The Noah Post

This is just in case the grandmothers felt that the last posts were Miller heavy. I think lately Noah feels like life is Miller heavy. He loves to copy Miller. And talk and walk like a baby. Especially in moments where Miller is doing things he is getting in trouble for. In these moments in exasperation I say, "You are four!" Today I got to to spend some time holding Noah and talk about how when he was Miller's age he was the only child. And he had all of our attention. I told him stories and showed pictures. I hope he soaks in how much we love him. Even though he isn't a baby any more. He sure is still adorable.

About a million new posts below. Not really. But three.

The New Game

One afternoon we braved the outside world to play in the sunshine. Miller has a new game. Opening and shutting the front door. Apparently it is so much fun. He woke Noah up from his nap and let Charlie join in the fun. They are just so cute I couldn't not share the pictures.

The thing is that Miller wants to play this game all the time. Any time he sees the door. Or remembers it is there.

The Into Everything Sick One and His Never Still Brother

Our week of being shut ins at home is coming to an end.(Tuesday I did go to a workshop I couldn't miss, Nana came and kept the boys for us! We are very thankful for her help! And the boys were glad to have her spoil them a bit.)

Tomorrow we all head back to school. I think we all enjoyed our stolen days together despite the little fever, ugly rash and some whining along the way. I will say this.... this summer is going to be busy. Miller has been walking just over a month but wow what a difference. This little stinker is in to everything!! Noah wasn't like that much. We may have to reevaluate our child proofing needs. Currently we just have plug covers in place because they are rarely out of our sight for very long. But since Miller's new favorite thing is trying to figure out the child proof caps on the floor cleaner that might change! Don't be alarmed

by these pictures. The tops never came off and I was within an arms reach. I just wanted to document my little rascal being rascaly. Despite the innocent look on his face in the first picture.

I included this one to ask if anyone has good recommendations for under eye wrinkle cream. I look fifty and tired.

In order to keep the rascal out of trouble I brought the Cozy Coupe indoors. Both my boys thought this a super cool idea.

Still trying to figure out that cap. Thank you Fabulose Floor Cleaner for making a good child proof cap. You are well worth the 1.19 I paid for you at Walmart.


This week has made it clear that this summer will need to include a plan. Some activities. Some outdoor time. Some down time. These two are going to be running circles around me.

As I help Miller in my lap during a temper tantrum, I felt tired and defeated longing for a nap, until I remembered that these days are numbered. The number of times where I hold him in my arms, where he reaches out for me to hold him for comfort are limited. Soon he will be four and my kisses will give him cooties. Before long they will both be fourteen and I will have to drop them off at the back of the parking lot so I don't embarrass them. And not long after that they will be thirty and I will have to love them by holding their children in my arms and keeping their sick babies when they are low on sick days and doing their laundry . So I cherish the rascal and his brother and their cars scattered all over the house. I treasure the fact that at four thirty Miller turns into a barnacle attached to my side and can't be put down while I cook dinner with one free arm. I treasure even the chances to love Noah through discipline even when I feel like it has effect. Because I know these crazy days are numbered and one day I will wish for them back.

The Wandering Heart

"Let thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above."

How quickly I forget the blessing the Lord has brought to me. How little time it takes for the busyness of life take over and make me forget how sweet my daily communion with Him. I forget that any kindness or gentleness or compassion to be found in me has its roots in the Father. Not in me. In the least. How easily forgotten the whispering of love in His word. The messages just for me. Why is a few more minutes of sleep more enticing? Do I not love Him more than that? Why is my most important love relationship one that crescendos and crests to recede and wane? I desire to love Him more. To serve and love Him with my life. To die to self more and more. And have less of these times where flesh wins out. I love the words of this hymn. And I am thankful that even when it doesn't feel so, my heart is His.

The Disease

If you live in Alabama......

beware of the super strand of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Thursday I got a dreaded call from Daycare at school. Miller had been crying for an hour and running a low grade fever. I gave permission for Tylenol and they got him to sleep. After school and two short committee meetings and picked up the boys thinking that he probably had an ear infection. Again. But he had some strange sores on his chin that I didn't remember seeing at breakfast. His teacher said they were all over his legs and his bottom. Uhmmm.

Thursday was a gorgeous day and my neighborhood was outside in full force. Kids everywhere. My favorite kind of afternoon. I have one neighbor down the street who has four little ones and is the expert on childhood sicknesses. She has seen just about everything. I carried Miller down the street, pulled off his little pants and let her assess. That looks like Hand Foot and Mouth she

says. I was just reading about the super strand that breaks out all over their body. Nice.

In my head I am running over all the children we have exposed. My niece, nephew, all the babies at Wednesday night church. And now everyone on the street. One of my favorite friends just had a baby I was hoping to go and see. Scratch that plan.

Our pediatrician confirmed my neighbor's diagnosis. He also said it was highly contagious and could take a week to run its course. We have been shut ins for several days. And treating Noah as if he is contagious too. It is answered prayer that he hasn't gotten it yet. Today the three of us are trying to enjoy our day home from school together.

Miller has gotten stir crazy! Adam went to the grocery store yesterday and left the front door cracked a little. Miller ran to it, opened it, waved and said "bye" walked out and shut the door behind him. He didn't go past the porch but he was laughing and laughing. We have kept Miller in pjs 24/7 in attempts to keep him from scratching. Apart form the twice daily wrestling matches to get his antibiotics down he has been a good little patient.

Wash your hands folks. And use that sanitizer. Especially at those sneaky Chick Fil A playgrounds.

The Spaghetti Face Post

My boys love their spaghetti! Aren't they cute? Could they look less alike?

Two new posts below!

The Birthday Weekend

This past Friday I turned thirty-one. I had a wonderful weekend! A couple of students surprised me in incredibly touching ways by bring a sweet present and cupcakes. It was a completely unexpected surprise. Then Adam and I went with our parents to dinner and to see Wicked. Which was amazing. Loved it! Then back to my parents for amazing cake from Dreamcakes.

Delicious! Saturday Mom and I took Miller, Noah and Xander to the zoo for just a little bit.

Then my Dad and I went to lunch alone to celebrate his birthday. That afternoon my parents and I went shopping! Sunday was a great combination of good worship and lazy rest. I spent it watching Downton Abbey Season One. Hooked. Today the boys and I were off. Mom, Xander, Jenny and Lillie came and ate lunch with us. It is always great to watch the little cousins play. It was a perfect weekend and I am reminded how blessed I am. And how loved I am.

The Valentine's Fun

I love Valentine's Day. At church the kids have been learning about the most important thing, loving God and people! And what a better holiday to put that into practice. We had a fun sweet day celebrating our loving family!

Presents and special breakfast of muffins and eggs.

Door decorations.

Cookie decorating!