My poor babysitters!

This morning I was thinking how hard it must be to babysit for someone who is as opinionated as I.  As most of you can imagine, I have very firm ideas about the raising of my child.  Unfortunately, right now the Lord has not made it my full-time job and it must be delegated to others.  Because lets be honest.  That's whats happening.  Other people are raising my child.  I am so thankful that the Lord gave me the three women who are currently watching K.  They are amazing and godly women who are so helpful and understanding.  They take her, not only when she is sweet and cheerful, but also when she is sick and grumpy.  They have food battles and sleep battles with her, but they also give her airplane rides and let her paint and play in the water.

My heart is broken that I can't be with my little sidekick - but the Lord puts it back together when I see how hard these women work to do my job for me until I can.  I am so thankful to the Lord for these women and that they continue to put up with me.

A little bit married...you're kidding me right?!?!

As I was reading an article about being a 'little bit married' I was reminded how much I love being totally and completely married. I love the security in knowing that I am married to this man 'till death do us part' not till he makes me really mad, because I am pretty fickle. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me THIS man. Not some other man who couldn't possibly complete me, as Max does. I love you honey.

A new Babysitter and a Blessing

Well, as I told you all, the Krulishes will be watching KayLynn for us 2 days a week. This is such a blessing because KayLynn is learning how to play with other kids and all while being watched by a godly woman that I trust. From the looks of things, its going well. KayLynn loves "Buddy Bert" Wren and KayLynn just 'chillin...

Lilia likes to be KayLynn's "Mommy" and have KayLynn on her lap! Apparently KayLynn called Aria, "Mom" and Lilia was quick to remind her that she has a mommy, and its not Aria. So, Aria has been dubbed, "Mia"Praise the Lord for such a wonderful answer to prayer.

**This morning I woke KayLynn up to put on her coat and leave. She started to fuss (literally 2 seconds) and then opened her eyes, looked and me and said, "go bye bye?" and I said "Yes, we have to go to Mimi's". Her response? "Banana?" So, apparently waking early is not all bad! My resilient little girl surprises me. When we got in the car she just talked the whole way about seeing Mimi and Buddy(the dog). She is so sweet and cheerful - I could really learn a lesson from her.

Please keep praying, but...

For those of you who prayed for our babysitting situation with KayLynn, thanks. It looks like the Lord found the perfect family. Aria Krulish and I are trying to work out the details now, as it looks like she and her girls will take kayLynn for me on Mondays and Fridays (Shari is switching to Tuesdays). This is such a blessing to prayer and such a lesson in handing things to the Lord to work out for me. Not only is this someone I trust, she has little girls. KayLynn will have so much fun - she wont even need me! Just kidding, I know she will always need me. :)

This is such a load off my mind. I am the kind of person who packs three weeks in advance - even if that means I wear the same outfit for three weeks before i leave (I actually did this once when I was younger!), and next Monday is when we need the first babysitter!!

For all those of you who offered to babysit on a pinch-hit basis, don't cry. I am sure that you will get your chance - I have prmised Aria that should she need a day off, or one of her girls get sick, I have many who have offered to help. Thank you, thank you , thank you.

Inspiration and Blessing in the Strangest Places

I have a friend who has a hard time keeping her home clean due to the fact that organizing is just not her forte. I love organizing, it makes me happy, it keeps my brain clutter-free. I just have a knack for finding places for everything, or getting rid of what will never fit!

This friend has allowed me to commit to helping her with her home this year, and actually it is helping me. Not only do I get to see her more often (which is one of my new years resolutions) and get to organize (which gives me a giddy satisfaction), but I also am inspired to muck out my own house (hence the picture frames being thrown away). What a surprise that a commitment I have made is blessing me more than the person I am trying to help.

He thinks of everything...

Yesterday when I arrived home (It was Max's day off) he had the house clean, I know you've heard that before. Isn't he great?

But, here is the clincher, he had my most comfy sweats, socks and shirt in the dryer. When I told him I was going to change before we went out, he pulled them out of the dryer for me, so that I could put on nice warm clothes before we went out to dinner and shopping for Christmas ingredients. Isn't he the best?!?

My Week of Thanksgiving: THURSDAY/FRIDAY

FAMILY:

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving with Max's family. A good time was had by all. I love watching my husband play games with his family - I never hear him laugh harder than when he is with his cousins. I spent most of the day following KayLynn around while she played - especially in Mimi's cupboard.

When I get home this afternoon, I will upload pics of the kids. These are Max's cousins, Jackson and Gracie - they are jsut about the same age as KayLynn.



Did you see that there was not one picture with three sets of eyes looking at the camera? I guess two is the most we can hope for - we are gonna try again at Christmas.

Tonight we are heading to Aunt Tracy's for games and fun together.

My Week of Thanksgiving: WEDNESDAY

My Job

Somehow this got erased - I don't know how!! But I am really thankful that in this time, while we need it, the Lord has given Max and I each a good job.

My Week of Thanksgiving: TUESDAY

This man I am so thankful for this man. He takes such amazing care of both KayLynn and I. This man had the house spotless, laundry done, baby freshly washed and table set for our Thankgiving dinner when I got home from work yesterday. I love him so much and am thankful that the Lord gave him to me.

My Week of Thanksgiving: MONDAY

Who says Thanksgiving should only be one day? Well, I don't agree - so here is my week of Thanksgivings...

The little things around the house that prove there is a little one in the house.

Mrs Potato head protecting the VCR:

Cameras, sitting around on the couch:

Baby Einstein in the cupboard

Elmo in with the library movies...

Baby forks in with the big forksSippy cups in the towel drawer

These are the things that (even when she is asleep and the house is clean), remind of what an integral part of our lives she is.

**Idea came from quesara

So much to miss, so much to love

This is what I miss when I am at work~

KayLynn and her "pretty purse".

My new kitties playing (ok sleeping!). The silver one is up for grabs - want him?? KayLynn follows them saying, "Hi, kittys"

These eyelashes. She officially has the most beautiful eyelashes!

Cooking together...Playing Games with daddyWe also had Mr Tristan's Birthday Party and it was so much fun for all

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Crossroads

We are at the crossroads. Do you remember before you had children, seeing those kids in the stores? You know, the ones screaming that they want something while the parent tries to find something to keep them quiet. The ones whose parents say, "Johnny if you do that one more time (this is, of course, the 500th time already) then_____(you fill in the empty threat)." I remember thinking that I would never allow my children to behave in such a manner. Tam used to always say that she didn't want to raise children that she didn't like - well, me either!

I kind of had this naive thought that you had to be a bad parent - I mean its so easy, isn't it? You tell the kid what to do, your bigger, so they do it!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Sorry, just had to! Well, KayLynn has reached that point where I am looking down the crossroads. And I now know that those parents reached this point with their children and for some reason gave up. And, but for the grace of God, I would too. It is hard. Very hard. I have never thought that mothers had an easy job. However, I had no idea what a constant job it is. It takes so much energy to have a happy, obedient, respectful child. You have to work at it, every minute. It does not happen in a vacuum. Even my sweet, obedient little girl needs the constant attention. She has to constantly be reminded that she can choose obedience. I have to teach her that she can, in fact, control herself.

OK - I will be off my tirade for a while, but I am sure that I will be back as tomorrow will be our first day as a pacifier-free household.

I have to paste my cousin Sarah's comment here, because it is short and to the point what I was trying to get at..."I have come to the conclusion my children are probably going to do and try everything I have seen and "hated" in other kids, but I think the difference isn't them it is us and our reaction, patience, consistancy and tolerance. They will try it, but what our response it is the important part."

Please let me clarify~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK I promise that I will add some pictures - especially to the post about my Montana trip. However, I did want to say that my last post was not a complaint, it was a realization. KayLynn is a very good girl. She is sweet and obedient most of the time. And, like Shari points out, she will lie down when you tell her to, her only complaint being tears. But, even my sweet daughter needs the constant love and attention. And I mean constant in a minute-by-minute way, not day-by-day. KayLynn is very easy going and puts up with a lot from me. The only regularity in her schedule is that Wed-Fri someone other than mom and dad will be babysitting her. She deals with it all very well and still manages to charm everyone she sees. My previous post was mostly a glimpse at what an amazing task the Lord has given us. I am thankful everyday for my little munchkin. I miss her when I am at work. Even when I am overwhelmed she shows me that she is completely worth it. Her little smile makes my day and I love my cuddles and eskimo kisses when I get home. On Mondays and Tuesdays she is waiting at the door when I come up the walk, and when it is not too cold or wet, Max takes her outside and lets her stand on the sidewalk and wait for me. There is no job more rewarding or fulfilling than being KayLynn's mama. Just so you know!

It takes a village

Here I sit at work (I know, I should be working, not blogging)... But I decided to do a "Thankful Thursday" I am thankful for so many things that I may miss some, but here I go...

1. An amazing husband. Max and I are coming up on being married two years, which is small to many of your 4/5/6/8 years! However, I enjoy him so much and I would rather be at home with him than at an amazing party with anyone else.

2. My cheeful little girl. When I had to get KayLynn up in the middle of the night (to pick up Max when he locked his key in the car) she woke up and just sat in her car seat, talking and coohing! Thankfully not the usually talking(screaming!). I love being a mother to her, both the challenges and the exciting times.

3. People like Leanne who watch my daughter when a babysitter falls through (and she is only five minutes away!).

4. My house. I know it is not amazing, but it is mine. I was actaully jealous a little while ago of someone who had a brandnew home with everything done. But after I went and bought my new rug, I remembered that I love my house. I love that we do every little thing - and thats what makes it ours, and HOME.

5. My job. Though I wish I were home with KayLynn; I am thankful that when we need it, the Lord has provided a job. There are many homes which are not blessed in this way. Especially now in this "economic crisis". So I am thankful that while we need, I can work.

6. Aunt Tam's car for two weeks. We got to be a two car family, and that was so nice and made many things easier.

7. My old, used van. Though having two cars was nice, we see eachother so much more when we have to go places together, drive eachother to work, etc. Not to mention, my van is sooo comfortable. I love it, I hope it never dies.

8. Brenda. I love getting to talk to my cousin Brenda. We understand eachother. Usually the conversation ends ubruptly when one of the other of us has heard crying, or thumps, or dinner burning, but I love talking to her anyway. She helps me keep my feet on the ground.

9. Kaeley. The easiest way to explain why I love Kaeley is that she is easy. Not to say that we don't talk about hard stuff, or sometimes disagree. However, even when that happens, I always love her. She is so real and down to earth. I never feel tired or overwhelemed when I am around her.

**Last but not least...
10. The Lord. I am so thankful to be lvoed to unconditionally by Him. I mess up, and sometimes a lot, but I always have Him to run to. When I am overwhelmed I can run to him.

God meant it for good.

Let me start this by saying, I go to bed between 9 and 10 every night.

*Sunday Night Michael Kristin stopped by for a few minutes and did not leave until 11:00pm. We had an un-planned mini-party and really enjoyed ourselves.

*Monday Night we had a WIV meeting that ran very late and I did not get home till 10:40pm.

*Last night, Max locked his keys in the car, in Marysville. Long story short, I had to get the baby up, go get the extra key from Grandpa and drive it up to him. At first I was very frustrated. However, as I started to drive I started to pray for my family, my friends and especially my ability to mother well. In my crasy hectic life it was so nice to have that hour and a half just to pray for those I love, and some teaching struggles I have been having.

**So, though I am tired, I am oddly refreshed and excited about what the Lord will bring today, although I am wishing He brings sleep, and maybe a massage!!!

Can you ever go wrong with roses?

On Monday night my husband picked me up from work with a dozen red roses! The reason you ask? He wanted to make sure that I knew he appreciated me!! The roses were not the end of it. He also made prosciutto covered pears, t-bone steaks, sourdough bread dipped in vinegar and balsamic and my choice of rasberry cheesecake or triple chocolate cheesecake - like that was a hard choice! We had such a nice evening.
Triple Chocolate all the way!

Where does all the love come from?

"If I had had her always I do not see how I could be more fond of her. And do people call it living who never had any children? Here is a sweet fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worthy at all cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all." ~Elizabeth Prentiss

As I watched a movie today where the baby was sick, I cried and thanked the Lord for my healthy little girl. What a heartbreaking thing to watch your child suffer. We have some friends whose son was born premature and he is in the hospital. Please keep them in your prayers as they visit him and work withe doctors to help him get stronger and come home.

Thank the Lord for your children.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Last night I went to the grocery store to finish up some Thanksgiving dinner shopping. As I was walking toward the potatoes a woman walked into me. Let me just tell you she was this tiny little thing – maybe about the same as Kjerste Whaley. She was very sorry – in fact she would not stop apologizing. She was worried that KayLynn was hurt. After trying to convince her that we were both fine and extricating myself from her KayLynn and I continues shopping. We ran into this woman probably five times in different aisles. The last time she finally asked to see the baby (who is “so adorable…look at those eyes!”), and told me that she is pregnant. This is her third, her first being 14 years old and the send, ten years old. She then told me that she was thinking about not keeping the baby. I could not believe that someone would be so bold as to tell a complete stranger that they were thinking of killing their unborn child because it really was not convenient. We talked for a while, and she told me all of her reasons for not wanting this child… “It’s so hard, “…“I already had my children,”…“I am so old (30 for those of you wondering),”…”I’m just not sure I can do it again.” It was so hard for me not to just be appalled. I realized that the Lord probably put my cart in her way for a reason. Well – no probably about it – HE DID IT. I told her what a blessing children are no matter what the timing. I told her how surprised and scared we were when we got pregnant. I am not sure that she listened to what I had to say, but I am praying for her – that maybe the Lord will work in heart to keep this child of hers. Please pray for her with me.

As I sit here next to my naked squirmy child, I wonder what I did before i had her. We all grow up knowing that the Lord gives us amazing gifts, although we rarely remember that. If my husband was not a daily reminder of this fact, my daughter is. I am so thankful to the Lord for the place in my heart she has filled.

We had her 4 month appointment Thursday. My little piggy weighs 14 pounds, 1.5 ounces. The nurse measured her at 26 inches - both the doc and I are a little sceptical. I showed the doc some red skin, behind the ears, under the armpits, and in her chubby thighs. I was pretty sure that it is because, like her mother and father, she has sensitive skin. The doctor confirmed this thought and due to her sensitive skin, he told me to let her have more naked time!

My daughter is yelling at me, I will have to come back to this post!!

Blessing after blessing

I have had the time this afternoon to read through all the blogs that I love. It has been a while since I have had enough time to sit down and read that much, so what a blessing. I love “hearing” what the Lord is doing for each of your families! And since a common theme is always thankfulness, let me just give you the top ten things that I am thankful for.

1. My husband. He takes such good care of me. Monday he sent me to Borders for an hour to relax and read (and get coffee!!!) while he watched the baby. While I was there he called me and told me to get a pedicure! As much as I hate to admit that I need anything, I have needed some “me” time. What a blessing to have a husband who knows it is important for me to be taken care of.


2. My beautiful baby girl. KayLynn is the easiest child in the world. Even when she is hard, she is easier than most. I love her more and more each day and am so thankful that the Lord entrusted her to me. Sometimes I just lay her on the bed and watch her play. I can’t even grasp the fact that she will some day grow up and leave me.


3. Baby-sitters/Aunt/Grandmothers - It is such a blessing to leave KayLynn with people who love her. My sister Mandy has been babysitting on Friday mornings before the baby goes to Tam’s house. This has been so nice. I didn’t quite realize how nice until she was gone the last two weeks and I had to be out of the house with the baby by 5:30am. Let me tell you how early that is!


4. My friend Kaeley. Kaeley is due November 3rd with her first child. Since about the middle of my pregnancy our friendship has grown. I have enjoyed getting to know her and having someone who is in a similar walk (pregnancy and motherhood) to talk with and even complain with.


5. A comfortable home. I just love my house. It is not perfect and there is still a lot that needs to be done in it – but it is mine!


6. My pink fluffy robe. When I was pregnant Shari bought it for me, and I love it. It is so soft and comfortable.


7. Other mothers (especially those of you who blog). I get such encouraging stories and advice from you all. It is a blessing to know that I am not alone in this quest.


8. A steady job. Even though I have days when I don’t want to be here – I am so happy to have such a great job.


9. Shari (Mimi). Shari has been so helpful in taking care of KayLynn sometimes more than once a week, and even going so far as coming to my house so I don’t have to get up early and helping with the dogs, food and house. From watching television, I used to think that all in-laws were horrible and that there was no way to actually enjoy them, but that is not the case. I am so thankful to have such a great mother-in-law.


10. Aunt Tam. Aunt Tam has helped me keep my head on straight through these adjusting times. I have not had the easiest adjustment time these last 3 months. She has helped me to remember what is important and to pray that the Lord gives me the desires of my heart like sleep, health, patience…


Praise the Lord for His innumerable blessings in my life. There are so many more, but not enough time to write them all down.

A Year of Blessings...

Today is Max and my one-year anniversary! I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me such a wonderful husband. I cannot imagine having enjoyed this year more, or having grown more in love with him than I was on our wedding day. Everyday I have more reasons to thank the Lord for giving me this man. I look forward to the future and Lord-willing, many more years together.

The traditional "First-Year" gift is supposed to be something paper. We intend to give eachother a birth certificate! It will probably be a few days late, but it will last forever!