Happy in Blue
I love my girls! I hope this photo makes you smile today!
Losing Control
Every moment at home with four kids forces me, little by little, to lose control.
And boy, it sure feels good.
Wonderful Advice
Before we can help our child develop as an individual along the path that God has made for him, we must see and respect him as a person, created in the image of God. We must respect his mind and intelligence. We must be attentive, attuned, and responsive to our child in order to help him thrive and learn in the way that is best for him.
We need to take this seriously, making a point not to get overly busy or distracted. A mother should certainly have some breathing room and time for so-called “mother culture,” but a higher priority, during the years of motherhood, is providing for the needs of the child. (This is a different thing altogether than catering to his demands, disrespect, or impulsiveness, which, of course, we should not do.)
So, know when you need to turn away from the computer screen, put down the book, turn off the television, hang up the phone, push back the sewing machine, stay home, or let the laundry wait. Stop. Listen to your child. Smile at him. Go with him to see what he wants you to see. Be interested. Delight with him. He is a human being whose life and growth– for good or bad– are very sensitive to the atmosphere that is you.
– Susan @ High Desert Home: An Inspiring Home for Learning
August 25, 2008 | Filed Under Education | 2 CommentsJapanese Jokes are Best
I know this is an old video, but the more I watch, the better it gets. Gosh. Hilarious.
August 19, 2008 | Filed Under Thoroughly Amused | Leave a CommentBunyan Bit No. 7: Watchfulness
The person who tries to keep water in a sieve must be extremely careful. Our heart is also a leaky container and therefore we need to pay close attention to the things we have heard, so they will not slip away when we aren’t noticing.
– John Bunyan, The Riches of Bunyan (p. 196)
Hands Full, Heart Overflowing
We’ve been home for a week now together as a family, and we are really enjoying Shepherd. I haven’t been online in several days (which is why you’re only seeing my auto-posted theological long essays rolling out!); nonetheless it has been really great for me to rest, spend time with God, and just focus on being Mommy.
Shepherd is getting so big (well, bigger)! God has given me so much grace and peace at home with the kids, and our time has been so sweet when Eric comes home. We haven’t spent much time outside in the last several days, but it has been so hot that I don’t feel like we are missing much. He enjoyed his first bath yesterday in the Tummy Tub, swimming around and floating in the bubbles. Meredith wanted to get in with him so badly, and I had to convince her that she would have more fun in the big bathtub where there was more room! She melted down anyway.
All of our children have enjoyed the Tummy Tub; posting Shepherd’s picture in it reminds me of the earliest photos I posted on my blog! Memories…
I have several friends who have been sending Shepherd some sweet handmade gifts. Since they have online stores, you know I’m going to start raving and plugging! Heather, a close friend from church, makes adorable baby blankets and accessories. It was so funny; a few days before Shepherd was born I ordered the small “groovy guitar” minky blanket for him, and Heather emailed me with “Aw! I was going to make that anyway for Shepherd! Now I’ll have to make something else!” So she came to visit after his birth with a onesie and burp cloth to match. I love them! Heather’s stuff is so fun and well made. As if he wasn’t decked out enough, last week a couple at church sent home the large groovy guitar blanket for Shepherd, and Eric chuckled, “Who do you think they ordered this from?!” So we are completely stocked with Heather’s groovy guitar line now!
My friend Kristie (blog here) also has an online store called Kute Knits selling her adorable knit baby items. I love it when Kristie makes something for our family because she is a dear friend, and I can totally picture her smiling in her chair, knitting every stitch with love. Her blankets and hats are top quality, and she uses the softest yarn! Shepherd is so cute in the hat and blanket Kristie made for him, don’t you think? Thanks, Kristie!
Another friend, Kate, knitted (or crocheted?) a beautiful, warm blanket for Shepherd. She hasn’t had the chance to see him snuggle up in it since she is in Europe right now, but it is so adorable. Since Shepherd loves to be warm and swaddled, this blanket is so perfect for the swing, bed, and car! I love the blues, too, since they are my high school colors! I know it will be a favorite. Kate doesn’t have a store yet, but she is going to sell some of her knits through Palmetto Handmade.
Behind Kate’s blanket is the soft, white blanket my grandmother made for Shepherd before he was born. He can be seen wrapped up in it several times per day! She has made all of the great-grandkids these heirloom blankets, and Shepherd’s is so snuggly and comfortable. I doubt my grandma will open an online store, but maybe I can talk her into it!
Well, I guess that’s it for Shepherd’s Fashion Show. I am cherishing these newborn days. I thank God that Shepherd is such a calm baby who doesn’t fuss much. I guess He knew how much we would need this with baby #4! Of course my theory is fat babies are happier babies. Ha! (Yes, I am calling him fat with no qualms; I was a fat baby, too, with lots and lots of sweet chubby rolls. I was so fat that my father said they always ordered 5X7 and larger photos because I didn’t fit into the wallet size!) Mean! Mean! (haha)
Oh, speaking of chubbiness, hats off to my sister-in-law Amanda who won the “Verse Purse” for guessing the closest for Shepherd’s Birth Game!
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