The Things Kids Say

I was driving away from church today when Luke told me that Ellie had just hit him. I pulled over and talked with Ellie about what God tells us in the Bible. I asked her if she kew what God says in His Word and she said, "Obey your mommy and daddy?" I told her that was true, but that He also tells us to love one another. She admitted that hitting Luke was not showing love and told him she was sorry and asked him to forgive her. He said, "I forgive you, Ellie. Let's hug each other when we get home, alright?"

I love those kids.

Later in the day, Luke started talking about how much he wants there to be 3 girls and 3 boys in our family (including Dan and I), and he cried out, "Oh God, please let the baby be a boy!"

The Incredible Two

My gracious mother-in-law watched the kids for me this morning so that I could spend some time learning from a woman who homeschools her 5 children (5!). I also got to go to Whole Foods...all.by.myself. I seriously felt like I was on a shopping spree. It was so easy! But much to my dismay, I did end up having to pay at the end (bummer!).

Anyway, Luke and Ellie told me that they got to watch The Incredibles while they were with Meemaw, and as soon as they got home they got dressed into character. Luke insisted on being Elastigirl (I tried to make up a new character, Elastiboy, but he wasn't having it), and I'm really not sure who Ellie was. Maybe Dash (a boy, go figure). They were quite cute running around the house like this...

strike a pose!

sweet sibs...they love each other, and it's very sweet :)

Why Have I Taught Him To Eat Well?

I got a phone call from Dan this evening, and as we talked, he passively encouraged me to go through the Dairy Queen drive-thru and get a couple blizzards. You know, if I was really craving one, he wanted me to know that he wouldn't be upset if I brought him home one, too. He wouldn't hold a grudge. Just thought he'd let me know. Uh huh.

As I pulled into the drive-thru (you actually thought I'd ignore that encouragement?), Luke recognized where we were. Now, before you think I'm a frequent flyer at DQ, just know that Luke remembers everything. It's true. I promise.


Luke: "Mom, you've had too many snacks today. You should not be here."

What?! Did I ask for his opinion? How can I get out of this? He's so right, but I want Dairy Queen!

Me: "You're right Luke. I'm going to eat much better tomorrow, and I'm going to the gym in the morning, too"

That oughta take care of my nosy cute little accountability partner.

Luke: "Uh, THAT is good!"


I LOVE that boy. Truly, there is never a dull moment with him. Earlier today, after he watched 'Hook' with Ellie, he told me that thinking of me is his "happy thought."  Okay, Luke, we'll call it even. :)

March 1, 2003

Happy anniversary to my best friend and my love! We've had our fair share of highs and lows, but it's been worth it, and I'm so glad he's mine. He is an encourager, a helper, a friend, a refuge, a comedian (don't shake your head, Dan!), a teacher, a strong arm, a lover of God, a great father and a faithful husband. I can't imagine life without him!

We got married at the tender ages of 20 and 21 (he totally robbed the cradle), with barely a dime in our pockets, but I wouldn't have had it any other way! Nine years and three children later, we're still very much in love!

Here's to 9+9+9+9+9+9+9 more years!

Things I Love...About the People I Love

One thing I love about Adalyn is:
-- how intently she stares at me when she is drinking her bottle. I'm sure a lot of babies do this, but I swear she and I have had some pretty deep conversations during her mealtimes. So deep, in fact, that they can't be put into words. :) And this is another reason I have yet to get her on a sippy cup.

One thing I love about Ellie is:
-- how affectionate she is. She can be a very independent little girl, but she also loves hugs, kisses, cuddling and being wrapped up in blankets together. She used to be a total mama's girl, but she is becoming very affectionate with her daddy, much to his delight!

One thing I love about Luke is:
-- his sensitivity to spiritual matters. He asks really good questions about God, heaven and prayer. Lately, he's been praying and thanking Jesus for dying on the cross, taking away his sins and washing him white as snow. I love it! Just this morning we talked about how he's been tranformed by the death of Jesus into a beautiful butterfly - a new creation! He loved that!

One thing I love about Dan is:
-- how encouraging and faithful he is (wait, is that two things?). As I struggle with things most moms do - a messy house, a tired body, screaming and needy children, a burned dinner - he is always an anchor in the storm. I feel like he knows how to encourage me in a Godly manner very well. He can let me know that the house looks just fine, without undermining the importance of "keeping house." Does that make sense? He's a good guy.

I am a very blessed woman!

You Might Be a Crunchy Mama If...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video! I just love and appreciate clean, pure food; food that hasn't been tainted by pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics. Food just how God made it. Dan and I have been dreaming, rather intensely lately, of moving into the country and having a large, organic garden. We'd also like to have some chickens ("Luke, go outside and get your morning egg!"). The thought of having blueberries, strawberries and grapes avaiable to us at our leisure sounds wonderful!

All that being said, I've always been honest about the fact that just as much as I like organic food, I also like the "crap." I love veggies...broccoli and asparagus especially. But I also really like blizzards from DQ (pretty sure those come from a metal box).

I shopped at Whole Foods last week and was giddy the entire time. I bought grass-fed beef ($ouch$), organic string cheese for the kids, and Snowville milk (promptly chugged a glass the next morning -- yum!). We bought some of their tasty organic fried chicken (that qualifies as "good crap"), mac n cheese and asparagus....best lunch I've had in a while.

All that to say, I'm back to thinking about working more. Recently, as I've thought about working more, it's been less out of a heavy burden, and more out of a genuine longing to feed our kids as best as we can. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Right now, I'm content to occasionally pick up an extra 4-8 hours every week or so. This is another reason why we feel that the country landscape is calling our names. We know that with some more land, we can provide many of these nutritious foods for our family for much less money than buying them at the store.

Anyway, back to the video. I had to share it because I think it's hilarious and also because I'm guilty of several of these things, too! Hope you enjoyed it! (Bob, Susie, John and Mary -- certainly you could relate to the strict regulations that she put on her babysitter? :)

Pampering Fun

My wonderful mom and dad gave me a gift certificate to H2O Nail Care for my last birthday, and I decided to save it for a time when I could take Ellie with me and have some special girly time together. Last week Ellie and I started to plan our time together and we both decided we would love for Ellie's grandmas to come with us, too. So today we all met up and Ellie had her first professional manicure! She was very shy and quiet at first, but eventually she started to loosen up and enjoy herself. She got sparkles and pretty little flowers on each of her thumb nails, which really suited her girly nature. :) Afterwards we headed to lunch at Mimi's Cafe where Ellie had a special dirt dessert (chocolate pudding, oreo pieces and gummy worms--definitely going to make that at home someday). We had a really nice time together, and we look forward to the time when Adalyn can join us, too!

waiting for her pampering to begin :)

what could she be thinking? maybe, "I could get used to this!" :)

holding very still!

what a nice, girly touch!

Mimi and Meemaw

mother and daughter