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I’m Ready For Christmas!!!

Every year with kids Christmas just gets better and better. Last night we got our first dusting of snow, I finished wrapping presents, and both kids are officially on Christmas break. I really want to do some wrapping tutorials at some point, but for now let me just show a few quick pics of some of the fun I’ve had wrapping gifts this year. 
Normally I am all about the reusable bags, but when I saw this idea on pinterest I started collecting brown paper bags from Trader Joe’s. 

I didn’t think the kids would appreciate this look as much as the adults so I used wrapping paper, but I stole this paper curling idea from a friend of mine.
 
She posted on Facebook how she hates wasting the extra cut off paper so she spontaneously decided to curl them to use as ribbon. I loved how it turned out. Waste not Want Not. Thanks Susan! 
There is one present that is too big to wrap and I had this idea to put this note in a little present.

 I can just picture the whole family busily unwrapping their gifts and chatting away when the recipient shouts “WHERE IS MY PRESENT?” that will be our cue to bring it in from the garage for the grand reveal. I can’t wait! 
Lastly, this was my first year to do teacher presents because I didn’t have any children in school until now. I found these baskets for 50 cents- SCORE. 
I filled them with all kinds of goodies, most of which was pinerest inspired. I loved the idea of the reindeer holding the card until I realized that wouldn’t be an easy to grab gift for a busy teacher on the go, so I wrapped them in clear plastic bags. 

I have had a blast with all these projects. It truly is better to give than receive. Although, to be perfectly honest, I look forward to both. 
By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 21, 2012|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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Precious Girl

SJ had an audiologist appointment a week ago and got more volume added to her C.I. although it is still not up all the way. This first month of hearing has been an emotional roller coaster for sure. In this past year of learning that SJ is deaf I have been building a wall. Every disappointment, every failed attempt at hearing added another layer to my wall. I have confessed to crying when she had her cochlear implant turned on because she didn’t react in the way I had hoped. To quote my blog post from a month ago I said “I want to know that she hears and I am hoping it will not take extensive detective work to be able to recognize it.” Unfortunately it hasn’t been quite that simple. SJ still doesn’t seem to respond to much sound at all. However, in the past month the Lord has been working on tearing down my walls of skepticism. The first time she turned when I said her name I had to wrestle with my unbelief. The voice in my head said it was a coincidence; we’ve seen it a million times, it LOOKS like she is hearing, but really she is feeling vibrations. Time after time I would fight this voice. Fortunately there was another voice, the voice of Holy Spirit living in me that comforted me and gave me permission to rejoice. I felt like the Lord was leading me to embrace EVERY moment of victory. When I THINK she heard something and want to dismiss it I turn that doubt into a victory and I embrace it. It’s been a struggle, but since the moment I decided to stand up against the doubt I’ve seen one victory after another. For example today SJ was sitting in front of the TV bobbing her head to some music doing a little dance in her chair so I looked at the TV to see where this joy was coming from. SJ has always loved to dance, but it’s all about the motions. She has always been copying dance moves rather than ever hearing any music. I expected to see some happy dancing people on the TV, but instead I saw this commercial and I almost cried. 
You may wonder what the big deal is because it’s such a simple commercial. So simple in fact that there is no visual stimulation whatsoever. SJ was actually HEARING the music and bouncing to the beat! I screamed for J to come and see. It’s the little things like this that keep me going. It might still take some detective work to know that she is hearing, especially when loud trucks or barking don’t even make her flinch, but I am very grateful for each little milestone. 
Two years ago (the year SJ was born) Veggie Tales came out with the movie “It’s a Meaningful Life” There is a song in there that Larry the Cucumber’s character sings to their adopted daughter Emma. This became a song that I always sang to SJ. I even wrote it down in her baby book. The kids love this Holiday movie and when we watched it over and over this time last year I had no idea how much that song would eventually mean to me. Here are some of the lyrics 
Precious Girl,
In our lives,
making every moment bright.
Your Mom and Daddy love you.
You fill us with delight.
Precious Girl,
so special too.
God has got a plan for you.
We can see it clearly,
as you shine His light.
Do you realize when you shine 
everyone sees you?
The lives you touch,
you’re worth so much,
That’s just how God made you.
Precious Girl,
Can you see?
You’re part of our family.
This one thing I promise:
God’s plan for you is true.
You are worth so much, and 
It’s just by being you.
Oh goodness, I am a blubbery mess just from typing out the words. I am sure there are many ups and downs ahead when it comes to all this, but that song says it all. I hope someday as she HEARS this song and learns the words she will really hear the message too. 
By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 20, 2012|Uncategorized|5 Comments
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And The Part of Baby Jesus goes to…

The youngest baby in the church.

Our baby boy seemed like the perfect candidate to play the role of baby Jesus therefor J and I are Mary and Joseph for this year’s Christmas program. We did 2 appearances on Sunday and E was a natural. 

We are going to be doing a flash mob at The Florence Mall this Sunday December 23.
I am pretty excited about it. It will be my first time doing anything like this. The December traditions new and old have been a welcome guest in our lives lately.
The past couple weeks have been filled with baking, parties, and shopping (along with all the mundane responsibilities that I am not going to think about right now because it’s Christmas time!). 

We’ve gone to two different light displays, one of which is the only underground light display in the world.

 One of my favorite evenings consisted of watching White Christmas while drinking hot chocolate with candy canes as stir sticks. We even ate Turkish Delight straight from Turkey. My parents had an exchange student from Turkey 6 years ago and he still sends a Christmas package every year. 
Another night we were going to see Santa at the local parade, but it ended up being a bust because of the weather. It literally rained on our parade. No biggie, there is still so much to look forward to. It’s been 2 years since my family celebrated Christmas together and we’ve added two new members since then. I don’t even know how we are going to fit all of the presents under the tree. According to our Christmas tree countdown on the fridge, which Z faithful updates daily, there are only  10  6 days left.

 I can hardly wait! 

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 19, 2012|Uncategorized|4 Comments
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Pain

 I had a very happy Christmas post written and scheduled to be published, but I just haven’t felt like it would be appropriate yesterday or today in this time of grieving. I have been so broken over the tragic school shooting that took place in Connecticut. I know everyone is, and I don’t feel in any way obligated to comment, but I can’t NOT say anything. Maybe this is just for me, but I want to express my deep sorrow. I want to tell the families that I am praying and that we are all hurting with them.

On September eleventh of 2001 I woke up and turned on the little square TV in our tiny apartment. I changed the channel because there was an action movie about the destruction of New York city, or the end of the world, or something. I wasn’t interested and I changed the channel. The same “movie” was on every channel and it was really happening. 9/11 was terrifying. It meant that our country was at war. It affected me personally, not because I knew anyone in the twin towers, but my brother had been in England and was actually on his way home the time of the attack. His plane safely rerouted to Newfoundland and he had to spend a week in Canada before they allowed people back into the country. 9/11 was big and scary. It meant we had to come together because a group of terrorist were attacking our nation.

This Connecticut school shooting is different. It’s on a smaller scale and maybe that should make it better, but in some ways it’s worse. It seems more personal. More intimate. It wasn’t a terrorist attack, it was a sick young man that claimed the lives of the innocent and he’s dead now. How do we cope with that!? There is nothing to fight for. No justice can be served here on earth. Granted there are plenty of people fighting and blaming each other in the middle of it all, but I have been processing it differently than them. I see a tragedy that could have just as easily happened to anyone of us. I know this going to sound like it’s coming from left field, but I don’t see myself as exempt anymore. I never ever thought I would have a deaf child, but I do. I used to think there would never be an act of violence against my family or community because we don’t live in a rough area, but Newtown Connecticut is about as safe as they come. I am not saying this because now I live in fear. What I am saying is that I don’t feel as distant as I might have previously.

 This event has shaken our country and I want to shake my fists and say We are stronger than this! You can’t get the best of us! and that might have worked on 9/11, but not now. There is no Bin Laden to capture this time. This time I just feel sorrow. It really hurts. It’s so painful and I want to ignore it because it’s Christmas, but I THANK GOD that it cannot be ignored. I am so extremely grateful for the pain, because it means we can still feel. I don’t want to be around for the day that we see so much violence that we don’t even feel anymore.

I know we will all move on and that’s good and healthy, but I guess this is my way of sharing my condolences. The Christmas blog post can wait.

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 15, 2012|Uncategorized|1 Comment
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Z’s Growing Up

*Not sure why half of this is in all caps!? I have tried to change it, but it’s stuck that way for now. Oh well. 

Z came downstairs yesterday morning with his glasses off, his pajamas still on, and his finger in his mouth. “Look” he said as he wiggled his two bottom teeth. At first I panicked and asked him what happened. He said “I just went to sleep and now they are wiggly”. My mom said  “It sounds like someone is ready for his first encounter with the tooth fairy.” We all got really excited and even SJ stopped eating breakfast to give Z a hug. 

I just can’t believe how much he is changing and maturing. I am loving this age. The other day I had to go to the store with the kids and I purposefully picked Z up from school first rather than go with just the two little ones. I never thought I would see the day that Z would be more of an asset than a liability, no offense. It seems like only yesterday shoppers were gawking at me as I abandoned my shopping cart full of groceries to chase my holy terror through the freezer aisle.  

Granted he still challenges us with his antics. If it’s not one bad habit it’s another. He used to bite the collar of his shirt. Then he went through a stage where he started asking “what’d you say?” after EVERYTHING to the point that we even talked to SJ’s ear doctor thinking maybe he had hearing problems. His latest most irritating habit has been blowing in peoples faces, but I think he is over that one now too. I only mention these things because I don’t want to give off the impression that I have an angelic 5 year old. 

His teachers think that he is, and I am not quite sure how he pulled that one off. He has some amazing teachers and does so well in the classroom setting. When we moved out to the country I worried about the lack of peer interaction, but school has filled that void. He is learning to read and has the most beautiful thirst for knowledge. When I read to him he wants to see how many of the words he can read himself. He will take the word van and sound it out very slowly and I just wait. 
Vuh.  Aaaaa. Nuh. 
Vvvvah-nuh. 
Vana? 
VAN! 

And when it clicks and he realized he took letters and decoded it into a word he just lights up. It is such an amazing experience as a mom to see the wheels turn and watch him grow up. It’s one of the perks of my job and I love it. 

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 12, 2012|Uncategorized|6 Comments
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Sedona Hears

When SJ got her hearing aids her Doctor described the best possible outcome as a “Disney moment”. It’s one that is sweet and magical. We did not have that reaction at all and I blogged about my slight disappointed. Then when we went in to have the cochlear implant turned on I left disappointed again. In fact I cried all the way home.

Then nearly 2 weeks later this happened…

What may look insignificance was a huge milestone for SJ. It was exactly 6 months ago that I was feeling discouraged by the results of the hearing. My friend {Amy} left this comment on my post “praying for that Disney moment to come soon” and I can now testify that it has!

This video has been shared on my Facebook, twitter, and youtube and the responses have been such an encouragement. I wanted to share some of them, not to say see how awesome everyone thinks we are, but to give glory to God because he is worthy!

“oh my! sooo beautiful! I literally said, “Yaayyy” when she did it (while crying) You are doing such an amazing job with her. God gave her the perfect Mommy!”

That’s amazing!

Wow!!! Wow, Wow, Wow!!!

Brought tears to my eyes! The sound of the letter B never sounded so sweet 

That is amazing. Gave me chills.

That is beyond GREAT!!

So precious! Rejoicing with you guys!

Oh my goodness! That’s awesome! It made me cry watching her. She is so smart!

Not gonna lie… I literally just cried. 

Man, that was just beautiful!

This made me cry!! She is so perfect and God is so good!! I love y’all!!!!

Oh wow! Brought me to TEARS! I’m so happy you shared and the joy and love in your face was so special!!!

“Sedona has been on our staff prayer lists since her diagnosis. My boss, has 5 grand kids under the age of 4. He says this hits too close to home with the age of kids. Every week, he asks for an update. Today, when I showed him the video, he just started crying. Of course, so was I. I can only imagine how you both feel when you see and HEAR Sedona hear and talk.”

One of SJ’s therapist wants to use the video as an illustration and my sister-in-laws pastor is using the video for a Bible study he is doing. We sent the video to SJ’s audiologist and apparently it made it’s way to the surgeon because my youtube account had a message from him too! This quiet spontaneous moment with SJ was special to me of course, but I had no idea the impact it would have on so many others. To God be the glory!  
By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 10, 2012|Uncategorized|4 Comments
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Month 2

It’s been a beautiful two months of having Ezie in our lives. I don’t know his current weight, but he is a big guy. I just started putting him in the 3-6 month clothes. He is still an excellent sleeper, but awake more often during the day than he was last month. He’s never slept through the night, but the couple of times he does want to eat in the middle of the night he is just barely awake and then goes right back to sleep (same goes for me). I still can’t tell if he is going to be a pacifier baby or not. At this point he doesn’t take to it too much. He is holding his head up really well and he is “tracking” with his eyes. He also started smiling, which means a room full of  grown adults  will act incredibly ridiculous just to try and win a smirk.

He makes you work for them too, let me tell ya. 

We got the traditional ducky photo of him wearing the robe that I bought for a dollar at a yard sale 6 years ago. It was the first baby item I purchased when I was pregnant with Z. I now have photos with each of my kids wearing it after bath time.  
When I was a baby my eyes stayed blue until I was a year and a half! My nieces eyes were this way too, so it must run in the family to have late bloomers when it comes to brown eyes. E’s eyes seem REALLY blue, but I won’t count on them staying that way. It would be cool though if they did because both his grandfather and great grandfather, which he was named after, have blue eyes. Either way, I will always have these snapshots of his baby blues. 
By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 8, 2012|Uncategorized|5 Comments
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Blanket of White

When I think of white I think of Christmas, wedding dresses, and my old Volvo. When I saw that Studio JRU color project theme was white I decided to join in.



Some of my favorite photographs are mainly white and this first one was featured at a couple different local art shows. It was taken at the White Sands in Alamagordo New Mexico in August of 2006.  

To give some perspective let’s back up a little. 

Visiting the white sands has to be one of my most memorable travel experiences. It was pure uninterrupted hills of whiteness for miles and miles. It felt so foreign like it didn’t even belong, but there it is smack dab in the southwestern part of the good ol’ U.S. It’s like God told the Sahara they needed to share and scooped up a bucket to give to New Mexico. 
Now let’s skip over about 5 states to the middle of Kentucky where we’ve spent many of our family Christmases. Kentucky gets it’s fair share of snow in the winter, but it’s certainly not a guaranteed white Christmas. However in 2011 we were lucky enough to have an all out winter wonderland. It was SJ’s first Christmas and she loved the snow. This one of her and the mailbox is a favorite of mine. She is there. Look closely. 

Let’s look at another perspective again, so that you can see a little more of her.

It’s amazing how two totally different locations at opposite times of year could be so similar all because of that blanket of white. 

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 5, 2012|Uncategorized|8 Comments
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Miscellany Monday

This is my first time linking up with Miscellany Monday, but I have plenty of randomness to throw out there so I thought, why not?

1. When I did this Christmas Tree countdown with Z he said the tree was missing something.

 When I asked him what, he said “the thing on the bottom that helps keep the tree warm.” He was referring to the tree skirt. I thought it was a cute concept. The tree needs a little blankie to stay warm.

2. SJ responded to her name yesterday for the first time! I’ve waited almost 3 years for this (for those that are new to my blog, my daughter SJ got a cochlear implant last month. So she is technically learning to listen). She was sprinkling cinnamon and sugar on her toast and she was putting on way too much so I called out her name and she acted startled and turned around. She may not have known that it was her name, but she definitely responded to the sound. I was so excited that I didn’t want to follow up by taking away the cinnamon shaker so I just gave her a bowl to sprinkle it in that way she didn’t have a mountain of cinnamon on top of her toast. It was a beautiful moment I will always remember.

3. Did you know Pinterest has secret boards now? It’s true. I got a text about it from my best friend and I was so grateful because it came in handy today when I started pinning gift ideas. This is something that I could have used earlier this year when I was pregnant, but hadn’t announced it yet. I’m sure it could come in handy for a lot of things. Yea for secret boards!

4. I have seen this viral video all over social media, so I am sure it’s old news, but just in case you missed it, this parent rap is really cute. 

I’ve had several people tell me that the mom in the video reminds them of me. Some say it’s the facial expressions. I think any long haired brunette acting crazy, chasing around a bunch of kids could potentially be mistaken for me. On a side note one of my friends knows this girl and informed me that the couple in the video are not actually a couple. They had me fooled!

5. We made gingerbread men, which was a first for the kids and for me.

6. I’m loving the live Christmas tree at my parents house. The truth is though, if we had our own place right now we would be using our fake tree. I am all about all things natural, earthy, unique, and authentic, except when it comes to the Christmas tree. The watering, the disposal, the pine needles, and worst of all the price is just too hard for me to justify. I feel terrible even admitting that because it really isn’t my personality. In the future we’ll probably change it up from year to year. J wants to cut down his own tree sometime. What about you? Real or fake? Um, Christmas tree?

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 3, 2012|Uncategorized|3 Comments
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December 1st

This time last year we were in the middle of trying to remodel and sell our house and I was a GRINCH! This year I am determined to be jolly. With all the festivities we have going on it hasn’t been too hard to get into the holiday spirit.

So far we have picked out the perfect tree

and then decorated all nine feet of it.

We only had to sweep up broken ornaments a couple of times, which isn’t bad considering all 5 of the cousins are ages 5 and under.


This is the only photo I have from that nights with all 5 of them 


Yesterday we managed to mail out our Christmas cards. This is the earliest we’ve ever sent them.

 

Then today we did a Christmas tree countdown craft.


Thanks for holding that for me baby E.

All I had to do was print the tree and we just happened to have a pack of glittery pipe cleaners already. So we cut them up and made 24 ornaments and a star. Z will be able to stick one on the tree everyday leading up to Christmas. This is what it will like like at the end.

Now I don’t have to do the math when he asks me how many days until Christmas.

Tonight we are cooking and decorating ginger bread cookies. It’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

By |2015-05-14T23:15:38+00:00December 2, 2012|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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