Memorial Day Weekend

Love what my sister posted on Facebook about the weekend... "What a great weekend mother nature was not on our side but she seriously underestimated my ability to have fun."  Yes!

It was so wonderful to have my sister's family and my parents come for a visit at our house.  I just love it when we can sit and chat, and the kids are busy all over the house playing.  So thankful for the breaks in the weather too.  We may not have been able to get on the river, but I sure enjoyed watching the kids run and ride bikes, seeing the kids explore and build a pirate ship with branches, and being able to grill and have S'mores.  Thanks sis for having us over at your "summer place."

Katelyn 7 1/2, Asher 6 1/2, Chase 5 1/2, Ezra 4

Holly snapped a great picture of the kids on Asher's new bed.


It's very rare to get them all looking and smiling!











Here are some other pictures from the weekend: 

The moment they heard the cousins were coming, the boys ran off to get in character.

Cuddles... Then silly faces with Grandpa.

Playing with technology... Youngest of the kids schooling Grandma and Grandpa ;)

Off on Pirate adventures in Prairie!

It was cool but the kids didn't care.  They were busy riding and racing.

Movie time on the bunk beds... Later, more fort fun inside.

 

 

 

Mothers

It may seem a little late to be posting about Mother's Day, but I'm certain it's never too late to thank a mother.  As a mother, I've been a little busy lately.  But, I want to tell my mom that she's amazing.  I'm so thankful to have my parents in my life, as an inspiration in my faith walk and marriage, and as amazing grandparents to my own children and to my niece and nephew.

Following is a link to a favorite BLOG:
So God Made a Mother: When the Giving Tree is Really The Giving Mother
reflecting on the work of mothers.

Ann speaks of strength and faith:
"God had said I need somebody with a strong heart.  Strong enough for toddler tantrums and teenage testing, yet broken enough to fall on her knees and pray, pray, pray.  Someone who knows that in every hard place is exactly where you extend grace, who looks a hopeful child in the eye and says yes, even though she knows every yes means a mess but this is how you bless, who has the courage to keep letting go because she’s holding on to Me... Somebody willing to feed and lead, lay down her life and pick up her cross, give of her time because they have her heart... Someone who would live like a Giving Tree — who would would give grace, give life, and give thanks "

So thanks mom for modeling sensitive and strong, calm and kind, and for loving and leading.

Be an Example

This article speaks well to the struggle of being "a good Christian" as an adult and struggles youth have when told to be a good example for others.

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2013/05/13/one-thing-your-daughter-doesnt-need-you-to-say/

You don't need to be an example, to be good and perfect... Be real.  Be honest.  "Others around you need a friend who knows she needs Jesus."

What if we teach our our daughters (& sons) what this author suggests? ... "When she is hurt, she can deeply feel it. When she messes up, she can own it. When she hurts someone, she can apologize. When she has doubts, she can voice them. And when she is joyful, it will be from a real place inside her, not a manufactured mask she puts on for show."

I love that wall quote "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."  We have a wonderful family, with God at our center. Where is your center?

You don't have to have it all together. God never said it would be easy nor that you have to do it all alone.

God loves you... John 3:16, Romans 5:5

My morning devotion spoke today of the joy of the Lord and Romans 15:13...

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take It Easy

As I look back at my life since becoming a mother, I'm so thankful for how God has been there for me so I can be there for my family. 

Transitions... from the job I always wanted, counseling youth and collaborating with schools and families, to the job I will love forever, being a mom; the "God math" working out a switch from therapy to a job doing in-home child care; selling our house in 5 days and moving back to our hometown; loving the children I cared for in our home and spending time all day with my own boys; working less hours and being back in the schools again, this time helping a Special Education Teacher; supporting our kids in a move to another state and being able to stay at home. 

But I'm still learning a lot about taking care of others, taking care of myself, and letting others take care of me.

Slowing down... taking time, making time.

Listening... Sometimes I don't know what I need.  Sometimes I think I know, but I'm wrong.

Trusting... God always knows what I need and the best way for it to happen.

Believing... He will work it all out. 

It's all good!

God has got this.










I'm not a runner.  I have heard though, during practice and in a race, that having a goal is important and that pacing yourself is critical.  Seems like a good analogy.  I've been working hard on pacing myself.

If you are interested in reading more about living with "an invisible illness" and dealing with what many term a chronic energy crisis, here are a couple links:

The Spoon Theory from But You Don't Look Sick

Commentary for Abled Allies

The Fibro Action website summarizes Spoon Theory stating:
In a moment of inspiration, Christine came up with the idea of representing her limited amount of energy in units of spoons and asked her friend to describe what she did on a normal day. Breaking down each task into its individual parts, and taking away a spoon for every task done, helped show her friend that these tasks, that healthy people take for granted as being easy, could be a huge use of limited energy for someone with a chronic illness.  Christine explained that "the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted."

All of us can benefit from her words of wisdom though.  We would all live a fuller life by: being as positive as possible, knowing you don't know it all and learning as much as possible, following your dreams while learning to adapt.

If your schedule is full but your spirits are on low, maybe you could also benefit from learning to rest.  Here is a great article I found through Proverbs 31 Ministries:

Daily Devotion for May 8, 2013: Learn to Rest

Remember that Eagle's song "Take It Easy"? It says, "Don't let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy." I hope you have time this Spring and Summer to take it easy! 

Another song comes to mind too, Alabama's "I'm in a Hurry."

I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why

For our family, Spring and Summer are seasons to be outside and to spend time with friends and family.  While the calendar may be full, most often we schedule more laid-back activities.  I am so thankful for this season in my life and for the seasons of Spring and Summer.  It seams like it's much easier to pace yourself when the weather gets warmer.  I want to go do so many things, but I always make time to take it easy.

One last thought.  I recently saw this on my Facebook feed:

Hmm, there's a thought.  Making time... Maybe I need to be available in a different way.  You know that scripture about praying without ceasing?  Yah, I'm working on that.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

When I was writing notes about this BLOG, the kids were resting and a cool breeze was drifting in through the window.  After lunch, the church next door plays music on their bells.  Today the song was "It is well With My Soul."  Seemed like an appropriate and inspirational melody.  I think we will go put our bare toes in the green grass outside, soak up a little sunshine, and sip some homemade ice cream shakes now.  We've gotten a lot of practice resting this week with illness in the house, but we can take a few minutes to enjoy nature and thank God for beauty and healing.

It's all good!

Mighty Mississippi

The beautiful blues.

So happy to get out of the house and out on the river! 
The water was high, but the weather was warm
and the sun was shining.  It was so nice to enjoy
the beautiful blue sky and water.









Here are a couple of pictures of Mark and Holly's new boat...

Holly getting some sun at the front of the boat.

Ezra concentrating hard on helping Mark drive.

... and Holly and I enjoying our time.

sisters

The kids had lots of fun! (Sorry, Asher, but we'll be back in a few weeks.)

Just heading out... snacks in hand.

Smiles

Silly Chase

Katelyn's photo bomb

More smiles!

So much fun!

Finally, a couple pictures of the beautiful drive back home.

Family Fun Just Begun (start of May)

Time for some family photos.  May and Spring may have just begun, but we've been busy.  Here's a glimpse into a few recent activities...

Asher has been loving soccer practice and games.

Asher was really excited when Grandma & Grandpa could come to his first game.  He even got Grandpa to play a little soccer with him.

Ezra loves soccer too!  He had to get all the gear to be like brother.  Ezra can't wait to have his own soccer day camp this summer.

 Also, he has been enjoying pretend play with the toys in his room.


The kids and I handed out May Baskets to a few neighbors.


Ezra enjoyed bird watching and lots of special time with Grandpa last weekend.








The ladies had fun at Jamie's wedding shower... congrats again!









Asher and daddy had a Star Wars filled weekend.  Do you recognize my Jedi Padawan?

While Ezra and I were away this weekend, daddy and Asher put together my new dresser.  Asher loves helping with building projects and doing his own creative construction with the left over cardboard.

Thanks to Grandpa for fixing Asher's wood castle!  He put it to use as soon as I brought it home.


Also, Asher finally got his new bike (now that he has really mastered riding without training wheels).


And Ezra was thrilled to get brother's old bike (bought last year) because he too was too big for his old bike.  Wow they both are growing really fast!

Simple Snacks

I thought I would post a few more pictures of the house.  Today, the kitchen...

Ezra and I decided to make a couple of our favorite snacks before taking a road trip Friday.

Mommy's helper

 
 

Applesauce muffins are Ezra's favorite.  Here is the link if you'd like to try them:
http://spoonful.com/recipes/easy-applesauce-muffins


As a side note, I found some silicone baking cups at IKEA and just love them!

A family favorite for snacking is Honey Bear Snack Mix.  I think I originally got the recipe from Pampered Chef, but I can't find it on their website now, so here is a copy of my recipe:

While I love rich chocolate desserts, sometimes it is nice to have a few lighter snack options in addition to all the yummy fresh fruit this time of year.  I hope you will enjoy one of these.  I know Ezra did :)




BUT... for those of you who love chocolate like I do, I'm also including my favorite dessert recipe to share at cousin cookouts.  Here is the link for Tiramisu Brownie Trifle: http://www.pamperedchef.com/recipe_search/recipe.jsp?id=81761  Believe me, after making it once it won't seem too difficult and it's worth it!

Taste of Spring

It's raining here again.  In April, when it rained more than shined, I just kept thinking of the May flowers.  But, this May morning, we woke to an icy mess.  The tiny hail and the rain had frozen to a thin sheet of ice over everything last night.  I hear Iowa got a few inches of snow.  Well, we did get a taste of Spring last week.  However, after a few lovely Spring days, we had a humid day in the 80s followed by a wintry mix of hail and wind.  Someone recently joked on Facebook that the Midwest just lived out the whole year of seasons in one week.

I am happy to have had a few warmer dry days to enjoy grilling and playing outside with the kids.  We grew up in the Midwest and know each Spring is different, from year to year and from day to day.  Last year all my perennials were in full bloom by Mother's Day, I had all the annuals out, and the boys were riding bikes with no shirts on.  This year, I'm not sure whether it will be dry and warm enough day to day for Asher to have soccer practice or when I'll be able to put flowers out.  But, regardless of weather, we have also tasted Spring in another way... food.

I love how what we eat can change seasonally.  The other day for lunch I had slices of fresh avocado and finely shaved turkey wrapped in a wheat tortilla with a side of cantaloupe.  Then I made a moist and airy homemade angel food cake topped with chopped up fresh strawberries with a dash of orange juice.  Ezra and I have been talking about growing and eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies.  I just love seeing more color on our plate when Spring comes around.  We are trying to try new foods.

Recently, I bought some asparagus.  Usually, I make Bow-tie Pasta Primavera but I didn't have all the ingredients handy after recently moving.  A friend's BLOG inspired me to try something new.

Sunny!...side-up eggs w/ roasted asparagus & parmesan

This was delicious!  You can see the recipe at The Seasonal Veg Head.










Thanks to Jaime, I have a quick and new recipe which, as my kids say, is delicious and nutritious.  Well, I'm not sure the boys are sold on asparagus yet, but they tried it.  Because we tried something new, I know now that I can in fact broil in my gas oven and I have found a way to cook asparagus other than blanching.  Also, Jaime's instructions helped me perfect making sunny side-up eggs for my husband.  Honestly, I have never cooked his eggs this way because I wasn't very good at it.  Per usual, I cooked the eggs three different ways (poked the yolks to cook my eggs all the way through, made Al's over easy, and scrambled the boys' eggs), but we all enjoyed a new recipe.  The boys love having "Silly Supper," which means breakfast for supper and sometimes wearing jammies to the table.

I hope you can try something new and enjoy a taste of Spring this year too.

Little bit Lonely

It seems our family has more of a routine lately, and more activities are showing up on the calendar.  Asher is interacting more with kids at school, talking with other Scouts at lunch and playing with other 1^st grade students at recess.  His teacher recently assessed his reading skills and said Asher is reading at end of 2^nd grade level.  He continues to love learning and has been really into Star Wars and also spies lately.  Also, Asher is enjoying soccer.  He is getting to know his teammates and doing well with his skills and scrimmages.  Al is going to be starting soccer too.  Ezra and I have been doing a few learning activities at home, but mostly we explore the libraries and parks, run errands, and pretend play with a variety of toys.  I have been looking into Yoga and Zumba in town.  We have started searching for a new church. 

I know it will take time to form new relationships here.  I know we have a busy calendar this Spring and Summer with events where we will see family and old friends.  I know though, that some days, I’m a little bit lonely. 

A couple days ago, I was reading a story on “Hope For the Weary Mom,” while loving the calm but missing my friends.  Here is an excerpt:

"I don’t believe loneliness is a waste. God is our Redeemer and if He allows us to go through seasons that feel lonely, it’s because He’s teaching us how to cling to Him, the person who is Jesus who wants to meet us in our mess. He IS the One who “gets us” most, the One who knows us best and understands us like no other. When we can cling to Jesus as our best friend, our Hope…THEN the friendships HE brings into our lives will be rooted in Him and based on Truth. They will be the sisters who point us back to Jesus every single time, love us even when it’s hard and do life with us through each season of life. And those sorts of friendships are rare and precious gifts."

Well that was relevant and helpful!  You can see more at: http://www.hopeforthewearymom.com/2013/03/13/chapter-ten-when-weary-moms-walk-together/.  To my friends: Love you guys.  Miss you guys. Thank you for the gift of friendship.

Well, it’s Spring, and I need to be patient for the seeds that have been planted to start to grow.  So, I’m trying to enjoy the solitude.  I do love having more time to reflect and process, to be more aware.  Usually we have a slower pace lately, but sometimes life is still chaotic.  I continue to pray for patience… Patience in the process.  Also, patience with the kids when things are not so calm. ;)

Today Asher and I cuddled in my bed and talked for a few minutes before starting the day.  Al had mentioned Asher was a little “depressed” this morning.  Last night he asked about when he would see an old friend again and also slept with a note from another classmate.  This morning, Asher shared that he has a good teacher here and likes his school.  Yesterday he was thrilled to have second play date with a neighbor girl who is also in 1^st grade.  But, as much as he enjoys this new place and the people he’s met, I’m not sure he feels at home yet.  Or, maybe, starting to make a new close friend has reminded him of all the people in our hometown that he loves and misses.

Sometimes I think I know what I need or that I have it all figured out, and then God speaks into my life if many different ways.  Some days a child will show up and remind me:

While we try to teach our children all about life,

our children teach us what life is all about.

The last 6 months have been very busy and full of many changes.  It’s ironic how I’m starting to have more time now, yet I still find myself wishing I had more time to call a friend.  I keep thinking how my kids remind me of the importance of prioritizing and making time for what’s really important. 

But, now it’s time to wake Ezra for his nap and soon we’ll need to pick up Asher from school.  We will be busy making memories today.  I know if I don't stop now and focus on my babies that they'll stop inviting me into their lives.  If I don't care about T-Rex and Transformers now, then my boys won't take the time to care what I say about God, girls, etcetera. 

I’m so thankful that we can share love, laughs, sadness, worries, and successes.  I’m so happy that our family leans on God and each other. 

Just Another Day in Paradise

My sister has a great "pretty" on her kitchen wall.  It says something like "Good moms have sticky floors, dirty ovens, and happy kids."  My oldest son (bless his heart) told his aunt, "My mom doesn't have sticky floors, and she's a good mom."  I do, in fact, have sticky floors quite often.  I just clean them when Ezra naps and Asher is off at school.  We also tend to have lots of laundry.  Who can relate?!

I love going to Pinterest to find a few laughs and sometimes an inspirational quote for a craft project to do... someday.  My husband and I know that sometimes we need to laugh about "life's little details," and sometimes we both resort to a little sarcasm when stressed.  Have you seen those sarcastic mom quotes on the retro-looking refrigerator magnets?  Well, here are some quips about caring for the house and kids:
 
Because I'm the mother... That's why.
I love cleaning up messes I didn't make... So I became a mom.
Oh, I'm sorry. You must be confusing me with the maid we don't have.
It's been lovely, but I need to scream now.

Hey, life isn't perfect.  Many days life isn't easy.  Kids are messy.  Life can get messy.  But how often we forget that we don't have to be perfect.  Honestly, I think our home shouldn't be perfect.  Kids don't see it all, but sometimes we need to be honest so they understand about the dirty parts of our life... about work... about our values.  So they understand life isn't perfect. So they know they don't have to be perfect. 

* * * * *

I don't have to be Wonder Woman or Super Mom.  No one is perfect.  And, we don't have to do it all alone.

Okay, one more Pinterest reference.  I'm not obsessed with Pinterest... really!  But, I did look for a wedding shower gift idea the other night.  I found a fun idea (bride-to-be stop reading here) about giving gifts related to songs with lyrics about relationships.  Right up my alley because I often think in song lyrics and funny quotes (if you couldn't tell that already).  It got me thinking about my favorite country songs about life and marriage and kids.  Here's one I've been singing lately...

Phil Vassar's "Just Another Day In Paradise"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR4Y6Ll0DwA

"The kids screaming, phone ringing."  You been there?  I've been there!  

"... There goes the washing machine.  Baby don't kick it.  Promise I'll fix it, along with about a million other things."

We just moved, and recently my husband complained about the "water woes" at our new place.  Quick summary: basement faucet for washing machine dripping, fixed, nope, toilet also leaking, fixed, nope have a new leak, all fixed but turned on the main shut off to the house and now that's leaking... Let's just call the plumber ;)  During his lament, I reminded him of past water troubles at the blue house.  "Remember that one day when the refrigerator was making awful noises, the toilet leaked and flooded the whole bathroom floor, and the dishwasher died after we had already fixed it three times?" Then I recalled, "You didn't clean up all that toilet water and then have the bathroom sink's shut off explode.  I was drenched in nasty orange rusty water with black crud, and it sprayed all over the newly painted white wainscoting on the walls."  Share, laugh, keep on singing...

"Well, it's okay.  It's so nice.  It's just another day in paradise. Well there's no place that I'd rather be.  Well, it's two hearts.  One dream.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  And I ask the Lord, every night, for just another day in paradise."

I'm so thankful and happy that my husband and I have one dream and can share this walk with each other. Of course, we don't always see eye to eye, but we try to understand the other person's perspective and meet in the middle (subtle nod to another country favorite).  Some days I have to remind him of another popular quote found in some homes:

Please excuse the mess.  The children are making memories.
 
Isn't that what it's all about?  Sharing this walk with each other.  Remembering with fondness.  Love and laughter in the memories and in the moment.  Making more memories.

* * * * *

I'm still trying to get my "groove" back after moving twice in the last few months.  Of course, if I'm honest, I've found myself searching for balance quite often over the last couple decades.  Life has it's ebb and flow, it's seasons.  I remember reading...

I didn't tell you it was going easy.  I told you it would be worth it.

Amen!  Life is not perfect, often not easy, but it's so worth it.  I remind myself that sometimes I need to work on "going with the flow" a little more.  Enjoy it all.  Another quote I've seen recently states:

What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be.
 
Oh yes, sometimes we are merely stressed because we thought we had it all figured out and then our kids have other plans or life doesn't go exactly as planned.  Hey, I'm not perfect... what I think, what I say, what I do.  And sometimes I have to remind myself to challenge my thoughts and my routine behaviors... I need to take care of myself and my relationships.  I need to watch my priorities and how I spend my time and energy.  Sometimes I'm convicted that I need to keep faith and family first. 

* * * * *

This morning I sat in the kitchen with my daily dose of caffeine, finding my calm.  I'm so thankful for this time in my life... being able to be at home and spending time with our Preschool and 1st grade boys.  Youngest playing, sun shining, warm weather, cool breeze coming through the window, birds singing.   Spirit moves me to Scripture...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"  Matthew 6:25-27 

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

* * * * *

We don't walk this walk alone, and we don't have to do everything all by ourselves.  We're not perfect, but we have a purpose.  This morning, I found a little time to read some of my friends' BLOG posts... reading about child rearing, chaos, and calm in others' lives too. Thank you Carolyn for sharing your heart and touching mine...

"My point is, real life is messy. Chaotic at times. But chaos with a purpose. The purpose of raising healthy, well rounded, Jesus-loving kids. When a home centers around raising kids that's what you get. Noise. Mess. Dirty dishes. Dust. Because, frankly, I'd rather read to my kids than dust the shelves. I can dust when they're grown."  

Amen sister... I couldn't have said it better myself!  Thanks for the reminder :)  Another reflection I recently read states:

In 100 years from now, it won't matter what my bank account was.
Or the sort of house that I live in.  Or the kind of car I drove.
But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

You are important, what you say and do are important, for your family.  How you live your life also impacts others around you, outside your family. Sometimes we all get off balance.  Where is your center?  I'm not perfect.  You're not perfect.  But, we can learn from each other. 

* * * * *

I am so thankful for my journey and those I can share it with.  I am thankful for people who have, are, and will be part of my life.  I am so thankful for friends and reminders about putting faith and family first. It can be hard to be secure and confident when we think others are perfect, when others are not honest about their strengths and their struggles.  One more quote from Carolyn's BLOG reflection:

"See, there are other mommies, just like you and me, who are keeping it real and admitting they are imperfect. So take off your fake church smile and put on your big girl panties and find out how to live in the Truth girlie. No more "fake it til you make it" attitude. Go! Before your kids wake up!"

Be prepared, look to the truth, and then live life.  Be calm and carry on.  I'm going to start making time to start my day right!  It may not be easy to make small changes, but it's a priority.  I'm going to try to keep first things first in our family life.  Ah yes, I'm not perfect, but I am loved.  I'm not alone in this walk.  I have faith, family, and friends.

Pinspiration: Parenting

Back on Pinterest last night.  My excuse was that I was looking for some wedding shower gift ideas ;) I did find a number of good ideas, and a few other things too.  I'm always amazed at how I'm distracted by other topics and end up finding something else that I wasn't looking for but that speaks to a project from the day.  Well, yesterday's "project" wasn't really that... just been trying to focus more on my boys.

So, I found this gem titled "10 Things Not to Say to Your Kids" with some great reminders of basic parenting tips...

http://thekidcounselor.com/articles/10-things-not-to-say-to-your-kids/

The author starts by explaining: "When I think about all of the phrases, anecdotes, and sayings about the power of the spoken word I am reminded of how I changed my way of communicating with children upon learning Play Therapy principles."  How can I not love a play therapist's perspective :)

Sunshine and Singing

Since the move, I've been posting song links on my Facebook page on the rare occasions when the sun has shone through.  Well, the sun is out today and here is what we are singing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Bless the Lord O my soul... Sing like never before, O my soul, Worship his Holy Name...
The sun comes up. It's a new day dawning.