There is something so wonderful about a warm, sunny day after weeks and weeks of winter.
Watching my kids toddle and/or dash about the playground, throwing sticks into the stream, spotting squirrels in the trees and ducks in the creek, pushing delighted children through the air on the swings, and taking a leisurely walk just the right distance for little legs to manage.
Fresh. Unhurried. Delight. Peace. Cleanse. Relax. Laugh. Breathe.
What great joy our Father has made possible in this life! I find myself in awe of all that He has made, from my children's chubby faces to the beauty of the hills.
Stop. Look. Wonder.
What love He has lavished on us that we should be called sons of God!
Joy.
And yet this is but a glimpse of the glory of eternity.
Perspective.
Not all days are as sunny as this. But thank God for the hints of glory that we are given to sustain us through EACH day.
My children sleep. Time to clean the house with a full heart.
I am blessed.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Kids and Family Portraits
I find it is easier to have a plan for dealing with certain things rather than trying to remember to make them happen someday. One of these things is kids and family portraits. I don't want to wake up in ten years thinking, "It's been such a long time since we've gotten a photo of our whole family!" We also have lots of long distance family members and I know they like to get pictures of the kids, but unless I plan for it to happen, nothing gets sent!
We do a family picture in December to send out with our Christmas letter. Then in June we do individual "school picture" type photos of the kids to send to family. That way the great grandparents, aunties and everyone gets a new photo every six months. I also have frames for each photo hanging in our home and whenever we get a new one, I just replace and file the old picture. I just buy the cheap package portrait deals at Wal-Mart. It just takes lots of self control to avoid all the expensive extras!
I've decided to spend a little more for portraits taken at one month old, one year old, and - when the kids are older - senior pictures. Having a plan in place ensures that all my children have equal treatment. I didn't want my oldest to have tons of photos and never get around to pictures of the younger kids.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Gifts
19. "Champagne powder" snow - glorious on the slopes and pine branches of the ski resort.
20. A whole day with my husband, skiing and tumbling through the beauty.
21. Firm quiet convictions pressed upon my soul by the Holy Spirit.
22. The gospel: Jesus is enough.
23. Last night's big, golden orb of a moon.
24. My little children running up and down the sunny sidewalk.
25. Random promptings of the Holy Spirit which, when obeyed, bring blessing.
26. "He who is great in power is [my] Father and Friend." (Spurgeon)
27. Snuggling next to my little boy as we both "read" our Bibles.
28. Waking up to a tinge of light in the sky.
29. Stale bread - a marvelous excuse to enjoy God's world while feeding the geese.
30. Soft rosy Abby-cheeks in soft morning light.
31. Our friends' unborn triplets - healthy and strong so far.
32. Popular science books - understanding mysteries of the universe without doing the math.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Isaac's Journal
Spring fever must have set in because we’re back to having a crabby, whiny Isaac on our hands. You do seem to be able to cope better when you get some outside time. Sometimes it’s almost magic what the fresh air and sunshine can do for your attitude (mine too!). I can’t wait for spring and summer so we can “live” outside instead of settling for fifteen minute walks around the block.
This month we decided to potty train in earnest. It was remarkably easy compared to last year! I just stuck some underwear on you and started asking you every few hours if you wanted to “try potty”. Gradually that morphed into you telling me when you need to go. We did have a struggle for about a week where you kept constipating yourself by fighting the bowel movements, but we’re over the hump and I think you’re truly potty trained now! You only had - I think - three accidents in the whole process. We still do diapers at night, but you actually wake up dry about 50% of the time!
It’s been interesting to see you figure out “cause and effect” or “why” this month. Most kids start asking “why” constantly, but you haven’t done that yet. Rather, we are able to ask YOU “why” and get an intelligible answer. “Why do you hope it will be a sunny day, Isaac?” “Because I want to go “beaching!”” (You are apparently dying to go to the beach, as you talk about it all the time!)
You’ve also been getting into looking at books on your own. One book from the library only had two rhyming words per page so you could read it to yourself verbatim after hearing me once. You’ll also paraphrase some stories or just describe the pictures. I’ve even caught you on video reading to Abby. So sweet!
One thing I’ve known for a while is that you have an uncanny memory – particularly associated with places. For example, we walked down to Wilson Park today (it’s a gorgeous day for February) for the first time in a while and you asked me, “Where is the birdie kite?” I had to wrack my brain for a minute, but then remembered that last time we were at that particular park, someone had indeed been flying a kite shaped like a bird! Or another example is one snowy day when I was singing, “Oh the weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s so delightful. . .” you said, “Like the snowman at those people’s house!” Again I had to think for a minute before remembering that our church friends who had invited us for supper around Christmastime had a singing snowman decoration in their window. You amaze me!
I’ve been truly pleased a few times to watch you make a choice to tell me the truth. I’ll see Abby screaming and ask, “What happened to Abby?” You might start out, “I not do anything,” then change to, “actually, I bit Abby.” We’ve also talked a few times about how it is so hard to control ourselves because we have icky hearts and we’ve asked Jesus together to clean your icky heart and help you be kind. Oh, how I pray that you will love Jesus better than I do.
This month we decided to potty train in earnest. It was remarkably easy compared to last year! I just stuck some underwear on you and started asking you every few hours if you wanted to “try potty”. Gradually that morphed into you telling me when you need to go. We did have a struggle for about a week where you kept constipating yourself by fighting the bowel movements, but we’re over the hump and I think you’re truly potty trained now! You only had - I think - three accidents in the whole process. We still do diapers at night, but you actually wake up dry about 50% of the time!
It’s been interesting to see you figure out “cause and effect” or “why” this month. Most kids start asking “why” constantly, but you haven’t done that yet. Rather, we are able to ask YOU “why” and get an intelligible answer. “Why do you hope it will be a sunny day, Isaac?” “Because I want to go “beaching!”” (You are apparently dying to go to the beach, as you talk about it all the time!)
You’ve also been getting into looking at books on your own. One book from the library only had two rhyming words per page so you could read it to yourself verbatim after hearing me once. You’ll also paraphrase some stories or just describe the pictures. I’ve even caught you on video reading to Abby. So sweet!
One thing I’ve known for a while is that you have an uncanny memory – particularly associated with places. For example, we walked down to Wilson Park today (it’s a gorgeous day for February) for the first time in a while and you asked me, “Where is the birdie kite?” I had to wrack my brain for a minute, but then remembered that last time we were at that particular park, someone had indeed been flying a kite shaped like a bird! Or another example is one snowy day when I was singing, “Oh the weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s so delightful. . .” you said, “Like the snowman at those people’s house!” Again I had to think for a minute before remembering that our church friends who had invited us for supper around Christmastime had a singing snowman decoration in their window. You amaze me!
I’ve been truly pleased a few times to watch you make a choice to tell me the truth. I’ll see Abby screaming and ask, “What happened to Abby?” You might start out, “I not do anything,” then change to, “actually, I bit Abby.” We’ve also talked a few times about how it is so hard to control ourselves because we have icky hearts and we’ve asked Jesus together to clean your icky heart and help you be kind. Oh, how I pray that you will love Jesus better than I do.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Abby's Journal
What a personality you are developing – it seems your laugh is more and more frequent and it’s such a beautiful sound that I find myself working a little harder to make you smile! You truly are very easygoing and I have come to believe that the trouble we had a couple of months back with you being crabby must have been related to teething or unknown ear infections or something. Because truly, you are very content. When Isaac is sleeping or gone (perhaps to the hardware store with Daddy) you will entertain yourself for long periods of time. You like to have me nearby, but you are pretty content on your own. When Isaac is awake, however, you are much more likely to be crabby or insistent on asking “Up, up” I think because he just won’t leave you alone!
It’s been fun to see you two develop some games of your own, though. I love to watch you play together – sometimes peekaboo or riding toys or balls or even “reading books”. More often, though, I’m pulling Isaac off of you. When you’re both awake I don’t get much done because I have to protect you a lot. That’s okay. You’re worth it.
Your vocabulary keeps growing. I can usually tell what you’re saying, but I’m never sure if it’s just me who can understand. However, yesterday we were at the secondhand children’s clothing store and you sat on a chair saying “gok, gok, gok”. The clerk said, “that’s not a rocking, chair sweetie.” So apparently I’m not the only one who can tell that gok=rock.
You are really into listening to stories now. That’s fine with me because that’s all Isaac wants to do too! Your hands-down favorite is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” as you nearly always pull that one off of the shelf! It amazes me how often I’ll find you just sitting and looking at picture books all by yourself.
We’ve had a couple of nice days recently and it’s been fun to see you play outside. You were just starting to walk when the weather turned cold last fall, so this spring will be your first real shot at playing outdoors. Isaac has been leading the way with a new game “running up and down the sidewalk”. It looks to be a favorite of yours. It amazes me how well you’re walking in your shoes even though you’ve had so little practice!
I love your sweet spirit and soft hugs and gentle kisses. I’m so thrilled to have my own little Abby-girl, or as I’ve been calling you lately, “Aba-Daba”.
It’s been fun to see you two develop some games of your own, though. I love to watch you play together – sometimes peekaboo or riding toys or balls or even “reading books”. More often, though, I’m pulling Isaac off of you. When you’re both awake I don’t get much done because I have to protect you a lot. That’s okay. You’re worth it.
Your vocabulary keeps growing. I can usually tell what you’re saying, but I’m never sure if it’s just me who can understand. However, yesterday we were at the secondhand children’s clothing store and you sat on a chair saying “gok, gok, gok”. The clerk said, “that’s not a rocking, chair sweetie.” So apparently I’m not the only one who can tell that gok=rock.
You are really into listening to stories now. That’s fine with me because that’s all Isaac wants to do too! Your hands-down favorite is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” as you nearly always pull that one off of the shelf! It amazes me how often I’ll find you just sitting and looking at picture books all by yourself.
We’ve had a couple of nice days recently and it’s been fun to see you play outside. You were just starting to walk when the weather turned cold last fall, so this spring will be your first real shot at playing outdoors. Isaac has been leading the way with a new game “running up and down the sidewalk”. It looks to be a favorite of yours. It amazes me how well you’re walking in your shoes even though you’ve had so little practice!
I love your sweet spirit and soft hugs and gentle kisses. I’m so thrilled to have my own little Abby-girl, or as I’ve been calling you lately, “Aba-Daba”.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Saving Money in a BIG Way
My husband and I have a rather unique "frugal philosophy".
It is: save on the big ticket items in a big way, and let yourself live a little by spending on small pleasures.
Now, this philosophy might not work for everyone because frankly we are both naturally penny-pinchers. We probably each spend less than $100/year on ourselves for clothing. We never buy "stuff" just because we like it because we both HATE clutter. We don't buy clothes or toys for our kids (grandparents more than take care of that).
However, we have our weaknesses. Books. Eating out (about once per week). Travel (a nice vacation once/year).
We can afford these things with no problem because of our approach to buying cars and our home.
We live in a 1600 square foot older home in a slightly dilapidated (but on its way up) neighborhood. We could have "afforded" to pay twice as much for a home. But we'd rather not pay the mortgage payments, you know?
As for cars, we only pay cash. We drive a 1998 Taurus that we got two years ago for $2400 and a 2001 Mazda that we got in 2004 for half of the Book value (off of Ebay!). My husband carefully researches reliability and has cars inspected so we've had very little maintenance to worry about.
By making the decision to thrive with less, we are able to afford things we really enjoy. Because really, having a house that is twice as big would just be twice as much for me to clean!
It is: save on the big ticket items in a big way, and let yourself live a little by spending on small pleasures.
Now, this philosophy might not work for everyone because frankly we are both naturally penny-pinchers. We probably each spend less than $100/year on ourselves for clothing. We never buy "stuff" just because we like it because we both HATE clutter. We don't buy clothes or toys for our kids (grandparents more than take care of that).
However, we have our weaknesses. Books. Eating out (about once per week). Travel (a nice vacation once/year).
We can afford these things with no problem because of our approach to buying cars and our home.
We live in a 1600 square foot older home in a slightly dilapidated (but on its way up) neighborhood. We could have "afforded" to pay twice as much for a home. But we'd rather not pay the mortgage payments, you know?
As for cars, we only pay cash. We drive a 1998 Taurus that we got two years ago for $2400 and a 2001 Mazda that we got in 2004 for half of the Book value (off of Ebay!). My husband carefully researches reliability and has cars inspected so we've had very little maintenance to worry about.
By making the decision to thrive with less, we are able to afford things we really enjoy. Because really, having a house that is twice as big would just be twice as much for me to clean!
Is It Magic?
Keith and I were discussing Isaac's recent almost unbearably whiny and over-emotional behavior. We realized that we had encountered the same problems with him about this time last year. But I had thought he was "over it" since he was such a changed boy throughout the summer and fall.
It occured to us that perhaps his incredible whininess is linked to "spring fever" or, basically, that he doesn't get enough outside activity in the winter. Because he is literally night and day different between summer and winter. Seems odd. But I've been testing the theory.
For example, yesterday Isaac woke up from his nap in a funk. Crying, whining, "Want a snack . . . no want a snack." "Hold me, mama - no! put Abby down!" Inconsolable. So we suffered through snacktime then bundled up to go outside. I had Isaac run up and down the sidewalk for about 20 minutes and then we were getting cold. We came in the house and I asked Isaac to pick up all of the toys and put them in the toybox. Lately, this request has been greeted by moans and I've had to supervise him closely to make sure the task is completed. Not so yesterday! After his outside time, he went hard at the job and finished it promptly and cheerfully without another word from me. He then proceeded to ENTERTAIN HIMSELF (not a strong point for him!) for nearly an hour!
It must be magic.
It occured to us that perhaps his incredible whininess is linked to "spring fever" or, basically, that he doesn't get enough outside activity in the winter. Because he is literally night and day different between summer and winter. Seems odd. But I've been testing the theory.
For example, yesterday Isaac woke up from his nap in a funk. Crying, whining, "Want a snack . . . no want a snack." "Hold me, mama - no! put Abby down!" Inconsolable. So we suffered through snacktime then bundled up to go outside. I had Isaac run up and down the sidewalk for about 20 minutes and then we were getting cold. We came in the house and I asked Isaac to pick up all of the toys and put them in the toybox. Lately, this request has been greeted by moans and I've had to supervise him closely to make sure the task is completed. Not so yesterday! After his outside time, he went hard at the job and finished it promptly and cheerfully without another word from me. He then proceeded to ENTERTAIN HIMSELF (not a strong point for him!) for nearly an hour!
It must be magic.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Paperback Swap
I just wanted to share a website we've been having fun with lately - Paperback Swap! Just list all the books you have but don't really want on their website and trade them for books you are dying to read. Great fun! So far we've sent about ten books and received about ten books. I've had no trouble except that now I've got a huge pile of books to read and not enough time to read them . . .
Friday, February 15, 2008
Gifts
13. Precious, pudgy toes of my daughter.14. Keith's enthusiasm over a research breakthrough.
15. Strange nighttime dreams about brothels, illicit sex and illegitimate children - all untrue. So much potential baggage that I've been spared.
16. Surprise mocha latte from my hubby on Valentine's Day.
17. Hugs and pats from Isaac - "You're a good mama."
18. "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave." Psalm 49:15
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Rough Times for Wee Man
A week ago I would have said that Isaac is essentially potty-trained. He wears underwear all day without ever having an accident and he frequently wakes up dry in the mornings as well. He's very good about telling me when he needs to go, even when we're in unfamiliar places. A far cry from a year ago when I prematurely tried to train him (http://alfie58.livejournal.com/27817.html).
Until this week.
Isaac has spent nearly the whole week writhing in pain, waking up at night, whining/screaming nearly all day long simply because he does not want to have a bowel movement. He is fighting it with all his might! He HAS gone a couple of times but that's just because IT overcame HIM. My word.
What to do with such a child? I've tried to explain to him that his tummy hurts because he needs to go to the bathroom and God designed our bodies to work this way, etc. But he's having none of it.
And consequently we are all miserable.
How's that for a Valentine's Day post?
I'm off to make a cheesecake to surprise my husband by candlelight tonight.
Until this week.
Isaac has spent nearly the whole week writhing in pain, waking up at night, whining/screaming nearly all day long simply because he does not want to have a bowel movement. He is fighting it with all his might! He HAS gone a couple of times but that's just because IT overcame HIM. My word.
What to do with such a child? I've tried to explain to him that his tummy hurts because he needs to go to the bathroom and God designed our bodies to work this way, etc. But he's having none of it.
And consequently we are all miserable.
How's that for a Valentine's Day post?
I'm off to make a cheesecake to surprise my husband by candlelight tonight.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ouch
It just happened again. I clicked to view one of my friends' blogs and the newest post showed an ultrasound photo.
I have an ultrasound photo of my little Jewel. Only she's already dead.
Two days ago our friends announced in church that they are expecting another child. Only three months ago it was us who announced. Our babies would have been born only a month apart.
I had to email a friend a couple of months ago to inform her of our miscarriage. She expressed sympathy, asked how she could pray for me . . . then joyously told me that they were expecting again. Ouch.
I'm giving my sister a baby shower on Saturday. Her tummy is big and beautiful. The cousins would have been only four months apart.
I was always the one who was excited to the point of tears when my friends would announce their pregnancies. Now it hurts and I don't know why. I probably could get pregnant again right now if I wanted to. But I'm afraid to until I have some more testing done to see if I can determine WHY this happened. So I'm not sad that I CAN'T have a baby. I'm just sad that I can't have MY baby - the one I had for such a short time and wanted so badly.
I think I'm a little bit afraid for them, knowing what could happen. It hasn't happened to most of my peers - yet.
I think I'm a little bit sad whenever I encounter babies and pregnancies right now just because they REMIND me of my precious unknown one.
But I hope and I pray that I am not hurt by their announcements because of envy. I fervently pray that I would only want the best for every one of my friends and their babies regardless of what portion God has appointed to me.
I have an ultrasound photo of my little Jewel. Only she's already dead.
Two days ago our friends announced in church that they are expecting another child. Only three months ago it was us who announced. Our babies would have been born only a month apart.
I had to email a friend a couple of months ago to inform her of our miscarriage. She expressed sympathy, asked how she could pray for me . . . then joyously told me that they were expecting again. Ouch.
I'm giving my sister a baby shower on Saturday. Her tummy is big and beautiful. The cousins would have been only four months apart.
I was always the one who was excited to the point of tears when my friends would announce their pregnancies. Now it hurts and I don't know why. I probably could get pregnant again right now if I wanted to. But I'm afraid to until I have some more testing done to see if I can determine WHY this happened. So I'm not sad that I CAN'T have a baby. I'm just sad that I can't have MY baby - the one I had for such a short time and wanted so badly.
I think I'm a little bit afraid for them, knowing what could happen. It hasn't happened to most of my peers - yet.
I think I'm a little bit sad whenever I encounter babies and pregnancies right now just because they REMIND me of my precious unknown one.
But I hope and I pray that I am not hurt by their announcements because of envy. I fervently pray that I would only want the best for every one of my friends and their babies regardless of what portion God has appointed to me.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Gifts
10. Husband stumbling out of bed in the wee hours - going to sleep on the floor of an upset little boy's room so I don't have to.11. Newly made curtains ready to be hung.
12. Time-tested wisdom in my new Spurgeon devotional.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Answered "Prayer"
Today we were pulling into our driveway just in time for naps when Isaac piped up out of nowhere, "Mama, I need to go to our old house and see Joshua." Six months ago we lived in a rental house with a backyard adjoining that of a homeschool family with two preteenaged sons. Isaac always loved it when they would hop the fence to play soccer or show him skateboard tricks. So Isaac was missing these friends, I guess, and asked me if he could "see Joshua". I promised I would look into the possibility.
On Friday evenings we go to the large home of our local International Students, Inc. staffworkers for an evening meal, worship and classes (English, Intro to Christianity, etc.) with friends from all over the world. Tonight we walked in the door and who did we see but this very homeschooling family that Isaac had been missing! They were helping to provide the meal for the international students and Isaac was just tickled to follow their boys around all evening.
I love it that the Holy Spirit translated my precious son's words into an earnest prayer and saw fit to grant his request in such a prompt and delightful way!
On Friday evenings we go to the large home of our local International Students, Inc. staffworkers for an evening meal, worship and classes (English, Intro to Christianity, etc.) with friends from all over the world. Tonight we walked in the door and who did we see but this very homeschooling family that Isaac had been missing! They were helping to provide the meal for the international students and Isaac was just tickled to follow their boys around all evening.
I love it that the Holy Spirit translated my precious son's words into an earnest prayer and saw fit to grant his request in such a prompt and delightful way!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Gifts
7. Abby's giant grin when I open my arms to her as she toddles to me.8. Servants: washing machine, dishwasher, bread machine . . . these things lighten my load.
9. days that are cold but sunny enough to go for a walk anyway.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Messes All Over
After doing four loads of laundry yesterday, I noticed a ring of residue around the shower drain. I realized the drain had backed up, and upon inspecting the utility closet I found a veritable lake. The kitchen sink wouldn't drain either, so I had to leave it full of dirty dishes last night. This morning the plumber came and $150 later we have an unclogged sewer.
This whole fiasco explains what has been wrong with my cat - who walked around all day yesterday throwing up. Totally disgusting. Keith even stepped in one pile barefoot in the dark bathroom. I didn't realize the sewer problem until late in the day, so the cat probably spent all day drinking sewer water. Hopefully she'll survive the ordeal. (Keith wouldn't be too sad if she didn't.)
Today at lunch we had some leftover frozen berries to eat. Isaac gobbled them down then asked if he could drink the juice in the bowl. Foreseeing possible problems, I transferred the juice to a cup before giving the go-ahead. I then stood at the kitchen sink rinsing dishes while pondering my muddy backyard and realizing I was going to have to be lenient about muddy messes this spring.
CRASH! The still-full cup fell to the floor. Isaac looked on in shock at the damage: blueberry juice splattered on three walls, sprayed for many feet in each direction and one big puddle at the epicenter. Blueberry juice really stains. It wiped up easily off of my tile floor, but it stained the grout. It even stained my white bookshelf and got on my photo albums. I was not happy and I made sure Isaac knew it.
Poor little bugger, only two and a half years old and a full grown woman is mad at him. "Isaac, you know better than to play with your cup. Now look at this mess Mommy has to clean." "You sad, Mommy?" Yes, and a few other things too!
Deep breath. Wipe his face and hands. It's okay. He's just a little boy. "You smiling now Mommy? You happy?"
"No, sweetheart, I'm just smiling because I love you."
"I love you. You a good mama."
Big hug.
But why did I have to get mad FIRST?
This whole fiasco explains what has been wrong with my cat - who walked around all day yesterday throwing up. Totally disgusting. Keith even stepped in one pile barefoot in the dark bathroom. I didn't realize the sewer problem until late in the day, so the cat probably spent all day drinking sewer water. Hopefully she'll survive the ordeal. (Keith wouldn't be too sad if she didn't.)
Today at lunch we had some leftover frozen berries to eat. Isaac gobbled them down then asked if he could drink the juice in the bowl. Foreseeing possible problems, I transferred the juice to a cup before giving the go-ahead. I then stood at the kitchen sink rinsing dishes while pondering my muddy backyard and realizing I was going to have to be lenient about muddy messes this spring.
CRASH! The still-full cup fell to the floor. Isaac looked on in shock at the damage: blueberry juice splattered on three walls, sprayed for many feet in each direction and one big puddle at the epicenter. Blueberry juice really stains. It wiped up easily off of my tile floor, but it stained the grout. It even stained my white bookshelf and got on my photo albums. I was not happy and I made sure Isaac knew it.
Poor little bugger, only two and a half years old and a full grown woman is mad at him. "Isaac, you know better than to play with your cup. Now look at this mess Mommy has to clean." "You sad, Mommy?" Yes, and a few other things too!
Deep breath. Wipe his face and hands. It's okay. He's just a little boy. "You smiling now Mommy? You happy?"
"No, sweetheart, I'm just smiling because I love you."
"I love you. You a good mama."
Big hug.
But why did I have to get mad FIRST?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Different Kids, Different Methods
Is it okay to be amazed that my fourteen month old returned four library books from the floor to their proper home on the end table today - without being asked?
This is the same wee one who was carried out of church red-faced and screaming yesterday shortly after the service began (she didn't want to sit still on my lap). I held her in the lobby and explained to her that I expected her to sit nicely on my lap and if she didn't, she would get a spanking. She proceeded to sit through the service nearly perfectly - definitely no outright rebellion. I couldn't believe it! It has taken almost a year of more intense training to achieve less satisfactory results with her brother.
Definitely different. I forget that sometimes and expect Abby to be just like Isaac. Where, evidently, all I need to do is have a little chat with her to achive behavioral transformation. Isaac continues to require spanking after spanking.
So maybe I'm not doing anything wrong? Maybe it's just that my son is THAT strong-willed? Live and learn.
This is the same wee one who was carried out of church red-faced and screaming yesterday shortly after the service began (she didn't want to sit still on my lap). I held her in the lobby and explained to her that I expected her to sit nicely on my lap and if she didn't, she would get a spanking. She proceeded to sit through the service nearly perfectly - definitely no outright rebellion. I couldn't believe it! It has taken almost a year of more intense training to achieve less satisfactory results with her brother.
Definitely different. I forget that sometimes and expect Abby to be just like Isaac. Where, evidently, all I need to do is have a little chat with her to achive behavioral transformation. Isaac continues to require spanking after spanking.
So maybe I'm not doing anything wrong? Maybe it's just that my son is THAT strong-willed? Live and learn.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Whiny Boy
Maybe I'm misinterpreting, but Isaac seems to be SO emotional when Keith is out of town. Isaac is always emotional, but sometimes it seems that every little thing sets him off - e.g. he wanted three pieces of candy and I said he could have just one. Is it normal that such a thing would cause sobbing and screams for twenty solid minutes? Even when I NEVER EVER give in to his demands in such situations?
Keith was gone last week Wednesday-Friday and he's been gone all weekend (he'll be home late tonight) and it's really just been a hard couple of weeks, particularly today. Is Isaac just missing Daddy, insecure in his absence? Or an I doing something wrong? If so, WHAT?
He's back to hitting and biting this past week too. These behaviors had really been dwindling and now I have to watch him like a hawk again when he's near Abby or his cousins. He'll even try to bite me, then scream and cry when I avoid it!
This really is a delightful child, but sometimes he just goes through these phases that I CANNOT understand and don't know how to control. We've done the "Stop crying" - disobedience - spanking - repeat" thing and I always win but it doesn't seem to sink in. What emotional needs am I missing? I so want to provide the love and security that his little spirit needs, but I don't want to spoil him by pandering to his fits.
Keith was gone last week Wednesday-Friday and he's been gone all weekend (he'll be home late tonight) and it's really just been a hard couple of weeks, particularly today. Is Isaac just missing Daddy, insecure in his absence? Or an I doing something wrong? If so, WHAT?
He's back to hitting and biting this past week too. These behaviors had really been dwindling and now I have to watch him like a hawk again when he's near Abby or his cousins. He'll even try to bite me, then scream and cry when I avoid it!
This really is a delightful child, but sometimes he just goes through these phases that I CANNOT understand and don't know how to control. We've done the "Stop crying" - disobedience - spanking - repeat" thing and I always win but it doesn't seem to sink in. What emotional needs am I missing? I so want to provide the love and security that his little spirit needs, but I don't want to spoil him by pandering to his fits.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Gifts
1. Cozy handmade afghan = warmth and comfort despite cold outside.
2. Map of the world on my wall = opportunity to think beyond myself.
3. John Piper's encouraging, challenging, inspiring messages.
4. My sewing machine - discovering the joy of creation.
5. Isaac's sweet face - peaceful, sleeping . . . upturned, questioning . . . crumpled, crying . . . exuberant, full of life!
6. Soft Ruby cat snuggled beside me as I read God's Word.
I want to see - help me to discover the little images, tastes, textures of beauty so I may be truly grateful.
2. Map of the world on my wall = opportunity to think beyond myself.
3. John Piper's encouraging, challenging, inspiring messages.
4. My sewing machine - discovering the joy of creation.
5. Isaac's sweet face - peaceful, sleeping . . . upturned, questioning . . . crumpled, crying . . . exuberant, full of life!
6. Soft Ruby cat snuggled beside me as I read God's Word.
I want to see - help me to discover the little images, tastes, textures of beauty so I may be truly grateful.
Why a Different Blog?
I've been blogging at http://alfie58.livejournal.com/ for a couple of years now. My writing started out strong and frequent, then tapered off as incentive to write dwindled. The people who read my journal are only people I know in real life and as their commitment to journaling died, it was hard to want to keep it up sans the community factor.
But recently I've discovered a network of Christian moms on Blogger who don't necessarily know each other in real life but are able to encourage each other through links and comments on each other's blogs. I'm hoping to join their "community" after lurking for several months now.
I'm not really sure what I hope to add. I think I'd mostly just like to make a couple of friends. I don't think I have much to say, but at the same time I know I need to start saying more. I often censor myself as I write, only writing what is interesting, uplifting, or moving. It wouldn't hurt to log the moments and "whispers" of daily life.
I've also been inspired by Ann at http://holyexperience.blogspot.com to start keeping a "1000 gifts list". I'm convinced that my outlook can and ought to be drastically altered by the experience of daily gratitude.
So I'll see how this goes. The first step is delurking, I guess!
But recently I've discovered a network of Christian moms on Blogger who don't necessarily know each other in real life but are able to encourage each other through links and comments on each other's blogs. I'm hoping to join their "community" after lurking for several months now.
I'm not really sure what I hope to add. I think I'd mostly just like to make a couple of friends. I don't think I have much to say, but at the same time I know I need to start saying more. I often censor myself as I write, only writing what is interesting, uplifting, or moving. It wouldn't hurt to log the moments and "whispers" of daily life.
I've also been inspired by Ann at http://holyexperience.blogspot.com to start keeping a "1000 gifts list". I'm convinced that my outlook can and ought to be drastically altered by the experience of daily gratitude.
So I'll see how this goes. The first step is delurking, I guess!
Still So Sad
I read this on a blog regarding the writer's recent miscarriage.
"Be comforted knowing that by allowing this little one to be conceived, you have granted him or her eternity! His or her purpose in this world has been fulfilled!"
Comforting, because otherwise - WHY?
"Be comforted knowing that by allowing this little one to be conceived, you have granted him or her eternity! His or her purpose in this world has been fulfilled!"
Comforting, because otherwise - WHY?
Abby's Journal
January 14, 2008
This has been a bit of a rough month for you, Abby-girl. First, you got a cough right before Christmas. This happens to you a lot, but that doesn’t make it any easier to comfort you as you hack in the night. Then, you were diagnosed with an ear infection three days before we left for a trip to Texas. While we were in Texas you cut two molars and a front tooth. One of the molars was the most painful looking things I’ve seen – all red and puffy and scabbed with a flap of skin pushed back. Then a week after arriving home you were incredibly lethargic with a 103 degree temp. After taking you to urgent care, they diagnosed you with Influenza A. Again. (You had it last year.) Oh, I feel so badly for you! Now you are much better but still very clingy.
You have become quite the babbler. Many of your words I understand, but often you just say “uh-uh-uh” or “da-da-da” until I figure out what you want. You have a very loud voice and just talk all of the time, even in church. It is hard for me to distinguish your genuine attempts to communicate from your demanding attitudes. You are recently very determined to get your way, and while you tend to be obedient in issues of outright rebellion. You’ll often “uh-uh” and point to an object incessantly until you either get what you want or get distracted.
I think you got a kick out of Christmas. You loved to watch our tree lights twinkle – you often pointed and said “pretty”. Of course you liked eating Christmas cookies! And presents were pretty fun, though you got tired of helping Mama open them. You got your own little baby doll and a fun dollhouse too!
We spent New Years in Texas. Daddy and you flew together (Mama and Isaac were on a different airline) and he said you were very good. You took a couple of catnaps on the airplanes, but overall I think you ended up exhausted. There were some fun times in Texas, but mostly your teeth hurt so much that you just wanted Mama to hold you. Constantly. Alas, poor Grandma B would have been thrilled to hold you but you would have none of it. In one of your better moments you and Grandpa B discovered a common affinity for crackers with Cheese Whiz. You also got to meet your cousin Emily, who is one month younger than you!
Your hair is getting longer (I put it in clips and ponytails sometimes now!), you are outgrowing your 12 month clothes, and you are demanding your rights like a toddler. Mama loves you more than ever, but it’s a bit sad to say goodbye to my baby.
This has been a bit of a rough month for you, Abby-girl. First, you got a cough right before Christmas. This happens to you a lot, but that doesn’t make it any easier to comfort you as you hack in the night. Then, you were diagnosed with an ear infection three days before we left for a trip to Texas. While we were in Texas you cut two molars and a front tooth. One of the molars was the most painful looking things I’ve seen – all red and puffy and scabbed with a flap of skin pushed back. Then a week after arriving home you were incredibly lethargic with a 103 degree temp. After taking you to urgent care, they diagnosed you with Influenza A. Again. (You had it last year.) Oh, I feel so badly for you! Now you are much better but still very clingy.
You have become quite the babbler. Many of your words I understand, but often you just say “uh-uh-uh” or “da-da-da” until I figure out what you want. You have a very loud voice and just talk all of the time, even in church. It is hard for me to distinguish your genuine attempts to communicate from your demanding attitudes. You are recently very determined to get your way, and while you tend to be obedient in issues of outright rebellion. You’ll often “uh-uh” and point to an object incessantly until you either get what you want or get distracted.
I think you got a kick out of Christmas. You loved to watch our tree lights twinkle – you often pointed and said “pretty”. Of course you liked eating Christmas cookies! And presents were pretty fun, though you got tired of helping Mama open them. You got your own little baby doll and a fun dollhouse too!
We spent New Years in Texas. Daddy and you flew together (Mama and Isaac were on a different airline) and he said you were very good. You took a couple of catnaps on the airplanes, but overall I think you ended up exhausted. There were some fun times in Texas, but mostly your teeth hurt so much that you just wanted Mama to hold you. Constantly. Alas, poor Grandma B would have been thrilled to hold you but you would have none of it. In one of your better moments you and Grandpa B discovered a common affinity for crackers with Cheese Whiz. You also got to meet your cousin Emily, who is one month younger than you!
Your hair is getting longer (I put it in clips and ponytails sometimes now!), you are outgrowing your 12 month clothes, and you are demanding your rights like a toddler. Mama loves you more than ever, but it’s a bit sad to say goodbye to my baby.
Isaac's Journal
January 14, 2008
It has been a difficult month for Mama and Daddy as we lost the little baby in my “tummy”. You haven’t been too fazed by it though. Whenever you patted and kissed my tummy after the miscarriage, I reminded you that the baby wasn’t there anymore. Instead the baby was in heaven with Jesus. That seemed to be a perfectly satisfying explanation for you.
We’ve been able to play in the snow a couple of times this month. You really like sledding (especially with Daddy because he lets you go down the big hills) and tooling around outside, but when you decide you’re cold you decide with a vengeance! You’ll go from smiling and having a blast to thirty seconds later screaming your head off that you’re too cold! I’m going to have to figure out your warning signs so I can get you inside just in time, because once you figure out that you’re cold, it takes you twenty minutes to stop crying. Even the promise of hot cocoa is not enough to cheer you!
You were fascinated by Christmas this year. Decorating the tree, cutting out cookies, and especially presents delighted you. It was so fun to watch your excitement. As we decorated the tree, Mama would take each ornament out of the box, hand it to you, and you would trot over to Daddy who would place the ornament on the tree. As we cut out cookies, you became pretty good at placing and pushing down on the cutter, though maximizing the dough surface was beyond you. And when we opened presents, it wasn’t enough to just open your own, you wanted to help open each and every gift. Fortunately, none of us really minded. You were thrilled with your train set and bulldozer – perfect little boy gifts.
We spent New Years in Texas with your Bittner relatives. The airplane ride down was so exciting – you and Mama flew together as Daddy and Abby took a different airline. You were glued to the window and I didn’t even have to entertain you. On one flight I told you to lay on my lap and close your eyes for a nap. You said, “If I close my eyes, I no see the airplanes!” In Texas you had fun playing with your pre-teen and teenaged uncles – and they thought you were pretty nifty too. When I asked you afterwards, you said your favorite things were playing with Pete the dog in the backyard, playing baseball, going on a walk and seeing trains, and getting barbeque with Grandma B. She taught you a “fish song” that you now request before every nap and bedtime.
I have been delighted to notice you thinking kindly of how to serve Abby. For example, if you decide you’re thirsty and need to find your water cup, you’ll bring Abby’s too. Or when it’s story time, you’ll pull two books off of the shelf – one to read with Mama and one for Abby to hold. You’re also getting very good at cleaning up after yourself – last night we were at a party in a coffee shop which had a bookshelf full of board games. You would pull one game off of the shelf, set it out, look at it, then put everything carefully away before taking out another game. I didn’t give you any instructions – you did that totally on your own!
You are also now officially able to sing your ABCs with no help at all. Another fun development is your piano skills – you’re not Mozart yet but you sure have been enjoying making music. It’s great to see you focus for up to half an hour at a time on carefully moving your fingers on the keys like Daddy does.What fun it is to watch you grow – and you’re becoming a genuinely great daily companion for your mama too!
It has been a difficult month for Mama and Daddy as we lost the little baby in my “tummy”. You haven’t been too fazed by it though. Whenever you patted and kissed my tummy after the miscarriage, I reminded you that the baby wasn’t there anymore. Instead the baby was in heaven with Jesus. That seemed to be a perfectly satisfying explanation for you.
We’ve been able to play in the snow a couple of times this month. You really like sledding (especially with Daddy because he lets you go down the big hills) and tooling around outside, but when you decide you’re cold you decide with a vengeance! You’ll go from smiling and having a blast to thirty seconds later screaming your head off that you’re too cold! I’m going to have to figure out your warning signs so I can get you inside just in time, because once you figure out that you’re cold, it takes you twenty minutes to stop crying. Even the promise of hot cocoa is not enough to cheer you!
You were fascinated by Christmas this year. Decorating the tree, cutting out cookies, and especially presents delighted you. It was so fun to watch your excitement. As we decorated the tree, Mama would take each ornament out of the box, hand it to you, and you would trot over to Daddy who would place the ornament on the tree. As we cut out cookies, you became pretty good at placing and pushing down on the cutter, though maximizing the dough surface was beyond you. And when we opened presents, it wasn’t enough to just open your own, you wanted to help open each and every gift. Fortunately, none of us really minded. You were thrilled with your train set and bulldozer – perfect little boy gifts.
We spent New Years in Texas with your Bittner relatives. The airplane ride down was so exciting – you and Mama flew together as Daddy and Abby took a different airline. You were glued to the window and I didn’t even have to entertain you. On one flight I told you to lay on my lap and close your eyes for a nap. You said, “If I close my eyes, I no see the airplanes!” In Texas you had fun playing with your pre-teen and teenaged uncles – and they thought you were pretty nifty too. When I asked you afterwards, you said your favorite things were playing with Pete the dog in the backyard, playing baseball, going on a walk and seeing trains, and getting barbeque with Grandma B. She taught you a “fish song” that you now request before every nap and bedtime.
I have been delighted to notice you thinking kindly of how to serve Abby. For example, if you decide you’re thirsty and need to find your water cup, you’ll bring Abby’s too. Or when it’s story time, you’ll pull two books off of the shelf – one to read with Mama and one for Abby to hold. You’re also getting very good at cleaning up after yourself – last night we were at a party in a coffee shop which had a bookshelf full of board games. You would pull one game off of the shelf, set it out, look at it, then put everything carefully away before taking out another game. I didn’t give you any instructions – you did that totally on your own!
You are also now officially able to sing your ABCs with no help at all. Another fun development is your piano skills – you’re not Mozart yet but you sure have been enjoying making music. It’s great to see you focus for up to half an hour at a time on carefully moving your fingers on the keys like Daddy does.What fun it is to watch you grow – and you’re becoming a genuinely great daily companion for your mama too!
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