Success

Anyone with natural curls has a love-hate relationship with their hair; usually, it is heavy on the hate. Early on, Caleb began to express distaste for his curls. I have tried to help him have a positive attitude about his hair. I started to wear my hair curly (finally) in hopes that he would not feel like an outcast. I list people he knows who have curly hair. I also point out to him when someone compliments his curls (which is every time we walk into a store). He usually just scowls.

Today, we had a small moment of success. In church, a little girl sitting in front of us kept turning around and smiling at Caleb. I leaned down and whispered to him, "She must think you're pretty cool." He whispered back, "Maybe she likes curls." =)

Anderson assisting Caleb in a curl-straightening attempt.

Independence

I like to foster independence in my children. When Caleb asked if he could paint himself a pirate beard with watercolor paints, I said, "Sure. Go in the bathroom and do it yourself." He hauled the craft bucket into the bathroom and set to work. He emerged 5 minutes later with a very dark beard, a sharpie in his hand, and said, "I decided to use this marker instead." Great. Serves me right.

Mmmm... Chocolate.

It is my duty, as a mother, to torture my children with tickling and kisses. As I was tickling and kissing Caleb, I said, "Mmmm... you taste like chocolate!" And, I pretended to eat his neck. When I stopped, Caleb lifted his foot to his mouth and started licking it. With a grin I asked, "Does it taste like chocolate?" "No," he said with a disappointed pout.

Sunday

Yesterday during church, I leaned down to Anderson and encouraged him to think about Jesus during the passing of the sacrement. Perhaps you could draw a picture of Jesus, I suggested. "That's a good idea," he replied. Satisfied with our conversation, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the peace and quiet. After a few minutes, I looked down to check on his progress. I was shocked to find a picture of Darth Vader fighting Obi-Wan Kenobi on top of a building. In Anderson's defense: the building was a manger.

We try to make Sunday our family day, and so we've decided not to let the boys play games on the computer during this day. Caleb struggles with Sunday and the limitations it puts on his activities. He asks multiple times during the day, "Is it still Sunday?"

Last Sunday, Caleb came in to me with his eyes open wide and his eyebrows raised high. "I have a great idea," he said. "We can type in 'Lego.com' on the computer and I can play.... and then tonight when we pray, we just won't tell God. He'll never know!"

The Funny Things They Say

Caleb: "When we go trick-or-treating, where will God be?"

Anderson (when he should be in bed): "My stomach is empty and my brain is full.... and that's not good for falling asleep."

Protein

I am always encouraging my boys to eat something that contains protein with their meals. This morning I was listing some 'protein options' for Anderson's breakfast. After a few suggestions, I summed up by saying, "pretty much anything that comes from an animal.... milk, cheese, eggs..." "And boogers!" Caleb adds. I'm not so sure about the protein content, but technically an animal by-product. Smart boy.

Be afraid... be very afraid.

When your children tape a bull's-eye to your chest and put on their helmets, you should be afraid... You should be very afraid. Chad was a good sport about being the sole target in this balloon fight (Anderson's idea- I know you are surprised).



I love these pictures because it sums up Chad's relationship with our boys. He is willing and excited to play anything with them. I'm glad that he has the energy to keep up with them. Somehow, it just doesn't seem likely that I would ever be willing to have a bull's-eye taped to my shirt. Thank heavens for Dad.

And, for your information, we don't require the boys to wear helmets for water balloon fights.  The helmets are part of their 'fighting uniform.'

A little unfair, don't you think?