Saturday, December 14, 2013

My Heart...My Love...My Children



I read once that the things we say to our children now and the matter to which we say them will later become their inner voice as adults. Reading that stopped me in my tracks. I posted it on my refrigerator door to remind myself not only of what I am saying to my children but the messages my actions are giving them. Stop yelling! Speak to them with the full amount of respect any soul deserves no matter their age. Tell them all the amazing things about their character. Always guide their actions with gentleness so that one day they too will treat their own errors with the same forgiveness. Don’t criticize my body or theirs. Talk about others strength and don’t point out their weaknesses. Have them play outside for their souls are truly free in nature. Always leave the gender of the individual they one day will choose to love open. Let them define their own gender. Don’t use punishment as a tool to shape their action because the messages given is shaming. Stop everything when your child asks for a hug. Let my actions demonstrate desired behavior and self love. Never stop learning and trying to be a better parent. Reward their good days and hold them close on their bad days. Feed them healthy organic foods and limit their exposure to bad chemicals. See past negative behaviors for the unmet need. Demonstrate a good relationship with my husband. Don’t ever hold back expressing affection to their father in their presence. Follow my dreams. Show them the value of being a “stay at home mom”.  Show them how to prioritize taking care of yourself and don’t feel guilty for taking time for myself. Never refuse to apologies to my kids when I make a mistake reminding them that no one is perfect. Let go more of the small stuff while creating a peaceful environment for them to grow. Truly be present. Complement their creativity and give them opportunities for self-expression. Embrace their interests and don't push my own. In the end completely take them in as if they are the air I breathe. Breathe in each stage, each smile, each accomplishment and each failure. Enjoy the journey.


Most days I feel like I can do this. But today I woke up after a night of nursing Leo nonstop and I felt resentful. I wanted sleep. I wanted to feel connect to everyone but all I felt was disconnection. After a night out being social the isolation of being a stay at home mom seems less doable. Sitting down to write this blog is helping me to feel more grounded. Today I am feeling fragile and I am going to honor that feeling. I am going to do things that feed me. I am going to lowering my shield and show my vulnerability that I am covering with anger. I am truly blessed and thankful this day for it all.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Homemade Play Dough

Play dough is such a fun thing for kids. I hate store bought play dough though so we went ahead and made some of our own. I added lavender to give it a calming sent. It turned out amazing and is cheap. I will NEVER buy it again. We keep ours in the fridge to keep it fresh. Here is the recipe:


No Cook Play Dough

  • 2 cups plain white flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 cups of boiling water
  • food coloring
       









Time Moves By...


Processing all the clothes.
It is funny how it happens. You look up at your kids one day and say, “Wow those pants are way to short for you!” It is always such a bittersweet process. Giving away clothes to small and taking out the next size from storage. I am flooded with memories. I packed up all of Nika’s 3t and Leo’s 9m clothes with tears flowing for a time that will never come again. But then I opened up the bucked of all of Avi’s old 4t clothes and once again I am flooded with memories. It brings be joy to see them on Nika or other kids we have given clothes too. As if those memories and times will live on.


Winter boots and swimsuits! 
We also spent Thanksgiving in Duluth. A table that once fit us all has spread to a “kids table” and highchairs are filled with the next set of babies. The meal is not as relaxing as it once was but it is truly full. We took the kids to Bentlivill in Duluth that generally I find obnoxious but there is something about the tradition that warms my heart. Remembering when their was only Avi and then when Nika was a baby and now Leo.


Sleeping beauty.




I have been struck by time moving by. At times I want to freeze my kids but so much joy is found in their growing older. Our family is complete and growing with each size of clothing. Memories continue to be made and I am truly thankful.