Wisdom from Heaven

It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes I wake up with a fragment of a thought in my head - usually it's a verse or a song lyric. Does this ever happen to you? 

Yesterday morning I woke up with the words "the wisdom from heaven is..." floating in my head, like the last remaining vapor of a dream. I noticed it, but was not completely awake, and quickly forgot about it. Later that day I was scanning radio stations and heard someone preaching about asking for wisdom. That reminded me to look up the verse: James 3:17.  

James says that "earthly, unspiritual" wisdom looks like jealousy and selfishness, and "wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind." (James 3:13-16 NLT). Ouch.

I'm not proud to admit it, but that's been me. I've been bossy, nagging, passive-aggressive, manipulative, defensive, and vindictive. I've been anxiously controlling. I've held onto self-pity and bitterness in my heart. I've tried to preserve my own power and comfort, and tried to find security or approval at the expense of loving others or trusting Jesus. I've resented people who seemed to "have it better" than me. 

It's not pretty.

None of this brings me peace or creates peace in my home. None of it feeds my soul. Living this way damages my own heart and spirit and wounds people that I claim to love. It feels like withering away instead of thriving.

But that fragment of a verse gently reminded me that there is a different way. 

Pure. Peaceable. Gentle. Open to reason. Full of mercy and good fruits. Impartial. Sincere. 

Dear God, That's what I want. That's how I want to live. I want to be a peacemaker. I want to be fruitful. I don't want someone else's life, and I don't want to waste the life I have. 

That fragment of a sermon I heard on the radio about asking for wisdom? That comes from a verse found in the book of James too: 

Wow. All I have to do is ask? 

I sense something shifting in my heart and feel a hopeful (as well as a little anxious) glimmer in my spirit. It feels like change is looming on the horizon, like a slowly approaching sunrise. 

Dear God, please show me the way.

Current thoughts

 

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, 

when my heart is overwhelmed; 

lead me to the rock that is higher than I." 

Psalm 61:2 KJV

Eleven+ years of babies and toddlers and kids. Fragmented sleep, anxiety, exhaustion, depression. And grace upon grace. Normal moments that I often didn't appreciate. Tears, laughter, arguments, apologies. Hugs, kisses, snuggles, vomit, poop, relentless mountains of laundry.

"Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" -- above my fears, confusion, fatigue, selfishness, loneliness, and resentment. Above my hurt, pain, grief, confusion and distraction. You have, over and over, breathed grace, love, and mercy into my soul.

Thank you, Lord.

Rebalancing

Working on finding balance. What are some helpful things for you?

I want to start focusing on three areas right now: Exercise, Community and Joy.

My oldest Gavin had a school 5K today and that was fun. He didn't run the whole way because he stayed with a friend who didn't want to run. I decided to be thankful that he wanted to be with his friend instead of pushing him to run the whole race. He is after all only in first grade and has never run even a mile before. But I am excited about starting to run with him because he did really well and has a lot of energy and I think that would be a good outlet for both of us.

Finding community is always a challenge when I've moved, but I have a few areas where I am starting to make connections and I just want to be intentional and remain interested in people. Sometimes I get tired and cranky and want to go into hermit mode and I just have to kick myself out of that. At home, Aiden always pulls me out of my hermit mode. He loves to have conversations, and for me to read to him or help him with his Batman cape or just hold him and snuggle. I want to reach out like he does.

Judah, my youngest, is a living breathing example of joy to me. He is just such a happy kid most of the time and I am so glad for that! He started dancing in the booth at a restaurant today while "Joy to the World (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog)" by Three Dog Night was playing. It was the cutest thing. That song is pretty fun. (But I don't get the part about the bullfrog). I want to dance, sing, laugh, play, love, smile, and enjoy life more.

So my goal is to just stay focused on the lane I'm in... I want to be a good manager and be grateful for what I've been given, and not envy what someone else has. I really don't want to live someone else's life.

Dysthymia

Well, this is embarrassing.

In the spirit of 1 John 1:9 however, I believe confession leads to healing, so here goes.

I have probably been depressed or close to it for the last fifteen+ years.

Not a surprise to some of you...perhaps surprising to others who don't know me that well. And I apologize for not letting people see my true self.

As a counselor, friend, sister, mother, wife, and daughter, I've been a pretty bad example of self-care. Since my children are all boys, I don't want them to grow up thinking women are all negative, insecure, passive and unmotivated. I don't want them to think taking care of someone else means you forget to take care of yourself. I don't want them to think that there is nothing to hope for or look forward to in the world. I definitely don't want them to think that Jesus saves your soul but it doesn't mean that much for your mind or your body.

But these are all things I have struggled with. I have felt invisible, unimportant, undesirable, lonely, guilty, and ashamed. I usually start each day thinking "Today will be better!" but end it thinking I failed again. A friend used to affectionately call me a depressed optimist.

I don't want to be that way anymore. I want to be a joyful optimist! I want to have love and energy. I don't want to look back on each day feeling angry and sad.

I can't be good enough, and I don't want to try to be good on my own strength anymore. I want to really know what it feels like to be alive in Christ. I have always believed in it...I have had tastes and glimpses of it. I just haven't COMPLETELY experienced it.

I don't want to give the impression that I have a miserable life. I am so thankful for so much! I have a strong, kind, compassionate, gracious husband, beautiful children and a very supportive family. I have wonderful friendships with beautiful caring loving people. This is why I know that my depressed mood is a disorder...because it doesn't match the circumstances in my life. I also haven't lost my faith...it has honestly been my lifeline. I have been (or am being) set free from other struggles such as envy and materialism and ways I was idolizing things or people. So I know there is hope to get through this journey too. Join me? If you'd like to, let me know so I can pray for you while I am working on me. We are all in this together.

My Home in 100 Words

I subscribe to this great Creative with Kids blog and one of today's writing prompts is this question:

• How would you like your home to feel?  Make a list of 100 words that come to mind

So here goes!

1. Welcoming
2. Inviting
3. Encouraging
4. Fun
5. Homey
6. Friendly
7. Inspiring
8. Loving
9. Restful
10. Peaceful
11. Drama-free
12. Simple
13. Clean 
14. Musical
15. Forgiving
16. Generous
17. Happy
18. Silly
19. Creative
20. Artistic
21. Active
22. Safe
23. Authentic
24. Uncluttered
25. Minimalistic
26. Pretty
27. Joyful
28. Funny
29. Unique
30. Light
31. Refuge
32. Positive
33. Honest
34. Hilarious
35. Expressive
36. Caring
37. Patient
38. Kind
39. Spiritual
40. Humble
41. Hopeful
42. Supportive
43. Truthful
44. Thankful
45. Grateful
46. Appreciative
47. Sharing
48. Adventure
49. Interesting
50. Purposeful
51. Strong
52. Growing
53. Learning
54. Blooming
55. Energetic
56. Courageous
57. Fruitful
58. Life-giving
59. Imaginative
60. Serving
61. Harmonious
62. Calm
63. Non-anxious
64. Gentle
65. Possibilities
66. Gracious
67. Hardworking
68. Free
69. Smiles
70. Bookworms
71. Faithfulness
72. Scripture
73. Laughter
74. Hugs
75. Kisses
76. Snuggles
77. Blessings
78. Gifts
79. Helpful
80. Songs
81. Trustworthy
82. Brave
83. Soulful
84. Real
85. Flourishing
86. Compassionate
87. Cooperative
88. Respectful
89. Delightful
90. Christlike
91. Gospel
92. Uplifting
93. Justice
94. Tough
95. Endurance
96. Unselfish
97. Do-overs
98. Grace
99. Family
100. Celebration

What would your 100 words be? (Did I repeat any? Ha!) 

I think I would like to take one word a week and focus on making my home reflect that word more. That is going to be a fun project!

Freedom in Christ

What enslaves you? 

Some of the things that I struggle with feeling enslaved by are people-pleasing, anger/impatience, and generally selfishness of all types. Also, my favorite caffeinated sugary brown beverage. If I don't have a Coke every day it tends to consume my thoughts pretty excessively.

How do we stand firm in the freedom found only in Christ? 

Time spent reading His Word, praying and acknowledging our need for Him, and fellowship with other Christians. I love how God connects us with His Holy Spirit and speaks to us through Scripture and through one another! This week a friend shared a verse with me to encourage me, and it was the same verse that I had just written down the night before!!! WOW.

The picture above is that verse. I hope it will encourage and speak to you this week. BE FREE!

Love, Kimberly

Whispers to my heart lately.

I saw the quote below From this blog on comparison, insecurity, shame... and it just kicked me in the gut ... in a good way.

How tragic to be far from You. To live a brief existence of gorging on self and then to die in a moment and be forgotten forever. I am sad and sorry for those who are unfaithful. For those who fake it, but never become real.

WOW. Gorging on self? Yeah, I've been pretty guilty of that much more than I'd like to admit.

I love how when God steps on my toes, he gently redirects me to new life and purpose.

LOVE. That's what it's all about...that's the cure for selfish overindulgence - just LOVE. How can I tap into the love of God? Just by breathing it in! I am so thankful for that! Just the gift of life and breath! He loves me through my children's beautiful faces, through my husband's gentle strength, through my family's grace and forgiveness, through my friends' encouragement, through sunshine and fall air and cleansing rain and countless little sprinkles of joy and laughter and even through pain and suffering as a still, small Presence that will never leave me. 

How can I pour this love into my sweet children? My husband? My family and friends and community? Just breathe it back out. That's my goal...just breathe, and let love fill me and overflow until it spills back out.

Hey, Boys Are Sweet Too!!!

I went to Target today with all three boys (ages 4, 2 and 3 months) to pick up a few things. My older ones were actually being relatively quiet at the time that this woman walked by (at least it wasn't while Gavin was pushing Aiden's foot into Aiden's face, which also happened). The woman saw the baby (Judah) sleeping safely in his carseat at the end of the shopping cart, and said "So sweet." I said, "Thank you." She said, 'They grow up, though!" I said, "Yes, it happens fast." Then she said, "Is that one a boy, too?"

I get asked this pretty much daily.

I answered, "Yes, I guess boys is all we do."

She said, "I'd quit then."

I laughed (why do I do that nervous polite laughter!), but I kind of feel hurt every time people make comments like that. I thought we had just been talking about how fast they grow up. I guess she just meant that they are no longer sweet after they grow up, and it's definitely not sweet to have too many kids or *GASP* too many boys.

Pretty much daily if we go anywhere I hear things like this. I hear "You've got your hands full, don't you?!" "Whew, you're really outnumbered!" "Are you going to try again for a girl?" "Don't you know what causes that?" "God Bless You!" (in a tone that does not sound very blessing).

I will admit we were somewhat enamored with the idea of a girl when we found out that number 3 was on the way. But we would not have tried to have another child if we weren't okay with either gender. And honestly I was a little wistful for a few minutes when we found out he was a boy...I guess because little girl stuff is so foreign around our house and I like little girl baby clothes better. But when we found out, and chose his name, I didn't wish for him to be a girl. I looked forward to meeting him!

Most days I am glad that my house is full of trucks and cars and blocks and dinosaurs and superhero capes and swords and ninja paraphernalia. Yes, I go crazy about the fighting sometimes and wish I could sit quietly and play Barbies or My Little Pony.

But don't tell me that boys are not sweet. My boys get their sweetness mostly from their father, who is still sweet as an adult (even sweeter now than he was as a child, if the stories I hear are true!)

 Gavin with his Daddy

 Daddy with Aiden

Judah and his Dad (noticing a grey t-shirt theme, anyone?)

SWEET, SWEET Brothers!

Gavin tells me I'm beautiful almost every day. He says things like "It's a nice day to have a mama." And he shows me how to be excited about life, waking up every morning saying "What are we doing today, Mama?" He is graceful and agile (usually while bouncing from one couch, chair, fort or brother to another) and he is such a cheerful and loving person. He kisses Judah probably as much or more than anyone, and he nearly explodes with happy energy when he is playing with friends.

Aiden inherited the ability to give soul-affirming bear hugs from Mark and from my dad. He is seriously one of the best cuddlers I know. His smile spreads joy through the world like a ray of sunshine. He is already funny at just two years old and he loves music, and his dancing to the PBS Happy Birthday theme song cracks me up every time. He asks to "pray me" (pray for me) at night and he prays for his family and his friends and their toys (especially the toys he really likes).

Judah is my peaceful, gentle baby. He makes the best baby noises I have ever heard, and when you talk to him his whole entire face smiles. It pretty much melts my heart every time. He loves to be held, loves to be talked to, and thankfully loves to sleep!

Yes, my hands are full. And there are days I wish I could do more girly stuff. But why would I be anything but thankful to have three amazing, beautiful, SWEET boys who I pray will grow up to be strong, loving and SWEET gentlemen?!?

And when I see a mom or dad with three boys, or four girls, or one or five or twenty kids, I will just say "So sweet." And no opinions after that.

Ugh. Rant over. I know people mean well.

Choosing JOY (Proverbs 17:22)

What makes you feel joy? Sometimes in the trenches of taking care of toddlers, I forget about choosing to be joyful! Sometimes I realize I am being a grump, and then sometimes my kids remind me. Today, Gavin said "I don't like it when you talk mean, I want you to talk to me like this: (sweet sing-song voice) 'Hey, Gavin, how are you today?'"  All right, I get it - lighten up Mommy! 

I definitely prefer pleasant wrinkles to developing a permanent grump-face!

Proverbs 16:6, 7, 28, 32 Love generously. Love God. Love your enemies. Don't gossip. Control your anger.

This chapter is amazing! There are so many incredible verses that I think I should just memorize the whole chapter. Here are just four verses that spoke to me about praying for the world and the persecuted church, as well as how to consider my words and my heart in dealing with people, especially my children.
Proverbs 16:6-7, 28, 32

New Post Series: Pondering Proverbs (Post 1: Proverbs 28:13,15)

I have lost my blogging motivation (as you can see by the lack of posts). But today as I was reading Proverbs I was blown away by how much I need the Word to guide me - in particular, as a mom.

I think I will post on my struggles in this area and how I am trying to apply Proverbs to my life as a parent. 

I am writing this blog series to confess and renounce my sins and hopefully start a new pattern as a parent for my children.

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. ~ Proverbs 28:15

Anyone who is not close to me probably thinks I don't get angry much, and I guess I have pridefully wanted people to think I am a gentle and slow-to-anger person. Actually most of the time I don't get angry, except with the people I am closest to. This breaks my heart as I see my sin of anger through the lens of Scripture (which oh so lovingly kicks my butt).

Too often, I allow my anger to direct my responses to my children. A few weeks ago I wrote down some of the things that seem to trigger my anger in this area. Here was my list:

• whining
• kids ignoring instructions
• repetitive disobedience ("potty" words, climbing on the couch)
• bullying/fighting

Any other moms have triggers like these? (I have three boys, ages 4, 2, and 8 weeks - maybe I should go ahead and add "sleep deprivation" as a trigger!)

I realize that I am a relatively new parent but I definitely have a long way to go with patience. I also know by this time that my own efforts are USELESS in controlling my temper. I hate myself for yelling or snapping at my kids, and then I do it again. I get angry when I am ignored and tell myself "they only listen when I yell!" But yelling only makes my words impossible to hear. Who listens to a charging bear or roaring lion? You just try to get out of its way!

I confess this here (and have confessed to other friends and family also) so that I can hold myself accountable to discipline my children out of love.

Thankful List and What I'm Giving Up For Lent

One of my friends posted on Facebook a link about 20 things to give up for Lent instead of the typical (yet still difficult!) things we usually give up, like chocolate (Thanks Shamron, if you still ever read this blog!). Click on the link above to read the article and you can even subscribe to a daily devotion related to the list. A few items were fear, guilt, and a "spirit of poverty."

This is what the article said about giving up a spirit of poverty:

• A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack

I think I would call it a "scarcity mindset" (which is a term I think I remember hearing a pastor use) instead of a spirit of poverty, just because that sounds like "poor in spirit" which is something Jesus BLESSES us for (Matthew 5:3)...but I'm just being picky about words. 

Word pickyness aside, I think that giving up a spirit of poverty is actually about BECOMING poor in spirit - believing that we are nothing without God but that He gives us everything we need. Trusting Him to provide instead of ourselves. I love the idea of thinking about God as a generous provider. And He is! And I for sure need to remind myself frequently that I.Am.Not.In.Control. Can I confess that I have had a scarcity mindset/spirit of poverty attitude WAY TOO OFTEN?

On one hand I have seen God provide SO MANY TIMES...so generously and such extravagant love and grace. But for some reason I keep going back to the fear of not having enough, or just the selfish, entitled, greedy desire to have more than I have instead of recognizing that I have WAY MORE than enough!

So in order to give up that attitude and replace it with gratitude for the amazing ways God provides here is my list of "more than enough" for this week:

1. Three-fourths of the Dalgetys (me, Mark, and Gavin) had the awful stomach bug this week. But Aiden has not gotten sick. And it was such a silver lining to see him happy, content and entertaining himself the whole time everyone else was sick! Thank you God! Gavin also was such a trooper even though he was sick. He did not complain or whine. I probably whined the most. But I am also thankful that my family put up with me. (Also, thank God for carpet cleaner, enough energy to get laundry done, a mother-in-law who dropped off diapers and ginger ale, and that we had enough bananas and applesauce to get us through!)

2. Hugs from two and four-year-olds - those never get old.

3. My Crock Pot, microwave and other ways to make cooking easy and quick. Seriously, I am so spoiled!

4. Gavin frequently asks "Is baby Judah coming out today?" and talks about what he will be like. Today he drew me a picture of several tall lines and one shorter line and told me how one day he and Aiden and baby Judah would be tall, but their baby sister (? - does he know something I don't know!?) would not be as tall. Love how excited he is to meet his new brother.

5. Family that I love, friends that I love and making plans with both for some quality time. This is so good for my soul. I love that God gives us friends & family.

What are YOU thankful for? And are you giving anything up for Lent? Besides doing this devotional, I am planning to limit my Facebook time. I don't know if I'll totally give it up, but I am going to plan not to sign on unless there is a reason, like to respond to a message from someone or look at pictures when my cousin's baby arrives in April. I hope this will give me time to focus more on ways to love and serve people (and less comparison and "scarcity mindset.") So call me or email me or come visit!

Aiden & What Really Matters.

It's pretty humbling when your not quite two year old reminds you of what is important.

I had a rough morning. Getting Gavin and Aiden ready, I noticed that I was cranky and rushing them, but did I stop being cranky and rushed? Unfortunately no.

So we got in the car, rushed and cranky, and drove to Gavin's school, and they were cranky about the toys they had in the car, and not wanting to share, and whining when I wouldn't give them a different toy, etcetera, and I was cranky about them being cranky and whining. My low point on the way to school was yelling at Gavin that I would turn the car around and he could not go to school if he did not stop whining. LOVELY attitude I am modeling for my children there.

So we made it to school, and I dropped Gavin off, and Aiden and I made it back home, with him still whining, and then we got home and his diaper needed changing, and he was squirming while I was changing him. So I said "Aiden, what is the rule when I'm changing your diaper? BE....?"

I thought the correct answer was "BE STILL." This is the phrase I have repeated all of his life while changing or getting dressed.

But instead my sweet baby said "Be kind 'wother."

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I am so thankful for my strong, kind, loving and compassionate Father - who loved me today through my child... and gently reminded me that being kind is more important than being on time or hurrying to get things done. That's a good reminder I need during this season in particular (and always). I am so thankful for my precious son's joyful heart that speaks truth to me even when he doesn't fully understand what it means.

Adding to the "Gavin Says" File, and my meal plan for this week. And a big announcement sprinkled in (for anyone who reads my blog but hasn't talked to me in a while)

This week Gavin said, "Mommy, when I live on a farm in Heaven, I'm going to take care of the horse so it won't get lost."

Also when I was trying to figure out what actor was animated as Santa Claus in "The Polar Express," I asked Mark, "Who is that guy?" and thankfully Gavin informed me, "That's Santa." (DUH, mom.)

I am trying to cook again after a several week hiatus due to ... wait for it... (well everyone who reads this knows this anyway), morning sickness. (Another topic for another blog.)

But Mark told me today that we must STOP eating out because it is taking over too much of the budget. I pouted for a while and then decided I was being selfish. Although I slightly feel like vomiting just looking at recipes and grocery lists, I decided I will have to suck it up. And so I am trying to find things I can throw in the slow cooker and not have to do much with.

And I am gonna start tomorrow, I tell myself optimistically. So this list will start on Tuesday.

Thanks to the Crockin' Girls website!

Tuesday - Most Amazing Pork Chops Ever with noodles or rice

Wednesday - Angel Chicken with penne pasta and with these modifications based on what commenters said: 1 cup of chicken stock instead of wine, 8oz of the cream cheese and the full packet of the salad dressing mix.

Thursday - Salsa Chicken with rice

Friday - Adobo Chicken

Saturday - Slow Cooker Beef Stew - this is similar to a recipe I already make, but I leave out the Cheddar soup and just use a can of water instead. Will serve with noodles or rice.

Sunday - Mark gets to cook! Or maybe he will give in and let us go somewhere that kids eat free ;)

out of the mouths of three year olds...

Have to write this down before I forget.

Tonight Gavin was telling me about school while we were getting ready for bed. He said "The teacher has a whip that is a stick..." (meanwhile my mind was racing trying to figure out what he was talking about) "....and she goes like this" - and he mimicked her putting on LIP STICK.

hi.lar.i.ous.

I love that kid. And I love that his L's still sound like W's....even if it had me questioning his teacher's discipline tactics for a split second.

Feeding my boys this week...anyone else want to come?

This Week's Meal Plan

Crock Pot Beef Stew Meat with Rice/Noodles and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Sour Cream Pork with Rice/Noodles and Peas

Soy Sauce Chicken and Mashed Potatoes - one of my mother-in-law's famous dishes; I found this recipe online that is pretty similar.

BBQ Chicken & Mashed Potatoes, Serve with Corn and Green Beans or Mixed Vegetables
So easy! Put foil in baking dish; add chicken; Cover with Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce; Bake at 375 for 35 minutes (more or less, depending on how big your chicken is). To make mashed potatoes, I bake them wrapped in foil for 1 hour, then smash with butter, milk and salt & pepper to taste.

Mexican Pizza with Salad

New Blogging Motivation: MEAL PLANNING!

I'm very excited to use this blog to help me keep up with meal plans. DUH - why did I just think of this? I have tons of things pinned on Pinterest, but I can never seem to get it together to plan for the week. SO, I end up searching for other people's meal plans online...HELLO, why not create my own so I can keep it all in one place!

If any of you who read this blog do meal planning, I would welcome your ideas! If you have a blog or know of some good resources, please leave a comment with a link! I am trying to use more fruits and vegetables and less dairy as that seems to be a trigger for Aiden's eczema.

So here goes!

Monday: Skillet Pork Chop Saute with Peaches Side Dishes: Bulgur, Couscous or Quinoa & Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday: Flank Steak Tacos Side Dishes: Sliced Avocado, Black Beans

Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Bow Tie Skillet One Dish Meal! (Omit cheese for Aiden)

Thursday: Pork Tenderloin Medallions and Balsamic Reduction Sides: Roasted Potatoes and Mixed Green Salad (with some of the balsamic reduction as dressing) and/or Roasted Green Beans

Friday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (I will either use frozen meatballs as this recipe suggests, or attempt to make my mother-in-law's, which are delicious but more time consuming) Sides: Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread

Yum, yum! Anyone else got a meal plan to share? I'd love to steal see it!

Random thankful list.

Just got back from vacation, and that is usually a stressful time and kind of a downer because I miss everyone and don't want to come back to reality. No better reason, then, to remind myself of everything I am thankful for right now! Here are some little things that make the whining, nap resisting, time-zone-re-adjusting, unpacking, and laundry chores seem bearable!

1. Library perks. We signed up for our library's summer reading program. We set a goal for Aiden and Gavin to "read" 100 books this summer. Should be EASY since we generally check out 10 to 15 books every time we go. They gave us free book tote bags which will make carrying the books in and out much easier. Also they had cool dinosaurs decorating the children's room and the bathroom was 'my size!' according to Gavin.
2. Phone calls. It is so encouraging to hear a familiar voice on the phone.
3. Hearing Gavin talk about Papa's garden (my grandfather). He LOVED seeing it, and Papa is obsessed with it, so I know he will be proud to know that Gavin thinks it is the coolest.
4. Gavin bursting out with songs he learned at Bible study randomly. "Good morning God, this is your day, I am your child, show me your way!" It's a good reminder and helps reset my mood when I am tempted to be cranky and frustrated (which is often).
5. Seeing people back home! We enjoyed going to church on Sunday and it's been great catching up with people here (friends and family).
6. Looking at pics from our trip.

Happy Summer everyone!

GRACE for life's bleachable moments!

My sweet boy wearing his big boy pants!

I'm really happy that Gavin is finally interested in potty training! He was probably ready almost a year ago, but we moved and had a new baby and I figured there was too much transition for him (or me) to focus on it.

I am very thankful for God's grace in many forms the past few days.
For instance, Gavin loves this commercial:

And since it's been Mardi Gras season around here and we have been to a couple of parades, he thinks parades might really happen just for him. And they have! But only with Mommy and Daddy marching around the house with improvised instruments. I'm thankful that Gavin still enjoys that version of a parade too.

He also loves this commercial and likes to act it out after he goes (thankfully, he thinks the little boy is pointing to his potty!):

I'm thankful also for Aiden being sleepy and napping more than usual the last couple of days which has allowed me & Gavin some quality potty time.

I'm thankful for my sister in law who graciously allowed us to use her daughter's potty that she used when potty training. I had added ours to the Goodwill pile when we moved in an anxious fit of decluttering, but Gavin's cousin had the EXACT same potty! So it was familiar to Gavin but also had the cool "Now I can be like Ryan" factor.

And I'm thankful for TV kid's shows, for Legos, for train tracks, and most of all, for M&Ms as rewards!!!

AND keeping it real, I am very thankful that my husband insisted that the whole family start taking vitamins. I always intend to but keep forgetting. But he has been reminding us every morning, and since I have been taking them I have been TONS less irritable and frustrated. I talked to a friend at church who is a nutrition counselor and mentioned this to her, and she said that a lot of moms have irritability, anxiety and depression due to hormonal and nutrition problems! I had suspected that this was at least part of my problem, but it was reassuring to hear. She recommends B vitamins, Omega-3 fats, and to lay off caffeine. I can totally agree that this has made a major difference for me and I am SO glad because I would be a really not fun potty trainer without feeling balanced in my mood! (I am sure my entire family is thankful for my vitamins!)

Anybody had any potty training strategies you have learned for success?

I'm especially and MOST thankful for THIS VERSE:

I am thankful that this process is not about my performance as a mom, or Gavin's performance on the potty, but about seeing God's grace work in us in our successes and our failures.

All right, let's go potty!

New Year's Resolutions

I am excited about the new year! Here are a few resolutions that I want to keep in mind.

1. LISTEN. This is the "word of the year" for me.
2. WRITE LETTERS. I want to write more letters, specifically to my grandparents. I am amazingly fortunate to have ALL FOUR of my grandparents living! I don't want to miss out on letting them know they are loved.
3. GIVE. I want to give in lots of ways this year - gifts of time or stuff or whatever will make people feel loved, noticed, thought about, and doesn't require anything in return. I think about doing this all the time but often my good intentions get buried in the daily chaos of life. I want to follow through more on giving this year.
4. BE INSPIRATIONAL. I want to create more inspiration in my surroundings - through positive energy, and making my home inviting (not fancy, just welcoming).
5. BE GRATEFUL. I really want to embrace every moment as a gift from God and to notice the blessings I have instead of what I don't have. My joy comes from HIM....Psalm 4:7-8