Another whirlwind weekend here at the Nelson House. Complete and total whirlwind. My wishes of being together as a family were not exactly granted, but all in all, it was a success.
Friday night, we attended the first home MHS basketball game. That was a good time. Little was quite interested in the game (which is different from years past) so he watched a lot more than I thought he would. However...we had a few moments of complete and total meltdowns when it was time for us to leave. He is four. And thank goodness he is a small four year old. Because I can still grab him up in my arms and carry him out bawling when things don't go exactly as I had planned. He was trying to tell me something which I assumed to be that he wasn't ready to go yet...but I wouldn't listen. I was bound and determined to get out of the school and to the van with some dignity. (very little I might add) Turns out, what he was trying to tell me was that his bright red sucker had fallen and was attached to the shoe laces of his brand new Converse tennis shoes. So his adorable black shoes with white laces...were now RED. I got him buckled in his seat and pulled the sucker off of his laces...and he calmed down.
I learned that if I would just STOP for a minute to see what was wrong instead of assuming I knew...we might have prevented the whole fiasco by taking the sucker off inside the building. (This friends is what we refer to as a "rookie" mistake. Apparently with any child after the 2nd, you forget the mistakes you learned with the first.) So I did what any loving parent would do and I apologized by buying him a box of Candy Canes and his very own Santa Hat.
Saturday, Little and I had the entire day to be together as Coach took Big and Middle to the Big 12 National Championship game in Dallas. So we did breakfast with friends, practice for our church Christmas Program (which I decided later would have been the perfect time to share that you don't pick your nose on stage), Shopped, made Christmas Candy with Nana, went and saw Santa downtown and attended the movie Tangled with friends. We had an extremely busy day...full of adventure. What I learned on Saturday, is that even though Santa is sitting RIGHT THERE...their behavior stays the same. The excitement of seeing him simply overshadows the fact that if you are naughty, you won't get any toys. AND you always have your 3-D glasses out and ready when the movie theatre goes dark. Because the glasses are black. And next to IMPOSSIBLE to find once the movie starts. Geez...
Sunday...Little spent some time with his Grandpa and I made our family's famous Candy Cane Cookies. Every year for as long as I can remember, we've had these wonderful cookies. And a few years back when Granny decided it was too much for her to make them all, we (as in Sister, Cousins and myself) stepped in to make them. Granny makes the dough and we roll them out for her. She then bakes them and sprinkles the candy cane sugar on top. It is and has been one of my favortite Christmas traditions since I have been an adult and am so happy to be a part of it. It also gave me about 2 hours away from Little...and we needed a bit of a break.
Let's fast forward to the Christmas program. Remember when I said taking the time during rehearsal would have been perfect to share that you shouldn't pick your nose on stage? Well...he did. Through an entire song. It was horrific. The entire congregation was laughing. I mean...I have laughed at "that kid" before too. But this year...I was the proud owner of that little gem. Little was a sheep. Big and Middle have been sheep before too, but this was Little's first year. He had been Baby Jesus for the past few years and last year when he stood up in the manger, I believe he was demoted. So in his little sheep hood and his cotton covered costume...he proudly gave me the thumbs up that he was ready. He had long black socks on his hands and feet...yet somehow he managed to pull his sheep hood back and take one hand out of the black socks. Through an entire song. I was video taping, but laughing so hard that I had to just shut it off because the screen was bouncing all over the place. I wasn't laughing because it was funny though. I was laughing because that is what I do when I get nervous. I laugh and then I cry. My makeup was running down my face. People kept looking over and laughing...it felt a little like slow motion. Oh good grief...that is my kid.
So as the true meaning of Christmas played out in front of me, I was planning our escape in my head. How could we get out where no one would see us? No such luck. We had to go through the mobs of people trying to get cookies...and had to stop and laugh about six times with others who thought Little's performance was...in a nutshell...classic. Awwwww...the memories. So, we bolted through the kitchen and Little cried all the way to the van because he didn't get a cookie. (Sorry buddy, but no one wanted you touching the cookies) All through Dillons, we talked as we shopped about why you don't pick your nose. He listened intently with tears in his eyes...and said..."I'm sorry I picked my nose".
And I learned another very valuable lesson.
I love him even more. I love him because in his own childlike way, he didn't realize what he was doing was not only humiliating, but completely disgusting as well. Bless his heart...and shame on me for not getting him a cookie.
So when we got home, Little got two cookies. And I had three...because I am a nervous eater and it made me feel tons better.
And there you have it. Our weekend in review.
Why am I still learning so much each day? I am 33 years old. I have three kids! You'd think I'd have some of this figured out by now? I am starting to think that I may never get it all down.
BUT...
I love my God...I love my Family...and I am getting used to learning through my mistakes. Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A small, but mighty punch
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
I heard on KLOVE radio tonight a story told from Women of Faith's, Sheila Walsh. She told the story of a world famous conductor that had put on a show in Carnegie Hall. After several standing ovations, the show ended. And a reporter asked the conductor what he thought of the show. The conductor replied..."I am disappointed." When asked why he was so disappointed in such a wonderful performance, he said it was because there was one person in the front that didn't stand when everyone else stood and applauded him. The reporter said..."why do you care about that one person?" And the conductor replied..."because he was my teacher."
If we cannot please the one person that is the most important...nothing else matters. We aren't to worry about the thousands of others that might applaud our efforts, but the one and only that matters. What does God think of our efforts. Are they done for Him? Are they done with Him in our hearts? Are they done as a reflection of His love? Because if our "Teacher" doesn't approve...it isn't right. It is when He stands, that we take notice.
It is when He says...Well done good and faithful servant...well done...that matters.
We shouldn't put our expectations in earthly things that might let us down. We focus on what God wants to see in our lives and the rest will fall into place. And those who doubt...will eventually see the light. The light that shines from Him through us. No matter how many times we fall short.
Have a blessed night!
Referee of 3
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
I heard on KLOVE radio tonight a story told from Women of Faith's, Sheila Walsh. She told the story of a world famous conductor that had put on a show in Carnegie Hall. After several standing ovations, the show ended. And a reporter asked the conductor what he thought of the show. The conductor replied..."I am disappointed." When asked why he was so disappointed in such a wonderful performance, he said it was because there was one person in the front that didn't stand when everyone else stood and applauded him. The reporter said..."why do you care about that one person?" And the conductor replied..."because he was my teacher."
If we cannot please the one person that is the most important...nothing else matters. We aren't to worry about the thousands of others that might applaud our efforts, but the one and only that matters. What does God think of our efforts. Are they done for Him? Are they done with Him in our hearts? Are they done as a reflection of His love? Because if our "Teacher" doesn't approve...it isn't right. It is when He stands, that we take notice.
It is when He says...Well done good and faithful servant...well done...that matters.
We shouldn't put our expectations in earthly things that might let us down. We focus on what God wants to see in our lives and the rest will fall into place. And those who doubt...will eventually see the light. The light that shines from Him through us. No matter how many times we fall short.
Have a blessed night!
Referee of 3
Friday, December 3, 2010
Success!
Okay friends...I am so excited to share that the idea of the toy drive was well accepted. I sent the invitation to almost all of my facebook friends. As I sit and think...that was a little crazy. Some of my facebook friends don't live anywhere near here...but it was easier to send it to the whole group rather than to think about their location. And the response has been overwhelming. I am extremely happy. I am a little upset with myself for not starting this process sooner...like BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY...but it is His timing...not mine.
I am a true believer of God's timing. No doubt about it. He was present from the beginning of this idea and will be there through the end. In the conversation I had with my friend yesterday, immediately...my heart hurt. It does that when I am sad. And for whatever reason...I act on it. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. Sometimes it gets me over involved in someone else's problems. But sometimes...it really turns out to be a good thing. I feel like God put that little boys story on my heart...because he knew. He knew I wouldn't be able to turn down the opportunity. I also believe that He knows the people in my life. And I have some pretty wonderful people in my life. The amount of people that stepped up to say they would donate or help was incredible.
I realize we have two weeks. I also realize that there are many efforts all over this Country to help those in need. But there are families in need of the magic. The magic of Christmas. The giving...the knowing that the gift comes from a place that you can't even imagine. We are purchasing the gifts. We are gathering the donations. We will deliver the toys and things to whoever needs them. But the gift is from something bigger. The gift comes from God. Because He is the one that puts the desire on our hearts to step up and say...
I'll Help!
I'm In!
What can I do?
The reflection of His love that I saw yesterday in my family, friends and even in strangers...was so incredible.
I have a friend who has been reading my blog since the beginning. She and I have never met. But someone passed on my blog to her and she has been reading ever since. She is an incredible Mother of four boys...and we have a lot in common. One time she wrote me the sweetest note about how my blog touched her. She then referenced her own blog so that I could get to know her a little. Turns out, she has two out of four kids with Ectodermal Dysplasia. Her story is amazing. And how she has embraced the challenges in their lives...she is a blessing in my life.
DeAnn messaged me on facebook that they were coming to Wichita to celebrate her Birthday tonight. And she wanted to drive down to Mulvane to drop of a gift. Can you believe that? Talk about giving. A woman...who doesn't know me from anything other than my writing (and a few videos)...wants to take time out of her Birthday dinner with her family to bring us a gift. It isn't even convenient. It isn't a hop skip and a jump away either. But she offered to give. To give of herself. Because God put it on her heart...and she responded. And guess what folks...she has four boys. Four influencial little boys. They will be a witness to the giving...and will grow up to be givers themselves. I LOVE it! Thank you DeAnn...can't wait to meet you. To read DeAnn's blog, you can click here. Or you can find it my blog list to the left.
I could list the people by name that have offered to help, but the list would be so long...which is incredible. I am not looking to make this a huge ordeal. (Even though huge would be incredible) I told someone yesterday that if we give even ONE child a special Christmas...we have served our purpose. I have a feeling...knowing all the wonderful people that have joined it...that it will be more than one child.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart. And have a blessed day! If you have any questions, please email me at amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
Referee of 3
I am a true believer of God's timing. No doubt about it. He was present from the beginning of this idea and will be there through the end. In the conversation I had with my friend yesterday, immediately...my heart hurt. It does that when I am sad. And for whatever reason...I act on it. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. Sometimes it gets me over involved in someone else's problems. But sometimes...it really turns out to be a good thing. I feel like God put that little boys story on my heart...because he knew. He knew I wouldn't be able to turn down the opportunity. I also believe that He knows the people in my life. And I have some pretty wonderful people in my life. The amount of people that stepped up to say they would donate or help was incredible.
I realize we have two weeks. I also realize that there are many efforts all over this Country to help those in need. But there are families in need of the magic. The magic of Christmas. The giving...the knowing that the gift comes from a place that you can't even imagine. We are purchasing the gifts. We are gathering the donations. We will deliver the toys and things to whoever needs them. But the gift is from something bigger. The gift comes from God. Because He is the one that puts the desire on our hearts to step up and say...
I'll Help!
I'm In!
What can I do?
The reflection of His love that I saw yesterday in my family, friends and even in strangers...was so incredible.
I have a friend who has been reading my blog since the beginning. She and I have never met. But someone passed on my blog to her and she has been reading ever since. She is an incredible Mother of four boys...and we have a lot in common. One time she wrote me the sweetest note about how my blog touched her. She then referenced her own blog so that I could get to know her a little. Turns out, she has two out of four kids with Ectodermal Dysplasia. Her story is amazing. And how she has embraced the challenges in their lives...she is a blessing in my life.
DeAnn messaged me on facebook that they were coming to Wichita to celebrate her Birthday tonight. And she wanted to drive down to Mulvane to drop of a gift. Can you believe that? Talk about giving. A woman...who doesn't know me from anything other than my writing (and a few videos)...wants to take time out of her Birthday dinner with her family to bring us a gift. It isn't even convenient. It isn't a hop skip and a jump away either. But she offered to give. To give of herself. Because God put it on her heart...and she responded. And guess what folks...she has four boys. Four influencial little boys. They will be a witness to the giving...and will grow up to be givers themselves. I LOVE it! Thank you DeAnn...can't wait to meet you. To read DeAnn's blog, you can click here. Or you can find it my blog list to the left.
I could list the people by name that have offered to help, but the list would be so long...which is incredible. I am not looking to make this a huge ordeal. (Even though huge would be incredible) I told someone yesterday that if we give even ONE child a special Christmas...we have served our purpose. I have a feeling...knowing all the wonderful people that have joined it...that it will be more than one child.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart. And have a blessed day! If you have any questions, please email me at amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
Referee of 3
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tears
I was talking with a friend this morning. She told me that one of her students told her the other day that Santa didn't make anything for him last year.
Broke my heart.
I am sitting here in tears. I mean...what? I closed my eyes and pictured one of the boys saying that. I pictured one of my kids standing there really thinking that Santa didn't care enough about them to remember. And it made my heart break.
I know that the gifts aren't the reason for Christmas. I know that the real reason for the Season is the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And with Jesus in my heart...I cannot sit and pretend that the money that I have spent on my kids is the only money I should be spending. There are families in need. There are kids who won't get Christmas. The schools here in Mulvane have angel trees and you can purchase different things for different families. Coach brought an angel home a couple of weeks ago and we took care of that one angel. But what about the others? What about the angels that don't get put on the tree? What about the families that don't share their needs? Who buys for them? And do the kids really think that Santa doesn't care?
I can't stand it.
I cannot sit here in my warm house with all of our blessings and turn my head away from those kids. So...
I am organizing a toy drive.
I put it on facebook, and I am putting it on here. I am asking that my friends and family buy one toy. Just ONE.
They can be any price...any size...any age. Because there are kids ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY that will not have Christmas. If we can gather enough interest and toys, we'll find a place or different places to disperse them. I am asking for donations and volunteers to help me.
If you are interested in taking part...please email me at amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
Thanks and have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Broke my heart.
I am sitting here in tears. I mean...what? I closed my eyes and pictured one of the boys saying that. I pictured one of my kids standing there really thinking that Santa didn't care enough about them to remember. And it made my heart break.
I know that the gifts aren't the reason for Christmas. I know that the real reason for the Season is the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And with Jesus in my heart...I cannot sit and pretend that the money that I have spent on my kids is the only money I should be spending. There are families in need. There are kids who won't get Christmas. The schools here in Mulvane have angel trees and you can purchase different things for different families. Coach brought an angel home a couple of weeks ago and we took care of that one angel. But what about the others? What about the angels that don't get put on the tree? What about the families that don't share their needs? Who buys for them? And do the kids really think that Santa doesn't care?
I can't stand it.
I cannot sit here in my warm house with all of our blessings and turn my head away from those kids. So...
I am organizing a toy drive.
I put it on facebook, and I am putting it on here. I am asking that my friends and family buy one toy. Just ONE.
They can be any price...any size...any age. Because there are kids ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY that will not have Christmas. If we can gather enough interest and toys, we'll find a place or different places to disperse them. I am asking for donations and volunteers to help me.
If you are interested in taking part...please email me at amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
Thanks and have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
MY FIRST TREE PICTURE!!!
Okay...per my requests...I have received my very first Christmas Tree Picture. This is from my dear friend Courtney who is an incredible interior decorator. My house pales in comparison...but she is very giving with her talents. She has helped me do several home projects...and I adore her for so many reasons.
Thanks Court! Love ya!!!
Family Time
One of these days I'll get the height right on my make shift tripod. Until then, you see just a bit more than last time. Enjoy!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Magic
Yesterday was a day here at the Nelsons. Tuesdays always are. They are worse than Mondays for us...and I don't get it. I guess the excitement and nervousness of Monday gets us all out of bed and on our feet for the upcoming day. But Tuesdays...we just drag out of bed. And the dragging continues throughout the day. I was not in the best of moods yesterday, but one of my friends turned it around when she brought me an Elf on the Shelf. Do any of you know what this is? It is this cute little story about an Elf that sits on your shelf (or wherever he lands) and watches your behavior all day long. Then at night, he flies back up to the North Pole to report his findings to Santa. The one rule is that you cannot touch him...or he'll lose his magic. At dinner last night, I read the story to Big, Middle and Little. Little listened intently. Middle had a MILLION questions. And Big...laughed. He giggled and laughed through the entire thing. You see...he is too cool for school sometimes...and I just wanted to knock him out of his chair. After my boys politely asked to be excused from the table and took their dishes to the sink...(that is a total lie). That is what they are supposed to do after dinner each night...and after a small Mommy Mini Meltdown...they took their dishes with wide eyes. Anyway, after they took their dishes to the counter, I asked Middle to take Little downstairs. And Big and I had "the talk". Now anyone who knows me, knows I am a TERRIBLE liar. HORRIBLE. I asked him...do you believe in Santa? And he said yes...and then laughed. We are just like each other in that sense. So I laughed...then he laughed...and then I asked him again...Do you believe in Santa? And he said...
"Yes! I believe in Santa. But I don't believe in that elf."
So we giggled and laughed a bit more and I just said...."Please don't ruin the magic of Christmas for your Brothers. I still believe in Santa and the Elf!" And then I laughed. A very believable touch, I know. And then in my most serious voice ever I said...
"It's fine Big. If you don't believe...see what he brings you for Christmas."
And he went on his way...but I could tell his wheels were turning. I wished I could knock him out for a few seconds and start the conversation over. I am terrible at this. I am terrible at any kind of serious talk with that child...and they are starting to pile up on me.
I know...I KNOW that this isn't what Christmas is about. I KNOW that it is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But I also KNOW that the boys believe that story. They know it to be true...and they understand.
The magic of Christmas is of course about Baby Jesus. And that is the only thing that matters.
But...as a Mom...I have so enjoyed seeing the magic of Christmas in their eyes each Christmas morning when they wake up to find their gifts. The excitement in their tired eyes the night before as they await Santa's arrival. I have LOVED using Santa as a reason to behave...December has always been a glorious month! In all seriousness though...I am just not ready for that magic to go away. Especially in Big. He is 11. The magic is not as magical in his eyes anymore. And it makes me sad.
Last night, after our family Pizza dinner...we all went downstairs to watch Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. It was on CBS and Coach was telling me that they were talking on the radio about how bad it was that it was playing on Nov. 30th. That it wasn't even December and they were already playing Christmas movies. Bah hum bug. Anyway, I sat down with Little...and eventually Middle joined us. And then Big came over and sat down. We sat there for almost an hour watching the classic movie that I remember watching when I was a kid. Big and Middle were on each side...leaning in. They were all snuggled up...so close to me that the were almost touching one another...so glad they didn't notice or they would have started hitting each other. And Little was on the outside of Middle...just watching. He was pretty concerned about the abominable snowman when all was said and done, but he enjoyed it. When Santa loaded up his sleigh...and Rudolph started to fly...I felt it.
The magic.
It is a feeling I can't really explain. But it was the same feeling I would get in my stomach when I was a little girl. Like the thought of going to bed knowing Santa would be coming. And I thought...I am 33 years old. And I know. I know the whole truth. But...I still believe.
What I believe in is the magic of Christmas. I don't get that feeling anymore when I go to bed on Christmas Eve...but I do get it when I sit at our Christmas Eve service at church. I do get it as I put the boys to bed knowing what the next day will bring. I do get it when my family comes over Christmas morning for our Christmas morning breakfast. I do get it when I see family members that I don't get to see very often.
So...with my elf on the shelf and the Christmas movies playing...the magic of Christmas is alive and well in this house. I'll work on Big. As he out grows the magic of Santa...I now know to teach him the other magic of Christmas. The important stuff. Geez...this parenting thing is so hard. It makes me well up with tears when I think about him growing up so much. All he wants for Christmas are clothes and electronics. I mean...what happened here?
Oh and PS...I feel like the abominable snowman lately. No more butterfingers for me. Yikes. Back to the gym tonight for another grueling workout. Wish me luck!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
And hey...where are the pics of the Christmas Trees? My camera is charging so as soon as it is ready, I'll post my tree. But I really want to see other trees! It is the magic of Christmas people!!! Thanks! :) Email them the amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
"Yes! I believe in Santa. But I don't believe in that elf."
So we giggled and laughed a bit more and I just said...."Please don't ruin the magic of Christmas for your Brothers. I still believe in Santa and the Elf!" And then I laughed. A very believable touch, I know. And then in my most serious voice ever I said...
"It's fine Big. If you don't believe...see what he brings you for Christmas."
And he went on his way...but I could tell his wheels were turning. I wished I could knock him out for a few seconds and start the conversation over. I am terrible at this. I am terrible at any kind of serious talk with that child...and they are starting to pile up on me.
I know...I KNOW that this isn't what Christmas is about. I KNOW that it is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But I also KNOW that the boys believe that story. They know it to be true...and they understand.
The magic of Christmas is of course about Baby Jesus. And that is the only thing that matters.
But...as a Mom...I have so enjoyed seeing the magic of Christmas in their eyes each Christmas morning when they wake up to find their gifts. The excitement in their tired eyes the night before as they await Santa's arrival. I have LOVED using Santa as a reason to behave...December has always been a glorious month! In all seriousness though...I am just not ready for that magic to go away. Especially in Big. He is 11. The magic is not as magical in his eyes anymore. And it makes me sad.
Last night, after our family Pizza dinner...we all went downstairs to watch Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. It was on CBS and Coach was telling me that they were talking on the radio about how bad it was that it was playing on Nov. 30th. That it wasn't even December and they were already playing Christmas movies. Bah hum bug. Anyway, I sat down with Little...and eventually Middle joined us. And then Big came over and sat down. We sat there for almost an hour watching the classic movie that I remember watching when I was a kid. Big and Middle were on each side...leaning in. They were all snuggled up...so close to me that the were almost touching one another...so glad they didn't notice or they would have started hitting each other. And Little was on the outside of Middle...just watching. He was pretty concerned about the abominable snowman when all was said and done, but he enjoyed it. When Santa loaded up his sleigh...and Rudolph started to fly...I felt it.
The magic.
It is a feeling I can't really explain. But it was the same feeling I would get in my stomach when I was a little girl. Like the thought of going to bed knowing Santa would be coming. And I thought...I am 33 years old. And I know. I know the whole truth. But...I still believe.
What I believe in is the magic of Christmas. I don't get that feeling anymore when I go to bed on Christmas Eve...but I do get it when I sit at our Christmas Eve service at church. I do get it as I put the boys to bed knowing what the next day will bring. I do get it when my family comes over Christmas morning for our Christmas morning breakfast. I do get it when I see family members that I don't get to see very often.
So...with my elf on the shelf and the Christmas movies playing...the magic of Christmas is alive and well in this house. I'll work on Big. As he out grows the magic of Santa...I now know to teach him the other magic of Christmas. The important stuff. Geez...this parenting thing is so hard. It makes me well up with tears when I think about him growing up so much. All he wants for Christmas are clothes and electronics. I mean...what happened here?
Oh and PS...I feel like the abominable snowman lately. No more butterfingers for me. Yikes. Back to the gym tonight for another grueling workout. Wish me luck!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
And hey...where are the pics of the Christmas Trees? My camera is charging so as soon as it is ready, I'll post my tree. But I really want to see other trees! It is the magic of Christmas people!!! Thanks! :) Email them the amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com
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