Recently, a friend of mine told me that I was "one of those people who just comes across as having it 'all together.'" I honestly choked as I muttered out the word - WHAT???
She went on to tell me how and why I came across that way to her and to others, and I honestly had a hard time relating to much of what she said about me at all. I sure don't have it "all together" - and that's a promise. And in case I have given anyone else that misconception of me, let me disprove it for you.
*Today, I forgot to brush my teeth before leaving the house.
*Yesterday, I noticed around 11:20 am that my teeth felt "skuzzy"... and I remembered that I hadn't brushed my teeth yet. So, I waited until after I ate lunch and then brushed my teeth.
*I have worn my slippers out into public. More than once.
*I have to pray for patience and gentleness and self-control in dealing with my kids multiple times a day.
*There are days that I have to pray for God to allow me to Like my children.
*Some mornings I get up at 5:20 in order to "start my day off right" - but after a shower, getting ready, and a cup of coffee, I still haven't opened my Bible...and the kiddos are all waking up
*Some days I pretend that I'm using the bathroom longer than necessary just to have 3 minutes to myself
*Sometimes I will nurse Porter to sleep for his nap and continue to hold him after he's fallen asleep just to continue sitting
*I hide toys that get on my nerves
*I have gotten out of the shower without rinsing my hair
*I forget to lay out meat to thaw for supper, and at 4:45 pm I scramble to put a meal together
*I forget to get the wet clothes out of the washing machine and have to rewash loads of laundry
*My gas light always comes on before I notice that I need to get gas
*I forgot to send a lunch with Landon to preschool last week
*Landon rarely has clean socks
*I always forget to buy Landon socks when we're at the store
*Ella Beth reminds me every week to wash her clothes
*I will re-wear my nursing camis if I forget to wash my own clothes
*I forget to do my own laundry until I am down to my least favorite pair of underwear
*My desk in our well-organized school room is a disaster
Nope. I don't have it all together. Not even close!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1553. "Is that fact or fiction?" when Ella Beth is telling a story (thanks, Kim!)
1554. new booster seats for the bigger kiddos who are growing bigger too fast
1555. brightly colored jackets for the kiddos to spot them quickly when we're out and about
1556. trusting that God will keep my kiddos safe so that I'm not constantly a nervous wreck when we are out in crowded public places (my #1 struggle as a mom)
1557. watching Landon "do math" without realizing he's doing it
1558. bitterly cold days as an excuse to stay in our jammies and drink hot chocolate and coffee for snack
1559. planning a baby shower for a special little boy on the way
1560. making the baby shower extra special for my extra special best friend
1561. Porter's giggles
1562. any time Porter will take a nap
1563. nap time that outlasts school time
1564. meeting with other homeschooling mamas to brainstorm fun ideas for learning
1565. running errands with Ella Beth and hearing her talk about her brothers...she misses them even when she doesn't realize it :)
Psalm 97:12, "So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!"
1554. new booster seats for the bigger kiddos who are growing bigger too fast
1555. brightly colored jackets for the kiddos to spot them quickly when we're out and about
1556. trusting that God will keep my kiddos safe so that I'm not constantly a nervous wreck when we are out in crowded public places (my #1 struggle as a mom)
1557. watching Landon "do math" without realizing he's doing it
1558. bitterly cold days as an excuse to stay in our jammies and drink hot chocolate and coffee for snack
1559. planning a baby shower for a special little boy on the way
1560. making the baby shower extra special for my extra special best friend
1561. Porter's giggles
1562. any time Porter will take a nap
1563. nap time that outlasts school time
1564. meeting with other homeschooling mamas to brainstorm fun ideas for learning
1565. running errands with Ella Beth and hearing her talk about her brothers...she misses them even when she doesn't realize it :)
Psalm 97:12, "So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!"
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Porter - 10 months
10 months.
I'm a mess.
And in just 2 short months......nope. Not gonna think about it.
Porter is the sweetest stinker. He can be so snuggly and sweet, and then the second he doesn't get his way he can be the biggest stinker. Especially when it comes to nursing (not wanting to stop for 13.2 seconds to switch sides) and Mama moving more than 4 inches away.
I did catch some "scolding" from the big sister, but I finally captured Porter's pitiful cries.
Oh the agony! I love how his little hands are just clinging to the boppy.
And another. Just pitiful.
Ahhhh, separation anxiety. AKA: Spoiled rotten syndrome.
Porter weighs 13 pounds!!! Woo Hoo!!! For Porter, he has chunked up. :) 3-6 month onesies fit him perfectly, but if it's a one-piece outfit he needs the length of 6-9 months.
He is still a fabulous eater. He nurses at 7, 10, 2, (sometimes 5:30), and 7:30. He eats fruit for breakfast, fruit and veggies for lunch, and veggies for supper. He also absolutely LOVES to snack on anything that we will give him - Gerber puffs, oyster crackers, animal crackers, bread, ham.
He moves around by turning and scooting. He will bend over and stretch for toys while sitting. He will also get onto his knees, but will usually turn over on to his back to play. While I think he's getting pretty close to crawling, he tries really really hard to pull up on things. Ella Beth never crawled, so I don't know what Porter will do yet.
Porter said, "Bye bye" today. Officially his first word!! He said it 4 times tonight at different times when Scott was leaving the room, so we call that official. :) Of course, Mama was holding him and told him, "Say bye-bye." But he did it!!
He has two teeth on the bottom and two teeth on the top. His gums are still really swollen on the top, so I think he will have more up there pretty soon. He's not the greatest teether. He's pretty fussy and his little nose just runs and runs.
Porter also has many sweet moments. He is most definitely a Mama's fella, which I eat up and relish in completely. Doesn't help his hold-me-all-of-the-time-and-don't-try-to-walk-away syndrome, but I truly don't mind. Have I mentioned that in just TWO short months he will be......nope. Not gonna talk about it.
I absolutely l-o-v-e baby hands and fingers.
Porter can find the tag on anything. :)
There's my sweet fella.
I'm a mess.
And in just 2 short months......nope. Not gonna think about it.
Porter is the sweetest stinker. He can be so snuggly and sweet, and then the second he doesn't get his way he can be the biggest stinker. Especially when it comes to nursing (not wanting to stop for 13.2 seconds to switch sides) and Mama moving more than 4 inches away.
I did catch some "scolding" from the big sister, but I finally captured Porter's pitiful cries.
And another. Just pitiful.
Ahhhh, separation anxiety. AKA: Spoiled rotten syndrome.
Porter weighs 13 pounds!!! Woo Hoo!!! For Porter, he has chunked up. :) 3-6 month onesies fit him perfectly, but if it's a one-piece outfit he needs the length of 6-9 months.
He is still a fabulous eater. He nurses at 7, 10, 2, (sometimes 5:30), and 7:30. He eats fruit for breakfast, fruit and veggies for lunch, and veggies for supper. He also absolutely LOVES to snack on anything that we will give him - Gerber puffs, oyster crackers, animal crackers, bread, ham.
He moves around by turning and scooting. He will bend over and stretch for toys while sitting. He will also get onto his knees, but will usually turn over on to his back to play. While I think he's getting pretty close to crawling, he tries really really hard to pull up on things. Ella Beth never crawled, so I don't know what Porter will do yet.
Porter said, "Bye bye" today. Officially his first word!! He said it 4 times tonight at different times when Scott was leaving the room, so we call that official. :) Of course, Mama was holding him and told him, "Say bye-bye." But he did it!!
He has two teeth on the bottom and two teeth on the top. His gums are still really swollen on the top, so I think he will have more up there pretty soon. He's not the greatest teether. He's pretty fussy and his little nose just runs and runs.
Porter also has many sweet moments. He is most definitely a Mama's fella, which I eat up and relish in completely. Doesn't help his hold-me-all-of-the-time-and-don't-try-to-walk-away syndrome, but I truly don't mind. Have I mentioned that in just TWO short months he will be......nope. Not gonna talk about it.
There's my sweet fella.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1540. hydrogen peroxide for boo boos
1541. calming lavender bubbles for baths
1542. two 6 year old girls cuddled up for a sleep over
1543. a little brother who "helps" the girls in order to be involved in their play time
1544. cookies on the counter in our glass dome stand
1545. dairy free cookies that the mama can enjoy
1546. a husband who helps to clean the house before company comes over without being asked
1547. Ella Beth and Landon putting on performances to go along with their Fresh Beat Band cd
1548. coupons to make eating out as a family of five equal to just feeding two
1549. the honesty of friends who won't let you wallow in mommy-guilt, but who tell you stories of their own failings
1550. PJs that swallow the baby whole
1551. fitted PJs for the girl with bird legs
1552. warms PJs for the boy who is always cold
Psalm 92:1-2, "What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God! To announce your love each daybreak, sing your faithful presence all through the night."
1541. calming lavender bubbles for baths
1542. two 6 year old girls cuddled up for a sleep over
1543. a little brother who "helps" the girls in order to be involved in their play time
1544. cookies on the counter in our glass dome stand
1545. dairy free cookies that the mama can enjoy
1546. a husband who helps to clean the house before company comes over without being asked
1547. Ella Beth and Landon putting on performances to go along with their Fresh Beat Band cd
1548. coupons to make eating out as a family of five equal to just feeding two
1549. the honesty of friends who won't let you wallow in mommy-guilt, but who tell you stories of their own failings
1550. PJs that swallow the baby whole
1551. fitted PJs for the girl with bird legs
1552. warms PJs for the boy who is always cold
Psalm 92:1-2, "What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God! To announce your love each daybreak, sing your faithful presence all through the night."
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Where's the Mama been?
When things are going well and life seems to hit a really easy stride, it's hard to remember how much work a baby can be. When the baby takes TWO 2.5 hour naps for three straight days, it's easy to think "normal" is easy. When the baby will let someone else keep him and will take a bottle while Ella Beth and I go to co-op, it's easy to take it easy.
But then something strange happens, and life ain't no longer easy.
As cute as he is, he has turned into the biggest stinker. If anyone tries to take him to his room for a nap, he starts screaming the second he crosses the doorway. Try to give him a bottle...of breast milk (aka: liquid gold)...and he refuses and spits out any milk that may dribble into his mouth. Set him up with his favorite toys and even think about stepping away? Oh, he's got your number.
Don't let this next one fool you. He's not about to laugh. Nope. He's about to wail. I was waiting to take a picture of his absolutely-adorable-scrunched-up-I'm-so-mad-I'm-pitiful-face...when his big sister came to his rescue and said, "Uh, Mommy. Why are you just letting Porter scream? You need to pick him up and love on him." Nothing like a six year old to keep you in line!
So, I have been on the floor playing. I've been pacing the floor with a baby who refuses to nap, but who also refuses to be put down because-he's-so-exhausted. I've been baking cookies with the big brother and big sister holding a baby on my hip. I've been vacuuming, wiping tushies, brushing my teeth, and teaching the older ones all while holding, cajoling, consoling, spoiling the baby.
At the end of the day, I'm exhausted. My arms ache, and I have this pinched nerve in my right shoulder that screams if I move just so. And I think to myself, "Tomorrow I will just let him cry. He will get over it." But then tomorrow comes, and I look at the two bigger kiddos who grew up before I realized how fast time really went by.
And I say to the baby, "Oh come here, you rotten little thing!"
But then something strange happens, and life ain't no longer easy.
As cute as he is, he has turned into the biggest stinker. If anyone tries to take him to his room for a nap, he starts screaming the second he crosses the doorway. Try to give him a bottle...of breast milk (aka: liquid gold)...and he refuses and spits out any milk that may dribble into his mouth. Set him up with his favorite toys and even think about stepping away? Oh, he's got your number.
Don't let this next one fool you. He's not about to laugh. Nope. He's about to wail. I was waiting to take a picture of his absolutely-adorable-scrunched-up-I'm-so-mad-I'm-pitiful-face...when his big sister came to his rescue and said, "Uh, Mommy. Why are you just letting Porter scream? You need to pick him up and love on him." Nothing like a six year old to keep you in line!
So, I have been on the floor playing. I've been pacing the floor with a baby who refuses to nap, but who also refuses to be put down because-he's-so-exhausted. I've been baking cookies with the big brother and big sister holding a baby on my hip. I've been vacuuming, wiping tushies, brushing my teeth, and teaching the older ones all while holding, cajoling, consoling, spoiling the baby.
At the end of the day, I'm exhausted. My arms ache, and I have this pinched nerve in my right shoulder that screams if I move just so. And I think to myself, "Tomorrow I will just let him cry. He will get over it." But then tomorrow comes, and I look at the two bigger kiddos who grew up before I realized how fast time really went by.
And I say to the baby, "Oh come here, you rotten little thing!"
Monday, January 14, 2013
(in)RL 2013
I have been asked to join with {in}RealLife to share about an upcoming event. This is a wonderful online event to reach out and gather women together to share the love of Jesus.
Here are a few details – feel free to share as much or as little as works for you! We'd love to hear your stories of why in real life friendships are so important. And along the way, here are a few of the details about (in)RL that might be helpful:
* Registration opens Monday January 14th at www.inrl.us
*It’s FREE!
*Here's the BRAND NEW EVERYONE'S INVITED TRAILER – watch with tissues, like, share, spread it :)
*Everyone who registers on the day registration opens (Monday Jan 14) gets a copy of our (in)courage 365 Daybrightener while supplies last (US residents only).
*Everyone gets a copy of our first eBook: “Best of the Beach House 2012.”
*About: (in)RL was born out of two years spent listening to women in the comments at (in)courage craving local, real life community. Derived from the social media
acronym “IRL” or “in real life,” (in)RL is an invitation to share what we’ve
learned about community and encourage women with stories and suggestions for
connecting deeper in real life.
*Think of it as a FREE girl’s weekend away that doesn’t require packing or plane tickets, where women can kick off any expectation of perfect, set aside their
fears, their shyness, their worry that they’re not good enough, and find some of
Jesus’ words of rest woven into every video shared here.
*When: The (in)RL webcast kicks off on Friday, April 26 and (in)RL meetups follow on Saturday, April 27.
*What: Last year we explored the nitty gritty of community. This year
we're taking a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted in community when
sometimes just walking away would be so much easier and tons more convenient.
Women share stories of how they've chosen to stay through hard marriages,
challenging parenting, worthwhile friendships. How choosing to stay has freed them
more fully and unexpectedly than if they'd cut and run.
Can you hear everyone at {in}RL all giggling and chuckling and squeeeing with excitement?!!? Go register today!
Here are a few details – feel free to share as much or as little as works for you! We'd love to hear your stories of why in real life friendships are so important. And along the way, here are a few of the details about (in)RL that might be helpful:
* Registration opens Monday January 14th at www.inrl.us
*It’s FREE!
*Here's the BRAND NEW EVERYONE'S INVITED TRAILER – watch with tissues, like, share, spread it :)
*Everyone who registers on the day registration opens (Monday Jan 14) gets a copy of our (in)courage 365 Daybrightener while supplies last (US residents only).
*Everyone gets a copy of our first eBook: “Best of the Beach House 2012.”
*About: (in)RL was born out of two years spent listening to women in the comments at (in)courage craving local, real life community. Derived from the social media
acronym “IRL” or “in real life,” (in)RL is an invitation to share what we’ve
learned about community and encourage women with stories and suggestions for
connecting deeper in real life.
*Think of it as a FREE girl’s weekend away that doesn’t require packing or plane tickets, where women can kick off any expectation of perfect, set aside their
fears, their shyness, their worry that they’re not good enough, and find some of
Jesus’ words of rest woven into every video shared here.
*When: The (in)RL webcast kicks off on Friday, April 26 and (in)RL meetups follow on Saturday, April 27.
*What: Last year we explored the nitty gritty of community. This year
we're taking a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted in community when
sometimes just walking away would be so much easier and tons more convenient.
Women share stories of how they've chosen to stay through hard marriages,
challenging parenting, worthwhile friendships. How choosing to stay has freed them
more fully and unexpectedly than if they'd cut and run.
Can you hear everyone at {in}RL all giggling and chuckling and squeeeing with excitement?!!? Go register today!
Multitudes on Monday
1525. warm family meals shared together on cool evenings
1526. introducing Porter to new foods and watching his face as he tries them
1527. watching deer from our back deck at twilight
1528. a baby boy who takes a great nap on a rainy day
1529. delaying school because the big sister and big brother are playing together so well
1530. remembering that academics aren't the most important thing
1531. watching Ella Beth zoom around on her big bike...scaring years off my life each time she does a new trick
1532. a girl who has as much confidence and courage as any boy
1533. beginning a new Bible study with a great group of ladies who will encourage me and help me to grow in my faith and obedience to Christ
1534. {finally} putting pictures on a digital frame that I gave to Scott years ago
1535. going through pictures of the last 6 years and smiling, smiling, smiling until my cheeks hurt
1536. Ella Beth's pride as she finished her 7th Lego Friends set (she received 4 for Christmas and then spent $91 to purchase 3 more)
1537. Landon craving Mama's attention, and enjoying how he eats it up when my hands and arms are free to give it to him one-on-one
1538. watching Porter chew the wrong end of his new toothbrush ;)
1539. our school room that is finished, organized, and BEAUTIFUL!!
Ephesians 5:20, "And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1526. introducing Porter to new foods and watching his face as he tries them
1527. watching deer from our back deck at twilight
1528. a baby boy who takes a great nap on a rainy day
1529. delaying school because the big sister and big brother are playing together so well
1530. remembering that academics aren't the most important thing
1531. watching Ella Beth zoom around on her big bike...scaring years off my life each time she does a new trick
1532. a girl who has as much confidence and courage as any boy
1533. beginning a new Bible study with a great group of ladies who will encourage me and help me to grow in my faith and obedience to Christ
1534. {finally} putting pictures on a digital frame that I gave to Scott years ago
1535. going through pictures of the last 6 years and smiling, smiling, smiling until my cheeks hurt
1536. Ella Beth's pride as she finished her 7th Lego Friends set (she received 4 for Christmas and then spent $91 to purchase 3 more)
1537. Landon craving Mama's attention, and enjoying how he eats it up when my hands and arms are free to give it to him one-on-one
1538. watching Porter chew the wrong end of his new toothbrush ;)
1539. our school room that is finished, organized, and BEAUTIFUL!!
Ephesians 5:20, "And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Naked baby pics
OK, so Scott thinks I am just weird for taking naked pictures of the babies. But, come on!! They are some of the cutest pics ever.
Am I right?!?
Here's a pic I snapped of my naked Landon 4 years ago:
This picture makes me reminisce already. Here Porter is 9 months old, but he looks about 2 months. Time goes by too fast, and sometimes my heart just aches.
But then I look at these pictures (with clothes on!), and the sweetness I see makes up for the time that rushes by.
Love all of those sweet fingers and toes and...........tushies. :)
Here's a pic I snapped of my naked Landon 4 years ago:
This picture makes me reminisce already. Here Porter is 9 months old, but he looks about 2 months. Time goes by too fast, and sometimes my heart just aches.
But then I look at these pictures (with clothes on!), and the sweetness I see makes up for the time that rushes by.
Love all of those sweet fingers and toes and...........tushies. :)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1511. days off from school
1512. anticipating school starting back in the new year
1513. a new school room
1514. a handy hubby who makes the house like new
1515. a naked baby boy who smiles for pictures
1516. Porter playing with his Christmas toys
1517. enjoying The Fresh Beat Band CD with Ella Beth
1518. learning all of the books of the Bible with the kiddos
1519. Porter's first toothbrush
1520. learning all of the 50 states and their capitals with Ella Beth
1521. Landon writing notes to Scott and me in his sweet little boy handwriting
1522. Porter {finally} going through a growth spurt!!
1523. washing 6-9 month clothes for Porter
1524. Ella Beth's new belts to hold her pants up
Psalm 136:7, "Give thanks to Him who made the heavenly lights— His faithful love endures forever."
1512. anticipating school starting back in the new year
1513. a new school room
1514. a handy hubby who makes the house like new
1515. a naked baby boy who smiles for pictures
1516. Porter playing with his Christmas toys
1517. enjoying The Fresh Beat Band CD with Ella Beth
1518. learning all of the books of the Bible with the kiddos
1519. Porter's first toothbrush
1520. learning all of the 50 states and their capitals with Ella Beth
1521. Landon writing notes to Scott and me in his sweet little boy handwriting
1522. Porter {finally} going through a growth spurt!!
1523. washing 6-9 month clothes for Porter
1524. Ella Beth's new belts to hold her pants up
Psalm 136:7, "Give thanks to Him who made the heavenly lights— His faithful love endures forever."
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Christmas 2012
The flu was awful. Especially when it hit all FIVE of us back-to-back right at Christmas time. This is what our counter-top looked like for about two weeks. We needed all kinds of meds on hand for when fevers spiked, nausea hit, and it was time for another dose of Tamiflu.
While it was hard to get into all of the excitement of going, going, going that is so prevalent at Christmas, it was actually nice to have an excuse to stay at home and be removed from it all. We were forced to stay at home, rest, and simply be together. Just the five of us. What a breath of fresh air!
But come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we were able to muster energy and enthusiasm to venture out of our flu infested house. We enjoyed a Birthday part for Jesus, meals with family, and presents galore!
Christmas morning was full of smiles. Of course, we had to wake the kiddos at 7:30...the flu wears you out. Even on Christmas morning.
Ella Beth loves gowns these days!
The kiddos got Legos out the wazoo!
And Daddy built a Lego table!!!
You get to ride bikes through the house on Christmas morning!
A fireman comes to visit!
Having a baby in the house on Christmas morning is one of the most special things. There is SO much joy by simply enjoying this little fella's sweetness.
But opening all those presents is hard work. :)
The only thing Landon asked for was a race track. He was SO excited to open it up!
Ella Beth got a Barbie jeep and a Ken doll to go with all of her "girl" Barbies.
And the greatest thing about this Christmas is that Porter learned to be a HAM! He makes the silliest faces for the camera on cue. :)
And we are eagerly preparing for our first Disney trip this year. Homemade shirts are washed and ready to pack!
While the kiddos received way.too.much. in terms of gifts and presents, we truly enjoyed this Christmas more than any other year. While I do not wish the flu on us (or anyone else) at Christmas, it was nice to be together and have a slower pace. I hope to slow down on purpose for Christmas from now on. :) ...without the flu!
While it was hard to get into all of the excitement of going, going, going that is so prevalent at Christmas, it was actually nice to have an excuse to stay at home and be removed from it all. We were forced to stay at home, rest, and simply be together. Just the five of us. What a breath of fresh air!
But come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we were able to muster energy and enthusiasm to venture out of our flu infested house. We enjoyed a Birthday part for Jesus, meals with family, and presents galore!
Christmas morning was full of smiles. Of course, we had to wake the kiddos at 7:30...the flu wears you out. Even on Christmas morning.
Ella Beth loves gowns these days!
The kiddos got Legos out the wazoo!
And Daddy built a Lego table!!!
You get to ride bikes through the house on Christmas morning!
A fireman comes to visit!
Having a baby in the house on Christmas morning is one of the most special things. There is SO much joy by simply enjoying this little fella's sweetness.
But opening all those presents is hard work. :)
The only thing Landon asked for was a race track. He was SO excited to open it up!
Ella Beth got a Barbie jeep and a Ken doll to go with all of her "girl" Barbies.
And the greatest thing about this Christmas is that Porter learned to be a HAM! He makes the silliest faces for the camera on cue. :)
And we are eagerly preparing for our first Disney trip this year. Homemade shirts are washed and ready to pack!
While the kiddos received way.too.much. in terms of gifts and presents, we truly enjoyed this Christmas more than any other year. While I do not wish the flu on us (or anyone else) at Christmas, it was nice to be together and have a slower pace. I hope to slow down on purpose for Christmas from now on. :) ...without the flu!
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