Owen's dediation to his fingers

Owen has sucked his two fingers for a while now and I am thankful that he does for contentment. I know someday we will have to work on him not sucking them, but until then...Take a look and see the dedication he has to his left hand.

Your thoughts?

Okay ladies, I need some thoughts from you...
I need to reschedule my life so that all of us are happier...
A few questions for you. Please answer if you have a second and a thought?

How long do your kids have room time each day?

When do you get ready for the day-shower etc?

When do you normally start dinner prep and when do you eat?

How much specific play time do you spend with your kiddos?

Thanks friends!

Owen did it.

So, one night for the record....HE SLEPT! I think he only woke up once, maybe not at all if that one wake up was a dream I had. Ahhhhh....Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord.
I pray we are getting there. May he keep learning to rest well. May we all learn to rest well, physically and spiritually.

A breakfast Dish-Oatmeal Bake

Around our home we either have eggs/toast or oatmeal bake for breakfast. There is a splash of Pancakes, Waffles, Madame Blueberry French Toast and a rare bowl of cereal at times, but normally eggs or oatmeal is the routine. I sometimes add some leftover sauteed potatoes or a cut up slice of tomato with the eggs or chicken sausage...
But if you any of you want to try something new that is yummy, give this a run for its money. Justin doesn't like things mushy and rest assured it is not mushy. It is sweet, warm, a bit crispy, easy to digest and essentially prepared the night before. Let me know what you think!

Oatmeal Bake

Ingredients:

4 ½ cups rolled oats

3 eggs

¾ cup butter

3 tsp baking powder

2/3 cup raw sugar (can do 1/3 c honey, 1/3 c sugar)

1 ½ cup buttermilk

1 ½ tsp sea salt

1 cup frozen blueberries (cranberries and Raspberries are great too)

Directions: This dish is a soaked dish, to break down the enzymes which make oats difficult to digest.

1. Mix-Oats, salt, sugar, butter and buttermilk

2. Place bowl in oven with ONLY the oven light on for the overnight hours. The oven light will be enough heat to allow the oats to break down with the buttermilk.
3. In the morning add-blueberries, baking powder and eggs. Mix thoroughly
4. Pour into an 8x8 greased glass baking dish.
5. Cook for approx 30 minutes at 375. It is done when it is cooked thoroughly and not runny.
6. Is great reheated the next morning as well.
7. Enjoy!

And the heat goes on...

We have been enjoying Millbrook Exchange pool while the weather has been hot. They have a shallow pool and also a spraypark. Maybe you can tell by the photos, they each like something different,-Owen the spray park and Katie the pool. Katie made some friends and Owen worked on diving underwater. Thankful that there is a pool to relax at while the September heat droons on and on and on...

Katie says....

In the morning when she wakes up, we hear "I see light. I see darkness." Yes, that's our cue that she is ready to get out of bed.

Justin asked, Katie, how do you obey?...."by obeying."

Justin said be careful standing so close to the window-she was standing on one leg. She replied, "Daddy, I am standing like an ostrich."

Katie walking through the house yelling, "Tink, Tink, Tink, where are you?" Tink is Katie's sister, or daughter or friend. She is different each day. But Tink goes everywhere with us. Her imagination is vivid! Tonight, Katie set the table and there was an extra spot for Tink.

Katie is always praying for the ambulances or fire engines as they race by.

Katie told Owen today, "Owen, in 5 minutes we are going to have bubble time. When Mommy says we need to go back, please do not whine and obey with a happy heart."

"Mommy, can we walk to Starbucks and get a juice box."

Journaling-melt down times four

Owen...update...sleeping is still a battle. Bummer. We are continuing to try the earlier bedtime, but even tonight he went down at 6:15 and has already been up and crying twice by 7:30. What gives? Anybody have any thoughts? Yesterday he woke up 5 times between 7:00pm and 10:30pm! I haven't gone into his room, but let him work himself back to sleep. But tonight, I finally gave him some water and a hug. Back down, we will see how long. Oh, and he now also has a cold-a runny nose. Lovely. I gave him some Tylenol and I hope that helps, though it doesn't seem to yet and I gave it to him at 5:30. He did play just fine all day long. Took two short naps about 45-an hour each, so again he is tired, way overtired.

Katie...skipped her nap today and played in her room, trying to "sleep" she said. In bed by 7:25 and having a melt down because daddy was putting her down...though normally daddy is who she wants. She couldn't sit still for her Bible story and wanted to sing her own song while we say My Mercy, My God. The three's are a tough age since they think they know so much. Plus, they can try and talk their way out of things. Whew....hopefully she is asleep almost by now. She has been coughing at night-I am sure because of her overdose of dairy this past week. Oh and she has decided to get up to go tinkle ALL THE TIME during the night.

Justin-working hard to be a joyful dad today. Doing a much better job then me. Also tried to get me to understand his thoughts on what to do with the house...yeah, my ideas on a couch/chair...different then his. Oh and he gave me a message for Mother's Day that I just redeemed this weekend at Massage Envy...Lauren, was the girl that I went to and was superb. Thanks for the treat, Love!

Me-I could have cried at multiple points. I am tired. Tired of waking up 5 times a night. Tired of Owen working on sleeping and crying himself back to sleep. Tired of praying for a joyful heart-though I know that won't change, yes, I am a sinner. Tired of trying to get things done only to be one step backwards and not forwards on my list. Tired of looking for a couch. Tired of being afraid to make a wrong decision. (But we ARE buying a couch this week! :)

But overall...thankful for another day. Thankful for time with my kiddos and husband. Thankful for the mercy and grace of God. Thankful that I can ask for help. Thankful that it is 8:00 and I can get ready for bed soon. Thankful we can even afford to buy a couch. Thankful, thankful, thankful. Jeremiah 33:3

And I know that I am posting thoughts that are not always encouraging to anyone reading them. But this is our life right now. And right now, again just so we are clear, we are THANKFUL for where we are, what we are doing and WHO we are serving.

Somebody hold me accountable...

Owen NEEDS to go to sleep at 6:15 tonight. HE IS EXHAUSTED and so am I.

We will win this sleeping, or lack of sleeping, battle.

We are the parents.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child this book is necessary in my life. I am reading it, again.

:)

Artwork by Katie

Katie and I have been trying to do a few 'school' type things around our house. Today we did some art. She LOVES it. I have to admit that it does test my patience as I want to show her how to do it. But in reality it is her work! Sigh. So the first page is done by her, but with my help to not mix the colors. Then the next page I let her do whatever she wanted and she wanted to mix her own colors. Yep, I think she likes brown and earth tones. I also let her wear one of my old shirts which to me looked pretty darn cute. :) It also showed me how little she still really is.

But anyway I think she had fun. I am going to look into an art class for her. I think with her creativity and some instruction she could enjoy it as an activity.

Our loveable pets

Katie and Owen have found the dogs, Rosie and Charli, to be irresistible in the NEIGHBORS back yard. They are constantly looking over the fence and trying to pet these Cocker Spaniels. I have to say they are pretty cute, but I am thankful that I am not chasing them around AND my two kiddos.
And our backyard neighbors seem to be a sweet couple. We are excited to get to know Meredith and Peter. :)

That corner and this happened

He was going for that toilet paper

He leaned down and smashed his head square on that corner in the above photo

He immediately got this goose egg

He cried for 2 minutes then successfully got the toilet paper and was back to playing. Whew...I guess I won't try to clean the bathroom while he is awake again...just to much going on!
Oh and why do kids always go for pulling out the toilet paper.......I have found ROLLS UNROLLED around our home.

And a side note-recommendation-If you don't have some of this on hand, it does wonders to bruises. I have used it on Katie, myself and Owen and seriously it is worth having. It heals much faster and helps with the pain.

Muffies by Katie

Katie informed me that we needed some muffies around the house. I got the ingredients out and by the time I turned around she had started-she had mashed the bananas, added some salt, peaches and flour to our banana messies. Needless to say, they turned out!

She then informed me that we needed to make some pumpkin muffies too! So we did that as well. :) Thankfully Owen was taking a good nap so it was just my little girl and me.

She was super excited and so was I! We froze some of them and have now eaten them for over a week. Delicious and a great treat to have on hand!

Journaling-We have...

Almost dropped Owen's morning nap...what am I going to do with two kiddos awake until noonish-yikes!~ I am going to have to readjust my expectations and then be super focused during naptime! This is trying my selfishness! ahhhh....more prayer to be done. Thank you Jesus for your constant help as we seek to train our kids.

Almost sold everything on Craigslist...and boy am I ready to be done with this side job! Only a bookcase, rocking chair, a few lamps or artwork and then fabric covered reclining chair, oh and this silly armoire to sell!

Almost decided on which couch and chair to buy for the living room. Almost. Why can't I make a decision! This frustrates me!!

(I have been) working on my anger. I am amazed at out quickly I get angry at disobedience or when my schedule is interrupted. Then I have been wondering where Katie gets her 'gritting teeth' from...I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I need to pray for grace and patience. I want to respond with love! Please Jesus help me with this. And I am extremely grateful that we discipline in the bathroom and not on the spot. This allows me time to pray and collect my thoughts before we talk through discipline and forgiveness. Thankful also for only disciplining when using these five words. Read this article if you don't know what I am referring to by my friend Beth.

Almost decided on what to do in our bed room. Excited about this!!

Officially seen the stress take its tole on our emotions, well my emotions, from our move and busy summer. I have been on a roller coaster ride this past two weeks on de-stressing and wondering what to do with myself now that I don't have constant female contact. I am amazed at how much my heart was enjoying talking about life with women that lived with us. It was stressful at times and took a lot of energy, but now that we are here, I have to rethink my time and fellowship. I think it is going to take some time and prayer, but I will get back to that fellowship.

Been trying decide what to do as a family for a hobby...or at least what is something we could do together except the park-which is a huge hit with the kids...but how many parks can one go to in a day...at least two so far! :)

Reading the book Radical for small group...a good reminder to pursue Jesus for a lifetime. But does have a few things I am wondering how they fit or if they are not dangerous thoughts if not read in context with the scriptures.

Been planning on going back to KS for my brother and sister-in-laws wedding reception! Yippee!
We are SUPER excited for you Tommy and Julie. Justin and I LOVE being married and pray the same for you two. May you always serve each other 100%. May you love like Christ loved the church. We pray you find that deepness of a rich marriage in Jesus.

Really desiring to spend some time planning what the rest of the year should look like now that we have moved to town. Where do the days go? I want to be purposeful!

Loved getting more family time with Justin!

Been thinking about preschool, homeschooling...

Thought about doing an art class for Katie and me or gymnastics.

I have been thinking so much about the fact that Jesus is really all I need. That it is my privilege to walk this journey God has for me. I can't walk my kids journey. I can't walk my husbands journey. I can walk alongside with them, but I can't do anything for them. Well, I can pray and encourage and help, but when I get to heaven and stand before Jesus...it is just me and Him. I don't want to miss out on what my relationship should look like with Him here because I am to busy doing my own thing. I NEED Him. I am fully aware that my Jesus is all I have and need. (I need fellowship and community at an incredible depth as well)

Been thinking that we are ready for COOLER FALL WEATHER and a nice rainy day would sit well with my heart!

Someday I hope

Katie and Owen's relationship is like this. That they can be great friends. Super advocates of each other. Wonderful supports they can always rely on. I pray you two will be found in Jesus together too.
Love you sweet kids!

Our mornings

Our morning (or evening walks with Daddy too) have looked a lot like this, and we love it! The kids and I walk before Owen's first nap, normally making a short or long stop at the park. We have walked to the shopping area which is close by, a handful of times, and I love that too! It is a wee bit difficult at time, to take the double stroller into the stores, but most doors accommodate well! One of Katie's favorite walking spots is Starbucks where she buys (if she has money from a grandparent usually) an expensive juice box (she could buy three for the same price at Harris Teeter) but she loves it anyway!
So THANKFUL for the walking path and for this type of family time.
Oh and the kids do well in the stroller...except when Owen is fighting sleep or they are famished. :)
I love walking everywhere!
Recommendation-if you don't already get outside with some consistency and walk, run, ride a bike, with or without kids, you really should. It is great to be outside in God's creation and not huddled and consumed by our own!

Owen calling for Katie

Owen, has been learning how to say many things. We believe one thing he can say pretty well or at least we can understand in context is his calling for Katie. This video was taken a morning when he got up before her and was looking for his sister. Then actually half way through it you can hear him saying, "daddy". Hearing Katies name is heard right at the very beginning...
Love that he is growing up!

It's a Momma thing

Owen, at his current stage is really into his Momma. :) Most of the time it is wonderful! I love that he can come and get me.
Around dinner prep, I have to say it is a bit difficult as he clings to my legs. But like all people tell me, I am sure I will miss it someday!

His fingers and his Momma...

Also if I bend down and ask Owen for a hug, I GET ONE! It is SO SO precious. This is definitely something I don't want to end...the hugs from my two kiddos!

Me (a bit rough in the early morning) and my sweet boy.
Love you little guy.

Turtle Soup

Really Turtle Soup? Yes, really! I was looking through all recipes and there is actually a soup made with turtle meat...I found that fascinating and a bit yucky. It said it has a real 'snappy' flavor. Ha! Hummm...now how might I come across some turtle meat..anyone have any ideas? :)

And if you are curious, here it is!

How to dress for church (or not) and how to wear shoes like Cinderella

Katie came out last week telling me she was going to church...this was her outfit. Hum....I asked if she was missing anything...no, she said. Hummmmm....we have some work to do!
Then she said that her sister, Addy, was going with her-hence her back pack.
Finally, she said she needed to wear her shoes like Cinderella (Katie calls these her 'glass slippers' like Princesses) but she also needs to wear them like this ..heals! Oh boy~!