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| First chocolate chip cookie |
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Recent Books I've Read
by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.
This is a book that was recommended to me by a few moms while I was pregnant with Bronson. I didn't start using the tips in it until he was 3-4 months old, so it took him a while to get in a routine. But once he was in a normal routine, it made a huge difference in my days and nights. He became a very good sleeper during his pre-toddler and toddler months. This book gives information on sleeping, eating, awake time, and other advice for newborns and young infants. I just reread this book a couple months ago, and have been following some of the basic tips since the early weeks after James was born. He is a much better sleeper than Bronson and has really benefited from being on a daily routine. This book did not have step by step instructions like I had longed for in those early days with Bronson, but you can't give specific instructions to all parents when every baby and parent is different. This book was written by the same authors that wrote "Growing Kids God's Way", which is a Christian ministry and curriculum for parents. I have wanted to go through the GKGW series as well.
by C.S. Lewis
This is a series Luke kept encouraging me to read. I had a hard time getting through the first one, although I thought it was good. This one I really enjoyed and got through it much faster. It was more of a fantasy story than a science fiction read. I loved the symbolism in it to represent Christ and Satan and angels. I know that some of it was a little above my head, but I liked Lewis' perspective on how other worlds/planets with life could potentially exist. The story is about a man from earth who goes to a new world that has just begun.
The only other books I have read in the past few months have been nursing textbooks, which I'm sure you do not want to hear about. The next ones I'm looking forward to pouring myself into are:
by Beth Moore
There is a group of women that I am meeting with weekly to study the book of Daniel. I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord is planning to teach me through this study. I am hoping I'll be able to keep up with the homework. There is also a group of guys (husbands) that are also going to do this study separately. It will be fun to go through a study alongside Luke.
by Kate Atkinson
The squadron book club is reading this one this month. It sounds like a very interesting read. I don't think I'll be able to read it in just a couple weeks time with all of my schoolwork, but it will be fun to read it eventually. The discussion at book club is always fun.
So what are you reading?
Thursday, January 23, 2014
How to be a mother of two boys
You know, sometimes I really wish there was a manual on parenting, especially now that I am outnumbered. It would be so nice to have step-by-step instructions to follow for every situation encountered with two kids. But there are just too many possibilities. So, for now, we just have to take one thing at a time and figure it out.
This has been my main struggle the past few months (actually five months). I have felt like everything I tried to accomplish was a struggle. Nothing was coming easily, not even a shower. When Luke deployed Thanksgiving weekend, I had no desire to even attempt to leave the house. When I finally did, it took us a solid 45 minutes to finally pull out of the driveway. I couldn't figure out who to put in the car first and who to leave by themselves. I also felt like I was constantly saying, "Just a minute, Bronson. Please be patient." I realized that Bronson was either used to getting his demands met immediately or he was seeking extra attention because of my scattered brain and having to spend so much time in contact with James. For this problem, I realized that I really needed to make some one-on-one time with him, which is harder than it sounds.
It's true that there are daily struggles, but I am happy to say that I can get us out of the house in about 15 minutes. :) I don't feel as flustered when grocery shopping with both boys, and I seem to be getting into a rhythm with them. I have found ways to entertain Bronson while nursing James. The floors are now generally clean (thanks to my husband who got me a robot to do it for me), although the sink is never empty of dirty dishes. I have to admit that it's not easy, but God has been showing me areas I need to change, and He has also made it very evident that I cannot be a wife, mother of two, friend, and nursing student well without His help. I have had moments of desperation when I didn't think I could continue this way and cried for His guidance and provision, and have had immediate relief. He is a compassionate and nurturing God.
These have been some encouraging verses for me during this time.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I have to say that seeing Bronson dote on James makes me so happy. He loves his little brother, even though he sometimes gets too rough. And James loves to watch his big brother. I cannot wait for them to be able to play together.
This has been my main struggle the past few months (actually five months). I have felt like everything I tried to accomplish was a struggle. Nothing was coming easily, not even a shower. When Luke deployed Thanksgiving weekend, I had no desire to even attempt to leave the house. When I finally did, it took us a solid 45 minutes to finally pull out of the driveway. I couldn't figure out who to put in the car first and who to leave by themselves. I also felt like I was constantly saying, "Just a minute, Bronson. Please be patient." I realized that Bronson was either used to getting his demands met immediately or he was seeking extra attention because of my scattered brain and having to spend so much time in contact with James. For this problem, I realized that I really needed to make some one-on-one time with him, which is harder than it sounds.
It's true that there are daily struggles, but I am happy to say that I can get us out of the house in about 15 minutes. :) I don't feel as flustered when grocery shopping with both boys, and I seem to be getting into a rhythm with them. I have found ways to entertain Bronson while nursing James. The floors are now generally clean (thanks to my husband who got me a robot to do it for me), although the sink is never empty of dirty dishes. I have to admit that it's not easy, but God has been showing me areas I need to change, and He has also made it very evident that I cannot be a wife, mother of two, friend, and nursing student well without His help. I have had moments of desperation when I didn't think I could continue this way and cried for His guidance and provision, and have had immediate relief. He is a compassionate and nurturing God.
These have been some encouraging verses for me during this time.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I have to say that seeing Bronson dote on James makes me so happy. He loves his little brother, even though he sometimes gets too rough. And James loves to watch his big brother. I cannot wait for them to be able to play together.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Christmas 2013
Christmas this year included potty training, cookie decorating, egg nog, shopping, quality time with Dad, and LOTS of presents. Soon we will have visitors here in Japan! What a good year!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Levi "James" Scripture
James was born on August 25th at 2:05 am. He was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19 3/4 inches long. One week later, he was already at 8 pounds 3 ouncesI've tried not to compare him with Bronson too much. I know that it can cause problems later in his life to be compared to his older brother too often. But it is still fun to see all the differences they have as newborns. He looks very different from Bronson and seems to be more quiet. He definitely doesn't cry as much as Bronson did. He is also very sensitive to sounds. This could become a problem with a two-year-old brother running around while he is trying to nap. But so far, it has been okay most of the time.
These pictures were taken when he was 15 days old.
These pictures were taken when he was 15 days old.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hello Again!
It has been a really long time since I last posted, and a lot has happened during my absence. Probably the biggest event was Luke's homecoming from his very long deployment. We figured out that he has been at sea for 9 1/2 months this year. It blows my mind when I think about that. Luckily that time has gone by rather quickly. Bronson and I have kept busy, and that really helps.
In October, when Luke was away, there was a modeling fair on the base. A bunch of modeling agencies from Tokyo came in to take applications and photograph Americans interested in the modeling business. This is something Luke had always thought would be a great opportunity for Bronson. His blue eyes and blonde hair are a big hit here, and we thought it would be smart to use that to start a college fund for him. We have been contacted multiple times for possible modeling jobs. None of them have worked out yet. But he's scheduled for his first photo shoot next week. I'm really intimidated by all this. The fact that I have to drive to some unknown destination in Tokyo and corral a toddler around to try to get him to cooperate for pictures seems daunting (especially if he has to miss his nap). I've been told that there will be someone there who's specific job is to entertain and tend to his needs. We'll see how it goes. But how can you resist those beautiful eyes?!
Another thing that has kept me busy is school. I decided to apply to an online RN-to-BSN program, so that I can finally finish my bachelor degree. It's been going pretty well. When Luke was deployed I had a great system. Since my evenings were usually when I felt Luke's absence the most, that's when I would do my schoolwork. Now that Luke is home, the evenings are when I want to spend time with him. So I've had to give up some of the activities I did during B's nap to do schoolwork. It's worked out pretty well, but I'm glad that the semester is almost over.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." -Psalm 18:2,3
In October, when Luke was away, there was a modeling fair on the base. A bunch of modeling agencies from Tokyo came in to take applications and photograph Americans interested in the modeling business. This is something Luke had always thought would be a great opportunity for Bronson. His blue eyes and blonde hair are a big hit here, and we thought it would be smart to use that to start a college fund for him. We have been contacted multiple times for possible modeling jobs. None of them have worked out yet. But he's scheduled for his first photo shoot next week. I'm really intimidated by all this. The fact that I have to drive to some unknown destination in Tokyo and corral a toddler around to try to get him to cooperate for pictures seems daunting (especially if he has to miss his nap). I've been told that there will be someone there who's specific job is to entertain and tend to his needs. We'll see how it goes. But how can you resist those beautiful eyes?!
Another thing that has kept me busy is school. I decided to apply to an online RN-to-BSN program, so that I can finally finish my bachelor degree. It's been going pretty well. When Luke was deployed I had a great system. Since my evenings were usually when I felt Luke's absence the most, that's when I would do my schoolwork. Now that Luke is home, the evenings are when I want to spend time with him. So I've had to give up some of the activities I did during B's nap to do schoolwork. It's worked out pretty well, but I'm glad that the semester is almost over.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." -Psalm 18:2,3
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