K just came up to me…
I have a question for you, Mamma.
Me: Okay…
I have a very hard question for you, Mamma. (as if bracing me for what was to come.)
I looked her square in the face, "Okay, what is your question?"
Seriously she said, "Don't take my makeup out of the princess box. And be very careful not to get it on your nose, cheeks or tummy."
With that settled, she tripped over my shoe and walked away. Clearly we need to work on the difference between a question and a statement…
While working, a pastor quoted this verse from The Message. I have that Bible, but don't use it all the time, however, I love the way it words some things. Here is the verse…
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~Matthew 11:28-30
I hope it speaks to you the way it did to me. It made it to my verse a day binder that I've started…
Hi everyone…I have an urgent request. I'm nearly sick on behalf of a good friend whose water broke this morning. She is only 25-weeks pregnant. Please pray for her that they will be able to keep the baby inside longer and that the life of her precious daughter will be spared. Thanks!
Last year for Christmas, we crammed everything into one day, and it pretty much wore us all out. This year we did our family celebration in the morning when Adam got home from work, and then went to his parents for the afternoon. Saturday, we spent the afternoon at my parents. This method seemed to be much easier on the kids than trying to go everywhere in one day…and eat all that food. ;)
I'll do an actual Christmas post once I download the pictures…we had a blast. However, when we came home Saturday, we had a most unexpected visitor…3"of water covering the entire basement. If I hadn't been too tired, I would have considered launching fish to let Kaylee get some indoor use of her fishing pole. Instead, I pretty much cried. Then pulled it together. The dogs were huddled together in their crate to avoid getting wet. They were thankful to be released from the basement pool.
We then called in the troops. Adam's parents were the first to arrive. I had already put Logan to bed, but Kaylee was overtired and was refusing bed. Fortunately Penny was there to step in to take care of her because I was in no frame of mind to deal with that.
My dad and brother were the next to arrive with blocks to lift things up on, fans and extension cords. I gave Adam a new Shop-Vac for Christmas, but wasn't really planning on him needing to use it the following day. I mean it would have been fine if he wanted to clean out the car, but a flood in the basement? Really? After running the vacuum for forever, talking to a professional, Adam and I decided we would rip up all of our new extremely wet carpet and just trash it. We didn't want to pay a fortune on professional dehumidifiers and fans only to find the carpet still smelled and we would need to replace it anyway.
A while later Megan and Justin showed up to finish helping. Megan cleaned upstairs…washing dishes, putting away toys and sweeping the floor.
We've been through this before. We know how it goes. When Kaylee was a few months old, our kitchen had to be entirely replaced due to water damage. I was without a fully functional kitchen for three months. Fortunately, this time being in the basement, we can go on and close the door as we progress in the clean up. The carpet was the biggest loss, so it could have been much worse. It's going to be a headache to deal with, but it's going to work out.
I had it on my list to really work in the basement, cleaning and organizing, but I hadn't really intended to clean under the carpet and buy new carpet. ;)
Wow…someone hold me back. It's been a while since I've posted this much. I suppose it has something to do with being caught up on work and most of the housework. Okay, not all of the housework, but enough… Well, not really enough, but…
Logan continues to crack us up. It is such a joy to see his little personality blossom before our eyes.
Random Logan things…
Just now, I caught him walking around, stopping short of certain objects, knocking his head on said object, turning, scowling, walking to next object and repeating.
Yesterday, as I was making cookies, he walked up to me saying, "Mamma, mamma, mamma." I stopped and bent down to pick him up. He hugged me, then proceeded to lavish on me several slobbery kisses. So sweet. Then he grabbed my face and wouldn't let go. That's my boy.
Lately, Logan has been going into rooms by himself and closing the door behind him. This keeps me on my feet, going room to room, opening doors, relocating him and whatnot. I went back to find him in Kaylee's room, having flipped a clothes basket upside down and he was standing on it messing with her CD player. Don't say the Boy can't get to what he wants to get!
The Boy also has rhythm. He can be found listening to music, swaying his shoulders and hips. It's pretty much the funniest thing ever.
While growing up, my dad used the phrase, "It will be here before you know it," all the time. He would say this when referring to a day or event that we were eagerly anticipating. As children, anything we were waiting for seemed eons away, even if it was Christmas Eve and Christmas we were waiting for. I remember countless nights, lying in bed literally bouncing with excitement. It never seemed it would get here soon enough. When we got older, my brother and I would play games and do anything we could late into the evening because we were too excited to sleep. It will be here before you know it.
Going into the holiday season, my heart keeps going back to that phrase. It will be here before you know it. And although being an adult with children of my own changed the responsibilities of preparing for Christmas, I still can't wait. But as I reflect on this past year, the Lord has been using the wisdom in Dad's phrase toward other aspects of my life.
There are so many things swirling around in my head and my heart that I can only start to grasp.
I've thought about the phrase in reference to my children growing up. Life right now seems to be swarming with diapers, binkies, tantrums, snotty noses, diaper rash, and never-ending potty training. I think about the things I'd like to be able to do, but the kids are too young right now. It will be here before you know it. How true that is. It seems like just yesterday I was that kid in my bed, bouncing up and down, waiting to see what was under the tree, and now I have kids myself.
I tend to always be anticipating the next thing. Planning. Getting ready for. Waiting. But not only will all these things be here before I know it, they will be OVER before I know it.
Now I'm not much of one to make New Year's Resolutions, so I'm not going to dub it as such, but this next year I want to focus on treasuring each moment. Don't get me wrong… In no way do I dislike the baby and toddler stage. Quite the contrary. I love it. It's more a general mindset I want to work on. I feel that I'm always waiting for one thing to end and the next to start. If there is something I'm waiting for that is three months away, well…hurry up already. Never mind what might happen in those three months, just get to it.
While I know some of this is the way I'm wired, I also know I can change to a certain extent. So today, the day before Christmas, I want to slow down. Enjoy this day, because tomorrow will be here and be over before I know it. Soon the year will turn over to a new one, filled with experiences and journeys. I can't wait to see what happens, but I will. I will wait and be patient and know today is where I am. I cannot make time go faster or slow down, so I might as well live up every moment.
So much has been going on, and so little posting about it. Several weeks ago, I took Kaylee to see the Nutcracker. It was danced by the same place I danced with when I was in high school and before. It was fun seeing some things that stayed the same and a lot that has changed. We didn't have very good seats, and Kaylee was having a hard time seeing. So…for the entire second half, I stood at the back and held her. It was much better that she could see, although I think she would have been better to have waited one more year before tackling such a long performance.
My shoulder still hurts from holding her for so long. I injured it several years back when I…ahem…fell off a bridge. I suppose the longevity of holding her stressed it too much, and looking back it wasn't a very smart move. Lesson learned, for sure. Having Kaylee there was a special memory, and I hope to be able to do it for many years to come.
She still talks about it, and does her own little dance moves around the house. I look at her and wonder if she, too, will take up dance and love it as much as I did and still do. I would love to see her do it, but there is no pressure if she doesn't. ;)
I remember back to being in school, and how the a week before any break would drag on, yet get to the break and it would fly by. Well, I think that life, especially life with kids is like those breaks…time just flies. Cliché, I know, but true. I remember so clearly the day I had Kaylee, and now she is almost 3. Just as clear are the memories of having Logan…and he's 14 months.
Little Man is starting to get the hang of this walking thing. He stands up, gets his balance, and takes off…then gets so excited he has to drop to his knees in laughter and take off crawling at lightning speed. He is so funny.
Lately, Kaylee has been pushing some boundaries and trying out a dose of stubbornness. For the most part, she remains a good, obedient child. Because of that, the times she tries us are really…well, trying. For about a week, I thought we had the potty training thing figured out. Or rather, I thought she had it figured out. She was remembering to tell us before, even sometimes with time to spare and always refusing to have an accident. Then suddenly, nothing. Nada. Never asks to go to the bathroom. Almost constant accidents. I'm sure this is part of the process, but for real…I have more to do with my time than clean the floor and the couch! Yes, that's right…the couch. (once…only once. Thank the Lord.)
I know this phase is just that, a phase. Adam and I just have to figure out how to deal with it…when an accident is just an accident and when it might be more. The training here is as much for us as her. It's our job to learn to deal with her in the appropriate and loving manner, but boy…it sure is easy to fly off the handle.
Yesterday, we put up the tree and ornaments. Both of the kids loved it…Kaylee was a better help than Logan. ;) She carefully placed ornament after ornament on specifically picked branches. Logan in turn, came over, removed a few and tasted a few. We now have a circular gate around the tree for its protection. (You know, after Logan pulled two flowers off an ornament and brought a button to Adam, and then one to me…choking does not equal a good time, in case you're wondering.)
For some crazy reason, we decided to face the madness on Black Friday. The kids spent the night with my parents so Adam and I could get up at an hour that shouldn't be seen, to shop. Sad. Depraved. But true. We actually were able to save a lot of money, making it worth it in the end. We had a list of stores and exact items to be purchased in each store. The stores were listed according to times they opened. We were in line, near the front, at Kohl's before it opened. We still have a few things to get, but were able to accomplish most of our shopping that day.
There are so many blog posts swirling around in my head…hopefully soon I'll be able to get a grasp on them and write them. Stay tuned…
Last Friday, my 97-year-old grandfather passed away. We knew it was coming, yet there was still a part of me that wondered if it would ever happen. Gran seemed to deny death on more than one occasion. Several weeks ago, Mom called to tell me unless there was a miracle, they didn't think he was going to make it through the night.
Not only did he make it through the night, he lived for several more weeks, making quite a recovery for a while. The last week, however, was basically horrible. He didn't eat or drink, and the last few days lost the ability to swallow. He was on consistent morphine to ensure he wasn't in pain as he couldn't really let us know. As hard as it was to know he was going to die, death was merciful. I miss him dearly, but I am glad he was able to go peacefully and not prolong his suffering.
Growing up, we only lived about 10 or 15 minutes away from Gran and Grandma, so we spent a lot of time with them. Jason and I were their only grandchildren, so spoiled we were. I remember countless fake fishing trips, then length of which wouldn't have even been time enough to actually catch anything…which was good because I don't think we ever used bait or lures or anything of the like. I simply wanted to go fishing, so I guess we took a pole and I probably pretended to fish for about 10 seconds and went onto the next thing…more than likely shopping.
I have never really thought about it, but I just realized they didn't keep many (or any) toys at their house, but we sure found enough things to do. I remember some dirt-old typewriters in an old, dilapidated storage shed at the top of their hill. I loved to go up there and pretend to type. I'm sure I drove them crazy with all the things I wanted to do, but they went along with it.
Gran was a man of many stories. Of course, as I was growing up I figured everything he was recounting was exactly right. I have sense learned that the stories, if true at all, were at the least embellished to the hilt.
Gran was also a man who refused to slow down, perhaps contributing to his long life. He drove his car into his 90s. Also into his 90s, he would come to our house and walk the mammoth dog around the neighborhood. One time, in fact, they bought an ice-cream cone, walked the entire way to the park by the river, and good ole Dylan hopped onto the picnic table and at the ice cream. Ahem… Right.
He was an excellent woodcrafter. Gran made the glass-door bookcase that is built into a wall at my parent's old house. He made a grandfather clock…fitting. And, though my mind is blanking out, many other things.
I miss Gran, but after watching his brothers and sister, his wife, a daughter, and almost all the other family members in his generation pass, it was time for him. His body was done and ready for rest. We all have memories to keep him alive in our hearts, so the peace we have knowing he isn't suffering anymore calms our spirits and helps us through this time.
I'm so tired. Really, I should be sleeping. Now if I had a dollar for every time I read that on someone's blog, I'd be rich, but I have yet to figure out how to do that.
Ahem.
My baby girl has moved up in the world. She is now sleeping in a big-girl bed! She is actually adjusting very well at night, but naptime is not as great. I mean, really, it's light outside and all of the fun in her room is illuminated. I've opened the door at various time to find her jumping on the bed (not allowed, but ever so fun), standing on her guardrails removing letters from her wall, and playing with various toys.
I honestly can't believe how quickly she is growing up. It seems like just the day before yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital.
It would be absolutely impossible to write down all the new things she does and says in one blog…much less when I'm so tired I really have no idea what I am writing, but here are a few:
1. count to 20.
2. count backward from 10.
3. spell her name.
4. Remember numerous words and phrases in Spanish.
5. Recount entire conversations days after they have happened. (Yes, we have to watch everything we say…I mean eh-vah-reh-thing.)
6. Recognize most letters. (Of course she's been able to say her alphabet for at least a year.)
7. Pray by herself.
8. Put on the charm when she wants to get her way.
9. Make up pretend stories and things to play.
10. Make a friend anywhere she goes.
Well, I suppose I'll leave it at a 10 list. I can't type anymore…
We've been trying for months to assist Logan with walking. Most of the time, he bends his legs and crumples to the floor…then crawls off as fast as he can. Bascially what he's been saying is, "Mom and Dad, this walking stuff…not so interested. In case you haven't noticed I'm getting into everything I want to." Um, yes, we noticed. Do you remember that new confounded contraption on the cupboard? Yes dear, that's a child-safety lock to keep you out.
Ahem…anyway. Last night, almost out of the blue, Logan decided to take some small steps. All.by.himself. And now…well, the kid is crazy. Crawling is still his primary and preferred mode of transportation…I take that back…that would be being carried. But he still craws most of the time. When he walks though, he laughs and gets all crazy. He takes a few steps and then throws himself on the floor and rolls in more laughter. He squeals. He rolls. Then he takes off crawling. Then comes back and does it again.
World watch out! I may be wobbly, but I'm on my way.
Hey there. I'm looking for a baby carrier that I can haul lazy Logan around in. I have a snugli thing as well as a sling. BUT, I would really like something I can put to the side. You know, just like I'm carrying him on my hip, but without needing to use my hands. Because, well, sometimes, just sometimes I need my hands for other things. The other carriers I have are better suited for smaller babies, too.
So if you have a suggestion, that would be great. I'd also rather not have to spend an arm and a leg on it because well, I use those too.
Kids are always saying funny, silly, crazy things. Sometimes we can figure out the things Kaylee says, other times…well…
A few days ago, Adam's dad was picking on Kaylee. Immediately after he said something she started whining, or something relatively close. Deiciding to pick on Eddie, I picked Kaylee up, cuddled her and said, "Oh, did Pops hurt your feelings?"
Kaylee: "No."
However, she continued to whine. About a second later, she came over to me, "I hurt my feelings."
Me: "Where are your feelings?"
Kaylee: "They're in my shoes."
***There you have it folks, if your feelings are hurt, change your shoes. Easy as that. ;)
Have I mentioned how much I like pictures? I like taking them and looking at them. In the near future, I need to learn how to use Photoshop. Adam bought me a training CD, which I've looked at some, but haven't really been able to take enough time to learn it. It's such a "big" program. So, in the meantime, here are a few unedited, unplayedwith, pictures. ~Enjoy~
