Checking In

Just wanted to stop in to let you know that we haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I've taken a couple of days to enjoy my birthday. 31years old...how did that happen! I hope to be back tomorrow with all the details of the fun birthday weekend and some cute pics of my boys! See you then!

Homemaker

I'm a homemaker. I've had this job for over a year now. Through that time, my feelings about my "homemaking" have been a roller coaster ride.

Those early days were tough. And it wasn't just because of that new baby boy who didn't really like it outside the womb for the first three months of his little life.

Without my career outside the home, I struggled. Everything I knew was gone and I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. I struggled with guilt over not providing financially for our family. I struggled with grief as I mourned stepping away from a career I loved and felt called to. I struggled with hopelessness as it crept in while I tried to figure out how to manage my new and many responsibilities! Then, there was the joy. Unspeakable joy!

Having all those emotions bubbling around in me, drove me to reading lots of books. I read books about being a better wife, being a better parent, keeping house, organization, time management, and being a homemaker. Each book has impacted me and the way I live my life as a homemaker.

When I now reflect on my calling (because that is what it is) as homemaker, I view it with pride. What a privilege it is to be able to take our house and turn it into a home; to create the atmosphere for our home; to do those things that make my husband happy and our children happy and well adjusted; to be the glue that keeps our family together.

I feel so blessed. My stress level has decreased dramatically and I'm more relaxed. There's more peace in our home and our relationships. I've got quality and quantity time with my kids and my husband.

Sure, our budget looks different! Sure, we don't live the lifestyle to which we had become accustomed prior to my staying home. Sure, we're more conscious of what we spend.

But, it's worth it!

And, as we were leaving for school today and I looked around our kitchen at Matt, Jacob, and Eli, I knew exactly why it's worth it!

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BTW, thanks for your prayers. Jacob got fours (highest score!) on both his reading and math EOGs. We are extremely proud of him and his accomplishments! Great job, Jacob! We love you so much!

What it's all about

As we get together for our cookouts and our parties, as we splash in the pool and soak up the sun, as we play in the ocean and dig in the sand, as we enjoy our long weekend, let us not forget what Memorial Day is really all about.




It's about those who fought for our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice. Don't forget to take time this weekend to remember those who gave their lives in service and their loved ones left behind.

"Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps." ~Emily Potter

Wordless Wednesday

Testing, testing...1, 2, 3!

Hey there, friends and family!

I just wanted to stop in to ask you to join us in prayer for Jacob as he takes the mandated state End-of-Grade tests today, tomorrow, and Wednesday! He's worked hard this year and this is his chance to demonstrate all he's learned!

We are so proud of him and have loved watching him grow and learn this school year. It's awesome to see him becoming the man God has purposed him to be. He's such a blessing!

Have an awesome Monday everyone!!!

Mother's Day

Hello Everyone, this is one of those time's I am hijacking the "Sloan Chronicles" blog to share something.

Today we are celebrating Mother's Day in our house. We had difficulties with logistics last week so we've opted to commemorate the day a week late.

I didn't buy a card, so I'm going to make an effort to out-do Hallmark.

Jennifer didn't know what she was getting into when she married me. And honestly, I didn't know the full extent of everything she'd have to contend with. If I had, I would have worn a warning label. There's a lot to be said about the growing pains for non-biological parents within a blended family. For anyone interested, there's a WONDERFUL teaching series for blended families. (God Breathes on Blended Families) This teaching series really helped to open my eyes. How many of you reading this ever thought of Joseph not being Jesus' biological father? Did you ever wonder if he felt like he shouldn't treat Jesus as his own, because he might hurt God's feelings? Do you think God got angry at him for treating Him as his own? Those are some of the things non-biological parents go through on a daily basis and Jennifer is not immune to those feelings of inadequacy.

Now with all of that being said, I'll say this.

Motherhood suits my beautiful, wonderful, loving, nurturing, forever teaching, question answering, wife.

When we were first married, Jacob always chose to be with me. ALWAYS! It wasn't until we bought a new vehicle that he chose to ride in a different vehicle than me. Even that didn't last. The next day/time we were splitting vehicles he chose to ride with me in my broken down beater of a truck. Those days have since changed. Several nights ago I was told that I was being supplanted as his audience for a late baseball game. These "late" games start at 8pm and end somewhere around 10pm. Because the times for the games are incompatible with Eli's bedtime only one parent is able to attend. While this was a bittersweet moment for me, it made me realize how far Jacob's relationship with Jennifer has progressed.

I realize that I've dedicated most of this blog focusing on the relationship you've built with our oldest son, but I can't neglect how much progress Elijah has made in the past 15 months. Seeing and/or hearing him say "all done", pease (please), side (outside/sing language), sorry (sign language), thank you (sign language), pes (grapes/sign language), bye-bye (kiss), love you (blow-kiss), all gone (sign language). As well as all of the other things you've taught him is amazing. I couldn't ask for a better mother for my sons and I'm thankful to have you every day.

Please accept my apologies for not having a card.

I love you, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

What Thursdays look like with the Sloan family

Mondays and Thursdays are currently spent at the ball field. And, we love it!

(Just so you know, this last one is my hubby and our baby outside the centerfield fence. Eli prefers to walk around the entire complex, so Matt and I take turns accompanying him. Matt tries to watch from where ever they are and Thursday night, they ended up in centerfield. Too cute!!)

She's sneaky

So, one night earlier this week, I was flying solo in parenting land, since Matt was at Jacob's late-night ballgame. I mean, really...who thought it was a good idea to schedule ballgames for 9- and 10-year olds at 8 o'clock on a school nights?!? Don't they know that I Jacob needs to be in bed before 10 o'clock.

Sorry, where was I?

Yes. Flying solo!

Eli and I had been having a blast with the laundry basket--because we all know the tons of toys we own are absolutely no fun when there's a laundry basket around--when I decided it was time for a bedtime snack. So, I headed into the kitchen to grab a slice of the bread I had baked earlier to share with Eli. As I buttered our yummy bread, I couldn't help but notice how heavy-handed Matt must have been when he had some butter bread earlier in the evening. Oh, well!

As we were finishing our bread, I heard the undeniable "tap, tap, tap" of doggy toenails on laminate. Knowing our precious Eva's penchant for table food, I hollered "No, Eva!" and took off to see what she was into. I found her under the dining room table, but didn't see anything suspicious.

As I walk back into the living room, this is what I see...





Now, please know that I was gone approximately 30 seconds. He's a quick, little booger!

So, being the great mother that I am, I try to capture it on camera. This is one of those moments a parent doesn't want to forget. Since our still camera's battery is dead, I grabbed the video camera to shoot some footage. About that time, I hear the "tap, tap, tap" again. I quickly grab Eli off the laundry basket and sneak into the kitchen. As I walk in, I see her. Caught in the act. Paws up on the island in the kitchen, sneaky Eva was finishing off the butter. Oh, yes! The butter I had just used to butter the bread Eli and I had just finished eating. Guess Matt wasn't that heavy handed!

What's that they say about dogs' mouths being cleaner than humans?? Let's just pray it's true!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

And, a special Happy Mother's Day to my Mama. Who could have imagined during those tough times through my pre-teen and teenage years, that we would have the relationship we have today! I thank God for you daily and appreciate the example you set on how to live life as a Godly woman! I am blessed beyond belief!

I love you, Mama!

(my brother, Tom and our mom)

Friday Photos!

Getaway!

Matt and I celebrated our anniversary by taking a quick overnight getaway to the Outer Banks of NC. WITHOUT. THE. KIDS.

Oh, yes ma'am, we did!

Jacob was at his mom's and we dropped Eli off at PaPa and Mema's house early on Saturday morning. Then, we set off!

Once I got over the initial shock of not having our boys with us on a trip (we always take them with us), we had a blast! It was so nice to just be "Matt" and "Jennifer" and not "Mama" and "Daddy"!

We hit the local attractions and ate some mighty fine food (thanks to Nate). However, I must pause right here to tell you about the dinner I had on Saturday night! We went to Kelly's and I did something I rarely do...I ordered something I've never eaten before. Now, let me preface this by saying, I'm not a huge fan of the steak. It's just never been my thing. But, I stepped out in faith (Matt said I'd like it) and ordered the Smoky Filet Oscar. Oh, my gracious! It was LIFE. CHANGING. I will never be the same! It was a divine plate of filet mignon, covered in lump crab meat, on a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus, all covered in a smoked gouda cream sauce. And boy, was is good-a!

Anyway, here are a few pictures of our fun getaway trip! And, if you can't find me at dinnertime, call Kelly's. I may just need a Smoky Filet Oscar fix soon!

I won't hold my breath!

After a crazy day yesterday, I was encouraged by a segment on the Today Show this morning.

While running around getting two kids ready to be out the door on time for school, I heard someone talking about the value of a stay at home mom (or the title I've come to prefer "homemaker"). Following a rundown of the activities and responsibilities of a homemaker, they finally got to the good stuff. According to Salary.com, I should be making over $122,000. Well, I'd have to agree. So, if you need me today, I'll be out by the mailbox waiting for my check!