My Tender Hearted Boy

My oldest baby is 6 years old. He is funny, thoughtful, whiny when tired, and has such a tender heart. He is the big brother that all little girls wish they had...protective, fun to be around, and willing to watch all the ballet performances and princess dress up games they can throw at him. He loves being responsible (when he decides to be:), and is a sucker for any kind of physical contact. He especially loves when I tickle his back and arms. He often tells me that even when he's daddy's age, he's still gonna cuddle up on the couch with mommy. (Mommy's done her share of brainwashing on that one:).

He has great and unique relationships with each of us. He's cuddly and vulnerable with me. He absolutely loves wrestling with his daddy and it amazes me how many 'likes' they have in common. They both love to read, they love to have their alone time, and their latest favorite is playing online Scrabble together. It's the first thing Kier asks to do when he gets home, and he's getting pretty good at it too. His relationship with Rory is one that is comfortable and safe. Sure they argue (more and more as they get older), but they really have a great time playing together, whether it's with their playmobil's or in the bath or outside. Their personalities compliment each other and it really makes me happy to see them such good friends already. Watching him with Cait has been one of my most favorite things lately...he takes such tender care of her, and belly laughs at her when she does even the simplest thing, like walk towards him yelling 'boy-yee' (her name for him). He has said often since she was born, how much he loves her and how he's going to take care of her always. He is a boy that thrives on the relationships around him, and is a boy that, I believe, anyone would be lucky to have a relationship with.

And now, he has a relationship with God.

Last night, right before bed, and right after yet another bout of ungrateful whining on both his and Rory's part, I decided to have a heart to heart with them. I talked about all the things they had to be grateful for, and about all the boys and girls who don't have any of the things they have. This is a conversation we've had many times before, but it really seemed to hit home with him last night. He asked if the boys and girls who didn't have much were happy, and I said that if they had Jesus in their life, that even without all the things we have, they could be happy. I explained that often we as humans think that all the stuff around us is what makes us happy, but often it can just get in the way of us really seeing Jesus as the only thing that will make us happy. We then talked about why Jesus came to the earth and that why, when he was 33 (same age as daddy), he died for us. Again, this is a conversation we've had many times, but Rob and I want to be sure that when our kids choose to start their relationship with God, it's them choosing it...not us coaxing them into it. I knew he was really listening to me, but didn't want to push him into anything, so the last thing I said, before ushering them to bed was, 'The decision to have a relationship with Jesus is a decision that only you, Kier, and only you, Rory, can make. Mommy and daddy make decisions every day for you, because we are your parents and it's our job, but this is a decision that only you can make. You have to be the one to talk to God.' Kier was quiet for a little while, and then he turned to me and said 'Mommy, thank you for telling me that I have to make this decision. Because if you didn't tell me that, I wouldn't have known that I have to be the one to talk to God about my sins.' I then told him that he could talk to God anytime, and he said he wanted to right then. So, he got up, went to the other end of the couch, pulled a cushion in front of his face, and talked to God for about 2 minutes. When he finished, he put the pillow down, and had the biggest smile on his face. He launched himself into my arms and I asked him what he just did. He said 'I made the decision mommy.' I asked him how he felt and he said 'really good, mommy. really good.' Rob walked in the door just after and I explained to Kier how God doesn't want us to keep our relationship with Him a secret...that He wants us to tell people that we know God, and he sat Rob down on the couch and told him that he had just prayed and asked God to forgive him and that he would love God forever, and that they would work as a team to help Kier make good decisions. Kier hugged both of us so hard, and told each of us that he will love us so much until he dies. (he's got mommy's dramatic flair ;).

Needless to say, there were alot of tears last night. I haven't felt this humbled to be a parent as I was last night. To see this little human being in front of me, make this life altering decision, on his own, between himself and God, was a defining moment for me. It reinforced once again, that although we are responsible for many things in our kids lives, they are ultimately in God's hands and He desires to be their number one relationship, Provider and love of their life. And I'm more than ok with that. :) I can't imagine thinking that it was all up to me as the parent...what a heavy load, that we will inevitably fail in many respects in. But, having Jesus as the primary example of how to love, how to obey, how to forgive, etc...is so freeing and so comforting. I've failed, many times as his mom, but he now has a relationship with the One who will never fail him, never forsake him, always love him, always be with him, in death and life. Pretty amazing and humbling stuff.

So, today is the first day of his walk with God, and there are a lot of prayers being said from this little mommy. I've been learning the big lesson that when I look past all the rules, decisions, parenting philosophies, etc...the most important routine I can get into with and for my kids is to pray for them. God, through the Holy Spirit, is the most powerful changer of hearts, and He is in me, and now, in my little son, so there is no limit as to what He can do in and through each of us...especially with a heart as tender as his.

Thoughts

Unfortunately, after 3 kids, my brain has decided that after 8:00pm, no coherent thoughts are allowed to pass through it. So, here are some random, Saturday evening thoughts.

Had a great date yesterday. Walked. Shopped. Talked. Laughed. Didn't fight. And, other stuff.

My head hurts. Again. Not sure if it's from lack of sleep, or stuffy sinuses. Or both. Annoying either way.

Liked my hair today. Got a killer hair cut from my sis, Sessa when she was here, and I really like it curly since. Usually don't like it curly as much as straight.

Was a long day today. Cait's been teething and fussy and clingy. By 5 pm, my sympathy is runnin' low, and bedtime is lookin' good. She's sleeping now. Kier and Rory were both tired and a little crazy by end of the day. They're sleeping now too. Hope they all sleep well.

Want to go to bed soon. Rob is working on his message now for awhile, so maybe I will. Amy tagged me for a blog post, so might do that soon. Might not. ;) Kristi is getting so close to having her baby...so excited and nervous for her. Really wish I was gonna be there. So sad that I won't be. Seriously would deliver the baby, but only 'cause I love being there for that whole experience. Certain that she's in better hands with her doctor. :)

Can't imagine having another baby right now. So tired with taking care of the other 3. But, still can't imagine not ever having another baby. Too much to think about tonight.

Going to take some sinutab and go to bed. Nite.

A New Bear Friend

This past Monday, Rory & I went on a road trip to Buffalo, NY with Sarah & her two girls, Maggy & Emma, and Myriam & her girl Rosalie to celebrate Emma's 8th birthday. Emma really wanted to go to Build-A-Bear to spend her birthday money, and Sarah invited us along for the trip. Since Rosalie & Rory's birthday's are in March, we decided that we would just make it an early birthday present time for them as well, so that all of the girls could get a build a bear.

Wow! Let me tell you...whoever came up with the idea for this store is brilliant! It is awesome! The girls got to pick out whatever bear they wanted (or puppy, monkey, etc...), then got to participate in stuffing it, putting a heart in it, filling out and keeping its birth certificate, and of course, buying an outfit for it. It was alot of fun, and Rory had a great time! She knew exactly what outfit she wanted...from the dress down to the shoes. Oh, and don't forget the underwear! ;) Check out the small hole in the undies for the bear's tail! Too cute!

I wasn't sure whether Rory would take to her new bear or not, but suffice to say, she has!! Her name is Ashlyn and Rory adores her! It's really cute to watch her be so careful and tender with her new 'baby.' The only problem with our new bear: now, her brother and sister want one too!

Blog Surfin'

When I first got into blogging a year or so ago, my good friend Sarah would call me with new and fun blogs to check out. They would have everything from fun pictures, to cool craft ideas, to yummy recipes. And although I don't blog surf as much as I used to, here's a couple to help get you started on your blog surfing:


www.annamariahorner.blogspot.com : She was actually on the Martha Stewart show last fall, and I love alot of the fabrics she designs! They're gorgeous. It's actually one of my goals to order some of her fabric and make a few small things with my girls. She does alot of quilts, curtains, etc...but, I've gotta start smaller than that (think: small bag for Rory)...a quilt is a little too big of a goal for me at this stage (and ability). Let me know what you think of her site.

Be sure to check out her chocolate lollipop fabrics...my favorite collection. http://www.annamariahorner.com/productfabric.html

www.soulemama.typepad.com: I still occasionally check her blog, and I even think she's from Maine (yippee, right amy?). She has actually written a book which is called The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections and is available on Amazon now. I think I may look for it at Chapters here, and maybe pick it up. Would love to hear what you think about her site too!

One last fun thing to check out, but it's not a blog. For those of you who have TLC on your channels, who loves 'What Not to Wear'? I actually don't watch the show alot, but I really enjoy watching the makeup/hair part and love the makeup artist, Carmindy. She always seems to be able to just bring out the women's natural beauty and always has fun tips...and now, she has a book (my first purchase at Chapters, I think): http://www.amazon.com/5-Minute-Face-Quick-Makeup-Guide/dp/0061238260. I'll post a picture if I end up getting amazing results in 5 minutes, but I think it might take a little longer. :)

So, put on a pot of coffee, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy some fun blog surfing...and let me know your thoughts and what blogs you like to surf around!

Smooth Like Butt'a!

FINALLY!!

I have been growing my hair out for about 5 weeks now and it's been driving me crazy.

Only 5 weeks, you say? That's not too long.

Well, let's just say, it's not the hair on my head that I've been growing out. (get it?) ;)

So, all that to say, I was finally able to get waxed tonight, and it was glorious!! It's amazing how such a seemingly small thing (no hair) can make me feel sooo much better. And, I think I am finally over this sinus infection/cold thing I've had for a week. And, I am going on a 12 hour date with my hubby on Friday!!

Only good thoughts from me tonight~Nighty-nite!

Favorites of My Favorites-Part 1

I was scrolling through some pictures the other day with the kids and we had so much fun reminicing about all the fun we've had in this past 14 months since our baby Cait has arrived. So, I decided to post some of my favorite pics from the last 14 months. And, when looking through them, I was struck at the emotions each picture brought...whether it's a gorgeous baby shot, a seemingly 'normal' shot of the kids, or a shot that seemed to capture the emotion of the moment. Favorites are such a personal thing...most of these pictures will probably not bring out the emotion in you, that they did in me, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless.


These were snapshots taken at Canoe Cove Beach last summer...I love how Cait is just taking it all in...including lots of kisses and attention from her big brother!


And here are some of Cait, and her Papa. My dad is so great with the kids...he just loves them and they absolutely love him. That has been very cool to see, especially since my dad and I had always had a really rocky relationship. He's a great Papa and a great dad.

More faves to come!!

Latest Likes & Loves

Although Valentine's Day is over, I thought I would continue on that lovin' feeling for one more day and put down some of my latest likes/loves. Everything from new music, books, and new discoveries by my kiddies. Enjoy!

1. New like: The Michael Gungor Band (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=55552319) That's the band's myspace address. We just started singing a couple of their songs at church (Giving It All is a fave), but my favorite one so far is Prodigal. Let's just say that God really used this song to put an even finer point on some things He was trying to get through to my stubborn heart. For a long time, I've been more concerned about the hurt my heart has/will feel when truly loving those around me...and finally, bit by bit, I've been able to see that my heart is something I need to surrender to Him. And know, that although it will be hurt again, trampled on, not cared for...it's in His hands and allowing Him to use it however He wills, is how I can best love Him...and ultimately, others. So, go to the bands myspace now, and take a listen...

2. New love: My baby girl Cait at 14 months. Oh my!!! She is one spitfire of a little girl! She is alot like her mama (yikes!), but is just so much fun! The other day, I had all the kiddies home for the day, as we were attempting to get over this cold/flu thing that they've had for awhile. So, Kier and Rory were upstairs having a nap, Rob was upstairs working in his office, I was lying on the couch, and my little ball of energy was walking 'round and 'round the living room and kitchen...singing, dancing, 'talking', and just being sooo cute! Then, she goes over to the gate by the bottom of the stairs and yells, loudly, 'Rory!!! Daddy!! Boy-yee!' (that's what she calls kier...boy). And she kept yelling for a few minutes, until she realized they were not coming down...and then she was off to wander and babble again. I love her. But, she is growing up so fast...as Rob reminded me this morning, while playing ball with her. 'Time for another one'...:) his quote, not mine! I'm quite content.....for now.

3. Rediscovered Love: The Food Network: I don't watch alot of TV, but when I'm sick, that's usually one luxury I will not feel too guilty about at the end of the day. The other night I watched 'Chef At Home' with kier and rory and we all loved it! He was making a valentine's dinner for his wife, and we were all engrossed, watching him make breaded goat cheese for salad to strawberries dipped in chocolate & other yummy things to a creamy chocolate martini. Yummy!!! Kier was moaning when the credits were rolling, and I thought he was not feeling well...turns out, he enjoyed the show a little too much...'i just want to eat his food!' So, experimenting is on the meal plan in the near future!

Well, 3 things doesn't make much of a list, but my girls are begging for attention, so that's all for now. What are some of your new/rediscovered loves/likes?

It's Valentine's Day...

...and I'm sick. (*sigh*).

So, that's my update for today. :) My nose is running, my sinuses are clogged, my throat is raw, and my head is throbbing.

But, on this Valentine's Day, this is how I wanted to show two of my dear friends, Amy & Kristi, how much I love them.

That, in spite of feeling like this, I finally updated!!!!!!

However, today, my update is only that I am sick and will try harder to update more than once every 6 months. I've read both your blogs and your lists of 14 things you love, and be rest assured that if I had the energy to do that list on mine today, you both would be on it.

So, Happy Valentine's Day girls!!! Kris, I hope you & Jay enjoy this last 'child-free' valentine's day together!! Eat lots of chocolate & enjoy just being with each other! Ame, enjoy tonight with your boys! I hope you and Kev get some alone time after the kiddies go to sleep...eat lots of chocolate & cuddle lots! ;)

Have a great night!! Love you!