Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
9.12.2013
This morning we arrived to school with plenty of time to spare, stood in line with Jake while talking and relaxing, walked him to his class and said goodbye… & then Austin looks up at me and says, "mom? We forgot to go to my line.". (duh!). Aaand... That would be the state of my brain after this first week of school! LOL
7.04.2013
Today the boys each earned $1 and were talking about what they were going to buy. Then Jake said he decided to buy me a gift instead for my birthday.
Andrew said, "yah! What kind of Girly Lego Sets do you like, Mom?"
Jake corrected him, "mom likes earrings & jewelry... What else?"
so I chimed in, "... & cards or nail polish or flip flops or beach towels..."
and then Austin said, "what about a glass slipper?"
... And this is why being a mom to boys is the best! I am a fire ninja, rocket blaster, princess & queen!
6.27.2013
5.15.2013
Purely exhausted, but so content. Finally came home to relax at 9pm for the first time since I left at 7:30 am! Gearing up for another full (but great!) day tomorrow- Feeling thankful & praying for renewed energy in the morning! (anyone else with me on that one?)
This was BEFORE I read the sign about the contaminated water... Best mommy award today!
He definitely marches to his own drum! I love his sock choice!
This was BEFORE I read the sign about the contaminated water... Best mommy award today!
He definitely marches to his own drum! I love his sock choice!
4.17.2013
4.14.2013
3.20.2013
One of my favorite parts of the day: the belly laughs between the boys & I as I was trying to explain the difference between ajar and a jar. Can you hear it now? When the door is open it's ajar, but it's not a jar, like a jar of jelly but its ajar... Enter jake making all sorts of jokes about the lid to a jar being ajar. Hehe! Never dull!
2.13.2013
There's not enough time in the day. And I'm doing too much. Wishing our home were more than just a stopping place during the go-go of our weekdays! This mama needs some serious down time, and baseball *just* started up again! {sigh} We'll adapt... & I'll feel better in the morning! (when I actually have 2 places to be at once). Ha! Anyone else know the feeling?
11.01.2012
Happy Halloween! 2012
Orange shirt day Nov 1, 2102 Why is it so hard to get a picture of all 3 boys!?!
Oct 31, 2012
Can't stop laughing!! I always call Andrew "Boo Boo Bear" ... and I just accidentally said, "Let's go, Poo Poo Pear!" {So hysterical! These boys are totally rubbing off on me! Since when did I laugh so much at poo poo & fart jokes!?!} BTW, feeling so thankful for the friends I have made in SC, I really feel blessed & surrounded by such a wonderful group of girls. God is so good to me! Have a great fun & festive day today!
7.23.2012
7.05.2012
6 years ago today... {overwhelmed!} Feeling a bit undeserving right now; filled with humility really. I usually LOVE the night before one of my children's birthdays... they are filled with these awe-inspiring, precious, joyful memories. Tonight is the first Bday-eve that I've ever felt sad in this way. Remembering the miracle of Jake's birth, and holding the gift of my first-born son is such ...an utter contrast to the way we spent many of our moments over the last year: butting heads. I haven't extended the grace he has deserved. I haven't clearly shown him Christ's love in my actions or words. (I'm fully aware that I'm not extending myself grace either!) Feeling a little inadequate to be raising God's children right about now! Anyways, however undeserving, I am so honored & blessed to be Mommy to my precious Jake Parker. His heart blows me away. I will try to be more gentle with it, and to better live-up to my calling. {Now there's a different version of the "6 years ago today" FB post!} LOL ~a little too real for fb, but it's MN & i don't care~
11.08.2011
Bucket List
This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.
1. One of my biggest dreams is to go to Europe... I've been so close, so many times! France & Italy, I need to go there!!! During another dream-trip I would like to do Norway. And Ireland.
2. I would like to take dance classes again (ballet, modern)
3. I would like to have family game night-- board games!
4. I would like to play beach volleyball with my whole family!
5. I would like to learn Spanish.
6. I would like to decorate & furnish my home.
7. I would like to go to the US Virgin Islands.
8. I would like to learn how to surf.
9. I would like to go fishing in Montana with my husband and kids.
10. I want to go to Africa on a Mission trip, really, really, really bad.
11. I want to find a way to serve those in need, on a regular basis.
12. I would like to take some cooking classes
13. I would like to learn more about photography.
14. I want to play the piano again.
15. I would like to take dance lessons with my husband (ballroom, salsa, etc.)
1. One of my biggest dreams is to go to Europe... I've been so close, so many times! France & Italy, I need to go there!!! During another dream-trip I would like to do Norway. And Ireland.
2. I would like to take dance classes again (ballet, modern)
3. I would like to have family game night-- board games!
4. I would like to play beach volleyball with my whole family!
5. I would like to learn Spanish.
6. I would like to decorate & furnish my home.
7. I would like to go to the US Virgin Islands.
8. I would like to learn how to surf.
9. I would like to go fishing in Montana with my husband and kids.
10. I want to go to Africa on a Mission trip, really, really, really bad.
11. I want to find a way to serve those in need, on a regular basis.
12. I would like to take some cooking classes
13. I would like to learn more about photography.
14. I want to play the piano again.
15. I would like to take dance lessons with my husband (ballroom, salsa, etc.)
3.04.2009
A pictorial of our lives...
Our days are full of:
And:
And this is how it makes us feel:
Disclaimer: All those stickers are the times Jake sat on the potty for a minute "trying" ... Which means all of the actual "going" has been mopped up off the floor between the "tries". We'll get there eventually...
Also, neither of the houses in the photo are ours but I made sure the addresses were covered. The sign and the over-watered lawn, however, are ours! (Writing on the sign has been whited-out, but basically, it's a FOR SALE sign! Which has kept us quite busy, what with the keeping the house spotless in the midst of life with 2 toddlers! And being pregnant on top of it, you can understand why the last picture is perfect for describing how we feel at the end of the day! And sometimes the beginning, and middle!)
We're doing great though. The boys are adorable and the itty-bitty is growing stronger every day. At 17 1/7 weeks I'm already 'showing', though my baby-belly is a lot softer than I would like it... which means it's more belly than baby!!! But what're ya gonna do? Just resolve to lose it at the end of it all, that's about it! I hope it comes off as easy as it did last time. I can't believe my due date is in just 160 days, according to that little counter on my sidebar. Doesn't that make it sound much closer than it is!?!
Well I better get back to the kids and continue flitting around the house cleaning. You wouldn't believe the mess they made over the last 10 minutes that I actually spent sitting down! (An overturned bucket of cars, a scattered pile of papers from off the desk, and the newly emptied hamper contents. Little tornadoes!)
Have a beautiful day! We're going to head out to the park. I'm debating whether to keep Jake in his cloth "big boy pants" or do a pull-up. I think cloth, for consistency. But maybe I should line his carseat with plastic!
And:
And this is how it makes us feel:
Disclaimer: All those stickers are the times Jake sat on the potty for a minute "trying" ... Which means all of the actual "going" has been mopped up off the floor between the "tries". We'll get there eventually...
Also, neither of the houses in the photo are ours but I made sure the addresses were covered. The sign and the over-watered lawn, however, are ours! (Writing on the sign has been whited-out, but basically, it's a FOR SALE sign! Which has kept us quite busy, what with the keeping the house spotless in the midst of life with 2 toddlers! And being pregnant on top of it, you can understand why the last picture is perfect for describing how we feel at the end of the day! And sometimes the beginning, and middle!)
We're doing great though. The boys are adorable and the itty-bitty is growing stronger every day. At 17 1/7 weeks I'm already 'showing', though my baby-belly is a lot softer than I would like it... which means it's more belly than baby!!! But what're ya gonna do? Just resolve to lose it at the end of it all, that's about it! I hope it comes off as easy as it did last time. I can't believe my due date is in just 160 days, according to that little counter on my sidebar. Doesn't that make it sound much closer than it is!?!
Well I better get back to the kids and continue flitting around the house cleaning. You wouldn't believe the mess they made over the last 10 minutes that I actually spent sitting down! (An overturned bucket of cars, a scattered pile of papers from off the desk, and the newly emptied hamper contents. Little tornadoes!)
Have a beautiful day! We're going to head out to the park. I'm debating whether to keep Jake in his cloth "big boy pants" or do a pull-up. I think cloth, for consistency. But maybe I should line his carseat with plastic!
2.07.2009
Bullies, young and old, PART 2
Part 2 is much shorter than part 1! (I think. We'll see if I can tame my wordy-ness!) Especially since I have to make breakfast and I'm majorly procrastinating since the boys are playing so nicely. (For now...)
Part 2 takes place at Disneyland, after the big Fantasmic show. My family had split up during the show... I wanted Jake to finish watching the show because he didn't get to see Mickey Mouse all day, and he had been talking about it for the 3 days prior. So my two nieces, myself, and Jake stayed to watch the remainder of the show. The rest of my family took Austin and got a head-start to their final ride.
So after the show, you know the mayhem that follows. The streets are crowded with throngs of people, literally shoulder-to-shoulder, all being herded one way or the other. Jake was on my niece, Alyssa's, shoulders. We were all-three in a line, hanging onto each other's hands or shirts or whatever we could, so we wouldn't get separated.
Jake turned around and was saying he needs water, so I was holding his hand (as he was on Alyssa's shoulders), and telling him that his sippy cup is in the stroller and we would get there soon.
When all of the sudden the woman behind us jams her stroller between me and Alyssa. I'm still holding Jake's hand and he's leaning towards me. I tried to walk around the front of her stroller tire (so my son doesn't fall off my niece's shoulders, hello! We're obviously together!), and she jams her stroller farther forward. She says loudly to her husband, "I'm just going to push my way through. I'm just going to GO!"
My face got hot as I struggled to find words, once again, appropriate words.
"I can't be separated from my children!!!" I say adamantly, looking at her but not into her face. (Why? Fear of confrontation maybe?)
She moves her stroller forward again and I'm holding Jake's hand and look from him to her again, speechless, so I repeat the same thing with more emphasis, "I can-NOT be separated from my children!"
Oh, so many things would have been more appropriate! What the heck was she thinking? She has a child, safe in her little stroller. Would she allow some pushy woman to come between herself and her child in this endless ocean of people?
So I turned my back, stepped over the front of her tire, continued to hold Jake's hand with one hand and Alyssa's with the other. "Hold onto Mariah, stay together!" I said.
And here's when the ridiculousness began. (You like my word? It must actually be a real word, because spell check didn't catch it. Woo hoo!)
This woman began to push her stroller into my heels with every step I took. Not hard, not enough to hurt, but it's still NEVER okay.
The first 2 or 3 nudges, I ignored. I know how it is to push a stroller in a crowd, being bumped and cut-off every second. I thought maybe it was an accident. But with every step as I felt her stroller land again against my heels again, I realized she was doing this on purpose.
I was speechless, face still hot. Words wouldn't come, they just wouldn't! I figured what probably happened is that my niece cut her off, I'm sure of it, because she was rather in a hurry to get to the ride. But I also figured that this woman was a grown-up, and a MOM, and she should be able to control herself. Still, the words wouldn't come. I could only muster numerous backward glares at the woman, (with each step), but she avoided my face of course and continued to push onward.
I told my niece what she was doing, loudly, using my hands to demonstrate the stroller hitting the backs of my legs, which was followed by our 3 evil glances back at her. My sweet niece moves to go around me, saying, "Auntie, let me walk behind you." "NO!", and I look back at the woman with the only words I could think to say, "That is NOT necessary!"
Ooooh, soooo confrontational! So impressive and self-assured I am!
We made a quick left turn to get away from the jerk, and as we weaved through all the nice, normal people, I simmered in the frustration with 1) myself for not telling this woman just HOW out of line she was being, and 2) this woman who thinks it's okay to do such a thing.
Twice in one week I had confrontations with bullies. And twice in one week, I left feeling regretful that I didn't say more. Come to think of it, I have only confronted a bully once. It was hard, and I cried both before and after. But it felt good, and I gained her respect. (And got a piece of my own back!) It was actually a doctor and it was 4 years ago. But for the most part, I have spent my whole life avoiding confrontation at all cost.
The thing is, I understand the frustration of strollers in crowds. You hardly make any headway because everyone goes in front of you. And I understand being upset. My niece did admit that she jammed her foot in front of her stroller so we could get through.
BUT, there is just no excuse for her behavior. Using words is one thing. It's the adult thing, the appropriate thing. I would have apologized for my niece and it would have been over. Maybe she has always been that bully, that ring-leader. Maybe she had a hard day and was beside herself. I hope her husband saw what she was doing, and I hope he told her how wrong she was. Because I certainly didn't.
Next time I encounter a bully, you will hear a much more empowering story, I promise!
Part 2 takes place at Disneyland, after the big Fantasmic show. My family had split up during the show... I wanted Jake to finish watching the show because he didn't get to see Mickey Mouse all day, and he had been talking about it for the 3 days prior. So my two nieces, myself, and Jake stayed to watch the remainder of the show. The rest of my family took Austin and got a head-start to their final ride.
So after the show, you know the mayhem that follows. The streets are crowded with throngs of people, literally shoulder-to-shoulder, all being herded one way or the other. Jake was on my niece, Alyssa's, shoulders. We were all-three in a line, hanging onto each other's hands or shirts or whatever we could, so we wouldn't get separated.
Jake turned around and was saying he needs water, so I was holding his hand (as he was on Alyssa's shoulders), and telling him that his sippy cup is in the stroller and we would get there soon.
When all of the sudden the woman behind us jams her stroller between me and Alyssa. I'm still holding Jake's hand and he's leaning towards me. I tried to walk around the front of her stroller tire (so my son doesn't fall off my niece's shoulders, hello! We're obviously together!), and she jams her stroller farther forward. She says loudly to her husband, "I'm just going to push my way through. I'm just going to GO!"
My face got hot as I struggled to find words, once again, appropriate words.
"I can't be separated from my children!!!" I say adamantly, looking at her but not into her face. (Why? Fear of confrontation maybe?)
She moves her stroller forward again and I'm holding Jake's hand and look from him to her again, speechless, so I repeat the same thing with more emphasis, "I can-NOT be separated from my children!"
Oh, so many things would have been more appropriate! What the heck was she thinking? She has a child, safe in her little stroller. Would she allow some pushy woman to come between herself and her child in this endless ocean of people?
So I turned my back, stepped over the front of her tire, continued to hold Jake's hand with one hand and Alyssa's with the other. "Hold onto Mariah, stay together!" I said.
And here's when the ridiculousness began. (You like my word? It must actually be a real word, because spell check didn't catch it. Woo hoo!)
This woman began to push her stroller into my heels with every step I took. Not hard, not enough to hurt, but it's still NEVER okay.
The first 2 or 3 nudges, I ignored. I know how it is to push a stroller in a crowd, being bumped and cut-off every second. I thought maybe it was an accident. But with every step as I felt her stroller land again against my heels again, I realized she was doing this on purpose.
I was speechless, face still hot. Words wouldn't come, they just wouldn't! I figured what probably happened is that my niece cut her off, I'm sure of it, because she was rather in a hurry to get to the ride. But I also figured that this woman was a grown-up, and a MOM, and she should be able to control herself. Still, the words wouldn't come. I could only muster numerous backward glares at the woman, (with each step), but she avoided my face of course and continued to push onward.
I told my niece what she was doing, loudly, using my hands to demonstrate the stroller hitting the backs of my legs, which was followed by our 3 evil glances back at her. My sweet niece moves to go around me, saying, "Auntie, let me walk behind you." "NO!", and I look back at the woman with the only words I could think to say, "That is NOT necessary!"
Ooooh, soooo confrontational! So impressive and self-assured I am!
We made a quick left turn to get away from the jerk, and as we weaved through all the nice, normal people, I simmered in the frustration with 1) myself for not telling this woman just HOW out of line she was being, and 2) this woman who thinks it's okay to do such a thing.
Twice in one week I had confrontations with bullies. And twice in one week, I left feeling regretful that I didn't say more. Come to think of it, I have only confronted a bully once. It was hard, and I cried both before and after. But it felt good, and I gained her respect. (And got a piece of my own back!) It was actually a doctor and it was 4 years ago. But for the most part, I have spent my whole life avoiding confrontation at all cost.
The thing is, I understand the frustration of strollers in crowds. You hardly make any headway because everyone goes in front of you. And I understand being upset. My niece did admit that she jammed her foot in front of her stroller so we could get through.
BUT, there is just no excuse for her behavior. Using words is one thing. It's the adult thing, the appropriate thing. I would have apologized for my niece and it would have been over. Maybe she has always been that bully, that ring-leader. Maybe she had a hard day and was beside herself. I hope her husband saw what she was doing, and I hope he told her how wrong she was. Because I certainly didn't.
Next time I encounter a bully, you will hear a much more empowering story, I promise!
12.02.2008
MIA
I've been away from here for a long time!
When I have nothing to say, at least posting photos of the boys usually brings me here-- but, alas, my camera is broken. {Sad! I'm DYING without it!}
But just imagine that you are flipping through snapshots of our family trip to Disneyland... It was Kevin's first time going with us- and I loved seeing the joy in his eyes as he watched Jake jumping up and down during Fantasia (& yelling "Mittey Mouse!") My parent's were so, so happy too- and that was priceless. I loved spending the day with them (loved it loved it!), but maybe even more than that, I loved seeing them with the boys!
We now have photos of Austin's first birthday-- including the nautical cake I made with the stubby, crooked number-"1" candle that I had to create out of an old "8" because I lost the "1". (Found it the next day, of course, in one of Kevin's shoes. That's the work of a certain one-year-old for sure!) This montage wouldn't be complete without his sweet cake covered face & an excited gift-unwrapping photo.
Oh, and we will have to display the Sears portrait session in which the A/C was broken & the kids were uncooperative- those photos are winners. Haha They're not that bad! But they're not great either. There are a few worth keeping.
I would have definitely posted photos of my pumpkin-roasting and pureeing fiasco, in addition to the taste-test comparisons of my made-from-scratch pumpkin pies vs. the made-from-can pies. Because I'm lame like that. The photos would make you feel very cozy & fallish & probably a little hungry. I'd also add a shot of my turkey-cranberry wreath because it's pretty and makes me feel accomplished, even though it's simple to make. :)
Last, but not least, our Thanksgivings- runny-noses & all! We really had a wonderful thanksgiving and were so thankful to spend time with both of our families. It also marked the time that our month (or more) of illnesses began to turn around.
Stay tuned for some equally impressive photography this December, including (but probably not limited to) my grandma's month-long trip vising from New York (& first time meeting Austin), the boys meeting Santa, possibly Austin's dedication, some Apple-pie in Julian, and of course our Christmas.
Don't you feel just so sorry for me?? Good- so family... PLEASE send your memory cards, disks, photo attachments, or negatives my way! This is killin' me! I have a scrapbooking date this Sunday, with NOTHING TO SCRAPBOOK!
This is the worst blog-post I've ever read or written!
But I broke the ice. (Of the blog that hasn't been written-on in 21 days.)
I better get back to my life. Although there are two sleeping kids at the moment, there is also a new resolve to go to bed early and wake up before them. (Which is REALLY early. They wake up anywhere from 5:00-6:00.) But I have to do this. I want to have more of me to give them. And I can't give them my best if I'm sleep-deprived. I've been victim to self-inflicted sleep-deprivation, as I've gotten in a horrible habit of losing a few hours after the kids are asleep to mindless TV-watching or internet-surfing. Plus, if I can have my quiet time in the morning, I am so much better equipped for my day. Mornings are the hardest for us here in the R-household, and I have a little inkling that if I start them at the feet of my Jesus, they will somehow be a lot more manageable!
So as much as I want to clean the house & work on decorating, I'm going to honor my new resolve, and go to bed. It's hard! A tornado truly did hit in our house today.
But...
Good,sweet,night.
Please don't stop by unexpectedly tomorrow morning!
When I have nothing to say, at least posting photos of the boys usually brings me here-- but, alas, my camera is broken. {Sad! I'm DYING without it!}
But just imagine that you are flipping through snapshots of our family trip to Disneyland... It was Kevin's first time going with us- and I loved seeing the joy in his eyes as he watched Jake jumping up and down during Fantasia (& yelling "Mittey Mouse!") My parent's were so, so happy too- and that was priceless. I loved spending the day with them (loved it loved it!), but maybe even more than that, I loved seeing them with the boys!
We now have photos of Austin's first birthday-- including the nautical cake I made with the stubby, crooked number-"1" candle that I had to create out of an old "8" because I lost the "1". (Found it the next day, of course, in one of Kevin's shoes. That's the work of a certain one-year-old for sure!) This montage wouldn't be complete without his sweet cake covered face & an excited gift-unwrapping photo.
Oh, and we will have to display the Sears portrait session in which the A/C was broken & the kids were uncooperative- those photos are winners. Haha They're not that bad! But they're not great either. There are a few worth keeping.
I would have definitely posted photos of my pumpkin-roasting and pureeing fiasco, in addition to the taste-test comparisons of my made-from-scratch pumpkin pies vs. the made-from-can pies. Because I'm lame like that. The photos would make you feel very cozy & fallish & probably a little hungry. I'd also add a shot of my turkey-cranberry wreath because it's pretty and makes me feel accomplished, even though it's simple to make. :)
Last, but not least, our Thanksgivings- runny-noses & all! We really had a wonderful thanksgiving and were so thankful to spend time with both of our families. It also marked the time that our month (or more) of illnesses began to turn around.
Stay tuned for some equally impressive photography this December, including (but probably not limited to) my grandma's month-long trip vising from New York (& first time meeting Austin), the boys meeting Santa, possibly Austin's dedication, some Apple-pie in Julian, and of course our Christmas.
Don't you feel just so sorry for me?? Good- so family... PLEASE send your memory cards, disks, photo attachments, or negatives my way! This is killin' me! I have a scrapbooking date this Sunday, with NOTHING TO SCRAPBOOK!
This is the worst blog-post I've ever read or written!
But I broke the ice. (Of the blog that hasn't been written-on in 21 days.)
I better get back to my life. Although there are two sleeping kids at the moment, there is also a new resolve to go to bed early and wake up before them. (Which is REALLY early. They wake up anywhere from 5:00-6:00.) But I have to do this. I want to have more of me to give them. And I can't give them my best if I'm sleep-deprived. I've been victim to self-inflicted sleep-deprivation, as I've gotten in a horrible habit of losing a few hours after the kids are asleep to mindless TV-watching or internet-surfing. Plus, if I can have my quiet time in the morning, I am so much better equipped for my day. Mornings are the hardest for us here in the R-household, and I have a little inkling that if I start them at the feet of my Jesus, they will somehow be a lot more manageable!
So as much as I want to clean the house & work on decorating, I'm going to honor my new resolve, and go to bed. It's hard! A tornado truly did hit in our house today.
But...
Good,sweet,night.
Please don't stop by unexpectedly tomorrow morning!
11.07.2008
Megan getting philosophical at an extremely late hour... bad combo
When we went to Ensenada, I had a moment where a bit of reality hit me. I wanted to post about it when we got back in town but never had the time to sit down and write. And honestly, I didn't know exactly what to write. I was afraid of sounding cliche or trite. Why should I come here and tell a story and simply say, "It was sad."
Poverty is a reality that I feel helpless against, and a bit foolish even talking about since I'm not really backing it with action. I don't know how to deal with these things, especially coming from such a wealthy country and being surrounded by all the greed in the midst of excess. Many people either turn their heads or adopt an attitude of, "it's not my problem." I've never been one to turn my head (purposefully), this is just where my heart goes.
So that said, I had forgotten about this little (unwritten) post until the memories of these people popped back into my head as I was reading about the Compassion trip in the Dominican Republic.
Here's my little story. The poverty and this experience is not near comparable to theirs... not the point... but it just reminded me of it & so I decided to come here & reflect on it for a second.
We were at "Papas & Beer", sitting outside enjoying some food & drinks. There were a lot of people trying to sell things-- handmade objects, chicle, etc. I enjoyed seeing the people, exchanging a few words (between my {very} broken Spanish & their broken English), and trying to find a momentary connection through a smile or the meeting of eyes. I wanted to buy something from each of them, but, of course, couldn't. But I wanted them to know that I could see them, and that they mattered to me at that moment. (I felt angry at the people who ignored them!)
As Kevin left for the restroom, I asked him how much money he had. He said something like, "$20, why?" And he saw my face & said, "you can't have it!" To which I confessed, "because I want to give it all away."
We had been a bit stressed out about him only having such little cash on him because he had forgotten to tell the credit union that we were travelling internationally so some places weren't accepting his card. When we were exiting the boat I told him that I couldn't believe he didn't get more cash from the cruiseline's ATM, and he reassured me that there would be ATMs in Mexico.
Suddenly, though, $20 sounded like a lot. These people were begging for a dollar! It could truely make a difference in someone's day- maybe help feed their family for a day or buy some shoes for their children. ...Or we could have a few more drinks and buy a souvenir with it.
There were two young boys, maybe 4-5 years old. They were both barefoot in the streets trying to sell some things-- weaving in and out of the tables in the outdoor sidewalk patio. At one point there was a man (a P&B customer) who gave one of boys two chicken wings. The boy disappeared momentarily, sharing his prize with his envious friend. A minute later, the boy came back to the table & pulled on the man's pantleg. The boy was looking up at the man and was gesturing with his hand to his mouth.
My heart sank.
The man wrapped up a handful of chicken wings in a napkin & gave it to the boy. He & his friend ran to the curbside and inhaled them.
They are hungry. They are barefoot, and 4 years old, wandering the streets, and hungry.
I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to look at these people with pity or make them feel like I felt sorry for them. I had to look away to keep the tears from coming, and when my husband returned from the restroom, I had to hide my eyes with my sunglasses as I quietly relayed the story to him.
In the meantime, the waiters at Papas & Beer were shooing the kids away-- yelling and chasing them like stray cats.
They don't want the customers to see the poverty. They don't want anybody to feel guilty for spending money at their establishment.
I have been given a heart for the needy (as previously written here.) Being a mother, though, this little experience struck me a bit differently. Like the song/video (below) says, "I saw my son in a little boy's eyes."
That is what I felt as I sat at the table and watched that sweet young barefoot child gesturing his hunger. It tore my heart up.
I thought of my children.
I thought of their mothers.
When discussing such issues, often people retort that we have hungry & needy people in our own country, and why don't we take care of our "own" people. To which my heart cries, who cares what country we were born in! We are all on this earth together, mankind, God's children. I have never been able to understand this thinking.
I've been on mission trips and visited poverty-stricken areas throughout my youth. I still remember their faces and many of their names. They are each in my heart, family! Their love and warmth towards us, their grateful hearts and the joy that they had from the Lord despite their circumstances... it was astounding to me. We met some wonderful people and experienced a unity that crossed boundaries of language, economics, race, geographics, age, & gender.
My heart aches to do something. But my (beloved) just thinks it's sweet of me. The end.
I cannot seem to draw any conclusions based on my experiences or my current situation.
Except that I don't want to turn my head.
A few more unconnected thoughts... (to remain undeveloped because it's late & my train of thought is quite circular right now!):
Since I can't do anything with our money, maybe I can find a way to use my time, and could it really make a difference? Is this possible?
I'm also reading (Mission of Motherhood) and working hard at ministering to & raising my children AND: (oh please help me!) keeping the home! This is my mission-field. I've only read a few chapters, but so far I love this book... challenging, uplifting, energizing, encouraging, and did I say challenging?!?
Can I do it all?!?
I feel so idle and tunnel-visioned sometimes! I know my efforts are first and foremost to serve the Lord, and then my husband & children. What a blessed and fulfilling and huge responsibility, too. Not underscoring that by any means.
But how frustrating it is when I find myself placing too much importance on the things in life (appearance, material things, etc). And how saddening when I realize that I have once again gotten caught up in the rat race. Not that we should sell all our things or feel guilty for having nice things-- but the excess is quite excessive dontcha think!?! I mean, who needs 300 channels on TV anyway?!? And the things should definitely not have any power in our hearts... for example, causing us to feel jealous when others have them or sad when we can't. Ahem, Miss Megan, who is dying for new couches and pictures for the walls! Oh, but I do want some!
Poverty is a reality that I feel helpless against, and a bit foolish even talking about since I'm not really backing it with action. I don't know how to deal with these things, especially coming from such a wealthy country and being surrounded by all the greed in the midst of excess. Many people either turn their heads or adopt an attitude of, "it's not my problem." I've never been one to turn my head (purposefully), this is just where my heart goes.
So that said, I had forgotten about this little (unwritten) post until the memories of these people popped back into my head as I was reading about the Compassion trip in the Dominican Republic.
Here's my little story. The poverty and this experience is not near comparable to theirs... not the point... but it just reminded me of it & so I decided to come here & reflect on it for a second.
We were at "Papas & Beer", sitting outside enjoying some food & drinks. There were a lot of people trying to sell things-- handmade objects, chicle, etc. I enjoyed seeing the people, exchanging a few words (between my {very} broken Spanish & their broken English), and trying to find a momentary connection through a smile or the meeting of eyes. I wanted to buy something from each of them, but, of course, couldn't. But I wanted them to know that I could see them, and that they mattered to me at that moment. (I felt angry at the people who ignored them!)
As Kevin left for the restroom, I asked him how much money he had. He said something like, "$20, why?" And he saw my face & said, "you can't have it!" To which I confessed, "because I want to give it all away."
We had been a bit stressed out about him only having such little cash on him because he had forgotten to tell the credit union that we were travelling internationally so some places weren't accepting his card. When we were exiting the boat I told him that I couldn't believe he didn't get more cash from the cruiseline's ATM, and he reassured me that there would be ATMs in Mexico.
Suddenly, though, $20 sounded like a lot. These people were begging for a dollar! It could truely make a difference in someone's day- maybe help feed their family for a day or buy some shoes for their children. ...Or we could have a few more drinks and buy a souvenir with it.
There were two young boys, maybe 4-5 years old. They were both barefoot in the streets trying to sell some things-- weaving in and out of the tables in the outdoor sidewalk patio. At one point there was a man (a P&B customer) who gave one of boys two chicken wings. The boy disappeared momentarily, sharing his prize with his envious friend. A minute later, the boy came back to the table & pulled on the man's pantleg. The boy was looking up at the man and was gesturing with his hand to his mouth.
My heart sank.
The man wrapped up a handful of chicken wings in a napkin & gave it to the boy. He & his friend ran to the curbside and inhaled them.
They are hungry. They are barefoot, and 4 years old, wandering the streets, and hungry.
I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to look at these people with pity or make them feel like I felt sorry for them. I had to look away to keep the tears from coming, and when my husband returned from the restroom, I had to hide my eyes with my sunglasses as I quietly relayed the story to him.
In the meantime, the waiters at Papas & Beer were shooing the kids away-- yelling and chasing them like stray cats.
They don't want the customers to see the poverty. They don't want anybody to feel guilty for spending money at their establishment.
I have been given a heart for the needy (as previously written here.) Being a mother, though, this little experience struck me a bit differently. Like the song/video (below) says, "I saw my son in a little boy's eyes."
That is what I felt as I sat at the table and watched that sweet young barefoot child gesturing his hunger. It tore my heart up.
I thought of my children.
I thought of their mothers.
When discussing such issues, often people retort that we have hungry & needy people in our own country, and why don't we take care of our "own" people. To which my heart cries, who cares what country we were born in! We are all on this earth together, mankind, God's children. I have never been able to understand this thinking.
I've been on mission trips and visited poverty-stricken areas throughout my youth. I still remember their faces and many of their names. They are each in my heart, family! Their love and warmth towards us, their grateful hearts and the joy that they had from the Lord despite their circumstances... it was astounding to me. We met some wonderful people and experienced a unity that crossed boundaries of language, economics, race, geographics, age, & gender.
My heart aches to do something. But my (beloved) just thinks it's sweet of me. The end.
I cannot seem to draw any conclusions based on my experiences or my current situation.
Except that I don't want to turn my head.
A few more unconnected thoughts... (to remain undeveloped because it's late & my train of thought is quite circular right now!):
Since I can't do anything with our money, maybe I can find a way to use my time, and could it really make a difference? Is this possible?
I'm also reading (Mission of Motherhood) and working hard at ministering to & raising my children AND: (oh please help me!) keeping the home! This is my mission-field. I've only read a few chapters, but so far I love this book... challenging, uplifting, energizing, encouraging, and did I say challenging?!?
Can I do it all?!?
I feel so idle and tunnel-visioned sometimes! I know my efforts are first and foremost to serve the Lord, and then my husband & children. What a blessed and fulfilling and huge responsibility, too. Not underscoring that by any means.
But how frustrating it is when I find myself placing too much importance on the things in life (appearance, material things, etc). And how saddening when I realize that I have once again gotten caught up in the rat race. Not that we should sell all our things or feel guilty for having nice things-- but the excess is quite excessive dontcha think!?! I mean, who needs 300 channels on TV anyway?!? And the things should definitely not have any power in our hearts... for example, causing us to feel jealous when others have them or sad when we can't. Ahem, Miss Megan, who is dying for new couches and pictures for the walls! Oh, but I do want some!
It's difficult to reconcile these things, isn't it?!
These Compassion trips always do get me thinking & yearning!
I'm making myself tired. Good night.
9.17.2008
A Snapshot
Freeze frame...
Today, at 1:15 pm, Sept 17, 2008...
All I hear is the quiet whirring of our A/C. That's it! The silence is so refreshing! It makes me want to jump up and down!
I remember as a child my mom would say how much she loves the silence. I thought that was a sad statement, likening it to someone having white as a favorite color... boring! The sound of the TV would bother her when she was down at the kitchen table doing her sewing. When we would finally lower the volume (of our music or TV) she would let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, and often exclaim, "Thank goodness!"
All I have to say is, I understand now! I am such a close replica of my momma!
So back to this moment. How beautiful is this:
Not just the images of my precious sleeping babies, but the quiet-time that comes along with it... ooh, how nice!
I won't take a pic of me at this moment, (for that would not be a pretty sight... wet scraggley hair & no makeup!), but look at my setup. I'm actually using my quiet-time to relax.
notebook reads: "development skills dictate behavior"
I'm on the couch reading, snacking, enjoying some 100% Kona coffee (yumm! my twice-weekly treat from Aloha Coffee, around the corner from Jake's swim lessons).
A quiet house, a blanket, goldfish, multigrain rice cakes, my planner, foot lotion, 2 water bottles, coffee, DrSears Discipline book, pen/paper, & a "smut" (aka: tabloid) magazine. What more could a girl ask for?
8.31.2008
We're Back! And I'm Older...
What a horrible blogger I have been! So sporadic!
But I'm filling myself up with my days, and it's been good.
I don't think that blogging is a 'waste of time'. I really enjoy writing & documenting & journaling, as well as reading over at my friends places. But I have gotten tired of the computer and the TV and anything else that sucks my time away. I had stopped computer-ing while kids were awake, but then began to backslide a bit here & there. So now I'm back to naptimes & bedtimes, which is the reason for the lack of posts. Because even though my kids sleep multiple times per day, I'm realizing that I'm not feeling fulfilled if I spend the entire naptime on the computer. In fact, the opposite is true. I feel behind. Like I should have cleaned the bathroom or something. Or, at the least, read a book or showered or something.
I'm noticing a lot of bloggers are taking bloggy breaks this summer.
Not that this is a bloggy break, either. Just a technology protest of sorts.
Anyways, I came back to say HI.
Kevin and I just got back from our vacation! We were away from the kids for 4 whole nights!!! We enjoyed ourselves, and yes, I missed them! I bawled when I dropped them off, I got teary-eyed a few times as we boarded the ship, but I didn't cry any other times. (Can you believe it!?!?) That doesn't mean they weren't in the forefront of my mind. I had nightmares every night and all day kept talking about this cute thing Jake says or that cute thing Austin does. I'm so happy to be with my babies again!!!
You're probably wondering why I haven't covered the post with vacation photos yet... that would be because my camera went missing right in time for our trip. Sweet! Can you picture my frantic search when, the morning of our departure, I realized that it's not in it's charger where I thought I left it? What a nightmare for a picture freak!
So, photos pending-- I need to develop my little disposable camera.
Oh, by the way, I am now THIRTY!
HOLY COW!!!! I'm not in my twenties anymore! That is shocking. I know, it's not old. But it is shocking. I am happy with where I am right now. Married to my guy, mommy to two beautiful boys, steady jobs and a home in a town that we love. If I have to be thirty already, at least it's at a time when I feel settled & fulfilled. Thirty. It still shocks me every time I think or say it!
A girl I met on our vacation told me that thirty is the new twenty. Hmm... maybe I like that.
Kevin thinks that 40 will be harder than 30. I don't think so. I'm going to embrace 40. But I'm just not quite ready for my 30's. I feel so young! Like 25-26 young!
The days when 30 was old still feel like they weren't too long ago. And now I realize that the young kids who I thought I related to, actually think that I'm old! Oh no! heehee
P.S. 30 isn't stressing me out. These are just some of my random 30-thoughts. It does shock me because I don't think about age that much, so it kinda crept up on me & takes me by surprise. Kinda like when I dyed my blonde hair auburn and I would see my reflection in a window. I really don't care much about it, though. It's a funny thing, I didn't expect the 'surprised' feeling!
But I'm filling myself up with my days, and it's been good.
I don't think that blogging is a 'waste of time'. I really enjoy writing & documenting & journaling, as well as reading over at my friends places. But I have gotten tired of the computer and the TV and anything else that sucks my time away. I had stopped computer-ing while kids were awake, but then began to backslide a bit here & there. So now I'm back to naptimes & bedtimes, which is the reason for the lack of posts. Because even though my kids sleep multiple times per day, I'm realizing that I'm not feeling fulfilled if I spend the entire naptime on the computer. In fact, the opposite is true. I feel behind. Like I should have cleaned the bathroom or something. Or, at the least, read a book or showered or something.
I'm noticing a lot of bloggers are taking bloggy breaks this summer.
Not that this is a bloggy break, either. Just a technology protest of sorts.
Anyways, I came back to say HI.
Kevin and I just got back from our vacation! We were away from the kids for 4 whole nights!!! We enjoyed ourselves, and yes, I missed them! I bawled when I dropped them off, I got teary-eyed a few times as we boarded the ship, but I didn't cry any other times. (Can you believe it!?!?) That doesn't mean they weren't in the forefront of my mind. I had nightmares every night and all day kept talking about this cute thing Jake says or that cute thing Austin does. I'm so happy to be with my babies again!!!
You're probably wondering why I haven't covered the post with vacation photos yet... that would be because my camera went missing right in time for our trip. Sweet! Can you picture my frantic search when, the morning of our departure, I realized that it's not in it's charger where I thought I left it? What a nightmare for a picture freak!
So, photos pending-- I need to develop my little disposable camera.
Oh, by the way, I am now THIRTY!
HOLY COW!!!! I'm not in my twenties anymore! That is shocking. I know, it's not old. But it is shocking. I am happy with where I am right now. Married to my guy, mommy to two beautiful boys, steady jobs and a home in a town that we love. If I have to be thirty already, at least it's at a time when I feel settled & fulfilled. Thirty. It still shocks me every time I think or say it!
A girl I met on our vacation told me that thirty is the new twenty. Hmm... maybe I like that.
Kevin thinks that 40 will be harder than 30. I don't think so. I'm going to embrace 40. But I'm just not quite ready for my 30's. I feel so young! Like 25-26 young!
The days when 30 was old still feel like they weren't too long ago. And now I realize that the young kids who I thought I related to, actually think that I'm old! Oh no! heehee
P.S. 30 isn't stressing me out. These are just some of my random 30-thoughts. It does shock me because I don't think about age that much, so it kinda crept up on me & takes me by surprise. Kinda like when I dyed my blonde hair auburn and I would see my reflection in a window. I really don't care much about it, though. It's a funny thing, I didn't expect the 'surprised' feeling!
8.15.2008
me me me
Sometimes I'm a big fat loser!
haha
Just wanted to put that there becuase I re-read the last few posts & they're so happy and might come across as boastful.
If anybody thinks that, it's not the intention, not the sentiment, & not me!
haha
Just wanted to put that there becuase I re-read the last few posts & they're so happy and might come across as boastful.
If anybody thinks that, it's not the intention, not the sentiment, & not me!
8.09.2008
Soaking it all in!
This is such sweetness!
My sleeping baby:
and his quiet little smile when he gets a mommy kiss!
Awww!!!! I love life!!!!! lol
And here is a cell-phone-photo of Jake during a swim lesson. He is so cute!
This pic was taken last week after I was ignoring my boys for a few minutes while I was on the phone... I glanced over to see Austin (gasp!) standing up!!!!!! Here's how you know he's my 2nd & not my 1st: instead of running over there to protect him from falling, I instead ran and grabbed my camera! (P.S. he did fall, and luckily I was right there to 'ease' the fall a bit. he's learning quickly to stick his butt out and land on his bottom. he's now crusing & is the most happy when he's standing upright)
Here's some family time at the park, and (below) another development in Austin's amazing little life. His military scoot is progressing into a crawl! He's so strong, already trying to stand up without holding on to anything! I'm curious to see when he'll walk. It seems all of these (movement) milestones are coming up really quickly!!! While some of the others, like sleeping, ahem!, are taking a bit longer!
Below is a sweet brother picture, but Jake isn't pictured. You can see the interaction, though. So cute! These boys are so cute, I love watching them interact together. Jake likes to make Austin laugh. Austin likes to watch Jake's every move. We're teaching Jake about sharing and taking turns, and I have a feeling this will be a process that spans over the next many years!
P.S. I know the pic below looks shocking. I *know* because when I glanced over & saw him perched on the edge of the boat, I almost gasped! But then they explained that the bar of the railing was between his legs so he couldn't fall in, and Grandpa had his hand on him almost the whole time. I had to explain that so you don't think he was just balancing there!
So often I feel tired and sometimes I even feel bothered by the constant pulling of my pant legs when I'm trying to get my ever-important things done. I get trapped in a self-seeking spot where I feel like "me-time" is so important. And then I am brought back to my senses. These kids... they are precious. And I am absolutely honored & humbled by the opportunity to be their mommy every.day. I take such joy in this position, and have been seriously thinking about my highest (& most lofty!) goal, which is to teach these sweet children about God. And by the realization that they learn through watching how I live out my life, not necesarily by what I tell them. When I 'mother' them, when I discipline them (or withhold discipline and instead comfort them through it), am I reflecting God's grace? That is my goal! Do I maintain a positive outlook in life? Do I seek God first? These are thoughts that I want to keep in the forefront of my mind.
I once searched for parenting and discipline books, which was an overwhelming task in itself, and in the midst of piles of books, I felt these words in my heart: Just Love Them. Just Love Them! Those words soften my heart & bring clarity to my mind in times of frustration.
These are just some of the goings-on in the R household and my ramblings. I'm trying to soak in all of this. My baby's soft skin & baby rolls, the boys' laughter, Jake's little voice as he pronounces new words and strings together little sentences. I want to hold on to every second! The years go by so fast and I don't want to forget any of this or take it for granted. Ahh, my cup runneth over!
So enough mushy stuff.
Here's awarding some "good-mommy" points for taking the boys to the pediatrician for their well-checks. haha I went to my old Doctor, and it was soooo refreshing- he is so wonderful!!! So here are the updates:
Jake (25 months)
Wt: 25 lb, 8 in (20%)
Lgth: 35 1/2 in (75%)
Head: 49 cm (50-55%)
Austin (9 months)
Wt: 23 lb, 1 oz (90%)
Lgth: 30 1/2 in (97%)
Head: 45 1/2 in (65-70%)
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