Mom of boys

It hit me the other day that I truly am a mom of all boys.  I was talking with Josh and mentioned some things that had happened in our day.  These were things that to someone with all girls or someone with no kids at all, they would be appalled at.  Probably even think something is seriously wrong with us.  But to me, it was just “life.”

Here are a few examples:

One boy stabbing another boy in the head with a pencil.

One boy coming inside to change his shoes because another boy peed on them.

One boy upset because another boy dipped his favorite hat in the toilet water.

One boy stabbing a fork through his thumb.

One boy pushing a chair over to stove  to “help” and burning his hand.

Yep, normal stuff.

“I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength,” right?

Seriously, I love these boys to the moon and back and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

(However, a little break, on the other hand, wouldn’t be so bad.)

Busyness

Dear Faithful Readers,

Well, that is if I have any faithful readers left. 

Life has been crazy.  Work has doubled for me, homeschooling is still a priority and my kiddos need almost constant supervision (well, the two young ones). 

I was blessed with some down time this week though.  Tuesday morning I finished up the last job and breathed a sigh of relief.  I "*thought* I had just that day “off,” so I promised myself to use it wisely.  That one day turned into three days off and I have caught up on so much neglected stuff around the house.  I was even able to fit in some shopping, a hair appointment and some baking!  It’s been wonderful. 

I know so many of you struggle with the demands of life.  There’s one thing I’ve learned through my busyness the last few months.  If you can keep God at the center, it will all work out.  Wake up each morning and ask God to show you what to do, what is the most important, what HE wants YOU to accomplish in the day.  Your day will go much smoother.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

I love that verse.  It is such a reminder to us that we do need to seek Him with every decision we make.

Despite your busyness, you can’t just “go through the motions.”  Live a life of faith by praying that God will guide your heart and mind.  Then he will direct your actions.

In the midst of your busyness, God is still there.

With that said, I apologize for my lack of  posts.  So many of  you have shared with me how much you enjoy this blog and how blessed you have been at some point.  I am sorry for  my neglect.  I will continue writing, even if it’s only a few words.

Blessings.

Embrace him….

“Embrace him. He is empty and unsure of your permanence, for whatever reason, and the more you resist, the more unsure he gets. The more unsure he gets, the more he will cling. Embrace him every time he wants you to, for as long as he wants you to. Don't let go until he does. Eventually he will.”

This is something I read months ago.  It was written to a mother whose child was having a hard time whenever she would leave.  I thought the advice was wonderful.  Embrace our little ones because in the blink of an eye, before we know it and long before we’re ready, they’ll let go.

The baby phase and toddler phase is only a season.  Homeschooling your children is only a season.  Staying home with your kids is only a season.  A season of motherhood.

Enjoy your season of motherhood, whichever season you’re in.  Soon enough a new season will begin.

Blessings.

Tree trimmers

In the recent “Cyclone of the Midwest,” we lost one of our trees.  Not really such a big deal considering this tree was pretty much dead anyways. 

Logan and Camden decided to help Dad out this Saturday morning by getting a head start on the cutting up of this tree.

They also took out their leaf blower and were blowing the leaves around the house.  What good workers.

Fall soccer

Today is the last soccer game of the season.  Although I am glad our Saturdays will now be free, I am also sad.  I enjoy watching Eli play soccer.  Mainly because he loves playing it.

One of the things his coaches love about him is he constantly gives his all.  He doesn’t even think about playing soccer with half of his effort.  He gives his all no matter what. 

It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 9:10 which says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might…”  I often use this verse during school time with the boys, reminding them how we’re always supposed to do our best, no matter the circumstances.  In Eli’s case, this verse applies to whatever his LEGS find to do.  :)

Before we know it though, the spring soccer season will be here and I’ll be wishing I had my Saturdays free once again. 

Tonsil/adenoid update

Just wanted to update you all real quick on Isaac.

He’s a trooper!  I know he’s in pain, but he’s handling it well.

Yesterday was a rough day for him.  He was not comfortable most of the day and did spend the majority of his day just laying on the couch.  On top of the sore throat, he’s tired and dizzy, which are side effects of the pain medicine.

He’s been sleeping well at night, thank goodness, but I do wake him up every four hours to give him his medicine.  He was due at 8 a.m. this morning, but he was still sleeping so I decided to let him sleep instead of waking him for his medicine.  He woke up at 9:00  in a lot of pain so maybe I should have woke him up.  :(

Otherwise, I think he’s enjoying all the popsicles and ice cream (or in his case, rice cream:).  Not to mention, the video game time and movie time.  Mom NEVER lets him play the video game so much or watch TV this much! :)

Mama Bear

Today Isaac gets his tonsils and adenoids out.  I feel that same mama bear instinct coming back.  It’s amazing how as a mom I want what’s best for my child, like being able to breath better, talk better, etc., but I also want to protect my child from the pain and uncertainty.

It’s something only a mom can understand. 

Last night my mom and dad, along with four Russians, came over to pray for Isaac.  It was very neat to see such concern and compassion from these four Russians who had never met Isaac before.  Or any of us.  But they prayed like they would pray for their own family.  They prayed for speedy recovery, peace and protection.   These same Russians had gathered to pray for Camden over a year ago.  Now they had the opportunity to be able to see the little boy they had prayed so hard for.  

It’s one of the many things I love about my family.  When there is an issue, no matter how big or small, we solve it by gathering together and praying.  There’s no better way!

Any ways, the surgery is this morning.  We have to try and make our way in there with major storms coming and 50 mph winds.  It sounds nasty out there already!  God’s hand of protection though, right?

I’ll let you know how everything goes.  I know this will be so good for Isaac once he’s all healed up. 

Blessings,

Steph