Wordless Wednesday: Swings!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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This week, we feature our 2 year old little D!

Daddy was feeding C (4 months) and D asked him to play...

Daddy: I'll play with you soon.
D: As soon as your done eating C, OK, Dad?
Daddy: Yes. After I am done feeding C.
D: After you are done eating C.
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Reading books to D at night is one of our favorite things to do with him. He LOVES LOVES LOVES his stories and has a comment for every page. So, here is the conversation we have as we read one of his favorite books, "No David" by David Shannon.

Mom: David's mom always said...No, David!
D: He's writing on the wall.

Mom: No, David!
D: He's trying to get a cookie.

Mom: No, David, no!
D: He's all dirty. He needs to get clean.

Mom: No! No! No!
D: He's getting clean.

Mom: Come back here, David!
D: He's naked. That's where the water comes out (the fire hydrant) and it goes into the ocean.

Mom: David! Be Quiet!
D: He's banging. He's making lots of noise.

Mom: Don't play with your food!
D: He's making a man.

Mom: That's enough David!
D: He ate it all.

Mom: Go to your room!
D: He was bad.

Mom: Settle Down!
D: He's jumping on the airplanes.

Mom: Stop that this instant!
D: He's picking his nose to get the bogeys out. That's gross!

Mom: Put your toys away!
D: That's messy. That's a digger. That's a race car. That's a bat and a ball. That's a giraffe. (it is a dinosaur)

Mom: Not in the house, David.
(silence)

Mom: I said no, David!
D: He broke the vase.

Mom: Davey, come here. Yes, David...I love you!
(then Mommy gives her D a big 'ole hug)
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In that same book, there is a glass of milk on the table. D pointed to it and said, "That's white chocolate milk."
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Another book we read is, "Are you ticklish? by Melanie Mitchell" The book asks the reader if various animals are ticklish as you "feel" their skin in the book and tickle them. At the end, there is a little boy in a tent and it reads, "Are you ticklish?" and the reader is supposed to tickle the little boy.

But I have been turning to D and tickling him.

The other night he opened to that page and in a fit of hysteria, he didn't even let me read the page before he quickly tickled the little boy and dove under his crib yelling, "No tickle me!"

I cracked up! And of course, tickled him! We laughed hysterically!
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Your Turn:

Giveaway Winner...

Chose by the Random Number Generator...

Result:
3

And comment #3 is...

Brandi said...
Wow ... I'd Love to read this ... Please enter me to win!!!

Congrats, Brandi! Get in touch with me and I will mail it this week.

Those of you who live in the nearby area...maybe we can do this in 2010? I don't know the details of how to make that work, but if you are interested we'll talk!

Wordless Wednesday: A love affair with ketchup

Yes. It is gross.

But with four kids in the house, all we do is hand him a napkin...


and take lots of pictures.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
___________________________________________

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about D (age 2). He'll get a feature next week. This past week has been filled with runny noses, high fevers, and L.O.N.G. days.

Of course, I became a thermometer vigilante, checking everyone's temperature constantly...LOVING the ear thermometer!

So we heard...

K (age 6): Is T normal?

Later that day...

T (age 4): Am I normal?

LOL...I think they are referring to a normal temperature.
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Your Turn:

Simple Compassion

It appears that one of my favorite authors, Keri Wyatt Kent, has released another great and challenging book, "Simple Compassion: Devotions to make a difference in your neighborhood and your world." Two copies of the book showed up at my doorstep this week, completely taking me by surprise. (I love surprises!)

Curious, I took the book with me to the Bagel Bin this morning. After reading only a few of the devotionals in each section, I admit that I am intrigued. I am ready to gather a friend, or two, and tackle the book in 2010 because it is a devotional meant to be read one chapter at a time over the course of a year. And it is meant to be read in community with others.

There four sections of devotionals contained within the book. The first section helps us to reflect on our own worth in the Kingdom of God so that we might better understand the worth of others. From there the book guides the reader to look with compassion at their neighborhood, nearby areas, and then to look at our world on a global scale.

Each week, after reading a short selection, two action steps are suggested. The first step is an individual step of compassion, usually a question to get you thinking about compassion in your life, community and world. The second step is a community step, meant for a group of people to do together, as the book is meant to be studied in a group. (These steps could be modified for individual study.)

The first section reminds us of our calling as children of God. I found myself nodding through the devotions, looking with fresh eyes at many of the biblical truths I often take for granted. Written specifically for women, Keri doesn't waste any time, nor does she mince words about the powerful role of women in the Kingdom of God. Over and over the reader is pointed back to God as the source of our wisdom and strength as we move to love those around us.

The second section moves us toward action in the communities where God has placed us. Keri reminds the reader, "No matter where you are, it is not an accident. God wants you to look around and notice the people right in front of you, who need to experience the love of God through you." She emphasizes that we grow as individuals through community. After all, the fruits of the Spirit aren't usually demonstrated by ourselves, they are evident in the context of relationship. (p. 86)

Of course, in this section Keri cautions the reader NOT to think of those around us as evangelical projects. That is NOT what this book is urging us toward. We aren't called to sell Christ. We are called to be Him to the world around us and that is where her challenges push us in this section.

The third section encourages us to extend compassion outside of our comfort zones. This is where we leave the neighborhood where we live and allow God to lead us to the needy outside of our comfort zones. This section begins to focus on purposefully seeking out the needy and those struggling in poverty.

This is where it really began to hit home for me. This section clearly tackles issues such as greed, materialism, and possessions in a direct manner. Keri address them in a biblical, non-legalistic manner which will challenge the reader to examine their own heart before God and follow his guidance.

The final section is is designed to open our eyes and are hearts to the world. Keri encourages the reader to be open to "make small changes to make a small difference" and not to feel overburdened or hopeless. While tackling topics such as human trafficking, slavery, and hunger, Keri fills these sections with practical things we can do daily that make a difference.

What I really love (as a mom) is that it is easy to see myself using this book with my children, opening their minds to living compassionately in a practical way to the world around them. It fits in so well with my desire to open their eyes to God's Kingdom around the globe! I won't read it to them because the oldest is only 6, but I have no doubt that what God teaches me will come up in conversation with them.

While pre-reading the book for this review, I only read 2-3 chapters in each section. I look forward to reading more in 2010 the way it was meant to be read, one chapter at a time. My mind is already swirling with thoughts and ideas inspired by what I read. Now I gotta find me a few friends eager to start the journey in January!

NOW for the GIVEAWAY part...

An extra copy of this book arrived in my mail, so I'd like to give one away to a reader. If you think you would like to "offer God a year to mess with you, equip and strengthen you, to live the adventure of following Him," then leave a comment and I'll enter your name in the drawing! (ends on Friday October 23rd, winner announced by Monday October 26th)

Prayer, Pizza Dough, and Preschoolers

A friend and I are using the book, "Window on the World," with our kids this year. This book provides a "window" into the lives of people living all around the globe. It was created to help families and individuals pray for people around the globe. Each section contains information about the area, the religion of the people, stories of faith, and suggested prayers and praises.

We are using it on Sundays for a focused time of prayer at the dinner table. My friend called me, curious about how it was going.

I let her know we were reading it during dinner time and then praying as a family for the country. She still seemed confused and even a bit discouraged when we hung up.

After thinking about it all day, it suddenly occurred to me that I had probably given her the WRONG impression of our devotion time at dinner. I realized that I described the way I intended to use the book and didn't describe how it looked in reality with preschoolers.

I called back that night to clarify how things really went the night before...

As soon as I began to read the information on China to the girls, I realized that I should have pre-screened this particular section.

Since I had not, I began skimming the information and trying to communicate it in a more basic manner. The information in this particular section was clearly a bit over their heads.

About one minute into my talking, T (age 5) interrupted me to ask a question about eating pizza. I answered her and then reminded her that we were reading. Because apparently that had slipped her attention.

I continued reading about a little boy in China and suddenly T informed us that she had finally realized how they make pizza crust!

"They must roll the edges in!"

I recognize her five year old moment of brilliance with a smile and then I continued reading.

Meanwhile, D (age 2) walked over to me and began hanging on my arm. He was making noises, but not really saying anything. I continued reading, while holding my arm steady, assuming that he just wanted to swing.

Then my husband interrupted me to let me know that he D had something to tell me. Apparently that had escaped my attention and my hubby thought I could use a break from the arm weight.

So I turned to D and asked him what he'd like to tell me. He proceeded to inform me that he gave a stuffed animal to C (age 3 months). I assured him that he was a sweet and wonderful big brother. Then he let go of my arm and marched away from the table, back to his matchbox cars.

Finally, our discussion ended.

In the same time span, we also encouraged the creative thought of a five year old girl AND reassured a little boy that he was adapting beautifully to his role as a big brother.

Not bad for five minutes.

Then as a family, we bowed our heads and prayed for the people of China. Each one of us said one sentence thanking God for the Christians in China or asking Him to send more missionaries. There was something so precious about that moment, especially in the midst of the reality of our lives.

To an outsider, it probably looked like chaos. But God is able to work in the midst of chaos and draw the hearts of His little ones to Him.

Matthew 19:14...

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Interestingly enough, it was our seemingly distracted child, T, who prayed for the people of China the next night at dinner.

Without any prompting.

Which encouraged me to remember that even when their little minds are racing all over with ideas, God is using our words to speak to their hearts. He will make their hearts tender.

Wordless Wednesday: My Boys

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
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Our featured Tiny Talker this week is T, age 5.



"But daddy, he likes it!"

(said as Daddy began to remove the toys from her little brother)



"I am dressing up the handles for the winter time."


(at least someone is decorating the house...)

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Your Turn:

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs. Then be sure to link to the blog carnival on this post so more bloggers can join in the fun.

The guidelines can be found here if you need them.
___________________________________________

This week we feature K, my almost 7 year old...


K was looking at our skip counting memory work while eating dinner. She suddenly announces, "Oh. I get it. Times (multiplication) is the same as doing addition."
(yaaaay for math)
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K: (looking through her school portfolio) Mom, why did you save this? (see her writing on the left)

Mom: I didn't. I assumed you put it in there because you wanted it for some reason.

K: Oh yeah. I wanted to remember when there were only six people.

(Eric and I laugh at how they naturally assume that there will be more babies...adorable! I guess we'll save it just in case...)
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K was in the car with her Grandma...

K: Can I have some gum?

Grandma: Look in my purse.

(K searched and searched)

K: I can't find it.

Grandma: I know it's in there, but here's some. (hands her some from the console in the car)

K: (as she's opening the gum, laughs out loud) You never know where gum might get to!

(it is so adorable when you are there and see how she is "testing out" her sense of humor)
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Your Turn:

My lack of will power.

I have lost 15 pounds of the baby weight.

I have 15 more to lose.

And this fall, only one thing stands in my way...


Well maybe lots of little things.