone. OH, and email too. I am currently pirating internet from a neighbor (who is unaware). I know...not especially legal, but hey...he's the one that didn't put a password on his wireless modem. :D
I have been flooded with emails and comments and texts about my mom, so I thought I would do a little post and update everyone on this crazy train also known as life around here lately.
Last weekend my mom was watching the girls for us so we could get some work done on the new house. When we got home on Sunday night my mom said she was hit suddenly with a migraine. She took her migraine meds and went to bed. Monday it was worse so she went to Urgent Care (since her doc couldn't fit her in). They gave her a shot and sent her home. Wednesday she was still in pain so she went to the ER. They did a CT scan but didn't find anything so they gave her another shot and sent her home. Friday she woke up and had debilitating pain down her back and her hands were beginning to go numb (in addition to the loss of vision). She thought she might be having a stroke so my dad took her back to the ER. After a CT Scan WITH contrast, an MRA scan, AND a lumbar puncture, they determined that she had a right corotid cerebral aneurysm. It had not ruptured so they sedated her Friday night, through Saturday, and did "open" brain surgery yesterday at 8am. The surgery went well, with no complications, but it's still brain surgery. I would like to say that I was perfectly calm and handled it all with ease, but I can't. Let's just say I had my moments. I am praising God for the doctors. But also praising the Physician. You know...the big one in Heaven.
Mom is still in ICU and a bit hazy, but they are letting her "come to" slowly so that her brain does not swell. We are hoping to have her moved out of ICU by Wednesday. She has a metal plate in her skull, a chunk of hair missing, and a bandage wrapped around her head. She never looked better.
If you have been praying, thank you. If you haven't, please join us as we continue to pray for her recovery. She won't be able to drive for 3 months, which will be a challenge since we are moving 45 minutes away.
Our move is still on for Saturday. Today was Reagan's last field trip. Wednesday is her promotion (I'm working on her class video now), and Thursday is the last day. Friday is her hearing re-check, and Saturday...I mentioned we're moving right? Yes, I meant THIS Saturday. I'm hoping that everything in the house takes a Mary Poppins-esque mentality and just "jumps" into boxes when I snap my fingers. I know it would be a miracle, but hey, we've had a few of those around here already so I'm not ruling it out. The hardwood floors are going in tomorrows (Brian is finishing painting the kitchen cabinets tonight), Reagan's mural is done and Skylar's is almost done. We're in the home stretch. I've had to let go of "perfect" and be ok with "good enough" when it comes to the home improvements. But that's a whole post in and of itself.
We had Baileys 15 month appt today too. She is officially 20 pounds! woo hoo! Skylar has become an eating MACHINE since her tonsillectomy and has gained THREE pounds in the last month! She is now 30 pounds. Oddly, Reagan is 40 pounds. 20, 30, 40, I just find it humorous.
That's all for now. My next update will be a photo of me...a puddle of mush on the floor.
I have been flooded with emails and comments and texts about my mom, so I thought I would do a little post and update everyone on this crazy train also known as life around here lately.
Last weekend my mom was watching the girls for us so we could get some work done on the new house. When we got home on Sunday night my mom said she was hit suddenly with a migraine. She took her migraine meds and went to bed. Monday it was worse so she went to Urgent Care (since her doc couldn't fit her in). They gave her a shot and sent her home. Wednesday she was still in pain so she went to the ER. They did a CT scan but didn't find anything so they gave her another shot and sent her home. Friday she woke up and had debilitating pain down her back and her hands were beginning to go numb (in addition to the loss of vision). She thought she might be having a stroke so my dad took her back to the ER. After a CT Scan WITH contrast, an MRA scan, AND a lumbar puncture, they determined that she had a right corotid cerebral aneurysm. It had not ruptured so they sedated her Friday night, through Saturday, and did "open" brain surgery yesterday at 8am. The surgery went well, with no complications, but it's still brain surgery. I would like to say that I was perfectly calm and handled it all with ease, but I can't. Let's just say I had my moments. I am praising God for the doctors. But also praising the Physician. You know...the big one in Heaven.
Mom is still in ICU and a bit hazy, but they are letting her "come to" slowly so that her brain does not swell. We are hoping to have her moved out of ICU by Wednesday. She has a metal plate in her skull, a chunk of hair missing, and a bandage wrapped around her head. She never looked better.
If you have been praying, thank you. If you haven't, please join us as we continue to pray for her recovery. She won't be able to drive for 3 months, which will be a challenge since we are moving 45 minutes away.
Our move is still on for Saturday. Today was Reagan's last field trip. Wednesday is her promotion (I'm working on her class video now), and Thursday is the last day. Friday is her hearing re-check, and Saturday...I mentioned we're moving right? Yes, I meant THIS Saturday. I'm hoping that everything in the house takes a Mary Poppins-esque mentality and just "jumps" into boxes when I snap my fingers. I know it would be a miracle, but hey, we've had a few of those around here already so I'm not ruling it out. The hardwood floors are going in tomorrows (Brian is finishing painting the kitchen cabinets tonight), Reagan's mural is done and Skylar's is almost done. We're in the home stretch. I've had to let go of "perfect" and be ok with "good enough" when it comes to the home improvements. But that's a whole post in and of itself.
We had Baileys 15 month appt today too. She is officially 20 pounds! woo hoo! Skylar has become an eating MACHINE since her tonsillectomy and has gained THREE pounds in the last month! She is now 30 pounds. Oddly, Reagan is 40 pounds. 20, 30, 40, I just find it humorous.
That's all for now. My next update will be a photo of me...a puddle of mush on the floor.
Monday, May 4, 2009
I can do it!
Skylar dressed herself today. That's not out of the ordinary. She dresses herself a lot of the time, but today it was especially comical. I put her clothes on her bed for her (I do that now since her dresser fell over on her!) and told her to get dressed and meet me downstairs. She did just that. Except when she came downstairs, her clothing was on completely backwards. I chuckled (all the while flashing back to the 90's and that terrible Kris Kross fad), and said "Skylar honey, your clothes are on backwards."
"No they're not" she said.
"Yes, they are. See, the tag sticking out the front?"
"oooooh, they ARE backwards! That's ok. I don't mind it like this."
So, she stayed like that. All day. When we got home from our errands and the park, she was taking her clothes off for bathtime and said, "Mommy, my tag has been scratching my neck all day!"
"Really?" (laden with sarcasm) "Maybe if you had listened to mommy and put your clothes on the correct way, your neck wouldn't be all scratched up."
"Next time I will listen."
I laughed (knowing well enough that we would have this discussion again...and again....and again).
Isn't that just how it is with our relationship with the Lord though? When I was in high school, I asked my youth pastor why God would want to save us. I didn't understand the WHY part. Why had he sent his son to die for us? Why did he want to give us grace so that we wouldn't have to spend an eternity in hell? His answer was "When you are a parent, you will understand." And I think I am starting to "get it." I would give anything to save my children from suffering. I want only the best for them.
The flip side of that is that we ARE God's children. And like my children, I try to do things myself (knowing well enough that His way is probably better). My conversation with God might look very similar to one I had today:
"Heather, your way is backwards."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is. See how you messed up before?"
"Oooh, yes I do. But it's ok. I like it my way."
And the Lord will say "Ok, do it your way" knowing well enough that He and I will have this discussion again...and again...and again.
Just one of the many examples is the closing of our new house. I wanted it to be finished two weeks ago, but because it has been drawn out, our interest rate actually went down. The Lord's timing IS perfect (even if I don't always "get it" in the midst of things).
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.
"No they're not" she said.
"Yes, they are. See, the tag sticking out the front?"
"oooooh, they ARE backwards! That's ok. I don't mind it like this."
So, she stayed like that. All day. When we got home from our errands and the park, she was taking her clothes off for bathtime and said, "Mommy, my tag has been scratching my neck all day!"
"Really?" (laden with sarcasm) "Maybe if you had listened to mommy and put your clothes on the correct way, your neck wouldn't be all scratched up."
"Next time I will listen."
I laughed (knowing well enough that we would have this discussion again...and again....and again).
Isn't that just how it is with our relationship with the Lord though? When I was in high school, I asked my youth pastor why God would want to save us. I didn't understand the WHY part. Why had he sent his son to die for us? Why did he want to give us grace so that we wouldn't have to spend an eternity in hell? His answer was "When you are a parent, you will understand." And I think I am starting to "get it." I would give anything to save my children from suffering. I want only the best for them.
The flip side of that is that we ARE God's children. And like my children, I try to do things myself (knowing well enough that His way is probably better). My conversation with God might look very similar to one I had today:
"Heather, your way is backwards."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is. See how you messed up before?"
"Oooh, yes I do. But it's ok. I like it my way."
And the Lord will say "Ok, do it your way" knowing well enough that He and I will have this discussion again...and again...and again.
Just one of the many examples is the closing of our new house. I wanted it to be finished two weeks ago, but because it has been drawn out, our interest rate actually went down. The Lord's timing IS perfect (even if I don't always "get it" in the midst of things).
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Why?
I have a fun game that I like to play with the girls called "Why?"
It started when I would get a million "why" questions and didn't have the energy to answer all of them. No worries. I actually DO answer a lot of the "why" questions. But sometimes they would ask silly "why" questions on purpose just to get me to laugh. So, we turned it into a game. It's kind of like "I spy." You ask "why" questions based on what you see outside the windows of the van while driving.
Example:
Me: Why is the light red?
Reagan: Why is that guy on the bike not wearing a helmet?
Skylar: Why does that lady have green shoes?
You see...we don't answer them. We just keep asking. Eventually we all start giggling because the questions get silly. Especially today. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Why does that car have its lights on?
Skylar: Why is there a banana on that sign? Ha! Ha! Ha! (funny kid)
Reagan: Why is that guy peeing in the trees?
Me: WHAT?
I looked over on the side of the road, and indeed, a man was urinating in the trees. Thank you Mr. Pee-in in the trees Man. You have opened the door for me to have the all important "why we don't pee in public" conversation with my children. Somebody should give you a medal.
Or a cup.
Oy vey!
It started when I would get a million "why" questions and didn't have the energy to answer all of them. No worries. I actually DO answer a lot of the "why" questions. But sometimes they would ask silly "why" questions on purpose just to get me to laugh. So, we turned it into a game. It's kind of like "I spy." You ask "why" questions based on what you see outside the windows of the van while driving.
Example:
Me: Why is the light red?
Reagan: Why is that guy on the bike not wearing a helmet?
Skylar: Why does that lady have green shoes?
You see...we don't answer them. We just keep asking. Eventually we all start giggling because the questions get silly. Especially today. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Why does that car have its lights on?
Skylar: Why is there a banana on that sign? Ha! Ha! Ha! (funny kid)
Reagan: Why is that guy peeing in the trees?
Me: WHAT?
I looked over on the side of the road, and indeed, a man was urinating in the trees. Thank you Mr. Pee-in in the trees Man. You have opened the door for me to have the all important "why we don't pee in public" conversation with my children. Somebody should give you a medal.
Or a cup.
Oy vey!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Happenings
We have been busy bees lately! Last weekend we went to the strawberry fields in Carlsbad and picked our own fresh berries! For the last few days we have enjoyed strawberry pie, strawberry smoothies, strawberry milkshakes, and strawberry shortcakes. Mmmmmm! (So much for the four pounds I had lost....)
We also took a "personal" day and went to SeaWorld. Since Reagan had her hearing loss during her Spring Break (and there was no way I was going to take her to a crowded theme park when she couldn't hear me!), we decided to do something fun and take her out of school. It was unseasonably warm and thoroughly enjoyable.
My girls LOVE LOVE LOVE to do crafts so this past week, we made candles! It was fun and easy (and not nearly as messy as it could have been thanks to some tips from Tamara) We even added some "scent" to the candles so they would smell nice while burning. By far one of the favorites so far!! We've had "candlelit dinners" most nights this week.
In an attempt to be organized, I packed our first few boxes. I filled five boxes with toys from the playroom (although you can't really tell if you look in there now). Five down, 200 to go. Sigh. Moving is good. Moving is good. Moving is good.
We are hoping to close on the house by Thursday of next week! Prayers would be appreciated! :) Then the real fun begins!!
We also took a "personal" day and went to SeaWorld. Since Reagan had her hearing loss during her Spring Break (and there was no way I was going to take her to a crowded theme park when she couldn't hear me!), we decided to do something fun and take her out of school. It was unseasonably warm and thoroughly enjoyable.
My girls LOVE LOVE LOVE to do crafts so this past week, we made candles! It was fun and easy (and not nearly as messy as it could have been thanks to some tips from Tamara) We even added some "scent" to the candles so they would smell nice while burning. By far one of the favorites so far!! We've had "candlelit dinners" most nights this week.
In an attempt to be organized, I packed our first few boxes. I filled five boxes with toys from the playroom (although you can't really tell if you look in there now). Five down, 200 to go. Sigh. Moving is good. Moving is good. Moving is good.
We are hoping to close on the house by Thursday of next week! Prayers would be appreciated! :) Then the real fun begins!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Frantic Faith
I'm no good at chaos. One of my biggest pet peeves is being late, so I feel like I'm constantly rushing to get myself and the girls out the door on time. The kids hear the words "hurry," "quick," and "COME ON" so much that they have started saying the words to each other. Currently I feel like we have a lot going on. My to-do list continues to grow as daily I cross off a few items but add ten more. Today, I was putting out fires, pushing swings, standing up for our family, cutting up fruit, demanding results, changing diapers, and making silly faces, all the while tucking in my cape so my superhero status would not be revealed. After being "frantic" all morning, I sat down and sighed. In my devotions yesterday was the verse "Be still and know that I am God." It's that darn "Be Still" that I am not so good at yet. Isn't it just that way in our faith though? There's so much to learn; so much unknown; so many things we 'should' be doing, or wish we could be doing for others. People to serve. Songs to sing. Things to teach our children. Sharing our faith. Yet, all He wants from us is to Be Still.
Today, I chose to quiet the monkeys in my head that keep shouting about what I "should" be doing, and just sit (albeit for only 5 minutes), and breathe. I stared out the window while my children played and quietly thanked the Lord for them. And breathed.
Then the dog barked, the phone rang, the baby woke up, and my stomach growled. But I was 'still'....even if just for a moment.
Today, I chose to quiet the monkeys in my head that keep shouting about what I "should" be doing, and just sit (albeit for only 5 minutes), and breathe. I stared out the window while my children played and quietly thanked the Lord for them. And breathed.
Then the dog barked, the phone rang, the baby woke up, and my stomach growled. But I was 'still'....even if just for a moment.
Friday, April 10, 2009
AMAZING!
Indubitably Blessed! That's me! First, I have these AMAZING girls that challenge, inspire, and motivate me to be the best mom and person that I can be. THEN, I have this AMAZING friend that offered to take photos of my three precious blessings. Um, can you just say "AMAZING PHOTOS?"!!
Here's my shameless plug for her if you would like her to photograph your blessings too! (Love ya Jaimie!)
These are their Easter dresses, by the way.
Blessed beyond measure! Thank you Jaimie for sharing your "gift" with us! These are a TREASURE!!
Here's my shameless plug for her if you would like her to photograph your blessings too! (Love ya Jaimie!)
These are their Easter dresses, by the way.
Blessed beyond measure! Thank you Jaimie for sharing your "gift" with us! These are a TREASURE!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Toys and Tympanograms
A few years back (no one is quite sure how many), B purchased a camera for my birthday. It has served us well, but lately it seems to be "acting up." I tried putting it in time out, but that didn't work. :) So, rather than buy a new one, B brought his "work" camera home. I'm in LOVE! I'm still trying to figure out the whole "focus" thing. But I am looking forward to learning more about it.
Whatchyathink? It helps to have such cute subjects to photograph!
In other news, the last few days have been especially frustrating with Reagan as she seemed to be blatantly ignoring us. Today, she turned the television WAY up and said she still couldn't hear it. That was a clue for me to take her in to the dr. They used a "tympanogram" meter and found out that her eardrums were registering at zero. ZERO! No wonder she hasn't been "listening" to us lately. She couldn't hear us!! Now I feel like a heel. She has a double ear infection so she is now on antibiotics to clear it up and we are just praying that as the fluid behind her eardrums clears, her hearing will return. In the meantime, I am off to buy her some ice cream before she starts calling me Mommy Dearest. :D
Whatchyathink? It helps to have such cute subjects to photograph!
In other news, the last few days have been especially frustrating with Reagan as she seemed to be blatantly ignoring us. Today, she turned the television WAY up and said she still couldn't hear it. That was a clue for me to take her in to the dr. They used a "tympanogram" meter and found out that her eardrums were registering at zero. ZERO! No wonder she hasn't been "listening" to us lately. She couldn't hear us!! Now I feel like a heel. She has a double ear infection so she is now on antibiotics to clear it up and we are just praying that as the fluid behind her eardrums clears, her hearing will return. In the meantime, I am off to buy her some ice cream before she starts calling me Mommy Dearest. :D
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Ironic Monkeys
I don't know why, but all three of my girls have been nicknamed "monkey" at some point. No, I take that back. I do know why. It's because they INSIST on climbing on anything and everything from the minute they learn to pull themselves to a standing position. I was hoping (seriously praying) that Baby Bay would be our calm, docile, mellow, baby. No such luck. At 12 months old, she can climb onto the sofa, over the ottoman (that used to keep her safely in the family room), and last week tried to climb OUT of her crib! She has one of those cute little "push" toys that help babies learn to walk. Does she push it? NOPE. She climbs ONTO it and uses it like a scooter. In the same fashion, she kneels in the baby doll stroller and uses her other foot to push herself around the room. You would think that by the third child I would be used to all the daredevil ways. Somehow they still manage to freak me out with their stunts, but in my defense, I am much calmer when they hurt themselves. :D
With irony at it's best, I was in the midst of writing the above paragraph when Baby climbed onto the couch and then promptly fell off. All the while, Skylar was running through the house with the dogs and attempting to "hurdle" them when she tripped and fell face first onto the hardwood floors. Chipped tooth, fat lip, and a black eye later, she seems to be ok. Oy vey!
Who needs boys when you have monkeys for kids?
With irony at it's best, I was in the midst of writing the above paragraph when Baby climbed onto the couch and then promptly fell off. All the while, Skylar was running through the house with the dogs and attempting to "hurdle" them when she tripped and fell face first onto the hardwood floors. Chipped tooth, fat lip, and a black eye later, she seems to be ok. Oy vey!
Who needs boys when you have monkeys for kids?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)