Range of emotions

Today was an emotional day for me. I went from feeling stressed, frustrated, and needing a vacation immediately, to overwhelming pride and joy over my children. My feelings of frustration came as a result of my almost 3 year old daughter being especially defiant and sassy today. Oy! Also, the fact that I had to throw away 2 toys that Molly chewed up. Ugh! I was aware of my less than positive outlook and knew that I needed to chill out, but still couldn't shake it. I would escape for a few seconds at a time and lift up my struggles to the Lord, because I knew the only way to eliminate my less than desirable emotions was to lift them up to Him. I just needed a moment of quiet reflection to myself. Let me emphasize the quiet part. However, that would have to wait until the big boy of the house got home, who had been out of town for work for 3 days by the way. So, what does my wonderful husband do upon his arrival? He whisks Selah and the dog off to the park for one hour (Eli was sleeping). I decided to go out back and do some weeding. That in and of itself is an odd activity for me, as in years past I never enjoyed yard work. However, recently I find it quite peaceful and relaxing. Eli woke up during this time and I got to enjoy some quiet time with him and witness him standing up in the middle of the floor. That's right...standing up...without holding onto anything...at 9 months old! I've thought for a while that he could very well walk before his first birthday, but not this early. The kid is nuts! So far he seems to have a very determined and focused personality. Later in the evening, after the kids were "in bed," we heard Eli start to giggle. We go in to their room to see what was so funny and find Selah tickling him. Hearing Eli giggle is one of the most precious sounds in the world and seeing the two of them interacting with each other is one of the most precious sights to me. It just melted my heart and the worries from the day. Yet again God has used my children's innocence to remind me what really matters and to value this time I have with them as babies.

Rejoicing in the little moments

When it comes to my children's social abilities I want my children to be friendly, outgoing, to make friends easily and to be liked by all. However, when you realize that your child struggles a great deal in social situations it's really difficult to accept that. I wish that others could see the Selah we know and love. She is so intelligent, funny, and has such a sweet and caring nature about her. But when Selah has the opportunity to engage in conversation with someone that is not the girl we see. She is no longer talkative and funny, she is shy, timid, and sometimes scared. Something happened this last weekend where I realized we were embarking on a journey that would take much time and patience. Not only would Selah be learning, but me as well. We were in her first ballet class and the teacher had just arrived. The teacher had asked all of the kids to sit on the blue mat to sing a welcome song, and my girl became hysterical. What was it like for her in that moment? Did she feel overwhelmed by the attention? I attempted to calm her down and encourage her to participate, while other parents gawked and the teacher glared at us. I walked out of there with her in my arms and tears in my eyes. From this helpless feeling I have learned that my daughter needs me to encourage her, to praise her when she does really well in social situations. Rejoice in the little moments! To be embarrassed or frustrated only hinders her growth as well as mine. I'm not a perfect mom, and I don't have perfect children, but I am proud of them and love them for who they are. I am ready to walk with my daughter hand in hand on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

Who would have thought...

Tomatoes

Zucchini

We also have cucumbers and carrots growing in our garden.

I have never been known for my green thumb. I have never had a plant been given to me and it live more than a month or two. Yard work was something I despised doing, because as a result of doing so my allergies would act up. So, what possessed me to start a garden, you might ask? I have no idea! However, things actually began to grow, and I don't mean weeds, but actual vegetable bearing plants. It's fantastic! So far we have had zucchini two ways--fried zucchini and zucchini in our spaghetti sauce. We have also enjoyed carrots. Who would have thought that I could grow a garden?

On a side note, I have some advice for those that shop at Macy's. I recently went shopping with my mom before her and my dad's trip to Hawaii. I was not planning on buying anything that day. I was simply a shopping companion for my mom. That all changed in the purse section at Macy's. We were on the hunt for the perfect travel bag that was small enough, yet functional, for my mom to take on the trip. I spotted a bag that fit the description located on the bottom shelf. I bent over to grab it, and stood back up.....RIIIIIIPPPPP!!! I had hooked my athletic capri pants on a hook directly behind me. Suddenly the quest for a travel bag became a quest to buy Sonja pants...FAST! I was surrounded by old lady apparel or athletic gear. So, I dashed around with my hand on my rear-end to cover the huge hole. Next problem...there was nothing in my size. Except one pair of Nike capri pants that were $50. $50...who pays such a price! I was desperate, so I decided to try them on. I also found out that I had cut myself pretty badly on that hook and was bleeding. Ugh! So, I bought those $50 pants, which I never spend that much, and we went home. Preceding our exit I told the clerk my tail and her response was, "Oh that's too bad." I didn't even get a discount for their poor lay out of the merchandise. I didn't think of that at the time, but my mom mentioned it to the gal which did not elicit a response. Anyways, long story short don't bend over in the tight aisles of Macy's. Okay, that was pretty lame advice, but it is a funny story. I did walk away with the most comfortable pants I've ever owned, but had to pay a pretty price for them.

Well friends, see you soon!

Good Golly Miss. Molly!

We have a puppy! She is a yellow/cream colored Labrador retriever with a very mellow and affectionate personality. The kids both seem fond of her. Eli giggles when he gets to touch her, and Selah is exhibiting the same caring quality she shows with her brother.

By the way, her name is Molly.

Latest...

Preciosa!

First sprinkler run of the season.

Eli "the alligator wrestler"

Silly kids!

Here is a rundown on my peeps (a.k.a. Selah, Eli and Dan)...

Eli is crawling...everywhere!, saying 'mama', and pulling himself up on the coffee table.

Selah is a jumping and climbing monkey, feeling 100% better, one month away from turning 3 years old, and has already began asking her daddy for a doggy. Haha! Hmm...who put that in her head?! ;)

Dan has a goal of doing a 40 mile bike trip this summer. He is working his way up, and so far completed a 25 mile ride earlier in the week.

Sonja is keeping busy with summer program and feeling a little discouraged by the lack of encouragement and abundance of criticism. So, please feel free to throw encouraging comments my way any time.

Baby Be Blessed

One thing I love to get for my children are toys that are out of the ordinary. Toys that aren't made of plastic or the stereotypical Elmo or Dora doll. That is why I am loving these dolls from Baby Be Blessed. They are unique, adorable, and most importantly can be personalized with the child's name and Bible verse. I just ordered three, a doll for Selah, a lion for Eli, and a doll for a friend's adopted daughter from China, Nicole. Their slogan, "Spreading the word of God...one doll at a time." Check it out!

Graduation

Maya may be a big girl but she is very gentle with the kids.

Eli sitting up at 6 1/2 months.

My family, who sacrificed so much so that I could finish my degree.

Selah was so tired after the ceremony.

It took me 7 years to finish, but I did it!!!

He is just so darn cute!

Brother and Sister bonding before nap time.

She is running out of the shot, but I just think she looks pretty.

Since I posted last it has been a whirlwind. Actually I feel like that every time I post something. Anyways, on May 14 I GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a wonderful evening, and yes I teared up a little as we made our entrance into the auditorium. I am thankful I did not trip while going up onto the stage. Thank you to the family and friends who joined me in celebrating this accomplishment.

I had many plans after graduating. I would read the list of books I wanted to read, but couldn't because I had enough reading for school to do. I did enjoy many of those books, though. Wanted to do scrap booking, but yet again school took priority. Graduating would spur on a season of laziness, that would entail vegging out on the couch while watching movies with my husband. I would actually feel bored for once and love it! But God has different plans. Even before graduation day came He would begin the next chapter in my life; I would go into children's ministry. This is something I was very well trained for at Multnomah, however, I have discovered that applying this knowledge is when real learning takes place. So, being lazy has to wait and my family has to make sacrifices once more. Meaning laundry may not get done as efficiently as it should, Daddy might have to help out a bit more, and mommy is just plain exhausted at the end of the day. But Dan and the kids have been wonderful as I plan for the summer program at our church. I am now less than two weeks away from "The Big Show." I have had wonderful help from the rest of the Children's Ministry Team. It is such an amazing opportunity to be surrounded by 4 women with such a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area of ministry. My friend Jenni has helped quite a bit as well. As the summer progresses I will post more on that.

In other news, mainly Selah and Eli kind of news, we are facing some challenges and excitement. Selah has been having tummy troubles the past 4 months. It is a chronic problem that has required numerous doctors visits and a change in diet. I won't go into too much detail, but please pray for my sweet girl that she does not have to hurt any more. On a more positive note she is going to be 3 years old in 2 months! She has been talking about it the last 2 months on a regular basis. Anytime the mention of birthday comes up she speaks up and says, "My birthday is August 8." She went from wanting a princess party to a Backyardigan's party. So, we will try and transform our yard into a Backyardigan beach playground. Selah has a fondness for dancing, jumping, collecting things, brushing her teeth, and strawberries.

Eli is now 7 months and still my smiley boy! He is about 18 pounds and 28 inches long at this point. He is a good eater, but not so good of sleeper. Although, he is sleeping longer at night, he prefers cat naps during the day. My big boy is sitting up, and almost getting into sitting position by himself. Eli is mobile to some extent, and his method in which he goes about this is quite funny. He gets into the crawling position and kicks off with one foot. He will repeat this until he reaches his desired destination. So, can I say he is crawling, just not in the old fashioned way?

Well, that is all for now. I really should get some of that neglected housework done I briefly mentioned above. Too-da-loo for now friends!