What constitutes peace? Is it different for each person or is a general feeling of serenity?
For me, peace is the harmony that I feel when everything is running smoothly. That doesn't mean that we aren't busy or that the kids are being uber quiet, playing in seperate corners not being kids. It is more like a feeling of balance ... a machine that is well oiled and running smoothly.
So how do you handle it when the delicate balance has been upset and it feels like someone is doing the scratch on a record album? Do you ignore it in hopes that it will go away or right itself. Or do you do everything in your power to restore the order?
This is the question that I have been asking myself. There is nothing more wonderful that a peaceful home ... happy kids who are getting along, hubby home and relaxing, and a corner on the couch where I can snuggle with a cozy throw and a good book.
However, I felt it necessary to bring an additional Jack Russell dog into our home. I wanted Ethan to have a dog of his own. (see previous story about Oliver) Yet, I didn't really figure into the equation Elisabeth's cat and the fact that jacks like to chase and hunt. Since Charlie has been here for three years, they are quasi friends. Plus Lola (new dog) is older. I have to give her credit...she is a relatively mellow dog and gets along well with the kids and Charlie. So what am I to do? Keep her and find the time to attempt to train her or find her another home? UGH!!
So needless to say, I am working on restoring the peace and harmony balance in my home... wish me luck.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thankful...
The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and now we are gearing up for a very busy Christmas holiday. Running around to different things...Nutcracker rehearsals and performances, shopping for gifts, as well as Christmas programs and parties to attend.
But as we get so wrapped up in the things that we are doing it is important that we don't forget to continue to have a thankful heart. Just because Thanksgiving is past doesn't mean that we stop being thankful. We should always have an "Attitude of Gratitude."
Let's also remember not to forget the reason for the upcoming season. Make the saying "Keep Christ in Christmas" more than just a slogan. Without Christ there wouldn't be a need to even celebrate.
But as we get so wrapped up in the things that we are doing it is important that we don't forget to continue to have a thankful heart. Just because Thanksgiving is past doesn't mean that we stop being thankful. We should always have an "Attitude of Gratitude."
Let's also remember not to forget the reason for the upcoming season. Make the saying "Keep Christ in Christmas" more than just a slogan. Without Christ there wouldn't be a need to even celebrate.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Lost and Found
Yesterday was an amazing day. I love it when something good happens that is so totally unexpected.
Okay, let me start at the beginning. A couple weeks ago, a good friend of mine posted a picture of a Lahsa Apso dog. She stated that he was a lost dog that had showed up on her doorstep. He has no collar and she hadn't seen any pictures posted around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, they already had a dog and didn't need another one due to the very busy schedule that their family had. My hubby took pity on him and told them we would take him. He figured since Elisabeth had her kitty and Max had his dog, this one could be Ethan's.
So that Friday night, they brought him over to us. Our Jack Russell, Charlie, is a friendly dog and they started playing immediately. Since Will and Max named Charlie, it was up to Ethan and me to name this one. We started throwing out different names and finally narrowed it down to seven and then down to one ... Ethan and I determined his new name would be Oliver. To us it just seemed to fit.
Well, fast forward to this past Monday (October 24) ... I found myself on a local Lost and Found facebook page. Of course being curious, I started looking through all the pictures. I came to about the tenth picture and I was amazed to see a picture of a little dog that looked JUST like Oliver. The description said that he was lost in the same neighborhood as my friend and ironically, his name was Charlie. I call my hubby to see what he thought but he wasn't at his desk. I left a message for him and yelled to the kids to come look. We were all four intently staring at this tiny picture trying to determine if it was him or not, when hubby called me back. He looked at the picture and agreed with us. It just had to be him.
I call the number that was listed with the posting but didn't get an answer. I left a message and waited. It wasn't long before I received a return call. I told her that I thought I had her dog. We talked a few moments, trying to determine if he was or not. I got the idea to send her a picture via a text. But the picture was slow going through, so I told her to just come look at him. If it was her dog then awesome but if not, that was okay too.
The picture text must have gone through a few moments after we hung up because she called back crying. She was so emotional telling me that it was indeed her lost dog. She was so so happy that someone had found her beloved little dog.
I made sure that our Charlie was outside when she arrived so that there wouldn't be any disruption when she saw her dog for the first time in over a month. The reunion between them was wonderful. We opened the door and Oliver/Charlie went right to her. She bent down and loved on him with such overwhelming emotion!! We determined that he had been gone for 10 days when my friend found him and then we had had him since then.
When she and her son left cradling Charlie, it was such a wonderful feeling. I was thrilled to know that he had been reunited with his brother, Cookie and the family who loved him so very much.
What an amazing and awesome day!!
Okay, let me start at the beginning. A couple weeks ago, a good friend of mine posted a picture of a Lahsa Apso dog. She stated that he was a lost dog that had showed up on her doorstep. He has no collar and she hadn't seen any pictures posted around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, they already had a dog and didn't need another one due to the very busy schedule that their family had. My hubby took pity on him and told them we would take him. He figured since Elisabeth had her kitty and Max had his dog, this one could be Ethan's.
So that Friday night, they brought him over to us. Our Jack Russell, Charlie, is a friendly dog and they started playing immediately. Since Will and Max named Charlie, it was up to Ethan and me to name this one. We started throwing out different names and finally narrowed it down to seven and then down to one ... Ethan and I determined his new name would be Oliver. To us it just seemed to fit.
Well, fast forward to this past Monday (October 24) ... I found myself on a local Lost and Found facebook page. Of course being curious, I started looking through all the pictures. I came to about the tenth picture and I was amazed to see a picture of a little dog that looked JUST like Oliver. The description said that he was lost in the same neighborhood as my friend and ironically, his name was Charlie. I call my hubby to see what he thought but he wasn't at his desk. I left a message for him and yelled to the kids to come look. We were all four intently staring at this tiny picture trying to determine if it was him or not, when hubby called me back. He looked at the picture and agreed with us. It just had to be him.
I call the number that was listed with the posting but didn't get an answer. I left a message and waited. It wasn't long before I received a return call. I told her that I thought I had her dog. We talked a few moments, trying to determine if he was or not. I got the idea to send her a picture via a text. But the picture was slow going through, so I told her to just come look at him. If it was her dog then awesome but if not, that was okay too.
The picture text must have gone through a few moments after we hung up because she called back crying. She was so emotional telling me that it was indeed her lost dog. She was so so happy that someone had found her beloved little dog.
I made sure that our Charlie was outside when she arrived so that there wouldn't be any disruption when she saw her dog for the first time in over a month. The reunion between them was wonderful. We opened the door and Oliver/Charlie went right to her. She bent down and loved on him with such overwhelming emotion!! We determined that he had been gone for 10 days when my friend found him and then we had had him since then.
When she and her son left cradling Charlie, it was such a wonderful feeling. I was thrilled to know that he had been reunited with his brother, Cookie and the family who loved him so very much.
What an amazing and awesome day!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Infiltration
Webster's Dictionary defines "infiltration" as something that permeates...
Ever notice just how much children "infiltrate" our lives? From the very moment that a couple starts even talking about having children, they consume our every thought. From the trying to the pregnancy then from pregnancy to the delivery. But are we really prepared for how much they take over our lives? Even if someone had warned us, I don't think that we would have truly understood. Every waking moment, and some non-waking moments, are consumed with the caring and raising of said children.
From the moment I became pregnant the first time, I have had a child with me. Everywhere I go and everywhere I am. Yes, there have been the rare moments (ie: dr appointments) where I have been alone. But I would say that 99.9% of the time, I have at least one child with me and many times I have four. Sometimes, I think I have forgotten what it is like to only hear my thoughts.
This said infiltration goes even into every aspect of life. We buy our vehicles in proportion to how many kids we need to transport. We plan our dinners out to what the kids will eat. We plan our vacations around what our kids enjoy. Our weeknights and weekends revolve around the extracurricular activities that each child participates in. When it is time for the purchasing of seasonal clothing, we invariably buy for our children first and then if there is anything left, we might buy for ourselves.
I can't sit down unless I am ready for one or more to come sit or crawl on me. A trip to the bathroom is never done alone because invariably one of them will need something that (in their mind) just cannot wait or that is the very moment needs a hug.
Now that we are homeschooling, I am with them even more. They spend all morning in the "schoolroom" working very hard ... each with their own lessons. While I bounce between the three of them instructing and answering questions. Occasionally, I can slip off the the bathroom, throw in a load of laundry or do the dishes.
The boys are getting very close to having their birthdays. It isn't that I don't know what to get them...I just don't know when I am going to shop for birthday gifts...they are always with me.
But ya know ... This is my life. I chose it. I chose to be a SAHM and a homeschool teacher. I know it won't last forever. I know that it won't be long and they will be driving themselves around doing their own thing, coming home only to eat and sleep. I know that these moments are fleeting and there will come a day when I will miss them standing at the bathroom door wanting me to snap their jeans or give them a hug. I will miss it when I sit down and there isn't a small body that flings him/herself on me just because they need to be near me. And the nightly prayers and tuck-ins will be a thing of the past. A trip to the grocery store won't be a monumentous occasion because I will be wandering the aisles by myself. But for now...I treasure the wild and chaotic times as well as the quiet moments with each of them.
And since I chose this life...I don't complain even thought most evenings/nights, I am utterly exhausted.
And since I chose this life...I snuggle my sweet children close even though my mind and body is screaming "get off of me."
And since I chose this life...I wouldn't have it any other way.
I love you Elisabeth, Max and Ethan!!!
Ever notice just how much children "infiltrate" our lives? From the very moment that a couple starts even talking about having children, they consume our every thought. From the trying to the pregnancy then from pregnancy to the delivery. But are we really prepared for how much they take over our lives? Even if someone had warned us, I don't think that we would have truly understood. Every waking moment, and some non-waking moments, are consumed with the caring and raising of said children.
From the moment I became pregnant the first time, I have had a child with me. Everywhere I go and everywhere I am. Yes, there have been the rare moments (ie: dr appointments) where I have been alone. But I would say that 99.9% of the time, I have at least one child with me and many times I have four. Sometimes, I think I have forgotten what it is like to only hear my thoughts.
This said infiltration goes even into every aspect of life. We buy our vehicles in proportion to how many kids we need to transport. We plan our dinners out to what the kids will eat. We plan our vacations around what our kids enjoy. Our weeknights and weekends revolve around the extracurricular activities that each child participates in. When it is time for the purchasing of seasonal clothing, we invariably buy for our children first and then if there is anything left, we might buy for ourselves.
I can't sit down unless I am ready for one or more to come sit or crawl on me. A trip to the bathroom is never done alone because invariably one of them will need something that (in their mind) just cannot wait or that is the very moment needs a hug.
Now that we are homeschooling, I am with them even more. They spend all morning in the "schoolroom" working very hard ... each with their own lessons. While I bounce between the three of them instructing and answering questions. Occasionally, I can slip off the the bathroom, throw in a load of laundry or do the dishes.
The boys are getting very close to having their birthdays. It isn't that I don't know what to get them...I just don't know when I am going to shop for birthday gifts...they are always with me.
But ya know ... This is my life. I chose it. I chose to be a SAHM and a homeschool teacher. I know it won't last forever. I know that it won't be long and they will be driving themselves around doing their own thing, coming home only to eat and sleep. I know that these moments are fleeting and there will come a day when I will miss them standing at the bathroom door wanting me to snap their jeans or give them a hug. I will miss it when I sit down and there isn't a small body that flings him/herself on me just because they need to be near me. And the nightly prayers and tuck-ins will be a thing of the past. A trip to the grocery store won't be a monumentous occasion because I will be wandering the aisles by myself. But for now...I treasure the wild and chaotic times as well as the quiet moments with each of them.
And since I chose this life...I don't complain even thought most evenings/nights, I am utterly exhausted.
And since I chose this life...I snuggle my sweet children close even though my mind and body is screaming "get off of me."
And since I chose this life...I wouldn't have it any other way.
I love you Elisabeth, Max and Ethan!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Attitude of Gratitude
Why is it hard to find an attitude of gratitude?
Granted we come into this world very selfish but why can't we be thankful? It is so hard to be grateful??
I mean, it isn't like we don't have things to be thankful for but yet we aren't. Is it easier to just taking those things for granted? I hope not because one day those things we hold dear may no longer be there.
Before bedtime every night at our house, we require the kids to tell us what they are thankful for. Therefore, I am going to do the same...
I AM THANKFUL FOR...
* My heavenly Father
* Being alive
* My health
* My beloved husband
* Three healthy and beautiful children
* Hubby's job
* My church
* That we can send our children to a private school
* Our warm home
* My family
* Our wonderful friends
* Reliable vehicles that get us where we need/want to go
* My city/town
* Sleep
* Sunshine
* Flowers
* The weekend away Hubby won, which we will take next March
* Butterflies which my daughter so loves
* Eagles which my son admires
* Giraffes which my second son favors
* All the other wonderful animals God has created
This by no means is a complete list. It continues to grow and expand. I am so blessed by God. He has given me a wonderful hubby, kids, family, friends and excellent health.
So for this Thanksgiving holiday and beyond, I choose to have an attitude of gratitude!! I hope that my attitude will teach my children to have the same.
Granted we come into this world very selfish but why can't we be thankful? It is so hard to be grateful??
I mean, it isn't like we don't have things to be thankful for but yet we aren't. Is it easier to just taking those things for granted? I hope not because one day those things we hold dear may no longer be there.
Before bedtime every night at our house, we require the kids to tell us what they are thankful for. Therefore, I am going to do the same...
I AM THANKFUL FOR...
* My heavenly Father
* Being alive
* My health
* My beloved husband
* Three healthy and beautiful children
* Hubby's job
* My church
* That we can send our children to a private school
* Our warm home
* My family
* Our wonderful friends
* Reliable vehicles that get us where we need/want to go
* My city/town
* Sleep
* Sunshine
* Flowers
* The weekend away Hubby won, which we will take next March
* Butterflies which my daughter so loves
* Eagles which my son admires
* Giraffes which my second son favors
* All the other wonderful animals God has created
This by no means is a complete list. It continues to grow and expand. I am so blessed by God. He has given me a wonderful hubby, kids, family, friends and excellent health.
So for this Thanksgiving holiday and beyond, I choose to have an attitude of gratitude!! I hope that my attitude will teach my children to have the same.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Finding Me...
Why is it so hard to take care of me?
I have no problem taking care of my husband. In fact, I really enjoy it. Not fond of cleaning house but I enjoy puttering about, doing this and that, washing clothes, making beds, planning and organizing.
I have no problem taking care of my kids. Fixing them meals, teaching preschool homeschooling, doing laundry, being a taxi, giving baths, and picking up toys, etc.
But I can't seem to allow myself to take care of the woman/mom. I usually have good intentions to have girl time but it never happens. Partly because most of my friends have super busy lives and getting us all together is almost impossible. It is also because I tend to feel guilty. Yeah, I know I shouldn't but it is hard not to. I am a mom and a wife... there are things to do, kids to take care of, lunches/dinners to make, laundry to do, errands to run...Right? Well, right but after a while, I feel a little ragged. A little worn out and worn down.
So how do we as women find the time to make time for ourselves? Cuz, I tell ya...it isn't easy. I mean, I signed up to be a wife and mother. I don't ever want to shirk my duties. I take them very seriously!! :) But I also have to remember, I am still a woman in amongst the other titles.
This past Friday, I managed to go with a friend just the two of us. We went shopping... Not for things for the children (although she did find things for her girls) but for ourselves. It was amazing!!! We were able to just amble along, stop where we wanted, browse around, try things on, and just chat...no kids, no diaper bags, no strollers, no one to have to make sure has gone potty, no on pulling on me or yelling "Momma." It was like a breath of fresh air - a sense of rejuvenation. I was able to hear my own thoughts and some of them I forgot I even had rolling around in there. :D
That night, Hubby and I met up with my shopping friend and her hubby for a dinner date. Dinner without kids is a rare experience and very much treasured. To be able to sit on the same side with hubby and sit snuggled with him waiting on friends and food was pure bliss. I was able to sit and savor my food without having to urge kids to eat or run them to the bathroom.
So, while my duties as mom and wife are foremost right now, I believe that I need to remind myself every so often that I am still a woman and need time to myself. Look in the mirror and say to that strong woman "Let go of the guilt, remember and enjoy who you are. You are a better wife and a better mom by taking care of the woman buried inside."
I have no problem taking care of my husband. In fact, I really enjoy it. Not fond of cleaning house but I enjoy puttering about, doing this and that, washing clothes, making beds, planning and organizing.
I have no problem taking care of my kids. Fixing them meals, teaching preschool homeschooling, doing laundry, being a taxi, giving baths, and picking up toys, etc.
But I can't seem to allow myself to take care of the woman/mom. I usually have good intentions to have girl time but it never happens. Partly because most of my friends have super busy lives and getting us all together is almost impossible. It is also because I tend to feel guilty. Yeah, I know I shouldn't but it is hard not to. I am a mom and a wife... there are things to do, kids to take care of, lunches/dinners to make, laundry to do, errands to run...Right? Well, right but after a while, I feel a little ragged. A little worn out and worn down.
So how do we as women find the time to make time for ourselves? Cuz, I tell ya...it isn't easy. I mean, I signed up to be a wife and mother. I don't ever want to shirk my duties. I take them very seriously!! :) But I also have to remember, I am still a woman in amongst the other titles.
This past Friday, I managed to go with a friend just the two of us. We went shopping... Not for things for the children (although she did find things for her girls) but for ourselves. It was amazing!!! We were able to just amble along, stop where we wanted, browse around, try things on, and just chat...no kids, no diaper bags, no strollers, no one to have to make sure has gone potty, no on pulling on me or yelling "Momma." It was like a breath of fresh air - a sense of rejuvenation. I was able to hear my own thoughts and some of them I forgot I even had rolling around in there. :D
That night, Hubby and I met up with my shopping friend and her hubby for a dinner date. Dinner without kids is a rare experience and very much treasured. To be able to sit on the same side with hubby and sit snuggled with him waiting on friends and food was pure bliss. I was able to sit and savor my food without having to urge kids to eat or run them to the bathroom.
So, while my duties as mom and wife are foremost right now, I believe that I need to remind myself every so often that I am still a woman and need time to myself. Look in the mirror and say to that strong woman "Let go of the guilt, remember and enjoy who you are. You are a better wife and a better mom by taking care of the woman buried inside."
Monday, September 20, 2010
Proud as Punch
As parents we are naturally proud of our children and look for every opportunity to "brag" on them. So, I am taking this chance to say just how very proud of my children I am!! They are far exceeding anything that is put in front of them!! My heart swells just a the thought of them and their achievements in the short years they have graced us with their presence.
Ethan is almost three... He has been potty trained since he was a little over 2. He has a huge vocabulary and speaks in complete sentences. He is bold and tenacious. There isn't anything he can't do when he puts his mind to it.
Max who will be five in a week is such a gentle and sensitive young boy. He is already sounding out words and reading as well as writing the alphabet and he hasn't even been to kindergarten yet. He has a natural ear for music and is picking up the guitar very well for his young age. I can't wait to see how he develops over the next few years.
Elisabeth, my one and only girl and so very like myself. So gentle and quiet, a friend to all. She continues to amaze me with everything she sets her hand to do. She came out of first grade reading on a sixth grade level. A graceful ballerina who just this past weekend captures a part as a mouse in the Tulsa Ballet Theater's Nutcracker!!
I pray that each one grows and develops to their fullest potential. I will be there to catch them when they fall as well as pushing them back out to achieve more.
God give me the grace to allow them to fail, the calmness to guide them through and the humbleness to be proud of them when they achieve their highest goals but yet not be arrogant.
Thank you God for the three beautiful blessings you have given Will and I and help us be the best parents that we can be.
Ethan is almost three... He has been potty trained since he was a little over 2. He has a huge vocabulary and speaks in complete sentences. He is bold and tenacious. There isn't anything he can't do when he puts his mind to it.
Max who will be five in a week is such a gentle and sensitive young boy. He is already sounding out words and reading as well as writing the alphabet and he hasn't even been to kindergarten yet. He has a natural ear for music and is picking up the guitar very well for his young age. I can't wait to see how he develops over the next few years.
Elisabeth, my one and only girl and so very like myself. So gentle and quiet, a friend to all. She continues to amaze me with everything she sets her hand to do. She came out of first grade reading on a sixth grade level. A graceful ballerina who just this past weekend captures a part as a mouse in the Tulsa Ballet Theater's Nutcracker!!
I pray that each one grows and develops to their fullest potential. I will be there to catch them when they fall as well as pushing them back out to achieve more.
God give me the grace to allow them to fail, the calmness to guide them through and the humbleness to be proud of them when they achieve their highest goals but yet not be arrogant.
Thank you God for the three beautiful blessings you have given Will and I and help us be the best parents that we can be.
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