Goings On at Our House

Our twin boys are not really very much alike at all. But, here we have documented one way in which Carter & Derek are indeed the same...the watching tv pose. I usually stay clear of clothing with characters on it, but I broke down and bought Derek a pair of Lightning McQueen sneakers the other day at Kohls. I got them for $2, and they were originally $30. (I'm a bargain shopper!) Well, poor Carter was beside himself because there wasn't a pair in his size. (As you can see in the picture below, they are no longer the same size. Carter's taller than Derek now.) The next day at Sears, we found a pair in Carter's size for $12, but they were their other favorite character, Thomas. Carter decided that Thomas would make do, and they were so excited to put their shoes on and watch them light up as they ran around. I may have broken my own rule, but I made my boys happy, and how can you argue with that?

My Mom helped Evan make some Mother's Day gifts for me. They made me a woven placemat and 2 lanterns, all out of construction paper. Evan was so proud of himself. Though he told me on Mother's Day he was sad because he wanted to get me a necklace. What a sweet boy!

Now, this just cracks me up. I was getting ready for work the other night, and I found this sight, The boys had Papa and Nana sitting in the living room, and they each had a book. The boys were singing "I Will Make You Fishers of Men" out of their "hymnals". They were singing it with all of their little hearts. It was precious. Rescue Pack was for collecting the offering. They love to play church.

The next day Evan had his brothers out under our big tree and was playing church again and singing "Jesus Loves Me" loud enough for the neighbors to hear. I was filled with pride at the sight of my children, until it was shattered by Evan screaming. Carter had hit him in the face, and after questioning, we discovered it was because he didn't want to sing anymore. After he was disciplined, I told him he needed to go apologize to his brother. We have been working to train the boys to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and also to tell the person they offended how they will respond properly the next time. Carter apologized, and then Evan beat him to it, he said, "I forgive you. Now Carter, next time we're playing church and you don't want to sing anymore, you need to sing with us, or move along and find something else to do." Can you tell he's the oldest?

Evan and Ben tried flying a kite yesterday. Evan had a blast. Unfortunately, it did end up in a tree.

And these are some pictures of me and the 4 special blessings that make it possible for me to celebrate Mother's Day. We had a beautiful day, and I am so thankful for each of my precious boys, for the privilege of being their mommy, and for the love they have for me.

I pray God will help me to be the mom these boys need, and that I will not do anything to hinder the work of God in their lives. I will find no greater joy than to see my boys follow Christ.

I remember less than joyous Mother's Days, when I would leave church in tears.

I clung to this verse when I ached for a child to hold. It holds so much meaning for me:

Psalm 113:9 "He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord."

I love you, my sweet angels, 'til the day after forever!