Tradition

A couple weekends ago now, Daddy and Mommy thought it was time to start a new family tradition...family picnic/movie night. We've already carried on both our families tradition of popcorn Sunday night, but now it was time to venture on to the whole smorgasbord of movie night excitement!

Our first movie night choice = Toy Story 2

Yumminess = cheese, crackers, popcorn, apples, oranges (DG ate all of them), Buffalo Chicken dip for the parents.

Grab your blankie and beverages, stuff your face, and stare mesmerized at the TV...

Our first family movie night was a success, DG made it thru his whole first movie, our tummies were full, we didn't make a complete mess, and VW asked when we get to do it again! YAY!

I Got It Mommy

Last weekend, I just couldn't get DG what he needed.

We just were not speaking at the same level at 6:30 in the morning.

 

No worries for me though when big brother stepped in...

 

"I got it, Mommy!"

 

Even in his super hero cape!

 

Listening At Eye Level

Am I really listening? I mean really hearing what is being said while not thinking about my response? The heartfelt, undistracted, unwandering listening. Do I listen with my mind and body...smiling, digesting what is being said.

I literally lost it last night, like, let out an earth shattering scream. I…AM…DONE.

Boys screaming, whining, crying, ‘uh-ohs,’ wrestling, ‘what happens if…,’ spoons clanking against pans, meetings, dog whining, dishwasher running, Daddy updating/discussing/planning, friends praises and pains, doors opening, gut belly laughing, ‘juice,’ cupboards slamming, owies…

I just want…Peace…Quiet…yet I get it, I too want to be heard, but more importantly I want to stop everything and look into the eyes of my loved ones and LISTEN. Listen to their adorable stories of “beautiful mommy that her brown-eyed boy play on the swing,’ see their eyes light up when a challenge was conquered, rejoice in praises and thanksgiving and mourn in sorrows and really see what makes them tick and brings joy.

I want to be PRESENT. I want to listen generously. I want to be at eye level and provide the gift of truly listening.

How many times lately have I said: “LISTEN.” “Look into my eyes.”

But do I look at my boys when their desperately seeking my attention with a story I’ve heard millions times before or literally pulling me to see what they’ve so proudly built, do I look away from the dishes when Daddy is telling me about his day, or stop the busyness to listen to a friend. Do I look into their eyes, get at eye level and listen? Am I giving them my respectful listening that I too want in return

Am I listening to God’s voice by seeking His word, understanding His character, studying those things that bring him pleasure and sadness…a guide and direction for our lives?

So today I stop, listening to God’s creation around me in the cool breeze and chirping birds, I stop to listen to the joys of a friend; the plans for Daddy’s day; the excited, stuttering story I’ve heard many times before from my 5-year-old; the Mommy, Mommy of a two-year old, and I listen. Listen beyond words but peek the heart and soul of all the wonderful blessing of family and friends God has given me.

Daddy Gifts

Daddy got to have a special snack time with the boys at buddies too! They also got to give them their "made with love" gifts. VW was so excited and every time DG sees his, he says his name and laughs.

DGs picture doesn't even look like him.

And we laughed because we learned that both Daddy and Mommy say "listen" a lot. Not sure if it is actually sinking in what that means, but he at least hears the word...listen.

Such sweet gifts the boys were so honored and excited to share with their Daddy!

Time for a Field Trip

Last week I had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful morning with VW and his classmates for a field trip to the zoo. I was in charge of VW and his best friend, Brandtly. They had so much fun! I kept them on the go and they were wiped out, but we got to see and experience so many great things together!

Many people commented on how cute my boys were or inquired their age. They are both super cute, five-year-olds (excuse me, Brandtly is 5 1/2, he informed me multiple times) even if I can only claim one of them as my own.

Here is a photo trip of our morning together:

 

This baby seal was born that morning.

They empty the water, because when baby seals
are born they don't know how to swim!!

The lion cubs are getting to so big. This one
wanted a snuggle from his mama.

Mama heard the big daddy growling
and came right up to the window!

A wonderful lady gave the boys bread
to feed the Koi. They loved it!!

 

Time for a fun trip over the zoo on the Skyfari!



I was nervous, this was a long ways up!

Staying very still at the Butterfly Exhibt.
The zoo keeper said that if really still the
butterfly may land on you!



Time for a train ride!

Better check where we are at and where we will arrive!







And, boys will be boys, you never walk the normal
path when there is so many other fun, high, balancing,
'dangerous' paths to explore!

 



Happy Father's Day!

Little girls have a special bond with their Daddy's (at least this one did)! And I am so thankful for the wonderful example my Dad set for me as I grew up...a faithful believer, spouse and father! Helped establish in me what I would want in a husband and the father of our children, because these two little men have a special bond with their Daddy, too, for they want to be just like you!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad, Father-in-Law, and Hubby!

Love you all very much!

My Running Partner

Mommy is escaping her normal gym routine and sneaking out in the morning for a refreshing morning jog. 

Monday was our first day and Bailey was so excited she nearly pulled me the whole way! Tuesday she was more settled and then needed to walk the last half mile so I pulled her! Wednesday she collapsed from the humidity in the neighbors yard! But today, we found our grove in the amazing, perfect 60 degree morning!

Today reminded me why I wanted to get up only 10 minutes earlier to enjoy the peace of early morning...birds chirping, the cool breeze and the sound of my feet on the pavement!

Life is Good!

May I Be Transformed

During the past few months our bible study has been studying “Spiritual Parenting” by Michelle Anthony.  It is not a book about how to parent (i.e., chore charts, consequences, discipline). It has, however, provided me with a reflection about the truth of who God is and His role in my parenting and our boys environments. It has definitely made me examine myself and my walk with God.  As we wrap up the last couple chapters of the book, we continue on in the parenting chapters of life with a few notes to myself:

·         I am not perfect. I am a sinner, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. May this be reflected on VW and DGs hearts so that they may know God is real and that His power truly heals and transforms lives.

·         May I be accountable for my actions, ask for forgiveness, and be open to receive God’s grace as I am in relationship with Him.

·         Love and respect for my boys – “look in my eyes” and I in theirs.

·         I can’t give away something I don’t have … may I be transformed in my relationship with God in my pursuit of knowing and following Him  (abiding and allowing him to guide my life-allowing me to know how best to respond).

·         Scripture and prayer – model a life in surrender to God – His glory, not mine.

·         Authenticity – Be real.

·         Perseverance.

God knows and loves my boys more than I do. He is a perfect parent and model for me – may I faithfully seek God for wisdom and power I do not possess – may I rely on God to empower me to be the kind of parent Jesus would be.

I surrender, may I be transformed - actively in God’s word, prayer and community of other ‘spiritual’ parents, so that VW and DG may:

1.       Know and hear God’s voice through a loving relationship and through His Word

2.       Desire to obey His voice

3.       Obey Him through the power of God’s Spirit and not their own strength.

Art, Books, & Cuddling

Every night we cuddle up in bed and read 2 bedtime stories. The boys love to read and cuddling is an essential part of ending the day!! VW will peak through all his books and carefully select the two best for that evening! (Mommy and Daddy split up with each boy for bedtime routine, so DG picks out his own books, too).

Last night was extra special, because VW picked out his own book. Here is the book that VW made at buddies last week. We read it together while he corrected me when I didn't read it like the words to "Ten Commandment Boogie" by GoFish. [sigh] The book must now stay on the night stand/bookshelf!

DG also made a super cute art project last week. Not quite sure what bible story this is, but it was made my DGs hands, so simply precious!

Now reading books and cuddling is the absolute best bedtime routine, however, VW also loves himself some iPad time. We allow him to earn this time, so sometimes he gets to overstimulate himself with screen time while in bed and, of course, cuddling! To be honest, Mommy isn't the best video game, Monster Truck racing/stuntman, Temple Run runner, Where's my Water? strategizer in the world, but I truly do my best! Typically, VW is gracious enough to let me try one game and then he just sweetly request that I watch him! (Isn't that thoughtful of him?)

VW loves racing and cars and manages to find all this games in the app store (seriously, how do little ones know how to do this so early?). Last week he found a new *free* Real Racing game. Well guess what? I am actually pretty good at it, well, when I compare myself to VW! So much so, that he actually has me play it so you can move up a level!

So here's to our wonderful bible story art, video game, cuddling bedtime routine! Mommy sure loves every minute of it!

Blueberry-Rhubarb Yumminess

A few weeks ago Grandma brought some yummy rhubarb from a friends garden. It is a special treat for Daddy and Grandma to share together and something that Mommy is beginning to enjoy (she didn't like when she was your age!) We never got it made for Grandma to enjoy, so Friday night Mommy decided while Daddy was at his softball game and the boys were snuggled in bed, that it was time to make something!

I typically stay with the staple recipes, because a good rhubarb recipe must be enjoyed! However, this time I branched out and decided on something new.

The beuatiful stocks of rhubarb!

All chopped up and ready to mix.

Add the blueberries to the mix!

Now to the baking dish...

Time for the sauce - cranberry juice & corn starch
(I also use 1/3 of the sugar, we want some tart!)

Crunchy topping and ready to bake!!

Time to eat right out of the oven
with ice cream melting all around!

While we enjoyed the yumminess 10:30 Friday night, I began to laugh,
Daddy will get spoiled to weekends in a row with Rhubarb,
since he will need some next weekend for Father's Day!

Fishy Fishy

Time for DG have some fun in the pool, learn some safety and swimming techniques and have some fun being a fishy in the water with Daddy.

He loves the water and really enjoyed the class. Some of his friends from buddies were even there.

Kicking those feet and splashing his daddy!

A proud big brother with the little duckies to swim after. Of course, he would throw it across the pool for DG and Daddy to fetch.

Can't have a little kids swim class without a little Hokey-Pokey!