Life's Lessons

I'm so behind on my updates. And there is so much to tell! So, I've decided to start with the most recent and move backward. :)

Poor Mark had a tough day yesterday. He came home from play practice very discouraged. He said that the cast had practiced the song where he is the featured soloist. And he had trouble hitting any notes. The song sounded sloppy, and he was corrected frequently by his director. Then, some of the other kids made comments to him like, "Why did you sing so bad?" and "Why were you so off key?" Mark described it to me as, "they were making fun of me." But I understand it to be 'kids being kids.' They speak before thinking about how their comments may hurt someone else. I told him that, and I tried to encourage him to put this day behind him and just focus on practicing his song more intensely. That seemed to help.

Then, just before bed, he seemed discouraged yet again. As I tucked the boys into bed, I asked Mark what was wrong? After a little bit of prodding, he finally opened up to me and told me that it's been hard adjusting to public school. I asked him specifically how? He said he has made plenty of friends, but it's embarassing when kids leave him out of certain joking or conversation because "he's a Christian and won't understand what they are talking about." He feels like he is treated like a baby, just because he is a Christian and has come from Christian school. I encouraged him that he has obviously done a great job at taking a stand on issues. And the fact that they know his morals is a great sign that he is living how he should. I reminded him that we are to be set apart. We are 'aliens' in this world. I explained that all these different interactions are teaching him how to live as a Christian in a worldly environment.

He said, he would rather just go back to Christian school. But after I explained that Christian school is just a 'safe zone' and he needs to learn how to survive in the real world, he really understood why it's important for him to be among non-believers. I used the butterfly as an example. When the caterpillar enters the cacoon, it is in a safe zone. But it cannot stay there forever. In order to fulfill it's destiny, it has to push its way out into the real world. It's a painful process. But without the struggle of pushing its way out of the cacoon walls, the wings would not gain enough strength to fly! It's the same way in life. We HAVE to go through hard, uncomfortable situations in order to learn and grow and be strong enough to be who God wants us to be in life. Even in this situation, feeling persecuted by kids who don't understand his faith, Mark is learning how to stand strong. I reminded him to pray for wisdom right in the midst of those circumstances.

Then I shared a few instances where I struggled in my younger years. And it wasn't til years later that I realized, "Wow, Lord, you really used that to teach me and strengthen me...and you never left my side!" Lastly, I told him that I now live my life remembering those tough times. And I stand firmly knowing that the same God I saw at work in previous situations is the very same God that will help me through tomorrow.

I love how he totally understood and accepted what I was saying. I can't believe my little boy is now facing life on his own! He's having to learn for himself how to rely on God for wisdom. And he's having to stretch his wings little by little. God, please continue to give us wisdom as we lead and shape our kids!!! Amen!

This Week In News...

Mark auditioned for community theater. It was his first time doing a singing audition at this level. And he actually landed a main role! (Lucky little booger!) He will be playing the part of Schroeder in the musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Mom and Dad are beaming w/ pride!!!

Reese has had a rough week. I even got a call from the teacher, saying he had a lot of trouble focusing this week. He ended up coming down with a fever Saturday night. Well, that explains that! Poor kid has been fighting something. :( I've been enjoying all the snuggle time I can get with him while he feels under the weather. I've always said, he is my sweetest child. And moments like these snuggle times remind me what a sweet boy he really is. I want to protect him always!

Rina enjoyed her very first sleepover Wednesday night! Her best gal pals, Ava & Alia, invited her over for the night. Never did I think I would let my daughter start sleepovers at such a young age. I mean, 4 years old?!?! But, they are like family to us. So, I was happy to let her go. And Miss Independent had a blast away from home. :) They made pizzas & brownies, watched movies, and did french braids & cheek glitter. So fun! Can't wait to post pics!

This past month...

Reese lost his two front teeth. Mark lost a side molar. Rina lost her earring.

Lacey ran away twice....and luckily came back home....with her tail between her legs. (Little stinker!) Ryan has been working a flex schedule, so we get Mondays off together. I've thoroughly enjoyed our Monday mornings together! While the kids are at school, we've been going out to breakfast or doing shopping. It's like a date every week!

Mark has adjusted to public school. He's made lots of friends. And recently he's become obsessed with learning card tricks. He carries a deck of cards in his pocket wherever he goes, ready to baffle his friends and family. Such a cutie!

Reese, we've been told, has the best handwriting in his class! And he only had one word misspelled on his first spelling test. He spelled "We" like "Wi"

Marina absolutely loves preschool. She went on her first field trip to a fire station. She is having a blast being such a big girl!

And I'm loving the job. So busy. So hectic. But also so fun! It gives me a fresh feeling of accomplishment. I like that. :) And I've made some dear new friends. Being a full-time Mommy was very fulfilling. But being a working Mommy is an all new kind of fulfilling.

I LoVe this quote!

...just read this today on a friend's webpage:

"Behind every successful woman,
there is a pile of dirty laundry!"

...do you agree???

Dear Mark,

I know this has been a season of transition for you. You were uprooted from all your friends & familiar surroundings in private school & made to start fresh in public school. But you have made us so proud with your good attitude. After a little hesitance, you accepted this change with an adventurous spirit!

After only 4 days in public school, your true character has already shone brightly. And this has also made us so proud! On your first day, you stood up to a kid who was defacing bus property. On your second day, you kindly shared with a girl who was without, even amongst teasing from other kids who don't understand a giving spirit, and assumed you were crushing on the girl. And today, you protected Reese on the bus by telling a loud-mouth kid to quit swearing in front of your little brother!

I love how willing you are to take a stand for what is right. And I love how fearlessly you face each situation. You are not swayed by what others might think of you. You are a leader at heart. And I just can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use your strength and conviction to affect this world! How I love you, buddy! XOXO

When we go out......

Analytical Mark is the first to ask, "Where are we going?"

Social bug Marina is the first to ask, "Who will be there?"

And homebody Reese is the first to ask, "When can we go home?"

First Day of School '09

Little Marina began 4yr old preschool today! She has been so excited all week! She is lucky enough to have her best gal pal, Ava, in her class as well. :)


Reese is starting 1st grade! He is such a big boy! We took him to meet his new teacher earlier this week. Reese enjoyed checking out his new classroom and sitting at his new desk. I think it will be a fun year for him. We are so proud! He was excited to ride the bus with his big brother for the first time. Next year he will riding with his sister. I love the memories these kids are creating w/ each other! :)


Mark is entering 5th grade this year. It's a year of great change for him, because he is making the switch over to public school, after attending christian school for 6 years! He really misses his friends. But he is excited to meet new people, try something new, and not have to wear school uniforms! lol!

He is also very excited to be able to ride the bus with his little brother. :)

A Milestone

This week I have truly hit a milestone!
All 3 of my kids are in school! Mark just entered 5th grade, Reese entered 1st, & Marina just began preschool. Wow! I'm a working woman now, with no kiddies at home!

It's so strange. I didn't think this day would come so soon! It makes me realize that all the long sleepless nights, the potty training, the nursing & cuddling, the midnight feedings, heavy carseat carriers, unattractive maternity clothes, stretch marks, etc....EVERYTHING!!! It all was worth it! And it all was for a short season in life.

Now I enter a new phase in life. It's a super fun one too! School projects, after school sports, youth group lockins, weekend sleepovers, chauffering preteens to the movies, etc, etc....that's the next phase in life. And I'm so excited!

For a time, while the kids were infants and toddlers, I felt like I had completely lost my identity. It was so hard! I became a burp cloth. A pillow. A machine that met needs. At least that's what it felt like at times. I also enjoyed their first smiles, first steps, and every dimple & chubby little finger grasp. But thru it all, I felt like I had lost my own identity. Life was wrapped up in the tasks and responsiblilities of motherhood....with very little reward involved. At least not immediate reward. No paycheck. No "thank you's." No bonuses. LOL. In its early stages, motherhood is an investment of time, sweat, and even tears.......with no visible gain in sight. We do it out of love for our sweet bundle of joy...and for the sheer knowledge that someday we will reap the benefit of the long season of sowing.

Well, sure enough, I'm finally at that stage of reaping! I see my kids entering social situations with confidence and the knowledge of what's right and wrong. I see them enjoying different experiences and accomplishing many things. It's awesome! And little by little it's my turn to gain some more of that identity back....beyond simple motherhood. I'm free to take on an office job, spend time working out, fit into clothes that I like for fashion rather than function, etc.

It's a very surreal time in my life. I don't know why. I guess it takes awhile to readjust the way I think about myself and about life, after living in a certain mindframe for over 10 yrs. But I'm excited for what's to come. And I want to encourage other new moms to hang in there. Motherhood is fun. And rewarding. But it can also be tedious and unforgiving. It's in those times I want to say, hang in there! The fun is on the way! And you'll appreciate every moment invested into those little guys when you see them bloom into the confident, happy, smart little boogers you'd hoped for.

So, here I am...super excited to journal all the coming stories and experiences that come with this next season in life. But first, here's a video I came across in my archives. It's one of my favorites of the kids when they were so little. Poor Marina!


Tough Girl...

Summer has come and gone!

I can't believe I haven't found time to update ALL SUMMER LONG! It's been that jam-packed and amazing! After Kid's Camp, I plan to sit down and do some pic uploading and journaling. :) That's right! I said KID'S CAMP!!! So exciting! Sunday, August 9 we head down to Carlinville to prepare for the 85 campers that will be arriving Monday afternoon for an amazing, powerful camp experience! Check out our Kid's Camp blogsite all week long for updates on our crazy games, messy field competitions, and awesome worship services. http://kidsconnectioncamp.blogspot.com Please pray for our safety and wisdom in reaching these young kids for Christ.

It's been so long!!!

Life has been crazy busy.
But it's been really good too.
I can't believe I haven't posted for over a month.
So much has happened. :) I will update real soon.
xoxo

High Honor Roll

Drained

There are so many interesting events happening around the world. In the entertainment world. In the political world. In the religious world, etc. And my mind typically overflows with commentaries and opinions about what is going on. I'd love to give my input here.

But, honestly, I have been so drained lately. I can't even seem to connect two coherent thoughts without being interrupted by whining, crying, and fighting in the background. I've just about had it! I love my daughter. And I love little Emma. And I reeeeally treasure my job as mom and caregiver. But these girls really need a break from each other. They fight and whine constantly! And their cabin fever is making me crazy. CRAZY! I feel like my nerve endings are screaming!

I have no creativity left. And no energy to think or share an opinion. It's so frustrating. 3 more weeks, and I start my new job. I'm so excited about it! What a welcome, fresh start! A chance to think, create, and be useful. I can hardly wait.

But I realize that I need to give 100% to the job at hand. Lord, please give me the patience and endurance that I need for these last 3 weeks. Help me to have a good attitude and to be a blessing to these girls in these last few days I have w/ them. And please reduce the amount of daily "MOMMY!!!" 's to under 100. Thank you. Amen.

Mother's Day 2009

For Mother's Day, Papa Bill took our whole family out for a fancy brunch at the Westin Hotel in Itasca. It was their Mother's Day champaign brunch. The food was amazing. So many things to choose from. And the tables and decor were so elegant. Every mother was given a fresh rose as they sat at their table. We had fun celebrating all the moms in the Brody/Dahms clan.

After brunch, we headed home for some chill time. When everyone was settled, I headed out on my own to some of my favorite stores. Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack, JCPenney's, and Kohls. It was so fun to quietly browse all the clothing racks without any child interrupting! And I took my time trying on fun outfits. I ended up making a few purchases. At Nordstrom Rack, I splurged on a very impractical....but extremely cute....leather jacket. And at Kohls I found several cute pieces to add to my wardrobe for when I start my new office job. What a relaxing day! A perfect Mother's Day! Ryan was so sweet to take care of the kids so I could have some ME time. :)

Soccer!

When friends disappoint....

I'm having to re-learn a lesson I learned a long time ago.
Be careful not to place unrealistic expectations on other people. Friends, family, spouse, etc... Because, in their humanity, when they can't live up to that expectation, it only causes hurt, dissillusionment, and even resentment. It's unfair to everyone involved.

I've recently been deeply wounded by something a close friend said to me. This friend is unaware that it hurt me. And I don't plan to reveal it, b/c I know this friend didn't mean any harm. But what it has done is caused me to self reflect. And I realize that I had been placing too high an expectation on this friend. I had been expecting this one person to fill too many holes. And when they weren't able to live up to that, I was hurt, devestated, and even becoming bitter.

So, I'm the one that needs to change. It's tough admitting that sometimes. Especially where anger is involved. So, I'm stepping back and re-evaluating my friendships.

And I'm eating a whole lot of chocolate. It's been a pretty lonely week. :(

BIG day!!!

I went in for my official interview yesterday. I was formally offered the job and gladly accepted. I'm so pumped!!! Starting June 9, I will be working on staff in the Children's Dept @ Calvary Church. Ryan and I are super involved in that ministry on a volunteer basis. So it seems like a very natural step for me to join their team on a professional level.

The job itself is going to be so fun! Part deskwork (emailing volunteers, typing up event info, speaking to parents & volunteers about event rsvps, etc) and part hands-on work (research/brainstorming ideas for service curriculum, shopping for supplies, artistic creation of props & object lessons, etc). The perfect outlet for my creative itch. :)

The part that made this decision so bittersweet was having to break the news to my current employer. For 3 years I have provided in-home childcare for sweet little Emma. She first came into my care as a tiny 6 month old infant. Now she is a 3 year old busy, inquiring girl. And along the way, she and her parents have become like family to us! So, breaking the news to them was painful!

They were so gracious about my decision. But also emotional, which made me want to back out of the new job altogether. Yet, at the end of the day, I know this will be a very monumental and valuable change in my life. And they are completely supportive of whatever I do.

So, it's official! After being a stay-at-home mom for over 10yrs, I'm actually taking on a job outside the home! It makes me a little nervous and anxious....but it makes me very thrilled and excited! I see how God has met our needs the past few years...by opening the door for this childcare relationship. Now I see Him opening the door for a new job. And I hope I can be a blessing and an asset to this ministry. :)

"Jesus Toys"

Marina still plays with a nativity set that I had kept in her room around Christmastime. It's a tiny set of porcelain figurines that she calls "the Jesus toys." It has Mary, Joseph, the wisemen, a shepherd, and a tiny little baby Jesus.

Tonight she called upstairs to Ryan, "Daddy, can you bring me my 'Jesus toys'......and the baby too?" LOL! Who does she think the baby is???

Modeling Without Makeup

Now this article I like! It's about time, people!

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/yay-french-elles-amazing-no-makeup-issue-and-why-american-mags-need-to-step-it-up-446538/

In honor of this amazing leap in the beauty industry, I will post my own picture of myself without makeup. Coming soon....

Predicting Marriage Success...

This article caught my eye on Yahoo! News today:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090414/sc_livescience/smilespredictmarriagesuccess

Um.....you cannot be serious?!?!

Easter Service

During the crucifixion scene of the Easter service, Mommy tries to assure a worried Marina, "Don't worry, Jesus will come back alive. And He will beat the bad guys and WIN!"

Marina replies, "Mommy, after Jesus wins...can we go home??" LOL!!! I think I laughed all the way until the resurrection!

Easter 2009

Saturday morning the kids awoke to special Easter baskets awaiting them on the kitchen table. Then we participated in the annual Oakhurst Egg Hunt. The kids got to meet the Easter bunny and gather candy-filled eggs w/ other kids. Then we headed to the mall to finish purchasing our Easter outfits.

Saturday evening, we attended the Easter service at church. It was an incredibly powerful and creative presentation of the gospel message. They had a Stomp routine, full choir, special artist Sarah Kelly, human video, biblical drama with live animals, etc...

Sunday morning, we arrived at church bright and early in our Easter best outfits. In Kid's Connection Rye & I presented character monologues as part of the creative gospel message. I played Mary Magdelene and Ryan played Peter. I helped to lead worship at the end of service. It all came together to make a great Easter service for the kids.

After church, we met the rest of the Brody clan at Buca's for a special Easter lunch. Then we headed over to Grandma and Papa's house for another Easter egg hunt. What a fun weekend for the kids! And what great experiences we shared in church, in the neighborhoods, and as a family. :)

So Much More!!!

We just finished a 10 week study of the book of Esther.
I began the journey with hopes that I would find a way to let God break some personal bondages in my heart. But even that seemed too good to be true, since I have unsuccessfully fought these inner battles for years. Yet God showed Himself to be so much greater than I dared imagine. Not only did he break those bonds and set me free.....He also gave me an insatiable hunger for His Word. That's something I hadn't specifically anticipated. But, boy, am I glad He did it in me! I sincerely feel forever changed. I wish I could be so open and honest about every step of the journey....so that perhaps someone in those same shoes could be encouraged. But I believe some things are meant to be kept between myself and my God. And perhaps others who are struggling can be encouraged merely by the result....a confident woman, free to love herself, others, and her Creator. Free to live in relationship & daily communion w/ Him. If you've never experienced that before, goodness sakes! You're missing out! Please don't wait. Run to Him. He's waiting. He always has been. And if He can wait as long as He did for stubborn me to come around....He can wait for anyone. That's the thing tho. He doesn't just wait. He also prods and tugs and beckons us to join Him in relationship. Amazing. The power of the Cross means so much more to me this Easter. :)

Morales Girls' Road Trip!

To celebrate Mom's bday this year, we hit the road to travel down to Springfield, MO to visit Lindsey and Brian. We had such a blast together! Shopping, dining, and even hitting up an Improv/Comedy club! Such good times!!!

Fruits & Veggies

I've started using my juicer.
It's crazily addicting!!! I feel so much energy on this vegetarian menu that I've actually kicked the coffee habit. A 3-year habit of downing 2 cups of coffee a morning, just to wake me up.......GONE!!! No w/drawal or headaches. Weird!

And, seriously, my craving for junk food=completely GONE!!!
I may take a bite of a chip or and sip of a soda...and I have to push it away b/c it is completely unappealing to me anymore. So, so weird!!! What I crave now are my fruit/veggie juices, my baked sweet potato for lunch, and my fruit/protein blend for snack. Here's the recipe for the fruit/protein blend. I 'borrowed' it from my fave coffee shop:

1 Cup Frozen Fruit (you can easily buy a bag of frozen fruit at a grocery store)

1 Cup Soy Milk

1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Oil (also can be purchased at any grocery store)

1 Serving Protein Powder...optional (I added this ingredient on my own, just for an extra protein boost)

Blend it up and it's a really good, nutritious alternative to those high-cal Foo-Foo drinks that I've been drinking for years!

Next step=start working out!!!

Decision Time

I had it all planned out.
I was going to start taking a writing course thru Christian Writer's Guild this summer. And I was going to spend my summer w/ my kids the way I always do....taking nice long walks in the morning, hitting the pool everyday, and just enjoying our time together without school or any other time commitments. Then in the fall, I was going to continue my writing course while providing my 4th year of childcare for little Emma...which is a flexible job w/ gr8 pay. The girls will begin preschool this fall, so I was looking forward to having a few mornings each week ALONE...free to workout, get coffee with a friend, or just work on my writing assignments. I feel so strongly that God's plan for my life includes writing. Getting His message out thru the written word. That's so exciting!!!

BUUUUUUTTTTTT......this week I was verbally offered a different job. It's a job I've wanted for a long time. A very exciting opportunity. But at what cost??? I would have to sacrifice some of my time w/ my kids. And many details in our daily life would have to change. Could I manage this new job, have quality time w/ my kids, AND continue w/ the writing course?? I'm tired just thinking about it! lol. But selfishly, I want it all! (blush) So....what do I do???

I feel like I have 2 doors standing in front of me. Both are enticing and both have reward behind them. But they both cost a measure of sacrifice as well. Which do I take??? I'm at a total loss!

Thankfully, I have a husband behind me who supports me through every decision. We plan to sit down and discuss the options. I pray that as the leader of the home, he will have wisdom to point things out that I just don't see. (He is so good at that!!!)

I'm also comforted by a single thought: In the midst of a storm, or confusion, or uncertainty, God calls us to hide in the shelter of his wing. He is a Rock, and we can find safety within his cleft. I recently heard a speaker mention that in times of darkness, when you just can't see the answer or the way to go, it's then that we hide in the cleft. He covers the opening with His hand, and we are safe inside. Yes, it's dark in there, but we can rest assured that He has never been closer than times like that! And later on, when we look back, we can see just how close He really was. Thank you, Lord, for your safety and security. Please give us wisdom. And give me strength to make the right choice. And to have peace about that decision. Amen!

Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 63:7 "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings."

Quotes of the Week

While Ryan and I were discussing various favorite music from the 90s, Mark piped in and said, "You know, I'm the best thing that happened to the 90s!" Oh WOW!!! He must get his humility from his father!!!

Marina was playing with her plush kitty beanie baby, when suddenly she informed me, "Kitty is licking her coo-coo...just like Lacey do!" Yes, people, 'coo-coo' is what we call it in this house. lol!

This one puts me over the edge! I sent Reese to school with lunch money the other day. (Mainly because I didn't have time to pack him a lunch). It was his first time purchasing 'hot lunch' at school, so I clearly prepared him for the situation, not wanting him to panic when he didn't find his lunchbox in his backpack that day. After school, I drilled him about lunchtime. "Reese, did you give your lunch money to your teacher?? Did you get hot lunch today?? Did someone help you?? What did you eat??" To which Reese replied, "I had chocolate milk." Hmmm.....chocolate milk. "What else did you have Reese??" "Nothing. Just chocolate milk." Instinctively, my motherly feathers were ruffled, and I wanted to know why in the world my child was not fed lunch! Before accusing the school, I asked Reese again and again, "Are you SURE you didn't eat anything?? Nobody gave you lunch?? You only had chocolate milk??" To which he gave me the same reply. Only chocolate milk. Hmmm.... So I called the school office and nearly chewed out the first unsuspecting lady that picked up. She transferred me to Reese's teacher, who assurred me that Reese HAD eaten an entire lunch that day. He had been given a choice between nachos and a cheese sandwich...and he'd chosen the cheese sandwich. Having been hasty in accusing the poor teachers, I quickly covered my embarassment by thanking this teacher and telling him I had been SURE Reese was misrepresenting the truth. (I know, I lied!) Phew! Hang up the phone....and go confront Reese. "Reese, are you sure you didn't eat lunch?? Not even a cheese sandwich??" Reese looked up and said, "Yeah, I had a cheese sandwich...and chocolate milk....AND applesauce." What?!? My goodness, child!!! I'd just been duped by a 6yr old!

Marina's 4yr old pics...

Mommy curled Marina's hair so pretty, painted her nails, put a pretty outfit on her, and added a pink pearl necklace. Then Mommy swiped some blush on Marina's cheeks, and some shimmery gloss onto her lips, and a little purple shadow on her eyelids. Just for fun. When Marina looked at herself in the mirror, she could hardly believe the transformation! "Mommy! I'm Princess Belle!" Then we grabbed the camera and went outside to take some pictures of this recently turned 4yr old. ;)