tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54370087562254260942024-02-20T05:39:03.762-08:00Random ReflectionsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-18031940004924497652012-02-26T21:36:00.001-08:002012-02-26T21:36:45.681-08:00Do What You Say You are Going To Do<br />
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The other Orion was trying to play hide and seek with Grace.....just to get her to hide so he could sneak next door for an outing with Grandpa. She is only two but she would have for sure realized he didn't come looking for her like he said he was going to do. I tried to make it clear that you have to do what you say you are going to do because that is how people learn to trust you. Crazy yet very creative kid he is. Another problem we have with him is his "forgetting". Every time he doesn't do what he is supposed to or tells a lie his excuse is "I forgot". A perfect excuse for some things...but you can only forget what you did two seconds ago so many times.<br /><br />The very next day after the hide and seek incident we were getting ready to do school. We hand out tickets at the end of the week for all the chores that were completed and I give Orion an extra few if he has mastered a new skill with his school work. We have a box full of miscellaneous toys and pencils, stickers and whatnot's that are priced by tickets for them to choose from. I told him we would do them after school when he asked ahead of time. We did school then went about our day. Not only did I forget, I didn't do what I said I would do. A DOUBLE WHAMMY!<br /><br />I've always known they learn from watching and not hearing. What I do not realize is how often I display the behavior I attempt to correct in them. "Do as I say and not as I do" is NOT the kind of mom I want to be. I wonder now if many of the times he has said "I forgot" is because of how often he has heard me say it. I stay pretty busy but I say that way too often. I forget to do what I say I'm going to do. Now the sad part is that he says "I forgot" when he lies about something. Does he think I'm lying about the things I say I forgot? He obviously thinks it's a good enough excuse for Momma it should be a good excuse for him too. I am not sure how to correct this issue in myself.<br /><br />I have started asking him to remind me, which I suppose is a start. I've also started using the phrase "we'll see" rather than "later". That way I'm not saying yes or no and can make up my mind when the right time arises. Right? I Don't know what the best way to handle this situation is. I know one thing though....I need to do what I say I'm gonna do.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-29801916247596462762012-02-12T20:46:00.001-08:002012-02-12T20:46:43.455-08:00The End of the First of the Third Child's Injuries<br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #00cccc; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">FUNNY KID COMMENT OF THE WEEK</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orion's Grandpa took him to the barber shop for a haircut. Once Orion's hair was done it was Papa's turn in the chair. The lady didn't do a really good job. She cut his side burns and around his ears REALLY high. As they were leaving Orion calls out, "Good thing they stopped Papa! You woulda been bald!"</span></span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">What a week! After the insane amount of frustration and worry about Faith's head, it is FINALLY over! I found ONE honest Doctor to tell us the truth and not let every decision and thing that came out of their mouth depend on policy. We went through one doctor, a radiologist, and a neurosurgeon (all of whom told us, "she looks OK but let me send you to so and so just to be sure") before we finally said forget it and got a second opinion from an unaffiliated Dr. which was the best decision in a while!</span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"> It took the neurosurgeons office "policy" of calling CPS if we didn't agree to a CT Scan and full skeletal xray for us to do it. Why these people are willing to put a little baby who acts 100% normal without any evidence of injury through 101 tests to get to the same answer of "she's fine" is completely beyond me. So glad I found Dr. Capps at Lost Pines Family Medicine! He's a medical renegade apparently...he said "she's fine as long as there are no symptoms, definitely doesn't need a CT Scan and if CPS calls I'm happy to talk to them." .....WHAT?! You don't need me to pay you $4000 for a scan just to make sure you CYA?! You can just use your 10+ years of medical training? </span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">WOW! I have for certain found a new family doc. Anywho, I am very ready to get life back to normal around here. It's amazing what you don't get to keep up with when you have worry hanging over your head. I can't believe how far behind I can fall and how our schedules can become so quickly non-existent. But that's ok. After all your kid only gets a skull fracture once right? Lord I hope so! That's all I can take!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-62376617838604113662012-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:19:40.006-08:00Helping Hands 2-7-12<span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Little Miss Grace has a way with helping. She LOVES to "help". Everything from cooking to feeding the animals to taking our trash. She is now in the "I do it" stage and accepts little help from anyone once she gets it in her head she wants to do something. I will give her a job while I'm cooking like putting the washed lettuce in the bag or putting seasonings in the food. So far shes done great. She can't stand for you to be doing something she isn't though. You start her on lettuce and she sees you cutting onions and immediately its "I do that"... she wants to try that instead.</span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> I'm always amazed at how much she picks up from watching. The other night I had dinner about ready in the oven and was changing the baby. I go into the dining room once I finish and she has everyone's places set with silverware and plates and pot holders on the table waiting for me to bring the food. How much a two year old can help is surprising to say the least! What a BLESSING! </span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">For the past 6 months or so we have cooked for the homeless ministry of our church. Well, it's mostly Dan but we all pitch in some...I'm usually </span><a href="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php#" id="_GPLITA_2" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTQ4MzY6MTIwMTp0aGUgY2xlYW5lcjpmNDllMzY4NDgwYTUzNDA3NjQ2OGVhMjg0ZTBlOThkMjp6LTEwMzItMTAzNjg6d3d3LndlZWJseS5jb20%3D" style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #ffa127; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">the cleaner</a><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> upper. :) Usually Dan will meet our Pastor in Austin and serve the food we've cooked. Orion went once several months ago and he loved it and was so happy to have the job of handing out water to people at the park. He HAS to go now, after all, it's his job. We had a schedule conflict a few weeks back and Grace ended up going along for the adventure with Dad and big brother. Now she's hooked too. Every week or two when it's time she gets all excited about going to feed the "homes". </span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Today we did the usual </span><a href="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTU0ODU6MTI2OTpwcmVwOmM4ZDQ1ZDBmMmIwYzZlZGJmMWY4MjIzMDgyOWJlYjg3OnotMTAzMi0xMDM2ODp3d3cud2VlYmx5LmNvbQ%3D%3D" style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #ffa127; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" title="Powered by Text-Enhance">prep</a><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> and Grace was getting to go help all by herself since I needed Orion's help with Faith on our adventure to the Dr's office. There was a mix up and the Pastor wasn't going to be able to make it so it ended up being just Dan and Grace to serve 40-50 people lunch in the park. And of course she had to help. She got right in there with Dad and passed him plates and helped dish up food. He didn't have to say anything, she just kind of knew what to do.</span><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #e8f6f8; color: #626262; font-family: Tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">So often I see her help as "help". It slows me down and makes a mess! But what a joy and privilege to watch when I slow myself down and appreciate it for what it is. A tiny sweet heart just wanting to do something for someone...and maybe craving a bit of attention for being the big girl she is.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-43836487775595876612012-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:07:04.416-08:00Fractured and Exhausted<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Funny Kid Comment of the Week -</span> </span></div>
"<span style="color: blue;">I don't get paid until Tuesday? That's not fair! I've done all my jobs!" says Orion. I reply, "I don't remember the last time I got paid for doing your laundry". His reply, "That's because that isn't a real job!" He now owes me $30 for doing his laundry this month! What a stinker!</span><br />
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Last Tuesday we discovered our 7 month old Faith fractured her skull during a fall that weekend. She was fine after the fall, none of the tell tale signs they say to look for if there is brain damage, concussion, etc. So we didn't worry much until we noticed she had a giant, not regular size, GIANT knot on the side of her head. The doc checked her out, ordered x-rays, and gave us the news. Then he asks they we take her to a specialist to confirm we need to do nothing else and just let her heal. They schedule the appointment for the following Tuesday. One week after we find out about her initial injury.<br />
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What are we supposed to do in the meantime? "It would be good if she didn't hit her head in the same spot again." Ok. A very active 7 month old just learning to crawl and pull her self up on furniture is supposed to not hit her head again for a week. That should be easy right? NOT AT ALL! I am so far beyond exhausted at this point, 5 days later. I never realized how many times babies fall at this stage until I tried making sure it doesn't happen. Helmet? yes, we need a helmet. Padded room? yes, that too. And Momma? She needs an EMT standing by for when her heart attack or seizure finally occurs.<br />
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I don't think I realized until this week that I handle things much differently than I did years ago. I used to get chest pains when I was younger related to stress but haven't in years though much remains the same. We have the usual stressors - money, kids acting up for a day- but this is a new level of stress, accompanied by the return of chest pains and gritting my teeth....awake. I think the last two days the adrenaline in my body has finally been completely drained and the plea for sleep came in it's place. But sleep...psht...that would be too easy.<br />
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The same little baby came down with a runny nose yesterday, slept most of the day (as long as I was holding her anyway), then spiked a fever last night and was up all night. I am so glad Dad is off the next two days. It has been an insanely long, strenuous, exhausting, emotional, trying week. I am definitely ready to hand over the reins for a two hour nap! And the specialist appointment? I was relieved it was schedule a week later because I thought "that means it's nothing urgent, Yay" Which is still true, but it hasn't made the anticipation go away. If they ever try to make me wait a week again (which hopefully will be completely unnecessary because no one here will ever again need a specialist) I do believe I will throw a fit! Or at least buy a helmet, pad a room and find an off duty EMT to remain on call. It would sooooo be worth it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-53112485769891602892012-01-24T20:34:00.000-08:002012-01-24T20:35:58.267-08:00Beyond the FunI've been trying so hard, as every mother does, to keep up with the house. I started telling the kids a few minutes before Dan gets home to "Hurry lets get the living room clean for Daddy when he gets home!". This was working great until today. Today I said the usual and my son said "Why?" So I told him. "We want Daddy to be in a good mood when he gets here cause he's worked all day. When the house is clean it feels calmer and more relaxing." His reply, "Cleaning a house takes so much work its not relaxing! Dirty houses are much easier to do." Oh! Out of the mouths of babes!<br />
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It's so hard to get a child to enjoy having a clean house. Especially if they have to pitch in to keep it that way. Grace is at an age where we can sing the clean up song and she's excited to help for a few minutes, at least. But Orion has heard that song for many years now. I try to encourage him with the prospect that one day he'll get to be the "foreman" and just help the younger ones with these kinds of tasks but I don't know how long that will work. He's getting so smart so quick and what once I could explain without getting into the logic of the matter has quickly shifted into having to explain myself.<br />
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With the growing up comes more responsibilities of course. As I mentioned in the <a href="http://www.mommasrandomreflections.blogspot.com/2012/01/power-of-star.html">previous post</a> my big boy is now responsible for dinner dishes. I have done a time or two with the kids a fun dinner night when Dan is working late. They get to eat and drink out of any dish they want - soup pot, deviled egg tray, something from the china cabinet, a shoe, ANY thing they want to pick. We had so much fun and Orion even told me once that he had always wanted to drink out of this jug he was drinking his tea from. Well....the other day I said, "Ok ya'll you get to pick a dish tonight!" "I know what I'm getting!" screeched Orion, "a paper plate." Huh?..... "Are you sure? You get to pick ANYTHING you want?! Why a paper plate?" "Because I've got to wash all those dishes!" I hate the logic in that statement! He skips out on fun just so he can skip out on the extra work.<br />
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It's sad yet satisfying all at once. Satisfying because that was a really quick response and the thought process that went into that in those few seconds was pretty nice for a little kid! And it was awesome to see he was thinking about the consequences of his actions WAY ahead of time. But..Its sad seeing that he's beyond the point that fun dominates his thinking & reasoning. That only lasts for a short while and it is hard to see it go. I'm looking forward to the future with gladness and I am excited to see what this new stage of child rearing holds for us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-23493280977448261112012-01-12T19:39:00.000-08:002012-01-12T19:58:05.287-08:00The power of a star"Idle hands are the devils playground" has so much more meaning than I ever realized. Anytime these kids are not involved in something productive they are hitting or making messes or taking toys away from one another...etc.etc. The same goes for me too though. When I am not doing something productive I'm surfing the web dreaming about all the stuff I can't afford to have or do.<br />
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</div><div> Orion is pretty easy. We are out of the toddler stage with him and he is a productive member of the family, doing his chores, helping around the house and with his little sisters & probably getting blamed for fights he didn't start in the process. He definitely has his big kid troubles now. He knows everything. And he now gets to do 5 push ups for everything he knows more about than us adults! :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>We started him with "chores" when he was 3ish +/-. Gave him a chart with small jobs to do around the house like put all shoes in shoe basket, pick up trash, really any little thing we could think of that he could do wtih a 3 yr old's attention span. We paid him good too- a quarter a job! I can't tell you how many Transformers he saved up for and bought with his own money that year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Grace is the girl form of a rambunctious boy. She is into everything...all the time. Jumping off furniture, beating up her big brother, bossing around her little sister. She's just now two but I figured I may as well keep her idle hands busy. So I gave her - her very own chore chart. I know, I know. A two year old with chores?! She helps unload the dishwasher, puts away all the toys and dirty clothes at the end of the day, makes her bed (all with some help), and has to behave during school time. We've only been at this a week now, but day by day she gets more excited to see her gold stars lining up on her chart on the fridge.</div><div><br />
</div><div> With the success of the chore chart climbing we made a chart for "Potty trips". This is just an example of how strong willed she is. She knows when she needs to go. We can be gone all day at someone else's home and she won't have one accident. If we are home she will strip down and go do her business in a corner rather than going to the bathroom. We've tried stickers, candy and every form of bribery or scolding...but oh those stars....We went from 5-10 accidents a day to 1 in under a week.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What on earth did parents do before the invention of the golden star sticker? It's amazing, and somewhat silly, that a child will rearrange their entire behavior for a sticker smaller than a dime. Orion knows that those stickers mean money so I understand his willingness, but Grace hasn't even made it to the end of the week for payday yet! Thank you golden star sticker inventor!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-68943446399027667972011-10-25T20:53:00.000-07:002011-10-25T20:53:13.232-07:0010/25/2011Orion started reading today! It was so exciting! He has definitely been bored with learning letters but you could see him light up once he figured out how to put some sounds together. He only read about 8 words but he did it with little prompting and lit up from ear to ear when he realized what he did! I got all teary eyed. I am so so thankful to have this time with my children. Every day they amaze me. I am so thankful and blessed to get to experience so many firsts with them.<br />
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I can only imagine the things God has planned for these kids. Today Danica, the sweet yet strong willed and outspoken angel, was singing "God is so good"....in Nigerian. Now I would toot my own horn and say look what I taught her, but I didn't teach her this. Orion has sang it a couple times while learning to sing it for VBS months ago but we never attempted to get her to learn or even pay attention when he sang it. It's amazing the things they pick up on when you think they aren't paying any attention.<br />
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There is a song out by Casting Crowns called 'Slow Fade'. One of the verses in it says "Oh be careful little feet where you go. Cause it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow." What a task we parents have been assigned! What a privileged yet scary road to walk daily knowing that someone is there watching you all the time. Even when you think they are paying no attention whatsoever, they are watching and learning. They are figuring out how to make decisions and behave and they are learning from how we act and not how we <i>say</i> to act. The poor babies wouldn't have a chance in the world if it were up to me to get us all through. I'm so glad I have Someone guiding me. I only hope I pay attention enough. Father God please make my paths straight!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-27394019254419800702011-10-13T20:36:00.000-07:002011-10-13T20:36:41.881-07:00I just finished crying my eyes out and thanking God for these children. I don't deserve them. I can't believe He trusts me to raise them. They are so precious. It has been such an amazing journey watching them grow. There is still so much left to see. They change and learn daily. I am so excited to see what God has in store for their lives.<br />
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I was talking with my Mom about the Purpose Driven Life (by the way still on day 5). It speaks of taking your talents and all the things you are good at and like to do and using them to find your purpose. Well, I like to create things, organize, sing, write, teach, garden, clean, etc etc. I asked "How in the world am I supposed to take all those things and direct them at something?" She replied, "Sounds like all the things that you need to run a household."<br />
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So I guess I'm going to take this at face value for the moment and try to focus more on just that one thing running a household. I am constantly trying to go beyond this. Always trying to learn new things and try some new way to make money or do something to make a difference and so forth. Maybe for now I will just try to do well the tasks I've been assigned, work with what you've got kind of thing.<br />
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So many of us never see the fruits of our labor in the big picture. I may not see them either. But how many generations was there between Moses and Abraham? How many Mothers raised children only to raise their own children before the training was fulfilled in one person for God to use in the "big picture". Only time will tell.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-3143495547382227012011-10-06T22:20:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:20:47.374-07:00You Might Be an Artist If...<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I battle often with my desire to learn new arts. I got down the braiding as a teen, then basic sewing, some woodworking, scrap booking, jewelry, bow making, laying tile, then off to more complex pattern-less sewing. Now I want to paint. I also have always wanted to do pottery, metal work, major carpentry, basket weaving, masonry & clay. That is just the art part; it doesn't even tap the surface of all the things I would like to learn. What is a girl to do?! I don't just want to DO these things, I want to PERFECT them. I guess I could become a professional student. You know, just go to school on student loans for the rest of my life. I have my retirement already planned out it seems.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Creation is beautiful in almost every form. Taking an empty soup can, wrapping it in pretty paper with pretty cut out shapes & stuffing it full of colored markers and decorative scissors! - WHAT ISN'T AWESOME ABOUT THAT! :)</div><div><br /></div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I was just telling my Mother today that I should probably stop trying to learn to make or craft something new all the time. But now I know for sure I am crazy. I am crazy because I'm an artist! I fit a good number of the descriptions here ----><a href="http://www.craftsreport.com/craft-matters/97-youmightbeanartistif.html">You Might Be an Artist If...</a><--- that I believe were just meant to be humorous. Well for me they were reality! I spray painted the cat. Gave the dog a mohawk. Built Barbie's house out of VHS tapes and I have always wondered what was wrong with me that I couldn't pick a favorite color! Give me another 20 years and I'll have 8 tie dyed cats, a schnauzer named Mr. Mo, and a mansion built out of tole painted VHS tapes! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-36433090200879670572011-10-05T21:47:00.000-07:002011-10-05T21:47:09.524-07:00My Father-in-law just got into town for a while & my house is a wreck!!! I don't see how anyone with more than two kids EVER keeps a house clean. I take that back..If I rarely or never did anything I wanted to do for just me then maybe I could keep it half way straight. Does it really matter if its clean?<div>
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In my journey on this purpose driven life (I'm only on day 4 a month later) I have to now find purpose to continue doing, without conviction, all the things that I'm "supposed to do". Pick up toys, wash cloths, cook dinner...take a shower; it all seems rather pointless. </div>
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I know this may sound crazy but, this creates a whole new problem for me. Now I feel like I must know WHY we mop. I know, to clean the floors, but WHY must the floors be clean? Why do I wash clothes? You only wore it once. Is it really dirty? And shower? WHY? If we don't stink WHY must it be done often. Its not that I enjoy dirty clothes, floors or people, but I now need to know what eternal purpose this holds. SO OF COURSE.....it must be googled! Just one more thing to do until I can find a reason to not mop! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-35188797237305642962011-10-05T21:36:00.000-07:002011-10-05T21:36:23.840-07:00September 23, 2011 <br />
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Why does everyone have to learn for themselves? It would be so nice if lessons were handed down in our genetic makeup like hair color & skin tone. I'm sure each of us would have plenty yet to learn even if that were the case. So often I think, "Mom was so right! Why didn't I listen to her?" I also find myself giving others the same advice she gave me (which of course I had to make sure was right all by myself) and wishing they would just listen! What is this pride we have that we tell ourselves we can find a better way on our own.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-90624556132720109312011-09-19T22:14:00.000-07:002011-09-19T22:14:54.764-07:00I really dislike the "whatever" feeling that has taken me over the past two days. I'm not a whatever kind of person. I'm generally the happy go lucky type. Tomorrow is a new day and I am definitely looking forward to that!<div>
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Even in this mood the kids still crack me up. Orion said to me, "Hey mom, can I please have a drum set and three back up dancers so we can make some money to go on a cruise? Please?" That boy is going to be a business man when he grows up. Every few days he has a new idea of a business he wants to start. "Happy Burgers" "Lemonade Stand" "Make bullets and sell them at a garage sale" (I have no idea where that one came from!) "Learn a talent and go to America's got talent" "Make a stand and collect $1 from everyone who comes to Danica's birthday party" Where does this boy come up with these things? </div>
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I'm so glad that is how he thinks though. Rarely do I hear "Hey mom will you buy me this". We get the request for such and such for his birthday or Christmas but aside from that he seems to realize you have to work to get what you want. That makes me so proud and at the same time sad. I know it shouldn't be sad but I have a desire in me to spoil my children and it sucks that I can't stretch the mighty dollar further sometimes and buy them everything their little heads dream up.</div>
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I'm beginning to read the Purpose Driven Life again. I read it years ago all in one sitting and it's really more of a book to sit and ponder than rush through. I'm going to enjoy it this time and really contemplate it...really! Of course, I don't think this is the book with all the answers (I have three of those Books next to me) but I really enjoy another's Biblical perspective on how to live life well and to the fullest. That's what it's all about right? You only get one of these go rounds down here on earth, might as well make it absolutely grand, eh?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-79150140051642491842011-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:002011-09-03T22:55:27.277-07:00I can't remember anything these days! It's pretty bad when you need to set an alarm in your phone to remind you to call a friend. What's wrong with me? Now I know good and well back in the old days before computers and all the fancy smancy gadgets that women had friends and families that they remembered to keep up with from time to time. Not me. I could talk to someone everyday then all the sudden two...or six months has passed and we haven't spoken a word. It's not that I don't think about people. I think about friends and family A LOT. And it's not that time just fly's by because time has a pretty, steady, slow pace with me. (And I like that, thank You God and you can keep that up as long as You would like.) So in other words I have no excuse for my actions....DANG! Well, I do stay pretty busy so I guess that's an excuse. Four kids, a husband, house, chickens, pigs and various other creatures do take some time I suppose....and all of that me time in between. (accompanied by a roll of the eyes and a sarcastic tone, lol)<br />
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Well, I've been blessed with some energy and determination as of late. I've got a couple meals cooked up and frozen and started, oh I don't know, 3 other businesses. Well, not really paying businesses at this point but some great ideas that are taking up way to much of my time! That's always nice!<br />
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Off to bed, gonna try this whole day thing again tomorrow....and hopefully end it before 1am.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-7346022164286530122011-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:002011-08-30T20:07:27.470-07:00The sounds seem to never end...crash, clank clank, swish, waaaaah, ahhhh, stop it! Oh My! Where in the world do you find peace among such confusion. Between the toddler making peanut butter and "hot pickle" (jalapeno) sandwiches, sneaking lollipops, and doing all she can to irritate big brother there is little peace to be found.<br />
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To be honest, I rather enjoy the chaos most days. But, I definitely have those times I long for a moment silence; just a moment to refocus myself and put my happy face back on. My Mom always says go to bed early and get some rest, but I think my rest comes more from my moments. I'm gonna try to start doing some devotional time. That's where real rest comes from He says.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-35950491059012584782011-08-21T20:17:00.000-07:002011-08-21T20:17:40.990-07:00One of THOSE DaysMy day started with children crying & gold fish crackers all over the place on top of the numerous messes. By 10 I had already had to holler numerous times & spankings would have been soon following had I not been so upset. The middle baby cried until we left @ 1. By noon I had decided I wasn't gonna make it through the day & I would likely have an aneurysm soon. (This was shortly after I flooded my kitchen while filling up a pail & tending to kids in another room. Not just a little flood - entire counter top, in the drawers, cabinets & floor, all the way into the dining room). I don't remember a morning quite so miserable in recent history. Then the day got worse....<div><br />
</div><div>Gathered up clothes for a friend that lost her home to a fire. Dropped Orion of with his grandma and headed to a house warming party with the two little girls. After I got the baby down for a nap Danica had a hay day..with chips throwing them every where, then her juice throwing it everywhere. Stepping on Faith, throwing things, all while laughing at this new game she had come up with that she thought was so cute. Cut my finger while slicing a lime then gave up and decided I had a better chance of sanity at home. Loaded up girls, picked up Orion & Faith cried the entire way to drop clothes & half the way home. Got home put everyone down for a nap. Decided I needed a break so I went to vacuum the pool and got stung by a wasp.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Why did today seem like the end of the world? I know I've had worse days than this....maybe. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-41832224816434480932011-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:002011-08-16T21:49:11.955-07:00Right about now my husband is somewhere in the air around 2 hours from France. He only left this morning and I already miss him. Orion was just sobbing last night when he realized his Dad was gonna be gone for a while. He's already painted him a picture & wondered if he's been eaten by lions (I guess the word Africa brings dangerous animals to mind for even a 5 yr old). My poor little man.<br />
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Well, while hubby is enjoying the sights, sound and smells of an extremely overpopulated city with the lowest unemployment rate in the world I will be here enjoying my little ones and trying my best to keep busy and forget he is gone. I don't say this often, but I hope this week goes fairly quickly. I hear Africa changes people and I really can't wait to see him and make sure he's still normal :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-84500592139648184232011-08-15T21:35:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:35:24.855-07:00There is something about spending some time on the river that soothes the soul, even with the kids humming Mario Brothers tunes & racing back and forth for who is in first place. Something about it has always calmed me. I know a lot of people think "yuck, the Colorado" but when I am in it or on it I see beauty all around me.It's a fluid environment, literally and figuratively speaking. It is constantly changing, banks being edged out into rock, roots being washed away, sand and rock trading places below.<br />
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Why would change be so comforting? I can only guess, because it is natural in this form. Nothing is pressed or forced, it is just a gradual change. Is that why we stay so distressed? Are we trying to force ourselves to quickly to take on new things or rid ourselves of old ones? Most say life is short, maybe that is why we feel we are in such a rush to accomplish so much. Well, bad news, the more you rush the shorter your life is. Rushing things makes time FLY by. Just try it. Rush yourself for a day and see how the time passes as opposed to just being active & not rushing.<br />
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When rivers RUSH, things change quickly - trees fall down, structures are removed & things are destroyed. But floods are a natural process as well. Maybe we need those quick bursts of destruction. Who knows, just my thoughts for the moment...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-23895972804277178812011-08-14T20:08:00.000-07:002011-08-14T20:08:44.402-07:00NO NO SpankingChurch was wonderful today. It was on the scripture saying we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. So my Pastor broke it down to we were created for work (he wasn't speaking of salvation through works, just that we find our fulfillment in working). The meaning of life all wrapped up in one little phrase from one little book; and so simply! So, maybe there was more to it than that but I really enjoy entertaining the thought that my whole life's purpose can be fulfilled just by doing good works...and yes, I'm sure those good works include spanking children occasionally and not just healing the sick.<div><br />
</div><div>I am blessed to call my own the most stubborn, strong willed little girl I have ever met! I tell her "Don't tell me no", and spank her. She looks at me and tells me "NO NO SPANKING!" For not even being two I must hand it to her that she is very brave. Now I know, I was just the sweetest little girl so I couldn't possibly be getting paid back for my childhood. It must be from my husbands side. ;) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Even after all of that I look at her and feel completely blessed and grateful she is mine. I have to discipline her and train her in the way she should go but it is only done because I love her with all my heart. I am so happy that God is our Father. I love that no matter how spoiled rotten, back talking, fit throwing, & ungrateful we are He still looks at us with the same feeling any Father looks at his children with - I love you. I could have NEVER grasped that without having my own children. I'm sure many can, but to have a daily real life visualization of how much God loves us even when we are brats, it took kids for me. So that's it everyone start having babies so you can get a grip on how much God loves you!</div><div><br />
</div><div> (I am completely joking about that last sentence so don't go suing me for child support for these kids I told you to have! lol)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-13298758229521941942011-08-13T22:04:00.000-07:002011-08-13T22:04:37.764-07:00 My step son came back today and broke the news that he wants to move back in with his mom. Even with all the trials we faced with him moving here I am sad to hear the news. Who can blame him though. He comes home after a month and spends the entire first day back with not one but two fussy babies and a little boy that is not being his normal sweet self. It was a HUGE adjustment for him coming here with a bunch of little kids running around and almost no privacy from a home where he was usually home alone while his mom was working. His dad works a lot so there really is little time for them to be together. I'm hoping we can make the best of his last month here and he and his dad can get some good time in with each other. <div><br />
</div><div>Everyone has a hard time with change. Sure some things may be better but usually along tags something at least as bad as what you are changing. I personally want to change back. I'd rather not try something new. I'd rather try something that works. It may be new to me, but I like to know that someone else has tried it and it works. I want to go all the way back to when things worked. Is there such a time or place? Before broken families and homeless children. Before women had to be men; because men were men. Before the constant distractions from tv, video games, and internet. Back where people actually knew people and not a profile. I want to be more than a profile. Maybe that's why I'm blogging.<br />
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Aside from worrying about my husband returning with an intact head, I'm also worried about me being without his help for a week. Some days I may only get a 20 minute break in the evening where I can disappear for some mommy time when he is here. I am wondering how my psyche is gonna hold up with even that little time gone! Don't get me wrong, I love my babies and am beyond grateful for every minute I get with them. But, there is definitely time needed to restore yourself. Time to simply change your attitude so you can continue being good to those around you. If you are never good to yourself you end up with little to give and what you do give you can end up resenting.<br />
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What I realize is I don't have enough appreciation for those 20 minute breaks in the evening. I spend half of that time worrying about the time and worrying I don't have enough of it. I need to really relish those few moments so I have more to give to those I come into contact each day. You never know what you have until it's gone. Pedicure anyone?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437008756225426094.post-28541157124928223632011-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:002011-08-11T20:27:12.978-07:00Head in the GameSo next week school starts. I am a bit uncertain about how this will all go down. My step-son returns two days before school starts and my husband leaves for Africa one day after. Not only that, there is a new baby in the house. Not only that but we, me and my 5 year old, are starting homeschooling 5 days a week, no exceptions. Not only that I'm potty training our almost 2 yr old little girl. And last but not least. Not only that but I've got my first jewelry show in a month & lots of product to create. I find it so hard to manage not only my time but my thoughts and ideas as well. So many good ones, so many not so good ones. Where to place the chaos? Right here! Thats right! It's not like I have anything else I could be doing anyway ;) Reader beware: There is no telling where we may end up, and honestly no telling how we're going to get there. I'm hoping by finally putting all my insanity in one place I might just be able to make some sense of things. So I welcome you to join me on my journey through the mundane & exciting alike.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09055340560386823272noreply@blogger.com3