Diaper Dilemmas

Why is it that I appear to be that frantic, unprepared, inexperienced mom more with my second child more than my first? With Max I would take an hour planning every outing and making sure we had everything. With Sam, we just grab and go, often leaving essentials. One goal I've had lately is to see the bright side and laugh at these incidents rather than stress or cry.
Last Saturday we went to the DM Farmer's Market then the Science Center. Sam woke up at the science center and wanted to nurse. I wasn't crazy about nursing him in public but found a nice bench by a restroom in a more secluded area. I went to pick him out of his carseat and wham - super mess. He had leaked out of his diaper on his clothes - car seat - everything. Conviently, the bathrooms were right there so I wheeled my tank of a double stroller in and set to change him and practically bathe him in baby wipes. Sam giggled and thought this was great fun. I immediately realized that I didn't have a change of clothes for Sam but didnt' worry too much since it was so hot and we weren't going to stay much longer. However, after I got him cleaned up I then realized I didn't have any diapers for Sam either....just a 4T pull-up for Max. With no other options than wrapping him in paper towels, I pulled on the pull-up and told him we would be potty training early and not to worry too much about that cool sensation when he pottied. Sam chuckled and felt quite proud in his brothers pull up that almost went up to his chin. I then nursed him and received a few odd looks when the huge pull-up and tiny toes were exposed from under my nursing cover.

The next day - Lincoln's b-day party....guess what? No leaky diaper but again no diapers in the diaper bag. A good friend came to my rescue...but you think I would have a learned. A friend recommended I keep diapers in the car....maybe I need to put two on Sam each time - just like a spare tire - so we always have one :)

Our Calling in Life

God called me to be a stay-at-home mom. It was a tough decision as I loved teaching but my desire to be with my kids full time and serve God prevailed. I've learned through this experience that following God's calling is not always easy and full of surprises. I haven't been swallowed by a whale (yet) but many surprises have come my way.

The first surprise was that I don't get a lunch break or bathroom break with this job :)

The second surprise was that being at home is everything BUT boring and mundane. I think I could make megabucks by starting a reality tv show about stay-at-home moms - my house would be very entertaining to watch.

The third surprise was that I had to rethink my identity. For so long I placed my identity and purpose in my career. Through thought, prayer, and the Word, I was reminded that my identity is that I'm a child of God - not a teacher. I had a hard time at first understanding that I was serving God by changing diapers, rocking babies, going on walks, and folding laundry. I did grow discontent and antsy as I wanted to do bigger things and be acknowledged for such things. However, God speaks to us and is amazing. He made my heart content in being a mom - especially after Sam was born. I can find many way to serve the Lord and others by being with my kids.

The final surprise was that I think this is the hardest job I've had yet :) I love it but there are challenges and requires a truck-load of patience. I have been humbled in how much I need to learn as a mom and grow along with my children.

Max on Life by Max Lucado Book Review

"Max on Life" is a book compiled 172 questions that Max Lucado has been asked throughout his ministry and life. The questions are categorized into the seven topics of hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, have/have-nots, and hereafter. Lucado answers each of the question in a few paragraphs, including scriptural references in each of his answers.

This is the first Max Lucado book I have read. I knew the format was different than his former books and it did take me a little while to become interested in the book. I felt that there were very deep and tough questions asked and often times a couple paragraphs were not suffice to answer the questions - I often times wanted to read more about the question. I also felt that some of Lucado's answers didn't fully answer the question or skirted around the issue a bit. However, due to the tough nature of the questions, I don't believe that any person on Earth could give a solid answer to the question. I did appreciate and enjoy Lucado's easy writing style and his solid Biblical references. He used scripture to answer all his questions and also gave great practical examples.

I will continue to use this book as a reference whenever I am learning more about a Christian topic or discussing a Christian topic with another person. I would recommend this book to any new or seasoned Christian as it wrestles with tough topics that everyone would find relevant in life. I am also eager to continue reading Max Lucado's literature after reading "Max on Life".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews - Books Review

The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®, but all opinions stated are honest and true.

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews is a captivating piece of fiction with a creative and brilliant plot concerning the one principle that will save humanity. David Ponder, the main character, reflects and ponders his own life in a state of sadness when suddenly the archangel Gabriel appears to him. Gabriel then travels with him to The Final Summit where David is posed with the question being what is the one principle that will save humanity. He must answer this question with the guidance of other historical figures in only two words. The book includes thoughtful and insightful conversation between David and famous historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, King David, and George Washington Carver as they seek out the answer to the one thing that will save humanity.

I was able to read this book in three days and found the conversations to be inspiring and insightful. Although the conversations between the historical figures were fictional, the author included many real quotes spoken by the people. The history of all the characters were also claimed to be factual by the author. I highly recommend this book to others due to its creativity and dialogue. However, I would caution the reader that the book is fictional despite the references to the Bible and history. I feel that it is the author's own thoughts and experience that shaped the dialogue and I didn't always agree with how some of the Biblical figures responded (such as King David). However, knowing its a fictional account makes it an interesting read and can cause great thought and conversation with others.

A Conversation with God - book review

"A Conversation with God" by Alton Gansky

"A Conversation with God" is a book full of questions that many people ask or think about with Christianity. The unique aspect of this book is that the questions are answered by God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other Biblical prophets and apostles such as Stephen and Paul. When I first realized the format of the book, I was a bit cautious because I thought it was quite bold of the author to answer as God or Jesus. However, due to the numerous scriptural references, I quickly became more enthralled and educated from the author's answers. I appreciated that the author used scripture from the Bible to back up all of his answers. I also enjoyed reading the answers to the questions from multiple perspectives. The questions were also well-written and there were even a few questions included I hadn't heard asked before in Christianity. Overall the book was well-written and supported by scripture but easy and interesting to read.