Things have been crazy the past 2 weeks. I have been so sick this pregnancy that I barely make it off of the couch before I start dry heaving. I'm pretty sure I have been suffering from motion sickness, because even the sight of the movements on tv make me sick. I feel as though I have been barely making it through each day, with nothing productive to show for the day. The past couple of days have been better, though. I have found some relief, and I am very thankful. I'm sure my family is too.
Yesterday was a pretty good day. Although I did feel sick the first half of the day, felt much better in the afternoon. Sometimes, I feel as though I am constantly having to correct my children. It is like a never ending battle keeping them in line. Every so often, I get a reminder of why it is all worth it. I see growth in my child, and it makes me glad. Yesterday was one of those days. Kaylee has been having issues responding to people when they talk to her. It started off mostly with men she didn't know, but has slowly spread to everyone. If someone says bye, she ignores them. If they want a hug, she cries. I had no idea how to deal with this, because I don't know why she is like that. Most of these people she sees on a regular basis, so it isn't as though it is a stranger. She talks about these people at home all day long, but face to face, she is rude. I've tried talking it through with her, and patiently showing her that it is okay, there is nothing to be scared of, but nothing has worked. This is now a behavior we have decided to punish, because she has to learn that being rude isn't acceptable. Well, I am proud to say that I am seeing growth! Yesterday when we stopped by my Moms, she gave my sister a hug bye without having to be asked to, and she didn't even cry when my nephew came and hugged her! (I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but really, it is! lol) So when we came home, we decided to reward her good behavior. She likes to be a helper. She reminds me so much of me when I was little, she always wants to be in the middle of everything helping out. So she got to help me cook chicken spaghetti, and she got to help with dishes. She was very happy with this, and it was very neat to watch. Then when it was time for her to go to bed, we sat in her bed and sang hymns together. She didn't know most of the words, but that didn't stop her from trying to sing them. It is such a privilege to be able to teach/sing her hymns. What a beautiful gift God has entrusted us with! I love to see her singing to God, and I love seeing her grow up! What a joy being a Mom is!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Lord is dealing with me..
I can always feel God dealing with me in one way or another. I'm thankful for that. I thought I would share one way the Lord has been dealing with me lately. It all has to do with love, and the way in which I love my husband. I know that I am supposed to love EVERYBODY in this way, but God has really been working in my heart with the way I treat my husband. First, I will share the scripture that flows through my head daily.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
These are often heard versus for most of us. We hear them at weddings, read them on cards and coffee cups. I know most of these words by heart, but rarely stop and ponder on their meanings. We all get in a bad mood every now and then, and usually take it out on someone undeserving. I know I do. My husband is usually on the receiving end of these mood swings. If I am stressed out because I've had a long day with toddlers that don't listen, he is usually feeling the effects of it. I am usually good about apologizing, but that isn't enough, as God is showing me. This is what God has been showing me: when I am impatient with my husband, that is not love. It isn't from a loving place. Even if I feel like I have a right, an excuse, I don't. That isn't love, and I should love my husband. Love isn't rude, and sometimes, I am. Love isn't irritable, and I am, often. Love doesn't insist on its own way, but so many times, I do. I love my husband more than words can say, but do I show it? According to the bible, I don't.
**God, thank you for dealing with my heart, and showing me my sinfulness. Please help me love my husband in a way that brings glory to your name. Amen.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
These are often heard versus for most of us. We hear them at weddings, read them on cards and coffee cups. I know most of these words by heart, but rarely stop and ponder on their meanings. We all get in a bad mood every now and then, and usually take it out on someone undeserving. I know I do. My husband is usually on the receiving end of these mood swings. If I am stressed out because I've had a long day with toddlers that don't listen, he is usually feeling the effects of it. I am usually good about apologizing, but that isn't enough, as God is showing me. This is what God has been showing me: when I am impatient with my husband, that is not love. It isn't from a loving place. Even if I feel like I have a right, an excuse, I don't. That isn't love, and I should love my husband. Love isn't rude, and sometimes, I am. Love isn't irritable, and I am, often. Love doesn't insist on its own way, but so many times, I do. I love my husband more than words can say, but do I show it? According to the bible, I don't.
**God, thank you for dealing with my heart, and showing me my sinfulness. Please help me love my husband in a way that brings glory to your name. Amen.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Our birthday =)
Four years ago, my life changed. Really, it all started about 9 months before that lol . ;)
Four years ago, on my 21st birthday, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, and a Mother was born inside of me as well. There is such an unexplainable feeling that comes from becoming a parent for the first time. There is a new selfless love that you never knew could exist. Over the past 4 years, I have made MANY mistakes, and learned many lessons the hard way. The best advice I could give to any new parents would be to never say never. Before Kaylee I thought I had it all figured out, and knew just how I would raise my child. My child would NEVER do this, or that, or act that way in public. No, not mine. I could point out the mistakes other parents were making as though I knew what I was talking about. Boy, was I in for it. I have learned humility by eating the words I once spoke. I have sympathy for things that parents do out of ignorance that forever change their lives and the lives of their children. I have made many mistakes, but have come to realize that almost every parent I know would admit to the same thing. My daughter is a happy, healthy, smart, respectful 4 year old, and I am very proud of the daughter we have raised so far. She is such a sweet, loving person, and I pray that our relationship always stays close and loving. I pray that we raise her to know and love God, and that he would change her heart to a heart that loves and obeys him. I pray that I am a good example to her.
This year we decided to skip the big party, and let Kaylee pick something fun to do. Her first choice was flying, but the place Brian once took me to fly at no longer did it. Her next choice was jet skis, but you have to be 5 to ride the rented jet skis. So, she chose a boat. She has never been in a boat, so it was an awesome experience. It was something we could all do, including Bubba. We all enjoyed it.
Monday was her actual birthday, so we invited a few close friends and family over to celebrate with us. It was nice to have people around celebrating who are around on a regular basis, who know and love my daughter. So on the guest list were Nana (my Mom), Grandma (Brian's Mom), Papa (Brian's Dad), Chrissy and Mia, the Brents, Boyles, Lyons, Muirs, and Jessica and Audrey. I think that's it. It was a nice group to have around. These are people who I consider to be my family. They are there for us, and show a genuine love for us. And they reminded me that it was my birthday too. Everyone was so sweet to bring us cards and presents and eat with us, and just spend time with us. Each and everyone of you mean the world to us, and our lives would not be the same without you. We love you guys, and thank you!
Four years ago, on my 21st birthday, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter, and a Mother was born inside of me as well. There is such an unexplainable feeling that comes from becoming a parent for the first time. There is a new selfless love that you never knew could exist. Over the past 4 years, I have made MANY mistakes, and learned many lessons the hard way. The best advice I could give to any new parents would be to never say never. Before Kaylee I thought I had it all figured out, and knew just how I would raise my child. My child would NEVER do this, or that, or act that way in public. No, not mine. I could point out the mistakes other parents were making as though I knew what I was talking about. Boy, was I in for it. I have learned humility by eating the words I once spoke. I have sympathy for things that parents do out of ignorance that forever change their lives and the lives of their children. I have made many mistakes, but have come to realize that almost every parent I know would admit to the same thing. My daughter is a happy, healthy, smart, respectful 4 year old, and I am very proud of the daughter we have raised so far. She is such a sweet, loving person, and I pray that our relationship always stays close and loving. I pray that we raise her to know and love God, and that he would change her heart to a heart that loves and obeys him. I pray that I am a good example to her.
This year we decided to skip the big party, and let Kaylee pick something fun to do. Her first choice was flying, but the place Brian once took me to fly at no longer did it. Her next choice was jet skis, but you have to be 5 to ride the rented jet skis. So, she chose a boat. She has never been in a boat, so it was an awesome experience. It was something we could all do, including Bubba. We all enjoyed it.
Monday was her actual birthday, so we invited a few close friends and family over to celebrate with us. It was nice to have people around celebrating who are around on a regular basis, who know and love my daughter. So on the guest list were Nana (my Mom), Grandma (Brian's Mom), Papa (Brian's Dad), Chrissy and Mia, the Brents, Boyles, Lyons, Muirs, and Jessica and Audrey. I think that's it. It was a nice group to have around. These are people who I consider to be my family. They are there for us, and show a genuine love for us. And they reminded me that it was my birthday too. Everyone was so sweet to bring us cards and presents and eat with us, and just spend time with us. Each and everyone of you mean the world to us, and our lives would not be the same without you. We love you guys, and thank you!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Stuff
I feel as though days pass by too quickly, and not enough gets done. There is just too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Between keeping up with all the housework that revolves around this family of 4, raising children, babysitting two toddlers, teaching Wednesday night class, bible study on Thursdays, whatever plans our weekend happens to have, Church on Sunday morning and class on Sunday night, finding my own time to read and study my bible, and making sure the needs of my husband are met, I feel stretched a little too thin. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an Aunt, and a friend. I try to keep my priorities straight, but sometimes it is hard. I enjoy my crazy life. I say all this, because, I haven't had time to blog. This pregnancy is bringing me symptoms I was hoping not to have, and I am often forced to sit down and rest. I feel guilty when I do, because I know that resting isn't on my to do list. I have a wonderful husband who works so hard that I want him to come home and relax, not worry about what needs to be done. I am going to try harder to make myself sit down and blog. Soon, I am going to blog about Kaylee's birthday. I know it already passed, but it is still fresh on my mind. ;)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Potty training
I don't claim to be an expert on the subject of potty training, but I think I have found a way that works for us. I recently started potty training my son. He will be 18 months next weekend. When Kaylee was 18 months, we started potty training her too. Both of my children started to recognize when they were going potty in their diaper, so I took that as the cue its time to start. With Kaylee, I had a little bit of a harder time. We went through a lot of pull ups, and I even bought the vinyl panties. She would still have accidents, even though she knew when to go potty. I finally just put her in big girl panties, and very soon after she was done training. This has been my experience with other children as well, if you put pull ups on them, they have accidents, but with panties they are less likely to go on themselves.
So when I decided to start with Bubba, I bought one big package of pull ups, and a package of little underwear, which happen to be the cutest things EVER! So far, he has done amazing! Many days, he has kept his pull up dry all day. When I put him on the potty, he pees, or at least tries. He has even pooped in the potty a few times!! For those of you who have potty trained little ones, you know that can be a major accomplishment in itself. I'm not sure how it will all work, if he will keep it up or not, but for right now I am beyond excited! I am just really hoping that he is completely potty trained before the new baby gets here in January!
So when I decided to start with Bubba, I bought one big package of pull ups, and a package of little underwear, which happen to be the cutest things EVER! So far, he has done amazing! Many days, he has kept his pull up dry all day. When I put him on the potty, he pees, or at least tries. He has even pooped in the potty a few times!! For those of you who have potty trained little ones, you know that can be a major accomplishment in itself. I'm not sure how it will all work, if he will keep it up or not, but for right now I am beyond excited! I am just really hoping that he is completely potty trained before the new baby gets here in January!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A weekend get away...
This past Sunday morning, we left for Fredericksburg, TX, and stayed until Tuesday. It was a very nice little get away. It has been about a year since we did that. We can't really take a full week vacation somewhere yet because we would need to save longer and with me watching kids, it is kind of impossible. So, we have to settle for these weekend trips to refresh us. Maybe next year we can save and take a full vacation. Then again, with a new baby, it may just be impossible again lol. Anyways, on to the trip...
When we arrived Sunday, we stopped at walmart to get some food that we would be eating over the weekend. We got some chips and hot dogs and burgers, stuff of that sort. Then we went to the hotel and ate lunch at the picnic tables while we waited for check in time. After that, we checked in, unloaded all our stuff, and started our adventures. We drove around a little bit, and checked out some cabins Brian wants to go stay in. It was really a nice area, and while we were there we even saw a deer running around! We went to the Pacific War Museum, and it was really neat, and really big! They give you a 2 day pass, because it can take so long to get through it. We didn't see everything because it was starting to get late and we needed to get dinner. So for dinner we went to eat at Der Lindenbaum, an authentic German food restaurant. It was so...GOOD! Brian didn't like his meal as much, but he just got a sausage plate. He said that he could have just eaten that at home lol. I ate Wiener Schnitzel, which is pork lightly breaded and fried. It was possibly the best pork I had ever had. Dinner was good, until the check came. We don't usually carry a lot of cash. Brian's check are direct deposited, and there isn't usually a need for cash, so we just don't have any lol. Well, this restaurant didn't take visa. (I know, who doesn't take visa?!) So Brian had to go walking down the strip to find an ATM. One was broke, one only took chase cards. Finally, he had to drive down to the gas station to use their ATM. All the while, I am trying to occupy 2 tired kids, for 30 minutes! It was so embarrassing, but finally he returned, and we paid and left. We decided that after that fiasco, we would get ice cream and go to the wildlife tunnel and wait for the bats to come out. It is supposed to be around 3 million bats (according to the map) coming out of this tunnel. So we go to dairy queen and get Kaylee a blizzard. On the way to the tunnel, she took a bit of the blizzard that didn't go down well, and choked on it. Brian PANICS with choking, and of course, he was driving. He darts over to the side of the road, and jumps out of the car (without putting it in park) and helps her. Thankfully, I was there to put it in park. So off to the tunnel we go. We stood there about 15 minutes, and the man came and told us that the bats were coming out. Only, we could see anything! Apparently you need to be on the lower decks to be able to see. Oh well, at least we know for next time lol. So we went back to the hotel and showered and went to bed. The hotel only had a stand up shower, no bathtub, so we had to try to give the kids a shower with us. It didn't seem so hard on my part (because Kaylee is 4 and it shouldn't be a big deal) but it was hard. She freaked out and I had to fight with her the whole time. So we went to bed, and the kids woke up about 7 am! I was sure hoping to sleep in. So on Monday, we got up and went and got donuts. We drove out to Enchanted Rock and ate. It was a beautiful view. Fredericksburg is full of beautiful scenery. After that, we headed back to visit the Amish Market, which was so cool! They had lots of furniture, and beautiful wall decorations with scripture, and food. I could have spend a small fortune in there. I don't have a small fortune though, so I just bought a few things and left. We went to the hotel, got changed into our swimsuits, and headed to Garner state park. I had never been, so I was excited. It was so nice! We swam for a little bit (Brian and Kaylee longer than Bubba and I, the rocks really hurt my feed, and all I had was flip flops that wouldn't stay on). We decided to take a little walk around, and Bubba decided to poop on himself. That ended our trip lol. I forgot the little swimmers, and wasn't about to pay $10 for another package that I knew I wouldn't use. He had already gone potty that morning, and he usually only goes once a day, so I thought "he will be fine". Well, I was wrong. His floatie swimsuit was full of poop, and a HUGE mess to clean up. After we got him clean, we decided to head home. We went back to the hotel and changed back into our clothes and went to Lady Bird park and grilled burgers and played. We really enjoyed the sunset that night. It was a great time to spend quiet family time just relaxing and soaking up Gods beautiful environment. We drove around a little bit, went to Whitney street for a picture. We passed an art gallery that had a window display called "Selah", so I had to stop and get a picture for Vivian. We went back to the hotel, did the dreaded shower routine again, and went to bed. Tuesday morning, we got all packed up and ready to leave. Brian wanted to go to this Muffin Haus, it was so good! They had a table out front, so we sat outside and enjoyed the morning and our breakfast. We went to see Fort Martin (I think that was the name) and took some pictures. Then we headed to the Chocolat store, and got on the road home. We had been looking forward to homemade peach ice cream all weekend, so we stopped on the way out and got some. It was so good, I can't wait to have more!
I know this was a long post, but I wanted to document some of the memories before I forget. Pregnancy brain is getting the best of me lol.
Oh, and one more thing, I am SO proud of how well my son is doing on the potty. He had many accidents while we were gone (Mostly because we were on the road and unable to take him potty) but many times he stayed dry. He pottied almost every time we sat him on the potty, and he did really good last night. And today he has been dry all day!
When we arrived Sunday, we stopped at walmart to get some food that we would be eating over the weekend. We got some chips and hot dogs and burgers, stuff of that sort. Then we went to the hotel and ate lunch at the picnic tables while we waited for check in time. After that, we checked in, unloaded all our stuff, and started our adventures. We drove around a little bit, and checked out some cabins Brian wants to go stay in. It was really a nice area, and while we were there we even saw a deer running around! We went to the Pacific War Museum, and it was really neat, and really big! They give you a 2 day pass, because it can take so long to get through it. We didn't see everything because it was starting to get late and we needed to get dinner. So for dinner we went to eat at Der Lindenbaum, an authentic German food restaurant. It was so...GOOD! Brian didn't like his meal as much, but he just got a sausage plate. He said that he could have just eaten that at home lol. I ate Wiener Schnitzel, which is pork lightly breaded and fried. It was possibly the best pork I had ever had. Dinner was good, until the check came. We don't usually carry a lot of cash. Brian's check are direct deposited, and there isn't usually a need for cash, so we just don't have any lol. Well, this restaurant didn't take visa. (I know, who doesn't take visa?!) So Brian had to go walking down the strip to find an ATM. One was broke, one only took chase cards. Finally, he had to drive down to the gas station to use their ATM. All the while, I am trying to occupy 2 tired kids, for 30 minutes! It was so embarrassing, but finally he returned, and we paid and left. We decided that after that fiasco, we would get ice cream and go to the wildlife tunnel and wait for the bats to come out. It is supposed to be around 3 million bats (according to the map) coming out of this tunnel. So we go to dairy queen and get Kaylee a blizzard. On the way to the tunnel, she took a bit of the blizzard that didn't go down well, and choked on it. Brian PANICS with choking, and of course, he was driving. He darts over to the side of the road, and jumps out of the car (without putting it in park) and helps her. Thankfully, I was there to put it in park. So off to the tunnel we go. We stood there about 15 minutes, and the man came and told us that the bats were coming out. Only, we could see anything! Apparently you need to be on the lower decks to be able to see. Oh well, at least we know for next time lol. So we went back to the hotel and showered and went to bed. The hotel only had a stand up shower, no bathtub, so we had to try to give the kids a shower with us. It didn't seem so hard on my part (because Kaylee is 4 and it shouldn't be a big deal) but it was hard. She freaked out and I had to fight with her the whole time. So we went to bed, and the kids woke up about 7 am! I was sure hoping to sleep in. So on Monday, we got up and went and got donuts. We drove out to Enchanted Rock and ate. It was a beautiful view. Fredericksburg is full of beautiful scenery. After that, we headed back to visit the Amish Market, which was so cool! They had lots of furniture, and beautiful wall decorations with scripture, and food. I could have spend a small fortune in there. I don't have a small fortune though, so I just bought a few things and left. We went to the hotel, got changed into our swimsuits, and headed to Garner state park. I had never been, so I was excited. It was so nice! We swam for a little bit (Brian and Kaylee longer than Bubba and I, the rocks really hurt my feed, and all I had was flip flops that wouldn't stay on). We decided to take a little walk around, and Bubba decided to poop on himself. That ended our trip lol. I forgot the little swimmers, and wasn't about to pay $10 for another package that I knew I wouldn't use. He had already gone potty that morning, and he usually only goes once a day, so I thought "he will be fine". Well, I was wrong. His floatie swimsuit was full of poop, and a HUGE mess to clean up. After we got him clean, we decided to head home. We went back to the hotel and changed back into our clothes and went to Lady Bird park and grilled burgers and played. We really enjoyed the sunset that night. It was a great time to spend quiet family time just relaxing and soaking up Gods beautiful environment. We drove around a little bit, went to Whitney street for a picture. We passed an art gallery that had a window display called "Selah", so I had to stop and get a picture for Vivian. We went back to the hotel, did the dreaded shower routine again, and went to bed. Tuesday morning, we got all packed up and ready to leave. Brian wanted to go to this Muffin Haus, it was so good! They had a table out front, so we sat outside and enjoyed the morning and our breakfast. We went to see Fort Martin (I think that was the name) and took some pictures. Then we headed to the Chocolat store, and got on the road home. We had been looking forward to homemade peach ice cream all weekend, so we stopped on the way out and got some. It was so good, I can't wait to have more!
I know this was a long post, but I wanted to document some of the memories before I forget. Pregnancy brain is getting the best of me lol.
Oh, and one more thing, I am SO proud of how well my son is doing on the potty. He had many accidents while we were gone (Mostly because we were on the road and unable to take him potty) but many times he stayed dry. He pottied almost every time we sat him on the potty, and he did really good last night. And today he has been dry all day!
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