In 2011, I ...
...was pregnant, and gave birth to my second son.
...recovered from a c-section.
...started doing administrative work from home for Chris. He left his job to start his own business.
...organized and sorted and de-cluttered.
...was reminded to take care of myself better, and set some new boundaries.
...felt the support of old and new friends.
...struggled with letting go of the mom's group I was attending because I didn't feel it was right for Josiah.
...reconnected with my Bible in a new way.
...enjoyed the challenge of three simultaneous book studies (with lots of homework!).
...realized that my pregnancy with Elwin seemed to trigger a gluten intolerance, which has not been easy to deal with.
...felt lonely and isolated at times. Even with great friends to make fun plans with, the days can get long being home alone with the kids.
...let myself off the hook, and gave myself permission to not have to do or be the best in every situation...maybe felt a touch of His grace in new ways.
...worked through more past crap. Those painful struggles never seem to end. They serve as a constant reminder that things will never be perfect in this life, and that my hope should be in the next one.
...sought help for some parenting issues that I have been battling through.
...continued to serve in the ways that I could.
...stayed home too much, and did not have enough times out with Chris. It has been harder than we thought to make dates happen.
...missed some extended family members. Although my family was far from perfect growing up, I did experience a lot of connection and support from some extended family. I think since having kids that I wish I could be closer to that again. This year, I found myself longing to be close to those who I know would stop in for lots of tea, and spend quality time with me and my kids.
...felt thankful on many occasions for my wonderful kids and husband.
...missed vacation time (since most of it was used up on baby time).
...watched Josiah turn three, learn to do new chores, start preschool, dress and undress himself, recognize and draw numbers and letters, make new friends, problem-solve, potty train (YAY- we're completely done!), become an amazing big brother, play some new games, learn to swim, have his first sleepover, identify and talk through his feelings, and grow taller and stronger.
...watched Elwin turn six months old, roll over, sit up without much assistance, and start to eat solid foods. Also got to know his little personality, and watched him grow like crazy!
...felt God move in some areas, and continued to wait on him on others.
...trusted that He knew best at times, and worried at other times because I just couldn't see it.
...wanted to be closer to Him.
...needed His help to forgive, and to trust again.
...didn't feel ready for some of the places He wanted me to go...maybe I'll be more ready in 2012.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
New Pics
These are pictures that were taken by my brohter-in-law a couple of months ago. I LOVE them!
Josiah had just turned three, and Elwin was three-and-a-half months.
Josiah had just turned three, and Elwin was three-and-a-half months.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
This Christmas...
...I hope for you who are hurting, that you will find the peace that can only be found in Jesus.
...I hope for you who do not know Him, that you will seek and find Him.
...I hope for you who are wanting more, that you will let go of a bit more so He can move.
...I hope for you who are busy, that you will find stillness and rest, if only inside!
...I hope for you who are with loved ones, that you will appreciate each moment for what it is.
...I hope for you who need love, that you will feel the embrace of the One who loved through the gift of His son.
...I hope for you who are starting over or saying good-bye, that you will feel His presence and know that you aren't alone.
...I hope for you who are not what or where you thought you'd be, that you will be able to move on with new hope.
...I hope for you who are truly joyful, that you will allow this to touch those who need it most.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from ours to yours, with love.
...I hope for you who are hurting, that you will find the peace that can only be found in Jesus.
...I hope for you who do not know Him, that you will seek and find Him.
...I hope for you who are wanting more, that you will let go of a bit more so He can move.
...I hope for you who are busy, that you will find stillness and rest, if only inside!
...I hope for you who are with loved ones, that you will appreciate each moment for what it is.
...I hope for you who need love, that you will feel the embrace of the One who loved through the gift of His son.
...I hope for you who are starting over or saying good-bye, that you will feel His presence and know that you aren't alone.
...I hope for you who are not what or where you thought you'd be, that you will be able to move on with new hope.
...I hope for you who are truly joyful, that you will allow this to touch those who need it most.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from ours to yours, with love.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Lately, I have been...
...working very late.
...trying to get wrapping done.
...feeling frustrated with gift orders that haven't arrived on time for Christmas.
...shopping for last-minute gifts because of things that have not come in.
...standing in long lines, and realizing how patient I am without kids trying to rip things off the racks. It's almost enjoyable.
...feeling done with stuff, and wanting much more.
...realizing more things about myself that I wish were not true, and struggling to give them over to God.
...missing important events because there is just too much happening and I don't have the energy.
...really enjoying listening to Josiah talk about Christmas and what he thinks it is. He wonders what Jesus would like on his cake, and if He will come to have a piece with us...and why He won't. He said he didn't want to share his Christmas train with Jesus, and I have heard him saying that he will even though he doesn't 'wish' to.
...dealing with a very fussy, very clingy, teething baby boy.
...doing way too much laundry.
...going to bed too late just to have a few minutes to myself, and then paying for it.
...having some fun visits, and looking forward to more.
...getting excited about giving a few gifts and worrying over others.
...missing all of my regular activities, but also enjoying the breaks.
...trying to drink my coffee black.
...listening to old and new Christmas songs.
...missing the physical space and time to play piano (and not having a piano!).
..wishing I could speed up time for some issues and slow it way down for others.
...wondering when I will hear about my heart surgery.
...feeling down when I read the news, and wondering if I should just stop.
...hearing the beautiful sounds of Elwin trying to sing as he bounces to the music on my lap.
...wanting to read a great book (without falling asleep would be nice!).
...hoping that my boys will begin, in small ways, to understand the significance of the celebration of Christmas.
...feeling excited for a chance to rest in the peace of this holiday, however that looks with two little boys!
...working very late.
...trying to get wrapping done.
...feeling frustrated with gift orders that haven't arrived on time for Christmas.
...shopping for last-minute gifts because of things that have not come in.
...standing in long lines, and realizing how patient I am without kids trying to rip things off the racks. It's almost enjoyable.
...feeling done with stuff, and wanting much more.
...realizing more things about myself that I wish were not true, and struggling to give them over to God.
...missing important events because there is just too much happening and I don't have the energy.
...really enjoying listening to Josiah talk about Christmas and what he thinks it is. He wonders what Jesus would like on his cake, and if He will come to have a piece with us...and why He won't. He said he didn't want to share his Christmas train with Jesus, and I have heard him saying that he will even though he doesn't 'wish' to.
...dealing with a very fussy, very clingy, teething baby boy.
...doing way too much laundry.
...going to bed too late just to have a few minutes to myself, and then paying for it.
...having some fun visits, and looking forward to more.
...getting excited about giving a few gifts and worrying over others.
...missing all of my regular activities, but also enjoying the breaks.
...trying to drink my coffee black.
...listening to old and new Christmas songs.
...missing the physical space and time to play piano (and not having a piano!).
..wishing I could speed up time for some issues and slow it way down for others.
...wondering when I will hear about my heart surgery.
...feeling down when I read the news, and wondering if I should just stop.
...hearing the beautiful sounds of Elwin trying to sing as he bounces to the music on my lap.
...wanting to read a great book (without falling asleep would be nice!).
...hoping that my boys will begin, in small ways, to understand the significance of the celebration of Christmas.
...feeling excited for a chance to rest in the peace of this holiday, however that looks with two little boys!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
This year, Chris and Josiah went to cut down the tree. Although I love doing this, I was feeling under the weather, so I stayed home with Elwin.
I love decorating for Christmas. It may be the only time of year that I enjoy loud and tacky decorations (well...not too tacky!). This year, I had tiny hands eager to help. Josiah was elated to see all of the ornaments being pulled out. He wanted to know where they came from.
He loved putting decorations on the tree, and I let him throw them wherever he wanted. I was so happy to share these moments with someone who seemed to enjoy it as much as I do. I did not have the heart or inclination to move a single thing he placed on the tree (well, maybe a little bit of an inclination). Life is too short. I'm sure someday when I sit gazing at my perfectly decorated tree, that I will close my eyes, and long to see those chubby little hands and eyes filled with joy staring at our lop-sided tree!
And we couldn't forget the trains! Josiah picked out some decorations to transform his train table into a winter wonderland. He's been having fun, piling snow on the tracks, making it fall from the sky, and plowing it out of the way. It is all over our house too, but he is really enjoying it!
Even though it feels like October here, I am really in the Christmas spirit this year...now if only I could get some of those last minute details worked out...so hard with kids!
I love decorating for Christmas. It may be the only time of year that I enjoy loud and tacky decorations (well...not too tacky!). This year, I had tiny hands eager to help. Josiah was elated to see all of the ornaments being pulled out. He wanted to know where they came from.
He loved putting decorations on the tree, and I let him throw them wherever he wanted. I was so happy to share these moments with someone who seemed to enjoy it as much as I do. I did not have the heart or inclination to move a single thing he placed on the tree (well, maybe a little bit of an inclination). Life is too short. I'm sure someday when I sit gazing at my perfectly decorated tree, that I will close my eyes, and long to see those chubby little hands and eyes filled with joy staring at our lop-sided tree!
And we couldn't forget the trains! Josiah picked out some decorations to transform his train table into a winter wonderland. He's been having fun, piling snow on the tracks, making it fall from the sky, and plowing it out of the way. It is all over our house too, but he is really enjoying it!
Even though it feels like October here, I am really in the Christmas spirit this year...now if only I could get some of those last minute details worked out...so hard with kids!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Health
I wanted to give a health update, as I know many of you have asked and are wondering about news regarding my heart.
I still have not received news of a date for my heart surgery, but all the test results were sent to Halifax, and they will decide what type of surgery I need. My cardiologist was recommending angioplasty rather than open-heart surgery so I am hoping for that as well. The procedure will likely take place in Halifax (and not in Saint John as I was originally told).
My cardiologist suggested that both of the boys be tested for a heart defect, since their chances are three times higher than if they did not have a parent with this condition.
They had an appointment with a pediatrician to set up ECGs and echocardiograms, which may take place in the next couple of weeks. Elwin's heart sounds good; however, Josiah has a heart murmur. Both our family doctor and the pediatrician think that it sounds benign, but they are testing him just to make sure.
Josiah has seemed very ill to me for quite some time. Last Saturday, I just took him to the ER, because I wanted blood work to make sure nothing more serious was happening. Everything came back clear, and the doctor suggested that he is probably just building his immune system by trying to fight off multiple viruses. I still wasn't sure this was it.
While I was at the pediatrician's office yesterday, I was able to ask some other questions that I have been wondering about. And I discovered that I think Josiah has an allergy to chalk. This is a HUGE relief! I have felt sick for some time, watching him struggle, and not knowing what it was. He was fatigued and pale, and always complained of having a sore throat and not feeling well. He has a chalk board in his play area, and he has been chalking up trains lately, pretending that they are dirty and dusty from the tunnels.
I'll let you know if I hear any results about the boys, or if I get a date or details regarding my heart surgery! I am so thankful for the quality of care and treatment we have access to. Thanks for all who have been praying for this. It is greatly appreciated as I struggle with exhaustion and discomfort while I'm waiting.
I still have not received news of a date for my heart surgery, but all the test results were sent to Halifax, and they will decide what type of surgery I need. My cardiologist was recommending angioplasty rather than open-heart surgery so I am hoping for that as well. The procedure will likely take place in Halifax (and not in Saint John as I was originally told).
My cardiologist suggested that both of the boys be tested for a heart defect, since their chances are three times higher than if they did not have a parent with this condition.
They had an appointment with a pediatrician to set up ECGs and echocardiograms, which may take place in the next couple of weeks. Elwin's heart sounds good; however, Josiah has a heart murmur. Both our family doctor and the pediatrician think that it sounds benign, but they are testing him just to make sure.
Josiah has seemed very ill to me for quite some time. Last Saturday, I just took him to the ER, because I wanted blood work to make sure nothing more serious was happening. Everything came back clear, and the doctor suggested that he is probably just building his immune system by trying to fight off multiple viruses. I still wasn't sure this was it.
While I was at the pediatrician's office yesterday, I was able to ask some other questions that I have been wondering about. And I discovered that I think Josiah has an allergy to chalk. This is a HUGE relief! I have felt sick for some time, watching him struggle, and not knowing what it was. He was fatigued and pale, and always complained of having a sore throat and not feeling well. He has a chalk board in his play area, and he has been chalking up trains lately, pretending that they are dirty and dusty from the tunnels.
I'll let you know if I hear any results about the boys, or if I get a date or details regarding my heart surgery! I am so thankful for the quality of care and treatment we have access to. Thanks for all who have been praying for this. It is greatly appreciated as I struggle with exhaustion and discomfort while I'm waiting.
Monday, December 5, 2011
We have never practiced printing or letters. I have never given Josiah information on any of this that he hasn't requested or observed. It's just the way I feel is best (and what I observed teaching kindergarten). So, I was thrilled to see this...
His first perfectly formed letter, all on his own. I was doing dishes, and heard, "Look, Mommy! I made a 'G'!
The other thing Josiah has been doing lately is playing some educational computer games. When daddy replaced his work laptop, he gave the old one to the boys without Internet.
He can click his way through most of the games, and has even been clicking and dragging with the mouse for about a month now!
And lastly, for fun, we made some new tunnels for our train table. Breton cracker boxes (rectangular ones) are the perfect size. Covered and painted, they have provided hours of fun!
With two kids, I am finding it challenging to spend quality time and do meaningful tasks with each. Some days, I breeze through, and wonder what we actually accomplished. Like today, we just hung out, enjoyed fresh air, watched too much television, and tried to laugh as much as we could!
His first perfectly formed letter, all on his own. I was doing dishes, and heard, "Look, Mommy! I made a 'G'!
The other thing Josiah has been doing lately is playing some educational computer games. When daddy replaced his work laptop, he gave the old one to the boys without Internet.
He can click his way through most of the games, and has even been clicking and dragging with the mouse for about a month now!
And lastly, for fun, we made some new tunnels for our train table. Breton cracker boxes (rectangular ones) are the perfect size. Covered and painted, they have provided hours of fun!
With two kids, I am finding it challenging to spend quality time and do meaningful tasks with each. Some days, I breeze through, and wonder what we actually accomplished. Like today, we just hung out, enjoyed fresh air, watched too much television, and tried to laugh as much as we could!
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