Sonlight Curriculum
Showing posts with label Random Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Musings. Show all posts

Friday, April 25, 2008

Superman Vs. Finding Nemo: Toddler Quotes by Abigail

Setting the stage: Daddy (Andy) and Daughter (Abigail, 2 yrs. & 10 months)) are competing for the television while Mommy (me, Jenn) is making dinner and watching Son (Jackson, 10 monts).

Daddy puts in his Superman DVD and begins watching.

"See Abigail, this is Daddy's favorite movie. Don't you want to see my favorite movie?"

"No Daddy, I want to watch my movies."

With more enthusiasm in attempt to persuade Abigail Andy excaims, "Abigail, Superman makes Daddy want to fly!"

Abigail doesn't seem impressed.

Realizing Abigail doesn't understand how much he loves Superman Andy explains, "But Abigail, Superman is my favorite movie like Finding Nemo is your favorite movie."

This sparks a reaction and Abigail appears very contemplative over the comparison.

With great excitement she says, "Daddy, let's watch Finding Nemo. It makes me want to swim!"

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Missing sock on Isle J

I was running frantically through Target the other day trying to find a missing sock. My 7 month old little boy hates wearing socks, but it's cold outside and he needs them. Not to mention it was literally freezing outside and the socks are new and quite adorable I might add.

The whole family was with me, including Grandma, when we checked out at Target and I realized only one sock was accounted for. I saw the look in my poor families eyes. They all knew what was about to take place and quickly began their pleas and protests but not before I began running. I shouted something over my shoulder like, "I'm not leaving without that sock and you better not leave me either!"

And I was off. Like a trained athlete at the starting line I ran full speed ahead. Like a race car driver I was weaving in and out of isles. Past A, B and C and a sharp turn toward J, K and L. Yeah, if you haven't tried to buy anything off a Target gift registry, you may not know what I'm talking about here. Target's isles are alphabetical, just like the dirt roads of the small town I grew up in. It may sound like a good idea, but it's not. The alphabet is a straight line with out intersections!

Anyway, just when I had back tracked half our steps and was going in for the kill and working up a sweat from the mission, I ran into an old friend I had not seen in years. How could I not comment on her completely new hair cut, mention the birth of my most recent child or briefly explain why I was sprinting? With a quick, apologetic exchange I gave her my new number and promised to blog more. I think she's the only other person that has read my blog besides me and I didn't even tell her about it.

As I ran away from her I shouted something over my shoulder like, "I've got to find that sock!" Just then the face of an angel appeared. Okay, maybe not a literal angel, but in the least, a good Samaritan. He was dressed in flannel and smiled kindly as he said, "Is it yellow and blue?" "I saw it on isle J." He must have noticed my exasperated expression because he began guiding me through the maze of alphabetical isles to isle J where to my amazement laid the little striped sock that in that moment closely resembled the gold metal at the finish line. I thanked him graciously and ran to claim my prize of admiration and shock from my whole family who were patiently waiting for me at the front doors of the store.

I felt like giving an acceptance speech and thanking them for believing in me and supporting me even when they didn't. But then I realized, I had only picked up a sock we dropped at Target. Now it was time to go to Sam's Club. And I thought the Target cross country course was long?

Thank you God for rewarding me in the small ways. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference in a Mom's world. Today it was a sock at Target.

Friday, October 19, 2007

I'm Back From Vacation

I can hardly believe how long it's been since my last blog. Time has flown by. So many blog posts have been written in my mind and yet never made it to print on my blog. Does that happen to you too? You're thinking of a great entry, but you're in your car or falling asleep or taking care of your little ones. Well, I'm back.

I took a vacation with my family and it was wonderful. I feel refreshed. That's one praise.

The other is that two of my dearest friends are with child and I've spent most of my online time emailing them about the pregnancy, baby showers, delivery options and what I've learned on my journey into Motherhood.

I just simply can not convey how amazing it is to be a mother. I look into my 4 month old baby's eyes and melt at his innocense and unconditional love for me. Is there anything more pure? More precious than your baby's love for you? The way Jackson's eyes light up at the mere sight of my face leaves me overjoyed. I want to meet his every need and reflect a love just as pure back to him.

It reminds me of how precious the calling of motherhood is. God has allowed me to hold two of his creations and serve them as their Mother. What a responsiblity! What a blessing!

Enjoy your calling today. Look into your children's eyes and know God has chosen you to be their Mother...and love them.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Wants

I've got it bad. I haven't had it for a long time and here it is...the "wants."

Have you ever just wanted something so much that you felt you needed it? I'm talking about the materialistic things we don't need at all, but would really enjoy and feel they would be the answer to all our cravings. They can be cars, vacations, jewlery or any number of things. My "want" is a camera.

Now I already have a camera, but I want the bigger and better one. I don't even crave the most expensive one, but the really nice, just-for-me kind. It's still expensive though and I can't justify it completely...although I am trying really hard. I have a brand new baby boy and the sweetest little 2 year old daughter and I don't want to miss capturing their youth in photographs.

It takes a while to put things in perspective when you have a bad case of the "wants," as I call them. The tactic that helps me the most is to stop my wanting from turning into complaining about what I don't have and turning it into counting what I already do have. We are all blessed by God in some way. Most of us are blessed in more ways than we can count, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Take a moment to be thankful for all you have today.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Being Christian, What Does It Mean in Everyday Life?

Struggling a bit today. I am frustrated with some loved ones in my life. They have said hurtful things about my family and been the source of much tension in our home. I love them, but
I'm angry too. Now they want to come visit. I don't feel ready or prepared.

As a Christian in circumstances like these I'm often left struggling as to how I should act. I know I need to forgive and show grace. But what if they aren't seeking either of these from me? What then? Do I pretend nothing is wrong and turn the other cheek?

Lord, please lead, guide and direct me as I face the earthly challenges of conflict with loved ones. My prayer is for resolution and healthy relationships. Thanks for walking beside me and showing me your ways.

Monday, May 7, 2007

Getting Ready for Baby

I'm back! I was out of the blogging business for a while as we moved our "Office" from the upstairs to the basement in order to make room for baby Jackson. The furniture arrived and my husband has it all put together. It's really happening! We're going to have a baby soon! We are on the one month count down. We should have a little boy's Noah's Ark room coming together soon.

In the meantime we have made business trips, family/friend visits away and at home, and unfortunately some family trials as well. We're going through a difficult time communicating with some of our family our love and affection while not always making the decisions they want us to make regarding how much time we spend with each side of the family. It's heartbreaking to see people you love hurt.

On a positive note, the baby is growing and developing well. Abigail is healthy and happy. And we are thrilled to be slowing down a little and focusing on welcoming our new baby into this world. God is so good and faithful through all of life's seasons.

Have a Great Monday!

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Have a Great Weekend!

Doesn't it feel like Spring has finally sprung? We are taking this Saturday to get outside and fly a kite with Abigail for the first time. My in-laws are in visiting and are avid fans of kite flying and I'm sure they'll have a blast watching her first reactions of childhood wonder.

My husband's feeling a little better all the time. While we had free babysitters in town visiting we took the opportunity to make a date night last night. He took me to see a local performance of the musical, Godspell. It was terrific. I had never seen it before and we were both so impressed with the vocalists who were high school students. It seems most have seen this once before if not more, but if you're like me and haven't...I highly recommend taking the opportunity to see it if it comes your way.

As far as household productivity goes, it has been put on the back burner for now. The nursery furniture arrived yesterday and the boxes are enormous. The office still isn't empty so we will have our hands full rearranging the house and putting together all of this. I believe the excitement of seeing our little boy's room put together will get us through! It's hard to believe how soon he'll be here!

Enjoy your family and have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Death by minivan? Maybe it's not so bad.

My husband came home early from work today feeling nauseous. I made another run for Gatorade, Ginger Ale, & white bread. Hopefully he won't get nearly as bad a dose of this bug. Fortunately, Abigail is back to her usual playful and wonderful self once again. We decided to skip swimming lessons tonight just to be safe.

Another topic at hand in our home is car shopping. We currently have a four door sedan and with another little one on the way we are seeing the need for more space. We do a lot of traveling back home which is a 3 hour road trip and we need space for luggage. As of now we'll have space for 2 car seats and a stroller and nearly be maxed out. I really kicked at the idea of driving a minivan, but the more shopping we do the more I realize it may be our best option. Have any of you faced this dilemma in your home already? Any insights for us? If we could afford a new crossover that would be my first choice, but I think we'll probably play it safe and by something a year old that's already built a reputation for safety. We'll see.

Thank you God for working on my heart and the issues I have with pride regarding driving a minivan. It is only by your grace that I can consider making this the vehicle choice for my family. You remind me of what's important and what may seem important, but truly isn't.

My husband went to bed early. That means no LOST for me tonight because we make an effort to watch it together so we won't be tempted to give anything away. I'm recording it instead. It's our current favorite show.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Meet the Neighbors

Thanks to everyone who wrote an encouraging word and or prayed for Abigail and myself as she recovered from her GI illness. Today was a welcomed day of everything staying inside her little body that was supposed to! I just put her to bed and thanked the good Lord for her health. I read a blog entry that captured all of the emotion of seeing my little girl so ill this weekend and then watching her recover at
http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/2007/03/my_vacation_
dra.html
It's worth the read if you have the time and also just a great blog. Events like these remind of what is truly important.

We finally were able to enjoy this beautiful weather that we had planned on last Thursday when she got ill. We kept it simple and went on a walk in the community. Abigail especially enjoyed the pretty daffodils in bloom which delighted the older gentleman who had planted them in front of his home. He told us of his Hungarian heritage and how he has lived here for 22 years. On the way back we caught up with another middle aged gentleman who has two dogs that have taken to Abigail and she reciprocates their affection happily. Abigail giggled as she watched our Chinese neighbor who is her own age trying to climb a tree rather impressively. His Grandma doesn't speak English but enjoys visiting with us almost daily.

Why do I write all of this? Just to share the reminder it was to myself that spring and walks in the neighborhood aren't just wonderful because of the weather, but the opportunities it gives us to interact with neighbors and others who we would otherwise never make plans to visit in our daily routine. So I encourage you to open the windows and let the inside germs out and fresh air in and then get outside yourself and make a point to say, "Hello," to those who cross your path.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Nice Day, Happy Heart

It's suppose to near 71 degrees today. I'm thrilled. My daughter and I have been locked up inside with colds for what seems like months. We go out, but we always return with either a lingering one a new one. Today's weather just makes me feel better. I love having the windows open and feeling the breeze as I type. When Abigail wakes up we'll be running errands without heavy coats and hats and without the need to be rushing in and out of stores in the cold wind. Instead we'll take our time soaking up the sun, feeling the warms breeze on our faces and smiling. I think we may even go ahead and welcome spring today by taking our initial trip of the season to the park. She'll love that and I will too! Nice weather does the heart good! As my cousin Terri says, "It makes my heart smile."

Last night her Daddy took her to her swimming lesson and I video taped. (One of my favorite things to do as posted in my "About me") They were sooo cute and happy together. I was feeling pretty worn out by the time the lesson was rolling around (and really didn't feel like shaving my legs) and Daddy accepted my invitation to come home early and make the swim with her instead. It turned what could have been an exhausting evening for me into an exciting and fun evening for us all. I don't know who enjoyed it more really. She jumped into the pool for the first time and in such an adorable style all her own. She hesitates then squats and then steps and leans into Daddy. Very sweet and I'm proud to have it captured on video.

I hope I'll be able to have these moments with Jackson too. I wonder what his personality will be like and how he will approach similar situations. I'm really looking forward to meeting you little one. In the meantime, the furniture for his room has arrived at the store and I need to be making room to go pick it up. (Both in the "Office becoming Jackson's Room and the Car!)

Thanks God for the sunshine!