blogging strike is over at last

So, I see it's been 5 months since I've written anything on here. That's basically the way my journaling usually goes. I couldn't use my computer for a while, and then by the time I could, it had already been a while, and I lost momentum. There haven't been any major events that I can think of, but we've all been doing really well. Joel is continuing to progress in his schoolwork and still very much enjoys it. He's learning the names and locations of the states, presidents, composers (Beethoven is his favorite so far), and his reading is coming along. Mostly, I'm encouraged by his understanding of spiritual things. He asks me lots of theological questions, and I do my best to answer them. I can see God's grace in his life, and I am so thankful for that. We celebrated his 4th birthday Monday night, and all the family came. After it was over I asked him if he liked his party and he said "I had such a good time...all my people came!" This made us laugh:)

He got an electronic keyboard for Christmas (we have a nice piano, but this is cool because it is small enough for his tiny fingers). He's been humming Ode To Joy for a few weeks now, and so I finally wrote out the notes for him so he could play it (I put stickers on the keys with the note names since he is still learning where they are. I've only showed it to him a couple of times, but last night, he played the first half by himself without the paper (I'm pretty sure he was doing it by ear). He was so happy, except that he didn't want us to listen until he got it just right. This is so exciting for me, because it's the first time he has ever really wanted to play a song enough to practice it and get it right...so fun! He also found out that he could play Twinkle, Twinkle today...I pretty much almost cried I was so happy. Just because I haven't wanted to force him to play music, but I've really hoped that he would like it...I can see many happy lessons ahead of us:)

Evan finally started walking the 1st week of Nov. 2010. I was much relieved as he was almost 15 months. he's so laid back, he just doesn't have a drive to try new things (unlike his big brother). I am happy to report however, that he is doing everything he should be doing now, and I have to say...I don't mind the laid back temperament;) He definitely knows how to disobey...he just does it with a sweet face (very tricky!) He has shown a big interest in music as well. He is absolutely in love with the guitar. I think his Uncle Carey has had something to do with that:) When we were at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago, Evan was fussing and whining about something, but I couldn't figure out what he wanted...until I looked where he was pointing and saw the guitar hanging on the wall (they would have to have a guitar on the wall!)...let's just say he wanted it...a lot. He's been singing a lot lately. I love it when they start to sing! Sometimes I'm pretty sure he's trying to sing a real tune...like when we were both singing Mary had a little Lamb the other day (except we were singing it with "ba"s).

Well, I think that about covers the hight points...until next time (which will not be 5 more months).

odds and ends

Within the last two days, Evan has said "Mu" for "more", and "ba" when picking up and playing with a ball. Also, he started handing me things, and responding to questions with a sort of understanding, yet questioning tone (like he's asking a question back). It's kind of funny. Last night, we were at a restaurant and Joel stands up and announces, "I like lemonade...what's that?" (pointing to my lemonade). I just laughed and laughed. An interesting Joel sort of way to ask for a drink. Joel has just started telling us quite imaginative stories. On our way home the other night, he told me about how he went grocery shopping with Evan (when he was a man), and bought him sweet potatoes and carrots, and applesauce (with the green lid, because the blue one has sugar), and how Evan didn't cry in the store (that would be nice:)...then he would start a new story...he always changes the names of places in his stories so that they're more interesting. So, our house was a different house with a red garage door (????) and I wish I could remember more, because I was thoroughly entertained.

I just finished setting up an area for Joel to do his writing practice and drawing and other "school". I've been wanting to get him a little table and chair for a while now, so I'm glad it finally worked out. I'm quite happy with the whole set up actually. Let the learning...continue:)

just life...

well I haven't written for a few weeks. I just haven't felt like it I guess, but we are all doing well, and have been pretty busy (in a good way:) Last week I spent a lot of time decorating and straightening up the house. That was fun and felt really good. As it is the beginning of he month, I am just now trying to think of what projects I want to try to do this month. It helps me not to feel too overwhelmed when I have a plan. I've been thinking about how I want to be more disciplined and keep a stricter schedule (mostly with how I start the day, but also just with making sure I'm taking some time for everything I want to do, and not leaving things out).

We finally got Evan a real crib and put it up in Joel's room, but so far he hasn't wanted to sleep up there. I even put dark curtains up, so it would be nice and dark in there, but I think he just doesn't like the idea of sleeping in a different place yet. His birthday is coming up on the 18th, and soon I will have a big 1 yr. old boy. He is changing to fast, it's hard to keep up. It's way too easy to just assume that they will stay the same for a while, and before I know it, I'm trying to figure out why he doesn't like something that he always liked before, when it's just that he's getting older, and wants new challenges. I don't think I've ever written on here about Evan's strange fascination with shoes. it started as soon as he was able to move around, and he's still will go straight for any shoe in the room. He's starting to better about not EATING the shoes, but I just don't get it. Why shoes, Evan?

Well, Joel fell and cut his chin the other night, and had to get stitches...again. He's only 3, and so far has been to the ER a total of 5 times (most of them for midnight croup attacks). I know this is nothing compared to what many children (and parents) go through, so I am thankful that he has always gotten the care he needs, and been just fine again. We are truly blessed.

it was a Happy Birthday:)

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday, and I wanted to write about it because I had such a nice day (because of my sweet husband, and others.) I woke up to Av playing "Happy Birthday" on my viola, which hasn't been played in about 6 years (because the bow broke and I never got it replaced). So I thought that was a pretty cool way of giving it to me (not sure how you would wrap it:) Then Av and Joel came in with breakfast in bed and more presents. Then we just hung out (and I attempted to play my viola, but let's just say, it's been a while....(that's ok, I like a challenge). Then Mom and Dad came to watch the boys, and Av and I went out and played mini-golf, and air hockey....fun, fun:) Then we met a bunch of friends for supper, and had such a great time. I don't think i could have planned a better birthday. I was afraid that it would be hard for me to get back to everything today, but it's been really good. Joel and Evan have both been pleasant, and the chores have gone pretty well so far...but I better get back to them...

Growing in Grace

It's been a good week so far. I've been trying to get into the habit of stopping before my attitude gets bad and asking for grace. It may sound simple, but God really does give grace to the humble, and I've found that when I recognize my complete dependence on his grace to get through the day (without sinning miserably:(, and stop (multiple times) and ask (sometimes it's more like pleading) for grace...He actually gives it to me, and i'm able to do what I know I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise (because I've tried!)

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Cor. 9:8)

I am so very thankful for this verse.

Last evening we went on a walk, and someone was shooting of fireworks. Joel was quite enthralled, so we let him sit on the driveway and watch. Evan was not enjoying them at all, so we finally went inside to watch from the rec room. Joel said "are those fire tractors?" 'It's fire crackers Joel" ah....

Last week I had a really difficult time with the boys in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, so last night I decided to go grocery shopping after the boys were in bed. Av had some work to do anyway, and I'm usually looking for something to do during that time. It went well, except that i was sooo tired. I didn't get home until 10:35, but overall, I think it was better. I might be trying that again next time (only hopefully a little earlier).

Evan has finally cut through his top teeth well, at least one for sure). This has been really hard for him, so I'm hoping he'll cheer up a little now. He's been eating finger food (like puffed rice and cheerios) lately. It's so cute to watch him pick it up and eat it. He's not too thrilled with his baby food anymore though. I'm trying to tell him that it's o.k. to like BOTH.

Today has been good. Evan was basically crawling today, so that makes me happy (except that he wasn't enjoying it very much). Oh yeah, I failed to mention that I gave Evan his first little hair cut the other day. Just around the ears, and one side is shorter than the other, but he was looking pretty goofy with his 2 long hairs (ok maybe 3 or 4). I weighed him today, and he's a little over 20 lbs. That's what I thought,, but it still seems so big. Where did my baby go?

Fun school times

well, it's been a while since I've written (again). I just haven't felt very inspired lately. Probably the same reason I've been having trouble getting up in the morning and getting much done. Today was better though. I've been working on lesson plans for Joel for school, and we're making good progress. Today he learned several of the basic music symbols (treble clef, bass clef, rest, p (quiet), f, (loud) etc.). He even caught on to playing whole notes and half notes and counting (not on any particular key). He really enjoys taking turns being the teacher, so I let him show me the cards sometimes, and I play them too. He likes the Bob books so much that he wanted me to draw "Mat" and "Sam", and then he wanted me to draw one of the books (he loves drawing), then he drew Mat, and a sun from one of the pictures, but he kept saying it was broken because part of it was cut off in the picture. Then he drew jellyfish, and showed me how to draw them. Did I mention we had fun today:) Oh, and we took turns jumping on the trampoline and showing each other what to do. I thought that it would be a fun game until I realized that he had a bit more energy than I did, and when it was his turn to lead Mommy got tired out (I had already done my turn). Evan is now picking up little things to eat from his tray. I usually give him puffed rice, but he loves cheerios and bread. It's fun watching him try to grab them.

I'm glad today has been fun...I needed it after yesterday (grocery shopping with the boys, major fit in the parking lot, and I got too hot in the garden). I guess if every day were "good", I might get proud of my parenting and house running, so I need a "bad" one every now and then to show me how much grace I really need.

4 years and counting:)

Well, we've had a good week. Thursday we celebrated our 4th anniversary. We dropped the boys off at Mom and Dad's in the morning and had a nice day just the two of us. We went by the church where we got married to walk around and reminisce. Then we went and walked around at Cheekwood, which was nice (although very hot). I got some inspiration for some of my gardens and enjoyed the art exhibits. I just have to say that i love my husband so much, and see more and more things to appreciate about him. He is truly an amazing friend and leader. I am so thankful and blessed. It just doesn't get any better in this life I don't think:)

Friday we had a little gathering at our house and my Aunt Nancy and her family came (to visit us and to see little Eden, since they can't travel with her yet). And Grandpa discovered Evan's first tooth! Finally...I had stopped checking because he's been teething for so long and there's never any evidence.

We went to AL to a family reunion (on my Dad's side) on Saturday, and that was a nice break. Joel has a hard time warming up to new people (actually that's probable an understatement, seeing as he will not even look at someone he does not know), but hopefully this will pass. The time in the car went well for the most part, and the boys were not too much of a handful. I missed going to church Sunday, and am hoping this week goes fast, so we can worship with God's people again soon.

I was not really looking forward to today, because I felt like I would be behind on things after being out Thursday and the weekend, but it has been really good. Joel slept in, so I was able to get some extra sleep as well (which I dare say I needed after not sleeping well for almost a week straight.) After Joel got up this morning, he went potty and asked for a treat. I said "After breakfast, because if you eat your skittle now it might make you feel sick. Let's wait until you have some food in your stomach." So he thought about it, and said "But the 'skillet' will touch my food." I was pretty confused, but then i figured out that he was trying to say that the "skittle" would touch the food in his stomach, so i told him that it would be okay. Anyway, I thought it was rather funny.