Have you seen the Grinch? Or read the book? You know the part in the book where he puts his hands over his head and yells, “noise, noise, noise?” Now, this is a little known secret, but they actually modeled that after me. Not the green, unattractive creature, but the words…noise. Well, not really, but that is how I feel right now. And I don’t like excess noise. Crazy, I know.
how I feel
I know I have seven children….and four of them are boys. I expect noise. But, let me tell you, it has been raining here for the past three days. And it’s cold. So my wonderful, energy-filled boys are cooped up in my home. And their volume is steadily increasing.
my boys
I’ve decided that before I pull any more hair out of my head, that I need a strategy to deal with the noise. At least today. Normally, it doesn’t bother me…much. Here’s my plan (hmmm…this reminds me of the family agenda post from two days ago).
Step 1: have Caribou Caramel Latte in hand
Step 2: thank God for these boys. Remember that they are all blessings.
Step 3: repeat step two.
Step 4: Turn on Leap Frog’s “Letter Factory” for them to enjoy (and learn just a bit) while I write and develop a strategy
Step 5: Write. Think. Decide. Act
Step 6: Repeat second word of step five (I’m a bit stuck)
Step 7: Pull out Five in a Row book (more on this amazing book tomorrow. If you have young kids you need this book). Turn to study/activity on the book – The Story About Ping. Decided to spend rest of morning reading Ping and doing several projects.
Step 8: send the boys outside (dressed warmly) to look for worms (I know gross, but they love it)
Step 9: rejoice that naptime is only 2 hours away!
With regards to yesterdays family agenda…it went lovely. When I was reading with Elijah he just nestled into me. It was so incredibly sweet. Chloe’s testimony is complete. She talks about her fear when Todd was sick with cancer, and how our family leaned on Jesus. Then she related it to her verse:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him
and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I drew with Brennan for almost 30 minutes. I didn’t do water-colors with Caleb, but I did end up taking him out to lunch with Todd. He asked us,
a very full Caleb
I chatted with Hannah about blog design and life. And I lost (miserably) to Grace and Chloe to another game of Qwirkle. I rocked Samuel. So sweet…and so fleeting. All of you mamas with young baby’s–take time to revel in their baby-i-ness. Time moves fast.
Dinner was made. And no grumbling calls left my house. Now, did I get that nap? nope. (I did fall asleep very quickly after watching The Biggest Loser that I recorded on our dvr.) All in all?
One last thing (I promise…I know this post is long)
Barbie at A Freshly Brewed Life is hosting a give-away. The prize?
A Complete Blog Design (worth $65)
(who doesn’t love a make-over…especially in the spring?)
Will you take a moment to check it out? It’s very near and dear to me. Why? I think Barbie’s amazing. She’s a prayer warrior (trust me), has a kind spirit, and an awesome blog. Second? The blog makeover is being done by my daughter Hannah. She’s done mine (notice the new header) and many others through her blog design business Vivid Design Studio. The Lord has blessed her with an eye to see the world and His beauty. So click on the link—and enter!
18 comments
I can so relate. Since I entered my 40’s I can’t handle the most minimal amounts of noise. I use to love to watch my husband wrestle with the kids, now I have to lock myself in a room. Oh I love your new blog header. You had it redone, didn’t you? Good job in getting through your tasks yesterday! Blessings!
that does sound like a great day, and for the noise you could always try to teach them the game “quiet water, still water” that could make it quiet for a little bit 🙂
It sounds like you did a great job of following through with your family agenda yesterday, Rachel! I love that picture of Caleb. It looks like he enjoyed his special time. 🙂
Oh, and I love your new header! SO pretty.
~ Blessings,
Lindsay <3
I don’t know how you do it…the noise must be crazy! I only have 2 boys, and they are like tubas bellowing incessantly. It seems worse in the mornings…even AFTER my first cup of coffee.
Love the worm hunting — that DOES save the day, doesn’t it?!
I love “step 1″…but really I love the whole post! In fact, I’m gonna send you an e-mail!!
In the midst of all that noise, and blogging, God gave you some very special moments to find joy! That’s what the grinch finally got too!
Noise sometimes bothers me more than others….Blessings,
andrea
PS: Sitka has an award for you at All Gods Creatures.
if i didn’t just redesign my whole blog i so would be entering!!! you know how much i love hannah’s work. goodness… even the button she designed for the giveaway rocks! i’m lovin’ it!
i like your game plan. my lil’ baby boy is turning into a toddler boy by the day and it makes me sad and involves lots of spankings. man, does he love to climb on everything that he shouldn’t! : ) boys are such beautiful blessings that help teach their mama’s new levels of patience.
so glad your day was so sweet!
Hey Rachel,
I’m not sure if you “do” awards or
not, but I’ve awarded you anyway. 🙂
~ Love,
Lindsay
I only have two kids and the noise they can make is incredible. I can only imagine what the decibel level is if you multiplied my kids by 3 and a bit.
I’m like you. I can’t stand loud noise. My hubby can listen to the TV so loud and I’m fine with it turned way down. He’s always telling me to turn it up and I’m always telling him to turn it down! hahaha!
Glad you had a wonderful day! I watched The Biggest Loser last night on DVR as well. I don’t know about you, but Koli is starting to really get on my nerves! hahaha!
Have a great rest of the day!
You are better than I. I have only 2 and some days think I might go insane. The cold rainy days are adding up here too and I’m about to lose it. You are an inspiration…
Even though I just have three siblings, I can totally relate to the noise!
Hi Rachel! Thanks for stopping by Windy Poplars yesterday, and for your sweet comments…you are a dear! I enjoyed reading about your “Why I Blog” over at the neighborhood. You’re right – it IS good to remember – that’s what I’d hoped the discussion would spark! I hope the noise level is decreasing over in your neck of the woods (chuckle) – I understand where you’re coming from – I’m very sensitive to volume, and too much of it just makes me crazy! Have a wonderful Wednesday evening, ~Kristin from Windy Poplars
This was wonderful! I was laughing at the part on noise – my twins are chatterboxes, and it’s been insanely windy here, and they hate wind, which means they’ve been inside ALL day. Yeah.
I’m so glad you’re “agenda” went well yesterday. You so inspired me – I didn’t get a lick of housework done, but I “wrestled” my 7 month old (threw him on the couch), played cars with my twins, cuddled them, and took them to the indoor play area at the mall and bought them a little treat. A fun day!
You know there is such a thing as noise pollution. It can really cause a lot of stress. So it’s no wonder it was getting to you. I think you should have repeated #1 myself…
Praying!
Psalm 17:5-8 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Hi Rachel,
First, thanks for popping over to my blog and leaving a comment, I just love company!
Second, can I just say WOW!!! What an inspiring post!!! Praises to God for your household of young children and Amen that you seem to have it all under control!!
It warms my heart to know that your Husband Won his Battle!
Have a most wonderful day today!
I’m not a noise person either and I only have three. We use to love the story of Ping. My oldest daughter use to beg me to re-tell it to her when she was in the bathtub and we would re-enact it with her rubber ducky!
Thank you for sharing the story of your beautiful day with us. Your blog header is beautiful.