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Finally! Yes...I take big breaks between blog entries! Life just happens.A Quick Word...by Lara ("quick" because I am tired and must go to bed soon): There is a house in my neighborhood that has a dead tree stump in their front yard. What makes this stump so noticeable are the plants that have purposefully been planted in a neat circle around the dead tree stump. Did I mention it was dead? To top it off (literally) there is a ceramic dog sitting on top of the stump. WHAT IN THE WORLD?!It reminds me of life. No matter how much we "decorate" or try to camouflage the dead tree stumps in our own lives, they are still dead. Why not just dig them up from the roots and plant grass? In my own life I see certain mindsets or thought patterns that are "dead" and need to be replaced with thoughts that are "true...noble...pure...lovely...praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8). Thoughts that are alive and life giving.Let's uproot those stumps!
As a mother do you ever have those moments that you stop and think, "Did I just say that?" or even better, "What did I say?"Last week I went with my kids, my sister, my niece, and my mom to pick strawberries at a local farm. As we were waiting to pay for the strawberries my middle son started messing with a trailer hitch as only a 2 year old can do (by the way, the best way my mom describes him is that he could tear up an anvil). I look over and he has pulled a big, metal, rusted thing off of the trailer hitch. So I quickly say to him, "Put that...thing...back...over there." I had no idea what it was or where it went. He just looked at me with his big blue eyes as if to say, "Mother dear what in the world are you talking about." My sister and I couldn't help but laugh as once again it came out of my mouth, more stern this time, "Bryson, put that...thing...back!" What was I talking about? I don't know.Then the other day my daughter carried a small green New Testament Bible to the car saying she wanted to "read" it. How sweet! My angel daughter wants to spend her time reading the Bible. I must have really raised her well. Then within less than 60 seconds of her brother getting into the car I hear her yell, "GIVE ME THE BIBLE, I HAD IT FIRST...MOM HE IS TRYING TO TAKE THE BIBLE....WHAAAAAAA!" Then from my son, "BIBLE, BIBLE, BIBLE, BIBLE, WHAAAAAA!" Then out of my mouth comes, "NO ONE IS GOING TO READ THE BIBLE IF YOU BOTH DON'T STRAIGHTEN UP!" What in the world was that?! Are you kidding me?Today another instance occurred: as I was getting dressed, (trying to find something that fits from my "regular" clothes after having my third baby), I looked over at my 3 year old daughter and asked, "Does this look OK?" What am I thinking? Have any of you ever actually seen a 3 year old pick out her clothes. There is a whole new standard for matching from a preschooler's mind. My fashion sense has really declined. So for all of you moms out there thinking on your feet, you are not alone!
From 4/16/08
How life has thrown a major curve ball! Without being too detailed, in order to be respectful to those closest to me, I just have to say that life is all of a sudden very different and extremely challenging. Despite the heartache and turmoil, God is showing Himself to be so faithful.
The fact is that we live in a fallen world, and there is an enemy of God that wants to kill, steal, and destroy anything and everything that is true, virtuous, and right. But the awesome thing is that God is bigger! If we just keep our minds set on Him, we can stand strong no matter what comes our way! No matter what!
I don't mean to preach, I just can't help but express praise for the One who is being my Rock through a really crappy time (yes...crappy; you have to keep your humor, right?!)
From 5/1/08You can tell by my lack of entries that life can get pretty busy being a mommy to 3 little ones. But I do want to do this blog thing. It really is a bit therapeutic. So... what to talk about tonight. I don't think I will lay such a heavy topic on you this time. Instead let's talk about spinning in circles.
My 20 month old son is a real trip. I mean he is super funny for such a young guy. The things he thinks of blow my mind. The other night after bath (oh, yeah, quick side-note. As I have said before I have "gone green" in some ways and am using cloth diapers for my two boys. Well at night you really have to pad those little behinds or else there will be leaks. So I put three layers of organic cotton and fleece, topped with a PUL cover. After all that is strapped on I stretch their pj pants over this monstrosity of a diaper. And I tell you it is hysterical. My middle guy waddles around his room with the biggest bottom you have ever seen on a child. The song, "Baby Got Back" just seems to stream through my mind. And no, I no longer listen to rap music. But in college I am sad to say my music choices were not very uplifting or God-honoring.)
So back to spinning. Picture this bottom heavy toddler starting to spin in circles. This is the guy who has absolutely no fear. So he is spinning around his sister's room until before I can say anything...or catch him...he falls head first into the wall. Yes, the wall. He looks at me stunned for just a split second then gets back up, bottom and all, and starts spinning again. I mean, didn't he learn: spin too many times, lose balance, smash into the wall. Seems pretty logical to me. But no, he continues to spin and topple into a few other pieces of furniture before deciding he was "all-done".
I remember doing that as a child. Do you? I would spin and spin and then stop only to have my mind keep circling. There has to be a lesson in that. I am just to tired to think of one.
From 3/21/08
The amount of time between these posts shows that I have three kids under age 4. Man, how time seems to fly.I know this is going to sound strange to some of you, but I have recently become addicted to cloth diapers! My sister "converted" me from disposables and I love using them. I know that sounds so weird, I mean it is pee and poo we're dealing with, right?! But for some reason knowing that I am helping to keep God's beautiful earth beautiful (even if just a little), while putting such soft cloth on my babies' bottoms, makes me happy. Plus, there are so many cute diapers! I had no idea this industry even existed! Not to mention the overall savings (as long as you don't go crazy with the designer fluff).Since my "conversion" I have come to learn that disposables actually live forever in the landfill and that the amount of diapers from one baby would fill the inside of a house from top to bottom. That is a lot of trash! So if you want to know more check out a couple of my favorite sites for dipes: www.thanksmama.com, www.clothforyourangel.com, www.greenmountaindiapers.com, and www.dy-dee.com.
I really don't intent to use this blog as a pulpit. :)
Wow, I am actually blogging. Is that even a word? I decided to start my own blog because there are just moments in life that need to be documented. For instance, a few months ago a major event happened in our family: we bought a mini-van. This might not be a big deal for many of you, but for me it was serious business. Since high school I had always declared that I would never drive a mini-van. No offense to you mini-van moms to-the-core. But being pregnant with my 3rd child forced us into this vehicular decision. As I was driving this used van around town for the first time--which I affectionately named "the Blue Bling"--I had my moment. Was there any way I could still be hip--or at least think I was hip--while driving a mini? Deep sigh...it would be a tough calling.
But now I must admit, with three kids and three car seats, I kinda like this reliable, fully-paid-for Toyota. We have our portable potty and carpeted floor, so in many ways it is our traveling home--I just need a fridge. I do not get many looks of admiration as I drive down the road, but that is OK. I have been humbled.
