A mother is a special person for many reasons. I happen to believe wholeheartedly that I have one of the best mothers that ever existed and I strive daily to be the best Mommy I can be to Riley and Logan. Let me tell you though, motherhood isn't for the weak! The process begins internally when a child starts developing inside of you and you can feel kicks, bumps, and twirls knowing that something very important and special, a miracle in fact, is occurring inside of you. The amount of love and devotion that comes with the knowledge that God is creating a person inside of you is inexplicable. Then, the obvious part, the birth. You know how preachers say that you should honor and serve God for no other reason than that Jesus gave His life on a cross? I believe the same about mothers ~ they should be honored simply for giving birth! Whether a natural delivery or a c-section, all mothers incur a lot of pain bringing a child into this world and nobody should ever try to demean that or take that away from a woman who has suffered through it. Motherhood brings sleepless nights, stained clothes, the loss of all privacy or personal life. There are also the moments of silence in the rocking chair feeling a baby breathing on your neck peacefully asleep or times when you're staring into the crib wondering how you could have ever been given such a precious gift! Even your conversations change, who knew so many discussions could revolve around breastmilk, poop color, and sleep habits! As a mother you celebrate every single milestone, big or small, and you jump into action at every cough or random sound. You become a constant cleaner - cleaner of rooms, closets, toys, bottoms, hands, noses, and faces. You start to notice the world around you much more thoroughly now that you are responsible for what your child sees, hears, experiences, and learns. You have to be the strength and comfort in the midst of pain and the constant reminder of rules and expectations. Motherhood brings a new spark to your imagination. You are the entertainment and the source of activity every day ~ you better be good with playdough, crayons, gluesticks, glitter, puppets, building blanket tents in the living room, and turning any cardboard box into an afternoon of fun! Playing at the park, reading a book together, taking a walk and watching the clouds, listening to a child sing and dance to made up songs, these are the joys of motherhood. Motherhood is full of trials and failures, as well as pockets of love and pride. Tears of disappointment and tears of joy will be shed on numerous occassions. And I've only had 4 years experience! While motherhood can be exhausting, daunting, and overwhelming, could there ever be a more important, precious blessing than to be called Mommy? If you are a Mom, then I honor you! I honor your dedication to your children and I say to you well done for what you've already accomplished! Keep up the good work!
Now to my Mother: You are amazing! I can never relate to someone who doesn't have a great relationship with their mom because you have blessed me in so many ways and surrounded me with support and love through every part of my life. You continue to amaze me as a Nanny to Ethan, Riley, and Logan and I just want to say that I love you and admire you and want to be like you for so many reasons. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me, for praying for me. Thank you for being the ultimate example of God's grace and love in my life. Thank you for your strength and for the way you sacrifice wanting nothing in return. I love you!
Happy Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Who's Choking You?
I want to begin by saying that I feel so blessed to be a part of a church that is unwaivering when it comes to preaching God's never-ending, never-failing love. I am so thankful for the ways that Elevation church has breathed fresh life into my marriage, my life as Mommy, and my teaching.
The message today was provided by TD Jakes, a very inspirational man of God, who spoke on the topic of forgiveness. There were so many amazing points made and I don't think I'll come close to doing it justice but I wanted to share with you an overview of what he said because I really do think it can be life changing if forgiveness is something you struggle with, and really, who at some point in life hasn't struggled with it?
The message began with comparing unforgiveness to choking; literally taking the breath out of the life that God has intended for us to live. I thought that was such a strong visual of what unforgiveness can do. Jakes pointed out that refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and waiting on the other person to die.......powerful right? He also said that refusing to forgive someone is like refusing to exhale. When you breathe, you take in what you do need and let out what you don't need. In, out, in, out - one of God's natural systems created to sustain life. The purpose of exhaling is to let out what isn't necessary. When you live a life spent holding on to grudges, grief, anger, and bitterness -- you are literally choking yourself and cutting off the life that has been meant for you to live. Essentially, when you let unforgiveness poison you from the inside, you and the people in your life are stuck living with what's left over of you and your potential.
More than anything else, the main point was driven home with the parable of a man who was forgiven of his debt of 10,000 talents but then showed wrath toward a man who owed him only 100 pence. This act of power and anger was the exact opposite of the mercy and grace that had been given to him. JUST LIKE JESUS. Jesus has given us forgiveness....of everything .... EVERY thing, even the things nobody knows about and you aren't willing to share because they are from the depths of your mind that you don't want exposed to anyone. If Jesus has shown you that kind of forgiveness, how can you not let forgiveness freely flow to the people around you?
So when we pray "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" do we really mean it? Do we really want God to treat us the way we treat people who have wronged us? Do we really want the same treatment that we offer others?
We are human, we are flawed, we are broken....we will hurt each other. We will do/say some things purposefully and with a spiteful spirit. We will also hurt unintentionally. Sometimes it's ourselves that we need to forgive. But, whatever or whoever it is that is holding you back from your destiny, your potential, because it has turned into a situation of bitterness and unforgiveness ~ Let it go! Be freed from it and move into what you have been called to be!
Imagine what it would be like to breathe freely and deeply again when you let go of what's been choking you! I hope you got something out of this because it touched me so much I had to share.
The message today was provided by TD Jakes, a very inspirational man of God, who spoke on the topic of forgiveness. There were so many amazing points made and I don't think I'll come close to doing it justice but I wanted to share with you an overview of what he said because I really do think it can be life changing if forgiveness is something you struggle with, and really, who at some point in life hasn't struggled with it?
The message began with comparing unforgiveness to choking; literally taking the breath out of the life that God has intended for us to live. I thought that was such a strong visual of what unforgiveness can do. Jakes pointed out that refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and waiting on the other person to die.......powerful right? He also said that refusing to forgive someone is like refusing to exhale. When you breathe, you take in what you do need and let out what you don't need. In, out, in, out - one of God's natural systems created to sustain life. The purpose of exhaling is to let out what isn't necessary. When you live a life spent holding on to grudges, grief, anger, and bitterness -- you are literally choking yourself and cutting off the life that has been meant for you to live. Essentially, when you let unforgiveness poison you from the inside, you and the people in your life are stuck living with what's left over of you and your potential.
More than anything else, the main point was driven home with the parable of a man who was forgiven of his debt of 10,000 talents but then showed wrath toward a man who owed him only 100 pence. This act of power and anger was the exact opposite of the mercy and grace that had been given to him. JUST LIKE JESUS. Jesus has given us forgiveness....of everything .... EVERY thing, even the things nobody knows about and you aren't willing to share because they are from the depths of your mind that you don't want exposed to anyone. If Jesus has shown you that kind of forgiveness, how can you not let forgiveness freely flow to the people around you?
So when we pray "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" do we really mean it? Do we really want God to treat us the way we treat people who have wronged us? Do we really want the same treatment that we offer others?
We are human, we are flawed, we are broken....we will hurt each other. We will do/say some things purposefully and with a spiteful spirit. We will also hurt unintentionally. Sometimes it's ourselves that we need to forgive. But, whatever or whoever it is that is holding you back from your destiny, your potential, because it has turned into a situation of bitterness and unforgiveness ~ Let it go! Be freed from it and move into what you have been called to be!
Imagine what it would be like to breathe freely and deeply again when you let go of what's been choking you! I hope you got something out of this because it touched me so much I had to share.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
My Current Favorites/Goals
I'm determined to start posting more often and I've seen some cute posts lately about personal favorites/goals so I thought I'd join in too. Enjoy!
Favorite activity ~ Well don't you know I can't choose just one! I'd have to say that just being able to be mommy and enjoy both of my girls is my favorite activity. I love playing, rocking, laughing, reading, and snuggling with my loves. Another one is my chance to hang out for Girl's Night - it's always nice to get some quality time with friends!
Favorite show ~ Any of the Housewives, it's mindless TV that allows me to have an hour of "me time" (except on those really lucky days where there's a BRAVO marathon!)
Favorite sound ~ Another toss up....Logan's laugh is so full-bodied and contagious I'm in love with hearing it and Riley singing Logan her morning song, there is nothing sweeter that could start my day!
Favorite food ~ Chocoloate (yes, it is a food)
Favorite song ~ "Living He Loved Me" Casting Crowns
Favorite website ~ Always loved Facebook but must say I'm slightly addicted to Pinterest right now. It's so nice to see so many creative ideas that are actually possible to recreate!
Favorite smell ~ Logan or Riley after a bath, mmmmmmm!
Favorite restaurant ~ Cheesecake Factory, haven't been in awhile but would like to!
Favorite 6 month old ~ Logan Reynolds :)
Favorite 3 year old ~ Riley Reynolds :)
Goals for the next few weeks ~ Get some professional pictures taken of the girls, what's the point of having adorable, beautiful children with matching outfits if you aren't going to capture it on film? Read books 2 and 3 of the Hunger Games trilogy. Attempt to eat better and get back into Zumba. Be a more focused wife, poor Jason only gets what's left of my energy and attention after I've been teacher and mommy all day. I need to be better about that! And lastly, post again soon!
Goal for the next year ~ I'd like to be happy when I look in the mirror, see pictures, or watch videos again. Internally, I've never been happier. I'm blessed beyond measure and I cherish that. However, I've gotten complacent about my exterior and it's time to focus on that too!
Now, I'll leave with a Happy Easter and I hope you and your family were able to celebrate today in the knowledge that Jesus died but that wasn't the end, He rose and now lives forever!
Favorite activity ~ Well don't you know I can't choose just one! I'd have to say that just being able to be mommy and enjoy both of my girls is my favorite activity. I love playing, rocking, laughing, reading, and snuggling with my loves. Another one is my chance to hang out for Girl's Night - it's always nice to get some quality time with friends!
Favorite show ~ Any of the Housewives, it's mindless TV that allows me to have an hour of "me time" (except on those really lucky days where there's a BRAVO marathon!)
Favorite sound ~ Another toss up....Logan's laugh is so full-bodied and contagious I'm in love with hearing it and Riley singing Logan her morning song, there is nothing sweeter that could start my day!
Favorite food ~ Chocoloate (yes, it is a food)
Favorite song ~ "Living He Loved Me" Casting Crowns
Favorite website ~ Always loved Facebook but must say I'm slightly addicted to Pinterest right now. It's so nice to see so many creative ideas that are actually possible to recreate!
Favorite smell ~ Logan or Riley after a bath, mmmmmmm!
Favorite restaurant ~ Cheesecake Factory, haven't been in awhile but would like to!
Favorite 6 month old ~ Logan Reynolds :)
Favorite 3 year old ~ Riley Reynolds :)
Goals for the next few weeks ~ Get some professional pictures taken of the girls, what's the point of having adorable, beautiful children with matching outfits if you aren't going to capture it on film? Read books 2 and 3 of the Hunger Games trilogy. Attempt to eat better and get back into Zumba. Be a more focused wife, poor Jason only gets what's left of my energy and attention after I've been teacher and mommy all day. I need to be better about that! And lastly, post again soon!
Goal for the next year ~ I'd like to be happy when I look in the mirror, see pictures, or watch videos again. Internally, I've never been happier. I'm blessed beyond measure and I cherish that. However, I've gotten complacent about my exterior and it's time to focus on that too!
Now, I'll leave with a Happy Easter and I hope you and your family were able to celebrate today in the knowledge that Jesus died but that wasn't the end, He rose and now lives forever!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Slacker...
So, I have a confession to make...Apparently I'm a slacker when it comes to keeping up with this blog!! I have NO idea how people blog so often! With Jason working most nights, it's all I can do to get everyone fed, bathed, and to bed before falling asleep myself. Now that it's spring break and I've enjoyed some down time, I'll catch you up on the Reynolds family. Riley has had some adventures lately - weekend at the farm at Brattonsville last weekend where she got to pet a cow, chicken, goat, sheep, and saw a giant pig. She also got to make a candle and marble colonial style. She loved it. The best part according to her was holding hands with her friend Ansley and running through the fields. She also got up have two Easter egg hunts at school this week. But last night was the best of all - her first trip to the circus! She was amazed at everything! She got to see elephants, tigers, poodles, and the clowns. Her favorite part was the pony ride, her smile was priceless! She ate cotton candy and a snowcone and she took turns sitting with me, Poppa, Shannan, and Chad. I watched her face more than I watched the circus- pure joy! Logan has started sitting up for a little bit at a time without help and she has become very vocal and tests her volume often :) she screams, squeals, and growls and then laughs at all of the sounds she is able to create. Riley is still her favorite firm if entertainment and she is definitely a Daddy's girl! We are spending our first part of the week here in charleston with mom and dad and then head back to Rock Hill on Wednesday so we can spend time with Jason and have Easter weekend together. Im planning to get pictures made if the girls for Logan's six month birthday towards the end of the week, hopefully both girls will cooperate! After this week there are only five weeks of school left - yay!! Then I'll be able to be a full time Mommy, and thanks to Pinterest, we'll be having all kinds of fun! As for the next few days, we will be playing and relaxing and taking at least one day trip to the beach. I'm certainly thankful for this break!
And now, I will try to stop being so slack and try to blog more often! If you blog more than once a month :), how do you find time to do it?
And now, I will try to stop being so slack and try to blog more often! If you blog more than once a month :), how do you find time to do it?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Daddy's Girl
I am a little heartbroken. Riley has officially become "Daddy's girl" and I have been moved to the second rung on her ladder. I used to be the one she wanted help from, snuggles and kisses, time reading books together...I was the main choice. Now, the phrase "I want Daddy to do it" is what I hear when I offer to do something with her or for her. I know that every girl has a special place in her heart for her Daddy but I guess I didn't realize that meant some of the affection she has for Mommy gets replaced so easily! I'm thankful that she has a wonderful Daddy to love her and play with her - Jason is an amazing father. But, if I'm honest, it makes me a little bit jealous! I know she still loves me and it warms my heart to see Riley and Jason together. For now, I'll keep offering my time and affection and I'll focus on the time I have left with Logan while I'm still number one to her!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
All Nighters...
Let me begin by saying that I have never been a person who can do well with little sleep. I am not a person who stayed up all night in college either studying for tests or partying and then slept a little bit and felt fine the next day. I am extremely cranky when I'm tired, just ask Jason! Having two children, sleep is a precious commodity that I don't take for granted! All of this buildup to let you know that today, I worked off of barely any sleep.
Logan got her 4 month shots yesterday afternoon at 4:00 and then we came home. She was not happy about the shots (really, is there an infant who is?) but recovered quickly and did fine with going to bed at her normal time around 7. I went to bed at 10:30 feeling like all was well. Around 11:30, she started making a strange moaning sound. I figured she had lost her paci, went in to check on her, replaced the paci and then went back to sleep. At 12:30 same thing happened but this time I figured I'd go ahead and feed her since it would be close to time anyway. Well as soon as I picked her up, I panicked. I have never felt a body that hot. Her cheeks were deep red and she wasn't opening her eyes all the way, just moaning. I immediately had flashes of getting both girls dressed and heading to the hospital. I gave her some Motrin then tried to give her a bottle because by this time she was crying. She threw it all back up almost instantly and that's when the crying/screaming began. Then I attempted to take her temperature and the thermometer wouldn't turn on, dead battery. I just used it the other day! So I woke up Jason and told him to take Logan, I was going to go to the store. He couldn't believe how hot she felt either. I drove all the way to Walgreens near Winthrop only to realize my wallet is in the diaper bag from the appointment earlier! Drive all the way back home, try to console Logan while Jason goes back to the store. (We're at 2:45 by this point). She fell asleep on my chest but when he got home we took her temp and it was 102.6 under her arm. She got worked up and upset again then finally went back to sleep until 4:45 when practically the exact same situation happened -- woke up moaning, was crazy hot and red, threw up attempted bottle. I called the answering service for our dr and they said to dress her lightly, give her a larger dose (due to her weight) of Tylenol for fever and basically not worry about it. Well, with this bout of crying/screaming from Logan, Riley woke up (of course right!) and she thought it was morning play time. Both girls finally fell back asleep by 6:15, as did Jason and I, only to all wake up again at 7 to start the day with more moaning and crying and high fever. I made the appointment for 10:10 (soonest we could get in), got breakfast made, got Riley ready to go to work with Jason and then held little lady until it was time to go. For those of you who know Logan, she does not cry. She does not get upset. She is very laid back. NOT TODAY! Poor thing was crying, moaning, screaming, frustrated, and sad and it broke this momma's heart! She cried at the appointment at which Dr. Hansen assumed it was shot related but was concerned with how high the fever was and that it wasn't breaking with the medicine. He said to watch her carefully for any rash or difficulty breathing and that within 24 hours it would either get worse or get better. Well I'd already been praying since the wee hours of the morning but I amped it up immediately. I won't give you every detail of the day but Logan was inconsolable most of the afternoon. A huge shout out to our neighbor Jessica who let Riley come play with her daughter while I took care of Logan and attempted to nap. The fussiness continued until Logan finally got a good nap from 2:30 - 4:30 (Riley was awake though - only a short 30 min nap for me) and woke up only warm and in a better mood. By 6:00 her fever was only 100 and she was smiling, laughing at Riley, and her eyes were open all the way. She went to bed well around 7:30 and is soundly sleeping as I type this. I have no idea what is in store for tonight but I know that there was an exhaled breath I didn't realize I was holding when I heard her laugh and saw that the fever was dropping! God is good!
So, my prayer is that everyone involved is completely exhausted enough to sleep soundly all night long and that everyone remains healthy through the night. Because let me promise you this....I made it through today with purposeful attention to not being cranky due to exhaustion and tried to give as much TLC to both girls throughout the day as I could, but I don't see how it would be possible to do it again tomorrow! And now, this Momma is headed to bed!
Logan got her 4 month shots yesterday afternoon at 4:00 and then we came home. She was not happy about the shots (really, is there an infant who is?) but recovered quickly and did fine with going to bed at her normal time around 7. I went to bed at 10:30 feeling like all was well. Around 11:30, she started making a strange moaning sound. I figured she had lost her paci, went in to check on her, replaced the paci and then went back to sleep. At 12:30 same thing happened but this time I figured I'd go ahead and feed her since it would be close to time anyway. Well as soon as I picked her up, I panicked. I have never felt a body that hot. Her cheeks were deep red and she wasn't opening her eyes all the way, just moaning. I immediately had flashes of getting both girls dressed and heading to the hospital. I gave her some Motrin then tried to give her a bottle because by this time she was crying. She threw it all back up almost instantly and that's when the crying/screaming began. Then I attempted to take her temperature and the thermometer wouldn't turn on, dead battery. I just used it the other day! So I woke up Jason and told him to take Logan, I was going to go to the store. He couldn't believe how hot she felt either. I drove all the way to Walgreens near Winthrop only to realize my wallet is in the diaper bag from the appointment earlier! Drive all the way back home, try to console Logan while Jason goes back to the store. (We're at 2:45 by this point). She fell asleep on my chest but when he got home we took her temp and it was 102.6 under her arm. She got worked up and upset again then finally went back to sleep until 4:45 when practically the exact same situation happened -- woke up moaning, was crazy hot and red, threw up attempted bottle. I called the answering service for our dr and they said to dress her lightly, give her a larger dose (due to her weight) of Tylenol for fever and basically not worry about it. Well, with this bout of crying/screaming from Logan, Riley woke up (of course right!) and she thought it was morning play time. Both girls finally fell back asleep by 6:15, as did Jason and I, only to all wake up again at 7 to start the day with more moaning and crying and high fever. I made the appointment for 10:10 (soonest we could get in), got breakfast made, got Riley ready to go to work with Jason and then held little lady until it was time to go. For those of you who know Logan, she does not cry. She does not get upset. She is very laid back. NOT TODAY! Poor thing was crying, moaning, screaming, frustrated, and sad and it broke this momma's heart! She cried at the appointment at which Dr. Hansen assumed it was shot related but was concerned with how high the fever was and that it wasn't breaking with the medicine. He said to watch her carefully for any rash or difficulty breathing and that within 24 hours it would either get worse or get better. Well I'd already been praying since the wee hours of the morning but I amped it up immediately. I won't give you every detail of the day but Logan was inconsolable most of the afternoon. A huge shout out to our neighbor Jessica who let Riley come play with her daughter while I took care of Logan and attempted to nap. The fussiness continued until Logan finally got a good nap from 2:30 - 4:30 (Riley was awake though - only a short 30 min nap for me) and woke up only warm and in a better mood. By 6:00 her fever was only 100 and she was smiling, laughing at Riley, and her eyes were open all the way. She went to bed well around 7:30 and is soundly sleeping as I type this. I have no idea what is in store for tonight but I know that there was an exhaled breath I didn't realize I was holding when I heard her laugh and saw that the fever was dropping! God is good!
So, my prayer is that everyone involved is completely exhausted enough to sleep soundly all night long and that everyone remains healthy through the night. Because let me promise you this....I made it through today with purposeful attention to not being cranky due to exhaustion and tried to give as much TLC to both girls throughout the day as I could, but I don't see how it would be possible to do it again tomorrow! And now, this Momma is headed to bed!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Big Sister Duties
I just looked back through my facebook status updates from the past few days and realized that Riley is getting sort of a bad rap. I've been sharing some of her more dramatic three year old moments, including her claiming that I ruined her night because I wouldn't give her any more shaving cream for her "white pie" she makes in the tub. She has certainly had moments in the past week or so where I have had to count to ten or let Jason step in and just walk away repeating to myself "I don't believe in violence, I don't believe in violence" but I don't want to put more attention on that than on how proud of her I truly am.
Riley's life changed completely 4 months ago. We attempted to prepare her the best we could - we read books about it, we talked about it, I prayed about it - but she was 2 and there's only so much we could prepare for before Logan arrived. It wasn't real until Logan was born and home and a full-time addition to our family. That day was the day that Riley earned a new name - Big Sister. She is honestly the best big sister I could have ever hoped she would be to Logan. Some of her Big Sister Duties include:
*singing a morning song to Logan every day when she wakes up (and let me tell you, Logan's eyes light up and her smile is ear-to-ear when she hears her sister's voice!)
*getting Logan's paci when I'm in another room and need it or giving her a paci if it falls out
*getting the empty bottles out of Logan's room from the night before and putting them in the sink
*putting Logan's clothes in her hamper when I'm changing her
*talking/singing to her in the backseat on a car ride
*picking out her socks
*giving her a hug and kiss each night
*playing independently while Logan gets a bottle or is going to bed
and many more tasks that basically involve being a supportive, loving, responsible, helpful little girl and she does all of it with an "ok" and a "yes ma'am" and for the most part without even having to be asked! And thankfully, even in her moments of tantrums, refusals, and yelling fits, she has never taken anything out on Logan or seemed to be disappointed or jealous. She has become a Big Sister beautifully and the way Logan adores her and watches her every move is proof that their relationship is already forming a bond that will never be broken.
Dear Riley ~ Thank you for being such a good Big Sister, for stepping into that role seemlessly and loving your little sister wholeheartedly. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and the love you have shown!
Riley's life changed completely 4 months ago. We attempted to prepare her the best we could - we read books about it, we talked about it, I prayed about it - but she was 2 and there's only so much we could prepare for before Logan arrived. It wasn't real until Logan was born and home and a full-time addition to our family. That day was the day that Riley earned a new name - Big Sister. She is honestly the best big sister I could have ever hoped she would be to Logan. Some of her Big Sister Duties include:
*singing a morning song to Logan every day when she wakes up (and let me tell you, Logan's eyes light up and her smile is ear-to-ear when she hears her sister's voice!)
*getting Logan's paci when I'm in another room and need it or giving her a paci if it falls out
*getting the empty bottles out of Logan's room from the night before and putting them in the sink
*putting Logan's clothes in her hamper when I'm changing her
*talking/singing to her in the backseat on a car ride
*picking out her socks
*giving her a hug and kiss each night
*playing independently while Logan gets a bottle or is going to bed
and many more tasks that basically involve being a supportive, loving, responsible, helpful little girl and she does all of it with an "ok" and a "yes ma'am" and for the most part without even having to be asked! And thankfully, even in her moments of tantrums, refusals, and yelling fits, she has never taken anything out on Logan or seemed to be disappointed or jealous. She has become a Big Sister beautifully and the way Logan adores her and watches her every move is proof that their relationship is already forming a bond that will never be broken.
Dear Riley ~ Thank you for being such a good Big Sister, for stepping into that role seemlessly and loving your little sister wholeheartedly. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and the love you have shown!
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