What? You don't have a construction hat wearing bird helping you pick up toys?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Eight Years
From the backseat of the car yesterday, J asked, "What day is today?" I replied, "Monday, July 12th. Tomorrow is Daddy and Mommy's wedding anniversary." He then leaned in E's direction and whispered, "You hear that, E? We have to tell them happy anniversary tomorrow." And they did!
It's incredible how much Steve and I have grown and changed over the past eight years. That's a good thing because looking back at the wedding day snapshots and seeing a young bride standing on the bar in her white gown with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other hand is oh, so embarrassing! The picture alone makes a compelling case for locking up our daughter forever.
I love being married, and I always have. Don't get me wrong though. Maintaining and growing our marriage is not always a walk in the park. There were some moments and stretches (i.e., sleepless, hormonal post-partum days) in our marriage so far that I could have lived without, but sometimes we learn best from these rocky times.
I would, without one single doubt, say "I do" to this man all over again. Happy, happy anniversary, Steve! I love you even more than I did eight years ago.
It's incredible how much Steve and I have grown and changed over the past eight years. That's a good thing because looking back at the wedding day snapshots and seeing a young bride standing on the bar in her white gown with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other hand is oh, so embarrassing! The picture alone makes a compelling case for locking up our daughter forever.
I love being married, and I always have. Don't get me wrong though. Maintaining and growing our marriage is not always a walk in the park. There were some moments and stretches (i.e., sleepless, hormonal post-partum days) in our marriage so far that I could have lived without, but sometimes we learn best from these rocky times.
I would, without one single doubt, say "I do" to this man all over again. Happy, happy anniversary, Steve! I love you even more than I did eight years ago.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Learning Time
At four years of age, J has been blessed with a memory that is more impressive than those of most adults I know. Usually we have to discuss something once or twice, and he is able to retain the information. The near instant results and successes make teaching him seem effortless and so darn fun.
Sharks have been at the center of his obsessions for months now, so we've just used that interest to expand and bring in a few other topics like oceans, continents, and natural disasters. One of his favorite learning activities with me is the Sentence Game. We simply alternate between writing and readings sentences. Add the word "game" to any activity with a surprise element such as "No looking until I'm finished" statement, and it automatically becomes interesting to this little guy.
We alone cannot take the credit for all he knows, however. Far from it, in fact. H, our daycare provider, is AMAZING and includes J in her homeschooling efforts. Her patience and dedication are second to none. There is no preschool in the entire world that could measure up to the experiences and topics that J gets in on at her house. Thanks to the ABC Bible verse of the week that they recently started, J now officially has committed more verses to memory than I have.
(I had a better video with more ocean trivia, but for some reason it wouldn't upload.)
H, I know we don't tell you enough, but you are SO, SO, SO appreciated and loved. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you!
Sharks have been at the center of his obsessions for months now, so we've just used that interest to expand and bring in a few other topics like oceans, continents, and natural disasters. One of his favorite learning activities with me is the Sentence Game. We simply alternate between writing and readings sentences. Add the word "game" to any activity with a surprise element such as "No looking until I'm finished" statement, and it automatically becomes interesting to this little guy.
We alone cannot take the credit for all he knows, however. Far from it, in fact. H, our daycare provider, is AMAZING and includes J in her homeschooling efforts. Her patience and dedication are second to none. There is no preschool in the entire world that could measure up to the experiences and topics that J gets in on at her house. Thanks to the ABC Bible verse of the week that they recently started, J now officially has committed more verses to memory than I have.
(I had a better video with more ocean trivia, but for some reason it wouldn't upload.)
H, I know we don't tell you enough, but you are SO, SO, SO appreciated and loved. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Poor Me
J & I made a trip to the local minor care clinic this evening. I’ll spare you the details, but after two injections in the rear end, he’s on the mend and should be just fine.
It's never fun to see a child of mine be poked and prodded, but he really was a champ through it all and rather entertaining. He immediately began plotting his escape plan upon hearing that he would be receiving shots. The intricate plan even included a disguise and transforming into a statue. Although he sadly uttered a good old fashioned “poor me” after the medicine was administered, the stickers and wheelchair must have trumped the traumatic time because he declared his trip to the hospital as his favorite part of the day.
However, the best question was asked before we even arrived at the clinic: “Are they going to give me Benadryl?”
Only a nurse’s child would ask such a thing.
It's never fun to see a child of mine be poked and prodded, but he really was a champ through it all and rather entertaining. He immediately began plotting his escape plan upon hearing that he would be receiving shots. The intricate plan even included a disguise and transforming into a statue. Although he sadly uttered a good old fashioned “poor me” after the medicine was administered, the stickers and wheelchair must have trumped the traumatic time because he declared his trip to the hospital as his favorite part of the day.
However, the best question was asked before we even arrived at the clinic: “Are they going to give me Benadryl?”
Only a nurse’s child would ask such a thing.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Miss Manners
After watching E shove an entire handful of cubed watermelon into her mouth tonight, I gently instructed, “E, use your fork for the watermelon. Use your manners please.”
She picked up her fork, looked at it momentarily, and set it back on the table.
She then clearly stated, “No, thank you.”
She picked up her fork, looked at it momentarily, and set it back on the table.
She then clearly stated, “No, thank you.”
Monday, July 5, 2010
30 and Counting
I have now lived thirty full years (and nearly 3 days to be exact). We celebrated this milestone with a long and relaxing weekend. The kids had a vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's house while we spent a couple of nights in a nearby city shopping, movie going, walking, and dining out.
With the exception of the unexpected drag queen entertainment at dinner, none of our activities were overly adventurous, but there was something so refreshing about doing ordinary things without the worry of diapers or car seats. We spent the remainder of the holiday weekend playing cards, watching fireworks, eating, and swimming/freezing at the pool with the kids and family.
The best part of all was having my little family sing me "Happy Birthday" tonight over fresh brownies. This simple moment was such an incredible reminder of how great it is to be living each day with them. I could just see the joy and love written all over each of their faces. BEAUTIFUL!!
I've had a few people ask me how I feel about turning the big 3-0. When the optometrist mentioned "birthday related changes" at my last appointment, it took a couple of moments to stagger through the denial before I could fully comprehend what he was implying. And I have to admit that my heart rate momentarily increased when the nurse at my doctor's office started her reply to my concerns with, "Well, when women approach a new decade of life. . ."
To be completely honest though, I'm excited about it. I have all I could possibly ask for in this earthly life and then some. Even though back then I had the endurance to party like a rock star and wake up wanting to do it all again, I have more purpose and direction than I did ten years ago. Thank God for that -- literally! I've found Jesus (that happened about 4 years ago), my family is fantastic, my friends are loyal, and I have more interests and hobbies than I ever have had before.
Bring on the 30s!
With the exception of the unexpected drag queen entertainment at dinner, none of our activities were overly adventurous, but there was something so refreshing about doing ordinary things without the worry of diapers or car seats. We spent the remainder of the holiday weekend playing cards, watching fireworks, eating, and swimming/freezing at the pool with the kids and family.
The best part of all was having my little family sing me "Happy Birthday" tonight over fresh brownies. This simple moment was such an incredible reminder of how great it is to be living each day with them. I could just see the joy and love written all over each of their faces. BEAUTIFUL!!
I've had a few people ask me how I feel about turning the big 3-0. When the optometrist mentioned "birthday related changes" at my last appointment, it took a couple of moments to stagger through the denial before I could fully comprehend what he was implying. And I have to admit that my heart rate momentarily increased when the nurse at my doctor's office started her reply to my concerns with, "Well, when women approach a new decade of life. . ."
To be completely honest though, I'm excited about it. I have all I could possibly ask for in this earthly life and then some. Even though back then I had the endurance to party like a rock star and wake up wanting to do it all again, I have more purpose and direction than I did ten years ago. Thank God for that -- literally! I've found Jesus (that happened about 4 years ago), my family is fantastic, my friends are loyal, and I have more interests and hobbies than I ever have had before.
Bring on the 30s!
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