sin is BAD stuff...

This was our first play date with Brooks.  We had a rough start...

HAM 1

HAM 2

 Brooks was ALL smiles after getting acquainted with the Harless Heathens. We enjoyed a great afternoon of riding toys, cars, trains, and sunshine.  They had a wonderful time and all 3 boys were napping within minutes of heading home.

My little bunny!

He loves his puppy dog!

Happy Birthday Papa Perry!

Above is a picture from my Papa's 85 birthday party!  What a wonderful Sunday we had with our family celebrating sweet Papa-Tom.  He has been in failing health for the last couple of years but was all smiles with his loved ones surrounding him.  We enjoyed delicious ribs and all the fixins!  I Cherish these times with all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles.  The boys were wild Indians and showed everyone their endless energy... I came home 1 tired momma!

Sweet York story:

Tuesday I walked into to get York from Mother's Day out.  York ran over to me and exclaimed, "Mary was so sad on that Hill!"  His teacher joined us as he went on.... "Mary cried on that hill when Jesus died on the cross".  I was completely speechless.  What a moment.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  The Easter story told to my by my tiny 3 year old!  Pure amazement.  Pure happiness.  Pure Glory to GOD.  I told York that he was right and he interrupted me with "then the rock rolled away and Jesus was alive and Mary was happy again".  As tears filled my eyes I looked to the teacher who beamed proudly at what York had retained from their lesson.  I immediately reach for him and held him so tightly.  I still cannot articulate the joy that this moment brought.  My heart is still so full as we continue to talk about the significance of the cross in our yard.  It is so wonderful to see his little brain process such an amazing miracle.  He will point out crosses in neighbors yards or while we are going down the road and will say "that's where Jesus died".  He asked yesterday why he died... (why didn't we ask this one at school!! hehe) and I told him that Jesus died for our sins.  Follow up question:  What is sin?  As I deliberated on how to wrap sin up in deliver it in a box to a 3 year old I decided on the obvious.  A sin is not obeying your parents or hitting your brother when your mad.  And he quickly said "Oh a sin is bad stuff!" YES SON YES!!  You summed it up perfectly... a Sin is Bad STUFF! 

I pray in anticipation for the day that he chooses to ask God to live in his heart.  Until then I will continue to talk about the love of our Savior and his many sacrifices.  I want all of my children to hear our Lord's name constantly and feel free to talk to him at any moment.  I am so grateful for the opportunity we have to send York to a Christian school with teachers who love our Lord.  Teachers who saturate my little mans mind with the word by songs, arts and crafts, and scripture.  Teachers who are on fire for Christ and don't take their role lightly.  I can't express my gratitude for what they are giving my boys so early.  The foundation for a life time of service to our maker.  Thank you Bwood! Thank you isn't near enough....

I wouldn't have it any other way...

My boys...

I have been reflecting on my life with boys as I watch other moms around town.  When I see a mom putting a bow back in place, rearranging stockings under a little tu-tu, or juggling the dramatics of a diva-in-training I cant help but think about the life that God has chosen to give me.  Although I do feel a bit sad that I will never get the opportunity to play dress up, experiment with make up, or plan a wedding.  I'm reminded that as exciting as those things may be I have been given a different path. 

A challenge to raise 3 men of God.  It is not only my responsibility as a parent but my duty as a believer.  I want to be able to light the fire that is in my children's hearts already.  I want to help feed that flame as they gown into young men and hope that it will burn brighter and brighter as the years pass.  They they will be ready for dark days and face them with certainty that only comes from a deep relationship with our Creator.  I want them to be strong spiritually.  I read a book by Auburn's chaplain Chette Williams while in College called Hard Fighting Soldier.  (If you have not read the book and are a football/sports fan or have ties to Auburn University then give it a try.)  I am going to challenge myself to hold strong this idea of "bootcamp" for my soldiers.  I want to make them dangerous warriors for the kingdom of God.  I want my boys to have strong character, maturity, work skills, and discipline to provide for their own families. 

I want to make sure Wes and I lead by example and even share small chores (at this age) to teach some sort of responsibility that our nations men lack.  I want them to learn at home to regard family, friends, and other relationships as important and to be treated with care.  To learn from our mistakes.  To never judge because we do not know others situations.  To respect others opinions although they may not be our own.  To stay true to their core values and beliefs no matter the situation.  To forgive and recover.  To give... and help others even if we only have a little to offer.  To be kind and to think before speaking.  To listen to their hearts and avoid making rash decisions.  To put others feelings first.  That saying I love you never gets old.  To never be too old to hug (or kiss) their momma. These are a list of just a few important lessons I hope to tackle and know it will grow as other problems arise and more mature situations are put before us.  I hope that as parents we are able to give our children the right balance of compassion and discipline.  That they will know we are always around to listen, love, and support.  I value this opportunity the Lord has given me and pray daily for the strength and passion I will need to continually care for these amazing boys.... my boys!

"They are magically disgusting and they make my teeth squeak!"

I thought that buying some Lucky Charms would add a little "spark" to our mornings or afternoon snacks.  ((I must admit -I did buy the bargain brand... I mean the real thing is like a million dollars. They are proud of that little leprechaun))  Perry gobbled up the sweet cereal, all smiles, while picking out his favorite marsh mellow.  However York's breakfast treat didn't go over quite as well.  He wasn't amused by the colorful marsh mellows and at one point began dry heaving. -insert mommy laughter- I told York that they were "Magically Delicious" (that's what they say...right?) but he wasn't fooled.  He replied, "They are MAGICALLY Disgusting and they make my teeth squeak!"  Well I guess that is that.  Perry will continue to devour the sweet goodness and York will continue to ask for Fruit Loops or Apple Jacks.  Sorry General Mills... you can't win them all!

While driving down the road the Pink Floyd song (don't judge) "money" happen to come on the radio.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the song... the beginning sounds like coins clinking and registers ringing.  York pipes up from the back seat with "This sounds cool, it makes my ears tickle!"  Oddly that is how their adult fans think of their music too... hmmm!

I repeatedly told Perry not to stand in his chair = unsuccessful results.  York chimes in with "Perry is not a good listener mom!".

I was so excited to take York on a "date" the other day.  We had several things on our agenda and were having a great time.  I made sure to tell him that we were on a "date" and he referred to our date throughout our lunch and errands.  He wasn't listening and I told him that he would have to sit in time out if he continued to be ugly and he thought about this for a while.  The next thing I hear is "Mom is our date over because your mad?"

We were getting some Spring clothing at Target and we got to the checkout as she rang up our items.  I leaned over and said "York are you worth 100 dollars?" and he quickly said "Umm.. just about 20 dollars!"

"Mommy where were you?" -York
"I was taking a shower" -me
"why" -York
"Because I was dirty" -York
"I think your beautiful dirty" -York
((Worlds youngest suck up OR sweetest boy in the world)) -I'm going with the second!

"Dad, whats your husbands name?" -York
-insert mommy laughter-

I changed York's nighttime diaper and asked him to go to the potty before we put on his pull up for the day and he sweetly look up at me and said, "No but thanks anyway!".

I have to get a shot every Friday and York has learned that I go after I drop him at MDO.  He was particularly worried about me this past week.  (I've been having a reaction to the shots at the injection site and he hears me talk about it)  On the way to school he said, "Mom I hold your hand at the doctor"  (melt my heart!)

My belly button has never been a full "innie"... during pregnancy it seems to make a very noticeable distraction.  She hasn't failed me this time and is beginning to make her appearance.  York noticed it the other night while we were watching cartoons in bed and says, "ugly, ugly, ugly, your belly button is ugly!"  thanks son!  I know.

York loves the show Phineas and Ferb and they have a platypus character known as Perry.  Perry the Platypus.  He is a special agent and is referred to as Agent P alot of time.  I noticed York calling Perry "Agent P" the other day... although I didn't realize til I watched the show that afternoon that he was saying Agent.   I thought he was saying Angel P... either way SUPER CUTE

PERRY the HARLESS, Agent P, or P-Baby
is trying to keep up with his brother and is saying quite alot.
Here are a couple of his better words:
truck
tractor
mine
milk (mil)
momma
dadda
bye bye
car
dog
more (and will sign it as well)
Proud of my boys and am enjoying these times so very much... until next time!