speedy, taco, and mock

They walked in with bags of coins counted out of savings jars -just enough for one fish each. They picked out their new pets and the store clerk took her time chasing down each specific fish they pointed at (how could she even tell? I wouldn't have had that kind of patience.) We then paraded through the checkout line with our handfuls of coins and elementary math skills and newly bagged fish and big smiles.

At home the fish were settled into their new home in the boy's room, they were fed, they were watched, and they were named (speedy, taco, and mock -nope, I have no idea.) I never knew a fish tank could generate such excitement but when they begged for sleeping bags I couldn't help but indulge. Three happy campers went to bed under the bubbles and glowing blue light.

one two three...

Four! Kate is four. No matter how many times I say it, it still doesn't sound right. How can it be that my baby girl is so big? Days with little ones often seem to last forever, yet somehow the years fly past in a blur.

It was chilly on her birthday so we took the kids bowling which was a big hit with them all. At home we enjoyed the cupcakes Kate helped me decorate while she opened gifts. We then proceeded to play with all of her gifts at once which meant a jumble of play dough, beads, board games, and baby dolls took over the dining room. Totally Kate's kind of fun.

{Katie, Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. (Phil 1:3) You bring such joy and laughter into our family, and I can't imagine life without your smile. Happy Birthday, little bear.}

catching up...

Since it's been a while since I posted anything OVER HERE, I thought I would catch up a bit with some of my favorites from the past few months. OK the last eight months. Wow, where does the time go...?

this week he is nine

This week he is talking non-stop about Mario Kart and Lego City building sets. He is annoyed by the rainy weather because he really wants to go fly his new kite. He has been curling up on his top bunk to read either The Lightning Thief or Henry Huggins (which prompted him to beg for his own fish tank and guppies.) He always lets me know just how many pages loooong that last chapter was.
This week he started taking piano lessons and hopes he can play something other than "chopsticks" real soon (and so do I, son, so do I.) On Saturday morning he watched old "Dennis the Menace" episodes while I made his favorite breakfast. "Mom, I think I've had pancakes on my birthday every year forever" he tells me. True. He went to Awana games practice with some of his buddies that day and made a 110% on his practice quiz. Afterwards they came back to the house for Star Wars cake, presents, and hours of Wii. He was one happy boy.
This week we play Mancala at the breakfast table, me barely awake, him wide-eyed and ready to conquer the world as he polishes off his third bowl of cereal.  He tells me the new watch he got makes him feel like an eleven year old.
This week he is memorizing "The Land of Nod" and Exodus 20. His memory astounds me. He says he doesn't like school. He has no idea just how bright he is. He loves his sisters even though he may not always show it and he prays every day for a brother. Every day.
This week he wants to be a Lego designer when he grows up. Or a race car driver. For some reason he doesn't want to go into space. In his words, "That's just crazy!"
This week he is nine. He is a few short years away from being taller than his mom. He is flashing bright blue eyes and a gorgeous smile. He is messy and forgetful. He is clever and kind and happy.
This week (and always) he is a blessing that overwhelms my heart.
"From the fullness of his grace, we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16

on dreams

such a lovely post by christie today over here!

more greetings from sunny Florida...

(For those of you shivering in the north where winter actually means winter, I thought some pictures of tropical blue water and sunshiny kids in tank tops might bring you a little warmth today!)