Hope each one of you have a very merry Christmas, cherishing the time with your loved ones and celebrating Jesus birthday. I feel very blessed for the family and friends I have.
Love,
Lyla
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
adventless?
It's Christmas. Since my post on Advent, I really feel that I failed over the last month. But maybe it doesn't matter. I think focusing on "doing" the Advent, might have caused me to miss other important things.
Things like caring for sick kids, snuggles, snuggles, snuggles, important conversations with my husband, listening for what God deems important to tell me about, whether his Son or other things, caring for close friends going through really tough times and trying to help family members struggling.
Maybe in the midst of Advent, God didn't want me to use my time the way I thought would be best, but the way he thought he could use me. I'm glad it went His way and delighted to celebrate Jesus Birthday over a few days.
Friday, December 3, 2010
we call it home
OK, so I've been saying for weeks --I'll take pics of the house when its all neat and tidy-- well that happens at 10pm or once on the weekend, all times we're busy or tired, so here is our very homey, home! The boys followed me around, funny how they got in almost every shot :)
Here it is, the place we call HOME!
Entrance:
From Entrance, looking into living/dining room:
Closer look at living room (oops, no flash)
Kitchen/Dining area:
Caden's room (sorry, didn't flip it, turn your comp :)
Master BR:
Bathroom:
Storage/Laundry room:
Monday, November 29, 2010
Advent
Made an Advent comment on Facebook to generate some ideas. It's really hard to do Advent activities with a 1 year old, as he doesn't have patience for intricacies or understanding of the activities, reason for the season yet. I think we're going to do a few things, have to chat with Quinn about it yet, we have 1 tradition to do for sure, drive around North of the city looking at lights, then up to Lockport, Half Moon's for supper!! Quinn and I have done the past 2 years :)
I would like to purchase some kids Christmas music and some books particularly with Christmas story(ies).
I kinda liked some of these ideas:
morning conversations
So much on my mind and things God lays on my heart. This morning as I do other mornings, I ask God to be with me this day, to help me throughout the day with the boys, for patience, wisdom in teaching them and for love and compassion to come from me. God gives so much on those days I ask for help. I notice such a huge difference in my actions, reactions on these days. Days I forget to pray in the morning, those days throughout the day are harder, noticeably harder. Why don't we trust sometimes? Why do we try to do it on our own? Why do we think we're more able than God, the creator and sustainer?
I think I've talked about this topic before. Not that God magically makes your day a cake-walk, no whining, the kids just magically share their toys :), nope, that's not the lesson here, but He certainly gives me patience when I need it, wisdom to make the right decision, moments in the day to just treasure.
Quinn's best man said at our wedding for Quinn to daily pray for his wife...likewise I try to daily pray for my husband. Quinn provides for the family, I'm thankful for the job God's given Quinn that he can do so and I pray that God helps him carry out his work there.
Psalm 119
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, LORD,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, LORD,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.
Monday, November 22, 2010
winter
Took the boys out this afternoon, 20 minutes of bundling for 15 minutes outside :)
They enjoyed themselves out, did really well, now if we could just settle down for nap time.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
reading
I get these weekly devotional emails from John Piper (Author and Pastor), this weeks was "compelling"!
A Compelling Reason for Rigorous Training of the Mind
John Piper
I was reading and meditating on the book of Hebrews recently, when it hit me forcefully that a basic and compelling reason for education — the rigorous training of the mind — is so that a person can read the Bible with understanding.
This sounds too obvious to be useful or compelling. But that's just because we take the preciousness of reading so for granted; or, even more, because we appreciate so little the kind of thinking that a complex Bible passage requires of us.
The book of Hebrews, for example, is an intellectually challenging argument from Old Testament texts. The points that the author makes hang on biblical observations that come only from rigorous reading, not light skimming. And the understanding of these Old Testament interpretations in the text of Hebrews requires rigorous thought and mental effort. The same could be said for the extended argumentation of Romans and Galatians and the other books of the Bible.
This is an overwhelming argument for giving our children a disciplined and rigorous training in how to think an author's thoughts after him from a text — especially a biblical text. An alphabet must be learned, as well as vocabulary, grammar, syntax, the rudiments of logic, and the way meaning is imparted through sustained connections of sentences and paragraphs.
The reason Christians have always planted schools where they have planted churches is because we are a people of THE BOOK. It is true that THE BOOK will never have its proper effect without prayer and the Holy Spirit. It is not a textbook to be debated; it is a fountain for spiritual thirst, and food for the soul, and a revelation of God, and a living power, and a two-edged sword. But none of this changes the fact: apart from the discipline of reading, the Bible is as powerless as paper. Someone might have to read it for you; but without reading, the meaning and the power of it are locked up.
Is it not remarkable how often Jesus settled great issues with a reference to reading? For example, in the issue of the Sabbath he said, "Have you not read what David did?" (Matthew 12:3). In the issue of divorce and remarriage he said, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?" (Matthew 19:4). In the issue of true worship and praise he said, "Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babes you have prepared praise for yourself'?" (Matthew 21:16). In the issue of the resurrection he said, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone'?" (Matthew 21:42). And to the lawyer who queried him about eternal life he said, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" (Luke 10:26).
The apostle Paul also gave reading a great place in the life of the church. For example, he said to the Corinthians, "We write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end" (1 Corinthians 1:13). To the Ephesians he said, "When you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:3). To the Colossians he said, "When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part readmy letter that is coming from Laodicea" (Colossians 4:16). Reading the letters of Paul was so important that he commands it with an oath: "I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren" (1 Thessalonians 5:27).
The ability to read does not come intuitively. It must be taught. And learning to read with understanding is a life-long labor. The implications for Christians are immense. Education of the mind in the rigorous discipline of thoughtful reading is a primary goal of school. The church of Jesus is debilitated when his people are lulled into thinking that it is humble or democratic or relevant to give a merely practical education that does not involve the rigorous training of the mind to think hard and to construe meaning from difficult texts.
The issue of earning a living is not nearly so important as whether the next generation has direct access to the meaning of the Word of God. We need an education that puts the highest premium under God on knowing the meaning of God's Book, and growing in the abilities that will unlock its riches for a lifetime. It would be better to starve for lack of food than to fail to grasp the meaning of the book of Romans. Lord, let us not fail the next generation!
By John Piper.
A Compelling Reason for Rigorous Training of the Mind
John Piper
I was reading and meditating on the book of Hebrews recently, when it hit me forcefully that a basic and compelling reason for education — the rigorous training of the mind — is so that a person can read the Bible with understanding.
This sounds too obvious to be useful or compelling. But that's just because we take the preciousness of reading so for granted; or, even more, because we appreciate so little the kind of thinking that a complex Bible passage requires of us.
The book of Hebrews, for example, is an intellectually challenging argument from Old Testament texts. The points that the author makes hang on biblical observations that come only from rigorous reading, not light skimming. And the understanding of these Old Testament interpretations in the text of Hebrews requires rigorous thought and mental effort. The same could be said for the extended argumentation of Romans and Galatians and the other books of the Bible.
This is an overwhelming argument for giving our children a disciplined and rigorous training in how to think an author's thoughts after him from a text — especially a biblical text. An alphabet must be learned, as well as vocabulary, grammar, syntax, the rudiments of logic, and the way meaning is imparted through sustained connections of sentences and paragraphs.
The reason Christians have always planted schools where they have planted churches is because we are a people of THE BOOK. It is true that THE BOOK will never have its proper effect without prayer and the Holy Spirit. It is not a textbook to be debated; it is a fountain for spiritual thirst, and food for the soul, and a revelation of God, and a living power, and a two-edged sword. But none of this changes the fact: apart from the discipline of reading, the Bible is as powerless as paper. Someone might have to read it for you; but without reading, the meaning and the power of it are locked up.
Is it not remarkable how often Jesus settled great issues with a reference to reading? For example, in the issue of the Sabbath he said, "Have you not read what David did?" (Matthew 12:3). In the issue of divorce and remarriage he said, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?" (Matthew 19:4). In the issue of true worship and praise he said, "Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babes you have prepared praise for yourself'?" (Matthew 21:16). In the issue of the resurrection he said, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone'?" (Matthew 21:42). And to the lawyer who queried him about eternal life he said, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" (Luke 10:26).
The apostle Paul also gave reading a great place in the life of the church. For example, he said to the Corinthians, "We write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end" (1 Corinthians 1:13). To the Ephesians he said, "When you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:3). To the Colossians he said, "When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part readmy letter that is coming from Laodicea" (Colossians 4:16). Reading the letters of Paul was so important that he commands it with an oath: "I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren" (1 Thessalonians 5:27).
The ability to read does not come intuitively. It must be taught. And learning to read with understanding is a life-long labor. The implications for Christians are immense. Education of the mind in the rigorous discipline of thoughtful reading is a primary goal of school. The church of Jesus is debilitated when his people are lulled into thinking that it is humble or democratic or relevant to give a merely practical education that does not involve the rigorous training of the mind to think hard and to construe meaning from difficult texts.
The issue of earning a living is not nearly so important as whether the next generation has direct access to the meaning of the Word of God. We need an education that puts the highest premium under God on knowing the meaning of God's Book, and growing in the abilities that will unlock its riches for a lifetime. It would be better to starve for lack of food than to fail to grasp the meaning of the book of Romans. Lord, let us not fail the next generation!
By John Piper.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Mitten Leashes
I found these little wonders at A Child's Place in the mall, the company that makes them, Small Potatoes, sells all sorts of great things. They're kinda pricey (?) $11, but I figure either I buy one pair of these or 3 pairs of mitts over the winter.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Newness
In 3 days we will be moving to a new home, a new apartment home. Since finding out early this week that we would get to move this weekend, I've been excited. Excited with the prospect of a new place for many reasons. Now its sinking in that we will be living alone, no more help and that closeness with my in-laws and Caden's grandparents.
It has been a wonderful experience. Not surprisingly, each time I told someone we were currently living with my in-laws, their jaws dropped and this worried look covered their face. They showed surprise that for me and us, it has been a really great experience. It's only with Christ-like love within them and us (probably more them) that a living situation like this is possible.
Surely, my in-laws must have at times wondered at a decision I made or shook the inside of their head :) at me. Out of the 4 of us adults in this small place, I'm the messiest. I willingly admit; I'm not super organized, I leave the dishes a little too long sometimes and I'm sort've a messy cook. It's definitely made me step it up in notch - even so, I don't know if I succeeded in bettering myself.
With babysitting, its tough to find the time to clean your house or prep dinner with ease, having them here in the evenings gave me the time to cook dinner ALONE. We made the agreement that I would cook dinner during the week, they clean up dinner and they cook on the weekends. Dad would come home first from the workday, he would entertain Caden and I could just cook. It's SO satisfying to do something completely and well within that hour, it really made me feel efficient again and I love that feeling of cooking a good meal.
Caden loves the entertainment and love he gets from them. I think he'll miss it. :(
What a great period of time its been, if I said I wasn't emotional about it, I would be lying. If God has shown me something in this period of life, its been how to love unconditionally. I know so many people struggle with in-law relationships. Thankfully for me, its not so. The way they've accepted me and been so gracious with my faults...it's real love is what it is.
Mom, I don't know if you still read my blog, you already know how appreciative I am, and I hope we see lots of you and Dad still.
((HUGS))
Could God be preparing us for something more?? ;)
Friday, October 29, 2010
update to MM post
Update to the Music Machine post, I have viewed the DVD's now and just for those of you who were interested in buy them...its like a storybook video. Its animated, then its narrated by a "storyteller". Its a man essentially reading the book, follows along with the scenes in the video. So, you will get to hear what a very manly female school teacher sounds like...haha
They are still well done, impressive for something made sooo long ago. The message, again, is great, so simply laid out. Great character building messages. The boys, at least William (17 months old), is quite captivated.
Just to update you.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Call me biased.
Just put Caden down for a nap, he is so adorable, sleeping or awake, so freakin`cute.
The Woombie
http://www.thewoombie.com/original_woombie.html
Now, how many of you, dear friends, think your baby would have or would like to be swaddled in this thing???
I think Caden did like swaddling even though he resisted it initially at times, but not sure he would have loved being in this thing.
If someone gave me one, I would certainly try it, not sure I would take initiative and buy it.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Music Machine
A long, long time ago, before the time of Veggie Tales, there was Music Machine...
Quinn's parents have been telling me about Music Machine for a few months, Quinn had Music machine cassettes with read-along books as a child. Quinn's parents seemed to like the message of music machine which goes through the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (humbleness) and temperance (self-control).
So, for Caden's baby dedication, naturally, he received from them the gift of Music Machine CD's and Character Builder DVD. The CD's are songs about the Fruit of the Spirit and the DVD is short animations of them (character building).
I really like them. Caden has other music cd's, but considering this one is from the 80's, its done really well and I can "stand" the music :) ...the message it sends out is second to none.
Caden and W during the day, dance away to the music. The first time I played the cd's for them, they danced steady for 4 songs straight!! it was quite impressive. (I show them the moves ;)
Just one of my fav songs (can't find on youtube):
Glad to be me:
One day I went to school and met,
To my surprise
A new kid, just my age
With muscles twice my size
And when I looked at him
I wished that I could be
Big and strong and tall instead of little me
(but then I thought)...
I never saw a pig flying like a bird
To see a bird with teeth
Would surely be absurd
I never heard a horse get hoarse
From tryin' to sing
I never saw a turkey wish that he was green
Chorus:
And I'm so glad to be
Just who God made me
I envy nobody
'Cause God made me special as can be
So if you ever wish
That you were someone else
Here's how to be content
Just to be yourself
Remember there is no one
Anywhere like you
So if you need advice
I'll tell you what to do
(Just think of this)
You never saw a mouse
Meowing like a cat
You never met a snake
Who wanted to be fat
You never saw a fish wish
He could be a frog
You never heard a turtle
Barking like a dog
Chorus
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
on my mind right now...
Couple weeks ago I received a letter from our sponsored child, Samuel. He said his favorite story of the Bible was Noah's Ark (side-note: I love that Compassion puts their Child Development Centers in a church, A Church!).
He then asked what my (our?) favorite Bible story would be. Huh. Why had I never thought of that as a child? At least I don't remember having a favorite as a child or now. Caden received a kids Bible for his baby dedication on the 3rd. As I was reading the first page to Caden (don't usually get past the first page before Caden decides to go fast through the other pages, he delights in turning pages), the Genesis text jumped out, "In six days God made everything". Everything hey? The complexity of humans, all animals, land masses, oceans, galaxies, EVERYTHING. This was suddenly beyond comprehension to me. To add to this interesting thought, I was watching the Oasis channel one day (all documentaries on nature/science), the show was about how scientists/researchers study animals or insects, then try to recreate them. Some were studying insects - roaches and centidepes can move at amazing speeds, partly because of the number of legs and partly because of the angles/direction of their limbs. Then the univs would try to recreate using robotics, each time they did, they could come close, but there was always a way the insect was better. Or one car company studied a type of fish and realized even tho it was a box shape, the fish was very aerodynamic and efficient with energy, so they used the fish body shape in creating their car.
Mercedes-Benz bionic car
Box Fish
The narrator of this show ended each segment on the note that with each re-creation, the original creation just could not be matched. This was not a show that acknowledged God's creation. I think God used this show to help me read between the lines, I was able to come to His conclusion, the reality he wanted me to see.
All the complexities of creation in 6 days. We as humans in 6,000+ years haven't been able to figure out the complexities of the human body, the mind, haven't explored all the depths of the oceans, the list goes on. Will we ever figure it out? Does it matter? God planned it all out, zillions or in-numerous amounts of details in 6 DAYS! Can we trust him with our lives? With our short 90 year lives?
I wrote Samuel back, I stated honestly that I didn't know what my favorite story was. I did tell him what God was showing me about creation. As an adult now, I also told him the other "stories" I most value are Christ's birth - God becoming man and the death of Christ - Resurrection. I've been listening to Daily Audio Bible the last few weeks, the reading is in Jeremiah. God spoke to kings through Jeremiah. In the old testament (before Christ), if there wasn't obedience to what God spoke there were punishments - people, Kings, countries took the punishment. After Christ died, He took the punishment for us - enter Grace. Even though we as people still sin, we may suffer earthly consequences because of our sin, but we don't take eternal punishment IF we have accepted Christ.
Whoa! I get a daily email, this is what was in it today, talk about timing...relates to what is going on in my head about punishment, consequences and grace.
Romans 2:4: Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you to repentance? (NIV)
When our kids disobey, we sometimes feel justified to respond with anger, guilt, or sarcasm. It may make us feel better for a moment, but it rarely produces the results we are hoping for. This verse explains why. We can be "right" in our assessment of the situation and still be "wrong" in how we respond. We are called to treat our kids with respect, even in the midst of conflict, because this is how God responds to us in our rebellion.
Rather than seeking to punish or prove we're right, the motivation for discipline should be to move our kids towards holiness. God allows us to learn important lessons by giving us consequences, but He does so with kindness, tolerance and patience. This is the kind of discipline that leads to repentance!
Being kind, tolerant, and patient even in the face of disobedience or rebellion requires your kids to focus on their mistakes, rather than your response. - Parenting by Design
(boldness mine)
Multiple topics in this post, I realize that, it's whats on my mind right now.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
priceless
Birthday cake...as parents, what great pleasure in giving your child their own piece of birthday cake to mulch up? (needless to say, we moved his chair off the carpet into the linoleum floor entrance :) he mulched the corner of it and ate some icing.
Birthday gift from Mom & Dad, a dump truck.
birthday fun
Our baby is 1.
how time flies.
What a fabulous first year.
Ups and downs, but way more ups.
Love my men, we're a blessed family!
(don't mind my unruly hair and lack of make-up, this was after swimming :)
Favorite kids books
I love these books, we bought Caden two of them for his Birthday!
Baby Einstein First Words
Baby Einstein Let's Go (forms of transportation)
The books are hardcover board books, with both an image and a word (see pic), both Caden and W spend lots of time either viewing alone or with me reading out the objects. The books have tons of objects. They were only $9 at Chapters.
Baby Einstein First Words
Baby Einstein Let's Go (forms of transportation)
The books are hardcover board books, with both an image and a word (see pic), both Caden and W spend lots of time either viewing alone or with me reading out the objects. The books have tons of objects. They were only $9 at Chapters.
Friday, October 15, 2010
6:10 - Awake, shower, start getting ready
6:30 - Earliest Caden wakes up, sometimes sleeps til 7
7:00 - pack Husband's lunch, MIL made coffee before she left for work, pour, add cream and sugar, stir, SIP!
7:25 - Pray with Quinn, Kiss, he leaves for work7:30 - W. has arrived, chaos begins :)
7:31-8:00 - Play time, dump all toys from toy bins, play!
8:00 - if the boys haven't entered the kitchen and begin scouring cupboards already, I start making breakfast
8:01 - boys at my heels, whining for breakfast
8:10 - oatmeal is ready and cooled, pull out highchair and booster side by side, load and lock children in chairs and serve alternating spoonfuls
8:20 - All done, wipe hands and faces, exit chairs
8:21 - break up fight over climbing up the high chair
8:23 - move chairs from the dining room to the linoleum area of kitchen floor, lunch will be much messier.
8:34 - a little bit of cereal for breakfast and its time to take a poo, change 2 poo diapers
9:00 - nap time. Set up play pen in the in-laws room, Kiss and tell them sweet things, one in play pen, one in crib, see you in a couple hours.
10:00 - Caden will likely wake up from nap, but want to sleep more, put him back to sleep in our bed
11:30-noon - Boys awake, play time
12:20 - Boys in chairs, food!
12:40 - done lunch, wipe hands and faces, exit chairs
1:00 - change diapers x2
More play time, put some Veggie Tales tunes on, dance, dance, dance, read a book or two, enhance some motor skills with building blocks, or drive cars and trucks
1:30 - Assemble jogging stroller on the patio, dress boys for outdoors, change into jogging clothes, gather sippy cups, phone, keys, Mum-Mum snack for boys after park, strap boys in, jog.
1:45 - arrive at park, bounce on teeter-totter, pour kids down the slide, place kids in swings, make sure W doesn't run out of park onto street, take some pics.
2:20 - All done, have your sippy cups, strap back into jogger, each get a mum-mum stick, jog.
2:30 - stop running, someone is crying in stroller, suspect the other tried to grab sippy cup and/or snack. try to stop the crying. Continue jog. Watch thru back screen to ensure there is no more grabbing, keep hands to themselves :)
2:40 - back at home, eject boys from stroller, move inside. Undress from outside.
3:00 - feed milk to both boys - soon to be changing to snacks, I hope :)
3:20 - Nap time x2, check diapers before nap time
4:10 - W's pickup time, other Mama has arrived
4:20 - In laws are home from work to watch Caden, while I prepare dinner.
5:00 - Quinn is home - XO
5:20 - Eating dinner.
6:00 - clean up dinner with help from MIL
7:00 - Hang out with husband and Caden, fav time of the day.
8:30 - feed Caden some oatmeal before bed.
8:45 - bath time
9:00 - out of bath, dry, lotion up, jammies on
9:20 - Caden to bed
9:21 - more time with Quinn
10:30 - 11 - Bedtime!
Sound familiar anyone? Well, it might be without the in-laws for you ;)...sure is helpful some days!
Spell checker thinks poo isn't a word, its right, feces would be better. weird.
Monday, October 11, 2010
baby
Thankful for a new baby.
Baby Luke Paul was born on Saturday, a strong 8lbs 11oz, 23in long. Mama is good, but recovering from that, as you can imagine.
Driving out on Saturday to see them, I felt such a difference of emotions, happy that he was born safely, happy for them as they start their life as family, but anxious and worried for them. Her experience is similar to mine, I relate, maybe slightly worse. The weeks of recovery for me seemed like an eternity, amidst all the adjustments and change of life. Difficult time. Hard to enjoy your new baby amidst that. Her experience could be entirely different, I know this. They will have lots of help and make it through it, just like we did. I know what to pray for. That she springs back quickly and she can enjoy those fleeting weeks of new baby.
Friday, October 1, 2010
eats
In a chat with a dear friend about lunch for kiddos, i thought I'd post some of the meal ideas that popped into my head this week for toddlers/kids/you.
1. Leftover steak? No problem, tear it into bits, quick fry with some veggies (whatever you have, i did broccoli, red pepper, tomato), add a little fresh ground pepper, after frying, throw in a couple beaten eggs for a delicious omelet.
2. Scrambled eggs with Broccoli and cheese - cut the broccoli into little bits, throw couple tbsps of water in a pan with the broccoli, let it steam til the water is gone, add some oil/butter, throw in the eggs with some shredded cheese and Scramble!
3. Avocado Grilled Cheese - Lightly spread some butter on the outside of both slices of bread, on the insides of the bread, spread some avocado (mash with a fork in a bowl first so its easy to spread). Place shredded cheese on the avocado and fry it up. Cut into bits for yummy finger food! These boys love it!! (one lady i know uses cookie cutter shapes, stamped out of grilled cheese for something fun)
4. Sides - steamed anything, peas, carrots, broccoli. During morning nap, i'll sometimes quickly steam up some veggies, so I don't have to do it at lunch when they're at my heels. At lunch, again, yummy finger food.
5. Oatmeal anything - breakfast is very often oatmeal at our house. Some days I add cinnamon with milk. Other days cut up strawberry, or sometimes dice tiny bits of apple (boil in the water a bit first before adding quick oatmeal). I recently tried steel cut oats (best for you), that takes half hour which we often don't have.
6. When the kids are whining at my heels for their meal, which is anytime I enter the kitchen!, I'll give them a mini carrot, keeps them occupied for 10 minutes, its fabulous. (I only started this with Caden at 11 months - he does well with it at this point)
Other days we just serve leftovers from last night's dinner.
Some parts of my day are really chaotic and I wonder how I'm going to manage or if I'll ever learn enough to raise them up right, I have to really trust God for wisdom. But, this part of my day, I feel confident and great when I'm enabled to feed them well...that is if they choose to eat that day :)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
In follow-up to this post , I like how John Piper put it:
John Piper, from his book A Hunger for God, notes, "If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great."
Disciple - Dear X (You Don't Own Me)
I interpret this song as I am no longer under the bondage of Satan's lies and grasp...pretty sweet
Dear pain, oh, it's been a long time
Remember when you were holding me tight
I would stay awake with you all night
Dear shame, I was safe in your arms
You were there when it all fell apart
I would get so lost in your beautiful lies
I let you go but you're still chasing
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Dear hate, I know you're not far
You would wait at the door of my heart
I was amazed at the passion in your cries
Dear anger, you made me so high
You were faithful to show up on time
Such a flame that was burning in your eyes
I let you go, but you're still chasing
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
You tempted me to look back
But everything that we had together was a lie
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Remember when you were holding me tight
I would stay awake with you all night
Dear shame, I was safe in your arms
You were there when it all fell apart
I would get so lost in your beautiful lies
I let you go but you're still chasing
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Dear hate, I know you're not far
You would wait at the door of my heart
I was amazed at the passion in your cries
Dear anger, you made me so high
You were faithful to show up on time
Such a flame that was burning in your eyes
I let you go, but you're still chasing
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
You tempted me to look back
But everything that we had together was a lie
Go ahead, you're never going to take me
You can bend, but you're never going to break me
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Go ahead, put a target on my forehead
You can fire, but you've got no bullet
I was yours, I'm not yours anymore
You don't own me
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
i despise it
i've never, ever been a fan of letting babies cry to sleep. EVER! I did it a bit when Caden was around 6 months, it worked for a while, then crazy summer hit. With vacations and family around more, i just rocked him to sleep, it was just too crazy when he's in a new place and weird schedules, having to go through the crying each time was too much for me and I had time to rock him. I don't regret any moment of rocking my baby to sleep.
Now, with babysitting W, the sleep schedules are sometimes a little off and its seemingly more and more difficult to rock him to sleep. So, i decided to go through it again, so hard for both him and I. I despise each crying moment, I think most Mommies do.
Lord, help Caden to learn how to fall asleep quickly and just help me through it.
Friday, September 24, 2010
lesson of the day...
Sometimes you want your very own way, you want to stay in what you are doing because you think it's fun. It's a way better thing to do than anything your parent might be suggesting. Why would your parent call you away from something you believe is a great thing?
Why? Because you could miss out, **HUGELY** miss out.
Maybe, what your parent wants you to do or what your parent has for you is something great, something WAY better than what you were doing or what you had.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him Psalm 2:11-12
The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God's care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God-the only safe place-is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane-terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come. - John Piper - Desiring God
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Raising boys to be men
Quinn and I find this Pastor very real and practical...
I was thinking the last couple days about how demoralizing our culture is becoming, that presents a threat to me when it comes to raising our own child...but, we do have Someone who is a model, a great example of what a real man is (thankfully his earthly Dad and Jesus).
Here's one of his articles on boys becoming men...
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/2010/08/the_world_is_filled_with_boys_who_can_shave.html
I was thinking the last couple days about how demoralizing our culture is becoming, that presents a threat to me when it comes to raising our own child...but, we do have Someone who is a model, a great example of what a real man is (thankfully his earthly Dad and Jesus).
Here's one of his articles on boys becoming men...
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/2010/08/the_world_is_filled_with_boys_who_can_shave.html
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
connections
I saw this story on the news the other day...
(http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20100806/religion-stress-study-100808/ - "Thinking about God can make you less upset about making mistakes, but only if you're a believer")
The way the study was conducted boggles my mind, as to whether their "evidence" was measured correctly or not. However, as I was reading, these verses jumped at me to "prove" the theory...
Romans 8:6
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
vs 9: You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10: But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
(emphasis mine)
Also, going through my mind the last while has been the God-child relationship, and how neatly it shows the relationship between us as parents to our child. My love for Caden runs sooo deep, I've said before, I can't imagine how much more God could love us as his children. How??
vs 13: For is you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (or adoption). And by him we cry, "Abba, Father".
17 Now if we are children then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ
I'm grateful for my parents, and my earthly Dad, I know he loves me and he's definitely delighted in giving us (his kids) good things. It's hard for me to comprehend how God (my perfect Father/Dad), loves me more and is exceedingly JOYOUS at giving me great things and He gives me greater things, like a great husband, (who is more than I could have asked for or found myself), and a child, that He entrusted to us to raise. Me?
Maybe I'm the only one who finds these things hard to comprehend. I think God's really tried to illustrate this to me through giving me Quinn and Caden. And now through these vs...he said in the Bible, we are his kids and heirs of Him.
Obviously we will be seperated from our earthly Dad's at some point, or some people already have lost their Father's, or maybe it just wasn't a good relationship, some earthly Dad's can be far, far removed from perfect. Others are pretty close.
Regardless, we're adopted into the perfect one.
vs 35 Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ (the perfect Dad) ??
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ
Monday, August 9, 2010
mayhem monday
we're back from another busy weekend and maybe now summer will slow down...?? probably not. That's ok, we've had a really great summer, so many good experiences, loads of fun with Caden. Never knew before becoming a parent, how much sheer JOY it is to see your own child grow and develop, reach new heights, lift something we didn't think he could, pull something or reach something. Helps me see the God-God's children relationship even more. How thrilled God is to give us (his children) good things---I can now relate being a parent with a child the same.
Over the summer I've come across so many books I'd just love to read (Grace Based Parenting, something by Josh McDowell, loads more of the Bible, finish my Ravi Zacharias book)...where do parents find time?, I don't understand it. Yesterday Quinn and I were watching Caden and thinking how chaotic it would be to have another child. We threw out a few families who have more children than 1 and they seem to function so well, but we think maybe their kids aren't as busy as Caden??? ;)
Over the summer I've come across so many books I'd just love to read (Grace Based Parenting, something by Josh McDowell, loads more of the Bible, finish my Ravi Zacharias book)...where do parents find time?, I don't understand it. Yesterday Quinn and I were watching Caden and thinking how chaotic it would be to have another child. We threw out a few families who have more children than 1 and they seem to function so well, but we think maybe their kids aren't as busy as Caden??? ;)
As I commented on Tiffany's blog about prioritizing the day, I really do think that praying about it, asking God to please help us make wise decisions of our time, really helps me throughout the day.
Sometimes I think the lack of reading or finding time to read is my own issue, (like blogging), some of it is a time management issue/prioritizing, then other times, I would rather have a nap than read.
Sometimes I think the lack of reading or finding time to read is my own issue, (like blogging), some of it is a time management issue/prioritizing, then other times, I would rather have a nap than read.
(i wanted SOOOO bad to get a family pic for a Christmas card, how about this one?) oh boy
(my bad decision, i wanted the pic against that building and there was no spot the sun wasn't!)
So excited we found a suit (inexpensive!) for Caden, I love, love, love it.
My great Mommy moment on Friday was ironing Caden's first pair of dress pants!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ontario
The buds (Lyla's cousins)
Port Elgin, Lake Huron
Where's Waldo?? (Georgian Bay, Tobermory)
HEY! how did that get in here?? haha
(wonder who snapped that pic?!)
YUMMY! (yes Candice, after i saw you snacking on those in Ottawa, I had to get in line for one of these...funny tho, my Mom used to make these for us for a treat, altho we would just have them with syrup. I had mine with chocolate and banana, DELISH!)
Kincardine for fireworks, July 1, Lake Huron
This guy was classic!! ;)
Caden learning...
Breakfast by the falls
Caden did not want to get out of bed that morning, he would whine, then turn his body, sleep, whine some more, turn again, sleep, whine some more...lol
Fireworks at Niagara
Airplane Ride x2 for Caden 
Port Elgin, Lake Huron
Where's Waldo?? (Georgian Bay, Tobermory)
HEY! how did that get in here?? haha(wonder who snapped that pic?!)
YUMMY! (yes Candice, after i saw you snacking on those in Ottawa, I had to get in line for one of these...funny tho, my Mom used to make these for us for a treat, altho we would just have them with syrup. I had mine with chocolate and banana, DELISH!)
Kincardine for fireworks, July 1, Lake Huron
This guy was classic!! ;)
Caden learning...
Breakfast by the falls
Caden did not want to get out of bed that morning, he would whine, then turn his body, sleep, whine some more, turn again, sleep, whine some more...lol
Fireworks at Niagara
Airplane Ride x2 for Caden My favorite family pic of the trip...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Post-camping trip
We're back! and the weekends not over. I must say it was WONDERFUL to sleep clean and in a real bed.
We left the city around 7:30 friday evening, we were well prepared and packed it up, grabbed supper on the way out, Caden went to sleep when we hit the road. Big, grey clouds are above us most of the way and rain accompanies too. As we got closer to the park, the clouds were starting to disperse, the rain had stopped, yay!
We check-in, go to our campsite. There was no way I was stepping foot in that campsite, it had a minimum of one and a half inches of standing water. Quinn checked it out. We decided to find a dry-er campsite (very few tenters in the non-electrical sites, surprise, surprise!). We found one that was dryer and made the switch. I was in the only sandals I have, which have a cushy cloth base, stepping into the site, the ground was so saturated, the water swarmed your feet. Immediately apply Fragrance au Repellent. Hurry to set up tent while it is still light out.
Try not to get frustrated with tent set up and take it out on my husband. :)
Caden slept almost the entire time through set up which was very helpful. We finished tent set-up. On the way out to the park we realized we forgot flashlights. It was after 10 and we decided to go to the store and get one. The stores were closed. We decided to drive back up the highway to find a gas station, drove 20 minutes, it was closed too, go back to the site. Decided we would use the truck lights for light with the screen door open. (That means starting the truck every 20 minutes b/c it automatically turns off lights). We hauled in everything we needed to sleep with snacks and drinks. Caden was now awake, so we fed him and played a bit, he grew tired quick and wanted to go to bed. Us too. I so wanted to take a picture of Caden of his sleeping outfit, I didn't have my camera in the tent. He had socks on, his sleeper over the socks, a sweater over his sleeper, a touque and 4 blankets in his play pen, 2 under, 2 on top. (I think this is why he slept as well as he did). He went to bed around 1, got up at 5 to eat (which is normal), then I kept in our bed and he slept til after 7.
Back to bedtime, after we put Caden to bed, Quinn and I decide to have a drink (cooler/beer) and some snacks. Before we go to bed, Quinn decides he has to go to the bathroom, I didn't want to drink my entire cooler, because at 5am, I would really need to go to the b-room, no thanks. So, Quinn said he would finish my cooler on the way to the bathroom. I'm in the tent, the truck is running and I hear muffled male and female voices. I thought maybe our neighbours two sites over were talking loudly. It went on for 5 minutes or so and then I heard Quinn yell "Lyla, have a bit of a problem here." I was confused. I went to the tent door and he said the park police had seen him with his drink on the road = possession of alcohol on public property. oh boy. Me thinking "am i going to have to bail my husband out of jail?", apparently these same thoughts were running through Quinn's head.
I went out of the tent to hopefully get more info and be a positive influence on the officer's (2 women) decisions as to what to do about this. Turns out, they had been standing on the road by our site because we had come late into the park, so they thought initially that maybe we weren't even checked in. (You would think they would check the records before coming to visit our site.) The 2 officers had been standing on the road, when Quinn walked off our site. Quinn saw 2 shadows and asked Hello? Who are you? Well, they immediately shone their flashlight and stated "You are in possession of alcohol on public property." Well, Quinn, being very tired, and not thinking clearly (he only had one beer!!), decided to quickly drink it, so that he wouldn't be in "possession" of it anymore. (brilliant, I know!) Well, now the officers said "and now you've just consumed (disrespected) in front of an officer". It was SO innocent, Quinn had no intentions of purposefully drinking on public property or in front of them. The 2 violations would have come close to a $1,000 fine or a night in jail. When he left the tent I didn't even think anything either, it didn't cross my mind it was illegal! One comment they made "If you were in the city, would you take a drink onto the street or the sidewalk?". Ok, its a campground, we both didn't think of it that way. So, after 15 minutes of Quinn explaining and convincing them it was a honest mistake, they sensed he was a little stressed because it was late, no flashlight, honest mistake and they let it go. PHEW!!
Poor Quinn, he was so stressed that night, not really believing it was over, worrying they would come back or send him a fine later...nope, we were free, forgiven!
Needless to say, we thanked God for that in our bedtime prayer!
(Those park police are serious, aren't they Candice?? no foolin' around with them ;)
Ahhhh, so we settled in for a good night's sleep.
Saturday morning, the sun is shining, it's a new day! Caden's being cuter than ever in our bed, seemed slightly confused as to why the ceiling was so close to him, he liked the tent though, crawling around in it. Feeling kinda dirty from the night before, we hit the showers. Bought some firewood and made breakfast. The site was slightly dryer than the night before, still pretty squishy, but we were used to it at that point. We had our jogging stroller which performed superbly in those conditions. Caden stayed clean. We had a dryer spot where our picnic table was, which was so nice. Quinn's parents came around noon to hang out. We checked out the beach, water still a few degrees too cold. Played at the park (saw some Dads there having a beer while their kids played, hopefully they didn't get caught ;)....SEE, it's so innocent!
Played Canasta with Quinn's parents while Caden had a nap. Sat in the sun. Made supper, ate supper. Around this time was when Quinn proposed we go home that night (brilliant)! We would have lots of laundry to do, I knew the house needed to be vacuumed, bathroom cleaned, ironing done. To be better prepared for Monday and my babysitting duties, would be very wise. Also considering we have to pack this Friday evening for our trip to Toronto. And we have 2 evening dates with friends this week and we need to do some shopping in the evenings too. It was a very wise decision and Quinn's parents were there to watch Caden and help us pack up. If it weren't for all the events of this coming week, we definitely could have handled another night.
This was definitely an experiment to see how camping would go with Caden, he loves being outside, watching birds, squirrels, anything really, its a lot to take in. Imagine how much fun he'll have being able to crawl around out there.
So while we caught up on some rest last night, we'll enjoy Father's Day and get a few things done :)
We left the city around 7:30 friday evening, we were well prepared and packed it up, grabbed supper on the way out, Caden went to sleep when we hit the road. Big, grey clouds are above us most of the way and rain accompanies too. As we got closer to the park, the clouds were starting to disperse, the rain had stopped, yay!
We check-in, go to our campsite. There was no way I was stepping foot in that campsite, it had a minimum of one and a half inches of standing water. Quinn checked it out. We decided to find a dry-er campsite (very few tenters in the non-electrical sites, surprise, surprise!). We found one that was dryer and made the switch. I was in the only sandals I have, which have a cushy cloth base, stepping into the site, the ground was so saturated, the water swarmed your feet. Immediately apply Fragrance au Repellent. Hurry to set up tent while it is still light out.
Try not to get frustrated with tent set up and take it out on my husband. :)
Caden slept almost the entire time through set up which was very helpful. We finished tent set-up. On the way out to the park we realized we forgot flashlights. It was after 10 and we decided to go to the store and get one. The stores were closed. We decided to drive back up the highway to find a gas station, drove 20 minutes, it was closed too, go back to the site. Decided we would use the truck lights for light with the screen door open. (That means starting the truck every 20 minutes b/c it automatically turns off lights). We hauled in everything we needed to sleep with snacks and drinks. Caden was now awake, so we fed him and played a bit, he grew tired quick and wanted to go to bed. Us too. I so wanted to take a picture of Caden of his sleeping outfit, I didn't have my camera in the tent. He had socks on, his sleeper over the socks, a sweater over his sleeper, a touque and 4 blankets in his play pen, 2 under, 2 on top. (I think this is why he slept as well as he did). He went to bed around 1, got up at 5 to eat (which is normal), then I kept in our bed and he slept til after 7.
Back to bedtime, after we put Caden to bed, Quinn and I decide to have a drink (cooler/beer) and some snacks. Before we go to bed, Quinn decides he has to go to the bathroom, I didn't want to drink my entire cooler, because at 5am, I would really need to go to the b-room, no thanks. So, Quinn said he would finish my cooler on the way to the bathroom. I'm in the tent, the truck is running and I hear muffled male and female voices. I thought maybe our neighbours two sites over were talking loudly. It went on for 5 minutes or so and then I heard Quinn yell "Lyla, have a bit of a problem here." I was confused. I went to the tent door and he said the park police had seen him with his drink on the road = possession of alcohol on public property. oh boy. Me thinking "am i going to have to bail my husband out of jail?", apparently these same thoughts were running through Quinn's head.
I went out of the tent to hopefully get more info and be a positive influence on the officer's (2 women) decisions as to what to do about this. Turns out, they had been standing on the road by our site because we had come late into the park, so they thought initially that maybe we weren't even checked in. (You would think they would check the records before coming to visit our site.) The 2 officers had been standing on the road, when Quinn walked off our site. Quinn saw 2 shadows and asked Hello? Who are you? Well, they immediately shone their flashlight and stated "You are in possession of alcohol on public property." Well, Quinn, being very tired, and not thinking clearly (he only had one beer!!), decided to quickly drink it, so that he wouldn't be in "possession" of it anymore. (brilliant, I know!) Well, now the officers said "and now you've just consumed (disrespected) in front of an officer". It was SO innocent, Quinn had no intentions of purposefully drinking on public property or in front of them. The 2 violations would have come close to a $1,000 fine or a night in jail. When he left the tent I didn't even think anything either, it didn't cross my mind it was illegal! One comment they made "If you were in the city, would you take a drink onto the street or the sidewalk?". Ok, its a campground, we both didn't think of it that way. So, after 15 minutes of Quinn explaining and convincing them it was a honest mistake, they sensed he was a little stressed because it was late, no flashlight, honest mistake and they let it go. PHEW!!
Poor Quinn, he was so stressed that night, not really believing it was over, worrying they would come back or send him a fine later...nope, we were free, forgiven!
Needless to say, we thanked God for that in our bedtime prayer!
(Those park police are serious, aren't they Candice?? no foolin' around with them ;)
Ahhhh, so we settled in for a good night's sleep.
Saturday morning, the sun is shining, it's a new day! Caden's being cuter than ever in our bed, seemed slightly confused as to why the ceiling was so close to him, he liked the tent though, crawling around in it. Feeling kinda dirty from the night before, we hit the showers. Bought some firewood and made breakfast. The site was slightly dryer than the night before, still pretty squishy, but we were used to it at that point. We had our jogging stroller which performed superbly in those conditions. Caden stayed clean. We had a dryer spot where our picnic table was, which was so nice. Quinn's parents came around noon to hang out. We checked out the beach, water still a few degrees too cold. Played at the park (saw some Dads there having a beer while their kids played, hopefully they didn't get caught ;)....SEE, it's so innocent!
Played Canasta with Quinn's parents while Caden had a nap. Sat in the sun. Made supper, ate supper. Around this time was when Quinn proposed we go home that night (brilliant)! We would have lots of laundry to do, I knew the house needed to be vacuumed, bathroom cleaned, ironing done. To be better prepared for Monday and my babysitting duties, would be very wise. Also considering we have to pack this Friday evening for our trip to Toronto. And we have 2 evening dates with friends this week and we need to do some shopping in the evenings too. It was a very wise decision and Quinn's parents were there to watch Caden and help us pack up. If it weren't for all the events of this coming week, we definitely could have handled another night.
This was definitely an experiment to see how camping would go with Caden, he loves being outside, watching birds, squirrels, anything really, its a lot to take in. Imagine how much fun he'll have being able to crawl around out there.
So while we caught up on some rest last night, we'll enjoy Father's Day and get a few things done :)
Friday, June 18, 2010
P & P for R & R
plan and prepare for rest and rejuvenation!
Camping - yes we are going, this rain is going to clear out by tonight and off we go. We're quite excited for it, first time for Caden, first time for us parents with Caden :). Sleep? on a good night he sleeps until 5am, maybe nature and wilderness will set his clock right ;)
Celebrating first Father's Day, what better way than camping with your Dad, Caden's a very blessed boy. Quinn, along with the deep love you have for us, you are an uncomprimising Father! Love you!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Love, me
You know, in the movies, those completely unrealistic sappy movies, a loved one dies and then the living go about going through their personal items and cherishing all the notes, letters. Maybe it's more realistic than I know...I've never gone through someone really close to me passing (oh boy, this is starting to sound really morbid)...
Moving on to happy thoughts...Quinn and I have had all our cards to each other (from dating and marriage) sitting on our night stands since we were married (1 and 3/4 yrs ago), I like reading them from time to time...(insert big romantic sigh here)...
I've been thinking lately, we can't keep piling them onto our night stands, so I've wanted to get those little memory/photo boxes (just like you always see in the movies) to put our cards/pictures/notes into.
Finally, last night we were out shopping, I came across them and told Quinn about my idea and that I wanted 2 boxes, one from me to him and vice versa. This way, if one of us dies, we'd have all these memories (insert Quinn's eyeroll here) (I'm laughing as I write this, it was so funny in the store). Quinn says, "Yes, cause that's what I want, my wife dies, but at least I have a box of cards!! - extreme sarcasm! Followed by later at home "I think the life insurance we got is a little more important, I'd like to be able to quit my job and take some time off." He's so funny all the time (I wish I could bottle the humour too, haha).
I thought it was really funny and I did buy those boxes, maybe guys (or just my guy :) don't think about these things, but he'll appreciate that box if/when the time comes! (I already said I'm going first!)
Do you keep romantic memories? or did I just fall off the crazy truck? :)
Moving on to happy thoughts...Quinn and I have had all our cards to each other (from dating and marriage) sitting on our night stands since we were married (1 and 3/4 yrs ago), I like reading them from time to time...(insert big romantic sigh here)...
I've been thinking lately, we can't keep piling them onto our night stands, so I've wanted to get those little memory/photo boxes (just like you always see in the movies) to put our cards/pictures/notes into.
Finally, last night we were out shopping, I came across them and told Quinn about my idea and that I wanted 2 boxes, one from me to him and vice versa. This way, if one of us dies, we'd have all these memories (insert Quinn's eyeroll here) (I'm laughing as I write this, it was so funny in the store). Quinn says, "Yes, cause that's what I want, my wife dies, but at least I have a box of cards!! - extreme sarcasm! Followed by later at home "I think the life insurance we got is a little more important, I'd like to be able to quit my job and take some time off." He's so funny all the time (I wish I could bottle the humour too, haha).
I thought it was really funny and I did buy those boxes, maybe guys (or just my guy :) don't think about these things, but he'll appreciate that box if/when the time comes! (I already said I'm going first!)
Do you keep romantic memories? or did I just fall off the crazy truck? :)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Brain foods
I'm in no way an expert...these are just my thoughts and observations right now...
I sometimes reference Dr. Sears (pedetrician) website...I thought this was a great bit of info from him on "brain foods", helpful to me when deciding what the family eats.
I've been thinking about discipline and children lately, last week I had a conversation with my sister about it, I said then, "I think there is a huge connection with how kids behave and what goes in them, particularly processed sugars, discipline might be a little easier if Junior is not hopped up on sugar"...Dr. Sears confirmed:
"PURE MOMS
Over my thirty years in pediatric practice, I have noticed a striking connection between how children are fed and how healthy they are. Mothers who consistently don't allow any unhealthy food to pollute the minds and bodies of their children seem to have healthier children. I have noticed that these children are sick less often, and when they do come for periodic checkups they seem more settled and better behaved. These "pure children" seem to get tagged with fewer labels, such as "ADD" or "learning disabilities." Even when these children do warrant such tags, they seem to cope better with behavioral and learning differences, and they seem less severe. These moms have made a believer out of me. I truly believe that there is a connection between how kids are fed and how they act and learn. "
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T040400.asp#T040402
I sometimes reference Dr. Sears (pedetrician) website...I thought this was a great bit of info from him on "brain foods", helpful to me when deciding what the family eats.
I've been thinking about discipline and children lately, last week I had a conversation with my sister about it, I said then, "I think there is a huge connection with how kids behave and what goes in them, particularly processed sugars, discipline might be a little easier if Junior is not hopped up on sugar"...Dr. Sears confirmed:
"PURE MOMS
Over my thirty years in pediatric practice, I have noticed a striking connection between how children are fed and how healthy they are. Mothers who consistently don't allow any unhealthy food to pollute the minds and bodies of their children seem to have healthier children. I have noticed that these children are sick less often, and when they do come for periodic checkups they seem more settled and better behaved. These "pure children" seem to get tagged with fewer labels, such as "ADD" or "learning disabilities." Even when these children do warrant such tags, they seem to cope better with behavioral and learning differences, and they seem less severe. These moms have made a believer out of me. I truly believe that there is a connection between how kids are fed and how they act and learn. "
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T040400.asp#T040402
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 6
(Caution: post not for weak stomachs)
The flu has invaded our space and taken us captive, but we haven't stopped fighting it, it's going to get kicked to the curb very, very soon.
Caden was first to get it, it's been an eventful week with him. He's been in very good spirits throughout it, I must say. I've made 2 calls in the last week to HealthLinks, he has a nice little file with them :). Caden had a little fever for Thursday morning. The nurses are great there, they lovingly told me, that when babies have viral "flu", diarrhea can last 5 to 14 days, yes, I did not give you a typo with those numbers. So, here we are on Day 6. Like I said, he does well through it, considering he's had probably 100 diaper changes in 7 days (the frequent BM's started 7 days ago). Grandma B has been here a bit on diaper duty as well, which was an even greater relief when I got the flu. Changing very smelly diapers when you are nauseous is not much fun either. (gulp)
I think I am nearly over it, still a little stomach upset, Quinn is over it now - he was second to get it. Caden is almost there except for the BM's...oh Lord, please!!!
I wish I knew how much Caden weighed before flu and after, I think he has lost a bit of weight. We've been trying to stick to the BRAT concept, Bananas, Rice cereal, Applesauce, Toast - supposedly good for diarrhea infants. I tried to give him Whole milk plain yogourt yesterday, it didn't go over well, it came up. At least he's still BFeeding really well.
appreciate your prayers throughout the week friends.
Today we are off to celebrate Mom Zach's 50th Birthday!! YAY!
(praying for you Sonya, I know you're in a little more tiring situation than we have here :)
The flu has invaded our space and taken us captive, but we haven't stopped fighting it, it's going to get kicked to the curb very, very soon.
Caden was first to get it, it's been an eventful week with him. He's been in very good spirits throughout it, I must say. I've made 2 calls in the last week to HealthLinks, he has a nice little file with them :). Caden had a little fever for Thursday morning. The nurses are great there, they lovingly told me, that when babies have viral "flu", diarrhea can last 5 to 14 days, yes, I did not give you a typo with those numbers. So, here we are on Day 6. Like I said, he does well through it, considering he's had probably 100 diaper changes in 7 days (the frequent BM's started 7 days ago). Grandma B has been here a bit on diaper duty as well, which was an even greater relief when I got the flu. Changing very smelly diapers when you are nauseous is not much fun either. (gulp)
I think I am nearly over it, still a little stomach upset, Quinn is over it now - he was second to get it. Caden is almost there except for the BM's...oh Lord, please!!!
I wish I knew how much Caden weighed before flu and after, I think he has lost a bit of weight. We've been trying to stick to the BRAT concept, Bananas, Rice cereal, Applesauce, Toast - supposedly good for diarrhea infants. I tried to give him Whole milk plain yogourt yesterday, it didn't go over well, it came up. At least he's still BFeeding really well.
appreciate your prayers throughout the week friends.
Today we are off to celebrate Mom Zach's 50th Birthday!! YAY!
(praying for you Sonya, I know you're in a little more tiring situation than we have here :)
Friday, May 28, 2010
By way of Baptism
Able to attend my (uncle) Gerald's baptism: pure awesomeness!!
Mark 16:16: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved
Really thankful we were able to go, Congratulations again Gerald! :)
Mark 16:16: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved
Really thankful we were able to go, Congratulations again Gerald! :)
And again, Caden traveled fairly well, nice 3 hour+ naps, then Quinn or would jump back and entertain him during awake periods, then some solid jumping around on the off-road break.
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