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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Freedom to be themselves

My husband and I are reading Grace Based Parenting with our small group friends, and it's been enlightening. Remembering that our kids were created uniquely, we show them love and grace when we accept them for all their quirks, weaknesses, and strengths.

Bella is revealing more and more of her mom's personality as she expresses herself in so many different ways, struggles with organization, and needs to have time with friends on a regular basis.  Her room says so much about her- even when it's mostly clean:
She adds to her art gallery weekly with just about anything she decides is important: post it notes, stickers, notes from friends, etc.  I love seeing how she sees things.  It may not make a lot of sense to us.  It may look messy.  But it's absolutely Bella.  I hope she always finds joy in little homemade art projects.

Brody's in that great preschool stage where you're never sure what's going to come out of his mouth- boy gross or sugar sweet ;-)  He loves superheroes- which shouldn't surprise anyone if they remember his sound effects before he started talking.  His room is still very basic, as he doesn't spend a lot of time in it unless his sister visits or friends come over to play.  Naps no longer fit into his daily agenda, even though he can't last until dinner time given the chance to find a place to crash:
I hope my kids find confidence and security to be themselves at home, learn to work through their weaknesses, and use their talents to make a difference in the world.  It all starts at home- loving them for who they are.

And when I'm out of patience, I hope I can see something amazing, adorable, or terribly funny to bring me back to loving these little, unpredictable people.  Because those are the moments that you see a little bit of God.

 

Monday, September 27, 2010

A little longer

As moms, we are often exhausted by what we do, and yet that's the best way we feel that we show our love to others.  In rare quiet moments however is when we find ourselves soaking in time just being with each other.  While there is still so much to do each day, we should work on stopping, sitting, and listening a little more- with our friends, with our kids, and with God.

Here's a quiet song for your Monday:
A little longer by Brian and Jenn Johnson

What can I do for you
What can I bring to you
What kind of song would you like me to sing
'Cause I'll dance a dance for you
Pour out my love to you
What can I do for you beautiful king
'Cause I can't thank you enough
'Cause I can't thank you enough...


All of the words that I find
and I can't thank you enough
No matter how I try
and I can't thank you enough...


Then hear you saying to me
Listen you, don't have to do a thing
Just simply be with me
and let those things (the housework) go
'Cause they (the kids) can wait another minute
Wait, this moment is too sweet
Would you please stay here here with me
And love on me a little longer
'cause I like to be with you a little longer
I love to be with you a little longer
'Cause I'm in love with you

Thursday, September 23, 2010

7 Days a Week

Totally random/fun blog post. 

I love They Might Be Giants' kid songs, so Brody and I were looking up videos on Youtube yesterday. Inspired by their "Never Go To Work" song, I decided to write my own version (the link and real lyrics are next):


On Monday, Brody goes to preschool
On Tuesday, I coach some cheers
Wednesdays, I take Bella to AWANAS
and entertain Brody when he's near
Thursdays go alot like Tuesdays
On Fridays, we shout, "It's a wrap"
It's games all day on Saturday
Then on Sundays, we all take naps.




"Never Go to Work" by They Might Be Giants

On Mondays, I never go to work
On Tuesdays, I stay at home
On Wednesdays, I never feel inclined
Work is the last thing on my mind
On Thursdays, it's a holiday!
And Fridays I detest
Oh it's much too late on a Saturday
And Sunday is the day of rest.

Make up your own version!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Oh boy! And away I go

It's true, I've been preoccupied staying with the kids home all day, every day, teaching 2nd grade subjects to my daughter, setting up playtimes with my little guy, and driving kids to preschool, cheerleading, awanas, and such.  It's been busy, but it's a good busy :-)

We're very excited to be expecting another baby boy in January.  I'm at 21 weeks, and am happy to feel lots of kicking as our new family member grows healthy and strong.  I'm ready to nest, as I shop for deals on all the basic baby gear and try to plan a nursery theme!  Brody can't wait to share a room with his brother when the baby's older.

Yes, we've picked a name, but after trying it out on a couple of people, it's generally our tradition to keep it a secret until you meet the baby- unless, of course, one of the kids blurt it out ;-)  His name will start with a "B."  Bella, Brody, and mystery "B."

With this new baby and our introduction to homeschooling, I'm entering another new part of my life journey- one where I relax  previous personal goals from my tightly clenched fists and reach for new, worthwhile ambitions concerning my family.  I may not have my bachelor's degree framed on a wall yet, but I have two smart, unique, healthy, silly, and thriving children to boast about!  I may not be an acclaimed actress, director, or published author, but I will never regret investing this time into nurturing, teaching, inspiring, encouraging, and helping my own kids succeed in their own dreams. 

It took a while for me to get here.  I fought back tears and let some spill out in confusion, disappointment, or frustration, but I don't at all feel like I am making a mistake. 

Our pastor just finished an amazing series of messages entitled "The Time of Your Life," and I walked away feeling confident that I am not wasting it. 2 kids, 3 kids, maybe 4 kids later:  they will be my greatest work and accomplishments in this life, so it makes sense to put the majority of my time, focus, and energy towards raising them.  Careers, hobbies, and degrees have been pushed down the priority list. 

Who knows where the next road will take me.  I'm sure it won't be easy.  I'm positive it will be humbling.  But in the end, I will have grown. And I know that with our wise, selfless choices, we'll see blessings along the way.