Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Monday Report

(sorry I have been remiss in my posting. We were out of town over the weekend and I am scheduled for 40 hours at the hospital this week- I will squeeze blogging in when I can!)

As I mentioned last week, I am reading "How to have a New Kid By Friday".

Mondays principle is this:

1. Say it once
2. turn around
3. Walk away

There is a lot more in the book, but obviously I can't copy the whole book down, so I will just briefly explain what I did.

We went to the Y on Monday morning and we were going to stop at 2 parks on the way home for 10 minutes each. Roman and Lincoln both were throwing a fit over me not letting them have candy. I calmly explained why they wouldn't be gettting out of the car at the park. I let Deacon go. There was much screaming. I ignored them.

When Deacon got back to the van, Roman wouldn't go back to his seat. Deacon was begging me to cave so that we could leave. I told him calmly to take it up with his brother, that the law would not allow me to drive with a child unbuckled. Then I preceded to calmly tell Deacon that it looked like we would be there awhile, so he may as well go out and play. Roman got into his seat in very short order.

We stopped at the next park. I explained to them that they still couldn't play because they were so direspectful at the last park. MOre screaming, but no refusal to stay in their seats.

We arrived home. Roman and Lincoln both gave me spontaneous hugs. We moved on with the day.

There were some smaller battles, but that was the big one.

I think I did pretty well throughout the day.

I didn't bribe.
I didn't make threats.
I didn't give warnings.
I only said things once.
I felt extremally calm.
Even when they were screaming.

All in all, it was a good start.

a few bullet points

*I noticed today that I always buy purple flowers. I am apparently drawn to the color purple, but my perennial garden is going to look pretty silly if it is all purple.

*I didn't brush my hair today, just put it back into a ponytail. Seriously, every effort for a shower was scuttled. Was going to shower at the Y after my swim, but Berean had a blow out in kid's stuff so I didn't even get home in time to get one before company arrived and than it was speech therapy and tee ball and flower planting and bike ride and laundry and supper and settlers...

*Noah suggested to Deacon that he bat left-handed because "you do better left-handed because you are left handed". Deacon's reply? "I am good any way I do it". Ahh the confidence of a 6 year old boy.

*I was going through my library list to get ready to return books. Lo and behold I have 2 library books that must never have gotten officially checked out because they are not on the list. I feel like I am living on the lam.

*I had a large bugish thing on me this evening. Noah grabbed it between his 2 hands and kept shaking it as he walked to the door and threw it out. The reason for the shaking? To keep the bug so disoriented that it wouldn't be able to bite.

*Roman's consequence for not coming in when I told him to after going to the muddy lot while just wearing socks? Not being able to wear pajamas all day tomorrow.

*I am reading a book called "How to Have a New Kid by Friday". I plan to blog my Monday to Friday next week just like on Julie and Julia, and we will see if the book works for me and my kiddos.

Happy Weekend!

My, Berean has grown!

Oh my goodness! Are those Berean's feet?

Whew! It is just the sneaky 3 year old

The race is on

Yeah, he is getting braver every day

Gave In

I was sorting socks this evening and I finally did it.

I gave in to the dark side.

Yes, I was so frusterated that I actually paired and balled together 2 diego socks.

Only problem is that 1 diego was on blue and orange stripes and the other was on solid white.

But who cares? Not Roman.

I know in my heart that I have just taken the first step down a very slippery slope...

Father's Day- Through Roman's Eyes

We spent Sunday afternoon at a park, and Roman spent some time manning the camera

Mom was there

and baby sister

Deacon rocked on his board

Starwars decorations

Yes, our kids sport shirts from 1987

Here is the Father

and the Baby brother

Another of Father. It was Father's Day, after all.

Love this picture. Lincoln looking at where the playground once was.

Noah deleted a lot of pictures of the bathroom after he regained control of the camera
I decided not to post pictures of the urinal, because quite frankly, no one needs to see that. Yuck.

The boys and I- well, we dig hamsters riding toasters

My favorite video right now.

AWOL

Who do you think was at Yellowstone on my 30th birthday?

Well, it wasn't me.

Noah was gone on a work related trip to Jackson, Wyoming all last week.

I was home helping with VBS and single mom-ing it.

But I made it (with help of family and friends)

and he is back now.

I have some fun ideas for posts- I just gotta find the time.

Off to clean the kitchen!

Tomorrow:

"Father's Day Through the Eyes of Roman"

Just another day...

Sorry about the sideways picture! This is what Berean looks like a lot of the day. She likes her swing (no batteries, we just give it a push as we walk by), she likes her hand to be in her mouth and she likes her bunny. And I like her orange diaper. See it peeking out?
early morning pic of Linc. He is often the first one up and amuses himself until he decides it is time for milk. Yes, that is a black eye.

Oh, here is one that is the right direction! She is so sweet! We just love her. It is funny I don't really spend a lot of time analyzing her or worrying about her. She is just ours and it just seems like she has always been a part of our family. I can't even begin to tell you have fun it is to have a baby in the family. Spit up? Oh well. Up at night? It will pass. Countless feedings? So what. Babies are so special, so fun and so entertaining. I love babies. And especially my baby :)

Auntie Karla reading stories.

My Thirties

Here are some random goals for my 30s. I am sure I will add more as time goes on. (and by the way, so that you don't think I am shallow I will warn you that I am not listing things that are too personal. This is a blog for goodness sake and the whole world can read it.)

*figure out how to use my new ipod touch
*become plant savvy
*complete a 1/2 iron man
*complete 1/2 marathon (by end of summer hope to run a 5K in 24 minutes and hit 10 miles on my distance runs)
*Homeschool my kids
*be in process of raising decent, respectful kids
*keep my kids safe
*Family vacations
*Trip with just Noah
*another baby?
*CCRN certified at work (this has been on my lists for awhile, need to get this done)
*addition on the house
*finish cleaning up lot (yeah, that may take 10 years)
*improve my meal planning/grocery shopping
*Make healthier meals
*Bike faster
*keep my house tidier
*spend more time playing with the boys and Noah (I am so driven, sometimes I have a hard time just having fun)
*lose the last of this baby weight! (hopefully this is more of a 2 month goal, not a 10 year goal :)

My Twenties

Now that my twenties are officially over, I thought it may be time for a wrap up. I should probably be running or something instead, but this is important too, right?

Summer 2000- turned 20 in June, got married in July
2000-2001- Senior year of BSN, 1st year of married life
Summer 2001- graduated, passed nursing boards
2001-2002- working as an RN on a neurology/medsurg floor, Noah working
Fall 2002- moved to Indiana, Noah started Master's program, I started working in the ICU at the local hospital
March 2003- trip to Gulf Shores
April 2003-found out I was pregnant with Deacon
August 2003- trip to Niagra Falls
December 2003- Deacon born
May 2004-Noah graduated with Master's in Optical Engineering, I quit my job, moved back here and in with my parents
June 2004-closed on our house, spent the summer painting it and taking walks. Summer of the house
August 2004- started part time job in MICU (job I am still at)
October 2004- Noah got hired full time at the company he was on contract with
January 2005- found out we were expecting baby #2
September 2005- Roman born
January 2006- joined Y so that Deacon's tumbling class would be cheaper. Started working out.
September 2006- found out I was pregnant again
May 2007- Lincoln born
July 2007- Lazyman tri, decided I wanted to do a real one the next summer. Started running.
Spring 2008- trying to sell our house
Summer 2008- Summer of the Tri
August 2008- finished our first Tri, house off the market
Fall 2008- Trip to Seattle!
May 2009- Trip to Mt. Rushmore with the kids and the Granny Nanny
Summer 2009-Summer of the deck, found out I was pregnant again
March 2010- Berean born, purchased lot next door
Summer 2010- Summer of the firepit

I have been having a hard time with this 30th birthday...but the more I think about it the more ok it is. I may not be 21 anymore but I have a wonderful husband, 4 beautiful children, we both have good jobs that we at least somewhat enjoy. I have a mini van, a house, a lot. Enough work to keep me busy. Friends, family. A blog. A dad that orders me pizza for my birthday and loans us cars when we need them. In laws and parents and sisters that help me with the kids.

Really I can't ask for much more.

Soon I will be posting my list of goals for my 30s. (I am sure Noah is rolling his eyes right now. More lists, Julie? Really? Yes, my dear, you should try it. Love you :)

To Catch Up, I'm...

*Not looking forward to turning 30 this weekend

*Loving my husband who was patiently sitting in the chair waiting with Berean when I blew in at 0515 (over an hour late) this morning from work. I had left him with no milk thawed, thinking it was going to be a short shift- but of course crisis developed and my time table crumbled.

*Laughing at my Noah's 2 new jokes. Ready for them?

"Why did Anakin Skywalker Cross the Road?"

and

"How did Wicket Cross the road?"

(see end of post for answers).

*Thinking my husband is weird for always making up his own jokes.

*hitting the neighborhood garage sales!

*Going to start working on my VBS crafts today- it is only 4 days away after all

*Proud of how we did at the race over the weekend. Everytime someone passed me I said to myself, "I just had a baby 3 months ago. I will get faster". It was fun and I like my tee-shirt.

*Wishing my boys would stop wacking each other and waking the baby up. They all seemed to get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

*Pleased that at the grocery store manager had to approve my transaction because I saved so much money :) Basically I "saved" $69, spend $70 and got $13 in money off coupons for my purchases next week. Oh, and a movie ticket to Toy Story.

*Thankful for all that money savings because Noah's car is in the shop again :(

*Grateful that my parents always let us use their extra car when one of ours is on the fritz :)

*Amazed at how fast Berean is growing, how much Deacon is improving on his reading (and skateboarding), the progress Lincoln is making on his speech and the lego structures that Roman is able to make.

*Wondering what will happen with the nurses strike and thinking of nurses everywhere today!

Practice

We took the kids to a park with a skate park on Friday.

Deacon always wants to go to skate parks.

But when he gets there he freezes.

You see, in his mind he can Ollie, he can do a manual- he is the master of jumps and ramps.

In reality, he can't.

He is scared, and he doesn't have the skills.

But practice is too hard.

Practice is too boring.

Practicing the easy stuff, he says, is too easy. He can already do it.

He did try a few new things with us assisting.

I never thought I would be encouraging my son to try the small ramp- even if he falls. He just needs to try. He needs to practice. He needs to let go of the fear.

He hung his head and said, "I wish I had never come to a skate park." I asked why. He said, "Because when I actually come to one I realize that I can't do the things I thought I could."

"it is better in your head, isn't it?" I said.

"yeah," he replied.

In my head I convince myself that I will stay cool in turbulant situations, that I will be a hero in dire circumstances that I will thrive and not just survive. That I will tell people about God's love.

But sometimes I am just like Deacon. I wish I had never come to the skate park because it makes it glaringly obvious that I am not as ready as I should be. I have to come face to face with reality and oftentimes the illusions that I have get destroyed.

But what do I tell Deacon?
"You need to practice, and I will help you."

How am I going to get better at keeping my cool? By practicing keeping my cool.
How am I going to bike and run faster? I am going to practice biking and running faster.
How I am going to thrive and hero and share? I am going to practice by spending more time with God and letting his spirit put the fruit of the Spirit in a prominant place in my life.

Practice is going to be my Summer Mantra.

Does having 4 kids...

Give me permission to not serve?

The last couple of weeks have been busy ones.

My next couple will be busier still.

I am codirecting preschool VBS and am in charge of the preschool crafts for the week. One of my main people just had a close relative pass away and she is going to be gone.

I am scrambling a little.

And my baby just turned three months. And my 3 boys need to be taken out to run. And work has gotten busy. And my house has gotten messy. And my first tri is complete, but the next one is looming.

I get asked, "why are you doing VBS, SS etc with all your children?" But why not? Does having a lot of kids give you permission to not bring a snack to your kid's teeball team? Does having a lot of kids give you permission to not be useful at church? Does having a lot of kids mean that you shouldn't bring a meal to someone who needs it? Does it mean that you should be off the hook for volunteering? Does it mean you should put sharing the love of God on hold until your family grows?

Having 1 kid, 2 kids, 3 kids, 4 kids, 5 kids, 6 kids should not be a get out of jail free card. It should not mean that we shouldn't have to do anything else or benefit society in any other way.

The time for doing good, for being useful is there, in our lives, we just have to eliminate the non-useful, time wasting things.

How we spend our time shows what we really think is important. I don't think it can lie.

People say to look at how you spend your money to see what you value. And that is true, but I think that how you spend your time is more telling.

Sometimes that can be really depressing.

I do a lot of things, but there are days that I look back thinking "what have I even done today? I wasted time that didn't need to be wasted."

But I will keep trying.

And keep evaluating what I think is important.

We are not on this earth to be selfish, but to be useful.

And the ultimate goal should be to bring glory to the Creator of the Universe.

Lord, help me to be useful.

Life Update

Wow.

It is June already and my calendar which had nothing on it a couple weeks ago is all filled up.

But it is fun stuff for the most part.

I am going to try to keep up on basic homestuff, but shelve most of the projects and decluttering by mid June. There are long hours in the winter to concentrate on that again- summer is too short up here to spend it sorting out the basement.

We have Tee-ball and swimming, basketball camp and soccer camp.

I am in charge of preschool VBS crafts and codirecting the preschool part of VBS, I also am coordinating snacks for basketball and soccer camp.

We have playgroups and playdates.

A yard to maintain and some camping to do.

Lincoln will have speech therapy 2 times a week.

We have 3-4 triathlons to accomplish and train for.

And our jobs, of course.

oh, and plotting my homeschool plan for fall.

But of all those things the most forefront one on my mind so far is:

Saturday's Triathlon.

Yes, we are competing in a tri this Saturday.

Now, I signed up for it last December- back when I was 6 months pregnant and thinking that signing up for a tri 3 months after giving birth would be a great way to kick me into shape post partum. I didn't really think about the breastfeeding, the unaccomplished weight loss, the difficulty in training with 4 children etc.

So I have been running, swimming and biking- but not really enough. My mental state is not ready. Physically I am not ready, and emotionally? Well, I am really hating running right now.

It is a sprint race so I thought for sure there would be lots of people signed up for it- people that may or may not be that serious. Now I am just hoping that I don't finish last.

I will feel better when it is over.

The Drink

We were hanging out on my Grandparents-In-Law's back patio this weekend.

Roman went into the house and came back with this:

He added extra icecubes to the murky water- just for me.

Isn't he sweet?

(and he REALLY likes their automatic ice cube function)