It's Time, But I Don't Have To Like It

Does anybody else feel like the beginning part of potty training is just picking a fight with a pre-schooler?

If Alicia Silverstone Can Do It, Why Not Me?

Thank God for celebrities who love to post about their strange habits on the Internet.  They give us the liberty to do the same.

This is a note to self to not attempt making or accomplishing anything while in a hurry, including Rice Krispie Treats.  I was trying to pack up and get out the door for the weekend and dumped the mix onto my shirt and the floor rather than into the waiting dish.  Thankfully, the boys were around to help clean up.  They were like hungry vultures on a dead carcase.  And I let them.

My favorite parts were when Judah actually starting licking my shirt and when Eli yelled, "Hey, Luke! Come on! Let's eat!"

Eli's Graduation

Eli had his pre-school graduation yesterday.  He is not my most picture lovin' child, so I do the best I can.

Eli says when he grows up he wants to be a pilot.

 I wasn't sitting in a great spot for pictures, but I did get one of him looking at the camera.  That's what happens when you come flying in on two wheels at the very last second and you have to sit wherever there's a spot left.  One of these days I will learn to manage my time better.

 The best out of ten tries.

 Luke loves a good photo opportunity.  He wanted to come to the graduation, and Eli really wanted him there. 

Ms. Mandy, Luke's teacher from last year and Eli's teacher this year.

Ms. Kerri, Eli's teacher's assistant. The best photo of the day!

Eli, we are proud of you.  You have grown up so much in the past year.  We can't believe you're ready for kindergarten!

Relaxin' In the Bathtub

I don't know why this made me smile so big.  Maybe it's because I love to read so much.  Maybe it's because Luke looks so much like a little man.  Maybe it's just because he was so content.  Whatever the reason, I love this child and his love of knowledge.  

New Life

Last Monday afternoon Luke came into the room where I was and said, "Mama, let's talk."  I said, "Okay, let's go to my bed."  So, we spent about twenty minutes in my bed with me asking him questions about school, friends, life.  Every time I would stop asking questions he would say, "What next?"  Umm...what would you like to talk about? I knew he had something on his mind, but I obviously wasn't hitting on it.

A little while later he came in the kitchen to slip me this note:

It was right in the middle of the crazy part of the day, so I told him after we got Judah in the bed we could sit down with Daddy and talk about it.

That night, after talking, asking questions and praying together, Luke accepted Jesus.  It was sweet and precious and sincere.

Luke, being decisive and determined as he is, meant that he was ready to be baptized and that it was going to happen right away.  He made a list of who he wanted there and set the date for Saturday.  There was no discussion about postponing to give people time to make arrangements.  He wanted them there that coming Saturday and that was all that mattered to him.  We called the people on his list (oddly enough, it was all present and former school and Sunday school teachers and family members), and almost every one of them said they wouldn't miss it for the world.

We gathered Saturday morning around nine.  We started off by playing in the sand and enjoying each other's company.

Cousins!

Kris' parents and sister.

Luke's Sunday school teachers from last year, Ms. Lori and Ms. Judy.  These are two women who adore my boys, and I love them for it!

Kris did a great job with a pre-baptismal speech.

The symbolism of the moment in this photo still makes my eyes fill with tears: Luke following in his daddy's footsteps on his way to follow in his Daddy's footsteps.

Those more appropriately dressed for the moment went further out to watch closely.

Buried with Jesus in baptism...

We are raised to walk in newness of life!

Thank you, Jesus, for washing away ALL our sins!

A congratulatory handshake from his cousin, David.

And what more appropriate way to celebrate Luke's decision to walk with Jesus than with donuts?

I think Judah took a bite out of at least five different donuts.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."  2 Corinthians 5:17

Bedtime Blues

I need some Mama (or Daddy) wisdom.  Bedtime has become a nightmare.  Judah gets out of his bed almost before we can even shut his door six, seven, eight or more times at every nap and every night.  We have consistently done the bedtime routine, consistently put him back, consistently spanked, consistently done everything we can think of short of Benadryl, and I am OVER. IT!

So, lay it on me.  What suggestions do you have?

Sports Illustrated, Judah Edition