Intruding

I can't begin to describe the incredible world I enter into when my boys take me into their imaginative world of play.

We spend hours hiking snow covered staircases being whipped around by icy winds. Or trapped in abandon mines deep in the dark recesses behind couches.

Or sword fighting masked villains raiding our table top castle and stacking chairs to create our defense wall.

But as much as I love engaging in the battles, exploring, conquering, and discoveries, one of my all time favorites is to quietly watch.

So call me an intruder but I love peeking around corners to catch these mighty men in action, lost in a world of their making.

To be a spectator of their imaginations is a treasured moment of my day. I soak in their excitement, passion, and beliefs in secret foes and elements surrounding them.

When bills and budgets and war and tragedy holler non stop from reality, it sure is a treasured escape to stand watch and witness the secret world of excitement and play of these wild imaginations.

Happy Birthday Megan: A 30 for 30 Original

Megan,

I have not always known you.

(Like when you looked like this.)

I have only been with you for about a third of your life (maybe known you for almost half), and the boys for much less than that, but you have meant a lifetime to us.  Here are just a few of the little things you are and do that we are thankful for you about.

(Disclaimer: The fact that there are 30 items in this list should not be read into and any perceived coloration to the years of your life is purely coincidental.)

1. That you give me food – H & J
2. That you sing with me – J
3. That you swing with me – H
4. That you work so hard to take care of the home all day long, 24 hours a day, 365.25 days a year - M
5. That you take care of me – H
6. That you fix me honey tea when I’m sick - M
7. That you give me my airplane and blue blanket – J & H
8. That you fix my favorite foods all year round
9. That you watch TV/movies with me – J
10. That you love me and you like me - M
11. That you give me bandanas when I’m sick – H
12. That you that you listen to my long, complicated, boring, lawyer stories - M
13. That you fix me water – J
14. That you fix my Lego/Transformer at the drop of a hat when you are trying to do something else – H
15. That you read me books (over and over and over) – J
16. That you support my dreams – M
17. That you like when I give you flowers – J
18. That you are the most B-E-A-Utiful woman in the world – M
19. That you play Legos with me – H
20. That you have an exuberant, glass-half-full, glow that you infuse all of us around you with – M
21. That you hold me and hold my hand – J
22. That you keep my clothes cleaned and pressed – M
23. That you hold me or let me ride in the cart when my feet hurt – H
24. That you watch sports with me – M
25. That you take time to just sit with me – H
26. That you tell me stories (over and over and over) – J
27. That you make cookies with me – J & H
28. That you have put up with me for 10 years and are willing to do so ad infinitum – M
29. That you meet every need I could ever have – W (if he could talk)
30. That you unconditionally love us all and pour every ounce of your being into each of us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!

The Brothers' Thanksgiving Day Interview

Last year we didn't yet know Wils was a Wils, Jeff wasn't talking well yet, we were living in Tennessee, and we didn't know if we'd ever be back home. So much as changed in 365 days and our hearts are exploding with thanksgiving...as evidenced by the following traditional Thanksgiving interview...

1. What is a thing/item you are thankful for?
    Harrison: Um, the bathtub, and uh, iPad!!
    Jefferson: Me too! And books, and chocolate milk!
2. Who is a person you are thankful for:
    Harrison: Bean
    Jefferson: Mommy

3. What is something spiritual you are thankful for?
     Harrison: I'm thankful God gave us a safe house to live in so we don't sleep outside where thunder and lightening could hit us and kill us dead! (Throws head back and tongue out to the side for dramatic effect)
     Jefferson: Me too! And Jesus loves me!
4. What is a weakness you have that you are thankful for:
     Harrison: Candy! (Shouted) All of the yummy and perfect candy! (More shouting).
     Jefferson: Me too! (Also shouted)...and um...chocolate milk! (more shouting).

5. What is a health related thing you are thankful for?
     Harrison: These arms (pumps muscles) They are super strong and pick up stuff.
     Jefferson: Um, I am singing! I sing!
6. What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day food?
    Harrison: Sausage! (I'm not entirely sure he's ever had that on Thanksgiving)
    Jefferson: Chocolate milk! (I'm seeing a trend)

Brave

Harrison: Dad, you are the coolest Dad in the whole world! 

Matt: Thanks Bud! In about 10 years, can you remind me of that?

Harrison: Sure!

Matt: That way I'll have a 14 year old saying I'm the coolest Dad in the whole world!

Harrison: Yep, I sure will! I promise!

Harrison: Dad, in 90 years how old will you be?

Matt: I won't be alive in 90 years Bud.

Harrison: How about 30 years?

Matt: Sure, in 30 years...what do you want me to do in 30 years?

Harrison: Can you remind me I'm the bravest?

Matt: You got it Bud. In 30 years you are going to be young in your career, a potential young husband and father, and not feeling very brave. But I want you to know that I will mean it just the same in 30 years as I do right now, you are the bravest. 

Harrison: Thanks Dad. I love you!

Matt: I love you too Harrison.

Rewards Based System

Bribery isn't the best parenting technique, but it sure is tempting.

Going to our church's fall festival with my three wild men really didn't help the argument against an all rewards based system.

My opinionated men were willing to do anything for a plastic wrapped bar of sugar, and I mean anything.

They literally jumped through hoops...

...flung rubber chickens....

...threw rolls of toilet paper into a toilet...

...and made themselves dizzy blowing pirate ships down a table, all for the bite sized reward.

But then again, maybe the games themselves were just as alluring as the treat handed out when accomplished.

And since that's the case I'm looking into rubber chickens, how to make your own slime balls, and rubber mallets for smashing golf tees into pumpkins.

Because I'd be taking the rewards based parenting to a whole new level when I say, "Boys, clean your LEGO's up and you can throw some toilet paper rolls in the potty!" There may never be any hesitation to obey first time again:)

7 Month Wils

My Handsome Wils, You are officially 7 months old as of last week and I totally missed that actual day. They tell me this is typical with having three little guys and lots of details to keep up with, but please know, even though I missed that date, not a day goes by I don't soak you up.

You are the happiest boy in the whole world and bring the brightest moments to anyone's day. You are not stingy in passing out your heart melting smiles and laughter. You're energized by attention and saturate with affection anyone willing to spend time with you.

You are now in 12-18 month clothing, size 4 diapers, size 3 shoes, and size large stomach capacity. Your appetite knows no bounds, well at least for your favorite foods. You seem to fill up pretty quick with peas and green beans, but I have yet to find a limit on o's, veggie straws, and fruit.

You can roll in any and every direction, you can reach and grab, and pull, and chew on any desired object, and if you are really motivated, you can get yourself to your desired object of choice. But as for crawling, you are perfectly content to chill out in the floor and watch the entertainment your big brothers provide you with their antics.

You are babbling, but not saying many words yet. You are into growling but you do it with the happiest face and make us all crack up with your attempt at communicating. You are signing "all done" and "more please" pretty well now and that's helped the communication barrier. You love bath time, sippy cups, matchbox cars, and your blue blanket.

Wils, you are precious beyond belief. You are a sweet blessing to this family and we are enthralled with you little man. You have bonded with your big brothers and they love earning your laughter and kisses. We are already so proud of you and can't wait to see how God uses the character we already see emerging. I love you Wils!

Seasons to Remember

As fast as the new leaves grow, green, turn red, then brown, then fall...

...these babies cry, grow, walk, then run on their own.

And just as fast, I'm capturing every moment in my heart to treasure forever.

Just like the golden twilight of fall, these days are fleeting and precious beyond words.

So not an opportunity is wasted to secure moments we will cherish forever.

That means, raking the yard might never get finished because there is a pile of crunchiness just begging to be jumped in.

And the pile will soon blow away, scattered in the winter winds and the moment lost if not taken advantage of this second.

I'm not about to let next Spring roll around and have my boys 4 inches taller and 4 months more mature without living everyday to the fullest.

No matter how many times I swallow down the words, "We need to hurry,...we're running late,...faster," because that just fast-forwards what hindsight proves are the opportunities for the best moments.

Fall around here is admittedly not a favorite, neither is winter for that matter, but we won't  be wishing it away either...quite the opposite.

We'll be hanging onto every moment, capturing these fleeting days, and throwing several more fistfuls of leaves :)