-Paul E Little "How to give your faith away"
Monday, September 22, 2008
"It has been observed, wisely, I think, that hymns and choruses make liars of us all. We sing of glorious Christian experiences as though they were our very won, and yet they are not. Hymns of commitment are probably the ones most often sung without putting the words into action. When we mouth the truths without thought or meaning, it leads us to accept an unreal experience as the norm. Without realizing it, we're actually living a lie. It is lamentable that our rich heritage of Christian music may lead us to substitute a fiction for the real thing."
-Paul E Little "How to give your faith away"
-Paul E Little "How to give your faith away"
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
My baby is growing up!
Last year Daniel was put into a two day a week speech class. This class has changed all of our lives and Daniel LOVED it. We decided that this year he needed to be in that class again so that by the time he is in kindergarden he will not be held back because of his speech difficulties. It was a long and hard decision on what to do for this year but finally we decided that the best thing to do would be to have him in speech two mornings a week and preschool two mornings a week. We were very happy with our decision and told Daniel all about what was going to happen.
Well, turns out that is not what happened. There was a misunderstanding amongst the staff that registered him for school this year. He is scheduled to be in preschool 4 mornings a week and in speech two afternoons. I talked to his teacher from last year for a while yesterday to try to figure out what will happen next. She said that she will observe him this week and see what his current speech needs are and then next week we will see what happens next.
I had been telling Daniel all summer that he was going to be in Ms Jodi's class one day and then in with Ms Chris. When I told him that he was no longer going to be with Ms. Chris he was very very sad. We talked this morning about how he will have fun with Ms. Jodi and that he is getting to be such a big boy he does not need to be in Ms. Chris' class anymore. He kept telling me that I said he was going to be in with Ms. Chris. Trying to explain to a 4 year old that plans have changed is not an easy thing to do.
So today I loaded up my baby girl and my disappointed big boy into the van and off to preschool we went. After we got there I told Daniel he could go into his class and he took my hand and struck up into me and said "All by myself". My heart broke. I fought the tears and walked him over to his coat hook and helped him get settled. As I gave him one more hug and kiss it took everything in me to let go! As I turned to leave I found myself fighting more tears. I thought about him all the way home, and all this morning.
I know that I am not the first mother to cry leaving their baby at school. I am also sure that this will not be the last time I cry leaving my baby in a place where he is not that comfortable. And I am also sure that each time I have to walk away will be just as hard as the last.
On a lighter note this morning Daniel was getting ready for school and I just hear him grunting and groaning. I went into his room to see what in the world he is doing and I found him trying to pull up his pants without unbuttoning them. I explained to him that it would be easier if he would unbutton his pants. He said "Mom I can do it!" and then with another big grunt and a pull he said "see mom I am using my muscles!" After a couple more tries he said "Mom I will let you know if I change my mind okay." Then he pulled one more time as hard as he could, then he said 'okay I changed my mind" He finally unbuttons the button and easily pulled up his pants and went on his way!
What a funny kid!
Well, turns out that is not what happened. There was a misunderstanding amongst the staff that registered him for school this year. He is scheduled to be in preschool 4 mornings a week and in speech two afternoons. I talked to his teacher from last year for a while yesterday to try to figure out what will happen next. She said that she will observe him this week and see what his current speech needs are and then next week we will see what happens next.
I had been telling Daniel all summer that he was going to be in Ms Jodi's class one day and then in with Ms Chris. When I told him that he was no longer going to be with Ms. Chris he was very very sad. We talked this morning about how he will have fun with Ms. Jodi and that he is getting to be such a big boy he does not need to be in Ms. Chris' class anymore. He kept telling me that I said he was going to be in with Ms. Chris. Trying to explain to a 4 year old that plans have changed is not an easy thing to do.
So today I loaded up my baby girl and my disappointed big boy into the van and off to preschool we went. After we got there I told Daniel he could go into his class and he took my hand and struck up into me and said "All by myself". My heart broke. I fought the tears and walked him over to his coat hook and helped him get settled. As I gave him one more hug and kiss it took everything in me to let go! As I turned to leave I found myself fighting more tears. I thought about him all the way home, and all this morning.
I know that I am not the first mother to cry leaving their baby at school. I am also sure that this will not be the last time I cry leaving my baby in a place where he is not that comfortable. And I am also sure that each time I have to walk away will be just as hard as the last.
On a lighter note this morning Daniel was getting ready for school and I just hear him grunting and groaning. I went into his room to see what in the world he is doing and I found him trying to pull up his pants without unbuttoning them. I explained to him that it would be easier if he would unbutton his pants. He said "Mom I can do it!" and then with another big grunt and a pull he said "see mom I am using my muscles!" After a couple more tries he said "Mom I will let you know if I change my mind okay." Then he pulled one more time as hard as he could, then he said 'okay I changed my mind" He finally unbuttons the button and easily pulled up his pants and went on his way!
What a funny kid!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
A fun Saturday
Today we had a fun day. Brandon went to study at the library today, so the kids and I went out and about this morning. First stop was toys r us, or as Daniel calls it Toys for us. As many times I have tired to correct this Daniel really thinks the place is called Toys for us. I can understand why he thinks that. Before we left I let him pick out another die cast car to go with his Disney Cars collection. He was very excited about it.
After we left Toys For Us we went to play at the park. It was a beautiful day to play at the park. Monica was trying to climb up everything. She tried to follow Daniel up the stairs and down the slides. It is hard to believe that she is only a year old!
Then we came home and had lunch and rest time. After rest time daddy came home, we ate and then went back to the park. This time I remembered my camera. I had a lot of fun playing with the kids. Daniel and I played hide and seek. That was a lot of fun, although I found that I do not hide as easily as I used to!
Aren't these kids adorable!
Monica loved playing peek a boo in through the tunnel!
After we left Toys For Us we went to play at the park. It was a beautiful day to play at the park. Monica was trying to climb up everything. She tried to follow Daniel up the stairs and down the slides. It is hard to believe that she is only a year old!
Then we came home and had lunch and rest time. After rest time daddy came home, we ate and then went back to the park. This time I remembered my camera. I had a lot of fun playing with the kids. Daniel and I played hide and seek. That was a lot of fun, although I found that I do not hide as easily as I used to!
Aren't these kids adorable!
Monica loved playing peek a boo in through the tunnel!
Anything you can do I can do better!
Monkey See Monkey do Monkey wants to potty too!
The last few times I have put Monica on the potty she has gone in the potty. I am sure it is because she wants to be grown up like her big brother. Even tonight before her bath she peed in the potty. Yeah Monica!
The last few times I have put Monica on the potty she has gone in the potty. I am sure it is because she wants to be grown up like her big brother. Even tonight before her bath she peed in the potty. Yeah Monica!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Fad Diets, Cupcakes, and Prayer
I was in the check out at Meijer when I saw a women's health magazine that said "Having trouble losing weight try our new formula to remove toxins that prohibit women from losing weight". I was thinking to myself hum that sounds interesting when right below this add another one caught my eye. It said "New easy Raspberry Swirl Cupcake recipe." And right above that was a picture of a plate of these cupcakes. What is up with that?
On a different note, on the way home I was listening to a very convicting sermon on the radio about prayer. It was talking about how your prayer life is not supposed to be easy but prayer is hard work. Even though it is hard it is our life line to channel God's will into our lives. It made me think of Hannah's prayer. I will not go into all the details, but I enjoyed it.
Well, I am about to watch the movie "Trade" with my hubby!
On a different note, on the way home I was listening to a very convicting sermon on the radio about prayer. It was talking about how your prayer life is not supposed to be easy but prayer is hard work. Even though it is hard it is our life line to channel God's will into our lives. It made me think of Hannah's prayer. I will not go into all the details, but I enjoyed it.
Well, I am about to watch the movie "Trade" with my hubby!
Boring Blog
So I noticed today that my blog is really missing something. Content! I have posted many picture of the family but rarely do I actually write anything about my day.
I think that this could be one of two reasons. First, by end of the day I am so tired I can hardly think let alone get on here tell the world about my day. Secondly, maybe I feel my life is filled with typical days where nothing all that exciting happens.
I get up in the morning rush to get ready for the day, feed the kids, clean up, change diapers, change clothes, play a little bit, feed the kids, clean up, change diapers, do potty time, play with the kids, feed the kids, clean up, lay then down for nap, feed the kids, clean up, play some more, feed the kids, clean up, give baths, clean up, put the kids to bed, clean up.
Do you see what I mean about a typical day?
Anyway, even though my days are all pretty much the same, I realized that I probably do have more things to share, they might just might not be that interesting. Like right now my son is watching Little Einsteins "the big sky race" and my daughter has decided to climb into her collapsed walker and get stuck. Even though this makes her very angry, every few minutes she seems to think it is a good idea to get back in the walker. I am not sure what her agenda is but whatever it is it does not seem to working out for her.
As a matter of fact I have not even finished writing my last sentence and she has already climbed back into the walker and she is AGAIN stuck and AGAIN fussing about it.
This morning I got to talk to my parents on the phone. For those of you who don't know, my parents are missionaries in Kenya. Today is my dad's birthday. Daniel asked this morning if his Babu was 4 today, to which his daddy properly responded "no babu is just a little older than that." I miss them dearly and I wish that they lived closer to me. Daniel loved talking to his Babu and Soso. It was just wonderful to hear their voice. Somehow it made them feel a little closer!
Oh something else exciting happened today. My husband went out to return something to the game store and he came home with the old school Dr. Mario! I have not played that game in years. I was so excited about it.
I put it in ready to show the world my Dr. Mario expertise, but it was not long before my bubble was burst. That game is harder than I remember. There is a small window to kill those dumb little germs and if I mess up in the least little bit I am just doing damage control for the next 10 minutes trying to stay alive. I got through level 6 when I finally game up not only because of frustration but also because it was giving me a headache.
Well there is my first ranting blog. I think that I will try to do these more often just to bring a little life back into my dying blog.
I think that this could be one of two reasons. First, by end of the day I am so tired I can hardly think let alone get on here tell the world about my day. Secondly, maybe I feel my life is filled with typical days where nothing all that exciting happens.
I get up in the morning rush to get ready for the day, feed the kids, clean up, change diapers, change clothes, play a little bit, feed the kids, clean up, change diapers, do potty time, play with the kids, feed the kids, clean up, lay then down for nap, feed the kids, clean up, play some more, feed the kids, clean up, give baths, clean up, put the kids to bed, clean up.
Do you see what I mean about a typical day?
Anyway, even though my days are all pretty much the same, I realized that I probably do have more things to share, they might just might not be that interesting. Like right now my son is watching Little Einsteins "the big sky race" and my daughter has decided to climb into her collapsed walker and get stuck. Even though this makes her very angry, every few minutes she seems to think it is a good idea to get back in the walker. I am not sure what her agenda is but whatever it is it does not seem to working out for her.
As a matter of fact I have not even finished writing my last sentence and she has already climbed back into the walker and she is AGAIN stuck and AGAIN fussing about it. This morning I got to talk to my parents on the phone. For those of you who don't know, my parents are missionaries in Kenya. Today is my dad's birthday. Daniel asked this morning if his Babu was 4 today, to which his daddy properly responded "no babu is just a little older than that." I miss them dearly and I wish that they lived closer to me. Daniel loved talking to his Babu and Soso. It was just wonderful to hear their voice. Somehow it made them feel a little closer!
Oh something else exciting happened today. My husband went out to return something to the game store and he came home with the old school Dr. Mario! I have not played that game in years. I was so excited about it.
I put it in ready to show the world my Dr. Mario expertise, but it was not long before my bubble was burst. That game is harder than I remember. There is a small window to kill those dumb little germs and if I mess up in the least little bit I am just doing damage control for the next 10 minutes trying to stay alive. I got through level 6 when I finally game up not only because of frustration but also because it was giving me a headache.
Well there is my first ranting blog. I think that I will try to do these more often just to bring a little life back into my dying blog.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Labor Day
Since we moved here we have been going to the beach for Labor Day. The one where we go always has a Elephant for the kids to ride and at the end of the day the Elephant always takes a bath in Lake Michigan. This was the first year that Daniel got to ride the Elephant. He was very excited about it. 
Monica pointing excitedly at Daniel on the Elephant.
Daniel playing in the sand.
Waiting to see the Elephant dip into the lake.
Snack Time!
I bought this beach ball at the disney store on clearance for less than a dollar. Daniel had so much fun with it!
Monica pointing excitedly at Daniel on the Elephant. 
Daniel playing in the sand.
Waiting to see the Elephant dip into the lake. 
Snack Time!
I bought this beach ball at the disney store on clearance for less than a dollar. Daniel had so much fun with it! 
Friday, August 29, 2008
Fun with diaper boxes
It is amazing how much fun you can have with empty boxes, a few markers, and some paper plates. The kids played in this "train" for hours!
A Much Needed Update
This past Saturday Grand Rapids had a Car Show. We had a lot of fun walking around looking at all the old cars. Part of the show was a display of old Fire Trucks. Daniel walked through a fire safety house. We also watched a demonstration of how they get hurt people out of very bad wrecks. Daniel watched in awe as the firemen cut open the front wind shield of the car, then they cut off the doors, and then the roof! They did all of this in just a matter of minutes.
Daniel also learned the importance of wearing his seat belt. Although Daniel always wears his seat belt with no problems, the officer put Daniel in the seat belt convincer. This shows you the impact that you feel when you are in a wreck going 5 miles an hour. You get quite the jolt from this thing! When the car hit the bottom Daniel just goes "WOW!"
One of Daniel's favorite things there (actually probably his most favorite thing) was he got to play video games at the Best Buy tent. They had a real retired race car that he looked at. Then he got to play a virtual racing game. He was not tall enough to reach the peddles so the Best Buy man came and pushed down the gas for him. He did a pretty good job racing until the last lap he rammed into another car and did a flip, flew up in the air and landed upside down. Then his game was over. 
This is just one of the many cars we saw there. Daniel liked this one because it was the same color as "Flo" from the movie CARS. 
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monica's One Year Pictures
Last Thursday I took Monica in for her 1 year pictures at JC Penny. I cannot believe how big she has gotten. I always order their smiles by wire so I can have the proofs of the pictures to save on my computer. Here are just a few of the pictures they took. She is so darling!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Monica Marie Jones!
My sweet baby girl is one year old today! She is so full of personality and she makes me smile everyday. I love her with all my heart. This year has flown by and today I was thinking how I need to cherish every moment before she is all grown up! Since we already had cake for Brandon's birthday I decided to go with a big cookie instead. Monica did not seem to mind the switch and had a lot of fun eating the icing!
Daniel went to walmart with me and picked out this baby doll for Monica. He said that he thought it was a good present for her. I think he is right. She really seems to like it. One of her favorite things to do in the nursery is try to take away all the babies pacifiers. This baby doll has a pacifier and Monica has found that no matter how many times she puts it in and pulls it out of the dolls mouth the baby doll never cries. It is fun to watch her take out the pacifier and put it back in over and over again.
Daniel went to walmart with me and picked out this baby doll for Monica. He said that he thought it was a good present for her. I think he is right. She really seems to like it. One of her favorite things to do in the nursery is try to take away all the babies pacifiers. This baby doll has a pacifier and Monica has found that no matter how many times she puts it in and pulls it out of the dolls mouth the baby doll never cries. It is fun to watch her take out the pacifier and put it back in over and over again. 
Brandon's Surprise Birthday Party
I was able to throw a surprise birthday party for Brandon's 30th birthday. It was a lot of fun to have our friends together celebrating with us. Thanks to everyone who came, you helped make this day special! 
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Monica's Mohawk
While we were in Kansas City Nanny took all of us to the pool for the afternoon. The kids had a lot of fun. Monica loves the water and is pretty much fearless. After we put a life jacket on Daniel he was able to swim the entire length of the pool by himself. He was very proud and so was I! 
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