Snuggle Time

Every night, I am blessed to snuggle this little bundle of sweetness while relaxing on the rocking chair in his room.  It's such a special nightly ritual.  We read books (Cooper's favorite is Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss).  We sing.  We play with his stuffed dragon (Coop calls him "dah-gun").  We listen to his music box.  And I kiss and hug him.  He smiles and melts into me.  I really love these moments!  They make me love God even more, as without Him, these moments wouldn't be possible.

Lessons On Money

We have always known that Cade is an old soul.  He is a thinker and a planner.  He is mathematical and meticulous.  The amazing thing is that he's also very emotionally intelligent.  He is keenly aware of the feelings of those around him and he senses what is right and wrong.

Often, when we are in the car alone, he talks to me about things way beyond his years.  This past week, he blew me away....again...with the depth of his understanding.  The conversation went something like this.

Cade:  Mom, I'm going to give all of the money in my wallet to help Awana (Wednesday night church group) groups around the world.

He pauses while taking out his wallet and counting the money inside.

Cade:  I have $3.27.
Me:  That's a great idea, Cade.  You know, though, you don't have to give all of your money.  You could save some of it for yourself, if you'd like.
Cade:  I know,  Mom.  I like to give some of my money because it's nice to share.  There are a lot of people who don't have enough money.  I do have to save some of my money, though.  I have a lot to buy.
Me:  Oh yeah?
Cade:  Yeah.  I am going to need to buy a house when I grow up.  And I'm going to need to buy a car too.  Oh yeah, and I'll have to pay for college.  So, Mom, I really have to save my money because that's all going to be very expensive.
Me:  Wow!  You're right.  Great thinking!  You really do need to save your money.

Our little planner, dressed as the witch for his Hansel and Gretel play at school.

Score!

After a delicious dinner, Cooper apparently decided that he wanted dessert.  He opened the pantry and took out the candy bag.  He hit the jackpot!  This is how he felt about his victory.

Cooper has never eaten candy before tonight.  How could we say no after he worked so hard to find his treasure?  This is how he felt about his first lollipop.

Is it possible to love this kid any more than we do?  I don't think so.  He's the BEST!!!

Baby's First Word

Cooper has been "talking" for awhile now.  Maybe even for several months.  He probably started talking around Thanksgiving (16 months old).  His first word was "ball."  Not mama or dada or baba or anything that you might expect.  Ball.

Cooper loves balls.  I mean, Cooper really, really loves balls.  If there was no other toy on this earth except for balls, he would be the happiest baby ever.  That's all he needs.  Balls.  He loves footballs, soccer balls, beach balls, bouncy balls, any kind of ball.

When playing with a football, he'll hold it down on the floor and grunt "Down, Set, Hike!"  Of course, he can't say those words yet, but the grunts make his meaning very clear.  He's playing football...for real.  He makes a play.  Sometimes he passes it one of his brothers (the Receiver) who, in turn, runs for a touchdown.  He cheers for his brothers.  Sometimes he runs to score a touchdown himself.  He cheers for himself.  Sometimes he sticks the ball, in his chubby little hands, out to the side for a hand off.  One of his brothers takes the ball and scores a touchdown.  He cheers again.  This goes on and on.  Day after day. Week after week.  It's so sweet!

Thanks be to God, I captured this on video.  I will always smile thinking of Cooper "playing" football.  He truly is the cutest kid!!!

Musings in the van

Last week, during our usual morning drive to school, Cade and Carter began talking about the future.  The conversation went something like this.

Cade:  "Mommy, when I grow up, I want to live near you."
Me:  "That sounds great!"
Carter:  "I don't want to live in Texas, Mommy.  I want to live in Colorado with you."
Me:  "I would love it if all of you boys want to live near Daddy and me."
Cade:  "Would we live in another house?"
Me:   "Yes.  When you grow up, you'll live in another house."

Silence.  Feeling of devastation permeates the vehicle.

Cade:  "But, Mommy, does that mean that we can't live with you?"
Me:  "No, honey.  You'll live with your wife and children, not with Mommy and Daddy."
Cade:  Teary..."But I want to live with you."
Carter:  Also teary..."I want to live with you forever."

Is it possible for our hearts to live outside of our bodies?  In the case of parents and children, I believe so.  There is nothing more precious, or more alive and vibrant, than the love between parents and children.  What an unexpected blessing that morning drive was!

Here are our sweet big boys who I hope want to live near us forever!