I'm glad I bring so much joy to my mother and hopefully grandmother.
Yesterday while sitting on the front porch with the munchkins, I decided it was a good time to make a phone call to mi madre. I noticed she had called earlier and two previous phone calls had been successful. (Around here, making a phone call takes planning, being able to predict the 10-15 minute future needs and wants of two children, a patient phone-call recipient and way more patience than I feel I was allotted up in heaven before God brought me into this world). So I call her, get about a minute into the conversation and notice outside on the front porch isn't working anymore and we must move inside. She very patiently waits as I talk to her, Katherine, Nathan and the dog like a person with uncontrollable Turrets syndrome. It really does take a trained ear to be able to tell who I'm talking to. I'm trying my best to let her know that I REALLY want to continue the conversation with a big person, but these little people aren't listening and following my directions to GO INSIDE.
And then it happened. I don't remember ever swearing that I would never do this, but I sure enough laughed at my grandmas and my mother and aunts when they did it. Katherine and Gracie looked like they might be heading toward the door and I was trying to get the attention of Nathan while I held the door open for the other two who just might by pure randomness head inside (certainly not for being obedient). And I called:
"KaGraNathan!"
Mom didn't even catch it. I brought it to her attention and all she could do was chuckle for a while. And I mean a while.
My grandma's version was "NaDoRodney." That's a combination of Nadine, Doreen and Rodney. Or sometimes, "RoDorNadine." You get the picture.
Oh well. I'm beginning to realize that I have turned into "one of them" and it will only be a matter of time before Katherine is snickering at my foul-ups.
...She can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Wednesday, September 30
Tuesday, September 29
Budding pianist? Songstress? Actress = done
For those of you who know me well enough, you know this just melts my heart.
The piano keys are labeled with color-coded note letters and I use color pencils to mark the corresponding notes in her Wee Bible Songs book.
The piano keys are labeled with color-coded note letters and I use color pencils to mark the corresponding notes in her Wee Bible Songs book.
Dress-up Tuesday
Every now and then I read about 'suggestions' for toddler play and I do my best to incorporate something new and different into our daily routine, at least weekly. Last week Katherine and I prepared a meal in her kitchen, packed it up with other picnic items, took a ride in the couch car, arrived at our 'cation' (short for vacation, which I'm finding out means anyplace fun), enjoyed looking at the farm animals in my room, took a dip in the pool in Nathan's room and admired the lovely sleeping accommodations in Katherine's room.
Yesterday we had our 'touchy-feely' workshop. I assembled things with different textures for us to touch, feel and talk about. Metal & plastic spoons, cotton balls, a fingernail file, her silky princess skirt, a DVD case, some strips of paper, etc. What did they feel like: soft, hard, cold, easy to break or pull apart. Last week in school she learned about her 5 senses so the cotton balls (which I use mostly for removing fingernail polish) introduced the sense of smell, they were stinky, and we talked about listening to the other items, tasting them and seeing them.
Today was another dress-up day. You may recall our last dress-up incident. I wasn't that patient this time, so it was just her dress-up time today. She got to pick out whatever she wanted to wear in my closet and try it on.
Mommy's skirt she wore to Molly's wedding...
Mommy's dress she wore to our wedding rehearsal...
(I can so see her trying on dresses for a school dance)
Mommy's juking dress she wore one time on our honeymoon...
(Why am I keeping this dress?)
And the one she settled on...
After she picked out the dress to wear for the next 15 minutes, we moved to her room and somehow ended up dancing. Although, I use that term loosely. It was more like interpretive dancing. She, wearing the blue flowery skirt turned into a tunic-style dress, and I, still in my pajamas, danced to the classical music tunes very cleverly turned into "Princess music" by Disney. Shirtless Nathan (I'm having visions of what his school dance outfit will be also) attempted to understand the overload of feminine-ness he was witnessing by sitting with his mouth wide open. Still. Speechless. It didn't take me long though to realize that his stillness was all part of the act.
Background: Katherine has a door stop that is easily removable and Nathan seems to think its fun to pull it off, put the dusty, grimy, metal spring-like object in his mouth, and chew on it. MANY, many times he has been told no, especially after realizing that it was missing for days and now the door knob has started creating an indention in the drywall.
So, Mr. quiet, who looks like he's in shock, is actually eyeing and slowly inching toward the door stop. In the middle of the 'dancing' a deep-voiced, resounding "NOOOOOO" comes from Mommy when I realize he's reaching for it. (The eyes in the back of my head are evolving to my advantage). Our venue had to change, the skirt/dress came off and it was time for bottle and nap.
Yesterday we had our 'touchy-feely' workshop. I assembled things with different textures for us to touch, feel and talk about. Metal & plastic spoons, cotton balls, a fingernail file, her silky princess skirt, a DVD case, some strips of paper, etc. What did they feel like: soft, hard, cold, easy to break or pull apart. Last week in school she learned about her 5 senses so the cotton balls (which I use mostly for removing fingernail polish) introduced the sense of smell, they were stinky, and we talked about listening to the other items, tasting them and seeing them.
Today was another dress-up day. You may recall our last dress-up incident. I wasn't that patient this time, so it was just her dress-up time today. She got to pick out whatever she wanted to wear in my closet and try it on.
Mommy's skirt she wore to Molly's wedding...
Mommy's dress she wore to our wedding rehearsal...
(I can so see her trying on dresses for a school dance)
Mommy's juking dress she wore one time on our honeymoon...
(Why am I keeping this dress?)
And the one she settled on...
After she picked out the dress to wear for the next 15 minutes, we moved to her room and somehow ended up dancing. Although, I use that term loosely. It was more like interpretive dancing. She, wearing the blue flowery skirt turned into a tunic-style dress, and I, still in my pajamas, danced to the classical music tunes very cleverly turned into "Princess music" by Disney. Shirtless Nathan (I'm having visions of what his school dance outfit will be also) attempted to understand the overload of feminine-ness he was witnessing by sitting with his mouth wide open. Still. Speechless. It didn't take me long though to realize that his stillness was all part of the act.
Background: Katherine has a door stop that is easily removable and Nathan seems to think its fun to pull it off, put the dusty, grimy, metal spring-like object in his mouth, and chew on it. MANY, many times he has been told no, especially after realizing that it was missing for days and now the door knob has started creating an indention in the drywall.
So, Mr. quiet, who looks like he's in shock, is actually eyeing and slowly inching toward the door stop. In the middle of the 'dancing' a deep-voiced, resounding "NOOOOOO" comes from Mommy when I realize he's reaching for it. (The eyes in the back of my head are evolving to my advantage). Our venue had to change, the skirt/dress came off and it was time for bottle and nap.
Saturday, September 26
5K kicked into high gear
Yes, I've heard it all before: "From the mouth of babes", "Children will humble you", "I can't wait until you have your own children" yadda yadda yadda. But can anyone really have a fighting chance at truly understanding all these until you have your own? I dare anyone to disagree.
Three days ago: Jim comes home from working late. Him and Katherine have precious father/daughter time in the bedroom while he's emptying his pockets, asking about her day, telling her about his etc. I happen to saunter in and see her holding a small object up to her eye trying to look at objects closely. It's Jim's magnifying glass he uses to observe leaves. She then proceeds to walk around behind me, hold it up to my badonkadonk and exclaim, "Daddy, Mommy's hiney looks big in the magifine glass!" Hearty laughing ensues from the 6' member of the family. Yeah, I'm sure there was no coaching there.
This morning: Background #1 - sometimes when Katherine doesn't eat enough, I'll gently feel her tummy, poking around and declare there IS more room for food. She is not allowed to leave the table yet.
Background #2 - yesterday she was a bear to be around from about 10:30am on to lunch because she insisted the half of a waffle was all she was hungry for while eating breakfast.
So, back to this morning, half a waffle into breakfast and two bites of a banana she declares she's full. I insist she eat more.
K: Does my tummy look full? Why don't you feel it to check?
M: I don't need to feel it. I can see it from here. There's plenty of room for more food.
K: You mean it needs to get bigger like yours?
Really? Big hiney? Big tummy? I thought 'from the mouth of babes' meant they said insightful things that we can draw meaningful life experiences from like,
"Why don't people like all other people"
"I'd like to open up that Dorito truck and share all the chips with all my friends"
"Did you know that Jesus loves all the children of the world, mommy"
Ok, ok, so I have heard these insightful phrases, but must the comments go on about my body shape and size? I've been blessed with being blinded by body types, weights and sizes (including my own) but now mine have become more obvious. I can be thankful the messenger is so darn cute.
I think my exercise routine for the 5K I'm attempting to run in the Fall needs to be kicked into high gear.
Three days ago: Jim comes home from working late. Him and Katherine have precious father/daughter time in the bedroom while he's emptying his pockets, asking about her day, telling her about his etc. I happen to saunter in and see her holding a small object up to her eye trying to look at objects closely. It's Jim's magnifying glass he uses to observe leaves. She then proceeds to walk around behind me, hold it up to my badonkadonk and exclaim, "Daddy, Mommy's hiney looks big in the magifine glass!" Hearty laughing ensues from the 6' member of the family. Yeah, I'm sure there was no coaching there.
This morning: Background #1 - sometimes when Katherine doesn't eat enough, I'll gently feel her tummy, poking around and declare there IS more room for food. She is not allowed to leave the table yet.
Background #2 - yesterday she was a bear to be around from about 10:30am on to lunch because she insisted the half of a waffle was all she was hungry for while eating breakfast.
So, back to this morning, half a waffle into breakfast and two bites of a banana she declares she's full. I insist she eat more.
K: Does my tummy look full? Why don't you feel it to check?
M: I don't need to feel it. I can see it from here. There's plenty of room for more food.
K: You mean it needs to get bigger like yours?
Really? Big hiney? Big tummy? I thought 'from the mouth of babes' meant they said insightful things that we can draw meaningful life experiences from like,
"Why don't people like all other people"
"I'd like to open up that Dorito truck and share all the chips with all my friends"
"Did you know that Jesus loves all the children of the world, mommy"
Ok, ok, so I have heard these insightful phrases, but must the comments go on about my body shape and size? I've been blessed with being blinded by body types, weights and sizes (including my own) but now mine have become more obvious. I can be thankful the messenger is so darn cute.
I think my exercise routine for the 5K I'm attempting to run in the Fall needs to be kicked into high gear.
Sunday, September 20
Sponsors needed
A couple of years ago, a lady got up in front of our church to speak. She was someone I had recently met and was learning to admire; I thought she was engaging, interesting and had a great sense of humor. She spoke about her past. As a teenager she got pregnant. Once her father found out, he calmly took her to see a "specialist" and told her not to worry, that she'd be alright. He left her in a doctor's office to have an abortion while he left to go buy a car.
That story cut me to the quick and it was then that I chose to support and be involved in the Women's Pregnancy Center in our hometown.
Their Mission: The Women's Pregnancy Center is a Christian ministry to women in crisis pregnancies offering life-affirming options and services to assist them in making decisions that respect life.
They are a non-denominational, Christian ministry that is supported solely through financial contributions from individuals. One of their biggest fund-raisers is the yearly Walk for Life. I have no idea how many people actually read this blog, but I thought I'd try. If you're interested in sponsoring me to walk 2 miles in my efforts to support this tremendous organization, I'd be honored. Please contact me.
As a mother of two young children, it breaks my heart to know that there are women out there contemplating the idea of terminating their child's life. I thankfully have never been there but pray that if any of my loved ones were ever in a similar situation, this organization would be there to provide Godly guidance and support.
Thank-You
Precious little ones
Recent updates on the kiddos:
Nathan:
Just this week...
Some things I'll miss when my babies grow up:
Nathan:
Just this week...
- I noticed him running away from me when I reached down to pick him up. Running. He just turned 11 months old.
- He started trying to open up doors.
- He started pointing to the fan, a nose, ears and hair.
- He started clapping; although I think after he realizes his hands made that sound, he's more mesmerized and stunned. Then he claps no more.
- He started signing the word "more" when referring to food.
- On the way to school or church, we pass a section of the road where they're widening it from 2-lane to 4-lane and she likes to point out all the "exvagators" and "dumpdozers."
- Home decorating tip #1: Door knobs can be so drab so dress them up with hair bands. And don't stop at your bedroom door; decorate the whole house with multiple hair bands, preferably the ones with extra ribbons or sparkles, to add a little pizazz.
Some things I'll miss when my babies grow up:
- Watching Katherine and her cousin R dance in church. They enjoy feeling the spirit so much while singing that they are moved to dance. It's quite entertaining to whomever is around.
- My little boy has finally let me cuddle with him. Usually a little bit before he sleeps and I take full advantage of it after he wakes up.
- Them needing me so much. Sure, it gets old not being able to eat a complete meal without having to take a bathroom break, wipe a face, pick up toys off the floor, keep food off my white pants and try to keep my fingernails clean. It's emotionally draining not being able to get out of the house more often. Sleeping in is no longer anywhere on my radar, unless I dream of it. Spending more time than the bare minimum to get myself bathed, hair dried, make-up applied and clothes thrown on that are free of food or bleach stains is the norm. Not being able to have a conversation that lasts longer than 2 sentences without being interrupted is one I struggle with the most. And wiping saliva or nostril fluids off my legs is just plain gross. But Jim and I talk about what it would be like if our children ever moved far away. We also ask each other how much longer it will be before we can half-way enjoy a meal with them there. Neither one of us know the answer but I do know this: there is a blessed circle to this life. We start with these precious, helpless and beautiful creatures that need our undivided attention 24 hours/day. And with our guidance, love and unceasing prayers, they eventually grow into productive, self-sustaining adults (at least that's our goal). God made them to need us and he'll make it to where we are more comfortable with separation, one step at a time. I'll still miss their little needs and I try my best to appreciate them now.
Thursday, September 17
Neighbors, water & singing
I don't know what's gotten into our sweet little neighborhood. Two years ago we had a house go up for rent and a lady moved in there with her twin toddler daughters. Her situation seemed harmless and most neighbors were ready to help at a moment's notice, but the daughters went to live somewhere else, the delinquent teenage daughter came to live there with her boyfriend, along with a friend, an uncle, the friend's friend and they had people visiting ALL the time. Usually for about 15 minutes then they were gone. After about 8 months of being convinced drugs were involved, and me living in fear while at home with a 9 month old, they finally moved out the house was sold and the home owners live there now.
And today, the drama continued. Another house on our street is causing concern. Around noon, I walked outside to say good-bye to a friend and saw three police cars in front of the troubled house. By the time all was over, there were four police cars, two EMT vehicles, some shouting, handcuffing and tons of speculation.
The three-year-old's take on the whole situation was: "Mommy, I want the police to come to our house."
We really do live in a good neighborhood and good area of town with great neighbors. For some reason though, some minor troubles have settled near us.
On a much lighter note, we enjoyed some water fun today because Gracie needed a bath.
Then, after supper, Katherine had a yogurt pop and decided to share, but first wanted to get a picture with brother. He looks a little apprehensive about the idea.
Cautiously, he takes a bite.
And today, the drama continued. Another house on our street is causing concern. Around noon, I walked outside to say good-bye to a friend and saw three police cars in front of the troubled house. By the time all was over, there were four police cars, two EMT vehicles, some shouting, handcuffing and tons of speculation.
The three-year-old's take on the whole situation was: "Mommy, I want the police to come to our house."
We really do live in a good neighborhood and good area of town with great neighbors. For some reason though, some minor troubles have settled near us.
¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_
On a much lighter note, we enjoyed some water fun today because Gracie needed a bath.
Then, after supper, Katherine had a yogurt pop and decided to share, but first wanted to get a picture with brother. He looks a little apprehensive about the idea.
Cautiously, he takes a bite.
I don't think he's that impressed.
¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸_
I love it when Katherine wants to sing while playing the piano. Now Nathan has joined in. She's singing "Little ones to him belong."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
