Time passing was a subject today.
The Mr. realized his 20 year high school reunion is on the horizon.
That made us start thinking of other things.
Namely us.
We'll be celebrating our 15th anniversary this fall. We're thinking we ought to do something special. Maybe even a small get away.
Any thoughts or suggestions??
(This is the time you are supposed to leave a comment all you quiet readers!)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Mommy Life
Mother's Day is around the corner. National Foster Care Month begins tomorrow. It's a good time to reflect a bit about our roles as parents or people who influence and impact the lives of children.
Mothering Matters
by Mary Steinke > >
Mothering does matter. Yet most of the time no one notices how much it matters until a mom doesn't get something done or achieve the same high standards held by her dearest treasures and critics-her children. Family members notice immediately how much it matters when mom makes a mistake like an unsigned permission form, fresh meat forgotten overnight in the car, or clean, wet underwear in the washer, instead of dry in the drawer. When I felt like a failure as a mom on a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" many years ago, I prayed that someone-anyone-would notice the things I did well in my job as the family manager. No, the answer didn't come with my loved ones lining up to list my accomplishments, applauding my achievements. The answer came through learning to list my own little successes, the little things I did well-even when no one notices or appreciates it. This may sound silly to some, but when it seems nothing stays done for more than a moment in the midst of mothering, little things do indeed mean a lot. Here's a short list of the little things I recently did out of love for my family:
* Snuggled a little one who continues to struggle.
* Gave up the last homemade brownie although I wanted it.
* Did a child's chore when he had a big school project due the next day.
* Decorated the living room for spring.
* Bought a son's favorite healthy snack even though it wasn't on sale.
* Told stories about my own childhood to my kids that made them laugh. * Signed, addressed, stamped, and mailed two birthday cards for my husband's family.
* Ignored my bedtime when my teen needed to talk.
* Forgave myself when I realized that no parent can save enough for college.
* Sorted laundry while making home maintenance phone calls.
* Decided not to complain for a whole day. That was a real accomplishment.
* Stood my ground with my children about a household rule.
* Stretched the family budget for a restaurant meal to celebrate new accomplishments.
* Allowed my son to invite bunches of his friends over-on my birthday.
* Reorganized a cabinet so everyone could find supplies.
* Wiped all the dirty fingerprints off all the household switch plates.
* Made everyone's favorite meal in the crock pot.
* Problem-solved some friendship issues with my child.
* Said "yes" to an impromptu library trip even when my day was already packed to the max.
* Worked in my garden to bring beauty to my home.
* Remembered to make my hubby's peanut butter>
sandwich with no jelly, Daniel's with marshmallow cream, and Adam's with strawberry jam-not jelly.
* Praised Brian when he put everything away after making his own PB&J sandwich.
* Paid all the bills and am thankful we have a home.
The record of the little things you do out of love for your family that goes unnoticed and unappreciated may be very different from mine. You may be in the season of small ones, strollers, and sippy cups. Or, you may be in the season of waiting for college acceptance letters, wading through wedding plans, or watching grandchildren. Contentment in mothering comes in knowing that you're doing the best you can do in the circumstances you find yourself-right now. No mom does it perfectly. No family will ever notice everything. A wise mom chooses to do it to the best of her ability-minute by minute, sacrifice by sacrifice, choice by choice, noticed or unnoticed. She chooses to do it because she loves to do it-even on "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad" days. Mothering will always matter, because mothering well will always matter to moms.
Mary Steinke
Mary speaks at retreats and moms groups, teaches Bible studies, writes many Hearts at Home newspaper articles, and serves on the Publishing Team for Hearts at Home. Before children, she worked in full-time ministry as chaplain in such diverse settings as nursing homes and prisons. Mary resides in Normal, Illinois, with her husband, Harry, and three sons.
Mothering Matters
by Mary Steinke > >
Mothering does matter. Yet most of the time no one notices how much it matters until a mom doesn't get something done or achieve the same high standards held by her dearest treasures and critics-her children. Family members notice immediately how much it matters when mom makes a mistake like an unsigned permission form, fresh meat forgotten overnight in the car, or clean, wet underwear in the washer, instead of dry in the drawer. When I felt like a failure as a mom on a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" many years ago, I prayed that someone-anyone-would notice the things I did well in my job as the family manager. No, the answer didn't come with my loved ones lining up to list my accomplishments, applauding my achievements. The answer came through learning to list my own little successes, the little things I did well-even when no one notices or appreciates it. This may sound silly to some, but when it seems nothing stays done for more than a moment in the midst of mothering, little things do indeed mean a lot. Here's a short list of the little things I recently did out of love for my family:
* Snuggled a little one who continues to struggle.
* Gave up the last homemade brownie although I wanted it.
* Did a child's chore when he had a big school project due the next day.
* Decorated the living room for spring.
* Bought a son's favorite healthy snack even though it wasn't on sale.
* Told stories about my own childhood to my kids that made them laugh. * Signed, addressed, stamped, and mailed two birthday cards for my husband's family.
* Ignored my bedtime when my teen needed to talk.
* Forgave myself when I realized that no parent can save enough for college.
* Sorted laundry while making home maintenance phone calls.
* Decided not to complain for a whole day. That was a real accomplishment.
* Stood my ground with my children about a household rule.
* Stretched the family budget for a restaurant meal to celebrate new accomplishments.
* Allowed my son to invite bunches of his friends over-on my birthday.
* Reorganized a cabinet so everyone could find supplies.
* Wiped all the dirty fingerprints off all the household switch plates.
* Made everyone's favorite meal in the crock pot.
* Problem-solved some friendship issues with my child.
* Said "yes" to an impromptu library trip even when my day was already packed to the max.
* Worked in my garden to bring beauty to my home.
* Remembered to make my hubby's peanut butter>
sandwich with no jelly, Daniel's with marshmallow cream, and Adam's with strawberry jam-not jelly.
* Praised Brian when he put everything away after making his own PB&J sandwich.
* Paid all the bills and am thankful we have a home.
The record of the little things you do out of love for your family that goes unnoticed and unappreciated may be very different from mine. You may be in the season of small ones, strollers, and sippy cups. Or, you may be in the season of waiting for college acceptance letters, wading through wedding plans, or watching grandchildren. Contentment in mothering comes in knowing that you're doing the best you can do in the circumstances you find yourself-right now. No mom does it perfectly. No family will ever notice everything. A wise mom chooses to do it to the best of her ability-minute by minute, sacrifice by sacrifice, choice by choice, noticed or unnoticed. She chooses to do it because she loves to do it-even on "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad" days. Mothering will always matter, because mothering well will always matter to moms.
Mary Steinke
Mary speaks at retreats and moms groups, teaches Bible studies, writes many Hearts at Home newspaper articles, and serves on the Publishing Team for Hearts at Home. Before children, she worked in full-time ministry as chaplain in such diverse settings as nursing homes and prisons. Mary resides in Normal, Illinois, with her husband, Harry, and three sons.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Did You Know?
It's not quite here yet, but I wanted to let you know.
May is National Foster Care Month.
It's been a busy time around here, but finally the snow is gone and I hesitate to say it out loud, but I think, spring could be right around the corner!!
Woo Hoo!!
More later,
May is National Foster Care Month.
It's been a busy time around here, but finally the snow is gone and I hesitate to say it out loud, but I think, spring could be right around the corner!!
Woo Hoo!!
More later,
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Persist
I feel like this is my anthem these days...
Artist : Martina McBride
Title : Anyway
You can spend your whole life building something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
Chorus:
God is great, but sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray it doesn''t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
Repeat Chorus
You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, sing it anyway
I sing, I dream, I love, anyway
Artist : Martina McBride
Title : Anyway
You can spend your whole life building something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
Chorus:
God is great, but sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray it doesn''t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
Repeat Chorus
You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, sing it anyway
I sing, I dream, I love, anyway
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Birdbath Brag
Want to see something fabulous?
Something to make you think spring?
Follow the link. You will see a birdbath competition. And my Aunt.
She is a sparkling artist in her own right. She is the creator of Lady in Waiting.
Go take a peek.
Go on.
www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/mastergardnerer/birdsabathn/index.htm
Something to make you think spring?
Follow the link. You will see a birdbath competition. And my Aunt.
She is a sparkling artist in her own right. She is the creator of Lady in Waiting.
Go take a peek.
Go on.
www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/mastergardnerer/birdsabathn/index.htm
A List And A Prayer
Sometimes a list is good. Sometimes it helps you sort something out. Sometimes it just plain overwhelms you.
My lists are of the later sort these days.
Sometimes you just get to feeling attacked. That's going on around here.
I'm in lots of groups of people, for lots of different reasons. I'm having trouble in most of them right now. Drama and confrontation. Not a pleasure to me. I love intensity, but not this kind. It makes my stomach hurt. Three days of tummy ache is three too many in my world. I see no easy or quick end either. So I will endure. And eat bland.
In the last 48 hours we have also had dental appointments. You already know that I'm living in dental purgatory. The Little Miss had a visit. Stress city for me. I'm not sure I'll ever adjust, the Mr. says if I do, it's time to quit. When you no longer cry over these little ones, you need to get out. We've had tummy trouble of both sorts with one of the Little Mr.'s, the 3:AM kind. I was so thankful he made it to the bathroom in time.
I hate laundry. But I especially hate it at 3:AM.
Our garage door broke last night, trapping our cars inside. The email service The Mr. uses went down. Makes it a little hard to work from home. My wedding band--I'm not sure what number this one was--broke into pieces this morning when I washed my hair. The Little Miss got up for the day at 5:AM.
None of these are fatal or tragic. They are irritating, like sand between your toes inside your socks inside your tennis shoes on a humid day in August. You know right away there's going to be a blister.
When they all pile up you start to believe you are being attacked.
So pray with me friends. For a hedge around my little family. Pray that we would quickly and clearly hear the directions from the Lord so that we might obey without delay. I'm crying out, Here I am Lord. Help me quiet my heart so I can hear You. I want to serve You, I long to obey You. I want to do what you would have me do. Take the clouds of confusion from my eyes so that I would know where to place my feet on the path that I know you will make straight for me, even though I do not understand.
My lists are of the later sort these days.
Sometimes you just get to feeling attacked. That's going on around here.
I'm in lots of groups of people, for lots of different reasons. I'm having trouble in most of them right now. Drama and confrontation. Not a pleasure to me. I love intensity, but not this kind. It makes my stomach hurt. Three days of tummy ache is three too many in my world. I see no easy or quick end either. So I will endure. And eat bland.
In the last 48 hours we have also had dental appointments. You already know that I'm living in dental purgatory. The Little Miss had a visit. Stress city for me. I'm not sure I'll ever adjust, the Mr. says if I do, it's time to quit. When you no longer cry over these little ones, you need to get out. We've had tummy trouble of both sorts with one of the Little Mr.'s, the 3:AM kind. I was so thankful he made it to the bathroom in time.
I hate laundry. But I especially hate it at 3:AM.
Our garage door broke last night, trapping our cars inside. The email service The Mr. uses went down. Makes it a little hard to work from home. My wedding band--I'm not sure what number this one was--broke into pieces this morning when I washed my hair. The Little Miss got up for the day at 5:AM.
None of these are fatal or tragic. They are irritating, like sand between your toes inside your socks inside your tennis shoes on a humid day in August. You know right away there's going to be a blister.
When they all pile up you start to believe you are being attacked.
So pray with me friends. For a hedge around my little family. Pray that we would quickly and clearly hear the directions from the Lord so that we might obey without delay. I'm crying out, Here I am Lord. Help me quiet my heart so I can hear You. I want to serve You, I long to obey You. I want to do what you would have me do. Take the clouds of confusion from my eyes so that I would know where to place my feet on the path that I know you will make straight for me, even though I do not understand.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thank You, My Friend
Relationships are so brutally messy. And yet, to remain sane human beings we must have them.
To be Christians we must be in them. It's how we help another to see and feel what it is to be a Christian.
But I do it badly.
I thrive on relationships. I love the intensity of building and maintaining relationships. I love to see people stretch and grow. I love it when they stretch me.
But I do it badly.
My heart gets ahead of me. I invest deeply. I feel for people so intensely I often do it all wrong. I make a messy relationship even more messy. Often.
Lots of you who read here have been in the messy parts with me. If you're still reading here, you've survived being my friend and stayed with me through my insanity.
I know, rambling and vague today. Some days are like that in my brain. Maybe it's lack of sleep. The Little Miss has decided she will only sleep through the night on the weekend when The Mr. takes the night shift. On Sunday night when we switch shifts, it's like flipping a switch. She goes back to sleep fitfully, sometimes only an hour at a time.
Nothing new here unfortunately. I had the parenting experience of sleep loss for 6 years. That's how long it was before kids were sleeping through the night in my house. That 7th year of parenting was good. I was so well rested!!!
Anyway. If you've made it this far with me in my life, may the Lord bless you richly. You deserve it. I'm not easy, that's for sure, but also know, that your persistence, your grace, your mercy, your love have blessed me. Richly.
To be Christians we must be in them. It's how we help another to see and feel what it is to be a Christian.
But I do it badly.
I thrive on relationships. I love the intensity of building and maintaining relationships. I love to see people stretch and grow. I love it when they stretch me.
But I do it badly.
My heart gets ahead of me. I invest deeply. I feel for people so intensely I often do it all wrong. I make a messy relationship even more messy. Often.
Lots of you who read here have been in the messy parts with me. If you're still reading here, you've survived being my friend and stayed with me through my insanity.
I know, rambling and vague today. Some days are like that in my brain. Maybe it's lack of sleep. The Little Miss has decided she will only sleep through the night on the weekend when The Mr. takes the night shift. On Sunday night when we switch shifts, it's like flipping a switch. She goes back to sleep fitfully, sometimes only an hour at a time.
Nothing new here unfortunately. I had the parenting experience of sleep loss for 6 years. That's how long it was before kids were sleeping through the night in my house. That 7th year of parenting was good. I was so well rested!!!
Anyway. If you've made it this far with me in my life, may the Lord bless you richly. You deserve it. I'm not easy, that's for sure, but also know, that your persistence, your grace, your mercy, your love have blessed me. Richly.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Is It Really Spring?
Ok, I'm a week behind. Again.
It's spring! It's winter! It's summer! It's winter. Again.
The Littlest Mr. is confused to say the least. When you are four and trying very hard to learn seasons and what order they go in, Wisconsin is not the best place to be. So far since February we had typical winter weather, then some spring, then a stretch that was summer like, then a cold spring-ish spurt and now...flat out winter. Snow. Snow plows even.
City snow plows after Easter. Disturbing.
We had a crazy week last week. No different from any other really.
We spent our holiday weekend in the Dells at a wonderful, amazing water park. The whole thing was way more fun than I ever expected.
I did not have high expectations. Four adults and 8 kids from 10 months up to 17. It did not seem like a sane thing to do.
It was, however, outstanding.
More later, kids calling.
It's spring! It's winter! It's summer! It's winter. Again.
The Littlest Mr. is confused to say the least. When you are four and trying very hard to learn seasons and what order they go in, Wisconsin is not the best place to be. So far since February we had typical winter weather, then some spring, then a stretch that was summer like, then a cold spring-ish spurt and now...flat out winter. Snow. Snow plows even.
City snow plows after Easter. Disturbing.
We had a crazy week last week. No different from any other really.
We spent our holiday weekend in the Dells at a wonderful, amazing water park. The whole thing was way more fun than I ever expected.
I did not have high expectations. Four adults and 8 kids from 10 months up to 17. It did not seem like a sane thing to do.
It was, however, outstanding.
More later, kids calling.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Spring Sports
It's sports week over here.
Yesterday we watched the last basketball game.
Gotta love it.
Plus it was opening day for the Brewers.
Tonight it's opening day for us. We'll be heading out to the ball park. Good thing it has a lid, the weather is warm, but wet. The forecast calls for a cold night.
And did you know? A baby is a carry in to a baseball game. No ticket needed. Whoo hoo!
Hope The Little Miss enjoys baseball as much as she likes basketball.
Lots more to catch you up on later.
Yesterday we watched the last basketball game.
Gotta love it.
Plus it was opening day for the Brewers.
Tonight it's opening day for us. We'll be heading out to the ball park. Good thing it has a lid, the weather is warm, but wet. The forecast calls for a cold night.
And did you know? A baby is a carry in to a baseball game. No ticket needed. Whoo hoo!
Hope The Little Miss enjoys baseball as much as she likes basketball.
Lots more to catch you up on later.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Today and Everyday
I'm always thinking that things are going to settle down and slow down around here.
Not so, my friend.
Busy as ever.
We had a very full weekend. Lots of friends. Church hopped a bit. Quite a fun night.
The week ahead seems as though it will be quite full as well. We've already made our 4th trip to Children's Hospital to finish some tests for the Little Miss. This better be the last one.
Today's excitement at Children's involved ABC gum. The Littlest Mr. found some stuck to the bottom of a chair in the waiting area while I was in the exam area with The Little Miss. Somehow, he managed to have it all over both hands, his face, the chair and his legos.
I was thankful to have a full supply of diaper wipes and hand sanitizer in the diaper bag.
Ew. Ew. Ew.
We're off to get everyone new shoes and library books today. The Little Miss will have a family visit. Tomorrow will be yet another art and gym class. It's almost over for the school year. Yippee!! Wednesday is another Dr. appointment, piano lessons and AWANA. This weeks AWANA requires, in my opinion, a little too much home work for the moms. A backpack--for each child--filled with items representing the whole alphabet. Easy for The Little Mr. to do on his own, a struggle for the Littlest Mr. Thursday will be my small group at my house, swimming lessons and another family visit for The Little Miss. Friday we will take off to the Dells.
Picture this trip if you will. My family--The Mr. and I plus our 3 Littles, joining my sister-in-law and brother-in-law plus their 5 Littles. All at a waterpark for the weekend. Hmm. I think it will be exhausting and tons of fun. A fabulous kid memory.
Not so, my friend.
Busy as ever.
We had a very full weekend. Lots of friends. Church hopped a bit. Quite a fun night.
The week ahead seems as though it will be quite full as well. We've already made our 4th trip to Children's Hospital to finish some tests for the Little Miss. This better be the last one.
Today's excitement at Children's involved ABC gum. The Littlest Mr. found some stuck to the bottom of a chair in the waiting area while I was in the exam area with The Little Miss. Somehow, he managed to have it all over both hands, his face, the chair and his legos.
I was thankful to have a full supply of diaper wipes and hand sanitizer in the diaper bag.
Ew. Ew. Ew.
We're off to get everyone new shoes and library books today. The Little Miss will have a family visit. Tomorrow will be yet another art and gym class. It's almost over for the school year. Yippee!! Wednesday is another Dr. appointment, piano lessons and AWANA. This weeks AWANA requires, in my opinion, a little too much home work for the moms. A backpack--for each child--filled with items representing the whole alphabet. Easy for The Little Mr. to do on his own, a struggle for the Littlest Mr. Thursday will be my small group at my house, swimming lessons and another family visit for The Little Miss. Friday we will take off to the Dells.
Picture this trip if you will. My family--The Mr. and I plus our 3 Littles, joining my sister-in-law and brother-in-law plus their 5 Littles. All at a waterpark for the weekend. Hmm. I think it will be exhausting and tons of fun. A fabulous kid memory.
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