Me: "What for?"
Thomas: "I want to make a commercial about cheese!"
After watching it many times over, Christopher looked over at dh and said, "You know, commercials really DO work. Now I'm hungry for cheese!"
Showing posts with label Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thomas. Show all posts
Sunday, May 29, 2011
And now, a word about cheese
Thomas: [twinkling with excitement as always] "Mommy! Mommy! Can I have your flip camera?"
Me: "What for?"
Thomas: "I want to make a commercial about cheese!"
Me: "What for?"
Thomas: "I want to make a commercial about cheese!"
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Weekend Wrap Up
1. Last week we completed our first ever "Math Week" here at Chez Ouiz, and I must say it was a resounding success!
Last Sunday, as I was finishing up homeschooling planning for the week, I took a moment to look over some of the math assignments I had given the kids, and I was discouraged by what I saw. It was obvious that there was some serious confusion going on, and there was no way I could go on with the plan I had without addressing these issues. So, I set my plan aside for a week, and declared Monday to be the start of Math Week.
I set up our (free!) overhead projector on the dining room table and channeled my favorite math teacher from high school. For three hours every day, we did nothing but math -- fractions, pre-algebra, sales tax (the hardest concept of all, for some reason), positive/negative numbers, etc etc etc. I actually got to "play teacher," the kids sat at a table and (gasp) took notes, and we had a blast!
To be fair, I can't call it a success until I see how the next few weeks go, but for now, I will consider it a huge step in the right direction since ALL of my children said, "Mom, I think I LIKE math now!"
Praise the Lord!
2. Victory #2 -- I finished Thomas' Dr. Who scarf! He had a whole Dr. Who ensemble going earlier today, but of course I never got around to taking the picture... so I just went back to the boys' room and asked him to model it for you, and here it is!
3. We are now going to see whether cayenne pepper does, or does not, help during the cold/flu season. Those who know me IRL know that I douse almost everything with cayenne pepper -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Will this keep me from getting colds this year? I'd like to think of this as a scientific experiment in progress. I did get one cold this season but, unlike years past, it was fairly mild -- bad cough, but not that horrible "I'm-so-stuffed-up-I-can't-breathe" bit that makes colds so evil.
Grace and Marie just came down with a cold this evening, so the experiment is on!
Last Sunday, as I was finishing up homeschooling planning for the week, I took a moment to look over some of the math assignments I had given the kids, and I was discouraged by what I saw. It was obvious that there was some serious confusion going on, and there was no way I could go on with the plan I had without addressing these issues. So, I set my plan aside for a week, and declared Monday to be the start of Math Week.
I set up our (free!) overhead projector on the dining room table and channeled my favorite math teacher from high school. For three hours every day, we did nothing but math -- fractions, pre-algebra, sales tax (the hardest concept of all, for some reason), positive/negative numbers, etc etc etc. I actually got to "play teacher," the kids sat at a table and (gasp) took notes, and we had a blast!
To be fair, I can't call it a success until I see how the next few weeks go, but for now, I will consider it a huge step in the right direction since ALL of my children said, "Mom, I think I LIKE math now!"
Praise the Lord!
3. We are now going to see whether cayenne pepper does, or does not, help during the cold/flu season. Those who know me IRL know that I douse almost everything with cayenne pepper -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Will this keep me from getting colds this year? I'd like to think of this as a scientific experiment in progress. I did get one cold this season but, unlike years past, it was fairly mild -- bad cough, but not that horrible "I'm-so-stuffed-up-I-can't-breathe" bit that makes colds so evil.
Grace and Marie just came down with a cold this evening, so the experiment is on!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
And a little child shall lead them
Not a very original title, I must admit, but it's so very, very true.
God continually shows me what true love looks like through my children. If I ever wind up being half as mature spiritually as they are, I'll be blessed indeed.
Tonight was no exception.
It started off with Thomas getting a toy this afternoon. He had wanted this particular toy for awhile, and asked Daddy to get it for him (with the understanding, of course, that he would pay for it out of his allowance). He was very excited to get it, and played with it all afternoon long.
Evening came and Grace, being the 3-year old that she is, found the toy and started playing with it. I wasn't paying much attention at the time -- I was nursing the baby -- but it vaguely registered that she was very intent on figuring out how it worked.
Flash forward to 30 minutes later -- Thomas comes running down the hallway, sobbing that Grace had broken his toy. A quick check showed that yes, the inner ball was broken. The lights still worked, but it was definitely broken. The toy that he had been talking about getting... and had finally gotten... was already on the fritz.
I blew it.
"Grace! How could you? Why would you go and break Thomas' new toy? Why?"
Her little face crumpled and she whimpered a sad, "I don't know..."
I couldn't let it go. She, being a normal 3-year old, does get into her older siblings' things and yes, often messes them up. I was frustrated and continued to question her, wanting to make darn sure that she felt really, REALLY bad about what she did. She made her way back into her room and just cried and cried. I told her that she had to use some of the money in her piggybank to replace the toy she broke.
I'll admit an even worse thing: I was totally unmoved. I allowed the frustrations of the day, coupled with the fact that she had bugged the heck out of me today, to keep me from showing any pity. If you want a perfect example of Pharisaical "righteousness," look no further than right here. I was all judgment and no mercy.
And then Thomas came into her room.
He put his hand on her back and gently shushed her.
"Grace? Grace? Listen... I'm not sure you broke it after all. I was thinking about it, and it's possible that *I* broke it... shhhhh... it's OK... I can still use it, and like I said, I think I might have broken it when I was playing with it last. And even if you did break it, I know you didn't mean it, and I don't want you to have to pay for a new one."
Can you guess who felt an inch tall after this?
The compassion and mercy that my SEVEN-YEAR OLD showed for his sister shamed me to no end. *I* am supposed to be the loving, nurturing one that everyone turns to, and instead I was angry and unyielding, demanding that she be "thrown in jail until she pays back what she owes."
How many times have I been shown mercy?
Why is it so hard for me to extend that same mercy and grace to others? Especially those in my own family?
Oh Lord, help me to be more like my children when I finally grow up.
God continually shows me what true love looks like through my children. If I ever wind up being half as mature spiritually as they are, I'll be blessed indeed.
Tonight was no exception.
It started off with Thomas getting a toy this afternoon. He had wanted this particular toy for awhile, and asked Daddy to get it for him (with the understanding, of course, that he would pay for it out of his allowance). He was very excited to get it, and played with it all afternoon long.
Evening came and Grace, being the 3-year old that she is, found the toy and started playing with it. I wasn't paying much attention at the time -- I was nursing the baby -- but it vaguely registered that she was very intent on figuring out how it worked.
Flash forward to 30 minutes later -- Thomas comes running down the hallway, sobbing that Grace had broken his toy. A quick check showed that yes, the inner ball was broken. The lights still worked, but it was definitely broken. The toy that he had been talking about getting... and had finally gotten... was already on the fritz.
I blew it.
"Grace! How could you? Why would you go and break Thomas' new toy? Why?"
Her little face crumpled and she whimpered a sad, "I don't know..."
I couldn't let it go. She, being a normal 3-year old, does get into her older siblings' things and yes, often messes them up. I was frustrated and continued to question her, wanting to make darn sure that she felt really, REALLY bad about what she did. She made her way back into her room and just cried and cried. I told her that she had to use some of the money in her piggybank to replace the toy she broke.
I'll admit an even worse thing: I was totally unmoved. I allowed the frustrations of the day, coupled with the fact that she had bugged the heck out of me today, to keep me from showing any pity. If you want a perfect example of Pharisaical "righteousness," look no further than right here. I was all judgment and no mercy.
And then Thomas came into her room.
He put his hand on her back and gently shushed her.
"Grace? Grace? Listen... I'm not sure you broke it after all. I was thinking about it, and it's possible that *I* broke it... shhhhh... it's OK... I can still use it, and like I said, I think I might have broken it when I was playing with it last. And even if you did break it, I know you didn't mean it, and I don't want you to have to pay for a new one."
Can you guess who felt an inch tall after this?
The compassion and mercy that my SEVEN-YEAR OLD showed for his sister shamed me to no end. *I* am supposed to be the loving, nurturing one that everyone turns to, and instead I was angry and unyielding, demanding that she be "thrown in jail until she pays back what she owes."
How many times have I been shown mercy?
Why is it so hard for me to extend that same mercy and grace to others? Especially those in my own family?
Oh Lord, help me to be more like my children when I finally grow up.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Pictures of the day
We are a drawing family. My kids draw EVERY DAY without fail. The first thing that is placed on the kitchen table in the morning isn't breakfast... it's a pile of paper and the pencil box. So it was no surprise that I came into the kitchen and Thomas (age 6) said, "Look, Mommy, here's a picture I made for you!"
I thought it was very sweet and praised him for it, but (knowing what he was capable of) I asked him if he'd like to do a picture of me while I was sitting right there, so he could draw all the details. He was enthusiastic about the idea, so here's his picture of me, less than 10 minutes later...
Although you have to enlarge it to see it better, he's included rings, bracelets, the pockets on my apron, and even all the stitching around it. He was SO PROUD of this picture, so we put it in a plastic frame and hung it on the refrigerator. It's amazing what kids can do when they really focus on all the details!
On a completely different note...
Sometimes, it's better not to ask...
In case you're curious, that's Marie in there, wearing a horse costume with a storm trooper mask, vacuuming my kitchen. Like I said, I don't ask why... I just grab the camera, snap a picture, and thank her for a job well done! These are the moments that I will look back on with tears in my eyes and just laugh... laugh because it doesn't make sense, and that's part of the joy of raising little ones. They are free to express themselves in odd ways (at times), and we get the privilege of enjoying those moments with them. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of children!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I'm not kidding
Do your kids play with ice?
Yeah, mine do, too.
Most of them simply eat it... or freeze toys in blocks of ice for the sheer joy of chipping them out later.
Thomas, however, has taken it to an art form. For the past three days he has been tending to his "pet ice."
I kid you not.
In fact, just a few minutes ago we heard him shout from the back:
"Daddy! Guess what my pet ice and I are doing right now! We're playing chess!"
And here's the proof:
Bless his heart. We really do give him more toys to play with than that! *grin*
Speaking of chess, though, I have to brag on Thomas for a minute. This six-year old TAUGHT HIMSELF CHESS just by watching others after one day. He knows where each of the pieces go, how they move, and the basics of the game. DH played with him this morning and he was in heaven!
Yeah, mine do, too.
Most of them simply eat it... or freeze toys in blocks of ice for the sheer joy of chipping them out later.
Thomas, however, has taken it to an art form. For the past three days he has been tending to his "pet ice."
I kid you not.
In fact, just a few minutes ago we heard him shout from the back:
"Daddy! Guess what my pet ice and I are doing right now! We're playing chess!"
And here's the proof:
Bless his heart. We really do give him more toys to play with than that! *grin*
Speaking of chess, though, I have to brag on Thomas for a minute. This six-year old TAUGHT HIMSELF CHESS just by watching others after one day. He knows where each of the pieces go, how they move, and the basics of the game. DH played with him this morning and he was in heaven!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I really do teach them better than this...
Me: "Thomas, what is a mortal sin?"
Thomas: "Ooh! I remember! It's two sins stuck together!"
Thomas: "Ooh! I remember! It's two sins stuck together!"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Can I have a do-over?
Ever wish life had a reset button? A do-over option?
Right now, I wish mine did.
Go back to 6:50 p.m. Dinner was late and I was trying to get the last load of laundry folded before calling the kids in for supper.
Thomas came in, twinkling as always.
"Mommy! Where are the wrenches?"
"What on earth do you need wrenches for?"
"I want to take the training wheels off my bike!"
"Oh, honey, not right now."
"But why???"
"I need to get this laundry folded, and then we're going to sit down for supper."
"We can just take the training wheels off, and then you can get supper on the table."
"No, because you're going to need me to run with you, and right now I'm not going outside. I've got other things I need to finish."
I finished the laundry, and got supper on the table. My husband came home and took the training wheels off while I was reading a book to the older kids.
A few minutes later, a very excited Thomas came in.
"You guys! Stop reading! You have to come out and see this!!!"
Thomas can ride a two-wheeler now.
His 7-yr old brother took the time to give him the push he needed.
While I am so proud of Christopher for jumping in and being the incredible big brother he always is, a big part of me is so sad that I missed that golden opportunity to share that once-in-a-lifetime moment with my son.
That moment is gone.
I wish I had the chance to do that over.
Right now, I wish mine did.
Go back to 6:50 p.m. Dinner was late and I was trying to get the last load of laundry folded before calling the kids in for supper.
Thomas came in, twinkling as always.
"Mommy! Where are the wrenches?"
"What on earth do you need wrenches for?"
"I want to take the training wheels off my bike!"
"Oh, honey, not right now."
"But why???"
"I need to get this laundry folded, and then we're going to sit down for supper."
"We can just take the training wheels off, and then you can get supper on the table."
"No, because you're going to need me to run with you, and right now I'm not going outside. I've got other things I need to finish."
I finished the laundry, and got supper on the table. My husband came home and took the training wheels off while I was reading a book to the older kids.
A few minutes later, a very excited Thomas came in.
"You guys! Stop reading! You have to come out and see this!!!"
Thomas can ride a two-wheeler now.
His 7-yr old brother took the time to give him the push he needed.
While I am so proud of Christopher for jumping in and being the incredible big brother he always is, a big part of me is so sad that I missed that golden opportunity to share that once-in-a-lifetime moment with my son.
That moment is gone.
I wish I had the chance to do that over.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
There he goes
There's my sweet little guy (Thomas, on the right) on his way out the door to go to his doctor's appointment.
He knows he's getting shots today.
And there is Christopher, ever the big brother, going with him to keep him company and to hold his hand if he gets scared.
'Cause that's what brothers do.
I tell you, I am one blessed Mommy. If I had tried to sit down and plan out my children, I couldn't have come up with even a fraction of the amazing attributes these guys have.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Birthday month is upon us!
The pressure's on, folks... 5 of my children have birthdays in October... and 3 of them in the same week (can you believe it??)... and I have a miserable cold. Oh Lord, help me to heal quickly!
I can't promise that I'll be able to do each birthday justice (and oh, will I feel bad if I leave someone out!), so let me highlight NOW the birthdays (and anniversary!) coming up:
October 3rd: Sean turned 11, and had his very first sleep-over. We have a small house, so there's really no place to put a bunch of kids who plan on giggling all night... unless you put them in a tent in the backyard! Problem solved!
I know that many are tired of hearing his story, so I'll just direct you to last year's birthday write-up if you care to see how he came into this world. We are so blessed to have him.
Happy birthday, sweetheart!
October 11: Miss Grace is turning ONE! It's been a wild ride with this one, starting with the panic attacks that I had (see my St. Therese post below) in the hospital after having her. She's an incredible imp and we love her to pieces!
October 15: My dear, sweet, quiet Kathryn is turning 8. She came into this world howling like a banshee (she screamed the ENTIRE time the doctor's were sewing me up after the c-section), and she has been a little spitfire ever since. She was a challenge for the first two years, and then she turned into this amazing, sweet, wonderful little girl who takes joy in quietly serving. When I'm having a rough day with Grace, I can guarantee you that Kathryn (or Reilly) will come up and tell me that they are just itching to play with her... and graciously take her from me for awhile so I can think.
Underneath all that sweetness, though, is still the same little spitfire we saw in the OR. She loves to serve and will bend over backwards to help, but if she feels like someone has crossed the line, look out! When she was very, very little... maybe 7 months or so... Sean tried snatching a toy from her (he was 3 at the time). She got this look that can only be called righteous indignation, and she reached out and smacked him across the face and grabbed it back.
While we don't condone hitting, my husband watched that exchange and said, "I don't think we ever have to worry about Kathryn. She'll be able to stand up for herself."
And she does.
Kathryn, I love you more than words can say. You rock!
October 16: yes, the very next day Thomas turns 5! To say he "twinkles" just doesn't do it justice. He has got more energy than I've ever seen a child have before, and he just flits from one activity to the next, with an angelic smile on his face that can light up a room.
He is a challenge, though. He tries to use that smile to get out of doing what he doesn't want to do, and my husband and I struggle to keep him contained without breaking his spirit completely. I can only trust that God will give us the wisdom needed to raise this little guy.
But when it's all said and done, that sweet little guy will ask me to lay down next to him and tell him a story about when I was little, and he will grab my face in his hands and say, "you are really the best Mommy in the whole world... the whole UNIVERSE even!"
I love you too, baby. You are my most favorite-est 4 year old in the whole wide world, and it's a joy to have you in my life!
October 20: Ah, the poor kid is going to get more than her fair share of "broccoli birthdays," because we're all going to be so sick of cake by the time hers rolls around!
Miss Marie is turning 3. What a joy she is! We really got spoiled with her. After 5 children who had to be convinced that it really was time to go to bed, we were blessed with a child who would look at us sweetly, say (with her eyes) "oh, is it really time to go to bed? OK, if you insist..." and lay down without so much as a peep. My husband and I couldn't believe it. We didn't think God made these models anymore!
Believe it or not, I can trust this little girl to watch the baby... and she does a FANTASTIC job. Not a lego... not a marble... not a cheerio can go into Grace's mouth without Marie seeing it and saying, "No! No! You take dat outta your mouwth!" If Grace has climbed up on something, Marie will let me know. If she's reaching for the dog food or trying to swish in the toilet, my faithful babysitter is there.
What amazes me... and I know it's all God's grace... is that each child has gotten used to losing the "baby" status easily and gracefully, and has taken his or her role as an older sibling quite seriously. Marie still loves to snuggle, and I try to give her that whenever I can, but she's more than willing to scoot over for the baby, and to help me look after her.
Another first with Marie -- she's the only child we've had who has a special blanket. Her Dee-tee, she calls it (it was her attempt at saying "sleepy" when she first learned to talk). Dee-tee goes everywhere, and she worries that he will be lonely if she leaves him too long.
I love you with all my Mommy heart and soul, sweetie!
I can't promise that I'll be able to do each birthday justice (and oh, will I feel bad if I leave someone out!), so let me highlight NOW the birthdays (and anniversary!) coming up:
October 3rd: Sean turned 11, and had his very first sleep-over. We have a small house, so there's really no place to put a bunch of kids who plan on giggling all night... unless you put them in a tent in the backyard! Problem solved!
I know that many are tired of hearing his story, so I'll just direct you to last year's birthday write-up if you care to see how he came into this world. We are so blessed to have him.
Happy birthday, sweetheart!
October 11: Miss Grace is turning ONE! It's been a wild ride with this one, starting with the panic attacks that I had (see my St. Therese post below) in the hospital after having her. She's an incredible imp and we love her to pieces!
October 15: My dear, sweet, quiet Kathryn is turning 8. She came into this world howling like a banshee (she screamed the ENTIRE time the doctor's were sewing me up after the c-section), and she has been a little spitfire ever since. She was a challenge for the first two years, and then she turned into this amazing, sweet, wonderful little girl who takes joy in quietly serving. When I'm having a rough day with Grace, I can guarantee you that Kathryn (or Reilly) will come up and tell me that they are just itching to play with her... and graciously take her from me for awhile so I can think.
Underneath all that sweetness, though, is still the same little spitfire we saw in the OR. She loves to serve and will bend over backwards to help, but if she feels like someone has crossed the line, look out! When she was very, very little... maybe 7 months or so... Sean tried snatching a toy from her (he was 3 at the time). She got this look that can only be called righteous indignation, and she reached out and smacked him across the face and grabbed it back.
While we don't condone hitting, my husband watched that exchange and said, "I don't think we ever have to worry about Kathryn. She'll be able to stand up for herself."
And she does.
Kathryn, I love you more than words can say. You rock!
October 16: yes, the very next day Thomas turns 5! To say he "twinkles" just doesn't do it justice. He has got more energy than I've ever seen a child have before, and he just flits from one activity to the next, with an angelic smile on his face that can light up a room.
He is a challenge, though. He tries to use that smile to get out of doing what he doesn't want to do, and my husband and I struggle to keep him contained without breaking his spirit completely. I can only trust that God will give us the wisdom needed to raise this little guy.
But when it's all said and done, that sweet little guy will ask me to lay down next to him and tell him a story about when I was little, and he will grab my face in his hands and say, "you are really the best Mommy in the whole world... the whole UNIVERSE even!"
I love you too, baby. You are my most favorite-est 4 year old in the whole wide world, and it's a joy to have you in my life!
October 20: Ah, the poor kid is going to get more than her fair share of "broccoli birthdays," because we're all going to be so sick of cake by the time hers rolls around!
Miss Marie is turning 3. What a joy she is! We really got spoiled with her. After 5 children who had to be convinced that it really was time to go to bed, we were blessed with a child who would look at us sweetly, say (with her eyes) "oh, is it really time to go to bed? OK, if you insist..." and lay down without so much as a peep. My husband and I couldn't believe it. We didn't think God made these models anymore!
Believe it or not, I can trust this little girl to watch the baby... and she does a FANTASTIC job. Not a lego... not a marble... not a cheerio can go into Grace's mouth without Marie seeing it and saying, "No! No! You take dat outta your mouwth!" If Grace has climbed up on something, Marie will let me know. If she's reaching for the dog food or trying to swish in the toilet, my faithful babysitter is there.
What amazes me... and I know it's all God's grace... is that each child has gotten used to losing the "baby" status easily and gracefully, and has taken his or her role as an older sibling quite seriously. Marie still loves to snuggle, and I try to give her that whenever I can, but she's more than willing to scoot over for the baby, and to help me look after her.
Another first with Marie -- she's the only child we've had who has a special blanket. Her Dee-tee, she calls it (it was her attempt at saying "sleepy" when she first learned to talk). Dee-tee goes everywhere, and she worries that he will be lonely if she leaves him too long.
I love you with all my Mommy heart and soul, sweetie!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
My first blog movie
Christopher and Thomas were hard at work, digging their own labyrinth in the mulch pile in the front yard. They even had a sign that said "minotaur" with an arrow pointing to it. They wanted me to film them, and so here, for your viewing pleasure, is my first blog movie.
[I especially loved the fact that I told them to use their blog names, and Christopher does just that. I love that guy!]
[I especially loved the fact that I told them to use their blog names, and Christopher does just that. I love that guy!]
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Life in a Catholic home
Overheard at the kitchen table this morning:
Sean to Christopher:
I've got lasers that can shoot through any armor! You can't escape!
Kathryn:
No... I'm St. Martin de Porres and all I have to do is touch him and he'll be healed again!
[while this book doesn't necessarily have lasers in it, it has obviously been quite useful in teaching the kids about St. Martin de Porres!]
And isn't that part of the reason we all chose to homeschool? So that we could pass on the Faith to our children? I love that it's defining who they are, and seeping down even into their imaginations.
Here's another bit I wanted to share. I've had it by my computer for weeks now, and this seems as good a time as any to share it. This is what Christopher sat down and wrote at the kitchen table one day (I'd take a picture of it, but then I'd be sharing their real names....)
THAT thrills my heart!
Sean to Christopher:
I've got lasers that can shoot through any armor! You can't escape!
Kathryn:
No... I'm St. Martin de Porres and all I have to do is touch him and he'll be healed again!
[while this book doesn't necessarily have lasers in it, it has obviously been quite useful in teaching the kids about St. Martin de Porres!]
And isn't that part of the reason we all chose to homeschool? So that we could pass on the Faith to our children? I love that it's defining who they are, and seeping down even into their imaginations.
Here's another bit I wanted to share. I've had it by my computer for weeks now, and this seems as good a time as any to share it. This is what Christopher sat down and wrote at the kitchen table one day (I'd take a picture of it, but then I'd be sharing their real names....)
"I love Thomas from Christopher.
Wot I love obawt (about) Thomas
He is a grat (great)
boy
I love him olot (a lot)
bot (but) mi favrit (my favorite) prt obowt (part about) Thomas is himself."
Wot I love obawt (about) Thomas
He is a grat (great)
boy
I love him olot (a lot)
bot (but) mi favrit (my favorite) prt obowt (part about) Thomas is himself."
THAT thrills my heart!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Birthdays in pictures
Sweet, sweet kids that they are (especially Kathryn, who just turned seven and therefore knew what she was missing), the birthday kids this week graciously accepted a VERY toned down birthday celebration, understanding that Mommy couldn't do much this year, and the big "present" for us all was the birth of Grace.
Still, I want to honor them and tell the world how much I love them!
Monday was Kathryn's birthday and, as I mentioned, she turned seven. Unbelievably understanding and generous, she did not complain ONCE about not having a party that she could invite her friends to. This is all the more amazing when I tell you that she and her big sister have been designing birthday invitations for MONTHS beforehand. (You better believe I'm going to try to do something special and wonderful for her when I am fully recovered!)
I love you, sweetheart, and I am so proud of you!
The next day (Tuesday) brought us Thomas' birthday! I can't believe he's FOUR already. Where did the time go? Just yesterday, it seems, I was bringing him home from the hospital and now here he is, all "grown up" and being a fantastic big brother to his two younger sisters. I'm just so thankful he's not "too big" for a late night snuggle -- that's when he curls up next to me, puts his hands on my cheeks, gives me a sweet little kiss, and whispers:
"I don't ever want to be wifout you, Mommy."
I don't ever want to be without you either, baby. You are one of the more "strong willed" children we have, but you make every day fun!
And finally, yesterday (Saturday) brought us Marie's second birthday. By the time her turn rolled around, she knew exactly what to do with those birthday candles! (yeah, I know it LOOKS like three candles, but it's actually two sparklers and then a bonus singing candle... it doesn't actually count)
This whole new baby thing has obviously hit Marie the hardest. She has been my baby for two years, and now having to give up that position is a bit unsettling... but I will say that she's handled it like a trouper. *I* miss holding her and rocking her, and I look forward to the day when I can swoop her up in my arms again and give her all the attention she deserves. Until then, I can only pray that the little things I am able to do still speak to her and let her know how deeply loved she is.
So here's to you, sweetheart. You are funny, full of life, stubborn (too true), amazingly perceptive of other people's feelings, a great cleaner (she's been taking her dishes to the dishwasher since she could walk!), and a total joy. You rock!
Still, I want to honor them and tell the world how much I love them!
Monday was Kathryn's birthday and, as I mentioned, she turned seven. Unbelievably understanding and generous, she did not complain ONCE about not having a party that she could invite her friends to. This is all the more amazing when I tell you that she and her big sister have been designing birthday invitations for MONTHS beforehand. (You better believe I'm going to try to do something special and wonderful for her when I am fully recovered!)
I love you, sweetheart, and I am so proud of you!
The next day (Tuesday) brought us Thomas' birthday! I can't believe he's FOUR already. Where did the time go? Just yesterday, it seems, I was bringing him home from the hospital and now here he is, all "grown up" and being a fantastic big brother to his two younger sisters. I'm just so thankful he's not "too big" for a late night snuggle -- that's when he curls up next to me, puts his hands on my cheeks, gives me a sweet little kiss, and whispers:
"I don't ever want to be wifout you, Mommy."
I don't ever want to be without you either, baby. You are one of the more "strong willed" children we have, but you make every day fun!
And finally, yesterday (Saturday) brought us Marie's second birthday. By the time her turn rolled around, she knew exactly what to do with those birthday candles! (yeah, I know it LOOKS like three candles, but it's actually two sparklers and then a bonus singing candle... it doesn't actually count)
This whole new baby thing has obviously hit Marie the hardest. She has been my baby for two years, and now having to give up that position is a bit unsettling... but I will say that she's handled it like a trouper. *I* miss holding her and rocking her, and I look forward to the day when I can swoop her up in my arms again and give her all the attention she deserves. Until then, I can only pray that the little things I am able to do still speak to her and let her know how deeply loved she is.
So here's to you, sweetheart. You are funny, full of life, stubborn (too true), amazingly perceptive of other people's feelings, a great cleaner (she's been taking her dishes to the dishwasher since she could walk!), and a total joy. You rock!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A much needed ego boost
Thomas: Mommy, you never have to worry about the robbers coming to take you away.
Me: No, sweetie... I don't need to worry about robbers stealing me.
Thomas: Dat's wight, 'cause you're too heavy to carry.
Me: No, sweetie... I don't need to worry about robbers stealing me.
Thomas: Dat's wight, 'cause you're too heavy to carry.
Friday, August 31, 2007
For those who were wondering...
...why on earth I make poor Thomas walk around with hair in front of his eyes (see pictures below), let me state for the record:
It is his choice! Really!
If I so much as brush the hair out of his eyes, he will very firmly say, "No Mommy... God gave me 'hanging down hair'!" and proceed to put it right back where it was.
[Not that I mind, really. With the humidity down here, his hair usually falls into the cutest little ringlets, and it saddens me to think of them being cut off.]
Still, it's his choice.
When I took the boys for their latest haircut, I let each one of them tell the stylist what they wanted. When it was Thomas' turn, he very sweetly looked at the lady and said,
"I want to look like Bilbo." (as in Baggins.... as in, yes, a hobbit....)
It is his choice! Really!
If I so much as brush the hair out of his eyes, he will very firmly say, "No Mommy... God gave me 'hanging down hair'!" and proceed to put it right back where it was.
[Not that I mind, really. With the humidity down here, his hair usually falls into the cutest little ringlets, and it saddens me to think of them being cut off.]
Still, it's his choice.
When I took the boys for their latest haircut, I let each one of them tell the stylist what they wanted. When it was Thomas' turn, he very sweetly looked at the lady and said,
"I want to look like Bilbo." (as in Baggins.... as in, yes, a hobbit....)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Don't have time for a real post
So I'll leave you with two actual, honest-to-goodness sentences heard here today. The first one I overheard as Thomas and Christopher were at the kitchen table, snacking...
(Yes, I was horrified and no, as far as I know, this game has never actually BEEN played at my home but, well, you never know...)
And the second comment was actually a question that Christopher asked me:
(OK, again I'm wondering what's going on behind my back. I thought I had a pretty firm grasp of what's going on around here, but I'm beginning to have my doubts...)
T: Christopher, wet's eat some more chips, and then we can pway the "watch out for the throw-up" game!
(Yes, I was horrified and no, as far as I know, this game has never actually BEEN played at my home but, well, you never know...)
And the second comment was actually a question that Christopher asked me:
"Mommy, is it OK if someone eats a dog on purpose?"
(OK, again I'm wondering what's going on behind my back. I thought I had a pretty firm grasp of what's going on around here, but I'm beginning to have my doubts...)
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