So life has been a bit crazy since I last posted! We have moved to Tennessee, I had my baby, and now am currently homeschooling my 2 older children. Life is just a bit... different, let's say, than what I had imagined it would be on this side of things. I think the upset of so many new things set the kids off and they have been literally wild kids since we moved here. Enter homeschooling... Now, before anyone gets their panties (or boxers, whatever) in a wad, let me just say, it's nothing more than structured fun! I am basically calling it school to get us all used to the idea of school one day being a real thing in our house, but also it's a skeleton to hang a schedule on. WE NEED A SCHEDULE!!! I have ALWAYS fought to get my kids in bed, and last week we decided we would read thru the Jesus Storybook Bible (thank you, Amber!!!) at bedtime. Well, it took them 4 nights to figure out the routine and have not fought me to go to bed since! I call that an EPIC win!! LOL! So, I went out and bought (very cheap) curriculum for my kids, just to have a few good ideas to build on, really. Plus the first thing I bought they blew thru in 10 minutes! My kids need something to do with their brains, or they become,... zombies!! I don't want to feed the fear in people about the zombie apocalypse, so I need to feed their brains! ;)
Tennessee is so beautiful! I am loving the scenery here, and now that the leaves are just starting to turn, I am getting very excited about the possibility of snow!! Had to go get the kids some real winter clothes, like a windbreaker! Never needed those in Florida, or Georgia, for that matter! Drummer boy is actually trying to get involved in the music scene up here. Right now he is actually at a drum off at the local Guitar Center! If he wins, he gets a new drum set and free gear for life! Yes, please! (Do you know how much it costs to replace those plastic thingy's on the top and bottom of those drums?) I am just settling into the idea of being a mother of 3! I am sure that I would appreciate this if I had 6, but still not used to having 3 little people need me all at the same time! Still working on making sure the "6" never, ever, ever, ever, EVER happens! Cause I might cut someone,... ya know,... figuratively speaking,... of course!
My birthing experience was less than ideal, but God's perfect plan for this little girl's birth! So I guess "ideal" is a matter of perspective, huh? I did end up going to the hospital, and thankfully, my mom was in town to help us with the kids so Drummer Boy could be with me. I owe him my sanity! I started feeling contractions around midnight, we went to the hospital, the checked me around 3am, I was already dilated to 5 cm. They took my vitals, and asked if blood pressure had always been high... Um, no! Actually it was never a problem! So they wanted to get a good strip of the baby, and watch my BP, so they hooked me up. I agreed to intermittent monitoring, not continuous. Well, because of my BP I ended up in the stupid hospital bed the entire time! Eventually they thought they would give me pitocin to help the contractions be more effective. I said no, break my water instead. Glad they did, there was mecconium (baby's first poop, tar like consistency) in the water. I would not have known what to do if I was at home with that anyway. In fact, the #1 concern I had going into the home birth idea was that there would be tainted water and it be too thick for me to take care of at home. God's kindness poured out to me that I was at the hospital. Also, the third "good enough" reason for us to be at a hospital was that she had a hand up by her head. I told Drummer Boy I knew I had felt fingers around my cervix! Then it all came rushing at me as I lay there on that bed. I now had 3 strikes against me, I could be easily wheeled off for a c-section if I wasn't careful. I wanted to fight with them about staying in bed, because to be honest, I have not ever experienced a stronger instinctual pull than to get off my back, with the exception of taking care of my babies if they are in danger. But, the hospital was rather accommodating when it came to our preferences with the baby. They really did not give me a hard time about delayed cord clamping, or not vaccinating, or immediate skin contact with me. The one and only thing they did do was pull on my cord after the baby was born and they had cut the cord. I am not sure how I managed to keep my cool, but I didn't say anything to them (I do remember kicking someone, lol). All I can think of is that it was just the hormones, and too much to take on after such a very physically demanding labor and delivery. She was 10lbs 1.5oz, folks! I have big babies, but I soooo was not expecting a 10 P.O.U.N.D. baby!!! Shoulders killed me! I am just so thankful she is out, and I am no longer pregnant! She is beautiful, and I couldn't be happier with our little family! I am so very amazed at God's goodness to us, and His grace has been covering us!
So, that's our new normal,... for now at least!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Today's The DAY!
Today is The Day! August 1rst has been my due date since we found out we were expecting our 3rd baby last fall, and here we are! It's kind of surreal, actually, because I know this is the last time I will feel a baby from the inside, and I am VERY excited about that, yet sad at the same time. The one thing I really love about pregnancy, (and there really is only one thing!), is feeling the baby move. But, in a few short days I will be setting out on another "great adventure" of moving some 400 and something miles away. My poor husband has had to endure an overemotional, crazy, pregnant woman living in his wife's body for the past few months, and the past couple of weeks since we found out we are moving has just intensified this. Pray for him!
Realistically, I am very excited about both the move and this baby's birth. I can't decide which I want to happen first, not that it matters, because I cannot control either at the moment. I think the hardest part is just literally letting go of every process that I had control over before and realizing that God has asked me to trust Him, not try to control it. There literally are about 2 things I can control right now: what we eat and what we wear. I can't even control my own body today, since there is another little body in it, taking most of the "control" away from me, lol! It's kind of terrifying, to be honest, but I am doing my best to just go with the flow. I never thought I was much of a control freak, until lately! Now I question that thought. Anyhow, it is just another day here in this house. Hopefully baby will stay in for a few more days, so we can make the trek and then she can come out. :) Kind of funny how your perspective can change with circumstances, huh?
Realistically, I am very excited about both the move and this baby's birth. I can't decide which I want to happen first, not that it matters, because I cannot control either at the moment. I think the hardest part is just literally letting go of every process that I had control over before and realizing that God has asked me to trust Him, not try to control it. There literally are about 2 things I can control right now: what we eat and what we wear. I can't even control my own body today, since there is another little body in it, taking most of the "control" away from me, lol! It's kind of terrifying, to be honest, but I am doing my best to just go with the flow. I never thought I was much of a control freak, until lately! Now I question that thought. Anyhow, it is just another day here in this house. Hopefully baby will stay in for a few more days, so we can make the trek and then she can come out. :) Kind of funny how your perspective can change with circumstances, huh?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Can I breathe yet?
You ever wonder what happened to your day? Where all the time in that day had gone, and what had you really spent your time doing? I am having a lot of those days lately! I seem to think about doing tons of things, and somehow these things do not magically appear done! But I had meant to do them, or I had thought about it, how did I forget to do that? How did I go all day and not get there yet?! What have I DONE all day? Lately I have seen, (I am sure you have, too!), this ecard that is a picture of a woman with the text "Yeah, I'm a stay-at-home mom. Go ahead, ask me what I do all day. I dare you." I am laughing at it, thinking, yep! That sums up my life, because from the outside, it seems like I don't do much. I just know how exhausted I am on the other side of it! Somehow, being 9 months pregnant, about to deliver any day, and having 2 toddlers is just not a good enough excuse in my head to being so pooped, or so seemingly unproductive. THEN, .... We get called from Nashville, asking us to get there asap. *bigcheesysarcasticgrin*
So! Now, we have to pack up the house, the kids, our life and move 500 miles away. I am not complaining, we have been begging God to give us direction as to where to go, and how it will happen, and He's moving on our behalf! I just wasn't expecting to have to do it all weeks before my due date. So, if I wasn't being stretched when it came to a birth here, I now have new problems to think about, like where the hospital IS! This has been an interesting week full of emotions, and ups and downs. I think I have gone into freak out mode only about 1597 since Monday when things all were solidified, so I'm doing good, ... right? ;)
I do feel like people have looked at us and thought we are just looking for drama. Here I am, as big as a house, and now we announce we are going to move? I have even gotten a less than supportive response from people I would never have expected it from. Not quite sure how to handle it, to be honest. Not my timing, God's, right? I am just trying to be diligent and obedient. I have had so many moments of second guessing it's not even funny. My poor husband is trying to remind me this is what we have been waiting for, and I want to be gracious, and not a complainer. I want God's grace to speak through my life, not my bad attitude. So, if you know me in real life, I apologize now if that isn't always the case, but please know, I want it to be, and it's going to be hard.
On the flip side of all the chaos, I now have a very time consuming thought process other than the fact that I am as big as a house and about to pop! It actually helps to have something to do with my mind other than think about what isn't happening, so I will be thankful and pray it stays the same until after we get settled into a place in Tennessee. Then, I think I can breathe! :)
So! Now, we have to pack up the house, the kids, our life and move 500 miles away. I am not complaining, we have been begging God to give us direction as to where to go, and how it will happen, and He's moving on our behalf! I just wasn't expecting to have to do it all weeks before my due date. So, if I wasn't being stretched when it came to a birth here, I now have new problems to think about, like where the hospital IS! This has been an interesting week full of emotions, and ups and downs. I think I have gone into freak out mode only about 1597 since Monday when things all were solidified, so I'm doing good, ... right? ;)
I do feel like people have looked at us and thought we are just looking for drama. Here I am, as big as a house, and now we announce we are going to move? I have even gotten a less than supportive response from people I would never have expected it from. Not quite sure how to handle it, to be honest. Not my timing, God's, right? I am just trying to be diligent and obedient. I have had so many moments of second guessing it's not even funny. My poor husband is trying to remind me this is what we have been waiting for, and I want to be gracious, and not a complainer. I want God's grace to speak through my life, not my bad attitude. So, if you know me in real life, I apologize now if that isn't always the case, but please know, I want it to be, and it's going to be hard.
On the flip side of all the chaos, I now have a very time consuming thought process other than the fact that I am as big as a house and about to pop! It actually helps to have something to do with my mind other than think about what isn't happening, so I will be thankful and pray it stays the same until after we get settled into a place in Tennessee. Then, I think I can breathe! :)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Discipline,... is it control or teaching?
I think I have delved into the more than controversial, and that's ok, you can all email me, or leave comments about how horrible I parent, or even think thru parenting. I guess ultimately it just is between God, my husband and me, huh? But, you have now been warned, if you don't want to read a potentially offensive piece, STOP NOW!!
You still there?... ok! I have just one sentence that I will expound on below:
Christian parenting is NOT about controlling your children, or "spanking" them until they comply!
Are you ready? (I AM!!!) Most Christian parents hold to the truth in Proverb 13:24 "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." (ESV) I have 3 translations (ESV NASB & NIV) in my home, so I consulted all 3 of them to see if I could find any wording difference, and the 2 words that to me were the most "controversial", rod and discipline, were the same in all 3 versions. I looked into the study notes of 2 of the versions (by different publishers), and they both noted that the word "rod" was metaphorical, not necessarily physical.
I was running around my social media of choice earlier today and came across a "parenting group" that was making some rather, um, harsh comments about a particular parenting book "To train up a child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Now, I will say, I have not read the book, but I refuse to even consider having it in my home knowing what potentially could be in it. Multiple children have been severely abused or killed by their parents apparently because of this books advice. The use of PVC pipe will NEVER be a form of discipline that I could come close to considering Godly, or even in the right direction. I will leave that particular rant alone, because I trust that anyone with a heart can know where my head can go with that information... BUT the problem I have with this whole thing is that it is revolving around outward obedience. Now, I know I sure do like it when my kids obey me when I ask them to do something, but what happens if they don't? Where do we as parents go when kids choose not to obey? In our heads? In our hearts? Toward our children? Discipline? There can be so many facets to this, and lots can do good, while others, well, not so much. I don't know about you, but when I know my kids are just digging in their heels and choosing to disobey, it strikes a chord in my heart that is less than Godly, loving, gracious, nurturing, teaching, etc. Well, maybe it is teaching... how NOT to respond. If I have a look, or tone in my voice that expresses anything other than grace and love for my kids while they are choosing something other than what I want them to, THEY KNOW IT! Do you also know, it makes their behavior worse?! Yep, true story! My kids respond in kind. Don't we all, though? I mean, who's been to the store and had to deal with a rude person, and in turn gets rude back, because, "who are THEY to talk to me like that?" or "what's her problem?" or "did you hear what he said?!" How can we really expect our kids to learn how to respond, or act, or treat others if we are not giving them any good examples?
Here is where I think things can get taken to an extreme. I don't think it's realistic to discipline your kids and expect them to be happy about it, or have a good attitude, or not cry/whine/act out. In fact, I DO expect these things, simply because it's not what they want to do! Discipline is sometimes painful, uncomfortable, and not at all fun! The way God deals with me is sometime painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes not at all fun! I complain to God about the discipline He is giving me! But I do know that it is for my good, and He loves me! I want my children to know the same. I make a point to always tell them that the reason I have to discipline them is because of 2 things: 1- I have to obey God, just like I ask them to obey me; and 2- because I love them and I know it's what's best for them. Now, "discipline" means a lot of different things around here, and is not always the same scenario. For example, we have been working on how to speak when we are not happy or having a good attitude. There is one of my kids that likes to growl while speaking, kind of like screaming while speaking, only not as loud. This child knows that's not allowed, yet does continue to do it from time to time. Usually this means we repeat whatever is trying to be said without the growling/screaming until the proper tone of voice is achieved. I also have a child that likes to whine and cry while speaking, or just plain out whine without speaking and I have no idea why. So, with this child I send them to their room to sit on their bed until they are done whining, because "Momma cannot understand whining, and no one wants to be around people that whine all the time." The simple separation alone is harsher discipline than any spanking could deliver this child. They are both disciplines, and both require my attitude and heart to be right, before theirs are.
The last thing I want to share is this simple thought: Parenting is more about my heart than about my children's heart, most of the time. My kids have shown me more about my own "stuff" than any other people on the planet. So, the question begs to be asked, who's teaching who, here?! LOL! I don't know, I think God had much more of a design specific for me, in my children, than I would have ever thought.
So, for the watching, listening world out there... Christian parenting is not about beating your kids into submission! And it's not about controlling them either, that only lasts long enough for them to grow up. It's about admitting that I as a parent am not perfect, don't have it all together with all the answers for my kids. I just have hope! Hope that the Holy Spirit will show me my own heart, so I can help my children better understand theirs, and what the "cure" is! Only the Cross can stand in the gap and make true, heart change happen. Only Jesus and His atoning blood can be the answer! Christian parenting should not have anything to do with my "well behaved", controlled children. My kids may run-a-muck in public, (probably because I need to get them out of the house more!), but that is not a very good indicator of their hearts at this age. There may come a day that the outward behavior is a reflection of their hearts, but it should never be what I seek to be true change/obedience. I pray I never regard their outward behavior as their true hearts position towards God. I also pray the Holy Spirit speaks to them in the teachable moments I am able to use, (without dealing with my own sin), to show them their need for a Savior!
You still there?... ok! I have just one sentence that I will expound on below:
Christian parenting is NOT about controlling your children, or "spanking" them until they comply!
Are you ready? (I AM!!!) Most Christian parents hold to the truth in Proverb 13:24 "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." (ESV) I have 3 translations (ESV NASB & NIV) in my home, so I consulted all 3 of them to see if I could find any wording difference, and the 2 words that to me were the most "controversial", rod and discipline, were the same in all 3 versions. I looked into the study notes of 2 of the versions (by different publishers), and they both noted that the word "rod" was metaphorical, not necessarily physical.
I was running around my social media of choice earlier today and came across a "parenting group" that was making some rather, um, harsh comments about a particular parenting book "To train up a child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Now, I will say, I have not read the book, but I refuse to even consider having it in my home knowing what potentially could be in it. Multiple children have been severely abused or killed by their parents apparently because of this books advice. The use of PVC pipe will NEVER be a form of discipline that I could come close to considering Godly, or even in the right direction. I will leave that particular rant alone, because I trust that anyone with a heart can know where my head can go with that information... BUT the problem I have with this whole thing is that it is revolving around outward obedience. Now, I know I sure do like it when my kids obey me when I ask them to do something, but what happens if they don't? Where do we as parents go when kids choose not to obey? In our heads? In our hearts? Toward our children? Discipline? There can be so many facets to this, and lots can do good, while others, well, not so much. I don't know about you, but when I know my kids are just digging in their heels and choosing to disobey, it strikes a chord in my heart that is less than Godly, loving, gracious, nurturing, teaching, etc. Well, maybe it is teaching... how NOT to respond. If I have a look, or tone in my voice that expresses anything other than grace and love for my kids while they are choosing something other than what I want them to, THEY KNOW IT! Do you also know, it makes their behavior worse?! Yep, true story! My kids respond in kind. Don't we all, though? I mean, who's been to the store and had to deal with a rude person, and in turn gets rude back, because, "who are THEY to talk to me like that?" or "what's her problem?" or "did you hear what he said?!" How can we really expect our kids to learn how to respond, or act, or treat others if we are not giving them any good examples?
Here is where I think things can get taken to an extreme. I don't think it's realistic to discipline your kids and expect them to be happy about it, or have a good attitude, or not cry/whine/act out. In fact, I DO expect these things, simply because it's not what they want to do! Discipline is sometimes painful, uncomfortable, and not at all fun! The way God deals with me is sometime painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes not at all fun! I complain to God about the discipline He is giving me! But I do know that it is for my good, and He loves me! I want my children to know the same. I make a point to always tell them that the reason I have to discipline them is because of 2 things: 1- I have to obey God, just like I ask them to obey me; and 2- because I love them and I know it's what's best for them. Now, "discipline" means a lot of different things around here, and is not always the same scenario. For example, we have been working on how to speak when we are not happy or having a good attitude. There is one of my kids that likes to growl while speaking, kind of like screaming while speaking, only not as loud. This child knows that's not allowed, yet does continue to do it from time to time. Usually this means we repeat whatever is trying to be said without the growling/screaming until the proper tone of voice is achieved. I also have a child that likes to whine and cry while speaking, or just plain out whine without speaking and I have no idea why. So, with this child I send them to their room to sit on their bed until they are done whining, because "Momma cannot understand whining, and no one wants to be around people that whine all the time." The simple separation alone is harsher discipline than any spanking could deliver this child. They are both disciplines, and both require my attitude and heart to be right, before theirs are.
The last thing I want to share is this simple thought: Parenting is more about my heart than about my children's heart, most of the time. My kids have shown me more about my own "stuff" than any other people on the planet. So, the question begs to be asked, who's teaching who, here?! LOL! I don't know, I think God had much more of a design specific for me, in my children, than I would have ever thought.
So, for the watching, listening world out there... Christian parenting is not about beating your kids into submission! And it's not about controlling them either, that only lasts long enough for them to grow up. It's about admitting that I as a parent am not perfect, don't have it all together with all the answers for my kids. I just have hope! Hope that the Holy Spirit will show me my own heart, so I can help my children better understand theirs, and what the "cure" is! Only the Cross can stand in the gap and make true, heart change happen. Only Jesus and His atoning blood can be the answer! Christian parenting should not have anything to do with my "well behaved", controlled children. My kids may run-a-muck in public, (probably because I need to get them out of the house more!), but that is not a very good indicator of their hearts at this age. There may come a day that the outward behavior is a reflection of their hearts, but it should never be what I seek to be true change/obedience. I pray I never regard their outward behavior as their true hearts position towards God. I also pray the Holy Spirit speaks to them in the teachable moments I am able to use, (without dealing with my own sin), to show them their need for a Savior!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Our "Ice Cream" Experiment
A step by step, pictures included, instructions on how to make ice cream from bananas!! That's it, guys, no milk, no heavy cream, no sugar, no additives, no preservatives and no food dyes. Now, I did add sugar free, fat free chocolate pudding mix, because it seems that's all my son wants to eat, is chocolate. In the link above it says to slice your bananas and freeze in a single layer for 1-2 hours, then use a food processor to get the desired result. They also say they've tried adding cocoa powder and peanut butter and it was yummy, which sounds like it would be! I just froze my bananas for 1 hour, but next time I will freeze them for a full 2 hours before making the "ice cream". They just weren't solid enough and so I had to add a cup of ice to get an icy texture. I did also add a dash of milk, just because it sounded good to me. :) I AM pregnant, you know! :) You can see Sissy girl here, she loved it, but that was no surprise! Bubba was not interested in eating today, so we will try again later. He's my true gauge of whether or not something is going to work. :) The cool part is it comes out of the food processor as a soft serve consistency, and whatever is left over you can freeze for a hand scoop consistency.
So, we had so much fun with our ice cream, we decided to try it as a hair dye..... Yes! That's my girl! LOL! What can you do but laugh? Although, I was NOT laughing when I first spotted her wiping her chocolate handfuls in her hair, because I really just wanted to cry, to be honest. But, I pulled up my big girl panties, and gave her a bath instead. :)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
One day I will miss this...
I was recently thinking about all the little things that make up the substance to my life, and then read http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2012/06/50-things-ill-miss-someday.html and I thought I would share my own things I know I will miss one day. Please know that these may be the very things I sometimes complain about having to "deal" with, but I am trying to just enjoy the moment God has us in, versus being in a constant state of, "I can't wait until ________". So, please just let me vent when I need to, kay? :)
I think I have rambled enough, but this is my thoughts for the day.
Matthew 6:34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
- Waking up to little voices saying, "Momma, I love you!"
- Random hugs and kisses throughout the day for no good reason
- Silly 2 year old sayings, or thoughts
- Sweet, pure joy over every day things like birds, and squirrels, and clouds in a blue sky
- Being needed so much they always want to touch me,... literally!
- Having people that want to be around me without regard to what I can do to entertain them or benefit them
- Giggles and tickles
- "I'm gonna get you, Momma! You better run!"
- Crazy mis-matched, sometimes backwards or inside out clothing choices
- Creatively playing with objects without using their intended purpose, because it's fun! Like toilet paper rolls turned into bull horns
- Watching the every day progress and growth, and then looking back and saying, "Oh look how little s/he was!!"
- Major mile stones! Walking, talking, crawling, POTTY TRAINING!!!
- Cribs, baby diapers, baby socks, baby clothes, baby ANYTHING!
- Crying over what I want for them, and knowing some of it will not happen because I simply can't make them choose anything
- Little faces so close to my face
- Their voice right now
- Singing half of one song and somehow making it turn into another totally different song at the end "Twinkle, twinkle little star, up above the world so high, E-I-E-I-OOOOOOOO!"
- Car seats that restrain children from flying all over the car, or taking off seat belts
- Dress up
- Baths- This is a hard one for me to remember in the moment to let them enjoy. It's just so messy!
- Honestly, freely, without hesitation forgiveness
- "I hold you!"
- Snuggling in bed for longer than really necessary, just to stay still and hold them, and because they want to lay in Momma's bed!
- The fun of jumping on, well, anything that bounces... couches, chairs, beds, you name it!
- Running feet through my house
- Their affection for each other and other children that is totally foreign to most adults
- Their naivety- Wish this could last longer without it causing problems in normal adulthood
- Their love of all living creatures regardless of whether or not they "should" love a certain person, or stranger, or dog, or snake, lol
- Their kisses to make things better- "you have a head ache, I kiss it!" :) Melts my heart every time!!
- Little bottoms are soooo adorable! Even if they are being disobedient when I am asking them to come here to put clothes on
- The sounds of a full house with children. I do NOT look forward to the all day silence, but maybe the first hour will be nice!
I think I have rambled enough, but this is my thoughts for the day.
Matthew 6:34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Quiet times
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