Choo Choo

Here's a little glimpse of my world.  I'm driving back from Highland today (I went to Highland because I think they have the best Wal-mart around.)  Anyways, there's your free tip of the day.  Go to Highland's Wal-mart.

At any rate, Hannah is in the backseat saying, "Chugga chugga, chugga chugga, Choo-Choo!".  She started out quietly and then slowly got louder.  She eventually told me that the trains are coming because she's calling them!  She continued her chanting for several minutes (at the top of her lungs, mind you).  And, yes, I actually let her yell for several minutes in the car with Leah sleeping.  She tells me several times that they're coming and she's watched the train tracks very intently.  I eventually had had enough and told her that she was going to have to call to the trains in a quieter voice because that was too loud for the car.  She stops and says, "I fink they can't hear us.".  I just rolled.  I love that she wasn't phased by the fact that the real trains weren't coming...they simply couldn't hear her.

Stupid Pharisee

Stupid Pharisee...You are Me

I recently read a devotion about being a pharisee. Most days I'd rather be a pharisee than a disciple.

Complex Creatures

...2 year olds. I don't understand 2 year olds. And here are some of the things that confuse me.

They could be naked for days and not even notice or care.

They don't think twice about sitting on infants.

They pick up fruit-filled jello in their hands. An entire handful of jello. All the while, saying, "Mommy, this is a big bite."

They're scared to poop in a toilet.

Yum

We call it "Daddy's Special Applesauce".  Its the best in the world.  And its gone...sadly it never lasts long.  :)


(10/29/2009)

Slowing Down

It is a conscious decision for me to slow down.  It certainly is not something that comes naturally.  I must force it and it's good for me.  I don't do it often enough and yet love it when I do.  So, how do I learn to slow down more often?  How do I fight against my natural tendencies?  I rush rush rush through my days.  Partly because I legitimately have a lot to do and partly because it is my nature.  I am task oriented and anything that gets in my way is a problem...regardless of the fact that what's getting in my way is usually my husband and my children. 
 
I honestly don't know how to consistently slow down.  And, to be brutal, I mostly don't want to slow down.  I like the fast pace.  I like to get a lot done.  I like to be productive.  But, I don't like running over the people in my life in order to accomplish my list of tasks.  I also am realizing that I don't slow down because I don't want to truly deal with or face the issues in my life and in myself.  The faster I move and think the less time I have to deal with myself or pain that I feel.  Grrr.  Why is it that something as simple as needing to slow down is bringing to surface deeper issues?  The more I learn about myself the more I learn that I have built in lots of different distractions and walls to protect myself.  And...that's another issue for another day.  For now, I'm going to just try & slow down a little more. 

So, my question is...how do I build things into my life to help me learn to slow down? 

Car Trip

So, I'm traveling with Chad and the little girls. Its interesting, but good. Its not often that the four of us are trapped in such a small space for such a long period of time. It has reminded me of the joy that my family is to me. I hope that I can slow down and enjoy the trip. I pretty much only have one speed, and that is warp. This will be a test of patience. But, I'm so blessed to have this opportunity to go on a car trip with them (and we're going to warmth!).

I did have a major revelation today. It is immensely easier to travel with a one year old than it is with an infant. I love that. Infants don't stay infants. Yay.

Balance

So, for those of you who know me probably already know that I'm not always very balanced. Passionate, one-tracked mind, dedicated, organized...yes, but not so much balanced. I don't so much like the gray...I prefer black or white.

Anyways, my current life phase has brought me to learning more about my Myers-Briggs personality type and my strengths from the book Strengths Finder 2.0. I have found much value and understanding come from learning more about myself and what makes me tick. All the things that I always tried to ignore about myself seem to be coming to light...in a good way. I'm actually made this way. I was created in a particular way with certain strengths. I can't believe it. I usually drive people a little crazy and now come to find out its one of my strengths. haha

All of this randomness...especially random since I haven't written on here for months...is to encourage you to find your Myers-Briggs personality type and your strengths and figure yourself out.

Oh, and I'm an ESTJ. :) Shocking, eh?