Take Off Your Coats And Stay Awhile

Summer Summary and Fall Kick OFF

2009-09-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

September is insanely busy for our family. Ask any teacher and they will tell you that September is like tax season for tax preparers – crazy hours and crazy stress. This year seemed extra ridiculous. Our calendar was booked every second of the day. I had a change in my job which required new creativity to make it work. Friday before the students came to school, I was asked to change classrooms after I had worked the entire week getting my old room complete. Our church has fall life group kick off which we host and lead…more work to add to the plate. Throw in out of town guests, and watching my nephew and things can quickly get out of control. Oh not to mention but David is now putting extra time in on a side job and had to work extra hours at his regular job. So you get the point…everyone’s lives are crazy busy these days.
Getting to my main point…I started feeling a lot of stress, which is very unusual for me. I can usually juggle multiple plates and wear various hats and enjoy doing it. However, Anden was the main reason I felt added stress. Not because he had poor behavior or any unusual issues…. I just love him so darn much!!!! Oh the guilt of a working mom (although, I also experience the guilt of a stay-at-home mom in the summer).
And the BIG event this September was the start of Anden’s education career. He is going to a half day preschool, which my sister takes him and picks him up. Why was this event so traumatic for me? I couldn’t attend his open house because it was my first day of school. I don’t get to pick him up and ask how his day was. I don’t get to drop him off and kiss him goodbye. I don’t get to attend his holiday parties or field trips. I am missing out! Are we making the right decisions for him? Is he too young for preschool? Do I have enough patience and energy at the end of the day for him? Is there something David and I should drop? Is he adjusting to his new schedule? What are my priorities?

The summer is easy to prioritize because it’s all about Anden. I have all the time in the world, no work, no life groups, basically not a stress in the world. This summer was comfort and refreshment! Anden and I got in our own little routine…
•walks to the park in the morning
•workouts at the YMCA and then a dip in the pool
•weekly music classes and gym classes
•riding bikes or scooters around and around the cul-de-sac
•popsicles on the front porch
•creating cool creatures out of play dough or painting a mater pieces with finger paints
•weekly trips to the mall to run around in the playroom (ok this one might be about me)
•touring museums and discovering local festivals and outdoor concerts
•Barnes and Nobles and the library for story time
•Building sandcastles at the beach and splashing around the pool (his favorite)

And a highlight of our summer routine was that we were always home for his two hour nap time!! What a dream come true for me! Time to do the house work, make the phone calls, and best of all time for ME! Another feat that Anden and I conquered was potty training which wasn’t as horrible as I had braced myself for. Anden did great! And why wouldn’t he because he is the most amazing two year old ever! I loved every minute of the sweet summer days with my little buddy.

So now that summer days have vanished and fall has barged in with its entire giant agenda, I am adjusting and still feeling disappointed with the separation of my little guy. But I am finding comfort in knowing that Anden really does enjoy going to school and is so resilient with change. Since things have started to settle down, I have once again found my priorities – number one has to be God, number two has to be family, and number three is whatever can fit in without disrupting number one and two priorities.

Cousin Conflict

2009-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the pictures above Anden and Tylan are not as sweet as pie to each other anymore. It is interesting that this summer their relationship has turned somewhat into a tumultuous relationship. Long are the days when Anden and Ty used to lovingly share toys and hugs with each other. Perhaps it is just being two and three years of age or they are just tired of always being with each other. But whatever it is, a referee is needed when the two of them are together. Anden has learned tactful ways of retaliating such as running to mom, quickly snatching a toy when Ty isn’t looking, or just plain slapping or punching him. I do not condone any of these strategies (especially the last one considering Ty is probably going to take Anden 9 out of 10 times since he has a few more pounds on him). I would prefer Anden learn to work out disagreements and share his toys but a two year old just doesn’t think about positive conflict resolution! But these little spats between Anden and Ty have gotten my wheels turning and I just started realizing how praying for family relationships should start now when they are young. My sister Amber and I fought probably 90% of the time we were together. Now, we are the best of friends but back and the day my poor parents had to constantly intervene between are hair pulling fights over who was going to wear the jean skirt that we both claimed was ours. Despite Anden and Ty’s conflict, Anden always thanks God for Tylan before he goes to bed every night! And I am praying the verse over Anden and Ty’s relationship that “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17.

Best 10 days!

2009-07-01T11:24:00.001-07:00

Why was June 13-June 22 one of the best 10 days? First we took a family vacation to Blowing Rock, NC with my parents, sister, Ty, & one of my best friends Suzanne and her family. The boys loved the Thomas the Train ride. We all had a blast at Tweetsie Railroad. It was amazing having Suzanne there and laughing like the good old times. Watching your child experience pure joy is the best.

Not only did I get to see one of my best childhood friends, I also got hang out with Sherra..my other very close compadre! Sherra and I go way back to second grade. It was wonderful spending time with her family. Max and Hugh kept Anden on his toes. There is something really unique and special with friendships that last through decades. Sherra and Suzanne both know me so well and spending time with them is always a blessing.

Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day. Anden is one lucky guy. He has a first-class dad and grandpa (Pop Pop). What makes them first-class is their devotion to their family. Because my dad was so involved and spent so much time pouring into my life, that allowed me to have a high standard for the man of my life. David exceeded my expectations and is truly an outstanding dad. My dad and David have the right goals in life to make fatherhood top priority.

Last but not least, David and I spent our 7th wedding anniversary on Monday. I have been beyond amazed at how much David has transformed my life. For those who are close to him, know that he is the most selfless, loving, and down right cool guy! Simplistically put...seven blissful years!!!

Joy & Carl's Baby Shower

2009-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

Joy is one of my dearest friends. I am so blessed to see her almost everyday. (We work at the same school and go to the same church and life group.) It has been so much fun hearing all of her pregnancy stories and seeing her belly grow. I was so excited to throw Carl and Joy a jungle baby shower and it was a blast. They are going to make extraordinary parents.

These invitations turned are so cute and were so fun to make.

Joy is such a loyal friend - such a blessing.

It was so wonderful that Joy's parents (and cousin) was able to celebrate with us.

Anden is holding little Philip! He is so adorable!

The games were great -cute play dough babies!

I love the pineapple palm tree!

Cheesecake lion cupcakes - perfectly delightful!

Decorating with wall clings was a cinch and it turned out so cute!

David helped me make yummy chocolate covered oreos! Delicious!

Congratulations Joy and Carl! We can't wait to meet Christopher.

Pictures

2009-06-11T18:25:00.001-07:00

Our wonderful friends blessed us with a photo session! The photographer was great and the weather was perfect. Here are a few samples of the shoot. My guys are so handsome!

Anden's First Haircut at SuperCuts

2009-06-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

David has been cutting Anden's hair since he was 3 mo. but since he has gotten older, the haircuts have gotten more challenging. We decided to get Anden's hair cut with someone who actually has a license to hold scissors. We crossed our fingers not knowing what Anden would do, to our amazement a promise of a sucker goes a long way with a two year old. He did great!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2009-05-10T17:42:00.001-07:00

Don't you love the homemade card David made - He's so talented!

At the end of the day it was just my sweet little boy and I swinging on the front porch! I am so grateful that I have an absolutely wonderful mom who means the world to me and I hope to be just as great to Anden. I have said this before that I have done more personal growth since I have became a mom than in any time in my life. It is an exhausting and exhilarating role - MOM!

Here are a few pictures of the cool pendant and art projects my little man spoiled me (with the help of Super Daddy).

They have the so much fun together! Two peas in a pod!

Jon is on the attack!

The day continued with shopping trip by myself! I love shopping all alone - just me, myself, and I. After shopping off to mom and dad's place for dinner. Grandma Mi Mi and Pop Pop always have special treats for the boys. Today it was a blow-up pool with pool toys. The boys loved splashing around in it.

We started the morning at the Norfolk Zoo. It was a perfect day - 70's, sun shining, and a gentle breeze. Since it wasn't too hot all the animals were cooperating, so we got to examine all of them. Anden's favorite animals were the elephants. When the elephants were feeding, they would crash the chains holding the hay into the pole, creating a loud bell sound. Anden thought the elephants talked in bell ringing language.

Happy Mother's Day! I hope all you moms enjoyed your day - you deserve it!

Anden's Favorite Pals

2009-05-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Anden at Travis' Graduation Party.

Lauren giving a great toast to Travis.

Happy 3rd Birthday Grace!

Happy 4th Birthday, Peyton!

Anden had a great week because he got to hang out with some of his closest friends. Of course Anden is super close to his cousin Tylan. They are practically brothers and spend more time with each other than possibly anyone else. My face lights up when those two are together (well....for the most part, because they also fight like brothers). These pictures depict their relationship perfectly, cracking up at nothing simply laughing because the other one is, content just being with each other. I was so glad I was able to capture this moment of them. I have such fond memories of growing up with my cousin and I am so blessed Anden will have the same sweet moments!

When we are tucking Anden into bed, there are a few things we know he is going to mention in his goodnight prayers - Peyton, Tylan, and Trains! I think Peyton has a special place in Anden's heart because Peyton's mom Tamyra watched him for me last year. Peyton got to hang out with Anden when he was just a little guy and taught him the ropes. Now, Peyton is so great to allow Anden to follow him around. If Peyton jumps off the curb, Anden does...if Peyton goes down the slide, then Anden is right behind him. Peyton's little shadow. Anden had the best time at Peyton's Fourth Birthday Party this past Wednesday, just because it was Peyton's Party.

On Friday night we went to Grace's Third Birthday Party. Grace's parents Lauren and Travis lead Life Group with us, so Grace & Anden often hang out together. They can play for ever together and not get upset at each other. Grace is so laid back and sweet, she can just roll with Anden's over possessive attitude toward his toys. Grace just smiles at Anden and will find another toy to play with. She is so sweet and I think Anden adores her for it!

On a side note we also went Grace's dad's Graduation Party on Saturday. We are so proud of Dr. Jordan. Congratulations Travis!

So it was a great week hanging out with Anden's Pals and our friends too! Unfortunately I ate way too much cake!

Anden's Barnyard Bash

2009-04-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

The best part of Anden's party was watching his face when he saw that farm animals were in his front yard. It took him a while to ride the ponies but he finally got on and rode like a real pro. The weather was beautiful, the kids had a blast and the food was tasty - what more could you need for a birthday celebration!

Getting Ready For Anden's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

As most of you know that I LOVE throwing parties, although I think Chuck E Cheese might be the choice for Anden's 3rd Party. No matter how hard I try to plan ahead, David and I are always up till the wee hours a few days before the party working like mad people. We love entertaining but it is so hard to squeeze time to prepare for a party in the mix of an already busy schedule. I always love planning them and enjoy the celebration but the night before and the clean up after I am always asking myself why do I put myself (and my poor family) through this much labor!

I must also include accolades not only to my husband, who so eagerly gets on board with all my crazy party ideas but to my parents and Amber who help out tremendously. They truly are my party crew, I feel so bad that they work for free.

So here are some pictures of Anden's farm decorations we worked on for his party. The cupcakes

and the cake alone took over 4 hours! Also I have included some of Anden's decorations from his first monkey themed birthday party.

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T04:55:00.001-07:00

I love Easter! The holiday is such a message of hope! I love that spring is here (although it's taking awhile to get here). We celebrated Easter early with my parents since they were going out of town. On Sunday, David and I made Easter dinner for some of our friends. Surprisingly the meal turned out pretty good (cooking is not my favorite thing). I wish I would have been able to get better pictures but kids don't always cooperate.

Happy Birthday ELI!!!

2009-04-13T15:12:00.001-07:00

Anden was in seventh heaven at his cousin's seventh birthday party. Eli had a Rockin' Skateboard Party. Everyone had a blast (even the big kids.... that were reliving their youth).

My Little Daredevil!

2009-04-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Anden seems to love anything that has to do with extreme sports! He is obsessed with his Diego scooter. I think he looks too cute wearing his huge helmet! Boys are so much fun.

Happy 2nd Birthday Anden

2009-04-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

I love that Anden is two!!! What a fun age!!!

Anden has brought us such joy, character growth, and fulfillment in just 24 months. Raising kids is such a remarkable adventure (and we're just two years into it). To celebrate his birthday we saw Thomas the Train Live and had the family over for cake. It was so exciting watching him participate in the celebration, now that he understands what the term 'birthday' means!

Sometimes the best toys aren's really toys...

2009-04-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Anden has quite a variety of toys to play with but seems to gravitate to objects that aren't made or designed for being a toy. The boy loves to climb on any piece of furniture. He also enjoys investigating closets and drawers. These pictures show a typical adventurous day for Anden (and a huge mess for us to clean up). I love his imagination!

Winter Months

2009-03-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! I really can’t think of any words, illustrations, or phrases that describe being a parent. If I could chose to be really exceptional at anything in my life it would be at motherhood. Trying to be a size 0 is a forgotten goal, being a star teacher really takes back seat, and the desire for people to like me is really low on the list – my top priority is raising a son to be a healthy well rounded citizen that has kingdom goals. Lately (especially since Anden is coming upon the terrible twos… I mean terrific twos) I have pondered quite intensely on this huge responsibility of parenthood. David and I will be the most influential people in his life. As he grows into an adult, he will posses more of our character traits, habits, and views than any other person or factor in his life. As you can tell I started freaking out – can I do this?

Maybe I should back up a little and explain myself….. or the black eye that I have underneath my left brown eye. Well, I used to be one of those people that said, “Oh, my child will never throw a fit in public.” Another idealistic thought was my child will be well behaved 99.9999% of the time because I will keep him on a balanced schedule, consistently use positive reinforcement, stay calm and never raise my voice, spend quality time with him, and feed him organically grown nutritious meals. Yes, I have returned back to Earth! Ok, so mommyhood isn’t exactly what I anticipated or read in my childhood development textbooks. I have come to the deep revelation that I bore a human being not a robot!

Alright, I will explain the shiner (no, David was not involved). Anden was upset because he was very happy playing with the Thomas the Train Toys at Marshalls and it was time to go. After giving him the 2 minute warning in my sweet little voice, then trying to redirect him, and finally picking him up to remove him from the train toys, he went to swat at me. Well, I have cat like reflexes and grabbed both of his hands. As I started to say in my firm but soft voice that hands are not for hitting – HE HEAD BUTTED ME. Completely caught me off guard, how did my precious child even know how to head butt!

Don’t worry, there is only a pale green purple tint left underneath my eye and my son hasn’t had any more head butting episodes. Overall, Anden is a remarkably well behaved child but he does have his scary moments. Those scary moments really started causing anxiety for me. Out of my cry for help to God almighty, who formed this little guy, He helped me gain some perspective.

So here it goes… .Winter months bring cleansing for new beginnings. The leaves fall off trees, the grass turns dry and crinkly, and the cold temperatures set in. That’s what happened to me. I had to let all my expectations and parenting theories just die! I spent a lot of time in reflections, THE WORD, parenting books and I am currently taking a parenting class at my church. It’s amazing about when you think it’s all about something else it’s really all about you! It really wasn’t about finding the perfect discipline technique for Anden, getting control of his behavior – It’s all about loving him unconditionally and letting him make mistakes. It’s not about control…It’s about freedom…about our relationship. It’s about me being the best April Coats that I can be for Anden to see God’s heart. Just like spring is creeping in on winter, it is a new season. Fresh behaviors will bloom within Anden and I will (with God’s help) learn how to prune, nourish, and fertilize. God has promised that he will turn out to be a beautiful flower as long as I train him in love. I am confident and excited to go on this journey with my son who is going to scream in the mall, that will probably forget his homework a time or two, that might date the wrong girl. I will love him forever no matter what he does (or how many times he head butts me).

Coats Clan

2009-02-14T04:12:00.000-08:00

So I am venturing out into the Blogging World. After seeing all my friends' cute blogs, I decided to jump on the bandwagon. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with it!