Watermelon Fun

I put this on Facebook, but for those who didn't see it there, her is a cute video of Xander enjoying some watermelon.

First Tooth

Xander cut his first tooth today. He's been chewing on everything and drooling like crazy, but we've never been able to feel anything until tonight. Just after we took these pictures of him playing while we were having dinner at our friends' house, Liza felt his gum and got a sharp surprise.

Keeping our Priories Straight

Yesterday we saw two of our nieces perform in "Bye Bye Birdie", and we took Isabella. Tonight she and Zach are spending the night at their aunt's, and she called to tell me the cute story of the night--Kim was helping the kids get ready for bed, and Isabella was talking about a scene in the show where the teenage girls declare that they will sing their song of devotion to Conrad Birdie 10,000 times and she just couldn't believe they would do that and how tired they were in a later scene. She and Kim proceeded to sing Conrad's song 3 or 4 times.

Zach declared that he couldn't believe that they loved Conrad but not Jesus. Isabella told him that they still loved Jesus, and that Conrad was just in a play. I love it!

Peek-a-boo

Tonight I started saying "peek-a-boo" to Xander and he would put the burp rag back over his face. It was very cute and Liza caught it on camera.

Our little missionary

Each of the children "sponsor" a child through World Vision or Compassion International. Recently we have discovered the ease with which to write our children via email. We sign in and write the letter, and then someone translates it and delivers it to the child.

Isabella's child is named Prae, and she lives in Thailand. She is a few months older than Isabella. Isabella just began her letter with "Do you know about Jesus? If not, I will tell you." She then proceeded to explain the Gospel to Prae, and told her that she needed to believe in Jesus. She told Prae that both she (Isabella) and Zach have.

What a tender heart! I am so thankful. Pray that Prae and Wilfredo, Zach's little boy will come to know Jesus.

Xander likes watermelon

Tonight Liza gave Xander his first watermelon. She made tiny tiny bites that he could gum in to oblivion and he really liked it. Then, he leaned in and helped himself to Liza's piece. He wouldn't bite any off- just suck the juice out. I've got a video here and some pictures.

Yesterday I was laying down by Xander while he was playing with his rings and Indy came over to lay down with us. Xander has been taking an interest in everything lately and Indy was no exception. She was very patient with him as he touched her, pulled her mustache and banged her on the head. :-)

Isabella's 6th Birthday

Isabella's party was a "Fancy Nancy" party. One of her favorite book series and lots of fun for a little girl party. All the girls came in fancy dresses and then got fancier- they made hand bags, had a manicure, did a fashion show and then had a tea party with fancy lemonade (recipe from a Fancy Nancy book.) They all had a great time. You can see that from the pictures below...

playing house

Have you ever played house with your children? Where you don't have the role of mother? It is so interesting to be the sister with a younger brother and baby sister and hear the things that come out of "mommy's" mouth. Like assigning time-outs without figuring out what really happened--I got Zach into trouble in a minute--and being told when you announce that you have to go to your other job (getting supper) that "You are very responsible. Good job."

Love

What a night! You may notice that I am posting at 5:16 a.m. I am going back to bed as soon as Xander is ready. Zach has been up most of the night as well, very feverish. When he has been asleep, it has been in my bed, and I have been on the floor because he is so hot. If I am not, he curls up right next to me, which is precious, but also difficult to sleep.

So when Xander woke up at 4:30 and I came downstairs, Zach followed soon after. I fed Xander and then we all were sitting in the big recliner. Zach was amusing Xander. Then Zach said to me, "I love Xander as much as God loves you." I certainly wouldn't trade that for sleep. Lord, let him grow in his understanding of your love for him, but let him always love Xander that way as well.

4-year-olds love to wrestle

I don't want to hear from anyone that we haven't posted in a month. We've been a little busy, and it is easier for Chris to post from his phone directly to facebook. So check out updates there.

In my attempt to re-engage with the blog, I offer this little story.

Yesterday I got a call from our Bible study's children's supervisor explaining that the boys in Zach's group are getting a little rough, and some of the other children are a little intimidated. She is a mom of boys, so is not shocked by this behavior, but says they need to curb the enthusiasm a little bit. She was calling some of the moms just letting us know what is going on.

This morning Zach and I talked about his class. I asked if they liked to rough-house, and when I interpreted that as "wrestle", he announced "O, we 4-year-olds like to wrestle." It was just so funny that he said that on his own. We talked about needing to be a little more gentle because of some of the smaller kids in his group. He replied, "But we 4-year-olds love to wrestle." I love that he has been 4 for 2 1/2 weeks, but has already embraced the age. My buddy is a character for sure.