Hump Day

I was going to start this by saying how crazy this week has been until I realized: I've been saying that for the last two months. Oy! I guess this is just the reality of the season of life we are in. Someone needs an attitude adjustment, someone else needs a special trip to the doctor for an injury, someone's top two big teeth are coming in hard, Papa has lots of work to do at the office, three people come down with sore throats, and the plumber says we need to replace the 26 year old+ toilets upstairs. This just sorta covers the last week.  

But there's some really good and exciting stuff too. I launched an official fb page for J. Swenson Photography. Last weekend was surely my busiest yet. And meeting new families is always a treat. 

 W is taking on a big week of work this week so he can take off the entire next week. It gets tricky when you try to take off at month's end in his job. I'm thankful for his boss swapping some things around to make it work for us.

And I got one step closer to another bucket-list item over the weekend!!! Since Theo's birth, I've added "attending a birth where I didn't have to do all the hard work!!" on to my list. I have this thing for birth. I'm strange but I think it's beautiful. And now with photography taking off, I would really love to capture it for others. It's just such a natural next step. So, of course, I talked my way into capturing a sweet girlfriend's freshly minted babe at the hospital over the weekend. She kindly obliged. ;) It was so wonderful just visiting, and capturing their story as it unfolded that afternoon. Baby girl, less than 24 hours old, and her new parents. Learning about each other and how to care for her. Being nervous and excited and exhausted and delighted. It's honestly so crazy that I'm now on the other side of it. That I would be the one handing out encouragement and advice. How quickly did that change?! 

It was also a sweet reminder to be present. Every day I have a choice. And while photography is a great thing and such a life-giving practice for me; while hobbies, interests, personal buck-list dreams are good, my family and children need me more. I need to make the best use of the day with them. And even though today is yet another day of "I'm gonna need a whole lot of coffee and a whole lotta Jesus" to make it, I want to continue stepping through this holy work of digging in deep with my family. 

So, these last few days of crazy attitudes, teething horrors, exhausted/short tempered Mama, and sick/overworked Papa, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel!!! We are ALL really looking forward to some good, quality family time next week!!! And afternoon play dates and running through the rain have also helped immensely this week. ;)

The Art of Life

"God lives in my home, but sometimes I ignore Him and don't hear the music He is playing just for me. This journey of mothering is a challenging marathon of moments, hours, days, months, years, and decades. And yet, in each moment, God has sprinkled across our paths beauty, love, and joy. We have only to cultivate eyes in our hearts to observe this Artist's work of life...all of these moments and passages have the mystery and grace of God in them, just waiting to be unpackaged as evidence of His love. "   --Sally Clarkson, Desperate

A little boy who insists on two sweaters on the morning of expected 100+ degree weather. With his new dollar bin shades.

His love for posing for the camera.

The insatiable love of water and getting wet.

A squishy toddler face full of giggles after getting wet.

His enormous ball of energy.

A squeaky clean babe ready for bed.

These have been my moments of late. His work of life within our home. Because don't we all need those reminders?! When sleep deprivation makes a Mount Everest out of mole hills. And mountains of laundry and dishes too, but we won't get into that. This week has been peppered with stress...

...Finally corrected an OB mistake of giving me the wrong contraception and then billing me $430 for it. Glad that went smoothly...

...T coming to me with an open bottle of nail polish remover, a disgusted look on his face, and a strong smell coming from his mouth. Thank you for calming my nerves, Poison Control...

...Vesper's check-up resulting in the obvious: she's a peanut. A tiny one. Only this is a new pedi and doing an excellent job of stressing a seasoned Mama out...

...Flat tire on W's bike. That mode of transportation to work...

...the constant whiny and sour attitude of another child we may know...

And He's shown His grace despite all that.  A surprise night out for ice cream with a sweet girlfriend. Gparent day so I could slip in a long overdue pedicure. A patient husband who lets me sleep in, listens to me at the end of a long day, and picks up chick flicks at the library without being asked. Group naps each day so I have a quiet time. Glimpses at a little boy's heart that's still moldable, loveable and teachable. This current season is certainly intense, yet not defeating.

I shared this encouraging post on fb the other day because it spoke volumes to me in regards to my ideals for parenting and what I pray and struggle to do each and every day to my wee ones: be God's grace while teaching and training them. 

You will mess up, and you'll do it a lot, but that's okay. I mess up a lot, too. We're in this together; it's why we need Jesus.

We need Jesus.

You and me both, kid. Because we will never get "it" right in this life. There will be loose ends and trouble and sin swirling all around us, but if we hold onto Jesus, we'll make it.

And grace.

A million times you will mess up, and a million times I will forgive you. And please forgive me, too, for my million mess-ups.

Happy Weekend, dear friends! May you see His artwork displayed within your own life! :)

Lately...

Last week I got the stomach flu and laid in bed the entire following day. Bleh. We missed out on some fun activities like family dinner, the boys going to the fair with my parents, and a girls' night out. It also was a bummer because I had finally found a happy groove with the kids. Like, we may have caught a glimpse at a new normal and been enjoying it when bam! I'm laid up in bed. Isn't that the way of life at this stage?!

So, we're picking up where we left off this week. We seem to have a routine. We have finally weaned from screen time except for our movie day. Only took like 4 months to have a little more cushion when handling three on a daily basis. I feel frantic less often even though I'm still not getting stellar sleep. I'm still on two cups of coffee, but by God's grace, I'm quicker at extending love and patience to the needs that arise. Have I arrived?! Certainly not, but I'm happy to report progress. :) Less survival mode and more embracing the day.

My phone has also taken a turn for the worst. Apparently, one drop too many and it can't hold a good internet connection. And I refuse to pay for more data. So in addition to my self-imposed limiting, my phone is basically making it much more possible to stay off of social media. And connect with real life.

And we've jumped on the Downton Abbey bandwagon finally. I knew from its genre that it was only a matter of time. With our few other shows on break, it was a good time to try out the first seasons. Such good entertainment.

So this summer I'm taking a free pass. Beyond a few fun weekends, we don't have much of anything planned. We even opted out of family camp this year because it just would have been too hard. So, the summer bucket list will have to wait until next year--when the boys are just a bit older and more independent. We'll enjoy a few traditions, but otherwise, it'll be lots of pool time, castlewood time and sticking close to home.

Roadtrip with the motorycle crew next summer, right, gparents?!? ;)

Family Culture

I've been doing a book study with our MOPS this summer. The book is called Desperate; Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. I was a little skeptical at first for several reasons, but it's turned out to be a great thought-provoking read. 

Currently, I feel like I'm wading my way through our own mucky waters of finding a new normal, experimenting with discipline methods now that we have two completely different boys to contend with, and still wanting to be intentional about our family's culture; so I wasn't sure if I was going to get anything out of the book study-- my brain is a bit tapped with other things to consider and pray over. Discombobulated is a great way to put it.

Well, lo and behold, there have been some gems within the book that directly relate to what we've been working through. One of which was intentionality of our family culture. We really want our children to think our home is the best place in the world. We want them to linger here, love Jesus deeply, and feel secure and openly talk about what's on their heart. It is a living and breathing home so there will be spats, challenges, exhaustion and messes. But hopefully, with grace and a soft heart. 

A few nights ago, W and I wrote down a few of the things we hope will create the culture we want as our family grows and gets older. Just some of the things we hope to impart to our littles and enjoy together. 

...a love for Jesus, His grace, and a Godly character; grown from daily reading of his Word and prayer, weekly church and small group involvement, parental training and teaching

...a love for the outdoors; grown through camping, hikes, future boy scouts

...a love of physical activity; grown through biking, walks, jogs, swimming, other future sports

...a love for the arts; grown through theater, musicals, concerts, live productions, museums, art projects

...a love for good books; grown through school, read-alouds, audio books, personal libraries

...a love for adventure/trying new things; grown through road trips, day outings, local events, family vacations

...a sense of duty and belonging; grown through service projects, household chores

...a love for silliness and fun; grown through wearing birthday hats, future game nights, family movie/pizza nights, picnics

...a love for homestead/natural living; grown through future chicken raising, gardening and composting, understanding natural remedies and benefits, learning to research and make decision that may be contrary to popular beliefs/practices

...a love for Swenson family traditions; grown through establishing seasonal traditions specific to our family

Some examples:

-big breakfasts

-fires on cold evenings

-thankful tree
-Gparent day

-advent calendar and wreath

-pumpkin picking and carving

-summer fair and funnel cake 

-church summer camping trip

-Scottish games on Labor Day weekend

-family dinners at Castlewood

-trips to Orange County to see family; Thanksgiving and May

-picking dinner and dessert on birthday

A lot of the things listed are just who we are and what we enjoy. They don't take much effort and seem like no-brainers. Others, we want to be intentional about making happen. Or at least, set up our home environment to encourage them.

Our children have different personalities and preferences, but we hope as a general whole they will learn to love the things we do as a family. I'm a perfect example of that: my parents love sports and I totally do not except for the social aspect. Family culture fail. ;) But I do know about each sport and understand enough to hold an intelligent conversation!! One major success that I love about my family growing up was that we were always together. I loved that we spent so much time together. I was an only child---my parents could have easily left me with family or a babysitter and go off on their own. But they intentionally took me with them. And I noticed. And now, its one of the biggest things I love about W and our family. Being together. 

It will be music to my ears when I hear my littles say, "Oh yeah, when we were growing up, my family always did..." Whether they chose to continue that into their own families is up to them, we just hope to provide an anchor for our wee ones. And I pray they notice too.

What kind of family culture are you creating??

On Mamahood

We did the weekend much the same as any other.
Hardy breakfasts.
Park, picnic, and play.
Longs naps.
A movie.
Church.
More long naps.
Kite flying.
Dinner at Castlewood.

My favorite gifts are time and adventure. W gave me both. He discovered the new park that he took us to. And on Sunday during nap time, made us some decaf in the french press and we each enjoyed a cup at the table together. That meant uninterrupted time during daylight hours to talk and hang out. Truly a major feat these days. I savored it that much more.

Dinner at Castlewood was amazing, of course. I'm convinced my parents could open up a restaurant and do well.

Yes. Still in shock and awe that I have a daughter now. And trying with all my might to soak up every drop-- during those daily few seconds of alone time together. ;)

If you told me in college that I'd have three little ones before I turned thirty, I would have laughed in your face. I was so doubtful back then if I even was Mama-material. {heck, I still have my doubts} Or if I even wanted to have kids.

And now I have these three and still not wholly convinced we're complete. I will probably only see just how crazy we are-- to have this many under four years-- several years from now. Because it really is a circus. 

But when this really hard season is over, I'm sure I will cry. And long for the way Theo giggles and gives his sassy look. How Vesper sticks her tongue out every time she smiles. How Ezra follows me around the house so he has someone to keep him company. 

I can only hope and pray that I do right by them and by He who entrusted them into my care.

Mamahood has been an unexpected delight. I love being able to be a kid with them. To play outside. To frolic and sing and dance. To be explorers and adventurers. And they still think I'm cool.

Mamahood has also been an unexpected button-pusher. It pushes my selfish button. My impatience. My entitlement. My anger. My grumbling and ungrateful heart button. I'm astonished at how quickly this role brings all those dark hidden places, some that you didn't know were there, to light. Maybe because I had so many so fast, my darkness comes to light at lightening speed?! I don't think I've ever had to apologize in such concentration before becoming a mother. Nor wondered if I'm making any process in these areas. Wondering if He could work more painlessly on these areas.

And that's what makes this job so hard. The constant. The repetition. The friction of being with someone all day, everyday. The serving. The pouring out. Over and over and over again. Even when you think there's no more of yourself to give. Even when you don't want to give.

My best girlfriend has been such an encouragement in this walk recently. She's one of those women who you see and think "that's what I want to be like." Wisdom, character, a love for the Lord and a secure peace that just oozes out of her being. Here are some things she's shared with me that have helped during my low moments.

It's wise to look for ways to care for yourself, not in a selfish way, but just a responsible way. At the same time, this is where God has you...In the trenches and He desires to show you amazingly beautiful things that you wouldn't see in the light. It's only too easy to look at this week and think the cure is caring for you more but that's not the cure. The only cure is learning to fall in His grace for each moment. I'm totally learning this along side you, sister.

I'm praying for you that today you would lean firmly into Him for strength and the grace to respond to each small fire with great love. Can you carve out a few minutes to read His word? Praise music? That always re-directs my heart and supplies me with grace for the moment. 

Try to remember every moment with your kids, every sacrifice, every time you rock a screaming child can ALL be an act of worship. It's been my prayer lately that God would transform my responses from irritable and sharp to recognizing the time and space is where He has me for a purpose to extend His grace and love to those around me. {husband included!}

 I feel so blessed to have several wise Mamas to mama me when I need it. I think every young and old Mama needs at least one. And not just with practical things like the best stroller or tactics for getting them to go to sleep, but heart issues too. Matters of deep significance and long standing effects. 

And so, I leave it at this. This perfect, eloquent way of what my heart longs to remember when I want to stop pouring. When my buttons are pressed too hard. When all three need something at the exact same moment. When my head is ringing from the day's demands.

This.

Feathers Plucked for The Nest...

 The children press in close too, for a better look at Alexander Max Koester’s painting Ducks, and I read aloud the caption below the brushes of color.

“Mother ducks pick feathers from their chests to line their nests.”

I pause and the children gaze thoughtfully at a clutch of plump white, blizzard of feathers fallen down. But it’s those words that mesmerize me: “pick feathers from their chests, to line their nests.”

Eyes fixed on a duck breast puffed, mother plunging beak in deep, I question wondering self: “How else did you think nests were lined?”

With leftovers. With the discarded, the molted, the not-so-necessary feathers. I thought mother ducks picked feathers up from what was laying about, scraps, lining nests with what simply could be mustered after the fact.

But no. (Is that only the way of other mothers?) No, a mother duck plucks each feather out from the heart of her bosom, warm and soft. She lines the nest with bits of herself. The best of her, from the deep spots. She cups her young in her sacrifice. 

Days later, I am scrubbing out the arches of muffin tins after breakfast, the clock ticking insufferably loud in my ears. Children need books and learning, and I’m tuned for the expected chime of the doorbell, a service personnel’s scheduled visit. And the words rise near to the surface, “I don’t have time for this! No muffins tomorrow morning!”

Pluck.

The words sharply sink. And I, learning, line this nest with a feather. Not a leftover. But one decidedly plucked. The service man meets me with muffin tins still in the sink, and a circle of happy young. Whose tummies next morning fill with another batch of muffins.

The sun’s perfect globe of glow nears the horizon when boys, glint in eyes, recalibrate vacuum cleaner to fire socks. Weary, I have food to find, laundry awaiting escort, math sheets to mark. They fire.

And I Pluck.

Bellies jiggle, peals of giggles, as old mother chases after future men, wrestling them down, tying them up in tickles. We warm here in laughter. It feels good, wild and alive. So again they fire, and again I pluck, and we pile high, one atop the other, nesting down into sacrifice, soft and small.

Some feathers for this nest have hurt, pain of the plucking lingering long. But why speak of the details? And was it really sacrifice, or just this too-tender skin? It’s done, it was necessary, it was for something better. Some nights, when all sleep, I feel along the hidden bald patches.

There are times, too many, when they call, “Read me a story?”  “Wanna play a game with me?” “Can you come help me?”

And this mother refuses to pluck. Something, some task, someone (me?), rates as more pressing, more important. I deem the nest acceptable. Then comes the pecking, the scratching, the squawking. With lining wearing thin, the nest chafes hard. We hurt and cry. Nests need  feathers deep.

Someone must pluck.

When will I learn that down sacrificed settles and soothes? For scraps won’t suffice. Snippets of time, leftover me, a trinket, a diversion, tossed. Mother ducks don’t line nests with feathers, dirty and trampled, the molted and unnecessary. Why would I? Nests need feathers fresh, warm with mother’s life.  

Night descends and calls children to dreams. I lead them to their gate, arms and legs under quilts worn from the ride. I read stories, stroke hair, say prayers. Prayers to Him who plucked hard from His own heart. A sacrifice, staggering and true, for love of His very own. We learn love from His laid down.

Tired heads nestle into pillows, pillows of down.

On feathers plucked, we rest.

Happy Mama's Day!

Beautiful print about mothering via here.

What A Week

....playdate ending in a doctor visit because a big boy wasn't watching where he was running and mowed over his sweet friend.

...protested naps.

....trying to aggressively pay of Vesper's birth and accidentally paying another bill early, resulting in an overdrawn bank account.

...for the past three days, an infant who will only settle into sleep when nursing and being held. 

...toddler who climbs out of his crib during nap time.

....roofers and a jack-hammer making a loud chorus outside--perhaps encouraging the previous two problems.

Downright stressful.

Last week certainly had a huge helping of challenges. There were some sweet moments in it too; including some "just because flowers" and fun days outside. 

 I've survived through encouraging girlfriends who challenge me to go to the cross and to draw my strength from Him. A husband that lets me sneak out for solo runs during our couch to 5k family edition. And grandparents who love their gparent day, coffee and some sunshine.

Flying Solo

So I survived my first day alone with three. 

And holy cow, I'm pooped.

Can't remember the last time I thought a hot shower and bed sounded so very appealing before 7:30pm.

I'm surprised I made it all the way through dinner.

Thankfully, today was Thursday which meant gymnastics for Ezra--which my parents take him to and usually do lunch with him before dropping him back off. And if I put T down for an early nap, then I'll get some down time. 

Other than that, we filled the rest of our time with meals, naps, little Einsteins espisodes and a trip to get another cup of coffee and the park. Yup, just the basics of survival around here. 

The kitchen's a mess.

Laundry is in stages.

But we made it through.

If I can figure this "three kids; three and under" thing out, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to take on anything.

I get five days per week to work on it. 

Please send your prayers!

How He Turned Three

Another rainy day for Ezra's birthday. Think that marks over half his life with a rainy birthday {1st and 3rd}. But that didn't stop us. We made sure to have lots of fun and make lots of memories!

Starting with... Winnie the Pooh at 9am while brother napped. Nothing like "breaking the rules" with a movie before naps. ;) Then we did lunch, some delivery errands, and visited with friends who we haven't seen in weeks! Then it was naps for both before heading to a cafe to meet up with more friends.  I made E wear his crown in order to open his gifts. {I sure hope baby girl embraces her crown for more than just a few birthdays. Yeesh!}

Afterwards, we were off to pick up Papa from work, grab birthday goodies from home, and head up to Gpa and Gma's for birthday dinner and cake. We had our delicious Cioppino {which has traditionally been saved for Christmas Eve}.

Then out came the cake and gifts. Ezra was so sweet and so so very excited! 

The bow and arrows were an instant hit and you could tell he felt so grown-up with them. Just hoping these don't mean an ER visit in our future... you know, that whole "you'll shoot your eye out" Mama thinking. ;)

On Toddlers and Chores

It's a new year. And with that comes the customary reflections, making goals,and hoping for potential changes, etc. W and I made resolutions last year that we still need to finish reflecting on. I know, I know, many people scoff at resolutions. Maybe you're one of them. But when I make mine, I don't expect to do them all for the entire year. No way. I might not even do one. It's just good to reflect and make decisions about what you'd like to work on. With God's help, that slow progress can happen.

I have yet to really sit down and figure out some goals for this year. But I was pleasantly surprised when W pushed a small piece of paper across the breakfast table last week with his goals. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a man who thinks about the direction we're heading in. :)

With that preface in mind, here's one area we've recently talked over...

{E circa 01/11}

Ezra loves helping me or W around the house. He pretty much pushes himself into any activity I'm working on. Be it the dishwasher-- he leaps in and starts handing me the utensils, plates, and anything else on the bottom shelf. Be it the laundry-- he wants to help me move the clothes to the dryer. Or be the one to put Papa's socks in the drawer. I think we were on to something when we named him "God's help". Perhaps our next child's name will mean "Completely obedient the very first time, always listens to instruction, and never whines." Wouldn't that be nice? 

So over time, E has a few certain activities that he helps out with and has even almost taken over completely {like feeding the pups and putting his dirty clothes in the hamper}. We've been going back and forth over starting a picture chore chart or should I say, something concrete that clearly lays out our expectations for his weekly responsibilities. I already like the habit we have of including him in our activities and that he thoroughly enjoys helping us. It's a wonderful start to the training/teaching processes. I'm just wondering if we're ready to take the next step without overwhelming him.

Here's some of what Ezra likes to do:

-help makes bed morning and after nap

-put pjs in hamper

-set the table for meal times {all but breakable plates/cups}

-help clean up his face, hands, and table area

-help unload dishwasher

-help put toys away

-feed the pups

-put shoes/jacket away once inside

-pick out pjs and clean diaper before bath

-put day's clothes in hamper

I found in searching that I'm not the first one to wonder or even implement toddler chores. I  found several free printables but none that struck my fancy. But it's so nice not having to re-invent the wheel! :) I found these posts particularly helpful: here, here, and here.

Our conclusion: I think for now we're just going to focus on consistency and rhythm. Trying to do the same 'chores' around the same time of day with Ezra. He's very quick to turn something into a habit so hopefully as we continue to have him do these things, we can slowly release him to do them on his own. In a few years, we'll add a bit more structure to this whole thing and probably an allowance as well. One post talked about how her kids have some required chores {you're are a part of the family} and some extra chores that can get paid out {learning the concept of earning and budgeting}. We really liked the dual-chore idea.

Our ultimate goal for now is that he can anticipate the next activity simply based on our consistency. But I wonder if that means I also need to be consistent in my chores. He has yet to ask why our bed isn't always made. We'll see how that goes... ;)

You Are TWO!

Dearest Buki Buk,

You are now TWO years old! Which mean that you have been alive for almost three years or roughly 1,000 days. Your mother and I have welcomed you into our household and family and we are so glad you are our son!. And now your baby brother Theo, has also been richly blessed by having you as an older brother. 

Since before you were born you have been prayed over. Before anyone but God (and a few med techs) knew you were going to be our firstborn son we read and sang to you so that you would know our voices when we met you in the flesh. We are raising you to be a child who will grow into a man of God, and as such we have both high expectations of you and lots of grace and patience to teach you. You will make many mistakes, as will Mama & Papa, but we can get through them by God's grace and lots of continual forgiveness and love. As Mama & Papa follow God, you can follow Papa & Mama in learning how to be obedient and grateful.

Ezra David Swenson

Born December 17, 2009 at 9:53 am

--You are talking so much! And you're getting very good at asking, "Please?" and saying, "Thank you." ("tantoo")

--You love to jump from the stairs into our arms (just make sure to TELL us you're jumping FIRST!)

--You're riding your own bike now! And you've learned that you must always wear your helmet--thank you!

--You finally got your *official* first haircut--and it made you look so much older!

--You absolutely, unequivocally love your baby brother Theo! 

--You call Eggnog "Egg milk"...and can easily down two servings a day

--You're ability to remember little details is astounding: the Christmas Tree lights in the morning, your stream sound at night, hanging up your potty (like your cousins in Fountain Valley do)

--You eat the middle out of your toast/bread

--You love being read to, and you're starting to look through books by yourself

--You enjoy singing. And by, "singing" I mean, "screaming the lyrics you know at the top of your lungs." 8o)

--"Mo mo" {motorcycle} is still a very active part of your vocabulary

--Papa gets to throw you up and down and you LOVE it! Much to the chagrin of every mother who sees you flying through the air. 

We love you, BIG boy!

Bringing In The Reinforcements

Yes, it does in fact take a village. Since Theo made his wonderful entrance into our little world, we have not been afraid to ask for help! 

The biggest and most obvious help has been my parents. I'm consistently thankful and blown away by their amazing and unending support. Just last week, my mom drove Theo and me an hour out to an appointment, waited in the waiting room for 45 minutes and then drove us back home. My dad took 2 hours out of his afternoon to attend Theo's circumcision so I'd have some moral support. Not to mention all the yummy meals they've taken care of here and there throughout the last 3 weeks, taking E at the drop of a phone call, and the check-ins with me to make sure I'm still breathing and not dead from a fever or stress. Heh.

A few weeks ago, my Auntie Rhonda {my mom's sister} came over for a few hours to hang with Ezra while W did some errands. Since I was still recovering from mastitis phase I, I wasn't really all that helpful. She spent time loving on E and being goofy with him.

  Two Saturday ago, Mama Judy came into town. She'll be here for two WHOLE weeks!! Seriously, a God-send. W started work last week and has been gone all day. He only sees Ezra for his last ten minutes of awake time while W puts him to bed. Having Mama here means I don't have a screaming, starving baby while having to try to get dinner on the table, a toddler fed and bathed, or when stealing away for a shower or quick bite to eat. How is it that Theo's eating schedule seems to coinicide with E's nap time, meal times, or any other time sensitive daily event?! Not sure how that's going to work when there's just me. Heh.

I'm completely indebted to my sweet sweet family on both sides. They have been such servants and so wonderful; it's hard to put into words. Since my body just doesn't like to cooporate during recovery and actually recover, it's been such a deep blessing to have these amazing people in our lives to help us, encourage us, and provide for us in such practical ways.

Sure, we may move away. In fact, we still want to someday. But now I'm saying when our youngest is like 10 or something. ;)

"Inspriring the Next Generation"

Happy Friday!!

Just One of Those Weeks...

Where I was 'done' by 9am.

Starting my own pity party.

Fussy, unhappy, and general 'pushing of the buttons.'

Teething.

Canceling fun plans because neither of us could hack it.

But then...

New life was born.

A sweet treat: Ezra's regular check-up showed he's moved from below the 5th % to over the 13% in weight {still above 75th % in height}.

And I got this delightful Nordie's package on my doorstep:

How could I still be a gloomy gussie while wearing these cheerful pair?!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

-Lamentation 3:22-23

Praying that I remember that His mercies never end and they are new EACH and EVERY morning whether that starts at the current 6:15 or the normal 7:15...and whether I've had a crappy night's sleep {how can I be uncomfortable already?!} or a well-rested one.

A Half Past One {18 months}

Dear Little Man,

Yes! You are quite the little man now, Buki. It just seems like with each day, comes more fun and joyful things you're doing, saying, learning, etc. We thoroughly enjoy watching you grow and take on the world more and more. Here are some things that we want to keep close to our hearts and not forget...

-First multi-syllable word: "opposites" from a Bert and Ernie book Mama picked up in the dollar section 

-So helpful!! Your current chores include: putting your shoes in the shoe basket, putting your dirty laundry in the hamper, helping Mama: set the table, feed the pups, take the pups out by 'walking' Pancho, put your toys away and make your bed.

-So agreeable! You respond with a hardy "Yeah!" to every.single.question you're asked. If only, you'd stay this way! ;)

 -Are currently getting the rest of your molars and now cuspids in; it's definitely toothy in there!

-Passion for books has grown a ton...we read quite often throughout the day: potty times, after waking up from naps, during playtime...but you still mostly read with us and only ever-so-often on your own

-Some well-read books include: Clifford's family, Curious George Rides a Bike, In a People's House, Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat, I Spy Little Wheels and Thomas the Train's Big Flap Book.

-Still taking two hardy naps each day...any time Mama thinks you're ready for one, it usually turns out to be teething that shortens them. Oi!

-Are definitely your parents' child: love being and doing things together and love cuddles! The best snuggler around!

-Starting to see more areas to learn and train in...handling the disappointment of 'no' to a request, asking without 'whining', and thinking of others when playing together

-Quite vocal with single words, lots of babbling and sound word. You love to point to and point out things as you see them.

-Have not been sick for the past 8 months or so! How that's happened, I'll never know since you still put lots in your mouth.

-Such a hardy breakfast and dinner eater...lunch, not so much... and are still very adventurous in your eating--you have never really gone through a 'picky' stage.

-Very outgoing and will interact with any and all that pass by you!

Love you to pieces, Buki!

Switching Gears

For the past several months, I've been on a crafty kick. Well, that's finally slowing down some. I blame it on the fact that the new Joann's is still not open yet {the 20th}. But this also happens to be typical J style. I'll go in full-out burst then fizzle out and lay it aside with the hopes of picking it up again some time later. Probably explains why I start things so early-- I know I need some time when I don't do anything with it. 

All that to say, my current focus is back to the books. After lingering in Simplemom's recommended reading list, my amazon cart was quite full of some great books. I couldn't want to start!

Currently reading: Simplicity Parenting

Wow! This book is utterly amazing. It completely spells out W and I's parenting philosophy wonderfully. We've always understood that we do things a bit differently and are a bit hippy, but I've had a hard time fully laying out our intentions for doing the things we do or want to do. This author beautifully articulates what I've been hoping to rely to others. 

The basic premise is that our culture {and therefore our children} suffers from too much: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too fast. Payne peels back each of these to reveal the joy of living simply so that children can actually embrace their childhood. "A protected childhood allows for the slow development of identity, well-being, and resiliency." {p12} It's been hard to put this puppy down and not read every paragraph out loud to W when he's home.

In the stack, waiting to be read...

 First Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos

I've already leafed through this one a bit and am excited to try some out with E. It basically takes the approach that at this age, it's all about discovery. Not a final project. So the ideas in here are meant to spur exploration through an art process. You probably won't get a cute little piece to hang up on the fridge, but they'll be tactile-learning about the world around them!

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching & Learning the Greatness of God

Theology 101 for little ones. Sharing ways of living out and teaching little ones God's truth.When the author's girls were just toddlers, he tried to creatively teach them the same things he was teaching his seminary students. Looking forward to reading this gem!

Heaven On Earth

Super new-aging-ness aside, this book follows the Waldorf/Montessori idea that parents are their children's first teachers. What I was most interested in was the ideas about creating play spaces for indoor and outdoor areas with variety of natural toys, incorporating kids into daily chores and rhythms, and it's very do-it-yourself approach.

It's been awhile since I've read anything 'instructional' and not just for entertainment. I'm really looking forward to some learning and seeing where I can implement these goodies in our day-to-day routines!