misconceptions

One of my biggest flaws (and I have many) is the inability to let things roll off my back; but instead, taking them very personally! I realize this is my problem, and I need to daily turn it over to the Lord.

One of the biggest misconceptions that I hear is the "stay at home mom" one. Don't get me wrong. I feel EXTREMELY blessed that I have a husband who supports us so that I can stay at home with my kids. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE. I do,however, have the option of working outside the home; and I'm sure many days would be much less stressful and much prettier. Although there may be days I picture myself sitting behind a desk in a pretty skirt with my hair done typing on the computer with my bracelets dangling as I type, that is not where I want to be right now. And PLEASE don't misunderstand me. If you choose to be a working mom, that is your right and choice and you have a lot on your plate too! Some don't even have the option, and I admire the courage it takes to go out everyday and make money to support your family! I am, however, also helping support my family in many ways. We don't pay a babysitter. I babysit to bring in some income. I cut my family's hair. I shop in a way that cuts down on expenses in every way possible. Those are just some of the ways. And, NO, I am not saying this to boost myself up, or give myself any glory. To God be the glory that I have this job.

I get to be here to hear the first word; to see the first crawl; to cuddle with my kids anytime I want;to be the one in control of what they are hearing, seeing, etc... It's a beautiful job that I truly love and I truly love my kids! Don't get me wrong. I have my bad days. Days where there is really no use in putting on my "nice clothes" only to be covered in drool, spit up, milk, poop, etc...

I just wish people would realize that it's not a pretty or easy job by any stretch of the imagination. It's not about "making babies" and baking all day! I mean, REALLY?? It's a blessing that is indescribable (but contains lots of work!)

Thank you Jesus for these children that you have so richly blessed us with! Thank you that I get to be here for them. I fail everyday at my job, and pray that I will everyday improve at it. It's a great responsibility to have, but a wonderful one! :)

Done ranting....for now. ;-)

I love you Daniel and Elijah! You are two of the most wonderful blessings in my life and I treasure you both so much!

Love,
Your thankful Mommy

Finally

It has finally happened. My name has been spoken: "Ma ma ma ma." LOVE it! I really think he's {Elijah} connecting me to "Mama." He says it when he sees me and when he's crawling towards me to pick him up. So cool! Just another wonderful experience in this adventure called parenting. Elijah is coming up on 9 months, and he is crawling everywhere and starting to climb! :-0 He's such a sweet little man! I'm so in love! :)

Easter 2010 and Update

For Easter this year, we went to White Sulphur Springs in PA. This was Daniel's first time and he did all kinds of fun things- from rock climbing...

to climbing Hezekiah's Backbone (huge mountain)...

and some of us just acted too snobby to get their pic taken! (just kidding :) )

This was taken Easter morning.( I FINALLY found matching outfits for the boys...and I have to say- I loved them!)

Me and my sweet boys. Easter 2010

Daddy had to get in on the matching too! (Yeah, he had no control over that. ALL me!) :)

LOVE is the only word I have for this one!

Well, Easter was about 3 weeks ago. Needless to say, I'm a bit behind on the blogging!

Daniel is nearing the end of his preschool years! :( Only about 5 weeks remaining; then next year I will have a Kindergärtner. He is SUCH a great big brother. He's also good at keeping Elijah out of trouble. Even if it means dragging him by his feet "out of trouble." It's actually quite hilarious! :)

Elijah is now getting into EVERYTHING! He also has quite the temper for an 8 month old. Oh well, had to start sometime. He's crawling all over the place and somewhat starting to pull himself up onto things. He has two teeth now, and puts everything in his mouth. He's such a blessing! (Both my boys are blessings!)

what's happening...

DANIEL IS FIVE!! It's weird that I have a five year old! He's growing up on me and is officially a kid now. No more toddler or preschooler, a KID! Heaven help me! :)

He's had a great birthday. Party at school, dinner at Red Robin, shopping, Egg hunt and moon bounces with his cousin, another party at Grandpa's, and ANOTHER party at Nana and Papa's. (I would have to say the highlight was receiving a DS from Grandma.) I am partied out! I'm so proud of the young man Daniel is developing into. I love you Daniel- SO MUCH!



ELIJAH is now scooting/almost crawling. He also has his first tooth- fun times! :-/ He is such a joy in our lives. He's about the happiest baby I have ever seen. He loves life, and loves his Mommy! :)

Oh, and I almost forgot. Elijah is terrified of the Easter Bunny!

Update

I have been SO bad about blogging lately! :( I would really like to one day print out my blog for my kids, so I need to keep up with it a little better.

Just some updates on my kiddos. Daniel will be 5 YEARS OLD in 9 days! That is just frightening! I will have a 5 year old! Elijah is 7 months and even though he can't crawl, he is into everything! He rolls and scoots (sort of,) and can maneuver himself into some crazy spots! He loves his Mommy and there aren't many people he will go to out of my arms w/out crying. I love this! (Is that bad??) I can't help it. I'm just so in love with that little man!

I know everyone thinks their children are smart, but some of the things that come out of Daniel's mouth amaze me! He is so smart and observant. He can't read yet, but he can totally figure words out by looking at some of the letters. He's also such a sweet little guy. He's quick to give compliments, and his smile can melt my heart! :) This will be his last year at pre-school, and he starts Kindergarten next year- another frightening thought! He will be attending the same school I went to from K-5 through 12th grade. Pretty neat! :)

To summarize, I am SO thankful for these two children God has blessed me with! I am privileged to be able to raise them and attempt everyday to train them up in the ways of the Lord. I pray everyday that they will come to know Him as their Savior at a young age.

I love you Daniel and Elijah! You are Mommy's boys and I am so grateful for both of you and the joy you bring to my life!

Valentine 2010

We had a great Valentine's Day weekend! Took the boys (well, Daniel at this point) out for lunch and a Gameboy game {gift.} Then, Abe and I enjoyed dinner at Sakura...Sushi=yum!! We then went out for a roman...nevermind.... action movie! :) It was really nice to get out- just the two of us. Reminded me of how in love with my husband I am!

Daniel, Elijah, and Abe made me a very special Vday card with their hand prints (see pic above;) and Abe added two more charms to my bracelet....LOVE IT!

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! :) (And did I I mention it's not snowing for the first time in like a month...yipee! Maybe my child will go back to school tomorrow- been TWO weeks!) :-0

win some, lose some

Well, it's been an interesting weekend. Almost 20 inches of snow between Friday and Saturday; lost power for 24 hours in 6 degree weather -they predicted it would be 6 days to come back on (thank the Lord we went ahead and bought a generator a few days ago); then lost (well the Colts lost) Super Bowl 44 :(. It's a real bummer, but life goes on and there's always next year! :)