Bellybutton Envy

So today was a hard day. We woke up to find that someone had thrown a rock through the back window of our vehicle. We were pretty bummed out, but thankfully the day ended with some laughter.

Early this morning a friend called and after hearing about what had happened decided that she needed to pack up her kids, grab some Starbucks and come for a visit. The boys, being the gender that they are, decided it would be way more fun to play without shirts on. Apparently it was more fun. They had a great time and then our friends went home.

Fast forward to this evening... Sam is getting in the tub before bed and he says "Mom, if I eat lots of food I will have a bellybutton like 'C'.? Cause his is not a squished one" (It's important to note that 'C', has an "outie"). I asked if he wanted a bellybutton like his buddy's. He definitely did! "I like 'C's' bellybutton, Mom... I love it! I want a not squished one too!".

What I love is that Sam's thoughts are now documented and waiting for the perfect future event to re-surface!

Effective Discipline 101 - What Not To Do

Me: "Sam! Who drew on your Face?!"

Sam: (looking sheepish) "Umm... I can't tell you."

And here is the lesson: If you are wanting to get a strong message across, this is not the time to laugh! I did - and it ruined everything.

Christmas 09

It's been a long time since I've posted so here's a quick update of our Christmas:

I realize this may be a boring picture for you, but Im particularly proud of it because for the first time (ever, I think) I got Jeremy a gift that wasn't a dud! It's not that I buy him junk it's just that what he really wants is a new ski boat so everything else is slightly disappointing... until now. I know that a book and a boat are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but this book is special. It is actually the published blog of our friend, Steve Rehn. Steve was a Bible School friend of Jeremy's and he was a groomsman at our wedding. Steve's blog chronicled his last trip to Africa where he taught a course in linguistics and then fulfilled his dream of doing a cycling trip across part of Africa. He was just days from finishing his bike trip when he was hit by a car and killed. Steve was a great friend to both of us so that is why this book is a treasure.

Opening Presents


As everyone knows the boxes are the best thing about presents and this one was especially fun as it had a nice big window! Fisher Price thinks of everything!


Shockingly enough... this umbrella still isn't broken!


My sister and Brother-in-law and nephews all came for a visit after Christmas. These are the matching Olympic sweat shirts Papa and Grandma bought for all their grandkids... we were sad that the other two coats they bought couldn't be sitting on our couch with the rest of them! (In April we will all be together for a wedding and maybe we can try for a picture then.) After our little photo session we all went to "Go Bananas"... The perfect place for the kids to run off some energy on a wet, wet day!