Grumpy Face...just like his momma
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Supermom
Some days you feel like Supermom! Plowing through laundry in a single bound. Emptying the dishwasher in less time than it takes to reheat Chef Boyardee. Wiping bums and faces, faster than the kids can dirty them (okay, not quite).
There are some days that you feel pretty good about what you can accomplish in a day. You feel like Supermom! You're organized and you get more things done in a day than should be humanly possible. And then there are other days that you are counting down the minutes until nap time, just because you need a few seconds to yourself. The stress of raising children has gotten to you.
Right now, I'm sitting at Starbucks having some mom time. No wait...personal time. Away from the kids. Away from the house. I'm taking a break. Doing something for myself. Its not like today was particularly hard. But I feel like the weeks have added up and I'm tired. I just need a break. Some time where I can go to the bathroom without a child taking a peek at my every move. Some time away from the child who sucks the life out of me while the other one climbs all over me. Some time away from the laundry, the dishes, cooking and cleaning. Some time with a nice smoothie, a lovely cheesecake (from After thoughts) and live music. I can finally hear myself think. Its been nice to get some thoughts out on paper.
Most days I feel like Supermom. Some days I feel super cranky and like one more incident will result in my temper being lost and the children's lives being at stake. (I mean who doesn't really want to run away at one time or another? Or want to just throw them out the window? Not that I ever would, you just feel like you might.)
But part of being a good mom is realizing when you need some time away from the kids to refresh yourself. Its taking time to sit down (without a nursing child in your arms). Enjoying a drink, without having to share or mop up a mess. Its nice. I needed this. The only thing that could make it better? Turning it into a girls night out. But since the girls are in short supply at the moment, a night out on my own will have to do. (I guess a date night would be nice as well).
Being a supermom is hard work. And we all need to be able to take off the mom mask and be ourselves for a while, sans kids. Just another lesson I'm learning as time goes on. That and delegating. Just ask Dan who is at home with the kids and a list of things to do. What a nice change. Puts a smile on this teary face! Today we cry, tomorrow, its back to being a SUPERMOM!
There are some days that you feel pretty good about what you can accomplish in a day. You feel like Supermom! You're organized and you get more things done in a day than should be humanly possible. And then there are other days that you are counting down the minutes until nap time, just because you need a few seconds to yourself. The stress of raising children has gotten to you.
Right now, I'm sitting at Starbucks having some mom time. No wait...personal time. Away from the kids. Away from the house. I'm taking a break. Doing something for myself. Its not like today was particularly hard. But I feel like the weeks have added up and I'm tired. I just need a break. Some time where I can go to the bathroom without a child taking a peek at my every move. Some time away from the child who sucks the life out of me while the other one climbs all over me. Some time away from the laundry, the dishes, cooking and cleaning. Some time with a nice smoothie, a lovely cheesecake (from After thoughts) and live music. I can finally hear myself think. Its been nice to get some thoughts out on paper.
Most days I feel like Supermom. Some days I feel super cranky and like one more incident will result in my temper being lost and the children's lives being at stake. (I mean who doesn't really want to run away at one time or another? Or want to just throw them out the window? Not that I ever would, you just feel like you might.)
But part of being a good mom is realizing when you need some time away from the kids to refresh yourself. Its taking time to sit down (without a nursing child in your arms). Enjoying a drink, without having to share or mop up a mess. Its nice. I needed this. The only thing that could make it better? Turning it into a girls night out. But since the girls are in short supply at the moment, a night out on my own will have to do. (I guess a date night would be nice as well).
Being a supermom is hard work. And we all need to be able to take off the mom mask and be ourselves for a while, sans kids. Just another lesson I'm learning as time goes on. That and delegating. Just ask Dan who is at home with the kids and a list of things to do. What a nice change. Puts a smile on this teary face! Today we cry, tomorrow, its back to being a SUPERMOM!
Smiles
Micah has started to smile and boy is it ever cute!
Probably my favorite picture of him smiling yet! Such a big smile!
Love that tongue
Brotherly "love." Joel is just showing us that he knows where "eyes" are.
Hugging Micah...the next picture that I took you actually can't see Micah because Joel was covering him.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
40 minutes
40 minutes
4 poops (2 being poo-namis)
4 wraps down
Are you trying to set a new world record Micah? Couldn't have spread them out over the last 4 days when you didn't go at all, could ya?
4 poops (2 being poo-namis)
4 wraps down
Are you trying to set a new world record Micah? Couldn't have spread them out over the last 4 days when you didn't go at all, could ya?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Rockos
After a long afternoon at Harrison, what's a family to do for dinner??? Rocko's of course!!!!
Rockos is a greasy truck stop diner in Mission, BC that has long history with my family. My family used to hit up this place at least once a year, after camping in Harrison Mills. Since its open 24/7 it makes for great late night eats. So when Dan and I were dating, I took him here often. We'd laugh at
outrageous characters that we would meet (Richard Simmons lookalike?!) and enjoy our "usual," poutine and the Hi-Lite burger with a milkshake on the side.
When Dan and I got married, we had a bit of unexpected time between the ceremony and reception, so we hit up Rockos. Someone in our bridal party order fries while we spent a few minutes getting photos taken. When it came time to pay, the owner said that if we brought in a photo for them, the fries would be free. Not being one to pass up free, we took them up on the offer. A few months later, we brought in a photo. They've displayed it about the cash register ever since.
Rockos is a greasy truck stop diner in Mission, BC that has long history with my family. My family used to hit up this place at least once a year, after camping in Harrison Mills. Since its open 24/7 it makes for great late night eats. So when Dan and I were dating, I took him here often. We'd laugh at
outrageous characters that we would meet (Richard Simmons lookalike?!) and enjoy our "usual," poutine and the Hi-Lite burger with a milkshake on the side.
When Dan and I got married, we had a bit of unexpected time between the ceremony and reception, so we hit up Rockos. Someone in our bridal party order fries while we spent a few minutes getting photos taken. When it came time to pay, the owner said that if we brought in a photo for them, the fries would be free. Not being one to pass up free, we took them up on the offer. A few months later, we brought in a photo. They've displayed it about the cash register ever since.
When Joel was about 3 months old, we brought him in for a visit. We took some pictures to commemorate the occasion. Again a free meal was exchanged for photos.
So it seemed fitting that when Micah was born, a trip to Rockos would be a big deal. So, at just 6 weeks old, Micah made his first of many trips to Rockos.
He seemed rather indifferent about the whole thing. Perhaps because he was tired and hot from the beach.
But he did make an attempt at sampling the poutine. He must be our kid!!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Photo Shoot---Six Weeks
6 weeks has never looked so good
Smile
Kisses from big brother
Sears Portrait Studio circa 1986
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Matt's Pictures
Our dear friend, Matt Schipper, came just mere hours after Micah was born to photograph the event.
We have been blessed to have him photograph both our boys right after their births. And to have his wife, Rachel attend both of our births and help deliver our boys. We've had these pictures for over a month and I'm finally getting around to posting them (partly because I thought I already had..oops!)
We have been blessed to have him photograph both our boys right after their births. And to have his wife, Rachel attend both of our births and help deliver our boys. We've had these pictures for over a month and I'm finally getting around to posting them (partly because I thought I already had..oops!)
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| Mom got to witness the birth and show off Micah to Joel |
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| Holding Micah for the first time |
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| Probably one of my favorite pictures---thanking God for the safe delivery of Micah (okay, they are looking at the ceiling fan) |
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| Joel took to Micah right away, showering him with kisses |
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| A cardinal Micah pose |
Monday, July 16, 2012
Practice Hospitality
"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13
These two words have been screaming at me lately. Practice hospitality. That is what God has called us to do. Practice. I often feel as though I'm not great at hospitality. I'm probably too hard on myself, but I don't feel as though I am "good" at the communication part of it. Making small talk or even having conversations, especially with those I don't know well, aren't my strength. I would prefer to cook you a meal and walk away, or just silently watch you enjoy it. But I'm learning to make conversation a part of my hospitality.
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:9-10
When I read these verses, things finally made a bit of sense. Even within the umbrella of hospitality, people have their own unique gifts. Some are better at involving others in conversation. Others are better at preparing and cooking a meal. Still others are better at offering shelter to their guests. Which is perhaps why we live in community. Where one of us lacks strength, another has been gifted. The whole concept of the body comes to mind (if everyone where an eye, where would our sense of hearing come from?) But at the same time, this is not an excuse to stop doing something just because we aren't gifted at it. If I never made small talk with anyone, or tried to get to know someone, how would I be able to use my gift?
I love cooking. I love baking. And more than that, I LOVE sharing food with others. But if I sat in solitude, who would eat my meals? If I never attempted to converse with another person, how would I be able to invite them to my house to share a meal? I guess that's why God has called us to practice hospitality. Its a plethora of activities, resulting in so much more than a meal or place to sleep. Perhaps, it has more to do with protecting and restoring peace within relationships, than it has to do with food. Hospitality has got to go deeper than just taking care of the physical needs. It has to do with taking care of peoples emotional, spiritual AND physical needs. Perhaps hospitality results in taking care of the whole person. Sharing experiences, conversations, advise, physical goods, and yes, even food can often fill a persons spirit. It is quite a lofty task, which is probably why we need to constantly practice hospitality. After all, what good is hospitality if we go away with a full stomach, but an empty heart?
These two words have been screaming at me lately. Practice hospitality. That is what God has called us to do. Practice. I often feel as though I'm not great at hospitality. I'm probably too hard on myself, but I don't feel as though I am "good" at the communication part of it. Making small talk or even having conversations, especially with those I don't know well, aren't my strength. I would prefer to cook you a meal and walk away, or just silently watch you enjoy it. But I'm learning to make conversation a part of my hospitality.
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:9-10
When I read these verses, things finally made a bit of sense. Even within the umbrella of hospitality, people have their own unique gifts. Some are better at involving others in conversation. Others are better at preparing and cooking a meal. Still others are better at offering shelter to their guests. Which is perhaps why we live in community. Where one of us lacks strength, another has been gifted. The whole concept of the body comes to mind (if everyone where an eye, where would our sense of hearing come from?) But at the same time, this is not an excuse to stop doing something just because we aren't gifted at it. If I never made small talk with anyone, or tried to get to know someone, how would I be able to use my gift?
I love cooking. I love baking. And more than that, I LOVE sharing food with others. But if I sat in solitude, who would eat my meals? If I never attempted to converse with another person, how would I be able to invite them to my house to share a meal? I guess that's why God has called us to practice hospitality. Its a plethora of activities, resulting in so much more than a meal or place to sleep. Perhaps, it has more to do with protecting and restoring peace within relationships, than it has to do with food. Hospitality has got to go deeper than just taking care of the physical needs. It has to do with taking care of peoples emotional, spiritual AND physical needs. Perhaps hospitality results in taking care of the whole person. Sharing experiences, conversations, advise, physical goods, and yes, even food can often fill a persons spirit. It is quite a lofty task, which is probably why we need to constantly practice hospitality. After all, what good is hospitality if we go away with a full stomach, but an empty heart?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Open Letter of Apology
An Open Apology to the Young Visitors of Emmanuel Mennonite Church
Young men and woman, both singles and young couples,
I see you there sitting on the opposite side of the church during the service. My desire is to jump up, run over to you and introduce myself to you. I want to invite you to our care group and make you feel welcome (and perhaps scare you a bit with my enthusiasm). But I'm sorry. Social norms dictate that doing so in the middle of church is somehow frowned upon.
When church is finished, I want to walk over to your side of the church and say hello. But I'm sorry that this church loves children. I'm sorry that my baby is an attention grabber and I cannot walk more than 10 feet without someone stopping me to ask about him. When you have kids of your own you will realize what a blessing this is.
I am also sorry that my toddler needs supervision. There are times when I just want to forget about my kids in order to be able to communicate with you. But I can't do that. I'm sorry.
Please do not take the fact that no one your age talking with you is a sign of neglect or snobbiness. We are not unfriendly. We do care. I care. I'm sorry that it doesn't seem like it.
Please don't run off right after church. Take some time and stay a while. Have a cookie, enjoy that awkward small talk and be patient. I will get to you. I promise. I just need a few more minutes (and a couple more arms).
Or better yet, search me out. I could use a friend, just like you. I know its hard to be the new face in a strange place. I know its hard to introduce yourself. I've been there. I've been the new face, the new person. I'm sorry that you are in that position. I wish that the introduction was over and that we were old friends. I'm sorry that I have not made you feel welcome yet. Please do not stop attending just because no one your age has said hello. I'm sorry that this church has a very small group of young people. I'm sorry that when you look around the church you see more grey hairs than those without. But know that those with the grey hairs care about you as well. They are wise, encouraging and caring. You will learn to embrace them.
I'm sorry that our small group of young people has yet to introduce ourselves to you. It might only be me in attendance today. I'm sorry that our work sometimes takes us away from church. But know that we are vibrant, hospitable and we've been praying for you. That's right. We've been praying for new young people to join our church. Please just give us time to find you amidst the sea of grey. Believe me, they are all trying to introduce us to you. And we are trying to introduce ourselves to you. I'm sorry that has not happened yet. I'm sorry that we have yet to meet face to face. But I hope and pray that it will happen soon.
---Amanda
Young men and woman, both singles and young couples,
I see you there sitting on the opposite side of the church during the service. My desire is to jump up, run over to you and introduce myself to you. I want to invite you to our care group and make you feel welcome (and perhaps scare you a bit with my enthusiasm). But I'm sorry. Social norms dictate that doing so in the middle of church is somehow frowned upon.
When church is finished, I want to walk over to your side of the church and say hello. But I'm sorry that this church loves children. I'm sorry that my baby is an attention grabber and I cannot walk more than 10 feet without someone stopping me to ask about him. When you have kids of your own you will realize what a blessing this is.
I am also sorry that my toddler needs supervision. There are times when I just want to forget about my kids in order to be able to communicate with you. But I can't do that. I'm sorry.
Please do not take the fact that no one your age talking with you is a sign of neglect or snobbiness. We are not unfriendly. We do care. I care. I'm sorry that it doesn't seem like it.
Please don't run off right after church. Take some time and stay a while. Have a cookie, enjoy that awkward small talk and be patient. I will get to you. I promise. I just need a few more minutes (and a couple more arms).
Or better yet, search me out. I could use a friend, just like you. I know its hard to be the new face in a strange place. I know its hard to introduce yourself. I've been there. I've been the new face, the new person. I'm sorry that you are in that position. I wish that the introduction was over and that we were old friends. I'm sorry that I have not made you feel welcome yet. Please do not stop attending just because no one your age has said hello. I'm sorry that this church has a very small group of young people. I'm sorry that when you look around the church you see more grey hairs than those without. But know that those with the grey hairs care about you as well. They are wise, encouraging and caring. You will learn to embrace them.
I'm sorry that our small group of young people has yet to introduce ourselves to you. It might only be me in attendance today. I'm sorry that our work sometimes takes us away from church. But know that we are vibrant, hospitable and we've been praying for you. That's right. We've been praying for new young people to join our church. Please just give us time to find you amidst the sea of grey. Believe me, they are all trying to introduce us to you. And we are trying to introduce ourselves to you. I'm sorry that has not happened yet. I'm sorry that we have yet to meet face to face. But I hope and pray that it will happen soon.
---Amanda
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