August 21, 2007--School is Here...We are Not!
Hello all. It has been a long time since our last post. Basically our day starts with Mom waking us up before we are ready. We rush to get dressed, brushing our teeth is optional, breakfast in a bag in the car, and we are out the door hopefully by 6:45. She drops us off. Ethan in his K3 class, charming the big breasted teachers who don't know how to dress. Aidan in his K4 class, who, by the way, has already violated the dress code at the private school we attend. (Remember Aidan is 4.) By the by, we go through the day and Mom rushes to pick us up as soon as she can. She struggles with those guilty I-drop-my-kids-off-for-someone-else-to-take-care-of feelings. So she comes in around 4:00, if she is lucky. It takes a good 20 minutes to get both of us loaded in the van. We get home, scream and whine because we are exhausted, and have a snack. Supper shortly follows. Then bath, if time allows. By 6:30 we are winding down for bed. Mom is hoping we are asleep by 7:30. Then it starts all over...
Sorry this is so long, but this is why we won't be doing much myspacing for a while.
Love you all,
Aidan and Ethan
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Blast from the Past : #5
July 29, 2007--Meet me in St Louie
Hey. We are in St. Louis for a fam reunion of the Hovis side (Daddy's mommy's side of the fam) and we are all staying in a Holiday Inn--thanks Uncle Roger for the hook up. Mommy used to love staying in hotels. The pool, the freshly made bed and daily clean towels, etc. We brothers overheard her talking about how it is not as fun as it used to be. Maybe because we scream, the lack of napping, the lack of sleeping in, the lack of relaxation...we just don't get it. However, for those of you interested, no diapers were packed for the trip. We are officially a diaper free family! Congrats Ethan.
Hey. We are in St. Louis for a fam reunion of the Hovis side (Daddy's mommy's side of the fam) and we are all staying in a Holiday Inn--thanks Uncle Roger for the hook up. Mommy used to love staying in hotels. The pool, the freshly made bed and daily clean towels, etc. We brothers overheard her talking about how it is not as fun as it used to be. Maybe because we scream, the lack of napping, the lack of sleeping in, the lack of relaxation...we just don't get it. However, for those of you interested, no diapers were packed for the trip. We are officially a diaper free family! Congrats Ethan.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Research Papers, Again
It's that time of year. Seventh grade research papers were due in February. I can't get them graded until spring break, since I have to still teach and grade what we are currently working on in class after the papers are due.
There are not enough adjectives in English to describe how much I hate them. There are not enough verbs in English to accuratetly communicate how I hate them. Here is a list off the top of my head:
1. loathe
2. detest
3. despise
4. abhor
5. revile
6. insufferable
7. intolerable
That's enough. Only 5 more papers to go. Sorry for complaining. I am working on that.
There are not enough adjectives in English to describe how much I hate them. There are not enough verbs in English to accuratetly communicate how I hate them. Here is a list off the top of my head:
1. loathe
2. detest
3. despise
4. abhor
5. revile
6. insufferable
7. intolerable
That's enough. Only 5 more papers to go. Sorry for complaining. I am working on that.
Blast from the Past : #4
July 11, 2007--PT 101
So good news for the class. Ethan passed a test! He is still far from passing the class, but passing the test is a start. He peed on his potty. Okay, Mommy has been making him walk around naked all day, and he was sitting on it while watching a movie, so it wasn't a conscious decision at first. Mommy is expecting Ethan to get better and better at this thing. We as brothers think she is being too optimistic.
So good news for the class. Ethan passed a test! He is still far from passing the class, but passing the test is a start. He peed on his potty. Okay, Mommy has been making him walk around naked all day, and he was sitting on it while watching a movie, so it wasn't a conscious decision at first. Mommy is expecting Ethan to get better and better at this thing. We as brothers think she is being too optimistic.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Wii, Wii, Wii, All the Way Home
I gave in. My boys have been wanting a Nintendo Wii for a while. They are 8 and 6 (my nearly 23 month old doesn't care). Most all of their friends have some sort of video game system. Most actually have more than one, and a hand-held version. Yuk.
Technically, the boys paid for half of it (although Aidan's 1/4 actually covered more than Ethan's 1/4!)
The Wii has magical powers. It can take a great morning of the boys cooperating, playing well together, taking turns, laughing at each other's jokes (at the appropriate times), etc., and, in an instant of turning it on, the boys are argumentative, fighting over who goes first, laughing at each other's failures on the game, etc.
The Wii is about to "go to the market" if we can't get this under control.
Technically, the boys paid for half of it (although Aidan's 1/4 actually covered more than Ethan's 1/4!)
The Wii has magical powers. It can take a great morning of the boys cooperating, playing well together, taking turns, laughing at each other's jokes (at the appropriate times), etc., and, in an instant of turning it on, the boys are argumentative, fighting over who goes first, laughing at each other's failures on the game, etc.
The Wii is about to "go to the market" if we can't get this under control.
Blast from the Past : #3
July 8, 2007--Peeing
Hey, world. The latest in the Lytle household involves crudeness, so those with sensitive natures need not read on.
Potty training 101: Aidan passed and was trained in three days, including nights. Now Ethan is in class and is failing. He doesn't see the need to use the toilet. Mom has even tried to use her stubborn nature to battle it, but she is failing as well. She tried letting Ethan go without a diaper, but after he pooped in the floor, walked in it and spread the love, she gave up the fight. Mom wants Ethan to get a job to pay the extra 400 bucks a month it will cost to send him to a day care other than DCA, (she gets 1/2 price as an employee,) but passing the PT 101 class is a prerequisite for entry. There is some law against child labor, so Mom is working on getting around that. So, although it won't be important when we are teenagers, (at least it won't unless Ethan is still in a diaper) it is important now so our parents will save $ on tuition for the next 10 months. We'll keep you posted for those who want to know our adventures in the bathroom.
Hey, world. The latest in the Lytle household involves crudeness, so those with sensitive natures need not read on.
Potty training 101: Aidan passed and was trained in three days, including nights. Now Ethan is in class and is failing. He doesn't see the need to use the toilet. Mom has even tried to use her stubborn nature to battle it, but she is failing as well. She tried letting Ethan go without a diaper, but after he pooped in the floor, walked in it and spread the love, she gave up the fight. Mom wants Ethan to get a job to pay the extra 400 bucks a month it will cost to send him to a day care other than DCA, (she gets 1/2 price as an employee,) but passing the PT 101 class is a prerequisite for entry. There is some law against child labor, so Mom is working on getting around that. So, although it won't be important when we are teenagers, (at least it won't unless Ethan is still in a diaper) it is important now so our parents will save $ on tuition for the next 10 months. We'll keep you posted for those who want to know our adventures in the bathroom.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Little Things #1
Three things I am loving this morning:
1. Wesley's confident walk across the room. Seriously, it's like he owns the world and everyone answers to him.
2. Ethan's conversation with me regarding my job. He thought I teach 8th and 9th grade, not 7th. He used the word "toot" instead of "taught", but at least he did not use "teached".
3. Aidan's crazy hair after sleeping in. He just woke up, and I am having some flash-forwards to his teen years. His first words to me: "How many donuts can I have."
I am trying to do this once a week. I will focus on the little things, not the obvious ones (God, family, etc.)
1. Wesley's confident walk across the room. Seriously, it's like he owns the world and everyone answers to him.
2. Ethan's conversation with me regarding my job. He thought I teach 8th and 9th grade, not 7th. He used the word "toot" instead of "taught", but at least he did not use "teached".
3. Aidan's crazy hair after sleeping in. He just woke up, and I am having some flash-forwards to his teen years. His first words to me: "How many donuts can I have."
I am trying to do this once a week. I will focus on the little things, not the obvious ones (God, family, etc.)
Blast From the Past : #2
June 19, 2007--We’re Back!
After a rousing trip to Missouri, things are somewhat back to normal. Ethan wants to perfect his dance moves that he tried out at the wedding, but mom is not willing to fork over the dough for his lessons. We are trying to get used to the water. Mom has taken us swimming, but Aidan 'swims' without getting his hair wet, and Ethan just sits on Mom's lap. So we as brothers asked for some goggles at Wal-Mart so we could start practicing in the tub. It didn't work. Mom was very tempted to push our heads in the water, but thank goodness, she opted not to.
After a rousing trip to Missouri, things are somewhat back to normal. Ethan wants to perfect his dance moves that he tried out at the wedding, but mom is not willing to fork over the dough for his lessons. We are trying to get used to the water. Mom has taken us swimming, but Aidan 'swims' without getting his hair wet, and Ethan just sits on Mom's lap. So we as brothers asked for some goggles at Wal-Mart so we could start practicing in the tub. It didn't work. Mom was very tempted to push our heads in the water, but thank goodness, she opted not to.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Judges
I am reading through the OT. I am not doing the Bible-in-a-year thing, but am going through it in order, for as long as it takes. I tend to "take breaks" from certain OT passages to read some NT, as well as Psalms and Proverbs on occasion. So, I am trying to keep my pace more...leisurely so I can think about what I am reading and not just check it off the list.
Anyway, that brings me to Judges. I just noticed something that I never noticed before. The failure of the next generation of the children of the Israelites after Joshua's death is very clear. The entire book pretty much follows a cycle of apostasy, captivity, repentance, deliverance, and so the cycle continues. How could they keep forgetting how God had delivered them in the past? How could they forget their leader's parting words?
IT WAS A PARENTING PROBLEM! The next generation did NOT know the LORD, did not recognize Him as such, did not serve Him, but worshipped Baal along with the Canaanites. Whose job is it to teach the next generation?
God, do not let me fail at this. I want to teach Aidan, Ethan, and Wesley how You have delivered me. They need to know Your Word and specifically how It has guided my life. I fail enough as it is, with the day-to-day grind of parenting while just living. I am asking You to keep me sensitive to Your Spirit's leading in teaching them. May I not be blinded by my love for them to see any faults that I need to help correct. May I not be burdensome on their hearts with legalistic ideas of truth. I give all my autonomy in this to you, if it is even mine to give. Forgive my mistakes, and don't hold it against my children.
In Jesus' Name, and without using It in vain, but with great sincerity,
Amen.
Anyway, that brings me to Judges. I just noticed something that I never noticed before. The failure of the next generation of the children of the Israelites after Joshua's death is very clear. The entire book pretty much follows a cycle of apostasy, captivity, repentance, deliverance, and so the cycle continues. How could they keep forgetting how God had delivered them in the past? How could they forget their leader's parting words?
IT WAS A PARENTING PROBLEM! The next generation did NOT know the LORD, did not recognize Him as such, did not serve Him, but worshipped Baal along with the Canaanites. Whose job is it to teach the next generation?
God, do not let me fail at this. I want to teach Aidan, Ethan, and Wesley how You have delivered me. They need to know Your Word and specifically how It has guided my life. I fail enough as it is, with the day-to-day grind of parenting while just living. I am asking You to keep me sensitive to Your Spirit's leading in teaching them. May I not be blinded by my love for them to see any faults that I need to help correct. May I not be burdensome on their hearts with legalistic ideas of truth. I give all my autonomy in this to you, if it is even mine to give. Forgive my mistakes, and don't hold it against my children.
In Jesus' Name, and without using It in vain, but with great sincerity,
Amen.
Blast from the Past : #1
June 11, 2007--To Missouri
We are getting road trip ready. This will be the first time we have been on a trip without two adults in the car. Mommy will be driving us up to MO so we can see Paw-paw and Grandma and go to Uncle Joe's wedding. We are planning on leaving really early; Mommy's hoping that we stay in good moods since she will be alone with us in the car. We are excited, though. Aidan asks Mommy about it often. We will see you all there!
We are getting road trip ready. This will be the first time we have been on a trip without two adults in the car. Mommy will be driving us up to MO so we can see Paw-paw and Grandma and go to Uncle Joe's wedding. We are planning on leaving really early; Mommy's hoping that we stay in good moods since she will be alone with us in the car. We are excited, though. Aidan asks Mommy about it often. We will see you all there!
Blast from the Past : Series Introduction
I will be posting some old blog posts written in 2007. These posts were written on myspace, and I chose to write them from my very young children's perspective. There are only a few, but reading what was happening in our lives then was very nostalgic and fun.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thankful for the To Do
Is there any way I can be a good teacher, a teacher who makes a difference, one who influences my students for God's glory...without grading papers? Seriously, I am horrible at keeping on top of grading certain things, i.e. research papers, projects, etc. Quick little paragraphs, a vocabulary activity, some grammar exercises, etc. aren't so bad.
I just finished 5 research papers in a little over an hour. I have 35 to go (not too bad). BUT, I also have about 197 projects to grade, as well as some curriculum to write. Coupling these duties with laundry, supper, cleaning house, babysitting, over-night house guests, spending time with family, and getting the winter clothes in storage to get out the summer clothes, is not making for a very relaxing spring break.
I have no right to complain, though. Here is a list of reminders of things I can be thankful for, specifically in regards to the items mentioned above:
1. I have a job, many don't.
2. I enjoy my job, many don't.
3. I love managing my household, some don't have a home.
4. I enjoy a bit of pressure and tend to work well when it's applied, some don't.
5. I have the best hubby who does almost anything I ask, including housework and other such things, most women don't.
6. I have a great family that I enjoy spending time with, some don't.
7. My kids have clothes for each season, some don't.
8. I have food to fix for supper, some don't.
This is not a complete list, but I am reminded of a quote that someone famous I should remember said after being robbed (and this is just part of it):
"I am thankful it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed."
I just finished 5 research papers in a little over an hour. I have 35 to go (not too bad). BUT, I also have about 197 projects to grade, as well as some curriculum to write. Coupling these duties with laundry, supper, cleaning house, babysitting, over-night house guests, spending time with family, and getting the winter clothes in storage to get out the summer clothes, is not making for a very relaxing spring break.
I have no right to complain, though. Here is a list of reminders of things I can be thankful for, specifically in regards to the items mentioned above:
1. I have a job, many don't.
2. I enjoy my job, many don't.
3. I love managing my household, some don't have a home.
4. I enjoy a bit of pressure and tend to work well when it's applied, some don't.
5. I have the best hubby who does almost anything I ask, including housework and other such things, most women don't.
6. I have a great family that I enjoy spending time with, some don't.
7. My kids have clothes for each season, some don't.
8. I have food to fix for supper, some don't.
This is not a complete list, but I am reminded of a quote that someone famous I should remember said after being robbed (and this is just part of it):
"I am thankful it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed."
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Prove It
My brother is trying to adopt. His wife and he have been caring for the baby for 3 weeks, and now it looks like the adoption will probably not go through. Nothing is certain. They are waiting.
1. God already knows what is going to happen. (assurance)
2. Will my praying or how does my praying affect what is going to happen? (question)
3. God loves the baby. (assurance)
4. Isn't having Brody in a Bible-teaching family what is best for him vs. a family who won't raise him in Truth? (question)
5. God tells us to pray. Jesus Himself prayed. (assurance)
6. What does it accomplish? How does it benefit a situation the sovereign LORD already has in His control? (question)
I don't know how to pray. I want B and J to be able to take Brody home soon. I want to see Brody for family visits and holidays. I want his biological family to get the heck out of his life. I want B and J's heartache to be over, and for them to be able to say, "It's all been worth it, now that the little guy is ours."
Reality is: the adoption won't happen. The meth-addicted, scum-bag father has decided to stake his claim, even though he just showed up last week. He has a sister who is orchestrating all this because she wants the baby. Meanwhile, there is a precious life, being loved and cared for by a great family. This baby will probably be stripped from their arms and handed over to a crappy life.
Why, God? Why pray? I want You to show up mightily and specifically in this situation. I KNOW You are sovereign, and loving, and perfect. I just doesn't FEEL it right now.
I want You to prove it.
1. God already knows what is going to happen. (assurance)
2. Will my praying or how does my praying affect what is going to happen? (question)
3. God loves the baby. (assurance)
4. Isn't having Brody in a Bible-teaching family what is best for him vs. a family who won't raise him in Truth? (question)
5. God tells us to pray. Jesus Himself prayed. (assurance)
6. What does it accomplish? How does it benefit a situation the sovereign LORD already has in His control? (question)
I don't know how to pray. I want B and J to be able to take Brody home soon. I want to see Brody for family visits and holidays. I want his biological family to get the heck out of his life. I want B and J's heartache to be over, and for them to be able to say, "It's all been worth it, now that the little guy is ours."
Reality is: the adoption won't happen. The meth-addicted, scum-bag father has decided to stake his claim, even though he just showed up last week. He has a sister who is orchestrating all this because she wants the baby. Meanwhile, there is a precious life, being loved and cared for by a great family. This baby will probably be stripped from their arms and handed over to a crappy life.
Why, God? Why pray? I want You to show up mightily and specifically in this situation. I KNOW You are sovereign, and loving, and perfect. I just doesn't FEEL it right now.
I want You to prove it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ridiculously Jealous
I am going to be very transparent. No one reads this but me, so I suppose I am not being as transparent as I wish to be...
Anyway, I am insanely jealous. Are you ready for this? I have a friend who is pregnant. I am jealous. I see babies at church being born to these wonderful people. I am jealous. I want to be happy for them all, but I am jealous. (Admitting this is the first step, so sorry for the redundancy.)
I have three beautiful, healthy boys and a fantastic husband who is a great father. Why can't I be satisfied? Is this desire to have another baby motivated by the fact that we can't have another one? Phillip has had surgery, so no more little Lytles from us. I have heard from other women older than I that this is normal. We are created to be fruitful and multiply, so there is a period of sadness once this is over. I am glad to know I am not alone. However, this does not excuse it.
So, forgive me, young and/or pregnant mother, when I give a little eye roll at your complaints about being tired, midnight feedings, swollen feet, and the need to urinate every few minutes. It's not you, it's me.
Maybe I can dream about it while I enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep.
Anyway, I am insanely jealous. Are you ready for this? I have a friend who is pregnant. I am jealous. I see babies at church being born to these wonderful people. I am jealous. I want to be happy for them all, but I am jealous. (Admitting this is the first step, so sorry for the redundancy.)
I have three beautiful, healthy boys and a fantastic husband who is a great father. Why can't I be satisfied? Is this desire to have another baby motivated by the fact that we can't have another one? Phillip has had surgery, so no more little Lytles from us. I have heard from other women older than I that this is normal. We are created to be fruitful and multiply, so there is a period of sadness once this is over. I am glad to know I am not alone. However, this does not excuse it.
So, forgive me, young and/or pregnant mother, when I give a little eye roll at your complaints about being tired, midnight feedings, swollen feet, and the need to urinate every few minutes. It's not you, it's me.
Maybe I can dream about it while I enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Just FYI
I would like to write down some of my children's latest sayings, because facebook won't save my status updates for all eternity. It only goes back so far. So, I am wanting to remember some of their statements, since my kids are the funniest, most interesing people on the planet.
I will try to do this often, but my hopes are not too high that I will succeed.
1. Aidan: "If no one in my family believed in God, I would go to my room, lock my door, and read my Bible and pray." Ethan: "I would say 'Hey, believe in God!' and punch them." (Ethan then decides [after our discussion about what people would think about his God if he punched them] name calling would be his tactic.)
2. Ethan, coming down the stairs: "I am just a regular dude...who's ninja."
3. Aidan and Ethan were making a concoction of leaves/grass/dirt/water for the bugs/worms/etc. Ethan: "You know people from North Carolina would like to try this." What?
4. Ethan, after arguing with Aidan: "He keeps using his muscles and strategy!"
5. Aidan talking about his school project: "Third grade girl walked by and said, 'Yeah, that's my favorite."" Ethan: "Yep...she definitely loves you."
6. Phill to the boys: "So tell me what we read last night?" (from the Bible) Aidan: "The story of Jesus coming to Jerusalem, people throwing down their coats and branches." Phill: "Good. And what were they saying?" Ethan: "Um....Go, Jesus!"
7. "Girls are so weird and whiny when it comes to mud."--Aidan, age 7
8. Hearing your 7 and 5 year old singing "He Reigns" with your 14 month old dancing can bring you to a place of worship like nothing else. (So this was a status update from 8-21-2010. Even though it wasn't something they said, it is something I hope to remember.)
9. Aidan, age 7: "There were 8 girls in class today, and I was the only boy." Me: "You'll love it when you're older. They'll all be fighting over you." Aidan: "If it's a karate fight, I would totally win." (August 1st, 2010)
10. Aidan reciting the Lord's prayer: "...but deliver us from evil, for tight is the kingdom and the power..."
11. Ethan: "With you sore on your foot and your short hair, mommy, you are...kind of...ugly....kind of."
12. Aidan: "Mommy, you're kinda rock star-ish." Either I am really awesome, or my kids are way too sheltered...hmmm. (Wrote this down to remind Aidan when he's a teenager. May 2010)
13. Aidan: "The Bible says to love our enemies, right? So does that mean God loves the devil?"
14. Ethan: "I am not kicking you, Mommy. I am just pushing you with my feet."
This is all for now. I love my boys!
I will try to do this often, but my hopes are not too high that I will succeed.
1. Aidan: "If no one in my family believed in God, I would go to my room, lock my door, and read my Bible and pray." Ethan: "I would say 'Hey, believe in God!' and punch them." (Ethan then decides [after our discussion about what people would think about his God if he punched them] name calling would be his tactic.)
2. Ethan, coming down the stairs: "I am just a regular dude...who's ninja."
3. Aidan and Ethan were making a concoction of leaves/grass/dirt/water for the bugs/worms/etc. Ethan: "You know people from North Carolina would like to try this." What?
4. Ethan, after arguing with Aidan: "He keeps using his muscles and strategy!"
5. Aidan talking about his school project: "Third grade girl walked by and said, 'Yeah, that's my favorite."" Ethan: "Yep...she definitely loves you."
6. Phill to the boys: "So tell me what we read last night?" (from the Bible) Aidan: "The story of Jesus coming to Jerusalem, people throwing down their coats and branches." Phill: "Good. And what were they saying?" Ethan: "Um....Go, Jesus!"
7. "Girls are so weird and whiny when it comes to mud."--Aidan, age 7
8. Hearing your 7 and 5 year old singing "He Reigns" with your 14 month old dancing can bring you to a place of worship like nothing else. (So this was a status update from 8-21-2010. Even though it wasn't something they said, it is something I hope to remember.)
9. Aidan, age 7: "There were 8 girls in class today, and I was the only boy." Me: "You'll love it when you're older. They'll all be fighting over you." Aidan: "If it's a karate fight, I would totally win." (August 1st, 2010)
10. Aidan reciting the Lord's prayer: "...but deliver us from evil, for tight is the kingdom and the power..."
11. Ethan: "With you sore on your foot and your short hair, mommy, you are...kind of...ugly....kind of."
12. Aidan: "Mommy, you're kinda rock star-ish." Either I am really awesome, or my kids are way too sheltered...hmmm. (Wrote this down to remind Aidan when he's a teenager. May 2010)
13. Aidan: "The Bible says to love our enemies, right? So does that mean God loves the devil?"
14. Ethan: "I am not kicking you, Mommy. I am just pushing you with my feet."
This is all for now. I love my boys!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Real People?
I am very frustrated with women, specifically moms. What's up with all the "I need to find out who I am" and "I am no longer a real person" and "I need to find me buried in all this mom stuff" kind of talk!?! I find this sad.
First, notice the focus of all these statements and similar sentiments. "I, I, I". Scripture is pretty clear that we are to consider others better than ourselves. It's pretty clear we are to serve our families. The root of "finding yourself" can be very self-centered and self-serving.
Second, life is changing constantly. From infancy, people change. Milk to solids. Diapers to toilets. Home to school. Elementary to middle school, to high school, to college. Single-hood to marriage. Then to motherhood (preferably following this order.) Once motherhood strikes, there is a sense of mourning women go through. The cause could be too many expectations on mothers working both in and out of the home, the problem women have with being perceived as perfect, or many others. The cause is not really the point here. Why the the mourning of what was? I have seen many family members and friends go through divorce because of mourning the previous chapter of life.
Third, this leads to discontentment. Looking back and wishing life were the same before the kids rocked your world, or longing for the days when you didn't have to be concerned with a husband and his needs, can really mean you are not available in the present. You are not thankful for the present. You may become bitter towards those you are supposed to love and serve.
So do me a favor, mothers and wives: get over yourself, stop mourning for the past, and be thankful for the present while looking forward to what God has for you in the future! I am not saying you shouldn't have moments away from your kids like girls' night out, dates with your husband, shopping all by yourself--all ways to rejuvenate so you can get back to business: serving God and serving others, your family being first among the "others".
When playing with my two boys several years ago (the third was not born), they wanted to pretend. So, one said, "Mommy, you are not a mommy in this game, you are a real person." I had to laugh at his idea/description of motherhood as compared to everyone else. He was not even four years old.
Mothers should not have the same perspective as 3 1/2 year old.
First, notice the focus of all these statements and similar sentiments. "I, I, I". Scripture is pretty clear that we are to consider others better than ourselves. It's pretty clear we are to serve our families. The root of "finding yourself" can be very self-centered and self-serving.
Second, life is changing constantly. From infancy, people change. Milk to solids. Diapers to toilets. Home to school. Elementary to middle school, to high school, to college. Single-hood to marriage. Then to motherhood (preferably following this order.) Once motherhood strikes, there is a sense of mourning women go through. The cause could be too many expectations on mothers working both in and out of the home, the problem women have with being perceived as perfect, or many others. The cause is not really the point here. Why the the mourning of what was? I have seen many family members and friends go through divorce because of mourning the previous chapter of life.
Third, this leads to discontentment. Looking back and wishing life were the same before the kids rocked your world, or longing for the days when you didn't have to be concerned with a husband and his needs, can really mean you are not available in the present. You are not thankful for the present. You may become bitter towards those you are supposed to love and serve.
So do me a favor, mothers and wives: get over yourself, stop mourning for the past, and be thankful for the present while looking forward to what God has for you in the future! I am not saying you shouldn't have moments away from your kids like girls' night out, dates with your husband, shopping all by yourself--all ways to rejuvenate so you can get back to business: serving God and serving others, your family being first among the "others".
When playing with my two boys several years ago (the third was not born), they wanted to pretend. So, one said, "Mommy, you are not a mommy in this game, you are a real person." I had to laugh at his idea/description of motherhood as compared to everyone else. He was not even four years old.
Mothers should not have the same perspective as 3 1/2 year old.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Writing It Down
My kids are really great. They are stinkin' funny, and exceptionally cute. I know all parents think this, but have you met my kids? Some of their lines are status updates on facebook, and my father-in-law reminds me "You should really write this stuff down!" Isn't that what I am doing by using my status updates to quote them? You mean, facebook won't save my old statuses...statusi...statussesss...anyway, shouldn't it all be saved from day one from when I opened my account?
I have always been horrible at writing things down, from countless diaries with only one entry as a little girl to trying to journal through my private time with God. I failed, and still do fail, at all attempts to chronicle through the written word. This blog shows my failure at this...take a look at the dates and how often I post.
I have come to accept that I don't think it's necessary to write things down. Is it a good idea? Yes. Is it a healthy, therapeutic habit in which all (especially parents) must engage in order to capture familial memories and grow in our relationship with the Creator? Um, well, I think that is pushing it a bit.
I have always been horrible at writing things down, from countless diaries with only one entry as a little girl to trying to journal through my private time with God. I failed, and still do fail, at all attempts to chronicle through the written word. This blog shows my failure at this...take a look at the dates and how often I post.
I have come to accept that I don't think it's necessary to write things down. Is it a good idea? Yes. Is it a healthy, therapeutic habit in which all (especially parents) must engage in order to capture familial memories and grow in our relationship with the Creator? Um, well, I think that is pushing it a bit.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Success: Week One
Well, we did it! We did not eat out during my first week of school We did eat out today, Sunday, but the circumstance were "special" and I won't go into it now.
P and I were talking yesterday and wishing we would have started taking pics of all the food I have made. Here are a few of the meals:
bow-tie pasta salad with grapes, tomatoes, feta, and fresh basil
stuffed peppers (crock pot)
grilled BBQ chicken thighs
pizza wraps
quiche
The surprising aspect of this new adventure is the two oldest boys (ages 7 and 5) ate relatively well. Neither are good eaters, so they didn't eat any worse than what they normally eat.
Maybe I will start taking some pictures of the gorgeous meals I am making. They are colorful and healthy. I have lost weight and I still am not exercising. (My excuse: too hot. Literally over 100 degrees many days.)
This was also the first week of a very stressful start to a school year. Just to list why:
1. school was flooded, so my materials were lost
2. school wasn't completely finished by day 1, so my room wasn't ready
3. my hard drive died, losing all my data; had to re-create many docs
4. found out during in-service that I, an Eng. teacher for the past 4 yrs., would be teaching a math class
5. baby going to a new babysitter
Good enough, though more could be added. Still, not a bad week. Looking forward to getting to know my students.
P and I were talking yesterday and wishing we would have started taking pics of all the food I have made. Here are a few of the meals:
bow-tie pasta salad with grapes, tomatoes, feta, and fresh basil
stuffed peppers (crock pot)
grilled BBQ chicken thighs
pizza wraps
quiche
The surprising aspect of this new adventure is the two oldest boys (ages 7 and 5) ate relatively well. Neither are good eaters, so they didn't eat any worse than what they normally eat.
Maybe I will start taking some pictures of the gorgeous meals I am making. They are colorful and healthy. I have lost weight and I still am not exercising. (My excuse: too hot. Literally over 100 degrees many days.)
This was also the first week of a very stressful start to a school year. Just to list why:
1. school was flooded, so my materials were lost
2. school wasn't completely finished by day 1, so my room wasn't ready
3. my hard drive died, losing all my data; had to re-create many docs
4. found out during in-service that I, an Eng. teacher for the past 4 yrs., would be teaching a math class
5. baby going to a new babysitter
Good enough, though more could be added. Still, not a bad week. Looking forward to getting to know my students.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Better eating, better price
I am trying to feed my family healthy food without going out to eat and breaking the bank. I will try to blog regulary about this new adventure to let all my faithful readers know how it's going. (Insert laugh here.)
With a full time job and three small kids, drive-thrus and going out to eat have been our normal. I feel this is poor stewardship of our money and of our bodies. So, here we go.
I spent 111 dollars at the grocery store on Saturday. For a family of 5, this is not too bad. I hope to not go out to eat this week, and stay within our 125 dollars/week budget amount for food.
With a full time job and three small kids, drive-thrus and going out to eat have been our normal. I feel this is poor stewardship of our money and of our bodies. So, here we go.
I spent 111 dollars at the grocery store on Saturday. For a family of 5, this is not too bad. I hope to not go out to eat this week, and stay within our 125 dollars/week budget amount for food.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hurting My Kids...On Purpose
As a parent, sometimes causing pain purposefully in the lives of our children is necessary. The pain itself is not what we desire, but the purpose of the pain.
The most common example most of us experience is when we take them to the doctor for immunizations. We don't like seeing them get the painful shot. But we do it anyway. We even have to assist the nurse. We are asked to hold the child's arms and/or legs. He looks up with the sweetest grin, not knowing what is about to happen. Then the stick. Then the hurtful, betrayed look. It's as if with one glance he is saying, "Mommy, how could you? I trusted you. Why would you let this happen?" He is too young to understand that it is to protect him from more serious pain. He can't possibly understand that we do it out of love.
I wonder how many times God has to hold our arms as we get a shot. How many times have we looked at Him with a look of betrayal? Unlike me, He is the perfect parent. How much more should I trust His allowance of pain in my life? I understand that this is not the sole purpose of pain in our lives. But it is one purpose. Unlike my child, who forgets my role in the pain he experienced with his shot (basically once we are out of the dr.'s office, he's trusting me again), I am not so quick to trust my Father again. Sometimes it leads to bitterness.
I just finished suctioning out my 8 month old's nose. He has a cold, and is too young to blow his nose. So, I had to use the bulb syringe to clear it out so he could breathe. It was not fun. It was very uncomfortable for him. Probably painful. But now, he is breathing easier.
And he is sleeping peacefully.
The most common example most of us experience is when we take them to the doctor for immunizations. We don't like seeing them get the painful shot. But we do it anyway. We even have to assist the nurse. We are asked to hold the child's arms and/or legs. He looks up with the sweetest grin, not knowing what is about to happen. Then the stick. Then the hurtful, betrayed look. It's as if with one glance he is saying, "Mommy, how could you? I trusted you. Why would you let this happen?" He is too young to understand that it is to protect him from more serious pain. He can't possibly understand that we do it out of love.
I wonder how many times God has to hold our arms as we get a shot. How many times have we looked at Him with a look of betrayal? Unlike me, He is the perfect parent. How much more should I trust His allowance of pain in my life? I understand that this is not the sole purpose of pain in our lives. But it is one purpose. Unlike my child, who forgets my role in the pain he experienced with his shot (basically once we are out of the dr.'s office, he's trusting me again), I am not so quick to trust my Father again. Sometimes it leads to bitterness.
I just finished suctioning out my 8 month old's nose. He has a cold, and is too young to blow his nose. So, I had to use the bulb syringe to clear it out so he could breathe. It was not fun. It was very uncomfortable for him. Probably painful. But now, he is breathing easier.
And he is sleeping peacefully.
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