Balance

This is my special group of friends who I "do motherhood" with.  We have been meeting together for about 6 years now on every Friday morning with our children, totaling 18 now!  We often talk about "balance" and how exactly to achieve it- and I thought this would be the perfect picture for the top of this post.  I am so very blessed to learn about balance and what that looks like from these Christian women.  My mothering is so much more focused and my heart more "well-ordered" because of the influence of each of these women.

Now, how did I get here, to title this post, "Balance(d)" of which I am not!

Obviously this took some "balance"...

And this...this is my attempt to begin consigning my maternity clothes so I can raise some extra money for our beach trip...trying to keep our budget "balanced".

This little one likes to stand in the chair...and on the table!  What?  My BOYS never did that!  Guess she has some "balance"...watch out Winter Olympics in 16 years (not sure which roman numeral that would be as I would have to google exactly which Olympics we are watching now)!

She also loves bananas...part of a well "balanced" diet.  :)

I try to expose these little ones to all sorts of crafts and manipulatives so they can develop normally and be well rounded and "balanced".

So why all this talk about being balanced?  Well, I had a really significant encounter with a great book, "Looking for God" by Nancy Ortberg.  "Balance gives the illusion of control.  The comfort of order.  Many are drawn to balance because it promises to relieve the stress of our world, whose priorities are constantly clamoring to get our attention.  As we hurriedly try to attend to all of these priorities, we exhaust ourselves in the process, feeling unfulfilled, unfocused, and tired, and confused by a God who seems to want us to do so much."

She goes on to say, "Children who wake up in the middle of the night crying with a temperature of 103 are not looking for a balanced parent, they are looking for some medicine, a cool washrag and a song, all delivered by a mom or dad who takes the time to hold them chest-to-chest in the rocking chair until they fall asleep again."

So, this struck me, also as she talked about living a life that is "that of a well ordered heart, not ordered in a way like a pie graph, but of an overspilling of every mold, that no life circle can contain.  A life that exudes love, God's love, that allows for mistakes and messes, joys and impacts."

This picture is that overspilling of love...love of an innocent little 1 year old for her big brother.  Her big brother, who peeked into her room to see her with all of her babies and had to stop and come in.  He said, "Now that is cute."  He walked in, leaving whatever it was he was focused on, and lived in this moment with his little sister who adores him.  What a gift and what a wonderful lesson for me.

My children teach me so many lessons every day.  I truly want to have a "well-ordered" heart for Landon, Connor and Lindsay Jane.  I don't want to constantly be striving.  Striving for what?  Balance?  What is that?  Isn't it something that as soon as I "achieve", something else is thrown in and I am off kilter again, yearning for control.  Ah, yes...control.  For me, that is what it is.  I have to let go of control and let God!  One of the first things I remember hearing in junior high youth group...Let go and Let God...I still haven't gotten it!

Thanks for letting me share.  I love my little space.  I love the opportunity to share my little 'ole heart.  I love being a mama and I love that I am learning more every day about how to be a better one. Now, back to tagging for that consignment sale... :)

Snow Day(s)!

Well, happy snow days, friends!  Not very often do I get to write about snow here in the good 'ole south.  I am not complaining about that because I am not a fan of the cold...but I do love the snow and especially when there is enough for my children to enjoy sledding...one of my very favorite childhood memories.  I did grow up a little farther north...you know, Virginia...so we saw a little more growing up than my kids have but no real blizzards has this girl been a part of.  And, I am happy about that.

As you can see from the smiles on my boys' faces, they were delighted!  That picture was taken before the festivities began and they had been on me since I walked downstairs to go outside!  It was a little crazy.  I was supposed to work, so I had to call and get the scoop on whether or not my patients were coming in and make several phone calls to make sure they were all set.  Stan worked from home and it was me and the three littles.  Thankfully, we have awesome neighbors and were able to enjoy the day with them!  This especially helped when I had to admit one of my patients to the hospital from home while she manned my kids (and hers!).  Nuts!  Thank you Sarah!  She also graciously made me coffee and didn't mind the grease in my hair since I had not been able to shower and was still in my pajamas underneath my snow clothes.  Yes.  Good neighbors.  The best!

Landon getting ready to go for it!

Connor, also so ready.  I love the twinkle in his eye.

Everything is delightful when it snows!

He said, "Man, that was really fast!"

Connor put the swing to the test too. :)

The boys were happy to have each other too.  They had a great time sledding, even down our very small sloped driveway.

And, what a delight it was to watch Lindsay Jane enjoy her first snow!

She loved it!

All smiles!

This was the first time I saw her signing "more".  I think it is so adorable when she signs, esp. when I see that she is truly enjoying herself, asking for "more" fun..in the snow this time! It's also a heck of a lot better than her "all done" sign when she is strapped into her booster seat for one minute!

Lindsay Jane and Rachel.  I love this sweet little age. These two are the babies of our neighborhood crew.

Now, onto the Poley's driveway!  Much more sloped and much more fun!  The kids had an absolute blast!

Steph and Sarah posing for a picture.  I love my neighbors, did I mention that?

Connorbug and Anna stopping finally in our yard after sliding down the Poley's driveway, across the street and onto our lawn.  What fun!

Landon also enjoying the Poley hill!

Me and my baby girl.  I cannot believe how big she is getting.  She is definitely really starting to have an opinion about many things.  I know this is good and a sign she is growing as she should, but it is often a challenge...esp. when I just want to cuddle her and she is busily on to the next item of interest.  I am so thrilled that God placed her in our family.  What a sweet completion.  Just can't imagine the Cole family without her.

Big brother Landon taking Lindsay Jane for a sledding ride!

Big brother Connor got a chance too.

My three little loves.  I just adore this picture.  It is amazing when their faces are so close at the resemblance.  Guess they cannot deny each other, or Stan and I!

My pink little snow baby!

Another sign for "more"!!

And, on to day 2...started the day off early painting dinosaurs.  Major concentration, huh?

And a smile for mommy.

And a bigger one from little miss priss...

We had just gotten home from a trip to the gym (thank you Hope Valley YMCA for being open with childcare!), chick-fil-a (thank you CFA for having a "mom valet" where I can order my food at the drive through and have it waiting on the table with condiments and utensils and proper seating for three littles) and Harris Teeter drive through (thank you HT for your super duper online grocery shopping so that I could order icing when we left the gym to pick it up after CFA without having to drag my three littles inside!). So, today, because of my aforementioned "friends", we decided to make cookies while Lindsay Jane napped.

All ready to bake!

Now time to decorate!

It has been a delight having Landon home and I am so pleased to be able to say that.  He has been a really good listener and has really gotten along well with his siblings and has gone with the flow.  What a special unexpected extra family bonding time we have had.  I think it couldn't have come at a better time.  Landon has needed a little extra loving.  :)

Connorbug has been great too. I even kept him home today when I could have sent him to daycare.  Thankfully, he didn't make me regret that decision...ha!

Sweet boys.

Caught Connor in the choosing...

I think he was pleased with his choice!

I have to say, I enjoy making cookies with my kids as much as they do.

So, there is a brief recap of our snow days.  It has been wonderful.  A sweet winter surprise in many ways.  I am so very thankful for these babies and the chance to spend quality time with each of them.  Hope you all enjoyed the snow too!!! (or at least seeing pictures, for those of you in warmer climates all the time- Aunt Karen!)

New Every Morning

Wouldn't know this little one was just in the middle of a whopping antibiotic and fever reducing dose when posing for this picture...

Boy am I glad she is better.  And I am so thankful for the bible verse Lamentations 3:22. "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning.  Great is your faithfulness."

This verse really got me through the past 5 days.  My Lindsay Jane unfortunately had a breakthrough urinary tract infection while on prophylactic antibiotics for her kidney reflux.  I, being the nurse mama, was fortunately able to collect her urine to take to the doctor to be analyzed.  This saved her from being catheterized.

I am so thankful to have the skills I do in this type of situation.  I really feel blessed to be able to take care of my own baby and to have found a pediatrician who is very supportive of me as a mom and as a nurse practitioner.

I am also very grateful, for the love that my friends and family poured over me as they offered much more than was necessary.  God has blessed me.  I see those new mercies every morning.  God truly is faithful.

This picture show the true spirit of this little gem.  She is holding Landon's Minecraft sword, wearing the Minnie Mouse hat that sweet Tori made for her.  Despite her sick little body, she managed to smile, cut up and love her life (thank you Motrin and Tylenol).

I do think it is true that when I am forced to look to God, often in situations where I find myself out of control...I see his goodness and grace on my life more.  I see his faithfulness, despite my struggles with those pesky human traits of worry, fear and doubt.

Though I had a weekend planned with my honey without the kids while my parents kept them...instead...I got my girl well, had lots of snuggles with my special little girl, had "QT" with my dear friends Janise, Ryan and Sarah, saw Frozen with my boys, had special reading time with all three of my babies, took the kids to the park to play and practice baseball, had donuts for lunch (a rare treat at this household!), got to see Lindsay Jane use a lightsaber for the first time...and had our fabulous babysitter, Kim, keep the kids so Stan and I could go on a date afternoon/night!

I am so very thankful that though our weekend was cancelled, our baby girl was able to be treated and made well by medications that are readily available to us.  Something that is very easy to take for granted.

Though I was up over night many times with a sick baby and with worry over the past few days (and so was my wonderful husband), I have seen the truth of God's faithfulness each morning as his mercies shine through the three little faces he has blessed me with.

Landon needed me to encourage him and really focus on his reading.  I didn't know it but God did and he, in his mercy, allowed for me to be here instead of away.  He had special plans for Landon and I bonding and we did.  I am so thankful.  Connor also needed some mama snuggles.  His little tender heart greatly benefits from extra quality time from dear old mom.  His more precious thing of late is to squeeze my arm 5 times and tell me that it stands for "I love you so much".

Stan and I also really shared a special time of juggling the three kids, supporting each other's desire for exercise, alone time and special time with each of the kids.  I am so thankful for the getaway we didn't have. God had special plans for our time here.

Despite my plans...God had better for me.  Despite my cries for help in preventing Lindsay Jane's infection, he used it for good and she was quickly healed.  Despite my stubbornness in giving in to His will, he gently guided me, helping me to see and focus on the truth that every morning brings new compassions and mercies and I am not consumed...not by fear, not by doubt, not by worry...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

Landon Turns Seven

Well, it has happened, my oldest turned 7!  I can hardly believe it!  He actually looks older to me, since turning the big 7 too.  Landon entered our lives full of spunk and determination and still exhibits those same qualities today.  He is our spirited one, for sure.  He loves people and has never had difficulty making friends.  He loves to play outside and do anything that involves running...inside or out.  He may not have started out a great eater, but has since become quite the typical young man in his eating habits.  He is quick...witted and on the running field.  He drives a mean line drive that we are hoping will help engage him in baseball this year.  His teachers say he is very diligent at school, sweet, friendly and has great behavior.  He has commented to me very recently that he is "way gooder at school than at home..."  At least he knows it.  :)  He does not like to read (still) and loves math.  He tells jokes all the time...funny or not.  :)  He has a keen sense of his faith and I have told many people...though he may be spirited and a challenge to parent at times, because of that, I have been able to share the gospel with him a lot more than I otherwise would have.  He accepted Christ at age 4, the best gift ever!  He is also very resilient and easily adjusts to new situations.  He is such a joy and has been known to give really great hugs.  He made me a mama and I am so proud to be that mama to him and his siblings.  Enjoy the recap from his 7th birthday.

This year we did a playgroup party for Landon. He has grown up with this group of kids since he was about 15 months old.  Plus, the older of the group were all out for Christmas break, so all of his special buddies could be there.  The theme was Minecraft and I really had to be creative to span the ages 10 months to  years!

Of course, Sophia was there...she really enjoyed the craft, decorating swords that Stan had made out of cardboard and duct tape!

Baylie also enjoyed the craft and Landon was delighted to have her here too!

Connorbug, of course, wanted to try his sword out before decorating...

Janise and I posing for a picture.  What fun, doing mommyhood together.  :)

More gluing and concentration!

Sweet Emmie.

Josie, very focused in her craft, also had a great time at the party.  Landon has loved having Josie at his school this year!

And, my sweet 7 year old, posing for dear old mom.

The crafts, swords and pick axes.  Pretty cute, I think. 

Miss Courtney hanging out with the mommies while the big kids did crafts.  What a cutie!

And of course, Lindsay Jane, hamming it up...

Stacey, Ursula, Ryan, Lucia and Kaeden posing for a quick moment in time.  :)

Let the games begin!

We started with trying to keep the balloons from touching the ground.  The kids ALL loved it!  It is amazing what a bunch of balloons will do for some kiddos on a cold winter morning.

Next, we had a game of stuffing balloons in over sized clothes.  Landon and his bro got to be the subjects.  here they are listening to instructions!

I had to watch as Lindsay Jane preferred to be on my hip the entire day!

HILARIOUS!

What a good sport.

My two little blimps!

Of course, Lucky, Lindsay's new pony, was a hit for all.

Next, instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose", we played "Pig, Pig, Chicken" to go along with the Minecraft theme.  The pink balloons represented pigs and the white chickens.

Ryan even got to play!

Next, time for some static electricity!  Ursula was our volunteer to show the kids how to use static electricity to make their balloons stick to the wall.  :)

And, of course, Pin the Tail on the Piggy...

Even Lindsay Jane wanted a turn.  She is such the little joiner!

And what a happy girl...the whole time.  I just love this little one.

The sweet little crew.  Our group of 7 mommies has 18 children total.  Wow.  What a bunch of love represented in this picture.  Not all children are pictured....some didn't want to be and we missed the Williams for Landon's party!

Silly faces!

Little Emelia, loving on Lindsay Jane.  Emelia wants to be a "baby nurse" when she grows up.  How stinkin' cute?

And, Lucky...still a hit!

My Creeper Cake...

Landon and his best buddy, Sophia.  I love love this picture!  Look how big they are!

Josie, Landon, Connor and Baylie posing for a birthday picture!

Waiting to blow out the candle!

Yay!

Yummy cake for all!

Landon also got some awesome books from his friends!  These mommies know what this mommy prefers!  :)

What a wonderful way to celebrate Landon, which his special friends he has grown up with and the 6 women besides his mom who have loved and cherished him along the way as well.  It was really special to me and to Landon.  Thanks guys!

Then...onto a BOY sleep over!  Landon has also grown up with our neighbors JD and Porter.  He really wanted to have just the two of them come and spend the night.  They had a blast.  Here they are pictured playing xbox Star Wars.  These boys were INTO this game.  All boy, here....no no no doubt!

And, a sweet pose.  I love seeing these guys together.  It is so unbelievable how big they are.  Wow.

After waking at 5 am and asking to play the xbox again (answer NO, not until Lindsay Jane wakes up...) we saved some sword making for the big boys too.

And of course, there was time to dance to Michael Jackson..

Boys. Will. Be. Boys.

And, this little one tolerated it all in style...

Then, onto our family gift giving before we went out for dinner!  Landon got a sight word game called Popcorn.  We played it the other night and it was so fun.  Anything to help make reading more fun!

And, his beloved Ninjago spinners...

An awesome Brush Robot from Aunt Rebecca!!!

Cake...did someone say, cake?  Chocolate cake?

Lindsay Jane and her sweet daddy, playing with each other.  What a joy.

Yay uncle John, aunt Tamara and Geneva!!!!!

me and my 7 and 4 year olds.  So So big.

Then, on to dinner to celebrate Nanny and Landon.  Landon was born on Nanny's birthday 7 years ago.  What a special treat.

Lindsay Jane and Landon getting crazy..

More crazy..

Aunt MooMoo trying to help mommy and daddy out by loving on this little one while we tried to keep our crazy crew under control...it was nuts.

La Fiesta style!!

Happy Birthday Nanny and Landon!  So wonderful!

Landon is 7 and it is hard to believe.  Tomorrow we will go with all of his school friends for yet another party at the local karate place for some Ninja training...can't wait to see all these little ninjas learning to put all of their craziness to good use.

Hope you enjoyed the update.  What a treasure this little boy is.