Listening and obeying

Ever since Chris prayed with Zach before he left, we have had continuing conversations about our need for Jesus to help us listen and obey. On Wednesday, Zach and I were driving to our Bible study, and he informed me that while he needs Jesus right now, when he grows up, he will be able to listen and obey by himself. How often do we think that we outgrow our need for the Gospel. We just don't often articulate it. O for soft hearts to always acknowledge our need for Jesus, and for the children to understand it as well...

Our little mother

Now that Chris has returned from Trinidad, I actually have some time to post. I'm sure he will take care of the pictures later.

Last Sunday morning, Isabella and I were cuddling in bed--the boys weren't awake yet--but eventually Xander started making his smacking noises that indicate he is getting ready to wake up and will want to eat. Fairly quickly he did wake up and start to cry. Isabella said she would hold him while I went downstairs to make his bottle. Apparently I was taking too long, because as I was starting towards the stairs, she came down and said "Mother, hurry up!" She grabbed the bottle from me, ran upstairs and scooped Xander up to feed him.

Xander still moves his head around frantically while trying to find the bottle, so then Isabella said, "Buddy, you have to keep your head straight for me to feed you!" It is so fun and funny to hear parental words coming out of our little girl.

Asking jesus

Tonight Zach was having troubles- he threw water on Liza while he was in the bath then threw a real fit when she said he lost his books as a consequence. Then he stomped downstairs and made faces at her as he came down. When he got to me in the living room where I was holding Xander and trying to help him to go to sleep, he started messing with the baby and waking him up. I gave him a talking to and told him I was disappointed. He looked at me and his eyes got red and a little teary and he said, "Daddy, I try to listen and obey, but I just can't." I asked him if he knew why that was and he said no. I told him that the problem is sin and that all of us are sinful and can't overcome that no matter how hard we try. That's why we need Jesus who came to earth and lived a perfect life. He was the only one who could listen and obey and he was the only one who deserved life but he gave it up for us so we could have life when we don't deserve it. I told him that when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, He gives us the ability to follow God and live like he wants us to.

Zach listened to all of this and said, "Is that when he lives in your heart?" "Yes" was my reply. I asked him if he had heard others talk about that. He said yes then he said, "But Daddy, I want Jesus to come in to my heart." I said, "Well, you just have to ask him." And he said, "OK- 'Jesus, will you please come in to my heart and take the punishment for me?" I said, "and make me the kind of person you want me to be." He said, "Can you say that for me?" I said, "No, this is not my heart we are talking about." So he prayed and asked God to make him the kind of person God wants him to be and thanked him for coming in to his heart. Jesus said it takes faith the size of a mustard seed- and I'm pretty sure that is what he has. I know he is too young to understand much of the theology, but I'm also pretty sure that he understands why he needs Jesus and placed that little bit of faith in him. Later, when he is older, I'll take him back here to this page so he can see what he said. I'm sure there will be times later in life where he will renew that commitment, but I believe that the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in this little boy and he is the latest one to experience the best adoption we can have- in to God's family.

Kids Christmas Pictures

Isabella Zach and Xander (and don’t forget Indy) in front of the Christmas Tree.

Brothers

Here was a great picture of Zach and Xander taken a few days ago. It is really fun to see Zach and Isabella both love on Xander. They love to take care of him and hate HATE to hear him cry- not because of the sound, but because they want him to be happy. It's very cute.

Dinner and a bath

We have been having lots of fun with our newest member of the DeGarmo family. He has been such a joy- and the kids are really enjoying him too.

Today Isabella got to feed him.

She and Zach are both in love with him and like to do anything to help.

Yesterday was Xander's first bath (since the hospital) and he was NOT a fan.

Zach, however, was happy to help.

He was an unhappy camper through the whole thing.

As soon as we got him out and wrapped up he settled right down.

Indy is pretty fascinated by him- though I'm sure she wonders why this new "pup" gets so much attention.

Zach got one of Xander's books and wanted mommy to read it to them both. Zach was a bit more engaged. :-)

Early Christmas

While we were in Houston the kids (and us) got their presents from their Aunt Kim (Tata) and family. They were very excited.

Last Christmas they got a box of dress up clothes, but the boy clothes were in the minority. This year Zach got some additional dress up stuff. He is dressed up right now as I'm writing this in the blue Nascar suit and Bella is dressed up in the fireman's suit.


Isabella got a very cool reversible dress (the inside has a cupcake instead of a Christmas tree.)

Zach was most excited about his "Tata book" that chronicles his stay with Tata while we were in New Zealand. Isabella had one from a previous visit and they still love to read that one. Now they'll have a new one to read before bed.

Funny Zach

Zach is so imaginative. He makes up stories all the time- sometimes mixing reality with imagination to where it is hard to know what is real and what he is making up. He is especially fond of telling stories about what he and Grammie have been doing.

He also likes to make up songs. Yesterday, while we were driving home from target, he said, "Daddy, I know some new Christmas songs. Would you like to sing along with me?" "Sure," I said. "Ok, the first is called 'Putting up the lights.'" and he proceeded to make up a song and wanted me to sing with him. It was pretty cute. Then, as we drove past the tennis courts by Nonnie's house, he said, "The next on is called 'Playing tennis at Christmas'" and sang a new song.

Today as we were driving home to Austin, we put in "Cars" for he and Isabella to watch. As it started he was doing all the sound effects along with the movie. Then, when the music started, he and Isabella both sang all the words to the Sheryl Crowe song that starts the film.

Welcome Home!

Please join us in welcoming Alexander Adrian William DeGarmo (Xander.) Born Dec 9th. 8lbs 2oz, 21" long.

This video was shot by Isabella. I think she did a great job!

Happy to be reunited

We got home from New Zealand (pictures to follow) and I drove to Brenham to pick up Zach today. When we got home they were very happy to see each other again. Here they are riding doubles on the pony ride while we were out running errands.