Getting It Right

Someone recently asked what my parents did right in raising seven kids. And it gave me pause – they certainly did a lot right and even the times that maybe they didn’t get it just right, they learned and grew and taught us. I felt I gave a partial answer but thought it actually deserved more reflection and more of an answer. So here are some of the things I think my parents did right (in no particular order):

-they encouraged sibling friendships
-they had an open door – even if we got in at midnight and they were already in bed
-they were a united front
-they balanced each other
-they gave us a Biblical foundation for life through church and family worship
-they had realistic expectations about relating to adult and married children
-they gave us individual time
-they loved each other and showed it daily
-they took their involvement in our education seriously
-they taught us from their mistakes
-they were never afraid to tell us they were sorry and to ask for our forgiveness
-they prayed with us and for us
-they loved us unconditionally even when we made them crazy
-they allowed us to be individuals
-they encouraged us in our interests
-they dialogued with us about anything and everything
-they made it a priority to have family mealtimes
-they took us on vacation (often camping) even when money was tight
-they modeled care and concern for others
-they welcomed our friends
-they created traditions

And when I look at this list, I know it’s incomplete. What a blessing to have such a heritage. My parents sacrificed much to have a big family - I never doubted that they loved it and I never doubted that they loved each of us.

I love spending time with my family and aside from Andrew, my siblings are some of my very best friends. My parents are our friends, too – they made the transition from parenting us as children to becoming our friends in an admirable and rare way. And the memories from childhood are amazing and sometimes hilarious and the memories we are still making as a family are a blessing.

Thanks Mom & Dad for doing so much right! You gave each of us a gift in the way you raised us and you have taught us much about being good and wise parents.

Hello, Internet

Wow, since I wrote on Thursday, our home phone and internet have been out. Yes, we paid our bills. :) It was widespread throughout our neighborhood (and perhaps beyone) and I think it had to do with the nearby construction. It was so frustrating! Nothing like being without to make me want to blog like crazy. :) I think it made me realize how much we rely on the internet - and by we, I mean, our nation. Anyway, we're back online and back to the modern world.

Hope you had a great 4th! We had a wonderful weekend celebrating with family and friends!

Changing Heart

Lately, I have been contemplating how to be a better parent. Okay, not just lately, it's a constant topic. :) I desire to be a Godly mom and to raise children who love and serve the Lord. I want to honor Him with how I interact with and train the sons He has entrusted to us. I feel frustrated when I lose my patience and find myself continually evaluating how to change. And I find that the more my own heart changes, the better (and more effectively) I am able to communicate, train, and love my boys.

My goal is not to just have kids that obey but to have children with hearts of obedience. I long to reach their hearts with my discipline. The words must be gentle but firm and the consistent correction needs to come with love and patience. Definitely not always easy but the fruits of this necessary correction will be such a blessing.

It's a continual journey and learning process and I see God working in my life as well as the boys. We are all learning to relate to one another and to please God with our lives and actions. How thankful I am for mercy, grace, and forgiveness for when I fail. And how thankful I am for the resources (scripture, parenting books, and veteran parents) that challenge my heart and encourage me to be the mom I want and need to be.

Day 3

I'm on day 3 of the 30 Day Shred. My friend, Catherine, recommended it and several of my other friends have also been doing it so I thought, "why not?" :) It's killer but great! It's been waaay too long since I've had an organized workout and strength training (not since kiddos joined our family!). My little sister's wedding is in a matter of weeks and the bridesmaid dress is beautiful so, better-in-shape, here I come... :)

In other news, I'm exhausted - Ty is on a sleep strike. He has 3 of the 4 teeth through but the last one is seriously disrupting us. Oh well, it usually doesn't last longer than a week before he's back to his normal, pretty good sleeping.

Life is good and full. I still am not feeling much like blogging...I suppose there are seasons or maybe I'm just too sleep deprived to think straight. We are looking forward to a fun rest of the week! Maybe I'll even remember to take pictures! :)

Congrats!

I had another post planned but this trumps it...I'm so proud of my hubby. He has been studying for a very difficult certification exam for the last several weeks and still wasn't confident he would pass. Well, today was the day and he passed with plenty of room to spare!!! All the study hours, missed family time, late nights, and stress were worth it!

CONGRATS ANDREW!!!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Due to my blog break, I missed doing a Father's Day post but let me just say, we are so incredibly blessed to have him as the leader of our family. He is kind, patient, loving, and dedicated. The boys cannot wait for him to arrive home in the evenings (well, neither can I). :) He is awesome about helping out wherever no matter what task needs accomplished. How thankful I am to have such a wonderful husband! The pictures below are Andrew's first pictures with each of our precious sons.

A Fun Evening

My Mom and I took the boys to the symphony on Saturday night and it was a great time! The boys were awesome and it was a gorgeous night! Ty was really into the music - dancing and clapping - so cute!

I'm Back...Kind Of :)

Nothing earth shattering here. I've enjoyed my self-imposed, much-needed blog break although I've also missed the creative outlet. I'm still working out some thoughts and related posts but I'm mostly back. Oh, and with the break, came the blog makeover - I needed change in the form of summery colors. :)

My flowers and plants are thriving! I'm thrilled. They are so beautiful on the deck and the colors are so bright and inviting. I decided to buy these big planters and they have worked out so well!

20 Things I Love

I think it's time for one of my "just-because-mushy-mom" posts (yep, that's a technical, copyrighted phrase :)). My children constantly amaze me and I pray that I don't take these years for granted. I want to enjoy every day and every moment with them. They have brought so much joy to my (well our) life. I thank God for them daily!

I love to hear my kids' say Mama (or Mony :)).
I love the spontaneous hugs that never cease to amaze me.
I love the way my boys' make me feel like the most important person in the world.
I love how they engage me in their games, make believe, songs, and books.
I love the wonderful smiles they throw my way.
I love the delighted giggles that escape.
I love their beautiful, expressive, brown eyes.
I love the way they wholeheartedly trust.
I love surprising them.
I love to teach them.
I love to see them learn.
I love to watch them peacefully sleep.
I love to see their imaginations at work.
I love to hear them pray.
I love their singing.
I love the way they live life to the fullest.
I love their boundless energy.
I love the sloppy, open-mouth kisses.
I love my boys.
I love being a Mom.

**Originally Published October 13, 2007**

On Work

I sometimes ponder being a part-time working mom. I know God has called me first and foremost to be a wife and mom but Andrew and I also believe that He has called me to be a dental hygienist. [As an aside, people have many different views of how this all plays out and I am not here to say there is any one right way or to spark any heated discussions. This is simply my personal reflection.] :)

A friend of mine has been a huge encouragement to me in challenging me to live a balanced life fulfilling all that God desires of me. I know that I don’t always get it right but I feel blessed to have the opportunity and flexibility (hygiene is great for this!) to work some (about 30 hours/month) and still enjoy being mostly a SAHM. It seems like the best of both worlds – sometimes I wish for more of one or the other but overall it works.

In truth, I appreciate the fresh perspective on my awesome sons. I miss them and it seems that all the challenges of the week melt away when I see them after only a few hours at work. They are sweet and adorable and we are all so happy to see each other!

I’m so thankful for my loving husband who supports and encourages me in the “outside” work that is a part of my life and our lives. I'm also grateful for his commitment and desire for me to mostly be at home - I know not everyone is able to do that! I’m thankful for the childcare my family provides which gives me the peace of mind to enjoy my work and to meet the needs of my patients. And I’m thankful for the employment that helped make it possible for our two sons to become a part of our family and that continues to help provide if/where needed.

When I think about the different roles God has called me to, I am reminded that He has called me to do them all for His glory! I pray that I will continually be strengthened and challenged in each responsibility. We truly serve an amazing God who has granted each of us different gifts & talents as well as unique roles & families. But He universally calls us to glorify and enjoy Him forever within every aspect of our lives. May that truly be the desire of our hearts.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

**Originally Published October 26, 2007**