Gabe will be 3 on Thursday. I only get 18 years with him...and 3 are over. Makes me want to step up my mommying.
And Ell is 10 months: crawling, saying "uh oh" "dada" "mama" and once he said "thank you". He nods his head and has clapped his hands a couple of times. It's going too fast!
Busy Holiday season in full swing, 3 Thanksgivings last weekend, Gabe's party last night, probably celebrating with my family this weekend, church programs, then celebrating my birthday and Christmas with Jacob's families. A little thing we like to call the "divorce shuffle". We love being with all of our families...the best thing.
Life is so good. I am so blessed. The Lord is everywhere, loving us and showing us that He's watching and listening and he cares so much about us. Do you know Him? Do you know how much He loves you?
Dec 3, 2011
Oct 31, 2011
How the Engle's Do Fall
This is what we've been up to:
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| Long Walks at the Cabin Pasture |
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| Figuring Out How to Crawl |
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| Pumpkin Patch with Good Friends |
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| Visiting Southern Missouri |
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| Cheering for K-State! | <><><><>
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| Baking with Pumpkin, Mommy's Favorite! |
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| Drummimg, for Hours, Everyday |
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| Bundled Up Walks with Mom and Dado |
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| Climbing on Everything |
Oct 20, 2011
Subbing!
Today I am a music teacher again. We are watching a movie...anticlimactic. But it's still so fun to be around the kids...Jr high is awesome.
Heading to see mom this weekend. Should be a beautiful drive and I always look forward to the company. 8 uninterrupted hours each way with my best friend and handsome husband. The leaves are turning for fall...it will be beautiful! Hopefully we'll hike on Saturday.
I also love showing off my kids. Mom hasn't seen them since June. And I think they are super cute. FUN Weekend!
Our house showed this morning. Praying...
Heading to see mom this weekend. Should be a beautiful drive and I always look forward to the company. 8 uninterrupted hours each way with my best friend and handsome husband. The leaves are turning for fall...it will be beautiful! Hopefully we'll hike on Saturday.
I also love showing off my kids. Mom hasn't seen them since June. And I think they are super cute. FUN Weekend!
Our house showed this morning. Praying...
Sep 25, 2011
The Older Man
Jake turned 30. We had a super date...eating out kid free in Manhattan. I think we look pretty good for 30. I mean...I'm not 30 yet. But he is!
Aug 22, 2011
Summer Rocks!
Just a quick pic update:
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| In the backyard pool with friends |
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| On Papa's trampoline laughing at big brother |
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| Swimming in the lake! |
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| First time on a tube! |
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| In the creek near Grandma Booboo's house |
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| Showing off my muscles in the backyard |
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| "Splashing park" |
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| Zoo with Mommy |
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| We all fit on this one |
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| Fishing with Daddy. (Actually, Mommy caught this one!) |
Apr 25, 2011
Yes and No
Saying "No" is a talent my two-year-old possesses. I call it a talent, because I don't know how many self-help classes/books/workshops I have experienced that have touched on practicing saying that word. Now, mostly, Gabe uses it to rebel. He isn't using it the way I should...
Most often, he only says it to do the opposite of what I say. Consequently, reverse psychology is a gem these days. If I want him to say "yes" I simply tell him "that's a no." And he asks "Is it yes? I say yes." I know this isn't the best parenting technique. But sometimes, I just do it because it works.
Even though I don't use "no" the way I should, I don't use "yes" effectively either. I don't mean when it comes to Gabe. (I already admitted how faulty I am in using it with him.)
It's true that we should all get better at saying "no". I LOVE a project. I love planning, budgeting, and sometimes even completing a project. I get excited about the possibilities and all that I could add to it. I am blinded to the committment and work it will require and I say "YES!!!" Wrong answer, Em.
But I want to say that these days, I have been experiencing a true NEED to say yes. It's when people offer to help me. It happens all the time. "Can I hold Elliott for you for awhile so you can take a nap?" "If you need anything, let me know." "I'll do your dishes so you can rest." "Just tell me what you need and I'll do it." "Would you like to borrow my baby seat and see if keeps Elliott happy?"
And I say, "No, thank you." "I'm Ok." "We're making it for now, but maybe later."
Take one step in my front door, see the MESS I am in, eat the last minute meals I have been feeding my husband, or listen to my to do list and you will know that the answer should be "Yes, Yes, YES!!!"
So, what am I up to today? I said "Yes" when Grammie offered to keep both boys ALL DAY and I am cleaning, paying bills, grocery shopping, doing laundry, cooking a GOOD dinner, and teaching piano lessons. (And blogging...better get to work.)
Most often, he only says it to do the opposite of what I say. Consequently, reverse psychology is a gem these days. If I want him to say "yes" I simply tell him "that's a no." And he asks "Is it yes? I say yes." I know this isn't the best parenting technique. But sometimes, I just do it because it works.
Even though I don't use "no" the way I should, I don't use "yes" effectively either. I don't mean when it comes to Gabe. (I already admitted how faulty I am in using it with him.)
It's true that we should all get better at saying "no". I LOVE a project. I love planning, budgeting, and sometimes even completing a project. I get excited about the possibilities and all that I could add to it. I am blinded to the committment and work it will require and I say "YES!!!" Wrong answer, Em.
But I want to say that these days, I have been experiencing a true NEED to say yes. It's when people offer to help me. It happens all the time. "Can I hold Elliott for you for awhile so you can take a nap?" "If you need anything, let me know." "I'll do your dishes so you can rest." "Just tell me what you need and I'll do it." "Would you like to borrow my baby seat and see if keeps Elliott happy?"
And I say, "No, thank you." "I'm Ok." "We're making it for now, but maybe later."
Take one step in my front door, see the MESS I am in, eat the last minute meals I have been feeding my husband, or listen to my to do list and you will know that the answer should be "Yes, Yes, YES!!!"
So, what am I up to today? I said "Yes" when Grammie offered to keep both boys ALL DAY and I am cleaning, paying bills, grocery shopping, doing laundry, cooking a GOOD dinner, and teaching piano lessons. (And blogging...better get to work.)
Apr 21, 2011
Project: Success!
My house was a mess. Like...the worst it's been in awhile. I had to FILL my kitchen countertops with all of the dirty dishes to get them off of the table to do this project with Gabe. But it was worth taking the time. We had a great time making bird feeders together.
We had some pinecones we got at the park on Sunday afternoon. I tied some strings to them.
You should know that I haven't seen ONE bird on these. But it has been dreary and rainy since we made them on Tuesday morning... I hung them where Gabe and I could see them while we eat our breakfast and lunch together each day. Hopefully we can take some pretty bird pics to update you. =)
We had some pinecones we got at the park on Sunday afternoon. I tied some strings to them.
Not sure how that string will hold up when the birds start tearing into these, but we'll see. Next, we added some peanut butter!
Messy! Next came Gabe's favorite part. I put some pretzels, almonds, and cereal in a big freezer bag and we used a hammer together to break the food into bird size pieces.
Finally, we rolled the pinecones in the food. They looked kind of pretty, but even prettier tied on our tree.
Apr 14, 2011
Better Days
Look at my sweet boy and his Daddy:
Our weekends have been so fun lately. Maybe having busier weeks with less time together is making our weekend time seem more precious. And maybe we're over the hump with the toughest season with a new baby in the house. We are sleeping a bit more. I think we all look less tired, more relaxed, more joyful!
Even Ell is smiling! We have almost caught it on camera.
Apr 1, 2011
Yesterday, as I was sitting through another rushed dinner with my family, I realized that I physically feel more relaxed and just better when my husband is home. I know it's unrealistic that I could have him here all of the time, but I am sure missing him these days. And our lives are so hectic! And our kids are only still so small! How is this happening to us? I hope we can reassess and figure some things out.
Still, our days are full of joy. Elliott is 2 months old already.
He is a FUSSY baby. He hates being on his back, so it's hard to keep him happy when he is awake. He sleeps a lot these days, which is a nice break from the crying. And we sleep him on his tummy. He's just so happy when he's on his tum. I know we're breaking the rules. I am bracing myself for a big lecture from my doctor on Monday, but until I know what's wrong with him, and why he hates his back so much, I'm going to try to just keep him happy. Poor kiddo.
He is sleeping much more at night now. I'm only up twice and he eats and goes right back to sleep. I do feel tired, but it's so much better than it was a week ago. There is hope!
Gabe is awesome to be around these days. Yesterday, we invented a new song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Pig". He laughs uncontrollably when we sing it. And this morning, I handed him a wooden spoon to play with and he says "I go get fiddle" and he gets his guitar, but pretends to bow it with the spoon. I don't know where he has seen this. Pretty creative.
I am anxious to get outside with them after nap time and walk. Maybe we'll go check out track practice and see what that handsome pole vault coach is up to! Also, I get to get my hair cut this afternoon. What a treat!
Still, our days are full of joy. Elliott is 2 months old already.
He is a FUSSY baby. He hates being on his back, so it's hard to keep him happy when he is awake. He sleeps a lot these days, which is a nice break from the crying. And we sleep him on his tummy. He's just so happy when he's on his tum. I know we're breaking the rules. I am bracing myself for a big lecture from my doctor on Monday, but until I know what's wrong with him, and why he hates his back so much, I'm going to try to just keep him happy. Poor kiddo.
He is sleeping much more at night now. I'm only up twice and he eats and goes right back to sleep. I do feel tired, but it's so much better than it was a week ago. There is hope!
Gabe is awesome to be around these days. Yesterday, we invented a new song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Pig". He laughs uncontrollably when we sing it. And this morning, I handed him a wooden spoon to play with and he says "I go get fiddle" and he gets his guitar, but pretends to bow it with the spoon. I don't know where he has seen this. Pretty creative.
I am anxious to get outside with them after nap time and walk. Maybe we'll go check out track practice and see what that handsome pole vault coach is up to! Also, I get to get my hair cut this afternoon. What a treat!
Mar 21, 2011
Turning Point...
Deep Breath...
Things have been going a certain way for awhile now, and it was a certainly reasonable way for them to go. We are allowed a period of living on survival mode whenever a big change has occurred in our lives.
But it's time for something different.
The weather changed, and it makes me want to follow suit. I am hoping to open up the windows and air out all of the areas of my life. Out with the old dusty, musty air, and breathe in the new, warm, fresh LIFE that is springing forth all around me.
Hopefully something lovely will blossom. Christlike characteristics in my heart, a potty trained 2 year old, a slimmer me, a baby that sleeps, a wife and mommy that loves unconditionally and speaks gently, and a home that is welcoming, tidy, and peaceful to enter.
Idealistic? Definitely. But it sure feels nice.
Things have been going a certain way for awhile now, and it was a certainly reasonable way for them to go. We are allowed a period of living on survival mode whenever a big change has occurred in our lives.
But it's time for something different.
The weather changed, and it makes me want to follow suit. I am hoping to open up the windows and air out all of the areas of my life. Out with the old dusty, musty air, and breathe in the new, warm, fresh LIFE that is springing forth all around me.
Hopefully something lovely will blossom. Christlike characteristics in my heart, a potty trained 2 year old, a slimmer me, a baby that sleeps, a wife and mommy that loves unconditionally and speaks gently, and a home that is welcoming, tidy, and peaceful to enter.
Idealistic? Definitely. But it sure feels nice.
Feb 26, 2011
You Know You're a New Mommy When...
...halfway through brushing your teeth you realize you're using your 2-year-old's toothbrush.
...you have never been more thankful for your parents.
...doing your hair and getting dressed in something besides sweats warrants a special occasion.
...drinking a glass of milk brings about a new emotion toward dairy cows: deep gratitude.
...an uninterrupted shower is your 10 minutes of sanity each day.
...sleep...I don't even know what to say...
...you can't post a blog without at least 14 spelling errors.
...normally you can change a diaper in about 10 seconds, but in the middle of the night, you can hardly see straight, so it takes a good 3 minutes.
...if you don't count nursing as something on your to-do list, you wouldn't have crossed off a thing on most days.
...you've logged about 5 miles in the last 3 weeks pacing the floor in your house trying to quiet those middle of the night cries.
...you genuinely wish you could spend a couple hours tidying up your house.
...you get excited when you think about what this new little one will be like in 2 months, 6 months, and a year.
...you wonder how your family will be different with this new personality in it.
...as soon as you see those first smiles, you feel awake, beautiful, and hopeful again.
(Mommies, feel free to add to this list!)
...you have never been more thankful for your parents.
...doing your hair and getting dressed in something besides sweats warrants a special occasion.
...drinking a glass of milk brings about a new emotion toward dairy cows: deep gratitude.
...an uninterrupted shower is your 10 minutes of sanity each day.
...sleep...I don't even know what to say...
...you can't post a blog without at least 14 spelling errors.
...normally you can change a diaper in about 10 seconds, but in the middle of the night, you can hardly see straight, so it takes a good 3 minutes.
...if you don't count nursing as something on your to-do list, you wouldn't have crossed off a thing on most days.
...you've logged about 5 miles in the last 3 weeks pacing the floor in your house trying to quiet those middle of the night cries.
...you genuinely wish you could spend a couple hours tidying up your house.
...you get excited when you think about what this new little one will be like in 2 months, 6 months, and a year.
...you wonder how your family will be different with this new personality in it.
...as soon as you see those first smiles, you feel awake, beautiful, and hopeful again.
(Mommies, feel free to add to this list!)
Feb 10, 2011
I don't know how I can capture all of the sweet moments we've had in the last week or so...but here goes:
Top 5 memories surrounding Elliott's birth:
1. The Labor: I was expecting it to be easier than Gabe's but it was really the best it could have been. I knew Tuesday night I'd be going in on Wednesday. My contractions had picked up a bit in intensity. All night that night I dreamed about having contractions. At 4:30am my water broke. Jacob called his folks and we got around to go to the hospital. 10 minutes later, Jake's dad called and said they got stuck in a snow drift. We tried to find someone to come sit at the house until they could get Gabe, but my contractions were picking up fast, and we had to take Gabe with us. Got to the hospital at about 5:15am, and Elliott arrive at 6:32am. My body just did what it was supposed to do, and I pushed him out! It was amazing! I got to see him as soon as he was out, and my body had minimal damage from the process. The recovery has been quick! Jacob and I were ecstatic at how well it all went.
2. Gabe and Elliot meet: I just watched the video of this again, and I look at myself, and I have never looked so happy. Jacob said I was "radient". I love my boys!
3. Nursing: Elliott is a champ at this. I was really looking forward to doing this again, since it was kind of a stressful experience with Gabe. Nursing is like giving Ell a big hug that last half an hour, several times a day.
4. Gabe's behavior: At first, Gabe was away from us for awhile. He was with grandparents during out hospital stay for 2 whole days, and then home for a couple of days, then with gramie again. But when he was home, he was a different kid than before. We have been hearing "no" a LOT. This is typical for 2 years old, I know, but I can see his frustration. When he is told no, or gets frustrated that a toy won't do what he wants, he claps his hands and spits. This is brand new! We are hugging and cuddling him a lot, but also keeping the boundaries in place. He's had lots of spanks, too.
However, his potty training has taken off since Elliott has been here. Go figure...
5. Sleeping: Aside from the first 2 or 3 days, this is going so well! Elliott pretty much sleeps all night, except when he's eating. I guess that is true of the day, too, now that I think about it. =) I miss him when he sleeps.
Well, I waiting too long to create this blog and I have already forgotten a lot. I am really glad Ell is here! Today has been my first day with both boys alone and it has gone very well, I think. But I'm glad it's the last day Jake is gone for an away game. I would prefer to have him home. =)
Top 5 memories surrounding Elliott's birth:
1. The Labor: I was expecting it to be easier than Gabe's but it was really the best it could have been. I knew Tuesday night I'd be going in on Wednesday. My contractions had picked up a bit in intensity. All night that night I dreamed about having contractions. At 4:30am my water broke. Jacob called his folks and we got around to go to the hospital. 10 minutes later, Jake's dad called and said they got stuck in a snow drift. We tried to find someone to come sit at the house until they could get Gabe, but my contractions were picking up fast, and we had to take Gabe with us. Got to the hospital at about 5:15am, and Elliott arrive at 6:32am. My body just did what it was supposed to do, and I pushed him out! It was amazing! I got to see him as soon as he was out, and my body had minimal damage from the process. The recovery has been quick! Jacob and I were ecstatic at how well it all went.
2. Gabe and Elliot meet: I just watched the video of this again, and I look at myself, and I have never looked so happy. Jacob said I was "radient". I love my boys!
3. Nursing: Elliott is a champ at this. I was really looking forward to doing this again, since it was kind of a stressful experience with Gabe. Nursing is like giving Ell a big hug that last half an hour, several times a day.
4. Gabe's behavior: At first, Gabe was away from us for awhile. He was with grandparents during out hospital stay for 2 whole days, and then home for a couple of days, then with gramie again. But when he was home, he was a different kid than before. We have been hearing "no" a LOT. This is typical for 2 years old, I know, but I can see his frustration. When he is told no, or gets frustrated that a toy won't do what he wants, he claps his hands and spits. This is brand new! We are hugging and cuddling him a lot, but also keeping the boundaries in place. He's had lots of spanks, too.
However, his potty training has taken off since Elliott has been here. Go figure...
5. Sleeping: Aside from the first 2 or 3 days, this is going so well! Elliott pretty much sleeps all night, except when he's eating. I guess that is true of the day, too, now that I think about it. =) I miss him when he sleeps.
Well, I waiting too long to create this blog and I have already forgotten a lot. I am really glad Ell is here! Today has been my first day with both boys alone and it has gone very well, I think. But I'm glad it's the last day Jake is gone for an away game. I would prefer to have him home. =)
Jan 26, 2011
Waiting
Great news! I have dialated to 2 1/2! I never did that with Gabe on my own. The Lord is answering my prayers!
Baby could come anytime! It's hard having to be so flexible with everything in my schedule..not committing to anything for sure right now. And of course, it's hard physically to be almost 39 weeks prego.
Labor is a bit scary...but worth it! I'm ready to know if I have a son or a daughter and to start using their NAMES!!!
Baby could come anytime! It's hard having to be so flexible with everything in my schedule..not committing to anything for sure right now. And of course, it's hard physically to be almost 39 weeks prego.
Labor is a bit scary...but worth it! I'm ready to know if I have a son or a daughter and to start using their NAMES!!!
Jan 14, 2011
Gabe has been so easy lately. Very obedient and easy to get along with. His language is really developing, so I think it helps that he can tell us what he wants and understand what we want from him.
I am 37 weeks today, considered full term. But no progress yet. Not that that's not ok. I'm starting to feel the weight of this on me. I mean, physically. Emotionally, I'm definitely expereincing some changes, to the challenge of my husband, I'm sure. I can't say I've done my part in running to Jesus with those things. But He has been gracious to me anyway.
We had a huge snow Monday and Tuesday, and it's been very cold, so it hasn't melted yet. Gabe really likes it. I hope he gets some time to play in it with Dado this weekend.
I guess what's on my mind is that I need to strive to achieve the balance of the things I know I need to do and allow myself the rest I know I need as well.
I am 37 weeks today, considered full term. But no progress yet. Not that that's not ok. I'm starting to feel the weight of this on me. I mean, physically. Emotionally, I'm definitely expereincing some changes, to the challenge of my husband, I'm sure. I can't say I've done my part in running to Jesus with those things. But He has been gracious to me anyway.
We had a huge snow Monday and Tuesday, and it's been very cold, so it hasn't melted yet. Gabe really likes it. I hope he gets some time to play in it with Dado this weekend.
I guess what's on my mind is that I need to strive to achieve the balance of the things I know I need to do and allow myself the rest I know I need as well.
Jan 6, 2011
A time to learn...
I didn't write down my New Year's Resolutions anywhere...but I do have some things on my mind.
1. To get better about my quiet time with Jesus everyday. I go through seasons of faithfulness, and then nothing for months. And recently, it has been months of nothing. So...I printed off a checklist. I know that we always say time with the Lord shouldn't be something to check off a list, but I LOVE lists. And checking things off. So, if this is what works for me...I say it's better than months of nothing.
2. No more soda. So far, so good. Yet, I am still craving it. Pregnancy might make this worse.
3. After I have the baby and recover, I will start running again. My goal is to do the 5K in town that is offered with the Eisenhower Marathan at the end of April. Lofty goal...the sooner baby gets here, the sooner I can get started.
4. Work on some skill building with Gabe. For example, this week, we have been working on IDing the primary colors. He's really good at purple, pink, brown, black, green, and white. And most of the time, he gets blue. Red and yellow are challenging him. So I actually wrote out 2 or 3 activities every week day for us to do together. This is way fun for me... like lesson planning! And I am already seeing progress in that little learner. How fun for us both! It's also a great way for the two of us to spend some quality one on one time together.
OK, I'll stop there. I don't want to take on too much, as I only have about a month before this new little one shows up. Life is already very busy for a season: Jake is coaching 7th grade basketball. It's a short season, so he'll be done at the end of February. But this means I only see him in the mornings before school, and then after 6 in the evenings. This is probably the norm for most families, but it's an adjustment for ours. Our weekends are precious!
Halfway through this season, he will start on his master's degree, which will be one full evening a week. He'll have more homework to do the other evenings, lesson planning, leading worship at church, and helping me take care of this little one. I will need to take good care of him to help him through his busy season, too. We'll look forward to seeing each activity go away: Newness of the baby, basketball season, school year, and in two years, he'll have his masters.
I will HAVE to be in the word every day to keep my heart in a place where I can happily welcome him home and take care of things around here on my own everyday. My need for the Lord's presence and grace in my life is ever increasing, it seems. I don't guess I'd want to need Him any less...
Whew! Apparently, I have a lot on my mind!
Gabe is still a joy! We are still working on potty training, but not as hard as I probably should be. Some things just have to take a back seat. He is singing a lot. He knows a couple of songs pretty well and will sing them on his own while he plays. This makes me very happy. His best number is "The Wheels on the Bus". He's pretty obsessed with cows, tractors, sheep, and anything farm related. He also loves dinosaurs and blocks. He plays imaginatively often and does different voices for the different animals, usually related to their size (baby voice for the small ones, low, growly voices for the big ones).
Enough from me. God's blessings on anyone reading. =)
1. To get better about my quiet time with Jesus everyday. I go through seasons of faithfulness, and then nothing for months. And recently, it has been months of nothing. So...I printed off a checklist. I know that we always say time with the Lord shouldn't be something to check off a list, but I LOVE lists. And checking things off. So, if this is what works for me...I say it's better than months of nothing.
2. No more soda. So far, so good. Yet, I am still craving it. Pregnancy might make this worse.
3. After I have the baby and recover, I will start running again. My goal is to do the 5K in town that is offered with the Eisenhower Marathan at the end of April. Lofty goal...the sooner baby gets here, the sooner I can get started.
4. Work on some skill building with Gabe. For example, this week, we have been working on IDing the primary colors. He's really good at purple, pink, brown, black, green, and white. And most of the time, he gets blue. Red and yellow are challenging him. So I actually wrote out 2 or 3 activities every week day for us to do together. This is way fun for me... like lesson planning! And I am already seeing progress in that little learner. How fun for us both! It's also a great way for the two of us to spend some quality one on one time together.
OK, I'll stop there. I don't want to take on too much, as I only have about a month before this new little one shows up. Life is already very busy for a season: Jake is coaching 7th grade basketball. It's a short season, so he'll be done at the end of February. But this means I only see him in the mornings before school, and then after 6 in the evenings. This is probably the norm for most families, but it's an adjustment for ours. Our weekends are precious!
Halfway through this season, he will start on his master's degree, which will be one full evening a week. He'll have more homework to do the other evenings, lesson planning, leading worship at church, and helping me take care of this little one. I will need to take good care of him to help him through his busy season, too. We'll look forward to seeing each activity go away: Newness of the baby, basketball season, school year, and in two years, he'll have his masters.
I will HAVE to be in the word every day to keep my heart in a place where I can happily welcome him home and take care of things around here on my own everyday. My need for the Lord's presence and grace in my life is ever increasing, it seems. I don't guess I'd want to need Him any less...
Whew! Apparently, I have a lot on my mind!
Gabe is still a joy! We are still working on potty training, but not as hard as I probably should be. Some things just have to take a back seat. He is singing a lot. He knows a couple of songs pretty well and will sing them on his own while he plays. This makes me very happy. His best number is "The Wheels on the Bus". He's pretty obsessed with cows, tractors, sheep, and anything farm related. He also loves dinosaurs and blocks. He plays imaginatively often and does different voices for the different animals, usually related to their size (baby voice for the small ones, low, growly voices for the big ones).
Enough from me. God's blessings on anyone reading. =)
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