tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314666062024-03-06T23:46:26.407-06:00Green Eggs and Windham<center>Displaced Texans in search of ways to be more green.
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</center>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-74974594166390577922009-01-13T21:20:00.004-06:002009-01-14T08:47:31.882-06:00New BlogI did it. I caved and went over to WordPress.com.<br /><br />Here's my new blog address: http://lovedlikethechurch.wordpress.com/<br /><br />To go directly there - <a href="http://lovedlikethechurch.wordpress.com/">A wife loved like the church</a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-27351024718217071462009-01-10T09:01:00.003-06:002009-01-10T09:36:19.459-06:00Let's face it, I'm a bullOnce my mother told me that it would take a team of wild horses to change my mind when I was convinced of something. Later in life, Jonathan told me that I'm like a battering ram that just keeps hitting the wall until it falls. I'd have to say, both these statements are pretty accurate. I'm stubborn. I'm bull headed. And the only thing that really keeps me from plowing my way through life (leaving behind helpless victims) is the grace of God. <br /><br />As of Wednesday/Thursday we decided that we're not finding out whether we're having a boy or a girl.<br /><br />Can I just say that this is no small issue for me? In my mind, I figured that I could (and would) plow my way through this issue just like I have done many times in the past. My way or the highway. Geez, don't you feel bad for my husband? Out of all the women in the world, he winds up with a stubborn mule. Anyways, at women's prayer on Wednesday I was convicted that I needed to really surrender over my will on the "gender issue" to Jonathan. As an act of obedience to the Lord, I told Jonathan that ultimately my heart's desire was/is to follow him more than to find out the sex of our baby. *Honesty time: What I really meant was "I want to follow after you but still get my way. I'm saying these things because I mean them, but we're still going to find out. Right?"*<br /><br />God makes me laugh. Because He created me, He knows me inside and out. Ok, Sarah's will is bending, but her heart still isn't one hundred percent. How can I, the creator of Heaven and Earth, ensure that not only do I have my daughter's will, but her heart? Oh, right, I'll just not let her have an ultrasound. <br /><br />Say what?! <br /><br />As I am slowing my battering ram down (so that the wall doesn't fall at such a rate that my husband would really notice until after it came down) God reinforces the wall. It turns out that our insurance won't cover our ultrasound. Which means, that if we want to have one, we have to pay out of pocket (which will be over $500). Now, there are some side stories - if my midwife thinks that we still need one we can have one (that is covered) but rather than calling it "routine" it will need to be "medical". However, one of the nurses I spoke to yesterday said that the likelihood of us having one is small, since we've delivered one healthy child, had an ultrasound with this baby, and so far the pregnancy has been smooth.<br /><br />And of course through all of this I am a calm and collected Christian. Hahaha! I make myself laugh. I'm a bull, remember. I get this news and call every single resource I know of in order to help me take down this wall. I mean, come on, now it's not about the "gender issue" it's about the safety of my child. After all, you can't possibly deliver a healthy child without an ultrasound. The midwife might miss something. I might miss something. The ultrasound is the only way to determine the outcome of my baby. <br /><br />Or not. <br /><br />I spent most of Thursday in a bad mood. I won't lie. I was a slight pain in the butt. Perhaps I went from battering ram to one of those oxen they use in running of the bulls - horns out to get anyone. All the same, it took a good 24 hours before I realized that the wall wasn't moving. And that God was still good.<br /><br />I called my sweet sister-in-law to tell her this most disastrous news. Her response: "Sarah, praise God! Your heart's desire was to follow your husband, and now He made it possible to do so without any temptation or unnecessary debt." Riiight... Not exactly what I was going for, but hey if what she said was what God needed for me to hear in order to get through my bull head, it worked. I started to realize that God is giving me a way out. All the time I knew that I wanted and needed to follow after Jonathan, but in the back of my mind had plans to still find out the gender. I was going to knowingly sin. I was going to knowingly disrespect Jonathan. Wow! Am I a lovely person or what?! Rather than go through all of that, God simply said "No." And I am pretty okay with that. He knows what He is doing. He knows what is best for my life, my child's life, my family. Who better to put my trust in then the Almighty?<br /><br />"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Psalm 39:7Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-13805261309555252972009-01-08T22:17:00.001-06:002009-01-08T22:19:43.756-06:00Truthful Thursday - Job 37"We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence." Job 37:23-24Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-54025977100231922022009-01-05T15:20:00.004-06:002009-01-05T21:49:15.971-06:00On to number two!I think it's funny how little you meditate on, dream about, and talk about pregnancies after your first. I think it has a lot to do with the newness not being the same, or the fact that you (or at least me) seem to be way to tired and busy to stop and really enjoy being pregnant. Ok, ok, I admitted it. I am one of those crazy ladies who actually enjoys being pregnant. Sure, the sickness isn't all that great, but all the same, there is a tender wonder in having a child growing inside you and I just love it.<br /><br />At any rate, we've scheduled our ultrasound for the 29th. We naturally wanted to find out with Julia whether we were having a boy or girl. We thought it only natural so we could plan and choose names, etc. However, this time around Jonathan is wanting to wait. He has good reasons why (babe - you can post them in the comments if you want), but again I want to know. I feel like with Julia, it allowed me to form an attachment with her. We called her by her name, I sang her her song (Julia by The Beatles), and daydreamed about what it was going to be like to have a daughter. <br /><br />What do you think? Should we find out? I set up a poll on the left hand side of the blog so you can give your opinion. Also, even if you think we should or shouldn't find out, what would you do (or have done)? Did you like (or would you like) knowing or not knowing?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-37033830597685010342009-01-01T20:48:00.002-06:002009-01-01T20:57:26.558-06:00Happy New YearAnd all that jazz.<br /><br />We just got home from <a href="http://www.gccweb.org/conferences/faithwalkers/index.html">Faithwalkers</a> and visiting with our family. It was awesome, but I still need more time to process everything I learned before I send out my thoughts into the blogging world.<br /><br />On the trip home, Jonathan, Fletcher and I had a long conversation about New Year's resolutions. Good, bad or just plain silly?<br /><br />I tend to make (and actually keep!) one resolution each year. It tends to be something I have wanted to do but need a good starting point and visible finish. <br /><br />Here are a few of my past resolutions:<br /><br />- give up chocolate (did it, but boy was it hard!)<br /><br />- give up fast food (McDonald's, Wendy's BK, Taco Bell and a handful of others)<br /><br />- read through the Bible (started off strong, but when I got preggo with Julia is was all I could do to function that reading more than a few verses at a time was nearly impossible)<br /><br />Does anyone else start (and get pretty close to finishing) new resolutions?<br /><br />I've got my resolution for this year - journalling. Doesn't sound like a lot, but I haven't done a very good job with it and know that I really need to have in my life. This weekend I'm buying a journal and getting started.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-92218772298278559132008-12-24T12:05:00.003-06:002008-12-24T12:08:31.889-06:00Wordless Wednesday - Christmas edition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWirD8KFIbzjr85HxhWLs0M5jl8ePCFnMc_9QPS3Rc9YfKsXfK2GPQpb_XAKna9bHP76E_HtldidfztkcBYgKF3OuSHRR5yJ7iX90QdislteYaEcN5lTfMFZNyMfvhg-NtGvdsyQ/s1600-h/DSC_0146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWirD8KFIbzjr85HxhWLs0M5jl8ePCFnMc_9QPS3Rc9YfKsXfK2GPQpb_XAKna9bHP76E_HtldidfztkcBYgKF3OuSHRR5yJ7iX90QdislteYaEcN5lTfMFZNyMfvhg-NtGvdsyQ/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283419845566787330" /></a><br /><br />See more at <a href="http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/">Wordless Wednesday</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-29081539161511415282008-12-20T12:54:00.004-06:002008-12-20T13:14:30.084-06:00What I wish I had know six months ago - A letterDear Sarah,<br /><br />Right now the world is your oyster. Well, not really, but you feel like you've discovered some new amazing world-saving idea. Cloth diapers. Sure, they are great. There are some benefits that you will love. But let's face it, you need to know the cold hard truth. Who better to lay it out for you then you yourself. Older (only a little) and wiser (actually, that's debatable).<br /><br />Here goes; When Julia starts pooping like a crazy woman, you will think cloth diapering is the stupidest thing ever. Seems hard to believe, because right now Julia's digestive system is as it's always been. This will change. And you will suffer the consequences. Thankfully you (or do I need to say "I"?) are stubborn as a mule, so despite daydreaming about stopping this insanity you will push forward. In fact, you will set your mind to clothing the need baby (which, I should for warn you, comes sooner than you think). <br /><br />I know you have a pact with Jonathan that you two will not travel with cloth. But, you will. Rest assured, it will be easier than you think.<br /><br />Always have a diaper handing when you go out. I cannot stress this enough.<br /><br />Start buying all of Julia's pants for six months older than she actually needs. The truth is, your daughter will have a ghetto booty thanks to cloth. I suppose she should live it up, since this will never be the case again.<br /><br />This coming winter will be lots of fun. Julia will really enjoy playing in the snow, however, be aware she doesn't like snow on her face. A word from the wise, layering in cloth = impossible. Don't even try it. You will get half way through bundling Julia up before you will need to strip her down to put on a disposable so that all her clothes actually fit over her bottom. <br /><br />It's going to be an adventure. One that you will find yourself doing alone more than you know. Julia will get a couple of gnarly rashes, but you'll find a trick for preventing them. Oh, and it turns out, Jonathan can't really handle poopy cloth diapers. Who knew?<br /><br />Love,<br />YouSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-53752729406324891252008-12-15T20:35:00.002-06:002008-12-15T20:39:34.673-06:00Spoiled? Never!Not Julia. Jack.<br /><br />Every morning Jack gets up to an hour (ok, ok, much longer most days!) to snuggle up in the bed covers. <br /><br />Spoiled? Jack? Never!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDnodRo80nXNXx8joIktwCTb-ysaQE53shvjkc7ubqUZaQ_6hDHMIRhL5V28HMd1HvZ6W-UhK9cK2kPORQqwilAaYoAl3vRSa74Gz8EHfXWsAd3lmUZsMOnm5vuaN4UYAihpkWQ/s1600-h/DSC_0222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDnodRo80nXNXx8joIktwCTb-ysaQE53shvjkc7ubqUZaQ_6hDHMIRhL5V28HMd1HvZ6W-UhK9cK2kPORQqwilAaYoAl3vRSa74Gz8EHfXWsAd3lmUZsMOnm5vuaN4UYAihpkWQ/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280211975638951282" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-57570579852711476992008-12-11T14:08:00.004-06:002008-12-11T14:16:53.172-06:00I've learned a lot this holiday season, just by going to the mall1. That every person over the age of 60 goes to the mall in the middle of the day during the winter.<br /><br />2. This makes it challenging to find parking when you want to go play at <a href="http://www.theicm.org/">ICM</a>. <br /><br />3. There is a difference in Christian raised children and world raised children.<br /><br />4. Julia will consume 6+ ounces of milk in the time it takes me to walk from Target to the play gym. <br /><br />5. Always have more milk handy.<br /><br />6. No matter how girlie I dress Julia, some old man always says "How old is <span style="font-style:italic;">he</span>?"<br /><br />7. Santa scares a lot of kids.<br /><br />8. A lot of kids scare me.<br /><br />9. Our economy isn't doing too bad if there was a line out the door at Panera, all the cash registers were packed at Target, and I didn't spot one person without a shopping bag.<br /><br />10. I am grateful for a wonderful morning with my wonderful daughter.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-30096660053649479922008-12-08T19:23:00.003-06:002008-12-08T19:41:28.344-06:00I knew this day would come...And while I am excited, part of me is sad too. <br /><br />Julia is weaned. <br /><br />When I found out I was pregnant again, I decided that I would wean Julia before the end of the year. Before I had planned to keep going for a while after her first birthday, but frankly I would like a little rest before the new baby takes over. So as of Saturday, Julia has been taking a bottle with whole milk and not nursing. Things have been good. She's taken well to the change, and so have I. In fact, Jonathan is putting her to bed tonight. Which I think is really, really sweet.<br /><br />This whole nursing/weaning thing kinda makes me laugh. Especially when I think about this time last year. I absolutely HATED nursing. It was painful, long, and difficult. I had to wear a shield which made it challenging to ever nurse discreetly in public. I begged Jonathan to let me switch Julia over to a bottle. I begged Julia to switch. But deep down I knew that wasn't my heart's desire so I stuck with it. And from day one I counted down the days till she would wean. Eleven months, 2 weeks, and 3 days. Nine months, 1 week and 1 day. Etc. However, some where around 4 months I started to really enjoy our time together. I finally got rid of the shield and nursing seemed to change. Something I hated became something I loved. With this new love came the desire to nurse well past a year, maybe even closer to two. <br /><br />Part of me is sad that this phase of our mother/daughter relationship has ended. It's a reminder that she is getting older and more independent. But at the same time it's exciting. Not only is this letting me explore other ways to bond with Julia, it makes me feel accomplished. I nursed my child! For a year! Whoa! Sure, sure, I know that <a href="http://www.who.int/en/">WHO</a> would tell me to go longer, but I am thrilled with where we made it and that I kept going despite set backs. Makes me feel like a good mama. <br /><br />One really great thing: We started giving Julia a bottle to help her wean (I know people have their ideas about that, but it works for us). Anyways, the great thing is that with the bottle we seem to have even more cuddle time. Several times during the say (more than we ever nursed, which frankly was a lot!) Julia will come up with her bottle, sit in my lap and we cuddle. We read books, listen to music or rest together while we are cuddling. And it is a super feeling.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-28673589186714322292008-12-05T09:20:00.003-06:002008-12-05T09:25:43.285-06:00Joy aboundingI got an email from my friend, <a href="http://mccains.blogspot.com/">Alicia</a>. She sent me the following blog post and I couldn't resist putting it up. Maybe it's because I read it and thought "Whoa, is this lady writing my life?". Really, it seems like you could merely change the gender of the child and you would have my life story from the past 12+ months.<br /><br /><br />I was shoving my breakfast into my mouth as quickly as possible. My very fussy newborn son, colicky and cranky, was becoming increasingly discontent in his bouncy seat. With my free hand, I grabbed my Recovery Bible to read a quick verse as his squirms and moans escalated. I decided James was as good a place as any to read, and came across these verses in the first chapter:<br /><br />Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.<br /><br />At that point, two minutes into my not-so-quiet time, my son began screaming at the top of his lungs. I took that as his saying that he'd been disregarded long enough and wanted to be picked up. I looked down at my half-eaten breakfast, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.<br /><br />Great joy. What an appropriate passage for the current state of my life.<br /><br />My son, then still a newborn, was high-need from the beginning. Anyone who has a high-need child knows exactly what I'm talking about. It's nearly impossible to accurately describe the "high-need" child unless you have one yourself or have experienced one at length. I'll give you a glimpse into what this looked like in our case.<br /><br />He was never one of those babies that you could put down easily for a nap or a diaper change, or so you could try and get something done ... well, for any reason. In fact, he generally screamed at the very instant you attempted to lower him into a horizontal position.<br /><br />Then, at 2 weeks old, he started screaming for no reason we could find. And he wouldn't stop. We eventually learned that he not only had a bad case of colic, but he also had acid reflux that required medication, and he was sensitive to many of the foods I was eating and consequently feeding him. So I went through the long and tedious process of eliminating all potentially irritating foods from my diet. We eventually figured out that dairy, soy, corn, wheat, nuts and most seeds all sent his system into screams of pain.<br /><br />He was also a horrible sleeper. We tried every trick in the book to get him to sleep better: We tilted his mattress so the acid reflux wouldn't bother him as much. We swaddled him. We rocked him, we played music for him; we put the fan on while he was sleeping for background noise. We tried bedtime routines, reading books, everything short of letting him scream for hours.<br /><br />I prayed and prayed that God would make him sleep better. I asked friends and family to pray with me. I read sleep books and scoured the Internet for any ideas on how to improve this situation, implementing all sorts of ideas that I thought might help, but my son refused to be wooed to sleep by any of these expert methods.<br /><br />I eventually realized I should probably be praying that God would give me strength to deal with whatever my son needed. I didn't want to pray that! And the epistle of James was of no comfort. Being sleep-deprived and malnourished, I wasn't particularly interested in hearing about how this trial was producing endurance and perseverance in me, especially after nine months of it.<br /><br />What made it worse was that in public, he was often a happy go-lucky baby. At church, everyone would exclaim, "What a good baby! What a happy baby!" I wanted to respond, "Well, you should come over to our house later this afternoon and stay for about eight hours." Though I held my tongue, in my heart I wanted everyone else to know how much I was suffering. I also grew bitter and resentful at those around me whom I felt weren't helping me as much as I deserved.<br /><br />Maybe I expect my faith to come easily. Maybe I've bought into the lie that if I'm living for God, everything will be peaches and roses and happiness. And my friends can be like Job's friends: quick to criticize, assign blame and point the finger, but slow to offer help and encouragement.<br /><br />There are definitely some things I'd do differently if I had to go through this again. I'd ask for more help. I'd reach out more. I'd read stories in the Bible that demonstrated God's faithfulness, as well as look back on my own life and remind myself of the times God has shown Himself true and strong in my life thus far. I'd pray more "Your will be done" prayers, rather than always just asking for God to change my circumstances.<br /><br />As I write this, my son has recently turned 1 and still doesn't sleep through the night. In fact, it's a good night if he only wakes up once or twice. And I'm actually totally OK with that. When people ask me if he's sleeping through the night and I say no, they look at me as if I have three heads.<br /><br />But coming from where I've been, one to two wakings a night is like a walk in the park. He now regularly takes his naps in a bed rather than on my lap or in a moving stroller. His temperament is a thousand times better, and I can tell he's getting enough sleep. He's now pretty easy-going at home and in public, and everyone still comments on how happy and well-behaved he is.<br /><br />And I'm different. Sure, I still get frustrated. I still wish he slept better and wish I could put milk in my coffee and peanut butter on my gluten-free bread, but my attitude has changed. My prayers have changed. I now pray that God will give me pockets of time to spend with Him. I pray that I would have time to pray. I pray while out walking with my dog and my sleeping son in the stroller. I read the Bible and pray on my knees during those times when he does go down for a nap.<br /><br />And I have some joy. Not all the time, and I certainly wouldn't categorize it as "great joy," but it's there. I'm definitely learning to be content despite, and in the midst of, this trial.<br /><br />Trials test our faith. My faith has certainly been tested during the past year, as well as a few times before that, and I'm sure it will be again. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I asked lots of the typical questions, like why God allow our faith to be tested, and how God want us to respond to trials.<br /><br />These verses in 1 Peter 1:6-7 answer both questions:<br /><br />So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.<br /><br />You know what my favorite parts of that passage are? The parts where it says there is "wonderful joy ahead" and that our trials will last "for a little while." This trial will not last forever. I can honestly look back at the various trials I've been through — struggling with my weight, my sexuality, my health — and praise God that He allowed me to come through those things. My faith is stronger for it.<br /><br />James writes later on in his letter, "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Awesome.<br /><br />Amy Carmichael, a missionary who cared for orphans in India for 55 years, said it best when she wrote, "In acceptance lieth peace." I've found in my life that acceptance is everything. When trials come, I tend to go into fight mode. As Paul prayed for God to take his thorn away, I cry out over and over for God to take my trials away. God has responded to me the same way He responded to Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."<br /><br />So these days, while I still pray that God would do something supernatural in many of my circumstances, I also pray for the strength and patience to endure whatever He allows to come my way. I pray for joy, acceptance and contentment in everything I experience. I pray He would grow me to the point where I will truly consider my trials to be opportunities for joy.<br /><br />This blog was written by <a href="http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001902.cfm">Brenna Kate Simonds</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-88519840865857235712008-11-27T20:06:00.007-06:002008-11-27T20:19:52.687-06:00Truthful Thursday (Thanksgiving Day edition) - Psalm 50"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..." Psalm 50:14a<br /><br />The babe is tucked away in bed, we are home from spending the day with good friends, our stomaches are full, and I am thankful. <br /><br />There are many, many things in my life for which I am thankful; <br /><br />1. A husband who shows me the meaning of unconditional love daily, no hourly.<br /><br />2. A daughter who delights my life in a way I could never before have imagined.<br /><br />3. A family who is crazy but wonderful.<br /><br />4. A Heavenly Father who blesses me far more than I could ever deserve; who loves me at my worst; who is faithful to me far, far more than I will ever be to Him; who sent His one and only Son to die a sinner's death just so He could spent eternity with <span style="font-style:italic;">me</span>. Whoa.<br /><br />God is amazing. His greatness humbles me day after day. And while I am thankful that I can spend my earthly life rejoicing in Him, I am even more thankful that I can spend eternity in His presence praising Him.<br /><br />God, I love you. Thank You for Your goodness and grace, I am undeserving of everything You have given me, from my salvation to my daily life, and that makes You all the more amazing to me. Your daughter, SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-91773280405228816142008-11-25T10:15:00.000-06:002008-11-25T10:15:08.401-06:00Toilet to therapist's couchIn my quest to start potty training (or at least learning more about it), I have come across very, very strange ideas. One of those is that being potty training before two is a sure fire why to send your child into emotional distress and thus leading to mental therapy later in life. Another (and obviously my favorite) is that diapers are made better and better nowadays and thus we should take advantage of them until the child is entering school (approximately 4-5 years old) and must be potty trained in order to attend. Umm... no. <br /><br />Now I realize that I have never, ever potty trained someone. I imagine it is difficult and trying on both the mother and child's patience. I can only think that there is a level of self-discipline that moms are called to (in taking the child every 20-30 minutes all day, every day) that I have never known. I am also realistic that potty training doesn't just "happen", especially if the child is very young, and that some children take longer to "get it". <br /><br />But saying that Julia will be emotionally scarred from the experience, or that I should just let her decide when she is ready, seems bogus to me. I mean, sure, if you are pushing them, making it a horrible experience, I can see the downfall in that. However, if, like all parenting should be, you act in love, patience, gentleness, I would see the experience as enjoyable and even fun. Well, as fun as pooping and peeing can be. <br /><br />I am currently planning on starting potty training come the spring. I thought that we could start sooner, but that would mean keep the house really warm during the day, and for me to have my act together. I am a little doubtful on that last part. Seriously, if I can let my clean laundry sit in a basket for nearly a week, I don't think I'm ready for a new adventure.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-55213803902439500452008-11-23T10:04:00.001-06:002008-11-23T10:04:00.282-06:00Julia MabelOne year ago today I set out on a life changing course. I became the mother to a wonderful, beautiful daughter. Our first months together were rocky, actually, that might be an understatement. I had no clue how to feed, clean, change or care for this tiny life that expected everything from me. Then there was the crying. Endless crying. I mean, I can't totally blame a person for being upset when they have gas, especially when they have never actually used their internal organs. But still, crying babies aren't fun. I don't care who you are, they just aren't. It's a proven fact. And to top that off, if you've read any post on my blog you are all too familiar with our anti-sleep rules. Technically, they aren't Jonathan and mine's, but Julia's. So, roll together complete ignorance, complete dependance, raging hormones and emotions and you will get a new mother. <br /><br />I can remember thinking that everyone around me seemed to "get it". All the other moms seemed to have their lives together, knowing beyond a doubt what each cry meant, what each grunt would or would not lead to. I felt like I had stepped into a final totally unprepared, with a sense of utter failure. <br /><br />But God is good. Oh so good.<br /><br />One year has past. I will never say that I am a perfect mom, but I will say that I am the best mom for Julia. I can read her almost better than I can myself. I know when she is tired, hungry, angry, happy, or frustrated. I understand her "signs" for more, food, and all done. I know that certain situations will delight her, while others upset her past consolation. I have become her mom.<br /><br />Through this past year, learning who Julia is has not been my biggest feat. More than that, has been learning who God is through me. I am continually humbled and amazed at who God is, who He has called me to be, and how that relationship reflects on my parenting. <br /><br />I always thought it silly when people said that God wants to be in control of every area of your life, every area of your parenting. But I have come to learn that it is so true. I can tell when I am in control and when the Holy Spirit is in control. I know the difference between Sarah-led Parenting and God-led Parenting. And in those moments I realize that there is no way I can make it without God. There is no way that I can produce a kingdom building, God loving, selfless daughter unless I am that way. And I can't be that way unless I center absolutely everything on Christ. Funny how that circle works. <br /><br />My life is blessed. My daughter is a blessing beyond what I could imagine. She has been a true delight this past year and I am looking forward to many, many more.<br /><br />In celebration today, we will be having poppyseed chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake. This is my birthday dinner each year and I am passing it along to Julia. :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-79250333720158528732008-11-20T13:46:00.002-06:002008-11-20T13:58:30.409-06:00My life in two yearsToday I got to watch my friend, <a href="http://amommaonamission.wordpress.com/">Leah's</a>, almost 3 year old girl, Belle. It was a lot of fun, and gave me a good insight to what my life will look like in two years with a 3 year old and *gasp* 18 month old. <br /><br />Here are just a few of my favorite moments:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Choices*</span><br /><br />Me: Belle, what would you like to drink? Milk or water?<br /><br />Belle: Apple juice.<br /><br />Me: We don't have apple juice. Just milk or water.<br /><br />Belle: Lemonade.<br /><br />Me: Water it is!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Where's your daddy?*</span><br /><br />Belle: Where's Jonathan?<br /><br />Me: He's at work.<br /><br />Belle: Why?<br /><br />Me: Well, he works during the day just like your daddy.<br /><br />Belle: You mean Jason.<br /><br />Me: *laugh* Yes, Jason.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Animal or food?*</span><br /><br />Me: Belle, do you know what that is? (pointing to a gorilla in a picture book)<br /><br />Belle: No.<br /><br />Me: It's a gorilla.<br /><br />Belle: I eat granola!<br /><br />Me: *laughs* No sweetie, I said gorilla, not granola.<br /><br />Belle: Well, it sounds like granola. I eat granola.<br /><br />After that, I don't think I will ever be able to eat granola again without thinking about gorillas. They really do sound alike!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Obeying*</span><br /><br />Me: Belle, thank you so much for obeying and cleaning up!<br /><br />Belle: My mom obeys me.<br /><br />There was more to this conversation (don't worry Leah! I think she was a little confused as she later said she obeys you), but I was rolling on the floor at this point. <br /><br />Ahh, things are going to get interesting in the Windham household!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-36408651617580974662008-11-12T10:50:00.001-06:002008-11-12T10:50:01.218-06:00Wordless Wednesday - Peanut butter face<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jEA3jjbX7Dm8CuI-UhnsdnYzBZ5A3za4EM4jRl_JoT-3WoKHOYlAS4OhceKkQzEo_n86WGmZo4gAFi2dbvrxIhjpCfiNVvRItX8auXJVK2gkM_c3mXvZAhLK87hVvv0LdPJohQ/s1600-h/DSC_0226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jEA3jjbX7Dm8CuI-UhnsdnYzBZ5A3za4EM4jRl_JoT-3WoKHOYlAS4OhceKkQzEo_n86WGmZo4gAFi2dbvrxIhjpCfiNVvRItX8auXJVK2gkM_c3mXvZAhLK87hVvv0LdPJohQ/s320/DSC_0226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266516100958393858" /></a><br /><br /><br />See more at <a href="http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/">Wordless Wednesday</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-14804513499705877912008-11-11T10:27:00.002-06:002008-11-11T10:30:08.308-06:00Uh-ohEvery time Julia accidently drops something, hits something or falls down, I always say "uh-oh". <br /><br />Yesterday she threw something down, I heard it crash, followed by "uh-oh". Totally precious.<br /><br />Now all morning she's been walking around saying "uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh". I can't help but laugh.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-86594968125109448762008-11-08T22:34:00.002-06:002008-11-08T22:47:46.560-06:00Potty trainingMore and more lately I have considered potty training Julia over the next 6+ months so as to have her out of diapers by the time Dubya Dos arrives. In all reality this is a long shot, but some part of me is hopeful that it could be done. And here's why... gory details and all.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago Julia was taking a bath. I was sitting next to the tub reading, when she stood up along the side to start interacting with me. I was still half reading, half playing when I realized she was acting a little, well, strained. Immediately I asked "Are you pooping?". Obviously, she gave no answer but a grunt was enough to confirm what I expected. I picked her up, sat her on the toilet where she did her business. A few days later, during a diaper change I caught her pre-poo and dashed off to the bathroom. <br /><br />Then again tonight we had another random success. We allow Julia to have naked time sometimes after she's just had a diaper change. So tonight during NT I noticed that she was needing to using the bathroom. I sat her on the toilet and she did her thing. Pretty impressive for a 11 1/2 month old. At least I think so.<br /><br />With these "victories" under my belt, I can't help but wonder if I could feasibly potty train a 1 year old. I've heard about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elimination_communication">elimination communication</a>, but mostly viewed it with an upturned nose. Now I'm starting to reconsider my stance on EC and toying with the idea of having a few diaper free days, to assess the situation. Hmmm... This might require laying down some plastic all over the floors, or scheduling for <a href="http://iowacitywaterdamage.com/">Robert</a> to come clean our carpets the following day! We'll see. I always have grandiose ideas that don't pan out exactly as I imagine, and this could just be one of those.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-63725630447394903592008-11-06T09:23:00.000-06:002008-11-06T09:26:30.846-06:00Truthful Thursday - Galatians 5"Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian." Galatians 5:23-25Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-490968193589059872008-11-04T09:18:00.002-06:002008-11-04T09:25:28.638-06:00One of those daysYou know when you have one of <span style="font-style:italic;">those</span> days. A day where you are counting down the hours and minutes until you can crawl back into bed, white flag waving. Yesterday was one of <span style="font-style:italic;">those</span> days. <br /><br />Julia and I both are suffering from our first "winter" colds. Poor little girl (and poor mama!) woke up at 12:30 am because she couldn't breath through her nose, didn't go back to sleep till close to 1:30 and woke up for the day at 4:45 am. Not quite how I wanted to start my day. <br /><br />But, in all things rejoice.<br /><br />As a way to love and support me, Jonathan surprised me last night with:<br /><br />a bag of M&M's<br />a hand written love note<br />a bouquet of flowers<br />and....<br /><br /><br />a roll of Christmas wrapping paper. <br /><br />He's the best.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-49361961785530069402008-10-30T13:44:00.003-05:002008-10-30T13:55:13.345-05:00Truthful Thursday - Luke 21"But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives." Luke 21:12-19<br /><br />My apologies for not posting more on Truthful Thursday. It's not as though there isn't enough truth to post, as there is more than I will ever discover, but just a lack of time on my hands. Today's truth resonated in my mind about losing my "rights" as a Christian. I say "rights" in the terms of how this world defines it. The idea of losing my "right" to free speech, to voice my beliefs is concerning, but Jesus has already told me this would happen. He didn't promise peace on earth, but betrayal, anger, fear, hate, evil. However, he did promise that not a hair on my head would perish (I take this to mean, I will be saved from hell, not that this earthly body will go unscathed). I read this and some part of me, perhaps the daring, fighting Sarah, wants to say "Bring it on, when you mess with me, you mess with God", and I gain reassurance that this world is not my world, this home is not my home. I am merely biding my time until I can go home and see my Father.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-56919150701523594042008-10-27T17:00:00.002-05:002008-10-27T17:09:50.563-05:00But I thought women loved shoesLast winter and spring Julia never wore shoes. She was barely sitting up on her own, so I figured there was no need. Then the summer rolled around, she started crawling, pulling herself up, and walking with assistance. Still, I figured it was too hot to wear shoes (as I hardly even wore them) so we went shoeless.<br /><br />Fall has fully arrived and with it comes the <span style="font-style:italic;">need</span> for shoes. However, convincing Julia that <span style="font-style:italic;">she</span> needs them seems to be a daunting task. Every time she wears her shoes she screams for a good few minutes, tugging at them, nearly begging for them to come off. Eventually she is distracted and doesn't seem as bothered by them, but without fail, she will at some point notice them and freak out yet again. Hmm... This was not an issue I foresaw when doing research on when to introduce shoes.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-46319692871644672862008-10-24T14:38:00.004-05:002008-10-24T14:53:49.979-05:00My one and only post on the electionYou can be a Christian <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> a Democrat.<br /><br />You can be a non-conservative <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> a Republican.<br /><br />No matter what you think about each candidate, we have an amazing privilege to choose our country's leaders. And for all you women out there - your privilege is even more sacred. Your foremothers did a lot in order to ensure your right to vote and for your voice to be heard. Make sure to live up to their sacrifice, make sure your voice is heard. It doesn't matter if who you want to win wins, what matters is that you took the steps to voice your opinion, to voice your choice.<br /><br />“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes - goodwill among men and peace on earth.” Albert EinsteinSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-27658925907159931232008-10-20T21:58:00.002-05:002008-10-20T22:07:59.922-05:00Tired, so very, very tiredWe are finally working on Julia's last feeding time during the night. Which means that for the last couple of days, we've been waking up between 4:30-5:30, and dealing with lots of crying and very little sleep. Blerg. However, I am hopeful that we are near the end. That once we get through this last time we are at least on the up and up (hopefully, hopefully, hopefully!) and will be enjoying a few months of peaceful rest before the next babe arrives.<br /><br />The funny part about it all, is that already Baby Dubya Dos is keeping me up. While, even as I type, my body is completely exhausted, I can't sleep. It seems that during the middle of the night, early in the morning and occasionally during the evening "morning" sickness sets in and keeps me so nauseated that I can't sleep. Total bummer. I try to nap as much as I can during the day, as I have found when I do I don't get as sick. But when that isn't possible night time sleeping seems a little more difficult. <br /><br />Fletcher just made a Sprite run (ahh! I know it has HFCS, but I'm desperate!) in hopes that it will help settle my stomach. It's done a pretty good job, but I'm gonna need to find a better (and healthier) alternative for later. <br /><br />Well, here's to trying to get some good sleep tonight!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466606.post-81255974145743690202008-10-15T09:02:00.001-05:002008-10-15T09:02:00.225-05:00Wordless Wednesday AND Truthful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3tuoKLsoyVt6ydHLa998t4CJmQtbtc_PcDEQk43i6_FzApiR3T88Pfxl9ePF3Uw7ItteC8wwOMYkCaTY4HIgvA_yMor2YM_KIrkUccU4iRky5waNrK1FpaSpt5jPjQu-sJyRPg/s1600-h/preggo+test.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3tuoKLsoyVt6ydHLa998t4CJmQtbtc_PcDEQk43i6_FzApiR3T88Pfxl9ePF3Uw7ItteC8wwOMYkCaTY4HIgvA_yMor2YM_KIrkUccU4iRky5waNrK1FpaSpt5jPjQu-sJyRPg/s320/preggo+test.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255876743513697522" /></a><br /><br /><br />"Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!" Psalm 71:6<br /><br />"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:13-16<br /><br />"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." Psalm 127:3-5<br /><br /><br />Go here, for more <a href="http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/">Wordless Wednesday</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383586735979135045noreply@blogger.com6