Animal Talk

The boys and I were sitting at the island having a little chat yesterday when we got on the subject of where meat comes from. I've managed to simplify my answer to "from a cow or pig or chicken" in the past, but my 5 year old thought about it and asked me this time if the animal dies if you take meat from it. I tried to quickly think of a diplomatic response, but came up with only a faint yes. My 3 year old animal lover was horrified and said that they shouldn't kill animals and that he was no longer eating meat. I told him that there were other people who felt the same way and who didn't eat meat, but rather lots of fruits and vegetables and beans..etc. and that they were called vegetarians. Little H quickly replied, "but they don't live very long do they, mom?". I couldn't help laughing a bit before telling the boys that it was on the contrary...vegetarians would probably say that they are healthier and live longer...although that's probably not what Daddy would say. I've been waiting to see the aftermath and if I need to start buying tofu for Hudson, but since he's rather clueless to what item on his plate is the meat, he hasn't had any objections. I'm so interested to see what values and interests and abilities my boy's continue to have as they grow. Vegetarianism may be a stretch in this household, but we'll certainly try to support them as they try to figure out the world and grow into the men God has created them to be.

Siege on the Kitchen

Little M has hit the stage where food is spending a lot more time out of her mouth than in it. Her meals are being spit out or thrown around the kitchen. I frantically prepare a battery of bite sized soft food to offer in hopes of her acceptance. As substance after substance is refused and often in an exhaustingly messy manner, I usually retreat in defeat. Not only does this experience leave me with an increase in wasted food and dirty dishes...the child herself requires a full scrub down as well as the entire eating area. The highchair, table, wall and floor are not safe from her attack...nor am I. From having two others, I knew this stage would come, but had obviously blocked out the horrors of it! I doubt that this will test my joy, but am pretty sure it will be a great test of patience.

The Lives of Secret Agents

My two boys have been on a secret agent kick lately. They roam around the house "unlocking" items to wear as agents. This has included bracelets, sunglasses, watches, hats and continues all the way to a full winter snow suit. I love hearing them work together on their missions even though I'm realizing more and more that I'm less and less included in their world of play. For years, I've dragged my feet as they ask me to play with them and I feel the pressures of an impending dinner or smell the diapering needs of their sibling. Let's face it...I've also been really tired. Don't get me wrong...I usually make it a priority to spend some time with them each day, but it's taken on a more supervisory role and usually involves multitasking. As I'm increasingly not included in their play, I'm realizing just how quick that time goes. I've read the forwards about the dust will wait, play with you kids...and thought that's nice in theory, but you still got to get things done in a day. However, I'm wondering what my priorities would have been if I had my current perspective a couple years ago. I'm guessing there would be a little less dusting. I wish I could have fully embraced and have been present playing with my boys a little more. I'm not good at blocking out my to-do-list. Luckily they are only 3 and 5, so it's not too late. I may not love playing rescue heros and building car garages...but like I'm learning at church...it's not always about me. Although, the less they need me, the more I actually want to play. Ain't that the way. I understand that much of my time is required to handle the daily needs and appointments of my day. I simply can't always play, but I really want to be intentional when I do and show my boys that they and their priorities are also important to me. As I fill out Little H's JK registration forms...I'm realizing it really does go quickly. We need to choose joy in each moment and in the tasks that we think will never end...because they do....and we'll miss them.

Bare Foot and Happy

Well Little Miss M continues to astound us. She is definitely off to the races concerning walking. This week she has taken numerous steps and is starting to take off walking on her own when holding onto objects. She is also being protective of herself, by placing down her hands and going down on her bum. This may seem insignificant, but it has taken literally over a year of therapy to get her to use her hands and try to protect herself with them. What a success!!! We decided to put her in her running shoes tonight as therapy is tomorrow and she needs to wear her shoes there. We realized she hasn't done any of her walking wearing them, so thought we should acquaint the two. After donning her shoes, she seemed more irritable and less desiring to walk, but it was also getting close to bedtime, so I assumed it was tiredness causing the grumps. However, when I led her to the stairs to climb up them...something she is loving doing...a full out fit occurred. She climb one or two stairs and threw her body back, screaming and thrashing her body. I tried to pick her up to see if it was just exhaustion and if she wanted to be held, but not so much. Finally she started smashing her feet on the floor and I clued in that it may be the shoes. I removed her shoes...which fit by the way...and she was once again happy and proceeded to scurry up the stairs to her bath. Oh, my dear determined girl...you are just like your Papa Ken, a whole lot happier in bare feet. Here's hoping we don't have a replay at therapy tomorrow.

Update on Change

Well we've officially been attending our new church for two weeks. Week One went well thanks to a friend who tried to make some introductions and show us around. The kids all stayed in programs, so Jeff and I enjoyed a rare moment in service together. Week two was another story. I felt a little lost and isolated in a big crowd where no one seemed to care who I was. I came home in a sour mood and started doubting the switch. I've only really attended two other churches over my lifetime and both were definitely more like families. I craved the attention and concern and sense of community. I knew I would feel this way, hence Jeff and my 1 year commitment, to ride it through. As I struggled with my frustration over the day and trying to prioritize what it was I needed in a church...I clearly sensed God telling me that it wasn't about me. My interpretation was "Amber, get over yourself. It's not about you. It's about me." When I took myself out of the equation, I realized that at either church I can worship God and learn more about Him. I can also serve Him in either congregation. Yes, there is a need for fellowship, but as Jeff reminded me, I've got that already in my friends and will work on that via a small group at Bethany. So, I've simmered down and am going to keep choosing joy as I adapt to change.