Little Boys are Made of...

I've found the popular poem to be very true, especially as I watch Jack get bigger. Now, we haven't had to deal with snakes or snails yet, but we have had many encounters with dirt, grime, and other boyish things. Yesterday was a great example.

I had just come home from my WW meeting and was greeted warmly by my manly trifecta- always my favorite part of Saturday. I asked Jack, "How much do I love you?" He stretched his arms out as far as he could reach and said, "This BURP much!" in his most many voice. It was incredible. The burp sounded like it came from a 50 year old man who just finished a bottle of IBC root beer in a single chug. I somehow managed to suppress my laughter long enough to ask, "Jack, what do you say when you burp?" He instantly replied, "That was a good one! It was fast!." After more hysteric laughing, he did finally say excuse me.

Oh, the magic of bringing up little boys!

Raising Boys

I never in a million years would have thought that I would be a mother of 2 little boys! I confess that I often asked myself, "what would I do with boys?" Well, I couldn't have picked a sweeter life. I treasure (or I try to) each day with them.  I'm learning how to get dirty, rough and tumble play, race cars, fix things, and a million other little boy activities. It is a constant adventure. 

Jack got his toolbox out and was fixing the red car. I told him he was working like Grandpa and Daddy do. I know it won't be long before he's out in the garage with them working on projects. 

Now that they are both on the go, I get the joy of watching them run around together. Luke works so hard to keep up with Jack. I can tell Luke is so excited to have the freedom that comes with walking. Jack loves having a playmate. He is also very helpful when Luke gets stuck or frustrated. He helps him get out of chairs, into riding toys, and with toys that go out of control. He's a tremendous leader. 

This is one of their (mainly Jack's) new favorite activities. They like to get books and cars and play with them in Luke's crib. The also turn it the crib into a wrestling cage sometimes. It's really nice for when I need to sweep their room. I am so blessed that they love to be together. 

Turkey Day

*This should have been posted right after thanksgiving, but we put the computer away to start painting the guest room/office bookshelves.*

We have so much to be thankful for! This year, we made a list of some of the reasons we have to be thankful. We have a great church, amazing family and friends, Chad has a great job, etc. Jack told me he was thankful for "eggs, sausage, and pancakes," which happened to be what he was eating for dinner. He also said that Luke is thankful for Jesus. I just love his precious heart. 

We had a really fun Thanksgiving day. We started the morning with the Tyler Turkey Trot. We loaded the boys in our double jogger and walked the 5k. It was wonderful to be outside as a family

. 

After our walk and some rest, Chad's parents joined us for dinner. We're not big turkey people, so we opted to grill steak and chicken. I've since renamed Chad  "The Grillmaster." It was delicious! I tried to make my Mom's homemade rolls, but it was a total bust. We were very thankful for Pillsbury! 

It was special to have a blend of my family traditions, Chad's family traditions, and some we have started with our our crew. I look forward to more opportunities to practice being thankful and teaching our sons what that really means. 

Under the Table and Reading

The boys have developed quite the love for reading, and I am thrilled. We have been to the library several times, and we always leave with a huge pile of books. I guess that's what happens when you have a mom who loves children's books as much as her kids do. 

One of our favorite things to do is move the chairs away from the dinning table, pile pillows underneath it, and crawl into our fort with all our books. I was so proud when Jack pointed out the letters "L" and "O" while we were reading one of his favorite books,  Gallop! He wanted to find them on each page, and I don't think he missed one. 

Mr. Luke has become quite the walker, after toying with everyone about it for over 6 weeks. He'll go get a book, usually Baby Bear, Baby Bear, and bring it to us saying,  "bu, bu" for "book, book". It's adorable. 

 

A Knowable God

My ladies' Bible Study has spent the last year and a half studying the Bible book-by-book. We've been in the prophets since we started up again in September, and I have learned so much. I have been so struck by God's pleas for His people to know Him, seek Him, hear Him, and return to Him. Seeing God's heart for relationship with us has been incredible! I've been so hungry to read this week- both in the Word and in other books about God. Yesterday, I  picked up Knowing God  by Packer and read the first Chapter (I'm taking it slow). I was blown away by what God showed me. Unlike the gods of other religions, my God doesn't just desire obedience. Yes, He calls me to obey, but His desires for me are deeper than the obedience you see in other religions. God wants me to know Him!!!! I'm letting that sink in again and again.  He doesn't want robots  who do His bidding. I am so thankful for that! He wants to be known, sought,  and loved by His children. What a beautiful gift! We have a Creator who makes Himself accessible to us! May I press on to know Him today. 

What a Mighty Good Man

Yesterday was Chad's 27th birthday, and I loved getting to celebrate him all day long. The boys and I went and got balloons, which was a super exciting experience for Jack. He talked about them all day. Jack also helped me bake Chad's cakes (Yes, that's plural. We love our cake around here). I really had to let go of my perfectionism and let him be a little boy and make little boy messes. We had a wonderful friend watch the kiddos, and we had a very nice grown up dinner with 10 of our amazing friends. The evenings merriment concluded with singing and enjoying chocolate chip pound cake. I have the most wonderful husband, and it was a treat to give him a special day. 

Celebration

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.  

Isaiah 26:12

Last August, I joined Weight Watchers to lose the weight I'd gained while being pregnant with both boys. Not only has God used the last 14 months to change my body, but he has refined my heart and my mind as well. I am thrilled to say that I have met my goal! To Him be the glory!!!!

Before (August 2008)       

After (October 2009)