We have been thinking about/dreaming of/wishing for/praying about the possibility of moving to a home that is more suitable for our family right now and in the long term. I really like our current house and it seems to suit us. It's not fancy, it's simple. It's not big, it's average. However, there are a couple of things that I don't appreciate about it and the biggest is that I can't see my children in the back yard from the main living area of my house. They are constantly begging to go out and play and I want them too as well but it just doesn't seem like it ever works for me. I'll be making supper and they are wanting to go play, and I'm wanting them to get outside but the way this house is laid out, it just doesn't really work right now with the ages that they are. We have a few other reasons as well but the main reason to move would be for a more functional layout.
There really wasn't a chance this could happen in the next two years but Raya got approved for Child Disability Tax Credit (and they are backdating to her birth) so this will allow us to pay off the only other loan we have left (besides our mortage). We've really been working on our finances for the last 7 months or so and have seen God to great things with the money we have. We can't wait to have that debt pay off. It's such an unhealthy debt to have and it weighs heavily on us. We've been trying out best to follow "Dave Ramsey's" Total Money Makeover and it's working well for us. Some fantastic friends of ours got us hooked on it last year. It's been great to handle our finances more "biblically". We've realized that borrowing isn't an option for us(with the exception of mortgage and possibly a vehicle). And lending isn't an option either...we will give. The book states, if you have it to lend, you have it to give. We have been enjoying seeing how God has used our (I mean *His*) money to bless people.
All this to say that it seems like we are getting ahead and are possibly in the position to move....YAY!! We found a house we love, a community we love....but...the community doesn't have a lot we can afford to put the house on :( I know it will all work out and we will move when we are able. We are still going to proceed with getting our house ready to sell and will hopefully list it in the next month or so. I don't have a problem buying an existing house, in fact that's what we'd planned to do along. I get so nervous and stressed about the timing of everything .... and well, basically, I need to sit back, enjoy the ride and remember that God is bigger than all of these worries I have. The house in Cranston just seemed so *right*. It's not huge or glamorous but it's big enough. It's got a great kitchen and I could see the kids playing in the backyard. If we are going to homeschool, I NEED to be able to have the kids outside for some fresh air most days.
Well, I think that's all for today. I'm on my way to enjoy a day full of coffee, kids, cleaning, laundry, and work and I'm going to do my best to release all my worries and stresses to the Lord.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
It's been a day...
Admit it...we've all had days that we've wanted to do this...
Disclaimer: I promise this was only taken for "shock factor" for when Chris drives up! I love my little man, he's just hitting the 'terrible twos' a little early.
Disclaimer: I promise this was only taken for "shock factor" for when Chris drives up! I love my little man, he's just hitting the 'terrible twos' a little early.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Worship
I've been spending alot of time 'worshipping' lately...on my own. I look up my friends blogs and most of us have music attached and I can't help but start to sing and eventually, I'm not even reading anymore...I'm in my office, with the door closed, fully worshipping the God I serve, my creator, defender, comfortor...my everlasting Father....no one else.
I struggle at church and often wish everyone was seperated into cubicles...imagine this....curtains going lenthwise and widthwise so each person would have their own little space. :) I know that people aren't really 'watching' each other but I often find myself wanting to 'let-go' when I'm worshipping... I want to raise my hands, or dance, or smile, or kneel, or weep...and it's hard for me to fully worship in a room full of people. It's intimate....between Christ and I....and I don't want to share it with others....much the same as I wouldn't want to be in a room full of people when Chris and I having our most intimate moments (whether it be conversation, holding, or anything else).
It's not uncommon for me to have my worship music cranked in the van and to be crying or singing my heart out...I love it!! I wish I had the same freedom at church on a Sunday morning without feeling so inhibitated.
I struggle at church and often wish everyone was seperated into cubicles...imagine this....curtains going lenthwise and widthwise so each person would have their own little space. :) I know that people aren't really 'watching' each other but I often find myself wanting to 'let-go' when I'm worshipping... I want to raise my hands, or dance, or smile, or kneel, or weep...and it's hard for me to fully worship in a room full of people. It's intimate....between Christ and I....and I don't want to share it with others....much the same as I wouldn't want to be in a room full of people when Chris and I having our most intimate moments (whether it be conversation, holding, or anything else).
It's not uncommon for me to have my worship music cranked in the van and to be crying or singing my heart out...I love it!! I wish I had the same freedom at church on a Sunday morning without feeling so inhibitated.
Raya still wears pull-ups at night and lately has been having a few accidents during the day. Odd. I think it might be because she 'thinks' she is wearing a pull-up so she pee's and then clearly realizes that she isn't. A while ago (before Christmas) we discussed the idea of no more pullups and I told her that after 1 week of panties at bedtime she could pick out a toy. She chose Blue's Clue's Lego. Nothing ever came of it though, she insisted on pullups at bedtime and I didn't argue for a couple of reasons.
Well, yesterday after another accident, I said "No more pullups!!, You are a big girl and you are going to wear panties!" She was excited about it and wore panties to bed last night. She was still try at 4am when I checked her but she woke me up at 430 when she just couldn't hold it any longer. I did a quick bedding change and put a pullup on her....she said "I'm not a little, I'm a big girl!" I switched it to panties and she was good for the rest of the night!
This morning she said she wants to wear a pullup tonight...so I broke out the old bribe and said "but don't you want a new toy? and don't you want to be a big girl?"
She right away said "Ya, I can have Blue's Clue's Lego right mama?"
"Sure you can, or you can choose something else if you'd like"
there was a pause and then she said "I think I'll pick a new pack of PullUps!"
sigh
Well, yesterday after another accident, I said "No more pullups!!, You are a big girl and you are going to wear panties!" She was excited about it and wore panties to bed last night. She was still try at 4am when I checked her but she woke me up at 430 when she just couldn't hold it any longer. I did a quick bedding change and put a pullup on her....she said "I'm not a little, I'm a big girl!" I switched it to panties and she was good for the rest of the night!
This morning she said she wants to wear a pullup tonight...so I broke out the old bribe and said "but don't you want a new toy? and don't you want to be a big girl?"
She right away said "Ya, I can have Blue's Clue's Lego right mama?"
"Sure you can, or you can choose something else if you'd like"
there was a pause and then she said "I think I'll pick a new pack of PullUps!"
sigh
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Makeover Madness
Today was my big "makeover day". I was so stressed about it last night. Yesterday was a "fat day" for me and I was not wanting to have my picture taken for a magazine today. When I was at the Posh Mommy store, I declined to buy the awesome blue cardigan that I was wearing with the outfit I ended up buying. Last night, I realized that the cardigan was a HUGE part of the outfit, in fact, probably my favorite piece of it....it's a toss up between the scarf or the cardi. It took me a while to realize that Satan was trying to 'steal my thunder'. I decided in my mind that this was supposed to be a happy, relaxing, fun thing and I shouldn't care what I look like. I'm a mom...I have rolls!
When I got to the spa this morning, I mentioned to Julie (the girl from the mag) that I realized yesterday that the cardigan was what really made the outfit for me. I told her "It's too bad I can't just borrow it for 1/2 an hour for the photo shoot". Posh Mommy is just down the street from the Spa and Julie knows the owner. It was only about an hour later and 'whola' I had the cardigan for the morning!!
The owner of the Spa was adament that there were no 'before' photos taken. He said that noone needs to look crappy in a photo. I was pleased :)
I didn't actually get the spa treatments today but they did 'stage' a few shots. It was still fun though.
I hadn't realized that Swizzle Sticks was going to color my hair as well as cut and style it! I had a great stylist, Emma. At the end, when I put my new, way to expensive, clothes on, Emma said "I love that cardigan!!!" Ya, her and I both. Julie told her there was one more at the store. Emma, ended up just buying the one I was wearing, over the phone with Posh Mommy! I was sad to give up the cardigan (insert pouting face here).
We headed outside for a few "after" shots. I'm really not good at those. I don't like to smile because my teeth are ugly and it felt weird to have someone shooting photos of me on a street corner.
I had to drive past Posh Mommy to get home and my van accidently pulled into the parking lot, my body got out, went inside, and purchased the cardigan. I just couldn't leave it! I had some birthday money still in my wallet and so I decided that today was as good of time as any to use it. I normally wouldn't buy something so expensive but I just feel so good in it and I'll be able to wear it with lots of things. I know I would have regretted not buying it. So, I spoiled myself today. And I guess I realized what I'd been hanging on to my birthday money for.
Here is a little 'storyboard' of the event that the photographer put together. Check out her website. She rocks!
When I got to the spa this morning, I mentioned to Julie (the girl from the mag) that I realized yesterday that the cardigan was what really made the outfit for me. I told her "It's too bad I can't just borrow it for 1/2 an hour for the photo shoot". Posh Mommy is just down the street from the Spa and Julie knows the owner. It was only about an hour later and 'whola' I had the cardigan for the morning!!
The owner of the Spa was adament that there were no 'before' photos taken. He said that noone needs to look crappy in a photo. I was pleased :)
I didn't actually get the spa treatments today but they did 'stage' a few shots. It was still fun though.
I hadn't realized that Swizzle Sticks was going to color my hair as well as cut and style it! I had a great stylist, Emma. At the end, when I put my new, way to expensive, clothes on, Emma said "I love that cardigan!!!" Ya, her and I both. Julie told her there was one more at the store. Emma, ended up just buying the one I was wearing, over the phone with Posh Mommy! I was sad to give up the cardigan (insert pouting face here).
We headed outside for a few "after" shots. I'm really not good at those. I don't like to smile because my teeth are ugly and it felt weird to have someone shooting photos of me on a street corner.
I had to drive past Posh Mommy to get home and my van accidently pulled into the parking lot, my body got out, went inside, and purchased the cardigan. I just couldn't leave it! I had some birthday money still in my wallet and so I decided that today was as good of time as any to use it. I normally wouldn't buy something so expensive but I just feel so good in it and I'll be able to wear it with lots of things. I know I would have regretted not buying it. So, I spoiled myself today. And I guess I realized what I'd been hanging on to my birthday money for.
Here is a little 'storyboard' of the event that the photographer put together. Check out her website. She rocks!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Life's Not Fair
For a long time now I've wondered why as parents we feel this incredible need to make sure everything is "fair". I guess probably because in an 'ideal' world, everything would be "fair". When our kids are playing we say things like
"make sure you are fair"
"don't do that, it's not fair"
"do you think that was fair?"
Raya lately has been coming up to me when she's upset at one of her siblings or something I've done and she says "NO FAIR!" (which she can say quite well, I have to admit it1) I've started to respond with "Life's not Fair!"
I don't want to teach my kids that everything is about "fairness". I think I might be better off to teach them how to deal with life when it isn't "fair" to them.
I know my children aren't guinnea pigs, but I have been doing some experimenting with my theory :) I've been cutting their pizza in different sizes, pouring different amounts of chocolate milk etc.... of course in the end, they probably end up with an equal amount but it's the principle of teaching them how to react when they feel that they have been mis-treated. Sometimes you will get less, and sometimes you will get more. What is the proper way to react when you have less? what about when you have more and see that someone has less? It's opened alot of doors of communication and led to some good conversations and 'teachable moments' with them, especially Hallie.
I'd rather teach them about the lack of fairness right now when they are more 'teachable' rather than teach them only about fairness and have them leave the house at 18 and realize that LIFE ISN'T FAIR.
Of course, my goal for my children is that they treat others fairly, and it is one of our family rules, but I also want them to know how to react, respond and deal with life when it isn't fair.
"make sure you are fair"
"don't do that, it's not fair"
"do you think that was fair?"
Raya lately has been coming up to me when she's upset at one of her siblings or something I've done and she says "NO FAIR!" (which she can say quite well, I have to admit it1) I've started to respond with "Life's not Fair!"
I don't want to teach my kids that everything is about "fairness". I think I might be better off to teach them how to deal with life when it isn't "fair" to them.
I know my children aren't guinnea pigs, but I have been doing some experimenting with my theory :) I've been cutting their pizza in different sizes, pouring different amounts of chocolate milk etc.... of course in the end, they probably end up with an equal amount but it's the principle of teaching them how to react when they feel that they have been mis-treated. Sometimes you will get less, and sometimes you will get more. What is the proper way to react when you have less? what about when you have more and see that someone has less? It's opened alot of doors of communication and led to some good conversations and 'teachable moments' with them, especially Hallie.
I'd rather teach them about the lack of fairness right now when they are more 'teachable' rather than teach them only about fairness and have them leave the house at 18 and realize that LIFE ISN'T FAIR.
Of course, my goal for my children is that they treat others fairly, and it is one of our family rules, but I also want them to know how to react, respond and deal with life when it isn't fair.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The makeover
So, I really don't want to seem ungrateful but this makeover thing is turning out to be a bit of a pain. Initially, I was told to get ready for a "Day of Pampering" and to make sure I had the whole day free. Sounds great, doesn't it?? Well, they booked it for a Tuesday which is a little inconvenient because if I need the whole day, that would make for about 10 hours of babysitting while Chris is at work and ALOT of prep work since the kids need to get to and from school at certain times etc. So, it started to stress me.
Then, the lady from the magazine called (who is super duper sweet btw) to let me know that I actually wouldn't be getting my spa treatments on Tuesday. In fact, the spa is closed that day. I am just to show up at 9, looking normal/horrible, they will take my picture in various spa settings and then I will get my hair and makeup done, put on my new outfit from Posh Mommy and have a final "tada" photo. So, I had to go to Posh Mommy yesterday at 12:15 to pick out an outfit. The magazines photographer (who is also super duper sweet) came for a few minutes to snap a few pics. Then, a 'professional stylist' was on hand to help me pic out an outfit. I was given $300 to spend. Well.....that amount of money doesn't buy much. The jeans are all $250.00 and the tops average about $180.00. Yikes!!! So, it was a little stressful. I didn't want to spend any money...isn't that the point of WINNING something. I found it odd that it was impossible to get an outfit for that amount of money but that's all that they offered. I was expecting to be able to go whenever I wanted and to be able to buy whatever I wanted. Not be told that I needed an "outfit" to wear for the 'after' picture. So, I ended up spending $90 of my own money and then still having to go buy some shoes that the sylist recommended. I almost feel guilty owning these expensive "Joe's Jeans". How do people afford it? or justify it? The lady from the mag said "once you wear high end jeans, you'll never go back!" I don't have a choice but to go back. Our finances don't allow this type of thing and my heart/mind don't either to be quite honest. It wasn't even like I *loved* anything in there and wished for it. I honestly felt sick to my stomach that people honestly think that these clothes are worth that much money. I'll still have to tip for my haircut and spa treatments so after all is said and done, I'll have had to pay about $250 of my own money to win a package valued at $1000.00. Seems like a good deal, but if you don't really have the $250.00 ($90 at posh mommy, $40 shoes, $75 tips-because they expect 15-20%, $45 in babysititng) it's not such a deal. Chris has to stay home a bit in the morning and then the kids will have a couple of my friends to watch them from 10-2, when I get back.
AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
It's been frustrating. I'm trying to just enjoy it because I never win and a spa treatment will be awesome (when I finally get there). The personal fitness sessions will hopefully be good too. At one point yesterday, while at Posh Mommy, the owner said to me "You need to spoil yourself" to which I replied "One needs to have money in order to spoil themselves". Some people just don't get what it's like to earn a lower salary and live within your means.
Well, I'll be sure to blog about how everything goes on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll just be able to relax and have fun and enjoy it since I never win and everyone means well. It's not the magazines fault that we don't have the extra money to put in to it. I just stress and loose sleep over stupid things!!!
And when the magazine publishes the article, I'll post the link.
Then, the lady from the magazine called (who is super duper sweet btw) to let me know that I actually wouldn't be getting my spa treatments on Tuesday. In fact, the spa is closed that day. I am just to show up at 9, looking normal/horrible, they will take my picture in various spa settings and then I will get my hair and makeup done, put on my new outfit from Posh Mommy and have a final "tada" photo. So, I had to go to Posh Mommy yesterday at 12:15 to pick out an outfit. The magazines photographer (who is also super duper sweet) came for a few minutes to snap a few pics. Then, a 'professional stylist' was on hand to help me pic out an outfit. I was given $300 to spend. Well.....that amount of money doesn't buy much. The jeans are all $250.00 and the tops average about $180.00. Yikes!!! So, it was a little stressful. I didn't want to spend any money...isn't that the point of WINNING something. I found it odd that it was impossible to get an outfit for that amount of money but that's all that they offered. I was expecting to be able to go whenever I wanted and to be able to buy whatever I wanted. Not be told that I needed an "outfit" to wear for the 'after' picture. So, I ended up spending $90 of my own money and then still having to go buy some shoes that the sylist recommended. I almost feel guilty owning these expensive "Joe's Jeans". How do people afford it? or justify it? The lady from the mag said "once you wear high end jeans, you'll never go back!" I don't have a choice but to go back. Our finances don't allow this type of thing and my heart/mind don't either to be quite honest. It wasn't even like I *loved* anything in there and wished for it. I honestly felt sick to my stomach that people honestly think that these clothes are worth that much money. I'll still have to tip for my haircut and spa treatments so after all is said and done, I'll have had to pay about $250 of my own money to win a package valued at $1000.00. Seems like a good deal, but if you don't really have the $250.00 ($90 at posh mommy, $40 shoes, $75 tips-because they expect 15-20%, $45 in babysititng) it's not such a deal. Chris has to stay home a bit in the morning and then the kids will have a couple of my friends to watch them from 10-2, when I get back.
AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
It's been frustrating. I'm trying to just enjoy it because I never win and a spa treatment will be awesome (when I finally get there). The personal fitness sessions will hopefully be good too. At one point yesterday, while at Posh Mommy, the owner said to me "You need to spoil yourself" to which I replied "One needs to have money in order to spoil themselves". Some people just don't get what it's like to earn a lower salary and live within your means.
Well, I'll be sure to blog about how everything goes on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll just be able to relax and have fun and enjoy it since I never win and everyone means well. It's not the magazines fault that we don't have the extra money to put in to it. I just stress and loose sleep over stupid things!!!
And when the magazine publishes the article, I'll post the link.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Grand Prize Winner?
I subscribe to a magazine called "Birth of a Mother" and last week they emailed a contest for a "Mommy Makeover". To enter you had to tell them in 100 words why you thought you deserved to win. I just quickly made up a poem and sent it in. After I had sent it, I was quite embarrassed because I should have taken the time to look it over and think about it...it could have been SOOOO much better.
Well, I guess they loved it because I won!!! Here is what I won:
From Swizzlesticks Salon & Spa: 1 x Caribbean Manicure and Pedicure 1 x Aroma Wellness Massage OR Aroma Wellness Facial 1 x Shampoo, Condition, Cut, Style and Finish
1 x Make-up Consultation and Application
From Posh Mommy: $300 Gift Card and Style session with Personal Stylist Kim Flanagan to pick out a new outfit
From Milestones Grill & Bar: $75 Gift Certificate
From Fit Mom: 8 Personal Training Sessions
From bo bébé: $150 Gift Basket
From Shooligans: 1 pair of Robeez soft soles, 1 pair of Squeaky Shoes
Here is a copy of my ridiculous poem that will now be published in the magazine...how horrifying...oh well...at least I'll look good :)
I am a busy mom of three
and barely have time to pee.
I shower at night, (so I can do it alone)
and spare them all from the fright.
I work from home to earn extra money
and rarely get to spend time with my honey.
With a kindergartner, a preschooler and a toddler
…put on clean clothes? why even bother?
With a pony on top, and baggy pants on the bottom
It’s a wonder they have style with all I’ve taught ‘em.
My friends don’t dare laugh, we’re all the same way
I’d rather spend time with my kids than get ready all day.
Someday I’ll spend money on myself
I just keep waiting to loose my ‘muffin top’ shelf.
I love my kids, wouldn’t trade this for the world
But a day of pampering sounds like the best thing I’ve heard!
Now I just have to find someone to watch the kids on Tuesday!
Oh, and if you have little ones and don't subscribe to the magazine you should!!!!
Well, I guess they loved it because I won!!! Here is what I won:
From Swizzlesticks Salon & Spa: 1 x Caribbean Manicure and Pedicure 1 x Aroma Wellness Massage OR Aroma Wellness Facial 1 x Shampoo, Condition, Cut, Style and Finish
1 x Make-up Consultation and Application
From Posh Mommy: $300 Gift Card and Style session with Personal Stylist Kim Flanagan to pick out a new outfit
From Milestones Grill & Bar: $75 Gift Certificate
From Fit Mom: 8 Personal Training Sessions
From bo bébé: $150 Gift Basket
From Shooligans: 1 pair of Robeez soft soles, 1 pair of Squeaky Shoes
Here is a copy of my ridiculous poem that will now be published in the magazine...how horrifying...oh well...at least I'll look good :)
I am a busy mom of three
and barely have time to pee.
I shower at night, (so I can do it alone)
and spare them all from the fright.
I work from home to earn extra money
and rarely get to spend time with my honey.
With a kindergartner, a preschooler and a toddler
…put on clean clothes? why even bother?
With a pony on top, and baggy pants on the bottom
It’s a wonder they have style with all I’ve taught ‘em.
My friends don’t dare laugh, we’re all the same way
I’d rather spend time with my kids than get ready all day.
Someday I’ll spend money on myself
I just keep waiting to loose my ‘muffin top’ shelf.
I love my kids, wouldn’t trade this for the world
But a day of pampering sounds like the best thing I’ve heard!
Now I just have to find someone to watch the kids on Tuesday!
Oh, and if you have little ones and don't subscribe to the magazine you should!!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The girls bedroom
The girls have a small bedroom upstairs right now. It's not so bad when they are sleeping in bunk beds but for the past 8 months or so no-one has wanting to sleep on the top so we have them seperated. It's so crammed you can barely move in there. It's driving everyone crazy. They want a place to play where Theo can't get at them but they can barely turn around in their bedroom. We have a large bedroom downstairs that we use as a guest/storage room and we've decided to move the girls into that room. They will be right beneath us but I know I'll have a hard time at first....they'll feel so far away :( They will have more space though and their own 'kid' bathroom! I hope it goes as smoothly as I'm hoping it does but I do have my reservations for sure. I got a *sweet* deal on the bedding thanks to my brother who lives in the States and was willing to allow me to have my stuff shipped to his place for him to forward on to me. I'm excited to have it done...but there is work involved first. We need to clean out the room and decide what to do with all the junk. I think we've decided that we aren't going to keep the guest bed. Initially we thought we'd move the bed upstairs but I think I'm going to need that space for homeschooling stuff. We rarely get overnight company anymore. We used to be like a hotel and I was constantly washing the bedding and getting the room ready for our next visitors but those days are few and far between now. It's hard to justify saving the second biggest room in the house for guests that come only a few times a year when we can be using the room on a daily basis. So, we will have a queen blowup mattress and for those that don't appreciate that, Chris and I will sleep on it and give them our bed for the nights when we have overnight guests.
I'm pretty sure I've decided on painting their room blue and brown...stripes. It's a lot of work but it will look tres cool when completed. I'm painting some headboards that came from Chris's sisters old bedroom and have already bought a nightstand. I'm still deciding on what type of storage system to get...will most likely end up being Ikea. They need a place to store some crafts and toys....and ideas?
I'll post pics as we go along! Hopefully by the end of April they will be downstairs living every teenagers dream :)
Here is a pic of the bedding.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I'll try again!
Last week I posted a super huge long blog and then when I went to change the font to white so it could be read, I accidently deleted it. I was so MAAAAAD. I'll try again and honestly I hope to become much better at this blogging thing. There have been so many times in the past few weeks that I've though "I should blog about that"....and then I just don't.
Today was a crazy day. Hal had a dentist appt at 930 which we didn't make it to. It was just to early...the roads weren't great so it was going to take about 45 minutes to get there, the kids slept in and so did I. Daylight savings sucks, although I am grateful that it will now be light enough outside for me to go for a run when Chris gets home. I just need the temperature to increase by a few (40) degrees!
So, I called the dentist when it became apparent that we were going to be late and asked if they would rather I reschedule than come late and they said "yes, please reschedule". We went to Bible Study instead, which is our usual Tuesday morning thing. I love the Ladies Bible Study group at our church. It's led by a great lady who I really look up to. She is someone that I'd admired from afar for a while and this past summer started meeting with once in a while for coffee. She is a great mentor for me and I'm glad that God has put her in my life.
I honestly can't believe how quickly the kids are growing up. Hallie just celebrated her 6th birthday and we had a very fun "Chocolate Factory" party for her. My goal/hope in having big parties for them and "doing it big" is that it's their special time to be celebrated and when Christmas rolls around, that's Jesus's time. Their friends have fun at their parties and go home with a few small 'gifts' and at Christmas, we will have fun celebrating Jesus's birthday and they will each get a few small gifts. Their birthday is all about them and I want Christmas to be all about Jesus.
Hallie is really big right now on showing the love of Jesus to people around her. She 'cleaned' my room for me last week when I wasn't feeling well and said
"Mom, because you aren't feeling well, I cleaned your room for you. That's called thinking of others (udders) before yourself right? That's what Jesus teaches us in the Bible"
She is especially concerned about our muslim neighbors and that they won't be going to heaven. She can't wait until summer time so she can tell the little girl that's her age all about Jesus. I had mixed feelings about this, which I blogged about last week (sigh) but it's been resolved and Chris has spoken to some people at his office that are familiar with the Muslim culture and religion and I now feel comfortable saying "You go girl!!"
Raya is progressing leaps and bounds with respect to her speech therapy and occupational therapy. We are surrounded by a great team of people right now that genuinely care about her and want her to succeed. When the OT (occupational therapist) used to come over and I would notice something that Raya couldn't do, it was so overwhelming for me. Now, I just look at it as one more thing she can accomplish. She is so focused and driven and is doing so amazingly well. I can't even describe the changes we've seen in her over the past 3 months. Her pediatrician confirmed this week that her "issues, struggles, difficulties..whatever you want to call them" are from birth. :( She has been referred to the neurologist and we will wait to see what he/she has to say. For now, I'm just so happy that she is progresssing...and at a great rate!
Theo is by FAR our most difficult 20 month old. He is a stubborn little guy that likes to eat!!! He is constantly in the pantry or fridge and is pulling out food or screaming for it all day long. He is a very fun little guy as well. He likes to play...but only with balls, trucks, trains or markers. He will have nothing to do with the 'girly' toys. He loves to play with the girls though and make them laugh. The biggest difference I've noticed is his need to wrestle and be roughed up a bit. If he's really grouchy, I just start tossing him around and he gets happy pretty quickly...usually!
I've been wanting a Bosch or a Kitchen Aid mixer for a long time now but couldn't ever justify it. I had a thought a couple of weeks ago that my grandma may have had one that might be sitting at my 'step-grandma's' condo. My mom doesn't really cook or bake much and so I called to ask her if she knew or thought there might be one there that wasn't being used. I was fully expecting her to say "What's a Bosch?" but guess what.....you won't believe what she said....she said "I don't think Grandma had one but I do!" I was like "what???...you are kidding...do you know what a Bosch is?" Well, sure enough, she had one and I am now the proud owner, I mean "borrower" of it!!! (she wouldn't give it to me, but that's okay, I'm just happy to have one in my house!)
Chris and I have been trying to do random acts of kindness lately and it's been amazing to see how it comes back to bless us. I can't/won't share specific details because someone might read this and then it wouldn't be very "secret" would it? But it's just been amazing to see how God uses what you give him and how he really blesses you in return.
One of our big decisions of late is that we will most likely homeschool Hallie next year. I used to have a huge list of reasons of why it would never work for us or why I would never want to and they slowly, one by one, keep getting ticked off as being invalid now. Even in the beginning of December my whole list applied and now none of it does. It's a weird thing that can't be explained so you'll all just have to trust me when I tell you that the mind can't do what the heart won't let it. My mind says 'send her to school with all the other children' and my heart says 'you have to keep her home and teach her and guide and direct her until she knows who she is'. I'm hoping that come September, my heart agrees with my mind but I have a feeling it will be my mind submitting to my heart.
Chris is in a position transition right now with work and I'm so super proud of him!!!
As for me, I'm just really trying to figure out who it is that God wants me to be...as a mom, friend, sister, daughter, mentor, neighbor, co-worker, church member....I think he has a job description for me under each one of those titles and I'm beginning to search out what each one of those looks like. I've been awful at it for the past couple of weeks but I really enjoy when I set my alarm and get up before the kids and pray for them (and our family). When I actually take the time to invite God into our house...let him know he's not only welcome but he's wanted and needed here...
Today was a crazy day. Hal had a dentist appt at 930 which we didn't make it to. It was just to early...the roads weren't great so it was going to take about 45 minutes to get there, the kids slept in and so did I. Daylight savings sucks, although I am grateful that it will now be light enough outside for me to go for a run when Chris gets home. I just need the temperature to increase by a few (40) degrees!
So, I called the dentist when it became apparent that we were going to be late and asked if they would rather I reschedule than come late and they said "yes, please reschedule". We went to Bible Study instead, which is our usual Tuesday morning thing. I love the Ladies Bible Study group at our church. It's led by a great lady who I really look up to. She is someone that I'd admired from afar for a while and this past summer started meeting with once in a while for coffee. She is a great mentor for me and I'm glad that God has put her in my life.
I honestly can't believe how quickly the kids are growing up. Hallie just celebrated her 6th birthday and we had a very fun "Chocolate Factory" party for her. My goal/hope in having big parties for them and "doing it big" is that it's their special time to be celebrated and when Christmas rolls around, that's Jesus's time. Their friends have fun at their parties and go home with a few small 'gifts' and at Christmas, we will have fun celebrating Jesus's birthday and they will each get a few small gifts. Their birthday is all about them and I want Christmas to be all about Jesus.
Hallie is really big right now on showing the love of Jesus to people around her. She 'cleaned' my room for me last week when I wasn't feeling well and said
"Mom, because you aren't feeling well, I cleaned your room for you. That's called thinking of others (udders) before yourself right? That's what Jesus teaches us in the Bible"
She is especially concerned about our muslim neighbors and that they won't be going to heaven. She can't wait until summer time so she can tell the little girl that's her age all about Jesus. I had mixed feelings about this, which I blogged about last week (sigh) but it's been resolved and Chris has spoken to some people at his office that are familiar with the Muslim culture and religion and I now feel comfortable saying "You go girl!!"
Raya is progressing leaps and bounds with respect to her speech therapy and occupational therapy. We are surrounded by a great team of people right now that genuinely care about her and want her to succeed. When the OT (occupational therapist) used to come over and I would notice something that Raya couldn't do, it was so overwhelming for me. Now, I just look at it as one more thing she can accomplish. She is so focused and driven and is doing so amazingly well. I can't even describe the changes we've seen in her over the past 3 months. Her pediatrician confirmed this week that her "issues, struggles, difficulties..whatever you want to call them" are from birth. :( She has been referred to the neurologist and we will wait to see what he/she has to say. For now, I'm just so happy that she is progresssing...and at a great rate!
Theo is by FAR our most difficult 20 month old. He is a stubborn little guy that likes to eat!!! He is constantly in the pantry or fridge and is pulling out food or screaming for it all day long. He is a very fun little guy as well. He likes to play...but only with balls, trucks, trains or markers. He will have nothing to do with the 'girly' toys. He loves to play with the girls though and make them laugh. The biggest difference I've noticed is his need to wrestle and be roughed up a bit. If he's really grouchy, I just start tossing him around and he gets happy pretty quickly...usually!
I've been wanting a Bosch or a Kitchen Aid mixer for a long time now but couldn't ever justify it. I had a thought a couple of weeks ago that my grandma may have had one that might be sitting at my 'step-grandma's' condo. My mom doesn't really cook or bake much and so I called to ask her if she knew or thought there might be one there that wasn't being used. I was fully expecting her to say "What's a Bosch?" but guess what.....you won't believe what she said....she said "I don't think Grandma had one but I do!" I was like "what???...you are kidding...do you know what a Bosch is?" Well, sure enough, she had one and I am now the proud owner, I mean "borrower" of it!!! (she wouldn't give it to me, but that's okay, I'm just happy to have one in my house!)
Chris and I have been trying to do random acts of kindness lately and it's been amazing to see how it comes back to bless us. I can't/won't share specific details because someone might read this and then it wouldn't be very "secret" would it? But it's just been amazing to see how God uses what you give him and how he really blesses you in return.
One of our big decisions of late is that we will most likely homeschool Hallie next year. I used to have a huge list of reasons of why it would never work for us or why I would never want to and they slowly, one by one, keep getting ticked off as being invalid now. Even in the beginning of December my whole list applied and now none of it does. It's a weird thing that can't be explained so you'll all just have to trust me when I tell you that the mind can't do what the heart won't let it. My mind says 'send her to school with all the other children' and my heart says 'you have to keep her home and teach her and guide and direct her until she knows who she is'. I'm hoping that come September, my heart agrees with my mind but I have a feeling it will be my mind submitting to my heart.
Chris is in a position transition right now with work and I'm so super proud of him!!!
As for me, I'm just really trying to figure out who it is that God wants me to be...as a mom, friend, sister, daughter, mentor, neighbor, co-worker, church member....I think he has a job description for me under each one of those titles and I'm beginning to search out what each one of those looks like. I've been awful at it for the past couple of weeks but I really enjoy when I set my alarm and get up before the kids and pray for them (and our family). When I actually take the time to invite God into our house...let him know he's not only welcome but he's wanted and needed here...
We've been singing this new great song at church lately and I can't get enough of it. I have the words printed out on the fridge and Hallie asked about them today. I sat down with her and explained that it's about striving to make God the biggest part of everything that happens in our lives every day. I read her the words, then sang it for her, and then she asked if she could learn it so she could try and do it too. I showed her it on youtube and she loved it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrIWy42sC6U&feature=related
Well, I've been sick for about three weeks now and I'm headed to bed. No energy left to proof-read...sorry...
Monday, March 02, 2009
Random Ramblings
Okay....I'm mad...I just blogged the super longest blog EVER and it didnt' work..,.
AAAHHHHHHH
AAAHHHHHHH