Planes, Trains, Automobiles...and Saddles?

When Charlie does Texas, he does Texas...we now have an official cowboy on our hands. 

As is his habit, he shamed us on all four flights by being an absolute angel and making Jason and me feel guilty for dreading them.  That said, the undying affection of Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Angie, Uncle Bill, and all their various puppies, combined with a 2 hour time change, handsfull of candy and Mommy & Daddy for 6 days straight did have an impact.  Charlie had his share of time outs and spankings on this trip, but hilariously enough his behavior always seemed to improve after using the bathroom...such a boy!

There is absolutely no way to sum up all the fun we had in a post, but all three of us were very sorry to say goodbye yesterday and we're already planning the our next trip to Old El Paso this summer and a family Thanksgiving at the beach in 2012.  We are so blessed!

Texas, here we come!

I wanna' be a cowboy...

...and Bella can be my cowgirl!

Working off the Turkey with Grandpa and Bella

You can never have too many sticks!

Mommy trying to straighten out the kink in her back

with some help from Charlie & Bella

Charlie's Turn 

All Aboooard!

Mom & Dad's mostly futile efforts to get a Christmas picture at White Sands

But even Grandma and Grandpa would rather be playing in the sand

And while sledding didn't turn out as we'd hoped...

it sure was fun...

Muffin Fun with Grandma

Some Dippy-bustin'

and cuddles with Mom.

Getting shiny-clean for new boots!

So he went with the lace-up ropers

Next stop, Santa! 

Naptime 

Time for Macaroni Pizza! 

Delightful

Charlie and Mommy are rounding the Butternut bend with Charlie laughing and grinning in the backseat.

Mommy:  Charlie-bear, you are my delight.
Charlie: Noooo...I'm Daddy's delight.
Mommy: Well, buddy, you're my delight, too.  Do you know what "delight" means?
Charlie: Yes.
Mommy:  What does it mean?
Charlie: I don't know.
Mommy: It means you bring us amazing joy.
Charlie: Kind of like a hug?
Mommy: Yes, buddy, exactly like a hug.

So thankful...

In the wake of a  fabulous evening of food and fun with our neighbors, Charlie and I were discussing thankfulness this morning over breakfast. 

To try to help him understand, I said, "Charlie, if God knocked on the door and you could see him, what are some of your favorite things that you'd thank him for?"

And he responded, "Ummm...the Christmas tree...ummmm the palm trees..."

As Charlie took another bite of his breakfast sandwich, I gave a few examples in an attempt to get something deeper, "Well, I would thank God for the Bible, because that's how He talks to us, and I would thank him for Daddy, because he's pretty awesome,"  Then smiling tenderly at my only son, "and I would thank him for you, because you're my heart."

Charlie paused and looked at me, "Can you let me chew?"

So much for poignancy on a Saturday morning...

For Jason...

                      The Echoes of Eden

               by Steven Curtis Chapman

What is it about a kiss that makes me feel like this?
What is it that makes my heart beat fast when I'm in your arms?
What is it about your touch that amazes me so much?

How is it that your sweet smile can get me through the hardest mile?
What's the magic in your eyes that brings the love in me alive?
What is it about this dance the sweetness of our romance
That makes me feel this way?

These are the echoes of Eden,
Reflections of what we were created for
Hints of the passion and freedom,
That waits on the other side of Heaven's door
These are the echoes of Eden.

How is it the sky turns gray anytime you're far away?
What is it that makes me sad anytime you're feeling bad?
What is it about this night the music and the candlelight
That makes me feel this way

These are the echoes of Eden,
Reflections of what we were created for
Hints of the passion and freedom,
That waits on the other side of Heaven's door
These are the echoes of Eden.

What is it about this night the music and the candlelight
That makes me feel this way?

These are the echoes of Eden,
Reflections of what we were created for
Hints of the passion and freedom,
That waits on the other side of Heaven's door
These are the echoes of Eden.

"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord" - Psalm 127:3

Obviously I pray for Charlie, as do all Moms and Dads who trust in God for their salvation...but to be honest, sometimes my prayers aren't very focused, and often-times they don't go much beyond, "Lord, thank you sooo much!"

Recently though, at Corrisa's baby shower, our friend Jessica gave out the following list of daily prayers as the shower favor, and I have to say it's the very best shower favor I have ever received! 

These short, daily, Bible-based prayers help me to ask for all of the qualities that will help Charlie grow into the man God wants him to be, so I had to share...

Daily Prayers for our Children

1 - SALVATION - "Lord, 'let salvation spring up' within my children, that they 'may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.'" (Isaiah 45:8, II Timothy 2:10)

2 - GROWTH IN GRACE - "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.'" (II Peter 3:18)

3 - LOVE - "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22)

4 - HONESTY & INTEGRITY - "May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection." (Psalm 25:21)

5 - SELF-CONTROL - "Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do." (I Thessalonians 5:6)

6 - A LOVE FOR GOD'S WORD - "May my children grow to find Your Word more 'precious than gold, than much pure gold; and sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10)

7 - JUSTICE - "God, help my children to love justice as You do and to 'act justly' in all they do." (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8)

8 - MERCY - "May my children always 'be merciful, just as their Father is merciful.'" (Luke 6:36, Micah 6:8)

9 - RESPECT - "Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as Your Word commands." (I Peter 2:17)

10 - STRONG BIBLICAL SELF-WORTH - "Help my children develop a strong self-worth that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.'" (Ephesians 2:10)

11 - FAITHFULNESS - "'Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and 'write them on the tablet of [their] heart[s].'" (Proverbs 3:3)

12 - COURAGE - "May my children always 'be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

13 - PURITY - "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions." (Psalm 51:10)

14 - KINDNESS - "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.'" (I Thessalonians 5:15)

15 - GENEROSITY - "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share[and so]lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.'" (I Timothy 6:18-19)

16 - PEACE, PEACABILITY - "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace.'" (Romans 14:19)

17 - JOY - "May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.'" (I Thessalonians 1:6)

18 - PERSEVERANCE - "Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them].'" (Hebrews 12:1)

19 - HUMILITY - "God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all.'" (Titus 3:2)

20 - COMPASSION - "Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Colossians 3:12)

21 - RESPONSIBILITY - "Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load.'" (Galatians 6:5)

22 - CONTENTMENT - "Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation...through Him who gives [them] strength.'" (Philippians 4;12-13)

23 - FAITH - "I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40)

24 - A SERVANT HEART - "God, please help my children develop servants' hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men.'" (Ephesians 6:7)

25 - HOPE - "'May the God of hope' grant that my children 'may overflow with hope [and hopefulness] by the power of the Holy Spirit.'" (Romans 15:13)

26 - A STRONG WORK ETHIC - "Teach my children, Lord, the value of work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men.'" (Colossians 3:23)

27 - A PASSION FOR GOD - "Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'follows hard after You,' a heart that clings passionately to You." (Psalm 63:8)

28 - SELF-DISCIPLINE - "Father I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.'" (Proverbs 1:3)

29 - PRAYERFULNESS - "Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.'" (Ephesians 6:18)

30 - A Grateful Heart - "Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20)

31 - A HEART FOR MISSIONS - "Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see Your 'glory [declared] among the nations,' Your 'marvelous deeds among all peoples.'" (Psalm 96:3)

"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord"  - Psalm 127:3

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner...

It's no secret that I love to read...some (for instance my husband) have even been known to suggest that I am a nerd, and I'm afraid I can't dispute it, so this story should come as no surprise.

Saturday morning Charlie and I made our regular trip to the library -- just in time to not incur fines -- in pursuit of a book about "chocolate".  Each visit he picks a topic, and we try to find at least one related book -- usually it's trucks or dogs or boys, fairly easy stuff, but this week he picked chocolate (a bit of Halloween influence, perhaps?).

Anyway, after selecting his other five books and having no luck finding anything about chocolate or candy (after all, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is still a bit advanced...at least until he's three...), I broke down and used the library computer system.  Now, I am a fairly computer literate person, but I just hate learning new software -- especially when I don't find it user-friendly and I'm responsible for the two year old running around pulling books off shelves, so I just went for the first non-cookbook I found.

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner sounded like a "Children's" book, but was in fact in the "Youth" section (who knew that even existed?!), so we actually had to use the call number and everything.  Our struggle was worth it though, because Charlie loved the cover -- and isn't that really the most important part?

So, after suffering our first library wound (paper cut with blood and everything), we headed out for a birthday party.  As we drove down Trolley Road I found myself amazed that Jason would rather spend his morning fishing in frigid 30 degree temperatures than corralling a 2 year old at the library -- clearly we are a well-balanced couple.

Anyway, a few hours later Charlie and I sat down to read A Chocolate Moose for Dinner, and as we paged through I found it extremely familiar...and then we turned to the undertoe page and it hit me -- I had checked this very same book out of the Johnson County Public Library some 30 years ago, for the very same reason -- it was about "chocolate"!  And not only that, the illustration of human toes sticking up in the surf still pops into my head whenever I hear someone mention an undertoe at the beach!

I really can't explain why this was so exciting for me...maybe because Charlie's and my minds think alike, maybe because he will have some of the same picture images in his head as I have in mine, maybe just because it made me feel young... I don't know, but it was quite the nerdy delight!

Trouble...

My contribution to this ensemble was the jeans...the rest is what Charlie deemed appropriate for Landon R's birthday party at Jump Indoors today...

His comment?  "Just like Mr. Jimmy"

Just your average Tuesday...

So the day started off with Charlie learning to cross his fingers at the kitchen table.  He did it once on accident, then couldn't do it again.  For some reason, we discovered that if you spread your hand out in front of you and watch yourself cross them it works!  So, we now have a finger crossing expert...

Then on the way to school he launched into some story or other with, "Apparently..." To be honest, I have no idea what the story was about...I was too amused by his word choice.

Finally, (well I guess I shouldn't say finally, it's only 5:50), anyway then when I picked him up from school, rather than just hug his teachers goodbye, Charlie went around and hugged each and every one of his classmates -- at one point there was even a small line.

Just your average Tuesday...

Turn, turn, turn...

While logic, my education and life, itself, all tell me that as each day passes, we grow older and move forward, I have to admit I'm struggling with the concept -- and I'm not even talking about crows feet here.

My sweet baby boy is moving to a new class at daycare (not to mention the fact that he is adamant that he is "not a baby!").  As of Monday, Charlie will officially be in the "Older Twos". 

The worst part is, it's all my fault.  See, Charlie was actually 2 1/2 back in September, but the class was full.  Finally this week I went to the office and just asked if they knew when he might be moving up, so we could be prepared, and they realized that there is an opening and started transitioning him that day.

Needless to say, Miss Kita yelled at me when I got there for pick-up and Miss Brittany B. was sending me hate-texts...  Apparently we were all hoping to stop Charlie's aging process and keep him at a perfect 2.

Truly, I have nothing against the Older Twos teachers. In fact, I got to know Miss Chelsea and Miss Alisha a bit over the summer when the classes were combined, and really liked them, but...well...I'm just not ready!

Miss Brittany, Miss Brittany, Miss Kita and Miss Linda are like family to us, plus once Charlie is officially an "Older Two," I have to admit he is only months away from being Three! Three! I am so not ready for this...

I stand corrected...

Despite his willingness to tell anyone and everyone just how many firetrucks he drove and go on and on about the hose and the buttons, Charlie has assured me in no uncertain terms that his favorite part of Halloween was THE CANDY!

He had an absolute blast trick-or-treating last night with his friends Philip and Sammy...and it is definitely possible that we let him eat too much candy, as breakfast consisted of approximately one bite of bread.  Oh well -- if that's no the goal of Halloween, I don't know what is -- unless it's walking the neighborhood (or at least one block of it) to see all of our adorable neighbor friends dressed up in a myriad of creative disguises, then coming home, bullying Charlie off to bed, turning off the porch light and eating candy and napping to a Chiefs win!

Happy Halloween!

Charlie & His "Fire Dog" Philip

Trick or Treating with "Fire Dog" Beckham

Sorting the Stash

Response to "No More Candy"

Trying to Work the Pout

Pout Becoming Monkey Face when he starts laughing...

Even Better Than Candy

We absolutely LOVE Old Fort Fire Station #5 on Highway 78.  Charlie and his buddy Sully spent over an hour there yesterday "driving" the trucks, shooting the hose, climbing the seats and honking the horn.  It was 2 year old heaven -- not to mention Mommy Bliss, because really is there anything better than seeing your baby over the moon?!?!

We even learned that firemen actually do get kitties out of trees...I have unknowningly been telling Charlie the truth all this time...

Now, we haven't trick-or-treated yet, and Charlie is definitely excited about that, but based on his recap of yesterday's adventures to Daddy and his teachers this morning, I think the Fire Station might actually surpass the candy for the highlight of Halloween 2011!

The Crew

Comparing Boots

Whoa!

Coming Through!

Learning the Ropes

On the Move

Now for the Red Truck

Putting Out a Few Fires

It doesn't get better than this!

Yuck!

So, I rescued an 8" worm this morning. 

I'm fairly sure I never even touched the worm I disected in Biology class 20 years ago...based on my grade, I imagine not... so why did I touch a worm this morning?

One word:  Charlie

Yes, I realize that comes as no surprise, but seriously...worms?  And did I mention that I rescued a frog about a year ago?  He appeared on my windshield as I was cruising down Highway 26 at 70 miles per hour.  Late to meet Jason for something or other, I pulled into a rest stop and grabbed the terrified, wind blown, but still slimy creature and assisted him to the grass, getting peed on in the process -- Charlie cheering from his carseat the whole time.

So this morning while Charlie and Jason were pushing the recycling to the street, I noticed a huge worm on the driveway, and when Charlie got cam back I suggested that he "rescue" it by putting it in the grass. 

His response? "But it's slimy!"  This from the kid who once handed me a worm in three pieces.

But what is a mom to do?  After I tell him that the worm needs rescuing, can I just turn my back?  Oh, you're probably thinking that I could just had Jason do it, right?  Not so much...

You see, Daddy conveniently had a conference call starting that exact minute, so he had to climb in the car and close the door to launch the call...all the while smiling and laughing through the windshield as I tried to figure out how to avoid touching the nasty creature.

Finally, I just bouyed up my confidence and tried to grab it, but I couldn't!  The crazy thing was squirming and jumping like I'd never seen, while I was shrieking and Charlie was giggling...  It's a wonder that only two neighbors stopped to watch -- and offer advice...  Sheesh!

I'm still not sure how, but eventually I plucked the nasty thing off the ground and flung him towards the grassy patch between the house and driveway.  Of course, he actually hit the house and landed in the flowerbed, so "rescue" might not be an accurate term...I may have actually just provided a quicker and easier death than baking on the driveway, but I at least get points for trying, right?

Charlie's response to the whole experience?  "But Mama, he's in the mulch.  You need to move him to the grass!"  Not a chance!

Life Lesson #12,547

If a child is able to recite the entire Where the Wild Things Are book while eating pancakes, he is ready to start memorizing Bible Verses.

Yesterday morning Charlie entertained me with a Wild Things monologue that finally opened my eyes to the fact that he is more than old enough to start memorizing Bible Verses.  A while back I downloaded some great Bible Songs that play on his radio in his room, but to be honest, he's not in his room very much -- so we're going at it the old-fashioned (thought not yet very organized) way.

I flipped through my Bible until I found something that was a) short and b) understandable based on his as yet limited Biblical knowledge.  To date Charlie knows that God created everything and is everywhere (made possible by the fact that He holds the world in His hand) and that Jesus loves him -- that's really all that I can confidently say he more-or-less understands.

So, clearly a bit sleepy yesterday morning on day 4 of Daddy's "field trip" to the Bahamas, Genesis 1:1 never crossed my mind, and we picked John 14:15, "If you love me, you will follow my commandments".  And when asked, Charlie will tell you that if you love Jesus, "you listen to his rules."  It's extremely important to me that he not only be able to repeat the verses, but also understand and explain what they mean -- so if any of you out there have any suggestions of additional shortish Bible Verses that stick to some pretty foundational truths, please send them my way!

Once he was able to recite the verse with the citation and explain its meaning, Charlie got to call Grandma, but not one to wait for someone to answer before he starts talking, Charlie was reciting away long before Grandpa had a chance to say hello.  I'm not sure what I would do if I picked up the phone at 6:00 Sunday morning to hear a little voice reciting the Bible...I might hang up.  Thank goodness for Caller ID!

So, next week we'll do Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," and by Christmas Charlie should know more verses than Mom & Dad combined.  (Just kidding...we play to learn them with him, so we can keep up!)

Celebrating God's Perfect Plan

Today is dedicated to Charlie's new best friend,

and the dearest hope fulfilled for our beloved Chad & Corrisa:

Baby Reid

Faith, Family and Life's Little Blessings

Is it any wonder that "How Great Thou Art" is playing in my head?

Babies, Babies, Babies...

This has been the most amazing week for babies!  In the past four days we have had friends going through every imaginable baby "stage", so of course, I have babies on the brain. 

Not that I often go very long without babies on the brain, but this week has really emphasized to me how central they are to life: after all, we all started there, and to its purpose: the quest for eternal life.

As any frequent reader knows, I believe with my whole heart that God created us to glorify Him, thereby sharing His truth with others, so that they, too, can have eternal life through Him.  Because alone, we are doomed: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Through the lives of dear friends over the past four days Jason and I have seen over and over again that God gives us babies not only to cuddle and love, but to help us learn about Him and His purpose for us:

• P - giving birth to Jack, her little "doll," Sunday afternoon: "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." (Psalm 127:3)
• A - going back to work on Monday after 12 weeks home with sweet baby B: "She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard...a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:16, 30-31)
• K - entering her third trimester with her precious twins on Tuesday: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13)
• C&C - meeting their long-desired R Wednesday afternoon and bringing him home by the weekend, a perfect picture of God's love for us: "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will" (Ephesians 1:5)
• And sadly, K & J - losing their baby boy and all the hopes they'd placed in him, but continuing to proclaim God's love amidst their pain: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
  And saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

And this doesn't even account for at least six other family members and friends we have who through various struggles and miracles are currently expecting. 

I know that God teaches us not only through His word, but also through the people and situations in our lives, but I have to admit that I rarely recognize it the way I have this week. 

Even in Jason's and my own hopes for more baby stages in our own life to bring us more of the blessings of the past few years... "But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more." (Psalm 71:14) 

Charlie at 6 1/2 weeks

Our flashing Kidney Bean

 Charlie at 17 weeks

Our Little Alien 

Charlie at 5 minutes

Our Baby Boy

Charlie at 2 years, 7 months, 8 days

Our Little Man

Weekend Visit

Charlie spent much of last week reminding teachers and neighbors that his BaBa and PaPa were coming for the weekend, and the visit itself definitely lived up to his anticipation. 

From the moment he and I raced up to B terminal to welcome their 20 minute early plane Thursday evening until he gave confused goodbye hugs Sunday afternoon, I don't think he let them out of his sight.  There is definitely little Charlie enjoys more than an enthusiastic audience/playmate, but when you combine that with the love of a grandparent, it just doesn't get any better.

They spent hours in the playroom doing I have no idea what (since I used much of this time to take leisurely showers), but fun was definitely had by all.  Of course, the hours at home didn't compare to the outings to the pumpkin patch, downtown for some furniture and clothing shopping, out on the boat to cruise past the jetties and down to Folly Beach and finally, over to the Outlet Mall for a couple quick rides en route to the airport.  And of course, we managed to squeeze in some wonderful meals, ridiculous laughs and cozy hugs.

Sunday definitely came way too fast (especially to me, since I missed all of Saturday's fun due to this silly sinus thing...), but it just left us excited for more fun with BaBa & PaPa in Kansas City this Christmas.

Building Towers

The Proper Way to Carry a Pumpkin

Wheeeeee!

Super Slide

Family Photo Op

Hayride

Direct Line to the Great Pumpkin

Got it!

The Great Watch Rescue

Mmmm....chocolate!

Just like PaPa 

Ready to Cruise

Bundled for the Sunset Cruise 

Such a Great Visit!

Life Lesson #952

Charlie is pouring his drinking milk into his cereal...

Mommy: Charles Patrick, stop that right now.  You know you are not allowed to pour things!
Charlie: Whimper... Charlie strains to pout, but ends up looking more like a marionette doll
Mommy: Charlie, that will not work.  Pouting is not going to get you your way.  You are smarter than that.
Charlie: But... He manages to get his lower lip out into a real pout for a second.
Mommy: Copying the pouty face.  Buddy, honestly, would this face change your mind and make you give me anything I wanted?
Charlie: Straight-faced.  That's not going to work.  I'm done. 

Charlie pushes back from the table to go play and Mommy laughs.

Have a Safe Day!

7 AM, The Kitchen; Charlie is eating oatmeal, Mommy is making coffee and Daddy is preparing to leave

Daddy: Have a good day, buddy.  I'll see you tonight.
Charlie: Have a safe day, Daddy!
Daddy: Have a safe day...
Mommy: Buddy, I'll be right back.  I'm going to go get the mail.
Charlie: Daddy!  Be careful!  Don't run into Mommy with your truck!
Daddy: What?!  Ok, Charlie, I'll be careful...

First Fear?

Oh, if only Charlie were enjoying Fire Safety week as much as I am. 

Yesterday they learned to stop, drop and roll if there is fire on their clothes, and now he's petrified that the fire is going to "get [him]".  He even had two accidents yesterday, and while I don't know that they're related, I have to wonder.  Then last night after prayers he asked Jason to protect him from the fire.

The crazy part is that in all my excitement about the fire trucks and the activities, I'd forgotten my own terror at 6 years old when we watched a Fire Safety movie at school.  In the movie a family's house catches on fire in the night and they all have to escape, using the rope ladders, etc. that they had conveniently installed earlier that day.  I can still picture the little blonde girl sitting terrified in her bed and clutching her mom (or dad...not sure) out in the street later as flames shoot from their house.

Even more vividly, I remember laying in my little twin bed in the downstairs bedroom on Long Street crying because I thought our house was going to catch on fire in the night -- specifically, I  thought that lightning would strike the vaulted ceiling in the living room.  I remember Mom coming in to reassure me but I think this fear lasted for quite some time, and I actually recall looking at the living room ceiling in the mornings to make sure there wasn't a jagged hole.

I definitely don't fault Charlie's daycare for introducing fire safety and all, but I guess I'm having a hard time accepting that it's time for him to discover that "bad" things can happen.  Up until now he's believed that a fire truck racing by with sirens blaring is on the way to rescue a kitty from  a tree, and I think the only reason he stays out of the street is to avoid a spanking.  This is most likely his first taste of legitimate fear, and while I know it's important developmentally, it's breaking my heart.