Gathering the Right Now

I got a MOPS e-mail today, where a mom wrote, "Let’s face it – teenagers don’t creep into bed with you and snuggle." Those words have been ringing in my ears since I heard them...the ring of familiarity and truth.

I'm one of those moms that really isn't looking forward to sending them off to their first day of school away (whether it be high school or beyond). I don't wish they were tiny babies either, I really just feel like this time is the best time we could have together. I say that to myself every day, "This is the best age ever, when they love so deeply and are so passionate and open with me." Most of the time, I feel that. But sometimes, when Ian paints with his poop on the couch, and Zoe has undone an hour's worth of chores, I lose sight of it. Can't he just be potty trained!? I thought we were past this! Won't she leave my things alone? Go play!

Then, I take pause and remember, I only have them today once.

In the midst of my frustration this afternoon, I pulled out my camera and took pictures. I wanted to focus on their beautiful smiles, and know that these pictures and my memories are all that I will have of my little babies one day! I also laughed aloud at the fact that at this age I can still bribe them with candy to smile for me. (And yes, pass just a little bit more time before Daddy came home and let me step back and enjoy them a little bit more).

To quote today's MOPS mail prayer, "Dear God, there are so many sweet things about early childhood. Teach me to gather them up and keep them close always."







I'm sharing part of my harvest today. I'm gathering these precious moments right now. I love these two little hard-headed, stubborn, willful troublemakers with all of my heart. :)

My Review of Smarty Dish Detergent - Pink Grapefruit - 20 ct

Neat feature on one of my go-to online ordering stores (for household products). It automatically posted a review of a product to my blog! Wow...how everything has become so interconnected! I thought you might appreciate a glimpse into some of our favorite products from time to time. :)

Originally submitted at Soap.com

- - Method Smarty Dish Detergent - Pink Grapefruit - 20 ct - - - just when you thought smarty couldn’t get any smarter, it does. still a super powerful detergent that cleans dirty dishes without resorting to dirty chemicals like phosphates and bleach, but now in a lightweight pouch that ...

Smarty Dish Detergent - Pink Grapefruit - 20 ct

Great Dish Detergent!

By Julie G. from SC on 9/25/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Streak Free Application, Multi-Use, Does Not Leak

Best Uses: Daily Cleaning, Kitchen

Describe Yourself: Quality Oriented

Primary use: Personal

I've tried many automatic dish detergents that are eco-friendly.

This is the first one I have used that combines an easy to dispense tablet, and delivers the cleaning power I would expect from "regular" dish detergent. We have "normal" water (not especially hard or soft), and this detergent does not leave spots or streaks on dishes.

We pre-rinse only the dirtiest dishes, and have never had a problem with leftover food.

I would definitely recommend giving this detergent a try. For the price, performance, and the environmental impact, it can't be beat!

(legalese)

Seahorse Day

Ian randomly asked me, "Mom, I want to find some Seahorses." So, we did.

We found Seahorses online. Mostly, using YouTube (which is an amazing, free resource for learning, as long as you use your web filters and common sense). If you were curious, here were our favorites. I'm amazed at how fast they can swim, and how absolutely tiny and perfect the babies are when they're brand new.

Seahorse Giving Birth - As we watched the video, Ian informed me, "Mom, this is taking a LONG time. Those babies need to get out, FASTER!"

We also had a very heated discussion about the fact that daddy Seahorses are the ones that have the babies. When I think he finally got it, I had to laugh at Ian's summation of his lesson. "Ok, Mommy. Mommy, you have a baby in your belly. Daddy doesn't have a baby in he's belly. He can't want to. Seahorses daddies has is his baby Seahorses in he's belly. Yep, that's right. That's a Daddy Seahorse." Gosh, I just love him.

Elegant Seahorse Dancing - We both enjoyed the beautiful music and variety of seahorses in this video. Some of the time, it definitely looks like they are dancing! It makes me so happy to see how much he enjoys nature. The video actually made him giggle at their antics at times. God's creation is incredible!

Seahorse Powerpoint - I think this one captured Ian's attention specifically because he recognized the music as from Finding Nemo. It's nice that someone else's homework became a learning tool! Who knew that Seahorses didn't have teeth?!

Seahorses Eating - Ok, so this isn't the most exciting video. In fact, I found it downright BORING, but Ian was absolutely transfixed. I guess watching Seahorses eat is 5 star kid entertainment around here.

We found Seahorses in our books at home. Well, he did. I don't know how he remembers what books contain which animals, but he does! It was the tiniest Seahorse in the corner of a book. Really, Ian?

We found Seahorses hiding in paper. It turns out, when you fold paper a certain way, you can see the Seahorse. What do you think? Another YouTube to the rescue! I could stay busy for hours making all the origami critters...Ian enjoyed helping press the folds.


Several times during the process, Ian informed me, "Mom, that doesn't look like a Seahorse at all." He was so excited when we held it up together finished, I could barely get him to hold still so I could take a picture. He very promptly announced, "His name is Bubbles. Yep, Bubbles the Seahorse."


We found a free printable seahorse online too. (Sorry I lost that link!). Ian wouldn't put Bubbles down to color. Love it.


So there you have it: "Seahorse Day" brought to you by Ian Gayler.

Pregnancy Update

Last week, I had my first official appointment, and as you can see...got a sneak peek of the little baby in there!

Everything looked perfect, and baby was measuring right at 10 weeks (a little over an inch crown to rump). My "due date" will remain March 31st, although keep in mind due dates mean absolutely nothing at all. It should be more of a due month!

Anyway, Matt was able to join me, and we laughed at the doctor calling our little sleeping baby, "Sugar Booger." We saw the little flickering light that meant the heart was beating, and heard very fast thumping of 178 beats per minute. It looked like a little hand even waved at us briefly.

Unless something radical changes, I will be transferring my care from the Naval Hospital. This weekend, we are visiting the Midwife Group and Birth Center in Savannah as an option. I'll keep everyone posted as decisions are made, and the belly grows! :)

Our Monkeys

We had so much fun tonight with our little monkeys jumping on the bed. I couldn't resist having some of my own with my camera, iMovie, iTunes, and the time I should be packing for our weekend trip. Enjoy! :)

Featured Blogger!

So...I know I've been a little slower on updating my own blog, but I have been featured twice on a cloth diaper blog! I'm so excited! :) I have learned so much by reading about the experiences of others, and enjoy sharing my unique experience too. This website is run by my favorite company to order cloth diapers and accessories (as you earn points for your purchases!), and they even have a weekly cloth giveaway that I'm hoping to win one day. You'll notice it's one of the buttons on the side of my blog.



If you're interested, check out the following links featuring my articles:

One Cloth Diaper and My Laundry Room Revolution

Carefree Travel with Cloth

I'll be updating my own blog again soon with our pindo palm jelly recipe. Too bad I can't share it with everyone through Blogger, it's delicious! :)