Today began as any other day. My oh-so-groggy self stumbled out to the coffee pot to aid the waking up process, and wishing for the day when I will be well rested enough to enjoy mornings again. I don't like not being a morning person.
Things started going quite well after that. I got a shower before the children were awake, read my Bible, fed Wesley and read some of my most current Kindle read.
We had breakfast, the children were helpful with chores, and then we headed to town. We traversed Delaware to make all our stops, and while I fed Wes in the parking lot at Meijer, I surprised the children by popping in a DVD for them to watch. They were pretty excited to not have to sit bored while Wesley had his lunch.
In Meijer we weighed sweet potatoes and bananas, figuring out how much each would cost. Added water jugs (filled ones + how many left to fill = how many all together), and other such math lessons for the day. We picked out a special treat for a late lunch, and headed home.
After lunch we had a blessedly quiet nap time. I am still trying to figure out why I can never fully wake back up after nap time. I just feel all foggy and groggy, and wish to just go back to sleep. I wonder if my body is just so overjoyed at the prospect of getting caught up on sleep that it really starts sleeping hard...and then I have to wake up long before my body is ready.
Regardless, that's when things started going downhill today. Children got up from naps grumpy. And thought it would be great fun to just annoy the dickens out of each other. Books were thrown, marker board creations erased maliciously, feelings were hurt, tattling was done. Various training and/or discipline tactics all seemed to fail. Attempting to make the evening turn back to pleasantness, I asked the kiddos if they could pick anything for supper, what would they have. They picked cold cereal. Well then. That's easy enough! So we had cold cereal, hard boiled eggs, and oranges. Kid friendly and easy for Mom.
But as soon as supper was over, it was back to bickering, disobeying, aggravating, lying, etc, etc.
Mommy cracked - I disciplined in anger. And then I had to apologize. There is nothing more humbling than having to apologize to these little people. We ended with children all over my lap and having a family prayer time to confess our sin to our faithful and gracious, ready to forgive Savior. Ever thankful for His loving kindness and tender mercy.
And though I had originally told the children they were going to bed early, I told them to head back out to the couch, and we cuddled around and read 3 chapters in "My Father's Dragon".
When we were finished, Sam snuggled up to me and said, "Mommy, is this like mercy? We should have been punished and go to bed early since we were so naughty. But then you said we could cuddle and have a story. Is that mercy?" I told him yes, that was just like mercy. "I like mercy, Mom." Me too, buddy. Me too.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Awww...
My little WesleyMan is the snuggliest little fella. Now if he could just learn that it really is ok to not be held ALL the time, our ears would all appreciate it.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Spring!
"Spring, spring, spring!"...the first lines to one of my favorite children's books. Do you know the title?
At any rate, we are LOVING the spring weather that feels more like late May or June weather. I'm working on a long post telling about our busy winter, but for now, here are some pictures of the kiddos. The first one is my current favorite! :)
And now I realize that I don't have any pictures of Sam from the last couple days. He must have been sleeping when I pulled out the camera. I'll have to fix that later today!
At any rate, we are LOVING the spring weather that feels more like late May or June weather. I'm working on a long post telling about our busy winter, but for now, here are some pictures of the kiddos. The first one is my current favorite! :)
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| Playing in the warm sun is so much fun! |
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| "Hey, Mom! Take a picture of me jumping!" |
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| "Here I go!" |
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| "Crash!!" |
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| Heidi had to get new clothes. She was especially happy about the new sweater with the pretty ruffle! And the shoes. But you can't see those in this picture. |
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| Heidi's first ice cream sandwich. Yes, she liked it. Just a little. |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Toddling Teapot
How can she already be cruising around the house?!
She is somewhat vocal in the video, but it is mild compared to the jabber that is usually going on! Right now she is sitting IN her little basket of books, having dumped all the books onto the floor. She is reaching out, picking one to read, and jabbering all about the pictures, then putting it on the other side of the basket and grabbing another one. Talking non-stop!
I think I need to get a better video camera. this is on my old iPod. We have so much fun recording the kids, but the videos don't turn out that well.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Little Conversations
Heidi has started to have animated conversations with us. It is quite entertaining. She got a little less animated when she saw me with the iPod, but she still had things to say. (watch her feet, too...she has done that when she's excited since she was tiny. I love it!)
Monday, October 24, 2011
A day on the farm
The clock reads 12:30a.m. A cellphone rings. But wait. It is not just a cellphone. It is an alarm. Set by the farmer. He crawls out of bed, pulls on the jeans and shirt he'd put in the kitchen before going to bed early. Dressing in the kitchen so as not to awaken his sleeping wife.
On the kitchen counter he finds a lunch box packed with goodies, an insulated mug of his favorite ice coffee, and a little scrap paper note that was scribbled by his wife after she prepared the foodstuffs and before she went to bed. Just something simple, reminding him she loves him.
Grabbing keys, and glasses, he heads to the field with the empty semi. Due to some prior planning, the pickup truck is there and waiting. He drives that to where the combine is parked and gets in the combine cab, heading back to the field where the semi is parked. And he begins to shell corn.
Another cellphone rings. It is a 6:30a.m. alarm. The farmer's wife rolls over and hits the snooze button. Four times. Finally she rouses from under the delightful warmth the electric blanket is providing. Stumbling to the shower, then to make coffee. Little boys with tousled hair patter into the kitchen. The baby calls from her bed. The day begins. Snuggles on the couch, a bottle of warm milk for baby. Little boys dressing and going about their chores while Momma dresses sister. Breakfast is cherry pie and peach crisp, left over from Sunday lunch.
The farmer comes in. It is raining. But that corn field is finished. The monitor in the combine telling of a good yield. Quietly the farmer's wife gives thanks. Now the combine is home and in the barn for a few morning maintenance things. After eating the final piece of cherry pie, the farmer picks up his Bible. Little boys snuggle around him on the couch. The farmer's wife picks up little sister and settles into the rocking chair. These moments she cherishes, watching little men learn from the man she admires and loves for so many reasons. From him they are learning to reverence the Scriptures, learning truths that will be added to and deepened as they grow. The short little prayer of a little boy overflowing with enthusiasm. Then the quiet, thoughtful prayer of her quieter, more deliberate little man who is growing up oh, so fast. Followed by the deep, steady voice of the farmer, giving thanks.
And then the morning moves on. Little ones find shoes and jackets. The farmer finds his pillow. The farmer's wife ushers everyone out the door to run errands so their hard working Daddy can sleep for an hour or two. Until the cellphone alarm will call again. Calling him to crawl back out of his bed to check the grain bin. The dry corn is dumping into the small bin, and it must not overflow.
Mamma and the children go north to the Ag lending office, and go south to the library and grocery store for a few items. All the while, singing Scripture songs, counting telephone poles, discussing important little boy things like the color of rain, and why winter is cold.
The rain ends. Home again for a late lunch all together. Then the farmer is off with a semi load of corn to the elevator. Children nap, the farmer's wife starts the washing machine and the dishwasher. Then sits down to read her own Bible. She naps, involuntarily. The telephone on the wall awakens her. No, the farmer isn't here. He's out being wonderful. Calling later will do no good. He'll still be out. She resumes her day, doing paperwork and housework.
Children are up, toys about. The play sounds an awful lot like what is taking place out in the barnyard and up the road in the field. Poking his head in the door, the farmer tells his family quick little snippets about his day. Little man laces up his boots to head back out with his Daddy for a second trip to the elevator. Baby girl squeals for Daddy hugs. Little man, still sleepy, curls up with his Mamma for a story and a snack before heading outside to his pedal tractor, tricycle, and wagon. Little sister is clingy, cutting teeth. Mamma snuggles her, looking at books. They fold clothes, sing songs, and talk.
A late supper of left overs is a standard meal for children and the farmer's wife during harvest time. The farmer pops in for a portable supper, and kisses all around. Supper is soon over, little boys help clear the table while little sister is readied for bed. Snuggles for sister, a song or two, and she goes nightie-night.
The farmer pokes his head back in to pray with his little men, a nightly routine that no one wants to miss. Then he heads back to the trucks. He is hauling corn away from the combine and grain cart and dumping it in the wet holding bin. And keeping watch over the grain dryer. The first season it is in use, and a few bugs have had to be worked out.
Little boys and the farmer's wife snuggle on the couch. A new story is begun. Four chapters later, they beg for more through their yawns, but Mamma knows best and herds them into the bathroom to brush teeth. Snuggles by the bed, more prayers and hugs, and then they are tucked in for the night.
The farmer's wife walks through the now quiet house. She eyes the full basket of clean laundry that needs to be folded, the kitchen counters that need washed, the kitchen floor littered with corn dust that needs vacuumed. She makes herself a cup of tea and ignores the never-ending duties while she checks her email. Scribbles a few revisions on the family schedule. Pulls out school papers and craft supplies for the next days' lessons. She turns on the yard light. Her silent "welcome home" for her man. And then she washes dishes, switches laundry loads, and writes a love note. Which she will put in the bathroom. On top of the clean pajamas she will lay out for herfarmer Superman before she snuggles back down under that warm and wonderful electric blanket, thankful for her hardworking man.
As she finishes the last few chores before bed, the farmer pops in and urges her to come outside in his quiet, excited voice. He points to the northern sky. For the first time, they see a display of the northern lights. They stand hand in hand in the darkened back yard and gaze at the utterly clear sky streaked with reds and blues. It is amazing. A few minutes later they part ways - the farmer back to the field with an empty grain truck, the wife back to the house to warm up her nose and get ready for bed.
Tomorrow will begin soon enough, and she has to leave by 8:00a.m. to get parts for the grain truck that is broken down in the barn yard.
On the kitchen counter he finds a lunch box packed with goodies, an insulated mug of his favorite ice coffee, and a little scrap paper note that was scribbled by his wife after she prepared the foodstuffs and before she went to bed. Just something simple, reminding him she loves him.
Grabbing keys, and glasses, he heads to the field with the empty semi. Due to some prior planning, the pickup truck is there and waiting. He drives that to where the combine is parked and gets in the combine cab, heading back to the field where the semi is parked. And he begins to shell corn.
Another cellphone rings. It is a 6:30a.m. alarm. The farmer's wife rolls over and hits the snooze button. Four times. Finally she rouses from under the delightful warmth the electric blanket is providing. Stumbling to the shower, then to make coffee. Little boys with tousled hair patter into the kitchen. The baby calls from her bed. The day begins. Snuggles on the couch, a bottle of warm milk for baby. Little boys dressing and going about their chores while Momma dresses sister. Breakfast is cherry pie and peach crisp, left over from Sunday lunch.
The farmer comes in. It is raining. But that corn field is finished. The monitor in the combine telling of a good yield. Quietly the farmer's wife gives thanks. Now the combine is home and in the barn for a few morning maintenance things. After eating the final piece of cherry pie, the farmer picks up his Bible. Little boys snuggle around him on the couch. The farmer's wife picks up little sister and settles into the rocking chair. These moments she cherishes, watching little men learn from the man she admires and loves for so many reasons. From him they are learning to reverence the Scriptures, learning truths that will be added to and deepened as they grow. The short little prayer of a little boy overflowing with enthusiasm. Then the quiet, thoughtful prayer of her quieter, more deliberate little man who is growing up oh, so fast. Followed by the deep, steady voice of the farmer, giving thanks.
And then the morning moves on. Little ones find shoes and jackets. The farmer finds his pillow. The farmer's wife ushers everyone out the door to run errands so their hard working Daddy can sleep for an hour or two. Until the cellphone alarm will call again. Calling him to crawl back out of his bed to check the grain bin. The dry corn is dumping into the small bin, and it must not overflow.
Mamma and the children go north to the Ag lending office, and go south to the library and grocery store for a few items. All the while, singing Scripture songs, counting telephone poles, discussing important little boy things like the color of rain, and why winter is cold.
The rain ends. Home again for a late lunch all together. Then the farmer is off with a semi load of corn to the elevator. Children nap, the farmer's wife starts the washing machine and the dishwasher. Then sits down to read her own Bible. She naps, involuntarily. The telephone on the wall awakens her. No, the farmer isn't here. He's out being wonderful. Calling later will do no good. He'll still be out. She resumes her day, doing paperwork and housework.
Children are up, toys about. The play sounds an awful lot like what is taking place out in the barnyard and up the road in the field. Poking his head in the door, the farmer tells his family quick little snippets about his day. Little man laces up his boots to head back out with his Daddy for a second trip to the elevator. Baby girl squeals for Daddy hugs. Little man, still sleepy, curls up with his Mamma for a story and a snack before heading outside to his pedal tractor, tricycle, and wagon. Little sister is clingy, cutting teeth. Mamma snuggles her, looking at books. They fold clothes, sing songs, and talk.
A late supper of left overs is a standard meal for children and the farmer's wife during harvest time. The farmer pops in for a portable supper, and kisses all around. Supper is soon over, little boys help clear the table while little sister is readied for bed. Snuggles for sister, a song or two, and she goes nightie-night.
The farmer pokes his head back in to pray with his little men, a nightly routine that no one wants to miss. Then he heads back to the trucks. He is hauling corn away from the combine and grain cart and dumping it in the wet holding bin. And keeping watch over the grain dryer. The first season it is in use, and a few bugs have had to be worked out.
Little boys and the farmer's wife snuggle on the couch. A new story is begun. Four chapters later, they beg for more through their yawns, but Mamma knows best and herds them into the bathroom to brush teeth. Snuggles by the bed, more prayers and hugs, and then they are tucked in for the night.
The farmer's wife walks through the now quiet house. She eyes the full basket of clean laundry that needs to be folded, the kitchen counters that need washed, the kitchen floor littered with corn dust that needs vacuumed. She makes herself a cup of tea and ignores the never-ending duties while she checks her email. Scribbles a few revisions on the family schedule. Pulls out school papers and craft supplies for the next days' lessons. She turns on the yard light. Her silent "welcome home" for her man. And then she washes dishes, switches laundry loads, and writes a love note. Which she will put in the bathroom. On top of the clean pajamas she will lay out for her
As she finishes the last few chores before bed, the farmer pops in and urges her to come outside in his quiet, excited voice. He points to the northern sky. For the first time, they see a display of the northern lights. They stand hand in hand in the darkened back yard and gaze at the utterly clear sky streaked with reds and blues. It is amazing. A few minutes later they part ways - the farmer back to the field with an empty grain truck, the wife back to the house to warm up her nose and get ready for bed.
Tomorrow will begin soon enough, and she has to leave by 8:00a.m. to get parts for the grain truck that is broken down in the barn yard.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Every Day Love
Sometimes it's not flowers, fancy dinners, or sappy cards that say "I love you" the best. Sometimes "I love you" looks an awful lot like a pretty new pair of rain boots sitting in my back hallway. The ones my husband bought for me after I mentioned to him how much I dislike having to run errands in the rain while trying to juggle groceries, kids, purse and/or diaper bag, knowing my feet are going to get cold and wet, and most likely half my pants legs as well. My feet will now stay warm and dry, thanks to my man who loves me in simple, every day little ways.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Birthday Girl
Heidi turned one a couple weeks ago. I feel the need to post lots of pictures of my sweet, adorable, girlie. I can't believe it has been a year since she was this tiny.
I don't know if I have enjoyed her babyhood more than the boys' because she's a girl, or because I'm not quite so focused on just *surviving* like I was during the boys' baby year(s). Jonathan said it's probably a combination of both things...along with me just settling into the Mommy role.
There are days when I just sit on the couch and watch her play. And soon I'm right down there with her, helping her discover her world. Reading board books, playing with her wooden puzzle, snuggling her dolly...
There are days when I just sit on the couch and watch her play. And soon I'm right down there with her, helping her discover her world. Reading board books, playing with her wooden puzzle, snuggling her dolly...
We had her birthday party a few days before her birthday. Since we also hosted a group of 50 college students for overnight/breakfast several hours before the party, I didn't make a cake. Instead, my parents brought doughnuts from a wonderful bakery down by them. I got some cider from the local orchard, and it was a perfect fall dessert! We also took a hayride, since we had the hay wagons from the party the day before. I think it should become tradition. So fun, even if it WAS a little too windy!
On her actual birthday, we kept it low-key with just the 5 of us. I didn't want a whole cake sitting around tempting me for days, so I made a small amount of chocolate and tapioca puddings instead. It was simple and fun. :)
Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Baking Day!
This weekend we are hosting the society at Cedarville University that is all MK's. This is the group we hosted last year. Tons of fun. All the guys sleep in the barn in the hay wagons, and the girls fill every corner of the house. Of course, feeding them good down-home cooking/baking is a ton of fun. I love to cook/bake big. I think I was meant to have a catering business or something. I just love cooking for masses of people.
And being the crazies that we are, we decided to just make a weekend of partying. And we're having Heidi's 1st Birthday party on Saturday afternoon. The college crew is usually gone by 10:30, so I gave myself 3 hours....and we're having a late lunch at 1:30. We invited several folks, but haven't heard back from them all yet.
At any rate, the plan today is to make Blueberry muffins, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins, Apple Pizza, a triple batch of chili, cupcakes, and maybe a couple pies. I also need to put together the 3 egg casseroles. One of them will go in the crockpot, though, since I have a very small oven and can't fit all 3 in. I might have to wait to toss it in the crockpot right before I go to bed on Friday night.
All this necessary baking has come on just the perfect day. It's coooool outside, and having the oven on feels good! As I am working, I'm sipping on hot caramel mochas that I've concocted. Super-duper YUM!
In other news - I got Heidi's birthday present on Tuesday. A pair of Robeez. FINALLY a pair of shoes she can't get off. And they're super cute. She's already wearing them, since it's too cold to go barefoot and she always kicks off shoes and pulls her socks off!
Happy Thursday, y'all!
And being the crazies that we are, we decided to just make a weekend of partying. And we're having Heidi's 1st Birthday party on Saturday afternoon. The college crew is usually gone by 10:30, so I gave myself 3 hours....and we're having a late lunch at 1:30. We invited several folks, but haven't heard back from them all yet.
At any rate, the plan today is to make Blueberry muffins, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins, Apple Pizza, a triple batch of chili, cupcakes, and maybe a couple pies. I also need to put together the 3 egg casseroles. One of them will go in the crockpot, though, since I have a very small oven and can't fit all 3 in. I might have to wait to toss it in the crockpot right before I go to bed on Friday night.
All this necessary baking has come on just the perfect day. It's coooool outside, and having the oven on feels good! As I am working, I'm sipping on hot caramel mochas that I've concocted. Super-duper YUM!
In other news - I got Heidi's birthday present on Tuesday. A pair of Robeez. FINALLY a pair of shoes she can't get off. And they're super cute. She's already wearing them, since it's too cold to go barefoot and she always kicks off shoes and pulls her socks off!
Happy Thursday, y'all!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Before the Throne
I have been singing this song practically non-stop since I learned it at camp over Labor Day weekend. I know it's not a new song, but I'd never heard it before. It's my new favorite. It makes me cry every time. Every line is just so rich!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Camp Barakel
Several weeks ago Jonathan and I got to talking about wanting to have a little get-away as a family. Wanting to have a profitable time as well as a fun time, we decided to check a couple Bible Camps for their family camp weeks. We decided on Camp Barakel. I called the camp registrar. There was only one opening left. So we wrote a deposit check, filled out the registration, and sent it off with a prayer, knowing if God wanted us there, our registration would beat out everyone else's last minute decision.
One day about a week later, Jonathan brought the mail in and opened a letter from Camp Barakel. We were registered for their Labor Day family camp!
It was the best money we've spent all year. There was plenty of time for just the 5 of us, the chapel messages were wonderful and convicting, the boys had fun in their very own chapel class, and Heidi learned to be ok without Mommy in their nursery. We hiked, took naps, sipped hot cocoa, talked, went for a hayride in Huron National Forest, got to visit with new people (Christians from Korea over here studying for a year, a couple with grown children who encouraged us to be faithful in training our children, a young mom and her son on the hayride), and Jonathan and I got to go on their 950ft. zipline. THAT was fun!
And now it's back to late summer in Ohio - freezing produce, mowing the grass, getting ready for fall harvest. But we are all refreshed, and the boys have had their scope of imagination greatly increased! Their tube slide on their playplace is now the "thunder express" slide from camp, the guy wires coming off the electric poles in the yard are the ziplines, and they "hike" everywhere they go. So funny to watch!
One day about a week later, Jonathan brought the mail in and opened a letter from Camp Barakel. We were registered for their Labor Day family camp!
It was the best money we've spent all year. There was plenty of time for just the 5 of us, the chapel messages were wonderful and convicting, the boys had fun in their very own chapel class, and Heidi learned to be ok without Mommy in their nursery. We hiked, took naps, sipped hot cocoa, talked, went for a hayride in Huron National Forest, got to visit with new people (Christians from Korea over here studying for a year, a couple with grown children who encouraged us to be faithful in training our children, a young mom and her son on the hayride), and Jonathan and I got to go on their 950ft. zipline. THAT was fun!
And now it's back to late summer in Ohio - freezing produce, mowing the grass, getting ready for fall harvest. But we are all refreshed, and the boys have had their scope of imagination greatly increased! Their tube slide on their playplace is now the "thunder express" slide from camp, the guy wires coming off the electric poles in the yard are the ziplines, and they "hike" everywhere they go. So funny to watch!
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| Our first glimpse of camp! |
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| Loading up for the hayride! |
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| our little family |
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| Jonathan on the zipline |
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| Me, loving the zipline! |
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| Found this old International truck, and had to take some pics! |
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| My four favorite people! |
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| My little men |
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| Could she get any cuter?! |
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| Momma and the kiddies |
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| Kenny was happy the top bunks had rails! |
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| Sam's first time on a top bunk. Happy much? |
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| Yes, we plan to return! |
Friday, August 26, 2011
Visits
Jonathan's Great Aunt Leona came for a visit on Tuesday. She lives near Cleveland, and she wasn't sure about driving the distance alone, so Jonathan's Mom drove up on Monday and rode down with her on Tuesday morning. Aunt Leona drove the whole way, and I believe she drove back as well! It was fun to get to see her. And the children were more comfortable interacting with her since she came to *their* turf.
Here are a few photos I snapped during the afternoon.
Here are a few photos I snapped during the afternoon.
On Thursday my sister-in-law, her mom, and my sweet little nieces dropped by. They'd taken a trip to the orchard near us and swung by on their way home. That was a fun little visit in an otherwise VERY blah day. My friend, Merideth stopped in later that evening, too. She helps me in the garden, and I happily give her produce in exchange for her help, and she came to get some green beans that are ready.
I am so thankful for family and friends. :)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
It's in the diaper bag...
The day dawned sunny and bright, promising to be a gorgeous, hot summer day. It was going to be a good day. I knew it. Just because of the simple fact that Jonathan had the day off. He did have to go 1.5 hours southwest to pick up his new air compressor, and then a couple hours back east to pick up the new header wagon for the new corn head which would soon be delivered. But that was ok. Because we were all going to pile in our extended cab pickup truck and take a family road trip. We were going to sing, and talk, and have a fun day. Together.
I packed a bag with our water bottles and the sack of dried fruit we like to snack on. I then packed the diaper bag. I remembered *everything* in it this time, and knew that we were adequately prepared for a long day out.
Jonathan loaded up booster seats, a car seat, and sunglasses for all. Little boys climbed on in with their favorite stuffed animals - Moose and George. How could we leave Moose or George behind on such a wonderful adventure!
Heidi was excited to be going, too! She loves riding in the truck (I'm teaching her well!) and was grinning from ear to ear, holding on to her blankie.
Forty minutes down the road we stopped to switch drivers. I really prefer to drive on road trips, and Jonathan would just as soon ride, so it works out well. Heidi started to get a little fussy, since it was her usual time for a nap. I said, "She'll probably go right to sleep if you give her the pacifier. It's in the diaper bag..."
The diaper bag. The diaper bag we had left on the kitchen counter. We'd grabbed EVERYTHING else off the counter. The water bottles, purse, phones, checkbook, I-pod, atlas, blankies, the box of tissues. But not the diaper bag.
That meant no pacifier. No diapers. No wipes. No baby food or spoons. No bibs or spit rags. No change of clothes for a little man who sometimes still needs them.
Another forty minutes later we stopped at a Target store that was along our route. We grabbed pacifiers, diapers, a small pack of wipes, and baby food. Usually I make baby food for Heidi, but I like to use Happy Baby or Plum Organics when we're on the go, because they are so easy. All I have to do is squeeze a bit onto a spoon. And I don't have to mess with jars that could break, etc.
We decided to get by with the one bib and spit rag Heidi started out with (mostly because there were no bibs that I actually thought were absorbent enough), and encouraged our little man that he could be a big man all day.
Back on the road I realized I had gotten the baby food, but no spoons. But Heidi was HUNGRY and letting us know it. Any of you that know Heidi, know she likes food. A lot. And when she wants to eat, you know so! So I opened the pouch and gave it to her, hoping her knowledge of how to use a straw would be useful. Sure enough, she downed it all, quick as a wink. And wanted more. I gave her a second one, and then gave her the milk I had remembered to bring in the insulated mug I had tossed in the sack of water bottles.
With a happy baby, we arrived at our first stop. I pulled Heidi out of her seat only to realize that I needed something else out of the diaper bag. I SHOULD have grabbed that outfit I saw on the clearance rack when we were at Target. Heidi NEVER leaks through her clothes. But the time I forget a change of clothes, of course she did! Her shirt was ok, so she wound up in just her little t-shirt and diaper for the duration of the trip. I always feel like a bad mother if my babies aren't all the way clothed when we're in public. But I swallowed my pride and carried her into the store.
Jonathan was finishing his transaction by this time. The lady gave us each a t-shirt with their company logo, and the boys each got a ball cap. After loading up the air compressor, it was on to Wendy's for a lunch off the dollar menu.
Back on the road. I was still driving so Jonathan could make some business calls. The boys were hushed so Heidi could go to sleep, and then we let them play with their farm toys they'd brought along. You can do a lot of work with a skid loader driving all over your lap hundreds of times! =P
Jonathan, Samuel, and Heidi snoozed half the way to Lancaster, so Kenneth and I chatted back and forth about the scenery. We had never been down that direction, so there were lots of things to observe.
While Jonathan was in the sales room getting all the paperwork squared away for the header cart, I cleaned up the truck. Sacked up the little bit of trash, changed Heidi's diaper, wished for a clean bib and spit rag - of which I'd packed plenty...in the diaper bag, gave the boys a snack of dried fruit, and looked at the map route to get home.
We remembered that we couldn't drive back north on route 33 since you can't take farm machinery on it, so we wound our way through Lancaster. It was a pretty town, and would have been fun to explore if we didn't have the big long cart behind us! Jonathan swung into a little gas station and amused the locals, since it was obviously NOT meant for vehicles with trailers. He managed quite well, and soon we were on our way home again.
The boys were asking for food again, and we were out of snacks. Because the second helping of snacks were....in the diaper bag. So we stopped at a Wendy's for a second time. And this time we ate 'fun' and got little Frosty's for their dessert. Jonathan and I got Frosty Floats. Super yum. Heidi got to drink the last of her milk, have a few nibbles of french fries, and down the last baby food pouch. While we sat there in the restaurant, an older gentleman kept looking over at our table. He came over to us as he was walking out and said, "You have such a beautiful family." I thanked him and told him God has sure given us some fun little blessings. He nodded, "He has at that."
And then, 8 hours after we left, we pulled back into our driveway. Heidi was very, very happy to see her bed, and the boys had no trouble sleeping that night. Jonathan and I did decide that an extended cab is just not enough room for that long of a trip. Maybe next year we can afford to buy a crew cab. And maybe on our next outing I'll actually remember to not only PACK the diaper bag, but TAKE it.
I packed a bag with our water bottles and the sack of dried fruit we like to snack on. I then packed the diaper bag. I remembered *everything* in it this time, and knew that we were adequately prepared for a long day out.
Jonathan loaded up booster seats, a car seat, and sunglasses for all. Little boys climbed on in with their favorite stuffed animals - Moose and George. How could we leave Moose or George behind on such a wonderful adventure!
Heidi was excited to be going, too! She loves riding in the truck (I'm teaching her well!) and was grinning from ear to ear, holding on to her blankie.
Forty minutes down the road we stopped to switch drivers. I really prefer to drive on road trips, and Jonathan would just as soon ride, so it works out well. Heidi started to get a little fussy, since it was her usual time for a nap. I said, "She'll probably go right to sleep if you give her the pacifier. It's in the diaper bag..."
The diaper bag. The diaper bag we had left on the kitchen counter. We'd grabbed EVERYTHING else off the counter. The water bottles, purse, phones, checkbook, I-pod, atlas, blankies, the box of tissues. But not the diaper bag.
That meant no pacifier. No diapers. No wipes. No baby food or spoons. No bibs or spit rags. No change of clothes for a little man who sometimes still needs them.
Another forty minutes later we stopped at a Target store that was along our route. We grabbed pacifiers, diapers, a small pack of wipes, and baby food. Usually I make baby food for Heidi, but I like to use Happy Baby or Plum Organics when we're on the go, because they are so easy. All I have to do is squeeze a bit onto a spoon. And I don't have to mess with jars that could break, etc.
We decided to get by with the one bib and spit rag Heidi started out with (mostly because there were no bibs that I actually thought were absorbent enough), and encouraged our little man that he could be a big man all day.
Back on the road I realized I had gotten the baby food, but no spoons. But Heidi was HUNGRY and letting us know it. Any of you that know Heidi, know she likes food. A lot. And when she wants to eat, you know so! So I opened the pouch and gave it to her, hoping her knowledge of how to use a straw would be useful. Sure enough, she downed it all, quick as a wink. And wanted more. I gave her a second one, and then gave her the milk I had remembered to bring in the insulated mug I had tossed in the sack of water bottles.
With a happy baby, we arrived at our first stop. I pulled Heidi out of her seat only to realize that I needed something else out of the diaper bag. I SHOULD have grabbed that outfit I saw on the clearance rack when we were at Target. Heidi NEVER leaks through her clothes. But the time I forget a change of clothes, of course she did! Her shirt was ok, so she wound up in just her little t-shirt and diaper for the duration of the trip. I always feel like a bad mother if my babies aren't all the way clothed when we're in public. But I swallowed my pride and carried her into the store.
Jonathan was finishing his transaction by this time. The lady gave us each a t-shirt with their company logo, and the boys each got a ball cap. After loading up the air compressor, it was on to Wendy's for a lunch off the dollar menu.
Back on the road. I was still driving so Jonathan could make some business calls. The boys were hushed so Heidi could go to sleep, and then we let them play with their farm toys they'd brought along. You can do a lot of work with a skid loader driving all over your lap hundreds of times! =P
Jonathan, Samuel, and Heidi snoozed half the way to Lancaster, so Kenneth and I chatted back and forth about the scenery. We had never been down that direction, so there were lots of things to observe.
While Jonathan was in the sales room getting all the paperwork squared away for the header cart, I cleaned up the truck. Sacked up the little bit of trash, changed Heidi's diaper, wished for a clean bib and spit rag - of which I'd packed plenty...in the diaper bag, gave the boys a snack of dried fruit, and looked at the map route to get home.
We remembered that we couldn't drive back north on route 33 since you can't take farm machinery on it, so we wound our way through Lancaster. It was a pretty town, and would have been fun to explore if we didn't have the big long cart behind us! Jonathan swung into a little gas station and amused the locals, since it was obviously NOT meant for vehicles with trailers. He managed quite well, and soon we were on our way home again.
The boys were asking for food again, and we were out of snacks. Because the second helping of snacks were....in the diaper bag. So we stopped at a Wendy's for a second time. And this time we ate 'fun' and got little Frosty's for their dessert. Jonathan and I got Frosty Floats. Super yum. Heidi got to drink the last of her milk, have a few nibbles of french fries, and down the last baby food pouch. While we sat there in the restaurant, an older gentleman kept looking over at our table. He came over to us as he was walking out and said, "You have such a beautiful family." I thanked him and told him God has sure given us some fun little blessings. He nodded, "He has at that."
And then, 8 hours after we left, we pulled back into our driveway. Heidi was very, very happy to see her bed, and the boys had no trouble sleeping that night. Jonathan and I did decide that an extended cab is just not enough room for that long of a trip. Maybe next year we can afford to buy a crew cab. And maybe on our next outing I'll actually remember to not only PACK the diaper bag, but TAKE it.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Grace
There are days when I wake up after not sleeping well to children who slept great. And I whisper a prayer for strength and grace. Little boys asking me to ride in their couch-turned-pickup-truck. And please hold their stuffed giraffe, who for this round of imaginary play is actually a kitten. And he's happy I'm "riding with him", even tho I did doze off on the pile of paraphernalia he has piled in his "truck". A baby puking half of her just eaten meal down the front of my shirt. A little boy who forgot that yes, he really DOES need to go potty. In fact, he needed to go 5 minutes ago. Me trying hard to not be angry as I remind him that he needs to have a potty break more often. Forgetting that God's grace is sufficient for potty accidents on the couch. Finally remembering we all fail in our own ways. And that yes, God's grace IS sufficient. A not quite so little boy that asks over and over again about philosophical questions that my brain doesn't feel like it can muster up the power to think through. Saying the alphabet sounds and coming up with silly games. Losing my temper at peanut butter smeared in places it shouldn't be. Saying I'm sorry to little men. Asking for grace. Sinking into the couch once all the littles are down for naps. And realizing that BabyGirl just woke up. Being annoyed. Praying for forgiveness. Remembering at bedtime that there are no more PullUps. Which could prove disastrous to the night of sleep I was hoping to get. Pulling out of the driveway at the time I was HOPING to be in bed. Coming home to pass out said PullUps.
Pulling up covers, and then having little arms grab for my neck and say, "I love you Mommy. I'm glad you're my Mommy. And I like our glad home."
And then there are tears on cheeks. That my children always love me. At the grace of God ever present. All we have to do is accept it, and I pray I'll learn better during tomorrow's challenges. And then go to bed, thanking God that there will be a new supply of his mercies for tomorrow.
Pulling up covers, and then having little arms grab for my neck and say, "I love you Mommy. I'm glad you're my Mommy. And I like our glad home."
And then there are tears on cheeks. That my children always love me. At the grace of God ever present. All we have to do is accept it, and I pray I'll learn better during tomorrow's challenges. And then go to bed, thanking God that there will be a new supply of his mercies for tomorrow.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Samuel
I love this boy and his zest for life. He is never complacent about anything. He keeps us laughing and shaking our heads....and praying he doesn't break every bone in his body before he's 6. (Thanks to my brother Ben, for walking around with my camera one evening this week.)
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