Dear February

Dear February,

It seems like only yesterday January arrived with it's dawn of a new year and then you graced us with your presence. Each year as the busyness of the Christmas season passes I long to savor the cozy cold winter months.  I wish for lots of snowflakes, good books to curl up with under piles of blankets, pots of wholesome soup bubbling on the stove and sweet quiet moments with my little family.  You didn't disappoint, February, and I thank you!  We savored your sparkly Valentine's Day treats and bright red hearts praying our way through our Love Jar reflecting on the many special people in our lives.  We are blessed!  Your simple moments: Super Bowl fun, Downtown KC adventures, snowmen, days filled with books, board games and puzzles galore, a handful of sunshiny days filled with outdoor play, first words sounded out and read and lots of birthday fun.  These are all sweet memories, I'll tuck away for keeps.  You probably know by now that you hold a special place in my heart. I will always be grateful for my little boy that arrived this month three years ago.  He makes your visit full of fun and ends your time with us perfectly.  I'm hearing the silence of the end of your visit on Friday morning and I'm pondering the goodness of God and the grace that covered us with each day.  Thanks for being oh so wonderful!

Til me meet again,
Alicia

 

He Loves Me

Little ones have such a precious way of loving.

My son is no exception.

He doesn't always say "I love you".  But, I know he loves me and I don't question it.  I know it with everything in me.

Because he melts into my arms when I rock him. Because he stares into my eyes with a look of trust. Because he comes to me first when he is scared or hurt, happy or excited. Because he puts his tiny hand on my shoulder and pats my back. Because he grabs my face and smooches my cheek. Because he checks to make sure I'm watching him when he's showing off  or trying something new. Because he saves his best and his worst moments for me.

He loves me.

The other day at lunch, he whispered something to me as I took a sip of water. I had to ask him to repeat himself in a louder voice and when he did, he smiled and said "I love you, Mama."

I knew this to be true, but there was something so very special about him saying those 4 little words to me out of the blue.

All too often, too much emphasis is put on words. Little ones teach us and remind us that sometimes words aren't necessary....that sometimes actions really do speak louder.

And yet sometimes, words are good. They are welcomed and celebrated.

They are a gift.

I love you, too, my sweet boy.

Hair Drama

In Titus' short little life he has had many haircuts which have resulted in a wide gambit of styles from good to bad, and everywhere in between.  Poor kid!  :(  Since moving, a friend highly recommend a great kid's place close by, so we went and checked it out.  Titus loved sitting in the firetruck and getting his hair cut until the clippers made an appearance....sorry, no pictures to protect the innocent dramatic.  All that to say, we finally received a great cut.  :)

Just One More

Our day's schedule was off a bit, by running errands before the potential snow storm struck our area.  Therefore, lunch and nap time were delayed, but as every parent of a toddler knows even 30 minutes can be enough.

Titus has begun to come up with every reason under the sun to delay nap/quiet time as it is, from going to the bathroom again, to another drink of water, to singing Jesus Love Me "just one more time" or needing to give me "just one more hug and kiss".

I've learned the final hug and kiss though, that ones proves to me much more difficult.  If I let him get "just one more", it turns into a string of a half a dozen requests to give "the last one, okay Mama?" It's such a hard request for me to deny though, I mean honestly to hear my 2 year old practically begging to give me "just one more" hug and kiss....I'm stubborn, but I can't completely ignore these sweet requests.

Today though, I did.  On his second request, I shot him down.

No.

No.

Absolutely no.

Yes, I denied my sweet 2 year old any additional hugs or kisses.

It's a matter of obeying right away.  He knows and understands what no means.  He didn't break down into a fit of hysterics by any means.  He expressed his disappoint and moved on.  I hit the play button on The Little House story CD and tiptoed out of his room offering one more, "I love you", as I quietly closed the door. Soon enough, he was asleep.  I worked on my nap time tasks: dishes, laundry and dinner prep.  Before long my tasks were completed and I readied myself for some personal me time.  My heart stopped as I read about a family whose little boy died at the young age of 5 due to a strange illness.

Just like that.  A life truncated.

My heart broke for this family.  I offered up prayers of peace for this family.  But, my flood of thoughts could not be stopped.  I was overwhelmed with anguish for this family.  Those sweet little hugs and kisses and sticky messes and toys on the floor are a thing of the past for them.

Motherhood has changed me so much, but I can guard my heart very effectively.  I was overwhelmed.  And like a ton of bricks it hit me that I had denied Titus a final hug and kiss.

I was soon descending the stairs with tears in my eyes, the only thing I wanted was my little boy, in my arms.  He continued to sleep as I drew him up out of his crib and carried him to the rocking chair.

I didn't feel guilty for parenting as I saw fit earlier.  I know there isn't anything wrong with my saying no.  I wasn't trying to right a wrong.

I just needed to draw my arms around my little mister man, feel his shallow sleeping breaths continue in rhythm and love on him and memorize the details of his tiny face for a mother who wasn't able.

Dear Monday

Dear Clutter,
I'm on a mission and my name is Ruthless.  If you aren't loved, needed or used often you are out of here.  Don't believe me?  Check the piles ready to be loaded into the back of my minivan.
Be afraid,
Hoarder no more

Dear Warm Winter Clothes,
How I love you big worn out old comfortable sweatshirt, you rank right up there with my cozy slippers and heating pad on my winter love list.
Love you to town and back,
Always chilled

Dear Laundry,
You are my nemesis.  The thorn in my side.  You never quit so I'll keep on keeping on.
Unfortunately yours,
Me

Dear Naptime,
Why are you trying to flee our home?  Oh how I miss your schedule, you and your 2-3 hours of complete peace and quiet.  You've been trying to leave us for months now.  I know once you finally flee you will rarely come back to visit.  Rest time doesn't hold a candle to you naptime.
Miss you forever and ever,
Mama needs a break

Dear Year of the Snake,
I think you're going to be some kind of wonderful.
Lets make it a good one,
Me

Dear January

Dear January, 

You had me at day one. With the calendar flip, you wooed me with your fresh starts and best is yet to be promises. How did you know that blank slates make my heart sing?  That being said, you wore me out!!!!  My legs and arms and feet are sore because of packing, unpacking,  cleaning, painting and then the flu.  You filled us all up with happy moments.  The purchase of our first home.  Choosing paint colors.  Hot chocolate dates with my little Mister Man. Discovering and gaining wisdom through our year long study at church of the book of Proverbs.  Silly made up games.  The joy of watching Titus find his first penny.  Snow.  Exciting adoption news.  You surely kept us on our toes with your hodge-podge  of crazy new adventures.  2013 is going to be an overflowing, ever changing and an adventurous year.  There were no perfect days, January, but His fingerprints were on each and every one. The big things and the little details and everything in between, He was there. I'm so thankful. Truly. 

Til we meet again, 

Alicia

 

Packing Peanut Fun

I love this stage in my little mister man's life, when the littlest things entertain and delight! Titus received an early Christmas present in the mail and while he enjoyed the gift immensely, I think he and Daddy enjoyed the packing peanuts almost as much.  For over a hour one evening they made snow angels and had packing peanut fights.  The next morning, Titus was up early to play with his peanuts.  However, just like snow, peanuts have a way of disappearing.  Maybe, more peanuts will arrive in the mail someday soon to be enjoyed again.

Indoor Snow Play

The snow is quickly melting but we wanted to have one last bit of snow fun.  After all, here in the Midwest you never know if this will be the beginning and end of the snow for the season or if a blizzard will come through next month.   Titus loved getting to use his water table as a snow table.  We built miniature snowmen, made snowballs and scooped and played in the snow until only a puddle was left.   So long snow, hope to see you again soon!

Happy Day

Today it snowed.  I love snow days. The world seems to slow down a bit.  Kevin even worked from home today.  A double blessing!

Titus and I puttered around in our pajamas til 4 in the pm.  I love pajama days.  I love my little boy in his soft footy pajamas.  Long live footy pajamas!

 We baked gingerbread boy cookies.  We counted scoops of flour and molasses and smelled each homey spice as we added it to the mixing bowl: ginger, cloves and cinnamon.  Yum!

Daddy took a play lunch break.  Titus made his first snow angel and went sledding multiple times.   It's all fun and games until someone lands face first in the snow.  Oops!

We snuggled and cuddled and read all of our beloved Christmas stories.  Remembering and rejoicing that the Kings of Kings came to earth as a tiny babe.  Hallelujah!

These are the memories I pray my child holds in his heart.  Snow days with his parents relishing time together and creating fond winter memories.

Around our home

On the door

 On my lap

On the wall

On the floor

 On my laptop

On the counter

 On my heart

 Just some things both big and small around our home today. 

I'm pausing to take notice and find joy....even when rooms are messy 

and there's so much to do and my toddler is well, being a toddler.

I'm especially focusing on the last one. 
The Savior so small and His mama. 
What a gift He is.

Friday Nights

As a high school student, Friday night was a night for going out with friends, maybe a football game or watching a movie.

As a college student (not married yet) Friday night was a night for fun or relaxing after a week of classes, maybe finishing assignments, or being home with my family.

As a young wife, Friday night was a night for spending time with Kevin after a long week of college classes and teaching preschoolers. Usually it called for going out to dinner, renting a movie, and laying on the couch until we called it a night.

As a mama to a toddler, Friday night is about being with my little family. We don’t have to do anything special or even go anywhere. Just being together is enough.

Friday nights have definitely changed over the years. Yes, I still enjoy going on dates with my husband. And I would love to settle in on the couch early enough in the evening to watch a movie before I get to the point I can barely keep my eyes open. Sorry, Honey!

There are times we still get to do those things but most often I am spending time with my guys. There is no way I would trade the sweet moments we have together as a family for all of the quiet dinners or lazy evenings in the world!

Family Game Night can get a bit intense!

This little boy plays a mean game of Hungry Hungry Hippo, he generally wins fair and square.

I did it!

"There's strategy in EVERY game." Daddy

Which to choose?  Which to choose?

Found it!