Mya's First Nightgown!

I'm not sure why it took me this long, but I finally got Mya her first nightgown. I tried desperately to get a photo of her sweet, little girl but she refused as she couldn't figure out why I was bothering her by chasing her around with my camera. Mason on the other hand couldn't figure out why I wasn't chasing him around with the camera (our little ham). Finally I put Mya on a stool to get a picture but I couldn't keep Mason away. They sort of come as a pair! Hooray for little girl jammies!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walki in the Truth!

I love the things that Logan notices about the Lord and His working. Yesterday we drove by a cross and Logan said, "Mom, that's like the one Jesus died on." So we talked a little bit about it and continued on. Just a nice teachable moment to reflect on what Jesus did for us.

Whenever someone is singing a song Logan pauses and says, "Are we singing to Jesus?" (That's what we do around this joint, and since he doesn't always appreciate my singing I have to remind him that Jesus doesn't assess our vocal quality but just our heart.) Hallelujah for that!

Last week he was telling me about Jesus feeding the 5,000. He didn't remember a ton about the story but he looked at me with awe and amazement as he said, "Jesus fed all those people with just a little boy's lunch." I love hearing his insight about the Lord, His power, and His word.

We do Logan's Bible Study at night and he is really committed to it. The other night he fell asleep in the living room so I quietly carried him to his room and slid him into bed. With one eye cracked he whispered, "Mom, don't forget my Bible Study. Despite his grogginess and exhaustion he didn't want to miss an evening learning about God and His Word.

Not too long ago when Logan had a friend over I heard Logan repeat something he often hears. They were having a three-year-old conversation about sharing and Logan told him,"Everything in this house belongs to the Lord and we share it all."

Talk about warming the heart of a mother. We pray for our kiddos. For their character, spirit, joy and an open heart to things of the Lord. I rejoice when Logan notices the little things in life and relates them to Jesus. That means Jesus is on his mind and that brings me inner joy while also reminding me that what I do as a mommy is important. The lessons of character I teach my kiddos will make a difference and the prayers of intercession I offer to the Lord will have a positive impact on their lives.

Our baby's growing up...

Today I snapped this photo. When I was reviewing pictures later my jaw dropped open. My little baby Logan looks like a big boy! He says the funniest things now. He reminds me to do things, he tells jokes and acts like a kid rather than a baby. My how time goes fast!

Portland Children's Museum

On Saturday Ryan and I took the kiddos to the Portland Children's Museum. The kiddos had tons of fun and got some wiggles out! It was so nice that Ryan could come with us (his first time to the museum) because he seems to have so much more enthusiasm than I these days! I get kind of tired of the same old things we do day after day, so Ryan offers a breath of fresh air. While we had a great time, I realized some things that really bug me:

1. People that don't use soap when they wash their hands (especially after the bathroom or diaper changes)-- GROSS!

2. Parents that don't use the word OBEY and expect their children to do it! It seems that a good chunk of America thinks this will damage a child's psyche. We saw several kiddos being outright rude or disrespectful to their parents and receiving little to no correction.

3. Mean kids (I don't know if it is the kiddo or the parent who is paying no attention that bugs me more).

We really did have a great time! We love it there. I didn't mean my little list to be negative, but rather sort of humorous as I state the obvious. Blessings!

Mason in the Clifford exhibit

Logan, Mason and Mya on the play stage with the drums

Mya sort of gets that 'deer in the headlights' look when there is a lot of new stuff going on. She just sort of takes it all in.

Logan got so wet at the 'water play area'

Hello down there!

Mason's New Trick!

Mason has a new trick! He loves to get out of his crib. I put him back, he escapes, Ryan puts him back, he escapes, I put him back, he escapes...you get the idea. His new trick has made for some long nights and even longer 'to bed' time. We typically follow the same ritual that works like a charm (as far as quickly and quietly getting everyone to bed). Now that Mason is able to get out of bed, he feels completely stifled to be forced to stay there. It has been one big BATTLE! The natural reaction would be to convert his crib to a toddler bed, but we're just not ready to do that. Mason and Mya share a room and they are a little peanut gallery together. They are the best of friends and I have a feeling that it would be hard to keep them apart during the night if they were both in a toddler bed. Sort of a slumber party so to speak! All that to say I am committed to teaching Mason to obey and stay in his crib. The last few days have been getting better and better....we are on the home stretch! It is pretty funny watching him escape though! He has gotten a couple bruises out of the escapades...

Dead Camera Battery!

Yesterday was Logan and my 'date day' after Bible Study (BSF in Salem). We typically go to lunch and do something fun together (and more often than not Shauna and Ella come too). I was so excited to take pictures of Logan & Ella eating lunch, playing at NW Kids Club and eating ice cream at the mall. Naturally I realized that my camera battery was dead so you all are going to have to use your imaginations in regards to our SUPER-FUN day! Bummer....

Achey, Breaky Body!

So I sound like a bad country song, but I am so stinkin' sore. I wish I could say that I am stiff and tight from massive physical exertion (leading to massive calorie burning, of course) but that would be a big, fat FIB! I have been scrapbooking for two FULL days. Yesterday I scrapped from 9-9 at an scrapbooking event and today I finished up at home from this morning until right now. I was determined to get my holiday gift projects done this weekend.... by done I mean, completed, uploaded, ordered, etc. The whole shibang! I always wait until the last minute and one of two things happens. 1.) I just skip the sentimental, meaningful projects and figure I'll do better the following Christmas or 2.) I pay astronomical shipping costs to get something I've known I needed before Christmas all stinkin' year! So all that said, I have been sitting on my duff for two days working tirelessly! I am thrilled...really thrilled but have one aching body! This year I will be done shopping and creating well before the Christmas season begins so that I can bake cookies, enjoy the the sights and smells, do crafts with my kiddos, focus on the Lord, not be grumpy, and not have to hit the malls at rush hour! Praise the Lord, and bring on the Christmas season!