The Little Things

"We are lifted above our circumstances when we look into the face of Jesus."  --Gigi Graham Tchividjian

The other day, Joel ran up to me all excited and said, "Guess who I am?!"  I looked at him and saw that he was holding something around his waist...but nothing else looked out of the ordinary.  I said, "Wow hunny, I'm really not sure what or who you are?"  His reply, "I'm Jesus!"  Upon closer inspection, I could see he was holding a string around his waist, like Jesus' robe has.  Isn't it funny how little a kid really needs to pretend...and maybe it actually helps them use their imagination more in the long run too!  He also lays back in the bathtub water and says he's a sea diver and puts anything over his eyes and claims he's a superhero like Bibleman or Batman.  I still think he will be so exctied to have the Bibleman cape and mask from G & G though! 

This morning, Joel told me he was "laying in a manger" (see above pic of him in the block bin).  And he has had alot of interest in cross shapes over the last year and in the last month he has started laying over Elianna, telling me he made a cross.  I finally took a picture this morning while he was caught in the act!  He seems to be getting a simple understanding of the Gospel, which is an awesome thing.  When I asked him "How do you get to heaven?"  He said, "Jesus.  He will reach down with His hands!"  He also told me that he thinks about how he loves Jesus when he's in his closet playing with toys (prayer closet lol). 

Elianna's been getting into the pretending thing too, more and more each day.  Her new dolly stroller has got her putting action figures (much to Joel's dislike!), stuffed animals, and occassionally even a doll (gasp) into play.  Today she got out a diaper of hers and wanted to put it on her doll...so cute!  And pretty funny since the diaper spanned the whole body of the doll!  She loves the pretend kitchen stuff too.  

Seeing my kids grow and getting to be a part of their lives as a stay-at-home mom is such a gift.  I feel blessed that these little moments of laughter and sweetness come my way daily; and that I get to share these moments with you!  Enjoy the priceless things this Christmas season...the things that bring lasting joy and inner peace. 

Early Christmas

Today we had an early Christmas with John's parents.  We got the tree up and decorated.  Drank a little egg nog.  The kids got to open gifts early too!  They really enjoyed playing with their new gifts (art easel and supplies and baby stroller/pram/carrier).  Joel got a craving for chocolate chip cookies after lunch and wanted to make some with Grandma Kathy...he's well on his way to being a great baker!

Thanksgiving 2009

Aquarium Adventures

Its really been a joy having my parents out here for Thanksgiving. We have spent alot of time together with some great memories made. Today's adventures took us down to the Seattle Aquarium; it was fun for all ages.  It was very memorable watching Mom and Dad each take the little ones and point out some new and exciting sight found there. We saw otters, seals, and of course, fish.  The highlight was the brilliant red octopus.  I was so happy to capture that moment in one of the photos.  Joel pretended to ride on a whale and Elianna loved to try to poke at the fish.  She reached right on in when we were told we could touch the starfish and sea urchins.  It brought smiles to all of our faces. --John

What We've Been Reading Lately

Joel (and Elianna) wants to send out a big THANKS to his Great Aunt Jeanette & Kent for the Highlights High Five magazine gift (smiles).  We've been putting some of the "Build It" section into play lately, as you can see with our little maze!  Elianna was amazed with it and promptly became a steamroller and destroyed it before Joel could send his little man through the maze for a second time.  Now that Joel's been reading it for a year, he's starting to get more familiar with the characters and likes the "my first hidden pictures" a lot. 

This past couple of weeks we also enjoyed reading "How To Dig A Hole To The Other Side of the World", "The Berenstain Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature", "The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit", and finished the New Testament of the "Family Time Bible".  These are all part of the Sonlight preschool curriculum.  Elianna is getting a little better at sitting and listening to stories; but still not half as interested as Joel is!   She likes the ladybug and dog books the best these days...actually anything that is short and sweet is best for her.  We've noticed her hugging books and calling them "bible" lately...I think the nursery curriculum is really instilling a love for the Word of God in her!!!

We haven't been working much on learning to read yet, but I've started reading a book called "The 3 R's" by Ruth Beechick that's supposed to give me understanding on the steps I need to guide the kids through in order for them to learn to read.   I finally finished reading "Grace Based Parenting" a couple weeks ago...a life transforming book for me and many other moms that were reading it in Beth's Blue Castle Reading group on facebook.  I only wish there would have been more discussion!  But I always enjoy hearing what Beth has to say...she is wise beyond her years.  It's one of those "if you only had time to read one parenting book, you need only read this one" type.  Dr. Tim Kimmel has so much parenting wisdom.  Also on the "mom front", we just started up a playgroup that is going to read a devotional book called "Ordinary Mom, Extrodinary God" and share thoughts while 6+ toddlers play together lol!  The Couple's Cell group we go to has been reading and discussing a chapter from the Bible each week, over the last few months.  John (and sometimes I join him) has been enjoying the informative and thought provoking "Chasing the Wild Goose" book by Mark Batterson.  What an amazing pastor and author!  I also enjoy his daily blogging (0:  

Well there you have it...a snippet of what we have considered good reads lately.  What a joy and privilege to be able to have access to so many books to change our lives for the better.  Thank you God for books!!!