Lent--what are you giving up?

Prior to joining the Methodist Church, I never "did" lent.  I grew up in a Protestant Church (similar to Baptist) where we just didn't do it.  However, after Paxton was baptized Methodist, we decided to start attending the Methodist Church.  As such, we now celebrate Lent. 
This year, instead of "giving" something up, I plan to add something to our daily routine.  Every Sunday, my kids come home with Sunday School take home sheets and every Sunday afternoon, I throw them away.  I usually don't even bother to read what they learned about (though in Paxton's case, I already know since I teach his class).  This week, I decided to keep them and read it to them every night to reinforce the lesson that they learned that week. I hope to continue this through this not only through the Lenton season, but after. 

What are you adding or giving up for Lent this year?

sicky ickies...

My little princess is home sick again.  It started with goopy eyes, which we thought was pink eye.  We treated it with eye drops, but unfortunately, today she woke up with a fever, cough, and ear ache so she is off to the doctor.  More tomorrow....

sneak peak at our Valentines Pics

CHD Awareness

February is American Heart Month.  As such, I wanted to share some information about Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).  As you may or may not know, my son, Paxton was born with an ASD and VSD (basically, 2 holes in his heart).  In many cases, the wholes repair and close on their own; however, in his case, he was failing to thrive and required open heart surgery at 7 weeks. 

This is a picture of us 3 days after his surgery, in the PICU at Hopkins.  He was still only 7lbs. 

For more information click here

How do you talk to your kids about death?

If you read my blog, you will know that my 4 year old daughter, Mia is a twin.  Her brother, Parker was stillborn due to an umbilical cord accident.  We have always been open and honest with her about him and we tell her he is in Heaven with Jesus and that he is her special guardian angel.  That has worked well...until this year.  This year she has made several comments that I am not sure how to respond to. Some make me happy and some scare me.
First she started asking if she could buy balloons to send up to Parker and Jesus in Heaven.  I thought this was so precious so of course, we agreed to it.  I mean...what a sweet and thoughtful request from a 4 year old.  She also makes comments fairly frequently that she misses Parker.  While she may say it to get our attention because we certainly give her more attention, I think a part of her really does remember him and miss him.
Recently, her comments have been more upsetting.  She has asked when she can go to Heaven to be with Parker and Jesus.  I tell her when she is old....a very long time from now.  She has not been happy with my answer.  This week, she asked if her and I could die together. 
This is where I'm stumped.  I don't want to scare her and I want to be open and honest, but I'm really not sure where to go with her questions and statements.  Has anyone else ever been through this with their child?  If so, how did you respond?  Any recommendations? 

So What!

  I'm linking up with Shannon again for another edition of So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying So What if...  

• I hate 1 1/2 donuts and a few bites of chili for dinner last night. 
• I bought a new light fixture for the new kitchen and Chris doesn't like it.  He says it belongs in a living room.  I disagree.
• I can't stop pinching Paxton's hiney when he is wearing his big boy boxers.  Oh my gosh....so cute!
• I still can't get the blue and green nail polish off from 2 days ago when I let Paxton paint my nails.
• I let Mia in my bed again last night at 4am.  I'm just too tired to fight with her when I know I have to get up in an hour. 

What are you saying so what to this week?

Book Review- Seduction and Snacks

I'm linking up with Sharee and Lindsay for the Blog Friends Book Club.  This month, we read Seduction and Snacks.  It was the first book in the trilogy (Book 2 is Futures and Frostings and book 3 is Troubles and Treats).  I finished book 3 last night so needless to say, I enjoyed all 3. 

I characters and funny and likable.  The book had me laughing out loud at times.  Seduction and Snacks is a book about fate and soul mates.  It goes to show that if it's meant to be, it will find a way.  Claire and Carter meet again after a one night stand in college.  Once they see each other again...the sparks fly.

The book also showed Clair's struggles as a single mom.  While thankfully, I have a hands-on husband to help, I can relate to her daily life with a 4 year old...especially one who repeats everything you say. 

If you are looking for a light funny read, I would highly recommend all of these books.