Thanking God For These Experiences

This is the cute face I saw after the chaos today.

 I can't help but thank God for giving me these experiences to experience.  By chaos, one child having a blow out all over her clothes, a second child rolling around on the diaper changing mat that still has not been washed off only wiped down with a wipe (and those that personally know me, know how I hate germs!), and a third child needing to use the restroom (who by the way stuck hands in the pee water in the toilet).  So yes this all happened this morning, but I can't help but smile and shake it off because I am beyond thankful that God gives me these experiences to experience!  And gives me no two days alike.  I never know what is going to happen in my day or how my day will turn out and though, some days I am beyond tired and fall asleep by 8:00, I know I am blessed with a job that I can be home and love on my children.  I know people who would want that more than anything.  They would love to be with their children daily.  I know because I was that person that wanted more than anything to be home with my sweet little boy.  (No matter how great his two babysitters were, I still wanted to be the one to raise my child.  I wanted to be able to change his diapers ten plus times a day.  I wanted to be the one he fell asleep in the arms of.  I wanted to be there when he fell and needed a hug and a kiss or when he wasn't filling good and just needed some extra cuddles.  I wanted more than anything to be there to calm those tears.)  So today after all the chaos, I smiled at my sweet girl, snapped a picture of her, and texted my best friend and husband and told them all about the chaos.  That's when I realized how thankful I am to have these experiences to experience.  And honestly there was a point in my day yesterday that was just as if not more chaotic.  It started out a normal snack time, but slowly turned into so much more.  I started preparing snack (cutting up grapes), when a child needed to use the restroom.  I put the others at the table and took that child to the restroom.  While in there, I had my older son begging for a different snack.  I told him he could have an apple instead.  He decided he wanted to peel it (and didn't want his older sister's help).  I went back to cutting grapes (with the help of older sister's help) while the others sat at the table waiting.  I  started handing out grapes when the phone rang.  I answered as I poured a glass of milk for my toddler, and filled water up for another.  Then, my older son cut his finger peeling the apple and another child's mom walked in to pick her up.  As she was leaving, I had another grandma show up to pick up.  Finally, I had a band aid on the cut and extra toddlers gone and fed as my youngest needed to be breastfed and my toddler wanted to play outside with the older kids.  Needless to say I changed diapers, managed to breastfeed little one and get toddler outside for some fresh air all within a short amount of time before we had to head to meet daddy at church.  Looking back, I am so thankful for these experiences! I think God has a since of humor.  I am sure He looks down on his people and just smile just like we sometimes do after chaotic situations.  I think God would want us to laugh at these moments that seem so big at the time but so little looking back on them.  I think he would want us to enjoy each and every moment we have with our little ones even the small moments such as diaper changes, feedings, cooking, cleaning, etc.  I try to remember to do everything as if I am working for him and not for people just as my favorite verse says "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23.  I try to instill this verse in every child I teach; however, sometimes struggle myself with it.  After the last couple days I realized I am a mom, wife, and teacher, and that every little and small act I do, I need to be doing it joyfully for the Lord.  The last few months, I've been trying to focus on being a Proverbs 31 woman.  The last few days has reminded me I am doing just that. 

I'm not the perfect mom, wife, or teacher, but if I keep my focus on the Lord and do everything for him, the rest falls into place. I AM THANKFUL I HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES TO EXPERIENCE!

And as I wrote this post I couldn't help to be thankful for this sweet little girl who is asleep while the toddlers sleep so I can have some much needed quiet time!

So as Thanksgiving is fast approaching, what are you thankful for?  Are you thankful for all those little experiences?  Those little children in your care?  Your husband?  Your family?  Your siblings? Parents?  Church family?  Friends?  I know I am beyond thankful for each and every person in my life! God puts people in our lives for a reason and sometimes only for a season!!  Be Thankful!!!!

Those Special Moments

Dear My Little Guy,

  I love you more than words can express.  As I lay here watching you sleep, I came to realization that things are going to soon change, but I want you to know that my love for you will never change.  You will always be my little boy, my first born.  There will always be that unique bond between us....that bond that formed the moment I realized I was pregnant with you...then that even stronger bond that formed the moment I kissed your little forehead the day you were born...and now a bond that cannot be broken as I put you to sleep each night and get to snuggle with you almost every day as you fall asleep at nap.  I know these little moments will someday end, but I want you to know I will always, always cherish these little moments...these moments you will probably never remember, but I will.  Those moments you sit on my lap and want me to read a book over and over again...those moments you say, "huggy" and wrap those small arms around me...those moments you learn something new and repeat it over and over again wanting me to know you know it...those moments you laugh and giggle and never stop talking...our car rides with you when it is just us talking back and forth! These are just a few of the moments I will never forget.  There are so many more that  I cannot list them all,but I can tell you I write almost every moment down because I never want to forget them...these little moments with my first born child that will forever be special between just me and you.  No one will ever replace those moments! And although, I have been super tired lately carrying your new little sibling and even sick at times, I want you to know each evening I fall asleep before you and don't get to put you asleep, and each little moment I don't spend with you, it kills me.  I want those moments back so bad and regret knowing that I only have so many moments such as these before you grow up and stop needing your mommy as much and moments that will soon lessen even more as your younger sibling continues to grow in my tummy and even after he or she arrives.  I know things are going to change.  I know things will not be the same.  And although you have been learning the importance of sharing your mommy with your friends, you will soon realize you will always have to share your mommy with another sibling who is here all the time and doesn't leave.  And although you may not remember these moments when it was just us, I want you to know I will remember them.  I will remember all those little lessons, play ideas, and so much more that I did with just you.  I will remember sitting on the floor, no matter how tired I was watching you play and pretending to play along when you would say, "Mommy pay (play)" or "Mommy read this." I will remember those moments.  Those are the moments I will forever cherish.

 So here I am watching you sleep....watching you hold onto your little mickey...watching you breathe...and you have left me speechless knowing that these moments won 't always be here.  So while I am thinking about all these little moments, I wanted to take time to thank you for teaching me how strong God's love really is...thank you for showing me how to love like God loves.  Thank you for being you and relying on me as much as you do.  Please know no matter how old you get, how independent you get, how busy I get with your friends and other siblings that you can always come to me...you can always share a hug with your mommy. You can always snuggle next to me, sit on my lap, reach for my hair and tell me you love me.  Because these are the moments I want to never forget.  These are the moments I want you to know that I will forever hold close to my heart.  These are the moments that I will always rememberwe and hope that you someday will also get to experience these same type of moments with children of your own.

And although things will change with another sibling, I know you will enjoy growing up having that extra sidekick, that special someone to play with close to your age.  I know you will love that little baby so much.  I know you already do.  I love those moments you realize mommy has a baby in her tummy and you give it (mommy's tummy) kisses and hugs and say, "Hi baby!"  That little baby growing inside mommy's tummy is already starting to love and cherish you also!  Thanks for already being such a great big brother! (You learned from the best!)  Soon you will get to see what it's like being the big brother! And although you may at times get upset or irritated with that younger sibling, I know you you will love that little baby with all your heart!  I know you will because mommy has four younger siblings and two older siblings, and although we may not always see eye to eye, I love them with all my heart and am so glad I had them to share my life with, someone always to play with, someone to spoil, someone to talk to, someone to lean on when things got rough, someone to hang out with on holidays as we got older and had families of our own...Those are moments I enjoy(ed) most with my siblings! And although you may never remember being my first born and all those special moments with mommy...that mean so much to her.... I know future moments with your siblings will be the moments you remember and cherish!


Remember, my little man, I love you and cherish each and every moment I have with you!  They are special and will always have a special place in my heart! Because every moment with you is a moment I will forever cherish and not take for granted!  I love you, my sweet little boy! Never Ever Forget That!

Love,
Mommy

Favorite Toddler Activities and Toys

1. Felt Boards (I have discovered that my little guy loves felt pieces.  My brother's girlfriend bought him a beach theme one when she was out of town, and he's finally old enough to play with it, and it fits in the diaper bag so we can take it to church and restaurants.  I even got creative and made several of my own.  I stick them in individual baggies and we only get one set out at a time.  I did mine according to Bible stories,, but have also made some for my nephew for each month of the year:decorate the jack-o-lantern's face, decorate the tree, add accessories to the potato head, etc.  Look up quiet books or busy books and you will find all kinds of ideas.)He's playing with the Armor of God set right here.
2. Coloring with crayons and markers (My little guy is constantly asking to "color".  He will even get specific when he wants markers.  He asks us every time we go into a restaurant if he can color so be sure to keep a coloring book and crayons in your diaper bag.)
3. Painting: watercolors, finger-painting, painting their hands and feet, water painting books for on the go, etc. (Edible paint, baby food, and water painting are great ideas when they're younger than 1).
4. Magic marker books (These are like coloring books but only comes with one clear marker.  When he colors it shows up on the book, but no where else.  It is amazing and great for on the go!)
5. Lego's, Mega Blocks, etc. (He loves to build! When he was younger he loved to knock over what we built.  Now, he actually tries to build his own towers.)
6. Foam blocks, cardboard blocks (Melissa and Doug sells really nice ones that were passed down to my little guy from his cousins.)
7. Books, books, and more books! (Toddler love when you read to them! My little guy will sit for well over twenty minutes now listening to stories he loves. His favorites are the ones you flip open pockets and look inside or the ones that you press the buttons and they play sounds or songs.)
8. Sensory play with all sorts of objects such as formula, play dough, flour, sugar, Easter grass, snow, water, ice, socks, cards, baby food for the younger ones, etc.
9. Putting things into something else such as: pennies in a piggy bank, pom pom balls in a water bottle, pipe cleaners in a container with holes, etc. (def. need adult supervision with these ideas).
10. Little figurines (We have all sorts but his favorite ones are his cowboys and Sesame Street characters. He also enjoys Little People characters and animals.)
11. Stickers (Let them stick them everywhere on them.  We stick them on our face, clothes, feet, hands, etc.  He loves sticking stickers on himself and others! And honestly stickers work great as rewards for folding their hands when we pray, cleaning up their own messes, picking up their toys, etc.  We use them often!)
12. Magnets (We have magnets that look like the picture below called Magformers.  The toddlers love them!) 
13. Puzzles (Puzzles with pegs are perfect for little hands.  The ones with matching pictures on the board along with the piece are even better.)
14. Outdoor toys for both inside and out such as riding toys, slides, swings, basketball goal, sandboxes with shovels and buckets, etc.  (These are wonderful for their gross motor skills and fine motor skills, and toddlers love these type of things!)
15. Mr. Potato Head (My little guy loves Mr. Potato Head! He's learned several body parts by playing with his.  We also have a small version for his diaper bag.  Great play toys for restaurants!)

Most of these toys and activities were bought for him as Christmas presents, from yard sales, or bought for his older brother in the past that don't get played with by him anymore. We try to think outside the box when trying out new toys and ideas.  You never know what a toddler will fall in love doing!

What are some of your toddler favorite toys and activities?  I would love to hear of new ideas to try my little guy.  He loves learning and trying  new things!

Proverbs 3:6

"In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Leading a busy life, I feel I need to take a break and spend more quiet time with the Lord this year. I feel like I get so caught up in doing life, I forget what is most important.  When making decisions I forget to stop and pray for God's direction. I know that he has plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) which may not always be our plans.  We need to focus on what really matters in life.

God transform me into a new person by changing the way I think.  (Romans 12:2). Help me to put you first, focus on your word, and the plans you have for me.  Amen

Look to Him in everything you do!

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths."

We need God in our lives.  We cannot do anything without him. We need to trust that he will take care of us.

NickProverbs 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you."

Are the things you doing bringing you closer or further from Him? Are the people you spend most of your time with bringing you closer or further from Him?  Are you leading others in the right direction, on a path of obedience and bringing them closer to God?

Friendship

Romans 1:12 "When we get together I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."

I was just talking about how I felt like I was the person I was in college and the person I am now because of the friendships I had developed while in college.  I honestly felt like I was encouraged in my walk with the Lord, by the way my friends lived, how we hung out, what we did, what we didn't do.  Now that I'm married I feel we need other Christian married couples to help us when we fall, encourage us when we're down, be there for us when we need it as well as we need to be there for others.  I recently read a blog post about ways to help your marriage survive and one of the points were to have Christian friends.  Then today I read that verse in Romans! God sure knows how to work in our hearts!  I am so thankful I have friends who don't act as if they have it all figured out, or have the perfect marriage or the perfect life. But rather, I have friends who are struggling and not afraid to ask for prayers, friends who are willing to give us encouragement but also needing it.  Those are the friends we all need! Friends that are real, authentic, true, peculiar treasures as my favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn, puts it (also in Exodus 9:5 kjv). In the last part of Isaiah 43:4, it states how I feel about my closest friends.  It says, "You are precious to me. You are honored. And I love you." I'm looking forward to more game nights, hopefully worship nights, hanging out and discussing God's plans for our lives and sharing prayer request. I may miss those long nights singing worship songs by the fire, my college church group of close friends, and having so many Christian friends around anytime I needed them, but it's not too late to keep in contact more with those I love, those Christian friends who do care that I am friends with now,  both from college and those I've met since and thru church. You all mean more than you'll ever know to me.   Another new year's resolution for me is to be more intentional with my friends, spend more time with them, send them text messages reminding them they are special to me, pray for them, send them Bible verses as encouragment because you never know when they might be needing it.  God knows and if he's putting it on our mind, chances are they are needing to hear it! I love you my peculiar treasures!  You are loved and honored! Thanks for being such great friends!

A New Year...A Year Of Looking Back

As part of my new years resolution, I decided to go back to old journals and reread verses and chapters that stood out to me when I first started being on fire for God. I want that passion back. I want that passion to bounce off me onto my children, my husband, my friends, my other family members and even my enemies and those I don't know.  So here's to a new year of looking back to that time, right before I was baptized as well as right after... when I was a college student trying to figure out where I belong, who I was in Christ...a place when I first started making my own life decisions and the way I felt led to lead my life. Those days I really became involved in my church at the time and felt led to helping with youth groups, college groups, and mission work. Those were the days I was truly on fire for God and truly knew what it meant to be in a relationship with Christ, not just accepting him into my life and letting him sit there while I ran my life however I wanted. Those were the days, I realized I wanted God a part of my life for real. I wanted him to not just be a part of my life but rather be my life.  I feel over the years, I have slowly lost that passion... then it comes back for awhile and slowly drifts away again.  I want that passion I had in college to come back to stay.  This is the year, I feel it can, and I'm going to do all I can to keep it that way!

Tonight I read Matthew 26-27. These were two of the first chapters I ever started journaling about when I received a journal from a close friend in college for my birthday to go with a book she bought me. She said she felt I could use the journal to wrote out prayers and thoughts from the book.  I wrote below her note "I will record everything in this journal; my thoughts, my goals, my experiences, events, and verses that are speaking to me and even my prayers.  (When I started keeping a prayer/scripture journal, I felt God really worked in my heart; therefore, plan to use my blog as my personal journal to write what God is saying to me.) I want that passion back and this is how I feel will help me do just that.

These chapters talked about all the things Jesus went through. He was spit on, mocked, insulted, betrayed... but he still asked God to forgive these people.  He never once got angry and try to defend himself; he did not hit or spit back.  Instead he did nothing. He prayed.  He even asked God to forgive those who have done wrong to him.  Sometimes, we need to do nothing... doing nothing gives us time to stop and pray.  That may give us an answer as to what we should do in times of feeling betrayed, hurt, or upset.