An Amazing Story, Grab the Kleenex

I'm typically not one to post about intense topics. However, I was surfing around my favorite blogs and came across the story of the Smith Family. I'm not very blog savvy, so forgive my ignorance in providing links. You'll find it, I'm sure. Their blog is audreycaroline.blogspot.com and I might suggest you click on the link at the left sidebar that says you can read their story from the beginning. If you just start with their most recent post, it won't make a lot of sense.
You can also go to http://withoutwax.tv/2008/04/28/rocked-to-my-core/ and watch a video presentation of their story. It is about 25 minutes long.
If you are a person struggling with issues of faith, loss, suffering and moving forward, you might be changed by this video. If you are a woman who has ever lossed a child or struggles to encourage one who has, this story is one you need to hear.

It is difficult to listen to and read about, but their attitude and willingness to be used by God is really inspirational. Get comfy and grab your Kleenex.

Yakkity Yak, Don't Talk Back

This is our new mantra. We visited a counselor this week to gain some insight on our beloved Luke's interesting and astonishing behavior. She was quite interesting herself and presented a few simple solutions. First, he needs 11 hours of sleep. I nearly laughed out loud. He gets about 9 most days and refuses to nap. Did I mention he usually gets up at 5 or 5:30 am on a regular basis? It's delightful. No one should have to parent a child at that hour of the day. But, we tucked him in at 7pm for two nights in a row. He was like a different kid the next day. I actually enjoyed being his mother again. Amazing!
The next recommendation was talk less and do more; no lectures, no warnings. This translates to taking action immediately when he behaves poorly. She said we were talking at him so much that he had probably just tuned us out. Since our consequences weren't very severe, he didn't really have a reason to modify his behavior. Hmmmm. Lazy parenting is a difficult habit to break. I'm trying, but I find myself falling back on the same old behaviors.
The last suggestion was a book called Raising a Spirited Child. I already owned it, but hadn't read it yet. I'll keep you posted on that one.
It feels so good to talk to someone outside of the situation. I feel as though a huge burden was lifted.

Who Is This Guy?

Both boys are morphing right before our very eyes. Andy hates to get his hair cut, so we wait until it is nearly blocking his vision before we drag him, kicking and screaming, to the salon. He looks so much like a little boy and so much less like a baby these days. He is obsessed with the disney channel show, Little Einsteins. He likes to carry the DVD case around and shove it in my face until I break down and play it for him. He dances and attempts to sing the song. So cute! Luke, meanwhile, has developed this intriguing habit of talking with his hands. I know it is 110% genetic, which makes it twice as funny. He waits very patiently for Steve to finish eating dinner so they can go outside and play. While he's waiting, he likes to mandate what will happen next. It gives him a sense of control, I suppose. Considering I spend the entire day telling him what to do, this is probably his few minutes of fame...when I'm too weary to resist. Anyway, he finished all of his mandates with a thumbs up and a sharp nod of the head. Steve looked at me with a puzzled expression and whispered, "who is this guy?"
I just smile and give him a thumbs up.

And Still More Birthday

I know this is getting a bit redundant, all this birthday stuff. However, we didn't get to do our family celebration. Luke turned 4 and cousin Amy will be 5 tomorrow. Amy and her family were on their spring break trip, so we postponed the family party to yesterday. Grandma, Papa and Grammie-Great were the hosts. The rain held off just long enough for all of the children to get outside. We are all battling some sort of illness, coughing and sneezing all over the place. However, we can always count on Steve to bring something fun to do. Who doesn't enjoy some bubble-blowing now and then? Once everyone was sufficiently worn out, we settled in to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks. After subway sandwiches, the birthday kids blew out their candles and collected some loot. I can't believe Amy is 5! Man, that went fast for me.

Rain, rain go away!

It continues to pour buckets around here. I'm so ready for spring. The real thing, not this pseudo-spring, rain-filled, frost on the window stuff we have right now. We are supposedly on spring break this week. That means we depart from our regularly scheduled activities and try to find ways to entertain ourselves indoors. Because, like I said, it won't stop raining. Luke managed to catch a cold, combined with a lovely fever that stops by every afternoon. Steve just got over that last weekend, so I suppose he passed it on. I have managed to stay healthy so far. However, a certain 4 year old continues to sneeze all over the place, so I am not optimistic. Andy, however, remains completely chipper and continues with his usual antics. He just cracks me up. He likes to wear sunglasses and pose for the camera. What a hoot!

Birthday, Part 2

We had the "official" birthday party at The Bouncy Place, the hottest spot in town for the six and under crowd. It's a warehouse full of inflatable bouncy toys and you can rent a small portion for your parties. The best part: a party room with all the supplies and clean-up is included! Wahoo! We packed some cupcakes, drinks and snacks for some after-bounce refueling. The biggest kid of all, Steve, had the most fun by far. Some of the kids were overwhelmed at first, but eventually turnef off the tears and had a great time. We are blessed with some great friends and playmates here. Andy wasn't quite so thrilled with the bouncy toys, so he hung out with me and posed for the camera.

Happy Birthday, Luke!

4 years ago today, in a land called Portland, Luke Robert arrived on the scene. I can't believe he's four. How did that happen? I was the helper in his preschool class today. His teacher was very sweet and acknowledged his birthday. She gave him a Hot Wheels car. He was thrilled. We ate chocolate pudding and all the children wanted to save their spoons. It's funny what makes a 4 year old's world go around. A plastic spoon shaped like an animal does it every time. Happy birthday, buddy!