Kids Say...

I just realized I had this post sitting around waiting to be edited. So, that's why this dates back to May. There's just not enough time in the day!

When Max died, Nolan was obviously very confused. He kept coming up with things to try to make me feel better. Here are a couple of the quotes that made me smile.

"Max is just going to take a break from breathing for a while, then he's going to be alive again."

"I know! Why don't we put him by our garden so he can grow again."

Landry was quite distraught over Max's death, mainly due to my reaction of uncontrollable crying. (I think I freaked them out a little.) Landry said, "I've never seen you cry that hard before." Nolan said, "Yeah, I didn't even know adults cried. I thought it was only for kids."

Some other funny ones:

Barack Obama came on TV and Nolan said "There's our principal!"

We're sitting at Zaxby's when principal at Landry's school walks in. Landry waves and smiles. Nolan very loudly says, "That's our president!"

We were at Brian's office and I was sitting on one of the patient tables. Nolan picked up Brian's stethoscope, put it on and said "I'm going to go bless Mom's heart." Now that's a kid from the south!

September - Brian, Landry, Nolan and I were sitting on the couch having family movie time. Nolan cuddled up to me, put arm around him, picked my hand up and said, "You smell wonderful." Brian is constantly accusing Nolan of sabotaging him as far as compliments go. So, to this comment Brian looked at me, rolled his eyes, and shook his head. I think he had just been out-done by a 4-year-old. :)

I came downstairs after getting ready to go hang out with some girlfriends. Nolan said, "Do you need some lipstick... for the prettiest lady in my life?"

October 26, 2010 - Nolan decided he was going to clean the house up for me today because he "doesn't want Mom to be the only one that cleans". More importantly, "The Bible is true, and it says to help clean. It says to be helplish." Over and over again he talked about how "helplish" he was being. Landry and I looked at each other and snickered. Landry told him that the correct word was "helpful". A few minutes go by as he continues to clean. Then he walks by me and says, "Mom, aren't I being so helpfulish?" It cracked me up to see Landry shake her head and say, "Nolan, helpfulish means you are being kind of helpful, but not all the way. Uhhh." Nolan's reply? "Yep! I'm being helpfulish!"

I just read through these and I think it's pretty obvious that Nolan is the funny one in our family. Landry is going through a stage where she thinks that if people laugh at her then she did something wrong. Corinne is funny, but with her facial expressions. Nothing I can capture in writing!

Nolan is 4!

I can't believe it but Nolan is 4! He is really excited about being four, mainly because I told him he could stop taking naps. Well... that didn't quite work out as planned. He has been "difficult" the past few days. So, the nap has been reinstated. Something else that has come along with being four has been an appetite. This kid ate like a bird up until a week ago. Suddenly he's cleaning his plate for at least one meal a day, sometimes two. He's actually put on a little weight and his 5 slim jeans are getting a little snug. I predict a growth spurt will come and take care of that, but it's kind of nice for now.

I just can't say enough about my only son. He's sweet, funny, smart, and inquisitive. Yesterday he said "I like your flip flops. And your face and neck are pretty." Then he just walked away like it was nothing. He had no clue that it kept me going that day. Not because my son said I was pretty, but because my son is 4 and said I was pretty. Four-year-olds don't just pass out gratuitous compliments. I knew he really meant it. In fact, he says sweet little things like that to me all of the time.

And there you have only a few of the reasons I treasure this fellow so much. I didn't even get around to mentioning his infectious smile, spastic jumping jacks, love of sprinkles, meticulous dessert eating skills, or his consistent attention and care towards our pets. Hmm, guess I'll have to get to those next time.

Happy Birthday Nolan! We love you like crazy!!!

I thought you would be special. . .

Dear Landry,

The moment I discovered you were "on-board", I knew you would be special. I thought it would be because you were my first experience with being pregnant. You would be our first born. When I found out we were having a girl, I thought you would be special because you were my daughter. I always dreamed I would have a daughter, but felt certain I was destined to have three boys. I thought you would be special because you would be the one who taught me how to be a mom. You would be the one who loved to go shopping with me and the one whose delicate nature would throw your father for a loop. How was I to know that those weren't the things that would make you special? How did I know that you would groan when I pulled into the mall, or Target, or the grocery store? In fact, you don't really like shopping anywhere unless you get a package of gum at the end. I would have never guessed that you would be the first one to declare a "smack-down" on your dad when he walked in from work every night. I could have never known all of the reasons I would find you so incredibly special.

Do you know how much I love your eagerness to learn? How about the way I adore your sassy side and your confidence? I never dreamed that one of the things I would love about you was the joy you found in losing a tooth and the declaration you made about how it improved your looks. I could not have known that you would love to play tackle football, but with beautifully painted fingernails.

Most importantly, I never even thought about how special I would view your compassion for people. I was berated for weeks about not thinking to bring food for the needy lady who approached us outside of McAlister's. You even packed a box of raisins for her in case we saw her the next week. Today, when I picked you up from school, I saw you holding the arm of a little boy that you claim to dislike. You got in the car and told me he ran into someone and hurt his head. You wanted to help him. Thank you for making my heart smile. I could have never known why you would be so very special.

Dear Nolan,

I knew before you were born that you would be special. You were going to be our first son. You would be the one to teach Landry how to be a great big sister. You were going to be the one to go hunting with your dad. You would be the one to play sports. I thought you would be special because you were the missing piece to what supposedly makes a "perfect" family. In fact, when I was out and about with Landry and I was pregnant with you, many strangers would ask what I was having. When I answered "boy", at least half of these people said "That's perfect!" Can you fathom that I almost believed them? I thought you would be special because you would be all of the stereotypical things that a boy is to his father. I KNEW that you would be special, but couldn't have dreamed of all of the reasons why.

Do you have any idea how much I cherish your tender spirit? The way you notice every single thing, like my haircut or that my toenails are painted? I truly admire the way that you have no hesitance in climbing in Dad's lap, and sitting there for as long as you are able. I could have never known that when I said "OUCH!" you would be the only one to say "Are you okay?" I could not have known that I would be granted the joy hearing my 3-year-old say "Wow! You look pretty. . . and tall!" when I walked down the stairs after getting ready for Daddy's Christmas party (I was wearing some REALLY high heels). And, the warmth I would feel when you told me you liked my "pretty new dress" when I put on my nightgown. Your smile kills me. It's simply infectious. Of course, some of the reasons I knew you would be special held true. You love to play sports and you love to throw-down with your dad. But I could have never known all of the reasons I would find you so special.

Dear Corinne,

Oh, how I knew you would be special. I laid awake many nights praying that God would bring us a third child. I felt in my heart that I wanted a third child, but Daddy wasn't so sure. I prayed the way that I knew I should. I prayed for God's will and that Daddy and I would be on the same page as far as this matter goes. In November 2007, we were SHOCKED to find out that you were on your way to our family. I instantly knew that you would be special because you were the baby. You were our final experience as far as newborns go. I knew you would be special because you would be tender and meek. You would need to be protected by your older sister and brother. I was going to spend every waking moment documenting your progress. You were going to be special because you were coming to a mom and dad who had lots of experience. HAHAHAHA!!!

I truly could have never known that you would be special because of the way that you can put Landry and Nolan in their place. How could I have known that you would take on this little adorable attitude? Could I have predicted that you would grab me by both cheeks when you wanted my attention? I surely didn't know that I would be so busy chasing you around and keeping you from falling out of chairs that I barely had time to record you milestones in my journal.

What makes you special to me is that you give incredible hugs, and sometimes, if you feel like it, sweet little kisses. You are so special because you can love a stuffed bear with all of your might, which makes me excited to see how your love will develop for people. The way you squint your eyes (and smile) at the supper table when you get a bite of something. I never knew that your independent will would make you special to me. In fact, I thought the opposite. I thought I would peel you off of me when I dropped you off at church. Nope. You wave good-bye. I envisioned just how special you would be, but I could have never imagined all of the things I didn't think of.

To my children,

As your mother, the only great advice I have for you so far is this: Never decide why someone is special. Instead, let them show you.

I love you all so very much.

Mom

Landry's 6th Birthday Party

Ok, this event happened over a month ago, but better late than never! Landry had her party at Snip-Its. It's a small kids salon that does birthday parties on the side. The kids get their hair and make-up done, fingernails painted, and get to dress-up. The room for the party was WAY too small, but the kids didn't seem to mind. And, while we were there, we decided to get Corinne's hair cut for the first time. She had a bit of a mullet going on. That's not cute. . . even on a sweet little angel like my Rinney Pie. Since that haircut, her hair hasn't grown a single millimeter. She got that trait from me. It keeps the bills low for going to the hairdresser, but makes it very hard to change hairstyles. For now, I'll just be thankful we have hair, especially Brian. :) Back to the party. . . Here are a few pictures. Landry picked the oldest, most run-down dress-up costume they had. Sometimes I just don't get that girl. She had a great time. Nolan was drawn to a hippie costume. This drew TONS of jokes, most of which came from his dad, and most of which weren't appropriate for young-ones. But, they were pretty funny.

Most importantly, we got to celebrate another year with our big girl. She is changing so much and growing into a young lady. She is definitely out of the "little" girl stage. She talks a lot about wanting to grow up, what she's going to do when she gets older, and most of all, wanting to be famous. I think my next step is to show her some before and after pics of some child stars. Of course, then I would have to explain what a mug shot is. Not quite ready for that!

Thank you, God, for Landry.

Corinne is 18 months!

Okay, so I'm a little behind with the post. I have all kinds of posts in my head, just no time to put fingers to keyboard. To photo on the right is a picture of Rin on her 18-month birthday. She is a feisty little bundle of sweetness. She gives big hugs and has a ridiculously infectious giggle. She is adored. She amazes me with her speech. She even calmed my fear that she wouldn't be able to pronounce her own name. She pointed to her picture and said "Corinne." The other day we were in the car and she said "Corinne. . . pie." It was my smile for the day, because I always call her that. In all of the chaos, at least there's still one person in this house that listens to me.

The photo on the left is a typical picture of Corinne in the morning. She goes around collecting the pjs Landry and Nolan shed. She then puts them on herself, making sure that at least one of the articles of clothing doubles as a hat. Then, of course, she has to put on Brian's shoes, trying over and over again to walk in them. So far, she' been unsuccessful. I guess size 5T feet just don't fit very well in size 13 shoes. Her determination is quite admirable, though.

Thank you, God, for this sweet little girl. Her sweet chubby cheeks, scrinched-nose grin, and warm cozy cuddles make me one happy mom.

Landry is 6!!!

Middle picture: last day as a five-year-old. Right picture: Holding her favorite gift - mascara. :)

I just can't believe I have a six-year-old! Things have really changed this past year. I have been a little shocked about the transition from being five to being six. I think a lot of it may have to do with starting "big school". Landry is much more likely to dress -up in a real dress than she is a costume. She's a little tired of the Disney princesses, and she has started to really enjoy TV. Her sole focus right now is on losing her first tooth. Six days ago, she finally convinced me to try to wiggle it and. . . it was LOOSE! It totally took me by surprise. She's been saying she has a loose tooth for about 6 months. Of course, she'll be wiggling a molar or an eye-tooth, so I pretty much figured that she was imagining things. But, when she started wiggling the two bottom teeth, her eyes got HUGE! She turned around from the mirror and said "It really moved!" I started to think she might actually have a winner this time. So, needless to say, I wake-up to the same question every morning - "How long will it be until my tooth falls out?"

In the way of birthday gifts, Landry received something I have found quite addictive. I don't know why I never played with these when I was younger. What could it be? Are you curious? Is it something really complicated and expensive? NO! It's Shrinky Dinks! I just can't get enough of those things going from a big, dull, thin piece of plastic, to a small, bright, shiny, thick piece of "glass". I've enjoyed my oven more for making Shrinky Dinks than I have for making casseroles. Hmmmm. . . if only they were edible.

She also got a globe. It kind of shocked me when she opened it and said "Oh, yes! I'm going to find the boot, Italy!" She hasn't said one word about Italy until that moment. I was quite relieved that her first desire wasn't to find China. She told me last month that she wants to move there when she's an adult. She said she wants to have different people and a different government. I really don't know where she gets all of these thoughts. I spent a lot of time telling her that we already live in the best country on earth. I can't tell her a lot of the reasons why, because I want her to maintain the innocence of a child for as long as possible. But, I also want to make sure that she is constantly aware of the blessing of living in America.

Her big gift from us was a birthday party. She had it at a kids hair salon. It was way too small of a room, but she had a great time. And, Corinne got her first haircut! (That's the next post to come.)

So, another year has passed. Another year of parenting experience under my belt. Another year of on-the-job training coming my way. Thank you, God, for my first-born.

A Word About my Background. . .

If it looks like spring threw-up on my blog, that's because I'm dreaming of warmer temps, flowers, warmer temps, leaves on the trees, warmer temps. . .