A Word from God for You

I've been totally into reading lately. Reading sort of comes and goes for me - I'm not always in a reading mood. A book also has to grab my attention within the first few pages too, otherwise I lose interest very quickly and I won't pick it up again.

I have been loving the book "Can You Hear Me?" by Brad Jersak. The changes I have found in my prayer life have been amazing. The things that I used to think were figments of my imagination have now germinated into actual ideas and suggestions from GOD! I never knew that my imagination could be used by God to communicate with me (duh, He created my imagination). It's been really a phenomenal journey, and I highly recommend the book. I was praying today specifically for all my blogger friends. God gave me this verse for you - yes, you - the one who is reading this right now:

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (The Message)

I also just recently finished reading "The Shack", by William P. Young. This book offered me a LOT of food-for-thought! I reread a lot of the book, because I found that the concepts wouldn't sink in upon my initial reading of it. It is a fictional story, but I think it is based on a true incident. If you want a BRAND new idea of God, and what He thinks and feels, this book is for you. I don't agree with all aspects of the book, so I'd be curious to hear from you if you've read it. Or, go out and read it and get back to me about it! It is a book that could be read by anyone, Christian or not.

GROSS!

James' first woodtick. Click on the photo for a larger, and more disgusting view.

Summertime Fun

The Friesens & the Pletts - we'll miss you guys.

(To get both boys to look at the camera we put a toy sheep on top of it!)

Um, James... you are totally in the picture.

I picked up this Little Tikes water play table in Grand Forks for $29!

Playing with Isaiah.

The boys in the 'hood - James (18 mths), Jaxson (4.5 mths) & Isaiah (13 mths)

Busy Boys

Our friends and neighbours Trevor, Rebekah and Isaiah came over last night for supper. It was our last time together as families before they leave on missions. We had a really great time with them - but the boys seemed to have an especially good time. Below is just a glimpse of what these two boys can accomplish in just two and a half minutes.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

The Last Couple of Weeks

The past few weeks have been very busy, and at the same time I feel like God is teaching me so many things.

My brother Matthew and his girlfriend Mercedes came out to visit for a week. Mercedes is from Mexico, and just recently moved to Calgary where my brother now lives. She is trying to get settled in while looking for a job, but they decided first to come visit for my grandma's wedding. James adored both of them, and it was so nice to have a few extra hands to entertain him during the week. He still asks for "Matt" and "Cedes".

My grandma got married last week Friday, at 74 years old. My cousin and I were her bridesmaids, which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am so happy for her, as she has been single for 35 years. Her husband John is an absolute sweetheart - he writes her poems, sings to her, and has that charming eye-twinkle that is so endearing. (In the photo from left-right: my cousin Heidi, myself, my grandma, John, John's sons Reg and Randy).

Amidst all this good stuff, my very good friend's mother passed away from cancer. Her mom was also a very good friend of my mom, and I knew her as "auntie". She knew she has little time to live, and yet when my mom called to tell me that she had passed away during the night I was still shocked. I've been feeling really helpless in knowing how to love and support my friend. I'm terrible with words when it comes to death and sympathy - I just don't know what to say. However, the funeral was actually really inspiring to me. I came away with a new appreciation for God, and how I want to be more open in talking to people about Him.

God has been continuously giving me an image of a drop of water falling into a pool. So many times throughout our lives we question the "big picture", and why we have to experience certain things. God has told me that our actions can speak louder than words. We will never know, until it is revealed to us in Heaven, how our actions, words, and life affected those around us. It is like the drop of water falling into a pool. That drop of water is like our life (our actions, how we treat people, our words, etc). The ripples that the drop of water makes are like the people that we touch and plant seeds in. We can never see where that ripple ends... just like we may never see how things we've done have impacted others. But somewhere along the line, something we've done will affect someone - and so it makes me SO much more aware of things I say, and do. Just because my life may not directly impact someone to make a decision for Christ, my life might affect someone else, who then affects someone else... until finally it affects a person I don't know to decide to follow Christ. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I spent this past weekend in Grand Forks with my mom, two of my aunts, two cousins, and a family friend. We literally shopped until we dropped, and had a great time. It was my first weekend away from James, while he stayed with daddy. I really enjoyed it, even though I missed him like crazy. When I got home, it felt like I had missed a month of his life - he seemed so grown up! He is madly teething right now, getting his eye teeth. He also seems to be on an eating strike, so I am making my goal this week to be getting him off pureed foods, and onto table food.

Eighteen Months

There has been a lot going on in our lives lately. It's been a week or two of emotional ups and downs, and I haven't had the energy or ambition to blog about it. However, I could HARDLY let James' 18 month birthday go by without a post! James is everything we could ask for in a son, and far more. He keeps us laughing constantly. His latest antics mostly revolve around his talking. He is talking A LOT! He really says almost anything we say, as well as having memorized a few books already. He sings a song my mom taught him called "Wind, Wind, Wind the Thread", and does all the actions. If you ask him what he likes to watch on TV, he will say with great enthusiasm "HOCKEEEEEY!". I have about a million things I could say about him, but above all, I am so proud to be his mommy. I love every day that God gives us with James. My cousin Leanne was here today taking photos - I can't wait to show them to you!

I'm a Believer!

James has had dry skin and eczema since he was pretty much a newborn. It isn't severe, although his first breakout was terrible while we tried to find solutions to the problem. We've been able to keep it under control using the following "rules": James has to wear 100% cotton most of the time, but especially at night and in the summer. All his clothes (and now ours as well) are washed with Tide Free, a detergent without any fragrances or dyes. I also use no fabric softener. Up until now, I only used Johnson's Baby Wash on him, and ONLY to wash his hair and diaper area. He only gets a bath 2 times a week. After his baths, we would lather him in Glaxal Base cream. On flare-ups I would use a prescription hydrocorisone cream. Also, he can only wear Huggies Natural Fit diapers, and unscented wipes. That WAS our ritual, but I am now a firm believer in something new!

I sort of stumbled across a website that advertised a great soap for people with eczema. After reading all the reviews, I decided I would order some online. I was excited when I saw that they had an actual store in Winnipeg, at Polo Park mall! We went there on Saturday, and I purchased their eczema treatment package which contained a bar of soap, and a stick of body butter (as seen in the photo). The price was reasonable, and I was willing to try anything. I used the soap on James on Sunday, and was very nervous that it would cause a major flare-up. Bar soaps are SO horrible on his skin! I did it anyway, and then put the body butter on all his eczema spots. His worst ones were behind his knees, and they were quite red. I continued to put the body butter on at each diaper change. Today, his eczema is GONE. That's right folks, it might sound like an info-mercial, but it is completely gone! I am so excited, I've been telling everyone about Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Pumpkin Patch Soap, and their unscent Body Butter. It's an answer to prayer!

They also have a line of baby products, with soap and body butter for babies. I am definately going to use it when we have baby No.2, if God blesses us that way.

My Mother's Day Speech

So this is what I've come up with to say in church tomorrow. I dedicate it to all my mommy readers. Happy Mother's Day to all of you! I love you!

What does motherhood mean to me? Wow. That is such a hard question to come up with a half-decent answer for! Motherhood means a million things to me. I thought about talking about what Motherhood doesn’t mean to me – like sleeping in on Saturday mornings, clean floors, fancy suppers, or being able to listen to an entire church service uninterrupted. I thought about how motherhood makes me love things I never thought I could love – like crumbs on the rug, boogers on my shirt, and toys all over the house. But I love these things because they are proof that my son lives in our home. Having him, and the joy he brings, is impossible to describe. To us he is a treasure, a miracle, just amazing. He is what makes me a mom – and I love being his mom.

I have a blog on the internet, and this week I asked my readers what motherhood means to them. These are just a few snippets from the responses I got, and I had to completely agree with all of them.

Motherhood truly fulfills me, and brings out the best in me. It's got to be the BEST job in the world! It’s rewarding, irreplaceable, indescribable. A God-given role, a privilege, an honor. Blessed beyond measure. Best of all, my children love me despite my short comings and feel thankful to have me in their lives.

It’s the greatest gift I have ever recieved. Being a mommy sometimes is so very challenging but yet is something that is the most rewarding. Indescribable joy that can never be replaced.

Another woman said, “Motherhood has finally driven home the true power and meaning of God's sacrifice of his son. When I really think about just how overwhelming my love for my son is, and realize that God loves all of us like that and infinitely more, and because of that love he sent his Son to suffer and die for us. It makes any frustration of motherhood completely disappear. I don't think anything but parenthood would have driven that message home in such a way.”

For myself, I know that motherhood changed how I see God, and how I want Him to see me. Motherhood pushed me to know God intimately, and to seek Him with all my heart so that I can learn how to better take care of my son. Motherhood has pushed me to take up the motto “Fully Rely on God”. Motherhood made me realize that I want to stand before God one day, and know that I did all I could to show Christ’s love to my children, that they would want that same love in their lives. Motherhood made me realize that I want my children to rise up and call me blessed. Motherhood made me realize that I want nothing more in my life than to be able to confidently say to my children, “Come, take my hand and follow me”.

A verse that has helped me through the mystery of motherhood has been James 1:5. I keep it on my fridge, and I read it daily. I like the Message version, which says “If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open”.

So to all you mother’s out there, or soon-to-be-mothers, mothers of adopted children, mothers who have angel children, or those that are hoping-to-one-day-be-a-mother, happy mother’s day to you. May God richly bless you today – you deserve it.

I Need Your Help!

I've been asked to say a few words in church on Sunday about "What Motherhood Means to Me". I don't really know in what direction I want to go with it, and I'm looking for inspiration. What does motherhood mean to you? This is a question for moms, soon-to-be-moms, dreaming-of-being-a-mommy, or perhaps just something about your own mom.

It's Ordered!

Friday Photoshoot

A BIG Mistake

I decided that I was allowed to get a treat for myself at SuperStore yesterday. As I made my way through the aisles, I thought about what I wanted to treat myself with. At first I thought, "flip flops!". I went into the clothing section on the lookout for some new shoes. Sadly, there were no flip flops that interested me. Then I thought, "A book!". So I went to the book section, but didn't have the patience to look through all of them in hopes of finding something I'd like. And then it hit me! Following the leading of what could only be my "Aunt Flo is coming soon" hormone-induced craving, I found myself parked in front of the freezers. I'm not proud of what happened next, but it looked just like this...What a BIG mistake! This treat seems to be making frequent half-hour visits out of the freezer, as well as loosely being labelled "breakfast" and "lunch". In all honesty, I wasn't really concerned about the 290 calories per 125mL serving until I had polished off half the container - and realized that was about 250mL. This little wicked delight packs into one small pint a mix of both chocolate and vanilla ice cream, laced with brownies and chocolate chip cookie dough. Wow. It's amazing, actually. So thanks to Ben & Jerry for making me the happiest ate-too-much-ice cream-tummy-aching woman in town. I was bloated before the ice cream binge, but now I find myself having to crack open the fly on my jeans just to breath. Ick.

So if you are looking for a yummy treat today, don't delay! Get to your nearest Ben & Jerry's dealer and pick up a pint of Half Baked. Nothing would really make me feel better than knowing I have company in my gluttony. Enjoy!

Reconciliation is Good

I met up with a friend this week whom I haven't connected with in a while. In the last year or so we had grown distant, and it was nice to catch up and enjoy a walk together. I hadn't intended on talking about the distance that had grown between us, but the moment came where it felt right to bring it up. I shared with her the circumstances for which I had sort of put her on the "back burner", and I told her that I missed her. I was somewhat expecting her to be angry, and to come back at me with hurtful words - not that she is that type of person, but that was what I believe Satan wanted me to think. Instead, she told me that she too was missing me, and that she had been feeling a little hurt over the fact that I had pulled away. I promised her that I was definately going to make sure that we would now reconnect. That reconciliation felt so incredibly good that I had to call her this morning and thank her for making it so easy! I was so proud of us for talking openly, with love and compassion, and above all - with maturity. I felt like I could feel God just smiling down on us, as two of His daughters made amends the way He would have wanted us to. It's been almost like a drug to me today - I just feel good inside.

Thank you Lord for friends. Thank you for the reconciliation I could have this week. Thank you that this is exactly what you have done for us.

James does his Chores

To have a toddler-sized Swiffer sweeper, simply remove the middle two sections of the handle. Voila! Hours of sweeping entertainment (okay, well at least a few minutes anyway). The floor was actually cleaner once James was done!

Heather Recommends

The following is a list of books that our ladies Bible study group has taken over the years. Each of these books have been really amazing, and I just wanted to share with you a little bit about each one - and how it impacted me. Hopefully you'll be inspired to pick one up (or all of them), and grow a little bit in your walk with God.

It's Not About Me by Max Lucado


This book was great, not only because it is written by the ever-popular Max Lucado, but because it really reminded me of what our purpose is, and God's too. I came away from this book with better understanding of how ALL glory is to be given to God. Everything that happens here on Earth, be it good or bad, will be for the greater good of His kingdom. Knowing that, I have a lot more peace about things that happen in my life that are disappointing. Just knowing that it will have brought the greatest amount of glory to God's kingdom is encouraging.


Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer


Wow! This book challenged me in almost every chapter. I felt very convicted about my negative feelings, speech and thoughts. I'm still working on applying these things to my life, and it sure it noticeable how much better I feel!

Traveling Light by Max Lucado


If you were to choose any one of these books to read, let it be this one! This book changed my life, and also the lives of all the other women in my group. I've given this book as a gift, and recommend it highly. I don't want to give too much away, but just imagine the freedom of handing over everything that is burdening you to someone else. Wouldn't you feel great?! The truth is, if you can give even one of your burdens over to Christ, you will feel lighter.


Can You Hear Me? by Brad Jersak


Even though we are only on Chapter 2 of this book, I am still going to recommend it - because I am hooked! I am now a complete "listening prayer" addict, and God has been speaking loud and clear. It's been amazing, and I would love to see and hear more of you out there learn about hearing God's voice. If you have read it, I would love to hear what God has spoken to you.

Sometimes I'm Sad

I haven't really spent a lot of time blogging about our last miscarriage. It's not that I don't think about it, but honestly, I really don't have a lot of time to think about it! There are definately moments where I have a clear enough mind to say, "Wow, I have two or three children waiting for me in Heaven". I say two or three, because it was never entirely determined whether or not our last miscarriage was twins. The ultrasound showed two "clusters", one that was definately a baby, and the other was unclear. It might have just been a large blood clot, but the way the Doctor talked about it sounded like he was leaning towards twin pregnancy. There are no twins in either side of our immediate families, so this would have been one of those one-in-a-million fluke twin pregnancies. That fact alone could be the reason for the miscarriage, as my body was unable to process twins, and thus, they did not thrive.

Today I am a little more emotional about it, because when others around me get pregnant or are thinking about having another baby, my heart starts to ache. I am still very, truly excited for them - my aching heart does not quench my love for other children, and my excitement and joy for the expecting parents. It just reminds me that I want to be in their position, and be fearlessly expecting my next baby.

There is a reason and a purpose for everything - and in many ways, I have already seen some of the blessings in not being pregnant right now. I definately have a lot less stress, and even thinking about a baby coming along a little later seems far more do-able now. I am looking forward to spending the entire summer running after James, and NOT being a sweaty, pregnant woman while doing it (no offence to those of you that will be, hehe)! I am also looking forward to our winter vacation without a newborn, and just James to pack for and entertain. He is at such a fun stage, I'm glad I can take this time to enjoy it longer. I still wish I was pregnant, but I don't really see the point of lamenting about something that I can't change.

Many people ask me if we want more children, or how many children we hope to have. I keep telling them that right now I am happy to be thankful for the ONE that I already have. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, as they say!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Seventeen Months

Wow, my little monkey is 17 months old today!

He's LOVES his Kitty!

Being helpful like Grandpa.

Painting a picture for Isaiah.

The finished product.

Driving his four-wheeler (yes, he can drive it by himself)!

Being a goofball.

Wagon rides with Isaiah.

Running, and more running!

Just plain cute - scars and all!

What to Believe

All this talk about plastics, bottles, sippy cups, soothers, and all the rest of it is starting to get me really angry. What are we supposed to believe these days? We can choose to believe the people that we call "they". "They" say plastic cups and bottles with the recycle numbers 3, 6 and 7 should be thrown away. "They" say BPA can cause fertility problems and prostrate issues. "They" say latex and plastic soothers should be tossed. "They" say, and we do! This bothers me, because who are "they" and why do we believe everything that "they" say?!

We could also choose to believe the stores that are pulling all the plastic bottles off their shelves. However, when you think about it... are they pulling these bottles off the shelf for our protection? Or, are they pulling them off the shelf so that they can stock the APPROVED bottles, and thus, make more money as all of us are now going to have to purchase new bottles?

Maybe we could choose to believe the manufacturers, who have yet to actually report a complete recall. Are they choosing to ignore these so-called studies, and keep their item on the shelf knowing that it could harm the public - particularly children - and even their own children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren? Or are they not reporting a recall because they know that there are no considerable studies that have shown an actual risk to humans? Maybe they just don't care.

Perhaps we should believe that everything these days is potentially going to cause cancer, or other health defects. It doesn't seem to matter if it is plastic bottles, shampoo, make-up, non-organic food items, pesticides, lotions, toilet paper, gum, paint fumes, vaccinations, hair dye, polyester clothing... is anything TRULY and REALLY safe? Even drinking water is now filled with fluoride and other chemicals. A walk in the outdoors is probably cancer-causing, because the neighbouring mill is blowing chaff out of its stacks like there is no tomorrow. Is there a tomorrow? I find it hard to believe that if it isn't going to be the plastic bottles I've used, something else is going to be the cause of cancer that kills me and my family. For all I know, "they" will be telling us next week that the plastic keys on the computer keyboard are now linked to brain hemorraging.

This makes me angry. I am angry with consumerism and advertising. I am angry at the lies, and then the lies that make me question the truth. I am angry at stores and manufacturers. I am angry at all this information that makes me as a mother worry EVEN MORE than I really need to. I am angry that I can't just live my life as healthy as I can without having to feel GUILTY that I fed my little baby boy from plastic bottles that MAY potentially cause him fertility problems in his future. Argh! I get SO frustrated by all of this. Sometimes I wish I was living in the "good 'ol days".

How do you handle it? Do you always go with the latest theory, and toss away the latest health risk you have in your home, replacing it with the newer (and usually more expensive) alternative? Or do you ignore it, and just live happily ever after with a clear conscience because inside you know you did all that you felt was necessary to keep your family safe and healthy? I struggle with a balance here. I don't want to be blamed for not taking the proper precautions, but at the same time I don't really know if this isn't all just propaganda.

My Heart Keeps Melting

Sometimes, when I am looking at James, or watching him play, or when he gives me one of his big goofy smiles I get tingles down my spine. I can't even fathom how much I love him some days. My heart is continuously melting over him. He's my sunshine. He's my miracle. He's my happiness. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed at my love for him, that I wonder how I could ever live without him - literally. Sometimes I get worried, and I end up on my knees, begging my Heavenly Father to keep a hedge of protection around him, and I pray for the blood of Jesus over him. Sometimes I can't even come up with words to describe how this little man makes me feel inside - like right now. He makes me want to sing, to shout, to smile, to laugh, to dance. He makes everything seem okay. He just makes me feel alive. He makes me believe even MORE in God. Having him is like having a little taste of Heaven on Earth.

I love you James. You mean more to daddy and I than you will ever know. If I were to be blessed with only you, I would be the happiest mommy that ever lived.

Learning to Eat

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

A First

Sadly, I did not capture one of James' "firsts" on camera today - but it sure was cute! He was outside for the first time in his rubber boots. As all boys are born with a natural inclination to be in water while wearing rubber boots, James was lead to the nearest puddle like a dog to a bone. He was very much enjoying this new adventure when suddenly he stepped into a part of the puddle that was much deeper than the rest. Wearing a pair of slip-ons I was unable to step into the water to aide him, and watched in despair (but mostly in amusement) as his boots filled up with water. This unfortunate event did not end there, as he immediately tried to run to me for comfort. However, being a novice in rubber boots, he was not able to lift his feet and tumbled backwards onto his bum into the water. He actually didn't scream as I thought he might, but rather just whimpered all the way back into the house. Once I reached the door though, I realized that he was whimpering to go BACK OUT. The cold water in his boots, soaking wet socks, pants and diaper didn't bother him in the least. All he wanted was back into that puddle! Well, I guess that will happen tomorrow. For now, his boots are drying on the vent and his pants and socks are in the dryer. I can't wipe the silly grin off my face as I think about this. I always knew that having a boy would be like this, but I never knew how fun it would be to see it unfolding before my eyes. My little baby boy just filled his boots with water... I couldn't be more happy!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Switching to a Bed

I am in NO rush to get James out of his crib just yet. However, this weekend while we were visiting Toys 'R Us, James was playing around in a race car toddler bed they had set up. He seemed to really like it, and seeing him in it made me think that he could almost be ready for that transition. We had basically planned to put him right into a twin bed, with those guard rails you can buy. After seeing him in the toddler bed though, it made me think that maybe he should be in a toddler bed first. My brother and I were both in a twin bed by the time we were between 18 months and 2 years old. Others would definately say that a toddler bed is the better way to start, because it's easier for them to get in and out. If we buy a toddler bed, it means that we also have to buy another mattress and stuff, whereas if we put him in the twin bed we already have everything but the guard rails. Hum, hum, hum... what to do? I'd love to hear your opinions and experiences.

Five of My Most Favourite People

I think it was about 4 years ago, back in the days that I worked with Robin at Country Graphics, that we decided to start a woman's Bible study group. The way it happened was that I wanted to be in a Bible study, but it wasn't something that my hubby was interested in doing. I asked a few of the young couples groups if I could join, but they all felt that it would be a little strange if I was there without my spouse. I came to work one morning very upset about it, and Robin, who was in a similar situation, said jokingly "Well, why don't we just start our own group?". At first it seemed funny, as neither of us would have labeled ourselves as leaders - and particularly not in a spiritual manner. As we discussed the idea further, we decided it would be in our best interest to spend time praying about it. The more we prayed, the better the idea became. Eventually we found ourselves praying that God would bring a strong and dynamic group of women together, a group of women who were looking to grow in faith.

We advertised with posters, and called up a few people who came to mind that might be interested. Gaining one "stranger", Amy, who responded to our poster, and two others, Sherisse, and Jeryn who were either friends of mine or Robin's, our little group was formed. This group was an immediate hit. The different backgrounds and diverse upbringings gave way to amazing discussions - the growth and learning was evident from day one. Not only that, but there was an emotional connection as well. Each girl came from a different church. It was put together by God so perfectly, Robin and I could hardly believe how He had blessed us.

Over the years women have left our group, and joined the group. Each time this has happened, it's been in God's perfect timing. Each member has always brought something special to the group, something that was needed and appreciated. When one would leave, their special gift to the group was and is remembered to this day.

For the past year and a half, to two years, the group has remained strong. These five women, Jamie, Jeryn, Sherisse, Rebekah and Robin, bless me in ways that I cannot even count. I find myself counting down the days until I get to spend time with them every-other Thursday evening. They make me laugh, they make me cry, but above all, they challenge me to grow in Christ, love Him more, better myself, and accept myself for who I am.

Girls, you are one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love all of you so very much, and I cherish each of you. Thank you for growing with me, and challenging me. Thank you for praying for me, and crying with me. Thank you for laughing with me, and humbling me. Thank you for being there when I need you, and allowing me to be me. Thank you for affirming me, and being honest with me. Thank you for showing your true selves, and for allowing me to show my true self. Thank you for letting Jesus shine through you, and for continuing to strive to shine more. Thank you for allowing me in, and encouraging me. God bless you girls, you are my sunshine.

In Other News

So James isn't ALL bad, and he isn't ALWAYS getting injured... okay, at least not the point where he has to be taken to the hospital!

He has had a few other adventures recently too. One of these adventures happened at my mom's house. We popped in on her last week for an impromtu visit. James was running all over the house, so eventually we moved downstairs to play in the basement. We had been in the basement for almost a half hour when James suddenly spits something out onto the floor. It isn't entirely unusual for him to spit something out that he has found and put in his mouth, but it IS unusual when he spits out something that SPARKLES. There on the rug were my mom's diamond earrings! He had snatched them off her nightside table upstairs, and had them in his mouth for more than a half hour!

James also loves to help wash the dishes. I couldn't help but snap this cute photo of him helping daddy a couple of nights ago.

He also really enjoyed watching the women's World Curling Championships this past weekend. He doesn't really watch TV at all, even if I try to put something on for him. However, he really loved the curling - and gave us a good laugh when he started belting out "HARD", mimicking the ladies who were sweeping. He would also usually say "boom" after the rocks would hit.

A Rough Day

Today was a really good day for James and I. He has seemingly hit the "Terrible Twos" a little early, and has been testing my patience in a big way. I finally came to the conclusion that it was time for the hammer of discipline to come down, and that starting today I was taking no more attitude (this decision made after totally melting down yesterday). So far it's been working well. Along with the hammer of discipline was also the fact that I am no longer willing to rock James for his naps, and then end up having to sit there and hold him through the entire thing. Lately he has been waking up as soon as he is put down, and then crying if I don't hold him. Today was also the end of that, and he actually fell asleep on his own quite quickly.

Well, supper time rolled around, and I had to make a quick stop in the bathroom before making James supper. James followed me into the bathroom, and was complaining because he was hungry. As we turned to walk out of the bathroom, James tripped on a rug and hit his forehead on the corner of the wall. He fell hard, and his head caught the edge where the baseboards join at the bottom, which is a sharp corner. I didn't even look at the wound - I just picked him up and ran for ice. He was screaming, and blood was running into his eye. I took a look at the damage, and could tell right away that we would need to go to the hospital. I was home alone, so I called my mom to come and take us there. Just as she arrived, Ryan also showed up on the scene (almost a 1/2 hour earlier than normal), so he was able to take us. God has good timing! Anyway, my poor little guy ended up with 3 stitches. I warned the nurses that they were likely to see us again in the future. With the level of energy that James has, this type of thing is bound to happen often.

Just to prove that this is not an April Fool's joke, here is the photo proof.