Speaking the Truth

Warning for Nana and Grandma: Your oldest grandchild is not perfect!

Yes! Two posts in one day! Tonight Coleman wanted some chocolate but I told him no because he didn't eat all his dinner. He said, "I might ask Daddy." I told him not to because I already said no, but he ran into the other room and asked Brian anyway. I heard Brian say no, then a few seconds later Coleman ran back into the kitchen and said, "Daddy said yes!" I took him straight to time out and we had a talk about obeying and what it means to tell the truth. Later while saying prayers and talking at bedtime, the subject of forgiveness came up. I gave an example of forgetting to do something for Daddy but Daddy would forgive me because he loves me. Then I told him that when we make mistakes God will forgive us. He said, "I might ask God for some chocolate." If that works, I might ask for some chocolate, and some skinny thighs too!

I know Coleman doesn't grasp the concepts of grace and forgiveness, but he's at an age where he can start learning. I've really realized that today. My wonderful cousin Rhonda sent an email that linked to a Brandon Heath video of his song "I'm Not Who I Was." If you've never heard this song, it talks about how someone hurt him in the past, but now he's able to forgive. I had just watched the video this morning, then the song came on the radio when we were in the car. Coleman asked, as he sometimes does when a song comes on, "What's this song about?" I always think, "Oh, he's not going to understand," but I try to explain in the simplest terms what the songs are saying. That's been great for me! It makes me stop and really listen to the words. Sometimes all I can say is, "They're singing about Jesus." But today I got to try to explain how when someone hurts you, you should say "it's ok" and be nice to them. Oh how I pray that God will give me words to say that Coleman can understand, and that as he grows he will desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Actually, I pray that for all of us! Have a blessed evening.

Fabulous New 1 Minute 13 Second Workout!

Yeah, it doesn't work. I've been trying to get back into going to the gym, but it seems the streak of sickness has no end. We got kicked out today after I had been on the treadmill for a little over 1 minute because Mr. Snots' (as we so affectionately call Spence now) nose wouldn't stop dripping. It's not a nasty green or anything, but I can understand why they paged me to come get him. That Dancing With the Stars workout video is looking better and better.

I love getting Coleman's perspective on things. I mentioned to him that I saw some big kids at the gym today and I wondered why they weren't at school. He suggested that maybe an excavator tore down their school. You never know.

{from Brian}
Coleman probably got the idea from the video below.

Every night we watch some sort of YouTube video; from R/C cars to monster trucks to motocross to excavators to building implosions. The other night after watching several building implosions (check this one out), Coleman said, "They're not going to come and do that to our house, are they?"

I think we need to stop watching cool implosions on YouTube.........

Don't Let Them Turn Out Weird

I often catch myself in the middle of a strange behavior and think, "I hope the boys don't get this from me." Tonight I was running the bath water and it was a little hot, to which I responded, "hachiwawa." Lovely. I was wondering the derivation of this word, so obviously I googled it. How did we survive before internet? Apparently I've been using this nonsense word incorrectly. Other hachiwawa-ers seem to use it to mean "wow." I just use it to describe something as hot. Maybe I originally thought it was "hotchiwawa?" All this just to say, "I hope my children don't say this word." I guess I should stop saying it.

From this post I'm guessing you can tell things have been slow around here. Potty training has been going pretty well. For the first few days Coleman would just stand over the potty and say he tried. We didn't push, since this was all we had asked. But now he goes almost every time. I've definitely seen improvement. With all the new Hot Wheels he's been getting, I've been going behind his back and weeding out old ones. That was said in confidence. He hasn't noticed...yet.

If Only He Were Authorized

Tonight we were in Lowe's hardware store picking up some tile for the kitchen remodel. Coleman loves those really tall ladders on wheels that the employees use for retrieving items way up high. They have this sign attached:


Coleman: What does that say?
Mommy: It says, "No little boys allowed."

That's essentially what it's saying, right?

Spence is mostly feeling better, although there is a constant stream of snot running from his nose. He's also drooling an awful lot, so maybe there are some more teeth making their way in. Coleman has gotten two Hot Wheels for trying to go potty every time I've asked him. Yea! Here are a few pictures from the week.

Mommy, I'd feel better if you'd just hold me 24/7.

Coleman washing the dishes, with no regard for the next water bill.

Maybe if you'd build a fire in that thing I wouldn't have to wear my hoodie inside the house.


"The Essence of Freakiness"

Combination Present(s)

{From Brian, the Guest Poster}

Amanda's birthday/anniversary/Christmas present is starting to come along.
Maybe I can milk it for Valentine's Day, too.

Bribery, Sweet Bribery

I've got to get back to the gym. Want to know how I know this? Today I was teaching a 3 year old music class and this little girl said, "Do you have a baby?" I replied, "Yes." Then she said, "In your tummy?" I've got to get back to the gym.



Instead of going to the gym while the boys were at daycare, I went to Wal-Mart. I had to buy mass quantities of Hot Wheels. We will be using them to bribe Coleman to go potty. I decided, and Brian agreed, that if Coleman will at least try to go potty every time I ask him during the day, he will get a Hot Wheel after dinner. We'll see how this works. I figure after a while, I'll up the anty and he'll have to really go, not just try, to get the prize. Then eventually he'll have to poopy to get it. In a week or so I'll either be singing the praises of Hot Wheels or returning a sackful of them to Wal-Mart. Time will tell.

Why Did This Excite Me?

The boys took a 3 hour nap today, so I was able to clean the bathroom! Not just wiping off the counter and closing the shower curtain so no one can see in. I'm talking putting on my nastiest, grungiest clothes, grabbing an old toothbrush and the Clorox, and getting down on my knees in the shower. I'm a little bothered that this has become exciting to me. I should be bothered by how filthy the shower was.

Hugs, Kisses, and a Cold

I missed playing cars, dump trucks racing around the living room, watching Coleman do 180s and landing on his knees, DVDs about vehicles, and drum solos.

I enjoyed playing with baby dolls, pretending to grocery shop, dressing little girls in pink, and watching Annie and a DVD about mermaids.

Emily and Callie are so precious!

I was welcomed home yesterday with hugs, kisses, and a cold. Poor Spence is sick. He had a fever over 102 last night, so this morning I took him to the doctor. He does not have another ear infection, just a cold. He felt a little better today. I just can't quit hugging these sweet little boys!

Coleman got a magna doodle for his birthday, and he calls it his little computer. He tells me what to draw, I draw it, he approves, and then erases it and tells me the next thing to draw. Yesterday, he said, "Draw Lightning McQueen. Draw jungle drums (something he saw in an old Superman cartoon, see below). Draw my dump truck. Draw me puking in my hands. Draw me licking my finger." He's been obsessed with puking ever since his little stomach bug. Every night he tells me, "I'll call you if I puke." What better way to say, "goodnight?"

No, I Don't Want Another Baby!

I'm having such a wonderful time here in Oklahoma visiting Callie and her family. She is a very good baby. She rarely cries, eats great, and I've only seen her spit up once since I've been here! I was afraid that I would come here and leave wanting to have another baby, but I don't feel that desire. I'm sure Brian is saying, "Thank goodness." I miss my boys SO MUCH, but I think it's good for them (and me) to see that I can go for a few days and they can survive. Maybe they are even having fun without me. Tomorrow I get to see them and ask them, well at least Coleman, about all the things they did while I was gone. I can't wait for those first hugs...

Gone For How Long?

I am leaving today to go to Oklahoma to meet Callie and visit her family. I'm having a little trouble remembering how I thought I could be away from my boys for 5 days! Mom assures me she is looking forward to being here with them this week. So that makes me feel better. Once I get there and start helping out with the baby and Emily, I'm sure I'll be really busy and that will take my mind off of it.

I'll be back Saturday, but if you can't wait, you can see pictures of Callie on Theresa's blog. I love you guys!!!

Happy Birthday Coleman!

I can't believe Coleman is three years old. This morning I showed him pictures of the day he was born. He liked that. We had such a wonderful day! Coleman could hardly wait for his friends to arrive. When they did, all the boys played and played. Then we had cake and ice cream, opened presents, and went to the fire station. The firemen gave us a fire safety talk and then showed us where they eat and sleep while on duty at the fire station. This was all fine, but then they opened the door to where the fire trucks were. Oh yeah, that's what the kids wanted to see! Each one got to sit in the driver's seat of the fire truck. How exciting! Here are some pictures from the party.

Coleman's Fire Truck Cake

Coleman Driving the Fire Truck

Isabelle, Keller, Richard, Wyatt, Eric, Coleman, and Samson

Coleman and the Firemen

Now that he's three, I told Coleman that there are no diapers for 3 year olds. He was pretty upset about that this morning, so he walked around half naked for awhile. Then he decided he wanted a monster truck sticker for going potty. He could only get this if he put on a pull-up, so he did. He has been making several trips to the potty during the day, even #2 once! Grandma sent a whole bag of M&Ms for this accomplishment. Thanks Grandma!

The Facts About Kids

Here are three facts I observed about kids today:

• Fact #1: Kids talk really loudly, especially in public.
• Fact #2: Kids say whatever comes to their mind or make comments on everything they see.
• Fact #3: If you don't answer them, kids just keep repeating their questions or comments over and over... and over.

Today we were in Wal-Mart stocking up on snacks and getting last minute party stuff. There was a black lady with Vitiligo. Her arms were pretty much solid white, but her face had many irregular patches of unpigmented skin. As we walked by her, Coleman started saying, "Look! That lady painted all over her face!" I was unprepared for this. I tried ignoring him. Refer back to Fact #3 to find out how that worked out. Yeah, not so good. We were not stopped in the aisle picking something off the shelf beside her, or I might have tried to respond to him somehow. I don't know. I'm sure she is used to kids making comments or asking her what's "wrong" with her face. I don't know if she politely answers them or tells them to get lost. We were whizzing down the aisle trying to find our last few items, so I just kept rolling, yelling back at Coleman to come on. Now I think I was probably the rude one. I think when he gets up from his nap I will explain to him that God made each of us different and we are all beautiful to him. When we see people that look strange to us, it is not nice to point and say, "Look at that!" But it's always OK to ask Mommy about it later. This probably won't stop him from pointing out and commenting on the next person he sees in Wal-Mart that looks different in some way, but at least it's a start.

Let me know some things your kids have said and how you've responded. I need your wisdom!

A Perfect Fall Day

Today was a perfect Fall day, the only problem is that it's Winter! I did not let that bother me though. Today was beautiful and the boys and I had a great time outside. Coleman found a bottle of bubbles so we went outside to blow them. Then I noticed how many leaves were in our yard. We have several Bradford Pear trees and they're really dropping their leaves now. I got the rake and made a big pile. Coleman had the best time jumping in it. Spence liked to sit in the pile and see what kind of goodies he could find to put in his mouth. I'm thankful for such a beautiful day, even if it didn't fit in with this season!

You're Going to Stick Him How Many Times???

Today Coleman and I went back to the allergist. Coleman had to have a skin test done. They poked my baby with 15 needles in his arm! It was horrible. They had him sit on my lap and I put my arm around him and "tried" to hold his arm still. One nurse stood in front of him and tried to keep his feet from kicking and keep him from looking at the needles. He screamed, cried, kicked, and begged for mercy. It was heartbreaking. I am reminded at times like this to be grateful that my children do not have major health problems where they are in the hospital and having lots of tests and being poked and prodded all the time.

The verdict: he is allergic to dust mites, mold, ragweed, and several trees and grasses. We will keep him on Singulair and look into ways to fight irritants in our home such as using special covers for his pillow and mattress and allergen air filters. If these measures don't work, he may have to start taking allergy shots. I pray that we don't have to do that! Just guessing, but I don't think he'd be too happy about having a shot every week.

He milked the hurt arm for all it was worth, getting cookies, McDonald's, and a trip to the mall to play. He tried to talk me into stopping for donuts, but I resisted.

Today's Favorite Pasttimes

Pulling all the clean laundry out of the basket and dragging it around on the, um, not-so-clean floor.

Then walking around with it on his head.

Laying on the couch and watching America's Funniest Videos (which he calls The Baby Dog Show)

Welcome Callie!

My wonderful friend Theresa, who many of you know, had a beautiful baby girl today. Her name is Callie, but I don't know if I'm spelling it correctly. Congratulations Theresa and Jason, and big sister Emily! I'm very excited that I get to meet Callie next week. I'm going to visit on the 14th. Yes, I will be leaving my sweet boys for 5 days. My dear Mom will be staying with them though, so they are in good hands. I'm sure I will stay so busy that I won't have time to be overly sad at not seeing them.

Last Leg Curse

We are back home again! Why does the last leg of the trip always seem to be endless???!!! We arrived in Salt Lake with no problems. We had a little bit of time to kill, so Coleman was running along when all of sudden he stopped and puked. I had someone call for a cleanup, then we were on our way. "Cleanup in Terminal B!!!" We got to our gate, only to discover that our plane was there, but the crew had not arrived from Wyoming. It was going to be delayed about an hour and a half. And with no regard for our naptime! Luckily Salt Lake airport has some play areas for the kids. After a while, we went back to the gate, it was delayed another 30 minutes, so we asked for lunch vouchers and they honored our request. We were just about to board the plane when Coleman puked again. We told him we'd show him what a barf bag was when we got on the plane. We boarded, taxied for what seemed like hours, then just sat. The pilot came over the intercom to inform us that there was a problem and we would be going back to the gate to have the mechanics do what should be an easy fix. Everyone sighed. I was frustrated also, but quite glad that they found the problem BEFORE we took off. I'm all for getting any airplane issue resolved before cruising at 35,000 feet!

So now we're home. We all enjoyed sleeping in our own beds last night. Coleman and Spence didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning! We met my parents for lunch and to retrieve Maestro. He's as stinky and sweet as ever. Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping him! Now I've started on the first of about 5 loads of laundry and have begun taking down Christmas decorations. From the looks of our living room floor, I need to start weeding through the boys' toys and putting some away. They made out pretty well for Christmas! I just wanted to thank everyone for reading the Jesus Blog during December. I look forward to keeping up the blog this year. And I enjoy reading my friends' and family's blogs. Happy New Year everyone!

Happy New Year!

We have been having such a wonderful time visiting Grandpa and Grandma. I can't believe I haven't posted in a week. Let me think what has happened...

We arrived at our gate at the airport Christmas morning and were surprised to see a special someone on our flight. Coleman said, "Look! Santa!" We thought there was a picture or something, but it was Santa! He had been working at a mall in one of the suburbs and was flying back home. That was quite a treat.

A few days after Christmas we went to Fairmont, a hot springs resort. Coleman can say he went down his first waterslide in 25ºF temperatures (about 10ºF wind chill). It was great, until it dumped you in the outside pool and you had to walk back indoors. Here's a sign you don't see at Texas pools:

We've also enjoyed seeing Lucy, our dog that came to live with Grandpa and Grandma after Spence was born. I was explaining to Coleman that Lucy was our first baby, before we had him and Spence. He looked at her for a second, then said, "Now she's a dog." Ha! She was just a dog at our house, but here in Montana she's the princess.

We have one more full day here, then it's back home. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful Grandpa and Grandma who live in a beautiful place. This is what winter should be! I guess we'll arrive back home and put our sweaters away until the next visit!

Our family by the 23 foot tall tree at Fairmont.

Coleman jumping in the indoor pool, which is heated to 92 degrees by underground geothermal hotsprings.

Riding the Great Northern Carousel

Reading with Grandpa and Grandma

Aunt Jeani sent Coleman this Spiderman costume. Spence thinks his big brother looks pretty funny!

Happy New Year everyone!!!