There is always something

18 days... Counting My Blessings Instead of Minutes

2012-01-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well I thought it was time to get back to blogging!!!

I am 18 days away from delivering my 3rd baby!!! And let me just say these next 18 days just may be the longest days of my life... So to get through them one MUST COUNT THE BLESSINGS IN FRONT OF HER... Cause let me say complaining and counting the minutes are really what is on the fore front of my mind... I never reached 1000 blessings last year, but I did make it to JUST OVER 500... SOOO My goal this year is another 500 at least if not more!!!

500: Discovering I was pregnant on Father's Day 2011
501: A productive Day... Getting the dishes done
502. The Flutters, the Jabs, the waves, the rolls, the Kicks... All from the life I'm carrying inside me.

505. Cameron calling a GO-Tee and GOO TAY!!
510. Burning Candles
516. A little boy and little girl that Want to help... Sadie Folding Laundry... Cameron Cleaning a bathroom ;-)

517. Sun Streaming in through CLEAN windows
518. A husband who takes my nesting list and starts plugging away and getting the things accomplished
519. My FAVORITE SWEAT Pants & Sweat Shirt make for a happy Monday!!
520. Hearing the babies heart beat.
521. Friends who think like me!!
522. The giggles from my two kiddo's when they feel the movements of their brother or sister!!

Let the counting of many blessing continue in the days ahead!!

The Good the Bad, & the Ugly!!

2011-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

March 14th, 2011

Today was a productive day... I woke up and got ready and then came down stairs to find a disaster in the kitchen Ugh!!! I had to run the dishwasher twice and Hand washed some of the big dishes... 3kids and I ran to pay a bill. And Cam and Sadie played great upstairs for the rest morning while I had to do LOTS of Laundry. I had a little over reaction and yelled at my kids for fighting Sent them to their beds... If anything just to give me 10 min to cool off. I told Cam I was sorry for Yelling and that I need to work on being more patient. He said "what do you need to be mroe patient for a new Baby??" hahahaha (in his small little head being patient always means that you're gonna get something in the end)...

So the blessings list continues with the good the bad and the Ugly!! ;-)

112. Cameron folding Laundry (always a beautiful sight)

113. Kids sleeping in cause of the time change

114. Forgiveness of my children
115. Friends who understand venting

116. Piles of Laundry = plenty of clothes to keep us warm and trendy

117. Bins of "stuff" coving the office Floor

118. Recycle stitting on the floor waiting to be taken out to the recycle bin.

119. Children laughing and playing Loudly!!
120. Dirty Dishes on the dining Room Table

121. Pink eye medicine drops

122. Washing Machine that cleans OUR MANY PILES OF LAUNDRY!!!

March 16th.... (More good, bad, & Ugly)

129. Little girls entertaining each other

130 quiet rain
131. Coffee from neighbors

134. Toys all over the floor

135. "Grancky children"

137. Spontaneous hugs from my children

138. A clean fridge... AHH What a beautiful thing!

Colossians 2: 6-7 Counting to 100!!

2011-06-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

So then, Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, Continue to live in him rooted and built up in him, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH as you were taught, &

OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS!!

Colossians 2:6-7

59. Black open toed high healed Shoes
60. Walking to Church
61. Not so "Coincidences" btwn my devotions and Pastors Sermons
While reading about Eucharisteo, the emphasis in the sermon was also about the fact that before breaking the bread Christ gave thanks despite the road he was about to walk, a road to death.

63. A dreary Monday's cup of coffee and a good book in Hand

65. Melting Snow
66. Smell of Laundry outside of my house
67. My boy with a backwards hat
68. Sadie and her side ponytails
(#452 today's June 13th Noticing I can't count... Repeating 67&68)
70. Couch to 5K running program & the music I listen to!!

73. Family Dinner (realizing not everyone has this privilege)
74. Kids that are happy helpers
77. Neighbors who are Great friends.
78. Brand new Markers (providing quiet entertainment for an hour)
79. Hand-me-downs

82. The Grace of a Doctor to understand that I didn't get to take Sadie to the Specialists this year (what a relief)

89. A little boy who checks off his job chart before I even wake up.
90. A daughter who loves doing dishes
91. Having the company of my daughter while we work together
93. My Daughters sweet voice singing your praises!!
94. Sadie getting the words Wrong "Rosetta, Rosetta, Rosetta in the Highest"
(supposed to be hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest)

100 An afternoon with my family at the zoo...

A Taste of Counting to 50 & a little beyond...

2011-06-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

15. Not having to call security when my heat stops working in the middle of the night... Just elbowing Mike to go fix it ;-)

20. The smell of Dinner Cooking
21. Drippy Tuna Melts even if I can only eat 1/2
22. the satisfaction of hearing mike say "MMM this is the best Dinner, it tastes so good"

26. FB on ly phone & silly texts
27. Taking my sneakers off after grocery shopping... (Isn't that the best feeling!!!)

Let's discuss this 27... When I grocery shop in winter I go to 3 stores... Walmart, Roxies & then finish up with Stop & Shop... When the shoes go off and the feet go up on the Recliner... I get the sense of accomplishment and completion!!

28. Cameron Acting out Bible Stories for the "little girls"
29. Little kids wearing grown up shoes.
30. My son's fashion sense, White warm ups, Navy T, and a Red winter Knit Hat!! SUPER CUTE
31. Friends that help me grow

33. My husband coming home for lunch

35. Smiling until my face hurts

38. Crock pot Dinners
40. Strawberries dripped in chocolate Frosting mmmm good.

42. Family Game of UNO
43. Excitement when kids win

46. Balancing the budget!!
47. Finding the silly calculation errors

50. The smell and feel of Sadie's just laundered little white sweater.
51. 1st Breeeze coming through the windows after a LONG hard Winter
(51a. saying long hard winter like I'm pilgrim or something)
52. First Signs of Spring

54. Two children close in age that can entertain each other!

56. The Prayers of my children.

When My children pray and Truly Pray... (not just rush through so they can fill their hungry bellies) it is a GIFT!!! The ones where they truly ask God to bless those they Love... And thanking him for each of those people!!!! Where they ask God to help them through out the day to make good choices... Cameron will often say "Help me to love you forever"!

I am truly Blessed!!
Thank You Lord for These days!

A Journey of Gratitude

2011-05-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

I must thank a dear friend who introduced me to the book 1000 gifts. She gave it to me as ag gift and with a journal.
Through Face book I've been sharing my many gifts (via my status) as I count my way to 1000, but I thought maybe it would be better to get back to blogging and sharing some of the gifts that pass through my life every day and tell some stories as I share these gifts. ;-) This is a way to document and share in the joys of life I hope you find it encouraging.

The journey of counting 1000 gifts began after a season of dark and dreary days that come with a VERY SNOWY New England winter. Days were long with 4 kids under the age of 5 and cabin fever for all of us. Oh the joys of these days; Will I truly be able to find things to be thankful for? And so the journey began....

March 2, 2011

I [am learning] how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I [am learning] the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4: 11-12

#1 Coming down stairs first thing in the morning to find a full pot of coffee and an empty mug sitting on the counter waiting for me. A reminder that I have a husband who loves me and always wants to take care of me.

#2. Laughter of little children
#3. Little ones and the development of language
#4. Cameron Reading "samock" = smoke
#5. Sun shining in my windows
#6. My girl's word choices "that's dis...usting"

#11. Sunshine past 5pm
#12. Chatter box quotes "Megan the Box" "Megan Supaman"
#13 Kid's running in and out the back door.
#14. Reading books to the kids on our bed.

As for this day it was a simpler day... One with little excitement but still full of Joy. A day full of eating, playing, coloring, watching TV, an unusually and blessed trip to Walmart for some staples to get us through until pay day. I folded the laundry during rest time, I baked cookies and made dinner for a church pot luck, and the Kids were able to play outside the first outdoor play time sense the snow had come many months ago.

Mike summed up this day nicely... "I love my kids and I love my Fam-I-ly!!" Mike over enunciates the "i" in family and I love him for it!! ;-)

Thank You Lord for Today,
Megan

P.S. I highly reccomend the Book 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

So long Jeep!!

2010-06-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well first off, 2 blogs in just a few days... Crazy!!!

We have had quite the week Tuesday Mike and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary and on Monday we picked up our new to us car. A 2004 Toyota Sienna, 69,000 Miles on it. Leather interior, seat warmers, Airconditioning, automatic sliding doors... AND SO MUCH MORE!! When we got this car we had to say GOOD BYE TO our Jeep. The Jeep has so much history and so many stories I thought I would blog the Memory of our Beloved and Yet Hated Jeep.

Let's start at the beginning.... The day the Jeep was bought...

Summer going into my Sr. Year I was traveling for Eastern Nazarene College Summer Ministries Program. Now during my off days (one afternoon a week) I would call Mike well... One week Mike inquires saying he's thinking about buying a car. I personally didn't think he was serious. Maybe I hoped he was trying to throw me off for what I really wanted him to purchase... YES a diamond ring! Anyways we talked about it, and my only requirement is that it not be a sports car... (I am usually the forward thinker and I knew what ever car he bought would have to last awhile including the start of a family... I KNOW I didn't even have a ring) All this to say I thought we were just talking about it didn't anticipate what was to come...

Sure enough... It was My birthday and Mike was going to drive up to Windsor Hills to see me for my birthday... Oh the anticipation... (Could this be it?? Could the ring be coming??) Well he was late getting there and He met me in the chapel. He took me outside to get my present... (Oh the excitement)... And what do I see A Green 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Mike proceeds to say, "LOOK WHAT I BOUGHT US" (my thoughts: us? oh there is no us I don't have a ring on my finger?)

Follow up story... So Several months later... October to be exact. Mike has purchased the much anticpated ring... He gets the call it's ready and desides he will pick it up on his way to work. Well after he picks it up he is heading to work in "Our" beloved Jeep. Well sure enough someone stops short in front of him and sure enough Mike hits the car smashing the front left side of "Our" Green Jeep Grand Cherokee. So when Mike comes to pick me up for our date he is driving his parents Previa... And that Night he finally asked me to be his wife... He'd want you all to know that I said, "NO", but in my defense I didn't believe it was actually happening cause I had waited so long!! hahahaha

Other Crazy things that happened to this Jeep...

Weeks after purchasing this vehical Mike was parked in the ENC Gym parking lot and when he came out he found that the lock on the Front passengers side had been tampered with Someone was trying to break into the jeep but mike was playing with the alarm and scared the guy off. (yea that was never fixed hahaha)
Had to spend a fortune on something with the Gas Tank or Fuel Line... (I still don't know just know it was a lot of money)
Bumper got Yanked off as mike hastily backed out of the Caldwell's driveway. And he didn't even notice until I called him at ENC and said "are you missing something on the JEEP??" hahaha
Cameron had his first febral siezure in the Jeep cause it was a summer day and the stinking car didn't have AC. Actualy a total of 2 seizures in the Jeep.
As we traded her in... Cameron's window no longer closed... The Back Trunk door had no Cover on the interior exposing Wires and Lightbulbs... No AC (haven't had that in like 4years) Power Locks were all messed up some doors locked Some doors didn't.

With all these crazy things...I must give Credit where Credit is due...Mike WAS thinking ahead and he did buy "US", OUR first FAMILY CAR!!! (yes I'm tearing up) This Green Jeep brought us home as a newly married Bride and Groom, it carried home our two beautiful babies, and has taken us to Maine, the Cape, Niney's house, Auntie Anne's Pool, Cook outs at Uncle Bob and Auntie Jes' house, the park, and so much more. Who knew that The Green Jeep Grand Charokee purchased by a 22 year old bachelor would take us to so many places where FABULOUS FAMILY memories have been made!

So GOOD BYE JEEP!!! And Thanks MIKE For being the Best Husband! God has certainly used you to make all my dreams come true. I'm grateful to God for giving me, YOU!!

Who knew a car could drudge up so much emotion... If you have a Mike and Megan Jeep Memory Share we'd love to hear it.

The Simple Life

2010-06-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

So one week ago we just got back from vacation! While on vacation I found myself saying... I want to enjoy my family every day as if I'm on vacation!! How can I do that? The response I kept hearing is SIMPLIFY! Simplify your house, Simplify your Schedule. In two months My son will be turning FIVE, Yes FIVE, One more time FIVE!! Where did the time go?? I feel like time is just running make that sprinting by me. For those that don't know me I LOVE the toddler & preschool ages!(Language development, Independance, Logic and Reasoning, they reach for Hugs & Cuddles So CUTE, So FUN TO WATCH, Just so exciting!) And in one short year my son will be entering the School Age Years. I must simplify before it passes me by! Granted I'm with Cameron & Sadie everyday, but the question is am I enjoying "THEM" everyday, or am I distracted by to many hats that I have on my head. I think in this year God most certainly wants me to take the time every day to breath; enjoy the sunset, the smile on the faces of my children, and when I'm REALLY lucky All of it at the same time....

A Parenting Inspiration

2010-02-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

I just recently read the Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. What a Sad and Yet inspiring book. If you haven't read it I promise not to give away the endings or any unknowns... I just want to share with you one inspiring thought... (with the understanding that the characters are fictional)

The book is descirbed on the back cover as such... "An unforgettable story of love in all its myriad forms- First love, Love between parents and children."

Now when I first picked this book up I was in it for the Romance, the "first love" part of the book. However by the end I was inspired by the love of a parent for his child... The kind of parent I want to be to my two beautiful children.

The Father shares with his daughter his favorite verse in the Bible and this is how it reads...
"It's Galatians 5:22,' he said, pressing the Bible flat in his lap. He cleared his throat before he started. 'But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.'
"She watched him as he read the verse, remembering how she'd acted and she'd first arrived and how he'd responded to her anger. She remembered the times he'd refused to argue with her mom, even when she'd tried to provoke him. She'd seen that as weakness and often wished her father were different. But all at once, she new she'd been wrong about everything.
"Her dad, she saw now, had never been acting alone. The Holy Spirit had been controlling his life all along."

This is how I want my children to see me... Filled with the Holy Spirit. Seeing in me love, joy, peace, PATIENCE.... I find that with my preschool age children these qualities are not always overflowing within me and I daily have to remind myself to pray and breath so that the Holy Spirit can shine through especially in those moments where what I really want to do is scream and pull my hair out.

How could anyone feel that way when you see this picture of my two precious cuties

Trust Me they have their moments... (Sadie has lotion all over her forehead)

Christmas Prayer

2009-12-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been a long time sense I blogged. I think this may just be a very Great story to get me back into blogging

If you Don't know Cameron is a child that needs sleep to be cooperative and happy. Well During the Holidays getting Cameron the sleep he needs is nearly IMPOSSIBLE!! Between Christmas Eve Service, Family Christmas Eve Party, Excitement causing Early Christmas Morning Wake up... You get the idea... We had a taste of Cameron's Grumpys Christmas Eve when He asked to open his coloring fish and Mike said Not now you'll have to wait until we get home. Cameron chucked the fish right at Mike's Head. j

Well Christmas afternoon after the cousins had left and the adrenaline had worn off, Cameron was playing one of his Games with his sister. After several fights over the game I told them they needed to clean it up. Cameron was not pleased and sure enough began throwing the pieces of the game at me. He was sent up to his room... He new he was in big trouble. I made him wait up there for a good 15 min before I went up to speak with him.

Well as I approached his room I overheard him quietly talking and this was what I heard... "Thank you God. I love you! Amen"

When I went in I asked Cameron what he was doing... He said, "I was praying and asking Jesus to come into my heart so he can help me make good choices. I'm sorry mommy I threw my toys at you."

WOW!!! Talk about a Christmas Prayer, a true reminder why Jesus Came as a baby, and why we Celebrate Christmas. My little boy is learning the true meaning of God's Grace through Jesus Christ. What could be more beautiful then that on Christmas Day!!

Vacation Venice Style...

2009-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

O.k. So we arrive in Venice, FL to spend 9 days with Mike's Parents. Let's just say while there were several sunny days they were cold sunny days. We did have 3 opportunities to go to the pool. One afternoon while Mike took Cameron up to the Driving Range Sadie and I enjoyed sitting in the sun pool side. Sadie is 100% my little girl. She loved sitting by the pool drinking her lemon water and soaking in the Sun... While sporting her shades. I am going to enjoy every moment like that cause there will probably come a day when she wont be to thrilled to sun bathe with me. (Although I would never have anticipated 2 years of age she would enjoy sitting for 15 min.)

Sat. was cold so we went to a mall with an indoor play area and then ate some of the Best Orange and Vanilla swirl Ice Creams. Sunday we went to Church where I was free to completely experience the Joy of the Lord. Following church we Celebrated Sadie's 2nd Birthday at Auntie Bev and Uncle Fred's house. We enjoyed more pool time and then Geared up for the Super Bowl. Then In the Middle of the Night Sunday night Sadie Threw up 2 times. UGH!!! I spent all day Monday in bed with Sadie. (Some so she could rest but also Cause I didn't want anyone else to get sick.

Tuesday she was better so off the the playground we went. Still cold 50 degrees so Sadie actually slept in the car with Nana enjoying the warmth of the car. Cameron, Mike, and I enjoyed a little play time outside. When we got Back the four of us had some fun at the driving range. Sadie looked the part but had trouble hitting the ball considering she is a lefty and was using a righty club.

THIS BRINGS US TO WED. I woke up feeling not so Hot... And the Johnston's were full out sick in bed.(On a side note I joke that they will never let us return cause 3 out of the five times we have visited they have gotten very sick, Cameron's first FL trip they got food poisoning of some sort and hybernated for a day in there room, then Last year they got Mike's cold, and this year Sadie's flu.) Mike, the kids and I decided to go to this place called Bounce U to allow for them some peace and quiet and to do something fun on yet another cold day in Florida. Very fun indoor Bouncy house place. Kids had a blast. When we got home I was full out sick. I spent the rest of the evening in bed fighting the urge to throw up. (Mind you we did not see the Johnston's until Thursday Morning). Which was the day we were scheduled to leave for Orlando. Johnston's decided to fore go the trip to Disney. (Understandably So) And So we rented a Car and off we went to Orlando...

Vacation Blogs... Planning and Preparing

2009-02-11T12:53:00.001-08:00

Well I thought I'd begin my Vacation Blog Series. And I feel as though it must be a series or you'll never fully understand the extent of "There's Always Something" even on vacation.

So let's begin with the Vacation Planning and Preperation.
It all started over Christmas Break. We began looking at the Calendar and trying to figure out when we could go on our annual vacation to Florida to visit Mike's parents. Mike had roll over time that had to be used by March, His Masters work was beginning in Feb 10th, Snow was never ending and warmer climate and a get away was much needed, not to mention ticket prices seemed to be really cheep at the End of January, and the sneaky part was Sadie wouldn't be two until Feb 6th so we didn't have to purchase a ticket going down for her. (I know talk about tight).

So January 27- Feb 1oth became our vacation time TWO WEEKS!! WAHOO!!! We convinced my mom to meet us in Orlando For the second half of the vacation to celebrate hers and Sadie's birthday in Disney World. We worked it out that we would all stay with my Aunt, Uncle, and there 3 kids they live two seconds for Disney... not to mention my uncle works for Disney so lots of perks there.

We cleaned up the Christmas mess... I began going through summer clothes. We are so fortunate to have family that gives us hand-me downs. And of course the weight loss challenge began so I could get into my summer clothes. Naturally Mike lost the weight overnight reaching his goal before we left. I lost enough to wear my summer clothes comfortably but I of course didn't reach my goal. (Totally unfair) I do all the mental work for Mike. I make the meals, and do the food shopping to ensure temptation is not there and he loses it all and I'm still stuck 15lbs overweight.

So off we go! Our flight leaves at 9:55 and is scheduled to arrive at 1:30. The kids did GREAT on the plane. Sadie took a little cat nap and when we arrived we got all our bags and met Nana at baggage. Oh it was sooo exciting to be in warm sunny Florida (boy was that a tease). Well we stopped for lunch and then had another 1hour drive to nana and pop-pop's house. UGH was that the ride from you know where. I had hoped that Cam would nap in the car. (Of course he didn't he was way to excited) However HE DESPERATELY NEEDED TO NAP because he was sooooo cranky. I wont get into to many details, but he had to have toy taken away from him in the car and when I took it away he threw his Crock(shoe) at me... What a great start to our vacation!!! Making sure my children behave at Nana and Pop-pop's is always a little stressful clearly we got off to a good start!!

Never underestimate their understanding

2009-01-11T11:10:00.001-08:00

I'll start with the story...

Today is snowing yet again!! Mike has been working crazy hours up at 4am returns at 7am has to go back in an hour. So I decide while Mike is home I'll make the kids Pancakes and Eggs... And Mike and I omelets. Now don't think this is any great breakfast cause the pancakes were the frozen kind and Mike got a cheese omelet. Well I serve the kids the pancakes and Fruit cups then go prepare the scrambles Eggs. Well Mike tells Cameron to say "thank you" and of course Grumpy Cameron responds with a "No I don't want to". Naturally Mike tells Cameron to go sit in Time out for the obvious reasons disobeying, being disrespectful, etc. The second Cameron goes to Time out Sadie immediately says, "tank you mommy, tank you". Cameron continues to be fresh in time out so now he is sent to his bed and he starts to cry. (our children know that if you are crying in time out you cannot get out). So Cameron is left to cry for a bit up on his bed and when he stops Mike goes to speak to him. Poor little Sadie is sitting alone in the dining room eating her pancakes. I go into the Dining room to put Cameron's eggs on his plate and Sadie says, "Camwon done cryin... He no say Thank You"
I was shocked. She knew exactly why Cameron had been sent to time out.

Then after church walking to the Gym Cameron was Holding hands with his cousin Ella. Well he kept holding her back by picking up the snow. So I told him to stop holding her hand. Well he let go for a minute and then ran right back to hold her hand. Well again Sadie Observed the happenings and Says, "uh oh, hoddin hands." (I know totally ratting him out, but shocking she understood what I had said)

So what have I learned about my baby girl today... First off she is aware of dynamics in the situation, she is able to observe, learn, and apply what others do to her own choices (have no fear she doesn't always follow in the right direction) and she clearly understands what Mike and I say when we say it.

However The Biggest thing I take away from today's encounter is....

My baby is NOT a baby any more. :-(

Holiday Letter '08

2009-01-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is the Holiday Letter I wrote... Some got it in the mail... Some will get in there church mail boxes and for all you internet friends I post this here for you. Know that we love you all.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you

is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24

Dear Family and Friends,

Another year has flown by. This year brought big change as well as many milestone celebrations for our family and loved ones.

February was the start of those milestone celebrations. On February 6^th our baby Sadie turned 1 and My mother turned 50 (I’m sure she’ll love that I shared that with all of you) For my mother we were able to pull off the surprise of a lifetime. At her birthday dinner she was greeted by her 5 sisters (yes 5), her father, and the 4 of us. It was a very special time for my family.

March we took a much needed vacation to visit Nana and Pop-pop in Florida. We enjoyed a road trip to Orlando and had a wonderful day at Disney World. Cameron’s first ride he looked at me and said, “Oh thank you mommy, thank you” And even still Cameron will tell you all about the light parade.

April and May brought the biggest change of the year. We sadly left the 2 bedroom apartment that we had called home for 5 years, but happily moved into a 3 bedroom house owned by the
college. Mike worked very hard with his crew to make some much needed repairs in the kitchen and bathroom and they finished the already existing hardwood floors. The BEST part of this house is the porch off Cameron’s room. It serves as our PLAY ROOM. It holds all there toys. I LOVE IT!!!

After moving we traveled to Kansas City, MO to celebrate the wedding of my life long best friend Jenny Nielson. Cameron and Sadie were the cutest ring bearer and flower girl ever. (I know I’m bias) I was overjoyed to see them gladly walk down the isle smile on occasion and there were no tears. FEW!!! Jenny was a beautiful bride and It was so wonderful to spend this time with her and see how happy she was.

Summer came and I directed Vacation Bible School where we had record breaking numbers for our church, 150 kids on the 1^st day of registration. We enjoyed visiting Nana and Pop-pop in Maine. Cameron got his first fishing poll and spent hours with Mike fishing. (Little did he know there was no hook, it was the safest way to teach him how to cast) Summer was also spent pool side (Thanks Auntie Anne and Uncle Dave) and of course we couldn’t go the summer with out going to the beach (Life as a stay at home mom pays off in the summer)

August through November we cheered on Mike as he coached the ENC Women’s volleyball team. We said our good-byes and celebrated the careers of his 4 Seniors, who were freshman his 1^st year as head coach. During this time we also began actively participating in our church’s new contemporary service. The fall was a busy season.

After looking back at this year all I can say is, “WOW no wonder I’m so tired.”(Just kidding).Through-out celebrations and the hardships of change we have witnessed God’s faithfulness. He has provided us with strength when we were weary, peace when worry set in, security when things were unstable, and comfort when we wondered if we would make it through. God is always with us. This year brought many different seasons of life I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the seasons ahead.

May you find the Peace of Christ this Holiday Season.

Love, Mike, Megan, Cameron, & Sadie

What to share???

2008-12-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure what to share other than just a few tidbits from the last month

Thanksgiving flew by and we had a blast with Family and Friends. (My mom, the Yeh's, and the Hamiltons) The guys enjoyed the football games, the kids danced circles around us and the ladies dove through the Holiday Sale adds looking for those cheep and desirable Christmas presents Sooo fun. Only one catastrophe Cameron was jumping on the bed and fell hitting his head on the base board leading to a huge egg on his head.

Black Friday was especially fun this year with Mike and I in Kingston and Gwen and Corrinne in Stoughton we had the targets/toy stores/and much more covered. Couldn't find it where you were have no fear the cell phone was ringing. Mike was much happier that this year I had a plan. I knew where everything was that we wanted and it was grab and go. Best part was if he was standing in an enormous line then I could run around and make sure I didn't miss any good deals. ($5 pink doctors kit for Sadie and a 10 huge truck for Cameron) GOOD DEALS GOTTA LOVE IT.

There was the anticipation of seeing Santa at the Church's Childrens Christmas Celebration. (Say that five times fast). And this year was a success. CAMERON sat on Santa's lap grinning from ear to ear and asked for the scooter. (Few... I'm confident Santa will be able to bring that) And we loved Auntie Anne's reading of the Candle in the Window. (I really think that joke will never get old) Nicki Caldwell is an amazing women. How she plans these events and juggles her own four kids truly admirable. THANKS NICKI FOR YOU HARD WORK!!!

Getting our Christmas Tree was much more enjoyable then years past because it was somewhat warm so we could tolerate walking around. One thing I've learned about myself when it comes to Christmas Tree hunting... GO WITH THE FIRST ONE YOU LIKE cause you will return and find it gone. This has made the hunt for a Christmas tree much faster. This year we let the kids help us decorate and I had to let go of my need for ornament balance. It was a fun family night for us. It has also been fun figuring how to decorate a new house for Christmas. With no mantle I hung our stockings on the banister with garland and put four candles with red bows in the front windows. And then we have the tree. So over all fairly simple.

I have enjoyed girls nights out where we let out the pent up steam of trying to get everything done for the holidays.

And now I can officially say My Christmas Shopping is DONE!!! Few!!! Now off to write my Christmas Cards. (I'll post my letter and pictures after I get them sent out) Some of you will be reading the letter via the computer only cause I don't have address for all my internet pals.

Remaining Hopeful

2008-11-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well we had "the Hopeful" Drs. appointment. And while Cameron does NOT have cyclic febrile seizures... He does have febrile seizures due to infection... Cameron's infection that is causing his HIGH Fever is almost always strep throat. So the conclusion is we wait to see if he keeps getting Strep. Dr said now that Cameron is 3 he is less likely to get as many step infections as he did before(I'm a little skeptical). This winter will be the test period and if Cameron continues to follow the same path of strep infections resulting in HIGH FEVERS then we can talk about taking out his tonsils.

So I haven't lost hope that there may be some relief for Cameron, however I'm a little disappointed. I say this only because of the history. This past August I tried to be hopeful that Cameron would not get sick, but I was wrong. 3 consecutive Augusts Cameron has had seizures. Now December is quickly approaching and this month has a similar history to August. Will this make 3 consecutive Decembers with similar results. Is this going to be another Holiday of isolation and exhaustion?

Last Christmas Cameron Playing with his Manger while sporting his "cool" Hospital Gown.

I guess I don't know, but I am going to remain hopeful instead of worry.... Cameron gets sick then actions will be taken... Cameron doesn't get sick then maybe we have turned a corner and we will get to enjoy Christmas to the fullest... I guess it can only go up from here.

An awakening in Play and Hope!!

2008-11-10T04:42:00.000-08:00

So Mike and I had an encounter this week where Cameron was clearly imitating an very common occurrence in our house that happen's about once every 2 1/2 to 3months.

Cameron found the thermometer. And was pretending to take Mike's temperature. When all of a sudden he says...

"Oh Crack... 15" Now you are probably wondering what this means...

Let me explain and then translate. I'm sure most of you know that Cameron suffers from Febrile seizures so Every time he gets/spikes a fever we MUST MOVE QUICKLY!!! So once his temp is taken ice and Motrin must be retrieved where ever we are. In the beginning there were many times when I wasn't prepared or hadn't quite learned what I needed to do (Car rides being the most frequent) thus resulting in seizures and trips in ambulances. (never fun and probably a little tramatic for us) So once I take his temp and I get something over 100 I will react. And after this little dramatic play from my son I'm confident what my reaction is. "OH CRAP... 101(or what ever the temp is)"

Well this takes me to my very exciting news as well as what I believe is a blessing from God. I may not have to react that way for much longer. I am pleased to say that by chance I received an article describing a condition where children have cyclic fevers resulting in Febrile seizures. And that there is a cure Take out the child's tonsils and adenoids. The article talks about how in some cases parents can tell you the exact day the fever will hit others a ball park. So when I went back through Cameron's records I can do that. I can tell you the exact month that Cameron will get these fevers. So maybe he could be a candidate for this procedure. Now wait here is the best part of the story the Doctor that discovered this cyclic fever and cure is at Children's Hospital BOSTON. (I could cry just saying it) Now we are scheduled to see this Doctor on the 20th of Nov. So I ask for you prayers. I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I don't know if Cameron will qualify for this treatment... But I gotta have faith that these things happen for a reason. I'm not sure where I stand on miracles and I def. don't understand how some people are cured and others aren't, but I gotta have faith that God knows best and Know I really feel like God is in this situation.

The Why Dialog

2008-11-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well I realized today that we have reached Why stage of development for Cameron... Mind you every time he says it Sadie repeats it so it's like a double dose.

Do you ever start comprehending what you are saying like 5 words to late???

Here's how the Why dialog went... Clearly was not thinking when I started speaking.

Setting the stage: Sadie is infront of the love seat lying on the hard wood floor having her diaper changed. Cameron is jumping all over the love seat.

Me: Cameron don't jump on or off the Love seat cause you could jump on Sadie

Cam: Why?

Me: Cause you could hurt her.

Cam: Why?

Me: Cause if you jumped on her she would get a boo boo from you and the hard floor.

Cam: Why??

And this is where it happens I start teasing/speaking and then comprehend a little late what I really am saying...

Me with a smile : I know why don't you lay on the floor and I'll jump off and we'll see if it hurts you??

Cam: Na.. I don't want to do that??

Me just like Cam: Why??

Cam (Laughing): Cause I don't want to

Me: Why???

Cam (Still laughing): Cause I don't want to....

Me: Why??

I still can't believe what I said... I from now on promise to handle the why questions better... Answer once and then ignore!!

What kind of mother am I???

"Lady Like"

2008-11-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

As a young child I could be a girly girl. I loved doing my hair or having my hair done, painting my nails. I loved pretty clothes, and I was notorious for doing cart wheels in the middle of church league basketball games. Despite my girliness I often heard the phrase "Megan that's not very lady like" Well Today's Blog is about my little girl Sadie Ruth

Just look at my beautiful little girl Could you even imagine that she is not 100% girl.
(No comment from the peanut gallery those who know her on a daily basis)

Well I see those same characteristics in my daughter... Loves to have her hair done, says "paint piggies"and loves her pretty clothes. (I'm sure she wont do a cartwheel in the middle of a basketball game cause she has an older brother to keep up with and be an example) However I often want to say to my 2o month old daughter "Sadie that's not very lady like."

Today was no exception. In our home we call passing gas... "toots" Sadie calls them "Tuts" Well today while Sadie was sitting on my lap she started to smile and get very still. As I hear her toot. SHE BEGINS laughing histerically "I tuts" she says. Then she proceeds to pass gas on command at least 3 more times. Each time laughing hysterically. And all I could think to say was "Sadie don't do that your gonna hurt your tummy." Which is totally false it probably will help her tummy to let out all that air... but what I really wanted to say was "Sadie that is not very Lady Like"

There are so many more other things that contribute to my daughters "unlady likeness". She pretends to burp and then says "ecuse me" while laughing and thinking she's cute. The icing on the cake is that she currently is sporting a very big and very purple shiner on her right eye. For Halloween I wanted to dress her up like a boxer cause she looks like one. Lastly let me give you the full picture of how undelicate my baby girl is... I think these pics speak volumes. hahahaha

I guess I will be frequently saying what was said to me as a child... "That is not very Lady Like"

Yikes!!!

2008-09-29T05:15:00.001-07:00

Well I felt yesterday's events were blog worthy so here it goes...

Well I guess the day really started at 2:00am when Cameron came into our room wanting Daddy to cuddle with him. We returned Cameron to his room where he slept until 6:30.

So we got up got the kids some breakfast had our cups of much needed coffee.

At 8am we all walked in the rain to the church to collect all the sound equipment needed for Peavey Lecture hall. (if your inquisitive as to why I can explain that another time)

So the kids in their jammies and Mike and I were busy at church. Nothing out of the ordinary just busy.

At 9:15 we ran home(still raining) I jumped in the shower and Mike got the kids dressed. 9:45 the kids and I were back out the door heading to church(walking in the rain again) off to Sunday School Mike stayed back to shower and get ready for church.

So I dropped the kids off and went back to Peavey. I ran to get a mic from the sanctuary where I ran into Someone that informed me People were looking for me because Cameron had thrown up in the 2's and 3's. I ran down stairs to find Cameron crying on his teachers lap. Pastor Tom cleaning up a huge throw up mess on the floor. So I took Cameron with me over to Peavey where I tried to get ahold of Mike who of course didn't answer the phone.

So now I'm in a dilema I gotta get Cameron home, get Sadie which Jes said she would take care of Sadie but I felt I needed to tell the nursery that was what was happening so that if something happened to Sadie they would know who to contact... That brought me to the conclusion I better just go get her. Thankfully I was relieved of any service reponsibilities so I didn't have to worry about that.

Well I run back over to the church and just as I was approaching the nursery door. Cameron starts throwing up again. ALL over my jacket and all over me(thankfully not in the nursery) I run to the bathroom where he throws up all over the Ladies room floor. So naturally two friends come to the rescue. (Thanks Sharon and Amie) They help me clean it up or at least cover it up until a mop can be retrieved. Amie grabbed Sadie for me and poor Cameron is crying over the toilet Saying "I not want to stay at the toilet." Of course two Sr. ladies enter the bathroom I just let them know to look out for the mess and of course say I'm soo sorry. Well Sharon and I grab my kids and off we go to Greet Mike at the MGR. So the four of us walk home in the rain.

Cameron did end up getting a fever, but no seizures. He did throw up several more times that afternoon and evening but we made it through another crazy "mikey" johnston family moment.

Honest and Yet Creative!!

2008-09-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

I discussed Cameron in my last blog and how honest he was about mommies Cleaning habits.

Now while he is very honest he is also creative.

So before church I run into Cameron's Sunday School teachers and this is is what they shared with me.

The class was reviewing what happened to Joseph in the story from the weeks before and Cameron perks up and says.. "I know Joseph was thrown into a hole." His teachers were quite impressed with his memory but found his next statement to be quite amusing. "My mommy throws me into a hole."

First I must say, "thank goodness his sunday school Teachers are my friends."

Secondly, This is why Cameron is not in preschool yet. His file would be a mile long with his creativity and story telling.

Lastly I can only conclude that this was Cameron's way of expressing sympathy (cause I can assure you I have NEVER thrown my child into a hole. ) Putting himself in Joseph's shoes. And that was the only way he knew how to express it. Maybe I'm over analyzing but I hope that if that's the case sympathy and empathy are wonderful qualities for my little boy to have. But until he can really express that I can only imagine the stories he's gonna come up with.
It is kind of funny when you think about it.

Too honest!!!

2008-09-17T18:10:00.001-07:00

I'm not quite sure what this says about my mothering/wife skills but here's how the afternoon went.

While my children were playing with Mike this afternoon I was busy cleaning... wiping down the bathroom, sweeping the floor, picking up toys (even had Sadie take some straggling toys back to the play room)

Well while I was busy at work Cameron says...
"Mommy you cleaning? Whose coming over?"

The sad part was I was cleaning cause a sitter was coming over for a little bit. My son has me down like a book. I do most cleaning when someone is coming over!! What kind of mom am I??? What am I teaching my kids.

So the story doesn't end there. When the baby sitter comes to the house.

Cameron says, "We clean the house so you can come over"
So not only does he know me well but then he has to rat me out!!! Nice!!!

It's only just begun!!!

2008-09-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

This a really old picture...
So I'm thinking that it may be time to stop the duo baths that my little boy Cameron and my daughter Sadie have been participating in. (OF course there is a story why)

So last night after giving my children a bath Cameron was watching me put on Sadie's Diaper something that he has seen me do probably thousands of times. Well on this particular evening Cameron was very curious. He came to observe this very common occurrence and declared

"Sadie not have a penis??"

I responded with... "No Sadie does not..."

To which he then responded "Why Sadie not have a penis? What is it?"

Can I just say while yes we are using proper terminology with our son I wasn't quite ready to introduce the correct terminology for girls.

So I responded with a "Well Sadie is a girl so she doesn't have a penis and that is how God made her."

Luckly he was satisfied with that answer.

Then Today...
Cameron's friend Jaydon started school. And so I was telling Cameron that Jaydon's new classroom was where I taught before he(cameron) was born.

Then I mistakenly said
"Yea, Cameron, I was a teacher in that room when you were in my tummy!!"

As Cameron responds very with a very cute question
"Mommy did you gobble me up?!!"

But this is not over.
His friend Jaydon yells to Professor Ranstrom... "I went to school today!!!"
And Cameron yells equally as loud... "I was in my mommy's tummy!!!"
He then continues to tell everyone he sees this new found information that he has just received.

Oh brother it has only just begun. I can't believe I've hit this stage of curiosity... However they do make some cute stories that I can totally use against him when he is a teenager and brings a girl home!!

Everything happens all at once!!!

2008-08-22T07:25:00.001-07:00

Mike starts double sessions today!!! So that means he is gone from 7am until 9pm everyday for the next week. If that is not enough... Two days ago I went to the Drs. with a horrible pain in my side. (I'm due for a Cat Scan to see If I could be potentially passing a kidney stone)

Then just before Mike was leaving for his very long day... Cameron spikes a fever!!! For those that don't know Cameron's history... Cameron is prone to have Febrile Seizures. So this means I don't just put my child on the couch let him watch TV feed him chicken soup and let him nap all day... This means a regimented schedule of Motrin and Tylenol... Frequent temp checks and Ice to the neck and joints depending on how high the temp gets. And of course he's still a little boy who thinks he can play at his normal speed(which with Cameron is Hyper speed) he hates being sick so I often get the brunt of his misery (when he was real little he used to just come up and hit me for no reason)... If that is not enough the Icing on the cake... Cameron is not the only one with a fever. Sadie has one too. With Sadie we can be a little more relaxed because she has not had a febrile seizure however we Feel that genetics are not in her favor considering Mike and I had the same condition that Cameron has. So we treat Sadie close to the same way we do Cameron (a few less temp checks and ice to the neck only if the fever gets really high) So I could use all the prayers I can get!! Pray that I can stay sane, calm, we are outside people and being stuck inside with beautiful sunshine outside is very hard for all the Johnstons'

This will be over in a week (lets hope)!

Let it out!!!

2008-08-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

(Just thought I put up pictures of some views of peace and happiness)

This is me totally laughing at how silly my mind works...
For those who knew me back in the day... (talking middle school, high school, and maybe even a little of college) I was known as a "crier" I could cry at the drop of a hat!!! For absolutely silly reasons.

Well in my old age... (hahaha) I worked really hard at not being that way!!! I've concluded I've been successful. (for those of you who knew me back then ask Mike he'll tell you he knew me then and knows me now!!!) I've reverted to the other extreme that I hardly ever cry. There is occasional cry if I testify at church or share my heart to a large group of people, oh yea and the postpartum craziness but I just wont let myself cry any more... "I have to be a rock for my kiddos... Crying will make Mike feel bad... I can't show any sort of weakness... There is no time to cry". Etc. However in my success I created a new issue. I carry my stress on my shoulders and back. Because of my new found "strength" I'm suffering incredibly. I have the worst kinks and knots in my back that I can't even take a deep breath... Everything in moderation the experts say... Well maybe I should let myself cry in moderation too.

So for those of you criers out there I commend you!!! Learn from me Don't stop. Just let it out!!!

Potty Blues!!!

2008-08-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I thought I went into this potty thing with pretty reasonable expectations. I knew there would accidents GALORE!!! However I thought that he would have at least one successful go at the potty. I also expected it to take 3 days for him to get it (just like everything else in Cameron's life) Plus he was so excited to use the potty this morning that I thought alright this is good, but good night!!! We have had lots of accidents (totally expected), But NO successes. I'm feeling like maybe I'm pushing to hard On the other hand Cameron has always had to have things done cold turkey. He is a creature of habit. HE HATES CHANGE!!! (I have no idea where he gets that from hahahaha for those who know me!!!) For example as a baby at 7 months I had to pull the plug on night feedings, I had to let him cry it out and it took 3 days. At 10months I had to ween him from taking naps in his car seat. (also took 3 days of crying at nap time) When we moved it took him 3 days of adjusting... for him to sleep until a normal hour of the morning. So I feel that I need to give this 3 days, but could he please have one successful go at it!! (Wait we may have a break through he was just standing next to me and he pulled down his pants and said, "I need to go poopies" PLEASE LET IT HAPPEN!!! I think I need it more then him)

Well there is hope and the day is not over!!! Pray that I have wisdom and patience for this new journey I'm embarking on!!!

My Baby Boy is 3!!!

2008-08-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

So 3 years ago today I gave birth to the most precious and energetic boy in the world!!! (I'm totally bias)

I was thinking back to the day he was born and just thought I would share a little.

My epidural was amazing until it ran out after hours of pushing and making NO PROGRESS!!!
When the Doctor recommended a C-section, He "kindly" began informing me that I was not less of a woman for going this route I kindly (in the midst of excruciating pain) said, "You could take this kid out my nose for all I care JUST GET THIS BABY out!!!" It's totally funny how you become another person when in that much pain. Poor Mike got yelled at in the delivery room when he tried to console me by holding my hand. I responded with a resound "DON'T TOUCH ME!!!" You always see women on TV say that to there husbands, and I often think the media does a poor job portraying real life events, often exaggerating them... But the media got that one right!!!

Many of my memories of that day and the days to follow are...
~The shear joy/excitement when Mike announced that the baby was a boy.
~And the way I felt every time the nurse would bring Cameron to me first thing in the morning. I truly experienced Joy when that little boy was returned after just a few hours of sleep!!!
~ The silly postpartum emotions of looking at my Son with panic and saying "are you really a Cameron. Did we pick the right name???"
~ Excessive crying in the middle of the night for no reason what so ever
~ Once we were home the 3 hours of crying that he would do from 3pm-6pm.
~ The pure angst I felt towards Mike for being able to lay there and sleep while I had to painfully nurse every 2-3 hours through out the night. And that my world had been turned upside down while his "appeared" to remain the same.

Having a baby is one of the most JOYFULLY Hard things you will ever experience (for those of you who maybe experiencing it now) I've concluded that is just how parenting is... Joyfully HARD!!! Once you get through the night feedings you deal with sleep training and then you enter the terrible twos followed by potty training and goodness knows what follows that (I can only look forward to them). So I hope that I can parent with a joyful spirit, but I'm confident that I will have those days when I pull out my hair yell... and other days where I enjoy every little thing my kids do and of course just think "could you get any cuter" (pic of Cameron Lovin' his new baby sister)

I must share one of those cuter then cute moments I just recently had with Cameron. While in Maine one night Mike had put Cameron To bed. At around 11:30pm (I was about 30min. into a very comfortable sleep) I hear a thud and crying coming from the room our kids were sleeping in) I run into a completely pitch black room(I could not see a blessed thing) I hear Cameron crying from the floor. As I reach down to my crying child who is wedged between the bed and a chair plus all tangled in his covers. He is traumatized from being abruptly woken up because he has fallen from his bed ... He so sweetly and Kindly says... "oh thank you mommy, thank you". As if I had just saved him from a near death experience. This just amazed me, Even in that moment my almost 3 year old had truly expressed gratitude!!! He was so grateful for my rescue. My kids amaze me daily.

Happy birthday to my 3 year old Cameron Michael Who has brought me such "over all joy" and amazes me in the funniest little ways.

7:54am and already a bad day!!!

2008-07-28T04:56:00.001-07:00

I wonder how anyone can have a bad day by 8am in the morning.

Starting with Sadie waking at 5am followed by Cameron soon after. They had gone to bed late so they have been really exhausted. There were fits over toothbrushes, fits over what we could dress up in. (I don't like Cameron to play dress up with his or Sadie's clothes... It just makes more laundry and we know I don't want that) Then fits over what we were eating for breakfast and even a fit over the fact that the pancake would not stay on the fork!!!!

Then I went to make my MUCH NEEDED CUP OF COFFEE and we are out of COFFEE Filters.

7:00am I give the children a bath, but I'm not dressed I'm still walking around in a tank top, and PJ pants, and of course NO BRA!!! I'm due to walk at 8:30am so I have more then enough time.

That brings me to the icing on the cake.

At 7:45 this morning there is someone knocking at my door. (not gonna lie it seemed like a pounding on the door) . Now usually if it is Mikes workers I know they can wait a min. and I can go get something a little more presentable on before I answer the door. Well today I look to see my former landlord standing there. So I panic just out of sheer shock and open the door not even thinking about what I'm wearing!!! But once I did I totally relized what I was wearing and then tried to play the cover up game with the door and my arm. I mean I should never be seen with out a bra, it is just bad news. I was so embarrassed!!!! And he needed to know where mike was. Of course Mike was at work not at home, however was in a meeting with his new boss. GOOD GRIEF!!!

Needless to say I'm treating myself to a Dunkin coffee this morning!!!

The truth!!!

2008-07-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't know what to write about so I thought I'd share this little thing that happened yesterday!!

My husband finally spoke his view on our "story"

When you meet new people a question often asked "is how did you and your husband meet??"

Well for those that know Mike and I you know the story- we've known each other sense we were 3 and 4; started dating at 13 &14; then broke up at 17 & 18; got back together at 19&20, engaged at 21&22, married at 22&23, Kids by 25&26 etc.

Well When I tell the actual story the break up at 17 & 18 is generally told by me I always say initiated the break up and of course I go into the drama "That mike started during the break up" I must say I'm never fair in telling the story I make Mike look like the bad guy during the break up always laughing about it of course... Then I explain that at the end of my freshman year of college we get back together leaving out details because they aren't funny. And he generally keeps quiet, but not Last night. He turns to our friends after we are laughing about some of the drama ("That he started" of course) and He then he chimes in "YEA BUT WHO CAME CRAWLING BACK???" Of course totally true, but man I now know he totally enjoyed and was amused by me and my completely humbling moment in life!! The truth comes out!!!

To funny!!!

The new battle

2008-07-14T08:23:00.001-07:00

So I was wondering today am I alone??? Does anyone else's 2/3 year old do this

I have a strong willed child!!! His new way of control is to play this new game. Here is how the dialog will go

Me: Cameron let's go read books before naps

Cameron: No I don't want to read books

Me: O.k but you still have to take a nap
(I put Cameron in his bed)

Cameron: I want books

Me: O.k.
(Lay down to read a book)

Cameron: I don't want books

Me: I leave

Cameron: Scream and cry, "I WANT BOOKS"
All until he falls asleep!!

He has been doing this for everything!!! (play dough, movies/TV shows, Playing outside)

Bottom line is I think he has to many choices... All because I really don't care. I don't care if he plays with play dough (either you want to do something special or you don't) But man my kid is trying to control me and stall when he does this switch of choices!!! And I find it really FRUSTRATING!! Is ignoring it the best thing. Sometimes I leave the books out so he can look at them himself or I will leave the play dough on the table so when he wantst to play with it he can go get it.

I don't know!!!

On my own pool side!!!

2008-07-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

So I decided to try a day at the pool me, the kids, and an array of friends. It was actually not so bad. Cameron is actually quite independent at long as his swimmies are on. So really I only have to hover over Sadie. And hover is what has to be done because she is a little dare devil. She always wants to be in the action and she is fearless. (nothing like her mother)

We had one little miss hap where she went diving off the step to grab the toy that floated away from her he ended up fully under the water. All within an arms reach. I scooped her up and she was fine. And she napped from 1:30-4:00 when I woke her up to go home. So the afternoon was for the most part a breeze. (minus the anxiety of not being able to hear her if she cried and fearing she would wake my napping in-laws).

It was a great day!!! and I'm tired!!!

Confidence in Routine

2008-06-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

As a former educator of young children (3-6) I often emphasized the importance of routine in a child's life. That when life is routine they are more compliant because they know what to expect and what is to come. However I've now concluded that this routine is not just benificial for the children but for us as parents too.

When we are out of routine (which feels like most of the summer, vbs, vacations, days at the beach, pool side, etc) I find myself constantly 2nd guessing my parenting. A later nap or a later wake up time make me doubt how the rest of my day should go. My children generally eat when they are hungry and nap when they are tired, but over tired and beyond hunger are when disasters strike, and the tantrums begin especially for my oldest.

Today was no exception. Trying to get back to our normal routine just was ONE BIG BATTLE!!! So much so I resorted to Super Nanny's bedtime technique. Child gets out of bed there is no talking from you while you return the child back to bed. I HATE THAT!!! (works but I don't like it). And I won the battle but I'm left to wonder(2nd guess) did I try to put him to bed to early, or did I miss that window that all those sleep books tell you is the best time to put them to bed. (Also I can't stand to see my child that out of control. ) Oh well this is life and this too shall pass.
Boy I can't wait until he is a teenager!!!

Back to Bloggin'

2008-06-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

I always liked blogging on myspace, but now I've followed the crowd and decided to use facebook as my contact to the outside world. I've missed blogging. So here I am. We'll see how I do.