Memorial Day Parade

We went to our first parade this morning as a family. Christian was so excited to see the firetrucks and 'ambiences'. He talked about it all the way there, and then all the way home he asked to go back to the 'pa-wade'. It was in Downingtown, so not as special as if it were our own little town, but we got to sit in the shade (it was over 80 degrees by 10am), and park close by. What more can you ask for with a toddler and a tired, sweaty baby? As usual, Christian was hard to capture looking happy, but we know from his expression that he was smiling on the inside, and couldn't have been more elated with the sites and sounds passing by. Good times!

p.s. he had to come home and take a nap WITH his flag.

Lion Attack

"Kooey's Lion" , so aptly named by Christian, was sent while Kooey was still in the hospital at Christmas, by Grandpop in Florida. Christian took "Kooey's Lion" to meet Kooey on Christmas morning, and often plays with him while K is still too young to care. But the other day, K suddenly took an interest in his furry friend, and again, surprised us with smiles. It's so fun to watch his personality develop (finally!) and to watch him discover the world.

Music Lovers

Christian loves to play his guitar with Daddy. Kyren loves to watch. And lately Christian also likes to play his guitar and DANCE at the same time. We ALL love to watch that! And thought you might too!

Bare Belly Laughs

Christian was excited to take a tubby with his brubby tonight. Once in the bath, he started patting Kyren's tummy, a little too hard (or so i thought). K suddenly burst into the heartiest belly laugh i've ever seen or heard out of him! it was hilarious. Every time C would pat him, he'd laugh again. By the time Dave got the camera, he wasn't laughing quite as hard, but you get the idea.

He has really grown fond of Christian, and watches him constantly throughout the day. This comes in handy when we're trying to get him to do his tummy time exercises (which he otherwise despises). As long as Big Brother is around, he forgets about being on his tummy, and those neck muscles get a good workout! Just one of the many perks of having them so close in age. I'm starting to see how nice it is going to be as their age gap begins to get less noticeable. Christian is becoming more atuned to Kyren as well. He is constantly expressing a desire to include K in his playtime, and even asks to hold him now (which he has had zero interest in up until this past week). He seems to have genuine affection for him. And obviously, the feeling's mutual. It is really sweet to see.

God is King. He Loves me.

Even when we forget, Christian will often remind us, when we sit down to eat-- "Pway!!!" he commands, as he holds out both of his hands for us to hold while we thank God for our meal. He is always grinning when we look up and say "amen", and it occurred to me that he might want to know what Amen means. So the other night I looked at him and said, "Amen means 'Yes, God'." He paused for a moment, playing with his fork.

The first part of his response was simple and declarative. "God is King." The second part was kind of added on, with a sweet sigh; almost a melodic little voice that made us both clutch our hands over our hearts. "He loves me!" His tone implied-- "it's as simple as that."

Dave said, "Yes, buddy. And that about sums it up."

Out of the mouths of babes You have ordained praise.

Oh Lord, help me to remember that this simple statement really does sum it all up.

i guess that's why Jesus said that our faith should be like that of a child. Even in all of our adult complications, your outlook and response to things really boils down to what you believe about God. If He's King and He Loves you, you really do have all you need to make it, and be exceedingly joyful. if He's not sovereign and you don't believe He cares for you, then life is a lot harder to swallow.

What blows me away even more than those 2 simple truths, is that they stay true, even when i live as though they're not.... from moment to moment my faith is subject to waiver. But God never stops being King over all, and His Love never shifts according to my mood.

I have always looked forward to having children for the simple ways they would point me to God. May I only be faithful to encourage their faith to remain as simple as it is the moment they first believe.

moms deserve more than a day

one day a year does not suffice to thank my mom for all she does (and has done) for me! and this week is proof. we celebrated mothers' day on sunday. i gave her mounds bars. she gave me cherry jelly beans and a case of vernors and a really sweet card. we know each other pretty well like that. nothing says "you're a great mom" like vast amounts of sugar!
but then i got a stomach bug on tuesday night. and from wednesday on, she has been taking care of me/us... and i truly don't know what i would have done without her! she came over 2 days in a row to take care of my kids, do my laundary, and clorox my bathroom!! then she allowed me to move in for a few days with the boys while dave was at a conference, and took care of us (AND my dad, who was also fighting a stomach bug). i am finally starting to feel normal again, though my appetite and energy have yet to resurface. and i am deeply grateful for the genuine love and care she just naturally rises to shower on us. i guess that is what being a mom is all about. you do what needs to be done... because you love your kids. always. i wish all the sugar in the world could be delivered on her doorstep if it would communicate my appreciation. but that probably wouldn't really do her actions justice. . . or be very healthy. my depth of gratitude i think she knows. and the wonder of it all is that she actually would do it all again (and probably will), with a sweetness that conveys it is not just her duty, but her pleasure. and that is why every day should be mothers' day. or at least every mom should get a week long paid vacation every year around this time. (well, as long as their families aren't sick, or hurt, or out of clean clothes, or hungry... or...)... i suppose what we all need most is to know that our love is received and making an impact. so mom, i soak it up and receive it with a humble, thankful heart! you're the best! thank you thank you thank you! i rise up and call you Blessed!

Like Father, Like Son

Same shirts, 2 years apart!

Christian : 7 weeks


Kyren : 7 months

Daddy loves his boys! .

our first born : string bean

our second born : pork chop