Wordless Weds.

Don't Carpe Diem? My thoughts

There is been an article ALL over fb and the Internet lately called "Don't Carpe Diem." If you haven't read it you can do so here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html

car·pe di·em/ˌkärpā ˈdēˌem/
Exclamation:
Used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future.

Basically, a mom is writing (and in my mind justifying) how she does not enjoy every single moment of parenting her young children, but rather cherishes the few moment of each day that are memorable.

To be honest, the article bothers me. In fact it is one that kinda makes my skin crawl. I have mentioned before SEVERAL times on my blog that complaining parents break my heart. If I know you and you do it in front of me, I might laugh out loud with others but inside it makes me sad. I would probably think the same thing I do when I read this article.

As our heavenly father tells us in His word,

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed,

But shall speak with their enemies in the gate" Psalms 127:3-5

Our children our GIFTS. Given to us straight from God, his very own heritage straight to us. Whether screaming in public, messing up your house or not letting you sleep at night these babies are GIFTS. All of the things that wear you out on a daily basis are the very things that grieving mommas miss EVERY DAY of their lives. Or the thousands that suffer with infertility and would give anything for it.

The article goes on to say that "Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seize the moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy every second, etc, etc, etc." and she "allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me."

One of my favorite versus in the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It doesn't say pick out the moments of your day when your kids are acting just right, being sweet or using their manners. It says in ALL things give thanks. Not because it makes you feel good but because they are from God and God is LOVE and that is what he tells us to do. And giving thanks doesn't mean being miserable or complaining.

In dealing with our kids, giving thanks could include thanking Him out loud with our mouths for the gifts he has given us. In the moments where you aren't feeling so thankful, thank Him. Tell your kids how thankful you are that God sent them to you to enjoy on this earth. Pray for them. Pray for you. "Be GLAD and rejoice in God!" Psalm 9:2 It might just make a difference:)

Just my two cents. There are often times that we may fail. And I certainly do, but it is something to strive for rather than submitting to it and thinking that it is okay.

27 months!

My baby girl is growing up:( I love that have this blog to be able to document all the highlights of each month of her life! Here are just a few things from this month:

Little miss is becoming "opinionated." Part of growing up yes, but a sad day when you don't get what you want:( Like getting to hold your snacks during a picture, watching 300 episodes of Mickey or going out to play in the snow when you have fever.

She is however finally starting to practice her "big sister" or "motherly" skills by pretending to feed her "bebe" (an icecream cone!) and cooking in her kitchen. Lots of "yummmmmm."
We also have a budding fashionista (I know, I know she has been fashionable since day one but that was all my choices!). She is always accessorizing with sunglasses (just like momma wears hers), necklaces, and bracelets. She loves to put on ALL of my bracelets when I am getting ready and I often find her with my hair rubber bands around her wrists!

See what I mean??? Goofy girl woke up from nap this day with none other than.....a Fiona headband!

She is also starting to be....just downright silly and I LOVE it. Lately one of the funniest things is when she tries to put herself in little containers!

I have also been trying to cook more and I guess she is noticing. Little girl really loves to help momma in the kitchen.

Are you noticing a trend in any of these pics? Well, lets just say that this month Callyn has all of the sudden become very possesive of certain items. At first it was Elmo. But, Elmo talks and when mommy hears Elmo on the monitor at 3:00 a.m. he loses his privileges. SO, now it's Mickey. Mickey mouse doesn't talk, but he does sleep with Callyn, go to school with Callyn, cook with Callyn and even shares the occasional yogurt with Callyn;)

Before church this past Sunday....before falling at church scraping up her chin and almost biting through her tongue. If there is an accident she is going to find it!

This is how I find my sweet girl most mornings. I know this is going to come in quiet handy once we have this new baby. She is SO sweet and will gather all of her things and just sit and play!

BIG GIRL!!

Few other things I want to remember:

• Callyn Joy you are making so much progress with your speech! Our goal is more spontaneous words and you have added several this month. Mickey, milk, thank you, please, and night night are just a few. You are also starting to put 2 words together- today you said "bye bye beau" to your friend at school.


• You can count to 10 all by yourself and never miss a number. You can also sing the WHOLE alphabet!!!!


• you are starting to show interest in potty training and i think you would probably catch on if i really worked with you, but i have decided to wait until spring break when we have some time at home to try again!


• you are still in a size 2t clothes and now a size 7 shoe. You have grown over 2 inches in 6 months in height!


• You would watch TV ALL day if we let you, so we have to hide the remote and keep you busy doing other things. You love going outside and playing with your new toys and you also love to do all things artsy- stamps, paint, colors, stickers, etc.
  

Kitchen Help

Monday we were stuck in side with the biggest snow store Midland has EVER had....seriously! We made the national news with over 11"! Callyn wanted to help me make crock pot tortilla soup. It it so fun that she is getting big enough to actually help and enjoy some of the things that mommy does.

And the best part? Tonight (5 days later) she found the recipe, brought it to me and then guided me over to our "cooking spot." She was ready for some more!

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8

Callyn's News

Cruise 2011!!!!

This might be the longest post in blogger history...but, all the wonderful memories MUST be posted. Instead of our traditional family Christmas, our parents gifted us a Cruise! Here is the lovely couple...one of which enjoyed 4..yes FOUR massages on our 6 day vacation!

And now for just a portion of the over 600 pictures I took:

On our way to Port in Galveston, TX

First night aboard the Carnival Magic 12/26/11

First Day at Sea 12/27/11

{day included dodge ball, toms, swimming, laying out in the sun, water slides, much relaxing, elegant dinner night and dance show}

Costa Maya, Mexico 12/28/11

{dolphin encounter, beach, snorkeling, beach side massages, writing names in the sand, naps on the beach and the best guacamole ever}

Cozumel, Mexico 12/29/11

{Xcaret park, swimming, shopping, Fat Tuesday's with a classic dad looking wasted but not really picture, casual dinner night}

Progresso, Mexico 12/30/11

{day in town, dune buggy rides, sand toys on the beach, soft servfe ice cream}

Last Day at Sea 12/31/11

{dodge ball, family t-shirts, keens, new year's eve formal dinner, unwrapping chocolates}

On our Way Home 1/1/12

{boat, bus, plane, car and home to a blessed start to 2012}