God is ALWAYS here

The things Judah says on a daily basis never cease to amaze me. He is so cute and funny with his wonderful imagination.

I was working on mixing paint in the garage while Brody was napping, and Judah was with me, just playing with the jogging stroller (the old one) while I was busy working with the paint. I was talking with Judah while I worked, as I always try to do just to keep communicating with him even though I'm busy with something.

So, Judah latched the seatbelt part of the stroller and started saying he had a baby in the stroller. He was talking to the baby in a high-pitched (moreso than he usual high pitch - ha) voice, "Hi, Baby. Want to walk, Baby? Okay!" It was adorable.

He kept showing this "baby" things in the garage. Judah saw the paint tray from Jake painting the house, and he said, "Daddy's paint!" Then he worked SO HARD to turn the stroller around so "the baby" could see Daddy's paint. I asked him about his baby a few times, and he would answer and then keep talking to the baby. Finally, I said, "Judah, what's the baby's name?" He quickly answered, "God." I was dumb-stricken. God was sitting in that stroller! Judah kept going on with his game, completely unaware of the power of his words and his imagination.

I kept working, well aware that God was sitting in the stroller, watching everything going on. A few minutes later, Judah almost knocked some paint over. I started to get upset, then I remembered -- God was sitting in the stroller. How should I react? What should I say? I directed Judah and his stroller in a different direction and explained that he almost knocked the paint over and needed to watch where he was going. "Okay, Mommy," he said and went on with his game.

This very small part of the day stuck with me, though. I should ALWAYS act as if God was sitting in the room, watching everything I'm saying and doing. My little 2 year old convicted me in a big way today, and it is an experience that will stick with me for a long time.

Such Pure Truth

Brody LOVES to swing outside on the swingset. He is such a happy boy. He is really crawling now, rather than just army crawling. It's so great to see him mobile.

Judah and Jake fishing. Judah loves to go fishing with Daddy.

I had the most interesting conversation with Judah this morning. We were playing outside (as we do almost all day, every day anymore), and we started talking about people being mean. I told Judah that it isn't good to be a mean person.

Judah asked, "Why?" This is a normal response to most everything we say to him.

I wanted to be clear this time that I knew what he was asking. I said, "Why are people mean?"

Judah replied, "Yeah."

I said, "Because they need to know Jesus."

Judah said, "I know Jesus."

I said with a smile, "You do!?"

Judah replied, "Yes, I know Jesus. He helps people."

I said, "Really?"

Judah responded, "Yes!" Then he paused and added, "Batman, too. He helps people. Jesus helps people, too. I like 'em."

Judah went on to say several more times that he knows Jesus. It made my heart swell that he is learning who Jesus is and feels that he knows Him! I owe a big thank-you to his extremely patient Sunday School teacher, Roberta, who does such a great job teaching all of the kids about Jesus and how we should all be kind. I'm glad, too, that he is learning about Jesus from Jake and I at home.

I'm looking forward to a very joyful and blessed week. Are you?

Boys will be Boys

Boys will be boys, right? It's so true. They will get dirty, scraped, bruised, grass-stained, muddy, and splintered -- but they will enjoy it all. Judah has shown such a great interest in many things, and I am sure Brody will too soon enough.


Brody's adorable chunky baby legs with sandals, enjoying the beautiful spring afternoon. He discovered grass this past week. He likes to pull it and try to (as he does with everything) put it in his mouth. Luckily, Mommy is always there to stop him.

Such a sweet smiling boy! Brody is quick to give smiles to most everyone he sees. Brody is learning to "dance." He watches Judah enough to know how to groove. If there is music on, Brody will find some kind of rhythm, stick his arms straight out to the side, and rock back and forth, even getting his head into it. He loves it!

Brody is a sprawling sleeper. No one could share a bed with him!

Judah getting a book read to him by Daddy. Usually Mommy reads the bedtime stories, but it's a very special night when Daddy reads to him. Judah just eats it up. He knows "Green Eggs and Ham" very well now and can help read parts of it.

Judah loves wearing his cowboy hat . . . as well as play the drums on anything that will make noise. A drumming cowboy? Maybe!

He loves to "cook" while I am cooking. I gave him flour and cinnamon to mix together and use for baking. He "made cookies." So, he loves to cook, but he loves it to be messy cooking! (See facebook for the complete set of pictures.)

Judah LOVES to play the guitar. He understands rhythm . . . but not necessarily which direction to hold the guitar. He also loves to play the drums. We have a hard time keeping him off the drumset at church.

Judah likes art. He enjoys drawing and coloring. But, there HAS to be a crayon or pencil behind his ear AT ALL TIMES. Such a boy. I think he's seen a few of the men in his life do this while building things.

While hanging out with his older cousins, Judah decided it was time to scare his parents and jump on a skateboard. He LOVED it and talked about it for DAYS. He will now jump on his skateboard and tell me, "Jake says, 'Bend knees. Arms out. Look where going.'" He knows how it works for sure. And truthfully, he's pretty good for a 2 year old!

The people in Judah's life are also important to him. He will talk a lot these days about "Jake and Chris" (his cousins pictured here). The skateboarding was fun for him, but it was a fantastic bonding experience for Judah. He feels a connection with them both now, as seen in how he talks about them and skateboarding, as well as how much more he prays for Jake and Chris. And when I bake something special, like cake or pie, he always says we have to share with Jake and Chris.

I absolutely love the stage we are in now. Judah is getting more and more talkative, and he "practices" almost everything he hears. He is fun to talk with. Brody is such a bright-eyed boy with a curiousity for most everything he can see.

Hope everyone out there is able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful spring that has arrived!

Judah is a very happy boy. This is Judah with his "friends." (Froggie, Bob, & Monkey) Froggie has become quite the traveler (with Judah). He's been to Vegas, Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado. That poor frog is in quite a worn state now. :)

Brody is one of the happiest babies - ever. That is the compliment we get from nursery workers all the time. He just smiles so easily. His eyes light up with every smile.

I came upon an old list of things a few days ago. It isn't just an ordinary list, either. It is a list of my actual experiences, things I've thought about doing, and all of my possibilities. It was so interesting to see how many things from the "things I've thought about doing" category I have started to do. "Raising kids" is the big one that I have begun to do. Singing at church is another thing on the list that I have started to do (along with playing my bass).

I found myself thinking about all of the things on the list that I have always wanted to do but haven't. I wonder if I'll ever be able to learn the things that I want to start "someday." On this list are things like: Make a quilt, make GOOD salsa, and make our own clothes. I don't know how I can begin to learn these things while I have little boys running around and very interested in things I'm doing (especially if it involves scissors!). I do have these things on my list of things to attempt "someday." I'm just hoping that I can dive into them fully at some point.

Are there things you have on your "list" that you want to try someday? I encourage you to write them down and try one soon. I know I plan on attempting something new soon. It might even be something I've added to my list, too.

Good times

My boys are so unbelieveably cute. I am so proud of them! I just needed a post to say it to the world.

Judah is a really good boy all around. He is kind, compassionate, and helpful. He loves to do things for others. Judah enjoys making people laugh. He is currently working on his ABCs and counting. We are still working on colors, but he knows them pretty well. Judah can count to 10 by himself, and last night he shocked Jake by counting to 14 by himself.

Brody is a very happy baby. He enjoys watching Judah run around and make him laugh. Brody wants to get around more than he does. He currently is doing a great army crawl, but he wants to get around more and faster! He LOVES to jump in the jumper, and he is mastering the walker in the kitchen.

Jake is a very busy man lately. He has been working VERY hard, trying to make the business better, as any business man tries to do! When he gets home, he doesn't really get a break, because Judah attacks him and demands to tackle, toss a ball, or play hide-and-seek. Brody just lights up when he sees Jake anytime. Even if he hears Jake's voice, Brody has to stop what he's doing and look for Daddy! It is so awesome to see the love for Daddy from the boys. It is also awesome to see such a fantastic dedication from Jake for his boys.

I am such a lucky lady to have such a wonderful husband, who is a fabulous father. I am also very blessed to have two amazing little boys, who are already showing what great people they are becoming.

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

A Reminder of God's Promise

I can't help but post a picture of the boys. This is a few weeks ago. Both boys were in jammies, ready for bed, and Judah wanted to cuddle with Brody on the rocking chair.

What a couple of cuties!!!

I just wanted to share a verse that God has really put on my heart lately. I know it is a blessing to others to read it too.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

What an encouraging piece of God's word! We need not worry about our future, because God knows the plans HE has for us. We just need to SEEK HIM with all our hearts! What a blessing!!!

May you fully seek God this week with all your heart!

Full-Blast Winter

Winter has arrived without question. The news a couple of weeks ago said that this past December 2009, Northeast Kansas got more snow than ever recorded. It's no wonder people are getting tired of the snow.

Still, even though people are tired of the snow, I wish they would relax a little and try to see the beauty in God's creation -- even in the winter. The snow falling from the sky in its soft, delicate, quiet way is beautiful. And, just as we stop to admire a rainbow or beautiful sunset, the snow in all its beauty deserves to be admired as well.

Someone told me that it is beautiful, but they had more of a right to be upset by it because I didn't have to get up in the wee hours and drive anywhere. While she was correct, I do have to get out in the weather (with 2 kiddos in tow!) for different reasons. Also, along with all of my other mommy-friends, I have to keep my kids INSIDE, entertained, and happy. That isn't always easy to do all winter long. There are days that I long to go for a walk in the sunshine, but that will have to wait until spring.

For now, I'm off to read a pile of books to the boys. Maybe later we'll do some more fingerpainting and watch Curious George.

May you find yourself in awe of God's beauty in the winter and snow this week.

New Update; It's been awhile

Brody is here at last, arriving over 2 months ago now. He was born on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 2:02pm.

Sunday afternoon we went swimming, and I was just so tired of being pregnant and feeling awful. I asked Jake to run and get me some castor oil, because I figured it couldn't hurt! So, he ran to the store to get it. While he was gone a storm started to roll in, and with it came contractions about 7 minutes apart. When Jake got back, we thought we should probably get stuff ready in case we needed to go to the hospital.

Jake was eating dinner, and the contractions just got closer together. We then started our drive into the hospital at about 7pm. At that point, the contractions were about 2 minutes apart. Jake was pretty shocked, as was I. But not as shocked as when we got to the hospital and they said I was still just dilated to 1cm and about 50% effaced. I thought there would have been more progress from my doctor's appointment the week before. So, Jake and I started walking the hospital. It was very late that Sunday night, and the hospital was dark and quiet. We walked for hours . . . and my legs were so sore. I did get to soak in the tub a couple of times, and that was really nice! Those moments in the hospital with Jake were precious and fun. Jake had me laughing so hard that I had to stop walking many times and catch my breath. (Oh, I am so lucky to have such a great husband!)

Sometime in the early morning hours, the nurses and my midwife decided to start me on pitocin in order to regulate the contractions. They were there, but they just weren't doing enough.

By lunchtime, I was dilated to 5cm and my water broke . . . but I was not dilating any more. It was like things had stalled. With the epidural in and working (very, very) well, I couldn't go walking anymore.

My nurse Shannon finally had a great idea by 1:40pm. She said she could feel the baby's head, and he felt like he was face-up, which could have been holding things up. She said that I needed to get on my hands and knees and rock back-and-forth. Shannon said that she didn't know why, but it worked to help turn the baby and get things moving. So, with Shannon's and Jake's help, I got on my hands and knees (I couldn't really feel my legs too much ... the epidural was really working well.) and rocked for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, I laid back down and instantly told Shannon that I felt I needed to push. She checked me again, and I was dilated to a 10!!! They called Kim, my midwife, who was luckily at the hospital next door. At one point, with my eyes closed, I said, "I really feel like I need to push!" Jake said, "I'm not qualified to deal with that!" I opened my eyes and noticed that he and I were the only ones in the room, as my nurse was calling my midwife to get there right away.

Kim got there just in time. A contraction came, and they told me to push. So, I pushed three times through ONE contraction, and Brody was here. It was amazing that he came so fast!!

In the moment that they set him on my lap, I said, "He looks like a Brody. He is so beautiful."

So, on August 10, 2009, Brody arrived weighing 7lbs 11oz and was 20.5 inches long. At 1 month old, he weighed in at 10lbs and 11oz (75%) and 22.5 inches long (85%). Now, at 2 months old, he weighs 14lbs and 7.5oz (97%) and is 24.5 inches long (95%). He is growing beautifully. He is smiling freely and even laughing a little!

Summer Fun

It really was a day like any other, so I'm not really sure what made it such a great day for me. I should have been dead-tired, being up with Judah (and due to pregnancy) half the night. For some reason, I wasn't tired at all. I truly believe God gave me the energy I needed to have a really great day with my son.

The day started like any other, being busy around the house and getting stuff done. Then, I decided to take Judah outside to play in the kiddie pool in the backyard. We hadn't done that in a long time, so he was thrilled with it. We dragged the small slide over to the pool so he could slide into the water. I sat poolside with my feet in the water and enjoyed the beautiful morning sunshine.




(This is Judah trying on his friend Sophia's sunglasses. It was cute.)


After Judah was done with the pool, we both remained barefoot and played in the yard. I can't remember the last time I played in the grass like that. Judah wanted to swing, so I pushed him on the swings for a long time. Then, Judah wanted to play with the ball, so we kicked the ball back and forth for the longest time! It was really fun!

Naptime, for a change, was easy. After lunch, I put Judah in bed and he was out pretty quickly and slept really well. I was able to get a few things done and lay down myself for a short time.





(This is a picture of Judah's bruise on his head. He fell into a doorjamb in the hallway running from one room to the other.)

After naps and a quick afternoon snack, Judah and I played ball in the house. We kicked the ball in the living room (he can kick really really hard, too!). Then, we played catch. Judah is getting really really good at catching a ball! I'm impressed! After playing catch, it was time for baseball. Judah likes to pitch, so I batted first. Then we switched it around and he batted for awhile. Not too far into our baseball game, Jake got home. (When Jake gets home, Mama isn't so "cool" anymore...so Judah was off to play ball with Dad for awhile, which is fine.)

The whole day was just full of play. It was more than what I've mentioned here. We didn't just play ball, although looking back we did that a LOT. But, Judah and I took time to play with blocks and cars and the dogs outside. We took time to read a book and toss his Froggie around a little bit. We even found some energy (only from God) to rough-house a little bit. I was able to flip him around just a little, until my belly said, "No more!"

The day ended gracefully, as only a great day like that could. Judah stayed in a wonderful mood and went down for bed quite easily. As I write all of this, the day seems simple enough, but it's a day that I will remember -- for me and Judah. It meant a lot to me to have a full day of playing with Judah and really having FUN together. It's like it was a day by which summer is defined. Look up "summer" in a dictionary and that day will be recorded there. All that was missing was a glass of lemonade and some slices of watermelon at the end of the day. But, we'll save that for another day.

(These are pictures of Judah with a box turtle that we found. He thought it was pretty cool. It was a very active turtle, too. Usually they just stay in their shells, but this one stuck it's neck out and walked around a lot. He enjoyed the turtle a lot. We set it free.)

Life Lessons

Lessons learned by Judah and his Mama: (Please feel free to learn from my mistakes!)

1. When you act like a monkey and jump on the bed, you will fall and bonk your head (or nose!).

2. If you are not paying attention when trying to open a can of beans after using an old-fashioned can-opener, you will most likely slice open your thumb or finger.

3. Investing in a SpotBot carpet cleaner is a really good thing when you have a toddler who likes to walk around with his chocolate milk in his leak-proof cup.

4. Not all "spill-proof" toddler cups are really spill-proof or leak-proof.

5. The number one rated baby gate can be figured out by a smart toddler.

6. Rocks sink when thrown into a swimming pool.

7. Little boys sink in a swimming pool; paying attention at all times is extremely important.

8. Vacuum cleaners are scary and do smoke a lot when the belt needs changed.

9. Sometimes life just isn't fair.

10. Cereal is fun to pour out onto the table and floor.

11. Cereal doesn't vacuum up with the vacuum I own.

12. Lemonade is so good in the summertime!

13. Sometimes you just need a good hug or cuddle-time, even in the middle of the night.

14. Fourth of July lesson: Smoke Bombs are a good "firework" to spend money on. They are fun to light and watch the smoke, and afterwards they are cool little "balls" to throw in the driveway.

15. It really is okay if the housework doesn't get done. Playing with my boy is just too fun and too fleeting.

16. It is okay to not be perfect. Making a mess, not getting things right the first time, and outright failing sometimes: these are ways that we learn.

17. "Jesus Loves Me" is a great song.

18. Dancing is a lot of fun.

19. Jumping off furniture is exhilarating.

20. Laughter is the best music in a home.