Patriotic Church Picnic

Sunday was a blessed wonderful day, full of fun, food, and extremely hot weather! Our day consisted of a patriotic church service with me singing in a ladies group, a wonderful picnic at the park, and then back to church to decorate for Vacation Bible School which starts on Monday. Katelyn and I then baked sugar cookies for VBS. We ended the day with a light dinner and baths. I enjoyed some quiet time reading...and finishing a book! It was a wonderful day!

Workouts, Sleepless nights, Summer fun

Workouts - Ain't happening...I admit, my motivation is not all for it, but I REALLY do want to get to the REC center...I enjoy it while I am there...it is just getting there physically...time-wise, not desire-wise. I have realized that mornings may be the best choice for myself due to Josh's work schedule, but as you will read next, rising early has been a problem (as it normally is not easy). Though, with a nursing baby, I am somewhat dependent upon her waking and can't guarrantee her timing with Josh's need to leave for work. Boy, that was a mouthful!

Sleepless nights - Brenden has croup (but on the healing side now) and wakes up coughing. Makenna has confused herself with a newborn and thinks that she needs to wake up sporadically throughout the night. I find myself barely making it till after lunch when I can crash on the couch. Today, everyone took naps...including Katelyn!

Summer fun:

A little about me

S - Sensitive
H - Honest
A - Apparent
W - Worrier
N - Naive
A - Active

P - Perfectionist
O - Organized
T - Trustworthy
T - Talkative
E - Easy-going
R - Reliable

Teaching Memories part 3

2nd grade

We had been talking about speaking different languages and living in different countries. One boy had grandparents that spoke Romanian and he was learning how to speak it and he like to read the Romanian newspaper. Anyways, another little girl said that she knew how to speak pig latin, but she didn't think any of her family members were from that country!

A student and his mom were filling out a language survey. The mom asked her son which language he spoke - English or Spanish? He said "neither". She asked him, "Well, then what language do you speak? "American."

We had been reading the story, "The Elves and the Shoemaker". We were discussing whether the story was fiction or non-fiction...they all decided it was real. I asked them, "Well, are elves real? They ALL replied, "YES!" I had to leave it at that!

We were dicussing whales and had been talking about their names. I asked them why they thought killer whales were named "killer" whales. They decided that since all the other names were taken, then that was what they (scientists) came up with.

And finally...
1st grade

It was Firday of the 1st week of school. I told the kids that our first week was done and that they didn't have school tomorrow since it was Saturday. Well, one student got confused and his mom called me that night...he thought that 1st grade was over and that he had to go to 2nd grade. He was really bummed because he hadn't learned to read yet and he liked my class. He perked up once he learned he had many more weeks with me in the 1st grade!

I truly enjoyed my 6 years of teaching, but am absolutely thrilled to be at home with my own children! I am greatly looking forward to teaching them at home and will hopefully find many more "teaching memories"!

Teaching Memories part 2

1st grade

"Can we lose "teef" here?"

"I don't think my mom will be able to come to open house. She is having problems with her hair. She cut it too short, and she just can't do anything with it!"

"I wish Mrs. Potter was all of our mom - wow, she would have lots of kids!"

"I don't "know" this book??" (This is why we read the book!)

Teaching memories

I was browsing through my bookshelf and found an old journal. Opening it up, I found some stories from teaching. I want to share them with you...Enjoy!

(2nd graders)
One day in class, I was working with a small group. We were talking about the first Thanksgiving. One girl said that she had a friend that was part Indian. Another little boy then blurted, "I am part COWBOY!"

Many times during student teaching, my professors would come in to observe me. One time, a little girl came up to me and asked, "Is that lady here to watch to see if you can be a teacher?" I told her yes. The next day she came up to me and asked, "Did you pass the test?"
"What test?" I asked her.
"Is that lady going to let you be a teacher?"

One day my students were eating lunch in class. Two students were talking about heaven:
Girl: Heaven is past space, past our universe-it is way out there.
Boy: No, heaven is in the sun - It says in the Bible that heaven gives us light-the sun is the only thing that gives us light!

On most Fridays, we would watch a video with another class. My kids were all lined up and I said, "Okay, boys and girls, let's show Mrs. Taylor's class that we are the best 2nd grade class!"
I then turned around and there was Mrs. Taylor standing there. She looked at my kids and said, "We'll see about that!"
My kids were absolutely perfect walking in and sitting down. Mrs. Taylor then said, "Boy, you guys are the best 2nd grade class." One of my girls then decided to say, "No, we really aren't. She just tells us that!"

More to come...

My Silly Boy

My little 2 1/2 year old can always make me smile. He is definitely ornery when it comes to boyhood, but his little personality brings great joy to me. He can make a toy out of anything...breadsticks at Olive Garden, metal rod from chair at church, wisk as a microphone, and the list goes on.
Here are a few tales:

Me - "Brenden, throw those KIX that you dropped in the garage out into the grass for the birds."
Brenden - Standing in the grass with KIX, "Birdies, where are you? Come and get your food!"

Me - "Brenden, put that stick in Daddy's office (metal rod in Custodian closet at church)."
Brenden - "Goodbye Daddy's stick. See you later!"

Brenden - "Mommy, I pray too, okay? Dear Jesus, thank you for food, clock, and chocolate. Amen"

Brenden is such a joy in my life. He definitely fits the bill of a 2 year old boy, yet he has a very sensitive and soft spirit. He is so fun to hug, kiss, tickle, talk to, and love! I love you Brenden!

A day at home part 2

A day at home

This week I am the "mommy" to 4 children...I am watching my 10 month old nephew, Jeff, while his mommy and daddy are visiting the great state of Texas! I don't plan to go anywhere or accomplish much today (I might be crazy if I try). Most of the kids are still in their pjs (Katelyn put on a dress to dance in) and 2 are already napping. I am in comfy clothes with no expectations for my day. I hope to get some playing, reading, and relaxing done today! My allergies have been acting up lately and so I don't plan to spend much time outdoors, but will enjoy the sunshine through my windows.
Have a great day!

Reflection

After writing my last blog it really made me reflect on my daily life...and truly how selfish it was. I realized how much of my day was spent "doing" for myself rather than "being" with my children. I know that there are many things that need to be done to upkeep a home and family, but I realized that my focus was all wrong. I am praying and seeking God's will and grace to help change my priorities.
A sidenote on reflection:
It all makes sense now! All through my teaching career (all whopping 6 years, 7 including student teaching...heh, it was hard work!) my mentors always encouraged me to reflect on my lessons. I usually forgot about it and figured I needed to be focused on what is ahead. I barely had time to plan my future lessons much less look back and "reflect" on past lessons. I realize now the great importance of it. I cannot go back and change what has already been done, and (in the world of teaching) may never teach that lesson again (or in the mommy world, live that day again), but reflecting helps me to realize what I might need to change (in my parenting or teaching) or encourage me in what I am doing right!
Who says I am not using that $$,$$$ education degree...I am just not being paid (monetarily that is)!

Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat

A good friend once made a comparison of hair washing to child-rearing...repetition! How true it is. I used to wonder what moms did all day. Seriously, my first impression of motherhood was a life of ease! No deadlines, alarm clocks, meetings, or expectations! Then my kids got older...and I was in for a surprise! Now, don't get me wrong, I would rather have this job than any job in the world...but I would not call it a life of ease. I can now (after 3 kids) understand why moms always feel busy...the peculiar part is that I have no idea what I do. That same good friend encouraged me to reflect back on a normal day (whatever that is) and write it down. I have chosen not to include times...well, because I don't remember them. Here is a day in the life of Me and my family:
Wake up
Nurse Makenna
Go back to sleep
Wake up
Nurse Makenna
Change and dress Makenna
Shower
Get ready...
smile at Makenna in her bouncy! She is so cute!
make my bed
Head to the living room hoping to read my Bible before the others wake up
Read my Bible with Makenna lying next to me on the couch kicking and cooing
Brenden wakes up and wants a banana...his favorite food...but we are out of them
I convince him to have toast
Put Makenna on the floor under her elmo mobile
I make the toast and make eggs for myself
Share eggs with Brenden
Katelyn wakes up
I make toast for Katelyn
I clean up from breakfast
Makenna is starting to get tired so I put her down for her morning nap
Katelyn likes to watch a little TV in the morning...it takes a while for her to wake up
Brenden plays in the playroom
Katelyn gets dressed
I get Brenden dressed
Brush their teeth and fix Katelyn's hair
Make the kids' beds
Remind Katelyn to put her pjs away
Give the kids a snack
Clean up the water that Brenden spilled
Remember that I left some clothes in the dryer...I turn on the tumble press for a few minutes to help with the wrinkles (yes, this is a weekly occurance)
Tell the kids to stop being loud near Makenna's door
Makenna wakes up (oh, well)
Change and nurse Makenna
The phone rings...I chat for a few 20 minutes with a dear friend while trying to remind my kids to play elsewhere while I am on the phone
Once again I remember the laundry...heading to the laundry room I notice that the toilet is not flushed...(any ideas on how to train a 5 year old to flush when done???)
Remind Katelyn to flush the toilet
I then notice the time and my growling tummy tells me it is lunch time
Forgetting the laundry again, I head to the kitchen to whip up some gourmet peanut butter and honey sandwiches!
Fix lunch for the kids and myself
Clean up the kitchen
Check my email and fellow bloggers
Put Brenden down for a nap
Watch an episode of Jon and Kate plus 8 (or 2) with Katelyn
nurse Makenna
Lay Makenna down for a nap
Check craigslist and ebay for a desk and homeschool books
play a game (or 5-6) with Katelyn
remember the laundry...forgo the wrinkles and take the clothes out, fold them on my bed (while watching another episode of Jon and kate plus 8)
Brenden wakes up
Feed the kids a snack
tell Katelyn how to spell words (she loves to write words that rhyme)
Makenna wakes up
Change and nurse Makenna
Turn Mickey Mouse clubhouse on for the kids to watch
make dinner (chicken, veggies, salad)
Wait for Josh to get home
Eat dinner
Clean up from dinner
talk with Josh
help kids clean up toys
give the kids baths
nurse Makenna
Go workout (Josh puts the kids to bed)
put laundry away that was folded on my bed
get ready for bed
read in bed
sleep

Boy was that fun! See what I mean about repetition! I do a lot during a day, but don't feel like much is accomplished. This was mainly what I remember doing in a day...it doesn't include all the many, many, many interactions I have with my kids...trust me, Katelyn is quite a chatterbox. She is a very literal person. I feel like I am constantly explaining what words mean (cliches). She asks about a million questions a day! It took me about an hour just to write this blog because she continually talks to me and I have to go back and reread what I wrote to remember what I was going to write next. She is very curious about what I am doing and thinking. She is always asking about why I am doing something. She is very curious about people and how they "work"!
I love being a mom!

Our weekend getaway

It was such a blessing to get away this last weekend! A group of friends all went up to a cabin on the river. The weekend started great with laughing and chatting till all hours of the night. On Saturday morning, though, I was determined to keep up on my exercising (losing baby weight!) and went running with a dear - in shape - friend. Our run began fine. The scenery was gorgeous and the weather was perfect! Since we were "up" in the mountains, my asthma started acting up a bit and I decided to walk. I told my friend to go on ahead. Slowly she went out of sight and I just kept going. I knew that she had to turn around at some point and then we would meet up again. . .we just didn't realize that a mile marker was missing and our "that took forever" mile was actually 2 miles. After what seemed like FOREVER she finally came back and we turned around to retrace our steps . . . I was already exhausted and I had to do it all again. By the time we returned to the cabin we figured out that she had run about 7-8 miles and I had run/walked about 5-6 miles. The reality of what I had done didn't really hit me until about an hour later. I was sore and lifeless. Exercise is supposed to exuberate you, but I was sucked dry! Luckily, I could curl up on the couch and veg! Later in the day the other girls (yes, we are still "girls") decided to take a walk to a waterfall. I decided to stay back and let Makenna sleep while also waiting for the arrival of another friend. After a while I started to hear thunder and realized it was going to start raining anytime. My first thought was to put Makenna in her carseat and take my friend's van to look for the girls. Well, just about that time my other friend arrived. I looked outside to see huge drops of rain falling from the sky. I then realized that the van was blocked in by a car. Since I wouldn't need the base for my carseat, I decided to take my friend's Tahoe. We quickly bagan searching through purses to find the right keys and then out I went to "steal" a vehicle and search for my friends. Luckily, I remembered them talking about where they were headed (despite my out-of-it-ness) and found the road. At every turn I made I was sure that I would find them. After about 15 minutes I finally rounded a bend to find my completely soaked to the bone friends. They were so relieved to see me. I could not believe how far they had walked...and most of it in the rain! I was so thankful that I had decided not to go on the walk with Makenna. I don't think it would have ended well.

Well, the rest of the weekend was very relaxing! Once again, we laughed and chatted till all hours of the night (and morning). It was so wonderful to have this time with my wonderful blessed friends. I cherish these times when we can "get away" and be completely "real" with each other...no distractions or expectations! God has truly blessed me with such an awesome group of friends.

Potty Training Day 1

Everyone keeps telling me that since Brenden is so verbal, he is probably ready to potty train! Well, after 8 pairs of underwear, 3 sprays of Resolve, 1 load of laundry, and 152 trips to the bathroom...my toilet is still empty! He gave me nothing to work with! One little streamline was all I asked just to be able to praise him and show him what needs to be done...but nothing. We read books, clipped fingernails, sang songs, tickled, ate a snack (I was getting desperate), and even put his hand in a cup of warm water. I tried to get him to drink more, but he wasn't thirsty! I don't think this was a battle of the wills...he just hasn't figured it out yet. I noticed that when he wet his underwear, it was only a little bit...not enough to make him uncomfortable. Well, I am not going to give up after one day, but I hope tomorrow brings some success!

The Potter and the Clay

When I was trying to decide what to name my blog, I thought of the story about the potter and the clay from the Bible. I chose this name for a few reasons. First of all, God is our Potter and we are the clay - my blog is a written version of how God is forming (and working in) my life. Second, I did a play on words...I am a "Potter" and my children are clay - as a stay-at-home-mom, my entire day is teaching, disciplining, and helping (or "shaping") my children to be who God desires them to be.

Thank you AAA!

Josh and I have been members of AAA off and on throughout our marriage. We have rarely, if at all, had to use their services...until today. Let me begin...the kids and I decided to go to Eagle and have lunch with Josh. Arriving at our destination, I realized it was kind of warm outside, so I took off my jacket and threw it in the car. Josh had opened the back door to get the kids, so I locked the doors and shut my door. Brenden had fallen asleep so I told Josh that I would take him if he would get Makenna. Josh then went to the other side of the vehicle and at the same moment Katelyn got out on my side and shut the door. It took me a second to realize that I had locked the doors and Josh couldn't get in to get Makenna (he doesn't carry his Expedition keys)...so I reached into my purse to get my keys and my heart stopped...I had put them in my jacket pocket...which was inside the car. I think that just about every emotion flooded through me in about 3 seconds. I could not believe that I had just locked my 4 month old inside my car! Well, praise the Lord, Josh was there all calm and collected. He quickly called AAA and Makenna was rescued about 15 minutes later (unbeknown to her)! As we stood there waiting for the locksmith, I realized how much God has taken care of Makenna in this situation. First of all, it was not hot ( I am not sure if I would still have windows had it been.) Second, we had just renewed our AAA membership, making this situation easy to fix. Third, Josh was there! I am not sure that it would have gone as well had I been alone. So to say, Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace! Also, fellow mommies and daddies...if you ever repeat this error, the locksmith gave us his card and told us that if a child is ever locked in a car to call him immediately (skip AAA) and he comes at no charge. This is good info for those hot summer days.

It is only the beginning!

I am so excited about this blogging thing! I hope it will give you a glimpse into my life and all that God is doing! Have a great day!