Thank you for Grace

Ephesians 5:20 says "give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV).

"Saying thank you to God in the midst of our circumstances is definitely different than saying thank you for them. And yet, scripture tells us to do both"  

This is a quote from Angie Smith (an amazing woman of Christ, with a beautiful story, and a strong Love for the Lord).  

All day I have been thinking of things I am Thankful for and praising God for these things.  I am sure many of you have done the same.  My list was quite long and it was quite fun to come up with even more. However, not until this evening (wed night) did I realize that Thanksgiving was also the one year anniversary of the death of our baby. 11/27 Who I have called Grace.  I have been dreading this day for awhile and sick to my stomach as it has hung over me like a black cloud.  I was hoping it would pass and I would forget, but God had another plan.  

I again avoided these thoughts for a few more hours until I was heading to bed.  I grabbed my bible, a poem I have been writing, and Richard's computer.  I dropped my bible and the pile of papers inside fell out and I shoved them back in randomly to get to the bedroom.   And then I saw my hope chest in our bedroom.  I wouldn't be able to give you a full inventory of its contents, but I do know a few special things that are kept safe inside.  

The memories of these things flooded me and filled me with pain and sadness. As I allowed myself to return to these places in my mind, the Lord filled me with peace and wrapped His arms around me. I opened it up and found what I was looking for. A sleeper and two blankets I had bought for our sweet baby when I was still pregnant last year and hopefull for a daughter. (Just so you know we did not find out the sex of our boys until they were born so I purchased one boy and girl sleeper and blanket to get them home from the hospital in).  And a onesie from the Children's Hospital of Iowa that was a gift from Richard and the boys for mother's day last year in memory of our baby. 

How do I say thank you for this?  How can this be added to my list Lord?

Next I climbed onto the bed and pulled out my bible to search for a specific verse. As I did these things I prayed for the Lord to speak to me, and quieted my soul so I would hear Him.  I am not sure if He was afraid of my short attention span, or what, but the papers that were randomly shoved into my bible pointed me to a few verses on trusting the Lord that I had underlined. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" -Proverbs 3:5  jumped out at me as I pulled one piece of paper out.  Immediately tears began to flow and I began to realize how I am Thankful for losing Grace.  My relationship with Christ has strengthened tenfold, I have a new perspective on life and find myself praising the Lord for the good and bad days, I have been able to cultivate relationships with other women because of our common bond in losing a child, and I can see now (a year later) all the other wonderful things that God has done as a result of this loss. 

I have been able to Trust His plan (most of the time) and if you read my blog you know this is my biggest struggle.  It has been a long year and I have walked through some dark days, weeks, months and somehow come out at His feet thankful.  Thankful for all the wonderful friends and family who have lent their shoulder for me to cry on, ear to talk off, and comforted me.  Thankful for my husband who has been there every step of the way holding me up too.  Thankful for my two beautiful boys who the Lord has already given me and for their continual reminder of God's love. 

During this intimate soul searching (which I am sharing with you all in hopes to bring God glory) I was brought to Angie's blog, where the Lord brought me when I was coming out of my darkest time last year, and read her challenge.  I can't give her words justice so you will just have to go and read it for yourself to fully grasp the wonder I am feeling as I frantically type at 230am.  

She has challenged her fellow readers to write down something you are thankful for. The catch being, something you don't feel thankful for, like losing a baby. 

It is not easy, but the freedom is amazing.  I am also humbled by a Savior who is Soverign and has a plan for me.  

These words came to me on nights when I could not sleep and prayed for peace and comfort.  I prayed for something tangible since we have no footprints, baby bands, pictures, etc.  One year later, because I trusted the Lord, He has given me this... 

Dear Grace,

I'll never kiss your baby cheeks

or smell your soft, clean hair

I'll never walk right by your room

and see you playing there

I'll never feed you late at night

and watch you as you eat

I'll never sing you lullabies 

to help you fall asleep

I'll never get to watch you grow

and teach you along the way

About a man named Jesus

who died and washed your sins away

I'll never kiss your scraped up knee

after a super-man attempt

I'll never get to hold you tight 

just because I can

I'll never do these things with you

but that's okay because

I know you're in the arms of Christ

safe,

 whole, 

and surrounded by His love

I'll always have my dreams of you

and await that wondrous day

When I get to hold you in my arms

and thank the One who kept you safe

and helped me find the way

The way to the cross

The way to say Thanks

Thanks

for taking Grace.

Love, Mommy

2 millionth hit....almost

If you have been to my blog before, you are full aware of my reference to MckMama, her son Stellan's miraculously healed heart, her infamous Not me! Monday blog carnival, and her adorable kids. 

****Tangent Alert****So today I was woken up a little earlier than I had hoped by the boys (I worked last night and will again tonight) as they were not behaving for our wonderful babysitter Maria.  I sent her home and was feeling a little overwhelmed by having to discipline them already when all I wanted to do was snuggle them close.  I took a deep breath, said a little prayer and contemplated just letting them sleep with me some more instead of giving them the spankings they deserved and sending them to their own room.  All of a sudden I was overwhelmed with peace and felt the strength of an army of fellow mothers encouraging me to follow through with my threats and as hard as it is...discipline so they may learn and become respectful, loving young men.  With this new found strength, I did just that. Sent them to their own beds, spanked them and kissed them goodnight.  Since my adrenaline was a little two high to return to sleep I did what seemed logical...checking my blog as well as those that I follow.

Back to the purpose of this post. MckMama has just posted that she was close to having 2 million hits on her blog, so I became curious and the competitive nature that drives me wondered how close it was to that landmark.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was not far from the coveted number and after a little BS (blog surfing people!) I thought what the heck, one more peek and then I better get back to sleep. I was delighted, ok I was actually ecstatic to discover this...

So I took a picture.

Ok, so I took a few pictures.  Then I emailed them to MckMama! 

Now, instead of sleeping more, I am writing this post and praising the Lord for not just 2 million hits, but 2 million chances for someone to hear a beautiful story about following the Lord. Walking the path least desirable, TRUSTING the Lord, and sharing it with complete strangers on the internet!!!!!!  I love my job as a NICU nurse but hate the moral/ethical delimmas that surround that place.  I can only imagine how hard it was for MckMama and her hubby (prince charming -how great is that? Maybe Richard needs a name like that- any suggestions) to continue the pregnancy knowing that all that was ahead was unknown.  If you want to hear her story...click on the numerous links above and check it out!  God is good. And, now I am tired ;0) 

Not me! Monday

MckMama has given me a reason to look forward to the beginning of the week and not just the end....Check out her blog and enjoy my denial of truths while you are at it!

• I did NOT Love having our home filled with family and friends this past week during Richard's Uncle's funeral.  
• I did NOT convert some of the Huttons to eat popcorn with hot tomales (a concoction my mother passed on to me and I can't eat it any other way)!
• I did NOT put the boys to bed one night before family came over to visit and tell Jonah he most certainly did not hear the voices of these visitors while I was trying to put him to sleep! Nope, cause you should never lie to your kids! Eeek!
• I did NOT shriek with excitement when I saw a Cold Stone gift card that had been left by our wonderful house guests and make Jonah and Elijah think there really was a monster in our house trying to get me.  Don't worry, they came to my rescue! 
• I did NOT go to a jewelry party on Saturday, buy something and decide to host one in January (if you want to come let me know ;0) 
• I did NOT pray on Friday that my husband and I would get some quality time together this weekend and have my mother, a few hours later, invite our boys over for a sleepover making this a total reality!
• I did NOT have soooooo much fun with him on Friday night eating at the Blue Moose (where I did NOT get an appetizer, meal and share a mud pie with him). We did not go to the truck stop and race each other (a favorite date from high school) in the arcade where I most certainly did NOT beat him 3 out of 4 times! Yahooo! I mean sorry Richard, good try, maybe next time!  He beat me playing scrabble later so don't feel too bad for him!
• I did NOT announce the names of people's wireless internet as we drove around town (we were listening to some songs off his computer wired through the stereo system in his pick up) because that would be a super geeky thing to do.
• I did NOT get free tickets to the Neil Diamond concert on Saturday night and go on a date with my hubby and our good friends Nate and Amy and have a blast! Even though I only knew two songs, couldn't have picked him out of a line up, and was maybe the 3rd youngest person there.
• I did NOT spend Saturday night and Sunday sick and be taken care of my wonderful husband, and two children.  I did NOT pray relentlessly that my family would not catch this nasty stomach bug. 
• I did NOT wake up after a long nap Sunday to my again amazing husband starting to put up some Christmas lights....Hurray!

• I did NOT have "help" from Spiderman and Buzzlightyear while I was vacuuming and cleaning this morning

Here's to Monday's and denial of truth!

It feels like home...

 We have had a crazy couple of weeks in the Dafoe household.  I was going to try and break up this post, but I am afraid it will turn into an extremely long one!

It all started a few weeks ago when Richard's uncle Dick, who has been suffering from cancer for a few years, ended up in the hospital and we weren't sure how much longer he would be with us.  Richard's mom (Irene) flew in from California for a visit/to be here for her brother and we spent most of the week in and out of the hospital visiting.  It was a bittersweet time with everyone.  Most of the family headed back home after Dick was moved home with hospice.  Irene was able to stay until just yesterday and was fortunate enough to help care for her brother during his last few days and watch him "go home" to be with the Lord.  Richard was also able to spend some quality time at his Uncle's bedside and also witness the beautiful departure from this world.  How hard it is to watch a loved one suffer though praying God would grant you just a little longer with them but also that He would take them home.  Irene was able to stay for the funeral and we were able to see the Hutton (Irene's family) a little more.  We were also privileged to have some of the Hutton's stay in our home and others come for visits in between the events.  It was such a pleasure to open our home to this loving family and be able to reciprocate as many of them have graciously opened their homes for us on numerous occasions as we passed through MN.  We always look forward to their visits and cherish the time together. Through all this we took advantage of some precious time with Grandma Irene and sure enjoyed her visit!  She was such a blessing and it was such a treat to see her for a few weeks.  We hope it won't be too long before she is able to come back for a visit. 

During all this craziness we were also privy to a visit from our dear friends in Iowa City who feel more like family than "friends" after all we have experienced with them.  Clint, Katy, baby Isaiah Hawthorne and Paul Asjes were able to make a quick, but cherished trip to our house in Grand Forks.  Clint, Katy and Isaiah were in MN for a month while Clint did a rotation for medical school and Paul is in Des Moines, IA for law school.  It was surreal to have them in our home visiting and having some wonderful time of fellowship.  This visit made our "house" feel more like home.  It made me miss Iowa City and all the great times we had together.  Katy and I were able to sneak away for a little one-on-one girl time (thanks boys), then the guys took a turn taking in a Sioux hockey game while us girls held down the fort while the little boys slept. 

Richard and I have felt as though we are feeling more settled in Grand Forks and it is feeling more like home as the days pass.  However, after watching so many loved ones coming and going through our house we (or at least I) feel like this is home.  One of our favorite things is to have food, fellowship, and fun with friends in our home. It filled my heart with joy to see our couches filled with family and friends throughout the past few weeks. 

Thanks to all who helped fill our hearts and home with memories, laughter, and love.  Our door is always open! 

Small Fryday contest!

Hello my fellow blog readers... many of you have commented on my therapeutic "Not me! Monday posts" and I am not sure if you have ever taken the time to check out MckMama's blog (the creator of the blog carnival) and read her story.  I encourage you to check out her site when you have a chance!  She also is an incredible photographer and has adorable children to practice on.  

She is having a contest for an opportunity to give back to her fellow blog followers (like myself) who have been praying with their family as they experienced the trials during their last pregnancy with their son being diagnosed with a heart condition and not expected to live. God is good and He healed their little MckMuffin.  Back to the contest....if you talk about this contest and link back to hers you have the opportunity to win a customized blog and some photography gifts.  

I never win things like this, so if I do it would be quite miraculous! But, it is worth a try!  

Praise the Lord for healed hearts, cute kids, and contests.

Not Me Monday

It is monday! Hurray! Here is the beautiful denial of truth that MckMama started: 

• I did NOT make macaroni and cheese for lunch this week and totally ruin it somehow, resulting in some of the most disgusting lunch I have ever made, and then proceed to feed it to my children because they couldn't wait for anything else.  Only to be pleasantly surprised when they thought it was delicious and ate it all!
  
• I did NOT get frustrated when my two year old came to me this past week quite frequently to tell me that he needed a new diaper because he had pooped or peed but would not let me put him on the potty. 
• I did NOT laugh at my 3 year old (who has an extremely sensitive gag reflex) when he gagged and almost lost his snack over the lovely aroma from his little brother's diaper!
• I did NOT go crazy waiting for the weekend to come because I was NOT excited to see our dear friends from Iowa who came for a super sweet, but just too short visit.
• I did NOT totally look out the window a million times on Friday night waiting for them to get here like a little kid!
• I did NOT have a blast with Clint, Katy, Paul and little Isaiah this weekend and cherish every little moment of our time together dreading sunday morning when they had to leave, but trying to enjoy it while it lasted
• I did NOT love going downtown with Katy and having some extremely precious time together while we window shopped, laughed, talked and just enjoyed each other while our WONDERFUL husbands watched the little ones.
• I did NOT wonder how great it would be to still be in Iowa City with those guys hanging out like old times.
• I did NOT just write this post super fast just so I wouldn't be at the end of MckMama's list while waiting for my two year old to finish pooping in his diaper so we could go to Target!

7 things I hate to admit

So Travis tagged me FOREVER ago and I hadn't taken the time to actually admit to myself what I hate admitting to others.  So, after some careful consideration I have come up with a few things:

1. I am ridiculously addicted to frappuccinos from Starbucks. Particularly java chip.  I know that this is silly and how do I justify spending $5 each time on the cold, refreshing, energizing, stress-releasing, keep-me-awake-all night at work, chocolaty, quasi-coffee treat?  Not sure.  
2. I hate cleaning and cooking.  My house will never be in a magazine or be the envy of the neighboorhood as far as it's cleanliness goes (unless my husband has attacked it because he can't stand it anymore, which often is the case).  I know it is a necessary evil, but I find little motivation or reason to clean so frequently only to see it destroyed by two adorable toddlers right away.  I am getting better about this.  Upon trying to decide which 7 things to admit about myself to the world I realized this may be in part due to the fact that we now have hardwood floors that show EVERYTHING which is good and bad.  I also have a little more "free time" since I am not working full time and want to serve my husband in this way because I know he appreciates it.  Cooking is something I also am learning to enjoy a little more.  Why do I hate cooking? I hate the mess, that it might not be edible, that it takes so long, that I am scared to try new things, that I would rather play with my boys, that my husband is an AMAZING cook so why try when you are second fiddle?
3. Contrary to the previous post...I have some OCD tendencies that involve things being picked up, put away, and organized.  The boys' toys are mostly organized into bins (cars in one, balls in one, little figurines in another, weapons in one, etc) and I am slightly, ok largely annoyed when they are not organized.  I also like my house looking neat and picked up (just don't look to close at the dust bunnies and finger prints)
4. I wish I was a better photographer.  I love taking pictures, but they aren't anything to write home about.  I suppose I could take a class or put it on my list of things to do when the kids are grown and gone.
5. I have control issues.  Control over the unknown, my family, life, mostly over anything and everything that I don't have control over.  God has used many wonderful people, events, and my wonderful husband to help me learn to trust and let go of this control.  I know I will be challenged even more as my children grow since I essentially have most control over what the wear, eat, do, read, watch, etc for now.  However, every time I am confronted with my control issues and I finally give them over to the Lord, again, He blesses me and showers me with His love!
6. I love my boys to death and if that is all I have it will be fine, but I do pray for a daughter often.  Having only sisters Richard thinks I wouldn't be happy with just one and "if you give Becky a little girl, she'll ask for another so she can have a sister", which I am sure would be true, but I would be happy with just one.  I feel honored that God has chosen me to raise these two amazingly, energy filled, healthy, loving, and beautiful little guys.  I have learned a lot about boys and have a LONG way to go.  Plus, Jonah wants a little sister so why not?
7. I have the most wonderful husband. Wait, why am I writing this on a blog dedicated to things I hate to admit?  I try to keep it on the down low so no one steals him from me!  I have known him for almost half my life and he is my best friend, lover, and soul mate.  He is an incredible father and has taught me way more about parenting than I him.  He loves the Lord and is dedicated to serving our Father and leading our family.  He loves me unconditionally and does an excellent job displaying this love for 4 little eyes to see and absorb.  He is one of the best cooks I know and delights in spending an entire day making an incredibly delicious meal for friends and family.  He hates the tv and thus insists we do not have cable and therefore, does not sit in front of the tv like a bum all the time.  He loves to be outside and spends more quality time with the boys than I probably do.  He encourages me daily to be a light, a better wife, mom and friend.  He has sacrificed so much and worked so hard to be who he is today and for our family.  He finds me irresistible and attractive despite what I think when I look in the mirror. He manages to put up with me daily (which is an accomplishment in itself). He is also very attractive and hilarious.  He loves fixing things around the house and doing it himself (which he does an excellent job on).  He makes sure I use proper grammar when speaking (he'd probably die at my improper use of English on this website though). He never makes a promise he can't or won't keep! I hope to enjoy many more years together and grow even closer. 

Whew!  I feel a little naked now ;0) I would tag some others, but I am not sure who would do this. So, instead I will leave it at that and let me know if you are up for participating. 

Trust

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" -Proverbs 3:5

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" -Romans 8:28

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" -Job 1:21

This past week I have watched a beautiful man of God suffer from cancer while surrounded by his family wondering if they will be close for his last breath.  I have also seen a family lose their husband/father/friend to a heart attack. 

I have always struggled the most with trusting the Lord completely.  Fear is my biggest enemy and Satan knows it.  I have stopped trying to understand the pain and ugliness of this world and have comfort in knowing our God is a Sovereign one!

Please pray for a family as they watch their loved one die.  Please pray for another who had no time for goodbye's and lost their loved one so suddenly.

Hold your loved ones a little closer. Call and tell them how you feel. Forgive. Praise the Lord that He is in control and loves us despite our human brokenness and that he is their to hold us up when we can't do it anymore. 

Love. Trust. Praise. Pray. Live

Not Me! Monday

Here we go again...cheers to Monday and to MckMama.

I did NOT restrain my two year old this morning for an extra 20 minutes of snuggle time in bed before starting the day.

I did NOT take my toddlers to Target late at night last week knowing I had to get lots of groceries and such and act as if they were not my children when they ran screaming and being silly down a few isles as people gave them dirty looks.  I also did NOT rush to catch up with them a few isles over and divert them the other way to avoid being caught by these un-impressed fellow shoppers.

I did NOT let my boys stay up late and reward them with watching a Night at the Museum with me when I probably should have put them to bed instead, but they had been EXCELLENT at the hospital visiting Richard's uncle who was very sick.

I did NOT stop at Wendy's on the way home from an attempt to eat out with relatives in town visiting Richard's uncle that didn't work because it was getting late and get a frosty with cookie dough and wait until the boys were sleeping to eat it instead of sharing.  Hey, I did make them popcorn!

I did NOT comment on how disgusting my kitchen floor was, and how it desperately needed to be washed, drop a scoop of ice cream onto it, pick it up, and then proceed to eat it. (5 second rule)

I did NOT check MckMama's blog more than a few times this morning to see if she had posted yet so I could participate in this unbelievable denial of truth

I did NOT spend a few hours during nap time last week, instead of being productive, checking friends' blogs, searching the internet for things I don't really need, and blogging.

I did NOT pout for a little while (to myself) when our plans to visit some of our bestest friends from Iowa (who are in Minneapolis for a month) last weekend were destroyed!

I did NOT take my husband's vocab quiz he was giving his 7-9th graders today and get a C! I am definitely an A student! (That'll teach him to use me as a guinea pig again)

I did NOT let my son continue wearing costumes during the day, to sleep in, and out in public this week as he rotates through the "costume box" because he is just too darn cute!

I did NOT spend at least 20 minutes scavenging through the left over costumes at Target (on sale for $5) to find two for the boys and almost buy 3 more, but realize two was probably enough as they through a tantrum because it was well past lunch time

I did NOT go through the baby isle at least 2o times during this same trip to Target trying to decide what to get for Richard's cousin who is expecting a little girl in January and see the same person at least half of the time who saw me change my mind a million times and probably thought I was crazy! 

I did NOT curse under my breath as I ran into the pouring ran last week to make sure all the downspouts were up, and once I was completely soaked, not find it very funny when the rain stopped suddenly after I had finished.  Not funny God!  

I did NOT invite Richard's relatives over for lunch on sunday (12 or more people) and then realize I had to shower and pick up the house leaving my, yet again, AMAZING husband to brown 4 pounds of hamburger for sloppy joes, make a pan of brownies, and run to the grocery store!!!  Thanks Richard!

Until next week...

Go Vote...Get FREE Starbucks!

Go Vote today and get a FREE starbucks! You just have to go there after you voted and let them know! How sweet is that! Anyone who knows me even just a little bit already knows my secret addiction to their delicious coffee.  

Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself!   

                     

A Jonah and Elijah Sandwich

What could be better on a cool fall day than being the center of a Jonah and Elijah sandwich?  I accidentally got up to make a quick bathroom run while the boys where headed down for their nap (I worked last night and work again tonight).  They saw me and it was over!  I sent Maria (our wonderful babysitter home) and they ran and jumped in my bed.  On my days off, if I take a nap (which often is the case) we all snuggle together for nap time and I am often in the middle per their request.  Jonah has to sleep on Richard's side so he can be "just like daddy" and Elijah by default sleeps on the other side.  I hope when they are taller than me someday I can remember how sweet it was to be a Jonah and Elijah sandwich with two amazingly sweet and peaceful toddlers sleeping on each shoulder.  Too bad I couldn't sleep any longer and snuck away to get some things done. Love you boys!

I am learning to stress less about wether or not I get my list of things done (which I love making and checking off) and stress more about how much quality time I spent with those two little men during our days together. I have also realized how non-spontaneous I am and how much our boys have come to depend on the predictability of our days together.  I am stretching myself and them by throwing a curve ball every now and then.  Since we all know life is anything but predictable.

Not Me! Monday

Here we are again, on Monday (my new favorite day of the week) and this wonderful denial of truth.  First, I need so praise the Lord for the birth of the beautiful and completely healthy Stellan (MckMama's little man). Go to her website and read about it, but bring some kleenex! 

I did not shriek last night (while going to the bathroom) that tomorrow is monday and scare my husband with the late night screaming!

I did not LOVE watching my boys trick-or-treating and sprinting from house to house because they were excited for the treats and because they WERE batman and robin (not Jonah and Elijah)

I did not LOVE hearing Elijah say "Robin, the boy wonder" as he ran from house to house (apparently this is a phrase from the old school batman cartoons that the boys saw when I checked it out from the library)

I did not put off putting my boys down for a nap in order to write this post.

I did not just break 3 plates reaching over the dishwasher to put them away because instead of closing the dishwasher and then doing it I pushed them and they flew through the back of the cabinet (you can open it on the other side by the table) and landed on the floor

I did not also proceed to pick the largest broken piece and throw it on the floor because I have not always wanted to do that and decided why not since I have to clean it up anyway

I did not eat at least 4 little chocolate bars from the Halloween stash while writing this post

I did not cry, again, when Jonah saw a little outfit I had bought for our friends new baby girl and asked excitedly if that was for the baby sister that Jesus was going to bring him.

I did not let my boys eat candy corn, peanuts, and fruit snacks for breakfast once this week

I did not spend 3 hours cleaning like a mad woman on Friday because 1) my husband had requested it and 2) I realized people would see it when they were trick-or-treating!

I did not let the boys stay up until 1030 on Halloween because when we came home from my parents house I decided it would be more fun to have a glowstick light show in the dark living room instead of going to bed.

Lovin' this weather in NOVEMBER!

Do you know that it is 66 degrees F in Grand Forks right now?????  The boys and I spent the morning inside playing, doing chores, etc and I was completely shocked when we headed out the door for a quick trip to the library to discover this beautiful weather.  It is pretty windy so I just guessed it was chilly.  We made the trip to the library quick (we needed to return and check out new books) so we could enjoy the beautiful day. 

***Warning: Tangent:  Here is a little part of a conversation between Jonah and I at the library. I warned them this was going to be a very little trip (usually we spend a good couple of hours there) and told them when I say it is time to go they need to say yes mom and come right away without whining. We practiced in the car and this is how it went...

Me: "Ok boys, when I say it's time to go what do you say?"

Elijah: "Yes mom, me coming"  (love this little man)

Jonah: "Okay, here's the deal mom, I will say in a minute..

Me: "Jonah, no! When I say it's time to go you need to say yes mom."

Jonah: "Mom, don't you know that in a minute is Spanish for Yes mom, I am coming right now, and I am going to obey you the first time?"

Me: "I don't think so Jonah."

Jonah: "Ok, maybe it isn't Spanish. But, that is what it means!

***End of tangent****

So when we got home Jonah wanted to have a picnic in the backyard. So, while I was making lunch he and Elijah pulled their little camping chairs outside and one for me. Needless to say, nap will be a little late today because it may very well be snowing tomorrow and we won't see this weather again until may!

If our lovely internet lets me I will post some pics later of our super picnic and this fantabulous weather.