Orderly

Life in theory:
Have a healthy, active pregnancy while maintaining an orderly life, and not giving up any of my  "priorities."

Life in reality:
I can hear you laughing, even before I finished typing that last sentence. But it seems like some women do just that. In reality, they probably either have A. Lots of help or B. aren't really doing as we'll as you think they are.

Let me just state that I am a very organized person at heart. In reality, you would never know it. I see it this way-There are two kinds of friends in life. There are those you don't open the door for and invite in, unless you just got done cleaning, and those who you sigh and think, " they already know the real me."

There are some people who can keep an organized and clean home, even with kids. Then there are those of us who when we get done cleaning, hope someone will just pop on by and see how great it looks before you kids wake up :)

We'll discuss the healthy, active part of the pregnancy another day....

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40

*note* this scripture is not talking about having a clean home- I just couldn't resist :)

The Blind Shall See

Life in Theory:
Stryder has a serious depth perception problem. The cups hit the floor instead of the table. Feet miss the step, and noses hit the chicken coop wires (see picture- the cage caught the outside and the inside of his nose- a bloody mess)! Well, the rest of the family has glasses, I guess Stryder needs them too!

Life in Reality:
We have an incredible eye doctor  ophthalmologist. He has been doing wonderfully with Zeke and apparently Timmi excelled with him. Let me explain.

Dr. S let us know that typically with 3 year olds, he cannot give a 100% accurate vision test. The problem with a 3 year old is that unless they participate and follow all the directions, he can't be certain about their diagnosis. He can give a close diagnosis but it's rare that he can be certain.

Here is Dr. S's diagnosis: You have a big problem on your hands, you have a boy. You have a bigger problem than that, he is a smart and curious boy. I can tell you with 100% certainty- it's not his eyes! His eyes are great, no problems! His mind is moving faster than his body and you are going to have a lot of accidents!

 Here is a typical Stryder accident. We have a bench at our kitchen table, at the end of the bench is a chair which has been there for over a year.  I had to move the chair for something the other day and afterward Stryder was playing on the bench, walking back and forth and BAM, I hear him hit the floor. As I pick him up, I explain that he has to watch where his feet are going. About and hour later, Stryder is making "tea" at the table and CRASH, he hits the floor again. Stryder what happened? "I fell again mom!" Not even 20 minutes later KABOOM. As I walk in there, Stryder states, "Mom, maybe we should put the chair back."

Hmmmm....I don't know how to react. Am I proud-he aced a test that most kids hardly participate in at his age, or do I worry because he is smart and curious? As he gets out the doctor's chair, he tumbles to the floor...just kidding! But I half expected it to happen. I guess I'm going to have to memorize scripture from last week's post...I think it's pertinent to this post today-

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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Spreading the News

Growing in Theory: 
We were only 5 weeks pregnant. It seemed a little too soon to start telling people the news of our 3rd child. It wasn't that we are secretive about these things, it's just that people treat you different and it makes for a looong pregnancy!

Growing in Reality: 
I had a OB appointment. I had it scheduled before I found out I was pregnant. Nonetheless, I kept the appointment. Of course, Stryder was with me (as was Zeke, but I don't worry about him repeating things because it sounds like, "arr, baba, goo dadada").

My doctor gave me an ultrasound during this appointment. We had already been talking to Stryder about how babies grow in mommy's tummy. He had seen pictures of how baby looks too. So, when he got to see our baby, he was very excited and immediately asked if he could have the pictures. This sweet doctor printed out extra pictures so that Stryder could have his own!

I explained to Stryder that these pictures are very special, so he should take very good care of them.

He decided that they belonged in his Bible, because his Bible was also very special and he has to take very good care of that too. Proud momma, smiling here :)

Wednesday night comes along and it's time for church. Some of the teen girls were responsible for watching the youngins' during a meeting. This included my Stryder, who had his Bible....

Do I really have to explain the rest of the story? Let me just say, it was a very short lived secret. Which also meant I had to hurry up and tell some "important" family/friends before they heard it through the grapevine!

Sigh....

Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.  Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.  How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Reality Jesus in a Car Seat

Life In Theory:
Read the account of Jesus on Christmas, have a meaningful conversation with Stryder about the birth of Christ.

Life In Reality:
Debate whether or not you allow your 3 year old to play with a glass nativity set- after all, we don't want to squelch his desire to learn about Christ. Discuss how Jesus didn't ride in the back seat of a car, that's why the manger set didn't come with a car seat!

I was excited to find Stryder rearranging the nativity scene. I jumped on the opportunity to explain how Jesus came as a baby. Only to be confused as to how to explain that Jesus is God, God is Jesus' father, and Joseph kind of was his dad too! My brother would laugh at me, and point out that's why we are so naive to believe this myth.

But I know the truth and honestly I was a little nervous that I would "mess" Stryder's faith up. But here's the reality-it didn't bother Stryder. It didn't confuse him and he was totally ok with my explanation. My worries were worthless, they didn't amount to anything and could have been a hindrance!

Now on to tackle Santa Claus!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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Theory: Walking

Growing in Theory: 
Children typically begin walking between 9 and 12 months.

Growing in Reality: 
My first son was a genius, of course we thought he was-it was our first born. Aren't all firstborns geniuses?  We were thrilled, and so was mommy's back, that Stryder started walking around 8 months. 

He didn't follow theory.

Our second born was our curly headed, constipated, bundle of joy! 

Zeke didn't follow theory. He is 15 months and can barely stand with help!

I love reading blogs, I love planning, I love hoping I will get it together. I have schedules for everything, and ideas to solve all of my daily dilemmas.

Then there's reality. I haven't solved them all, we try really hard to follow a schedule- but somehow it doesn't always happen. The kids don't nap during their allotted hour, friends don't call during their scheduled phone time, and relatives don't make an appointment.

There is only one constant, one thing I can always count on, my Savior!

And Growing In Theory, God in Reality my blog is born!

 “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 hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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