I made a turkey for Easter. Well, I cooked it anyways. I'll credit God with the making of it.
You see, a week or so ago, I noticed a turkey in my freezer. I bought the turkey sometime around Thanksgiving or Christmas. Clearly it was time to take it out of the freezer. That's when I decided that we'd be skipping ham this year in favor of turkey.
While that turkey defrosted in my fridge, I used the top of my refrigerator to hold all sorts of holiday items I didn't want the kids to get into quite yet. One of those items was a set of Resurrection Eggs. These plastic eggs are filled with items to help children learn the story of Easter.
Now, I should have known better than to think that simply placing something on the top of the fridge would actually keep my children away from it. They noticed it right away and despite being told not to get into it, one child, who shall not remain nameless, did just that. As I came down the stairs and found Chris standing on the counter reaching for the eggs. I quickly became exasperated. I sent him to sit down and lectured him about obeying, etc., etc.
A while later, I paused and asked if he was ready to look at the eggs. We had just a bit of time to look at them before he headed to school. So, we went through the dozen eggs and talked about Jesus' sacrifice for us. Then, we rushed to school.
A couple of days later, we had made Easter cookies, dyed Easter eggs, been to two egg hunts, cheered at one soccer game, and worshiped at Saturday night church. We'd been busy and it wasn't even truly Easter yet! Needless to say, we were all a bit tired.
Despite being tired, I wanted to take some more time to talk about Jesus. I had a feeling that the kids might pay better attention before they started their sugar highs the next morning. (I was right.) So, I grabbed the Resurrection Eggs.
I was absolutely delighted when my little man remembered what each egg was a symbol for in the Easter Story. At first I thought it was because he'd heard it so many times at church. However, when his older sister couldn't answer everything, I knew he'd simply remembered from our time two days earlier.
I was cranky and overwhelmed. He was being defiant. Our time together should have been a disaster, but instead, my little man learned a bit about life changing Truth. Thank You, Lord for letting me share Your story with a sweet little boy! In the end, that's what mattered. No one really cares that we had turkey and no sides for Easter dinner!
Happy Easter!
Sunday
Wednesday
That Boy of Mine!
My sweet boy is all boy! Just ask anyone who knows him.
He doesn't sit still for long and where he goes, mischief is sure to follow. It isn't unusual for me to assume that if something goes wrong with a group of kids that my son is in the middle of it. Sometimes he isn't, but quite often he is right there in the midst of it.
It would be easy for an outsider to think that is all there is to him, but they would be oh, so very, very wrong.
Just today, the same boy who blasted our sweet neighbor girl in the face with a water gun also showed me his tender heart.
As I was saying goodnight to his big sister, he came in the room with a stack of books. He told me that he wanted to give the book to J, a boy who has Down Syndrome and is in his preschool class. He said that J really likes trucks and he thought he should give him the books. He asked if I knew when J's birthday is and I had to say I didn't know, but I could find out if he liked.
Then, as I was saying good night to him, I reminded him that his birthday was coming soon and that he would get to pick out ice cream for breakfast. I asked him what he thought he would pick and he said he'd like Monster Cookie flavored ice cream. Then, he asked what I liked and I told him I'm a fan of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. He decided to change his mind and say that is what he wanted. I assured him that he didn't have to pick what I wanted, but should pick what he likes since it will be his birthday. He insisted that he wanted to pick something that "mommy likes."
Sweet, sweet boy. There is so much more to you than meets the eye. Sometimes it's hard to remember that such a tender heart is inside a boy that rarely stops moving or getting into trouble. You are such a wonderful part of our family and I love you more and more each day. Raising you is definitely a challenge and I'll never lie to you and say it isn't a challenge. But, I truly believe that most things worth doing aren't easy. Sweet boy, it's an honor to be your mama! I love you little man!
He doesn't sit still for long and where he goes, mischief is sure to follow. It isn't unusual for me to assume that if something goes wrong with a group of kids that my son is in the middle of it. Sometimes he isn't, but quite often he is right there in the midst of it.
It would be easy for an outsider to think that is all there is to him, but they would be oh, so very, very wrong.
Just today, the same boy who blasted our sweet neighbor girl in the face with a water gun also showed me his tender heart.
As I was saying goodnight to his big sister, he came in the room with a stack of books. He told me that he wanted to give the book to J, a boy who has Down Syndrome and is in his preschool class. He said that J really likes trucks and he thought he should give him the books. He asked if I knew when J's birthday is and I had to say I didn't know, but I could find out if he liked.
Then, as I was saying good night to him, I reminded him that his birthday was coming soon and that he would get to pick out ice cream for breakfast. I asked him what he thought he would pick and he said he'd like Monster Cookie flavored ice cream. Then, he asked what I liked and I told him I'm a fan of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. He decided to change his mind and say that is what he wanted. I assured him that he didn't have to pick what I wanted, but should pick what he likes since it will be his birthday. He insisted that he wanted to pick something that "mommy likes."
Sweet, sweet boy. There is so much more to you than meets the eye. Sometimes it's hard to remember that such a tender heart is inside a boy that rarely stops moving or getting into trouble. You are such a wonderful part of our family and I love you more and more each day. Raising you is definitely a challenge and I'll never lie to you and say it isn't a challenge. But, I truly believe that most things worth doing aren't easy. Sweet boy, it's an honor to be your mama! I love you little man!
Sshhh, Don't Tell My Husband
But sometimes my job really rocks. Sure, there is the whole rarely getting a moment to myself thing, but that is easy to overlook when I have days like today.
Today was really busy, but also really nice. It started off with walking Ann to school along with the neighbor kids who always walk with us. Then, we came home while Chris and Jane watched a show while I ran on the treadmill.
Next, it was off to swim lessons and then a treat of lunch out. After lunch, I dropped Chris off at preschool and Jane and I headed home for just enough time for me to switch a load of laundry and fill water bottles. Then, we headed up the street to pick up my sweet neighbor friend and her cute daughter. We then spent the next hour and a half at a children's farmstead. Such fun!
After enjoying the animals, we headed home for another few minutes before getting back in the van to pick up Chris, Ann, and a neighbor boy from school. Another short time at home and then we took Ann to a dance class, dropped off books at the library, and picked up a pizza.
Finally, we were home for more than a few minutes and Chris and his friend from next door played outside while Jane kept me company as I tried to clean up the kitchen.
After saying goodbye to the boy who lives next door, we left to pick up Ann and then went back home to bake pizza. The kids played outside while I cooked the pizza. That went well until Chris blasted our sweet neighbor girl in the face with a water gun. Fortunately, dinner was ready.
We ate dinner and then took my time reading to and getting the kids ready for bed.
Ann shed some more tears about missing our old dog, Buck. I hated seeing her be sad, but I was glad that I was there to hug her and pray with her.
Finally, at about 8:30, the kids were asleep and Tony was still at work. I was tired and the house wasn't exactly neat, though I decided it was good enough. And that's when I sat down and found myself smiling.
As I've sat here and documented my day, I realize that besides being busy, it wasn't really all that spectacular. It was just one of our busy days, and yet it was very, very good. It was one of those days that I stepped backed and realized that I really do have an awesome job.
If only I can keep this perspective when I wake up tomorrow morning to a kiddo inches from my face whining about how s/he is hungry! And if only I can keep the same perspective when I make the breakfast that my children begged for only to see them eat a few bites before claiming they are way too full to eat another bite. I better get the coffee pot ready!
Today was really busy, but also really nice. It started off with walking Ann to school along with the neighbor kids who always walk with us. Then, we came home while Chris and Jane watched a show while I ran on the treadmill.
Next, it was off to swim lessons and then a treat of lunch out. After lunch, I dropped Chris off at preschool and Jane and I headed home for just enough time for me to switch a load of laundry and fill water bottles. Then, we headed up the street to pick up my sweet neighbor friend and her cute daughter. We then spent the next hour and a half at a children's farmstead. Such fun!
After enjoying the animals, we headed home for another few minutes before getting back in the van to pick up Chris, Ann, and a neighbor boy from school. Another short time at home and then we took Ann to a dance class, dropped off books at the library, and picked up a pizza.
Finally, we were home for more than a few minutes and Chris and his friend from next door played outside while Jane kept me company as I tried to clean up the kitchen.
After saying goodbye to the boy who lives next door, we left to pick up Ann and then went back home to bake pizza. The kids played outside while I cooked the pizza. That went well until Chris blasted our sweet neighbor girl in the face with a water gun. Fortunately, dinner was ready.
We ate dinner and then took my time reading to and getting the kids ready for bed.
Ann shed some more tears about missing our old dog, Buck. I hated seeing her be sad, but I was glad that I was there to hug her and pray with her.
Finally, at about 8:30, the kids were asleep and Tony was still at work. I was tired and the house wasn't exactly neat, though I decided it was good enough. And that's when I sat down and found myself smiling.
As I've sat here and documented my day, I realize that besides being busy, it wasn't really all that spectacular. It was just one of our busy days, and yet it was very, very good. It was one of those days that I stepped backed and realized that I really do have an awesome job.
If only I can keep this perspective when I wake up tomorrow morning to a kiddo inches from my face whining about how s/he is hungry! And if only I can keep the same perspective when I make the breakfast that my children begged for only to see them eat a few bites before claiming they are way too full to eat another bite. I better get the coffee pot ready!
Saturday
More Than Three Years Later, My Hands and Heart are Still Full
Nearly three and a half years ago, when I started this blog, it was easy to pick a title. Almost daily, I heard, "Your hands are full." In my mind, I would roll my eyes and think of how blessed I was. My heart was so full.
Today, my heart is still full, but people rarely tell me my hands are full. In fact, I can't remember the last time someone made that comment. Apparently, mothering three children, ages six and under, looks easy.
Needless to say, parenting three still somewhat young children isn't always easy. Sure, in most ways, it's definitely easier than meeting the demands of an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler, however, each stage of parenting brings with it new challenges. Right now, I'm just enjoying the stage we're at and trying not to worry about the future.
Of course, many days are still rather tough to enjoy. And unlike three years ago, I don't always feel free to share the details of our days. I'm trying to respect my kiddos' privacy. But then, I feel like I'm not being exactly honest about our lives. Sigh, must I always second guess myself?
Days like today are almost impossible not to blog about at least to some degree. You see, one of my children, who shall remain nameless, had quite the interesting day. Of course, if you know my family, even a little bit, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. At least I'm trying to respect privacy. (Emphasis on trying.)
In one day, one of my kiddos managed to dump glitter all over the floor, spray shaving cream under a bed, and smear glue and markers all over the neighbor's landscaping rocks. That was just what I noticed. The interesting thing is that he/she wasn't really unsupervised for all that long today. It's just that a child like this can do all sorts of things in a fraction of the time it would take other children to make such mischief. That kiddo is talented I tell you!
That's all to say that if I blog less frequently now, it isn't at all due to lack of material! It's quite the opposite really. In many ways life is so much busier than it was when my little ones were, well, little. Yet, one thing has truly remained unchanged...I wouldn't trade this life for anything. My heart is still bursting. I love my little ones more and more as I get to know them more each day. Cliche but very true.
Today, my heart is still full, but people rarely tell me my hands are full. In fact, I can't remember the last time someone made that comment. Apparently, mothering three children, ages six and under, looks easy.
Needless to say, parenting three still somewhat young children isn't always easy. Sure, in most ways, it's definitely easier than meeting the demands of an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler, however, each stage of parenting brings with it new challenges. Right now, I'm just enjoying the stage we're at and trying not to worry about the future.
Of course, many days are still rather tough to enjoy. And unlike three years ago, I don't always feel free to share the details of our days. I'm trying to respect my kiddos' privacy. But then, I feel like I'm not being exactly honest about our lives. Sigh, must I always second guess myself?
Days like today are almost impossible not to blog about at least to some degree. You see, one of my children, who shall remain nameless, had quite the interesting day. Of course, if you know my family, even a little bit, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. At least I'm trying to respect privacy. (Emphasis on trying.)
In one day, one of my kiddos managed to dump glitter all over the floor, spray shaving cream under a bed, and smear glue and markers all over the neighbor's landscaping rocks. That was just what I noticed. The interesting thing is that he/she wasn't really unsupervised for all that long today. It's just that a child like this can do all sorts of things in a fraction of the time it would take other children to make such mischief. That kiddo is talented I tell you!
That's all to say that if I blog less frequently now, it isn't at all due to lack of material! It's quite the opposite really. In many ways life is so much busier than it was when my little ones were, well, little. Yet, one thing has truly remained unchanged...I wouldn't trade this life for anything. My heart is still bursting. I love my little ones more and more as I get to know them more each day. Cliche but very true.
Saturdays
I love Saturday mornings! It's sort of become a tradition on Saturday mornings that Tony takes the kids with him to the gym while I have a few quiet hours. Typically, I fill those hours with a bit of tidying up the house, a workout, and a few errands. By lunch time, we're all usually back together again and ready to enjoy the rest of the day.
Sometimes I feel guilty about enjoying this time so much. After all, shouldn't I be making a big breakfast and savoring time together as a family? Perhaps, but I know for certain that on weeks where I don't have a few quiet hours, I'm a little cranky.
Now, I'm not one to buy into "me" time. I hate how it sounds so self-centered, but I'm honestly a nicer person when I have a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the quiet. So maybe I am buying into the "me" time. Either way, I do love Saturday mornings and I'll enjoy them while they last! I'm sure it won't be long until the kids' activities start to take over the day! Then I'll just have to change my Saturday mornings to the afternoons or perhaps make my Tuesday nights into a "Saturday morning!"
Happy Saturday!
Sometimes I feel guilty about enjoying this time so much. After all, shouldn't I be making a big breakfast and savoring time together as a family? Perhaps, but I know for certain that on weeks where I don't have a few quiet hours, I'm a little cranky.
Now, I'm not one to buy into "me" time. I hate how it sounds so self-centered, but I'm honestly a nicer person when I have a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the quiet. So maybe I am buying into the "me" time. Either way, I do love Saturday mornings and I'll enjoy them while they last! I'm sure it won't be long until the kids' activities start to take over the day! Then I'll just have to change my Saturday mornings to the afternoons or perhaps make my Tuesday nights into a "Saturday morning!"
Happy Saturday!
Friday
Hello April!
Happy April! The windows are open, the sun is shining, and the kids are playing outside while Tony strums his guitar as he keeps an eye on them. So far, April is good!
However, I did learn my lesson and will no longer be professing my love for months until all the days are checked off on the calendar. How could I be so foolish? March was full of gray skies, sickness, and worst of all, we said goodbye to our beloved pooch. Good riddance March. So what if you gave us warmth and a nice walk to the library on the first day of the month.
Now, April surely wouldn't consider pulling the same trick. It couldn't, I don't care if it is April Fool's Day. No cruel jokes aloud! At least not when it comes to sunshine. Gray might be a favorite color of mine to wear, but I could do without seeing it in the sky every. single. day!
Happy April! Here's to hoping April's showers are short and sweet!
However, I did learn my lesson and will no longer be professing my love for months until all the days are checked off on the calendar. How could I be so foolish? March was full of gray skies, sickness, and worst of all, we said goodbye to our beloved pooch. Good riddance March. So what if you gave us warmth and a nice walk to the library on the first day of the month.
Now, April surely wouldn't consider pulling the same trick. It couldn't, I don't care if it is April Fool's Day. No cruel jokes aloud! At least not when it comes to sunshine. Gray might be a favorite color of mine to wear, but I could do without seeing it in the sky every. single. day!
Happy April! Here's to hoping April's showers are short and sweet!
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