Will She Never Forget?

We are playing dolls right now, and one of the dolls broke its' leg.

How, you may ask?

He was sitting on her lap going down a slide. They just happened to then go to the "same hospital we went to."

It's been five months, I know I broke your leg on the slide. But can we please move on?

Hard Wired

It is amazing to me what comes naturally to boys and girls. I find it incredibly fascinating to see my girl and boy's unique differences and the things they seem to naturally do.
For example, today we were at my sister Kendra's house. They have a WII, which Henry automatically picked up. He has only watched the boys play once about five months ago, but he started swinging it around toward the t.v. and acting as if he is playing it. What is it about boys and video games, or any other electronic item?
Another example would be Addison. In the last few months she has become fascinated with marriage, husbands, and babies. The other day, I heard her say to Henry, "okay, Henry, we are going to get married now. Walk me down the isle." With that she started singing the wedding march song. How in the world did she know that song? Girls and getting married.
I love having a girl and boy. It is amazing to see how God has wired us and how it is incredibly obvious at such a young age.

14 Weeks!

Hooray, I'm 14 weeks pregnant today! The first trimester always seems to be the toughest, so I must say I am excited about officially entering the second trimester. My belly is starting to show, reminding me that, yes, indeed I am pregnant and I don't just have the never ending stomach flu. It is hard to imagine that there is a little person growing in me, but the farther along I get, the more excited I get about this little person and meeting him/her.

Again, I like to welcome the second trimester. I've been waiting for you!

Shame

Last night I had a really bad dream. For those of you that don't know, I often have crazy dreams.

But this one is different.

I was in this huge building where all the people there were supposed to be doing this scavenger hunt. I did not want to play, so I began to wonder around the building. When I entered this new room, right before me was a huge red dragon. He quickly grabbed me in his strong claws. I fought really hard but could not get away.

Finally, after fighting for a while I got away. Frantically, I tried to run and hide in different rooms. Everywhere I went I could hear him saying in his creepy, husky voice "she isn't going to get away from me." I finally found other people in a room. They began to tell me that I had to confront the dragon before he destroyed me everyone around me.

I did not want to confront the dragon. The people told me I had to figure out the secret to destroying him. As I walked down a dark hallway, the dragon appeared. As he caught me up in his claws I realized the secret to destroying him.

He was shame and grace would destroy him.

I yelled, "shame, I defeat you with grace."

As I woke up, I had a strong sense that the Lord was trying to teach me something.

At the root of all the anxiety, insecurity, and depression I so often struggle with is shame. The dragon trying to destroy me is shame. I need to confront it.

Kill it with God's grace.

Thanksgiving

It is Thanksgiving Eve and the apple pies are baking in the oven while Andy and I watch Sufjan Stevens on t.v. The kids are cozily sleeping in their beds. Truly, how could I ask for more? This has been quite a year for our family, in reflection we have much to be grateful for. First and foremost, we have beautiful, healthy children. Addison is so funny and smart, and as of late I have noticed she has a peacemaking spirit about her. She is amazing. Henry is my little love-bug. He is so sensitive and sweet. His unsolicited kisses never ever grow old, even with a runny nose. He is absolutely adorable. Now we have another baby coming. I am thankful that I can dream about who this baby will be and the distinct personality it will have. Unbelievable. Then there is my ever-understanding husband. I know where my son gets his sweetness and sensitivity from. He is my best friend and I am thankful for him. He even loves me and listens to me in the midst of these crazy, irrational pregnancy moods.

As I sit here, I also think about the beautiful home we have to live in. Andy's job. Our extended family knows and loves the Lord. Our friends.

How could we ask for more?

Happy Thanksgiving!

She's Having a Baby

Addison came up to me today with a baby doll up her shirt, saying she has a baby in her belly. She posed for some preggie pictures and then simply stated, "oh no, the baby is coming! I've got to get to the hospital!" As she walked towards the hospital (or the kitchen) she started saying, "ouch! ouch! ooohhh, push, push. Ouch! Puuuussssshhhh." Then she of course delivered a beautiful baby boy.

Where in the world did she learn this?!

Hair Stylist

While getting ready in the bathroom, I heard the usual sound of Henry yelling, "nooooo." That could only mean one thing: Addison was tormenting him. Before I could look out and see, in walks Henry crying with wet, spiky hair. "Addison, what did you do to him?" "Mommy, I was just trying to do his hair." Why not spit in your brother's hair to make it stand up?

You've got to admit, it does look pretty cute!