Potty Training...

Life lessons hit me the most through my children, and for this I thank God. Right now we are working on potty training a two year old. A two year old who knows what's going on, and removes his soiled clothes and brings them to me with an, "Ut oh, uck!"

In between the 'ut oh's' we attempt to get him to eliminate on the toilet with no success. We keep placing  him there in hopes that he will soon succeed.  Well today came another 'ah ha' moment of life with God. In between the ut oh's of our life, He keeps putting us on the toilet so to speak, in hopes that we succeed. Is there a virtue in our lives in need of training? If we are open, we are constantly being trained to love, to be gentle...the list goes on for whatever virtue we must be trained in.  Like a child, God puts us in situations hoping that we, too, learn and succeed. At first we won't enjoy being there, and we'll have a lot of "ut oh, uck's" in between, but if we submit our will and listen to the heavenly cheers, we too will succeed! 

My June Bugs in July

Too Two..

Too Hungry

Too Messy

 Too Cute

Too Colorful

Too Sweet

Too Hot

Too Sleepy

Too Blessed

We Love To Keep

Our Two Year Old!

Happy Birthday!

The Chicken Dance

Thanks to some friends on an acreage, we were able to experience butchering chickens. From catching and beheading, to scalding and de-feathering, to cutting and gutting, and finally packaging - We had a productive AND fun night with family and friends! 

My oldest son gave new meaning to the chicken dance!

And I have made my first batch of 'Real' Chicken stock!

Due to a nursing a baby, I tried to 'chicken out' of the beheading, but my husband would not allow such cowardliness. 

Thank you dear man, for once again, encouraging me to step into the unknown...

Leading me in the dance we call life-

I love you!

Rainy day...

What do you do on a rainy day? I would say my boys are enjoying the peaceful steady raindrops outside. 

I am enjoying the raindrops from the peace inside.  This photo was taken from the view from my house, and its a much better sight than our yard. I do like the upkeep of our wonderful neighbors, but I also wish I could return the favor of a view from their house. Inside and out, I'm wondering where to start.  So yes, a blog post...to rev up the motivation within.  Then to my kitchen. 

As I work on perseverance, this is how I feel:

Trying to stay focused, keeping my eyes on the present journey, and hoping our Father is there giving me the strength needed for the task at hand, and smiling...

Reading Dates

Reading is way better when it's shared with baby time:

Mobile blogging...who knew? I'm giving it a try.

Time for a new Doctor?

On the way to a doctor appointment this week, my 3 year old had a brilliant plan!

"Mom, you need to change doctors!"
Why?
"You need to see 'that mom's' doctor because her doctor got her baby out and your's isn't!"

I really wish it was that simple...
For now, I will stick it out.  My doctor assured the lad that he would let our baby come out next Thur.  Five more days...unless God thinks otherwise.  I'd be ok with that, too.  ;)

IN the meantime, this weekend, I'll be watching soccer, and more soccer. With a mix of cleaning- mostly sweating soccer uniforms...You get the picture.

Cops and robbers...

Upon arriving home on the last day of school, my kids with some friends decided to get a good game of cops and robbers going.  I kept glancing out at their play, smiling...until I saw this:

It's kinda eerie, don't you think...

Until you get yourself together and realize he actually fell asleep while his sister was pushing him on the swings.

Off to your bed young man!

In a world of boys (and girls) we must keep up the Good Fight...

yet rest so we can be prepared for yet another battle.  

Just in 'Slime' For Easter

Kneed something to do? 

My boys recently made some slime, or silly puddy, or goo, or whatever you call it. The concoction has kept my kids rolling with laughter and creativity.  

Mix:

1c. washable school glue

1c. water

and paint 

(like life, I didn't see exactly how much they put in)  

*note: our red paint made the slime hot pink

mix in separate bowl:

1c water

.5c Borax

Combine Mixtures 

It's a bit gooey at first 

 But as it changes

 It gets less sticky

 And more strong...

Pizza anyone? 

Runaway slime...

Whoopie Cushion? 

 Whatever your mind imagines...

When you're done, keep it in a plastic bag and bring it out later! 

(You may need to add a touch of water to keep it pliable.)

We too can be a bit sticky at times, but when we combine our 'colorful acts' with some cleaning solution (Reconciliation), God's mercy and grace bring joy and strength to stay focused and keep working.

Let's make these last few days of Lent a time of joy and strength, so we too may Rise with the Love of Christ!

Advertising works

Though March Madness may be over, my kids continue to advertise. Their favorite line to mimic has been, "If you don't have an iPhone, you don't have an iPhone." One of my kids has carried this a bit farther. As she begged her little brother for something, I overheard:

"Pretty, pretty please with an iPhone on top!"

Sorry cherry, no more hype for you; technology is more appetizing than a sundae these days.

Precious Moments

Just when I think I haven't seen the little man and wonder why he's so quiet:

God gives me respite and melts my heart once again.

 It's been almost 2 years since I last witnessed this pose.