They really are sweet . . .

I am here; nothing too interesting. Caleb had his second classroom timeout ever. The first was last year early on; so this is the first for this year (and it's March). He was wrestling; so I guess I should be thankful it was in fun and not too serious. But, we had to have a little talk. I hope I remember to thank him when he wakes up for being such a good kid. I have to remind myself of that; he really is well behaved most of the time.

Riley only had timeout once today, that is unusual for her - it's more like two or three each day for her. I know that will change when she is a bit older - like three. She was so sweet when we got home; she kept kissing me and hugging me. She likes for me to kiss her neck and tickle her. She'll say "stop it!" Then she'll say, "Again!" We just laughed and laughed; although she should have been sleeping.

Please pray for our friends mom; Ms. Elaine. She will have surgery Tuesday for uterine cancer. She is a great woman and has had a very positive, Godly, influence in both Bryan's and my lives. She would never complain; so pray that she is comforted and will speak up as to what she needs - physically, spiritually, and financially. Her husband is on disability due to cancer also. She has been working a very physically taxing job so obviously she won't be able to any longer. Thanks for remembering to lift up her and her family.

I'll keep you updated.

Trying . . . and trying

Trying seems to be my theme for today.

I am Trying to be more faithful at updating more regularly.

I tried to make several returns this morning: the first one, a big purchase, my second time trying: my card expired 2/29; therefore, I didn't succeed. My second return, a minor item, the receipt expired yesterday: I repeat, yesterday; therefore, I didn't succeed. (Don't get me started on receipts expiring).

Thirdly, my day has been trying (and tiring). It started out fine; a morning with the family. After the first two unsuccessful tries which nearly had me in tears already, Riley said, "Uh, oh, I have ewwww." (while in JCPenny). I pick her up to carry her out (the diaper bag was in the car because my return was supposed to be quick), she has peed. Normally, that'd be fine. But her daddy, my darling husband, failed to mention he put panties on her this morning while I was in the shower. So, my shirt got dampened.

I have no extra clothes in her bag (because I take them out for school since she has extra there and I forgot to reload this morning before going out). So, we go upstairs to get new pants. We finally get to the car; Bryan had tried to hold her sideways, but the pee escaped onto his shirt sleeve. As I'm changing her, we realize her socks and shoes are soaked. So, we head to Target for new shoes, socks, and shirt for dad. (We had lunch plans with other family in 30 mins. and mine dried by this time - I know - yuck - but we had already been on a shopping spree for enough family members).

Trying to eat lunch at 12:30 with a two year old who normally naps at 12:30 and a four year old who likes to visit restrooms at restaurants isn't very easy or much fun.

I get home to try to activate my new card to call and make my large purchase return, and the company's automated line is having technical difficulties; so a 2 minute task takes 15. Now I am venting.

We will look back and laugh. We will, won't we????

(chuckle) - - now off to lie in my bed while the kids nap to try to think about trying to make wiser decisions and trying not procrastinating.

Good day . . . or at least I'll try . :)

I really am okay!!

Wow - has it been two months?

Okay, it's been since Jan. 1 since I've written anything? I am shocked myself. I have avoided it out of pure laziness. But, I thought I'd actually update a bit. This will never cover the two months I have not posted, but I'll try.

Riley turned 2. I think that about does it. I guess I'll write more later.

Just kidding, but the fact that she really is two now speaks for itself. There isn't a dull moment in the house. Sibling rivalry is completely under way; the "spanky spoon" has become mom's greatest ally (the threat alone suffices). But, through it all, we have had some very cute and sweet moments - I couldn't love them more. I have been thanking God often lately for the moments with them. The baby days are more behind us (although each has his/her moments), and the joys of childhood are blooming every day.

Riley poops and pees in the potty when she chooses, and other times she just pulls the pants and diaper off and covers the floor/carpet, etc. I am not going to push potty training until summer arrives, then it's "diaper be gone." She is definitely smart enough to get it, but stubborn enough to demand the diaper. I am sure I will need to pray and fast throughout the spring in preparation.

Caleb is sweeter than ever, yet sassier than ever. When he tries, he is so helpful and such a big boy: very independent at times. When he tries, he is needy and whiny and can talk back as well I as can (take the hint, I see myself in him way too often). He has great questions. We were reading his Bible, where Jesus was praying in the garden. Caleb stops me and says: "So, He is talking to himself." I say, "Well, He is talking to God." He replies, "Well, if Jesus is God, then He is talking to himself." I say, "Bryan!!! Can you come in here for a minute?" We try to explain it to him, but in the end we leave it as, "Well, yes, technically He is talking to Himself." How do you explain the trinity to a four year old? If these are the questions at four, Lord, help us in the future. Know what I mean?

Well, that gives you a glimpse into my life. It is sooooo very tiring . . . yet, so very sweet.

I am sure I will look back one day in envy of these simpler times. For now, I'll just look forward to falling in bed at night to a few hours of quiet. :) I am all smiles.

Hopefully I will make myself write more often, although they'll probably be shorter.

goodnight . . .

Tired in 2008 . . . already?

Happy New Year!

We've begun the year with far too little sleep. Bryan and I actually had the entire night to ourselves, thanks to my sister-in-law who volunteered to corral the chaotic twosome. So, we stayed up way too late and still had to get up this morning to eat breakfast with our two little monsters. I am so appreciate . . . and so tired. :)

Christmas was good, everyone got exactly what they wanted, and I think we managed to keep Christ the center. Riley can tell us that it was Jesus in the manger - and Caleb can tell the Christmas story by heart. The only problem we really had was "moreitis." Caleb and Riley wanted "more." I pray we can teach them gratitude this year - and maybe show a little more myself.

I purchased a One Year Chronological Bible and actually read today's selections. It is supposed to have the Bible in order based on the actual historical sequence of events. So, for example, after I read a portion of Scripture about David, if he wrote a Psalm about the event, it would follow. I hope to get a better understanding of God's redemption. I am excited about it and will keep you update, probably less often than I would like.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. As for New Year's resolutions, I don't really have anything particular, just areas to work on. I intend to be better organized at keeping up with the kids' artwork and "cutesies." I plan to keep a box under each bed to store pictures and artwork and a notebook. Hopefully I remember to write down little stories about what they've done or said. Liz Traylor (my pastor's wife) recommended just keeping a calendar to write that stuff on so you don't have to do double work. That's all they'll care to see anyway. Who knows what I'll actually do, but just having a place to put it all is a big step for me in organization.

Well, I really am tired and this is taking longer to type than normal. So, I'm signing off for now.
Until my next moments of randomness . . .

Confessions of this random thinker . . .

Merry Christmas everyone.

School is officially out for Christmas break, and most of my gifts are wrapped with care and placed on the dining room floor. I hate to sort presents for taking different places, so only ours for Christmas morning are under the tree, the rest are cluttering my dining room. Good thing we don't eat in there often.

Thanks to all of those who have given gifts this year, and those who have sent pictures (cards). I so look forward to checking the mail everyday to see your beautiful faces. I just wish you all would put yourselves on the pics with your kiddos. I like to see you too, believe it or not. :)

Well, I have been tagged. I have to share five tidbits (unknown facts) about myself. This is difficult. I have been thinking about this for a while and haven't come up with anything remarkable. So, I will just type away and see what comes out.

1. I am a Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Dollar General junky. (I love to browse and shop these store.)

2. I think cleaning is overrated, and don't do much of it. (Don't give my house the white glove test, I will fail miserably - but it isn't usually cluttered or messy.)

3. I just discovered my love for pink this year (2007 was eye opening for me - I've despised pink for many years).

4. I have no decorating (or in-style dressing) sense whatsoever and it is becoming more and more apparent everyday.

5. I love books and have many and love to browse bookstores, but don't really read much (except the Yada Yada Prayer Group series.) I love the idea of books and the way they look and smell, but that's the extent of my relationship with most of them these days.

Well, that was freeing. Thank you. Now, Jenny and Cheryl, you are both tagged.

Catch up

Well, just in time for Christmas. Things have been busy, but mostly good around our house. I happen to be sick today, but just a severe head cold, so I am thankful that it isn't something else. Both children are well, thankfully.

It has been since early November, I think, since I have written. We have gone celebrated Thanksgiving, gone on vacation, shopped on Black Friday, completed Christmas cards, decorated the house for Christmas, cleaned out room for Christmas gifts-to-come, attended a cookie swap, enjoyed a Christmas party, played the role of Joseph in the live nativity (Caleb), and tried to keep up with our normal, day-to-day routines. Yikes.

A couple of humorous incidents to note. Caleb insisted on seeing Santa Claus, and Riley insisted on not. As we approached Santa, Riley began having what I would consider somewhat of a panic attack with crying and screeching combined. So, Caleb was a bit nervous at that point. Here I am shoving Caleb towards Santa while trying to keep Riley as far away as possible. Caleb spews out that he wants a bike. As soon as Santa indicates that he heard the request, we were done and on our way. No pictures to prove it though. When we got into the car, Caleb leaned back in his seat with his arms folded behind his head and let out a sigh of relief, as if saying, "Now, that's done, I can relax and wait for my bike. " Riley began breathing normally again. When we mention Santa, she frowns and says, "No Santa."

Secondly, Riley initiated Caleb in what it is like to scram from the tub because of a poop accident. He was surprised to know that he did the same thing a couple of times. I am in Riley's room when I hear, "Uh oh, poop." (from Riley). I knew to go running. I pulled both out in about 5 seconds flat. She finished on the potty. Big girl she is, too big for mommy. I am not quite ready for potty training, but she might be. Yuck.

Well, because I am now working online, I just uploaded some pics and will let you figure out the rest. Hope you enjoy.

Not so random thoughts . . .

Well, it has been eons since I last wrote anything. Not because I haven’t wanted to, but because I haven’t sat down to do it. I have been preoccupied. First it was grading, then Caleb’s surgery, Halloween, then flu shots, Caleb’s fourth birthday and family in town. Not to mention I have a new hobby and have been reading a great series of books. I am into digital scrapbooking and I am reading the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Both are a lot of fun, and very relaxing to me. All of this on top of cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids and preschool teaching. Oh, then there is Bryan. J And, I am grading again, as of Thursday. Ta dah . . . Lord, help me to put you first in all of this.

Today I went to our church’s Mom2Mom ministry luncheon. Our pastor’s wife, Liz Traylor, is doing a series based on the verse in Titus which says something like: older women should teach younger women to love their husbands, love their children, take care of their homes and live a modest, pure life . . . She started at the last meeting with loving God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Today was on loving our husbands. She is really great; down to earth and honest about real life. Her first point was, “You chose him, so remember why – then tell him.”

Secondly, he is “Wild at heart” (from the book by John Eldridge ?). He needs a battle to fight and a princess to rescue and an adventure to live. So let him and help him be the man God created him to be.

Thirdly, figure out his personality and yours and help him and yourself build strengths and recognize weaknesses; and don’t let strengths become weaknesses because they are overdone. Also, figure out one another’s love language. (Gary Chapman and Gary Smalley)

Fourthly, recognize the needs of men and women and meet them. (Willard Harley) Guys needs sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, domestic support, an attractive spouse, and adoration and respect. Women need conversation, affection, financial support, family commitment, and I forget the last one (my notes are still in the car).

And, here are some tidbits: if the baby is crying when he gets home. Put that baby down. He won’t die, he has been crying all day and wouldn’t stop, why will he now? Let your husband know he is a priority in your life. Then let him rest a few before asking for him to help out – he’s been working hard too.

If you don’t feel like kissing him, getting into bed with him, whatever; ask the Holy Spirit to step up and do it for you. God cares even about these things. Just do it.

Simplify, simplify – wear an outfit twice or more before washing; stick to your routine, no need to follow the fads every year - and scrapbooking . . .your kids will not appreciate your work, just organize and label the pics (save yourself lots of time) (okay maybe, I don’t agree with everything. J

And family devotions – no where in the Bible specifically. Instead, it says as you go, as you lie down, etc. God should be in everything you do, not fifteen minutes of forcing your children to sit still and listen.

And she showed us several ads that are representative of the times and things we are being falsely taught.
- a watch ad that says the only thing easier to break than cold ice is a man’s ego (something like that)
- the fact that Shrek 3 has all the princesses (Cinderella , Snow White . .. standing in battle formations as if they are stronger than the men
- Everybody Loves Raymond - in which the wife says some of the most demeaning things to her husband and has forced him to be weak.
- Ads for labels, t-shirst, key chains, etc. that lift us up as selfish divas who need to be served.

I could go on and on. I wish I could have recorded her and let you all listen in. She is wonderfully wise, but she’ll admit it is from the many mistakes she has made throughout her marriage and life. I look forward to her comments on children in January. Maybe you could all travel to Pensacola to hear her. It is a great time.

Enough for you to dwell on.