THESE days and THESE kids.

Around 12:40 yesterday my youngest, at all of 18 months old, fell onto our wooden baseboard and gashed her forehead open. The scene was not pretty. Bloody toddler head, terrified older sister watching, crying momma trying so hard to pull it all together. I have already been feeling neck deep in life. Our home feels like chaos - with toys and Christmas decor and dirty things here and there. We got home from our T-giving trip on Sunday, hubs preached that night, and it's been non stop since. My head is spinning. And now the gashed baby forehead.

So, little one and I spent the next 3 hours driving from home to Urgent Care to ER and then back home. 3 stitches later... she'll be just fine. {I'm still kissing her a million times after watching all of that} Now I have to clean it twice a day and make sure she keeps her band aid on. Lovely. Because that is so easy with toddlers. :) I am praising the Lord that although it was scary, it was just a laceration. Passing the other ER rooms caused my heart to feel heavy as I watched momma after momma holding very sick and injured children. Kiss and hug your babies today! Praise God for healthy kids!

Buried. Yes, that's an adequate description of how I am feeling.

More to do in a day then there's time for, more needs then I can deal with. And sometimes that's just how life goes. And that's when we lean heavy on the arms of Jesus. When we cry in the shower and tell our God just exactly how much we need Him. He already knows and always meets me where I am. This morning it was in a phone call from my husband, just calling to say he loved me and had been praying for me.
Because I need prayer. My attitude and love levels are low. Self control and patience are hiding in a corner somewhere, probably buried beneath toys and half put up Christmas decorations. And I keep needing a "break", but what I am even doing that causes me to feel like I need a break?!

It dawned on me over lunch that this temptation to freak out and become the grinch hits me every year at this time. My inward desire to make everything "perfect" and the reality of an imperfect, sin cursed world, collide.  Leaving me longing for perfection and disappointed at reality. And to be honest - I have a pretty great reality here in our home. It's just these kids need so much... and these days are so difficult, sometimes.

And the baby forehead was just the straw that broke the camels back.

But, ya know...
I realize how quickly the days pass. And I know I have a choice to make each moment. Rejoice and give thanks or furrow the brow and make everyone else miserable. And only one of those honors God - and it's not the latter. So today as I tidy up and scrub one more dish and sweep the floor for the eleventy-millionth time - I will be thankful and I will be aware that the temptation to freak out is real, but,  that I have a choice in the matter.

That is all.

4 days left in Nov.

{kitchen decor this year}

Ah, nap time. My girls are down, and Harry Connick Jr and I are sitting here taking a quick break. And of course by that I mean... thank you Spotify for such a great variety of Christmas music! :) I recommend this one - though, admittedly, it is cheesy and not totally focused on the TRUE meaning of this season. But still, it's Harry. What a voice. :)

And, since I'm recommending things. I'll also throw this idea out there. I've been listening to it regularly and pretending I live in the country, in a big ol' log cabin {without the work}, complete with snow outside. 

I was able to put out more Christmas decorations yesterday - and get a lot of our laundry done. Still more to do, of course, but several stacks put away! Woot! I'm sitting here looking at the calendar and I cannot believe it's the last week of November. Why is life going so fast?  Our lives are so full of so many good things and I wouldn't change a thing - but, part of me feels a little sad to see my babies bigger, my face older, the days passing. 

But enough of that. 4 days left. Spend them wisely. :) 

Unpacking Thanksgiving

You know those golden moments in motherhood where you just seem to have it all together, everyone is on time, you remember everything you were supposed to, life just seems smooth as silk? That was NOT how my Monday began. {grin}I had high hopes of getting our morning errands done, a quick 18 month well child visit for the Augs, and then coming home to light my Christmas candle, get this place cleaned up and just enjoy a calm Monday post-traveling. This was not to be. {grin again...}

The girls and I got out of the house an hour before we needed to be at the Peds for Auggie's appointment. I was feeling impressed with myself, to be honest. Everyone was happy and dressed and basically content. I turned off the van in the Target parking lot, got the girls out, locked the doors, and then closed them. Only then did I realize that A) I left my purse in the van B) The purse held my keys and C) My phone was there on the seat, near the purse which held the keys. THANK THE LORD I GOT MY CHILDREN OUT FIRST! We went inside where I asked to use a public phone, and was told Target didn't have a public phone. So I pleaded my case and the lovely customer service rep was a great help and let me use the non-public phone. :) In a weird turn of events... my hubby just happened to be working at the Starbucks IN the Target we were at. I had no idea! He was able to help me out and get us all unlocked, etc. So thankful for that. Our hour was quickly passing now so I quick grabbed what we needed and back out the door we went. I don't know where time seems to go in these moments...but, we ended up only getting two of our errands done before we needed to go.

August had her 18 month appointment today. She is still completely shrimpy short in the whopping 21st percentile for height. Her weight seems to have leveled out in the 60-ish percentile and her head wins the trophy at 98%! Little big head :) After one shot, a finger prick lead check, and two band aids later - we made it out. Now I have two children in bed and an entire house that needs some sort of work. Mounds {literally} of laundry, piles of papers to sort, a calendar to straighten out, and finish putting up Christmas decor. All this said - it's GOOD to be home!

We had a great time in Michigan visiting with our dear family. Instead of going through every detail I'll share a few photo highlights from the week. We already miss everyone and feel especially blessed to know what a great family we have.

Some crazy fog on the way to MI. I guess Davenport, IA had 0% visibility in some places. Yikes!

The view we had every day while at our home for the week - Miracle Camp! 

Woody and Spider girl - just being cousins. :) They were loving time together. 

Tub time in the camp sink. 

Freezing at the zip line. It was snowing!!! And, if you didn't read my post about it - our crazy 3 year old did it by herself TWICE!

The HUGE double-decker carousel at the Mall was tons of fun for the kids! 

We celebrated J's soon to be 3rd birthday and A's soon to 4th birthday on our last night together.

We truly do give thanks for traveling safety, wonderful family, and just the everyday blessings that life brings us from the Lord!

Letting go.

Here we are in the state of Michigan visiting with family and enjoying some good ol' downtime. It has been lovely and we are blessed to be related to such wonderful people. :)

Yesterday was zip line day. All the teens and adults who wanted a turn harnessed up and waited in line. It was then that my 3 year old began to beg for her turn. "are you kidding me?" I thought to myself and began to look at the man running the show for him to say no. This would be our out. I'm sorry,  Honey, the man says you are too little...maybe another year. And then, that same man looks at her and says, "did you want to try it?". Gasp! But...but...she's only 3 you see. Granted, she looks older and is bigger - but, still 3.

So she got harnessed in and we were sent up the tower. In my mind I just kept thinking that of course she would freak out at the top and change her mind. She is only 3. But we kept going up and up, another level and then another. And then we made it to the top.

The man asked me to help hook her up to the line - and I kind of felt sick. I kept asking if she changed her mind, did she want to head back down? Are you sure?! She was fearless. She had no expression and even said a "moooom" when I kept asking if she was ok.
Once all was ready the man asked me to let go of her. LET GO. I couldn't do it. I kept hold of that harness and he just about had to pry it out of my hand - and then she smiled, and jumped out. And...she's 3 and my heart is racing and I'm watching her go. She's smiling the whole way, as if she's been zip lining her entire life. I mumbled some nervous one liner about how "momma has a lot to learn about letting go..." and the man acknowledged what a feat this must have been... for me. {blush}

She made it down. And after I hugged her and checked her out...she asked to go again. And I think I looked at her with total confusion. And then... I let her go. And my momma heart learned more then one thing that day. But, that's a whole other post.

Happy Homemaker Monday - Thanksgiving Week!

It's the week of Thanksgiving! Are we ready fellow homemakers? :) I have it easy {again} this year - we are traveling and most of the meal will be prepared by my mother in law. I hope to help out, but, I've still never made my own entire Thanksgiving meal. Have never baked a turkey. A very sweet lady from church offered to teach me sometime... and I just might take her up on that post-holiday time :) 

We have a busy day today getting everything ready to go for our 7 1/2 hour drive north east tomorrow. Hubs is working on the oil change in his car, I'm packing suitcases, pack n' plays, etc. We can't wait to hug family and spend time together. 

The Weather:::

It's seriously back in the 60's here. Bizarre. A friend on FB commented this morning, "Feels like the first day of Spring outside." When we get back from traveling... I'm dreamin' of a white winter! 

Right now I am:::

Sipping the rest of my cuppa Blonde roast with peppermint mocha creamer. 

Thinking:::

How is this house always so messy right before a big trip?! 

And, what am I forgetting to pack?

On my reading pile:::

-Finishing up my "The Wisdom of God" by Nancy Guthrie for tomorrows last bible study. Song of Solomon.

-Will start the "God's and Kings" series this week while on break. 

-Christmas cook books

On my TV:::

Girls are watching Daniel Tiger for 30 minutes.

Hallmark Christmas movies have been on - and I've been enjoying this mushy, sappy, Hallmark-ness. 

On the menu this week:::

Tonight we'll have whatever I can whip up from the freezer/cupboards. Then, THANKSGIVING food all week :) 

On my to do list:::

-Pack

-Laundry

-Put Christmas decor back in bins {my girls were going crazy - see yesterdays post!}

-make lists! 

What I am creating:::

Spent most of the afternoon working on a dining room centerpiece for Christmas. It's a mish-mash of things homemade and bought. Maybe I'll share a pic next month :) Basically, all creativity is being focused on how to decorate. I'm learning. 

Homemaking tips:::

I keep hearing how amazing the Dawn dish soap/vinegar shower cleaning recipe is. Anyone tried it? It was on pinterest and I have heard one lady after another rave about it. Need to try it out! It's half vinegar, half dish soap mixed into one of those scrub wands for dishes. Sounds easy, cheap and thorough! 

Looking around the house:::

Much to do. Let's just say that. 

From the camera:::

My slug bug. This little one is just a cuddly, laid back, sack of potatoes most mornings. I love it. 

On my prayer list:::

Safety while traveling in hubbys car tomorrow. Our family van needs 4 new tires and some general maintenance so we are going this route. Admittedly, I'm nervous. No DVD player, squished insides, small vehicle. We'll see. Praying! 

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Need to finish my chapter on Song of Solomon...but, loving the reminder of how God intended us to enjoy our spouses. Amen! 

Decorating with Children.

First, disclaimer! If you are looking for a practical, helpful, well worded, blog post on how to incorporate your young children in decorating for the Christmas season... SKIP THIS ONE.

I had the brilliant idea of using our time this weekend to pull out the Christmas decor and begin setting things out, beautifying our home, and teaching my small, dear, ones the TRUE meaning of it all. Doesn't that sound lovely and perfectly domestic?! :) There's something precious about watching a baby's reaction to their first exposure to twinkling lights, or a 3 year old girls curiosity in the Nativity. Priceless! So, up came the bins from the basement, off came the lids, and out came... well, I'll just let you see what has happened in the span of one day.

 

And, from another angle...

 Lastly, to include even more of the true disaster...

Needless to say - Christmas decorating has turned into...something else entirely. At one point my big girl had Nativity characters, the Nutcracker, and her baby dolls all lined up together for a jolly good time, I'm sure. The one year old thinks the basket of shiny ornaments are for her personal pitching practice. On the upside, her aim is getting better ;) When she's not chucking "balls" all over the place, she's grabbing the things from the autumn decor bins and mixing them in with the Christmas stuff. I'm sure in her mind she's helping.

Some good did come from the experience.
I got the stockings hung! And, some porch lights put out to sparkle at all of 4:30pm when it's pitch black here. I was able to whip up a center piece for the dining room and got most of the autumn decor pulled down from all over.

In all seriousness. It's complete chaos in my living room, as you saw. But the thing is - and maybe it's the most important - it has been so much FUN with my children. They are laughing, smiling and having amazing pretend. "Mommy, this pine cone is the daddy." {in the "family" of pine cones}

Ava is watching as I plan and place things around the house. She was given the task of decorating our small, plastic, tree in the dining room - and she's taking that very seriously. Every bulb has to be perfectly placed. I'm impressed at her attentiveness to it! A few times I've heard her echo things I had said to her earlier about "taking care" or "being very gentle".  August, well, she's 18 months old and just a whirlwind right now. But she's loving all the color and her sisters excitement. :) And this is what it's all about. We prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus! That is something to get excited about every year.

So, maybe this was a good idea, after all ;)

Oh Goodness, Goodwill. Sweet finds on a Saturday.

Saturday. Our morning started with pancakes, cups of milk, hot coffee and yummy peppermint mocha creamer {which, Aldi now carries!}. What a sweet time these days are. So much noise. So much urgency. Still, so sweet. 

I'm minutes away from pulling out my Christmas bins from the basement. Hubs gave the green light to decorate before we leave on our Thanksgiving trip, so the house will be all ready when we get home. :) This is new, and exciting! I'm still not entirely sure what direction I'm going in each room - but, I'm looking forward to going through each bin and just savoring the memories. My girls should make this process super interesting, too.

This morning included a quick trip to my local Goodwill. I was hoping to score a basket that I noticed last time I was there - but, skipped. It was gone today :( of course. But, I did find a few others jewels - which I will be sharing with you today.
Item #1 - wooden toolbox {handmade with Carpenters Union stamp on the bottom}

I have wanted one of these for a very long time. There are so many cute things you can do with them... and I love the "old timey" look of a wooden toolbox. I dunno, a metal craftsman box just doesn't have the same effect. ;) Pinterest had a few ideas on what to do with it - but, I'm thinking of spray painting it black, then red, then distressing it so the black cracks through a bit. Then I'll fill it with Christmas bulbs, pine cones, or something festive. :) Woot! Oh, and, it's was $2!

Item(s) #2 - Noritake saucers

Next month, as I've mentioned, I'm decorating a table for our ladies Christmas event at church. I already had my 8 white/silver plates and mugs - but could not find affordable saucers to go with. I happened to stumble across these guys at .79/piece. Didn't realize they were NORITAKE until I got home. The website shows them being about $33/piece. {cough, cough} Seriously. Good find. Might need to find some money from the girls piggy banks and go get the rest of the set.

Item(s) #3 - Clothes.
I still get a little silly about second hand clothes. If it smells funny, it's out. If it hangs weird, out. Etc. But I have been so surprised to find amazing clothing lately at the Goodwill. And for $3ish a piece, it's a deal. I found these two today.

The cardigan is brand new. Merona brand and will look great (I hope) with one of my cream scarves and jeans for a casual look. The gray shirt {Mossimo}, which I loved, bummed me out by being a little too small. Ok, a lot. Apparently I really cannot pull off the "skinny" look. {blush} I did some major underestimating on myself today while at the store. So, anyone need an adorable gray and white striped shirt? I'll gladly give it to you :) And then stare at you every time you wear it. Kidding!

That was the Goodwill trip. I could tell you about the other zillion things I saw that made me say, "oh, that's cute", or along those lines. But, I'll let you check it out yourself.

My ending thought is -
I hate dieting. I hate watching what I eat. It's so boring. And since I had to end my WW membership {to save $} I have not been doing well with weight stuff. That said - THIS magazine has been encouraging lately. I started a free subscription {for taking a survey online} and the recipes are fun, the ideas are fun, it's just fun! Maybe if I heeded some of the articles and workouts that gray shirt wouldn't be a problem. Ugh.

Good day, all!