I am just amazed at how far I've come as a Mom. I can still remember my reaction when my firstborn had a diaper blowout, peed through all the blankets we owned and puked all over me within 24 hours of being home from the hospital. I was doing laundry in the middle of the night. I figured a box of wipes would last us at least a year, but for sure more than a day!
In the early days, I would just look at the mess and not know what to do. I was shocked, frozen. It got better as the years went on. By the time there were three and I was nursing one while the others used the potty chair IN THE KITCHEN (don't ask) and then proceeded to knock the contents all over the floor I just freaked out a little on my way to get a towel and kept right on nursing.
Well, now I am a pro. I have joined the amazing ranks of mothers who can take a totally disastrous mess and use whatever they might have in their purse or diaper bag to fix it. It's kind of McGuyver-like.
We were in a store and Maren peed all over the floor. In one split second I grabbed the toy she was holding and looked for a clean up station. When I didn't find one, I pulled a diaper out of my purse and used that to mop up the floor. Genius? Well, it may have been genius to actually have it ON the child. But still, problem solved.
At supper that night, I had a child sitting on my lap when she began to puke. Of all the days to buy her the red Gatorade she wanted. We stepped out on to the deck to save the floor. I forgot to clean the deck off but it rained later, so it all worked out in the end.
Sometimes I try to be prepared and have kleenex on hand for bloody noses and snotty sneezes or paper towels for spills, extra wipes, diapers, clothes. But where's the fun in that?
Do you dare share your MacGuyver Mom moments?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Big Things
All my life I've wanted to do big things. However, I found it hard to decide between being President of the United States, a rock star, or the first female player in the NFL. But I had big dreams and had no doubt I could do it.
As my life unfolded, I met and married a man who wanted to be a small town pastor. I never liked small towns. I honestly used to feel bad for people who lived in them. When we moved I really thought that if I didn't like it (and I hated it) we would just move back to good 'ol St. Paul. We didn't.
I had big career dreams too. For the past ten years I have been bogged down in nothing but diapers, maternity clothes, toys, strollers and car seats. It seemed to me that I should be out there doing something more important. I wanted to do some tangible ministry but was always tied down with the kids.
I spent a lot of time feeling bad that I didn't have the stuff I had dreamed of in my life. I was just a stay-at-home mom, living in a little town, and my husband was the pastor of a small, struggling church.
I couldn't figure out what God was thinking. I was bigger than this.
Our church is still small compared to most. Sometimes when I read all the good things going on in other people's lives and ministry I feel bad and a little jealous. I only want to share this because I never believed this could happen here: in just a little church without a building, in a little town. O me of little faith.
Last week we had Vacation Bible School. We had 108 kids come. The population of Wrenshall is 333. We raised around $1800 for our missions project in blue collar area that has been hit hard with layoffs. We gave away T-shirts to every child and helper that came. At the program there were over 250 people. We fed 225 people at our picnic.
None of that happened because we are great, only because God is. We don't have a huge budget or a large staff. He does big things in little places where it could only be Him. He gets all the glory.
And he does big things through regular, mommy lives too. I'm doing more great things in my life than I ever could have imagined. God has shown me that to be great, I've got to humbly let Him lead. Maybe to places I don't want to go. Maybe to a place that I hope I never have to leave.
So, if this is your town,
And this is your church,
and these are your neighbor's turkeys,
and this is your life.
And you give it all over to Christ, then He's doing big things.
"Great"
by Ten Shekel Shirt
on the album "Much"
I have always wanted to be somebody who is great
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To love my enemies
To serve others until I become the least
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
Greatness in this world is different than greatness in your eyes
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To be genuine in my love for others and for you is to be great
As my life unfolded, I met and married a man who wanted to be a small town pastor. I never liked small towns. I honestly used to feel bad for people who lived in them. When we moved I really thought that if I didn't like it (and I hated it) we would just move back to good 'ol St. Paul. We didn't.
I had big career dreams too. For the past ten years I have been bogged down in nothing but diapers, maternity clothes, toys, strollers and car seats. It seemed to me that I should be out there doing something more important. I wanted to do some tangible ministry but was always tied down with the kids.
I spent a lot of time feeling bad that I didn't have the stuff I had dreamed of in my life. I was just a stay-at-home mom, living in a little town, and my husband was the pastor of a small, struggling church.
I couldn't figure out what God was thinking. I was bigger than this.
Our church is still small compared to most. Sometimes when I read all the good things going on in other people's lives and ministry I feel bad and a little jealous. I only want to share this because I never believed this could happen here: in just a little church without a building, in a little town. O me of little faith.
Last week we had Vacation Bible School. We had 108 kids come. The population of Wrenshall is 333. We raised around $1800 for our missions project in blue collar area that has been hit hard with layoffs. We gave away T-shirts to every child and helper that came. At the program there were over 250 people. We fed 225 people at our picnic.
None of that happened because we are great, only because God is. We don't have a huge budget or a large staff. He does big things in little places where it could only be Him. He gets all the glory.
And he does big things through regular, mommy lives too. I'm doing more great things in my life than I ever could have imagined. God has shown me that to be great, I've got to humbly let Him lead. Maybe to places I don't want to go. Maybe to a place that I hope I never have to leave.
So, if this is your town,
And this is your church,
and these are your neighbor's turkeys,
and this is your life.
And you give it all over to Christ, then He's doing big things.
"Great"
by Ten Shekel Shirt
on the album "Much"
I have always wanted to be somebody who is great
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To love my enemies
To serve others until I become the least
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
Greatness in this world is different than greatness in your eyes
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To be genuine in my love for others and for you is to be great
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Rotten Manna
We're halfway through a great week of Vacation Bible School. Yesterday we had some missionaries to Haiti come and share with the kids. They had some Haitian men with them. It was such a powerful time for the kids to hear about this other culture, not very far away from America but a world apart. The kids are so excited to raise money for this mission. If they raise a certain amount they will get to "Pie the Pastors".
Jenna was impacted greatly by what was said. She wanted to bring all her money for the offering. I caught myself wanting to discourage her from bringing all $14.00. After all, she might want to buy a much needed stuffed animal or I don't know, what do 8 year olds do with their money? Instead I thanked her for her willingness to give it all to Christ. Why would I want to stifle that desire in her heart?
The funny thing is the Bible story that day was from Exodus 16 and 17 when God provided Manna and Quail for the Israelites in the desert. They Israelites were complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt where there was food. They seemed to quickly overlook the whole slavery thing. God provided them with quail and manna to meet their needs. Every morning they were to gather a certain amount per person for that day. When they began to store more than they needed, it became rotten. God wanted them to obey his commands and trust in Him.
I want to know we have a reserve: some savings, a retirement account, a full pantry, an alternative heat supply so we are ready for anything. Then we are relying on ourselves. But God wants us to rely on Him and His provisions day by day.
In the fall I worry about how we will buy winter gear for everyone, and at Christmas I worry about where the money for presents will come from. If only I could KNOW for sure that we'd have plenty. I don't know and sometimes things are tight. All I can do is trust God day to day to meet my needs. He always does and it never stops amazing me the ways he does it.
I'm thankful that my daughter taught me a lesson this week in her selfless act of giving.
Exodus 16:17-20
The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Matthew 6:31-34
So do not worry, saying , "What shall we eat?" or "What sahll we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Jenna was impacted greatly by what was said. She wanted to bring all her money for the offering. I caught myself wanting to discourage her from bringing all $14.00. After all, she might want to buy a much needed stuffed animal or I don't know, what do 8 year olds do with their money? Instead I thanked her for her willingness to give it all to Christ. Why would I want to stifle that desire in her heart?
The funny thing is the Bible story that day was from Exodus 16 and 17 when God provided Manna and Quail for the Israelites in the desert. They Israelites were complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt where there was food. They seemed to quickly overlook the whole slavery thing. God provided them with quail and manna to meet their needs. Every morning they were to gather a certain amount per person for that day. When they began to store more than they needed, it became rotten. God wanted them to obey his commands and trust in Him.
I want to know we have a reserve: some savings, a retirement account, a full pantry, an alternative heat supply so we are ready for anything. Then we are relying on ourselves. But God wants us to rely on Him and His provisions day by day.
In the fall I worry about how we will buy winter gear for everyone, and at Christmas I worry about where the money for presents will come from. If only I could KNOW for sure that we'd have plenty. I don't know and sometimes things are tight. All I can do is trust God day to day to meet my needs. He always does and it never stops amazing me the ways he does it.
I'm thankful that my daughter taught me a lesson this week in her selfless act of giving.
Exodus 16:17-20
The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Matthew 6:31-34
So do not worry, saying , "What shall we eat?" or "What sahll we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Camping Tales
I wrote this when we got back but due to my full-time job as a laundress I didn't get it posted right away. Go figure!
We're back and it's always so good to get home. Although we had a great trip, it's nice to sleep in my own homemade four poster bed! And remember those ten loads of laundry I did before we left? I did them over again today plus three more. So I'm all caught up until morning.
Oh I have so much to tell you about our trip. Every time I would start to smile and write in my notebook, Mike would roll his eyes.
It's no secret that I don't love camping. My idea of a fun vacation involves hotels, pools, beaches and shopping malls. The trip we took was Mike's idea and his plan. I thought we should stay home and do things around here.
When we got to our campground I was already a little irritated. I like to take showers. I was annoyed with all our stuff in a small space. I admit to wondering a few times why on earth I let him talk me into this.
While Mike was setting up, the rest of us were going on a walk and Grant was so excited he said, "Whatever you're doing, I'm in!". We found the showers and they were fine. The camper was really not any messier than our house.
As we were leaving, I realized that in a few years I will look back on these days as golden: all of us together crammed in a camper, the kids loving every minute of it, sitting around the fire with friends, no TV, computer or cell phone and little ones eating breakfast outside in their jammies that still have S'mores smeared on them from the night before.
I couldn't help but think of what I would have missed had I dug my heels in. There are so many things in life that I don't want to give up. I want my independence. I want it my way.
I know people who have let those things destroy their marriage like living in a certain state or house, insisting on having things they cannot afford, turning up their nose at the way their spouse was raised. And one of those people is me.
It might be a little like camping. We don't have any camping stuff. It was super classy for us to use our friends pop-up camper. We had a lot of nice campers pull in next to us. All of a sudden yours doesn't seem so great. I guess there's even envy in the camping world.
When we got to my Grandparents we stayed in a motorhome my Uncle's friend let us borrow. I told them not to worry about it since we could sleep in the pop-up. I must admit, the queen size bed in the back was a little more comfy and the air conditioning was nice. I'm not sure you can call that camping!
But all in all, I wouldn't change anything I have or don't have for the world.
We're back and it's always so good to get home. Although we had a great trip, it's nice to sleep in my own homemade four poster bed! And remember those ten loads of laundry I did before we left? I did them over again today plus three more. So I'm all caught up until morning.
Oh I have so much to tell you about our trip. Every time I would start to smile and write in my notebook, Mike would roll his eyes.
It's no secret that I don't love camping. My idea of a fun vacation involves hotels, pools, beaches and shopping malls. The trip we took was Mike's idea and his plan. I thought we should stay home and do things around here.
When we got to our campground I was already a little irritated. I like to take showers. I was annoyed with all our stuff in a small space. I admit to wondering a few times why on earth I let him talk me into this.
While Mike was setting up, the rest of us were going on a walk and Grant was so excited he said, "Whatever you're doing, I'm in!". We found the showers and they were fine. The camper was really not any messier than our house.
As we were leaving, I realized that in a few years I will look back on these days as golden: all of us together crammed in a camper, the kids loving every minute of it, sitting around the fire with friends, no TV, computer or cell phone and little ones eating breakfast outside in their jammies that still have S'mores smeared on them from the night before.
I couldn't help but think of what I would have missed had I dug my heels in. There are so many things in life that I don't want to give up. I want my independence. I want it my way.
I know people who have let those things destroy their marriage like living in a certain state or house, insisting on having things they cannot afford, turning up their nose at the way their spouse was raised. And one of those people is me.
It might be a little like camping. We don't have any camping stuff. It was super classy for us to use our friends pop-up camper. We had a lot of nice campers pull in next to us. All of a sudden yours doesn't seem so great. I guess there's even envy in the camping world.
When we got to my Grandparents we stayed in a motorhome my Uncle's friend let us borrow. I told them not to worry about it since we could sleep in the pop-up. I must admit, the queen size bed in the back was a little more comfy and the air conditioning was nice. I'm not sure you can call that camping!
But all in all, I wouldn't change anything I have or don't have for the world.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dream Vacation
Don't you just love getting ready for a trip? Doing ten loads of laundry, making sure everyone's blankies are packed, filling the car up with snacks and DVD's, getting someone to watch the dog - really what a joy.
This is my husband's dream vacation. He wanted to go camping. I told him I thought that might be nice if we had...a tent, which we don't. Then some friends wanted us to go soo badly that they offered us their pop-up camper. Mike dreams of having a full-size van/pop-up camper combo. We've got the van, but the camper has been elusive.
Now we've got it all packed up: food for a family of seven, clothes for a family of seven, shoes for a family of seven, toothbrushes for a family of seven. It's getting late and I still have to pack my clothes. I really need to get to bed because it wouldn't be family fun if we didn't try to leave at the crack of dawn.
And fun we'll have. We are meeting up with our friends in DeSmet to tour the Little House of the Prairie stuff together. Then we'll be off to a very classy RV park with a water park. I know, I know - I'm really not trying to make you jealous. Then finally on to my Grandparents. There's a county fair, fun farm stuff and a family reunion.
Here's to family adventures!
This is my husband's dream vacation. He wanted to go camping. I told him I thought that might be nice if we had...a tent, which we don't. Then some friends wanted us to go soo badly that they offered us their pop-up camper. Mike dreams of having a full-size van/pop-up camper combo. We've got the van, but the camper has been elusive.
Now we've got it all packed up: food for a family of seven, clothes for a family of seven, shoes for a family of seven, toothbrushes for a family of seven. It's getting late and I still have to pack my clothes. I really need to get to bed because it wouldn't be family fun if we didn't try to leave at the crack of dawn.
And fun we'll have. We are meeting up with our friends in DeSmet to tour the Little House of the Prairie stuff together. Then we'll be off to a very classy RV park with a water park. I know, I know - I'm really not trying to make you jealous. Then finally on to my Grandparents. There's a county fair, fun farm stuff and a family reunion.
Here's to family adventures!
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