In case anyone missed the memo, I adore my boys.
They are loud, boisterous, crazy, and make me pull my hair out sometimes. But I love every moment of it. After 8 years, I'm finally starting to understand what it is to raise boys. No offense to all the girl-mamas out there, but it takes a whole other technique to have a boy in the house. They learn differently, communicate differently, and love differently. My boys wake up ready to go and don't stop until I tuck them into bed at night. There are nights I declare "DS Party!" so I can tuck them in earlier and they can play games together for a while because I'm just exhausted.
On Friday, Sam had his ear tubes removed. I, of course, was a nervous wreck about my boy being put to sleep and just undergoing surgery in general. Even if it only lasted 15 minutes! That's my baby they were taking in there. Sam, on the other hand, was a complete trooper. He told the nurse Dr. Stern needed to hurry and fix his ears because he wanted his breakfast. And after, in recovery, he grinned at me as he told me the nurse was going to give him a popsicle for being such a big boy!! He blew me away. This little one, who was dealt a big hand to play as an infant with all his allergies and ear infections, was so charming and sweet. All the nurses wanted to keep him.
I had the opportunity while I was there to introduce an all-boy-mama there to the reality of having boys. Hers are 2 and 4, and she said she just doesn't understand why they don't sit quietly ever. I said "That's the nature of boys. It's how they are designed to work." She let it soak in and said "Well, I never thought of it that way. How do you handle it?" I told her that they just need a lot of energy outlets, opportunities to climb and build and be the hero. They won't fit into the "girl behavior" box, but rather will just smash it down for the fun of it. I saw the wheels turning in her mind, and hopefully she will take some time to really consider what it is to have all boys. It's a special calling for mothers, that's for sure!
For all the times my boys make me wonder how many seconds are left until bedtime, there is a hug, a smile, a kiss, a "me loves you", there comes a realization that we're really doing a sort-of-good job with them that makes me step back and fall in love with them all over again.
It's a loud journey with these guys, and I have to get over my own girlish tendencies to survive...but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Home again, home again....
After a great week spent with family, we are home. Peaceful, calm...
Oh wait, that was just my dream.
This week we are thrust into all the "stuff" that needs done. First on the list was grocery shopping, since apparently everyone here was about to starve. (hardly) Tomorrow morning, Sam gets his ear tubes out. I'm incredibly thankful for a friend willing to take both older boys so I can focus just on Sam tomorrow. I talked to him a bit today about the surgery, and he's all happy-go-lucky about it. "Ok Mama. No problem!" Yeah, we'll see how much "no problem" it is when we're in the thick of it.
In the times I wasn't completely frozen up in CT, I learned a little something about my boys. I never gave their musical tastes much thought, as they like much of the same that we do. When we were in CT, I had a classic rock station on and they were very agitated. The 2nd time we got in the car to that station, they said "Mom, PLEASE find a different station. This music isn't good for us at all. We need WPER." PER is the local Christian music station here in VA. I did finally find one that barely came in based in New York, and they were happy. Drew pulled me aside later to tell me that he really does not like to hear music that doesn't glorify God. Ben agreed. As much as I do, they find comfort in the themes and lyrics of the music we listen to here at home. I can't wait to take them to their first concerts this year. Drew's surprise for his birthday is seeing Casting Crowns in February (shhh....he doesn't know yet!!) and then we will all go see Third Day in March. We're so excited!!! So happy for birthdays that fall around these concerts so we can make them birthday gifts.
Oh wait, that was just my dream.
This week we are thrust into all the "stuff" that needs done. First on the list was grocery shopping, since apparently everyone here was about to starve. (hardly) Tomorrow morning, Sam gets his ear tubes out. I'm incredibly thankful for a friend willing to take both older boys so I can focus just on Sam tomorrow. I talked to him a bit today about the surgery, and he's all happy-go-lucky about it. "Ok Mama. No problem!" Yeah, we'll see how much "no problem" it is when we're in the thick of it.
In the times I wasn't completely frozen up in CT, I learned a little something about my boys. I never gave their musical tastes much thought, as they like much of the same that we do. When we were in CT, I had a classic rock station on and they were very agitated. The 2nd time we got in the car to that station, they said "Mom, PLEASE find a different station. This music isn't good for us at all. We need WPER." PER is the local Christian music station here in VA. I did finally find one that barely came in based in New York, and they were happy. Drew pulled me aside later to tell me that he really does not like to hear music that doesn't glorify God. Ben agreed. As much as I do, they find comfort in the themes and lyrics of the music we listen to here at home. I can't wait to take them to their first concerts this year. Drew's surprise for his birthday is seeing Casting Crowns in February (shhh....he doesn't know yet!!) and then we will all go see Third Day in March. We're so excited!!! So happy for birthdays that fall around these concerts so we can make them birthday gifts.
Monday, January 16, 2012
What a COLD journey!!
We've been spending some time enjoying a late Christmas visit with family the past several days. It has been SO cold though!! Temperatures that don't go above freezing, and it's windy...just not so appealing.
We took the boys duckpin bowling yesterday. What a great time with my sister and niece. Pretty sad that Allyssa and I came in 6th & 7th place though (as in, we pulled up the rear). The winners? Ben and Sam, tied at 85 each! Did I mention we also used bumpers? Yeah, that's right. We are stellar bowlers in this family.
The kids are really enjoying some time with grandparents. Over the course of the trip, they'll get to spend time with both Aaron's parents and mine. We also get to see 2 great-grandmothers this week. What a blessing that they can be so surrounded by family. I love living in VA. It keeps us close enough to visit all of this wonderful family we have without too much struggle. Other options for Aaron's industry are Texas and the west coast, so it's definitely great for us here.
Now, if we could just put in an order for nice warm temps when we return to VA, that'd be great. For now, we're shivering on this journey north!!
We took the boys duckpin bowling yesterday. What a great time with my sister and niece. Pretty sad that Allyssa and I came in 6th & 7th place though (as in, we pulled up the rear). The winners? Ben and Sam, tied at 85 each! Did I mention we also used bumpers? Yeah, that's right. We are stellar bowlers in this family.
The kids are really enjoying some time with grandparents. Over the course of the trip, they'll get to spend time with both Aaron's parents and mine. We also get to see 2 great-grandmothers this week. What a blessing that they can be so surrounded by family. I love living in VA. It keeps us close enough to visit all of this wonderful family we have without too much struggle. Other options for Aaron's industry are Texas and the west coast, so it's definitely great for us here.
Now, if we could just put in an order for nice warm temps when we return to VA, that'd be great. For now, we're shivering on this journey north!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Isaiah thoughts
I'm doing another Bible in a Year plan this year, and last night, I was in Isaiah. I realized it was so easy for us to say "Haven't the Israelites seen enough of God's blessings and provision to want to follow him always?" Well, sure. But so have we. In the present day, we have seen and heard of God's miracles and provision, and yet, as a people, we are turning from him. Just look at the difference in the past 50-100 years of what is deemed "acceptable" and "normal", especially for our young children. There was a time when the most violence a child saw was a fistfight between teenagers, and he thought that was the worst it could be. But now? TV-Y7 shows are overloaded with violence, all in the name of "comic mischief". My kids love Star Wars, but I wonder if my grandparents would have let my dad watch it at 4,5 or even 7?
So, my reading has just convinced me to not take my eyes from Him for guidance, for provision, and miracles even when I don't realize I need them. Even when things are going along swimmingly, it's easy to drown when I'm not focused on all that God has done in our lives.
Keeping this verse in mind (I love the Amplified, wordiness and all), I will continue on my life journey with my family. Despite hardships, I will rejoice. In the good times, I will praise His name. And I will commit all things to prayer.
So, my reading has just convinced me to not take my eyes from Him for guidance, for provision, and miracles even when I don't realize I need them. Even when things are going along swimmingly, it's easy to drown when I'm not focused on all that God has done in our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)16Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
Keeping this verse in mind (I love the Amplified, wordiness and all), I will continue on my life journey with my family. Despite hardships, I will rejoice. In the good times, I will praise His name. And I will commit all things to prayer.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Counting small victories
Drew is our sensory-interesting kid. I'd say he's sensitive to texture, but that's not really the case (though it is). Smell, but I'm not sure about that either (though that's a big deal to him too). He's terrified of new foods, so it's hard to classify him. Terrified could put lightly what we have seen happen to him in the past 6 years about food. Panic attacks, shaking, self-imposed fasting for days because he's made himself a complete wreck over what's put in front of him. The worst has subsided over the past year, but we've seen him eliminate peanut butter this past year and it's scary. It was his major protein source for most of his life. What's his diet? He'll eat pizza, yogurt, cereal, toast, sometimes a peanut butter sandwich. Rarely anything else.
Tonight, he ate a pop-tart. It was a cupcake flavored one we saw in the store, and to be honest, to my pms, it sounded great. I got them more for me (sooo not WW approved!) than anyone else. But all the kids wanted to try it. Drew said "If I don't like it, do I have to keep eating it?" Nope. That's never the case. He initially said he didn't like it and I ignored him and kept doing what I was doing. He kept eating it. Until it was gone and had gained his approval. He actually smiled at me as he ate some of it.
At 5 years old, we were told the turning point comes between 8 and 10 years old, where food becomes less scary. We can reason with him more. He'll understand more. And slowly, I see the wheels turning. The pediatrician said for how severe she has seen him be about foods, she expects he'll be closer to 10 (and likely, puberty). We've prayed with him about it, that he will be courageous with God about food. That he'll trust us. That we wouldn't steer him wrong and ask him to eat french fried tree bark. He laughs, gets nervous and changes the subject. We're not seeing much good food-trying going on, but he did tell us the other day that next time we make spaghetti, he'll try it.
I'll take this small victory. It's all part of the journey.
Tonight, he ate a pop-tart. It was a cupcake flavored one we saw in the store, and to be honest, to my pms, it sounded great. I got them more for me (sooo not WW approved!) than anyone else. But all the kids wanted to try it. Drew said "If I don't like it, do I have to keep eating it?" Nope. That's never the case. He initially said he didn't like it and I ignored him and kept doing what I was doing. He kept eating it. Until it was gone and had gained his approval. He actually smiled at me as he ate some of it.
At 5 years old, we were told the turning point comes between 8 and 10 years old, where food becomes less scary. We can reason with him more. He'll understand more. And slowly, I see the wheels turning. The pediatrician said for how severe she has seen him be about foods, she expects he'll be closer to 10 (and likely, puberty). We've prayed with him about it, that he will be courageous with God about food. That he'll trust us. That we wouldn't steer him wrong and ask him to eat french fried tree bark. He laughs, gets nervous and changes the subject. We're not seeing much good food-trying going on, but he did tell us the other day that next time we make spaghetti, he'll try it.
I'll take this small victory. It's all part of the journey.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Packing it all away
Last night we began the process of packing away all the Christmas decorations. I'm looking forward to recovering a large corner of the family room where the tree still stands. I have everything else packed away, ready to get put up in the attic for next year. Over the past few years, I've acquired Christmas decorations from my childhood. My mom decorates a bit less each year now that my sister and I have moved away, and she's been passing on the decorations I loved as a child. It's great to see my kids enjoying them now the way I always did.
Sam thinks we'll just take this stuff out again next week to have Christmas Eve all over again. This year is the first time he "got it" and really anticipated Christmas. Apparently it was such a great experience because he can't wait to do it all again! I told him we have to wait until he's 4 to do it again, and he looked a bit sad. 4 seems a long way off when you've just turned 3, you know?
I wonder when I stopped anticipating the great things about Christmas? The past few years, all I could think of was all the work it takes to put out decorations, store other items in the meantime, clean up the messes, wrapping presents (I'm an awful wrapper, just ask my husband), and then cleaning it all up again after. It's something I'm going to work on this year, really preparing my heart to be excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Because that's what it's all really about. Celebrating His birth as we look forward a few months later to celebrating His resurrection. The whole reason for the hope I have in this life is summed up in those 2 moments of time. And so, as this season comes to a close, and we move on through the rest of winter, I will be preparing to remember exactly what my hope cost Jesus that day.
And, just a sidenote as I get back to putting my house back in order, whoever invented tinsel can come over now and clean up the mess!!!!
Sam thinks we'll just take this stuff out again next week to have Christmas Eve all over again. This year is the first time he "got it" and really anticipated Christmas. Apparently it was such a great experience because he can't wait to do it all again! I told him we have to wait until he's 4 to do it again, and he looked a bit sad. 4 seems a long way off when you've just turned 3, you know?
I wonder when I stopped anticipating the great things about Christmas? The past few years, all I could think of was all the work it takes to put out decorations, store other items in the meantime, clean up the messes, wrapping presents (I'm an awful wrapper, just ask my husband), and then cleaning it all up again after. It's something I'm going to work on this year, really preparing my heart to be excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Because that's what it's all really about. Celebrating His birth as we look forward a few months later to celebrating His resurrection. The whole reason for the hope I have in this life is summed up in those 2 moments of time. And so, as this season comes to a close, and we move on through the rest of winter, I will be preparing to remember exactly what my hope cost Jesus that day.
And, just a sidenote as I get back to putting my house back in order, whoever invented tinsel can come over now and clean up the mess!!!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
21 days....
Our church is starting a 21 day fast next week. We've been talking about what we can fast as a family. The boys came up with some good ideas. Wii, Angry Birds, eating out on unplanned occasions (since we do have a plan to eat out for Drew's birthday at the end of the month), and drinking soda. We'll be talking about it more this week as we prepare for it. I think I will be fasting diet soda. It's become quite an addiction. I have at least 1 a day, and I know it's not good for me. I know it's an addiction when I'm cranky until I have one!! I was initially tempted to just say "Well, I'll just continue fasting Facebook!" but it won't be much of a sacrifice if I'm already in the midst of doing it. Aaron has suggested that he will fast beer. For my homebrew loving husband, this is a HUGE sacrifice!
Being off Facebook gets easier each day. The boys were stunned to hear that I am voluntarily not logging in. They're intrigued by this new mama, who isn't checking fb as regularly as email. I'm finding I have more time in my day (amazing how 5-10 minutes here and there adds up!!) and I have far more patience because I'm not falling behind on anything else or having to rush because I lost track of time in the pit.
Alas....2 loads of laundry and a messy kitchen are calling my name tonight. It's so much easier to ignore them when I have a good distraction.
Off on my journey to recover socks from the sock monster!!
Being off Facebook gets easier each day. The boys were stunned to hear that I am voluntarily not logging in. They're intrigued by this new mama, who isn't checking fb as regularly as email. I'm finding I have more time in my day (amazing how 5-10 minutes here and there adds up!!) and I have far more patience because I'm not falling behind on anything else or having to rush because I lost track of time in the pit.
Alas....2 loads of laundry and a messy kitchen are calling my name tonight. It's so much easier to ignore them when I have a good distraction.
Off on my journey to recover socks from the sock monster!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
63 in January???
Why yes it is!!!
And what do my boys want to do? They want to go to the WARF and swim. Inside. These nuts! I brought them for a while, then we moved on to the playground. How refreshing to be outside and WARM at the beginning of January.
This month is my Facebook fast. It's hard. Beyond hard. I have a cousin due any moment with her first baby that I'd love to hear about. Another friend is having her big ultrasound in just a few days. And I won't see that info for SO long if we don't email or call each other. But it's ok. It's time to break that habit. Our office is next to the kitchen, and completely open, so it's easy to just "take a peek" a few times here and there. The problem comes though, when peeking turns into 15 minutes. A few times in the morning, and again in the afternoon. When I should be starting dinner. When the kids really need to be steered to a new activity. So, I decided to cut it out completely and break the habit cold turkey. My guess is though, at the end of this month, I won't have missed much. I may find myself wondering why I was so into Facebook to begin with and walk away. Sometimes I wonder if I have any messages or notifications, has anyone even noticed that I'm not on there? The strong likelihood is no, there won't be, and no, no one has. And that's ok. The people I am closest too already know that I'm off for the month, and others know how to find me if they really want to talk. It's been nice to just text or call people and even to go back to the antique communication method of email. I have a lot of time on my hands now too. I think things might get accomplished much quicker this month!!
Off to enjoy that warm weather now...can't waste it here blogging!!
And what do my boys want to do? They want to go to the WARF and swim. Inside. These nuts! I brought them for a while, then we moved on to the playground. How refreshing to be outside and WARM at the beginning of January.
This month is my Facebook fast. It's hard. Beyond hard. I have a cousin due any moment with her first baby that I'd love to hear about. Another friend is having her big ultrasound in just a few days. And I won't see that info for SO long if we don't email or call each other. But it's ok. It's time to break that habit. Our office is next to the kitchen, and completely open, so it's easy to just "take a peek" a few times here and there. The problem comes though, when peeking turns into 15 minutes. A few times in the morning, and again in the afternoon. When I should be starting dinner. When the kids really need to be steered to a new activity. So, I decided to cut it out completely and break the habit cold turkey. My guess is though, at the end of this month, I won't have missed much. I may find myself wondering why I was so into Facebook to begin with and walk away. Sometimes I wonder if I have any messages or notifications, has anyone even noticed that I'm not on there? The strong likelihood is no, there won't be, and no, no one has. And that's ok. The people I am closest too already know that I'm off for the month, and others know how to find me if they really want to talk. It's been nice to just text or call people and even to go back to the antique communication method of email. I have a lot of time on my hands now too. I think things might get accomplished much quicker this month!!
Off to enjoy that warm weather now...can't waste it here blogging!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
From the beginning
Well...I'm starting a new blog because blogger won't let you change your email to a gmail account, and that's what I have now. So, the old one will still be there, but I'm going to post from here.
The Ludwig Journey got it's start with the picture I have up from our wedding. Nearly 10 years ago!! And what a wonderful journey it has been. 10 years, 3 fabulous boys, 1 dog, 3 fish, and a hamster later, we are having a wonderful time as a family.
We're not a perfect family. There is really no such thing. We thrive on love, hugs, forgiveness, and more love. Jesus is the glue holding us together.
My boys love Jesus, fun, Legos, and each other. I couldn't ask for more.
I'm too conservative for some, too liberal for others. I say, if it's ok with my husband and falls in line with the Bible, then it's good for me. I love my husband, and I love that I'm home with my kids. No, I don't want a job outside the home. No, I don't need that to feel like I have defined my life or that I have an "identity". No, I don't need to "get away from these kids for the day" every day. Sometimes I just need a few hours to recharge. But I am called to my home, to being with them. My job is to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, to be respectful and Godly men. One day they will be some lovely woman's husband, and I want them to treat her the way their dad treats me. My identity is secure in being their mom, Aaron's wife, and never the least, a follower of Jesus.
Want to journey with us?
The Ludwig Journey got it's start with the picture I have up from our wedding. Nearly 10 years ago!! And what a wonderful journey it has been. 10 years, 3 fabulous boys, 1 dog, 3 fish, and a hamster later, we are having a wonderful time as a family.
We're not a perfect family. There is really no such thing. We thrive on love, hugs, forgiveness, and more love. Jesus is the glue holding us together.
My boys love Jesus, fun, Legos, and each other. I couldn't ask for more.
I'm too conservative for some, too liberal for others. I say, if it's ok with my husband and falls in line with the Bible, then it's good for me. I love my husband, and I love that I'm home with my kids. No, I don't want a job outside the home. No, I don't need that to feel like I have defined my life or that I have an "identity". No, I don't need to "get away from these kids for the day" every day. Sometimes I just need a few hours to recharge. But I am called to my home, to being with them. My job is to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, to be respectful and Godly men. One day they will be some lovely woman's husband, and I want them to treat her the way their dad treats me. My identity is secure in being their mom, Aaron's wife, and never the least, a follower of Jesus.
Want to journey with us?
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