Blessings in disguise

I've probably heard this song a hundred times. But this morning it brought tears to my eyes for the first time. I think sometimes we need to be reminded that no matter how big or small our "trials" may be God will always be there. I just want to share this video because maybe someone else needs to hear this song again, like I did.

Sweet Dreams

For the past couple years, okay maybe a little more, we have been a co-sleeping family. Now, before you start frowning or mumbling judgments just wait. Like everything else, what works for some doesn't work for others. We as parents don't feel there is anything wrong with this method. In fact, there are lots of cultures that encourage this and think it strange not to. However, Michael and I have now come to an understanding that it is time to really enforce a bedtime routine that encourages Daniel to sleep in his big boy bed. For me, this is just another step, like potty training. We don't want Daniel to resent a new baby for this change so we're starting now before getting pregnant. I know we're sounding like complete wimps as parents, but I feel that's very much the opposite. Now I've always known that a routine of some kind is very important for a child. In the past we would have one for about a week then it would trickle off. Then try again and again, but not consistently.

Well, the past four weeks we have stuck to a pretty strict routine. So much so, I've actually missed out on some extracurricular activities for the greater good! LOL I already knew I wouldn't be able to handle the "cry it out method" (CIO). My good friend Candi is a rock when it comes to CIO! I totally admire her in a lot of ways, especially her strength. She is an amazing mother, wife and friend...but those ramblings are for another day. Instead, I decided to take the Super Nanny approach. If he gets out of bed simply place him back in bed then walk away without any conversation. Not a word. None. Zilch. The first night was absolute TORTURE! Nearly three hours later I wanted to crumple on the floor in sheer exhaustion and tears, the next night I wasn't as strong. My tears broke, but held fast to our routine. Daniel cried when we reached each step, even while saying his bedtime prayers. Several days in I thought surely he'll give in and realize we're not giving up. I can't even imagine what our poor neighbors thought. It wouldn't have surprised me one bit if we had a visit from the police. Luckily we didn't. I will say this about my son, his willpower is made of steel! But Michael would probably say Daniel just inherited my stubbornness. But whatever...

Now here we are four weeks later and breezing through our nightly routine. He is so much more compliant with each step. Although he doesn't look forward to bedtime, mommy is no longer dreading it! I'm sure some of you are thinking four weeks is too long, like this post. But remember back when I mentioned his inherited stubbornness...I mean willpower? He absolutely loves storytime and has in fact memorized the stories we read each night. In fact occasionally he will "read" one or two to us. I will try to get that on video soon. And I will admit I did compromise a little in his bedtime routine by adding a time to sing one song. I know it's just one more delay tactic he concocted but it really is adorable. Did you know that Old McDonald also had a dinosaur and a big bad wolf?

But the one thing that I look forward to the most is prayer time. We always ask Daniel first if has anything he would like to pray for and he always says no. So Michael will pray first, then me. Daniel then decides he does in fact want to pray. Sometimes you can't understand him because he starts crying, realizing once he says amen it's lights out. Most of the time he just recites what he calls his "food prayer". But sometimes he asks me to help him. I keep it short and simple. Tonight he took over half way through and started thanking God for random things. But then again why shouldn't we thank God for chocolate milk?

...and thank you God for Your son and mine!

Sometimes you have to...

stop and smell the flowers!

I think sometimes we forget that with all the craziness that goes in our life, you have to just stop and relax. We let our lives take over our whole being and get too caught up in the world. Daniel reminds me, in his very specialy way, that sometimes it's okay to just stop for a moment and exhale.

Daniel doesn't think about schedules. He doesn't comprehend "time management". The mind of a child is in the now. And although we as adults have to plan for the future we sometimes forget to enjoy the very moments we are in.

Maybe tonight I'll sit and color that picture with him. That basket of laundry can wait 30 more minutes.

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Can't keep me down!

We were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather...despite the strep throat diagnosis received on Friday. You wouldn't have know just by looking at him. In fact we were caught a little off guard. Oh well, nothing keeps him down!

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"...thank you for bed..."

I think sometimes we forget to thank God for even the simplest things. Things that we totally take for granted. I realize that more especially in the wake of the tsunami that struck Japan. They are going without so many essentials that we as Americans take for granted. ie. food, clean water, shelter, etc.

Tonight my innocent two year old son also reminded me. His prayer tonight started out excited and full of inaudible mumbling. But suddenly his voice was clear:

"...and thank you for bed, my Uncle David, my church slide and thank you for my shower."

It really is the small things that we forget about.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for all the things you have given me and my family. Thank you for giving us our jobs to be able to provide my son with a bed and shower. And thank you so much for my wonderful church. Each week the wonderful volunteers share a small part of your love with my Daniel. And teach him to be grateful of what you give him. And Lord thank you for my family. Although I'm not sure why David got top billing over me! Never the less God, thank you for the wonderful family that my son is madly in love with.

Party time!

I can't believe the year that just went by with this little girl. I had the privilege of being there when she came into this world and loved celebrating that today. Liana you were the perfect addition to our family and I'm so proud to say I'm your aunt. We love you so much!
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY LIANA!!

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A toy's story...

60 seconds out of sight and Daniel found an old pen that managed to leak ALL of it's ink. Poor Buzz and Woody didn't have a chance. After a bath in some Shaklee and nail polish remover we didn't get too far. We ran out of polish remover before we finished. We'll have to get more because the tub now has a purple ring.

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Welcome home John!

Dear Lord, thank you for keeping my brother safe while at sea. I pray that you continue to watch over John and Amanda as they adjust to being under one roof again.

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Potty training study time

Who doesn't occasionally read in the bathroom?

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Technology rocks!

I'm such a nerd and finally have figured out how to post decently from my phone! Now I really have no excuse...
Watch out folks, there is a good chance this blog will be rocking and rolling again...hello...anyone out there...**cricket**

Peekaboo

I was trying to get his pajamas on and he took off half way through the process. A little defeated I waited a couple minutes before going after him. I found him in his closet with his hands over his eyes! "Peekaboo" he yelled. LOL

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