Seriously! Click the link.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Some Lessons Teach the Teacher
The little girl walked up to me. Mommy, I accidentally wrote in the book.
Well, Abigail, what does that mean?
She hangs her head, A spanking.
Yes, what book did you write in?
The Apple Strudel Soldier.
A library book.
Why did you write in The Apple Strudel Soldier?
I thought it was a coloring book.
I could tell she was searching for a reason that sounded acceptable. A coloring book is an appropriate place to write. Things were getting out of hand, I had to tackle the “accident” and the writing and if we continued this line of questioning I am sure we would get into lying and other subjects this Monday morning mother wasn't prepared for.
We were sitting face to face--she on the couch, I on the ottoman. She was worrying over the consequences. I wanted to address the disobedience and “tweaking” of the truth.
Abigail, you knew this wasn't a coloring book. It is your favorite library book. We will have to tell Miss Diane when we take it back.
Do I have to have a spanking? She asked tearfully.
Yes, Honey, you have to have a spanking. You know you are not allowed to write in books.
A quiet voice--Ask to see what she wrote.
Abigail, show me where you wrote.
She opened the book to the title page and pointed to a pen mark not a centimeter in length. Eyelashes are longer. The frayed edges of this old book are longer.
Oh, Abby. I can't spank you for this.
Relief covers her face. There will be no spanking.
Mommy, I'm sorry I wrote in the book.
Oh, Sweetheart, I forgive you. I am sorry I scared you, that I was going to spank you without cause. Will you forgive me?
Yes. She replies.
Mommy, I'm sorry I wrote in the book. Will we need to tell Miss Diane?
No, Honey, we won't.
Her eyes give it away. Her body tense beside me gives it away. She isn't convinced. Not of the forgiveness. Not of the love. Not of the relationship damaged in disobedience, but repaired in forgiveness.
To read more please visit A Lettered Legacy.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Reality Moment
I had a reality moment today. *tear*
I took Brenna to school today, as usual.
We were listening to Veggie Tales on the way, as usual.
We get to the school and I help her out of the car, as usual.
We walk on the sidewalk together side by side. Wait. She doesn't reach for my outstretched hand. Not usual.
We get to the door of the school to see her two little friends arrive at the same time. Sophia & Summer.
Her smiles are for them not for me. Not usual.
I walk her in the building, kiss her goodbye. She is looking at them the entire time. She didn't look up at me once with those little eyes I love so much. Not usual.
I had to hold back my tears as I left the school, as usual.
This time they were new tears. Tears at the realization that very soon Brenna will no longer need me in the ways I am use to her needing me.
You know that part of you that you didn't have until you had kids?! I can almost feel that part of me starting to walk around inside looking for something to do.
I don't think I like that very much. Nope, not at all.
However, I can't help but feel a tiny bit proud of the amazing human beings that God has blessed me with and I think, perhaps with His help I will be able to bare it...perhaps.
*tear, tear, tear*
I took Brenna to school today, as usual.
We were listening to Veggie Tales on the way, as usual.
We get to the school and I help her out of the car, as usual.
We walk on the sidewalk together side by side. Wait. She doesn't reach for my outstretched hand. Not usual.
We get to the door of the school to see her two little friends arrive at the same time. Sophia & Summer.
Her smiles are for them not for me. Not usual.
I walk her in the building, kiss her goodbye. She is looking at them the entire time. She didn't look up at me once with those little eyes I love so much. Not usual.
I had to hold back my tears as I left the school, as usual.
This time they were new tears. Tears at the realization that very soon Brenna will no longer need me in the ways I am use to her needing me.
You know that part of you that you didn't have until you had kids?! I can almost feel that part of me starting to walk around inside looking for something to do.
I don't think I like that very much. Nope, not at all.
However, I can't help but feel a tiny bit proud of the amazing human beings that God has blessed me with and I think, perhaps with His help I will be able to bare it...perhaps.
*tear, tear, tear*
Monday, March 8, 2010
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am asking for wisdom today to know how to best raise my kids. Help me to know when to discipline and when to give grace. Help me sense Your nearness so I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed with this task of being a mom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A Mother's Prayer Poem
I originally saw this poem framed and hanging in a dear friend's bathroom back in October. She did not realize that I copied it (via my cell phone) and placed it on our blog.
Today she emailed it to me...and today I needed it. I wanted to share it will all of you again.
A Mother's Prayer
Oh give me patience when tiny hands
Tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle & smiling eyes;
Keep my lips from sharp replies.
And let not fatigue, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So when years later and my house is still-
No bitter memories its room may fill.
~author unknown
Oh give me patience when tiny hands
Tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle & smiling eyes;
Keep my lips from sharp replies.
And let not fatigue, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So when years later and my house is still-
No bitter memories its room may fill.
~author unknown
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Day Full of Special Moments
I have had an abnormal busy week:
On a normal non-busy week, I would let things go and spend extra time with Ethan. However, today I really could not stand the housework that has piled up. Because of my busy week Ethan got to spend EXTRA time with both of his Grandmothers. They give him their undivided attention all day long. After having 3 days of that, why should he expect otherwise from mommy?!
I tried to explain to him that mommy had to get things done! We worked out a schedule. I folded one basket of laudry and then played basketball with him for a bit. I cleaned the kitchen and then helped him build his train track. I folded more laundry and then helped him clean up his train track. I folded even more laundry and then we played ping pog. Things were working out pretty good until he decided that he was still not getting enough of my time or attention. I was back at the laundry and he seemed to be playing very nicely in his room when he walks out and says "Mommy, I need you for a minute." I follow him to his room and half way there he reaches out for me to take his hand. We walk in his room and he looks up at me and says "I need someone with long hair to play with me. Hmmmm (putting his little finger to his chin and scrunching his 'thinking' face)? Who has long hair that can play with me?! Who does mommy?" It was all I could do to not laugh at his seriousness. He then looks at me and says "MOMMY, YOU have long hair!!!!! YOU can play with me!" Can anyone tell me how I was suppose to resist that?!
Our bedtime routine was switched up a little tonight. For some reason neither of my kids wanted to read stories tonight. Brenna fell asleep on the couch and Ethan wanted to snuggle in my bed. I was reading as we snuggled and he grabbed another book of mine and pretended to be reading along with me. After about a minute or two he says "Mommy, how long are you going to look at that page?!" I explained. Shortly I turned the page only to see him turn his page. I quickly caught on and didn't wait long to turn my page again. He followed along. He was reading just like mommy!
So what I seem to remember as a day starting out feeling overwhelmed and torn ended as a day full of special memories created by special moments.
And you know what...I wouldn't trade it for anything...not even a spotless house!
- Errands in town most of my day on Monday. In the evening PTO meeting.
- Tuesday I volunteered all day at my daughter's school. 4:30 the kids and I head down to help get things ready for MOPS night out and enjoy some special time together.
- Wednesday it's back to the school for another day of volunteering.
That may not seem like a busy week to some of you but to me that is almost an overload. Let me paint you a picture of what my house looked like as of this morning:
Five baskets of clean laundry in various rooms. Most needed folded and then put away some just needed put away. Peeking down in my laundry room I saw many piles of clothes screaming to be washed. The clothes hamper upstairs mocking me almost as it was overflowing! I cannot help but think...HOW can four people (and two of them so little) create SO much laundry?
In the kitchen I see a sink full of dirty dishes and a counter covered in pots and pans, dirty. I open the dishwasher to find it full of clean dishes to be put away. Not too bad really, but combined with the laundry?!
Ethan calls for me to help him reach the Legos in his room. I get them down only to drop them in the process (luckily we keep them in a tight box!). I bend down to pick them up and see dust bunnies on his floor.
Add to all of this: nasty leftovers in the fridge, toys in random places, a very dirty microwave, a 4 year old who wants all of your time and you get one overwhelmed mom!
I have to be honest. My day was not starting out so well.
On a normal non-busy week, I would let things go and spend extra time with Ethan. However, today I really could not stand the housework that has piled up. Because of my busy week Ethan got to spend EXTRA time with both of his Grandmothers. They give him their undivided attention all day long. After having 3 days of that, why should he expect otherwise from mommy?!
I tried to explain to him that mommy had to get things done! We worked out a schedule. I folded one basket of laudry and then played basketball with him for a bit. I cleaned the kitchen and then helped him build his train track. I folded more laundry and then helped him clean up his train track. I folded even more laundry and then we played ping pog. Things were working out pretty good until he decided that he was still not getting enough of my time or attention. I was back at the laundry and he seemed to be playing very nicely in his room when he walks out and says "Mommy, I need you for a minute." I follow him to his room and half way there he reaches out for me to take his hand. We walk in his room and he looks up at me and says "I need someone with long hair to play with me. Hmmmm (putting his little finger to his chin and scrunching his 'thinking' face)? Who has long hair that can play with me?! Who does mommy?" It was all I could do to not laugh at his seriousness. He then looks at me and says "MOMMY, YOU have long hair!!!!! YOU can play with me!" Can anyone tell me how I was suppose to resist that?!
Our bedtime routine was switched up a little tonight. For some reason neither of my kids wanted to read stories tonight. Brenna fell asleep on the couch and Ethan wanted to snuggle in my bed. I was reading as we snuggled and he grabbed another book of mine and pretended to be reading along with me. After about a minute or two he says "Mommy, how long are you going to look at that page?!" I explained. Shortly I turned the page only to see him turn his page. I quickly caught on and didn't wait long to turn my page again. He followed along. He was reading just like mommy!
So what I seem to remember as a day starting out feeling overwhelmed and torn ended as a day full of special memories created by special moments.
And you know what...I wouldn't trade it for anything...not even a spotless house!
Friday, January 15, 2010
I'm a Mom
Sometimes my children wipe some sort of slime on my purple sweater and it looks like a snail slid across my chest.
Sometimes I wear that slimed purple sweater into public places, not because I want to be a slob but because the trail is in a place I can't see.
Sometimes my children scream in the grocery store because I won't give them what they want, like cookies.
Sometimes I see the other people looking at the woman with the screaming children, and know they are wishing they could shop in peace. I wish I could shop in peace, too.
Sometimes I want to cuddle on the couch and watch a fun romantic movie with my husband, but the laundry still needs folded.
Sometimes he helps me as we watch the latest reality show, I count it as a date.
Sometimes there is an unidentifiable red splotch on the kitchen floor, but no one sticks to it.
Sometimes I don't mop for a really long time.
Sometimes the red splotch fades away carried in tiny parts on socks.
Sometimes I think that is gross and I mop.
Sometimes I think that is gross and want to mop, but there are books to be read, babies to be fed, and I'm the only one who sees the splotch.
I'm not perfect.
But as you look at this slimed woman with the screaming children who folded laundry into the night and hasn't mopped her kitchen in a while, remember
Sometimes I wear that slimed purple sweater into public places, not because I want to be a slob but because the trail is in a place I can't see.
Sometimes my children scream in the grocery store because I won't give them what they want, like cookies.
Sometimes I see the other people looking at the woman with the screaming children, and know they are wishing they could shop in peace. I wish I could shop in peace, too.
Sometimes I want to cuddle on the couch and watch a fun romantic movie with my husband, but the laundry still needs folded.
Sometimes he helps me as we watch the latest reality show, I count it as a date.
Sometimes there is an unidentifiable red splotch on the kitchen floor, but no one sticks to it.
Sometimes I don't mop for a really long time.
Sometimes the red splotch fades away carried in tiny parts on socks.
Sometimes I think that is gross and I mop.
Sometimes I think that is gross and want to mop, but there are books to be read, babies to be fed, and I'm the only one who sees the splotch.
I'm not perfect.
But as you look at this slimed woman with the screaming children who folded laundry into the night and hasn't mopped her kitchen in a while, remember
- she was slimed because she gave a child a hug or comforted a babe,
- she cares more about the character of her children than their momentary happiness,
- she will sacrifice her wants for her family's needs and find the blessing in what she has,
- she is going to chose those books, babies, art, walks, and smiles over the mopping, not everyday but enough for her children to know they are loved,
- she is going to keep a home clean and peaceful enough for her husband to know she loves him.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Holiday Happenings
"Holiday Happenings"
It is the first day of Brenna's Christmas vacation! Yeah! I will be honest and tell you that I have been waiting for this day since the first day of school!
However...
My house is a disaster zone...
Cookies need baked...
Presents need wrapped...
PJ's need replaced with clothes...
Homemade presents need to be completed...
The FOURTH fight between the lonely brother and his happy to be home sister needs to be broken up...
And I would not change any of it!
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Enjoy EVERY SINGLE moment!!!
It is the first day of Brenna's Christmas vacation! Yeah! I will be honest and tell you that I have been waiting for this day since the first day of school!
However...
My house is a disaster zone...
Cookies need baked...
Presents need wrapped...
PJ's need replaced with clothes...
Homemade presents need to be completed...
The FOURTH fight between the lonely brother and his happy to be home sister needs to be broken up...
And I would not change any of it!
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Enjoy EVERY SINGLE moment!!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Random "happenings" at my home this morning...
I am looking out my window watching the beautiful snow fall! Wow! How peaceful and quiet it looks out there!
Still in my PJ's...(seeing as how it's just 9am on a Saturday, I have at least until 2pm before I have to think about getting dressed!)
Fire burning in the wood burner...
Ginger bread dough is awaiting to be rolled, cut, baked and iced!
Christmas lights twinkling all around...
Christmas music playing...
My kids playing nicely together for...20 minutes now!
"Can we go outside NOW mommy!" just broke the "silence!"
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Today I am thankful for...
...hearing the rocking chair creak as Abigail rocked and read
...little boy arms reaching, wanting. . .me
...crinkly cornstalks and wind chimes reminding me that the clouds have been blown away
...husbands home for lunch
...nap time
...rearranging furniture
...sweeping under chairs, oh my, I needed to do that
...hearing the rocking chair creak as Abigail rocked and read
...little boy arms reaching, wanting. . .me
...crinkly cornstalks and wind chimes reminding me that the clouds have been blown away
...husbands home for lunch
...nap time
...rearranging furniture
...sweeping under chairs, oh my, I needed to do that
~ Sarah Jones
Monday, November 16, 2009
" Today I am Thankful for..."
~#1 on my gratitude list today - I am thankful for the MOPS blog!
~ Also, today (Sunday) I was thankful for the wonderful individuals that take the time and effort to play and love our children in the nursery's at church so that moms, dads, and grandparents can really spend the time totally focused on worshipping the Lord. During which time I could really get in touch with the amazing gift of His grace on me once again. And how little I deserve, yet He just keeps giving and giving.
~Kristy Lecorchick
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thankful...
"Today I am thankful for..."
... my daughter's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. B. It eased my mind greatly after meeting with her today. I feel calmer, I feel that my daugher is safer and cared for in her hands, when she is away from me.
...a new friendship that is becoming dear to me and I can see develop into a lasting one!
... Honey Roasted Peanuts from Girl Scouts (not really). I am thankful that someone made them SO delicious! I enjoyed (over the course of two days) practically an entire 8 oz can by myself! I am not thankful for where that enjoyment will show up on my body!
...a belly laugh I got from my son.
...a request to be my daughter's twin for Twin Day tomorrow at school! We have matching shirts and even though I won't be there at school with her, she still wants mommy to be her twin! Awwh...love those moments!
...my friend Jenn, who seems to always know when I need to vent!
...Audiobooks.com
... my daughter's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. B. It eased my mind greatly after meeting with her today. I feel calmer, I feel that my daugher is safer and cared for in her hands, when she is away from me.
...a new friendship that is becoming dear to me and I can see develop into a lasting one!
... Honey Roasted Peanuts from Girl Scouts (not really). I am thankful that someone made them SO delicious! I enjoyed (over the course of two days) practically an entire 8 oz can by myself! I am not thankful for where that enjoyment will show up on my body!
...a belly laugh I got from my son.
...a request to be my daughter's twin for Twin Day tomorrow at school! We have matching shirts and even though I won't be there at school with her, she still wants mommy to be her twin! Awwh...love those moments!
...my friend Jenn, who seems to always know when I need to vent!
...Audiobooks.com
Thankful...
Today I am Thankful For...
Thanksgiving is exactly 2 weeks away!!
I hope that you all enjoyed reading the "Mom Thanks" in the November newsletter. I would like to continue that up until Thanksgiving on our blog!
I truly believe it can be the little things that save our days and our sanity! Those things that may seem so simple that we easily overlook them, don't acknowledge them, may not even realize that the thought, the item, the prayer we shot up quickly, the smile we received, the giggle we heard, the chocolate we ate was our saving grace!
Perhaps if we shared those moments with each other, not only would we become more aware of our daily blessings but maybe we would remember to be more aware of them in our own lives and shoot up a prayer of thanks to the One who gave that moment to us!
If you have one thing that sticks out today that you are thankful for or you have 5, 10, or 15 share them with us! Email them to MOPSUtown@msn.com and they will be posted shortly!
Being moms, what we are thankful for can change on an hourly basis!
Thanksgiving is exactly 2 weeks away!!
I hope that you all enjoyed reading the "Mom Thanks" in the November newsletter. I would like to continue that up until Thanksgiving on our blog!
I truly believe it can be the little things that save our days and our sanity! Those things that may seem so simple that we easily overlook them, don't acknowledge them, may not even realize that the thought, the item, the prayer we shot up quickly, the smile we received, the giggle we heard, the chocolate we ate was our saving grace!
Perhaps if we shared those moments with each other, not only would we become more aware of our daily blessings but maybe we would remember to be more aware of them in our own lives and shoot up a prayer of thanks to the One who gave that moment to us!
If you have one thing that sticks out today that you are thankful for or you have 5, 10, or 15 share them with us! Email them to MOPSUtown@msn.com and they will be posted shortly!
Being moms, what we are thankful for can change on an hourly basis!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Halupki "stuffed cabbage"
Halupki
Ingredients:
2/3 c water 1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup uncooked white rice 1/4 cup chopped onion
8 cabbage leaves 1 egg, beaten
1 tsp salt 1 can condensed tomato soup
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add rice and stir, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes
2. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil, salted, add cabbage leaves and cook for 2-4 minutes or until softened, drain
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine beef, 1 cup cooked rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, along with 2 tblsp tomato soup. Mix thoroughly.
4. divide beef mixture among cabbage leaves, roll and secure with toothpicks.
5. In large skillet over medium heat, place cabbage rolls in and pour remaining tomato soup over top. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 min., stirring and basting with liquid often.
Ingredients:
2/3 c water 1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup uncooked white rice 1/4 cup chopped onion
8 cabbage leaves 1 egg, beaten
1 tsp salt 1 can condensed tomato soup
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add rice and stir, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes
2. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil, salted, add cabbage leaves and cook for 2-4 minutes or until softened, drain
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine beef, 1 cup cooked rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, along with 2 tblsp tomato soup. Mix thoroughly.
4. divide beef mixture among cabbage leaves, roll and secure with toothpicks.
5. In large skillet over medium heat, place cabbage rolls in and pour remaining tomato soup over top. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 min., stirring and basting with liquid often.
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Mother's Prayer
Oh give me patience when tiny hands
Tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle & smiling eyes;
Keep my lips from sharp replies.
And let not fatigue, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So when years later and my house is still-
No bitter memories its room may fill.
~author unknown
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Grrr! Grrr!
It is a gorgeous Saturday!
A Saturday that I would love to be spending outside in my flower garden preparing it for winter. I find myself, however, in a crabby mood stuck in my house making sure a punishment is being followed.
My kids are anything but cooperative on this gorgeous day. Brenna has spent most of her morning in her room upset (and being punished for not obeying!) because she witnessed the throwing away of dead flowers that our beloved neighbor, Ms. Donna, gave to her. The more I tried to explain to my 5 year old why the flowers had to go and that new ones would be growing in their place in the spring - the LOUDER she screamed and refused to listen. Ethan who is in and out of the house, chooses his "in" times to agitate his sister and make her mood, ever so pleasant!!
As I listened to her in her room (she has now been set "free") sending me a message of frustration (and exhaustion from what I feel a week of ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN can easily do to a child - Grrr! don't get me started...that's a whole other topic!) I could not help but think that her screaming and crying would make for a GREAT backdrop/sound effect for a spook house!
I decided to have some brief "mommy time" and get on the blog! I am so glad that I did! As I scrolled down through older posts I came upon one that has really calmed my frustrations, selfishness, and what I have felt as failures today (on more than one level).
I first want to apologize to YOU SARAH, and to the other moms that have written blogs or commented on what was written! It is 100% my loss. Wow. What amazing things I have missed for not taking a few minutes to read this blog!
Wendy G, I know you related to this blog too! I did. I know know that all of us feel this way on more than one occasion! Sarah I hope you don't mind the re-posting!
Failed
Unspoken goals have powerful voices.
It is a gorgeous Saturday!
A Saturday that I would love to be spending outside in my flower garden preparing it for winter. I find myself, however, in a crabby mood stuck in my house making sure a punishment is being followed.
My kids are anything but cooperative on this gorgeous day. Brenna has spent most of her morning in her room upset (and being punished for not obeying!) because she witnessed the throwing away of dead flowers that our beloved neighbor, Ms. Donna, gave to her. The more I tried to explain to my 5 year old why the flowers had to go and that new ones would be growing in their place in the spring - the LOUDER she screamed and refused to listen. Ethan who is in and out of the house, chooses his "in" times to agitate his sister and make her mood, ever so pleasant!!
As I listened to her in her room (she has now been set "free") sending me a message of frustration (and exhaustion from what I feel a week of ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN can easily do to a child - Grrr! don't get me started...that's a whole other topic!) I could not help but think that her screaming and crying would make for a GREAT backdrop/sound effect for a spook house!
I decided to have some brief "mommy time" and get on the blog! I am so glad that I did! As I scrolled down through older posts I came upon one that has really calmed my frustrations, selfishness, and what I have felt as failures today (on more than one level).
I first want to apologize to YOU SARAH, and to the other moms that have written blogs or commented on what was written! It is 100% my loss. Wow. What amazing things I have missed for not taking a few minutes to read this blog!
Wendy G, I know you related to this blog too! I did. I know know that all of us feel this way on more than one occasion! Sarah I hope you don't mind the re-posting!
Failed
I make plans for myself and my family. Sometimes those plans are verbalized. Often they are unwritten subtleties, unconscious expectations.
These are my enemies-these silent objectives.
They taunt me when unmet. They use names like unworthy and inadequate. On occasion they whip out the really powerful adjectives to titles I already claim: bad mother, loser wife.
Unspoken goals have powerful voices.
All too often I agree. I add my own label: failure. I claim that name for myself, worrying that my husband is disappointed and angry and that my children are being scarred beyond recognition. I carry that weight with me day in and day out till I can no longer stand under the burden.
I cry.
I seek out my husband asking if I am the failure I believe I am. I don't believe his answer. I ask if he is disappointed in me, angry with my performance. I don't believe his answer. I question my mothering listing all the times I could have done things differently. I don't believe his answer.
I pray that this burden be lifted, that I be forgiven for being less that everything, that I be made a wife and a mother worthy of these dear ones in my family.
And I read:
Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3:5
And He speaks.
And I rest assured that in spite of my shortcomings, in spite of my weaknesses, in spite of my inadequacy, He will care for my family. For He loves them more than I ever could. He created them just as He created me. He knows that we together are but dust. In His love for all of us--husband, wife, children--He will make me adequate for this call to motherhood.
~This blog was written by Sarah and original posted in April of 2009.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dreams & Nightmares…and Imagination!
My youngest, Ethan 3, has been experiencing nightmares lately. Not fun.
Last night his crying sent my heart in full panic mode! I rushed to his room to see his arms fully extended waiting for me and I when I got to him he squeezed me so hard and just cried and cried.
“What’s wrong buddy?”
More crying. No answer.
“Ethan why are you crying?”
More crying. No answer.
“Did you have a scary dream?”
Even as his up and down motion of the head confirmed my suspicion, I still do not think he understands what is going on with dreams. So, if he can’t even comprehend (which lets face it, it’s a hard thing for even an adult to understand) it, how can mommy explain it and then fix it?
I dislike nightmares very much. The unconscious mind of children should be a happy place!
I have prayed with him when this happens and that does seem to help. We pray for dreams filled with footballs, puppies playing, racecars, balloons, and pizza!
The one good thing about nightmares in a child is that they are, forgotten by morning. It’s only in adulthood that they stick with you longer! However, I have begun to wonder if those cranky dreams make for a cranky little boy? Hmmmmm? Will I ever know any of these answers?
What is so amazing about the imagination of a child, however, is the pure power of it! Conscious or unconscious, the imagination is a wonderful thing! You cannot tell your child that what they are doing is just “pretend.” When their imagination is working on overtime you better prepare yourself to “step only on the island (carpet) so you won’t sunk” or watch what or who your try to toss in the garbage “NO don’t throw the princess away! (a Kleenex tied with a string!)”
Ethan woke up in the wee hours Thursday morning calling for me. Another nightmare? I didn’t hear fear in his voice. Down the stairs I go and as soon as I reach his room, he begins to tell me all about this really tall and really cool bean stock.
“I think you had a dream buddy!”
He replied very sleepily, “NO it’s real mommy. I will show you.”
“Okay Ethan. Where is it?”
When he didn’t respond I looked down to see that he had fallen back asleep. A few hours later when it was time to ACTUALLY wake up, I had forgotten about the bean stock and I thought he had to.
We were walking out of our front door to take Brenna to school and Ethan stops and looks down our little road. I could not help but notice the very confused look on his face and watched him adjust his head as if to get a better view.
“What do you see Ethan?”
“Mommy!! The bean stock is GONE!” He explains pointing.
“Oh!”
“It was right there on the road mommy. It was really big and tall.”
I waited to see what reason he would come up with for the “disappearance” of the bean stock.
“Some one must have moved it.” He concluded.
Obviously.
As I was loading him in the car, I said, “Maybe the bean stock was just your imagination?”
He looked up at me thought for a minute put on his cutest face managed a little giggle and said, “Yeah, it was just my magination mommy.”
As I closed the car door and went to walk around the car, I glanced back to see his face pressed against the glass and his eyes searching!
I just love imagination!
My youngest, Ethan 3, has been experiencing nightmares lately. Not fun.
Last night his crying sent my heart in full panic mode! I rushed to his room to see his arms fully extended waiting for me and I when I got to him he squeezed me so hard and just cried and cried.
“What’s wrong buddy?”
More crying. No answer.
“Ethan why are you crying?”
More crying. No answer.
“Did you have a scary dream?”
Even as his up and down motion of the head confirmed my suspicion, I still do not think he understands what is going on with dreams. So, if he can’t even comprehend (which lets face it, it’s a hard thing for even an adult to understand) it, how can mommy explain it and then fix it?
I dislike nightmares very much. The unconscious mind of children should be a happy place!
I have prayed with him when this happens and that does seem to help. We pray for dreams filled with footballs, puppies playing, racecars, balloons, and pizza!
The one good thing about nightmares in a child is that they are, forgotten by morning. It’s only in adulthood that they stick with you longer! However, I have begun to wonder if those cranky dreams make for a cranky little boy? Hmmmmm? Will I ever know any of these answers?
What is so amazing about the imagination of a child, however, is the pure power of it! Conscious or unconscious, the imagination is a wonderful thing! You cannot tell your child that what they are doing is just “pretend.” When their imagination is working on overtime you better prepare yourself to “step only on the island (carpet) so you won’t sunk” or watch what or who your try to toss in the garbage “NO don’t throw the princess away! (a Kleenex tied with a string!)”
Ethan woke up in the wee hours Thursday morning calling for me. Another nightmare? I didn’t hear fear in his voice. Down the stairs I go and as soon as I reach his room, he begins to tell me all about this really tall and really cool bean stock.
“I think you had a dream buddy!”
He replied very sleepily, “NO it’s real mommy. I will show you.”
“Okay Ethan. Where is it?”
When he didn’t respond I looked down to see that he had fallen back asleep. A few hours later when it was time to ACTUALLY wake up, I had forgotten about the bean stock and I thought he had to.
We were walking out of our front door to take Brenna to school and Ethan stops and looks down our little road. I could not help but notice the very confused look on his face and watched him adjust his head as if to get a better view.
“What do you see Ethan?”
“Mommy!! The bean stock is GONE!” He explains pointing.
“Oh!”
“It was right there on the road mommy. It was really big and tall.”
I waited to see what reason he would come up with for the “disappearance” of the bean stock.
“Some one must have moved it.” He concluded.
Obviously.
As I was loading him in the car, I said, “Maybe the bean stock was just your imagination?”
He looked up at me thought for a minute put on his cutest face managed a little giggle and said, “Yeah, it was just my magination mommy.”
As I closed the car door and went to walk around the car, I glanced back to see his face pressed against the glass and his eyes searching!
I just love imagination!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thankfuls
It's Friday! What are you thankful for this week?
Kiddy pools and bathing suits that make me comfortable
Letting the dog play in the pool after we're done
Irrepressible giggles from a three year old watching her dog play in her pool
A van cleaned while children play
A porch swept before lunch
Dave Ramsey on Hulu while finishing the ironing
Baby smiles and tiny coos
Six hours of sleep
NUMB3RS for company during late evening feedings
Kiddy pools and bathing suits that make me comfortable
Letting the dog play in the pool after we're done
Irrepressible giggles from a three year old watching her dog play in her pool
A van cleaned while children play
A porch swept before lunch
Dave Ramsey on Hulu while finishing the ironing
Baby smiles and tiny coos
Six hours of sleep
NUMB3RS for company during late evening feedings
Mom
Thursday Thirteen
You know your a mom when
You know your a mom when
- You keep catching a whiff of spit-up but can't quite figure out where it is coming from. You suspect it is you.
- You go to the store without changing your shirt while suspecting that you are wearing spit-up.
- You can have two conversations at one time.
- Fingerprints appearing on freshly cleaned windows doesn't surprise you.
- You can recite a variety of books from memory.
- You get a dog so your kitchen floor can be clean.
- You aren't embarrassed when a child starts singing a song about poop in the middle of the store.
- You don't realize the composer is your child because you started tuning out her voice when she started talking to her imaginary family.
- You consider telling her to stop singing about poop, but know you will then have to have a conversation about poop in the store. And since you make it a point not to discuss poop in public, decide that a song about poop isn't the worst thing in the world.
- Nap time is your second favorite time of day following bedtime.
- You know what an "Ebay Day" is and feels like.
- You understand why it is dangerous to get between a mama bear and her cubs.
- Even in the middle of an Ebay Day no one dare hurt one of you little ones for there is nothing better than the "I love you, Mommy," of your child.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
