I'm trying my hardest.

This week has proved to be another busy one, and I'm so thankful for the times we have at home to just hang out together and play trains.

I am trying my hardest to not "wish away" these hard toddler days, as I hear on a daily basis how quickly they will pass.  It's hard to see beyond this tough season with the boys, even though I know it's not a permanent one.  One day I'm going to wake up and they will no longer be interested in trains.  It will be Legos.  Then superheros.  Then friends.  Then girls....

I'm trying my hardest to soak in these long days... feeling like I'm more of a railroad track maintenance woman instead of a Mom, as I fix the tracks hundreds of times a week, and change batteries as if my life depended on it.

I'm trying my hardest to speak to them in a gentle, caring way.  To encourage them and recognize the good and not so much of the bad.  To discipline with love, and to tell them every night before they fall asleep how much I adore them.

I'm really trying my hardest.  And on nights that I feel like I've completely failed, I see grace in their eyes when they wake up the next morning and give me another chance to be better.

Inching our way to 4.

Earlier this month, this boy turned 3 1/2.  Aka, closer to 4 than 3.  

Insert mommy freak out moment.

He makes me laugh and smile a lot.  I can feel a little bit of relief (as so many promised) the closer we're inching to 4, as he knows most of his boundaries and is beginning to understand them.

Naps are slowly dwindling as we have struggled with a normal bedtime routine since going on our Canada vacation.  He struggles falling asleep at night and gets out of bed multiple times, which probably means he is ready to cut out his afternoon naps, but I can't hardly stand the thought.  Mainly because he WANTS to nap, and of course the (smaller) selfish side of me wanting a couple hours of peace each afternoon.  We'll see what the next few weeks bring... but I have a feeling I know where this is headed.

Sad face.  Happy face.

He's still head over heels for all things trains.  This boy can eat, sleep, drink trains and never tires of them.  We've already watched "Polar Express" (yes, the Christmas movie) about 100 times this month and yet he still wants to watch it again.  In fact, he just asked me again.  "But Mommy, I just say pleeease!?!"

His famous words these days are "maybe someday!"... for example...

J: Mom, I want to hold an elephant someday.

Me: Well, Jax, elephants are too big to hold.

J: Maybe someday!

Other favorite lines "I told you that every time!", "It's not fair!", and a pretend whistle noise to get our attention.

 

The wrestling matches between the boys have most definitely begun.  They are a daily occurrence at our house now, and Tyler tells me to just get used to it. 

I just can't wrap my mind around how fast time has gone.  How does that saying go?

The days are long, but the years are fleeting.

So true... so true. 

Playing catch up.

Have you ever been so behind you don't quite know where to start?

In the last couple weeks I have...
- assisted local photographers at shoots
- lost 2 more pounds
- spent a weekend in Iowa with family, staying up way too late and having a ton of fun
- photographed a wedding
- spent some time with sweet friends + their kids
- chased hamsters all over my house and SOLD THEM...praise the Lord
- drowned in editing pictures
- nursed a sick husband and boy back to health ("nursed" in a non-literal way)
- exercised a lot
- met with Cohen's speech therapist
- fixed train tracks x1000
- met with our Pastor about some new leadership roles
- prayed a lot about our future
- allergies. allergies. allergies.
- went to a "back to school" swimming bash
- frequented the bike trails
...and the list could go on and on but I won't bore you.

I have really been digging deep in the Word lately and have been challenged as I feel like the Holy Spirit is making me more aware of my "road blocks" that tie me up throughout the day.... jealousy, discontentment, comparison, anger, a bad attitude, and just a general feeling sorry for myself attitude.  I hear it a lot, but the whole mindset of thanking God for what you DO have instead of focusing on what you DON'T really does wonders for my soul.

We have a lot of big(ish) changes coming up and more than ever I'm just thankful for my husband who is a faithful prayer partner.  I know that He is really chasing after the Lord's heart in our decisions, and nothing is more valuable than that.

I kinda love that man.

Also, super random, but sometimes I have this huge desire to sell everything I own and then redecorate my house.  Wait... that probably doesn't fall in line with the "focus on what you DO have" mantra, but am I the only one who gets this sudden urge to completely change/revamp your style?

Also, super random, the weather has been amaaaaazing lately.  You know it's a little pathetic when you're excited about 80 degree temps, but 80 is so much more enjoyable than 110.  I cannot wait for fall.

One last random thing...  My hubby really wants me to sell our cloth diapers, so if anyone is interested, please let me know!  (They are bumGenius 4.0's in snaps)  I haven't touched on this subject, but we haven't been able to use them because of an...issue...Cohen has, so they might as well be put to good use.  As long as you don't mind me crying as I hand them over to you.  You know how much I loved those things.

What's new with you guys?

Choose Famous Footwear.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I remember "back to school" shopping each year... the new folders, new pens, new paper, new clothes, and of course, the new shoes.  Growing up in a family of 4 kids I can't even imagine how much my parents spent just trying to get us ready for the school year, and I know I'll be down that road with my boys before I even realize it.  You know me and sales, we go together like coffee and creamer.  Famous Footwear has some great deals going on right now that I think all of you Moms will want to hear about.

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BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon is good until August 18.  If you're ready to start shopping, stop by a Famous Footwear store today, or visit them online at www.famousfootwear.com

Happy Shopping! 

Sweet sound.

I remember them saying it so clearly...

"don't worry, your second born will talk so much faster than your first."

I didn't blog about it much, but some of you may already know that Jaxon saw a speech therapist for a short time while we lived in Texas.  He was 18 months old and speaking "baby babble"... we referred to it as chinese.  He would go on and on and on, yet we had no idea what he was saying.  Eventually, after a couple sessions with a therapist and LOTS of at-home work, it all worked out.  And of course now, he never shuts up.

:)

Cohen is a little bit older, and says 2 words.  "No" and "Ah?".  When we had his 18 month check-up months ago, the doctor expressed a little bit of concern and referred us to a speech therapist.  Again, this process was not new for us after going through it with Jaxon, but there's a few differences this time.

First off, it's paid for by the state.  Free help that comes to your home and hangs out with you and your child once a week... why not?!  The ladies who came recently to evaluate him and determine if he qualified, said his non-verbal communication is 100%.  He can clearly tell me his wants/needs, but without saying it.  His motor skills are all beyond where they should be at 22 months, and they had no concerns about his development at all, besides the obvious one.

I am so thrilled.  Deep down I know there is nothing wrong with him, I just need help to learn how to teach him to SAY what he wants, instead of show me.  Honestly, this speech therapist is coming as much for me as she is for Cohen.  I need the help too, because Lord knows we have our frustrating moments that he doesn't know how to say what he wants, and I have no idea what his needs are either.

People keep telling me to not look forward to the day he talks, because then it never stops.  But at this point, nothing would make me happier than to hear his little voice.

I really have no idea what it sounds like, and I can't wait for that sweet sound to be heard.