Haver yourself a merry little Christmas!

Differences...

Yes, we all know each child is so unique and precious but if this little conversation doesn't tell the tale, I'm not sure what would. Driving in the car, Jonathan (my 3 year old) asks Michael (my 5 year old), "Michael, what are you thinking about?" Michael quipped, "I'm not thinking about anything." Jonathan paused for a moment and then replied to his own question, "Well, I'm thinking about airplanes and zebras and..." the list went on! I couldn't help but laugh and be thankful for these dear boys God has placed in my family.

Family Pictures by Joyful Images Photography

Oh, how I love...

getting love notes from my five year old! My heart wells with joy upon his enthusiasm and excitement..."Mommy, I have a surprise for you! You are going to just love it, I know! I worked so hard on it." I love watching him watching me as I open it, looking for my approval. His satisfaction is met with my gushing, a look of adoration. All over a love note that read, "Frum Michael Luv Mome." Doesn't get better than that, folks! =)

Church....

through a 5 year old's eyes: (all wispered really loudly, of course)
I have to go potty really bad! I really have to go again. Mommy, did he just say stupid? I think I'd really like that juice and bread! But I really think I'd like it! Is it gonna be over after the next song? Mommy, I want to be a hero like Joshua some day. I really want to be a hero.

Wild Boy!

Grady is my dare devil! He'll try anything and everything his big brothers try. Here he is at 18 months old jumping off the couch!

Tonight at dinner:
3 1/2 yo Jonathan asks: Mommy,what happens to you when you die?
Me: You either go to heaven or hell.
Michael: Jon Jon, do you want to go to heaven or hell? (Attempting to witness to him). =)
Jonathan: I don't want to go to heaven or hell.
Me: Why not?
Jonathan: B/c I don't want to die. If you died, there would be no more Michael. But there would be a new Michael in heaven.

Love these little conversations!! Lord, mold their hearts toward YOU...to serve YOU with all of their being!

1st Day of K5!!

The first thing he uttered this morning is, "It's my first day of school! I'm sooo excited! I can't wait!!" I didn't cry as I thought I would. I was too excited for him and this new adventure. It was a hard day of missing my buddy as we've never been away from each other. The first thing he tiredly uttered when he returned home, "Mommy, I missed you!" Missed you too, Buddy!

No More Pacis or Diapers for Me, Bye Bye!

Jonathan is my late bloomer. He likes to study everything for a long time before trying it. Take riding in the metro and a boat, sliding, riding the zoo train and carousel for example. He is my fearful child...until this summer...3 1/2 seems to be his magic number! He has now overcome fears and is becoming more confident.

I have mixed feelings about my baby growing up but am ultimately thankful for this new stage. We said goodbye to diapers at the beginning of the summer, and he doesn't even need pull-ups at naps or bedtime now. Last week was another milestone: saying goodbye to his paci. We actually had a goal to get rid of it when he turned three...but that never happened. No time like the present!

Anxiety

Ever since we returned from COTW Jonathan has had a very hard time going to sleep without his mommy. You see, Grady and Jonathan slept with Mommy for a whole week. Never did I see this as being a problem...but it has been. Every day, about every 5 minutes, Jonathan starts asking if it's time for him to go to bed. He then starts crying and telling me he's not tired and doesn't need a nap or to go to bed. I realize this is a good opportunity to teach him that God is always with us and that we can take our fears before Him, asking Him for help. But honestly, by the end of the day, and hearing constant whining about it, I grow impatient. This is how our conversation just went before naptime:
J: Mommy, I not tired. I don't want to go to bed.
Me: Jonathan, it's time for bed. You don't need to be afraid b/c God is always with us. Let's pray and ask Him for help.
J: Dear Jesus, fank you for sweeping wif me. But Mommy, I can't see God. Mommy, I want you to sweep wif me and God.
I start singing Judy Rogers..."God is a Spirit, just think of the wind, He doesn't have a body like men..."
Hugs and kisses, then more crying. I've never seen him have such anxiety about sleeping, but I'm praying for wisdom and patience through it. Seems to be what I need most in my life...wisdom and patience.

Camp of the Woods...

is a Christain camp, in Speculator, NY, focused on feeding the whole family spiritually while providing many indoor/outdoor/ sporting activities. Our outstanding speakers this year were Ravi Zacharias and John Njoroge. Their focus was on the importance of apologetics in our faith, being able to defend/stand on our faith and be a witness in a world which tries to replace themselves and others in Jesus' place.

My generous in-laws wanted us to experience this wonderful place and paid for our flight, food and board. Jon grew up going there but this was our first time going as a family. It was hard traveling that far with small children, but their excitement made it all worth it.

The boys' highlight were the 3 campfires, but they also loved the miniature golfing, the daily Bible lessons, the lake/"beach" and gameroom. Jon enjoyed playing in a volleyball and basketball tournament and running in the beautiful weather...it was springlike. I loved not having to cook/clean up for a week and being fed spiritually every day while my children were being cared for, so that I could really focus.

Summertime...

FIVE!!!

Dearest Michael David,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much! We thoroughly enjoy your energy, your excitement about the little things, your inquiring mind and mostly your desire to learn more about Jesus. We praythis year you will grow in your love for Him and others.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

The Sweetest Valentine's Day Yet...

Salvation is a precious gift from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was extended to my eldest son, this Valentine's Day. Michael's been asking many questions about God, Satan, heaven and hell since last summer and especially in the last few weeks, leading up to V-day. Every time I would explain the way of salvation, MD would quickly change the subject...it just wasn't time. I knew the Lord was up to something and even told his Community Bible Study teacher to be praying. He would ask questions comparing God's omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience versus Satan's (or lack there of). He'd ask if Satan was always bad and if he could ever turn away from evil and do good. He seemed to fixate on why Satan had to go to hell. He'd ask me over and over again. Then he'd say, "Mommy, I don't want to go to hell." And finally, on Valentine's Day, he surrendered his heart to Jesus as we passed by Greenlawn Cemetery. We talked about my godly grandparents who were buried there and who were in heaven, in the presence of God. He told me that he wanted to go to heaven when he died. I told him how to pray, at which point, he usually quickly changes the subject...but that day...he repeated the prayer in the back seat of our minivan. I rejoiced and explained that the angels in heaven were rejoicing too. He said, "Am I an angel now?" I went on to tell him that Jesus now lives in his heart..."He's in my heart right now?" He couldn't stop telling people about Jesus being in his heart after that. Yes, he doesn't understand everything but I keep thinking about the verse that says..."Let the little children come to Me. And do not forbid them, for thus is the kingdom of heaven."
And now Michael's journey with the Lord begins...

Has it really been a year?

How has a year gone by so quickly? My precious Grady James, named after both of my grandfathers' middle names, is one today. "Cutest baby" (his brothers coined this affectionate term) has a special sparkle in his eyes, an enthusiasm and love for life that I already see and admire. He fits in so well and definitely works hard trying to keep up with the big brothers. Grady and Michael especially share a sweet relationship. They make each other belly laugh almost daily.Thank you, Oh Precious Savior, for the sweet, perfect gift of Grady.

If this is any indication...

Here are a few pictures from Grady's One Year pictures...I'll post more next week on his actual birthday.



of the kind of child Grady will be, I'm in for it! In less than five minutes (while I was cleaning the kitchen after dinner), my littlest man pulled down a batch of peanut butter cookie dough from the counter and started going to town on them. (This is one reason having tall children is not so great). After a quick scramble to save my child from a possible peanut butter allergy, I went about washing the dishes...a moment later I found the same little scavenger under the kitchen table drooling blue and red from a leftover Spree and Captain Crunch ball. I am constantly scouring every room before putting said child on the floor because he puts everything into his mouth! What is a mother to do? When we're outside, I'll find him eating leaves, dirt, grass...a little fiber never hurt anyone, right? What doesn't kill him will make him stronger...right?

It's a new day...

I can't stop thinking about and singing this song today. It encompasses my desperation for the Lord to take over this weak body, mind and spirit and have His way with me.
Every time my babies still say, "Happy New Year!" I'm reminded of fresh starts. Although, I'm in need of His mercies EVERY MORNING...so glad He gives them freely!

I Need Thee Every Hour


I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain


On another note, a quote given from a Sunday School lesson on Galatians 2 haskept my mind occupied.

"...eventually the Christian life and true spirituality are not to be seen as outward at all, but inward...I am to love God enough to be contented...A quiet disposition and a heart giving thanks at any given moment is the real test of the extent to which we love God at that moment..." Francis Schaeffer