December 24, 2009

desperate times....

call for desperate measures. i am fearing the worst possible sleep for the next 10 days. but we all know (don't we ladies!!!) that the Lord provides. And some times He knows what we need even before we do. Back up 3 weeks.....Ben was on round 15 (lost count) of cold season and I was desperate for him to go to school (for my sanity) which means only one thing. Sniffles and sneezes. You know....the "homiopathic" remedy to stop a runny nose? I stumbled upon it at Mother's Market (the source of all good things for your body and soul that I can not afford....or don't have the attention span to research and follow religiously as I should....I know I should!) what was I saying? Oh, so I went to Mothers to buy the glorious (it works and I don't know how) Sniffles and Sneezes and for some reason it was only sold in a package with a product called Calms Forte 4 Kids. I had not choice to buy it. (Thank you Lord.) Apparently Calms Forte 4 Kids (should I really be typing this out? Will people be trying to buy it by the truck load?!?!)....relieves restlessness, sleeplessness, night terrors, growing pains, causeless crying and sleeplessness from travel.

I'm sorry. Causeless crying? Sleeplessness from travel? Really? Praise the Lord. Seriously. For whoever knew there were lots of us out here desperate for a solution other than benadryl. Which I have not tried b/c I fear my child will be the one in 1000 with the "just gets out of control hyper" reaction. I can't risk it. Ever.

So friends....we are packed and ready for "vacation"....errrr....holiday travel. And stocked up on Calms Forte 4 Kids...b/c in November the Lord knew I would be having a sleep panic attack.

Merry Christmas.

ps...when you google Calms Forte 4 Kids the first site is called "Organic Pharmacy." Which obviously means there are not only no adverse side effects of this substance, but that it probably is SOOOO much better for you than even vegetables.

December 23, 2009

Holiday fear

you think i will make it through airport security with a spanking spoon?

Holiday cheer




is 12 hours too long a time-out for a two year old?

what if he's advanced?

brilliant!

yes i am!

shocking (to me) that i still have a brain full of good ideas these days. i am knee deep in diapers, wipes, pjs, mittens and am stuck in a suitcase, but with all the clean clothes and packing lists around me, i managed to have a brilliant thought that will certainly add just a smidge of sanity in the 10 insane days of travel that lay ahead.

bring a laundry bag for dirty clothes.

seriously! have you all already thought of this? and been doing it for years? one of the things i like least about being away from home is the disaster that our sleeping quarters become with dirty clothes piled all over the place, having to smell socks (or worse) to determine what pile is clean, etc. as i was emptying lyle's dirty clothes bag into the washer for hopefully the last time before this trip i was marvling at it's cheery design, simplicity and convinence and thought....what the HECK....i'll bring it with us!

hooray!

hopefully is it not too late for all you traveling mom's to do the same.

enjoy. this might be the last brilliant thought this fried mom has for a long time.

on a side note i just might change the title of my blog to: fried mom

December 21, 2009

santa is not coming to our house....

i have not put much thought into my "stance" on santa. you know, do you or do you not incorporate him into your Christmas traditions? santa presents? santa visits? is he real?, etc. as a Christian i think you're kind of required to have a stance and be prepared to defend it. is perpetuating the myth of santa lying to your children? is that wrong? or is it all in good fun and just part of creating Christmas memories for your children? we haven't talked a lot about santa this year. you know, his role as world wide gift giver, travel logistics (reindeer), entrance method (chimney), traditional thank you gifts (cookies and milk), his entourage (the elves), etc. but ben definitely recognizes the jolly old soul in books, pictures, blown up 10 feet at the neighbor's house, etc. and he gives a shout out every time with out fail. he's sing santa claus is coming to town with all his heart. and he seems excited about his presence. as long as he is a safe distance away. you see, ben has a pretty good memory. and clearly has not forgotten his last close encounter with the bearded man....12 months ago.




















so, nothing thinking about that moment tonight, in an effort to get ben to stay in his bed and actually go to sleep, i casually mentioned that if he wanted santa to bring him Christmas presents he needed to be a good boy and stay in bed....b/c santa only brings presents to good boys and girls.

to which he replied, "i don't want santa to bring me presents. i don't want to sit on his lap." and "i already got my Christmas presents." because we have celebrated with my parents and aunt and a few friends and the are already more new toys in this house than i know what to do with. and even ben knows everything is good in moderation.

i give up. stay up as late as you want.

at a loss for words

i am at a loss for words in responding to ben these days. he is three months shy of his third birthday and WAY to young to start lying....right? i mean, i know (mom's opinion) he's "advanced" but advanced rebellion? i wasn't hoping for that. we have had a lot of conversations in the last year that go something like this.

me: ben, did i ask you not to .....fill in the blank.....
ben: yes.
me: did you....fill in the blank....
ben: yes.
me: what happens when you do not obey me.
ben: i get a time out.

recently when i have been saying, " did you ....fill in the blank...." he just looks at me and says, "no." usually while holding or still in process of doing what ever i asked him not to. then the conversation comes to a halt. what do you say to that? ben, did you get out of bed and get books after i said it was night time? "no." then how did the 10 books on your bed get there? at which point he kind of smiles b/c he thinks he has beat me at my own game. that if he doesn't confess he or his bottom won't see the consequences. so i've started trying to explain the truth vs. lying. not easy with a 2+ year old. but i feel that there has to be immediate consequences for lying, even if he doesn't really understand. right? or clearly he understands if he's smart enough to lie in hopes of not seeing "consequences."

another have mercy Lord, moment in parenting.

December 18, 2009

how many suitcases

will it take to pack 4 people for 10 days, 25 Christmas presents, a cocktail dress and suit for a wedding, clothes for 3 possible seasons of weather, one road trip with in the trip, and all the gear necessary to have a chance for two little ones to sleep somewhere other than home (ie....noise machines, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, etc)?

i will let you know friday.

ps. Santa, all I want for Christmas is sleep.

down hill and out of control....

oh i'm not talking about me. i'm talking about ben. on his new bike. at the park this morning. i'd never payed much attention to the ups and downs of the path that journeys around the lake at our neighborhood park. until today. while i was pushing lyle in the stroller. and ben "i love speed but get nervous easily" thorburn got going too fast down the hill and i panicked (no surprise) and ditched the stroller in the grass (don' worry, lyle slept through the whole thing) and went running after ben who's screaming "MOM, HELP MOM!" by the time i got to him he'd slowed down and was pedaling again trying to pick up speed.



December 14, 2009

i give myself a hard time when it comes to parenting. for several reasons. i really care about my children. and feel responsible for their well being. and i like to do a good job with any challenge. but i am often just poking fun at myself when i write blogs about the silly things i do. or the kids do to me.

but today....i seriously feel bad. lyle hasn't slept well since LAST tuesday night. there has been LOTS of crying and screaming and tears and kicking and back arching. and i thought it was because i thretened to wean him of the 3 am feeding (that he is entirely too old for and doesn't need). but yesterday....it finally clicked that he's been sick for a month now (seriously) and his cold has probably developed into an ear infection. and confirmed by the dr. at 10:30 this morning. he was screaming so loud at the office they wouldn't let me leave with out giving him some motrin.

poor little lyle. why did this not occur to me SIX DAYS AGO!?!?!?!??!

he has to hate me.

please don't ever tell him about this.

my happy, medicated baby is now sleeping.

December 10, 2009

sometimes....

i want to know whats going on in your world, just so i don't have to think about mine.

December 7, 2009

Jesus is watching you....

I have been very intentional about including Jesus in ALL holiday talk around here. Jesus is the reason for the season. The Christmas lights represent Jesus as the light of the world. Presents. Jesus is the greatest gift of all. Etc. And I've just made up a lot of other explanations for things like why mommy eats so many Christmas cookies (God's love is abundant), why we can only listen to Christmas music (b/c i'm tired of Old McDonald had a farm), stockings (would have kept Jesus feet warm in those sandles), etc.

But this morning we implemented the "Jesus is watching you" program. A friend (Jodie...do you want to be anonymous?) told me about Santa's helper Elf? The Elf on the Shelf? Not sure exactly what it's called, but you buy this little elf, place it somewhere in the house that your kids can see and tell them that the elf is watching (for good behavior) and will tell Santa what he sees. Which EVERYONE knows determines the quality and quantity of your Christmas presents.

Because I am 1) cheap and didn't want to buy the elf, 2) overwhelmed at the thought of taking two kids into a toy store and 3) a sold out Christian totally intent on making it all about Jesus this year....I swiped baby Jesus from our nativity scene and placed him on the kitchen island and explained to Ben that Jesus is now watching us. To see if we are good boys and girls. And he will tell Santa.....wait....this is going to totally confuse him. Too late. I am desperate for good behavior. Jesus is watching. And if you are good. You get Christmas presents. And if you are not, mommy will use the Christmas present budget to buy things for herself.

So the first....ok....like seventh flaw with this is that every time Ben obeys when I ask him to do something he looks at Jesus...to make sure he is watching....and then turns to me and asks me for his present. How do you explain to a 2 year old that Christmas is 3 weeks away? And Jesus is also in your heart? And mama really wants a new pair of boots.

December 6, 2009

i continued my stellar parenting this weekend by hiring a baby sitter saturday afternoon (you know....family day) because greg and i both had made plans.

i followed that up by sending ben to my aunts for an overnighter.

and took my baby to a raging Christmas party. Put him upstairs and occasionally checked a baby monitor.

then ended our night....hungry.....at in n out burger....with our baby....at 1 am.

awesome.

loved hanging with you sugdens.

December 3, 2009

failures in parenting

ben watched 3 hours of television today. i failed him as a parent.

on a side note, the house is spotless, the floors are cleaned, the sheets are changed, the wash is folded and put away, lyle is happy from all his cuddles, and dinner is on the stove ready waiting for greg to get home.

you win some you lose some. thanks for taking one for the team today ben. i'm sure you didn't mind!!!

November 29, 2009

we got saved at the park today....

we bailed on church this morning. and went to breakfast in Laguna Beach, then to the park. we do this a lot. not bail on church, but go to breakfast in Laguna at our favorite spot, then to a neighborhood park. Ben and I were seated at the little kid's table in the playground, about to serve up a tasty meal of pretend mac and cheese and bananas when a little boy joined us. he was maybe 4 years old, declared that he was making pretend fish to go along with our mac and cheese. Before we pretend ate our meal, the little boy said, "we need to pray," then reached out and grabbed our hands. told us to close our eyes. then proceeded to pray the sinner's prayer. sweetness. i should do this on the play ground more often!

then we went for a family "hike." which was really just a short stroll on a wide open bike trail at the top of the canyon. at the end of our "hike" two bikers stopped and chatted with us for a minute. next thing i know one is pulling a bible out of his camelbak and giving it to us. at that point we tried to tell him that we knew Jesus, but it was too late. he was convinced we were lost souls in need of God's word. which i guess we are. aren't' we all?

November 26, 2009

don't tell greg....

that the anticipation is KILLING me and i am secretly watching the texas vs. a&m game in real time on my computer while pretending to watch it on DVR delayed by about and hour due to the timing of turkey dinner. :)

GO HORNS!

post partum hair loss....

has me thinking i should be wearing a hair net while cooking today!

November 25, 2009

step by step to thanksgiving

step 1. pick up "fresh turkey" and realize (the day before thanksgiving) that the "fresh, never frozen" turkey is mostly frozen.

step 2. gramma (good for EVERYTHING) dorie comes over to help clean out the turkey...which totally grosses me out. i think i accidentally break a wing just trying to help.

step 3. brine turkey in the fridge for 24 hours. 6 hours in i realize that the beer fridge....i mean turkey fridge in the garage... is set way to cold which is hurting, not helping the de-thaw process.

step 4. set the table with ben's help. i brought the china out this afternoon and had ben help me set the table. nothing broke (yet). and i noticed price tags on 1/2 of my plates. maybe i should entertain more often?

step 5. all this turkey prep left me with 5 lbs of butter, onions, and no plan for dinner...so we went out (wednesday night).

step 6. picture of boys with turkey heads

step 7. ben asking why our turkey didn't have a head

step 8. realizing i forgot to clean the oven yesterday and get my knives sharpened

step 9. sending the big boys out back to do yard work or WHATEVER so i can cook.

step 10. putting the bird in and saying a prayer

step 11. making green beans, sweet potato biscuits and gravy.

step 12. carving turkey only to realize it's not quite done. i was pressured into putting the carved portion in the microwave to finish it off....which felt like a SIN after all this work. the rest of the bird went back into the oven for another 30 minutes then was PERFECT!

step 13. everyone has gone home. boys are in bed. watching football and wondering what to do with a bottle of cognac that i bought for a tablespoon for the gravy.

November 23, 2009

taped out

i am totally filled, yet drained all at the same time. i have enjoyed quite a bit of quiet time with Jesus, quiet time with myself and friends, good work outs, lazy weekends, and breaks from the kids the last couple weeks and i am totally rejunivated and totally drained all at the same time. i have had so much (relatively speaking) time to sit and reflect, to process and contemplate. it feels peaceful. it feels challenging. those thoughts, and relationship challenges that speak when all else is quiet.

and it's been a busy couple weeks. the down hill slide towards the holidays is upon us and i can't seem to slow it down. thinking of how to make the perfect turkey gravy and ordering Christmas presents all at the same time. do you all know about diaper.com? my order tonight consisted of a car seat (Lyle's Christmas present. He's going to be SOOOO exicted I just know it!) batteries....that I keep forgetting to buy at the market, new pacifiers....that i'll need in a few weeks that i'm sure i will keep forgetting to buy at the market, diapers....obviously, and some other things that i don't even remember. free shipping. and it will be here wednesday. quicker than i could even think about getting to target with out two kids in tow.

i love diapers.com

and Christmas cards. yikes! i love them and hate them all at the same time. but i know that going through the mail in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my all time favorite afternoon activity!!! looking at pictures. marveling how fast kids grow up. smiling back at old friends smiling at me. praying for some. praising the Lord for others. i just love it. it's like a group hug. everyday. friends and family....i love you!
the view from my hotel room sunday morning....God bless friends who know how to celebrate birthdays in style! love you Jodie!!!

November 13, 2009

silent retreat tomorrow. silent. more than quiet. silent. all day. Lord help me to be present with you and with my thoughts.

November 12, 2009

November 9, 2009

when ben dresses himself

ben has made major progress in being able to dress himself recently. we have been working hard on pulling up his pants especially. that's all i really care about. but he has also figured out how to get his shirt on. but only one shirt. his favorite shirt. here is his....with a little help from Greg on the socks and shoes. and in case you can't tell...he is dribbling a basketball in the second picture!


personal hygine

in an effort to nurse lyle and talk on the phone at the same time today, i asked ben to go to the bathroom and brush his teeth (to get him off my lap. it was sweet that he was there. he has been very aware of me feeding lyle recently. and actually asked if i would feed HIM the other day. and then proceeded to lift up my shirt and try to unsnap my bra. mercy. i offered to make him a sandwich instead and he agreed.)

anyway....so ben went to the bathroom. i hear a drawer open. good sign. i hear the sink water turn on. good sign. i chat for a couple minutes. water still on. i finish feeding lyle. water still on. i holler at ben to turn the water off. no response. i walk into the bathroom and my little helper is cleaning the bathroom with soap, water....and his hair brush. sink. toilet. bath. shutters. gross.

he also is soaking wet from head to toe. silly ben.

November 4, 2009

SHOOT FIRE!

Ben just figured out how to unzip the crib tent from the inside!!!!

H1N1

Have there been any studies on the daily consumption of wine reducing the risk of aquiring the H1N1 flu? Because Kristy Alli was on Oprah yesterday saying that she uses Vodka to clean her bathrooms because it's anti-bacterial and non-toxic. And it's bound to work the same on your insides if you drink it? But I just can't drink Vodka. People say it's odorless, but I smell puke from 1995 when I even see a bottle.

So I thought....wine comes from grapes so it's organic...right? and organic is better than non-toxic? I'm sure I have all my facts straight here. I will test this theory and let you know how long I stay flu free.

On a side note, I am also praying daily for protection for my family. Lyle is so little. And Ben catches colds just by looking at people with them. And Greg and I have gotten kicked in the head every time the kids have gotten sick in the last year. Miserable. Please Lord, take away the fear that I have. Help me to trust you with my family. And to not wash my hands to much I am left with just bones for fingers.

November 2, 2009

and today....

we washed cars. two of them. who knew ben could be so obsessive about armor all? cleanest tires i've ever seen. and i'm already thinking about a little business to earn some money for the expensive holidays coming up. do you think the neighbors would be against paying a 2 year old to wash their cars?

October 31, 2009

holiday curse

darn the holiday curse. ben has a NASTY cold and will not be trick or treating tonight.

everyone is happy and i have clean floors

ben is a high energy kid. like non-stop morning to night. there is no slow wake up, easing into the day. he is usually jumping up and down in his crib shouting, "I'm awake, I'm awake! Mommy it's wake up time!" the instant he wakes up. and from that moment until the sun goes down, i am looking for activities to channel that energy...and trying to keep up with him.

he loves projects. helping around the house. and all yard work. and wants to do it all by himself. "i do it. i do it. i do it all by myself!" and i think he is just now old enough to actually be helpful with these chores.....or "super fun home activities" we'll call them. for instance he oiled all the wooden furniture in the house this week with old english wipes. i'm totally serious. (i should disclose that i gave him the choice of nap time or oiling furniture and in an effort to avoid sleep forever, he choose oiling furniture!) and learned the difference between wood, leather, and fabric. he also wiped his face with an old english wipe. maybe i should have called poison control? that's not the point of this post.

most recently i have discovered that ben LOVES to mop the floor. for real. cries if i am mopping and won't let him help. and he is it actually really good at it. he can see where he's mopped b/c it's wet, and just wanders around the kitchen and living room looking for dry spots to mop.

and when i'm having a bad day. and high energy ben is driving me crazy. we get out the mop. he expels some of his energy. my floor is clean. and EVERYONE is happy! really really happy.

i am actually thinking of making a good old fashions chores chart for us. so we have something planned to do in the mornings while lyle is napping a few days a week. don't get me wrong....the kid likes to color and make play dough pancakes, but he loves big grown up activities and "projects!"

October 27, 2009

facing my fears and finding balance

I struggle with anxiety. I live with anxiety. I wake up with anxiety. And sometimes I go to sleep with anxiety. It is with me through out the day. Sometimes very quiet. Sometimes screaming "you can't do that!" so loud my heart beats to the voice.

I know that stress causes anxiety for me. And that my old job was very stressful. And when I left that job, and then stopped working last year, I thought that stress was gone forever if I wanted it to be. I could control it. But I am learning that this anxiety creating stress can manifest it self in this life I have longed for. This life of raising kids and running errands. Of play dates and afternoon naps. This life that seems so blissful and not stressful. If I let it.

I am feeling overwhelmed right now. Overwhelmed with Ben's recent potty issues at school. With little Lyle's desire to snuggle with me all night long. With my desire to be a loving wife, patient mom, selfless niece, and intentional daughter...while worshiping God, nurturing friendships, working out and making lunches (that's just the reality folks!) There is rarely "dinner on the table" at night. It is usually just dinner on Ben's high chair tray and me eating misc. left overs standing at the kitchen counter, running back and forth between Ben and Lyle. (it should be noted that when Ben eats at his table instead of his highchair I tell him 1,000 times to sit down and not stand up when he is eating. And I am usually standing up eating when I tell him this. Awesome. He has not boldly called me out on my hypocrisy. But I'm sure it's only a matter of time. And yes, I had to spell check that word 10 times to get it right.). And those expectations I put on myself cause stress. The "how I should be doing it" is with me too often, as a source of discouragement.

I have had a few minor anxiety attacks the last month. While in a crowded place. Driving on the freeway. In a group meeting. Places that use to haunt me, but that I have been generally comfortable in in the last two years. And after thinking about it, I see this stress I have allowed to creep in to my life.

I need to be reminded. Reminded of God. Of love. And that perfect love drives out fear. Greg has been a manifestation of perfect love for me. And he has literally helped drive out that fear. But God. God is love. And there is no fear in love. 1 John 4:18.

October 25, 2009

baby camo?

I have a few hand me downs for Lyle made of cotton camo fabric. This look is so common. And they are the perfect size. Great for PJs. But I shutter when I put them on him. I immediately think of him, as a grown boy, and the possibility of him having to serve our country as a solider in war. And the thought frightens me. He is so little. And has so much ahead of him. But this thought feels so out of my hands. Out of control. Then I am flooded with guilt of not wanting my boys to fight for the freedom that I love. Of wanting to hold them and protect them from all painful realities of living in a fallen world.

My father begrudgingly enlisted in the Marine reserves during Vietnam, but never left California. And my grandfather served in the Coast Guard during WWII....and never left California. I do not know the realities of having loved ones in the military. In harms way. But I do cry uncontrollable (at the gym) when I catch news segments of fallen soldiers. I think of their families. Their moms. And wives. And kids. And it hurts my heart. But war, and death are a reality. We have been at war for 8 years. 8 years. And I rarely think about it. Because it is not close to me. Except when the thought is close to me. And Lyle is close to me. Wearing his camo.

October 24, 2009

he did it!

lyle (cakes) - as we call him...rolled over today! and we all missed it. ben was eating dinner, greg and i were pretending to eat with ben but were really watching the Texas game on streaming video on the computer kitchen and i looked over and there he was on his tummy. oh they grow up so fast. we love you lylecakes!!!


October 20, 2009

train week












































My parents are in town visiting so I thought yesterday would be a good day (with two extra sets of helping hands!) to take the Surfliner down to San Juan Capistrano. It was a quick trip down, lunch and back, but SOOOO fun. We started at the Irvine station...and San Juan is the first stop. So the ride was a little to short. And note to readers: DO NOT BRING A STOLLER ON THE TRAIN. Way too much hassle. In the way. No where to put it. You should travel like you are flying. Strategic minimalist next time. And a longer trip.

Anyone want to take the kids to San Diego for the day?!?!

ps....the rest of the week i am just going to let ben watch hours and hours of Thomas the Train everyday. Yay!

October 15, 2009

update on airplane week...

taking ben to the airport to SEE the airplanes and not letting him go on an airplane was a BAD idea. LOTS of tears. begging to go on the airplane. wanting to go on the airplane. NOW. "i want to go on the airplane NOW!" his new favorite adjective. the fact that he uses adjectives just cracks me up. "mom, i'm REALLY awake." really? REALLY? awesome.

are you happy now mom?

on occasion (...daily) when Ben is whining or just generally grumpy, I ask him to go to his room to find his happy face. i think this started with good intentions. there was probably a long speech about it's ok to be sad and sometimes when we are sad we just need to be sad....in our room....not in mommy's kitchen. (i'm sure Ben is already emotionally scarred) which turned into finding your happy face. and going to your room to find your happy face. so when ben is upset about something (that i think is silly....which as i type makes me think that i am not supporting his feelings which is probably wrong) that i do think is worthy of being upset about. ie....he asked for a blue cup so i give him a blue cup then he changes his mind and wants a green cup and i don't give him the green cup and he falls apart. so i tell him he can have his lunch, or what ever he is waiting for next if he stops crying. and he quickly smiles through his tears and proclaims, "i'm happy!" it's adorable. and painful all at the same time. he is only two, but i think we need to start talking about emotions other than happy and sad.

anyway....he often asks me if i am happy. or sad. which is sweet.

unless it is when i have just asked him to do something (throw his dishes in the sink) and he does it then turns to me and asks, "are you happy now?"

"are you happy now?!?!"

there are a couple thoughts that struck me when he said this yesterday.

does he think my happiness (or love for him) is totally performance based?!?! this is something i struggled with in relationships for a long time. probably still do. like, i love you more when you do nice things for me. oh, it's so ugly to think about. but that really is how my heart is sometimes. so wrong. not good. God....be good in my heart please. and i don't want ben for one second to think that i love him more on days when he is nice and good. but i do. that is HORRIBLE. maybe it's not love that i'm feeling. it's happiness. or like. but anyway....no performanced based andything in our house. In the name of Jesus we are saved by GRACE, not WORKS!

and second....did i sense a bit of sarcasm in his voice?!??! "Mom....are you happy now?" really? really? you now what that would sound like. and coming from my two year old. have mercy.

October 12, 2009

Week #2....airplane week

My parents are coming to visit this week. And Greg and I are both traveling. So there will be several airport trips. Maybe some airplane books from the library....I don't think we have any. Paper airplanes.....do I even still know how to make those?!?! And coloring airplane pictures.

October 11, 2009

sometimes I....

sometimes feel misunderstood
sometimes i wish i focused on others more
sometimes i spend too much time worrying what i look like
sometimes i still want my dad to think i am smart
sometimes i get claustrophobic in large spaces
sometimes i want what others have
sometimes i am blown away by what God has provided for me
sometimes ben makes me laugh...at 6 in the morning
sometimes i want to run away...and run back tomorrow

October 9, 2009

mac and cheese

i secretly indulge in kids favorites on occasion. i have confessed my donut love many times, but also....mac and cheese. i'm totally guilty of giving ben his little serving, then proceeding to throw down the rest of the box. but last week...all out of kraft (i ditched annie's a while ago b/c let's be honest....it's not the cheesiest!) i managed to pull together most of the ingredients to make home made mac and cheese according to ina garten. and God bless her. it was amazing! we're never going back.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mac-and-cheese-recipe2/index.html

October 8, 2009

do not.....

use the spanking spoon to cook with. it might be dirty when you need it.

October 7, 2009

Theme week #1 - Gardening

Thanks to a good friends' inspiring example (shared with me via her husband via my husband...wait....there is probably no chance any of the facts or details were accurately communicated through two men....on the other hand....Greg and Dano are the two most detail oriented, thoughtful guys I know...so I will take it for fact.) we are starting theme weeks around here. My attempt to give us all (mainly the little boys and I) direction as we go about our days and activities. So we have some intentional learning through experiences each week. I figure if I think about the many teaching opportunities I have each day ahead of time I am more likely to present it in some sort of profound manor. And tie it all back to God.

This first week is Gardening week. It started Sunday with Greg and Ben planting several succulents in the back yard. They dug up old roots. Transplanted plants, watered, rested, dug some more, cleaned up all their tools and celebrated a job well done.

Monday morning, I let Ben play with Greg's Western Gardening book. Hoping he would mark his favorite pages with stickers that we could then go to the nursery and find the plants he'd marked. But he is two. And most of the stickers ended up on his head. So a friend and I took our (FOUR) boys to the nursery so they could see where we buy plants. They each picked out four herbs and we took them home and planted them. For some reason this activity was not as fun with mom as it was with dad. Hmmmmm. Regardless. Herbs planted and a little over watered. Hope they survive. We talked about God creating the plants. And giving them water through rain when they were thirsty. And sometimes we give them water also. But we are not God. (a hard reality...that is even harder to explain to a 2 year old. So I didn't.) And helping them grow with light from the sun. So we can eat them. This is one of the many ways God provides for us because he loves us.

Using the herbs to make dinner tonight.

And going to a pumpkin farm Friday. We'll see how it all goes.

Some other themes we are going to do this fall:
Photography week. (Ben LOVES taking pictures)
Zoo week.
Cooking week.
Art week.
Sports week.
Cleaning week. (just kidding....maybe)
Mail week.
Beach and ocean week.
Garbage week. What is it with kids and the garbage truck? They LOVE it.

Do you have any other ideas? Please post a comment!

the absent blogger

friends...did you give up on me? remove my blog from your bookmark menu? start following 10 strangers' blogs instead?

hope not.

i am back.

and i am 33.

that is still setting in.

raising two boys is tiring.

and facilitating a study.

and participating in a parenting class.

that has really just opened my eyes to a lot of issues that i need to deal with.

in order to deal with my children in the way that i want to.

and that i think God wants me to.

in love.

not anger.

this week there has been a lot of anger.

how can i get so frustrated (not a biblical emotion...so read: angry) at this face?














and how can holding this little love be tiring?

September 29, 2009

the day after my birthday is not as fun as the day of my birthday. really....i have to wait an entire year for another?

September 28, 2009

Why we read our bibles.

When my heart is overwhelmed.

Just watch it.

http://vimeo.com/6783995

Birthday post

I really think all things in life are better when shared with a child. And I don't think it has to be your child. Any one will do. I just can't get enough of the curiosity, joy and laughter that is bundled up in a toddler. And right now it's my toddler. Oh he has his moments. But Ben is generally a joy to be around and I LOVE making everything special for him and creating wonderful experiences.

And I love my birthday. Really I love any day that I get to make fun...by planing lots of my favorite things. And enjoying each activity as a blessing. And it has been SO fun sharing it with him. I am actually more excited for him to help open presents, blow out candles, etc than I am.

Today we had a special pancake breakfast. Ben got to watch a little Dora (and when I say a little, I mean a little more than usual, which is way to much because he not only asks to watch Dora first thing in the morning, but he gets kind of salty when it's time to turn Dora off) so I could sip my coffee in peace. Everyone was happy. We went to the gym. Which Ben actually loves. And I got a great work out in. Then lunch with Gramma Dorie at one of Ben's favorite restaurants. Then nap time. Which Ben loathes and I LOVE. Sorry kido....it's MY birthday. Not yours. On your birthday, you can skip naps. But not today. This afternoon we are going to play at the park, then Greg is coming home early tonight with dinner and maybe I'll stick another candle in my taco! And Yoga with my friends at 7:30. Yay!!!! Great day.

September 25, 2009

Damn....errrr darn kids.

Our house is located directly between a large multi-family housing community and several of our neighborhood schools. And if there is one thing kids learn in school, it is the shortest route from point A to point B. And that route happens to pass directly in front of our house and often across our yard.

(I will not share exactly where I live and what high school because in all honesty, I am hoping we will be able to sell this house in the next 10 years and I don't want to deter any potential buyers!)

Shortly after we moved in, schools let out for summer. So it wasn't until one crisp September morning that I was enjoying an early morning cup of coffee with the windows open that I heard the voices. It was the walking equivalent of the 405 during rush hour traffic. The kids were coming. And going. All day long. Three schools. Start and end at different times. Constant traffic flow.

First we started noticing an occasional candy wrapper in the street. Then in our yard. An occasional school paper. Annoying, but easily cleaned up.

And there might have been a few times (let's be honest....lots of times) that I was running late for work (yes, dear readers, I use to have a J.O.B.) and almost ran over a few kids pulling out of the drive way.

Then there was the time that someone (read: obviously one of the "punk kids" as we started calling them) spray painted our neighbor's fence. And then painted it again. And again and again. Greg then added the graffiti hot-line to his speed dial. And then they "tagged" (graffiti lingo for those of you who live in 92660) our house. Awesome.

Then...they started with the sprinklers. The firs time we were sure it was an accident. Drunk kid walking home from school (what...you never drank at school?....neither did I. But I know people who did.) accidentally knocked over one of the sprinkler heads. So Greg fixed it. Reinforced it. And the next week....broken again. And obvious that it took force to do this. Which started an all out war with Greg and the sprinklers and the kids. A security camera tied to tazer gun was discussed at one point.

So I was forced to quit my job so Ben and I could stage a stake out in the bushes and catch these kids who were taking years off Greg's life. He was getting a little crazy about it. Not "shoot the black birds with pellet guns" crazy. But crazy.

Then there was the time I had to call 911 because there was a fight brewing in the street. Really all I saw was a loosely gathered group of people and someone shout, "hair pulling is for sissies." I didn't actually see a fight...but sensed West Side Story being reenacted so I acted...and called the cops.

Unfortunately at this point I think we have already been labeled "the crazy people that live in that house," which means Ben can not go to our neighborhood schools, or he will be labeled the kids that lives in the house with the crazy people.

But I have thought about opening a morning breakfast restaurant in the driveway to feed these kids...and make a buck or two. Let me know if you are available to work the morning shift.

I am writing all this because this morning I took the trash cans out in my PJs and was seen by some of the kids. And wanted to shout....."If you mess with my yard or house I will throw dirty diapers on your head!" And....."do you want a breakfast taco for $2?"

September 23, 2009

in the car

this morning on the way to the gym we saw a flock (or bunch?) of birds flying away. and ben says, "i can't fly like the birds, can i mama? i don't have wings. i have hands. see."

of course. where does he learn these things?

September 18, 2009

livin the dream....

forget everything i have said about the challenges of life and parenthood, travel and sleep strikes.

i was just carded for a glass of wine. and a week before my birthday none the less. the waiter, bless his sweet (it must have been really dark and he did not notice the spit up on my shirt or the fact that i only had mascara on one eye) heart. he got a big tip.

it's a trip...not a vacation

after a lot of traveling the last month, i have determined that a vacation is only a vacation if:

greg and i sleep in the same bed
there is roomservice
and bathrobes
and sun tan lotion
there is at least one nap
and a quiet morning moment with a cup of coffee
and a tasty dinner with all four food groups present
and at least one conversation that does not involve diapers or time outs

we have not been on a vacation in a very long time.

September 17, 2009

parks and play dates (or police and peepee)

sometimes my days as a domestic engineer / childcare director (as I like to think of myself) are full of parks, play dates, pancakes and picnics.

today was not one of those days.

ben is retaliating against me for several reasons. but most noteworthy, taking him on two, week long, long distance, travel excursions full of sugar, sleep deprivation, and unreasonable performance (being the perfect child 18 hours a day) expectations. and for making him go to bed at 6:59 last night because i was exhausted.

so today he has demonstrated his will to disobey. over and over and over again. which makes my head (and my heart) hurt.

along with that, there have been several other, unrelated incidences that have me spinning. and not in spandex on a stationary bike at the gym where i would like to be.

i took ben to school at 9. found a buyer for my old car at 10. day off to a good start! i was 15 minutes early to pick ben up from school so i went in and found him eating his lunch. i joined he and his classmates sitting on miniature blue chairs. the lunch time conversation was priceless. 10 minutes into lunch (which was 5 minutes after i wanted to leave), i hear someone holler "lock down! lock all the doors." there was a furry of activity. teachers coming and going. checking on kids, etc. mean while ben is continuing to spread hummus all over the table as a two year old should. i look out the window and see several police cars. yellow tape being strung around the house next door to the school. a man running into the street. i was nervous for a second, but did not break into a full force mom protecting my children panic. the lock down lasted 30 minutes, during which time i was able to piece together a bed ridden lady lives next door, in distress, man arrested, crime scene investigation began....wow. i tried to pretend i was totally engaged in the train track i was helping ben build, while listening to the teachers and moms talk. apparently ben was really really engaged in the train track, because when we were finally cleared to leave the building through one secure exit, ben proceeded to throw a total crying, screaming, meltdown coniptionfit. in front of this teacher. and the other moms. awesome. so i'm trying to finagle lyle in the car seat, ben on my hip, a lunch box, a bag of wet clothes (did i forget to mention that ben had a potty accident and was wearing borrowed school clothes at this time?) and a handful of 2-1/2 year old crafts from the day. and i had to parade myself and my out of control child through three other class rooms to get out through the secure exit? awesome.

but before leaving the class room, ben sure did grab a plastic coke / root beer bottle and say...in his LOUDEST VOICE..."mom, here is your BEER." to which i obviously replied, "you mean my root beer" and he repeats, "no...here is your BEER." awesome.

we drive home and ben enters into full on nap strike. he just cried and ran around his room and ran from me...for an hour (while I was reassembling the crib tent that was unfortunately taken down two weeks ago) and undoing all the big boy bed progress we'd made the last week.

and then he peed in his crib during nap time.

i'm exhausted and going to bed. after i finish my beer.

September 1, 2009

school

i'm sure you are dying to know, and the answer is yes. ben pooped at home before we left for school. i was SO proud and relieved. he said he also peed at school today, but he's usually only about 50% accurate with his details, so this is questionable.

regardless, he was so excited to go to school. and so busy playing as soon as he walked into the class room that he couldn't even focus to say good bye to me. and he was not at all ready to leave when i picked him up at 12:30. he'd done a craft he couldn't wait to show me. a piece of white paper with wet yellow paint all over it....that i accidentally dropped in the dirt on the way to the car, and then ben stepped on it. so now it has "texture." and it's on the fridge! i feel good about this. he is going to have so much fun and learn so much. and (bonus!) lyle and i enjoyed our time together today. we had morning cuddle time and went for a long walk.













here's a picture of our family today.

have i told you about the time out box?































a big box. lots of markers. endless fun. and containment. if necessary.

August 31, 2009

no title

I have so many blog topics to cover this week it's overwhelming. So they are all getting lumped together.

I am too old and should not be shopping in stores that are not stroller friendly. I literally ran into a rack (strategically positioned to keep strollers OUT of the store!) and a sales person at Abercrombie and Fitch the other day. Why did I just admit that? Why was I even there? I was looking for a little something that would make me feel and look 10 years younger. But instead I only found things that made me look like I had two kids and some residual baby weight. Not surprising. Because I have two kids and some residual baby weight.

I use to have a habit of getting a chocolate donut at the grocery store and eating it while I shoped. But I had to break this habit last year b/c Ben starting expecting the donut (and shouting DONUT any time we drove by the grocery store) and demanding more than 1/2 of the donut. And I don't like to share. No really....they are not good for him. So we started getting a slice of cheese at the deli instead. But I shopped with out Ben today, and enjoyed my donut for old times sake. (and as I reread this I am realizing how poorly I ate today!) It should also be noted that I often forget to mention to the checker than I ate said donut and thus forget to pay for said donut. And I know this is stealing. And I don't feel good about it. So every once in a while, I tell the checker that I had 5 donuts and already at them. You know, to pay my tab per se. I will not tell you where I regularly grocery shop so I can not be busted for this.

Ben's first day of preschool is tomorrow. I have been having dreams / nightmares about it. That I forget to send him with something he needs, that I break some mom rule, am late picking him up....how can I have school (PRESCHOOL) anxiety? I have not been in school for YEARS. And I had to fill out all these official forms tonight (no time like the night before....I think they were suppose to be send in weeks ago!) listing info on his health, personality, development, etc. It felt too official. This IS different than the mom's morning out he went to all last year. I pretended that was just child care. And little kids can go to child care. But BIG kids go to pre school. And I have a big kid. And I need to pray for his friends. Lord, I pray for sweet kids and know and love you to surround Ben as he grows and learns for the next 16 years....and after. And I pray that if the woman he is going to marry is indeed in his preschool class tomorrow that we would get an adorable picture of the two of them for the rehearsal dinner video.

And I pray that Ben poops before we have to leave the house at 8:45 tomorrow morning. And I pray that I am not awkwardly early dropping him off tomorrow as I often am. And I pray that I remember his teacher's name. Miss Nicole. And I pray that he does not see me cry. And I'm pretty certain that he will not cry. Because he loves new situations and meeting new people, and toys and games and sand and friends....

And I pray that I will not be mad at Lyle when he wakes up hungry in the next 4-6 hours....because that's his world right now and my job is to meet his needs. And I pray that I love it even if it comes at 1 am and I mentally scheduled our middle of the night party for 3 am.

And I pray for this bible study that I am doing in the fall. Lord....it's all you.

August 29, 2009

botox and iron

my little longhorn. thanks michelle for the cute onsie. do i look tired? are those wrinkles? i slept in a botox t-shirt (free gift...or maybe a hint from a friend... you who you are. it was very comfy. but did not minimize the appearance of fine lines over night. i guess i have to pay for that.) do you remember what my natural hair color is? i do not. i am tired. but how CUTE is lyle? seriously. and he sleeps all the time. why am i tired? i think i'm anemic. and should be taking iron. but it upsets babies tummies. and that's not nice. so i eat ice cream instead. totally unrelated. but i did. which upsets my tummy. which is not nice. but tasty.


word pictures















drive up the mountain...everyone asleep!













beaver creek rodeo - my happy cowboy!














smiley lyle!
















ben's coloring box (aka the time out box! he couldn't get out!)












big boy bike. he LOVED it and rode for hours each day! thanks gramma and grandpa!












the game of golf. enough said.


















no fear!














sweet view with my sweet boy on the back porch












the gondola at vail mountain












view from the top



















so proud of my little engineer












great grammy and grandpy


















walking the river, just like i did 25 years ago with grampy

August 25, 2009

in a year....

My how things change in a year. I am sitting in my grandparents guest room in Golden, CO, with Ben's white noise machine cranked so loud it sounds like we're in a thunderstorm in here...to drown out the sound of little lyle grunting and me typing. And it feels like I was just here. But it was a year ago and I was reflecting on my trip, my desire for a second child, my readiness to be back home. And now, I look down at little lyle sleeping soundly. God is good.

Can't help but wonder what life will look like next year.

August 23, 2009

in 5 days we have....

had lyle's first plane flight
reunited with sweet ben after not seeing him for four days
smiled (me)
drove up the mountain to my parents house
rode bikes (ben)
chased the cat mercilessly (ben)
smiled (lyle)
went to the beaver creek rodeo (all of us)
went to the pool (all of us)
rode bikes (ben)
fell off a bike going REAL fast down my parents very steep driveway (ben)
colored all over multiple moving boxes with markers (hours of entertainment)
had a beer, while taking in the beauty of the view from my parents porch (not ben)
took a nap (lyle)
took another nap (lyle)
slept all day (lyle)
stayed up all night (lyle and lindsay....so tired)
let lyle sleep in my bed and got lots of cuddles
went to the pool again
had another beer (me)
fell down the stairs (ben)
took a walk, broke a sweat (finally!)
watched 1/2 a movie before falling asleep (me)
went to the farmers' market
took the gondola up vail mountain and had lunch
loved the view
breathed fresh air

two days to go. headed to denver tomorrow to see some friends and my grandparents. excited. and tired. and nervous about both boys and i sleeping in the same room the next two nights. and missing greg.

August 19, 2009

i'm going to see my boy!!!!

lyle and i are headed to the airport shortly. with auntie karin. we LOVE auntie karin. she is coming with us for a vacation / to help with the kidos. yea! i can't wait to get my arms around ben. miss him like crazy.

love to you all in case i am too busy hiking, biking, swimming, yoga-ing, and relaxing to post this next week.

who am i kidding? i am going to be nursing, changing diapers, rocking, sleeping, nursing, changing diapers, rocking, sleeping, and chasing ben around! ....and hopefully breathing in the fresh air. and spending some time praying and planning for the new book / bible study / craft morning we're going to do at GFC starting September 24th!

August 15, 2009

what do you do when your baby goes on vacation!?!?

ok, i know ben is not my baby. he's 2-1/2. but he'll always be my baby, and he left this morning to go to Colorado with my mom. to the airport. on an airplane. then a two hour drive up the mountain. with out me. just my mom, dad, their cat and ben. for four days. we had a photo shoot in the driveway before he left. thankfully before i really started crying. i miss him already, but know he will have so much fun. and lyle and i are going to meet them in four days. just four days.



















so far i have....
gone for a long walk with lyle
called to see if the plane landed
picked up all the toddler toys floating around the house
called to see if they made it to the car
bought paint to repaint ben's room while he is gone
called to see if they made it up the mountain
painted my toe nails (but not ben's room yet!)
called to see how night time went
had dinner at a friends house
called to see how ben was doing this morning...you get the point.

in all the ground rules i set with my mom, we never talked about how often i was allowed to call!

August 12, 2009

Don't panic

I have a feeling these words will enter my head many times in the next 18....errr....50 so years with these boys.

Yesterday, was all my fault. I had just packed everyone (sometimes two kids feels like a heard of cats) up to leave Balboa Island and go meet a friend to talk about a new book study we are going to do at church. I put Lyle in his seat. Ben in his. He threw a fit. Didn't want to get in. Or wanted to get in ALL BY HIMSELF. I think I threatened him...with something. He obliged. I threw my keys in the front seat. Shut his door. And ....couldn't open mine. The doors were locked. Somewhere between car seat one, car seat two, "YOU BETTER SIT IN THAT SEAT RIGHT NOW OR ELSE....THE CAR SEAT POLICE WILL COME HERE AND ARREST YOU" I must have hit the lock button.

My heart sank. There were my boys. All buckled in. And locked in the car. "Don't panic," I think.

I yelled for my mom, who had just gone back in the house. She came running. I was already crying. Afraid to make eye contact with Ben. Who incidentally was happily playing with his music player that he had grabbed for the car ride. I immediately think of the second set of keys at home. At least 30 minutes for someone to get them and get back to us. I think to call 911. Because that's what you do in an emergency. And this sure felt like an emergency. I was parked in the shade. But it was hot that day. And my car had been in the sun all day. But before I could call 911, my mom reminded me of the fire station...100 yards away. She ran. I stood behind the car, still afraid to look at Ben. B/c I was crying. And I was praying that he wasn't.

Less than a minute later, up drives the fire ENGINE! The HUGE FIRE ENGINE. 5 firemen and 2 minutes later, the doors were unlocked. Ben had sweat dripping down his face and Lyle was uncomfortably hot. We got them both out and they cooled down quickly.

And I was still crying. And Ben was smiling....getting a plastic fire hat and sticker from the firemen.

No harm done. Lesson learned: don't throw your keys in the car....keep them in your hand at all times.

August 10, 2009

trampoline time outs?

this might be our solution for time outs. it doesn't appear that "quiet time reflecting on his disobedience" works for sweet ben. so, this might be our solution: click here

a minute of jumping for each year old he is? you've heard the phrases "hug it out" or "dance it out?" at our house we are going to jump it out!

if you think this is a good idea and would like to financially contribute to this BREAK-THROUGH DISCIPLINE EXPERIMENT, or would like your children to participate in the experiment, please do so via paypal.

August 4, 2009

tweet?

tweet tweet? i have a twitter account. i don't really know what that means. i have not yet tweeted. is that a verb? i started it so i could follow someone on twitter. but i don't really know how to do that either.

i just thought i would let you know.

i don't recomend...

taking your newly potty trained toddler to a bathroom showroom. he didn't understand that the potties didn't work and kept saying, "I go poop here?" which obviously warrented a comment from the sales guy wanting to make sure he didn't find any surprises later. Ben also pretend washed his hands in a bidet. Kind of the perfect height for little guys.

August 1, 2009

Liquid courage

10 years ago....it was a gin and tonic. with two limes. or a long island ice tea for really big nights. that's all i needed (really I just needed Jesus) to rally for life some nights. this sounds like i had a drinking problem, which i didn't. i was just an introvert trying to be an extrovert and constantly putting myself in anxiety causing situations. and the only coping mechanism i had was a little cocktail to take the edge off. you know....so i could "be myself." obviously ridiculous. anyway. that's not the point.

the point is that this morning...i needed coffee. and the phrase liquid courage popped into my head. that's all i need now to get through my days. coffee. and Jesus.

July 31, 2009

We did it!

So....I've had a rough couple of days. Stranded on the breastfeeding / toddler entertaining island. And needing a little extra love, encouragement and motivational talks from...someone. Greg gave it his best and offered me this bit of....don't know quite what to call it....thought when saying goodbye for work this morning, "This isn't Nam....we're going to make it." As in, this isn't the Vietnam war. Thank you honey. I feel much better now. And with the perspective, and an entire day with no plans, we rallied. Let's just say I picked myself up by my boot straps. That's what we do in Texas.

First mission. Target. Me. And both boys. I had avoided it long enough. Lyle is 6 weeks old and I have not ventured to any sort of grocery store / market with both of them. And there are some things that you just can't buy (or really shouldn't) at the drive thru liquor...I mean dairy in our neighborhood. So off to Target we went. After a brief anxiety attack in the parking lot, we got out of the car. I carried Lyle in the baby bjorn and Ben in the cart. Ben was an absolute delight and Lyle slept the entire time. We quickly got everything on our list and had I been able to bend over with out Lyle falling out I might have gotten a pair of shoes. And Lyle did get a new "outfit." Oh....the land of impulse buying.

Next, in an effort to get a work out in (desperate to move the numbers on the scale...I think I lost 15 pounds the first two weeks after Lyle was born and not a pound since....frustrating!!!), I borrowed a double jogging stroller from a friend and headed to Corona del Mar. Now please note that Ben has not been stroller bound in over a year, with the exception of riding the 100 yards to the park in our neighborhood. He just doesn't sit still and BEGS to get down the entire time. So I gave up walking with him long ago. And joined a fancy gym with child care...but can't take Lyle until he's three months old. But I was determined. And sold the whole outing to Ben as a great adventure with Mommy and Lyle and we would get to see the ocean and play at the park, and what ever else he wanted to do for the rest of his life if he granted me this one request.

So.....with a month's supply of snacks, juice, at least 10 books, and a video iPod in case of emergency, we walked. Or rather I walked. An honest to goodness exercise walk. Pushing about 100 pounds of boys and toys in a stroller along the Pacific Coast Trail. It was heaven. A georgous day. Ben happily in his seat with the sun shade all the way down (at his request) so he was almost in a fort. And Lyle...asleep of course. And I was sweating.

We finished our walk and RALLIED AGAIN! On to Gallo's to pick up lunch and back to a park near where we'd started our walk. I fed Lyle in the park, over looking the ocean. Ben played. We ate lunch. SUPER MOM! How many points for that morning I ask?!?!

And none of this is the real reason for my post. Ben's in love with Dora the Explorer. And has been watching a lot of Dora. Like everytime I feed Lyle, Ben gets to watch Dora. Everyone is happy, and bi-lingual. So the song she and Boots sing at the end of each episode run through my head over and over and over all day. And it's quite encouraging! This is how I felt this morning. We did it!

July 29, 2009

GFC

Our family (rarely b/c someone is ALWAYS FREAKING SICK) attends a small, Christian church in our neighborhood. I don't want to tell you the name because well, it's out little secret church. Let's just call if GFC. And as much as I try to force "sharing" on Ben, I don't share well myself. Especially the really good stuff in my life. And frankly, there's not really room for you. We're out of chairs. And if you did come, you might try to sit in "my seat." And that would not be good. And we welcome visitors. But just visit once. We don't really want to grow our family too big. Because what if you don't agree with everything we believe in? Or you want to challenge something? That will just cause trouble.* And don't even mention "two services." So wrong.

So...we have gone there for years. And love it. I mean really love it. As in when we were thinking of moving to Texas, GFC was at the very top of my list of reasons NEVER TO LEAVE CALIFORNIA. And in the past few weeks, I have loved it even more.

1. The dinner fairy (as Ben called them) visited us three nights a week for 4 weeks after Lyle was born. As in, the sweetest women in the world from GFC cooked up the tastiest meals in the world (think steak, and fresh roasted chicken and biscuits, and salad and fruit salad and organic veggies) and delivered them to my house in the most creative to go packaging in the world, and saved my world because I didn't have to cook for a month. Meals. And left overs. And dessert. Lots of dessert!
2. We attended a baby dedication for a GFC friend last weekend and it was outside, and there was a bounce house. Need I say more? I don't think so. But I will. There was all sorts of tasty food and dessert!
3. I have been taking Ben to GFC one morning a week and utilizing the women's bible study child care, and not doing the bible study. I think this is illegal. But they have not kicked Ben to the curb yet. He's happy and full on fishy crackers when I come pick him up.
4. My husband came home from the men's retreat with a 1/2 empty bottle of triple sec. I don't ask questions. But margaritas are always on the "pro" list for me.
5. Snow cone machine outside church last Sunday. Ben commandeered the flavor bottles. Rainbow madness. All over himself.

Not to mention (but I will)
The best biblical, life application, (with humor!) teaching ever.
Amazing friends and fellowship.
Loving child care.

* Please note these views are mine alone and do not represent the views of unnamed "church."

July 28, 2009

Super mom

Greg likes to throw this term around. "Super mom." Mostly when referring to my friends. So I thought there should be some scale. Or Survey we could all take to see how we measure up. Good luck. And good luck keeping score. I don't think I can count above 5 anymore. Brain. Is missing. Have you seen it?

One kid + 1 point
Two kids +2 points
Three kids +3 points
4 kids +4 points
5 or more kids + 1,000 points
Bathe most of your kids daily + 1 point
Bathe all of your kids daily +2 points
Remember to wash kids hands at the park before lunch +2 points
Remember all your kids when you leave the park +5 points
Offer only organic foods to your children (fruits and veggies) +2 points
Your kids eat aforementioned organic fruits and veggies +5 points
You remember the last time you brushed your child's teeth +1 point
Use cloth diapers + 2 points
Own cloth diapers but don't use them + 0 points
Don't utilize child care....ever + 5 points
Don't utilize child care more than 5 times a week + 1 point
"Wear your baby" (instead of letting your baby exist in his car seat for hours and days on end + 2 points


Your kids are dirty, occasionally defiant and unruly but know they are loved...+1,000,000 points

hanging on by a thread today....

some might say that i'm in the "throws of motherhood."

today that means that i've been peed on, pooped on and spit up on right between my giant breastfeeding boobs.

and i'm going on 4 hours of sleep. total. last night.

i know i shouldn't complain. if any of you have seen me in the last 6 weeks and asked how things were going i probably responded with, "great! lyle sleeps 24 hours a day and ben loves him." which is or was mostly true. but lyle is waking up more and more. and ben is loving in different ways that make this reality a little more challenging. and as noted here i no longer have a brain. sad.