Camp

For the past two years, I have dedicated my Sunday nights to a group of teenage girls at my church. Every week we discuss life...and Jesus. It's hard work...very hard work...but hard work for the kingdom of God, which never goes un-blessed. I love it. Every single thing about it...and just might be addicted to it for life.

One of the best things about serving in our high school youth group is camp. We have two camps every year: winter camp and summer camp. Winter camp is short, and incredibly fun. I loved every second of my experience there. This past weekend, I had the privilege of going to summer camp for the first time. I have no words to truly describe it...it's was an experience I will hold close to my heart for years to come. God was present and WOKE UP everyone who was there.

I spent the week with amazing leaders, leading even more amazing students. I wish everyone had a glimpse into what it's like to do life with these kids in this setting...what it's like to worship with them, listen to their hearts, love them. It would blow you away.

The only unfortunate part of camp is leaving...and the yearning you have to reunite with all these people when you come home. God works...and when God works, he leaves an imprint on your heart that is impossible to erase. These moments of life are simple reminders of how God refines us, molds us and heals us. HSM Summer Camp 2011 was definitely one of the best moments of 2011 :-)



Our youth pastor Luke MacDonald...the guy has a serious gift. One of the best pastors I've ever had.


Me and some of my girls. Love them and their hearts!


Me and just two of the amazing leaders I have the privilege to serve with every week. Love these dear friends!

My little reader

When Alivia was little, I introduced her to reading books before she ever asked. She loves them...she reads them every night before bed...but I wouldn't necessarily peg her as a little book worm. Judah, on the other hand, can't get enough. He is ten months old and could easily sit for fifteen minutes reading books. He LOVES the pictures, and is fascinated by whoever is reading the story. It's adorable.

I'm gonna go ahead and take credit for birthing a book worm...since I'm a bit of a book worm myself :-)

Becoming a morning person

My mom was always a morning person. I'd often wake up and find her in a quiet room, sitting on a comfy chair, drinking her coffee and reading her bible. In fact even though my parents are now empty nesters (and have been for some time), she still does that. There was always something about it that I loved. Maybe it was the reliability of wanting to be by her when I woke up and always knowing where she was. Maybe it was how quiet and still our home always was...before every one woke up and began their day. I loved the feeling of mornings in my house.

As I'm getting older, I have more of a desire to start these sort of regularities in my own home. There was a morning a few weeks back when Judah woke up before anyone else. Him and I went outside on our deck and took in the morning air. He played in his saucer and I read a book in my chair. Neighbors walked by and chatted about the beautiful weather...and eventually my sweet husband came out with coffee in hand. I loved the feeling of being a morning person that day. I felt refreshed by watching the day wake up and taking in how still and quiet everything was.

Of course, not every day has turned out like this. I'm usually exhausted in the morning and only wake up because my kids wake me up. But the prospect of becoming this person appeals to me. One day my kids won't want to wake up, and I'll have those quiet mornings (hopefully to enjoy with my love) before our kids wake up...or rather, before I wake them up :-)

down with toddler activities

This is an honest blog post. One that has the potential to insult or offend some of you mommies. I can only hope that you, as a friend, will understand that this is only my perspective. I don't judge you if you choose the opposite as I do.

Last summer, we couldn't afford to send Alivia to 3 year old preschool. Frankly it wasn't that I even wanted her to go (3 year old preschool? really? What is she gonna learn there that I can't teach her at home for free). Anyway, I knew I wanted to get her involved in something, so I asked her what she'd like to do. At the time, she was very big into dance. She'd frolic around our house constantly. She loved everything about it. So, I searched for a dance studio in the area and enrolled her in a children's dance class once a week for 45 minutes.

1 Semester (3-4 months) of class: $216

As we approached the end of the 1 semester, it was dance costume time.

1 Sparkly Sequined Dance Costume: $65

I emailed our teacher and told her that we couldn't afford it...and weren't even sure we could afford dance next semester. The teacher and her family go to our church, and graciously offered to pay for Alivia's dance costume. I can't tell you what a blessing this was for us. I was over and beyond thankful for their gift.

Time went on...we gradually paid for the 2 Semester of dance (another $216)...and then it was dance recital ticket ordering time.

4 Tickets to a 15 minute dance recital: $60.00 (and no, we didn't get any free tickets for parents)

Every year, at the end of the year, they create a t-shirt for all the dancers.

1 YOUTH small tshirt: $22.00

GRAND TOTAL FOR A YEAR OF DANCE FOR MY 4 YEAR OLD: $579.00

(not including ballet shoes, tap shoes and leotards)

With all this said, I've come to a conclusion about activities like this. They are crap. My daughter is as uncoordinated as she was when I enrolled her. In fact, the only thing about dance that she cares about anymore is wearing her leotards. I'm not saying that dance is crap. Dance is beautiful, artistic and should be recognized for what it is. But when you ask me to pay $579.00 for my 3-4 year old to frolic around a dance room for 45 minutes once a week, its a sin.

I've come to a conclusion (with help from a mom of older kids who I've recently befriended). She told me to let my kids be free...

"go pick flowers. run in a field. that's all they really want to do!"

I couldn't agree with her more. Of course, socially a dance class is a great idea. But my kid is the furthest thing from socially awkward or segregated...all this dance class did was teach her what kind of little brats to avoid.

I want to be the mom that encourages my children to do what they want to do. I want to see them develop the skills they desire and flourish in that...but I also want them to have a childhood. I want them to have fun. I want them to enjoy nature, run in fields, take walks, go to the park every day, have picnics, play games, do crafts, etc etc...and all of these things are FREE. There is no reason to dish out almost $600 for my toddler to do in a snooty dance studio what she'd be happier doing in our living room.

I learned my lesson. Today I will be paying $60 for tickets for Alivia's dance recital ($60 that could have been used for a much needed date night...or family night...or anything that isn't a 15 minute dance recital). Today will be the last time I pay this much money for something so insignificant.

So take my advice, fellow parents: Do your research. Its a guarantee that your local park district likely has UNBELIEVABLE classes for your tiny one at a fraction of what I paid. Don't dish out the money for them now. Take that $600 you almost spent and put it in a bank account for them instead. Then go by a leotard at target for $12 and start a dance class in your living room :)

Breath Holding

As a mother, the greatest fear in the world is the loss of your children. To best describe it, imagine each child as your heart living outside of your chest. Losing a child, I imagine, is like losing your heart.

My son has developed a new tendency that made me feel as close as I ever want to come to the feeling of losing a child. It's called "Breath Holding", and is apparently very common in babies. Judah gets so upset that he holds his breath to a point where his face turns blue and he goes limp. Often times a child will pass out entirely...though thankfully we haven't had that happen yet. It's so completely terrifying that I was in tears both times it happened (twice in two days). I called my pediatrician today and was reassured that it's totally benign and of no concern. The nurses advice, "stay as calm as physically possible...he will start breathing again no matter what".

I'm a pretty "in control" type of person...well, as much as a person can be. In those "breath holding" moments, I never felt more out of control...totally helpless. In this, I was quickly reminded of how desperate we need our God. How absolutely essential it is to depend on Him. Without faith in Christ, it's like walking a tight rope without a net. In those moments, I found myself turning immediately to God, and finding reassurance in His peace, His plan...whatever that looked like.

Now that I'm educated about my son's new tendency, I have no fear of it...no anxiety about it's next occurrence, despite how much I dislike it. What I love (maybe the only thing I love) about situations like these, is how quickly God is revealed in moments of helplessness...and the jolted reminder I get to run to Him in moments of joy and happiness too.

Working to be thankful in both the good and the bad.

In other news...

Tonight after dinner, Judah was quietly sitting in his highchair and as I walked by, he leaned towards me and said "momma".

It wasn't one of those baby mumbles either...he knew who he was talking to :-)

It was like his little arms lifted me out of my rut with one sweet word. THIS is why I love being a momma!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I've been a mom for awhile now...I think its about time I let you all in on some of my favorite baby and mommy necessities and splurges...in no particular order:

1. Triple Paste: Don't let anyone fool you, there is NO better diaper cream in the world. I've tried them all, and while I'm a fan of Aquaphor, I love me some triple paste to clear up the worst of rashes. Not only do they have diaper cream, but eczema cream too.

2. Carter's Onesies: Some may say that onesies are onesies, but they are a staple in our home for baby. They need to be soft, durable and fit well. I am head over heels for Carter's onesies. I stock up at every size.

3. Zutano Booties: These are a new find. Alivia basically lived in Robeez, which are great, but Zutano booties are soft, warm and NEVER fall off. I have them in two colors for Judah and he wears them every day.

4. Koala Lux Baby Blanket: I must have a million blankets for my kids, but this is my favorite. Its soft, not too heavy, but seriously warm. Its the perfect Spring, Winter and Fall blanket. Good for nursing or to just keep in the car. I love mine. Its overpriced, so don't ever get one unless you have a babies r us 20% off coupon!

5. Britax Car Seats: As a parent, there are just some things that are totally important not to skimp on. I like to consider things like cribs, strollers, high chairs and car seats investments. Back in October 2010, Alivia and I were in a terrible car accident. Our car was totaled, I had major bruises and whiplash, but Alivia walked away unscathed. From that day forward, I pledged my allegiance to Britax. We own the Marathon for Alivia, and the Advocate 70C for Judah. They are pricey, but the best. Having seen them in action through the worst possible scenario, I'll never use anything else.

6. Psycho Baby Boutique: For my locals, this is my favorite downtown baby boutique. Its totally overpriced but if you have some extra money to have fun with, this place is full of super cute, super unique stuff. They have an online shop too. Warning, its not a stroller friendly store, so bring your sling!!

7. Karma Baby Sling: I have a mad obsession with baby carriers. I've owned all of them except a few, but this one is my favorite by far. The fabric is soft and sturdy, and its enough fabric to make you feel like your baby is secure. It has a loop on them to hold a pacifier and a little pouch for anything you need to keep on you while carrying baby. And the patterns are super cute :)

8. Old Navy Fake Uggs: God bless those parent's that can afford to outfit their children in $100 Uggs, but I'm not one of them. Frankly, the idea of purchasing kids shoes at that price terrifies me! The link will only bring you to the Old Navy site, but they sell fake toddler Uggs every season. They are cute, warm and last the entire season. Alivia has lived in them since October and I stocked up on another pair in a size up for next year.

9. Baby Gap and Gap Kids: Okay...so this favorite is a bit broad, but here's the deal...I'm in love. I absolutely adore Baby Gap and Gap Kids, and before you start telling me your budget can't afford it, I beg to differ. It is on a very rare occasion that I purchase anything full price. The turn around at Gap is so quick, if you see something full price one week, it WILL be on sale the next week. Most times if you stop in the store, there will be an additional 40% sale prices (which are already pretty low). And if you shop often, you'll get 20% a regular priced item coupon at check out. You need to shop often and keep your eyes open. The best sales are in store, not online.

10. Playtex Sippy Cups: Sippy cups are a constant struggle for parents. I can't tell you how many I've gone through with Alivia...trying to find the perfect one. You can go from the cheapest crap to the fanciest stainless steel...I've owned them all. The one cup brand that I think it best is playtex. Both the first sipster and the older toddler sippys are the best. They don't leak, they are super easy to clean and the water never smells like plastic. I own them for both Alivia and Judah. We use them every single day.

11. Nursing Bra: I'm a nursing momma...I commit to nursing all my babies for at least 12 months. So when you basically eat, breath and sleep nursing...nursing bras are a necessity. I've been through many, but this one is my favorite. Its soft, no poking wires, easy to nurse with and enough support to keep my sagging girls from sagging past my knees. They are a bit pricey, but when you wear them everyday, you want something that won't fall apart on you.

12. New Mother, New Baby: This is another boutique for you locals. Its my favorite boutique in the suburbs. New Mother, New Baby is run by a lactation consultant who is awesome. They carry absolutely everything you'll need for breastfeeding (including pump parts), baby clothes, baby carriers, nursing clothes, toys and books. The best part? Its totally reasonably priced. They have a sweet little "Rest Stop" room with a glider, changing table and baby scale if you need a pit stop for your baby. They also offer a ton of amazing classes for mommies...from basic lactation consulting, to baby massage and a baby wearing class. Stop by sometime :)

13. Diaper Bag...errrr not: With Alivia, I always used an over the shoulder diaper bag. By the time I was done using a diaper bag for her, I discovered how much I hated it. When Judah came along, I purchased this Patagonia Backpack. Its just a basic backpack, but its smaller, fits everything, has a million little pockets for all the baby knick knacks and its light. The best part? Hands free. Wearing a backpack makes loads more sense when you're lugging a baby and toddler around. Patagonia is an awesome brand, so its durable, decently priced, and will make a great bag for anything else once my kids grow out of diapers.

14. Hannah Andersson Training Unders: These are a little pricey, but often go on sale. They are the BEST training underwear ever. They have great coverage, and extra padding down the entire middle of the underwear. From experience, it absorbs 75% of pee and contains the poop if an accident occurs. I've used them on Alivia since she started potty training. She still uses them (mostly because they still fit her tiny butt). They come in tons of patterns and colors for both boys and girls.

15. Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller: A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about my love affair with our new double stroller. This is the one. Ladies, I did the research. I tried them all out...I read all the reviews. This stroller is the best. It fits through every door, fits in the trunk, is super light and super easy to push. My kids adore it (Judah even sleeps in it! He never did that in our single stroller!). I'm in love...and if you are in the market, you'll fall in love too :)

For now...these are the favorites I can think up. As I run into (or remember) others...I'll add to my list! Hope you enjoy :)