Saying Yes...

Mondays around here are pretty busy. However, since Christmas break ended and school started back up, our Mondays seem to be busier than ever! I don't know if it is just the nature of things starting back up or what but goodness! It's been a lot.

Here is how yesterday morning went:
5:30 wake up and have my quiet time
6:15 get ready
6:45 unload dishwasher, start laundry, wake the boys

Then all of the busy, crazy chaos of getting them ready and Hudson off on the bus. As his bus leaves, our speech pathologist is arriving for speech therapy with Gabe. Gabe wraps up speech at 8:40 and I get the boys loaded in the van to take Beau to preschool.

Run back home, switch laundry, pick up from the morning, take Gabe to a well-child check and leave with enough time (barely) to spare to get to preschool pick up on time.

We had to swing by the post office before going home and then I knew it would be a quick rush of lunch and clean up because I had a meeting with our EI case worker about Gabe transferring to the school district for speech.

When days are like this, I like order. I like to keep as much in my control as possible because, well...there isn't a lot of room for error. I don't want to be that person constantly running behind. I want my kids to understand the preciousness of other people's time and respect that. I like to cross as much as I can off my to do list in a day because the list is always getting more items added to it.

So as we pulled into the garage from our post office errand and were unloading and Beau was telling me about his day, my mind was a bit focused on what was coming up next. The boys were unbuckling their carseats and Beau asked, "Mom, how 'bout we play outside while you make lunch? How 'bout that?"

It wasn't super warm and it was a tad windy. But the sun was shining. I weighed my options and realized, saying no really wasn't going to make that much of a difference. So what if the boys were eating when I had a meeting with our EI worker? So what? My hectic day shouldn't always dictate my response to their requests.

As the boys ran around back to play for a bit before lunch (which they finished before my meeting and actually got to go back outside to play during my meeting), I realized I need to be more intentional about saying yes. So often I say no to things that really don't matter. But the yes, they do.

The boys were so excited and happy to be out. They played well and so needed that sunshine and fresh air. After nap and snack when Hudson got home, we went out again to play. It was amazing in all the busyness of the day how that one answer affected not only the boys, but my attitude.

This year I am going to work on saying yes more than no. Working to pause and soak up the little moments of the day with my boys and husband instead of rushing to cross just one more thing off my list of to dos.

Date Night

Last Friday I got to spend some quality time with Hudson. He had his first soccer game of this next indoor season. I have loved watching him learn more about this sport and really see him gain confidence in the new skills he's learning.

I had told Hudson that we could do something just him and I after the game since Andrew wasn't feeling great and decided to just stay home with the younger boys.

It isn't very often that I get to spend time one on one with my boys. Not as much as I'd like. Between having three boys, a husband who travels, and just our day to day schedule, Andrew and I try to split our time with our family, honoring our marriage, and giving each other time to be who we are. Needless to say, it can be a lot to juggle. I know other parents have to feel me on this, right??

The gym is across town. I turned the radio down and tuned in to Hudson. He is a talker. He hates when he gets interrupted by his little brothers. He has a big personality. I never want to forget the way he thinks; the ideas he has; how smart he is.

Hud: Hey mom..
Me: Yeah, babe.
Hud: You know there's a window in the basement.
Me: Yeah.
Hud: So like we are under the ground.
Me: Yeah Hudson, the basement is under the ground. The window shows right above the ground.
Hud; Like we are underground but the ninja turtles are deeper underground.  Their lair is deeper.
Me: Lair??
Hud: Yeah, mom, like their hide out.

Hud: I am getting pretty good at soccer, I think.
Me: I think so too, bud.
Hud: But like, mom, if I am playing I can't like take a toy away from Cruze because we can't take toys we have to wait our turn. But when I play soccer I can just take the ball because that's the game.
Me: Well, right. But you can't take the  ball away from people on your team.
Hud: Oh no, mom.

Hudson plays 3 on 3 soccer. There are supposed to be five players to each team so they learn to sub in and out. However, this week, there were only three boys that showed up, including Hudson. Those sweet boys played two 12 minute halves, had a quick break between games, and then did it again.  They were definitely all dragging by the end. Hudson would turn around and look at my mom, Andrew's mom and I like, "I am dying out here. Are we almost done?" But he kept chugging along.

He scored two or three goals over the course of the night. And his face lit up every time. I thought he would be pretty exhausted after his games, but the first thing he said when he came up to us was, "can we go on our date now??" Bless. His. Heart.

He said he was starving. He had only eaten a light dinner because, non stop running. So he asked to go to Culver's (huge shock! <---saracasm. My kids LOVE Culver's). We got into the car, got buckled and before we were off, he was chatting away again.

Hud: Mom, my legs are like so tired. Like my feet are tired. They hurt. I think we ran forever. We were better than the green team I think but the white team might have been better than us, I think.
Me: Well..
Hud: But we played good because we played the whole time.
Me: You did play awesome, babe.
Hud: I just want to be on TV.
Me: TV?
Hud: Like yeah, just on TV.
Me: Like on a show or a movie?
Hud: Mom, like for soccer. Because I'm so good. I can play on TV. And people could watch me. When they go to Mexican.
Me: Literally laughing out loud so hard!!!!!

This sweet boy polished off an entire cheeseburger (with ketchup and pickle, of course) and then we took some sweet treats home to share with Daddy and Beau.

When we were tucking the boys into bed that night, Beau prayed. Then Hudson prayed.

"Dear God, thank you for my date with mommy and our good day and bless we'll have a good day tomorrow."  Hudson- age 4.5

Hudson, you bless my heart so much. I am so thankful that God let me be your mommy. I pray each day you continue to find a deeper faith and closer walk with Jesus. That you listen to your heart and go after all your dreams. That you work hard and are kind to others. I am so blessed to be your mommy and share in special moments with you! <3

Favorite Summer Reads

I love books! Reading has always been something I have enjoyed. I could literally devour a book in a day. I hate putting a book down and will often trade sleep to keep reading. 

Sadly, between motherhood, running my own business, teaching group fitness and just all life has in this season, I don't get to read as much as I like.  In the summer months however, I seem to be able to get more reading done. Whether that is because of time spent in the car traveling to weekends away or vacation, time out in the sun where I can read (and watch my kids play) or just a more lax schedule, I read books like it is no one's business. 

This summer was no different. I got to read several books and had some that I really loved and others that left me a bit disappointed. 

In case you are looking for some good reads to add to your list, here are my favorites; in no particular order. 

1. Nobody's Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle 

Last summer I got hooked on Melanie's first two books. When I saw she had a new book out, I immediately added it to my Kindle and got to reading. The style of her writing; the way she can tell a story so you feel like you know the people involved and were actually there; the friendship she creates with her readers through pen and page, all reasons I love reading her books. 

This book about friendships had me in stitches from laughing so hard and then in deep reflection over my own friendships, both past and present. 

Nobody's Cuter Than You is one I will read again and one I am picking up for some of my besties!

2. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty 

Liane Moriarty was an author who I'd never read before this summer. I read two of her books and enjoyed both. Her character development was wonderful. The twists and turns in this story, and the next on my list, were ones I appreciated. Sometimes when reading, we can call the plot twists from just chapters in.  Not with this book. The story took it's time to develop but also never drug on. I love suspenseful books and this one didn't disappoint. 

3. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Another great read! Completely different. I was so enthralled with the concept of this book and Alice's situation I couldn't put it down. 

4. You're Made For a God- Sized Dream by Holly Gerth

One of the aspects I love most about my job is the emphasis put on personal development. To continue to grow and learn and strive to be your best possible self is not something that we all naturally do on our own. Often, after schooling, we stop seeking ways to improve in our lives. Not just in what we do professionally but also as people. I try to read at least 10 minutes each day in whatever personal development book I am in at the time. This summer, I picked up the book named above and I LOVED it. I felt like the book was written to me, for me!

If you have ever had a dream placed in your heart but doubted yourself, the dream, if it is God's will, how to attain it--pick up this book.  One aspect of the book I probably loved most was that the dream itself wasn't what made it God-sized.  That not everyone is called to cross the ocean and be a missionary.  Sometimes being called to motherhood is the God-sized dream placed in our heart. 

Seriously--pick this one up! 

I am going to try to attempt keeping up my reading throughout the remainder of the year.  My goal is three books a month. One personal development, one parenting or devotional sort of book, and one for fun!

What did you read this summer? What are some must reads? 

Peace out, diapers!

As much as I wish I was saying good-bye to ALL diapers, that is not my reality.  But two in diapers? That nonsense had to stop.

Hudson potty trained right after his second birthday.  He had all kinds of signs that he was ready plus he was waking up in the morning with a dry diaper.  DRY, people!!! Within just a week he was fully trained and we were back to just one in diapers.

When Beau turned two, there was no way I was about to tackle potty training him. Gabe was just a couple of months old, we had just moved and there weren't any real concrete signs that he was ready.  I knew that pushing him to do something when he wasn't ready would only make it a nightmare for me and a very not fun environment for everyone else.

I wasn't really sure when we would start potty training Beau but he started to show some signs and I thought, "now or never".

The Tuesday after Easter is when I decided to begin.  Why Tuesday and not Monday? I don't really know. But, Tuesday is a preschool day which means our mornings are hectic and Andrew left that morning to go out of town.  So my timing could not have been worse better! Ha!

I know there are a lot of theories and ways to potty train.  For me, once we decide to ditch the diapers, they are gone.  It is right into underwear full time.  No pull-ups, diapers, nothing! 

The first day (or two depending on how it goes) I set up camp on our hardwood with the little potty. I have all kinds of activities to keep Beau occupied in there and he is in his underwear. (Hudson we trained pantless the first day and that worked like a charm!) I gave Beau tons of liquids to make sure there were ample opportunities to use the potty.  I set the timer and every 15 minutes we took a break to try to potty.  

The kid did great! The first two days there were only two accidents--both when I went to feed Gabe and put him down.  

He only woke up wet once that first week and has only had one nighttime accident since. (I attribute that to us eating dinner much later and him have fluids much closer to bedtime). 

We have had an accident or two in the weeks since our training week but I feel like Beau is officially trained! It feels great to have only one in diapers.  

When did you potty train your kiddos? What methods worked for you? 

My baby is now a boy

Four.  FOUR.  Let that sink in for a minute.  This birthday was tough for me.  Every birthday before, I still saw some semblance of my baby, our first baby.  But this year, this year he was all boy.

I can't believe the boy who made me a mommy is four.  I have watched you change so  much this past year, Hudson.  You blow me away with how bright you are.  You are witty, smart, helpful.  You have a wonderful imagination.  You are curious.  You are sensitive.  You watch the world and drink it in and process so many observations that are just beyond.

You have a beautiful heart.  You are painstakingly strong-willed.  You long to be heard.  You see the world in black and white; right and wrong.  You distress when things seem unfair.  You are learning that fair isn't always going to happen {especially as the oldest of three boys} and grappling to deal with it.

We sent you off to preschool this year.  We moved [again] to be close to family and friends [again]. You have been there with your daddy and me through so many changes.  Moves, new jobs, new siblings. You are such a strong boy.

I struggle. Oh, how I have struggled to parent you this past year.  You are often too smart for your own good. ;) Our personalities, so similar, sometimes clash.  We love big. We are convicted to our core.  We are both right, always. You have taught me so much about grace. And forgiveness. And second chances. And do overs. And unconditional love.

You became a big brother all over.  You have always been so good at it but WOW! Now, to watch you with Gabe.  He adores you.  You know how to make him laugh.  You are gentle and sweet to him.  You love him so much.  It overflows my cup to watch you care for your baby brother.

And Beau.  Your sidekick.  Your partner in crime.  The thorn in your side. {Depending on the day.} He learns from you. He desires to make YOU laugh.  He adores and looks up to you. You have such a big responsibility as the big brother.  I have never been more sure of a boy up to the task.

It seems to be going so fast.  One more year with you at home most days then {POOF} off to school you'll go.  I know there is still so much I want to do with you while you are here with me each day.

Sweet Hudson, I hope you know how loved you are. I pray you know how special you are.  How God has planned such great things for you.  I pray every day that I can parent you in the way He desires.  I pray this next year is filled with so many good things as you continue to learn and grow and charm each person you meet.  Your daddy and I are so proud of you.  We are so blessed to be your parents.

Xoxo

Gabe: Two Months

It doesn't even seem possible that our sweet guy is two months old today.  How did two months already come and go? {Although Andrew said it seems like it should be longer because being in the hospital feels like it was years ago with all that has been going on these past few months. #true}

Gabe, you are such a good baby. You have a really great temperament. You have changed so much from the tiny peanut you were on your birth day.  I love being your mama so much! I am so grateful for you, sweet boy!

This Month:
You are so strong. You lift your head and can hold it up so well.  You've started smiling lots this month.  I love your sweet smile.  You are wearing 3 month clothes and they fit great most of the time.  Sometimes a 3-6 month outfit seems to fit better.

Eating:
You eat all the time.  You are quite the little chunk.  You typically eat every 2.5-3 hours.  This includes nighttime.  You may have one stretch that is about 4-5 but lately you seem to want to eat as often as possible. You eat typically 3-4 ounces during your feedings. You take your feedings from a bottle so you can control how quickly it comes out. You have been much happier since we made that adjustment.

Sleeping:
You have gotten into a nice little routine (or so it seems). You take two long naps each day {morning and afternoon} and smaller catnap around dinner time.  You are usually asleep for the night by 8.  Sometimes you stretch out until your next feeding, sometimes not.  You typically wake for the day around 6:30 or 7 the next morning.  You fall asleep easily and love to be swaddled.  You don't take a paci {we've tried}.

Likes:
-to stretch out.
-to watch your brothers play.
-when mommy or daddy talk to you.
-listen to stories with your brothers.
-walks in your Baby Bjorn.
-to eat.
-bath time.

Dislikes:
-tummy time
-getting out of the bath
-car seat {you may be out growing this though}