Oh... to be a Bug on the Wall...

Yesterday on the way home from church Sam asked "Mom, why did God put Caleb in the world?". I wonder what exactly went down between him and his buddy in Sunday School that would cause him to ask that, but since they are only four I probably will never get a straight answer.

Holidays

We've been home for nearly two weeks so I figured it was time to share some highlights of our visit to Grandma and Papa's house.

Sam got to go to Preschool with his cousin, Levi. He loved it! And on his first day he came home with the "Grand Go-Getter Award" for being a good cleaner-upper of all things. This is surprising to me... I wonder if the award was more about "You're new here and we want to make you feel good." He didn't get an award on his second day.


The boys had a ball playing lego with Papa... he made a cool pirate ship.



Sam and Levi played great together and always came in really dirty... I sure sign that they had just had the best day of their lives!


Maarti threw-up several times while we were away (we've since taken her off milk and she is doing better) so we decided to travel home with a bucket. She wasn't sick in the car, thank goodness, cause I don't think she had the bucket technique down good enough for it to be effective!

In Case I Forget

Dear Sam and Maarti,

The reason I'm keeping this blog is for you. I'm bad (really bad) at doing those hallmark baby books and that's why you won't have one, but for some strange reason this works for me. I'm trying to record milestones, fun things you say, the things you accomplish. One day I will make it into a book for you. I hope it will be one of those legacy kinds of gifts that I love so much. I hope you will know how proud I am to be your mom.

Up until now this blog has been mostly cute-sy, but I have had something on my mind that I want you to know. So in case I forget to mention this 15 years from now... here goes:

I had a converstation lately with someone who is looking for the right person for a particular job. They told me that at the top of their requirement list is a masters degree... and that is what got me thinking. Education is a wonderful thing and whatever you want to be, or do, or accomplish is great... I will be behind you 100%, doing whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. BUT... this is what I want you to know: Education is not (and will never be) more important than character. Our society may give you another impression, but it's not true. We often say to you that you can change the world and we really do believe it, but it won't happen if your character is flawed. Pursue character and look to Christ as your model.

I love you!
Mom

That's a Cool Idea

We recently had some holiday time visiting my family in the interior. It was fantasitic... as always. And, as always, we went to visit my Grandma. On one of our visits we discovered an adult fitness park just a couple of blocks from her house. Maybe these things have been around for a long time and we are just oblivious, but this was the first one we'd ever seen and it. is. fun! The only thing it was missing was a kids playground in close proximity as this stuff wasn't too kid-friendly. Good times!

Phew! That Was A Job!

I've been working at getting some half decent pictures of the kids... it has not been easy!! I've coaxed, I've bribed, I've acted like an idiot to get their attention, and if it weren't for the invention of digital cameras I would've wasted a lot of film! These two were close enough to what I was hoping for so I'm no longer torturing myself in hopes of perfection. Next time I want good pictures I think I should just hire someone!

What a Waste of Words

For the last 2+ years I have been talking non stop to our kids about using their manners and I don't think it has made an ounce of difference.

Sam (in a whiny voice): Book?

Me: I'm not reading to you unless you use your manners and talk to me like a big boy!

Sam: Can you read me this book?

Me: No, you still didn't use your manners.

(Sam gives me a blank look)

Me: You know... the magic words.

Sam: Hokus Pokus?!

She's Two... and Cute as Ever!

Our little girly is two! I can hardly believe it! We had so much fun celebrating her a couple of weeks ago at her flower garden party. It was especially fun having my Mom and Dad there as well... we hadn't seen them in five months which is way too long in my books! (They are the ones that bought her sweet outfit.) As is true at any two year old's party there were moments that were an absolute gong show, but I think everyone had a good time despite the 8 kids taking turns being "Age appropriate"!