Trust and Obedience

My quick obedience saved our lives -- and that thought terrified me.

Hearts Full of Gratitude, or A Cautionary Tale

This one even has a disclaimer at the end.

Tidbits

Elliott, to me: What can I do to get people to throw money at me?

Me, to Augie: Take his foot out of your mouth. NOW.

Augie, to no one in particular: I like jelly donuts.

Ellliott, to the WORLD: Doesn't anyone KNOCK anymore?

Charlie, to everyone: They won't let me do ANYTHING. I can't play basketball, throw the football, Ethan won't even let me wear his beard.

Dreaming Big, Dinner Edition

"Elliott, would you like sauce on your pasta?"

"I'd like milk on my cocoa puffs."

Should I post this on ebay?

In our home, everything is a weapon. A precious, precious weapon.

Jokes on Me

Library books: I know how to pick 'em!

Still A Little Boy

Ethan took his first mega-big field trip yesterday, leaving before school started and getting home just before bedtime. It was a long, wonderful day that he had been looking forward to weeks in advance.

Last night, a very tired but happy boy came home just as his brothers were finishing bathtime. I told Ethan he needed to go ahead and hop in the shower -- he had hiked, gone swimming in the ocean, and traveled several hours (each way) in a van filled with other sweaty fifth grade boys.

"But mom," he pleaded, "I practically showered already."

"What does that mean," I asked.

"I washed my face like four times today!"

I'm holding on to these moments. Next year is middle school, and I have this feeling life starts to speed up right around this point.

Perspective

When there is no underlying agenda or bitterness, talking about the pros and cons of our respective days can help us appreciate our spouse – and also our own situation.

Scared.

With an attitude like this, I fear the presents they will give.

Sad But True

The bigger question is: can the uniform pants last a few more weeks?

Ladies Man

This guy knows the way to a woman's heart.

So True.

Elliott: Henry is a big ball of joy!

Augie: Henry is a big ball of awesome.

Risking Kindness

As I have walked through this season of festivities and celebrations and stress, I’m recognizing the incredible need to risk kindness – to risk calling at a bad time instead of not calling at all.