Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Happy 3 Months!
This past month you. . .
* Rolled from your tummy to your back!
* Said "Mama" or at least close enough for me to claim it!
* Slept all night!
* Found your thumb!
Yes, you just may be my first ever thumb-sucker!! You always manage to find your thumb, but I pull it out and stick the paci in instead!!! We'll see who wins! My guess is you ~ since I am unwilling to hover over your crib all night long! Besides, you look so cute when you do it!
* You got a new bed! Daddy moved JCT's old crib (Elijah is in Joshua's old crib) downstairs to our room! No more pack & play for you! You have room to stretch out now, and I think you really like it! I really like you!!!!!
A few things that you love, sweet one. . .* Watching ESPN late at night after your big brothers are in bed!
* Joshua ~ Man, he is a great big brother!!
* Talk time with Daddy! He is so funny!!! :-)
Elijah is sick, and it has been a serious struggle to keep him away from you! I don't want you to get sick!! I have a sweater that I put on over my clothes to keep Elijah's virus off of you!! That sweater comes off and on all day! It is crazy!! But, your health is more than worth it!! Jesus keep you well, sweet one!!
I love you to pieces! What a month, my big boy, what a month! You are a sweet thing, and I love you with all my heart!
Labels: Erik Daniel's First Year
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Good Day. . .
I woke up this morning with a little bounce in my step. As I slipped my feet into my favorite pair of asics, I marveled at how wonderfully comfortable they are, and I said a little thank You prayer to God for them! And, my coffee, oh, my sweet wonderful cup full of steaming wonderment, smelled excellent and tasted even better! But. . .
the best part is that it was/is raining cats and dogs outside.
And, I love a rainy day!! Love, love, love cool, overcast, rainy days ~ when I have nowhere to go and nothing vitally important to do!
Actually, I began the morning hurriedly getting the boys dressed and ready. We had to take Rain to the vet, the big boys to get flu shots, and Elijah to get his ears checked (temp 102.3). But, we were home by 9:30, and my coffee was still warm. . .
The boys played playdoh all three in a row on a bench at the kitchen table while I sipped coffee and started laundry.
Home, you have to love it.
Home sweet home.
The sound of clothes being tossed in the dryer and soft piano music playing. . .
The smell of coffee and my pumpkin spice candle. . .
There is no place that I'd rather be. . .
The world with all it's charms doesn't even compare. . .
To the warmth of a home filled with little ones on a cold and rainy day!
Lijah didn't last long. By 11:00 he was ready for another dose of Motrin and a nap. So, I gave him his medicine, carried him up to his room, lay him down, and he has been sleeping peacefully ever since.
I came back downstairs and bundled the big boys up in their rain gear and boots. Then, I set them free on the back porch. I sat in a rocker and watched as they played together sweetly in the rain. They love to play in the rain!!
After 30 or so minutes, I went inside to change out laundry. In between folding the clean, dry clothes and filling the washer and dryer again, I peeked out the window at my little men to make sure all was well. And, this is what I found. . .
All I could think when I saw them was that this is what they will look when they are in their forties ~ sitting around rocking and talking. . .
Buddies for life.
After playing in the rain for about an hour, they decided that they were ready to come inside. So, I took their wet clothes and added them to my mountain of laundry. Then, I put them in nice warm clean clothes. They are now bundled under a shared blanket on the couch watching a Christmas movie.
Good gracious me, I love rainy days. . .
Labels: Chronicles of a boy mama, My JCT, My Joshua
Sunday, November 23, 2008
JCT's Thanksgiving Dinner. . .
You simply have to love this silly little pilgrim. . .
Oh, yes, he is something. . .something very special indeed!
This past week I had the great privilege of attending Thanksgiving Dinner at JCT's preschool. His class was dressed as pilgrims, and Afton's class was dressed as Indians. So, here is a picture of the little cuties!
Deana B and her sweet little girl. . .
My entourage. . .
What Erik Daniel did throughout the dinner party. . .
JCT's big buddy at school. . .
Sweet, happy girl. . .
(Looking like her mama!)
Lijah even got into the spirit! He stole some poor kids hat and put it on before I could catch him! It never occurred to him that he was younger than the other children! Cute little Indian boy! Don't worry, we gave it back right after the picture!
I love the opportunity to highlight one of the boys, to make the day all about them! JCT loved getting to be the center for a little while! I love that little man to pieces. . .
Precious child, I am thankful for you! You can always make me smile! What a loving little boy you have turned out to be! Your Daddy and I rejoice over you! Thank You, Father, for giving us this darling little boy to raise up to be a man after Your heart!!!!
Labels: My JCT
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I May Have a Heart Attack Before I turn 34. . .
if Elijah doesn't quit hiding from me!!!
Does it look like someone is hiding behind these curtains?
Well, it didn't to me or to Joshua or to JCT. . .
We looked up and down for Elijah the other night. We probably walked past this curtain 20 times in the process. . . I was just about to get that panicky feeling when I heard a giggle. . .
And, I knew that giggle. . .
It was my Lijah's giggle. So, I followed the giggle, and this is what I found. . .
He has no idea what this does to my heart! It can't be good for me!
Labels: My Elijah
Friday, November 21, 2008
Spaghetti Face!
I did nothing out of the ordinary. I made Elijah a pb&j, and I warmed up some leftover Spaghetti Soup for myself. When Joshua and JCT see me warm up leftovers for lunch, they always ask the same thing, "Mommy, you aren't going to make us eat 'real food' for lunch, are you?" I assumed Elijah would feel the same way. . .
But, when I sat down at the table with our lunches, he immediately pushed his away, looked longingly at mine, and said, "Want dat. Want dat." So, I gave him a spoon and his very own bowl of soup, and he went to town!!!
Sarah, I think it is safe to say that my Lijah loves your recipe! Thanks, sweet friend!!
But, when I sat down at the table with our lunches, he immediately pushed his away, looked longingly at mine, and said, "Want dat. Want dat." So, I gave him a spoon and his very own bowl of soup, and he went to town!!!
Sarah, I think it is safe to say that my Lijah loves your recipe! Thanks, sweet friend!! Labels: My Elijah
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rejoice! Rejoice!
And, again I say REJOICE!!!
It is 9:30 in the morning, and my little angel is still sleeping peacefully in his pack and play!!! He has been asleep since 10:30 last night! Hallalujah!!!
And, yes, the little man is breathing. I am continually checking on him ~ missing his sweet presence!
Oh, there he is! I hear him stirring! Better run!!
It is 9:30 in the morning, and my little angel is still sleeping peacefully in his pack and play!!! He has been asleep since 10:30 last night! Hallalujah!!!
And, yes, the little man is breathing. I am continually checking on him ~ missing his sweet presence!
Oh, there he is! I hear him stirring! Better run!!
Labels: My Erik Daniel
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Green Frog Boots
As I entered the breezeway between our garage and our backdoor today, I was greeted by these little guys. . .
And, they took me aback for a moment.
I have children.
I have sweet little boys who leave their green frog boots at the backdoor before entering into our home.
They are mine. . .
Handpicked for me by my sweet God.
And, I love them more than life itself.
I could spend hours decorating my backdoor. Buying wreathes and planting pansies. . .
But, all JCT had to do was sit his little boots right there, just like that, and no decoration in the world could mean more.
I don't even see the pretty stuff.
All I see our JCT's sweet little green frog boots. . .
And, my heart is warmed through and through.
And, they took me aback for a moment.
I have children.
I have sweet little boys who leave their green frog boots at the backdoor before entering into our home.
They are mine. . .
Handpicked for me by my sweet God.
And, I love them more than life itself.
I could spend hours decorating my backdoor. Buying wreathes and planting pansies. . .
But, all JCT had to do was sit his little boots right there, just like that, and no decoration in the world could mean more.
I don't even see the pretty stuff.
All I see our JCT's sweet little green frog boots. . .
And, my heart is warmed through and through.
Labels: My JCT
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Apprentice. . .
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Rest Easy. . .
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Week of the K!
Every week Joshua's class and James Christofer's class have a letter of the week. James Christofer's class has gone in alphabetical order since the beginning of the semster. Joshua's class is using Saxon Phonics, and their letters of the week are not in alphabetical order. So, up until this time, they have had different letters of the week each week. But, this week letter K was both of their letters! So, we celebrated the letter K this week as a family!!
Yay for K! So, I let the boys shape breadsticks into letter K's. This was fun and pretty yummy, too!
Here they are carefully crafting each letter K out of dough. . .
And, here are the K's ready to go in the over. . .
Dinner was A. . .
Here they are proud of their work. . .
Yum, what fun!
And, all of this was made possible by my sweet friend Deana B who brought me the breadstick dough! Thanks! You are my right hand and sometimes my left hand, too! God bless you!
Yay for K! So, I let the boys shape breadsticks into letter K's. This was fun and pretty yummy, too!
Here they are carefully crafting each letter K out of dough. . .
And, here are the K's ready to go in the over. . .
Dinner was A. . .
Here they are proud of their work. . .
Yum, what fun!
And, all of this was made possible by my sweet friend Deana B who brought me the breadstick dough! Thanks! You are my right hand and sometimes my left hand, too! God bless you!
Labels: Chronicles of a boy mama, Fun Projects
Thursday, November 13, 2008
From baby boy to little man in less than 20 minutes!
We took him in a baby boy and brought him out a little man. Where did we go & what did we do??
We took Elijah to get his haircut for the very first time!! It was hard to see those sweet curls fall, but I love his new clean cut look!
He wanted nothing to do with sitting in the barber shop chair. He arched his little back and began to throw a tantrum. But, when his mama pulled out a sucker and told him he could have it if he sat in the chair, he quickly sat still and quiet.
Here are pics from the day. . .
Before. . .
The first chop chop. . .
The sucker that saved the day. . .
Happy Lijah ~ Stretching Joshua. . .
Almost done. . .
Labels: My Elijah
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
From an Acorn to an Oak Tree. . .
Today is perfect. It is cool and overcast. So, I began praying early this morning that God would be so generous as to allow this tired young mother an hour of peace in the afternoon. I prayed that the gray, dreary day would cause my young ones to fall fast asleep at naptime. And, guess what. . .
It is 1:06, and I am sitting at my computer desk, a hot cup of coffee by my side, and only the muffled sound of white noise coming from my various baby monitors. Peace. Thank You, sweet Lord, thank you.
As I drove home from JCT's preschool I was thinking about trees. They are so beautiful in Autumn. I was thinking about the beautiful hickory in our backyard. And, I was thinking about how maple trees stand out with their lush orange colors this time of year. . . and Bradford Pear trees with their burgundy hues. And, I can't leave out the Crepe Myrtles that look like literal flames with all their yellow, orange, and red colors intertwined. But, oak trees, those big huge oak trees, they don't really stand out during this season. I'm sure there are some gorgeous Oaks out there, but most of the ones around our home simply turn a dull orangish brown, and there isn't a lot of glory in dull orangish brown.
So, anyway, as I pulled into our driveway an old brown Oak tree in our backyard caught my eye. And, I began to think about it's apparent lack of color and that reminded me of a book that I purchased recently.
I was at Fred's. I never go to Fred's. Never. Nothing against Fred's, I'm just a Wal-Mart girl. But, nonetheless, I was in Fred's, and I saw a beautiful hardback book by Max Lucado for 5.99. And, with a name like, The Oak inside the Acorn, how could I turn it down? So, I bought it, brought it home, and forgot about it. . .
until I saw that Oak in the backyard ~ it reminded me. So, I brought the babes all in the house. And, quickly wisked Lijah off to his crib for naptime. It was as dark as late evening in his sweet quiet room. Next, I nursed Erik Daniel and rocked him in my arms until his little eyelids fell. Then, I lay him in his bed to rest. Ahhhhh. . . .
Almost there! JCT asked me to carry him to his room, so I knew he was tired! I carried my 40 pound baby up the steps and lay him in his trundle bed. Then, I went to the boy's bookshelf, found the almost forgotten book, sat down beside JCT, and began reading. . .
I knew that I would like the story because I love acorns. The boys love to hunt them, and I love the thought that mighty Oaks come from these cute tiny little acorns! I often think of my little boys as acorns. And, the book did not disappoint.
Last night at Moms in Touch we prayed that our children would "be the person God created them to be." We prayed that they would not look at others and wish that they looked like or were gifted athletically or intellectually like those around them. We prayed that their confidence would rest in the fact that God loves them, and He created them with a purpose only they can fulfill.
Contentment. Confidence. And, a sense of Purpose.
If only I had already read this book, I would have brought it with me to our meeting last night. It speaks perfectly to this prayer for our children. I spent so many years longing to be prettier, smarter, more athletic, more outgoing, a better cook, more creative, taller, more organized, more decisive, more confident, more healthy, etc. And, I still struggle with this. In fact, it is a common prayer that I pray. . . "Lord, help me not to look to the left or to the right, but to look only at You." I am easily distracted, easily drawn to compare myself to others.
And, that breeds a lack of contentment, confidence, and in it I lose the sense of purpose God placed deep in my heart ~ that internal compass that keeps me on His path.
And, I think that is why this book touched me so.
I sing the same songs to JCT everyday at naptime. And, one of them struck me today as I cradled my sleepy acorn in my arms. These words came out of my mouth in a somewhat melodic way. . .
"And, one day when you're older and taller than me, I'll say I watched you grow like a beautiful tree. . ."
I have little acorns clinging to my branches. We are all very comfortable with this situation. I hold them close, and they cling to me. But, one day God will call my little acorns to leave my branches, fall to the earth, and stand on their own.
And, it is my prayer, little men, that you will grow to be strong Oak trees, or Maples, or Hickorys, or Orange trees, or whatever God called you to be. Be that. Don't try to be like your friends or eachother or even your sweet Daddy. Be who God created you to be. It is the easiest and best thing for you to be. And, I cannot wait to see the unique ways that God has gifted each of you. He has a special purpose for each of your lives, and I can't wait to know exactly what that is!
Cling tight to me little acorns, and I will hold you close. But, one day when God whispers to your sweet heart that it is time to let go, go forth, little acorn, go forth and be. Be all that He called you to be.
I love you, my little men.
Your Mommy
Labels: Chronicles of a boy mama, My Heart, Whispers from God
Monday, November 10, 2008
An Autumn Afternoon
There was a slight chill in the air. . . not too cold, but yet not at all warm. Gone are the hot, humid days of summer. We are settling into the cool crisp days of autumn.
And, the only sound that can be heard is a mixture of the crunching of leaves under little boy shoes and the sound of laughter among brothers.
What is mother to do, but run inside and grab her camera. . .
in an attempt to capture the faces, the leaves, the season that I love best of all!
My blue eyed baby doll, Lijah. . .
My charming, witty little James Christofer Truett. . .
And, my strong sensitive leader boy, Joshua. . .
There is just something peaceful about this time of year.
And, the only sound that can be heard is a mixture of the crunching of leaves under little boy shoes and the sound of laughter among brothers.
What is mother to do, but run inside and grab her camera. . .
in an attempt to capture the faces, the leaves, the season that I love best of all!
My blue eyed baby doll, Lijah. . .
My charming, witty little James Christofer Truett. . .
And, my strong sensitive leader boy, Joshua. . .
There is just something peaceful about this time of year.
Part of me wants to stay outside all day and watch the autumn leaves fall like rain, and part of me wants to curl up inside with a hot cup of coffee and a cute little baby or two or three or four. . .
Labels: Chronicles of a boy mama, Home Sweet Home
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
From the Whirlwind. . .
This is how I feel!
Seriously.
I have never been one to overcommit myself. I enjoy peace and quiet. I enjoy being still, being at home. Now, my life is a mad dash from one thing to the next ~ from picking JCT up from pre-k to lunch to nap to pick up Joshua. . . And, even when we are all home for several hours at a time, my life is anything but relaxing.
Here is an excerpt from a typical evening at my home. . .
I am nursing Erik Daniel, while Elijah is literally climbing me to get to his baby brother, JCT and Joshua are playing football in the living room (and I am yelling at them to stop before they break my favorite lamp, that cannot be replaced, and I'll be really upset if they break it, and they better stop the tackling and wrestling right now!), dinner is nearly burning in the oven, laundry is waiting in the washer and the dryer, there are clean dishes in the dishwasher that need to be put away before dinner ~ so I can load our dirty dinner dishes, Joshua has a project we must complete, we really need to practice his speech worksheets and do his flashcards and work on his handwriting, Erik calls to tell me that he has to stop by football practice on his way home ~ someone hurt their knee (translation: it will be at least 45 minutes before he gets home), Rain is barking his head off at Mr. Cole walking his lab Bruno in front of our house, a little someone is yelling "I'm done! I'm fun! I'm done! I'm fun!!" from the powder bath on the other side of the house, I feel a tension headache coming on, and all I want to do is tinkle, but just as I get up (still holding Erik Daniel and nursing him ~ it is an art I am perfecting with time), I hear a pot boiling over on the stove top, and I see that JCT is already up walking around with his pants off ~ bottom unwiped because he just couldn't wait three seconds for me to walk across the house!
This is my life. And, it is not an isolated incident. I could write this paragraph with different sentences all day everyday! Do you feel me? Is anyone else with me here? Because sometimes I feel very alone in my craziness. It is then, when I am feeling all alone, that I turn on Jon and Kate Plus Eight, and I smile because someone not only understands, but their life is even crazier than mine! And, for some odd reason, I find comfort in that! Man, I love that show!
I do love my life, but I have been feeling a bit out of sorts lately. One of these days, one of these sweet days I will get it together, at least a little bit!
It might be a crazy life. . . but it's my life. . .
Labels: A Day in the Life. . .
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The Pumpkin Patch Parable
The basic gist of it is that God is the farmer. He grows the pumpkins. Some of them are tall and thin, and some of them are short and fat. After they are harvested, he puts a knife to them and cuts them open. This part hurts, but it is necessary. Then, he cleans them of all their yuckiness (the sin in their hearts). He reaches into them with His hands and pulls out all the seeds and pulp, and takes it to the compost pile ~ never to be seen again. Then he carves a smile on the pumpkins face. And, most importantly, He puts His light inside of them, so that they can shine His light into the dark night.
It has become our Halloween tradition. First we read the book, The Pumpkin Patch Parable, and then Erik carves the pumpkin reminding them of what each step signifies. I have never been a big fan of Halloween, but this little book has really given Halloween a spin that I can be excited about!!
So, here are some pics from our evening. . .
Reading the book. . .
The boys watching Erik carve. . .
Putting a candle inside of the pumpkins. . .
Letting our lights shine. . .
It has become our Halloween tradition. First we read the book, The Pumpkin Patch Parable, and then Erik carves the pumpkin reminding them of what each step signifies. I have never been a big fan of Halloween, but this little book has really given Halloween a spin that I can be excited about!!
So, here are some pics from our evening. . .
Reading the book. . .
The boys watching Erik carve. . .
JCT didn't like the smell of the pumpkin's sinful heart. . .
Putting a candle inside of the pumpkins. . .
Letting our lights shine. . .
In other Halloween news, all the kindergarten classes at Joshua's school went trick or treating around the community yesterday. As I drove through town running errands, I saw them downtown sitting on the sidewalk outside one of the banks eating candy. Then, later I saw them entering the nursing home. Later, I asked Joshua about his visit to the nursing home. He said that they were all dressed up and waiting in the front room for the kindergarten classes to come. I asked him what they were dressed up as, and he said, "Well, like one of them was Elvis! And, another one was a penguin!" I had fun imagining the older people in these costumes!! What fun this day must have been for both the kids and the elderly! Then, the kids went back to school in time to eat lunch, play on the playground, and have their Halloween party. I'm telling you, I want to go to kindergarten. Too much fun!
That evening we took the boys to one of the local church's trunk or treats. I have never been to one of these, but it was great fun! The boys walked through the church's parking lot from car to car getting candy from many of the church members. Then, we took them to a few friend's homes to trick or treat. And, finally we went back home to do the pumpkin patch parable. As we drove home, Joshua asked me to hold his bag of candy. I opened it check out his loot, and the smell brought back a thousand memories. It still smells the same. The smell of a bag full of candy!!! It took me back to a time many moons ago when a little red headed girl sat in the middle of the living room floor, dumped her candy bag out, and gently sifted through the sweet wonders that she had collected. Good memories, and now I making them with my boys!
I'll end with this picture from the trunk or treat. Elijah was not real happy about taking the picture!! When you have four kids, you are doing well if only one of them is melting down during a family picture!!! Ahhhhh. . . . the memories!
Labels: Chronicles of a boy mama, Family Traditions, Happy Holidays
