more questions

There is something about the crucifixion story that fascinates and captivates my children. Sometime around the age of 3, all my children have been so curious about the crucifixion. So now it's Ryan's turn.He has this Story Bible of the New Testament. Yesterday, he follows me into the office with his Bible turned to the picture of Jesus on the cross and the two thieves behind him. I was about to "shoo" him out but he asks me, "How did the soldiers get Jesus off the cross?". "Why is there blood coming out of his hands?" "Shouldn't we pray for Jesus?". Needless to say, my email was suspended as I listened and answered (as best I could) his questions.
The questions resurfaced late last night as we were snuggled in watching the Olympics. Again, he had his Bible opened to the same picture. I could see his wheels turning and could feel the questions brewing. I was so tempted to "shush" him but I knew these moments were precious. "Why did they beat him?" "Where is he?" "Why did he have to die?" "Why are his friends crying?" "How come he isn't dead anymore?"
Then the beauty of it....Ryan says," I need to get in the car and find the airport. I need to take an airplane to Jesus. Then I will help him. With Clone troopers. We need to pray for Jesus."

So we prayed....
and I'll continue to answer questions and stay at the foot of the Cross.

If you don't believe that 3 year olds can understand, learn or absorb the Gospel, just as me my opinion on that subject

Open fire

Somehow I was able to talk Philip into starting a fire and roasting hot dogs for dinner. The weather was just too beautiful to spend inside.

I haven't written much lately about my older three children. I have been awed lately by the questions these 3 can throw my way.

Ryan asked me first thing in the morning (6:45am), "Mommy how did the people who didn't like Jesus put the nails in his hands?".


Emma asked me, "Mommy how do we give up everything we have? You know like Jesus told the disciples to give up all they had to follow him. How do we do that?".
Peter has been a bit more practical. "What should we give up for lent? Maybe my comic books, maybe peanut butter and jelly? You know I don't like those. Nathan should really give up peas; he loves green peas.".

8 months

Last Saturday marked the beginning of 8 months.I imagine that this month will bring two bottom teeth and mobility.

"More" video

Nathan pretty much has everyone fooled that he is a quiet and calm little guy. For the most part, that's true. However, you don't want to mess around with him when he's in the high chair!
This is for those that he has fooled:
We are eagerly trying to encourage the sign language and NOT the screaming.

Snowmen

While Ryan was at Duke, Peter and Emma made a snow man!
He unfortunately didn't make it through the day due to the down pouring of rain that came!

More snow...

There's only about two reasons why I was glad to see more snow when I looked out the window this morning. One reason is purple and the other is navy!
It may have been a bit of a hasty decision but I searched the Lands End website for snow boots four days ago. I happened upon a pair at a children's consignment shop about 3 years ago. They have been passed from Emma to Ryan and are still in great shape. I bit the bullet and bought her and Ryan a pair for this year and next and perhaps the next! They arrived in a huge box yesterday. Just in time for another snowy day. I am laughing at myself as I listen to the snow hit against the window. When it started snowy this morning, I told them, "It won't be as much snow as it was last week." Funny- I said that before and we ended up with 10 inches. It's been 1 hour since I said that and the roads are completely white. Maybe one day I'll learn! Roxboro is definitely snow country.

off to school

Today is Ryan's first and probably only day to go to school with Philip. What makes a little guy more excited than to finally have his turn going to school at Duke? Not much around here!

guess who

So it's Nathan again! I am thinking that 7 months is Nathan's time to shine. He seems to be full of new tricks every time I turn around. Maybe I should say, every time I get another video uploaded. This one is from last week.
It is so helpful when babies learn how to feed themselves Cheerios! It has taken Nathan about 3 weeks to get the hang of it. However, that also means that now he puts every dropped crumb, piece of dirt, Lego and whatever his little fingers can get a hold of into his mouth. I'm glad I captured a few more of those sweet kisses. He hasn't been doing them lately. However, he has learned yet another trick....stay tuned!