Change
I'm definitely not one for change but I decided to apply for another job (at the same university I work for) and ended up getting the job....long story short I took the job offer! I'm overly excited about the new opportunity I've been given but also frightened inside of all the changes. I began my new job yesterday and love where I'm at, the people I work with and what I'm doing so no complaints here.
So....I thought since I've taken this leap of change (which again....is not me) I decided that I also need to take the advice of a fellow blogger on changing things as a parent. She quotes Anna Quindlen (Loud and Clear [2004], 10-11):
"The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make...
I did not live in the moment enough.
I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less"
She talks about how she looks at an old picture of her children taken on a summer day and that she wishes she could remember what they ate, what they talked about, how they sounded, and how they slept that night. She wished that she wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing....dinner, bath, bed, etc. so I'm taking her advice on changing to be a better parent as well. Even though I take a lot of time with Hunter I do have that check off list in my mind on all the things that need done and often don't enjoy things to the fullest. I not only want to take time to enjoy every precious moment with Hunter but with Nathan too. So if it takes us getting up from dinner and letting the dishes set for a couple hours just to go push Hunter in the swing or watch the boys play golf in the front yard I will do that, if it takes putting off cleaning for another day just to set and play with toys, read a book or cuddle I will do that because I know children grow to fast and I want to be able to look back and have no regrets on these precious moments with my family.
So....I thought since I've taken this leap of change (which again....is not me) I decided that I also need to take the advice of a fellow blogger on changing things as a parent. She quotes Anna Quindlen (Loud and Clear [2004], 10-11):
"The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make...
I did not live in the moment enough.
I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less"
She talks about how she looks at an old picture of her children taken on a summer day and that she wishes she could remember what they ate, what they talked about, how they sounded, and how they slept that night. She wished that she wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing....dinner, bath, bed, etc. so I'm taking her advice on changing to be a better parent as well. Even though I take a lot of time with Hunter I do have that check off list in my mind on all the things that need done and often don't enjoy things to the fullest. I not only want to take time to enjoy every precious moment with Hunter but with Nathan too. So if it takes us getting up from dinner and letting the dishes set for a couple hours just to go push Hunter in the swing or watch the boys play golf in the front yard I will do that, if it takes putting off cleaning for another day just to set and play with toys, read a book or cuddle I will do that because I know children grow to fast and I want to be able to look back and have no regrets on these precious moments with my family.
All About Hunter - June 2011
Favorite Food
Not a lot has changed here - he still likes pretty much the same things...
popcorn
berries
yogurt
chocolate milk
cheese
green beans
blue Popsicles
New Words/Phrases
I scared
Oh My God!/Gosh!
C'mon
It's good/It's so good
oopsy daisy
pow-pow (kinda old but still uses alot)
Favorite Toys -
Since its summer Hunter is just loving to be outside playing with his power wheels and water table. He also still enjoys riding on daddy's tractor and playing golf in the front yard.
Changes-
Hunter is going through a "scared" phase - where he will tell us that he is scared at various times so to try and help him through this I bought him the FP seahorse that glows and sings when it is dark. So far he loves it and calls it his baby.
We plan on converting his crib this week so that he can feel more like a "big boy" and to also help him enjoy being in his bed more (since the scared phase he prefers to sleep with us so its been a little trying at times to get him to go to bed)
We are in full potty training mode - Hunter is doing really well so far. I plan to change him into pull-ups this week or next to see if that helps even more. For now were just trying to potty all the time :)
He is starting to want to talk on the telephone more and more each day - Grams will call and he says "My turn"
Not a lot has changed here - he still likes pretty much the same things...
popcorn
berries
yogurt
chocolate milk
cheese
green beans
blue Popsicles
New Words/Phrases
I scared
Oh My God!/Gosh!
C'mon
It's good/It's so good
oopsy daisy
pow-pow (kinda old but still uses alot)
Favorite Toys -
Since its summer Hunter is just loving to be outside playing with his power wheels and water table. He also still enjoys riding on daddy's tractor and playing golf in the front yard.
Changes-
Hunter is going through a "scared" phase - where he will tell us that he is scared at various times so to try and help him through this I bought him the FP seahorse that glows and sings when it is dark. So far he loves it and calls it his baby.
We plan on converting his crib this week so that he can feel more like a "big boy" and to also help him enjoy being in his bed more (since the scared phase he prefers to sleep with us so its been a little trying at times to get him to go to bed)
We are in full potty training mode - Hunter is doing really well so far. I plan to change him into pull-ups this week or next to see if that helps even more. For now were just trying to potty all the time :)
He is starting to want to talk on the telephone more and more each day - Grams will call and he says "My turn"
Family Time
Hunter, Lincoln & Noah - Having fun in their dress clothes!
(Thanks Levi for the great picture and for all your help watching all three of them at once!)
Fun in the backyard -
The boys catching lightening bugs
Playing the Piano Together
GGPA with the boys:
The girls (most of us):
Heather & Lincoln (How adorable are they???)
Texas girls with Grandpa-
Grandpa with his boys (Ron, Mike, Joe, Grandpa & Marty)-
Playing in the "famous" gold bowl -
I believe all the Chapman kids/grandkids have taken a turn in it at some time in their life
The boys enjoying a yummy sugar cookie-
Making Cheerio necklaces
Melissa & Lincoln
Melissa & Lincoln
Father's Day 2011
Happy Father's Day Daddy -
and Happy Father's Day to our Father's -
My Father - whom I couldn't live without - we share many interests and am blessed to have such a great relationship with him (even though I think he likes Nate better than me...just kidding?? but then again maybe not...ha..ha..ha..). He is a one-of-a-kind perfectionist, he has been there through everything and surprises me from time to time with the sweet unexpected things he does (He was with Nate & I when I miscarried and had to have surgery, he comes over on surprise visits and I always love when he does something special for my mom on his own) - I love him and treasure him more than he'll ever know.
Nate's Father - such a special person in our lives - he is always there to guide, help and pray with us when we need him. At times I'll find him over at our house working away on things like the septic, electric or whatever else we may need - he cares so much about all of his children and has set such an example for us on how to live life to the fullest and honor God in doing so. He may favor Hunter over both of us (ha..ha...laughing but true!) but he means the world to us and we love him dearly.
Above: Grandpa Chapman (Nate's Dad), Nate, Hunter & Gramps Canode (My Dad). We were all able to get together as a family for a nice Father's Day Dinner -
And last but not least is Grandpa Chapman (Nate's Father's Father) whom we adore. From the moment I was introduced to him years ago I knew that Nate valued him highly and looked up to him in all he does. He always refers to Nate as his "buddy" and I'm so glad they have that special relationship with one another. I'm looking forward to him, Nate and Hunter spending time together fishing soon....we love you Grandpa!
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