Yesterday afternoon we spent a couple hours zooming around Roller Towne. Every session we've been to, there are roller races for age groups. It's funny how few parents get out there to race but guess who does? I'm not a great skater by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm not falling all over the place either. The last couple skate days, I managed to take 2nd place and win the kids a small fountain drink.
Yesterday, there were some hard core mama's skating for the soft drink. Out of the 4 of us skating, I came in dead last. Good effort. No ego crushed. . . until I skated off the rink and saw Ella's droopy face.
"What's wrong, Ella? Did you know I was out there racing?"
" YES! You LOST Mama!" She was so disappointed. :-)
So begins the first reality of her mama's humanness!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Equilibrium?
We all like to keep our balance. . . physically, emotionally, and spiritually speaking. But there is a concept I learned in Human Growth and Development class long, long ago that haunts me. Disequilibration: to put out of equilibrium; unbalance.
In my college class, the professor reiterated again and again how there is greater potential for human growth and development in periods of disequilibration. YUCK. That is not happy for any person who wants to grow but clings to their equilibrium with white knuckles.
I've repeatedly found it to be true. These last 5 years have been about regaining my equilibrium. And there has been some amazing benefits, growth, and peace in my heart. As we contemplate a new jump, I feel the rumbling and shaking under my feet. DISEQUILIBRATION, HERE WE COME! And this time around, I refuse to go kicking and screaming into the season that will create amazing opportunities for growth and development. I will embrace my season of disequilibration. . . . at least today I will. ;-)
In my college class, the professor reiterated again and again how there is greater potential for human growth and development in periods of disequilibration. YUCK. That is not happy for any person who wants to grow but clings to their equilibrium with white knuckles.
I've repeatedly found it to be true. These last 5 years have been about regaining my equilibrium. And there has been some amazing benefits, growth, and peace in my heart. As we contemplate a new jump, I feel the rumbling and shaking under my feet. DISEQUILIBRATION, HERE WE COME! And this time around, I refuse to go kicking and screaming into the season that will create amazing opportunities for growth and development. I will embrace my season of disequilibration. . . . at least today I will. ;-)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Color
Abiel and I went clothes shopping on Saturday. GASP! As we perused the first store. . . my lovely 13 year old snagged a couple of items to try on. Black, grey, black and another shade of grey. Hmmmm. "Taking after your Mom, eh? Maybe we need to explore some color today."
Our second stop provided our opportunity to explore color. Mint green, jade green, bubble gum pink, banana yellow, fire orange, peachy peach, and of course one classy black to top it off. I was so proud of Abiel. :-) Why does it get more and more difficult to branch out of our supposed "style" the older we get? Argh. But she did it. . . and so did I, for that matter .. . a little. ;-) I guess I could say "a lot" since it may be just as painful for a mom to let their first born daughter branch out as it is for herself!
"I look like a box of pastel paints exploded," she declared as she donned her favorite new outfit for the review of her Papa. "Mama and I were exploring COLOR today! What do you think?"
Let's just say, Heath passed with flying colors. ;-)
I give you permission to appreciate color today. ENJOY!
Our second stop provided our opportunity to explore color. Mint green, jade green, bubble gum pink, banana yellow, fire orange, peachy peach, and of course one classy black to top it off. I was so proud of Abiel. :-) Why does it get more and more difficult to branch out of our supposed "style" the older we get? Argh. But she did it. . . and so did I, for that matter .. . a little. ;-) I guess I could say "a lot" since it may be just as painful for a mom to let their first born daughter branch out as it is for herself!
"I look like a box of pastel paints exploded," she declared as she donned her favorite new outfit for the review of her Papa. "Mama and I were exploring COLOR today! What do you think?"
Let's just say, Heath passed with flying colors. ;-)
I give you permission to appreciate color today. ENJOY!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Last Set of Summer Pics
All the cousins on my side at my Dad's. My mom, brothers, and all the cousins at Danny's house, and the four kids at Yellowstone. I wouldn't have any pictures whatsoever if it weren't for Abiel getting her new camera and taking them! Thanks, Abiel!
more pics
This set is in Great Falls, Montana on my dad's farm, riding horses, and at the wonderful Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center there.
More Pics
These pics are in Dayton, Wyoming visiting Great Grandma Moser and Uncle Larry and Aunt Diane.
A few pics from our summer trip
This summer the kids and I embarked on another journey to Montana. We were gone for 3 weeks and on the 4th week, Heath flew to meet us and we drove back through Yellowstone together. We had a wonderful time. Here are a few pics of the journey. This set is of our time in Eastern Montana at Plevna with Great Grandma and Uncle Fred. The bottom pic is the kids at Custers Last Stand near Wyoming.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Life with the Lockes
Life has been good. We finished up school well. I was able to be in a dear friend's wedding at the beginning of June in Texas. The kids and I have spent a fair amount of time at our favorite pool (the Georges!). Prayer meetings are moving and God is amazing! And now we are preparing for a four week trip to Montana.
The kids and I are leaving on the 10th and driving up to Dillon, MT for a few nights. Then on to Great Falls, MT for a few nights with my mom. Then on to Baker, MT for a few nights with my cousin and grandma. Then on to Dayton, WY for two nights with my other grandma. Then on to Great Falls again for a few nights with my dad and then a few nights with a brother. Then Heath will fly up to Great Falls and we'll all drive home spending 4 nights in Yellowstone!
We are all really looking forward to our time there. Please pray for us if you think of it. Though it will be great fun reconnecting with everyone, we will need different graces for each segment of our stays! God is doing amazing things within my immediate family so I'm looking forward to interactions about that with them.
On a personal note, I'm learning so much right now through Mike Bickle's "Omega" series on Revelation and the end times. Also reading "The Rewards of Fasting: Experiencing the Power and Affections of God" by Mike Bickle. Reading through Joyce Meyers book "Battlefield of the Mind" at the recommendation of my mom!! Pretty solid book and it's REALLY helping her find Jesus! Reading through the New Testament and seeing so much "new" stuff that I've missed before! :-) Mostly, my hunger and love for Jesus is increasing and as I read and press in, I simply realize again and again, how desperate I am for more of Him. Jesus answers the hungry cry for more of Him.
Funny Ella: Yesterday morning, I was still lying in bed while Heath was getting Ella cereal at six in the morning! She was instructing him on how mommy does it. Papa responded with, "Well, that's cuz Momma's amazing."
Ella responded with, "Yah, she is amazing." Long pause . . . "Papa, are you amazing?"
The kids and I are leaving on the 10th and driving up to Dillon, MT for a few nights. Then on to Great Falls, MT for a few nights with my mom. Then on to Baker, MT for a few nights with my cousin and grandma. Then on to Dayton, WY for two nights with my other grandma. Then on to Great Falls again for a few nights with my dad and then a few nights with a brother. Then Heath will fly up to Great Falls and we'll all drive home spending 4 nights in Yellowstone!
We are all really looking forward to our time there. Please pray for us if you think of it. Though it will be great fun reconnecting with everyone, we will need different graces for each segment of our stays! God is doing amazing things within my immediate family so I'm looking forward to interactions about that with them.
On a personal note, I'm learning so much right now through Mike Bickle's "Omega" series on Revelation and the end times. Also reading "The Rewards of Fasting: Experiencing the Power and Affections of God" by Mike Bickle. Reading through Joyce Meyers book "Battlefield of the Mind" at the recommendation of my mom!! Pretty solid book and it's REALLY helping her find Jesus! Reading through the New Testament and seeing so much "new" stuff that I've missed before! :-) Mostly, my hunger and love for Jesus is increasing and as I read and press in, I simply realize again and again, how desperate I am for more of Him. Jesus answers the hungry cry for more of Him.
Funny Ella: Yesterday morning, I was still lying in bed while Heath was getting Ella cereal at six in the morning! She was instructing him on how mommy does it. Papa responded with, "Well, that's cuz Momma's amazing."
Ella responded with, "Yah, she is amazing." Long pause . . . "Papa, are you amazing?"
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Living with Steam Rollers
I have four steam rollers. Their names are Abiel, Judah, Asher and Elianna! I'm supposed to be the yard manager, but these steam rollers have minds and wills of their own. If I'm not on top of things, before I know what is hitting me (several times a day), I'm flat on my back being run over by four very powerful little machines.
Heath has hit his first busy season at his new job. In January, the work started picking up to consistent movement. By March, it was non-stop movement in his 9 hour day. At that point he said, "I'm not sure how it can get much busier." Well, now we know how it can get "much busier" and they are telling him it isn't even the worst yet!! :-) He's gone by 6:30 and home by 8 or 9. The amazing part of all of this is that he is LOVING his job AND he's doing a wonderful job at it! The reason I share this bit in my steam roller scenario is that Heath's busyness has affected the state of the yard. Typically, Heath gets home by 5:30 and I'm "off" with the kids. He's the referee, jungle gym, bedtime routine patrol, conversationalist. I'm just the housekeeper after 6.
The first couple weeks of his busyness, we made a few adjustments to the schedule in the yard. But the more tired I got, the less I could manage the yard and the more I found myself flat on my back! By Wednesday of this week, I had a minor blow up (maybe the kids would call it major). I realized what was happening and then we had an hour of reinstating the rules of the yard: what gets dealt with and what gets rewarded. The rest of the week has been so much more pleasant! I'm hearing WAY more "Yes, Mom." "Can I help you with that Mom?" and WAY less arguing, disrespect and disobeying.
It's so necessary to have grace in the transitions and to reinstate the rules now and then! Though there was a moment of Mount Mommy Eruption, I am super excited to say the whole process has been quicker than it used to be, more effective and carried out with more peace. Hopefully, we'll be able to maintain order in the yard during this week of spring break. Pray for me!
Heath has hit his first busy season at his new job. In January, the work started picking up to consistent movement. By March, it was non-stop movement in his 9 hour day. At that point he said, "I'm not sure how it can get much busier." Well, now we know how it can get "much busier" and they are telling him it isn't even the worst yet!! :-) He's gone by 6:30 and home by 8 or 9. The amazing part of all of this is that he is LOVING his job AND he's doing a wonderful job at it! The reason I share this bit in my steam roller scenario is that Heath's busyness has affected the state of the yard. Typically, Heath gets home by 5:30 and I'm "off" with the kids. He's the referee, jungle gym, bedtime routine patrol, conversationalist. I'm just the housekeeper after 6.
The first couple weeks of his busyness, we made a few adjustments to the schedule in the yard. But the more tired I got, the less I could manage the yard and the more I found myself flat on my back! By Wednesday of this week, I had a minor blow up (maybe the kids would call it major). I realized what was happening and then we had an hour of reinstating the rules of the yard: what gets dealt with and what gets rewarded. The rest of the week has been so much more pleasant! I'm hearing WAY more "Yes, Mom." "Can I help you with that Mom?" and WAY less arguing, disrespect and disobeying.
It's so necessary to have grace in the transitions and to reinstate the rules now and then! Though there was a moment of Mount Mommy Eruption, I am super excited to say the whole process has been quicker than it used to be, more effective and carried out with more peace. Hopefully, we'll be able to maintain order in the yard during this week of spring break. Pray for me!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Funny Kids
Today in the car, the kids and I were talking about our favorite words in the English language. Right now, one of my favorite words to say is "pocket." I just like how it sounds! The kids threw out some of their favorite words and then someone said the word, "luscious." Here's where the fun began.
Judah: "Oooh, when I say the word 'luscious' I can taste a juicy, ripe plum."
(Judah added a few more excellent descriptions of this word and how it makes him feel, along with all of us in the car repeating the word 'luscious' several times a second to see how it made us feel.)
Asher a few seconds after Judah: "Luscious doesn't make me taste anything!" (You might need to know that Asher is my food lover. He would eat all day long if I let him, simply for the love of eating! I think he was genuinely distressed that he couldn't taste something simply by saying a word!)
Ella, a few seconds after Asher (luscious still echoing in the background from the other sound testers): "Flushes. When I say the word 'flushes,' it all goes away!"
Enter: Peals of laughter from the three of us who could understand the mix up and then a very upset Ella that we were laughing at her.
Explanation? "We weren't laughing at you, dear. We were just laughing because what you said was exactly right!"
Judah: "Oooh, when I say the word 'luscious' I can taste a juicy, ripe plum."
(Judah added a few more excellent descriptions of this word and how it makes him feel, along with all of us in the car repeating the word 'luscious' several times a second to see how it made us feel.)
Asher a few seconds after Judah: "Luscious doesn't make me taste anything!" (You might need to know that Asher is my food lover. He would eat all day long if I let him, simply for the love of eating! I think he was genuinely distressed that he couldn't taste something simply by saying a word!)
Ella, a few seconds after Asher (luscious still echoing in the background from the other sound testers): "Flushes. When I say the word 'flushes,' it all goes away!"
Enter: Peals of laughter from the three of us who could understand the mix up and then a very upset Ella that we were laughing at her.
Explanation? "We weren't laughing at you, dear. We were just laughing because what you said was exactly right!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Laughter is good medicine
"A merry heart does good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22
"A main aspect of joy is laughter. Studies have proven the benefits of laughter. Cancer patients have been healed through a 'prescription' of watching funny movies. Cells that destroy tumors and viruses increase through hearty laughter. "Energy-causing" endorphins are released into our body's system through hilarity."
~from "Igniting Faith in 40 Days" by Steve and Wendy Backlund
I've been making a conscious effort to laugh with the kids more. Chasing Ella around our house playing "Tag, You're It" or laughing at silly jokes or just being in the moment enough to have fun and laugh. It's been great for all of us! So here's your joke for the day. Judah and I laughed out loud for a long time with this one!
"What was the last thing that went through the bug's mind when he hit the windshield?"
First, less appropriate answer: his butt
Second, rated G answer with just as many laughs: "I won't have the guts to do that again!"
"A main aspect of joy is laughter. Studies have proven the benefits of laughter. Cancer patients have been healed through a 'prescription' of watching funny movies. Cells that destroy tumors and viruses increase through hearty laughter. "Energy-causing" endorphins are released into our body's system through hilarity."
~from "Igniting Faith in 40 Days" by Steve and Wendy Backlund
I've been making a conscious effort to laugh with the kids more. Chasing Ella around our house playing "Tag, You're It" or laughing at silly jokes or just being in the moment enough to have fun and laugh. It's been great for all of us! So here's your joke for the day. Judah and I laughed out loud for a long time with this one!
"What was the last thing that went through the bug's mind when he hit the windshield?"
First, less appropriate answer: his butt
Second, rated G answer with just as many laughs: "I won't have the guts to do that again!"
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Enjoying Day 21 and 22
Day 21: I enjoyed dropping my children off with a friend who loves them dearly in order to have a date with my hubby! It is so wonderful to have people who love my kids and are willing to invest in them and love on them. It was fun to have time connecting and enjoying the man who helped make the kids I'm learning to enjoy! :-)
Day 22: I thoroughly enjoy Wednesday mornings when we wake up at Auntie Joni and Uncle Mike's house after Tuesday night prayer meetings. I love seeing my kids snuggle up with Uncle Mike and Auntie Joni and again, letting their love tanks get some filling from other special adults in their lives who love them and pour into them. It makes a momma's heart full!
So today, thank you to all the people who have loved our family so wonderfully. Thank you for being family to us and our children. We love you more than we can say.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Enjoying Day 19 and 20
Day 19: Yesterday I fully enjoyed watching and cheering on my children singing in their little Christmas program at church! All of my kids have some performer in them and it was so much fun to watch each of their personalities on stage: Ella, eating up the attention (afterward she said, "Mom, did you hear them all clapping?!"), Asher, just bopping to the beat and totally lost in the music, Judah, very seriously focused to make sure he got it all right, and Abiel, working the crowd with her great smile and eye contact. It was fun!
Day 20: Today, Heath took 3 of the kiddos on errands and that left Asher and me alone. We had a date in the house. He kept asking me if this was really a date and I continued to assure him that a date is 2 people enjoying time together alone. . . anywhere! I love Asher's laugh and he did plenty of it as we spent time watching a movie, wrapping Papa's presents, playing board games and doing puzzles (don't forget the 5 cookies and 3 kisses that he ate. . . it wouldn't be good if it didn't have sugar)!
Day 20: Today, Heath took 3 of the kiddos on errands and that left Asher and me alone. We had a date in the house. He kept asking me if this was really a date and I continued to assure him that a date is 2 people enjoying time together alone. . . anywhere! I love Asher's laugh and he did plenty of it as we spent time watching a movie, wrapping Papa's presents, playing board games and doing puzzles (don't forget the 5 cookies and 3 kisses that he ate. . . it wouldn't be good if it didn't have sugar)!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Enjoying Day 17 and 18
Day 17: Yesterday I had the privilege of enjoying the thought of my children from afar! Heath is such an amazing husband. He tries to give me a day and night a month to retreat alone!! HAIL TO SUCH AWESOMENESS in my husband! I always leave frazzled and come home rejuvenated and ready to love wholeheartedly. So yesterday, I was enjoying thinking of who each of my children are. I can confirm the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," is actually true in the case of homeschooling mommy and children!
Day 18: Today I enjoyed holding Asher and Ella upon my return from neverland. I enjoy hearing them yell excitedly, "Momma's home!" I also thoroughly enjoyed a Christmas party with Abiel and Judah at the home of new friends from our school. I am not a party enthusiast but this was truly a delightful time.
Day 18: Today I enjoyed holding Asher and Ella upon my return from neverland. I enjoy hearing them yell excitedly, "Momma's home!" I also thoroughly enjoyed a Christmas party with Abiel and Judah at the home of new friends from our school. I am not a party enthusiast but this was truly a delightful time.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Enjoying Day 15 and 16
Day 15: Yesterday I enjoyed bedtime with the kids. They had funny bedtime conversation as I drifted off to sleep!
Day 16: Today we enjoyed making sugar cookies together! I had planned to do this the other day but KNEW we were not in a place of enjoyment, so I bagged it. Today we were much more peaceful and ready to enjoy our Christmas cookie endeavor.
What I'm learning: I'm realizing that enjoying my children isn't necessarily doing anything different with them. It's simply a change in my focus, my perspective of the events and at times slowing down to actually enjoy the moment.
Day 16: Today we enjoyed making sugar cookies together! I had planned to do this the other day but KNEW we were not in a place of enjoyment, so I bagged it. Today we were much more peaceful and ready to enjoy our Christmas cookie endeavor.
What I'm learning: I'm realizing that enjoying my children isn't necessarily doing anything different with them. It's simply a change in my focus, my perspective of the events and at times slowing down to actually enjoy the moment.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Enjoying Day 13 and 14
Day 13: Yesterday was a bit of a long day as we tried to do some school catch up from sick week. I was TIRED by the time Heath got home. We typically enjoy family time after dinner but last night, I needed some quiet time. We had "Room time" for the kids while Heath and I snuggled on the couch. As we snuggled, I enjoyed listening to my kids singing at the top of their lungs (a little out of frustration and antagonism at first) and then having it turn into creative making up songs together. I enjoy their creativity!
Day 14: Today was a much more peaceful day! I enjoyed doing Christmas projects with them for most of the morning while listening to Christmas stories and music. Now off to do some sugar cookies. Not sure that will be so much fun so I posted before we do that!
Day 14: Today was a much more peaceful day! I enjoyed doing Christmas projects with them for most of the morning while listening to Christmas stories and music. Now off to do some sugar cookies. Not sure that will be so much fun so I posted before we do that!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Enjoying Day 11 and 12
Day 11: I had Ella and Asher all to myself yesterday. We had to do a bit of shopping in the morning. We popped Starbucks into the agenda. I really enjoy being able to break the four down every once in awhile to enjoy their personalities more intimately. We enjoyed a nice conversation, the three of us.
Day 12: Today I enjoyed my kids as we sat at the lunch table together. We frequently eat meals together so this was nothing new. But as we sat there, I had an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for each of my kids, their uniqueness, and how much I love their daddy. I do enjoy my family. It has been good for me to meditate on this for the last 12 days!
Day 12: Today I enjoyed my kids as we sat at the lunch table together. We frequently eat meals together so this was nothing new. But as we sat there, I had an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for each of my kids, their uniqueness, and how much I love their daddy. I do enjoy my family. It has been good for me to meditate on this for the last 12 days!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Enjoying Day 9 and 10
Day 9: After a busy, busy day, I enjoyed snuggling with my kids on the couch and watching a movie that made all of us laugh.
Day 10: After a busy week, I enjoyed all of us staying in our PJs, reading books on the couch together, and taking the day as it comes. Hoping to enjoy a naptime this afternoon!
Day 10: After a busy week, I enjoyed all of us staying in our PJs, reading books on the couch together, and taking the day as it comes. Hoping to enjoy a naptime this afternoon!
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