Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday Verse
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:28-30
Friday, September 26, 2008
Here's to Motherhood!
Today has been one of THOSE days. One where I was up in the wee hours of the morning balling my eyes out because my little one's teething and could not be soothed for anything. It has been one of those days where the demands of a four-year-old are constant and the obedience virtue blew out the window somewhere in the night. Basically I'd "had it" when it was only 9 am. It's been one of those days where I couldn't find a single pacifier even though I just loaded up on them a week ago. Ahhh, yes. And let's not forget that the swing ran out of batteries, the vomit during the WORST dirty diaper ever, and the rocks thrown at my window. Who's up for yoga?
Anyway, there have also been many wonderful things that I would rather focus on. For example, my sister and I got to use Skype so I could see and talk to her while she is in North Carolina. I REALLY needed that. There's nothing like a girl friend to talk to even if it's over the computer:) And my sweet man stopped by unexpectedly with batteries for the swing, a grande vanilla latte to recharge me, and kisses to let me know that he loves me!
So for all those women without kids who like to judge women with kids, go ahead and lecture me on all the mistakes I am making. However, don't expect me to stay awake during the lecture. I'm way too tired!
Anyway, there have also been many wonderful things that I would rather focus on. For example, my sister and I got to use Skype so I could see and talk to her while she is in North Carolina. I REALLY needed that. There's nothing like a girl friend to talk to even if it's over the computer:) And my sweet man stopped by unexpectedly with batteries for the swing, a grande vanilla latte to recharge me, and kisses to let me know that he loves me!
So for all those women without kids who like to judge women with kids, go ahead and lecture me on all the mistakes I am making. However, don't expect me to stay awake during the lecture. I'm way too tired!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Andie
Heidi's four-legged family members are staying with us while she and the kiddos are in North Carolina. Andie's made herself right at home. She thinks she's human and "tells" me when the food bowl is empty and she comes running and stares at me and whines when Ike's doing something naughty. She's a very good nanny.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
LesteLoo
I have a dear friend whom I admire so many things about. Yet the one thing that sticks out the most is her honesty. She'll state point blank what she's working on about herself and what she is praying to become. I love this side of her because it makes her real and vulnerable. Honesty between friends is rare and should be greatly cherished.
It's so important to have friends who you can open up to, friends who will sharpen you, and friends who won't judge you. They really are rare. After all, we are all human and we have many faults (or is it just me?). If you can't open up about your faults to your friends and find understanding are they really true friends? If you can't open up about your sins and find forgiveness, are they really true friends? There is so much judgement, critisism, and backstabbing in the world -- a true friend should be a safe place to land. When you are wrong, they should tell you. When you rejoice, they should rejoice with you. When you weep, they should weep with you (biblically speaking that is). And when you ask forgiveness, they should forgive you. Of course all these things should go both ways.
To state the obvious, none of us are perfect and none of us will make "perfect" friends. We no doubt will need loads of forgiveness, correction, and understanding. Thankfully for me, my friends can pour on the forgiveness, not hold back in the correcting, and give me extra helpings of understanding. And lucky for me, they aren't perfect either . . . but quite close:)
So thank you, my dear little red-headed friend. You inspire me to be better everyday. And I do terribly miss having you in town. And thank you my dear, true friends for being so wonderful. I do love you guys so much! *sigh*
It's so important to have friends who you can open up to, friends who will sharpen you, and friends who won't judge you. They really are rare. After all, we are all human and we have many faults (or is it just me?). If you can't open up about your faults to your friends and find understanding are they really true friends? If you can't open up about your sins and find forgiveness, are they really true friends? There is so much judgement, critisism, and backstabbing in the world -- a true friend should be a safe place to land. When you are wrong, they should tell you. When you rejoice, they should rejoice with you. When you weep, they should weep with you (biblically speaking that is). And when you ask forgiveness, they should forgive you. Of course all these things should go both ways.
To state the obvious, none of us are perfect and none of us will make "perfect" friends. We no doubt will need loads of forgiveness, correction, and understanding. Thankfully for me, my friends can pour on the forgiveness, not hold back in the correcting, and give me extra helpings of understanding. And lucky for me, they aren't perfect either . . . but quite close:)
So thank you, my dear little red-headed friend. You inspire me to be better everyday. And I do terribly miss having you in town. And thank you my dear, true friends for being so wonderful. I do love you guys so much! *sigh*
Mr. Incredible
Somehow the wheels fell off of Ike's tricycle . . . He came running in to show me that he has muscles. How inventive:)Friday, September 19, 2008
Gut Giggles
Heidi found a super recipe online today for "Krispy Kreme Doughnuts" (thanks to someone's amazing blog). We made them and they were indeed scrumptious. Maybe I'll post the recipe sometime or find out if her blog is open so I can post a link. Anyway, here's a clip of Heidi's dogs enjoying some doughnuts and Kate loving to watch them. I love those belly laughs!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
She knows what she wants . . . Enough said
You'll have to forgive us for laughing, but it was just so funny. All the fuss over a cracker! Whew!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Rotavirus
I should be getting the house ready for my dear sister's arrival tomorrow afternoon, but I got a little sidetracked. So I thought I'd write a little bit about the "research" I've been doing. Hey! A housewife has nothing but time right? For her children? Always!
I went to the lovely department of heath and human services and printed off a nice chart of when my little one should receive all of her vaccinations. There are quite a few so it's nice that they make handy little charts for you. SO thoughtful.
I also found this nifty site (http://www.vaccinationnews.com/) that has a list of vaccinations, the ingredients in the vaccination, and who makes the vaccination so you can go to the manufacturer's site.
I decided to check out the Rotavirus and it so happens that Merck & Co. make the vaccine for Rotavirus and they've named it "Rota Teq." Isn't that a cute name? Anyway, at the manufacturer's site you can find a brochure they really like you to read through to make sure your child is able to receive the vaccine and they also give you information about the vaccine. It's only two and a half pages so I'm sure most of us read through it when our docs hands us the brochure. Mom's are protective, loving, and want nothing more than to be informed.
At the end of the brochure they have a list of ingredients. Common ingredients really. I mean who DOESN'T know what sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, sodium hydroxide, polysorbate 80, and fetal bovine serum are? Okay, truth: I had no clue. So I had to pull up the amazing http://www.google.com/ and do a little research.
Google led me to Wikipedia and here is what good ole' Wikepedia enlightened me with (does anyone know about the accuracy of this site?):
Sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate --- GMO. CAUTION: May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. (Let me inform you if you don't know already that Rota Teq is an ORAL vaccination. Babies just have to swallow and it doesn't involve any poking!)
Sodium hydroxide --- Informative Wikipedia says that sodium hydroxide is another name for lye. Click on the link for lye and you'll find this statement "May be harmful or fatal if swallowed." Uh oh! Oh, yeah it also mentions to "avoid all contact with organic tissue (including human skin, eyes, and MOUTH). Do you have any idea just how annoying I am to the doc yet? I just want to know! Oh, yes, it also mentions this odd fact: "avoid all contact with aluminum." I don't see this being a problem except for the fact that my nifty vaccination chart tells me that this vaccine needs to be given at the same time as the DTaP at ages 2 months, 4 months and 6 months and it contains aluminum. I sure would like to know why the two shouldn't be combined! DOC?
Polysorbate 80 --- a stabilizer and lubricant. Hmmm. That doesn't sound so bad. Anyone else know about this? I sure would like to know if there is anything more to this ingredient.
Fetal bovine serum --- serum taken from the fetuses of cattle. Yum! Just what I want in my kid's mouth. What in the world????
I know what you are thinking (If you've even read this far in my post:), "No wonder it takes forever to get into see the doc. This girl takes ALL of his time." Yes, you are right! I take a lot of his time. I should pay double.
I am going to ask for my vaccination brochures way ahead of the time necessary for the vaccination. I don't have a laptop and Google while at the doc's office.
I went to the lovely department of heath and human services and printed off a nice chart of when my little one should receive all of her vaccinations. There are quite a few so it's nice that they make handy little charts for you. SO thoughtful.
I also found this nifty site (http://www.vaccinationnews.com/) that has a list of vaccinations, the ingredients in the vaccination, and who makes the vaccination so you can go to the manufacturer's site.
I decided to check out the Rotavirus and it so happens that Merck & Co. make the vaccine for Rotavirus and they've named it "Rota Teq." Isn't that a cute name? Anyway, at the manufacturer's site you can find a brochure they really like you to read through to make sure your child is able to receive the vaccine and they also give you information about the vaccine. It's only two and a half pages so I'm sure most of us read through it when our docs hands us the brochure. Mom's are protective, loving, and want nothing more than to be informed.
At the end of the brochure they have a list of ingredients. Common ingredients really. I mean who DOESN'T know what sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, sodium hydroxide, polysorbate 80, and fetal bovine serum are? Okay, truth: I had no clue. So I had to pull up the amazing http://www.google.com/ and do a little research.
Google led me to Wikipedia and here is what good ole' Wikepedia enlightened me with (does anyone know about the accuracy of this site?):
Sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate --- GMO. CAUTION: May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. (Let me inform you if you don't know already that Rota Teq is an ORAL vaccination. Babies just have to swallow and it doesn't involve any poking!)
Sodium hydroxide --- Informative Wikipedia says that sodium hydroxide is another name for lye. Click on the link for lye and you'll find this statement "May be harmful or fatal if swallowed." Uh oh! Oh, yeah it also mentions to "avoid all contact with organic tissue (including human skin, eyes, and MOUTH). Do you have any idea just how annoying I am to the doc yet? I just want to know! Oh, yes, it also mentions this odd fact: "avoid all contact with aluminum." I don't see this being a problem except for the fact that my nifty vaccination chart tells me that this vaccine needs to be given at the same time as the DTaP at ages 2 months, 4 months and 6 months and it contains aluminum. I sure would like to know why the two shouldn't be combined! DOC?
Polysorbate 80 --- a stabilizer and lubricant. Hmmm. That doesn't sound so bad. Anyone else know about this? I sure would like to know if there is anything more to this ingredient.
Fetal bovine serum --- serum taken from the fetuses of cattle. Yum! Just what I want in my kid's mouth. What in the world????
I know what you are thinking (If you've even read this far in my post:), "No wonder it takes forever to get into see the doc. This girl takes ALL of his time." Yes, you are right! I take a lot of his time. I should pay double.
I am going to ask for my vaccination brochures way ahead of the time necessary for the vaccination. I don't have a laptop and Google while at the doc's office.
Monday, September 8, 2008
School Days
Kailey stopped by today and did school with Ike.
Kate sits for school too. Doesn't she look thrilled???Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bedtime Stories with Uncle Scott
Scott and Jordi came over for a little visit last night. Scott did story time and Jordi and I got to visit. I have a feeling that Ike may ask for Scott to read stories again tonight -- he reads WAY more bedtime stories than I do!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
CHARLES!
Imagine a plump woman with big, judgemental eyes that look over large glasses. When she leans her head down to see over her glasses, a large double chin appears. She has long neglected her physical appearance and instead spends her time perfecting the art of being loud and bossy.
The woman I've described is one that I will never forget and yet I don't and probably won't ever know her name. However, I will never forget her son's name -- Charles.
Charles figure skated at the ice rink with my sister Heidi. I can't really tell you a lot about Charles other than his name was screamed by his hissy mother approximately every five minutes. Charles was probably twelve, I'd say, and had already learned to turn a deaf ear to her calls of anger. She'd huff down from her seat and yell more at the edge of the rink. "Charles! Charles!" her face would distort itself as she called the boy. She expected perfection from her son and he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction. He'd skate to the opposite end of the rink and continue goofing off. To most of us in our seats it seemed as if mommy dearest was trying to live her dreams through her son. It's just speculation mind you, but it was quite clear to everyone around that Charles was indeed not a figure skater and had no desire to be one either.
So thank you Mrs. Charles' Mom. Thank you for being a good example of what NOT to be!
(Now that Heidi and I are mommies we call each other and share silly experiences concerning competetive moms. All the other one has to say is "Charles" just the right way and we have a vivid picture of what these moms are like . . . And of course we have a good laugh!)
The woman I've described is one that I will never forget and yet I don't and probably won't ever know her name. However, I will never forget her son's name -- Charles.
Charles figure skated at the ice rink with my sister Heidi. I can't really tell you a lot about Charles other than his name was screamed by his hissy mother approximately every five minutes. Charles was probably twelve, I'd say, and had already learned to turn a deaf ear to her calls of anger. She'd huff down from her seat and yell more at the edge of the rink. "Charles! Charles!" her face would distort itself as she called the boy. She expected perfection from her son and he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction. He'd skate to the opposite end of the rink and continue goofing off. To most of us in our seats it seemed as if mommy dearest was trying to live her dreams through her son. It's just speculation mind you, but it was quite clear to everyone around that Charles was indeed not a figure skater and had no desire to be one either.
So thank you Mrs. Charles' Mom. Thank you for being a good example of what NOT to be!
(Now that Heidi and I are mommies we call each other and share silly experiences concerning competetive moms. All the other one has to say is "Charles" just the right way and we have a vivid picture of what these moms are like . . . And of course we have a good laugh!)
Friday, September 5, 2008
A Note to Myself
I am of the opinion that God gives us children to let us feel just a small fraction of the immense amount of love he has for us. Think about it. There is no purer form of earthly love than the love we parents have for our little ones. If we feel THAT much love for the ones we assist God in making, think about just how much love God has for us!
The fact that we even get to have children is something that should make us humbled and incredibly thankful. To be blessed in this way is something we should not and cannot take lightly. I like to think of our children as gifts --the kind of gifts we should be investing in. They need our time, our help, our guidance, our understanding, and our unconditional love. Having children is no light matter. When given to us, God expects us to take care of these gifts he gives us. It can be viewed as a daunting task or a delightful joy.
I have to admit sometimes the task of raising these little lives is overwhelming and I don't always feel like I am doing the very best I can. However, God doesn't expect for us to raise them ourselves -- he'll be there for us. In fact, I've noticed since becoming a mother, I pray ten times more (at least) than I ever have before! So don't be too hard on yourself. Take parenting one day at a time. Breathe deeply. And enjoy! Those little miracles are the most amazing people you'll ever know! I am so thankful that God gives us little ones to help us understand just how much love he has for us.
The fact that we even get to have children is something that should make us humbled and incredibly thankful. To be blessed in this way is something we should not and cannot take lightly. I like to think of our children as gifts --the kind of gifts we should be investing in. They need our time, our help, our guidance, our understanding, and our unconditional love. Having children is no light matter. When given to us, God expects us to take care of these gifts he gives us. It can be viewed as a daunting task or a delightful joy.
I have to admit sometimes the task of raising these little lives is overwhelming and I don't always feel like I am doing the very best I can. However, God doesn't expect for us to raise them ourselves -- he'll be there for us. In fact, I've noticed since becoming a mother, I pray ten times more (at least) than I ever have before! So don't be too hard on yourself. Take parenting one day at a time. Breathe deeply. And enjoy! Those little miracles are the most amazing people you'll ever know! I am so thankful that God gives us little ones to help us understand just how much love he has for us.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Little Moments
I haven't been too sure about how Ike's been taking to this new school program. This evening (after school has been over with for a while) Ike sat down at his desk, folded his hands and announced, "I want to watch Mrs. Wasser!" With the gleam in his eyes, you would think she was a very popular television show.
The video teacher asked the students what God made on the fourth day. Ike who looked like he wasn't paying much attention exclaimed, "Birthdays!"
This morning Wyatt brought Ike a new scooter for his birthday. It sure did make a fun toy. After each class today, Ike and Wyatt ran outside to ride scooters and sing the song they learned in class. "Good morning boys and girls . . ." they sang over and over again to the tune of "Farmer in the Dell."
The video teacher asked the students what God made on the fourth day. Ike who looked like he wasn't paying much attention exclaimed, "Birthdays!"
This morning Wyatt brought Ike a new scooter for his birthday. It sure did make a fun toy. After each class today, Ike and Wyatt ran outside to ride scooters and sing the song they learned in class. "Good morning boys and girls . . ." they sang over and over again to the tune of "Farmer in the Dell."
Precious Moment
Today is our first day of school with Wyatt (it's recess time right now). At the end of Bible class their video teacher (Mrs. Wasser) prays. I just couldn't help but take this picture; it's totally made my day! How sweet is this little guy!?Monday, September 1, 2008
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