Just Say No

How old do you have to be before "addictions" are a concern? Up until a few days ago, I would have told you teenager for sure. I don't know why I thought that - naivety I guess. My oldest has sucked his thumb since he was about 2 weeks old or less. I'm pretty sure thumb sucking is an addiction. It's an action that soothes my son to sleep. And though he is almost nine, he still does it sometimes when he's really tired. So I looked up the definition of "addicted"; it reads, "physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop..." The synonyms? "devoted, obsessed, fixated, dedicated, passionate, a slave to." Whoa! Hold on. A slave to? Yikes. I'm pretty sure God warns us about being a slave to anything other than Him, because only He is a good and perfect Master.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. If I were just talking about thumb sucking I wouldn't be so concerned. Shoot, even with my youngest I didn't care if he sucked his paci until college because I knew that would just never happen. As our littles grow up, those childhood habits tend to fall away. But the other night my son was in the restroom for almost an hour. (To be fair, he does take an unusually long time in there, but not that long.) I finally got up from the dinner table to check on him. I opened the door after a quick knock and his eyes darted up at me while he frantically tried to hide his phone. Before you get all upset and possibly judgmental at the idea of a 9 year old having a phone, allow me to explain. It's an old, old iphone that has been disabled in every way except music and games. It was given to him as a Christmas gift one year after being wiped clean and having child friendly learning games uploaded.

As we grew more and more comfortable with the "child friendly" games, he began to request other games like Angry Bird, Minecraft and Clash of Clans. After some research, I decided these games were just glorified Lego games. He got to create, build and strategize in order to play. Harmless right? One look at his fear of being caught and desperate attempt to hide, I knew we were dealing with something much bigger than just a "child friendly" game. My oldest is a rule follower. He loves to do the right thing and has a very tender heart. He began crying and asked if there would be discipline for his being on the phone without permission. (Our boys generally get around 15 - 30 minutes each day, but on this particular day he wasn't allowed to play.)

As we discussed the whys behind his choices, he told me something that was unbelievable hard to hear and so painful... With tears streaming down his cheeks he said, "Mommy, I just can't help it. I have to play. It's like I can't stop myself." How on earth had we gotten here? The games, the iphone, they all seemed so innocent. But for my sweet boy they had become an addition. Something that he was a slave to. These games that were supposed to be fun and a source of joy were robbing my sweet son of his freedom, obedience and joy. At that very moment I knew - NOT WORTH IT.

The ease that comes from allowing my boys to play on various devices freely while I get stuff done around the house or work on the new business. It's just not worth it. I want my boys to have joy and freedom that comes with being a child - the good stuff! That rush that you get when you go down a hill really fast on your bike - good stuff. Catching lightening bugs at dusk - good stuff. Getting to talk that extra 5-10 minutes after it's "lights out" - good stuff. Those are the joys of childhood. The things that actually make memories. I don't think any child is going to be reminiscing over that really epic time they had playing video games together.

So I have decided that this summer my boys are device free. And as far as it stands right now, we are device free for a very long time. (Yes, I will limit my time as well.) My job as a parent it to protect, nurture and teach. If my son doesn't feel freedom and safety in playing those games, I don't want anything to do with them. Now I am certainly not saying that this is the choice that every parent should make. Not at all. This is the right choice for us. And as if I needed further convincing, I stumbled upon this post from a Mom who wrote a lovely letter to her boys about why they too are device free. It spoke straight to my heart. Give it a read. You will be so glad you did. Either that, or you will hate me because you might be a tad bit convicted. Whatever the case, I'm diving in and choosing to engage with my boys this summer.

Hello Summer. Goodbye iphone. I'm off to make our Summer Bucket List. Happy Weekend. xo

Happy Earth Day

In the beginning... God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. I try my best to honor this amazing planet by recycling, limiting water and energy consumption where possible, picking up random trash every single time I see it (seriously? why can't people pick up after themselves? geeze.) and teaching my children to do the same. I know it's not nearly enough. It saddens me how we rape and pillage the land we have been asked to steward and protect. Today I hope to learn one new way that I can be a better steward of our home, Earth.

What will you do? How will you celebrate this day? Will you share it with your children in hopes of teaching future generations about this awesome responsibility? Here's a link to some fun crafts you can do with your littles today while you teach them about Earth Day. xo

all images from the late great fox in the pine

The Lego Movie... Genius

For fear of spoiling the genius behind the Lego Movie, let me just stick to the reasons why you should GO See It! I won't bore you with the obvious, "it's funny" "it's clever" "your littles will love it" answers.  Y'all I was so pleasantly surprised. It wasn't at all what I expected. This movie teaches team work, creativity out the yang, thinking outside the box (which can be hard for me sometimes) and the importance of being a kid. The bonus... when my boys and their friends came home from the movie we had a mega epic Lego build. Everyone's ideas were valued. No idea was a bad idea. And, they worked together to create something amazing. 

Now, Lego's weren't officially dead in our house, but they weren't in my boys' top 10 play list either. And they love Legos. I'm so grateful that this movie has given them Lego fever again. When they are building and playing with Legos, I get a glimpse into them. How their brains work when there is complete freedom; no one watching, no one judging, no rules. I love that and it's so telling about who they are; their unique personalities and the many facets of each. Watching them, seeing what they've created and how they play with it... really really good stuff right there. Some might say, and they should, priceless.

If you haven't taken your littles to see this movie, like the rest of the entire country - it seems, you definitely should. It is so worth the overpriced seat and overpriced popcorn that has entirely too much fake butter dripping off every kernel. And you thought I was going to talk about Valentine's again today huh? xo

The Business of Making Beds

If left to their own devices, my boys bedroom would look like this everyday. They see this as "clean". And I can not, in good conscience, do this to their future roommates and wives. As their mom, it is my job to teach them. And I think there are several schools of thought on this.

1. Chores are just a part of growing up. It teaches them responsibility.

2. I can't do it all. They live here, they need to help out.

3. It teaches them to be good stewards of the their things and not take them for granted (read also entitled).

I happen to fall into the camp of "all of the above" are correct. And, I think we, as parents, are missing out on a huge opportunity to teach and grow our children's character if we see bed making and tidy rooms simply as chores. Yes, chores are important. Please don't misunderstand me. I think chores around the house for littles shows them that they are a part of something bigger. A team - where everyone plays an important part. They are needed to make the team machine run smoothly. Because it's true, I can't do it all. None of us can. And I also believe it's an opportunity to teach them about material things and how to be a good steward of all God has given us. I don't want my littles growing up entitled and I definitely don't want them thinking that there is a bed making fairy that swoops in daily to make their beds and change their sheets every two weeks. What a tragedy that would be - for them and me. 

Now before I go tooting any horns, you should all know that my kids, until recently, haven't made their beds daily and have thrown fits when having to do so.  This summer I just realized that I was doing them a disservice by not expecting this of them. Even though they are only 5 and 8, they CAN do this and I want them to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. So recently I set some ground rules (after consulting friends) that they will not play wii, watch tv, go outside to play or any other fun activities until their beds are made. Yes, days are still had with pajama jammy jams on the wii and silliness at every turn, but getting the day off to a good start with the accomplishment of bed making is good for everyone. (Yes, I practice what I preach. My bed is made mostly before coffee.)

And no, their bed making is NOT perfect. Far from it. It looks nothing like the bottom bunk above. Sadly, it doesn't even look as good as the tidy beds below (close though). I have determined to have peace about semi-made beds with sheets that aren't straight and don't cover the mattress fully. "Perfection" will come with time and practice. For now I am just loving the confidence boost they're getting each day.

How about you?  What's your bed-making camp? Oh, and how do you accomplish the task with your littles? I'm always looking for advice and growth in the mommyhood arena! xo

Burundi, Africa

I know nothing should surprise me anymore. But it does. The hubs was in Africa last month, teaching on conflict resolution and leadership. While he was there he snapped a few pics. I thought I'd share some of my favorites.

Not only is Burundi lush and green, but it's people have so little and yet are so full of joy. Amazing. I have so much and still struggle with contentment. 

What surprises you these days? xo

Thru A New Lens

Do you ever feel stuck? You know, like stuck in a rut? After 30 years in Dallas, it's pretty easy to feel stuck. But here's the thing, Dallas is big and I don't even know or do over half of what's out there. So I'm determined to explore my city as a newbie in 2013. I think my littles deserve it.

Sunday we took the train to the new downtown bridge park - Klyde Warren Park. I had been there with my youngest, but my other guys had yet to see it. The train ride itself was a blast for the littles, but then there was food trucks (yummiest hot dog ever at Relish), a family ping-pong tourney and a teachable moment about our city's homeless. Whew. That's a lot to squeeze into a few hours. When we got home the temps had plummeted and we cozied up to hot cocoa and football.

 (yes, it got cold and yes my littles refused jackets)

Adventure awaits in this big city of ours. See ya later rut! 

How do you and your crew fight the rut and uncover new adventures where you live? xo

Christmas Traditions

Traditions are a funny thing; how they get started and then handed down generation to generation. I don't know why I see them as funny, I just do. Don't get me wrong, I love them; but once we moved to Texas, I don't really remember much tradition in my family. I think that's why it's so important to start them with my littles.

My hubs has his crazy family traditions: socks and underwear (always) and poppers every Christmas Eve. And so we pretty much stick to his, but have also added a few of our own as well. One that I wanted to share with you guys today came from Ashley of Under the Sycamore. A couple of years ago she shared that she and her crew write down a list of hopes and wishes for each family member for the new year to come. They put the lists in each stocking as they take them down and pack them away for the next Christmas.

The next year as they unpack their Christmas decor and get ready to hang their stockings, they read the lists aloud. We have adopted this little tradition in our home for the past two years and we love it! We gather as a family and read the lists aloud with cheers and jeers for each accomplishment or missed opportunity. We don't dwell on what didn't come to pass, we simply encourage for the coming new year and celebrate victories. It is such a sweet time and we I will save those lists for years, hoping to pass them onto my littles when they are no longer little but have some of their own. (Oh that I would be so blessed.) It goes by so quickly, I want to be sure and capture all that I can. This is a great way to do just that. Thanks Ashley.

If you ever wonder whether God hears our prayers... My oldest likes sports and he really likes winning. Competitive is an understatement. So last year I wrote on his list that I would like him to learn how to lose with humility and dignity. I had completely forgotten that prayer until I hung our stockings this year, but God answered that request in a big way. Jude has played with his little soccer team for 3-4 seasons now. It was a random team that we got placed into but we have come to love each and every member. Spring season 2012 they did so great they got moved up in ranking. Fall season 2012 they didn't win a single game. Not. One. It was awful - for the kids, the coaches and the parents. They played with all their hearts every game. Not only that, but our coach's 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was challenging all around, but we grew as a team and became stronger in our faith and our walks because of our many challenges. I'm happy to report that Jude no longer cries when he loses a game. Instead he focuses on his team and their strengths praising each player when they do a good job. And our coach's daughter is doing extremely well with her Leukemia almost 100% at bay. We serve a very BIG and very intimate God. Blessed.

Happy Friday Homies. Make it a memorable one. xo

Now I Know My ABCs?

Pre-K starts for my little next week. Over the summer I have made feeble attempts to teach him his ABCs. Not the song. He can belt that tune at the top of his lungs all day long. But when I try to get his little brain to connect the actual letters to the song... well, it's an epic fail. It's as if he thinks the ABC song is a nursery rhyme or something and because of that, those "letters" are like story characters that really have no meaning. He might as well be singing Row, Row, Row your boat.

I have laid out the magnetic letters and pointed to them as we sing. I have drawn the letters on his chalkboard so that he can paint over them as we sing. I have made an ABC race car track on the floor for us to zoom cars over as we sing. Seated, standing, singing, "driving", I have tried it all. 

I'd be lying if I said I'm not a tad bit worried. When every single letter is "B" or "I don't know" the lies and fears of Mommyhood creep into my brain. You know... the what ifs. What if he's dyslexic? What if he never gets it? What if his brain can't make those connections? And on and on it goes. That fear can often be debilitating and paralyzing. I have to choose daily to take those thoughts captive and praise the Lord that He is in control.  And no matter what happens, He's got sweet Liam in the palm of is hands.

Fear will not win out. I will not give up on my little ABC challenged nugget. I've been taking notes on his behavior and how I think he might learn best. Here's what I've noticed... This little of mine has ants in his pants. He can not sit still for longer than 3 minutes unless he's playing video games or watching a movie. (Yes, I'm aware that most little boys have lots of energy and I plan on using it to my advantage.) His attention span is that of a gnat. It's pretty problematic; he can't even sit at the dinner table without getting up two or three times for one reason or another. He shakes when he plays video games and has a hard time entertaining himself. Lastly, he walks to the beat of his own drum.

With all that said, here's the game plan...

take away the Wii - check

limit TV - check

take our learning outside - active learning with water guns, balls, chalk, etc. (once the heat and west nile mosquitos go away)

use games to learn indoors

relax (he's only 4 I tell myself. I'm pretty sure he'll get this eventually.)

Why I care about the ABCs so much and was totally comfortable with him taking his paci to college I have no idea. We all have our quirks right? I know that he will get this and we will both grow in this ABC adventure of ours. I have no doubt.

How about you? Do you have fears when it comes to your littles? Tell me I'm not alone in this. xo

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Making It Work 2

As I mentioned yesterday, in Making It Work part 1, most of our stuff is packed up right now. This makes crafting quite the challenge. I'm not sewing, painting, coloring or anything right now. I think I might be going through minor withdrawals. (Hence the headaches...or maybe that's just a sign that I need more coffee?) This past weekend I rummaged through the recycle bin to see what I could use for an art project with the littles. I had seen the following amazing pieces on pinterest and was majorly inspired...

via poppytalk

via etsy

Amazing right? Don't they both just inspire the pants right off of ya? I mean, how can you look at these and not want to create something? Impossible. Unfortunately, I couldn't find our art supplies that we had brought to the summer house. Thankfully, Super Target is right up the street and Rose Art has these fabulous neon and sparkle crayons. Love fest! I left spending less than $5 on two boxes of crayons and was immediately supplied with endless hours of creating.

mine

my bigs'

Next up, mixed media... Yup, I found the art box. Woot...

I opened up the Honey Nut Cheerios box and cut out the two big panels - viola, instant canvases. I also cut up the newspaper and the coffee filters into little squares.

Tip: I've learned through great, experienced art teacher mommies that pouring glue into a container and letting your littles paint on the glue with a paintbrush is loads easier than a dab here and there. Genius.

Armed with water colors, glue, paper, crayons, oil pastels and colored pencils, I'd love to say that we all created masterpieces. We didn't. My littles gave up mid-craft. It was a major disappointment for me. One that happens often in my home, when it comes to crafting/art. I have boys. Active boys. And one perfectionist boy that gave up when his piece wasn't "perfect". Enter teachable moment: I shared with my little perfectionist that mistakes can often be turned into things of beauty. I showed him Jackson Pollock and how his one little mistake of a paint drip opened a whole new world for him. My guy didn't buy it. But, I won't give up. In fact, it gave the hubs and I an opportunity to talk about quiting/giving up and how important it is to follow through on things and just try your hardest no matter what. Ha... there's a lesson in there for me too.

Never give up. Some of the best things lie in the midst of our mistakes. Try, try again. xo

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Food Containers

Stop! Before you go tossing those food containers into the recycle bin, why not get a few more uses out of them? I mean, shouldn't that $15.00 fruit tray bring you a little more lovin' than the single business luncheon for which it was purchased? I think so. Here's how we used ours...

Materials:
colored paper
marker
scissors
double stick tape
multi colored bits & bobs

I can't tell you how useful this thing has been - especially for this mommy whose little seems to think that white and yellow are "pink". See our bits & bobs tray? Yup, that right there folks is an old lasagna tray - washed of course. (It's also used as our sensory tub.)

Here are a few more uses to store in your back pocket (or on the beloved Pinterest) for when winter hits.

strawberry & spinach containers:

 creation walk: we picked up items that God created and talked about them

 sensory tub storage: originally I used this to store the rice and beans separate, but eventually...2 became 1.

magazines & water bottles:

creation lesson:

paper plates were colored to be our world

magazines were used to find things God created and then cut up and pasted onto the "world"

water bottles were filled with leaves, rocks, sticks and water (a beautiful clean world created by God) then food coloring was added to show how sin entered the world and corrupted God's perfect design.

Gosh, recycling can be so much fun! xo