Stories for My Mommy Memory

The other day we went to fill up the van with gas and I just had the little kids. They know when you fill a vehicle up with gas you must have the engine off otherwise things could be really bad.  Well, Ross seemed nervous about the van being off and I assured him it was off and he relaxed then Carson said "well any way we'd go to heaven" (this has been discussed before by older kids). Then Ross said "That's true but then we'd be on the news and I don't want to be on the news." If you know Ross it makes it more funny. Ross does NOT like his mistakes to be known. So if we were all to die by mistakingly leaving the engine running and then the mistake was announced to the world that would be embarassing!


Last week Ross brought Jedidiah up from downstairs to show me what Jedidiah could do. I watched as Jedidiah handed a toy to Ross. I just sat there thinking o.k. . . . Ross piped up completely thrilled "He can share!" He also told me Jedidiah usually takes it back 5-10 seconds later but never the less he was as proud as punch that his brother had the ability to share that long. I just love it!!!

Last week I said how odd it would be to have Daddy, Gabriel, and Annalina out of the house and wondered how it would be. Gabriel piped up and said "You won't have time to think about it . . ." Does he understand my life or what! :-) Pretty funny! The kids and I had a great time and it took me back to when I only had little ones. Little kids are busy but simple in that they have no agenda or place to be. We played wiffle ball and had a grand time!

Just Tid Bits for my Memories

Just tid bits of memories for me to put down:

Ross and Carson: Can't remember if I already put this down but just in case I haven't . . . Ross and Carson were playing indians. I heard Carson say "I'm scared" then Ross "Indians are never scared . . . then get out of the tribe." Carson again "I'm a scared indian". HILARIOUS!!!

Carson: I had just finished reading a book to Carson and he said "Mommy, I like you." I think so far Carson is the kid that enjoys books read to him the most at this age.

Carson: I mentioned in his birthday blog entry he is maturing here is a for instance. It other day we was being naughty and crying about nothing big. Something we really work on with him. Anyway, all on his own he came to me and said "I'm sorry Mommy." I talked to him about praying and saying I'm sorry to Jesus and he asked me to pray with him and sit on his bed.

Carson: Can't remember the whole story here but I wrote down something cute Carson said. I believe they were putting things in water and seeing what happens. We have an aircraft carrier not made for water play but they put that in. Carson said "The aircraft carrier floated and I was perplex and I thought, WOW!

Carson: I short time ago I worked with Carson on writing his name. After he wrote it for the first time I encouraged him to go and show Gabriel and Annalina. As he was walking down the stairs I heard him holding the paper in both hands in front of him and saying "I did a GREAT job!"

Carson: Carson was playing army/soldier whatever with Ross and I heard him say in a firm army voice "Sir, I love you" to Ross. Pretty cute.

Carson: Carson was in a bad way one night and hurt his mouth. He was overly tired. He asked me to lay down with him awhile when he went down for bed that night. As we are laying there he says "it's (his mouth) is going to hurt in the morning, and at night, and spring and forever." Gabriel walked in as he was saying this and made some comment as to the drastic comment. Then things settled and he was quiet and just before laying down I had eaten some boiled eggs . . . all of a sudden I hear Carson say "Your breath smells violent." I thought that was pretty funny. It probably did smell a bit funky! He was trying to say Ross's favorite word for gross "vile."

Gabriel: He changed the order in which he did devotions and leisure reading because he read about needing to focus on God's words over men's words.

Gabriel: The older kids ask me questions about if you could do this or that what would you do. Like maybe where would you go in the world, etc. It is often hard for me to answer because my focus in life has really changed and I don't dream the same way I did when I was young. I have a different focus and that is my children.

One day one of my dreams came to me and I told Gabriel I remembered that I had really wanted to go to the Netherlands during the spring and see the tulips. I believe it was days later and he came to me and said that when Daddy and I are old he is going to send send us tickets in the mail to go see the tulips. What a sweet kiddo. Love him. I want him to come too because I know he would love it as much as me if not more.

Gabriel: We were somewhere where there was a fence and I had been there before and didn't think there was away around the wood fence. I was contemplating how to get under it as last time I was there I wasn't the size I am now. I was very aware of some one sitting in a car faced toward us in the parking lot and made a remark about people laughing. Gabriel said "I don't care if people laugh I just want you to be safe." That is my Gabers. Another way around was found by Ross. My protectors.

Gabriel: Gabriel and I went on a Mommy/Son date a few Saturdays back. The same evening Daddy took Annalina to a fancy steak dinner at The Famous in downtown Colorado Springs. Anyway, Gabriel and I went to a dive in Woodland Park for breakfast. When we got inside the restaraunt we went to a booth and does Gabriel sit across from me? NO, he sits right next to me on the same side. We had a great time and he was telling me he wished we could do that more. We'll have to try! I love my kids and I am thankful with all my flaws they love me. It warms my heart in a BIG way.

Carson Turned 4 Years Old!!

 Carson with his birthday cakes! Yes, cakeSS!

 Carson really likes his indian head dress from Grandma and Grandpa!!!

 My sweet Carson turned 4 on April 24th! WOW, times truly flies! Carson LOVES to be read to, loves hugs, loves guns, loves being a pirate or an indian! He recently wrote his name for the first time and was quite happy about that!!! He has matured so much in the last couple months. He used to hide and eat a snack, etc. and often asks permission now first!

He really enjoyed his birthday. His favorite is chocolate strawberry cake! For his birthday he got pirate stuff from his Uncle and Aunt and cousins, an indian head dress from Grandpa and Grandma J, money from Grandma and Grandpa L, stickers from Uncle B, a very special head dress his brother Ross made him, and Daddy made him a LEGO table (HE LOVES IT!). He had a great birthday to say the least!

Carson is growing up and is now in wrestling along with the big boys and loves it.

Funny Stories of Brotherhood

Story #1:
I was giving Carson and Jedidiah a bath the other day and I was pouring water over Carson's head to get him ready for shampoo. He does NOT like water over his head and he started panicking and I told him "Don't do that in front of Jedidiah. You show him how to do it."

Next was Jedidiah's turn and Carson says "You have to be brave Baby." Jedidiah does great at one point in this process he is smiling broadly.

I go back to Carson and put on the shampoo and start rinsing his hair and Carson is writhing and making gutteral noises but holding it together. When I got done rinsing his hair he look at Jedidiah who already tried to make the noise he made and Carson said "That is how it is done." I had to laugh! How cute is that!!! He is agonizing through it but trying to put on a brave front for his little brother and then tells him "That is how it is done." WAY TOO FUNNY!!!

Carson said to him later in the tub "I love you Baby!"

Story #2:
Carson was down stairs playing by himself and all of a sudden I heard a very loud crying. Annalina came to me and told me Carson was hurt pretty bad and he was! I was a bit shocked! He must have been running very fast because he said he ran into the edge of a door. He had a HUGE HUGE purple lump sticking out of his head. It was shocking. I tried to comfort him and mentioned maybe we should put some frozen vegetables on his head (a bag to bring down the swelling). Oh my, this threw him into a tizzy fit at the mention of it!!! Who knows why. Kids have different ways of viewing things! Anyway, he was so upset he went and shut himself into his room distraut at the very inhuman idea of Mommy's!!! Gabriel being the kid he is went to the door and talked him down and brought him one of those frozen flavored sticks out of the freezer. Suddenly everything was better and the world was again righted due to his brothers thoughtfulness. The funny thing is after he had calmed down he looked at Gabriel and said "Next time bring me a green one." What a pair. My parents and my Aunt B got a big kick out of this story.

Not a story of brotherhood but cute. Carson told me today that Annalina is a good buddy. They are good buddies. Carson and I had a great time today sitting on the rocking chair and at his request singing. We called Grandma and Grandpa and he sang the song that starts out . . . "Alas and did my Saviour bleed and did my Sovereign die . . . etc. Carson LOVES singing. He sang so well on his own and our way down to church this past Sunday. I love it.

Our Biggest News

I mentioned it briefly in the last post but in January I found out I was pregnant. I have been journaling my pregnancy in a post I have just kept unposted for now as I continue to add to it. It has been a typical pregnancy in that I have been really sick but the pregnancy became not so routine a few weeks back when I started bleeding and went to the ER to find out I was pregnant with twins!

They are adorable! I've been able to see them a number of times and they both have a very distinct personality. Baby A is a girl (mild mannered) and Baby B (CRAZY, show off and maybe a bit ornery) they think is a girl but not for positive yet. I was THRILLED to find out we were having another girl and I'll be thrilled no matter what Baby B is. My mommy intuition said A was a girl and B a boy before the ultrasound and one was right so we'll see how it all turns out!

Fatigue has been extreme this time around. Today I fell asleep on the floor while Ross was doing his math test next to me! I woke up to me making a snoring sound and Ross started laughing telling me he told me to Oink like a pig and I did. That is my Rossers!

Yesterday I read a break down of the Proverbs 31 woman in a book I just started Large Family Logistics and today I was exhausted and like you got to be kidding me!! Jedidiah has been really fussy. I think his top front teeth are getting ready to appear. A lot easier to deal with when you can just pick him up but I can't due to restrictions put on me by my doctor. Thankfully I have children willing and able but each time I ask the 4th grader it is another opportunity for her to lose focus for the next however many minutes. I think I spent over an hour today giving a first grader a spelling test, etc. Then a pink envelope came to my hands from my daughter and inside a thank you card.

Dear Mommy,
Your the Best! Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for you. 
Love,
Annalina

That's my Annalina. Last night she told me "No one could replace you." This from a girl whose Mommy is a bit emotional at times these days and was annoyed the other day over how she was licking an envelope! She was allowing the spit to stack up and then smear it on! Nice job on my part being patient, long suffering, gentle, kind, etc., huh?! Reminds me of that prayer where they tell God all the things they haven't done that day and then say and now I'm about ready to get out of bed! Ha, to funny! I'm human. My kids know I'm human and they know I know I'm human. I often think this is part of why we have good relationships. I'm sorry is something Mommy says too.

Thankfully I know the hormones will dye down. My energy level will come up and Lord willing I'll have 2 beautiful babies to love on. It's all good and it's all worth it!



OK, a funny story from yesterday. I called Gabriel upstairs for a special mid-morning snack someone gave to us. Gabriel came upstairs and looked upset about something. I asked him what was wrong? "I've been getting distracted." Gabriel usually does well staying focused. I said "How did you get distracted in your school room?" He really looked upset (no joking). "If only I weren't in a library." I started laughing and laughing. I said if your grandpa and Daddy were here they would sympathize with you! He had been pulling a book or books off the shelf to read during his school time and knew it was not the right use of time and was disgusted with himself. Pretty funny. As Babe said when I told him the story and he also thought it hilarious was that if it was Annalina it would be paper clips and erasers that would distract her. Another difference to though is she wouldn't let it bother her as much as it did Gabriel unfortunately! :-) They are all different so different.

Today I heard Carson say to Annalina "I love you". Annalina said "I love you to Carson". About 5 minutes later I heard Carson say to Annalina "I like to play with you Anna." Annalina said "I like to play with you to Carson." Annalina walked over to me and said "Carson and I have a special relationship." I already knew that and had just told my mom that a day or so ago! They don't cross each other much and adore each other. Annalina has come to me and said how much she gets a kick out of Carson. Homeschooling isn't always easy but it sure has it's rewards. She has at times given him an extra copy of her math homework page so he can do "math" too.

Carson got hurt yesterday and I offered to kiss his owiee. I wish I could remember what he said! It was ADORABLE but after I kissed him everything was better. Wonder how long my super mommy healing power will last.

Growing in Wisdom and in Stature

Haven't been posting much of recent which means so much I haven't gotten down for my memories.  I am just going to get some down in this post and have to catch up with other things later.


A couple weeks ago Gabriel came to me one night with a fear that was really eating at him. We had talked about the same problem before and tried to figure out ways of helping him. He prayed and prayed about it, think of other things, etc. Then that night I decided to approach it totally differently. God gave me that divine wisdom quickly that He so graciously sends to us parents in times of need. I encouraged Gabriel to just trust in God's sovereignty. Another words hand over his deepest fear to God knowing that His ways are best not knowing His choice. Gabriel said something to the effect of "I know this will sound bad but that is even more scary." I told Gabriel actually that is not surprising. It is in indeed scary. Of course, it shouldn't be but the fact of the matter is it is. Our finite minds don't comprehend His ways. I told Gabriel if he can start doing this at 10 it will help him a lot that he learned it early!!!  I didn't hear anything for weeks and sure enough he came to me last night and said that there was only a little bit left now and acknowledged that it had really helped. I told him he'll have remnants that will attack from time to time. I also said that God doesn't like to see him with the discomfort and is thinking if Gabriel could only understand His love for him. I told Gabriel just because you may reach peace with this situation he'll have to relearn trusting in God's sovereignty throughout his life but the fact that he started that kind of faith at a young age would strengthen him in the future. I told him I was proud of him. He looked shocked I would be proud of him in this situation. I said I'm proud of you because working on this takes character.

He could easily just give into his fears. I told him I could tell him gimmicks to use to help with his mind but trusting in God's sovereignty is the good solution.

He told me just recently he wanted to grow up to be like David of the Bible. We've talked about how God called him a "man after his own heart" despite his failures because of his sensitivity of having a right heart with God. I told Gabriel David had a lot of fear in his life. I encouraged Gabriel to read in the Psalms when he was having problems and he has found encouragement in that.

Let me add to my thoughts on this. I talked to someone that was in need of prayer and I said that I would be praying for them. The response was one I had never heard before said something to the effect of "God is going to . . . " They were confident in what God was going to do. The faith is commendable but the statement bothered me and I pondered why? I came to the conclusion it was being presumptive of God and His sovereignty. Even if God has called us to something can't He call us to failure all to work together His good in our lives? We should rest in God's sovereignty but not presume to know the workings of it.

I am not Presbyterian. I have read books by conservative Presbyterians and seen their mode of worship. I will say conservative Presbyterians have the most amazing attitude toward events both in their lives and in the world. I love their spiritual perspective and it is an attitude I have worked on of late in my own life.

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Gabriel told me the other day that at night when the boys were laying in their beds Carson said to him . . . "Gabriel I think you are a good person." Gabriel is the first born and can be a bit hard on himself so this statement obviously meant a lot to Gabers as it should.

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Carson came to me the other day and said "coughing, brushing teeth, sneezing (and I think one other thing) all at the same time was a nightmare." I just had to laugh. That is so cute. That would indeed be a nightmare!
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I told Carson this week that he was growing bigger and he said to me with a goofy face "and funnier."

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I was sitting at the dining room table teaching Ross his math lesson for the day and Annalina had come out of her school room to work at the table. She was listening to what I was teaching and said "That is the associative property of addition". Say what? I had no clue what she was talking about. What a smart little girl. I called Babe at work and told him. He said to tell Annalina he was proud of her. She was able to learn the concept and apply it! Good for her!!!! Math is not her first love nor her strong point but she is working at it and obviously learning.
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Carson (and Ross) is learning a short phrase for each book of the Bible that tells what that book is about. He and Ross have learned up to about Song of Solomon with Ross going a bit further. There is a picture associated with each book to help them but I know with time it will be totally committed to memory.
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"The joy you give me I can not say." Annalina to Mommy

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I have news about Rossers but I am going to wait for a future post.

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

 My older brother took these pictures of Carson when he was here at Christmas. I absolutely LOVE

them because they capture Carson so well. I started to feel emotional looking at them. How nice that

years from now I can look at these and they'll take me right back to him at 3 yrs. old. Carson at this point wants to be a paratrooper. Jumping out of an airplane with a gun and parachute is pretty attractive to him.

While Ross and I do school he is usually right in the room with us and playing and playing and playing. Every once in awhile he'll make a comment about what he hears us talking about. Like today he heard us going over spelling words and we were spelling it again and he told us the last letter as he played in the corner of the room. I have been working with Ross and Carson during Ross's school Bible time to memorize the O.T. books of the Bible. I LOVE it when we come to Ecclesiastes and he in his toddler vocabulary says "Ecclesinasties". TOOO Cute! The other day we went to Olive Garden to eat and he wanted me to taste his mac-n-cheese. I told him I couldn't because I had to eat gluten free. So cute, he picked up a grape and handed it to me and said "here is a gluten grape". He wanted to give something to mommy she could have maybe he even thought since he was giving me the grape it was "free". Anyway, he is a ruff and tumble sweetie and he loves to tell me he loves me and that I am "my mommy" and he is "my Carson". I'll miss it when there are not more toddlers in the house. I love their thought processing and hilarious conversations!!

I often tell Carson "You're so cute!" He often responds "No I'm not! Jedidiah is cute!"

What a sweetie.

He got this gun from his uncle and cousin. FAVORITE.

Another cuter than words picture!

Before the Memory Slips . . .

I have to get back to work but last night we had a great time with my brother, sister-in-law, and my nieces (more on that later) and today our friends with their kiddos are coming over! As I was working I remembered a prayer of Carsons and I wanted to get it down.

He prayed the other day and said "Thank you I get to be with Mommy and Daddy. Thank I get to play with Ross, etc." Man did that ever touch my heart. Carson is one of my rough around the edges kid with a sweet loving heart.

Better run. My sweet memory is down.

Three Year Old Words of Wisdom . . .

I was giving a spelling test this morning and Carson was sitting with me and listening and getting some cuddle time. I gave the word "sugar". Carson then said "Sugar is not good for your teeth it is only good for your tongue." Wow, that was pretty well said!!!!

Funny Boys and other Brag stories

Today Carson said to me "I have a phobia of spiders."-- What a kiddo.

Carson was calling me "Nightmare" the other day not out of meaness just he is silly. It was funny and I got a kick out of it. Being the mother of boys is never dull.


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Also today, I was in a room and I heard Carson say to Ross "Sir (when they are in imaginary worlds they speak military) anyway, "Sir, you are going to die if you do that." Ross replied "I am a dare devil." At this point I figured I better go and see what was going on . . . good thing I did. Ross was going to put himself down the stairs in a tall very narrow box. He has done this before in a taller box and shot down like a bullet but there was a BIG difference this time only his body up to his neck was in the box with his head sticking out!!! It would have been really bad to go down with the head thumping down behind and his hands stuck in the box since it was narrow.  And we only have one more chiropractic appt. from another thing Ross did and had to be "fixed". We don't need another round. Didn't think I'd ever say this but thankful Carson was cautious and had foresight to realize it was indeed a bad idea! WOW, that sounds weird . . . Carson CAUTIOUS and FORESIGHT not two words I would have put with him.

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Lots of Thankfulness for my Kiddos

I've known for awhile now that Annalina is not typical there's something different about her (I probably figured that out when she was in kindergarten) and if you spend much time around her you see it. 

I've had it spoken to me before about how unique Annalina is but recently I've gotten more comments confirming my thoughts. One lady down in town said "She is so different from other children! She is a joy!" (I knew this lady doesn't care for kids but I bring them near her anyway!:-) She needs to see that Jesus makes people different . . . not perfect but different. I brought the boys one time and she never said anything to me about them (I saw the disgust she had on her face as they came) but later she talked to Gabriel about how well behaved they were.) Then again recently someone told me "Annalina is unique and I mean that in the best sort of way. She is a joy to have around." Nobody is perfect but I know I am blessed with an unusual and sweet little girl that looks at her life as a blessing and loves who God made her.

Honestly, I believe ALL my kids are different. There are days I feel like pulling out my hair with frustration but they are sweet and loving and different. What is the difference? . . . I know it. . . it's Jesus and they love Him and take Him seriously.

I took all the kids into a Pottery Barn store in an upscale mall this past weekend while we waited for Daddy to meet us. One lady said "you guys are so well behaved! . . . You should be on a commercial about how to behave in a Pottery Barn store!" I was in there before with the kids and a lady started talking to us and commented to me what a sharp family we have and she asked where they went to school. One of them answered they were home schooled and she said "I knew it!" I was able share about Jesus with her little girl.

Just recently, I took them to the doctor's office with me. I took Carson and Jedidiah in with me. Carson wanted to be with me and watch me get my stitches out from one of my biopsies. He thought is was a little freaky but watched! Anyway, the other kids I left in the lobby. We were walking out the door when a lady stopped me and asked "Are these your children?" Well, "Yes". She said "Those are the best children in the world!" I agree with that assessment but I have to say it was a bit weird to have a stranger make a statement that emphatic! She was a sharp looking middle aged lady that obviously was watching them.

I took the kids shopping at Goodwill and Carson told me he wanted to show me something. He took me to a small Christmas basket and told me he wanted to get it for Annalina for Christmas. Annalina thought that was so sweet and I did too. Later in the day we were at Annalina's favorite store Claire's. Ross was asking her questions and following her around trying to figure out what she liked and what to get her for Christmas. He was determined and focused on his job and it was incredibly cute and sweet.

All God's gifts are not deserved but I really look at my husband and children and marvel at what I have been given. I goof up SO much yet have been given so much. God's grace is so evident in my life. My life is so full of wonderful! I am learning that which is NOT wonderful is for my teaching and I have plenty of that too, believe me. This fall I have had to face fears I've had since a child. I've always been extremely afraid of medical things and I've gone through a lot of that and have more to go. He is working on me and teaching me to rest in Him. Thankful He is so patient in His teaching of me.

Stories From My Day

This morning Ross and Carson got in a little spat about praying before they ate. Carson said to me that Ross said that "you [Carson] prayed to yourself". Carson annoyed said "I did NOT pray to myself I prayed to God!" Ross meant Carson had prayed on his own not actually to himself. It was pretty cute to see Carson's reaction.


This evening I was in the office looking up some baby gate info. for our very soon to crawl little one! I could hear Gabriel and Annalina talking as they were doing their jobs and they didn't know I was listening. I have some candles that are VERY old and are in the shape of carolers at Christmas. I have one from my childhood and I found another one in amazingly excellent condition at Salvation Army. The sight and smell takes me to my childhood. I was telling the kids about them and talked about the smell reminding me of my childhood. Anyway, they were discussing making me a Christmas card and how they could get the smell of the candle in the card since they knew that was important to me. They discussed rubbing it on the card but weren't sure. Annalina told Gabriel she didn't think it smelled nice. It was so sweet hearing them talk and try to figure out how to make something special for their Mommy.  Hearing all this meant A LOT to me. A LOT. What sweet kiddos I have.

 This afternoon Ross didn't want me to come in a room because he was making something for me. He came later to me and asked "What day is today?" I told him it was Thursday. He told me that he decided that every Thursday he was going to make me a craft. To sweet. He has started writing me the I Love Mommy notes which I just love. The other day we were doing school together and he told me that "the reason I can read so well at school [homeschooling group on Wednesday] is because you teach me here. That meant so much to me. Ross and reading have been a process. He and I have come a long way in the journey and that is so fun to see the progress in reading and the growth in our relationship. Again what sweet kiddos I have.

Carson is still coming to me and saying "My Mommy" and hugging me. He has done that for quite awhile. It will be sad when he moves out of that phase. It all started about a year ago when he and I were out shopping just the two of us and I said "You are my Carson" and after that I was HIS Mommy. I love that and love hearing that. Today Carson was crying at nap time that he wanted me to stay with him. That is NOT common. He does a great job going to sleep. I sang him some songs and he settled and went to sleep. Not sure what was concerning him about being alone but thankful that Mommy can make it better.

Jedidiah is SOOO close to crawling. Today Gabriel was working with him and encouraging him to give it a try. It could be any day now that he takes off. As always he brightens everyones day with his easy smile. He LOVES LOVES LOVES paper. He found a stack of Gabriel's math paperwork and got a hold of one of those to crinkle and chew and had to get it away from him. Annalina was talking to Jedidiah today and said the sweetest thing and I thought I have to blog that and of course now I can't remember! I hope it comes to me because it was absolutely TOOO sweet!

 I was thinking the other day how different Jedidiah's life is from the other kids. He has 5 people in the house that carry him around and care for him!! Way different than the older kids. Five people is a lot of attention and care!!! Carson can't carry him around (he did the other day and I put a stop to that) but he does pay attention and give care to Jedidiah. He sings and talks to him. Carson is our big time singer. He sings and sings Christian songs and I LOVE that. Annalina sings a lot too. She came to me tonight before bed and told me she didn't think she could make it if someone told her she couldn't never sing again.

Tis The Season

It's hunting season. A few weeks ago Babe and Gabriel were off somewhere in Colorado hunting antelope for some days. Gabriel is not old enough in Colorado to actually shoot big game. Twelve years old is the age to look forward to for big game hunting but Gabriel can tag along and hang out, have fun, and learn. They didn't get an antelope but came close just not close enough. They saw a fair amount of antelope but they were either the wrong gender for the tag they had or in the wrong hunting area. They did one time find what they needed for their tag and in the right zone but couldn't get close enough for a good shot. Nevertheless they had a GREAT time!!! They came back with stories of stars, bugs, antelope, and the game warden. I guess the stars in the middle of nowhere where just amazing. The game warden got to know them some and tried to help them out. He seemed to like Gabriel and it was good for Gabriel to learn about game wardens and what they do. They saw a truck of guys being chased down by the game warden!

Yesterday Babe, Gabriel, and Ross headed off to near the Nebraska border for deer hunting. Babe and I decided to let Rossers go and he was SOOOOO excited to be going with the big boys. It was fun to see how happy and excited he was. We'll see how he holds up to early mornings, etc. I've prayed they'll have a great time. Ross told Daddy that if he gets a deer that he will give him a penny. Cute.

Well, poor Carson had to stay home. He is used to at least Ross being home but with Ross gone I think it was a little harder. Even though Carson adores Annalina she is not one of the boys. Today he said a couple of times that he wanted to go hunting which he has never said before. When Annalina, Carson, and I were sitting at dinner he said "I am a big boy that has to stay home." Annalina and I got a kick out of him.

Annalina was excited for them to get a deer and liked spending time with just me but she still likes it when everyone is home. I told her that is a good attitude  . . . she's excited for them and thankful she and I can hang out, but will miss them. She and Carson had a great time doing "gymnastics" on the couch in the evening. Annalina and I stayed up and hung out which was fun. She and I have a few crafty things we would like to do during the coming days.

The big event of the evening was that I fed Jedidiah dinner and then he had a big spit up so I had to take off his clothes so I left him in his crib in his diapers to play around while I got some stuff done. When I came back he was on his belly with YUCKY stuff on the mattress under his mouth. I thought that was weird he seems to have thrown up but that is weird looking throw up. Since the mess was under his face that is what it looked like. It was under his nose and around his left eye (a Big chunk of it!). But he was so happy to have just thrown up. I went to pick him up and saw he had pooped out the back of his diapers and it ended up on the mattress and then he had flipped over and put his face in it!!! Carson was disgusted!!!! I got Jedidiah into the baby tub and got him cleaned up. Jedidiah loves baths now but wasn't so keen on them when he was really young. The kids and I sat around and watched him play for awhile and then Jedidiah peed while in the bath. What a baby! He sure was happy though!!

Cute Kid Stories

Ross and Carson were playing Indians yesterday and I don't know what Ross told Carson to do (Probably dealing with climbing on something)  but I heard Carson say "I'm scared". Ross replied "Indians are never scared." Carson, "I'm scared." Ross, "Then you are out of the tribe." Carson, "But I'm a scared Indian!" I told Babe this and later on in the day when Babe and I were together I asked Carson "Did you get kicked out of an Indian tribe today?" Carson, "Yes." Very matter of factly and a bit frustrated.

I may have already blogged about this but just in case I am going to type it out. While Carson and I were in the van recently he told me that some people tell you to follow your heart. So I asked him who are you supposed to follow and his reply "Jesus".

Ross and Carson

I was reading Ross and Carson their Bible story for Bible class and it was about Joseph and his brothers. We were to the part were Joseph invited his brothers to dine with him. Carson said "That is scary . . . they were scared." I listened then continued reading and one of the next sentences said that the brothers were scared. Carson said "See, I told you so!"

Today we were on our way home from piano lessons and Gabriel put the Sound of Music in. Julie Andrews is singing and I hear Ross say "She is a really good singer." Then I hear him say "I don't know who is better her or Auntie Theo?" Little later I hear "They are both really good!" He just couldn't pick because they were both so good. I thought it was GREAT that he held his Auntie in such high regard. I told my sister-in-law and she said she is going to have to give him his own copy of her music CD when she gets it done which will be really fun.

Royal Gorge

 Ross, Carson, and I got to go on the Royal Gorge Bridge this summer. I am getting around to blogging about it now! We had such fun! I can't say I'd pay the price to do it again but I am glad I did it with the boys because we really enjoyed it.

 The canyon below sometimes you could see people whitewater rafting which 

would be a cool thing to do in that canyon!!

 The boys loved stopping to look through the cracks in the bridge. I found this most unnerving for some reason!! I could look over the edge of the bridge fine but to look down under my feet through the cracks gave me the creeps. The boys found this humorous and so did other people on the bridge as they heard the boys say "look Mommy!" and I was obviously nervous

 but that was part of the fun of it. So the boys were brave and Mommy was a scaredy cat!:-)

"Send the Light" Like You've Never Heard It Before!

Yesterday Carson was with Annalina while she practiced her piano. Annalina asked me to listen to them both play "Send the Light". I thought it was sooooo cute!!! Annalina played her piano and Carson played the recorder. Watch Carson's fingers as he plays beautiful music with his Sissy. He LOVES his Sissy and for good reason.

Thoughts

As an "epic fire" (words on the news) burns in Waldo Canyon we have been on alert to if the fire comes west to us. We have our van packed and ready to go if the fire turns more west. How horrifying to watch as the wind went east and burned peoples homes down on live tv.  Brian is away out of country for a short time but we have talked and we both agreed that if our house was to burn to the ground we would be fine with that. We just want our family safe . But still you hurt for those that are losing so much. One of the kids was talking about if the fire burned down our house and I said it would be ok. God gives and Gods takes away and we could be thankful for the time we got to spend in it. I doubt the fire will come up this far but I know this fire has been aggressive and I have to stay alert.

I told the kids as they headed off to bed tonight to pray for the fire fighters. Little Carson was heading down the stairs and he said "I pray for the firefighters to be safe and me to be safe." I told him "that was a good prayer". I thought that was cute that Hey I might as well pray for my safety too! He has been so cute lately with his thankfulness in prayers . . . chocolate milk, chocolate bars. Today I asked him what he wanted to thank God for and he said "uncles".

Annalina said to me "God is showing his power over the earth . . . people need to get saved. I want to grow up and go to China." She expressed to me that maybe revival was coming. What a huge thought and passion for such a little girl. Annalina said a few days ago about the fire and evacuating that if she had to leave she would take her Bible, her Strawberry Shortcake blanket (from her Grandma J), and "you Mommy."

Babe flew into an airport on Sunday and on Monday people dressed as police came into the same airport and mowed people down with guns. Isn't it calming to know God is in control of our lives?! He guides and guards our steps! God is so good.

Today was a good day working with my kiddos. Gabriel, Annalina, and I worked at cleaning our refrigerator. Gabriel and I worked on laundry for a good while and later Annalina and I worked together on laundry. I enjoy working with the kids. Annalina took Carson underwing and let him watch her work and help some then took him downstairs and worked with him on cleaning the boys room without being asked.

I regret that I have not been blogging and recording my memories better lately. I have things about Ross I haven't blogged, cute things the kids have said, a wonderful anniversary night out with my hubby, the conversations the kids and I have had during devotions, and our hilarious yet not so hilarious trip through Walmart that will be etched in our minds for quite some time, God's watch care for me throughout this week through family and military and the lady that called me whom I've never met that offered me an abundance of care and kindness!

Carson's 3rd Birthday!--April 24th

 Carson had looked forward to this birthday for a LONG time and it was fun hearing his ideas of what he wanted for birthday food. We picked the hotdogs but he wanted strawberries and chocolate syrup on his cake! He told us this many times! He also wanted chocolate milk for his birthday dinner.

 Legos!!!!!! What better thing besides some type of toy weapon, of course!

 Uhh, Safeway messed up our smaller cake order and so I decorated half this cake for his birthday with strawberries and chocolate syrup just as requested. The moment to remember of this birthday was Carson and I sitting at the table. His birthday cake was already on the table and everyone in the room is busy doing things and Carson says to me with all the noise of busy people in the background . . . he sweetly said "You sing Happy Birthday to me, Mommy?" It melted my heart and my parents who heard it too.

 Big Brother has to assemble the Lego fire engine!

 Planting a rose bush with Grandpa J and Daddy.

Grandpa had to take pictures of Carson and the strawberries he made sure we 

knew he wanted

on his birthday cake! Thought I'd get a picture too.

More Carson Cuteness

The other night Carson was saying goodnight to Jedidiah and was saying "Good night Jedidiah see you in the morning!" Then he said "Good night, see you when the cows come home!"

Also, the other night Carson asked if he could have some of his birthday cake so I told him he could have a "small piece" and I sent Gabriel off to cut it for him. Gabriel came to me and said when they were sitting at the table Carson said to him "I eat my small birthday cake with my friends" and he pointed to Gabriel. Gabriel thought that was great!

Cute Stories For My Memory Bank

Today I was reading Carson a book about Jesus and I asked him, "Does Jesus love Carson?" He replied saying "Jesus loves me this I know." I thought that was so cute!!!!

I left my mom yesterday for a short period of time with Jedidiah so I could run quickly to the store. While I was gone he pooped and my mom said out loud she hoped she was able to change him. She said this because she had polio as a child and her right arm is paralyzed and as she gets older her strength is less. Anyway, Ross heard her and said "You can change diapers! You had 3 kids!!" He was not sure why Grandma was so unsure of herself. My mom told me as she changed him Gabriel and Ross were standing by telling her how to be careful (due to his circumsion) and coaching her through the diaper change. TOOOO funny.

Carson said the other day about Jedidiah. "I love him, I don't want him to cry." Today Jedidiah was fussing and Carson said "He has gas" and within a minute he had a big burp.