Written last Thursday and promptly forgotten when I walked through the door to my home where tired and cranky kids, who were unwilling to listen or obey, attacked me with their whines and cries.
But this is what I wrote and this part is worth remembering:
Today was the best.
Fall weather is here.
I wore a sweater today. :)
I had my yearly review this afternoon.
My boss expressed her appreciation, trust and gratitude.
It's so nice to be appreciated.
I do love where I work.
I had a midafternoon date with my husband.
Have I mentioned how much I love that his office is only 2 blocks away from mine now?
We met this afternoon for a coffee break.
We walked hand in hand through the city.
We sat at a table in the courtyard outside his building and talked nonstop for 15 minutes.
We carpooled to and from work.
Quality time really is my number one love language.
Today is a good day.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
My loves
Amelia Jayne
We went through a really tough time with Amelia Jayne at the beginning of the school year. She was having a very difficult time at drop-off, crying and screaming for me to stay with her. It wouldn't take her long to settle down and she loves her school, so I know it wasn't anything there that was a problem. Plus, she was doing it everywhere - school, church, the Y. She just didn't want me to leave her and she was making sure I knew it. BUT, we've turned a corner! I developed a sticker chart so that every time she had a good drop-off she earned a sticker. After 10 stickers she got a prize. It worked! She did so well for 10 whole days and after she earned her prize she hasn't needed the sticker chart again!
She is completely potty trained. No more diapers, no more pull-ups. She had been waking up dry so much that I finally decided to just cut out the nighttime pull-ups, too. We did that about two months ago and haven't gone back. Since my last update on the kiddos she's really gotten the hang of all things potty.
We just finished up her dance class which she loved. I think she loved spending time with me in class more than anything, but I'll take that. I'm looking forward to putting her in a class that is a little more structured and organized so that she may actually learn some tap and ballet skills. I'm putting her in a trial class soon, so we'll see. I'll be finding something else to do with her, though, since quality time is an obvious love language of hers. Mine, too, so that works out well for both of us. :)
I am seeing so much independence from her now that she's at Joyland. She's the "big girl" of the group with 2 - 18-month olds and 2 babies completing the group. She's a great helper for Mrs. Joy, and those 18-month old girls look up to her so much! They constantly have this look of adoration and awe when they watch Amelia Jayne. It is so good for her, seeing as she is the baby everywhere else we go. She's super-sweet with the girls and the babies; she's helpful, while also learning compassion, care and love with children younger than her.
She has such a fun imagination. She pretends so many things - through dress-up, her dolls, books and TV shows. She also laughs out loud at the best moments. She doesn't hold back when she thinks something is funny, which is incredibly cute...and infectious! I often find myself laughing along with her because she's so animated and excitable. She also has this little Sheldon laugh that makes me crack up every time.
She is incredibly excited about her birthday and wakes up most mornings asking if today is the day. Basically anytime anyone says October, she says, "Today's my birthday??" I'm pretty sure she's afraid we'll forget. :)
Xander
That boy was made for school. He loves everything about it. He comes home eager to do his homework and talks non-stop about what they do each day. Since he's a rule kind of guy it's been a bit difficult to help him understand that there are some rules we don't have to keep at home that he must keep at school - like writing with a pen. He's not allowed to write with a pen at school, but I told him it's okay for him to use one at home when he's practicing. Oh no. Not acceptable.
Ooo-kay. We'll just stick with school rules from now on.
The end of his first quarter is Friday (Amelia Jayne's birthday). David and I will be attending his parent/teacher conference next week. I'm looking forward to hearing all about what he's been doing.
That kid amazes me every single day. He still loves flags, countries, and soccer. The other day David was telling him about a soccer game between Estonia and Spain. I didn't know where Estonia was, so Xander was explaining it to me. (near Finland and beside Russia, he said).
We were having another conversation about Turkey one day - he insisted that Turkey is in Europe AND Asia...when we looked it up, he was right.
I now just default to him. He knows his geography, folks.
I've heard him "announcing" soccer games while he plays. He sounds so authentic! It's pretty funny to hear. He also plays soccer games and pretends they're between different companies or schools.
Costco vs. Walmart
ImaginOn vs. Shook Kelley (David's old work)
Cox Mill Elementary (his school) often plays ImaginOn (my work)...Cox Mill always wins. :)
He loves Sophia the First about as much as Amelia Jayne. He sings the whole intro so often that it gets stuck in my head and we start singing it as a family...it's pretty ridiculous, really.
There are a few similarities between my kids, but overall they are incredibly different. It's fun to see their unique personalities, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and desires. And one of the things I love the most is how much they compliment one another. If one struggles with something, the other steps in and helps out. Xander is so literal and Amelia Jayne helps him see things with a bit more imagination. Amelia Jayne tends to get right in there and often throws caution to the wind...in which Xander immediately grabs it and tucks it away for both himself and his sister. He's one of the most cautious kids I've ever met. But she helps him loosen up a little bit and he helps keep her grounded. They're a great team!
We went through a really tough time with Amelia Jayne at the beginning of the school year. She was having a very difficult time at drop-off, crying and screaming for me to stay with her. It wouldn't take her long to settle down and she loves her school, so I know it wasn't anything there that was a problem. Plus, she was doing it everywhere - school, church, the Y. She just didn't want me to leave her and she was making sure I knew it. BUT, we've turned a corner! I developed a sticker chart so that every time she had a good drop-off she earned a sticker. After 10 stickers she got a prize. It worked! She did so well for 10 whole days and after she earned her prize she hasn't needed the sticker chart again!
She is completely potty trained. No more diapers, no more pull-ups. She had been waking up dry so much that I finally decided to just cut out the nighttime pull-ups, too. We did that about two months ago and haven't gone back. Since my last update on the kiddos she's really gotten the hang of all things potty.
We just finished up her dance class which she loved. I think she loved spending time with me in class more than anything, but I'll take that. I'm looking forward to putting her in a class that is a little more structured and organized so that she may actually learn some tap and ballet skills. I'm putting her in a trial class soon, so we'll see. I'll be finding something else to do with her, though, since quality time is an obvious love language of hers. Mine, too, so that works out well for both of us. :)
I am seeing so much independence from her now that she's at Joyland. She's the "big girl" of the group with 2 - 18-month olds and 2 babies completing the group. She's a great helper for Mrs. Joy, and those 18-month old girls look up to her so much! They constantly have this look of adoration and awe when they watch Amelia Jayne. It is so good for her, seeing as she is the baby everywhere else we go. She's super-sweet with the girls and the babies; she's helpful, while also learning compassion, care and love with children younger than her.
She has such a fun imagination. She pretends so many things - through dress-up, her dolls, books and TV shows. She also laughs out loud at the best moments. She doesn't hold back when she thinks something is funny, which is incredibly cute...and infectious! I often find myself laughing along with her because she's so animated and excitable. She also has this little Sheldon laugh that makes me crack up every time.
She is incredibly excited about her birthday and wakes up most mornings asking if today is the day. Basically anytime anyone says October, she says, "Today's my birthday??" I'm pretty sure she's afraid we'll forget. :)
Xander
That boy was made for school. He loves everything about it. He comes home eager to do his homework and talks non-stop about what they do each day. Since he's a rule kind of guy it's been a bit difficult to help him understand that there are some rules we don't have to keep at home that he must keep at school - like writing with a pen. He's not allowed to write with a pen at school, but I told him it's okay for him to use one at home when he's practicing. Oh no. Not acceptable.
Ooo-kay. We'll just stick with school rules from now on.
The end of his first quarter is Friday (Amelia Jayne's birthday). David and I will be attending his parent/teacher conference next week. I'm looking forward to hearing all about what he's been doing.
That kid amazes me every single day. He still loves flags, countries, and soccer. The other day David was telling him about a soccer game between Estonia and Spain. I didn't know where Estonia was, so Xander was explaining it to me. (near Finland and beside Russia, he said).
We were having another conversation about Turkey one day - he insisted that Turkey is in Europe AND Asia...when we looked it up, he was right.
I now just default to him. He knows his geography, folks.
I've heard him "announcing" soccer games while he plays. He sounds so authentic! It's pretty funny to hear. He also plays soccer games and pretends they're between different companies or schools.
Costco vs. Walmart
ImaginOn vs. Shook Kelley (David's old work)
Cox Mill Elementary (his school) often plays ImaginOn (my work)...Cox Mill always wins. :)
He loves Sophia the First about as much as Amelia Jayne. He sings the whole intro so often that it gets stuck in my head and we start singing it as a family...it's pretty ridiculous, really.
There are a few similarities between my kids, but overall they are incredibly different. It's fun to see their unique personalities, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and desires. And one of the things I love the most is how much they compliment one another. If one struggles with something, the other steps in and helps out. Xander is so literal and Amelia Jayne helps him see things with a bit more imagination. Amelia Jayne tends to get right in there and often throws caution to the wind...in which Xander immediately grabs it and tucks it away for both himself and his sister. He's one of the most cautious kids I've ever met. But she helps him loosen up a little bit and he helps keep her grounded. They're a great team!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Changes
In my 34 years on this earth I have learned that changes are inevitable. They are happening constantly and continuously. There is no escaping them, so better to embrace them and be flexible.
In my family we'll go through a spell of seemingly unending change and then it will slow down to where I think things are getting into quite a groove, just for things to flip upside down again. And I'm kind of starting to accept this. "Kind of" being the operative phrase there.
I tell you this because David started a new job this week. Yes, he had just changed jobs back in April and now he's at it again! But this time I am so very excited for him. He's been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. He started interviewing at Gensler a little over a year ago and got an offer just a few short weeks ago. Gensler is one of the largest architecture firms in the world. There are many opportunities for David to learn, grow professionally, mentor and be mentored, learn new things, share his own knowledge of the experiences he's had, travel, and help build the Charlotte office. Gensler thinks David will be a good fit with them, but I know that David is a good fit wherever he goes. There are many things I love so dearly about my husband - he's easygoing, hardworking, a team player, loyal and honest. He's good at what he does which is evident by the experiences and opportunities he's had. I am so proud of him.
So, cheers to David and his new endeavors! And here's to the changes that are inevitable.
Makes life interesting, eh? ;)
In my family we'll go through a spell of seemingly unending change and then it will slow down to where I think things are getting into quite a groove, just for things to flip upside down again. And I'm kind of starting to accept this. "Kind of" being the operative phrase there.
I tell you this because David started a new job this week. Yes, he had just changed jobs back in April and now he's at it again! But this time I am so very excited for him. He's been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. He started interviewing at Gensler a little over a year ago and got an offer just a few short weeks ago. Gensler is one of the largest architecture firms in the world. There are many opportunities for David to learn, grow professionally, mentor and be mentored, learn new things, share his own knowledge of the experiences he's had, travel, and help build the Charlotte office. Gensler thinks David will be a good fit with them, but I know that David is a good fit wherever he goes. There are many things I love so dearly about my husband - he's easygoing, hardworking, a team player, loyal and honest. He's good at what he does which is evident by the experiences and opportunities he's had. I am so proud of him.
So, cheers to David and his new endeavors! And here's to the changes that are inevitable.
Makes life interesting, eh? ;)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Contemplative
Our small group watched a super-cheesy video about personality types and working together in a group. Although I hope to never be subjected to that video again, there was an interesting test that went along with it. It basically shows your style of worship - which I love because so often we (Christians) get hung up on the "right way" to worship. There are so many different ways! God is good and He created us in His image. We're all so different and yet so similar. I truly believe that each of us reflect God's character - but often times different parts of his character. The fact that we can have different worship styles or tendencies just goes to show how amazingly huge our God really is.
Here are the categories:
| Naturalist: Naturalists Draw near to God through nature. Sensate: Sensates draw near to God through the senses. Traditionalist: Traditionalists draw near to God through ritual and symbol. Ascetics: Ascetics draw near to God through solitude and simplicity. Activists: Activists draw near to God through bringing about social change. Caregiver: Caregivers draw near to God through caring for and serving others. Enthusiast: Enthusiasts draw near to God through celebration and mystery. Contemplative: Contemplatives draw near to God through personal adoration and heartfelt devotion. Intellectual: Intellectuals draw near to God through their minds. Here are my results: 1. Contemplative 2. Enthusiast 3. Naturalist I decided to look up contemplative in the dictionary to get a better understanding. And I have to say that this fits me to a "T."
con·tem·pla·tive
kənˈtemplədiv/
adjective
noun
I think about things way too much, but perhaps this is just my way of worship? God created me to be a thinker, to meditate and be pensive. Enthusiast was a close second, to which I say - yep. If there's something I can get into, it's celebration! :) And I just marvel (and think, ha!) about the mysteries of our God and how incredibly creative He is. The world and all that is in it is a masterpiece. And naturalist? I'm somewhat surprised at this, but also not at all. I do love the beauty of this earth and all that God has created. In fact, I took this picture on my birthday to remind me of the beauty and ultimate Artist that is God.  |
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
For your Wednesday
If you've got girls who love Hello Kitty, check out this website. Apparently Hello Kitty is celebrating its 40th anniversary! See if there's a bookstore or library near you that's hosting an event. Fun times!
Writing about Hello Kitty reminds me of this time I was in Costco with Xander. He was about 3 years old. We were walking by the toy aisle when he said to me, "Mommy! Let's go down that aisle. I see toys. And there's even something Amelia Jayne will like - it's Hi Cat!" I could not hold back the uproarious laughter that spilled out of me. So, be sure to celebrate "Hi Cat!" at the end of the month. :)
I admire and respect someone who can own who she is and allow God to work through her with modern medicine. Take a look at this article and be encouraged.
I find myself in the drift quite often...especially as of late. I have been overwhelmed with certain choices I've made, scheduling conflicts, guilt-induced decisions, and on and on. Most of them aren't bad, but I need to prioritize.
Gosh, I feel old even mentioning this article, but I just couldn't help it. It is so good! I'm not quite old enough to understand all of these, but I can imagine them to be true. Gave me lots of ideas for my bucket list...
I love Jimmy Fallon and, of course, the library is close to my heart. This video made me laugh and smile and think of Jimmy Fallon and books and I laughed and smiled some more. :)
There is probably a whole blog post that will be dedicated to this in the future, but for now just take a look at this article if you do struggle or have ever struggled with emotional eating.
I've been looking for some new, healthy recipe ideas and came across this site. I haven't made anything from it yet, but I'm excited to try.
I feel like I rarely write about work anymore on here, but it's still very much a part of my life. :) Here's an initiative that we've just begun. It has so much potential and I'm very excited to be a part of this great work. So much about my outside-the-home job is incredibly fulfilling.
Here's a great article by Tasha Via about the way we speak and act toward our children - it made me stop to think how my actions come across and if I'm exemplifying the grace and love that I so often talk about and attempt to teach my children.
Writing about Hello Kitty reminds me of this time I was in Costco with Xander. He was about 3 years old. We were walking by the toy aisle when he said to me, "Mommy! Let's go down that aisle. I see toys. And there's even something Amelia Jayne will like - it's Hi Cat!" I could not hold back the uproarious laughter that spilled out of me. So, be sure to celebrate "Hi Cat!" at the end of the month. :)
I admire and respect someone who can own who she is and allow God to work through her with modern medicine. Take a look at this article and be encouraged.
I find myself in the drift quite often...especially as of late. I have been overwhelmed with certain choices I've made, scheduling conflicts, guilt-induced decisions, and on and on. Most of them aren't bad, but I need to prioritize.
Gosh, I feel old even mentioning this article, but I just couldn't help it. It is so good! I'm not quite old enough to understand all of these, but I can imagine them to be true. Gave me lots of ideas for my bucket list...
I love Jimmy Fallon and, of course, the library is close to my heart. This video made me laugh and smile and think of Jimmy Fallon and books and I laughed and smiled some more. :)
There is probably a whole blog post that will be dedicated to this in the future, but for now just take a look at this article if you do struggle or have ever struggled with emotional eating.
I've been looking for some new, healthy recipe ideas and came across this site. I haven't made anything from it yet, but I'm excited to try.
I feel like I rarely write about work anymore on here, but it's still very much a part of my life. :) Here's an initiative that we've just begun. It has so much potential and I'm very excited to be a part of this great work. So much about my outside-the-home job is incredibly fulfilling.
Here's a great article by Tasha Via about the way we speak and act toward our children - it made me stop to think how my actions come across and if I'm exemplifying the grace and love that I so often talk about and attempt to teach my children.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Birthday love
Today is my birthday! I am so blessed. Mondays are super-busy at our house, so David, the kids and I celebrated yesterday. It was a gorgeous fall day, so we built a fire in the outdoor fireplace, roasted marshmallows for s'mores and enjoyed the afternoon lounging and playing games outside.
It was perfect.
I got some beautiful surprises from David and the kids - some new rugs, a tablecloth, kitchen towels, and lanterns for the pergola outside. AND I got a food processor! I've never had a food processor and I am so excited!!
Adult life is so weird.
AJ and I went to her dance class this morning, had lunch with my dad and then visited a market selling pumpkins just up the road from our house.
I pick up Xander in a few minutes. The kids can't wait to have cupcakes and I'm looking forward to hanging out with them this afternoon. Our small group is tonight, so I look forward to those fun times, too!
Here are some pics from my special day(s):
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