Having a second child, who is also the second boy, has put me in the strange position of fielding numerous unsolicited remarks from strangers.
"You've got your hands full."
"Two boys? Bless you."
"Are you going to try for a girl?"
"I bet you're tired at the end of a day"
"Both boys? Oh well, I guess you're saving on weddings."
It has also opened my eyes to our society's impressions of family and children. Here in America, "one of each" is considered the ideal family. With a boy and a girl, you get the best of both worlds by experiencing each side of the parenthood fence. I found myself wishing for a girl at times during my pregnancy for this very reason, so I understand where it stems from. However, as humans, we still have no control over the gender of our offspring and I ultimately left it in God's hands. I was recently out with my friend who has two girls; I was jokingly asked if we ever considered swapping kids so that we could get a mix. Sometimes I think people are just trying to make conversation, so I usually smile and play in their game ("no, we don't swap, but when I'm around them I get my 'girl fix' and I'm happy to share mine so she can have her 'boy fix'."). I've now been the proud mother of two sons for 5 months. And I think I'm handling it rather well.
Which is why the "you've got a handful" comments surprise me. Two kids, even by today's standards, does not qualify a person for Huge Family status. So, I have to ask, Is it Me?. Do I look like I can't handle it? Do I look frazzled and worn thin? In fact, to avoid that dreaded "housewife" appearance, I make a point of never wearing sweats or spandex unless I'm exercising, and I try to keep hair and make-up at normal levels. Certainly no curlers or "house coats" here! Ah, but no high heels and runway fashion, either.
I can't stand the Easily Offended times we live in and I am not about to bend under the pressure of Political Correctness by requesting that people keep to topics of weather and current events. So, I try not to get my feelings hurt when people say things like this. It has simply been unexpected to switch from "He's so cute" comments when I only had Grant, to the above comments now that Dean is with us. The second-born never really gets the same treatment as the first, do they?
Yes I have two sons- and I consider myself blessed beyond belief!
Psalm 127:3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Monday, August 25, 2003
Yay!
Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
Not temples. Not deeds. God simply want out hearts.
Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
Not temples. Not deeds. God simply want out hearts.
Friday, August 22, 2003
Cornstarch Beads
My sweet friend, Heather, sent me a care package last week. She is the kind of person that sends you something from Australia even though she's on her honeymoon (seriously folks!) Inside, there was a beautiful framed photograph and a book called How to Make Soft Jewelry. I never before had mentioned a desire to make my own jewelry- I think she just figured I might be interested since I'm "the creative type". Don't you love it when someone knows you that well? As children, we did artsy things together. Our moms both worked with pottery and art, so all of the tools/ materials/ inspiration were simply lying around and begging to be used. I remember sitting in her house on Avenida Sevilla while we both sewed our moms their Mother's Day gifts (her: a scarf and me: a blue satin handkerchief with a pink rosette). We also experimented with Fimo and Sculpey clay, collages, and making our very own Barbie accesories (like hand mirrors made of aluminum foil and miniature candies wrapped in Saran Wrap, tied on both ends with thread).
Yesterday, I made one of the projects with Grant from my new book. We crafted "cornstarch beads" with a homemade clay made from...cornstarch. I suppose you could make other things, as well, but I thought it would be great for him to have something to play with after the clay hardened. The recipe made a rather large amount, so I shared the wealth at our sewing party with LaDonna so her girls could play also. Here are the instructions:
In a saucepan, combine: 1 cup cornstarch, 2 cups baking soda, and 1 1/4 cups water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches the cosistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool so that you can handle it without burning yourself (I put mine in the freezer for twenty minutes because I was impatient). Knead in gel food coloring or Rit dye powder to colr your clay (remember that it will lighten as it dries). Mold clay into whatever shapes you heart desires (if you are making beads, use a toothpick to create holes). Air dry for 1-2 days or bake in the oven at lowest possible temp. for 1-2 hours. Voila! The book also mentioned that you could roll the wet pieces in sand for a rustic look, but I haven't tried that yet.
Very easy, very fun.
My sweet friend, Heather, sent me a care package last week. She is the kind of person that sends you something from Australia even though she's on her honeymoon (seriously folks!) Inside, there was a beautiful framed photograph and a book called How to Make Soft Jewelry. I never before had mentioned a desire to make my own jewelry- I think she just figured I might be interested since I'm "the creative type". Don't you love it when someone knows you that well? As children, we did artsy things together. Our moms both worked with pottery and art, so all of the tools/ materials/ inspiration were simply lying around and begging to be used. I remember sitting in her house on Avenida Sevilla while we both sewed our moms their Mother's Day gifts (her: a scarf and me: a blue satin handkerchief with a pink rosette). We also experimented with Fimo and Sculpey clay, collages, and making our very own Barbie accesories (like hand mirrors made of aluminum foil and miniature candies wrapped in Saran Wrap, tied on both ends with thread).
Yesterday, I made one of the projects with Grant from my new book. We crafted "cornstarch beads" with a homemade clay made from...cornstarch. I suppose you could make other things, as well, but I thought it would be great for him to have something to play with after the clay hardened. The recipe made a rather large amount, so I shared the wealth at our sewing party with LaDonna so her girls could play also. Here are the instructions:
In a saucepan, combine: 1 cup cornstarch, 2 cups baking soda, and 1 1/4 cups water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches the cosistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool so that you can handle it without burning yourself (I put mine in the freezer for twenty minutes because I was impatient). Knead in gel food coloring or Rit dye powder to colr your clay (remember that it will lighten as it dries). Mold clay into whatever shapes you heart desires (if you are making beads, use a toothpick to create holes). Air dry for 1-2 days or bake in the oven at lowest possible temp. for 1-2 hours. Voila! The book also mentioned that you could roll the wet pieces in sand for a rustic look, but I haven't tried that yet.
Very easy, very fun.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
I was reading in Acts today. In Acts 3:15, Jesus is referred to as the "author of life". Certainly, we have the ability to write some of our own history- for He has granted us with free will. But, it is wonderful to know that the Lord is the one writing the pages that we don't have access to (and from what I've read, He is more than qualified for this job- I just need to remember it!).
He has the ability to take things meant for evil and use them for good (Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done...).
He will take care of us (Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?).
And He even desires to bless us (Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!) (Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart) (Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future")
He has the ability to take things meant for evil and use them for good (Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done...).
He will take care of us (Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?).
And He even desires to bless us (Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!) (Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart) (Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future")
Saturday, August 16, 2003
No, My Husband Did Not Beat Me.
I bruise easily and I do stupid things. Before, I have mentioned my tendency toward self-harm; I am klutsy with the biggest capital "K" you can muster. I could create blog for the sole purpose of chronicling my injuries- and it would have no lack of material. Plenty of entries. Masses of them.
Last week, I fell down the stairs. Big bruise to my thigh and another to my ego since I had an audience.
Tonight, I slipped and fell on my rear in the kitchen. There was water right below the refrigerator, suspiciously underneath the ice dispenser. I think my appliance may be out to get me- of course, that's just a theory. The kind of theory that helps me feel better about myself since it places blame elsewhere. Big bad fridge with a sneaky evil side. And plenty of ice. And a klutsy target. Yep, that would be me.
I bruise easily and I do stupid things. Before, I have mentioned my tendency toward self-harm; I am klutsy with the biggest capital "K" you can muster. I could create blog for the sole purpose of chronicling my injuries- and it would have no lack of material. Plenty of entries. Masses of them.
Last week, I fell down the stairs. Big bruise to my thigh and another to my ego since I had an audience.
Tonight, I slipped and fell on my rear in the kitchen. There was water right below the refrigerator, suspiciously underneath the ice dispenser. I think my appliance may be out to get me- of course, that's just a theory. The kind of theory that helps me feel better about myself since it places blame elsewhere. Big bad fridge with a sneaky evil side. And plenty of ice. And a klutsy target. Yep, that would be me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
"It was just yesterday."
Her son was married just the other weekend. The first of her two boys who are around my age.
"...just yesterday that they were running around like yours are now"
It sounds silly to say it, especially with an infant under my care, but I feel it happening already. They are growing so quickly. Sometimes, when I look at Grant sprawled out on his bed with the covers mangled about him, it is as though I am looking at a teenager who has fallen asleep with the intention of remaining awake to study. But the Buzz Lightyear figurine and the Hot Wheels cars give him away, he is only three. Only three, that still seems old to me.
I stay home, I am hardly away. And, yet, I still feel as though I haven't had enough. I didn't capture that moment. I didn't breathe it all in. I didn't burn it in my memory strongly enough so that I can peek in on it in 20...30 years. Smell their hair. Feel the soft, firm skin. Hear the words pronounced with the tinge of "baby" that you want/don't want to disolve. Because when it disolves it is gone forever and you don't even miss it until you realize that it happened all too long ago.
Mo-mo used to mean cup. Bay-bay used to mean blanket-but only the special ones. Will I someday mourn the disappearance of "tomorrNo" or the fact that he can't pronounce the letter "s" when it begins a word. As always, it seems, the mark of a good parent is one who allows growth even when their own selfish desires would have them remain a baby forever.
So, as my next-door-neighbor and I let our four pre-school age boys hang out together, we looked at our other neighbor's wedding photos. The bride was gorgeous, the mother of the groom was gorgeous. And even now, as she was showing the photos, she was proud and happy. What an example of someone who shares in the joy of others! I want to be the same- rejoicing in the accomplishments of my children and delighting in the decisions they make. I suppose it is a fine balance between cherishing the past and dwelling on it (save some fingerpaingtings...but not all) (videotape often...but don't experience all their special moments through the viewfinder). Essentially, you really miss out if you can't enjoy the present and get excited about the future.
All this said, Dean has grown! He went to the doctor's office today for his 4 month check-up. He weighs 16 pounds, 11 ounces and is 25 3/4 inches long. He impressed the doctor with his rolling abilities... and then with his distance spitting. We are so proud.
Her son was married just the other weekend. The first of her two boys who are around my age.
"...just yesterday that they were running around like yours are now"
It sounds silly to say it, especially with an infant under my care, but I feel it happening already. They are growing so quickly. Sometimes, when I look at Grant sprawled out on his bed with the covers mangled about him, it is as though I am looking at a teenager who has fallen asleep with the intention of remaining awake to study. But the Buzz Lightyear figurine and the Hot Wheels cars give him away, he is only three. Only three, that still seems old to me.
I stay home, I am hardly away. And, yet, I still feel as though I haven't had enough. I didn't capture that moment. I didn't breathe it all in. I didn't burn it in my memory strongly enough so that I can peek in on it in 20...30 years. Smell their hair. Feel the soft, firm skin. Hear the words pronounced with the tinge of "baby" that you want/don't want to disolve. Because when it disolves it is gone forever and you don't even miss it until you realize that it happened all too long ago.
Mo-mo used to mean cup. Bay-bay used to mean blanket-but only the special ones. Will I someday mourn the disappearance of "tomorrNo" or the fact that he can't pronounce the letter "s" when it begins a word. As always, it seems, the mark of a good parent is one who allows growth even when their own selfish desires would have them remain a baby forever.
So, as my next-door-neighbor and I let our four pre-school age boys hang out together, we looked at our other neighbor's wedding photos. The bride was gorgeous, the mother of the groom was gorgeous. And even now, as she was showing the photos, she was proud and happy. What an example of someone who shares in the joy of others! I want to be the same- rejoicing in the accomplishments of my children and delighting in the decisions they make. I suppose it is a fine balance between cherishing the past and dwelling on it (save some fingerpaingtings...but not all) (videotape often...but don't experience all their special moments through the viewfinder). Essentially, you really miss out if you can't enjoy the present and get excited about the future.
All this said, Dean has grown! He went to the doctor's office today for his 4 month check-up. He weighs 16 pounds, 11 ounces and is 25 3/4 inches long. He impressed the doctor with his rolling abilities... and then with his distance spitting. We are so proud.
Monday, August 11, 2003
Last week was full to the brim with preparations for a baby shower I was throwing for Mary and her highly anticipated offspring, Owen. I had list after list after list to keep me on track and organized. Mary's sister Becky, and a joint friend Amber, were co-hosts with me. Becky opened up her home and Amber designed the invitations. My assignment was to come up with the menu and figure out who would prepare which dish. Here is what we served:
-rolls with lunchmeat and cheese
-carrot-cumin slaw
-feta pasta salad
-veggies and dip
-crystallized ginger, dried papaya, dried pineapple (all dipped in chocolate), and yogurt raisins
-mocha cream puffs
-individual serving sizes of this cake
-fruit shishkababs
-fruit tea
-yummy nut bars
Thank you to Tina P. who brought the veggie dip and to LaDonna who not only helped that day, but also came over Friday to help me with the food preparation (and made the much praised "yummy nut bars"). (Donna, thanks for all your wonderful advice and tips- they were priceless!) Everything went so smoothly.
Saturday was also big day because it was the start of football. I didn't marry a man that was nuts over football but, somehow, he has morphed into one. I really find it cute- especially with our two sons. Dean was considered part of the club this week when he was awarded his very own Titans jersey in the same number as Daddy and Grant. So we now have Large, small, and itsy-bitsy Frank Wychecks in the house. Kris and Mary (and Owen) came over to watch the game. I think we won, Mary and I both fell asleep. Not that we weren't interested but we were watching it rather late as we had recorded on the DVR to suit our schedule (and to have commercial-skipping ability). Pair that with pregnancy (not me!) and the fact that this was a pre-season game... "ZZZZZZZZZZ".
Sunday afternoon Grant took me to see Finding Nemo. He even opened the door for me! Alright, so I paid. But, this was his long overdue reward for 30 successful potty trips. He has done so well and hardly ever has an accident now. It has been one month since we began the effort and he now only wears a Pull-Up when he's sleeping. I am very proud of my little man!
-rolls with lunchmeat and cheese
-carrot-cumin slaw
-feta pasta salad
-veggies and dip
-crystallized ginger, dried papaya, dried pineapple (all dipped in chocolate), and yogurt raisins
-mocha cream puffs
-individual serving sizes of this cake
-fruit shishkababs
-fruit tea
-yummy nut bars
Thank you to Tina P. who brought the veggie dip and to LaDonna who not only helped that day, but also came over Friday to help me with the food preparation (and made the much praised "yummy nut bars"). (Donna, thanks for all your wonderful advice and tips- they were priceless!) Everything went so smoothly.
Saturday was also big day because it was the start of football. I didn't marry a man that was nuts over football but, somehow, he has morphed into one. I really find it cute- especially with our two sons. Dean was considered part of the club this week when he was awarded his very own Titans jersey in the same number as Daddy and Grant. So we now have Large, small, and itsy-bitsy Frank Wychecks in the house. Kris and Mary (and Owen) came over to watch the game. I think we won, Mary and I both fell asleep. Not that we weren't interested but we were watching it rather late as we had recorded on the DVR to suit our schedule (and to have commercial-skipping ability). Pair that with pregnancy (not me!) and the fact that this was a pre-season game... "ZZZZZZZZZZ".
Sunday afternoon Grant took me to see Finding Nemo. He even opened the door for me! Alright, so I paid. But, this was his long overdue reward for 30 successful potty trips. He has done so well and hardly ever has an accident now. It has been one month since we began the effort and he now only wears a Pull-Up when he's sleeping. I am very proud of my little man!
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Visitors
We are so excited to have a "fall lineup" of family coming to stay with us.
Tim, Angie, Ethan and new little Olivia are coming next week. Dean and Olivia were born less than twenty-four hours apart, so it will be wonderful to snap plenty of photos of the adorable baby cousins. It is my first time seeing her, but from the pictures we've received so far- she's beautiful!
So, the Raynauds are August. September is marked by a visit from my dad and my brother, Colin. Due to work schedules and my brother's college schedule, neither are staying for long. Daddy flies in on Friday afternoon and departs on Sunday evening. Colin (crazy dedicated brother and uncle that he is!) will be flying in on Saturday afternoon and leaving on the same flight as my dad Sunday! Although it will be a short trip, we are looking forward to it all the same.
The Sherlock family: Aaron, Becky, Riley, and Jackson are planning a trip to Nashville in October. Dean can't wait to see them this time- our last visit to California, he had an obstructed view of his Uncle, Aunt and cousins!
Anyone else who'd like to add themselves to the calendar is welcome to give us a call. We have openings for November and December (Paul? Donna?).
We are so excited to have a "fall lineup" of family coming to stay with us.
Tim, Angie, Ethan and new little Olivia are coming next week. Dean and Olivia were born less than twenty-four hours apart, so it will be wonderful to snap plenty of photos of the adorable baby cousins. It is my first time seeing her, but from the pictures we've received so far- she's beautiful!
So, the Raynauds are August. September is marked by a visit from my dad and my brother, Colin. Due to work schedules and my brother's college schedule, neither are staying for long. Daddy flies in on Friday afternoon and departs on Sunday evening. Colin (crazy dedicated brother and uncle that he is!) will be flying in on Saturday afternoon and leaving on the same flight as my dad Sunday! Although it will be a short trip, we are looking forward to it all the same.
The Sherlock family: Aaron, Becky, Riley, and Jackson are planning a trip to Nashville in October. Dean can't wait to see them this time- our last visit to California, he had an obstructed view of his Uncle, Aunt and cousins!
Anyone else who'd like to add themselves to the calendar is welcome to give us a call. We have openings for November and December (Paul? Donna?).
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Did you know that August 8th is "Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day"? I can't figure out what country this began in, or when it was first "celebrated", but I'm just certain it will catch on!
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