Cousins

Welcome to Patrick Michael, Joshua's new (and first) cousin. Patrick was born to Aunt Kimberly and Uncle Michael on January 17. We got to go visit him the next day, and Joshua did a very good job holding the baby. Hopefully they will be great friends!

Happy New Year!

I'm not making resolutions...but I do have some thoughts for the new year.

I want to pray more...not just the rote, ritual prayers before meals, but genuinely spending time talking to my Father.

I want to be a better housekeeper. I'm checking out flylady.net to help me out with this...we'll see!!

I want to be a better mom. To do this, I have to be a better wife. This is hard for me. I like control.

I want to budget and prioritize our finances better.

I want to make the most of every day I have.

Thanksgiving

I have much to be thankful for this year.

1. God - my Savior and Redeemer. Where would I be without Him? Such a wretched person - full of dirt and grime. But with Him - I am redeemed by His blood and my sins are washed away. He upholds, sustains, guides, and protects. He is not surprised by anything I think or feel. He still loves me when I think or feel those things! Everything I am and have is because of His bountiful amazing grace.

2. Joshua - my amazing son. I can't begin to describe the blessing it is to be his mom. How undeserving I feel and how inadequate. He takes my breath away with his imagination and intelligence. I can't wait to see what the next years hold.

3. Chris - my husband of almost 8 years. He puts up with me in my funks. He supports me in parenting Josh. He's a hard worker even after this year of being laid off and working part time. He cares for his family and for others.

4. My family - all of them from my family of birth to my in-laws. They are all amazing wonderful people. I am blessed to be surrounded by parents and grandparents who are still married and loving and serving the Lord. I am blessed with a brother who is my friend. I am blessed with a sister-in-law who has become the sister I never had.

5. My job - teaching 4th grade. There are days - we all have them. But I truly love teaching, and I'm enjoying my class this year.

6. My friends - especially my MOPS gals.

It's the season of thankfulness. What are you thankful for?

First time for everything

Last week, I was on my way home from shopping at the mall when Chris called to let me know that Joshua decided to take a swig of his (J's) allergy medicine. Chris didn't know how much he drank. As I pulled into town past the fire station, the ambulance pulled out behind me and followed me to my house. The police were already there, and the paramedics came in the door behind me. I was focused on only one thing...JOSH!! He sat very quietly on my lap and let them check his heart and blood pressure while I spoke on the phone with poison control. We eventually determined that he didn't drink much, and they recommended watching him at home. He was fine - but it was our first emergency medical experience in almost 2.25 years! And he got a free teddy bear!

Just look at him!!

Roommates

Joshua moved in 2 years ago, on September 17, 2008. He was 6 weeks old. I finally had my boy home. How has life changed since then?

My living room is littered with little boy toys. Trucks, blocks, puzzles, books, stuffed animals, sippy cups, and giant legoes now decorate my home.

Sleeping in is a thing of the past. I hear "mama" over the intercom, and as much as I would love to sleep in, my heart smiles to hear him call my name.

My car only holds 3 adults now instead of 4. His "buckle" as he calls it has its permanent spot in the back. He loves looking out the window and pointing out things.

My bank account is smaller. Between daycare, diapers, and a little spoiling, our budget has shifted around to incorporate his needs.

I've made new friends. I'm involved with MOPS because of Josh, and the women I've met there have been wonderful.

My world is smaller. These days are so fleeting and life is so busy that sweet moments of cuddly hugs are treasured like fine gold.

My heart is full. I could not imagine my life without him. I thank God every day for entrusting us with our precious gift.

This little boy is completely an amazing, miraculous treasure from God. He is every inch a 2 year old - complete with melt-downs, grubbiness, new words every day, stubbornness, and fierce independence. The beauty of him is that he loves unconditionally.

Mom and Joshua Adventure

Joshua and I took a road trip this past week up to the Twin Cities. I was returning a visit to my college bff, Kris Schommer, and her family. Since we were heading all the way up there, we decided to make a few other stops as well.

Day 1 - Thursday. We left bright and early Thursday morning. After a stop for gas and lunch at McDonalds on the way up, we arrived in Ramsey, MN around 2:00. Joshua was very happy to see toys at Ethan and Erin's house, and they were very generous to share their toys with him. We went to free kids' day at Coborn's grocery store, and Joshua got free string cheese, a free cookie, a free banana, and a free popsicle. He also got to ride the penny horse. After a nice dinner of spaghetti, the kiddos played for a bit, and Joshua went to bed. Kris and I watched a movie, and then we hit the sack ourselves.


Day 2 - Friday. The weather was a bit iffy, so we decided to go to the pool (indoor/outdoor) at the Maple Grove Community Center. Joshua likes the zero-depth entry, and walked all the way to the 2 foot level. He fell often, with his head and face totally under, but he did a great job. I helped him up a few times, but mostly he did it himself. We decided to have lunch at a nearby McDonalds with a playland, since a park wasn't looking good with the weather. Once back to the house again, Joshua napped, and Kris and I got some talking time. We played a game and looked through some pictures. We had dinner again that night, played Phase 10 with Dan, and Kris and I played Disney Scene It.


Day 3 - Saturday. BUSY BUSY BUSY!! We headed out around 8:30 to meet my friend Kayla. I met Kayla while I was living in Fond du Lac, and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. I hadn't seen her for more than passing since my wedding! We met her at Panera in Coon Rapids and had breakfast. After a muddy crossing of a highway under construction, we took a nice long walk through the Springbrook Nature Center. Joshua rode in his stroller the whole time, and Kayla and I got in some good conversation. I dropped her off where she needed to be, and Joshua and I headed out to the Como Zoo, a free zoo in St. Paul. We had to park in a distant lot and catch the shuttle bus to the zoo. Joshua thought it was pretty cool riding on a bus. Once at the zoo, we saw the monkeys in the monkey house. There was a baby orangutan, and the mama orangutan came right up to the glass where Joshua was. We also saw the baby giraffe with its mama. It was very hot, so we decided to have lunch and head back to the car. We stopped for a carousel ride on the way out to the shuttle bus. After getting back to our car, we headed out to Fridley, and Michael & Joyce's house. The Melzers have known me since I was 2, and are a wonderful encouragement to our whole family. Joshua took a good nap there, and we had a nice dinner with them and a friend of theirs, Rachel, who also teaches 4th grade.


Day 4 - Sunday. We attended Bethlehem Baptist Church (North Campus) with the Melzers and Joshua loved the nursery. After a brief stop back at their house, we headed south to Burnsville for a quick visit with Shawn and Rachel Nicholson and their boys. I've known Shawn since we were 5, and haven't seen him or his family for about 5 years. (way too long!!!) We had lunch with them and Joshua played with the boys for a bit before heading home. We stopped for pizza on the way home, and with the little voice in the back seat saying, "dada?? sadie??" we arrived home around 8:30. Joshua was very happy to be home, and I was very happy to see my bed...and Chris & Sadie of course!!