The Lessons We Must Learn

I have pondered over weather or not to share this diddy for the last 24 hours. You see in doing so I feel that in some way it shows a failure I have made as a parent. But I think that's just me being silly and that there are many other parents--good ones--who could share a similar tale. At least I hope I am not alone in this. Got you wondering don't I?

WELL. Yesterday Timothy, Sarah and I went to Dick's Sports to buy a tent a some supplies because I am camping with the boys this weekend. Not really a FUN place to go when you are three and it was a bit long. BUT Timothy was excited because we were going to Target next and he loves Target. Sarah was quite content in the cart. SO as I was checking out Timothy asked for candy and I said, "No but I will get you something at Target." Then as I am putting things on the counter he asks for a Rice Krispy Treat. The answer from me was the same and to go put it back because he had already picked it up. He disappeared around the end of the check out counter, I paid, and called him and we all headed to the car. As I positioned the cart next to the car to begin unloading he leaned against the car and I heard this crinkling noise. His hands were behind his back so I asked him to pull them out AND...don't you know it! There was a Rice Krispy Treat in his hands!! He had stolen it!! And he knew to hide it!! I was appalled. I firmly scolded him and made him march back into the store immediately and return it. He was breaking God's laws! (Not to mention mine and Dick's Sports...)He did seem quite remorseful afterward and I think waiting to hear what the consequence would be really bugged him. In the end he did not get to get a treat at Target and we had a long talk about stealing. I hope it never happens again. I wish they had been really stern with him when he brought it back in because they were just nice and thanked him for bringing it back. So am I alone in this?? Please share your own stories with me so I won't feel I have failed as a parent!

Remembering the Weekend

This weekend Sandor and I went to a Marriage Conference through Family Life called Weekend to Remember. It was AMAZING!! We learned so much! And it was such a blessing to us. Hopefully I can share and put into practice all the great things I learned. If you get a chance to attend one of their conferences--take it!

Thanks Mom and Dad for holding down our fort and watching our tribe while we were gone! It was much appreciated. Just think you were making an investment in our marriage! THANKS!

Talkin' Turkey

Today was MOPS at church. MOPS stands for Mothers Of Pre Schoolers. I enjoy going to MOPS and its a fun way to get recharged as a Mom and connect with other moms. While I am at MOPS my darling Timothy is in MOPPETS--the childcare program for our children. My dear mother has graciously agreed to serve as the MOPPET co-ordinator for this year. Today she taught a great story to the children about how the Lord covers us with His wings and protects us. She shared a personal experience of seeing a mother bird do this with her chicks in a storm and also played a game with the kids. Well...today's funny comment of the day goes to Timothy who explained the game to me as he climbed into the car and said, "I was a little turkey and Grandma was a big turkey." Sometimes Timothy IS a little turkey. (Like today at the orthodontist office!) But Mom you are NEVER a big turkey. I just love ya'!

Regarding naps

My youngest children nap almost every day for about 2 hours, sometimes more sometimes less. It is a welcome break in a busy day for all of us. But every now and then Timothy and Sarah feel they should just play instead. Sarah can't open her door so its a issue of convincing her to stay in bed on these occasions. Timothy CAN. The other day after "napping" for 5 minutes he decided he was done. He had a nap after all! I sent him right back to bed and tucked him back in. Sometime later he snuck out of bed and sat on the stairs watching me in the office--probably blogging. When I spotted him I told him to go back to bed but I did not follow to ensure his obedience. Maybe 15 minutes later I came out to find what you see in the pictures below. Timothy sound asleep on the stairs. He had not obeyed and gone back to bed but the need for rest overcame him. I carried him up and tucked him in bed and he finished his nap in bed. I considered letting him sleep on the steps but was afraid he would move and roll all the way down. In the end sleep won out!

Nap protest

I'll explain....

More of the sunrise

Beautiful sunrise seen from my kitchen door

First snow of the season!

Funny comment of the day--so far

I usually get at least one funny comment from the kids in the course of a day. In all honesty it often comes from Andrew. As does today's:

"You know, life takes a long time."

And it does. Was this said because Andrew was tired of waiting for me to finish exercising and help him make his oatmeal?

I just chuckled and agreed.

Pray for the big boys. They are doing testing in the mornings at school. For the next two weeks for Andrew and three weeks for Jacob.

Fun filled day

I usually enjoy Saturdays in spite of the fact they are often busy. Its just fun to have Sandor and the kids home. Today we started out making the kids a big breakfast and then headed out to Apple Charlie's Cider Mill. We all had a good time. We watched them making cider and doughnuts (and enjoyed some of each!) and looked at all the animals they have. Before we went home the kids each picked out a pumpkin. Afterward I went to get a massage and pedicure (which was a Christmas gift from Sandor that I hadn't used yet) and Sandor took the kids home. Now we are busy with assorted tasks, playing with the kids and even relaxing. All in all a fun filled day! Check out the pics.

Timothy and Sarah--our twins

Sarah watching the water fowl

Sarah and Nagymama

Sarah

Timothy

Little Piszar Pumpkins

Blessings

As I am busseling through the morning I just paused and thought, "Wow. I am blessed more than I ever imagined! In ways I never imagined!" God is good. It is so easy to take His blessings for granted but I am trying not to do that. From big ones to small ones. From blessings I wanted and asked for to blessings I didn't know I wanted and received anyway. To blessings of joy and those that came with pain. I am blessed! I once read on someone else's blog: If you haven't got all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have that you don't want. - Anonymous
I guess my muddled up point is be thankful for what you have, the blessings--good ones and bad ones--that God has given you. I am.

VCU....WHAT??

VCUG. That's the acronym for the test Sarah had today. Its the third time she has had this test. Very unpleasant. Picture if you can--an image of someone stretched out on "the rack" and that's kind of the position she has to be restrained in. And while being restrained like this her little bladder is filled (via catheter) with dye so that drs. can watch and photograph what happens inside when she voids--the V--twisting the "rack" she is on from side to side to photo from various angles and sides. Can you imagine what she must have felt and thought? Its distressing as a parent. You do try to comfort and be strong for your child's sake and I am--I am focused only on Sarah, talking to her and explaining to her and holding the little hands that are restrained above her head. I am there watching everything and taking it all in. Listening carefully for clues and hints about what the drs see. When her bladder is full to discomfort she has to void. Now this must create conflict in the mind of a little person who is in the midst of potty training....You want me to do what? Here? Now?...and here I am singing our little potty songs without care about the drs and nurses who will hear my silly songs. Its for Sarah that I sing. She voids finally and the ordeal ends. Even the drs and nurses sympathize. They wouldn't like it themselves. Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG).

I have found that having a special needs child has led to my being educated a little bit on a lot of subjects.....

The good news...one kidney no longer has any reflux--Praise the Lord! The other side has stayed the same and the Dr. is optimistic that in time it too will resolve itself. So perhaps its worth the agony???