Idols

I read the article: When your kids won't bow to your idols, this past week.  Then, this weekend we took care of 2 extra kids (3 years and 6 months) for a few days.  Through the weekend the thoughts from the article kept coming to mind.  How am I reacting?  What are my idols in this situation?  It really impacted how I dealt with having Baby L...not suddenly, but gradually.  Last night, she fell asleep in our arms and we tried to lay her down a couple times after only a minute or two of snuggling. 

Then, it occurred to me that babies were made by God to be snuggled by there mama, because every time I lifted her up and layed her head against my chest, she instantly fell asleep (instantly - true description!).  Oh, when I realized that, I savored that time with her, and cried over her loss.  After a good long snuggle, she layed down just fine!  Then again at 3:30 a.m. (she typically woke up around 5:30), I enjoyed a long snuggle instead of the frustration of a baby awake in the middle of the night.  This sweet, beautiful, smiley little girl needed that mama loving!  While Kevin is missing Brother N, I am grieving Baby L's loss and desiring to snuggle her again (and mostly because of the real life application of this article.  My idols: sleep, baby obedience a.k.a. control, and yep, hmm...control!).

Grandpa Memories - L

• I think about Grandpa too and it makes me sad.

• I remember that he sat on a stool to make waffles for us and then when he was all done, he finished them.

• The claw

• He brought me to have ice cream and we went to a park.  Kj and Grandma went to the children's museum and went to the same park.  (but we didn't see them)

My sweet memory of L and Grandpa...He knew how to get a snuggle out of her.  She very, very, very strongly dislikes tickles and he would say, "I'm going to tickle you, unless you give me a hug."  It worked every time.  She would run into his arms and he always kept his word.  He didn't tickle her.  They had some of "the best" hugs/snuggles. 

Good Reads (picture books)

The King's Equal by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Vladmir Vagin

A dying king gives his arrogant son a challenge in order to receive his crown.  He must find a woman to marry that is his equal in beauty, intelligence, and wealth...all of which he thinks he has.  The one that is found to be his equal, actually surpasses him and now he must become her equal.

Katje, The Windmill Cat by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by Nicola Bayley

Based on a true story of the Elizabeth's Day flood in 1421 where a baby was saved by a brave cat. 

The Bicycle Man by Allen Say

This book is about a field day/sports day at a school in Japan.  Partway through the festivities 2 American soldiers arrive, borrow the principals bike and perform for the families.  My favorite line from the book:  "Parents, children, my fellow teachers, let us remember that we are gathered here in the spirit of sportsmanship.  Whether we win or lose, let us enjoy ourselves."

Expectations for Babysitter

*  You will have more influence over my children than they have over you.  :)

*  House is as clean (or cleaner) than when you came.  **That does not mean that you have to do all the work - the kids are more than capable to help:

• pick up toys (inside and out)
• clear dishes
• load dishwasher
• wipe counters/tables

*  You will have fun with the kids!  :)  They enjoy:

• reading
• playing outside
• playing hide-and-seek
• playing games
• reading :)

*  You do not have to answer the phone.  If it is us we can leave a message - which you can listen to and pick up.

*  If you eat with the kids, you all will work together to clean up the food and dishes.

(then went on to explain some specifics about my youngest)

Now, this isn't necessarily profound or exciting, but my husband thought I should share it.  Particularly because our new babysitter was amazing!  She definitely surpassed these expectations.  Thanks, babysitter K!!  You blessed us!  aj

St. Patrick's Day Children's Books

St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons

This book gives a good history of the man who became St. Patrick.  It also gives some holiday traditions and legends.

The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh by Janet Nolan, illustrated by Ben F. Stahl

Fergus and his family live in Ireland but are forced to move to America because of the potatoe famine.  The night before he leaves he cuts a branch off of his favorite blackthorn tree and carves it along his journey into a shillelagh.  The shillelagh and it's story pass from generation to generation.

A Fine St. Patrick's Day by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by Tom Curry

The towns of Tralah and Tralee compete each year for the trophy, given to the town that best decorates for St. Patrick's Day.  The town of Tralee gives up their high hope of finally winning the contest to go help a stranger get his cows out of the mud.  They learn a valuable lesson that winning isn't everything, but helping others and their own friendships are.