There are times where I question whether we are doing an adequate job of living and teaching Christianity to our sweet boys. Today I discovered that they really are learning about God and His plan.
#1 likes to rake my comb through the carpet in our bathroom and draw various letters and shapes. Today he took the comb and drew a cross, then said, "Look Mommy. I drew the cross where Jesus died."
That comment alone made my Christmas complete. My cup runneth over.
Musings on life with three silly boys - there's never a dull moment!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Traditions
This Christmas season I have purposely attempted to establish some holiday traditions. One of these traditions has been making a gingerbread house (using the pre-made mini-gingerbread village kit of course). The boys enjoyed decorating but only about half of the gumdrops and candy actually made it onto the gingerbread houses.
I have also experimented more and more with breakfast. If I can manage to make a smiley face out of whatever food I have on hand, they squeal with delight. This morning, they each cracked an egg and helped mix together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar to make french toast. I put whipped cream and blueberries to make a smiley face. Yum!
What Christmas traditions do you have with your family?
I have also experimented more and more with breakfast. If I can manage to make a smiley face out of whatever food I have on hand, they squeal with delight. This morning, they each cracked an egg and helped mix together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar to make french toast. I put whipped cream and blueberries to make a smiley face. Yum!
What Christmas traditions do you have with your family?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Breakfast with Santa
We went to Breakfast with Santa at school last Saturday. They had a Candyland theme set up with colored squares taped to the floor and giant 'dice' that the kids rolled to get advance along the path. As they went along the path, there were several stations where the kids could make crafts. First they decorated a bag with stickers. Then they took their picture with Santa, decorated a cupcake, made a reindeer with their shoeprint and handprints, decorated an ornament, and made a photo frame. Then we went to eat breakfast and watch a nativity play.
We had a ball!
By the way, I cut my hair in a modern sort of bob. Too short I think, but there's nothing I can do about it now but grow it out! :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Family time
During football season, Matt is gone so much that I go into survival mode of sorts just trying to get everything taken care of that must be done. Where is that library book that is due today, what am I going to cook for dinner, how can this family generate SOOO much laundry, are we out of milk again, and where is that soccer cleat we need for practice after school are questions I ask myself almost every day. I felt almost like I was working a full time job and then came home to another full time job.
I was around my kids during that time, but was so busy taking care of life that I was not really 'there' all the time. Now that football season is over and Matt is home more, it is so nice to have him there. We watch movies together after the kids go to bed, talk about the future, and rediscover each other again. When he is there and helps do chores such as helping to fold laundry, or loads the dishwasher, it makes me so happy because it is one LESS chore that I have to do. It frees up my time so that I can spend a few extra minutes reading books to them at bed time, can tackle extra projects I have been meaning to do (such as cleaning out closets and drawers, etc.), or even relax a bit.
This weekend it was cold, and even snowed a tiny bit. We spent the entire weekend together as a family and just had fun sitting around the table laughing, being silly, playing the Wii, and decorating Christmas shaped cookies. I did the usual laundry, cooking doing dishes, etc., but did absolutely NO work on my computer.
It was nice! I enjoy these kind of holidays, not the stress-filled, activity-filled, running-from-place-to-place exhaustion.
I was around my kids during that time, but was so busy taking care of life that I was not really 'there' all the time. Now that football season is over and Matt is home more, it is so nice to have him there. We watch movies together after the kids go to bed, talk about the future, and rediscover each other again. When he is there and helps do chores such as helping to fold laundry, or loads the dishwasher, it makes me so happy because it is one LESS chore that I have to do. It frees up my time so that I can spend a few extra minutes reading books to them at bed time, can tackle extra projects I have been meaning to do (such as cleaning out closets and drawers, etc.), or even relax a bit.
This weekend it was cold, and even snowed a tiny bit. We spent the entire weekend together as a family and just had fun sitting around the table laughing, being silly, playing the Wii, and decorating Christmas shaped cookies. I did the usual laundry, cooking doing dishes, etc., but did absolutely NO work on my computer.
It was nice! I enjoy these kind of holidays, not the stress-filled, activity-filled, running-from-place-to-place exhaustion.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Never a dull moment
Today I have to chalk up to "just one of those days." I have been working late every day and the house has gotten to be a mess, especially with a pileup of laundry and Christmas ornament boxes waiting to be unpacked. I got up early this morning to clean the downstairs while everyone was still sleeping, made some french toast, then went upstairs to get dressed.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, #3 went downstairs, got the Gingerbread House kit I had put on TOP of the fridge (so we could make together this weekend as a special treat), and distributed the ENTIRE contents all over the kitchen floor.
I was almost ready and had just enough time to get them dressed and out the door before we were going to be late when I discovered the mess. Ugh!
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, #3 went downstairs, got the Gingerbread House kit I had put on TOP of the fridge (so we could make together this weekend as a special treat), and distributed the ENTIRE contents all over the kitchen floor.
I was almost ready and had just enough time to get them dressed and out the door before we were going to be late when I discovered the mess. Ugh!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
God and Santa
I think #1 has misunderstood the whole God vs. Santa thing. Since we talk about God being all around, knowing when we are obeying or not, and how He gives us all of our blessings, I can see how it may easily be confused with Santa when we sing songs such as "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake!"
The other night at bed time, #1 started to pray, "Dear God, Thank you for this day. For Christmas, I choose race cars. Amen."
The other night at bed time, #1 started to pray, "Dear God, Thank you for this day. For Christmas, I choose race cars. Amen."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Note from #1's teacher
#1's teacher sent me an email the other day that warmed my heart. It gives me hope that he won't be a loner that is picked on by other kids in junior high because of his autism. I was especially pleased to receive this email the day after coming back from Thanksgiving holidays. I was afraid the change in schedule might have thrown him off track and caused him to have a hard time getting back into the routine. Go #1! I am proud of you baby!
Here is the email from his teacher:
I don't know how often you get to see Cade in an environment with friends, but I am just so pleased and surprised at how well he gets along friends. I know many Asperger kids have trouble making eye contact etc.. and I know he's on the mild spectrum. But I just love to see how he relates to his classmates on the playground. They are so excited to see him and he goes up and hugs them and will ask them if they want to play. I just wanted to let you know about that.
He's been doing so much better in line the yesterday and all last week. Before nap time, he knows that he has to walk in line and not hold my hand because its someone else's turn to be lineleader. But then after nap, it is his turn to be lineleader and hold my hand. It seemed like a good compromise and he seems to be okay with it.
Here is the email from his teacher:
I don't know how often you get to see Cade in an environment with friends, but I am just so pleased and surprised at how well he gets along friends. I know many Asperger kids have trouble making eye contact etc.. and I know he's on the mild spectrum. But I just love to see how he relates to his classmates on the playground. They are so excited to see him and he goes up and hugs them and will ask them if they want to play. I just wanted to let you know about that.
He's been doing so much better in line the yesterday and all last week. Before nap time, he knows that he has to walk in line and not hold my hand because its someone else's turn to be lineleader. But then after nap, it is his turn to be lineleader and hold my hand. It seemed like a good compromise and he seems to be okay with it.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Somebody "stixed" on me
The boys favorite song these days is "I'm getting nothing for Christmas." Matt will sing a line, "I put a tack in teacher's chair," and they all chime in with "Somebody STIXED on me!!"
Matt: "I tied a knot in Susie's hair"
Boys: "Somebody STIXED on me!"
Now, you may think that the correct word is "snitched" not "stixed" but the boys will be quick to inform you of your error. Ha! Ha!
We decided to make the boys "earn" money to buy Christmas gifts for each other, so we labeled three zip lock bags with their names. They all did a great job cleaning the playroom last night, so they each received a quarter to put into their bags. We told them they could take their money that they earned to the store and pick out a present for their brothers. I am excited and think this will put a little more meaning into the giving for them.
Matt: "I tied a knot in Susie's hair"
Boys: "Somebody STIXED on me!"
Now, you may think that the correct word is "snitched" not "stixed" but the boys will be quick to inform you of your error. Ha! Ha!
We decided to make the boys "earn" money to buy Christmas gifts for each other, so we labeled three zip lock bags with their names. They all did a great job cleaning the playroom last night, so they each received a quarter to put into their bags. We told them they could take their money that they earned to the store and pick out a present for their brothers. I am excited and think this will put a little more meaning into the giving for them.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thankfulness
I am thankful that my sweet husband and kids are not picky eaters. I know I am not a good cook by any stretch of the imagination, and working full time does not lend itself to tasty and extravagant meals prepared on a daily basis.
My kids love to eat vegetables, especially broccoli, and will even eat sushi and fish!
I am thankful that they will eat just about any near-disaster meal I am able to pull together for them.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
My kids love to eat vegetables, especially broccoli, and will even eat sushi and fish!
I am thankful that they will eat just about any near-disaster meal I am able to pull together for them.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The blinking cursor
There are times throughout each day where I think about something and purpose in my heart to write about it on my blog.
However, in the last few days, every time I click on "New Post" and attempt to write an entry, the cursor just blinks and blinks at me, and suddenly I can't think of a single thing I had intended to write about.
Is this the beginning stages of dementia or just motherhood? :)
I'll write about it when I can remember what it was!
However, in the last few days, every time I click on "New Post" and attempt to write an entry, the cursor just blinks and blinks at me, and suddenly I can't think of a single thing I had intended to write about.
Is this the beginning stages of dementia or just motherhood? :)
I'll write about it when I can remember what it was!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tests from God
In Psalm 139, David asks God,
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
We were discussing this passage at our admin meeting the other day at work, and it occurred to me that in order to rid myself of any offensive ways, I need to ask God to test me. We as Christians tend to think that life should be easy for us since we have chosen to follow Christ; however, this passage indicate the opposite. I need to remember this when trials and difficulties come into my life. It is God's way of ridding the offensive ways in me. God knows every worry and anxious thought that I have, and He cares for me. I trust that He will not allow me to be tried more than I can bear.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
We were discussing this passage at our admin meeting the other day at work, and it occurred to me that in order to rid myself of any offensive ways, I need to ask God to test me. We as Christians tend to think that life should be easy for us since we have chosen to follow Christ; however, this passage indicate the opposite. I need to remember this when trials and difficulties come into my life. It is God's way of ridding the offensive ways in me. God knows every worry and anxious thought that I have, and He cares for me. I trust that He will not allow me to be tried more than I can bear.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Motherhood
I found this quote online and thought I'd share with you...
Small Blessings
Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom
Running errands, matching socks
Building dreams with building blocks
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Gitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last week's mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I seen then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me
All the while
And I stop to kiss
That precious smile
Monday, November 9, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Footprints in the Sand
I have had many moments in my life where I thought I was alone in a time of crisis, only to realize later that God was carrying me. Here is the famous poem:
Footprints in the Sand
Last night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest
and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why,
when I needed You the most,
You would leave me.”
The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of suffering,
when you could see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
Although I feel I am going through a difficult time now trying to come to grips with #1's autism and the anger I feel inside because of it, I know that God is carrying me and I am not alone.
My biggest "footprints in the sand" time of my life was when the twins were born 3 months premature. I felt as if I had no control over anything and felt totally lost, but my God carried me through, and He will do it again.
Footprints in the Sand
Last night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest
and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why,
when I needed You the most,
You would leave me.”
The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of suffering,
when you could see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
Although I feel I am going through a difficult time now trying to come to grips with #1's autism and the anger I feel inside because of it, I know that God is carrying me and I am not alone.
My biggest "footprints in the sand" time of my life was when the twins were born 3 months premature. I felt as if I had no control over anything and felt totally lost, but my God carried me through, and He will do it again.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Testimony of love
I had no idea how much joy it would give me to see my child smile. When they were babies and first began to smile, I would make the silliest faces or sounds in order to win the prize of a smile or laugh.
This video is an awesome testimony of love between a father and a son. The father runs triathalons, which is hard enough in an of itself, but he has chosen to bring his son along for the ride, literally. He pushes his diabled son in his wheelchair while he runs, pulls him in a raft while he swims, and carries him to the double bike to ride. The smile on the child's face is priceless, and you can see the intense love between the father and his beloved son.
Warning...grab a kleenex!
This video is an awesome testimony of love between a father and a son. The father runs triathalons, which is hard enough in an of itself, but he has chosen to bring his son along for the ride, literally. He pushes his diabled son in his wheelchair while he runs, pulls him in a raft while he swims, and carries him to the double bike to ride. The smile on the child's face is priceless, and you can see the intense love between the father and his beloved son.
Warning...grab a kleenex!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The four year old classes at Northland got to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. It was cloudy and rainy the day before, so I was unsure if the trip would turn into a muddy mess.
God had a different idea in mind, and boy I'm glad He did!
The weather could not have been more perfect for a day at the pumpkin patch, complete with a hay ride, playing on the playground, eating a picnic, and going on a train ride, not to mention the priviledge of riding the "Yellow School Bus!" The boys and I had a great time!
God had a different idea in mind, and boy I'm glad He did!
The weather could not have been more perfect for a day at the pumpkin patch, complete with a hay ride, playing on the playground, eating a picnic, and going on a train ride, not to mention the priviledge of riding the "Yellow School Bus!" The boys and I had a great time!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Our superhero Halloween
Well, the costumes never did arrive in the mail. I am going to give that Ebay seller a VERY bad review.
Anyway, on Saturday when I realized my boys had nothing to wear, I got my niece to babysit and set out to find some costumes. The boys had their hearts set on Superman, Batman, and Robin, so I couldn't buy just any old thing. I stopped at a CAJILLION stores (is that even a word?) but no luck. Everything was so picked over and they didn't have any of their sizes.
Luckily, Matt stopped at one last store on his way home from work and found exactly what we needed.
Looks like Matt was the superhero that saved Halloween for us!
Anyway, on Saturday when I realized my boys had nothing to wear, I got my niece to babysit and set out to find some costumes. The boys had their hearts set on Superman, Batman, and Robin, so I couldn't buy just any old thing. I stopped at a CAJILLION stores (is that even a word?) but no luck. Everything was so picked over and they didn't have any of their sizes.
Luckily, Matt stopped at one last store on his way home from work and found exactly what we needed.
Looks like Matt was the superhero that saved Halloween for us!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Rejoicing?
I'll admit it, I've had a terrible attitude lately. I have been yelling at my kids, being rude to my husband, and overall have had a pity party for myself.
Today on the way home from church, #3 started singing, "This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad it it."
It hit home with me. In all my sulking, yelling, feeling sorry for myself, have I taken time to rejoice and be thankful that God has blessed me with another day with my sweet family?
I received a book in the mail yesterday that I ordered from Amazon. It is called Finding God in Autism. It is a devotional written by a parent of an autistic child and offers a 40 day challenge. I am going to take that challenge. It is time to change my ways and the autism issue hits at the heart of a lot of my frustration and anger.
Here is an excerpt from the book for day 1:
God wasn't answering my prayers like I thought he should. I wanted Him to wipe the autism and Neurofibromatosis out of our son's life. I wanted to wake up and have my son know how to talk! My prayers were heartfelt and my faith was larger than a grain of mustard seed...so where was God's power?
In time, I learned that most of the time, God's answers come when we take action. God wanted me to read Scriptures more, read books about autism, talk with doctors, therapists and do my research. I made a conscience choice to renew my mind with the Scriptures and hope returned. I asked God to transform my way of thinking. I asked God to let me see our son like He saw our son. I prayed to God to mold my way of thinking and bring me hope.
As I prayed, the bondage in my mind started to lose its grip. I started seeing our son's potential by looking at him like Christ sees him. He was not a lost, helpless soul. He is a child of God. Pray today and ask God to renew your mind. Return your hope. To see His will. Someway we will know how perfect His plan really is for our children and ourselves.
Oh God, please help me to rid my heart of this anger I feel inside. Your word says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks, so I know what is in my heart is not what You intended. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.
Today on the way home from church, #3 started singing, "This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad it it."
It hit home with me. In all my sulking, yelling, feeling sorry for myself, have I taken time to rejoice and be thankful that God has blessed me with another day with my sweet family?
I received a book in the mail yesterday that I ordered from Amazon. It is called Finding God in Autism. It is a devotional written by a parent of an autistic child and offers a 40 day challenge. I am going to take that challenge. It is time to change my ways and the autism issue hits at the heart of a lot of my frustration and anger.
Here is an excerpt from the book for day 1:
God wasn't answering my prayers like I thought he should. I wanted Him to wipe the autism and Neurofibromatosis out of our son's life. I wanted to wake up and have my son know how to talk! My prayers were heartfelt and my faith was larger than a grain of mustard seed...so where was God's power?
In time, I learned that most of the time, God's answers come when we take action. God wanted me to read Scriptures more, read books about autism, talk with doctors, therapists and do my research. I made a conscience choice to renew my mind with the Scriptures and hope returned. I asked God to transform my way of thinking. I asked God to let me see our son like He saw our son. I prayed to God to mold my way of thinking and bring me hope.
As I prayed, the bondage in my mind started to lose its grip. I started seeing our son's potential by looking at him like Christ sees him. He was not a lost, helpless soul. He is a child of God. Pray today and ask God to renew your mind. Return your hope. To see His will. Someway we will know how perfect His plan really is for our children and ourselves.
Oh God, please help me to rid my heart of this anger I feel inside. Your word says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks, so I know what is in my heart is not what You intended. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Costumes
I bought some costumes off of Ebay on October 16. It wasn't until after I purchased them that I realized they were being shipped from HONG KONG!!
The instructions said it would take up to 10 BUSINESS DAYS to receive them.
I am still waiting for them to arrive, and getting pretty nervous at this point, because I've promised the boys they could be superheros. Yikes!
The instructions said it would take up to 10 BUSINESS DAYS to receive them.
I am still waiting for them to arrive, and getting pretty nervous at this point, because I've promised the boys they could be superheros. Yikes!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Holy roller
Today during naptime, #1 did not want to sleep and kept trying to get off of his nap mat. His teacher, Mrs. W., kept trying to keep his body on the nap, which was not at all what he wanted to do.
He told her, "The LORD said to be nice!" to which she replied, "Well, the LORD said to obey!"
My child is a holy roller. LOL!
He told her, "The LORD said to be nice!" to which she replied, "Well, the LORD said to obey!"
My child is a holy roller. LOL!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Hats
Even at this early age, my boys are starting to exercise their individuality. They all have a different way they prefer to wear their hats. #1 wears it down low, so low that he has to lean his head back to see where he is going. Other times he wears it backwards. #2 wears it straight, and #3 wears his backwards, usually tilted to the side. It makes me wonder how different their interests will be down the road.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Most useful baby items
This weekend I went to a baby shower for a friend who is having twins. Instead of one big gift, I decided to buy her a few of the things I found to be the most useful to me as a mother.
My top ten most useful things are:
1. Ultimate crib sheet
2. Bottle or sippy cup leashes that attach to strollers or high chairs (to keep them from falling on the ground when out and about)
3. Good Night Moon book
4. I Love You Forever book
5. Brown Bear Brown Bear book
6. Snack catchers (the little cups that have a star-shaped slit in the top that lets kids get Cheerios out but doesn't spill easily)
7. Sippy cup / snack cup combo things (I don't know what they are called, but the top half holds a snack and the bottom half holds a drink, and on top there is a straw and snack opening)
8. Butterfly Kisses lullaby CD
9. High Chair covers (the kind that slip off easily for washing without having to unthread the straps)
10. Disposable plastic placemats that stick on the table (great for going out to eat)
What things hit your MVP list of most useful baby items?
My top ten most useful things are:
1. Ultimate crib sheet
2. Bottle or sippy cup leashes that attach to strollers or high chairs (to keep them from falling on the ground when out and about)
3. Good Night Moon book
4. I Love You Forever book
5. Brown Bear Brown Bear book
6. Snack catchers (the little cups that have a star-shaped slit in the top that lets kids get Cheerios out but doesn't spill easily)
7. Sippy cup / snack cup combo things (I don't know what they are called, but the top half holds a snack and the bottom half holds a drink, and on top there is a straw and snack opening)
8. Butterfly Kisses lullaby CD
9. High Chair covers (the kind that slip off easily for washing without having to unthread the straps)
10. Disposable plastic placemats that stick on the table (great for going out to eat)
What things hit your MVP list of most useful baby items?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
My silly boys
Matt has a remarkable ability to take something ordinary and make it into something fun for the boys. One night we were having strawberries with whipped cream for dessert, and he put a dab of whipped cream on the end of his nose. The boys thought that was hilarious, so he made a mustache as well, which they loved as well. The boys wanted to have some on their face too, so here are some pictures of their mustaches and goatees. My silly boys (all 4 of them)!
By the way, yes the boys were naked when the picture was taken. They had gotten soaked outside with the water house, and since they were about to take a bath, I let them eat in the buff. No sense dirtying another set of clothes just to eat, right?
By the way, yes the boys were naked when the picture was taken. They had gotten soaked outside with the water house, and since they were about to take a bath, I let them eat in the buff. No sense dirtying another set of clothes just to eat, right?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pumpkin patch
There is a pumpkin patch at a church we pass by on the way home every day, so we stopped by there the other day to pick up a pumpkin. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous the last few days - perfect fall weather!
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