One Thousand Gifts

Today I am thankful for:

#6: only one potty accident (for Grant, not me)

#7: a house that covers our heads during a storm

#8: Hannah's and Grant's prayer to keep Grandaddy safe as he travels home

#9: time outside laughing with my kids

#10: clothes that have been passed along to me for our kids that I can now pass along to others

Homeschool Diaries: E is for Elephant

The good: Hannah read her first word this week...bed. I was so excited to see her do this! I love watching kids learn how to read and it's so exciting when it's your own child! Also, she has come leaps and bounds in her coloring. We did a color by number page. Her fine motor skills are sharpening. It's fun to watch her growth in this area as well!

The bad: We didn't get through all of the activities. Life got a little crazy after this week and since then we haven't gotten back on the school wagon. I'm hoping to get my act together this week so we can structured "school time" next week as we move into the letter f.

The funny: Yes, we are endorsing Minute Maid in these pictures. Buy some. Okay, not really. For letter D week it was learning in swimsuits...well, for Hanna that is. For E week, it's learning in our pjs...for all of us! Grant is sporting his passion for professional football. You know us, die hard professional football fans!

Unreasonable?

We need your opinion on something. Yeah, Hannah and I. It seems Mommy and Daddy are pretty hard on us at suppertime. It's seems they think we are being unreasonable. Is it unreasonable to chew a piece of meat (or even a small green bean) for oh, thirty minutes (and this is no exaggeration here)? We're just trying to break it down. We need it to safely arrive in our stomachs. And when they tell us we need to eat another bite, our kind pointing gesture to our mouth as a reminder of the current piece of food still being broken down does not sit well with them. They become more stern and tell us to swallow it. We reply, "but I can't!" at different times of course. Often this statement is followed by a waterfall of tear, usually by us. Is it unreasonable to chew our food for this long? Is it unreasonable that we have a difficult time swallowing? Okay, sure, we don't have this problem when a hot dog, hamburger, chicken nugget, pb and j, mac and cheese, fruit snacks, or a variety of other foods are involved, but have some compassion here. So you tell us, are we being unreasonable?

A Thousand Gifts

Two of my good friends, Mary and Laura Beth, have shared on their blogs what they are thankful for. Inspired by the above blog, they create lists of things they can thank God for in their every day lives. Today I visited that blog and was so encouraged that I have decided to do the same. If you are interested, you can click on the button above to learn more about it.

This season of life is full of change for us. Change for me can often be frightening as we move from the familiar into the unfamiliar. John is starting a new business. Yesterday we said goodbye to dear friends who have been with us since we first got married. Our children have never known life without each other. I have never known life in this neighborhood without Kim. To some this may seem insignificant, but to me, it isn't. So as I sit at a sort of crossroads, I am reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances." It is truth. I am called by the Lord to always give thanks. And what better time to do that than now?

(In no particular order)
#1: I am thankful for the Lord's provision. I am thankful that He "will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)." The Lord has provided for us in the greatest sense, through His Son, so will He not provide in the smaller senses in terms of physical needs? I know He will. He has. And I am thankful for this reminder in His Word.

#2: John. I am thankful for a husband who works hard and works in such a way that honors the Lord. And I am specifically thankful for him right at this very moment as he has taken two of our children with him to run errands. I am thankful for some down time to reflect and enjoy the quiet as Kate naps.

#3: On a less serious note, Coke. Ha! Yes, I am thankful for it. I know it most likely, okay undoubtedly, contains ingredients harmful to my body but let's face it, it's soooo good. It's refreshing. And I'm thankful for it simply because it's a little treat that honestly, in a small way, brightens my day.

#4: Friends who encourage me. I am thankful for all my sweet friends the Lord has placed in my life. They sharpen me and remind me of the Lord's goodness. It's just a small taste of Him.

#5: Family. I am so thankful for my family. I am thankful that those closest to me know and love the Lord. I am thankful that my children are surrounded by believers and I pray the Lord would use each of them and us to point them to Him. I have a family that is loyal and caring and always there (okay that means loyal).

That's just a starting point...as the days, weeks, months, years go on I look forward to adding more to the list just to remind myself of the Lord's goodness and that even in uncertain times I can and should always give thanks.

Potty Training Tips

Take it from me, potty training is tough work. And it seems that we toddlers (if I can still be labeled as a toddler since I am quickly creeping up on three) have no go-to guy of our own. Sure, our "well informed" parents seem to know it all when it comes to this. But, let's face it...they were potty trained YEARS ago. What do they know? So I, Grant, have come up with some tips for those of you out there who will soon be forced into potty training. Use these tips to help make your experience worth it.

1) Milk the treats. Most parents like to give treats at first for going on the potty. Score. Use this to your fullest advantage. Even if you just went successfully, wait a few minutes and express your need to go again (especially if the treat is super good). Squeeze out a few drops. Chances are your parent is so worried you'll digress without it that they will give in and yes, reward you with ANOTHER treat. I've had more M and M's and mints over the past two weeks than I've had in MY LIFE. Unfortunately Mommy finally caught on.

2) Have a few accidents. Why? Sure, you don't get more candy BUT you DO get to try on another of your favorite new under-roos! So, if you're bored with Lightening McQueen, pee in them. Chances are you'll get to wear your favorite Thomas pair!

3)Seek forgiveness. When those accidents do occur, put on your best "I'm really sorry Mommy face" and back it up with "Mommy, I won't do that to-morrow." Chances are this will spare you from any stern warnings and instead, provide you with a nice warm hug. Again, warning here that this too will wear out its welcome after used for the course of a week.

4)Play helpless. For those of you starved for attention thanks to multiple siblings this ensures some one on one time with mommy. Sure you may be able to pull your pants down on your own or aim successfully into the potty but where's the love? Don't let on to ANYONE you know how to do these things or the cat's out of the bag. I made this mistake and now, Mommy is playing some hardball.

Four helpful tips. It's nothing any potty training video will tell you I can gurantee that. And, let's be honest, a potty dance? Really? You think THAT'S gonna make it work? Stick to my plan and you'll be cruising through potty training with a big smile.

Tummy Time

Tummy Time...I finally figured out what it is. It seems that being the third child I get short changed on some things, like tummy time for example. I heard Mommy express she hadn't even put me on my tummy. So one day, she did. I look like a pro don't I? You'd never know I'd only done this a couple of other times. I'm strong as an ox. I've got neck muscles like you wouldn't believe. And my abs, well, a six pack is surely in the works. I'm known for my desire to sit up. Don't lean me back. I'll just use that developing six pack to thrust myself forward. I've got no time to sit back, not when Hannah and Grant are always on the go. Watch out world, I'm comin' for you...one developing muscle at a time!

Oh the Joy

No, this is not my idea of a comfortable spot no matter what my big sister Hannah says. But what can a girl do but just go with it? My hero Mommy will be here soon to step in. I hope. Mommy?

I Believe the Children are Our Future

When I, Grant, look at these pictures, a little ditty comes to mind:

"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be. I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow. . .no matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity."

Powerful words Whitney.

We are the future. So insightful Whitney. Thanks to the Leapster and the age old game of wisdom, tic tac toe (which is missing a few pieces by the way), we are being taught well so that we can lead the way. And because of Hannah's awesome photography skills she's showing all the beauty we possess inside, wait, more like all the beauty we possess on the outside. Scratch that. And we won't be walking in anyone's shadow simply due to the fact that we'll be hardpressed to find any duck shaped or princess superhero shaped shadows out there. Finally, let's face it, no one will be taking our dignity away because that's the job of this blog.

So preach it Whitney. Sing it loug. Sing it proud.

WE ARE THE FUTURE.

Quack. Quack.

Blue Eyed Girl

"...you're my BLUE-EYED girl. Do you remember when, we used to sing, sha la la la la la la la la la la ti da, just like that, sha la la la la la la la la la-la ti da...la ti da..." Actually I don't remember when we used to sing that. In fact, who are you? I know I'm the blue-eyed girl.

Homeschool Diaries: D is for Dinosaur

A couple of weeks ago we learned about the letter D.

The good: Hannah continues to improve in writing her name. Our next step is to actually utilize the lines and make the letters touch top to bottom. We marched around the room to "We are the Dinosaurs," now coined as "Grant's favorite song." We had fun pasting pasta (because we have a plethora thanks to the food co-op we're in) dinosaur bones. We did lots of counting. I think this is Hannah's favorite activity. We actually finished this letter in a week. A first for us I think.

The bad: thanfully this week I can't remember any bads (it was two weeks ago and my lack of memory conveniently helps in this area). Woo Hoo.

The funny: Yes, Hannah is wearing a swimsuit. Yes, it is winter. Yes, it is during school time. Worth arguing over, not in this house.

Next Up...

Today (well a few weeks ago actually), I'm sporting a grey polka dot ensemble accessorized by a matching headband. A cotton piece, this outfit is not only stylish but comfortable. I give this outfit two thumbs up (or one finger in the mouth). Thank you Aunt Bethany for making sure I'm looking good no matter where I'm at.

Operation Bedtime Star Update

Mommy asked us to give you an update regarding Operation Bedtime Star. Grant and I would call it a success. Since the program was implemented I have yet to get out of my bed or call for Mommy. Okay, there was that one episode last night when I had to go to the bathroom. I always like Mommy to accompany me. She gave me the okay.

Grant had a rockier start. The first night he was out of his bed twice. The second night once. Then the past three nights he's stayed in his bed and remained quiet. Well, last night he did cry out and stood by his bed for fear of losing his sticker if he moved any farther away. Mommy was gracious and didn't take his sticker away for that night. So, I'm just waiting on Grant to get one more sticker (hopefully tonight) so we can have popcorn and watch a movie tomorrow during naptime. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

As for Kate, I think she's trying to earn stickers too. She's been sleeping better and better. Why, last night Mommy said she went seven and a half hours straight and she didn't even have to cry it out at all. I don't know that she could last a whole movie though and I hear popcorn isn't the way to a baby's heart. Maybe some good ol snuggle time will do.

Half of my Whole

As I write this, I'm struggling with something. A nap without a blankey. Not just any blankey though, MY blankey. You see, he's my life. And without him, well, life is hard. Sucking my thumb without "blankey boy" is wrong. Just. Plain. Wrong. But, he has to take a bath. Let me advise any blankey lovers out there not to spill grape juice on their's. Nope. Especially at lunch time...too close to nap time. It seems his baths take longer than mine. So I wait. Not so patiently. I am asking Mommy quite frequently where he is. I'm supposed to be sleeping but how can one sleep when half of his whole is missing?

Pals

It seems Mommy really wants me to be friends with this giraffe. She puts him with me all the time. I thought, what the hey, he seems nice enough. A giraffe with that big of a smile can't be all that bad. In fact, it's that big all the time.

Mommy's Moment: Operation Bedtime Star

Imagine this:

It's 11:00 pm. You've just feed your baby. Now, time to slip into peaceful, restful sleep yourself. You climb into bed. You doze off. Your eyes open. Maybe an hour has passed. You see two little eyes staring at your's. It's not a dream. It's your 4 year old. Staring. Sucking her thumb. You crawl out of bed. Together, you walk, without saying a word, back to her room. She climbs into bed. Your turn the music back on. You walk back to your room and back into your bed. You sleep. You awaken. Perhaps one to two hours has passed. This time standing before you is your 2 year old. He says, "I just want to hug you." You say nothing. Scoop him up. Lay him back in his bed. Restart the music. Back to your room. You lay back down. You awaken. This time, no eyes, just crying. It's your baby. You're teaching her to sleep through the night so you give her a bit to fall back to sleep. You wait. You watch the clock. She finally returns back to sleep. Then, you do as well. Now, it's not unusual to repeat this pattern. Hannah or Grant, or heck, maybe both one night will reenter at a surprise time. The only difference is when the next time Kate cries, you feed her. You return to your bed 15 minutes later. It's almost 5 o'clock, the time your husband wakes up. Then, wait an hour and voila, your own alarm rings and look, it's time to start the day again.

So, tedious to read right? Try living it. Yes, that is how my nights go. Somehow, somewhere along the way, Hannah started waking up and walking to our room. Now, funny how her little brother has followed in her footsteps. I'm tired. So. Very. Tired. So, it's time for...

OPERATION BEDTIME STAR

If they don't get out of their beds at night, they get a star. When they have acquired 4 stars, they get to watch a movie and eat popcorn during their naptime. Will it work? We shall see. I am desperate. I am tired. I am ready for them to kick this habit. I want my UNINTERRUPTED sleep back. Game on.

"Smovies"

Hannah calls them "smovies." I can't be positive, but I think she's got the pronunciation wrong. Whatever you call them though, they're tasty. So tasty that I wanted to save some for later.

*these were supposed to be fed in the other way so you could get my full progression from little moustache to big, happy moustache...*

Speechless

Speechless, right? I felt the same way when I saw this ensemble. I just had to put it on. When I wear it, I feel, well, fabulous. Put me on a runway and let me work it. When you've got it, you've got it and let's face it, I've got it. . .thanks to the fabulous designer who put such excellent patterns and colors together. Leopard print is oh so chic. And, hot pink faux fur, well....who can pass that up? I've got everything I need for weathering these harsh winter temperatures. Mittens, check. Shawl with extremely upright hood, check. Scarf with stuffed leopard head and tail, check. Braving the winter weather in style, SUPER check.

Party Animal

Hope your Friday was a blast. After an exciting playdate, a little Just Dance 2, and nonstop entertainment compliments of my siblings, I'm one tired party animal. Time to catch up on some z's. Peace out.

Kate

Mommy's Moment: Mischevious

I'm sick. At 12:30 my little buddies were all tucked away in their rooms. Perfect, I thought. Naptime for me too. However, only one of my little buddies was cooperating, Kate. The other two were not. At all. In fact, if you heard them you would think they were having a party. I decided to crash the party. Upon entering I found my middle child, Grant, trying to sit in a drawer. At the sight of me he quickly returned to his bed. Too groggy and puny to take it to the next level, I shut the door, eager to nap myself. However, I made a mistake. A few short minutes later I heard a thud followed by shriekish yells I hadn't heard before. I RACED (probably faster than I ran at my peak in track) to their room to find what I thought I would find. Two little bodies looking up at me from underneath the chest of drawers that had fallen on top of them. Screaming. I freaked out. Grant came out easily. Hannah did not. Her two tiny little feet were caught underneath a drawer. I'll admit, I said a few choice words. I panicked. I HOLLERED to the Lord for help. I was so afraid those little feet would be broken. Thankfully, they were not and somehow, thanks to the Lord, they came out. By the Lord's protection, Hannah and Grant both came out unscathed. Scared, but unscathed.

I have never felt so much adrenaline pump through my body before. I'm still shaking. After the three of us calmed down, Grant said, "pray to Jesus." So we did. And I included in my prayer one of repentance for my "bad words" I said in the heat of the moment. I always wonder how I will respond in the midst of an emergency. I want to think I'll be calm, cool, and collected. Yeah, that's not me. I freak out. But I am honestly thankful that the Lord is bigger than my "freak outs" and that He is there in the midst of the chaos too and He doesn't freak out.

On a lighter note, I called my Mom to share and she called my kids "mischieveous." They so are. To the outsider you wouldn't think so. But what they have gotten into since sharing that room is crazy. Blinds have been broken, diapers thrown, toys scattered, beds stripped, music blared, furniture colored on, and diaper cream spread. Perhaps it's bad parenting. I know I could do more to stop the madness but I will admit, lately, if they're in their room and Kate's asleep...I let some of the noise slide. But, probably not so much anymore.

And on a side note, my little Kate, she slept through the whole ordeal. And she still is...along with those two mishchievious kids.

Guess Who?

Guess who's sporting the brown, ruffled, suede ballet flat paired with a blue Barbie skate? Let's just say, he has blonde hair and he's my brother.