My Kids Biblical Knowledge...

The sky was overcast when we left to take Chris to work this morning, but the sun came up on our way home. Z was very excited and yelled, "Look, mom! There appears the sun of God!!!"

Later that day...

Z: Are you ever gonna have our baby? You've been pregnant for a hundred years!
M: Wow! That's even longer than Abraham was pregnant!

Miscommunication...

Chris was mopping the floor and Z told him he would "be careful" and then they had the following conversation:

Chris: Don't be careful. Stay off the floor.
Z stops moving and looks at the kitchen floor.
Chris: Did you hear me?
Z (still looking at the kitchen floor): Yes.
Chris: Are you going to stay off the floor?
Z (quite exasperated): I AM staring at the kitchen floor!

Today Is...

M's spiritual birthday. 3 years ago, when Chris was home on an unplanned sick day, he and M had a conversation (started by M) on sin and the penalty for sin. (Chris and I both firmly believe that the decision to ask Jesus into one's heart should be driven by the heart, not by parents or leaders putting words into children's mouths. We have seen this happen way too many times and believe that there is a distinct difference between children repeating lessons they have learned and truly grasping the undeniable truth that they need Jesus grace.) Even after M made his decision and prayed, Chris and I watched him wondering if a 5 year old could truly grasp such a big concept. So we prayed, we talked to M and answered his questions and today we celebrate 3 years of M being part of God's family. We have seen so much growth and have watched him mature in his faith in so many ways and we can hardly wait to see what God does with his life! Happy Birthday M!!!

Duh...

Me: Z, why did you write your name backwards?
Z: 'Cause I forgot.
Me: Forgot what? That your name doesn't go backwards?
Z (after a brief pause): Yeah, you're right. That doesn't make any sense.

Pajamas...

Z: "When I grow up I'm going to sleep in just my pull-up. You know, just like dad does!"

Can You Feel The Love...

I was babysitting for a friends kids today and her daughter made the following observation:

Al: Are you babysitting us?
Me: Yes.
Al: But you can't be our babysitter.
Me: Why not?
Al: Because I love you!

The Fire Station...

Our friend MB invited the kids to go visit him at the fire station today. And what a visit it was!!! He took the kids up in the air on a ladder truck, let them climb inside (and on) 4 different kinds of trucks, let them try on his gear and gave them a tour of the station. It was so much fun and the boys were so thrilled. I am so grateful for friends who love our kids enough to take time to hang out with them and share things like this. At no point in time did he treat the kids like an inconvenience or get frustrated with their numerous questions. I know this is a day they won't forget for a long time!

M's Fire Station Quote: "A cat in a tree is not a REAL emergency unless the tree is on fire."

Z's Fire Station Quote: "I liked the kitchen best because that is where all the fire fighters eat their dinner."

God's Perfect Plan...

Just some observations...

In the past year people who do not know Chris and I well have commented on the fact that we "still act like newlyweds". Actually, we don't. At least not like we used to. We made the mistake that many couples make and believed we would be happy because we were in love with each other. After many, MANY difficult years we reached a turning point in our marriage. The reason Chris and I act so in love with each other is because we are so in love with Jesus. The reason we act like newlyweds is because we know where we've been and we know where God has led us and we are so grateful to Him that we strive to do what He commanded us to and that is to glorify Him through our marriage. We are truly blessed.

When Chris and I are out without our other children numerous people have asked us if the baby I'm carrying is our first. Nope, but it never, NEVER gets old for us. Through fertility problems and miscarriages we have learned to celebrate and embrace every second with have with our children from conception on. Sometimes we only have a few weeks, even days to enjoy our children here on earth and that is okay. We are always saddened by our loss, but we are so thankful that God holds all our children in His hands. We can see clearly the gift God has given Chris and I and that is a true understanding that our children belong to God.

Maybe I'm just getting older and maybe wisdom does indeed come from age. I know it took me longer to grasp these truths than God would have wanted. I could have been spared myself and others so much sorrow and pain if I had listened more closely to His voice and truths from the beginning. All I know now is that I should have rejoiced in the midst of every trial because God was with me, molding me and shaping me and teaching me truths that will help to sustain me in future trials. Now I just need to remember to read this post when the next trial hits! :D

Two Interesting Questions...

Z's Question: "Mom, are you emailing Jesus?"

M's Question: "Why are you using a picture of praying hands instead of praying knees?"

The Promised Land...

"They went to the promise land. The land of milk and honey. And cake and ice-cream!"
-Z