Little Shadow

When I got home from work, Aaron greeted me at my car like this:

I walked around the house and found Papi doing this (mowing and smoking a cigar):

Aaron loves to follow Papi around and do what he does. His shadow.

Aaron is so teachable right now and loves to help.

The best part is Papi lets Aaron help and loves teaching him. Loves his Little Shadow.

Working together. Bonding.

Angel does this with the other kids, too. So many times when Papi could get the job done much faster and efficient, he takes the time and lets them be a part of the hard work, and lets them rejoice in the end result. And he takes the time to praise them through it all.

I imagine that God does this too with us. He could get the job done without us, but allows us to take part of His work. May our work be well done, so that we will be called His "Good and Faithful servant." (Matt 25:14-30)

Like Mother Like Daughter

My favorite 11 year-old just so happens to make life--including shopping trips--much more fun! I love having a daughter!

Working Late

Cleaning out my office and catching up my last week on the job. I walk in the house and all is quiet. It is way passed bedtimes and everyone is asleep. There is a half-way completed puzzle on the table and crumbs on Aaron's highchair tray that resemble what they had for dinner. The dinner dishes are sitting on the counter in the drying rack. My plate is covered sitting perfectly on the counter with a good-night note from Alisia. Lunches are packed.

I walk into each of the kids rooms to tell them good-night and begin to weep. I missed it. I missed hearing the tales of their day at school, missed Aaron's arms reaching for me, practicing Caleb's spelling words while quizzing Alisia for her Science test tomorrow. I missed all the chaos that comes with the evening routine. I missed cleaning up dishes, packing lunches, baths, pj's, and goodnight prayers. Caleb snores away as I rub his back and stare at his beautiful face. Alisia whispers "we prayed for you, Mommy. Can you make me some tea in the morning" as I hug her tightly. With tears still in my eyes, I realize Aaron isn't in his bed. I go to my room, and there he is, laying peacefully in my spot. As I pick him up, his little hands grab tightly around my neck. I want this moment to last forever. I gently kiss his forehead as I lay him down in his bed. He won't remember, but I will.  

I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier to have some extra time with my loves in the morning before it all starts again tomorrow. 

The Homework Saga

I get to work and open my bag. There it is staring me in the face. Oh Great! Feelings of guilt overwhelm me. Realizing, again, that I'm not the perfect parent.

How do I apologize?

Rewind.

We were anticipating this BIG test for weeks now. I'd been helping her study every night for this thing. We'd study while making supper, driving in the car, grocrey shoping, everywhere. Finally it was the night before the test and we were going to sit down for one last review.

"Uh, Mommy, I can't find the paper."

What do you mean, where did you have it last?

I thought I put it in my backpack this morning and it's not there.

Well, your test is tomorrow. I started feeling tense. Now what are we going to do?

I don't know. Since we've been studying, I feel ready.

Well, we have to review tonight, DEAR. I just wish you would put your things away where they go so you would be more ready when it's time to study. You should have been looking for it before now. Go check the car.

I did already, it's not there either. Trying to hold back tears.

Well. What are you doing? Go look for it in your room.

GRR. I felt so upset. I didn't even think how easy it would to look up most of the information up online, or she could just call a classmate to get the information. I just got mad. I yelled. She went to her room to look for the paper crying. I took a deep breath, and immediately went up to her room to appoligze. I appoligized for yelling. But I made sure to make my point clear about being organized, and not waiting till the mast minute to find something. Then we went back to look it up on the internet. Found it right away. Easy. We studied.

Which brings me back to the beginning of my story. I get to work and open my bag. There it is staring me in the face.

Big Helper

Aaron wants so bad to help. Usually it's easier to just do it ourselves, but we have to remember that each time he helps, he is learning what it means to serve others and bear one another's burdens. That is a lesson worth learning. No matter how long it takes.

I just love the way Angel is guiding him in this video.

"Serve one another in love" Gal 5:13b

When I Grow-Up

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

2 Corinthians 5:15

Caleb: “Mommy how come I have to be something when I grow up”

Me (no idea what he’s asking): “I’m not sure Caleb”

Caleb: “How come I have to be a drawer or cooker or race-car driver or a police man?” (those are on his current list of future aspirations)

Me (still not quite sure what he’s getting at): “Well you don’t have to be one of those things, you can do anything you choose. “

Caleb: “But how come I have to choose something when I grow up? How come people ask me that?”

Me (thinking I understand where he’s going with this now): “I guess cause they just want to know what you like.”

Caleb: “But why?”

Me (realizing this could go on for a while): “I don’t know bud.”

Ya know, I’ve been thinking about his question. ‘Cause my answer wasn’t good enough. Yes, it is true that he’s still in the “why” stage of life, but still. My answer, ‘you can do anything you choose’ just didn’t feel right.

Every child loves dreaming about when they grow up. For me, I loved pretend to wash dishes with my older brother and using my younger brother to play dress up and play house. I loved dreaming that one day I would be a famous singer. As I grew up, I still searched for what I was good at. I knew I liked drawing, math, and language. I liked writing. As I grew in my love for the Lord, my heart broke for people that did not know him. I could never find the right words to explain what I wanted to do. I couldn’t explain “service.”

As I look back, it is so clear. Little by little God kept pointing me down the same path, and giving me the same desires. As my relationship with the Lord grew, the desires of my heart became stronger.

Consider these thoughts from Elizabeth Elliott:

"What do you want to be when you grow up" Is that a fair question in teaching kids to submit their lives to God? Is it really their choice? We are trying to teach our kids to listen to God's calling in their life and surrender their life to him....

…If a young person has been taught from childhood that he ought to ‘be something’ without at the same time being shown that nothing is better than being God’s servant, he may be preoccupied with ambitions and ideals he has gotten solely from the world.”

Well, now I feel prepared to answer that question differently. We want to teach our children to obey God’s will in their lives. We want to help them to see the gifts and talents the Lord has given them to serve him! Now I will look for an opportunity to pray with my children, that they will seek the will of the Lord in their life. The prayer of the Psalmist:

" Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths; 
guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long"
Psalm 25:4-5

Here's a picture of my little buddy helping me clean the windows! He shows such a servants heart!

Every Mother Can Relate to This

Ahhh..the joys of mothering! The very best job in the world!

Date Night

These two just had date night!

And were off to see High School Musical 3!

I don't know who enjoyed it more, Alisia or Angel...haha!

New Tatic to Stall Bedtime

The other night I was trying to get the kids to bed early to have so I could have some quite time before bed. I think Caleb figured out what I was trying to do and he had his own idea: try anything to NOT go to bed! He asked me, "Can I check my e-mail first?"

After I finally got them upstairs and into bed I asked him what book he would like to read. His answer was "THIS one!" And with a big smile he handed me the biggest book on his shelf, the Bible! Yes, I did read him a story from it-just not the whole thing! That boy is good at trying to beat me at my own game!

Packing Lunches

Packing lunches is not one of my favorite mommy jobs. Its kind of up there with doing dishes or putting the groceries away. I always struggle with what to pack because I know the same thing day after day can get boring. Usually as we are about to run out the door, I'm quickly throwing something in their lunch boxes. But something has changed.

Since school has started, both kids both express how much they enjoy opening their lunch and seeing what their lunch will be that day. For some reason, ever since then, I look forward to packing their lunches carefully the night before. They both love sandwiches. Plain ham and cheese. Every once in a while I'll change it up, but their easy to please. I'm so thankful for Sharp Shopper because I can get a great deal on snack foods.

Why is it that when our attitude changes, the job gets easier. Serving is a way of showing our love for others. It is also away of sharing God's love. As the attitude in my heart has changed little by little about some "mommy tasks," so has the attitude my children reflect. They also are starting to take delight in "helping." As we are putting the dishes away, we are talking about their day, singing songs, and spending time together. This is something I have paid attention to in particular this past week, and pray for the Lord to continue to change me. Especially since little eyes are always watching. Packing lunches is still not my favorite thing to do, but now, I do it with love because I know how much they appreciate it.

Elisabeth Elliot once said:

Wouldn't it make an astounding difference, not only in the quality of the work we do (in office, schoolroom, factory, kitchen, or backyard), but also in our satisfaction, even our joy, if we recognized God's gracious gift in every single task, from making a bed or bathing a baby to drawing a blueprint or selling a computer? If our children saw us doing "heartily as unto the Lord" all the work we do, they would learn true happiness. Instead of feeling that they must be allowed to do what they like, they would learn to like what they do.

Wal-Mart Etiquette

You know those kids who play in the isles at Wal-Mart? And their parents are right there watching and won't even make them stop? Well that's us. We are that family! Actually, we even play with them! Sorry if that was you trying to get around us. No wonder they'd rather go to Wal-Mart than the park! I recognize that this is NOT proper Wal-Mart etiquette, but please tell me we're not the only ones?

After the Rain

On my way home from work yesterday, I could clearly see a rain cloud where it was raining on one side of the street and sunny and blue on the other side of the street. I tried to capture it on my cell phone. Our house was right in the middle and only got a short shower.

Alisia was enjoying the rain from the front porch.

The sun quickly came out and Caleb just couldn't resist. Take note of his white shirt.

I guess this looked like fun because before long, Alisia joined him.

The end result: Two very happy muddy children!

From head to toe

It's amazing how children take delight in the smallest joys of life. Just as the heavens and the waters praise God, these two children were enjoying His creation. They had so much fun playing in the puddles. They got hosed down in the back yard then came in for baths. They're both squeeky clean now, we'll just see how their clothes wash-up. Any tips for getting mud out?

"Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies."

Psalm 148:4

Heart of Praise

I wish I got this on video!
While we were getting ready for supper, Caleb was singing Agnus Dei (Worthy is the Lamb). When he sings something, he usually sings the same part over and over and over as you probably noticed on the video posted from last week.

Alisia: Caleb, can you stop?
Caleb: I'm praising the Lord.
Alisia: Caleb I'm sure God loves your song, but it's kind of annoying me. Could you please stop.
Caleb: Ok, After I'm finnished.
Alisia: ::Loud Sigh::

"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1

Mother's Day Reflections

I've really enjoyed being home this past weekend and reconnecting with my family. I guess that's one great thing of being away from home, is the sweet reunion. My great kids and husband really made me feel special, getting home from my trip along with Mother's Day. I can see such a sensitive heart growing in the kids as they are at the age where they look forward to making other people feel special. Alisia was full of ideas in making it a special day. It was a real challenge for Caleb to keep a secret. I am thankful to be a mother and felt special all day. We had such a fun weekend together.

Angel had the house straightened up when I got home and and the kids had precious "love notes" and pictures all over the house for me. (I love when men clean! But why do they only load the dishwasher half-full?)










Angel took the kids to pick out these beautiful hanging flowers for me! What a surprise!

On Sunday, Angel made me breakfast before church. Then we went to a cabin for lunch with other families from church. Alisia and Caleb even made up a Mother's Day song for me. It went something like this (sung partly to the tune of Happy Birthday):

"Happy Mother's Day to you
Mother's Day, Mother's Day
You are my Mother
You are so special
You are so pretty
Happy Mother's Day to you
Mother's Day, Mother's Day'"

I am thankful for the godly example I have in my own Mom. I felt bad because we were pretty busy and I didn't get to hang out with her until that evening. My mom went out to eat with my brothers and my grandparents. I didn't go because of plans with my own family...and that was OK with her. She's told me before that she enjoys seeing me as a mother. I am thankful for the friendship I have with her and hope to have that with my own children. Even though the gifts and fun times were great, the best were all the hugs and kisses and seeing a heart in my children being molded after Christ. I hope all you other moms had a great Mother's Day. Even without the gifts and special moments, remember what the Bible says about mothers who point their children to God.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28

Tooth Fairy Confessions

Alisia has lost many teeth, so she knows the drill. She has a small tooth pillow that she puts her tooth in it and puts it under her pillow. The Tooth Fairy takes the tooth and replaces it with 1$. The pillow is great because it's alot easier find than a little tooth. With questions like "Why does the Tooth Fairy take teeth?" and "What does the Tooth Fairy do with the teeth?" I know she's very much starting to go along with this because they are fun but wonders how this happens without her waking up. I pretty much figured I could just start handing her 1$ and she'd be just as happy. The fun is the wondering.

Who in the world invented the tooth fairy anyway? Just so parents would have to set their alarm for the middle of the night and have to try to find the tooth under their pillow without waking them up and replace the tooth with the money. There's just too much that could go wrong with that.

I feel like I'm spending more time making up excuses for why the tooth-fairy must not have come, than just putting the money under the pillow and waking up with a happy morning.

Either I'm not a very good tooth-fairy, or I'm a really bad mom! This time was no exception. She lost a tooth while eating out at Burger King, so she put her tooth in the french-fry bag! Doesn't everyone know that the Tooth Fairy can't get the tooth from the french-fry bag? She put her tooth under her pillow with the bag in all....and guess what? The Tooth Fairy didn't come! Uh....I guess the Tooth Fair doesn't like french-fries? She sure came the next night though...with $2.00!

It seems like every Tooth Fairy Adventure is just as risky as this one! Last time she lost a tooth, she went to bed excited to wake up to find her dollar. It wasn't a good night for the tooth fair to visit either. I got up in the middle of the night, and she had moved to sleep with Caleb in his bed. Between her sleeping in her own bed, Caleb's bed, or on our floor I didn't know where to find her little tooth pillow. I looked under her pillow in her bed and under her pillow on Caleb's bed...no tooth pillow.

"Great, Now what!?" I thought.

She started to move a little bit and I quickly escaped the room. But by this time she woke up and wanted to check on her tooth, and she too couldn't find it. She came to my room and wispered "Mommy.."

I "woke-up" to see what she needed.

"I can't find my tooth."

"I don't know Alisia, can we just look in the morning."

She went down-stairs to use the bathroom. I jumped up and took the oportunity. I saw the little tooth pillow on the floor under some stuffed-animals. The tooth wasn't in there, but I quickly put 1$ in the pocket and put the pillow back under the stuffed-animals. She came back up and saw me "searching."

"We'll look in the morning. I don't want to wake up Caleb"

With that, she was back off to sleep. In the morning she found the pillow on the floor and the dollar. WHEW! That was close. I was relieved! I don't really know why though. I'm sure she knows it's me!? I never did find that tooth though! I just wonder where it went! I guess the Tooth Fairy must have it!

Oh yeah, another excuse I found myself saying once "The Tooth Fairy must not be able to come when it's raining?!"

Why do we do this to ourselves as parents? Soon, this will all start over with Caleb. Maybe I'll learn from my experience and be a better Tooth Fairy. I sure hope I have better luck!

Whoever invinted the Tooth Fairy, sure must not have had children! I'd be interrested in hearing what other parents do with this type of thing. Please feel free to leave a comment.

She sure looks cute though! I just love that toothless smile!

Was This in the Job Description?

God is Good. I wasn't sure about posting this, but I want to be honest even in struggles. I want to encourage other parents, and parents-to-be, by sharing the good and hard days. I think that's how we see that God is working in our lives, by giving us trials to lean on Him for strength. But know that God is good. The God we serve loves us so much and cares even about the little details of our life. So I have edited some of the details for the protection of those involved. =)

Parenting. There is no one word to explain it. I feel honored that God has chose me to parent these two wonderfully and fearfully made creatures. The Lord has brought joy to my heart through my kids on days where joy was hard to find. They inspire me to be a better person when I feel I have no inspiration. I love watching them learn, play, sleep, breath, and grow. Challenges naturally come with being a parent. Not merely the sacrifices made as parents, but challenges of being a godly example for them and guiding them daily to the cross.

This week, Alisia was scrambling to do some homework that she put off all last week. I guess it's called procrastination which runs in the family! However, we wanted to prevent this from continuing to happen so we punished her. For her, just knowing that we are upset with her is usually punishment enough. But this time, she got privileges removed to make her focus on school work. It was a hard evening. Studying was hard for her since she was so upset. Bedtime prayers were said. Hugs and kisses given.

Yesterday all day I felt guilty for punishing her. I want her to always know how much we love her. I hate having to discipline. Why does that have to be a part of parenting? Maybe it was so hard for me because I know I struggle with the same thing. It made me really think about how God must feel when we have to be corrected..or disciplined. It's not something he takes delight in, but is an essential part of growing our godly character.

Yesterday, Alisia came home from school and kind of thanked us for making her study cause she got a 100%. She was completely fine. She was actually happy, even though she's still punished, because she could see that it was for a good reason.

Oh how I long for my children to grow into godly young adults who walk daily with Him. Discipline is part of building godly character. I never understood my parents saying "This hurts me more than it hurts you" and "you'll understand one day when you have kids." Yeah right. I just thought that was their way of saying sorry for spanking. If parenting was purely about the joys and beauty, we wouldn't have the desperate need to seek God daily. Discipline in itself should be used as a means to point children to the cross. It is a necessary part of parenting to remind us, as parents, of our desperate need for Christ and his forgiveness. It not only points them to the cross, it points us back to the cross. Parenting isn't about our children, or us as parents, or even our individual family, but it's ultimately about God calling us and our children to glorify Him. Children need to see first hand a godly model of their parents seeking to follow God. When we fail as parents, little eyes are often there to see. We must remember that God is faithful to work in the lives of our children. Be thankful for these "trying moments" as a reminder of how God is constantly at work to redeem and restore His people. We serve a faithful and gracious God who loves and cares for our children even more than we do.

I am so thankful for God providing a godly example through my own parents. My parents chose to daily to seek God and his will for their life. I am greatful for their prayers. Even today, they never take the credit for who we are. They just continue to pray and praise God.

This is book serves as a great resource as you seek to glorify God in parenting. It's even available in Spanish. We have both copies if anyone wants to borrow them.

May we "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Eph 6:17-18

A Close Distance

Yesterday was a georgous evening and we decided to head to the park while Papi was at worship practice. Now that the kids are older, I love watching them play from a close distance: close enough so they know I'm there, but far enough to let them explore and experience God's beautiful creation. As we go through our busy days, sometimes it feels like God is so distant in what we are going through. But He is actually closer than we often realize. During this beautiful time of year, I am reminded through beautiful creation how close He is to us and is taking care of us from a close distance.

A Lesson from Bat-Girl

Tonight we watched some kids from a family at church- the Padilla's. They have two girls. One is a little older than Alisia- Emily and the other one is Caleb's age- Sara. Here's a glimps of our night. Emily and Alisia played pretty much the entire time together while Sara and Caleb played together. Caleb was so excited to have a playmate.

First they played "Batman and Batgirl." They were so cute all dressed up.

As the night went on, I could tell Sara was starting to get tired as Caleb would follow her around. If he didn't give into her way, she would run off crying and he would follow after her saying "Sara, what's wrong, don't cry."

At first I was thinking, "That girl is learning early. She already knows how to work the charm. I could learn something from her!" Then, Angel just looked at them and said "Oh man, their future is scarey, can you imagine those two married." His comment really started getting to me...and my mother-in-law instincts started getting reved-up... To see my little boy being taken on this emotional roller coaster with this girl! I mean who does she think she is? First she gets to my son's heart by playing Batman with him-who happens to be one of his hero's. Then she pulls his heart strings and starts crying because of.... nothing? Then, I realized, "Hey, they're just 4!" So I sat down with them to read a few books. Sara on one side, and Caleb on the other side- all cuddled up with his Mama! My Important Life Lesson: Life is good; I still got a few more good years of cuddling with my boy. No worries. But I will admit, what scares me the most is she sure makes a cute bat-girl.

Where do they get this stuff from?

Caleb and Alisia are so very different.
Alisia:
-will usually do anything to please us.
-will say what is on her heart in sometimes a very convicting way.
-will take the lead when playing with other kids.
-will spend the night with Grammy any time. She'd live there if we let her!
Caleb:
-will do anything to get out of obeying. He's really good at this and has a lot of excuses.
-will copy phrases he hears so we really have to be careful what we say and what he watches.
-will follow others when playing with other kids.
-will not spend the night with Grammy unless there's a good reason to (bribe!).

This evening, Angel was at worship practice and it was one of those nights of balancing supper, homework, baths and bedtime. At supper, after Caleb ate a little bit of his food, he said he was done eating and asked me if he could play his game. I told him he needs to finnish eating. A few minutes later, I noticed he still hadn’t touched any more of his food. Yes, I’m one of those mothers, the kids have to eat their food...or at least make an attempt to. At this point I just wanted him to obey and told him again, “Caleb please eat your food.” He looked at me with a very serious face and said, “I gotta use the pot, woman.” I tried as hard as I could to keep a serious face, but I couldn’t. I lost it. I think I just really needed to laugh, and that did it. I couldn’t stop laughing. But then, he just kept saying it over and over and thought he was so funny! And he would laugh at himself. “What has he been watching?” I thought to myself. Then Alisia says, “Mommy, he gets that from you!”
Finally, I could tell he ate most of his food and I asked him to start getting ready for a bath. I went into the bathroom to start the water. He started taking off his clothes, but then stopped looked at me with his sweet, innocent, big brown eyes and said, “But Mommy, I didn’t finnish my food.” I said nothing, pulled off his shirt and pants, and sat him in the bath.

As I was laying him down to bed, I asked him to lay down quietly while I pray with Alisia since she didn’t feel well. He was bouncing on his bed saying “I’m sick too! Pray with me first.”

Ok, so I’ve heard kids become mirrors of their parents. If you have kids, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about (or you'll find out soon). It slips out of their mouth or they do something and you know exactly where it must have come from. But why can’t he pick up the “good stuff”? I do know that he does have a very sensitive heart and loves learning about God and His Word. Maybe I do use words like “pot.” But do I really try to come up with excuses not to obey my heavenly father? Do I try to put it off till later? When the Lord calls me to obedience, what stands in the way of me obeying his call? I can be an example by falling to my knees.

I'm reminded of the Hymn I grew-up singing:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.



Just look at these sweet,
innocent, big brown eyes!
They get me every time!
In this picture he's only 2!

A Heart to Change the World

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's amazing how God continues to teach us as parents as we see things through the eyes of our children. Again, I am humbled at the opportunity God gave us to raise them and thankful for lessons we learn as parents. It was a fun day for both of my kids as they looked forward to giving out Valentine's cards to their friends. As Alisia was carefully preparing each of her cards for her friends, I sat down with Caleb to do the same. This was a new experience for him that didn't quite make sense. When we were at the store picking out which cards he wanted to get, he asked why, but his eyes quickly drew to the Star Wars cards, and thankfully I didn't have to try to explain right then and there. But I knew it had to come up again. As we sat down, I asked Caleb to pick out cards for some of the boys in his class.

Caleb: "Why do I have to pick out a card?"

Mommy: "Because tomorrow is your party, you give them a card, and they give you one."

Caleb: "But Why do I have to give them a card?"

Mommy: "So they can know they're your friend"

I guess that was enough for his curiosity because he started picking out which ones he wanted to give to his friends. Then we got to the girls.

Mommy: "Which one do you want to give to Bree?"

Caleb: "I don't know," and kindof shrugged his sholders like he was done.

Mommy: "Come on Caleb, we're almost done. Pick one out for Bree......"

He looked over his cards again, then shook his head.

Mommy: "OK, I'll just pick one then" just so we could finnish.

Caleb: "But Mommy, Bree doesn't like Star Wars. She likes princess."

I stopped and thought for a moment about his comment. I had to stop myself from just answering his whys. I really wanted to say "but you like Star Wars that's why you picked these cards. Now pick one for her." But I realized he was really thinking about his friends, not himself at all. He understood more than I did what it means to show someone that they are your friend. Instead of imposing his likes on his friends, he was sincerely thinking about what they would like. A heart like this can change the world!

How often do I actually stop thinking about myself and start thinking about what someone else will sincerely enjoy? Something to think about as I go about this Valentines Day and every day. Sharing God's love is not about us, but relating to others in a way that will reach them personally. This actually takes more time getting to know them. If we ALL thought like this when sharing God's love, our witness would be that much more effective. Bree did end up getting a Star Wars Valentines card, along with the other girls. After I thought about his comment I said "Caleb, that's so nice of you to think of what she would want. We don't have any princess cards though. Maybe she will like the card just because it's from you and that makes it special."