"That's what little boys are made of . . ."

This evening, as I was drying Ethan off after his bath, he leaned in really close to me and whispered, "Mom, why don't girls have (boy part)?" (for the sake of those who don't like the word, I have omitted it from the story - but if you are around my son too long, be prepared, he will call the (boy part) by it's rightful name)

"Well, if they did, then they would be boys, and then there wouldn't be any girls."

"But why don't they?"

"That's just how God made boys and girls different. Each one is very special."

"Girls, don't; boys, do. Girls, don't; boys do. Girls, don't; boys, do." He said, as he is holding up his hand, and counting off w/ his fingers.

This little guy of mine is constantly amazing me w/ how his little mind works. He has been mastering his game of checkers now, for several months. We no longer let him win . . . we have to pay attention, or we will lose! He has a love for board games. We took all of the kids to Toys R Us this past weekend so they could buy something w/ their b-day money that they had saved. Ethan picked out the game "Guess Who". He still gets confused as to what questions he should ask you to help him figure out who you are, but I bet he'll be winning the game in no time.

So, my blessing that I am sharing w/ you today, is this little man, Ethan Brock. If you are ever in need of a hug, he is the one to give it. If you need to hear a good belly laugh, he is the one to listen for. If you want to be always on your toes, wandering what will be said next, come spend some time w/ him! He is my sunshine!

Complaint Department

As a mother, there are times when I am giving my children directions, or "having a talk" w/ them, that I hear words come out of my mouth and go "Hmm." Today was one of those "Hmm" moments. All week, we have been dealing w/ excessive grumbling among our kids. I was telling whomever was griping that it would make me so much happier, if they would simply follow instructions, w/out complaining. That's when the "Hmm" moment occurred. This past month, week, day, has had more than it's share of complaining, and grumbling from me. Be it about the girls' school, homework, bills, kids, myself, the weather, time constraints, household duties, etc., I've noticed that I've been quite vocal in what I don't like/want. But I haven't even began to scratch the surface in being vocal about my praise and thanksgiving. How humbling, to look back over the last several weeks, and realize that God must have felt the same way about my griping, as I was about my kids' griping. So, today, I ask you to forgive me, if in this past month, I have come to you, grumbling about something. I want my words of thanks to far outnumber my words of discontent.


So, here is a blessing that I would like to share w/ you:
My two "little" brothers! They are the two biggest cut-ups I know! God knew that I was way to serious of a person - so, in His infinite wisdom, He chose to teach me to "lighten up"! Being separated from both of them is very tough! Jeremy and I are only 18mths or so apart, so we are used to always being close to each other. CJ and I share a very special bond because I became his second mother (there are 16 years between us). When I am home, the two of them tease me mercilessly! But my world would be so void w/out them and their teasing! Jeremy, CJ - I thank God for each of you. You may tickle me until I cry - but w/ Dave's help, I can return the torture!!!


My verse for this week:
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.
Philippians 2:14-15 NIV