Progress...

Much progress has been made here in the last few days to a week. On more than one "front". Noah is truly potty trained now. He has not had an accident in days, has been waking up from naps dry, and will go for hours between visits to the bathroom. Its almost as if he does better when we don't remind him. He just leaves the room, then a minute later you hear the potty flush and he asks for help pulling his underpants back up. He still wears a diaper at night, which I am fine with. Even with that, he is waking up much dryer than usual lately. The only time he needs a diaper other than sleeping is for #2, which is pretty common. I think soon he'll completely transition over to the toilet for everything.

My nesting instinct is kicking in full force. I feel like I have been so productive as of late. The last two nights I went through tons of papers. Most of these had been stored in a large desk in our bedroom, but my disorganization had taken over and I was even filling laundry baskets with papers to "sort and file". Yeah, right. I wondered why it seemed all my laundry baskets had disappeared. Now I know why. I threw away 3 trash bags of outdated or unwanted papers. I consolidated down to one large laundry basket of files that need to be placed in our 2 drawer file cabinet. Its amazing to me that we went from a huge desk, plus several "overflow" baskets to just a simple 2 drawer file cabinet. Wow! Not only did I unearth a lot of junk that could be trashed, but I found important stuff as well. Those missing birth certificates for Rylee and Noah that I searched in vain for last summer so we could take my in-laws to the Canadian side of the falls. Yup, I found em. Guess what else I found?! Money. Yup. While sorting through birthday cards for Noah from last year, I found a $10 bill that never got deposited into his savings account. And even better yet, I found an envelope that neither Matt or I remember. It probably came from his ordination this past June, but we honestly don't remember where this came from, but we found $100 cash in an envelope. Yes, $100!! That will help pay off his laptop sooner.

As great as it was to sort through everything and gain a little more space, I gained a sense of accomplishment and even a little peace as well. Its hard to feel restful and peaceful in the midst of total chaos and clutter. I also feel great about doing something I have literally put off for about 5 years. And you know what, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I thought it would take a whole day, or more. It took about 4 hours. Isn't life like that? The things you put off and dread the most are often not nearly as bad as we make them out to be in our minds. Now I know why they say the battlefront is in our minds. Determining to do something is truly half the battle.

When I see progress, it spurs me on to get more done so I can see even more progress. Its really a snowball effect for me. How much more can I get done? Well, lets just see! After all, I have 11 weeks and 5 days before my due date, so hopefully that means almost 12 weeks of nesting instinct spurring me on!

More on potty training ...

After only a little success in November, I reluctantly had to put potty training Noah on the back burner for a bit. With Christmas and New Years fast approaching, and a 10 hour car ride (one way) to visit Matt's family, it just didn't seem like the timing was working out. Also, I was up to my eyeballs in Christmas shopping and making/selling jam. Almost every day we were out running errands, taking Rylee to art lessons or ballet class, at church, etc. These places, and car rides in general, are not very "friendly" to the potty training toddler. When he says he has to go, he means NOW, not in 10 minutes when we reach a restroom.

I tried last week to start him back up going on the potty. I thought he would at least pick up right where we left off, with maybe only a day's delay. I was wrong. I tried. I really did. By Tuesday night I was ready to beat my head against the wall. After over a weeks worth of fairly consistently putting him in underpants and reminding him often, we literally had only a success or two. I was beyond frustrated. I had decided I had two options. I could give up again temporarily and give it another try in say, a month. My selfish pride at knowing my little guy was going to turn 3 in just a few weeks really ate at me. I wanted him to be at least mostly, if not fully potty trained by the time he was 3. Why? I don't really know, but it would have made me feel better. My other option was to start getting much more firm about it. My mother in law said the only way she got Matt trained was to start spanking him when he didn't use the potty. Sounds terrible, I know. But, he knew what he was doing and was specifically avoiding the potty. He was so laid back in his personality, that he needed that push. I think she said she only had to spank him a couple of times and he got the hint and was trained almost overnight. Noah has a very similar personality, so I had considered taking this route. After getting off the phone with my sister yesterday, and talking a lot about potty training (Brock is pretty much trained!), Noah, who was wearing a diaper at the time, came up to me and said, "I want to go potty on the big potty, Mommy!" I was shocked to say the least. Not expecting a lot, I set him up there. He immediately went. Boy, did I clap and praise! Noah was grinning from ear to ear. He continued that way the rest of the day with NO accidents. I did put him in a diaper at nap time, but only then. This morning he has already had an accident, but has been in underpants for several hours. I'm hoping yesterday started something. I think we rounded a corner!

On a totally different note, I mentioned I was saving my profits from my jam sales this fall for a new couch and love seat. Matt and I went shopping recently and found something we both love. The couch and love seat should be delivered this weekend. Goodbye ugly, old, stinky couch!!!! It felt so good to know all those times when I was up until 3:00 am making jam and sooo tired, finally paid off. Our first time with new living room furniture. Its very exciting.

Oh, my aching back!

Remember yesterday, when I said I don't really "do" New Years resolutions, but I do like the inspiration that tends to come with the new year? Well, I've been getting a ton of stuff done the last few days. It feels soooo good to know that a bunch of these little projects, be they ever so small, are getting done. On the flip side, I'm paying for it physically. I tend to have quite a bit of tailbone pain when I'm pregnant any time I do any amount of physical work. Honestly, the pain is minor compared to the satisfaction I'm getting watching my list get narrowed down. I love making lists to remind myself of what needs to get done and to keep me on track. These are a few things that I was able to cross off my list the past few days. Don't laugh...some of them are small, but they help keep order in my home.

-Washed, dried, folded, AND put away 2 loads of laundry (the folding and putting away part are a big deal to me, as I sometimes skip that step!)
-Made a bunch of calls to book musicians for our coffeehouse for the next few months.
-Steam cleaned Rylee's bedroom carpet...it looks great.
-Scrubbed both booster seats from my kitchen. Sounds simple, but let me clue you in....they were disgusting!
-After cleaning the boosters, I couldn't just return them to the messy chair they had previously sat in, so I scrubbed and washed and scrubbed some more. They were so crusty and grimy it took me about 20 minutes each for 2 chairs!
-Unpacked myself, Matt and Rylee from our trip over the holidays. Noah is almost there....
-Put away about 60 kids books and cleaned the corner they had previously been inhabiting (once again...crusty and grimy.)
-Swished and swiped both bathrooms two days in a row (you know exactly what this means if you are a Flylady follower. For those who are not, it basically means you clean your sink and toilet in your bathrooms daily)
-Cleaned up Rylee's room and put away a few things that were out.
-Made all three beds two days in a row.
-Cleaned up a whole recycling bin of newspapers that blew away into our yard. They were everywhere. The kids helped and earned a bit of piggy bank money.
-Finally put away some of the kids summer toys that were still in our yard. Better late than never, huh?
-Went to bed each night the last few nights with a clean house, empty sink and swept floors. No crazy morning rush to pick up before kids get dropped off. Nice!

I know, sounds simple, but I'm really so pleased with my accomplishments the last few days. Now if I can just keep this going...

New Year...

Happy New Year! I realize its been several weeks since I have posted last, but I have a great excuse...I was out of town visiting my husbands family in Indiana for 11 days. My inlaws have dial up internet and I would rather spend the time with them than post a blog that might tie up their phone line for a while. We had a great time.

As I sit here typing, Noah, Rylee and Brock are outside the window swinging on the swingset. Its beautiful out. No, its not sunny, but its got to be about 60 degrees or so. Are we sure its really January, because Rochester does not usually get this warm at this time of the year. I'm loving it. I'm happy for the kids that they can play outside once again and not be bundled up like an eskimo.

I know a lot of people take this time of the year to proclaim a new years resolution. I guess new years resolutions have never really worked for me. I also feel that if there is a change you want to implement, why wait until the new year? But hey, if it works for you, by all means go with it. Maybe I believe in resolutions but just don't call it that. I really want this year to be one of increased organization in our home. No more hunting for things amidst the clutter. No more junk lying around. Etc...you get the idea. As busy as we are, we don't have the luxury of living in a house that is cluttered and messy. I have been much better about that the past few months, but I want to get even better. Thankfully, baby #3 should be joining us mid April, and adding a new one to our family always spurs me into greater productiveness...possibly out of sheer necessity if nothing else. Yes, the nesting instinct has helped also. I want so much to be a good example to our children in all things. Not just in parenting or spiritual issues, but in keeping an orderly house as well.

I have become a fan of Flylady...ever heard of her? It seems that more and more people I know are getting turned on to her. She gives common sense advice in how to manage your home, and gives you routines to follow everyday until they become a good habit. Its not rocket science. If you can discipline yourself even a little, her advice will start making your home less cluttered and more relaxing to be in.

So, here's to a new year. Hopefully one that brings health, prosperity and peace to all of us. May your "New Year's" wish come true....

Keepers of the home...

This week I came across a blog of someone I have never even met. She is a Christian, she is a mother (I think to 7 children), a homeschooler, and a pastors wife. I was so intrigued by her latest blog. It talks of doing what God made you to do: love your husband and kids, serve God, and be a keeper of the home. It reminded me of my father's most recent message this past sunday. He talked of expectations. Mostly those that we allow others to hold us to, or those we put on ourselves. The woman's blog said that our first priority should be to God and our family. If our house is in constant chaos, there is never anything to eat, no clothes to wear because they are all dirty, then perhaps we are overcommitted and need to reevaluate. Now perhaps you don't agree with her philosophy. I suppose it would depend on what you feel called to do. As someone who feels called to be a stay at home mom, I agree with her remarks for myself. I felt rather convicted by the sad state of affairs here at home. Yes, my situation is a bit different. Part of my job is to also watch 2 other children in my home. I'm also pregnant, which definitely has an effect on my energy level. I also try to make extra money for my family this time of year by selling jams at shows. This year was my most successful yet, and our reward will be next month when we go furniture shopping for new living room furniture. However, in the midst of all this, my house and patience has taken a backseat. I was short on sleep and long on stress, so I snapped more easily at the kids. My floors had berry juice stains on it, and my kitchen table was always covered in jam jars, thawing fruit, etc. Meals were put together in a hurry and laundry began to look like Mt. Everest. I'm so grateful to be back into a more normal swing of things now that my last sale is over with. Its still a little busy with the Christmas season, trying to get Christmas card pictures taken, shopping, Christmas parties, packing for a 10 day trip away, etc. Is there ever not a busy time in life? In the midst of all of this I'm making a true effort to be the wife and mom that God wants me to be,and to put my family first. I'm trying to remember what this season is all about. I'm figuring out that certain things have to be dropped because surprise, surprise...I'm not superwoman! I'm all too aware of my limitations. I want to "be all things to all people"...basically, the perfect wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend. I know that I should strive to be the best I can be, but realize that perfection will never happen. I doubt anyone will be seriously let down by me, but in my head I hear "this isn't how the perfect "so and so" would do things. Yes, my house would look like Martha Stewart lived here, and my patience would never run short, even in the midst of tantrums and whining. I would actually find myself with extra time to myself and have everything done ahead of time, never rushing. However, I'm me. I fall short. Period. All I can do is ask for more strength and wisdom and learn from my mistakes. After all, laundry will always be there for me.

Smells....

They say that smells can trigger more memories and emotions than just about anything else. I believe that. Whenever I smell lasagna cooking, I think of my Nana. She was such a kind lady, and although she was not Italian, her second husband was. She honed her Italian cooking skills to the point that I always thought she was Italian during my growing up years. Her food was that good. That smell always floods me with happy memories.

This morning greeted me with not such happy thoughts. After taking a shower and getting dressed upstairs, I came down the stairs and was greeted by a terribly offensive smell. Before I was even down the flight of stairs, I said to Matt, "Ugh...that smell! Disgusting!!" He said, "What? I don't smell anything!" I said, "Are you kidding me?" He wasn't. Before going any further, I must admit to a strange trait I have. It might be a family thing, as my sister Missy also posesses this strange trait. Neither of my parents or other sibling do, though. You see, we have a very heightened sense of smell, along with a habit of having to smell everything. I will smell things and Matt will stand there clueless, like this AM. Well, after fully coming down the stairs, I rounded the table to find 2 piles of dog vomit on the tile floor. Further searching revealed an unbelievable mess in our living room. My dog had diahrrea in about 8 spots all over the hardwood floor, in addition to the vomit. The last week she has only been eating the cats food. I think she must not like the food I got her (although she has had it in the past). I tied a scarf around my nose to block the smell. For someone who already smells things that others do not, I'm also pregnant which seems to make my stomach very sensitive to those smells. My mouth was watering already, as if I might throw up myself. The scarf mostly helped. I didn't puke, but I coughed and gagged, and my eyes watered, and my nose clogged. After 30 minutes of cleaning up and bleaching the floors, I was finally done. I boiled water and added cinnamon and cloves, and it really helped with the smell. I hope I don't have to deal with that for a long time!!

I think I've passed this trait down to my kids. Noah more than Rylee. Last night we were at a church dinner and I asked him if he wanted chicken. He said, "Can I smell it first?" I added a little piece to his plate and lifted it to his nose, fully understanding him. He inhaled, but wasn't quite sure. He asked, "Can I smell it again?" I obliged, and he ended up eating some. My oldest sister was there and laughing her head off at the whole exchange. "Oh man, you passed it on to him?" She laughed. Yes, my son has inherited my weird trait. This is the reason he will not eat cheesy popcorn. It smells to him. I agree it stinks as well. I mean, have you ever truly smelled it? The white cheddar is the worst. I love the taste, but the smell is enough to gag me. I even remember my brother getting frustrated when I was a kid. We were eating dinner, and I didn't start eating until I had smelled my fork. Why, you ask. I don't know, I just do it. He said, "Would you quit smelling everything and just eat, for goodness sake!" So, if we are ever at a party, and you catch me sniffing something (the cup, my shirt, the silverware, etc.), just know its nothing personal and something that I just do. Don't ask me to explain it, because I cannot.

PS-So sorry if you are eating breakfast while reading this. It was not meant to make you gag as well!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Well, it seems as if that is all it has done the last 5 days. Although I absolutely love it, I must admit that now that my husbands job for the last 2 years has involved snow removal, I almost cringe knowing when snow is on the way because it means he will be away from us long hours. He put it over 17 hours of overtime this weekend between snow removal and a lengthy meeting. Monday AM he left for work as usual, and we did not see him until tuesday at 11:00 am. He was only able to get a few short hours of rest, and it made more sense for him to just sleep on the floor of the office in a sleeping bag rather than try to brave the terrible roads and come home. He was home for about 4 hours yesterday before heading back out. He's still out, and its 8:00 am on Wed. He was going to get about a 3 hour break, and once again, it just didn't make sense for him to travel over 20 minutes in 1 direction on little sleep, just to sleep here. I know he must be exhausted as well as his boss and coworkers. They should get a little break for the most part today. At most, it looks like we will get 1 or 2 inches, tops, today. I'm sure they are all breathing a sigh of relief knowing that. Our little area of the county got hit much worse than other parts. We got 8 to 10 inches of snow, although now it has settled and packed down a bit so it looks more like 6. My normal thoughts on snow are that if its going to be really cold, we may as well have snow on the ground. Now, I'm reconsidering that if it means not seeing Matt for long periods of time.

On a sad note, I found out that some aquaintances of ours from our former church, lost their first baby to a stillborn birth. The mom was 8 and a half or nine months along. I don't know a whole lot of details about what possibly went wrong, only that last tuesday they were not able to hear a heartbeat, and started induction. Wed. the baby was born dead. I cannot tell you how much it grieved me to hear such sad news. It was one of those sorrows that you literally feel in the pit of your stomach. It brought back memories of a close family member losing her baby to miscarriage at 5 months. That is how far along I am, it its so hard to think of that. I don't allow my mind to dwell on it because it would cause so much anxiety, which I know is not healthy for anyone. The only things I know are this: God promised to never give us more than we could handle. He also has numbered all of our days. For some of us, we will live to be old, while others are only given shorter times. I don't pretend to know why. Perhaps they only need a short time on earth to accomplish their purpose. It all comes down to when sin was introduced into our hearts thousands of years ago. It set a clock in motion that was never intended to be. We are created as everlasting beings. It was God's intention, I believe, that those "immortal" or "everlasting" lives were meant to be lived out on earth, but sin destroyed that. We are still "immortal" or "everlasting", its just that only a few of those years will be lived out here on earth. The remainder, well...its our choice. It makes me so glad to have peace that I will spend those years forever in heaven. I think of those parents who lost their baby. I hope they are able to see a long way down the road and remember that because they are God's children, and chosen a relationship with Him, that they will spend eternity with their son. He is not lost to them forever.

On a very happy note, our good friends, Claude (Mikey as he has always been known to Matt), and his wife Jewel received good news about their baby girl, Eden, who although she is officially adopted by them from Vietnam, was not granted a Visa like her sister was. Mikey and Jewel had to leave Vietnam with only Jordan, not Eden also, as was the plan. After a few months of writing senators, expensive lawyers, and many tears and prayers on their part, the official investigation into the facts surrounding Eden's abandonment have shown no corruption. Their lawyer is confident that not only will the baby be given her Visa, but that she will be home with her family in time for Christmas. If that isn't the best gift, I don't know what is! We are so excited to meet both of our God-daughters later this month when we go to Indiana for a Christmas visit. Their family will be visiting as well from California...what perfect timing.