Tuesday

I was off with the kids on Tuesday and took a few pictures on my phone. It's like a diary of the day in pictures! Here goes...

Dropped the kids off to see Nanna and Pops while my car got an oil change

Emma getting ready for school - had to take a picture for Daddy of her choice of shirt for the day!

Picked Emma up from school - this was totally not staged, I promise!

Stopped by the shoe store to get Emma some shoes for fall. She wanted the princess boots, but it's not cold enough yet!


Rather than heading straight home, we went to the playground! Emma blew me away when she manged this...



And then this - she must've have grown quite a bit because at the start of the summer she couldn't reach the poles!!

Today is "show and tell" at school. She had to take something red, and picked her toy cell phone! Can't wait to hear how it went!!

Quotes

Yesterday we were hanging out at Scott's parents for a bit. Emma was
sat on the sofa quietly watching tv. I laid down next to her and
started to tickle her. She cried out...

"STOP! I'm just chillin'!!"

Today we were heading to go bowling in the car. Emma started talking
about wanting a dress like Tiana's, moving on to Rapunzel...

"I want a purple dress just like Rapunzel's, who, by the way, has
really long hair."

You might think I'm nuts but I love the way she learns phrases.

Toby, on the other hand, is more of a one-word kind of guy - no
surprise, that's all he can fit in with Emma around!

I've been a bit worried, actually, but since we started making him try
to say what he wants and teaching him to sign, he's doing really well.

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME

There is a song that plays at the end of Sweetpea Beauty, softly playing over the credits. It's one of the few times I let the credits play out in full. This song is moving, beautiful and I want every woman and girl to hear it, and receive it as if God himself is singing it.

Check it out...

http://youtu.be/BLaqNbQNo4w

Here are the lyrics if you like to follow along!

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME
Nichole Nordeman

Every girl young and old has to face her own reflection
Twirl around, stare it down
What’s the mirror gonna say
With some luck, you’ll measure up
But you might not hold a candle to the rest
“Is that your best?” says the mirror to the mess

But there’s a whisper in the noise
Can you hear a little voice
and he says

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

If it’s true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
What my life and what’s inside to give him something to behold
I want a heart that’s captivating
I wanna hear my Father say

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

Close your eyes
Look inside
Let me see the you that you’ve been trying to hide
Long ago, I made you so very beautiful
So I ought to know you’re beautiful

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Yeah
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful
You’re so beautiful
Beautiful for me
So beautiful for me
Has anybody told you?

A week (or so) in review

I don't think it is any one thing that leads me to conclude that life is moving faster than ever! Clearly the busier you are, the less time you seem to have for those moments of "I have nothing to do", but that's a good thing because too many of those moments lead to boredom!

Emma's doing great. Fully recovered from her face-to-floor- bump, and enjoying school. In fact, this week Pops took Emma on a day I was working, so it looks like we are good to go!

We did have to address something with the teachers this week - they give the kids cool stamps on their hands when it's someones birthday.

Both times Emma has expressed unhappiness after the fact, and even went so far as to say she did not want to return because of "stamps"! I told her to just tell the teachers she didn't want one, which she did (and they'd also worked it out!) so she's really proud of herself for communicating!

School seems to be having a positive impact on her therapy too, as she is better at following instructions and a longer attention span.

On Friday we went to IKEA to look for big girl beds! We realized that the kids want to be in our bed so much, not because they need closeness with us, but our pillow top mattress is much nicer than there firm crib mattresses!

We plan to buy Emma a full size single bed in the next few weeks "for her birthday". We'll put her bed in Toby's room and see if he can be trusted with the freedom! If he can, we'll have to get him one too, because the crib/toddler bed are also too small for both kids.

As for Toby, it's hard to believe that he turns 2 in less than 2 weeks. They say that having a boy and girl is a rich mans family, and I think it's a good saying. I love my kids so much, and the fact that they are so very different is awesome.

Yesterday Scott brought home a large remote controlled car, the kind with long antennae. Toby, being Toby, likes to chew on the end of the antenna, or just sit with the wire in his mouth. We have to keep confiscating it!

This afternoon, while we had a lot of friends over I was not paying as much attention to the kids. Emma, standing in front of me started waving her thumbs around like a hitchhiker. When I did the same back to her she said "nooo" and without turning her head pointed to her left. I turned and saw Toby with the antenna in his mouth!

It was hard not to laugh at how subtle she had been at telling on him. And how flagrant he is in response when you call his name and he grins at you, with the antenna hanging out of his mouth!

Toby is such a character and it's so great to see how much he loves Emma. When he won't eat a bite of food from us, he'll let Emma feed him or do something she tells him to do without question. Of course, she also intentionally gets him in trouble that way!

Toby is trying hard with his words, making more attempts at differing sounds. I suspect we have contributed to his lack of vocabulary by "understanding" his gestures and grunts and not requiring better articulation. I didn't realize how much you have to teach all kids to speak!!

For Toby's party we are staying small this year, inviting his favorite friends over for a car party - a couple hours of hotwheels and remote controlled cars racing around a furniture-less living room! We are even making it a girl-free zone, and we'll take Emma out for most of the time. Oh, and a cake of course!

Scott and I are doing well. We're incredibly busy, as I am working three days a week, getting home about 6pm, and he has quite a bit of overtime too. We are seeing this as a time of harvest, because you never know when there will be a time of "famine" in the workplace!

We have been much more intentional about family time, trying to make one night a week a time when we all go out together. It doesn't even have to be something expensive - last week it was IKEA, which is actually as much fun for the kids as a playground. At least it is when you let the kids jump on the mattresses and try out beds!! ;-)

October and November weekends are pretty much all booked up, so before I know it we'll be into December. This year is moving so fast I can't quite believe it. It's all been good though, maybe better than I ever imagined. Maybe one day soon I'll find a minute to sit back and reflect!

Clean up

When Toby refused to pick up his cars before bedtime, Scott and I
watched our friend Grant try an unorthodox method!

Toby-love

This post's for Kali...

Two Little Monkeys and a Lost Princess

Yesterday was not the quiet day I anticipated!

It started out well. The kids and I got up at a reasonable time - early enough to fit in breakfast and lunch before pre-school! We hung out at home and I made a decision that might just save my sanity.

When I went back to work I decided that I would not do chores or work while the kids were with me, because the little time we had should be quality time with mum. Since I have been spending "naptime" (1-4pm) at pre-school with Emma, and evenings with the family, that has meant no time for chores!

If you know me [at all!] you know I do like to have a tidy and somewhat clean environment and clean clothes! So this has not been going well for my anxiety level. As I surveyed the crumby carpet and grubby floors I realized the kids should know that the house does need to be cleaned! (See where I'm going?!).

And so I cleaned around them playing, taking a break here and there to play or feed! And all three of us had a great morning.

Toby went for a nap at noon, and Nanna came over to be there while I took Emma to pre-school. She was excited again, and it makes me so happy to see her so confident and independent!

After she sat in her chair in the classroom I asked the teachers if they wanted me to stay and they said absolutely not, they were fine. Happily I left to go home - which is only 5 minutes away!

I was able to get some work done while Toby slept, and Nanna got to go home and do the same!

After school Toby and I went to pick up Emma, and stood out in the rain waiting for her. Doing that all Winter will be great!!

We cam home and the kids played with Scott while I made dinner. He took them upstairs to get them out of my hair - raw chicken and toddlers do not mix!

Around 5.30pm, I was headed to the bathroom when I heard an almighty thud and then crying. Both kids were jumping on the bed, Emma landed close to the edge and as the mattress bounced her up she toppled over and landed face first on the hardwood floor.

She was inconsolable for about 10-15 minutes, until we put Cinderella on the TV! Throughout the evening she was fine, not sleepy despite having had no nap - we were watching for signs of a concussion! However, she developed a large bump on the forehead, mercifully hidden by her hair, but also one half of her top lip tripled in size.

Because Emma can't move that lip, it has not impacted her speech, and the fact that it is immobilized should allow it to heal faster.

We had friends over last night so the kids were up until after 9pm. Bedtime was awash with tears, not least because we could not find Emma's beloved Sleeping Beauty doll and bedtime companion. Three adults looked high and low but could not find the lost princess.

Emma eventually compromised and accepted Jasmine as a substitute. Later we found SB under the back of the sofa!

Emma slept in our bed so I could keep an eye on her after the head trauma. She did well and was so tired she barely moved.

We were all woken around 2am by Toby screaming until Scott went and got him, and let him join us. Emma woke up and rather than being sluggish and disoriented, immediately and clearly said "Did you find Sleeping Beauty?" I truly believe that girl has supernatural strength!

Roll on the weekend!

Common Question

Probably the most common question Christians are asked is "If God is so loving, why does he allow good things to happen to bad people, or bad things to happen to good people?"

I think the basic answer is because God allowed. He gave us all free-will, to make choices, to be all that he made us to be, or not. We may never know what specific choices lead to some of our circumstances, maybe it was someone else's choices that impacted our life.

We see it all the time, where decisions made have repercussions many years down the road, while they seemed "right" at the time.

Today I read this devotional and I think it gives a clear picture of our relationship to a loving, and just God.

Why Does God Allow Evil?
by Rick Warren

This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God. John 3:19 (Msg)

The horrific mass murder of innocent Americans on 9/11 left all rational people shocked, angry, grief-stricken and numb. Our tears flowed freely and our hearts carried a deep ache.

With pain is so heartfelt and so personal, it’s only natural to ask, Why does God allow such evil to happen? If God is so great and so good, why does he allow human beings to hurt each other?

The answer lies in what is both our greatest blessing and our worst curse: our capacity to make choices. God has given us a free will. Made in God's image, he has given us the freedom to decide how we will act and the ability to make moral choices. This is one asset that sets us apart from animals, but it also is the source of so much pain in our world. Every one of us is capable of making selfish, self-centered or even evil choices. Whenever that happens, people get hurt.

Sin ultimately is selfishness. I want to do what I want, not what God tells me to do. Unfortunately, sin always hurts others, not just ourselves.

God could have eliminated all evil from our world by simply removing our ability to choose. He could have made us puppets -- marionettes on strings that he pulls. By taking away our ability to choose, evil would vanish.

But God doesn't want us to be puppets. He wants to be loved and obeyed by creatures who freely, voluntarily choose to love him and each other. Love is not genuine if there is no other option.

Yes, God could have kept the terrorists from completing their suicidal missions. He could have short-circuited their ability to choose their own will instead of his. But, to be fair, God also would have to do that to all of us. While you and I aren't terrorists, we do hurt others with our own selfish decisions and actions.

In a world of free choices, God's will is rarely done! Doing our own will is much more common -- much easier. Don't blame God for the tragedy of 9/11. Blame people who ignored what God says to do: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. That's why there is no sorrow, pain or evil there. But this is earth, a fallen, imperfect place. We must choose to do God's will every day. It isn't automatic. That is why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

The Bible explains the root of evil: "This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God" (John 3:19, Message). We're far more interested in pleasing ourselves than we are in pleasing the one who made us.

Many other questions race through our minds during dark days, but the answers will not come from pollsters, pundits or politicians. We must look to God and his Word for comfort and direction, for answers to our questions. We must humble ourselves and admit that each of us often chooses to ignore what God wants us to do.

I suspect houses of worship across America have been packed this weekend, as they were the weekend after 9/11. In times of crisis we cry out to connect with our Creator. The urge is deep-seated and universal. The first words uttered by millions on Sept. 11, 2001, were, "Oh, God!"

We were made for a relationship with God, but he waits for us to choose him. He is ready to comfort, guide and direct us through our grief. But the choice is ours.

Back to school

If you asked Emma over the past few days "how was school?" you'd hear
a brief "good.". Nothing more, nothing less.

We took it as a good sign that she did not actively dislike it, nor
say she did not want to return - you know she would!!

So it was a pleasant surprise when she danced about and leapt on to
Nanna's lap singing about going back to school today.

She was excited to remember her teachers names, but added "I don't
remember my friends names :-( , but they're still my friends!"

As we walked along the sidewalk to the doors she danced and sang. She
could not wait to run up the ramp to get inside.

She was even less concerned about me leaving, and was excited when I
came back a half hour later, as I met her occupational therapist
Lorraine, in the classroom.

Lorraine came to assess the environment for any modifications Emma
might require.

Emma went potty by herself. She played with the other kids. Then she
ate crackers with the other kids, and drank water from a small, but
open, cup.

When the other kids were done and Emma polished off a lot of crackers
we told her she didn't need to finish the water. The other kids were
getting books out and sitting together.

She assured us that she wanted to finish the water, and she did! I
was amazed - I have to nag her to drink at home.

Her teacher relayed a story from last week. When all the kids sat on
the rug Indian-style (cross legged) Emma told the teacher she wanted
to sit on her knees. Not knowing any better she agreed, assuming she
was not able.

The same thing happened during story time. But later she observed
Emma sitting cross legged playing. She realized she had been duped!!

Lorraine and I observed circle time. Emma did great with the
interaction but fidgeted with everyone else and was a big attention
seeker! I later told the teacher "don't give her any special
attention - she knows better!"

All seems to be going well and we are hopeful that I can drop her off
and leave like everyone else soon!

Princess Party

Yesterday was Emma's friend Abby's 4th birthday party. We headed over the river to New Jersey for a special Princess Party.

Emma was excited for several reasons:

1. To see Abby
2. To go to a party
3. To dress as a princess

But the ultimate surprise was to come later, after the girls watched a short princess movie, a special guest arrived...
Abby's babysitter had fashioned a Belle (of Beauty and the Beast) costume. All the girls were awestruck, but only my Emma continued to find her voice. Every question "Belle" asked the birthday girl, Emma chimed in to answer.

She was fascinated by the princess and had a great time. She even ate a banana and strawberry cream cheese sandwich!

With Emma's birthday just two months away, it really gave us food for thought on what we could do for her party. And some really delicious princess cupcakes!!

Silent Night

Emma's favorite bedtime song is Silent Night. She always asks if we can sing two bedtimes songs and, if you say yes, she asks for "two Silent Nights".

Here's how it went tonight:

Me: Silent night... (italics means I'm singing - I can't hold a tune for anything, but Emma likes it!)
Em: Can I sing with you?

Me: sure.

Both: Holy Night. All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin...

Em: There's no drink in here.

Me: Mother and Child.
I'll get you one.
Holy infant...

Em: I want ice in it.

Me: ...so tender and mild.
okay
Sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Friday Fun

Today was another one of those days. I could not get myself out of bed this morning, so we ended up running late to get Emma to speech therapy.

I'm quick to realize how unreasonable it is for me to expect the kids to respond to my hurried pleas that we are late, when Emma says to me "why are you being mean?"

"I'm not honey..okay I am, I'm sorry, but please could you pee a little quicker!"

As Emma sits on the potty she asked me about the new top I was wearing. Then she pulled her own t-shirt so that one side of the neckline was "off the shoulder" and said (this is great!) "have you ever done this? Sarah* wears her shirts like this!" (*Sarah is not the name she used for a friend of mine in her twenties - name changed to protect her rep.!)

I later commented to Scott, even three year olds watch what women wear and as is the standard with kids, will pick up on the most controversial things you do, be it language, dress or attitude!

After therapy, a brief visit at Nanna's to pick up Toby, it was home for lunch. Both kids were tired after yesterday evening (more on that later!)

After nap they were hilarious. At one point Toby was trying to tell Emma something and added very grown-up gesturing to his indistinguishable baby babble. I had to turn the camera on him when he started getting schreechy...

Scott was working late, so Nick Jr. and I tried to keep the kids amused. At some point Toby realized he can move the ottoman by himself (I don't think Emma can yet!) and shoved it up against the TV stand.

The two of them climbed up to get a closer view of things.

Then a song came on and the kids started to dance together. It was too cute to let it pass and I snuck away to grab the camera...

I wish I could have recorded them all day today as they were playing together and being totally adorable. However, Toby will freeze or run if the camera comes out, so I have to be sneaky. Unless, it's something he wants to show-off like last night...

This is his new fun thing to do!

First Day of School

The day started out slow. My intention was to get up early, have the kids up relatively early (so Toby would be napping before we left for school at noon) and spend good time with the kids.

Intention is worthless without action!! This was us at 9am...

Emma woke up shortly after, full of beans...
while Toby slept through us talking until 9.20am. 12pm nap out the window!!

I was definitely more anxious than she was, worrying about making a good impression with the other moms (whom I was too shy to approach!), and ended up rushing around because we got up so late!

Nanna arrived at noon to stay with Toby, and Emma and I got ready to leave...

It was pouring rain, but as we waited in the car, Emma was nonplussed!
As soon as the door opened she was through it, before any of the other kids hit the pathway...

Emma took a seat at the table, where (cleverly) playdoh awaited. She asked me if I was staying and I said "for a bit, but then I was leaving." She asked where I was going and I said "I'll wait in the car." After about 30 seconds she told me I could "go now"!

I don't think she even watched me leave...

I spent the next two hours on a sofa in the church lobby, reading. It was the best chance I have had to read lately, it was great!

About a half hour before school was due to end, I took a peak through the door. She was playing by herself, as most kids were, and then went over to the table to do the craft.

Then I went to wait outside with the other parents, and Scott joined me. Emma was the first one out the door and said she had a good time. When I asked what she did, she responded with "circle time, I ran, jumped and then I came home."

She does want to go back - that's a win!

Beach trip

We weren't able to squeeze in a full vacation this summer, but really wanted to get some beach time in with the kids. Rather than fork out a small fortune for a hotel over the holiday weekend we decided to do two day trips to the beach and just pay $50 for a tank of gas!!

We were really pleased that Melissa and Keith (good friends, and Mel was Emma's OT for two years) were staying down there for the weekend so we met them on the beach and were able to shower at theirs before we hit the boardwalk.

Both nights the kids pretty much stayed up all day and late into the evening, having so much fun. I grabbed some shots with my phone during the fun...

Emma helps decorate the giant hole Scott dug as soon as we arrived


Then we buried his legs and decorated them!

Scott tried his hand at surf fishing, but was no more successful than the experienced guys!

Toby appeared smitten with 3 year old Evelyn, Melissa's niece and followed her everywhere!

And Evelyn followed Emma... (note the bag of cheddar popcorn, of which Emma ate 50%!)

Out for pizza on the boardwalk, Toby hangs with the guys...

while Emma chills with the girls!

Scott had buffalo chicken pizza

Then on to the pier for the rides

Toby enjoyed the carousel, and waved to Daddy on every round

Melissa and Emma rode together

At 11pm, Emma toasts a great weekend with a yummy ice-cream!

Toby passed out back at Melissa's as we got the kids ready for bed before heading home.

A great weekend, and a great end to the summer!

Bonding!

Toby got a treat too (though Scott was almost as excited)!!

Backpack

Far from Dora's little purple Backpack, Emma chooses one that is
almost as big as her!

No, she cant have a smaller one, it has to be big enough to put the
things she makes at school in.

We also bought her some new clothes for the fall, including stretchy
pants to make going potty by herself easier!

Last days of summer

Emma's wearing her hooded bathrobe today! It's the last day we won't
have plans for a while and the kids just wanted to stay home - suits
me!

I guess he tired himself out!!

PJs

One of my favorite things about fall and the cooler weather is seeing
the kids in their cute pajamas.

Toby is especially cute because he's pretty skinny (all muscle!). I
tried to get a picture, but after several minutes these were the best
I could get! He rarely stays still to get a picture taken.