The Littles!

Well it's been a while since I've posted and the littles are not so little anymore. Josiah is saying many words, "no, no, no, no" primarily. He likes to say this word repeatedly when his siblings come around! He will also say, "what's this?" and "here it is," "Stitch," "more," "mom and dad,""baby," and lots more. Sometimes he will say a word repeating it but won't say it again on command. His vocabulary and communication have picked up quickly in the recent weeks. He's also started playing a lot with his siblings. He tries seriously hard to keep up! He's also a little comedian and loves to make us laugh. He roughed up his forehead about 3 weeks ago on the cement and it's taking forever to heal. Now every photograph of him has the proof that he fell outside :/.

Oh and he was Nemo for Halloween. Following in the footsteps of his big bro and sis. Yah for unisex costumes ;).

Elizabeth went to the doctor last month and weighs only two pounds more than her little brother. She is still tiny but growing on her 15 percentile growth chart. She is a monster that loves to beat up on Jojo, but it looks like he'll be bigger than her in no time ;). She also loves to learn. She is more involved with ABC's and 123's than Gabriel. She might be my good student! 

We've been going to the park a whole lot as the weather this Fall has been beautiful! Plus it helps get all the kids' energy out!

Gabriel is smart as ever, except for when it comes to his school work. I'm hoping to homeschool him next year, and praying that he gets in gear for learning. Otherwise I am not sure what we will do. Maybe move to a better school district?! He will listen to his teachers (Sunday School), just not me. So it's proven difficult to measure what he knows since he won't repeat anything back to me. His attention span is also about that of a gnat unless it's Curious George, Transformers, Iron Man, or other T.V. (Netflix) show. Hopefully he will have a desire to learn next year ;). He's an awesome big brother and always is gentle with Josiah (Liz not so much).  

I am busy as ever with work and raising these youngins but I wouldn't have it any other way! Until next time....

Little Bit About Life

I think a lot about what is important in life, and there is nothing more important than eternity. This is why I am more than excited that Gabriel is asking me "eternal" questions. It's important of course that Josh and I are able to provide for our kids physical needs, but it's of upmost importance that we can provide an answer for their spiritual questions. So when Gabriel asks me tough questions about God I need to know how to answer them. I'm happy that so far I've been able to answer them. I only pray that God will call him and he'll answer. You can have all the answers, but without the acceptance of a call there is nothing. Without fully relying on God and putting faith in His promises you have nothing. Nothing but an intellectual assent to Biblical truths. In Romans 10:9 Paul says, "If you confess with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." My prayer is that all of my children soften their hearts toward God. It brings me joy that Gabriel is already starting to show interest and has serious questions. Questions like, "did God create 'bad' people too?" "Why would He create bad people?" The answer being that God gave people freewill. Yes, He created all people, but not all people care about God. Not all people care to admit that God created them and therefor has authority over their lives. So although the Bible teaches that the law is written on our hearts (which explains moral law) some choose to ignore and suppress their conscience. The next question then was about Jesus. Why did Jesus die on a cross and who killed him. I explained that Jesus died on the cross in obedience to His Father. God had a plan, because He loved us, to provide a sacrifice for our sins. He wanted us to have eternal life in Heaven, so He provided a sacrifice to appease His wrath towards sinful people (a Holy God can not be in the presence of sin). A perfect sacrifice that would only need to be sacrificed once for the sins of all people. This was Jesus. A perfect and sinless man who died for the sins of all! Who actually executed this Jesus? Soldiers who had unbelief in their hearts. A few of the soldiers, however, changed their unbelief after the events of Jesus' death transpired. In Matthew 27:54 it says, "When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

I think for most people it takes visible proof to strengthen faith, and it took an earthquake for the soldiers in the account above. I choose to strengthen my faith by not only reading the Word but also studying the natural laws around me. I see a tree and I ask, "where did that come from?" I see animals, rivers, oceans, and people and ask, "where did they come from?" Evolution doesn't answer that for me! There are SO MANY holes there that I just can not accept. I watch dinosaur shows on t.v. and they tell me my ancestors evolved ear canals that humans now utilize. Um, last time I checked species didn't change into new species. I don't care how many millions of years you throw in there we don't have evidence for this. It also defies nature as we currently know it. Horse and donkey mate and you get a STERILE mule. This doesn't leave much room for population growth and survival. There are also SO many theories out there. We evolved from monkeys, rats, and according to the dinosaur shows dinosaurs. Some how each species evolved and I guess shared unique traits. Some how us highly evolved humans ended up with all the "good" traits. We are bipedal, have highly adapted eyes and ears, and wow we just got lucky I guess. We got to "steal" traits somehow from all different species. Gene swapping anyone?! Anyway, I won't go on and on about evolution. I'll just say that the Bible answers this for me. In Romans 1:20 the Bible says, "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." When I look around I see a human that has always been a human. It was never a rat! It was never a monkey! Sure there is a large variety of humans, animals, and plants, but they all have their own distinct genome. They may create different colors, feeding habits, and so much more, but they are still humans, animals, and plants. I believe these things were created and have had the same genome for thousands of years. Obviously this is faith, but believing that natural laws of today are somehow different than they were millions of years ago also takes a "wee" bit of faith. To believe in something "unseen" is faith. Since we can not see millions of years you cannot call me any less intelligent than you. You can not say that I am utilizing more faith for my belief when you are swallowing a whole lot of unsubstantiated theories. Theories that honestly don't even mesh with one another. One theory doesn't necessarily back up another. It's incredibly confusing! But perhaps you can swallow it because it is more difficult to admit that there is a God? Anyway, this explains strengthening faith in natural law and science. I hope to pass this down to the kids. The Bible also tells us to have an answer for the hope that is within us. Sometimes this answer requires some "physical" proof or logical explanation. I certainly don't expect my children to blindly believe in God simply because I do. This will not garner a strong faith. 

I sort of went on a tangent there in the previous paragraph, but I love science "stuff!" I could have gone on and on but I had to force myself to quit since that was not the intention of this post ;). Bringing it back to the true intent I am thrilled with the conversations about A. Sinful "bad" people, B. Freewill, and finally C. The need for a sacrifice/savior! I hope they keep on coming! I hope they ask me lots of questions about Jesus. I love talking about Him too!

An Open Letter to My Husband!

There is no way I could have known 15 years ago how much I would love you now. Then, when we were dating, life was fun, but I didn’t know how much I would love you in the years to follow. There were movie dates, trips to Boone, and fun days out with friends. There was my prom (because I was too young to go to yours), hockey games, and a brief time when we both had braces -haha-. There were love notes left on my car, and letters passed between classes. We thought we needed each other then, but we had no idea. We got married and life was beautiful. We started a home with a card table and some chairs, and then expanded into “real” furniture. We doted on each other and bought each other lots of everything–gadgets, clothes, etc.. Then we both wanted a little something more. He was born in October after a brief changing of the minds (neither one of us thought we wanted kids–or I convinced you that you didn’t want them either). Our lives changed for the better here. I remember you asking how many car seats would fit in the back of our car. I tell everybody because it’s pretty funny how our minds were changed with his birth. Well, we realized that questions with #3. The car seats “might” have fit had we bought smaller ones, but you decided to buy us a bigger -safer- car. So here we are with three beautiful children, and I now know what “needing” you really means. I realize what loving you really means!

Love is something that we do, it is an action. The Bible says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” We have truly learned these lessons over the years! You’ve truly shown me what it is to love and be loved. 

Love is patient and you have shown me patience more times than I can count. We both have had our share of having to be patient. Waiting out a super long engagement, every week for the weekend when I was in school, a time of serious trial, a very long labor (G babe), and now patience is a daily struggle with the kids. But I wanted to thank you especially for being patient with our children. When I want to explode at the end of the day you come home and take the kids outside to “work” in the garage. When I want to nap, you take them in the other room to play. When I need to photograph a wedding you keep them at home, or out and about for the day. I’ve also seen you be very kind to us in every way. When I’m done cooking dinner you are there to help clean up. When I’ve washed the clothes your there to help me fold them. But it’s not only your helpful nature, it’s your warm smile that I love. Everyone you know loves you. I always hear wonderful things from your co- workers about how funny you are, how you help, or how you are someone they can talk to. I’ve seen you do kind things for people who didn’t ask for help, and I’ve seen you nurture and love our children. I can’t tell you how my heart swells when I see you holding our babies. Not only in the hospital, although I can’t even write about that without tearing up, but every hug and kiss when you get home from work and every time before bed. Our kids eyes light up when you get home and I’m not ashamed to admit that mine do too.

Love does not envy or boast; it isn’t arrogant or rude. I don’t think you think of yourself before you think of us. We drive the nicer car, and we are well provided for. We fight on occasion, but you’ve not been rude to me. I’ve not seen an arrogant bone in your body, and when you boast it is about your family. When I go to your work your coworkers ask if “these are the people you talk so much about (referring to me and the kids).” You work out and I know that’s a little for you, but it’s also for me. Thank you for keeping in shape, eating healthy, and doing all you can to be healthy for your family. You set an awesome example for me and the kids, and you look really hot too ;).

Love isn’t irritable or resentful, nor does it rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with truth. I’ve seen you be grumpy and irritable through the years, but it isn’t ever for long, and you always apologize. I’m so thankful to have a husband who is willing to come to me and say, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t in a good mood.” This is also a wonderful lesson for our kids. Bad moods do and will happen, and that’s ok, but if you’ve hurt someone along the way it’s best to apologize. You lead by example and I couldn’t be more thankful. You also don’t hold grudges on me. I’ve hurt you on several occasions and you don’t rejoice in it or throw it back in my face. You are always quick to forgive.

Love bears all things. Wow we have been through a lot! Teenage fights, car accidents, a brief break up, 3 years of long distance dating, expanding our family, religious debates, life changes, family dramas, and lots of home owner issues (floods in our house mostly–ha), but we’ve continued to have a positive outlook on life. Thank you for leading me and being a strong hold for me. Thank you for waking up in the morning and reading your Bible. I’m not sure if you have noticed yet but I like to read what you’ve read when I wake up (usually after you because you’ve woken up early just to read). I like to see what you’ve underlined and find important. What is important to you is important to me. We can bear all things together through Christ and Him alone. I’m thankful for the hope He has given us in our marriage!

Love believes, hopes, and endures all things. There is so much I believe in with us. So much hope for the now and for the future with you! I hope our kids grow up to be just like you. I hope that they learn a lot from you! I hope that they see you wake up on Sunday morning and make us all breakfast. I hope that they see you forgive me, respect me, and love me all because Jesus first loved you. I hope they see the little notes you leave for me in the morning and the small gestures to let me know you care. It’s the little things like leaving a little coffee in the pot because you know I’ll have some after you, or putting my chocolate syrup in my purse before church because I’m cheap and I would rather add my own syrup to a latte (LOL). These things show that you know me well and you pay attention to me. I couldn’t be more thankful that you pay attention to me! I hope, most importantly, that our kids see gospel in you–in us. I hope that we can endure all things because Jesus endured so much on the cross for us. Neither one of us are perfect, but I hope we can endure all things with the hope of greater things to come.

I thought I loved you 15 years ago, but I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of the word. I thought I needed you then, but I did not need you like I need you now. You’ve helped me see the Biblical definition of love. I don’t really want to grow old, but I can see getting old with you ;). Right now I need you to help me with the kids, but later I’ll need you to lean on when we can’t walk straight. I’ll need you to love me until the day I die (because you’ve got the better genes). I want to need you forever. I love you “my love.”

Summer Time!

Before kids summer wasn't my favorite season, but with kids it's pretty great! I love taking them to the pool, playing with water guns outside, bubbles, and riding bikes. Then on a rare occasion they get to enjoy a cold Coke with their daddy (Father's Day to be exact): 

We also got new bikes for the kiddos, so we've been enjoying days at the park:

I was told at the park that I'm great with the kids and seem to handle three really well. It gave me confidence that if/when we decide to have a fourth --and probably last-- that he/she will fit right in. I never thought I would have kids, especially three, but I feel richly blessed by these little guys. If I'm good with them it's only by God's grace. I have to pray for patience, understanding, and a calm demeanor. It doesn't always come naturally! I've also learned that any negative behavioral issues displayed in public should be dealt with at home if I want them to change. I can't get upset with them in a public setting for things they are allowed to do at home. So the same rules at home are applied in public and vice versa. This way we are all on the same page as to what to expect when we go out. It certainly makes life easier! I don't know how I got off on that bunny trail, but thought it was a good tip for mom's who may be struggling with being in public with their kids.

Back to the kids-- Josiah is ALMOST walking! He's our latest blooming walker at 14 months. He'll take a few steps and then give up and high speed crawl. I'm assuming within the next few days/weeks he'll be full out walking, but we'll see. He's probably been held more than the other two. I guess with him I realized how quick the baby stages pass and I didn't push him through like the other two. Gabriel I pushed because he was the first and I wanted to know he was "normal," Elizabeth I pushed because I wanted her to be the same as her brother, but Josiah I wanted to be a baby for longer. Until my recent urge to have another I thought he could be the last, so I babied him. I held him a lot! He's also more laid back than the other two, so it could just be him and nothing I did at all. Either way he's a happy little guy and my first cuddle bug. He literally gives bear hugs around the neck that are to die for. When he's sleepy he gives great hugs! He'll also fall asleep on people unlike the other two wiggle worms. If there was one adjective to describe him it's "chill." He's also got the rhythm gene like his big sister. 

Elizabeth is a dancer. Turn on music and her and Jojo have a dance party. Gabriel likes to dance too but the rhythm gene must have skipped him ;). His form of dancing is pretty much jumping up and down like a wild person. Hopefully I'll get a video up here soon for ya. I think possibly my kids will start a band even if it's just for my personal entertainment- hehe. 

Gabriel will be starting school next year, so I'm starting to look at homeschool materials. He doesn't like to sit down and learn yet, so I'm hoping this changes in the next year. He's incredibly smart and puts serious concepts together, but he just doesn't like "school" stuff. I told him if he doesn't start school the police would come and put me in jail. Hopefully that will be motivation enough not to give me a difficult time after next summer--ha. If it isn't motivation enough we'll look at other options, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

So that's our summer so far, pool time, bicycles, dance parties, and a little school stuff.  Until next time! 

Crawling!

I now have two blogs (as if my life wasn't crazy enough)! You can follow my opinion posts here: http://girloutofthebox.com . I wanted to separate my "family" blog from my opinoins, so I created a separate blog. It's been wonderful to get my thoughts out, but I have neglected this blog. There is so much to say about the kids lately. As the months go by I realize more and more what a gift time is. The Bible says in James 4:14, "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." As a kid you don't really grasp this verse because the days go SO SLOOOOW. As a teen it's very much the same. You have A LOT of time in one day, but as an adult the days seem like hours did before. Months seem like weeks, years, well they just keep ticking by. Looking at life this way, and seeing as though my baby boy will be 10 months old in just 5 days, I have tried to schedule my life a little more. This way life doesn't seem as chaotic even though I use every minute. I've tried to compartmentalize work time/family time into different "time zones." I am tempted to work while the kids are awake, and I find myself doing this often, but then I remind myself that I should spend time with the kids. SO, the GOAL is to use their nap/sleep times for work (about 5 hours a day-two hour nap and I go to bed around midnight), their awake times for learning, coloring, playing, interacting, planning meals, cooking, and cleaning, and the time Josh gets home from work to exercise. This means my blog time is generally on a Sunday after church. It's a crazy life, no wonder it goes so quick! So quick that my baby boy was just born like yesterday -in my mind- and now he's crawling around the floor getting into everything! He was a late bloomer crawling, but he picked it up quick and he's moving out now ;). It's a whole new world exploring, putting things in his mouth, and having near death experiences swallowing little hair balls (haha/kidding here). I have taken to singing to the little guy, "Mr. Jo,uh Mr. Jo, uh Mr. Jo" and he bobs his head like a little bird, throws his hands in the air and clenches his hands open then shut. He's also got the biggest four teeth smile! Here is a short clip but not the "full affect" with the hands and all that. I haven't caught that on video yet ;) Oh and don't mind my "Stitch MOVE" comment, I get aggravated that my dogs are in every video I ever take.

 

My other son, Gabriel has had very thought provoking questions lately. I can't believe some of the concepts he's put together from things that he's learned. One example is stems from a sad story. My sister's beloved horse, Splash, was attacked by pit bulls and passed away. Gabriel was trying to understand WHY things die, so he asked me why God made splash and allowed him to die? In other words, why would God create a creature and then allow him to die. I started to explain to him death, how sin entered the world and with that death, and he very quickly tied this to the story of Adam and Eve. It just amazes me how he connects everything he knows into a coherent thought. I guess I just don't know many four year olds who would question why a creature died, and why God would allow it to happen. But thoughtful questions like this are the norm for him. They aren't simple questions anymore, they are questions stemming from a lot of thought. With this intelligence, however, comes the ability to lie. This is something we are struggling with at the current moment. He's very intelligent and can think of intelligent lies. My prayer in this area is that God gives me discernment to know truth from untruth. 

What about the little girl in our family you might ask? She probably has the funniest stories and is one of the most talked about. She's a spitfire to say the least! She LOVES attention and we've noticed likes to be on stage singing. I caught her one day although she wouldn't let me get the camera in her face:

Don't mind her wild hair, she hates it when I brush her hair so at home she walks around looking like a creature from the lagoon ;). She is a parrot of her brother. Everything he says, she says. My prayer here is that we can train her not to be so much of a follower, and to make her own decisions. Her copy cat behavior gets her in trouble often, and Gabriel uses this against her to get her into trouble. Thankfully I am able to catch this most of the time. She also loves dunking her head under water in the bath tub and can hold her breath for a good bit. She is certainly a wild chick and isn't fearful of much! Who knows what she will be when she grows up but I know she will be passionate in whatever it is. Her passion lately has come out in yelling and talking back to me, so this is the area we are working on now with Ms. Liz. She really needs love and attention and wants to be held often. This has been difficult for me with Josiah needing to be held until just recently, this month actually, when he is o.k. exploring. So a new door has been opened for Elizabeth and I to bond again. I'm happy to be able to pick her up more and love on her. I think this will be very important for her and I love giving her that attention she wants =).

So this is life lately, wild, crazy, and beautiful!