13 years have past...

Yesterday we celebrated my oldest child's 13th birthday. 13 years...can you believe it?? Where does the time go so fast? I mean really...does someone know how to bottle it up and slow down the time continuum?

My children are growing up so fast that there are days that I just want to stop and say..."Wait, wait, I don't think I'm ready for you to be a teenager yet. Didn't I just teach you how to walk? Aren't you the same little one that couldn't say "toothpaste", but said "peesh-posh" instead?"

Being a parent is the most wonderful job in the entire world, but at times it's the hardest. I realize that at 13 he's only 3 years away from driving and 5 years away from leaving for college...and that makes my heart hurt.

But the truth is they were never really mine to keep. All along God has had a plan for them...a master plan. And I am thankful that for 13 years I have been able to be a part of it. So here's to you my firstborn...my teenager...I love you more that any words can ever express. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you next.

4 ounces...

Yesterday our little one had his two year checkup at the doctor. He's been doing great overall and is very healthy except in one area...his weight. That poor boy can't gain weight to save his life. Since our last visit to the doctor (which was in August) he only gained 4 ounces...4 ounces, people. We've been stuck on 22 for quite some time.

Now, I have to tell you that I have been cooking up a storm with stuff like "real butter" and adding oil and all the fattening things to his diet I can think of...and yet still he only gains 4 ounces. The doctor glanced at his chart and said, "Well, I really was hoping that he would be a few pounds heavier since last time...he really needs 2-3 more pounds." Smiling, I held up my hand and pointed to my thighs. "Uh, I'm pretty sure I know where to find those pounds."

Well, at least I know it's not my cooking...

Look who turned 2...

Today our smallest one turned 2. We had a family party (when Daddy got home) at the end of a wonderful day. The older children would sing "Happy Birthday" to him and he would just smile and clap along. Of course, coming off the heels of his Gotcha day, Christmas and now his birthday this kid's going to think we celebrate just about everything in this family with singing, clapping and cake. Sounds pretty good to me...

So here's to you our little one...Happy Birthday. We are crazy about you!

Ask the banana...

A couple of days ago the kids and I were sitting around the lunch table and my oldest son mentioned something he had read in one of his fun science magazines. Here's how the conversation went:

Son: Mom, did you know that if you ask a banana a yes or no question and then cut it in half the banana will give you an answer?

Mom: Really..I'm pretty sure they didn't teach me that in college.

Son: Here, let me show you. Ask this banana a question...

Mom: Well...(seriously couldn't believe I was going to do this)...alright. Hmmm, okay I got one. Will we have a "boat load" of snow come in a couple of days?

Son: (He looked at the banana) Yep!

Mom: Is that just wishful thinking on your part?

Son: No, seriously Mom. It says yes, see the seeds inside make the letter "Y".

Mom: (still not believing it all) Well I guess the banana doesn't lie. Now quit asking it questions and eat it.

A couple of days past by....One morning I woke my smallest girl up and she looked out the window to see this.

"Mom, mom" she cried. "The banana was right." Her eyes gleamed with delight at the sight of all that snow and I could tell I was not going to win this discussion. So I simply said..."That's right sweetie, all we need to do is ask the banana."

Did you smile today?

Well, if you haven't...you should watch this video. Our son is really into the Backyardigans right now. He just loves this toy and tries to sing and dance with it. Oh, so cute...

Wishes for 2011

...to be fearless

...to worry less

...to finally lose the belly my "homegrown" children gave me

...to always have room for more at my table

...to cook a feast for a family in need

...to read the bible through in one year

...to witness something that takes my breath away

...to finally run that marathon

...to go out on more dates with my husband

...to be a part of something that is destined to fail without God's help

...to go South more often

...to live each day as if it were my last