First Day of School

Yesterday was a big day at our house...Levi's first day of school. Leading up to the big day, he expressed nothing but excitement. He has lots of little friends in his class - many of the same boys who were in his preschool class last year and many friends from church. His new preschool classroom is also the same room he's in for Sunday school so I expected nothing but excitement.

As we were getting ready yesterday morning, it suddenly occurred to Levi that he was going to be at school and Ben would be left at home with all their toys. He was not happy about that. For a while he insisted that Ben go to school also. When he was convinced that this wouldn't happen, he began to hide toys and put things up high to where he thought Ben wouldn't be able to reach them. Levi instructed me as to what Ben could play with and then suggested to me that Ben and I just watch videos and not play in the playroom. I'm not sure if this is typical firstborn behavior or just a sign of his 4-year old selfishness. We've got a lot to work on around here.

After Levi finished roping off the house, we left for school. Here's a picture in our driveway. As you can tell, he was not at all excited about getting his picture taken...

And here he is when we arrived at school. He was a bit more cooperative for a picture. (I hid the name of the preschool to protect my little guy from any sickos out there.)

We walked into the building and right as we walked up to the entrance to his classroom, Levi's eyes began to fill up with tears, and he held onto me for dear life. I was completely shocked. I attempted to calm him down and pointed out all of his friends who were playing happily in the room. He didn't care. As I carried him into the room, he began to scream, "Mommy, don't leave me!" I wasn't at all prepared for this so I wasn't sure what to do. The preschool director kindly told me that I needed to just walk away and leave him. That's not easy to do to a 4-year old! As I drove away my heart was pounding but it was only about 2 minutes later when the director called me to report that Levi was as happy as could be - laughing and playing with all the kids. That little stinker!

When I picked him up yesterday afternoon he was more excited than I've seen him in a long time. He was absolutely beaming and talked all the way home about the songs they sang, the kids in his class, the rules they created for the classroom, his lunch (specifically about the cheetos that 2 of the boys had in their lunch and he really wanted), etc. I told him it was okay that he cried a little bit but asked why he got so upset. Levi responded in a very matter-of-fact way and said, "Mommy, I just wanted you to be my teacher!"

As each year goes by more and more quickly, I am realizing that my time at home with the boys is so short. It will be soon that someone else is getting the majority of their days. These first few years are so critical, and I love that God has given me the ability to be at home with them. As difficult as it is, I wouldn't trade it for anything as I know that soon I will say good-bye to them in the morning and send them off to school where they will be influenced by so many other people. This house will be a lot quieter during those years so for now, I'll take the loudness. We definitely have enough of it!

It was just the first day of Levi's second year of preschool, but for this mom, it's another milestone. And for Ben it's now two days a week that he gets to be king of the house. But, shhh...don't tell Levi. He thinks we're just sitting around watching television.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

I wrote 27 things that I love about Levi for his birthday on April 27th and 20 things that I love about Ben for his May 20th birthday, but thankfully, there's a lot more than one thing that I love about you so I won't make a list for your September 1st birthday.

There are, however, so many things that I want to tell you. I sat down to write in your birthday card a few days ago, and I could hardly think of anything that I haven't already written to you in a past card. I'm a woman of many words, and I often find myself repeating them over and over again. Everything is beginning to sound so cliche. So to honor you on your 31st birthday, I'll put some thoughts out there on the world wide web.

I didn't deserve you on August 7, 1999, and I definitely don't deserve you now. In my marriage vows I told you that you were a perfect picture of God's grace in my life. That has only become more real with time. I remember mentioning to a friend in college that I had a little crush on you and she responded by saying, "join the crowd". I, just like her, never dreamed that I would actually date you and end up married to you. You generally make very wise decisions, but seriously babe, I question that decision. I definitely got the best end of the deal.

You are the hardest worker I know, and the greatest thing about that is that you absolutely never complain. You aren't the kind of husband who whines about your long hours or looks for affirmation for all you do for us. You sneak out of the house early in the morning and do your best to make it home before dinner. After a stressful day at work you always walk into the house as though you have all the energy in the world. We don't get your leftovers - you always give us your best. You never flaunt the work you've done for us. (Unlike me who wants to stack up all the laundry I've done just to make sure you know how hard I work!) You do it all selflessly and without gain.

The boys and I never have to wonder what your priorities are. Your work is important to you, and I know without a doubt that you do your work with integrity, but the boys and I are most important to you. If we need you, you're here. I will never forget watching you talk to the CFO of the largest hospital in Dallas while sitting in our hearth room holding a very sick little boy. You were completely calm and able to do your work well while loving on your little guy.

You know who you are and you're comfortable with it. You don't try to be someone you aren't. That means that you don't care what others think and you never have to work at impressing people. What you see is what you get. And the best thing is that what everyone else sees and what we get are both extraordinary.

Steady Eddie...that's definitely you. And although you think that means you're boring, you're wrong. This emotional girl needs your level head, and I'm so grateful for it. In fact, our family depends on it in so many ways!

Just to affirm the fact that you aren't boring, I have to mention that you are an absolute kid at heart. It cracks me up to watch you play with the boys because sometimes it's hard to figure out who is having the most fun. The other day we were at the park and I couldn't help but smile as I watched you play tag with Levi and Ben. You looked like a little boy as you were running around with that little grin.

You love people. I have never met anyone who doesn't like you or doesn't get along with you. I'm amazed at your ability to find the good in everyone. You love your friends well - even though you are busy with work and family, you always make time for the guys. I love that. And you also have an amazing ability to minister to those who some of us don't exactly want to be around.

Our boys absolutely adore you because you are an amazing daddy. Every morning Levi asks me when you will be home and he continues to do so over and over all day long. Levi and Ben race to the door when they hear the garage. You are definitely loved and shadowed by 3 little boys. They are learning a lot from you, especially what it means to love the Lord and love others. You talk often about the kind of relationship you desire to have with the boys when they are older, and I hope you know that these early years are providing such a positive foundation for those relationships. I have no doubt that our boys will respect and look up to you, leading them to look to you for guidance and friendship.

One of the things that I appreciate the most is the way that you challenge and encourage me. You never allow the truth to be compromised in order to protect my feelings or emotions. You help me to grow because, after all, I have a lot of areas that need a little pruning! I think you're able to do this in my life because you love the Lord first and foremost. Your desire to honor and glorify Him is at the center of all you do for me, our boys and your work.

I hope you know how much I appreciate all you do for our family. I am nothing apart from Christ, and I'm an absolute mess without you.
I love you, Hubs.
Happy Birthday!

Why he needs a bath every night...

Graham likes spaghetti just a little bit.
Here's the evidence...

1,500 miles of fun

Don't get me wrong. Not every one of those 1,500 miles was fun. Some were downright miserable. But overall we had an absolutely wonderful family vacation.

Our adventure began with a drive to Colorado Springs where we stayed with my brother and sister-in-law who are expecting their first baby...a sweet little girl. It was so great to be in their home again and spend time with them. Levi and Ben had A LOT of energy after being in the car for 9 1/2 hours, and after Graham decided to cry all night long for no explainable reason, they are probably scared out of their minds about having a baby. I warned them ahead of time that we are NOT easy guests.

The next day we made a stop in Denver to have lunch with our good friends Jill & Stuart and their sweet little girl McKenna and then made the drive to the mountains where we spent the next 6 nights. We had such a great time - It really was the perfect family vacation. We had a spacious condo where the kids could spread out and play, although we tried not to spend much time inside.

We spent a few days hiking, and I use that term very loosely because when you are with a 4-year old (who often got tired of walking and wanted to sit on top of the stroller), a 2-year old in a jogging stroller and a 10-month old in a backpack (who got sick of the backpack after a while and wanted Mom to hold him), it is more like a leisurely walk along very open and easy paths. No matter how easy the hikes, the scenery couldn't have been more beautiful.






We had several picnics and spent lots of time hanging out by rivers, fishing and just playing. Levi and Ben absolutely loved throwing rocks in the Snake River. It's funny how the simplest things bring them the most joy!





The boys spent lots of time playing on playgrounds at Keystone because, after all, we have no playgrounds at home. (Ha, Ha)




They also loved the miniature golf course that sat right outside our condo.

Jill and McKenna drove up from Denver for a day and joined us for a great little hike.


We spent one afternoon and evening at Breckenridge and had a great time. The boys loved playing by the riverwalk.



Our last day was rainy and cold, but we were blessed by the arrival of our dear friends Ben and Amy and their little girls Kinsley and Hallie. It was so much fun to spend the day with them! It's hard to believe that it had been so long since we've seen them.



After a 12-hour drive we were more than happy to be home. It's amazing how constant requests for snacks, water, dropped toys, new movies, etc. can absolutely drive you insane. Towards the end of the drive Michael asked me for the box of Hot Tamales, and I just about bit off his head. No more road trips for us...I think we're going to stay put for a while.

Our little photographer

Levi loves to take pictures. When we got our new camera about a year ago, Michael said Levi wasn't allowed to touch it. That rule didn't last very long. Levi now takes lots of pictures, and I think he actually does a pretty good job especially considering that our camera is very heavy! When one of the boys is doing something cute Levi is the first to say, "Oh, Mommy, we need to take a picture of that!" He puts the strap around his neck and shoots like a pro. Here are a few of the shots he has taken this summer...

A little something to brighten your day

We began a tradition of singing this song at bedtime when Levi was just a baby, and we have continued to sing it with all the boys as we tuck them into bed. Obviously, they know it well now, and we wanted to make sure we had Ben on tape, as he sings the song with such great facial expressions. Levi sat by to "help" his little brother. I promise it will be better than the bagworms. Enjoy!

Bagworms

Lovely title for a post, huh? Just wait...it's going to get uglier.

Last night we were enjoying a nice evening in the backyard. Levi and Ben were running through the sprinkler with Michael while Graham and I hung out on the deck. The night before we had noticed that one of our shrubs was turning brown. We looked at it but couldn't figure out what was happening to it. We assumed that since we had been out of town so much lately and it had been extremely hot, the plant was just in need of more water. I will admit that most of our plants looked a little sad.

Back to last night. So Graham and I were sitting on our deck steps and I noticed that the shrub was now very brown. All the sudden I saw things moving on it. I quickly called Michael over, and we realized that there were things crawling all over the plant. They looked like pieces of the shrub, but every now and then you could see a little worm poke out his head and start moving. There were hundreds. I know I have a tendency to exaggerate, but I promise that I'm not this time. You can ask my level-headed husband and he'll agree. We then went to the side of the house and discovered that a couple of our evergreen trees were pretty much dead and also covered with these nasty creatures. Now we no longer had hundreds of these things but thousands. And remember - I'm not exaggerating. We then found them all over our deck and even hanging from our house.

We first tried to call my mom because she always seems to know everything about everything. She wasn't answering either phone, and we were panicking. So we went straight for the trusty internet and found out that we have bagworms. They are the nastiest things I have ever seen. Here's some evidence. (I know - who takes pictures of worms? I guess I do.)

Here's one crawling across our deck. See how they make "bags" for themselves that disguise them? Sneaky little guys.
Here's a picture of a bunch of them covering the tree.
Here's the bush that started the discovery.
Our lovely new evergreen trees.
This is what we found all over the ground this morning.
I told you. Gross, huh?! Long after we came inside Michael and I couldn't stop itching. I felt like my entire body was covered in worms. We were mad. We felt violated. Ok, so maybe now I'm exaggerating. But, we have spent a small fortune on our backyard and now these nasty little things have started their own colony in OUR backyard. Michael rushed to Wal-mart to buy some spray and quickly attacked the little guys. This morning our trees were covered in the bags, but the worms seemed to be dead. However, there are still worms hanging from our deck and slithering around. Most importantly, our everGREEN trees are now BROWN. Grrrr.

Moving on. Late last night Michael and I started to discuss our calendar and plans for a trip to Colorado in August. We have been so busy lately and have hardly had time to talk. People laugh when we tell them that we're going to Colorado for a week in August but don't know when or where. Who has time to plan such things?

So we realized last night that we needed to make a few plans. Looking at all of the dates that Michael will be out of town and thinking about how we are going to take another trip, I began to vent. I told Michael that I felt overwhelmed. Not because we were too busy, but I just felt like there was too much on my mind. I remember using the word "crowded". I know that seems strange, but that's the only way I could think to define it. My mind felt crowded. Our family felt crowded. I had been trying to do so many things that the important things weren't getting the attention they needed. So I told him that I didn't want to go. We needed to stay home. (Remember that I often exaggerate!) If you know my sweet hubby, you know that he rarely puts up a fight, but I could tell that he really wanted to go. And the truth is that I wanted to go also. We went to bed with absolutely no decisions made and feeling more "crowded" than ever.

I know. How does one bring about a life lesson from a bunch of bagworms? It's annoying, I admit. But, as I was in the shower this morning trying to wash away the feeling of worms all over me and thinking about how we were going to get rid of them and not allow them to take over all our trees and shrubs, it hit me. My life is just like the trees in my backyard...crowded! I have allowed too many things to enter my thoughts, to occupy my time. They have disguised themselves well, but when I look closely I see them for what they are - sin! Thoughts and decisions based in insecurity, perfectionism, pride, jealousy, etc. When left untreated, these things will kill me, and they will kill our family. Ouch!

I guess I can't run out to Wal-mart for a quick fix for this one. Just like the bagworms, preventing the problem is a whole lot easier than fixing it after the damage has been done. I'm feeling crowded because I haven't been filled with the one thing that truly matters. I was convicted this morning with my lack of time spent in His word. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 .

God sent Jesus so that we can have an abundant life, not a crowded one. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for using something as disgusting as bagworms to reveal the state of my heart and my family's life. I don't want a crowded heart, sucking the life out of me. I desire to be "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). Thank you Lord for your Word, for the life that is found in it. Give me a heart that longs to know your Word and teach it to my children so that there is no room for worms.