Out of the mouth of babes...

Some recent comments from my daughter:

"When I get bigger, I'm going to ride a purple tractor"
the next day:
"When I get bigger, I'm going to ride a purple, purple tractor"

"Mommy, you have a big tushy" (well, yes, that is true - in comparison to her "little tushy", but it still made me feel a little self-consiouse)

"Oooh, Mommy your legs are a little scratchy" (said while rubbing her hands over my shins - sheesh, I just shaved two days ago!)

"What's that sound came out of my tushy?" (um, that would be gas, sweety!)

I could go on and on, but I can't remember anything else right now. They say the memory is the second thing to go - don't ask me what the first thing is, I can't remember!

So, what's up?

Yeah, so I haven't posted a "real" post in a bit. Let me tell you what I've been up to...hanging with the kiddos. Yeah, daddy/hubby went out of town for a 10 day romp through Yosemite National Park (can't wait to see the pics!!) and mommy is too wimpy to stay home alone with the kids for that long a stretch. So, after hubby left Wednesday night, I headed down to stay with my folks for a few days. We went to parks, we played in the inflatable pool, we took walks - in general the kids and I had a vacation. We came home on Monday. Tuesday, my folks came to stay with me (they really are the greatest parents around!). They arrived mid-afternoon, and about an hour later mom and I (and the kids) were out for our first of many shopping trips. See, I am in charge of the crafts for our church's VBS next week and this week was all about getting the supplies and making the sample crafts. It took three trips to Michael's and one trip to Walmart to get most of what I needed. I still need to make a trip to Lowe's, but I can do that anytime before next Thursday morning. It's been a crazy busy week. I sure am glad daddy's coming home tonight (tomorrow). I need a pedicure!

Cranky

Right now, I'm very cranky. We just returned for a quick trip to the library. I was hoping to avoid the trip altogether by renewing my books online, but one of them needed to be returned, as it was being held for someone else. Which one? The one I hadn't finished reading yet - of course. So, that put me in a grumpy mood to being with and then the fat, old lady that really shouldn't be working the check out desk took her sweet time deciding she was ready to check me out, then informed me she couldn't reach my books where I had set them on the counter - not that she couldn't move her two chubby feet two feet, but no, let me move my 9 month old and then slide all of my books down the counter to make YOUR life easier. Sheesh. Then, she says nothing to me as she's checking out my books, no small talk, no "how's your day?" blah blah blah. She literally threw my books back across the counter to me and then chucked the receipt on top. That was it. Then she took the next person's books. She never said "Have a nice day" or anything. What a grumpy gal. If she weren't probably a volunteer, I would recommend they fire her!

Maverick, where are you?

You know that part in "Top Gun", towards the end, when there's a big dog fight and Maverick is too scared to engage? Everyone keeps shouting, "Engage, engage" and "Maverick, where are you?" Yeah, somedays that's how I feel. I have the greatest kids, but I just can't seem to engage in play with them. It's like my head is in a fog or something, I just can't concentrate (or rather turn my brain off) long enough to play. Some days are really great, we play in the playroom and build towers and have tea parties, whatever. Other days, I just want them to be amused by the TV. These kids love me and love to be with me, and all I want is some peace and quiet, time to myself. I feel so torn, because I don't want them to be neglected, but sometimes I just don't want to be with them. Then I feel like a bad mom. Ugh.

Sunday's message

The Scripture reading from Sunday's service really caught my attention this week. The entire passage was Romans 8: 1-17 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,
in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I think what stood out to me the most was the part about having your mind set upon what nature desires versus what the Spirit desires. I often ask God for what I want, not waiting to listen to what He wants for me. My focus is generally selfish and I justify that with the catch all of "we are, by nature, a sinful people"; but really, I shouldn't let myself get away with that.

Then, we all sang How Deep the Father's Love for Us which always gets me. Its simple, straighforward truth - no holds barred is always knee-buckling:

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss; the Father turns His face away,
as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that help Him there until it was accomplished; (this is the line that always gets me!)
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no pow'r, no widsom;
but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.

An uneventful day

Today was a relatively uneventful day. Other than starting insanely early (6:15, Abby comes out of her room, "Mommy, where are you?") Ugh. By 7:30 we were all up dressed and heading out the door. I decided it was high time to get my butt back to the gym. My initial motivation behind joining the gym was 1) free child care and 2) getting a shower! Today was no exception - I went to take a shower. Yes, I did do some workout as well; but I am so far out of shape that I'm not sure it even did any good. Hopefully, since Abby had an enjoyable time this trip, we can make this a regular part of our mornings.

Anyway, by 9:30 we were home again; Josh was in bed sleeping, Abby wanted to watch Boz (again), so I snoozed on the couch while that was playing. We played in the play room for a while and had an uneventful (read: boring) lunch and then the kids went down for their afternoon naps. I got into bed, but started reading my book and never took my nap. I got to within 10 pages of the end when Abby decided it was time to get up. Frustrating! Once Josh got up, we all headed out again - this time to BJ's for our cheap snack (and to pick up some Animal Crackers). Then we went to the mall for a "Stroner Ride" (stroller ride) and did a little shopping. Home by 5:00; Josh back in bed, Abby watched Franklin and Little Bear and I got dinner ready and finished my book.

After dinner we all went up to DQ for ice cream (yeah, and I wonder why I can't lose any weight!) Daddy and Abby walked home from the far end of the street; Josh and I came home and played on the floor. Now the kids are in bed and I am not going to be too far behind them.

Two are better than one

I now know, first hand, why every child needs two parents. The little things that drive me absolutely bonkers during the week days don't bother me at all when done to my spouse. And when I start to loose my temper over something that Abby does, hubby steps in with a well timed intervention or distraction. Today, when she was doing something that normally would have made me pretty frustrated, when I saw that it was frustrating hubby, I was able to stay calm. It occurred to me then that this was why every kid needs two parents and that I am so grateful that my spouse is a good daddy.

Days 3, 4 and 5

So, I got a little busy and haven't had time to post my recent daily activities. Let me see if I can remember everything:
Day 3 - Wednesday. Started out pretty normal - up earlier that I wanted, kids fed and watching tv by 7:30. I noticed I had a coupon for Kohl's that expired Wednesday, so I decided, since I needed something from Michael's and a Starbuck's hit never hurt, we would all run up to Carlise Crossing before my mom came. So, everyone into the car by 7:45 and off we went. Went to the drive through at Starbucks (twice, because I missed the order box the first time (I'm actually kid of embarrassed to admit that, but oh well)), then went shopping at Kohl's for a bit. Got some good deals and saved 15% on top of that. Then went to Michael's to get items necessary for ongoing crafts. Home by 10:00. Put Josh down for his nap. Mom came around 10:30 and I was painting the bathroom by 10:45. Naive that I am, I thought that doing this bathroom would be a fairly simple task - WAS I EVER WRONG! I could go into great detail about how and why I was wrong, but frankly, I'm too lazy right now. Anyway. It was all done by 12:45. We all had some lunch and the kids were both in bed by 2:15. Then I attempted one other project I've had on the back burner for a while and was unsucessful at that. So, mom and I just sat around and chatted until the kids got up around 3:45. I made dinner (meatloaf and sweet potatoes - YUM!) and we were eating when hubby got home (BAD, BAD traffic!). I finally took my shower and then I went out to the local pub with a friend of mine and had a very nice evening out. Was home about 10:45 and in bed by 11:00. A very productive day!

Day 4 - Thursday. Um, yeah, we didn't do much on Thursday. It must have been rather uneventful, becauase I truely can't remember anything we did during the day. I know I took the kids to Wendy's for dinner, because hubby was in Baltimore. After the kids went to bed, I sat and read my book in the peace and quiet for about an hour - very enjoyable and much needed!

Day 5 - Friday. Cleaning lady came in the morning. We have nice clean stairs now!! I HATE doing the steps! Me and the kids went to the grocery store after she left - it looked like rain when we got to the store, and it sure did rain hard while we were there. So hard, in fact, that I decided we would just eat lunch there! Chicken and macaroni and cheese for the kids, Chinese for me. Then home for naps. Thankfully, both kids slept at the same time (the first time in over a week) and I got to rest for about an hour. Then, last minute clean up before company came for dinner. Had one of Mike's co-workers and his family over for dinner. It was a really nice evening.

And thus ends my brief attempt and trying to document my daily routine. We have all learned now that I am not good at posting every day, so future publications of my day will be less frequent!

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head."Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today". So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head."H-M-M, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head."Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head."YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.
Have a Good Day!
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Day 2

What did we do today? Hmm, nothing. Watched a lot of tv, played in the playroom (made towers, and had lots to "eat"), made a quick run to the hardware store and the library. Got the parts I need to finish a project that I have been looking at for several weeks now, and something to read (finally). The kids drove me to the brink of insanity (ah, I'm familiar with this brink, though - I visit it multiple times a week). Hubby got stuck in traffic coming home, so we started dinner without him :-( then he took Abby (and the dog) for a nice long walk and I put Josh to bed and had a few minute to myself (see previous post, posted during these few precious minutes). Anyway. Not a thrilling day.

I thought I might get the glaze coat of paint up on the bathroom tonight, but opted to share a bottle of wine with hubby instead. S'ok by me - the glaze coat will go up eventually. Maybe mom and I can do it tomorrow (haha - I have lots of other plans for tomorrow!)

Did I mention there is a spider living in our mailbox?
And that the dog killed a rabbit this afternoon - right in front of me - GROSS!!

Yeah, that's about it from me tonight.

Happy to be me

Wow, am I glad I'm not famous. I recently started a subscription to Star magazine (it was free, and I like to read People occasionally, so I thought I would enjoy it); well, I am not really enjoying it. What I am realizing from reading it each week (this is my third week) is that I am really, REALLY glad I am not famous. I am my own worst critic, but the people that write for these magazines are HARSH! As if it's not hard enough to live your life, but to live it with everyone watching and writing and critiquing has to be awful. I am so happy to be just me.

Day 1

It's Monday. The day started early - like 5 am early. As far as I'm concerned, there is only one 5:00 in my day - and that's a pm! So, when Josh decided it was time to be up, I disagreed. I got up and nursed him and put him back into his crib. I was back in bed by 5:40. Slept until 6:40 at which time Abby decided it was time to start the day (and I realized I had been asleep). Mike was up and dressed and Josh was awake, so I guess it was time for me to move as well. No time for a shower today, drat. Got myself presentable (we did have a play date scheduled after all) and hauled the kids downstairs for breakfast. No one was interested (except me and when the kids aren't interested in eating, that means there's no time for mommy to eat). So, off to watch Abby's "show". I folded some clean laundry with the ultimate movite of finding something for the kids to wear. Mission accomplished (yes, I folded the rest of the clothes...well, most of them), I then dressed the kids. Josh was doing his grumpy routine, so I put him back to bed, thinking - hey it's 8:00, maybe he'll be up in time for us to make it to the park at a reasonable hour (we've been 30-60 minutes late to our play dates lately because of his naps).

Ah, finally, a few moments to sit and watch tv (Abby) and do puzzles (me) in peace. Josh woke up around 9:15, so we just got ready and left - went to the bank and then headed to the park. Had a very nice time at the park (despite Abby sliding off the metal merry-go-round-type thing and saying she wanted to go home), until the local school showed up with about 100 kids in tow. So, we all left the park and headed to the McDonald's that had a playland. Ate and then went home. I managed to keep Abby awake, but Josh was a goner. Put him back in bed and let Abby watch Max & Ruby, then put her to bed. I did some puzzles and then I went to bed.

Afternoon was pretty slow. After naps, we went to BJ's and had a snack - I love that I can get 2 pretzels and a huge drink for $2.30. It makes my day! Wandered around for a while and then headed home. Played with the kids and then tried to do dinner- no takers. So, by 7:00 everyone was ready for bed. Josh was down by 7:30, Abby by 8:00. Mike came home and I finally had my dinner. We watched some tv (he's still watching) and now I'm ready for bed.

Woo hoo - wasn't that exciting! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings :-)

Brain fart

It's a technical term. I started this blog with the intention of keeping friends and family up to date as to the going's on in this family. But at the end of the day, I don't think that the things we've done during the day warrant writing about (let alone asking you to read about them). But maybe I'm wrong. So, for the next few days, I will log on and let you know what we've done during the day. We'll see just how worth our efforts it is!

Reader's slump

Heard of writer's block? I think I have reader's slump. I haven't read a good book in a long while. Now that it's summer and there is nothing (NOTHING) good on tv, I am even more desperate for a good read. Something light, but not fluffy; grippy, but not freaky; suspensful, but not unbelievable. Any recommendations?