Sometimes Daniel & I spend some time “freezing” moments in time. Sometimes I get carried away and save 171 moments in time and have to choose just a few to share. So, enjoy the few that made the cut.
I do love this little face more than words can describe! :) Happy Friday, All.
I am in the process of editing photos of the Hylton Family! More will be available for viewing later!
We were invited to the Carroll’s to say goodbye to the Rothrock’s. We couldn’t make it to the party for the entirety, but we did stop by for the tail end to say goodbye!
The highlight of our big 20 minutes there, Dennis jumped in the kiddy pool with all the little kids!! They seemed to love it! :)
Today we joined Shawn & Kaitlyn as they celebrated their union together. It was such a joy. I love weddings!! They ALWAYS cause me to recall my wedding vows to Dennis and to measure God’s grace against all of the odds we were up against. God is so gracious!!
The reception:
Then we took some pictures since we were all dressed up.
Erin & Nathan (just so adorable together)
and us! (minus our little guy)
It was a great day!!
Who
started
eating
rice cereal
for the
first time??
(Wonderin’ why I am taking pictures of the bowl and spoon in my dishwasher?!? Well, it is because it is the first time that baby utensils have been put in there, and I couldn’t not document the event!.. and Oh, how long I have waited to see such a fun lookin’ spoon in there!)
and guess who found his hands?!?!?!
and just a random thing I found today: I think the old man that owns this garden sits by his growing plants and talks to them. . Dennis however thinks it’s a couch meant to be dumped. . . and given that there is a pile of brush beside it, he just might be right.
and I found pretty train tracks. . I have plans for these very soon, I hope.
This is a bit lengthy but quite good in my opinion. Enjoy!!
Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as
far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed
their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our
kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never
mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by
scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons
before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until they’re about
five foot six.
It’s all so involved. There are so many rules and expectations. Kids
can’t even eat sugar anymore. My parents were solid as a rock but we
still had a cupboard populated with cereal royalty like Captain
Crunch and Count Chocula. In our house the pebbles were fruity and
the charms were lucky. The breakfast bowl was a place for
marshmallows, not dried camping fruit. Our milk was 2%. And
sometimes, if we needed to take the edge off a rough morning, we’d
tempt fate and chug a little Vitamin D.
Trial by Error
I don’t consider myself a particularly good parent. I was asked to
speak a few years ago at some church’s conference. They wanted me to
talk about parenting. I said I didn’t have much to say so they should
ask someone else (which they did). My kids are probably not as crazy
as they seem to me (at least that’s what I keep telling myself
anyway), but if I ever write a book on parenting I’m going to call it
The Inmates Are Running the Asylum.
There are already scores of books on parenting, many of them quite
good. I’ve read several of them and have learned much. I really do
believe in gospel-powered parenting and shepherding my child’s heart.
I want conversations like this:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: Because it will be fun to play with.
Me: Do you think he is having fun playing with the toy right now?
Child: Yes.
Me: Would it make him sad to take the toy away?
Child: I guess so.
Me: And do you like to make your brother sad?
Child: No.
Me: You know, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. That
means loving your brother the way he would want to be loved. Since
Jesus loves us so much, we have every reason to love others–even your
brother. Would you like to love him by letting him play with the toy
for awhile?
Child: Yes I would daddy.
I try that. Really I do. But here’s what actually happens:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What’s going on in your heart when you desire that toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Think about it son. Use your brain. Don’t you know something?
Child: I guess I just want the toy.
Me: Obviously. But why?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Fine. [Mental note: abandon "why" questions and skip straight to
leading questions.] Do you think he is having fun playing with the
toy right now?
Child: No.
Me: Really?! He’s not having fun? Then why does he want that toy in
the first place?
Child: Because he’s mean.
Me: Have you ever considered that maybe you are being mean by trying
to rip the toy from his quivering little hands?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What do you know?
Child: I don’t know!
Me: Nevermind. [I wonder how my brilliant child can know absolutely
nothing at this moment.] Well, I think taking the toy from him will
make your brother sad. Do you like to make him sad?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: [Audible sigh.]
Child: He makes me sad all the time!
Me: Well, I’m getting sad right now with your attitude! [Pause,
think, what would Paul Tripp do?
Thinking . . . .thinking . . . .man, I can't stop thinking of that
mustache. This isn't working. Let's just go right to the Jesus part.]
You know, Jesus wants us to love each other.
Child: I don’t know.
Me: I didn’t ask you a question!
Child: [Pause.] Can I have some fruit snacks?
Me: No, you can’t have fruit snacks. We are talking about the gospel.
Jesus loves us and died for us. He wants you to love your brother too.
Child: So?
Me: So give him the toy back!
Then I lunge for the toy and the child runs away. I tell him to come
back here this instant and threaten to throw the toy in the trash. I
recommit myself to turning down speaking engagements on parenting.
I want to grow as a parent–in patience and wisdom and consistency.
But I also know that I can’t change my kids’ hearts. I am responsible
for my heart and must be responsible to teach them the way of the
Lord. But nothin’ guarantees nothin’. I’m just trying to be faithful,
and then repent for all the times I’m not.
I have four kids and besides the Lord’s grace, I’m banking on the
fact that there really are just a few non-negotiables in parenting.
There are plenty of ways to screw up our kids, but whether they color
during church, for example, is not one of them. There is not a
straight line from doodling in the service as a toddler to doing meth
as a teenager. Could it be that beyond the basics of godly parenting,
that most of the other techniques and convictions are nibbling around
the edges? Certainly, there are lots of ways that good parents make
parenting a saner, more enjoyable experience, but even the kid
addicted to Angry Birds who just downed a pack of Fun Dip and is now
watching his third Pixar movie of the week (day?) still has a decent
shot at not being a sociopath.
I remember years ago hearing a line from Alistair Begg, quoting
another man, that went like this: “When I was young I had six
theories and no kids. Now I have six kids and no theories.” I must be
smart. It only took me four kids to run out of theories.
Getting a Few Things Right
I look back at my childhood and think, “What did my parents do
right?” I watched too many Growing Pains reruns and played a lot of
Super Techmo Bowl (LT could block every extra point and Christian
Okoye was a stud). I never learned to like granola or my vegetables
(kids, stop reading this post immediately!). But yet, I always knew
they loved me. They made me go to church every Wednesday and twice on
every Sunday. They made us do our homework. They laid down obvious
rules–the kinds that keep kids from killing each other. They wouldn’t
accept any bad language, and I didn’t hear any from them. Mom took
care of us when we were sick. Dad told us he loved us. I never found
porn around the house or booze or dirty secrets. We read the Bible.
We got in trouble when we broke the rules. I don’t remember a lot of
powerful heart-to-heart conversations. But we knew who we were, where
we stood, and what to expect. I’d be thrilled to give my kids the same.
I worry that many young parents are a) too adamant about the
particulars of their parenting or b) too sure that every decision
will set their kids on an unalterable trajectory to heaven or hell.
It’s like my secretary at the church once told me: “Most moms and
dads think they are either the best or the worst parents in the
world, and both are wrong.” Could it be we’ve made parenting too
complicated? Isn’t the most important thing not what we do but who we
are as parents? They will see our character before they remember our
exact rules regarding television and twinkies.
I could be wrong. My kids are still young. Maybe this no-theory is a
theory of its own. I just know that the longer I parent the more I
want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too
passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids,
teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with
them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up,
and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not
sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re
were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they
loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all.
(I brought Grand Canon with me, and when I went to snap his pediatrician appointment photos, my battery was dead!! So, I had to resort to the trusty ol’ cell phone)
Our baby in a word: Easy
Daniel’s stats:
weight: 14 pounds 6 ounces 25th percentile
height: 24 inches long (50th percentile)
Size 2 diapers
Size 3-6 months clothes
His appointment went well. He is a growing, healthy boy.
The doctor said to start giving him some solids. Cereal for practice as it adds no real nutritional value, and then start slow with fruits and vegetables. I am VERY excited about doing this, but very sad, too. He is my baby. He only needs me!!! : ) right?!!?!? The truth is, the milk that I provide for him will be the main source of nourishment for quite awhile still, the start of food just gets him practice eating, and tasting new textures while using a spoon. But still. . . I cannot believe it is time for this already!
We discussed vaccines that I am currently holding off on. Dr. Delaney gave me a video to watch as I am making the decision. He encourages being fully vaccinated, but if nothing else the meningitis, and the pertussis vaccine. I am going to be researching and making the decision soon. Daniel did have his 2 month vaccines done because I was unaware of some of the important information I have since found out. I know this topic can get many of you fired up, but please, hold all of your opinions. :) (said lovingly, of course)
Sleeping:
THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!
I lay him down at 8:15 p.m. and he will sleep until 8 or 9 the next morning!!! We cuddle and he will usually take another 30-45 minute nap around 11am, and then go down for a real afternoon nap around 1p.m. and sleep until 3:30-3:45. He will have another 30-40 minute nap around 5 or 6. It is awesome, but I feel like he is sleeping too much! My favorite part of him sleeping is that when I go get him out of his crib each time, he kicks and jerks his arms all around with a big grin. He is excited that I have come to get him. It’s like he is pleasantly surprised each time. I love it!!
routine:
Nursing:
GREAT!
He has seemed to drop his late afternoon feeding. He will nurse when he wakes in the morning- one again for his short nap, one more before his real nap, once after, and not again until it’s his bedtime feeding. He is getting quicker and quicker. I am so so glad that I pushed through this part of our relationship. It is so easy and non-complicated.
Milestones:
Fun/Interesting/Weird Things about him:
Other than all of these things, that is about all I can remember.
This is his “kiss.” A mouth wide open! And when you go to give him a kiss, he sticks out his tongue! 
Happy 4-month sweet boy!
It might appear that I have been quite deep in thoughts lately. Money thoughts that includes looking at sales ads and comparing them to the coupons I clip every Sunday to save us money while planning a well thought out grocery list to accommodate our weekly menu. And as I plan the menu, I get more and more annoyed at how even though I am planning well to go the store, I am still unhappy with the quality of food that I am bringing home to feed our bodies. Are you serious? To buy organic fruits and vegetables I have to pay nearly DOUBLE the cost?!?!?!? Or to buy organic (hormone/steroid free) chicken I have to pay $5.00 a pound!?!?!? Sigh. What is a middle class, penny pinchin’ woman to do??
Garden?
Yes!!!
I am not an outdoorsy girl. I like to be INSIDE where it is temperature controlled and comfortable. I don’t like to sweat, I don’t like to do that stuff. But, as this summer is approaching and I have a son that will be eating baby food made my his mom in two short months (at least) I want to give him the very best. Is it the pesticide filled veggies? No! So, I have a solution. Step outside.
Dennis and I are going to build boxes and place them around our house and fill them with soil and dirt, and then begin to plant some summer time essentials and some food for Daniel when he is ready to eat real food. I went to the library and checked out like 10 or 15 books on gardening to learn that we are too late to plant seedlings- so we are going to a nursery and buy some already started plants. I know close to ZERO about gardening, I don’t even know proper terminology, but I do know that I am willing to try new things for the betterment of our wallet and for the betterment of our bodies. And hopefully it will loosen some money for the higher priced foods that I cannot raise in my back yard.
Buy a cow? Chicken? Don’t think I have not considered it! ; ) I have thought about it, but let’s not get crazy!
Pictures to come of our gardening extravaganza!!
I have been considering the concept of money a lot lately. It is probably rooted out of my conviction that Dennis and I are not as disciplined with it as I know that both of us want to be. So looking through our finances, what we spend our money on, reveals what we think is important.
We all manage money. Some manage more than others. But we all manage it. Some manage it well, others poorly. Some people find themselves choosing which bill to pay each month but own 2011 model vehicles. Others pay all their bills and drive clunkers or older model vehicles. Some can do both.Some coupon to save, some only shop where the deals are. Some don’t care, and just buy whatever. Some folks can go to the grocery and not use the calculator, some don’t have to budget in how far they can drive that particular week. Some can drive where they want, eat what they want, etc. So, in taking a look at it, I have come to realize that Dennis and I have some non-negotiables when it comes to spending money.
1. No credit cards.
2. tithe check is written first, the full grossed 10%. This is not a brag factor, this is just simply being obedient to what God commands. What we have, He has given.
3. Pay all bills (in full) first. I say in full because I have heard of people paying half so that they have extra money for other (fun) things.
4. Budget the rest out between gas and groceries.
We fall short in one area. We take our extra left over, and we usually eat out. It is BOTH of our weak spots. It’s a treat and we indulge too frequently for our budget. That money should be saved, put away, end of story.
Is it? No.
Do I think that we are the worst stewards of money? No, not at all. But, it would make me feel a lot better to put some away. Is it hard to remember that when it is the end of the day, I am tired, and not wanting to face the chore of cooking a meal for two people, to clean and put it all away? eating out usually wins. Granted, we eat at places that are doing deals. Say, Texas Steakhouse does a 2 for $20 meal where you can get two steaks, four sides, rolls and an appetizer! Or… as we did tonight at Famous Anthony’s, they have $1.49 hamburgers. Usually once a week, I bring Dennis lunch at work. I just think that how we spend our money says something about our character. I don’t feel that we should sit on every dime we make, but be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor. But having a little money in case of an emergency is smart too. Here’s to having some discipline. Thanks for listening! : )
Recently, I have started bathing Daniel in the sink. We were having him take his bath with one of us, but the past week for whatever reason did not work out for that, and since I hate bending over the bath tub, I thought I would try the sink. Daniel can’t sit up on his own yet, so I am having to hold him up with one hand and bathe him with the other. Dennis doesn’t understand why I need help. :)
Daniel’s daddy is a little more relaxed about Daniel relaxing in the sink for a good soak. I was a nervous wreck. I snapped this photo and QUICKLY got him in an upright position.
After his bath, we get him ready for bed. It always involves him being lotioned up, a baby massage, and his hair combed. We sing and ‘talk’ together while this is happening. This is one of his favorite times, I think
I really like to spike up his hair because it just looks so ridiculous. And then I comb it down before leaving the room.
His (almost) 4 month tootsies.
He REALLY likes to sit up and look around. It’s so fun to watch him grow.
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