This is the final post of my avoiding mommy-burn out series. Check out the last 5 posts to catch up on any you might have missed.
One last tool I have learned to avoid being burned out as a mommy:
5) Keep it simple (or, learn to say NO!)
In our culture we have a special badge we give to people. We wear it proudly on our shirts so everyone can see it.
It's big and bright and has neon letters shouting out...BUSY!
If you can answer "busy" to the "how've you been question" then you must be very important.
Of course I'm being a bit sarcastic here =)
But, when it comes to being a mom, the busier you are the easier it is to get burned out. I know for me that the days/weeks I have overcommitted myself (even to doing good things) I tend to just "get through" the days with my kids.
Now, I know there are some things you just have to do. I'm not advocating being lazy or becoming a hermit =) But, I am learning to be very careful at what I commit myself to, or as the kids get older, what I commit them to.
I am learning to say no, to keep things simple. I am learning to brush aside the feelings of my worth being found in how busy or how involved I am.
I love this quote by Linda Dillow in her book, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul
Do you experience astonished wonder at God's creation(your children)?
If not, stop racing long enough to turn your gaze up and ask the Father to pour wonder into your heart.
Jeremiah has been super busy this week and I've had almost every day and night by myself with the kids. Anyone who knows me knows that this would usually be a recipe for disaster and burn out for me! But, instead, I have had one of the best times EVER with my kids this week.
Part of the reason for the great week is the reminder to myself I have been getting by writing these blogs. But another, huge part of it is that we didn't have a lot on our "to do" list this week. We actually only went out once together to the library. But, man, have we painted, read books, danced our feet off, cooked together, learned all about the letter H, read books, fished, captured bugs, read books, and read some more books =) This was a rare (and precious!) week for me, and I know I am not going to be able to have weeks like this often. But I am thankful for the chance to truly and deeply enjoy being with Ella and Ezra this week.
Thank you all for your sweet words of encouragement to me this week. I hope you have enjoyed the little bit of truths the Lord has shown me in my short parenting journey.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Mommy burn-out, part 4
Read the last 4 posts to get caught up on the tools I have learned to avoid getting mommy burn-out.
Here's another way I have learned to avoid burn-out:
4) Get some distance
Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and that is especially true for the parent/child relationship. I try to do this regularly in two ways:
A) Date Nights
When Jeremiah and I got married we became a complete family unit. Contrary to what a lot of people believe, our children didn't complete us or our family...they are an added blessing and addition to our family. Because of this mindset we try (as much as time and budget allow!) to go on frequent date nights. Getting away, just the two of us, is really important for reminding me that I am wife first, mommy second. We also try to limit the amount of time we can talk about the kids or church while on the date...and just reconnect.
B) Mom's Night Off
Every Monday night (that we are in town or don't have company or another unbreakable obligation) is my night off. When Jeremiah gets home from work, I am officially "off duty". I am free to do whatever I want or need to get done. I have spent my nights off painting, shopping, sitting in a coffee shop reading a book, re-upholstering our dining room chairs, uploading pictures, having dinner/dessert with a girlfriend, cleaning out a closet(yes, really), running errands without the kids in tow, etc. It is my time to remember what I love to do, to keep "in tune" whatever talents or interests the Lord has given me. I don't view this time as time that I "deserve", and if something comes up in the schedule where it doesn't happen I don't pout =) But, I do treasure this time.
I ALWAYS come home from date nights or nights off with a renewed energy and thankfulness to see Ella and Ezra.
Here's another way I have learned to avoid burn-out:
4) Get some distance
Absence does make the heart grow fonder, and that is especially true for the parent/child relationship. I try to do this regularly in two ways:
A) Date Nights
When Jeremiah and I got married we became a complete family unit. Contrary to what a lot of people believe, our children didn't complete us or our family...they are an added blessing and addition to our family. Because of this mindset we try (as much as time and budget allow!) to go on frequent date nights. Getting away, just the two of us, is really important for reminding me that I am wife first, mommy second. We also try to limit the amount of time we can talk about the kids or church while on the date...and just reconnect.
B) Mom's Night Off
Every Monday night (that we are in town or don't have company or another unbreakable obligation) is my night off. When Jeremiah gets home from work, I am officially "off duty". I am free to do whatever I want or need to get done. I have spent my nights off painting, shopping, sitting in a coffee shop reading a book, re-upholstering our dining room chairs, uploading pictures, having dinner/dessert with a girlfriend, cleaning out a closet(yes, really), running errands without the kids in tow, etc. It is my time to remember what I love to do, to keep "in tune" whatever talents or interests the Lord has given me. I don't view this time as time that I "deserve", and if something comes up in the schedule where it doesn't happen I don't pout =) But, I do treasure this time.
I ALWAYS come home from date nights or nights off with a renewed energy and thankfulness to see Ella and Ezra.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mommy burn-out, part 3
Click here, then here, then here to get caught up if you are wondering what this is about.
Another one of my tools for avoiding mommy burn-out:
3) Perspective, Perspective, Perspective
I keep a piece of paper tucked in the back of my bible.
It has a name written on it:
Jordyn Williams
Most of you probably don't know who she is, so let me fill you in. Jordyn was a little girl that went to Grey Stone...just a little bit older than my Ella. She went through a very long battle with Leukemia and finally went to be with the Lord earlier this year. Now, unfortunately, we all hear about tragic stories like Jordyn's a lot...we almost can become desensitized to it, myself included.
But not for me with Jordyn. Her family was a part of our church family. Jeremiah visited her often during his hospital rounds on his on-call weeks. I knew her.
We had just finished moving the week Jordyn died. I was trying to switch pediatricians and was very frustrated at having to deal with all the details of that stuff. I was complaining to Jeremiah about it...and then he stopped me and said in his sweet way, "at least you have the need for a pediatrician."
Yes, I was instantly humbled.
And convicted.
And I went and hugged my kids and cried.
I heard that after Jordyn had passed away her parents Danny and Amy requested to be able to give her a bath. Sometimes when I am bathing Ella and she leans back in the water to let me wash her hair, she closes her eyes, and as I look at her precious little face I picture in my mind what it must have been like for Danny and Amy to say goodbye to their little girl...
And at that moment I am so thankful, more thankful than ever that my Ella and Ezra are with me. I know my children are not really mine, but the Lords. I know that I am not guaranteed a future with them. I am not even guaranteed tomorrow with them. So who really cares that Ezra destroyed one of my houseplants, woke me up 2 times last night, and knocked over the container of birdseed all over the downstairs floor. Who cares that Ella had a meltdown at the grocery store, didn't quite make it to the potty, or had to be "reminded" 20 times not to push her brother.
Do what you have to do to remind yourself to keep things in perspective. For me it's keeping Jordyn's name in my Bible to be reminded that my time is precious with my children.
Another one of my tools for avoiding mommy burn-out:
3) Perspective, Perspective, Perspective
I keep a piece of paper tucked in the back of my bible.
It has a name written on it:
Jordyn Williams
Most of you probably don't know who she is, so let me fill you in. Jordyn was a little girl that went to Grey Stone...just a little bit older than my Ella. She went through a very long battle with Leukemia and finally went to be with the Lord earlier this year. Now, unfortunately, we all hear about tragic stories like Jordyn's a lot...we almost can become desensitized to it, myself included.
But not for me with Jordyn. Her family was a part of our church family. Jeremiah visited her often during his hospital rounds on his on-call weeks. I knew her.
We had just finished moving the week Jordyn died. I was trying to switch pediatricians and was very frustrated at having to deal with all the details of that stuff. I was complaining to Jeremiah about it...and then he stopped me and said in his sweet way, "at least you have the need for a pediatrician."
Yes, I was instantly humbled.
And convicted.
And I went and hugged my kids and cried.
I heard that after Jordyn had passed away her parents Danny and Amy requested to be able to give her a bath. Sometimes when I am bathing Ella and she leans back in the water to let me wash her hair, she closes her eyes, and as I look at her precious little face I picture in my mind what it must have been like for Danny and Amy to say goodbye to their little girl...
And at that moment I am so thankful, more thankful than ever that my Ella and Ezra are with me. I know my children are not really mine, but the Lords. I know that I am not guaranteed a future with them. I am not even guaranteed tomorrow with them. So who really cares that Ezra destroyed one of my houseplants, woke me up 2 times last night, and knocked over the container of birdseed all over the downstairs floor. Who cares that Ella had a meltdown at the grocery store, didn't quite make it to the potty, or had to be "reminded" 20 times not to push her brother.
Do what you have to do to remind yourself to keep things in perspective. For me it's keeping Jordyn's name in my Bible to be reminded that my time is precious with my children.
Mommy burn-out, part 2
Click here for the introduction and here for part 1 if you missed them.
One more of my top ways to avoid mommy burn-out:
2) Memorize Psalm 127
vs 3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in ones youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
If I can wrap my head around the pesrspective God has towards children...they are always mentioned as a REWARD or BLESSING in scripture...then my entire attitude towards my children changes. I try to not only tell myself this, but to tell them.
"Ella, you are a blessing to Mommy and Daddy".
Ok, here is my soapbox moment for the day: I hate hearing parents talk about how excited they are that school is starting up again IN FRONT of their kids. Now, I know you need breaks as a parent(thats a clue for a tool coming later), but what kind of message does that send to your child?
Stepping off the soapbox =)
Nothing has changed my walk with the Lord or transformed my life more than memorizing scripture and meditating on it. I can't tell you how many times I have felt drained from a long day with Ella and Ezra and the Holy Spirit has brought this scripture to my mind...and my outlook towards them is refreshed.
One more of my top ways to avoid mommy burn-out:
2) Memorize Psalm 127
vs 3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in ones youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
If I can wrap my head around the pesrspective God has towards children...they are always mentioned as a REWARD or BLESSING in scripture...then my entire attitude towards my children changes. I try to not only tell myself this, but to tell them.
"Ella, you are a blessing to Mommy and Daddy".
Ok, here is my soapbox moment for the day: I hate hearing parents talk about how excited they are that school is starting up again IN FRONT of their kids. Now, I know you need breaks as a parent(thats a clue for a tool coming later), but what kind of message does that send to your child?
Stepping off the soapbox =)
Nothing has changed my walk with the Lord or transformed my life more than memorizing scripture and meditating on it. I can't tell you how many times I have felt drained from a long day with Ella and Ezra and the Holy Spirit has brought this scripture to my mind...and my outlook towards them is refreshed.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mommy burn-out, part 1
If you haven't already read it, check out the below post for the whole story.
One of my top ways to avoid Mommy burn-out:
1) Keep to a schedule
I like routine.
Yes, I know, big shocker =)
However, I don't like following a routine just for my own OCD tendencies. I believe (for numerous reasons that I won't take the time to spell out right now) that children function best when they have a stable routine. Now, this doesn't mean that we have no room for flexibility or creativity or spur of the moment changes...it just means that we follow roughly the same daily routine on normal days.
You are wondering...How does this help with mommy burn out?
Well, by sticking to a routine, I know when my kids will be napping and when they will be going to bed and waking up in the morning. There is no "option" for naps or bedtimes, and they know this and don't fight it. Therefore, I have regular times in my day where I can get things done. Whether that be pay bills, clean, laundry, or do my nails =) Getting some of the more mundane tasks taken care of allows me the freedom to just enjoy Ella and Ezra when they are awake and with me.
One of my top ways to avoid Mommy burn-out:
1) Keep to a schedule
I like routine.
Yes, I know, big shocker =)
However, I don't like following a routine just for my own OCD tendencies. I believe (for numerous reasons that I won't take the time to spell out right now) that children function best when they have a stable routine. Now, this doesn't mean that we have no room for flexibility or creativity or spur of the moment changes...it just means that we follow roughly the same daily routine on normal days.
You are wondering...How does this help with mommy burn out?
Well, by sticking to a routine, I know when my kids will be napping and when they will be going to bed and waking up in the morning. There is no "option" for naps or bedtimes, and they know this and don't fight it. Therefore, I have regular times in my day where I can get things done. Whether that be pay bills, clean, laundry, or do my nails =) Getting some of the more mundane tasks taken care of allows me the freedom to just enjoy Ella and Ezra when they are awake and with me.
Mommy burn-out, introduction
I've been thinking a lot about being a mom lately. What an incredible privilege.
But, what an overwhelming responsibility at the same time. In one of my very first posts on this blog I wrote about some of my feelings of being a parent:
What is it about being a parent?
Your capacity for grief and pain expands at the same rate as your capacity for joy.
It is agony.
It is bliss.
I am VERY blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's. However, being the main caregiver for your children can be (as stated above) overwhelming at times. When 2 year old tantrums meet with a teething 10 month old...whew, watch out =) I have been reflecting on ways or tools that I have learned in my journey as a parent that have helped me to ENJOY my children during EVERY stage.
Now it wouldn't be any fun to throw them all out at once =)
So, I'll be sharing a few at at time this week.
But, what an overwhelming responsibility at the same time. In one of my very first posts on this blog I wrote about some of my feelings of being a parent:
What is it about being a parent?
Your capacity for grief and pain expands at the same rate as your capacity for joy.
It is agony.
It is bliss.
I am VERY blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's. However, being the main caregiver for your children can be (as stated above) overwhelming at times. When 2 year old tantrums meet with a teething 10 month old...whew, watch out =) I have been reflecting on ways or tools that I have learned in my journey as a parent that have helped me to ENJOY my children during EVERY stage.
Now it wouldn't be any fun to throw them all out at once =)
So, I'll be sharing a few at at time this week.
Memory Monday
Luke 10:41-42
"Martha, Martha", the Lord answered,
"you are worried and upset about many things,
but only ONE THING is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better and it will
NOT BE TAKEN FROM HER."
"Martha, Martha", the Lord answered,
"you are worried and upset about many things,
but only ONE THING is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better and it will
NOT BE TAKEN FROM HER."
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What we've been up to...
Fishing in the dark with the clan...
Ella's first tea-party...it should have been called her first sugar-party =)
Jonas and Ezra getting in some bonding time
Ezra is trying SO HARD to walk!
Painting...and Ezra eating the paintbrush
Playing in the river at our church picnic
Our big girl sliding at the church picnic
More fishing...this time with daddy!
Doing "hair-cuts"
Ella's first tea-party...it should have been called her first sugar-party =)
Jonas and Ezra getting in some bonding time
Ezra is trying SO HARD to walk!
Painting...and Ezra eating the paintbrush
Playing in the river at our church picnic
Our big girl sliding at the church picnic
More fishing...this time with daddy!
Doing "hair-cuts"
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
catching up...
5 days after getting home from camp, I finally feel caught up on things. We have had so many great things going on...company, baby showers, etc., that there just hasn't been time for the normal daily grind stuff.
But, after dragging the kids on a bunch of errands today (why can't someone invent automatic buckling/unbuckling carseats?) I have officially washed and folded all the laundry, stocked up the pantry, fruit bowls, and fridge, paid the bills, made the post office, bank, and library runs, and the house is clean.
Ahhh...what a good feeling =)
I'm so excited because my mom is coming in tonight...along with several of my sisters and brothers. It will be our first time meeting Olivia and Jonas...and we are pumped!
But, after dragging the kids on a bunch of errands today (why can't someone invent automatic buckling/unbuckling carseats?) I have officially washed and folded all the laundry, stocked up the pantry, fruit bowls, and fridge, paid the bills, made the post office, bank, and library runs, and the house is clean.
Ahhh...what a good feeling =)
I'm so excited because my mom is coming in tonight...along with several of my sisters and brothers. It will be our first time meeting Olivia and Jonas...and we are pumped!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Be Encouraged...
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God will save you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
The Lord your God will save you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Camp: recap
Obviously, keeping up with every day didn't work out =)
I'll just fill you in on the rest of the days. Thankfully, the remainder of the week we managed to keep the rest of our leaders healthy! Melissa is feeling much better after a couple days of antibiotics and we haven't learned of anyone else catching her strep throat...PTL! Anna was discharged from the hospital Friday. They still haven't pinpointed the cause of the seizure and she is still registering some seizure activity on her brain waves. Continue to pray for her.
Our students had a blast and we are so excited to see the Lord working in their lives this week. Yes, Summer Camp is always a mountain top experience in their spiritual journey...but, Jeremiah and I both strongly believe that true life change doesn't normally happen because of one week of camp. Rather, spiritual maturity is developed over a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly walk with Christ. We love Student Life Camp because they don't emphasize just an emotional experience...but promote accountability and relationship building amongst individual student groups.
We realized how incredible our students are this week. We truly are blessed!
Man, I am happy to be home though. I think the kids are too. Ella went straight to her bed as soon as we got home and just rolled around in it =) Today has been spent catching up on everything missed this week...laundry, mowing, grocery shopping, and wrestling with the kids =)
I'll just fill you in on the rest of the days. Thankfully, the remainder of the week we managed to keep the rest of our leaders healthy! Melissa is feeling much better after a couple days of antibiotics and we haven't learned of anyone else catching her strep throat...PTL! Anna was discharged from the hospital Friday. They still haven't pinpointed the cause of the seizure and she is still registering some seizure activity on her brain waves. Continue to pray for her.
Our students had a blast and we are so excited to see the Lord working in their lives this week. Yes, Summer Camp is always a mountain top experience in their spiritual journey...but, Jeremiah and I both strongly believe that true life change doesn't normally happen because of one week of camp. Rather, spiritual maturity is developed over a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly walk with Christ. We love Student Life Camp because they don't emphasize just an emotional experience...but promote accountability and relationship building amongst individual student groups.
We realized how incredible our students are this week. We truly are blessed!
Man, I am happy to be home though. I think the kids are too. Ella went straight to her bed as soon as we got home and just rolled around in it =) Today has been spent catching up on everything missed this week...laundry, mowing, grocery shopping, and wrestling with the kids =)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Camp: day three
Well, the kids and I didn't make it to camp yesterday due to the fact that one of our other leaders came down with strep throat. The poor thing was pretty miserable and went home. Jeremiah spent much of the morning at Urgent Care with her. He didn't want to chance the kids getting it. Ella has had strep once before and it was awful...she gets the throw-up kind...ugh!
Nevertheless, we had a great day spent with Meme and Popee. We went to Smith Mountain Lake and put the boat in.
Ella and Ezra loved the water!
I have to say that the highlight of the day was when Ella caught her 1st fish...all by herself! She insisted on doing it "by myself" and held the rod, hooked the fish, and reeled it in. Here are some pictures of the catch.
This is her face after she summoned up the courage to actually touch the fish =)
Nevertheless, we had a great day spent with Meme and Popee. We went to Smith Mountain Lake and put the boat in.
Ella and Ezra loved the water!
I have to say that the highlight of the day was when Ella caught her 1st fish...all by herself! She insisted on doing it "by myself" and held the rod, hooked the fish, and reeled it in. Here are some pictures of the catch.
This is her face after she summoned up the courage to actually touch the fish =)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Camp: day two
Today was much quieter...thank you all for praying!
I'm too tired tonight to write much, but I will give a quick update on Anna. She is still in the hospital, but doing good. They first thought it was bacterial meningitis, which would have been awful as it is very contagious and I don't even want to think of what would have had to been done to the other 39 of our students and leaders exposed. They are still running tests, but she is comfortable and has family with her. Continue to pray!
I'm too tired tonight to write much, but I will give a quick update on Anna. She is still in the hospital, but doing good. They first thought it was bacterial meningitis, which would have been awful as it is very contagious and I don't even want to think of what would have had to been done to the other 39 of our students and leaders exposed. They are still running tests, but she is comfortable and has family with her. Continue to pray!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Camp: day one
To say that today was eventful would be a bit of an understatement...
We woke up to a burst pipe on our hot water heater and a flooded bedroom in the basement. Not exactly what we wanted to be doing at 7am. However,we are very thankful that we found it before we left...and didn't return home to a flooded entire basement!
Then, our portable DVD player broke. Those of you with children probably understand the gravity of this. When traveling with children, this little device is a lifesaver. Ok, maybe not a lifesaver...but a sanity saver =) Regardless, we all made it here to VA with no problems. After 8 hours to Florida a week ago, 3 hours seemed like a piece of cake today!
Then, tonight, one of our leaders had a seizure and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. She cut her head open during the seizure and had to get some stitches. They are still in the hospital as of 10pm tonight. We don't know a whole lot at this point...so please pray for Anna.
Also, since today was such an crazy day, please pray for protection for the rest of the week. Thank you!
We woke up to a burst pipe on our hot water heater and a flooded bedroom in the basement. Not exactly what we wanted to be doing at 7am. However,we are very thankful that we found it before we left...and didn't return home to a flooded entire basement!
Then, our portable DVD player broke. Those of you with children probably understand the gravity of this. When traveling with children, this little device is a lifesaver. Ok, maybe not a lifesaver...but a sanity saver =) Regardless, we all made it here to VA with no problems. After 8 hours to Florida a week ago, 3 hours seemed like a piece of cake today!
Then, tonight, one of our leaders had a seizure and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. She cut her head open during the seizure and had to get some stitches. They are still in the hospital as of 10pm tonight. We don't know a whole lot at this point...so please pray for Anna.
Also, since today was such an crazy day, please pray for protection for the rest of the week. Thank you!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
And we're off...
We head out tomorrow (yes, all 4 of us) for Student Life Camp in Lynchburg, VA. We've got 40 students and leaders going this year. I am so excited that the kids and I are able to go! Thanks to our parents-by-love, Rick and Janet, for letting me and the kids stay with them off and on (for naps and nights...and because the kids really needed a Meme and Poppee fix!).
It should be a great week!
Pray for us and all the students and leaders involved...for fun and safety, but mostly that God would move in their hearts and we'd all come back changed.
It should be a great week!
Pray for us and all the students and leaders involved...for fun and safety, but mostly that God would move in their hearts and we'd all come back changed.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Library book update
I set off for the library this afternoon after sending out one more search party for the lost "Gingerbread Man" book. I explained at the front desk my situation and then (very nicely) asked, "Is it possible that the book was somehow missed when the other books were checked in?"
She said that sometimes happens and that she would put a notice in to look for it. She also is having all the other Durham Co Libraries look for it too. She stopped the fine for me until we know more...whew!
She said that sometimes happens and that she would put a notice in to look for it. She also is having all the other Durham Co Libraries look for it too. She stopped the fine for me until we know more...whew!
Snapfish Deal
Snapfish is running a great special this week. You have until July 15th to get 50 4x4 prints for a penny each. 50 prints for 50 cents! I have taken advantage of this offer and thought some of you might want to know about it.
Use coupon code JUL4PENNY08 at checkout.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Make new friends...
I have been blessed throughout my life with good friends...
some to dream with,
some to pray with,
some to take massive amounts of silly photos with,
some to laugh with,
some to do crazy things with,
some to pour out my heart to,
some to become a laughing hyena with after 10pm,
some to be inspired by,
some to share mommy highs and lows,
some to learn from,
some to teach,
some to eat way too much chocolate with,
some to run with,
and all to LOVE.
Some friendships were built by mutual acquaintances,
some by common interests.
Some were built around my children,
my husband,
my work.
Some friendships I grew into.
Some(these are the rare ones)were built because we just clicked.
During our VBS a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of making a new friend, Heather. She is definitely a "click" friend. I am excited and very grateful for this wonderful and rare new friendship.
Ella is excited too about her new friends, Ethan and Andrew. They came over this week, along with her two other sweet kids, Taylor and Tabitha.
some to dream with,
some to pray with,
some to take massive amounts of silly photos with,
some to laugh with,
some to do crazy things with,
some to pour out my heart to,
some to become a laughing hyena with after 10pm,
some to be inspired by,
some to share mommy highs and lows,
some to learn from,
some to teach,
some to eat way too much chocolate with,
some to run with,
and all to LOVE.
Some friendships were built by mutual acquaintances,
some by common interests.
Some were built around my children,
my husband,
my work.
Some friendships I grew into.
Some(these are the rare ones)were built because we just clicked.
During our VBS a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of making a new friend, Heather. She is definitely a "click" friend. I am excited and very grateful for this wonderful and rare new friendship.
Ella is excited too about her new friends, Ethan and Andrew. They came over this week, along with her two other sweet kids, Taylor and Tabitha.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Eikon blog
Jeremiah launched a new blog for our student ministry a few weeks ago.
He has his messages on there for your listening pleasure.
You can click here to check it out.
He has his messages on there for your listening pleasure.
You can click here to check it out.
You can't catch me...I'm the gingerbread man!
We go to our local library at least once a week. It is one of the highlights of Ella's young life. Ok, I admit...it's one of the highlights of my life too...I love the library!Sometimes we make it for story hour and then we play with puzzles and pick out a new stash of books. Sometimes we miss story hour due to Ezra's morning nap and we just do our own thing. Our library has an awesome people-sized ant cave on display in the children's section this summer and both kids love to crawl in it...Ella to read, Ezra to bang on the walls and make me crawl in there after him =)
In all our visits and the hundred of books we have checked out...I have never misplaced one of them. I keep a separate basket in the living room where all the library books go. Ella knows not to mix up our books and the library ones. Well, I began getting notices for a missing "Gingerbread Man" book last week. I have scoured the entire house, car, etc. and we can't find it. I really think the library lost it because I always count the number of books we have when we get home and write that number on the calender, and then make sure we have that same number when we go to return them. I've got to find a way to convince them of this...as my fine is growing and growing every day! Yikes!
In all our visits and the hundred of books we have checked out...I have never misplaced one of them. I keep a separate basket in the living room where all the library books go. Ella knows not to mix up our books and the library ones. Well, I began getting notices for a missing "Gingerbread Man" book last week. I have scoured the entire house, car, etc. and we can't find it. I really think the library lost it because I always count the number of books we have when we get home and write that number on the calender, and then make sure we have that same number when we go to return them. I've got to find a way to convince them of this...as my fine is growing and growing every day! Yikes!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Picture overload
Riding the manatee at the Jacksonsville Zoo Splash Park
Chillin' with PawPaw at the beach. We were able to drive right on the beach...much better than trekking with all the beach gear for a mile! We set up Ezra's pac-n-play in the backseat of the van and when he got tired of the sun he just chilled =) A huge thank you to the Wilkinson's from our church for letting us use their sweet mini-van this trip! Yes, we did the whole mini-van thing =) Something I once swore I would never do!
Riding the carousel...they both loved it!
Splashing!
Daddy and Ezra at the beach
Making a stepping stone with Gramma
Our little beach bunny! I don't think she would ever get tired of it!
Best buds...Ella, Christian, and Aliya
For more pictures, click here to go to Gramma's new blog!
Chillin' with PawPaw at the beach. We were able to drive right on the beach...much better than trekking with all the beach gear for a mile! We set up Ezra's pac-n-play in the backseat of the van and when he got tired of the sun he just chilled =) A huge thank you to the Wilkinson's from our church for letting us use their sweet mini-van this trip! Yes, we did the whole mini-van thing =) Something I once swore I would never do!
Riding the carousel...they both loved it!
Splashing!
Daddy and Ezra at the beach
Making a stepping stone with Gramma
Our little beach bunny! I don't think she would ever get tired of it!
Best buds...Ella, Christian, and Aliya
For more pictures, click here to go to Gramma's new blog!
appy birtday jeremia!
Disclaimer:
Read te below post first if you aven't...or else you won't understand tis one =)
Jeremia,
Today marks te 29t year tat you've been on tis eart.
And I've ad te privledge of spending 11 birtdays wit you.
Wow, we are getting old. But you just keep getting better every year. I'm so umbled by te way you ave spent your 29 years...making tem count for te Lord.
I love you.
You are going to rock 29!
Read te below post first if you aven't...or else you won't understand tis one =)
Jeremia,
Today marks te 29t year tat you've been on tis eart.
And I've ad te privledge of spending 11 birtdays wit you.
Wow, we are getting old. But you just keep getting better every year. I'm so umbled by te way you ave spent your 29 years...making tem count for te Lord.
I love you.
You are going to rock 29!
Can you guess?
Wic letter Ezra broke and (almost)ate off my keyboard today?
I never realized ow vital tis letter was...
until it went missing.
It did sow itself later on...
in is mout!
Stinker!
Now it just sits on te counter, waiting for Jeremia to come ome and fix it =)
Tis is going to make my next post very interesting!
I never realized ow vital tis letter was...
until it went missing.
It did sow itself later on...
in is mout!
Stinker!
Now it just sits on te counter, waiting for Jeremia to come ome and fix it =)
Tis is going to make my next post very interesting!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Fourth of July!
We're having a great time here in Florida this week!
Leading up to this trip all Ella kept talking about was 3 things:
1) The beach
2) The carousel at the Zoo
3) Fireworks
Yesterday we got the beach checked off the list. I think we'll get the carousel, zoo, and fireworks all checked off today.
Fun, Fun!
I'll be posting pictures once we get home.
Leading up to this trip all Ella kept talking about was 3 things:
1) The beach
2) The carousel at the Zoo
3) Fireworks
Yesterday we got the beach checked off the list. I think we'll get the carousel, zoo, and fireworks all checked off today.
Fun, Fun!
I'll be posting pictures once we get home.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Packing for vacation...and feeling blah
We are heading out 1st thing tomorrow morning for the great state of Florida for some family togetherness with Jeremiah's family (AKA: Gramma and PawPaw, Aunt Addie and kids). Unfortunately, I woke up with some sort of bug yesterday morning that I just can't seem to shake. If you know me, I usually become somewhat crazy just before leaving for a trip:
Did I make the list of things to pack?
Did I pack everything on the list?
Did I feed the birds and cats extra?
Did I water the outdoor plants?
Did I water the indoor plants?
Did I pay the bills?
Did I clean out the fridge?
Did I empty the trash? (Nothing worse than coming home to a stinky house!)
And so on and so forth...
However, this little bug has zapped my energy. We just might leave tomorrow without having done everything on my list.
Scandalous, I know!
PawPaw and Granny...get ready for us!
Did I make the list of things to pack?
Did I pack everything on the list?
Did I feed the birds and cats extra?
Did I water the outdoor plants?
Did I water the indoor plants?
Did I pay the bills?
Did I clean out the fridge?
Did I empty the trash? (Nothing worse than coming home to a stinky house!)
And so on and so forth...
However, this little bug has zapped my energy. We just might leave tomorrow without having done everything on my list.
Scandalous, I know!
PawPaw and Granny...get ready for us!