Savor These Days

What I am about to say is only a reminder of something that I'm sure you've been told repeatedly. But if you're anything like me, you won't mind the reminder.

I was with a mom today who mentioned that her youngest of three skipped playing with much of the baby or young toddler stuff because he was always more interested in what his older siblings were doing. This meant jumping straight to StarWars - forget Winnie the Pooh! My heart sank a little when I heard this. If, Lord willing, we have another child, he or she will likely forego - or at least speed past - some of the sweetest characters of early childhood. Of course this won't necessarily be the case, but it won't be the same as it was with the first, and it won't be the same as it was with just two. It will be better, because we'll be including another precious gift from the Lord into our home, but it won't be the same. While my heart did sink at the idea of change (it always does a little), it was a timely reminder to savor these moments. There won't be others exactly like them.

I've been thinking about the idea of savoring these days with little ones a lot lately, and trying to act on it, hence my sudden lack of consistent posts on this blog. However imperfectly, I'm trying to soak up this time with my joyful 3-year-old and my edible 1-year-old (adjectives acceptable by mommy's license). :) The sporadic posts will likely continue in the future, but now you'll know why!

Keeping Up With the News Outside of Your Mommy World

Days filled with catering to the needs of young children can keep us so busy that it's hard to stay current on news regarding those in our immediate vicinity, much less those in far away places across the U.S. and around the world. I've been struck again recently, however, with how important it is for us to be aware of local, national and global news. It's important to keep up for several reasons. For one, the Bible calls us to pray for our leaders, nation and world. We'll best be equipped to do this when we are made aware of the specific needs out there. On a more personal level, we need to realize that what's happening out there, will most certainly - in some way, shape or form - affect what is going on in our own homes as well as those of our children and future grandchildren.

If you're interested in reacquainting yourself with the news of the day, or are in the hunt for different news sources, here are a couple of our family's favorites.

1. NBC Nightly News - there are several nightly news broadcasts available, but we like Brian Williams and in 30 minutes (less with DVR), we're caught up on the day's big events.

2. The Briefing - this 10-15 minute "briefing" is well-known pastor, author and theologian Albert Mohler's review of some of the day's headlines from a Christian perspective. While you will not be getting a recap of every top story of the day, he will provide great insight and thought-provoking questions for Christians (and hopefully others) to ponder pertaining those he addresses. You can access this on-line at AlbertMohler.com.

3. WORLD magazine - a Christian magazine with news articles on various happenings around the world. You can get many of the articles on-line at worldmag.com.

Dry Hands?

While most people suffer from dry and cold air damage to their skin this time of year, mommy's hands take an extra beating. The beating comes not only from outdoor elements, but from constant hand washing. In an effort to clean up, wash off and rid our hands of germs before they do any damage, we moms spend a lot of time with our sinks and Purell bottles. If your hands are starting to resemble the surface of a raisin, and/or one that's been through a shredder (sorry to be so graphic, but this is a close description of what my hands look like right now!), then try the following treatment. It's easy, effective and works while you sleep!

Lather your hands generously with moisturizer before going to bed. Put on cotton gloves and wear overnight. Wake up to soft, smooth skin!

*This method works for dry feet as well! It may feel a little strange sleeping in gloves and socks, but the result is worth it!

Mommy Vest Update!

A dear friend just notified me that the Lands' End Regular Down Vest is on sale for $14.75! And there's a code out now to secure free shipping on your order (code: SHIPPINGISFREE pin: 5859). The catch is that there are only a few colors left, including some beautiful and versatile options like Dark Cobalt Blue, Dusk Black, Navy and Ivory. I'm not sure how long this will last, so if the "ultimate mommy vest" idea has been lingering in the back of your mind since my first post, now is the time to jump on it! Happy shopping (and saving!)!

The Ultimate Mommy Vest

I had to include a short post on one of my favorite mommy items because thanks to Cyber Monday it's on sale for $20 + free shipping (today, Nov. 29th, only!). It's a Lands' End Women's Regular Down Vest, regularly $34.50.

Here is why I have made this a staple in my mommy wardrobe:

1. Keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free to grab, hold and hug.

2. Deep pockets for mommy essentials like keys and cell phone.

3. Comes in a variety of colors.

4. Wind resistant and water repellant, guarding you against inevitable spit-up or spills.

5. Keeps you warm - at least your core - in temperatures as low as 5-25 degrees F.

6. Versatile - wear it over a lightweight long-sleeve top or over a sweater on especially cold days.

There are more fashionable versions of this piece, but for the price and Lands' End quality, I think this is a steal!

Seasons of Change

If you're the mother of little ones, then you're no doubt finding yourself in a season of continual change. You can go through days when you feel like you're climbing Everest - with multiple kids on your back - and others that are more like drifting slowly and steadily down the Guadalupe (okay, there are probably far fewer of these). You can go through seasons when a new baby, a big move, or the death of a close family member or friend can throw your life into such upheaval that you can no longer easily discern which way is up. Our family has been through many fairly dramatic changes recently and I have been extremely encouraged by the following books and audio on change.

*Seasons of Change, Seasons of Grace, by Georgia Settle

This book is written by a woman who has clearly experienced many seasons of change herself. Through much wisdom and insight she challenges Christians to remain positive even through life's toughest trials because when everything else around us changes, our good and gracious Father remains the same.

*All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson

While this book does not explicitly speak about change, it is a wonderful reminder - in the midst of change - that, "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

*In Every Season of Life (mp3), Carolyn Mahaney

This is a fabulous message for young moms who seek guidance in how to be intentional with this season of life.

http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A2077-01-51

Listen While You Work

We've all heard the old saying "whistle while you work," and while that may be fine for Snow White and the seven dwarfs, I've craved stimulation beyond trying to carry a tune (which I'm not very good at anyway) as I try to get things done around the house. Fortunately there are ways to engage your mind AND get all of the laundry, dishes and dusting done! I have loved listening to sermons, talks and even on-line lectures (via iPods or listening on the computer). These can be easily found on various internet sites, but I've included some recommended listening below in case you're interested!

*Nancy Guthrie on suffering: What Does Jesus Think About Suffering? - I Peter 4:1-2 (MP3)

*Carolyn Mahaney on being a woman and a mother: http://www.covlife.org/resources/author/Carolyn_Mahaney

*Susan Hunt on discipleship and women in the church: http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/MP3-Audio--Multimedia/Sermons-For-Women/All-Speakers-Lectures-and-Sermons/Susan-Hunt/

*Monergism.com has a huge collection of sermons and talks from just about any category, including Theology, Gospel, Bible, God, Christian Life and Hot Topics.

*For free Reformed Theological Seminary courses visit: http://itunes.rts.edu/

* For more than 350,000 free lectures from universities all over the world go to iTunes U: http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/