Lately I've read several blog posts, articles, memes, etc that blast moms for using their Smartphones while their children are playing at the park. Just google "mom on phone at the park" and see how many hits you get. At first I felt guilty. But then I felt angry.
Before you judge me for sitting on the bench at the park with my phone, consider what you don't know.
What you don't know is that before coming to the park I have already spent all day with my children.
I've cooked breakfast, fed the dog, washed the dishes and refereed a fight over the last pancake.
I've washed and folded a load of laundry and mopped urine off the kitchen floor after my three year old had an accident.
I've taught my children about the different ways pollination occur. I've taught my seven year old that a silent "e" makes the vowel say it's name. And I've argued with my tween about the importance of math.
I've picked up blocks, put away books, and cleaned up chips that were spilled and crushed on the floor.
I've helped my seven year old cut out pictures for her history project and read a book to my three year old about the US presidents.
I've watched my tween do flips on the trampoline and listened to her non-stop talking about knitting, her best friend and whatever book series she is currently reading.
I've put supper in the crockpot and maybe even squeezed in a twenty minute workout in the midst of all the chaos.
So remember this when you see me at the park, sitting on the bench with iPhone in hand immersed in the world of Instagram, Facebook and Blogging. My children can entertain themselves for thirty minutes while I have some peace and quiet. It does mean I am a bad mother. It does not mean I am a lazy mother. It means I am a tired mother who simply needs a few minutes to breathe.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Snuggles
Dear Sweet Layla,
You have gotten into quite the habit of sleeping with mommy and daddy at night. You don't start out in our bed but sometime in the middle of the night you wander into our room, climb up on daddy's side of the bed and snuggle down in between us.
I honestly don't mind that much. In fact, usually I don't even know you are there until the alarm goes off in the morning. Daddy gets pretty frustrated with you because you always wake him with your tossing and turning. Last week you made your presence known to me by slapping me in the face multiple times during the night. It was so bad that mommy had to put you back in your own bed at 3:30 in the morning.
The next night, just like clockwork, you wandered back into our room. I didn't notice until 5:00 when you flung your little arm over my neck. Thinking that you were asleep, I gently moved your arm off of me and then I heard you whisper, "I just wanted to give you a hug, mama."
You are growing up way too fast little one and I know I am going to miss these days. One day you'll be too cool for mommy and daddy. One day you'll go off to college, maybe get married and have kids of your own. And our house will be so quiet. Mommy and Daddy will have our big bed all to ourselves again and we'll sigh and say, "Remember when Layla used to come and snuggle with us every night? I miss those days."
I love you, Miss Dimples.
Mama
You have gotten into quite the habit of sleeping with mommy and daddy at night. You don't start out in our bed but sometime in the middle of the night you wander into our room, climb up on daddy's side of the bed and snuggle down in between us.
I honestly don't mind that much. In fact, usually I don't even know you are there until the alarm goes off in the morning. Daddy gets pretty frustrated with you because you always wake him with your tossing and turning. Last week you made your presence known to me by slapping me in the face multiple times during the night. It was so bad that mommy had to put you back in your own bed at 3:30 in the morning.
The next night, just like clockwork, you wandered back into our room. I didn't notice until 5:00 when you flung your little arm over my neck. Thinking that you were asleep, I gently moved your arm off of me and then I heard you whisper, "I just wanted to give you a hug, mama."
And. I. Melted.
You are growing up way too fast little one and I know I am going to miss these days. One day you'll be too cool for mommy and daddy. One day you'll go off to college, maybe get married and have kids of your own. And our house will be so quiet. Mommy and Daddy will have our big bed all to ourselves again and we'll sigh and say, "Remember when Layla used to come and snuggle with us every night? I miss those days."
I love you, Miss Dimples.
Mama
Monday, February 18, 2013
Dear Annagrace (On Your 11th Birthday)
Dear Annagrace,
Although I have tried my best for the last eleven years I have not been successful in making time slow down. And so every year, on February 18, you turn another year older. Today I realized that in just seven short years you will turn 18 and in the eyes of our society you will be an adult. Of course, I've seen little glimpses of the "adult you" ever since you were just a wee little girl.
I first saw it when you began talking at just six months old. You continued to hit all your milestones early impressing your pediatrician and all your preschool teachers. When you were four years old you taught yourself how to read. Soon after, you were doing first and second grade math workbooks "for fun" and at age six you taught yourself how to write in cursive. At age seven, you became fascinated with forensic science and before long you were reading books about criminal investigations and sharing all the fascinating information with your dad and me.
And now, at age 11, I still see that little adult inside you. You like to spend your free time curled up in a chair with a book or working on a knitting project. You are an excellent helper whether you are changing a diaper or cooking a meal for your sisters. You have a servant's heart, always jumping in to help whoever is in need.
You are sensitive (sometimes to a fault) and you truly care about the welfare of others. I first realized just how special and pronounced this trait was in you when you were six years old and you offered to give the last dollar in your pocket to a homeless child at the shelter. Now, you get up early on Saturdays to help serve breakfast at the 1209 House. And that causes me to smile and to think that somehow, through all our flaws and mistakes, your dad and I have managed to do something right.
It is hard to believe that your dad and I have just seven more years to raise you, to guide you and to influence you. Your dream is to go to college and become a forensic scientist and I will do anything in my power to make that happen. But more importantly than that, I will do anything I can to lead you to Jesus. I pray that despite all those aforementioned flaws and mistakes that you can somehow see Jesus in me. I knowsome days most days it is hard to do. But I want nothing more in this life than for you to grow to know and to love Jesus with all your heart, mind and soul.
I love you my beautiful, smart, growing-up-way-too-fast girl.
Love,
Mom
Although I have tried my best for the last eleven years I have not been successful in making time slow down. And so every year, on February 18, you turn another year older. Today I realized that in just seven short years you will turn 18 and in the eyes of our society you will be an adult. Of course, I've seen little glimpses of the "adult you" ever since you were just a wee little girl.
I first saw it when you began talking at just six months old. You continued to hit all your milestones early impressing your pediatrician and all your preschool teachers. When you were four years old you taught yourself how to read. Soon after, you were doing first and second grade math workbooks "for fun" and at age six you taught yourself how to write in cursive. At age seven, you became fascinated with forensic science and before long you were reading books about criminal investigations and sharing all the fascinating information with your dad and me.
 |
| My sweet Annagrace at 4 years old |
You are sensitive (sometimes to a fault) and you truly care about the welfare of others. I first realized just how special and pronounced this trait was in you when you were six years old and you offered to give the last dollar in your pocket to a homeless child at the shelter. Now, you get up early on Saturdays to help serve breakfast at the 1209 House. And that causes me to smile and to think that somehow, through all our flaws and mistakes, your dad and I have managed to do something right.
It is hard to believe that your dad and I have just seven more years to raise you, to guide you and to influence you. Your dream is to go to college and become a forensic scientist and I will do anything in my power to make that happen. But more importantly than that, I will do anything I can to lead you to Jesus. I pray that despite all those aforementioned flaws and mistakes that you can somehow see Jesus in me. I know
I love you my beautiful, smart, growing-up-way-too-fast girl.
Love,
Mom
Friday, February 1, 2013
Update from Our Nest
I'm only doing an update about once a quarter. And only blogging here about once a month. And I'm okay with that.
Really, I am.
Aaron continues his work as a hospice chaplain. His patients and families love him and I love to see him enjoy his work so much. He has a few speaking gigs coming up soon and I also love to see him get excited about speaking/preaching. He seems to enjoy that much more now that it isn't on a weekly basis!
I've been working a lot lately at inpatient hospice. We've had a lot of changes at work and we're all working extra shifts to help out. The extra money has been really helpful but we've had a hard time staying focused with our schoolwork. I'm thankful the girls are in co-op again this semester and I'm trying to at least stay on track with language and math. Not sweating it. Well, not much anyway! We are studying botany now (which makes me even more excited for Spring!) and in history they've been studying the Revolution.
Annagrace has fallen in love with knitting. We affectionately call her Grandma. She has an old soul and I just love it. She could sit and knit and read all day long. She's quite good at it and after only an hour long knitting lesson with a friend she just took off! I love seeing her do something creative as she tends to be much more of an academic type person. She is still very interested in Forensic Science and I'm hoping to arrange a meeting with a real life Forensic Scientist soon. (I have a friend who has some friends in high places!).
Madalyn is finally starting to want to read. She has been very different from Annagrace in that respect and has been a very reluctant reader. But finally she is getting inteterested in it and can read quite well. I did an informal reading test this week and she tested at a 2.2 which is essentially grade 2, second month. She is technically suppose to be in first grade so we're right on target. She is still a big Michael Jackson fan and absolutely loves her art class. She is definitely my more creative child. She recently told me she wants to be an artist and a waitress when she grows up. I told her she may have to do both. She didn't quite understand why. LOL!
Layla is finally potty training! Woo hoo! It took that stubborn little girl long enough! We are having a few accidents a week and she still doesn't like to poop in the potty but we are getting there! She got her first haircut yesterday and it looks so cute. I'll have to post more about that later. She is a sweet little girl and she loves going to homeschool preschool.
The girls are loving the trampoline they got for Christmas. They spend some time on it every single day. It is a great way for them to get out and get some exercise and they actually will play together when they are on it. We still deal with some sibling rivalry on a daily basis but most of the time they are really great, well behaved little girls.
We are all excited about the next couple of months. We are planning a Great Wolf Lodge trip in February, an Asheville trip in March, an OBX half marathon trip for me and Aaron in April, a trip back up to Virginia in May, my BFF and I are going to see New Kids on the Block in June, then we have our beach vacation in July! So much fun stuff ahead for the So Fly family!
Really, I am.
Aaron continues his work as a hospice chaplain. His patients and families love him and I love to see him enjoy his work so much. He has a few speaking gigs coming up soon and I also love to see him get excited about speaking/preaching. He seems to enjoy that much more now that it isn't on a weekly basis!
I've been working a lot lately at inpatient hospice. We've had a lot of changes at work and we're all working extra shifts to help out. The extra money has been really helpful but we've had a hard time staying focused with our schoolwork. I'm thankful the girls are in co-op again this semester and I'm trying to at least stay on track with language and math. Not sweating it. Well, not much anyway! We are studying botany now (which makes me even more excited for Spring!) and in history they've been studying the Revolution.
Annagrace has fallen in love with knitting. We affectionately call her Grandma. She has an old soul and I just love it. She could sit and knit and read all day long. She's quite good at it and after only an hour long knitting lesson with a friend she just took off! I love seeing her do something creative as she tends to be much more of an academic type person. She is still very interested in Forensic Science and I'm hoping to arrange a meeting with a real life Forensic Scientist soon. (I have a friend who has some friends in high places!).
Madalyn is finally starting to want to read. She has been very different from Annagrace in that respect and has been a very reluctant reader. But finally she is getting inteterested in it and can read quite well. I did an informal reading test this week and she tested at a 2.2 which is essentially grade 2, second month. She is technically suppose to be in first grade so we're right on target. She is still a big Michael Jackson fan and absolutely loves her art class. She is definitely my more creative child. She recently told me she wants to be an artist and a waitress when she grows up. I told her she may have to do both. She didn't quite understand why. LOL!
Layla is finally potty training! Woo hoo! It took that stubborn little girl long enough! We are having a few accidents a week and she still doesn't like to poop in the potty but we are getting there! She got her first haircut yesterday and it looks so cute. I'll have to post more about that later. She is a sweet little girl and she loves going to homeschool preschool.
The girls are loving the trampoline they got for Christmas. They spend some time on it every single day. It is a great way for them to get out and get some exercise and they actually will play together when they are on it. We still deal with some sibling rivalry on a daily basis but most of the time they are really great, well behaved little girls.
We are all excited about the next couple of months. We are planning a Great Wolf Lodge trip in February, an Asheville trip in March, an OBX half marathon trip for me and Aaron in April, a trip back up to Virginia in May, my BFF and I are going to see New Kids on the Block in June, then we have our beach vacation in July! So much fun stuff ahead for the So Fly family!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
No More Scrooge
I'm a Scrooge by nature. This probably comes as a surprise to people who know me in real life. I'm generally happy and easy going and I don't consider myself a Debbie Downer. But it is true. At this time of year the Scrooge in me comes out and I tend to see the decorations and the sales papers and all the other commercial things that signal Christmas is coming and I think, "Bah Humbug!"
This year has been different. My heart has been happier. I have been the one wanting to put up the tree and watch Christmas movies. I have been the one singing carols as I wrap presents. A lot has happened to change my attitude this year and there are many reasons why I am no longer a Scrooge.
E is the daughter of a co-worker. E is my age and recently gave birth to her third child. A few months later she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She has spent the last month not worrying about whether her Christmas paper matches her tree or if every ornament is hung just so but worrying how her body will react to chemo and radiation treatments or if she will even live to see another Christmas. Who am I to be concerned with such trivial things when she is fighting for her life?
T is a co-worker of mine who lost her home and everything in it in a house fire last month. I'm worried I haven't bought enough to put in the girls' stockings and she doesn't even have stockings to hang. Blessed I am, indeed.
Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Avielle, Benjamin, Allison, Noah, Caroline, Madeleine, Dylan, and Jessica, are also reasons why I have abandoned my Scrooge-iness this year. Those dear sweet children who lost their lives in such a violent way. Their parents will never again see their child sit on Santa's lap. They will never again see the wonder in their child's eyes as they drive around the neighborhod looking at lights. They will never again see the excitement on their child's face as they race down the stairs on Christmas morning anxious to rip open their presents.
Thank you Lord for health, for home, for life. Thank you most of all for a season to celebrate your birth. I am eternally grateful for your blessings of which I deserve none.
This year has been different. My heart has been happier. I have been the one wanting to put up the tree and watch Christmas movies. I have been the one singing carols as I wrap presents. A lot has happened to change my attitude this year and there are many reasons why I am no longer a Scrooge.
E is the daughter of a co-worker. E is my age and recently gave birth to her third child. A few months later she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She has spent the last month not worrying about whether her Christmas paper matches her tree or if every ornament is hung just so but worrying how her body will react to chemo and radiation treatments or if she will even live to see another Christmas. Who am I to be concerned with such trivial things when she is fighting for her life?
T is a co-worker of mine who lost her home and everything in it in a house fire last month. I'm worried I haven't bought enough to put in the girls' stockings and she doesn't even have stockings to hang. Blessed I am, indeed.
Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Avielle, Benjamin, Allison, Noah, Caroline, Madeleine, Dylan, and Jessica, are also reasons why I have abandoned my Scrooge-iness this year. Those dear sweet children who lost their lives in such a violent way. Their parents will never again see their child sit on Santa's lap. They will never again see the wonder in their child's eyes as they drive around the neighborhod looking at lights. They will never again see the excitement on their child's face as they race down the stairs on Christmas morning anxious to rip open their presents.
I have so much for which to be grateful. How can I possibly be a Scrooge this year?
Thank you Lord for health, for home, for life. Thank you most of all for a season to celebrate your birth. I am eternally grateful for your blessings of which I deserve none.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Madalyn: Seven Years
Madalyn, five months old
Sweet Madalyn,
I just can not believe you are already SEVEN years old! It seems like just yesterday when you were crawling around the house, getting into everything (including that unfortunate event with the sunscreen....and then the paint....and then the spackling). Somehow I blinked and now you are learning how to read and play the piano.
Here are few things about you at seven years old:
- You are always saying, "I love you" and giving out hugs.
- You love to snuggle up with me and your dad five out of seven nights you somehow end up in our bed by morning.
- You love sharing a room with your little sister because you don't like being alone at night.
- You still love Michael Jackson and your favorite song is "Blame it on the Boogie."
- You love the movie Brave.
- You are quite the artist and you are always making cards and pictures for people. You love art class and you love to paint and color.
- You have been growing your hair out and it is loooong. You have never had hair longer than your shoulders. It is so thick and coarse and hard to brush. I'm secretly hoping that you'll follow in your PE teacher's footsteps and donate it!
- You still love dolls.
- You are finally interested in reading and love checking out chapter books from the library.
- You are average height and weight for your age but you have huge muscles! We are amazed at your biceps.
- Your favorite things to eat are tomatoes (I can't keep them in the house--you can polish off a carton in a day), pizza, and ribs.
- You have a great sense of humor and you can say some of the silliest things.
Love, Mama
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Layla Joy: Three!
Layla Joy.
My sweet baby girl recently had a birthday. I just love her so, so much!
Little Layla--your middle name could not be more fitting. You have brought an immeasurable amount of JOY to our lives during the last three years. Has it really been three years since you came into this world? Unbelievable. You make me smile. You make me laugh. You make my life so much brighter!
Here are a few things about YOU at three years old:
1. You love to dress yourself and you love to change your clothes! It is not uncommon to see you in several different outfits each day. You especially love to change your shoes and you prefer to wear your red Mary Janes or your pink light up Princess shoes.
2. You love to dress up! It is easily your favorite activity.
3. Whether on my iPhone or in real life--you are a puzzle whiz. Your favorite iPhone app is a princess puzzle game. You love your Blues Clues and your Dora puzzles too.
4. You love to sing and your favorite songs are The Wonderpets theme song, Rock-a-Bye Baby, and Layla. You also love listening to Michael Jackson songs with your sister and you love to dance.
5. Wonderpets is your new favorite TV show.
6. You would spend all day outside if I would let you.
7. You LOVE your homeschool preschool class. You go one day a week for three hours and you adore your teacher, Mrs. Karen.
8. You love to look at books--it's not unusual to find you asleep in your bed surrounded by them.
9. You are tall for your age and people are often surprised to learn that you are only three. You are much taller than your friends and you are already wearing a size 4T in pants because you need the length for your long legs!
10. You are simply a beautiful little girl. Your dimples and the curls at the ends of your hair just make me melt.
11. You don't know a stranger. You speak to everyone and you ask me, "What's her name?" I often tell you to ask yourself and thus we have met many, many people all over Pitt County because of your friendliness.
12. You love to count and sing your ABCs. You know your colors and some of your shapes and I have just started to teach you how to write your name. You love sitting at your desk while I am teaching your older sisters.
13. You love your sisters and they love and adore you. You are especially attached to Annagrace and often ask for her if you are upset or sad.
Mommy loves you SO much, Layla! You were the best surprise that I have ever received. Happy third birthday!
My sweet baby girl recently had a birthday. I just love her so, so much!
Little Layla--your middle name could not be more fitting. You have brought an immeasurable amount of JOY to our lives during the last three years. Has it really been three years since you came into this world? Unbelievable. You make me smile. You make me laugh. You make my life so much brighter!
Here are a few things about YOU at three years old:
1. You love to dress yourself and you love to change your clothes! It is not uncommon to see you in several different outfits each day. You especially love to change your shoes and you prefer to wear your red Mary Janes or your pink light up Princess shoes.
2. You love to dress up! It is easily your favorite activity.
3. Whether on my iPhone or in real life--you are a puzzle whiz. Your favorite iPhone app is a princess puzzle game. You love your Blues Clues and your Dora puzzles too.
4. You love to sing and your favorite songs are The Wonderpets theme song, Rock-a-Bye Baby, and Layla. You also love listening to Michael Jackson songs with your sister and you love to dance.
5. Wonderpets is your new favorite TV show.
6. You would spend all day outside if I would let you.
7. You LOVE your homeschool preschool class. You go one day a week for three hours and you adore your teacher, Mrs. Karen.
8. You love to look at books--it's not unusual to find you asleep in your bed surrounded by them.
9. You are tall for your age and people are often surprised to learn that you are only three. You are much taller than your friends and you are already wearing a size 4T in pants because you need the length for your long legs!
10. You are simply a beautiful little girl. Your dimples and the curls at the ends of your hair just make me melt.
11. You don't know a stranger. You speak to everyone and you ask me, "What's her name?" I often tell you to ask yourself and thus we have met many, many people all over Pitt County because of your friendliness.
12. You love to count and sing your ABCs. You know your colors and some of your shapes and I have just started to teach you how to write your name. You love sitting at your desk while I am teaching your older sisters.
13. You love your sisters and they love and adore you. You are especially attached to Annagrace and often ask for her if you are upset or sad.
Mommy loves you SO much, Layla! You were the best surprise that I have ever received. Happy third birthday!
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