February included ...
A baby shower in our honor.
Three birthday parties to attend.
One visit to our friends' house.
Having dinner guests four times.
Having overnight guests once.
Baking and decorating a birthday cake.
Attending a concert.
One trip for one adult and one kid to the dentist.
Two trips for two kids to the orthodontist.
One trip for one kid to the orthodontist.
Two nights of home group.
One day of shopping for one adult.
One all-nighter for two kids.
One evening out for three kids.
One date for two adults and one baby.
One breakfast with friends for one adult.
One night out with a friend for one adult.
Plus all the regular grocery shopping, library visits, and church services.
After several months of doing virtually nothing, this month has wiped. me. out! It's been fun, but I'm definitely writing in a couple "do nothing" days on next month's calendar. I used to do that regularly, but pregnancy and surgery had kept me home so much anyway that I hadn't needed to dedicate any days to doing nothing. Now that life is returning to normal, February filled up before I knew it! I'm tired, but I've loved spending time with other people again!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
DATE NIGHT
Two dates happened last night.
Date #1 involved the three bigs. A couple from church had asked to take them out, so they enjoyed a fun, parent-free evening with some adults they like.
They loaded up and rocked out along the freeway. First stop was McDonalds for scarfing food and running around the playland. Second stop was the Family Fun Center for laser tag, arcade games, and cashing in tickets for candy. They had a blast!
Date #2 involved the two adults and baby. Josh and Beep had given us a gift card way back in August, but our life has been crazy and we hadn't used it yet. We decided last night was a perfect chance to get out for a bit, as the three bigs were gone.
We loaded up and quietly drove a mile away. First stop was Starbucks. The littlest W understood that this was a date and slept the whole time we were there. We enjoyed warm drinks and feasted on a variety of pastries while spending an hour chatting about things that have nothing to do with parenting. Second stop was an errand. Third stop was home so that I could feed Teebs while Tim ran one more errand. We watched a little bit of Tim Hawkins on Youtube when he got home. Then the bigs returned, went to bed, and we ate a late, but yummy, dinner without them.
Great night for all of us!
Date #1 involved the three bigs. A couple from church had asked to take them out, so they enjoyed a fun, parent-free evening with some adults they like.
They loaded up and rocked out along the freeway. First stop was McDonalds for scarfing food and running around the playland. Second stop was the Family Fun Center for laser tag, arcade games, and cashing in tickets for candy. They had a blast!
Date #2 involved the two adults and baby. Josh and Beep had given us a gift card way back in August, but our life has been crazy and we hadn't used it yet. We decided last night was a perfect chance to get out for a bit, as the three bigs were gone.
We loaded up and quietly drove a mile away. First stop was Starbucks. The littlest W understood that this was a date and slept the whole time we were there. We enjoyed warm drinks and feasted on a variety of pastries while spending an hour chatting about things that have nothing to do with parenting. Second stop was an errand. Third stop was home so that I could feed Teebs while Tim ran one more errand. We watched a little bit of Tim Hawkins on Youtube when he got home. Then the bigs returned, went to bed, and we ate a late, but yummy, dinner without them.
Great night for all of us!
Monday, February 27, 2012
BOOKS I FINISHED - FEBRUARY 2012
FOR SCHOOL
White Stallion of Lipizza, by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis
Read aloud for Devon. I enjoyed this so much more the second time around, though I don't know why. It's fictional story of a boy who dreams of riding the Lipizzaner stallions and, after much time, achieves that goal.
The Great Wheel, written and illustrated by Robert Lawson
Family ties, financial stress, cultural differences, faith in God, and romance. This book is what the biblical story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz may have looked like had it been set in the 1800s and involved Texas farmers and a Mexican transplant. This book is the debut novel of a woman I know from the Sonlight forums, which is kinda fun, and I really enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, then donated it to the library when I was through reading it.
The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure, by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy
Fictional story, quick read, good book. I don't believe there's anything wrong with having excess of something, but I think our goal should always be to give, rather than to get. Whether that's cash, volunteer service, or whatever doesn't really matter. It's thinking past yourself that's key and that's what this book is about.
p. 52, But generosity is an attitude. It has to be cultivated daily.
p.60, There's a big difference between held values and operational values. Held values are what people say. Operational values are what people do.
p.83, The natural by-product of gratitude is generosity.
p. 84, A selfish person always asks, 'Why did this happen to me?' That leads to a 'victim' mindset, and victims are never generous. They don't want to give. They simply want to get even somehow.
Sisterchicks in Gondolas, by Robin Jones Gunn
This is the fictional story of two sisters-in-law who spend time in Venice as the cooks for a men's retreat, but end up being refreshed and encouraged themselves. This book was fine, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the one I read last month.
Read aloud for Silas. This is the fictional story of a young man who came to America from Ireland and helped build the world's first Ferris wheel. Silas and I both really enjoyed this story.
FOR MYSELF
Sixty Acres and a Bride, by Regina Jennings
Family ties, financial stress, cultural differences, faith in God, and romance. This book is what the biblical story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz may have looked like had it been set in the 1800s and involved Texas farmers and a Mexican transplant. This book is the debut novel of a woman I know from the Sonlight forums, which is kinda fun, and I really enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, then donated it to the library when I was through reading it.
The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure, by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy
Fictional story, quick read, good book. I don't believe there's anything wrong with having excess of something, but I think our goal should always be to give, rather than to get. Whether that's cash, volunteer service, or whatever doesn't really matter. It's thinking past yourself that's key and that's what this book is about.
p. 52, But generosity is an attitude. It has to be cultivated daily.
p.60, There's a big difference between held values and operational values. Held values are what people say. Operational values are what people do.
p.83, The natural by-product of gratitude is generosity.
p. 84, A selfish person always asks, 'Why did this happen to me?' That leads to a 'victim' mindset, and victims are never generous. They don't want to give. They simply want to get even somehow.
Sisterchicks in Gondolas, by Robin Jones Gunn
This is the fictional story of two sisters-in-law who spend time in Venice as the cooks for a men's retreat, but end up being refreshed and encouraged themselves. This book was fine, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the one I read last month.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
MENU - SECOND HALF OF FEBRUARY 2012
I just realized that I never posted the menu we're eating off right now. Ready?
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with brown sugar, milk, raisins, and energy mix as optional toppings x8
smoothies or fruit x2
breakfast sandwiches (from the freezer)
pumpkin muffins
Barbara's pancakes
cranberry granola
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new quinoa recipe (not that great)/broccoli/beans
Jen's chicken (from the freezer)/rice/peas & corn
death by garlic/peas & corn
penne & sausage casserole/Leslie's salad/garlic bread
chunky potato soup (crockpot)/cheesy muffins
rice, kale, & eggs/salad
new pasta recipe/green beans
baked lentils & veggies
black bean tortilla pie/lemon garlic cucumbers/carrot sticks
quinoa salad with apple & almonds/grilled pork (Tim will work magic on the meat)
SNACKS & DESSERTS
produce
popcorn
oat & almond bars
birthday cake & ice cream
root beer floats
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with brown sugar, milk, raisins, and energy mix as optional toppings x8
smoothies or fruit x2
breakfast sandwiches (from the freezer)
pumpkin muffins
Barbara's pancakes
cranberry granola
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new quinoa recipe (not that great)/broccoli/beans
Jen's chicken (from the freezer)/rice/peas & corn
death by garlic/peas & corn
penne & sausage casserole/Leslie's salad/garlic bread
chunky potato soup (crockpot)/cheesy muffins
rice, kale, & eggs/salad
new pasta recipe/green beans
baked lentils & veggies
black bean tortilla pie/lemon garlic cucumbers/carrot sticks
quinoa salad with apple & almonds/grilled pork (Tim will work magic on the meat)
SNACKS & DESSERTS
produce
popcorn
oat & almond bars
birthday cake & ice cream
root beer floats
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Friday, February 24, 2012
2011 - ANNUAL KIDDO PICS
Let's start this post off with a list of disclaimers. Ready?
#1 - I didn't realize the scanner was dusty until after I'd scanned all these pictures. Oops. So just pretend that these pictures are clean as a whistle. Okey dokey?
#2 - Picture season started in June and ended in August. It's now February. I don't think I've ever been so late getting something taken care of. I'm guessing this is the last post I'll do with all the kids' pictures anyway, as Tyler's birthday is so much later in the year than the other kids', and I'll probably just do annual posts for each kid individually. We'll see.
#3 - This hasn't been a year of brilliance for me, so I've picked all the wrong poses to get enlarged. I've kicked myself a thousand times after each time I've ordered, but such is life. So as you look at these and wonder why some of the smaller ones aren't bigger and some of the bigger ones aren't smaller, just know I'm aware that I blew it.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's check out some cute little Ws. Actually, I have to say how much I enjoy seeing their personalities shine through at picture time. From the outfits they choose to the poses they strike, each kid is captured accurately on camera. Love it!
#1 - I didn't realize the scanner was dusty until after I'd scanned all these pictures. Oops. So just pretend that these pictures are clean as a whistle. Okey dokey?
#2 - Picture season started in June and ended in August. It's now February. I don't think I've ever been so late getting something taken care of. I'm guessing this is the last post I'll do with all the kids' pictures anyway, as Tyler's birthday is so much later in the year than the other kids', and I'll probably just do annual posts for each kid individually. We'll see.
#3 - This hasn't been a year of brilliance for me, so I've picked all the wrong poses to get enlarged. I've kicked myself a thousand times after each time I've ordered, but such is life. So as you look at these and wonder why some of the smaller ones aren't bigger and some of the bigger ones aren't smaller, just know I'm aware that I blew it.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's check out some cute little Ws. Actually, I have to say how much I enjoy seeing their personalities shine through at picture time. From the outfits they choose to the poses they strike, each kid is captured accurately on camera. Love it!
Silas - Our athlete and lover of funky hair. I love that the timing of the third picture makes it look like he can palm a basketball.
Devon - Our stuntman and Beaver fan. The photographer said he'd never seen or heard of someone doing a headstand in their studio and we were asked to sign a waiver so they could use that shot for marketing purposes.
The boys have birthdays in the same month, so they go in for their pictures at the same time. We don't generally do group shots, but the photographer was having fun with them and we got these.
Naomi - She loves sweets and tutus. A lot. Don't you just want to give her a squeeze?
Devon - Our stuntman and Beaver fan. The photographer said he'd never seen or heard of someone doing a headstand in their studio and we were asked to sign a waiver so they could use that shot for marketing purposes.
The boys have birthdays in the same month, so they go in for their pictures at the same time. We don't generally do group shots, but the photographer was having fun with them and we got these.
Rockin' out and being tough.
Naomi - She loves sweets and tutus. A lot. Don't you just want to give her a squeeze?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PSA: THERE IS NO RIGHT OR PERFECT SCHOOLING OPTION
It's the time of year where people are starting to make decisions about where their kids will go to school in the fall, which means I'm hearing and seeing lots of comments about the virtues or problems with various options, some sincere and others snarky, and getting questions about our homeschooling experience. In light of that, I figured it was a good time to remind everyone of a few things.
* There are public, private, and homeschooling teachers who love their job, care about their students, try their best to make learning fun, and do what they can to accommodate the needs and preferences of all the kids they teach. And there are public, private, and homeschooling teachers who don't.
* The schooling option that works best for one family's goals, lifestyle, and/or income may not be the best option for another family.
* The schooling option that works best at one point in a child's life may not work well at other points in that same child's life.
* The schooling option that works best for one child may not be the best option for their siblings.
* Some families don't have multiple schooling options.
* Education choices are not the same as marriage vows. You aren't making a lifetime commitment, simply doing the best you can for this season of life.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while attending private school. And there are kids who don't.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while attending public school. And there are kids who don't.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while being homeschooled. And there are kids who don't.
* While we should take education choices seriously, it's also important to remember that what's going on in their home has far more influence over a child's success and happiness in life than where they do science and math.
* There are public, private, and homeschooling teachers who love their job, care about their students, try their best to make learning fun, and do what they can to accommodate the needs and preferences of all the kids they teach. And there are public, private, and homeschooling teachers who don't.
* The schooling option that works best for one family's goals, lifestyle, and/or income may not be the best option for another family.
* The schooling option that works best at one point in a child's life may not work well at other points in that same child's life.
* The schooling option that works best for one child may not be the best option for their siblings.
* Some families don't have multiple schooling options.
* Education choices are not the same as marriage vows. You aren't making a lifetime commitment, simply doing the best you can for this season of life.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while attending private school. And there are kids who don't.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while attending public school. And there are kids who don't.
* There are kids who thrive in every possible way while being homeschooled. And there are kids who don't.
* While we should take education choices seriously, it's also important to remember that what's going on in their home has far more influence over a child's success and happiness in life than where they do science and math.
2/23/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for opportunities to pay it forward, regardless of what "it" is.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
DEMOLITION MEN
The next step in the main bathroom was for corner shelves and silver towel racks to come down, but I could never seem to find the time to do it. Yesterday the boys wanted to watch a movie or play outside while the other kids were napping, but neither one was a good option at the time. So I sent them to the garage to get their tools and had them tackle the bathroom. Four shelves and three towel racks are now off the walls. I'm thankful for kids who are willing and able to do some manual labor!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
DECORATING THE LIVING ROOM
Welcome! You've just walked in my front door. This is what the living room usually looks like, though we don't always keep babies on the floor. Feel free to poke around and tell me what you love or hate about the space. Most things are where they landed the day we moved in and nothing has to stay where it is, so I'm open to suggestions.
My biggest requirement about my living room is that it's not centered on a TV. I also seating areas to feel cozy, but don't like the general feel of the room to be crowded. Some open space is needed for my sanity and the kids' wrestling, dancing, and stunts.
There's no budget for furniture right now and I don't necessarily want anything new anyway, but feel free to give me ideas about possibilities. If I love an idea, then I can start saving and looking for the perfect piece.
Let me give you a tour of the space. Ready? Let's start by turning you around to see where you just came in from. Front door, coat closet, hallway (except it's only a hallway for about two feet).
The desk/bookcase was given to me by Granny and I looooove it! The bottom glass pane got broken in the move, but I'm going to replace it with tax refund money. Right now Tim has some stuff sitting on top of it, which needs to be somewhere less visible, but otherwise I'm not sure how to use this piece of furniture. I'm not a knick knack collector, so I don't have treasures to put in it. Maybe book storage or pictures on display in the glass covered part? The slanted part opens up to a desk space with built-in organizers and the bottom cabinet is just more storage. I actually have a chair that matches it, which I also love, but it's in the garage with a desperate need to have the seat replaced.
Attention!! We interrupt this post to let you know that Beep was in town for a night and helped Bethany figure out how to arrange the living room. Due to this new development, the living room doesn't look like these pictures anymore and your help is no longer needed.
That's right, folks, I now like the arrangement of my living room and have a few projects to tackle as we finish the room off. When it's all done, and I have no idea when that will be, I'll show you pictures. Meanwhile, I have to share one cool bit of living room news with you.
Do you remember when I told you about the map of my dreams back in the fall? I ordered it yesterday!!
Our apartment didn't have a wall for it and I wasn't sure if our house would. Of course, I was gargantuanly pregnant when we moved in and things like measuring walls for dream maps just wasn't at the top of my priority list.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. Devon checks the mail and there's an envelope with my name handwritten on it. A non-junk mail, non-bill envelope without a return address. I open it up to find an anonymous note from someone who had remembered my love of the map and wanted to secretly order it as a housewarming gift. They couldn't find the exact map, though, and so they sent me cash to buy it myself. So thoughtful and generous!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, oh mystery person!!
I measured a couple walls and discovered the one I wanted to put the map on was the perfect size. Yes! I ordered it yesterday and it shipped today. So excited!
It's going to take up virtually all of this wall.
I'm going to copy Cathy, whose map I originally coveted, and wallpaper it to three sheets of plywood. That will allow me to take the map with me if we ever move and have the option to put something different on that wall in the future. I've never wallpapered anything before, so if you're local and a whiz at that kind of thing, then I'll bribe you with food of some sort if you'll come help me do the job. Yes, I'm begging for help. I'm fairly confident my skills don't include expertly attaching giant maps to giant pieces of wood with little to no room for error.
Anyway, that's that. The room needs paint, the map needs to get taken care of, I have to cover the now exposed side of a piece of furniture that's intended for a corner, and the mantle space needs some attention, but we've got a plan in place and I think I'm going to love it when it's done.
My biggest requirement about my living room is that it's not centered on a TV. I also seating areas to feel cozy, but don't like the general feel of the room to be crowded. Some open space is needed for my sanity and the kids' wrestling, dancing, and stunts.
There's no budget for furniture right now and I don't necessarily want anything new anyway, but feel free to give me ideas about possibilities. If I love an idea, then I can start saving and looking for the perfect piece.
Let me give you a tour of the space. Ready? Let's start by turning you around to see where you just came in from. Front door, coat closet, hallway (except it's only a hallway for about two feet).
The desk/bookcase was given to me by Granny and I looooove it! The bottom glass pane got broken in the move, but I'm going to replace it with tax refund money. Right now Tim has some stuff sitting on top of it, which needs to be somewhere less visible, but otherwise I'm not sure how to use this piece of furniture. I'm not a knick knack collector, so I don't have treasures to put in it. Maybe book storage or pictures on display in the glass covered part? The slanted part opens up to a desk space with built-in organizers and the bottom cabinet is just more storage. I actually have a chair that matches it, which I also love, but it's in the garage with a desperate need to have the seat replaced.
Attention!! We interrupt this post to let you know that Beep was in town for a night and helped Bethany figure out how to arrange the living room. Due to this new development, the living room doesn't look like these pictures anymore and your help is no longer needed.
That's right, folks, I now like the arrangement of my living room and have a few projects to tackle as we finish the room off. When it's all done, and I have no idea when that will be, I'll show you pictures. Meanwhile, I have to share one cool bit of living room news with you.
Do you remember when I told you about the map of my dreams back in the fall? I ordered it yesterday!!
Our apartment didn't have a wall for it and I wasn't sure if our house would. Of course, I was gargantuanly pregnant when we moved in and things like measuring walls for dream maps just wasn't at the top of my priority list.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. Devon checks the mail and there's an envelope with my name handwritten on it. A non-junk mail, non-bill envelope without a return address. I open it up to find an anonymous note from someone who had remembered my love of the map and wanted to secretly order it as a housewarming gift. They couldn't find the exact map, though, and so they sent me cash to buy it myself. So thoughtful and generous!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, oh mystery person!!
I measured a couple walls and discovered the one I wanted to put the map on was the perfect size. Yes! I ordered it yesterday and it shipped today. So excited!
It's going to take up virtually all of this wall.
I'm going to copy Cathy, whose map I originally coveted, and wallpaper it to three sheets of plywood. That will allow me to take the map with me if we ever move and have the option to put something different on that wall in the future. I've never wallpapered anything before, so if you're local and a whiz at that kind of thing, then I'll bribe you with food of some sort if you'll come help me do the job. Yes, I'm begging for help. I'm fairly confident my skills don't include expertly attaching giant maps to giant pieces of wood with little to no room for error.
Anyway, that's that. The room needs paint, the map needs to get taken care of, I have to cover the now exposed side of a piece of furniture that's intended for a corner, and the mantle space needs some attention, but we've got a plan in place and I think I'm going to love it when it's done.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
TYLER'S DEDICATION
In keeping with the Biblical model of Hannah dedicating Samuel to the Lord, (well, except for the part about having your child live at the temple/church) we stood before our church family today and had Tyler dedicated. For those who aren't familiar with the practice, it's basically a time to publicly say that our children are a gift from God, that we will do our best raise them in a way that honors him, and that our desire is for our kids to be available to serve God in whatever way they can.
We came home from church and saw my dad's blog post about the dedication. Then we got on Facebook and saw the following comments from people.
* Snipped a quick photo of Tyler's dedication for ya! What a sweetie. But my fave was Naomi, sweetly waving to all her friends out in the congregation throughout the prayer. So cute.
* I got a kick out of Devon giving her the elbow every time she waved, she persevered anyway!
* Naomi was hilarious. She was smiling and waving at people during the prayer.
Oh my! Judging from this picture, which my sister took on our camera, Naomi was waving to Aunt Beep. Silly girl.
I'm thankful for a church, both corporately and the individuals within it, that stand by families and encourage them as they do their best at this gig we call parenting. And I'm thankful for Tyler. He's pretty fantastic!
For those who weren't at church and didn't see the video someone posted on my Facebook page, here is a video of Tyler's dedication ... and Naomi's waving ... and Devon's elbowing. You can click the icon in the bottom right corner to make the picture full screen.
We came home from church and saw my dad's blog post about the dedication. Then we got on Facebook and saw the following comments from people.
* Snipped a quick photo of Tyler's dedication for ya! What a sweetie. But my fave was Naomi, sweetly waving to all her friends out in the congregation throughout the prayer. So cute.
* I got a kick out of Devon giving her the elbow every time she waved, she persevered anyway!
* Naomi was hilarious. She was smiling and waving at people during the prayer.
Oh my! Judging from this picture, which my sister took on our camera, Naomi was waving to Aunt Beep. Silly girl.
I'm thankful for a church, both corporately and the individuals within it, that stand by families and encourage them as they do their best at this gig we call parenting. And I'm thankful for Tyler. He's pretty fantastic!
For those who weren't at church and didn't see the video someone posted on my Facebook page, here is a video of Tyler's dedication ... and Naomi's waving ... and Devon's elbowing. You can click the icon in the bottom right corner to make the picture full screen.
Friday, February 17, 2012
THE SIBS
We've tried taking this picture multiple times on multiple days, but the odds of having everyone facing the camera at the same time and not having any fakey smiles, wiggly bodies, closed eyes, or spewage decrease with every child you have. This is our best shot so far. Works for me!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
2/16/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that Tyler is sleeping through the night.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
BATHROOM PROGRESS
I'm working on a living room post that I'm hoping will go up tomorrow, but I thought I'd give a little update on the bathroom project today.
I now have something to hang above the toilet, towel hooks, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, and a rug. The rug is neutral, though, and I'm thinking about exchanging it for one that's brick colored. So incredibly not a color I'm normally drawn to, but it would add a punch of coordinating color and I don't use that bathroom anyway. Hmmmmm ... we'll see.
My last dilemma is about paint. I want to do a neutral color, something kinda beige. However, we have some neutral paint in our garage that was left by the previous owner. It's what they painted the master bathroom with - not a horrid color, but a little too much on the peach/pink side of beige for my taste. But it's free. And I don't even use that bathroom. Another "hmmmmmmm" on that one. I'll decide soon, though, because I want to get the room done.
Anyway, we're making progress.
In fact, here's what happened a couple nights ago.
This ....
... plus this ...
... equals this.
No more wallpaper!!!
I now have something to hang above the toilet, towel hooks, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, and a rug. The rug is neutral, though, and I'm thinking about exchanging it for one that's brick colored. So incredibly not a color I'm normally drawn to, but it would add a punch of coordinating color and I don't use that bathroom anyway. Hmmmmm ... we'll see.
My last dilemma is about paint. I want to do a neutral color, something kinda beige. However, we have some neutral paint in our garage that was left by the previous owner. It's what they painted the master bathroom with - not a horrid color, but a little too much on the peach/pink side of beige for my taste. But it's free. And I don't even use that bathroom. Another "hmmmmmmm" on that one. I'll decide soon, though, because I want to get the room done.
Anyway, we're making progress.
In fact, here's what happened a couple nights ago.
This ....
... plus this ...
... equals this.
No more wallpaper!!!
Monday, February 13, 2012
SILAS
He's a pro at swaddling Tyler and often takes care of him, loves sports and exercise, follows recipes well and creates his own, is super dependable, likes making lists and plans, is a practical joker, memorizes things easily, loves creating things with Legos, is a little entrepreneur, gets along well with everyone, and likes to have staring contests.
I love this boy!
I love this boy!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
2/9/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that I got lots of sleep last night.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
I see a cute little boy all bundled up for his first walk a couple weeks ago, but I also see more than that.
I see a little white hat given to him by Aunt Tracy, which reminds me how much his family loves him.
I see the soft hood of an outfit given to him by Karen, which reminds me of Tim's co-workers and the tangible ways they have welcomed Tyler to the world.
I see a quilt that was originally made for Naomi by Robin, which reminds me of how amazing it is when people in your computer become your friends.
I see a carseat that was loaned to him by Cheri, which reminds me what a blessing it is when people share whatever they currently have excess of with someone who currently needs it.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
CHOOSING MY FOCUS
I tend to be a bit pessimistic about things pertaining to my personal life, whether household issues or relationships with my family members. When I feel overwhelmed or discouraged, then the frequency of my complaining skyrockets and the littlest thing can set me off on a rant about how lousy my life is. Ridiculous, I know, since my life is not actually lousy, but I guess I lose perspective easily.
I really wanted to change my focus on the negatives in my life. So, on January 1st I wrote down three good things about my day right before I went to bed. I did the same thing on January 2nd. And the 3rd. And every night since. It's been over five weeks now and I plan on continuing this new habit forever.
I love that the most rotten day still has good in it.
I love that focusing on the good things makes rotten days seem less rotten.
I love that rotten days are few and far between when you're focusing on what's good.
I love that things will happen during the day and I'll immediately think about how they're going on the list that night.
I love that I go to sleep thinking about the positive things that happened in my day. If my mind starts to wander to things I'm stressed or annoyed about, then I just choose to mentally go back over my little list again.
Making a list every night has been a really good thing for me. In fact, there have been a few nights where I've forgotten to write my list until after I've already crawled into bed and I've gotten back up to get it done because I can see how much it's helped my attitude. Have I still had some little meltdowns? Yep. Do I still get irritated over stupid stuff? Yep. But overall I'm less negative than I used to be and even on my crabbiest days I still choose to end the day focusing on what's good.
I'd challenge you, particularly if you tend to be negative or if your life is just kinda hard right now, to start a similar list. Choose your focus and make it be on the positives.
I really wanted to change my focus on the negatives in my life. So, on January 1st I wrote down three good things about my day right before I went to bed. I did the same thing on January 2nd. And the 3rd. And every night since. It's been over five weeks now and I plan on continuing this new habit forever.
I love that the most rotten day still has good in it.
I love that focusing on the good things makes rotten days seem less rotten.
I love that rotten days are few and far between when you're focusing on what's good.
I love that things will happen during the day and I'll immediately think about how they're going on the list that night.
I love that I go to sleep thinking about the positive things that happened in my day. If my mind starts to wander to things I'm stressed or annoyed about, then I just choose to mentally go back over my little list again.
Making a list every night has been a really good thing for me. In fact, there have been a few nights where I've forgotten to write my list until after I've already crawled into bed and I've gotten back up to get it done because I can see how much it's helped my attitude. Have I still had some little meltdowns? Yep. Do I still get irritated over stupid stuff? Yep. But overall I'm less negative than I used to be and even on my crabbiest days I still choose to end the day focusing on what's good.
I'd challenge you, particularly if you tend to be negative or if your life is just kinda hard right now, to start a similar list. Choose your focus and make it be on the positives.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
DEVON
He's the first to jump up when I ask for help, has an amazing memory, is becoming more witty the older he gets, can think outside the box, is a thoughtful gift giver, makes facial expressions that keep us laughing, is the family contortionist, loves to climb, enjoys teaching Naomi and wrestling with Silas, is prone to busting a move when the music's on, and is almost always working on a puzzle.
I love this boy!
I love this boy!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
2/2/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for Carol, Connie, Debbie, Kit, Linda, Sherry (just realized I've never seen her name in writing and I'm not sure how she spells it), and Ruth, otherwise known as Tyler's church grandmas. Not only were these ladies a lifeline for me during my hard pregnancy with Tyler, but they wait with open arms to snuggle him (which is the nice way to say they argue over who gets to hold him first), dote on how cute he is, and some of them made blankets that he is regularly wrapped up in.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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