Lights of the Season

Oh, how I love Christmas lights! The sparkle, the color, and the beauty of them make the Christmas season come to life. The very first Christmas was introduced with a magnificent star shimmering in the sky and the tradition of light still continues. This weekend we had the pleasure of enjoying Zoolights at the Portland Zoo. Color was everywhere, animals were on display (the baby elephant blowing water at its mama was Kylia and my favorite), and the night air was brisk. The perfect evening to ring in the Christmas holiday season.

As we rode the train I enjoyed listening to my girls as they discovered animals aglow. Zoie hopped from one lap to the next in hopes of getting the best view. Then racing my girls through the park in an attempt to keep warm kept the giggles flowing, the hugs a-comin', and the grumpies away. This night was filled with "Oooh's" and "Aaah's" as we admired the beauty and the brilliance that comes this time of year. Oh, how I love Christmas lights!

Sweet Song

As I was brushing my teeth this morning, Seth came up behind me, hugged me tight and then began to sing, "You are my best friend, my very best friend. I like to spend time with you, and make babies together." Then he wouldn't let go. He just held on. It was the sweetest thing ever! Seth Owen, you're my favorite!

My Man is Awesome!

This weekend was the Couple's Conference, and wow, was it amazing! I love being with my man! We had so much fun together and I felt as if my eyes were open, once again, to his awesomeness! I married a great man and I am so thankful for him!

We were asked to write love letters to each other, and while I was writing the tears were cascading down my cheeks as I realized how precious Seth is to me. We took communion together and his prayer was so tender. We rode silly bikes on the beach and laughed as we ran into each other and soaked our tooshies in the surf. When my emotions were high, he prayed for me. The way Seth loves is so evident in his life. He loves with his entire being, and I fell for him over and over again this weekend.

I love you Seth Owen, and I am so thankful that God has allowed me to walk this life with you. You are such a gift!

You make me Smile!

When homeschooling there are times when I don't feel quite adequate. Sometimes the school day feels like chaos. Other times it seems to be going well. On this particular day, I was looking around our schoolroom (which is also the playroom and guest room) and noticing the mess, seeing the things I still needed to finish, and basically feeling like things were a bit chaotic. Then Seth walked in and everything changed. "Wow! This is a perfect homeschool picture! Zoie's painting, you're reading to Kylia, and Adalie is doing her work at the table." He continued for a short period to praise my teaching. With those comments, Seth flipped my day from chaotic craziness to delight. He helped me to see things a bit differently. His praise turned my day around in an instant, and well, he made me smile.

What's Dog?

While riding in the car, out of the blue Kylia asked, "What's dog?" I was a little uncertain how to answer that question and I shared this with her. She responded with, "What do we eat that is dog?" We have told the girls that hamburgers are from cows, ham and sausage are from pigs, turkey is from turkey's and so on. This has never seemed to trouble the girls or disgust them in any way. They've always just shook their heads with understanding. So Kylia's question, "What's dog?" was presented with a truly curious heart.

The answer to your question, precious girl, we don't eat dog, but I sure do love your brain! Always thinking!

Totally Awesome!

My Zoie comes up with some of the funniest sayings! On our walk today she stepped over a rock and exclaimed, "I'm talented!" A few days ago she asked for a 'mountain curtain' for Christmas. (What is a mountain curtain? Maybe it is something that a toaster man puts up in his house :) While sharing a delightful meal at Costco with our friends, she ran the aisles yelling, "I'm totally awesome!!"

Zoie you're my joy! Totally Awesome? Most definitely!!

"Billy"

Kylia was retelling a short adventure she had the other day, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was too cute! She was speaking to Adalie, and it went something like this, "When I was at Mrs. Bailey's, I saw a worm. I jumped and screamed and ran into the house. That worm was my friend! I named him Billy." I so love listening to my children! Their words can brighten my day in an instant.

Sweet Words

While Seth was putting Adalie to bed the other night his heart was touched by her sweet words. As he was praying with her he asked the Lord to help him be the best daddy he could be. After his prayer Adalie responded so sweetly, "Daddy, I don't think you could have done any better than you did today." What perfect words for a daddy to hear.

A New Song

My Kylia was on a date with her daddy yesterday when a new song started to form within in her. On their way home, the time came for it to be sung. She sang it over and over with daddy in the car, he recorded it on his phone, and then they shared it with me. It goes something like this.

"Little chicken climbed a tree, then he fell.

Then he climbed again, then he fell.

Then he climbed again, then he fell.

Then he flapped his wings and then he flew.

Then he jumped, and then he spun, and then he danced!!!"

Seth was so excited! The first time Kylia sang her song, it built until the chicken danced. There were octave changes, and everything! It was beautiful!

Candy Options

Yesterday was our church Pumpkin Patch Bash. The girls received a half a bag of candy a piece. On the way home from the Bash listening to their conversation was very fun. With candy on their mind, Adalie commented, "We have so much candy, we should put it in a big bag and walk around our neighborhood and pass it out." Kylia's response, "Or we could put it in a big bowl and set it outside for people to take." "Or we could plant it and watch it grow!" declared Zoie.

Two thinking of a way to give it away, and one thinking of a way to make more! I am finding that back seat conversation is truly my favorite. :)