Skateboards and rubber bands. :)

I am never ceased at how children play.  For some reason, I have very few memories of the games we used to play.  I know we did as kids- I just don't remember them.  SO, we have made a video or two.  The first was completely unprompted.  If you listen carefully, you can hear my advice, but that's about all I had to do with it.  The commentary is particularly entertaining.

This second one was of Sis, for those of you who like to keep the score even.  :)  She is definitely growing up, and she is incredibly familiar with the camera.  Please excuse the scream of frustration.  ;)  We are working on using our new found words.

The biggest little chief.

 How is it that you started out like this?  I know, I'll be saying it on the day you get married.  How is it that it happens like this? 

You see, it has been a summer full of firsts.  My oldest boy turned 8.  I know. . . someone said today, "That's halfway to 18!"  I can only imagine.  I won't try right now, as it may bring tears.  I remember only too well my sweet mama driving me all the way (across town) to my college dorm with tears rolling. :)  I digress. . .

We had a birthday party with some good friends and large inflatables on which to play.  We caught our first fish.  Got our first fishing pole.  Had lots of poison ivy.  Went tubing behind a boat.  Hosted a reunion with 23 of our best friends.  :)  We had a big summer. . .

I think what is growing in my heart the most is watching him grow in heart and mind and body.  We have talked many times about being strong in all three areas.  He has such a desire to have a strong body, but it must work well with a strong heart and strong  mind!  I have this amazing video of him reciting the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  It was written in the 1640's and without some of the thee's and thou's he's memorized over 45 questions and answers.  He knows the first 6 Psalms.  By heart.  I know, he's my son and I have a right to be proud of him.  But really.  I get the precious opportunity to ask the Lord to speak to Him.  I get to ask the Lord to speak to me about him.  And I know that from before he was ever conceived (in my mind OR in my womb!) the Lord knew him.  The Lord spoke so clearly that I am reminded daily as I see him interact with others.  As I see his compassion so clearly.  As I see his excitement. As I see his desire to learn.  As I see his smile.

"About Benjamin he said: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders."  Deuteronomy 33:12

"Your first child will be named Benjamin, because he will know My love."  (from God- to me.) 

Sis really thought she was going to school too!

Thank you Lord for making and forming him to be one who knows your love and shares it with those he encounters.



This is him on the first day of school.  Actually the second.  On the first he was recovering from the stomach virus. . .  serious bummer for my socialite!  But he recovered quickly, both emotionally and physically and we were clear and healthy for the second day. 

Game Night

So tonight it was too hot to eat outside and play, so we decided to eat inside.  And since it was ready early, we had time to play a game after dinner and before bed.  Not a usual occurrence, but tonight was special.  Nonetheless, I was sitting around looking at my amazing family (and a friend who ate with us tonight) and thrilled about the glimpse ahead.  We played Rummicube together.  The boys played on their own (almost).  Sis did her thing. We had a blast and the cotton-top won it all!  It was so much fun and I sat there thinking, we have some great times ahead of us. . . . thank you Lord for all that you have done in our little home.

Props to our NaeNae for some really cute Razorback gear that came in the mail today! 
Sis was a cheerleader, oh my!

Big boy. . .

So, this is my second baby's alphabet wall.  Every week at preschool last year they did a letter.  They stuck stickers on it that matched the sound. So stickers of a lollipop on the L.  And to make it even more fun, they printed pictures of the kids and put themselves on the letter!  So, for example, on the "S" is a Samuel sticker!  Wow.  Anyway, almost every week we came home on Fridays and put a letter on the wall.  It became a visual representation of our preschool year.  In. So. Many. Ways.  My little boy was growing up.  I have said it before, but for one who so desperately did not like classroom settings as a 1-year old. . . . or a 2-year old. . . . or a 3-year old, at 4, he was ready!!

SO, before the first day of kindergarten we took down the letters.  We moved them to the basket of papers that mommy likes to save.  :)  We prepared ourselves for a new transition.  We got ready, backpacks, supplies, snacks, water, and the appropriate clothing and shoes and headed out the door!  He even had to go on the first day without his brother (who was puking in the back bedroom, another story for another day).  I asked him that morning if he wanted to wait and start with big brother.  He looked back at me confidently and said, "I want to go today."  This mama's heart about lost it. . . where was the baby that wouldn't let go of my neck?  For like four years??? 


When I heard that on the first week of school, he stood, IN FRONT of the whole class and recited the first catechism question all by himself, I knew we were in for great things. 

And look at those cool shoes. . . . thanks Aunt Erin!

* As a side note. . .  for anyone in the midst of babies who won't go anywhere.  Be encouraged.  As miserable as it is in the moment, as difficult as it is to go to church, bible study, preschool, or any other place where other people's children are in a class, this season will pass.  They will grow up.  There is such a peace in my heart that the Lord gave me the grace and wisdom to let him hold on a bit longer.  Because when he was ready. . . he was ready.  And he is so confident in his place at home that he can go out in strength.  Not in fear or worry.  This is our story, but I figure someone else might have some similar experiences. . . .

Parenting Pros and Woes

So I have spent the last week in woes about my parenting and my children.  You know what I mean right??  I'm not alone, am I?????  :)  I know.  It's crazy, like some switch flips in one of my children and everything that I had been doing that was working is no longer working.  Like all of the sudden they are a different child, motivated by different things, and more in touch with the dang sin nature.  Seriously. . . you could not sit and watch my precious, sweet baby girl this past week and tell me there is no innate sin nature.  Anyway, that's actually a different topic for a different day.  But this week I was driven to my knees. 

I think it started here.




I know, she's only just barely 2.  But seriously, she was showing all the signs.  So we did all the whoohaa, got the big girl panties, got the treats, got out the potty, had an awesome potty party (if you ask me!), and began the process.  After about 12 hours (the second day), we weren't any closer and suddenly she began flipping out about all kinds of things.  Throwing any open container she could find on the floor, hitting her brothers, throwing toys, running away from me when called, and CLEARLY not going pee on the potty.  Not for any amount of chocolate.

So, as any clear minded individual would do, I walked outside and declared to my working husband that HIS daughter was back in diapers and I was leaving for a break.  :)

Fortunately, I am married to an amazing man and he gave me a chance to talk to Jesus.  I was so baffled, and couldn't figure out why I was so upset with her.  And in that moment the Lord spoke to me.  He reminded me of who He is.  How he is slow to anger, and abounding in love.

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness"  Exodus 34:6

And then he taught me about my daughter.  He reminded me of how verbal she is.  Seriously ya'll, she can talk like the boys could at 3.  It's amazing-- and somewhere in my mind I had decided that she was as old as she was verbal.  That if she could tell me as much as she could, then she should definitely be pooping on the potty.  And not spilling drinks.  And not throwing toys.  And not running away when called.

Today, I pulled the toddler seat back to the table, strapped her in for lunch and felt peace reign.  I knew the Lord was kind and gentle in his reminder.  And now I feel like I can be as well.  I can love her with passion and peace.  And in diapers.  ;)

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." Psalm 78:4,6-7 

Baby Girl Turns 2!

 We were enamored with this little bundle, even before we saw her, but most especially the moment we met.  It had been a long time coming, but she was beautiful, perfect, and absolutely part of our family.  We doted over her then, and we have continued to.  We all fell in love.  She is as beautiful today as she was then.  She is as determined now as she was then.  She loves fully,  once she has determined you are worthy.  ;)  She runs hard with her brothers, plays with her friends, and loves to be "with you." (usually her mommy, but sometimes passionately with her daddy too)  She is learning to use her words so well, and has focused desire to tell you what is pressing on her heart.  I love hearing it.   

Now she is so big and we are so proud of the little sister that she has become.  She is growing in her knowledge and love, and learning so much about her story.  About the God who formed her from the beginning, the Son who saved her, and the Spirit who continues to guide her.  Even in her conquests of the baby dolls and the backyard slides.  Only He knows what the days ahead will hold!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!  May you continue to grow in love, choosing the One Thing that will never be taken from you.

"but only one thing is needed. Mary (of Bethany) has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:42

He rides on two wheels!!

I am not a very good blogger, as we have all seen, but know that we celebrated our second born well.  He had  about a week of parties, eating sweets, and surprises!  I just didn't tell any of you about them.  Sorry about that. ;)  Nonetheless, he is an amazing little boy and I am honored to be his mama.  He loves well, carries his heart in a way that we get to see it, and he is as adventurous as any little boy could be!  On his daddy's birthday he declared that he was ready to ride a bike on two wheels- rather than four.  And ride he did!  He worked hard on it for about 24 hours, and then it was on!  As they say in Kung Fu Panda 2, "You better tell those musicians to play some action music. . . . because it is on!"

Amazing.  :)

That was Round 1.  These next two are from two days later.  Seriously, this kids learns quick!  :)

  

And finally. . . .

Life from death. . .

I know, it's my  backyard.  It looks pretty uneventful.  And yet, this morning I looked out the window and had hope.  Can you see it??  It's pretty faint.  You kind of have to squint your eyes a little bit.  It's the smallest amount of green.  The trees are as bare as my daughter's butt right now.  The sky is grey.  There are no flowers.  There is no life.    If you look up the hill a bit, it's not there yet.  And yet, it's here.  The beginnings of grass coming back.  The rain comes down and settles right behind the back door.  It brings life a little earlier than the rest of the yard.  And yet, I am excited from that place deep inside me. 

John and I have a recurring conversation.  I say to him, "I don't think there will be winter when Jesus returns.  Because everything dies.  Death didn't happen in the garden, so it must not be."  My husband (who loves the winter) replies, "It doesn't die."  And yet, every fall and winter it feels such like death.  And when spring comes, it's LIFE again!  It is such a beautiful picture of the resurrection for me, and I love that Easter is in the spring.  It reminds me that life is not all about the here and now.  We are here and now with the expectant hope that renewal is coming.  That Jesus is bringing back with him the renewal of all things.  Even life itself. 

BUT.  I learned something even more fascinating this fall.  I knew it before, but I had never fully connected the dots.  In the winter, when plants are not growing leaves, fruit, or flowers, they are spreading their roots.  They are digging in.  Penetrating deep.  Preparing for the storms of spring and summer. 

I have spent this last winter (merciful as it may have been) trying to grow some roots.  Instead of despising death (which, by the way, I still think is completely despisable) I have set my heart on roots.  I want to grow deep.  I want to see the heart of God in ways that I have not yet.  I want to read his word in ways that I have not before.  I want to withstand the storms.  Big and small.  Near and far.  I want to have deep roots. 

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." Psalm 1:1-3  

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.  For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.   We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved."  Romans 8:17-24 (underline me)

Bubbles!

This winter has not been nearly as terrible as some in the past, but nonetheless, we are excited about spring.  It has been uncharacteristically warm this week, and despite some sickness and remaining in our jammies way too late in the day, we decided to play outside this afternoon.  And apparently learn all about bubbles.  Wow.

Picture update, anyone??

One of my goals during Lent is to use my time better.  SO, for those of you who are interested about where we have been and what we are doing, here's a little picture update.  :)

We went to the local Science City and got really excited to finish the maze BEFORE our brother!

We really want to be big.  :) Notice the tippy toes. 

We have played lots of basketball and are improving every day!

We had loads of fun at our one and only snow of the season.

With good friends.

Where we made awesome decorations for a really fun Valentines Party. 

It's been a great winter so far and we are looking forward to a spring with lots of soccer, bike riding, gardening, and general fun outside!  Blessings friends-