Funny Kids

We were enjoying family devotions this morning and Massimo wanted to tell about God’s work in creation. 

“God took sand and made a man out of it. Then he took a rib out to make a woman.”

Lucia interrupted at this point and said, “Then God put it in His pocket and ran away and we never saw it again! Can I drive?”

Christmas Myths

Every family approaches the celebrations of Christmas diffently in their homes. I am totally real with my kids. We discuss who Christ is and who we are celebrating; where our honor and praise is due. We've also discussed who Saint Nikolaus is and how he is remembered for his kindness and generosity in other countries (we have family in Germany). My kids are aware that the Santa celebrated in America is a historically recent tradition (look up the connection to Coca Cola), and we've chosen not to celebrate the fairy tale, because it steals glory from the one who is truly worthy of our joy and excitement. We've taken on our friend's nickname for Santa as the "Glory-stealer." Honestly, this is the first year we have followed advent, and the anticipation to celebrate Christ's birthday has been great. My kids are aware that we don't offend other families by telling them their Santa-related traditions are wrong, but we do discuss openly in our home. 

I love that we can look at fairy tales and life-sized myths and discuss them as a family, that my kids want to know about what others believe, and why: what the root is for others faith in the omniscient Santa Claus, keltys, fairies (good and bad), and many other mythological characters. There is a place for imagination, and a beauty in it. The Chronicles of Narnia, for example... we want it to be real! But in our home Christ, His life and birth and subsequent death is tantamount. Christmas and Easter are the believers figurative lantern-posts of our earthly odyssey, and I don't want lies to surround my children's understanding of it. My kids are now ages 2 and up, so the Little's still don't really understand much about Santa or the rest, but the bigger kids have to be reminded to handle their better grasp on knowledge graciously. It's a work in progress for all of us, but beautiful nonetheless.

Heartache

I cry nearly every time I do the dishes. My kids still ask why I'm sad, then rush to remind one another of the answer. Precious little Lucia wandered through the house last night moaning, "Where's Omi? Where's Omi?" I told her Omi wouldn't come back and she cried, in her darling little two-year-old way, declaring "I miss her!"

I feel hollow and out of sorts, as if in a fog that must make a suitable effort to keep out some sunshine-- a miserable occupation that strives to be present in the daily joys of family life, but with the (untrue) weighty guilt that to experience delight is a betrayal.

My mom and I never had an enviable relationship, but I am deeply struck to realize she leaves a void which can't be reconciled this side of heaven.

Yesterday while on the lake we were shocked as we watched a house burn up in flames. Black smoke rose in billows like the rolling spray off a jet ski. I was transfixed, considering the safety of the family, standing away from the blaze, in great sorrow, but safely together. Massimo on my lap prayed to God for their safety and that of the firefighters, and thanked Him for how quickly the black smoke turned grey, then white with the onslaught of the powerful hose. It was cathartic to watch as sorrows seem fitting right now. I am at ease in tears.

I ache, and it is right to feel this way. Even a walk into Aldi nearly brought me to a blubbering mess on the floor. There are reminders of my mom, and hints of our relationship everywhere. Marzipan on the shelf (I bought two in her honor!), the image of Neuschwanstein Castle on packaging, a dirty rag by the kitchen sink, even a filmy glass door to the shower. Everything still hurts, yet I am grateful for it. It means there is a deep love there which I've so often questioned in my life. I miss my Mama, and constantly find myself begging my Lord to use this sorrow for good.

I continually remind myself that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18); that he Himself is aquainted with grief (Isaiah 53) and comforts those who suffer. And more so, that mourning is not a thing to be flippantly discarded, but viewed as a trial and grace for one's benefit as stated in Ecclesiastes:

2It is better to go to a house of mourning

            Than to go to a house of feasting,
            Because that is the end of every man,
            And the living takes it to heart.

      3Sorrow is better than laughter,
        For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

This has all caused me to draw close to God and consider His ways and His grace with all people. It renews my fervency to pray for my family and friends.

2 Peter 3:8-10King James Version (KJV)

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

My mom was gone so quickly. Shortly before she died, she send me a lengthy text message with her plans for the day. We do not have any time promised to us or any inherent right to the blessing of our time on Earth, but God has been so gracious to give us access to Him, and even greater, to be long-suffering with us despite our hatred towards Him and derision to His kindnesses. It is right to sorrow for her temporal loss, but I have hope that my Mom may have been His child, and I hope she is reveling in the glory of Christ's presence and His blessed kingdom.

1 Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

2 Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

3 Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was he,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

4 He was lifted up to die;
"It is finished" was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

5 When he comes, our glorious King,
all his ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we'll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior! 

This is a photo from my cousin of Mom and her twin, Julie

Birthday Month for My Babies

My Massimo just turned three, and precious Lucia is one. These precious gifts are growing older and more adventuresome.  How has this happened so quickly, and where are their delicious baby dimples going?

Massimo is a joy to my heart.
Lucia is a wonder and delight to behold.

I am hesitantly mourning the loss of my babies.  My head knows to praise the Lord for these gifts, but my heart aches to not lose the gentle innocence of infancy.  I am so torn, as every mother is wont to be!

Delighting in Christ

Sitting outside before the family has awakened and thinking on the truths of the Gospel.  The beauty of Christ, His message.  Our intense, tragic, ugly depravity which leaves us in such a depressed and tragic state of need.  This need is answered, slayed, and presented with a grace unmistakable.  Christ is the answer to my hurt, confusion, sense of betrayal from my youth and I don't struggle with a life's purpose or "who am I?" I am a child of God.  A sinner.  Saved by grace and undeserving of it.

I serve a holy master, though poorly, but by His grace as He is my Lord.  He has done the work and I believe it, trust it, depend happily upon it.  My marriage causes me to delight in Christ as my husband is such a life-embracing example of the God who sustains and loves me.  Incredible, unmistakable grace.  To lose my life would truly be to find it.

Death has no victory or threat for the believer, because it is a release.  As a bird freed from a cage into a vision of paradise; a vista spread before this insignificant creature of beauty, sights, smells, a gentle breeze, flowing waters, and full joy in the flight and revealing of greater and purer ecstasy.  Further up and further in!

2 Corinthians 4:6. “God has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Faith is not just a factual knowledge of God and His goodness, but a reveling and rejoicing in very essence of it!  Soaking in His grace is joy, freedom, delight, hope, and a reason to strive on in the face and surety of trials.  He is worth it all.

Dragons

Gilana, after sleeping in Massimo's room for one night, decided she didn't want to sleep in there again and needed an excuse, "I can't sleep in there because it is a boy's room and makes me have nightmares about dragons." Mo's room has a print of a ship on the wall and various other images of puppies and cuddly animals.

Tasha Love

My sweet Tasha,

I am overwhelmed by Gods kindness in giving you to me. 

You talk me up in public, respect me in private, and trust the Lord always.  Your sweet gentle spirit far excels anyone I have ever met.

You are my wise helper building up our house.

You fill up where I lack, you are gracious to my faults, and your love covers my sin. There couldn’t be a woman better suited for me.

I pray that you excel in your exceptional, God given, loveliness.  May the challenge of raising children not make you rough.  May the uniqueness of you quiet gentle spirit not be taken away by other women who don’t value it. Finally, may God remember all your sacrifice and bless you for your great trust and faith in Christ!

I love you more than ever!

Your Hubby,

Byron

It is only by the sweet grace of Christ that our s

It is only by the sweet grace of Christ that our son, our precious baby boy, is now a year old! He has been a delight to his family, and more so as days pass on. Massimo is a smiley, enthusiastic, charming little man, who gives an easy smile, cheering for his Momma as I walk into the room, and joyously shouting "Hey, Dadda!" upon seeing his Daddy. His sisters can't restrain from heartily embracing him and slathering his person with excessive affection.

The day of his first birthday, little Mo added a new word to his repertoire, "tow truck." His first words of "all done", "pancake" and "hotdog" from 10 months?? have been joined by "Dadda"
Gigi
Sushi

Massimo started pulling himself up to walk at --- He is coasting around furniture with determination and is certain to begin walking soon as he has already made several attempts in the last two weeks with an occasional step. Massimo crawls with vigor and determination through a room, always looking for adventure by opening any door, climbing stairs, and hiding in crevices. He loves to play tag and hide and seek, coyly, with giggles and snorts whilst peering out from behind a chair to flash a smile before bolting to a new spot or going on the hunt for the next person.

I am sure Byron would agree that one of our little son's greatly athletic feats is seen in his gargantuan biceps... This little dude can throw! Our girls never showed real interest in such things, especially so early on, but Massimo can easily chuck a ball across a room. He loves playing ball games with his sisters, but has not taken the humble ground of being gracious to not annihilate them with his raw natural talent. Daddy is okay with that, and has registered Mo for some ball camps and hopes to get him in coaching soon. We are anxiously awaiting to see if Massimo is right or left handed as it will have a major play in how Daddy directs Mo's career.

At 12 months, Mojo has 8 teeth fully in and the ninth painfully breaking through. Sleep has been a challenge since January when the first began to truly irritate him, and all additions have painfully plagued him since. Between his tenth and eleventh month, Massi had what I believe was an infection in his gums over a tooth that has yet to bud, which caused him great distress. Because of his trials, my little buddy and I made it a habit of watching movies, snuggles and play for a couple hours near nightly up until our trip to Hatteras, when suddenly he slept two full nights in a row! It was a miraculous experience after so many months of deprivation.

Thanks to Massimo, I am a near expert on all things related to British period drama.

We may have passed another stretch of teething saga, as a molar is partway in without any complaint till last night. Such blessing for this to have come so far in with no complaint till last night!

Whenever Mo is tired, he reaches for my hair so he can weave it through his fingers, it is his security blanket. The right thumb plugs up his mouth and he nestles his sweet blonde head into the crook of my right arm, curling his body into a position for sleep. At nap time I rock him gently with a song for several moments before settling him into the crib with a light blanket. Nighttime includes nursing and long sleeves to keep him from habitually scratching his arm whilst sleeping.

I continue to cloth diaper and am sad I ever used anything else on the girls. With simple cotton, rashes are few and far between, and heal quickly in a change or two if properly addressed right away. I find my preference leaning more and more towards "natural" parenting as I struggle to find a balance in my own health, I don't want my kids to suffer as I have due to environmental contaminants.

I am daily amazed by this sweet and joyous addition to our family. My face lights up to mimic his and him grips my heart firmly.

On the day of his birthday, Massimo taught himself go blow kisses... He clicks his tongue, then bites his hand with a smile, and readily passes these treats out to us. He also is quick to greet his parents with a genuine kiss (accompanied with a click for the sake of sound effect) and a vigorous hug. Often this is paired with a wiggle, a shout of glee, and an applause. It's the perfect fanfare upon entering a room!

Rainfall

My hearts swells at the joyful squeals of little girls running through the rain
Thunder pealing forth it's awesome call
The stir of the floorboards and pelting rain on the deck and roof
The children circling their Daddy, their earthly protector and source of joy
A stalwart, Godly man who inspires the sweetest affections and total trust
This is no ordinary day
I lie listening, heart pounding, grateful
The trill of delighted screams barely reach me through the menacing bellows of tumultuous and ever beautiful weather
Rain gutters pouring water in the mere moments since this deluge has begun
Their voices obviously enraptured in the incredible scene unfolding around them
Such lovely sounds, my heart is full
The dog opens the door to me seeking comfort and lays nearby
Gods presence is so clearly felt in the great show of creation
It soaks into my soul like the water into the soil outside
A baby's cry, voices rush in, they must be soaked, but off they run again
Sweet memories of this precious time unfolding in my husband's laughter
He delights in his children and they delight in his smile
A squeal, "I can't bear to be cold any longer!"
A soggy baby boy is placed snugly in my arms and the bath is made ready
This is family, this is home

We Love Daddy

I Love Daddy Because:

He is so great and nice! Eliana

He sometimes sleeps. Camelia

He is so wonderful! Gilana 

I love when Daddy:

Plays with me! Eliana

Gives me lots of snuggles. Camelia

Kisses me! Gilana

Daddy-daughter dates are our favorite! (All three)

I like to make Daddy feel special by:

I love him and give him hugs and kisses! Eliana

I love him with all my heart and let him give me snuggles.  I let him do nice things for me and give me candy.  I let him take care of me. Camelia

Bringing him Mommy to give him kisses. Gilana

Massimo loves his Daddy

Massimo was up early this morning to nurse and struggled going back to bed.  After a time, I decided to take him back to bed with me, since he seemed quieted when in my arms.  I put down his bed mat and placed him on top, then settled next to him. At first, it appeared he would drift off to sleep without incident, but then he realized who lay next to him.  With a big grin and a rather awkward lunge, Massimo hoisted himself up to cover his Daddy's face in slobbery and affectionate kisses.  Such is the way of things!  I had to take him out of the room since he couldn't restrain from expressing his love for his Daddy.  Our little son lights up in his father's presence!  He is always quick to strain out of my arms when Daddy returns home from work, or "reappears" in Massimo's presence after an interval away.  Their relationship truly is an extraordinary thing!

Blessed Christmas

As a child, I knew I wanted to get married and have children.  I wanted a man who would love and care for me.  I wanted a fairytale complete with happily ever afters, joy, laughter, musical interludes!  My home-life was rough, but I knew something better was out there.  My faith in God's goodness was simple and resolute; I believed in something I had never seen, but truly believed possible.

Then I met you.  Carefree, joyful, exuberant… seriously exuberant!  You were so much more than anything I expected or hoped my future may hold.  You laugh with abandon, love without shame, give without hesitation.  You scared me with your bold demeanor, yet captivated me.  I fell for you, gradually at first as my guard was high in my desire for "Mr. Right."

Slowly I began to see you as a part of my future… then suddenly you were my future and I desired to dedicate my life to you.  My beloved husband, you are the sweetest gift of my life!

Marriage is happiness!  I will follow you anywhere, trust your leadership, delight in your guidance, seek out your insight, admire your fathering.  Byron, you are an incredible husband and father.  We are well protected and shielded from harm under your diligent leadership.

Together we are embarking on a great adventure.  One where we seek out Immanuel (God with us) that we may grow spiritually strong, faithful, humble, obedient.  You lead gently to a place that can potentially be quite intimidating, but with such fervent desire to serve Christ in all things, that I can't help but become more and more resolved in a desire to be like Christ.  To believe it is possible that the broken pot I am could be beautiful in His eyes, full of grace and delight for our children…

We desire a Gospel life where Christ is magnified, and I am so very proud of the many sacrifices you make and continue to make in order that He is made great in our family.  THANK YOU!  I adore and love and desire so greatly to support you in all, and you make it so easy for me to cherish you!

Sweet husband, as we spend this Christmas packing for our move and enjoying a simple, undecorated and perhaps more purposeful celebration, please know I delight in you.  The children admire and revere you.  I love and esteem you greatly.  I will follow you anywhere and support you in any decision.  I praise God for you and am happy in your company. Thank you for the joy you bring to me. I love you.
Merry Christmas, Handsome!

Eliana at 18 Months

Ellie continues on her mission of utter cuteness.  Take this morning (other than the habitual 6:30 or earlier wakeup), for example.  She calls for attention with a "Mommy! Daddy!" and gives a bounce and a grin upon my arrival.  After an eager and most enthusiastic hug, I lay her down for a diaper change. She clearly instructs me on the order of operations, directing me to "Wipe!" This is proceeded by our little game of keepaway where I must hunt (and obligingly miss) in my attempts to wrangle her feet into her clothes as she taunts me with a coy "no, no, no..."  After a victorious kiss on each foot as instructed by her enthusiastic smacking of lips, we quietly exit the room and leave sleeping Gigi nestled comfortably in her bed despite Ellie's not so quiet shushing of me.

Thankful

I have a great deal to be grateful for on this auspicious day.

Of course the thing that comes first to mind is sleep, since I have experienced a great lack of it for so many months.  Massimo decided to bless me with a full night's rest, not waking me till 6 in the morning.  I am a new person today, near giddy with energy and delighting in the sunshine, my hubby, my girls, this life in general!

Gilana exclaimed delightedly to me this morning that her tooth had "hatched" and she could "feel the whiteness coming out!"  So cute, and sweet, and genuinely innocent in her wonder at this new and long-awaited event.

My Four Month Toddler

We brought little Mojo to the Pediatrician today and discovered he was a whooping 18.5 pounds and quite tall (off the charts) for his age. This is a big dude!  Ironically, his head is only a tad above average.  As it is with every baby, we are continually amazed by how big he has gotten so quickly.

Massimo sleeps only on his belly and refuses to hear of anything else.  He chortles with laughter in his evening tickle-fests with Mommy and Daddy, and is quick to offer a smile--especially to the ladies!  Mojo is a generally happy little man and a delight to snuggle, caress, and just generally breath in.  I love me this sweet baby-man.

I love the quote that "Hours go by slowly, but the years pass quickly!"

It is so true!  In the midst of the trial and joy of childrearing and motherhood, everything can be so overwhelming, but looking back upon the days, months, years…. it all slips away so swiftly!

Camelia, wash your hands

I asked Camelia to wash her hands while I ran upstairs to get the laundry. 

I came back to Camelia stripped down and bathing herself in the sink with the help of Eliana. 

Wow.

Fairy Princesses

In the five minutes the girls have been flitting about the room as fairy princesses, all three have been injured, I have been accidentally punched, slapped, and kicked, and Sushi the dog has been assaulted with a wand. This dress-up stuff is not for the faint of heart!

The Girls

Life has been a blur lately!  So much has happened, and so little remembered.  This will be a fragmented review of the goings on...

Ellie is a firecracker!  She has decided (since we gave away her crib two weeks ago) sleep is no longer mandatory.  She has determined to wake up as often as possible and make as many excuses to be awake as she can muster!  This girl is seriously workin' it!  Any of the following lines will be repeated as long as she can muster:

• Can you come scratch my back, Daddy?
• Daddy, I have to tell you a secret! (What is it Ellie? Big girls play in the back yard....)
• I need to go potty!
• I need you.... I NEED you...
• Mommy!  Daddy!  Mommy! Daddy! 
• To which we reply: Yes, Ellie?
• and she comes back with something like: Sweet Dreams; or I love you so much; or Good Night

Camelia is growing out of her terrible tantrums, but still can be an emotional wreck at the mere mention of an unwanted word.  Words such as "No" and "Come" and "Please help me clean up" can leave her in a state of noxious behavior. She suddenly has attained a great grasp of sketching, and no longer scribbles, but crafts excellent figures with detailed hands and grins upon their curly-headed faces.  It amazes me how abruptly she transitioned from a toddler scribble to the accomplished scrawl of a preschooler.

Gigi is enjoying school and making new friends.  She is rather exhausted at the end of every school day, but still tries to be a helpful, nurturing and loving big sister.  Unless they get ahold of her crayons.  Or her markers. Or are suspected of having had fun at home without her.  Then she is jealous.   But it usually doesn't last for too long before it is time for them to don their fairy princess outfits and frolic about. 

3 Month Mojo

As of today Massimo has such an improved interaction with surroundings, grabbing at toys, my necklace, etc. He also just experienced his first crush. Auntie Lu (Luana) suddenly came into focus and my little boy jolted alert and started some serious flirting. We are in trouble. This boy's smile can light up a room with that dimple-cheeked cuteness!

Giggle

Massimo just gave me a real, genuine, sweet-as-can-be giggle! I am in Momma Heaven!