A tribute to My February Birthday Loves...

The month of February is filled with birthdays of the ones I hold most dear to my heart.... In my own celebratory spirit, I decided to pay tribute to these special people who will be gaining another year of life.

February 3.

The birth of my dear husband Rick Rhoads. Rick(y) and I have been married for four years. We were in the same graduating class of 1999 at Valhalla High School. Although we did not run in the same social circles, we always knew of each other. I can still picture him in his bright orange wrestling outfit walking the halls. I still give him a hard time about why he never came up to talk to me; but I guess he just admired me from afar. :) 

Eight years after high school, graduating college, dating other people, and settling into our careers as a teacher and pharmacist we were reintroduced through Rick's cousin. We ended up going on a blind double date with her and we've been together ever since.

I remember praying as a young teenager and adult for God to one day bring me a husband that would be more than I could have imagined. My prayers were answered... it took time, a lot of detours, tears, and lessons learned. I am blessed beyond measure to call this man husband, the father of my two boys, and my life partner. He truly gets better every day and I am amazed at his integrity, wisdom, patience, faithfulness, and determination. Perhaps the days we walked the halls of VHS, God was pruning both of us to be each other's mate and we needed that time of only being "aware of each other" so that one when we did reconnect we would be ready. I love you more and more as each day passes. 

Happy birthday Ricky Rhoads!

February 5. 

My sweet Grandma Marie Fry is by far the most funny, quick, and dependable grandmother. She lives in a small town in Oklahoma, so unfortunately I don't get to see her as often as I'd like. She has a faith in God so pure and beautiful. I can call her at any hour of the night and wake her and know she would be there to listen, laugh, or pray for me. Her prayers and encouragement have inspired me to increase my own faith and trust to get me through my most challenging times. I love you Grandma more than words can express. Happy birthday. 

February 7. 

The start of the Renaud kids. Nicole was only six months old when my mom became pregnant with me. Being only 15 months a part, we really haven't know life without the other. Nicole is smart, witty, stylish, wise, and hilarious. We have had some of the best moments of life together and some of the worst. We couldn't be anymore different, but together we are each other's voice of reason. We think we are the funniest people alive, even when others fail to agree. We have inside jokes that make us laugh hysterically and life experience that have given us both compassion for the hurting. There is no one I'd rather be with in a small town when our only entertainment is going to Walmart at midnight... there is no one I'd rather call when I feel silly or need to vent and then quickly follow up with "ok, I'll talk to you later." Thank you sister for being inspirational to so many areas of my life. You are truly one of a kind! Happy birthday.

February 20.
My life forever changed June 2009 when I read the word "Pregnant" on a digital test. I couldn't have been more excited when I found out I was having a boy during my 20 ultrasound on Oct. 5 and my heart never understood love the way it did until I delivered on a cold, rainy day on February 20. Landon was a small bundle of five pounds ( yes, I was full term) but had a presence about him that could fill a room with peace and comfort. Our journey together thus far as mother and son has been surrounded with laughter, hugs, kisses, smiles, and yes; many humbling moments. He truly loves life, finds humor in almost every situation, loves music, sings, and is at times very strong-willed. In my wildest dreams, I would have never imagined a little boy quite like him. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. He has made me a better person... a softer, more gentle, compassionate, and patient woman. He is my heart. I love you bubba. Happy 2nd Birthday!

God Teaches Us Big Lessons in Little Moments

It is always amazing to me how life can get so  busy we miss the beauty of teachable moments... A few days ago in my normal every day life of being mommy, God took a very simple situation and used it to rock the core of my heart. Recently Landon had pneumonia which resulted in a heavy dose of antibiotics to cure my sweet boy. With antibiotics comes a very common side effect of having to go to the bathroom non stop. Thus, Landon had a horrible diaper rash. One night in particular he was crying so hard and pulling at his diaper because of the discomfort and pain. As I put him on his changing table, he continued to scream and babble and plead for me to not take off his diaper; the pain was too bad. He knew that in order for me to clean him, it would cause stinging and discomfort. After minutes of trying to console him, the more I tried to take his diaper off,  the more he screamed and tugged at me not to do so. I remember saying to him, "the quicker I can get your diaper off, the quicker I can get you cleaned up and put on your cream so that you can heal faster." As I spoke these words it was as if God had taken my heart and said to me, "this is how I care for you." Once  our wrestling match of taking the diaper off was finished, the cleaning began (although for Landon it stung for him) and I was able to apply his rash cream; his healing balm. I held him tightly afterwards as he continued to cry for several minutes. It was in this moment I broke not only as a mom but as a believer as well. I broke for my son who was in pain and I wept because it was in those precious moments that I had a tender whisper in my heart that said," Although what you may be going through is uncomfortable, I am holding you and bringing you healing. The quicker you clean the junk out of your heart, the quicker I can heal you."
I will never forget that moment because it was so beautiful to me in what I needed to be reminded of. I believe that God uses our children to be our biggest blessings in life, to humble us, teach us, and show us just a glimpse of how He truly loves and cares for us.

Diaper Houdini Meets Batman Whitey Tighties!

No, Mommy! You can't stop me!

Landon is a funny kid. Literally, every day he makes me laugh with his hilarious facial expressions, love for dancing, and quick sense of humor. Not only is he funny; he is a diaper houdini...that is he magically escapes from his diaper almost on a daily and sometimes nightly basis. This kid is fast and lately very sneaky about his magical powers. After another humbling mess I had to clean up on Sunday morning before church when we found him naked in his crib, I decided this magician has got to be stopped! Thus, I racked my brain with solutions of how I could stop this boy from constantly taking off all of his clothes; even at day care might I add. I came to a solution that would none other than take me to my favorite place to help my solve my problem;Target! Upon entering my place of comfort, I had one mission in mind.... TO BUY SOME WHITEY TIGHTIES! Now, I must say that purchasing these adorable batman underoos did make me feel a little sad, because it wasn't that long ago I was buying my sweet boy preemie diapers just a few isles over. Yet, I had to complete my mission. Later that day I was so excited to put Landy's new underwear over his diapers.... he on the other hand did not share in the same enthusiasm (please see the pic of him making fists and screaming).

Now it's just a waiting game to see if this houdini can trick me all over again. :) 

love my life!

Rhoads, Party of 4.... Coming April 20, 2012!

Our little bun in the oven!

I come bearing not only wonderful news but a child as well!
Our little family of three is increasing by one more; party of four! We were so blessed to find out in early August that Landon will be taking on the new role of "big brother" in early spring 2012. The kids will be two years and two months a part. Ricky and I couldn't be more thrilled!
This pregnancy has already been very different from my last.... I've actually been sick!:( I am starting to feel better however and I am so thankful for the miracle growing inside me.
God is so good.
With a humble and grateful heart
your Naptime Note Taker,
Lauren

My Child Must feel VERY Secure....

My son is now 16 months old. Since I only work a couple of hours in the mornings, I am mostly home with my blue eyed, sweet boy. In my new role as mommy, I have come to learn not only a lot about my son, but about myself as well.  It has come to my attention, through mothering this child that he has one of my traits; being strong willed. So, as I am learning how to deal with this with my son, I am also realizing that I must apologize to my mom and my husband for my innate stubborn nature. I CAN be difficult, believe it or not;…..now for those of you who know this about me, you don’t need to make any comments at the bottom of this post. :) Since Landon is developing his sense of being “independent”, it comes with what every mother deals with; temper tantrums. This is an enlightening experience that not only tests one’s patience, but also rids any judgment I may have had in the past with mother’s and their screaming children. The trick here is not giving in to your child’s tantrum so that they can manipulate you and also saving some of your dignity when people give you looks or say “someone’s not happy!” (PLEASE DON’T EVER SAY THIS TO A MOM!).
In reading about how to deal with these lovely toddler tantrums, I came across an interesting piece of information…
“Wondering why your toddler behaves like a perfect angel with others but as soon as you’re back on duty, the tantrums start? It’s a simple case of love and security. Your toddler feels secure enough to loose control without worrying you will walk out.” (Murkoff, Heidi. What to Expect the Second Year)
 In conclusion, I’m glad this boy feels secure. But in the mean time, this boy needs to bring it down a bit and show his feeling of security through hugs and kisses while in public places.

Happy 30th!

In less than a week I will be turning 30. I am not one of those people who is having a hard time with the fact that I am getting older; in fact I think it is somewhat exciting. The older I get, the more I learn about myself, my family, life, and God. The things that used to be important to me have changed. What I value in friendship has evolved. My understanding of people has been enlightened. And the love I have for my family has grown deeper than ever before.
As I reflect on my life thus far; I am aware of the many difficulties I have faced along the way… the disappointments, the struggles, and the many tears I have cried. Yet, I also recognize all of the amazing blessings, miracles, and love that continues to redeem my life. What an adventure it has been. God’s redemption is nothing short of powerful and something to be celebrated. So, as I celebrate my 30th on Saturday not only will I be celebrating with a joyful heart, but  I will be rejoicing in the goodness of God’s amazing grace upon my life. Happy 30th!

I Never Thought I'd Ever Be a Blogger...

 About a month ago my sister was in town and we were having dinner with our two wonderful friends. We started talking about blogs and the different things we would like to write about. I remember sitting there wondering if there was anything interesting enough for me to blog about and I shamelessly wondered if anyone would even want to read what I had to say. This stuck with me and today as I was enjoying my quiet afternoon, I decided that  today was the day I was going to start. I find that my best thinking comes while my son Landon naps. It's the time I can process, pray, read, and ponder life. Thus, I thought the best title for my new found blog would be Naptime Notes. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for visiting.
Lauren