Monday, April 20, 2009

Catch up

Well, once again I have let too much time go by without updating our blog and now there are about 15 things I could write about. So....since I probably won't sit here long enough to tell you about the 15 things that have happened and you wouldn't have time to read that much, I'm going to try and abbreviate as many of the events that have occurred in our family in the last couple of months.
The Blessing Bank

There are so many times as parents that Chad and I wonder if we are doing anything right and if our kids are taking to heart any of the values we desire to teach them. We had a sweet moment with Mylee a few weeks ago during a "family night". Her favorite thing is for us to create a scavenger hunt for her so we were in the midst of one and she got a clue that led her to find a blessing bank. The blessing bank was created by one of our dear friend's sister-in-law and the purpose is to teach your kids how to give a portion of money they may recieve towards tithing or giving to others. We explained to Mylee that our friend who had given us this bank is going to Africa to help people and tell them about Jesus this summer. She immediately went to her wallet (which held $5 she had been saving for a toy she wanted) and said she wanted to give all of it to our friend to take to Africa. I told her she could just give her "church" money from her allowance, but she insisted on giving all of her spending money as well. Chad and I sat there with tears in our eyes as we were once again taught by our daughter. How often have I given everything I have to help someone in need? I probably haven't modeled that very often, so I was also reminded that her generosity had nothing to do with anything I had or hadn't done as a parent...it was just a pure loving little heart with the ability to understood at 3 years old that people are more important than things. Little does she know how her blessing bank has blessed us.

Sibling Fun

We are a year and a half into having two kids and it has been fun to watch the transitions and growth in their relationship with each other. Isaac has always adored Mylee. He wants to be wherever she is doing whatever she is doing. I know that can be annoying at times for Mylee, but she tolerates it pretty well. The greatest moments to watch, though, are when they engage each other and really want to be playing together or snuggling on the couch. Mylee's latest goal is to pick him up. She tries with all she's got, but still hasn't managed to really get him off the ground. She doesn't have a whole lot of a weight advantage on him....it wouldn't suprise me if he is the one picking her up before too long. We think the video does a much better job describing it!



Mylee's First Soccer Team

We are in the middle of the "biddy" soccer season and I think Mylee would tell you that she doesn't like soccer at this point. To quote her exactly, "I don't like soccer. It's too much work and it makes my legs hurt!" But, it is still fun and funny to watch. She is on a team with several of her little buddies and just to experience what a team is for the first time is good for her. Our family rule is that you don't have to start a sport or activity, but if you do, you have to finish it. So, we will finish out the 3 game season and see if she gets a new outlook on the sport by next spring :) Chad said from the start that the girls would be out there talking and holding hands and sure enough, the first practice they were playing ring around the rosies and giving each other hugs. I guess when you're 3, those are the things that make it fun.



Happy Easter!

We have stayed in Branson the past couple of years for Easter, but this year made the trip home to the St.Louis area to visit the grandparents. My parent's house is pretty calm with Mylee and Isaac being the only grandchildren. We had a little easter egg hunt and they each got a basket on Easter morning. Then, we went to Chad's parents house where there are 10 grandkids and a lot more going on! There was another Easter egg hunt, a huge dinner, and even a hunt for the adults :) We no that no matter how we celebrate the holiday (with 2 kids or 10) we are eternally blessed for the reason we celebrate. Jesus is alive and He defeated death and for some reason finds pleasure in extending His grace to us. We are thankful!

Isaac sporting his new Cardinal hat and shades


Mylee and Papa having a peep...Papa's favorite!


Mylee and Aunt Sarah dyeing Easter eggs

Our family...Happy Easter!