Happy Halloween

Well, we hosted our traditional Halloween party with our teammates. I enjoy arts and craftsy kind of things, so creating costumes for our family is always a fun time for me (most definitely more fun for me than for the kids who have to wear the stuff! - the Noah beard required a bit of candy bribing). I always try to choose something that expresses a stage or interest of where the kids are at, and then create a theme for the family. Our "Noah" theme was represented by...Benjy - the "sheet" of rain...Carolyn - the rainbow...Reece - Noah in his ark...and Chase -the slow crawling turtle. We had a fun time!


 




 


 


 


 

Happy Birthday!

It was Benjy's birthday on Friday...yes, he is growing a beard - it has become his fall tradition...I guess its a man thing. We treated ourselves to Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast, party hats and all! The candle was more for Reece's benefit than Benjy's. A good doughnut is not so easy to come by here in Mexico so although it was a bit of a trek to track these ones down, we did it...and enjoyed them!  

Here Comes Trouble

Chase began crawling a little over a week ago! He has gained some speed since that first day and when he is headed for trouble and hears "no Chase" - he laughs and goes faster for his destination! Reece has quickly learned that he no longer has a safe zone to play in without little brother joining in, whether he is wanted or not!

Outside Play

We have had really nice weather these past few days. The sun has been so warm and the kids have enjoyed playing outside. Yesterday, Reece made his first "connection" between the bat and the ball. Coach Dad made sure he ended on that postive note so as to boost his athletic confidence for the next ball game. And Chase enjoyed his first zip down the slide - on his tummy of course!

Guess Who Is Coming To Visit Us This Christmas?!

I always thought the "shopping world" pushed Christmas early at home - but I think Mexico has it beat. The stores are geared up with lights, trees, and Santas everywhere...and we are still in October! A few weeks ago we were shopping and Reece noticed a Santa Clause figure for the first time, and exclaimed with much excitement, "look Mommy - it's NOAH!" We have seen many "Noah's" since that first encounter and he is still called Noah. We think it is pretty cute and so we might just let it stick. After all, wasn't Noah more real than Santa?!

Heaven

Since the death of my Dad, I find myself thinking about and singing about heaven so much more than before - sometimes feeling sadness, sometimes feeling peace, always feeling curious about what it is really like there. My Dad loved to sing and I have realized how many hymns that were up there on his "favorites" list were about heaven. Today it has already been 10 months since he passed away. That is really hard to believe. My son, Chase, really serves as a very physical reminder of time, in relation to Dad's death, since Chase was born just 2 weeks before Dad left us. When I put time in the context of how much Chase has grown and changed, it really stings that my Dad never did get to meet him. I remember waking my Dad up early early with the phone call of Chase's arrival on December 2nd. "It's a boy" I said and he didn't believe me - he was always soooo sure that he knew the sex of every baby in utero! After convincing him he was wrong and that he had another grandson - he was quite happy. Oh how I wish I could call him and hear his voice....

Please remember my Mom in prayer on the 28th of October as she faces their wedding anniversary without her husband.

As I stood at the kitchen sink this evening, washing the dishes, I took comfort in singing this verse of one of Dad's faves..."when the skies are backwards rolled, and His home I shall behold, I will walk those streets of gold, hand in hand with Jesus". I am encouraged, a little sad at the same time, but encouraged in the hope of heaven and the reunion of loved ones. I miss you Dad.

Oh Be Careful Little Lips What You Say...

Do you remember that song from when you were little, "oh be careful little eyes what you see/ears what you hear/lips what you say....for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little..."? Well, we have reached the "imitation stage" of toddlerhood! Reece can repeat like a parrot and we are being called to a higher calling in the things we say in our home. Reece began picking up phrases like "oh my goodness" or "oh shoot", or even at times "oh gosh". Not that those are the worst things that could be said, but they somehow seem to sound a lot worse coming from your own little boy. So - I began to talk to him about how it is better to say "oh no" in a moment of frustration or disappointment instead of those other phrases. Benjy and I have been "caught" on more than one occassion over the past few weeks and quickly reprimanded with a stern, "daddy - don't say "oh my gosh"...it's "oh no!". We are quick to apologize and are trying to think before we speak. Reece is catching things that are said on tv that he is not shy to correct either! It is a good thing. I guess this is yet another way that God uses children to make us better.

Pictures...

 

Pictures...