January Days

Its been cold.
Today it was somewhat bearable so I bundled the boys and got myself a starbucks.
They had a great time getting some fresh air.

Leighton has also moved to underwear. He is doing a great job potty training. I am so proud of him. He is really an intelligent boy and a delight to teach things too. Hopefully his teachability continues!

My Great Boys

Brooks is cute.
That is very obvious.
Enjoy these pictures of him. The boys all get along very well.
In the morning Leighton loves to tell Brooks, "Goodmorning Brooks, I love you," and then he gives him a sweet kiss.
And a throughout the day, McCabe and Leighton like to tickle him, kiss him, hug him, and give him toys.

I love these kids so much.

At night in bed Luke and I just recal cute things that happened that day with the kids.

They are so funny.

They are so sweet.

They are defintely so cute.

White Adventures and Clear Tears!

I made a delicious Baked Potato Soup today! Leighton insisted on helping me cut the WHITE onions. Within seconds, we were both tearing up. Leighton's eyes started rapidly flowing with the saddest tears. He began blinking nonstop and begging me to "Kiss Um, Kiss Um!" I felt terrible for getting him into the situation.

After a good nap time recovery, a larger WHITE object caused more tears. It was time for me to get a little more serious about this potty training thing. I mean he is almost 3 years old. So after waking up dry, I put him on the WHITE toilet. Tears streamed down his face once again today (we have been trying for a day or two). He cried and he cried and he cried. Then he cried for Daddy to come home. Then he cried some more. Finally he started peeing! I was expecting joy and smiles and pride to fill his little heart; I was incorrect. He cried more. Then when he was done peeing I praised him and hugged him and went a little over board hopping the joy would be contagious! I got more tears from him instead. So I took the poor guy off the toilet. There were just more tears until the diaper was securely fastened!

Dirty Brownie

Leighton won't eat his brownie because "it's dirty"! I don't know it is the brown color or how it makes your fingers sticky but he just wont eat it. Fortunately and unfortunately, that means more for me ... and McCabe!

McCabe on the Potty!

McCabe, yes McCabe, went potty on the BIG BOY Potty. He is just 18 months! Most likely this will be a one time occurance for now but it was exciting nonetheless!

Congrats Mr. McCabe!

Faithwalkers 2010: The Disciple

Faithwalkers was an ecouragement!

Luke learned by hearing many challenging messages and engaging in some great fellowship and conversation with those who attended from our bible study.

I learned a lot too. Though I only heard two full messages, I am always amazed at how God blesses. I was able to retain little tid bits here and there and I am exciting about implementing those things into my never ending pursuit of becoming more Chirst-like. The phrase to, "make the next right choice" has been haunting me! It is so important for me to not procrastinate in prayer or put off obedience until a fresh day arrives, but rather to just start now and make the next right choice. I also was encouraged by a lot of fellowship. The mommy/kids room was full of very helpful and practical wisdom. I was challenged in my parenting by witnessing other faithful moms just being moms! And despite the confines of the single hotel room, that was pitch dark during nap time, I was really encouraged by my personal quiet times as well.

It might be wishful thinking but I think the kids learned too. I think they learned to trust mom and dad even when circumstances change. Leighton was quite confused about sleeping in a hotel room, eating meals in colapsable chairs with 1000 other people, and being away from home, but he really adapted well and learned contentment in a new environment. I think he also learned that he does indeed like being home. He enjoys all our time outside of the home but I think it was a good reminder to him that while friends and fun are well, fun, there is something profounding comforting and satisfying about being home with just the family. When we started packing to go home, Leighton started helping. He was really excited to get back his routine.

When you play hard ...

...you sleep hard ...

... and waking up is hard!

I am so thankful to God and how he blessed our faith and blessed our choice to attend this potentially stressful conference by giving a lot of grace and a lot of his wisdom in very personal ways.

McCabe's 18 Month Check-Up

Praise God for another healthy check-up. We are so thankful for our son McCabe.

Some Proud Mom Stats:

Height: 32.9 in (63rd percentile)

Weight: 23 lb 10 oz (20th percentile)