We sang "In Christ Alone" on Sunday, and it's been playing in my head all week. If you haven't heard it before, you can find it readily on YouTube, sung by various different artists. It has a beautiful melody, but what I love most are the rich lyrics taken from truths in the Bible. I thought I'd share them here in this little blog O' mine, with the hope that they would encourage you as much as they have me.
"In Christ Alone"
Written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory, Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Unseen Watchman - UPDATED
Yesterday morning I was home by myself (Derek took the boys to church while I am still recuperating from a little surgery I had this week), when there was a knock on the door. Not feeling inclined to answer it in my pajamas, I tip-toed over and peered through the peep-hole. It was some dude with a clipboard, likely a salesman, so I ignored it and went back to the couch. On the way back, I saw him walk by our window on the side of the house and mess around at the fence (where there is no gate), so I peaked through the window to see him TAKING OFF SEVERAL BOARDS of my fence and creeping through into the backyard.
Now, usually I am a complete and total coward when it comes to stuff like this, so I don't know what on earth made me feel like I could handle this fool in the backyard by myself...in my pajamas...recovering from surgery. But for whatever reason, I marched over to the backdoor, flung it open just as he reached the porch, and said, "GET OUT NOW."
By the look on his face, I surprised the living daylights out of him, but he managed a stuttered, "I'm the plumber!"
"GET OUT. GET OUT NOW," I said in my best I-really-mean-it voice.
"But this is the address they sent me to," He pleaded.
"We didn't call for a plumber," I said firmly, "Now LEAVE!" At that, he turned and ran off the porch and slipped back through the fence as fast as he could.
Just then I thought, "Wait, the fence." So I hurried (as fast as my post-op body would allow) back to the front to order him to fix his mess. But he was already in his SUV backing out of the driveway and speeding away as fast as he could. I wish I'd had my wits about me enough to get his license plate number.
So, I don't really know what happened yesterday. Did a real plumber make a real mistake? Or did a not-so-bright thief almost rob us until he was scared away by some crazy lady with bed-head wearing no make-up, pajamas, and pink, fuzzy socks? The thing is, I don't know of any plumber who would take apart a fence to get in the backyard when the owner didn't answer the door. I mean, what's he gonna do back there? But I also don't know why any thief would try and rob someone in the middle of the day when the blinds are open, the TV is on, and clearly someone is home and just not answering the door. I guess we'll never know.
Regardless of what happened, the incident left me a little shaken. But then a verse from the Bible popped in my head, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1)." I may not have known what that man was up to, but God did. He sees our house and all it's goings-on every minute of every day. And He protected me. And for that, I am extremely thankful.
***UPDATE***
Turns out, after talking with my step-dad (who is a police sergeant), and reporting the incident to our local police, that the man who came into our backyard on Sunday was more than likely a burglar about to rob us. Which makes me all the more thankful God protected me! The whole thing could have gone very badly under different circumstances!
I know now that I should have called 911 right away, but I guess it threw me off that he knocked on the front door; rather loudly, I might add. I guess I always pictured burglars prowling around in the dark, lurking behind bushes and stuff (and I guess they probably do that too), but what I have learned is that most home burglaries happen in the middle of the day, and often the burglar will knock on the door to see if anyone's home, and if not, get in the backyard, breakdown the back door, and rip you off. And apparently, home burglaries go up at this time of year, because the burglars are targeting presents under the tree. How's that for Merry Christmas! Ha! Anyway, I will certainly be on the alert a little more in the future. And I hope you will too!
Now, usually I am a complete and total coward when it comes to stuff like this, so I don't know what on earth made me feel like I could handle this fool in the backyard by myself...in my pajamas...recovering from surgery. But for whatever reason, I marched over to the backdoor, flung it open just as he reached the porch, and said, "GET OUT NOW."
By the look on his face, I surprised the living daylights out of him, but he managed a stuttered, "I'm the plumber!"
"GET OUT. GET OUT NOW," I said in my best I-really-mean-it voice.
"But this is the address they sent me to," He pleaded.
"We didn't call for a plumber," I said firmly, "Now LEAVE!" At that, he turned and ran off the porch and slipped back through the fence as fast as he could.
Just then I thought, "Wait, the fence." So I hurried (as fast as my post-op body would allow) back to the front to order him to fix his mess. But he was already in his SUV backing out of the driveway and speeding away as fast as he could. I wish I'd had my wits about me enough to get his license plate number.
So, I don't really know what happened yesterday. Did a real plumber make a real mistake? Or did a not-so-bright thief almost rob us until he was scared away by some crazy lady with bed-head wearing no make-up, pajamas, and pink, fuzzy socks? The thing is, I don't know of any plumber who would take apart a fence to get in the backyard when the owner didn't answer the door. I mean, what's he gonna do back there? But I also don't know why any thief would try and rob someone in the middle of the day when the blinds are open, the TV is on, and clearly someone is home and just not answering the door. I guess we'll never know.
Regardless of what happened, the incident left me a little shaken. But then a verse from the Bible popped in my head, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1)." I may not have known what that man was up to, but God did. He sees our house and all it's goings-on every minute of every day. And He protected me. And for that, I am extremely thankful.
***UPDATE***
Turns out, after talking with my step-dad (who is a police sergeant), and reporting the incident to our local police, that the man who came into our backyard on Sunday was more than likely a burglar about to rob us. Which makes me all the more thankful God protected me! The whole thing could have gone very badly under different circumstances!
I know now that I should have called 911 right away, but I guess it threw me off that he knocked on the front door; rather loudly, I might add. I guess I always pictured burglars prowling around in the dark, lurking behind bushes and stuff (and I guess they probably do that too), but what I have learned is that most home burglaries happen in the middle of the day, and often the burglar will knock on the door to see if anyone's home, and if not, get in the backyard, breakdown the back door, and rip you off. And apparently, home burglaries go up at this time of year, because the burglars are targeting presents under the tree. How's that for Merry Christmas! Ha! Anyway, I will certainly be on the alert a little more in the future. And I hope you will too!
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Unseen Watchman
Yesterday morning I was home by myself (Derek took the boys to church while I am still recuperating from a little surgery I had this week), when there was a knock on the door. Not feeling inclined to answer it in my pajamas, I tip-toed over and peered through the peep-hole. It was some dude with a clipboard, likely a salesman, so I ignored it and went back to the couch. On the way back, I saw him walk by our window on the side of the house and mess around at the fence (where there is no gate), so I peaked through the window to see him TAKING OFF SEVERAL BOARDS of my fence and creeping through into the backyard.
Now, usually I am a complete and total coward when it comes to stuff like this, so I don't know what on earth made me feel like I could handle this fool in the backyard by myself...in my pajamas...recovering from surgery. But for whatever reason, I marched over to the backdoor, flung it open just as he reached the porch, and said, "GET OUT NOW."
By the look on his face, I surprised the living daylights out of him, but he managed a stuttered, "I'm the plumber!"
"GET OUT. GET OUT NOW," I said in my best I-really-mean-it voice.
"But this is the address they sent me to," He pleaded.
"We didn't call for a plumber," I said firmly, "Now LEAVE!" At that, he turned and ran off the porch and slipped back through the fence as fast as he could.
Just then I thought, "Wait, the fence." So I hurried (as fast as my post-op body would allow) back to the front to order him to fix his mess. But he was already in his SUV backing out of the driveway and speeding away as fast as he could. I wish I'd had my wits about me enough to get his license plate number.
So, I don't really know what happened yesterday. Did a real plumber make a real mistake? Or did a not-so-bright thief almost rob us until he was scared away by some crazy lady with bed-head wearing no make-up, pajamas, and pink, fuzzy socks? The thing is, I don't know of any plumber who would take apart a fence to get in the backyard when the owner didn't answer the door. I mean, what's he gonna do back there? But I also don't know why any thief would try and rob someone in the middle of the day when the blinds are open, the TV is on, and clearly someone is home and just not answering the door. I guess we'll never know.
Regardless of what happened, the incident left me a little shaken. But then a verse from the Bible popped in my head, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1)." I may not have known what that man was up to, but God did. He sees our house and all it's goings-on every minute of every day. And He protected me. And for that, I am extremely thankful.
Now, usually I am a complete and total coward when it comes to stuff like this, so I don't know what on earth made me feel like I could handle this fool in the backyard by myself...in my pajamas...recovering from surgery. But for whatever reason, I marched over to the backdoor, flung it open just as he reached the porch, and said, "GET OUT NOW."
By the look on his face, I surprised the living daylights out of him, but he managed a stuttered, "I'm the plumber!"
"GET OUT. GET OUT NOW," I said in my best I-really-mean-it voice.
"But this is the address they sent me to," He pleaded.
"We didn't call for a plumber," I said firmly, "Now LEAVE!" At that, he turned and ran off the porch and slipped back through the fence as fast as he could.
Just then I thought, "Wait, the fence." So I hurried (as fast as my post-op body would allow) back to the front to order him to fix his mess. But he was already in his SUV backing out of the driveway and speeding away as fast as he could. I wish I'd had my wits about me enough to get his license plate number.
So, I don't really know what happened yesterday. Did a real plumber make a real mistake? Or did a not-so-bright thief almost rob us until he was scared away by some crazy lady with bed-head wearing no make-up, pajamas, and pink, fuzzy socks? The thing is, I don't know of any plumber who would take apart a fence to get in the backyard when the owner didn't answer the door. I mean, what's he gonna do back there? But I also don't know why any thief would try and rob someone in the middle of the day when the blinds are open, the TV is on, and clearly someone is home and just not answering the door. I guess we'll never know.
Regardless of what happened, the incident left me a little shaken. But then a verse from the Bible popped in my head, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1)." I may not have known what that man was up to, but God did. He sees our house and all it's goings-on every minute of every day. And He protected me. And for that, I am extremely thankful.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Because I Am a Complete and Total Blog-Slacker...
...I thought I'd send you to a post I recently read and really enjoyed from a blog called "Scribbit," which I just recently discovered. Seriously, this is laugh-out-loud funny, so if you need a pick-me-up in your day, click HERE to read the post entitled "Wherein our Heroin Unknowingly Aids and Abets."
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Friday, October 2, 2009
I managed a post, but I'm too tired to think of a title.
Seriously, I've sat here long enough staring at this post trying to come up with some clever way to title it. My brain has shut down.
Anyway, on with the post...
While Cole and Max are becoming best little friends, they are different in many ways. One of which is their sleep positions.
When Cole sleeps, he likes his "sheet up to his neck" and doesn't move much.
Like this:
Max, on the other hand, may or may not want to be covered, and he tosses and turns like a mad man. I never know how I'll find him when I do my nightly check before my bedtime.
Here's a sampling of the positions I've found him in:
And sometimes he just rolls right out. Good thing we still have his mattress on the floor.
I hope he calms down a little as he gets older. Otherwise, I feel for his wife.
Anyway, on with the post...
While Cole and Max are becoming best little friends, they are different in many ways. One of which is their sleep positions.
When Cole sleeps, he likes his "sheet up to his neck" and doesn't move much.
Like this:
Max, on the other hand, may or may not want to be covered, and he tosses and turns like a mad man. I never know how I'll find him when I do my nightly check before my bedtime.
Here's a sampling of the positions I've found him in:
And sometimes he just rolls right out. Good thing we still have his mattress on the floor.
I hope he calms down a little as he gets older. Otherwise, I feel for his wife.
Sweet Conversations
Today, we were sitting at the kitchen table when Cole and I had this conversation:
Cole: When I'm grown up will I still live here?
Me: Well, you'll probably want to have your own home then.
Cole: But who will be my mommy?
Me: I'll still be your mommy, we just won't live together. You might have a wife, though.
Cole: Oh. Yeah. Who will be my wife?
Me: Well, you get to choose your wife.
Cole: Oh. Well, I want you to be my wife, Mommy.
If that doesn't make you melt, I don't know what will.
Cole: When I'm grown up will I still live here?
Me: Well, you'll probably want to have your own home then.
Cole: But who will be my mommy?
Me: I'll still be your mommy, we just won't live together. You might have a wife, though.
Cole: Oh. Yeah. Who will be my wife?
Me: Well, you get to choose your wife.
Cole: Oh. Well, I want you to be my wife, Mommy.
If that doesn't make you melt, I don't know what will.
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Visitor in the Night
It was around 3:00 in the morning, although I didn't know it at the time; it felt like I had just closed my eyes. We had stayed up late watching the movie Prince Caspian, but even still it took me awhile to go to sleep, my mind swirling with thoughts; thoughts from the day, thoughts from the movie that evening, and thoughts from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy we had watched the week before. Finally, I fell asleep.
I was curled up on my side facing the door to our bedroom. A noise stirred me from my sleep and I opened my eyes in time to see the door opening. Naturally, I assumed it was one of my boys.
My eyes came into focus and I stared in disbelief. Coming through the doorway was not one of my sweet sons, but rather, a dwarf! Startled, I sat up quickly. Friend or foe, I did not know, but slowly and silently it approached the bed. Alarmed, I clamored to the end of the bed and tried desperately to alert Derek to the stranger in the room. To my panic and frustration, my mouth would not form the words. Like a 1 year old who can't speak but knows what she wants, I pointed and grunted at the thing coming towards me.
As the dwarf at last made it to our bed, Derek awoke, sat up, and said quickly, "What's the matter?"
Finally, the words came. I pointed and exclaimed with an exhaling breath, "There's someone here!"
In the same moment I said those words, something happened to our little visitor. He morphed right before my very eyes. He went from being very distinctly dwarf...to very distinctly Max!
Shaken and confused, I heard Derek say, "Max, you need to go back to bed, son."
Feeling embarrassed and still shaking, I quickly offered, "I'll take him."
Just as quickly, Max responded, "Daddy do it."
I can't say that I blame him. I'd want my nice calm daddy to take me back to bed too after seeing my crazy mommy act like a mad woman.
I only hope I don't have any other strange sightings in the night, or I may end up in the loony bin. Good thing my family loves me so much. I know they'd come and visit me; dwarfs and all.
I was curled up on my side facing the door to our bedroom. A noise stirred me from my sleep and I opened my eyes in time to see the door opening. Naturally, I assumed it was one of my boys.
My eyes came into focus and I stared in disbelief. Coming through the doorway was not one of my sweet sons, but rather, a dwarf! Startled, I sat up quickly. Friend or foe, I did not know, but slowly and silently it approached the bed. Alarmed, I clamored to the end of the bed and tried desperately to alert Derek to the stranger in the room. To my panic and frustration, my mouth would not form the words. Like a 1 year old who can't speak but knows what she wants, I pointed and grunted at the thing coming towards me.
As the dwarf at last made it to our bed, Derek awoke, sat up, and said quickly, "What's the matter?"
Finally, the words came. I pointed and exclaimed with an exhaling breath, "There's someone here!"
In the same moment I said those words, something happened to our little visitor. He morphed right before my very eyes. He went from being very distinctly dwarf...to very distinctly Max!
Shaken and confused, I heard Derek say, "Max, you need to go back to bed, son."
Feeling embarrassed and still shaking, I quickly offered, "I'll take him."
Just as quickly, Max responded, "Daddy do it."
I can't say that I blame him. I'd want my nice calm daddy to take me back to bed too after seeing my crazy mommy act like a mad woman.
I only hope I don't have any other strange sightings in the night, or I may end up in the loony bin. Good thing my family loves me so much. I know they'd come and visit me; dwarfs and all.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Mommy's Little Helpers
Cole and Max love to help me in the kitchen. When I can, I come up with little jobs for them to do when I cook dinner or bake goodies.
For example, when I make roast potatoes, I let them "paint" on the oil, then they sprinkle on the seasonings (I pre-measure it for them so their eager little hands don't accidentally put too much). When they the boys have finished their job, I just toss the potatoes to get the yummy stuff distributed evenly.
And they love to help wash dishes. I fill up one sink with soapy water and the other with plain water. Cole washes, and then Max rinses off the bubbles. I usually have to re-wash some things, but it keeps them busy for awhile while I do other things in the kitchen. Cole is great at this; Max, I have to watch. After awhile he thinks it's more fun to splash the water everywhere instead of rinse off the bubbles. But it's great for a little while!
For example, when I make roast potatoes, I let them "paint" on the oil, then they sprinkle on the seasonings (I pre-measure it for them so their eager little hands don't accidentally put too much). When they the boys have finished their job, I just toss the potatoes to get the yummy stuff distributed evenly.
And they love to help wash dishes. I fill up one sink with soapy water and the other with plain water. Cole washes, and then Max rinses off the bubbles. I usually have to re-wash some things, but it keeps them busy for awhile while I do other things in the kitchen. Cole is great at this; Max, I have to watch. After awhile he thinks it's more fun to splash the water everywhere instead of rinse off the bubbles. But it's great for a little while!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Evidence of Max
Our sweet Max is a busy, little boy. Derek and I get a kick out of finding evidence of where he's been. Usually, it's harmless; like finding a truck parked in the pantry...
Or a spoon in the toilet paper...
Sometimes it's slightly annoying, like finding a buckle already done up when I have Seth in my arms and I'm trying to get him in his car seat (or swing, or bouncy seat, etc)...
But today we hit a whole new level...
I was sitting on the couch with Seth. Cole and Max were happily playing together, running back and forth from their room to the living room with blankets and pillows making a little nest for themselves on the living room floor.
On one of the trips, Cole came back to the living room, but Max didn't. Then I heard some noise coming from the study.
"Cole, please go see what your brother is doing." Cole went to the study and came back reporting, "He's playing with the computer."
Feeling too lazy to get up, I called back, "Max, leave the computer alone," hoping he would obey without me having to go get him. Obediently, Max toddled quickly back to the living room.
A little later I went to the study and noticed two things about the laptop. First, it was turned off, and I knew I hadn't done that. And second, well, see for yourself...
Uh-huh, yeah. The space bar is missing.
"Oh great," I thought, "How did he get that off," and, more importantly, "Where on earth did he put it?" I did a quick scan of the area, including the drawers in the desk since I know how much he likes to put things in things, and didn't see it. Figuring he must have carried it back with him to the living room, I left the laptop and assumed it would turn up when we picked up all the toys at bedtime.
At bedtime, the space bar didn't turn up.
I took Max to the study and pointed at the computer. "Max, where did you put the space bar?"
Immediately, and very matter-of-factly, Max pointed to the floppy-disk drive and said, "Dat hole."
A flashlight and some poking around revealed that the space bar was, in fact, in "dat hole." Thankfully, I retrieved it and put it back in it's place without too much trouble.
I have thought for a while now that Max would be one of those kids that liked to take things apart and put them back together, just for the fun of it. I just didn't expect it to happen at 21 months old!
Or a spoon in the toilet paper...
Sometimes it's slightly annoying, like finding a buckle already done up when I have Seth in my arms and I'm trying to get him in his car seat (or swing, or bouncy seat, etc)...
But today we hit a whole new level...
I was sitting on the couch with Seth. Cole and Max were happily playing together, running back and forth from their room to the living room with blankets and pillows making a little nest for themselves on the living room floor.
On one of the trips, Cole came back to the living room, but Max didn't. Then I heard some noise coming from the study.
"Cole, please go see what your brother is doing." Cole went to the study and came back reporting, "He's playing with the computer."
Feeling too lazy to get up, I called back, "Max, leave the computer alone," hoping he would obey without me having to go get him. Obediently, Max toddled quickly back to the living room.
A little later I went to the study and noticed two things about the laptop. First, it was turned off, and I knew I hadn't done that. And second, well, see for yourself...
Uh-huh, yeah. The space bar is missing."Oh great," I thought, "How did he get that off," and, more importantly, "Where on earth did he put it?" I did a quick scan of the area, including the drawers in the desk since I know how much he likes to put things in things, and didn't see it. Figuring he must have carried it back with him to the living room, I left the laptop and assumed it would turn up when we picked up all the toys at bedtime.
At bedtime, the space bar didn't turn up.
I took Max to the study and pointed at the computer. "Max, where did you put the space bar?"
Immediately, and very matter-of-factly, Max pointed to the floppy-disk drive and said, "Dat hole."
A flashlight and some poking around revealed that the space bar was, in fact, in "dat hole." Thankfully, I retrieved it and put it back in it's place without too much trouble.
I have thought for a while now that Max would be one of those kids that liked to take things apart and put them back together, just for the fun of it. I just didn't expect it to happen at 21 months old!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bug Week
Inspired by my friend, Jessica, I wanted to do some themes for the kids during the summer. The first one we did was Bug Week, and it was lots of fun!
I didn't get pictures of everything we did, but here is a sampling:
...and found some ants, a spider, a beetle and a few roly-polies.
(I think I'm glad we didn't find any more than that!)
Of course, Seth was along for the ride,
but he let the big boys do most of the work!
What a fun week!
We enjoyed all kinds of things such as bug hunts, bug crafts and eating bug snacks. We also read great bug books like Miss Spider's ABC's, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and The Grouchy Ladybug. The boys really enjoyed the whole week!
Thanks, Jessica, for the great lesson plans and ideas!I didn't get pictures of everything we did, but here is a sampling:
Making Lady Bugs
The Finished Product
We also made Caterpillars...
We used homemade magnifying glasses (minus the glass) on our bug hunts...
...and found some ants, a spider, a beetle and a few roly-polies.
(I think I'm glad we didn't find any more than that!)
Of course, Seth was along for the ride,
but he let the big boys do most of the work!
What a fun week!
***For links to the crafts shown above, click on the blue words.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Wonderful World of Boys
One night at dinner, I was leaning towards Max to help him cut up his food. When I turned back to my plate, my dear first-born caught my eye. He was giggling and doing this:
"Oh, Cole, take your fingers out of your nose, please." I said. (More giggles from Cole)
Of course, Max just had to join in, because anything Cole does is the greatest thing on earth. So as I looked back at a giggling Max, I saw this:
"Oh, great, now Max is doing it, too. Max, take your fingers out of your nose, please," I said with a sigh (and a half smile).
I looked up at my sweet husband for support, and smiled, shaking my head. His reply was this:
Sigh.
Needless to say, we are working on our table manners, but I sure do love the sound of my boys giggling together and having fun.
It won't be too long until this one is joining in on all the fun:
I love my boys!
"Oh, Cole, take your fingers out of your nose, please." I said. (More giggles from Cole)
Of course, Max just had to join in, because anything Cole does is the greatest thing on earth. So as I looked back at a giggling Max, I saw this:
"Oh, great, now Max is doing it, too. Max, take your fingers out of your nose, please," I said with a sigh (and a half smile).
I looked up at my sweet husband for support, and smiled, shaking my head. His reply was this:
Sigh.Needless to say, we are working on our table manners, but I sure do love the sound of my boys giggling together and having fun.
It won't be too long until this one is joining in on all the fun:
I love my boys!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Music to My Ears
This evening as I was preparing dinner, I could hear the sound of Max and Cole playing together in their room. A few minutes later, Max appeared in the kitchen, without Cole. I didn't think too much about it until a few more minutes went by and I realized it was strangely quiet in the bedroom.
"Cole," I called out, "What are you doing, Sweetie?"
His answer warmed my soul, "I'm reading my Bible in my room, Mommy."
Oh how I pray I hear those words from him often and forever.
"Cole," I called out, "What are you doing, Sweetie?"
His answer warmed my soul, "I'm reading my Bible in my room, Mommy."
Oh how I pray I hear those words from him often and forever.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Comments from Cole
I've been jotting down some of the random things Cole has said lately. Here's a sampling:
"Your tummy looks weird, Mommy." (Yes, I know, dear. Thank you for noticing. But I do have 3 sweet babies to show for it, so that's ok.)
"I really wish I could be a crane driver."
"When the next baby comes out of your tummy, can we name him Trey?" (Um, next baby??)
"Mommy, I'm going to get on a plane and fly a long way to heaven, 'cause it's very far away!"
"Your tummy looks weird, Mommy." (Yes, I know, dear. Thank you for noticing. But I do have 3 sweet babies to show for it, so that's ok.)
"I really wish I could be a crane driver."
"When the next baby comes out of your tummy, can we name him Trey?" (Um, next baby??)
"Mommy, I'm going to get on a plane and fly a long way to heaven, 'cause it's very far away!"
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Van Cole
Cole requested to do a "bug craft" this afternoon (we are having a bug themed week this week...more to come on that later), and while I was getting the stuff set up, he picked up a few crayons and drew this caterpillar. It now has a place of honor on the refrigerator door. Until, that is, it gets taken to The Louvre. It's only a matter of time, I'm sure.
I'm still here!
I have so many post ideas floating through my head, but well, finding the time to sit and write them is a little difficult. Hopefully soon, I can catch up a bit.
In the mean time, here are just a few of the (most welcome) reasons I haven't had time to write:
In the mean time, here are just a few of the (most welcome) reasons I haven't had time to write:
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Welcome, Baby Seth!
We are proud to announce the birth of our third son, Seth Daniel Rowden, born April 14, 2009 at 8:06am. 9 lbs 4.5 oz, 20.5 inches long.
So far, Seth has been a sweet, laid-back baby. Big brothers Cole and Max adore him, and he has had no want for cuddles in his first 12 days of life. We are so happy to add him to our family!
So far, Seth has been a sweet, laid-back baby. Big brothers Cole and Max adore him, and he has had no want for cuddles in his first 12 days of life. We are so happy to add him to our family!
Monday, April 6, 2009
A New Leaf...Or Maybe Not.
So, I don't really know what's gotten into me, but I've switched from my once a month blogging to actually posting four entries in less than a week. Phew. Don't get used to it, though. No telling what will happen when baby #3 comes next week.
Anyway, here they are, in case you want to read...
Observations of a 3 Year Old
What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman
Nesting
Disappearing Act
Anyway, here they are, in case you want to read...
Observations of a 3 Year Old
What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman
Nesting
Disappearing Act
Disappearing Act
Trying to get Cole to calm down from his hyperactive state at bedtime tonight, the following conversation took place:
Me: Cole, why don't you come sit in my lap?
Cole, trying to climb into my lap: But there isn't much lap here.
Too true, too true.
Me: Cole, why don't you come sit in my lap?
Cole, trying to climb into my lap: But there isn't much lap here.
Too true, too true.
Nesting
I've had a "to do" list to prepare for the baby's arrival for a couple of months now. I've been working on it, but my energy level has just been pitiful. So by the time I've done my normal daily duties, I just haven't had much left to give to the list. Needless to say, it's been slow going and I'm starting to realize some things just might not get done; like painting Seth's room, for instance.
But now the count is on and the proverbial "nesting" has kicked in. I got more done this afternoon than I've done in 2 months! Once I got going, my momentum took over and I knocked out all kinds of things. Yea! I guess I've always worked better under a little pressure though. And I guess the realization that I only have 8 days to get it all done (if he doesn't come sooner) is enough pressure to get me going!
If I keep this pace up, we might even be able to squeeze in painting the nursery.
We'll see!
But now the count is on and the proverbial "nesting" has kicked in. I got more done this afternoon than I've done in 2 months! Once I got going, my momentum took over and I knocked out all kinds of things. Yea! I guess I've always worked better under a little pressure though. And I guess the realization that I only have 8 days to get it all done (if he doesn't come sooner) is enough pressure to get me going!
If I keep this pace up, we might even be able to squeeze in painting the nursery.
We'll see!
Friday, April 3, 2009
What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman
Here's a sampling of actual comments people have made to me over the last couple of months:
"Wow, you look like you're about to pop."And then there's no shortage of strangers who like to consider themselves prophets of delivery dates:
"So how many are you having? Three...or Four?"
"You look like you're about to drop that baby right out."
"You are having one, right? Not like, eight?"
"When's your due date? Oh, you won't make it that long."(sigh) Oh well. Only 11 days to go. I'm not sure how big Seth is, but the way people stare at me, I'm expecting a toddler to walk out. We'll see. Until then, I smile politely and wait until my back is turned to roll my eyes at the silly things people say.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Observations of a 3 Year Old
Yesterday, I was in the check-out line at Michael's. A small girl, perhaps 3 or so, was behind me in line with her mom and said, "Does she have a baby in her tummy?"
Assuming she was talking about me, I turned and smiled as her mommy responded, "Yes, she does."
Still staring at my swollen belly, she said very seriously and deliberately, "That baby should not be in there."
I have to say, I'm starting to agree with her.
Come on, little Seth. Times up. We're ready to meet you!
Assuming she was talking about me, I turned and smiled as her mommy responded, "Yes, she does."
Still staring at my swollen belly, she said very seriously and deliberately, "That baby should not be in there."
I have to say, I'm starting to agree with her.
Come on, little Seth. Times up. We're ready to meet you!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Roomies
In preparation for our newest little Rowden, we moved Max into Cole's room. I was a little nervous, because Max is still only 18 months old, and he just seems so little to be in a big boy bed. But we really didn't want to have to buy another crib, and the boys are getting along really well these days, so we thought it was worth a shot.
We did the same for Max as we first did for Cole: a twin mattress on the floor. That way, if he rolls off, it's not far to fall. The plan was to try it, and if he just wasn't ready, we would put him back in the crib, and baby Seth would just have to sleep in our room a little longer until Max was ready for the switch. I am happy to report, however, that Max is doing great in his new bed! But it wasn't always that way. The first few nights were, well, interesting.
The first night, Derek and I explained to both boys (on their level, of course) what our expectations were of this new situation. We went through the bedtime routine, tucked everyone in, and said "goodnight," with coaching as we went. That part was great.
Then the nightmare hit. I wondered what on earth we were thinking to try this. Max got up about 6 times before I had even left the room. Cole didn't help either. The second Max's feet hit the floor, Cole popped right out of bed too. He felt it was his duty to let us know Max was up. After about 10 minutes of this, I finally laid down by Max for a few minutes to help him settle down and get a clue that it was time to sleep. He seemed to like that, but as soon as I got up, he started to cry. Two minutes later, he was out and slept all night.
Night two was very encouraging. He didn't get up one time before falling asleep.
The next few nights, he learned to be more sneaky in his tactics. We would hear Cole yell out, "He's getting up! He's getting up!" One of us would go to the boys' room only to find Max lying in bed just as he should be. So either he was diving back in bed at the sound of Cole's call, or Cole was over-eager to tattle on him and called out just because he wiggled a finger. We're not completely sure, but I could have sworn a couple of times I heard the pitter-patter of his little feet and a thump as he landed himself on the bed right before I opened the door.
I guess Cole got tired of being the bad guy, because his cries of alarm ceased. Free from his brother's tattling, Max would get up quietly, only to be ratted out by his choice of toys. We would hear a random "Moo" from the farm toy, or a song from the musical chair, coming over the monitor. It took a few nights of redirection, but he finally got it. And for the last week or so, he has stayed in bed and goes straight to sleep. I'm so proud!
Here are a few pics of the new roommates:
We did the same for Max as we first did for Cole: a twin mattress on the floor. That way, if he rolls off, it's not far to fall. The plan was to try it, and if he just wasn't ready, we would put him back in the crib, and baby Seth would just have to sleep in our room a little longer until Max was ready for the switch. I am happy to report, however, that Max is doing great in his new bed! But it wasn't always that way. The first few nights were, well, interesting.
The first night, Derek and I explained to both boys (on their level, of course) what our expectations were of this new situation. We went through the bedtime routine, tucked everyone in, and said "goodnight," with coaching as we went. That part was great.
Then the nightmare hit. I wondered what on earth we were thinking to try this. Max got up about 6 times before I had even left the room. Cole didn't help either. The second Max's feet hit the floor, Cole popped right out of bed too. He felt it was his duty to let us know Max was up. After about 10 minutes of this, I finally laid down by Max for a few minutes to help him settle down and get a clue that it was time to sleep. He seemed to like that, but as soon as I got up, he started to cry. Two minutes later, he was out and slept all night.
Night two was very encouraging. He didn't get up one time before falling asleep.
The next few nights, he learned to be more sneaky in his tactics. We would hear Cole yell out, "He's getting up! He's getting up!" One of us would go to the boys' room only to find Max lying in bed just as he should be. So either he was diving back in bed at the sound of Cole's call, or Cole was over-eager to tattle on him and called out just because he wiggled a finger. We're not completely sure, but I could have sworn a couple of times I heard the pitter-patter of his little feet and a thump as he landed himself on the bed right before I opened the door.
I guess Cole got tired of being the bad guy, because his cries of alarm ceased. Free from his brother's tattling, Max would get up quietly, only to be ratted out by his choice of toys. We would hear a random "Moo" from the farm toy, or a song from the musical chair, coming over the monitor. It took a few nights of redirection, but he finally got it. And for the last week or so, he has stayed in bed and goes straight to sleep. I'm so proud!
Here are a few pics of the new roommates:
Hanging Out
Sweet Brothers
Story Time
Big Boy Max
Monday, February 16, 2009
Quandary Bloom
I must confess that I don't remember a lot of what I learned in grade school about certain things, such as photosynthesis and other plant-related matters. But I do remember learning that there are three basic things a plant needs in order to grow: sunlight, soil, and water.
So I'm hoping someone with a little more knowledge than me can explain the phenomenon happening in my laundry room.
A little background...
A couple of months ago, I was given some amaryllis bulbs in a Target bag. Seeing as how it was still winter and I didn't intend to plant them for awhile, I hung the bag on a door knob in the laundry room with the intention of taking them to the garage at a later time to await planting season. Long story short, they never made it to the garage, and so they hung on the door in the laundry room.
About a week and a half ago, I was all loaded up, as I often am, with bags and boys (hence the reason the bulbs never made it to the garage), and headed to the van. I reached for the door knob to go out to the garage, and, startled, withdrew my hand and let out a slight gasp. Peaking out of the bag was a thick green stalk with an unopened flower head at the top.
Now, let me just take a moment to say how startling it was to find something living coming out of a bag in a place where I never would have expected to find something living. Maybe it's just me, but somehow it was so creepy, that for a split second, it could have been anything coming out of that bag, a human hand, for example, and my reaction would have been the same.
When I gathered my composure and realized it wasn't the boogie man coming to get me, I stood for a moment, puzzled. "What on earth?" I thought. How is it possible that one of the bulbs has sprouted in a plastic bag with no soil, no sunlight, and no water? Not having time to examine it then, we went out to the van and on our way. Later though, I came back to look again and took a picture.
Amazed, I decided to leave it there and see if it would bloom. Sure enough, here's how it looks today...
And in the bag, there are several more coming up.
Now, will someone please enlighten me on how this is possible? No water, no sunlight, no soil. Weird. I'm going to plant them in my garden soon. I just hope they like the outdoors as much as they like my laundry room!
So I'm hoping someone with a little more knowledge than me can explain the phenomenon happening in my laundry room.
A little background...
A couple of months ago, I was given some amaryllis bulbs in a Target bag. Seeing as how it was still winter and I didn't intend to plant them for awhile, I hung the bag on a door knob in the laundry room with the intention of taking them to the garage at a later time to await planting season. Long story short, they never made it to the garage, and so they hung on the door in the laundry room.
About a week and a half ago, I was all loaded up, as I often am, with bags and boys (hence the reason the bulbs never made it to the garage), and headed to the van. I reached for the door knob to go out to the garage, and, startled, withdrew my hand and let out a slight gasp. Peaking out of the bag was a thick green stalk with an unopened flower head at the top.
Now, let me just take a moment to say how startling it was to find something living coming out of a bag in a place where I never would have expected to find something living. Maybe it's just me, but somehow it was so creepy, that for a split second, it could have been anything coming out of that bag, a human hand, for example, and my reaction would have been the same.
When I gathered my composure and realized it wasn't the boogie man coming to get me, I stood for a moment, puzzled. "What on earth?" I thought. How is it possible that one of the bulbs has sprouted in a plastic bag with no soil, no sunlight, and no water? Not having time to examine it then, we went out to the van and on our way. Later though, I came back to look again and took a picture.
Amazed, I decided to leave it there and see if it would bloom. Sure enough, here's how it looks today...
And in the bag, there are several more coming up.
Now, will someone please enlighten me on how this is possible? No water, no sunlight, no soil. Weird. I'm going to plant them in my garden soon. I just hope they like the outdoors as much as they like my laundry room!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
1st Day of School
I know this is a strange time of year to title a post that way, but nevertheless, so it is. Last Thursday, February 5, was Cole's first day of preschool!
He was so excited in the days leading up to it. He kept asking if it was Thursday yet, and when I dropped him off in his class that morning, he just walked right in and made himself comfortable. After talking to the teachers for a few minutes, I went over to say "goodbye". That's when I was caught off guard by the large lump in my throat. My baby is growing up! Somehow, I managed to swallow the lump and make my exit without too much of a scene. If a two-day-a-week preschool chokes me up, what on earth will I do when he starts kindergarten? Yikes!
It was so strange not having Cole at home for a large part of the day, but it was great to have some time with just Max. We haven't had much of that, for obvious reasons. Max enjoyed it too, although he did ask for his big brother a couple of times.
"Dole?" he would say, and point to Cole's room.
"Cole's at school, sweetie," I would reply.
He seemed ok with that, but he was very excited when we went to go pick him up. Incidentally, I think it's sweet that Max looks up to his big brother so much already. I hope it continues.
Finally the time came to pick up Cole. When we got to his class, his teachers said he had a great day. He even came home with a "Super Student" certificate for being a good friend. I'm so proud!
Our school boy...
...and his certificate.
He was so excited in the days leading up to it. He kept asking if it was Thursday yet, and when I dropped him off in his class that morning, he just walked right in and made himself comfortable. After talking to the teachers for a few minutes, I went over to say "goodbye". That's when I was caught off guard by the large lump in my throat. My baby is growing up! Somehow, I managed to swallow the lump and make my exit without too much of a scene. If a two-day-a-week preschool chokes me up, what on earth will I do when he starts kindergarten? Yikes!
It was so strange not having Cole at home for a large part of the day, but it was great to have some time with just Max. We haven't had much of that, for obvious reasons. Max enjoyed it too, although he did ask for his big brother a couple of times.
"Dole?" he would say, and point to Cole's room.
"Cole's at school, sweetie," I would reply.
He seemed ok with that, but he was very excited when we went to go pick him up. Incidentally, I think it's sweet that Max looks up to his big brother so much already. I hope it continues.
Finally the time came to pick up Cole. When we got to his class, his teachers said he had a great day. He even came home with a "Super Student" certificate for being a good friend. I'm so proud!
Our school boy...
...and his certificate.Friday, January 30, 2009
A Day at Home
Thanks, Jessica, for the great idea to record a day in our life for memory's sake!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
6:30am: Max wakes up. I go to his room and encourage him to lay down and go back to sleep. I'm never ready to get up this early, but especially not today after staying up until 1:00 last night working on our taxes. Max obliges, and I go back to bed too.
7:00: Derek gets up and starts getting ready for work.
7:10: Cole comes into my room with a cheery, "Hi, Mom," as he climbs in bed for our morning cuddle.
7:15: Derek and Cole go to get Max, and then Derek gets them each a drink of milk and puts on a TV show; Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is Cole's choice this morning. I go back to sleep.
7:35: Max comes in, hands me my glasses and points to the kitchen. Translation: "It's time to get up, Mommy!" I sleepily sit up and watch, amused, as Max happily goes back and forth from the nightstand to the bathroom taking Derek all the things that go in his pocket.
7:45: I get Max started on breakfast while Cole finishes up his show. Cole joins us, and we all have banana bread and bananas (hmm, that's a lot of banana).
8:10: Derek leaves for work.
8:30: With everyone full and wiped up, we head to Cole's room to play for a few minutes.
8:45: Go to the kitchen to unload the dishwasher and clean up from breakfast. Cole is a big helper and puts the silverware away. Max tries to help and then decides climbing in would be more fun.
8:55: Start a load of laundry.
9:05: Time to get dressed. Cole requests his green "number" shirt, but it's in the washing machine right now. He complains, but accepts that he can wear it when it's dry. Max protests about being changed but then gives in to a smile and a giggle as I tickle him. Finally, it's my turn. The boys chatter together and close themselves into the cabinet under the sink (Max's second favorite bathroom activity; the first is pulling anything and everything out of my drawer), while I change and try to paint some semblance of a human being on my tired face. Not sure I was successful.
9:35: Instead of making our bed, I decide it's been too long since I've washed the sheets and strip them off. I ask Cole to go get his children's Bible and meet me on the couch while Max helps me change out the laundry. He loves to put the wet things into the drier.
9:40: We all sit on the couch to read and talk about a few Bible stories. Max gets bored after a few minutes and gets down to entertain himself while I read with Cole. Max finds and eats some banana bread from breakfast that I forgot to wipe off his high chair. Oh well. It hasn't been there that long, and I'm sure he's put worse things in his mouth.
9:50: Wrap up our Bible time with a little prayer. Cole wants to keep reading, so he chooses to stay on the couch while I get up to make a phone call. Play a little game of peak-a-boo with Max on my way to the phone. It's so cute when he puts his hands in front of his face like that! I call our church's preschool to set up an appointment for a tour next week. We're thinking of starting Cole there soon.
10:05: Cole helps me make Vanishing Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. He does a great job of measuring out the ingredients while I supervise and make several attempts to keep Max occupied with other things, to no avail. Finally, I put him in his high chair close by with a goldfish snack. He's very happy about that.
10:50: First cookie batch goes into the oven.
10:51: Laundry load #1 comes out of the drier with Max's help and goes to the couch. Load #2 goes into the drier, and cookie batch #1 comes out of the oven.
The next hour is a whirlwind of activities, which include:
12:30: Nap time. Cole plays in the living room while I snuggle with Max for a few minutes before tucking him in bed. With Max down, I start to clean up the kitchen from lunch and cookie-making while Cole goes potty. When he's finished, I tuck him in bed, and then finish cleaning.
1:05: With Cole in bed and the kitchen clean, I sit down at the computer to take care of a few things.
Grrrr. The internet isn't working again. I troubleshoot for awhile and get it worked out.
Now to take care of business. I pre-register for my maternity stay at the hospital, and then order a support top for my belly that is reaching ridiculous proportions. I have high hopes that the one I found will comfortably help my torn and stretched-out stomach muscles carry the extra weight and provide relief from the ligament pain I've been having.
Business taken care of, I quickly check e-mail, Facebook and blogs.
2:15: Sit down on the couch (opposite end to the laundry that is still there) and read my Bible.
2:20: Too tired to concentrate on what I'm reading, I give in to a little nap.
2:40: I stir at the sound of Max waking up. Hoping he will go back to sleep, I close my eyes again. Groggily, I realize he's been napping for over 2 hours and isn't likely to go back to sleep, so I get up and get him. We have some good Mommy and Max play-time, during which he lets me know he has a wet diaper. At 16 months, he's been doing that more and more. Hmmm. Maybe he'll potty train sooner than Cole did. Wouldn't that be nice with another diaper-clad boy coming into our family very soon.
3:30: Cole is up. I fix the boys some juice and turn on a show (our normal after-nap routine). Cole chooses Mickey Mouse again. I put away the laundry and throw some ingredients into the breadmaker for homemade bread. It'll have to be "Expressbake" this time because I forgot to get it ready in time for a regular loaf. Max only watches a few minutes of the show before joining me in my chores.
4:00: Get Cole changed out of his nap time pj's and into regular clothes (the a fore mentioned green shirt this time), put our shoes on and head to the library to return some books. We get stopped by a train on the way, which is a very normal occurrence for us. I've never seen (or heard) such an active railway as the one close to our house before.
4:40: Home again. I peel potatoes for dinner, Cole plays with his cars in the living room, and Max gets his usual early evening grumpies.
4:45: Potatoes peeled, I realize I don't have to start cooking them just yet, so we head outside for a few minutes.
5:00: Back inside, we wash hands, and I work on dinner.
5:10: Derek calls to say he'll be a little later getting home tonight. I put dinner on hold again and read a book to the boys.
5:20: The bread is done, and I continue to work on dinner while Max follows me around fussing for me to hold him.
5:30: Derek calls; he's on his way. Yea! I'm hungry and tired, and Max is still fussing to be picked up. He slips and bumps his head (lightly) on the floor. Now he really wants to be held. Picking him up, I comfort him and decide I'm at a good stopping point with dinner. I sit down with him on the couch and turn on Design on a Dime to watch in the background while I catch my breath and wait for Derek to come home.
5:45: Daddy's home! There's rejoicing all around and he is greeted with 3 people who are VERY happy to see him. I finish dinner while Derek changes clothes.
6:00: Dinner time. Ham (taken out of the freezer from Christmas), mashed potatoes, veggies and homemade Bread. And cookies for dessert, of course!
6:30: It's Thursday, so it's family night/date night. We all play together in Cole's room.
7:30: Give Max his antibiotic for an ear infection. He's been on it a week now and doing much better.
7:45: Derek gets Max ready for bed, and I clean up the kitchen.
8:05: The kitchen is clean (again), Max is in bed, and the three of us sit down to play a quick game of Candyland before it's time to pick up toys and get Cole to bed.
9:00: Cole is in bed. Date time! We watch American Idol and then play the game "Pathwords" on Facebook. It might not sound too exciting, but we love to play word games together. And after a busy week, a relaxing night at home is a wonderful thing.
11:30: Check on the boys, get ready for bed, and crawl into our nice, clean sheets. I'm exhausted and my body aches, but over-all, I'm pleased with the day. My one regret: I only had 5 (sleepy) minutes of my own Bible time. Hopefully that will be better tomorrow. Derek and I pray together (our nightly routine), and then sink deeply into blissful sleep.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
6:30am: Max wakes up. I go to his room and encourage him to lay down and go back to sleep. I'm never ready to get up this early, but especially not today after staying up until 1:00 last night working on our taxes. Max obliges, and I go back to bed too.
7:00: Derek gets up and starts getting ready for work.
7:10: Cole comes into my room with a cheery, "Hi, Mom," as he climbs in bed for our morning cuddle.
7:15: Derek and Cole go to get Max, and then Derek gets them each a drink of milk and puts on a TV show; Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is Cole's choice this morning. I go back to sleep.
7:35: Max comes in, hands me my glasses and points to the kitchen. Translation: "It's time to get up, Mommy!" I sleepily sit up and watch, amused, as Max happily goes back and forth from the nightstand to the bathroom taking Derek all the things that go in his pocket.
7:45: I get Max started on breakfast while Cole finishes up his show. Cole joins us, and we all have banana bread and bananas (hmm, that's a lot of banana).
8:10: Derek leaves for work.
8:30: With everyone full and wiped up, we head to Cole's room to play for a few minutes.
8:45: Go to the kitchen to unload the dishwasher and clean up from breakfast. Cole is a big helper and puts the silverware away. Max tries to help and then decides climbing in would be more fun.
8:55: Start a load of laundry.
9:05: Time to get dressed. Cole requests his green "number" shirt, but it's in the washing machine right now. He complains, but accepts that he can wear it when it's dry. Max protests about being changed but then gives in to a smile and a giggle as I tickle him. Finally, it's my turn. The boys chatter together and close themselves into the cabinet under the sink (Max's second favorite bathroom activity; the first is pulling anything and everything out of my drawer), while I change and try to paint some semblance of a human being on my tired face. Not sure I was successful.
9:35: Instead of making our bed, I decide it's been too long since I've washed the sheets and strip them off. I ask Cole to go get his children's Bible and meet me on the couch while Max helps me change out the laundry. He loves to put the wet things into the drier.
9:40: We all sit on the couch to read and talk about a few Bible stories. Max gets bored after a few minutes and gets down to entertain himself while I read with Cole. Max finds and eats some banana bread from breakfast that I forgot to wipe off his high chair. Oh well. It hasn't been there that long, and I'm sure he's put worse things in his mouth.
9:50: Wrap up our Bible time with a little prayer. Cole wants to keep reading, so he chooses to stay on the couch while I get up to make a phone call. Play a little game of peak-a-boo with Max on my way to the phone. It's so cute when he puts his hands in front of his face like that! I call our church's preschool to set up an appointment for a tour next week. We're thinking of starting Cole there soon.
10:05: Cole helps me make Vanishing Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. He does a great job of measuring out the ingredients while I supervise and make several attempts to keep Max occupied with other things, to no avail. Finally, I put him in his high chair close by with a goldfish snack. He's very happy about that.
10:50: First cookie batch goes into the oven.
10:51: Laundry load #1 comes out of the drier with Max's help and goes to the couch. Load #2 goes into the drier, and cookie batch #1 comes out of the oven.
The next hour is a whirlwind of activities, which include:
Baking 3 more batches of cookies12:00: Lunch! Derek often comes home for lunch, but today he is meeting an old friend, so it's just me and the boys. We have sandwiches, fruit, and of course, cookies!
Changing a dirty diaper
Getting the boys some juice
Turning on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood for Cole
Playing shape-sorter with Max
Derek calling
Taking the sheets out of the drier and putting them back on the bed
Eating a tortilla. (Not too thrilling, but I was feeling wilty from hunger and that was first thing I could get my hands on in the busy moment.)
12:30: Nap time. Cole plays in the living room while I snuggle with Max for a few minutes before tucking him in bed. With Max down, I start to clean up the kitchen from lunch and cookie-making while Cole goes potty. When he's finished, I tuck him in bed, and then finish cleaning.
1:05: With Cole in bed and the kitchen clean, I sit down at the computer to take care of a few things.
Grrrr. The internet isn't working again. I troubleshoot for awhile and get it worked out.
Now to take care of business. I pre-register for my maternity stay at the hospital, and then order a support top for my belly that is reaching ridiculous proportions. I have high hopes that the one I found will comfortably help my torn and stretched-out stomach muscles carry the extra weight and provide relief from the ligament pain I've been having.
Business taken care of, I quickly check e-mail, Facebook and blogs.
2:15: Sit down on the couch (opposite end to the laundry that is still there) and read my Bible.
2:20: Too tired to concentrate on what I'm reading, I give in to a little nap.
2:40: I stir at the sound of Max waking up. Hoping he will go back to sleep, I close my eyes again. Groggily, I realize he's been napping for over 2 hours and isn't likely to go back to sleep, so I get up and get him. We have some good Mommy and Max play-time, during which he lets me know he has a wet diaper. At 16 months, he's been doing that more and more. Hmmm. Maybe he'll potty train sooner than Cole did. Wouldn't that be nice with another diaper-clad boy coming into our family very soon.
3:30: Cole is up. I fix the boys some juice and turn on a show (our normal after-nap routine). Cole chooses Mickey Mouse again. I put away the laundry and throw some ingredients into the breadmaker for homemade bread. It'll have to be "Expressbake" this time because I forgot to get it ready in time for a regular loaf. Max only watches a few minutes of the show before joining me in my chores.
4:00: Get Cole changed out of his nap time pj's and into regular clothes (the a fore mentioned green shirt this time), put our shoes on and head to the library to return some books. We get stopped by a train on the way, which is a very normal occurrence for us. I've never seen (or heard) such an active railway as the one close to our house before.
4:40: Home again. I peel potatoes for dinner, Cole plays with his cars in the living room, and Max gets his usual early evening grumpies.
4:45: Potatoes peeled, I realize I don't have to start cooking them just yet, so we head outside for a few minutes.
5:00: Back inside, we wash hands, and I work on dinner.
5:10: Derek calls to say he'll be a little later getting home tonight. I put dinner on hold again and read a book to the boys.
5:20: The bread is done, and I continue to work on dinner while Max follows me around fussing for me to hold him.
5:30: Derek calls; he's on his way. Yea! I'm hungry and tired, and Max is still fussing to be picked up. He slips and bumps his head (lightly) on the floor. Now he really wants to be held. Picking him up, I comfort him and decide I'm at a good stopping point with dinner. I sit down with him on the couch and turn on Design on a Dime to watch in the background while I catch my breath and wait for Derek to come home.
5:45: Daddy's home! There's rejoicing all around and he is greeted with 3 people who are VERY happy to see him. I finish dinner while Derek changes clothes.
6:00: Dinner time. Ham (taken out of the freezer from Christmas), mashed potatoes, veggies and homemade Bread. And cookies for dessert, of course!
6:30: It's Thursday, so it's family night/date night. We all play together in Cole's room.
7:30: Give Max his antibiotic for an ear infection. He's been on it a week now and doing much better.
7:45: Derek gets Max ready for bed, and I clean up the kitchen.
8:05: The kitchen is clean (again), Max is in bed, and the three of us sit down to play a quick game of Candyland before it's time to pick up toys and get Cole to bed.
9:00: Cole is in bed. Date time! We watch American Idol and then play the game "Pathwords" on Facebook. It might not sound too exciting, but we love to play word games together. And after a busy week, a relaxing night at home is a wonderful thing.
11:30: Check on the boys, get ready for bed, and crawl into our nice, clean sheets. I'm exhausted and my body aches, but over-all, I'm pleased with the day. My one regret: I only had 5 (sleepy) minutes of my own Bible time. Hopefully that will be better tomorrow. Derek and I pray together (our nightly routine), and then sink deeply into blissful sleep.
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