Darndest Things - Jesus Edition

I'm not sure if its the season or what, but Ryan has been bringing up Jesus in the most spontaneous conversations lately.

We were driving into town, and a big storm was passing.  I saw a bolt of lightning crack across the sky in front of us and out of surprise and awe said "WOW!  I just saw lightning!".  Now, Ryan has always been rather sensitive to loud noises.  I'm not entirely sure if they hurt his ears, or if he just doesn't like the feeling of being surprised...but he REALLY doesn't like loud noises.  When I mentioned the lightning, he became very nervous about the forthcoming thunder and started asking questions with a very concerned tone.  One of his questions (quickly followed by a statement) was "Is it going to do it again?  I don't want it to do that again!"  I told him that I could not answer that as I don't have control over it.  He said "Ohh yeah.... God makes the weather."  I replied that yes, he is the one who gives us whatever weather we need.  Immediately Ryan came back with, "Well,  maybe I could ask Jesus to tell God to stop doing that".
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The boys were at Grammie's house and Papa was home for lunch.  They have a little thing they do that is based on a popular children's book....Grammie says "Do you know how much I love you?"  Ryan answers "To the moon and back".  This particular day, they continued with a few more of these and then Ryan piped up with a big grin.."Hey Papa...I love you to Mars and clear past where Jesus lives!"
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For this one, you need to know who Tanner was.  Tanner was Gage's folks' awesome dog.  Tanner was a big part of this family and blessed us with his presence until earlier this year.  My boys love dogs, and Tanner was a big part of that... especially since they spent a considerable amount of time at their house twice a week while I work.  We all dearly miss him!!

Ryan and I were discussing the Christmas cookies we were going to make (he was VERY excited about making and decorating Christmas cookies this year!).  Ryan asked who all we were going to give some to.  I listed off a few people and Ryan thought for a minute.  His face started to beam with pure joy, then he shared his idea with hope ringing in his words..."Maybe we could give one to Jesus so he can send it to Tanner."
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This last one brought tears to my eyes.  I am continuously in awe of what kids DO remember (we all hear about "oh...they're young...they won't remember that), what the DO know and understand, and of their HUGE capacity to love without strings, without boundaries, and without a complete understanding of the complexities of it.  They just simply love...with complete faith.

May your Christmas preparations slow down enough for you to enjoy the love and faith that is so abundant!

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Luke 18:17 & Mark 10:15

Darndest Things - Christmas Edition

The boys and I decided to be brave and were doing a little shopping at Costco.  For those who haven't been to a Costco, it is a very large warehouse-style store with displayed merchandise surrounded by towering stacks of product (I think its kinda like a Sam's Club??).

I was looking at some Christmas decorations and the glistening diamonds in the brightly lit jewelry case across the aisle caught Ryan's eye.  He "wow"-ed at the shiny rocks and excitedly called for me with a "MOM!!  LOOK!!!".  I turned around and faced him...he lovingly looked me in the eye and said "MOM...maybe I'll buy you a ring for Christmas...."  I felt my heart melt and a smile start to come across my face when he finished his thought with a heartfelt sincerity and a bit too much enthusiasm "...then you and dad can get MARRIED!!!"

I think the look of shock set those standing around us straight...or it could be the fact that I quickly reminded him that daddy and I already WERE married.

A Beachy Thanksgiving

This year we decided to head to the beach for the long Thanksgiving weekend with Gage's folks and his sister & brother-in-law.  Earlier in the week, wintery weather conditions threatened to make any trip a challenge, but we forged ahead...taking some comfort in the fact that we have 4-wheel drive and studded tires.  We headed west Wednesday morning, and with no new precipitation having fallen in the past 24 hours, made the trip with only a few nervous moments (roads had been pretty much cleared, but there were definitely some tricky spots going over the coastal mountain passes).

Thanksgiving morning was spent with us ladies primarily doing some preparations in the kitchen for the feast...but we did get out of the house for a while to enjoy the cold yet clear and beautiful day on the beach (see Hymas Photos for pics of the day).  We always have a great time at the beach...the boys love having the big open space to just play and explore.  There are also countless rocks that need to be thrown back to the waves...endless fun for an almost 3 year old.  We were even visited by a curious sea lion who was playing in the surf (and perhaps feeding??) where a small tributary named the "D" River  enters the great Pacific.

 For me, this was a great place to just be in the moment, breathing in the cool, salty ocean air and watching my healthy and happy boys at play, feeling my heart fill to the point I thought it might burst.  I am thankful each and every day for all the blessings in my life, but 3 of the most important are all my boys, and watching them laugh and play and enjoy life is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive.

We returned to the beach house, finished up the last preparations, and enjoyed a wonderful meal together.

Over the course of the next few days (which flew by much too quickly), we played games, visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium, did a little shopping, and just enjoyed being in the company of family.