Monday, March 26, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Just a typical night at our house....
Ellie was already in bed.
I was rocking Audrey.
Scott was tucking in the boys. After he had read a book and a Bible story, he turned off the lights, and they were praying together.
Scott prayed first, I am sure (that is how it typically goes when I join them, too).
Then, Aaron was praying.
And while Aaron was praying, Scott may or may not have started sleeping.... and snoring.
And he may or may not have totally been called out by an adorable 5 year old.
I love these moments.... and I want to remember these moments that make me giggle.
I was rocking Audrey.
Scott was tucking in the boys. After he had read a book and a Bible story, he turned off the lights, and they were praying together.
Scott prayed first, I am sure (that is how it typically goes when I join them, too).
Then, Aaron was praying.
And while Aaron was praying, Scott may or may not have started sleeping.... and snoring.
And he may or may not have totally been called out by an adorable 5 year old.
I love these moments.... and I want to remember these moments that make me giggle.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Just some sentences....
So, truth be told, this blog is as much for me as it is for you. Okay, really.... it's probably more for me. I started blogging in October of 2006 as a way to capture a glimpse of our life as a family, and when I started, it was more so that I could look back when I am old and gray and REMEMBER than for anything else. I am blessed that I have some new friends because of blogging.... and am blessed that all of those little red dots on my map on the sidebar represent someone who has decided to join me for a little glimpse at "Our Little Scrapbook", too (I have enjoyed your comments over the past 5 1/2 years!)
It sounds like I am getting ready to break up with my blog. I.AM.NOT.
However, I do want to occasionally just write some things that are REALLY as much for me as they are for you. Things that I want to remember and, quite frankly, WON'T if I don't write them down. So, you might ask.... why not just pull out a spiral notebook and write them there? Because, friends.... if my house burns down, my spiral notebook will burn down with it. My.blog.will.not.
So.... I now present.... "just some sentences".... feel free to read along if you'd like.... or just skip this one and move to the next item on your Google Reader!
___
Tonight, Scott is gone at a late night meeting. He was here to help with some baths and then, had to take off. Tonight, I tucked in FOUR freshly bathed children. Ellie was first.... I loved reading "E-I-E-I-O" and "Special" to her.... singing "Twinkle-twinkle", "Sunshine", and "Jesus" to her.
Next came the boys. I loved laying with each of them for just a minute since Audrey was still awake downstairs in the saucer, watching "Baby Praise." Reading a quick Bible story. Gazing up at Isaac's tent that he put on top of his bed (it is still crazy to me that he sleeps in his bed, IN a tent!) Then, moving to tuck in Aaron. I love that my big strong boy still begs for me to rub his back and his head at night.
Then, onto the night owl. Last night, Audrey was up until 12:15. Tonight, I am hoping that she is down for the night at 10:30. I nursed and then topped her off with a few ounces of a bottle. She snuggled in with her silkie blanket and fell asleep. I am convinced that she is a night owl just so she gets time alone with Scott and me.
As I was rocking her, I thought, "I just want to soak up every moment." And I felt God whisper, yet with a little force say, "YOU.ARE." Those were words of life for me tonight... reminding me that I'm doing the best I can. And I am NOT missing it.... I often feel like I am because it is all going so fast.
___
Speaking of going so fast, I just switched and signed Isaac up for full-day kindergarten next year. Originally, we were signed up for 1/2 day but switched. Sniff. Sniff. But we do believe that it is the right decision after talking with one of his preschool teachers and with each other (and he is excited to eat lunch at the school!)
___
Last week as we were driving in the van, out of the blue, Aaron said, "When I grow up, I am going to find the cure for cancer."
He then proceeded to tell me that if he worked really hard and put all kinds of different combinations of medicines together, he is pretty sure that he CAN do it.
I love that kid. And honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he did. We pray every day that God will make our kids world changers. If he chooses to use Aaron to find a cure for cancer, SO.BE.IT. I love his heart....
___
I loved taking Ellie for her first haircut last night. It was fun to hear her telling everyone that she got a "princess haircut." Before I had a little girl, I was convinced that I would never talk about princesses, and I was wrong.
___
It sounds like I am getting ready to break up with my blog. I.AM.NOT.
However, I do want to occasionally just write some things that are REALLY as much for me as they are for you. Things that I want to remember and, quite frankly, WON'T if I don't write them down. So, you might ask.... why not just pull out a spiral notebook and write them there? Because, friends.... if my house burns down, my spiral notebook will burn down with it. My.blog.will.not.
So.... I now present.... "just some sentences".... feel free to read along if you'd like.... or just skip this one and move to the next item on your Google Reader!
___
Tonight, Scott is gone at a late night meeting. He was here to help with some baths and then, had to take off. Tonight, I tucked in FOUR freshly bathed children. Ellie was first.... I loved reading "E-I-E-I-O" and "Special" to her.... singing "Twinkle-twinkle", "Sunshine", and "Jesus" to her.
Next came the boys. I loved laying with each of them for just a minute since Audrey was still awake downstairs in the saucer, watching "Baby Praise." Reading a quick Bible story. Gazing up at Isaac's tent that he put on top of his bed (it is still crazy to me that he sleeps in his bed, IN a tent!) Then, moving to tuck in Aaron. I love that my big strong boy still begs for me to rub his back and his head at night.
Then, onto the night owl. Last night, Audrey was up until 12:15. Tonight, I am hoping that she is down for the night at 10:30. I nursed and then topped her off with a few ounces of a bottle. She snuggled in with her silkie blanket and fell asleep. I am convinced that she is a night owl just so she gets time alone with Scott and me.
As I was rocking her, I thought, "I just want to soak up every moment." And I felt God whisper, yet with a little force say, "YOU.ARE." Those were words of life for me tonight... reminding me that I'm doing the best I can. And I am NOT missing it.... I often feel like I am because it is all going so fast.
___
Speaking of going so fast, I just switched and signed Isaac up for full-day kindergarten next year. Originally, we were signed up for 1/2 day but switched. Sniff. Sniff. But we do believe that it is the right decision after talking with one of his preschool teachers and with each other (and he is excited to eat lunch at the school!)
___
Last week as we were driving in the van, out of the blue, Aaron said, "When I grow up, I am going to find the cure for cancer."
He then proceeded to tell me that if he worked really hard and put all kinds of different combinations of medicines together, he is pretty sure that he CAN do it.
I love that kid. And honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he did. We pray every day that God will make our kids world changers. If he chooses to use Aaron to find a cure for cancer, SO.BE.IT. I love his heart....
___
I loved taking Ellie for her first haircut last night. It was fun to hear her telling everyone that she got a "princess haircut." Before I had a little girl, I was convinced that I would never talk about princesses, and I was wrong.
___
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Thankful Thursday....
Yep, it's been awhile since I've written a "Thankful Thursday" post.... BUT....
Today, I am thankful....
1) For my patient, forgiving, and loving husband who recognized that momma needs a break. I am going to get away as much as a nursing baby will allow over the next two days. I.AM.GRATEFUL.AND.I.AM.EXCITED.
2) For the joy of pictures and the wonder of iPhoto. I love looking back, reflecting, and even laughing at pictures of my kiddos and our family. It brings me so much joy.... that is why I love scrapbooking, too. I WILL get those books out again one of these days!
3) For Oley's pizza. I didn't cook tonight. HOORAH!
4) For a coupon for a free month's membership at the Y. We took the kiddos swimming again tonight; they loved it.
5) That God's mercies are new every morning. HIS grace is enough for me!
I love you. Have a great day!
Today, I am thankful....
1) For my patient, forgiving, and loving husband who recognized that momma needs a break. I am going to get away as much as a nursing baby will allow over the next two days. I.AM.GRATEFUL.AND.I.AM.EXCITED.
2) For the joy of pictures and the wonder of iPhoto. I love looking back, reflecting, and even laughing at pictures of my kiddos and our family. It brings me so much joy.... that is why I love scrapbooking, too. I WILL get those books out again one of these days!
I just ran across this gem again earlier in the week. It brought me so much joy to see these precious little faces during one of our family s'mores nights last summer. It's good to always remember that these kiddos MAKE ME LAUGH!
3) For Oley's pizza. I didn't cook tonight. HOORAH!
4) For a coupon for a free month's membership at the Y. We took the kiddos swimming again tonight; they loved it.
5) That God's mercies are new every morning. HIS grace is enough for me!
I love you. Have a great day!
Sunday, March 04, 2012
An empty nester...
I love my kids.
I love being a mom.
And those around me know that I am doing my very, very best to CHERISH these moments with my littles. I get very emotional thinking about how fast the time is flying by. I've been especially sentimental this week... and bawled last night as I watched Audrey's birth video from the hospital again. Seeing my "happy tears" (as we call them at our house). Seeing our three other babies welcoming a new baby. Yep, did I mention that I bawled?!!
Our littlest is crawling and on the move now, just 9 1/2 short months later. I can't believe it. We are only 2 1/2 months from the last 1 year birthday party. Sigh.
However, as much as I am trying to CHERISH the moments, there are definitely moments that I wish away. As I've mentioned before, Sunday mornings are hard around this house. I pray and I pray and I pray that THIS will be the Sunday morning that momma does NOT lose it for a moment. But alas, 10:23 always comes.
You know the moment.
The moment when my 5 year old simply cannot find his shoes ("THEY ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!")
My darling 2 year old decides that TODAY is the day to start caring about what she is wearing ("OH MY GOODNESS, IS THIS REALLY STARTING ALREADY?!!!!")
Big brother is being a little extra bossy ("I DO NOT NEED YOU TO PARENT YOUR LITTLE BROTHER!!!")
Baby girl has refused a morning nap and is extra grumpy ("DEAR CHILD, DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT I WOULD PAY GOOD MONEY IF SOMEONE TOLD ME TO LAY DOWN AND TAKE A NAP!")
And then, that is when the moment happened.
I had the three big kiddos loaded up in the van, so they couldn't disassemble themselves while I tried to assemble baby girl for the trip to church AND tried to finish loading the diaper bags AND gated the stairs so that Ollie wouldn't go upstairs and lay on my bed while I was gone AND tried to actually put on lipstick AND tried to get my own shoes on AND took some ibuprofen and sudafed for my aching head.
Yep, that is when the moment happened.
And I literally thought, "I will be an empty nester one day."
Gasp.
Isn't it weird how thoughts hit at random times?! I have never once thought those words before, and then, two things happened.
#1) I giggled at the thought. This season won't last forever. Scott and I, with GOD'S HELP, will survive. And yes, we will be empty nesters one day.
AND
#2) I was reminded that I don't want to wish this time away. I want to cherish my babies.
Let's be honest. There will always, always, ALWAYS be moments that I wish away. Any normal momma would say that, I think (and if they won't, quite honestly, I don't think I want to be friends. Let's be real).
However, sometimes, I just need to be reminded in the midst of the struggle that THIS struggle is temporary. Yes, there will always be new struggles. But one day, they will all know how to button their own shirts. They will all be able to put on their own shoes.
Goodness, they will even be able to drive themselves to church.
So, while I may wish away some of the moments, I am still going to cherish many moments, too.
Because....you know....one day....I will be an empty nester....
And that, my friends, makes me bawl, too....
I love being a mom.
And those around me know that I am doing my very, very best to CHERISH these moments with my littles. I get very emotional thinking about how fast the time is flying by. I've been especially sentimental this week... and bawled last night as I watched Audrey's birth video from the hospital again. Seeing my "happy tears" (as we call them at our house). Seeing our three other babies welcoming a new baby. Yep, did I mention that I bawled?!!
Our littlest is crawling and on the move now, just 9 1/2 short months later. I can't believe it. We are only 2 1/2 months from the last 1 year birthday party. Sigh.
However, as much as I am trying to CHERISH the moments, there are definitely moments that I wish away. As I've mentioned before, Sunday mornings are hard around this house. I pray and I pray and I pray that THIS will be the Sunday morning that momma does NOT lose it for a moment. But alas, 10:23 always comes.
You know the moment.
The moment when my 5 year old simply cannot find his shoes ("THEY ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!")
My darling 2 year old decides that TODAY is the day to start caring about what she is wearing ("OH MY GOODNESS, IS THIS REALLY STARTING ALREADY?!!!!")
Big brother is being a little extra bossy ("I DO NOT NEED YOU TO PARENT YOUR LITTLE BROTHER!!!")
Baby girl has refused a morning nap and is extra grumpy ("DEAR CHILD, DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT I WOULD PAY GOOD MONEY IF SOMEONE TOLD ME TO LAY DOWN AND TAKE A NAP!")
And then, that is when the moment happened.
I had the three big kiddos loaded up in the van, so they couldn't disassemble themselves while I tried to assemble baby girl for the trip to church AND tried to finish loading the diaper bags AND gated the stairs so that Ollie wouldn't go upstairs and lay on my bed while I was gone AND tried to actually put on lipstick AND tried to get my own shoes on AND took some ibuprofen and sudafed for my aching head.
Yep, that is when the moment happened.
And I literally thought, "I will be an empty nester one day."
Gasp.
Isn't it weird how thoughts hit at random times?! I have never once thought those words before, and then, two things happened.
#1) I giggled at the thought. This season won't last forever. Scott and I, with GOD'S HELP, will survive. And yes, we will be empty nesters one day.
AND
#2) I was reminded that I don't want to wish this time away. I want to cherish my babies.
Let's be honest. There will always, always, ALWAYS be moments that I wish away. Any normal momma would say that, I think (and if they won't, quite honestly, I don't think I want to be friends. Let's be real).
However, sometimes, I just need to be reminded in the midst of the struggle that THIS struggle is temporary. Yes, there will always be new struggles. But one day, they will all know how to button their own shirts. They will all be able to put on their own shoes.
Goodness, they will even be able to drive themselves to church.
So, while I may wish away some of the moments, I am still going to cherish many moments, too.
Because....you know....one day....I will be an empty nester....
And that, my friends, makes me bawl, too....
Thursday, March 01, 2012
As heard from our house....
Many evenings when we are all at home, we pop a big bowl of popcorn and watch Jeopardy together. Exciting, I know!
Tonight, when they got to the Final Jeopardy category, it popped up that the category was "Scientists."
Aaron said, "I don't know the question, but I'm pretty sure the answer is Albert Einstein."
My kids make me feel like crying on some days.... but wow, they really make me smile, too!
Tonight, when they got to the Final Jeopardy category, it popped up that the category was "Scientists."
Aaron said, "I don't know the question, but I'm pretty sure the answer is Albert Einstein."
My kids make me feel like crying on some days.... but wow, they really make me smile, too!
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