stuck on repeat

Disciplining is hard. I used to think that the more independent my children became, the easier my life would be. Boy was I wrong! They have their own opinions. They have bad attitudes. They throw tantrums. They are mean to each other! (I don't know if any of you thought your kids would never be mean to each other, but I was under that illusion)

I find myself saying, "don't ask me why, just do it", "don't argue with me, just do what I've asked you to do", "if you don't have something kind to say, you need to stop talking".

I've been reflecting on my REPEATED phrases. How often do I ask God, "why"? How often have I said something unkind just because I was in a mood. Disciplining is so hard, but I've taken a step back and realized that I need to be way more patient with their little hearts because they are learning. I'm on my way to 30 and I still have problems behaving!

I am so thankful for such a gracious God. I need to learn that kind of grace. I'm trying to figure out the balance between discipline and grace.

It's a hard connection for me. I want my boys to behave, I want them to be polite, and I want others to find them enjoyable to be around. I don't know about you, but rude, out of control kids just drive me nuts. I don't want my boys to be like that!

At the same time, I need to be concentrating on their hearts more. I need to find the root of the crazy outbursts. Instead of correcting the outward behavior, I need to figure out their hearts and nurture them. Ahh, so hard for me to do while they are sitting on the floor harassing each other, just to hear each other scream in dismay.

Time to hit my knees and snatch my Bible for some wisdom.

my helpful little man

This is the work of Isaiah:

On Saturday, while we were putting together bunk beds, Isaiah had a mild meltdown. I still have no idea what it was about, but Bryan had him sit in our bedroom until he was ready to compose himself. Isaiah started folding the clean clothes piled on our bed, and said, "this will help calm me down". I have no idea where he learned that phrase from, but I heard him from the other room and could not contain my laughter (he, of course, had no idea I was laughing at him).

Seriously, though. Doesn't he fold amazing for an almost 4 year old? He is such a helper in this department! I can throw all Isaiah and Elias' clothes on the bed, and he will fold and match everything! Isaiah even puts the shirts on hangers and puts the clothes away in the correct drawers in the dresser! Such a great helper. He is going to make an excellent husband someday!

at a loss

I have eight and a half weeks until I have this little girl. I'm so excited for her arrival, but at the same time I feel so unprepared and unorganized for a third child!

We started the process of actually moving rooms around. Isaiah and Elias now have bunk beds and a bookshelf! We have a dresser, but it still needs to be sanded and restained. My "at a loss" is I have no idea how we are going to make everything fit and look uncluttered!

We still have our house on the market, so it needs to look as large as possible. The baby's room is going to be a little cramped, but it will be so cute that hopefully no one will notice! The boys room is the problem. Their bedroom used to have two toddler beds and a dresser. That was all. Now, we're trying to cram in bunk beds, a taller dresser, a bookshelf, and toys. Oh my oh my. It looks cramped!

I'm sure I'll figure it out, but have I mentioned how tired I am? Whew. This tiredness is taking me back to my first trimester when I slept on the couch until noon because I just couldn't keep my eyes open! Last night I sat down to watch a movie with the boys because I just didn't have the energy for coloring, play doh, or games. I passed out about a half hour into it, and didn't wake up until the end of the movie.

I guess it's time I start organizing instead of writing about it. The boys are coloring and getting along so well at the moment. I hope it lasts!

thankful saturday

I've seen lots of people post certain things on certain days like "menu monday" or "wordless wednesday" and so on. I'm just making it thankful Saturday today.

It was just a great day. Nothing special, nothing glorious. Just happy. We spent the morning taking down toddler beds and putting together bunk beds. I did some laundry. Elias had a fever and it broke in the middle of nap time. He woke up crying, so we cuddled and I fell asleep with him for another hour or so. We grabbed some dinner, bought a mattress, watched Megamind with the kiddos.

Not an extra special day. Just a relaxing day spent with all my boys. I'm just feeling extra thankful. I'm thankful for my family, and for all the Lord has blessed us with.

o ye of thick skin

A few quotes of the day from my husband.

#1
Bryan: Seeing you wear my sweatshirt makes me feel fat
What he meant: Seeing you wear my sweatshirt and how it is hanging on you with your baby belly, makes me feel fat.

#2
Me: Do you care what tshirts I wear or can I just grab whatever?
Bryan: Just wear something that I don't normally wear. I don't want you to stretch them out.
FYI: His tshirts HANG on me and I have a mere 9 weeks until I give birth.

#3
Me: Did you like how I did my hair today?
Bryan: I noticed it in the waiting room and knew you did something different.
Me: Did you like it?
Bryan: It was very voluptuous. (actually he says, volumptuous, but means voluptuous).
This, my friends, is what I refer to as a "Bryan compliment".

My husband cracks me up. He just doesn't think out what he's saying, and it usually comes out wrong. He is in no way trying to offend me. It really just makes me laugh all the time. I think I'll just have to start recording all the "Bryan compliments" I get because it truly will have you rolling.

waewhen

That is what Elias and Isaiah call Raelynn. Cutest thing ever in my book. She had the hiccups this morning, so I asked Isaiah and Elias if they wanted to feel her. Isaiah wondered how in the world she got the hiccups and if he gave them to her. Elias just kept giggling and yelling "hi baby" as close as he could to my tummy. He also kept saying, "that baby is so cute". Just makes me smile all day thinking of it.  

I'm not a big fan of prego pics of myself, but I'm really wanting to get some pics of these boys interacting with my big old belly. They are just so darn cute talking to Raelynn and already loving on her. LOVE IT!

whew (sound of relief and relaxation)

For the last three years, I've cooked for 40-50 volunteers who help staff one of our District events - District Youth Conference. I do this in a hotel suite that has a dorm sized fridge, a tiny microwave, and a testy electrical system.

What do I cook with? Crock pots, skillets, griddles, and a roaster oven. I have extension cords coming from the two bathrooms in the suite, the room next door, and a wall that isn't hooked up to the same fuse. So, 11 meals, 5 coolers, 5 crock pots, 1 roaster oven, 1 tiny microwave, 1 small fridge, 4 extension cords, and two power strips. It's NUTS!

I do love doing it, though. The staff that comes are pretty amazing people, and it's so fun for me to be a behind the scenes person.

My favorite part of this year? My friend Krista was flown in from Tennessee to help me! How awesome is that? She helped out the last two years, so they decided to carry on the tradition even though she lives so far away. It was so fun! We're both in our 3rd trimester, and due about 2 days apart. We did get a whole lot of comments about being pregnant in the kitchen...so original (sarcasm), but it was wonderful.

I'm exhausted. I'm thrilled to have spent the whole weekend with Krista. I'm procrastinating all my home duties. This is what I get to come home to.

My big plans of the day? Well, it includes cuddling with my boys and showering at some point.