What the....?

This, my friends, is the result of 20 minutes of brushing our dog. I guess they call this in the malamute world- a blowout. That's a pretty good description of the extra dog that came from Kenzie this evening. I could have spent 20 more minutes and doubled this pile o' fur but Kenzie was sending out the signals that enough was enough.
Just thought I would share this small phenomenon. The dog seemed to feel better afterwards...


And if it's worth anything, Josiah was pretty happy with the whole situation as well...

Baby's 1st Haircut

Okay, maybe it was Josiah's 3rd but it wasn't just his bangs this time. I became a bit bolder this time and chopped an inch all around. This haircut was way overdue. His curls hide the true length because when he's in the bathtub and the water temporarily straightens it out, it falls way past his shoulders. Anyway, he was a good sport especially with a cracker in his hand (note the well-placed crumbs on the face). What a munch!!

Quote of the Week

Today we were driving around town, my mother-in-law and I with the kids, delivering groceries to certain families. We have been doing this every week helping out with this ministry. It has been an awesome experience for the kids and me, getting to know people and helping out where we can.
Anyway, as we were talking in the front seats, Elijah suddenly called out from the back,

"Mom, you are a poem and don't even know it!!"

I almost stopped the car right there just to give my little guy a hug. I don't even remember what I said to bring on such a perfect quote but it is definitely in my Top 10 list of memories that I want etched in my mind forever. Besides, wouldn't you really rather be called a poem than a poet? It's so much more poetic, isn't it??

Hello Stranger

Here I am. I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I think I had to take a break from words, spoken and written, for a while. I finished reading The Bride on schedule. 36 chapters in 6 days. Thus the temporary break from most written word. So tonight I thought I would begin my return to the blogging world by re-introducing the two cutest little boys in the whole wide world.

Los Hermanos- Elijah and Josiah

Eli's new backpack. Permanently adhered to his back.

Josiah's favorite position these days- upside down.

Elijah's silly face

The face of mischief. Whaaaat?

These two are bringing so much joy to Seth and me these days. I can't count how many times we look at each other and crack up because Elijah has just said something hilarious or Josiah, in his own little world, is making the funniest face ever. Boys are just so much fun!

Goodnight Moon

I hugged Elijah today. Not really a momentous occasion because I hug him daily multiple times. But today was different. I sat holding him and noticed how small his shoulders were. For some reason, it made me want to cry. Small shoulders that carry such light burdens. As well it should be. Little man, I wish I could always carry your burdens but that is reserved by One who is infinitely stronger.

Boys. Always the competition of who is strongest, fastest, smartest. Today Elijah asked the questions that if answered correctly have the potential to unlock the secrets of the entire universe. "Mom, could Spiderman beat up God? Who can run faster- Jesus or SharkBoy?"

Speaking of hugs. I have to say, I think I have 2 of the most affectionate young males ever. I cannot get enough of their hugs. Both of their techniques intrigue me. Elijah has more of a "drive-by" approach. He doesn't give them very often but when he does, you know he really means it. Lately he has been randomly telling me that he has a big, huge, 'mongous surprise for me. And then he backs up to the other side of the room, runs full speed to me, and wraps his soft arms around my waist. With a sweet "I love you Mom" he is off to his next adventure. Josiah is a snuggle bear. I call my little koala. He knows how to just melt into you, form himself to your front, and hold you captive by his warm affection. Hopefully he will never discover that he could ask for anything at that moment and it would be his in an instant.

Seth and I are having one of those weeks. You know those weeks where you are pretty sure you remember each other's face because you only see it for five minutes before you are both sound asleep? Yes, it has been busy. A new show has rolled into town so Seth has been commuting between here and downtown every day.
I have learned to let go. This week is the first official week of having an official babysitter officially watch my children. Because I have been recording The Bride every day. I have to admit, it was really difficult that first day. "Did I remember to tell her this or that? Will the boys give her a hard time? Oh, I hope she doesn't go into the master bathroom...Why didn't I take the time to clean it??" But, as I said before, I have learned to let go. And everything is going beautifully. Even the reading is going amazingly well. The Lord is stirring things up in my heart. But I will leave that for a future post...

Midsummer Nights

The past few evenings, the family has made its way to the front yard to enjoy some fresh air without baking ourselves. When there is 100+ degree weather, you really try to stay in as much as possible. But around 7:30, the temperature drops a bit and a nice breeze begins. Perfect conditions for Elijah's Big Wheel to come out or bike or skateboard or whatever suits his needs for the evening. Josiah is content to park himself in the grass and just watch his big brother go wild. Tonight I broke out the gallon size container of bubbles that have been hidden in the pantry for a year now. Here are some pictures of the boys enjoying them...

Eli going Kung Fu on the bubbles

The joy of a child
And one bubble for you, Sir
Darn, it popped!

Watch out....

...or Josiah might poke you with his hair...

Seriously, we're having just a little too much fun these days with Mr. Goldilocks. What the camera didn't capture was Josiah using the shampoo bubbles to wash his own belly. Almost too adorable for words!

Busy Days

So all of you who just cannot get enough of my voice will be pleased to hear that you will soon be able to purchase a book-on-CD with hours and hours of just me. These next couple of weeks, I will be recording this book you see on the left. The Bride has made it around the world and back. Apparently many people have requested that it be put to audio and the author, Rhonda Calhoun, asked me to be the narrator. I was a bit shocked by this, especially since she had never heard me read out loud before. I have gradually become used to the idea and have come to the realization that it is very much a "God thing". I guess that happens when you hang around prophetic people! This book had such an impact on my heart when I read it a few years ago, while I still lived in Orlando. It is one of those stories that just catch you by surprise and you finish it with more tenderness for the Lord than you might think possible.
So I'm fully expecting that while I am reading it out loud, God is going to do some softening and rearranging of this Bride's heart. I'm actually hoping for it...