It's time to return. Time to return to a normal life. Now I ask, what is normal? My normal for the past 4+ years has been work, life, church, parenting, and overshadowing it all: grad school.
It's hard to describe what part time schooling does to a person who is living a full time life. I think it is best described as a cloud hanging over your life of "normal" activities. Always that nagging feeling that you should be doing some type of studying, research, or reading some article or textbook. I honestly don't think I've truly comprehended yet what life is going to be like now that this cloud has dissipated. My mom said to me, "You mean I don't ever have to hear again how you have homework to do?" I know she said it with all the love in her heart--so, yes, mom, I will never have homework to do again. :)
So, it's time to return to those things I've set aside: writing (journaling, blogging), scrapbooking, photography, playing the piano, reading a novel, exercise.....oh the list boggles the mind! Can I remember how to relax? How to enjoy and set goals in my hobbies?
It's also time to be a parent. Not that I haven't been a parent for over a year now, but I've never really felt that I've been the best parent. The cloud even overshadowed that. I look forward to every moment with my daughter, encouraging her and being the mom that I always wanted to be.
I also look forward to once again continue sharing the adventures that occur in our home on Prospect...it's time.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
summer!
ah...summertime!! It has arrived and I'm thoroughly enjoying the time home with my little girl.
We welcomed summer's arrival on Memorial Day weekend with a camping trip to Higgins Lake. It was Leah's first time camping and she loved it! She even got her first boat ride in the little fishing boat...daddy can't wait til she's old enough to actually go fishing!
Summer also came with the arrival of the first little tooth! So far nothing else has poked it's way through, but it sure does make her smile that much cuter. :)
As for big plans this summer--there aren't any. I'm working on my "student teaching" for grad school which takes place two days a week through the end of July. So, I have my list of projects to work on around the house this summer and with a few beach trips tossed in, that will pretty much be the summer!
We welcomed summer's arrival on Memorial Day weekend with a camping trip to Higgins Lake. It was Leah's first time camping and she loved it! She even got her first boat ride in the little fishing boat...daddy can't wait til she's old enough to actually go fishing!
Summer also came with the arrival of the first little tooth! So far nothing else has poked it's way through, but it sure does make her smile that much cuter. :)
As for big plans this summer--there aren't any. I'm working on my "student teaching" for grad school which takes place two days a week through the end of July. So, I have my list of projects to work on around the house this summer and with a few beach trips tossed in, that will pretty much be the summer!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Mothering in May
So, time to update again! :) Life still keeps on at a busy pace, with not much big news to report. Leah is totally at one of my most favorite ages right now: everyday is a new adventure with new discoveries for her. She sits up very straight & tall, loves to play with her toys, being read to, and jumping with all her might in her jumper. The latest "trick"? Pulling herself up to a standing position! Sit her in front of her play kitchen and the next you thing you know, she's doing pull-ups with as much upper body strength as she can muster to get her little feet under her and with a final grunt, she (usually!) can get herself up to standing! We know it's not too much longer and she's just going to take off on us. She has very little interest in being on her belly to try and crawl anywhere--she'd much rather stand while holding on to something.
We also decided to embrace our Dutch heritage with Leah. Celebrating Tulip Time in Holland was a perfect way to do so: complete with the wooden shoes!!
Leah is my amazing daughter; I was able to reflect and ponder on this while celebrating my first Mother's day. How lucky am I to have been chosen to be the mother of this unique and amazing little person? I cannot wait to see what adventures God has in store for her & I!
We also decided to embrace our Dutch heritage with Leah. Celebrating Tulip Time in Holland was a perfect way to do so: complete with the wooden shoes!!
Leah is my amazing daughter; I was able to reflect and ponder on this while celebrating my first Mother's day. How lucky am I to have been chosen to be the mother of this unique and amazing little person? I cannot wait to see what adventures God has in store for her & I!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
sun day!
kind of like a snow day...only the opposite! :) Actually, my cousin wasn't able to babysit today, and since I have a few comp days to use, I'm home with my girl today. And, we're so lucky to be able to enjoy warm, 80 degree weather as a bonus to our weekday together!
Since she is working on nap number 1 for the day, I thought I'd take a moment to update the ol' blog. I am sticking to my promise to keep it lower on my priority list during this busy season of life, but I'm finding that I have no record of what's going on in our lives then!
So, a brief look at our month of March:
I also had to make the decision to not involve myself in our church's easter musical. This was a tough one for me as I so enjoy singing in choir; but, I'm learning that other things have to be priorities right now. We often talk about the seasons in one's life--so, this season is about being a working mother and finishing my commitment to graduate school.
I miss writing too. This blog has always been that outlet for me, but finding the time to do it is tough! I know season will change soon though, and I can write a backlog of the multitude of things that I have wanted to write about. :)
In the meantime, it's time to go and enjoy this season's weather with my girl!
Since she is working on nap number 1 for the day, I thought I'd take a moment to update the ol' blog. I am sticking to my promise to keep it lower on my priority list during this busy season of life, but I'm finding that I have no record of what's going on in our lives then!
So, a brief look at our month of March:
- super busy at work with teaching classes, a state review of the health center, work with nursing students, and couple of trainings for myself--busy month, but rewarding!
- Graduate classes continue--homework, homework, & more homework
- Celebrate my 33rd birthday
- Go to Crystal Mountain for an overnight stay in a beautiful cottage with friends & all of our kids. So fun!! Leah experiences swimming for the first time and loves it!
- Leah begins sleeping through the night--12 hours straight!
- Our other "child", Harley, has to be put down. He had been growing a tumor for a few months that we had chosen not to treat, but the end was rather abrupt--not something we had expected so soon. We still have moments of emptiness...in our lives and home. I just picture him in heaven--chasing all the squirrels he could ever want!
I also had to make the decision to not involve myself in our church's easter musical. This was a tough one for me as I so enjoy singing in choir; but, I'm learning that other things have to be priorities right now. We often talk about the seasons in one's life--so, this season is about being a working mother and finishing my commitment to graduate school.
I miss writing too. This blog has always been that outlet for me, but finding the time to do it is tough! I know season will change soon though, and I can write a backlog of the multitude of things that I have wanted to write about. :)
In the meantime, it's time to go and enjoy this season's weather with my girl!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
laughter is the best medicine
so, we are sharing our love of laughter with our daughter...how can you have a bad day when you share laughter with this cutie pie? ;)
Friday, February 12, 2010
my new Valentine
So, we've made it through a month of my going back to work full time. I have to say the transition has been harder than I expected it to be. Finding the "balance" is not inherent in a working mom's psyche; it is something learned. My heart will forever be home with my daughter, yet I still feel called to my work. How do I handle it? With lots of prayer, self-grace, a supportive husband, and one...day...at...a...time... :)
I haven't updated in awhile--one of those things that I have had to tell myself to let go for a bit--but lots is happening in our lives. Our precious little girl is getting more interactive, more chatty, more studious, and more fun every day! Her little personality is forming and seems to be similar to her mother's (if I do say so myself!). She is a very content little girl who loves to have books read to her, play with her rattle, listen to music, and chat with whoever seems interesting to her. :) She has figured out how to roll over from her back to her belly, and does it often in her bed. She started on a little bit of rice cereal once a day, and loves to move it around in her mouth with her tongue--sometimes spitting it out, but for the most part will swallow it.
I said before how having Leah in my life changes my perspective on a lot of things; this remains very true in my daily life. Everything with her is a new little adventure as she figures out the world around her and I figure out how to be the best mom. This past month we also celebrated her baptism. I hope to talk more about that special day in a separate post, because that day deserves special recognition!
So, we continue on...but here are some photos of my little "valentine" from the past few weeks:
reading in bed...just like mommy!!
first sledding adventure!
liking her new jumper
yummy rice cereal!!
I haven't updated in awhile--one of those things that I have had to tell myself to let go for a bit--but lots is happening in our lives. Our precious little girl is getting more interactive, more chatty, more studious, and more fun every day! Her little personality is forming and seems to be similar to her mother's (if I do say so myself!). She is a very content little girl who loves to have books read to her, play with her rattle, listen to music, and chat with whoever seems interesting to her. :) She has figured out how to roll over from her back to her belly, and does it often in her bed. She started on a little bit of rice cereal once a day, and loves to move it around in her mouth with her tongue--sometimes spitting it out, but for the most part will swallow it.
I said before how having Leah in my life changes my perspective on a lot of things; this remains very true in my daily life. Everything with her is a new little adventure as she figures out the world around her and I figure out how to be the best mom. This past month we also celebrated her baptism. I hope to talk more about that special day in a separate post, because that day deserves special recognition!
So, we continue on...but here are some photos of my little "valentine" from the past few weeks:
reading in bed...just like mommy!!
first sledding adventure!
liking her new jumper
yummy rice cereal!!Thursday, January 7, 2010
happy birthday dad!
Leah's thoughts on life...once you start a conversation with her, it's hard to end it!! :)
Jason also turns 30 today...happy birthday hon! Welcome to the thirties club!
Jason also turns 30 today...happy birthday hon! Welcome to the thirties club!
Friday, January 1, 2010
A new year!
If I had to describe 2009 in one word, it would have to be UNBELIEVABLE.
I have to say this past year was truly one of the most amazing years of my life. I started out in Bangladesh, came home to learn about the power of faithful budgeting, then discovered I was pregnant--and already 11 weeks along!, then had to learn how to handle end of life issues within my own family and plan a memorial service for my father-in-law, then took a break and had a super fun vacation with friends and family, and then had a beautiful baby girl, and now am a mother!! This was all while still taking graduate classes and working a job I still love and am passionate about. :)
I have to chuckle at this excerpt from my post of January 1, 2009:
"I look forward to the experiences God has in store for me for 2009. Happy, sad, fearful, thrilling...whatever they may be they will continue to mold me and I look forward to every opportunity!" Little did I know at the time what God truly did have in store; and when I reflect back on it, I get teary-eyed with amazement at how God works in my life. He speaks in every moment and in every event He has carefully crafted into my life.
One of my most favorite songs is sung by Mandisa and the words, I believe, speak to my past year and the coming year...a reminder that all the experiences in my life are used by God to remind me how much He loves me!
Have you ever heard a love song, that set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise and felt you could not breathe?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.
Have you ever cried a tear that you could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger who already knew your name?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
He’ll do, and He’ll use whatever He wants to.
To tell us, I Love You.
Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
to be tangled up in fear?
What if He’s somehow involved?
What if He’s speaking through it all?
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to
To tell us, I love you.
His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger than God in a manger?
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of you?
Get your attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to,
To tell us I love you
God is speaking, I love you
I have to say this past year was truly one of the most amazing years of my life. I started out in Bangladesh, came home to learn about the power of faithful budgeting, then discovered I was pregnant--and already 11 weeks along!, then had to learn how to handle end of life issues within my own family and plan a memorial service for my father-in-law, then took a break and had a super fun vacation with friends and family, and then had a beautiful baby girl, and now am a mother!! This was all while still taking graduate classes and working a job I still love and am passionate about. :)
I have to chuckle at this excerpt from my post of January 1, 2009:
"I look forward to the experiences God has in store for me for 2009. Happy, sad, fearful, thrilling...whatever they may be they will continue to mold me and I look forward to every opportunity!" Little did I know at the time what God truly did have in store; and when I reflect back on it, I get teary-eyed with amazement at how God works in my life. He speaks in every moment and in every event He has carefully crafted into my life.
One of my most favorite songs is sung by Mandisa and the words, I believe, speak to my past year and the coming year...a reminder that all the experiences in my life are used by God to remind me how much He loves me!
Have you ever heard a love song, that set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise and felt you could not breathe?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.
Have you ever cried a tear that you could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger who already knew your name?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
He’ll do, and He’ll use whatever He wants to.
To tell us, I Love You.
Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
to be tangled up in fear?
What if He’s somehow involved?
What if He’s speaking through it all?
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to
To tell us, I love you.
His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger than God in a manger?
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of you?
Get your attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to,
To tell us I love you
God is speaking, I love you
Praise God from whom all blessings flow and I look forward to the blessings of 2010!!
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