Five Minute Friday on Monday: Present

It's time for us to be present.  To really be awake and alert.

Things happen that cause me to shudder, cause me to consider the brevity of life.

We are not promised tomorrow.  A crisis can change all we know and love.



We've been blessed with a foot of snow.  Yes, a blessing.

I've stopped.

I've cuddled with my boys and their daddy.  We played in the snow, built Harold the Snowman, made snow angels, threw snowballs, went sledding.  We were there together in those cold snowy moments making memories.

When we are present, truly there, we do that.

We enjoy life, soak it in, cherish it.

We need more moments like that because in this busy world of going here and there, we get in ruts and routines, and we forget.

We forget that we are not promised tomorrow, but we only have the promise of the present moment.

So make it count.

Our children are depending on us.  They are looking to us for guidance, for love, for fun, for life.  We owe it to them.  We owe them our time.

So it is time to do Five Minute Friday on Monday.

It is time to stay up late and watch movies.

It is time to go slow.

It is time to put on layers of clothes to brave the elements (and seriously not be able to put our arms down).

It is time to bake a cake and make snow cream.

It is time to say YES.

It is time to be fully present and put family first.

I hope that whatever weather you are having, that you've found time to be present in the moment.  Thank you for joining me on this beautiful day.  Don't forget to head over to Kate's to read other great posts about Friday's Prompt: Present. 

An Inconvenience? I Think Not!

Snow Day #3

I haven’t left my house since church Sunday morning.  10 inches of snow later, I am resting in my house. Kids are playing and behaving(for the moment).  Just got the call: No school for the remainder of the week.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s Facebook posts of snow pics: sledding, snow angels, snow cream.  I’ve cringed at the photos of car wrecks and people driving on snow covered roads. Well, I assume the road is under there somewhere. 

People are frustrated because they can’t get out of the house.  The grocery stores are out of milk and bread.  Kids are going stir crazy.  Parents are constructing escape routes and finding hideouts. What an inconvenience 10 inches of snow in South Central Kentucky can be!

Just like anything else, we can choose to look at this situation in two ways: an inconvenience or a blessing.

We are a society of GO, GO, GO!  We race around chained to a schedule.  I know this better than anyone.  Last week, I barely spent any time with my family. There was homework, shopping, preparing for and attending a National Guard Conference, parent teacher conferences.  Something called my name every moment of everyday.

Now, here I sit, surrounded by books, remotes, a laptop, and coffee, wearing leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt, peeking out the window at a snow covered neighborhood.

It’s beautiful!

For me, it’s a blessing.

For one, I’ve been able to slow down.  Sleeping in. Taking naps. Playing Mario Baseball on the Wii.  Reading. Working on laundry. Cuddling.

My children have had so much fun in the snow.  Bundled up, they trudged from the back door to a snow-covered wonderland.  The air was filled with laughter as their daddy pulled their sleds behind the four-wheeler.  For three mornings now, their eyes widened in amazement of the pure whiteness that spread across our lawn. 

How can that be seen as an inconvenience? 

Sure it is cold. Sure it’s messy.  But what else would have allowed me to just stop and relax and laugh and make memories with my family.

 

Yes, I won’t be happy when we have to make up these days at the end of May, but my children will never forget the time they spent with their mama and daddy playing in the snow, cuddling on the couch, and just being together.

Is it Possible?

Today we have sunshine. 

 We had it yesterday too.

But none of this...

melted.

 So, we played

 and played

 and ate

So is it possible that today, we will thaw out? I have been in this house since I got home at 2:00 Monday.  Sam's Club and Target are calling my name!  We are out of formula and diapers. We need Valentine's for parties on Monday and baby shower invitations.  I will try to venture out today.  The boys seem to have gotten over any "yuck" they've had lately (Carson is still coughing some). I will venture out today. I must.  

Wordless Wednesday

The Plan

Today is another snow day for those of us here in South Central Kentucky.  A snow day I am so thankful for.  I don't know about you, but I think I've had all of January I can take.  The two big boys were sick the entire first week (I worked two days that week). The second week was snowed out (I worked 1 day).  This week was supposed to have been a 4 day week, but I only worked 1 day (Colin was throwing up and Carson had his first dentist appointment).

So, how am I going to spend my day or what is left of it?  Well, since it is 2pm, here is the plan:

Finish all laundry now that the washer is fixed.

Finish reading my friendship book and post my reflection.

Wash bottles and sippies.

Clean the kitchen.

Pick up toys that are on the floor throughout the house.

Or Not.

We will just see.

Oh, don't forget to enter for your chance to win one of my favorite books. Click HERE to find out how.

 

No Business Like Snow Business

Snow Day #9

Yes, that's right we have now missed 9 days of school due to snow. But you know, that is ok.



I hate driving on slick roads. Even more, I don't want to risk getting out and falling. I'm not known for being graceful! Actually, no one in my household is. Some of us (Carson) can make falling look intentional. As a matter of fact, last night as he chased Big Dog through the house, he tripped, falling to the floor. Instead of making a scene, he did some sort of army crawl the rest of the way.



The boys are getting spoiled by these snow days and teacher work days. It is so hard to get them in bed at night. Last night was no exception. Colin got in bed and Carson was throwing a fit to watch a movie. Well, that just tore Colin up. It just wasn't fair, even though I reassured him that Carson would not be watching a movie. Well, Carson finally said, "If you don't let me watch a movie, then I'm not going to bed." I looked at him and replied, "Oh yes you are." His final answer??? "Well, ok." I don't think that worked out the way he had planned!

Today, I am either nesting a bit or feeling guilty for watching the NCIS marathon yesterday and doing nothing. Regardless, it looks like the laundry will be done today (maybe). I have a VERY tired 3 year old who is just pitiful. Or maybe the cat is more pitiful. By looking at these two pictures, what do you think?

Notice Happy had enough. His paws are wrapped around Carson's face. Luckily, Happy was declawed after we got him. Oh, do you notice my friend Lazarus in the background? He has made his way from the den to the living room door. You just never know where he is going to "pop up" next.

Colin was excited to have another snow day. We had a little argument last night about it. I figured we would have another day off, but at bedtime, school had not been cancelled. When he woke up this morning, he said, "See, I told you!" He enjoys playing all day, going from laptop, to reading, to watching TV, to playing toys, to computer, to having a snack and starting all over again. Fighting with Carson is usually thrown in there several times too.

I did get a new devotional that I am very proud of. It was stuffed in my new diaper bag I got for Valentine's Day (with the new Toby Mac cd).

I like that it has the scripture and author's devotional along with quotes and tips that go along with it. What a great gift from my wonderful husband!

Thankful and Forgiven: Post 101 and Snow Day #8

Here it is, another snow day. Can I say that I am more thankful for today's snow day than yesterdays????

Reason 1: Carson decided to go to sleep last night at Sol Azteca. Slept the "entire" night, except to get up to go to the potty. Needless to say that because he conked out at 5:30, he was ready to go at 4AM! Today would have been our Valentine's Party at school. I don't think I would have been able to function. Even though I had lots planned to do (a test we missed yesterday and getting Caroline's class caught up with mine in science), I believe it would have turned into a movie day, probably Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Yeah, I could connect that to language arts (fiction, character, plot, setting, problem, solution, theme) and science (weather).

Reason 2: My appointment went well yesterday. Love hearing that strong heartbeat and knowing that my baby is growing well. I go back in two weeks and will be going once per week then on. The big day is getting closer and closer. I'm excited to be able to see and hold this sweet baby.

Reason 3: I am blessed to have a such a precious family. I have the most wonderful, caring husband and wonderful, loving children in the world. These guys melt my heart, make me laugh, and fill me with joy.

Reason 4: I am forgiven. Colossians 3:13 says,

Bearing with one another, and forgiving
one another, if anyone has a complaint
against another; even as Christ forgave
you, so you also must do.

You know, when I stop to think about the things that I have done to God and that He has forgiven me, I realize what a wonderful gift that is. Why then should I not forgive those who have hurt me? Lots of things have happened in my life that I could very easily show unforgiveness or bitterness. But what kind of life is that? Holding a grudge does nothing but kill your spirit.

I know people who are sure to bring up someone's wrongs and say, "I will NEVER forgive him." These people are supposed to be Christians. None of us are perfect, so why should we expect others to be?

I thank God each day for the forgiveness He has shown me. I pray that I will always be willing to show forgiveness to others.

Consider this....
What if your child did something that upset you and he asked through his tears, "Mama do you forgive me?" and you replied, "No." What would that do to your child? As parents, we want our children to know that they are loved and there is nothing they could do to change that. As an adult, I want those I know to know that I love them and there is nothing they could do to change that. So, the next time you are wronged, offer forgiveness. You and those you forgive will be sure to receive a blessing.

Snow Day #7

Enjoying being at home on yet another snow day.

I hate that Colin will have to make up these days, but they are a blessing to us. I get to take it easy and rest, and the boys and I get to enjoy our time together. Today it is just me and Carson. Colin has headed out to spend time with his cousin Connor and friend Cooper at Aunt Ann's house. Not sure what they will get in to, but knowing those 3 boys, they will have a blast. Carson and I have been playing the Wii and reading books together.

I go for my 34 week check up this afternoon if the weather holds out. Just praying that all will go well just as it has with each previous appointment. Carter is quite active still. I've been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Last night Carter got into this crazy position and Colin cracked up at how my stomach was shaped.

The boys had their "big brother" class last week. They loved it. Carson has now decided he will come visit me in the hospital because he will get to cuddle in the bed with me and Carter. Colin is ready to eat at the Subway located in the hospital and look at the babies in the nursery. They will be great big brothers! Colin already is and he will definitely teach Carson a thing or two.

My coworkers are having a baby shower for me in two weeks (if it doesn't snow!). Hilarie, Sue, and Mary are having one for me as well at church. I've washed up all the clothes, socks, and bibs I have.

I can't wait to get to hold this precious baby. Carson was playing with my belly last night. I asked him what he thought Carter was going to look like, and he said, "He's going to have brown eyes and brown hair."

There's a lot to do here at the house, but little motivation to do much. Guess that explains why the Christmas wreath is still on my door!

Oh, I did get a "nice surprise" last night when I got home from parent teacher conferences. My husband met with Dale Rose yesterday to give back Lazarus. However, when I walked through the back door, Lazarus was standing across the room waiting for me. I feel him watching me everytime I walk in and out of the room and I'm just waiting for him to yell, "Boo!" as I come out of the utility room. Hopefully, Lazarus will be fixed up soon and can go back with Bro. Dale.

Stay safe and warm.

Still waiting......

This time for snow and lots of it (hopefully). We were excited to be sitting in our favorite Chinese restaurant Thursday night when Simpson County Schools came across the big screen as closed for Friday. We finished up our supper along with half of the town and then met up with the other half at the video store. Me and the boys got some $1 movies and free movies, plus a Wii game for Colin. Snow would be more fun. So we wait for it.

Super Saturday is cancelled for tomorrow. I'm sure basketball will be too. So we wait.

My doctor's appointment Wednesday was good. Carter's heartbeat is very strong and we both continue to grow. My next appointment is in 2 weeks. So we wait.

Jeffrey is at work and will be home for lunch soon. I'd rather have him be a bum with us today. So we wait to spend lunchtime with him.

If you haven't seen the video from my previous post, check it out. I'm off to do laundry and get a playlist for my class blog. My students are waiting for it.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,

But these two boys are so delightful!!