Internet Detox...

I have read that AA says that the first step in recovery is admitting you are an alcoholic... For some reason it is so easy to justify addictions... or things we give too much attention, focus, or value (aka idols).  For me the internet has been so important in my life the past 4 years.  It has provided friends, support, community... a creative outlet, endless supply of ideas, recipes... the list could go on and on!  I never realized how much I was dependent on the internet until we have been "without" the internet for the past week and a half. Monday night is my night off -- so it is going to be my internet night... and that is just how it is going to be.  I have soooo much time (now)!  I've gotten back in my studying mood -- researching some specific "Ethan" issues, I taking a counseling class at church (with serious homework!), and of course I still have all my personal counseling homework... I will forever be a student...  Here are some pictures from our week -- and some random thoughts!

My cute puzzle destroyer...

Eden Eve has officially entered the terrific twos... actually Ethan had more terrific threes than twos... so I am thinking that Eden will probably follow suit?  Who knows really right?  She has this new attitude -- she wrinkles her nose and answers with a nasty voice... I don't think so little one.  We have had MANY talks about true beauty... and how it comes from a beautiful heart.  What I really love about this season is her voice... she is talking so much and I'm discovering her little being and personality fascinating...  It is such an adventure watching Eden Eve bloom!

The puzzle WHIZZ in Action!

 My oldest is always in a new stage of development.  I often sit back in wonder and think to myself, "How am I going to deal with this????"  I think he is going to out smart me in a matter of years (in fact he knows more about a car engine than I do... I asked him how he knew all that stuff -- he exclaimed, "Popular Mechanics for Kids, duh, Mom!".  I told him this week he wasn't allowed to grow anymore!  He wrinkled his brow and in a confident voice he said, "Momma, God makes me grow!  I can't help it!"  I know!  I know!!!  Just stop growing!  I pray I will be a good steward of his little brain.... I am constantly evaluating how to teach him, challenge him... all while enjoying every second with him.  (He read his first sentence not too long ago... "The pig sat in the mud.")

 This week I am really gonna set aside time every day to write.  I look at these pictures and am trying to remember what we did, but com'on it is my night off... my brain has gone into sleep mode!

We have been on a puppet kick... I will write more about this next week... (I can barely contain myself from sharing... it has been TOO MUCH FUN!)

 (I love how Ethan draped his blue blanket on the stage for water...)

 I noticed this week that the kids are entering a new stage of development... it is called the fun stage!  We built a HUGE fort and they actually played in it... before it would just get torn down and destroyed in a matter of moments... I remember building forts back in the day -- my brothers and I were serious fort pros!  I can't help but brag... I still got mad fort making skills!!!

I love how Eden catches the afternoon light... She is just beautiful!

 Most of our time is spent on crafts... it is truly amazing all that you can do with paper, card board boxes, and selected items saved from the trash... If I give them a glue stick, scissors, something to write with and paper... they are good to go for the afternoon!

The craft pro... (the little bottle contraption is his new submarine)
 Ethan wants to do "crafts" alllllllllllll day long.  I pulled out the glue gun this week.  He was in awe!  It seems like we have glued something every single DAY! He constantly says, "Momma, we can just use the hot glue gun!"  I am creating a MONSTER! 

My crafters....

 There are moments when they get in the zone... and I catch them absorbed in their "projects" and it just warms my heart -- I honestly love this so much!  It is just fun!

Our NEW 50 cent thrift store find...
  We had a FABULOUS family weekend!  We found a new game at the thrift store -- I couldn't resist it is an old school "Discovery Toy" peg puzzle... I remember drooling over their catalogs as a kid.  I find different games from time to time at the thrift store and it is just delightful.  Ethan and I played this one for a LONG time Friday night. He had to make every single picture... I was down with that!

A Typical Evening Activity.

 This weekend I was thinking about how much I love family time.  It feels like we have SO MUCH time with each other. It took awhile to get used to not seeing Micah through out the day, but I realize we may have seen him through out the day the past few years, but we NEVER had this much time together... it is a delight!  We spent Saturday re-arranging furniture.  Eden is no longer in her crib.  She is in a big girl bed.  It kills me... I almost can't handle it... 

 Saturday night we went to a friends house for a little get-to-gether party... I made cream puffs...  I had SERIOUS help....

 I had SERIOUS snitchers on my hand... I wouldn't have it any other way!

I love cream puffs... 

these were sugar-free except for the powdered sugar I sprinkled on top... 

gotta remember that added plus!

 Micah and Ethan were goofing around with his camera... Ethan thinks it is fun making "ghost" pictures... I really liked this one!

On Sunday I was making dinner and I looked over and saw Eden working on a drawing.  I just loved how she was sitting... I loved her in her dress... I just wanted to remember it forever...

A friend's status on facebook (a few weeks ago) said, 

"Love this quote from The Well-Trained Mind: Every time you use the computer or turn on the TV, ask yourself: What am I giving up?  What will my child do if I don't turn on the computer or pop in this video?  Ahem.... does facebook count?"  (Thanks, Lisa!)  

I read this the day before I lost internet... I am thankful it was running through my head -- I don't want to give up these special moments... each one is precious -- and I don't want to miss a single one!  

Catch up with you all NEXT Monday!