Two Little Turkeys

Happy Thanksgiving 2014.  Blessed. 

My Favorite Little People

These two. 

We are in a good season of life around here.  I find myself stopping at several points throughout the day thinking these, these are the days that I will look back on as the good old days. I have prayed hard for specific things that I have seen the Lord hear my pleas and answer in ways that leave me thankful and even astounded.  

I have seen my husband take a big risk with his career - and the Lord has brought us from a place of fear to a place of trust in His Provision.  I trusted His direction when He tapped my heart to homeschool her. 

Not knowing what in the world I was getting myself into, I have experienced joy like never before during these days of homeschooling.  I have seen my daughter's insecurities and sometimes strong-willed temperament morph into a more confident, gentle, and cheerful child.  I have seen her develop a love of learning coupled with a sweetness that is present even more so than before.  She is one of my favorite people to be with. 

McClain.  His "boyishness" is in full force and he brings a smile to my face every single day.  

He is still a sweet, sweet boy.  Even the teachers at preschool who don't have him in their class tell me what a sweet boy he is.  Along with that sweetness, is a wild, crazy, hilarious, mischievous little boy.  

After being at the park with friends one afternoon, where imaginary camping trips and bug hunts took place, I asked McClain to tell Suggie what bug he found on the tree.  He thought for a moment and said "a praying baptist." {a praying mantis} 

McClain is obsessed with all things superhero - Spiderman, Batman, Captain America - you name it, he loves it.  

 He loves his toy guns, swords, "body-slamming" Daddy, playing "big, bad wolf" with Sis, riding his scooter outside, picking up any critter he can get his hands on - ants, lizards, worms.  In a technology driven society, he would easily play with daddy's iPad  or watch movies all day if we'd let him so we have to majorly limit technology with this one.  He loves to discover things and build things - forts, lego towers, puzzles, bow and arrows.  One day he excitedly called me into the living room where a tall tower of legos was standing.  Beaming he told me it was the Tower of Babel. 

In McClain's preschool class this year there are a lot of little girls, opposed to his class last year that only had two girls and the rest wild, active boys.  There is a precious girl, Emily, who has down syndrome in there as well.  On the first day of school I talked to McClain about being a gentleman, and that there were a lot of girls in his class that he needed to treat with kindness.  I warned him against teasing and to protect the girls in his class.  Later that morning when he got in my car, he said "Mama, you'd be so proud of me.  I was kind to all the girls.  I was their hero.  Yep,  I saved the day."  Bless him. 

PopPop recently got a new puppy, Sam.  The children love torchering picking up, carrying around, chasing,  and wrestling Sammy dog. 

Lucy Mills has completely taken to tennis recently.  She has lessons with Coach Brandon every Monday afternoon, along with five other friends.  She is doing great with it.  Several times a week she takes her racket and bag of tennis balls to hit them against the garage.  Her perfectionist tendencies definitely get the better of her sometimes, but she works hard and takes instructions well.  This has been a fun sport for her and she looks forward to each practice. 

Every Thursday at our Classical Conversations school, Lucy Mills and the children in her class have to give a presentation in front of the other mothers and students.  It just lasts a few minutes and the topic changes week to week.  It's a great way to get them comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.  One week the students had to talk about what they want to be when they grow up.  Lucy Mills and I usually practice what she will present on a few times before Thursday's class rolls around.  When I asked her what she wanted to present on she said "I want to be a mama when I grow up." My heart was touched but I immediately gave her other suggestions - what about being a teacher, a doctor, a veterinarian, an artist? Nope her mind was settled.  Tears came to my eyes when she stood before her class that morning as she shared that when she was grows up she wanted to be a mother.  Mamas take care of their babies, and make them applesauce, and play outside with them, read books to them, teach them schoolwork when they turn five. And mamas sing songs and prayers to them at bedtime. I can't wait to be a mommy she said.  I'll either have one baby or 100 babies.  Thank you Lord.  It's all worth it for a moment like that. 

My little man takes my hand in his, kisses the back of it and then those brown eyes flash up to meet mine.  He tells me I just really love you Mommy. 

Lucy Mills adores animals and babies.  If there is a dog or cat around chances are she is petting it or trying to hold it.  Same thing for babies.  She has started referring to Maggie Mae as her baby.   She pushes Maggie in the stroller and has started carrying her around on her hip all.the.time.  I love seeing this little mama in action. 

Who knew that among the constant demands of motherhood that these precious children would end up being some of my closest companions?  While we are still very much in training mode, it's a blessing to enjoy being with them and experiencing life alongside them. 

Cabin Weekend

The fall is the perfect time to escape to PopPop's cabin for a little getaway.  A change of scenery and the peace and quiet is a nice break for all of us.  (Well as peaceful and quiet as you can get with little ones!)  The kids loved going on tractor rides and gator rides with PopPop, running outside, doing puzzles, reading, playing guitar with Daddy, and just being kids in the great outdoors. 

Cookie + tractor ride equals the good life.

Meeting Elsa and Anna

Recently, our sweet friend Sarah Ann turned 6 and she celebrated with a Frozen birthday party.  The guests of honor were the real Elsa and Anna.  Lucy Mills' dream come true - she would be able to meet the princesses in person.  

 The girls arrived at the party and did crafts, played games, and even turned up the music to the Frozen soundtrack so they could run around and dance.  

The next thing we knew the royal sisters walked through the door. 

Check out these expressions...

Have you ever seen her so happy to meet someone?!?

 That is one happy girl right there. 

She never once asked if these were the real Elsa and Anna.  In her mind this was true.  And it definitely helped that the morning of the party it snowed!  Elsa made the most of that unlikely occurrence saying that wherever she travels, snow and icy weather come along too!  

 

She's in heaven. 

Lucy Mills did not take her eyes off the princesses the entire time. 

"Mama, will you get one more picture of me with Elsa and Anna?" 

 Perhaps we should get that Disney trip on the books sooner rather than later?!  Thank you Sarah Ann for having us to such a fun party!  It was a dream come true!