Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Life Verses
Before my children were baptized, our church encouraged us to select a life verse for each of them. Bray and I prayed about it, and then we sent the verses to the church to become part of a welcome slide show they created for the families of children baptized that year. It was incredibly meaningful but, as over a year has passed since their baptism, I felt the verses were becoming forgotten before they were ever being remembered. So as a part of my Christmas present to the trio, realizing they won't appreciate it for years, I had a friend of mine design a calligraphy of the verses to frame and hang over their beds.
I hope those words are the first verses of Scripture the children commit to heart. I hope the words hanging over them at night are an outward reflection of the words of God we will speak over and to them in the years to come. I hope that seeing the words every evening as Bray and I pray over our treasures before we go to bed will remind us to claim those verses for them and recommit ourselves to raising them up in the way they should go. I share them with you, and for them, here:
I hope those words are the first verses of Scripture the children commit to heart. I hope the words hanging over them at night are an outward reflection of the words of God we will speak over and to them in the years to come. I hope that seeing the words every evening as Bray and I pray over our treasures before we go to bed will remind us to claim those verses for them and recommit ourselves to raising them up in the way they should go. I share them with you, and for them, here:
The Eldest - Proverbs 3
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The Lady - Phillipians 1
I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus...
And this is my prayer:
that your love may abound more and more
in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern
what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -
to the glory and praise of God.
The Baby - Colossians 1
For this reason, since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,
and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share
in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Bouncy Houses Rock, And Other Nonsense
Saturday we went to a friend's son's second birthday party. It was at a bouncy house place. But not just any place. It was a bouncy house dream land. The party was in its own private room with bouncers big and small. Included in this bouncy fabu-land, which my daughter squealed over with delight being half rabbit, was a gigantic bouncy slide that you can only get up by climbing a rope ladder. Imagine having been away from boot camp for five months how grueling climbing a rope ladder was with three toddlers in front of you who repeatedly lose their footing and slide into you while you beg your arm muscles to remember what they are for. Nonetheless, the super fast sliding action you were met with upon descent made the treacherous climb well worth the effort. And I think I lost two pounds.
Not only was our Saturday super fun, but the Thanksgiving outing to Austin, where we stayed under one roof with ALL 21 Vincents was not as overwhelming as I'd imagined. We had our room and the kids actually went to bed at a decent hour and we ate great Thanksgiving food and the trio absolutely loved playing outside all day with their cousins.
However, the weekend was not without incident. As happens inevitably when we meet with great masses, the kids get sick. And boy is my sweet eldest sick. He's coughing and running a fever and I don't know what he caught but Bray's at the doctor with him now. What with the weather turning cold, we've all got the sniffles and are saying prayers that no one else gets any sicker. In addition, the little lady is 16. Or so you would think. She is cutting her eyes at me, saying "no" with such inflection you'd think we took the car keys, and completely disagreeing with my wardrobing choices for her (despite my penchant for style!). I keep telling her she's two and she can't behave this way for at least another 12 years but she seems immune to the guidance. Finally, the little baby is still just hysterical. We're going on two weeks of him being the obedient light-spirited one and he's even adapted this little flirty wave for select people - imagine your palm outstretched sideways with your fingers snapping in as if to catch a butterfly - it's his little signature move and it's being met with warm reception near and far.
All in all a Thanksgiving that will be fondly remembered with grateful thanks to the Lord for his continued delights.
Not only was our Saturday super fun, but the Thanksgiving outing to Austin, where we stayed under one roof with ALL 21 Vincents was not as overwhelming as I'd imagined. We had our room and the kids actually went to bed at a decent hour and we ate great Thanksgiving food and the trio absolutely loved playing outside all day with their cousins.
However, the weekend was not without incident. As happens inevitably when we meet with great masses, the kids get sick. And boy is my sweet eldest sick. He's coughing and running a fever and I don't know what he caught but Bray's at the doctor with him now. What with the weather turning cold, we've all got the sniffles and are saying prayers that no one else gets any sicker. In addition, the little lady is 16. Or so you would think. She is cutting her eyes at me, saying "no" with such inflection you'd think we took the car keys, and completely disagreeing with my wardrobing choices for her (despite my penchant for style!). I keep telling her she's two and she can't behave this way for at least another 12 years but she seems immune to the guidance. Finally, the little baby is still just hysterical. We're going on two weeks of him being the obedient light-spirited one and he's even adapted this little flirty wave for select people - imagine your palm outstretched sideways with your fingers snapping in as if to catch a butterfly - it's his little signature move and it's being met with warm reception near and far.
All in all a Thanksgiving that will be fondly remembered with grateful thanks to the Lord for his continued delights.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
2011 Thanksgiving Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are humbled and overwhelmed by your abundant blessings on our life this year. We know that we do not deserve them but you have mercifully provided more than we could ever ask or imagine. We truly bow before you today with thankful hearts.
We ask for your mercy on our world. For you to bring peace to the hearts of warring leaders. For you to bring food where there is famine. For you to bring healing where there is disease and death. We pray for the world leaders and for our country's leaders. That you would bring wisdom to their hearts and that they would seek discernment to know and do what is right. We pray for our soldiers serving far from their homes this Thanksgiving Day. That you would bring them comfort and keep them safe from harm.
Thank you for the family and friends around us and far away. We pray for you to heal those that are suffering around us and to bring joy to those that have experienced sadness this year. We pray for all of us to remember, in this upcoming holiday season, that You are the reason for the season.
Thank you for Bray and for each of these miraculous precious healthy beautiful children in our arms today. For their laughs, for their smiles, for their exuberance over life, and for their intellect and curiosity. Thank you for a job. For food. For a house. I know that there are so many on this day that do not have the plenty that we do. Grant them a hot meal and a roof over their head and an opportunity to work.
You have been so faithful. Help us remember to give thanks for your blessings each day and not just on Thanksgiving Day.
In our Christ's Name we offer this prayer.
We are humbled and overwhelmed by your abundant blessings on our life this year. We know that we do not deserve them but you have mercifully provided more than we could ever ask or imagine. We truly bow before you today with thankful hearts.
We ask for your mercy on our world. For you to bring peace to the hearts of warring leaders. For you to bring food where there is famine. For you to bring healing where there is disease and death. We pray for the world leaders and for our country's leaders. That you would bring wisdom to their hearts and that they would seek discernment to know and do what is right. We pray for our soldiers serving far from their homes this Thanksgiving Day. That you would bring them comfort and keep them safe from harm.
Thank you for the family and friends around us and far away. We pray for you to heal those that are suffering around us and to bring joy to those that have experienced sadness this year. We pray for all of us to remember, in this upcoming holiday season, that You are the reason for the season.
Thank you for Bray and for each of these miraculous precious healthy beautiful children in our arms today. For their laughs, for their smiles, for their exuberance over life, and for their intellect and curiosity. Thank you for a job. For food. For a house. I know that there are so many on this day that do not have the plenty that we do. Grant them a hot meal and a roof over their head and an opportunity to work.
You have been so faithful. Help us remember to give thanks for your blessings each day and not just on Thanksgiving Day.
In our Christ's Name we offer this prayer.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
My Family Circle Rant
I had not originally intended to post about this issue. But as I sent off the letter to the editor today, I just felt I would go ahead and share the letter. Last month, I read an incredibly troublesome column in Family Circle magazine. So troublesome it led me to write the editor, which I have never done in my life, and terminate my subscription. So here's my email to Linda Fears (in which I copied Rosalind Wiseman, the columnist who sent me over the edge, and Family Circle's feedback department and my husband):
Dear Linda (and Family Circle Account Subscription):
I am writing in response to an Ask Rosalind column that appeared in your November 2011 issue. This is my second year receiving Family Circle magazine which I have enjoyed. As a working mother to two year old triplets, I often fall behind in reading the magazines I receive monthly (Family Circle and Parents). Such was the case this past month, so I have been playing catch up and reading the last two issues.
I was astonished to read Rosalind's first response to a mother's inquiry in your November issue. Horrified may be a more accurate description. A concerned mother wrote in to inquire about setting boundaries with her teen daughter and a boy, who was a friend, coming over to visit even with parents home:
Among the incredibly shocking statements Rosalind made were:
"I'm guessing that 'lead to trouble' refers to the possibility of your daughter engaging in sexual activity with one of her guy friends? Let's dial it back a little."
"But most girls are naturally curious about sex and it makes sense for them to explore their sexuality with people who make them feel comfortable. Accept that your daughter may begin having sexual experiences and that's ok...."
I interpreted Rosalind's response as the equivalent of: hey, what are you worried about you old prude - your daughter at 15 is totally going to be having sex and you should get comfortable with it. (In order to make sure my reaction was not totally off the wall, I shared the article with my husband and good friend, both of whom had the same reaction.)
I might expect this from Cosmo, but certainly not from Family Circle. I am not a prude, nor am I ignorant of the times in which we live. However, as a person of faith, I think the continued granting of platforms to people who assail the values of modesty and propriety are, at the very least, disheartening, or at the most, downright dangerous. I hope that Family Circle will considering highlighting, whether in letters to the editor or as an alternative column which offers the flipside view, what mothers should aspire to in instilling character and values in their children. Instead of just rolling over and saying, well, most kids are falling into the trap of loveless sex which leads to heartbreak, disease and unwanted pregnancies with repercussions for the remainder of their lives, maybe Family Circle could be about, well, the family CIRCLE. One where parents encourage their children to live up to their best and highest goals and ideals. One that does accept failure because it represents attempts at success. One that lives out moral character at home so that children know how to model that behavior in their lives as they leave the family circle.
Until that happens, please let this serve as my notice that I wish to immediately cancel my subscription to Family Circle magazine. I can not continue to support a publication that takes the position that parents should not care if their 15 year old children are engaging in sexual activity.
Sincerely,
Gindi Eckel Vincent
Dear Linda (and Family Circle Account Subscription):
I am writing in response to an Ask Rosalind column that appeared in your November 2011 issue. This is my second year receiving Family Circle magazine which I have enjoyed. As a working mother to two year old triplets, I often fall behind in reading the magazines I receive monthly (Family Circle and Parents). Such was the case this past month, so I have been playing catch up and reading the last two issues.
I was astonished to read Rosalind's first response to a mother's inquiry in your November issue. Horrified may be a more accurate description. A concerned mother wrote in to inquire about setting boundaries with her teen daughter and a boy, who was a friend, coming over to visit even with parents home:
Among the incredibly shocking statements Rosalind made were:
"I'm guessing that 'lead to trouble' refers to the possibility of your daughter engaging in sexual activity with one of her guy friends? Let's dial it back a little."
"But most girls are naturally curious about sex and it makes sense for them to explore their sexuality with people who make them feel comfortable. Accept that your daughter may begin having sexual experiences and that's ok...."
I interpreted Rosalind's response as the equivalent of: hey, what are you worried about you old prude - your daughter at 15 is totally going to be having sex and you should get comfortable with it. (In order to make sure my reaction was not totally off the wall, I shared the article with my husband and good friend, both of whom had the same reaction.)
I might expect this from Cosmo, but certainly not from Family Circle. I am not a prude, nor am I ignorant of the times in which we live. However, as a person of faith, I think the continued granting of platforms to people who assail the values of modesty and propriety are, at the very least, disheartening, or at the most, downright dangerous. I hope that Family Circle will considering highlighting, whether in letters to the editor or as an alternative column which offers the flipside view, what mothers should aspire to in instilling character and values in their children. Instead of just rolling over and saying, well, most kids are falling into the trap of loveless sex which leads to heartbreak, disease and unwanted pregnancies with repercussions for the remainder of their lives, maybe Family Circle could be about, well, the family CIRCLE. One where parents encourage their children to live up to their best and highest goals and ideals. One that does accept failure because it represents attempts at success. One that lives out moral character at home so that children know how to model that behavior in their lives as they leave the family circle.
Until that happens, please let this serve as my notice that I wish to immediately cancel my subscription to Family Circle magazine. I can not continue to support a publication that takes the position that parents should not care if their 15 year old children are engaging in sexual activity.
Sincerely,
Gindi Eckel Vincent
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Excerpts from Sunday's Journal
Two things parents of two year old triplets should know: the terrible twos aren't ALWAYS terrible, and they're smarter than you think.
I had an amazing weekend with my kiddos this weekend. I'd had a pretty rocky week. Home and work. And I was short-tempered and exasperated with the kids. I felt bad about it but couldn't seem to put on a good face. However, I forget sometimes that my children are geniuses. They saw I was at my breaking point (as proof of this, Bray looked at me Thursday night, half-jokingly, and said, "you're not going to have a nervous break-down are you?"). So they set their mind to be fabulous two-year olds instead of terrible two year olds, and we had a WONDERFUL weekend.
It wasn't anything earth-shattering. We went to the park yesterday morning with my best friend and her dog, both of whom they are in love with. We rode tricycles. We took a stroll. This morning, because of an early morning disruption (4:30 a.m.), we ended up waking too late to get breakfast cooked and dressed for church so we just hung out. The kids and me. I had coffee and they swung. We read lots of books. They watched their favorite video on You Tube (for you parents with two year olds just introducing "tv/video" as I am, my friend told me about Barefoot Books - four fabulous minutes of entertainment, Driving My Tractor is our fav). They're healthy. They ate well. They laughed hysterically. My mom hung out with us, and when she arrived, the baby started laughing and clapping because he was so overjoyed. (She's a fabulous book reader - they run to her upon arrival with book in hand and say, "lap, lap.")
I am so happy tonight. My spirit is quiet. My life is still. I have to give a big shout out to my sweet bible study group who had been praying for some "abiding." So here's a few highlights of my observations of my funny kids:
1. They've learned the word "mine." It's so interesting. They've never said it before. But they go to school now two mornings a week and I think they picked it up. They must think it comes in particularly helpful as a triplet. Thing is, there's not much that is just "mine" in the playroom of a triplet. The baby uses it the most. Everything is "mine."
2. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the little lady is FEARLESS. She leaps from the top of a single building (our couch) without a moment's hesitation. They all throw the couch pillows off and start chanting, "jump, jump" and proceed to do just that. She's the ringleader.
3. The eldest is the biggest, but he does not like to fight back. While he will often be the first to steal a toy, he's only interested in what the others have, if the baby sits on him and pounds his back he will yelp for help.
4. They love each other and they love me. They've started saying, "Wuv you." Heart. Melts. And since they're learning to count, this weekend when I asked each of them if I could give them ONE kiss, they would pucker up and allow me the one, but the baby would then say "two," "three," and once I got the kisses all the way up to "ten." Fabulous.
5. They're so funny. The eldest started crawling like a dog at the park. I have no idea what brought it on but he, and I, thought it was so funny. The little lady plays peek-a-boo under the changing table pillow each time we change diapers. She gets so tickled every time I have a big freak out when she reappears. The baby is amused by nearly everything, from silly voices to dancing like a maniac (I'm assuming that rocking out to You Shook Me All Night Long won't kill them at this age. I was really sick of toddler tunes so when we turned on classic rock and that tune came blasting out I had to dance like a 21 year old around the room - they loved it and I'm pretty sure are immune to the lyrics at this stage).
Also, as an FYI for anyone following the bed climbing thing, the boys have both figured out how to climb out even WITH the mattresses on the floor so I spend at least a half hour in their rooms at the beginning of nap and bedtime to ensure all go to sleep INSIDE the crib. Fabulous weekend for them to master a new skill.
I am so so so grateful to have these munchkins and can't imagine how dull life would have been with just one.........
I had an amazing weekend with my kiddos this weekend. I'd had a pretty rocky week. Home and work. And I was short-tempered and exasperated with the kids. I felt bad about it but couldn't seem to put on a good face. However, I forget sometimes that my children are geniuses. They saw I was at my breaking point (as proof of this, Bray looked at me Thursday night, half-jokingly, and said, "you're not going to have a nervous break-down are you?"). So they set their mind to be fabulous two-year olds instead of terrible two year olds, and we had a WONDERFUL weekend.
It wasn't anything earth-shattering. We went to the park yesterday morning with my best friend and her dog, both of whom they are in love with. We rode tricycles. We took a stroll. This morning, because of an early morning disruption (4:30 a.m.), we ended up waking too late to get breakfast cooked and dressed for church so we just hung out. The kids and me. I had coffee and they swung. We read lots of books. They watched their favorite video on You Tube (for you parents with two year olds just introducing "tv/video" as I am, my friend told me about Barefoot Books - four fabulous minutes of entertainment, Driving My Tractor is our fav). They're healthy. They ate well. They laughed hysterically. My mom hung out with us, and when she arrived, the baby started laughing and clapping because he was so overjoyed. (She's a fabulous book reader - they run to her upon arrival with book in hand and say, "lap, lap.")
I am so happy tonight. My spirit is quiet. My life is still. I have to give a big shout out to my sweet bible study group who had been praying for some "abiding." So here's a few highlights of my observations of my funny kids:
1. They've learned the word "mine." It's so interesting. They've never said it before. But they go to school now two mornings a week and I think they picked it up. They must think it comes in particularly helpful as a triplet. Thing is, there's not much that is just "mine" in the playroom of a triplet. The baby uses it the most. Everything is "mine."
2. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the little lady is FEARLESS. She leaps from the top of a single building (our couch) without a moment's hesitation. They all throw the couch pillows off and start chanting, "jump, jump" and proceed to do just that. She's the ringleader.
3. The eldest is the biggest, but he does not like to fight back. While he will often be the first to steal a toy, he's only interested in what the others have, if the baby sits on him and pounds his back he will yelp for help.
4. They love each other and they love me. They've started saying, "Wuv you." Heart. Melts. And since they're learning to count, this weekend when I asked each of them if I could give them ONE kiss, they would pucker up and allow me the one, but the baby would then say "two," "three," and once I got the kisses all the way up to "ten." Fabulous.
5. They're so funny. The eldest started crawling like a dog at the park. I have no idea what brought it on but he, and I, thought it was so funny. The little lady plays peek-a-boo under the changing table pillow each time we change diapers. She gets so tickled every time I have a big freak out when she reappears. The baby is amused by nearly everything, from silly voices to dancing like a maniac (I'm assuming that rocking out to You Shook Me All Night Long won't kill them at this age. I was really sick of toddler tunes so when we turned on classic rock and that tune came blasting out I had to dance like a 21 year old around the room - they loved it and I'm pretty sure are immune to the lyrics at this stage).
Also, as an FYI for anyone following the bed climbing thing, the boys have both figured out how to climb out even WITH the mattresses on the floor so I spend at least a half hour in their rooms at the beginning of nap and bedtime to ensure all go to sleep INSIDE the crib. Fabulous weekend for them to master a new skill.
I am so so so grateful to have these munchkins and can't imagine how dull life would have been with just one.........
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