In keeping what I've been doing, I'm using my NLT Bible... so other translations may very slightly in the specific wording...
13:1 "A wise child accepts a parent's discipline, a young mocker refuses to listen."
13:24 "If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them."
19:18 "Discipline your children while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin their lives."
22:15 "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away."
23:13-14 "Don't fail to correct your children. They won't die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death."
29:15 "To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child."
29:17 "Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind."
29:21 "A servant who is pampered from childhood will later become a rebel."
The only input I wanted to add was on 13:24... about not loving your kids if you don't discipline them. It's hard for me to imagine that any parent doesn't love their child... I'd like to think that every sain, right minded person loves their children. However, I listened to a message by Jon Courson on the topic of discipline/chastisement, and I liked what he had to say regarding this verse. He was saying to ignore or put off disciplining your children is lazy and selfish, and by doing so you are putting yourself first. Training/correcting/disciplining (which ever phrase you choose) takes work! He was saying that by not putting the time and effort into such discipline is loving yourself more than your children. I thought that was interesting. I think that line of thinking can be applied to our relationships with everyone... we always want to do what's best/easiest/most convenient & comfortable for us.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
My appointments
I had an ultrasound appointment yesterday to check Baby's growth since I was measuring small, and today I got the results- everything is fine. It looks like we'll be having another healthy boy! I still measured small today- 35 1/2 instead of 38. It's possible he'll still be 8lbs if I go my due date, but for now he's smaller than that. She said his femurs measured small, so he may not be very long. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! I can't wait to see what this one looks like!!! Here is a 3D pic they printed out for me. From the picture, I think he looks like baby Eli and sleeps like baby Noah, with his hands up by his face. (You can also see his feet smashed up by his face too!) I'm sure looking forward to cuddling this sweet little piece of heaven!Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Phew!
Okay, I was right. It wasn't the real thing. That gave me a little scare, though. I think they stopped around 2am because I fell asleep and woke up hours later realizing nothing had happened and I had been sleeping for quite some time. That was strange... Maybe I should stop with this silly nonsense of cleaning things like the toaster and fish tank, and pack my hospital bag. That sounds a little more practical, don't you think? ;)
Oh, and Jonny was an unresponsive zombie so maybe, Baby, you could be born at an hour when your Daddy is a little more conscious. :)
Oh, and Jonny was an unresponsive zombie so maybe, Baby, you could be born at an hour when your Daddy is a little more conscious. :)
Contractions!
What the heck! I can't sleep because I've been having contractions since 10pm tonight. I'm scared! I didn't get noticeable contractions with Eli or Noah until it was the real deal. They are hardly painful- like a 1 or 2 on the pain scale, and very close together- like 2,3 & 4 min. apart so that makes me think its NOT the real thing. Ugh! Please, oh please, Baby, wait a little longer! Some friends of mine are throwing me a Mommy Shower on Friday and I'm really looking forward to it. Becky's not here for another 15 days... I don't want to call anyone in the middle of the night... Jonny needs to clean his side of the bed... Eli's last swim lesson is in the morning... I'm tired and I don't feel like giving birth right now... Please, please, please wait a little longer!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Proverbs Topic #7: Parent/Child Relationship
It's been awhile! But I didn't forget. :) I'll do the discipline part of parent/child relationships later in the week. These verses seem to mostly be along the lines of children (young and grown) honoring and paying respect to their parents. It seems to me like the Lord takes that pretty seriously. I think, too, as we marry and become one with our spouse we are to honor and respect his or her parents as well. They took part in making the man or woman we fell in love with right? Obviously, in today's culture this can be such a difficult thing and be the sourse of so much drama. We all have different histories, there are personality differences and I know there are parents out there who have done terrible jobs raising their kids, but I think God still expects us to pay a certain amount of respect. I don't know how it all works out... there are lots of issues... but it just seems so important.
1:8 "Listen, my child to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor."
3:11 "My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
4:1 "...Listen to your father's instruction."
6:20 "My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teaching. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life."
10:1 "A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother."
13:1 "A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen."
15:5 "Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise."
15:20 "Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother."
17:6 "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children."
17:21 "It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel."
17:25 "A foolish child brings grief to a father and bitterness to a mother."
19:13 "A foolish child is a calamity to a father..."
19:26 "Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment."
20:7 "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them."
20:11 "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right."
20:20 "If you curse your father or mother, the lamp of your life will be snuffed out."
23:22 "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother's experience when she is old."
23:24 "The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
28:7 "Young people who obey the law are wise; those who seek out worthless companions bring shame to their parents."
28:24 "Robbing your parents and then saying, 'What's wrong with that?' is as serious as committing murder."
29:3 "The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father..."
30:11-14 "Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They feel pure, but they are filthy and unwashed. They are proud beyond description and disdainful. They devour the poor with teeth as sharp as swords or knives. They destroy the needy from the face of the earth."
30:17 "The eye that mocks and despises a mother will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures."
After typing these all out I just keep thinking, gosh family dynamics must be so much easier when everyone is in love with Jesus. We have good friends, the guy and the gal, come from families loaded with believers- parents, siblings, maternal & paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins... It's the unbelieving relative that is outnumbered. Wow. I pray that Jonny and I can be the grandparents of a family like that some day. Talk about being honored :)
1:8 "Listen, my child to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor."
3:11 "My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
4:1 "...Listen to your father's instruction."
6:20 "My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teaching. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life."
10:1 "A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother."
13:1 "A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen."
15:5 "Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise."
15:20 "Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother."
17:6 "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children."
17:21 "It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel."
17:25 "A foolish child brings grief to a father and bitterness to a mother."
19:13 "A foolish child is a calamity to a father..."
19:26 "Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment."
20:7 "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them."
20:11 "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right."
20:20 "If you curse your father or mother, the lamp of your life will be snuffed out."
23:22 "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother's experience when she is old."
23:24 "The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
28:7 "Young people who obey the law are wise; those who seek out worthless companions bring shame to their parents."
28:24 "Robbing your parents and then saying, 'What's wrong with that?' is as serious as committing murder."
29:3 "The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father..."
30:11-14 "Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They feel pure, but they are filthy and unwashed. They are proud beyond description and disdainful. They devour the poor with teeth as sharp as swords or knives. They destroy the needy from the face of the earth."
30:17 "The eye that mocks and despises a mother will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures."
After typing these all out I just keep thinking, gosh family dynamics must be so much easier when everyone is in love with Jesus. We have good friends, the guy and the gal, come from families loaded with believers- parents, siblings, maternal & paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins... It's the unbelieving relative that is outnumbered. Wow. I pray that Jonny and I can be the grandparents of a family like that some day. Talk about being honored :)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
My blessed weekend
Aaahhh! Can you hear my deep breath? Life feels so good at the moment. I'm sitting in our back yard, on freshly mowed grass while Eli practices his baseball swing and Noah is building something in the sand box. The weather is gorgeous Spring weather and my husband is busy doing yard stuff. Ah, what a great weekend.
Yesterday while Jonny was gone at Driver's Ed training, the boys and I were very productive. We checked out a few garage sales in our neighborhood, and for $30 I got a nice 4T vest, brand new pair of 3T jeans, a package of Swaddlers Infant diapers, and about 10 nice 6-9 mo. baby outfits for the baby (so needed). Then Noah and I shoveled the rest of the left-over sand in our driveway while Eli rode his bike. (Yes, this crazy 8mo. prego lady was shoveling sand... just a couple wheel barrows full.) We went inside, and I cleaned out our nasty microwave, did some laundry, and cleaned the kitchen floor. Then in the afternoon, Noah and I vacuumed out the van while Eli, again, rode his bike. Right before we went inside the boys got to help Nona, our neighbor, water her flowers with their own watering cans. It was pretty exciting- let me tell you. But then Noah began to have more fun putting his head under the spicket than is watering can. :)
And today. Oh, my gosh. God is so sweet to me. Today is just one of those days that is easy to be joyful and happy... you know, in contrast to those days where you scratch your head and ask God, now where is the good in this? First off, this is Jonny's last weekend (at least for awhile) of Driver's Ed training. Yesterday they finished early, so he didn't have to drive up again today! We got to go to church together as a family which hasn't happened in awhile! Jonny I didn't get to go to service together, but that's okay because Noah is needing us lately and today I was so blessed to be with him. He did great! I was so proud of him!!! I don't want to get my hopes up and think that he's totally over being rough- I don't think he is- BUT today I saw a glimpse of hope that he can and will chill out and be kind to other kids. Oh my gosh, for a mommy, that is wonderful news! He shared, he waited his turn, he didn't retaliate when others were unkind to him and he spoke nicely! Yay for Noah! He's learning the ropes of interpersonal relationships. :) In the past, if a kid came over to where he was playing, he seemed to feel threatened that that kid was going to take what he was playing with or hog the slide or whatever (hmm... wonder where he gets that idea.... ELI!) so he would shout NO! or GO! even if another kid was just standing next to him doing nothing. Instead of saying NO or GO I've been encouraging him to say hi, and today he kept poking his cute little white head out of the play structure to say "Hello!" to kids. He even asked one girl, who fell down, "You Otay?" Oh, yay! Seriously, I know this sounds so silly, but my heart lept for joy to see my little almost two year old son being kind and compassionate. :)
So yes, today was a great day at church. Children's ministry can be exhausting and tough sometimes, but I really do like it. I like to get to know who my boys are playing with and becoming friends with, I like to meet the families (and really- Children's Ministry is one of the best ways to get to know families) and of course I like to see how my kids are doing. Noah and I snuck over and watched "Bubba" through the three year old classroom for a little bit, too. Man, we are so blessed at our church to have such awesome people working in Children's Ministry! I love the helpers in Eli's class. I love hearing him talk about what he learned. And I love watching him worship when he doesn't know I'm watching.
.... oh, and f.y.i... girls are so much harder to take to the potty than boys! Sheesh! There are so many more steps to the process. There are dresses over bloomers over onsies over tights over undies and then sitting down etc.. I'm loving the pants down- ready, aim, fire technique we've got going with boys. :)
Yesterday while Jonny was gone at Driver's Ed training, the boys and I were very productive. We checked out a few garage sales in our neighborhood, and for $30 I got a nice 4T vest, brand new pair of 3T jeans, a package of Swaddlers Infant diapers, and about 10 nice 6-9 mo. baby outfits for the baby (so needed). Then Noah and I shoveled the rest of the left-over sand in our driveway while Eli rode his bike. (Yes, this crazy 8mo. prego lady was shoveling sand... just a couple wheel barrows full.) We went inside, and I cleaned out our nasty microwave, did some laundry, and cleaned the kitchen floor. Then in the afternoon, Noah and I vacuumed out the van while Eli, again, rode his bike. Right before we went inside the boys got to help Nona, our neighbor, water her flowers with their own watering cans. It was pretty exciting- let me tell you. But then Noah began to have more fun putting his head under the spicket than is watering can. :)
And today. Oh, my gosh. God is so sweet to me. Today is just one of those days that is easy to be joyful and happy... you know, in contrast to those days where you scratch your head and ask God, now where is the good in this? First off, this is Jonny's last weekend (at least for awhile) of Driver's Ed training. Yesterday they finished early, so he didn't have to drive up again today! We got to go to church together as a family which hasn't happened in awhile! Jonny I didn't get to go to service together, but that's okay because Noah is needing us lately and today I was so blessed to be with him. He did great! I was so proud of him!!! I don't want to get my hopes up and think that he's totally over being rough- I don't think he is- BUT today I saw a glimpse of hope that he can and will chill out and be kind to other kids. Oh my gosh, for a mommy, that is wonderful news! He shared, he waited his turn, he didn't retaliate when others were unkind to him and he spoke nicely! Yay for Noah! He's learning the ropes of interpersonal relationships. :) In the past, if a kid came over to where he was playing, he seemed to feel threatened that that kid was going to take what he was playing with or hog the slide or whatever (hmm... wonder where he gets that idea.... ELI!) so he would shout NO! or GO! even if another kid was just standing next to him doing nothing. Instead of saying NO or GO I've been encouraging him to say hi, and today he kept poking his cute little white head out of the play structure to say "Hello!" to kids. He even asked one girl, who fell down, "You Otay?" Oh, yay! Seriously, I know this sounds so silly, but my heart lept for joy to see my little almost two year old son being kind and compassionate. :)
So yes, today was a great day at church. Children's ministry can be exhausting and tough sometimes, but I really do like it. I like to get to know who my boys are playing with and becoming friends with, I like to meet the families (and really- Children's Ministry is one of the best ways to get to know families) and of course I like to see how my kids are doing. Noah and I snuck over and watched "Bubba" through the three year old classroom for a little bit, too. Man, we are so blessed at our church to have such awesome people working in Children's Ministry! I love the helpers in Eli's class. I love hearing him talk about what he learned. And I love watching him worship when he doesn't know I'm watching.
.... oh, and f.y.i... girls are so much harder to take to the potty than boys! Sheesh! There are so many more steps to the process. There are dresses over bloomers over onsies over tights over undies and then sitting down etc.. I'm loving the pants down- ready, aim, fire technique we've got going with boys. :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Driver's Ed, Nesting, Sunshine & Pregnancy- Oh My!
Well, we have two weekends down on Jonny's crazy Driver's Ed training courses. This last weekend turned out to be pretty fun. The boys and I were originally planning a trip to Klamath Falls, but our plans sorta fell through. (For the third time this year! I guess I'm just not supposed to go down much this year...) Instead, a friend was able to get us a discount at a nice hotel in Portland near Jonny's class. The boys and I did lots and lots of swimming in the hotel pool and Jonny even got out early both nights and was able to join us. I've went swimming once or twice with both pregnancies, but not I was not this far along. Boy, when I got out of the water my belly felt SO heavy!
Even though I'm feeling like there's a 25 lb watermelon in my belly, I feel so energetic lately. On top of my regular cleaning, I've been doing these random nesting things, like... vacuuming in the laundry closet all around the washer and dryer, wiping down the trash can, washing baseboards and window tracks, pulling weeds... stuff that is normally overlooked. The weird thing is that I feel so satisfied after each task. Yeah, yeah I know I'm a little strange. :) I'm even doing some of what I call the 'manly chores' since Jonny is so busy. I've been shoveling doggy droppings and taking out the trash. Noah is my little helper- he loves to help find the dog poop and point it out to me.
Although, perhaps part of my energetic mood has to do with the beautiful weather we've been having. The last couple weeks have been so nice! The boys and I are always going outside- even on days where we've got some April showers we usually find a good time to go out and play. Eli is like a little weather watcher. He would spend his entire day outside if he could. First thing in the morning he wants to go outside, then again after naps, and again after dinner. Needless to say, I'm getting lots of walks in. Noah even road his rocket six blocks before it was my turn to carry it home. :) This weekend I'm even planning to participate- by myself- in the neighborhood garage sale. I only have a few things, but since there will be traffic through the area I might have a good chance at making a little money! There is a 1K in Corvallis on Saturday, too. Maybe I'll be really adventurous and take Eli to his first race...
Oh, and last thing... Jonny took a day off today since he hasn't had a day off in 17 days (me either!). Right now as I type this he's cuddling with Eli on the couch, but he's also been working on building the boys a sand box for the side of our yard. We are all looking forward to it! This morning he got to go to Eli's swim lessons with us, and then we went to my doctor appointment. And guess what!?!! Okay, well, I decided to be a little more modest about posting prego progress than I was with Noah, (I realize some people don't like to hear that kind of thing :) but if you want to know the details, ask and I'll tell!) so lets just say my body is getting ready! Things are progressing just like they did with Noah. However, when she measured my belly, it measured three weeks smaller than it should. I should be close to 37, but it was 34. Two weeks ago it was 35. She didn't think the baby shrunk, but she is requesting that I get an ultrasound to make sure he's growing as he should. She said she didn't think he's going to be a 9lb baby like they've been predicting, which of course I am TOTALLY okay with! Everything is probably fine, we might just have a petite boy on our hands. :)
Even though I'm feeling like there's a 25 lb watermelon in my belly, I feel so energetic lately. On top of my regular cleaning, I've been doing these random nesting things, like... vacuuming in the laundry closet all around the washer and dryer, wiping down the trash can, washing baseboards and window tracks, pulling weeds... stuff that is normally overlooked. The weird thing is that I feel so satisfied after each task. Yeah, yeah I know I'm a little strange. :) I'm even doing some of what I call the 'manly chores' since Jonny is so busy. I've been shoveling doggy droppings and taking out the trash. Noah is my little helper- he loves to help find the dog poop and point it out to me.
Although, perhaps part of my energetic mood has to do with the beautiful weather we've been having. The last couple weeks have been so nice! The boys and I are always going outside- even on days where we've got some April showers we usually find a good time to go out and play. Eli is like a little weather watcher. He would spend his entire day outside if he could. First thing in the morning he wants to go outside, then again after naps, and again after dinner. Needless to say, I'm getting lots of walks in. Noah even road his rocket six blocks before it was my turn to carry it home. :) This weekend I'm even planning to participate- by myself- in the neighborhood garage sale. I only have a few things, but since there will be traffic through the area I might have a good chance at making a little money! There is a 1K in Corvallis on Saturday, too. Maybe I'll be really adventurous and take Eli to his first race...
Oh, and last thing... Jonny took a day off today since he hasn't had a day off in 17 days (me either!). Right now as I type this he's cuddling with Eli on the couch, but he's also been working on building the boys a sand box for the side of our yard. We are all looking forward to it! This morning he got to go to Eli's swim lessons with us, and then we went to my doctor appointment. And guess what!?!! Okay, well, I decided to be a little more modest about posting prego progress than I was with Noah, (I realize some people don't like to hear that kind of thing :) but if you want to know the details, ask and I'll tell!) so lets just say my body is getting ready! Things are progressing just like they did with Noah. However, when she measured my belly, it measured three weeks smaller than it should. I should be close to 37, but it was 34. Two weeks ago it was 35. She didn't think the baby shrunk, but she is requesting that I get an ultrasound to make sure he's growing as he should. She said she didn't think he's going to be a 9lb baby like they've been predicting, which of course I am TOTALLY okay with! Everything is probably fine, we might just have a petite boy on our hands. :)
Funnies
Okay, its 4:15am, and I can't sleep. I've been awake for two hours now... Ugh!
I thought I'd share some funny boy stories. Tonight at dinner, Noah, our 22 1/2 mo. old was telling jokes. Yes, the knock knock jokes are a crack up around here, and Noah has caught on. :)
Noah: "Dada, Dada. Naw Naw." (Knock knock.)
Jonny: "Who's there?"
Noah: "NaNa." (Banana.)
Jonny: Banana who?
Noah: "MAMA!"
Jonny: Banana Mama!
Followed by lots of laughter...
And a couple days ago the boys and I were singing The Wheels on the Bus as we were driving. It was Noah's turn to pick what was on the bus. He said, "Puppy!" I asked him what the puppy does on the bus and he replied, "Poo Poo!" Eli, of course, thought this was hilarious which encouraged Noah to repeat it over and over as they both laughed hysterically. So I apologize in advance if anyone hears my boys singing, "The puppies on the bus go poo, poo, poo. Poo, poo, poo. Poo, poo, poo. The puppies on the bus go poo, poo, poo- All through the town!"
I thought I'd share some funny boy stories. Tonight at dinner, Noah, our 22 1/2 mo. old was telling jokes. Yes, the knock knock jokes are a crack up around here, and Noah has caught on. :)
Noah: "Dada, Dada. Naw Naw." (Knock knock.)
Jonny: "Who's there?"
Noah: "NaNa." (Banana.)
Jonny: Banana who?
Noah: "MAMA!"
Jonny: Banana Mama!
Followed by lots of laughter...
And a couple days ago the boys and I were singing The Wheels on the Bus as we were driving. It was Noah's turn to pick what was on the bus. He said, "Puppy!" I asked him what the puppy does on the bus and he replied, "Poo Poo!" Eli, of course, thought this was hilarious which encouraged Noah to repeat it over and over as they both laughed hysterically. So I apologize in advance if anyone hears my boys singing, "The puppies on the bus go poo, poo, poo. Poo, poo, poo. Poo, poo, poo. The puppies on the bus go poo, poo, poo- All through the town!"
Friday, April 16, 2010
Trials
My brain and emotions have been rattled in the last week. Its no secret that we've been working with Noah on being kind and gentle to other kids. It's our on-going struggle right now. It can be really difficult to get through to Noah that that is not how we treat people. It can also be really embarrassing, as a parent, to have your kid constantly doing what is wrong. And it can be really frustrating when another adult reacts negatively toward him and the situation when I'm clearly involved and trying my best to manage my son. It leaves me feeling hopeless, ashamed and like a failure. It also makes me mad and defensive because I feel like some people walk away with that little impression of who my child is, and then let that 'character flaw' speak or label who they are as a person. They don't see all the wonderful things I see in him.
Last Sunday at church the two year old and three year old classrooms were combined into one. There were lots of kids and lots of helpers. I was hesitant on putting Noah in. Jonny and I were supposed to be taking turns going in with him, but since Jonny is out of town every weekend now, I either have to occasionally leave him and or not go to church. I decided to keep Noah with me for worship and then put him in for the 45 minutes or so and pray he was gentle. I told Noah to play nice and gentle. Eli met us at the door and put his arm around Noah and walked him in. I tried to explain, but inevitably tears began to stream down my face, that they needed to really watch Noah because he's been having a hard time being gentle with other kids. I felt awful. As soon as the service was over, I quickly went down and got the boys and brought them back up with me for some more worship. The lady I spoke with told me Noah was totally fine and played independently the whole time. She said she never saw him do anything to anyone. Again, the waterworks started up again. I'm such a cry baby! She was so nice and encouraging... she has three sons, too. Coincidence? She shared that she has experienced similar things, and then she prayed for me and for Noah- right there in the hallway. So nice! What a difference from someone who would react so harshly and condemning.
On Monday I read a blog post of another lady at church who wrote about her three sons (who are almost all grown). She wrote about the joys and heart-aches that come with raising men. It was so encouraging for me. The very next day, at Women's Study, another friend shared and asked for prayer in raising her two little boys. She, also, had very similar struggles. Then, yesterday I heard some news about a close family friend who is going through some extremely trying things with her son who is now a young man. It seems like I'm not the only mom who's heart aches for her children.
My attitude, though still a little sensitive about our situation, is changing. I'm beginning to see that every child (and every adult) will have different struggles. I don't think God is unaware of the specific things our kids struggle with. What if persevering and learning through those specific struggles will shape him to be that man God wants him to be? Look at Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, - all these men are considered great men of faith, yet every one of them screwed up. Hello! David- the man after God's heart- even murdered someone to cover up an affair! We can all be labeled something- a thief, a liar, an adulterer, a gossip, a idolater, etc. I love that God doesn't label us as those things when we've been washed with his blood. When His blood covers us, we are seen as faithful, pure and innocent! So yeah, my son may be a little rough with other kids. But instead of focusing on 'fixing' that behavior, I'll be praying that God will fix his heart to come to a knowledge of Him. Then, I think it will be a life-long work of behavior modification as the Lord shapes him more into Christ's image- just as He's doing with me.
Sigh... I feel a little better now. :)
Last Sunday at church the two year old and three year old classrooms were combined into one. There were lots of kids and lots of helpers. I was hesitant on putting Noah in. Jonny and I were supposed to be taking turns going in with him, but since Jonny is out of town every weekend now, I either have to occasionally leave him and or not go to church. I decided to keep Noah with me for worship and then put him in for the 45 minutes or so and pray he was gentle. I told Noah to play nice and gentle. Eli met us at the door and put his arm around Noah and walked him in. I tried to explain, but inevitably tears began to stream down my face, that they needed to really watch Noah because he's been having a hard time being gentle with other kids. I felt awful. As soon as the service was over, I quickly went down and got the boys and brought them back up with me for some more worship. The lady I spoke with told me Noah was totally fine and played independently the whole time. She said she never saw him do anything to anyone. Again, the waterworks started up again. I'm such a cry baby! She was so nice and encouraging... she has three sons, too. Coincidence? She shared that she has experienced similar things, and then she prayed for me and for Noah- right there in the hallway. So nice! What a difference from someone who would react so harshly and condemning.
On Monday I read a blog post of another lady at church who wrote about her three sons (who are almost all grown). She wrote about the joys and heart-aches that come with raising men. It was so encouraging for me. The very next day, at Women's Study, another friend shared and asked for prayer in raising her two little boys. She, also, had very similar struggles. Then, yesterday I heard some news about a close family friend who is going through some extremely trying things with her son who is now a young man. It seems like I'm not the only mom who's heart aches for her children.
My attitude, though still a little sensitive about our situation, is changing. I'm beginning to see that every child (and every adult) will have different struggles. I don't think God is unaware of the specific things our kids struggle with. What if persevering and learning through those specific struggles will shape him to be that man God wants him to be? Look at Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, - all these men are considered great men of faith, yet every one of them screwed up. Hello! David- the man after God's heart- even murdered someone to cover up an affair! We can all be labeled something- a thief, a liar, an adulterer, a gossip, a idolater, etc. I love that God doesn't label us as those things when we've been washed with his blood. When His blood covers us, we are seen as faithful, pure and innocent! So yeah, my son may be a little rough with other kids. But instead of focusing on 'fixing' that behavior, I'll be praying that God will fix his heart to come to a knowledge of Him. Then, I think it will be a life-long work of behavior modification as the Lord shapes him more into Christ's image- just as He's doing with me.
Sigh... I feel a little better now. :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
My little swimmer
I am so proud of my little Eli swimmer. We are LOVING swim lessons! I love watching, and Eli loves going. Every Monday and Wednesday morning he gets his swim shorts and rash guard on within minutes of waking up. He packs his back-pack with a towel and extra clothes and even picks out clothes for Noah. Then he tells me he's ready to go. :) He loves the water. I never had swim lessons, but loved the water too. And of course Jonny has been involved in swimming since he was little. Yeah, so I think we're going to have to keep these swim lessons up! And guess what?! Today he was 'evaluated' and bumped up from level one to level two. It's not that different, they'll just be working more on floating, going under water and kicking. Here are some of his moves from Monday morning...
I think we should invest in a pair of goggles for him.
Oh, and two random Eli things...
Eli picked up on 'knock-knock' jokes from a kid at church and now he's constantly trying to make us laugh. They usually go something like this, "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Banana." "Banana who?" "Banana Potato!" Then he bursts into laughter. Or sometimes he switches it up and its "Grape Potato", instead of "Banana Potato."
He's also developed a habit of telling me, "Its okay, Mommy. I know what I'm doing." We were having a fire in our fire pit and I told Eli to be careful throwing pieces of wood in, and he replied with a serious, "Its okay, Mommy. I know what I'm doing." :) Well, alrighty then!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A few things...
This is our first weekend with Jonny gone for his Driver's Ed training. And go figure- just this week Jonny was pulled over and got a speeding ticket! Talk about ironic1 And expensive!!! Neither of us have ever had speeding tickets before and HOLY COW- I never want us to get one ever again.
Today the boys and I are just hanging out and taking advantage of the nice weather.... which isn't supposed to last much longer. I am now 35 weeks prego, and last night I got this panic feeling like, oh my gosh! Only five more weeks! That's so soon. I'm not ready- there is so much to do. I woke up in the middle of the night remembering that I haven't yet bought this baby a baby book. With Eli and Noah, I brought their books to the hospital with us to get their hand and foot prints in it. I can't believe I almost forgot that for this baby! I went out this morning and picked one up at Freddies. Anyway, I'm thinking of all sorts of things to be done before the baby is born. Some of these things are hard to get done without Jonny here. For example, the baby's clothes and bassinet are up in the attic, and there is no way I'm going to try to maneuver my big body up there by myself! I've also got this freakish nesting urge to make sure the dishes are done before I leave to the hospital. I'm already starting to think about it. The day Eli was born, I went into my doctor's appointment in the morning- knowing I was in early labor- to find out I was six cm! The doctor instructed us to check into the hospital soon. Instead, I went home and did the dishes so my mom wouldn't have to do them for us. I made sure the apartment was picked up and we also made a stop at the bank to make a deposit. Strange- I know! For Noah, the same thing happened. I knew I was in early labor around 10pm when we got home from a frustrating trip to Eugene. What did I do when I got home? I did the dishes so my mom wouldn't have to! I also took a shower, packed Eli's bag and went to sleep for a few hours. The really weird thing is that my mom (and plenty of non-related people) have been to my house when I have dishes in the sink, but for some reason doing the dishes becomes a priority for me when I'm in early labor! :)
Last thing- Jonny found out that he can take courses to teach the non-driving part of Driver's Ed for this summer, which also means he will get paid a little more. The catch- all seven classes are right before or after my due date! It is a really good opportunity, but I don't want to go into labor when Jonny is in Portland. We haven't made a decision about it yet, but we have to soon. I'm running all these scenarios through my mind... what if I don't have the baby during the two weeks Becky will be here? What if Jonny is gone, and I'm in excruciating pain and can't tend to the boys? What if I have to stay in the hospital more than one night... I REALLY don't want to be away from my boys more than one night! What if I have to call my mom in the middle of the night? What if Noah freaks out when he wakes up the morning Jonny and I are gone? Oh, boy... I'm just praying for perfect timing and that the Lord will have everything go smoothly.
Okay, here is a funny video of Noey showing off his tricks! (Try to ignore the tissues shoved up Jonny's nose in the background... he has a cold.) :)
Oh, I lied- this is the last thing. I wanted post a few pictures from a big brother/new baby book we have. For Christmas the boys got these cool books from 
my sisters, and Eli has learned so much from them. We read one before nap time basically every day. I highly recommend getting a book like this to help a big brother or sister understand what's going on in Mommy's belly. Eli can tell you all about the umbilical cord and the womb, which is full of warm water. He likes to call it the baby's bathtub. 
Monday, April 5, 2010
This weekend
We had a pretty fun weekend. On Good Friday we didn't make it to the noon service like I was planning because the boys had runny noses. Also, it was during nap time and I was so tired! I felt like Peter, James and John when Jesus asked them to go pray with him in the garden before He was arrested. I could hardly keep my eyes open! Anyway, later that day we received the exciting news that we'll be getting another niece! My sister, Michelle, found out the baby they are expecting in August is a GIRL!
Saturday morning we went out to brunch and then took the boys to an egg hunt at Albertson's.
After the egg hunt, Eli had his big brother class at the hospital. It wasn't anything super fun, (I think I had high expectations) but Eli seemed to enjoy it. He got to practice holding a baby, and they spent some time talking about safety issues and how big brothers can help take care of a baby. Then Eli went to the fourth floor (labor and delivery) to see a room where I could possibly stay. He also got to see where he will help give his baby brother his first bath (if he's born in the day time.)
Then, of course, some of us continued to be super cute! Noah got to eat his first s'more. See his messy face? :)
Here is a pic of me, Jonny and Baby on Easter Sunday. We had a nice, quiet Easter at home. I made an anti-pasta salad and a ham casserole. YUM! I still haven't been brave enough to make a turkey- but soon! For Thanksgiving this year Becky and I have already decided we're going to take a stab and cooking a turkey together. 
Then, today we drove up to my sister, Amy's, house because my dad was in town. This lucky grandpa has nine ADORABLE grandkids and two more on the way! Obviously, they aren't all present in this picture. :) These kiddos loved playing with their grandpa. I don't know what it is about my dad, but kids just think he's so fun! 
Sunday, April 4, 2010
HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!
I've posted this song on our blog before, but I'm doing it again because I just love it! It brings me to tears every time. We sang it at church today.
In Christ Alone.
Thank you, Jesus for freeing me from the power and the penalty of sin!
In Christ Alone.
Thank you, Jesus for freeing me from the power and the penalty of sin!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What I'm learning
During Spring Break Jonny and I decided to make a few changes. This is huge... are you ready? Okay, it may be really easy for some people, but we decided it would be better for us to not watch any T.V. on school nights after Eli's bedtime at 8:30pm. This is our first week, and its been great! During our no-T.V. time, we decided to spend some (not necessarily all, but some) of that time being together. Not just in close proximity, like the same room, but being together- doing something together. Its funny because before we were married, and even the first couple years of being married, when we watched T.V. we'd sit very close together on the same couch. Now we lay on separate couches. Not that that is bad, its just interesting how things change. We also used to play cards or Scrabble before bed, now life seems so much more exhausting and we just crawl into bed already half- asleep. So anyway, for our together time we're making an effort to spend more time talking together, playing a game together or reading together. The time, so far, seems so much more valuable.
We started reading a couple marriage books together- just to freshen up on a few things. One of the books we're reading is The Five Love Languages. There are some cheesy stories that the author uses to demonstrate the different languages, but it gets the point across. (If you're interested, it's a pretty quick read, we'll finish our last chapter tomorrow night.) We read this book before our wedding, and it was insightful then, but there is definitely a new perspective and greater understanding coming into it almost six years and three kids later.
I think most people have heard the basic idea of the book- that people give and receive love in different ways based mostly on how they grew up. If love was shown or not shown in a certain way in the home you grew up in, it affects how you communicate love to your spouse and children. It has not only been a check on how Jonny and I are communicating love to each other, but its also been very enlightening on how we're showing love to our children. I want them to be well-rounded in all the areas: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, & Physical Touch. (We haven't read the last two yet, but I think as a mom I'm constantly showing the boys those ones!)
When we read the chapter about Words of Affirmation, I was greatly convicted over the way I sometimes communicate- not only to Jonny, but to Eli and Noah. What kind of example am I setting when I get annoyed and speak with irritation in my tone- to any of them? One of the stories the author used as an example of affirming your spouse rather than nagging and annoying your spouse was about this lady who wanted her husband to do some house chore. She had asked him over and over, and he was perfectly aware she wanted it done, but he never did it. The counselor suggested she start complimenting and praising him for the things he did do and never mention that chore again. So she did. She dropped the nagging. She started thanking him for all the things he did and telling him how much she appreciated him. And guess what!? He did that chore- even though she never asked him again! Amazing!
Eli and Noah are both really helpful boys. They like to help me do laundry, unload the dishwasher, sweep the floor, clean up their toys before I vacuum, but I've gotten so used to them doing these things that I don't praise them as much as I should. When I do praise them for being such great helper boys, they love it! Their faces gleam and they want to help even more. There are many aspects to the Words of Affirmation part- complimenting, praising, thanking, encouraging, and using humble and kind words. Not only do I want to speak to Eli and Noah in these ways, I want my kids to see Jonny and I communicating to each other in a loving way as well. Seriously, I need to work on some things.... "Jonny, the trash can is overflowing, again." is not as nice as, "Hun, will you please take the trash out on your way out the door?" And then remembering to say THANK YOU! Sheesh... so simple!
Anyway, I don't know why I spent so much time on the Words of Affirmation language- its not even mine or Jonny's primary love language. I guess this year I'm so much more aware of my speech- what I'm saying and how I'm saying it. And guess what? Now I get to be challenged with it. We found out this week that Jonny won't be getting his two week summer job at OSU this year. The last two years he taught a chemistry unit in July for OSU's kid's summer program, and it was a huge financial help for us. Instead, it looks like Jonny will be teaching Driver's Ed at his high school over the summer to make up for the lost income. BUT... he first has to be certified. This requires him to take classes in Portland every Saturday and Sunday in April, (except this weekend) as well as three weekends in June. It's definitely not ideal, but I'm going to try to make the best out of it and not complain! I am so thankful to have a hard working husband who provides for our family. I am blessed to be able to stay home and raise our kids. Its a blessing that Jonny will even get this job and that nothing is required of him in the month of May.
So here we go... I'm SO looking forward to our time together this weekend. God is good. Tomorrow we will remember the sacrifice He made for us, Saturday we will wait- something God often has us do, and Sunday we will rejoice that sin's curse has lost its grip on us!!! Thank you Jesus!
We started reading a couple marriage books together- just to freshen up on a few things. One of the books we're reading is The Five Love Languages. There are some cheesy stories that the author uses to demonstrate the different languages, but it gets the point across. (If you're interested, it's a pretty quick read, we'll finish our last chapter tomorrow night.) We read this book before our wedding, and it was insightful then, but there is definitely a new perspective and greater understanding coming into it almost six years and three kids later.
I think most people have heard the basic idea of the book- that people give and receive love in different ways based mostly on how they grew up. If love was shown or not shown in a certain way in the home you grew up in, it affects how you communicate love to your spouse and children. It has not only been a check on how Jonny and I are communicating love to each other, but its also been very enlightening on how we're showing love to our children. I want them to be well-rounded in all the areas: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, & Physical Touch. (We haven't read the last two yet, but I think as a mom I'm constantly showing the boys those ones!)
When we read the chapter about Words of Affirmation, I was greatly convicted over the way I sometimes communicate- not only to Jonny, but to Eli and Noah. What kind of example am I setting when I get annoyed and speak with irritation in my tone- to any of them? One of the stories the author used as an example of affirming your spouse rather than nagging and annoying your spouse was about this lady who wanted her husband to do some house chore. She had asked him over and over, and he was perfectly aware she wanted it done, but he never did it. The counselor suggested she start complimenting and praising him for the things he did do and never mention that chore again. So she did. She dropped the nagging. She started thanking him for all the things he did and telling him how much she appreciated him. And guess what!? He did that chore- even though she never asked him again! Amazing!
Eli and Noah are both really helpful boys. They like to help me do laundry, unload the dishwasher, sweep the floor, clean up their toys before I vacuum, but I've gotten so used to them doing these things that I don't praise them as much as I should. When I do praise them for being such great helper boys, they love it! Their faces gleam and they want to help even more. There are many aspects to the Words of Affirmation part- complimenting, praising, thanking, encouraging, and using humble and kind words. Not only do I want to speak to Eli and Noah in these ways, I want my kids to see Jonny and I communicating to each other in a loving way as well. Seriously, I need to work on some things.... "Jonny, the trash can is overflowing, again." is not as nice as, "Hun, will you please take the trash out on your way out the door?" And then remembering to say THANK YOU! Sheesh... so simple!
Anyway, I don't know why I spent so much time on the Words of Affirmation language- its not even mine or Jonny's primary love language. I guess this year I'm so much more aware of my speech- what I'm saying and how I'm saying it. And guess what? Now I get to be challenged with it. We found out this week that Jonny won't be getting his two week summer job at OSU this year. The last two years he taught a chemistry unit in July for OSU's kid's summer program, and it was a huge financial help for us. Instead, it looks like Jonny will be teaching Driver's Ed at his high school over the summer to make up for the lost income. BUT... he first has to be certified. This requires him to take classes in Portland every Saturday and Sunday in April, (except this weekend) as well as three weekends in June. It's definitely not ideal, but I'm going to try to make the best out of it and not complain! I am so thankful to have a hard working husband who provides for our family. I am blessed to be able to stay home and raise our kids. Its a blessing that Jonny will even get this job and that nothing is required of him in the month of May.
So here we go... I'm SO looking forward to our time together this weekend. God is good. Tomorrow we will remember the sacrifice He made for us, Saturday we will wait- something God often has us do, and Sunday we will rejoice that sin's curse has lost its grip on us!!! Thank you Jesus!
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