The Many Faces of Three!

Seriously... "Three"... The hardest and most hilarious stage of parenting yet. I have mixed emotions when I think of "Three".

First there is the Frustration of repeating things time after time after time and never quite being heard... Happily we aren't having to say "Leave the cushions on the couch!" quite as often. Sadly, the new most repeated phrase is "Don't tackle your sister... be nice!".

Then there is the Confusion. The other day Sam and I were chatting and I was reminding him that he can change the world - one person at a time. His reply: "You can change the world Mom. I'm going to change the rainbow and Maarti can change the bus." What does that mean?!

There is Embarrassment too. We let our kids open a Christmas present early. It was from my parents and we even phoned them so they could hear the kids open the presents. Grandma and Papa bought them beautiful Olympic hoodies. Sam's reponse: "I don't want that... I wanted a toy." (At that point I'm pretty sure I heard my Dad say something about pay back time.) So much for my great idea of letting Papa and Grandma hear them open their presents.

And just look at this face! ...

Okay... there is some pleasure in three too, like observing pure joy in his face as he enjoys simple pleasures.

There is those heartwarming moments when he stops being busy for just a moment, looks at me and says "I love you Mom".

And at the top of this post I mentioned hilarious right? Did you know that last night we ordered pizza for supper and as Jeremy was paying the delivery guy Sam yelled "Dad, is that the Grinch!?"
I'm still giggling.

So all in all I'd say I love "Three"... especially ours!

Christmas Times A Comin'

I've decided it's time for a little honesty. No more pretense.

This is how my house usually looks between the hours of 6:30 am and 7:30 pm:

It's ugly, isn't it? It does absolutely nothing for my Christmas Spirit, but what is even uglier is if I let it get to me. If I let it bother me then the *other* Mommy comes out and NO ONE likes her!... she does absolutely nothing for everyone else's Christmas Spirit! So... I'm just trying to let my kids actually live in our house and remember it won't always look like this. In the meantime... We do have a few pockets of Christmas around the house that are out of reach of anyone 3 ft. and under.

And I do enjoy our Christmas tree too... after 7:30 that is!

The Silver Lining

Jeremy doesn't always love his job, but there is one benefit that keeps him going to work every day... the hero's welcome he gets when he comes home at the end of the day. The kids watch for him at the window and the minute he arrives I know it 'cause the house explodes with shouts of "Daddy! Daddy!" followed by the pitter patter of little feet racing to the front door. Jeremy works so hard for our family and I'm glad the kids reward him so well.

Instant Celebrity

Our care group spent some time yesterday afternoon at a local nursing home. We decided to take the kids - They were a huge hit! I think they were even more popular than a whole litter of puppies would have been. Maarti was especially well loved! The kids found some beach balls in the corner and spend the whole time running and giggling and making lots of joyful noise. I'm certain that lounge had never seen so much activity... EVER! It has made me think that nursing homes should host community playgroups since the residents got such a kick out of the kids. I have to admit I was hesitant about going, but if the kids are welcome I'd go again any day! What a blast! I just wish I would have brought a camera...

Such Talent!

Isn't it amazing how kids are so gifted at changing our attitude toward them in an instant?

Me: "Sam be quiet! You're hurting my ears!" (Can you hear the exasperation in my voice? It was there!)
Sam: "Mommy, can I kiss your ears so they feel better?"

And then my heart melted...

Trick or Treat

They're just too cute!

Another Lesson My Kids Taught Me

The other day I was doing something in the kitchen and Sam was playing on the kitchen floor. He said "Look at this Mommy." I said "okay", but then carried on with what I was doing. A couple seconds later I heard: "No Mommy... look at me with your face!". It was one of those moments when time slows down and a light bulb comes on (and I'm pretty sure that the light bulb's name is the Holy Spirit). I realized that my kids aren't the the only ones who need me to "look at them with my face". My husband, my friends, my family, God... Multi-tasking is a great skill, but not in relationships... In my relationships I need to be 100% present.

The next random phrase that popped into my head was "Bare foot and pregnant in the kitchen" (and I can tie these thoughts together, so stick with me). I began to wonder if perhaps that phrase was penned by a woman and means something entirely different than our culture would say it means... I wonder if some mom said it when they had a moment, similar to mine, and realized that this journey of motherhood, from start to finish, is "holy ground".

It often seems like what I'm going through with my kids is a mirror image of what I'm going through in my Spiritual journey.

I love how God wastes absolutely nothing to teach us to be more like Him!

New Addition?

Occasionally I hear a verse and I wonder if it is brand new to the Bible 'cause surely I would have found it by now if it had always been there! That just happened to me recently; the reason it sounded so new was because I heard it in the Amplified Version.

"The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds feet and will make me to walk [not stand in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!"
Habakkuk 3:19

Where has that been for the last 35 years?!... I could have used it multiple times! I love it so much and you can't know how many times I've had to remind myself "The Lord is my personal bravery" in the last week. If you know me, you know that I'm lacking in the bravery department so this thought has been powerful!

Special thanks to Beth Moore for making me aware of this verse. Are you starting to wonder if I just might be a fan of hers?

Taking his advise.

Hubby just informed me that my blog was boring... actually what he REALLY said was "You need more pictures. Pictures draw more people." Not sure when he became an expert on blogging, but I aim to please... so Hubby, this is for you:

We were on holidays last week. This is Sam enjoying McBride's brand new playgound equipment. I tried it too... very fun! (And... I'm very thankful that no one took a picture!!)

Maarti playing in the back of Jeremy's "new to us" trailer. It was given to us. The funny thing about "free" things like this is that they are never really free. It hasn't even been ours for a whole week yet and already we have had to throw money at it.

I was trying to get a picture of the kids standing still, looking at me and smiling. This is the best I could do. FRUSTRATION!!!

I Encourage You...

I do not consider myself a deep thinker, but occasionally I have a thought that will just not leave me alone. Does that happen to anyone else? Do you ever have thoughts that just go around in your head for hours at a time? Sometimes even days?
Here is what is in my brain today:
Have you ever thought about the word "encourage"? It means "to infuse with courage". As I thought about the definition I wondered: "when did we start defining it as 'to tell someone to have a happy day?' ". Don't you like the first definition better? Don't you want to be that kind of an encourager... I do. And I want it for myself too... I'm desperate for it actually.
So now I'm wondering what it would look like... to "infuse with courage".
I'm still pondering it... any practical ideas?

Brotherly Love

I was in the kitchen making lunch and I had to open the oven door. Maarti was standing next to me and I'm nervous about opening the oven with her there so I decided the easiest way to get her away from the heat was to send her on a mission. "Maarti... go give your brother a kiss". As soon as I said it a voice from the livingroom said "I don't need a kiss right now; thank you though." So much for my great idea!

Isn't it amazing...

that one so small, and so cute, is so efficient at completely destroying the house in a matter of minutes?! She's a pro at emptying things... today it was her dresser drawers, the toy box, a bag full of diapers and the garbage. The other amazing thing is that, even on days like today, I'm totally crazy about her.

Sermon Illustration

Confession: Quiet, shy me has a dream to one day preach! Where that comes from I'm not sure since public speaking is terrifying. My brother is a pastor and I occasionally live vicariously through him. I have called him countless times with sermon ideas. Sometimes he even uses them.
If I ever get the chance to preach I certainly have a good line up of sermon illustrations thanks to the kids. For instance:
I'm a big Beth Moore fan and over the summer have been going through "Believing God". In it she drills home the "Five Statements of Faith":
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do What he says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
5. God's Word is alive and active in me.
and then you end it by saying "I'm believing God!"
Anyway... since Sam has such a sharp memory I decided to teach it to him as well. I say the first part and then he finishes off each statement. We do it everyday so he knows it well. One day I guess he was feeling silly and when we got to #4 I said "I can do..." and he finished by saying "it by myself!". I laughed at him, but I as I thought about it more I realized that sadly that is often my truth. I have it so easy sometimes that I often don't invite God to be a part of my daily life and I certainly don't access the power that is available to me. As Beth Moore would say "We need our reality to merge with our theology." I wonder what that would look like... if we lived like we really did believe what we say we believe?

Thoughts and Happenings of the Week

1. Last night the neighbor's dog barked and barked... needless to say I'm very tired today. When my Mother-in-Law called wanting to take the kids to the park I was pretty relieved. When I hung up the phone I'm pretty sure that I could hear the angels singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" Can anyone confirm?
2. For awhile now I've been pretty sure that playdates were more for the moms than the kids. I now have no doubt. I called a girlfriend earlier in the week and the first words out of her mouth were "Please tell me you are still coming for a playdate this morning!". In cases like this I have learned that the best course of action is to get the kids in the car as soon as possible and don't show up without coffee... not regular coffee... the specialty, candy kind.
3. I freaked out at my first born - at a family dinner no less. I felt kinda dumb, but it was well deserved and I think I got the point across... Don't mess with the Mama!! We may not be invited back until the kids are in high school.
4. School started this week in BC and I've already started mourning the fact that Sam has to go soon. And... (can I rant?) when he starts all districts will probably have gone to full time kindergarten!! I think 5 is way too young to be in school full time! With the Province complaining about the tough financial times I don't know why they would implement this. I didn't even go to kindergarten and I think I turned out fine.
5. My Dad was at a tractor show in Iowa last week and he came back with engineer hats for the kids... a blue one and a pink one. Too Cute!
6. This week for the first time when Sam prayed at dinner he said more than "Dear Jesus Thank you for food. Amen". He looked around the table and was thankful for everyone there. I used to be able to say that if you are hungry get Sam to pray. It's not a guarantee anymore.
7. I wish I could explain just how cute it is to get a kiss from Maarti. She leans her blond curly head toward you and says "Mmmm - ah".
I love my life.

The Truth Hurts

Me: "Sam pick up your toys."

Sam: "Who's coming over Mommy?"

Diet Plan

"Trust in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truely you shall be fed."
Psalm 37:3

Feed on His faithfulness... how's that for a diet plan?! I've been doing a Beth Moore Bible study this summer and this verse popped up in my homework. I love the word picture. Today I am feeling anxious so I'm choosing to meditate on this verse.

"Heartbroken" Update...

Rememer my post about Sam's toy van being flushed down the toilet? We did get a replacement van and even bought a toy milk truck to lessen the pain of loss even more. Guess what? He's still talking about the original van! And not only that... he's still trying to come up with different suggestions of how we might retrieve it! Yesterday he was flushing after doing his business and he mentioned the van and then said. "Maybe we flush Daddy and he get it?"
Have I mentioned lately how much I love this kid? (Clarification: not because he wants to "flush Daddy", but because he makes me smile everyday!)

Stickers: I have a love/hate relationship with them...

Family Day

Yesterday we packed up the kids and went to the lake for the day with some friends and Grandma. It was the perfect day to be out... sunny, but not too hot. We spent all morning in the boat.
Can you believe this? Maarti fell asleep within half an hour of getting in the boat!

Grandma is Sam's favorite person in the whole world I think. When he's at home if he picks up a toy phone he always says: "Hi Gramma. How's it goin'? I come to your house Gramma? Ok. Bye."

And here is picture of me. My dear friend Katie put out a challenge for Moms with blogs to post a picture of themsleves once a week. The idea is for Moms to get out from behind the camera and reintroduce themselves into the family's photo history. I thought is was a great idea (although I doubt I'll be able to keep up with once a week!).

Heartbroken

If you know our son you know that he doesn't play with his toys as much as he just holds them. He has always been quirky this way. I have a picture of him as a baby sleeping with a matchbox car in each hand. Once or twice I've seen him tuck toys under his chin if his hands are too full. Keep this information in mind as I share the events of yesterday...
Sam was in the bathroom and he called me to come help him. I walked in the bathroom... he was trying to flush the toilet with one hand and holding about five cars in the other hand. Just as he flushes one of his favorites toys, and matchbox van from buddy Gabe, slips out of his hand, into the toilet and is gone. You should have heard the wailing that followed... it matched the wailing of last wednesday when he fell and ripped his fingernail off. Through sobs I heard: "I... want... Gabe's... van!" It was aweful. I did the only thing I could given the circumstances: Tried to stifle my laughter, held him close and told him I didn't know how to get it, but maybe Daddy could when he got home. (I also prayed he'd forget about the van before Daddy arrived!) He didn't forget. Daddy explained that it was gone. More Crying. Finally he settled and throughout the evening tried giving Daddy ideas on how to get it back. "Daddy, you need a rope maybe?"
Today when he goes into the bathroom he's been putting his toys at the far end of the counter away from the toilet. "No cars in the potty, Mommy."
Tomorrow we are busting open Sam's piggy bank and going hunting for a new van at Walmart.

A New Dinner Ritual

The other day Sam was asking Maarti to say "Yes and No". He thought it was so hilarious that hardly a meal goes by that we don't play the same game. I think it's pretty funny too... I'm still trying to decide what's funnier though... Maarti shaking her head, or Sam laughing hysterically at her! I know I'm biased, but you can't deny that this is totally cute!

OUCH!

I have just a few things to say about this photo:

1. As of today Sam now has ten fingers, but only 9 fingernails.
2. You have absolutely no idea how happy I am that Jeremy was home today!!
3. It takes way less energy for a three year old to get a big boo boo than it does for his mom to take a picture of it!
4. My finger nails and toe nails have been hurting ever since the events of this afternoon.
5. I think Sam has no idea he is short a fingernail... he's just enthralled with the "giant bandaid".
6. Did you know that hospitals have paid staff who try and calm children down by blowing bubbles? (Wonder what they get paid?)
7. Did you further know that for a three minute chat with the doctor one must wait three hours and fill the parking meter twice?!
8. Our city's new ER, though very pretty, is impossible to navigate without a porter... it's a maze. Jeremy got lost... twice! (thanks to said parking meter)
9. It would seem that all nurses have candy in their desk.
   

Happy Birthday Sam

On Saturday we celebrated Sam's birthday. I can hardly believe my little boy is three already! He is growing up so fast.

Here he is "extreme coasting". He had a pretty big wipe out shortly after this was taken, but after a few tears he stood up and said "again". Typical boy.

Sam got a bubble gun from one of his buddies. It was a big hit. Maarti liked it too.

And this is Sammy's good buddy, Josiah. We've been having play dates with him and his Mom every Tuesday. Sadly, during the night after the party he went into cardiac arrest and passed away later in the day. If you are interested in reading more about his story you can check out his Dad's blog. Please keep Andrew and Marie in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their son. We are so thankful for the time we had with him and so glad that he was able to spend his last day on earth with us.

Sweet Summer Treats

Happy Birthday Susan

Today my baby sister turns 30! Happy Birthday Susan!

Mom said when she was pregnant with you I used to pray you'd be a girl so we could share a room... I'm so very thankful that God answered this little girls prayer! I love how you can make others laugh (especially me!),I love how you parent your boys, I admire how you are wise and how you know how to speak your mind, and I am challenged when you share what God is teaching you.

You are getting older, but you are so young at heart that I'm sure no one will even notice!

Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Dessert

Since we are in the middle of a heat wave I thought I'd share one of my favorite summertime desserts. It's perfect for hot days such as these.






1 3/4 c. flour
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. oats
1 c. melted butter

Mix together and spread on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Stir mixture when it comes out of oven to break up into little pieces. Cool. Spread half of mixture evenly into a 9x13 pan and pour half a can of butterscotch ice cream syrup over crumbs. Add a layer of softened vanilla ice cream. Top with remaining crumbs and then the rest of the butterscotch sauce. Freeze.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I know that they say that Disneyland is the "Happiest Place on Earth", but I know a couple of kids who would disagree... Truely the Happiest Place on Earth is Papa and Grandma's house!

The Cause Driven Church

This is an article by Erwin McManus that I came across several years ago - I can't seem to get it out of my head. I believe he's hit the nail on the head with this one.


The Cause Driven Church
by Erwin Raphael McManus

The early church existed with a dynamic tension: it was both expanding and consolidating - growing and unifying. The Bible tells us that first century believers “shared everything in common” and that “the church was being added to day by day.” We want our church to live in this same tension.
This tension is illustrated by two biblical images - the body of Christ and the army of God. The body of Christ is centered on community; the army of God is centered on cause.
Healthy community flows out of a unified cause - not the other way around. Jesus called his disciples and said, “Follow me. I’ll make you fishers of men.” This was not an offer of community. “Follow me and I will give you something worthy of giving your life to” is a statement of cause. But the neat thing is, when they came to the cause, they found community like they never knew could exist. That’s the power of the church.
One danger of the American church is that we often try to offer people community without cause. Without cause, you’re just another civic organization. You don’t have life transformation.
Jesus said, “I have come to the world to seek and to save that which is lost.” The cause of Christ is accomplished by expanding the kingdom of God.
Communicating the gospel in a postmodern context can make us feel forced to compete with the entertainment industry. You might be able to compete if you have millions of dollars and that level of expertise. Most of us don’t. We have only one advantage that neither Hollywood nor MTV has. We have the presence and power of the living God!
Why in the world would we eliminate God’s power from our core strategy and actually move to a deficit rather than to an advantage?

Hubby's Hobby

Jeremy's favorite thing to do in the summer is to go to the lake and get behind a boat.

And the secret to being a successful skier...

Birchwood Dairy

Birchwood Dairy is one of our favorite summertime outings. The ice cream is amazing and the kids love running around and looking at all the farm animals. We met some friends there the other day.

When we arrived Sam got out of the car and noticed the gravel parking lot. His comment was "It's rock-o-lee here". Where does he come up with this stuff? We then went to get ice cream - he noticed the cotton candy flavor (gross) and said "I want the pink one". We did the sneaky parent thing and ordered him raspberry (which is also pink and way more tasty) instead. Good thing we did since we had to eat it... he had about two licks and then announced he was done and wanted to go play on the tractors!

Care Group BBQ

You know it's time to go home when:

Would You Like Fries With That?

Someone is Brilliant

I just noticed that Cutest Blog on the Block will make your blog into a book! Isn't that fantastic?!! Wish I would have thought of it first. One day I'm going to make books for my kids... could be a neat legacy thing. Hmm... makes me think a little bit differently about how I blog....

Stay-cation weekend

Jeremy didn't get any of the summer holidays that he requested so we decided that since we couldn't go away we would be purposeful about having lots of family days and enjoying some things that are close to home.

On Friday evening we went out for ice cream and then visited the park that is just down the street from our house.

Check out this garage sale find! Sam is so proud of his new car!

On Saturday we went to IKEA (I know... "IKEA... Swedish for crap", but it's sometimes a fun place to walk through). In the parking lot they had a safety fair going on. It was totally geared for kids. Sam loved the mascots and is still talking about them two days later. He was having "disneyland" kind of fun there!

After church on Sunday we headed into Langley. It was the grand opening of the new Golden Ears Bridge and it was open for people to walk across. Grandpa and Grandma were there too and thanks to the invention of the cell phone we were able to find them in the crowd.



What a fabulous weekend! I'm so thankful for this little family of ours!

Amazing...

Obviously all you teachers out there have known this for a long time, but I just got it...

STICKERS...

they're a powerful thing!