What a Waste of Words

For the last 2+ years I have been talking non stop to our kids about using their manners and I don't think it has made an ounce of difference.

Sam (in a whiny voice): Book?

Me: I'm not reading to you unless you use your manners and talk to me like a big boy!

Sam: Can you read me this book?

Me: No, you still didn't use your manners.

(Sam gives me a blank look)

Me: You know... the magic words.

Sam: Hokus Pokus?!

She's Two... and Cute as Ever!

Our little girly is two! I can hardly believe it! We had so much fun celebrating her a couple of weeks ago at her flower garden party. It was especially fun having my Mom and Dad there as well... we hadn't seen them in five months which is way too long in my books! (They are the ones that bought her sweet outfit.) As is true at any two year old's party there were moments that were an absolute gong show, but I think everyone had a good time despite the 8 kids taking turns being "Age appropriate"!

So That Explains It

Sam: Mom, when I'm bigger I will be a good listener.

Me: You are already big enough to be a good listener.

Sam: Well, actually, I'm not.

Thank you Mennonite Girls

Both the kids are pretty picky eaters. Sometimes they just have to eat what I make and sometimes I'm just not up for the battle. I can't give them hot dogs everyday 'cause that makes me feel like a bad mom and I would be at a total loss if they ever get sick of them! Anyway... all that to say that I am constantly on the hunt for new recipes. These Maple Oatmeal Scones (from one of my favorite blogs, Mennonite Girls Can Cook) have been a hit recently. The kids don't even ask to dip them in ketchup!... that's a sure sign that I have found a good recipe!

The Days are Long...

The other day I commented on Facebook about Maarti's growing independence and her favorite phrase "I do dis!". A friend, who is one stage ahead of where we're at, reminded me that "the days are long, but the years are short". You'd think for all these long days I'd have more to blog about! Does anyone even read this "blah-g" anymore?!

I did join 300,000 women last weekend at Beth Moore's simulcast and, surprise, surprise... I. Loved. It! Her topic went along with her newest book "So Long Insecurity". I'm still processing so much of it.

Some thoughts that stood out to me:

• Insecurity and humility are not on the same plain.
• Insecurity is not a weakness - it is unbelief.
• Memorize Scripture if you want to be free.
• Insecurity is a form of pride - we are obsessed with self. Security makes us think less often of ourself.
• We often try to manage our strongholds instead of just being free.
• How much of our unforgiveness has to do with our insecurity? We are often so insecure that everything comes at us as an offense.
• We can't think like a new person if we still think we are the old person. It does not honor God to disbelieve His forgiveness.

Apparently a DVD of her message will be coming out this summer... it would definitely be worth getting your hands on.

In other news... We're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to Sam and "Three"! As he approaches four we are seeing some more maturity and we are thankful! He often tells me "I love you 'cause you're my girl!". Isn't that the cutest thing?!

Maarti on the other hand is almost two and loves to say "noooope"... a realize the spirit behind it is the age appropriate "NO"... but "nope" is so such easier to take! She also likes to say "Ah wuv you sweedie" to Jeremy which is enough to make us forget about her defiance for a while.

So, yes, the days are long, but they are also (mostly) pleasant so I'm choosing to enjoy... because the years are indeed short.

Have a great weekend everyone! I will... I'm turning 35 on Sunday and I can hardly wait! I have officially reached the age that I once thought of as "Old"... what was I thinking? These are the best years of my life!

Oiy!

I sometimes am at a complete loss when it comes to my first-born! His behavior, although typical for a three year old boy, is often dangerous... climbing the pantry shelves, stuffing his mouth to absolute capacity, trying to climb a fence by placing a wobbly stool on a narrow retaining wall etc.
Lately, every time I use the phrase: "Stop that - it's dangerous!" his reply is always the same: "No it's not - falling down the stairs is dangerous." Unfortunately, this strikes me funny every time and I haven't done a very good job at hiding my smirk. I hope he clues in before before we have to make a trip to the E.R.!

Pleasantly Surprised

It finally happened!

Maarti's last "Nuk" is broken!
I was anticipating that what would happen next would
be somewhat similar to a root canal, but...
we're on day three and so far all is well!
In fact right now she's hiding in a closet yelling
"Count Mommy! Find you!" so...
I gotta go. It's "Hide and Seek " time!