What a crazy week this has been! It seems like I say that every week, but still...
I'm still Maximizing My Mornings and learning about Twitter at the same time. "Attended" my first Twitter party, I feel so cool now! The early morning wake-ups have been revolutionary, it's really just amazing!
In other news, my sweet Little Lady has been sniffling and sneezing for the last few days and finally wound up in the doctor's office this morning after refusing breakfast. Our dog and Little Lady--they're not eating, they go to the doc, simple as that! Little Man--if he's not eating, it's just another normal day. The verdict for my sweetie was a case of the flu and an ear infection. We've been fortunate to have gone nearly a year with only one ear infection to date, so I can't be too whiny about it. But, she's REALLY got the pitiful angle figured out! That pouty lip, those crocodile tears...she's figured out how break your heart in two!
We finally made it home, having "wasted" much of the once-weekly long preschool day for Little Man whiling away the time at the doc's. I was annoyed that my project day had been blown apart yet again. So, once she was sleeping, I decided to start small and wash the dishes.
The sink won't drain.
Running the disposal just results in yuck backing up into the other sink.
Ugh.
After a brief prayer for patience, I decided to consult the Google before calling a plumber. I find a link that tells me that the U-shaped thingy under the sink (ok, not the EXACT wording they used) is easily removed without tools. "Without tools"--I can handle that! So, I empty out the cabinet, find a bucket, and begin to unscrew the thingy.
True to the Google, it was easy to unscrew, and my bucket was just barely big enough to hold the yuck that poured out (whew!). A peek into the thingy revealed the problem. A popsicle stick tangled with the strings from a few edamame shells was the culprit. Cleaned it out, screwed it back in, and, voila! A functioning sink! Definitely a boost to the ego, although it really didn't get me anywhere in getting anything done. Oh, well, if that's the worst drain clog I find, I'll have accomplished something big!
And, now, I hear the sounds of misery from Little Lady. I'm off to give some big hugs and snuggles!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Moment You Remember What "Baby Steps" Really Are...
If you'll recall, back in October, I started the Maximize Your Mornings Challenge at Inspired to Action.
I did pretty well with the challenge for a few weeks, shocking Hubby when I told him I'd been getting up early to exercise, have quiet time, and plan my day. He'd had no idea and didn't even believe me to begin with! Things went swimmingly until we took an impromptu trip to Pigeon Forge that started a sleepless spiral for Little Lady that didn't end until Christmas.
Flash forward to 2 weeks ago when the challenge began again. Little Lady was sleeping again, and I was really craving some alone time with just myself, my iPod, and my Jesus. I signed up, set my alarm, and began trying anew to put my feet on the ground first in the morning.
This time, however, I started slower. No working out yet, just a time with my Bible and a shower. And a little accountability this time around--I have a Twitter Accountability Captain to check in with each morning who encourages me beyond belief.
About this time last week? Yep, Little Lady starts waking up again. Teeth? Ears? Who really knows? But, through the Twitter groups, I've discovered how many other women are struggling through the same issues. And, also, this time around, I have a new dose of perspective.
Ever watched a baby learn to walk? I mean, really watched them? They aren't like Bambi, who wobbles around for a minute and then starts prancing around with no trouble. No, it takes many tries, many tumbles. Lots of caution, lots of courage, and a VERY slow start. Little Lady stands up carefully, holds on tightly, lets go with one hand...then sits down and crawls away. No guilt, no self-loathing...just practicing, then she'll try again next time.
So, baby steps are where I'm trying to stay. Today I've battled a migraine that derailed my entire day, not just my morning plans. Sometimes, Little Lady is going to be up a bunch or I'm just going to fail at getting myself out of the bed.
And that's ok.
It's got to be ok.
I did pretty well with the challenge for a few weeks, shocking Hubby when I told him I'd been getting up early to exercise, have quiet time, and plan my day. He'd had no idea and didn't even believe me to begin with! Things went swimmingly until we took an impromptu trip to Pigeon Forge that started a sleepless spiral for Little Lady that didn't end until Christmas.
Flash forward to 2 weeks ago when the challenge began again. Little Lady was sleeping again, and I was really craving some alone time with just myself, my iPod, and my Jesus. I signed up, set my alarm, and began trying anew to put my feet on the ground first in the morning.
This time, however, I started slower. No working out yet, just a time with my Bible and a shower. And a little accountability this time around--I have a Twitter Accountability Captain to check in with each morning who encourages me beyond belief.
About this time last week? Yep, Little Lady starts waking up again. Teeth? Ears? Who really knows? But, through the Twitter groups, I've discovered how many other women are struggling through the same issues. And, also, this time around, I have a new dose of perspective.
Ever watched a baby learn to walk? I mean, really watched them? They aren't like Bambi, who wobbles around for a minute and then starts prancing around with no trouble. No, it takes many tries, many tumbles. Lots of caution, lots of courage, and a VERY slow start. Little Lady stands up carefully, holds on tightly, lets go with one hand...then sits down and crawls away. No guilt, no self-loathing...just practicing, then she'll try again next time.
So, baby steps are where I'm trying to stay. Today I've battled a migraine that derailed my entire day, not just my morning plans. Sometimes, Little Lady is going to be up a bunch or I'm just going to fail at getting myself out of the bed.
And that's ok.
It's got to be ok.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Moment You Climb Out of the Pit...
Just read this post by Kat at Inspired to Action.
I wanted to leave a comment, and I still might. But, I realized that I have so much more to add that a mere comment wouldn't relieve my thoughts.
Have I battled fear? Oh my, yes.
In my family, fear is something that is passed down lovingly from generation to generation. In much the way you'd inherit a set of silver or a wedding gown, my family will carefully package and gift wrap the bondage of fear and pass it along to you. You, in turn, are expected to care for it just as sweetly, use it as you are able, and pass it down to your own children.
Have you ever seen Clean House or Hoarders? It's tough to turn away, because don't we all have those things in our lives that other people would think, "Why on earth are they keeping THAT?" As evidenced by the shows, apparently some people have quite a bit more than others! But, we all harbor things in our lives that we've been given, either by well-intentioned or oblivious family members, that we just don't know what to do with. Throw out Grandma's china that is taking up every available cabinet? What about the dress that used to fit and still hangs in the closet to remind us of thinner days?
Anytime you attempt to declutter your home, you face difficult decisions about possessions you've acquired. But, if you think that's tough, go try and declutter your mind.
Granddaddy was an alcoholic...should I have this glass of wine? My father had a heart attack...is this a pulled muscle or chest pain? A friend committed suicide due to postpartum depression...should I have another baby?
What's the common denominator? Fear. Fear of what might happen to me--my family, my life, my home, my reputation, my career, my marriage, my children.
I've heard it said often that decisions made out of fear will be wrong decisions. I don't know how many times the Bible says, in a variety of ways, to not be afraid. But it's in there a lot. God obviously knows that we struggle with fear. 1 John 4:18 says, "Perfect love drives out fear." There's only one way to get out from under the cloud of living in fear. And that's to live in the Light.
For most of my adult life, I've wanted to learn how to prevent living in fear like my ancestors before me. I don't want to pass it along to my children. I don't want fear to ever be a consideration when they make a decision. The answer finally came to me during a project I worked on throughout 2009.
Scripture Memory.
Not elementary Sunday School memory verses that someone else chooses for you. But, carefully watching for verses that speak specifically to you, meditating on them until they are a part of your heart, and, most importantly, USING them! The Word of Truth hidden in your heart will, by it's very nature, remind you of what is real. It reminds you that you are not alone, there is a God who wants what is best for you, and that, no matter what happens, you are going to be ok.
As the year went on, I recited verses anytime I was afraid. From the time my husband wanted to go bike riding (terrified of that since I broke my arm on, or rather, falling OFF, a bike) to finding out I was pregnant with our second baby (if that doesn't scare you, you're not awake!) to an emergency doctor visit to rule out a miscarriage to being in labor with our sweet Little Lady. Those and many other instances brought the verses to mind that I'd committed to memory. Even for someone as obsessed with being in control as I am, it is all the sweeter to know that, not only am I not ever in control, but that it's not up to me.
It's not up to me.
That, my friends, is what fear is all about. The illusion of control that you maintain, because the thought of losing control makes you crazy. I remind myself of that daily--sometimes I listen to myself, sometimes I don't!
It's not up to you.
I wanted to leave a comment, and I still might. But, I realized that I have so much more to add that a mere comment wouldn't relieve my thoughts.
Have I battled fear? Oh my, yes.
In my family, fear is something that is passed down lovingly from generation to generation. In much the way you'd inherit a set of silver or a wedding gown, my family will carefully package and gift wrap the bondage of fear and pass it along to you. You, in turn, are expected to care for it just as sweetly, use it as you are able, and pass it down to your own children.
Have you ever seen Clean House or Hoarders? It's tough to turn away, because don't we all have those things in our lives that other people would think, "Why on earth are they keeping THAT?" As evidenced by the shows, apparently some people have quite a bit more than others! But, we all harbor things in our lives that we've been given, either by well-intentioned or oblivious family members, that we just don't know what to do with. Throw out Grandma's china that is taking up every available cabinet? What about the dress that used to fit and still hangs in the closet to remind us of thinner days?
Anytime you attempt to declutter your home, you face difficult decisions about possessions you've acquired. But, if you think that's tough, go try and declutter your mind.
Granddaddy was an alcoholic...should I have this glass of wine? My father had a heart attack...is this a pulled muscle or chest pain? A friend committed suicide due to postpartum depression...should I have another baby?
What's the common denominator? Fear. Fear of what might happen to me--my family, my life, my home, my reputation, my career, my marriage, my children.
I've heard it said often that decisions made out of fear will be wrong decisions. I don't know how many times the Bible says, in a variety of ways, to not be afraid. But it's in there a lot. God obviously knows that we struggle with fear. 1 John 4:18 says, "Perfect love drives out fear." There's only one way to get out from under the cloud of living in fear. And that's to live in the Light.
For most of my adult life, I've wanted to learn how to prevent living in fear like my ancestors before me. I don't want to pass it along to my children. I don't want fear to ever be a consideration when they make a decision. The answer finally came to me during a project I worked on throughout 2009.
Scripture Memory.
Not elementary Sunday School memory verses that someone else chooses for you. But, carefully watching for verses that speak specifically to you, meditating on them until they are a part of your heart, and, most importantly, USING them! The Word of Truth hidden in your heart will, by it's very nature, remind you of what is real. It reminds you that you are not alone, there is a God who wants what is best for you, and that, no matter what happens, you are going to be ok.
As the year went on, I recited verses anytime I was afraid. From the time my husband wanted to go bike riding (terrified of that since I broke my arm on, or rather, falling OFF, a bike) to finding out I was pregnant with our second baby (if that doesn't scare you, you're not awake!) to an emergency doctor visit to rule out a miscarriage to being in labor with our sweet Little Lady. Those and many other instances brought the verses to mind that I'd committed to memory. Even for someone as obsessed with being in control as I am, it is all the sweeter to know that, not only am I not ever in control, but that it's not up to me.
It's not up to me.
That, my friends, is what fear is all about. The illusion of control that you maintain, because the thought of losing control makes you crazy. I remind myself of that daily--sometimes I listen to myself, sometimes I don't!
It's not up to you.
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Moment You Realize Just How Blessed You Are...
For starters, folks, I've done it! I've gotten up prior to my family for 5 straight days!
I decided that I couldn't face Jillian and her 30-day-shred at the crack of dawn every day, so I've spent my 20 minutes on the treadmill instead. "Slept in" a little today because I never heard the alarm, but between me getting up a little early and my kids sleeping in a little (hallelujah for the grandparents' wearing them out last night!!), I still got to do my Bible study and plan my day. Every single day has been just as painful as the first to get my feet on the floor, but I'm still loving the gentle start it's giving to my day.
Enough of that...
Last night (and probably the reason I missed the alarm this morning) we had a rather unconventional date night. We still keep in touch with a friend of Hubby's from high school who lives down the street. They've got five kids, one of which was born on our Little Man's due date. Their youngest is about to turn one and has had a myriad of health problems, beginning when he was 10 days old. He's been diagnosed with Denys Drash Syndrome which, to make a long story short, is an extremely rare genetic condition (200 diagnosed cases in the world--yes, WORLD--since it was defined in 1967) that affects his kidneys. There are multiple medical problems involved, but the most critical issues are early kidney failure (usually by age 3) and the development of Wilms' tumor (kidney cancer) with a median age of onset of 12.5 months. His mommy is expecting to be a living kidney donor as soon as possible.
For our date night, we participated in a "celebrity waiter" fundraising dinner for this family. Each waiter was responsible for decorating a table, decorating themselves, and, of course, providing dinner service to his tablemates. Since our group was made up of high school buddies, we chose the 80's as our theme. We decorated the table accordingly with Cabbage Patch babies, Nintendo games, records, Star Wars paraphernalia, and magazines from the decade.
I decided that I couldn't face Jillian and her 30-day-shred at the crack of dawn every day, so I've spent my 20 minutes on the treadmill instead. "Slept in" a little today because I never heard the alarm, but between me getting up a little early and my kids sleeping in a little (hallelujah for the grandparents' wearing them out last night!!), I still got to do my Bible study and plan my day. Every single day has been just as painful as the first to get my feet on the floor, but I'm still loving the gentle start it's giving to my day.
Enough of that...
Last night (and probably the reason I missed the alarm this morning) we had a rather unconventional date night. We still keep in touch with a friend of Hubby's from high school who lives down the street. They've got five kids, one of which was born on our Little Man's due date. Their youngest is about to turn one and has had a myriad of health problems, beginning when he was 10 days old. He's been diagnosed with Denys Drash Syndrome which, to make a long story short, is an extremely rare genetic condition (200 diagnosed cases in the world--yes, WORLD--since it was defined in 1967) that affects his kidneys. There are multiple medical problems involved, but the most critical issues are early kidney failure (usually by age 3) and the development of Wilms' tumor (kidney cancer) with a median age of onset of 12.5 months. His mommy is expecting to be a living kidney donor as soon as possible.
For our date night, we participated in a "celebrity waiter" fundraising dinner for this family. Each waiter was responsible for decorating a table, decorating themselves, and, of course, providing dinner service to his tablemates. Since our group was made up of high school buddies, we chose the 80's as our theme. We decorated the table accordingly with Cabbage Patch babies, Nintendo games, records, Star Wars paraphernalia, and magazines from the decade.
And we decorated ourselves with big hair and blue eyeshadow.
We had a great time, raised some money for an absolutely wonderful family. Hopefully, we added a little levity to an otherwise somber situation.
But most of all, we came together as a family and as a community to pray for this little man.
Is he not just the cutest thing? I just want to squeeze him!
Today, take a minute to squeeze your own babies. Completely healthy, booger-nosed, spitting up, runny diaper, or life-threatening genetic disease. Pick 'em up, squeeze 'em tight, and thank God for the days He's given you to be their Mommy.
And then, take a moment to pray for Shafer and the Daves family. They are a tough family facing tough times and have chosen to be shining examples of God's love through it all.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Moment You Take a Break...
Don't you just need a break sometimes? Okay, now I sound like a Kit Kat commercial. Or maybe a weekend. I don't miss a lot about my career woman days, but weekends were nice.
For once, this past weekend felt like a break from the grind. We had some good family time on Saturday morning with Little Man's soccer game--"I hustled a little bit!" says he. Then I spent a little quality time at Starbucks with my sister while best-hubby-ever took the kids home and got them in the bed for naps. After naptime, he shocked me with the request to go to the grocery and pick up food for dinner--and LEAVE THE KIDDOS AT HOME! Ahhh...the beauty of rolling the aisles in complete freedom from the obnoxious race-car cart!
Hubby headed off for a long-overdue round of golf with his buddies Sunday morning, and the kids and I took an impromptu trip to the zoo. We didn't make it to church, but we talked a lot about all the animals God made for us. After naptime Sunday (which I enjoyed by napping with everyone else!), Little Man and I headed out to the Praise Chamber. We've meant to go for so long, but it's just never been the right time. Hubby agreed to watch Little Lady and we lit out on our own for an evening of praise music like I haven't heard in the longest! Little Man must have told me 10 times, "It's just you and me, Mommy!!"
I really felt like we had a weekend. We played. We rested. And then this morning...
I did it! I actually got up at 5:55, a mere 5 minutes after my alarm went off. I snuck down the basement and spent 20 minutes on the treadmill (and it was moving, albeit slowly, the entire time!), did the first day of my new study in Judges (even more excited about it now!), and got my thoughts together for the day. I certainly won't say the actual rolling-out-of-bed part was easy--far from it. But it was SO worth it!
I was afraid of this. I was afraid I'd like it. That means now I have to do it again. Humph.
For once, this past weekend felt like a break from the grind. We had some good family time on Saturday morning with Little Man's soccer game--"I hustled a little bit!" says he. Then I spent a little quality time at Starbucks with my sister while best-hubby-ever took the kids home and got them in the bed for naps. After naptime, he shocked me with the request to go to the grocery and pick up food for dinner--and LEAVE THE KIDDOS AT HOME! Ahhh...the beauty of rolling the aisles in complete freedom from the obnoxious race-car cart!
Hubby headed off for a long-overdue round of golf with his buddies Sunday morning, and the kids and I took an impromptu trip to the zoo. We didn't make it to church, but we talked a lot about all the animals God made for us. After naptime Sunday (which I enjoyed by napping with everyone else!), Little Man and I headed out to the Praise Chamber. We've meant to go for so long, but it's just never been the right time. Hubby agreed to watch Little Lady and we lit out on our own for an evening of praise music like I haven't heard in the longest! Little Man must have told me 10 times, "It's just you and me, Mommy!!"
I really felt like we had a weekend. We played. We rested. And then this morning...
I did it! I actually got up at 5:55, a mere 5 minutes after my alarm went off. I snuck down the basement and spent 20 minutes on the treadmill (and it was moving, albeit slowly, the entire time!), did the first day of my new study in Judges (even more excited about it now!), and got my thoughts together for the day. I certainly won't say the actual rolling-out-of-bed part was easy--far from it. But it was SO worth it!
I was afraid of this. I was afraid I'd like it. That means now I have to do it again. Humph.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Moment You Decide to Change Your Routine...
I am a routine driven kind of gal. I like routines, I like order, I love schedules. Since becoming a mom, I rarely have any of the above any more.
Well, that's not true.
I have a routine. Get woken up by kids. Feed all children, the dog, and, if I'm feeling especially peppy, the hubby too. Plop kids in front of movie/Disney channel to zip through the shower. Etc. Etc. You get the picture.
I don't like my routine. I function SO MUCH BETTER if I have a few moments of quiet to get my thoughts together before I have to be at someone's beck and call. Hence the morning sprint to the shower to get a tiny bit of peace and quiet.
Enter the Maximize Your Mornings Challenge.
I'm starting Monday, with an ultimate goal of starting my days at 5:30. With a usual kid wake-up time between 6:30 and 7, that will afford me an hour to an hour and a half of alone time to exercise, do Bible study (just picked up a study on the book of Judges), and plan my day. Alone time...every day! What a concept!
Now I've just got to figure out how to get my tail out of the bed...
Well, that's not true.
I have a routine. Get woken up by kids. Feed all children, the dog, and, if I'm feeling especially peppy, the hubby too. Plop kids in front of movie/Disney channel to zip through the shower. Etc. Etc. You get the picture.
I don't like my routine. I function SO MUCH BETTER if I have a few moments of quiet to get my thoughts together before I have to be at someone's beck and call. Hence the morning sprint to the shower to get a tiny bit of peace and quiet.
Enter the Maximize Your Mornings Challenge.
I'm starting Monday, with an ultimate goal of starting my days at 5:30. With a usual kid wake-up time between 6:30 and 7, that will afford me an hour to an hour and a half of alone time to exercise, do Bible study (just picked up a study on the book of Judges), and plan my day. Alone time...every day! What a concept!
Now I've just got to figure out how to get my tail out of the bed...
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Moment You Discover You've Been Feeding Your Kids All The Wrong Things...
Heard about the Similac recall?
According to Similac's website, "Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac®Brand Powder Infant Formulas That Did Not Meet Its Quality Standards."
Hmmm...upon a little further research, I discovered that their "quality standards" were breached by the contamination of "whole beetles, beetle parts, and beetle larvae". Glad that's cleared up...
Seriously? Beetle PARTS? Unobservant as I am, I think even I would have noticed a whole beetle falling into Little Lady's bottle. However, how small are these so-called "parts" anyway? The Abbott website lists the only possible effect of ingesting these bugs to be a tummy upset. Gives it a "ah, no big deal" feel to the whole thing, right? Except, have you ever taken care of a baby with a "tummy upset"? Not exactly fun times.
So, yesterday afternoon, after checking with my grocery store and pediatrician, I tossed all my open formula into the trash, loaded up the several unopened cans I had in the pantry, along with two 5 o'clock-cranky kids and headed to the grocery store. They were, as expected, totally apologetic, helpful, and quick to refund my money. I did feel a little bad when Little Man calls out, "Mommy, is this the place with the BUGS in the milk?" Probably not the best word-of-mouth advertising for our friendly grocery store!
Anyway, the Little Lady has weathered the storm just fine for the moment. But, I'm STILL struggling with my decision to stop breastfeeding--3 months later! I'm not going to go into the whole story, but suffice it to say that we made the best of a rough situation and all four of us are happier now. But, can you miss the "breastfeeding is best" message everywhere you look? There is actually a warning label of sorts on the formula containers! Do you truly think that I've sat around and said, "Oh, I know breastfeeding is best, but I'll be happy with just mediocre." All these issues that I thought I had dealt with and moved on from. It's just amazing how guilt can sneak up and blindside you like that. I spend lots of my time trying to get my 3-year-old to eat something besides "treats", but I thought I had Little Lady squared away for the moment!
Amazing what a few measly beetle parts can do!
According to Similac's website, "Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac®Brand Powder Infant Formulas That Did Not Meet Its Quality Standards."
Hmmm...upon a little further research, I discovered that their "quality standards" were breached by the contamination of "whole beetles, beetle parts, and beetle larvae". Glad that's cleared up...
Seriously? Beetle PARTS? Unobservant as I am, I think even I would have noticed a whole beetle falling into Little Lady's bottle. However, how small are these so-called "parts" anyway? The Abbott website lists the only possible effect of ingesting these bugs to be a tummy upset. Gives it a "ah, no big deal" feel to the whole thing, right? Except, have you ever taken care of a baby with a "tummy upset"? Not exactly fun times.
So, yesterday afternoon, after checking with my grocery store and pediatrician, I tossed all my open formula into the trash, loaded up the several unopened cans I had in the pantry, along with two 5 o'clock-cranky kids and headed to the grocery store. They were, as expected, totally apologetic, helpful, and quick to refund my money. I did feel a little bad when Little Man calls out, "Mommy, is this the place with the BUGS in the milk?" Probably not the best word-of-mouth advertising for our friendly grocery store!
Anyway, the Little Lady has weathered the storm just fine for the moment. But, I'm STILL struggling with my decision to stop breastfeeding--3 months later! I'm not going to go into the whole story, but suffice it to say that we made the best of a rough situation and all four of us are happier now. But, can you miss the "breastfeeding is best" message everywhere you look? There is actually a warning label of sorts on the formula containers! Do you truly think that I've sat around and said, "Oh, I know breastfeeding is best, but I'll be happy with just mediocre." All these issues that I thought I had dealt with and moved on from. It's just amazing how guilt can sneak up and blindside you like that. I spend lots of my time trying to get my 3-year-old to eat something besides "treats", but I thought I had Little Lady squared away for the moment!
Amazing what a few measly beetle parts can do!
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