Happy Homemaker Monday {woot}

First of all - Valentines day is EXACTLY a month away. If you are like me... you need the entire time to get things planned and done. Start now. And, you're welcome!

 

Happy Homemaker Monday! My wonderful hubs has taken both our girls upstairs to play and I'm enjoying some quiet alone time on the couch, listening to Rachmaninoff. It's the little things :) We have a busy day ahead and actually a fairly busy week - I hope to be intentional and make the most of every day. 

The Weather::: 

Today it will be 23 degrees. The weather lady jokingly said, "it might feel warm to some of you, but it's not". Wind chill joke? Oh, weather people. I can't complain. I really do like this time of year. Kinda forces you to slow down, breathe, cuddle up and be warm.

Right now I am:::

Enjoying some classical masterpieces via our cable music channel, sipping some Italian Roast coffee, listening to my family play in my 4 year olds room, I'm wrapped in a snow flake blanket from my friend Suzy. 

 

Thinking:::

I can't get an article I read this weekend off of my mind. Moralistic Parenting. Am I training my children to simply be good for goodness sake? Or, is there more to it? Check out that article here.

Hoping to get some thoughts down later this week on this topic.

On my reading pile:::

Reading "Streams in the Desert" for my quiet time.

Finishing "The Meaning of Marriage" by Timothy Keller

Book of Romans

 

On my TV:::

Will probably let the girls watch a few toons this morning while I get preschool stuff prepped and some laundry started. 

 

Favorite blog post this week:::

Really enjoyed Mandy's thoughts over at Biblical Homemaking this week - perfect for a new year! "Changing your habits for God's glory" - check it out!

Something fun to share:::

Well, at least... I think it's fun. I ordered a 5 day clothes organizer for my 4 year old daughters closet. She has entered the "I want to pick out my own clothes" stage. Blah. I'm eager for her to learn responsibility - but the control freak side of me still wants to pick the cute outfits! Our solution {for now} is that I will pick the 5 outfits - she gets to pick which one she wants to wear on what day. :) Sounds fun right? I think so.

 

On the menu for the week:::

Monday - Basil pork chops with salsa pasta & beans

Tuesday - Asian beef & noodles {for the girls} But, DATE NIGHT at the TEXAS Road house for mommy and daddy :)

Weds - Leftover

Thursday - Bacon & egg bagels

Friday - Baked chicken with pasta

Saturday - Lasagna Pizza

Sunday - Gnocchi with pesto sauce

On my to do list:::

Acquire a computer printer

laundry 

mop kitchen

set up more mouse traps - bold thing comes right towards us at night :(

drop off salvation army donations

pay cell bill

What I am creating:::

Nothing. Too cold to go outside. No projects right now.

Homemaking tips:::

Wipe down bathroom mirror after you shower. Use the steam, skip the windex - looks great and saves a paper towel :) 

Looking around the house:::

Not too bad. Sun shining SUPER bright through the dining room... a few toys out. Lot of blankets tossed on the couch. 1 kid now eating a greek yogurt. 

From the camera:::

My children and my precious Nieces with my grandma, a very special lady, at Christmas. It is so precious to me that my girls know my grandparents! I am blessed. 

On my prayer list:::

Reader Angie :) 

Teens and decisions

Those with the flu that seems to be lingering....

Wisdom in raising my children

Bible verse, devotional:::

Romans 1:16-17 I am not ashamed of the Gospel! Such a meaty verse. :)

A retreat, deep thoughts, and... a GIVEAWAY

Last weekend I was able to hang out with some awesome people. Leaders, students, teachers. We had a great retreat and I cannot tell you enough how much I love this group.

The Lord taught me several mini-lessons while on this retreat and I was blessed and encouraged to see my senior girls stand up and take leadership. We are so thankful for our local church body. :) The weekend also may or may not have included stair surfing.

Deep thoughts.
Yesterday I read an article on moralistic parenting, put out by Resurgence. Wow. It has been on my heart and mind ever since. I might do a whole post about thoughts on this sometime this week - seems like something I'm battling with, and couldn't put a name on it. It has now been named. CONVICTED. If you haven't taken the time to read it - let me encourage you to do so. Our children NEED us to teach truth to them - not a morality based gospel. Check out "The Danger of Moralistic Parenting" here. Seriously. Do it.

Last, I have a lil' giveaway planned for sometime this week. :)
It's been A-while and I'm excited to bless some reader with TWO fun things. On a personal note - I've been having a difficult time getting into a good 2013 groove. I had high hopes and plans of how to revamp my prayer life, deepen devotional time, etc. All my plans have failed as we battled traveling, sickness, chaos and just the general start of a new year.  {my tree just came down this week} But, the Lords mercies are new EACH day and I'll start again anew tomorrow. My point is this - sometimes we have all these grand plans and even the really great ones fall flat. I'd like to encourage one of you with some tools I think aid in a good quiet time during your day. :) Hint - music might be included!
So, stay tuned. And, do share how you are going deeper in your walk with the Lord.

Burn.

 

Adding this to the number one spot on the checklist this year. 

It is amazing how taxing, trying, busy, being a mother can be. 

I needed this reminder today - even though I'm never intentionally mixing up these two priorities. 

 

View from the couch.

Yesterday morning my alarm went off at 6:10. I rolled over and could NOT believe that no one else was awake or crying in their beds... could this really be happening?! As I sat up to go do some good bible reading, I felt this wave of nausea - like, "Don't move another muscle". I obeyed the body and laid down. My husband asked me if I was going to get up and read and I explained the situation. "Uh oh, you have what I had" was his response. Lovely. 

I ended up sleeping, dozing, and laying around on the bed and couch for the remainder of the day. Hubs watched the girls in the morning and came home to do lunch and dinner - bless that man! He even brought me a Wendy's baked potato, as it was the only thing all day that sounded somewhat appetizing. Baked potato and 7up - ah, what a life! Sickness. There is just no TIME for that when you are a parent. Can I get an amen?! 

I remember coming out of a doze at one point and seeing every single toy we own {in the living room} dumped out in piles around the couch. Even when sick - my children just wanted to be near me. Apparently dumping out toys by my side of the couch is like an kid offering. Thank you, darlings, thank you. 

For the most part the day went well - Ava got to watch TV the entire day, which, was not my favorite...but, it worked in the moment. We watched lots of movies and she sat very still, and sometimes even sat on the floor and played quietly. Augs, on the other hand, did NOT understand this "mom on the couch" business. Jumping on my stomach, stealing my glasses and running away, trying to feed me while I was dozing, etc. This girl keeps me busy! She kept bringing me books, climbing up on me, sitting on my head, then reading to me. It was precious, and painful and did not help the nausea. But, I love her. This morning she continues on in the area of CUTE - by attempting to dress herself.

Close honey! But, that is a shirt. For 20 months... not too shabby! :)

Now, onto a day of double the housework as normal. I'm so thankful to be feeling better and I'm so thankful for a family who doesn't completely fall apart when Momma just needs to lay down. 

Preschool: Day 1

It's been a long time coming, but, we finally started preschool at home today. But let's back up... so I can tell you how ONCE AGAIN my plans were thwarted. I, wanted to get up at 6 and have some quiet time in the word. Drink a cup of coffee. Gather my thoughts. Pen some notes in my "teacher" planner book. I, wanted things to go a certain way. Limited chaos was at the top of the list. And, once again I didn't get my way.

August woke up at 5:42am. Which, is just a gross time. Especially when you already have an early morning planned and those last 15 minutes would have been precious. Anyway, my plan changed from having a quiet time in the word - to laying on the couch in the dark, with a toddler on my chest. I was freezing because I forgot to grab a blanket for myself and I didn't dare move or it would stir her again. {sigh} So I just lay there and prayed. I was tempted to cry. Why does it seem that every time I set the alarm early... my kids wake up BEFORE me?! It's like a kid radar or something. Actually, I know its part of my sanctification. But that's another post. Aug's snoozed another 10 minutes and then went straight to whining and crying as loud as possible for "milk" and "eat" and "Nana" {banana}. This crying woke up her sister. We were all awake by 6:40am. Now my eager preschooler is asking over and over... "are we gonna do school now?" and I'm struggling to smile and act excited - because I'm not and honestly, my eyes hurt from being awake. Ah, but enough of that - we already know that part of being a momma is not sleeping and having your own plans change on the dime. And I know full well that I am blessed beyond measure that I even get to lose sleep over these precious ones. 

After breakfast we headed upstairs to the school room. It's nothing fancy and right now has zero decorations or school type things in it. I'm still working and planning a scheming ideas. But the kids table was up and our school bin was filled with workbooks and sharpened pencils. :) I had hoped to start each school time with prayer and a few songs - like I would have done in my preschool, sans prayer. The 4 year old announces that she doesn't want pray and then refuses to sing "this is the day" with me. I press on. Augs is now attempting to dig out all the pencils from the school box. How does one home school with more then 1 child?! I admire you. What went on from there was half chaos/half fun/very precious/memorable/totally amateur. But, we went through 3 workbook topics and Ava was SO eager. She just kept wanting to do and do and do. Which, tell me I need to plan some more! My heart kinda aches as I realize now I didn't get a picture of her "First day" and I'm annoyed that August was such a distraction and Ava was frustrated with her. But, it's also all good. I'm convicted that I could use my personal time better to plan and organize this for both of them. But ultimately, all that matters is that we made a memory and we have finally begun! 

Preschool: Day 1. In the bag. Here's to many more better days! This afternoon I found this quote in my email and I'm so thankful for the awesome reminder :

“You know, motherhood has caused me to come face to face with my less-than-wonderful qualities. Sometimes my kids bring out the worst in me. However, God doesn’t waste a thing. He uses my kids to bring me to Him. When I come face to face with my shortcomings, my weaknesses, and my sin, it’s a reminder of my need for a God who wants me to be more like Him each and every day.” 

–Jill Savage, NO MORE PERFECT MOMS

Ever feel ugly?

Remember the character from the famous Greek wedding movie? Opening scenes show a tired, frumpy, undone, gal... working at her fathers restaurant, basically unhappy in her life. You want to feel bad for her. But, it's also kind of funny. 

This morning I feel like her. Only, in the tired, frumpy, undone sort of way. I'm VERY happy and thankful for my life. :) 

It was as I was walking out of Target this morning in my black jogging suit {which, has NEVER been jogged in}complete with HUGE winter coat, no makeup, two children, huge purse spilling out receipts, diapers, etc. and realizing I don't think I even ran a brush through my hair... when I saw HER. Tiny, perfect hair, perfect makeup, amazing clothes, manicured nails, carrying a Starbucks latte and a Victoria's Secret bag. She even walked cute. Annnnd... my 4 year old noticed the "pretty lady". For some reason, at that moment - no matter how thankful, blessed and content I was... I felt UGLY. I just wanted to duck away and hide. And while I've had those moments before... this one took me off guard. I'm still bothered by it. As women, we never want to feel those times. Even when life is crazy hard and days are long - we don't want to be ugly or feel ugly. And at that moment I felt like the UGLY poster child. 

I tried to recall scripture on "real" beauty - how the Lord calls us to guard our hearts and work on our beauty within. It was a comfort. But then I looked down to realize my jogging pants have shrunk and now 2 inches of my {unshaved} legs are showing. One more thing on the list... sigh.

There's no real lesson or moral with this post - just that, like everyone else, my insecurities are very real and I'm humbled and reminded AGAIN how vital and important it is to know truth, practice truth... and, shave. 

And for goodness sake... find 4 minutes to brush your hair. Shout out to all my hard working momma friends, today! 

Jan 2nd, and I'm already tired.

At 11pm last night I tip-toed into the baby's room, turned her space heater from the "low heat" option to the fan option, tip toed back out and went to bed. I was tired. Always seem to be tired. But especially drained after a late night on NYE and girls waking up per their normal time the following day. Ah, but that's life. At 3:23am I hear a little voice crying for her momma and to "eeeat". Our toddler hasn't been eating much through the day - just picks and nibbles like a bird - so, she's especially hungry first thing in the morning. Normally morning is around 6:45/7... and not 3:30am. So, I stood by her door to listen and sure enough after a few more fusses she was back to sleep. And so was I soon after. Then again at 5am I hear more crying and fussing. And I'm frustrated with myself because my first inclination is not to be concerned and caring towards my child... my first reaction {and verbal response} is "You have GOT to be kidding me!? I am so tired." My husband has heard this a million times since we began having children 4 years ago. Though, I admit, I'm much more whiny about it now. 

So, I stand by her door again and wait - only this time the crying won't stop and so I open her door to "rescue" her. When the door cracked a wave a heat hit my face and then I realized the bigger problem. Instead of turning the space heater down to "Fan" - I had turned it up to "high heat". So for "X" amount of hours our poor babe was attempting to sleep in a boiling hot room. :( Fail. Big. Mom. FAIL. Her skin was hot and she was understandable cranky. Think back to summer camp days - attempting to fall asleep in your cabin when it was 100 degrees on a summer night. Then, add warm baby pajamas and several crocheted blankets. Yeouch! I felt just awful. So, I grabbed her up and we headed back to my bed. Usually she'll curl right back up and sleep with us until a more reasonable hour. This was not to be today, however. She was mad and hot and wanted nothing to do with cuddling or sleeping. So, we started our morning very early and the little one continues to let me know how displeased she was and still is. Lots of whining, crying, and general grumps are going on. It's January 2nd, and I'm exhausted. This was NOT the plan I had in mind for starting out our new year. 

I had every intention of using this year to really dig in and GROW in the Lord, have time in the Word, bible study and prayer. I wanted to be intentional in the teaching of my children, fun with arts and crafts, creative in my home... but, all I FEEL like doing is laying across the couch with my favorite blanket and sleeping. And maybe crying. They seem to go hand in hand some days. And, I know it's only the second day and that I really don't even need to measure based on days... but, that general feeling of failing is so present today. It's hovering. It's exhausting. How can I do this? How can I be effective when I can't keep my eyes open?! 

Mrs. Charles Cowman, in her book, "Streams in the desert" had something to say this morning that I felt was written personally just for me, only... way back in 1925.

"Rouse thee, O believer, from thy low condition! Cast away thy sloth, thy lethargy, they coldness, or whatever interferes with thy chaste and pure love to Christ. Make Him the source, the center, and the circumference of all they soul's range of delight. Rest no longer satisfied with they dwarfish attainments. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, a fuller life. "Upward to Heaven! Nearer to God! -Spurgeon"

Ah, life water to a thirsty mom this morning. A reminder that my JOY, my PURPOSE, my STRENGTH, doesn't lie in my cup of coffee or even getting 10 minutes alone in the word - {tho I enjoy both!}. These things come from making Christ central in my life, in all I do. And with that motivation... I will press on.