How Does Your Garden Grow?

Just wanted to share some pictures from our wonderful garden:o)!
Thanks so much Lonnie!! Pepper plants... so beautifully green,

Wonderful tomato plants! Already so tall!! ;o)

Carrots... and so much more!

We'll also do pumpkins later this week, but they will be in the back by the fire pit... in a little patch of their own.
So far nothing has died... of course, I've not gone near it so that's probably why:o)
Though today I planted a wild flower garden. I'm very proud of myself. And of Bryce, who really did all the hard work. I got to come in with a hoe and rake and spread dirt and scatter seeds. I'll have pictures of that in a day or so.

I love gardening!
(Or pretending to garden while others do the real work:o)

Spiritual Birthday

Elie celebrates her first spiritual birthday this year! Last year over Memorial weekend she asked Jesus to take away her sins and be in her life for always.

Celebrating a spiritual birthday is a Paulson family tradition (new to me, but fun!). In honor of Nancy we are carrying it on with our kids.

In way of celebration Elie and I dressed up fancy and went out for desert. She picked three different cakes and we tried pieces of them all. We talked about what her first year of getting to know Jesus and learning more about what it means to have your sins taken away was like. I asked her if there was any way I could be a better Mommy, to which she answered that she needs more cuddles (melt my heart!) and for me to read to her more. We played a few table games and had lots of laughs. This is a picture of us in a goofy moment.

Part of her spiritual journey has been the two of us starting a Bible study together once a week. She eats up the special one-on-one time with Mommy, and totally takes me by surprise at what she understands and thinks about. This year has been a neat testimony to Bryce and I of God's presence impacting even a small child. We've watched her grow in her ability to forgive, especially her brother, to repent - to begin recognizing the difference between apologizing and changing the behavior, to choose a joyful attitude even when she feels like complaining and in getting to know God as a real presence in her day. We are so proud of our sweet, tender little girl!!

Shoe Prediction

The flip flops won out the first time, because the flowers on the toes matched the flowers on her dress... then she reverted to her crocks, which are pink and have a butterfly on them and they are easier to run in ... so not exactly matching... but cute none-the-less, and very much in tune the the overall outfit:o)!

Have I mentioned that I love my girlie girl?!

Selection of the Day

I just love these outfits! Today is sunny and warmer - not overly warm though... so this was Elie's compromise. A sun dress with a T-shirt and black leggings underneath. She loves blues and greens because those are the favorite colors of the 12-year-old girl next door - but she's always got to have some pink in the mix:o) - I love having such a girlie girl!
And, thanks to my mom and sister, she is very much into shoes! They have to match. I predict her sparkly pink M. J's or her pink and white polka dot flip flops with flowers on the toes for when we head out doors to work in the yard!

Quiet Moment

This weekend we had a bit of a difficult moment as parents. Trying to navigate our way through it, I found Bryce on the couch praying. A moment later Jadon went up to him, put his hands on him and started praying with him.

I know it's not very proper to take a picture of a moment like this - but I just couldn't resist. It is the highlight of our weekend, by far.

Of course, Jadon announced he was praying for his trains and cars and rocks and owies to get better:o), but that just made this moment all the sweeter.

Creative Beauty

I had to get a picture of the way Elie dressed herself. This has been happening more and more. She's always been a flamboyant type (I think she takes after her Nonnie:o), but lately it's gotten really creative!

The routine: She comes in each morning to ask what the weather is - basically she loves to wear dresses and we've said that those are for warm days only.
This outfit: This is the product of my telling her it will be on the cool side, but not cold ( a muggy overcast windy day). She has on pants, a red skirt, a summer tank-top style dress, a long-sleeved sweater shirt and a short-sleeved "dressy" shirt.

Oh, the days of carefree styles! :o)

Boom'in Scrap

Bryce and Elie were in the car this morning running an errand. The radio was set to a more "rowdy" Christian channel and some rap music came on. Elie was very shocked by it and asked about the "booming" music. Bryce tried to explain rap music.

Elie's response was, "Oh, Boom'in Scrap! (of course, that genre) The kind of music where they talk and sing at the same time... I get it."

She came home to explain to me that she and daddy had listened to music that people talk and sing and "boom" and "scrap" about Jesus!

Oh the precious mind of my Five-year-old!

Yay for Spring!

Spring time is garden time!
We are putting in a raised garden this year, and it's a first for both of us... that is, this is the first Bryce and Lindsey garden! (Both of our families had gardens when we were growing up)
Normally I kill plants entrusted to my care. I hate this dark talent of mine because I love plants and secretly I would love to take up gardening as a profession. It's so basic and earthy. However, before I open up shop we are going to try growing some veggies and herbs first, with the aid and counsel of skilled gardening friends and neighbors:o).

We had to get top soil delivered as we sit on a huge sand pit. I had no idea you could (or should) buy dirt!

Farmer Bryce!

He is very impressive with a hammer- we'll see how he does with seeds:o)

Toxic Plastic

I've done a bit more research on the whole toxin-in-plastics thing and there are a few website links on the side of my blog if you want to read what I've discovered.

Improvement!?

Today we went to the doctor and while we were waiting Jadon announced that he had to go potty! Fortunately both Bryce and I were there so we scurried him off to the toilet and saw the doctor at the same time.
This is the FIRST time he's decided he needed to go in public - can I take this as a sign of improvement? Are we getting somewhere? So far, going at home has only been a morning thing. At least it has been every morning since I last blogged - for that I am truly thankful! And we haven't had any fear issues, as in, he readily does both pee and poo on the potty. Another thing I'm very thankful for. It's just deciding to do it that's been the challenge.

Oh, and we've graduated from sitting on the potty to standing beside it to pee... oh this wacky world of boys! Being raised in a house of girls has not prepared me for this.

It's a Kid Thing

We were walking one beautiful afternoon. Jadon was it high spirits and singing at the top of his lungs. Elie was crashed out, sleeping deeply next to him in the stroller. After one song Jadon paused and said, "Mommy, I love you."

Totally touched at this unprompted show of affection of course I responded in kind.

"Well," Jadon said, pausing and swallowing, "well, do you know why I love you?"
He didn't wait to hear my response, but continued, "I love you because you are going to have a baby in your tummy and my brother is going to come see me soon. Yeah." He paused again and with a sigh said, "But not today, Mommy, okay? In a little while."

I was digesting this news and thinking of a response, totally amused by where his mind was going. I was about to ask him if he knew the baby's name when he continued.

"I think it's going to be on your birthday. Our baby will come to us on your birthday, okay Mom?" He was very serious now.

"Really?" I asked, " that would be neat, wouldn't it."

"Yeah, well, actually," little pause, "it's a kid. Yeah, you have a kid in your tummy. But not today. Not yet. Cubbie, I want to play with him I think."

And back to singing he went.... a slightly altered version of "God is So Good."

So, next year on my birthday don't be surprised if you receive the announcement of my newborn kid, a brother who comes ready to play!

Fishies!

Just a quick update on our fish tank of death.. we recently had another round of baby guppies born. All were quickly eaten. So sad. Good news is Jadon never knew. They arrived after he'd gone to bed and were all gone before he woke up the next morning. Guppy life is so very harsh!

Our original two babies are thriving, however, and have grown a TON. We are expecting another bunch of babies any day from our second, very pregnant, female. Hopefully at least one or two of these will survive:o).

Potty Time

My little boy has a very unique (or maybe not so unique) relationship with a toilet.
He is every bit potty trained... so far as knowing the sensations, being capable of removing his clothing, waking up dry and even holding it for hours, (especially if required to go potty before breakfast). The real challenge he's had to face is to find the will power to stop what he's doing so that he can use the toilet. Or, rather, stop what he's doing and go to the potty.
Stopping mid-sentence or mid-car noise, as the case may be, to fill his pants and then tell me about it, doesn't quite cut it. And we have tried everything, short of punishing him, to inspire, encourage... nudge... him toward this most vital part of the potty training ritual.
I finally got fed up with messy underwear and cleaning carpet stains, so he is in diapers until he decides to use the potty regularly. He realizes that he's a little old for diapers... but I refuse to spend even more money on pull ups that don't contain everything my little boy puts in them. So, our daily battle is to get the diaper on - however, I consider this a far better battle than chasing him around the house cleaning up messes in his wake. I have resigned to the fact that this kid is simply going to have to be the one to choose the time and place for the rite of Big Boy Underwear, (not to be confused with Big Girl Panties, so I've learned).

It has felt like we are at a stand still, and I'll be sending my son off to college with an ample supply of diapers and wipes!

Well, this morning, for the 3rd morning in a row, over a bowl of cheerios he declared that he was going to go potty... got off his stool, raced to the bathroom, pulled everything off and indeed - had to go potty!! Seeing as this was the 3rd time, I thought it might be safe to blog about it. Knock on wood!

Here's the proud boy!

Horse Ranch

We spent today at a horse ranch near our house, called Horse Haven Ministries.
They had a Spring Fling today, and Elie and Jadon got to ride as many horses as they pleased! Elie was so thrilled each time, and knew all the horses names in the end. She and I rode together for one turn, and she was as confident as could be, chatting the whole way and making the girl leading us laugh. I, on the other hand, was a bit nervous!
Jadon and Bryce rode together and had a great time. Jadon was not intimidated of the huge horses in the least, and walked right up to them. I wonder if he's following in his sister's foot steps?
I think we are becoming a horse family:o)! We have talked about giving Elie lessons, and even volunteering as a family here. After today, we're pretty certain it would be something all of us would love!

Happy Birthday to my Husband

Bryce turns 32 today. It's a special day, because 32 years ago my husband almost didn't exist. His older tested positive for muscular dystrophy at 9 months old... about the same time my in-laws discovered they were pregnant with Bryce.

The doctors encouraged an abortion, saying that if Scott did indeed develop in the disease that most likely the unborn baby would as well. Nancy, my mother-in-law was a nurse. Completely familiar to the kind of taxing care it would take to raise one disabled child, let-a-lone two.

Hearing this advice from their doctor, who also said that after having this baby aborted they would be able to know for sure where Scott stood with M. D. and they could have more babies with better chances of being healthy, my in-laws took time away to consider terminating the pregnancy.

Nancy left the final decision up to Larry. After time alone in prayer and soul searching, Larry came back with the response that they would have Bryce anyway. God would provide.

Well, He did. Anyone who knows these Paulson brothers has witnessed the weird benign disease that causes their muscles to ripple - (Rippling Muscle Disease, discovered through Scott's positive test results for M. D. and Bryce having the same thing, carried down through Nancy and found to be in several of her male relatives) - and also knows them to be completely healthy.

The thing is, Nancy had a hysterectomy for medical complications shortly after Bryce was born. There were no more healthy babies to come.

If things had gone differently, I wouldn't have this incredible chance to know and love this man who is full of passion, life, conviction, talent and love. I wouldn't know Elie, or Jadon... I would have missed out on what has been the most incredible adventure of my lifetime. Through all the ups and downs, hardships, heartaches, joys and victories my greatest prize has been carrying the title of Mrs. Bryce Paulson. Being by his side through it all. And we've only just begun:o).

So, today I celebrate my husband, a 32 year-old miracle, and God perfect gift of provision for my life. I love him with all that I am.

Zoo in the Rain

Today we had a Zoo day! And it Rained!

A couple of moms from our new Sunday school class and my friend, Rachel, and I and all the kids braved the weather to see the animals...

It was actually pretty fun:o). We did a bunch of indoor stuff, and managed to get caught in only one drenching down poor.






Several schools had the same idea we did, and the only covered eating area was packed with field trips groups... so we opted to eat lunch in the Primate House. As there were no primates in there, and it was indoors, we were quite comfortable. A little hand sanitizer and lots of napkins and baby wipes and it was a cozy place to eat.




Here the kids are watching very active penguins. It was cool to see them prance - if that's a possible underwater activity - and dance right in front of all the kids. The white-ish blur is a penguin. The only bummer about the penguin place was that it was stinky!







All in all it was a great day. We got a bit wet, but no harm done, and both kids have rambled on and on about different aspects of the day that they loved! So fun:o)

Pay Off

Do you ever have those moments where all the hard work, emotional, mental and physical, over a period of time comes together in a result that is overwhelmingly positive?

Well, today was one of those times for us!

This morning we had to get the house picked up and get ready to go out for our neighbor's dance performance. I also needed both kids to at least rest before we left, if not sleep. I prepared for the usual battle it's been to get first-time-obedience. I was so pleasantly wrong!

Elie kept returning to my side after completing a task, asking what she could do next. Jadon actually did exactly what he was supposed to do - the first time! Not only that, but when I told them it was time to lay down, they did it. I had to wake them up in time to get ready to leave!

What a difference today has been. Even when we had a few winy melt-downs, and had to administer drops of vinegar for sass, the usual battles were not present0. Thank you Lord!!

Now, we work on attitudes:o)...

Mommy's Time Out

Lately we have been walking through some very difficult phases with our kids. Don't get me wrong, I think my kids are amazingly well behaved and marvel at their god-given traits that so many times our parenting skills are complimented for. But they are very human and very fallen. And, being their mom I have the unique job of training them.
I am very lucky to be married to a man who takes on the roll of Daddy seriously and with great passion. Spending a year unemployed and at home with us gave him an uncommon glimpse of exactly what my days are like as a stay-at-home mom, and he rarely lacks understanding or sympathy... having said himself that he has the easier job outside our home:o). He is reliable and consistent and I feel like I have an engaged and equal partner in parenting, for sure - and I am so grateful!

However, as we embark on this chapter of life at home, we are learning the skill and place of first-time-obedience. And as the parent at home, it's my joy to both nurture relationships with my children and stay consistent to our agreed on consequences for disobedience, all day.
The kids were involved in the process of agreeing on family rules and consequences, so they know what to expect. But I've discovered that just because they know doesn't mean they don't ever need the consequences...
And lately, it's been hard on me. For us, "first time obedience" means we say it once, and only once. No second or third warnings, counting, bargaining or arguing. There's a balance here, as we want the kids to feel heard and understood too. Both skills, finding that balance and applying our agreed upon consequences, is boot camp for my mind and emotions! As the main parent on the job, I have felt overwhelmed, guilty for making mistakes, inadequate and even, at times, a bit disoriented as to why I am here, in this roll. I have felt like I am in danger of messing up two precious little lives.

One consequence we agreed on as a family is the Time Out. It applies to kids, toys, books, the dog... whatever needs a "time out."

Well, lately, I've been applying it to myself. Whether or not they need it, I have the kids rest, ("grown-up" version of naps, which they have both outgrown).
In that hour I have been turning on relaxing music, making a cup of hot tea, grabbing a book, my Bible study, journal or simply taking a nap. Sometimes I spend the hour crying. A good way to let off steam:o).
The book I'm reading right now is called 12 Great Choices Smart Moms Make. (A great read for any mom) One thing that resonated with me, as I was reading about "being out of whack" (one of the chapter titles) was this: "There are two ways a mom can find herself feeling [out of whack]. The first and most jarring way is to be thrown off course, to feel like you have lost touch with your special essence, your identity."

As we walk through this phase of life, I feel the wear and tear of my role. A role that I often dreamed about taking on, but felt so unprepared for once I entered it. A role that has required me to turn over my freedoms, my time, my space, my uniqueness... my former identity, especially as life has taken unexpected turns and twists. One thing I am realizing as I indulge in my Time Outs, is that while at times I still grieve the losses above, I am learning again who I am and how I fit in this world... And, I think I like my new identity the more I make time to get to know me again. Especially in the midst of the daunting task of shaping two little personalities.

So here's to Mommy Time Outs.

Toxic Plastic??

I'm not sure if you've been hearing about the findings of B.P.A. in plastics, such as in Nalgene bottles (currently in the process of being recalled in Canada). We haven't been watching the news lately, but my parents told me about it.

Here's a link to one interesting website I found from the New York Times.

NYT


I'm not sure what it all means, but for now we are hand washing the plastic stuff eat or drink from! But I'm just that paranoid:o).

I celebrated my 30th Birthday!

It's the "big leap." I guess I've grown up now...

First of all - THANK YOU so much, everyone who participated in my book of encouragement! I was so totally touched by your letters, notes, pictures and thoughts. It was the perfect way to start my 3rd decade in this world.And thank you, Sheila, for introducing me to Bazooka Bubble Gum on our road trip... I now have an addiction to the Original Bubble Gum... One of my presents is a megga size bin of Dubble Bubble (sorry Sheila, it's way softer to chew:o). Yup... real grown up of me, huh? :o) Gotta stay young somehow!

My birthday celebrations started when Bryce took me out Saturday night for dinner and a movie. We saw Nim's Island, which was SO CUTE! (I loved it and highly recommend it for all those cheesy movie lovers out there.) It was great to be on a date with my husband, and going out for a movie is something we haven't done in over a year - so very special treat!
Thanks, Pat for watching the kids for us:o)!!

Sunday morning Bryce and the kids woke me up with the traditional Paulson family doughnut with a candle and singing. Then after church we all went to Logan's Roadhouse for steak :o).
We chilled as a family Sunday afternoon, and I took phone calls. Thank you for calling me, even if I didn't get to your call - I feel loved!

Later, after a very light supper, we had cake. I had to wait in my room while Bryce and the kids decorated it (which is why I'm blowing candles out in my bedroom). They were as excited as I was:o)!

All in all, it was a fantastic birthday.


Bethany, I have you to thank for my cake:o)... Chocolate Truffle Wave cake from Meijer. Thanks for bringing that to house church!!:o)
Bryce describes it as one giant hostess cupcake, but way better. Yep, pretty much!

Thank you all so much for being part of making 30 a great birthday!!

Rain, Rain... Come and stay! (at least for a day)

We've had gray skies and rain, and it's been WONDERFUL to this Oregonian.
Though this would seem contradictory to my longings for spring... I absolutely love the green trees (as opposed to the ugly leaf-less look we sport here) against the dreary wet sky - it reminds me of home in a very comforting sort of way. The difference for me is the green, the wonderful beautiful color!

Granted, the sunny days are wonderful too - and I'm loving those just as much.
But on this particular rainy day I found a ton of joy in the return of green, and a far away longing in my native Oregonian heart for the wet mountain lands of the great North West.

I probably sound crazy to some of you.
But I know there are those who understand exactly what I mean:o).

You can take the duck out of water, but you can't take the water out of the Duck!

Food For Thought From Yours Truly

I came across a verse today in my Bible study that has really meant a lot to me, so I thought I'd share it.

Luke 7:13 "When the LORD saw her, He had compassion on her and said, "Don't cry." (the whole passage is 7:11-17)

He then proceeded to heal her dead son. The thing about this passage that got me is that this woman was totally minding her own business. There's no indication that she knew who Jesus was or that He even existed. She did not cry out to Him or seek His attention in any way. There was no condition laid out for her, the only prerequisite was her pain. In the passage before this one Jesus heals a man's servant because of his great faith. Not the case here. Jesus saw this woman crying as He entered Nain and had compassion on her, purely as her Creator and out of His instinctive nature as God.

In my Bible Study (Beth Moore) she talks about the Sweet Nature of God, and how there is a profound plan that overrides the miracle we desperately desire, but that it appears that God's instinctive reaction to our pain is to comfort and fix - His compassion for us is that great. But His love and respect for us is great too, and that if He always fixed we'd be deprived of growth resulting in many rewards.

I have been reminded of the Sweetness of God's Sovereignty. The Tenderness that is instinctive for Him toward me. That He recognizes my pain and hurts with me regardless of whether or not I'm acknowledging Him, let-a-lone seeking Him in the midst of it. And, that when the miracle that I'm longing for doesn't come, it's not because He's distant or abandoning me to learn my lessons... He's applying self-control to His instincts for the profound plan He has for my life, so as not to deprive me of growth resulting in many rewards.

Just something I'm soaking in today.