A Future Writer?

This is how the babe has been spending some of her time, laying on her belly "writing". Now if we can just keep the crayons, pencils, and markers out of her mouth.....

Lessons from the playground

As she gets out of the stroller, her eyes grow wide, a smile spreads across her face, and her little feet are stamping the ground as fast as they can go. It is pure awe and excitement. It's her first trip to the park as a toddler. The first time she can run, climb, and explore this new place of wonder. She doesn't even know where to begin her exploration. Then her brother takes her chubby little hand and shows her the way. It only lasts a few minutes and then she wants to be on her own, figuring out this new place.

I watch her amazed at her lack of fear and her perseverance. I go behind her as she tries to climb a tall ladder. As I keep my hand on her back, she pushes it away. I stay right there, my hand mere inches from her back just in case she slips or gets distracted. It reminds me of our Heavenly Father, sitting there with His hands on our backs and how often we push Him away to do it on our own. But yet He is there, mere inches away to catch us when we fall and comfort us. He is always there to take care of us, to watch over us even when we think we don't need Him. So much like my toddler who thinks she is courageous and independent enough to master this playground on her own.

Then there is my preschooler, who only a year ago needed me to be in eyesight,  running and climbing not worried about where I am.  He would per

iodically run up to check in, not realizing my eyes were on him making sure he was safe and being careful.  There are times in our lives when our Father is so close, we need Him right there. Then we start to grow independent and our eyes turn from Him, occasionally looking back to see if He is really there.  In our hearts we know He is there, always taking care of us and how He must long for us to look to Him in everything. Just as I long for my preschooler to be looking back at me, still needing the security of his mother at every turn on the playground.   

My children are focused on exploring and finding their independence. They don't notice that I am watching over them and protecting them. They may find it more of a hinderance than a blessing at this age.  I am truly thankful for a Father who protects me, cares for me, watches over me, and loves me even when my eyes are not  turned on Him.  I am thankful for the lessons from the playground, reminding me that He is always there, waiting for me to turn to Him in everything. 

Give the boy a box

or two, some scotch tape and what do you get?

A Jeep!  

The proud creator of the jeep (with his roll of scotch tape)

Now he wants to find some 'real wheels' to put on the jeep. Umm, don't think so buddy but nice try!

For You Lynn!

My bloggy friend Lynn commented the other day that she sees pictures of my kids, glimpses of Lance, but no pictures of me.  I guess when you are the family photographer you are always behind the camera and never in front of it.  So, Lynn here is a photo from our neighbor Cooper's baptism (or as Landon says bathtism) yesterday.  It isn't a great photo but it will have to do for now!

What a day, what a day

Sunshine. Warm. A never ending blue sky. No plans. An entire day outside. Tanned faces (and some a little red but ahem we won't talk about who got sunburned). Glorious. 

First spin on the rollerblades 

Lance, Morgan and Landon rollerblading

Morgan and Amiah in the sprinkler (yes, the kids were SOO hot that they were begging to open up the sprinkler Landon got for his birthday)

Warming up in the sun after the sprinkler

Morgan helping Mauryn explore the sprinkler

Sweet Little Chocolate Face

Last night was such a beautiful evening, we ate our dinner outside in the warm sunshine on our front patio.  It was just far too nice to be in the house.  The kids ran, biked, and played until the sun started to set.  In the midst of the playing, Mauryn happened to find an almost empty chocolate pudding container from our neighbors dinner.  The little babe snuck off with the container, licking ever last drop of chocolate from the inside, only returning when the container was empty.  We just had to sit back and laugh at her sweet little chocolate face as she smiled with delight at her accomplishment.

Mauryn's chocolate beard

Shh! Don't tell

More Mothering by Mauryn

Mauryn LOVES babies! When she encounters a baby she wants to hold them and love on them - play babies, real babies, any baby.

A few days ago, our neighbor Cooper was over. The poor little man gets a great deal of Mauryn's love and affection, which isn't always so gentle (we are working on it). I am hoping Cooper will forgive her as she continues to mother him and they can be great friends in a few years just like Landon and Amiah. If not, Mauryn, you better watch out because it won't be long until Cooper is bigger than you!

Mauryn holding a not happy Cooper - do you like Mauryn's cheese face :o)

Mauryn and Cooper size comparison (age difference 13 months)