Thank Heaven for little boys

So, this is out of order chronologically with the events of our family life, this past week.  However, I couldn't help but blog about it, especially so I don't forget such an awesome moment. 
On Saturday morning, out of the blue, David tells me that he talked to Jesus today. I, of course, asked him again because I thought I had heard wrong but he explained that he indeed had talked to Jesus that morning.  When I asked him what he talked to Him about, he said he thought he had seen monsters and he started talking to Jesus.  Jesus told him that he shouldn't be afraid, and that He would be his friend, 'all day long'.  This fabulous moment opened the door for more discussion and encouragement to call on Jesus for all things. He has been questioning baptism a lot lately.  I guess because he comes into church with us occasionally and has witnessed believers baptism a few times. I definitely don't feel equipped to make him understand the whole process but just to be able to have discussions with him about it is very neat and I know in time his understanding with increase naturally.

 It overwhelms me that God trusts me enough to be responsible for teaching and guiding this little 4 year old. What is so cool about it though, is as we say the prayers with him and recite scripture, God does all of the rest.  There is security knowing that ultimately David's salvation is not up to me or Brian but we are to lead him under the direction of Yahweh and trust that the seeds we plant will be sown into a foundation of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 

Fall Fun

One of our new traditions in October  is going to the Coon Hollow corn maze.  Apparently this is the second year and it has grown tremendously with new activities and amenities, since last year.  The concept is so simple and given the resources, this family has taken their many acres and grown some corn and added a few little buildings for food and selling jams and pumpkins and 'Viola!', you have a fun family activity for fall.  The kids usually spend some time climbing on the stack of hay bales and take a ride in the barrels.  But, their favorite thing to do is run through the corn maze with their daddy.  He makes it much more exciting than I do and this year I had Reagan and a nauseous belly so we sat out.  Overall, it was a really enjoyable day and it always gets me in the mood for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Typically, I feel pressured as Halloween creeps up on me.  For some reason I have to work hard to come up with costume ideas and I make it more of big deal than it deserves.  Neither David or Daniel would dress up last year and of course Reagan can't put up a fight.  But, this year I was determined to go all out and head to our big church event, Trunk or Treat.  After a few discussions and persuasion, David decided to be Buzz Lightyear and Daniel would be Bob the Builder.  Thankfully, the consignment store came to my rescue and Reagan was a lion.  So, off to church we go.......Sunday afternoon, after waking up from naps and a long day all ready.......David was a good sport, motivated by candy ( he was convinced that he wouldn't get any, unless he was dressed up). Daniel, on the other hand had a melt down from the moment he woke up and refused to wear his outfit. (he still got candy ;)  Reagan was very happy about his ferocious get-up but he went through with it and was cute as can be.  The evening was fun, energy (sugar)packed and probably not worth the late night but in this world of childhood memories, it had to be done.  A special  thank you to my sweet, patient husband who helped the effort every step of the way.  muuaaah!!

More progress day by day

This past week, Reagan turned 11months old.  This is significant to me, because he is not one yet and can still feel like my baby.  Since my last post of him at 9 months, he's decided to crawl for real.  Now, no more worm action. He moves fast too, I am afraid he's going to get a rug burn scooting from one side of the living room to the next.  He's pulling up on things and standing, especially in his crib.  He acts like he's the coolest kid around because he can stand up- it's so sweet too because usually he's blabbering or saying momma until I dont' answer, then he starts calling dada.  For some reason, I am not too excited about his first birthday.  I know it'll be exciting, because it's supposed to be, but it is so huge- he'll be one, never to be a baby again.  I was craddling him in my arms yesterday and realized, he was almost too big for that already.  What an incredible journey the first year is. There are so many changes and accomplishments and yet each year will unfold like that, as long as we have them.  His blue eyes still amaze me and his toothy grin can light up the world.  Changing his diaper, however, takes 4-point restraints.  He tries to roll over and won't allow you to put his diaper on or snap his britches, I am usually out of breath once I finish with him. It's ridiculous but he thinks it's hysterical. He is already into the boys trucks and gets in their way, but David and Daniel are so kind to him and actually play with him to help me out when I am making dinner. He is eating some solids now, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, nilla wafers and puffs.  It freaks Brian out because he likes to put the whole wafer in his mouth and suck on it.  His birthday is right around the corner and the expectations are high, that he'll be walking.  I know this isn't fair, but it seems right because the other boys were walking at 10.5 months.  We'll see.  I'll try not to be too disappointed but I plan to practice with him until then.  
Speaking of the other boys, David has started pre-K officially and going everyday to school.  Some days are only mornings and I pick him up for lunch but the other days he stays like usual until I wake up from post-call. He seems to be more comfortable in his shell and making friends. His "best friend' right now is Elijah. I thought this was really cool until I realized that Elijah is always saying "holy crap" and I thought 'well that doesn't seem like something you'd here from Elijah'.  So, we're working on that.  It is a difficult process teaching David and Daniel how to stand apart from others, at such a young age.  I give David credit for trying though.  We talk about praying for the kids at school, if they aren't nice or say bad words and they both are learning to walk away from confrontation.  It really tugs on my heart though when I realize that someone has hurt their feelings or David said to me the other day, in response to me saying, 'you should pray for him'.  He said "well, he doesn't pray for me'. And I thought, what a difficult concept to grasp at 4 years old but he is getting it more than I realize and I know the wheels are turning, with the seed that we are planting, and thankfully God will do the rest.
Daniel's been going in the mornings with David. They didn't want to be separated. They are in different "curriculum" classes but for play time, the 3's and 4's are combined, so they get to be together and they both really seem to like that. A few days after his 3rd birthday, he decided to go to bed without his pacifier. I almost wanted to find it for him, but I caught myself and he's made it without it ever since.  His maturity level is definitely not up to David's and he's into throwing temper tantrums lately, so he's getting more spankings than David. Yes, we're one of those "types of families" but these boys, it's necessary and effective.
The mornings are nice to have with only Reagan and know the kids are learning.  God seems to be taking care of things at their school.  I've been happy with the new teachers and director and have seen more church member involvement, which is encouraging.  I feel a little guilty taking them to "school" each morning, but they seem to like it and it is helpful.  I think if I didn't work, I'd really guilty but those few hours in the morning are about the only moments to myself and I am trying to make the most of them.  I actually was able to read my Bible three days in a row last week.

So, life is moving along.....fast.  But it is so sweet these boys make it worth it.