My Son

Josiah has changed so much in the last two months.  

He loves daddy more each day.

 He is more curious than ever (this is our sensory tub with BEACH stuff in it!).

He is fast and quite a bit mischievous.  Meaning he does things like run off into the middle of parking lots or down the library's hall straight into the police department offices.

He's sneaky.  I've found him many times with crayons or food coloring (yes food coloring) that he snuck from somewhere, back in Maryn's room, making messes.

He's finally been able to eat bananas and yogurt, some of his favorite foods.

But he eats very little lately and is rather picky.  And super messy.

If he's whiny, throwing temper tantrums, or being mean to Maryn (yes, he gets vicious!), I will carry him back to his room and put him in his bed for a little "time out."  He will either throw a fit the whole way or he will give me the biggest, most slobbery kisses and warmest, tightest hugs as if I'll change my mind.

He's talking more and more!  Pointing, gesturing, and signing.  This is helping us so much!  It prevents a lot of tantrums, I'm sure.

I love you, Josiah!  We'll get through this stage, you little bugger.

My Daughter

While raising kids, I think a lot of parents find that there are always a good few days in a row and then a bad few days in a row.  This seems especially true with our dear daughter.  The last few days have been good.

 It's really almost brought me to tears (like everything these days), to feel like I'm falling in love with her all over again.

 The last few days we've also had excellent weather.  Which means allergies for poor Josiah.  He's been extremely naughty, which even further motivates Maryn to be "the good kid."  The worse he behaves, the better she behaves.  The worse he eats, the better she eats.  And she's always quick to call our attention to her, "Look Mommy, I'm being good.  Aren't I?"  "Look Mommy, I ate all my lunch."

We've been kind of hard core into our school stuff since we started learning about the ocean.  It makes it a lot easier that Aunt Cathy sent us a whole packet of stuff to do!  Today we learned about the beach.  Here's a sand castle Maryn "built" with sandpaper.

 I'll show you our beach sensory tub in the next post because Josiah was the one who played with that the most.  Monday we learned about sharks.

 Yesterday, we learned about dolphins and whales.  We mostly just read books about them and watched a dolphin documentary for kids.

Last week, we made some sand pictures of ocean animals.  This is our sea horse, made with wax paper, glue and colored sand (also courtesy of Aunt Cathy).  Maryn LOVED this one of course, but it required a lot of adult help.

We started learning about the ocean because on our way to and from Tennessee, Maryn had so many questions about lakes, rivers and creeks.  Grandpa's house is right next to a creek and not far, across the road from the camp is a river.  John and I found ourselves trying to explain the differences between those bodies of water, how to tell the difference, and what animals live there.  Have you ever known a five year old afraid to swim in the pool because there might be sharks?  I don't want that to be my kid...lol.

Next we'll be learning about lakes and ponds, creeks and rivers.  And maybe we'll get to visit a few local ones soon.  I hope we can take a trip to Bass Pro Shop soon.  It may sound silly, but they have an excellent aquarium full of fish (like a lake) and a creek with fish and turtles, surrounded by a variety of stuffed (taxidermy) animals that live in this area.  And it's free!  Plus we can visit our zoo with our annual pass too.  But John's schedule this month is going to be really, really hard.  We may have to put most of our bigger field trips on hold till April.  :-(

Maryn, Mommy is proud of you.  I love you more each day.  Even though you woke me up at 4 am screaming about a bee being on your foot...??

because I know you want to read more about my awesome kids!

I love these articles about sensory avoiders, sensory seekers, and sensory activities.

Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders  (this is such a fun read, because I think most kids fall to one side or the other.  Maryn bounces back and forth but she is more of an avoider than Josiah, who is more of a seeker.  And we definitely have some Cubbies who are seekers!)

99 Sensory Activities for Any Kid  I think some of these ideas could help me a lot on those days that we are just having a hard time.  Maryn hits really moody spots or gets too hyped or too low, and I think these ideas could help so much if I just remembered them.

I could easily become like the famous child psychologist Jean Piaget, who used his own kids as his experiments. lol.  I just love studying their differences, observing how they play and their little quirks.  Maryn for example, started doing this cute thing when she cracks herself up.  She just lays her head down on her arm, like the funny is overwhelming her, and sighs and sighs and giggles, and covers her eyes.  So adorable.

And before we left TN yesterday, Josiah was begging us to put him in his car seat because he knew we were getting ready to go byebyes.  He freaks out whenever he knows someone is going anywhere, grabs his shoes and demands we take him too.  So John put him in the car seat even though we weren't ready to go, and asked, "Do you want to leave Maryn here?"  To which Josiah responded with the saddest little face, and shook his head no emphatically.

Josiah is really understanding us more and more, and we are understanding him more and more as well.  I love it!  I love his age.  And even his little temper tantrums are still cute.  Tantrums from the second child are cute.  Trust me little man, you got nothin.'  Your sister will outdo you in the tantrum dept. every time, so give it up, as I just stand here and laugh at you.

Maryn spent the week with adults in TN and she is acting very, very grown up today.  She told her grandma that she and I played Cootie "Without the dice because it was just too much work."

I love my kids so much and their little differences and similarities.  Maryn is my rainbow and Josiah is my sunshine, that's what I always say.  It really makes me wonder what baby Owen will be like.  I predict he's going to act like a crazy kid who was raised by wolves OR be totally, absolutely mellow.  But I think I'll pray he's somewhere in between!

Love and Communication in Marriage

I am currently taking a Seminary Wives class called "Marriage and Family," taught by Mrs. Tanya York.  She is hilarious, witty, and smart.  John and I both have a lot of homework for this class, and are being forced to talk about a lot of things, rediscover our love languages, etc. I found that my love languages have changed, and John's have, too.  So take note, my friends: My new love languages are words of affirmation followed closely by GIFTS.  Let me say that again ----->  GIFTS  <-------  haha!

I believe my new love language (GIFTS) comes from our circumstances here at Southern Seminary.  It's a big shock going from nearly a six figure salary, living in beautiful Naples, Florida, working full time at my dream job (teaching first grade) and ahem, being quite good at it and loving it (addicted to it, seriously...I loved teaching).  So back then, if I really wanted something I bought it.  And we lived fairly frugally, paid off thousands and thousands in debt (praise the Lord for Crown Financial Bible Study and Dave Ramsey). But I just didn't appreciate things then like I do now.  Every gift anyone gives me, John or our kids, just makes me feel so loved.  I've opened packages or cards and literally almost passed out at the generosity of people, our church, etc.  

John's love language has changed to physical touch followed closely by words of affirmation.  So now he should understand my need for praise more, right?  Hehehe :)  My lowest love language is physical touch, lol.  

Anyway, my real reason for this post was to post these passages of Scripture.  I had to find 15 passages that spoke about communication, and meditate over them--how they might apply to our marriage and life.  They are all so good, I had to share, and I wanted to keep them as a record for myself as well.  

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”  -Proverbs 22:11

“The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases  persuasiveness.”  Proverbs 16:21

“The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil, pride and arrogance and the way of evil, and perverted speech I hate.”  Proverbs 8:13

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”  Colossians 4:6

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”  Ephesians 4:29

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

           

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”  James 3:2-12

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:21-24

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.”  James 1:26

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.”  James 2:12

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”  James 3:14

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?”  James 4:1

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”  Proverbs 15:28

“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.  Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.”  Proverbs 15:31-32

The Oak Ridge Children's Museum

We met the kindest elderly man working at the children's museum front desk today.  The next thing we saw was an enormous stuffed polar bear, which caused me to launch into this rhyme from our Arctic theme complete with motions (naturally, who wouldn't?):

"Marco the polar bear, white as the snow, sat down on the ice near the cold water's flow.  "Lunch!  I need lunch! I'll make a wish," so he reached in his paw and out it came with a fish!"  The kind man asked me to perform it for him another time so he might learn it, too.  

After the Arctic, we visited Mexico, Latin America, Africa and then Maryn got to try using chopsticks and eating sushi in Japan:

 Josiah loved playing the instruments in Africa:

 Maryn and I played the washboard in early America:

 Then we visited pioneer times and learned all about their way of life, and even got to try some of the chores pioneer children would have had to do.  Maryn had to try to carry a bucket of water, pick vegetables from the garden, and churn butter.

 Daddy showed us how it could be done!  These buckets were filled with stuff that made them the actual weight of buckets of water.  Heavy!  It's hard to believe many children around Maryn's age might have had to carry a bucket of water similar in size and weight.

 Lincoln Logs!

 We got to see a blacksmith shop, farming tools, and a moonshine "factory"

 Josiah loved this old fashioned toy!  It was super bouncy and rocked.

 Then we tried some beekeeping, got to see some hives, wax, etc. and look at a lot of bugs, rocks, more stuffed animals, etc.

 A really great castle!

 A space ship!

 A coal mine.

 An old school house.

 Maryn was the teacher.

 Then we learned about Oak Ridge.  The town was once a "secret town" surrounded by fence.  Here's Maryn looking out the look out tower for spies or anything suspicious.

 Read this...it's interesting.

 Maryn working in the atom bomb lab:

 Learning about watershed and the rivers and lakes in TN.

 The child size dollhouse!  Which was amazing and adorable!

 Josiah was in love with it, and had a tantrum when we left..

 A very cool train and model train exhibit:

This was a great trip.  I love my kiddos and spending fun times with them.  They are both so curious, and this place was perfect.

Tennessee Trip: Days 1-3

We left Tuesday afternoon when John got home from work for our 4 hour, 6 minute drive to Townsend, TN.  It was a great drive.  I had made little travel bags for the kids to keep them entertained because I really wasn't sure how Josiah would do this time.  He's so laid back of course, but he is 18 months old now and pretty active, and I knew if we gave Maryn the Kindle Fire, he'd want it too.  So I tried to avoid the computer/show stuff altogether.  We don't have a portable DVD player and if we did, it would be in front of Maryn, not Josiah--not sure he would be too happy with that.

 One of our travel bags had a muffin tin, one can of PlayDoh, toy hammers and golf tees.  This was a huge hit (get it?  Hit?).

We arrived just in time for dinner.  Grandma had made us a bunch of Mexican food, so that we could have either tacos, burritos or quesadillas, beans, rice, chips and yummy dips.  Yum!  And we were so happy not to have to stop any where (except walking breaks for me).

Wednesday.  We played.

 Thursday.  It rained.  Josiah had sore toofers.  Mommy felt yucky.  The kids managed to go on a few trips outside, of course.  Josiah begs to go out all day, banging on the sliding glass doors.  He saw the creek from the window when we got here and shouted, "Bubbles!  Bubbles!"  He loves the outdoors, water and rocks.

 Maryn has been keeping her grandparents busy too, of course.  Puzzles, coloring, games, and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  We don't get MMC at our house, so we're letting her watch her fill of it before we return to Kentucky.  She loves it...and she makes all of us say "Cheers!" and, "Ohhh Toodles!" and all the other things Mickey tells us to say.

One of the reasons we visited at the time of year is because of the SEC Championships at the University of Tennessee.  Two of John's former swimmers, Rachel Elliot (USC) and Nick Caldwell (UF) are swimming there this week.  He got to see both swim today, and will get to see them again on Saturday.  We are proud of these two outstanding swimmers, who also happen to be top-notch (mature, hard working) young adults.

Tomorrow we are planning a trip to the Knoxville Children's Museum.  I am totally pumped.  I think (I hope) both kids will love it, and pray (please God, please!) they behave, have few or no outbursts, tantrums or teething issues.  It's one of those things, like Disney World, where you feel like you must demand your kids to be happy and enjoy it because it's Disney World, for crying out loud.  :)  I guess kids are kids, no matter where you take them!

Valentine's Day

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 "...God loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another." 1 John 4:10-11

Maryn is really confused as to why Valentine's Day is lasting so long!  And it's not even here yet.  Here's a pic of two of my sweethearts on their way to a special Daddy Daughter Dance our friend Maggie invited them to at her church.  At the dance, they had a formal picture taken, made a craft (which I still haven't seen), and Maryn even got a white rose.  After dancing and snacking the night away, John took our super tired little girl to Dairy Queen.   

 I really hope there will be more Daddy Daughter dates to come.  They say when a little girl gets older, she will measure every possible suitor by measuring them up to her Daddy.  We pray for Maryn's future spouse (if she ever marries) a lot.  A lot, a lot.  He will have big shoes to fill (and a seriously angry man to deal with if he ever breaks her heart!).

And this little boy.  He is never allowed to date.  Do you know why?  It's because he is so darn cuddly and kissy-faced.  He'll have to always be supervised on dates :)  And he loves pretty women.  He finds them in the store and starts smiling ear to ear if he sees a pretty lady.  He will basically go to any pretty lady, and although he has his favorites, he will hug and kiss on almost anyone.  Mommy is definitely his favorite for now :)

 We had a special Valentine's Dinner last night.  All four of us crowded into the kitchen to make frosted Funfetti Valentine's cookies (thank you Aunt Cathy!) with heart candies on top.  Then we all participated in the making of a rather yummy, simple, and cheap tomato basil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.  It was an adventure.  By the way, this tomato soup was delicious.  I am not a very big soup fan, but it actually got compliments from John and you wouldn't even believe how much Josiah loved it.  I've never seen a toddler enjoy soup so much.  The basil adds a really strong flavor, so I thought the kiddos wouldn't be fond of it, but they were.  I think I'll add a bit more cream next time.  It tasted a lot like the pasta sauce in Carabba's Rigatoni Campagnolo (my favorite dish there).

 John said he was out of his comfort zone all weekend.  He had to dance AND frost cookies.  Then he made the blueberry bread loaf for our Sunday School class's breakfast this morning.  Which is another great recipe (here). It's just a package of Krusteaz Blueberry Muffins with some minor adjustments.  I leave out all the orange stuff because I'm not a fan of anything tasting like oranges besides oranges.

Josiah loves his dinosaurs I just brought out of toy rotation.  He growls and roars and growls, and smacks them into each other, and throws them and pounds them and they just kill and eat each other all day.

They each got a couple more gifts for Valentine's Day.  Josiah got Cars (the movie...he LOVES anything with Cars on it), and Maryn got two new little princess dolls.  Valentine's Day turned into a big deal!  :)

Valentine's Party

On Wednesday, our sweet neighbor Rebekah  invited us over for a Valentine's Party.  It was so much fun, and such a blessing to me.  After teaching in Immokalee for four years (where Valentine's Day is way, way crazy--the toughest holiday for me by far as a teacher!), I am not thrilled about having Valentine's Day Parties.  I was so happy to go to one that was not planned to by me.  I am so happy to go to ANY event not planned by me!

 First, they made Valentines' bags, of course.  Josiah is doing great with crafty stuff--even glue sticks!  He loves stickers, markers and crayons.  The things you see in the middle of the table, as a centerpiece, were little ribbon wands for each of the kids.

 Chloe and Lilia, two of our best backyard friends!  I love Chloe for her special 5 year old leadership.  Maryn usually lets Chloe be in charge of their play and leads the smaller kids in all kinds of pretend play, and I appreciate that a lot.

 Above, Miss Bekah was helping the girls (Ella, Ella Grace and Maryn) make bracelets.  I love this pic just because you can see all Maryn's curls!

 Love her.

And here is Josiah playing with his first sensory  box.  I filled a box with rice, measuring cups, heart shaped things, some plastic animals, etc...and he has been having a great time digging, dumping and finding hidden things in here.  A total winner.  I love this.  I love it, love it, love it.

Today we had Ella and Ella Grace over for some more Valentines activities.  We made sun catchers, filled big pieces of paper with all kinds of fun things Aunt Cathy sent us (crepe paper, stickers, foam hearts, ribbon, lace, foil, etc.), and did a few fun papers (dot to dot hearts, gluing on flower petals).  Then we read some books (Where's My Sweetie Pie? by Ed Emberley, such a good one) and played and played and played.  Then we had lunch with Miss Elise, Eli and Julia who came up and shared some of their lunches with us.  It was a great neighborly event.  Aside from the fact that all the little girls were pretty tired and were not getting along very well :)

I love our neighbors!

PS:  My hips hurt.  It took me about 2 hours just to "pick up" our house...not even really clean, just pick things up and sweep, wash dishes, etc.  UGH!!!!  I'm tired of this.