The latest happenings

It seems that our household runs on two different modes: feast or famine. There’s not much middle ground. There’s either too much going on or not enough. I’ve found that Dan thrives in the feast mode. He loves interacting with people, he finds the busyness exhilarating, energizing, and exciting. I, on the other hand, like a little bit of feast, but then desperately need to balance out with some famine. When I’m forced to “feast” for several days I end up feeling drained and burned out. Then I become “anti-social” (as Dan puts it) and I fully embrace my inner hermit. I’ll hang with my household, but won’t do much to engage with the world outside our four walls. It’s all about balance.

And, these four walls are gloriously quiet right now. Beyond our chaotic schedule, our household noise level has gone up a few notches as well. We’ve fully entered the sibling rivalry zone, and it is driving me bonkers and I know that it won’t improve anytime soon, and, rather, is here to stay FOREVER. I’ll often hear a litany or some variation of the following:

*Ave: “No, Romey, no!”
*Eagle (played by Romey): Screech!
*Ave: “No, Romey, no!”
*Pig (played by Romey): Grunt, snort!

As far as Ro goes, she is nearing the 15-month-old marker. She’s still a happy kid, and is always on the move. Romey has a little bit of drama in her, and has begun exerting her will (vocally and physically). Mostly, it’s just comical.

Avery continues to grow and change too. She’s asking more and more questions, and she continues to amaze us by how she processes what is going on around her. Lately, Avery has expressed that she wants to be a baby, and can we help her become small like Romey. When I’m feeling lazy my answer is “No.” When I’m being a good mommy I try to explain that God designed us to grow older, so, unfortunately, becoming a baby again isn’t in the cards.

I love these kids. I really, really love them. Sometimes, though, they really, really wear me out. Been there?

What else? I’m thinking about where we’ll send Avery to elementary school; I’m grateful for moments of great perspective; I’m grateful for Dan’s job; I’m feeling burdened for friends that aren’t doing so well; I'm wishing I could bazooka all this clutter; I’m wishing that Romey didn’t have a runny nose; I’m wasting a lot of time on Facebook; I’m thinking about extended family and all they add to the mix; I’m thinking about nutrition, and how I have much to learn about the ingredients in foods, organics, etcetera; and I’m wondering why I wasted time watching Nights in Rodanthe—it was a really dumb movie.

Okay, enough babbling! Enjoy these new pictures of my girls!

Yep, another picture of the two Guitar Heroes in my life.

Avery got seriously sugar buzzed on Valentine's Day. Sugar is not Avery's friend.

Ro loves to ride "horse" and hold her glow-baby.

Ro loves to stand on her horse; I'm not crazy about the idea.
Enjoy the following picture sequence. And, yes, she's always this happy.

Avery and Jesus, Part 2

Avery and Jesus. Jesus and Avery. Avery’s really interested in Jesus these days, and I could not be happier about it. I don’t suspect I’ll ever forget her “I need Jesus!” moment with the nativity, or her latest cries of adoration. But, just in case, I’m filing this story in the “So I don’t forget” category.

Here’s how Avery’s mind works: “Ouch, I’m about to get in trouble, so now is the time to say it. And I’m going to say it loudly, and passionately, and I’m going to get right in Mommy and Daddy’s face so they can’t punish me. If I say it again, and again, and again, it will break their resolve. So, ready go!”

And what does she say? “I love Jesus! I love him, Mommy and Daddy! I LOVE Jesus! I love him so much! I LOVE JESUS!” Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

And here’s where I’m stuck: what do I say? I’ve been mumbling something like, “I’m so glad you love Jesus, but it’s not okay to [insert infraction here].”

Avery is such a trip. I’m crazy about this kid, but there are some moments where I feel like she’d be better served by saying, “Jesus, help my Mommy! She needs you so much!”