i'm trying to come up with a better layout, background, etc.
i'm bored with the old one.
i have no idea how many days it will take to finish the construction.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Mommy's lost it
In a matter of about 3 minutes, baby boy's hair went from this...
To this...
What the *bleep* was I thinking? I just got scissor happy... I wanted to trim off the fuzzy ends and maybe-kinda-sorta went overboard. We were going to take him to get another $20 haircut when I got to thinking, "Surely it can't be that hard. Surely I can do it. Surely, surely, surely." And then -BAM. Baby boy to big boy...just like that. Well, at least Ross loves it! (and we saved 20 bucks)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
To this...
What the *bleep* was I thinking? I just got scissor happy... I wanted to trim off the fuzzy ends and maybe-kinda-sorta went overboard. We were going to take him to get another $20 haircut when I got to thinking, "Surely it can't be that hard. Surely I can do it. Surely, surely, surely." And then -BAM. Baby boy to big boy...just like that. Well, at least Ross loves it! (and we saved 20 bucks)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, March 12, 2012
50 Ways to Inspire Your Husband
I saw this list on another blog (MomLifeToday) and thought it was a good reminder of how to love on my hubby. I am proud to say that I do lots of the listed items but am also very excited by many of the others that I haven't though of! There are some fabulous ideas that I can't wait to try! I put stars by my favorites...can you tell that I like this list A LOT?
1. Initiate great sex.
1. Initiate great sex.
2. Send him an email. Example: “Praying for you today. Thanks for being so courageous in [insert specific area].”
*3. Give him one night on a regular basis to do something he loves. (I'll add...without resentment)
*4. Consistently mention ways you see him growing to be more like Christ.
*5. Ask him about his “bucket list.” (my addition- constantly work toward accomplishing these goals)
*6. Give him a book, audio CD, or ticket to learn about something he loves doing. (LoVe this one)
7. Ask him about some dreams he has — and pray about them together, evaluating them. Then ask how you can help him go after them.
8. Text him. Example: “REMINDER: I BELIEVE IN U.”
9. Make sure he feels respected by you.
10. Leave sticky notes in his lunch, on his steering wheel, in his briefcase, etc. “So proud of all you’ve been doing with ___.” “You are so great with our kids.” “You are my dream come true.” “You are an incredible lover.”
11. Suggest that he take some time to go pursue a hobby.
12. Leave a message on his voicemail: “Thanks for going to work every day to take care of our family. You are so good at what you do.”
*13. Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, ask about his prayer requests again. (Why have I never thought of this before?)
*14. Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys: make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!
15. Tell him areas he’s gifted in. Don’t stretch the truth; be honest so he can trust you.
16. Pray for him.
17. Initiate great sex.
18. Start and keep a “Dreams” binder with him. Include some travel brochures or whatever gets you excited. In the back, make sure you have a “Dreams turned reality!” file.
*19. Talk with him about setting aside a small part of the budget to pursue the ways God has created him — through education or through sheer enjoyment.
20. Post on his Facebook wall: “I love being your wife! See me tonight regarding this.”
21. Gently communicate with him about what you like in bed, and respond encouragingly to his attempts.
*22. Remember a dream that he had a long time ago. Talk with him about whether it’s still a dream — and still a possibility.
*23. Ask God to open your eyes to the ways He has made your husband and to give you wisdom about how to maximize that workmanship.
24. Have your children write him notes or letters about what they love about their dad.
25. Initiate great sex.
26. Ban yourself from any nagging, the Great Life-Sucker.
*27. Ask, “If I could do one thing I’m not already doing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Listen — resist being defensive (the hard part) — and follow through.
28. As you think of them, remind him of specific times and areas he has impacted people’s lives: “Hey, I was thinking the other day about all the time you invested in that Cub Scout troop. Wonder what those boys are doing now. It was so cool to watch them grow with you as their leader.” “Our son has grown so much in encouraging people lately. He gets that from you; you are such a good example for him in that.”
*29. Buy him something small to stoke the fires: a journal for a writer; some carpentry pencils for a woodworker; some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”
*30. Do something fun and unexpected together: paintball; laser tag; on a spring day, have a picnic, blow bubbles, and bring the books you’re reading; swing; go to a drive-in movie, bring popcorn, and instigate a make-out session. (we NEED to find a day and sitter for a round of golf)
31. Think about a way you’ve been hurting him, annoying him, or not “seeing” him. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.
32. Initiate great sex.
*33. Go to a home improvement store to plan a small, doable project that energizes both of you, even if it’s just painting a room or fixing up some landscaping. (Hint: Make sure it’s something by which he won’t feel burdened.)
34. Do something from his to-do list for him — something that he’d rather have you do anyway.
35. Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis — even if it’s playing the Wii together.
36. Create a cheerful atmosphere when he comes home.
*37. Design a date night that will help him to de-stress and have fun.
38. Discover his love language and become even more fluent in it.
39. Pray about and pursue at least one dream of your own, talking with him about it.
40. What’s hard about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both.
41. Organize or clean something in your home that you know he finds messy.
42. Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in his work.
*43. If there’s something on his “Honey Do” list at home that he finds overwhelming or has a hard time finding time to do, talk with him (respectfully and gently) about the possibility of having it hired out. Make sure he knows it’s not because you find him incompetent, but that you want to free him from a burden.
44. Initiate great sex.
45. Be a student of your husband. Does he feel inspired if he’s got all his ducks in a row? If he’s got a creative space to think? If he feels verbally affirmed?
46. If he’s into dressing nice, go with him to shop for clothes in which he feels confident.
47. Let him overhear you speaking well of him on the phone, among friends, or in public places.
48. In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly and gently step in and help him.
49. Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.
50. If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives us. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me — and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.
Another link to the source: MomLifeToday16 months
As of 16 months...
C knows...
He says- ball, dog, cat, that, no, wow, uh oh, more, up, night-night, bye-bye, imitates lots of words we say
Animal sounds- cow, monkey, dog, sheep, car noise
Understands commands-
bring me the...monkey, ball, book, shoe, dolphin, brush, bear, dog, cup, toy, bus
wipe your mouth/face
Go to the...kitchen, high chair, your room, playroom
Sit down
Give me your foot
wash your hair
Brush your hair
Brush your teeth
Close the door
Turn the page
Can I have a hug/kiss
Can identify- cat, plane, train, nose, ear, mouth, eye, belly button, baby, Bubba, feet
Helps you get him dressed. Lifts arms and legs etc.
Has mastery of using a fork and is working on using a spoon.
Recognizes all phone calls as dada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
C knows...
He says- ball, dog, cat, that, no, wow, uh oh, more, up, night-night, bye-bye, imitates lots of words we say
Animal sounds- cow, monkey, dog, sheep, car noise
Understands commands-
bring me the...monkey, ball, book, shoe, dolphin, brush, bear, dog, cup, toy, bus
wipe your mouth/face
Go to the...kitchen, high chair, your room, playroom
Sit down
Give me your foot
wash your hair
Brush your hair
Brush your teeth
Close the door
Turn the page
Can I have a hug/kiss
Can identify- cat, plane, train, nose, ear, mouth, eye, belly button, baby, Bubba, feet
Helps you get him dressed. Lifts arms and legs etc.
Has mastery of using a fork and is working on using a spoon.
Recognizes all phone calls as dada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, February 12, 2012
brainstorm
I don't know what my deal has been lately, but here's what's on my mind....It's 3 main things. 3 huge main things.
1- Dave Ramsey. Freakin Dave Ramsey. I finished reading Financial Peace University and we are now onto the implementation portion. If you have read the book or listened to his show, you know that this is no small feat. In fact, this alone could be consuming of my thoughts.
2- Total mommy freak out. I feel like I don't teach Carson enough. I think that this stems from my teacher background...I don't do lesson plans. I don't have set lecture/experiment/activities/etc. So, I totally went internet research crazy. (which for me is stupid because it always makes me feel inadequate and less than a good mommy) I mean, I am very intentional with how I talk to him. I describe things, point them out, we read, we talk, we play with friends, etc. I just feel like I could be doing more. I don't want him to miss out on anything because of my lack of teaching and structure. What I have decided is this...I'm going to put down my phone, turn off the tv, and talk, talk, talk to him. He plays by himself a lot during the day while I do chores/cooking, and at first I was super pumped that he has learned to entertain himself. It took a while to teach him this. But, now I wonder (much to do with my current reading selection...) if he plays alone too much. I wonder if I need to be having more structured play time with him and teaching him new skills. It's just so overwhelming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He needs to learn EVERYTHING. How in the world do you start with this little mind and have to teach them EVERYTHING??????? I mean it's more than colors and numbers and shapes. It's life skills. It's social skills. It's EVERYTHING!!!! Can you tell I'm freaking out??? The other stupid thing I did was go and buy/borrow books from people. You know the best way to underestimate your parenting abilities? It's to read about other people's perspectives because they all think you're doing it wrong....and I'm sorry "Toddlerwise," my child sleeps until about 10:00 every day and under no circumstances am I going to wake him at 7:00 for the sake of keeping a schedule. No way. No how. No. No. No. Just no. The other think I'm not going to do is to tape a schedule, broken down into 15 minute intervals onto my fridge to dictate my day. Are you kidding me? Here's what I will do. I will commit to getting him up and dressed. Eating breakfast while doing a Bible study with him...you know...the kind with no tv or phone. I can read. He can listen. I can talk. He can pretend to listen. We can then have concentrated/directed play together. Maybe I'll pick a skill or activity each week...something like that. I'm not going to print out toddler assessment sheets to give him grades on what we are doing though. That's just crazy! Then, we will do lunch and nap, run afternoon errands, cook dinner and play with Daddy at night. I think that pretty much would be ideal and I don't have to conform to schedule on my fridge, I can still get Bible and learning time in, he can play alone while I cook dinner, and we can have invaluable family time in the evenings. That's my compromise. That's my solution to all that I'm reading and letting freak me out. That's what is best for our family....now...what do you do with your family? What works for you? I'd love to hear it, as long as it's not a schedule on your fridge for every 15 minutes.
3) The last thing is telling and teaching Carson about Christ. It's basically the exact same rant as #2, just in relation to his knowledge and understanding about Christ and not about "stuff." The morning Bible studies will help me, thus helping him. I also need to sing Bible songs to him and pray out loud over him at night. I think it's a good habit to start now and I don't think it's too early. I pray while I rock him before bed, but I do so silently so that he can go to sleep. I'll have to think this one over...I'll have to find the right timing in our day and for now, it doesn't necessarily have to be right before bed. I need to teach him to fold his hands and bow his head at dinner prayer. We have been working on "amen" for a while, but he's not there yet :) The other thing I could easily do is put some Christian kids songs in my car. I have a CD, I just need to use it. He can listen to those and start to learn the words now! I still remember Christian songs that I learned in the car driving around with my mom and some of those were just basic Biblical truths set to music! Voila! Perfect!
4) I need to chill. He is 16 months old. 16 months. That is all. I also need to know that I am doing a good job. He is healthy and happy and more than on track, both physically and mentally. I am just such a "check-list" person, that not having a guide for all of this is scaring me! What don't babies come with a monthly learning check list? Could someone please do that for me ;)
So.....................that's what's on my mind. It's a lot. I'm overwhelming myself with this mothering stuff. But, getting it all out there in writing has always been my #1 choice in therapy. But, using that logic, I would owe every reader (all 2 of them) an hourly fee for listening to me gripe.
1- Dave Ramsey. Freakin Dave Ramsey. I finished reading Financial Peace University and we are now onto the implementation portion. If you have read the book or listened to his show, you know that this is no small feat. In fact, this alone could be consuming of my thoughts.
2- Total mommy freak out. I feel like I don't teach Carson enough. I think that this stems from my teacher background...I don't do lesson plans. I don't have set lecture/experiment/activities/etc. So, I totally went internet research crazy. (which for me is stupid because it always makes me feel inadequate and less than a good mommy) I mean, I am very intentional with how I talk to him. I describe things, point them out, we read, we talk, we play with friends, etc. I just feel like I could be doing more. I don't want him to miss out on anything because of my lack of teaching and structure. What I have decided is this...I'm going to put down my phone, turn off the tv, and talk, talk, talk to him. He plays by himself a lot during the day while I do chores/cooking, and at first I was super pumped that he has learned to entertain himself. It took a while to teach him this. But, now I wonder (much to do with my current reading selection...) if he plays alone too much. I wonder if I need to be having more structured play time with him and teaching him new skills. It's just so overwhelming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He needs to learn EVERYTHING. How in the world do you start with this little mind and have to teach them EVERYTHING??????? I mean it's more than colors and numbers and shapes. It's life skills. It's social skills. It's EVERYTHING!!!! Can you tell I'm freaking out??? The other stupid thing I did was go and buy/borrow books from people. You know the best way to underestimate your parenting abilities? It's to read about other people's perspectives because they all think you're doing it wrong....and I'm sorry "Toddlerwise," my child sleeps until about 10:00 every day and under no circumstances am I going to wake him at 7:00 for the sake of keeping a schedule. No way. No how. No. No. No. Just no. The other think I'm not going to do is to tape a schedule, broken down into 15 minute intervals onto my fridge to dictate my day. Are you kidding me? Here's what I will do. I will commit to getting him up and dressed. Eating breakfast while doing a Bible study with him...you know...the kind with no tv or phone. I can read. He can listen. I can talk. He can pretend to listen. We can then have concentrated/directed play together. Maybe I'll pick a skill or activity each week...something like that. I'm not going to print out toddler assessment sheets to give him grades on what we are doing though. That's just crazy! Then, we will do lunch and nap, run afternoon errands, cook dinner and play with Daddy at night. I think that pretty much would be ideal and I don't have to conform to schedule on my fridge, I can still get Bible and learning time in, he can play alone while I cook dinner, and we can have invaluable family time in the evenings. That's my compromise. That's my solution to all that I'm reading and letting freak me out. That's what is best for our family....now...what do you do with your family? What works for you? I'd love to hear it, as long as it's not a schedule on your fridge for every 15 minutes.
3) The last thing is telling and teaching Carson about Christ. It's basically the exact same rant as #2, just in relation to his knowledge and understanding about Christ and not about "stuff." The morning Bible studies will help me, thus helping him. I also need to sing Bible songs to him and pray out loud over him at night. I think it's a good habit to start now and I don't think it's too early. I pray while I rock him before bed, but I do so silently so that he can go to sleep. I'll have to think this one over...I'll have to find the right timing in our day and for now, it doesn't necessarily have to be right before bed. I need to teach him to fold his hands and bow his head at dinner prayer. We have been working on "amen" for a while, but he's not there yet :) The other thing I could easily do is put some Christian kids songs in my car. I have a CD, I just need to use it. He can listen to those and start to learn the words now! I still remember Christian songs that I learned in the car driving around with my mom and some of those were just basic Biblical truths set to music! Voila! Perfect!
4) I need to chill. He is 16 months old. 16 months. That is all. I also need to know that I am doing a good job. He is healthy and happy and more than on track, both physically and mentally. I am just such a "check-list" person, that not having a guide for all of this is scaring me! What don't babies come with a monthly learning check list? Could someone please do that for me ;)
So.....................that's what's on my mind. It's a lot. I'm overwhelming myself with this mothering stuff. But, getting it all out there in writing has always been my #1 choice in therapy. But, using that logic, I would owe every reader (all 2 of them) an hourly fee for listening to me gripe.
mainly messes.
i've come to the realization that our days are basically filled with making and cleaning up messes. the thing is, these are what i call "productive messes" because every mess is a learning opportunity! we take things out. we dump stuff. we put it back. we do it again. we learn that things fall. things make noises when thrown. some things bounce. some things hurt. some things roll...you get the drift.
sometimes we even go to daddy's office to "learn" there, too!
the other thing that consumes our day is exploring. the kid fits himself into every nook and cranny around...the higher off the ground the better! umm...adding the ER to my speed dial asap.
he climbs.
he squats.
he falls and he repeats. but again, it's all in the name of learning....right???????
on a side note...this is most likely his last sink bath ever...mainly because of the enormous volume of water on my kitchen floor post bath.
and this was his first ever ride in my old wagon from when i was a kid! it was really special.
roughly 15 months old
sometimes we even go to daddy's office to "learn" there, too!
the other thing that consumes our day is exploring. the kid fits himself into every nook and cranny around...the higher off the ground the better! umm...adding the ER to my speed dial asap.
he climbs.
he squats.
he falls and he repeats. but again, it's all in the name of learning....right???????
on a side note...this is most likely his last sink bath ever...mainly because of the enormous volume of water on my kitchen floor post bath.
and this was his first ever ride in my old wagon from when i was a kid! it was really special.
roughly 15 months oldSunday, February 5, 2012
i'll just say...
that some days, i don't find this mothering thing to be very fun.
some days, it's down right a chore.
some days, he is doing good to just be alive by 6:00 when daddy gets home.
some days...ugh....just ugh...
and on those days i feel bad about my feelings...i guess that no one ever promised it would be easy or fun. i had just assumed....and we all know what assuming does.
so that is all. that is where i am today as i sit with a screaming toddler who is screaming and throwing his food and doing everything he knows he shouldn't and it's just not fun. this too shall pass, but i just wonder when...and it better be soon....very, very soon.
some days, it's down right a chore.
some days, he is doing good to just be alive by 6:00 when daddy gets home.
some days...ugh....just ugh...
and on those days i feel bad about my feelings...i guess that no one ever promised it would be easy or fun. i had just assumed....and we all know what assuming does.
so that is all. that is where i am today as i sit with a screaming toddler who is screaming and throwing his food and doing everything he knows he shouldn't and it's just not fun. this too shall pass, but i just wonder when...and it better be soon....very, very soon.
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