Sometimes you just have to make a mess!

I made chocolate covered pretzels the other day. The children really enjoyed them! I rather enjoyed watching them get covered in chocolate. It was such a fun treat for them. It was also fun to show Rosalie the picture of her covered in chocolate. She was so surprised and her giggles were fantastic. A little chocolate goes a long way!

Martin plays the recorder

It is very important to me that each of my children learn how to read music. I know that they probably won't become musicians, but I at least want them to know how to read music.
I gave Martin the option of learning the piano along with Aaron or learning the recorder. He chose the recorder. So, I am teaching him how to play the recorder. My plan is to use the recorder as a tool to teach him the language of music. I do have plans to move him on to a different instrument in a year or so. I am not sure which instrument ... I am far more comfortable teaching a woodwind than a brass ... but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I will post a video of Martin soon playing his recorder.

Aaron's piano lessons

I am so excited that I have finally scheduled piano lessons for Aaron! I have been wanting to start him for quite some time. He's doing quite well with the lessons. He catches on quickly and does really well with learning each of the concepts.
I will post a video soon of him playing.

"cause, said so"

Rosalie floored me the other day when I asked her, "why?"

Her answer was completely unexpected! She said, "Cause, said so!"

Really?? She's not two yet!! How can she possibly be saying these words to me?

Well, I had to get her on video saying those words. So, yes, this is somewhat engineered - but I really wanted a memory of her saying this ... and proof too.
She amazes us everyday. I am not used to this "girl" attitude at all!

Grace Flows Down

Jonathan is 4 years old. A lot of children are done napping by the time they are 4 years old. Martin was done with naps by the time he was 3. Jonathan, however, is not done with naps. He takes good naps almost everyday. Every once in a while, he will come downstairs . . . and I will suspect that he never really slept . . . and by about 5-6PM, I will know for certain. (via meltdowns and red eyes)
The boy still needs his naps. Today, since we had friends over, I let the nap slide. He didn't want to miss out on the fun, and I didn't have the heart to make him leave the fun.
By the time 6:45 rolled around, I was ready to put him to bed. He was more than ready to go to sleep. His eyes were so tired. He was wrestling with being very tired and not wanting to be alone. The rest of the family was downstairs hanging out on the couch together. I couldn't blame him for wanting to be there too.
He needed to be sleeping, though. I took him upstairs and he melted in my arms and started crying. I could see that he really needed time with me. So, I sent Rosalie downstairs and asked Rich to keep her downstairs so that I could be with Jonathan. I told Jonathan that I would stay with him until he fell asleep.
I was irritated about it, though. When it's time for my children to go to bed . . . I will admit that I am ready to be done. I need them to go to bed quickly for me ... so that I can have some quiet time, down time, me time.
So, I sat there with him. (not with a happy attitude) While I watched him calm down, though, I started praying for him. When he had visibly calmed down, I quietly began singing his favorite song to him, "Grace Flows Down". I had barely gotten to the 3rd word when, a smile spread across his face, and I visibly saw the tension leave his body. He completely relaxed as I sang to him. By the time I was done singing, he had gotten into position for falling asleep. Fingers in mouth, clutching his night-night, and baby. (yep, I just said fingers in mouth ... he still falls asleep with fingers in mouth)
I stayed next to his bed on my knees, praying for him, and watching him fall asleep. It was very clear when he finally slipped into a beautiful and contented sleep.
By the time he fell asleep, my attitude had turned from frustration to pure joy. Clearly, my attitude was all wrong to begin with ... but staying with Jonathan was exactly what I needed to do ... not only for Jonathan. For me. Sometimes, I need a reminder to slow down, and just enjoy these precious opportunities with my children. This was an opportunity to deepen my relationship with Jonathan. This was an opportunity to be next to him on my knees praying for him as he fell asleep. It was precious. It was just what Jonathan needed. It was just what I needed. Thank you, Lord for Jonathan. He is a precious gift.

Little Curls

For those of you out there that only get to experience our family in pictures ... or for those we don't get to see nearly as often enough - I have to share with you what is behind my seemingly bald baby girl's head. On the surface ... it may seem like she has no hair ..

... but indeed, the girl has hair. She has precious little ringlets that hang from the back of her head. Yes, I spend way too much time trying to straighten my own hair ... which gets curlier and curlier the older that I get ...
However, as much as my "curly" hair makes me crazy ... is how much I adore Rosalie's curly locks!

Hangin' with the Reid Children

Ansleigh and Jonathan

Martin, Graham, Campbell, and Aaron

The past 3 weeks we've had a blast on Thursdays hanging out with the Reid children! They've showed up bright and early and spent the morning and afternoon hanging out with us. My children have had the best time!! We get one more Thursday with them before they track back in for school. Rosalie is a social butterfly and has loved playing with Campbell each week. She talks about her just about everyday.
We can't wait to have them back in our home again on Thursday!