Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The True Reason for the Season

I love Christmas.  It is by far my favorite holiday and season of the year.  I enjoy finding things for people I care about, things I think they will truly appreciate and enjoy.  I love the smell of Christmas trees, and fires and treats baking the oven.  I love the time with family and friends celebrating.  I love, that even if only for a couple of weeks, everyone is thoughtful and kind (mostly).  And I love what the holiday represents for me as a Christian.
Since I love the season so much I like for it to start as soon as possible, so I started Christmas shopping in September.  Sometimes it's easy, I don't wait for people to think of what they want because I know what I want to get them.  While that works well for adults it doesn't work so well for children who are under the impression that Santa will bring them what THEY ask for, not necessarily what he decides (yes, I am burying the lead on this one).
So, I have been asking Collin what he wants for Christmas.  He responds with, "nothing," "I don't know," "you tell Santa what to get me."  This has been frustrating me for weeks.  How can my 4-year-old have no idea what he wants for Christmas?!?!?  Most preschoolers have lists, long lists.  If he wants some "new, fad" item I need to get it now or I won't be able to find it anywhere, and if I can find it it'll be marked up 100 times.  Now, family members are asking what he wants for Christmas and I don't even know what Santa is bringing.
Somehow, in the midst of my frustration, it dawned on me how wonderful it is that my son doesn't know what he wants for Christmas.  This isn't a negative thing, this is a great thing!  It's not great because I can buy him whatever I want him to have.  It isn't great because I don't have to wrangle trying to find the latest and greatest thing.  This is great because my son doesn't feel like he NEEDS anything. 
There are toys coming out of every crevice of our home, it seems.  I can't imagine adding anything else to the clutter and chaos, yet it's that time of year again.  While I know Collin doesn't consciously realize (or reason) that he has enough things or that there is no more space; Collin is content with what he has.  He is thankful for what is here.  While I am certain he will come up with something for Santa to bring him, I am smiling as I think of the beauty of having a content and happy child.  Maybe it really does take a child to show us the true reason for the season.
  This was the view from my chair last Christmas, the day after Robert returned home from Afghanistan.  Now, that is all I ever want or need.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Collin is a professional miner...

...or so the woman at 30 Acres and a Mule told him. 
Collin's class went on their first field trip of the year last week.  It was a great morning.  Legare was able to hang out with friends in her class so that Collin and I could go on our own (we don't get to do that very often anymore).

So, it was off to a little known place right here in Jacksonville.  They have a great set-up, perfect for a group of 4 and 5-year-olds.  While we waited the children really enjoyed looking at the pigs, chickens, goats and cows.  Then it was time to start our adventure with a hay ride. 

It took us all the way back in time, to a little old western style town (more like a ghost town).  Collin thought it was so cool that when our guide asked for volunteers, without saying what they were volunteering for, Collin was the first to raise his hand.

He quickly changed his mind when he realized he was going to have to put his head and hands in the stocks.



After a quick tour it was back to the main building to pan for gems.  After some specific instructions Collin was ready to go. 

A lot of sand and water later, he had his loot and was quite proud of himself.



So, to celebrate this new profession we went to, none other than, "Old McDonald" for lunch.  Panning makes one work up quite an appetite.


When it was all over, Collin decided that it would be well worth a return trip, with Daddy :)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thankful Thursday

- I am grateful for my life, the mear fact that I am here and breathing.  It's amazing how loss can truly put things into perspective.  One of my sorority sisters died yesterday.  I wasn't particularly close with her, but I knew her and she's gone.  Just like that.  In a split second a vivacious, healthy, 32-year-old is just gone.  This has been sobering.

- I am so grateful for the joy and happiness my sister has found.  It has been a journey, and it has been a blessing to watch God's work and as he has brought her through the valley to a place of amazing blessing and joy.

- I am grateful for the amazing ability human beings have to rally around one another to help, support, and/or commemorate.  People who haven't been in touch in years, sometimes people who don't even know each other will run towards each other in times of need.

- I am grateful for the amazing friendship I have with my mom.  We talk daily, truly love to spend time with each other and are ready on a moment's notice to "be there."  This makes me...

-...grateful for my daughter and the neat little relationship she and I already share.  While I know the road ahead is long (and I hope it is) and probably a little bumpy, if we come out on the other side as close as my mom and I are it will all have been worth it.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thankful Thursday

- hearing Collin call Legare his best friend

- a husband who can calm my nerves and put my mind at peace with just a few short sentences

- the enjoyment of spending time with my family, MY mom and dad and sister

- watching Collin's countdown chain dwindle

- the pride Collin has when he can tell me the day and date each morning, all on his own.

- the freedom to enjoy a field trip with Collin and his classmates, watching their wonder and amazement at everything

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thankful Thursday

a truly meaningful compliment

baking cookies with Collin on his day off

noticing God's work in ME

the wonderful smell that permeates the house as cookies bake

a beautiful fall day at the pumpkin patch with my kiddos



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Monday, October 8, 2012

The Mall...an adventure???

I could have never imagined, before I had children, that a simple trip to the mall would be anything but simple, and nothing short of an adventure.  Yes, everyday activities are always an adventure with young children in tow.  Friday I was able to convince my friend, Hope, that a trip to the mall in Wilmington would be a great adventure.  So, with our, combined, 4 children under the age of 5 we set off on the one-hour excursion to Wilmington.  We left with no expectation of being able to stay longer than 30 mins.  As we arrived I began to tell her about these great indoor playgrounds that the malls near my parents have.  I discovered them a couple of years ago and thought it was the most genius idea ever.  The confusing part was that no one else seemed to be catching on.  We shrugged, and had the typical conversation about one day living in a metropolis large enough to have something like that.
See, the key to the playground (and of course a stop at the food court) is that you can turn, what is for a young child, a boring shopping trip into an actual adventure.  It helps them buy into the activity, which helps them behave.  To keep them excited there has to be something in it for them.
After long stints in 2 stores and walking half of the mall, the pretzels were gone, the babies were restless and the older children were about ready to run.  We turned a corner and there it was...
Wilmington has caught on!!  There was a small indoor play area.  I think the moms were just as thrilled as the children.  The big boys ran and jumped and climbed and even the babies had space to crawl.  It saved the day and made the adventure.  Hope and I let them play for about 45 mins.  They had a wonderful time and, when they were done, were ready for some "no touching stores."
In the end, we had a successful 4 hour shopping trip.  There were no melt-downs and no whining.  Everyone, except the moms, fell asleep on the drive home.  It was a success, so much so, we may even attempt again.  Though we are both quite certain it's the playground that makes all the difference.
 


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Lifesong

"Empty hands held high, such small sacrifice.  If not joined with my life, I sing in vain tonight.  May the words I say and the things I do make my lifesong sing bring a smile to You.
Let my lifesong sing to You.  Let my lifesong sing to You.  I want to sign Your name to the end of this day knowing that my heart was true.  Let my lifesong sing to You.
Lord I give my life, a living sacrifice to reach a world in need, to be Your hands and feet.  So may the words I say and the things I do make my lifesong sing, bring a smile to You."

Music typically has a way of moving me like nothing else.  As many times as I have heard this song, and as many different emotions as it has stirred, one thing is consistent, the first person I think of, each time I hear this, is my Aunt Billie.
As an adult I haven't spent near as much time with her as I did when I was a child, but even still, I know she hasn't changed.  People as genuine and pure as her, don't.  She has a servant's heart and a desire to serve God in all that she says and does.  This desire goes beyond that of anyone else I know.  She has been through valleys plenty and has never ceased in praise and obedience.  She doesn't bend to societal pressures to be something or do something that isn't in line with what she believes God would have her do.  She gives when there is plenty and she gives when there is little.  She opens her home and her heart to those who need her.  She is an example to our entire family of a servant of God. 
My prayer is that one day my lifesong will be as pleasing to God as I'm sure hers must be.
Aunt Billie with my cousin, Christina, and the newest baby, Jack.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thankful Thursday


the sweet sound of my husband's voice on the phone when he is away.

good friends - those who would use the force of their own breath, Superman style, to halt the rotation of the earth for me, if it would help solve a problem (Alyson, thanks for the wording on that one), or who would just cook dinner in exchange for some company and an adult conversation.

a good deal, especially when it isn't expected

collin making his own list of thanksgiving

a business with good customer service

the rhythmic sound of rain on the roof, and the gentle reminder it gives that I have a home where my family is safe.

my mother-in-law, who always remembers to call to see how we are, especially when Robert is gone.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

11 Months

Dear Legare,

It is so hard to believe that it has been almost a year since you blessed our family with your arrival.  It has been such a joy getting to know you and love you as you have grown and changed over the past year.  It is amazing to watch all of the things you have learned and done so far.  You are such a happy little girl, and all of the world is your stage.
Taking a cue from our dear friend Ms. Katie (Camp's mommy) I'm going to give you a run-down of what is going on in your world this month.



Personality:
You are a determined little girl.  It is so neat to see you look at something, set your mind to it and get there.  You like attention, and are quite adamant about getting it when you need it.  You love everyone, and are happy to have a conversation with anyone who is willing, but in the end you are a mommy's girl.  Your laugh is infectious and can make anyone smile.  You have become quite the little daredevil as you are already tackling the stairs and anything else in your way.  You definitely have a mind of your own and it is so exciting to see you change as it sharpens.      

Size:
No official measurements, but you weigh about 20 lbs.  You are wearing 12 month clothes, size 3 diapers, and with short little feet, you are still in a size 1 shoe.  You have moved into a new car seat b/c the infant one is too small, and too heavy.

Development:
You want to walk so badly you can't stand it.  You have gone from a hands and knees crawl, to your feet and hands on the ground with your bottom in the air.  It looks very uncomfortable, but seems to work for you.  You can stand on your own for a few seconds at a time, and enjoy cruising the furniture.  You talk a lot (it really is no surprise).  "Da-da" is your favorite thing to say, and daddy's favorite to hear.  You can say "ma" when you want more of something and the hard "c" sound when you would like a cookie or a cracker.  You have learned, recently, that you can squeal as well.  This is a pretty shrill sound and you have taken to using it instead of "words" in order to make your point.  We're working on that one.  You have 2 teeth, but that isn't slowing you down. 

Sleep:
You sleep well, which we were unsure would ever happen.  At about 6 months you learned to nap and sleep through the night.  With few exceptions you are taking a morning nap and afternoon nap.  You go down easily at about 7 p.m. and wake up smiling and talking abbout 6:30 a.m.

Eating:
You love to.  You have decided recently that you don't care for baby food anymore.  So, you are eating lots of pasta, cooked vegetables, rice and small bits of meat.  You do still love your bottle and would really take one each time you are hungry, but you are getting about 3 a day.  Vanilla wafers are, by far, your favorite snack food right now closely followed by, what we call, baby rice cakes and puffs.

Playing:
Your favorite toy(s) right now is one of Collin's trucks.  You really do enjoy playing with his toys, not sure if it's because you know it annoys him or if it's just because they are that fun.  You love anything with paper that you can rip or tear.  You aren't so sure about your toys much anymore, other than to chew on them.  Guess it's time for something new.  You enjoy being around other children.  You don't have much regard for their personal space, but they typically don't have much regard for yours either.  The funniest is when you have a conversation with another child your age.  You actually talk to each other, and it is wonderful to watch.  You really like Zach's food and water bowls, and you know you aren't supposed to play in them.  You typically will stop when I tell you "no."



Little girl, it is my absolute joy and privilege to spend each day with you as you learn and change and grow.  I am so excited for this adventure we are on.

All my love,
mommy

Monday, October 1, 2012

Aunt Kelly Comes to Town

One of the best things about living in Jacksonville, NC is that almost all of our family is within driving distance.  While that means we are usually on the road a lot for family functions and fun visits, it also means that they are close enough to come see us.  So, this weekend my sister was in town.  It's always great to have her visit, and I'm pretty sure the kids love it as much as I do.  She not only brings an extra set of hands to help, but it's nice to have time hanging out, like spending the whole weekend with your best friend.