The Greatest Show on Earth!

Indulge me here, but let's take a photo-heavy trip down memory lane back to the first part of May, when the fam (a LOT of the fam, including Maw Maw, Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Jonathan) went to the circus.  Thank you to Paw Paw, who stayed and watched Jacey so the rest of us could go! 

  Excited for the pre-show!!

Tatum jumped right in on the action and had fun during the pre-show!  

She wasn't the least bit shy about joining in....

it reminded Grandma and Grandpa of another little girl from long ago....

The kids just had a blast with their Uncle Jonathan!

Tatum trying out the tightrope.

Mid-flip....this was pretty cool!!

A good time was had by all!  It was a great first-circus experience for the kids!!

My new favorite.....

A few weeks ago during a pool play date, a friend introduced me to hummus.  Now, I had heard of hummus before, but honestly just thought it was something that ultra healthy, hippy, crunchy people ate.

But, seeing as I was at a play date and had just informed my four year old that she had to at least try everything I had put on her plate, I thought I should set a good example.

So I tried it.

And I loved it.

Loved it.

LOVED IT.

Let me be clear....the particular flavor of which I am enamored is the roasted garlic.  I have tried the red pepper and found it is not as much to my liking.  That is the extent of my hummus exposure.

But on nights when I don't have to worry about the boys for dinner, the 'big girl' dinners look something like this.

In case you need an explanation, allow me....

On the small plate, you'll see a piece of lunch meat, apple slices, cheese cubes, and a hard boiled egg (minus the yolk, which none of my kids seem to like).  On the bigger plate, you'll see the hummus (of course!!), the carrot slices (another new favorite which now actually allows me to eat carrots without jaw issues), apple slices, cheese cubes, hard boiled eggs, and peaches.

These are the types of meals Tatum deems 'picnics' that she likes to enjoy on her tray in the living room.  She loves, loves, loves these types of meals.  And as you can see, they're super easy.

That means mommy likes them, too.

As an added bonus, I have to cook nothing, so they don't heat up my kitchen, which is a HUGE deal in Texas summer!

Truth is like a slap in the face

Isn't it?

If you aren't sure, read these couple of posts about all of the stuff we have and why organizing our stuff is most likely NOT our problem.

So what to do with these truths......

Bored....

So last weekend we were driving in the car, and had been traveling for probably about 30 or 45 minutes when Matt looks back at Tatum, who is just zoning out.

"Are you bored?" he asked her.

"No." she replied.

"Do you know what bored means?" he continued.

"No, what does it mean?" was the response.

"It means that you're tired of doing what you are doing and you're ready to be doing something else." was the explanation he gave her.

"I'm BORED!" she responded.  "I'm ready to be doing something other than sitting in the car."

Climbing

I found out on Wednesday that Jacey can climb.

We have what we deemed as a 'safe' spot in the living room for her to play.  We set up baby fences (a play yard, really) and sectioned off our living room from our dining room and blocked off the TV.

It is great.  It is wonderful.  I can leave my very mobile child in a room where she can play to her hearts content without my worrying too terribly much about her getting hurt.  The worst she seemed to do was pull a plastic kitchen over on top of herself.

I didn't have to worry about her playing.

Well, at least until Wednesday.

On Wednesday after work, she and Tatum were playing in the living room.  I was doing something...most likely getting dinner ready.  I walked through the living room and spied Jacey sprawled across the back of one of our chairs, trying to get something off of the desk.  She had succeeded in getting one of her brothers Cars toys.

I thought Tatum had 'helped' her climb and fussed at her a bit.  Tatum assured me that she didn't put Jacey on the chair.

I wasn't convinced.

A few minutes later I was piddling in the kitchen and heard a cry.  It was an 'I'm scared and just did something that may have actually hurt me' cry.  You know the one.

I don't like that cry.

I ran into the living room to see Jacey picking herself up from the floor adjacent to our couch, where she had apparently climbed on and flipped over it - no doubt reaching for something she wasn't supposed to have or simply trying to escape her 'play area.'

Neither of the other kids were really big climbers. Considering that Jacey is pushing all of my parenting limits, I'm not sure why am I at all surprised that Jacey seems to be prone to climbing.

Not fair!

Unfortunately, Tatum did not have the best of days.  I was informed....warned of this fact by an email, sent to me at work yesterday afternoon.

It warned me of not one, but two incidents that Tatum had that day.

All 'fun' plans were by the wayside.  When we got home, she and I went over - line-by-line - the two notes that had been prepared for me.  We discussed, she was disciplined, she cried, she whined, we discussed some more, and somewhere in the midst of this, she screamed, "It's NOT FAIR!"

We went back over what happens when you make this choice...what happens when you make that choice scenarios.  We talked about the consequences of choices, and making choices knowing full well what the consequences would be.  I then asked her whose fault it was that she was getting punished.

"It's my fault because of my choices.  But I don't want to get in trouble.  It's NOT FAIR!"

After dealing with her for the evening (and trying to decide what to do with myself since I had virtually the entire night -  peruse my movie shelves for something a child might not enjoy as much as I, read a book, sleep?), God then began speaking to me.

Only after my conversation with her did I realize how many times I have those very same conversations with God.  I must sound the same to Him during those times as my daughter sounded to me last night.

Oh how I'm convinced that He allows us to have children so that we can get just a glimpse into His role as our Heavenly Father!

How many times have I screamed, "It's NOT FAIR!" to Him?
How many times have I knowingly made a choice, then not wanted to accept the consequences when they inevitably came?
How many times have I resented discipline - when it was for my own good?
How many times.......have I acted like a 4 year old to my Heavenly Father?

I'm surprised Tatum didn't say it, but normally when she gets in trouble, she'll remark that although I'm not happy with her choices, I still love her and will always love her.  She isn't asking the question of if I will, but reminding she and I that she knows my love will remain constant.  She normally follows up those statements with similar statements about God's love for her.

I may not be happy with her choices, but will always love her.  God may not be happy with my choices - or hers for that matter - but His love is unfailing.

BV Bombers

Over the 4th of July weekend, our clan went to the BV Bombers game as part of a departmental social event with the REU students.  We had never been before, so we didn't really know what to expect.

Along with the all-you-can-eat-until-it's-gone pre-game picnic, we had wrist bands (read: unlimited) to access the kids zone activities.  After eating way too many hot dogs and other picnic goodies, we headed to the kids zone to let the kids race and bounce off their energy.

  Yes, she's getting that big.

Sorry ladies, that sweetie pie is taken.

And yes, the girls have on matching Old Navy patriotic tanks.  

They're adorable. 

And they were on sale.

Tatum is now convinced that Cookie Monster is real. For real. It wasn't a costume. 

Since this is now a proven fact, it would stand to reason that Big Bird and Elmo are real, too.

Yup...my sweet girl and her logic.

We made it to about the 5th inning before we decided that the rest of the folks watching the game might actually like to watch the game, rather than watch me wrestle Jacey.  So we left.

Other than sweating from places I didn't know could sweat, it was great fun!!

4th of July fun

.....on the 3rd.

Who says you can't celebrate the 4th of July the entire weekend?

Matt and I enjoyed a date night on Saturday night while Maw Maw and Paw Paw kept the kids.  We went and watched the newest X Men movie.  Oh.my.goodness!  I loved it!  I really enjoyed the back story aspects, since it filled in quite a few gaps for me.  Matt didn't need those gaps filled, of course, since he's read probably every comic book they produced.  We both loved it.  (I just wish there were a few parts that were a little more tame so that Kellen could watch it.  As is, it's a no-go for him).

When we got back, I peeked in on the kids and this is what I saw....

Let me just say...so much of my hearts' joy was contained in this room and I almost couldn't stand it!  Aren't they precious?  And they're always a notch more precious-looking when they're sleeping.
On Sunday, we had a backyard BBQ and played in the new deck pool.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed the new pool - that includes the 'big' kids, too!

Jacey has almost officially joined the land of the eating kiddos.  

She enjoys Nilla wafers, LOVES cheese cubes 

(colby and monterrey jack is a decided preference over cheddar).

And Zip the friendly lizard even put in an appearance!

And for even more enjoyment, the 'little' kids had a pool just their size.  

And the bigger kids enjoyed that one, too!

Later on that evening, the adults played some games while the kids vegged watching Veggie Tales.  It was all they could do to NOT fall asleep.  Needless to say, they all went down pretty easily!

Scripture Memory (Verse 13)

Here is the link to the LPM blog for verse 13.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverancce; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4

Review of running - June

5 - 3 miles
6 - 3 miles
7 - 2 miles (and pushing Jacey in the stroller in 100 degree weather at that! Does that warrant bonus miles?)
9 - 3.3 miles
10 - 2 miles
18 - 2.5 miles
19 - 4 miles
23 - 4 miles (pushing Jacey in the stroller...bonus!)
24 - 4 miles (pushing Jacey in the stroller...another bonus and arm workout!)


Mileage total = 27.8 miles
Average mile/day = 0.926 miles per day

2011 Mileage total =104.98 + 27.8 = 132.78 miles
2011 Average Mile/day (151 + 30) =0.733 miles per day
*Current deficiency of 48.22 miles

The streak ends.

I've shared my discipline woes with Tatum a few times here in hope you'll allow me to lament the loss of our streak this week.

It was such a good streak

Since the first part of June, she's had good days.  Every day.

That ended yesterday.  Well, it apparently ended the day before that, I just didn't know about it.  She didn't tell me.  In fact, she told me the opposite.

Darn that sin nature!

So I found out yesterday afternoon that she had a rough time at nap time the day prior.  And the fact that she didn't get to feed Bugsy (the class hamster) yesterday because of those bad choices didn't seem to alter her decision to make the same bad choices. At nap. Again.

"But I was good during circle time!" was the response I got to a few of my questions regarding these choices.  "Doesn't that make you happy?"

*sigh*

So our streak of fun evenings has come to an end.  While she told me the truth about her day, she did lie to me about the day before, so we weren't able to do any fun stuff last night.  In fact, after dinner she got ready for bed and went to lay down.

I had forgotten how loud she could cry when she was really wanting to put on a show.

And how great she is at making excuses to come out of her room.

I had also forgotten how much nicer it was to be able to lay Jacey down in her bed while the room was empty. And quiet.

Apparently Jacey is a sympathy screamer cryer.  That was a joyous thing to discover.

My verse for this yesterday morning was, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

I tried to keep that in my mind during the day.

I think I may have done a better job while at work than at home in doing so.

Think about that one word or phrase at a time.  Really meditate on it.

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
Rejoice - be glad, take delight

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
in who?  the Lord....shouldn't we be able to delight in Him?

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
Always - every time, all the time, forever

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
again - once more, another

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.

Am I rejoicing that my Tatum-tot broke her 'good choices' streak? - No
Am I rejoicing that Jacey seemed fairly inconsolable because her sister was upset? - No

I don't need to hinge my happiness and joy on events. Or people. Or money. Or jobs.  It is in the Lord that I should hinge...well, everything.  His words, His promises.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

So, despite this behavioral bump, I'm going to rejoice in the Lord.

And today is a new day.

Scripture Memory (Verse 11 & 12)

Yikes!!

Where have I been?  I'm behind in getting these memory verses out here....

Verse 11 (for June 1)
He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go. They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
Psalm 91:11-12 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 11 post

Verse 12 (for June 15)
Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
Philippians 4:8 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 12 post

And we're halfway there!!  Are you keeping up?  Don't worry if you've fallen behind.  There is no better time to catch up and work on your consistency than NOW.  And I don't care when you're reading this.  Now is NOW!

What are the ways in which you're putting God's word into your heart this year?

Top Five?

After the girls and I went to the library this weekend, I am reminded of just how much I enjoy reading. 

Not that I have had any more time to read or anything, it was just a nice reminder that it's something I enjoy doing.

And I need to do things I actually enjoy a little more often.

So, considering that in the past oh, say 8 years or so, all that I've read has been the Bible, parenting books, organizational books (well, articles really), an occasional cook book (quit laughing), and my monthly magazines (more parenting things), I've realized that I'm in dire need of book direction.  Now there's obviously nothing wrong with reading the Bible, and I certainly can stand to do more of that, but I'm looking to expand a little.

I'm in need of ideas, so I thought I would ask the following question.

"What books are on your current list of top 5 must-reads?"

Leave me some comments with your suggestions, because I've just figured out how to request books online.  Yes, I know that is old technology, but what can I say...I'm been under a rock for the past 8 years.  Or maybe it's more realistic to say under laundry?

At any rate, comment.  Let me know about the books I've been missing!

Kissin'

I love kisses.

Especially when they come from my 11 month old.

It's official.

She's figured out how to give kisses....she makes the 'mmmmwwwa' sound, leans in, and gives you a kiss.

It's one of the most precious things on the planet.

For real.

Then yesterday afternoon, she put the palm of her hand to her mouth and waved it at me. She blew me a kiss!

Oh goodness...this girl completely and totally melts my heart.

What a day!

Yesterday was an all-around good day.

It began with a bit more of a jolt than I had anticipated when I realized that the Old Navy $2 tank top sale began at 7 AM.  This realization came shortly after 6:30 AM....and the girls and I were at the store at about 5 minutes after 7 to start in on our sale day.

Whew!

We managed to get a few tanks, and then took advantage of the other sales they were having....and ended up with matching 4th of July tanks, swim suits for both girls, and two very well-behaved girls.

So we headed to Sweet Eugene's for breakfast...a special treat of cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk (courtesy of our coupon book).  We sat in the 'library' section of Sweet E's and enjoyed our breakfast.

We were having so much fun, that Tatum even asked if we could do more 'fun stuff.'

We headed to the library to check out some books, and made it there about 5 minutes before it actually opened.  Tatum picked out a few books and so did I, and we left not too terribly long after arriving, due to a wee one needing a nap.  And making sure everyone in the library knew it.

She fell asleep by the time we got back to the house, so I put her down for her nap and Tatum and I read a few of her books.  I took a short nap, Tatum played, and then daddy and Kellen got back from their fishing trip.  Lunch and 'real' naps later, I went to the next phase of my day.

The spa!

I was able to use a Christmas present a bit before it expired....so enjoyed a relaxing facial and relaxing massage.....They were both wonderful!

Back to the house and we decided to use some of Kellen's coupons for dinner and we all enjoyed Golden Corral. After dinner (and yummy Golden Corral desserts!) we headed back home for a few games of I Spy (aka - Investigate).  Then it was bedtime for the kiddos and Matt and I caught up on some DVR'ed shows.

Such.a.great.day.

Say cheese!

So it appears that Jacey is a fan of cheese.

A BIG fan of cheese, apparently. 

We discovered this last night at dinner.

Productive Day

As my earlier post indicated, Jacey is in the midst of dealing with and (hopefully) recovering from hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

So as I normally do when I'm home with a sick one, I made a mental to-do list for myself.

The list; unfortunately, began with maintaining my patience.

*sigh*

Tatum and I had one of those mornings.  However, a big difference was that I was more focused on whether or not what she was doing really mattered.  What I mean by that is we talked in our Sunday School class this last weekend about keeping an eternal focus.  So my thoughts were focused more on how my response to her behavior would benefit us both eternally, rather than the specific behaviors.  Notice I indicated "more"...not that I didn't have issue with her behavior and choices.

This focus is something I must work on and continue.  I'm not saying that I reacted exactly the way I should have throughout the morning, but it was better than in the past.

At any rate, when I dropped her off at school we talked and she assured me that she was going to have a good day and make good choices.  My response to her was that if she did have a good day, that I would take her for a special treat.

As Jacey and I continued about our day, I was able to get quite a bit of 'stuff' done.  Stuff like 7 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.  (Don't think it's all that grand...I have another 2 loads waiting to be folded and put away, another load in the washer and one in the dryer). I had intended to demolish the laundry monster, but it didn't quite happen that way.

Stuff like heading to the office for a short bit, going to the doctors office, playing with Jacey, getting her down for her naps, doing laundry (see above), giving myself some solar therapy, then taking a jog with Jacey before picking up Tatum.

Tatum DID have a good day.  So we went to get some 'treats', as promised.  We first went to Wal-Mart and I let her pick out some nail polish.  She picked out purple and green sparkles.  They were $0.98, so I joined in and picked out a pink. 

So I did get some "Bon bons" today after all.  We also browsed the sale rack, and I picked her up a new lunch box.  It was $3.00...she was thrilled.

We then left and went to Chick-fil-A to pick up dinner.  We made it home and I started the movie - Cinderella, of course.  Tatum ate dinner while I dealt with feeding Jacey and getting her bathed and ready for bed.  After Jacey was down for the night, I painted Tatum's toes and fingernails purple.  When I was finished eating and the first coat of polish had dried, I then followed up with the glitter.

She was thrilled.

I mentioned something about pampering and she asked what that meant.  My response, "Pampering is what you do to be nice to yourself and make yourself feel good."

"Oh, she replied, "I like it when you pamper me."

It was a great and productive day.  And not because I put a dent in the laundry monster and was able to go for a jog, but because I accomplished my main goals.  The things that were really important - keeping Jacey comfortable and hydrated and providing positive reinforcement for Tatum just as swiftly as we normally administer punishment.

I want to have more days when I accomplish what is truly important.

Another new one....

So I received a call late yesterday afternoon from daycare indicating that Jacey had a rash on her feet and legs, moving up her leg, and on her bootie. They indicated to me that there were 2 confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease already at the school (and more specifically, I *believe* in her class).

I immediately called the doctor's office to see if I could get her seen yesterday afternoon, or if I should go to urgent care (this was a new illness for me to deal with - neither of her siblings have had this) or just get an appointment for this morning. This morning won out and so she was seen at 9:30 today.

It was confirmed.

Hand, foot and mouth.

She appears (at least as of now) to have a mild case of it. (Thank you, Lord!) She only has a few moist blisters (one on her thumb and another couple on her feet/toes) and then a dry rash up her leg and on her bottom. She is not running fever (and hasn't, which is apparently uncommon), and there currently appear to be no blisters in her mouth. (Again, another thank you, Lord!!)

The doctor indicated that we could be looking at about 4 days, or as long as 10, for the moist blisters to dry up. He said she was contagious if she had any fever or any moist blisters (he wasn't at all concerned with the dry rash).

So, since I'm yet again dealing with a new illness (not 'new' as in undiagnosed to others, just 'new' as in I've-never-dealt-with-this-with-either-of-my-other-kids new) with Jacey.

God is certainly using my parenting Jacey to stretch me.  Forget another chapter in my life book....parenting her is going to be a whole new book!!

Review of running - May

3 - 3 miles
4 - 2 miles
6 - 1 mile
7 - 3 miles
15 - 3 miles*With my new birthday shoes!!!
16 - 3 miles
17 - 3 miles
20 - 3 miles
21 - 3.3 miles
22 - 2 miles
28 - 1 mile

Mileage total = 27.3 miles
Average miles per day = 0.88 miles/day

2011 Mileage total: 16.33 + 24 + 5.18 +32.17 + 27.3 = 104.98 miles
2011 Average Mile per day: (151 days into the year) =  0.695 miles/day

It's not spectacular, but considering the current Hapes family schedule, this is pretty darn good.  And it's already SUMMER in our neck of the woods....complete with heat and humidity at 5 AM. I've realized that I have a difficult time running in 85+ % humidity.  You know, just in case you were wondering.

I may have to look at jogging with the double stroller in the evenings some, considering our current schedule.  But the heat...oh my the heat...Even the prospect of doing that makes me cringe.  But, I managed to do it for May and June when I was training for the half a couple of years ago, so I know it's possible.  And that was jogging with one kid in a stroller NOT designed for jogging, so I would have to do better with better equipment now, right?

This consistency thing is going to be tough, but it's the journey that is important....more than even reaching the finish line.

Jacey update

Time has flown and Jacey is already 10 months old.

WHAT?

*sigh*

She now has 7 teeth....

5/3 - top left (#5)
5/11 - top right (#6)
5/19 - bottom left (#7)

So she was at a nice stair-step pace of a tooth every 8 days there for a few weeks.  I'm still waiting on #8.

She can say, "Da da" "Ma ma" and "Aggie".  Don't laugh, I have witnesses (twice in one day and she hasn't repeated it since.  It was an eventful Parent's Weekend).  She likes the 'ba', 'da', and 'ma' sounds, but you'll mostly hear her with the 'ba' sounds.

She has started to scrunch up her nose when she smiles, and it's the most adorable thing!  It just makes you smile right back at her, if you weren't already doing so.

She's taking up to a half dozen step at a time now.  It's precious!  She doesn't do that many all that often, but moreso a handful of steps now and then.  Her most efficient mobility method is certainly crawling.  And crawl she does.  And FAST!  We have mastered the art of moving furniture around in the living room to keep her contained.  Or at least attempt to keep her contained.

It's interesting to watch her play with her toys.  She certainly has some favorites, and they currently include the activity table, our Disney pop up toy, and her musical mirrored toy.  She likes music and sound and thoroughly enjoys toys that have music and sound.  This is, of course, much to Mommy's delight.

As for the food side of things, she is still in love with refried beans.  Really.  It's ridiculous how much this child loves her refried beans.  She'll actually yell at you if you don't feed her the beans on her schedule.  She still really likes the baby food meats, and recently explored the meat sticks (which she liked as well).  She'll be my carnivore for sure!  She doesn't really like veggies, other than green beans (and she likes those off of our plate...not necessarily the baby food kind).  She'll now eat squash and sweet potatoes reluctantly, and still doesn't care much for many of the other 'normal' fruits.  No applesauce, no pears, and she'll barely tolerate peaches.

But we're still trying, and introducing, and letting her go at her own pace. It's so different NOT to have a chubby baby.  Kellen and Tatum looked like they were put together with marshmallows....and Jacey is my string bean.  I certainly think she'll be tall!

She gave me a great birthday present this month, and on the night of my birthday, she slept all night long.  She hasn't done it since then, and it had been a while since she had done that for me.  It was so nice!!  I now remember what a full night sleep feels like, and I'm wondering if I would have been better off to have forgotten that.  Jury is still out on that one.

She is normally a pleasant, sweet girl.  When she's upset - she's really upset.  I think her temper might rival Tatum's....and that is really saying something.

She's not my good sleeper...but I guess every family has to have one of those, right?  She doesn't typically just like to get laid in her bed while awake to go to sleep.  She fights it.  HARD.  She's screamed cried it out for over an hour.  Multiple.Times. And managed to not cry herself to sleep.  Or finally calm down.  Or anything remotely resembling how her older siblings learned to fall asleep.  I have now realized that an hour is as long as I can listen to her scream.

This particular issue seems to be getting a little better.  We've had a good sleep week, if you will.  What I've realized - particularly tonight - is that I'm waiting too long to put her to sleep.  I have been putting her down between 7-8 PM, but tonight, she made it clear that she was tired at 6:30.  So I put her down.  Yes, at 6:30.  She didn't cry.  She didn't grab at my neck as I was lowering her into the crib.  She didn't tense up going near her crib.  She laid down, put her thumb in her mouth, grabbed her silky blankie, and that was it.

So I think it's been a mommy-issue all along.  She may have been over tired.

I'll update later if my current thought continues to be correct.

At any rate, I'm now looking forward to planning her first birthday party....and am picking up random "1st birthday" bibs and assorted birthday party ideas.

Time flies, doesn't it?  I cannot believe that she's over 10 months old already!

Scripture Memory (Verse 10)

So in a recent cleaning bout, I came across a book my MIL had given me on Mother's Day in 2006...The 100 Most Important Bible Verses for Mothers.  I'm going to use one of those verses for my newest verse to memorize as part of this challenge.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 (NCV)

Here is the link to the main challenge!

When will you learn?

So as I was disciplining Tatum the other day (an occasion no longer a rarity in our household), I wondered, 'Why doesn't she learn? Didn't we just go through this?'

I was answered, but not in a burning bush kind of way.  I distinctly felt God speaking to me, whispering, "She's just like you."

I responded with (does anyone else have full conversations with God inside their head?), 'She knows what's going to happen if she makes those poor choices.  We have set clear consequences for her actions. She knows the consequences but still makes poor choices.' [exasperated sigh] 'Why?'

'Yes, why?' the Lord answered me. 'Why does she continue to make poor choices? ..........Why do you? Haven't you already learned?  Aren't the consequences of your poor choices enough to make you see?'

My poor choices.

Raising my voice to the kids...or to Matt.

Running out of patience before the kids have even loaded up in the car and been dropped off at school/day care.

Not making my quiet time a priority.

Worrying.

The list is endless. My poor choices.

Yes, I know the consequences, but still make poor choices. Tatum knows the consequences, but still makes poor choices.

Most of the time it isn't deliberate. It isn't intentional. It just is.

It's habit. It's my sin-nature. It's me not allowing the Lord to walk with me or carry me throughout my day. All parts of my day.

I could feel God telling me how much my poor choices hurt Him. And that consequences are necessary for growth. For maturity. For learning.

As a parent, I don't like to discipline Tatum. It's not one of those 'fun' parts of the Mommy hat. But for her sake, I discipline. I correct. I teach. I explain. And I sometimes (many times???) cannot understand the why of her actions.


I'm becoming more and more convinced that one of the many reasons the Lord provides us with children is so that we'll understand Him better.  Understand better His love for us - His children.


We try to model that love to our children, in an oh-so-human, I'm-gonna-fail-miserably-at-this kinda' way.  With each interaction, we get a glimpse into how God feels about us.


My heavenly Father just wants me to seek Him and follow what He says. My discipline and instruction is designed for my spiritual growth and to enable me to develop into the person God intended.


If I desire that for Tatum, how much more - exponentially so - does God desire that for me? For Tatum. For us all.

Scripture Memory! (Verse 9)

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:1 (NLT)

And click here to check on the full Scripture Memory challenge.

How have your verses changed you this year?

Review of running - April

4 - 3 miles
7 - 3 miles
9 - 3.18 miles (Diva Dash!! Note to self: REMEMBER SUNSCREEN!!)
18 - 2.66 miles
20 - 3 miles
22 - 2.33 miles
24 - 3 miles
25 - 3 miles
26 - 3 miles
27 - 3 miles
29 - 3 miles

Mileage total = 32.17 miles
Average miles per day = 1.07 miles/day

2011 Mileage total: 16.33 + 24 + 5.18 +32.17 = 78.3 miles
2011 Average Mile per day: (120 days into the year) = 0.65 miles/day

This month was so much better!

Now...to stay consistent and work on my deficiency of 41.7 miles.......

31 Days to Clean

Hmmm....

I've tried (and am fluttering) FlyBaby. I like the system as a whole, but if you've been following this blog for any length of time you know that I'm working on consistency in 2011.

I've tried my own random methods.

Perhaps 31 Days to Clean might be the source of inspiration for me?

Check it out...if you post about it today (using some social media method) and provide her the link, you'll get a free ebook!

We'll see....I'll try it out for a few months (you know, as long as it will actually take me to do it for 31 days.  I'm guessing that will take a bit longer than 31 consecutive days) and I'll review it!

Scripture Memory (Verse 8)

July 7th update: Let me just go on record by saying I'm a dork.  I have already used this verse.  In fact, it was used for the March 15th verse.  Apparently the Lord felt I needed a double dose of this verse.  So, the updated verse it at the bottom of this post. 

"I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6 (GNB)

Here's the link to the LPM Blog with their verse 8.

How are you coming with your scripture memory?

****************
Be still and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Resurrection Cookies

On Saturday I was reminded of an Easter preparation activity that I usually forget to plan for and do with the kids...Resurrection cookies.

My friend Melissa has blogged about these cookies for a couple of years now, and every time I read about it, I think to myself, "I'll remember that activity next year."

I hadn't remembered so far.

But this year, I was determined.  Not that I remembered any sooner than in years past, but I just decided to go for it.  Luckily, when I looked up the directions and needed ingredients on Saturday afternoon, I had a friend who just happened to have pecans, and her hubby just happened to be coming over to pick up some dress shoes for their daughter for her Easter outfit.

So we went for it.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans (or pieces)
1 tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
ziploc baggy
wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

To be made the night before Easter:
Preheat oven to 300

Put the pecans into the ziploc baggy.  Let the kids beat the pecans with the wooden spoon.
Read: John 19:1-3
Explain that Jesus was arrested and beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Let the kids smell and/or taste the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into a mixing bowl.
Read: John 19:28-30
Explain that when Jesus was thirty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink.

Add egg whites to vinegar.
Read: John 10:10-11
Explain that eggs represent life and that Jesus gave his life so we could have eternal life.

Sprinkle salt into the kids hands. Let them taste it and put the rest into the mixing bowl with the vinegar and eggs.
Read: Luke 23:27
Explain that when Jesus died, his followers mourned and cried for him and the salt represents their tears and all of our sins he died for.

So far the ingredients are 'yucky'.

Add 1 cup sugar.
Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Explain that the sweet part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us and wanted to provide a way for us to live with Him in heaven.

Beat with mixer on High for 12-15 minutes.
Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Explain that the color white represents purity in God's eyes. Those who have accepted Jesus and have been cleansed by His sacrifice are viewed as pure in God's eyes.

Fold in broken nuts.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Explain that each cookie mound represents the tomb where they laid Jesus' body.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn OFF the oven.

Give each kid a piece of tape and have them seal the oven door with the tape.
Read: Matthew 27:65-66
Explain that the tomb of Jesus was sealed with a large rock.

Go to bed.
Read: John 16:20 & John 16:22
If they're sad to leave the cookies, explain that the followers of Jesus were sad to see him die and placed in a tomb.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. Discover that the cookies are hollow! 
Read: Matthew 28:1-9
Explain that on the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Taken from Annie's Resurrection Cookies Page.

The kids certainly didn't stay in the frame of mind that I would have liked for them to during this activity. I think at certain points in time it took all their daddy had to keep a straight face and try to get them back on track, but I still think the message got through. I would imagine that some families manage to do an activity like this perhaps without having to correct their children, or have them stop laughing at some random thing one of them did, but I think what's important is that we're doing things to try and drive home the true meaning of the holidays.

Favorite?

I simply cannot pick.  I posted a picture preview earlier this week, and got my pictures (speedy lady!!) today.

I cannot pick my favorite.

Jacey

Tatum

Kellen

Kellen & Jacey

all three kids

Daddy and kids

Mommy and kids

Mommy and Jacey

Mommy and Tatum

all of us

This is just a sampling, but there are entirely too many adorable pics to choose from. 

So glad I don't have to!

Pictures

So we had pictures taken this weekend...some total family, some of the kids, and all other random combinations of our crazy crew.

Our photographer Brandy posted this preview. 

If the rest of the pictures are this great, I absolutely cannot wait to see them!

9 months old

What??

How is it possible that it's been nine months since our bookend baby...our sweet peanut...our darling Jacey Victoria was born?

As of yesterday, she's officially 9 months old.

She celebrated her 9 month "birthday" by cutting tooth #3...the top right *finally* came through.

And today she had her well check.

Weight - 17 lbs, 8 oz (40th %)
Height - 28.75 inches (90th %)
Head cir - 90th %

The doctor still isn't concerned with her food intake (or lack thereof, actually), since she's maintaining her height growth curve.  His thought is that she's simply finicky, has sensory issues, both of which she'll likely outgrow.  Our action plan is to simply keep doing what we're doing, and actually have her eat next to the other two, so they can 'show' her what to do. 

She did get a finger prick to check on her iron levels, and she's anemic.  So our action plan is to get a daily iron supplement for her to take.  No biggie, assuming I can actually get it down her, since it's a liquid 'medicine', and she's doesn't do really great with those.

The great news is that her ear infection has cleared up, so we'll finish off with the antibiotics and be done with that.  Whew!

And we're a quarter of an inch away from having to graduate her to a big girl carseat.  Luckily, we have one that a friend gave to us (what a blessing!!), and we'll install it rear-facing and she'll ride that way for probably another couple of years.

My baby is growing up!

How did that go again?

I get to Kids Klub to pick Kellen up yesterday and was greeted by the supervisor. With a note. In case you were wondering, those are not good signs.

Luckily, it wasn't an incident report, but an injury report. (As long as he's ok, I would rather him get bunged up than act up...call me crazy).

As I am told the story of the incident, and read the report, I see,

"...the other childs mouth hit Kellen's head."

Proof positive that 1) my kids take after their father with regard to odd and bizarre injuries and; 2) my life will never be dull.

Randomness

So, I've missed 6 out of the last 13 days of work to deal with a sick kid. The same sick kid. And she was dealing with two different issues. First it was a cold-turned-pinkeye. Treatment was a five day course of a rather expensive antibiotic. Now we have a virus - one whose name I cannot remember nor pronounce if I could, which has resulted in virtually a full-body rash, plus an ear infection thrown in for good measure.  Treatment is now a 10-day course of yet another antibiotic.

Thank God for doctors.

Thank God for a job that provides me with excellent insurance and health care coverage.

And to top things off (as if the above trio wasn't enough), Jacey is thisclose to cutting her two top teeth.  There is a huge bulge and the top right tooth is just begging to come through.

I sure hope it does, because she is just miserable.

Unfortunately, I don't know if she's miserable from the virus, ear infection, or tooth.

*sigh*

And in other news, during this most recent home-bound experience, I have managed to wash almost every piece of laundry in the house that had been dirty.  I've also gotten the oil changed in my van, washed and vacuumed it (I think the van might actually be suffering from shock, really), and purged expired sunscreen (I recently learned that it expired...such a great mommy am I...).  I went grocery shopping, experimented with the new Starbucks iced cocoa cappuccino (decaf, of course), and deep cleaned the desk.

I've learned that Jacey is going to be just as accident-prone as her siblings. And she doesn't learn something the first time...another lesson-the-hard-way child, I'm afraid.

She's toppled a metal child-chair on herself. Twice. And the second time resulted in a bloody busted lip. She pulled a wooden photo box off the bookshelf and aimed it just perfectly so that it landed on her ankle, breaking the skin and her little heart, but luckily not any bones.

I've not looked too terribly much at my email coming through furiously on my phone, and will simply deal with it all when I get back into the office.  Sorry work-world, my baby is sick.  And when that happens, the mommy hat comes first.

Water water everywhere....

and I'm still trying to drink it!

So, I wrote a post about my goal for increasing my water intake a few months ago.  I'm pleased to report that, overall, I've done really well with this goal at work!

I'll clarify the 'at work' portion of the above statement.  Between Monday and Friday, it's fairly easy for me to keep up with my fluid intake via the aforementioned 1.5 liter water bottle and cup.  All bets are off on the weekend, when I feel like I rarely have time to sit down and find myself many a time gulping an entire bottle of water, not remembering when I had some last.

There have been a few 'off' weeks, but overall, I like this goal and want to continue with it.  Here are some things I've realized/learned while working on this goal:

• Drinking all of this water isn't necessarily helping me lose weight.  (I listened to a speaker who once said if we all increased our water intake to some magic number (and I don't remember what that magic number was), we would lose 5 pounds in a matter of 2 weeks.  Or something like that.  The details of said specifics are fuzzy.  But it hasn't happened for me.)
• I have to go to the bathroom a lot during the day. (Shocker!)
• The increase in water intake seems to help curb my appetite some, but does nothing for my sweet tooth. Zilch. Nada.
• I'll gulp water at the :55 of an hour just to try and meet my water goal for that hour. Sometimes I drink several glasses at once to 'catch up'.

Overall, I'm not sure if I 'feel better' by doing this, but I certainly feel no worse, and am maintaining my supply for Jacey.  Since it's a healthy habit, I'm going to try and maintain it!

Scripture Memory! (Verse 7)

Another month, another memory verse!

Are you keeping up?

It's not too late to join in!!

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalm 18:46 KJV

Here is the link to the LPM page for verse 7!

Review of running - March

19 - 3.18 miles (AKA - The Warrior Dash!)
21 - 1 mile
22 - 1 mile

Mileage total = 5.18 miles
Average Mile/day = 0.167

2011 Mileage total: 16.33 + 24 + 5.18 = 45.51
2011 Average Mile per day = 0.5056

*Let me just say that March's running began and ended horribly.  Or rather, it didn't begin at all.  I was still dealing with my sore and swollen foot/ankle, and then throw scheduling issues on top of that and it all equals no running.

Ug.

I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it.  But I'm determined.

April will be better.  April MUST be better!