Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Gearing Up!


The first picture is one shot of the many we took of the boys, trying to find a good Christmas card pose. It's not easy taking a picture of two squirmy boys!

The second one is Nate's lastest injury. He was playing basketball and dislocated his finger. He pulled it back into place by himself. I'm glad I wasn't there to see that- I would have been grossed out! So now he is wearing a splint and the finger is swollen and purple.

The Christmas countdown has begun! Actually, we've been counting down for awhile, but the busyness is starting tomorrow. My MOPS group is doing our Christmas party so my co-coordinator and I have been busy planning that. Please pray we have a good turnout!

On Friday we are doing our little Christmas with the boys. On Saturday we are heading to Chicago for the day for an extended family Christmas. Then on Sunday the DeMaster clan is arriving and staying til Wednesday. On Thursday we head to my parent's house for Christmas. After that we are heading to Rochester, NY to stay with Nate's parents for a couple days. Whew!

Last night I was stressing out about how much I have to do in the next couple weeks. But, Nate prayed with me and I felt God's peace. Prayer is so amazing! I'll still be busy, but I'm not going to worry.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Mom's Christmas Wish

This is a funny email I received from a friend and I thought I would share the humor with you all!


Dear Santa, I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always, MOM...!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Out of Sorts

Today is one of those, "I don't want to get out of bed and be a Mom," days. It's been building up since yesterday, mostly due to a lack of sleep. Nate was sick with the stomach flu yesterday and didn't go to work. Thankfully it was only a 24 hour bug and he's back to work today. We're praying Isaac and I can stay healthy, I think it's the same bug Caleb already had. Last night was not pleasant with Isaac. Let's just say there was alot of crying and not much sleeping. His teeth are in so maybe he's going thru a growth spurt and is more hungry. It didn't help that he woke up earlier than I expected this morning. It's amazing how a Mom's attitude affects the kids. I know I am being impatient and not acting like the adult-which Caleb picks up on quickly and is acting up more today. So I'm trying to ask God for help everytime I feel frustrated.

In some good news, our Christmas shopping is done! What a great feeling. Our youth group is wrapping presents tomorrow so no wrapping to do, even better!

My friend, Jenilyn, inspired me on her blog the other day to start running on the treadmill. Not that I ran that much! Mostly ran a minute, walked a minute, etc for 30 minutes. But, it's the most I've ran in a long time. Caleb was pretending to take pictures while I was running and was saying Mommy, smile! I replied, "I can't while running!" Shows you how much I love running.:)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Christmas Wish


This year Isaac is wishing for his two front teeth. Can you believe my baby is teething already? He is 3 1/2 months old and his bottom front teeth are coming in. Caleb was about 4 1/2 months old, so I was a little surprised to see teeth in Isaac's mouth. I don't think you can see it in the pictures, but he is drooling quite a bit. He is not quite as cranky when teething as Caleb was.

Thank you for all your prayers this week! Caleb was only sick for a day and no one else caught the bug!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Noooooo!

Well, the stomach flu hit our house today. Caleb has thrown up a couple times already, none of which made it into a toilet or bowl. The last one was next to the toilet, so we're getting closer. I keep looking at Isaac and thinking, is there any way he will not get this?! I'm not too thrilled at the idea of getting it myself, but a puking baby is not pleasant for the baby or parents cleaning up. So everyone, please pray that the rest of our household doesn't get sick! And also that the cleanup crew keeps a good attitude. Here's to praying the rest of you have healthy households!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

O Christmas Tree



O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how pokey are your branches....

I think that is the theme for our tree this year. We went and cut one down yesterday. Caleb had a great time and Isaac stayed in the car. We ended up getting a Blue Spruce and I don't think we'll get that type next year! It is a very "pokey" tree as Caleb says. Nate and I had to wear gloves while working with the tree. At least I know small children won't mess with our tree, it will be too painful! I am very happy with how full it is, no Charlie Brown tree this year!

In other news, Isaac has been keeping us up at night. The past two nights he has been waking up at 3 am and crying for 30-45 minutes. Last night he made the night even better by waking at 5 am again at which point I finally fed him. We know he doesn't have to eat at 3 am. Conventional wisdom says it takes about 3 nights for kids to break a bad sleep habit and sleep better. Tonight is night 3... I hope conventional wisdom is right. It didn't help that Isaac woke up early from his nap this afternoon, just as I had laid down for a nap! Timing is everything.