Walking in the Grocery Store...

...my 2 year old spied a box of fruit snacks with Spiderman shooting his web.

"Look Momma, Spiderman is signing 'I love you!'"

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPn4JGKLjyQ

"Mom, what's going on with my sandwich? It tastes good!"

Really in the Christmas Spirit

Christmas has always been a big deal to me. I have distinct memories of Christmas traditions and parties from my youth, while the rest of those years is pretty much a blur. The older I've gotten, the less it's become about material gifts. I've been pleading with my mom for several years now to not spend any money on me. My family and especially my parents have done so much for me all year long that if anything, THEY deserve a huge check from ME for Christmas. (Sorry guys, :( don't look for it in the mail just yet.)



Nick and I even forego presents for each other. I mean, sometimes one of us will find something we need or can't live without (haha) and we'll just say 'Get it. It will be my Christmas present to you.' Really, though, we get so many things throughout the year that we really don't need that it doesn't make sense to feel like we have to spend money (that we don't have) on things (that we don't need) that will loose the sparkle a couple days after Christmas. I know it's fun and exciting to have presents stacked under the tree, complete with the anticipation of wondering what's inside. But trust me, it's much more satisfying for us to know that we didn't waste money on a hastily bought gift and that we are all more than ok with just spending time together. Yeah, maybe I sound like a grinch, maybe my attitude will change when our loans are paid off. Honestly, though, I hope my children will be raised to not expect gifts. There's certainly excitement that goes with opening tons of toys, but where's the genuine thankfulness? We've all seen America's Funniest Videos of the kids that start crying when they open something they didn't want (the wrong toy, clothes, etc). It's because they expected something else. They expected to get exactly what they wanted. Now that $50 gift is a waste that made your kid cry (unless you win the big prize on AFV...then consider it an investment). When presents are the reason for the joy on their faces, the excitement in their voices, what gets pushed to the background? The presents from grandparents are inevitable. Cade will quickly learn that something will come in the mail around birthdays and Christmas. But honestly, how many people ask little children 'Are you all ready for Santa to come? What's he going to bring you?'. I'd much rather my kids be bubbling over to tell all about setting up the nativity and Christmas tree and how it's all in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Not about the latest and greatest cool toy that they've been begging mom and dad and santa for all year.



Contrary to how it may sound, I'm not all anti gift-giving. I love finding the perfect gift for someone. I wish I could give more. I love the Advent and Christmas season. I love decorating and listening to Christmas music, even before Thanksgiving. This year more than ever, I've really got that 'Christmas spirit'. I've made lots of decorations, we went out and cut down our first real tree ever, and yes, the Christmas music has been going nonstop. I just wish the world could slow down and realize what is happening. People accumulate debt just to have the perfect gifts. There is so much stress and heartache put on less fortunate families simply because they can't give their kids a 'good Christmas'. It's insane trying to keep up with what the Jones's kids are getting this year. All the while there is so much need in the world. So many people who really know what it means to NEED.



So, yes, I do WANT a new computer, I WANT some new slippers, I WANT a new coat, I WANT all the items on my Etsy favorites list to the left. But what do I NEED? Nothing. Jesus took care of my NEED hundreds of years ago. And so we celebrate the ultimate gift.

Toddler Time

Today I decided that if my next child brings me anywhere near as much joy as Cade has, I think I can manage to go through the labor and birth that are required. I think it's his complete randomness that daily reminds me how awesome he is and that, indeed, he must be my child to do some of the crazy things he does!

'Cade, do you need to go sit on your potty?' "No, no. I'm just..I'm just growing up. I'm just growing up so fast!!"

"Mommy, I'm so glad that you like me" - complete with a hug.

'Remember Cade, yesterday was Thanksgiving.' Reaching out and shaking my hand - "Thanks for giving!"

"Mommy, I want to make Daddy another birthday present" 'Well, Daddy doesn't have another birthday for a whole year, but we can make him a Christmas present. Christmas is coming.' "Yeah, I can hear it. I can hear it! Can you hear it Mommy?"

Baby Update

It's been a while since I've added anything new and nothing is more frustrating than a blog that doesn't get updated. OK, so I can think of a few things that are more frustrating.

Anyhow, 19-20 weeks into the pregnancy and we're seeing some big changes! Literally. The biggest and most exciting is that I'm not sick 24/7 so therefore I'm gaining weight! Heartburn is now a problem, but usually nothing that a little baking soda water can't cure. The baby is really active, especially when I'm laying down. I certainly don't remember Cade being this active so early in the pregnancy, but it's reassuring and fun to feel all the kicks and jabs and body parts pushing out against my belly. I can't believe how big I'm getting. I'm already finding certain things more difficult to do because of the 'expansion' and I have a long way to go! I had to do an inter-library loan to find Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. Apparently there isn't a huge demand for that type of book out here, so it's coming from a city library about 1 hour away. Hopefully that book will help me to find my confidence back about birthing. Currently I'm too nervous to think about it much.

Next on the agenda, picking out names. I have a feeling that won't be accomplished until the very end of the pregnancy.

14 Weeks

Amazing to think a real, live, whole person is growing inside. Yesterday I met my midwife for the first time and it really brought a sense of relief. I had this feeling that she would look at me and say 'uh, you're not pregnant'. Instead, it was 'yup, there's a baby in there, just the right size for a 13-14 week old'. And while it took a while to find, the most reassuring part was when we heard the rapid little heart beating. No denying it now! Beating away at 150 bpm. I suppose that's what made this all feel the most 'real' to me so far. Yeah, I know it's a pretty good sign when I can feel my uterus growing and when I'm sick and throwing up everyday for months. And when my hormones and emotions are all outta whack. But something about hearing a seperate heart beating twice as fast as mine, wow, that's my baby. You would think that this being my second child, it wouldn't be so difficult for me to grasp what is going on, but no, I think this time it is even more 'WHOA this is crazy!'. 1/3 of the way there! It's the start of the 2nd trimester!

TWO years old!

Well, we made it! Cade turned 2 last week! We planned to have one big special day for him, but it quickly turned into several little things over several days. This is attributed mostly to my inability to function as dinner time nears, so plans for the evening usually got pushed to 'maybe tomorrow'. Anyhow, he did get to see his first football game, go hiking and play in the sand, and have candles to blow out on his cake. We went the zucchini bar route for his cake. He loves them! And there was supposed to be frosting, but even that got pushed to 'maybe some other day' as it was already 7pm by the time we (Nick) baked the little cakes. Regardless, he thought the world of a table full of balloons and candles and unlimited 'cake'! He didn't even seem to notice that it was 2 days past his birthday. Oh, and he did open presents and cards on his actual birthday. If only he would have left his 'I'm 2!' birthday crown on for at least one picture...'maybe some other day'.

Home Sweet

Back home in Iowa. It only took a few minutes of being home to wonder how in the world is this going to work?? Sometimes I feel great, like nothing is wrong, like nothing ever was wrong. Then like a huge wave, I just get taken over and carried under and I'm unable to function. The nausea is horrible, but so too is the emotional and mental turmoil that goes along with it. I'm just not used to breaking down and crying...for no reason! And yet, only moments ago, my not quite 2 year old son said "How's it going for you? I love you." So maybe I should just take my own advice: suck it up and deal with it! God is in control and this is all for the service of our new baby. Lord give me the strength.

9 Weeks Pregnant

Wow. One thing God has blessed mothers with (or at least me) is a short-term memory. It boggles my mind how I just 'forgot' about pregnancy = the flu that never ends. And the emotional instability. And the out-of-body experiences all day. And the depression. And the denial that there is actually a baby in me (it's all just some crazy thing I've made up). And how worthless and useless I feel! Anyhow, I've been staying with my parents in Ohio for the past week so that Nick can be productive at the church and not have to worry about Cade and I. It's really supercharged the feelings of worthlessness. My daily goal is to hold down the couch and any food my mother graciously brings to me. And I am pretty knowledgable about the Olympics, or at least what NBC will cover. Cade has been thriving in the country air and unending supply of food. I am pretty sure he's put on about 10 pounds and a couple of inches in the week we've been here. He also seems to enjoy that Grandma's house is Grandkid Central Station. There are at least 2 or more extra grandkids here everyday. And so, on we go. Each day trying to feel more like I actually exist.

Yet another change

Sooo...there is another baby on the way! Excited, but mostly nauseous and exhausted.

Nature

Right out our back door. It was a beautiful evening in Iowa and we were able to enjoy God's splendor as a family.

The boys filled the bird feeder and as I walked out to join them, I found this guy. He was buried in the grass, until I unknowingly disturbed him. Nick picked him up, but he jumped right out of his hands. We told Cade he could touch it, and much to my surprise, he did! Several times he reached down and gently touched the frog with one finger.

The frog would sit motionless and then bolt several feet away when Cade would touch it. I thought it would scare Cade, but instead he exclaimed "Ohhh my goooodness!!" and then he would try to touch it again. Look closely, the frog is in the photo! (Straight across from Cade's chin)

Members Only

That's correct. Two days ago I became a mite-box-carrying member of Trinity Lutheran Church's Ladies Aid. No, I'm not quite sure what that means, but I do know that I'm the youngest member, by a couple generations. I'm not making fun, I really like being around those with more life experience than I. No one really explained what it means to be a member. All I know is they asked me, I said yes, I signed the book, learned the hand shake, and I'm in. Cade is kind of an unofficial member. More like a mascot. I never did ask him how he feels about attending Ladies Aid meetings. I'm pretty sure as long as they keep sharing the desserts with him, he'll be alright with the whole situation. Anyhow, I hope to be able to help out during my 1 year membership and maybe even learn to knit. I already have several things that I would like to make.

Why do I love children?

Because some things are a 2 man job.

Because they are born with the ability to make farting noises with their mouths.

Because they give their parents a darn good reason to play with PlayDoh.

Because they will parade around in a spider hat and care nothing about what the world thinks.

Natural Lighting

I have always loved natural lighting. Sounds crazy, but I'd rather sit in an almost dark room than turn on a glaring set of 60 watt light bulbs. It just seems to bring a calm to my day when the sun is shining and all the curtains are wide open. Now, imagine my astonishment and joy when we moved to a place with 3 skylights. Sure, we're only going to be here for 1 year, but I will enjoy every day of having them. I even sort of liked watching a storm go over. How can you not be in a great mood when your doing dishes and you look up to see this heavenly view? Glorious.

Today was July 4th, of course, and my husband, son, and I had plans of hitting up possibly a few parades (at least one for sure) and some fireworks. However, major hold up on those plans as Cade woke up with a cold. First illness in probably a year or so, and hopefully it will be short lived. So, lots of down time and clay work!

Ohhhh say can you seee..

Stay at Home

It's so strange!! Nick and I have been married for 4 glorious (adventurous?) years. In that time, I've always been on the go, either with classes, clinicals, and these last few years, work. I had gotten used to just a few short hours in the morning with Cade and then just trying to survive until evening. Now, he has a 'real job' and is gone 8 or more hours a day! Sometimes I don't even make it out of the house for a couple days in a row! I was worried about this transition but you know what? I like it. I love spending all day with Cade. I love not feeling rushed. Somedays I actually *gasp* like doing dishes. I always knew I might enjoy cooking if I could do it on my own time, and it has been pretty enjoyable. I never wanted to be a mom. I never wanted to be a stay at home wifey. I thought it would all be so boring and routine. Wow. I sure am not afraid to admit when I'm wrong! Everyday is full of change. Either it's crazy busy or totally relaxed. Full of housework or full of art work. Solitude or all family, all day. Lounging or laps around town. I love being a mom and wife. Somedays I feel almost guilty for the enormous amount of happiness and love I feel. God truly is in control. If he wasn't, I'd be missing out on some completely awesome experiences.

For starters...

This is Some Days because I'll be here somedays and talk about random things. And dream about 'someday' in the future. You know, basically things I'm working to achieve. More often than not, it will be all about my son and my new job as a full-time stay-at-home mama and wife. (The stay-at-home part is what's new). Probably a little about my art, some about natural living, maybe a bit on my cooking adventures (I burnt spagetti 2 days ago. To the bottom of a pot. While warming it up. On the stove.) If I'm not here, I'm somewhere else, maybe completely neglecting this here blog. But that's the greatest thing about journals that I keep; they don't have rules!