Corduroy Lesson #1

We decided to kick off our Corduroy lesson by going to.....

Build-a-Bear!  I like hands-on learning, so I decided that we would go and build our own "Corduroy" so he could have a tangible thing to look at while he was reading the story.  Our Corduroy looks a bit different since he doesn't have green overalls, but he does have overalls and underwear on (that's from potty training).  We would have had a lot more accessories if I hadn't have reigned B in from his clothes collection.  He didn't want Corduroy to have "his overalls" and "his undies."  I kept having to explain to him that those clothes wouldn't fit him!

Caught the heart and put it in the bear before they closed it.

Catching the heart

Every bear needs a bath

Getting a good scrub

Overalls and undies...and so many more possibilities!





B has really enjoyed Corduroy. Corduroy has been on the tractor, driven in the car with Baby M and has slept beside B. He has to show everyone Corduroy's overalls and undies! It was definitely a fun way to start our lesson.

Book Review: Thank You God, for Mommy

This book is so cute and both of my kids seemed to enjoy this book.  My 2-year-old loved the pictures and the panda bears.  As the mother, I found the artwork to be great and very eye-catching.  The artist did a great job making the pictures appealing to children.

As for the book, it was so sweet!  Of course, I'm a bit partial since I am a mom and I think my kids should thank God for me just as I thank God for them!  The book has a baby panda thanking God for his mom, saying that he could never find a better mom if he had looked everywhere for a better mom.  Then he lists the reasons why he is so thankful for his mother, from being patient when he makes a mess, for kissing his boo-boos, , for her caring and sharing, for her hugs and kisses and so much more.

I like to get B a special book for his birthday that expresses our love for him.  I'm holding off on giving him this book until his birthday, because it reminds me of how much I love him and hopefully one day, how much he will love his own children.  Definitely a cute book for children and moms!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

School Days

Many of you know that we are planning on homeschooling our kids.  We are very excited about it.  Well, actually Daddy T is a little nervous about me teaching B math.  That's why I've designated Daddy T as the math teacher!  Anyway, so many people that I know are homeschooling, which will be great because we'll have a lot of people around to learn with and to gain resources from.

A lady at my home church recommended a book program to a friend of mine (Beka) who is homeschooling her 2/4 kids.  Beka recommended it to me as something she wished that she had used to start with her oldest.  Since I have loved everything that Beka has recommended to me so far, I decided to check it out.  It's a program called Five In A Row.  We are doing the Before Five In a Row for children ages 2-4.  I have meant to start earlier, but with the house stuff going on, I just haven't.  Now that our schedule is starting to calm down a bit, I have planned and prepared our lesson plans and have started them this past week.  I'll share our daily plans (hopefully) on this blog.  We've had a lot of fun doing it so far and B asks for school.  He enjoys it and it doesn't take long at all.  It does create lots of memories and wonderful conversations, though. 

I'm excited to see him grow through this and then to start Five In a Row after this.  Our first lesson is using the book Corduroy.  I can't wait to show you what we did to kick off this book!

Sunny Days

I am so glad that a childhood friend of mine lives in the same place as us.  Jewels has grown up with me since they came to our church for her dad to be the pastor.  We have found ourselves living only miles apart now that we are married and with kids, too.  It's wonderful!  Her son, miracle E, and B are great friends.  Baby M and little C have the same temperment and we hardly recognize that they are there.  The 2 bigger boys keep us on our toes! 

We have been trying to meet once a week, especially since it has been so nice outside.  We've gone to parks, had picnics and have let the boys be boys, which entails rock throwing, getting muddy, running, and wrestling!  Needless to say, both boy sleep GREAT when we get them home!  This past week, Jewels and I met at a park and fed the ducks and threw rocks in the lake.  They loved it!  We sat for over and hour talking while they threw rocks.  Previously, we played on the playground and had a picnic.  They ate fast because they wanted to get to the ducks!

We had to keep the boys from throwing the rocks that hit the ducks.  Fortunately, the ducks were fast and the boys didn't have great aim. 

I'm so thankful that God has placed Jewels in my life.  She is such an encouragement to me when I feel like I'm getting nowhere with B or when I'm beyond frustrated!  It's great to know that she's in the same boat, too, with the same frustrations.  We like to bounce ideas off each other and talk about all that God is doing in our lives, which is a lot for both of us.  Thanks, Jewels, for your friendship!  I love that we have been friends for such an incredibly long time.  And how funny is it that our husbands went to school together and are from the same area?!  Small world.

Book Review: Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald

I absolutely enjoyed this Bible Study book.  I have found it to be perfect timing with my two little kiddos  because I am a person who likes to do it all and forget that I don't have to do it all.  Cynthia Heald provides great reminders that we are a society that likes to go, go, go, and go some more.  That's not always good.  What suffers when we're always going?  Usually, it's our family and our relationships.  This book has been going right along with God has been speaking to me lately about being intentional. 

My favorite chapter was the first one where she was talking about abiding .  She says "abiding is not an activity; it's a lifestyle."  Is He my everything?  Is my day centered around Him where not only my children see Him, but others that are around me? 

Each chapter is fairly short and I was able to complete it in a day.  However, I tended to break it up a little because it was so good and I wanted to dwell on certain points more and really focus on certain things during a week.  This is a great study that could be done alone or in a small group setting.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Springtiime of the Spirit by Maureen Lang

I have never read any books by Maureen Lang, but I'm glad to say that will now change.  She is such a great author!  I wasn't for sure whether or not I would like this book at first because I don't typically like fictional books based on war.  However, she did a great job of drawing me into reading page after page.

The book is based in Germany in 1918.  The war has finally ended, but there's not a lot to be happy about due to what all has gone on during the war.  When Christophe returns from fighting in the war for his country of Germany, he is upset to find that his country is now fighting each other within the country.  However, once he has returned, a family friend has asked for his assistance to fetch his daughter and bring her home safely to him.  The last thing Christophe had on his mind was falling in love with Annaliese, the lady he was to safely return.  She's outspoken in the political scene to give women, and those working, a voice in the new government in Munich.  She's not thrilled that Christophe has to bring her home and isn't afraid to let him know that.

While falling in love, they have to face the fact that their beliefs are different.  Communism enters the stage and they both have to decide how they feel about it.  Will Annaliese abandon her faith for a system of beliefs that she's not for sure she really understands or can follow through with?
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This book was received by Tyndale Publishers free for my review of this book.  I did not have any stipulations as to what my review must say.

Words I Love

The sweetest words that I love to hear from this little boy is "Mommy, I love you too much!"  I think somehow he decided to change "so" to "too."  That's okay because I love it.  However, I quickly tell him, "B, you know what?  I love you too much, too, and I always will!"  Then I get those sweet kisses and bear hugs and I'm reminded that there's no greater job on this earth for me than being a mommy to my sweet (and not-so-sweet at times) kiddos.  I'm so thankful that I am able to be with my kids the majority of the time and watch them grow up and make lots of memories.  Sometimes in the midst of the everyday, mundane tasks, I forget that this is a gift to me from God so I need to cherish the days even when I think I'm going to pull my hair out.  They won't last forever.  Or so I tell myself!:)

What? Jump on the Bed?! Okay!

The song "Three Little Monkey's" is NOT a song to use when teaching your child NOT to jump on a bed!  We had a friend's son over to play and all these boys heard were "Three little monkeys jumping on the bed."  They turned deaf ears to "no more jumping on the bed."  In fact, when "one fell off," they would take turns falling off the bed and "bumping" their heads.  I'm going to piggyback that song with more appropriate lyrics.  Perhaps it'll be titled "If Mommy Catches Me Jumping on the Bed..."

By the way, when I caught them doing this, I had to take the video because it was too funny.  I did supervise them and there were thankfully no new bumps or bruises.

Baby M

This baby truly is this happy.  Well, until her brother gets her in a headlock or thinks that she would rather lay on the floor instead of sitting up.  Poor girl will never get the chance to crawl because he takes that as she needs to be flattened on the floor!  Other than that, she's usually all smiles.

Birthdays and Horses

I'm so excited to have found what we are going to be doing for B's 3rd birthday.  I would have done it for his 2nd, but I could find a place that let you ride horses.  Now, thanks to a friend who had her son's party here, I'm thrilled to be able to celebrate B's birthday on a ranch, hopefully!  The next best would be a farm, but something tells me that a group of toddlers roaming a cow pasture isn't such a great idea!

At Little Cowboy's birthday party, we were able to throw rocks in the pond (which was up the alley of EVERY single boy!) and then they got to "ride" and "rope" the bull while sitting on a horse.  I told Daddy T he needed to construct a simple horse out of a barrel.  It provided hours of fun for all of the kids.  We were amazed.  Then they brought out what EVERY. SINGLE. CHILD. was looking forward to the most.  The horses.  There were 2 horses and a pony for the kids to ride. 

B wanted to ride, but didn't want to wear the helmet.  The lady working gave us the idea of putting a cowboy hat under the helmet so he didn't feel it.  Worked like magic!  We got to lead the horse around the pond, which was fun.  The first time, it stepped on Daddy T's toes.  By the time I got it, all it wanted to do was eat!  I'd love to find riding lessons for him if he stays interested in horses and farms.  We'll see!  One day, we're taking him to a rodeo.  He'd love it.  I think Pop also has a tractor pull lined up for him to watch once he's potty trained.

Thanks Little Cowboy for such a wonderful birthday party!  B asked to be put to bed last night!

Oh...and while we were walking toward to the barn to go potty in the outhouse by the barn, B said "we go pee in the barn?"  I told him "no" and that we were going to potty in the other building.  He said "Pop lets me go pee in the barn."  Thanks, Dad.  At least it's not the porch, yet.

Book Review: When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

What a fun book this was to read!  I normally don't read these type of books because I get too nervous!  I'll admit...I did skip to the ending first just to ease my mind.  (I know that's a big no-no, but I couldn't help it.) 

Miranda Hanford is a wife and now a widow and a mother of six children.  The church she attends is a very close-knit church and the pastor suddenly decides to move the church to a different state.  The pastor, Mason, is very controlling and likes to have the final say in everyone's life and decision.  Miranda was thrilled to know he was leaving and thought that this would be the perfect time for her to break her ties with him.  However, Mason wasn't thrilled on her choice and threatens her if she chooses to leave the flock.

Jack, his sister-in-law's oldest son, has been named the legal guardian of the kids when Miranda takes a fall and tries to recover.  Once he recovers from the shock, he falls in love with all 6 of the kids and brings back the joy that had long been gone.

However, Mason is still threatening Miranda and won't leave her alone, constantly saying he'll spill her secrets.  What secret is so bad that she's afraid for ANYONE to find out?  Guess you'll have to read the book to find out!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multunomah Publishing for review.  I was not required to write a positive review for any books given for review.

B's enemy

B has his first and only enemy so far.  Any clue what it is? 

I'll give you a hint.

Here's a picture:

That's correct.  B's enemy is a garbage truck.  The next logical question you might ask is "why?"  Oh my!  Here's the story.

A few months ago, we decided that the paci had to go.  We told him that he could use it, but only when it was bed time and he was in his bed.  I informed him that if I saw it out of his room at any other time, I would take it away.  He never showed me his beloved paci!

One day, he had it out in the living room and I was feeling generous and thought I'd remind him of the rule.  I simply said, "B, go put the paci back in your bed or throw it in the trash."  This is where B's love of trash came in handy.  B said, "I throw in trash, Mommy."  I tried to explain to him that once he threw it in the trash, it would be gone and he'd never see it again.  He assured me that was okay and he was going to throw it in the trash. 

Well, to this day, EVERY (and I do mean EVERY) time we pass a garbage truck or a trashcan, he says, "I throw paci away" and points.  I always say, "yes, you did, and we're proud of you."  One day, he was in one of his moods and said "Bad trash man."  I asked him why he said that and he said "because he take my paci away."  I told him that he had thrown it in the trash and the trash man was just doing his job.  He didn't know that a paci was in there.  That reasoning fell on deaf ears as he kept saying "bad trash man.  No touch."  And so we still hear to this day those same words.

Since then, we have gotten rid of all of his pacis.  He will occasionally take Baby M's paci for a quick suck and then shove it back in her mouth.  However, he's done really well with it and hasn't asked for it back.  Well, except for when he found one that he had hidden.  I quickly took it from his hands because I wasn't about to restart that weaning process again!

I'll admit that it was hard at first to get rid of them because it was admitting that he wasn't a baby anymore and he was growing up.  It was also something that combined with his blanket "blue" would calm him down when he was throwing a fit or in one of his moods.  If he was getting wild, I could simply hand him the combo and he'd sit or lay down.  "Blue" still does the job, but not as fast as they both did combined.  That's okay.  I'm stepping out of denial that my baby boy isn't quite my baby anymore.  Not for sure how that happened....

Pi Day

Two years ago, my lovely brother married the girl of his dreams.  My brother wanted a day that he'd never forget, and being a math person, he figured 3.14159... (pi) would be it.  I'm so glad to have Aunt Mo in our family.  She is my race buddy and I love spending time with them.  I never get to see them as much as I'd like.  They are both very sweet, thoughtful, and fun to be with.  I can't wait for them to give B and Baby M a cousin!  Just kidding....well, kinda! 

On the day of their wedding, I was sad because I knew that my relationship with my brother would change.  I knew he wouldn't have as much time for me and that there would be another important girl added to his life, besides his mom and sister.  I tried not to think about that too much.  However, I'll never forget on my wedding day how he took me aside and told me that I'd always be his best friend and he loved me very much.  I wanted so badly to tell him that, but I just didn't get a chance.  I hope he knows, though!  Even though our relationship has changed a lot, I still consider him one of my best friends.  I miss the time spent together, though.  He definitely has a sense of humor, as Aunt Mo can attest to!  I'm sure she spends much of her time laughing with him....or about to pull his hair out from his stubborness that comes from (gasp) my Dad.  (Although, my Dad would deny the fact that he's stubborn.  That's where his kids and his grandson get it from, no doubt.)

I know time changes things, but I'm so glad that Aunt Mo was brought into our lives.  Maybe one day we'll get to spend lots of time together! 

Click on their picture to see how they were sent off.  I can't help but laugh everytime I see this!

Japan

Please remember Japan in your prayers.  My brother and I have a friend over there that I went to school with through high school.  She's so sweet and funny, but her seaweed sushi smelled nasty and could smell up an entire car!  I'll never forget how stinky that was.  Anyway, please pray for Asuka and her family.  We haven't heard from her to know how she is.  We're not for sure how close she is/was to all of the disaster.  I think she was somewhere in/near Tokyo last I heard.

Dr. Visit #4

I hate it when little babies get sick.  I hate it when big babies get sick, too.  Baby M seems to be following in her big brother's footsteps with colds leading to asthma-like symptoms.  However, they can't officially diagnose her with asthma, yet.  She was wheezing pretty bad last night and this morning, so I told Daddy T that I was going back to the doctor with her today to have them check her out before the weekend.  After he left for work, I thought maybe I wouldn't have to.  I was hoping the breathing treatment would work and stop it for me.  However, after giving that to her, it continued so we got in the car and made our way to the doctor after grabbing an appointment ASAP.  Have I mentioned that I love our doctor and their offices?!

They checked her oxygen sat. and they said they like it to be 95.  Baby M's is between 93-95, so they want to make sure that it doesn't get any lower.  They gave us another treatment while we were there because the doctor said she was laboring hard to breathe.  He gave us some steroids and more breathing treatments for my to-do list.  I asked him if he gave out punch cards where the 4th visit in a week is free.  He just laughed and said "that'd be nice!"  I took that as a "no."

After a solid week of fevers, coughs, runny noses, ear infections, and breathing treatments every 4 hours, we're tired.  I'm so thankful for Nanny Ruth and some ladies in our Sunday School class who have brought us dinner.  I always hate having to accept help, but it did take some things off my list.  Especially since Daddy T and I seem to be trying to fight this off, too.  We've got the respiratory stuff but no fevers.  That's okay, though.  At least it's not the stomach bug....knock on wood!

Is it spring yet?!  I'm ready to be outside, away from germs and stuff that could get my babies sick.  Or maybe I'm ready for a vacation.  At least this sickness is only temporary and for that, I'm very much grateful.

Grandparents

I received an email about grandparents.  Instead of forwarding it, I thought I'd share on here.

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?

Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds. You'll love it:

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other peoples.'

A grandfather is a man; a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6-YEAR-OLD WAS ASKED WHERE HIS GRANDMA LIVED. ''OH,'' HE SAID, ''SHE LIVES AT THE AIRPORT, AND WHEN WE WANT HER, WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.''

GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog. (or spouse) 

Love Letter

So I stole this off a friend's blog.  I thought it was funny and that my friends might share in the enjoyment of this, too.  I can totally relate to this, as I'm sure most of my female readers can, too.  ESPN writer DJ Gallo came up with this on behalf of all those husbands who love sports and may or may not know how to write a love letter to their wives:



Can you relate?

Lessons Learned in a Night

I learned  a lot of lessons last night.  I'll share just a few.

1. Be specific.  Remember my post yesterday where I shared that we were just waiting for an ear infection and I was kinda hoping it would come so that Baby M could start to feel better on antibiotic?  Well, I should have been more specific as to the time frame.  Next time, I will include it to be between the hours of 9-1am where one of our doctor offices would be open and could give a prescription.  Instead Baby M waited until 1am to wake up screaming and crying and then continue to do so ALL night long.  Daddy T and I took shifts because her ear was hurting so bad.  I longed for some meds for her.
2. Babies that can't voice their cry is sad.  Baby M has felt so bad that she has lost her voice.  Daddy T thought he'd like it because she couldn't reach her shrill high pitch scream.  Now that it's gone, he feels bad for her.  (His ears like it, though.)  She has that tiny newborn kind of cry again. 
3. Olive oil is amazing.  I had to call the doctor this morning to see if there was ANYTHING that might stifle Baby M's cry and make her feel ANY better.  We had been alternating the Motrin and Tylenol, but it wasn't cutting  the pain.  We elevated her, let her sleep on us in the recliner, put her in the swing, pretty much nothing worked.  Thankfully, the most wonderful nurse on call told us to get a dropper and put a few drops of olive oil in her ear.  Bam.  It worked.  She slept for 2 hours on Daddy T from 5-7 this morning.  It apparently helps soothe and protect the outer ear, which has become painful from the lack of wax to protect it.  Never knew but now I do and I'm sharing it with anyone else who frequents ear infections a lot.  I should say that you CAN'T use if if they have tubes or drainage out their ear. 
4. 2 sick babies at one time is not fun.  At first, I was glad that at least we could get it over with at once.  However, it's hard to give each one the proper cuddle time that they are seeking without one feeling left out.  We've had lots of couch-time where B can sit or lay in my lap while Baby M lays on my chest or shares my knee.  Making memories....

Now that the drops are in Baby M's ear, she's sound asleep.  Not even B yelling will wake her up, which is good.  Poor baby needs to sleep.  Hopefully by tonight or tomorrow morning the meds will start kicking in and we'll be doing good.  We're still continuing the breathing treatments for both though thanks to all of the coughing, but we're not having to do them quite as often.  B is becoming much more of himself thanks to his meds.  We just have a really bad diaper rash to deal with because he can't control his bottom and that's okay.  He apologizes every time he goes to the bathroom in his diaper.  I keep assuring him that it's okay because the medicine is going to make him not know when he needs to go in time.  Needless to say, potty training is on hold for this week.  He was doing much better, too.  Hope this doesn't mess it up!

Book Review: Here Burns My Candle

I enjoy historical fiction.  I think it's a fun way to learn about history (as long as it's accurate!).  After having read the second book in this series, I decided that I should read the first one.  Thankfully, this one was still up as available to review!

Liz Curtis Higgs writes thick books, but they make you want to keep turning the page so it's not hard to finish the book very quickly.  This was no exception. 

This book is based on Ruth, like the second one.  The story is based in 1745 when Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh determined to capture the crown.  Once Prince Charlie enters the scene, it causes such a disruption that Lady Kerr starts to question what she believes.  This isn't an easy thing to admit to her family or to anyone, because they are not only a Christian family, but a royal Christian family.  Her husband struggles with the issue of infidelity, and her mother-in-law has to learn to try to accept her despite her upbringing and the fact that she is a Highlander and loyal to Prince Charlie.

Each main character is dealing with a major issue, not necessarily an exact issue that is mentioned in the Bible.  I should go ahead and clarify that it is "loosely" based on Ruth.  I found this book very enjoyable to read.

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This book was provided for review free of cost from Waterbrook Multnomah Press. I was not required to write a positive review this book.

Book Review: Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

Having just finished Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman, I was extremely excited to get Plain Proposal to review.  I have the first four in this series and was so glad that I could grab this book!

This book didn't fail to meet my expectations.  It was a great story about Miriam and Saul.  Miriam likes Saul, but Saul isn't planning on staying in the Old Order Amish community.  He longs for the outside world and all of the things that have been forbidden in their community.  However, Miriam is convinced that she is supposed to be with him, but that's completely out of the question if he leaves.  Another guy, who is staying in the community for sure, is showing interest in her and wants to be with her.  If Saul would only make his decision!  Along with that, Miriam cousin comes to stay with them because of her troubles back home.  As you can imagine, this could cause problems for Miriam and Saul.  The real question is not only who ends up with who, but who ends up leaving the community and who stays and why.

You don't have to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy this book.  It's easy to figure out who is who and the roles they play in the storyline.  If you like books on the Amish community, then you've got to read this one.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Plain Proposal from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Say it Ain't So

Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday.  I didn't have enough hands to hold my two babes and type.  Imagine that!  The status is as follows:

B has an ear infection and that yucky upper respiratory infection going around, which has triggered what?  His asthma.  He is starting to come back to life today, which is good. 

Baby M has the infection and is following the same course.  The doctor said she'll probably start running the fever in 48 hours (which will be tomorrow).  In some ways I'm hoping he's right and in another I'm hoping he's wrong.  Wrong because I don't want to go back again, but right because then she would be able to be on antibiotics that would clear her chest and then I could stop giving her....guess what....yeah....breathing treatments.  Apparently she's also on the asthma track, too.  I'm really thinking hibernation will be great for the winter months.  At least the nebby bear is becoming our friend and I don't have to hold either of them down to administer anymore.  Baby M just gets restless after and B, well, read the other posts! 

So, we're just here cuddling and waiting for an ear infection in Baby M....that sounds completely awful.....

Oh...and the poor baby has lost her voice and sounds pitiful crying.  On the upside, her and B have become great cuddle buddies because they get to sleep together for naps.  B even shares his blanket and has become quite protective over her.  He wants to take care of her (with his eyes closed) and doesn't want me to interfere.  So sweet!  I'll post pictures when I get enough hands and time to do that as well.

Get Knocked Down...

Well, it's not me that's knocked down.  It's more like both of my kiddos.  B started running a fever on Friday and it has continued into today.  Baby M hasn't run a fever but has the same symptoms as B did when his first started and has a horribly runny nose and is becoming hoarse.  Pitiful babies!  B's is made worse by his wheezing.  His little ribs are showing now when he breathes and you can hear him try to catch a breath.  We are doing his treatments, but his cough is so bad.  My little bundle of joy just wants to sleep and not move.  My body doesn't know what to do with all of this sitting still!

We have a doctor's appointment today to see what all is going on with both of them.  I just hate giving him those breathing treatments because he shakes so bad and then acts HORRID!  And I do mean HORRID!  He is mean, ugly, and not himself with them, but that's the only thing that makes him able to breathe.  It's just that it takes a good 2 hours or more to come down from this BAD side of the treatments. 

Hopefully the doctor can fix my babies.  I'll try to remember to post an update after we've been.

Mommy Guilt

Today I'm choosing to write about something that I think every mom deals with, but it goes completely unspoken so much of the time.  As you can guess by the quite obvious title of this post, it's mommy guilt.  Mommy guilt can be a beast, too.  It creeps in and makes you feel like you aren't up to par on your mommy skills.  For example, I am with my kids much of the time.  In fact, all but about 3-5 hours out of the week (unless I have church, etc.).  With that said, I still feel guilty when I leave them!  Not only that, but there are times when I feel guilty when I'm with them because I feel like I'm not doing enough.  I know it's weird, but I'm being honest.  Then there's the food.  I feel guilty if B gets a less than healthy breakfast because I'm trying to shove him out the door and he's such a slow eater or if I don't cook dinner one night and we (gasp) order a pizza! 

To be honest, my view of motherhood was almost the opposite of many things that I find myself doing.  There are also those things that I swore that I would never allow or do that I do.  I pictured dinner on the table at 6:00 after having a nice and quiet and peaceful hour to cook.  (Boy, were my eyes opened after B was brought home from the hospital!)  Then I thought I'd clean my house and the floors and table would stay clean.  (Not only do these places stay dirty, but places that I never imagined have become sticky and dirty.  How does that happen?!)  I always pictured my kids sitting still, obeying, and saying "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am.  That was just a nice dream while it lasted!  So you can see why mommy guilt crept in.  I definitely haven't lived up to my "to-do" or "to-be" list as a mommy.  I honestly doubt I ever will and that's okay.  I'm trying to remind myself that what matter most is NOT if my house is spotless or if everything is in it's place, although that is a great feeling.  What matters most is that I'm there for my kids, even if that means that I forgo a few "household duties" to play trucks or to build legos or read.  This is not to say that I'm going on a cleaning strike.  It's just that I don't want my eyes to be taken off the most important reason I have of staying home.  I'm not staying home just so I can clean the house, which is a nice by-product!  It's so I can love on my kids, be with my kids, and make lots and lots of memories with the precious gifts I've been given.  So mommy guilt....goodbye!  I'm choosing to be the best mommy I can be without the pressure of being wonder mommy.  If I forget an appointment, or if I forget a birthday, I'm sorry!  Just know that I'm doing the best I can.  (Oh...and I'm pretty sure mommy brain really does exist so please cut some slack for those mommies!)

Book Review: Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs is a historical fiction book.  It is the second book in a 2-part series.  I haven't read the first book, so it took me a little longer to get into the book and to figure out what all was happening.  I'll say that this book is a pretty thick book!  Not a bad thing, it's just the truth!  However, I think most of her books are pretty thick.

This book includes a lot of the Scottish phrases, which makes the book a little difficult to read in the beginning because I had to keep flipping to the back of the book to find out the meaning of the words.  However, it is no different than reading books from the Amish community.  Once I got used to the words, I was able to read with ease.

This book is a Scottish retelling of the story of Ruth and Boaz, so it's a wonderful love story! Marjory Kerr and Elisabeth Kerr have lost everything and have moved to the countryside after Prince Charlie reclaims the British throne.  If you know the story of Ruth and Boaz, then the plot is obviously predictable, but it's still a great story and very well-written.

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This book was provided for review free of cost from Waterbrook Multnomah Press.  I was not required to write a positive review this book.

I love these 2....

"More Baby Jesus"

The other night, Daddy T and I loaded the kiddos up in the minivan we had rented and drove to the top of a mountain to eat some pizza.  Next door to this pizza place is my favorite store...Lifeway.  I hadn't been there in at least a couple of months, which is honestly amazing for me.  I figured if I never went in, then I wouldn't be tempted to buy another book or anything.  I commented to Daddy T how long it had been since I had been in there and bought and book and I guess he was so impressed that he let me go in.  I immediately saw a few books on sale and picked those up.  Daddy T was with B and when he came to meet me, B had a VeggieTales coloring book and a Bible, which he loves.  He climbed up in a chair to wait for me and immediately started to look for the wise men, the boats, and baby Jesus.  This was met with a loud cheer each time he saw any of these, which caused lots of laughs around us. 

Daddy T took my books and B's coloring book to go pay, but wasn't going to buy the Bible since B has a few at home.  However, when B saw Daddy T stick it back on the shelf (top shelf), he got really upset and started asking for "more baby Jesus, please.  More baby Jesus."  Since he knew he couldn't reach that shelf, he led me back to the back of the store and started calling for baby Jesus, in hopes he could find that Bible.  I explained to him that he has several Bibles at home and we could read one when we got home.  Not good enough.  He REALLY wanted that baby Jesus.  When we got outside, after lots and lots of tears, Daddy T reached in the bag and handed him nothing else but "baby Jesus."

Afterwards, I couldn't help but think about God's analogy to us as his children.  I was really convicted after watching this scene play out.  Do I go through life searching for Jesus?  Do I call out for him just knowing that He's going to respond and be there for me?  Would I do absolutely anything just to have a Bible in my hand to read and cherish?  Do I stay excited and thankful that God handed me "baby Jesus" as a price for my sins?  Yikes.  I'd love to say that describes me all of the time, but it doesn't.  I love when God uses my children to show me my relationship with Him.  It's not always a cozy feeling, but it is one that challenges me to be more Christ-like.

Hmmm...I wonder what people would say if I ran through a store calling out for "more Jesus!"  Oh, the excitement of little ones.  I'll definitely miss that when it's gone.