A Series of Minor Mishaps 2/29/2016
Monday Moments~ It seems like lately, life has been a series of minor mishaps - nothing serious, just a serious drain on time for little reason except for poor decision making, carelessness, or pure bad luck. One thing that irks me is losing time to things that could have been avoided especially when the end result is really nothing that didn't preexist because time is precious! Have you ever wondered what happens if you wash a magazine in your washing machine...with laundry inside? I hope not! But, just in case you have, merely look at these pictures and consider the experiment done.
Mishap number one happened a few weeks ago. Laundry is something I get done. I don't often do it with loving care or fond affection. It more resembles throwing clothes as quickly as I can into machines and then trying to carve some time out to get them all back in their rightful homes; frequently when I need the basket to do the next week's laundry. Much to my dismay, on my last load for the week, a delicate cycle which was last because I had carefully pretreated a few items, I opened the lid and saw Picture 1 + clothes. My first thought was, "darn it - why do the kids always put stuff in their pockets". Then I realized, "DARN IT - that was our really nice, thick magazine that used to be laying on top of the dryer!" See Picture 2 - oops. The magazine was obviously a lost cause, and all of that laundry...the delicate white tablecloth...back to the sink for pretreatment and more washing. With all of the ink and dyes, I was worried that the magazine was the least of my worries, and I had just irreparably damaged all of the laundry. While the laundry was soaking I had to clean my washing machine - the inside - isn't that the part that you don't have to clean because it gets washed every time you hit "start"? I didn't think I would ever vacuum the inside of my washing machine, but I can now check that off my bucket list.
Mishap number one happened a few weeks ago. Laundry is something I get done. I don't often do it with loving care or fond affection. It more resembles throwing clothes as quickly as I can into machines and then trying to carve some time out to get them all back in their rightful homes; frequently when I need the basket to do the next week's laundry. Much to my dismay, on my last load for the week, a delicate cycle which was last because I had carefully pretreated a few items, I opened the lid and saw Picture 1 + clothes. My first thought was, "darn it - why do the kids always put stuff in their pockets". Then I realized, "DARN IT - that was our really nice, thick magazine that used to be laying on top of the dryer!" See Picture 2 - oops. The magazine was obviously a lost cause, and all of that laundry...the delicate white tablecloth...back to the sink for pretreatment and more washing. With all of the ink and dyes, I was worried that the magazine was the least of my worries, and I had just irreparably damaged all of the laundry. While the laundry was soaking I had to clean my washing machine - the inside - isn't that the part that you don't have to clean because it gets washed every time you hit "start"? I didn't think I would ever vacuum the inside of my washing machine, but I can now check that off my bucket list.
Picture 1
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Picture 2
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Picture 3: flat surface = some place to put stuff!
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Picture 4: clean surface = no more laundry disasters!
Then, I moved to the underlying cause of my wasted afternoon - my flat surface clutter problem. My husband had recently made a few passing comments about putting stuff in its home and not on random flat surfaces. However, flat surfaces in my home call out to me for things like: stacks of paper, decorations whose home is up and away and quite inconvenient, magazines that I really want to read and will forget about if they are tucked into a book shelf, etc. See Picture 3. To keep this short and sweet - lesson learned. Thank goodness, and quite miraculously, all of the laundry looked great after another wash...in a clean washing machine. See Picture 4.
The week continued in similar fashion, but I will spare you the details and leave you with a final thought for this Monday: do things right the first time, and then remember that things are still going to happen, so keep a sense of humor!
The week continued in similar fashion, but I will spare you the details and leave you with a final thought for this Monday: do things right the first time, and then remember that things are still going to happen, so keep a sense of humor!
CHD Awareness #2 2/11/2016
I have a fresh recollection of what a CHD diagnosis can do to emotions since we spent 7 hours in the ER with little boy #1 last Friday. Thankfully, it was not as emergent as some of his other ER visits have been. Nonetheless, there is nothing like sitting in a hospital room to bring a wave of raw emotions crashing down on your head. The last few days of the CHD Awareness campaign I mentioned on Monday were aimed at bringing attention to the emotional side of CHDs and one's "new normal."
I could write a book on little boy #1's life - what it has meant to me and to others, how it has changed my life, etc. But, I am trying to bring awareness to the issue not write a chapter, so this is today's summary of my emotions: "a life-time of letting go." If I ever do write a book, that might just be the title. I will caveat the summary with this: my life constantly teaches me things, so perhaps if you ask me in ten years, I will have an entirely different summation of my emotions. It sounds so sad, and to be honest, it is. I have learned that it is okay to be 100% joyful about my little boy while also being sad about all he has gone through, the pain he endures, and the uncertainty of his future. Every day is a battle between rejoicing that he is still here and relishing every moment while fearing it may be his last. As a mom I perform a daily balancing act of holding on tightly and forcing myself to let go (I could break into the chorus of "Let It Go" right now if this was a video and not a blog!). In all reality, every parent, every person on this Earth, is faced with the same situation because none of us can live forever. My child will die just the same as every one else's child will die; I am just reminded of this more vividly and frequently.
There is also a positive side to this "life-time of letting go". The Bible makes it clear that this present world will pass away, and our actions and motivations should be focused on Heaven. This is hard to do when we are clinging so desperately to things (or people) here on Earth. Life with little boy #1 drives this point home and reminds me that I can't truly be putting God first if I can't let everything else go. More to come on this in a future Fuel for Friday. So with this ting-yang of emotions, what is my "new normal?" It is an alphabet's worth of new...but you probably won't read from A to Z, so I'll stick with just the first few:
Acronym Soup: HLHS, ADHD, CPAP, ABA, OT, PT, EoG, IEP, etc. - I know things I would have otherwise never known!
Bliss: his smile - it's all it takes to turn my frown upside down
Complex: in every way
Docs: if I got paid for every therapy and doctor appt I have scheduled and attended for the last 9 years, my hubby could quit his job.
Eye-opening: The special needs community is an amazing community to be a part of, even if you never really asked to join it.
Flexibility: essential to have with children, sick or not!
...
I could write a book on little boy #1's life - what it has meant to me and to others, how it has changed my life, etc. But, I am trying to bring awareness to the issue not write a chapter, so this is today's summary of my emotions: "a life-time of letting go." If I ever do write a book, that might just be the title. I will caveat the summary with this: my life constantly teaches me things, so perhaps if you ask me in ten years, I will have an entirely different summation of my emotions. It sounds so sad, and to be honest, it is. I have learned that it is okay to be 100% joyful about my little boy while also being sad about all he has gone through, the pain he endures, and the uncertainty of his future. Every day is a battle between rejoicing that he is still here and relishing every moment while fearing it may be his last. As a mom I perform a daily balancing act of holding on tightly and forcing myself to let go (I could break into the chorus of "Let It Go" right now if this was a video and not a blog!). In all reality, every parent, every person on this Earth, is faced with the same situation because none of us can live forever. My child will die just the same as every one else's child will die; I am just reminded of this more vividly and frequently.
There is also a positive side to this "life-time of letting go". The Bible makes it clear that this present world will pass away, and our actions and motivations should be focused on Heaven. This is hard to do when we are clinging so desperately to things (or people) here on Earth. Life with little boy #1 drives this point home and reminds me that I can't truly be putting God first if I can't let everything else go. More to come on this in a future Fuel for Friday. So with this ting-yang of emotions, what is my "new normal?" It is an alphabet's worth of new...but you probably won't read from A to Z, so I'll stick with just the first few:
Acronym Soup: HLHS, ADHD, CPAP, ABA, OT, PT, EoG, IEP, etc. - I know things I would have otherwise never known!
Bliss: his smile - it's all it takes to turn my frown upside down
Complex: in every way
Docs: if I got paid for every therapy and doctor appt I have scheduled and attended for the last 9 years, my hubby could quit his job.
Eye-opening: The special needs community is an amazing community to be a part of, even if you never really asked to join it.
Flexibility: essential to have with children, sick or not!
...
New normal = Playing in the swimming pool at 2:07 in the afternoon. Lying in the ER at 10:49 that night.
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This post is meant purely to allow someone who has never experienced the effects of a CHD to gain insight into this world. Awareness is necessary before action will be taken!
My Hurricane 2/7/2016
Monday Moments~ A dear friend of mine does a seven day photo challenge on her blog in honor of Congenital Heart Defect Week (7-14 February). After spending 3 of my last 5 weekdays in the doctor's office or hospital with little boy #1 and being a single-mommy for the rest of the month while my hubby fulfills his work duties in another state, I won't even try to kid myself into thinking I will be able to post seven times. However, I consider this week of awareness for congenital heart defects precious and also do not want to let it slip by without doing my part in raising awareness for a life-changing diagnosis that is not incredibly uncommon but still frequently not recognized or understood.
The first two days of the photo challenge are titled "how you found out," and "1st photo after diagnosis." I am going to tackle both at once. We lived on the coast in central Florida at the time. Hurricanes aren't frequently devastating there, but they are always a threat. We experienced a decent storm while we were there. We shuttered the house, prepared for the worst, and after the hurricane went back out to sea, enjoyed a calm, cool and unusually peaceful day. It was incredibly odd to sit in a house for hours while the wind raged outside and then walk outside, look to the sky, and see blue skies with a calm breeze gently caressing the palm trees.
How I found out about little boy #1's diagnosis and life post-diagnosis are my hurricane, though stormy seas still come and go! I went to my OB appointment alone for what was supposed to be an innocuous appointment 45 minutes from home. Even though the doctor couldn't tell me specifically what was wrong, there was no question that the diagnosis was going to be bad. There was no hope that the house wasn't going to blow away in the storm, only hope that the occupants inside, my husband and I, would somehow be left still standing when the wind died down. I call the daddy of my unborn child to tell him he might never know that child; then we each drove a very long 45 minutes home alone.
Thankfully, when we met at home, we both found the solid foundation that is our family and the faith that continues to protect us from the storm. The winds may blow everything around us down but our foundation in God and then in each other has remained strong. The immensity of emotions and trying times that our son's diagnosis has brought are more powerful than any hurricane wind...but the calm after the storm has also been tangible. From his ultrasound photo to his newborn picture, little boy #1 has been my precious joy. You can't get much more peaceful than staring down at a sleeping baby, even if that peace only lasts for the moment. I would never give up that raging storm because I could not bare to miss the rainbow that I was blessed with afterwards.
The first two days of the photo challenge are titled "how you found out," and "1st photo after diagnosis." I am going to tackle both at once. We lived on the coast in central Florida at the time. Hurricanes aren't frequently devastating there, but they are always a threat. We experienced a decent storm while we were there. We shuttered the house, prepared for the worst, and after the hurricane went back out to sea, enjoyed a calm, cool and unusually peaceful day. It was incredibly odd to sit in a house for hours while the wind raged outside and then walk outside, look to the sky, and see blue skies with a calm breeze gently caressing the palm trees.
How I found out about little boy #1's diagnosis and life post-diagnosis are my hurricane, though stormy seas still come and go! I went to my OB appointment alone for what was supposed to be an innocuous appointment 45 minutes from home. Even though the doctor couldn't tell me specifically what was wrong, there was no question that the diagnosis was going to be bad. There was no hope that the house wasn't going to blow away in the storm, only hope that the occupants inside, my husband and I, would somehow be left still standing when the wind died down. I call the daddy of my unborn child to tell him he might never know that child; then we each drove a very long 45 minutes home alone.
Thankfully, when we met at home, we both found the solid foundation that is our family and the faith that continues to protect us from the storm. The winds may blow everything around us down but our foundation in God and then in each other has remained strong. The immensity of emotions and trying times that our son's diagnosis has brought are more powerful than any hurricane wind...but the calm after the storm has also been tangible. From his ultrasound photo to his newborn picture, little boy #1 has been my precious joy. You can't get much more peaceful than staring down at a sleeping baby, even if that peace only lasts for the moment. I would never give up that raging storm because I could not bare to miss the rainbow that I was blessed with afterwards.
A couple of weeks after diagnosis.
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My perfect imperfection a few hours old.
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Memorial Day 2012
Monday Moments~ I am posting a few days ahead of Monday with the hope that it will make an impact for the entire weekend. I am excited to usher in the summer season, enjoy the pool opening, and throw some meat on the grill. However, Memorial Day is not about those things. It is about honoring those men and women who have served our country and given us the freedom I hope we all cherish. Three years ago we spent Memorial Day morning at Arlington. If we were going to be in this area longer, I would make this a family tradition. Lest we forget...
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A heart felt and sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has ever worn a uniform. God Bless our United States.
MEN & CLEANING
Monday Moments~
Just a little humor to get your week started off with a smile. |
"Men would be way more excited about cleaning if spray bottles made laser noises."
myhumorspot.com How true is that!?! Little boy #2 loves the spray bottle. This time, cleaning mirrors with some Windex led to him wanting to clean his own toilet and bath tub. How do I make this stage last for the rest of his life??? |
10 Days AWAY
For many, this winter has been a long one. I love seasons, winter without exception. Although I am sad to see the beauty of the snow go, I am looking forward to little boy #1 actually having a full week of school without a snow day or late start! Can you believe the 1st day of Spring is only ten days away?
One of the first things that pops into my head when I think of spring is spring cleaning...even though I can't say this is an actual event at my house. I don't know if it is a baby due in 2 1/2 months, spring's arrival and the desire to purge my house of any remaining virus or bacteria that may be hiding somewhere waiting to wreak havoc one last time, or an impending move, but my nearly ever-present desire to somehow reduce clutter and simplify is strong this year. It will be interesting to see if I can turn that desire into action! If you could sneak a peak into certain areas of my house right now, I expect you would bet against me.
One of the first things that pops into my head when I think of spring is spring cleaning...even though I can't say this is an actual event at my house. I don't know if it is a baby due in 2 1/2 months, spring's arrival and the desire to purge my house of any remaining virus or bacteria that may be hiding somewhere waiting to wreak havoc one last time, or an impending move, but my nearly ever-present desire to somehow reduce clutter and simplify is strong this year. It will be interesting to see if I can turn that desire into action! If you could sneak a peak into certain areas of my house right now, I expect you would bet against me.
Can you see that nice layer of dust on the lid??
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Can you believe, it was still hard for me to throw this away?
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One of the first things to go will be an innovative little do-it-yourself dry-cleaning kit I have looked at every time I have done the laundry for at least the past six years. I can honestly say I used it once, was not convinced it cleaned my clothes in any way, but haven't been able to bring myself to put it into the garbage. With all this time passed, it would probably actually harm my clothes now! At least when it was new it made them smell clean even if they weren't. Tasks that are difficult to complete are often simply not started, so, doing laundry over the weekend and staring at the little blue box that has been my faithful partner in the laundry room for so many years, I resolved to start 2015 spring cleaning by throwing it in the trash.
Now that the week has gotten off to its grand start, that will probably be the end of my spring cleaning and decluttering for the next few days, but I thought the following quotes might also get you in the mood to clean, declutter...simplify...and if all of that fails...at least chuckle!
1) "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful. " (William Morris)
2) "Housekeeping is like being caught in a revolving door." (Marcelene Cox) - isn't that the truth!
3) "I am learning...that a man can live profoundly without masses of things." (Richard E. Byrd)
4) "Nature abhors a vacuum. And so do I." (Anne Gibbons) - I thought my husband would especially like this one :)
5) "The quieter you become the more you can hear." (Ram Dass)
6) "Dust is a protective coating for fine furniture." (Mario Buatta) - I'm going to see if my husband will fall for this one!
7) "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." (Confucius)
8) "Housework is what a woman does that nobody notices unless she hasn't done it." (Evan Esar) - TRUE!!
9) "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." (Johann Wolfgange Von Goethe)
10) "Bringing simplicity into our lives requires that we discover the ways in which our consumption either supports or entangles our existence." (Duane Elgin)
11) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." (Mark Twain)
And with that, I wish you the best of luck as you begin your spring...cleaning!
Tastē Thursday to come this week ~ a savory tidbit.
Now that the week has gotten off to its grand start, that will probably be the end of my spring cleaning and decluttering for the next few days, but I thought the following quotes might also get you in the mood to clean, declutter...simplify...and if all of that fails...at least chuckle!
1) "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful. " (William Morris)
2) "Housekeeping is like being caught in a revolving door." (Marcelene Cox) - isn't that the truth!
3) "I am learning...that a man can live profoundly without masses of things." (Richard E. Byrd)
4) "Nature abhors a vacuum. And so do I." (Anne Gibbons) - I thought my husband would especially like this one :)
5) "The quieter you become the more you can hear." (Ram Dass)
6) "Dust is a protective coating for fine furniture." (Mario Buatta) - I'm going to see if my husband will fall for this one!
7) "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." (Confucius)
8) "Housework is what a woman does that nobody notices unless she hasn't done it." (Evan Esar) - TRUE!!
9) "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." (Johann Wolfgange Von Goethe)
10) "Bringing simplicity into our lives requires that we discover the ways in which our consumption either supports or entangles our existence." (Duane Elgin)
11) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." (Mark Twain)
And with that, I wish you the best of luck as you begin your spring...cleaning!
Tastē Thursday to come this week ~ a savory tidbit.
THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
Monday Moments~ On Monday, little boy #1 had to have blood drawn. This is a monthly occurrence for him, so most of the time he is a champion throughout the experience. Unfortunately, two weeks ago, his results were inconclusive so we had two repeat them in two weeks instead of the usual four. As usual, his attitude was awesome! Nonetheless, when we actually get back to the chair and the needle comes out, some draws are more difficult than others.
Monday was an unusual day, and one that as a mom, I was extremely grateful for. I have a side to me that can hold my child down despite the worst possible medical intervention and allow the nurses or docs to do their job. It tears me apart, but life-saving and necessary medical intervention has unfortunately been the story of this boy's short life. Monthly lab draws just keep the practice perfected. But...this morning in particular there was a gentleman present that made everything okay. We signed in and had an appointment, but the stranger's father's paperwork was inputed before ours, and they were called back. I was a bit disgruntled because we had three other appointments to get to. Thankfully they called us back soon after. When the man saw little boy #1 sit on my lap, he immediately came over and started softly talking to him.
He told him he would tell him a story and at the end of the draw, he would give him the baseball cap he was wearing. He continued to talk and hold my guy's attention while the lab tech inserted the needle...and dug...and dug...and dug. Finally she found the vain and the two vials quickly filled. This gentleman told Austin about how when he was his age, his parents took him for the blood draws too because he has a bad heart. Austin listened and did not fuss despite the obvious discomfort the needle must have caused. When all was said and done he handed little boy his baseball cap and rejoined his father. The baseball cap was quickly worn, but my little guy didn't quite understand all that transpired and handed it back to him just as we left the room.
I try to live and face everything little boy's medical condition throws at us with a can-do/will-do spirit. Usually our 30 minutes at the lab consist of me looking like I have my stuff together while internally being harried, stressed, and sad. However, for one precious morning, I felt like I wasn't contributing to his torture, the tough experience was gently eased, and the morning went that much smoother. I was incredibly grateful for a small act by one man who took the time to make an impact in our lives.
The following morning I listened to an interview our local radio stations was doing with one of my favorite artists, Jeremy Camp. A man called in who Jeremy Camp had bought a burger for a decade ago when he was on the streets and a heroin addict. He says it was the burger that changed his life, and he has been clean for eight years now. Jeremy said that after walking past this man once while one his phone trying to deal with his own personal issues, he felt prompted to reach out to him if he saw him again...which he did an hour or two later. Two powerful lessons seeing good works in action in two short days.
Needs are every where and we can't give of ourselves in every situation. However, if we feel a particular prompting...follow it. We may think our contribution is small, but if we are being led to respond, our response is being specifically orchestrated to make a difference...and we never know how big that difference may be!
Monday was an unusual day, and one that as a mom, I was extremely grateful for. I have a side to me that can hold my child down despite the worst possible medical intervention and allow the nurses or docs to do their job. It tears me apart, but life-saving and necessary medical intervention has unfortunately been the story of this boy's short life. Monthly lab draws just keep the practice perfected. But...this morning in particular there was a gentleman present that made everything okay. We signed in and had an appointment, but the stranger's father's paperwork was inputed before ours, and they were called back. I was a bit disgruntled because we had three other appointments to get to. Thankfully they called us back soon after. When the man saw little boy #1 sit on my lap, he immediately came over and started softly talking to him.
He told him he would tell him a story and at the end of the draw, he would give him the baseball cap he was wearing. He continued to talk and hold my guy's attention while the lab tech inserted the needle...and dug...and dug...and dug. Finally she found the vain and the two vials quickly filled. This gentleman told Austin about how when he was his age, his parents took him for the blood draws too because he has a bad heart. Austin listened and did not fuss despite the obvious discomfort the needle must have caused. When all was said and done he handed little boy his baseball cap and rejoined his father. The baseball cap was quickly worn, but my little guy didn't quite understand all that transpired and handed it back to him just as we left the room.
I try to live and face everything little boy's medical condition throws at us with a can-do/will-do spirit. Usually our 30 minutes at the lab consist of me looking like I have my stuff together while internally being harried, stressed, and sad. However, for one precious morning, I felt like I wasn't contributing to his torture, the tough experience was gently eased, and the morning went that much smoother. I was incredibly grateful for a small act by one man who took the time to make an impact in our lives.
The following morning I listened to an interview our local radio stations was doing with one of my favorite artists, Jeremy Camp. A man called in who Jeremy Camp had bought a burger for a decade ago when he was on the streets and a heroin addict. He says it was the burger that changed his life, and he has been clean for eight years now. Jeremy said that after walking past this man once while one his phone trying to deal with his own personal issues, he felt prompted to reach out to him if he saw him again...which he did an hour or two later. Two powerful lessons seeing good works in action in two short days.
Needs are every where and we can't give of ourselves in every situation. However, if we feel a particular prompting...follow it. We may think our contribution is small, but if we are being led to respond, our response is being specifically orchestrated to make a difference...and we never know how big that difference may be!
MOMMY TRICKS
As I was kneeling at the side of our recliner "blotting" away #2's artwork Saturday morning, two things came to mind:
1) I was thrilled at how well and easily rubbing alcohol removed ink from my microfiber chair
2) there are a number of odd and useful things I would never have known if I didn't have a couple of beautiful little boys
I thought I would share a couple of mommy tricks with you and hope you share a few of yours with me!
*) As previously mentioned, rubbing alcohol removes ink from microfiber furniture.
*) Baby wipes are the most useful and versatile baby item. One of my favorite uses...removing deodorant marks from my shirts...even those black and dark blue shirts I put on so carefully I could swear there is no way they even grazed my armpit...but alas the proof is smeared in the middle of my shirt.
*) Courtesy of my friend/cousin who can get a stain out of anything and graciously gave me a bottle of one of her secrets for Christmas a couple of years ago...Mary Ellen's Stain Remover Formula 2....the closest thing I have seen to magic in a laundry room.
*) I know this is a little gross but alas...diarrhea on carpet is not a fun adventure ever, but if you are a mom, especially one of boys, you are a superhero when it comes to dealing with bodily fluids. A couple cups of water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and a splash of white vinegar does wonders for not only the stain but also the smell...which, if we are honest with ourselves, is almost worse than the stain.
*) Spilled milk, thrown food, etc. = an easy, no procrastination approach to cleaning your table or floors...which, if you have kids or a dog, or kids & dog, desperately need it, even if you cleaned them yesterday :). Remember the golden opportunity in front of you instead of the inconvenience the next time someone accidentally spills their dinner plate!
So now would be a great time to post a picture of little boy #2's wonderful picture drawn on the chair, but until I was almost done cleaning it up, I thought it was just another thing I had to clean up not inspiration for a post, so today it is just words - hopefully a few that will help during your next messy crisis. If you have any mommy tricks to share, I can't wait to read them. Goodness knows the opportunity will present itself for me to eventually try them out!
Until tomorrow and Tastē Tuesday!
1) I was thrilled at how well and easily rubbing alcohol removed ink from my microfiber chair
2) there are a number of odd and useful things I would never have known if I didn't have a couple of beautiful little boys
I thought I would share a couple of mommy tricks with you and hope you share a few of yours with me!
*) As previously mentioned, rubbing alcohol removes ink from microfiber furniture.
*) Baby wipes are the most useful and versatile baby item. One of my favorite uses...removing deodorant marks from my shirts...even those black and dark blue shirts I put on so carefully I could swear there is no way they even grazed my armpit...but alas the proof is smeared in the middle of my shirt.
*) Courtesy of my friend/cousin who can get a stain out of anything and graciously gave me a bottle of one of her secrets for Christmas a couple of years ago...Mary Ellen's Stain Remover Formula 2....the closest thing I have seen to magic in a laundry room.
*) I know this is a little gross but alas...diarrhea on carpet is not a fun adventure ever, but if you are a mom, especially one of boys, you are a superhero when it comes to dealing with bodily fluids. A couple cups of water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and a splash of white vinegar does wonders for not only the stain but also the smell...which, if we are honest with ourselves, is almost worse than the stain.
*) Spilled milk, thrown food, etc. = an easy, no procrastination approach to cleaning your table or floors...which, if you have kids or a dog, or kids & dog, desperately need it, even if you cleaned them yesterday :). Remember the golden opportunity in front of you instead of the inconvenience the next time someone accidentally spills their dinner plate!
So now would be a great time to post a picture of little boy #2's wonderful picture drawn on the chair, but until I was almost done cleaning it up, I thought it was just another thing I had to clean up not inspiration for a post, so today it is just words - hopefully a few that will help during your next messy crisis. If you have any mommy tricks to share, I can't wait to read them. Goodness knows the opportunity will present itself for me to eventually try them out!
Until tomorrow and Tastē Tuesday!
New Year…New Baby
For the most part, nothing in our house, except for responding to little boy #1's medical emergencies, is done without a lot of thinking and planning. Both the hubby and I grew up in families with two children, so that is what we pretty much expected ourselves. However, when #2 came along, we didn't feel quite like the family was complete, and with the special needs of #1, we wanted to ensure #2 was not overburdened. So, as we begin 2015, we also happily anticipate #3! I know many of you are anxiously anticipating the announcement of a little girl or a third boy…So, without further ado~
Due 30 May 2015
We are almost 21 weeks, and although we just found out last week that #3 is healthy, we have known that the baby was a little guy since 12 weeks. In anticipation of the thoughts and questions running through your head right now, hopefully the following thoughts will preempt answering the same question multiple times or any awkward moments!
* "Men are what their mother's made them." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
- It is a big responsibility and great honor to raise three great men for tomorrow's world. The hubby and I feel quite privileged to be granted this opportunity.
* Fighting and playing sound a lot alike…and we love to hear the boys scamper, laugh, and rough-house together. We can't wait to add a third to the mix!
* Yes we were trying…for a healthy baby. We are so thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers! We are firm believers that God gives us what we we need and what is best for us. He has more than clearly revealed to me that boys are the babies for me, and the smile on my hubby's face when he found out was priceless.
* "Men are what their mother's made them." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
- It is a big responsibility and great honor to raise three great men for tomorrow's world. The hubby and I feel quite privileged to be granted this opportunity.
* Fighting and playing sound a lot alike…and we love to hear the boys scamper, laugh, and rough-house together. We can't wait to add a third to the mix!
* Yes we were trying…for a healthy baby. We are so thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers! We are firm believers that God gives us what we we need and what is best for us. He has more than clearly revealed to me that boys are the babies for me, and the smile on my hubby's face when he found out was priceless.
That pretty much sums up our anticipation for little guy #3 coming our way in 4 1/2 short months.
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The Mother of BOYS
Handprints on cupboards and shoes in the hall. Toilet seat's up and there's mud on the wall. Every sports channel to them will appeal, And the front room doubles as a football field. The shelves in the kitchen are continually bare. There's toys on the couch and jeans on the chair. Wrestling and mud and cars and noise; I'm sure you can guess I'm the MOTHER of BOYS! ~Patsy Gaut |
CHRISTMAS MORNING
For many, today was the true beginning of the New Year - school is back in session, normal work schedules have resumed, and the time to look forward is no longer near but directly upon us. Although I have already been in close contact with my 2015 calendar, permit me to look back into 2014 for a brief moment…
We had a most wonderful two week vacation. As a stay-at-home mom, I have never found the vacation in a "staycation." Dishes, laundry, and the ever-constant need of something in the house that could be cleaned or better organized somehow robs me of that vacation feeling. However…something was different this year. The first highlight was that our boys decided to both sleep in every day for two weeks. The hubby and I got more sleep than we have since March 2007! The second highlight was an extremely helpful husband. With duties of bathing, cooking, and cleaning shared, our household hit a groove after the first few days; shared responsibility & shared relaxation. Instead of feeling like I was still on-the-job, I felt like an equal member of a four-man team. Although there were other highlights, I finish with a third…Christmas morning.
Since precious boy #1 had a traumatic first few years of life, even his first Christmas morning spent in the ICU, and some development delays as a result, we did not have the "Christmas with children" experience for awhile. He has always thrived more on social interaction than toys, and imparting the reason for our celebration has seemed a far off goal. But not this year! #1 could tell us that we were celebrating baby Jesus' birthday after the first week of December and enjoyed hearing all of the Christmas music. Both boys memorized their 'paraphrased' Bible verse from church, "God loves us and sent his son." John 3:16. Little boy #2 told us that Santa says, "ho ho ho," and also noticed the new music and excitement of the season. Christmas morning was a wonderful time with our Netflix inspired fireplace playing on the TV by the Christmas tree, beautiful packages wrapped in sparkly ribbon, and genuine smiles beaming from the little boys' faces. Taking pics on Christmas is always kind of hard because the kids are looking intently at their boxes while they open them, give a brief look up upon recognition of what is inside, and then return to looking down again. I was able to capture a few golden moments and am happy to report that the toys are still providing much entertainment…and allowing me some peace and quiet to write! I hope that as you being to ponder the upcoming year, treasured memories of the not too distant past bring a smile to your face.
We had a most wonderful two week vacation. As a stay-at-home mom, I have never found the vacation in a "staycation." Dishes, laundry, and the ever-constant need of something in the house that could be cleaned or better organized somehow robs me of that vacation feeling. However…something was different this year. The first highlight was that our boys decided to both sleep in every day for two weeks. The hubby and I got more sleep than we have since March 2007! The second highlight was an extremely helpful husband. With duties of bathing, cooking, and cleaning shared, our household hit a groove after the first few days; shared responsibility & shared relaxation. Instead of feeling like I was still on-the-job, I felt like an equal member of a four-man team. Although there were other highlights, I finish with a third…Christmas morning.
Since precious boy #1 had a traumatic first few years of life, even his first Christmas morning spent in the ICU, and some development delays as a result, we did not have the "Christmas with children" experience for awhile. He has always thrived more on social interaction than toys, and imparting the reason for our celebration has seemed a far off goal. But not this year! #1 could tell us that we were celebrating baby Jesus' birthday after the first week of December and enjoyed hearing all of the Christmas music. Both boys memorized their 'paraphrased' Bible verse from church, "God loves us and sent his son." John 3:16. Little boy #2 told us that Santa says, "ho ho ho," and also noticed the new music and excitement of the season. Christmas morning was a wonderful time with our Netflix inspired fireplace playing on the TV by the Christmas tree, beautiful packages wrapped in sparkly ribbon, and genuine smiles beaming from the little boys' faces. Taking pics on Christmas is always kind of hard because the kids are looking intently at their boxes while they open them, give a brief look up upon recognition of what is inside, and then return to looking down again. I was able to capture a few golden moments and am happy to report that the toys are still providing much entertainment…and allowing me some peace and quiet to write! I hope that as you being to ponder the upcoming year, treasured memories of the not too distant past bring a smile to your face.
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney
HOLIDAY MOVIES
Once again a week flew by, and my blog was lonely. This time a stomach bug was to blame. Thankfully, the fact that I am writing means I feel good again! Even better, miraculously, I was the only one in the house who got sick. On to what I meant to write last week...
We don't watch many holiday movies at our house. I would watch all of the classic Christmas movies, but my hubby has never shown much interest. The littlest boy will pretty much watch anything and loves trains, so I have high hopes for the Polar Express this year. The older boy is beginning to have better attention for some things that aren't 100% his choice, so hopefully before the season is over, we will have one family movie night.
A week ago, my husband and I did watch a movie that I would recommend to everyone, even if you don't celebrate Christmas, but live in this wonderful country. It has a one, two, three punch incorporating the sacrifices those who serve(d) our country in the military and their families, the dangers we currently face in this country regarding losing the very freedoms this country was fought for and founded on, and tops it off by incorporating the holiday season.
I must say that it is a Christian film, and for those of you who have watched some of these smaller projects that aren't grossing $24 million on opening weekend, the acting isn't always A-list. Further, there is an undeniable theme/message. However, if you see it through only one lens, that only means that you are only looking through one lens. As with most things produced in media today, it is important to keep the brain engaged while listening, watching, or reading anything. Don't let your preconceived opinions allow you to miss many of the points that are made, Christian or not, celebrator of Christmas or not; many apply to every one who lives in this country.
We watched it on Netflix - an instant download. Once again, I am not claiming this is the next Blockbuster holiday movie. However, if you don't want a cheesy romantic holiday movie (I watched one last week…no judgment here!), a classic, or a kid's movie (though I would say it is age appropriate for middle school and up), you might find it worth a couple of hours on a weekend evening.
We don't watch many holiday movies at our house. I would watch all of the classic Christmas movies, but my hubby has never shown much interest. The littlest boy will pretty much watch anything and loves trains, so I have high hopes for the Polar Express this year. The older boy is beginning to have better attention for some things that aren't 100% his choice, so hopefully before the season is over, we will have one family movie night.
A week ago, my husband and I did watch a movie that I would recommend to everyone, even if you don't celebrate Christmas, but live in this wonderful country. It has a one, two, three punch incorporating the sacrifices those who serve(d) our country in the military and their families, the dangers we currently face in this country regarding losing the very freedoms this country was fought for and founded on, and tops it off by incorporating the holiday season.
I must say that it is a Christian film, and for those of you who have watched some of these smaller projects that aren't grossing $24 million on opening weekend, the acting isn't always A-list. Further, there is an undeniable theme/message. However, if you see it through only one lens, that only means that you are only looking through one lens. As with most things produced in media today, it is important to keep the brain engaged while listening, watching, or reading anything. Don't let your preconceived opinions allow you to miss many of the points that are made, Christian or not, celebrator of Christmas or not; many apply to every one who lives in this country.
We watched it on Netflix - an instant download. Once again, I am not claiming this is the next Blockbuster holiday movie. However, if you don't want a cheesy romantic holiday movie (I watched one last week…no judgment here!), a classic, or a kid's movie (though I would say it is age appropriate for middle school and up), you might find it worth a couple of hours on a weekend evening.
SANTA vs. jesus
I hope each and every one of you enjoyed a Thanksgiving full of yummy food and full hearts! One of the wonderful things about the fall holiday season is that instead of being sad about an anticipated celebration being over, we get to look forward to the next one right around the corner.
Our Christmas tree is up, the carols are playing, and my seven year old keeps singing a song that goes something like, "Presents!, presents?, presents now please. Is Santa coming today?" It seems like some time between last Christmas and this Christmas, he shifted his focus from the birth of Jesus Christ and pretty decorations to being the premier, deserving receiver of presents. The good news…1) this is age appropriate and quite normal 2) he is still young enough for dad and mom to help him refocus on the real reason for the season.
So, if you are in the same shoes as I am and trying to constructively celebrate Christmas, or perhaps you have gotten swept away yourself in making wish lists and trying to fulfill others' requests, below are five simple but effective ways to refocus your mind and heart this Christmas season.
1) Add a verse each day to your Advent Calendar or Christmas Countdown that tells the Christmas story. With each little gift or piece of candy your family opens, you will also have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph as they prepare for baby Jesus. This year, my boys can pull out the verse card, and after we read it together, can then receive their gift. Here is a link for a free printable template: http://glittermagic.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/advent-bible-verse-cards.pdf
2) Pick an outreach, like Angel Tree or a Gift Catalog through World Vision, where each family member can choose a specific person to bless, and the entire family can shop/bake and give together.
3) Make the nativity scene a focal point for the decorations in your home so everyone is frequently reminded of why we celebrate this special day.
4) Watch a family movie that reflects the Christmas Story (e.g.: "The Nativity Story") in addition to childhood favorites like Frosty the Snowman and It's A Wonderful Life.
5) Attend a Christmas Eve service at your church.
None of the above ideas take too much time, but each could make an everlasting imprint on you and your children and how you celebrate this delightful season.
Our Christmas tree is up, the carols are playing, and my seven year old keeps singing a song that goes something like, "Presents!, presents?, presents now please. Is Santa coming today?" It seems like some time between last Christmas and this Christmas, he shifted his focus from the birth of Jesus Christ and pretty decorations to being the premier, deserving receiver of presents. The good news…1) this is age appropriate and quite normal 2) he is still young enough for dad and mom to help him refocus on the real reason for the season.
So, if you are in the same shoes as I am and trying to constructively celebrate Christmas, or perhaps you have gotten swept away yourself in making wish lists and trying to fulfill others' requests, below are five simple but effective ways to refocus your mind and heart this Christmas season.
1) Add a verse each day to your Advent Calendar or Christmas Countdown that tells the Christmas story. With each little gift or piece of candy your family opens, you will also have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph as they prepare for baby Jesus. This year, my boys can pull out the verse card, and after we read it together, can then receive their gift. Here is a link for a free printable template: http://glittermagic.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/advent-bible-verse-cards.pdf
2) Pick an outreach, like Angel Tree or a Gift Catalog through World Vision, where each family member can choose a specific person to bless, and the entire family can shop/bake and give together.
3) Make the nativity scene a focal point for the decorations in your home so everyone is frequently reminded of why we celebrate this special day.
4) Watch a family movie that reflects the Christmas Story (e.g.: "The Nativity Story") in addition to childhood favorites like Frosty the Snowman and It's A Wonderful Life.
5) Attend a Christmas Eve service at your church.
None of the above ideas take too much time, but each could make an everlasting imprint on you and your children and how you celebrate this delightful season.
Remembering Our Nation's Heroes
In honor of Veteran's Day tomorrow, I wanted to thank all of those in our nation's history who have served to create, protect, and defend my freedom (especially my Grandma, Papa, Uncle, and fallen classmates), and those currently dedicating their life, sacrificing many precious personal things, and being willing to heed the call no matter where that may lead them.
Despite the vast amount of "knowledge" I learned as a freshman and was told would stay with me for the rest of my life, really only one quote has, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill
I am proud to know so many people who still believe this country is worth fighting for.
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis
Despite the vast amount of "knowledge" I learned as a freshman and was told would stay with me for the rest of my life, really only one quote has, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill
I am proud to know so many people who still believe this country is worth fighting for.
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis
My Grandma and members of the Greatest Generation serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Downhill from here
Motivational Monday..
Making Monday the hardest day of the week, with four appointments ranging from 8:30am to 3:30pm and 42 miles apart with two kids in tow, means the rest of the week should only be downhill from here…right? Wishing all of you weeks that go quickly enough for the work to fly by and slowly enough for all of the precious moments to linger!
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, "I'm possible!"" ~Audrey Hepburn
Making Monday the hardest day of the week, with four appointments ranging from 8:30am to 3:30pm and 42 miles apart with two kids in tow, means the rest of the week should only be downhill from here…right? Wishing all of you weeks that go quickly enough for the work to fly by and slowly enough for all of the precious moments to linger!
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, "I'm possible!"" ~Audrey Hepburn
FINDING PERFECTION IN IMPERFECT MOMENTS
Saturday night was a fall night taken straight out of a picture book. The evening was crisp but only enough to require a light sweater. The sun was slowly sinking behind the riverbank, its golden reflection shimmering on the still waters of the Potomac. We were encapsulated in a beautiful gondola on the top of the National Ferris Wheel watching boats returning to dock for the evening and a group of young teens in formal attire enjoying a memorable Homecoming evening down below.
It was perfect…except that one of the boys had refused to eat much lunch and was now adamantly repeating how hungry he was, and after a couple of rotations of the ferris wheel, both boys decided they were ready for a new adventure despite the picturesque scenery. We had no control over the ride's start/stop lever, so all we could do was sit back and enjoy the 15 minute ride. Maybe it was the serenity of the almost quiet within the gondola, the pure beauty of being on the water at sunset, or my unusually enhanced ability to tune out anything that evening that was going to ruin the moment, but when the ferris wheel did come to a stop to the great appreciation of my boys, I found myself relaxed and happy.
We walked into our restaurant of choice and were seated immediately, an answer to prayer knowing the hunger level was already at high. Even better, we sat next to the window, and as the sun sunk completely beneath the water, we watched the ferris wheel light up and shine red, white, and blue as we devoured delicious food.
I have not perfected this skill of happiness despite all circumstances by any means, but at least for one night, despite what may have seemed like a ruined moment, the picture perfect evening shone through. I enjoy taking pictures and always have my eye out for that special moment. However, if we live our lives like this, looking through a small lens searching only for the perfect moments, we risk missing all of the perfect and fleeting treasures hiding within the imperfect moments.
It was perfect…except that one of the boys had refused to eat much lunch and was now adamantly repeating how hungry he was, and after a couple of rotations of the ferris wheel, both boys decided they were ready for a new adventure despite the picturesque scenery. We had no control over the ride's start/stop lever, so all we could do was sit back and enjoy the 15 minute ride. Maybe it was the serenity of the almost quiet within the gondola, the pure beauty of being on the water at sunset, or my unusually enhanced ability to tune out anything that evening that was going to ruin the moment, but when the ferris wheel did come to a stop to the great appreciation of my boys, I found myself relaxed and happy.
We walked into our restaurant of choice and were seated immediately, an answer to prayer knowing the hunger level was already at high. Even better, we sat next to the window, and as the sun sunk completely beneath the water, we watched the ferris wheel light up and shine red, white, and blue as we devoured delicious food.
I have not perfected this skill of happiness despite all circumstances by any means, but at least for one night, despite what may have seemed like a ruined moment, the picture perfect evening shone through. I enjoy taking pictures and always have my eye out for that special moment. However, if we live our lives like this, looking through a small lens searching only for the perfect moments, we risk missing all of the perfect and fleeting treasures hiding within the imperfect moments.
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SEASONS
We often think of seasons just as winter, spring, summer and fall. As a mom, I have also come to think of many blocks of time with my children or the developmental stages they go through as seasons as well. It is much easier to bear a two-year old's tantrum when I remind myself that this season will pass just as the 3am feedings did…and I might even miss them a bit!
Saturday morning was a morning to relish both kinds of seasons. It was a crisp, fall morning but warm enough to be out and about playing and working in the backyard. I began tearing out the summer garden, a reminder that summer memories are now locked away and pumpkins, leaf piles, and Halloween memories are waiting to be made.
The best part of the morning was kicking the soccer ball back and forth with little boy #1 and then watching both boys dribble the ball with each other across the yard. I hope they are life-long friends, not just brothers. Then…the moment came; the one you want to capture in your mind and never let slip away. A big gust of wind blew through the trees. Golden leaves tore away from their branches, swirling around us before scattering across the grass. The boys stopped in their tracks, looked up with eyes full of amazement, and filled the air with delighted giggles. Simultaneously, I drank in the sound of their innocence and felt like twirling with the leaves myself. As quickly as the moment came, it passed and though the wind was chilly, my heart was warmed all of the way through.
Seasons will always change. When the winter, either outside of our house or inside of our heart, is especially difficult, this inevitable change is welcome. When the season is inviting, and every moment is golden, seeing the season pass is disappointing. However, our life will be lived and looked back upon not based upon the unrelenting seasons we live through but how we respond to each season. Look for rays of light peeking through the storm clouds while you wait for them to pass, and when the sun is shining in all of its boldness, remember that the clouds helped to teach you to appreciate the sun. If a leaf pile is near by in the next few weeks, run and jump!
Saturday morning was a morning to relish both kinds of seasons. It was a crisp, fall morning but warm enough to be out and about playing and working in the backyard. I began tearing out the summer garden, a reminder that summer memories are now locked away and pumpkins, leaf piles, and Halloween memories are waiting to be made.
The best part of the morning was kicking the soccer ball back and forth with little boy #1 and then watching both boys dribble the ball with each other across the yard. I hope they are life-long friends, not just brothers. Then…the moment came; the one you want to capture in your mind and never let slip away. A big gust of wind blew through the trees. Golden leaves tore away from their branches, swirling around us before scattering across the grass. The boys stopped in their tracks, looked up with eyes full of amazement, and filled the air with delighted giggles. Simultaneously, I drank in the sound of their innocence and felt like twirling with the leaves myself. As quickly as the moment came, it passed and though the wind was chilly, my heart was warmed all of the way through.
Seasons will always change. When the winter, either outside of our house or inside of our heart, is especially difficult, this inevitable change is welcome. When the season is inviting, and every moment is golden, seeing the season pass is disappointing. However, our life will be lived and looked back upon not based upon the unrelenting seasons we live through but how we respond to each season. Look for rays of light peeking through the storm clouds while you wait for them to pass, and when the sun is shining in all of its boldness, remember that the clouds helped to teach you to appreciate the sun. If a leaf pile is near by in the next few weeks, run and jump!
intentionality within the family...
It is difficult to start a journey without having a destination in mind and at least a vague roadmap showing you the way. Likewise, a life lived without goals and an idea of where you want to end up most often ends on a different path and at a different destination than desired or intended. This is not only true in our personal lives but also the lives of our family unit.
Despite our good intentions, change and unforeseen circumstances will always cause diversions and perhaps sharp turns off of the road we are driving on. Change, if fought and not embraced, can lead to unhappiness and a lost future spent looking back on what might have been or what should have been. However, if you remain flexible with the details and hold fast to your overarching picture, you can still arrive at the beautiful place you want to. Applied to the family, there are three tools that can be used to keep your eyes focused on the big picture when you are sinking in the abyss of sports practices, homework, and exhaustion.
1) Create a family shema: A shema, by dictionary definition, is a Jewish statement of faith, an affirmation of their belief of ardent love for God. In this sense, a "family shema" is one phrase that establishes a frame of reference for everything else - a vision of life that establishes the frame of reference for everything else in your life. For example, ours is "So that God may be glorified."
2) Create a family mission statement. Your mission statement sets the essence of your home. Examples include: honesty, respect for each other, faithfulness and loyalty, love one another, etc.
3) Write down short-term goals and long-term goals for your family. The short-term goals are things you would like to instill, teach, or accomplish as a family within the next year. The long-term goals are things you would like to accomplish within 5 years.
Although these three "to do's" aren't magical and they have to actually be implemented to have any impact, the first step on the road to intentionality for the family is to sit down a begin planning the journey.
When you start to feel like the family is missing out on what is important or the daily grind has become the only source of focus, look back on these three things and make the changes necessary to get back on the path you want to be walking on.
A few ideas to get the brainstorming started...
Despite our good intentions, change and unforeseen circumstances will always cause diversions and perhaps sharp turns off of the road we are driving on. Change, if fought and not embraced, can lead to unhappiness and a lost future spent looking back on what might have been or what should have been. However, if you remain flexible with the details and hold fast to your overarching picture, you can still arrive at the beautiful place you want to. Applied to the family, there are three tools that can be used to keep your eyes focused on the big picture when you are sinking in the abyss of sports practices, homework, and exhaustion.
1) Create a family shema: A shema, by dictionary definition, is a Jewish statement of faith, an affirmation of their belief of ardent love for God. In this sense, a "family shema" is one phrase that establishes a frame of reference for everything else - a vision of life that establishes the frame of reference for everything else in your life. For example, ours is "So that God may be glorified."
2) Create a family mission statement. Your mission statement sets the essence of your home. Examples include: honesty, respect for each other, faithfulness and loyalty, love one another, etc.
3) Write down short-term goals and long-term goals for your family. The short-term goals are things you would like to instill, teach, or accomplish as a family within the next year. The long-term goals are things you would like to accomplish within 5 years.
Although these three "to do's" aren't magical and they have to actually be implemented to have any impact, the first step on the road to intentionality for the family is to sit down a begin planning the journey.
When you start to feel like the family is missing out on what is important or the daily grind has become the only source of focus, look back on these three things and make the changes necessary to get back on the path you want to be walking on.
A few ideas to get the brainstorming started...
All images courtesy of pinterest.
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THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER
Over the weekend, little boy #1 came up to me quite randomly and told me how he had enjoyed going apple picking. I looked down at him and said, "I am very glad you had a good time." In my mind I said, "wow - you could have fooled me!" From the minute we got out of the car, he repeatedly told us how he wanted to go home and kept sitting down in between the apple tree rows requiring much prodding and eventually a wagon ride to keep moving.
My wandering mind soon led me to reminisce about a few of my family outings and clearly remembering a few key thoughts I had as a girl like "I don't care about this natural earth formation, when it came to be or why," "why am I stuck in this car instead of on a boat cruising the ocean," etc. Don't we all remember the times our parents were trying to give the family a wonderful time, and instead we spent way too much of the moment grumbling?
Despite the lack of interest we, or now our children or perhaps a friend, may show in activity, it is paramount to remember that we are still spending time together! We are being introduced to or introducing someone to something new or being exposed to/exposing them to something that may change the way they view the world in which they live or the people they share this life with.
Compared with meeting Mickey Mouse or watching the hottest movie of the year, don't you actually remember those times, or at least the lessons learned, that, while they were occurring, seemed painful or unimportant ? I fondly remember skiing with my dad, even though it meant some early (i.e. painful for a teenager) Saturday mornings and often 10 really cold fingers and toes, and I cherish ability to sit down at a piano and play even though I am sure I gave my mom some gray hairs complaining on the way to lessons. I am also incredibly thankful for the great appreciation my parents instilled in me for nature…now I must remember this when my children are "wondering" why we have to walk a mile to see yet another waterfall!
I am a better person for the many moments I spent with my family; I hope my children are better people for our family moments, as boring, difficult, or awe-inspiring as they may be.
He couldn't be anything but perfect could he?!
Moment of Truth
It has been a rough few days with little boy #1. Today, it was even one of those days when I wondered if I was even a competent parent! Even though I live with the constant knowledge that his health may deteriorate extremely quickly and not one day with him can be taken for granted, the daily grind takes its' toll, and this knowledge does not make frustration, or my own human nature, disappear.
We thought the roughest patch with him would be between the ages of birth and three years, especially those first six months when he was constantly in and out of hospitals, and we were all working to just keep him alive through two open heart surgeries and one craniotomy. I figured when his health was stable and he could walk and talk this journey would seem easy...ier.
What I didn't know then but do know now is that babies, regardless of their health, all need an abundance of care. Toddlers still need their diapers changed, help getting dressed, and their meals made. By the time kids are seven, they can feed themselves, use the bathroom, get dressed, and are better at expressing their wishes or what is upsetting them. When I look back in my eldest's early years, I find that although all of the expected mommy duties were complicated, feeding was done via a tube, meds were given around the clock, etc., they all coincided with activities I would have been doing in some context anyways. I had a moment of truth; living with little one #1 isn't about adjusting to a new dream, it is daily acceptance and discovery of an evolving dream. When my seven year old needs to be spoon-fed, changed, dressed, or consoled because he doesn't have the words to explain himself and instead turns to tears, I realize the road we walk is going to be different but not less difficult with each passing year, and it is and will be hard to maintain patience and grace - two keys to successful parenting and living!
I am often relearning lessons about these two essentials of parenthood. After an in-particularly difficult lunch out with the boys today, (imagine little boy #1 rolling on the ground, spitting out food, and refusing to stay in his seat while little boy #2 and I tried to eat...in public) that was exasperated by an unexpected doctor's appointment for #1 squeezed in before his two usual Monday therapy appointments, we got back into the car. I turned on the radio and was reminded of the amazing grace I have been given, frequently and undeserved. I have been shown so much grace and patience in my own life, I know I owe that not only to my eldest but also to many others around me. I thought I had handled things fairly well while we were eating, but I knew there was room for improvement. Now - if someone can educate me on how to always dispense discipline with grace, I am all ears!
Today, instead of being snappy or spiteful with whoever or whatever has altered how you think things should be, try to purposefully show grace and patience. Not only will you assert more control over your own life and actions, even if the events or people are 100% out of your control, but your actions will be compounded, positively impacting whoever is on the receiving end. And, when you fail, because we all will, keep trying again.
Monday Moments = Knowing that I would not have received the "mother of the year" award today but also knowing that my ability to dispense grace is better than it was a few years ago and tomorrow is an opportunity to try again and do better!
It has been a rough few days with little boy #1. Today, it was even one of those days when I wondered if I was even a competent parent! Even though I live with the constant knowledge that his health may deteriorate extremely quickly and not one day with him can be taken for granted, the daily grind takes its' toll, and this knowledge does not make frustration, or my own human nature, disappear.
We thought the roughest patch with him would be between the ages of birth and three years, especially those first six months when he was constantly in and out of hospitals, and we were all working to just keep him alive through two open heart surgeries and one craniotomy. I figured when his health was stable and he could walk and talk this journey would seem easy...ier.
What I didn't know then but do know now is that babies, regardless of their health, all need an abundance of care. Toddlers still need their diapers changed, help getting dressed, and their meals made. By the time kids are seven, they can feed themselves, use the bathroom, get dressed, and are better at expressing their wishes or what is upsetting them. When I look back in my eldest's early years, I find that although all of the expected mommy duties were complicated, feeding was done via a tube, meds were given around the clock, etc., they all coincided with activities I would have been doing in some context anyways. I had a moment of truth; living with little one #1 isn't about adjusting to a new dream, it is daily acceptance and discovery of an evolving dream. When my seven year old needs to be spoon-fed, changed, dressed, or consoled because he doesn't have the words to explain himself and instead turns to tears, I realize the road we walk is going to be different but not less difficult with each passing year, and it is and will be hard to maintain patience and grace - two keys to successful parenting and living!
I am often relearning lessons about these two essentials of parenthood. After an in-particularly difficult lunch out with the boys today, (imagine little boy #1 rolling on the ground, spitting out food, and refusing to stay in his seat while little boy #2 and I tried to eat...in public) that was exasperated by an unexpected doctor's appointment for #1 squeezed in before his two usual Monday therapy appointments, we got back into the car. I turned on the radio and was reminded of the amazing grace I have been given, frequently and undeserved. I have been shown so much grace and patience in my own life, I know I owe that not only to my eldest but also to many others around me. I thought I had handled things fairly well while we were eating, but I knew there was room for improvement. Now - if someone can educate me on how to always dispense discipline with grace, I am all ears!
Today, instead of being snappy or spiteful with whoever or whatever has altered how you think things should be, try to purposefully show grace and patience. Not only will you assert more control over your own life and actions, even if the events or people are 100% out of your control, but your actions will be compounded, positively impacting whoever is on the receiving end. And, when you fail, because we all will, keep trying again.
Monday Moments = Knowing that I would not have received the "mother of the year" award today but also knowing that my ability to dispense grace is better than it was a few years ago and tomorrow is an opportunity to try again and do better!
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The littlest one and I took advantage of some beautiful late summer weather a few days ago and toured the Ford Theater (where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated). I have wanted to visit this National Landmark for a few years and am happy I finally took the time to go. If you are ever in Washington DC, I highly recommend a visit.
Lincoln's life may have been cut short, but his impact has been anything but brief. He faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges but knew his goals and pursued them whole heartedly. Regardless of our challenges, we too, can pursue that which is important to us, though at times it may take more determination and grit.
Lincoln gave us a great quote to begin the week, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." - Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's life may have been cut short, but his impact has been anything but brief. He faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges but knew his goals and pursued them whole heartedly. Regardless of our challenges, we too, can pursue that which is important to us, though at times it may take more determination and grit.
Lincoln gave us a great quote to begin the week, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." - Abraham Lincoln
Mr. Lincoln Rose,
Photo Credit: Stan V. Griep
My life is not all roses, but all of the thorns make the roses that much more beautiful and appreciated. If the thorns are crowding out the roses, focus on one rose today and let it bring a smile to your Monday.
Monday Moments: My Monday's rose was unexpectedly receiving two bags of clothes for our eldest little man that will outfit him for the winter! What was your rose today?
Monday Moments: My Monday's rose was unexpectedly receiving two bags of clothes for our eldest little man that will outfit him for the winter! What was your rose today?
