Calm in the Craze

Monday, May 13, 2013

Odds and ends

On the Bookshelf:

No More Perfect Moms: Learn to Love Your Real Life

Jill talks about "perfection infection." Women today are busy pursuing perfection but while in pursuit, they are missing out on the most precious parts of life. Since perfection doesn't exist, we need to stop trying to find it and instead embrace "authentic." This generation is more connected than any other which results in comparison and dissatisfaction. We all know how looking at Facebook, Pinterest, and blogs can leave you feeling like a failure. She encourages moms with the fact that our imperfect lives are counterbalanced with a perfect God. You really can't do it all!!

Other good thoughts:

Motherhood is the ministry of availability. People need time. Caring takes time. Conversation requires time.
Always expect the unexpected.
Control is really a mirage.
Embrace "what is" instead of "what could have been."
Margin=having pace and space that allows real life to happen
Change your expectations to meet your reality.

This was a good book for me. I like perfection and need to adjust my expectations especially at this phase of my life. I struggle with guilt quite often and am trying to figure out how to let go when all of the boxes don't get checked off at the end of the day. I also really like the idea of margin in your life which is something I need to work on. At times, we try to fit way too much into our schedule.

Quiet Time Encouragement:

"Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart."

Jeremiah 15:16

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

Psalm 62:8

Home Sweet Home:

Ethan finished his bookshelves and we have officially moved upstairs! It's great to have the extra space. I just need to finishing organizing all three bedrooms and decorate them. Believe it or not, I have yet to hear feet coming up the stairs in the middle of the night. Noah does sneak into Emma's bed but I'm okay with it as long as it keeps him out of my bed!

Our new room

One of Ethan's bookshelves

Photo Ops:

Super baby

Fun night at the Hagbergs. The animals are always a big hit!

She had to get a picture with the bird

Cowgirl

Clean and happy Grant

The "Blue Cheetahs" (that's what the girls came up with)

Emma and her coach

Lydia and Emma

Medal with her name on it

The poor gold team only had three players

Throw in

Last game of the season

And we'll end with an appearance by Bob the Builder

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Time for an update

Another month flies by and April is here. There are so many things I could post about. Lots going on at our house...

Here's some of what's been happening:

I resigned from my job of 9 years at ITA and am working from home for a different company as well as doing some bookkeeping on the side. Sad to say goodbye to great friends and a great company. Trying to learn a new job and figure out how to make working at home fit into our routine. We still have a sitter coming over a few days a week for a couple hours. I think the flexibility is going to be great and I love having more time with my kids.

Emma and Ethan have soccer two nights a week. Ethan is coaching her kindergarten girls team. She loves it so far but I think it's the social aspect not playing soccer :) Ethan doesn't know what he's gotten himself into...they just started though so I'm sure the team will improve.

Still trying to get moved upstairs. Ethan found an old desk that we are going to paint or refinish. He is also still trying to finish his bookshelves. I can't wait to move up there and get the kids rearranged. We did get the closet cleaned out so my clothes have moved. I think this move will be happening in phases...we just haven't had much free time lately.

We celebrated Easter with both sides of the family. It was a great weekend and we are thankful for the hope that we have because our Savior is risen. We also enjoyed Grandma's 80th birthday celebration and got to see all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is a very special lady and an exceptional Grandma!

My parents moved to Ames! We are so excited that they will now be closer to us. Their new place is beautiful and I am so happy for them both. Dad will have a very short commute, they now have more than one full bathroom, and we can all find a place to sit when we have family meals. They have waited patiently and the Lord has blessed.

Our little Grant is now 3 months old. He has learned to suck his thumb which is helping him sleep better. He also likes his activity gym and is smiling more and more. The car seat is still not his favorite but he does like his stroller. We just need it to warm up a bit so we can spend more time outside.

So those are the highlights. The upcoming weeks on the calendar are filled with showers, graduations, birthdays, and a wedding. Emma will be done with school in just 5 weeks and we can't wait for summer!

Nice day outside

Thumb sucking buddies

Two peas in a pod

Soccer practice

Warming up with Coach Daddy

Crashed after a long, hard day of play

Sunday, March 17, 2013

March Madness

It's March and we still have snow! The kids have really enjoyed it and went sledding for the first time. Emma absolutely loves it and Noah closes his eyes the whole way down the hill. I even joined Emma once which surprised Ethan. He doesn't think I know how to have fun anymore...don't know what happened except that my free time has decreased rapidly since gaining the title of Mom, especially Mom of three. Guess I need to have more fun and prove him wrong...

We've been watching some Cyclone basketball and are excited to see them in the NCAA tournament again. We may have watched too much though. Emma was discussing who she could marry the other day. Ethan and I were trying to explain to her that we would want to approve of the person and make sure they had the same values as us. She replied, "You mean they need to believe in the Cyclones?" Oh dear...we have some work to do. A Cyclone fan would be a bonus though :)

Noah, Grant, and I have spent lots of time indoors staying warm. It's been nice but we are definitely looking forward to spring. Grant is starting to get into a routine and I think he may be growing out of his fussy stage. The doctor told me that he thought by 3 months, it would be much better. He's been smiling which is so much fun. He especially loves the kids. Emma puts his hand over his heart and says the Pledge of Allegiance. For some reason, he loves it and smiles every time. Noah continues to shower him with affection and calls him "buddy."

We are getting carpet upstairs this week so Ethan and I can move up. Emma will get her own room which she already has plans to decorate. I'm very excited to spread out and have more space. Things are getting a little cluttered with three kids in one room. Ethan plans to build a bookshelf on one wall and we will have an office space to share.

Emma is on spring break this week so we plan to have some fun. She wanted to know which hotel we were going to. Guess her classmates have been discussing where they are going. Maybe next year...I think WDM will be the furthest we venture this year :)