Just to remember - Olivia 1/19/2010

Whispering in my ear, so Rebecca can't hear... "Mom, did you know Rebecca isn't real?"

Me: "I did know, how do you feel about it?"

Olivia: "its ok, mom."

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Olivia: "Sometimes I remind myself of Samson. Not because of the long hair but because of my strength" - seriously had a hard time keeping a straight face on that one!

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Olivia: "Mom, did you know that Lazarus died and then 2 days later Jesus went to him and he UNDIED!" - glad we were in the car for this one and I could quietly giggle to myself.

How is it possible?

I took Olivia to visit her school today. How is it possible that it is time to think about school? I know its cliche' but there are days when I feel like she was born yesterday! And now she is 5!

She was so grown-up. Sitting with the kids at their table. Participating in all of their activities. She especially loved eating her apple at "fruit break" and eating her lunch at lunchtime. SHE LOVED her teacher, and her teacher was so sweet to have her join in the class!

I LOVED having the opportunity to observe how she acts in a classroom setting. She loved it! Didn't want to leave. She is sad that she has to wait until next fall to go back. She just seemed so big! Her daddy and I couldn't be more proud of her.

Quote of the day:
Olivia: "We have to go back to school soon! I'm starting to forget what my teacher looks like!"

January days

Filling our January days requires some MAJOR creativity around here... I SOOOO love the stage the kids are in, we have so much fun. Here are some of the activities I want to remember during this fun stage.

Olivia's tea party with Rebecca
Logan: "Sis, can I have a tea party?"

Olivia: {sigh} "Ok bub, but let ME pour the pretend tea"

Olivia the "super-sleuth" collecting clues in her clue-bag from Paris

We added some shelves to Olivia's room to help with the chaos, I mean organizational needs of a 5-year-old. Here is how she arranged everything. I think it looks great!

Logan's favorite hobby is Geo-trax

our "Snow Princess" - who also does ballet

Baking...

And playing outside. Have I ever mentioned that I don't care to play out in the cold? Oh the things we do for our kids...

Just a quick thought I wanted to share from my Bible Study lecture today. Our speaker shared a quote from C.S. Lewis:

"There are only 2 types of people in the world. Those who say to God "Thy will be done" and those to whom God says "Thy will be done""

It made me stop and think about the times in my life when I have tried to do things on my own. Not asking for God's direction and wisdom because I foolishly think I can handle it by myself. (lately, parenting. God has so graciously given me wisdom and direction in this area, in the past. why do I continue to go through periods of trying it on my own? I just end up frustrated and the kids end up frustrated. ) God is a gentleman and I believe He will step aside, allowing me to try things my way, which inevitably fail. (like trying to parent a 3-year-old without spending quality time in prayer over God's best way to handle it) At which time He is there to scoop me back up into His loving arms. I have found MAJOR comfort this week in John 10:29 "My Father, who has given them(us, his sheep) to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." Praise God I am NEVER out of his grip.

Another verse that I have recited out loud over and over this week (and its only Tuesday if that tells you the kind of week Logan is having):

"My children are taught of the Lord, GREAT is their peace!" Isaiah 54:13 (paraphrased)

Hugs from Indy!

Holidays 2009

Wow, I can't believe the holidays are over! Ours started early in December when Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dan hosted a SUPRISE birthday party for mom. She was TRULY surprised! I would mention her age but I want to live to see my next birthday, HA! My favorite part was when I called her and had to pretend we were in Indy but we were really at Nancy's waiting for her. SO FUN to be sneaky!!! but it wore me out! I have NEVER kept a secret for so long! (Except maybe Susie's party in college. :) )

Our Christmas celebrations started that evening at dad and Kathy's with Brad, Kerri and the kids. so much fun to have everyone together. Is it a bit much to ask me to remember my camera? YES! so no pics. :( Just fun memories of the kids playing, wonderful food, and great conversation!

Next came Christmas Eve, we celebrated at Tommy's grandparents and then we were off to church. The kids LOVED it that we went to church at bedtime! Ohhhh the little things in life.

Christmas morning was so much fun, first at our house then at Tom and Dotty's for a GREAT breakfast and celebrating.

On Saturday Mom, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dan, Brad, Kerri and the kids came for an Italian themed Christmas celebration. YUMMY food!

On Sunday the 27th Brad and I took mom to Chicago to celebrate her birthday a little more. It was so much fun, yummy restaurants, shopping, and wonderful conversation. Are you looking for pics? you guessed it! no camera on that trip either! UGH! Am I flunking blogging?

New Year's Eve was spent at home, kids safe in their beds, us safe on the couch watching TV. I am starting to prefer it that way. Wow, I just realized I like to stay in on New Year's and I have been ordering hot tea lately in restaurants, what am I 85? yikes! :)

Just a few pics that I did get over the holidays.


Our holiday wouldn't be complete without mentioning that Rebecca now has more wardrobe selection than I do. Hmmm.... Here are Rebecca and Olivia all ready for church on Christmas eve.

I just had to throw this one in. I have absolutely NO idea what they are looking at, but it must have been very interesting. HAHAHAHA!!! oh and I LOVE kiddies in snuggle-bunnies!!!! (Brad and my word for jammies with feet, not sure where it came from but it sticks!)

Practicing with our new camera. Olivia can NOT get used to the flash! But Rebecca is always camera-ready!

ok, lets be real. Are most of the gifts Logan received meant for Tommy? He has been enjoying them just as much as Logan! Need I mention the after Christmas trip to Toys R Us for more Geo-trax? Not my idea... I just saying... However where did I stop in Chicago 3 days after Christmas? yep more outfits for Rebecca. sigh.

Happy New Year's blogging buddies, I pray that your year is filled with God's peace and joy.

My only resolution this year: To really LISTEN for God's voice. I know He longs to speak to me and have constant conversation through prayer. I also know that He is the "still small voice" that is only audible if I am listening. Sometimes I wish His voice could be heard like a mega-phone. But instead of asking Him to talk louder (which believe me, I have done) I am going to work on listening harder. I am so thankful that His grace is sufficient for me and that his mercies are new every morning.

Hugs!