Dec 7, 2009

Have you ever one of those days....?

As a mother you fail...Don't know what to do, how to handle a situation, so you lose your temper, get frustrated

As a friend....You say the wrong thing, don't listen well, make matters worse

As a wife....You're not supportive enough, not patient enough

That's me today. I feel like I'm lacking in all the important areas.

I need to turn to Jesus. That's where my strength will come from.

October 8, 2009

So, I think Jasmin is well on her way to be completely potty trained. She was in underwear all day yesterday, even at church. No accidents. She's doing great. She's doing have to go every five minutes either, which is nice.

October 1, 2009

So, I'm knee deep in potty training Jasmin. Things are going smoothly. We've had a few bumps, but she's making great progress. I think she "might" be good to go in about 2 weeks.

We just celebrated her third birthday. She's such a great girl! Of course, her favorite thing to say right now is: "I've got a weeedddgggie." It's so funny!

Dylan is meshing into first grade pretty well. He's adjusted to the full day of school, but we've noticed some behavior problems. I'm really not sure if he's bored or what? But, of course, that's no excuse. Eric & I are debating what course to take with him. He has to learn to sit & listen to his teacher. I used to think the newborn phase was soooo hard. Oh, for those simple decisions.

Disney on Ice

Let me preface this with a note on how much I hate Chicago traffic, especially downtown! My wonderful sister, Jessie, bought us all tickets to Disney on Ice. We were all excited about the show. We left way early, getting to Allstate Arena a full hour in advance. We waited in the car because Jasmin was sleeping. There was a flea market in the parking lot of the arena. Weird, right? We were waiting for the parking ticket booths to open. Finally, just after 3 pm, I decided to go ask a security guard. Eric said, "You sure this was at Allstate?" So, we checked the tickets. Yep, it was United Center. Enough time without traffic, but this IS Chicago!

I was riddled with guilt for not checking this one detail. What a moron! Eric sweetly told me it was both our faults. But it was mostly mine. We struggled through traffic to get there. I cried most of the way. I cry easy. Dylan said, "Mommy, it's okay. When we get there, I'll snuggle you." What a sweetie. Eric considered forgetting the whole deal & going home. Buying tickets to a different show. But we were almost there! And my sister had gotten the tickets for us. I didnt' want to disappoint the kids. So, we got there. Only about 25 minutes late. So, we caught 1 1/2 hours of the show. Definitely worth pressing on.

The kids LOVED the show. Jasmin was mesmerized by the princesses & by Mulan. Dylan liked Mulan, too, because there was fighting.

On the way home, we were trying to avoid I 90, but the GPS was determined the take us that way. Eric was telling me directions & so was the GPS. Eric said to turn right, but I got in the left lane. I don't think my brain was processing. Anyway, we eventually found 290. Didn't take to long to get home. We stopped at the toy store (didn't get souvenirs at the show). And then McDonald's.

I feel drained, but it was alot of fun. I think we'll check our tickets much better from now on. :)

Potty training

So, I've been attempting to potty train Jasmin on and off for awhile now. Not much success. Last night I took her diaper off. She said, "Mommy, I have to pee." Well, the first bathroom we came to was occupied. Well, I had to get her potty seat & bring it into the master bathroom. Jasmin just stands there, her legs kinda crosses, waiting for me. Then, she pees on the potty. So, the most frustrating thing is that I now I KNOW she can be potty trained. She just too stubborn!!!

Hopefully, once Dylan goes to school, she'll be more inclined to use the bathroom.

August 7, 2009

Well, we went to the eye doctor today. The news is grim....Dylan needs glasses. Not too grim really. Just a little annoying. Dylan's very excited about getting them. He thinks it's cool. I think my biggest problem will be keeping the glasses "safe" from Jasmin. She likes everything that's Dylan's. Extreme measures may have to be taken. :)

We picked out some cool frames. He'll get them in a week or so. Jasmin wanted to have her eyes checked, too. She told the doctor she was twelve.

Tonight, the kids are going to Grandma's. So, we'll get a little bit of a break.

July 20, 2009

Today Dylan had his first swim lesson in a few months. It did not go so well. :( The instructor is considering moving him back a level. We think Dylan's afraid to be in the deep end, which is where level 3 is taught. We'll see how he does tomorrow. We may have to end up moving him back so he can get more comfortable in the water. Oh well!

After that, we went to his 6 year check up. He's growing like a weed! 3 inches this year. Everything checked out. He had to get a shot which was traumatic for him. :) He first tried to hide behind me. Then, he writhed & squirmed to get away. The nurse was firm yet kind. And we got him poked. He was still telling her he wasn't ready for the shot after she had already poked him. Silly boy!

Last week, Dylan & I went to Six Flags. It was alot of fun. Dylan would ride any of the water slides with me, but we did have fun in the wave pool. He really enjoyed the bumper cars as well. We did them both twice.

Tomorrow is more swim class. I need to pick a day to go to Dolphin's Cove. It's been a little bit chilly the past few days, though.

July 13, 2009

Well, this past week was my birthday. 31. Eric took me & the kids out to Sweet Tomatoes. Yum! We went to one in Schaumburg, so afterword, we went to Woodfield mall. Actually, I went with the kids before, too, so they could run off some energy. We went to the Apple store, of course! And we went to the Lego store. Dylan & Jasmin got to do their free mini-build & we picked up a Star wars lego set for 50% off!! That's rare to find one on sale.

We met new friends from Tball. Dylan & Jasmin had a great time playing at their house. Hopefully, we'll be able to get together with them again.

Jasmin loves her gymnastics class. She's so cute doing it, too. We have that each Wednesday morning. She seems to have a knack for it. Dylan will be starting up swim lessons again soon.

Saturday we spent a few hours at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. The kids favorite part was the tanks of course. Eric & I helped them climb up on a bunch.

Today, I took the kids to Festival Park in Elgin. It has fountains that the kids can run thru. We also played at the park & saw ducks in the river. Lots of fun!

Later this week, Dylan & I are going to Six Flags. Jasmin's spending the day with her best friend, Cynthia. Looking forward to it. Speaking of....I need to find Dylan's ticket!

June 17, 2009

I haven't blogged in awhile...

Dylan---His birthday was this past Sunday. We had two parties for him on Sat. One was with his friends. It ended up being inside for half the time due to the inclement weather. But I think the kids had a great time. We made lightsaber & played Star Wars games. I made Dylan a lightsaber cake. Then, Eric's parents & his cousin Amy (with her two kids) came over for dinner. They all left around 8:30. Makes for a long day. On his birthday, we had church & then Vacation Bible School. Today, Wed, is his last day of kindergarten. I can't believe he's already done! He's come along way since the beginning of the year. We need to work on his handwriting & concentration over the summer. We're picking him up from school today & taking him to McDonald's to celebrate. Then off to Bible school again!


Jasmin--My little girl is kind of in a toddler bed. I found a great deal on a white wooden sleigh bed. Ten dollars at a garage sale. She loves her bed, but she's having a hard time staying in it. Last night, I found her asleep with about 10 books & the light on. We will have to start being more strict about not getting out of bed. :) She is really a little girl now. She's really lost all the "baby" look. However, she still likes to be snuggled with a blanket when she's upset or tired.


My family--I'm pretty sure right now that my parent's aren't talking to me. I've tried to call for over a week & no response. Oh well. My heart hurts, but what can I do?

So, Wed & Thurs we finish up Vacation Bible School. Friday, Eric & I are taking the teens paintballing in Joliet!! Fun! I've never been, so this should be interesting.

On a personal note, I've been doing alot of praying & searching lately. I had a friendship end badly & my confidence is pretty shot. I worry that I might say something to offend someone & that they'll shun me for it. I'm trying to be the best God would have me be & be content with how He's made me. I fall short so often. But "He giveth more grace", right?

My flight home

We started out Monday morning pretty well. We actually left 30 minutes early. My sister, Jessie, my brother, Brad, and I were going to meet my little sister, Edna, and her new husband, Joe, in Elizabeth City for lunch at a Japanese restaurant. We left at 9:30 am (EST). We were able to make a quick stop to see my second mom, Ginnie Cline. Then off for food. The food was awesome by the way! I ate the whole meal with chopsticks & even tried veggie sushi.

After lunch, we started the journey to Raleigh, roughly a 3 hour drive. We stopped at one of the houses we grew up in to show Brad. We made good time & arrived at the airport at 3:30. We got a little turned around because the airport did not have very good signs, but we made it. Brad & I both checked in quickly & got thru security quickly.

My flight was boarding first, so I planned on getting the car from long term parking & picking Brad up. Once on my plane, the captain announced that they couldn't get the door to lock. They could shut it, but not lock it. Minor detail! The captain was very good at keeping us informed & in good spirits. They had to wait for blue prints to be faxed, then the blue prints were unclear because they were faxed, then the problem must be so far into the door because they couldn't see it. Finally, after 1 1/2 hours, they let us off the plane. Of course, by this time, Brad had taken off.

They decided to have us board another plane. We just had to wait for it to get there. Praise God, I had my laptop & internet access. That passed the time. I was able to catch Eric before he left his parents, so he could pick Brad up from the airport.

We got on our second airplane & they closed the door. The captain then announces that due to the bad weather, we would have to take a longer route. We did not have the fuel for this route, so we had to wait for the fuel truck! You could sense the pilot's frustration at this point. Everyone on board laughed at the irony of it. Finally, we began to taxi. Only to be told we would have to wait for 10 minutes because of the back log at Ohare. Of course!

We took off around 8:40 (over 3 1/2 hour delay). The flight was 2 1/2 hours (almost a hour longer). Finally at 10 pm, we landed. It took me 1 hour to get to my car. I missed the first tram by 30 seconds & had to wait 10 minutes for the next one. Then, our shuttle driver decided to chit chat for a bit before leaving.

Long day! But the weekend was great. I thank God that this happened on the flight home & not the flight there.

The President Song

Dylan singing the president song. Eric taught it to him.

May 13, 2009

My kids right now:

Jasmin insists on sleeping with at least three blankets & a swarm of stuffed animals. If she throws a terrible fit, she needs to be wrapped up in a blanket (her toes covered) & snuggled in order to calm down. She's a very emotional little girl. She's getting much better at coming when called. She just tends to melt down rather quickly, especially if she's tired and/or hungry. She cried for the first 5 minutes of my Woodman's shopping trip the other day. She didn't want to go shopping. j

Dylan likes Legos the most right now. Especially, Star Wars Legos. He had chicks in his K5 class, that was a big thrill for him. He got to watch them hatch. I brought home Wendy's the other day (we usually get McD's). Wendy's fries are now his favorite! Mine, too. He's learning so much in kindergarten. They have recently starting studying the body. We're dealing with him arguing with us. Often when he's told to do something, he will immediately argue. So, it's a matter of learning to obey right away.

They are a wonderful gift from God. A challenge and a blessing each day. Love them!

May 10, 2009

I've been meaning to blog for a week or so, but I keep forgetting, so here goes.

Eric's cousin, Amy, lost her husband to cancer a year ago. Just a week ago, her seven year old daughter passed away. She had been sick all her life with Rhett's Syndrome. But to lose a child, how unfathomable. We went to the funeral, it was a hard day. Our prayers continue for Amy & her other two children. We watched Collin & Bella last night. I'm amazed at the resiliency of children. We played outside for 1 1/2 hours. Then, we came inside & had a snack. After that, the boys played Wii & the girls went upstairs to play.

Dylan has started Tball. He's having a great time with it. His team is the Tigers. Go Tigers! His first game is today at 11:00 am. Can't wait to see him in action! After that, I plan on going shopping with my new friend, Shannon. And her baby. I'm hoping to find a pair of white shoes for my sister's wedding. It's in just less than three weeks now, so I need to get it into gear!! We plan on going to Olive Garden for lunch (which I love!)

Jasmin's getting huge! Seems like she's grown alot recently. She has the best personality. She can be trying, I think it comes with the personality. She has a spunk I wouldn't trade for anything.

April 28 2009

Today Dylan has his first Tball practice. His team is named the Tigers. I was a little disappointed that there was nobody he knew from school, but he was making friends fast with his teammates. He did really well staying focused. We're excited to see him in an actual team this season! Go Tigers! When he was running the bases, he stopped to pick up a quarter. His coach said, "Man after my own heart!"

On a side note... Tonight Jasmin saw a flyer for 'Binny's Wine, Liquor, and Beer Superstore.' She smacked her lips, and said, "Mmmmm...I like it!"

Dylan's salvation!!

Well, tonight Jasmin had a cold. So, I decided to stay home with her and skip church. I figured I'd keep Dylan home, too, so he could get to bed on time. Lately, he's been asking alot of questions about salvation/baptism. He wants to get baptized, so I've been explaining to him that he needs to have accepted Jesus as his Savious first. When he was 3 1/2, he was listening to a friend of mine talk about salvation with her daughter. He prayed then for Jesus to be his Saviour. I don't doubt that he was sincere at all. I'm just not sure if he remembers it. When I would ask him if he was saved, he would say yes, but he couldn't really explain anything about salvation. So, was he saved then? Only our Lord knows for sure!
So, tonight we were reading the Easter story again. We got to talking about salvation & baptism. I pulled out my Bible & decided to use the Romans Road to show him what God said. Of course, I couldn't remember all the verses!!! I was so clumsy! So, we went downstairs to the computer & I googled Romans Road Bible (gotta love technology!) We went thru the verses & we had a long discussion. I asked him what he wanted to do now. He said he wanted to be saved. So, I had him pray his own prayer--outloud so I could hear :). He said, "Dear Jesus, I want you to save me from my sins & take me to Heaven." Okay, so it was something like that. For the life of me, I can't remember the exact words! I may ask him tomorrow if he remembers them, so I can write them down.
After that we called Daddy (at church) & told him. It was past Dylan's bedtime, so we rushed off to get him to bed. Then, he told me that he wanted to be saved Wed or Sun. I said, "Dylan, once you're saved, you're always saved." He said, "No, I meant baptized." He keeps on getting the words confused. I explained that baptism does not get you saved. It merely shows everyone that you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour. We're going to talk to the Pastor about that on Sunday.

For anyone who's interested, these are the verses we went over.

Romans Road of Scripture
I. Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

II. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

III. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

IV. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

V. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

VI. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shaltbelieve in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and withthe mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

VII. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

April 3, 2009

Well, today we did a moon launch at Dylan's school. Great fun!! They had tons of moon related crafts. We brought our homemade jet pack & helmet. Great pretend play. I really like his school.

Lately, God has been working on my heart. He has impressed upon me the verse, "If God be for us, who can be against us." Basically, if God is on my side why should I worry about anything else. I just need to strive to follow His Word to the best of my ability & not worry about what others might think.

Also, my self worth shouldn't be in others or my circumstances. I am a child of my King. I am special & beautiful in His eyes. I need to see that in myself. I think of it this way, God sees me as I see my children. Yes, they have flaws, but I love them wholly without reserve.

Mar 27, 2009

This week has been spring break, but it hasn't felt quite the same without Dylan here. He's visiting Eric's brother's family in California. He flew there Saturday with his grandparents. And he'll be back tomorrow!! He had a great week, though. He got to go swimming, see his cousins, go to Disneyland, etc. etc. He's had a blast. He doesn't really want to come home.

He also hit a big milestone. He lost his first tooth. His cousin Ethan pulled it out for him. Wouldn't let us touch it, but he'll let the 10 year old do it. I was kinda sad. Did a little bit of crying over it. The sadness came from missing the milestone. I wasn't there to see him when the tooth came out. Kinda weird, I know. Grandma is bringing the tooth back, however.

Jasmin & I had a nice weekend together. Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday we were able to go over to my friend Shannon's house. She has an 18 m old & a newborn, so we were able to keep her company & help out a bit. By Wednesday, I could tell Jasmin needed a day with me. So, we spent the day bowling with some friends. Jasmin's first bowling trip. She enjoyed it. Today we went to the library to get a picture with Clifford. After that things got interesting. Jasmin decided to run away from me in Target. It took me a few panicked minutes to find her hiding in a dressing room. She got buckled into the cart after that. Then, at Walmart, she darted into the parking lot!! She got spanked for that. Then, she got sent straight to bed when she got home. She didn't nap, though.

So, busy week, but lots of fun. Tomorrow, I get to pick Dylan up from the airport!! I can't wait to hear all his stories. I'm sure we'll have lots to talk about.

Mar 20, 2009

This has been a busy week. Started out with Dylan throwing up on Sunday! We missed church, but he recooped quickly & went to school on Tuesday. Presently, I'm trying to get him all ready for his trip to California on Saturday.

Back to yesterday...the kids were soooo whiny yesterday & really not listening to me at all. Dylan ended up going to bed at 6:30. He slept for 12 hours, so he was tired! I've started a blessing list for the kids & I. Everyday, we're going to think of one or two new things that God has blessed us with and we're making a list that's on the fridge. I put "Jasmin & Dylan". Dylan said "world" & then surprised me. He said, "God gave us His Bible, His Word." Very excited that he has a love for the Bible. It helped put a very nice ending to a rough day.

Speaking of rough times...I've been struggling with negativity in my life. Mostly in my thoughts. I dwell on the negative instead of focusing on so many blessings I have. My friend, Christy (a true blessing), reminded me of Philippians 4. It's speaks of rejoicing in the Lord, thinking on good things, and praying thru difficult circumstances. I think that chapter will be my focus of study for a few weeks. If I see the glass as half empty, will my children as well?

Mar 14, 2009

Well, today Dylan & I had a day together. I was going to bring Jasmin, but she slept until 9:45. Couldn't wait for her. :) It worked out for the best, though. Dylan & I went to a library in Geneva & saw a wonderful Lego display. We walked thru twice which took an hour. After that we went to Toysrus & Charlestowne Mall. We ate a nice lunch together & then we rode the Carousel twice. Of course, we did a little shopping for mommy.

After all that, we were ready to go home. Eric spent the morning with Jasmin. He took her to lunch & the mall. When we got home, the kids played outside for awhile. It was nice to have sunny weather. We even pulled the jeep out. A very enjoyable day. I think both kids will go to bed early tonight after such a busy day.

Mar 8, 2009

I think there may be an end in sight to Jasmin's illness. She's starting to get fiesty again (i.e. cranky!) I'm sure tomorrow will be a rough day. Right now she's sitting VERY close to me & is scratching my arm. Feels good actually. :)

Normally, Sunday is church for us & I love it. But we didn't want to share our germs with everybody so I hung out at home with Jasmin. I actually cleaned my kitchen because I got so bored.

This next week will be the normal recovery from illness. Scrubbing down the house & what not. Then next week, I'll be preparing for Dylan's trip to California. Hard to imagine he goes in less than two weeks.

Mar 5, 2009

Well, yesterday was busy. We did the regular stuff & then some cleaning. After church, my friend's little girl fell down the stairs. I watched her fall & couldn't get to her in time. I ended up driving the family to the Urgent Care. Then, had to drive back to church because I forgot to leave the car keys for Eric. I'm such a dork! Praise God, their baby was fine. Just a nasty cut.

Today, Dylan was supposed to have a play date. But Jasmin woke up, ate a little cereal & then threw up. Play date cancelled! We watched some TV & hung out. We did get to play at the park for a bit when we went to get Dylan from the bus. Then, my baby took a 3 hour nap. Very tired little girl. Dylan & I went outside & played while she slept. Jasmin hasn't thrown up since, so I'm not sure if it was a fluke or what. Still we're skipping swimming class just in case.

For dinner, I was a little brave with her. I gave her noodle soup. So far so good. The kids are watching the Snorks. I used to love that show when I was a kid.

Mar 1, 2009

Yesterday was a busy day. We ran a few errands & then took Jasmin for her first haircut. I thought she would scream & wiggle, but she just sat & played with a toy. She hardly noticed she was getting her haircut.

The other day, she came & gave me a hug & said, "I love you so much mommy." Definitely worth the difficult days.

On Friday, we went to see the "Bubble Man". I took Graham & Gannon & Dylan. They had a great time. He did some cool tricks.

Feb 25 2009

My devotions today asked a question: "What about God truly amazes you?" Well, of course, there is alot. But one thing popped into my mind immediately: His forgiveness. I fall & I falter so much. I come short of my goals & expectations. I battle the same sins over & over again. But God always forgives if I ask. He has removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. If only we as people were as forgiving & forgetting. If only I were as forgiving & forgetting.

Dylan's tooth

Exciting news! Dylan has his first loose tooth. He wondered if he would get fake teeth when his real teeth fell out. Gotta love that!! So, now we wait. Hope he doesn't swallow it.

Feb 19 2009

Today, I read about trials & their place in the Christian life. We are given trials to enrich our character, to make it stronger. We can not always understand what God is trying to accomplish in our lives, but we can know that it is the best (Romans 8:28)

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Can you imagine the expected end that God has planned? Much more wonderful than I could imagine. I only wish I would trust Him more.

Feb 18 2009

Well, I had a great visit with my sister. Unfortunately, I was sick the whole time. We've been fighting colds on & off for a couple weeks now.

We got a chance to go to David's Bridal & we found a dress for me to wear to my other sister's wedding. I'm really looking forward to that trip. No kids! I will miss them, of course. After dress shopping, we went to Benihana's for lunch. DE-LISH! Then, I nice stroll thru IKEA. I love that store. Always find something we "need." :)

The rest of this week looks like recovery time. Recovering from being sick. The house feels infected! I did get the laundry put away & I straightened up a bit.

Love

So, my kids do love each other. They've finally gotten to a point where they'll take pictures together. Mostly Jasmin's finally got to that point! I love to watch them play now. They usually get along pretty well, although neither are very good at sharing.

Feb 13 2009

Today was a really busy day. Lots of cleaning today. My sister, Jessie, is downtown & she'll be coming to our house either Sat or Sun. Really excited about that. We're going to go to David's Bridal to look at dresses for me. Then, we get lunch at Benihana's for her birthday!

Tomorrow it's off to the inlaws to help with Great Grandma's things. It's been interesting hearing the stories & looking at old photos. It's hard to imagine her at my age: dealing with her kids, taking care of her house, etc. Did she have the same thoughts I have, the same worries, the same desires?

Enough rambling for now.

Dylan's reading

Okay, so I have to brag on my little boy a little bit. He did his reading with his teacher today. They want them to be at a level B. Dylan's at a level F! At the end of first grade, they should be at an I. So, he's doing great.

Now, we just have to work on his writing, right?

Matthew Henry quote

"Questioning ourselves is of great use in every part of the holy life. Let us be more frequent in this, and in every thing take occasion to discourse with our souls."

Feb 5 2009

Well, lots of things going on today. We have reached a huge milestone. All the toys are upstairs! I have reclaimed my living room! I transferred all Jasmin's toys to her room. We'll just have a basket for each kid that they will bring up to their rooms each night.

Also, my inlaws are going to California next month. Dylan gets to go with them. He's really excited. His first plane trip without Mom!

So, right now I'm typing & enjoying my clean living room. My sister is coming into town this week, so I'm trying to get ready for her as well.

Matthew Henry quote

"The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger."

Deceit

Pastor talked about deceit tonight. And while, I don't believe I try to go around deceiving everyone; I do believe I deceive myself often. I think I'm "okay". I deceive myself into thinking that's enough. Then, I project that false image to those around me. Like I have it all together, but truly I don't. But I truly want to be better every day. I want to be closer to God, a more attentive wife, a more patient mom, a better housekeeper, a much better friend. When you write it all out like that, it seems like too much to attempt. But I know God will help me chip away at the list.
Presently I'm studying the book of James. It talks about practical Christian living. My lastest challenge verse was about the double minded man & that he will not be blessed by God. Help me, Lord, to be single minded in my life.

Feb 4 2009

Today's been kind of rough. Jasmin hasn't been sleeping well at night, so neither have I. She's presently up in her crib screaming. I changed her, rocked her, fed her, & gave her something to drink. I'm running out of options here.
Dylan has been a bit of a drama king today. But not too bad. Seems like when Jasmin is having a hard day, then anything little Dylan does effects me more. Poor kid, I think he's getting a bad rap.
Life with children. I still have alot of cleaning to do & my chest hurts. We'll see if anything actually gets done. :) Then, church tonight. We haven't been able to go on a Wed night in a couple weeks, so this will be nice. It's always a refreshing time.

Funny things Dylan says

Today, Dylan told Eric that Kevin acted like a girl sometimes. Eric said, "Well, don't tell him that. It's not nice. But why does he?" Dylan said, "He changes his mind all the time." He's learning the ways of the world early!

Sick day

Today, I think we're all sick. Jasmin & Dylan have this congestion/runny nose thing going on. Poor Dylan has a really bad headache. Unfortunately it means we're going to miss church for the second Wednesday night in a row. :( Eric was going to go, but he's still exhausted from the trip to Montana.

And me, I'm just extremely tired. I think I haven't slept well in a few days. Tonight will be a TV night. I pretty sure Dylan will miss his first day of school tomorrow. He really feels cruddy.

I hate when the kids are sick like this.

My babies

Dylan & me bowling Jasmin & me bouncing

Perspective

Today I helped my mother-in-law pack up some of great grandma's things. She was going to donate them to Salvation Army. Going through her closet & some mementos felt weird to me. It's hard to put into words. It made me think back to my mother. I really don't have many "things" left from her. My sister, Jessie, gave me a quilt to pass on to Jasmin. Hopefully, that will become a family heirloom. I have two ceramic deer that sit on my dresser. She gave them to me one birthday. They look a little "childish" in an adult room, but I cherish them & no one is allowed to touch them.
This summer, while visiting my mom's family, I scoured many different photo albums from my aunts. I was able to copy pictures which I also cherish. I have so few of my childhood & my mom.
Of course, sometimes I cry when I think that my kids will never know her. I think she would be proud of them. She would have been a wonderful grandma.
For me it has made motherhood I little difficult. I wish I could have asked her questions about pregnancy, childbirth, & raising a child.
I praise God that I have my hope in Christ.

So, I have a few New Year's resolutions. First, as always, is a little weight loss. I think that's my annual one. Second, however, is in my character. Personally, I believe too much of my contentment lies in people & their feelings toward me. I worry about who "likes" me & what people think of me. If either is out of whack, so am I. I want my contentment to be in God & in my family.

I am a blessed person. Two beautiful children, wonderful husband, good church, wonderful home, nice things. I thank God for it all.

My new blog

So, I've decided to get on the blog bandwagon. We'll see how it goes. I have been wanting to do it for awhile. I'll try posting some pictures next.