The Rock Ranch is this awesome, you guessed it, RANCH, about an hour and a half away from our house. Truett Cathy (the Chick-fil-A creator) designed this ranch to be family-friendly with pumpkin rockets, slides, bounce houses, cattle grazing, paddle boats, petting zoo, and well, check out the video and you'll see what else. My brother and his family came into town, so with three almost-two-year-olds, this was a great idea. All the parents were worn out at the end of the day, but there was so much to do, and if you get there right when they open, NO LINES! It was a perfect day, weather-wise, with only one or two toddler melt-downs.
Enjoy the show.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Gimme a Break, Gimme a Break
Do you ever sit down after an especially tough and hectic week when you finally have a moment to yourself and think “Gosh, I could really use a break from life.”
I’ve had this thought off and on this whole week, but today was the final straw. I’ve just put Gideon down after getting off the phone with poison control (for the second time this week). Somehow he’s grown and was able to fish the Spray-N-Wash off the dryer. I don’t know if he squirted himself in the eye or if he got it on his hand and then wiped it right into his eyeball.
All I know is that he came walking into the living room where I was folding laundry on the sofa, and, holding out the spray, said, “Uh, oh.” Then he commenced to crying and rubbing his eye.
Jeff doesn’t know about this latest yet because I knew he’d have a mini heart attack and rush home. Instead, I wisely called my brother’s wife - - the doctor brother - - since they are in town visiting Alex and his family before heading down our way tomorrow. They consulted and decided it would be best to call poison control.
Have you ever called them? They really ought to be 911 dispatchers because they are so incredibly calm. I noticed that when I had to call on Tuesday after Gideon had somehow found the Lotrimin and had eaten it (yes, it’s for jock itch but works REALLY well on the worst kind of diaper rashes). I was told not to worry unless he’d eaten like 8 of the tubes.
However, the advice I was given today, I had already been trying. Have you ever tried to hold down a screaming two-year-old and run a continuous stream of water in his eye for 15 minutes? It’s nearly impossible. I switched to sloshing water in his eye from the sink…but even holding him still in this position was mostly unsuccessful.
All this transpired after two trips to the doctor because Scarlett had caught his cold and subsequently, her first ear infection. She wasn’t sleeping, wouldn’t be comforted, etc. Which woke Gideon up crying for several nights and he wouldn’t go back to sleep for 2 and then 3 hours. Talk about a miserable mama. That was two nights of no sleep, and then no nap because little Mr. Trouble decided he wasn’t going to nap (thus the Lotrimin incident). So, then back to the doctor he went where we discovered (surprise surprise) he wasn’t any better. Even that was a trial…went to CVS to pick up his medicine, got all the way home and realized his medicine was all powder and unmixed, whereupon, I had to go all the way back to CVS, where Jeff called me to hurry home because Gideon was crying and screaming for me. By then, it was WAY past his bedtime, he’d not napped, and we couldn’t choke his medicine down. Talk about a disaster of an evening.
I need a break from my life. There were other incidents, too, but I’m too tired to recount them. Is tomorrow Friday? Can I go ahead and say TGIF? Or is it too early?
I’ve had this thought off and on this whole week, but today was the final straw. I’ve just put Gideon down after getting off the phone with poison control (for the second time this week). Somehow he’s grown and was able to fish the Spray-N-Wash off the dryer. I don’t know if he squirted himself in the eye or if he got it on his hand and then wiped it right into his eyeball.
All I know is that he came walking into the living room where I was folding laundry on the sofa, and, holding out the spray, said, “Uh, oh.” Then he commenced to crying and rubbing his eye.
Jeff doesn’t know about this latest yet because I knew he’d have a mini heart attack and rush home. Instead, I wisely called my brother’s wife - - the doctor brother - - since they are in town visiting Alex and his family before heading down our way tomorrow. They consulted and decided it would be best to call poison control.
Have you ever called them? They really ought to be 911 dispatchers because they are so incredibly calm. I noticed that when I had to call on Tuesday after Gideon had somehow found the Lotrimin and had eaten it (yes, it’s for jock itch but works REALLY well on the worst kind of diaper rashes). I was told not to worry unless he’d eaten like 8 of the tubes.
However, the advice I was given today, I had already been trying. Have you ever tried to hold down a screaming two-year-old and run a continuous stream of water in his eye for 15 minutes? It’s nearly impossible. I switched to sloshing water in his eye from the sink…but even holding him still in this position was mostly unsuccessful.
All this transpired after two trips to the doctor because Scarlett had caught his cold and subsequently, her first ear infection. She wasn’t sleeping, wouldn’t be comforted, etc. Which woke Gideon up crying for several nights and he wouldn’t go back to sleep for 2 and then 3 hours. Talk about a miserable mama. That was two nights of no sleep, and then no nap because little Mr. Trouble decided he wasn’t going to nap (thus the Lotrimin incident). So, then back to the doctor he went where we discovered (surprise surprise) he wasn’t any better. Even that was a trial…went to CVS to pick up his medicine, got all the way home and realized his medicine was all powder and unmixed, whereupon, I had to go all the way back to CVS, where Jeff called me to hurry home because Gideon was crying and screaming for me. By then, it was WAY past his bedtime, he’d not napped, and we couldn’t choke his medicine down. Talk about a disaster of an evening.
I need a break from my life. There were other incidents, too, but I’m too tired to recount them. Is tomorrow Friday? Can I go ahead and say TGIF? Or is it too early?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Photo Gallery
There are several blogs I want to post, but between #2 child getting sick and the last three nights being horrible (mostly in part to the non-sick #1 child waking for 2-3 hours at a time) I have no mental energy for writing.
Here's a photo recap of Uncle Adrian's visit. Check him out on the tricycle. He can really move!
Here's a photo recap of Uncle Adrian's visit. Check him out on the tricycle. He can really move!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I Have a New Friend
I have a new friend. Her name is Kate. She found my blog and has been following my written life since Gideon’s birth and she doesn't even know me. Wow. She’s even more faithful than my own parents! They only check the blog when I tell them there are new pictures up of the babies. Kate, blessings on you. Feel free to write in anytime. I’m always up for being challenged, corrected, rebuked, or exhorted!
This new lady friend is military. You know I love the military, the Army especially. Dad is a retired Chaplain (Colonel) and Alpha 1 brother, Aaron, served for 3 or 4 years, Elliott is an Army Surgeon (Orthopaedic) and Austin is just beginning his lifelong career as a Chaplain. GO ARMY! Elliott and Austin are both preparing to head over to Iraq, probably within the next 6 months or so. I know their wives and the rest of my family would definitely appreciate prayers regarding the safety of their lives as well as the impact they will have on the soldiers around them.
Now, my newest friend gave me a challenge on the last blog. She asked the following, which sparked a very interesting conversation between my husband and myself. She asked this: “Since God created the church and the household to have a man "Head" do you think the same goes for country?? What are your thoughts on possibly having a woman head of the country?”
I admit I am not 100% sure of my convictions at this point, which is why I write. It helps me sort through things. Jeff, as usual made me think of the subject in a fairly new light….but I promise to post soon the collection of thoughts I do have on the subject, the great arguments he made for/against…and I encourage everyone to jump on board and let’s figure this thing out together.
It may be next week before I get to it. Between sick and incredibly cranky, teething children, preparation for class at church, and my baby brother coming to visit before he heads over to China for the next few years, my blog life will have to take a breather and simply soak in its new look. I admit. I saw a few other cool blogs that made me think it was time to update, and though I used to do web design, my skills, never great, are pretty pitiful these days. That plus laziness encouraged me to use a site that already did the hard work for me. Thanks Carleigh, for the heads up.
This new lady friend is military. You know I love the military, the Army especially. Dad is a retired Chaplain (Colonel) and Alpha 1 brother, Aaron, served for 3 or 4 years, Elliott is an Army Surgeon (Orthopaedic) and Austin is just beginning his lifelong career as a Chaplain. GO ARMY! Elliott and Austin are both preparing to head over to Iraq, probably within the next 6 months or so. I know their wives and the rest of my family would definitely appreciate prayers regarding the safety of their lives as well as the impact they will have on the soldiers around them.
Now, my newest friend gave me a challenge on the last blog. She asked the following, which sparked a very interesting conversation between my husband and myself. She asked this: “Since God created the church and the household to have a man "Head" do you think the same goes for country?? What are your thoughts on possibly having a woman head of the country?”
I admit I am not 100% sure of my convictions at this point, which is why I write. It helps me sort through things. Jeff, as usual made me think of the subject in a fairly new light….but I promise to post soon the collection of thoughts I do have on the subject, the great arguments he made for/against…and I encourage everyone to jump on board and let’s figure this thing out together.
It may be next week before I get to it. Between sick and incredibly cranky, teething children, preparation for class at church, and my baby brother coming to visit before he heads over to China for the next few years, my blog life will have to take a breather and simply soak in its new look. I admit. I saw a few other cool blogs that made me think it was time to update, and though I used to do web design, my skills, never great, are pretty pitiful these days. That plus laziness encouraged me to use a site that already did the hard work for me. Thanks Carleigh, for the heads up.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Clarification
I feel the need to qualify a couple of things written in my last post.
1. I, in no way, shape, or form consider myself to be a better mother than those who work and mother. As I stated in the last post, I recognize the challenges they face and the struggles of balancing both. I understand that some situations force that option, so I empathize with these women, especially those who want to stay home but cannot. But, I especially feel for single mothers who bear the entire burden of being both provider and nurturer all alone - - that is a test unlike any other. For myself, I have much still to learn about being a mother, and if my post came across as “me better than them” - - I apologize, for that certainly was not my intention, nor my goal. My husband and I have simply chosen God’s original design for the family to raise our children and following God’s way is always right and will always reap the most benefits for all involved. Anything else can work, but it is less than ideal and creates additional trials. I will always champion mothers who choose to stay home and for that I make no apologies; it is a sacrifice well worth making.
2. For the record: When I urge and refer to “mothers staying home” - - I am mostly referring to the developmentally fundamental time with children who are not yet of school age - - under 5. I have studied lots of “experts” (both Christian and secular) and the majority of them agree that “…the single biggest influence on a child is the quality of care he received in infancy and toddler days. During those early formative years, a child’s character begins to be fashioned.” AND “The parent’s presence creates an atmosphere in which unique family values and moral principles can be instilled in children. Children who spend most of their time with nonparental caregivers tend to develop the values and lifestyle of the one with whom they are spending the most time.” (Patterson, 115, 59) This is why I believe, so strongly, in mothers and mothering. By age 4, the stage has been set for a child’s future success or failure in life. I, personally, want all responsibility for the values that my children will adopt and for the kind of character they will display, and I know that no one, no matter how much I respect them, will be able to give my child the kind of love, attention, and moral guidance that I, their mother, should be able to. I chose these precious lives for the joys and rewards they would bring. Should I then abdicate the daily supervision and direction of their lives to someone else’s judgment when it is not necessary? For me, I will not.
3. Father’s play an equally important role in a child’s life, but that’s another hot topic for another pregnant-off-the-beam day.
4. Just as you are each allowed to have “beef” with me and my statements, I am allowed to take my very strong sentiments and worry about Sarah Palin’s choice of running for V.P. at this time, and if it can truly be what’s ideal and best for her young, needy baby. Like I said before, if her children were all school-aged or, better yet, teenagers, then I wouldn’t have nearly the concern as I do. I have heard people mention that her running for V.P. is for the greater good of the country because of what she stands for. I can only state that God is in control of the greater good of our country and he will ultimately direct events in history to fulfill his word. His primary concern is for each of us to be individually obedient to him. I do not pretend to know the will of God for Mrs. Palin’s life, but I do know what God says his best is for each and every child, born and unborn - - to have a loving, nurturing home where every child can grow in the safety and knowledge of caring concern and where their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met and can be translated into what’s most important, a spiritual connection and understanding of God and form a lasting relationship with him, living, then, not for oneself or one’s ambition, but to bring honor and glory to the one who breathed his breath of life into every creature.
1. I, in no way, shape, or form consider myself to be a better mother than those who work and mother. As I stated in the last post, I recognize the challenges they face and the struggles of balancing both. I understand that some situations force that option, so I empathize with these women, especially those who want to stay home but cannot. But, I especially feel for single mothers who bear the entire burden of being both provider and nurturer all alone - - that is a test unlike any other. For myself, I have much still to learn about being a mother, and if my post came across as “me better than them” - - I apologize, for that certainly was not my intention, nor my goal. My husband and I have simply chosen God’s original design for the family to raise our children and following God’s way is always right and will always reap the most benefits for all involved. Anything else can work, but it is less than ideal and creates additional trials. I will always champion mothers who choose to stay home and for that I make no apologies; it is a sacrifice well worth making.
2. For the record: When I urge and refer to “mothers staying home” - - I am mostly referring to the developmentally fundamental time with children who are not yet of school age - - under 5. I have studied lots of “experts” (both Christian and secular) and the majority of them agree that “…the single biggest influence on a child is the quality of care he received in infancy and toddler days. During those early formative years, a child’s character begins to be fashioned.” AND “The parent’s presence creates an atmosphere in which unique family values and moral principles can be instilled in children. Children who spend most of their time with nonparental caregivers tend to develop the values and lifestyle of the one with whom they are spending the most time.” (Patterson, 115, 59) This is why I believe, so strongly, in mothers and mothering. By age 4, the stage has been set for a child’s future success or failure in life. I, personally, want all responsibility for the values that my children will adopt and for the kind of character they will display, and I know that no one, no matter how much I respect them, will be able to give my child the kind of love, attention, and moral guidance that I, their mother, should be able to. I chose these precious lives for the joys and rewards they would bring. Should I then abdicate the daily supervision and direction of their lives to someone else’s judgment when it is not necessary? For me, I will not.
3. Father’s play an equally important role in a child’s life, but that’s another hot topic for another pregnant-off-the-beam day.
4. Just as you are each allowed to have “beef” with me and my statements, I am allowed to take my very strong sentiments and worry about Sarah Palin’s choice of running for V.P. at this time, and if it can truly be what’s ideal and best for her young, needy baby. Like I said before, if her children were all school-aged or, better yet, teenagers, then I wouldn’t have nearly the concern as I do. I have heard people mention that her running for V.P. is for the greater good of the country because of what she stands for. I can only state that God is in control of the greater good of our country and he will ultimately direct events in history to fulfill his word. His primary concern is for each of us to be individually obedient to him. I do not pretend to know the will of God for Mrs. Palin’s life, but I do know what God says his best is for each and every child, born and unborn - - to have a loving, nurturing home where every child can grow in the safety and knowledge of caring concern and where their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met and can be translated into what’s most important, a spiritual connection and understanding of God and form a lasting relationship with him, living, then, not for oneself or one’s ambition, but to bring honor and glory to the one who breathed his breath of life into every creature.
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