Until I was a Mom...

Ever pause for a moment and think about what you just said to your kids. Here's a few things I never thought I would say...until I was a Mom.

"Take the pot of your head..."

"Now where would you like your tattoo...face or hand"

"Use the diaper to wipe your nose..."

"Get that bone out of your mouth..."

"Stop licking the doorknob..."

"Don't forget your underwear..."

"Did you use soap with the washcloth?..."

"Everyone stop what your doing and search for the measuring spoons..."

"FREEZE! DON'T MOVE..." (said very loud in a retail store...boy, did that get looks)

"Shoes off ears, please..."

"The neighbor's kid..." (the answer I gave to my kids when they asked me which child that I liked best...I laughed out loud at that one - they did not find that funny)

Lunchtime conversation...

The kids and I sat down to eat our lunch today and here's how our conversation went...

My oldest girl (11 yrs): Did you know (talking to her older brother) that they have a magazine at the library on space? It's true I looked at it and it said "Mars, everything you need to know about it?" But I put it back because I didn't understand it.

My oldest boy (12 yrs): It was about Mars. How could you not understand it? It said it on the cover.

Oldest girl: I know but it had lots of technical words in it. Do you know all the words you read?

Oldest boy: Probably.

Oldest girl: There is no way that you know all the words in every magazine. They have a magazine for running and gardening and trees and traveling and cars and...

Mom (trying to put an end to this escalating conversation): O.k., we get it. We know that they have a magazine for everything.

My smallest girl (6 yrs): You mean they have a magazine for mermaids!

...thump....thump...thump...(sound of Mom's head hitting the lunch table)

Mom: I give up...

Hello my name is...

...trouble

Nuff said.

Meals from the Heartland...

Last weekend we had the opportunity to do something wonderful yet again this year. Here in the Midwest there is a grassroots organization that formed called Meals from the Heartland. Their sole purpose is to help feed the hungry in other countries. It was a fantastic experience to serve others. We spent a couple of hours pouring, measuring and packing boxes and meeting new people. Even our little toddler did fantastic and didn't complain one bit.

The dog bone issue...

O.k., picture this...The baby goes and sits down next to the dog. She is chewing on a bone and part of it has fallen down on the ground. The baby picks up that part and puts it in his mouth...and here's where we'll begin...

Mom: (freaking out) Get that bone out of your mouth right now!
Both the baby and the dog drop the bone.
Mom: (to the dog) No, no...it's o.k. you can chew on it.
Both pick up the bone and put it in their mouth.
Mom: (again, freaking) Ahhh, icky! Get that bone out of your mouth!
Both drop the bone. The one with the tail is getting confused.
Mom: (to the dog) It's o.k., you can chew on it. Just go chew on it somewhere else.
Both pick up the bone and put it in their mouth and race to another location...the same location.
Mom: (badly freaking out and racing to the location) Get that bone out of your mouth!
Both drop the bone. The one with the tail gives up thoroughly confused...the baby races away

Moral of the story: Never give a dog a bone with a teething toddler ANYWHERE in the remote vicinity...confusion will only follow

Lead me...

The bible says that a Christian husband/father should set an example as he earns a living, directs the household with concern for each member, and as he fulfills his role as head of the household. He should see to their spiritual development to the life he lives and the direction in which he leads his family.

I heard this song on the radio this past week and it reminded me just how much rides on my husband's shoulders every single day. He provides us with a wonderful home and the financial means so that I can stay home and teach our children. He loves each and every one of us unconditionally and is engaged in every aspect of our lives. I am so thankful for him. May we never forget to pray for the men in our lives...so much rides on their shoulders.