One mean mama

(Ok, so this isn't an official Not Me Monday post, because MckMama is too busy getting ready to come home with sweet Stellan, but I thought I'd share anyways.)

I'm sure it was not our house that all the yelling and screaming, in true 3 year old tantrum style, was coming from. And I'm sure it wasn't me who left this out of control child on the couch in the basement until he wore himself right out. He is currently snoring (can you see the drool?) and the neighborhood can now enjoy their afternoon in peace, without wearing earplugs.
I'm also sure it wasn't me that took all the clothing out of this poor boy's dresser and moved it to the high bar or high shelves in the closet. In case you were wondering, the tantrum described above is because I would not let him change his clothes for the 4th time today and the 57th time since church yesterday! Aren't I mean?

Out of the mouths of babes

Just a few little funnies from the boys...

A couple days ago we were on our way home from the grocery store and were at a stopped at a red light. The folks in the car next to us had the country music blaring as loud as radio could get and the lovely ladies in the front seat were singing at the top of their lungs. Jackson was curiously watching them and the oddity of this car must have just then dawned on him because he announced in astonishment that "that car forgot it's top". This must have been the first time he noticed a convertible. He then wanted to leave the top of the van at home and go for a ride! :) This would have been nice give that the weather was 80 and sunny.

Will is having lunch the other day, talking to himself when he suddenly bursts into song. In fact, he's singing "Happy Birthday" to himself. It was quite cute and I wish the video camera wasn't at school with Dave (grrrr...). He stops singing as suddenly as he started and asks in the sweetest two year old, sing-songy voice, "Where'd my burt-day go, Mommy?" (Burt-day would be birthday to the rest of us).

Happy and Healthy

Will had his two year check up today. It was so nice to go to the doctor healthy for once. I think we've been at least 10 times this winter, and not once was there nothing wrong. Ok, the last time there was nothing wrong, but a day later he got the stomach flu so it's my suspicion that was the issue all along. I told Dr. B, "No offense, but I hope we don't see you for awhile!" The buddy "passed" with flying colors, weighing in at 3o pounds (which I find hard to believe...unless he's fully clothed, which he was, and soaking wet) and standing a proud 35 inches tall. This puts him near the 70% for both height and weight. For as little as he eats, at least we know he is growing. Potty training was even discussed, but I'm not holding my breath. We are so happy to have a happy, and for now healthy, little boy!

Hit your knees

Yesterday, McMamma posted on prayer. I've been following her blog and praying daily for baby Stellan. She posed the question of "why bother praying?" God already knows what is going to happen in the future right? Do our prayers make any difference? Some of her thoughts included the fact that we MUST pray because we have been commanded to. Not only that, but that God hears us. She states "Why pray? Jesus was real, God made the earth and all humans, and so for one, it is our responsibility, nay our joy and privilege to be able to communicate with the Creator of all that is, and to His Son, who died for us all." We do not pray to get what we want, rather to get to know God better, to learn His will for our lives, and to thank Him for all we have been blessed with. Prayers of petition are certainly appropriate. However, we must be convinced that God's will be done, in all circumstances.

Yesterday while completing my final Bible Study lessons (Beth Moore, Stepping Up, A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent, Beth Moore touched on prayer. Fitting since my brain was still whirling after reading McMamma's words. Who knew that Psalm 132 is a prayer of petition and God's direct answer? Verses 11-18 of this Psalm are God's words in response to the psalmists cries. God hears us when we pray! According to Beth, "If we could hear the voice of God as we sit before Him, we would never cease praying." No, we probably wouldn't. Can you imagine? Hearing the voice of God! God speaks to us through His word, and through those He has placed in our lives. God is speaking to us. Beth also points out that in Psalm 132, God exceeds the psalmists petitions. Ephesians 3:20 says that God "is able to do more that all we ask or imagine, according to His power...". If we don't ask we don't give God a chance to outdo our requests. I'd certainly never thought of it that way before. I don't think our minds can begin to comprehend how God answers our prayers.

Just some food for thought. Obviously not an exhaustive look at McMamma's question or the topic of prayer. I don't claim to have all the answers, nor do I feel like I have more than a small grasp on this. Maybe I should pray about it.

That was then, this is now

Will, we thank God for you each day! We praise Him for the two wonderful years we have had with you and pray that God will bless us with many more.

The Real Deal

Many thanks to Katie for tagging me in this little game. Here are the rules:
Take a picture of yourself right now.
No primping or preparing. Just snap a picture.
Load the picture onto your blog.
Tag some people to play.
Knowing what I looked like, I really didn't feel like playing along, but since I hate to be a party pooper, here goes! Jackson was thrilled to play photographer and I will think twice about leaving the gym and not showering in the future! :) Oh, and that tired face...I must be getting old because the missed night of sleep on our dive home has made me sleepy for DAYS!


Ok, tag, you're it!
Katie @ Gray Matter(s)
Emily @ Mitch, Em, & Kaden

p.s. Pictures from Florida are coming soon.