lauradodson:art+craft

Joy to the World the Lord is Come!

 

 

 

What a whirlwind of a fall semester! Back to school has turned into Christmas time. Time sure flies the older I get. Thanksgiving was wonderful--family, football, food, fun, long walk, soccer, visiting, sewing. What more could you ask for?  One more week til break and I can hardly wait.  

Halls are decked and we're reading from several Children's Bibles in the evening the story of Jesus' birth, Zacharias & Elisabeth & John, Wise Men & Herod, shepherds and the glorious angel with the multitude of heavenly host who proclaimed Salvation, Praise, and Good News to men--not of condemnation but of mercy and grace. The boys have loved climbing onto our big bed and reading before sleep. It's a nice way to wind down. 

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved."

~John 3:17 KJV

Virtue and Integrity. We Need It.

 

On both sides, of course.

What can 7, 8, & 9 yr old boys do?

This summer I decided to start working myself out of a job. I decided to train these three in some needed life skils and they were game. In fact, they were down right enthusiastic.

What can they do WITHOUT supervision, and very well?

> clean their bathroom (angels singing)

> wash dishes

> clean the table

> sweep any floor

> make.their.own.lunches. (Hallelu!)

> sort clothes

> put clothes in washer (working on correct amount of detergent now)

> put clothes in dryer and start at appropriate time and temperature

> take clothes from dryer

> fold every item 

> put away their clothes and transport other items to correct locations

> dust

> vacuum

> water plants

> wash car (ok ok, I'm out there with them on this one)

> and constantly ask, "Mom, do you need help?"

I wish I could say we did this with Joshua and Caleb. Sadly, we did not. Yes, they were helpful. Yes, they help now. But. A big but...I was far too concerned with making my home magazine perfect to allow J and C to help. LESSON.LEARNED.  Frankly, the little guys do a superb job at any chore needed.

Tonight, in less than an hour, the house was dusted, swept, vacuumed, bathroom cleaned, towels folded and put away. Soon they'll be at the ready to fetch, fold, and put away their clothes.

Go D7!

Birthday Surprise

WOW.

Fully awesome day.  Instead of gifting Alan with yet another wonderful lego, which I do love to give, I thought it would be fun to give an 'experience' instead. The fun thing? Daddy took the day off and made it even better! And Nonnie came, too. They spent the night with Nonnie after the fireworks, and Alan knew he was getting a surprise gift but had no clue what it would be. We picked the boys up the following morning and off we went. The three boys talked about what it could be the entire way. We arrived at the caverns and Alan was surprised. He really was WOW'd by the cavern. As we were walking down the path back to the main area, we approached the Canopy Challenge. JEFF WAS INTRIGUED. We stopped to read the signs. Nonnie and I wanted to try the zip line. The boys wanted to do the ropes course, Jeff wanted to do all of it! So we did! And boy oh boy, the zip line was a blast! The boys were harnassed and ready, climbed the stairs and entered the course. Out of the three, I thought Daniel would be the least fearful. WRONG. Jeremiah took off. He was the first to the 3rd story. Daniel was very timid, and Alan unsure but they both ended up doing it on their own up to the 3rd story. Jeff went to the 4th story and back down and at times met up with the three to guide them around. I was totally blown away by Jeremiah. I asked him this morning what was going through his mind while he was up there, he responded, "That I'd make it." He did. They all did! I was so proud of my little men. Strong, brave, faced some fear and worked through it. I highly recommend the Canopy Challenge at Natural Bridge Caverns. You will not regret it.

The Parade

The Independence Day parade in our small town is a big deal. We sat on the curbside with the rest of the city and enjoyed the celebration. Flags, Veterans, Fireman, clowns, bikers, lowriders...it is an amazing parade celebrating our country's independence. Cook out at Nonnie's, and laying on the quilts on the golf course watching fireworks light up the night sky. One Beautiful Day.

9.

July 4th is not just the celebration of our Nation's Independence, but in our family, it's the celebration of Alan (aka Ol' Toothless). 

Alan at Welcome Home.

This photo is in Alan's file at Welcome Home. There's also a naked baby picture. ;o)

4 years ago today, I called Alan from Heathrow to wish him happy birthday. We had left the day before without the boys due to a 'glitch' with our Emb*ssy. (More like a nightmare.) He was walking across the field with Lindsay headed to his big party at the home.

.....

Now he's 9. I cannot believe we've known him for just 4 years. That he's been our son for 4 years. Only 4? That just doesn't seem possible.

Here's the 9 year old today!

WE LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEW 9 YEAR OLD!

16.

I have one of these. 16. Boundary pusher. Laugh maker. Treasure. Son.

As his mother, it is my duty to pay him back for all the cra-cra he dishes out. I love you, Son.

You know all those photos I took that I said were for personal use only? Yeah. About that. Surprise! Happy Birthday!

You wanna lurk behind doors, and in darkened corners to scare the living daylights out of me? Go right ahead. It's payback time.

I love you. No matter what. I cannot believe that it's been 16 years already. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you. May you follow him with all your heart, seek him, and know him.

overheard

{Jeremiah, while playing in his room with the bros, legos, and cars, had these conversations on the "phone" with me.}

#1

J: Hey Mom, can you stop by Sonic and pick up three slushies and three hamburgers...

J: No. Wait. FIVE slushies and FIVE hamburg...nooo. SIX! Six slushies...I mean, wait. No. SEVEN hamburgers and SEVEN slushies at Sonic? I can pay you back. Okay. Thanks. See you later.

(He must have been doing a mental count while he was ordering? When you have 7 peeps in the fam, you're bound to lose track at some point.)

.......

#2

J: Hi Mom. I just wanted to call you and tell you I'll be late. My tire has soda in it. Sorry. Bye!

.......

#3

J: Hi Mom. I'm going to stop by Taco Bell on my way home. See you soon! Bye! 

J: Oh. But I have to go to Hobby Lobby first.

J: I'm gonna be home in 5 seconds!

....... 

{I wish you could hear his sing songy voice. Do I speak like this? I must. He is cracking me up.}

p.s.  I see a food theme in all of his convos. Food and crafts. Woohoo. He must be mine.

Room with a View

I arrived about an hour and a half before Jeff did. I opened the curtains, breathed deep, and broke out the mess of my embroidery floss begging to be organized.

Jeff arrived with roses, & goodies. 

This place. Our place. It is our favorite getaway. Super close to us, and no need to go/do/see...just relax and stay. Stay in the room. Stay by the pool. Stay by the river. Heavenly. 

Perfect anniversary. 22 years. I am so blessed with this man. Thankful he is mine.

I Have an 18 Year Old

So how did THAT happen?!? Wasn't it just yesterday I was strapping him into his stroller for our daily walks?

He grew from the above to the below overnight. Seriously. Overnight.

He now has his first job and his first car. He'll be seeing a movie tonight with good friends -- some he's known since before that first picture was taken. Crazy.

I am so blessed to be his mother. The Lord gives good gifts indeed.

Happy 18th Birthday Joshua.