A mornin' at the zoo

After being gone all weekend (that post will come later once I get the pics from my mom), I decided to have a special day with the kids at the zoo on Monday. I enjoy going with friends, but it was nice to be just us for a change. We went at our own pace and just enjoyed each other. Both kids love the zoo, and I love watching them watch the animals. It's also great exercise for me as I push that double stroller up and down all the ramps. For the first hour or more, we felt like we had the place to ourselves (see the pictures below of main walkway completely empty - only those who've been to our zoo will truly appreciate this). I also love that our zoo takes as much pride in the scenery as the animals. I've passed it many times, but was struck by the beauty of this waterfall all over again. The boy loves to watch the animals, but it's hard to capture his joy on film. He asks to go to the zoo almost weekly. The girl is a bit more expressive (surprise, surprise) and is all about pointing to animals and attempting to say their name or their sound - and keeping her seated is almost impossible.











The kids were priceless when we fed the birds. The birds were quite brazen today, and the boy wasn't too sure about it. The girl was quite intrigued. I managed to get a couple on my seed stick, but then found them fighting over it!











Unfortunately, the train tracks were being worked on today (along with the tiger exhibit). This could mean great disaster with the boy (the train is his favorite thing), but I found a great distraction: the carousel! Both kids enjoyed it making it easier to manage the two by myself (especially when there are no belts on the horses). I even saw the girl smile although I didn't catch it on camera. The boy refused to look in my direction while I had the camera ready.











Here are some pictures of God's beautiful creatures. The last two pictures make me laugh...the first is of the gorilla sleeping. He was totally laid out on his back. I can't decide if he was having a good dream or was restless because he kept "fluffing" the grass around his head while totally asleep. The last is of a group of orangutangs huddled in the corner - reminded me of women congregating. I so wanted to be a fly to hear what they were talking about! (Now is that a girlie thing to think or what?!?!)

Swanlake

You have to check this video out...so impressive. The first act is great, but hang in for the second (the whole thing is only 6 minutes). That is when you will have to pick your jaw up off the floor. AMAZING!!!

SWANLAKE

Yeah, you probably wouldn't have cared

I had this big long post about what my morning contained and then realized that you probably don't care how many times I've told the boy not to throw, told the girl not to get into something, or my shock at the cost of Coke. It isn't as big of a deal to you that I found my daughter's rubber band in the parking lot next to our van or that she kept a ponytail in for almost an hour today. It's not significant to you that I witnessed a new natural development in my boy. And you probably won't be as excited as me about the new t-shirt I am wearing today (it simply says, "Shortie" - I LOVE shirts that state the obvious). So I deleted all that and will simply share these two pictures. The girl actually let me put her hair in a ponytail - in all honesty she was distracted by playing with the faucet and water, but I'll take it!

This last picture would be better only if it was intentional - I can see her little attitude all over her face. If I didn't know she simply closed her eyes with the flash, I would so be hearing her say, "I am NOT cooperating!"

Yes, we do think she is too adorable, but she's a firecracker to be contended with. Heaven help us - she might be more stubborn than me!

You may want to avoid me on the road

Lately God seems to be speaking most clearly to me while I am in a moving vehicle. Scary thought, I know, that I'm more distracted than normal. I guess it's one part of my day that I truly am focused on mainly one thing - driving - so I am able to hear Him more clearly.

I've seen the beauty of the dark rain clouds against the brightness of the sun. I noticed the sun almost seems brighter when next to a dark cloud. I've seen how the darker clouds increase the depth of the blue of the sky. I've seen the sun break through the clouds in picture-perfect rays. I've watched the sky transform as my car changes direction giving me a different perspective. I've felt His presence as He reminds me He is with me even when I feel like I can't see Him.

Today, it was through music. First God reminded me to empty myself so He could fill me with more of Himself. Then I was reminded that I should focus on this moment in front of me because it is the only one I can do anything about. I should see the miracle in it instead of living behind it or looking beyond it. God then took me to my eternal home and what it might be like there. My thoughts drifted to Doug, my first spiritual mentor, who is losing his battle with cancer. My heart breaks for his wife and children and the multitudes whom he adopted as his own over the years. Yet even when he could be in despair about the path God has for him, Doug is simply pleading with those he knows and loves (and even those he doesn't) to give themselves to God. He knows the promise that is before him so he is at peace, and he simply desires for us all not to waste any more time living for ourselves. What an amazing testimony of faith. God then reminded me He can move mountains and He is mighty to save. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the same regardless where I am. He is no better of a God when life is going well and no less a mighty Savior when it isn't as I hoped it would be. He simply wants me to lay it all down - the joys, the triumphs, the frustrations, the tears, the mundane. Lay it down, be still, and know that HE is God.

I don't care what the cost of gas is if being in my car allows me to hear my God.

Guilty of my own pet peeve

Have you ever had those times when you are truly annoyed with something only to realize you are guilty of it yourself? I've had those moments myself, and I was reminded of one again: unsolicited advice.

I didn't receive any today, but a conversation I had tonight got me thinking about it. I am all for people sharing their knowledge/experience/expertise with me as long as I am looking to hear it. It annoyed me when I was pregnant (well, it annoyed me before that when I simply heard moms sharing their nuggets of wisdom with unsuspecting pregos), and I promised myself I wouldn't do such a thing. Funny, once I popped that first kid out somehow I began thinking I knew something about motherhood and decided to share with any listening ear. I try to stop myself, but I find myself doing it more often than I am proud to admit. And it's not just about motherhood/parenting, I go on to share marital advice (because 9 years is an eternity of knowledge, you know), advice on friendships, organizing, promoting, communicating, and so much more. I mean, surely my 31 years of imperfect living gives me the right to share my thoughts about your situation, right? Oh, so wrong. I know what has happened in my life. I know a little (and I do mean little) about what some books say. I know what has worked for me and what hasn't worked for me. I know what I think has worked for others or what hasn't. What I don't know is all the factors of your situation. I don't know how you tick or your kids or your spouse or your work environment. I do not know the intricacies of those relationships and I never can. Even if I think I know you well, I still have not walked in your shoes. I do not know all of your thoughts or feelings. I do not know all of your dreams, hurts, joys, disappointments, or secrets. I may have my opinion, but I cannot truly say what I would do in your situation because I am not you. And honestly, you probably don't want my opinion anyway. (If you are one of the ones I've bestowed my "wisdom" upon, I apologize.). I know I don't want most of the unsolicited advice I've received. I find myself angry and defensive that someone thinks they know exactly what I should do or say. Instead of being helped, I end up wasting time talking myself down when it all could have been avoided in the first place if mouths would stay shut.

I am so thankful for my gaggle of gals and a handful of others who have learned the amazing art of offering themselves (and their knowledge, experience, and expertise) humbly instead of forcing it down my throat. They make themselves available to me, but allow me to come to them in my time. They do not take it personally if I seek out someone else (at least they don't tell me they do) and they do not think more highly of themselves than they ought. In fact, they often sell themselves short for what they do have to offer. These ladies are a gift from God.

Now if only I could learn from their example and keep my mouth shut unless someone asks!

FYI: feet don't taste good

Twice today my sarcastic nature has gotten me into trouble. First with a friend via email and then with my hubby. Personally, I'm tired of eating my foot. When will I ever learn? Even ketchup can't make it taste good - for me or for them.

Evidence of my stupidity

I feel it only right to share my own stupidity since I so kindly shared about Clay's chainsaw accident (although details were spared).

In the goodie boxes we got from the birthday party (see previous post), I found small rubbery horses. Without any instructions or tag to tell me what they are, I made an assumption. Well, we all know how that usually turns out. See, earlier this summer my mom bought Kadyn and Dylan one of those things that when put in water expands. Not having seen one in it's initial state for some time, I assumed these horses were just like that octopus my mom got. I filled some tupperware with water and let them sit overnight. Here is how they looked this morning: just like last night except now cold and wet. Unfortunately, I failed to remove the evidence of my false assumption prior to Clay making it into the kitchen. Needless to say, I've been hazed endlessly today. I'm hoping my confession will silence him.

Come to the table

Nothing too monumental, but everyone is truly sitting at the table now. The girl feels quite "big" - even though she still doesn't break 20 lbs!

One last birthday party

We had yet another birthday party Saturday morning. This was held at a local mall's carousel. We were a bit anxious because the boy's first carousel experience last Christmas wasn't a big hit (to put it mildly). He loves to watch them go "round and round" (as he says) so we decided he needed to try it at least once. He was all excited waiting for our turn, but got a bit hesitant once on a horse. It helped to have his good buddy nearby. As soon as it started moving, he was in heaven. Then came our next problem - getting off. Fortunately we had an all day pass so we were able to stay on until it was time for cake. I'm not sure how the boy didn't get dizzy, but he loved riding different horses and an ostrich.












We didn't think twice about the girl's reaction to the carousel. We should have. She didn't want anything to do with it. Being the "nice" mommy I am, I forced her to try it. Our first time we simply rode a bench. Then Clay decided she needed to try it once on the horse. I captured her disdain of the whole thing, then her protest and hurt feelings that we would be so mean. Funny, she eventually began to enjoy herself; however, she didn't want to return after cake.




The boys returned to the carousel after cake. Clay couldn't let the boy have all the fun...but he did get stuck with a "girly" horse!








One of the best parts about birthday parties - the HOURS of fun the kids have with the balloons the rest of the day!

Adios stitches

Our dear friend Kristina took out Clay's stitches last night (it's okay, she's a nurse). I failed to take my camera to capture this bonding experience, but it was riveting. So riveting that Zack (her husband) and I finally went to play Wii. Not only did the doc do 11 individual stitches, but Clay had healed enough that some skin had grown over the stitches making it a little more challenging to remove them. Clay is so excited to be a free man, but his bowling has greatly suffered. He really struggled today - guess the stitches had some special powers! His finger is definitely stiff and tender, but we both know how fortunate he is. Here's a few pictures of the healed man for those who want them. If you aren't for medical stuff, just skip down to the next post about the girl.

She's got bangs!

It's amazing how different she looks with just a few snips of the scissors. Don't fear! I only gave her bangs to help her look a little more put together. I couldn't decide which picture showed it off best so here's three - even though she doesn't look that different to me in these.

Let's Paint

Grannylou brought Kadyn & Dylan over for a bit tonight along with stuff for PAINTING! (Yeah, that's what I was thinking...paint with a 7 year old, two 3 year olds, and one who is almost 18 months...sounds like fun, right?) The kids really did have a great time, and they were totally contained for about 30 minutes. Grannylou couldn't stand it and joined in the fun!













We didn't give the girl any paints...smart move as she "drank" from her cup and chewed on the brush!

As I sit crying with a heavy heart, my precious, tenderhearted son pats me saying, "It's okay, Mommy. It's okay. It's okay, Mommy, we'll catch you."

Oh to have the faith of a child with complete trust that my Father will catch every falling piece.

Whiney Toddler Day

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom."

Isaiah 40:28

How thankful I am for those words. As I battle my own weariness of the whining and crying and needs/wants of my precious little ones, I realized that my God doesn't grow tired or weary of me. My voice is never like fingernails on a chalkboard. Yes, He wants me to stop complaining, but it's not because He needs a break from me. He simply wants me to trust Him more. He loves when I ask things from Him because He desires to give good things to me; yet when He says, "No" or "Wait," He wants me to believe He has the best in mind for me. How thankful I am that He does not grow tired or weary. He never puts me off because He doesn't want to deal with me. If only I could love my kids even a fraction of the way He loves me. If only I lived my life fully accepting His unconditional, completely free gift of love.

No more records to break

Because he just couldn't stand it, he kept trying...














While I was getting ready for bed, he bowled a perfect game. He will always be the first in our home, and I will only be able to tie him. My stint as the best at a video game has come to an end (a quick one at that too). Now he says bowling is boring after repeating this several times. Be relieved - this is the last Wii bowling post for the blog. All else will pale in comparison to him reaching perfection.

Record breaker

Well, Clay couldn't stand to be co-leader in bowling with me so he had to go one better. The best part is that he was using his left-handed Mii while bowling with his right hand!

Congrats, sweetie!!! You're the best once again.