I will miss you...

While having quiet time I told Noah that I was going to lay down because I was so tired I thought I could die.  He replied, "Oh mom, please don't die, Ugh! I would miss you cooking for me!!" Glad to know that is what he would miss the most. Ha!

Can we keep the diaper on already?

Maleah has started this new thing where she likes to take off her diaper (and clothes) all the time.  Which would be great if she could pee pee in the potty!  Perhaps she is moving that direction.  She loves to sit on each of the toilets.  So, maybe in a few months she will be ready to actively try to give up the diapers.  We shall see.  I wouldn't complain one bit!

Stinky Hot Hot

Noah and his buddies at school have created a new phrase, "Stinky Hot Hot".  Rather is comes out sounding like "stinky hon hon" Huh?! Was my first reaction.  Noah explained to me that it meant stinky hot dog.  Anyway, this is the new thing to say, apparently.  Oh to be a kid again!

God speaks through his creation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 corinthians 10:13

A year ago, our family began a new journey.  Dave started traveling to Afghanistan every three months to work.  Honestly, it was a little scary at first for me.  I am a girl who grew up in one place, planed on living next door to my family and dying there.  Then, I find myself living across the country from my family, and now, my husband would be across the world from me.  Frankly, my stomach was in knots. Both in excitement for what God would be doing with our family and in fear of being by myself.  Perhaps this is where the plot will thicken.  My mom always said "If you don't pass the test the first time God will keep testing you until you pass."  I can see that now.  This was a big test, I was going to pass, no matter how trying it would be.  So, I cried a lot, prayed a lot, and learned a lot.  Now, I am a big believer that God will not ever leave us alone or over burden us.  And to remind me, God let it tap on my back door each time.
Shortly after Dave left last year, this beautiful bird (top picture) showed up on my back door.  Actually, rather, flying into my back door continually, starting at 6am.  (The time we always get up)  As soon as I would open my curtains, there he would be, sitting on the patio furniture watching us.  I have always had an appreciation for birds, so this was a really awesome site for me.  I left feeders out for him, but he would never touch it-to this day.  Routinely he was there, day after day.  Then dave would return and and away he went.
Three months later he routinely showed up after dave left again.  The kids named him Charlie.  We are now on our third deployment and Charlie is still tapping at our backdoor every morning.  And, he still has not touched the bird food that we have left for him.  This time, he has a friend who joins him every so often. (bottom picture) This particular trip has brought some extra challenges and I have appreciated his company.  He will follow me to Maleah's window and watch from the screen or the bushes.  I have pondered many times what his fellowship brings.  And, here is my conclusion: God is bigger than I am.  He has created so many beautiful things beyond my capacity to understand.  Many may look at his creation as "just a tree" or "just a bird" but it is so much more than that.  He cares for everything, and speaks to us through it.  When I see "charlie" at my back door, I believe God is speaking to me.  Reminding me that "...they don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds" (Matt 6:26) This bird is a daily reminder that no matter what the challenges of today bring, he is there watching over us, and I need not worry.  How encouraging this message is, and how blessed I feel.

Stories to remember

Imaginary friends that are growing by the minute, gross boy talk, dirt, swords, light sabers, and tools are among Noah's favorite things right now.  I look at him and I cannot believe how big he is getting.  Why, he actually looks like a little boy.  It is hard for a mommy to see this, or believe this.  He makes me laugh so often with the things that he comes up with.  I just have to log a few conversations to keep for memories and embarrassment:
-While telling Nana his catechisms he declared that he was going to read the bible to us.  We sat while he opened his bible and read.  (He picked the story of Noah's Ark) "...And God told ME to build and ark and put the animals in it" I guess he is the only Noah. Ever. "And God is especially beautiful" Awe.
-After a rough day while tucking Noah into bed we were discussing why he must go to time out when he disobeys me.  He told me "Mom, if you keep putting me into time out, I am just going to keep getting out. Over and over." I reminded him that I would then have to give him a spanking for disobeying.  His reply was priceless, "Well then, I will just keep getting out of time out over and over and you will just have to spank me over and over.  You will get so tired of spanking me." He really doesn't give up.  In fact, he further reminded me tonight that the reason Santa Clause doesn't bring me presents anymore is because I have been disciplining him.  He stated "Mom, when you discipline me, it makes Santa mad so he doesn't give you anything.  But, don't worry I will tell him that you should get something next year."
-I asked Noah what he is going to do when dad gets home, he responded "Hmm, I will probably play with him.  We will play hopscotch." I hope dad is ready for that one.

-While looking at a picture of Dave from years back Noah notices that he has earrings...he walks over to dave and says "dad, I am going to wear earrings like you when you were a girl"

-"What's wrong sweet girl" -This is in response to any fussing Maleah may be doing

-"Is McDonald's Ice cream junk food?" As I respond with yes, he sadly thrusts his head back and replies "oh man, why does McDonalds ice cream have to be junk food. Bummer."

-"Oh sugars" -This is typically his word for bummer

Chatty Cathy Already

Maleah is a girl of many words these days.  She likes to mimic whatever she hears, especially all the good, bad and ugly she can get from brother.  Noah most certainly has caught on to this.  Why it was only yesterday that the two came running into my room giggling with, "mom, listen to this...say it Maleah!" Maleah looks and me scrunches her nose and as she giggles says "poo-poo!!" Yep.  That is what brothers are for.  It was a very proud moment for Noah.  Me, on the other hand, I have some reversing to do.
Maleah is plugging through the basic words of no, mine, milk, juice, mommy, daddy, thank you and please, etc.  Her vocabulary has expanded to animals (such as: bear, turtle, dog and hippo...) and the sounds they make.  Perhaps the sweetest part of hearing her exercise her vocabulary is when she is identifying her brother, "OWAH".  I will never get tired of hearing her say this.  And this brings me back to the beginning of my post, she mimics what she hears.  Sitting at her table ready for a tea party she is screaming on the top of her lungs..."OWAH!!!!!" I guess I need to slow down summoning my children this way!

Brother-sister love

I just can't get enough of them!