Shortcut to the Tummy

Had to share this great story from dinner tonight...

I (Marcus) was trying to get London to eat tonight, and he was munching on everything except for the main course, which was a baked chicken leg. I thought it would be helpful to tell him why we eat.

I said:
"So, London, when we eat, the food goes in our mouth, down our throat and into our tummy. And when it gets to our tummy, it makes us strong -- gives us muscles!"

London, as he normally does after long statements from Dad, said, "Wow!" Then he started eating his chicken.

Later on, during dinner, London started shoving balls of rice under his shirt, saying, "It go in my tummy! Muscles!" Kid was looking for a shortcut to eating. Thought if he could just get the food directly to the tummy it would accomplish its task better. We were rolling in laughter.

BONUS STORY:
Lately Savannah's found these Advent season Bible readings, and we've read a few verses and lit a candle before bedtime. Tonight we were in the middle of reading the bible verse from the computer when London blurts out, "VeggieTales! I want silly cup!"

It was then we realized that on BibleGateway.com there was a sidebar ad for VeggieTales, and that London was totally concentrating on that, and a Silly Song with Larry he's watched a few times called "Sippy Cup."

Christmas is here!?

Wow, we can hardly believe another Christmas fast approaches. It's been a while since we've been on here, but as we've learned, there's really not a lot of time for writing blogs when you're chasing two little ones around!

Quick recap. Liberty is talking, saying "dada", "mama", "more" and "baby." She's also crawling! London says all sorts of words now, and is quite an athlete, singer, theologian and comedian. We had Aunt Stephanie out here the week before Thanksgiving, which was a nice treat. She just ate up little Liberty!

We had fun this past weekend going out to Albers Tree Farm just north of Sandy, as we do every year, to cut down the perfect tree. It's funny; the first time we went out there it was just Sav and I. The second time, same thing. The third time, we had a newborn baby boy. The fourth time, we had a pregnant mama and a 14-month-old. Now, it's all four of us!

We were excited that because of our new house and its 10-foot ceilings we were able to get an awesome, tall tree. Pictures of that are coming soon, but enjoy this family pic of us as we descended the hill into the tree area at Albers Farm.

Merry Christmas to all!

Teenage moment

I checked in on London in his room this afternoon, convinced that he probably would be awake after a long nap.

When I walked into his room -- quietly, I might add -- he turned over and opened his eyes at me.

I said, "Hi London!". He quickly grimaced and said, "No!"

I said, "Are you ready to get up?"
"No!"
"Do you want Mama?"
"NO!"
"Want to watch a movie?"
"NO!!!!"

After a pause...
"Do you just want to sleep?"

He then buried his head in his blanket and said, "Sleep!"

My little teenager.

Happy Anniversary Marcus ~ Sept 13, 2003

Marcus,

I stand before you today, honored and excited to become your wife. From the first day I laid eyes on your, you shined. God has allowed me to become your friend, for this I am truly indebted.

You have brought me closer to our heavenly Father, strengthened my faith in what He sees in me and have instilled a pattern of putting God first that both you and I will pass onto our children.

When I look at you, Marcus, I see all the beauty God sees! Your mind is a fountain of knowledge, wise and discerning; your eyes are compassionate and warm; your lips speak words of love and devotion to me; your hands hold mine and when I am falling behind your feet lead up back on the Lord’s path.

God’s love and grace has me here today so that I may promise to live with you and love you forever, to be a source of joy to your life; to laugh with but never at you, to share and delight in your joy and to share your struggles during the down times, and to be a person you can always depend on.

I will pray for you, with you and initiate times of prayer. I promise to thank you for who you are as well as what you do, and I will venture into your life to see it through your eyes, to hear it through your ears, and to touch it through your fingertips.

Marcus, thank you for loving me the way you do with God’s love. I am so proud to be a confidant, your crutch, your comedian, your best friend but more importantly, your wife.

I love you!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Liberty 7 months Today!

Our little girl is closer to one year today. Liberty is 7 months and growing cuter by the day if that is possible! She is trying to sit up by herself, still working on her first tooth, and tries to roll and arm crawl. Mama is going to have two babies to run after soon. We are enjoying every minute with this precious gift from God.

Halfy birthday, Liberty!

Can you believe it -- Liberty is SIX MONTHS OLD today!

In some ways, it feels like she still just got here. In other ways, it feels like she's always been here. Regardless, she's such a precious part of our lives: so calm, cheerful, sensitive and delicate. She fully embraces the Haven part of her name, bringing peace to everyone she meets.

To celebrate her "halfy birthday," please enjoy this video of Liberty trying her first bites of solid food!