Um, so where did the rest of 2012 go?!?!
It is pure insanity to me how time keeps flying, ticking away, or whatever cliche you want to use. This also leads me to why it has been SO LONG since my last entry. Just decided that December was too busy to even attempt to do anything so we took a hiatus.
Just so no one thinks I have been slacking around on the couch in my jammies cramming bon-bons in my mouth, I thought it might be interesting to share what a day is like for us... right now with our brood.
I'll skip the most of the tedious stuff. Let's just say that with double potty-training no one sleeps a full night anymore, least of all Mama, and everyone wakes up earlier and earlier it seems. (I really think those two are in cahoots about alternating wake/sleep cycles so that there's always someone knocking on the door, demanding attention while the other is unaware, still blissfully sleeping. [Daddy too!])
Ken has been working 12+ hours at work the last few weeks. So I have been left trying to plan things to help our days not seem so long and monotonous. Last Friday, I decided to take a spontaneous trip to the big city. We live in a smaller town that doesn't offer me one true addiction of mine: shopping at Target. So we need to travel about 45 minutes away to the closest one, which is just fine because it's 10 minutes from my parents. Score with a place to nap, eat, and just take a break for Mommy when we visit them!
After deciding this and trying to plan accordingly, the day just kept getting away from me. First I had to feed them breakfast; then get them ready; then feed them lunch; by then everyone was so grouchy, I determined we weren't going without a nap... So needless to say, we weren't on our way until around 3:30 that afternoon.
Finally, we arrived after only a few wails and protests about how much someone needed to stop and use the restroom. (For anyone who isn't aware, sweet Will-I-Am is determined that he must visit every public restroom in America. He HAS to go the minute you strap him in the carseat and he spots a gas station, restaurant, or any building with lights on.) With no stops, we made it to Target and unloaded all the creatures to venture in to use the restroom and come out and retrieve a bag stuffed with pillows that I intended to return.
Ten minutes later, we were headed back inside. I am holding a bag stuffed with 3 pillows in one hand and Will's hand in the other. Will has Ethan's hand to complete our human chain. (Ethan's the one least likely to run in a situation like that which is why he's on the end.) I suddenly hear some girls giggling behind us only to realize that it's because my sweet boy's pants are creeping toward his ankles.
(I should probably mention at this point that we were down to two pairs of un-holy jeans that satisfactorily fit them at this point. My mom had accidentally kept a few pairs when the boys went to stay with them over a weekend, and Will had managed to have an accident in the only other pair earlier in the day. So I was left with a pair that was too short and much too big around the waist for this poor dude.) Luckily he's too young to have any recollection of this or harbor any bitterness towards his mother.
Finally, we make it into the store... with everyone's pants completely on. I am simply lost in a Target-shopping-stupor. Too many pretty things to look at in such a short amount of time. (It was really 2 hours, but they loved it for the most part, too. I claim I am raising them to be good husbands who enjoy to go shopping with their future wives!)
At some point, my trance breaks enough to find that Will is not only shoeless but sockless as well. At this point, I decided to cut my losses, reassemble my child to a more presentable appearance, and hightail it out the door. I realized that shopping in that time slot for such a long period of time might not fly for these boys right now. We thankfully made it out to the car, a little more shopping, dinner for them, and to my parents without any other major mishaps.
There it is... a small peek into my adventures in parenting these active boys! Never a dull moment and always have to try to stay one step ahead of them. (At least, stay ahead enough to ensure that we have properly fitting pants and can keep our shoes and socks on in public.)
Monday, January 14, 2013
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
ThankLESSgiving
In this season of thankfulness, I was very much the opposite today. Five loads of pre-planned laundry (I say pre-planned because my children added two more loads during the day with their antics.); a washing machine that insisted on a fight about going off-balance with every load; a vacuum cleaner that sucked up a sock somewhere along the way and was making funky noises; three-year-olds with allergy issues in November (and some fierce 'tudes to go with it); all added to Daddy working 12 hours today... it was a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG day for the Stabler Krew. WOW!!!! We're earning this 4-day weekend so far.
Then perusing Facebook posts made me turn my grouchiness around. Too many people being thankful and happy no matter what their circumstances. I need to be more mindful of all that I have been given. I have the resources to have seven loads of laundry to do. I appreciate that I even have a washing machine and vacuum cleaner to act up. (As much as I would have liked to kick them today, I also realize I would have probably hurt my toe more than hurt them.) I'm always thankful for these two dudes in any mood and disposition. And in today's economy, let's face it, it's spectacular that my husband has such a well-paid position that allows me all these worldly luxuries.
It's amazing what a little passage of time... and two sleeping toddlers can do. It helps put this long day into perspective. (Even though in the moment, I was telling myself that I would "miss this stage" and "this, too, shall pass." I have to admit that I am thankful that today is over and His mercies are new each morning.)
Here's hoping I need fewer "mercies" tomorrow.
Then perusing Facebook posts made me turn my grouchiness around. Too many people being thankful and happy no matter what their circumstances. I need to be more mindful of all that I have been given. I have the resources to have seven loads of laundry to do. I appreciate that I even have a washing machine and vacuum cleaner to act up. (As much as I would have liked to kick them today, I also realize I would have probably hurt my toe more than hurt them.) I'm always thankful for these two dudes in any mood and disposition. And in today's economy, let's face it, it's spectacular that my husband has such a well-paid position that allows me all these worldly luxuries.
It's amazing what a little passage of time... and two sleeping toddlers can do. It helps put this long day into perspective. (Even though in the moment, I was telling myself that I would "miss this stage" and "this, too, shall pass." I have to admit that I am thankful that today is over and His mercies are new each morning.)
Here's hoping I need fewer "mercies" tomorrow.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Lego, My Lego
Ah, Halloween... the time of year where I am most thankful for DVR and the fact that I can fast=forward those scary commercials (aka political ads). And the scary movies and creepy show ads, too.
I'm not into the ghost and goblins scene. I never dreamed of dressing my kids up like a zombie or Dracula. We decided as parents to toe a fine line between the innocent fun of dressing-up and visiting neighbors and friends and creepy/crawly/scary.
Thankfully, we live in a small Christian college town (Same college that Ken and I attended, in fact.). Our local college and churches do alternative trick-or-treating options and activities. Lots of wholesome fun so that kids can dress up and receive candy.
So without further ado, here are my sweet boys in their costumes! :) A Pinterest idea that took more time to throw together than they actually wore them for. They were a little awkward for them to move in. They both fell a few times and were like turtles on their backs. Pure entertainment!
I'm not into the ghost and goblins scene. I never dreamed of dressing my kids up like a zombie or Dracula. We decided as parents to toe a fine line between the innocent fun of dressing-up and visiting neighbors and friends and creepy/crawly/scary.
Thankfully, we live in a small Christian college town (Same college that Ken and I attended, in fact.). Our local college and churches do alternative trick-or-treating options and activities. Lots of wholesome fun so that kids can dress up and receive candy.
So without further ado, here are my sweet boys in their costumes! :) A Pinterest idea that took more time to throw together than they actually wore them for. They were a little awkward for them to move in. They both fell a few times and were like turtles on their backs. Pure entertainment!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Getting Down on the Farm
I have friends that write beautiful blogs on a regular basis. They share funny stories, photos of their families and fun times, and are able to do it at regular intervals. I admit, I am not one of these "special" people. I realized I haven't posted photos of the boys for such a lllllllllllooooooooonnnnnnnnngggggggg time. So here a few favorites from farming with my dad the other day.
Side Note: Papa, my dad, and Grandpa, Ken's dad, are heroes to these two simply because they have equipment and lawnmowers that they let the boys ride and sit on... any 2-year-old's dream.
Side Note: Papa, my dad, and Grandpa, Ken's dad, are heroes to these two simply because they have equipment and lawnmowers that they let the boys ride and sit on... any 2-year-old's dream.
Puddle-Jumping
I'll admit it. I am like any other mother. I like to think that I am a fun mom. (Some days I will admit I might not be as fun as I am other days, but I still like to think that, overall, I am fun mom.) My boys may be too young to truly know how much fun I can be, or they might not think I'm that much fun at all, but I can still allow myself to think that I am fun!.
It's rainy and overcast today. Just a drizzling rain that makes for puddles all over. Which in turn, makes for good puddle-jumping. This is the lesson we learned today.
After meeting a friend for lunch and playing at a local fast food joint (See how much fun I am!), we were headed to the car. We navigated all the way through the parking lot without getting too wet. While I was distracted putting al the stuff that comes with eating-out with 2-year-olds, my sweet Will decided that it would be a great idea to totally jump into the puddle by the car. The first was just a little getting-his-feet-wet moment. Then he went all-in. Literally, all in. The kid got his neck wet just by all the splashing he did.
Of course, his brother was not long on following suit. It took all my self-control not to just grab them and plunk them into the car.. I had to fight back all of the natural inclinations. They'll get soaked! They'll get colds! They'll get so dirty!
But fight I did. They were soaked and so dirty (and I hope will remain cold-free). However, they were also thrilled and the whole way home talked about how they had jumped in the puddles. "That was fun! I was so silly. The water was cold."
So some days even the "fun moms", like myself, have to fight the mom in them and let their kids have a little more fun than they might have otherwise.
Lesson learned.
It's rainy and overcast today. Just a drizzling rain that makes for puddles all over. Which in turn, makes for good puddle-jumping. This is the lesson we learned today.
After meeting a friend for lunch and playing at a local fast food joint (See how much fun I am!), we were headed to the car. We navigated all the way through the parking lot without getting too wet. While I was distracted putting al the stuff that comes with eating-out with 2-year-olds, my sweet Will decided that it would be a great idea to totally jump into the puddle by the car. The first was just a little getting-his-feet-wet moment. Then he went all-in. Literally, all in. The kid got his neck wet just by all the splashing he did.
Of course, his brother was not long on following suit. It took all my self-control not to just grab them and plunk them into the car.. I had to fight back all of the natural inclinations. They'll get soaked! They'll get colds! They'll get so dirty!
But fight I did. They were soaked and so dirty (and I hope will remain cold-free). However, they were also thrilled and the whole way home talked about how they had jumped in the puddles. "That was fun! I was so silly. The water was cold."
So some days even the "fun moms", like myself, have to fight the mom in them and let their kids have a little more fun than they might have otherwise.
Lesson learned.
Friday, September 28, 2012
What's in a Name
That's right! Two posts in the same week. I'll allow you time to pick up your jaw up off the floor. I tend to forget things if I don't do/write them down immediately. So I am here writing on a Friday night. Boys asleep. Husband busy tooling around on his computer.
Like all good thoughts and theories, it came to me in the shower. Isn't that the best place for inspiration? It struck me that everybody struggles I realize that sounds so obvious and inane, but I was just thinking and praying over my recent struggles. It just struck me from out of nowhere really.
My big struggle, especially as of late, is with doubts and worries. I do my utmost to make things happen on my own sometimes without consulting a trusted friend, my husband, or even God. Sometimes, I just want to do it and not be told "No" or "Not yet." I want control. It's nearly inconceivable that someone can do it better and faster than I can, right? I know how it should be done and what the results should look like. {Entirely rhetorical.}
When I seek without counsel or prayer...
I limit my friend's advice.
I limit my husband's wisdom.
I limit my God.
Obviously, I am not stressing out over not seeking advice on what to make for dinner or what color of underwear I should wear, but for some bigger decisions, it strikes me that sometimes I just leap before I look. (Yep, given the right circumstances, I might be one to jump off a bridge just because my friends did. Okay, maybe not that much, but just jumping headfirst into a situation still can be a weakness of mine.)
All of this, lead to thinking about the faith of Ruth from the Bible, the predecessor of my own name. She had enough faith in God to leave her family, her country, and everything she ever knew. She went with Naomi to a new foreign land. They were so poor that she had to glean the leftovers from the fields, but she had a strong devotion about following Naomi. "For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:6).
Sometimes, I am much more like the Doubting Thomas instead of the Faithful Ruth. I realize it all takes time to learn and develop, but like much of the things today, I would like somethings to just instantaneously happen. I need time to grow and learn, like the song says, "He's still working on me to make me all I ought to be." (Really it goes along with the name of our blog, Of the Potter's Hands. It's about always being molded and changed by God. We are constantly learning as we live.)
I realize that my train of thought might be hard to follow, and I digress at times, so I'll sign-off. Before I do, I want to leave with one last quote of something that I love from Pinterest (which if you're not on, you need to be).... "Don't tell God you have a big problem. Tell your problem you have a BIG God."
Like all good thoughts and theories, it came to me in the shower. Isn't that the best place for inspiration? It struck me that everybody struggles I realize that sounds so obvious and inane, but I was just thinking and praying over my recent struggles. It just struck me from out of nowhere really.
My big struggle, especially as of late, is with doubts and worries. I do my utmost to make things happen on my own sometimes without consulting a trusted friend, my husband, or even God. Sometimes, I just want to do it and not be told "No" or "Not yet." I want control. It's nearly inconceivable that someone can do it better and faster than I can, right? I know how it should be done and what the results should look like. {Entirely rhetorical.}
When I seek without counsel or prayer...
I limit my friend's advice.
I limit my husband's wisdom.
I limit my God.
Obviously, I am not stressing out over not seeking advice on what to make for dinner or what color of underwear I should wear, but for some bigger decisions, it strikes me that sometimes I just leap before I look. (Yep, given the right circumstances, I might be one to jump off a bridge just because my friends did. Okay, maybe not that much, but just jumping headfirst into a situation still can be a weakness of mine.)
All of this, lead to thinking about the faith of Ruth from the Bible, the predecessor of my own name. She had enough faith in God to leave her family, her country, and everything she ever knew. She went with Naomi to a new foreign land. They were so poor that she had to glean the leftovers from the fields, but she had a strong devotion about following Naomi. "For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:6).
Sometimes, I am much more like the Doubting Thomas instead of the Faithful Ruth. I realize it all takes time to learn and develop, but like much of the things today, I would like somethings to just instantaneously happen. I need time to grow and learn, like the song says, "He's still working on me to make me all I ought to be." (Really it goes along with the name of our blog, Of the Potter's Hands. It's about always being molded and changed by God. We are constantly learning as we live.)
I realize that my train of thought might be hard to follow, and I digress at times, so I'll sign-off. Before I do, I want to leave with one last quote of something that I love from Pinterest (which if you're not on, you need to be).... "Don't tell God you have a big problem. Tell your problem you have a BIG God."
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Rolling with the Punches
Wow! To say it has been awhile would be a true understatement! Life has certainly crept in with all of it's craziness and chaos. Back with just a quick note, more for my own benefit and possibly to help my whole 1-2 followers! :)
Yesterday was just a day for the grumps. For me. For the boys. Daddy had a long, hard day working until 1/2 hour before the boys' bedtime. Even the weather felt grumpy and overcast for most of the day. I admit, I let it get the best of me. I was sad over dumb things and grouchy for even dumber reasons.
Today, God brought this verse into my devotional time. "God will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:14)
Really if you think about it, it's pretty incredible. The Creator of the entire universe is not only caring for you, he's FIGHTING for you. He wants to give you the desires of your heart and make you happy, like any parent wants for their child. It kind of goes hand-in-hand with the verse from Psalms. "Be still and know that I am God." Be still, my child. Let me work.
Life sometimes gets you down and out. And it's easy to let it, at least for me. I am keeping this verse close to my heart so on days like yesterday I can remember that He's in my corner with gloves on; ready to fight. Circumstances will still have me on the ropes sometimes, but it will not be a TKO!
Yesterday was just a day for the grumps. For me. For the boys. Daddy had a long, hard day working until 1/2 hour before the boys' bedtime. Even the weather felt grumpy and overcast for most of the day. I admit, I let it get the best of me. I was sad over dumb things and grouchy for even dumber reasons.
Today, God brought this verse into my devotional time. "God will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:14)
Really if you think about it, it's pretty incredible. The Creator of the entire universe is not only caring for you, he's FIGHTING for you. He wants to give you the desires of your heart and make you happy, like any parent wants for their child. It kind of goes hand-in-hand with the verse from Psalms. "Be still and know that I am God." Be still, my child. Let me work.
Life sometimes gets you down and out. And it's easy to let it, at least for me. I am keeping this verse close to my heart so on days like yesterday I can remember that He's in my corner with gloves on; ready to fight. Circumstances will still have me on the ropes sometimes, but it will not be a TKO!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)