I've never "shared" a You Tube video before, but this clip actually moved me to tears. My pastor and and dear friend Gordie, sent this link out to our congregation email list as an example of what happens when we get isolated from one another and get 'attacked'. Now, I almost didn't watch this as a) I don't really like 'animal kingdom' shows, b) I usually dislike spiritual analogy (usually cheesy) video clips and c) I don't often have 8 minutes to watch a You Tube video.
I'm so glad I did, it is one of the most amazing pieces of video footage I have seen in as long as I can remember. You can hear the surprise and awe in the voices of the people filming. The other reason I'm posting it here is (as my blog is dedicated to the adventures of motherhood) that it left me with one thought resounding through my head - with a Mama's roar - "DON"T MESS WITH MY BABY!".
So, my darling community of water buffaloes around the globe, I hope you appreciate it - sadly I can't seem to get it to work so you can watch it right here, but I hope this link will enable you to watch it here.
or you can paste:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM
in the jungle, the mighty jungle.......
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
7-11
After my journaling workshop with Kim McMechan, I have taken her challenge several times to just journal or have a quiet time by writing a list of "10 Beautiful Things." This past week has been a hard one and I needed to chew on it a little, so I set out to write a list of 10 hard things about the week and 10 good things. I was surprised considering how fragile I have been feeling that the lists came up to 7 hard things and 11 good ones. I thought I'd share them (with some explanation) as a snapshot of my life at the mo':
7 Hard Things About This Week:
1. Even though my Mum cautioned me, and my friend Jenn (who's husband travels WAY more than mine) warned me 're-entry' would be hard, I took a bunch of roadie shifts for Wade this week, so even though he was home, he wasn't, and I melted down hard by Wednesday.
2. I worked my butt off to get Wade's schedule just right and then STILL messed something up, so not only did he wind up not getting to go the Bjork concert his friend was trying to take him to, he missed a shift that would have helped us out financially. I cried, and then started a huge fight with Wade. Not my finest hour all 'round.
3. Our bags are still not unpacked and our laundry is still not touched at all, and I still have not sorted Eleanor's clothes out...sigh.
4. On Wednesday when Sophia bit Eleanor on the face.
5. On Thursday when Sophia bit Eleanor on the face again and then I spanked her.
6. Going back on two things (in the last 2 weeks) I really wanted not to do: give Eleanor a soother and spank Sophia. While I don't regret either thing now, it was so hard to not to have Wade around to talk to about it at the time.
7. The first time Wade had both girls outside alone (I was having a break), Sophia fell and her face hit the pavement so hard that Wade came upstairs with both of them crying, one under each arm, blood streaming from Sophia's face all over him and her face and hands. It was the first time she's bled that much and it was all I could do stay calm.
11 Good Things About This Week:
1. Wade came home. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank You, dearest Jesus.
2. I surprised Wade in a HUGE way with painted ceilings and a totally cool garden make-over that my friends Pete, Jessa, Adam and Sarah helped me pull off while he was away.(They worked SO hard!) Wade just said ""Metal. Metal.", and made rock and roll signs with his hands. It was great!
3. Eleanor started laughing. It is bubbles of joy popping in the sun.
4. Leanne surprised us with the BEST care package with super cute slippers for me, a Klaver/Kooima blankie for Ella, stickers and stripy tights for Soph, amazing custom Jah Jireh iron-on and water bottle for Wade and beautiful cards for everyone. Is there anything better than a care package? I'm gonna make one for someone one of these days myself, I think. (Okay, maybe not this week.)
5. Having my friend Pam there to say, "You are not a bad parent" after I spanked Soph.
6. My new cushions, lampshade and candle holders that have all helped me embrace my stripy green furniture, which I now really love.
7. Having margaritas two nights this week. And the second time, they were made with my favourite kind of tequila. The kind someone else bought.
8. The lovely gifts Wade brought us home from Cambodia. I especially love the little purse he got that matches the dress I wore to Ange's wedding. I loved that HE was so pleased with what he got us too. (Oh yes, and the tequila was good too.)
9. When I was being silly and not doing what Soph wanted me to, after trying to distract her several times, she said, "Mum! Focus!" Yeah, that makes me laugh again just typing it. And after she fell, she said to Wade and I, "You guys..you guys, you made me all better!"
10. The voice of God, which spoke Peace to me so many times.
11. My brother, who did the same.
Soph's fat lip and scratched chin and her best bear, G.T.
7 Hard Things About This Week:
1. Even though my Mum cautioned me, and my friend Jenn (who's husband travels WAY more than mine) warned me 're-entry' would be hard, I took a bunch of roadie shifts for Wade this week, so even though he was home, he wasn't, and I melted down hard by Wednesday.
2. I worked my butt off to get Wade's schedule just right and then STILL messed something up, so not only did he wind up not getting to go the Bjork concert his friend was trying to take him to, he missed a shift that would have helped us out financially. I cried, and then started a huge fight with Wade. Not my finest hour all 'round.
3. Our bags are still not unpacked and our laundry is still not touched at all, and I still have not sorted Eleanor's clothes out...sigh.
4. On Wednesday when Sophia bit Eleanor on the face.
5. On Thursday when Sophia bit Eleanor on the face again and then I spanked her.
6. Going back on two things (in the last 2 weeks) I really wanted not to do: give Eleanor a soother and spank Sophia. While I don't regret either thing now, it was so hard to not to have Wade around to talk to about it at the time.
7. The first time Wade had both girls outside alone (I was having a break), Sophia fell and her face hit the pavement so hard that Wade came upstairs with both of them crying, one under each arm, blood streaming from Sophia's face all over him and her face and hands. It was the first time she's bled that much and it was all I could do stay calm.
Daddy reads to his girls. (note Soph's tongue and Eleanor's super baby neck strength)
11 Good Things About This Week:
1. Wade came home. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank You, dearest Jesus.
2. I surprised Wade in a HUGE way with painted ceilings and a totally cool garden make-over that my friends Pete, Jessa, Adam and Sarah helped me pull off while he was away.(They worked SO hard!) Wade just said ""Metal. Metal.", and made rock and roll signs with his hands. It was great!
3. Eleanor started laughing. It is bubbles of joy popping in the sun.
4. Leanne surprised us with the BEST care package with super cute slippers for me, a Klaver/Kooima blankie for Ella, stickers and stripy tights for Soph, amazing custom Jah Jireh iron-on and water bottle for Wade and beautiful cards for everyone. Is there anything better than a care package? I'm gonna make one for someone one of these days myself, I think. (Okay, maybe not this week.)
5. Having my friend Pam there to say, "You are not a bad parent" after I spanked Soph.
6. My new cushions, lampshade and candle holders that have all helped me embrace my stripy green furniture, which I now really love.
7. Having margaritas two nights this week. And the second time, they were made with my favourite kind of tequila. The kind someone else bought.
8. The lovely gifts Wade brought us home from Cambodia. I especially love the little purse he got that matches the dress I wore to Ange's wedding. I loved that HE was so pleased with what he got us too. (Oh yes, and the tequila was good too.)
9. When I was being silly and not doing what Soph wanted me to, after trying to distract her several times, she said, "Mum! Focus!" Yeah, that makes me laugh again just typing it. And after she fell, she said to Wade and I, "You guys..you guys, you made me all better!"
10. The voice of God, which spoke Peace to me so many times.
11. My brother, who did the same.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
a conversation
We are driving to the airport to pick up Wade. On the stereo, the soothing tones of children's performer Raffi. Sophia thinks his name is Ralphie. This triggers a chain of thought that is expressed like this:
Soph: Mum, you remember Ralphie?
Me: Yeah, I like his music.
S: No, that other guy Ralphie.
M: You mean Uncle Ralph?
Uncle Ralph is a cool dude that regular readers know is our dear friend and former roomie who moved back to the U.K. several months ago. He is a lovely man who sometimes looks like this:
But he usually looks more like this:
S: Yeah, Ralph. You remember he sleeped in my big bed?
M: Yeah, that's right, he used to live in your room. Did you know he's getting married?
S: (excited) HE IS?
M: Yeah, to Auntie Audrey.
Soph knows who Audrey is because not only is she a fabulous Auntie, but we named one of Soph's favourite dolls after Audrey after Audge moved to Japan. She is usually naked. (The doll, not Audrey) here is Soph with Baby Audrey:
The other reason Sophia may have been surprised about Uncle getting married is that while Audge and Ralph lived with us, everyone else except Ralph admitted they were a couple. Audrey spent a lot of time looking at Ralph with a bit of a mix of adoration and exasperation - like this:
Me: Would you like to try and go to their wedding? We would go on an airplane.
Soph: Oh yes! I will dance.
M: That would be lovely!
S: And I will wear my fairy wings...
S: and I WILL BE NAKED!
M: (laughing) Oh, I think maybe you should wear a dress.
S: Okay, I will wear a dress. Will Uncle Ben take us there on his airplane?
At this point I quietly burst into tears in the drivers seat at the fact that a) she still remembers Uncle Ben, b) that she knows he flies airplanes, and c) that we and Ben would love nothing more than this very thing.
M: Oh, I think Uncle Ben would love to drive us to the wedding, but he is far far away.
S: He would say to everyone (assumes deep voice) "Hey everybody, get on my airplane." (We are approaching the airport and Soph sees a plane.) Oh! Can we take that plane to the wedding?
M: I don't know, maybe we will take that plane to the wedding.
S: Or may be that plane?
M: Maybe!
Since this conversation, Audge and Ralph have asked if Sophia will be a flower girl for them. She said "Hmmm. Maybe later." (She was watching Dora at the time.) We've discovered we have enough points for Wade and I to get there and we're so excited! (P.S. If you are an American resident, you can apply for Alaska Airlines credit card and if they approve you, they give you enough miles for a flight - check it out!)
We couldn't be happier for you Ralph and Audge, we love you so much!
Soph: Mum, you remember Ralphie?
Me: Yeah, I like his music.
S: No, that other guy Ralphie.
M: You mean Uncle Ralph?
Uncle Ralph is a cool dude that regular readers know is our dear friend and former roomie who moved back to the U.K. several months ago. He is a lovely man who sometimes looks like this:
But he usually looks more like this:
S: Yeah, Ralph. You remember he sleeped in my big bed?
M: Yeah, that's right, he used to live in your room. Did you know he's getting married?
S: (excited) HE IS?
M: Yeah, to Auntie Audrey.
Soph knows who Audrey is because not only is she a fabulous Auntie, but we named one of Soph's favourite dolls after Audrey after Audge moved to Japan. She is usually naked. (The doll, not Audrey) here is Soph with Baby Audrey:
The other reason Sophia may have been surprised about Uncle getting married is that while Audge and Ralph lived with us, everyone else except Ralph admitted they were a couple. Audrey spent a lot of time looking at Ralph with a bit of a mix of adoration and exasperation - like this:
Me: Would you like to try and go to their wedding? We would go on an airplane.
Soph: Oh yes! I will dance.
M: That would be lovely!
S: And I will wear my fairy wings...
S: and I WILL BE NAKED!
M: (laughing) Oh, I think maybe you should wear a dress.
S: Okay, I will wear a dress. Will Uncle Ben take us there on his airplane?
At this point I quietly burst into tears in the drivers seat at the fact that a) she still remembers Uncle Ben, b) that she knows he flies airplanes, and c) that we and Ben would love nothing more than this very thing.
M: Oh, I think Uncle Ben would love to drive us to the wedding, but he is far far away.
S: He would say to everyone (assumes deep voice) "Hey everybody, get on my airplane." (We are approaching the airport and Soph sees a plane.) Oh! Can we take that plane to the wedding?
M: I don't know, maybe we will take that plane to the wedding.
S: Or may be that plane?
M: Maybe!
Since this conversation, Audge and Ralph have asked if Sophia will be a flower girl for them. She said "Hmmm. Maybe later." (She was watching Dora at the time.) We've discovered we have enough points for Wade and I to get there and we're so excited! (P.S. If you are an American resident, you can apply for Alaska Airlines credit card and if they approve you, they give you enough miles for a flight - check it out!)
We couldn't be happier for you Ralph and Audge, we love you so much!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
good times
We're home! It's so good to be back home and to have Wade here too. It was excellent in Victoria, I don't think I would have made it through the three weeks Wade was gone without my parents' support during the home stretch.
My Dad, a.k.a. SuperBob, with Eleanor
Sophia giving me my Mother's Day cards that my Mum helped her write.
Sophia's said "I hope you are having fun on Mother's Day. Hugs and Kisses" Eleanor's card said (according to Sophia) I wish I could talk. I would say I love my Mama and Daddy."
On Mother's day my Dad took us all (kids, Matt, Mum and I) to the famous Butchart Gardens. Dad said I should just say it's his back garden.
My Dad, a.k.a. SuperBob, with Eleanor
Sophia giving me my Mother's Day cards that my Mum helped her write.
Sophia's said "I hope you are having fun on Mother's Day. Hugs and Kisses" Eleanor's card said (according to Sophia) I wish I could talk. I would say I love my Mama and Daddy."
On Mother's day my Dad took us all (kids, Matt, Mum and I) to the famous Butchart Gardens. Dad said I should just say it's his back garden.
Friday, May 11, 2007
cruisin'
So guess who got a sweet silver PT Cruiser at the rental car place for the price of her boring old Corolla rate because i was nice and because it was Mother's Day?
If you guessed me, you're right! Whoot!!!!
The girls and I are off to Victoria tomorrow to spend the last week of Wade's trip with my parents...so if you spot 3 babes with their shades on cruisin' to an island in the Pacific, that would be the Pallister women!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
why i like to blog
Thanks to those of you who have been praying and thinking of us, the last two days there were far less temper tantrums - none yesterday, actually.
I have been thinking about why I like to blog. There is aspect of community - like the above, when I am having trouble, I know someone knows about it, without the energy of thinking, "Who should I call to tell this to?" With my life right now, most times that's too tiring and just telling the blog means anyone who cares to know, will know. Sometimes I want to tell everyone some great, cute, smart thing one of my kids did, but would feel obnoxious telling everyone face-to-face, so I tell it on the blog and anyone who cares to know, will know. And sometimes, like when Andrea died, I just want to tell someone and I really don't care who, and I tell the blog, and anyone who cares to know, will know.
I also like to tell stories, and always have. I was reading in the little book I got from the journaling workshop I went to, and the author says this abut her own discovery: "Sometimes we walk through our messes and we can't necessarily explain them away. That is why, in time, it is important for us to turn our lives into story." Now, because I know that you are listening, I think often, when something happens that I enjoy, or - even more - when something happens that is so hard or silly or frustrating or ridiculous, I seem to be afforded more grace, or patience, or perspective on the situation because I think "I want to post about this" and I want the story to be a good one, and my actions are improved by your potential audience. I find the beauty in the mess, and that is a gift to me - and I hope, as well, to you.
I have been thinking about why I like to blog. There is aspect of community - like the above, when I am having trouble, I know someone knows about it, without the energy of thinking, "Who should I call to tell this to?" With my life right now, most times that's too tiring and just telling the blog means anyone who cares to know, will know. Sometimes I want to tell everyone some great, cute, smart thing one of my kids did, but would feel obnoxious telling everyone face-to-face, so I tell it on the blog and anyone who cares to know, will know. And sometimes, like when Andrea died, I just want to tell someone and I really don't care who, and I tell the blog, and anyone who cares to know, will know.
I also like to tell stories, and always have. I was reading in the little book I got from the journaling workshop I went to, and the author says this abut her own discovery: "Sometimes we walk through our messes and we can't necessarily explain them away. That is why, in time, it is important for us to turn our lives into story." Now, because I know that you are listening, I think often, when something happens that I enjoy, or - even more - when something happens that is so hard or silly or frustrating or ridiculous, I seem to be afforded more grace, or patience, or perspective on the situation because I think "I want to post about this" and I want the story to be a good one, and my actions are improved by your potential audience. I find the beauty in the mess, and that is a gift to me - and I hope, as well, to you.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Blue
Before Wade left for Cambodia, I took Sophia into her room and explained to her that in Cambodia there were lots of kids who didn't have nice houses like we do, and they have no toys or books. I asked Sophia to choose out some toys and books that Daddy could take with him to give to kids in Cambodia. I wondered if she would say no, but right away she started choosing a few small books. I took out her basket of stuffies and made a pile of small ones, thinking she would choose some she didn't play with often. Soph chose a little penguin that my Auntie Gill and Uncle Paul gave her (my Auntie loves penguins).
Then Soph chose Blue. You know, Blue, from 'Blue's Clues'...Soph's first big obsession. I said, "You want to send Blue to Cambodia?" not sure she understood what I was asking of her. She gave Blue a huge Soph hug and said "This is the best doll I never ever had!". I called Wade in and said, "Look what Sophia chose to give to kids in Cambodia." Wade and I were both tearing up and he said again to her, "You want me to take Blue to Cambodia?" and Soph just looked at Blue, gave her a big smile, kissed her passionately on the nose and left the room, leaving Wade and I in a puddle.
Today Wade wrote us to tell us where Blue is.
"Dear Sophia, Today my friends and I went to a hospital to visit sick people, give them food, and to pray that Jesus would heal them and make them all better. I gave Blue away to a little girl who was with her mommy. She was very sick and very sad. I prayed that Jesus would heal her and that she would like playing with your Blue. Then I gave your little penguin away to a little girl who was sleeping. She had really sore owies all over her bum. Please pray that Jesus will heal her."
Phil, who is with Wade, wrote more on his blog about the little girl with the 'owies on her bum' who now has Auntie Gill's penguin. It is heartbreaking. She's 2 1/2, just like Soph. I called Soph over just a minute ago to read the message from Wade. She thought it was pretty good, but she wants to watch TV. Why is my little girl here in Canada, sitting in a sun beam, watching Dora the Explorer, and that little girl is in a burn ward in Cambodia? We are blessed beyond expression, and my heart aches for that Cambodian mother who sits beside her daughter.
Wade said in his message to me, "The hospital conditions were miserable and the whole experience just made me want to to fair trade soap and build a school and a medical clinic even more. Everyone's suffering in that hospital today could all be solved with just a little bit of money. It wouldn't even take that much. It was really sad."
I miss him so much, and I'm so glad he is there.
Then Soph chose Blue. You know, Blue, from 'Blue's Clues'...Soph's first big obsession. I said, "You want to send Blue to Cambodia?" not sure she understood what I was asking of her. She gave Blue a huge Soph hug and said "This is the best doll I never ever had!". I called Wade in and said, "Look what Sophia chose to give to kids in Cambodia." Wade and I were both tearing up and he said again to her, "You want me to take Blue to Cambodia?" and Soph just looked at Blue, gave her a big smile, kissed her passionately on the nose and left the room, leaving Wade and I in a puddle.
Today Wade wrote us to tell us where Blue is.
"Dear Sophia, Today my friends and I went to a hospital to visit sick people, give them food, and to pray that Jesus would heal them and make them all better. I gave Blue away to a little girl who was with her mommy. She was very sick and very sad. I prayed that Jesus would heal her and that she would like playing with your Blue. Then I gave your little penguin away to a little girl who was sleeping. She had really sore owies all over her bum. Please pray that Jesus will heal her."
Phil, who is with Wade, wrote more on his blog about the little girl with the 'owies on her bum' who now has Auntie Gill's penguin. It is heartbreaking. She's 2 1/2, just like Soph. I called Soph over just a minute ago to read the message from Wade. She thought it was pretty good, but she wants to watch TV. Why is my little girl here in Canada, sitting in a sun beam, watching Dora the Explorer, and that little girl is in a burn ward in Cambodia? We are blessed beyond expression, and my heart aches for that Cambodian mother who sits beside her daughter.
Wade said in his message to me, "The hospital conditions were miserable and the whole experience just made me want to to fair trade soap and build a school and a medical clinic even more. Everyone's suffering in that hospital today could all be solved with just a little bit of money. It wouldn't even take that much. It was really sad."
I miss him so much, and I'm so glad he is there.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
tubby time
I feel like there is so much to say...I'll try to be concise - not a strong point for me.
I went to a journaling workshop last night with Kim McMechan (remember when we went up to her in the bar and told her we loved her, Heather? She totally remembered!) It was an amazing time and it was really what I needed. God spoke to me in a huge way and it really woke up a lot in me.
Soph has been wearing no diapers during the day for the last 2 days. She has also begun having temper tantrums...like the week after Eleanor was born, I think the change in things with Wade being away is definitely what's up. I just need wisdom to know what to do - a different thing seems to work each time but it's like i have to go through all the other things first to discover what the right thing is. (Sigh) Please pray for her. Of course, there are fabulous things each day too. It was sad today she came home from Sunday school and told me a girl had lipgloss and shared with 4 other kids and not her. It was SO sad. Is it wrong for me to go hunt the girl down and buy Sophia ice cream in front of her and not share?
Eleanor has held a rattle a couple of times and tonight she swung at and hit a rattle hanging over her head. It is amazing. She is growing up at light speed. Literally, I mean it...I feel bad for Wade that he's missing the first rattle hits.
I was so tired today I fell asleep in church. My church is so great, I really felt like I was going there for a break. Everyone takes good care of us there. My brother helped me out a tonne today which was great. When I was bathing Soph tonight he came and put Eleanor in the tub. It was awesome.
I went to a journaling workshop last night with Kim McMechan (remember when we went up to her in the bar and told her we loved her, Heather? She totally remembered!) It was an amazing time and it was really what I needed. God spoke to me in a huge way and it really woke up a lot in me.
Soph has been wearing no diapers during the day for the last 2 days. She has also begun having temper tantrums...like the week after Eleanor was born, I think the change in things with Wade being away is definitely what's up. I just need wisdom to know what to do - a different thing seems to work each time but it's like i have to go through all the other things first to discover what the right thing is. (Sigh) Please pray for her. Of course, there are fabulous things each day too. It was sad today she came home from Sunday school and told me a girl had lipgloss and shared with 4 other kids and not her. It was SO sad. Is it wrong for me to go hunt the girl down and buy Sophia ice cream in front of her and not share?
Eleanor has held a rattle a couple of times and tonight she swung at and hit a rattle hanging over her head. It is amazing. She is growing up at light speed. Literally, I mean it...I feel bad for Wade that he's missing the first rattle hits.
I was so tired today I fell asleep in church. My church is so great, I really felt like I was going there for a break. Everyone takes good care of us there. My brother helped me out a tonne today which was great. When I was bathing Soph tonight he came and put Eleanor in the tub. It was awesome.
Friday, May 04, 2007
grace
Last night we had the worst night's sleep I can remember having in ages. The girls took turns waking up. Sophia woke up around 4 am and never went back to sleep. Yep, you read that right. Wade usually snuggles her if she wakes up at night and I was trying to do that and Eleanor woke up too and we never really recovered.
I had a meeting I needed to attend and by 6 am I was freaking out, but I had revelation. I was kind of panicking because we were all so sick and tired and I was just thinking, "oh no, oh no, this will be awful." And then it struck me that God could actually help me through the day. Took that option. So I took good care of myself, made sure I showered and ate well at breakfast. Picked my battles with Soph. She was kind of a mess but I took it slow.
Now, I forgot all her snacks I had packed and she never ate breakfast, but I got us all to YWAM (where they were getting taken care of during the meeting) and Karen found leftover miniwheats in the cupboard for Sophia. The meeting I attended was an adventure and I was pleased to be a part of it. When I got back they were both asleep. I decided grocery shopping was ridiculous, opted for a yummy burrito and handmade chips on a bench in the park next to all the bocce ball playing Italian grandpas. Soph swung on a 'big girl swing' and was triumphant. (I ask her at bedtime every day what her favourite thing of each day was and that was today's.)
Now, when we got home, Soph pulled Eleanor off the couch by her feet on to the floor and Ella skinned her head on the mat. I tried to have a rest so I put Soph in her bed and she pooped in her diaper and then she put her hands in it and rubbed them all together and finger painted her blanket with it. Yep, you read that right too - can you believe it? I couldn't talk for a second I was so mad. She was so hysterically tired by 4:30 pm that i fed her at 5 and cracked a beer for myself at the same time. Cleanup was turning into full body temper tantrum, so I just skipped it. At bath time she said "Do you want to get in the bath with me?" and I said "Yes!" just to have a fun moment. I taught her how to get the squirty animals to spit water.
She was asleep by 6:45 PM and may wake up at 5 am but I don't care. Even though I lost it a couple of times today, I recovered really fast and it is a lovely, lovely evening and I don't feel shattered. The grace of God was ALL OVER ME today. Thank you Jesus. I really hope we sleep tonight.
I had a meeting I needed to attend and by 6 am I was freaking out, but I had revelation. I was kind of panicking because we were all so sick and tired and I was just thinking, "oh no, oh no, this will be awful." And then it struck me that God could actually help me through the day. Took that option. So I took good care of myself, made sure I showered and ate well at breakfast. Picked my battles with Soph. She was kind of a mess but I took it slow.
Now, I forgot all her snacks I had packed and she never ate breakfast, but I got us all to YWAM (where they were getting taken care of during the meeting) and Karen found leftover miniwheats in the cupboard for Sophia. The meeting I attended was an adventure and I was pleased to be a part of it. When I got back they were both asleep. I decided grocery shopping was ridiculous, opted for a yummy burrito and handmade chips on a bench in the park next to all the bocce ball playing Italian grandpas. Soph swung on a 'big girl swing' and was triumphant. (I ask her at bedtime every day what her favourite thing of each day was and that was today's.)
Now, when we got home, Soph pulled Eleanor off the couch by her feet on to the floor and Ella skinned her head on the mat. I tried to have a rest so I put Soph in her bed and she pooped in her diaper and then she put her hands in it and rubbed them all together and finger painted her blanket with it. Yep, you read that right too - can you believe it? I couldn't talk for a second I was so mad. She was so hysterically tired by 4:30 pm that i fed her at 5 and cracked a beer for myself at the same time. Cleanup was turning into full body temper tantrum, so I just skipped it. At bath time she said "Do you want to get in the bath with me?" and I said "Yes!" just to have a fun moment. I taught her how to get the squirty animals to spit water.
She was asleep by 6:45 PM and may wake up at 5 am but I don't care. Even though I lost it a couple of times today, I recovered really fast and it is a lovely, lovely evening and I don't feel shattered. The grace of God was ALL OVER ME today. Thank you Jesus. I really hope we sleep tonight.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dear Dad Pt. II
Dear Dad,
If my big sister can have a post, so can I. Today I held a rattle - I held on for about 5 minutes! I got cuter. Don't I look sweet in my outfit from Auntie Zippy and Uncle Super Dave? I miss your scratchy kisses. Love the Norinator
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
parties, fire and planes
Wade left for Cambodia Sunday night. We're doing well, feeling really supported. We've also been laying really low, which is good. Sophia said some hilarious stuff today.
At one point I asked her for some cooperation and she said, "Celebration." I said, "Where did you learn that word?" she told me (I forget, a book or show, I think) and I said, "Do you know what it means?" and she answered, "yeah, it's like parties." I really need to make sure I watch what I say - the kid doesn't miss a trick.
Then she was pretending to go the store and had a long piece of paper that was her list. I asked "What are you buying at the store?" She answered with her list - "Mushrooms, salad mix, cake, icing, candles, fire." (apparently she was making a birthday cake - and perhaps a salad?)
When we were out walking tonight Sophia saw a plane in the sky. Over the last two days when she's heard a plane she's said, "I hear my Dad's plane." So when she saw the plane she yelled "There's my Dad's plane! There's my Dad's plane!" The she yelled "Hi Dad! Hi Dad!" I said "We love you, we miss you!" and she repeated the same. When the plane had passed, she gave a huge sigh and said, "I'm so glad I saw my Dad."
At one point I asked her for some cooperation and she said, "Celebration." I said, "Where did you learn that word?" she told me (I forget, a book or show, I think) and I said, "Do you know what it means?" and she answered, "yeah, it's like parties." I really need to make sure I watch what I say - the kid doesn't miss a trick.
Then she was pretending to go the store and had a long piece of paper that was her list. I asked "What are you buying at the store?" She answered with her list - "Mushrooms, salad mix, cake, icing, candles, fire." (apparently she was making a birthday cake - and perhaps a salad?)
When we were out walking tonight Sophia saw a plane in the sky. Over the last two days when she's heard a plane she's said, "I hear my Dad's plane." So when she saw the plane she yelled "There's my Dad's plane! There's my Dad's plane!" The she yelled "Hi Dad! Hi Dad!" I said "We love you, we miss you!" and she repeated the same. When the plane had passed, she gave a huge sigh and said, "I'm so glad I saw my Dad."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
