What a Week {and it's only Wednesday}

It has been a long time since my last post, but this week has been so eventful that it would be a crime not to write about it!

We started the week like any other - - Sunday was sunny and we had some family fun shopping at Target with money that we don't have.  You know how a tri to Target goes... you go in for chap stick and end up paying $200 at the register for the many things that you never knew you needed!  When we walked in, we headed straight for the carts that can hold three kids.  I'm so glad they have those.  Target is a sanctuary for me.  If I couldn't strap my kids down in my sacred place and push them wherever I waned them to go, I can't imagine where else I would go to get a little peace (and buy a pretty pink handbag at the same time!).  Hubby was with us that day, and of course the Love Bug asked if he could walk.  Are you sitting down, ladies?  My wonderful husband almost let our 2-year-old walk!  Don't worry - - I caught the child before the words were uttered and got him pinned between the plastic seat and the straps.  It was a close one, though!

On Monday hubby's alarm didn't go off, so he had to take the car.  The Peanut cried all morning (no, I'm not exaggerating).  Hubby texted to see how my day was going, and this is the picture I sent him:

Crying and crying and crying and finally fell asleep while I carried him around trying to get some things done!  The little stinker.

When the babysitter got to the house, I caught a ride with a friend in to work.  What a blessing that car ride was!  If you ever need encouragement, just let your husband take your car for the day and ask a friend to pick you up.  I got some much-needed time with her because of a faulty alarm clock, and I am so grateful for that time!  When I got home, I tossed the kids in their cribs for nap time and thought I could get some work done.  Little did I know, I would get a total of 10 minutes to myself that day.  The Love Bug got his leg stuck in his crib.  I wish I had taken pictures, but he was so upset I couldn't really do anything other than cry with him.  He got it caught all the way up above his knee, and he was really jammed in there.  I did my best to get it out myself, but I just couldn't.  Finally, I called 9-1-1 for the second time in my life.  They send 3 firefighters and an ambulance.  It took all three of them to get his leg out of the crib, but to my surprise they didn't have to cut the bars at all!




The next day was a tiny bit worse in terms of baby crying... but we definitely had a better nap time!

It took me forever to get this little man to sleep because he was teething so bad yesterday.  He slept for a little less than an hour, but it was enough time for me to eat my lunch!  I also was able to talk with my accountability partner and dear friend, which was absolutely wonderful!  If you don't have an accountability partner, you need one!

This morning was the icing on the cake that has been my week... and it's only Wednesday!  I hope there aren't sprinkles or fancy lettering in store for us in the next few days...

The boys actually let me sleep until 7:15 this morning!  I jumped out of bed ready to seize the day as any mother of two boys under 3 would - - slowly and groggily.  I decided to get the Love Bug up first {dun dun duuuuun} and then feed the Peanut.  Well, while I was changing a dirty diaper before 8am, my toddler was downstairs chug-alugging the brand new bottle of Infant's Advil!

I'm so grateful for our pediatrician.  She gave me the number for Poison Control (which I wrote down incorrectly and reached "New York's Hottest Talk Line") and reassured me that he would probably be fine because he's... well, a bigger kid.  Once I found the correct number for Poison Control, the nicest lady calmly told me that my oldest baby would have a belly ache and that's probably about it.

What a week!  I'm hoping for some sort of normalcy to rest upon my family within the next few days.

Riches amidst the Rags:
- Wonderful car ride with a friend
- Great first responders who kept me and my Love Bug calm and safe during a state of panic
- Sitting in a Fire Truck (for fun - - not out of necessity!)
- Wonderful chat with another friend
- Infant's Advil to help a teething baby
- Maggie from Poison Control when that Advil was downed by my 2-year-old
- A great pediatrician
- Great friends who have been praying for us this week
- A good night's sleep for all of us last night
- Popcorn and conversation with hubby last night
- Target

Hardest Job in the World??

There was a video that went viral the other day about the job of a mother - - and how it's the hardest job in the world.  It was a cool video, actually.  Very clever.  But it has sparked a lot of conversation about whether or not mothering truly is the hardest job in the world?

I've actually been thinking about this question for a while now - - a friend of mine had posted an article on Facebook that questioned this thesis that being a stay-at-home parent is not actually the hardest job in the world.  I didn't read the article, but I read some of my friends' responses to this post, and was quite insulted by what some people had to say about what I do.

Here's the thing: Of course mothering is not the hardest job in the world!  Duh!  There are people in the bonds of slavery in our own country.  There are children working for pennies a day.  I have it much better than a lot of people.  But I think what people are trying to say when they state that parenthood is the hardest job in the world is that it's harder than you might think.

There are so many rewards to mothering, and I don't think anyone would argue with that.  I don't think I have to even mention how it feels when my son calls me "mama" or when he walked for the first time, or the joys of teaching them about Jesus.  Being a mother is so very rewarding, and it's the highest calling I have.  But the rewards don't take away from how difficult my job is.

What makes mothering hard is that people constantly need me.  There is very little time to care for myself, because I'm caring for my adorable little redheads.

What makes mothering hard is the physical reaction that only I have to my kids.  There are mothers who breastfeed until their nipples bleed (admittedly, not I!).  When my kids cry, it physically hurts me.  I delivered these children, and my body will never be the same.  It still is painful to do some simple things.  Postpartum depression sets in and I'm gone for the day.  Stay-at-home dads can't even relate to that.

What makes mothering hard is the sleepless nights.  Last night my OLDEST son was up at least once every hour.  When he's not up, the Peanut is up.  When they're both sleeping, I can't because I'm waiting to hear one of them cry, or worrying about how to pay for college.

What makes mothering hard is the tremendous pressure I am under.  There are pressures to choose the right foods, discipline techniques, schools, toys, books.  Pressures to raise my boys, keep them alive, teach them to love Jesus, and help them become the men they are supposed to grow into.  I can't imagine a pressure higher than that.

I love being a mother, and I am rewarded {almost} every day by my kids.  But don't ever discount what I do, and don't pretend that you have any idea about how easy or hard my job is.  If you do, just know that I'm sleep deprived and could at any moment burst into tears or slap you across the face.  Because I'm a mother.

Things I Do & Don't Do

At a MOPS meeting recently, a friend mentioned something she had learned once from a speaker: Make a list of things you do and things you don't do.

I love this idea!  There are so many things that I try to do because I feel pressured to do them - - whether it's pressure from myself, my friends, Pinterest, Facebook, whatever!  But the things I do because I feel pressured to do them get in the way of the things that I want to do that I'm actually good at and want to make a priority!  So here's my list - - or at least a preliminary list.  The things in red are things I am trying to do (or not to do) - - goals.  :)

It is a priority of mine to support and respect my husband.

• I make his lunch whenever I can
• I ask him about his day
• I pray for him throughout the day
• I touch him, and let him touch me
• I look my best when he walks in the door
• I greet him with a smile

...so:

• I don't play with the kids 30 minutes before hubby gets home, to give myself time to get ready for him
• I don't wear provocative clothing (in public), to respect the fact that I am his and his alone
• I don't always clean the dishes after dinner, to make time for us and to have energy for him

It is a priority of mine to be the best mother I can be.

• I make homemade dinners at least 4 times a week
• I teach my kids to pray before meals and before bed
• I pray for my kids and my husband
• I get up when my kids get up
• I keep the house manageably clean
• I prioritize Fridays as family days
• I don't fight with my husband in front of the kids

...so:

• I don't make homemade bread, because I've tried and I'm bad at it
• I don't breastfeed (anymore), because I was giving my boys the worst of myself when I felt tied down with breastfeeding
• I don't swear, because I don't want my boys to
• I don't let just anyone watch my boys, because not everyone has the same values that I do
• I don't listen to whining, because I want my boys to know how to communicate effectively

{This list could be longer - - of things I do and things I don't do - - but I'll stop there, and won't get on my soap box at this time about how I mother my kids.  You're welcome.}

It is a priority of mine to be the best minister I can be.

• I go in to the church early on Sundays
• I pray before starting curriculum
• I work hard on my church duties when I'm at church, and often during nap time at home
• I make an effort to keep in touch with people from church throughout the week
• I pray for my volunteers

...so:

• I don't tell you I'll pray for you when I won't, because prayer is powerful and if you think I'm praying for you it's important that I am
• I don't stay late on Sundays very often, because everyone deserves to get the very best of me and I've been there since 6:30am

It is a priority of mine to make myself a priority. (Yes, I need to work on this one...)

• I get the sunlight I need whenever possible
• I eat at least two meals a day
• I connect with my accountability partner weekly
• I buy myself clothes when I need them
• I rest during nap time
• I get some sort of salon procedure done once a month (i.e. pedicure, waxing, etc.)
• I eat as much chocolate as I want
• I exercise
• I get fresh air
• I spend time alone or with friends, out of the house and away from the kids
• I keep myself clean (spit-up, drool, poop, etc. doesn't stay on me)

...so:

• I don't do most crafts I find on Pinterest, because they frustrate me and take up all my alone time
• I don't do any housework (except laundry) during nap time, to give myself time to relax
• I don't run very many errands with the boys, because it exhausts me and so I have things to do outside the house after hubby gets home

That's all I can think of right now!  These ideas have been brewing in my head for a while now, so it's nice to get them down on "paper."  Thanks for reading!

Birth Story: The Peanut

I've been wanting to write this post for a long time. I need to get it down on paper before I forget the details!

On December 7th, 2013 I went into labor with my second baby. It was a Saturday, and we go to church on Saturday night. I really didn't want to miss church, so we went... contractions and all! Communion was served that night, and as soon as it was our turn to stand up a contraction hit. I think I gave one of our staff members a bit of a scare that the baby was going to be born right there in the church! Little did we know that our peanut wasn't going to come until we forced him out!

The rest of the evening was spent waiting. It was a much different experience than with the Love Bug, especially because we had to work out a babysitter who could get to our house in time for me to deliver at the hospital. We waited out the contractions, and when they became more difficult to bear, I called my midwife and we are off to the hospital! My mom came to watch the Love Bug, who was already in bed.

At the hospital I was about to get quite frustrated about many different things. First, the front desk didn't have any of my paperwork... Which I had brought in a week or two before. So I had to sit there contracting by she asked me my name, date of birth, due date... And my red head had smoke coming out of its ears while there was a baby trying to tunnel its way out of me.

When we were finally brought to a room, I was checked, and told said I could leave her in the bathtub. I did so for a while, and in the tub contractions stopped. When I was checked again, I haven't had any strong contractions for close to an hour. The midwife admitted me anyway, because I had shown some progression.

Hubby and I spent the night in the hospital. No more contractions. Just a very uncomfortable couch for him, and being checked every couple of hours for me.

On Sunday, I was told that I could either go home or have them break my water. Going home was not an option in my mind, so I flooded the delivery room!

Still no contractions.

For hours, I bounced on a birthing ball, watch The Cosby Show, took walks and did everything imaginable to try to start labor. I even tried pumping milk! It was a terrible, terrible experience.

I was trying to avoid having an IV , because I have a phobia of needles. They offered me Petocin a couple times, & I turned them down. I was determined to have this baby with no needles!

But if you've ever bounced on a yoga ball for 6 hours straight, you will understand the desperate need I had to get this baby out of my body! I finally conceded and let them stick me.

The medicine brought on contractions strong and fast. I think I got my first dose around 630 pm and I know that I had my baby within an hour! They gave me medicine to help me sleep through some of the pain, which was absolutely wonderful.

Since it was my second baby, his wife let me call the shots on when I wanted to push. I was so ready after 24 hours of trying to get this baby out of me but I'm pretty sure I started pushing quite a bit early. But I pushed for 10 minutes, and we had our Peanut!

Best Feeding Method for my Family

DISCLAIMER: This post includes MY opinions about what works best for MY family in terms of feeding.  I don't judge you, you don't judge me.  Okay?  {By reading on you are agreeing to not judge} :)  Thanks!

When my Peanut was born, I planned to try breastfeeding.  Once breastfeeding was going well, I made it my goal to nurse him for 6 months (and in the back of my mind, if I made it to 3 months I would consider that a huge success!).

Well, the Peanut got his first taste of formula at 2 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days old.  And let me tell you, it's the best thing I've done for our family since coming home from the hospital!

I love that I exclusively breastfed for as long as I did.  I'm proud of myself for making it that long - - significantly longer than I made it with the Love Bug!  I know that "Breast is Best."  I'm not arguing with that - - it just makes sense that the best nutrition for my baby would be what God gave me to feed him!  Doy, people.  God knows what He's doing!  But for my family, right now, a combination of breastmilk AND {brace yourself} formula is best.

When I was exclusively breastfeeding, I was in a slump.  I don't want to go so far as to say I hated breastfeeding, but... well, I hated breastfeeding.  I formula-fed my firstborn, so I was used to being able to look into my son's eyes while feeding him.  I couldn't do that while breastfeeding.  I also couldn't leave the house without pumping my brains out, which made it so difficult to do anything that made me feel like a normal human being.  I didn't like being the only one who could feed him, because I also wanted to be able to make dinner each night, regardless of when the Peanut needed to be fed.

After two months of feeling more like a milk maid than a mom, I finally talked to my husband about introducing formula.  Here's what we came up with:

I would nurse him when he woke up first thing in the morning (usually between 6-7am)
He would get bottles of formula all through the day, until 7pm
I would pump during nap time
I would nurse him at bedtime (7pm) and throughout the night whenever he woke up (usually between 11:30-12:30 and 3-4am when we started out)
The milk I pump is being saved in the freezer for the day he does turn 6 months old and I really am done with breastfeeding all together - - that way, he'll still be able to get at least a little breastmilk after I'm done.

OH.  MY.  GOODNESS.  What a difference it made!  Not only am I happier, but my kids have their mama back.  I can now cherish the time I spend holding my Peanut for his feedings.  I can look him in the eye and he'll even stop once in a while to smile at me.  He's still getting the nutrients of my breastmilk, without making me feel like a milkmaid all day long.  I can bring him to the babysitter and go to work without pumping while I get dressed in the morning.  And hubby can feed him, too!

Happy baby AND mama after first taste of formula!

This is what is working for our family.  I know that Breast is Best, and that's why he's still getting that milky goodness, too.  If you're considering stopping breastfeeding, I encourage you to consider a similar schedule, where you nurse half the time and use formula the other half.  Be aware of what it will do to your milk supply, though!  I anticipate I'll be done nursing and pumping by the time he's 6 months old (which is the way I want it - - but make sure you are okay with what it will do to your body).  Do your research!  Here are some links that really helped me:

Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding Infographic
The Common Misconceptions of Formula Feeding Mothers
How I Stored 300 ounces of Breastmilk in 3 Months
Timeline of a Breastfed Baby

Happy feeding - however you choose!

Lessons from 2013

About a year ago (at the turn of 2013), I posted what I had learned over the course of 2011-2012.  I was looking back on my posts from last January, just to see where I was a year ago.  It was so interesting to read about the lessons God had taught me in that time, which now seems so long ago.  My post from January 2013 made me want to write a similar one for this year: What I learned in 2013.

As I look back on my year, there is one theme that stands out in my mind: Community.  I have posted about this before, but it really was such a prevalent theme in my year, that it deserves a deeper look.

God has revealed to me three specific aspects of community in 2013 that I really don't want to forget.  The first is The Importance of Community.  If I were to be completely honest with myself (and those of you reading this post), I spend most of 2012 being lonely.  In fact, I have spend most of my life feeling lonely.  The longevity of my loneliness is probably the reason why I never really thought that there was anything else.  The importance of community never dawned on me until I truly experienced it.  When we moved to our current hometown, I was a little worried that we were moving further from family, but I was so excited to be near our church.  Even before we were here, God gave me a sense of peace that we would find new and long-lasting relationships when living closer to our church family.  That's exactly what our church became for us once we moved here: a family.  I can't imagine going back to the way things were before we were here.  Even on days when I don't see or talk to anyone but my kids and husband, I know that I have a support system here.  I know that there are people who genuinely care about me and who are really praying for me.

Photo taken by Kelley

That leads me to the second thing I learned in 2013: The Meaning of Having a Community.  It is one thing to go through the motions of church and not really get connected; it is something entirely different to experience the fellowship that church was designed to be, and to develop lasting relationships that make a difference in your life.  For me, having a community means that there are people whom I can ask for help (even though I'm not always good at that... I'm working on it!) when I'm in a tough spot.  It means that when I need prayer, there are people ready and so willing to pray for me.  Having a community means there are people to get out of the house with (or who will happily babysit my kids for me) when I get stir-crazy.  I have a support system that I know God is using to make me a better person.  Having a community sometimes means there will be people who call me out when I'm out of line.  They'll whip me back into shape so that I am being the best Elizabeth that I can be.  I am so grateful to have support systems in the forms of my small group, my accountability partner (which is someone I just paired up with this year - - and it's one of the best things I did in 2013!), the ministry I am part of at church, my neighbors, Facebook groups, MOPS, fellow staff members, and my family.


Photo taken by Tim



Photo from Jan's camera



Photo taken by Mark



Photo taken by Greg

The Meaning and Importance of Being Part of a Community is the third lesson that stands out to me from 2013.  I confess I am still working on this one (though, if I'm honest, I'm still working on all of these points).  As a part of the community, I have a responsibility to my friends.  It's not an obligation, though - - it's something I want to do as a member of the community.  I want to talk on the phone with these people, I want to help them take care of their kids, laugh with them, and lift them up in prayer.  I want to be by their side when they are hurting, and at their kids' birthday parties.  It is so meaningful to not only have the support system in place for myself, but to actually be that person for someone else!  I've been that person for people in the past, sure - - but never in the context of community like I've felt this past year.  It is for this reason that I am so grateful for these lessons that the Lord has taught me this year.

To those of you through whom God has taught me these lessons this year, thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Thank you for being my truest friends, and for sticking by me closer than a brother.

The Smaller Things

I've decided to stop stressing about what I accomplish during the day, and start enjoying the smaller things... because really, the smaller things are not small at all!

Today's accomplishments: I trimmed both the boys' nails, did one load of dishes, and cleaned up all of the toys in the house at the end of the day.  I also swept and mopped the downstairs quickly while waiting for our pizza to be delivered (yes, that's right - - I didn't even make dinner!!).

Today's joys: I snuggled with the Peanut, had lunch with the Love Bug, we went shopping with very few tears, I bought a new purse, and almost every time my son asked to sit in my lap, I was able to say yes!  I got some work done for church (which I consider pure joy).  I even got some quality time with my husband before he was called in to work today (last day of being on call, and he gets a three day weekend)!

I'm glad today's joys outweighed the accomplishments, because finding joy in what you do is so much more important than finishing tasks.

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!" ~ Psalm 126:3

Gotta love nap time!

Family Update

Tonight I laid down on the couch after a long day to watch a movie, and a Hot Wheels car fell on my head.  It sent me into a state of euphoria.  I love being the mother of boys!

3 Days Old

1 Day Old

3 Days Old

Our Peanut was born about a month ago, and we are starting to settle into a routine.  Of course, I'm expecting that routine to be flipped upside-down any minute now that I'm getting used to it... because that's how it goes with kids.  But for a split second I am feeling somewhat in control.

1 Month Old

At some point I'll share my birth story, but not tonight.  I am devastated that we might have lost all of our pictures from the Peanut's first few days because our SD card won't read in any computer we try it in.  When Hubby gets a chance, he'll try to make it work, but it's not looking good.  For now, we have pictures from my parents' camera.

When Peanut was a week old, we celebrated Christmas with Hubby's side of the family.  It was SO nice!!  Almost all of his siblings and their families were there (he has 10 siblings spread out along the East coast, so that's quite an accomplishment!) as well as his parents.  So many family members got to meet the newest member of the family, which was such a blessing.  The Love Bug got some time with his cousins, which until this year, he hadn't really been interested in playing with other kids.  It was so nice seeing him take an interest in the other kids close to his age!

We also celebrated Christmas with my family, which was equally as nice - but not quite so chaotic!  I only have two sisters, and I am the only one with kids so far, so our Christmas is a lot different!  But just as special.  It was so nice being with family, and spending the day at my parents' house!  We actually do have a picture from that day, from my parents' camera:

Christmas Day 2013

I am just so grateful for all the family time we have had in the past month!  Hubby was able to take about a week and a half off to stay home with us and take care of the boys and me, which was such a blessing.

Today a blizzard hit our hometown, so the boys and I stayed snuggled up inside.  We even stayed in our PJs all day!  Hubby's been working his little tail off fixing people's heat - - no snow day when you're the one fixing things!  I'm very proud that I've been able to get the boys down for bed at a reasonable time the past two nights all by myself, and it's actually been kinda nice having some time to myself.  Last night I got all the laundry washed, dried, folded, AND put away!  Tonight I took an hour and a half long bath and watched a movie.  I do miss my hubby, though.

Here are a few pictures from our Snow Day today:

"Baby in! Baby in!" He was so excited to be "in" with the baby :)

He kept moving around so much that this was the best picture I could get of him!  He's such a boy... and I love it!

Hubby's still out in the blizzard, though he says the roads are much better now.  It still makes me so nervous that he's driving around in this weather... but I'm glad that he can do something to help people who don't have heat!  Praying he'll be home safe and sound soon - - and heading to bed.  Goodnight!

Dear Baby Boy

My Darling Son,

Tomorrow is your due date!  How I've longed for this day.  I just can't wait to see your cute little face and hold your little hands in mine.  Your daddy is just as excited, and your big brother is anxious to rock you in your cradle.  He's been practicing with his Lego people.

I know that tomorrow is the day you're officially "fully baked" and allowed to come out, but in the grand scheme of 9 months, one day won't matter that much.

Little Bity, if you wait until tomorrow (or later) to come, it doesn't just affect you and me any more.  Grandpa has to leave town tomorrow, and he won't be back for another week.  If you don't come today, you won't get to meet him until you're a week old.  I know what you're thinking - - you could just swim around in there for another week.  Well, if you do that, we'll miss Goodberry Christmas.  Yep, it's a week from tomorrow.  Even coming now puts us in a tight spot to get used to being out of the house before December 15.

Not convinced?

Daddy is on call through Thursday, unless you come.
Mommy is getting more and more uncomfortable each day.
You'll have more room to stretch out here!!
I have candy!

I know your brother waited 6 days after his due date to come - - perhaps you're feeling like it's unfair I'm putting so much pressure on you.  Well, my sweetie, fair isn't always equal.  Love Bug came in his own time, and he came in time to meet everyone before they moved to North Carolina.  You can come in your own time, too, but I'm asking that you come today!

Yes, it's cold out here - - but I will keep you warm.
Yes, it's loud - - but we will all speak soft.
Yes, it's scary - - but it will be a lot less scary when we're all together.
Yes, there are tears - - but there are also tears of joy.

You have already brought us so much joy, Little Bity.  I can't imagine loving you more than I do at this moment, and yet I know that my love for you will continue to overflow with each day of your life.  I just can't wait any more!

Boogers and Spray Paint

It all started this morning, when I looked down and realized that I still can't see my feet.  Yup, those three hours of painful contractions and pushing had only been a dream.  So with a couple of heaves I literally rolled myself out of bed and went downstairs to say goodbye to my husband.  He asked what I had planned for the day.  Well, nothing.  Maybe going into labor, so I can't really plan anything!  So he gives me a few ideas (errands, really) and heads out to work, phone on its loudest setting just in case.

By 9:15 I had:
- Showered
- Eaten breakfast, and fed the Love Bug
- Called the pediatrician
- Dressed the toddler
- Got out the door

Success!!  Already a productive day, in my book.

We went to the OBGYN to turn in my pre-registration paperwork for the hospital, and fill out my birth plan.  At the office I felt like supermom - - I was very patient, let Love Bug push all the buttons for the elevator and opening handicap doors.  I had even thought to bring along the Kindle so he could play while I did paperwork in the waiting room.  As I loaded my son back into the car, though, I noticed a streak of boogers across my coat that had obviously been there for a while.

Like any supermom, I went searching for the wipes that I keep in the car for just this reason.  The diaper bag was nowhere to be found.  Concluding that my prego brain must have put it in the freezer, I decided there was nothing left to do but continue my errands, snot and all.  So I proceeded to go to the bank (luckily I just had to use the ATM - - no people), gas station, Home Deopt, and Michaels.

Now, my son loves to shop.  One of the reasons he loves shopping is because he gets to greet everyone we come in contact with.  So as I'm pushing the cart around hoping nobody notices my son's runny nose that has made its way all over me, he's doing his best to make everyone in the store look at him.  "Hi! Hi! Hi," he says, until each person looks at him.  Adorable.

Boogers aside, I was able to get the things I need to make shelves for our new little Peanut's room!!  Now I just have to figure out where I can use spray paint...

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

It's been a long time...

It's been so long since I last posted!!  There has been so much going on.  Here's our family update:

We're pregnant!!  Our "Little Bity" boy will be born in early December of this year.  I hit the third trimester yesterday!  Go me!

Love Bug is walking, talking, backtalking, climbing, and everything else that a 1.5 year-old should be doing.  He is SO funny!!

We have a new pastor at our church, who is absolutely wonderful!

Hubby got a new job installing and fixing A/C and furnaces.  And if I can just brag for a minute - - he got his license to buy and install refrigerants in the mail yesterday!  I might not understand everything that he does (...or much of what he does at all...), but I'm so proud of all that he has been learning and of all the hard work he has been doing.

I started writing a book, and I also started writing my own curriculum for Children's Ministries.

Most recently, hubby and I have been talking about the possibility of my going to seminary full-time next semester (after the baby's born) to finish the ordination process, which I started about 8 years ago.  Prayers in that area would be much appreciated!!

Well, now I'm remembering why I haven't posted in so long... writer's block hits as soon as I sit down at the computer!  Maybe if I keep up with posts regularly, I won't have this problem.

Until next time!  (And may that be sooner than the last time I said that...)

Easter Gifts for Childcare Workers

At my church, the nursery is almost always open - - something I am very grateful for, as the mother of a 14-month-old who loves to move around and talk (loudly) during service.

I wanted to give the nursery workers a small gift of appreciation for their dedication to helping young families like ours enjoy the services on Easter.  I have no money, and I am not very crafty.  This is what I came up with (and I'm a little proud of them!).

 

 

Cookies in baggies - - cost me no money because I had all the ingredients on hand... and the baggies as well.  I was tempted to run to the store and grab some (off-budget) cuter bags, but I resisted.

 

Those little flowers I have had in my crafting box for a long time now.  Same with the cardstock.

 

What are you doing for the childcare workers at your church this Easter?  Did this post inspire you?  Leave me some love!

 

7 Things that Every New Babysitter Should Know

We recently had a newbie babysitter watching our little love bug while we went out for a class in town.  She had watched him a few times at her house, under the "supervision" of her parents.  We were so excited to help this young lady out as she learned how to babysit.

I have been thinking a lot about my first babysitting experiences lately.  I started babysitting quite young.  When I started babysitting, I had already gained a lot of experience working with kids through my church.  There were a lot of things that I didn't know, though.  Here is a list of 10 things that every new babysitter should know - - from a new mom who started babysitting very young.

#7 - - Just because a child can crawl or walk doesn't mean s/he can get down from the couch or bed
Never leave a very young child unattended on the couch or bed.  If the child sleeps in a bed rather than a crib, you should be good.

#6 - - If you wouldn't call the parents to ask them, don't text them.
Although parents will tell you that you can text or call about anything, they don't want you to unless you really need to.  If you want to text them something positive, that's another story!  Especially if it's your first time babysitting for the family or if you had to pry the child off of mom's leg, text a picture of their child smiling!  Don't text the parents if it's not important enough for you to call them.  You will be interrupting their night out which they are paying you for.

#5 - - Sometimes it takes an hour or more to put a child to bed.
Don't be surprised if your first time babysitting it takes a very long time to get the child to go to sleep.  Try a variety of techniques, and make sure that you know the child's normal routine.  Remember that the first time you put a child to bed will set the stage for the rest of your babysitting visits.  Stand your ground - - bedtime means bedtime.

#4 - - Always clean up after yourself!!
This is a big one.  If you want to disappoint the parent, leave all the dishes in the sink and toys all over the floor.  If you want to impress the parent, do all the dishes and have everything cleaner than it was when you came!  Somewhere in between there is what you should always be doing, though - at least rinse the dishes that you used, and clean up the toys that the kids played with while you were there.

#3 - - Get back to the parents in a timely manner
When the parents text/call/email you, always get back to them as soon as you possibly can.  It's fine to ask your parents before you respond, but do it ASAP.  The parents of the kids that you babysit should never have to ask your parents anything for you.

#2 - - It's okay to tell the parents what you charge per hour
If you're a beginner babysitter, start out around $3/hour.  You can charge a different amount for each family for which you babysit based on how many kids they have and the ages.  Don't go over $5/hour, though.  We pay the babysitter that just started babysitting $3/hr and we pay the more experienced, college-aged babysitter $5/hr to watch our one-year-old son.

...and the #1 thing you need to know...

#1 - - Have fun!!

Stay-At-Home Mama's Paycheck

This is just for fun today - - I was thinking about how much I might be paid if I were a "professional" Stay-at-Home Mom... here's what I came up with!

Choose how you would be paid, and calculate it!  It's fun :)

Childcare - - Minimum Pay $80.41/day, or $402.05/week
Classroom Teacher - Work 7:30-6:30, with two one-hour breaks for nap time = 9 hours a day at $7.25/hr
...if you have early childhood credits, add another $.25/hr for each credit
...if you have a college degree, add another $.75/hr

At the very minimum - - $65.25 per day

Daycare Director (if you push paperwork for your child's medical care, babysitters, etc.) - ~2 hours per month = 4 minutes/day at $10/hr
...if your child has special needs, add more time based on how much paperwork there is
...if you have a business degree, add another $5/hr
...if you have more than one child, double, triple, quadruple the time accordingly

At the very minimum - - $.66 per day

Extra Help (if you have children with special needs) - 2 hours per day at $7.25/hr
...if you have a degree in special education, you should be making around $10/hr (and add more if you have graduate degrees)
...depending on the extent of the needs of your child, add more time

At the very minimum - - $14.50 per day

Housework - - Minimum Pay $19/day, or $95/week
You'll have to calculate your own housework hours, based on how big your house is
Minimum 1 hour per day at an average of $15/hr
...if you have experience cleaning houses professionally, use the rate you used when you cleaned
...if you make your own cleaners, add in the hours spent making them and the money you saved your family

Laundry - - $4/load, averaging 1 load a day for a small family = $4/day, or $20/week
...if you wash your clothes by hand, calculate your pay hourly based on time you spend actively washing/hanging/folding clothes at $8/hr
...if you hang-dry your machine-washed clothes, add $.50 per load for saving your family money
...add another $1/hr per child in your family (add another $1/hr for each child if you hand-wash)

At the very minimum - - $4 per day

Bill Paying - - Minimum Pay $3.11/day, or $21.77/week
Taxes - Once a year, if you do your own $30/hour (add $5 for each year of experience you have doing this) for 3 hours

At the very minimum - - $.25 per day

($90 per year / 365 days)

 

Monthly Bills - $2 per bill you pay by writing the check and mailing, figure 5 bills a week

...if you have to go to the Post Office, add another $4 per trip for travel time

...if you have to walk across the street to get to the mailbox, add another $3 per crossing ($6 per trip to the mailbox) for the danger

At the very minimum - - $1.43 per day

($10 per week / 7 days)

 

Weekly Budget Meeting -2 hours a week at $5/hr = $10 per week

...if you have gone through any coursework that helps with budgeting, add another $3 per week

...if you stick to the budget, you get another $3 per week

At the very minimum - - $1.43 per day

($10 per week / 7 days)

Health Care - - Minimum Pay $4.29/day, or $30/week

Boo Boo Preparedness - Flat rate of $30/week

...if you have a degree in medicine, add however much you think that's worth

...if you have more than one child, add another $10 per week per child

...if you have boys, add another $5 per boy per week

...if you have toddlers between the ages of 13months-24months, add another $5 per toddler per week

At the very minimum - - $4.29 per day

($30 per week / 7 days)

 

Meal Preparation - - Minimum Pay  $15/day, or $105/week

Each Meal - $5 per meal (or $15 per day)

...if you cook from scratch, add in another $5 per meal

...if you ever bake, add another $2 per baked good you make each week on average

...if you use organic ingredients, add another $1 per meal

...if you cook for guests at least once every week, add another $10 per week

...if you have more than 4 people to cook for (including yourself), add another $1 per meal

...if you make separate meals for different kids because of picky eaters or allergies, count those meals separately

At the very minimum - - $15 per day

 





Minimum Yearly Pay: $33,998.64

So... can your hubby afford to pay you?

This certainly isn't meant to downgrade what our hubbies do to support our families.  It's just fun to look at, and hopefully will boost your spirits the next time you feel like what you are doing isn't worthwhile.  Above all else, remember what God says about our job:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

~ Colossians 3:23

Valentine's Day - - Be Thankful

I was browsing on Facebook when I came across a friend's status update that was so uplifting I just had to share it with you!

My husband doesn't usually surprise me with flowers or candy. He doesn't whisk me off on romantic getaways or escort me around to the finest restaurants. I don't have an expensive engagement ring and I won't find any little boxes on Valentine's Day. What my husband does do outweighs anything he doesn't. He wakes up everyday, prepared to be the leader of our home. He loves me unconditionally and will put our family's needs in front of his wants. I rest assured that I can depend on him in any situation and we will come out stronger than before. If Valentine's Day is meant to celebrate anything, I will be celebrating the love of a godly man ♥

This Valentine's Day, don't focus on what your husband doesn't do for you.  Don't think about the candy you were hoping for, the flowers he hasn't bought you, or the getaway you had been planning in your daydreams.  Remember why you married your man, and thank him as well as God for the blessings he brings to you and to your family.

52 Reasons I am Thankful for my Husband

• He provides for our family - - no matter how difficult
• He makes sure that I am relaxed and have time for myself
• He prays with me
• He happily plays with our son
• He always goes to work
• He is an excellent employee
• He holds me at night
• He tells me that he loves me
• He brings me home little treats once in a while
• He comes home from a 12 hour shift and does housework
• He cares a great deal about the wellbeing of our son
• He loves our son
• He stands up for our family
• He encourages me
• He puts the Love Bug to bed each night
• He doesn't whine
• He is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry
• He has a great conscience
• He is tidy (for the most part!)
• He values our relationship enough to stay up all night to work out an argument
• He is my best friend
• He supports me in my decisions
• He tells me what he honestly thinks, and does so kindly
• He compliments me
• He loves me unconditionally
• He loves the Lord
• He is musical
• He is inventive
• He can fix anything... sometimes just by touching it!
• He doesn't swear
• He speaks well of people
• He controls his anger
• He asks me my opinion
• He was so patient with me when I was pregnant and hormonal
• He will never leave me
• He'll buy me feminine products
• He's hot
• He has a unique smile
• He only has eyes for me
• He loves making me smile
• He loves making our son laugh
• He saved himself for me
• He reminds me to take Midol when I'm cramping
• He is humble
• He's creative
• He helps me feel safe
• He protects our family
• He turns the lights off and locks the doors at night
• He takes his time making big decisions
• He is very generous
• He keeps his word
• He supports me in my goals

Go text your hubby and tell him one thing you're thankful for about him!!

Our New Place

We moved!!!!

I am so excited to announce that we have officially moved into a three-bedroom townhouse!  We have so much more room to breathe now that the Love Bug has his own room, and we can actually use our dining room table.

Here are the promised pictures of our new place... still unpacking and decorating, but nevertheless here they are!

Utility Room

Guess what!  Hubby's tools aren't in the bedroom any more!  Woot Woot!!

 

Kitchen

I had this idea to go with a quilting theme in the kitchen... it's still coming along, but I think I'm going to like it!

 

Hall/Closet/Storage

 

Our storage area is a lot smaller than our old one, but we certainly don't need as much storage as we did there!  It's pretty cool... you go through the hall closet to the space under the stairs to access your storage.

 

Dining Room

That's right - - we have a dining room!!  We'll be getting a stand for the fish tank (and a new fish tank - - it cracked a little in the move) so that we can use the record player.

 

Living Room

The rug is new!

 

Stairwell

It's so strange having stairs in our new place... especially with a 1-year-old.  Remembering to set up the baby gate has been new.  We're going to put up more family pictures.

 

Office

We are still working out what will be in the office.  Eventually we want to have a pull-out couch so that guests can stay over (it'll double as a guest room).

 

Nursery

Ahhhh... Love Bug has a bedroom to himself!  It's been wonderful.

 

Bathroom

The toilet paper is accessible from the toilet seat!!  (In our old apartment, the toilet paper was far away from the toilet...)

 

Master Bedroom

It's so big!!!!  And our closet is huge, too!

 

Praise the Lord for this new season of our lives!!

 



I'll Always Need My Mom

Isaiah 66:13: "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you ..."

What a blessing it is to have a mom who loves me and cares about me!

My mother is absolutely wonderful.  Everyone says so (including me).  I have several friends going through rough times with their moms, which in a way is a blessing for me because it makes me keenly aware of the kindness and loving spirit that my mother carries.

Yesterday my mom came over to help me pack, because we're moving tomorrow!!  I really invited her in the first place to just spend some time with her, but she went to town.  When she got here, she pulled out about a hundred quarters and said she was going to do my laundry.  Then she asked what I needed packed, and I told her the kitchen was the biggest obstacle I had to face that day.  She took over that project!  What a lady.

All I had to do was label boxes, and let me tell you, I couldn't keep up with her!  When we ran out of boxes, she ran to the liquor store (great place to get sturdy boxes) to get some more, and told me to take a nap while the little Love Bug slept.  I can't tell you how much I needed my mom yesterday, and she left with the promise of coming back today with more boxes and to help me finish packing!

For those of you who are all grown up and have perhaps started your own families, don't discount what your mother can (and needs to) do for you still.  Those of you who are mothers of grown-ups, do little things to show that you still care.  We need you today just as much as we needed you when we were little - - but we might be reluctant to tell you.

Ideas of ways to bless your grown-up children:

• Ask before you drop by, but do drop by
• Recognize when we need help financially, and give us even as little as $5 to help out
• Bake cookies and bring them to us
• If you're far away, mail a care package or send a card
• Call us!  - - Just to chat
• Ask us questions about us - - not just about our kids
• Tell us how proud you are of us - - and be specific
• Hug us
• Write down verses to share with us

1 John 3:18: "Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."