I thought about doing a 10 of Marci too, but I think I'll sort of sprinkle them in. If I tossed them at you all at once they might make your head hurt! You would probably just think I was a bit loony, or you'd simply be bored by my ramblings. So tonight, I bring you the first of My own 10 things you missed...
Sunday, April 20th I was blog hopping. Shocked, aren't you? Up in the corner of a random blog I noticed this link to a writing contest at an online Christian Magazine. I was oddly drawn to it. I clicked, I couldn't help myself. When I reached their sight I read the rules of the contest called "Her Life Reflected". The editor was looking for essays of 1000 words or less telling how your mother or a mother you know reflected Christ's love in their lives. The deadline for this contest was midnight Monday April 21st. The winner would be posted at the magazine on Mother's Day and would receive and small prize package. I thought, hmm, I have a mom I could write about, but there is no way I could do it that fast. It sat with me, in a strange, unsettling way.
The next morning was my mom's first day back to work. She was really on my mind as I was in the shower getting ready for an early appointment that day. I prayed and then somehow I just couldn't seem to stop the flood of words that were running down as fast as the water from the shower head. I finished showering, dried off and grabbed my journal. The sun was bright, Dax was playing happily in the back and Finn was still sleeping. I laid down on my bed, put the pen to the paper and the words just flowed. I knew mom would be about ready to start her school day and I think these words at my fingertips were, in a way, a prayer for her.
When Mike came home from work, I handed him the typed version of my essay and asked him to proof it. He was a bit surprised. You see, once upon a time I fancied myself a writer. I even thought that one day I would be known for the children's books I penned. Or maybe I would finally stop worrying about my mom reading me write about grown up topics and write those novels that had been swimming in my head for years. I have characters in my head. They used to run so rampant that I thought they'd just jump out one day. My Dad used to give me all kinds of grief about the paper I was wasting writing down all those names. I didn't know how to tell him that those names were of the characters that were roaming in my imagination. Maybe better I didn't, because I'm sure he might have thought I'd lost it, which may be what you're thinking right now! Ok, moving on! So, even though you probably can't tell by the amazing linguistic prose of my blogging, the point of this paragraph is that I once thought writing might be my life's passion. Mike was impressed I was actually going to submit something. He actually said he was proud of me. I was taken back by the fact that he felt that way.
At 11:00 pm I submitted my essay. But, it somehow managed to get held up in Outlook jail. I realized this a week ago after waiting patiently for my confirmation letter. In the end because Outlook sent it two weeks late I wrote an explanation letter to the girls at the magazine and let them know I by no means expected it to be considered for the contest. It was a computer glitch that kept it from getting in, but in all honesty I don't think the contest was my reason for writing. I think God was awakening something deep inside of me. He gave me the words to remind me how it felt to put that pen to the paper, maybe to help me release some of my thoughts and grief as well.
Tonight over at Christian Women Online the winner was announced and you may have guessed, it was not me. I am not even slightly upset about this. I read the winner's story, you can too http://www.christianwomenonline.net/HerLifeReflected.html. The story was nice, but the woman the story was about is the real story. After reading the winning essay I linked to her blog http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/. What an amazing story, what beautiful faith. Take your tissues, you'll need them! It was a blessing to find her blog.
As for my essay, I thought it was fitting that I share it with you on Mother's Day. So, good or bad it seems it would be a shame if no one ever laid eyes on it.
Mom, I'm sorry if it's hard to read, know I love you and am so grateful for all you are.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
With Simple Grace
Three weeks and two days ago my father died. He was all of 61 years old. He was a man of laughter, music, and impatience. My father had no greater love in this world than my mother. She awoke from the cot beside his hospital bed in the room that once upon a time, before this cancer had claimed it, had been theirs. The hospice nurse at her feet softly whispered to her that the end was close; he was only moments from his last breath. Moments she used to tell her husband she loved him and that God loved him. She kissed him one last time and then, just as she had promised, she held his hand and walked him to the gates of Heaven. She knew she couldn’t go any further, but many who loved him would be waiting to take his hand. .
This could be a story of any loving wife and her ill husband in their last earthly moments, but to understand, you must go back and then you must go forward. You must know that the 37 years my parents were married were not all easy ones. My father was not a Christian. He did not take hold of Jesus until those final weeks, after the Cancer took most of his ability to communicate clearly. My mom had been a faithful and devoted servant of Jesus all her life. There were times these differences caused their outlooks on life to be so far apart. Yet even in the hardest times, she stood beside him, loved him, prayed that God would hold him, and that Dad would know His love.
Three weeks and three days ago, I turned 34 years old. For 34 years my mom has been the hands & feet of Jesus in my world. She has stood beside me with quiet strength through skinned knees, broken hearts, the births of all three of my children, the death of her mother, and of my father. In each of these moments, with simple grace, she prayed. Each week she made the Sunday journey to church with my brothers and me in tow. We were encouraged to be active in youth group, always challenged to ask questions, think for ourselves, seek God, question God, and love God. Religion was never forced; faith was always a piece of our lives. She always walked the walk. I have never questioned who my mother is or where her beliefs lie. They are obvious, out there for the world to see, never pushed on anyone or spoken with a judgmental air. Because of the example she set, her children have been blessed with a heart that seeks, loves, and knows Him. We take her into the world with us everyday. Even from hundreds of miles away she is still showing us how to be the body of Christ. Each day she inspires us to make a joyful noise, to dance, to sing, and to laugh. At the end of each day, praise, pray, and simply be still and know that He is God.
She carried these lessons beyond just her children, beyond just our home. She was not a meeting go’er, she was not a committee member, and she was not a social activist, at least not on a large scale. She was and is a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a teacher. Each day she carries her faith, her joy, and her passion into a kindergarten classroom in a public school. And there, once again she is the face of Jesus, his hands, touching little hearts with His love. She does this not by lecturing or by teaching things not approved by the public schools, but by loving, by encouraging, by praying for each of those children, by praying not only for them, but for their homes and their families. She knows each of these children is a gift from God, entrusted to her care.
Since my father’s death my mom has laughed, my Dad would be proud of her for that. She has yelled at God to bring him back to her. She has wept and let God hold her against his chest. She has continued, without words, to teach us that life goes on. Through the sadness, there is laughter. Through grey skies, sunlight shines. Through the snow, spring returns and flowers bloom.
Today, somewhere many, many miles away from here, a gentle, graceful woman of God returns to a bright, vital kindergarten classroom for the first time since walking her husband and friend to the gates. She is a little nervous, a bit hesitant, and slightly overwhelmed, but her spirit is calm, she knows God is holding her. Grasping on to this knowledge, allowing herself to feel His arms surrounding her, she steps in and smiles, knowing somewhere deep within her, that this is the day the Lord has made.
This could be a story of any loving wife and her ill husband in their last earthly moments, but to understand, you must go back and then you must go forward. You must know that the 37 years my parents were married were not all easy ones. My father was not a Christian. He did not take hold of Jesus until those final weeks, after the Cancer took most of his ability to communicate clearly. My mom had been a faithful and devoted servant of Jesus all her life. There were times these differences caused their outlooks on life to be so far apart. Yet even in the hardest times, she stood beside him, loved him, prayed that God would hold him, and that Dad would know His love.
Three weeks and three days ago, I turned 34 years old. For 34 years my mom has been the hands & feet of Jesus in my world. She has stood beside me with quiet strength through skinned knees, broken hearts, the births of all three of my children, the death of her mother, and of my father. In each of these moments, with simple grace, she prayed. Each week she made the Sunday journey to church with my brothers and me in tow. We were encouraged to be active in youth group, always challenged to ask questions, think for ourselves, seek God, question God, and love God. Religion was never forced; faith was always a piece of our lives. She always walked the walk. I have never questioned who my mother is or where her beliefs lie. They are obvious, out there for the world to see, never pushed on anyone or spoken with a judgmental air. Because of the example she set, her children have been blessed with a heart that seeks, loves, and knows Him. We take her into the world with us everyday. Even from hundreds of miles away she is still showing us how to be the body of Christ. Each day she inspires us to make a joyful noise, to dance, to sing, and to laugh. At the end of each day, praise, pray, and simply be still and know that He is God.
She carried these lessons beyond just her children, beyond just our home. She was not a meeting go’er, she was not a committee member, and she was not a social activist, at least not on a large scale. She was and is a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a teacher. Each day she carries her faith, her joy, and her passion into a kindergarten classroom in a public school. And there, once again she is the face of Jesus, his hands, touching little hearts with His love. She does this not by lecturing or by teaching things not approved by the public schools, but by loving, by encouraging, by praying for each of those children, by praying not only for them, but for their homes and their families. She knows each of these children is a gift from God, entrusted to her care.
Since my father’s death my mom has laughed, my Dad would be proud of her for that. She has yelled at God to bring him back to her. She has wept and let God hold her against his chest. She has continued, without words, to teach us that life goes on. Through the sadness, there is laughter. Through grey skies, sunlight shines. Through the snow, spring returns and flowers bloom.
Today, somewhere many, many miles away from here, a gentle, graceful woman of God returns to a bright, vital kindergarten classroom for the first time since walking her husband and friend to the gates. She is a little nervous, a bit hesitant, and slightly overwhelmed, but her spirit is calm, she knows God is holding her. Grasping on to this knowledge, allowing herself to feel His arms surrounding her, she steps in and smiles, knowing somewhere deep within her, that this is the day the Lord has made.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Does two minutes count as a power nap?
Praises...
Great friends and Thursday night even if Comcast sucks! =)
The knowledge that one day toilet paper will just stay put and I will be able to go potty without guests and questions.
The ability to laugh at it and realize that when that day comes a little piece of me will miss it.
Knowing old friends are out there keeping an eye on us!
Being able to say a little prayer for those old friends and know God is holding them close.
Naptime!
A great camera with which to capture some of life's little memories
Knowing my baby brothers are out there in this world even though I don't talk to them nearly enough.
Dinnering with friends.
Meandering around pet stores just to visit.. It's kind of like a free mini zoo!
The fact that my kids still find that fun!
Having babies, even when they scream with a sound that could make milk curdle...sounds like I need to go rescue my husband!
Great friends and Thursday night even if Comcast sucks! =)
The knowledge that one day toilet paper will just stay put and I will be able to go potty without guests and questions.
The ability to laugh at it and realize that when that day comes a little piece of me will miss it.
Knowing old friends are out there keeping an eye on us!
Being able to say a little prayer for those old friends and know God is holding them close.
Naptime!
A great camera with which to capture some of life's little memories
Knowing my baby brothers are out there in this world even though I don't talk to them nearly enough.
Dinnering with friends.
Meandering around pet stores just to visit.. It's kind of like a free mini zoo!
The fact that my kids still find that fun!
Having babies, even when they scream with a sound that could make milk curdle...sounds like I need to go rescue my husband!
I Should Not Have Stayed Up So Late Last Night...
A glimpse into my morning...
Notice the wet hair? Yeah, I wondered where it came from...
He's responsible, you know he is, just look at him giggling sucking on the newborn pink & purple binky he found under something...
When he said, "hey Mom, guess where my doggie phone is?" I thought I'd better get out of bed...
Hey Sarah, What's in your toilet today? Cause mine is sporting a darling doggie phone. (Yeah, that is where the wet hair came from...do I even want to know?)
He climbed, he pushed buttons, he giggled...
He shut down my computer!
Will they need therapy? Will I? I'm going to take a power nap now, God only knows what the afternoon will bring!
Notice the wet hair? Yeah, I wondered where it came from...
He's responsible, you know he is, just look at him giggling sucking on the newborn pink & purple binky he found under something...
When he said, "hey Mom, guess where my doggie phone is?" I thought I'd better get out of bed...Hey Sarah, What's in your toilet today? Cause mine is sporting a darling doggie phone. (Yeah, that is where the wet hair came from...do I even want to know?)
So, they made up, they are innocently watching Jack's Big Music Show
Or so I thought. Look at them, you know they are planning something....
Hey, guys, I kind of needed that! (Will there be a day I can go to the bathroom by myself? And if so, when it comes, will it just seem so terribly boring that I will invite others in?)
Guess they needed to amplify the volume and all the perfect good TP was in their way...
Yeah, this looks convincing, doesn't it?
This is him 3 seconds later when I set him in the chair beside me...
He climbed, he pushed buttons, he giggled... 
He shut down my computer!
And here he is 3 seconds later when I set him on the floor...
Convincing, isn't he?
Here is the song we composed and danced around to that had him giggling 5 seconds later...
Stop you whining,
Stop your moaning,
Stop your griping,
Stop your groaning.
Suck it up Doodlebug,
Suck it up right now!
Doodelly Doot Doot
Doodelly Doot (Repeat)
Suck it up Doodlebug,
Suck it up right now!
(Repeat, add claps and Doodle Doots at will)
Will they need therapy? Will I? I'm going to take a power nap now, God only knows what the afternoon will bring!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Back to my roots...
Praises...
Being able to go spend a couple hours immersed in baby things and good conversation.
Being able to call the above activity a service project.
Having great women to take care of my munchkins while I'm gone.
An almost three year old who feels the need to confess Today we made it home from church and he confided in me that he had to sit in time out today for climbing on tables, that is "the rules". I the asked if he was nice to his brother, he confessed that he had pushed him. I asked if he had to sit in time out for that. His response, "no, Addddisss not see me, I not get in twubble." At least he's honest.
Dogs who only run a short way when your 2 year old opens the slider so he can climb it....
Jacks Big Music show. An adorable little musical show on Noggin on demand that will occupy both my boys for a few moments. Mostly I'm thankful that it seems to be one of the few antidotes for Finn's high pitched screech. (believe me, that is priceless!) I couldn't find the rockin theme song, so here is one of their favorite little "videos" from the show.
A husband who can handle me ditching him right after dinner to go see the bigger children!
Goofy teenagers with great smiles and good thoughts. Where were the rest of you tonight?
Tonight's lesson being all about Finding Joy in the Journey. Seeing God's plan even in the midst of the worst days. It's all about perspective and handing it over to God. You know, he's bigger than we are, he can take it!
People out there looking out for me and my brood sending little emails my way.
Chai Tea
A husband who bought me chai tea and is encouraging most of the my experimenting to find just the right preparation.
Long chats and short chats with my family. Some days I just miss them and am grateful for that phone!
Sleeping babies! I'm blessed to have three pretty amazing little people in this house and at the end of each day, when they are finally asleep for a few moments in their own beds I like to make sure I remember how blessed we are!
Being able to go spend a couple hours immersed in baby things and good conversation.
Being able to call the above activity a service project.
Having great women to take care of my munchkins while I'm gone.
An almost three year old who feels the need to confess Today we made it home from church and he confided in me that he had to sit in time out today for climbing on tables, that is "the rules". I the asked if he was nice to his brother, he confessed that he had pushed him. I asked if he had to sit in time out for that. His response, "no, Addddisss not see me, I not get in twubble." At least he's honest.
Dogs who only run a short way when your 2 year old opens the slider so he can climb it....
Jacks Big Music show. An adorable little musical show on Noggin on demand that will occupy both my boys for a few moments. Mostly I'm thankful that it seems to be one of the few antidotes for Finn's high pitched screech. (believe me, that is priceless!) I couldn't find the rockin theme song, so here is one of their favorite little "videos" from the show.
A husband who can handle me ditching him right after dinner to go see the bigger children!
Goofy teenagers with great smiles and good thoughts. Where were the rest of you tonight?
Tonight's lesson being all about Finding Joy in the Journey. Seeing God's plan even in the midst of the worst days. It's all about perspective and handing it over to God. You know, he's bigger than we are, he can take it!
People out there looking out for me and my brood sending little emails my way.
Chai Tea
A husband who bought me chai tea and is encouraging most of the my experimenting to find just the right preparation.
Long chats and short chats with my family. Some days I just miss them and am grateful for that phone!
Sleeping babies! I'm blessed to have three pretty amazing little people in this house and at the end of each day, when they are finally asleep for a few moments in their own beds I like to make sure I remember how blessed we are!
It was almost title worthy, but yet not so much
Well, hmmm...
I was going to blog with many beautiful scenes from my day and all the praises that went with them, but my camera and computer don't seem to be cooperating.
I have these grand intentions of writing something brilliant to explain all that has been rattling around in my mind the last couple of weeks. I want to share with you how God has been pushing me with sign after sign to find my God given passion and surrender it and everything else to him. I want to tell you all the amazing pieces of this puzzle that have been falling around me.
Maybe I'm waiting because I don't know the answers and I don't want to tell you an unfinished story. Maybe I'm worried I won't ever know the answers no matter how many Godincedences and signs he sends. Maybe it's writers block. Seems as I blog hop there is lots of that going around. Maybe it's that I was ready to write it, ready to go and then two very close friends, one here, one back home lost their Dads in the past 10 days. Maybe them losing their dads in a way has made me stumble. Maybe it's easier for me to feel their pain than my own. Maybe I just don't have all the pieces of this puzzle yet and it's not time, even though I think it would be much more relevant now, or two weeks ago, than it will be in two weeks, but then, what do I know? Maybe in two weeks I'll feel different, know more. (did you just feel like I let you in my mind? You probably need a drink. Sorry about that!)
For now I'm going to go back to where I started, what I should have been doing for the last few weeks...
Praises...
Sunshine & warm weather
Health!
Excitement that baths and roller skates can bring little people. (Not roller skates in the bath)
People in stores understanding that the belt really isn't killing him as Dax screams "help, let me out, this is Huuuurrrttttiiiinnnnnngggg me!!" as we walked through Michael's today. I did get a few knowing winks.
having done the mom thing long enough to know that the knowing winks are just that, not judgement on your parenting skills..
Cashiers who do not make me produce my driver's license when I have a screaming toddler.
Others who get a good laugh overhearing my calm conversation with a screaming Dax that went something like this.
Dax "I need out!! I don't want to be buckled!!!"
Me "I only have two hands and two little guys, I have to have you buckled so you're safe."
Dax "I WANT TO LOOK AT CANDY!!"
Me "only good listeners who are calm and quiet in stores get to look at candy"
Dax"I AM A GOOD LISTENER! I'm being a good listener, mommy"
Me "well, that's a good start, but I don't think you're being very calm or quiet."
Dax "I AM BEEEEEINNNNNGGGGG QQQQUUUIEEETTTTT!!!!!!!!"
Me "Wow, I bet if we took a poll of all the other shoppers they might disagree with that statement."
Laughter,I heard laughter coming from the aisles around me. Hey, at least I wasn't unnerved, sarcasm is a Dr. Spock approved parenting technique, right?
Finn sat pleasantly in the back seat babbling and pointing at all the fun things to see.
Haircuts! Four months is entirely too long to go between!
Babysitters who refuse to take money. I'm running a tab....
Memories. The way a moment in time can bring back many moments in time. Finding myself standing in Our Little Savage's old garage with he door flung open into their old house, almost hearing the laughter that I remember.
Coming home to a message from Amy...kinda spooky!!
Long late night chats with old friends.
Three sleeping children.
Still being able to see that praising will always make life better!
Going to bed with a smile on my face with a husband that is sleeping peacefully!
Oh, how could I forget, American Idol! It wasn't all that exciting tonight, it's down to 4. I know who should win, we'll see what happens. Here was my favorite from tonight...
I was going to blog with many beautiful scenes from my day and all the praises that went with them, but my camera and computer don't seem to be cooperating.
I have these grand intentions of writing something brilliant to explain all that has been rattling around in my mind the last couple of weeks. I want to share with you how God has been pushing me with sign after sign to find my God given passion and surrender it and everything else to him. I want to tell you all the amazing pieces of this puzzle that have been falling around me.
Maybe I'm waiting because I don't know the answers and I don't want to tell you an unfinished story. Maybe I'm worried I won't ever know the answers no matter how many Godincedences and signs he sends. Maybe it's writers block. Seems as I blog hop there is lots of that going around. Maybe it's that I was ready to write it, ready to go and then two very close friends, one here, one back home lost their Dads in the past 10 days. Maybe them losing their dads in a way has made me stumble. Maybe it's easier for me to feel their pain than my own. Maybe I just don't have all the pieces of this puzzle yet and it's not time, even though I think it would be much more relevant now, or two weeks ago, than it will be in two weeks, but then, what do I know? Maybe in two weeks I'll feel different, know more. (did you just feel like I let you in my mind? You probably need a drink. Sorry about that!)
For now I'm going to go back to where I started, what I should have been doing for the last few weeks...
Praises...
Sunshine & warm weather
Health!
Excitement that baths and roller skates can bring little people. (Not roller skates in the bath)
People in stores understanding that the belt really isn't killing him as Dax screams "help, let me out, this is Huuuurrrttttiiiinnnnnngggg me!!" as we walked through Michael's today. I did get a few knowing winks.
having done the mom thing long enough to know that the knowing winks are just that, not judgement on your parenting skills..
Cashiers who do not make me produce my driver's license when I have a screaming toddler.
Others who get a good laugh overhearing my calm conversation with a screaming Dax that went something like this.
Dax "I need out!! I don't want to be buckled!!!"
Me "I only have two hands and two little guys, I have to have you buckled so you're safe."
Dax "I WANT TO LOOK AT CANDY!!"
Me "only good listeners who are calm and quiet in stores get to look at candy"
Dax"I AM A GOOD LISTENER! I'm being a good listener, mommy"
Me "well, that's a good start, but I don't think you're being very calm or quiet."
Dax "I AM BEEEEEINNNNNGGGGG QQQQUUUIEEETTTTT!!!!!!!!"
Me "Wow, I bet if we took a poll of all the other shoppers they might disagree with that statement."
Laughter,I heard laughter coming from the aisles around me. Hey, at least I wasn't unnerved, sarcasm is a Dr. Spock approved parenting technique, right?
Finn sat pleasantly in the back seat babbling and pointing at all the fun things to see.
Haircuts! Four months is entirely too long to go between!
Babysitters who refuse to take money. I'm running a tab....
Memories. The way a moment in time can bring back many moments in time. Finding myself standing in Our Little Savage's old garage with he door flung open into their old house, almost hearing the laughter that I remember.
Coming home to a message from Amy...kinda spooky!!
Long late night chats with old friends.
Three sleeping children.
Still being able to see that praising will always make life better!
Going to bed with a smile on my face with a husband that is sleeping peacefully!
Oh, how could I forget, American Idol! It wasn't all that exciting tonight, it's down to 4. I know who should win, we'll see what happens. Here was my favorite from tonight...
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Tens ~ Finn Edition
1. He will listen to anything his brother tells him and laugh even when his brother is pulling on his ears! He is totally the definition of "Monkey See, Monkey Do". 
2. He loves his dog. There isn't much that can make him giggle more than Sophie kisses. They play for long periods of time just chasing each other around the house.
3. He has 2 new teeth! He's now up to 10! I think the kid would eat anything; triskets, almonds, rocks, etc... He is eating me out of house and home! He refuses most meats and veggies, but if you have fruits, grains, or dairy, get out of his way! He'll be raiding your pantry next!4. He has found a passion for climbing! He can climb onto stools and coffee tables. He's frustrated he hasn't managed couches and beds yet, but he can get off of them. He is a stair master and it's only a matter of time till he's sitting on the window sill with his brother.
5. He is determined! If he wants to climb it, he will, if he wants to ride Dax's toys and run the big scoop, he'll find a way! He has taken to pointing. He has different sounds to indicate the importance of what he is pointing at. Sometimes he simply wants you to name the item, other times it is a genuine demand. He is absolutely coming into his own!
6. He too is developing a sense of style. He has quite a love of shoes! He insisted on having a new pair of knock off crocs while at Toys R Us this weekend. I handed him a pair of blue ones while trying green ones on Dax. He immediately tossed the blue ones out and demanded the green. Hmmm...this ought to be fun!7. He has begun the amazing habit of shaking his head no while smiling. He is also becoming known for his ability to crawl like a mad man with foreign objects in his mouth giggling all the way.
8. He is walking more than he is crawling!!! His knees are starting to look a bit less red. Dax just keeps saying, "Finn not walk, Finn my baby!" Sniff, Sniff, I agree! However the good part about walking, more space between his mouth and those foreign objects!
9. He has discovered the outdoors. He just stands and points. I see the need for baby jail in my future! Anyone have an extra octagonal gate thingamajig?
10. He is the cutest 13 month old I know! He's been nominated for best dimple as well as most adorable baby brother in our house. He's also won honorable mention in the most obnoxious high pitched scream in a 300 mile radius category, but we'll save that topic for another day!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
10 things, 10 days, all Dax
1. In the right light he looks slightly angelic and he really needs a haircut.
2. He can teach his brother anything. This was a favorite lesson of mine, it went something like this; "Hey Finny, if you push down on the sippy cup the stuff in side comes out." "mmmggrrgroooo", Replies Finn. ""Hold down, look at all the water on mom & dad's bed!" "giggle giggle..hehehe" Then monkey do does. Then Mom takes sippy cups away (after taking pictures.) This lesson came immediately following the "hey Lily is at a friend's for the night, let me show you how to sneak in the bathroom and cover yourself with her High School Musical body wash...it's cool and we'll smell like tween girls all night long!"
3. No matter how many times you tell him something he will believe what he wants. Sometimes he's so confident in his argument that even you believe him! Here he found my antibiotic eye drops (yeah, we'll get to that someday) and was sure that they were some sort of snot removal device....you can see the conviction of his argument, right down to the demo.
4. He has developed fear of the unseen. All of the sudden things like robots scare him and bedtime is full of monsters. We're trying to convince him that dogs will not allow monsters in houses. Each night we take a dog treat and hold it in our hand so that Sophie will follow us on a thorough bedroom inspection. He still usually ends up in our room at some point in the night.
5. He has learned to open the sliding glass door. This causes panic in many ways, and sometimes cursing from his dad as the dog goes flying out into the neighborhood. 6. He has a keen sense of style. Checkout this amazing ensemble. I love the swim trunks on backwards. I think it was about 50 degrees. Mike told him to go get pants and shoes on...he followed directions.
7. He plays a mean set of milk drums. When Kroger is having a 4 for $5 sale on milk his drumming ability is heightened immensely! Every time I walk out of the room that door is open, the milk is on the floor and the boy has spoons in his hands. Seriously it takes him about 12 seconds to have this set up and a good 15 minutes of screaming when it has to be put away. (yeah, don't look at the contents of my fridge or you'll think we're lushes. Those things are on the bottom shelf because they are so rarely used...)
8. He still seems to be mean to his brother more than necessary. When asked why he chooses to act that way his response is always, "It fun!". Should I be worried???
7. He plays a mean set of milk drums. When Kroger is having a 4 for $5 sale on milk his drumming ability is heightened immensely! Every time I walk out of the room that door is open, the milk is on the floor and the boy has spoons in his hands. Seriously it takes him about 12 seconds to have this set up and a good 15 minutes of screaming when it has to be put away. (yeah, don't look at the contents of my fridge or you'll think we're lushes. Those things are on the bottom shelf because they are so rarely used...)
8. He still seems to be mean to his brother more than necessary. When asked why he chooses to act that way his response is always, "It fun!". Should I be worried???9. He's started using the term "ready to roll" on a regular basis. I must say this is better than "it fun". It makes him sound so big! "Hey Mom, are ya ready to roll?" Where did my baby go??
10. He decided Sophie the dog was hungry the other night so he fed her. I then realized the munching was a bit louder than it should be. Sophie was happily eating, as were Finn and Dax. I really do feed my kids. Maybe my baby hasn't gone so far after all!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
10 things you've missed about Lily in the last ten days
1. After becoming an official Tween life really hasn't changed much
2. She needs to spend more time in big Cities! She was afraid of walking around downtown in a close by city.
3. I really enjoyed taking she and a good friend to a Casting Crowns concert for her birthday. (More to blog on that later)
4. They actually didn't talk the whole time!! (they sang)
5. Her school visited a traveling version of the Vietnam Memorial wall and we talked at length about Vietnam, she really is interested in history. (is that odd for a 10 year old?)
6. Somehow a hot dog, fries, root beer, & a small cone cost $8.75 on her school field trip...I'm thinking maybe math lessons? Do you have any idea where the change might be? Charity? I can only hope....hahaha
7. She spent the night at a friend's house. This is probably only the third time she's stayed over at non family places...she's feeling grown up!
8. She still whines, a lot! She does still laugh a lot, but I miss that little girl giggle!
9. Fine Arts day at school brought out an interest in Karate. (Hmmm...does Karate training get rid of whining??)
10. She is hands down the favorite big sister in this house!
2. She needs to spend more time in big Cities! She was afraid of walking around downtown in a close by city.
3. I really enjoyed taking she and a good friend to a Casting Crowns concert for her birthday. (More to blog on that later)
4. They actually didn't talk the whole time!! (they sang)
5. Her school visited a traveling version of the Vietnam Memorial wall and we talked at length about Vietnam, she really is interested in history. (is that odd for a 10 year old?)
6. Somehow a hot dog, fries, root beer, & a small cone cost $8.75 on her school field trip...I'm thinking maybe math lessons? Do you have any idea where the change might be? Charity? I can only hope....hahaha
7. She spent the night at a friend's house. This is probably only the third time she's stayed over at non family places...she's feeling grown up!
8. She still whines, a lot! She does still laugh a lot, but I miss that little girl giggle!
9. Fine Arts day at school brought out an interest in Karate. (Hmmm...does Karate training get rid of whining??)
10. She is hands down the favorite big sister in this house!
Looking for a Fiesta?
Hey, maybe you've been looking for these pictures for over a week? Or maybe you didn't even know there was a Fiesta, either way, for your viewing pleasure here are some candid shots of our last Wednesday night dinner at church. This happened to coincide with Lily's birthday, so we're calling this her birthday party (lame, I know). Below you will find some of our beautiful confirmation class. You might even find another blogger, who I think Dax may have a small crush on. 
I'm trying to catch up from my blog hiatus (I'll explain later) but it's slow going, so take it as it comes, I have lots to show you!
I'm trying to catch up from my blog hiatus (I'll explain later) but it's slow going, so take it as it comes, I have lots to show you!
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