I want to remember this forever

Sometimes kids say the cutest things:

Michaela's "Aunt" Gail is about 36 weeks pregnant. I had her and "Uncle" Matt over for dinner last night. We were trying to explain to Michaela that Baby Andrew was in her stomach. This is how the conversation went:

Michaela: Can I hold the baby?
Me: No. The baby is still in Gail's stomach. Just like Corbin was in Mommy's belly.
Michaela: Oh.

(She now has an extremely confused look on her face.)

Michaela (while looking at me): Is she a kangaroo?

We all cracked up. I guess she thought she was holding the baby in her stomach pouch.

Classic.

Mommy Confession Monday

This week I have a more serious confession to make. It didn't even really hit me that I needed confession in this area until the last few days. That really scares me...

Let me explain.

Ever since our accident I have had a real spiritual roller coaster. At first, I was on top of the mountain with God. He had shown his faithfulness by sparing my family from death. The healing process has been long, but nonetheless He is faithful to heal. That was apparent in the beginning. I was praying more then I think I ever had in my walk with Christ and felt really in tune with him.

Then we left the hospital a few weeks later and our new "normal" had begun. I had lots of help from family and friends, but I was still extremely busy. I was the only person of our family that didn't need someone else to take care of them. In just a matter of months it went from 1 person to care for, then Corbin was born and then overnight I had to do EVERYTHING for my husband as well. From the moment my feet hit the floor until my head hit the pillow I was helping someone.

Now, I'm not complaining (I have at moments though). But somewhere during all of this business I just slowly started to lose my focus on God. We were also not able to go to church for months which can really but a damper on your spiritual life. I was praying less, reading less and thinking about Him less. Then a few days ago it hit me: I hadn't even thought about the fact that I was getting further from Him in days.

Unfortunately, I am not the only one affected from my sin. When I am not focused on God and growing in Him, my children are not going to be focused on Him. At this age they look at us for guidance. They look up to us and follow our example whether it is good or bad. The things I have been doing with her are not evil in and of them self but when they are the only focus it becomes bad.

After the accident I gave into things that she wanted more then what was good for her because I wanted to make her feel better. We slipped into a horrible habit of lots of TV but when you are stuck in a hospital room for a week there isn't much you can do. As a parent you also want to try to do anything within your power to make them feel better. Then once we got home I was so busy I let her watch TV-all the time. Now I don't think there is anything wrong with Dora or Backyardigans or Veggietales, etc., but I do feel like I need to incorporate a balance. The other night she told me to stop praying and sing the theme song for Dora. At that moment I knew I needed to make some changes within our household.

And God is always faithful. I read a great post about resources for training your child but I just knew we didn't have the money right now. I got on Amazon, saved a few things in my cart and logged off. The very next day my father-in-law hands me a card from a friend of his. Inside the card was a check with a note that simply said, "From one friend of the Lord's to another."

I am so thankful that even when I lose sight of what is important God is willing to let me try again.

Guilty I might fall, but forgiven I will rise.

Happy Birthday Michaela!

Happy Birthday, Michaela Grace. I have loved every moment with you this past year. You have brought so many smiles to my face (and so many tests of my temper.) As I look back over this past year through pictures I am amazed at what a sweet girl you have grown into. I can't imagine how I could enjoy this next year with you as much but I'm sure we will have an amazing time. My prayer for you this next year is for you to grow in the Lord and continue to obtain a better understanding of who He is. I love you so much.

Enjoying looking back at our past year together...

First Birthday

Swimming in the baby pool for the first time.

The beginning of Tot School.

Your lovely smile.

The infamous edible art project.

Seeing baby Corbin for the first time.

One of the first times you helped me clean the house.

Going to the pumpkin patch for the first time.

I remember how happy I was for you the first time you were able to put this toy together.

This was your first match! You were so proud of yourself.

Trunk-or-Treat

First time at Chuck-E-Cheese

The beginning of your obsession with hats.

Thanksgiving

The two of us.

Your first pigtails!

Valentine's Day

First time at the park with me and Daddy.

You really started playing with your babies this year.

Smelling the flowers at Easter.

Your first "official" tray.

Holding Corbin for the first time.

You loved him from the start.

Helping me in the garden.

The first time we baked Chocolate Chip Cookies from scratch together.

Playing with Ella during the Easter Egg Hunt

Unfortunately, we had a few bad moments. I didn't want to ignore this part because it was used by God to make me appreciate and love you even more!

Praise God for the healing that took place!
You got to see Dora Live! and finally got Boots.

Your first 4th of July with Corbin.

You got a school room this year, which you love!

You really started to use your imagination during play. It has brought me so many laughs.

I love you! Happy Birthday!

Matching Colors Activity

This is a frugal simple activity for Matching Colors. I don't have a laminating machine or much colored ink so I improvise...a lot.

Materials Needed:

• Packing Tape
• Markers
• Coordinating Clothespins
• Piece of Cardboard
• Piece of White Paper
  

Simply draw a few circles, or any other shape of your choosing, onto the white paper. Wrap the cardboard with the colored paper then cover with packing tape. I decided to do use the tape so she could get the clothespins on easier without tearing the paper.

Now your Tot is ready to work on colors,
matching and hand/eye coordination.

Check out other Tools for Tots here.

Tot School-23 Months 3 Weeks

Michaela is 23 Months Old

Warning: I have a lot of pictures this week. I'm not really sure why because it seemed like we did less Tot School this week but a lot of the pictures have the same outfit. (I think we had 1 really good day which makes us look like we did stuff all week. I'm sure that never happens to anyone else, haha.) I'll keep the writing to a minimum and let the pictures do most of the talking for you.

Learning to get out her mat.

Learning to unroll the mat.

She was really good about putting everything back once she was done with the activity.

Matching lids.
First time for this one and it was a success. Just save different bottles when you are cooking. Can't get much cheaper then this!

She wanted me to call out a shape or color. Then she would hammer it.

Matching Colors.
I'll do a follow-up post to explain this one in more detail.

Cutting for the first time.
This one wasn't very successful. She needs to get better with hand/eye coordination and I need to buy her left-handed scissors. I forgot about that small fact when I purchased 'normal' scissors.

Transferring Rocks

Arranging Flowers

Putting together Cootie Bugs

Playing with her new feather board. For instructions on how to make this go here.

Matching the Uno Cards. (Notice the PJ's and hairbow?!?)

Official Kick-Off to our once-a-month Play Group.
We've talked about this for months now!

Now some practical life activities:
Putting together her art easel.

Using the easel.
This is a new favorite. I can't seem to get her to do ANYTHING else now that this is up!

Helping Mommy cook.
I wish you could really see this outfit. Leopard Dora Shirt, Orange Skirt, Rainbow socks and Pink/Blue plaid shoes. She is in the "I-can-dress-myself" phase.

Putting away the utensils. (And yes, I have already put away the knives.)

Helping me with muffins.

Want more ideas for Tot School? Check out this link. You will find many wonderful mommies with many wonderful ideas!