David style

Me: David, what song do you want to sing?

David: Jesus Loves the Little Children

Me: What colors should we say? [the colors of children: the original song has red, yellow, black, white and sometimes brown]

David: Red, yellow, white, blue. Aaaaannnndd pink. Oh and CHOCOLATE!

That would be milk chocolate and dark chocolate--or in David's case, white chocolate!

Choir

John and Hava are part of the Joyful Notes choir at our church. They performed this past Sunday...here's the video for grandparents and anyone else who's interested:

spring break, day 1

I waffled in deciding whether we would break for spring. But in considering what is gained in time away from regular dailyness, I knew spring break was a must.

Today was the first day and it was good. Billy and I shooed the kids outside to play in the damp coolness (after yesterday's amazing hail and rain storm) and had time to sit and talk. So refreshing.

This afternoon, the kids had a "movie day" (generally reserved for Saturdays and Sundays) and then we took an hour and a half just to play at the library.

I took advantage of the time at the library to start a new novel, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, which was recommended by my mother-in-law. How could I resist with that title? (-:

I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning on the way home so we went out again and stopped for frozen yogurt afterward. The kids chose their own flavors and toppings and thoroughly enjoyed the treat. (I enjoyed that it was buy one, get one free!)

John and Hava elected to snuggle together in John's big bed for the fourth night in a row. We read aloud a chapter from By the Shores of Silver Lake. John was snoring by the second-to-last page and Hava's eyes were glazing over. I found them later like this:

And then it was Christmas!

I wanted to unpack my Great Grandma Johnson's china--which I was fortunate to inherit when she passed away shortly after Billy and I were married. It has been in boxes for years. I didn't realize how many years until I unpacked it tonight. Oh my, there were so many treasures. I even found four extra everyday plates that I assumed I had broken back at our first apartment (7-8 years ago!).

The Bible doesn't say specifically if people in heaven can "watch" us but my heart was very full and happy as I unpacked Grandma Johnson's china and remembered her and the feasts she served on these very dishes. I think that would make her smile.

It certainly made me grateful for this rich ending to spring break, day 1.

4.5

Havilah,

At four and a half years old, you are leaving your baby ways behind you, giving me glimpses each day of the big kid and young woman you will become. I appreciate your honesty, your affectionate love, and your appetite for knowledge.

I also appreciate your inquisitive mind, though I must confess getting tired of that why? question when there are more than a couple dozen instances in one day. (-: I'm glad you want to know why the moon doesn't have anything orbiting it and why some babies don't have a mom and a dad to take care of them, and why you should not bite your fingernails and why God lets some people not choose him. So keep asking...and I'll try to give you real answers at your level.

I love that you crave time "for just us, Mom." That girl time is precious to me. After all, you're all I've got in the girl department. So many boys around us, but us girls have to stick together.

Hava, your Mom makes mistakes every day. Sometimes so many in one day that I wish we could erase that day from our memory. But here's what I'm working on in my own life: I want to see you (and your brothers) as my mission field, as my chance to honor God right here, right now. That involves getting past myself so it's not natural. I'm failing so often but I keep on trying. Why? Because God your Father loves you and He wants me (and your amazing Daddy) to demonstrate that love tangibly.

This week we're celebrating your first spiritual birthday. In your next year of following Jesus, I want to do a better job of pointing you to Him with your questions, with your weaknesses, and with your adoration. I thank God so often that you have such a big, tender heart toward Him. That you said today "I want to read my Bible every day" and that you soak up the truths in His Word as fast as we can teach you.

You're a precious girl, Hava Joy. I'm so blessed to be your Mom!

P.S. Here are some shots from the last few months that I especially love.

With Grandpa Tapp:

With Papa:

John!?!

You and Sweetie Pie!

My Christmas elf:

in your dance costume:

Playing at the children's museum: