How Tall Are You?

Yesterday my 4 year old stood right next to me and looked up into my face. Puzzled, he asked me, "Mommy, are you just a little bit taller than God?"

After I stopped laughing, I was remind how important my role is in his understanding of God's character. He needs to see unconditional love, a blend of mercy and justice, and a patient teacher. Help me today Lord, to grow a taller character.

Wishful Thinking

I love how kids see the world, especially on Groundhog Day. I briefly explained to the kids this morning with breakfast about Groundhog Day. When I picked up our daughter from Kindergarten the excitement had built. She exclaimed, "Mom, do you know it's a holiday today?!" She was sure there wouldn't be any mail because "the postoffice doesn't work on holidays." Then it occured to her, "We need to have a party and make special food!" This really humored me. (What foods are traditional for Groundhog Day!?!)

As if this wasn't humorous enough, later in the afternoon I picked up our son from school. Typical post-school chatter. I asked him, "Did you talk about Groundhog Day?" He matter-of-factly replied, "Yeah...I know all about it. The groundhog saw his shadow...and now there's gonna be 6 more weeks of school." Good luck buddie...try 16 more weeks of school!!

Seriously!?

I'm sitting on the couch checking my email when I hear my 4 year old calling, "Mommy, I need you!!!" I run upstairs to see what is going on only to find him in the bathroom laying on the floor with his bottom up in the air. GROSS! He says, "I need you to wipe me." To which I reply, "What? When are you going to be able to wipe YOURSELF?"

He matter of factly says, "When I'm 18...." Oh, the joys of parenting.

Little Man's Point of View

I was getting the kids ready for Christmas Eve services tonight. Everyone was bathed and putting on the nice clothes I laid out. I put a wool sweater vest and shirt on my little 4 year old and combed his hair nicely. Only moments later I saw that his hair was a mess and the vest was gone. When I asked him about it he simple said, "I don't wanna wear that 'hair-suit'!" How could I argue with that...we left the wool vest behind.

Funny Kids

Some recent funny quotes from my kids:

I gave my 4 year old some tic-tac's on the way to pick up his sister at school. When she got in the car he informed her, "I got some tic-tac-toes and you didn't get any!".

On the ride home she told me all about the "pil-a-grims" and religious "purse and cute shun". Then she ask me, "What is that anyway?"

My big 7 year old informed me recently that he's just about as smart as I am....and that He almost knows everything. Hang on to that as long as you can buddy! Pretty soon you'll be feeling like the rest of us.

They make me laugh; they make me cry;

They fill me up and completely drain me.

The paradox of parenting...

My Little Clown

He turned 4 a couple weeks ago, unbelievable! He surprises me with his profound words. Here are a few recent ones:
- "I wish I was a man before I was a kid."
- "God is a big boy. He made the whole wide world."
- "Mommy, you're pretty like a crystal."
True to costume, he makes me smile and laugh. And, I'm still uncovering the unique layers of my little clown.

Multiple faces of "The Three"

"The three" at Tiff and Slado's wedding....they had a blast. They were so excited to be dressed up and with so many of our dear ones from Bosnia. Rachel kept asking when they were gonna kiss. Jacob slept thru the whole ceremony...and only awakened for CAKE! Brent told several strangers how much money he had and exactly how he earned it.
A normal sight for the last two and a half months.... "the three" in the back of a tiny SUV traveling...traveling...and traveling. I told them one day that we would be going 7 hours and they replied..."that's ALL!" :)
At the Tiger safari (Okalahoma City) with Mommy and "Uncle" Donovan...it was a great day. Lots of "danger", like feeding the tigers and touching many animals. "The three" thought the baby kangaroo was the best.

Homeless

A few days ago little Jacob sat at the counter in my parents kitchen and inquisitivley asked my dad..."Papa, why do you live here?" My dad replied, "...because this is my home." To which Jacob pondered, "Then where MY home?"

Good question Jacob. I wish I had an answer to that one. Meanwhile we bounce from one place to the next....9 States, 12 Beds,.... 100's of questions that still seem unanswerable. The future still seems blury and I can't seem to get it to come into focus. For now I will just keep listening to His "still, quiet voice"....one step at a time toward the Sheperd, trusting that what I cannot see He sees clearly.

Kid-sized Compassion

Last night I was feeling very pleased about a conversation I was having with Brent (6) and Rachel (5). They were asking why I was preparing some food to take down to the elderly couple who lives in our basement; and why they lived there. I explained that we allow them to stay there because they have no money, no home and no job. I further took the opportunity to share with them the importance that Jesus placed on caring for people by meeting their real needs, like food and clothing. Brent kept firing away questions, while it seemed I could see the compasion and understanding growing in Rachel's eyes. Just when I thought I had conveyed the importance of these matters, Rachel nodded empathetically and said, "Yes, they are sooooo---poor they can't even afford teeth! They just chew with their lips!". I nearly burst out laugh. Compassion...kid-sized.

Birthday Reflections

Even moms have birthdays! In fact, I had one today. In all it was a good day. I spent the morning with a special group of women with whom I can laugh, cry, and drink coffee! I had Birthday wishes through virtually every medium (sms, phone, email, card, letter, skype, and in person!) My husband bought me a "painting kit" so I can start being creative again...very sweet.

The best part of the day was seeing it through the eyes of my children. Jacob (almost 3) saw my present and said, "It our bir-day...where my hes-ent?" He proceeded to help me open mine. My almost 5 year old daughter informed me that I "should really wear a dress or something prettier" since it is my special day. Fashion tips from a 4 year old...who knew? And lastly Brent, my oldest, made me a special card. As I was congratulating myself that he spelled "Happy Birthday" correctly, he pointed my attention to the picture. He said, "This is you on a tree swing, mommy. I made the swing extra big for your big bottom!" I had to laugh at his thoughtfulness!

Bathroom Rights

One universal truth for moms of young children: you never get privacy in the bathroom. In light of this, it seemed a bit ironic and funny when I came into the bathroom to see Jake on his little potty. He quickly said, "Sut da door...I need sum hi-vacy!"

My Little Girl

Little Rachel... what can I say? princess, helper, little mother, painter, dreamer, and hostess... This afternoon i came into the living room to see her little "breakfast" all set up for her special bears. She was pretending with full imagination when I asked her, "How much do you love your bears, Rachel?" My mother's heart identified with her answer..."It's too much; i really couldn't say the number."

Say What?

After spending sometime outside with the ducks, Brent (6yrs) came inside to ask a very important question. "Mommy, when are you going to lay another baby?...and can you make it a boy?"