Here's a good trick I learned from another mom. She wanted her daughter to stay in her bed until 7:00 AM before she asked to get up. Since her daughter knew her numbers, but was too young to tell time, she gave her an analog alarm clock with the last two digits covered in black paper. The little girl only had one number to look at to know when she was allowed to call for mom.

Since he's started eating, I've had trouble serving tacos to my son because they were always coming unrolled for one reason or another. Every time he went to get a drink of water, his taco would need to be pieced back together. Today, however, I got inspired. After preparing his taco, I slipped on a rubber band to keep it together. It worked! Just keep moving the rubber band down as needed and much frustration is averted.

I've been on a bit of a sewing kick this summer. Thankfully, I'm getting over the bug in time for "normal" life and routine to start up. Here's what I've been doing:

O give us home built firm upon the Savior

Where Christ is Head and Counselor and Guide

Where every child is taught his love and favor

And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:

How sweet to know that tho his footsteps waver

His faithful Lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with Godly fathers, mothers,

Who always place their hope and trust in Him:

Whose tender patience turmoils never bothers,

Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;

A home where each finds joy in serving others,

And love still shines, tho days be dark and grim.

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!

We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;

Their bonds on love no enemy can sever

If thou are always Lord and Master there:

Be Thou the center of our least endeavor--

Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

-Barbara B. Hart

We are back in England after a great trip to the states to see family. I'll post pictures.... eventually.

Dear Mei Li,

Dear De Sheng,

Today you turn 3 years old. What an incredible privilege it has been to be your mother for these past three years. Both of us have done a considerable amount of growing, side by side. It's not easy to be a first child with Daddy and Mommy trying figure out parenting on you, but you have been forgiving despite our many mistakes.

It hardly seems a year ago that you were blowing out 2 candles on a bus cake. It's fun to think back on the accomplishments of this year. You've gone from saying a few favorite words to having in-depth conversations with me. I love that you are able to explain yourself more. Just a couple days ago you were asking me to tell you about "Nesia" again. I couldn't figure out what you meant until you explained, "Nesia... you were a little girl playing in the rain." Ah! "INDONESIA!" You've also learned to use the toilet with very little help. You've welcomed a sister into your life and you've had to learn how to share not only your toys, but your parents as well. You've learned a lot about friendships this year as you've gained both 'big' and 'little' friends. I could go on and on about how you've been singing, climbing all over the playground equipment, learning your alphabet and how to write an 'H', how you drew your first smiley face on the window, learned to pedal your tricycle, helped me to plant seeds and pick our first strawberries.

You are such a joy to me. As I often say, "You make me laugh," and it's true. Both in the intentional teasing that you do and in the mistakes made when you try to say big words... both give me joy. When I asked you what kind of cake you wanted for your birthday ("Chocolate?"), you told me you wanted "delicious cake." Later you clarified that "delicious" was "good for our bodies."

I love your smile, and especially your laugh. I love your enthusiasm and your willingness to help. I love your inquisitiveness and your attention to detail. I like that you see animals in the clouds and cars in your bread crusts. I love hearing you sing, watching you dance and especially seeing you care for your little sister. I'm so thankful I get to spend my days with you.

Sure, we have struggles and bad days, but life is a journey. I pray that above all you will be on the path to knowing God and submitting your life to Him. May He give you the discernment to recognize right from wrong and the strength to chose the way that honors Him.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday week, my son. I am looking forward to this next year with you.

Love, "Mama"

Did you know that honey is a natural preservative? The composition of honey allows it to bind to water molecules. This means that bread made with honey will not get stale as quickly as bread made with sugar. You can get more technical information here.

Ah... the words that put life back in perspective. I remember after my son was born wondering how long it would be before I would hear that "I love you, Mama" come spontaneously from my child. It was wonderful the first time, and it has been wonderful every time since.

Motherhood is hard. Yes, yes... there are great rewards in motherhood - intrinsic and extrinsic - that cause us to choose this path again and again, but there days when just getting out of bed one more time seems impossible. Some days when I'm up to my elbows in poop, snot, tears and tantrums, it is easy to wish it away... or at least wish it fast-forwarded. I was reminded about this post a couple of days ago when I was coming out of the store with my two little ones. In front of me was an elderly woman in a wheelchair who was being pushed by another woman. It struck me that some day that could very well be me. Some day I may be relying on other people to take me shopping where I will see someone else's small children running around. When that day comes, I can only imagine that I will miss THOSE DAYS. The days of small children. The days of discovery and innocence. The days of teaching and training. The days of silly jokes and giggles. The days of being the only comforter my child wants. The days of wide-eyed wonder. The days of being able to open my arms and see my kids come flying for a hug. These days will not last forever and some day I'm going to miss them. I hope that I will live today in such a way that despite missing "those days" I will have no regrets. I hope that I will embrace life - my children - NOW so as not to look back in sorrow upon lost years. The days might seem long, but the years will fly by and there is no turning back. May each of us build memories today that will bring smiles tomorrow.