If you wonder why we do what we do (and why we intend to keep on doing it), read this post. I think it sums it up pretty well.
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-didnt-get-memo.html
This is not just for those who have hearts for adoption, but for all who give away their lives every day, laying down their lives for others instead of putting themselves first. Adoption is a big one on God's heart, and so is human trafficking, homelessness, sex addiction, poverty, single parenthood, and more ... there are so many opportunities. What has God laid on your heart?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
And a Good Time Was Had by All ...
Today we went to experience the snow with our children before it's too late for this season and it all melts away. The only way we were willing to venture out to do this was to have a specific destination in mind that offered hot chocolate, restrooms, and a place to go indoors. We decided on Squaw Valley. After spending the first few hours of the day getting everyone breakfasted, dressed, lunches made and all the accoutrements that go with babies and small children packed, we pulled out at 11am. We'd hoped to leave between 9-10am, but with a large brood, we're learning to be flexible.
Two hours later, driving two cars and having had only one baby scream for the last 20 minutes, we arrived. (Beloved Pearl and I had an awesome time chatting the whole way up and back. Though we do live and work together every day, we're pretty busy and don't always have as much time to talk as we'd like.) Packing the babies into the double stroller and making sure everyone had their warm things on, we discovered that Laughter had forgotten her coat and Mommy had forgotten to remind/help her find one. Well, we'll make the best of it. We planned to make this a short trip anyway.
After wandering around base camp to get our bearings, we decided to eat lunch at an outdoor barbecue area where we could see the skiers riding the lift and ending their runs. It was worth braving the cold wind in the shade for the chance to soak up the atmosphere and people-watch. (Plenty of people were watching us too, I'm sure!) As soon as the food had been consumed (and bottles warmed by nice taco-sellers at Beloved Pearl's request, and enjoyed by two hungry babies), we were ready to re-enter the sunshine and find some snow to play in. We trooped behind our brave leader as he scoped out the possibilities and settled on a patch of snow in front of a store. It was just the right size for our little crew! We laughed as we pictured how silly we must look playing in this tiny patch of snow and taking pictures as if this were the most marvelous experience we'd ever had while entire snow-covered mountains surrounded us. But we were having a blast! Even Thunder got to enjoy this snow adventure in miniature. Our brave Little Tree was delighted to discover another snowy hill just a few feet away, so we hiked across the pavement to have snow balls chucked at us by four gleeful children.
Laughter was unfortunately starting to turn blue, so we ended our snow exploration to retreat inside a Starbucks. Finding a little corner to take over (the only other occupants being a pair of very nice ladies who spoke kindly to our Precious Crown), Saltracer ordered a bunch of hot chocolates (our only expense on this trip besides gas). These having been consumed with great enjoyment (and only two spills, a few dozen napkins and a mop), we headed out. Stopped by the restroom to make sure those who could go potty in the toilet went and those who couldn't were changed (discovering after the first un-diapering that all diapers had been left in the van, so auntie ran to tell daddy who ran to get them while auntie stayed with those outside the bathroom and mommy stood guard over aforementioned un-diapered baby and those children who were still in the bathroom). Loaded up the cars two hours after having arrived with four tired and happy children, two tired and not quite as happy babies, and three tired and happy grownups for an uneventful drive home.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
Two hours later, driving two cars and having had only one baby scream for the last 20 minutes, we arrived. (Beloved Pearl and I had an awesome time chatting the whole way up and back. Though we do live and work together every day, we're pretty busy and don't always have as much time to talk as we'd like.) Packing the babies into the double stroller and making sure everyone had their warm things on, we discovered that Laughter had forgotten her coat and Mommy had forgotten to remind/help her find one. Well, we'll make the best of it. We planned to make this a short trip anyway.
After wandering around base camp to get our bearings, we decided to eat lunch at an outdoor barbecue area where we could see the skiers riding the lift and ending their runs. It was worth braving the cold wind in the shade for the chance to soak up the atmosphere and people-watch. (Plenty of people were watching us too, I'm sure!) As soon as the food had been consumed (and bottles warmed by nice taco-sellers at Beloved Pearl's request, and enjoyed by two hungry babies), we were ready to re-enter the sunshine and find some snow to play in. We trooped behind our brave leader as he scoped out the possibilities and settled on a patch of snow in front of a store. It was just the right size for our little crew! We laughed as we pictured how silly we must look playing in this tiny patch of snow and taking pictures as if this were the most marvelous experience we'd ever had while entire snow-covered mountains surrounded us. But we were having a blast! Even Thunder got to enjoy this snow adventure in miniature. Our brave Little Tree was delighted to discover another snowy hill just a few feet away, so we hiked across the pavement to have snow balls chucked at us by four gleeful children.
Laughter was unfortunately starting to turn blue, so we ended our snow exploration to retreat inside a Starbucks. Finding a little corner to take over (the only other occupants being a pair of very nice ladies who spoke kindly to our Precious Crown), Saltracer ordered a bunch of hot chocolates (our only expense on this trip besides gas). These having been consumed with great enjoyment (and only two spills, a few dozen napkins and a mop), we headed out. Stopped by the restroom to make sure those who could go potty in the toilet went and those who couldn't were changed (discovering after the first un-diapering that all diapers had been left in the van, so auntie ran to tell daddy who ran to get them while auntie stayed with those outside the bathroom and mommy stood guard over aforementioned un-diapered baby and those children who were still in the bathroom). Loaded up the cars two hours after having arrived with four tired and happy children, two tired and not quite as happy babies, and three tired and happy grownups for an uneventful drive home.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Brain Fog
I suffer from brain fog. It's pretty strong right now so I'm having trouble concentrating enough to even figure out what I wanted to write. I didn't wake up with it. This morning I had energy and motivation. I was in a good mood, and I was looking forward to a great day with my kids: giving the babies baths, twisting TaTa's hair, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, folding cloth diapers, and then maybe doing some fun things like reading, watching a movie with my girls, or doing a project like making bubble gum with them (Laughter got a gum-making kit for her birthday last summer).
Then, about four hours after I woke up, the brain fog began. I thought maybe it was because I needed to eat something, so I did, but it didn't get better. Instead of feeling happy and motivated, I now feel tired and easily overwhelmed. I can barely do anything and I feel disconnected. It feels like there's a cloud in my forehead and behind my eyes. I just want to go to sleep. And it's frustrating, because there are so many other things I know I'd really rather do, but I don't have the energy anymore to do them. What happened? And why?
I told my sis-in-law, so she and the girls prayed for me. While praying, I thought of looking up "brain fog" online. I'd never thought of doing that before, so I thought perhaps it was the Holy Spirit's leading. To my surprise, quite a few links popped up. None terribly helpful though. Brain fog can be linked to a whole lot of things including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, menopause, stress, depression ... and the recommended remedies are just as varied. Exercise, rest, diet, meditation, supplements, and more are possible treatments. Oh, and it's also apparently not a recognized medical diagnosis. Just something that a lot of people say they suffer from. Even a lot of teenagers, which also surprised me.
What to do? I don't know, except to throw myself into the arms of my Creator Father and ask for His help. Abba, please heal me. I want to be well!
Then, about four hours after I woke up, the brain fog began. I thought maybe it was because I needed to eat something, so I did, but it didn't get better. Instead of feeling happy and motivated, I now feel tired and easily overwhelmed. I can barely do anything and I feel disconnected. It feels like there's a cloud in my forehead and behind my eyes. I just want to go to sleep. And it's frustrating, because there are so many other things I know I'd really rather do, but I don't have the energy anymore to do them. What happened? And why?
I told my sis-in-law, so she and the girls prayed for me. While praying, I thought of looking up "brain fog" online. I'd never thought of doing that before, so I thought perhaps it was the Holy Spirit's leading. To my surprise, quite a few links popped up. None terribly helpful though. Brain fog can be linked to a whole lot of things including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, menopause, stress, depression ... and the recommended remedies are just as varied. Exercise, rest, diet, meditation, supplements, and more are possible treatments. Oh, and it's also apparently not a recognized medical diagnosis. Just something that a lot of people say they suffer from. Even a lot of teenagers, which also surprised me.
What to do? I don't know, except to throw myself into the arms of my Creator Father and ask for His help. Abba, please heal me. I want to be well!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Third Day Mac Powell Adoption Testimony
If you have ever felt the Lord tug at your heart to adopt, you may want to watch this testimony. Let Him speak to your heart!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Baby Break
My babies have been at their grandparents' house for the past 24 hours. It's the first time they've been away from home overnight. I've enjoyed having a bit of a break from the complicated round of diapers, bottles, naps, and laundry which make up much of my daily life. I have been able to relax a bit with only my 7-, 5-, 4-, and 2-year-old children to think about. This morning I had to change only one diaper before breakfast. I was able to eat my own food without spooning food into two other mouths between my own bites. I found myself reflecting that if we had made some different choices last year, this could be my life. Much simpler. A bit quieter. Less stressful. I must admit, it was kind of nice.
I knew that I needed some perspective. So, the next time I went into the bathroom, I picked up the most recent issue of Lifelines magazine that we receive from Bethany Christian Services. With a prayer in my heart that God would restore me to His perspective, I opened it up and read about families who have adopted. My heart resonated when I read one mom's words, "We were comfortable in our routine, yet I knew that we weren't put on this earth to be 'comfortable.'" I read profiles of children who need to be adopted and cried as I prayed that God would place them in families. (Yes, I read and cry and pray in the bathroom. It's sometimes the only place I can be alone!)
Later, I read some articles on the Above Rubies website. Then I went to my Google Reader and saw Stephanie's post. (I am so glad to know I am not the only one who has these thoughts. God knew what I needed to read today!)
I did enjoy the break. It was nice to have time to get my refrigerator cleaned this morning with my girls' help while Saltracer (hubby) took the boys on errands with him. And I didn't quite feel ready for the babies to come home as soon as they did. But we all have a choice. We can invest in our own comfort, or we can invest in others. I have made my choice. If I could go back to last year and decide all over again, I know that I would not change a thing. Besides, I did miss my babies a little bit. :)
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25; also in Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, and Luke 17:33)
I am not living for today. I am living for eternity. Then I will rest. Until then, I am resting in faith that He is sufficient for today.
I knew that I needed some perspective. So, the next time I went into the bathroom, I picked up the most recent issue of Lifelines magazine that we receive from Bethany Christian Services. With a prayer in my heart that God would restore me to His perspective, I opened it up and read about families who have adopted. My heart resonated when I read one mom's words, "We were comfortable in our routine, yet I knew that we weren't put on this earth to be 'comfortable.'" I read profiles of children who need to be adopted and cried as I prayed that God would place them in families. (Yes, I read and cry and pray in the bathroom. It's sometimes the only place I can be alone!)
Later, I read some articles on the Above Rubies website. Then I went to my Google Reader and saw Stephanie's post. (I am so glad to know I am not the only one who has these thoughts. God knew what I needed to read today!)
I did enjoy the break. It was nice to have time to get my refrigerator cleaned this morning with my girls' help while Saltracer (hubby) took the boys on errands with him. And I didn't quite feel ready for the babies to come home as soon as they did. But we all have a choice. We can invest in our own comfort, or we can invest in others. I have made my choice. If I could go back to last year and decide all over again, I know that I would not change a thing. Besides, I did miss my babies a little bit. :)
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25; also in Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, and Luke 17:33)
I am not living for today. I am living for eternity. Then I will rest. Until then, I am resting in faith that He is sufficient for today.
Friday, March 05, 2010
10 Things I Love about My Husband
I have been thinking about this for a few days. This post reminded me that I've been wanting to share a few things that I love about my husband:
1. He cuddles with me every night when we go to bed even though he has to lay on the side that hurts to do it. (His back and neck need God's healing touch. His body is in constant pain.)
2. He loves our children and shows it by wrestling with them and letting them help him in the garden.
3. He changes diapers (even poopy ones) uncomplainingly even though he knows he doesn't have to. (We have a deal: I don't have to squish bugs and he doesn't have to change poopy diapers. But he does it anyway.)
4. He loves to spend time with me! He looks forward to our date nights as much as I do.
5. He texts me every day when he's on the way home and wants me to reply letting him know what we're doing so he can join in when he comes through the door. I love that he cares about the little things.
6. He tells me I'm his favorite person (and he is mine!).
7. He thinks I'm beautiful even when I have no makeup on, haven't brushed my hair, and am wearing spit-uppy sweats.
8. He makes the bed when he gets up last (even though he hates doing it) because he knows it means a lot to me.
9. He doesn't complain when he has to go to the laundry room to find his shirts.
10. He cries when he reads about orphans or rescued babies.
We have only been married eight years, and I am more and more amazed all the time at what an incredible husband I have.
Do you want to share about how awesome your husband is?
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Let's Get Real Some More
Well, that was fun! It was a relief to get some of my hidden fears into the open, and I loved reading yours too. More stuff has come to mind today, so I think I'll keep sharing.
7. I really struggle to appreciate my children's artwork. I know that they need to create, and I love to see what they do, but in the pit of my stomach there is always this feeling of dread when they bring me something they just drew. Now I have another treasure, priceless to my child, which they want me to display prominently (preferably hanging on the wall next to my bed) and which I want to throw away as quickly as possible. Then I feel guilty for being so heartless. I have set up a system that works pretty well, but they keep insisting that this one is SO special that I just HAVE to hang it in my room (which is my husband's and my sanctuary and I want to keep it as clear of toys and kids' clutter as possible).
8. Speaking of keeping my room kid-free, we have had babies sharing our room for much of our marriage. And we have never had a real bassinet. They sleep in portable pack-n-plays. I feel bad about it sometimes, but mostly I just haven't seen the need to invest in something fancy when this works just as well.
9. We do not have enough storage space for our kids' clothing. Currently our 7-year-old keeps her clothes in a plastic 3-drawer thingy from Walmart that we happened to have. Our 6-year-old has a broken down dresser that was found as junk in front of someone's house which we refinished for her, but the drawers don't really work right. Our 4- and 2-year-olds have overflowing baskets on shelves in their closet (I actually like this arrangement; less fussy than a dresser and easier for them to put their clothes away themselves. Well, at least for the 4-year-old. Though he rarely puts them in the right basket.) Our babies used to share one dresser/changing table combo, but now that they're getting bigger I can't fit all their clothes in it, so our 9-month old has the dresser to herself while our 6-month-old's clothes are in (and on) a plastic bin next to the dresser.
10. I dislike crafts with a passion. The mess, the trouble, it just gets to me. Especially when there are toddlers around to make it more complicated. So, unlike my friend who does it anyway, I do not. At least, we do as little as I can get away with. Tonight my girls are painting because we got our school work done early and I told them we could do fun stuff this afternoon/evening. So I could hardly tell them no when they've been waiting weeks (or months) to do these projects (one of them is an unfinished box my 5-year-old got for her birthday last June). When I finally do let them do it I feel like SUCH a good Mommy though!
11. We usually eat dinner sometime between 7-8pm. Then the kids get in their jammies and go to bed. It's not how I grew up, and it seems rather strange to me, but our kids are used to it. And it just seems to work for us. But I always feel a little guilty that we have snack time around 4pm and don't have dinner until late. I'm not sure why I feel guilty about it though, except that we are not like a lot of other people who eat earlier.
Okay, my kids want me to help them with their crafts. Sigh. Guess I'd better go!
7. I really struggle to appreciate my children's artwork. I know that they need to create, and I love to see what they do, but in the pit of my stomach there is always this feeling of dread when they bring me something they just drew. Now I have another treasure, priceless to my child, which they want me to display prominently (preferably hanging on the wall next to my bed) and which I want to throw away as quickly as possible. Then I feel guilty for being so heartless. I have set up a system that works pretty well, but they keep insisting that this one is SO special that I just HAVE to hang it in my room (which is my husband's and my sanctuary and I want to keep it as clear of toys and kids' clutter as possible).
8. Speaking of keeping my room kid-free, we have had babies sharing our room for much of our marriage. And we have never had a real bassinet. They sleep in portable pack-n-plays. I feel bad about it sometimes, but mostly I just haven't seen the need to invest in something fancy when this works just as well.
9. We do not have enough storage space for our kids' clothing. Currently our 7-year-old keeps her clothes in a plastic 3-drawer thingy from Walmart that we happened to have. Our 6-year-old has a broken down dresser that was found as junk in front of someone's house which we refinished for her, but the drawers don't really work right. Our 4- and 2-year-olds have overflowing baskets on shelves in their closet (I actually like this arrangement; less fussy than a dresser and easier for them to put their clothes away themselves. Well, at least for the 4-year-old. Though he rarely puts them in the right basket.) Our babies used to share one dresser/changing table combo, but now that they're getting bigger I can't fit all their clothes in it, so our 9-month old has the dresser to herself while our 6-month-old's clothes are in (and on) a plastic bin next to the dresser.
10. I dislike crafts with a passion. The mess, the trouble, it just gets to me. Especially when there are toddlers around to make it more complicated. So, unlike my friend who does it anyway, I do not. At least, we do as little as I can get away with. Tonight my girls are painting because we got our school work done early and I told them we could do fun stuff this afternoon/evening. So I could hardly tell them no when they've been waiting weeks (or months) to do these projects (one of them is an unfinished box my 5-year-old got for her birthday last June). When I finally do let them do it I feel like SUCH a good Mommy though!
11. We usually eat dinner sometime between 7-8pm. Then the kids get in their jammies and go to bed. It's not how I grew up, and it seems rather strange to me, but our kids are used to it. And it just seems to work for us. But I always feel a little guilty that we have snack time around 4pm and don't have dinner until late. I'm not sure why I feel guilty about it though, except that we are not like a lot of other people who eat earlier.
Okay, my kids want me to help them with their crafts. Sigh. Guess I'd better go!
Let's Get Real
My friend, Courtney (who I only know through her blog), inspired this post. I try to be real in this blog (and in my life). Sometimes I feel I am too open. But I like people to know me in reality, not in some false image that I create for them.
EXCEPT when it comes to my house. In that area, I would love to have someone airbrush my life. (I'm just being honest.) Over the past year, my husband and I have been in a dinner group hosted by several couples who have become good friends. (One or two of them may even read this blog.) And I have grown terrified at the thought that we might ever need to take our turn hosting. Without exception, every one of their houses has been neater, cleaner, and most of all, more beautifully decorated than mine. We live comfortably and, for the most part, happily in this rental with terrible gray-brown carpet and plain white walls that need paint badly. We're actually grateful for the yucky carpet since our babies love to roll off of whatever blanket or towel I lay them on and spit up on it!
Anyway, I love to read things my friends write that are just real, so I am joining the Mommy Revolution and spreading the word to just Get Real. I enjoy relationships so much more when I am allowed past the facade, and I'm sure many others feel the same way. If you do, leave a comment or write your own post and leave a link so I can get to know you better too!
I've already shared about my embarrassment over my less-than-guest-ready-home. (Oh, and I forgot to mention the huge backyard that is a swamp during the winter and a lumpy mess of weeds and bare patches in the summer - but the kids LOVE to run and play in it so I love it too - except when we have guests to see its flaws.) Here are a few more confessions:
1. The Valentine's Date Disaster: My husband and I have given up going on dates on Valentine's Day since our fourth child was born on Feb. 14. So last week we went on our belated (and much anticipated) Valentine date. It started out well. We enjoyed a free dinner at On the Border with a gift card Paul had gotten from work. Afterward, as we were driving to the movie theater to see Edge of Darkness with our discounted movie tickets from Costco, we were pulled over and cited for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. Needless to say, that put a serious damper on the evening. After some awkward attempts on my part to help cheer my husband up (he was driving), we went ahead to the movie. (It was fun to see the bad guys get what they had coming to them.) We had planned to go out to dessert after the movie, but a series of miscommunications and assumptions led us to come home instead and go to bed frustrated and angry (at least, I was). I learned a lesson that I hope sticks with me: when someone just got a ticket (or something else bad happens to them), don't try to cheer them up. Just empathize. Be in the moment. Give it time. Perspective will come later, but sometimes you just need a chance to grieve, rant, be sad, be mad, whatever.
Last night we did get to finish our plans by having a dessert date at Cheesecake Factory where I ordered Chris's Outrageous Chocolate Cake. (It really is outrageous; I'm still working on it.) We talked about words and definitions and things that no one in the world would think funny except ourselves. We laughed and laughed and enjoyed each other. Then we came home and watched Ice Castles on Netflix instant watch. It wasn't at good a movie as I remembered it being when I was a teen.
That one was really long. I hope the rest are shorter.
2. Anger: I yelled at my four-year-old today while making my five-year-old cry by snapping at her. After a day filled with grace and many wonderful moments, I suddenly lost all patience. We got the math done, but I was sad to have lost some of the sparkle in their eyes. Maybe we can get it back tomorrow. Thank God for new days.
3. Bad Personal Hygiene: I don't get dressed every day, or even brush my hair or teeth. Today was one of those days.
4. Self-induced Sleep Deprivation: I stay up way too late nearly every night and pay for it in the morning. Tonight is one of those nights. I love to get up early to spend time with God, but most days it doesn't happen and I try to make it up at naptime.
5. Once a Week Whether They Need It Or Not: I only give my kids baths once a week. That may horrify some, but it's the way it is. It takes me all morning to get them all bathed. I just can't do it every day. So one day during the weekend is "bath day," and they all get clean, "whether they need it or not," as my husband says. (Believe me, by then they need it. - We do try to keep hands and faces clean in between, but their nails are truly disgusting by the end of the week.)
6. Procrastination: I hate cleaning bathrooms, putting away laundry, and picking up toys. So I procrastinate. And then, when it gets really bad, I yell at the kids for not keeping their bathroom clean, putting away their laundry, and picking up their toys. (I am gradually riding this cycle less and less, thankfully, but I still need help.)
I could go on and on, but you get the picture. I am a weak, sinful person who needs to admit that fact far more often than I actually do. I am learning to say I'm sorry more, but it's still hard for me. I need God, and I need to know how much I need Him. I want to be free of the need for approval from others, but I still crave it.
How about you? Want to share?
EXCEPT when it comes to my house. In that area, I would love to have someone airbrush my life. (I'm just being honest.) Over the past year, my husband and I have been in a dinner group hosted by several couples who have become good friends. (One or two of them may even read this blog.) And I have grown terrified at the thought that we might ever need to take our turn hosting. Without exception, every one of their houses has been neater, cleaner, and most of all, more beautifully decorated than mine. We live comfortably and, for the most part, happily in this rental with terrible gray-brown carpet and plain white walls that need paint badly. We're actually grateful for the yucky carpet since our babies love to roll off of whatever blanket or towel I lay them on and spit up on it!
Anyway, I love to read things my friends write that are just real, so I am joining the Mommy Revolution and spreading the word to just Get Real. I enjoy relationships so much more when I am allowed past the facade, and I'm sure many others feel the same way. If you do, leave a comment or write your own post and leave a link so I can get to know you better too!
I've already shared about my embarrassment over my less-than-guest-ready-home. (Oh, and I forgot to mention the huge backyard that is a swamp during the winter and a lumpy mess of weeds and bare patches in the summer - but the kids LOVE to run and play in it so I love it too - except when we have guests to see its flaws.) Here are a few more confessions:
1. The Valentine's Date Disaster: My husband and I have given up going on dates on Valentine's Day since our fourth child was born on Feb. 14. So last week we went on our belated (and much anticipated) Valentine date. It started out well. We enjoyed a free dinner at On the Border with a gift card Paul had gotten from work. Afterward, as we were driving to the movie theater to see Edge of Darkness with our discounted movie tickets from Costco, we were pulled over and cited for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. Needless to say, that put a serious damper on the evening. After some awkward attempts on my part to help cheer my husband up (he was driving), we went ahead to the movie. (It was fun to see the bad guys get what they had coming to them.) We had planned to go out to dessert after the movie, but a series of miscommunications and assumptions led us to come home instead and go to bed frustrated and angry (at least, I was). I learned a lesson that I hope sticks with me: when someone just got a ticket (or something else bad happens to them), don't try to cheer them up. Just empathize. Be in the moment. Give it time. Perspective will come later, but sometimes you just need a chance to grieve, rant, be sad, be mad, whatever.
Last night we did get to finish our plans by having a dessert date at Cheesecake Factory where I ordered Chris's Outrageous Chocolate Cake. (It really is outrageous; I'm still working on it.) We talked about words and definitions and things that no one in the world would think funny except ourselves. We laughed and laughed and enjoyed each other. Then we came home and watched Ice Castles on Netflix instant watch. It wasn't at good a movie as I remembered it being when I was a teen.
That one was really long. I hope the rest are shorter.
2. Anger: I yelled at my four-year-old today while making my five-year-old cry by snapping at her. After a day filled with grace and many wonderful moments, I suddenly lost all patience. We got the math done, but I was sad to have lost some of the sparkle in their eyes. Maybe we can get it back tomorrow. Thank God for new days.
3. Bad Personal Hygiene: I don't get dressed every day, or even brush my hair or teeth. Today was one of those days.
4. Self-induced Sleep Deprivation: I stay up way too late nearly every night and pay for it in the morning. Tonight is one of those nights. I love to get up early to spend time with God, but most days it doesn't happen and I try to make it up at naptime.
5. Once a Week Whether They Need It Or Not: I only give my kids baths once a week. That may horrify some, but it's the way it is. It takes me all morning to get them all bathed. I just can't do it every day. So one day during the weekend is "bath day," and they all get clean, "whether they need it or not," as my husband says. (Believe me, by then they need it. - We do try to keep hands and faces clean in between, but their nails are truly disgusting by the end of the week.)
6. Procrastination: I hate cleaning bathrooms, putting away laundry, and picking up toys. So I procrastinate. And then, when it gets really bad, I yell at the kids for not keeping their bathroom clean, putting away their laundry, and picking up their toys. (I am gradually riding this cycle less and less, thankfully, but I still need help.)
I could go on and on, but you get the picture. I am a weak, sinful person who needs to admit that fact far more often than I actually do. I am learning to say I'm sorry more, but it's still hard for me. I need God, and I need to know how much I need Him. I want to be free of the need for approval from others, but I still crave it.
How about you? Want to share?
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