Two and a Half!

Well, this weekend marks the official two and a half mark.  If the second half is as hard as the first half, then you may have to wipe me up off the floor!  As you may have read, we're dealing with potty training, big kid beds, and an assortment of other two year old challenges.  Nevertheless, every day is a gift and the trio always does something precious and endearing just in the nick of time (there is a REASON God made two year olds so cute -it's the only way we'd keep them in the house!).  So here's my random assortment of observations from the deck of two-and-a-half:

1.  Being Bossy.  Good heavens these children are bossy.  From what I understand, I was a fairly bossy child.  Now I was incredibly obedient (unlike MY two year olds), but I've always wanted things a certain way and have expressed that way to those around me.  Funnily enough, the baby is the bossiest.  His favorite commands are:
Right Now Mommy - for example, I tell him we're going to the zoo this weekend, and his immediate response is Right Now Mommy!  Everything has to be RIGHT NOW!  (It is said in adorable toddler voice - ryenow mommmmie.)
Sit Down Mommy - If I'm feeding them dinner or in the play room, the baby wants my attention and his command is a persistent Seedown (his take on Sit Down) until I comply. 
Lay Down Mommy - See above except this one is given at bedtime or naptime when I put them down.  None of them want me to leave so they in unison instruct me to lay at their bedside.  You can imagine what a time suck this becomes if you do it twice a day. 
Read The Book Mommy - Fairly obvious what this one is all about.  It comes out, "reeddabouk."

2.  Being Inexplicably Hysterical.  Luckily this one word, hysterical, encompasses the many ways in which the behaviour exhibits itself.  It can either be that they are super funny, which they are.  It can be that they are inconsolably upset, which they are.  It can also be that they are fuming mad. 
My mom taught them this song, Ida Mae, which is not widely popularized, about a skinny lady who goes down the bathtub drain.  You should see there faces when they get to the part of the song that says, "Oh my goodness, Oh my soul..."  They clasp their face in their hands and shout out, "ohgoooness, ohsoul..."  Hysterical!  On the flip side, the eldest cried uncontrollably for half an hour at dinner time this week for no apparent reason other than he wanted me to hold him instead of serve his siblings their meal.  I was worried he was going to throw up he was crying so hard.  And when the little lady did not help pick up and only the eldest got a treat for helping, she punched him in the face.  Are you kidding me?  Of course we immediately sent her to time out and afterwards she had to apologize to him, but c'mon.

3.  Being Mimics.  Bray and I really have to watch ourselves.  While neither one of us are prone to profanity, there can still be other words that they just pick up.  The baby especially just parrots back everything we say.  I did have a slip a couple of weeks ago when we were getting ready for church.  I was solo with the trio and we were running behind, which I hate, and my little man had a big blow out in his church clothes.  As I was trying to clean it up, a da#*@t slipped out.  Don't you know he just started saying it back - and we were headed to CHURCH!  I said, oh I meant to say do-dah.  Luckily, he bought that story and started saying do-dah - thank heavens!  (From now on out I can assure you that I WILL be saying do-dah.)  They're little sponges and even learning how to say longer and longer sentences. 

It is definitely a crazy time, but also really fun.  I learn right along with them and am amazed at how quickly they are changing and learning and understanding.  I am hoping that they are a little less defiant in the months to come.  This testing boundaries phase is acute, although I understand from moms with older triplets that the two's have nothing on the teens!

(For those sweet friends visiting from my sorority sister's blog, Kelly's Korner, here's some shots of my trio, for more photos you can click on Wordless Wednesdays:)

Gratitude Unpacked

Driving into work this morning, I saw sunbeams streaming through broken clouds.  Have you seen that before?  Where it looks as though God is parting the sky to show you His glory?  It wasn't the first time I'd seen heavenward beauty, but it never ceases to amaze me.  I catch my breath and think, wow, I worship THAT God. 

It also got me thinking.  I am so grateful.  Of course I'm grateful for the big things with which God has unloaded His bounty in and on my life.  But I'm truly grateful for the small things too.  As I rounded the corners downtown and saw the sunlight reflected in towering glass buildings, I realized that, deeper still, more blessings underpin the smallest things for which I am grateful.  Here's some of that gratitude unpacked (and this is just what I came up with in five minutes using only blessings from this morning):

1.  I had an amazing cup of coffee. 
What's behind that ONE blessing?  My coffee maker and coffee grinder work.  I own them because I could afford them.  I turned them on because I am fortunate enough to have electricity, something millions of citizens worldwide don't have.  That electricity runs through a home which is safe and secure.  I had time to make it this morning because Bray helped out with the kids.  Five blessings hold up that one small item of gratitude. 

2.  I came up with a title for my second book. 
What's behind that ONE blessing? I thought of it in the shower which I used after my work out and many people don't have a hot shower in the morning with quiet around them that gives them time to think.  When I told Bray to get ready because I had a title for my second book, he asked, "what's the title for your first book?"  (Which I promptly told him.)  But it was also an underlying blessing because I have a darling husband that I can share my dreams with and who makes me laugh AND gives me some perspective.  I get to write the chapters for this second book idea on a computer - I have one at work and one at home. I get to attend a writers conference in July because we can afford to book a flight and hotel and get me there.  More blessings unpacked.

3.  I had a relaxing drive into work.
What's behind that ONE blessing?  It was relaxing in part because of that good coffee and hot shower, but also because I have a car.  One I never have to worry about turning over when I put the key in the ignition.  One that helps drown out the roadside noise.  I was able to listen to uplifting music on the way that was piped straight into my car for my ears.  I had that drive because I was going to work.  A job in a nice building with a lovely office where I do work that does not put my life or emotions at risk at any point.  Wow, think about all those blessings holding up that one small grateful thought. 

4.  I looked good en route. 
What's behind that ONE blessing? It's no news to regular readers that my weight fluctuates.  Some months I work out more than others and some months I eat more than others and I have about three dress sizes in my closet that reflect that fact (occasionally a fourth).  But I have all those clothes, in two closets, and am blessed beyond measure (and am constantly reminded to share those blessings).  I then put on skin creams and make up and brushed my teeth, all which cost money, in a well lit bathroom with plenty of towels and water.  I had three hysterical (funny not crying) children running around my feet that applied a little make up to themselves, yet I came out without one stain on me and incredibly happy that I have three little ones to run around my feet while I get ready.  I was able to go to boot camp this morning and work out so that I could get in better shape (and get into one of those smaller dress sizes)

5.  I have a fun lunch out planned with two of my dear girlfriends. 
What's behind that ONE blessing? I have a job where I can go out to lunch when I want to go.  I can purchase a meal at a restaurant.  But most importantly, I have a stable of incredibly smart, funny, gifted, supportive girlfriends.  I get to hang out with two wonderful ones today, but I got to see another one Tuesday night.  I see yet another one this weekend and a different one next weekend.  If that is not the biggest unpacked blessing of all, then I can't think of what is.  God has blessed me with mom friends, career friends, Godly friends, and all sorts of combinations of friends.  It restores my spirit each time I am with them.   

Psalm 147 - Praise the LORD.  How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Colossians 2 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 100 - Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Colossians 3 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wordless Wednesdays

Energy Reboot

I've only been intermittently energetic for the past three years.  Being pregnant and having triplets can really take it out of you.  However, I feel like I turned a corner in 2012.  I have historically been a fairly energetic, multi-tasking, driven person.  But survival mode sure can drain your energy.  Your capabilities.  Your drive. 

When I met with a partner and mentor in our California offices last week, she talked about this phenomenon.  She comes from a very different perspective/background than me, but she was pretty on point about this.  She said, when you aren't capable of taking on any new challenges or developments growth, you send that message out in subconscious ways.  When you shift, and your body and brain are ready to restart and take a new step out, then that message gets translated and the "universe" begins opening doors all around you. 

Never has that been truer than now.  There are so many amazing opportunities presenting themselves that fall right smack in the middle of my "Promised Land."  They are true to my interests, passions, and talents.  And the encouragement and opportunity is converging to not only open the doors but to push me through them.  People comment on my positivity and enthusiasm.  I feel ready to take on these exciting new changes and opportunities. 

BUT.  Did you see that one coming?  Well, I don't want to put it there, however it is a very important but.  One I encourage anyone out there to put at the end of a sentence about an opportunity presenting itself.  If you're coming out of a desert place, and warmly embracing the lushness on the other side, then I applaud you and share your excitement.  BUT....don't forget to ask yourself these all important questions before you take off at warp speed (like I often do):

1.  Am I sure this is a God-thing?  I absolutely believe some opportunities have been graciously given to me by God, but I know that sometimes I can allow the momentum of the "opportunities" to sidetrack me from where I am supposed to be heading.  I keep saying yes because it sounds cool and full of promise, the snowball keeps growing, yet I don't recognize the choices are veering off course and dangerously near a cliff.  Make sure you do some serious soul searching with each new door or window that opens before you.  You can even pray, as I have, that divine intervention shut doors and windows you shouldn't go through.  Stay true to the path that God is leading you on or else there will be a lot of back-tracking at some point up ahead. 

2.  Is this going to take me away from my number one earthly priority, my family?  The reality is, for me, I have a great husband and three quickly growing toddlers that love me and need me PRESENT.  A speaking opportunity one night may be perfectly okay and even great, but that same opportunity one night every week won't be.  A trip out of town may be good and a blessing, but one every month wouldn't translate well.  It is NEVER a good opportunity if it takes you from your family repeatedly when those moments are precious.  If you're a mom with young kids, then they need you in person to hug them and encourage them and discipline them and take care of them. 

3.  Is it just about me?  Sometimes, these new options that become available are really just a play to my pride.  One of my real weakness.  That pride is my Achilles' heel.  And it has been for years.  A "yes" to this new circumstance might just be about me thinking, Oh what an honor, Wouldn't this be so great to do, Think of who I'll get to hang out with or where I'll get to go.  There's nothing wrong with getting enthusiastic about an honor or a trip, but if it's you just wrapped up in a bad case of vanity, that good fortune may be misfortune. 

I'm thrilled to have a new lease on life.  To be coming out of hibernation.  It's a gift.  It's just a gift with choices that I need to consider with my eyes open.  I must remember to take direction from God who wants me to continue to walk down a path designed uniquely for me by Him that will maximize the best outcome for me and all those I hold dear.  He wants the best for me.  He wants the best for you.  It just may look different than what you or I see for ourselves. 

Ephesians 1 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

2 Chronicles 26 - But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.

Obadiah 1 - The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights...

Jeremiah 29 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD...

Darling

Oh what darling children I have.  I have MISSED them this week.  California was great, as you've probably read, but boy did I miss my babies.  I got in last night/this morning at 1 a. and raced right into their rooms.  Is there anything more gorgeous in the world than pink-cheeked toddlers sleeping like little angels?  It was all I could do not to shake them awake. 

I got up this morning at 6 to shower for work so I'd be ready to play with them when they awoke.  Well, when they still weren't awake by 7 am (and I had to leave by 8), I just went in and crawled into the toddler bed with my big boy.  Even though he was sound asleep, he grabbed my hand and held it.  Heart.  Swelling. 

Finally, the little lady started rustling and I hopped over there to smother her in kisses.  She woke right up and was DELIGHTED to have me home.  I got lots of hugs and kisses which woke up the baby which resulted in more hugs and kisses and that woke up the eldest which resulted in a big pile of hugging kissing Vincents on the nursery room floor.  Bliss.  They were not ready to eat breakfast, they wanted to cuddle and read, so we did just that for a half hour.  More bliss.  Then I rolled out the presents (which were small but a MUST) and that was met with great delight.  We moved on in to breakfast and did an advance review of our fun weekend plans - Easter bunny and egg hunt tomorrow and the zoo on Sunday!  Never have you seen such happy little toddlers.  They couldn't wait.  The only bummer was me having to leave, and when our nanny arrived, God bless her (and they love her), they all said, "Noooooooooooo."  But they know I'm back in town and am NOT getting on a plane any time soon so they did allow me a temporary escape upon multiple oaths of a speedy return.  Wild horses couldn't keep me away.  I 'm counting down the minutes. 

Cali: Day 4, Renewed Purpose

It's funny.  What started out as a comedic view of California versus Texas, much like my London travel journal, turned into something entirely different.  Yesterday, I wrote some thoughts about the striking homeless situation here in San Francisco and beyond.  Today, instead of reverting back to my light-hearted observations, I feel compelled to share what a success this trip has been.

The first year after I returned to work from maternity leave, work was all about head-down survival.  The second year (last year), it was more about the grass is greener elsewhere coupled with a sense of being somewhat lost in what I was doing and why.  Only God knows what I will end up doing five or ten years down the line, but He has definitely shown me over the course of this trip why I am where I am and reminded me how much I can love this job.  I've been engaged with such different people, with different backgrounds and work, but they are all so interesting and have some wonderful ideas about opportunities up ahead.  I have had lunches and coffees and drinks and office meetings from L.A. to San Francisco and have gotten to see some of my favorite people that I used to see more often in the pre-kid version of me. 

I've been reading this great book simultaneously that has reminded me what a gift I have been given to be able to pursue my dream, writing, while helping fund our family's activities through a wonderful flexible interesting job.  A job that puts me in positions to write and speak which is exactly what I love most.  I could be in a job where there is no overlap between my dream and my desk, yet here I am in a job that capitalizes on my strongest skill set. 

I leave California re-energized.  Ready to tackle new projects and challenges with renewed energy and interest.  I leave thankful that I have the opportunity to reinvest in work that is fulfilling.  And I hope that being reconnected and reinvigorated will pervade every area of my life.  Apathy in one segment of your life can quickly invade every area.  So can energy and enthusiasm.  Hopefully this time away and fresh perspective will add a sense of dedication and excitement to my work as a mom and a wife too.  What an unexpected gift this week in California has been. 

Cali: Day 3, The Need

I realize that these travel journals lean toward the comedic.  Yet I was literally propelled out of bed last night with a force beyond myself to write this post regarding an observation I made after I landed in San Francisco.  I was always struck, whenever I traveled to our San Francisco office, by the number of homeless so visible on city sidewalks here.  It's been a few years though, and nothing has changed.  Some of these people clearly are struggling with mental illness and wander through the streets talking and approaching you.  But last night I was struck more by what I saw than what I heard.  There was a man walking down the sidewalk in long denim shorts.  It's chilly here in San Francisco.  Fifty degrees or so.  And this man's legs were bare from nearly his knees to his ankles.  What caught my eye though was the state of the exposed portion of his calves.  Black and blue.  What I can only describes as near holes in his legs with bruises and damages and injuries that I couldn't imagine the cause.  The only word that sprung to my mind while I was typing this post was "brutalized."  It looked as though his legs had been through a war. 

As a mother of three, often bruised, toddlers, I reach for band-aids and Neosporin and kisses to fix boo-boos.  But here was this man, picking up tid-bits from the sidewalk, nearly side-swiped by my cab driver as he stepped off into the street, who needed so much more than that.  He needed a doctor.  And I wanted to take him to one.  Someone to tend to his wounds to keep them from further infection.  Someone to bandage his injuries, partially for healing and partially so I wouldn't be forced to look at them 

I found an article, as I was writing my post, that said the number of homeless hit a record high in San Francisco last year.  They are home less.  Without a home.  I can't fathom that.  No matter how poor we were, we always had a roof, even if it was with my grandparents.  We always had an option.  In reading the article about the homeless, the one this man with the beaten legs had triggered me to search for, I discovered that there are 1.5 million children in American without homes.  These are kids without a home.  Can you just take a minute to internalize that statement?  While your children are tucked in their beds, there are millions of Americans without a home, a roof, a bed, a bathroom, a doctor, a safe place?  The wait list, WAIT list, for a shelter in San Francisco is six months.  The wait list to find a temporary place where you can sleep on a cot and take a shower is SIX months.  Six. Months. 

It's not just San Francisco.  It's everywhere.  But this man, with no access to a home or a doctor or a band-aid, reminded me that it's in my backyard no matter where I am.  That person, the nameless guy with the sign at the intersection, he has a story.  He has a need.  And we've all become immune.  Or at least I have.