High Fashion

Dan said to me the other evening, "Now that's a fashion statement." I looked down at my clothes. At that moment it dawned on me that my leopard print fuzzy slippers, red and white snowman lounge pants and Steeler gold Jerome Bettis shirt probably should never be worn together again.

Struggle to be consistent

I've read a lot about potty training the last few days. There are so many different methods and there doesn't seem to be one 'right' way. Many people are starting to strongly question the method recommended by the American Pediatric Association, which is, basically, children will use the potty when they're ready, taking the initiative themselves. The problem with that is the average age that children are potty training is increasing every year, meaning that kids really aren't getting it on their own. See, kids have already learned to go in their diapers, so we have to re-teach them to go on the potty.

Regardless of the method, the one overriding theme is consistency on the part of the parents. Now, I am the least self-disciplined person I know. It is not something that comes naturally, and I really struggle with it. So potty training Isaiah is teaching me something too. =) When the little egg timer goes off, we drop everything and put him on the potty.

While we're on the topic of self-discipline, Dan is one of the most self-disciplined people I know. He gets up when it's pitch black outside, and gets to church by 7:00 a.m. when it's still dark! He doesn't even have a boss who's making sure he's there on time. Of course, he says God is his boss, which is true. But it's still beyond my comprehension. When I was teaching, I had to be at school by 7:50 a.m. Usually I squeaked in between 7:52 and 8:05.

Anyway, I'm working on my self-discipline.

Potty progress and cool poetry

Isaiah actually went on the potty once today. I was so happy, like when the Steelers won the Superbowl! So that was a big win today.

As I was getting music and scriptures ready for our Sunday service, I checked out nailscars.com. It's a website published by a pastor with some really innovative, creative ideas. I read the student poetry section and was struck by the openness and honesty in those poems. That's one of the greatest things about high schoolers - their willingness to be real and lay it all on the line. Check out this one:

Back and Forth
My faith here today

sways back and forth from true and false

I realize my calling,

but I can't seem to pursue it

God puts his love in my face
but I look right through it
I search for things to make me happy

I don't attempt to do what God wants for me
Why is everything in the world so simple it seems?

But I can't even read the word.
I am ashamed to wear the label Christian

and for this reason I cry out to God,

"HELP ME!"

-

Somehow we lose that openness and tranparency when we become adults. I feel like I have to do and say what people expect me to do and say. I feel like I have to be normal or something. I really admire people who have the courage to speak their mind, not caring what people think about them. It's hard to be real.

Potty Talk

We've had a lot of it at our house today. We're starting to potty train Isaiah. So far he doesn't get it. Ahh. More laundry. I don't think he's going to be one of those kids to potty train in a few days. I think he'll take weeks... or months.

Somehow the new year makes me want to clean and organize things. It's like I finally want to do all those things I put off last year. Needless to say, our house is very clean and organized right now! :) It also makes me think of reevaluating my life and what's in it. There have been a lot of changes from last year at this time. Since I'm not teaching school anymore, I have a lot more time and energy to focus on my family and church. I am still teaching piano lessons, which I really feel I need to do - not only to help bring in some income, but also to have a professional outlet. I need time and space to use the talents God gave me, to remember what I'm good at and what I love, apart from my family - piano and teaching. You put piano and teaching together and I'm a pretty happy camper! So maybe take some time today to look at your life and look at it from God's perspective. Maybe He'll show you some things He wants to add or take away. You never know.

Have a good one

Well, it's here! Happy 2008 everyone! Here's to a great new year!