Our December, so far

This fall I was introduced to the idea of a "December Daily" scrapbook. Basically it is a mini scrapbook, in which you pre-decorate 25 pages, each numbered 1-25 to represent the days in December 'til Christmas. On each page you leave room for a picture and/or some journaling about what you did that day. My friend Chantel and I decided to make December Daily albums, and I have been adding my pictures and journaling all month.

One week Wyatt was sick, out of school for 4 days. Toward the end of his sickness both Craig and I got sick. It was interesting finding things to scrapbook about on those sick days, but there was always something. From sitting on the couch watching movies or looking at books, to making a break outside to check on the chickens, some days I scrapbooked pretty insignificant things. But it's some of those little everyday things that often don't make it into the scrapbook, so I think it will still be fun to look back on those things year after year.

Here are a few pictures of the slightly more exciting things that have been taking up our time this December:

Will and Wyatt building with legos in their room. They play this way for a long time. It's so nice.

Popping popcorn! Wyatt then took the time to string it and make a garland for his tree.
Daddy brought home a box of russell stover chocolates he got as a gift and we all took turns taste testing. This was one of those special, funny family times, when I look at the photo I laugh. We had so much fun doing something so simple. And I'm not sure what's up with Wyatt's get-up, or Anna's expression.
Wyatt's gingerbread masterpiece. This was a fun day, Anna and I got to visit his classroom for gingerbread house making day.
Me and my parents on my Birthday, December 17th. They, along with my siblings, came out that morning and took me to breakfast.

Later that day I got to watch Anna's preschool program and do some fun Christmas crafts and activities with her.

Anna was an angel in her first ballet recital, a performance of the Nutcracker at the Elsinore Theatre. This was definitely a highlight for me, this month!

Baking day was Monday. I made Russian Tea Cakes, Molasses Sugar Cookies, Almond Roca, and Marshmallow Cookies. We assembled plate after plateful to deliver to our neighbors and friends. A fun way to spread some Christmas cheer.

We stopped off at the capital building during one of our Salem trips. It is so pretty this time of year.

This one makes me laugh, the pose is totally inspired by Anna, and a lady passing by was laughing, too.

We finished off our day with a ride on the carousal!

So there you have it, just a few little bits and pieces of what we've been up to this month. I have thoroughly enjoyed December, and looking forward to the few days still left!

I needed this today...

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going ... she's going ... she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:"To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

* No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

* These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

* They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

* The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add,"You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

My prayer for today:

Lord, help me to see myself not as the world may see me, but as you see me. As a great builder. Please fuel my passion with the faith that your eyes see my every actions, even when no on else does. Amen

I've got SUNSHINE, on a cloudy day

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
Well, I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way?

My girl....talking 'bout my girl

I've got so much honey, the bees envy me

I've got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees

Well, I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way?

My girl.....talking 'bout my girl

My girl turned 4 last Sunday. It is one of my most favorite ages. I am excited about this year ahead with her. While thinking about this blog post I couldn't get those song lyrics out of my head, I thought they were fitting. She truly does bring sunshine to my cloudy days, and is sweeter than honey.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Wrap Up

Over the holiday weekend, I have continued to reflect on the things I am thankful for. I think I am due for 6 more to make it an even 30.

1. I am thankful that Craig has a job. And, not just work, it is one that he loves. I have heard of so many losing their employment these past few days, it makes me really reflect at how blessed we are for his steady work.

2. I am thankful for healthy kids. Again, there are several children we know battling cancer and other unknown diseases. I am praying for a little girl from church who is yet to be diagnosed, but is suffering and in pain. I am so thankful for my own children's good health.

3. I am thankful for my siblings....my two older sisters and my younger brother. I look up to my sister's so much as wives and mothers. Being 7 and 6 years older than myself they paved the way, and taught me about hair and make-up. We are each busy with our own families, but I know we truly care about each other and love each other. I had some time to chat with my little brother over the weekend as well, and we shared some good laughs. It was fun to connect a little more than we normally have the opportunity to, and I am so thankful for him as well.

4. I am thankful that my kids have cousins! They are blessed with 12, so far.

5. I am thankful for my mommy van. It is old, the doors stick and the locks are funky, but God provides. 4 years ago we became a family of 5 and I was still driving the old Camry my parents had given us. We had to squish the three kids into the back seat, and I remember praying for this van. It is a simple, but huge, answer to prayer. God knew what we needed.

6. I am MOST THANKFUL for the gift of salvation. These past few weeks we have been practicing with the children at church for our Christmas program, and as we kick off the Christmas season, I am reminded even more how amazing God's grace is. I fail time and time again, yet still there is forgiveness and I am washed clean every day. I watch the little children practicing for their program and I am blessed by the small opportunity we have to give back to the Lord, in sharing our talent and the good news with others.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 24

I am so thankful for our little home that has been ours for over 9 years. We brought all our babies home from the hospital here, and have put so much work into it over the years. It is so gratifying to have improved it some, and I LOVE coming home to this place. We are so blessed.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 23

I am so thankful for my children's beautiful artwork! I am showered with little pictures and loving notes all the time. Today Wyatt drew this one for me:

Mom, I love you

Dad, I love you to

Will did this self portrait at school this year. It is one of my most favorite pieces of art he has ever done. I think it may end up in a frame! I just love it.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 22

I am so thankful for the Word of God that is living and powerful and speaks light into the darkness. This verse encouraged me today:

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have Him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven-and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all-life healed and whole.

-1Peter 1:3-5 (the message)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 21

14 years ago I met two people who have blessed me in so many ways. They are two of the most caring and generous people I know. They love the Lord and they love each other. They love me, and have called me one of their own.

They love their fine son very much. And they graciously accepted me into their family.

Meet Ama and Papa (along with Craig and 3 year old Will)

I am so thankful for my WONDERFUL in-laws. The first time I met them Craig's dad gave me a big bear hug, and I knew I would be well loved in this family. I couldn't ask for better (except for asking them to move closer to us! :) They are that awesome!

(Kristi, Nikki and families....I am SO thankful for you, too!!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 19 & 20

I am thankful for this sweet boy.....

And for this season in my life!

I got to have lunch with Will on Thursday and then Anna and I stayed and watched his class do their readers theater play about the pilgrims. Everything I get to experience with Will is new, and a first for me. Sometimes I find myself wishing for the past, or wondering about the future, but Thursday was a reminder to me to just enjoy the present. Will is at such a fun age and grade....he is easy to talk to, he knows and understands probably a lot more than I give him credit for. He is asking questions about things like heaven, and divorce, and I find myself having to stop and really consider my answers....how much info to give, and how to explain things.

Will is a thinker, a planner, he likes routine and stability. He is a true guardian of his younger siblings, and he is very sensitive to others feelings. When I think about the fact that I have already parented Will 1/2 way through his years at home, it makes me even more determined to enjoy the moment. I am so very thankful and blessed to be his mom.

So, I'll leave you with a quote from this summer, I just found in a journal of mine:

Will- Mom, I've been thinking that when I get older I want to play on worship team, like Daddy.

Me- that would be cool, bud

Will- ya....'cause I've been thinking a lot about my future and stuff.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16,17 & 18

Yesterday I got to do three of my favorite things:

1. Take the kiddos to the library and check out a busload of books for our 10 day break from school.

2. Sing for Wednesday night worship with Craig.

3. Laugh with one of my oldest friends---who has know me over 1/2 my life.

So, today I am thankful for, BOOKS, MUSIC, and LAUGHTER!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14 & 15

I am so thankful for our schools. Perhaps I am biased, but I think they are great! The boys have adjusted to a new school this year, and although they miss being at daddy's school, I am so thankful they both have amazing TEACHERS! One of my favorite parts of the day is about 2:16pm when the boys burst through the front door and I get to hear about their day. We work on homework right away, and I get to be the follow up teacher for a few minutes. Right now Will is working on a readers theater, and he just finished a unit on "people in motion" where he diagrammed a swimmer. Wyatt is a little 1st grade sponge soaking in definitions of words, math facts, and reading books all the time. I get so excited hearing about all the fun things they are doing and learning. Their teachers put forth so much effort to make their learning experience the best!

I am also so thankful to be able to VOLUNTEER in their classrooms. It truly is a highlight of my day. It is so fun to see them in action and I gain so much respect for all teachers every time I visit.

Perhaps in my other life I was meant to be a teacher.....I don't know.....maybe a nurse?

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 12 &13

This afternoon, as I spent a few hours working on some sewing projects, I was reminded of my gratitude for my Mom and my sewing machine.

As a young girl I practiced sewing on my mom's machine a lot. My mom taught me what she could, but she was more of a pillow and curtain type of seamstress. I had the desire to sew clothes so my mom graciously bartered: she gave a friend's daughter piano lessons, in exchange for sewing lessons for me. I learned (sort of) how to read a pattern and made my first article of clothing: a sarong, it was a very pretty periwinkle color, as I recall.

From there I started a schrunchi business...."Lindsay's Schrunchi's: made with love and help from above" was the slogan I had printed on my own personal business cards. I sewed other articles of clothing (none, too great) but I was always proud of my accomplishments. When I graduated from college my Mom bought me my own sewing machine, and it has served me well, these past, eeek, 10 years.

I am so thankful that my mom, encouraged my love for sewing, even though it wasn't exactly her niche. She made so many sacrifices so I could do the things I loved. These days I am getting to use my machine a little more often. I am so thankful!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 10 & 11

I am thankful for

GOOD FRIENDS

and

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

We are blessed by so many great friendships, both old and new. We love our church family and feel so at home there. We have so many people who care about us and are praying for us. I am so thankful!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 8 & 9

#8: I am thankful for the 4 distinct seasons we get to experience in our neck of the woods. The green and glorious days of spring, a few scorchers each summer, the gorgeous fall leaves, and usually a pretty decent snowfall in winter that brings about a school closure day, (or more!) It really is a blessing to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

#9: PLAY! I am so thankful that our family has healthy active bodies that allow us to play together. Just getting outside for a walk is something we often take for granted. I love watching my kids play, and playing with them.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 6 & 7

COFFEE

Today I splurged on my first candy cane mocha of the season, and boy was it yummy. There are times I go to bed at night thinking how lucky I will be to have coffee in the morning.

(ps--do you like my "coffee cozies" --my kids named them that, and I think it's pretty good name--I found directions to make them HERE. Somehow they just make the candy cane mocha seem even more fun to drink. If that is possible)

Speaking of coffee, did you know I didn't start drinking coffee regularly til this guy came into my life?

Something about having two kids "drove me to drink", so to speak.



Today I am also thankful for my Wy-boy. It is safe to say that as Wyatt grew and became mobile, he turned my world upside down and I found myself seeking the Lord for wisdom more than I ever had before. There were times when I even questioned my ability to parent this, crazy, active little boy. God has taught me so much about myself, as I've had the opportunity to be Wyatt's mom. I still lose it as a parent, regularly. But, I can also honestly see how far we BOTH have come. Wyatt is a joy and is soo, sooo, funny. He makes me laugh EVERY DAY! But he also has a very sensitive side. He wants to be a missionary when he grown up, and has been saying that for several months now. Even his Sunday school teacher came up to me the other day and said, "did you know Wyatt, really wants to be a missionary when he grows up?" I see God's promises being fulfilled in Wyatt's life, and for that I am so thankful.



So, coffee and Wyatt. Just think, without, Wyatt, I might never have had the need for coffee, and without coffee, I might never have gotten through those early years with my Wyatt ! :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 5

I'm playing catch-up.

I am thankful when I hear my children's prayers.

Tonight Anna said, "....and if people are sick, just help them to feel better, and if they are sick and dying, help them not to die.....and Lord, if people are in jail..... just, just....... help them to get out."

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 4

Today I am completely humbled. And that is what I am thankful for.

After my blog post about running yesterday I was feeling pretty hot stuff this morning out on my jog. It was one of those days I felt like I had a little more endurance so I added about 4 blocks onto my route. I was just over 1/2 way, and starting to head home, I crossed the street. I debated about crossing over to the other side, but decided against it at the last minute, there was a girl there walking her dog, so I just figured I'd cross over when I got closer to home. I don't know what happened, but about 2 seconds later I was flying through the air and landed face down, LAYING, on the pavement. I really wish I had a video of it because I'm sure it looked like something from the movies. Immediately my hands stung and my knee started throbbing. I forced myself up, and the girl and her dog asked, "are you OK?" I said, "I think so..." and started to limp home.

So, God has humbled me today, and shown my once again that He is in control. Thank you God, for a little reality check! I may be walking now for a few days. There is a huge goose-egg/bruise on my knee and my hands look like hamburger. Oh, and by the way, when kids fall and scrape their hands up on the pavement, it really does hurt!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 3

Morning Runs-

My relationship with running began a couple years ago. It is partly an addiction, part love/hate relationship, part "me" time, and part, a justification to eat ice cream while watching the biggest loser.

Whatever the reason behind it, fall mornings are some of the most beautiful times to be outside in the early wee hours, with the wind and rain in your face. Time to pray, and think. And I have seen some GLORIOUS sunrises in the process. I am so thankful for those early morning runs.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 2

(I am a little behind, oh well.)

Today (and every day!) I am thankful for my husband. This weekend I was away on a scrap booking retreat at the coast. I am so blessed to be able to go away and not worry about them at all. He encourages me to go, and takes care of everything at home. I even found a very sweet note from him in my suitcase while I was away. Here are a few other things that just make him the best:

• he unloads the dishwasher every morning
• he makes the coffee every morning
• he helps me pick fruit and produce in the the summer and even helps me can it!
• he takes on side jobs so I don't have to work, or worry about money
• he lets me vent and talk his ear off
• he sends me sweet emails and leave me notes
• he prays with me every night before bed

And much, much more! I am so blessed....and VERY thankful for him!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 1

My very inspirational friend Christi is doing this on her blog. I'm gonna copy her and do it too!

I am so thankful for my little girl. She is my side-kick these days and I'm so enjoying one-on-one time with her. She is my little helper, my friend, and she keeps me from getting lonely. She makes me laugh, and sing, and smile. She gives love so freely and I pray our relationship will always be this close.

"Brownies" .....need I say more?

One Rose Fairy Princess

Complete with make-up

Add two Jedi's

Who wouldn't stop posing....

Plus another family of five (not pictured) an awesome Duck win, yummy chili and cornbread, a little time to scrapbook, and way too many Reese's peanut butter cups.

It was a winner of a evening!

And the winner is....

Anne!!!

After a catalina and a rebate, all the loot below cost me just $9.17!

Anne, email me your mailing address (thebuttonfam@hotmail.com) and you will receive one of those glade candles in your choice of:

Apple Cinnamon

Dewberry Dream

or

Clean Linen

Let me know which flavor you prefer!

Thanks for all your guesses....don't you all want to be crazy coupon ladies, now?

I've been bit....

...by the coupon bug!

For the past few weeks I've been trying my hand at this crazy coupon stuff and yesterday I walked away from Safeway on a savings high.

Here's what I got:

1 box cheerios

6 boxes brownie mix

3 Jugs apple juice

2 jugs grape/pomegranate juice

1 tide liquid stain remover

4 tubes crescent rolls

2 tubes grands biscuits

3 glade candles

3 glade candle refill packs (4 in each)

1 pump dial hand soap

Leave a comment with your guess on how much I scored all this stuff for (26 items total)! The closest guess without going over (Price is Right) will win a prize still to be determined, by me!

And if you are interested in crazy couponing click on the links on the sidebar. The Krazy Coupon Lady and Frugal Living NW are where I got all my tips!

Hunting 2009

So far, hunting for our family has really just been camping with a gun. So fear not, no deer carcas pictures. We spent 5 days in the great outdoors and I was so thankful for the beautiful weather up until the last day. It made for a perfect trip.

Snuggling by the campfire and eating

breakfast was our daily morning ritual.

Also, Wyatt really loved making silly faces. Will, not so much.
Posing on the big rock. Weapons? Check!

Campfire entertainment.

Quad rides...love Anna's expression. She loved it!

Cinnamon rolls in the '69 trailer on the last rainy morning. Yes, you read right, our trailer is 40 years old. Vintage baby.

Campfire kisses

The boys getting ready for a hunt

Cousins on a Quad

Memories made.

In which I share my heart

I started this blog nearly 4 years ago. At that point in my life I had a newborn, a 4.5 year old, and a 2.5 year old. I was an at home mommy and blogging for my family and reading other blogs served as mommy time for me. My blog has given me an outlet for all my tales and the things I was experiencing in my days with little ones. I linked up with other mommy bloggers and developed cyber support and relationships. I felt connected to the outside world during those long days at home.


Today, I have two boys in school for 6 hours a day and an almost 4 year old, who is becoming more and more independent as the days go by. We have homework, practices, and/or church most weeknights. Our weekends are full of activity, work, and play as a family. In just a few short years my "season" of mommy hood has changed. I haven't changed my own child's diaper in over a year. And I find myself blogging a little less, and perhaps about different things.


I value the blog and the outlet it gives me. I love peeking in on the lives of everyone on my google reader, and still find lot of support here. I love that my family members and friends who live hours away can peak into our lives and get a glimpse at what we've been up to.
But, as evidenced my my last couple posts, I think I'll be blogging a bit less these days.


As I'm sure I've said before, I don't do change very well. Fall is here, my babies are growing up right before my eyes, and my days feel relatively quiet with just me and my side-kick, Anna. I feel it coming, but in some ways I am resistant. Some mommies dream of the days all their babies are in school. I admit it, I dream of having another baby.


I am not one to give advice, but I have to say: If you are a mommy like I was 4 years ago, live in the moment. Cherish those loud, busy, never ending days at home. Keep on keeping on. Read your kiddos a book, or twenty. Be silly and spontaneous. Take advantage of every impressionable moment. I am hopeful that I did that most days. But I know it never hurts to be reminded.


I am faithful that this new season in mommy hood will be every bit as enjoyable as the last. I do get excited when I look in Will's 8 year old face and can see both a glimpse of the baby he was, and the young man he is becoming. It's an exciting thing. But still, my heart seems to catch in my throat when I write about it. So I cling to this verse:

Being confident of this,

that he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion

until the day of Christ Jesus. ~Phil 1:6

There ARE a couple things I don't miss....

....boy, these were sure fun days, though! (She said 5 years later :)

~Wyatt fall 2004

I am not a runner

....but I ran my first race!

I finished, I ran (sloooow jogged) the whole way, and despite a terrible side ache, had a blast. I think it took me about 35 minutes or so, but silly me didn't notice the huge stop clock ticking at the finish line til after I stretched and got some water, so I can't be sure. I want to do it again....perhaps a 10K....anybody want to do it with me? If not, I'll have to talk Craig into it.

Football and Ballet

I feel so BLESSED to experience BOTH.