Category Archives: Motherhood

August 18, 2009 · 8:14 am

Life After The Great Wolf.

You may or may not have noticed that I took the day off yesterday from the blogging world to recover from an exhausting, yet fun packed weekend.  On Thursday, we took the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge in Texas.  This hotel does not cater to rest and relaxation for adults.  Oh no.  Between the indoor and outdoor water park, arcade, and MagiQuest where kids take magic wands and complete quests all over the hotel, I was pretty much in a Great Wolf coma yesterday morning.  The ice cream cone I indulged in on Sunday night contributed to this coma, I am sure. 

I failed to take as many pictures as my mom, Nan, would like.  I attempted to explain to her that a water park does not compliment a non water-proof camera.  My kids did insist I take their picture with this guy.

Great Wolf 1

Anna evaluated the picture and was unimpressed with her pose.  So, she was adamant for a re-take.

Great Wolf 2

“Oh, yes.  That is definitely much better,” she said. 

And, when did she become such the diva?

We made it home yesterday afternoon, and I was beyond tired and irritated.  I could barely tolerate the sound of my little people’s voices.  Oh, how I love them.  But, oh, how I dreaded to hear “Mom” even one.more.time.  When I later saw John Henry laughing out loud at the entertainment his sister was providing for him, I couldn’t help but laugh a little myself.  It brought some relief to my annoyed, please don’t talk to me attitude. 

And, I remembered why I love being their Mom so much.

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August 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

My Mom.

Is the first person I call with any life-changing, gut-wrenching, or hair-raising news.

Will find any story about my children amusing.  Any.

Never has enough money to spend on herself, but is a dadgum millionaire if I want something.

Is relentless when it comes to trusting in God.

Loves my dad, and will still laugh at things he does.  Usually with me behind his back.  But still.

Is the best Easter Bunny EVER.

Makes the best cake in the entire gargantuan universe. 

Will still cry when she thinks about her mom and dad.

Loves to ride her Harley, and I will raise my fist if she ever gets a tattoo.  Raise it, I tell you!  No.  I wouldn’t raise my fist.  My brow, perhaps.

Thinks I’m funny.  I love to make her laugh.

Is the best mom.

Ever.

In the history.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

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August 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

Finding New Ways To Connect.

I’m learning that how I connect with my children changes from year to year.  I used to always be able to connect with John Henry by simply snuggling with him on the sofa in front of a movie. 

Snuggling just isn’t cool.  Not always. 

When I read John Eldredge’s Wild At Heart almost seven years ago, I knew this day would come.  I knew one day, I would have to modify the way I nurture my son.  Because, he is a future warrior.  And, I want him to be comfortable being the man God created him to be.  So, I’ve had to find new ways to connect with him.

Here is one.

JH - Mom

Nothing says love like a fight with super soakers.

Especially for a six-year old boy.

JH - Mom 2

I’m pretty sure I won this round.  And, he can’t wait for a re-match. 

It’s my prayer that if I engage in things with him that he loves….in activities that make him feel good about being a young man, he will be comfortable sharing his heart. 

And, I want his heart more than I want his obedience.  Because, when I capture his heart, obedience simply follows. 

I am not a perfect mother to my son.  I fail often.  I think I probably fail far too often.  But, I don’t want to.  I want to take the time to put down my insignificant distractions and get soaked outside with my beautiful, blue-eyed boy.  God has entrusted me with John Henry.  And, I love him so, so very much.

What is one way you connect with your kids?

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July 29, 2009 · 6:00 am

Time Travels So Fast.

Last night, I sat on the bed with Anna.  I demonstrated how tiny her feet used to be.  I showed her how I’d kiss them, and she’d giggle.  She loves hearing stories of things she did when she was a baby.  I love remembering them.

Kids 2006

Sometimes, I pause and marvel.

Where did the time go?

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July 24, 2009 · 6:00 am

That’s Not Fair!

There is no book or instruction manual that tells you how to handle every parenting quandary.  My lack of wisdom in dealing with various situations became even more evident last night.  I allowed John Henry and Anna to pick ONE movie to watch in their room together.  Of course, they picked two different movies.  And, of course, I thought out loud, “Hmmm. How can we handle this?”  John Henry suggested they pick a number between one and ten. 

Perfect.

They did.  He won.  She wailed.

It wasn’t very fair for Anna even if she would get her pick next time.  I could have told her the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, but I felt certain that wouldn’t have sped her recovery.  It was a hard lesson in life for a four year old.  A lesson we all learn if we live long enough.

Life is not fair.

It’s not fair that I’m only 5’3”.  It’s not fair that I have a digestive disease. 

It’s not fair that my very good friend, Josh, died at 27.  It’s not fair that there are children in India begging for food.  It’s not fair that a five year old little girl has a brain tumor. 

So many things in life aren’t fair.

But, if God was fair, we would all die and pay a price for our sins.  One of my favorite Cindy Beall lines on “God isn’t fair” is: “I’m glad He’s not.  I need His mercy.”  The promise of eternal life isn’t about God being fair.  It’s about His incomprehensible love and mercy.

Life may seem unfair sometimes.  But, God is full of mercy.  He IS mercy.  He IS just.  And, He is faithful to make all things work together for the good.

This, I know well.

As for Anna….well, her tender, sweet big brother parted her tears, and said, “Anna, we can watch your movie.”

Was that fair for John Henry?  Well, maybe he does have a grasp on the first shall be last truth.  Or, just maybe, he was being merciful to his little sister. 

Either way, I am so humbled to be that young man’s mother.

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July 22, 2009 · 6:00 am

Coming Soon!

Takle Family 5

It’s true.  We did it.  Well, Kris and I did it.  We are going to be a family of FIVE, oh, sometime in March of 2010.  And, yes, we did it on purpose.  Neither of us just felt our family was quite complete.  But, I have a feeling that this third addition will seal it for us.  Can I get an Amen?  Praise Him.

We discovered our newest, soon to be released, little person over a week ago.  We just told big brother and big sister a couple of days ago. 

Here is John Henry when we told him followed by his response:

Baby news - JH

“Are you kidding me?”

And, here is Anna, who lives in Annaville, followed by her response:

Baby news - Anna

“I want the girl kind.”

They are both excited.  We all are.  Of course, the funniest response came from BigMama:

“Ooohhh nooooooooo.”

“Oh no, BigMama?”  I asked her.

“Well, did ya want another one?”  She defended.

“Yes!”  I explained.

“Well, alright then.  If you’re happy, I’m happy for ya.  If you’re sad, then I’m sad for ya.”

She makes me laugh.  Always.

So, there you have it.  And, here I grow.

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July 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

Thankyousokindly, John Henry.

JH - self photog

Photograph taken by.  Yep.  John Henry.

I don’t allow my children to say “Shut up.”  Naturally.  However, I say “Shut up” when I’m surprised.  You know, like when someone says, “I just won a $10 million lottery,” and I respond “Shut. Up!”  Yeah, that “Shut up.” 

So, John Henry overheard a conversation much like the one above a couple of days ago….except, no one won a lottery else he would have chartered a jet plane to Bahamas and taken me.  I’m sure of it. 

The conversation concluded:

Me:  “Shut. Up!”

John Henry:  “Mom, careful with your words.”

Ouch.

A reminder that:

1) I need to model for my children what I’m trying to teach them.

And.

2) I need to always be careful with my words.

Always.

Our words shape our world.

Truly.

They really do.

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July 3, 2009 · 6:00 am

All The Single Moms & Dads.

I wanted to title this post “All the Single Ladies,” but I just couldn’t make it work.  Another blog, another day. 

I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Kim Heinecke.  I met Kim in my bible study almost a year ago, and we instantly connected.  Our stories of divorce are similar.  And, our stories of how God healed our broken hearts are even more similar. 

I want you read her testimony.  Besides it being one of the most beautiful pieces of writing you will ever read, it will make you want to fall in love with your Father all over again – whether you’re single OR married. 

Kim writes:

“It is my testimony that when the Lord becomes the fountain of everything meaningful in your life – when He is your companion, your protector, your provider – you will never be lost or disappointed by what happens or doesn’t happen on your journey.”

Read Kim’s testimony here.  It’ll be the best thing you read today. 

I assure you.

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June 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Weighty Issue.

*Originally posted April 16, 2008

Anna:  “What’s this?”
Mommy:  “A scale.  It tells you how much you weigh.  Do you wanna stand on it?”
Anna:  “No.”
Mommy:  “Me either.”

I can somewhat understand the weight obsession….just not fully.  Granted, I have a pair of jeans, you know, the “skinny jeans” that help me gauge my body.  Fact:  I haven’t worn those jeans in 2 years; at least, not without muffin top.  Fact:  I don’t care. 

So, why am I still holding onto a pair of “skinny jeans” that I know I will never wear again without a multiple series of stomach flus?  I really don’t know.  What I do know is that we live in a day where women and even some men (just not mine) are obsessed with their bodies to a detriment.  For real. 

I usually pack a “Lunchable” for my pre-schooler.  Due to the number of his peers with peanut allergies, the classic PB&J is a no-no.  So, a “Lunchable” it is.  The other day, John Henry informed that his friend does “not each ‘Lunchables’,” because her mom says “they make you fat.”  She is five.  I am appalled.

Nonetheless, poor body image has become quite the epidemic, and it truly disheartens me.  I strive really hard to never discuss weight issues around Anna.  I want her to grow up with a healthy self-image, believing who God says she is, not society. 

I also try really hard not to discuss weight issues around Kris.  Once when we went skiing, I wore my mom’s vintage ski bib circa 1982.  I asked Kris the age old question, “How does my butt look?”  My husband, whom I love dearly, replied, “Good.  Wide, but good.”  Yes, in my mind I envisioned hurling his body across the room.  Fortunately, for him, I remembered that he doesn’t always think things through before he speaks.  I love him still.  And, he hasn’t used “wide” and “butt” in the same sentence again.

I love the Psalm 139:14 scripture, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  But, I especially love this NLT translation:  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.”

So, when in doubt, remember:  you look mah-velous.

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May 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Bet Kris Allen Likes Cupcakes.

I can hardly write anything coherent tonight.  It’s tonight.  But, it’s today for you.  You know.  I’m writing this tonight.  But you are reading this tomorrow.

See what I mean when I can say I can’t write anything coherent tonight?

I just finished baking two dozen cupcakes for Anna’s class.  It’s my turn to bring snack tomorrow and being the mother who doesn’t always think things through, I let Anna choose her snack. 

And, what four-year old girl wouldn’t select cupcakes with pink, blue, and green icing with pink sprinkles on the pink cupcakes, blue sprinkles on the blue cupcakes, and pink AND blue sprinkles on the green cupcakes?  Just.Like.That.

I managed to get it all done between attending my kids’ Soccer Awards Night and developing Carpal Tunnel from texting “Vote” to 5702. 

I wish I could write more.  I really do.  But, I’m going to try to roll out of bed in time to hit the school grounds at 7:30 in the a.m. for the uniform swap. 

I said I’m going to try.

So, if you’re actually still reading this ridiculous excuse for a post, tell me….

Who is going to be the next American Idol?

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