BALANCE

I feel so much better today after getting a million loads of laundry done and starting to tackle PTA school supplies. 

I also finished some homework.

These are tasks that have been looming over my head, but I've been struggling lately and kept putting it off.

I stole this blurb from a blog I read earlier.  I think it describes my recent attitude perfectly.

"You put off work and then you feel more anxious about work, which makes it harder to work, but you can’t even enjoy the time you’re not working because you’re desperately anxious about the work you’re not doing, then you have less time to work…"

Really everything is good in my life.  I just need to learn a little word spelled N-O.  And a longer word spelled B-A-L-A-N-C-E.

If you work hard, you should play hard... or at least play some. ;)

I bought a devotional book this morning. I'm going to put my quiet time back into my life every day, and I'm going to find the balance.

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But if you're wound tight like I've been recently-- you know you think that blurb from the other blog is pretty spot on! :)

Task #1 this morning

How can it be school supplies time again??

Time to wade through the requests, delivery dates, and order forms.

Coffee is a must! ;)

(I'll try not to complain about this as much as I did last year. I make no promises though.)

:)

A simple prayer

I had lunch with a sweet friend Friday who is always an encouragement to me.

She was talking about hard times, and she said that she thinks of the daily ups and downs of life as being waves. Sometimes we feel like we're being tossed around.

But the challenges of life... the big things that are more than the daily grind... she refers to as mountains.

Psalms 97:5 "The mountains melt like wax before the LORD."

Her prayer when she's facing a mountain is "God, strengthen me to climb it or melt it like wax."

I thought that was a simple but powerful way to pray.

Then she gave so many examples of big issues in her life that have seemingly resolved themselves.  She knows that God melted the mountains.

He's bigger than anything we're facing. :)
I needed that reminder.

Have a great Monday!

Why??

I just ate an ungodly amount of Goldfish so I could throw the carton away in good conscience.

Ugh.

Gag.

(At least it's made with whole grain.

Right?)

Such a tease

We were supposed to meet Gidget, a black 4 yr old Lab today, but her foster parents thought she might be getting sick with kennel cough and want to get her well before we meet her.

This. Is. Such. A. Process.

Point me in the direction of the nearest breeder or PetCo.

;)

Kidding, Animal Lovers.

Sorta.

Brush!

One time we were running late for school, and I realized that Caroline hadn't brushed her teeth so I gave her a piece of gum in the van.

ONE TIME.

Now anytime I tell her to brush her teeth she tries to negotiate for a piece of gum.

#justbrushyourteeth
#gumisonlyforemergencies

Kindergarten Roundup

Caroline and her friend Aubrey Kate

All signed up for Kindergarten!

Woo hoo!

TGIF

Sometimes stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, but today is FRIDAY! :)

And I'm sharing a verse and the song that I listened to as I ran this morning.   If you need encouragement, I hope they cheer you up too! :)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17

TBT

Senior year in high school with family, cousins, and grandparents.

Lots of girls.  Can you find me?

:)

Jabbering NON-STOP

Caroline is in the half bath. This came out of her mouth in the last 2 minutes.

Mom, can you guess what I'm doing without looking?
Is the pool warm?
Can we go swimming on my birthday?
On the first day of summer?
On the first day of kindergarten?
I want a Peter Pan mover.
Do you know what a Peter Pan mover is?
Help! I'm in jail!
What's 100 take away 2?
I want Easter jewelry not just an Easter dress.
Mama...
Mama...
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.
Mama. ...
Mama....
Do you....
Um.
Mama,  can I watch "Frozen"?
I mean, play the Wii.
Peanut butter one.  Peanut butter two. I like peanut butter and you do too.
.........

And she gets mad when I tune her out.

Jack's Baptism

 

Today Jack was baptized.  It was a sweet day!

I bought Sarah a handkerchief for her baptism that we could wrap her wedding bouquet with one day.  For Jack's baptism, he used one of Jim's handkerchiefs with a monogrammed "M".  I plan to have his baptism date embroidered on it as well, and hopefully he'll have it in his pocket at his wedding.

Jack was so cute when I picked him up from his Sunday School class.  He said he was a little nervous, which is understandable.

I grabbed Sarah out of her class as well to watch the baptism, and she was giving him such a hard time.  She was saying things like, "Ok, Jack, I'll be down on the front row... staring at you... like everyone else will be."

I told her to cut it out and reminded her that no one tried to freak her out for her baptism.  To which she said, "Mom, it's a brother-sister thing.  It's what we do."

LOL.

Jason helped Jack change into his swimsuit and put his robe on.  I got to catch a few father-son moments from the ladies' side of the baptistry.

 

Then Pastor Sam came out so I got a pic of the three of them.  Special moments with our sweet Pastor.

After Sam walked into the water, he helped Jack get on the underwater stool for the little guys.

 

We filled out a form listing special guests in the congregation, telling what grade Jack is in, where he goes to school-- things like that.  Sam took it upon himself to tell everyone that Jack's middle name is Thomas.  And he said, "He's the third 'Thomas'.  His granddaddy and his daddy have the same name."

Those are the kinds of things that make Pastor Sam a great pastor.  Jack is very proud to be a McGlamery man, and I appreciated the reference to Jim. 

 

Pastor Sam: Jack, is it true that you've asked Jesus to come into your heart?

 

Jack: Yes, sir.

Pastor Sam: And is it true that you want to follow Him in believer's baptism?

Jack: Yes, sir.

Sam:  Then, take my hand, son.

Sam: Upon your public profession of faith, I baptize you...



...in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

He hugged Jack and told him he did a good job.

A little water in the eyes.  Wipe it away.  Jason's clapping in the background. :)

We were so honored to have two very special guests there today.  Jack's GT teacher, Mrs. Kane, came to watch his baptism.  Above and beyond a teacher's call of duty.  My heart is full. 

I should also say that his homeroom teacher tried to make it as well.  She hugged him on Friday and told Jack that she was so proud of his decision to ask Jesus into his heart.  She said that's the most important decision he'll ever make.

And THIS is one of the reasons I wholeheartedly support public school and believe that a private education (and living in a bubble) is not necessary.  God can and does put people in your life that support and encourage you... even in those crazy heathen public schools. ;)

And Aunt Kim came too!  The kids LOVE seeing her. Sarah hopes that she'll come to the deer lease for Daddy/Daughter Weekend.  Caroline lights up when she's around.  I look forward to watching that relationship grow.  There's a sweet connection there.  And of course, Jack was so glad that she came!

Kim, Mom, Dad, and the Valentes went to lunch with us at Abuelo's to celebrate Jack's special day. 

We love you, Jack, and CAN'T WAIT to see God's plan for your life unfold.

Flashback Friday

Check out this gem from 1999. This was published in the Parkway Hills Baptist Church directory.

Remember when churches used to have directories?

I'm almost 20 years old here.

I was a very late bloomer. Like I'd say about 28 years old is when I feel like I started emerging from my awkward phase. :)

Still emerging by the way. ;)

A friendly reminder

I love friends who understand me. :)

Amber's oldest child, Blake, has been friends with Jack since he was 2.  Amber's youngest, Jenna, is Caroline's age.  They live in our neighborhood, and we go to the same elementary school.

Amber sent me this text this morning. 

I cropped out her name and number.  For anyone who can't tell, she's in yellow, and I'm in blue.

Home study = Success

I'm sure you're on pins and needles,  wondering about our home study results.

Doug came over at 5:30. He was supposed to be there at 5:00, but we didn't mention that he was late. You don't bite the hand that can give you a dog.

All five of us met him at the door, smiling with polished halos above our heads. Jack shook his hand. Caroline was shy but Sarah was friendly.

We met in the living room to discuss our dog parenting ability. Doug sat in one chair. The five of us crammed onto the couch across from him, until Jason told the kids they could leave.

Sarah chose to stay and cuddled up with me on the couch.  It was almost as if we planned it. A moment to show how loving, nurturing,  and affectionate I am. Well played,  Sarah. He'll give us (and by "give us" I mean, "afford us the opportunity to pay $275" for) a dog when he sees me play with your hair while you lean against me. Brilliant!

Doug was really nice and friendly as well. Jack didn't call him "Dung". Hallelujah!  And the interview went well.

He referenced us as a "cute young family" while totally implying "who needs a Lab".

The next step in the process is for us to interview with foster families.... (after Doug types up his report on us, of course. There's a procedure to follow here, people.). But for now, we're moving along!

I will keep you updated on this (ridiculous) journey.  

Conversation with Jack

Me: Doug is about to come over to talk to us about getting a dog.

Jack: Dog is coming?

Me: No. Doug.

Jack: Dung?

Me: No. DOUG.

Jack:  So I'm guessing it's not Dog Dung either.

Me: No...

He better not act like this during our home study. We'll be black balled from the rescue dog community.

Monday, Monday... Won't go away

Every other day (every other day) Every other day (every other day) of the week is fi- (fiiine, yeah) (yeah)
But whenever Monday comes (but whenever Monday comes) you can find me cryin' all of the time..

Monday, Monday....

Ah, The Mamas and The Papas.  That's some good music. ;)

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Monday Randoms--

We're getting a new couch so I sold our old one on Craigslist last week.  It turns out our new couch has to be special ordered and may take up to 12 weeks to arrive.

Oops.  Looks like the kids will be sharing a pillow and a bean bag chair for up to 3 months.

 

 

.................................................

Today we have Doug from the DFW Lab Rescue coming to our home to do a home study. 

We want to adopt a dog and you wouldn't believe (or maybe you would, depending on how experienced you are with dog adoptions) the process that they put you through to prove that you'd be good dog owners.

I understand the reasoning since so many dogs end up being mistreated....  but I kinda want to say, "Look, I'm raising 3 kids.  I'm pretty sure I can handle a dog." 

Anyhow... today is going to be spent picking up all Rainbow Loom bands and what-not (AKA "potential dog choking hazards") so that Doug will like us and approve us to go on the waiting list to get a Lab.

Again-- quite the ridiculous process.

I want this place spic and span.  Don't want to be seen as unfit dog parents.

I may need references, I'm not sure.  So be checking your inboxes in case I call on one of you to be a character witness for me.  Who knows how intense this screening process might become. :)

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I read this explanation of the star marshmallow on the back of the Lucky Charms box this morning.

"THE STAR CHARM GIVES ONLY LUCKY THE POWER TO FLY."

In other words...

Disclaimer: We can not be held responsible if your idiot kid eats a star marshmallow and jumps out of a tree.  Our box clearly states that ONLY Lucky has the power to fly.

......................................

Alright, I'm procrastinating.  It's the Monday after Spring Break, and my motivation to be productive is at an all time low.

But I'm going to try to get something done. 

Every day we get through is one day closer to summer! Hooray!!

Memories

Jason has been making all of our home movies digital.  For the last several days,  I've watched snippets of the last 8 years.

Here's the take away:

RECORD. RECORD.  RECORD.

You don't have to post the videos on Facebook.  (But do it if you want.) What's important is that you document the memories.

Here's why:

It is great to get footage of your parents! After losing Jim last year,  we are grateful for the recordings we have of him with the kids.

It was eye opening to see myself. I wasn't fat and ugly like I remember. I've seen postpartum pics that are heinous.  But on video, the double chin isn't necessarily captured. I realized that my memories of myself are harsh and self deprecating.

Along those lines, I remember myself as being a mess of a mom when my kids were babies. I was sad. I was happy. I was angry. I was tired. I was all over the map. But I got to hear and see myself being loving and patient. I watched myself delight in the little things. I saw myself or Jason on the floor, playing with the kids. 

Without the videos,  I would have allowed my insecurities to create false memories.  Whatever I was feeling internally, I really did seem to hide it from my kids (for the most part). Yes, I battled with postpartum depression, and there were times I was unhappy.  But I also laughed A LOT.  I enjoyed my kids, even in tough phases.  I can't tell you how freeing it was to actually see that in a recording.

A lot of joy would have been stolen without these home movies.  The "rough" sticks in your mind sometimes,  and the "funny" fades.

So record.  Take pics.  Blog. Journal.  Whatever.

Document.  You'll be so glad you did!

Spring Break Day 9

Strep won't hold us back!  For our last... and COLD... day of Spring Break, we went to the movies.

 

It had a lot of intelligent humor that went WAY over Caroline's head... (and likely Sarah's and Jack's  as well)... but I was able to stay awake.  And when I'm not feeling well, staying awake in a kid's movie is a good thing.

We had a packed break, but it was somehow restful too.  I'm not thrilled about getting back to the grind of real life tomorrow, but we gotta get through spring in order to get to SUMMER! :)

Spring Break Day 8

Ok, so the awesome weather didn't last. 

It rained off and on Saturday at the farm, but we didn't let that stop us from having a good time.  The kids had "Farm ADD".  I'm not sure that that's a documented condition, but it should be. 

Farm ADD: (n) A condition characterized by bouncing from one fun farm activity to the next. Symptoms include exhausted adults and hyper children.

The kids checked on the animals.

Then they fished at the tank. 

 



Not to be outdone by Sarah's driving lesson with Ken, Jack wanted his turn behind the golf cart wheel.  He's a terrifying driver and was quickly demoted (by me) to the Power Wheels Jeep.

 



Gran took the kids to the feed store, and she let each of them pick out one chick.

 



Sarah's is the yellow chick named "Jessica".  Caroline's is the black chick named "Sarah".  And the brown chick is Jack's.  He named it "Ralph".

 



 

After getting the chicks, the kids went back to fishing.  Jason caught a catfish with Sarah's pole but then turned the pole over to Jack so he could feel what it felt like to have a fish on your hook. They, of course, cut it loose and set it free.

 



Caroline wanted to feed the horses. 

 



A little hay in the red bucket....

 



 

Walking over....

 

To put a little hay in the green bucket.

 



Feeding some hay straight from her hand.

 



Then Gran came out with some carrots.

 



 

 Over a year ago Jason bought Jack a BB gun. Jack wanted nothing to do with it.  Finally he's taken an interest in it so Jason gave him some lessons on gun safety and shooting a BB gun.

 

The girls drove around away from the target practice. (I don't know if you can see it, but Bud-- the lab mix-- is in the cart as well.) 

 



 

Praise God! Jack shot a target.  I really wanted him to feel like he could do this.  He may never be the hunter that Jason is, but I didn't want him to feel like he wasn't good at it.

 

 

I really haven't felt 100% since about Wednesday, so when we got home from the farm, I went to Care Now.  TWO HOURS LATER-- they were really busy-- I found out I have strep.

 

So this was my end to Spring Break Day 8. 

We had an incredible time this weekend with Gran and Ken.  The farm is more fun for the kids every time.  They're better eaters-- for the most part.  They're more independent.  They enjoy being outside more.  They're not afraid of the dogs anymore. 

They were so sad to leave.  Next time we'll definitely have to stay longer!