Redeeming the time..

I have been digesting a lot of junk lately.  Not junk food, junk media.  My brain had a hard time recovering from the PhD, and then I was suffering some pretty extreme fatigue after Eb was born and we moved here.  My brain was so mushy I couldn't really absorb anything more dense than Harry Potter, and I didn't try.  I've known for a few months that with a little effort I could get back into heavier books, I just haven't mustered the gumption to do so.  Well after watching a whole series of a TV series and reading Harry Potter for the second time, along with lots of other brain decaying entertainments, I finally put my foot down.  That was when I started trying to read through the Bible in six months.  As inconsistent as I have been it has been really enriching, challenging and encouraging.  Sadly I haven't taken it much beyond this.  

I have recently been convicted that I will never have time like this again.  I nurse Ebenezer four times a day, two of them are perfect for reading.  During that time I have no distractions, many times I spend two hours at a time in my nursing chair because he is teething and won't sleep on his own.  What better opportunity could I ask for to read all those great books on my shelves, many of which I have never finished?

So here is my public announcement - my stand.  Hopefully it will help me to be more accountable.  I need to redeem this precious time to fill my mind with good, wholesome and enriching media, books and ideas.

If I want my children to fill their minds with these things (and I do) I need to lead by example.

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

My Little Mozart

Ebenezer has discovered Grandma’s piano – and LOVES it!

He had so much fun smashing the keys with Aunt Deborah… but it was hard work and eventually made him sleepy!

Growing world...

With Eb's new skill at walking it has opened a whole new bunch of opportunities  of things he can do!  His current favorite is walking outside!  Before he started walking outside he really didn't want to hold anyone's hand, with the uneven ground outside however he now welcomes the help.  He loves walking and exploring, especially at Grandma's where there are so many critters to check out!  We got to have a little cookout for Dad before he headed out on his mission trip and it was a beautiful day to be outside.

“Fixing” Thomas the Train

Eb decided the pen he found looked an awful lot like a screwdriver… so of course he needed something to work on!  Well, we hope he’s fixing it – not stabbing it.

Does it taste right?

Hmmm, still needs some tweaking.

Best Purchase Ever!

I was really excited to go to the Little Treasures Sale yesterday and had a hard time not going way over budget.  Little Treasures is a HUGE consignment sale focusing on baby and children's things.  Almost anything you can think of that you would need for a baby from birth to five will be there - and at a steal of a price too!  We got summer gear for Eb, way too many clothes for Eva, some toys and this awesome chair for $5 (see I told you, a steal!)!  The chair has been the most popular purchase by far!

He has been in and out of it every way possible since we brought it home!

Kitty thought it was for her.. Eb informed her otherwise...

They played nice for Momma anyway.

In like a lion?

March has really made an entrance!  Five out of the first six days we have had snow.  It hasn't been cold enough for any of it to stick until the snow we had last night.  Unfortunately I had to drive home from the Little Treasures sale during the beginning stages, but we made it home safely where I can enjoy the winter wonderland outside my window... even if it is only going to last until tomorrow.  Eb has really taken an interest in the falling snow.  He squeals when the flakes are big enough for him to really notice and tries to touch the ones that land on his jacket.

Here's our surprise lion outside...

Experiments in Color!

Ebenezer has Crayons and he's learning how to use them!!!  I bought him some washable non-toxic crayons to experiment with since he's been trying to steal my pens so often!  He still needs some practice holding the crayons but he enjoyed playing with Momma, Aunt Deb and Aunt Hannah!