Are they twins?!

Something funny happens when your out running errands with you 3 kids under the age of 3(and you have a bulging belly showing there just might be another baby on the way.) Sometimes people stare not sure they're really seeing what they're seeing. Other times they make comments like,"Are they all yours?" or "Wow you sure have your hands full!" and there have even been a few times I've even heard, "Don't you and your husband have television?!" But I rarely get asked if my kids are twins.

However,the other day at the doctors office(which is worthy of a whole other blog post!) a sweet old lady asked me if my older children, Jack and Anna, were twins. This struck me as a little bit funny, since there is easily a 10 inch height difference between them and at least a 13 pound weight difference. I told her they weren't, and she sat frowning for a bit, and then said,"My word, they must be really close in age then." I replied they were 12 months apart. Later when I was telling a friend of mine about this incident she quipped that the lady was probably trying to give me the benefit of the doubt. This made for some good laughs.

I forget sometimes how unusual it must seem to others when they see me with my small children, especially considering (so I'm told) that I don't look very old to begin with(I'm *only* 25.) To be perfectly honest, before Erik and I started our family I'm sure we never imagined that we'd have children so close in age.

But here's the thing. We love it. Granted we're only three and a half years into this parenting journey, but so far it's an absolute blast. Yes physically it might be a little more exhausting, and going places can be pretty stressful, but it won't be that way forever. I love that they're all on a similar schedule, and that they are into the same activities and games. And as they get older I find it difficult to believe that Jack will feel babied because he's doing something that Anna or Lily enjoys.

I'm not saying it's for everyone, but ultimately I'm so glad that God is the final authority in these decisions and not us.

What we've been up to

I haven't been very good about taking pictures lately, but the other day I got camera happy and was happy to have a photo of Jack not blinking!! :-)

A few days ago Jack randomly climbed on top of the counter. I was a bit surprised when I found him there, especially since he doesn't unsually have a very daring personality, but I was actually a little proud of him for doing something he might ordinarily be afraid of. So I decided to let it fly as long as he asked first(in case of breakable stuff, or the oven being on.) Once Anna saw Jack up there she had to get in on the fun too. Now when they wake up in the mornings that's the first place they go! 

The happiest baby you'll probably ever meet(at least most of the time!) Too bad she's learned to blink when the flash goes off.

Doing dishes with daddy. No Erik doesn't do dishes every night, but he does do them from time to time since he knows doing dishes is one of my least favorites chores. I know, I'm spoiled. :-)

Here's Saltsgaver baby # 4 at 20 weeks. I can't believe this pregnancy is already half over!

Romans 8:1

Can I be really honest with you?

I struggle terribly with feelings of inadequacy. Especially as a mom. Every day I bombard myself with guilt. I compare myself to others. I question whether or not I'm doing this whole motherhood thing the "right way." I worry I don't give my kids enough undivided attention, and feel guilty that I probably don't play with Lily as much as I did with Jack. Other days I worry I'm not socializing them enough, and feel like a failure when they don't behave the way we've been trying to teach them.

I don't think I'm alone. I think every mother I know struggles with feelings of failure and sometimes condemnation.

But the other day a verse stopped me in my tracks.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

I'm sure I've read that verse many  times, but this is the first time it's really jumped out at me. That condemnation I feel, those feelings of failure, are not from God. Those feelings are from the enemy or our own sinful nature, but they are absolutely not from God!

God loves us. God convicts us and gives us wisdom, but God does not condemn those who are in Christ.

Books I'm Reading

I had so much fun discussing my favorite books from last year, and hearing what you guys were reading, that I wanted to share what I'm reading right now. After reading this post, I'm considering writing out all the books I'd like to read this year. For now here is what I've just finished reading or am currently reading(2 of these were purchased using swagbucks, and the other was a Christmas present from my brother.)


I really enjoy Nancy Wilson. She's straight forward and to the point. This book was incredibly affirming and encouraging. In this season of life with little ones I can grow weary, so it's nice to be reminded about why I'm doing what I'm doing. She includes a chapter devoted to raising boys and another to raising girls, and I found those especially helpful.



In the last six months I've heard so many good things about this book, that I finally had to see what all the hype was about. I'm only on the fourth chapter, so I can't give my complete opinion, but the chapter on being a lukewarm Christian kicked my booty! Have any of you read this? What did you think?



I received this book just a few days ago, so I haven't really read too much of it(since I'm reading Crazy Love.) Judging by reviews I've read I probably won't agree with all of the authors opinions(though I don't think I agree with anyone on everything!) However, I've been wanting to read this since I had Jack and am looking forward to gleaning the authors wisdom.

What are you reading right now?

3 1/2 Months

Last week Erik started his last semester of college! I think it's safe to say we are more than a little excited about this. By the end of April he will have his diploma and we will be able to begin a new chapter in our lives.

This season in our life is very exciting, but right now there is so much we don't know. The excitement over almost being done with school can quickly give way to fear.

We've both been struggling over the What ifs. What if we can't get a job right away? What if we can't sell our house and we need to move? If we move, how are the kids going to handle it? And for that matter, how are we going to handle it? Oh and there's also the small matter of expecting our fourth baby a month after graduation! I think anyone would be stressed.

In my heart, though, I know God will take care of us. Honestly I don't know if that means Erik will land the "perfect" job the day after graduation, or if that means we're going to have to wait awhile for any kind or employment. I know what I would prefer, but only the Lord knows what's best for us and what we can handle.

And at the end of the day, despite all our fears, the truth that God is in control of everything is where we put our trust.

My new favorite Song

 

We listened to this song awhile ago during Bible Study, and it's honestly one of the only songs that has ever made me cry. I hope you enjoy!

I think I'm a Dork

Wow. After sharing my top 3 favorite books with you all, something crossed my mind.

In  2010 had I read any fiction?

I honestly can't remember a single fiction book I read last year.

And I love fiction. I guess I just enjoyed reading about theology and biblical womanhood more last year.

Oh and I may have read too many some blogs last year as well. :-)

All this to say is, does anyone have some good fiction they could recommend?

Favorite Books from 2010

Many of the blogs I follow have been discussing books they've enjoyed reading, or books they want to read. I decided to share my three favorite books I read last year. I guess that makes me a conformist haha.



I ordered this book last year around the time I had Lily. Josh Harris does an amazing job of taking difficult concepts(like understanding how Jesus is God's Son and still God) and making them easier to understand. The fact that I was able to read it while taking care of a newborn should tell you something! Josh Harris also gives a little more background to his testimony, which I found interesting, especially since I have read some of his other books.



All right I'll admit I've read this one several times since becoming a mother, but this year has been the first year I've been able to start applying the "heart" concepts to my children. I keep going back to this book trying to gain more wisdom! Once again this book is easy to read( I guess I'm simple minded), but tackles big topics.



This book helped me so much in explaining the "why" behind what I believe about God. The book is about a young man wanting to understand reformed theology, so he goes to a wise older man for an explanation. Basically you're able to listen in on a conversation. The young man asks almost every question you could think of, and the older man answers to the best of his ability.  And yes, in case you're wondering, this book is very easy to read!

New Years Resolutions

Hey, everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! We had a wonderful, but busy, Christmas, and rang the new year in with some friends last night. We've been enjoying a relaxing New Years Day, and have been watching a lot of videos with the kids(and while they're sleeping, becoming addicted to this show.)

This past week I've also been thinking about some things I'd like to change in 2011. It's been awhile since I've made resolutions, but I've been really motivated to do so this year!

1. Start waking up earlier in order to have a more consistent and meaningful "quiet time" and so I can be better prepared to serve my family.


2. Try to be showered and ready for the day before the kids wake up.

3. Work exercise back into my daily routine( I was so good about this until I got pregnant!)

4. Invite people over more often for play dates or dinner.

5. Be more intentional about taking the kids out for one on one times.

6. Strive to be more consistent about family nights

7. Write out a new schedule/ routine for the kids and homemaking.

8. Smile more.

I have also been inspired by this post to think of a word for the new year. I've decided on two things I'd like to strive for this year. Intentional and Self discipline.

Do you make resolutions? If you'd like share them in the comments!