My Little Stud Muffin...

I kept trying to get a good picture of Calvin at my mother-in-law's birthday party (will further describe her party in another entry to come) and he thought it would be much more fun to see how many different faces he could make. Despite all my efforts and stifled chuckles, I never did get a good picture of him. I am so glad he did not behave this way for Tami when she took his professional pictures a couple of weeks ago...

Then after dinner tonight Jeff told Calvin to show me how he could do inverted push-ups. He hopped out of his little booster chair, got Cameron out of his seat and proceeded to show me this!

Needles to say, I was very impressed with my little stud muffin!

Flubberations??

This has been one of those weeks that I wish I could push the replay button and just start it all over again.

For some reason (as if I am surprised...) I have just allowed my mouth to flap and words come out flying that should not have come flying. Now, if you know me at all, it was nothing malicious - more just stupid...comments that make it very clear I was not thinking through the situation one iota.

So is this a maturity thing or am I forever destined to make these verbal flubberations?? If it is a lack of maturity, I am praying that I would grow up by next week...or tomorrow would be even better.

The worst part is that I replay the moment over and over and wish I had not said it or wish I could somehow change it and I realize that in itself is immaturity.

No one died. No one was mortally injured. It's done. It's over. Get on with it and move forward. It has been a busy week...a very busy week...so much more to think about; to deal with.

And so I am reminded that I am in a good place when I feel incapable - perhaps even a little overwhelmed. I pray that it ever draws me nearer to my Lord. I pray that it helps me see those around me who are being bombarded more than me. I pray that I will give others grace just as I so much need His grace in every moment of my day....

Ah....here is a terrific verse for me today...

"Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;

Our God is merciful.

the Lord preserves the simple;

When I was brought low, he saved me"

Psalm 116: 5 & 6

Weiner Roast Time!

How can you make it through Fall without at least one wiener roast? Well, the Leman's gathered together despite the call for rain; piled up the wood, broke out the wieners and buns and prepared for a nice long night around the camp fire.

We had a terrific time for the first hour and half and then down poured the rain! At least we got the hot dogs cooked (actually some were barely warm and others were blackened to a crisp) and then enjoyed some cozy time inside the house thanks to Brad and Erika.

I used to dream of these annual wiener roasts when we lived in India and was surprised at how I could have such longing feelings toward a hot dog. There is just something about getting together with family in the cool crisp air around a fire...something about the smells...the sound of crackling wood and giggling children....It stirs memories of times past and pulls us away from the present worries.

Thanks Jen for getting us together and thanks Brad and Erika for opening up your home. We had a terrific time!

Random Happenings

Jeff was gone for much of the week last week so I was single mom. It all went well and the kids and I had a wonderful time together. We were able to get out on the weekend and go hiking and we spent time with great friends. But it was tiring and I was very ready for Jeff to be home.

So last night I told Jeff he was in charge of the kids and I ran to the mall to do some shopping for family pictures. Which, by the way, I absolutely hate shopping for very specific items. You usually cannot get any good deals that way and you can never find just the color or size or style that you are looking for without visiting every single store in the mall. I visited every store and went back to some several times and still did not find everything that I needed.

I got home and Jeff told me everything went fine. Fine. Specifically I asked how things went..."fine." How were the kids? "Fine."

So this morning Cal gets up and runs to tell me good morning. One eye is swollen half shut...

I asked Jeff what happened and he said, "Oh yeah. Calvin fell down the stairs and a little later he fell and hit his head on the corner of the fire place."

We supposed to have family pictures in three days. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is going to turn purple in about 18 hours....Hmmm....

At least I got an evening out.

Happy Birthday, Conner!

Seven years ago, Conner entered our lives and they have forever been changed. The Lord has given Conner such a unique mix of gifts and interests. Although he is usually living in another world or another galaxy, he seems extremely bright and (what I love the most) a very sensitive little boy. He is concerned about other's needs, and other's feelings. So far, is is very tender to discipline is shows great remorse for sin.

I am so excited to see how the Lord is going to use him as he grows. He has been such a blessing to our family. Happy 7th birthday, Conner. We love you so!

PS. I tried to include his traditional video but am having trouble...I will have to try again later.

Grandma is just not quite sure what to think of these spy glasses that she bought for Conner...

And a Happy Birthday to you, goofy boy!

Why waste calories on cake when you can just have this?!?

We now have a fish - actually two. Thanks Gramps and Gram for the gift!

Squirrels

We were on a long trip not so long ago when Conner started telling us that he when he grew up, he wanted to be President of the United States. We asked him why and he said, "That way when people run over squirrels in the road, I can put them in jail."

His thoughts always seem so random to me, but I know that there is ton running through that cute little head of his.

Well the other day, I was taking Cameron and Cosette somewhere and this squirrel ran across the road. I braked, but the thing just started running in circles and despite my swerving (I know you are not supposed to swerve in the road for a small varmints) I heard and felt a small thud on my back tire.

I felt a little sick and took a glance in the rear view mirror and saw a brown furry clump with a twitching tail.

There was silence in the car and then after a minute Cameron piped up, "Good thing Conner wasn't in the car."

So unless Conner reads my blog in his free time, he will never know of the poor squirrel I killed and hopefully when he becomes President, he will have mercy on his mother who one day may kill again.

Sweet with a capital "S"

Once again, my NZ friend sent me a link to this video. This video was made by a husband to his wife for her birthday and apparently he is battling cancer. He managed to get the NZ Prime Minister involved as well as Hugh Jackman (great actor). And yes, Gus, this made me cry!

Happy Birthday Video