DD5: "Mama, are we going anywhere today?"
Mama: "No, why?"
DD5: "Why? (said with extreme whineyness) I wanted to go somewhere!"
Mama: "Well, we were out all day yesterday. We went to a movie. We went to Target. We went to the grocery. Where did you want to go?"
DD5: "The museum."
Mama: (thinking of a museum we visit quite often) We can't go to the Children's Museum today honey. It's too far to drive.
DD5: "No, not that museum. The Natural History Museum."
Okay, so let me change my position. This museum is close. And this museum is far.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Why One Should Keep Their Drinks VERY Far Back on the Counter
"Where is that baby?" I wondered to myself.
Not too long afterward, I hear the patter, patter, patter of chubby little feet running across hardwood floors.
She declares with glee, "Mommy, I wuv Coke!"
Oh, so that's where she was.
Not too long afterward, I hear the patter, patter, patter of chubby little feet running across hardwood floors.
She declares with glee, "Mommy, I wuv Coke!"
Oh, so that's where she was.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Fruit
As the ambulance and fire engine roared past, we began doing what we often do...praying for the one in need of such help. My son was praying from the back seat, "God, please heal the woman or man or child who is sick. And God, please don't just heal their body. Heal their hearts too."
Amen.
Sometimes I wonder if the things I say and do in the parenting journey bounce off my children's little ears --if they even penetrate their brains and hearts. And then, God smiles down at me, encouraging me with fruit that I can see in the hearts of my children. It overwhelms a tired mommy's heart with joy and gratitude.
Amen.
Sometimes I wonder if the things I say and do in the parenting journey bounce off my children's little ears --if they even penetrate their brains and hearts. And then, God smiles down at me, encouraging me with fruit that I can see in the hearts of my children. It overwhelms a tired mommy's heart with joy and gratitude.
Note To Self...
"Don't be alarmed when your children demonstrate inappropriate attitudes. Take that as an opportunity from the Lord to love your child in a very tangible way."
---Debbie Strayer
---Debbie Strayer
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Fashion Sense for a Three-Year-Old
My middle dd (newly turned 5) and I are known to have some real "rows" (as they say across the pond) over clothes. Who knew when I was so happy to have given birth to a daughter a mere 5 years ago the battles that could ensue with such a young girl over what she deems appropriate to put on her body. I quite mistakenly thought that these kinds of dicussions only took place with pre-teen and teen daughters. I.was.so.wrong.
Anyhoo, this trend is now beginning with my youngest -- who is not quite THREE, people! Her new requirements for chosen clothing for the day --pockets. Oh, and skirts that twirl.
God help us all.
Anyhoo, this trend is now beginning with my youngest -- who is not quite THREE, people! Her new requirements for chosen clothing for the day --pockets. Oh, and skirts that twirl.
God help us all.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Pondering the Importance of Prayer with Spurgeon
This came in my inbox today from "Morning and Evening":
"We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in his Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it." -Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in his Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it." -Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Saturday, December 29, 2007
In Memory
Hubby's precious grandma died on Wednesday. This is ironically also our middle dd's birthday. What a loss this dear woman will be in our family! As I sat thinking about things during today's funeral, I remembered that she was the first one who accepted me unconditionally into hubby's family. I felt a natural affinity with her as if I were her very own granddaughter and not an "in-law". She certainly treated me as such. How many people came up to tell us that her my children, her only great-grandchildren, were the joy of her life and how often she bragged on them? Too many to count. She was a pastor's wife and was married to grandpa for 60 years. They were truly best friends. One of my favorite funny things she said to me years ago was this, "You know, in the Bible, it says a wife is supposed to be a helpmate. But I'm pretty sure I've been more of a hinder-mate." She was always self-effacing!
At her funeral today, a poem was shared.
Success (usually attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but not neccesarily his writing)
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
The funny thing is as I listened to the pastor read this poem, every single phrase matched up with grandma. Every. Single. Phrase. But I would add one more line to that poem. To have been humble enough to accept the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to spend one's life sharing it --this is to have succeeded. And a success Oneta Louiza Crites Noel most certainly was.
At her funeral today, a poem was shared.
Success (usually attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but not neccesarily his writing)
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
The funny thing is as I listened to the pastor read this poem, every single phrase matched up with grandma. Every. Single. Phrase. But I would add one more line to that poem. To have been humble enough to accept the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to spend one's life sharing it --this is to have succeeded. And a success Oneta Louiza Crites Noel most certainly was.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Toddler's Prayer
Overheard at bedtime tonight:
"Jethus, thank you for mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. In Jethus name, amen."
Sweet!
"Jethus, thank you for mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. And mommy. And daddy. In Jethus name, amen."
Sweet!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
A Big Ole Writing Slump
I'm in a real writing slump lately, in case you can't tell by my serious lack of posting. I mean, I am in such a writing slump that I'm not even journaling, which, if you know me, is really weird. I am not sure what it is, but mainly, I just feel as if I have nothing of worth to say (or write). I'm not saying that in a "poor, pitiful me" sort of way, but it's truly how I'm feeling. I suppose it's okay not to write sometimes, to let real life seep in. Living --really living -- my life allows me to have something worthwhile to share. So, I'll keep living in my day-to-day moments and hopefully soon, I'll be out of the slump and have more to share here.
Oh, and on a fun note, my son, who lost his front tooth at age 3 in an accident, is FINALLY getting his big boy tooth. He's so excited!
Oh, and on a fun note, my son, who lost his front tooth at age 3 in an accident, is FINALLY getting his big boy tooth. He's so excited!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Just Caught the Baby Singing This to our Nativity Figurine
"I miss you a mewwy Chwis-mas! I miss you a mewwy Chwis-mas!"
And then she very adamantly kissed baby Jesus...Smack! Smack! Smack!
When big sister wanted to try, she refused citing the reason that "The baby Jesus is vewy gwass (glass)."
Love these moments with these sweet kiddos.
And then she very adamantly kissed baby Jesus...Smack! Smack! Smack!
When big sister wanted to try, she refused citing the reason that "The baby Jesus is vewy gwass (glass)."
Love these moments with these sweet kiddos.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Potty Training Success
My sweet baby girl is potty training. You know you're supposed to potty train a nearly-three-year-old when she stops what she's doing, tells you she needs to sit on the potty, turns around, and then does her business on the potty! So, when she did that, we knew she was ready and we'd better start.
Let's suffice it to say, I've learned a little about potty training over the years. When my son, my firstborn, was around 1 and a half, I tried to force the issue, listening to some well-meaning friends, and in my mama-immaturity, comparing myself to them. Well, that didn't go so well for mama or son! And then I tried to force the issue again when the boy was a little past 2. Again, a too-little boy with a very frustrated mama. Finally, I listened to my pediatrician, who had 5 of her own children. "Just wait," she wisely said, "when they are around three it will be so much easier because they can understand the concept better and their bodies are more physically able to 'hold it'." So, I waited and yes, at around 3 years of age, it was much easier. One week and the boy was trained!
I took these lessons to heart with my middle born daughter. I was going to wait until she was 3 as well. I had been changing diapers (often for more than one child) for 4 years straight at that point and had another baby by then, so I just waited. Until one day when we were at an amusement park with our extended family and my sis-in-love took her to the potty. And she went! Another week with some practice and she was trained as well! So, in reality, my sis-in-love potty-trained my sister, I always say.
Now our baby, and probably last child, is potty training. And she is doing so well. Really very few accidents. And I really attribute it to waiting until she was almost three. She is so proud of her new accomplishment and loves the skittle that awaits her with each new success.
So, my baby is pretty much potty trained in less than a week (not nights yet, of course) and so that means many fewer diapers, and one more way in which I'm gaining awareness that the "baby stage" in my life is coming to an end. Bittersweet.
Let's suffice it to say, I've learned a little about potty training over the years. When my son, my firstborn, was around 1 and a half, I tried to force the issue, listening to some well-meaning friends, and in my mama-immaturity, comparing myself to them. Well, that didn't go so well for mama or son! And then I tried to force the issue again when the boy was a little past 2. Again, a too-little boy with a very frustrated mama. Finally, I listened to my pediatrician, who had 5 of her own children. "Just wait," she wisely said, "when they are around three it will be so much easier because they can understand the concept better and their bodies are more physically able to 'hold it'." So, I waited and yes, at around 3 years of age, it was much easier. One week and the boy was trained!
I took these lessons to heart with my middle born daughter. I was going to wait until she was 3 as well. I had been changing diapers (often for more than one child) for 4 years straight at that point and had another baby by then, so I just waited. Until one day when we were at an amusement park with our extended family and my sis-in-love took her to the potty. And she went! Another week with some practice and she was trained as well! So, in reality, my sis-in-love potty-trained my sister, I always say.
Now our baby, and probably last child, is potty training. And she is doing so well. Really very few accidents. And I really attribute it to waiting until she was almost three. She is so proud of her new accomplishment and loves the skittle that awaits her with each new success.
So, my baby is pretty much potty trained in less than a week (not nights yet, of course) and so that means many fewer diapers, and one more way in which I'm gaining awareness that the "baby stage" in my life is coming to an end. Bittersweet.
Monday, November 12, 2007
My Latest DIVINE Lines Article
You might remember that our church puts out a monthly women's newsletter. Here's my latest contribution. And you can go here for all the other great articles from my awesome DiVINE Lines sisters.
The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These?
It was just before 9 pm, and bedtime for the three little people in our house is usually 8:30. It had been a busy day as usual, and I was very ready for them to head off for sweet slumber so that I could get my little bit of down time for the evening. I noticed though, that my children seemed to be having a blast --climbing all over their daddy, laughing with glee as he tickled them, tickling him back. I stiffled the urge to encourage all of us to start the bedtime routine and just decided to “go with the flow”, which is sometimes very difficult for my routine-loving personality.
It became increasingly difficult not to rush them off to bed when they stopped climbing all over daddy and began climbing all over me. By this time of the evening, I am spent, and every ounce of my flesh wanted to scream “Get off! Let’s go to bed!” But, I felt inside my spirit again that I needed to live in the moment, take it all in, and let my children see me enjoying time in their presence without any real agenda. I remembered the scripture (Matthew 19:14) that says, “Let the little children come to me, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” And I knew that the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention.
“How is THIS like the kingdom of heaven?” I wondered. If being poked and prodded, and occasionally kicked and tickled when all my energies for the day had been long spent was like the kingdom of heaven, I wasn’t sure I was up for it! But, then my middle daughter, Chloe (nearly 5), calmed down a bit and began gently stroking my cheek and then the eyelashes on my closed eyes. She just continued to gaze at my eyelashes, really studying them. And then, my own spiritual eyes were opened.
What an example of worship my sweet Chloe became to me that evening! My daughter simply wanted to be close to me. She loved caressing my face. She even wanted to take in the smallest parts of my face, including my eyelashes. She didn’t stop because it seemed “weird”, or because she got bored with it, or because she knew everything about me in a few seconds. She continued on for a several minutes. And while she continued, I began to wonder when was the last time I’d really gazed at Jesus like that –full of wonder, study, and delight? When was the last time I’d really seen His face, and been changed from the wonder of it all?
I was reminded of what scripture tells us about Moses after he’d spent time in the presence of the Lord. “But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what had been commanded. The sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.” (Exodus 34:34-35). Time spent gazing at the Lord changed Moses such that all could see it on his face. Isn’t it still the same today?
In those moments, I began to wonder if the time I spend in His presence each day could be seen by my children? Could they see my love and enjoyment and acceptance of them? That evening, while my daughter stroked my face, I gazed at the face of the Lord. I remembered His Word, and begged Him to change not only my face, but also my heart. I implored Him to remind me of what is most important. I pleaded with Him to love my children through me. And then I asked Him to keep reminding me through them that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These?
It was just before 9 pm, and bedtime for the three little people in our house is usually 8:30. It had been a busy day as usual, and I was very ready for them to head off for sweet slumber so that I could get my little bit of down time for the evening. I noticed though, that my children seemed to be having a blast --climbing all over their daddy, laughing with glee as he tickled them, tickling him back. I stiffled the urge to encourage all of us to start the bedtime routine and just decided to “go with the flow”, which is sometimes very difficult for my routine-loving personality.
It became increasingly difficult not to rush them off to bed when they stopped climbing all over daddy and began climbing all over me. By this time of the evening, I am spent, and every ounce of my flesh wanted to scream “Get off! Let’s go to bed!” But, I felt inside my spirit again that I needed to live in the moment, take it all in, and let my children see me enjoying time in their presence without any real agenda. I remembered the scripture (Matthew 19:14) that says, “Let the little children come to me, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” And I knew that the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention.
“How is THIS like the kingdom of heaven?” I wondered. If being poked and prodded, and occasionally kicked and tickled when all my energies for the day had been long spent was like the kingdom of heaven, I wasn’t sure I was up for it! But, then my middle daughter, Chloe (nearly 5), calmed down a bit and began gently stroking my cheek and then the eyelashes on my closed eyes. She just continued to gaze at my eyelashes, really studying them. And then, my own spiritual eyes were opened.
What an example of worship my sweet Chloe became to me that evening! My daughter simply wanted to be close to me. She loved caressing my face. She even wanted to take in the smallest parts of my face, including my eyelashes. She didn’t stop because it seemed “weird”, or because she got bored with it, or because she knew everything about me in a few seconds. She continued on for a several minutes. And while she continued, I began to wonder when was the last time I’d really gazed at Jesus like that –full of wonder, study, and delight? When was the last time I’d really seen His face, and been changed from the wonder of it all?
I was reminded of what scripture tells us about Moses after he’d spent time in the presence of the Lord. “But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what had been commanded. The sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.” (Exodus 34:34-35). Time spent gazing at the Lord changed Moses such that all could see it on his face. Isn’t it still the same today?
In those moments, I began to wonder if the time I spend in His presence each day could be seen by my children? Could they see my love and enjoyment and acceptance of them? That evening, while my daughter stroked my face, I gazed at the face of the Lord. I remembered His Word, and begged Him to change not only my face, but also my heart. I implored Him to remind me of what is most important. I pleaded with Him to love my children through me. And then I asked Him to keep reminding me through them that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Thursday, November 1, 2007
You Know I'm a Quote Junkie -- Praying for Our Children
"Earnest, secret, believing prayer should never cease to be daily presented for our offspring. Daily we should wrestle with God for their eternal salvation. That parent has neglected a very important branch of his duty, who has suffered one single day to pass by without bearing his children upon his heart before God in private prayer." --John Angell James
Tricks and Treats
We had a great time trick-or-treating last night. This is the second year we've gone house to house in our neighborhood and the second time we've handed out candy. We really enjoy getting to see our neighbors kiddos dressed up and we love seeing our kids getting so excited and running to the next house for more smiles and treats. We had a little Spiderman, a little Belle (from Beauty and the Beast), and a little Elmo. Tons of fun! I must say, I don't ever want my kids to get into the scary aspect of the day, but dressing up (which they do every day during playtime anyway) and visiting neighbors, and getting candy --I don't have a problem with that.
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