Lights! Action! Camera!
If my family was chosen for a reality tv show, this is the day I would swing open my doors for the cameras to roll. For all the days (or weeks or months) that aren't picture perfect (refer to last blog entry and notice its date and lack of entries since), this one is going down on the record.
Like a movie script, I, Mommy, was up early, fully prayed-up, jogged-out and ready to go.
The big boys also woke up early in the bestiest of moods eagerly desiring to start the school day.
Babyboy slept in, giving us a headstart on school.
By 10:18 we were wrapping up the last scene in our school day. Yes, 10:18 AM!! How? I am not sure. But, I taught with grace and patience and they learned, listened, and progressed.
A hot bubbly bath beckoned me by 10:30. A magazine in hand that I have longed to read for several months. All three boys playing trucks together peacefully.
A mannerly lunch included the two oldest boys preferring and serving one another. (This really does sound like a movie doesn't it?) And, get this, after lunch I cranked up the Toby Mac for a house-cleaning party. Without complaints we scrubbed the bathrooms, dusted, mopped, vacuumed, and grooved to Toby.
Imagine my surprise when I went to do laundry and realized I didn't have enough for a load. Nope! No reason to do laundry today.
Boy it sure is easy to smile on a day like today. Supermom. Superteacher. Superday. We are all well behaved and on our best behavior. THIS is what I want people to see. Truthfully, this isn't "most days". Candid Camera might be more appropriate....or maybe Barnum and Bailey's Circus.
The growth comes when my patience is challenged, my grace hyper-extended, and I can't do it on my own. Christ can enable me to choose joy when it doesn't flow freely like it is today. THIS is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. He also made each day last week and he made tomorrow whatever it might bring.
For now, get the cameras rolling.....before its too late!
Mommyontheboysturf with her three sons
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Resolutions.....going, going, GONE!
Resolution is my middle name. Love goals. Love New Year's Resolutions. As long as I can remember, on December 31, I grab my journal and scribble down my aspirations for the upcoming year. The thought of a blank page to start my year thrills and refreshes me.
Not this year.
Christmas was beautiful and packed with memories. However, my expectations for the week following Christmas included things like --
- Sleep In. (Didn't happen. My body has an early alarm clock.)
- Drink Coffee in bed. (Didn't happen since I was already up. See #1)
- Leisurely enjoy our days. (Broken arm, new tires, need I say more?)
- Enjoy the sites/sounds of the city. (Children's Hospital,Grismer Tire, & Costco don't count.)
- Somehow refresh and renew (not a realistic expectation when Babyboy has a broken arm and needs to potty 10 X per night = lack of sleep)
I complainingly crossed the starting Line of 2012 in rebellion. I didn't make my resolutions and couldn't stand to be around my own attitude. I was in denial that my year wasn't starting the way I wanted. Fresh. It felt old and tainted by 12:01 AM.
Hubby was out of town. Van wouldn't start. Homeschooling started. Appointments. I just wasn't in the mood to pretend I had a perfectly white, clean slate to start my year. I didn't have the opportunity to ease into the year. It started like the jolt of jumper cables. (PROUD of myself for using jumper cables on the van for the first time though.)
By January 2 or 3, I made a few last-minute, little-enthusiasm types of typical resolutions made my 99% of Americans. And, this is not my track record. I am someone who actually attains and sticks with my resolutions!
- Eat only whole foods for a week (Got into an off-brand snack mix filled with artificial colors and flavors by Tuesday night.)
- No sugar for one week (Nutella and animal crackers. Dangerous combo.)
- Mother with gentleness ("Get upstairs in your bed right now!!")
- Homeschool peacefully (This was the most challenging week of schooling ever.)
- Make one new recipe a week (Um. Last night I mixed two kinds of pasta in the macaroni and cheese. Does that count?)
- Continue the process of becoming like Christ (Wow, this is hard.)
I've been fighting 2012 since it began. But I realized today it perfectly fits with my final resolution above, even if it was half-hearted and habitual. God is continually pulling me out of my comfort, routine, goals, and "messing me up" in order to see more of Him. I can ONLY finish this year with Him. My own resolve will never bring victory or peace or true joy.
So, here it is six days into the year and I finally decided to run with it.
2012 wait for me......Here I come....better late than never!
Not this year.
Christmas was beautiful and packed with memories. However, my expectations for the week following Christmas included things like --
- Sleep In. (Didn't happen. My body has an early alarm clock.)
- Drink Coffee in bed. (Didn't happen since I was already up. See #1)
- Leisurely enjoy our days. (Broken arm, new tires, need I say more?)
- Enjoy the sites/sounds of the city. (Children's Hospital,Grismer Tire, & Costco don't count.)
- Somehow refresh and renew (not a realistic expectation when Babyboy has a broken arm and needs to potty 10 X per night = lack of sleep)
I complainingly crossed the starting Line of 2012 in rebellion. I didn't make my resolutions and couldn't stand to be around my own attitude. I was in denial that my year wasn't starting the way I wanted. Fresh. It felt old and tainted by 12:01 AM.
Hubby was out of town. Van wouldn't start. Homeschooling started. Appointments. I just wasn't in the mood to pretend I had a perfectly white, clean slate to start my year. I didn't have the opportunity to ease into the year. It started like the jolt of jumper cables. (PROUD of myself for using jumper cables on the van for the first time though.)
By January 2 or 3, I made a few last-minute, little-enthusiasm types of typical resolutions made my 99% of Americans. And, this is not my track record. I am someone who actually attains and sticks with my resolutions!
- Eat only whole foods for a week (Got into an off-brand snack mix filled with artificial colors and flavors by Tuesday night.)
- No sugar for one week (Nutella and animal crackers. Dangerous combo.)
- Mother with gentleness ("Get upstairs in your bed right now!!")
- Homeschool peacefully (This was the most challenging week of schooling ever.)
- Make one new recipe a week (Um. Last night I mixed two kinds of pasta in the macaroni and cheese. Does that count?)
- Continue the process of becoming like Christ (Wow, this is hard.)
I've been fighting 2012 since it began. But I realized today it perfectly fits with my final resolution above, even if it was half-hearted and habitual. God is continually pulling me out of my comfort, routine, goals, and "messing me up" in order to see more of Him. I can ONLY finish this year with Him. My own resolve will never bring victory or peace or true joy.
So, here it is six days into the year and I finally decided to run with it.
2012 wait for me......Here I come....better late than never!
Monday, December 19, 2011
My Mom Rocks
Imagine how puffed up I felt when Babyboy, all on his own, dressed himself in his "My Mom Rocks" shirt. It isn't my Birthday or Mother's Day. On the other hand, Babyboy can't quite read yet at two and a half. Still. He must have had some idea.
Oldest, upon seeing him, asked, "Oh, does your mom rock?!"
"Yes, mommy rocks me upstairs in the rocking chair."
True Babyboy. Mom Rocks.
P.S. - Trying to get a picture of Babyboy in his "My Mom Rocks" shirt proved a real task. His real personality shines through. I don't think I got even one legible photo.
Oldest, upon seeing him, asked, "Oh, does your mom rock?!"
"Yes, mommy rocks me upstairs in the rocking chair."
True Babyboy. Mom Rocks.
P.S. - Trying to get a picture of Babyboy in his "My Mom Rocks" shirt proved a real task. His real personality shines through. I don't think I got even one legible photo.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Fifty-Four Degrees
Who would have imagined 54 degrees on December 14 in the evening!?! Perfect weather for a sleigh stroller ride.
Last night Daddy took Oldest and Middleson "out". Out = shopping for yours truly for Christmas. It's tradition. They come home, sneaking-in, with crinkly Target bags pretending they drove around all evening for no reason at all. I pretend I didn't know where they were or what they were doing. Next year when Babyboy is fully pottytrained and sippy-cup-less, he will join the troops.
In an effort to avoid the "Meeeee goooooo!" screams, I bundled Babyboy for a stroller ride to see the lights. Bundling wasn't needed, we could have worn our beach attire.
We had so much fun talking. It was a bit strange having a one-on-one conversation with Babyboy. There is always so much competition in communication and unfortunately, the least verbal loses every time. Not last night. He had all of me. I had all of him.
We talked about why we celebrate Christmas. Soon he was imitating me, "Cewebrate Missmas is for Jesus Buthday. Happy Buthday to Jesus!".
We stopped at house after house to really look at the lights and the lawn displays. His favorite was snoopy in an airplane. At another house, he wanted a front-seat view of the choo choo train. Folks, I let him out of the stroller, into the yard, and directly in front of the train. It was dark and nobody could see us trespassing. And, when do you ever get closer to Christmas lights? There was no steamed-over car window to separate him. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
54 degrees in December might not happen again. And, if it does, he will be out with Daddy and the big boys shopping for mommy.
It was the perfect weather for a stroller-ride together for two.
Last night Daddy took Oldest and Middleson "out". Out = shopping for yours truly for Christmas. It's tradition. They come home, sneaking-in, with crinkly Target bags pretending they drove around all evening for no reason at all. I pretend I didn't know where they were or what they were doing. Next year when Babyboy is fully pottytrained and sippy-cup-less, he will join the troops.
In an effort to avoid the "Meeeee goooooo!" screams, I bundled Babyboy for a stroller ride to see the lights. Bundling wasn't needed, we could have worn our beach attire.
We had so much fun talking. It was a bit strange having a one-on-one conversation with Babyboy. There is always so much competition in communication and unfortunately, the least verbal loses every time. Not last night. He had all of me. I had all of him.
We talked about why we celebrate Christmas. Soon he was imitating me, "Cewebrate Missmas is for Jesus Buthday. Happy Buthday to Jesus!".
We stopped at house after house to really look at the lights and the lawn displays. His favorite was snoopy in an airplane. At another house, he wanted a front-seat view of the choo choo train. Folks, I let him out of the stroller, into the yard, and directly in front of the train. It was dark and nobody could see us trespassing. And, when do you ever get closer to Christmas lights? There was no steamed-over car window to separate him. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
54 degrees in December might not happen again. And, if it does, he will be out with Daddy and the big boys shopping for mommy.
It was the perfect weather for a stroller-ride together for two.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
All Aboard!
Polar Express-- an event hosted by our local library with 14 stops and stations. The snowman toss, refreshment cart, model train, cookie decorating, and more.
Thankfully I was able to "snag" tickets to this limited capacity event for our first year in attendance. The boys woke up to red tickets peeking out of their stockings informing them of the event -- the time, location, and an invitation to wear pajamas "if you would like".
Excitement buzzed through the house all afternoon. Babyboy didn't nap.
"Choo Choo party tonight!"
At 6:21 Oldest and Middleson bounced at the door ready to depart fully clothed, but pajamaless. Middleson sported a mohawk, fully-gelled, and standing tall. Babyboy obediently wore his Thomas the Train pajamas.
My Oldest was one of the oldest in attendance. A strange feeling overcame me when I realized he is outgrowing this type of event.
It brought me great pleasure to watch the boys interact with the puppet show, sing songs, and anticpate each step on the journey. Oldest was pure child last night without a mingling of the pre-teen years. He giggled and laughed and ran from station to station. I received the gift of going back in time. I got to experience Oldest as a little boy again.
Babyboy missed most of the train stops due to his fascination with the electric train. He ran back and forth as it went around the track never tiring of its motion.
Middleson was distracted only by the opportunity to meet a friend and tell someone about Jesus. He is Mr. friendly and outgoing always looking for an opportunity to "sneak" Jesus into a conversation.
Our evening was idyllic. The kind you dream about in your mind but it rarely lives up to your own expecations. Just innocent, child-like, non-media, free fun, that produced old-fashioned, life-long memories. I will ride this train of memories for a long, long time.
Chugga, chugga, choo choooooo.
Thankfully I was able to "snag" tickets to this limited capacity event for our first year in attendance. The boys woke up to red tickets peeking out of their stockings informing them of the event -- the time, location, and an invitation to wear pajamas "if you would like".
Excitement buzzed through the house all afternoon. Babyboy didn't nap.
"Choo Choo party tonight!"
At 6:21 Oldest and Middleson bounced at the door ready to depart fully clothed, but pajamaless. Middleson sported a mohawk, fully-gelled, and standing tall. Babyboy obediently wore his Thomas the Train pajamas.
My Oldest was one of the oldest in attendance. A strange feeling overcame me when I realized he is outgrowing this type of event.
It brought me great pleasure to watch the boys interact with the puppet show, sing songs, and anticpate each step on the journey. Oldest was pure child last night without a mingling of the pre-teen years. He giggled and laughed and ran from station to station. I received the gift of going back in time. I got to experience Oldest as a little boy again.
Babyboy missed most of the train stops due to his fascination with the electric train. He ran back and forth as it went around the track never tiring of its motion.
Middleson was distracted only by the opportunity to meet a friend and tell someone about Jesus. He is Mr. friendly and outgoing always looking for an opportunity to "sneak" Jesus into a conversation.
Our evening was idyllic. The kind you dream about in your mind but it rarely lives up to your own expecations. Just innocent, child-like, non-media, free fun, that produced old-fashioned, life-long memories. I will ride this train of memories for a long, long time.
Chugga, chugga, choo choooooo.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Missmas Outpits
The 2011 Christmas Season has begun!
Babyboy is in a 2 1/2 year, independent, "I can do it myself" stage. Yesterday he came down for breakfast clothed in his "Missmas Outpit". A handsome vest backwards, no shirt, and tweed dress pants also backward facing. "Honey, that is your special Christmas outfit. It isn't for today." I declared. "No. I wear Missmas outpit today." He responded convincingly. This was only the beginning of the dozen outfit changes yesterday. From snowman pajamas to bright red sweaters, he had clearly found the stack of clothes I had reserved as festive wear.
While Babyboy napped, Oldest and Middleson were my right-hand men in towing the Christmas bins upstairs. This year I didn't step foot in the crawlspace. My anxious helpers were happy with the adventure. Although I clearly appreciated the help, it was also a reminder of how quickly they are growing up.
Babyboy awakened to a winter wonderland. Stuffed snowman, ready-to-be-filled stockings, the Little People Nativity set, and flickering lights. What more could a two year old ask for?
He went to work transferring things from here to there and everywhere. He perched his Little People policeman atop the Little People Manger where the angel is supposed to perch. Although maybe he saw them both in a "security guard" type of role.
The snowmen with carrot noses posed a problem since he deemed them broken. He wouldn't let them near the rest of the stuffed moose, snowman, or santas.
Then he discovered the Christmas plates. They are used ONLY, only on Christmas morn for cinnamon rolls. He wanted his afternoon animal crackers served on a particular beloved plate. He won. "Why not?" I reasoned with myself.
Then another Missmas outpit.
Suddenly the stuffed creatures (minus the snowmen with "broken" carrot noses) were missing. So were the fragile, look but don't touch, musical snowman. Missing.
Found. Upstairs in Babyboy's room, they were tucked safely into his bed covered by the Christmas Tree skirt as a blanket. The bag of Christmas clothes was spread across his floor. Again. Again. AGAIN!
Up and down, and down and up,I ran around the house putting the newly displayed Christmas decorations back in their spots. This is the perfect solution for Thanksgiving weight gain.
A simplified decorating scheme was looking more and more appealing. "What can I put back in the Christmas bins?" I asked myself.
But the JOY of Christmas bouncing around in Babyboy's discoveries was worth the mayhem of the afternoon.
Afterall, that's really what Christmas is all about. Jesus coming to earth, in the midst of chaos and mayhem, to bring true JOY.
Babyboy, bring out the Missmas outpits and Christmas dishes. Why save them just for a day, when the season has only just begun?
Merry Missmas in the midst of discovering the true meaning of CHRISTmas.
Babyboy is in a 2 1/2 year, independent, "I can do it myself" stage. Yesterday he came down for breakfast clothed in his "Missmas Outpit". A handsome vest backwards, no shirt, and tweed dress pants also backward facing. "Honey, that is your special Christmas outfit. It isn't for today." I declared. "No. I wear Missmas outpit today." He responded convincingly. This was only the beginning of the dozen outfit changes yesterday. From snowman pajamas to bright red sweaters, he had clearly found the stack of clothes I had reserved as festive wear.
While Babyboy napped, Oldest and Middleson were my right-hand men in towing the Christmas bins upstairs. This year I didn't step foot in the crawlspace. My anxious helpers were happy with the adventure. Although I clearly appreciated the help, it was also a reminder of how quickly they are growing up.
Babyboy awakened to a winter wonderland. Stuffed snowman, ready-to-be-filled stockings, the Little People Nativity set, and flickering lights. What more could a two year old ask for?
He went to work transferring things from here to there and everywhere. He perched his Little People policeman atop the Little People Manger where the angel is supposed to perch. Although maybe he saw them both in a "security guard" type of role.
The snowmen with carrot noses posed a problem since he deemed them broken. He wouldn't let them near the rest of the stuffed moose, snowman, or santas.
Then he discovered the Christmas plates. They are used ONLY, only on Christmas morn for cinnamon rolls. He wanted his afternoon animal crackers served on a particular beloved plate. He won. "Why not?" I reasoned with myself.
Then another Missmas outpit.
Suddenly the stuffed creatures (minus the snowmen with "broken" carrot noses) were missing. So were the fragile, look but don't touch, musical snowman. Missing.
Found. Upstairs in Babyboy's room, they were tucked safely into his bed covered by the Christmas Tree skirt as a blanket. The bag of Christmas clothes was spread across his floor. Again. Again. AGAIN!
Up and down, and down and up,I ran around the house putting the newly displayed Christmas decorations back in their spots. This is the perfect solution for Thanksgiving weight gain.
A simplified decorating scheme was looking more and more appealing. "What can I put back in the Christmas bins?" I asked myself.
But the JOY of Christmas bouncing around in Babyboy's discoveries was worth the mayhem of the afternoon.
Afterall, that's really what Christmas is all about. Jesus coming to earth, in the midst of chaos and mayhem, to bring true JOY.
Babyboy, bring out the Missmas outpits and Christmas dishes. Why save them just for a day, when the season has only just begun?
Merry Missmas in the midst of discovering the true meaning of CHRISTmas.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
cHaNgE
Wow. Just when I feel like I've got this mommy thing licked, something new arises. Seasons come and seasons go.
I have a pottytrainer and a preteener at the same time. Big Legos, Small Legos, and one no longer so interested in Legos. Really? The Christmas lists are changing from no list, to a list full of toys, to a list of technological trinkets and music.
The books I am reading right now include, "Raising Sons and Loving It" and "Wild Things the Art of Nurturing Boys". Wild Things is the perfect description of a house full of boys.
I am back at college, so to speak, studying for finals, making up for lost time. Nervous. Fingerbiting. Sweating. I'm pulling an all-nighter in Mommy class hoping I do something right. Trying do be prepared for what's ahead so it doesn't catch me off guard.
The last decade has been sabatoged by baby gear, diapers,sleepless nights, and goo goo gaa's. The next decade of parenting scares me - cell phones, independence, driving, and dating. More sleepless nights. Maybe worse than the baby years!
What can I do now to steer my three treasures toward making right decisions? How can I help them foster their own personal relationship with Jesus? Hopefully our meals together, long coversations, family devotions, and turftime will provide for growth and memories that will impact our future positively.
Thanksgiving is just days away. This is a great time to ponder the questions, changes, and seasons above. It is about living a life of Thanksliving all the time. Living in the moment. Thankful for each stage. Laughing at the days to come. In EVERYTHING give thanks!
I have a pottytrainer and a preteener at the same time. Big Legos, Small Legos, and one no longer so interested in Legos. Really? The Christmas lists are changing from no list, to a list full of toys, to a list of technological trinkets and music.
The books I am reading right now include, "Raising Sons and Loving It" and "Wild Things the Art of Nurturing Boys". Wild Things is the perfect description of a house full of boys.
I am back at college, so to speak, studying for finals, making up for lost time. Nervous. Fingerbiting. Sweating. I'm pulling an all-nighter in Mommy class hoping I do something right. Trying do be prepared for what's ahead so it doesn't catch me off guard.
The last decade has been sabatoged by baby gear, diapers,sleepless nights, and goo goo gaa's. The next decade of parenting scares me - cell phones, independence, driving, and dating. More sleepless nights. Maybe worse than the baby years!
What can I do now to steer my three treasures toward making right decisions? How can I help them foster their own personal relationship with Jesus? Hopefully our meals together, long coversations, family devotions, and turftime will provide for growth and memories that will impact our future positively.
Thanksgiving is just days away. This is a great time to ponder the questions, changes, and seasons above. It is about living a life of Thanksliving all the time. Living in the moment. Thankful for each stage. Laughing at the days to come. In EVERYTHING give thanks!
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