Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Curly Cue
It's crazy to see the changes in our little fellows around here. Our strong-willed, sweet, courageous, scared-of-ants, three year old has become more similar in his looks to his daddy.
It's no secret to those who know us that these boys are chips off the old block.
Daddy's little clones show different likenesses to their daddy, and Landon has his golden locks.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Lot of Lovin'
It's hard to believe that these babies of mine are getting so big and are getting to be such little men. I'm amazed at who they are as little people, how they contribute to the family, their friends, and one another. They are such a blessing. Despite the chaos, the craziness, the mess, and the refereeing, I am a proud mom of three beautiful blessings and I wouldn't change anything about my life with them. Each of our boys is intricate and special with personalities that sparkle. They amaze me.
Sir Gentle Spirit
He is the leader of the trio by far. With a gentle spirit and a sweet disposition, he helps his brothers to understand and learn, often correcting and making right what may be wrong. He is the pleaser of the boys, always wanting to make right his wrongs. Sensitive and loving. A once "hyper" boy has settled into a quieter, calmer state of being, but is not ready to give up his mischievous ways. Still testing the limits, but careful while doing so. Thrives on love, respect,
and attention from Mom and Dad. A true lover.
Favorites: Anything outside. Singing and dancing. Playing with his brothers, Coloring and drawing, special time with mom or dad, and French Toast.
Not-so-Favorites: Sweets (especially frosting), napping, and getting cold.
The Big-Hearted Tester
Maybe I should call this brother Most Improved. He's our tester. Always checking out what and Cans and Cannots are for virtually every situation, and when he comes across a "cannot", he's got to see what the consequence might be. We often times forget that Mr. Big Heart is technically a toddler still, but with his quick wit, exponential vocabulary, and mature ways, we often have to remind ourselves he's still just a baby. He's quickly learned what it is to be a big brother, but with brute force. He forgets his strength and is often found to be hugging and kissing the little ones a little too roughly. We keep a close eye on him. He has the heart of an angel. Always affectionate and great manners. He loves to pray to Jesus and thank Him for all of his friends and family (he'll go on for hours if you let him), and enjoys to sing praise and worship songs. He's got a personality that shines and often makes us laugh and shake our heads at the same time.
Favorites: Eats anything and everything, LOVES sweets, enjoys time with his brothers, loves cuddles with Mom and Dad
Not-so Favorites: Depends on the day and time. He's a toddler, remember!?
The Angel
For sure the most loved by his brothers. A true angel. His smiles light up a room. He sleeps through the night next to mom and dad, a great cuddler. He loves to giggle and squeal! Most recently he babbles and laughs loud for all to hear and giggle as well. He enjoys his brothers' crazy antics and often roots them on, even if the actions aren't "good choices", to his brothers' delight. He plays on his own. Loves to see new things, and can't get enough of new foods, toys, and anything else he can get his gums on.
Favorites: Pears, Applesauce, Blocks, and cuddling
Not-so Favorites: Being left alone, loud noises (brothers), and being in his carseat
We've got a lot to be thankful for and lots of loving to give!We are blessed.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward Psalm127:3
He is the leader of the trio by far. With a gentle spirit and a sweet disposition, he helps his brothers to understand and learn, often correcting and making right what may be wrong. He is the pleaser of the boys, always wanting to make right his wrongs. Sensitive and loving. A once "hyper" boy has settled into a quieter, calmer state of being, but is not ready to give up his mischievous ways. Still testing the limits, but careful while doing so. Thrives on love, respect,
and attention from Mom and Dad. A true lover.
Favorites: Anything outside. Singing and dancing. Playing with his brothers, Coloring and drawing, special time with mom or dad, and French Toast.
Not-so-Favorites: Sweets (especially frosting), napping, and getting cold.
Maybe I should call this brother Most Improved. He's our tester. Always checking out what and Cans and Cannots are for virtually every situation, and when he comes across a "cannot", he's got to see what the consequence might be. We often times forget that Mr. Big Heart is technically a toddler still, but with his quick wit, exponential vocabulary, and mature ways, we often have to remind ourselves he's still just a baby. He's quickly learned what it is to be a big brother, but with brute force. He forgets his strength and is often found to be hugging and kissing the little ones a little too roughly. We keep a close eye on him. He has the heart of an angel. Always affectionate and great manners. He loves to pray to Jesus and thank Him for all of his friends and family (he'll go on for hours if you let him), and enjoys to sing praise and worship songs. He's got a personality that shines and often makes us laugh and shake our heads at the same time.
Favorites: Eats anything and everything, LOVES sweets, enjoys time with his brothers, loves cuddles with Mom and Dad
Not-so Favorites: Depends on the day and time. He's a toddler, remember!?
For sure the most loved by his brothers. A true angel. His smiles light up a room. He sleeps through the night next to mom and dad, a great cuddler. He loves to giggle and squeal! Most recently he babbles and laughs loud for all to hear and giggle as well. He enjoys his brothers' crazy antics and often roots them on, even if the actions aren't "good choices", to his brothers' delight. He plays on his own. Loves to see new things, and can't get enough of new foods, toys, and anything else he can get his gums on.
Favorites: Pears, Applesauce, Blocks, and cuddling
Not-so Favorites: Being left alone, loud noises (brothers), and being in his carseat
We've got a lot to be thankful for and lots of loving to give!We are blessed.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward Psalm127:3
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Addicted.
Addiction to one thing or another rules so many lives. My life has been altered by addiction. I've come to a place as an adult where I see this, accept it, and hope for change in the person that has succumbed to it. Addiction comes in so many forms, alcohol, drugs, sex, money, gambling, food, and the list goes on. For many people in our lives, they may go through treatment, they may continue therapy and counseling for their addictions, however addiction has become a way of life for them. It's finding a healthier form of addiction that they look for, like exercise.
Then, there is an addiction to the best thing one can find. Jesus. Who wouldn't want to be addicted to him? The Way, the Truth, and the Life?
He's amazing! He changes lives, hearts, and families.
His love isn't conditional, His love is forever!
He forgives, always! He doesn't keep a record of wrong.
He knows you, from the very beginning of your being. There's no getting-to-know-you period.
He's always there. You don't have to go find Him.
He carries your burdens, your grief, and your worries. No strings attached!
He's changing lives everyday, and He is the healthiest addiction known to man. I'm praying for those in my life to see what He can do, so they too make a change. If addicts need an addiction, this is the best choice!
~Amber
Then, there is an addiction to the best thing one can find. Jesus. Who wouldn't want to be addicted to him? The Way, the Truth, and the Life?
He's amazing! He changes lives, hearts, and families.
His love isn't conditional, His love is forever!
He forgives, always! He doesn't keep a record of wrong.
He knows you, from the very beginning of your being. There's no getting-to-know-you period.
He's always there. You don't have to go find Him.
He carries your burdens, your grief, and your worries. No strings attached!
He's changing lives everyday, and He is the healthiest addiction known to man. I'm praying for those in my life to see what He can do, so they too make a change. If addicts need an addiction, this is the best choice!
~Amber
Saturday, January 22, 2011
On Pins and Needles: Liam
Over the course of the last month many things have consumed me. A close friend of mine said it best, "You allow yourself to carry the burdens of others on your heart." That is so true. I know it can be both a positive and a negative aspect about myself, but I think that it is just who I am. I'm constantly on pins and needles for others, and sometimes myself.
Recently our oldest boy had us a little in a tizzy. Over the last month, through the holiday season he became more and more withdrawn. He slept more, was more clingy,ate less, and played with his classmates and brothers less. It just wasn't him. He is one of the most energetic, excitable children I know. And the fact that he just let the world pass by him wasn't normal for him.
I began making excuses.
He's sad about his friend being sick.
He's tired from the holidays.
He's fighting a cold or other illness.
He's growing.
Just the other day my husband said to me, "Honey, have you noticed how lethargic he's been?" And that was all it took for me to be on pins and needles. I called the doctor the next morning and we took him in for a more thorough exam.
Upon arrival, the doctor went through a checklist that listed all of his symptoms. It was incredible how many he had that were listed. As she proceeded you could see that she too, was concerned and the ideas swimming in her mind I was not sure that I wanted to know. Next we had the nurses take three pin-poked vials of blood for initial blood screenings. My little guy was so brave, not a trickle came from his eye. These tests were testing for mono, blood diseases,and leukemia. Leukemia!? The doctor came in with a look of relief on her face and shared that the last test was indeed negative. Praise God. She shared with me that she was most concerned about the possibility of this being a different outcome. But all tests were negative. She was still believing that something was "up" with our preschooler. We were sent to the hospital for yet more blood to be drawn and more tests.
Needless to say, the size of the needle that was used for the blood drawn from LJ's arm was a little alarming for the little man. He was scared out of his mind and sobbed while the great nurses at Maple Grove hospital did their work with him. They were consoling, considerate, and careful. This blood is to be testing kidney and liver functions, thyroid disease, mono, Lyme's disease, and other "blood panels".
Following the procedure, I took him out to get some goodies and some not-so-healthy food to smooth over the bumpy morning we had. It was hard for the little guy, and the mommy in me needed to give him more than just a hug for his bravery. We got some goodies from the "Dollar Spot", ate some pizza from Pizza Hut, and drank a mighty Slurpy. It was just the medicine he needed.
Still holding his arm, we ventured out to home in the cold. I watched his eyes become heavy, and slowly he drifted off.
So far the tests he was given have all came back negative, thankfully. LJ is starting to perk up and his appetite is off and on. He's playing with friends more and more each day. For that we are thankful. We'll wait for the remainder of tests to come back, but for the most part, we're content that we're seeing improvements and are no longer on pins and needles.
We're most thankful for his wellness and thankful for the prayers and thoughts of those who sent them.
Recently our oldest boy had us a little in a tizzy. Over the last month, through the holiday season he became more and more withdrawn. He slept more, was more clingy,ate less, and played with his classmates and brothers less. It just wasn't him. He is one of the most energetic, excitable children I know. And the fact that he just let the world pass by him wasn't normal for him.
I began making excuses.
He's sad about his friend being sick.
He's tired from the holidays.
He's fighting a cold or other illness.
He's growing.
Just the other day my husband said to me, "Honey, have you noticed how lethargic he's been?" And that was all it took for me to be on pins and needles. I called the doctor the next morning and we took him in for a more thorough exam.
Upon arrival, the doctor went through a checklist that listed all of his symptoms. It was incredible how many he had that were listed. As she proceeded you could see that she too, was concerned and the ideas swimming in her mind I was not sure that I wanted to know. Next we had the nurses take three pin-poked vials of blood for initial blood screenings. My little guy was so brave, not a trickle came from his eye. These tests were testing for mono, blood diseases,and leukemia. Leukemia!? The doctor came in with a look of relief on her face and shared that the last test was indeed negative. Praise God. She shared with me that she was most concerned about the possibility of this being a different outcome. But all tests were negative. She was still believing that something was "up" with our preschooler. We were sent to the hospital for yet more blood to be drawn and more tests.
Needless to say, the size of the needle that was used for the blood drawn from LJ's arm was a little alarming for the little man. He was scared out of his mind and sobbed while the great nurses at Maple Grove hospital did their work with him. They were consoling, considerate, and careful. This blood is to be testing kidney and liver functions, thyroid disease, mono, Lyme's disease, and other "blood panels".
Following the procedure, I took him out to get some goodies and some not-so-healthy food to smooth over the bumpy morning we had. It was hard for the little guy, and the mommy in me needed to give him more than just a hug for his bravery. We got some goodies from the "Dollar Spot", ate some pizza from Pizza Hut, and drank a mighty Slurpy. It was just the medicine he needed.
Still holding his arm, we ventured out to home in the cold. I watched his eyes become heavy, and slowly he drifted off.
So far the tests he was given have all came back negative, thankfully. LJ is starting to perk up and his appetite is off and on. He's playing with friends more and more each day. For that we are thankful. We'll wait for the remainder of tests to come back, but for the most part, we're content that we're seeing improvements and are no longer on pins and needles.
We're most thankful for his wellness and thankful for the prayers and thoughts of those who sent them.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Holiday Showcase Party
- NEW Small Frys from Build-a-Bear Workshop
- Sneaky 3D Puzzles from Patch Products
- Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory
- Play-Doh Shape and Spin Elmo
- Playmobil Child's First Day of School kit
- Smart Mom Solutions
Right after dinner, the "big" kids worked together to put together the Sneaky 3D Puzzles from Patch Products. It was a lot of fun and they were anxious to put it together and took turns using the 3D glasses to see the finished product. The bright colors and sea scape was a blast for the kids to put together. They were able to put it together quickly and easily and were so proud to show it off when they completed it!The biggest hit of the evening came not only from the delicious Christmas Cakes from Little Debbie, but from playing with the Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory and the Play-Doh Shape and Spin Elmo. The children were so enthralled by the way the Mega Fun Factory is battery operated and has an assembly line that moves the playdoh through the "factory". Elmo taught the preschoolers about shapes and colors. This was a hit and I put this on my list to purchase for other little ones in our lives. Here is a video of the kids playing with the Play-Doh items, making some interesting creations (video wouldn't load...will try later)
Eldest N. loved the Playmobil Child's First Day of School kit. He's an avid Playmobil kid and was really excited to see this kit, one he hasn't seen before, and one he definitely wanted to add to his collection! I was so taken with the Playmobil, that my boys will be receiving some from Santa this year!The evening was a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the holiday excitement. Thanks to MomSelect and all the participating companies for such a cool way to turn a family night into so much more!
This review was provided from Build-A-Bear, Little Debbie, Patch Products, Play-Doh, and Playmobil as a part of the MomSelect program. I was given the opportunity to review the product for my personal opinion and share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
More Thankful
It seems each year as the holidays surround us, I'm always more thankful. More thankful for the obvious things and more thankful for the intricacies of life in general.
This year I feel more thankful than ever. I feel this is the first time in my life that I gave everything I had over to Him and away he went with my life. So many doors opened, so many new friends, new opportunities, and new ways of living. Amazing. That's the only word to describe what has been done in my life this year.
The things I am most thankful for are too many, but our little guy is the biggest blessing in our life this year. Almost exactly a year ago, I became pregnant with him and twenty weeks into our pregnancy we didn't know what God's plan was to be for him or for us. The ultrasound was missing some vital parts and the prognosis of our Little One wasn't one that we or any other expectant family wished for. We wept, we were scared, and we prayed. We summoned the prayers and hope of others that the follow-up testing would show that the first sonogram was wrong and our baby would be just fine. We prayed, begged, and pleaded. A week later with butterflies in my stomach, I laid on that bed in the ultrasound room and the second ( I'm not exaggerating) that the technician peeked in on our little guy, the vital parts that were once missing were right there. We were elated, excited, but most importantly thanking God for this blessing. Some of the people we shared our worries with said the technician probably just missed it, and maybe they did. I, however, believe it was His handiwork.
This year I feel more thankful than ever. I feel this is the first time in my life that I gave everything I had over to Him and away he went with my life. So many doors opened, so many new friends, new opportunities, and new ways of living. Amazing. That's the only word to describe what has been done in my life this year.
My top ten things I am most thankful for this year are (in no particular order):
- My baby Lachlan
- My busy boys
- Another fabulous year with my husband
- My family
- My friends, old and new
- A job that has brought me closer to the Lord
- Dave Ramsey! :)
- A piece of my personal life puzzle that was once missing
- Health
- 13 wonderful weeks with my boys and just being "Mommy"
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Consistency.
Ever since my beautiful new spice joined us in September, I've been a stay-at-home mom of 3 boys. It's been pretty fabulous, very busy, and a tad crazy. Along with all of the fun field trips to the zoo, the Mall of America, daddy's work and all the delicious treats we seem to whip up almost daily, comes the tantrums, the talking back, and thus, the discipline. I loathe discipline. It was my downfall as an educator, and is my downfall as a parent. Certainly I do discipline, and I always look for new ways to be effective in it, but those ways wear off.
My older boys have taken their turns (thank goodness) in going through their behavioral transitions in adding a new member to our family. The oldest, was and has been the most difficult. I felt and continue to feel that I am always "on" him about one thing or another. It's probably been the most difficult with him because he's always been so easy, never one to tantrum, never a negative word. It hurt to raise my voice at him or to discipline him with anything more than redirection. So, I devised a plan that utilized my learning.
I bought a 24 piece puzzle of one of his favorite characters from the movie Cars. With each GOOD choice he made, he earned a piece of the puzzle. The number of pieces he could earn in a day were endless and it reinforced the POSITIVE behaviors rather than taking away due to the NEGATIVE. He could never lose a piece of the puzzle, as we were focusing on the positive. In the end when he earned all the pieces HE chose the reward, which the first time was a trip with Grandpa to Cabela's. He was thrilled to choose his reward and proudly proclaimed, "I chose it". It was great to see such a triumphant smile on his face!
It was a great choice! It worked! And it worked WELL! He was so driven to earn the puzzle pieces and the negative behaviors quickly dwindled to few or none in a day. Which in turn made my consistency dwindle as well. As soon as the behaviors were gone, I forgot to keep going, keep reinforcing the great behavior I was seeing. And although the old behaviors are quickly making a reappearance, I have realized he needs that positive reinforcement and I need to continue working on being CONSISTENT. Following the plan for a length of time longer than only 2 puzzles.
So, I'm back at it! Giving away puzzle pieces, rewarding the positive behaviors I see.
And of course, working on my consistency.
My older boys have taken their turns (thank goodness) in going through their behavioral transitions in adding a new member to our family. The oldest, was and has been the most difficult. I felt and continue to feel that I am always "on" him about one thing or another. It's probably been the most difficult with him because he's always been so easy, never one to tantrum, never a negative word. It hurt to raise my voice at him or to discipline him with anything more than redirection. So, I devised a plan that utilized my learning.
I bought a 24 piece puzzle of one of his favorite characters from the movie Cars. With each GOOD choice he made, he earned a piece of the puzzle. The number of pieces he could earn in a day were endless and it reinforced the POSITIVE behaviors rather than taking away due to the NEGATIVE. He could never lose a piece of the puzzle, as we were focusing on the positive. In the end when he earned all the pieces HE chose the reward, which the first time was a trip with Grandpa to Cabela's. He was thrilled to choose his reward and proudly proclaimed, "I chose it". It was great to see such a triumphant smile on his face!
It was a great choice! It worked! And it worked WELL! He was so driven to earn the puzzle pieces and the negative behaviors quickly dwindled to few or none in a day. Which in turn made my consistency dwindle as well. As soon as the behaviors were gone, I forgot to keep going, keep reinforcing the great behavior I was seeing. And although the old behaviors are quickly making a reappearance, I have realized he needs that positive reinforcement and I need to continue working on being CONSISTENT. Following the plan for a length of time longer than only 2 puzzles. So, I'm back at it! Giving away puzzle pieces, rewarding the positive behaviors I see.
And of course, working on my consistency.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Welcome to God's Family
Yesterday we welcomed our littlest (BIG) blessing into God's family and promised to raise him
in The Word.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Pumpkins Galore
Today I took the boys on an adventure
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| Introduced the babe to the fall elements--can you say WINDY!? |
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| All by myself...just me and MY three little pumpkins... |
 | ||||
| It was an adventure...but a fun one at that! |
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Bless them.
This month, like every month has many meanings. The most popular being Halloween, but this month is also SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month. I wasn't real aware of SIDS until my first son was born in 2006.
The week after Liam was born, my husband's cousin lost her first son to SIDS on his first day of daycare. As a new mother, this event in our family left a mark on my mothering. I became fearful of this happening to my child and followed the Safe Sleep Checklist and read the statistics on SIDS. I gave him a pacifier, he slept in a separate bed, but close for me to monitor him, always slept on his back, and I removed toys, blankets, and the bumper from his crib and cradle. I was just as precautious then as I am now with Landon and now Lachlan.
When Lachlan was born, the hospital he was born at issued Halo sleepsack to the newborns to wear in the hospital. Halo currently works with over 400 hospitals as part of their Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. They were a beautiful white with the hospital's signature on the front and the words, "Back to Sleep" which is Halo's campaign to place babies on their back to sleep which has proven to cut the risk of SIDS substantially. It's a wearable blanket that you never have to worry about riding up over the baby's face. When we left the hospital, the hospital gifted us with a baby blue version of this fleece sleepsacks which we added to our collection of cotton sleepsacks which are perfect for warm weather.
Halo SleepSacks can be found at Target and other retailers. I highly recommend them. Lachlan is quickly outgrowing his sleepsack (he's already a whopping 23 inches long!) and thus, we will be making a future purchase of a larger sleepsack.
I feel better placing our littlest love down to rest in his Halo SleepSack. Bless this company for educating others on the safest way for babies to sleep and to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The week after Liam was born, my husband's cousin lost her first son to SIDS on his first day of daycare. As a new mother, this event in our family left a mark on my mothering. I became fearful of this happening to my child and followed the Safe Sleep Checklist and read the statistics on SIDS. I gave him a pacifier, he slept in a separate bed, but close for me to monitor him, always slept on his back, and I removed toys, blankets, and the bumper from his crib and cradle. I was just as precautious then as I am now with Landon and now Lachlan.
When Lachlan was born, the hospital he was born at issued Halo sleepsack to the newborns to wear in the hospital. Halo currently works with over 400 hospitals as part of their Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. They were a beautiful white with the hospital's signature on the front and the words, "Back to Sleep" which is Halo's campaign to place babies on their back to sleep which has proven to cut the risk of SIDS substantially. It's a wearable blanket that you never have to worry about riding up over the baby's face. When we left the hospital, the hospital gifted us with a baby blue version of this fleece sleepsacks which we added to our collection of cotton sleepsacks which are perfect for warm weather.
Halo SleepSacks can be found at Target and other retailers. I highly recommend them. Lachlan is quickly outgrowing his sleepsack (he's already a whopping 23 inches long!) and thus, we will be making a future purchase of a larger sleepsack.
I feel better placing our littlest love down to rest in his Halo SleepSack. Bless this company for educating others on the safest way for babies to sleep and to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Dave.
Last winter my husband and I met this man named Dave. Dave was eccentric, a little arrogant, but lived for the Lord. He was vivacious, humorous, and sometimes, a little rude. But rude, in a good way.
You see, Dave has changed our life. He's given us some tools to live the way we ought to live and since we've met him, WE are better. What has he urged us to do? Well, we've set goals, made changes, and we're working as a team to eradicate some evil in our life. Evil we call debt. We're working to better our lives, the lives of our children, and eventually give more to those in need. I can't wait! I can't wait to give "away" what has been given to us, to better the lives of others. It's fabulous. Yes, we tithe, yes, we sponsor, and yes, we help. But this new sense of GIVING is even beyond that.
I can't wait. Dave has taught us to go beyond ourselves. We are living like no one else so later, we can live like no one else. In a DEBT FREE way!
Do you do Dave? You can meet him here!
You see, Dave has changed our life. He's given us some tools to live the way we ought to live and since we've met him, WE are better. What has he urged us to do? Well, we've set goals, made changes, and we're working as a team to eradicate some evil in our life. Evil we call debt. We're working to better our lives, the lives of our children, and eventually give more to those in need. I can't wait! I can't wait to give "away" what has been given to us, to better the lives of others. It's fabulous. Yes, we tithe, yes, we sponsor, and yes, we help. But this new sense of GIVING is even beyond that.
I can't wait. Dave has taught us to go beyond ourselves. We are living like no one else so later, we can live like no one else. In a DEBT FREE way!
Do you do Dave? You can meet him here!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Fresh.
One of the best things in life are friends. Old friends. New friends. In-between friends (kidding). I have always enjoyed making new friends, watching my kids make friends, and having friends make friends. One of the most frustrating point in life as an adult, and as a kid, is the obvious "already determined" circles of friends of which you or someone else may never become a part of. It's defeating. I strive to be open to friendships, old and new. I certainly have been the "victim" of the predetermined circles of friendship, especially the circle of couples.
A few years back I attended a MOPS meeting (Mothers of Preschoolers) where the speaker centered her discussion on quality friendships that help you be who you want to be. There is the inner core friendships and relationships that are important to who you are as a person like Jesus, your family, your husband, your best friend. Then the outer cores circles are those who support you and progressively become more less involved in who you are, but nonetheless help you form your being. Get it?
I've had friendships and relationships that I've decidedly let dwindle to a further out circle from the core. I could see that I was not becoming a better person with them in my life. They are still important to me, I still care about them, but I needed to distance myself. I want to fill my core and the circle supporting it with those that make their faith and family most important. In addition to that, honor, morale, humility, honesty and a host of other values are of increasing importance to who I am, and who I want to share my life with. This doesn't make me better than others, above them, but wanting the support for myself to continue to better who I am.
I'm making a fresh start in who I am. Evolving who I was into who I want to be, and choosing to encircle myself with those with the characteristics and values that are center with the way I want to live my life and how I want to raise my family.
A few years back I attended a MOPS meeting (Mothers of Preschoolers) where the speaker centered her discussion on quality friendships that help you be who you want to be. There is the inner core friendships and relationships that are important to who you are as a person like Jesus, your family, your husband, your best friend. Then the outer cores circles are those who support you and progressively become more less involved in who you are, but nonetheless help you form your being. Get it?
I've had friendships and relationships that I've decidedly let dwindle to a further out circle from the core. I could see that I was not becoming a better person with them in my life. They are still important to me, I still care about them, but I needed to distance myself. I want to fill my core and the circle supporting it with those that make their faith and family most important. In addition to that, honor, morale, humility, honesty and a host of other values are of increasing importance to who I am, and who I want to share my life with. This doesn't make me better than others, above them, but wanting the support for myself to continue to better who I am.
I'm making a fresh start in who I am. Evolving who I was into who I want to be, and choosing to encircle myself with those with the characteristics and values that are center with the way I want to live my life and how I want to raise my family.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Cough in the Night
In being a parent, we have those moments where we fear for our children. The other morning, I had one of those moments with our littlest spice
Since birth, Lachlan has been a sweet, rarely fussy baby. Just recently he's been cooing and smiling filling my heart of the joys of motherhood. My cup is teeming with love for these boys, I don't think I have ever loved or could love anyone or thing more than these boys.
Lachlan has these precious squeaks, grunts, and snorts that he shares during the day and night. When I heard more of them the other night/ early morning, I didn't think much of them. He seemed more restless, but it'd been a day or two since his last BM, so I chalked it up to bodily functions and relaxed. At his 5 am feeding, the snorts were joined with a loud, obnoxious barking cough. Croup. How could a 4 week old have croup? We'd experienced it with our oldest, numerous times. I knew to steam him or take him outside in the cold air, but I also knew that this babe shouldn't have croup just yet. I went into "mom" mode, woke up my husband and started the steam in the bathroom.
He held the baby while I called the doc. The triage nurse listened to the little guy breathe through the phone, and told me to promptly call 911. He was struggling to breathe. The paramedics arrived and tested his blood oxygen levels, which were low. He was transported via ambulance on his 1 month birthday.
Upon arrival at a great hospital in the area, Lachlan was x-rayed and given an oral steroid to open his airways, which were restricted. We stayed over night for observation and were given clearance to leave the next morning since his blood oxygen levels were great! Hooray!
Of course no life event is complete without pictures, so I had camera in tow.
Praise God for medicine, great care, and a healthy babe!
Since birth, Lachlan has been a sweet, rarely fussy baby. Just recently he's been cooing and smiling filling my heart of the joys of motherhood. My cup is teeming with love for these boys, I don't think I have ever loved or could love anyone or thing more than these boys.
Lachlan has these precious squeaks, grunts, and snorts that he shares during the day and night. When I heard more of them the other night/ early morning, I didn't think much of them. He seemed more restless, but it'd been a day or two since his last BM, so I chalked it up to bodily functions and relaxed. At his 5 am feeding, the snorts were joined with a loud, obnoxious barking cough. Croup. How could a 4 week old have croup? We'd experienced it with our oldest, numerous times. I knew to steam him or take him outside in the cold air, but I also knew that this babe shouldn't have croup just yet. I went into "mom" mode, woke up my husband and started the steam in the bathroom.
He held the baby while I called the doc. The triage nurse listened to the little guy breathe through the phone, and told me to promptly call 911. He was struggling to breathe. The paramedics arrived and tested his blood oxygen levels, which were low. He was transported via ambulance on his 1 month birthday.
Upon arrival at a great hospital in the area, Lachlan was x-rayed and given an oral steroid to open his airways, which were restricted. We stayed over night for observation and were given clearance to leave the next morning since his blood oxygen levels were great! Hooray!
Of course no life event is complete without pictures, so I had camera in tow.
Praise God for medicine, great care, and a healthy babe!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What I'm Reading
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Flowers are Blooming...
Tulips. Daffodils. Hyacinths. Baby Number 3.
It's hard to believe it, but our Baby Number 3 will be arriving in just 4 months. He sure is blooming, kicking, and dancing in my belly all day long. :) I'm loving the movement and this is definitely my most favorite part of being pregnant.
I'm not a big fan of being pregnant in the summer. I'm a very active person. I enjoy exercise, rollerblading,biking, hiking, and other fun family activities that prove difficult when growing and carrying a bundle of joy. I am in love with this babe and I absolutely am relishing in his growing spirit and learning more about him as we move into the middle weeks of this pregnancy. Pregnancy is definitely a gift.
Blooming is a way to think of this journey. What a gift it is to bloom with such a miracle and such a gift in the end.
It's hard to believe it, but our Baby Number 3 will be arriving in just 4 months. He sure is blooming, kicking, and dancing in my belly all day long. :) I'm loving the movement and this is definitely my most favorite part of being pregnant.
I'm not a big fan of being pregnant in the summer. I'm a very active person. I enjoy exercise, rollerblading,biking, hiking, and other fun family activities that prove difficult when growing and carrying a bundle of joy. I am in love with this babe and I absolutely am relishing in his growing spirit and learning more about him as we move into the middle weeks of this pregnancy. Pregnancy is definitely a gift.
Blooming is a way to think of this journey. What a gift it is to bloom with such a miracle and such a gift in the end.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
How Much IS Too Much?
As a kid, our living room was filled to the brim with presents wrapped in bright shades of red, green and Christmas themed papers, and topped with a jewel-colored bow, you know the variety, peel and stick.
My very giving mom is the same or even more giving than she was while we were growing up. She buys for myself, my brother, my sister, all of our spouses and each of the lucky grandchildren. She amazes me with her thoughtfulness and generosity. Every year my husband shakes his head (in what I would like to think is amazement) at the piles and mountains of Christmas gifts for the family. She takes such joy in shopping and purchasing just the perfect gift for each member of the family. Rarely does she ask what we want, it seems she has a notebook in her mind keeping track of things we need, have wanted, or things she thinks would be just right for us. She just knows.
I, too, have taken to the love of shopping for others, especially for our kids. I love to shop for great deals, buying them things they need, mixed in with things they don't. But since I decided to stay home for the last 18 months, finances aren't what they were and money is tight. It made us re-evaluate what is needed and gave us the desire to scale down, but not necessarily take away.
We've decided to give gifts to our Little Spices based on The Bible and The Christmas Story. We'll be giving the boys three wrapped gifts based on the Three Wise Men, and the three gifts they gave to Baby Jesus. The Three Wise Men gave Jesus gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, and we'll...well, we'll give them three gifts that are age appropriate. But, the main idea is to keep bringing the excitement back to the REAL meaning of Christmas, the REAL reason we're celebrating, and the REAL present we were given so many years ago.
~Amber
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Leaf Me Alone
I loved be Leaf-t Alone with my boys. Hubby is enjoying his time in the Northland, and we're enjoying our time together.
~Amber
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