Called on the Carpet

This afternoon I was reading a Veggie Tales book to the kids about lying- I'm not crazy about this book because I think the author's theology of confession and repentance is pretty pathetic.  One of the veggies breaks a plate and lies to his father about who did it.  In the end of the book he finally admits that he lied, and his dad says basically, "it's ok- just don't do it again."  No reference to our need for real confession and repentance.  So it's been my habit through these years of reading aloud to just change whatever I don't like and insert what I do like.  In my new version today the veggie told his dad he was sorry for lying and his dad said some nurturing words that I can't remember about how he forgave him and he was glad his son was convicted by the Holy Spirit and led to genuine repentance and how we find forgiveness in Christ... I don't know what I said.  I say something different every time I read that book, and no one has ever noticed before.  Howie looked up at me with a smile on his face and said, "You just made that up. It doesn't say that."  I was shocked.  He caught me.  But hopefully he absorbed some good truth about repentance and forgiveness through Christ on the many times that I've read and edited that book before today.  I guess I have to be more clever and less obvious with my editorial remarks from now on.

P.S.- we just put the boys to bed a bit ago and Justice is laying in his bed singing Andrae Crouch's song "To God Be the Glory" at the top of his lungs. Somehow Howie has already managed to fall asleep despite the singing, even though they share a bed.

Last Day

What is the significance of this picture?  And the title of this post?  This is the last day we have our dear Howie with us during the morning.  Ever.  Except on weekends and holidays and sick days and summer of course, our precious Howie will be out of the house in the mornings for the next 13 years... he embarks on his school career tomorrow. This is the last movie that the boys will watch together in the morning, having nothing to do but whatever strikes our fancy.  The more I think about it, the sadder I am.  This is the beginning of letting go, and I'm not ready for this.  I know I will be a mess tomorrow as I take him to school and watch him leave my care for such a significant part of every day from here on out.  There's no going back.  Although there are definitely days that I would say I would love for him to be in school, I am viscerally sad that he's moving a little more toward independence.  Of course I know that parenting is a progressive process of letting go and entrusting them to God, and I'm so thankful that our Lord goes with Howie to school.  We will miss him horribly while he's gone, but I know that we will treasure the time that he is home during the day all the more.  Pics to come of him looking handsome and studious in his uniform tomorrow!

And this is just for fun.

Apple Picking

We went apple picking last week in New York state... it was such a fun outing.  This was our first time picking together and I'm hoping that it becomes an annual fall tradition.  I love that God made apple trees to grow low to the ground- they were just the right size for short pickers.  We had 20 pounds picked in no time.  They are fabulous.  There is nothing that says fall is fast approaching like a delicious apple.  We're hoping to eat these and then go back to pick a different variety.

Apple picking on a hot August day in fire boots.  

Look at these beauties!  Now I'm thinking of anything apple that I've ever made.  Applesauce, apple crisp, apple cake... any other ideas?  YUM! 

Even Wren has discovered the joy of a wonderful apple.  (outfit disclaimer: Josh put those legwarmers on her
with that dress.)

Happy girl... a hard apple is also a good teething pain soother!  

Girl Meets Donuts

Yup.  It's a hit.

This is illustrative of how I have changed as a parent.  I would never have DREAMED of feeding Howie a donut at 10 months.  I was more the "this child is never going to taste sugar" sort of parent.  That slowly changed as I was progressively beaten down by the demands of being a mom.  Justice was eating lollipops at 1 (I discovered at this point that a lollipop is a powerful thing... although I feel guilty saying that) and Wren shared some of a milkshake with Josh at about 7 months. Sweet mercy.  Anyway the boys think Dunkin Donuts is so amazing, but I don't really agree.  I feel like the donuts coat your teeth and throat in this weird grainy film.  Is anyone with me on this?  We go get them on occasion but I always need a drink to wash them down.  But Wren was all in.

Rain For Roots... Amazing

I recently downloaded this album I stumbled across randomly while looking at other music and we LOVE it.  It's obviously intended for children, but I love it too... the lyrics are so rich and wonderful.  I can listen to it several times in a row without wanting to pull my hair out (sorry Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD- can't say that about you!).  I am so grateful for things like this that help us to shepherd and nurture our children so beautifully.  Get it!!

A Barbie's Fate In Our Home

Our wonderful little neighbor friend left her Barbie at our house after visiting this morning and this is how I found her later this afternoon. Oops. Barbie ER anyone??

Obsession