I want to grow up to be:

Tonight's discussion:

Z - A bike racer. And a race car.
You mean a race car driver?
Yes.

And...a football player.

K - A smoothy.  And a surfer.

G - You already know, Mama (um, I do??)
A gym-girl.

I think that means a gymnast.

M - ?

"Ears like mine"

I found Z-man checking himself out in the bathroom mirror.  He was touching his ears/pressing them with the palms of his hands.

He told me that there was a boy in his class that has ears and hair like his.  I asked to clarify.  He said "flat, down hair" like his (it's short now).

I asked if he was friends with the boy.  No, he's in the other preschool class and his skin isn't the same.

I asked for clarification.  He started to say that the other boy's skin was like mine but stopped.  We figured that the boy has skin between my color and Z's.

This is the 2nd or 3rd time he's brought up skin color recently.  Last time I had to point out that we don't make friends based on the color of someone's skin.  Really?  After one day of preschool that was our conversation!

We select friends based on kindness, interests, liking someone, etc. and not on skin.  We elect not to get in trouble with kids in our class because we want to make the right choices - regardless of skin color.

Innocence is eroding.

First Stitches

I've parented 9 kids, 4 are "mine" plus 1 right now...and we ended the summer (August) with our first ever stitches.

Arrived home at 430 from work and picking G up from a birthday party to find my step dad and kids with a cut across Z's eyebrow - top to bottom/left eye (just like my sister when she was 3).

Stepdad thought it was no big deal or that we should get some butterfly stitches for him since that is what he's done for himself over the years. HELLO dude? He's 5. It's his face. He's MY beautiful boy. Um, no.

To which I swung around and said: Which 2 of my kids are you taking with you tonight while I head to urgent care? He responded appropriately with: "Which two would you like me to take?" The two most difficult right now: G & I. Then, I was in the car with three and off to urgent care.  I saw a neighbor, Laura, on the way out of our neighborhood and asked which place she'd go.  To Brighton we went.

We met a "lovely" (not) 3 year old that after 1-2 hours of her crap, I finally said: "You know, we don't ALL find you very funny. Some people here are really sick and they don't want to hear you anymore." Yup, I said it. I was super sweet about it.  She smiled and it didn't stop her. It was like nobody had ever suggested that the world didn't revolve around her and I was just crazy.  I got lots of smiles from the waiting room. Her mom took her outside to play but that cunning little on wiggled herself back in twice (snowballed the mom). Think of this: Mom who calls her kid Butt, Booger and other nice names loudly in public...classy chick. No wonder this kid wanted to put her bloody band-aid from her filthy (not dirty, filthy) leg on my son's forehead and also tried to kiss my girls while shaking her booty and slapping her butt.

Anyway, I view her as a little gift. Whipped my kids right into shape. They were PERFECTLY behaved for the first time EVER! They knew she was naughty and they didn't want to be like her.

Nurse Linda was awesome. She has 3 kids - 20, 19 and 18...She told me to look her up when the kids are teenagers and she'd take me out for a drink - that I was going to need it with 3 teenager daughters. I think she was serious because she tracked me down and gave me a hi-five before leaving.

Anyway, 2 stitches became 3. Twins watched Dr. Mary B. but were charged without saying a SINGLE word...especially because K is a narrator of every event. M was totally into the whole thing watching every step. I think she'll end up in a medical field. Z didn't cry once! He doesn't even know he had two needles in his head. After he asked if she sewed into his head like I sew in my sewing room - motioning how that happens. I said yet and his eyes got huge with a smile. 

He's already telling war stories.

Came home to step dad who was headed out of town. Zade insisted that he cook him French Toast. I made the girls eggs. Bed. 

In many ways, it was a wonderful day. In others - holy CRAP - my baby boy.

Now, to see if we can salvage this weekend's planned camping trip.

Oh, how did it happen?  He was running in the house.  (not allowed)  He fell and landed with his head into the frame of the couch.  Slice and a boo-boo welt on his forehead.  Nice :)  I'm wondering if any of them have learned the "no running in the house" lesson yet?  Probably not. ;)

the world through kid eyes

Sometimes I'm just in awe - that I get to see the world through their eyes.  Seriously?  What a gift.

Last week, M had an in-hospital stay for brain testing.  G asked why.  I tried to explain a seizure.  Today someone asked G why M was at the hospital.  Her answer:

"Because her brain doesn't always work right.  Well, sometimes it just doesn't work.  They wanted pictures of it to help it so it would just work. Her brain is kind of broken.  Sometimes."



During the Lobster Festival Parade:
"Mama, this is the best parade I've ever been to in my whole entire life!"  - Z, age 5.

I'm thinking:  This is likely only the 2nd one you can ever remember watching but boy, do I love this enthusiasm.  I literally laughed out loud.  I want to bottle up his enthusiasm for later years or gloomy days.

I also want to ship all of that candy away to the Halloween Parade monster.


3 teenagers were baptized today.  I ran to get G & Z from Sunday school.  Z asked why he couldn't get baptized.  I said that these three people (1 male, 2 females) were getting baptized because they believe that Jesus is the Christ and he came to save the world and they love him in their heart.  They prayed to God to love Jesus forever to which he responded:  "Well, yeah.  I've prayed for that like a hundred thousand times." Dude, I think we need to talk.


Later in the day, a twin (can't remember which - wait, K) asked:  "Why did the people get adopted?"

To which I was confused.  After asking a number of questions, it was determined that the answer is:  Honey, they got baptized.  Not adopted.  Well, except they will be adopted forever in heaven.  Oh man, why did they have to ask such questions?  I know she wanted to just know about baptism but she asked a pretty deep questions - Accepting Jesus gets you adopted.  Baptism doesn't get you adopted.  But, we also adopt people here.  Getting baptized shows you accept Jesus.  Adopted into the family of God gets you to your eternal father.  It doesn't get you a curl up in the lap, read you a book, kiss you on the cheek, tuck you into bed Earthly Dad - that I KNOW you really want but....Adopted?  Baptized?  It's related.  Who knew?  Kids!

More quotes

K today:
"He runned and he threwed his hat off."  I think we have issues to address....

July 8, 2012:
The things I hear myself say:

"M___, what are you doing? "
Walking the dog.
"We don't have a dog. We have a brother. Stop walking your brother."

!?!?!?

July 8, 2012:
"MAMA!!!!  I have Diary." - Z as he's sitting on the toilet after complaining about a sick tummy.  You get the pictures.

July 2012:
Mom!  That water is very dry. I mean REALLY dry! - G

7/23/12:Z (as he is sitting on the toilet):  I love Jesus! 
me:  Great!  Are you going to love him forever?
Z:  Yes.
K:  You know Jesus will love you for ever - every day.

Z:  Yup.  The poop isn't coming out of my butt.  I think it is stuck in there for ever.

(OK son, I see that connection.  Yup.  The Holy and the throne.  Good.)

9/10/12:  Z - "I know how to run a 'puter.  Can you buy me a 'puter now Mama?" - after his first day of computer class in preschool.  Answer:  Let's start with vocabulary, son - It's a COM-Puter! :)

A different kind of mother aka: Letting Go (some things)

...From the stomach flu episode, I cam to understand that being strong doesn't mean not asking for help, nor does it mean not being scared.  This is probably one of the greatest lessons I've ever received.  I needed to offload some of my responsibilities and free myself a little to manage the load better. I had to admit that I could no longer be the same kind of mother I had been when Dylan was little; it wasn't possible.

I could not be with the kids and be with Randy in the oncology wards.  I had to ask for help - and lots of it.  I couldn't cook dinner every night from scratch using fresh vegetables from the farmer's market, so I gratefully accepted dinners of any kind from the families at my sons' preschool. I don't know if they used organic produce, and I learned not to give it a thought.

I ordered take-out dinners using a gift card generously provided by my husband's colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University.  I even took people up on their offer to unpack my families possessions - yes, even my clothes and underwear...

Was I a lesser mom, wife, and woman for this?  No!  In fact, it made our lives better to let others pitch in.  I had more energy to devote to all of those around me; I wasn't so stressed out and grouchy. It made life seem more manageable, which in turn lightened my mood.

- Jai Pausch - Dream New Drams - pp. 63-64

Some ask how I do it - work FT, parent 5 kids ages almost 2 - 6 years...I do it as follows:

Grace of God.

A messy home.

Children who are bathed ~2-3 X a week.

Family activities vs. every kid in multiple lessons starting at age 2 years.
Focusing on what is really important: Faith, Love, Kindness, Obedience, mixed with some sillies!

With help.

PS - I really enjoyed the book quoted.  It's an easy read about a university professor who is dying - from his caregiver's perspective - his wife, Jai.  Their children were preschoolers during this time and one was just 4 months old at the time of diagnosis.

His Heart

On Friday, May 18th we welcomed a nearly 22 month old little guy to our home.  He came with about a one hour notice.  Short term?  Long term?  Time will tell.

What this meant for Z-man was a "baby" boy.  He's wanted a brother for a while now.  He tells people. me. others.

Now that "D" is here, Z-man is less than happy.  After about 10 days, he asked when D was going to leave (to which, G-girl freaked out...she is in LOVE with D - a rare event around here).

Why?

D is a baby/toddler.  He is assertive.  Z & D have similar personalities.  Z is used to ruling the home as far as the kids go.  D is a threat.  He takes Z's toys. He pushes.  He's aggressive.

For Z, it's his heart.  Z's #1 issues is greed/self centered heart.  He has learned to share with K.  They play well together.  He pushes M around and G is in her own world - yet she has a close bond with Z-man.

D....a new dynamic.

I keep praying that God will use this experience to help mold Z.  I've seen so many improvements in his heart.  he can now share some.  Today at a church cookout he gave a little friend a chip.  Of course it was the smallest chip be had but still - improvement.  Later we talked about giving our best - not our smallest.

I think D is going to teach Z a lot.  I hope that Z's spirit isn't broken but rather his attitude and heart are shaped to love more.  share more.  be more Christ-like.

Z spends rest time in his room jumping on his bed singing to Jesus.  His heart does love...but I'm hoping that Z and D begin to better tolerate each other - and maybe they can become close - depending on the duration of D's stay in our family.

I can see that D's aggressive behavior is improving with Z finally standing up to him.  Both boys need a lot more shaping.

Brothers?  Who knows?  I love both of these little guys.  :)

Date with my Main Man

Today, I took my son with me to run a few errands and eat lunch.  It was great to just have the two of us.

1. Post Office - mailed dresses for orphans and 2 boxes to auntie and prepped a box to return the girls' ripped blankets.

2. Out to lunch - Scarborough Grounds - first time.

3. Returns: Target, Toys R Us and Home Goods.

Best quote of the day:
"Z, what are you thinking about (as he appeared very far away and deep in thought)? "

Nothing.

Really?  Girls don't think about nothing. I think that is something boys do.

Z:  "I'm not thinking about anything, .... except Jesus!"

He's the best!

I also really enjoyed playing with a wind up car while Z-man while we waited for our food.  I loved Z's full on belly laughs during this time!  It was also exciting to watch Z watch the trucks pass along Route 1!  He also showed me all the toys he is hoping for at Toys R Us!  WAAAAY over his birthday budget but I love to watch him dream!

Z was a strong boy and helped me carry a heavy box to the post office.  He also helped push down the take as we assembled the boxes.

Yesterday, he told me he was "not sure" when I asked him if he liked the new little boys staying with us - a 22 month old  boy "D".  I told him that was OK.

I love this boy!

Orphans - a charge to the church

I read this blog post today and I couldn't agree more:

"...So much of this has come from searching my own heart. I've mistakenly assumed the Lord wasn't calling us to adopt a child with special needs or a much older child. But I realized that if I am going to claim that our family cares for the fatherless, we have to really search our hearts for what that looks like for us. We cannot just look past the hard to place children because that's not our "calling."  I don't think the problem is that God isn't calling people to care for these children. 

These aren't numbers. These are living, breathing souls who need families and Jesus.

I think God wants to see the Church step up and wrap around the cause of the orphan. It's big and messy and complicated and I believe each part of the body has a unique role in it. These are HIS children, after all, and He has a good and perfect plan for each one."
- http://www.thefarmerswifetellsall.com/2012/05/children-are-not-commodities.html

 

I'm not a short order cook

When I became a Mom, I committed to NOT playing food games with my kiddos.  I said:  "I'm not a short order cook!"  I can't tell you how much this has resulted in peace in our home.

The other day, G insisted that she was NOT eating a grilled cheese sandwich.

My response:  "OK."

I prepared our simple meal.  Grilled Cheese Sandwich, carrots and apple slices. Milk.

She said no sandwich so I didn't put one on her plate.  When she saw everyone else's plate she demanded her pizza to which I responded:  We are having grilled cheese.  We are not having pizza.  She fussed.  I placed a piece of cheese on her plate and told her it was the piece that would go in her sandwich.

She was silent.

A few minutes later (after I'd started to eat) she asked for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Yup!   As a food and power struggle issue - NO WAY!  Don't do it Moms....no short order cooks.
1 meal. 1 menu. period.  It will work itself out.


Of course, we recently learned that G should have 3 months without 5 additional foods (she is already not eating eggs and rye due to allergies).  The new foods to eliminate include:  milk, wheat, soy, nuts and all seafood.

So, I might become a short order cook out of necessity - for her health.

Everything has energy except...

Everything has energy.  Sometimes it makes it warm.

Except toys and when you are dead.
'Cuz when you are dead you lose your energy. You might have a hole someplace.

And when you get to heaven after being dead, Jesus gives you air again and then you are alive again.  You come alive again in heaven.  Jesus doesn't just want dead people.  He wants to love everyone.

He will have a talk with you.

(She just realized I was writing her story.  She's READING it on this screen.)

God is also watching you.  He can see in your heart.  He sees love in your heart.  And then he takes you up to heaven...when you die or when He is ready to bring you up!

(So there...)

PS - Don't want to forget but Z calls crutches Crunchers.
May 2, 2012

PSS - Went to a girl scout event last night -leader/daughter recognition night.  Mom got her 30 years of service pin and I got a 10 year (the pin was actually broken-is that a sign?).  Girls made May Day Baskets - Pink and green in a mini chocolate milk carton.  Fond memories from childhood!

Friday Night (Memories)

We were supposed to go camping tonight but honestly, I was too tired, it was too cold and windy and I didn't get everything together.

So, instead we went on a 3 mile hike on a trail close to our home - that I've wanted to go on for 2 years.  Tonight was the night.  GREAT memories.  Good exercise. Bonding.  Even got to talk with G (oldest) about selecting trails and that God wants us to select the narrow trail (path) for our lives.  She asked if I follow God.  Yup. Gave examples. Told her it was hard sometimes but God knows best.  Good stuff.

No yelling, crying, or anything bad.

Home. Quick dinner.

Played doctor.  Each had a stethoscope.  I was the patient.  I was examined and treated by a variety of objects including

a light up purple dog ball - or intraoral illumination
a mirror to check my teeth
a toy camera to take a photo for my chart and as an x-ray for my injured foot.
a pez dispenser for shots
a green rubber circle thing to examine my nose and to give me medicine
a wooden piece of celery to dispense meds into my mouth.
many wooden puzzle pieces to do something on my lips and teeth (and gums by accident)

and, 3 kids gave me comfort items: dog, a get well card, etc.

Only Z explained his exam/treatment techniques.  The others just did what they wanted.  It was GREAT!  So happy we stayed home.  Off to camp tomorrow.

When it was time for bed, I said:  "Kids, pick up all of those toys and come brush your teeth!"  They tried.  They really did.

Favorite line of the day:  "Mom, I've lost my energy.  My batteries are gone." - Z

He was right.  His little body was so tired.  He had a sleepover in the girls room (a typical nightmare!) that included 4 kids, no peeps and 4 dreaming in less than 2 mins.  NICE!  No bedtime struggle - they were asking to go to bed!  Run babies, run!

a week "off"!

I have a bunch of vacation time so I took G's April vacation week off.

Can I start by saying, I picked a week with  nearly perfect weather.  Sunny every day (I think).  A few days were in the 80s - April. Maine.  Pretty GREAT!

The week started on Friday afternoon when I cashed in a Christmas gift:  A night off (no kids) in an Inn in York Harbor, ME.  Can I just say: LOVELY!?  I walked the beach at sunset. Took a nap. Ate a wonderful dinner including awesome lobster/corn chowder - best ever!, read a book, fell asleep.  Listened to the ocean in the night.  Just wonderful - and so refreshing!

Saturday - I rose early, met my Mom and traveled to Rhode Island (first time there) and attended a quilting class and convention.  I learned a new applique technique.  Finished early. and returned to pick Mom up. IKEA trip. Home.

Sunday - church. Low key.

Monday - Beach day with the fam.  A little hike on the rocks and K even found a kid-sized cave.  Amazed at the gross motor skills of 3.

Tuesday - ? (will have to check the photos)

Wednesday - Kids went to a day camp for gymnastics - First time I'd ever dropped all 4 kids off and LEFT.  I came home, ate breakfast and tried to relax for 20 mins!  Then started a series of errands which included some new underclothes for me, 2 pairs of shoes, some cool ethnic kid artwork and...2 new couches!  Ours are nearly wrecked.  Prepared 6 freezer to crock pot meals for when work resumes!

Thursday - Play date - run nonstop day.  2 appts in the morning followed by Z's play date with Zac; then G's with M.  1 hour break ended with us at the neighbor's checking out a new to us desk - nice! and home to prepare for friends and their 3 babies for dinner - McDonalds.  Fell into bed.

Friday - Home playing, out for errands and Japanese buffet!  Home for another play date for G with E.

Saturday - Had a FUN time in NH.  Stopped in Kittery and hit the Hanna sale, McD's, and then to the Children's Museum where we met up with 3 other moms and 5 other kids.  Played for 3 hours and then 2 on the playground.  The girls were soooo impressed watching bridal portraits in a nearby park.  Then, to a local hotel to swim and eat.  An mini baby shower for a friend awaiting "River". Late night drive home and kids were asleep in less than 30 seconds!

Favorite Quote when preparing for our NH trip:
"Mama, is it a good idea to take my pillow pet with us to Virginia?" - K
"I'm not sure if the pillow pet will do well in Virginia because we are going to New Hampshire." -me

!?!?!?

Sunday will include church and prep for our return to "normal".

Getting paid to stay home and be a Mom was wonderful.  I so wish it could happen more often - although trust me, I'm thankful for my wonderful job.

OK, night. :)

Quote of the day

4/16/12 - GOS:




"You must be getting old! You are getting a lot of bug bites and some gray hair." 
- G, age 6




Last weekend was Easter.  Had a nice weekend.  Saturday = Easter Egg Hunt at Mom's church. 
Sunday = 
Easter Bunny surprises 
church (Mom's)

home to make the soup

out to deliver the soup

Home for some basketball (Easter Bunny gift) and to have a ham dinner - with Cousin Cheryl and Paupi and Mem.

FYI, the 3 little kids came straight home from church and changed into their unders and ate candy.  It was a little unique.  I laughed.  They just stared at me like I was nuts - Hello!  It's candy time!

What do you have...

...that can show others the love of Christ.  On Easter.

Here is what I found in our house at 1130 today.

Frozen chicken, carrots, green beans, broth, potatoes...and some unused rubbermaid containers I'd meant to donate to the refugee program.

The kids, my Mom and I drove around until we found 7 people to whom we provided 6 containers of soup.  First was David - who has the dirtiest hand I've had the honor of shaking in a long while.  We found him behind a dumpster writing a sign in hopes of finding some lunch.  His response when asked if he'd like some lunch:  "How did you know?"

Then, 2 guys with signs.  One sat down and ate RIGHT away.

Then, there was the couple eating Jax outside of a convenient store - with their grocery cart full of personal belongings (blankets, etc...).  When asked "Would you like some chicken soup for lunch?" I got a wide smile with Jax covering the space where her top 4 front teeth would be located.  She thanked me and then said "We'll eat this later."  to which her man friend said "We'll eat this now!  Thanks!"

Then, we turned around and found the man G had seen - the man with the bump on his head.  We learned his name was Bob.  As he walked toward us from in front of a store window, I recognized this man - the one I've often thought "he's going to get by a car!" due to his disabled gait.  He was so thankful.  He sat along the edge of an unplanted planter and ate.

Then, we found a man in Monument Square that I'd seen a number of times as we rode around.  My Mom jumped out of the car and asked if he'd like some chicken soup.  He jumped up and exclaimed "Yes!"  He got a bonus package of pears.  (Do you know how sad it was to think of the pears as being "bonus"?)

We drove toward home watching the Monument Square guy eat through our rear view mirror/rear window.  We passed Bob - eating.

The kids were engaged even though one had begged not to go and the other had not had a cheerful and giving heart as he filled the baggies with oyster crackers and spoons.

We'll probably be talking about Bob for a while.

So...what can you do?  What do you have in your home.  How can you teach your kids to be generous?  M commented on the way home - "We helped hungry people...like Jesus."

I think these 6 men and 1 women touched us more than we did them.

Times like this - singlehood?

So, it is nights like tonight that I miss being married.

I need to go out to the car and retrieve the Easter items and prepare them for the Easter morning/secular festivities.

I wish "we" could do this together.

On a positive note, we had a great time at the church's Easter Egg Hunt this morning.  The kids wore their Easter clothes and one of G's friends from school attended with her entire family! (yeah, good example of inviting friends to church events!)

Mom watched the kids this afternoon so I could run out and get Easter goodies.  They are to replace the items I already purchased that the kids found - Hoola hoops, etc.

We watched a movie tonight (Paupi came over too) - The Littlest Angel.  I cooked some veggies to make egg dyes for tomorrow.  We already did some eggs yesterday but more to come!

Tonight - bedtime didn't really happen until 901 pm.  I was ticked.  I wish that the Easter Bunny had a "coal" item like Santa cause these kids deserve the coal based on their behaviors around bedtime lately.

Life is good. Just sometimes...I wish there was a Mr.

Sell possessions; love others; orphans

If I had to summarize most messages I hear at church it would come down to:
--Follow and serve God
--Love others

Our pastor is working through Luke.  In January, he preached a sermon that covered Luke 12:33:
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

He went on to share that he doesn't really think that God wants most of us to sell ALL of our possessions but he highlighted that we hold onto so many worldly possessions and those possessions occupy our heart, lives, time, etc.  It misdirects us away from God.

For example, I collect (hoard) fabric.  I like to touch it, hold it, organize it, look at it but rarely make anything with it.  Don't get me wrong, I have sewn a duvet cover, curtains, baby blankets, quilts, etc. but most of the time, that fabric just sits there - occupying space.

Sometimes I think about not being able to cut into that piece because it coordinates with this other piece, etc... It's a cycle.

Well, during the service mentioned above, I was convicted - How can I love others with what I have?  With my possessions and my skills?  How can I unload the Earthly treasures I've been storing to invest in eternity?

I did a quick search and came up with pillow case dresses for orphans (or "just" girls) in Africa and around the world.  There you have it:
Love others - the poor, the orphan, etc.
Unload our stuff.
Invest in others/eternity.
And there it comes again - orphans. Loving orphans.  James 1:27 - that keeps coming around in my life.

Coming next...the project takes shape...

50% diaper free

As of Wednesday morning, G is diaper free.  That makes K & G.  50% in schools is failing.  50% in baseball is batting .500 and that is GREAT!  I'll report:  GREAT!

The peer pressure is on for M & Z.  I'm guessing that M will be next.

Went to Zac's track meet Saturday.  The kids came home and ran a race(s) around the cul de sac and also ran "turtles" (hurdles) over rakes and brooms in the driveway - which is much safer than jumping over bikes as Z had desired.  I love that they learn something new every time they see Zac &/or Isaiah.

Tammy had taken Z to the meet so the girls and I ran to Mardens to grab some red fabric.  We bought Taco Bell takeout ($3).  G reported that "The girl time today was GREAT!"  I smiled.

Nicole is coming home for a few days - sleeping here tonight.  Today Jack turned 6 so he's now caught up with G in age. Phew.

Working on organizing the sewing/craft room.  It's taking shape.
In the middle of changing out the clothes for the next season and have little piles of clothes to bless others (A, Abigail, baby Jack, Kyra) and then the rest for a resale shop.

Life is good.

Got to get the IRS paperwork in order tomorrow and out in the mail.  Next week is a HUGE work week for me. It's the week I've (we've) been working toward for years - the week our external accreditation team does a site visit to determine if we are a go or no go....Pressure is on but, we are ready!

New shoes in a box

Sometimes I still get surprised when I look into their eyes.

Last week, summer weather arrived in Maine.  We were still in snow pants the week before so a quick search through our "grow into closet" revealed that one of my girls would need some spring shoes.  She had to wear inappropriate footwear on Monday.  On Tuesday, I told her that I'd buy her some sneakers.  I had to make a promise because her eyes revealed that she didn't believe me.

I took my sister to Boston (to move back to California - but that is a different post) on Tuesday.  On the way back, I swung into the outlets in Kittery.  Stride Rite store = 2 pairs of shoes for this precious treasure.  Not one but two.

I brought them home and surprisingly, this daughter was still awake.  I handed her the box with the sneakers that she'd been promised.

And then I saw those eyes.

Those eyes that express that she's not sure if this is for real.  If these are really for her - to keep.  If she is worth it (a brand new pair of sneakers that came in a BOX!).

Then, when I handed her the 2nd box with another pair of shoes ideal for the next season I saw those overwhelmed eyes that screamed:  "I couldn't possibly be valuable enough to receive 2 pairs of shoes in a BOX!"

It's the look she gets when we celebrate her birthday.  When she gets a birthday cake especially made by her Mama.  It's almost too much.

I wish I could express to her:  You are wonderfully made.  You are worth it!  You have a Prince who DIED for you.  You are WORTH it.  He gave me to you and I want you to (someday) be able to accept this love and know...you are worth it!

Love you baby girl!

And here she is sleeping in her new sneakers.  BTW, she still has the boxes in perfect condition a week later (which is a long time for most American kids of this age).

UPDATED 4/13/12:
The other twin received a new pair of shoes (in a box) today.  When I came home from work, I noticed that the box was in her bed - to the left of her pillow.  She'd slept with the box.  Boxes are IMPORTANT, I guess.  She's told everyone who has entered and exited that she has new NEW shoes.

New shoes and a NEW ($5 clearance) dress = "I'm important; I am worthy; I have value" to kiddos who have gone without.

Heaven is real

(Yes, she made a bed and slept in this box. Oh childhood fun!)

Being a FT mom and a FT employee can bring on the guilt of not being "good" enough in either role (and I'm not even a person who harbors a lot of guilt).

Thankfully, my Mom cares for my children while I work.  She had 37+ years of childcare experience prior to caring for my kids, plus a little more time as a parent.  She operated a licensed child care program and took care of up to 12 children at a time so yeah...having her here is GREAT!  And she reinforces Biblical values while I'm at work!

I came home from work on Friday and G-girl showed me something.  I asked her "Who taught you that?"  She responded:  "Mem!"

I felt that guilt.  Just a little.  Like, I wish I'd been home today to teach you that.

Then I asked:  "What has Mama taught you?"  She paused (too long) as she thought.  (I'm thinking:  "Crap, she can't remember ANYTHING I've taught her.")

She responds with:  That Heaven is for real! and with a smile on her face, she turned and walked outside to play.

Yeah.  That's the important stuff.  I smiled.

Phew.

They don't have an Auntie?!?!

3/11/12:

While watching TV with Auntie, the program highlighted each member of their family.  G-girl was disgusted that they family didn't have an Auntie.

G - "Their family doesn't have an AUNTIE?!"
J - "Nope, I guess not."
G -"That is SOO weird.
J - "Yup."
G - "We have the BEST family."

Note:  This was with facial expressions indicating her disbelief that a family wouldn't have an Auntie!

(Focus wasn't on why the family had a Daddy.  Nope, on why it didn't have an AUNTIE!  We love our Auntie.  It's going to be tough when she leaves in a week :(  )

Links to blog posts I'll want to reread

You don't have to adopt to care for orphans:
http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/05/you-dont-need-to-adopt-to-care-for.html

Tips for preventing eating disorders in children:

http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2012/03/tips-for-preventing-eating-disorders-in.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Planning for summer fun

The kids are planning how to acquire items to make something like this:

...but with a pickup to carry all of Z-man's junk.

(FYI - Brawn/Holmes Family)

G turns 6!

A fun Mermaid-theme party.

6 of the 7 other girls from her kindergarten class plus siblings, grandparents, Mom and Auntie.

The birthday girl is allergic to eggs so an "Under the Sea Mermaid Dirt Cake" was in order.
Decorated with candies and chocolates from a local candy store - in the theme.

Activities:
Decorate your Mermaid Tail for Pin the Tail on the Mermaid
Relay games
Cheese bread sticks and dip (party crossed into dinner)
Cake
Presents
Jumping on beds, laughing and general fun.

Attire:  Each girl wore a bathing suit and then donned a homemade Mermaid tail made of sequin stretch fabric and other fun fabric.  The solo boy (brother) was the Pirate!

Twins turn 4!

2/14 = Valentine's Day for most.  In our home the focus is on M & K's birthdays!!

This year - age 4!
Family time with cake & ice cream followed by:  Disney on Ice!!!

Here are the cakes (tradition that Mama makes your cake)....

K requested a "pink and chocolate doggie cake."
(2 round cakes.  Smaller round cut in half to make ears.  

Eyes are a divided oreo cookie base with Junior Mint Pupils.  Rest = frosting.

Chocolate cake (mix)

M requested a kitty cat cake..
Round cake with extra pieces cut into triangular ears.  2 cupcakes shaped into the white nose/mouth area.  All frosted with candies for accents (jelly beans, gummy green candy for eyes and twizzlers for whiskers and ear outlines).

This cake was egg free pink cake with 1 can of crush soda so her older sister could have some.

Our house is like a yard sale

Out of the mouths of babes:

The kids were tasked with picking up the playroom (that they'd destroyed an hour ago).  M said to me:

"Mama, our house is like a yard sale."

Me:  "Really?  How?"

"Our house has too much stuff in it!"

I laughed and laughed and laughed.  She's right.

Missing Omega

Sometimes, kids give you the best openings - just when I couldn't figure out how to tell my son that his hero went to heaven this week - He opened the door. Here is how it went:


Z: "Mama, when am I going to heaven? In 6 sleeps?"


Me: "Well, that is a great question! You know, the Bible tells us that nobody knows the day that they'll get to go to heaven but if you love Jesus, you'll get to go!Some people go when they are little and some when they are medium and some when they are very, very old."

Z: "So, everyone in the whole entire wide world will get to go to heaven some day?"

Me: "No. But everyone who loves Jesus will get to go to heaven -someday.Do you love Jesus?"
Z: "Yes."

Me: "Good because some day you'll get to go to heaven!   (pause) Z, you know, I know someone who got to go to Heaven this week."

Z: (big eyes): "You do?! Who?"

Me: "Omega got to go to heaven this week. On Sunday."

Z: "You mean, no more music playing for Omega."

Me: "No more music playing at the Rock Church for Omega but I think he might be playing music for someone very special right now. I think he's playing music for Jesus. And you know, he gets to play music on streets made of gold - like gold coins. FOREVER!"

Z: "Did he get to take his guitar."

Me: "No. He left it for Micah (his son)."

Z: "Is it a little guitar."


Me:  "No, it's a regular sized guitar.  Micah will be able to play it when he is a man.  Or maybe when he's an older boy.

Z: "So what instruments do they have in heaven....and where do they keep them?"

Me: "I don't know. Do you think they could have a whole room of instruments in heaven?"

Z: "Yes. And when I get there, I'm going to play the electric guitar...for Jesus." 


Me: "The Bible says that in heaven there are many rooms so I guess there could be a room for musical instruments.  I do believe that there are many rooms because Jesus wants a lot of people to go to heaven."

Z:  Do the girls' (sisters) love Jesus?"

Me: "Yes, they do."
Z: "You better go ask them RIGHT NOW or they aren't going to heaven."
Me: "Z, I know that they love Jesus because they've told me that - just like you are telling me now."

........more back and forth. Then, I started to leave his room and he said:
Z: "Do you think they have camels in heaven?"

Me: I don't know. Do you think so?
Z: "Yes. I do think so. That way, Omega could hang his guitar on his camel-when he's not playing for God. When I get to heaven, I'm going to have a camel. I'm going to ride on a camel."


Missing our friend and his hero, Omega.  Enjoy Jesus ... forever.  We miss you here.  Seriously, at 33 years He needed you more?  It doesn't seem real but I know, it is His perfect plan.


1 down, 3 to go...I dread telling Miss G.  She already fears death - mine in particular.

subway art scripture wall

Ease

Apparently, God skipped the "That was easy" button when he blessed our home with two additional children.

How do I know this?  He keeps sending me "easy" kids.  Seriously.

In August, we had a little girl join us for a short while.  EASY kid.  It highlighted how difficult others in our home were, are and continue to be.

This week, we had a 2 year old join us.  For a short while.  EASY kid.  Only complaint:  She whines.  That is the my only complaint?!  Seriously?  Sleeps, eats, plays, easy.

I guess He has a plan (to either drive me nuts/strengthen me, to remind me to calm down or something else I haven't figured out yet)........Yeah, He has a plan.  And quite frankly, I'm soooo happy to have these "extra" blessings around here - even if only for short durations.  The remind me of things I've forgotten.

And, it was a DREAM to walk in the door tonight hearing that my kids had had a good day.  Fun. Limited drama. Naughty. Etc.  NICE!

BTW, The Bible doesn't promise a trail paved with "ease"....but an "extra" easy kid is a blessing.  Those challenging ones are too! :)

Tooth #2

1/13/12 - G removed her 2nd (right) lower central incisor.

The day before was a snow day/no school. She almost removed it Thursday night but with some parental suggestion, waited until Friday because "The tooth fairy might like Friday pick ups better."

She got up Friday morning, ate chocolate covered popcorn she'd taken from Auntie's bag, bit on her hand and took the tooth out.  "Here's my tooth, Mom."  Matter of factly.  no drama girl!

I wonder what the Tooth Fairy will leave.  I'm guessing some cash ($1 bill rolled up) and a marble perhaps?

quotes

DO not under any circumstances bite that dog's tongue again.

Pick up the dinosaur before the dog eats the entire thing.

You are not a dog.  Use a spoon.  NOW!

Birthday Quote

"Mom.  I've totally made up my mind.  Totally.  Definitely a mermaid birthday.  Definitely.  And, we'd better get going on the invitations, right away."  - G, 1/2/12  (DOB: 2/10)

I want to sing with Jesus

The kids were singing tonight and I thought it was profound:

"I want to sing with Jesus.
I want to sing with Jesus.

I want to sing with Jesus and
I want to be your friend!
If you want to sing with Jesus,
I want to be your friend!!

I want to sing with Jesus!"

My guitar and kazoo playing kids want to sing with Jesus!  How cool would that be...to sing with Jesus.  In a band?  A jam session?

AND...they are already thinking about the kinds of friends they want...those who want to sing with Jesus.  YES!

01.01.2012