There are so many phases in life, some short, some long, some fun, some hard, some crazy, you get the idea. At this point in my life, I'm working on being content where I'm at, no matter what the phase. I find that when I get into a good groove, something changes and we're on to a new phase with new adjustments. My oldest son has taught me a lot about phases, parenting, teaching, kids, life, and patience. I have heard that about every six months, kids go through a change, and parents can expect things to be a little rocky for a period of time. I think there is some truth to that. I feel like the changes happen a lot and really quickly when they're babies, and then they spread out to this six month to a year mark as they get older, at least, that's how it is with my older kids at this point anyway.
This morning my oldest boy had a rough morning. He had a great night's sleep last night, but when he woke up, he was grouchy, and he did NOT want to go to school. Other days he has felt this way, he usually shakes it off after a bit. This morning, I had to fight to get his clothes on, fight to get him to eat his breakfast (and then he was mad because I was going to "win" at eating our cereal!), fight to get his coat and hat on to get to the bus, and then fight to get him on the bus.
I walked down the driveway with the two of them to make sure things would be okay. Next thing I know, he was walking out into the field, and the bus was approaching. It was about 1-2 km away still, but I could see it was coming. So I pulled out the big guns: "I'm going to get daddy." I asked my daughter to take the boy's backpack on the bus, and I hoped and believed that he would get on the bus without too much trouble. I then started the walk back to the house. I kept looking back, and told him that he would be in big trouble if he did not get on the bus. By the time I got to the house, the bus had arrived at our driveway, and I gave one last yell, "You get on that bus!" I'm pretty sure every hunter in the neighbourhood heard that one.... Then I stood and watched, as he took slow steps, and... got on the bus! Phew! I shook my head, looked up at the sky, and thanked God for our crazy boy who keeps us on our toes! I came inside and told my husband that I had just witnessed the definition of reluctance.
It's all about the little things in the middle of this beautiful mess! Blessings to you today!
Showing posts with label little things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label little things. Show all posts
Monday, November 4, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Halloween and a bunch of little things
Well, here it is, the my last post for the October blogging challenge, #31. I did it! I've enjoyed reflecting on so many things over the past month, and coming up with different things to blog about. I've also enjoyed connecting with other bloggers and seeing what people write about from one day to the next. I've worked on some other challenges. I was successful with some for the whole month, some for about half the month, and some not so well. However, I am proud of those that I completed, and will work on some others in the next month.
For today's little things, I had a lovely day. It was Halloween. I carved pumpkins with my oldest boy, and we laid out the seeds to attempt to grow our own next year. He and I also created his ninja costume, which was a last minute switch this morning from his cow costume. We went trick or treating with my sister's family, and had lots of fun, even with all the rain we got tonight. My Tinkerbell, ninja, elephant and duck (who ended up being a sleeping candy cane in his red & white striped sleeper, as described by my niece) were cute and lots of fun. When I got home, they all fell into bed, and I enjoyed checking out the costumes of friends and family on Facebook for a bit.
I have enjoyed this challenge! I will be posting again soon, just not daily for awhile. :)
For today's little things, I had a lovely day. It was Halloween. I carved pumpkins with my oldest boy, and we laid out the seeds to attempt to grow our own next year. He and I also created his ninja costume, which was a last minute switch this morning from his cow costume. We went trick or treating with my sister's family, and had lots of fun, even with all the rain we got tonight. My Tinkerbell, ninja, elephant and duck (who ended up being a sleeping candy cane in his red & white striped sleeper, as described by my niece) were cute and lots of fun. When I got home, they all fell into bed, and I enjoyed checking out the costumes of friends and family on Facebook for a bit.
I have enjoyed this challenge! I will be posting again soon, just not daily for awhile. :)
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Today
Today was a busy day, but good busy:
- Started with viewing snow outside (too early, even for a winter-loving Canadian like myself!)
- Went to the local rec centre for swimming lessons for the girl, and hockey for the oldest boy
- Then picked up some coffee at Tim Horton's
- Made grilled cheese for lunch
- Home for the afternoon
- Ran 5 km
- Made pumpkin craft with the kids
- Cleaned house with oldest boy (he just loves to vacuum!) & the girl (she's great for tidying when she's into it)
- Dance party with the boys
- Had supper of leftovers
- Went with our fun four kids to watch daddy play hockey, a little bit crazy, but good crazy, and even managed to get a few snippets of adult conversation
My kids have had a four day weekend, and it has been cold and rainy and snowy and wet and cold and wet and cold and, well, you get the idea. But they have been great. They have played and entertained themselves so well. We have watched a bit of tv, but not as much as I thought we might. They played with their cousins all day Thursday, and kept each other entertained after that. I had my own moment of cabin fever, but a little drive through the countryside with a Tim Horton's coffee helped that out, thanks to the husband!
They have played "dogs" and "house" and "hockey" and "farm", and they have coloured and coloured. This afternoon my oldest and middle boy had a dance party - so fun and I just love their moves! I joined in for a bit too! Tomorrow we celebrate a belated Thanksgiving dinner with my side of the family, so that will be fun for a change of pace, especially because there is no place like Grandma's house!
Lots of great little things going on this weekend! :)
- Started with viewing snow outside (too early, even for a winter-loving Canadian like myself!)
- Went to the local rec centre for swimming lessons for the girl, and hockey for the oldest boy
- Then picked up some coffee at Tim Horton's
- Made grilled cheese for lunch
- Home for the afternoon
- Ran 5 km
- Made pumpkin craft with the kids
- Cleaned house with oldest boy (he just loves to vacuum!) & the girl (she's great for tidying when she's into it)
- Dance party with the boys
- Had supper of leftovers
- Went with our fun four kids to watch daddy play hockey, a little bit crazy, but good crazy, and even managed to get a few snippets of adult conversation
My kids have had a four day weekend, and it has been cold and rainy and snowy and wet and cold and wet and cold and, well, you get the idea. But they have been great. They have played and entertained themselves so well. We have watched a bit of tv, but not as much as I thought we might. They played with their cousins all day Thursday, and kept each other entertained after that. I had my own moment of cabin fever, but a little drive through the countryside with a Tim Horton's coffee helped that out, thanks to the husband!
They have played "dogs" and "house" and "hockey" and "farm", and they have coloured and coloured. This afternoon my oldest and middle boy had a dance party - so fun and I just love their moves! I joined in for a bit too! Tomorrow we celebrate a belated Thanksgiving dinner with my side of the family, so that will be fun for a change of pace, especially because there is no place like Grandma's house!
Lots of great little things going on this weekend! :)
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
My eldest son
For this post, I went through some of my old Facebook statuses to share a bit about my oldest son. He lives life filled with intensity and it is crazy and wonderful and very entertaining.
Fall 2013: My son had gone outside for awhile, and I had done a bunch of cleaning up in the house. He came in, looked around, and said, "Mommy, it looks brand new in here!!" We have a regular old farm house. I love seeing things through his eyes!
Spring 2013: Around 4:00am this morning, the hydro (electricity) had gone off through the night, and here is my conversation with my half-sleeping boy:
"Mommy, turn the light in the hall back on so I can see my water bottle."
"I can't, buddy, the hydro is off."
"Just put a new light bulb in then Mommy!" (Haha! If only it were that easy, eh?)
Finding a little flashlight by his bed, I tried to turn it on, but it didn't work.
"Buddy, your flashlight is here, but it's broken, so I will give you mine."
"No mommy, you just gotta swack it, and then it will work again."
Sure enough, it worked! Love the wisdom of a four year old!
Christmas 2012: So our son continues to keep us entertained. At my mother-in-law's family Christmas, the adults did a gift exchange game. My husband's aunt asked my son to help her pick out a gift, and of course, he picked one of the biggest ones. It contained some fun sports paraphernalia like a volleyball, nerf stuff and the like. My husband had received some soap and lotion in the gift he had picked and opened earlier on. So my son took the big bag, brought it over to his daddy, and brought the soap gift over to my husband's aunt. Made sense to him, right? ;) When told to switch them back, my son very reluctantly dragged the big back back. Then, to top it off, he sneezed a huge, real sneeze full on into the bag!
Fall 2012: Tonight, it was time for lights out in my kids' bedroom, and my son was fighting going to bed because he wanted to keep combining (with his toy combine on the carpet in his bedroom), just like daddy, and he needed to see! We had some words, and I gave him a time out, and then he was in tears. I told him he could keep going, but he had to use the light from the hallway so his sister could sleep. He said it was still too dark. Then came the moment where I couldn't stay mad anymore, and I cracked a smile, "But mommy," he said with tears streaming down his face, and through his sobs, "I don't have lights on my combine so I can't see!" Ah, my little farmer boy!
Spring 2012: My dear boy is very pumped to play soccer this year!! I probably should have waited until closer to the start date to tell him as he keeps asking me to put on his "i-pads," and he is wearing them to bed tonight.
Summer 2011: My son woke up at 5:20am, after going to bed at 8:00pm last night, and told me, "Mommy, the dark's all done, you have to get up!" So we got up, I put on "Cars" and dozed on the couch. After awhile, he told me he was going back to bed, and he's been sleeping for about an hour. What a guy!
Fall 2013: My son had gone outside for awhile, and I had done a bunch of cleaning up in the house. He came in, looked around, and said, "Mommy, it looks brand new in here!!" We have a regular old farm house. I love seeing things through his eyes!
Spring 2013: Around 4:00am this morning, the hydro (electricity) had gone off through the night, and here is my conversation with my half-sleeping boy:
"Mommy, turn the light in the hall back on so I can see my water bottle."
"I can't, buddy, the hydro is off."
"Just put a new light bulb in then Mommy!" (Haha! If only it were that easy, eh?)
Finding a little flashlight by his bed, I tried to turn it on, but it didn't work.
"Buddy, your flashlight is here, but it's broken, so I will give you mine."
"No mommy, you just gotta swack it, and then it will work again."
Sure enough, it worked! Love the wisdom of a four year old!
Christmas 2012: So our son continues to keep us entertained. At my mother-in-law's family Christmas, the adults did a gift exchange game. My husband's aunt asked my son to help her pick out a gift, and of course, he picked one of the biggest ones. It contained some fun sports paraphernalia like a volleyball, nerf stuff and the like. My husband had received some soap and lotion in the gift he had picked and opened earlier on. So my son took the big bag, brought it over to his daddy, and brought the soap gift over to my husband's aunt. Made sense to him, right? ;) When told to switch them back, my son very reluctantly dragged the big back back. Then, to top it off, he sneezed a huge, real sneeze full on into the bag!
Fall 2012: Tonight, it was time for lights out in my kids' bedroom, and my son was fighting going to bed because he wanted to keep combining (with his toy combine on the carpet in his bedroom), just like daddy, and he needed to see! We had some words, and I gave him a time out, and then he was in tears. I told him he could keep going, but he had to use the light from the hallway so his sister could sleep. He said it was still too dark. Then came the moment where I couldn't stay mad anymore, and I cracked a smile, "But mommy," he said with tears streaming down his face, and through his sobs, "I don't have lights on my combine so I can't see!" Ah, my little farmer boy!
Spring 2012: My dear boy is very pumped to play soccer this year!! I probably should have waited until closer to the start date to tell him as he keeps asking me to put on his "i-pads," and he is wearing them to bed tonight.
Summer 2011: My son woke up at 5:20am, after going to bed at 8:00pm last night, and told me, "Mommy, the dark's all done, you have to get up!" So we got up, I put on "Cars" and dozed on the couch. After awhile, he told me he was going back to bed, and he's been sleeping for about an hour. What a guy!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Hmmmm...
So I have managed to write 19 posts this month, and now I come to a pause. I have read about other bloggers having this problem, but have not had it happen to me, until now. It's not that I don't have any ideas for what to write about, I actually have a lot. It's just that I don't have the desire to write anything. I had a busy weekend, and I'm tired, and I think that has led me to this point of indecision. I can't decide what to write about, and I can't decide what to write. I have suggested to someone else to write a list, but I don't know what to make a list about. I have thought about writing about some of the little things I have noted lately, but can't seem to focus my thoughts on that either. I have thought about writing about my oldest son, but have a lot of things I could write, and again, I can seem to get it together. So I will write about my day today, a regular day in my life.
As I think back on today, I had a good day. It was busy, and I was tired already at 5pm, but I had to carry on. I visited my youngest sister for coffee this morning, which was really nice. Her little guy is the same age as my middle boy, so it's fun to see how these two year olds act and interact. She also made me lunch, which was great! I saw my mom there briefly too, and managed to slip out on a quick errand kid-free. I then headed to a doctor's appointment for my baby boy. By the time I got home, I was tired, but thankful for supper in the crockpot. After supper, it was daughter's dance night, so I headed out there with the whole crew as my husband had a meeting. I took the boys to the grocery store, and then toured them through the local Ford dealership and tractor dealership. When I got home, I put everyone to bed, and now I sit at my computer, writing. This is my down time. I have "The Light" playing in the background, and I should be tidying up the kitchen and folding laundry. But, tomorrow is another day, right? At least, that's what my mom often said growing up. It's true. Tomorrow is another day, and likely won't be as busy as today... Maybe...
As I think back on today, I had a good day. It was busy, and I was tired already at 5pm, but I had to carry on. I visited my youngest sister for coffee this morning, which was really nice. Her little guy is the same age as my middle boy, so it's fun to see how these two year olds act and interact. She also made me lunch, which was great! I saw my mom there briefly too, and managed to slip out on a quick errand kid-free. I then headed to a doctor's appointment for my baby boy. By the time I got home, I was tired, but thankful for supper in the crockpot. After supper, it was daughter's dance night, so I headed out there with the whole crew as my husband had a meeting. I took the boys to the grocery store, and then toured them through the local Ford dealership and tractor dealership. When I got home, I put everyone to bed, and now I sit at my computer, writing. This is my down time. I have "The Light" playing in the background, and I should be tidying up the kitchen and folding laundry. But, tomorrow is another day, right? At least, that's what my mom often said growing up. It's true. Tomorrow is another day, and likely won't be as busy as today... Maybe...
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Saturday afternoon surprise
I had just been thinking about calling my sister when my daughter says to me, "Mommy, Aunt is here!" What?!?! What a great surprise! I love hanging out with my sister. Our kids are at ages now where they generally play very well together, and they have fun while we get to chat. When we hang out, we help each other out. She'll unload my dishwasher or clean up the table. One time last winter when I was pregnant with baby #4, she came over, and helped clean my house, including doing vacuuming - partners in grime! She also made sure my oldest boy got a first birthday party, making the cake and everything. We share stories about kids, we share recipes, we share our latest great song (mine's Roar by Katie Perry, hers is a Britney S song), and we share joys and challenges about life in general. She is a great sister and a great friend.
We shared a room when we were young, and we used to bring snacks into our bedroom, lock the door, and have a "powwow" when we needed to chat. We would sit cross-legged on the floor, and eat our graham crackers, and share the rough times about being tweens. We used to have to chores in the barn together, and could have quite the arguments and fights. However, our grudges did not last long, and usually within a few minutes, one of us would walk over to the other side of the barn to apologize, and we would hug and all would be well again.
We have a lot in common, and a lot not in common, which I think is why we get along so well. We never shared clothes in high school, and I think that saved us from a lot of disputes as I have heard from other sisters. I admire her for her loyalty, her positive outlook, her willingness to do fun things with her kids, her great snacks, her great gift-giving ability, her picture-taking skills, and her creativity.
We are two years apart, and have gone through a lot of phases of our lives together: grade school & high school, university, marriage and kids. I feel blessed to have her in my life, and I hope that we can share many more phases of our lives together!
We shared a room when we were young, and we used to bring snacks into our bedroom, lock the door, and have a "powwow" when we needed to chat. We would sit cross-legged on the floor, and eat our graham crackers, and share the rough times about being tweens. We used to have to chores in the barn together, and could have quite the arguments and fights. However, our grudges did not last long, and usually within a few minutes, one of us would walk over to the other side of the barn to apologize, and we would hug and all would be well again.
We have a lot in common, and a lot not in common, which I think is why we get along so well. We never shared clothes in high school, and I think that saved us from a lot of disputes as I have heard from other sisters. I admire her for her loyalty, her positive outlook, her willingness to do fun things with her kids, her great snacks, her great gift-giving ability, her picture-taking skills, and her creativity.
We are two years apart, and have gone through a lot of phases of our lives together: grade school & high school, university, marriage and kids. I feel blessed to have her in my life, and I hope that we can share many more phases of our lives together!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Story for today
This morning started out like most mornings, getting my daughter off to school, eating breakfast, the usual. I then got ready to go out to MOPS, and wanted to get there a little bit early since I was doing the activity for the group, so I wanted some extra prep time. I was doing great, and had both little boys in the van just after 9am. I went to start the van, and it didn't! Oh crap! I had vacuumed and cleaned the inside of the van yesterday afternoon, and felt the need to have the radio on. Nevertheless, apparently that drained the battery. *sigh* Thankfully, my husband was there, and thankfully, the truck and booster cables were there as well. He went over, hooked me up, and within seconds, I was all set to go. Yay! Just then, some guests drove in who were coming to visit. They knew that I was going out, but the battery delay allowed me to see them before they left later in the morning, AND they had a coffee for me! Sweet! I love my coffee, and had missed mine this morning. So there you go, a little not-so-great thing ended up a nice thing! :) I got to MOPS in good time, and had a great morning there. Later on, both boys napped at the same time, and I got a workout in!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Challenges update
Halfway there! I have been working through some challenges for the month of October, and thought today would be a good day to report on my progress so far.
Water - I have drank at least 8 cups of water pretty much everyday this month.
Crunches - I can do 90 crunches.
Plank - I am able to do the plank for 1 min 45 sec.
Squats - I can do 60 squats in a row.
Exercise - I exercise for at least 30 minutes 5-6 times a week.
Blog - I have managed to write a blog post for everyday this month, and I'm enjoying it. I blog for fun, and to record the little things about life. I enjoy writing, and it's been neat to try to think of different things to write about.
"Me Time" - I use this time to read a devotional with Bible verses and pray. I hope to get better at this challenge in the next couple weeks, and will work on it in Nov.
Pushups - I despise and suck at pushups and can do about 10 real ones... Aiming to do better with these in the next couple weeks, and will probably continue this challenge in Nov as well.
Eating fruits & veggies - It may be sad to admit, but this one is a work in progress... I can do 3-4 most days, but am aiming for 5 each day.
So that's that. I am really working on being happy with what I have accomplished, as opposed to focusing on where I did not succeed, as that often causes me to quit or give up. I feel great about how things have gone so far, and even managed to lose 2.5 lbs and 5 inches. Yay!
I am especially grateful to my sister, a friend from university, and some other friends who have been motivating and encouraging me this month! Thank you all!!
Lots of little (big) things for today. :)
Water - I have drank at least 8 cups of water pretty much everyday this month.
Crunches - I can do 90 crunches.
Plank - I am able to do the plank for 1 min 45 sec.
Squats - I can do 60 squats in a row.
Exercise - I exercise for at least 30 minutes 5-6 times a week.
Blog - I have managed to write a blog post for everyday this month, and I'm enjoying it. I blog for fun, and to record the little things about life. I enjoy writing, and it's been neat to try to think of different things to write about.
"Me Time" - I use this time to read a devotional with Bible verses and pray. I hope to get better at this challenge in the next couple weeks, and will work on it in Nov.
Pushups - I despise and suck at pushups and can do about 10 real ones... Aiming to do better with these in the next couple weeks, and will probably continue this challenge in Nov as well.
Eating fruits & veggies - It may be sad to admit, but this one is a work in progress... I can do 3-4 most days, but am aiming for 5 each day.
So that's that. I am really working on being happy with what I have accomplished, as opposed to focusing on where I did not succeed, as that often causes me to quit or give up. I feel great about how things have gone so far, and even managed to lose 2.5 lbs and 5 inches. Yay!
I am especially grateful to my sister, a friend from university, and some other friends who have been motivating and encouraging me this month! Thank you all!!
Lots of little (big) things for today. :)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
To the mommies
I have been a mom for almost 8 years, and I have two pieces of advice for the mommies out there:
1. Keep it simple. We can access so much information these days that it can make your head spin. I found that with my first, and I didn't have Facebook then! After having four, I am still learning things I wish I had known from the beginning, but I have come to realize that the best thing has been to just keep it simple, especially when it comes to doing things with my kids. They're young, and they love simple things. Yesterday there were a couple of cows loose in our neighbourhood, and our kids thought it was so cool to see the horses, dogs, and fourwheelers going around as the search went on. Later in the day my daughter wanted to visit someone or have someone over so badly, but it was just too late in the day. A bike ride was an easy replacement, and she was happy about that! Simple! My mom said it often when I was growing up, use the KISS method - Keep It Simple Sweetie! (Using the nicer version here) :)
2. You are the mommy, you know best. You know your child(ren) best. You have spent everyday and every night with them since they were woven together inside you. You know their ins and outs and ups and downs. Take any advice you get with a grain of salt, use that which makes sense to you, and do what is best for your family. People have said those things to me, and it has helped me be a better mom.
A couple little things from a mom to other moms. You are all doing your best, and I am so proud to know so many wonderful moms and their kids. What's the best advice you have received?
1. Keep it simple. We can access so much information these days that it can make your head spin. I found that with my first, and I didn't have Facebook then! After having four, I am still learning things I wish I had known from the beginning, but I have come to realize that the best thing has been to just keep it simple, especially when it comes to doing things with my kids. They're young, and they love simple things. Yesterday there were a couple of cows loose in our neighbourhood, and our kids thought it was so cool to see the horses, dogs, and fourwheelers going around as the search went on. Later in the day my daughter wanted to visit someone or have someone over so badly, but it was just too late in the day. A bike ride was an easy replacement, and she was happy about that! Simple! My mom said it often when I was growing up, use the KISS method - Keep It Simple Sweetie! (Using the nicer version here) :)
2. You are the mommy, you know best. You know your child(ren) best. You have spent everyday and every night with them since they were woven together inside you. You know their ins and outs and ups and downs. Take any advice you get with a grain of salt, use that which makes sense to you, and do what is best for your family. People have said those things to me, and it has helped me be a better mom.
A couple little things from a mom to other moms. You are all doing your best, and I am so proud to know so many wonderful moms and their kids. What's the best advice you have received?
Friday, October 11, 2013
Sleeping through the night...
Last night, my baby slept through the night! I fed him at about 6:30pm, he went to bed at about 8pm, and I never heard him until just after 7am. Wow! So that would mean that I slept through the night too, right? Nope! Apparently my 5 year old thought I still needed to wake up because he needed water, and then three minutes later, he lost his water bottle. Sheesh! I went back to sleep quickly after that, not even realizing that baby had not woken up yet. AT 5:30am, my husband's alarm went off, and then I realized that I had not fed the baby all night. What!?!? For the first time with a baby, I did the hop out of bed to check and make sure he was okay. He was, and he kept sleeping until 7am! Sweet! Do I hope that this will happen tonight? Of course! Do I think this will happen again tonight? Not likely!
I've been doing this parenting thing for almost 8 years now (okay, not that long in the grand scheme of things), and I have 4 kids. I have come to realize that the longer I parent, the less I know and the more questions I have. My dad has said that the people that have the most answers about marriage and kids are the people who are single and who have no kids. From my experience, it's true. I knew a lot more about this stuff before I got into it all. Seriously. I was chatting with my sister the other day, and we both agreed that most of the stuff we said we would do, we have not done, and the stuff we said we would never do, we have done. For me, one thing was the high chair. I remember seeing a dirty high chair when I had my first baby, and said I would never have such a dirty high chair. Yeah, as my mom often says, "Never say never!" Same with sleeping through the night. I have no answers, except to pray. I have laid in bed and prayed that the baby would stay asleep, stop crying, go back to sleep, sleep just for another 20 minutes, sleep all night, help me relax, and the list goes on. God always answered those prayers in different ways. Looking back, it has made me a better parent and a better friend, and I have learned that God will get me through. It seems such a little thing to pray about, but when you are completely exhausted and irrational at 3am, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel (especially when you know it is going to come out in about 2 more hours and you are just. so. tired.).
With my first child, I thought I had it figured out, she basically slept through the night from about two months on. Now that being said, I know that people have lots of definitions of what "sleeping through the night" really is. For me, it's being able to sleep from the time I go to bed (around 11pm or so) until I get up in the morning (say about 7am). So yeah, she did that. I thought I had it all figured out, and what a great parent I am and all that. ;) She did still wake up through the night off and on after that, but she was pretty good. Looking back, she was AMAZING! My second child changed everything. I had an aunt tell me at one point that everyone needs a baby like that because then they can truly relate to people who have trouble with babies and sleep. Baby number two showed me that I really didn't know anything about sleeping. He did nap fairly well through the day, but terribly at night. It took close to two years before I could say that he slept through the night consistently and well. Which I know is still better than some kids! Baby number three was kind of middle of the road, but still took a bit. He waited until after baby number four came to really sleep well, and I must say that the last few months he has slept great (knock on wood that it continues...).
Sleep is a big thing because we all need it. However, this is one night of sleeping through that I am going to relish because he's my baby, and it's one of the little things he did for the first time!
I've been doing this parenting thing for almost 8 years now (okay, not that long in the grand scheme of things), and I have 4 kids. I have come to realize that the longer I parent, the less I know and the more questions I have. My dad has said that the people that have the most answers about marriage and kids are the people who are single and who have no kids. From my experience, it's true. I knew a lot more about this stuff before I got into it all. Seriously. I was chatting with my sister the other day, and we both agreed that most of the stuff we said we would do, we have not done, and the stuff we said we would never do, we have done. For me, one thing was the high chair. I remember seeing a dirty high chair when I had my first baby, and said I would never have such a dirty high chair. Yeah, as my mom often says, "Never say never!" Same with sleeping through the night. I have no answers, except to pray. I have laid in bed and prayed that the baby would stay asleep, stop crying, go back to sleep, sleep just for another 20 minutes, sleep all night, help me relax, and the list goes on. God always answered those prayers in different ways. Looking back, it has made me a better parent and a better friend, and I have learned that God will get me through. It seems such a little thing to pray about, but when you are completely exhausted and irrational at 3am, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel (especially when you know it is going to come out in about 2 more hours and you are just. so. tired.).
With my first child, I thought I had it figured out, she basically slept through the night from about two months on. Now that being said, I know that people have lots of definitions of what "sleeping through the night" really is. For me, it's being able to sleep from the time I go to bed (around 11pm or so) until I get up in the morning (say about 7am). So yeah, she did that. I thought I had it all figured out, and what a great parent I am and all that. ;) She did still wake up through the night off and on after that, but she was pretty good. Looking back, she was AMAZING! My second child changed everything. I had an aunt tell me at one point that everyone needs a baby like that because then they can truly relate to people who have trouble with babies and sleep. Baby number two showed me that I really didn't know anything about sleeping. He did nap fairly well through the day, but terribly at night. It took close to two years before I could say that he slept through the night consistently and well. Which I know is still better than some kids! Baby number three was kind of middle of the road, but still took a bit. He waited until after baby number four came to really sleep well, and I must say that the last few months he has slept great (knock on wood that it continues...).
Sleep is a big thing because we all need it. However, this is one night of sleeping through that I am going to relish because he's my baby, and it's one of the little things he did for the first time!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Little moments
I woke up early, thanks to the baby for an early morning wake up call, but it was all good because I was planning to go in to work for a meeting with my colleagues. A little bit later, my 2 year old also woke up, so I changed him, and set him to watch tv. I got myself ready for the day, and then my other 2 kids were up as well. My daughter was the only one going to school today, so the eldest boy and I walked her down the driveway to the bus. Behold, a beautiful little moment, the sunrise (yes, my kids get on the bus really early, but I don't mind!). The clouds were pink and purplish on the bottom, absolutely amazing. I love nature! God really has some amazing handiwork! It was incredible how the sky was painted, and my kids were wowed by it too.
I returned to the house, and a little while later my mom arrived to watch my three boys so I could go in to work for the morning. Behold, a wonderful little moment, being able to leave them with her, all three of them. I know not everyone has this option, and I'm so thankful my mom was willing to come over and help me out this way. (Later on, another beautiful moment, coming home to clean windows. Okay, so I asked her to clean them, but she has more energy than I have on a good day, and I knew she'd end up doing something. Also, my son, who apparently has some similar characteristics to my mom, had vacuumed the whole house twice in the last few days, so that was off the list already.)
I got in the van without a diaper bag (a great little moment, love my kids, but it was nice to have some time away this morning), and headed off down the road. I then did what I'm sure many others do with no kids in the vehicle, turned up the radio! Another great little moment!
I had a great morning with my colleagues. I am blessed to work with some fabulous people, and I have 2 of the best jobs on earth, one being teaching. The other that of being a mom. I feel the push and pull between these two jobs sometimes. Thankfully, I love both, and I work with great people either way!
I came home to clean windows, pancakes for lunch, and a chat and coffee with my mom. Who can beat that? After she left, I even managed to catch a ten minute rest on the couch. Some more great little moments.
This evening, it was off to my oldest son's hockey practice. I had a few funny moments there. Watching a bunch of 5 & 6 year olds doing hockey drills, and then "playing" their first scrimmage game was pretty funny.There were lots of falls, collisions, and kids lying on the ice like turtles or starfish. It was fun to see the kids all lined up on the bench because all we could see was what looked like a row of helmets lined up on the wall. My favourite moment was hearing the coach say, "So everyone knows what to do?" Whether the kids knew what to do or not, they sure didn't look like they knew what they were doing! Nevertheless, it's pretty neat to see the determination of those little ones: falling and getting up so many times, and pushing through the whole practice. Watching the practices this last month and a bit has given me lots of respect for coaches as well! Very thankful for those wonderful people!
So those were some little moments in my day today! Thanks for reading!
Just had to add a moment of genius! ;) While I was talking on the phone this evening, my oldest son had put on the other cordless phone, and made some ruckus. He then hid the phone, but it was still on. When I went to get the phone, I couldn't use the locator beep because the phone was "in use." How was I going to find it without waking him up, and without the locator? I tried talking into the other phone, but that really didn't help because I was talking while trying to hear. Then I got it! I put the phone on beside the radio in another part of the house, and cranked up the radio. I started walking around the area I thought it was hidden, and tah-dah! I heard it, and followed the sound! Genius! Okay, not really, but I was proud of myself anyway! A little moment, right? ;)
Just had to add a moment of genius! ;) While I was talking on the phone this evening, my oldest son had put on the other cordless phone, and made some ruckus. He then hid the phone, but it was still on. When I went to get the phone, I couldn't use the locator beep because the phone was "in use." How was I going to find it without waking him up, and without the locator? I tried talking into the other phone, but that really didn't help because I was talking while trying to hear. Then I got it! I put the phone on beside the radio in another part of the house, and cranked up the radio. I started walking around the area I thought it was hidden, and tah-dah! I heard it, and followed the sound! Genius! Okay, not really, but I was proud of myself anyway! A little moment, right? ;)
Monday, October 7, 2013
Little things about church
Yesterday I went to church. While church has some downfalls, and there are days when I don't feel like going, I do love church. Last night as I went to bed, I started thinking about some of the little things I like about church, and realized I had a list of those, so here they are today:
1. Singing - I love to sing, and I love most of the songs we sing at church: new praise songs, old hymns, and anything in between.
2. People - I love people. It may sound strange, but it's true. I love hearing their stories, and I love chatting with them about their experiences and about my own.
3. Coffee and snacks - Two things I really enjoy are coffee and food, so if I can have them at church too, how great is that?
4. Sunday School and Nursery Care for Kids - I love that my babies get taken care of in the nursery, and I love when my kids go out of church for Sunday School for 2 reasons: #1 There are great teachers and caregivers out there teaching them about the Bible and about our faith in God and singing songs with them, and #2 I get to sit in quiet serenity for a half hour or so, just taking it all in. :) PS This goes out as a huge thank you to the wonderful caregivers and Sunday School teachers out there. I appreciate what you do!
5. Bible teaching - I believe the Bible to be true, and it's God's instruction book to us. I once heard that we should always get something out of a message we hear at church. The times that I am not distracted at church, and that I am focused on the message, I do learn from the message. I also try to take notes during the message because I find that helps keep me really focused. Hey, I'm a teacher, and I know I make a terrible student! ;)
6. Worshiping God - It's the last thing on my list, but it's not little. It's the most important. I go to church to worship God. He has been with me every step of the way through the week, and when I go to church, he is there, and it's my chance to SING to Him, to meet more of God's PEOPLE to have coffee and snacks and conversations with them, to have my kids be at church too, to hear what the BIBLE has to say, and to WORSHIP GOD.
Blessings in the the coming week, and if you don't have a church, check out one near by to see how it is. Just a few of suggestions:
* If you know some people who go to church, ask them about their church. You can get a pretty good idea from their comments if they are positive about their church or not. Generally, positive people with positive comments have a positive church. So if a few people from the same church have great things to say about their church, go there!
* Give it more than one Sunday because just like us humans, church services can have an off-day too. If you're not sure about the one you tried, try another one because churches can have different personalities too, even when they're in the same town, or from the same denomination.
* Remember that church is where imperfect people go to meet a perfect God. If no one talks to you at any point, talk to someone. Church people are not always as friendly and outgoing as we like to think we are. :P However, many of us are willing to chat!
These are just my some of the little things I think about church! I'd love to know what little things you like about church. (PS I know churches have hurt people in different ways, and have caused people to never want to go back, but I also know that God can heal people and churches, and hopefully you can find a church, or even a small group of God's people where you can meet and experience God's grace and love.)
1. Singing - I love to sing, and I love most of the songs we sing at church: new praise songs, old hymns, and anything in between.
2. People - I love people. It may sound strange, but it's true. I love hearing their stories, and I love chatting with them about their experiences and about my own.
3. Coffee and snacks - Two things I really enjoy are coffee and food, so if I can have them at church too, how great is that?
4. Sunday School and Nursery Care for Kids - I love that my babies get taken care of in the nursery, and I love when my kids go out of church for Sunday School for 2 reasons: #1 There are great teachers and caregivers out there teaching them about the Bible and about our faith in God and singing songs with them, and #2 I get to sit in quiet serenity for a half hour or so, just taking it all in. :) PS This goes out as a huge thank you to the wonderful caregivers and Sunday School teachers out there. I appreciate what you do!
5. Bible teaching - I believe the Bible to be true, and it's God's instruction book to us. I once heard that we should always get something out of a message we hear at church. The times that I am not distracted at church, and that I am focused on the message, I do learn from the message. I also try to take notes during the message because I find that helps keep me really focused. Hey, I'm a teacher, and I know I make a terrible student! ;)
6. Worshiping God - It's the last thing on my list, but it's not little. It's the most important. I go to church to worship God. He has been with me every step of the way through the week, and when I go to church, he is there, and it's my chance to SING to Him, to meet more of God's PEOPLE to have coffee and snacks and conversations with them, to have my kids be at church too, to hear what the BIBLE has to say, and to WORSHIP GOD.
Blessings in the the coming week, and if you don't have a church, check out one near by to see how it is. Just a few of suggestions:
* If you know some people who go to church, ask them about their church. You can get a pretty good idea from their comments if they are positive about their church or not. Generally, positive people with positive comments have a positive church. So if a few people from the same church have great things to say about their church, go there!
* Give it more than one Sunday because just like us humans, church services can have an off-day too. If you're not sure about the one you tried, try another one because churches can have different personalities too, even when they're in the same town, or from the same denomination.
* Remember that church is where imperfect people go to meet a perfect God. If no one talks to you at any point, talk to someone. Church people are not always as friendly and outgoing as we like to think we are. :P However, many of us are willing to chat!
These are just my some of the little things I think about church! I'd love to know what little things you like about church. (PS I know churches have hurt people in different ways, and have caused people to never want to go back, but I also know that God can heal people and churches, and hopefully you can find a church, or even a small group of God's people where you can meet and experience God's grace and love.)
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