Only Four More “Sleeps”!

One tuckered out 'lil pumpkin

As some of you know, Roger has been away on a missions trip to Alaska. He left March 1 and will be back next Tuesday, and I can’t wait! I’ve always known that I married a great man, one who provides for his family, loves his wife and sons, would die to protect us, and helps me in a million and one ways. However, when he’s gone, I learn to appreciate him all the more! It’s the little things…helping with folding the clothes, giving the kids a bath, bringing in the groceries, that make me realize how much he really loves and takes good care of me.

I’m so thankful for this opportunity, both for him to go on this missions trip and for me to take care of the boys. It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had our moments, but we’ve also made some great memories. The kids have probably eaten more hot dogs, mac and cheese, and cereal in this past week then in the past four months combined! It hasn’t hurt them, they haven’t complained, and we’ve “almost” survived the trip! I’ve done more on my own with them (out of necessity) but also out of a desire to get out of the house. We’ve gone to the library, swimming at the YMCA, grocery shopping, over to two different friends house (both of which were a HUGE encouragement to me), and finished up the “herby derby” cars for the Pinewood Derby at church on Saturday.

I’ve come to appreciate all the my husband does in a whole new way, and I love him all the more for it. In my case, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is definitely true! I’m looking forward to having him back, having a conversation where I’m not asking “what did you say?” every five seconds, (the cell phone coverage from here to Alaska isn’t the greatest!), hearing about his experiences, watching the boys wrestle with their daddy (I definitely am lacking in that department!), and having some adult conversation every day again!

I’ve claimed the promise in Scripture that says, “when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) I have felt overwhelmed, but God’s grace is sufficient for what I need for today. It’s a promise I must claim daily and He has and will continue to sustain me…my heart is blessed. I’m so thankful for four beautiful boys to raise, to love, to challenge me to grow, and to make me laugh!

Moments for today, but memories for tomorrow.

These last few days have been kinda crazy around here as we’ve been working on various projects and trying to get everything ready for Roger’s missions trip to Alaska. Although the days will be long for me while he’s gone, I’m so thankful that the Lord allowed Roger to go on this trip. I’m praying specifically for several things and can’t wait to see how God is going to work.

The boys were "helping" Roger grill, but they didn't like the
smoke in their eyes!

Some of you may know that I’m training to run in a half-marathon this spring, but with Roger being gone the next two weeks, I’m anticipating a little set back. Ever have one of those moments where you have to consciously choose between the good choice and the best choice? Yesterday, I was presented with a decision to make concerning the good and the best. I always look forward to going to the YMCA on Wednesdays, but yesterday we were running a little short on time to get in a workout, taking the kids swimming and getting to church. The children were very excited about going swimming, and I really wanted to get in a good workout as I knew that Roger was leaving today. Roger was late getting off of work so he was unable to take the kids, and I first told the children that they were going to the drop-in childcare while I worked out. However, after really looking into their faces and listening to their dismay…I realized the best choice would be to take them swimming. Not because I don’t want them to deal with disappointments in life, but rather because I realize how quickly life is fleeting by! There will be other marathons if I don’t run this one in the spring, but there won’t ever be this day to be with my children again. I know that I am especially hugging them tight right now, as one of my friends from college is battling brain cancer, and she will soon see Jesus. My friend was diagnosed with brain cancer last November and her earthly time is almost up. I was reminded again that I don’t know what the future holds, and while I know WHO holds the future…for today I’ll just hug my children a little tighter, kiss them a little longer, and play with them a little more often.

Another "helper"!

You know you’re a mom to little ones when….

I’ve decided to write out a list of ways I know that I have lots of little ones. These are not all original with me, the first several ones are mine. The rest of the list I complied of ideas off of the web. I hope that you can enjoy a little laughter today!

 

You know you’re a mom to little ones when….

1) Your husband asks for the car keys and you absentmindly hand him the pacifier

2) Whenever you enter into a store, you first and foremost observe where the bathrooms are located at

3) Your dishwasher is more full of sippy cups and tiny toys than of dishes and silverware

4) Going to the grocery store alone has become “me time”

5) Your more likely to have a spare diaper in your purse than a spare dollar

6) You’ve resorted to dumping cheerios on the floor rather than putting them in a bowl or container

7) Your idea of a relaxing evening is having the house quiet by 8pm, and then going to bed yourself

 

and these are not my own, but enjoy….from….you know your a mom when...

 

1) When you know 1 million things to clean with BABY WIPES! – Diana

2)You hear a kid going bananas in public and as soon as you see it's not yours, you're thrilled. – Stacey

3) You know you're a mom if you've ever crawled under a crib at 2 a.m. searching for a pacifier like your life depended on it.

4) You know your a mom if ....you show up at church with your very cutely dressed family and your still wearing your slippers. From Heather DeWitt

5)You know you're a mom if.....you have band aids, tissues, diapers and wipes in your glove compartment....OH! and don't forget an extra pair of underwear for those accidents....for the kids, silly....not for YOU! :) ~ Susan

6)You know your mom if .... you find yourself locked in the bathroom with a piece chocolate cake telling your kids "mommy just needs a minute" From Heather DeWitt

7)You know you are a mom if you judge the quality of a restaurant by how they act when your kid makes a mess on the floor. From Monica Williams

8)You know you're a mom if you have more children than dollars in your purse.

 

A morning in my shoes…mud, social blunders and lots of laughter!

This past week, I watched another little boy in addition to my own. It really wasn't a big deal, as he was very well behaved and played well with the other boys. However, it has been unseasonably warm here, which means...lots of mud outside! The boys were begging to go outside, and I finally agreed. I knew that they would probably come back with muddy boots, but I wasn't anticipating them to be filthy! I sent them outside, but I forgot to tell them to stay away from the sump pump runoff...and we ended up with four very muddy boys. Thankfully, it was mostly on their faces and outside clothes, so the underneath clothes were still wearable.


Garett had school that morning, so I went to pick him up at about 11:30. I then needed to run to the grocery store to pick up a few fresh fruits and vegetables that were on sale. I realize that we probably looked like a little much with having boys everywhere! Travis was in the seat of the cart, Wyatt was in the basket, and the others were close by my side. I trekked into the store and while we were waiting at the deli counter for an item, we encountered a very interesting person. A man came out of one of the aisles close by (he was probably about 35-40) and upon taking one look, immediately announced, "Good grief! Please tell me that these aren't all YOUR kids!" (Very loudly, too!) I replied, "No, one I am watching for a friend.". He then chuckles and says, "WOW! Can we say "rabbit"?" !! WHAT!!! I had no idea what to say to that, so I just told him to have a good day and moved on. Really??? To be honest, I got a good laugh out of the whole situation, but I was definitely at a loss as to what to say! After we paid for the groceries, and got everyone back in the car, Chandler asked, "Mom, why was that guy talking about bunnies?" I just laughed and replied, "I have no idea!" I'm sure that I have met people who have thought that, but this was the first time I'd had ever had anyone tell that to my face. I still laugh when I think about it and it was an interesting memory!

Chandler’s fourth birthday!

My birthday boy

It’s hard to believe that another birthday is here! We celebrated Chandler’s birthday last week with a few friends, cake, ice cream, and fun times. As my children grow older, it seems like the birthdays come around faster! I love this little boy and he is a daily reminder of how much I need to ask my Heavenly Father for wisdom. Chandler is my strong willed, strong personality, leader of wrong doing, and hater of kisses! I am praying and working at channeling those energies and traits into a Godly young man some day. I am so blessed to have this child, and for as long as God allows I’ll work at raising Chandler for God’s glory.

Cars Cake!

Garett, Mom and Chandler

Birthday presents!



Week four...eating from the pantry!

It's hard to believe, but January is almost over! Time has flown by, and I have to admit...I did do a coupon shopping trip this week! I just couldn't pass up on the deal with the coupons, especially knowing how close we are to February. We had a great week of meals, enjoying lots of delicious food and a few new recipes. Here is a list of what we ate:

Travis likes spaghetti!

Sunday: Sandwiches and fruit
Monday: Venison, black bean and rice soup--delicious!
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, and sauteed vegetables
Wednesday: Dinner at Taco Bell
Thursday: Company for dinner....spaghetti with Italian sausage,
                 home-made Caesar salad, and delicious
                 pull-apart garlic bread (kinda like monkey bread,
                 imagine butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning!) YUM!
Friday: Chandler's birthday party with friends and family, tacos
               and fajitas with all the toppings and cake & ice cream
Saturday: We went ice skating and then to a friend's house for supper...soup and hot turkey
                   sandwiches

We took a trip to Sam's club, since I had a free one day pass. We bought lettuce, some fresh fruit, fruit snacks and a few other items. I also shopped for blueberries that were on sale at our local store for $1.88 a pint! I had a few additional groceries with Chandler's birthday party, so all total we spent about $70.00

Here is a picture of my groceries at our store that double coupons on Wednesdays. I bought 10 boxes of whole wheat noodles, 4 jars of sauce, 2 packages of feminine products, and a package of fajita mix. All total here: $8.67!

Double coupon day!

God's provision for washing machine repairs

Our washing machine went on the blink this week, and for our family this is a big deal. When you have lots of little children, you have lots of dirty clothes, sheets, towels, etc. My husband called the company to explain the problem and to find out how much it would cost. Of course, it couldn't be something simple! The whole tub of the washing machine needs to be replaced and that part can be costly. But, God again surprised us with His plan. The company we bought it from agreed to cover the cost of the washing tub, we would just have to pay for the pick up of the washing machine, labor, and the return of the washing machine. Still the cost was going to be about $180.00!

As many of you know, I specifically chose this month to eat from the pantry in order to try to save money for Roger's missions trip to Alaska in March. But apparently, God is going to provide for that in a different way! Since we hadn't spent as much in groceries as in a normal month, we have the money in the bank to cover the cost of the washing machine. This is a huge blessing to me, and while it may seem small to some, it's another reminder to me about how much God really loves me and wants me to trust Him completely. God is good, all the time!

Other news in our family: Garett has now lost his two front teeth! I'll be honest and admit...I cried when Garett lost the first one. It's another reminder of how fast time is flying by and how quickly he is growing up! I am so thankful for this little boy. He smiles often, loves to laugh, and delights in being outside...I am blessed.

Garett's two missing teeth