My Kid has an Addiction

I have finally come to the realization that many parents have to come to eventually. It is hard to face, especially when you have those feelings of guilt and you feel as if it were your fault or you could have done something...my son has an addiction. He is at it constantly. At first, I thought, "Oh, it isn't that bad. It's only once or twice, he can quit whenever he wants." But now, this addiction has almost cost him his life twice, he has begun stealing to feed his habit, and he cannot control himself when around it...my son is addicted to eating paper.

Christmas Tag

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Fill out the questions below
3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Choco​late? Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa​ wrap prese​nts NO...they are waiting under the tree in the morning
3. Color​ed light​s on tree/​house​ or white​? Colored and white, both or either
4. Do you hang mistl​etoe? no
5. When do you put your decor​ation​s up? Thanksgiving weekend (or before ;) )
6. What is your favor​ite holid​ay dish​? turkey, or sweet potatoes, or meat pies
7. Favor​ite holid​ay memor​y as a child: Oh, there are so many for me...opening gifts, stockings, flavored coffee and playing all day with our new toys, stuffing myself silly on food, just being home with all the excitement and stuff...
8. When and how did you learn​ the truth​ about​ Santa​? I was 8, mom made some mention of the tooth fairy not being real, she thought I had figured it out...I was so sad, but also a logical child, and asked, "does that mean there's no Santa either? Talk about pitiful
9. Do you open a gift on Chris​tmas Eve? We do stockings
10. How do you decor​ate your Chris​tmas Tree? One ornament at a time!
11. Snow!​ Love it or Dread​ it? love to see it, won't go out in it
12. Can you ice skate​? somewhat
13. Do you remem​ber your favor​ite gift? hmmm, I don't know, I had some great ones...my first favorite gift was Rainbow Bright and Starlight, and a Hulk Hogan action figure!
14. What is the most impor​tant thing​ about​ the Holid​ays for you? Remembering Christ coming!!! and sharing our faith and traditions with our children
15. What is your favor​ite Holid​ay Des​rt? Peppermint icecream
16. What is your favor​ite holid​ay tradi​tion? presents!! (ok, that is sad, but it isGiving them, not receiving them, just so you know!)
17. What tops your tree? What tree???? j/k if we had one, a star I suppose.
18. Which​ do you prefe​r givin​g or recei​ving? oh, already said, giving
19. What is your favor​ite Chris​tmas Song? Mary did you know
20. Candy​ Canes​!​ Yuck or Yum? yum for the first few....
21. What do you want for Chris​tmas? books...and Chitty chitty bang bang...
22. Do you atten​d an annua​l Chris​tmas Party​? not usually, but I think we are going to now, maybe...
23. Do you dress​ up on Chris​tmas or wear PJs? dress up for church, then pjs for present opening in the morn!!!
24. Do you own a Santa​ hat? a pink and a blue (for my kids)
5. Who do you norma​lly spend​ Chris​tmas with? My family

Tag....ok, I'm the last to be tagged, no fair!! I guess that means I'm IT!!!

I am Thankful

Well, looks like I have a lot of blogging to catch up on. Everyone and their mother-in-law (hehe) wrote a blog in the last couple days...which I don't have time to read this morning. So bear with me, I will read them eventually...

I just wanted to say that I am thankful for YOU! And just to let you know how very thankful I am for you, I am going to name you. If you aren't mentioned, don't worry, I am still thankful for you!

I am thankful for my husband, Micah David Anderson
My children Micaiah and Nicolae
I am thankful for my parents, Ted and Vicki.
My grandparents, Grandma P, Grandma F, Nanny, and Grandpa Bill and Pierrette
I am thankful for my parent-in-laws, Terry and Marylou
I am thankful for my sister, Jessica
My brother-in-laws, Mark, Matthew, Luke, John, Joshua and Matt K. to be.
My sister-in-laws, Jordan, Chandra, Mandy, Molly, and Kristi
My nieces and nephews, Isaac, Noah, Gracie, Isaiah, Asher, Levi, Caedmon, Addie, Nehemiah, Jude, and 409 (Abijah and Iaian)
My friends, now here is where it gets tricky and if you aren't on here and should be I am so sorry, Susan, Ashley, Lindsay, Emily, Marci, Melissa, Amber, Earl and Laurie, Paul and Patti, Bekah...oh, goodness, there is no way I can name them all, so if you consider yourself my friend, THANK YOU, because I know it isn't easy!!
I am thankful for our churches, and for their leaders, Dan and Gwenna, Ken and Carolyn, Bobby
I am thankful for our homes and provision from God, food, water, $, health
I am SO thankful for my health.
I am thankful for His strength and guidance.
I am thankful (gulp) for our country, our freedom, and our leaders. I am thankful that I can trust in my Lord that He can move the hearts of Kings, and therefore has the ultimate say over Obama.
I am thankful that all of our husbands have jobs, especially my husband's job.

Dear Christian, wherever you are in the world, whether I know you or not, I am THANKFUL for YOU!

Help Me, Lord!

As many of you know, I am really passionate about women's ministries. Well, after moving here, many of the women in this new church have expressed their desires to see a women's ministry started here. After learning more about me, they asked me to head this up with the help of another wonderful woman here. I agreed and began thinking things through. My plan: to start up something in January, after a couple months of organization and getting to know people. God's plan: Tomorrow. Yes, you read correctly, tomorrow. The women strongly stated that they wouldn't mind something nice and organized in January, but they want something now. So my only response was "ok, God." I told them I wouldn't mind meeting with them for a Bible study and get to know you time. So they said, "ok, will you lead it Thursday?" Talk about lack of preparation! So of course, I have been going through a ton of inner turmoil. Thoughts like Why did you choose me, God? and How on earth am I supposed to do THIS? In THREE days?? and Well, it's ok, because Marci will be there to help. This last thought was followed by a phone call from the said person, and guess what? She has a fever. She can't make it. I politely agreed to lead it on my own, sounding like it was no big deal, then hung up the phone and cried aloud Help me, God! I don't think I can do this! Please help me, LORD!!! Well, the things your children hear! Not 15 minutes later I reminded Micaiah that it was time for nap. She threw her hands in the air, ran through the room crying "Help me, God! Help me, God! I can't do this! Help me, God!"
So, I guess the moral of the story is: She is now napping, and tomorrow I will be leading a Bible study.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

Who are you now?

Yes, we have made it to that age. My little girl's imagination has opened and we have entered the world of invisible hot cocoa, imaginary friends, and new identities. One day she is Cinderella, the next she's the evil Stepmother (I have never come across a child yet who actually WANTED to be the stepmother, but here you have it!) She was Loulou on the way home. This morning she was Daddy "Micah" going to work as she was riding her wooden "pony" and she "had a puppy in the front yard named Lil Puppy" this morning....hmmm. Now she is Sleeping Beauty fixing me some invisible tea. She has been a froggy, and birdy, a giraffe and a baby. Somehow Brother always gets dragged into being something like the Handsome Prince, the baby frog, or something...and I don't know how many times this week I have heard the words "I'm not Micaiah!" Oh, what fun! It really is! The only task is remebering who she is!!!!!

Great visit/other blog

Well, we had a wonderful visit. I was so glad that all of my sister-in-laws were able to come down no Monday (and some of my bros) because I was really glad to be able to see everyone, esp on the first trip back, encourages me to know that I can actually do this away thing. I was so glad to see all of my "babies" too, big and little. I can't believe how much Addie and Jude have grown. Nicolae and Nehemiah are pretty much the same as before. I returned home to due bills, and empty pantry and overflowing laundry baskets. That's ok. At least I know I am good for something! I would like all of my "sisters" to check out my other blog. My hopes for it is that we can all share stuff on there about our growth in the Lord, and hopefully be able to learn from each other and our experiences. Invite others to join too, if you think they would enjoy it or need it. nicoleandtheking.blogspot.com

I'm in the Lord's Army

Aren't kids wonderful? No wonder God wants us to come to him as little children!

Out of service

I am here at the library and just wanted you all to know that my computer at home has ceased to work. Therefore, I will be out of contact until I come back in 1 1/2 weeks and get my other computer. You can call me though!

A Pooky Tory

Last night our daughter decided to read Mommy and Daddy and "Bwudder" a "Pooky Tory." It was Clifford's Halloween. She began:
Pg 1 "I Emmy Lisbet. This Clifford, a big red gog." (The beginning of every Clifford book.)
Pg 2 "Clifford a ghost."
Pg 3 "ooooooooooh! He pooky."
Here we were on the edge of laughing, when
Pg 4 "AAAAHHHH! A ghost! Run for your lives!!!"
Pg 5 "Oh, it's Clifford. The End."

I can only imagine from where that phrase came into my daughter's vocabulary! (thank you cousins!) How funny! I love that she is starting to REALLY talk now. Except when she says things like, "no, Ia notta getta pankin!!!" or when she has just gotten scolded she says, "Mommy, be happy!"
Couple days ago, we were sitting on the sofa with the windows open. I had made prior mention of the cows stinking. Well, I got a whiff of something from outside, but to be sure, I leaned over and sniffed in her direction. She got so indignant and said, "Mom! Ia not a tinky tow!!!" LOL!

What NOW?

All you moms out there know exactly how I feel when I say, "what now?!" I mean really, does she honestly think brothers are for riding just because they are on all fours? And why is it that "Belle" is his prime target when there are 4 other baby toys within reach? And does it really help me when she drags the toy vaccuum across my recently swept up pile of yuk? Why does she ask me 5 times in a row "What are you doing, Mommy?" when the answer is the same every two minutes? How much spit up can one child produce in a day? How much dirt can one pair of boots bring in through the door? And HOW MANY PUNISHMENTS will make a two year old GO TO BED???? Why does everything look the same coming out as going in? And why do telemarketers call at the time when you have to trip 3 times before reaching the phone? Why does your coffee spill all over during your only 15 minutes of quiet time in a day (that one's for you, Chan!)? Why do babies eat paper? and what on earth possesses your husband to come home in the evening and ask, "Why are you so tired????"

Need I say more?

Saturday bliss

Well, today we are just chillin' around here. It is nice to take breaks, especially when you have a kid on the move (make that 2). So we are going to join forces and bake some oatmeal cookies and then go to town to buy more milk (I have a daughter that drinks 1/2 gal each day). A coworker of Micah's and his wife are going to come over today and hang out, so by some miracle, I may make a friend! It has been a good week. I was depressed to learn though, that my trip to MO has to wait an extra week, due to the Presidential election. YOU ALL MUST VOTE!!! It is a very important election for Christians to take a good look at the ideals of these potential leaders of our country, what they stand for, and whether or not they uphold the same ideology that America is founded upon. Please, please, please, don't vote based on what you think you personally are going to get out of the deal, because the more freedom you trade in for free handouts, the less freedom we have. And our freedom to be a Christian may one day be tied in to that.
Well, I must go now and begin my day...yeah, at 11:00 I am just beginning. Hey, it's Saturday! I miss my family dearly. Love to you all! Happy Birthday to my loved ones this weekend!

Interesting tidbits from me...

My little man is crawling! Can you believe it??? We are so in for it now! It totally surprised me because MC never really crawled, just rolled and then walked early. Wow! Being a mom is so cool!

The little lady is still working on her potty training, although we are getting in the swing of it now. She can sing the whole alphabet now, and is picking up on a new song from something everyday. She also now knows her shapes and we are working on colors. She is like a little sponge. We are having to be way careful of what we say and do around her though, because she is repeating EVERYTHING. She has started saying, "hi, honey!" when Micah comes in the door. "It's ok, little man." to her brother. And one I am not so proud of, "hey, woman!" to her mother! Yeah, we are working on that one. She is insistant on helping fold the laundry, cook dinner, and empty the dishwasher. She thinks she is 20...what a girl!

Micah totally loves his job. He has been really tired lately when he is at home, because he isn't used to the long hours yet. But the job itself is like "playing" to him. He is in such a good mood all the time. God definately formed my man's heart to be here. I am thankful that I was willing to follow his lead and come.

I also wanted to share with you something I learned at Bible study today. We took a look at Drusilla and Bernice. Both women are briefly mentioned in Acts 24-26. There is not much said about either of them, one is wife of proconsul Felix, and the other is consort of king Agrippa. Both women are present during a trial of Paul. And that is all that is said. Now we know that nothing is randomly placed in the Bible, and women are rarely to never mentioned by name without there being a very particular reason...so why these two random names? Well, I learned today, that, based on outside study in the historical account of Josephus, these names were NOT random. Drusilla and Bernice were very important and influencial people. First off, they were sisters, evil, and rivals. Secondly, they were in that all too famous family - the Herods. Yep, they were granddaughters of Herod the Great, nieces of Herod Antipas, and get this, SISTERS of Herod Agrippa: meaning? Bernice was bedding her brother, the king. EEEwe. And both sisters were a part of an extremist anti-christian family. Starting with the slaughter of baby boys under 2 years old, to the destruction and desecration of the Jewish temple. That was them and they were proud. So their mention in this section shows the place in which God had placed Paul during his imprisonment. He was actually able to share the Gospel with these two women! And as we see in chapter 26 of Acts, Bernice had a say in whether or not Paul was found guilty or sent to Caesar with an "innocent stamp." And guess what? God somehow moved in the hearts of these two (the king and his incestuous sister) to cause them to send him away saying they found nothing guilty about him. Amazing. Do you think Bernice ever slept well again after coming face to face with a Christian like Paul? God only knows. But it just shows that nothing in the Bible is insignificant!

Hope you thought it was really cool like I did! I love you all!

"The King is in the Castle!"

"Countries with monarchs fly the royal flag over the palace when the king is in residence, and the hurry and scurry of servants' feet can be heard throughout the castle during his stay. Adopting this attitude and this approach (have your kids join you!) will help you pamper and love your king when he arrives home." (Elizabeth George, A Woman After God's Own Heart)

If you are anything like me, you read this and say, "yeah, right." I have just had a day full of babies spitting up, dirty diapers and clothes, toddlers racking up the laundry as they "forget to use the toilet," milk cups left in all corners of the house, snack bowls spilt on the living room carpet, and toys strewn all over. That was just today, and I only have two darlings. So why did I not stay on top of it and get it all picked up? I did have all day, right? Well, minus the "hold me, mommy!" moments, stopping the crawler from chewing on the electric cord, helping the toddler change her wet pants, filling milk cups, breaking up the hair pulling fights (yes, already), and sitting "guard" while they fall asleep at nap. Let's add washing the tons of dirty laundry, washing all of the dishes, helping to change wet pants, and somehow finding time to eat, drink, and take care of any personal issues....you get the picture.

So how in the world are we supposed to have the place looking like a castle, and not like the aftermath of hurricane Katrina? Girls, it isn't easy. You just gotta let that Proverbs 31 woman in you shine. Here is what I do, maybe it'll help you. I try to make a run through about an hour before my beloved comes home. Here are some tips:

1) Designate a pretty little basket in the corner of your living room for toys. Have the kids gather them all up and place them there right before Daddy comes home. Every few days, take the basket and dump it in the kids' room.
2) Put all of the kids' dishes in a lower cabinet. When you empty the dishwasher or drying rack let the kids put their own dishes away. They can also pick up their own laundry and take it to the hamper. They can start this as young as 2 yrs!
3) Make your bed. Honestly, it doesn't take very long, and it does wonders for your room.
4) Gather all oddball things and find a place for them. Remember, you can rearrange on a better day!
5) Clear the table, and even set it for dinner if you have time!
6) Run a brush through your tangles, brush your daughters' hair. Clean any runny noses or chocolaty faces. Change the babies clothes if needed.
7) Put on a smile (even if it's fake! You'll be surprised it works!) and open up your arms for a hug when that man that you love walks in the door.

Sometimes it isn't easy, but these little things really will communicate to him that you are trying your best and that you love him! So, now that I am done writing this....it is off to the upstairs to try to walk what I talk! Wish me luck!!!

Singin in the rain

I have to say that one of the greatest parts of being a Mom is when you see the fruits of your labor or teaching bearing itself in your child's life. And then there are times when you totally did not intend to impart a particular behavior to your child and they pick up on it in a snap, and you realize that they are always watching.
So as it goes, I for whatever reason had the song "How Great Thou Art" in my head all day and repeated the lines "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art..." as I did my daily chores. Several hours later, my daughter is playing in her room and I hear at the top of her lungs "I sing my SOOOONG my Savor a Theeeeee." I did two things at that moment: 1) Melted inside and 2) Thanked God that I chose that song and not one of the many other options that could have come out of the plethora of my memory...could you imagine the possibilities? It will be a lesson I learned the easy way, and I will not forget!!!

Well, my first weekend of having no unpacking to do ended with - rain. I had high hopes of exploring the town (what little there is), eating at a cafe, and spending luxurious time with my husband whom I haven't seen in days.............and he is on the couch sleeping. The only things going on in town got rained out, and the cafe didn't have food, only coffee, and I was dragging along a two year old who was ready for lunch...oh, well. Thus goes the life of a mom. The Lord is teaching me time after time, that He is in charge, that the best laid plans fall to the wayside with what He has in store. Of course I have enjoyed this time of relaxation, baking brownies, reading a novel, and, well, blogging...
Praise God for knowing when we need to rest, even when we do not.

the first blog

Hmmm...this is interesting...haven't done this before, but the fam really wants me to have one, so here I am not knowing what to say, except that I HATE playdough at the moment...I guess interesting stuff will come to me with time!