Epiphany of Sorts

Now for any naturally skinny and/or high self-esteemed readers out there, this may all sound like gibberish, but I had something of an ephipany today.  You see, while driving down the road I realized that I am not on a diet and I'm not sure of the last time that I was!

I know, for some of you that sounds like crazy-talk and for some of you that sounds like nothing -- but for someone like me who started dieting at age 8 (however ill-advisedly), and for the next two plus decades structured her life around what she was and was not allowed to eat that week (only white foods, no fat, no cheese, no carbs, no fried foods, etc, etc, etc...), this is mind-blowing.

Unable to believe it myself, I asked myself a few questions:

1 - Would you be happy if you woke up 5 lbs thinner tomorrow?  Of course!
2 - Do you have any idea what you currently weight?  Ummm...no
3 - Do you comfortably fit in the smallest jeans you own? Yes!
4 - Do you have any desire to buy smaller jeans?  No?...wow, No!
5 - Can you list everything you ate yesterday with calorie, fat and carb content?  Not a chance
6 - Do you eat the cheese on your pizza? Yes!
7 - Do you ever feel guilty after eating? No!

Eureka!  I'm not on a diet!  Interestingly enough, as I quizzed myself, I also made two other discoveries:
1 - I think about food much less often than I did on any of my diets
2 - I eat considerably less food than I did on any of my diets

Now, I don't have any sage advice as to how I arrived at this curious and wonderful place.  I suppose it's a combination of a happy marriage, an adorable (and busy) two year old and a confidence that they and God love me exactly as I am...plus, who knows what else, but I do have one final thing to say...

Yay Me!

Hope

So, one of Charlie's Mom's recent interests/projects is a new ladies Bible Study that has been meeting at our house on Monday evenings.  I have heard this from teachers for years, but it truly is amazing how much more you learn by preparing for a study than participating in one.  I am loving every second of it -- even though it is a completely Charlie-free activity!  Who would have ever thought?!?!

Anyway, for December Corrisa (my co-lead) and I decided to focus on the Life of Christ, but rather than spend time on His birth (though very important, we all really have a lot of chances to learn about it), we are focusing on three key areas:

1. Jesus Pre-Incarnate (before the manger)
2. Jesus Humbling Himself on Earth
3. Jesus at the Right Hand of God

Last night we did Jesus Pre-Incarnate, and I found the topic absolutely fascinating and so hope-inspiring that I wanted to share...so this is just for any of you fellow outline-loving, bookish types...and I will get back to the little monster with the next post...

Icebreaker: What hope do you hope is realized for 2012...big or little, what is something you'd really like to happen in the next year?

Topic: Did Jesus exist before Bethlehem?

• Jesus Christ is eternal, just as God is
• Jesus existed before the patriarch of the Jews, His own distant grandfather
• "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'" (John 8:58)
• Jesus was with God in the beginning and played a critical role in the creation of all things
• "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being... And the Word became flesh, and dwellt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3, 14)
• Believers were chosen in Jesus Christ before "the beginning"
• "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love." (Ephesians 1:3-4)
• Jesus Christ is present throughout the Old Testament (I have a spreadsheet listing many, many OT prophecies with their corresponding NT fulfillment, so just comment or email me if you'd like it!)
• Jesus at the Fall of Man
• God has entered the garden of Eden to find Adam & Eve hiding. Eve tells Him that the serpent tricked her and she ate of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, disobeying the only command God had given to Adam and Eve.
• "And the LORD God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel." (Genesis 3:14-15)
• "I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed" (3:15a)
• "Her seed" - Jesus was born of a woman
• "But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law," (Galatians 4:4)
• Not of a man - "and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ" (Matthew 1:16)
• "He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel" (3:15b)
• "He shall bruise you on the head" - Jesus strikes a fatal blow
• some translators use "crush" instead of bruise
• "Since then the children share in the flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is the devil" (Hebrews 2:14)
• "you shall bruise him on the heel" - Satan strikes a non-fatal blow
• Satan Tempts Jesus, hurts Him, but does not vanquish Him (Matthew 4:1-11 & Luke 4:1-13)
• "Then the devil left Him; and behold angels came and began to minister to Him." (Matthew 4:11)
• "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." (Acts 2:24)
• Prophecy
• Is very confusing and can seem quite cryptic...but holds amazing truths -- both in the Old Testament for the coming of Jesus Christ, and in the Old and New Testaments for the return of Jesus Christ
• Is not a set of requirements or steps that God must find a way to fulfill when He is ready, but is a history of what is to come -- which is why all of the seemingly minor, insignificant details are perfectly true
• God is not limited by time/chronology
• "But do not let this one fact escape you notice, beloved, that with the Lord on day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:8)
• Neither is Jesus
• "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)
• Conclusions
• God did not create Jesus as a solution to the Fall of Man
• Jesus existed before "the beginning", played a role in creation, and exists outside time
• Believers were "chosen" or saved before "the beginning", therefore God's initial plan included both the Fall and the path of Salvation (as well as everything else)
• To God our prayers are already heard, our hopes are already realized or forgotten, our worries are already laid to rest - like a movie, His plan is complete, though we have yet to experience it
• "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life...which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life span?...But seek first His kingdon and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34 excerpts)
• So, if your hope for 2012 is part of God's plan, it Has already come true in His time. If it is not, then He has something even better for you!
• "And we know that God causes all thingss to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Angry Parents

A couple months ago Jason and I met for lunch at a deli in the mall, and using our extra few minutes, decided to stroll the halls.  Approximately 100 yards into our stroll we were waylaid at the Sprint kiosk and left the mall 90 minutes later (1 meeting missed!) with two new Smart Phones.  We hve finally entered the...teens, I guess?

Anyway, once I had removed all of the apps from mine and Jason had added bunch of new ones to his, we happily settled in to phonehood, and Jason handed down his formerly cutting edge (formerly as in  5 years ago) Palm Pre to Charlie.  Now, anything of Daddy's is a treasure to our little man, but one that makes ridiculous amounts of noise and sports a Gamecocks "skin" is even better.

Over the weeks Jason and I have amused ourselves watching Charlie have imaginary conversations with Grandpa and PaPa, call in late to meetings, and send urgent text messages, thinking, "Oh, how cute!" and assuming in the back of our minds that the fun would wear off and the phone would end up under the sofa or inside the train for the next few years.  We were wrong.

Charlie is heart-broken when his "Gamecock Phone" loses it's charge, and the fact that I personally don't keep tabs on the thing 24x7 can ruin his day.  Still, we played along until this weekend -- Saturday morning to be exact. 

As I was flipping the French Toast, I asked Charlie to run upstairs and tell Daddy that breakfast was almost ready.  He responded with, "I don't have time right now.  I'm playing a game."

Excuuuuse Me??!?!?!?!  And he wasn't kidding.  When I reassured him that I was serious and not in the mood to wait until his "game" ended...tears ensued...followed by being grounded from his phone.  Yes, you heard me -- I had to ground my 2 year old from a mobile phone, that doesn't even make calls!

Did I mention that Jason showed Charlie how to access Angry Birds by himself?  And yes, I see his point when he talks about dexterity, hand-eye coordination, technology awareness, etc -- all pre-requisites for preschool in this day and age.  But come on!

So, now we have Phone Rules in our house...for our TWO YEAR OLD!
1 - The phone is a reward.  You may only play with it when you are being good.
2 - Mommy and Daddy's requests and commands take precedence over the phone.  Immediately.
3 - The phone does not go outside.
4 - The phone does not go near the kitchen table.
5 - The phone does not go in the bathroom.
6 - The phone is put away at dinnertime until the next day.
7 - Mommy and Daddy can take the phone away at any time for any reason.

And yes, we actually had to share rules 3 through 6 with Miss Jennifer, Charlie's babysitter, on Saturday night.  I never dreamed that I would be talking about screen time in the same breath as overnight diapers...This is nuts.

But I guess we're hopeful that the rules will at least help us keep our little addict under control and prevent Angry Birds from turning us into very Angry Parents.

Our little addict settling for Mommy's phone en route to TX, when I forgot his!

Rebuttal, perhaps?

Now I know Charlie is smart, but this is a bit above and beyond...clearly he thinks that Christmas has plenty of room for both Jesus and Santa...

...or at least the Christmas train does.

Ho, ho, ho?

Disclaimer:  This is a factual discussion of Santa Claus...parents be warned!

So, yes, I was in fact "that kid."  You know, the one who told her entire second grade class that Santa didn't exist and their parents were lying to them (yep threw that in, too).  Then, I proceeded to argue with my teacher when I got in trouble, because after all, I had just been telling them the truth!

To be clear, as far as I know, my parents weren't "anti-Santa".  In fact, I think my mom even put some presents under the tree from him -- albeit they showed up in early December in the same wrapping paper as the rest.  See, I was the third child in a very pragmatic, some may say cynical family.  Santa never had a chance. 

Plus, unless I was just unaware at the time, Santa has definitely grown in popularity and power over the past few decades -- I mean even adults seem to revere him nowadays, and they must know, right -- unless of course their elderly parents sneak into their house on Christmas Eve a la that creepy I'll Love You Forever book...

Now, I am not anti-Santa.  I think he's just as much fun as Frosty or the Grinch, but we don't promote him in our house.  It has never been a particularly "religious" stand, but more from my realist background, a hesitancy to lie (however creatively) to Charlie, and an attempt decrease the importance of presents at Christmas.

Of course, I say that about presents, but yesterday afternoon Jason and I were practically giddy to learn that BaBa was able to order The Very Cranky Bear for Charlie for Christmas despite the fact that it is out of print -- the child LOVES that book and it's impossible to find!

But back to Santa.  As I a said, we have nothing against him, we're just trying to steer Charlie's Christmas experience towards the life and purpose of Jesus Christ, rather than the jolly old elf.  We decorate our tree and hang our stockings, but the most important decorations in our house are the nativities -- my "pretty" one and Charlie's "play" one share the spotlight in our living room.  When choosing between Christmas events, we opt for the Living Nativity over Christmas lights (though we skipped everything this year, preferring quiet evenings at home).

Amazingly, Charlie really seemed to be on board with our Christmas.  He begged us to turn off the old Santa Claus movie and turn on his Bible DVD (though to be fair, that old Santa Claus movie is BORING!) and he begs from dawn until dusk to add another character to his Nativity Advent.  So, I thought we were on the right track...until this morning.

En route to school, Charlie said, "It's Christmastime."
I replied, "That's right!  Who is Christmas all about?"
"Santa!"
"NO!" I shouted. "Buddy, Christmas is about God becoming man and coming to live with us here on earth."
"No, mommy.  It's about Santa."

Clearly, I have not gotten my point across.  Now, I know that Christmas isn't really God's holiday.  It's not in the Bible and to most people it's a celebration of family and generosity and peace on earth, etc -- all good enough things.  That said, when else can you hear the words "Jesus Lord at Thy birth" sung on primetime TV or see depictions of the miracle of God being born a man displayed throughout your neighborhood. 

I see Christmas as a wonderful time to remind ourselves of the perfection of God's plan, the miracle of Jesus' birth, the mercy of His death and the hope of His resurrection -- and one of the few times that we can freely share those wonders with anyone and everyone through cards and songs and decorations, etc.

But now I'm wondering if Santa gets in the way of all of that.  If my son, growing up in a Christ-centered home believes that Santa is the meaning of Christmas, now what?

At this point I don't have an answer.  I don't want to become anti-Santa, because I think that will create walls between our family and others that we love, and those walls may in fact inhibit us from sharing the true meaning of Christmas (and life!).  At the same time, though, I don't want Charlie to put his precious faith in a fictional character -- after all, faith is only as meaningful as it's object.

So for now Santa will remain on our tree, but he does not know if Charlie's being bad or good and his name won't appear on any gift tags.  But is that enough -- or is my middle-of-the-road stand hypocritical enough to elicit this response from non-Christians?

I always thought it was strange how Christians will tell me they have this giant and awesome truth they know is true deep in their soul and want to share with me, but when 12/25 comes around they lie to their own progeny because, apparently, that giant, liberating, and awesomely simple truth is somehow just not enough. It may be a good narrative, but it needs a little something to give it some panache.
[Taken from Jen Hatmaker's very thought provoking and much more firmly rooted stand on this same subject:  http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/29/the-christmas-conundrum#.Tt1R6unPWSQ.facebook]

I just don't know...can Jesus and Santa really share Christmas?

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