In the mornings while everyone is getting ready for school, Jameson's favorite thing to listen to is "God Rocks". It's this CD from a cartoon called Bibletoons-God Rocks. They use cute little characters and catchy tunes to sing different scripture. I love it because it reminds me of God's word and helps to keep it in my head all day long. So, today's song that stayed in my head all morning was from this passage.
1 Thes. 5:16-18 say "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you, in Christ Jesus."
Now, if you can't take Mother of Preschoolers and babies gross potty stories, you may want to quit reading now and just apply this verse to your own life. But if you want to see how I, a mom who sometimes loses her temper and does not usually see these little situations as joyful times, really tried to apply God's word to my daily hassles, then please read on.
As I was trying to quickly eat my bran muffin, drink a little coffee and have a quick devotional moment after the big kids left for school, I heard Jameson (2 1/2 years old) exclaim from the other room "I did it!" Oh no! Now in this stage of potty training, J has figured out where the stuff goes, he just does not always use the traditional methods of getting it there. This morning, the transfer was helped along with his sweet little (now completely gross!) hands.Yuck! Needless to say, the clean-up was full-scale and left not only the bathroom, but the whole house smelling less than lovely. With a clean, naked boy running around, I moved on to baby Millie who is fussing in her play seat. She did not want to miss out on the party so she was sure to thoroughly soil not only her diaper, but pajamas too. Baby clean up is a little easier, thank goodness.
So, throughout this beautiful morning scenario, I kept singing my little God Rocks song. It made me think, how can I be joyful, pray continually and give thanks in this circumstance? These were my thoughts.
Be joyful always...
I can choose to have a good attitude. Be joyful when? ALWAYS! It's a tall order, but I'm not going to let a little you know what get me down in the dumps. (No pun intended:))
Pray continually...
Lord, please help me not to throw up. Thanks for giving me a strong stomach and the ability to breathe through my mouth.
Give thanks in all circumstances...
I am so thankful for these two little lives God has given to me to care for.
I am thankful for a house with plumbing where unwanted odors can be cleared.
I am thankful for the new air fresheners and candles I bought yesterday (buy one, get one free!).
I am thankful that I get to be here with my babies. I really am glad someone else didn't have to clean up that mess!
My list of gratitude could go on and on.
I know that God's will for me is to be joyful, prayerful and thankful in ALL circumstances. Thank you God for Christ Jesus who uses the grandiose and the gross :) for His Glory!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Baby Millie
So, it has been more than a month since I last posted anything. Needless to say, the past month has been quite eventful! I have thought time and again about writing something on here, but somehow, I never get to it. Between keeping up with the laundry, the big kids, the two year old and my new beautiful baby, taking time to post words and pictures gets pushed to the next day.
Official birth announcements have been ordered and will hopefully be sent next week, but for anyone who does not receive the official kind, and for anyone who wants a sneak peek, I am including some of the first pictures of Millie.
She really is a wonderful baby. She was born April 27, just as scheduled. She has been a joy from the moment we first held her. She sleeps really well, eats really well and is very laid back. She has been to a half dozen baseball games and 3 soccer games in her first 3 weeks of life. All the big kids take turns holding her. Jameson loves to give big slobbery kisses to her. Throughout the day, he will find her in her baby seat and put his hand behind her back and say, "I wanna hold her." So sweet and scary at the same time. He keeps me on my toes!
So, I don't have much to say. I am just trying to maintain some order around here and enjoy the last few days with only two children at home. Summer will be exciting, but crazy, so I am relishing the quiet mornings for now.
Hopefully, I will establish some sort of routine soon and blog posts will be a part of that. For now, enjoy these pictures of my newest love.
Official birth announcements have been ordered and will hopefully be sent next week, but for anyone who does not receive the official kind, and for anyone who wants a sneak peek, I am including some of the first pictures of Millie.
She really is a wonderful baby. She was born April 27, just as scheduled. She has been a joy from the moment we first held her. She sleeps really well, eats really well and is very laid back. She has been to a half dozen baseball games and 3 soccer games in her first 3 weeks of life. All the big kids take turns holding her. Jameson loves to give big slobbery kisses to her. Throughout the day, he will find her in her baby seat and put his hand behind her back and say, "I wanna hold her." So sweet and scary at the same time. He keeps me on my toes!
So, I don't have much to say. I am just trying to maintain some order around here and enjoy the last few days with only two children at home. Summer will be exciting, but crazy, so I am relishing the quiet mornings for now.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
All in good time
This time of year holds a really special place for our growing family. During this time 8 years ago, it was just me and Brandon at our house in BG with too many extra empty rooms wanting desperately to have a baby, waiting for things to line up. We had already started the paperwork for our adoption from Kazakhstan. Little did we know how God was working this very night. In a small town in northern Kazakhstan, not one, but two baby boys were preparing to enter the world. And they were ours! From that day, though we had no idea how God would prepare us in the coming months to travel halfway around the world, the first two Porter boys had entered this world. Oh, how our world changed when these boys came home with us in October that year! Their laughter, chubby smiles and crazy hair made them the most engaging little fellas imaginable. We loved that crazy, unpredictable time with two toddlers providing ready entertainment.
Natually, we were thrilled when less than a year and half later, the Lord gave us sweet little Eliza Grace the completely natural home-grown way. Now living in Smiths Grove, we had three babies under 2 years old! Wow, I am so thankful that Eliza and the boys were healthy during that first year because it was and still is a complete blur! Fun times were had in those toddler/preschool years as we went to the library, played at the park and had lots of time with our family.
Two short years later, as the boys were celebrating their 4th birthday, I was expecting again to have another son in July. Baby Benjamin's movement had changed during that week after Maddox and Isaac's big party and I became concerned. Exactly a week after we celebrated the birth of our first two sons, we began to mourn the loss of our third. It was heartbreaking and devastating. Delivering a baby who I knew would not be breathing and then burying a tiny casket made for the most heart wrenching weekend of our young lives. God was gracious and comforting through our sorrow. He has taught us much about suffering and how it can be used for his glory. We will forever have the memory of Benjamin to encourage others as we have opportunity to share in suffering with them.
So, fast forward two more years to April 2008. After a surprisingly quick pregnancy, finding out only in December that another boy was on the way in a few short month, Jameson decided to make the story of our lives even more fun. Being due with him on April 25, the doctor and I had decided to go ahead and plan to induce one week early on the 18th. After the loss of Benjamin, we were both a little anxious about how things would go, so the earlier the better. I had a doctor's appointment on April 15, the boys' birthday. So, on the 14th we decided to go out to eat and celebrate a day early, just in case the doctor was ready to send me on to the hospital after my appointment the next day. Jameson had other plans. He was ready! So, as soon as the kids were tucked in bed and I sat down to relax that night, surprise! My water broke, we went to the hospital and Warren Jameson Porter waited til just after midnight to arrive and share his special day with his big brothers!
Tonight, here I sit with swollen feet and a belly that I feel is to its capacity. Wondering, could it be a 4th Porter baby on April 15th? I would not protest if Millie wants to join the party tomorrow. It would be nice though to spread out the celebrations, at least by a day or two. Right now, only God knows and so we wait. After all He's brought us through and all He continues to bring our way, we know we can trust Him. We are so excited to welcome another baby to our family. We're still a bit shocked and overwhelmed that God would have this plan for us. I know His plans are better than mine though, so I trust Him and step forward knowing that He is already there.
So, stay tuned. Maybe we'll have some news tomorrow. Maybe it will be 2 more weeks. Either way, we can't wait to make the announcement that Millicent Ruby Porter has arrived.
Natually, we were thrilled when less than a year and half later, the Lord gave us sweet little Eliza Grace the completely natural home-grown way. Now living in Smiths Grove, we had three babies under 2 years old! Wow, I am so thankful that Eliza and the boys were healthy during that first year because it was and still is a complete blur! Fun times were had in those toddler/preschool years as we went to the library, played at the park and had lots of time with our family.
Two short years later, as the boys were celebrating their 4th birthday, I was expecting again to have another son in July. Baby Benjamin's movement had changed during that week after Maddox and Isaac's big party and I became concerned. Exactly a week after we celebrated the birth of our first two sons, we began to mourn the loss of our third. It was heartbreaking and devastating. Delivering a baby who I knew would not be breathing and then burying a tiny casket made for the most heart wrenching weekend of our young lives. God was gracious and comforting through our sorrow. He has taught us much about suffering and how it can be used for his glory. We will forever have the memory of Benjamin to encourage others as we have opportunity to share in suffering with them.
So, fast forward two more years to April 2008. After a surprisingly quick pregnancy, finding out only in December that another boy was on the way in a few short month, Jameson decided to make the story of our lives even more fun. Being due with him on April 25, the doctor and I had decided to go ahead and plan to induce one week early on the 18th. After the loss of Benjamin, we were both a little anxious about how things would go, so the earlier the better. I had a doctor's appointment on April 15, the boys' birthday. So, on the 14th we decided to go out to eat and celebrate a day early, just in case the doctor was ready to send me on to the hospital after my appointment the next day. Jameson had other plans. He was ready! So, as soon as the kids were tucked in bed and I sat down to relax that night, surprise! My water broke, we went to the hospital and Warren Jameson Porter waited til just after midnight to arrive and share his special day with his big brothers!
Tonight, here I sit with swollen feet and a belly that I feel is to its capacity. Wondering, could it be a 4th Porter baby on April 15th? I would not protest if Millie wants to join the party tomorrow. It would be nice though to spread out the celebrations, at least by a day or two. Right now, only God knows and so we wait. After all He's brought us through and all He continues to bring our way, we know we can trust Him. We are so excited to welcome another baby to our family. We're still a bit shocked and overwhelmed that God would have this plan for us. I know His plans are better than mine though, so I trust Him and step forward knowing that He is already there.
So, stay tuned. Maybe we'll have some news tomorrow. Maybe it will be 2 more weeks. Either way, we can't wait to make the announcement that Millicent Ruby Porter has arrived.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Days like these
Today is another one of those days that we seem to keep having this winter. Yes, it's still a few days til Spring and we are ready for it! We just can't seem to keep everyone well around here. My sweet girl was a little puny all weekend, but a little Tylenol helped her bounce back so we didn't worry too much. Last night was a different story. With a higher temperature and several times waking up in the night with a sore throat, I knew the strep monster had struck again. A couple of weeks ago it struck Isaac. Another, different bug struck his dad the same day. It was one of those days, like today, when I was so glad to be a mom who could be here and take care of all my little chickadees.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes taking care of the sicklings is no fun at all. Sometimes, I have to forfeit my agenda for the day and reschedule things I wanted to do. But mostly, because I have the privilege to be home for my family, I am able to refocus my plans and be ready to serve the family God has given me without worrying about covering lots of other bases of an outside job and all the stress that comes with that.
I love the routines of having my little one home everyday and caring for him. I wouldn't trade the time during these early years for anything. There is just something about a sick day for one of the big kids, though, that really reminds me of the importance of my job. It's not only being here for the babies that matters. The big kids need me too and I am thankful to be here for them.
As thankful as I am, I do hope we will not have too many more of these days any time soon. Please say a prayer for my LuLu and for baby J who is just too quick! He has already swiped a drink from her cup!!! Oh, how I do not want a toddler with strep throat!
Don't get me wrong, sometimes taking care of the sicklings is no fun at all. Sometimes, I have to forfeit my agenda for the day and reschedule things I wanted to do. But mostly, because I have the privilege to be home for my family, I am able to refocus my plans and be ready to serve the family God has given me without worrying about covering lots of other bases of an outside job and all the stress that comes with that.
I love the routines of having my little one home everyday and caring for him. I wouldn't trade the time during these early years for anything. There is just something about a sick day for one of the big kids, though, that really reminds me of the importance of my job. It's not only being here for the babies that matters. The big kids need me too and I am thankful to be here for them.
As thankful as I am, I do hope we will not have too many more of these days any time soon. Please say a prayer for my LuLu and for baby J who is just too quick! He has already swiped a drink from her cup!!! Oh, how I do not want a toddler with strep throat!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
My Little Heros
OK, so I am going to use this post to brag a little bit about my good kids. No, they're not good all the time, but I sure am proud of them when they work hard and their efforts are noticed.
I am very happy that the big 3 have such good teachers at a new school this year.
Isaac tends to be a class clown, starving for attention and rather impulsive at times. He just loves to be a cool kid and make people laugh. Despite his tendency to "lose points" every day and be easily distracted in his class, Isaac is just a smart kid. I am thankful that his teacher has the patience and wisdom to see past his craziness and see his potential. She nominated him this year to participate in the gifted and talented program at school and he was accepted. If we can work on self-control and focus, I know that Isaac can have a lot of success and a lot of fun doing challenging work.
If you know Eliza at all, you know that she is the second Mommy in this house. She is no different in her classroom at school. She is so eager to help anyone that she can. She does not get involved in the little girl "drama" that seems to have already taken over many little girls. She is always helpful to her teachers and on the look out for the child who needs a little pat on the back. Her school counselor started a program in January called Highland HERO. They wanted to give an award to a boy and a girl from each class who exhibited "Honesty, Effort, Respect and Optimism." Eliza was chosen to be the first Highland HERO from her class for January. She just makes us smile and we thank God for the tender heart He has given her.
After having several conversations with the boys' teacher about Isaac throughout the year, I was very excited last week to get a call from her regarding Maddox. This was a good thing. She had chosen Maddox to be the Highland Hero for her class in February. This is kept a secret from the students until the morning assembly on the day of the presentation. Maddox notices who is "good" and who is "bad". He takes notes of who is in trouble and which kids are always doing what is right. Despite the bad attitude we see at home sometimes, I know that Maddox tries hard at school to do what is expected of him. He knew this award day was coming and he really thought that he deserved it. It was really a treat this morning to watch him accept his award at school and be named a Highland HERO. Maddox is such an interesting study. He goes from quiet to crazy, reserved to really angry all in a given day. It will be so neat to see how God molds his little heart and mind.
So, thanks for sharing in my proud mommy moments for today.
I am very happy that the big 3 have such good teachers at a new school this year.
Isaac tends to be a class clown, starving for attention and rather impulsive at times. He just loves to be a cool kid and make people laugh. Despite his tendency to "lose points" every day and be easily distracted in his class, Isaac is just a smart kid. I am thankful that his teacher has the patience and wisdom to see past his craziness and see his potential. She nominated him this year to participate in the gifted and talented program at school and he was accepted. If we can work on self-control and focus, I know that Isaac can have a lot of success and a lot of fun doing challenging work.
If you know Eliza at all, you know that she is the second Mommy in this house. She is no different in her classroom at school. She is so eager to help anyone that she can. She does not get involved in the little girl "drama" that seems to have already taken over many little girls. She is always helpful to her teachers and on the look out for the child who needs a little pat on the back. Her school counselor started a program in January called Highland HERO. They wanted to give an award to a boy and a girl from each class who exhibited "Honesty, Effort, Respect and Optimism." Eliza was chosen to be the first Highland HERO from her class for January. She just makes us smile and we thank God for the tender heart He has given her.
After having several conversations with the boys' teacher about Isaac throughout the year, I was very excited last week to get a call from her regarding Maddox. This was a good thing. She had chosen Maddox to be the Highland Hero for her class in February. This is kept a secret from the students until the morning assembly on the day of the presentation. Maddox notices who is "good" and who is "bad". He takes notes of who is in trouble and which kids are always doing what is right. Despite the bad attitude we see at home sometimes, I know that Maddox tries hard at school to do what is expected of him. He knew this award day was coming and he really thought that he deserved it. It was really a treat this morning to watch him accept his award at school and be named a Highland HERO. Maddox is such an interesting study. He goes from quiet to crazy, reserved to really angry all in a given day. It will be so neat to see how God molds his little heart and mind.
So, thanks for sharing in my proud mommy moments for today.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday Fun night at the Porter House!
A night at home would not be complete without a gun fight.
Maddox is serious about playing his games.
For the kid who usually hates the camera, Maddox has become quite the happy poser.
Where do they learn these poses?
Eliza is usually the singer for Band Hero. Especially if it's a Taylor Swift song.
Jameson will not be left out of the Band Hero fun.
A night at home would not be complete without a gun fight.
Maddox is serious about playing his games.
For the kid who usually hates the camera, Maddox has become quite the happy poser.
Where do they learn these poses?
Eliza is usually the singer for Band Hero. Especially if it's a Taylor Swift song.
Jameson will not be left out of the Band Hero fun.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tacos!
Isaac is my child who likes school lunches. I hardly ever pack a lunch for him. So today, he was the only one happy about taco salads. Unfortunately, the taco salad has returned! When I picked him up at school he said he had a headache and started crying. Next thing I know, you guessed it, I hear hurling from the back row. Never mind the fact that I'm driving a rental van due to my little fender bender last week. The ten minute drive home with taco-scented vomit filling the van was rather disgusting to say the least. So, now I'm on to clean up what I can and put some of the magic medicine behind his ears hoping we've seen the last of this stuff. However, remembering the events of the stomach bug of Dec. 2009, I'm a little bit afraid that we may be in for a long weekend. Pray for us, but for your own good, stay away.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I'm gonna do this
I have thought about creating a blog for a while. It's just that I'm not that creative. I couldn't come up with a cute title. I'm always afraid that my words sound stupid. And frankly, my thoughts are so fleeting that I'm afraid I won't have anything to write by the time I sit down at the computer. Anyhow, I feel like this is one way that I will overcome my terrible skills at keeping any kind of journal and recording all the precious and crazy stories of my life right now.
So, I needed a title and a direction to go with this thing and it hit me at 3am. The sweet old song, "Count your blessings" was going through my head. "Name them one by one". The Lord gives me one blessing after another every day. So many times I do not stop to consider them. I am so privileged to have 5 blessings walking through my house each day and one more blessing bouncing around in my belly even now. I want to take the time to remember each of these beautiful people God has placed in my home as well as taking time to make note of all the other little blessings that pass before my eyes moment by moment.
So, here it is. I know it won't be perfect. And if no one reads it, that's fine. This really is just for me anyway. I want to be more reflective. With my terrible memory, I really need to write down and record in pictures all of these moments, or they will be gone forever from me.
So, with this blog, I will attempt to regularly count my blessings and name them one by one.
So, I needed a title and a direction to go with this thing and it hit me at 3am. The sweet old song, "Count your blessings" was going through my head. "Name them one by one". The Lord gives me one blessing after another every day. So many times I do not stop to consider them. I am so privileged to have 5 blessings walking through my house each day and one more blessing bouncing around in my belly even now. I want to take the time to remember each of these beautiful people God has placed in my home as well as taking time to make note of all the other little blessings that pass before my eyes moment by moment.
So, here it is. I know it won't be perfect. And if no one reads it, that's fine. This really is just for me anyway. I want to be more reflective. With my terrible memory, I really need to write down and record in pictures all of these moments, or they will be gone forever from me.
So, with this blog, I will attempt to regularly count my blessings and name them one by one.
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