Now a Nicholas Sparks book is calling my name....
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Quilt
The quilt for my almost 6 year old is FINALLY completed! Woo hoo! It's about time too, considering I started it when I was pregnant with him! I'm slowly but surely cleaning off my back burner. Here's a picture of the quilt:
Now a Nicholas Sparks book is calling my name....
Now a Nicholas Sparks book is calling my name....
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Lump
My Bible study Mom's group has been watching these Nooma series short videos. This was one we recently viewed and I was inspired to share it on my blog. This one is titled "Lump" and it discusses the love God has for all of us. It reminded me of when I became a mother and how intensely in love with my newborn baby I was (and still am with all of my children). It's amazing how you can just meet a person and immediately feel this powerful unconditional love for this person.....for no other reason than he/she is your child. That baby didn't do anything but be born into this world. And then it hit me. How much more must God love me? I believe becoming a parent has given me a small glimpse into how much God must love me and everyone...for no other reason than we are His children. Please take the time to watch the short video that I have linked in this post. May all who read this post have someone in their lives who has shown them a glimpse of the enormous amount of love God has for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWGmGc6-kQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWGmGc6-kQ
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wish List
My oldest son's 9th birthday is coming soon. We asked him to make out a wish list. This was too good not to share. Googey, by the way, is his favorite Webkinz.
My Birthday Wish list
Paper recycling kit (craft section at Wal-Mart)
2.(book series)DK's “Ask Me Anything”
3.Garfield books, any 2 except 1,2,3,13,14, and 15 4.”Webkinz” lava dragon 5.Nintendo DS with “Mariokart” game
6. 2 wii remotes
7. something for Googey
8. 75 erasers, assorted
9. a gem
10.carrot seeds and a large pot
11. fish (at bent tree plaza on falls of neuse Rd.,please. With 2 packages of fish food
12. 2010 through 2012 calender
13. something strange
14. something solar powered
15.College dictionary
16.SMALL remote-controlled car
17.every state quarter
18. a good watch
19.Spanish,French, and Italian dictionary
20.Webkinz signature panda
21. a world atlas book
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Dreams
The other morning, my daughter woke up at 6:30. In an effort to get a few more minutes in bed, I offered for her to join me in bed. Not long after she crawled in, I smelled something a bit rank. My daughter has been potty trained since July (yay!) and I suspected she'd had an accident. I proceeded to touch her rear to confirm my suspicions, when she says to me "My buhiney is wet because I went down the wet slide." Ummmm...yeah nice try!
We got back from a weekend at Myrtle Beach, trying out our new 5th wheel. We had a fabulous time! When we got our first camper trailer, we had so many issues with leaks (shower, rain, etc.) that I was a bit apprehensive about getting another trailer for fear of dealing with all of those "new trailer" issues. Well, I'm so relieved that didn't happen! Now, I'm really looking forward to our weekend trip to Boone, NC next month!
We got back from a weekend at Myrtle Beach, trying out our new 5th wheel. We had a fabulous time! When we got our first camper trailer, we had so many issues with leaks (shower, rain, etc.) that I was a bit apprehensive about getting another trailer for fear of dealing with all of those "new trailer" issues. Well, I'm so relieved that didn't happen! Now, I'm really looking forward to our weekend trip to Boone, NC next month!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
My "Bad Mommy" Moment
Ok, all you Mommies out there....you know you have 'em. And the Dads out there are not immune either. I'm talking about "bad parent moments." You know, the moments you wish you could push the "rewind button" on and do a do-over.
Well, I don't seem to have them too often but this is one that happened recently that I thought I'd share. I'm sure every parent can relate to it.
Those who know me or read this blog know that I have 3 children....2 boys and a girl, who is the youngest. Well, the boys lately seem to be outgrowing shoes so much my husband and I have seriously considered buying some stock in Payless Shoe Store. Even in this down turned economy, everyone's gotta have shoes and my boys have been making sure we've been stimulating the economy for shoe retailers. Every time we turn around, they have worn a hole in the soles of their shoes. They MUST be twirling on their feet every day....that's the only explanation for how they wear holes in their soles so quickly (or poor workmanship, but I digress...).
Well, recently my 3 year old daughter has been complaining (though not too often) that her shoes hurt her feet. So, I put on my mental "To-do list" to take her shoe shopping soon. A few days later, I turn on my computer and as it boots up I once again look lovingly at the computer desktop picture of my 3 gorgeous angels. Then something catches my eye. It's the shoes on my daughter's feet. They're the exact same ones she's wearing today....only the picture was take A YEAR AGO! We hadn't bought that child shoes in a YEAR! We took her shoe shopping today and found not only were her feet NOT the size 7 shoe she was wearing (DUH!) but she is wearing a SIZE 9! Maybe she needs to do a little more twirling in her shoes....
Well, I don't seem to have them too often but this is one that happened recently that I thought I'd share. I'm sure every parent can relate to it.
Those who know me or read this blog know that I have 3 children....2 boys and a girl, who is the youngest. Well, the boys lately seem to be outgrowing shoes so much my husband and I have seriously considered buying some stock in Payless Shoe Store. Even in this down turned economy, everyone's gotta have shoes and my boys have been making sure we've been stimulating the economy for shoe retailers. Every time we turn around, they have worn a hole in the soles of their shoes. They MUST be twirling on their feet every day....that's the only explanation for how they wear holes in their soles so quickly (or poor workmanship, but I digress...).
Well, recently my 3 year old daughter has been complaining (though not too often) that her shoes hurt her feet. So, I put on my mental "To-do list" to take her shoe shopping soon. A few days later, I turn on my computer and as it boots up I once again look lovingly at the computer desktop picture of my 3 gorgeous angels. Then something catches my eye. It's the shoes on my daughter's feet. They're the exact same ones she's wearing today....only the picture was take A YEAR AGO! We hadn't bought that child shoes in a YEAR! We took her shoe shopping today and found not only were her feet NOT the size 7 shoe she was wearing (DUH!) but she is wearing a SIZE 9! Maybe she needs to do a little more twirling in her shoes....
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Summer Time
It seems I blinked and the summer was over. We have had lots of fun and stayed busy this summer.
My oldest started 4th grade and my 5 year old started Kindergarten in July. There weren't as many tears (his or mine) with my 5 year old starting school as I thought there'd be. He's becoming so independent and proud that he knows how to get to his class all by himself. He enjoys buying school lunch twice a week. He's so shy so I wasn't sure how he'd do with having to say his lunch number aloud but I've been to lunch with him a couple of times so far and he's sounding pretty confident! He's starting to learn and recognize sight words. He's on his way to reading!
During the summer, my daughter went to preschool camp and loved it! The first month she went gave my 5 year old and me some time to spend, just the two of us. I rarely have the time to spend one-on-one with each of my children but I feel like my 5 year old, being in the middle, really doesn't get the chance. The way I see it, my oldest got all of my time prior to my second being born....3 years....and my daughter is having her time with me alone now that the boys are both in school. So I try to steal time as best I can with each of my children. The second month my daughter went to preschool camp, I had 3 whole hours, 3 days a week for 3 weeks all to myself! I never knew what I was missing! I was able to finish tasks that I started. I feel so ADD at times because I'm constantly having to stop something I'm doing to referee or help them and so I'm constantly barraged with "Mama!"
In August, during the boys' track-out, we went to the lake for the week. We camped in our travel trailer. My husband's parents and aunt and uncle camped with us as well. It's always so much fun to spend a week swimming and spending time with the whole family. With everyone being so busy, it's nice to be able to get together. While we were camping, we decided that the RV we had (Damon (now Keystone) Hornet) was just getting too small for our family of 5...not to mention feeling like the 10 year old trailer was being held together by 3 year old caulk. So, we took the plunge and bought a new RV. It's a Keystone Laredo. Here's a picture of the new trailer along with a link to the floor plan and other pictures.
http://keystone-laredo.com/index.php?page=321BH-gallery
We are going to try out our new trailer next weekend when we hit Myrtle Beach. I'm hoping all goes well. All of the kids are so excited to have their own space and beds. My oldest has even told me that with the exception of taking showers (the shower is in the kids' room) we (the parents) are not allowed in their room. Perfectly fine by me! We're also planning on going to Boone, NC next month to try out the new camper.
My youngest and I started back to preschool this week (her as a student and me as a teacher). This year I am teaching the young twos (as opposed to the 3's for the past 2 years). Our first week has gone great...very low-key and easy-going, though we do have a couple of kids who are having a hard time adjusting. We'll see how next week goes. I know it'll get better....or so I'm told!
My oldest started 4th grade and my 5 year old started Kindergarten in July. There weren't as many tears (his or mine) with my 5 year old starting school as I thought there'd be. He's becoming so independent and proud that he knows how to get to his class all by himself. He enjoys buying school lunch twice a week. He's so shy so I wasn't sure how he'd do with having to say his lunch number aloud but I've been to lunch with him a couple of times so far and he's sounding pretty confident! He's starting to learn and recognize sight words. He's on his way to reading!
During the summer, my daughter went to preschool camp and loved it! The first month she went gave my 5 year old and me some time to spend, just the two of us. I rarely have the time to spend one-on-one with each of my children but I feel like my 5 year old, being in the middle, really doesn't get the chance. The way I see it, my oldest got all of my time prior to my second being born....3 years....and my daughter is having her time with me alone now that the boys are both in school. So I try to steal time as best I can with each of my children. The second month my daughter went to preschool camp, I had 3 whole hours, 3 days a week for 3 weeks all to myself! I never knew what I was missing! I was able to finish tasks that I started. I feel so ADD at times because I'm constantly having to stop something I'm doing to referee or help them and so I'm constantly barraged with "Mama!"
In August, during the boys' track-out, we went to the lake for the week. We camped in our travel trailer. My husband's parents and aunt and uncle camped with us as well. It's always so much fun to spend a week swimming and spending time with the whole family. With everyone being so busy, it's nice to be able to get together. While we were camping, we decided that the RV we had (Damon (now Keystone) Hornet) was just getting too small for our family of 5...not to mention feeling like the 10 year old trailer was being held together by 3 year old caulk. So, we took the plunge and bought a new RV. It's a Keystone Laredo. Here's a picture of the new trailer along with a link to the floor plan and other pictures.
http://keystone-laredo.com/index.php?page=321BH-gallery
We are going to try out our new trailer next weekend when we hit Myrtle Beach. I'm hoping all goes well. All of the kids are so excited to have their own space and beds. My oldest has even told me that with the exception of taking showers (the shower is in the kids' room) we (the parents) are not allowed in their room. Perfectly fine by me! We're also planning on going to Boone, NC next month to try out the new camper.
My youngest and I started back to preschool this week (her as a student and me as a teacher). This year I am teaching the young twos (as opposed to the 3's for the past 2 years). Our first week has gone great...very low-key and easy-going, though we do have a couple of kids who are having a hard time adjusting. We'll see how next week goes. I know it'll get better....or so I'm told!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Kid-isms
My oldest ended his third grade school year today. Yesterday, he participated in "step up day" where the children meet their next year's teacher and see the kids in their upcoming class. Before this happened, my son's teacher asked her class to complete a writing assignment on a foot shaped piece of paper titled "My advice", for the children in her next year's class to read at their desk when they came to her for "step up day." He brought home his paper and here's what it said:
"My advice to you is for you to listen to the teacher and to make sure to finish your work on time. Believe me, it is not fun! And, did you know in your lifetime you will walk equivalent to 5 times around the equator."
That's my boy! :)
"My advice to you is for you to listen to the teacher and to make sure to finish your work on time. Believe me, it is not fun! And, did you know in your lifetime you will walk equivalent to 5 times around the equator."
That's my boy! :)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Love....Actually
In honor of my husband's and my 13th wedding anniversary, I thought I'd write on the subject of love. At our wedding, one of the scripture readings the minister read was in 1 Corinthians. I think many Christian weddings these days have some sort of reference to this passage from the Bible during their ceremony. But recently, I read the whole chapter that these excerpts are taken from and I thought it shed a whole new light. Here it is: 1 Corinthians 13 (Revised Standard Version)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
This love that Paul is speaking of, I believe, is not only just a love shared by a husband and wife. This is a love that should be in all of our relationships. It's a love God gives us...unconditional. It's a love given to us not because of what we've done or the fact that we love Him. It's given to us for no specific reason at all.....for lack of a better explanation: just because. And the best part is, this kind of love...this unconditional "love never ends"....no matter what we do or say. Everything we do should be out of this kind of love for one another. This is especially hard when someone has hurt us deeply.
For some reason, it's so much easier to harbor that pain and resentment, build up a wall and never look back. The bad part about that is, most of the time that pain and resentment that built that wall comes from the filter of negativity and depression. You start to forget the good things about that person and let the looming dark cloud take over, overshadowing any and all positive memories. Years pass and either you believe your dark thoughts to be the truth or you forget why you were mad in the first place. But as this Biblical passage reminds us, "our knowledge is imperfect."
God wants us to let His light of love shine through us. We can't, however, do this when we've built up walls. Walls cast shadows, blocking the light. We've got to let those walls down. God will let you know when it's time for you to break it down and will help you do it ("when the perfect comes"). When you accept this journey, God will help you see the situation for what it truly was ("the imperfect will pass away"). It will give you a peace you never thought you were missing and that is when God's light will shine through you like never before. Is there a wall from the past or today that's blocking God's light in you?
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
This love that Paul is speaking of, I believe, is not only just a love shared by a husband and wife. This is a love that should be in all of our relationships. It's a love God gives us...unconditional. It's a love given to us not because of what we've done or the fact that we love Him. It's given to us for no specific reason at all.....for lack of a better explanation: just because. And the best part is, this kind of love...this unconditional "love never ends"....no matter what we do or say. Everything we do should be out of this kind of love for one another. This is especially hard when someone has hurt us deeply.
For some reason, it's so much easier to harbor that pain and resentment, build up a wall and never look back. The bad part about that is, most of the time that pain and resentment that built that wall comes from the filter of negativity and depression. You start to forget the good things about that person and let the looming dark cloud take over, overshadowing any and all positive memories. Years pass and either you believe your dark thoughts to be the truth or you forget why you were mad in the first place. But as this Biblical passage reminds us, "our knowledge is imperfect."
God wants us to let His light of love shine through us. We can't, however, do this when we've built up walls. Walls cast shadows, blocking the light. We've got to let those walls down. God will let you know when it's time for you to break it down and will help you do it ("when the perfect comes"). When you accept this journey, God will help you see the situation for what it truly was ("the imperfect will pass away"). It will give you a peace you never thought you were missing and that is when God's light will shine through you like never before. Is there a wall from the past or today that's blocking God's light in you?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Race For The Cure
They say that laughter is the best medicine. Certainly the creators of these and other similarly amusing t-shirt slogans take that to heart when it comes to supporting breast
cancer awareness.
On June 13th, I'm heading back to my ol' alma mater to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. This is my second year and I am very much looking forward to it. Though many participants use their race shirts to memorialize their loved ones whose lives were cut short due to breast cancer, the event itself is very uplifting. Along with the amusing shirts, seeing the sea of pink shirts signifying the breast cancer survivors is quite inspiring.
Below is my story that's on my race center webpage as well as the web address to my race site. Please feel free to copy and paste that address into your web browser to learn more about breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, or ways you can help this cause. Perhaps one day this and all cancers will only be learned about in history books.
http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/shaunaschmidt
http://race.komennctriangle.org/goto/shaunaschmidt
I am participating in this race to honor the memory of two dear friends who lost their battles with breast cancer. My friend and former co-worker Libby Peebles died in the fall of 2000 and my friend and neighbor Shirley Feldbusch passed away in November 2005. I am also participating for my mother, sisters, grandmothers, stepmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, countless friends and myself who are fortunate enough right now to not be stricken with breast cancer but certainly face the threat since this disease has not been cured.
If you would like to contribute to this great cause, that would be awesome! You can contribute by making a donation. If that's not possible, then prayers for a safe race and the eradication of this dreadful disease are another way to contribute.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Vacation Time
My 8 year old son is on a year round calendar so we have to do our vacations throughout the year, rather than during the summer when most people vacation because he's in school. He was tracked out for a good portion of this month, so instead of a week-long vacation, we opted to take a couple of mini-vacations.
For Mother's Day weekend, we went to the beach. We "camped" (if you can call staying in our RV camping) at a KOA in Wilmington. It was actually warm enough to get on bathing suits and play at the beach. The boys insisted on getting in the frigid water and my 5 year old wanted to swim to Africa (he loves animals). My daughter wanted to get in the water too and I walked in with her, but didn't get too far in.....way too cold for my liking. While we were there, we also took a tour of the motion picture studios. It's where the show One Tree Hill is filmed. Though we don't watch that show, it was neat to see an actual production set. We downloaded an episode when we got home, just so we could see the sets we saw in action.
We just got back from a 2 day vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC. If you've never been there, I say it's well worth the trip. They just opened up so they have Grand Opening specials going on now. It's quite high-end so I don't know that we'll be able to afford to go often, or even at all, down the road. It's a hotel with an indoor water park. You have to stay at the hotel to be able to use the water park. It's so huge and lots of fun! They have several water slides to choose from. My husband and oldest son loved the "Howlin' Tornado" water slide. I told my oldest son that any ride with the word "howlin'" in it is not a ride I'll go on. I'm chicken and I'm not too proud to admit it! Oh! And I actually did back out of riding one that required you to ride on your stomach face first. I could not bring myself to do that ride. Just didn't seem natural to ride like that....perhaps it's being a teacher and teaching children NOT to go down slides like that! haha! I did ride the other slides with my oldest. He even bribed me with ice cream for one of the slides! Of course, it wasn't HIM that was buying it, but he would make sure I got ice cream for riding it with him. My 5 year old wouldn't go on a slide. He goes on Splash Mountain at Disney, but not any of the waterslides. Go figure! They had a little kid area which splashed water every which way and had a little water slide, which of course my littler ones enjoyed. They have a bigger kid/teen area that also splashed water everywhere and the MOTHER of all water bucket dumpers. They also had a wave pool and a fun, calm pool. The calm pool had an area roped off for a lily pad/log obstacle course that the boys loved! They also have an outdoor calm pool. Great Wolf Lodge also has a full restaurant, with a kid-sized buffet (really neat, in my opinion) in addition to their regular buffet. They also have a Dunkin' Donuts (my favorite!) and MagiQuest game (for those who love fantasy-type games). My husband is really into fantasy-based games so he loved doing this "scavenger hunt" type of fantasy game with the boys. They have a cub club area for kids to play, read, do computer games or crafts. The boys painted a ceramic piggy bank and car shaped magnet while my husband and daughter napped one afternoon. They also have a full arcade room and a spa. My husband paid for a massage as a birthday present for me. I'd never had one before and felt so relaxed afterward. The children really liked our room. It was huge, with a microwave and mini-fridge. But the "best" part was the "kids" area, made to look like a cabin and painted animal murals on the walls. It had a bunk bed and day bed for the kids...plenty of room! We really had a great time.
For Mother's Day weekend, we went to the beach. We "camped" (if you can call staying in our RV camping) at a KOA in Wilmington. It was actually warm enough to get on bathing suits and play at the beach. The boys insisted on getting in the frigid water and my 5 year old wanted to swim to Africa (he loves animals). My daughter wanted to get in the water too and I walked in with her, but didn't get too far in.....way too cold for my liking. While we were there, we also took a tour of the motion picture studios. It's where the show One Tree Hill is filmed. Though we don't watch that show, it was neat to see an actual production set. We downloaded an episode when we got home, just so we could see the sets we saw in action.
We just got back from a 2 day vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC. If you've never been there, I say it's well worth the trip. They just opened up so they have Grand Opening specials going on now. It's quite high-end so I don't know that we'll be able to afford to go often, or even at all, down the road. It's a hotel with an indoor water park. You have to stay at the hotel to be able to use the water park. It's so huge and lots of fun! They have several water slides to choose from. My husband and oldest son loved the "Howlin' Tornado" water slide. I told my oldest son that any ride with the word "howlin'" in it is not a ride I'll go on. I'm chicken and I'm not too proud to admit it! Oh! And I actually did back out of riding one that required you to ride on your stomach face first. I could not bring myself to do that ride. Just didn't seem natural to ride like that....perhaps it's being a teacher and teaching children NOT to go down slides like that! haha! I did ride the other slides with my oldest. He even bribed me with ice cream for one of the slides! Of course, it wasn't HIM that was buying it, but he would make sure I got ice cream for riding it with him. My 5 year old wouldn't go on a slide. He goes on Splash Mountain at Disney, but not any of the waterslides. Go figure! They had a little kid area which splashed water every which way and had a little water slide, which of course my littler ones enjoyed. They have a bigger kid/teen area that also splashed water everywhere and the MOTHER of all water bucket dumpers. They also had a wave pool and a fun, calm pool. The calm pool had an area roped off for a lily pad/log obstacle course that the boys loved! They also have an outdoor calm pool. Great Wolf Lodge also has a full restaurant, with a kid-sized buffet (really neat, in my opinion) in addition to their regular buffet. They also have a Dunkin' Donuts (my favorite!) and MagiQuest game (for those who love fantasy-type games). My husband is really into fantasy-based games so he loved doing this "scavenger hunt" type of fantasy game with the boys. They have a cub club area for kids to play, read, do computer games or crafts. The boys painted a ceramic piggy bank and car shaped magnet while my husband and daughter napped one afternoon. They also have a full arcade room and a spa. My husband paid for a massage as a birthday present for me. I'd never had one before and felt so relaxed afterward. The children really liked our room. It was huge, with a microwave and mini-fridge. But the "best" part was the "kids" area, made to look like a cabin and painted animal murals on the walls. It had a bunk bed and day bed for the kids...plenty of room! We really had a great time.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Graduation Day
Well, the school year has now wound down. This is always a bittersweet time for me as a teacher. I'm so proud and excited for my students as they embark on the next stage of their learning. I'm also very honored I was able to contribute to that process and always feel good about what's been accomplished. But I'm no good at saying good-bye.
Last night was my 5 year old son's preschool graduation. I admit to some tears welling up as I saw him wearing his cap and gown, my thoughts flashing 13 years ahead to when he'll be in one again graduating HS.
On Monday of this week, my 5 year old brought home a picture of a sad face with the word "sad" written on the page. To give you some background, I only work at the preschool Tuesday - Thursday mornings. The title of this page was "How I'm feeling today." I asked him why he felt sad that day and he said "because you weren't at preschool today." What's he going to do when he's in Kindergarten and I'm not there all the time? Oh no. Here come the tears again.....
Friday, May 15, 2009
Take Me Out To The Ball Game.....
We have been spending quite a bit of time this month on the ball field. My 5 year old just finished up his soccer season and now we're gearing up for baseball with my oldest. I can't believe how much my boys have learned. Last Spring, all my 5 year old did during soccer was sit and pick the grass. Needless to say, we didn't sign him up for Fall soccer that year. Then, over the winter, he kept mentioning wanting to play soccer (mostly to get a trophy....at this age it's all about the trophy). I told him we would pay for it only if he promised to actually play this year: STAND UP, run, kick the ball and listen to the coach. Well, he did do those things and even got the ball a few times. My boys are not aggressive at all so my 5 year old mostly waited for the ball to come to him. But I consider it a great improvement from last year.
This season will be my 8 year old's third season playing baseball. He has been practicing with his Dad: throwing and catching baseballs. My husband's sport is baseball and he enjoys passing down this love of the sport to his boys. My oldest is also showing quite a bit of growth. He can throw the ball really hard now and he's getting better and better at catching it. He's also not getting nearly as frustrated when my husband corrects him like he has in years past. I'm one proud Mama of both of her boys!
We've also taken in some professional baseball as well. We have a mini-season ticket package for the Durham Bulls, a local minor league team, which we have been doing for the past several years now. This is one of our family time events that we enjoy. The children aren't quite at an age to be completely interested in the game, but my oldest is getting close. We try to get the season tickets that have the "Kids Run The Bases" nights. My husband says it's because the kids love running the bases (and they do) but I think he secretly enjoys it too. The adults are allowed to run with their small children. He's going to be really disappointed when our littlest one is in the "older kid" category!
Speaking of kids run the bases, I have one "Mommy horror story" to tell. When my oldest was 3, he was old enough to run the bases at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, which is where the Atlanta Braves (yes, the Major League team) does their Spring Training in March. So, after the game we asked him if he wanted to run the bases and he said he did. Well, when we get in line, they tell everyone that only the children can run....no adults. Not ones to disappoint their son we told him Daddy couldn't run with him and he still wanted to run so we let him. Well, they had my son in the front of the line and I had a bad feeling it would not go well since my son had never run the bases before and wouldn't know where to go. So, they let the line of kids run, starting from the bleachers at 1st base. My little 3 year old ran with all of his might to the first base and stomped his foot right on that base so confidently, looked back to smile at us and got bombarded by all of these bigger kids running with all of their might to all of the bases. He started crying, not knowing what to do next. I start leaping over seats (my second son, an infant, in my arms) trying to get to him. At that point, I didn't care I wasn't allowed on the field....my son needed me! They led him to me, avoiding a confrontation with those big burly security guards, and we praised him for being so brave for trying. When my second son was 3, we let him run the bases there, knowing he had his older brother to keep up with and show him the way.
On a funny note, at the Durham Bulls kids' run the bases one evening, my husband was in line with the boys waiting to run while I was in the stands, holding our baby daughter. Seeing that they're getting close to the starting line, I get ready to get up to meet my boys at the other end when I realize I can't find the diaper bag. All of the sudden, it hits me.....my husband's got the bag! And this isn't one of those chic bags that could double as a brief case or something more sensible for a man to be carrying. This was a huge neon, can't miss green...quite obvious it was a diaper bag....and here he was running the bases, holding the hand of my 3 year old, huge diaper bag thrown over his shoulder. I was laughing so hard, I was crying. I'm so blessed to have a husband who doesn't care what he looks like or what he's carrying when it comes to having fun with his children!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Kids Say The Darndest Things...
You know how teenagers many times are embarrassed by their parents, no matter if they do/say something or not? From the parents perspective, it's totally unintentional (well for the most part anyway). I have decided it's payback for all of the times their darling children unintentionally say embarrassing things as preschoolers.
My 3 year old daughter has been on this "kick" lately about wanting a baby sister (or brother or both depending on the day). Well, my husband and I have about decided that our family is complete. I say "about" because we have tossed around the idea of adopting, more so before I was pregnant with her, and I will never say never to the possibility of adopting. Anyway, we're at the indoor pool a few weeks ago when my daughter joyfully announces (quite loudly) that she's going to have a baby sister and even pats my "perma-pooch." Thankfully, no well-intentioned strangers congratulated me.
On one of the 90 degree days at the end of April I pulled out the Elmo sprinkler for the kids one afternoon. They had the best time running around and jumping over Elmo. It brought back memories of my now 8 year old son when he was just shy of 2 years old. One hot summer day, I had gotten him in his bathing suit (no shirt), pulled out the sprinkler and sat in a lawn chair fully clothed, enjoying the day and watching him gleefully running around, getting wet. My son, not one to leave anyone out, says to me "Mama, take your shirt off and run through the sprinkler with me!"
My 5 year old is my dramatic one. Everything is a crisis for him. He gets so passionate about even the simplest things. He'll give me this face that only he can do (and words do no justice for). He somehow ruffles his brows so his forehead is all wrinkly. He bulges out one eye while squinting the other one, his mouth in a half-smile/half frown all the while saying as though he were giving a moving rendition of Hamlet: "MOM! I NEED some juice!"
My 8 year old is quite smart. He loves to read and learns much of what he knows by reading through Science encyclopedias. Well, his third grade teacher tells us this week that recently she was having the class vote on a leader-response phrase to say when she needs to get the class's attention. For example, when the class gets a little loud, the teacher will say "Peanut Butter" (or some other previously discussed word) and the class (those who are listening) will respond with "Jelly" (or previously discussed response that relates to the teacher's word so as to be easily remembered). The idea is the class knows this is the signal to be quiet so more and more will stop talking and instead say the response when they hear more and more of the class responding with "jelly." Well, the teacher was taking suggestions for their class's attention-grabbing phrase for the class to vote on. One suggestion was "Oreo - Cookies." My son confidently raised his hand to offer his suggestion and said "Hydrogen - Molecule." He said it actually came in second!
My 3 year old daughter has been on this "kick" lately about wanting a baby sister (or brother or both depending on the day). Well, my husband and I have about decided that our family is complete. I say "about" because we have tossed around the idea of adopting, more so before I was pregnant with her, and I will never say never to the possibility of adopting. Anyway, we're at the indoor pool a few weeks ago when my daughter joyfully announces (quite loudly) that she's going to have a baby sister and even pats my "perma-pooch." Thankfully, no well-intentioned strangers congratulated me.
On one of the 90 degree days at the end of April I pulled out the Elmo sprinkler for the kids one afternoon. They had the best time running around and jumping over Elmo. It brought back memories of my now 8 year old son when he was just shy of 2 years old. One hot summer day, I had gotten him in his bathing suit (no shirt), pulled out the sprinkler and sat in a lawn chair fully clothed, enjoying the day and watching him gleefully running around, getting wet. My son, not one to leave anyone out, says to me "Mama, take your shirt off and run through the sprinkler with me!"
My 5 year old is my dramatic one. Everything is a crisis for him. He gets so passionate about even the simplest things. He'll give me this face that only he can do (and words do no justice for). He somehow ruffles his brows so his forehead is all wrinkly. He bulges out one eye while squinting the other one, his mouth in a half-smile/half frown all the while saying as though he were giving a moving rendition of Hamlet: "MOM! I NEED some juice!"
My 8 year old is quite smart. He loves to read and learns much of what he knows by reading through Science encyclopedias. Well, his third grade teacher tells us this week that recently she was having the class vote on a leader-response phrase to say when she needs to get the class's attention. For example, when the class gets a little loud, the teacher will say "Peanut Butter" (or some other previously discussed word) and the class (those who are listening) will respond with "Jelly" (or previously discussed response that relates to the teacher's word so as to be easily remembered). The idea is the class knows this is the signal to be quiet so more and more will stop talking and instead say the response when they hear more and more of the class responding with "jelly." Well, the teacher was taking suggestions for their class's attention-grabbing phrase for the class to vote on. One suggestion was "Oreo - Cookies." My son confidently raised his hand to offer his suggestion and said "Hydrogen - Molecule." He said it actually came in second!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Celebrate Good Times...
We have been busy as "bees" with celebrations lately. My daughter's 3rd birthday was on Easter (April 12). Since we knew most folks would be out of town that weekend and our preschool's spring break started the weekend before, we opted to have her birthday celebration on the 18th. We went to Blue Jay Point Park and had a great time. Many of her preschool friends and our family came. She got tons of princess stuff. Her birthday "theme" was a mish-mash of stuff but totally fit her personality. I had Go, Diego, Go plates, napkins and cups from my 5 year old's party a few months ago and she loves that show. So, she says she'd like to have a Diego party. Well, I get to the store that I bought the Diego stuff orignally to finish out the other items I needed (such as table cloths, more plates, loot bags) and can't find it, of course. So, she decides to go with a generic Princess theme. So, we had Diego and princess stuff. Her loot bags contained bubbles, princess stickers and Hot Wheels fruit snacks. If this party didn't say "Tom-Boy Princess" I don't know what does! Her dad made her cupcakes. I usually make the children their birthday cakes but this year just seemed busy and so my husband took that over for me! They looked excellent!
We celebrated her party the day before my birthday (April 19). My daughter's birthday and my birthday are a week apart and I LOVE that! I've always called her my early birthday present. My husband and I went out to dinner and a movie. My husband and I have this tradition of making each other birthday cakes. One of the first cakes he made me, he asked me to pick it out. I told him I wanted a "funfetti" cake and he almost panicked until I told him all the colors are in the mix....just follow the directions. Well, this year I tried my best to stump him, make him sweat, raise his blood pressure by telling him I wanted a marble cake. He didn't even bat an eyelash. He did an excellent job....it looked all marble-y...perfect! (and yes, you counted correctly, my husband DID make 2 cakes in 1 weekend...for his girls!)
Before the fun-filled weekend started, my husband brought home oh, about 1200 more mouths to feed. No, we aren't opening a soup kitchen. He is starting his newest hobby: beekeeping. Last year, my husband had 20 odd trees removed from our yard and started a vegetable garden. He's also trying to have an orchard with peaches, pears, apples, figs, etc. Well, deer came through and despite all of our best efforts, they ate the fruit of his labor. So, this year, up went an 8 foot fence. We have decided if the deer can jump over THAT fence, they've gotta be Santa's reindeer! So, he wanted to add a beehive to this project in the hopes that we can get some honey starting this fall, perhaps make some candles, chapstick, soap, etc. for gifts for Christmas (eventually) and most importantly making sure the fruit trees get pollinated so we can get some fruit if not this season then perhaps in the next. As soon as I can figure it all out, I hope to have a video of the bees going into the hive (really cool sound!) and perhaps a few pictures of the bees too on my blog.
There's more fun stuff planned for the Schmidt family next month! Stay tuned!
We celebrated her party the day before my birthday (April 19). My daughter's birthday and my birthday are a week apart and I LOVE that! I've always called her my early birthday present. My husband and I went out to dinner and a movie. My husband and I have this tradition of making each other birthday cakes. One of the first cakes he made me, he asked me to pick it out. I told him I wanted a "funfetti" cake and he almost panicked until I told him all the colors are in the mix....just follow the directions. Well, this year I tried my best to stump him, make him sweat, raise his blood pressure by telling him I wanted a marble cake. He didn't even bat an eyelash. He did an excellent job....it looked all marble-y...perfect! (and yes, you counted correctly, my husband DID make 2 cakes in 1 weekend...for his girls!)
Before the fun-filled weekend started, my husband brought home oh, about 1200 more mouths to feed. No, we aren't opening a soup kitchen. He is starting his newest hobby: beekeeping. Last year, my husband had 20 odd trees removed from our yard and started a vegetable garden. He's also trying to have an orchard with peaches, pears, apples, figs, etc. Well, deer came through and despite all of our best efforts, they ate the fruit of his labor. So, this year, up went an 8 foot fence. We have decided if the deer can jump over THAT fence, they've gotta be Santa's reindeer! So, he wanted to add a beehive to this project in the hopes that we can get some honey starting this fall, perhaps make some candles, chapstick, soap, etc. for gifts for Christmas (eventually) and most importantly making sure the fruit trees get pollinated so we can get some fruit if not this season then perhaps in the next. As soon as I can figure it all out, I hope to have a video of the bees going into the hive (really cool sound!) and perhaps a few pictures of the bees too on my blog.
There's more fun stuff planned for the Schmidt family next month! Stay tuned!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Gardening
I was reading my devotional book for mothers this evening and the devotion for today inspired me to put it in my blog....well at least an excerpt. It ties really nicely into my previous posting with "planting the seeds of faith" in my children. Here it is:
"My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow."
1 Corinthians 3:6
"It's easy for us to get frustrated when, after diligently planting seeds of righteousness in our children and watering those seeds with prayer, we don't see green sprouts emerging through the dirt. It's easy to wonder where we went wrong. But we have to remember where our job ends and God's begins. He promises that, if we are faithful to sow seeds and provide regular watering, He will be faithful to bring increase.
-Renee Gray-Wilburn"
"My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow."
1 Corinthians 3:6
"It's easy for us to get frustrated when, after diligently planting seeds of righteousness in our children and watering those seeds with prayer, we don't see green sprouts emerging through the dirt. It's easy to wonder where we went wrong. But we have to remember where our job ends and God's begins. He promises that, if we are faithful to sow seeds and provide regular watering, He will be faithful to bring increase.
-Renee Gray-Wilburn"
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Greatest Gift
Some of my earliest childhood memories are of going to Wilson (an hour away) with my sisters and parents to visit my grandparents. My paternal grandfather passed away when I was 2 and my paternal grandmother lived with her youngest son. Many times during these visits, my sisters and I would make our way to my uncle's bedroom. He always had what seemed like the latest technology and so it was quite fun for us to have him show us his newest gadget.
He also had a microphone and tape recorder...something that looked like it belonged in a recording studio. He wrote and sang gospel music and recorded his songs himself. Many times during our visits he would set up the microphone and tape recorder and my sisters and I would have a good time recording ourselves.
There were several times during these visits that we talked about God, Jesus and heaven. I don't know what prompted me to ask him questions. Perhaps it was just simply that I felt comfortable with him. He always showed us lots of patience and I always appreciated how he shared his faith with me through answering my never ending (and sometimes hard) questions. Looking back, I realize that he was planting the seeds of what is now my faith today.
Over the years, my faith has come to be so important to me. This has never been more true than during my darkest times. When I didn't know what to do, which way to go or who to turn to for help, I turned to God. It was my faith that saw me through these hard times. It is my faith now that helps me look back on those low times and see the positive things...the ways I've grown, the lessons I learned, the blessings I was given even if it was but for a moment.
In January, 2008, I was given the opportunity to tell him that I am a Christian today because of him.....through his patient and loving way he shared his faith with me. I was about to let the opportunity to tell him this pass me by, as I am a shy person by nature. But something in me told me to say it....that he needed to hear it. Three months later, a year ago this very night, he passed away due to congestive heart failure.
Many times in raising my children I question whether what I'm doing with and for them is truly in their best interest or mine. I've been taking my children with me to church for going on 3 years now and I'll admit there are times that my children are dragging their feet. It is during these times that I feel discouraged as a mother....am I doing this for them or me? Then I think back to my story of my uncle and I realize that I am doing this for them AND me. For myself, I am nurturing the faith that I now have. For my children, I am planting the seeds of faith in them now. It's up to them to nurture them and allow it to grow in whatever way they are going to grow, if they grow at all. They will reap what I sow. As my children grow up there will be lots of things they will face, good and bad. I am giving them the spiritual tools they will need to see themselves through the storms of life that they will encounter.
I wanted to end this post with a poem. I don't know if it really had any personal connection with my uncle. I just vividly remember seeing this poem on a plaque on his wall in his room. As a child, it didn't mean much to me but through the years, I grown to love this poem. The poem is "Footprints:"
In Loving Memory
Marty Webster Pender
January 24, 1951 - April 6, 2008
He also had a microphone and tape recorder...something that looked like it belonged in a recording studio. He wrote and sang gospel music and recorded his songs himself. Many times during our visits he would set up the microphone and tape recorder and my sisters and I would have a good time recording ourselves.
There were several times during these visits that we talked about God, Jesus and heaven. I don't know what prompted me to ask him questions. Perhaps it was just simply that I felt comfortable with him. He always showed us lots of patience and I always appreciated how he shared his faith with me through answering my never ending (and sometimes hard) questions. Looking back, I realize that he was planting the seeds of what is now my faith today.
Over the years, my faith has come to be so important to me. This has never been more true than during my darkest times. When I didn't know what to do, which way to go or who to turn to for help, I turned to God. It was my faith that saw me through these hard times. It is my faith now that helps me look back on those low times and see the positive things...the ways I've grown, the lessons I learned, the blessings I was given even if it was but for a moment.
In January, 2008, I was given the opportunity to tell him that I am a Christian today because of him.....through his patient and loving way he shared his faith with me. I was about to let the opportunity to tell him this pass me by, as I am a shy person by nature. But something in me told me to say it....that he needed to hear it. Three months later, a year ago this very night, he passed away due to congestive heart failure.
Many times in raising my children I question whether what I'm doing with and for them is truly in their best interest or mine. I've been taking my children with me to church for going on 3 years now and I'll admit there are times that my children are dragging their feet. It is during these times that I feel discouraged as a mother....am I doing this for them or me? Then I think back to my story of my uncle and I realize that I am doing this for them AND me. For myself, I am nurturing the faith that I now have. For my children, I am planting the seeds of faith in them now. It's up to them to nurture them and allow it to grow in whatever way they are going to grow, if they grow at all. They will reap what I sow. As my children grow up there will be lots of things they will face, good and bad. I am giving them the spiritual tools they will need to see themselves through the storms of life that they will encounter.
I wanted to end this post with a poem. I don't know if it really had any personal connection with my uncle. I just vividly remember seeing this poem on a plaque on his wall in his room. As a child, it didn't mean much to me but through the years, I grown to love this poem. The poem is "Footprints:"
Footprints
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. "LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied, "my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Carolyn Carty, 1963
In Loving Memory
Marty Webster Pender
January 24, 1951 - April 6, 2008
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Back Burner - Revisited
This weekend, my Dad and Stepmother took the kids to the beach. My husband and I were hoping to get away ourselves, but our plans fell through. So, I took that opportunity (plus the fact that it's raining all weekend) to clean off my "back burner."
I pulled out the Curious George quilt I'm making for my 5 year old. I was hoping to get quite a bit done. I've taken a machine quilting class, which gave me many ideas for ways to quilt. The design I chose was 1 inch blocks. So, I pinned the 3 layers (topper, batting and backing) together and started sewing lines 1 inch apart. At about the 9th line, I decided to take a look. The topper was no longer in line with the backing. It seemed to be sliding. Since I don't want this rectangular quilt to end up a trapezoid shape, I've decided what I need to do is rip out all of the sewing (except for 2 rows, which don't seem to be affected) and use spray adhesive to keep the layers together better. This has been such a test of my fine motor skills. I look at all of the thread that I've ripped out and can't help but feel it wasted. Well, it's a learning experience. Hopefully the spray adhesive will work and the quilt will end up the correct shape. I've also decided to try to create 2 inch squares on the Curious George panels because I was afraid the 1 inch square would be too busy and detract from the artwork on the panels. This may result in rectangles in some parts of the quilt (like the borders). Hey, it'll be different. The most important thing is that my son won't care how it's quilted. All he'll know and remember is that his mother made him something special and that's really all that matters to me.
I pulled out the Curious George quilt I'm making for my 5 year old. I was hoping to get quite a bit done. I've taken a machine quilting class, which gave me many ideas for ways to quilt. The design I chose was 1 inch blocks. So, I pinned the 3 layers (topper, batting and backing) together and started sewing lines 1 inch apart. At about the 9th line, I decided to take a look. The topper was no longer in line with the backing. It seemed to be sliding. Since I don't want this rectangular quilt to end up a trapezoid shape, I've decided what I need to do is rip out all of the sewing (except for 2 rows, which don't seem to be affected) and use spray adhesive to keep the layers together better. This has been such a test of my fine motor skills. I look at all of the thread that I've ripped out and can't help but feel it wasted. Well, it's a learning experience. Hopefully the spray adhesive will work and the quilt will end up the correct shape. I've also decided to try to create 2 inch squares on the Curious George panels because I was afraid the 1 inch square would be too busy and detract from the artwork on the panels. This may result in rectangles in some parts of the quilt (like the borders). Hey, it'll be different. The most important thing is that my son won't care how it's quilted. All he'll know and remember is that his mother made him something special and that's really all that matters to me.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Jump To Me
I drive a Ford F250 diesel truck. My original mode of transportation was a "Soccer Mom" van. This was of course before the gas prices sky-rocketed. Now that the cost of diesel is enormously expensive (compared to what it once was) and my work is much closer than my husband's I've been driving the gas guzzler (as I affectionately call it).
This truck is so huge! I literally have to get in completely to strap my younger 2 children in the truck. By the time I've gotten them in the truck and sit in the driver's seat, I'm much too tired to even start driving to wherever it is I needed to go. Perhaps I'm just out of shape. No, I blame the truck! Did I tell you it's huge?
When my young children get out of the truck, they've started playing this game with me. After they strap out, they say "I want to jump to you." Although this goes against every mother-protecting instinct I have for them, I indulge them and say with outstretched arms "Ok, jump to me." They spend another couple of seconds making sure I'm standing just right: arms outstretched the right length and whole body a certain distance away. Then when I'm in the perfect spot, they stretch out their arms, close their eyes, smile broadly and then jump to me with all of their might, never flinching. I admit to saying a quick prayer as they are making sure I'm where they want me to be prior to the jump, but each and every time I catch them.
Watching my children do this with such complete trust and faith in my catching abilities reminds me of how I think I should be and perhaps we all should be with God and our faith. Many times God says to us "Ok, jump to Me" and we hesitate or don't do it at all. May we trust God in the same way our children trust us. Stretch out your arms, close your eyes, smile broadly and jump with all of your might to our God who never fails to catch us.
This truck is so huge! I literally have to get in completely to strap my younger 2 children in the truck. By the time I've gotten them in the truck and sit in the driver's seat, I'm much too tired to even start driving to wherever it is I needed to go. Perhaps I'm just out of shape. No, I blame the truck! Did I tell you it's huge?
When my young children get out of the truck, they've started playing this game with me. After they strap out, they say "I want to jump to you." Although this goes against every mother-protecting instinct I have for them, I indulge them and say with outstretched arms "Ok, jump to me." They spend another couple of seconds making sure I'm standing just right: arms outstretched the right length and whole body a certain distance away. Then when I'm in the perfect spot, they stretch out their arms, close their eyes, smile broadly and then jump to me with all of their might, never flinching. I admit to saying a quick prayer as they are making sure I'm where they want me to be prior to the jump, but each and every time I catch them.
Watching my children do this with such complete trust and faith in my catching abilities reminds me of how I think I should be and perhaps we all should be with God and our faith. Many times God says to us "Ok, jump to Me" and we hesitate or don't do it at all. May we trust God in the same way our children trust us. Stretch out your arms, close your eyes, smile broadly and jump with all of your might to our God who never fails to catch us.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Great Balancing Act
I created this blog, I don't know how long ago. I decided I'd try out a blog when I had something to say. Well, it's been months and now, I finally have something I feel is worth sharing!
I read a Christian devotional book for Moms. Today's devotion inspired me to write in my blog. Here it is:
On the Back Burner
"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10
"I used to do oil painting, but I have put that on the back burner since I had children," my friend said with a sigh.
When you become a mother, bring all you are to it - bring your art and music, bring your love of nature and your favorite football team. You will need all of these things to build a happy, whole child.
"Sure," says the new mommy, "but, when? I barely have time to brush my teeth."
Well, a baby must sleep sometime. Keep a corner of the bedroom as "Mommy's space." An easel would fit there, or a few great books. A journal beside the baby's calendar will let you record how you are growing along with how she is growing. Designate Thursdays as sandwich night and use the saved cooking time to pursue your soul. Give the toddler a tiny paintbrush, or the teen a piece of sheet music and pursue creativity together.
Our children are not interruptions; they are traveling companions to share the richness of God's world with us.
-Karla Doyle
I can't begin to tell you how many things I have put on the back burner since becoming a Mom. The family scrapbook I started before I had children....let's see....I'm up to year 4 of that one. Not bad, you may think. Well, considering I've been married for going on 13 years and can't even begin to fill in the blanks with the milestones, you can see my frustration. I am half way through a scrapbook of a 2 week European vacation my husband and I took....in 1999. My first born.....I haven't even completed his first year's scrapbook and he's now 8. Don't even get me started about my other 2 children's scrapbooks. Luckily, I have the pictures, I just have to make the time to put them in their scrapbooks. I did get the chance to finish a frog shaped napping quilt for my then preschool age son. I was able to give it to him when he was 5 years old...much too old for naps. I started on my second son's Curious George quilt while I was pregnant with him. He's now 5 years old and I still haven't finished it. I do have the topper completed. I have bought a storybook pillow I plan to make for my 2 year old daughter. It's still in the packaging.
I don't know how some Moms do it. How do Moms have time to do the things they love while taking great care of their children? I used to think that any interests that I had needed to be put on the back burner in favor of my children's interests: swimming, soccer, baseball, scouts. I'll have time when they're older to do these things, I'd say to myself. Well, guess what? They are getting older and my back burner just keeps getting filled.
I mentioned to my husband (ok, probably more like complained) that I really don't have a space of my own. So, bless his heart, he took it upon himself to help me create a space of my own in the house. We got rid of the junk piling up (mostly out-of-date children's clothing) and he took down my old craft table from the attic and dusted it off. It's now in it's own space in our bedroom. Of course I have a humidifier on it. But I do also have picture frames on it...a reminder of yet another craft I've put on the back burner.
This devotion reminded me that my children need to grow up seeing their Mom as a person....with interests and passions for things outside of them. They need to grow up remembering how well-rounded I was and how fulfilling hobbies and other interests can be. Only then can they really learn to be complete, well-rounded people with interests they will be able to share with their children. Perhaps today's the day I start cleaning off my back burner....
I read a Christian devotional book for Moms. Today's devotion inspired me to write in my blog. Here it is:
On the Back Burner
"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10
"I used to do oil painting, but I have put that on the back burner since I had children," my friend said with a sigh.
When you become a mother, bring all you are to it - bring your art and music, bring your love of nature and your favorite football team. You will need all of these things to build a happy, whole child.
"Sure," says the new mommy, "but, when? I barely have time to brush my teeth."
Well, a baby must sleep sometime. Keep a corner of the bedroom as "Mommy's space." An easel would fit there, or a few great books. A journal beside the baby's calendar will let you record how you are growing along with how she is growing. Designate Thursdays as sandwich night and use the saved cooking time to pursue your soul. Give the toddler a tiny paintbrush, or the teen a piece of sheet music and pursue creativity together.
Our children are not interruptions; they are traveling companions to share the richness of God's world with us.
-Karla Doyle
I can't begin to tell you how many things I have put on the back burner since becoming a Mom. The family scrapbook I started before I had children....let's see....I'm up to year 4 of that one. Not bad, you may think. Well, considering I've been married for going on 13 years and can't even begin to fill in the blanks with the milestones, you can see my frustration. I am half way through a scrapbook of a 2 week European vacation my husband and I took....in 1999. My first born.....I haven't even completed his first year's scrapbook and he's now 8. Don't even get me started about my other 2 children's scrapbooks. Luckily, I have the pictures, I just have to make the time to put them in their scrapbooks. I did get the chance to finish a frog shaped napping quilt for my then preschool age son. I was able to give it to him when he was 5 years old...much too old for naps. I started on my second son's Curious George quilt while I was pregnant with him. He's now 5 years old and I still haven't finished it. I do have the topper completed. I have bought a storybook pillow I plan to make for my 2 year old daughter. It's still in the packaging.
I don't know how some Moms do it. How do Moms have time to do the things they love while taking great care of their children? I used to think that any interests that I had needed to be put on the back burner in favor of my children's interests: swimming, soccer, baseball, scouts. I'll have time when they're older to do these things, I'd say to myself. Well, guess what? They are getting older and my back burner just keeps getting filled.
I mentioned to my husband (ok, probably more like complained) that I really don't have a space of my own. So, bless his heart, he took it upon himself to help me create a space of my own in the house. We got rid of the junk piling up (mostly out-of-date children's clothing) and he took down my old craft table from the attic and dusted it off. It's now in it's own space in our bedroom. Of course I have a humidifier on it. But I do also have picture frames on it...a reminder of yet another craft I've put on the back burner.
This devotion reminded me that my children need to grow up seeing their Mom as a person....with interests and passions for things outside of them. They need to grow up remembering how well-rounded I was and how fulfilling hobbies and other interests can be. Only then can they really learn to be complete, well-rounded people with interests they will be able to share with their children. Perhaps today's the day I start cleaning off my back burner....
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