Melissa | March 15, 2011
One definition of a·vail·a·ble according to Webster is “present or ready for immediate use.” The disciples that Jesus called were available. When He called them, they came without reservation or excuse. They followed “immediately” and “at once.” (Matthew 4:18-22).
Patrick and I have always claimed that we wanted to be available. We didn’t want to walk away [...]
Melissa | February 3, 2011
I think we’ve been over this before but I HATE cleaning. Since we have 3 kids, we use them a lot to help with the cleaning. It’s really a win-win. They learn life skills and I don’t have to clean.
The other day on our fourth snow day home in almost as many days, I decided [...]
Melissa | January 24, 2011
Valentine’s Day approaches. Normally, I try to make a concerted effort to ignore this over-commercialized, Hallmarked holiday. However, this year, I stumbled across an activity I couldn’t pass up and it just so happens to fit February’s love theme.
The idea grew from an activity that Focus’ Thriving Family website promoted–LOVE BINGO. They recommended reading 1 [...]
Melissa | January 10, 2011
My mom is a healthnut. For better or worse, I “inherited” her healthnut-mom attitude. In our house that means a lot of whole grains, balanced meals, treats in moderation, occasional uses of super-healthy alternatives like flax meal and wheat germ for eggs and bread crumbs respectively, and frequenty hiding of veggies in meals to boost [...]
Melissa | September 16, 2010
Some wise woman at MOPS once mentioned that she always wanted her kids to know that they were her top priority. She wanted to be available. She decided that once her kids were home from school, she would be 100% available to them. She didn’t check email, answer her phone, or work. She just enjoyed [...]
Melissa | August 24, 2010
I say it often. “Murphy* was a genius.”
*If you have no idea who I’m talking about, click here.
I was reminded again today. “Murphy was a genius.”
As a general rule, we’re very up front and honest with our kids.
If I throw away something by accident (or on purpose) and they ask about it, I tell them [...]
Melissa | August 3, 2010
“How’s Ty doing?” –such a complicated question.
Mostly, people mean, “How is Ty adjusting?”
Adjustment, attachment, bonding–such complicated subjects.
After a couple days home, we were super-excited that we had left the constant, incosolable crying in Korea. After a couple months home, he was sleeping through the night, calling me “mom,” loving the older kids, and seemingly attached [...]
Melissa | July 30, 2010
I love reading these posts at other blogs because it makes me feel “normal” or at least like I’m not the only crazy one out there. Head over to MckMama’s blog to read more. Happy Laughing!
If you lived in my house, you may hear me saying…
“If you need to poop, please get back on the [...]
Melissa | July 24, 2010
Update: There were some mistakes in my diagram. My apologies for my late night brain malfunction. The correct diagram is now shown below.
I love Legos and all the educational opportunities they provide. I love the creativity they inspire. I love that they don’t need batteries. I get paid to play with Legos. Robotic [...]
Melissa | July 15, 2010
When I yell your name really loud, it really means, “Stop!” or ”I am frustrated!” or ”You are close to putting Mommy over the edge!” or ”Shape up or else!” It does not mean look at me with a blank stare.
When I say, “Move!” it really means, “Get up and get out of my way, now!” It does [...]
