Mud

I have found that boys and mud go hand in hand. If I'm home all day with nowhere to go, I really do love letting the boys do something like this... I'm sure it barely hit 70 yesterday and people who might see my boys running around in boxers in the mud probably cringe. However, I hold a different view. I love the fact that they are out for an hour playing together making memories. I love the fact that there is mud to play in. I love the fact that they are enjoying nature and what God has created. I love the fact that they are laughing so hard together they can barely stand up! I love the fact that I get to strip off their clothes, throw them into a warm, cozy bath, and feed them lunch afterwards. Such fun memories! I have memories and pictures in my mind of stuff like this when I was growing up... such sweet things to remember!


I couldn't get a good pic of Wyatt... he was soaked up to his waist in his sweatpants and mud all over his face and ears! I wanted to post the naked pic of Hen, but didn't think it'd be appropriate! :)

Memorable Things Kids Say - Volume 10

There are times as a parent when you really think you are making some progress in a conversation... even with a 4-yr old. What Jonathan and I have been frequently amazed at is what a 4-yr old is capable of... when it comes to understanding ideas or concepts, Henry really can follow us for awhile. It's really very exciting! We continually try to share the gospel with him in big chunks as well as bits and pieces in all contexts of life happenings. So, do you ever have those moments when you're wrapping up a good 'session' and your child is watching you... you're talking about his heart... all that God can do in his heart... how mommy and daddy can help him obey and do what is right... but that we can't change his heart for him... only God can do that... and that is why He sent Jesus to die on the cross for every sin you'll ever do... and when God looks at you and your sin... if you trust and love and obey Jesus, He'll see Jesus' perfection and not your sinfulness...... and your child is staring at you and you think, "We're really connecting here... he's getting it!! He is tuned in!" And then at the first pause, he says (very respectfully mind you), "Mommy?" --- "Yes honey.." --- "Are you done talking yet? Because I really want to go play with Wyatt." --- And it's in that moment you smile and you are reminded... how GREAT it is that my child's salvation is not held in our hands. That even at 4-yrs old, God holds the keys to his heart and has already decided if and when he will save this little boy. We love him, pray for him, pray that God will help us to obey as we raise him, but all in all, it is up to our faithful and wise God to awaken him and soften his heart in his own time. These are precious hearts that God gives us temporarily on earth -- it's so temporary! I pray that God will help us to remember that as we love and share His Word with them. Have a great Tuesday!

Special Visitors

This wknd, we had the privilege of going to Upland, IN to visit with Jonathan's family. About a year ago, we attended David (J's brother) and Sona's wedding in Yerevan, Armenia. Sona's parents are here from Armenia for a few weeks and so we had a family get together to all visit. It was so nice to see them here and for the boys to have a chance to meet them. Henry and Wyatt warmed right up to them... they were very sweet and kind and came with gifts for them. Wy was really diggin' the hat/scarf combo. It was hilarious! When we got home, I took a picture of the boys in both of their gifts... They fit great and the boys love them! We celebrated her parents visit with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, gifts, and dessert. And, lots of company! It was a delightful time!

Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Volume 8

I just bought these lovely organic gala apples. I gave someone in the house the responsibility of putting them in the fruit drawer this afternoon. Tonight, I went to grab Jonathan an apple for his lunch tomorrow. This is what I found...

Notes from this morning

These are random recent pictures... but funny things this morning:
Henry: "Mom, I'm going to obey all day today!"
Mom: "Why?"
Henry: "I don't know why... I've just never tried that before."
If you knew how our night ended last night, this goal for today would be very surprising to you! :)

Wyatt: "Mommy, that bird lookin' at me."

Lately, everything has been "lookin' at" Wyatt. It's so cute.