Best parts of today:
- Realizing that I am stronger than I thought: woke up sicker than yesterday, and I knew Christopher had to go to work. Two kids, a cold, and rainy weather are no fun, but we made it. Watched movies, played games, and snuggled.
- Seeing my son's heart and loving it: I teared up while talking to Chris on the phone. (It's hard enough to be away from your love for 24 hrs; try being sick and being away from him on Christmas Eve. Boo.) Trafton ran over to me and, no kidding, this is what he said: "Hey, Mama! Hey!" (big smile on his face) "Better! Try!" (hands on my face, then gives me a hug).
- Loving the generosity of others: My sweet neighbor stopped by today with cookies that she had made. They were delish and it was so nice to see another smiling (adult) face.
- Walking outside to find stillness and peace: I went to get the mail and it was foggy and quiet outside. Truly, I couldn't hear anything. I thought about Mary and Joseph on their trek to have the baby Jesus. Christmas is different now, as an adult and as a mother. Yes, it's lost some of it's worldly magic (Santa, reindeer, etc.) but it's so deeply meaningful. This is the day that God chose to give us Christ; He let Mary give birth to this little baby who would save us. He gave us Jesus, even though He already knew what heartbreak lay ahead.
In the wake of the Connecticut shootings and now the disaster in New York, I personally believe that some people are missing the point. Gun control, mental health struggles, lack of quality parenting...everyone wants to blame someone or something. Truly, these things need to be addressed. But these are not the root of the problem. I believe that our country needs a shift, or a moral revolution. We need to follow the Lord's example and be willing to sacrifice for others. We need to stop and listen, to feel for direction before we react. Fortunately for us, God gives us Jesus this Christmas. He serves as our shining light in this dark world...
Shine Your light so all can see it
Lift it up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome
He has overcome
(David Crowder)
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Random thoughts, part 2
What is it with perfume/cologne commercials?! And it seems to get twice as bad during the holiday season. Am I supposed to desperately wish for a bottle of your perfume because there are half naked, modelesque people in your ad who gaze longingly at one another and/or roll around in ocean waves? Or should I rush out and buy something because Britney Spears experiences a life-changing "vision" with her soul mate on the other side of the hotel wall?? I just can't stand the cheesiness.
You know one thing that I love about the holidays (other than the birth of our savior, fires in the fireplace, and gift-giving)? Food with friends. Wonder who the first person was to ask a friend to share a meal. I ate lunch with a dear one today and it's so good for my spirit. Maternity leave has a way of making you feel trapped and antisocial at times. LOVE my babes, but it's nice to get out once in a while. I remember being excited about a trip to CVS after having Trafton; I actually called a best friend on the way and told her how thrilled I was about making the five-minute trek to the drug store.
Stories that I've heard all my life have taken on a new meaning. Trafton's new favorite book is "Piggies!" or The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. If you haven't read it, it's written by the Wolf. He basically excuses himself from any wrongdoing by explaining that he had a cold and was sneezing (hence, "huff and puff"). He goes on to tell readers that he was making a cake and ran out of sugar (thus, he visited his neighbors, who happen to be pigs). I have read this book many times, but to read it with my son is hilarious. He loves for me to read with different voices for each character, and he has learned the story. He anticipates certain parts, and looks at me expectantly right before one of his favorites. He belly-laughs and squeals. I would read it all day long if he wanted to.
Once again, I am reminded of how old I am :) I have a shopping hangover this morning. Seriously felt like I was back in college last night. My saint of a husband stayed at home with another hubby, while his wife and I went to Christmas shop. Well, except we wound up finding great deals for ourselves. We eventually got around to finishing our holiday shopping. About 11:00, when we finished shopping, we went through the drive through at McDonalds. It felt like I was in college again; when I returned home, I snapped back into mommy-mode as Chamblee needed to be fed at 1:30 am. Spent some quiet time with my girl and finally went to bed at 3:00. This morning came EARLY!
*************************************************************************************
All the randomness aside, I heard of the Connecticut shootings as I drove home from visiting my parents. My first thought? Sickening nausea and a sinking heart for all of those parents. Second thought? If we could afford it, I would keep my babies at home and teach them myself.
So many folks are advocating stricter gun laws and citing that as the reason this happened. Some think that if this young man did not get his hands on a gun, this could have been prevented. Unfortunately, Satan is crafty and this would have transpired despite what our country's laws dictate. Evil is abundant and it is HEART-BREAKING and terrifying. Guns can be completely outlawed and folks will still get their hands on weapons. Drugs are illegal and people still seem to find plenty of them to use. My husband asserts his right to protect our home and our family- through prayer, love, and perhaps owning a gun; the situation in Connecticut makes me agree.
Dear Lord- we ask you to wrap your ginormous arms around all the parents of those sweet slain babies. And pour your love on the families of the teachers who protected their little ones. Give comfort to the first responders who witnessed horrific evil and proceeded bravely nonetheless. Help us all remember that you are SOVEREIGN. These sweet souls are angels- dear ones that help the rest of us realize how precious life is and how we can only depend on You. We love you, God. Amen.
You know one thing that I love about the holidays (other than the birth of our savior, fires in the fireplace, and gift-giving)? Food with friends. Wonder who the first person was to ask a friend to share a meal. I ate lunch with a dear one today and it's so good for my spirit. Maternity leave has a way of making you feel trapped and antisocial at times. LOVE my babes, but it's nice to get out once in a while. I remember being excited about a trip to CVS after having Trafton; I actually called a best friend on the way and told her how thrilled I was about making the five-minute trek to the drug store.
Stories that I've heard all my life have taken on a new meaning. Trafton's new favorite book is "Piggies!" or The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. If you haven't read it, it's written by the Wolf. He basically excuses himself from any wrongdoing by explaining that he had a cold and was sneezing (hence, "huff and puff"). He goes on to tell readers that he was making a cake and ran out of sugar (thus, he visited his neighbors, who happen to be pigs). I have read this book many times, but to read it with my son is hilarious. He loves for me to read with different voices for each character, and he has learned the story. He anticipates certain parts, and looks at me expectantly right before one of his favorites. He belly-laughs and squeals. I would read it all day long if he wanted to.
Once again, I am reminded of how old I am :) I have a shopping hangover this morning. Seriously felt like I was back in college last night. My saint of a husband stayed at home with another hubby, while his wife and I went to Christmas shop. Well, except we wound up finding great deals for ourselves. We eventually got around to finishing our holiday shopping. About 11:00, when we finished shopping, we went through the drive through at McDonalds. It felt like I was in college again; when I returned home, I snapped back into mommy-mode as Chamblee needed to be fed at 1:30 am. Spent some quiet time with my girl and finally went to bed at 3:00. This morning came EARLY!
*************************************************************************************
All the randomness aside, I heard of the Connecticut shootings as I drove home from visiting my parents. My first thought? Sickening nausea and a sinking heart for all of those parents. Second thought? If we could afford it, I would keep my babies at home and teach them myself.
So many folks are advocating stricter gun laws and citing that as the reason this happened. Some think that if this young man did not get his hands on a gun, this could have been prevented. Unfortunately, Satan is crafty and this would have transpired despite what our country's laws dictate. Evil is abundant and it is HEART-BREAKING and terrifying. Guns can be completely outlawed and folks will still get their hands on weapons. Drugs are illegal and people still seem to find plenty of them to use. My husband asserts his right to protect our home and our family- through prayer, love, and perhaps owning a gun; the situation in Connecticut makes me agree.
Dear Lord- we ask you to wrap your ginormous arms around all the parents of those sweet slain babies. And pour your love on the families of the teachers who protected their little ones. Give comfort to the first responders who witnessed horrific evil and proceeded bravely nonetheless. Help us all remember that you are SOVEREIGN. These sweet souls are angels- dear ones that help the rest of us realize how precious life is and how we can only depend on You. We love you, God. Amen.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Random thoughts from today
I have decided that my dream job would be to act on Sesame Street. Not as a puppet, but as one of the real people who live in the cool, brick apartments and hang out with Elmo and Cookie Monster all day. And sing/dance with all the musicians and actors who visit the neighborhood. If you have a young child, you know exactly what I'm referring to. Like that "1, 2, 3, 4 chickens just back from the shore!" jam. Or the episode where 3 of the monsters become robots that transform into shapes, all while two human guys dance in the background. Please tell me that I'm not the only one...
Along those same lines, Chris and I have realized that we are old. Our wild nights consist of jamming to Fresh Beat Band DVDs with our two year old (is it sick that we know all the songs?!) and having a beer in our pajamas (if we don't fall asleep first). Or, instead of going out, we play hide and seek with our son and run laps around the downstairs. He tells us where to hide and then squeals with delight when he "finds" us. Sometimes I get more laughs from watching him than I would from being around other adults.
I love where we live. I grew up in Columbia- not exactly a big city, but also not the country. Growing up, I assumed that we owned "tons" of land. Then I met Christopher. And I visited his mama's house. Holy moly. It's cool that we have shopping and grocery stores galore very nearby, but we also have wild animals roaming around and room for my son to ride. Chris came in today and informed me that there was a dead deer in the backyard. He went on to tell me that Petey was covered in blood, so "don't let him in the house cause I don't wanna clean that up". Um, okay. Ten years ago, I would have cried and freaked out....a DEAD animal? Blood all over my dog?! But, living with a hunter and 3 large dogs, I have quickly learned that animals have instincts and things die. I've also learned to appreciate that my dogs have a fierce desire to protect the line between our home and the rest of the world. If something crosses that line, good luck to it.
Christmas shopping is a different adventure nowadays. With a two year old boy and a fussy infant, going to peruse the aisles at Target is no longer a leisurely activity. Exciting, yes, but not the thrill that I used to get out of finding a cute outfit or the perfect gift for someone. Nope, now it consists of:
1. creating my grocery list to coincide with the aisles at the store. I list my produce first, then canned goods, and milk products last. Is it sad that I know the layout of the store?!
2. grabbing a shirt quickly as I push past it- the clothes that I get to look at are usually on sale and next to the aisle. I'll try it on later. And if I need to return it? No problem. I'll be back in a few days for more diapers or formula :)
3. Keeping my kiddos happy and as quiet as possible. At times, I give up this goal while my son sings, squeals, or talks to every lady in sight.
Finally, having Chamblee has made me appreciate and admire Trafton in a different way. I now see him in a whole new light. He is still my firstborn, my baby. But he's growing up and he is a fabulous big brother. I could hold him and nuzzle his chubby cheeks all day long. But, at the same time, I know that I can ask him to help me around the house. He is talking up a storm, and I feel an even deeper connection with him now that we can communicate verbally. Some of his newest words:
Peas (Please)
Tank Ku (Thank you)
(He knew and used these in sign language before, but now he is saying them.)
Okay
Nah Nacks (Fruit snacks)
All Ton (All done)
Yeyow (Yellow)
Regos (Legos)
The other day, Chamblee was especially fussy and we were loading things up to go run errands. (We have so many bags, coolers, etc. that it looks like going on vacation. While Chris and I were busy running around, she quieted down in her car seat. We looked over, and big brother had given her the paci. He was rocking the car seat and saying "Hey Bebe, Heeeeyyyy!" in his sweet voice. I am one blessed mama.
Along those same lines, Chris and I have realized that we are old. Our wild nights consist of jamming to Fresh Beat Band DVDs with our two year old (is it sick that we know all the songs?!) and having a beer in our pajamas (if we don't fall asleep first). Or, instead of going out, we play hide and seek with our son and run laps around the downstairs. He tells us where to hide and then squeals with delight when he "finds" us. Sometimes I get more laughs from watching him than I would from being around other adults.
I love where we live. I grew up in Columbia- not exactly a big city, but also not the country. Growing up, I assumed that we owned "tons" of land. Then I met Christopher. And I visited his mama's house. Holy moly. It's cool that we have shopping and grocery stores galore very nearby, but we also have wild animals roaming around and room for my son to ride. Chris came in today and informed me that there was a dead deer in the backyard. He went on to tell me that Petey was covered in blood, so "don't let him in the house cause I don't wanna clean that up". Um, okay. Ten years ago, I would have cried and freaked out....a DEAD animal? Blood all over my dog?! But, living with a hunter and 3 large dogs, I have quickly learned that animals have instincts and things die. I've also learned to appreciate that my dogs have a fierce desire to protect the line between our home and the rest of the world. If something crosses that line, good luck to it.
Christmas shopping is a different adventure nowadays. With a two year old boy and a fussy infant, going to peruse the aisles at Target is no longer a leisurely activity. Exciting, yes, but not the thrill that I used to get out of finding a cute outfit or the perfect gift for someone. Nope, now it consists of:
1. creating my grocery list to coincide with the aisles at the store. I list my produce first, then canned goods, and milk products last. Is it sad that I know the layout of the store?!
2. grabbing a shirt quickly as I push past it- the clothes that I get to look at are usually on sale and next to the aisle. I'll try it on later. And if I need to return it? No problem. I'll be back in a few days for more diapers or formula :)
3. Keeping my kiddos happy and as quiet as possible. At times, I give up this goal while my son sings, squeals, or talks to every lady in sight.
Finally, having Chamblee has made me appreciate and admire Trafton in a different way. I now see him in a whole new light. He is still my firstborn, my baby. But he's growing up and he is a fabulous big brother. I could hold him and nuzzle his chubby cheeks all day long. But, at the same time, I know that I can ask him to help me around the house. He is talking up a storm, and I feel an even deeper connection with him now that we can communicate verbally. Some of his newest words:
Peas (Please)
Tank Ku (Thank you)
(He knew and used these in sign language before, but now he is saying them.)
Okay
Nah Nacks (Fruit snacks)
All Ton (All done)
Yeyow (Yellow)
Regos (Legos)
The other day, Chamblee was especially fussy and we were loading things up to go run errands. (We have so many bags, coolers, etc. that it looks like going on vacation. While Chris and I were busy running around, she quieted down in her car seat. We looked over, and big brother had given her the paci. He was rocking the car seat and saying "Hey Bebe, Heeeeyyyy!" in his sweet voice. I am one blessed mama.
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