Taking a Plunge

Bryan was keeping the kids this afternoon, and look what a mess Brynn got into this time!! Apparently, she started by using the plunger and splashing the toilet water all over the bathroom. At that point, Avery came and told on her. Before Bryan could get himself in there, Brynn had already stripped down naked. I guess she didn't want to get potty water on her outfit? No, it seems that a plunger on your tummy is quite HILARIOUS to a 2 year old. Instead of telling her to stop IMMEDIATELY, in typical fashion for us, Bryan went and got the camera. Next, Brynn thought it might be fun to plunge HERSELF inside the potty, so in she went! The camera battery died before Daddy fully captured that shot. Then to top it all off, she tried to dry off with her bed comforter! I swear she doesn't get this from me!!

First Kiss

Avery: Mommy, guess what I played at school today with the boys?
Mama: What?
Avery: Kissy Face!
Mama: And how do you play Kissy Face? ( I think I already know this one because I used to play something similar, but I wanted to get her story.)
Avery: The girls chaseted the boys and when we catchted them, we said, "Kissy Face!" And then you know what?
Mama: What... (please don't tell me this...)
Avery: I kissed a BOY!
Mama: Really? Who did you kiss?
Avery: Jake
Mama: Girl, you're only 4 - you shouldn't be kissing boys!! (Had to get that in!)

So, Jake Prather was the first boy Avery ever kissed. I had to write the story down for posterity.

The Faith of a Child

Avery was QUITE upset one night last weekend because she lost her new bedroom slippers that Grandma Shirley and PaPa gave her for Christmas. She came to me crying hysterically over it. I was trying to dry her hair, and the drama was starting to get to me! You know how it is. Here's a glimpse of our conversation...

Mama: Avery, do you really think that all this crying and fussing is going to actually help you find your bedroom slippers? What can you DO that will actually HELP this situation? (the answer I was looking for was to actually LOOK for them!)
Avery: I can PRAY about it! (and she did, VERY sweetly, I might add.)

At this point she was convinced that they were going to immediately show up, and I had to explain that God might HELP us find them, but we might not find them tonight, this week or ever. Maybe God wanted to teach her to take better care of her things or to put things up where they belong? We looked EVERYWHERE I could think of, but no slippers. So…she prayed again about it! I am beginning to think that I have GOT to find them because this is breaking my heart. I called the grandparents, and she hadn’t left them at any of their houses, which left me with the option of explaining that sometimes God tells us to wait, and she’d have to wait for His answer.

About 15 minutes later, Avery comes into my room and asks,
Avery: Mama, how do you spell bedroom?
Mama: Why?
Avery: I’m writing a letter to God to ask Him to help me find my bedroom slippers. (Now that's what I call persistence! It was so cute! I helped her spell the words, and this is the letter she wrote….(in case you wonder, it says, "Dear God, please help me find my bedroom slippers." She put it in an envelope and wrote "To U God" on the outside."
Avery: Now, how do we send it to Him, Mama?
Mama: (not out loud) – Great question, how DO you send a letter to God? (out loud) Let’s put it in the pages of your Bible and see if He comes to get it. (So that's what we did, and of course God eventually did remove the letter from the Bible, much to her delight.)

Now, the original slippers still have not turned up, but a certain grandmother felt the need to intervene. I guess you can say that God provided a NEW pair of bedroom slippers. I gave them to her on Monday.

Mama: Avery, look what I found!
Avery: (SOOOOO excited) God got me some new bedroom slippers! I like these better than the other ones! (Guess God knows that she likes princesses.) She tries them on and they are a tad snug.
Avery: I think they are too small!
Mama: Oh well, I guess we’ll have to go buy a bigger pair.
Avery: No, Mama, I’ll wear them. I don’t want to hurt God’s feelings!

I love conversations like this! When I thought back on the whole ordeal, it made me realize that Avery taught me alot about God and prayer! She reminded me that the Lord wants us to come to him with childlike faith - realizing that He cares about the little things in our life, that He truly does hear our prayers, the He has the POWER to act, that He appreciates our persistence, that He will answer in His time, and that He wants us to be grateful to Him in the end. I'm just glad she didn't ask me why God didn't already know her shoe size!

No More Diapers for Brynn!!

HOORAY!!! I am no longer diapering 2 bottoms at the same time! Brynn decided that she was ready for big girl panties! (Yes, I've learned to let my children decide when they're ready, as opposed to frustrating the heck out of myself doing the "potty training" thing.) I tried to potty train Avery in a day, and I quit the same day! Then, a few months later, Avery told me "I'm ready to wear my panties, " and that was it! I decided to take the same approach with Brynn. She has been going to the potty every so often up until now, but in the last few days, it's become a regular thing. It's been interesting this go round with Avery being so involved in the process. She's Brynn's #1 cheerleader, standing right there peering into the toilet to see if Brynn was successful. Such a funny sight to see. Whatever happened to PRIVACY?

So, time to celebrate!!! We had a "No More Diapers for Brynn" party with a cake and candles and sang No More Diapers For You...to the tune of Happy Birthday! Brynn felt very important and special...like a BIG GIRL!!

I'm SICK of This!!

Well, since I last posted on our anniversary, we've had our share of sick kids! Avery's stomach virus turned out to be fine after about 12 hours. My parents kept all 3 kids for us to go out on New Year's Eve, and shortly after they brought them home, I was with Asa in the kitchen when he started throwing up. He threw up all over me while I tried to get him to the bathtub. I thought he was done, but he puked on me one MORE time before we both had to hop into the shower. Don't know how it is that I'm like some kind of puke magnet. I'm always holding them when it happens. Asa's bug only lasted about 12 hours too, but I had to take him to Dr. Vernon the next day for his ears. He's on his 4th round of antibiotics, and if these don't work, we'll be visiting the ENT center. Amazingly, no one else got sick until this past Wednesday when Avery started complaining again. The virus hit her for round 2 and then Asa started up again yesterday!! The second round, they both only threw up once, and luckily it wasn't on me this time. Avery did completely drench our sofa cushions though. At least my new sofa is scheduled to arrive NEXT week! She thinks we are getting a new sofa "because I throwded up on the old one!" (love that verb usage, don't you, Mom?) As of now, that's all from OUR house that have gotten sick, but I'm sorry to say that Grandpapa, Grandma Shirley and PaPa have each had it too in the last 2 days, compliments of my kids! Gotta hate that!!

Happy 12th Anniversary!

Our 12th anniversary was Sunday, and Mom and Papa kept the kids for us to have a nice relaxing weekend at home ALONE! It was wonderful to be able to sleep in, go out to dinner AND lunch, and just listen to peace and quiet for a change. On Saturday, Papa called and said Avery was complaining of a headache, and she wanted to come home. We figured she was just homesick, and she ended up feeling better that day. But she woke up in the middle of the night on Saturday night crying. By Sunday morning, she had a low fever, so they brought her home. As soon as she saw me, she started crying about her head. I held her for maybe 5 minutes, and she started saying her tummy hurt. Then she got this look on her face and I knew what was coming! She starting puking all over me. I was holding her while she threw up 4 times on me from the living room to the bathroom. Poor baby; it was so awful! We both hopped in the shower, while my WONDERFUL husband completely sanitized the bathroom and my parents cleaned up the mess in the living room. So, I spent my 12th anniversay taking care of a kid with the stomach virus. That night, instead of a romantic evening with my husband, it was Bryan, me and Avery in the bed. I told Bryan that night, this kindof typifies our life stage right now, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Happy Anniversay, baby! You're still the greatest husband in the world, and it is a joy sharing life with you!

Holly Jolly Christmas Part 2

Whew!! Christmas is my absolute FAVORITE time of year, but I must admit that I breathe a HUGE sign of relief when it's all over. Despite my attempts, I just don't see how it will ever be anything but hectic, and I really don't mean that in a bad way. I happen to love a packed schedule because I seem to get lots more accomplished. On Christmas day, Avery kept on wanting to know, "Why does Christmas only last ONE DAY?" One day, child? Where have YOU been? We've been doing Christmas for a whole month! But now that the decorations are all put away, the new toys are in their proper spot, the parties are all over, and the baked goods are ALMOST gone, I can finally sit down, relax, and reflect on the rest of this year's highlights...(continued from my previous post).

9. We celebrated with Shirley, Al, Shawn, Ash, Dennis and Tina and their families at the Smith's house on the 21st. Tina, as always, cooked a delicious dinner. The kids all enjoyed playing together, and somehow we left the house in decent shape. They were SOOOO wild!! Avery and Brynn sure do love their cousins though! The family is so big; thankfully, we draw names between the brothers & their wives/kids. But all of the grandchildren got lots of great gifts from PaPa and Grandma Shirley, and Brynn tried on every single new outfit and modeled it for everyone.

10. On Tuesday the 23rd, Mom kept the girls and baked Christmas cookies with them. I had to take Asa to the doctor that day - Diagnosis: double ear infection, sore throat, & brochitis. Poor Fellow! That night, we had Dad, Hope and Jeffrey over for dinner. We opened presents first (out of the ordinary for the Daniel family), so that we could enjoy a longer dinner/visit with the adults. Nonna read to Avery and Brynn and put them to bed that night, which was special for them.

11. On Christmas Eve, we went to church and then to Shirley and Al's house for dinner. Afterwards, the men went downstairs for their yearly "Santa debate" while the ladies stayed upstairs and were entertained by the younger kids as they did their "Program" of carols for us. The older generation of cousins (pictured) had to do "The Program" when they were growing up, and last year, they willingly passed the baton to their younger cousins. Tom Murvin lost the men's "debate;" therefore, shortly afterwards, the sound of Santa's sleigh was heard on the roof. Then, the highlight of the night, Rock n Roll Santa, showed up with his crazy dance moves. It was so funny to Bryan and me this year because all 3 of the kids actually danced with him. Well, Asa was actually PLOWED OVER by him (a video clip that Bryan is considering sending to America's Funniest Home Videos). It was hysterical! The evening continued in a blur of laughter, flying wrapping paper balls, oooohs and aaaahs over new toys, and generally LOTS of noise!

12. Asa was the first kid up on Christmas morning (7:15). Brynn was next at 7:45, and Avery joined the rest of us at 8:15. I am cherishing these Christmases, because I know in time they'll start waking up before the sun rises on Christmas morning. Mom and Papa came over to be a part of all the fun. First, we did our advent wreath & house and sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus" several times. They were REALLY into the whole advent candle thing and wanted to do it over and over again all season long. When we got around to seeing what Santa brought, the girls were really excited about everything they got, and they enjoyed opening Asa's loot too! Avery was especially thrilled with the Care Bear that was "exactly what she wanted." She told me later, "The elves are really good at that." I asked, "at what?" She responded, "at making Care Bears." After presents, we had brunch, and then just spent the rest of the day chillin' out!

13. On Christmas night, Bryan and I let the girls in on one of OUR traditions - sleeping on the floor in front of the Christmas tree. We pulled our mattress in the living room, and the girls brought their sleeping bags for a great family time of laughing, reading, and watching movies. They thought it was GREAT!!

And now, it's over. Another year almost gone. One of my favorite songs that our choir sang this year said these words..."It's a brand new Christmas...another year, another chance to make a memory - to cherish friends and family. A brand new Christmas...enjoying moments with the Prince of Peace. There's no gift like the present, and this is....a brand new Christmas." Those lyrics perfectly express my thoughts this Christmas. We've enjoyed our family and our friends; we've made many new memories, but more than anything, we've celebrated Jesus in a way that made THIS Chrismas special and unique.

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Well, the Christmas hustle and bustle have already hit around my house, so much so, that I haven't had much time to blog. Some of the highlights so far (in chronological order)...

1. I enjoyed my "Promise" marathon week. Practice with the IBC choir for 2 nights and then the production for 3 nights. Avery was a huge fan and came to see it 3 out of 4 times. On the first night, I was walking out on stage to sing with my ladies quartet, and I heard, "Hey MOMMY!!" I ignored her, not wanting to be distracted, and she yelled out, "HEY MOMMY" again. Needless to say, she spent the whole song moping over the fact that I didn't say hey back. I guess it's time to teach her a little about "theatre etiquitte."

2. Some of those everyday moments that you just HAVE to snap pictures of - like Brynn falling asleep during dinner at her little table. (see picture below) Or what about when I walked up and Asa had a highchair tray full of Cherrios (the culprit? Brynn, of course). She said, "But Asa wants some more Cherrios." What you CAN'T see is that there were hundreds in his seat, and the box was now empty. Thanks, Brynn!

Then there was the day when I rounded to corner to find my Christmas tree on the living room floor! Avery said, "I'm sorry I knocked over the Christmas Tree." I was so mad I had to send her to her room so I could cool down! We got it fixed (though I haven't put all the ornaments back on), and Avery said with a pout, "Mommy, I said I was sorry, and you didn't forgive me." Guess I can't be mad anymore. But the fact that I CHOSE not to take a picture of it prooves how upset I was. The thought entered my mind, but I deliberately didn't get out the camera! Now I wish I did....
Of course, Asa picks this crazy time of year to start climbing up on everything. He can climb up on the sofa, or a small chair, or the girls' art desk. He has sustained quite a few injuries. (No, one of them wasn't when I was snapping this picture, thank the Lord!)

3. We had our first family Christmas gathering last Sunday at Mom & Papa's with the Kitchings side of the family, and guess who showed up? Santa Claus!! Brynn ran up to him and jumped into his arms, and Avery was nothing but smiles. The kids all enjoyed singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and eating birthday cake, and the adults had a "Dirty Santa" gift swap that was fun.
4. Avery's Broadway Show Choir had their holiday performance at MLT. She did a great job. We bought her roses and gave them to her afterwards, and she thought that was great!

5. For my birthday (which was in September), Dad and Hope gave me 2 tickets to see Annie at the Grand. Avery and I went on a date to El Sombrero and then to the play afterwards. We had great seats, and Avery loved every minute of it. Afterwards, we went around to the back of the building and got to meet the cast and Sandy!

6. Avery and Brynn both had Christmas parties at school, and Avery's Christmas program was amazing! The 4K and 5K classes did a great job of celebrating Jesus' Birthday! Avery was originally on the front row, but she got moved because she kept on pulling her dress up. She also told Mrs. Ruth that if the little girl who sang the solo was sick, she could do it because she knew all the words! I was surprised that she would even WANT to do a solo because she clams up in front of an audience.

7. On Saturday, we had our Christmas gathering with the Harrison side of the family in Marietta. It was alot of fun. The cousins enjoyed playing together and the only mishap was that Brynn cut a hole in her dress with some scissors! Better dress than hair, I'll say!

8. Throughout the month, we have done dozens of crafts, baked cookies and cakes, had great times with our advent wreath and our advent house - all in order to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. This has definitely been a great one so far! And there is still so much more fun to come!!! This truly is the BEST time of the year!

2nd Annual Christmas Program @ the Kelleys

Tonight, the kids enjoyed being in the Christmas program at our friends', the Kelleys, house. This tradition started last year and has become one of my favorite parts of this wonderful season. There were over 25 kids who practiced this morning and put on the production for all of us tonight. The idea stemmed from the fact that Lanier just wanted her kids to experience the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" kind of thing. The kids all have great little costumes, they (sometimes) memorize their lines, the music messes up every now and then, kids scream out "Hey Mommy" in the middle of the program (that would be Brynn this time), and we all just LOVE it! This year, Avery and Brynn were both angels and Asa was a lamb. Here are some of the highlights....

Asa and Elijah were 2 of the animals.

Avery and Brynn were angels, though Brynn was more interested in Baby Jesus than in singing the songs we had practiced all week long!!

Myra, Avery and Lydia

Brynn, Evie and Emma ringing their bells.

Brynn came in from outside later during the night and said, "Mommy, my pants fell down." She couldn't seem to keep them up! Nice crack!!

Can I say just say that Lanier wins the MOTY award. I don't know many moms who would let that many kids (ages 2 to 8) spend 2 hours at their house practicing for a play and then open their home up again at night for everyone to come back and watch/have dinner! But, it sure does mean a lot to all of us who get to be a part of it, and it's one of the Christmas memories we'll carry with us for a life time!! Thanks, Lanier!!