Not So Little Boys

I realized the other day that we are almost past the little boy stage at our house. These poor last children of big families; they are destined to be the babies forever. My baby sister was over for Thanksgiving last week~ yes, she's thirty-something and her baby is older than my baby . . .

I love the little/big boy stage; the age of innocence and joy in simple things. Their out of diapers yet not quite to the ornery stage yet, and the Dollar Store still thrills as well as the simple joy of sitting next to Mom at movie night. "I'm just comfortable with you, Mom" is going to ring like sweet music to my ears for quite some time. And this morning, after venturing down the stairs still in his PJ's, "Well, nice to see you Mom!"

And his latest, which none of us can convince him otherwise, is the fact that he has been chosen to become the next Power Ranger. So stay tuned, maybe he knows something we don't.

Better Than Chocolate

Last night Trent's name casually came up in conversation, and out of the blue, Grace, Micah and I entered in to deep theological matters that I have forgotten to be in awe of. I can't even remember what was said about Trent when Micah commented, "I wish people could come back from heaven."

I explained in simple terms, on a six year old level, "They do, Micah."

"They do?" he asked, eyes wide. "Can he come back today?" The three of us went on to discuss how Jesus was raised from the grave as the firstfruit, how God is going to restore this earth, how people will come back from heaven.

"Well then we better keep his stuff in his trunk for him."

"But I think we will probably go to heaven before Trent comes back from heaven, honey," I tried to explain.

"Well, then maybe Russell can take care of it for him." Russell is our 80-some year old neighbor.

So I tried a different tactic and told him, like Isaiah said, that we will throw all of these earthly belongings that we hold on to so tightly here and put so much meaning in, to the rats and the bats when we see what Jesus has to offer us. I think I summed it up by saying, "Jesus has lots better stuff for us."

"Like gold money, and it has the chocolates inside?"

"Yep, Micah, like gold money with chocolates inside, and even better than that."

"Better than that?!" he could hardly believe it.

I wish I could capture the "awe" in his voice by typing mere words on a computer. I wish I could capture the excitement of his childlike faith. I wish I could capture his wide eyes and expectant face for a God who was just revealed bigger than he could have ever imagined. I wish I could somehow pen the joy in my own heart to be reminded, yet again, that people do come back from heaven, and God has better things in store for His children. Better, even, than gold coins with chocolate inside.

Ummm... Thanks Honey!

Those cute little dumpling's that God gave me~ they say the sweetest things! We were driving along tonight, and out of the blue, Grace says:

"Hey, Mom! I just noticed something~ you don't have fat arms!"

Ummm... thanks honey!

I haven't laughed so hard in weeks.

We Laugh if Nothing Else

Ever since Trent died we have understood to a deeper level what James meant in the New Testament when he said "Lord willing". We have appreciated and understood God's sovereignty in our plans more and more and the fact that everything is in His hands and by His will and not to be taken for granted. But..... lately I am hearing my six year old respond to any and all requests "Lord willing!" "Micah, will you get me an apple, too?" When he's ten feet away from the fridge he reply's "Lord willing!". "Can I have a kiss?" "Lord willing!" You're on the right track Mr. Mikes!

These Two

These two have been a match made in heaven ever since Micah came home from India. Before he even came home Rae claimed him as "That Boy" and he has been her boy ever since. Always in her prayers and conversations, he ranges from the one who done it to the greatest little boy around. The feelings mutual. She declared the other day that she was going to marry him when she grows up. When her Momma tried to explain that you can't marry your cousin her simple reply.... that's okay, when I marry him he won't be my cousin any longer:))

Cute Kid Sayings

The other day I was talking with the boys about letting the goats out into the big pasture for a while in case they were bored of being in their little fenced area. Cole looked at me and said "What does bored mean, Mom?"