After Sunday's post of not being able to wash your hands in the toilet, I was thinking about my ultimate rule that I ever had to make.
Are you ready?
No seriously are ready for this one?
I will set the scene for you. Grace and Lydia are 3 and 2 respectively and Adie was about two weeks old.
I walk into the room and have to say....
"You absolutely cannot breastfeed each other."
This was one of those moments where I had to turn away from them so that I could turn back and give them a serious look. Really - what would have you done in this situation? I can still laugh myself to tears thinking about those two.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Listsening?
I admit that I wasn't completely listening to Grace and this is how the conversation started at dinner tonight.
Grace:
"That's how God made me, Mom!"
Me: "hmm, what are you talking about Grace?"
Grace: "He made me to want to sit on the table. I just can't help how God made me."
Me: "Well, I am your mommy and I can make you NOT sit on the table."
Creative I tell you! She is always thinking. I will embrace how God made my children any day but they still can't sit on the table.
Grace:
"That's how God made me, Mom!"
Me: "hmm, what are you talking about Grace?"
Grace: "He made me to want to sit on the table. I just can't help how God made me."
Me: "Well, I am your mommy and I can make you NOT sit on the table."
Creative I tell you! She is always thinking. I will embrace how God made my children any day but they still can't sit on the table.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Adopted for Life
I just finished a great book by Russell D. Moore, author of Adopted For Life. This is a book about the Christian perspective of adoption upward and outward. I HIGHLY recommend it - even if you have no inkling of adoption. You may know someone who is adopted or is adopting. (And you just might never know how God will work on your heart in the process.)
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much was the fact that he showed me how God looks at adoption. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was truly adopted into the line of Joseph. He had no DNA of Joseph running through his blood and yet he has the birth line of David.
You will not be disappointed reading this book. I am hoping many from my family and church will read it.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much was the fact that he showed me how God looks at adoption. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was truly adopted into the line of Joseph. He had no DNA of Joseph running through his blood and yet he has the birth line of David.
You will not be disappointed reading this book. I am hoping many from my family and church will read it.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Night at the Lake
We went to the lake yesterday for some fun with the cousins.
Last night our family spent the night.
Carl and the girls made blueberry pancakes for breakfast! Yum - my favorite!
Even though it was kind of a dreary morning they went swimming and we went for a short canoe ride. We made memories and enjoyed ourselves.
Last night our family spent the night.
Carl and the girls made blueberry pancakes for breakfast! Yum - my favorite!
Even though it was kind of a dreary morning they went swimming and we went for a short canoe ride. We made memories and enjoyed ourselves.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Co-sleeping
For the past 8 weeks or so, Adie had been sleeping with us because I couldn't keep her in her bed without a HUGE tantrum. If you know me, I NEED my sleep in order to function the next day.
I thought it was going to be a night or two, but it turned out longer than that. And if you really know me, then you would know that I am NOT a co-sleeper. Please don't touch me while I am sleeping - thank you very much. This was a huge challenge for me to have a hot sweaty (but very lovable) two year old right next to me.
I have to admit that this was her favorite time of the day because she would climb into bed and her little smile would beam from ear to ear. I would ask her if she felt loved to which she would reply a giggly, "Yes." Honestly, the 30 minutes we would have before she fell asleep were extremely sweet. We would sing, Jesus loves me, Holy, Holy Holy, Jesus loves the little children. Then we would nuzzle noses and she would for the most part go to sleep that is after she went to the bathroom for 20 minutes. Her body has impeccable timing of needing to go when it is time to go to sleep.
Now for the past two nights I have been able to get her to sleep in her bed the whole night with no interruptions...it has been MONTHS since we've had this. I feel like a whole new woman to be able to sleep. I pray this continues. Plus - I am a much better Mommy when I have 10 hours without Adie by my side.
My sister-in-law told me that a huge thunderstorm went through last night. I didn't hear a thing. I must have been tired!
I thought it was going to be a night or two, but it turned out longer than that. And if you really know me, then you would know that I am NOT a co-sleeper. Please don't touch me while I am sleeping - thank you very much. This was a huge challenge for me to have a hot sweaty (but very lovable) two year old right next to me.
I have to admit that this was her favorite time of the day because she would climb into bed and her little smile would beam from ear to ear. I would ask her if she felt loved to which she would reply a giggly, "Yes." Honestly, the 30 minutes we would have before she fell asleep were extremely sweet. We would sing, Jesus loves me, Holy, Holy Holy, Jesus loves the little children. Then we would nuzzle noses and she would for the most part go to sleep that is after she went to the bathroom for 20 minutes. Her body has impeccable timing of needing to go when it is time to go to sleep.
Now for the past two nights I have been able to get her to sleep in her bed the whole night with no interruptions...it has been MONTHS since we've had this. I feel like a whole new woman to be able to sleep. I pray this continues. Plus - I am a much better Mommy when I have 10 hours without Adie by my side.
My sister-in-law told me that a huge thunderstorm went through last night. I didn't hear a thing. I must have been tired!
Birthday cake
For Carl's birthday on Monday we had 2 pieces of strawberry cake leftover from the day before. Instead of using plates and dividing up the pieces, we gave them 3 forks and let them eat it out of the pan. (We were the coolest parents that night!)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Duking it out!
Adie and I had the battle of the wills this morning and it is only 8:15 AM!
I have spent the past hour trying to get her dressed and brush her teeth. I wouldn't normally be so time crunched but we have VBS and need to leave in 10 mintues.
She wanted to change dresses for the 10th time and I put my foot down and said, "NO!"
I carried her into the kitchen kicking and screaming where she promptly spilled her juice on her dress so that she could change.
So my goal when she gets into these funks is to try to find something that motivates her to do what I want. Want to know what it was today? going outside to pick flower and listen to see if Daddy was flying in the airplane. Once she wanted to do that...we were dressed, hair done and teeth brushed in 2 minutes.
Off to VBS.
I have spent the past hour trying to get her dressed and brush her teeth. I wouldn't normally be so time crunched but we have VBS and need to leave in 10 mintues.
She wanted to change dresses for the 10th time and I put my foot down and said, "NO!"
I carried her into the kitchen kicking and screaming where she promptly spilled her juice on her dress so that she could change.
So my goal when she gets into these funks is to try to find something that motivates her to do what I want. Want to know what it was today? going outside to pick flower and listen to see if Daddy was flying in the airplane. Once she wanted to do that...we were dressed, hair done and teeth brushed in 2 minutes.
Off to VBS.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday my love!
You are the world's best husband and I am so thankful God united us to be a family.
I would have never guessed a little over 7 years ago that God would have taken us on such wild unexpected ride, but I am grateful to be doing it with you.
I am proud of you! And the man God has created you to be.
Angel
You are the world's best husband and I am so thankful God united us to be a family.
I would have never guessed a little over 7 years ago that God would have taken us on such wild unexpected ride, but I am grateful to be doing it with you.
I am proud of you! And the man God has created you to be.
Angel
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pictures
I bet you were expecting to see pictures.
Well, I have to keep them to myself for a while. We received a whole batch of pictures of the boys and I am just smitten over them. One the mom's from our agency who went over there to get her child took them for us!
They have dimples! oh and they are so cute!
I can hardly believe it! And as we were guessing one is more reserved while the other is outgoing and wants his picture taken all the time.
I hope that I can post this week that we have a court date.
Well, I have to keep them to myself for a while. We received a whole batch of pictures of the boys and I am just smitten over them. One the mom's from our agency who went over there to get her child took them for us!
They have dimples! oh and they are so cute!
I can hardly believe it! And as we were guessing one is more reserved while the other is outgoing and wants his picture taken all the time.
I hope that I can post this week that we have a court date.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Accidents
I just figured out the worst place for a 2 year old to have an accident.
IN THE MIDDLE OF MY BED!
I was seriously walking towards her to say, "Adie let's go to the bathroom."
She looks up at me and says, "Mommy, I went potty."
It is going to take me three loads to wash the mattress protector, sheets and blankets. This would all be a good thing if I hadn't just washed everything. At this point, I shake my head and tell her to go and change her clothes.
My life is never boring, dull, and uneventful.
IN THE MIDDLE OF MY BED!
I was seriously walking towards her to say, "Adie let's go to the bathroom."
She looks up at me and says, "Mommy, I went potty."
It is going to take me three loads to wash the mattress protector, sheets and blankets. This would all be a good thing if I hadn't just washed everything. At this point, I shake my head and tell her to go and change her clothes.
My life is never boring, dull, and uneventful.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thinking
I think about them all the time.
Ebsa and Ebisa
We are still trying to figure out their first new names for when they are adopted into our family. I won't post on here until we know exactly what we would like to name them. I guess we would like a few more pictures just to truly see who they are. We have two biblical names picked out, but we want to make sure. I personally think it is a done deal, but Carl want to wait a little longer. I wish I could show you pictures, but soon enough you will know those cutie pies.
I wish I could get on a plane today and go and get them. I want to snuggle them to bed and kiss their little noses and run, laugh and cry with them. I want each of them to know that they are in our family for the long haul...forever! Sure we want to teach them about their heritage, but these boys are going also learn how to make a mean batch of lefse. After all - I had to learn when I was brought into Carl's family.
I can imagine Adie and those two holding hands trying to walk into church. What a sight we will be! I might need a valet service especially in the winter months. Maybe this will be a new church ministry that might spring up. (I only say this because Carl is always at church early to run the video and we come in separate vehicle much later.) Otherwise I should grow another arm or two because that would be extremely helpful. 2 year olds and parking lots can put a lot of fear in a momma.
I often wonder, do they know what is going on? Can they comprehend the world around them at two years old? How scared and damaged are their little hearts? My questions go on and on, but I am standing firm that God has it all under control.
Please be in prayer for our court dates. We have yet to receive one and REALLY need one soon so that we can travel and get them.
Ebsa and Ebisa
We are still trying to figure out their first new names for when they are adopted into our family. I won't post on here until we know exactly what we would like to name them. I guess we would like a few more pictures just to truly see who they are. We have two biblical names picked out, but we want to make sure. I personally think it is a done deal, but Carl want to wait a little longer. I wish I could show you pictures, but soon enough you will know those cutie pies.
I wish I could get on a plane today and go and get them. I want to snuggle them to bed and kiss their little noses and run, laugh and cry with them. I want each of them to know that they are in our family for the long haul...forever! Sure we want to teach them about their heritage, but these boys are going also learn how to make a mean batch of lefse. After all - I had to learn when I was brought into Carl's family.
I can imagine Adie and those two holding hands trying to walk into church. What a sight we will be! I might need a valet service especially in the winter months. Maybe this will be a new church ministry that might spring up. (I only say this because Carl is always at church early to run the video and we come in separate vehicle much later.) Otherwise I should grow another arm or two because that would be extremely helpful. 2 year olds and parking lots can put a lot of fear in a momma.
I often wonder, do they know what is going on? Can they comprehend the world around them at two years old? How scared and damaged are their little hearts? My questions go on and on, but I am standing firm that God has it all under control.
Please be in prayer for our court dates. We have yet to receive one and REALLY need one soon so that we can travel and get them.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fellowship and Fun
This weekend we went on a "vacation" to our friends in the cities. (We figured out that we must use that word whenever possible because we don't have "vacation days" because of owning our own business, nor do you ever take a whole week off.) So, on Saturday we were on vacation.
Carl went climbing with a buddy and the girls stayed back with me to hang out with their three kids.
The moms took the kiddos to the park to go play. When we arrived, everyone noticed that the wading pool was filled, but none had swimsuits. We all just climbed and went swinging. After a half hour, I suggested that maybe we all dip our toes in the water because everyone looked a little flushed. You know where this is leading... to the Coolest Mom's of the year award! Yes we let them all go swimming with their clothes on. They had a hoot jumping and splashing in 18 inches of water. This is what I call good clean and FREE fun.
We walked back to their house with dripping wet children with huge smiles on their faces.
I had a great afternoon of fellowship and laughter myself. I love our monthly little get together because it warms my heart.
Carl went climbing with a buddy and the girls stayed back with me to hang out with their three kids.
The moms took the kiddos to the park to go play. When we arrived, everyone noticed that the wading pool was filled, but none had swimsuits. We all just climbed and went swinging. After a half hour, I suggested that maybe we all dip our toes in the water because everyone looked a little flushed. You know where this is leading... to the Coolest Mom's of the year award! Yes we let them all go swimming with their clothes on. They had a hoot jumping and splashing in 18 inches of water. This is what I call good clean and FREE fun.
We walked back to their house with dripping wet children with huge smiles on their faces.
I had a great afternoon of fellowship and laughter myself. I love our monthly little get together because it warms my heart.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Dilemma
Q: What does a mother do when you find them doing this when they were supposed to be cleaning up their toys?
A: Make them clean a half hour later.
New gift
My mom was very generous and got me a new gift.
Now, not every girl is going to get giddy from a mop bucket, but I did.
It had been way too long since I cleaned my floors. They were "squeaky," and I don't mean clean.
Lydia walked across the kitchen floor and said, "Mom, this floor is so smooth. I like it."
Um, thanks Mom for helping me in the domestic area.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Eurcerin and a scissors?
Two two-year olds, a 4 year old and a jar of Eurcerin is not a good combination.
My sister-in-law found Adie, Della and Lars up to their armpits in the cream. It is so oily and greasy that it really doesn't wash out...because it is not supposed to - it was made to keep your skin moist. When I finally came up, all I could do is laugh because it reminded me when Adie got into the Cetaphil. We asked Della who took the cover off the jar and of course she said, "Adie did."
I would believe her if she wasn't two and wasn't smart enough to blame someone else. Adie probably did, but I am sure Della was right there coaching her on.
Now, we were still cleaning up the other two clowns when I realized Adie had disappeared. I found her with a scissors cutting her hair. The really funny things is that two nights ago my brother-in-law told her she should just cut her hair off because she was fusing about it, when all the mothers gave him a nasty look. We were all thinking, "How dare you tell a two year old...much less Adie...to cut her hair. She will do it."
Adie loves to cut paper, but has never even put the scissors to her hair, that is until today. It has a nice layered look to it. I will work on "shaping" it tomorrow with some help from my sister-in-law. I can't get her to sit still by myself.
Adie is still Adie. I am sure some of you were missing my stories:) Welcome back...I am sure I will have more soon! Nothing really surprises me anymore...seriously...she is 5 kids packed into one little body! Oh, but I love her!
My sister-in-law found Adie, Della and Lars up to their armpits in the cream. It is so oily and greasy that it really doesn't wash out...because it is not supposed to - it was made to keep your skin moist. When I finally came up, all I could do is laugh because it reminded me when Adie got into the Cetaphil. We asked Della who took the cover off the jar and of course she said, "Adie did."
I would believe her if she wasn't two and wasn't smart enough to blame someone else. Adie probably did, but I am sure Della was right there coaching her on.
Now, we were still cleaning up the other two clowns when I realized Adie had disappeared. I found her with a scissors cutting her hair. The really funny things is that two nights ago my brother-in-law told her she should just cut her hair off because she was fusing about it, when all the mothers gave him a nasty look. We were all thinking, "How dare you tell a two year old...much less Adie...to cut her hair. She will do it."
Adie loves to cut paper, but has never even put the scissors to her hair, that is until today. It has a nice layered look to it. I will work on "shaping" it tomorrow with some help from my sister-in-law. I can't get her to sit still by myself.
Adie is still Adie. I am sure some of you were missing my stories:) Welcome back...I am sure I will have more soon! Nothing really surprises me anymore...seriously...she is 5 kids packed into one little body! Oh, but I love her!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Time away
This morning I was able to go to a little "Mom's tea." (I actually have no idea what they called it. All I knew it was for homeschool moms - I qualified- and I needed a little time away from my dear sweet children)
It was great to fellowship with other veteran moms especially one in particular. We were talking about how God doesn't give us more than we can handle. (So when he gives me three two year olds - He knows that He created me to be their mommy)
I was thinking about this on the way home and having a little counseling session in my head with myself. (Yes, I have these frequently when I have time by myself)
Here were my thoughts:
"Yes, God does know that I can handle what he gives, BUT he is NOT expecting me to do this alone. I will not walk into church and tell everyone that I have it ALL together. No, in fact, He is putting me in this situation so that I can become dependent on him, while learning to ask for help when I need it. He is expecting me to feel a much wider range of emotions - cry more, laugh more and I will probably need more sleep."
So many times we peer into other people's lives and think - "Boy, they have it all together." No - not really - that is a lie that Satan wants us to believe so we become stuck in this comparison game or the denial that we need to help our fellow neighbor. When in all reality, we are all struggling with something. I think it would be such a break-through in the American Church if we would start to be real with each other. No more masquerading around something we are not - that is perfect.
Life as we know it will quickly change, but isn't that life? I don't want to live a comfortable happy life...I want to live a life that is hard and joyous all in the same breath.
It was great to fellowship with other veteran moms especially one in particular. We were talking about how God doesn't give us more than we can handle. (So when he gives me three two year olds - He knows that He created me to be their mommy)
I was thinking about this on the way home and having a little counseling session in my head with myself. (Yes, I have these frequently when I have time by myself)
Here were my thoughts:
"Yes, God does know that I can handle what he gives, BUT he is NOT expecting me to do this alone. I will not walk into church and tell everyone that I have it ALL together. No, in fact, He is putting me in this situation so that I can become dependent on him, while learning to ask for help when I need it. He is expecting me to feel a much wider range of emotions - cry more, laugh more and I will probably need more sleep."
So many times we peer into other people's lives and think - "Boy, they have it all together." No - not really - that is a lie that Satan wants us to believe so we become stuck in this comparison game or the denial that we need to help our fellow neighbor. When in all reality, we are all struggling with something. I think it would be such a break-through in the American Church if we would start to be real with each other. No more masquerading around something we are not - that is perfect.
Life as we know it will quickly change, but isn't that life? I don't want to live a comfortable happy life...I want to live a life that is hard and joyous all in the same breath.
Friday, June 5, 2009
More counseling...
Today Grace and Lydia needed to clean their rooms. (Easy task...books, some clothes, blankets and the contents from their special boxes)
... 3 hours later...
Their room was even messier than when they started and they were both bawling. I did let them take a break to come eat lunch, but they had to go back to it when they were finished eating.
I told them that I was coming back with a garbage bag.
I followed through and came with a large kitchen bag...oh my...you should have heard the screams. Needless to say - WE cleaned the room in 5 minutes.
Now they have to do extra chores to be able to earn things from that garbage bag.
Lydia was so exhausted from all the crying that she is actually sleeping right now.
... 3 hours later...
Their room was even messier than when they started and they were both bawling. I did let them take a break to come eat lunch, but they had to go back to it when they were finished eating.
I told them that I was coming back with a garbage bag.
I followed through and came with a large kitchen bag...oh my...you should have heard the screams. Needless to say - WE cleaned the room in 5 minutes.
Now they have to do extra chores to be able to earn things from that garbage bag.
Lydia was so exhausted from all the crying that she is actually sleeping right now.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Counseling
Grace is going to need counseling because of me.
I pulled her tooth out today, much to her unwillingness.
In her own words, "It is so complicated when you are so mad at your mom."
"I am just so mad!"
Well, I have listened to her all week complain about her "very loose" tooth. I told her yesterday that if I heard one more complaint that I was going to pull it because of all the drama of this week. I followed through with with my words.
She is not happy with me right now.
I pulled her tooth out today, much to her unwillingness.
In her own words, "It is so complicated when you are so mad at your mom."
"I am just so mad!"
Well, I have listened to her all week complain about her "very loose" tooth. I told her yesterday that if I heard one more complaint that I was going to pull it because of all the drama of this week. I followed through with with my words.
She is not happy with me right now.
Monday, June 1, 2009
We got it!!!
We just got our referral! Two two year olds! Yup! that is right...I will basically have triplets at my house! Good thing that I have a triple stroller...God has a big sense of humor. Little did I know two years ago when I bought it how much I would really use it.
We already knew that we were a little crazy...I am just glad that I know that I am crazy for Jesus otherwise I think I would be a little more overwhelmed than I am.
God is so good! and I knew today was going to be a good day!
Now we need to pray for fast court dates...we would LOVE to travel before the rainy season and everything shuts down! With God anything is possible!
We already knew that we were a little crazy...I am just glad that I know that I am crazy for Jesus otherwise I think I would be a little more overwhelmed than I am.
God is so good! and I knew today was going to be a good day!
Now we need to pray for fast court dates...we would LOVE to travel before the rainy season and everything shuts down! With God anything is possible!
Still waiting
Not much new here...we are still waiting for the "Official referral"
Please pray it would be soon! I swear this is the longest labor ever! I know there are two little ones and I can't see their faces.
My other three are chasing each other around the house with one of them holding the box of Lucky Charms...I better go and mediate.
Today is going to be a great day! Because God's mercies are new every morning!
(Plus everyone at my house last night was horizontal for 12 hours!)
Please pray it would be soon! I swear this is the longest labor ever! I know there are two little ones and I can't see their faces.
My other three are chasing each other around the house with one of them holding the box of Lucky Charms...I better go and mediate.
Today is going to be a great day! Because God's mercies are new every morning!
(Plus everyone at my house last night was horizontal for 12 hours!)
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