I am so blessed to be in a weekly Bible study program called Community Bible Study, aka CBS. This is an international program, and I HIGHLY recommend finding this in your area and attending if you are able. A few weeks ago in class, we were discussing the fruits of the spirit. Our leader asked us to think about what fruit we needed to work on. One lady spoke about how she was always working on self control with her family. How she was generally a pretty patient person, but God had showed her that she needed to have more self control with her children and husband. This hit me right between the eyes. Another woman spoke about the same thing. She said that God had been showing her that being a wife and mother was her job and that she had to work harder on self control with her family. Wow... again.
Before this, I had always thought about self control as a physical thing. Like diet and exercise. And trust me, I could use a big dose of self control in that area too. But as those wonderful women showed me, self control goes farther than that.
How about I use a little self control in the mornings when my kids decide it is time to get up at 5am? Some mornings I huff out of the room making as much noise as possible because I think my husband should be up if I have to be.
Hello, Sarah. You are a mother to two small children. That is your job. Show some self control.
And what about showing some self control when you speak to your kids? Don't get irritated when Jackson has said "momma" about 168 times before it is even 7am. SELF CONTROL.
So needless to say, I've been working on the self control. And as per His usual, when God is working on something in me, he gives me a bazillion reminders. I read this on Beth Moore's blog this morning.
"My devotional time this morning was spent on the subject matter of anger. I thought to myself how life offers one opportunity after another to get hopping mad about something...or, more often, toward someone and what kind of price we pay. What kinds of words we say. Proverbs 16:32 (NET) says, "Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city." Let's quit blaming our hormones and our husbands and our workplaces and just bring our anger problems before God. Let's tell Him what we're mad about, repent for our reaction to it, ask Him to tend to us, heal us, free us. And, if the situation or relationship continues to be irresistibly, understandably infuriating, may He teach us how to refrain from sin in our anger until we can be loosed from it altogether.
For those of us who don't have one of those monumental, overwhelming reasons to be angry and we're just temperamental, irritable, and summarily lacking in self-control, sometimes it's just the matter of making a choice. As my grandmother used to say, we can get glad in the same clothes we got mad in.
Or, then again, we could just change clothes and see if that would help. One way or the other, it's time to get over it."
See that part right there in red? Yeah, that was straight to me. Thanks, Beth. I needed it. I don't have any reason to be angry. I am just easily irritated. And as Beth said, I can make a choice to not be that way. And I choose to do that, one situation at a time.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sarah's Simple Pleasures
-The smell of hot pavement after an afternoon thunderstorm.
-Family dance parties
-When my hydrangea starts having blooms
-A clean house
-Cuddles from my sweet boys
-When Jackson tells me he loves me, for no reason at all
-The way Kyle smells
-Swimming
-Warm days at the park
-Spending an afternoon with my mom
-Pedicures
-Gardening, and being able to harvest
-Finding an unreal bargain
-Fresh, clean, sheets on the bed
-Open windows
-Summertime drives at dusk
-Waking up to birds chirping
-The smell of the beach & sunscreen
-Cooking something my family loves
-Fresh cut grass
-Someone commenting on how cute or well behaved my kids are
-Making silly plans for the future with Kyle
-Family dance parties
-When my hydrangea starts having blooms
-A clean house
-Cuddles from my sweet boys
-When Jackson tells me he loves me, for no reason at all
-The way Kyle smells
-Swimming
-Warm days at the park
-Spending an afternoon with my mom
-Pedicures
-Gardening, and being able to harvest
-Finding an unreal bargain
-Fresh, clean, sheets on the bed
-Open windows
-Summertime drives at dusk
-Waking up to birds chirping
-The smell of the beach & sunscreen
-Cooking something my family loves
-Fresh cut grass
-Someone commenting on how cute or well behaved my kids are
-Making silly plans for the future with Kyle
Thursday, January 21, 2010
It cannot be...
Ace,
Happy 1st Birthday!!! As I type, the memories of the night you were born flood my mind. That night, knowing how I loved your big brother, I knew for sure that I would love you. I knew you would be darling. I knew that I would think you were the cutest thing that ever graced this earth. I knew you would be precious to your Daddy and me.
But I just didn't know how much. You have far exceeded anything I could have ever imagined. You have enriched our lives so much. Your spunk and personality keep us laughing. "Laid Back" is not a phrase that many would associate with you. You are constantly into something, constantly moving, constantly exploring. Life is an adventure everyday with you! You bring such joy to us, and to everyone who is around you.
I love, love, love you. I am so happy to be your Momma.
At 12 months you are:
*Walking. You started taking your first steps at 11 months, and it is old hat now. I love to watch you wobble around. SO CUTE!
*Babbling up a storm. You are constantly "saying" something. You try your hardest to convey what you are thinking. The only real words that I think you say are "mama", "dada", and "bugga". "Bugga" being for Jackson.
*You don't use the word "no", but you shake your head from side to side when you don't want something.
*You love to read books, play with anything your brother is playing with, and explore anywhere in the house.
*You love music and dance all the time.
*You can have a temper at times.
*I love you even when you have a temper =)
*You, along with your brother and father are still the lights of my life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Goodbye 2009, Hello & Welcome 2010!
Happy New Year, y'all! I don't know about you, but I am welcoming 2010 with open arms. I am so excited to see what God is going to do this year.
I saw this "annual review" on Kelly's blog and thought it was such a great way to reflect on 2009 and think about what I want to change in 2010.
FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2009:
1. 2009 brought along this little fella'! I love him more than life itself and couldn't imagine the world without him!
Bennett Ace is one of the biggest joys of my life. I'm blessed beyond compare to get to watch him grow and learn everyday! It blows my mind that he is about to turn a year old! And he's got a new trick...
He isn't an exclusive walker yet. But he is very, very close. It is so cute to watch him learn a new skill and see how proud he is of himself!
2.I was blessed to see this "big" boy become a brother this year. Talk about amazing!
Jackson Kyle is hands down, the most doting big brother that I have ever seen. Jackson had no problems adjusting from life as an only child. He just made it so easy for us! I should have figured, though! Being an adaptable, easy, sweet child is par for the course for him! Jackson is funny, quick as a whip, observant, and charming. Life is better because of him!
3. And the two little blessings above would not be possible without this man!
Kyle, my soul mate, my partner, my constant, my own personal comedian. Kyle works so hard everyday to provide for our family. He carries on his shoulders everyday that he is responsible for our well being, and does so beautifully. He comes home from work and turns into super dad. He gets down and plays with the boys and helps me with all the evening routine stuff. Our boys are so blessed to have Kyle as a father and role model. And I am blessed beyond measure to have him as my husband!
4. I am so thankful for God's provision. Kyle is a landscaper and his main line of income is from home maintenance. With as many people who lost their jobs in this area, I would have imagined it would have had a bigger hit on our family. Yes, we lost customers, but God has provided. God has also given Kyle a huge talent for what he does, and I am so thankful for that as well!
5. I am thankful for our family and friends. They make life so much sweeter. I know I hit the jackpot when it comes to parent's and in law's. They love my children and spoil them rotten, just like grandparents should! Our parents bless us with help whenever we need it and I hope someday I can do that for my children. Our extended family is beyond amazing and we have the best group of friends that anyone could ask for!
FIVE THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2010:
1. First and foremost, I want to have a consistent time with Jesus daily. I failed big time with this in 2009. I have tried to excuse myself because "I have two small kids" and "I'm busy". Blah, blah, blah. I find time everyday to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. I think I can find time to sit quietly before the throne. I need this so badly!
2. Coordinating with the above, I want to be aware of how much time I spend on my computer and cellphone. I know it is a lot of time. Time away from my husband, kids, and my responsibilities. I am going to be more strict on myself about all the times I just sit down for 5 minutes and check FB or blogs. All those little 5 minute breaks add up. My kids are growing much too quickly and I don't want to look back and think that I wasted my time on the computer while they needed me.
3. As cliche as it may be, I want to lose weight. I have a very long way to go, but I feel ready for it. I would like to lose about 60lbs. I know it is a lot, but I'm breaking it up into 20lb increments. I'm giving myself a realistic goal of 10 weeks for the first 20lbs and then I'll go from there. It is so much more than just wanting to lose weight to look good, it is to be healthy.
4. I want to be much more purposeful with my time. I recently wrote out a schedule for my days, and am hoping that this will be a helpful tool in keeping my goal.
5. I want to continue our goal in becoming financially free. We very loosely started Dave Ramsey's plan last year, but I would really like to kick it in full throttle in 2010. Kyle and I don't have a lot of debt (any longer), but I would really like to wipe it out and start on our nest egg!
5 WAYS I WANT TO GIVE AND HELP OTHERS THIS YEAR:
1. This could also go under the "improve upon" category, because we as a family have never been great about tithing. Just being honest, here. I love to talk like I trust the Lord to provide for us, but then I hold onto our money with a tight fist. Kyle and I have to make some changes in this area.
2. Kyle and I recently went back to teaching a nursery class. I want to continue with this throughout the new year. I feel that since we have kids that partake in the wonderful children's ministry, it is our responsibility to volunteer.
3. I want to be a help to others in my every day life. Wherever, whenever. Sometimes it is easier to just ignore when you see someone out that has a need. Please Lord, guide me and give me a passion for others.
4. I'm not sure how to go about this one, but I would like to get into some sort of ministry for parents who have babies in the NICU. Having spent time in the NICU with both of my boys, I know the heartache and helplessness of having a baby there. Like I said, I'm not sure if that means starting a ministry on my own, or joining one that is already in place, but I want to figure it out!
5. I want to be a better helpmate to my husband this year. I know he carries so much stress owning a business, and I want to do whatever I can to take a little of that burden from him. He is such a help to me on a daily basis, I want to do the same for him.
And there it is, folks! I think it will be neat to go back to this from time to time in 2010 and see how I'm doing with my progress. I don't know what this new year holds, but I do know WHO holds it. I pray blessings for you and your families! Let's make it a good one!
I saw this "annual review" on Kelly's blog and thought it was such a great way to reflect on 2009 and think about what I want to change in 2010.
FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2009:
1. 2009 brought along this little fella'! I love him more than life itself and couldn't imagine the world without him!
Bennett Ace is one of the biggest joys of my life. I'm blessed beyond compare to get to watch him grow and learn everyday! It blows my mind that he is about to turn a year old! And he's got a new trick...
He isn't an exclusive walker yet. But he is very, very close. It is so cute to watch him learn a new skill and see how proud he is of himself!2.I was blessed to see this "big" boy become a brother this year. Talk about amazing!
Jackson Kyle is hands down, the most doting big brother that I have ever seen. Jackson had no problems adjusting from life as an only child. He just made it so easy for us! I should have figured, though! Being an adaptable, easy, sweet child is par for the course for him! Jackson is funny, quick as a whip, observant, and charming. Life is better because of him!
3. And the two little blessings above would not be possible without this man!
Kyle, my soul mate, my partner, my constant, my own personal comedian. Kyle works so hard everyday to provide for our family. He carries on his shoulders everyday that he is responsible for our well being, and does so beautifully. He comes home from work and turns into super dad. He gets down and plays with the boys and helps me with all the evening routine stuff. Our boys are so blessed to have Kyle as a father and role model. And I am blessed beyond measure to have him as my husband!
4. I am so thankful for God's provision. Kyle is a landscaper and his main line of income is from home maintenance. With as many people who lost their jobs in this area, I would have imagined it would have had a bigger hit on our family. Yes, we lost customers, but God has provided. God has also given Kyle a huge talent for what he does, and I am so thankful for that as well!
5. I am thankful for our family and friends. They make life so much sweeter. I know I hit the jackpot when it comes to parent's and in law's. They love my children and spoil them rotten, just like grandparents should! Our parents bless us with help whenever we need it and I hope someday I can do that for my children. Our extended family is beyond amazing and we have the best group of friends that anyone could ask for!
FIVE THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2010:
1. First and foremost, I want to have a consistent time with Jesus daily. I failed big time with this in 2009. I have tried to excuse myself because "I have two small kids" and "I'm busy". Blah, blah, blah. I find time everyday to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. I think I can find time to sit quietly before the throne. I need this so badly!
2. Coordinating with the above, I want to be aware of how much time I spend on my computer and cellphone. I know it is a lot of time. Time away from my husband, kids, and my responsibilities. I am going to be more strict on myself about all the times I just sit down for 5 minutes and check FB or blogs. All those little 5 minute breaks add up. My kids are growing much too quickly and I don't want to look back and think that I wasted my time on the computer while they needed me.
3. As cliche as it may be, I want to lose weight. I have a very long way to go, but I feel ready for it. I would like to lose about 60lbs. I know it is a lot, but I'm breaking it up into 20lb increments. I'm giving myself a realistic goal of 10 weeks for the first 20lbs and then I'll go from there. It is so much more than just wanting to lose weight to look good, it is to be healthy.
4. I want to be much more purposeful with my time. I recently wrote out a schedule for my days, and am hoping that this will be a helpful tool in keeping my goal.
5. I want to continue our goal in becoming financially free. We very loosely started Dave Ramsey's plan last year, but I would really like to kick it in full throttle in 2010. Kyle and I don't have a lot of debt (any longer), but I would really like to wipe it out and start on our nest egg!
5 WAYS I WANT TO GIVE AND HELP OTHERS THIS YEAR:
1. This could also go under the "improve upon" category, because we as a family have never been great about tithing. Just being honest, here. I love to talk like I trust the Lord to provide for us, but then I hold onto our money with a tight fist. Kyle and I have to make some changes in this area.
2. Kyle and I recently went back to teaching a nursery class. I want to continue with this throughout the new year. I feel that since we have kids that partake in the wonderful children's ministry, it is our responsibility to volunteer.
3. I want to be a help to others in my every day life. Wherever, whenever. Sometimes it is easier to just ignore when you see someone out that has a need. Please Lord, guide me and give me a passion for others.
4. I'm not sure how to go about this one, but I would like to get into some sort of ministry for parents who have babies in the NICU. Having spent time in the NICU with both of my boys, I know the heartache and helplessness of having a baby there. Like I said, I'm not sure if that means starting a ministry on my own, or joining one that is already in place, but I want to figure it out!
5. I want to be a better helpmate to my husband this year. I know he carries so much stress owning a business, and I want to do whatever I can to take a little of that burden from him. He is such a help to me on a daily basis, I want to do the same for him.
And there it is, folks! I think it will be neat to go back to this from time to time in 2010 and see how I'm doing with my progress. I don't know what this new year holds, but I do know WHO holds it. I pray blessings for you and your families! Let's make it a good one!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sign me up, please!
Check out these blogs and enter to win an amazing HP computer. I would LOVE to win one of these bad boys!!!
Go to:
http://www.kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com/
http://boomama.net/hp-touchsmart-600-giveaway/
http://nienie-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway_09.html
http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html.
Unbelievable!!! Oh, this would just make my day!!!
Go to:
http://www.kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com/
http://boomama.net/hp-touchsmart-600-giveaway/
http://nienie-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway_09.html
http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html.
Unbelievable!!! Oh, this would just make my day!!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
9 & 10 Months
Our little Acey man is 10 months old! I'm so behind on posting, so I'm combining his 9 month post in here as well. Better late than never, right???Here is what the big man has been up to:
-Into everything! He has officially found the tupperware cabinet. He also loves pulling everything out of our bathroom drawers.
-Of course crawling like a madman, but can cruise now while holding onto furniture.
-Can stand unassisted.
-Although I'm pretty sure he has the skills, has no desire to walk.
-Shows no fear. Loves to be thrown in the air, loves to catapult himself off of furniture, etc. This is VERY different from Mr. Cautious, AKA Jackson.
-Starting to show dislike of certain foods. He doesn't care for anything that he can't feed himself.
-Loves spaghetti (see above picture) =)
-Showing signs of giving up his bottle. He still takes a bottle 3x a day, but usually only drinks about 4-6 ounces at each feeding. Sometimes less.
-His personality just shines through more and more each day. Ace is funny, likes attention, very tender hearted, likes to entertain, and very social.
-Sometimes he love naps, sometimes he doesn't. Right now we are in the loving nap cycle.
-Ace only has 4 teeth, but is working on 2 more.
-In Ace's 9th and 10th months he has had his first double ear infection, first stomach bug, first case of Bronchiolitis, and first cold.
-Sleeps from about 6:30-6:30. If he doesn't take a good afternoon nap will go down for the night even earlier.
-Usually wakes up once during the night.
Ace,
We love you so much! You and your brother bring so much joy to our lives every single day. I can't believe we are approaching your 1st birthday. Where has this past year gone? You are supposed to be my tiny baby! I say it all the time, but time passes too quickly. I pray every day that the Lord helps me savor this time with you. I know I may sound crazy for this, but I kind of love that you still wake up once during the middle of the night. But I think that time is so special for us. The house is silent and just you and me snuggle up and rock. You bury your little fuzzy head beneath my chin and I just sit there and breath in your fleeting baby scent. Too soon this time will be gone. The biggest achievement in my life is being "Mama" to Jackson and Ace Van Nus. I love you both more than I could ever type out on this silly blog.
XOXO,
Mama
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