"Mommyisms"

Judah's Pediatrician is awesome. He looks like Doogie Houwser (sp?) and has 7 kids. He's a great Christian guy with a dry sense of humor and is really laid back (which is perfect for this uptight mom). He also has a website of advise, tips and guidelines for parents of children under 2. There is one page that I enjoy and here are a few of his funny sayings. You moms will enjoy these!

- Boys will go to the doctor as long as their mother brings them. The next time they will go is when their wife makes them go.
- Your children will always be their sickest when your husband is out of town.
- The best exercise plan is do what your child does. Don't sit in the waiting room, run around the chair.
- The reason 2 year olds are so cute is because nobody would love them if they weren't.
-Everything is cuter when you are well rested.
- The best eyelashes are wasted on boys.
- People who think "boys and girls are just the same" never had a 18 month old boy.
- When choosing a Halloween Costume, boys pick out a weapon and then will take whatever costume goes with the weapon.
- The first night your new baby sleeps through the night, one of your other kids will wake you up.
- With their first child, parents come to the 4 month visit with sage 1 fruits and veggies alphabetized and organized in their cabinets. They are just waiting for the doctor to say "Go". With their second child, parents say, "Already? He's too young".
- Four year old boys are the definition of ADHD.
- Your children will begin to misbehave in public once you have a website that gives discipline advise.

Sandpaper People

Lately, I have been dealing with a particular "sandpaper person" in my life. There is nothing more frustrating than having to deal with someone on a daily basis that rubs you the wrong way. I have really been praying about this person and how to deal with them. This person is supper aggressive, abrasive and just does not mix with my personality. We are like oil and water.

I have come to realize that God has placed this person in my life for a reason. I have yet to figure out what it is.

Lately "sandpaper person" has confronted me on many occasions, made me cry, made me angry (which doesn't happen often) and kept me awake at night. Why to I let this person effect me in this way? I'm letting them WIN!! They are breaking me down, but I know that God is going to build me back up and I will be a stronger person for getting through this.

"We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:3-4 I'm praying that this will be my progression: From a difficult relationship to Godly character and then to hope. Hope follows pain because pain forces us to trust God and rely upon HIS power to mend a broken life. It is in that abandonment to God that we find hope.

I'm sure you all have dealt with "sandpaper people". How do you deal with confrontations and situations with them? I pray that God will guide me and you through the difficulties to an appreciation for the "rough" people in our lives and develop Godly character in our lives!

"Fame is vapor, popularity is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - Character." - Harry Truman

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Lately I have come to the realization that I listen to the devil's lies more than I should. I have always been an insecure person. I struggled with an eating disorder as a teen and always compared myself to others. I would think, you're not good enough, you're ugly, you're fat, your too short, you don't sing good enough, you're not smart enough....the list goes on and on.
Lies. All lies.
I have listened to the devil far too much in my life. Granted, I'm not as bad as I used to be as far as insecurities go, but in this phase of my life, Worry seems to be what the devil tortures me with. What if Judah gets sick...what if I'm not a good mom...where's the money going to come from...what if my husband stops loving me...what if, what if, what if....
Lies. All lies.
I have been challenged lately to truly search for God's truth in the thoughts of my mind.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (Message)
"We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers, erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ."
God, let me use your truth to compare the thoughts of my mind to. Help me separate your truth from the enemy's trash.

So long baby, Hello big boy

Lots has happened with Judah, so I thought I'd catch you up!

The first biggest news to share is that we are pacifier free in our house!!! Whooo hooo! I am still in a bit of shock. I decided to just put him down one night without it and see what he would do. I thought for sure he would start crying and not be able to sleep without it and I would dutifully go in and soothe him with his coveted "Uh-oh" (as he affectionately refers to his pacifier). Well, much to my dismay, he went right down and slept the whole night through. SHOCKED!! So, the next day I sent him to school with an an Uh-oh in a baggie and told it was only to be used in an EMERGENCY. Well, there was no need they said and he did great. That night i put him down and began to think okay, I guess I have to stick with this. I started to feel sick to my stomach. You see the beloved Uh-oh was a comfort to Judah but was also a comfort to Momma too.

If Judah was inconsolable, Uh-oh to the rescue.

If Judah was too noisy in church, Uh-oh to the rescue.

If Judah didn't want to go on a road trip strapped in his (probably) uncomfortable car seat, Uh-oh to the rescue.

Daddy has a migraine, Uh-oh to the rescue.

You get the picture.

So, to ensure that I would not cave after a night of screaming or a car ride of crying and pulling my hair out, I decided to throw the pacifiers away. GONE. Out of my house. Now there was no going back. Scary thought. I have to say Judah has done pretty well. We have been pacifier free for going on 3 weeks. After the first week I started to get nervous as he wasn't sleeping well at night and thought we might have been regressing a little, but I think he's getting his 2 year molars. Poor baby. Hoping that pain ends soon.

Judah is now 19 1/2 months and is growing like a weed and learning faster than i ever imagined. He's saying sentences now and is trying awfully hard to communicate but most of the time it comes out as gibberish. He knows (almost) all of his body parts, colors, counting, animals and their corresponding noises. He loves "Melmo" and "Mouse" (aka Mickey Mouse).

Funny story:

So Judah loves Mickey Mouse. He even has Mickey on the front of his diapers and he is well aware of it. So he goes around pointing to his...well, you know, and says "Mouse!" and looks up for acceptance that he is correct. Well there is a mouse on his diapers so technically he is. I guess it's better than calling "it" a tail as one of his 2 year old buddies refers to "it". Too funny.

Judah also started his first day of the Fall 2010-2011 school year. He will be attending the same school, Trinity Christian Academy and will be in the 1 year old room until his birthday in January when he will move to the 2 year old room. I can't believe how big he's getting. The pictures posted are of him on his first day of school.

Ode to Justin

So, my awesome husband and best friend, Justin Michael Johnson turned the big 3-0 recently. We were so blessed by friends and family and it was actually a birthday week filled with dinners and fun surprises. Thanks to all who made it so awesome! I wasn't able to get him anything for his actual birthday since my gift to him will be coming up in November...I'm taking him to NEW YORK!!! We will be going with another couple and I'm so excited. This is only my second time going and Justin is a virgin New Yorker. We plan on doing all things touristy and of course seeing a Broadway show...fingers crossed for West Side Story! At his big Birthday dinner, since there was no gift to present, I wrote this silly little poem. Just thought I would share. Enjoy!

Ode to Justin

On July 30, 2010 you turned the big 3-0
You’re three decades old; I can’t believe it’s so.
I’ve decided that three decades of Justin are worth a deeper look.
Let’s see all the good dirt I dug up.

From ages 1 to 10 I hear you were quite a mess
All boy and full of energy of which was impossible to repress.
Your mom, dad and brother were curious to see if you would ever mellow
At 30 it’s safe to say, you’re still a child at heart and still a handful of a fellow.

Ages 11 to 20 were trying as well.
You were wild, and in wrecks and as crazy as all…well…
I say you were crazy but a momma’s boy you were or shall I say, are
Involved in Church and lover of the arts, you were a shooting star.
You grew up, well at least in height
And I must say you turned into quite a handsome sight.
You’re so talented that you became semi-famous
And got to travel with a singing group called Truth and dealt with people who were quite ignoramus.

Ages 21 to present you started to see the light
You finally asked Julie out, she’s for sure your Mrs. Right
Lee University opened so many doors,
From traveling the world with Campus Choir to induction into Theta oh man were you sore.
From Video Yearbook, working at M&M Mars and attending formals galore
But most of all you got your degree, couldn’t ask for anything more.

You married Julie in July of 05
And moved to Orlando of all places, what a surprise.
An awesome Youth Pastor you became
You love these teens but most of all when you hang with them, silliness is still your claim to fame.

We began our lives together and bought a home
With a Mortgage and responsibility I guess you could say we became “growned”.
So we decided to build our family and a daddy you did become,
Judah Avery was such a great addition to our family sum!

You are so talented with an ability to do many things, of this let’s explore
As a videographer extrodinar, you edit videos and love it to the core.
Photographer professional you’ve recently become,
Starting a side business for some extra income.
Singing has always been a talent you hold
You think you’re just OKAY, we’ll I’m your #1 fan and hearing you sing will never get old!
There’s so many other talents, too many to name,
Just don’t forget the little people when you head off to fame.

Another year older, just a sign I’d say
Of the fact that the 20’s are long gone and it’s time to face a new day.
Days of more grey hair and another kid, I hope
Or maybe just more opportunities to give you a humorous age poke.

Years 30 plus are looking bright.
As long as we’re together, we’ll do it up right.
You are loved by many but please take note,
We are here for YOU, Birthday boy, and that’s all she wrote.

Daycare...the Mommy replacer

So yesterday I had a horrible experience when picking up Judah from his preschool. I went into his room to pick him up and he wasn't there. Come to find out he was hanging with the "big kids" in the 2 year old room. (He's kind of a favorite there and the teachers will take him to hang out in their rooms for the aftercare program.) The teacher walked in carrying Judah and as soon as he saw me he clung on to the teacher for dear life. (I'm talking death-grip) I reached out for him and he started SCREAMING. I tried to reassure him and he wouldn't have it. The teacher put him down, and well...FULL ON TANTRUM. I tried to pick him up and he ran from me. SO SAD. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I was able to pick him up and then carry him to the car. I made it to the car and, cue - Waterworks. It hurt my feelings so bad, especially when I think about how he used to run up and hug me every afternoon when I would pick him up.

I mean, have I been replaced? It would seem so. I guess it makes sense, he spends more time there than with me. This makes me more than SAD. I only wish we could afford for me to stay home with him. What a far-fetched dream. There is no way this will ever happen. Breaks my poor little, broken heart. I have tried to reason with myself on this matter and have included my list of pro's and con's. Tell me your opinion on the matter.

Pro: Judah enjoys his time at school
Con: Mommy misses Judah all day

Pro: Judah is loved at School
Con: Judah would receive more love while at home with Mommy

Pro: Judah is learning so fast, due to being at Preschool
Con: Mommy and daddy are going broke paying for Preschool

Pro: Judah has lots of friends
Con: Judah would rather stay with his friends than go home

Pro: Judah spends 8 hours at school.
Con: Judah spends 8 hours at school. (And a mere 2 hrs. with Mommy)

Stinky

So, I think the time of potty training is upon us. Oh, Lord, Help!!! I am so scared of this phase for some reason. I think maybe it has a lot to do with "boy parts" and aiming. Judah is showing what I consider signs of potty training. He says "Stinky" when he goes poopy and runs to his room to be changed or he will grab the front of his diaper and run to his room. I even heard him say "potty" one day. I have no idea where he picked this word up. I have not been using it, so I have to assume he heard it at school.

The child is only 16 months old, isn't that a little soon? I mean, it's not like I don't welcome the day that I don't have to buy those expensive diapers, but just feel unprepared now. I haven't read any books on potty training or anything. I know one thing I'm going to try is to get the potty seats that clip onto the existing throne. I want to do this for 2 reasons. 1: Our main bathroom is too small to have an extra toddler potty seat in it. 2: I think it will be good to associate the "big" potty as the one he will use, cause Lord knows I can't carry around that mini potty that sings when you flush it everywhere we go! We'll see. I may get desperate.

On another note, this age is loads of fun!! Judah is saying more words that I can believe. He tries to repeat everything we say and is successful more times than not. He's great at saying "tank yooou" and "pease"! (Praise God for manners!) He's very playful and is learning so quickly. He's generally in a great mood and the tantrums have slowed down since he knows there are repercussions to those fits!

I was talking to someone about Judah and how he's being so strong willed already and he put an interesting spin on my perception. He said don't you want a stong willed child? I said well, I guess a kid with a little gusto is good. He said, of course and not to mention he will probably be a leader. The "No's" he's saying now will be the "no's" he tells his friends when they try to get him to do something illegal or morally wrong. Interesting I thought. I never would have thought of it that way, but he's probably right. Funny how your viewpoint can change your perspective.