Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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?"
'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?"
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 19, 2008
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!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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'.
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