a little pity party...

I'm new at this stay-at-home mom thing...and it's tough.  I knew it would be tough going into it, but I keep thinking...is it the time change that's killing me?  Is it because he's a horrible sleeper?  Is it his new surroundings?  Is it because it's just the two of us for the majority of every day?  Is it because he's so clingy and needy that I can't get anything done?  Is he clingy and needy because we aren't surrounded by as many people as we used to be?  Is it because I had the bright idea to start potty training in the midst of all this newness?  Is it because we had a few rainy days and we were stuck inside instead of being able to go outside?  I don't know...but I do know that lately I've felt that all I do all day is wash the dishes, unload the dishwasher, clean the counters, sweep up crumbs and fold the laundry.  That and run back to the potty each time Brooks thinks he needs to go. 

Yesterday I found myself wondering how I can I live a life of purpose when it seems like I've taken on more of a role of "housekeeper" and "Brooks' playmate" rather than anything else.  He whined and cried and followed me around saying he needed me to carry him.  He said his tummy hurt and his bottom hurt and his leg hurt and his foot hurt.  He wanted to take a nap, but when we got in his bed he wanted to play with his toys.  When we went to his toys he needed to go potty.  When he sat on the potty he realized he didn't need to go afterall.  "Get me juice; I want you; I need a snack..."  This went on all day.  He was dirty from the park and wanted to take a shower...until about three-fourths of the way through it.  Then he decided he didn't like showers and LOST IT screaming about how terrible they are.  As my fuse continued to shorten and I thought I might lose it, I had my moment of clarity.  I realized the answer to my question.  My purpose during this season of my life is to teach him about Jesus through my reactions.  When he deserves it the least is when I must open up my heart the most.  It's not enough to emphasize "please" and "thank you" while teaching him to say, "May I please have a snack" instead of telling me to get him one.  I have to look at him the way the Lord looks at us.  This thought process has been enlightening and humbling and it's made me realize that this is the hardest job I will ever have. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.

a grateful heart...

My two loves...

more pictures than you'll know what to do with...

a few photos from the last month...

 

Christmas in Lubbock... 

one of our many "Christmas" mornings...

rehearsal dinner with part of my family...

and the Beasleys...

and my friends...

and my little monkey...

Patrick and his friends...

and my dad...

and his dad and sister...

and my mom, sister and niece...

with one more of my friends...

Captiva Island near Sanibel...

for our getaway...

such a great New Year's Eve...

our last night before being full-time parents...

at the airport before our sixteen-hour flight...

waiting for our bags with his new daddy...

 "who came to our house while we were gone?"...

"are you SERIOUS???  again???"...

more presents from SANTA!!!

another Skype session telling people back home all about it...

and showing them our new view...

 playing bubbles with Daddy as the sun came up...

"I GOT IT!!!"...

 playing at the park right across the street...

don't worry - he brought his bubbles...

first official trip to the beach...

thank you, LORD!!!

we love it here.  :)

And in case this wasn't enough, here is a link for our wedding photos since I don't have any yet.  http://www.pictage.com/client/eventPhotos.do?event=1191884&category=0&photo=261

g'day...

I had every intention of updating this sooner but just haven't had the time.  Since my last blog in November I've done quite a bit.  I went to Australia for two weeks (with a side trip to New Zealand), I sold my condo in San Diego, I took Brooks to Lubbock to celebrate an early Christmas with the Beasleys, I quit my job, I celebrated Christmas with my family, Patrick came in town, we celebrated Christmas with Brooks, we flew to Tampa on Christmas Day to celebrate Christmas with his family, we celebrated Christmas again the next day with his sister, we had friends and family fly in town for a little celebration, we GOT MARRIED in St. Petersburg, Florida, we went on a little honeymoon down on Sanibel Island, we went back to Tampa, we flew to Dallas and then we packed up and moved to Australia.  Patrick's contract is up at the end of September so Brooks and I will be living here on an extended vacation until then.  So far we are all adapting well and I will post pictures soon.  :)

2012...

More blogs coming soon...