Have you listened to Rosie Thomas? I.heart.her.
I love this song. It reminds me of my best friend, Erin. Today, Erin celebrates 11 years of marriage with her amazing husband, Ken.
I haven’t seen Erin in a year, and it will probably be another year until I can hug her. There are days I just want to call her. Today is one of those days.
I miss her.
Fun Finn Photo Friday (taken April 2, 2010)
“Go Big Red! Oh, and thank you, Jaden, for the great get-up.”
Fun Finn Photo Friday (taken September 18, 2009)
“Gooooo…. technology!”
I took a long hard look at myself in the mirror the other day. I’m talking one of those “don’t blink, don’t flinch, just observe” kind of looks. Two years ago, I probably would have ran to Sephora and bought up all the goodies I could to “repair” what I found, but I was pleasantly surprised with my reaction to the sheet-white-faced hot mess I found starring back at me.
I have, let’s say, a few hairs on my head that for quite sometime I’ve told myself were blonde. They are not.
I have many scars that could tell tales of idiot things I did long ago.
There’s an odd color under my eyes. It’s not flush pink any longer but a weird purplish.
I’ve discovered a bit more junk in the trunk, but it helps lessen the blow when I fall trying to stop a little being from flying face first down stairs.
Things have changed in my body since having a baby: allergies that never existed now run rampant, aches in my back and shoulders abound, my bum hip went from a dull ache to full-blown gimp, and other things I will spare you from reading.
The closet behind me overflows with many items that are a little snug here, a little too tight there and a lot not age appropriate any longer.
There’s a few marks around my mid-section that detail the amazing toll carrying a child takes on a body.
But I’m finding I’m less concerned with all those things and more concerned with how I have changed on the inside since this little baby came screaming into my world. I look at the laundry list of things physically “wrong” and no longer care because I truly understand now that these things just don’t matter.
These are my wounds, my battle scars, my badges of honor. I wear them proudly because they tell the story of who I am. I think they are beautiful, and I think your badges are, too.
Fun Finn Photo Friday (taken April 2010)
“Mmmm… food… good!”
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
—Dorothy Law Nolte
In some discussion long ago, probably when I was 100% healthy and well-rested, Justin and I agreed that Finn would not watch TV until he was 2. I don’t remember this converstaion, but Justin does. He reminded me of it when he came home for lunch recently and I boasted about my snuggle bug, Finn, and our tube time.
Finn is on the move. Up stairs, across the floor, around furniture. He’s not one for sitting still. But I was desperate. Allergies and a nasty summer cold had me yelling MERCY the other day. And then I remembered the 6 DVD’s a friend had given us in the basement: Baby Einstein.
Finn woke early from his nap, something he usually only does when I have things I need to do or I’m not feeling so hot. I scooped him up, wrapped him in a big snuggly blanket and pressed him close to me as I hit PLAY, praying to God this would keep him settled long enough for me to breath out of at least one nostril again.
And OH.MY.WORD… all the wiggles left his body as he curled up against me and just watched and listened. It was the best 30 minutes of my cold. I had my snuggly little pumpkin back!
Now, I know the recalls are out there and Baby Einstein might possibly warp my child’s intellect by half a notch. I get it. This isn’t something I plan to make a habit out of, but for whoever made these DVD’s, you’re a God-Send. A true to life God-Send. THANK YOU!
Fun Finn Photo Friday (taken September 20, 2009)
“Mmmmm….”
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self esteem first, and the house later.
I’d fingerpaint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I’d model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
We’ve had a great family-filled 4th of July weekend! Hope you and yours were also able to take ample downtime this weekend and relish in the blessing that is your “nearest and dearest.”
Here’s to my 2 favorite boys….
Smiles, hugs, dirty diapers, sloppy kisses, and an occasional meltdown. Welcome to my beautiful world!
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