Everything Under the Son

Tonight after church, Natalie was talking about Bible Class. She LOVES to go, and always retains so much of the information...she's like a sponge. Anyway, Nathaniel was talking to her about what they did in class. She was explaining that they were talking about John the Baptist and how he ate locust and honey. The teachers had brought bee-shaped crackers and the children were able to dip them in honey for a snack. Natalie's hands were, of course, sticky from the yummy honey she had eaten. Nathaniel asked her what she thought John the Baptist did when his hands were sticky...and the little stinker said, "He probably washed them off in the Jordan River!"



I thought that was so smart, and hilarious! How could we not have known?



***********************************************************



On another note, there have been three baptisms this week within our church family! I tear up every time! I cannot think of a happier moment that to see someone accept Jesus and vow their life to Him! I am reminded to be in constant prayer for my children and their walk with the Lord. I cannot wait until the day I can witness their baptism, and rejoice with them in their new life! God is so good!



***********************************************************



And one more thing. My sweet "baby" turns four this weekend! The time has gone by so quickly. She is such a blessing, truly a gift from God. There was a time when we were unsure if we would ever be able to have children, but God has blessed us richly. Thank you God, for Natalie and all of the joy she has brought to our lives. Thank you for the smiles, and hugs, and tears, and life lessons we have learned from her. Help us to show her You every day, Lord!

Have you ever worn the cutest shoes, only to find that after standing for a time, you think your toes are about to fall off?



I have.



Have you ever wondered why it seems to take two or three changes before you can settle on something to wear to church on Sunday?



I have.



Have you ever had a "fat day"? Felt like "the fat friend"?



I have.



Have you ever awakened with a song on your mind, and discovered it wouldn't go away ALL DAY? It just kept running around in your head, and you even found yourself humming it...ALL DAY!



I have.



Have you ever felt so much love for your kids that it hurt?



I have.



Have you ever sat at the end of the day, and thought to yourself, "Wow, God, You are SOOO good!"?



I have.




...and yesterday, today, and tomorrow, God, You are so good!

Tonight we went out to dinner! A big treat! We happened to choose a place with a fountain, which Natalie loved. After we had finished eating, this was the conversation between she and Nathaniel:



Natalie: Daddy, can I throw some money in the fountain?



Daddy: Why?



Natalie: That is what the water is there for, Daddy. It is for throwing money in, terhaps! (perhaps)



Daddy: Oh.



What three-year-old says 'perhaps' and actually uses it in the right context? Hilarious!



On another note...Levi is exactly one month from his first birthday! An 11 month-old, walking bundle of fun! Whew! Where has the time gone?

Me: Natalie, would you like some ice cream?



Natalie: Yeah...that would be great Mommy! I want it like a camel. A camel in a bowl!



Me: A camel in a bowl? What does that mean?



Natalie: You know Mommy, a camel. Two humps!




Pretty amazing that even a simple bowl of ice cream can lead that girl to some seriously funny creativity!

Well, we are finally on the upswing. I'm sure you are wondering what the downswing was since I have been out of this little bloggy-loop for a while now. Levi has had the rota-virus (sp?) twice in the last 3 1/2 weeks! Can I just hear a big "YUK!" After switching to soy formula, and filling him full of his new favorite beverage, Pedialyte, he has been without symptoms since last Thursday, and for that we are VERY grateful! He has also starting walking...YEAH! So cute toddling around, and his top two teeth are beginning to make their way in...and all of this excitement began the week of Dittos for Kiddos, when mommy was working lots of hours, and daddy and MawMaw were left in charge of the craziness! A BIG thanks to daddy and MawMaw for stepping up to the task...I know it wasn't always smelling like roses :)




Natalie continues to be her smart and funny self. The other night we were out to dinner with my parents and their friend, Mrs Pam, and she and Natalie were enjoying a game of tic-tac-toe. Natalie proceeded to leave her X right in the middle of Mrs Pam's O in order to win. That's cheating! We told her that it was important to play by the rules to win fairly, and she said to us, "But I just love winning so very much!" Yes, she is her mother's daughter. I admit it was a HARD lesson for me to learn to lose when I was growing up...and to hear Nathaniel tell it, I am still not a graceful loser!




Natalie has also fallen in love with the game Rock-Paper-Scissors. We play it alot while we are waiting for things...in line at the grocery store, at the doctor's office, etc. She loves it and knows all of the strategy. Pretty amazing for a three year old. That said, she is reminding me frequently that she will soon be 4! Can you believe it...my BABY is turning four! And if Natalie is turning four, that means that only a couple of weeks later, Levi will be turning 1! Already walking, babbling, and growing teeth! It is all going too fast!




There are so many stories to tell...funny things to laugh at...memories, but for now, I will sign off. I have to go snuggle my babies before they are all grown up!