That is the question I ask myself every morning when The Colonel gets up for work. See, I like to have a little time to myself before Major wakes up, but that means I need to be up by 6:30am at the latest. And even then, that's sometimes too late to get up.
BUT, that means I have to get my booty out of bed that early. I always wake up when The Colonel gets up -- what I mean is, I open my eyes for a brief moment and glance at the clock. Then I lay there and think about getting up.
But my bed is so warm, and my puppy is usually snuggled next to me, and it's so COLD in the house.
But, if I don't get up, then the boy will wake up, and I will be forced to try to get ready while he turns my closet upside down...he pulls dirty clothes out of the hamper on to the floor, all of the Colonel's belts come off the rack, my makeup brushes are yanked out of the drawer...all while I'm trying to wash my face, brush my teeth and attempt to look presentable.
It's not that I'm still tired when the alarm goes off in the morning (well, sometimes I am), it's just that it's so cozy in bed and I'm not always ready to start the day. Of course, if I don't start the day on my terms, then my super busy toddler will start the day for me.
What a dilemma!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Since I became a mom...PART 2
One of the things I forgot to mention the other day about SINCE I BECAME A MOM is that I have lost my short term memory...since I became a Mom.
If you tell me something, and I don't immediately write it down or put it on my calendar or add it to the very large and ugly stack of papers on my dining room table, then I will promptly forget it forever...or until I'm lying in bed or standing in the shower or in some equally inconvenient place.
Which is why I forgot the very thing that made me write the SINCE I BECAME A MOM post, the one thing that triggered my mind into thinking about all the things that have changed...it just flew right out of my head. And believe it or not, wine did not have anything to do with me forgetting...this time. =)
So anyway, here it is:
It's the holidays. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the skies are blue and beautiful, and most people are in good spirits. So, charities are out in full force (including my employer, but that's another story, altogether) asking for money. They tug at your heart strings and play you videos and show you pictures and ask for your donation to help their cause.
In years past, I had NO problem ignoring most of these pleas. I chose not to answer my phone or open my door. I scrolled quickly past the blog posts and deleted emails without reading them (sorry if some of them were from you). I read my bulletin during church instead of paying attention to the video. But then....but then, I had a child. And all of a sudden, everything changed.
Every time I hear a sad story about a child who is ill, I think about how it could be my child. Every time that I see a child go without medical care or food or love or shoes, or anything! my eyes well up, and I start thinking about adopting a little baby from India so they don't have to live on the streets. I come home from women's dinners and church activities and craft fairs, and I tell my husband that we NEED to give to this charity and this missionary and that cause. I tell him the stories that I heard, and just when he might be about to agree to give...I hear about ANOTHER cause that needs my help! Aaahhh!!
What do I do??
We are not made of money. In fact, we are SO not made of money. If only I wouldn't have wasted so much money years ago when we were young and single and had 2 amazing incomes....oh wait, that's another story, too.
Anyway, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to give to all the great things that I hear about, but we can't. So, I choose the few that we can help monetarily, and we decide to pray and cry for the others. And thank God every single day that we are SO blessed to have a healthy and beautiful child...a child who never goes hungry, who has lots of shoes and too many toys and is surrounded by friends and family who love him unconditionally.
Just another way that things have changed since I became a mom. If you are looking for somewhere to donate some of your love and finances to, these are some of the organizations that I have fallen in love with. Check them out if you get a chance:
World Vision - a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families.
- and a special story about World Vision here
Reese's Rainbow - International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry -- Outside of the U.S. children born with Down Syndrome are viewed as outcasts with no ability to learn or be functional members of society. They languish in mental institutions, hidden away from the world in shame. Reese's Rainbow provides financial support to families trying to rescue and adopt these children.
- a personal story about plea for help for Reese's Rainbow
Samaritan's Purse - For over 35 years, Samaritan's Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.
The Luca John Foundation - this is a charity that was founded by my neighbor's daughter and son-in-law after they lost their little boy shortly after his birth. They provide support (both financially and emotionally) to families who lose infants. It's amazing to see the love that has come out of such a tragic thing.
If you're looking for a cause to support this holiday season, all of these are amazing. If you already have your favorite cause to give to, thank you so much for your giving spirit. Reading these stories makes me realize how blessed we are to live in the way that we do. We are so lucky....and there are so many others who need our help!
And to end on a light note...one more thing SINCE I BECAME A MOM...my jeans no longer fit, I run into doors and walls because my hips stick out more than before, and coffee has become a non-negotiable.
If you tell me something, and I don't immediately write it down or put it on my calendar or add it to the very large and ugly stack of papers on my dining room table, then I will promptly forget it forever...or until I'm lying in bed or standing in the shower or in some equally inconvenient place.
Which is why I forgot the very thing that made me write the SINCE I BECAME A MOM post, the one thing that triggered my mind into thinking about all the things that have changed...it just flew right out of my head. And believe it or not, wine did not have anything to do with me forgetting...this time. =)
So anyway, here it is:
It's the holidays. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the skies are blue and beautiful, and most people are in good spirits. So, charities are out in full force (including my employer, but that's another story, altogether) asking for money. They tug at your heart strings and play you videos and show you pictures and ask for your donation to help their cause.
In years past, I had NO problem ignoring most of these pleas. I chose not to answer my phone or open my door. I scrolled quickly past the blog posts and deleted emails without reading them (sorry if some of them were from you). I read my bulletin during church instead of paying attention to the video. But then....but then, I had a child. And all of a sudden, everything changed.
Every time I hear a sad story about a child who is ill, I think about how it could be my child. Every time that I see a child go without medical care or food or love or shoes, or anything! my eyes well up, and I start thinking about adopting a little baby from India so they don't have to live on the streets. I come home from women's dinners and church activities and craft fairs, and I tell my husband that we NEED to give to this charity and this missionary and that cause. I tell him the stories that I heard, and just when he might be about to agree to give...I hear about ANOTHER cause that needs my help! Aaahhh!!
What do I do??
We are not made of money. In fact, we are SO not made of money. If only I wouldn't have wasted so much money years ago when we were young and single and had 2 amazing incomes....oh wait, that's another story, too.
Anyway, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to give to all the great things that I hear about, but we can't. So, I choose the few that we can help monetarily, and we decide to pray and cry for the others. And thank God every single day that we are SO blessed to have a healthy and beautiful child...a child who never goes hungry, who has lots of shoes and too many toys and is surrounded by friends and family who love him unconditionally.
Just another way that things have changed since I became a mom. If you are looking for somewhere to donate some of your love and finances to, these are some of the organizations that I have fallen in love with. Check them out if you get a chance:
World Vision - a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families.
- and a special story about World Vision here
Reese's Rainbow - International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry -- Outside of the U.S. children born with Down Syndrome are viewed as outcasts with no ability to learn or be functional members of society. They languish in mental institutions, hidden away from the world in shame. Reese's Rainbow provides financial support to families trying to rescue and adopt these children.
- a personal story about plea for help for Reese's Rainbow
Samaritan's Purse - For over 35 years, Samaritan's Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.
The Luca John Foundation - this is a charity that was founded by my neighbor's daughter and son-in-law after they lost their little boy shortly after his birth. They provide support (both financially and emotionally) to families who lose infants. It's amazing to see the love that has come out of such a tragic thing.
If you're looking for a cause to support this holiday season, all of these are amazing. If you already have your favorite cause to give to, thank you so much for your giving spirit. Reading these stories makes me realize how blessed we are to live in the way that we do. We are so lucky....and there are so many others who need our help!
And to end on a light note...one more thing SINCE I BECAME A MOM...my jeans no longer fit, I run into doors and walls because my hips stick out more than before, and coffee has become a non-negotiable.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Since I became a mom...
I get less done, I cook more, I snuggle and hug and kiss and love more...
...since I became a mom.
I notice cute kids "driving" the cart from the little car in front. I notice moms who are mean and impatient and rude to their kids in the store. I check out that super cute stroller on the bike path. I smile and tease the baby in the cart in front of me.
...since I became a mom.
I can no longer tolerate F bombs. I couldn't really tolerate it before, but now it just really grates on me. Now I'M the one muttering under my breath about those idiot kids.
...since I became a mom.
I can no longer watch movies about sad things unless it has a happy ending. And I especially can't want shows or movies where kids are hurt. (I bawled like a baby through Australia today and don't even get me started on Slumdog Millionaire.)
...since I became a mom.
I ABSOLUTELY can NOT understand what possesses someone to hurt or sell or torture or kill a child. I can understand the frustration and impatience you feel with a child, but they are depending on YOU to care for them. How in the world can a caregiver do so much damage to a child. (Little Shaniya's story in NC is eating me up!)
...since I became a mom.
I now understand what people meant when they said, "you'll feel differently when it's your own." Boy oh boy, do I get it now.
...since I became a mom.
BUT, I still don't get how all of that love is inside of me. Where did it come from?? How in the world did it just SHOW UP when my boy was handed to me? And where did the extra love (and patience and adoration and appreciation) for his daddy come from? God is amazing, that's all there is about it.
...since I became a mom.
Now, I can really appreciate the sacrifice and the AWESOME AWESOME gift that God gave to me when He allowed His Son to die, to SUFFER so immensely, on the cross, just so that I could live. Oh, what a sacrifice it was. I can't even fathom.
...since I became a mom.
nerve endings are closer to the surface, tears come more easily, laughter and smiles come more readily, chores go unfinished, priorities change...
...since I became a mom.
And I'm SO loving all of it!!
...since I became a mom.
I notice cute kids "driving" the cart from the little car in front. I notice moms who are mean and impatient and rude to their kids in the store. I check out that super cute stroller on the bike path. I smile and tease the baby in the cart in front of me.
...since I became a mom.
I can no longer tolerate F bombs. I couldn't really tolerate it before, but now it just really grates on me. Now I'M the one muttering under my breath about those idiot kids.
...since I became a mom.
I can no longer watch movies about sad things unless it has a happy ending. And I especially can't want shows or movies where kids are hurt. (I bawled like a baby through Australia today and don't even get me started on Slumdog Millionaire.)
...since I became a mom.
I ABSOLUTELY can NOT understand what possesses someone to hurt or sell or torture or kill a child. I can understand the frustration and impatience you feel with a child, but they are depending on YOU to care for them. How in the world can a caregiver do so much damage to a child. (Little Shaniya's story in NC is eating me up!)
...since I became a mom.
I now understand what people meant when they said, "you'll feel differently when it's your own." Boy oh boy, do I get it now.
...since I became a mom.
BUT, I still don't get how all of that love is inside of me. Where did it come from?? How in the world did it just SHOW UP when my boy was handed to me? And where did the extra love (and patience and adoration and appreciation) for his daddy come from? God is amazing, that's all there is about it.
...since I became a mom.
Now, I can really appreciate the sacrifice and the AWESOME AWESOME gift that God gave to me when He allowed His Son to die, to SUFFER so immensely, on the cross, just so that I could live. Oh, what a sacrifice it was. I can't even fathom.
...since I became a mom.
nerve endings are closer to the surface, tears come more easily, laughter and smiles come more readily, chores go unfinished, priorities change...
...since I became a mom.
And I'm SO loving all of it!!
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