Bonehead Awards

On our way to Target last night, Jacob and Andrew were recounting the events of the afternoon and decided they should be recipients of the bonehead awards.

And I agree. Wholeheartedly.

I used to have a series of posts entitled "What He Said" (see examples HERE, HERE, HERE), but I think I should maybe start a series called "What He Did" (only one recorded example so far HERE).

I have chosen to be the kind of mom that encourages healthy exploration, (calculated) risk taking, and the development of strength and bravery through a variety of means. Some disagree with this style of parenting -- I'm OK with that. I'm fine if you feel the need to judge me critically again today. In fact, be my guest.

But let me just say that I do have my limits, and this is an example...

Yesterday I was working inside the house when I heard an explosive POW from the backyard. Michael was at my heels as we ran to see what happened. I don't remember a scream following the explosion, though Michael does. I only remember frightening silence.

Jacob and Andrew stood shocked on the edges of a large, black circle on the concrete. The stench of burned hair filled the air as the two boys stumbled to regain their senses, compromised vision and hearing disorienting them. Those things hardly factored in as I assessed the situation. No one lay unconscious, no screams of pain filled the air, words were beginning to form, and the worse case scenario was narrowly escaped. Relief. Hugs. More relief.

Then the story unfolds gradually. They had been given a few small containers of "gunpowder" and had made a little pile of sticks and flower petals to light up. I'm actually fine with that, though I'd prefer to know before such activities begin. They've done it many times before with little bits of collected gunpowder. They had decided not to combine their little containers, which was a decision that probably averted serious and permanent injury.

You see, the boys didn't have gunpowder. They were unknowingly playing with explosive black powder. (And I'm letting the dads in this case work out this situation!)

We've been praising and thanking the Lord for his protection, for a natural consequence instead of a permanent consequence.

Burn marks and singed hair, eyelashes, brows...

I am mourning the loss of his beautiful, blond-tipped eyelashes...

Hair singed to the scalp at the top of his forehead...

And to think this is the second time in two weeks this boy has wrecked his hair by fire!

Andrew has burns on his hands and thighs that are blistering today, but Jack suffered more overall damage since he was handling the lighter. Both boys were pretty shaken up for the next couple hours.

He was seated here next to me as I uploaded pictures today, so I snapped a few more.

I'm not even slightly trained at hair cutting, but he was too embarrassed to go to the barber. There's only so much I (or anyone) can do with hair that is melted to the scalp in some areas, so I'm glad he enjoys wearing hats!

Little burn marks speckle his face

He tells me his eyelashes hook together like Velcro when he closes his eyes!

So what did they say?!

"I'm never gonna light black powder again."

"Mom, we should have read the instructions on the lighter. It says, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN." (Read with a sarcastic tone)

"I'm kinda glad that happened. It's kind of good story."


~Katherine

A Very Belated B-day Post for Jack!

There is a great divide in my life between what I intend and what actually transpires! I may wish to post birthday pictures and thoughts in a timely manner, but that seems to be unattainable in this season of life. I had hoped to get time alone with him to capture a few (candidly) posed pictures to add to his b-day post, but at this stage I'm aiming to combine his photo shoot with Andrew's later this month. We'll see how that works out...

So Jacob's 11th birthday was the first week of September! Better late than never, right? His birthday falls on or near Labor Day each year, right at the beginning of school and the sport season. It isn't an easy time to plan a party, but since he cannot imagine a celebration without his gang of friends, we often have his group of boys over after church for a pool party. It was low key as far a party-planning goes, by HIGH key on energy and noise (and mess).

I'm thankful for this group of friends, thankful for their families. God knew that this very social son of mine would need such an awesome group of guys.

The day was overcast (and lighting for pictures was weird), but if I remember correctly the boys spent 6-7 hours in the water, minus a short time for eating.

They divided into groups and played the frozen t-shirt game.

Spontaneous arm wrestling matches...

Pie Face

A messy delight..

Feeling loved. 

He has always liked a good hat. And a good party.

And being the center of attention!

For a number of years now he has asked me to make an ice-cream cake (because one of his friends doesn't like regular cake, and he knows my ice-cream cake is a favorite among his friends). He can choose two flavors, but he always chooses coffee and chocolate. Yep, he's my boy!

Celebratory sparklers I brought back from Canada in my luggage...

I'm not sure that was allowed, but now I have a case I keep with my party stuff. They have been a fun addition to songs and candles.

Jacob. My little man Jack, and such a happy part of our family. We missed him this weekend as he was away with friends at a men's campout in the desert. They shot riffles, rode quads, and got dirty and smelly. He came back with singed hair. Apparently they played a game where rolls of toilet paper were dipped in fuel and lit for a flaming game of soccer. He's a happy/tired boy today, and now I need to fix his hair.

As he was getting ready to leave last Thursday, all eager and anticipating the good times ahead, I heard him say to one of his siblings, "Yeah, but I won't see you guys so that's a bummer." He loves his family... How grateful I am!

He is fun and he is energy! We took advantage of his absence Saturday night and hung out as a family in the jacuzzi. The splashing was limited and there were no random kicks in the gut (or unmentionables) by his swimming around in a tight space.

-He loves flag football. He keeps a record of his touch downs, "jukes," and spins.
-He still loves a banana each morning.
-He loves heat, especially long, burning hot showers.
-He is currently my biggest eater, and my biggest talker.
-He loves Andrew something fierce... more than a friend, more than a brother. I don't remember the details, but some time ago I heard Andrew ask, "But how did you know?!" Jacob replied, "Because you're my brother. Don't you know we share a brain?" They are tight.
-He wraps his arms tightly around my neck when I wake him in the morning, usually before his eyes open. At night he headlocks me.
-He wants to be an electrician someday (so that he can explore people's attics), and for weekend gigs he wants to be a magician. He's learning magic tricks daily (and we are secretly tired of participating in all his card tricks). He carried his cards in his pocket at Halloween, hoping someone would ask for a "trick." Sadly, no one did. Treats are all the rage these days, but I think tricks would be better! ;)
-Recently he woke up and told me: "I had the best dream last night! I was a really awesome magician and I won a competition. My prize was the world's biggest banana!" He is super consistent, even in his dreams.
-He is tender-hearted, tender to the things of the Lord...

Being his mom has been one of my greatest delights!

~Katherine

What He Said (and A Few Boy Things)

I was going through some files on my computer, and I came across this little conversation Olivia had typed out for me several weeks ago. The exchange took place while she was shooting some hoops with Jacob, I think, and she thought I'd like to have it recorded. It made me remember the  "What He Said" posts I used to do. (HERE and HERE are some of my favorites. Click on the "What He Said" label on the right for more, but be mindful that some posts might require some scrolling to find the "What He Said" portion.)


Olivia: So, how many kids do you want when you grow up?

Jacob: Four. Two boys and two girls. And for my wife… I want her to be good at cooking—so I get good food. I want her to be able to discipline our kids—so, you know, they learn—and I also don’t want her to have big teeth.

Plain and simple. One way or another, I can't help but wonder what this says about me!

>>:<<

My boys... There's just always something going on. I can't imagine what it's like to mother multiple girls, and I'm certain those sweet moms have their own daily adventures to recount. No doubt their description of home life is quite different from mine. And their homes probably smell better, too!

There's always rough-housing around here. If it's not with another brother, it's with the house itself. Even as they sleep, I often hear someone smash hard against the wall. Usually that would be Jack. He is also the one who goes down the stairs face first, or somersault-style. Michael pretends to trip and fall almost daily, and with a body like his, this is loud and obtrusive. Andrew likes to wrestle pretty much anyone. In general, there's more physical interaction with each other than intelligible conversation. At least it feels like that to me by late afternoon.

The other night was just another night. Nothing unusual going on. But if you were in my kitchen as I prepared dinner, I had Michael crowding my workspace with his, um, curiosities. He was trying to cut through glass with burning cords dipped in various substances. He tried hand sanitizer, my nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, and who knows what else. I drew the line when he asked if he could use Jon's lighter fluid because, after all, I need a kitchen around here and I much prefer his face to have eye brows. His curiosity is not satisfied, and he still wants to learn how to get a clean cut along a glass bottle with fire.

Welcome to my life.

Plus, there are injuries. It's good for boys to get outside and do things, but along with that come injuries. Jack and Andrew collided hard the other night-- Jack was on the swivel board and Andrew was on his unicycle. Could it be that frequent falls help to make strong bones? I have a feeling that yes, the body strengthens itself against stress! I thought I'd be making a trip to the ER, but motion and feeling soon returned to Jack's arm and hand. The ordeal lasted just a few minutes, but his elbow and hand remain sort of "zingy" in the nerves days later. It's amazing to me we haven't been frequent visitors of the ER over the years.

And there's more from the week. Ever pray for a hamster? If you are a mom, you know you end up praying for the things that matter to the heart of your kids. I pray for a run-away hamster. Three separate times now. Three times I prayed that God would strengthen faith through answered prayers. And three times God answered...

Jacob and Andrew each got dwarf hamsters for Christmas, and they are well-loved.

Andrew's has escaped during the night by squeezing through the slats of the hamster cage.

For better or worse, they have provided endless entertainment.

As for the boys, I'd say the entertainment I get from them is for the better. I can't imagine life without them!

~Katherine

What He Said

It's backyard afternoon play for two kids, and from the kitchen window I am constantly sorting out disagreements. Another fight erupts, and this time they come rushing to the door. Both are pointing fingers.

He says, "Just because she saw me cheat doesn't mean it's OK for her to cheat!"

Gah. This is the logic I'm supposed to sort out.  :)


~Katherine

Springtime Miscellany

Spring is getting away from me so fast. We took a few days off last week as a sort of spring break, and it was so nice. So very nice. I could be done with school right about now, and I'm sure the kids would agree. I told them today we've got to make one final push to the finish line because the end is in sight.

It's been so pretty outside. It is almost always pretty around here, and I wonder why I deserve such loveliness! Even on the odd day when it might be a little cold and glum, it just makes for a nice change. Still, I feel that pretty days shouldn't be wasted. Lately I have felt a pull to get out on my beach cruiser, or to steal away to a new hiking spot or strawberry patch. I've tried hard to set up my week so that we can do a little something along those lines soon.

But today was laundry. I had neglected it a little too long, and before the boys had an excuse for going commando-style I figured it was time to tackle that smelly pile. No wait, I mean mountain. I asked everyone to empty out their laundry baskets by the washer, and they thought it was funny that their piles of damp (shall I say steaming?) laundry made a perfectly formed mountain. A literal mountain of work for me. But tonight it is mostly done. And I roasted a chicken with an abundance of vegetables, which left me plenty of leftovers for a night off tomorrow. I'm thinking that tomorrow afternoon should be enjoyed outdoors.

I'm making an attempt to go back a bit since I feel I've missed documenting so much of our springtime so far. I've had a bunch of issues with my camera since mid-March, so I only have a handful of (mostly bad) pictures to pick form. I've had to pull out my manual many times trying to figure out what has gone awry, but I'm hopeful that the issues are being resolved and I'm thankful to have learned a few technical tricks in the process. I am so not technical, so it's always a little miraculous to me that I'd learn anything.

So anyway, here, a little springtime miscellany...



Strawberries

They have been our springtime treat, and I've bought at least half a flat each week. Still haven't picked our own though.

The ladies at the stand are getting to know us. They are so cute; makes me wish I spoke a little Spanish. I love how they wrap our box in newspaper because it makes me think of a bouquet of flowers wrapped the same way.

>>>:<<<

Olivia's Birthday

My camera just had to start giving me problems a several days before her birthday, and I struggled all day with dark (almost black) pictures. I was able to salvage just a few...

She wanted strawberries for her birthday, and Michael helped me assemble the cake. It seems to have become a sort of tradition on her b-day that he helps me with her cake.

We had a simple little garden party...

And she wanted the mustaches...

A regular lighter wasn't enough in the breeze, and Jon discovered that neither was a torch...

She has some sweet friends who spent the day with us. The afternoon was spent getting into costume and making a movie... the cutest thing. They included the boys, too, which I thought was really sweet. They played games and finished the evening off in the jacuzzi, then a sleep-over.

Thirteen. I thought entering the teenage years would be a bigger deal to me, but now that it has arrived I think it's going to be pretty fun...

>>>:<<<

Boys

They make me want to pull my hair out some days. Well, not quite. Just almost. I find myself laughing when maybe I should be scolding. Or uptight when I should relax and enjoy them for who they are, dirt and bugs and all.

Below, brothers having a conversation on the hammock after they exhausted themselves seeing who could flip the other guy out while staying on...

 

A couple weeks ago I found Jacob with hands full of band aid wrappings, and mumbling, "I'm never going to the grove again in shorts." He's always cut up. And dirty. Even after a shower I am often times scrubbing his face and neck. He tells me, "Mom, it's because I'm a boy. I'm supposed to be like this."

In a way, I kind of agree. 

The boys always have bugs for me. In fact, this one may have come my way courtesy of Jon. I guess it's better than a snake...

Tonight Andrew was drying the dishes with me and proceeded to tell me that he doesn't want to get married when he grows up, and that he really would like to have kids. Ignoring the obvious problem with his wish, I asked him, "Don't you think Dad and I make marriage seem like a good thing to you?"

He answered, "Well, it's all the love stuff," (and he rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue) "...and kissing someone that's not even in your family," (gag!) "...It's just so gross! I don't even like girls. I can't imagine kissing one!" He made a few more gagging sounds and pretends he has chills running up his spine, and then in the same breath, "Oh look! A moth! I LOVE moths!"

Boy-oh-boy, is his world going to change one day!

>>>:<<<

Books

We are always listening to audio books in the car. It's a wonderful way for kids to experience great literature from a young age, and it allows us to use our time well even as we drive. It is purposeful entertainment. Plus, I certainly do not have the time to do all the read-alouds that would be recommended during childhood. Neither could I ever read with the right accents for the given time periods and settings of various books. Audio books are very engaging.

We just finished up Heidi, by Johanna Spyri. I would say that this has been one of my favorite children's book since the time my mom first read it to my siblings and I when I was around 6 years old. A few years ago my mom gave us the hardcover copy that she read to us, and I love it's beautiful images and the memories it brings back. It's a little treasure to me. My kids love looking through it now too.

We just started Across Five Aprils, by Irene Hunt. I have never read it before, but the kids are really being drawn in. We should be picking up a little history in the process.

In my spare time, here and there, I am reading Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, by Paul David Tripp. I recommend it. I'm also reading Boys Adrift, by Leonard Sax after a friend mentioned it in conversation. It is a secular book, but valuable if you can ignore the idea that we evolved from monkeys. I read a review by Al Mohler who highly recommended it for parents of boys. (Another good book for parents of boys is Boys Should be Boys, by Meg Meeker. It's common sense backed up by research, and gave me confidence in my own intuition, reminding me that the "norm" for raising boys is not always best.)

Outside of school reading, Olivia is reading Oliver Twist, and Michael is reading The Magician's Nephew and listening to The Fellowship of the Ring.

>>>:<<<

School Days

We are still working hard, but we're getting bored with the routine of school days. Springtime is the best because we are wrapping up some of our course work and have more time for field trips and projects. A couple weeks ago I took my kids to visit an adobe, then the unexpected heat of the day took us back home by way of the beach...

Taking turns taking pictures with me... In every picture Olivia tried to take of Michael, he looks like he just can't wait to get on with his exploration.

>>>:<<<

Fitness

I believe in the importance of fitness at every age, for so many reasons. But I wish I had more time, energy, and desire. It's not easy to get in the habit of it, or to continue regardless of interruptions from vacations, injuries, illnesses, etc. But I keep trying.

The kids and I are wrapping up a squat and ab challenge this week. We've worked up to 250 squats without breaks, and over 500 abdominal exercises. Accomplishing our goal is a good feeling, and so is the muscle soreness because it tells me I'm getting stronger. 

I've played crab tag with my kids before bed a couple nights this week. It's a great exercise for all the muscles women like to tone, and great fun for the kids. I really want my kids to remember me playing with them, the way I remember my mom zooming down snowy hillsides with me.

We have also started another season of flag football, but I wish that didn't involve as much siting for me! 

>>>:<<<

Spring Break

Jon has been doing a lot of traveling recently, so his workload back here is extra heavy. Sometimes wives help their husbands best by informing them they need to take a little time away from work to just be with the family. I love my hard working husband, and I wouldn't trade him for anything, but there's a flip side to always working! Sometimes I have to remind him that-- hello! we need you too! And so we had a fabulous day at the beach with him last week!

My camera, again, was making it impossible to get the right exposure, so I don't have pictures of Jon and the kids out in the waves on surf and boogie boards. I am the odd one out when it comes to owning  a wet suit, so I watched from the warmth of the toasty sand. Later in the afternoon we saw the spray of whales passing by, and out there in the distance among those sprays was a guy on paddle board. I have wanted to try out paddle boarding, but I'm not sure whether I'd be terrified or exhilarated paddling around directly above a group of whales.

We all love going to the beach, but Michael is especially fond of it. This week he has talked about wanting to live on a boat. I don't think he has any thoughts of a wife yet, either. Then again, God may be preparing a girl who would just love to live out on a boat with him. Michael said he would come in to shore just once a week to get supplies.

Jon getting his workout. I did too that day. This particular beach has 131 step up to the small parking area (which makes it a wonderfully quiet beach). I went up those stair 6 time that day, usually carrying bags and beach supplies, and I was thankful for all the squats we had been doing!

>>>:<<<

Encouragement

“Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God, which may be pleaded before Him with this reasonable request, 'Do as Thou hast said.' The Heavenly Father will not break His Word to His own child.” 
― Charles H. Spurgeon




I want to be a woman of prayer.  I am a girl of little strength and lacking in much ability, but I have a big God who welcomes my petitions and requests. I am learning to trust His timing.

And I am learning that God does not despise the one who keeps coming to Him with the same requests. He does not mind being pestered; in fact, it pleases Him. And-- get this-- His is glorified in our asking for big things because we understand that He is a powerful God. So I ask, again and again, for big things from my big God.

Salvation. It is nothing but the ultimate miracle. Plead for it on behalf of those you love. Jesus came to SEEK and SAVE the lost.


Happy spring! May it bring new life!


~Katherine