4 Months

4 months. All Awesome.

This is what...

This is what we've been eating...

Country Living
Thai Steak Tacos

This is what we've been reading...

In My Meadow 
There's a whole series of these books. We LOVE them.

This is what we've been watching...

Mad Men Season 6
Sideburns.

This is what we've been seeing...

It's April, enough already!

This is what we are loving...

love baby

Mom, Woman of Faith 4-13

Welcome back to "Mom: Woman of Faith".  Each Saturday a group of moms respond to a question essential to our lives as Christians and Mothers.  It is our hope that this series will spark reflection and growth for all those involved.  Please feel free to add your thoughts here or on facebook.  Thanks for being here, and for sharing in our journey as Christians and mothers.  We are always looking for more contributors!  Email nancy if interested.

This week's Question:

What is one of the most joyful moments you have had as a mother?

Nancy

Small Things

Oh my.  I am having one of those days were it is a little difficult to answer this question!  We have been at my sister's house for the last three days.  My toddler has sat down and eaten just a handful of meals in that time, spending the rest of the time screaming, playing, screaming, playing...and then passing out only to wake up screaming again.  The baby has been sweet, but I keep feeling guilty that I am ignoring her because of my toddler's behavior.  Motherhood is a joy...I just didn't feel very much of that joy in the recent past.  I love my children.  I love my children...

So, if I can just take a breath, and relax, let's see if I can come up with a response to this question.

One of the things that comes to mind when I think of the joy of motherhood is my backyard.  My husband took a whopping 3 days off of work when baby #2 arrived (and a day and a half of that he spent working on the yard and the house).  So, I was alone with both kids for the first time when the baby was just a five days old.  Needless to say I was a little nervous that morning when my husband headed off to work.  But, as it turns out, the three of us had a wonderful day together.  We went to my usual Monday morning Bible study, had lunch (without any meltdowns) and then went and sat out on our deck.  Miraculously, even though it was November in Minnesota, it was a beautiful day.  My toddler ran around and I sat on the step holding the baby in a blanket.  The baby slept peacefully in my arms.  We all enjoyed the sunshine.  I was barefoot. 

That was a joyful, wonderful moment.   The pictures I snapped on my phone while I sat outside still make me feel that deep joy.  God knew that I needed that.  I needed to know that I could do this, be the mother of two, and that it was going to be so, so good.  And, even though the baby is only 5 months old, and even after the day I had, I'm excited for the next baby!

Sabrina

Superfluous

Obviously, my first response was the day both my boys were born. To hear their cries as they entered the world was the most magical & memorable moment for me as a mom. 

And since we had a rocky start with the early birth of Deacon, and then having to be away from Everett for several weeks was really tough. When we were finally all back together as a family, I think that was probably the most joyful moment yet. Looking in the backseat and seeing both my boys together brought a huge smile to my face and love in my heart as we pulled away from the hospital.

But sometimes it's really just the small things. The boys reaching certain milestones, cuddles before bed, hugs and kisses and laughter.  I love to put on music and dance with the boys and twirl them around and around. All those little moments really add up to some of the happiest and joy filled days as a mom.

Thank you for being a part of this week's Mom, Woman of Faith.  For next week's question click here.

Spring, more like Blizzard.

I know I choose to live in Minnesota. But why in April does it have to look like this??!?!!!?!?!

My husband and my Father-In-Law just brought out all the deck furniture out last weekend. I envisioned us grilling and lounging at this time, not digging out of snow. 

It's just gross outside and I want Spring! 

A-Z

Brittney over at Fun with the Fullwoods, posted one of these, so I'm going to do the same. 

A=Available or Married?

Married to TC, which stands for Teacher Crush. 

And that is what I had on him at the school we worked at. 

B = Book?

I am back on the Book wagon. I used to read a lot, but then I stopped. Now I just check out 18 books at once from the library. I can't stop myself. And I have to read 3 books at once. 

C = Cake or Pie?

I do love cake, but pie is good too. Frosting is fun.

D = Drink of choice?

Water. Boring, but I love it.  Or a cocktail.

E = Essential start to your day?

Pretending I don't hear the kids to get the last 5 minutes of peace all to myself. 

F = Favorite Color

Hot Pink

  G = Game to play or watch?

I do enjoy going to a Twins game, but that hasn't happened in awhile.

 H = Height?

5'2" 

I = Indulgence?

Shopping by myself

J = Job?

Living the Mini Van Dream

K = Kids and names?

Everett Timothy and Deacon Elliott

L = Life is incomplete without?

My 3 boys, Target & Netflix

M = Music group or singer?

Currently: Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, City and Color, Laurie Berkner

N = Number of siblings?

1 - The Budster

O = Overnight hospital stays?

Ha! funny. 6 with Everett.  15 with Deacon. 

P = Phobias/ Fears?

snakes

Q = Favorite Quote?

Live Free or Die

R = Righty or Lefty?
 righty

S = Season?

Summer!!!

T = Time you wake up?

4:00am and then 6:00am

U = Unknown fact about me?

I used to love going to concerts but now I hate them. 

V = Vegetables you dislike?

Peas

W = What makes you run late?

2 little boys.

X = X-rays you've had?

None

Y = Your favorite food?

Thai

Z = Zodiac?

Capricorn. 

Mommy life

 Two kids under two is nothing to shake a stick at. They just sit and shake sticks at me and attack me. True story.

Remember Julia Sweeney, who played Pat on SNL? I still love to do impersonations of her/him! Julia, not Pat, wrote a book on a collection of essays on Motherhood. Hello, I can relate.  

"I want to be alone. I really need to be alone. 

I took so long to assemble my lovely family... I went after creating family like a golden retriever running after a ball --how much does a the dog think about what he's doing? He doesn't think. He does. He is a doer. That's me too. I did it. I do it. I am doing it. 

Every morning I get up and hustle. I'm sure this is true for most mothers. It's true for me too. This is what I wanted, after all.  This was my dream. I'm always on task. I never go up the stairs of our house without looking around for what needs to be taken up. I never buy just one meal's worth of food at the grocery store. I drive carpools. I volunteer at the school cafeteria. I wait patiently outside the dance classes. I iron. I clean up the cat vomit. Make dinner. Walk the dog. I work at home and then really work, at home. I quell the rising ire in my roommates. I try to install harmony, efficiency, and a calm, enabling environment for my fellow family members. I often set the table two hours before dinner. I live by lists. I pick up things in our house and put them where they go. Chiefly, I'm the protector against chaos that threatens us. I am a good soldier.

I love my job.

Secretly I hate my job.

I love my family. 

If only they would disappear."

Okay... I don't want my family to disappear  And careful what you wish for. The last time I wished for a break, I ended up on hospital bed rest for two weeks. That really was a true story. I said, Dear God I need a break!! And that night, my water broke. 

Seriously though, I love my boys. Very much. Here are all the pictures to prove it.

Farrah Fawcett called and she wants her hair back. Along with every player in the NHL.

Blue Man Group called and they want you to audition.

Bunny Butt

Impossible to get one good pic of Everett, because he is chowing on Jelly Beans.

Cutest baby EVER!!! Deacon is our premium preemie!