Alin had a course on Toronto on the weekend so we decided to make a mini holiday out of it. So we headed out on Monday morning early and drove down to Niagara Falls about a seven hour car ride and the kids did exceptionally well. We were staying at a place called "great wolf lodge" this was our second time and we really love it. It's so family friendly and its so nice to be able to go to the water-park then bring kids back for a nap, then go swimming again and then supper, poss swimming again and then bed without even leaving the hotel. The pools are great because there deep enough the kids feel like there swimming but gradual enough for us to be comfortable with them walking around. I was so proud of Mason this time he went down the children's waterside all by himself and was running like crazy through all the little water fountains. Dani's always had no fear and loved it, so together they were having a great time ( minus Masons bowel issues, I'll save that for another post) Abbie loved it as well, great little get away just next time I won't still look pregnant:)
We then went to Toronto thursday afternoon and went to the museum there but kids were tired and I was super sore(another journal entry) and Alin was tired as well, so not such a great adventure. Then to our hotel room, dinner and bed.
Friday I drove home by myself with 3 kiddos for 5 hrs, they were great for part of it and then "little monsters" cute ones but they had definitely had enough if being in the car.
Content
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Something to think about
Alin's parents are here for the weekend and after supper we started the usual bedtime routines... Bath, teeth,comb hair and then the grand finale of milk, soothers, snuggles, books and if dads involved usually some iPhone watching. Daniela has been a Grampa fan tonight and when I went to put her to sleep she didn't want me she wanted Grampa. My feelings were hurt, why didn't my little hurricane want me to put her to sleep. Fast forward an hour kids are sleeping (thanks to dad and Grampa) were sitting in the living room and Alin comes out looking exhausted, sits on the couch and puts his head back. My father in law says "Angel it's hard work being the dad isn't it" my first feeling was one of defeat as I thought what about me? its not easy being the mom, being a dad is easier, you get to have adult conversation during the day, your not home for all the nitty gritty stuff. Everyone's excited to see you, kids run up to you when you come home from work, and I think it's just funner being the treat giver, soother supplier, milk maid, cookie courier, tickler and then I had to STOP myself from feeling discouraged, unappreciated and I guess jealous, and to my mind came a talk I'd heard years ago by Jeffrey R Holland about the prodigal son but with a twist, talking about the brother. So tonight at bed I looked up that talk and here are a few parts...
The Other Prodigal
JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Conference April 2002?
No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all.
Certainly this younger brother had been a prisoner—a prisoner of sin, stupidity, and a pigsty. But the older brother lives in some confinement, too. He has, as yet, been unable to break out of the prison of himself. He is haunted by the green-eyed monster of jealousy. 2 He feels taken for granted by his father and disenfranchised by his brother, when neither is the case. He has fallen victim to a fictional affront. As such he is like Tantalus of Greek mythology—he is up to his chin in water, but he remains thirsty nevertheless. One who has heretofore presumably been very happy with his life and content with his good fortune suddenly feels very unhappy simply because another has had some good fortune as well.
Who is it that whispers so subtly in our ear that a gift given to another somehow diminishes the blessings we have received? Who makes us feel that if God is smiling on another, then He surely must somehow be frowning on us?
It has been said that envy is the one sin to which no one readily confesses, but just how widespread that tendency can be is suggested in the old Danish proverb, “If envy were a fever, all the world would be ill.” The parson in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales laments it because it is so far-reaching—it can resent anything, including any virtue and talent, and it can be offended by everything, including every goodness and joy. 5 As others seem to grow larger in our sight, we think we must therefore be smaller. So, unfortunately, we occasionally act that way.
How does this happen, especially when we wish so much that it would not? I think one of the reasons is that every day we see allurements of one kind or another that tell us what we have is not enough. Someone or something is forever telling us we need to be more handsome or more wealthy, more applauded or more admired than we see ourselves as being. We are told we haven’t collected enough possessions or gone to enough fun places. We are bombarded with the message that on the world’s scale of things we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
But God does not work this way. The father in this story does not tantalize his children. He does not mercilessly measure them against their neighbors. He doesn’t even compare them with each other. His gestures of compassion toward one do not require a withdrawal or denial of love for the other. He is divinely generous to both of these sons. Toward both of his children he extends charity. I believe God is with us the way my precious wife, Pat, is with my singing. She is a gifted musician, something of a musical genius, but I couldn’t capture a musical note with Velcro. And yet I know she loves me in a very special way when I try to sing. I know that because I can see it in her eyes. They are the eyes of love.
One observer has written: “In a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, it is not easy to really believe in a [divine] love that does not do the same. When I hear someone praised,” he says, “it is hard not to think of myself as less praiseworthy; when I read about the goodness and kindness of other people, it is hard not to wonder whether I myself am as good and kind as they; and when I see trophies, rewards, and prizes being handed out to special people, I cannot avoid asking myself why that didn’t happen to me.” 8 If left unresisted, we can see how this inclination so embellished by the world will ultimately bring a resentful, demeaning view of God and a terribly destructive view of ourselves. Most “thou shalt not” commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.
...we can count our many blessings and we can applaud the accomplishments of others... All are privileged, the one like unto the other. Walk peacefully. Walk confidently. Walk without fear and without envy. Be reassured of Heavenly Father’s abundance to you always.
As we do this, we can help others, calling down blessings on them even as they make supplication for us. We can cheer every talent and ability, wherever it is bestowed, thus making life here more nearly what it will be like in heaven. Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, 14 “robes … made … white in the blood of the Lamb.” 15 May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I remembered this talk and so glad it was bought to mind this weekend, I'm thankful for my "premium romanian" and all he does for our little family, how hard he works, how smart he is, how loving and involved he is with our children, how kind and loving he is towards me, his sense of humour and pray that the day we are sealed together as a family isn't far off I want this FOREVER.
Goal for this week is to live this talk, to be supportive and encouraging when others succeed (that's the part I find easy) then to not feel less important as a wife and stay at home mom. This is what I wanted and soon I will be wishing for these days back with all their craziness that our 3 love bugs provide
The Other Prodigal
JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Conference April 2002?
No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all.
Certainly this younger brother had been a prisoner—a prisoner of sin, stupidity, and a pigsty. But the older brother lives in some confinement, too. He has, as yet, been unable to break out of the prison of himself. He is haunted by the green-eyed monster of jealousy. 2 He feels taken for granted by his father and disenfranchised by his brother, when neither is the case. He has fallen victim to a fictional affront. As such he is like Tantalus of Greek mythology—he is up to his chin in water, but he remains thirsty nevertheless. One who has heretofore presumably been very happy with his life and content with his good fortune suddenly feels very unhappy simply because another has had some good fortune as well.
Who is it that whispers so subtly in our ear that a gift given to another somehow diminishes the blessings we have received? Who makes us feel that if God is smiling on another, then He surely must somehow be frowning on us?
It has been said that envy is the one sin to which no one readily confesses, but just how widespread that tendency can be is suggested in the old Danish proverb, “If envy were a fever, all the world would be ill.” The parson in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales laments it because it is so far-reaching—it can resent anything, including any virtue and talent, and it can be offended by everything, including every goodness and joy. 5 As others seem to grow larger in our sight, we think we must therefore be smaller. So, unfortunately, we occasionally act that way.
How does this happen, especially when we wish so much that it would not? I think one of the reasons is that every day we see allurements of one kind or another that tell us what we have is not enough. Someone or something is forever telling us we need to be more handsome or more wealthy, more applauded or more admired than we see ourselves as being. We are told we haven’t collected enough possessions or gone to enough fun places. We are bombarded with the message that on the world’s scale of things we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
But God does not work this way. The father in this story does not tantalize his children. He does not mercilessly measure them against their neighbors. He doesn’t even compare them with each other. His gestures of compassion toward one do not require a withdrawal or denial of love for the other. He is divinely generous to both of these sons. Toward both of his children he extends charity. I believe God is with us the way my precious wife, Pat, is with my singing. She is a gifted musician, something of a musical genius, but I couldn’t capture a musical note with Velcro. And yet I know she loves me in a very special way when I try to sing. I know that because I can see it in her eyes. They are the eyes of love.
One observer has written: “In a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, it is not easy to really believe in a [divine] love that does not do the same. When I hear someone praised,” he says, “it is hard not to think of myself as less praiseworthy; when I read about the goodness and kindness of other people, it is hard not to wonder whether I myself am as good and kind as they; and when I see trophies, rewards, and prizes being handed out to special people, I cannot avoid asking myself why that didn’t happen to me.” 8 If left unresisted, we can see how this inclination so embellished by the world will ultimately bring a resentful, demeaning view of God and a terribly destructive view of ourselves. Most “thou shalt not” commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.
...we can count our many blessings and we can applaud the accomplishments of others... All are privileged, the one like unto the other. Walk peacefully. Walk confidently. Walk without fear and without envy. Be reassured of Heavenly Father’s abundance to you always.
As we do this, we can help others, calling down blessings on them even as they make supplication for us. We can cheer every talent and ability, wherever it is bestowed, thus making life here more nearly what it will be like in heaven. Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, 14 “robes … made … white in the blood of the Lamb.” 15 May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I remembered this talk and so glad it was bought to mind this weekend, I'm thankful for my "premium romanian" and all he does for our little family, how hard he works, how smart he is, how loving and involved he is with our children, how kind and loving he is towards me, his sense of humour and pray that the day we are sealed together as a family isn't far off I want this FOREVER.
Goal for this week is to live this talk, to be supportive and encouraging when others succeed (that's the part I find easy) then to not feel less important as a wife and stay at home mom. This is what I wanted and soon I will be wishing for these days back with all their craziness that our 3 love bugs provide
Saturday, March 2, 2013
"To the love of my life and the hero of theirs"
For Christmas 2 years ago, I made Alin a plate at the mud oven. I painted Mason, Daniela's and my hand on it with the inscription "to the love of my life and the hero of theirs" and they glazed it and it turned out great...as we were on one of our family adventures to the science and tech museum Alin was walking ahead of me with the 2 kids while I pushed Abbie. The thought ran through my mind that I really, truly can't imagine my life without Alin and probably the greatest compliment I could pay him is that I would be happy if our son grew up to be just like him and if our daughters married men like him.
He is a super dad! He's involved, caring loves to snuggle with you all and he's been known to hop on one of your plasma cars to chase you around while you squeal in delight. He LOVES you all to pieces.
He is a super dad! He's involved, caring loves to snuggle with you all and he's been known to hop on one of your plasma cars to chase you around while you squeal in delight. He LOVES you all to pieces.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Potty Mouth
By potty mouth I really do mean potty... Pretty sure my 19 year old self would not believe the words that come out of my mouth now. I remember going to the doctor to discuss " my chest hurting". He replied " like when you breath" and my response was no, like my "girl chest" because I couldn't even get the word breast out.
Fast forward and here I am now discussing all sorts of words with my kids that embarrass the heck out if me, but being the parent I have to suck it up and use correct terminology. YIKES and when on earth would I have ever thought I would say the words "good toots" or poo or pee. Awwww here's to motherhood and the unique discussions that come with it.
Fast forward and here I am now discussing all sorts of words with my kids that embarrass the heck out if me, but being the parent I have to suck it up and use correct terminology. YIKES and when on earth would I have ever thought I would say the words "good toots" or poo or pee. Awwww here's to motherhood and the unique discussions that come with it.
Friday, February 15, 2013
My 4 valentines
So growing up grama Waldie (my mom) always made every occasion special. We had green pancakes for St. Patrick's Day, pink pancakes for Valentine's Day, chocolates for Easter and the list goes on. I loved it and want to carry it on with our little family (besides when your a stay at home mom you look for any reason to whoop it up)
So we started the day with waffles and red helium balloons, cards for Alin and kids, some chocolate and flowers Alin snuck in complete with rose petals. I found the neatest thing on pintrest and decided I had to make it for Alin and I even had all the supplies here:)
All week I've been doing little Valentines crafts with the kids, and today we topped it off with making Valentines cookies to surprise Alin with at work. We even managed to make Star Wars theme that I bought him like 3 years ago. The icing didn't work out but he said he enjoyed them away.
Dinner was a sad state of affairs I didn't have time to whip up anything wonderful. So cheese toast, grapes, and salad were it, we also managed to fit a play date in there for the morning with the Anderson crew, it's been fun to have them over and Dashiell plays so well with Mason.
So here's to another Valentines day and the love shared all around.
So we started the day with waffles and red helium balloons, cards for Alin and kids, some chocolate and flowers Alin snuck in complete with rose petals. I found the neatest thing on pintrest and decided I had to make it for Alin and I even had all the supplies here:)
All week I've been doing little Valentines crafts with the kids, and today we topped it off with making Valentines cookies to surprise Alin with at work. We even managed to make Star Wars theme that I bought him like 3 years ago. The icing didn't work out but he said he enjoyed them away.
Dinner was a sad state of affairs I didn't have time to whip up anything wonderful. So cheese toast, grapes, and salad were it, we also managed to fit a play date in there for the morning with the Anderson crew, it's been fun to have them over and Dashiell plays so well with Mason.
So here's to another Valentines day and the love shared all around.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Missing Me
Today I cried for me, I cried for the body I used to have (definitely wasn't perfect, but was a far cry from the body that looks back at me now). I cried for the confidence that leaves when you don't feel happy with yourself. I cried for the things I don't want to do because I'm embarrassed of all my wobbly bits. I cried because I don't want my husband or children to be embarrassed of me (for the record your dad always tells me I'm beautiful and he's so glad I'm his wife) I've never worried and been so self conscious in my life as I feel now. I know my baby is only 3 months old but I look all around me at these other moms that seem to bounce right back (I bounce but just not a pretty sight) I cried for the relationship I need with my husband, friends and ME. I MISS ME. Case in point we had a birthday party to go to but it was at a swimming pool, the old Shannon wouldn't have thought twice (heck yah) but this tired, frumpy, jelly belly mom went because she doesn't want her kids to miss out on fun activities...for the record it was Abbie's first time and she LOVED it i was super embarrassed of the way I looked and felt bad for my husband. ( keep in mind that at the party ALL the women look like they stepped out of the pages of a magazine, stunning, gorgeous and super nice)
So I am here and now committing myself to find myself again and be the wife, mother, sister and friend that I want to be. I don't want my kids to hear me always complaining about how I look now I want them to see by my actions how to eat, exercise be healthy and have a good balance in their life. Here's to bringing the old Shannon back
So I am here and now committing myself to find myself again and be the wife, mother, sister and friend that I want to be. I don't want my kids to hear me always complaining about how I look now I want them to see by my actions how to eat, exercise be healthy and have a good balance in their life. Here's to bringing the old Shannon back
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week in review
SUNDAY - we stayed home from church today, I'm sure much to Alin's delight. We have sick little kiddos. Mason has a cough, Dani's nose is super full and makes it exciting to be the mom, trying to catch it before it gets everywhere. Bonus is that she loves wiping her nose drawback is she then likes to use the wipe to clean the coffee table...gross. Poor Abbie's fighting it as well I'm sure the soother borrowing and then giving back from Daniela is not helping the situation:) Abbie's poor eyes are just running and red. So instead of sharing our germs we stayed home, I taught a little nursery lesson on loving our families and then Mason and Dani coloured a picture of a family and Alin and I watched 2 conference talks. I tried to make it feel as close to a Sunday as I could. I hate missing church it's just that little lift you need for every week. To refocus and begin again.
MONDAY - I've been dreading this day a little as its Dani's turn for another vaccine. So Alin had the day off and so I left Mason and Abbie with Alin, Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to Dani, she screamed her head off when they were trying to weigh her, reaching out for me grabbing on to my neck and not letting go till I had to get on the scale take my weight ( thanks dani for that...side note 209 is my weight after having Abbie which means I've lost 11 lbs since having her and have 64 to go YIKES) so I was super worried how the needle was going to go and did that little one cry?? Not a peep and she didn't even flinch?!?! She was a rockstar. Came home and then spent rest of the day snuggling with kiddos, reading books, diapers:)
TUESDAY - had another physio appt today at 7:30. I get so tense and dread it, it's so painful and in the week between time it seems I don't have a 1/2 hr to do my stretching and exercise and I pay them for this?!??!
WED - today was mason's last day at speech I'm going to miss going with him I saw a lot of progress with him. I wish I could find another program that I could take dani and him too
THUR - today cori and her kids came over, we went downstairs and played in the gym the kids had tons of fun playing with each other.
MONDAY - I've been dreading this day a little as its Dani's turn for another vaccine. So Alin had the day off and so I left Mason and Abbie with Alin, Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to Dani, she screamed her head off when they were trying to weigh her, reaching out for me grabbing on to my neck and not letting go till I had to get on the scale take my weight ( thanks dani for that...side note 209 is my weight after having Abbie which means I've lost 11 lbs since having her and have 64 to go YIKES) so I was super worried how the needle was going to go and did that little one cry?? Not a peep and she didn't even flinch?!?! She was a rockstar. Came home and then spent rest of the day snuggling with kiddos, reading books, diapers:)
TUESDAY - had another physio appt today at 7:30. I get so tense and dread it, it's so painful and in the week between time it seems I don't have a 1/2 hr to do my stretching and exercise and I pay them for this?!??!
WED - today was mason's last day at speech I'm going to miss going with him I saw a lot of progress with him. I wish I could find another program that I could take dani and him too
THUR - today cori and her kids came over, we went downstairs and played in the gym the kids had tons of fun playing with each other.
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