A Super Duper Pooper

Well, we did it. We finally finished potty training, and now we're just in the "maintaining" stage. Luke has decided that pooping in the potty is much better than in his diaper at nap time. As a matter of fact, he doesn't like diapers at all and walks around like a bow-legged cowboy when he has a wet or dirty diaper. We still have to wear diapers at night and during naps, but we can totally live with that.

To explain the title, I have decided to bless you with the following video. I can't decide what part I like best, the dad's glasses or the ridiculousness of the song. And I would be lying if I said I've never sung this to Luke...Or Eli...or Kris.

A New Occupation

Apparently, I missed my calling. I have a skill that I was completely unaware of. I have a knack for thievery. Surprising, I know. Since going from one child to two, I have stolen:

1) Two deli drinks from Publix,
2) A pack of peanut butter M&M's from Walgreens
and
3) A paint brush from Lowe's.

All three boys were with me at the time of the deli drink theft. We got to the checkout counter and two of the boys melted (No, Kris wasn't one of the ones crying, although I'm sure he, like I, felt like it.) I took Eli out to the car, along with the unpaid for drinks.

Sadly, I can't blame the M&M theft on having screaming children with me. I picked up a bag on the way back to the pharmacy to peacefully (aka "without children") eat my snack and read my book. By the time my prescription was ready, I had finished the M&M's and stuck the empty bag in my purse, thereby forgetting that I had ever picked them up in the first place.

The paint brush theft happened the day I lost my mind and thought I could take both children to Lowe's to pick out a paint color. So many things wrong with that. First, picking out paint colors is a completely painful experience for me. I'm believed by my mother and sister to be slightly color blind. Second, I skipped Eli's morning nap to run this errand, thereby begging for torture just by being in public with a sleep deprived fifteen month old.

So, there you have it. Who needs a college degree when you have sticky fingers like mine?

P.S. In regards to all of the above stolen merchandise, I have returned to the aforementioned stores to confess my sins and pay for the items.

A Psalm

"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6

Defiant trust. Peace.
Choosing joy. A renewed song.
Gratitude expressed. Love recognized.

Every Good Purpose

I read this scripture today and thought it was encouraging:

"We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2 Thess. 1:11

So often I give something a try and either A)feel like it was a complete flop or B)get no feedback, good or bad, and worry that it was a waste, that I offended someone and now they're secretly holding a grudge, that I did it wrong and no one wants to bother to tell me, the list goes on. Ridiculous, I know, but who of us doesn't deal with those petty insecurities that so often practically paralyze us?

When I read this scripture, I felt like it was an encouragement that when we act out of a will that is honestly seeking to obey the heart of God, HE will be responsible for the outcome. I've heard people speak on the necessity of being willing to make mistakes for God to be able to completely show Himself through our lives. I love knowing that He will be the one who fulfills "every good purpose (intention)" of mine and He will make my act of obedience worth something.

Making Good on Kate's Promise

I know I'm a little past due here, but Kate did promise you some pictures of Rae's trip to visit us last week. Mom came with Rae, but sadly, I didn't get any pictures of her. I really didn't get many pictures at all, but we had a two year old and two one year olds. We didn't have much time for things like pictures.

A new splash pad was opened at a park about five minutes from the house, and we went there twice with Mom and Rae. It was lots of fun. Rae and Luke were a little nervous day one but totally brave the second day.

Mama and I took Rae shopping with us for THREE hours. She was amazing. Seriously, I think I had to tell her to sit down in the cart twice. That was the extent of "dealing" with her that we had to do. A child that you can take shopping for more than five minutes. Where can I get me one of those?

Love, love, love the pigtails!! Rae got her first (?) experience with play dough. She only licked it a couple of times, but I don't think she actually ate any. She really liked it, Kate. I definitely think you should introduce it to your home.

Rae and Luke really love each other.



We're ready for another visit!!

I know it's been a little while, but I've had projects that I've been working on. I did want to post a few pictures, though. The first two are of Luke at about a year old.

We had to find a new home for the puffs after this.



The second two are of Eli today. My favorite part is the Cheerio stuck to his chin.



What can I say? My boys know how to find food!