Easter

EASTER 2014
It was a crazy day! It was Ethan's 6th birthday on top of Easter. And even though that does not sound like a lot, well, it was! I thought we were all going to go mad!! We survived and oh, the memories we made! It was the a beautiful and sunny day and having everyone all together made it "perfect".

Ethan

Easter 2014

Nora

Ana

Being 6!

Six?! No, that can't be right! What! Where did the time go? Maybe I have miscounted and have the wrong year? Nope! None of which are true. Our Ethan is now six years old. And even as a spirited, smart, intelligent, I may add; Ethan has no true desire to sit and learn. We are prayerfully praying for his Kindergarden teacher. Bless her soul.

However, Ethan is ALL about learning how to get to the next level of Skylander and even acquiring additional Disney Infinity character. So learning how to spell his last name…well, I guess beating the latest "bad guy" is just more important. Besides, someone has to defend the Skylander's and their kingdom.

Its all going by too quickly. He says words like "confident" and asks if I have "good instincts". I replied; "If you don't know the meaning of a word you shouldn't be saying it. And his comeback was; "it means if you just know what the right thing is to do".  I guess he told me- literally.

When I began this incredibly non-productive blogging thing I was not confident. Perhaps because I read amazing novels, know brilliant writers that can turn common words and sentences into a work of art. All to say this. I was not confident in myself enough to begin being consistent because of my lack in confidence. But its just a blog, right? Yes and no. It just isn't' "any" blog its my blog to one day give my children and family. I want it to be "perfect" and well written. I want them to be proud of the writing I put on paper. So, as I have put off writing about Ethan on his sixth birthday something occurred to me. I tell the children to be "confident" in themselves because as you take that first hard step God will be right there to provide everything you need. It may be hard in the very beginning because beginnings are the hardest but the steps will become easier. I guess I should take my own advice. And perfectionism. I say to them; "it doesn't have to be perfect". Yet I expect it. Who am I kidding, they see that. My lack of confidence can be filled by a mighty and powerful God, who perhaps, has put on my heart to show them how He does work. God is working on me to step out of the boat and trust Him to guide me.

Back to Ethan. He can make anyone laugh, his wit is unmeasurable and if you want to the truth he will be the one to tell it. So be careful. I'm the "greatest mom in the world or the best mama he's ever had" when he is pleased with me but tell me to turn off the video games or go play in his room and I am told; "you don't love me, you hate me". We have manipulation down.

He loves BIG! Genuinely cares for people to a point where I see concern on his face and in his heart. He tells Nana that when she turns 80 she will no longer be able to drive. And that she needs to find a boyfriend because he doesn't want her to be alone. His heart is the biggest thing I love most about him. He senses disorder and wants to bring his humor and smile to restore laughter. He is there to aid his sister and big cousin when they are hurt. And when I am tired or frustrated those sweet arms wrap around my neck followed my a wet kiss on the cheek. He is my special boy. I was scared when I found out I was having a boy but what a blessing he is. I am learning and always will be learning with Ethan and I welcome it. Another prime example of how God provided me with everything I needed as I took the first steps with my son.

We were walking to the mailbox awhile ago and he asked me if I had dreams. I said yes I have dreams. And he looked at me and said; "don't even give up on your dreams, mama". What an old soul. I chuckled to myself because the similarities to him and Nora and sometimes uncanny. She too, has an old soul and is wise beyond her years. I love to have the two of them together because its more like brother and sister. I look at Ethan at times and see Nora at that age. And it reminds me how fast time is passing and how each moment I want to embrace and never forget.

If you mess with his sister or his big cousin be ready for the attack. He will take you out. I grin as I write this, but oh how true it is. There is nothing he wouldn't do for those girls. But on the same hand he can become so angry with them he could (and does at times) scream. When Ana is at school he plays in his room or in the room where I am at. He doesn't like to go outside by himself or get too involved in something that requires being alone. The moment Ana gets home, the first thing he asks is if she wants to go outside and play. The next thing I see is the two of them running off.

He is powerful and mighty and yet loving and a protector to those he loves and treasures. I will always pray that his might is used to serve God and be God's mighty tool.
We love you, Big E!

Simply Living

Have you ever come to a crossroad and think; "wow, what to do now?" Its been like that for us lately. I wonder so many times if I'm doing things correctly with our little ones. Am I giving them the right tools  to use in life and how much of the "good stuff" are they retaining. I have Ethan that is his own comedy act all in one, Nora that is older beyond her years and Ana that delights in pleasing the people she loves most. All three are so different yet the common denominator is that they love God and have a passion for doing right for Him. People might say that the kids learned how to love by faith because of us, but no, that's hardly the case. We laid the foundation of God truths by telling stories of the bible to them and showing how God is apart of our real life because He is a living God. But the most important ingredient has been prayer. Without prayer for our children, prayer for each other and ourself we will be depleted. It is prayer that has gotten us to where it is we need to go. The tough questions we are asked by our children have been answered through the guidance of the holy spirit through prayer. Sometimes "my crossroad" seems scary and even impossible- as it does now. But the truth in all this is that I am not alone. I know what it is that I need to do and that is pray. A simple task yet when having to quietly sit seems impossible; like trying to move a mountain alone. As Ethan told me this yesterday morning; "Mama, you know  what I love about you the most? "Your heart because you pray to God a lot." Talk about conviction. That boy convicted me on the spot and thank goodness for it because as I teach him in the end they are really teaching me.

My Mustard Seed

Today, was the most exciting day because Nora, Ana and Ethan got to see their grandmother get baptized. It felt as though I was back home today and seeing my mother-in-law make a public profession of faith made the day even sweeter. I'm not quite sure if Ana and Ethan truly understood what it meant but its one of those things that the "the seed was planted.

The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"      (Matthew 13: 22-24)

Nora stood beside Rick as he was baptizing Jamie, aka; Grandma. It was an invitation that Jamie had asked Nora since she had a huge part with Jamie making her public decision. As Nora grows into a little lady and onto a lady of God, this memory will always be with her, and I pray that when she needs to feel God she will reflect back on this day. Trials will come our way, we will not always know the "why" answers but having memories as this, God will take us back to what made us first truly believe. 

I often revert back to the memories that have kept my faith strong and allowed growth. Our God is so lovely because when we ask He will give us what we need. And in my life, there has been many times that He has given to me when I did not even know what to ask for. Isn't that beautiful!

I end by writing this; you never know who is watching you and the impact you are making on them. Just as a 9 year old did on her grandmother

What makes perfect?

Nora & Boo December 2012

Brandi, Ethan and Nora

Jimbo, Ethan and Nora

Ethan and Nora

Some people would look at a perfect day as one being pampered, watching old movies while its raining outside or snuggled on the couch with a great book. And all these things are excellent ingredients for making a perfect day but this was mine. Freezing cold, walking and sometimes sliding down an ice sculpture slide, marveling over amazing carved ice sculptures while wearing more clothes at one time that I could barely move in. And did I mention I had to go potty right after we assembled me in all my clothing. I waited.
The art work and the time it took for each piece to be designed, executed and brought to life was extraordinary. I had never seen anything so magical. And Nora and Ethan were embracing it and taking it all in. I loved watching them. And in case your wondering where Ana is- well, we call her Desiree. And the reason for that is because she hates the cold. So this particular evening she stayed with Mimi and Papa in their warm cozy home.
After the looking at Shrek on ice we ventured over the Opryland Hotel. There we saw a free show about Shrek and his friends. It was absolutely fascinating. The singers were amazing, the costumes were grand and even Jimbo and I felt like kids again. By this time, it was raining extremely hard. Good thing Shrek on ice was indoors. Jimbo being the kind person, got the car for us and we headed over to Opry Mills for dinner. We wanted to take Ethan to the Aquarium restaurant. He never sat in his chair. He would walk up and down to watch and see the fish. We had a wonderful meal and a meaningful time explaining fish to Ethan as well as googling his other questions. You sometimes gotta do what is necessary.
I could not have had a more perfect day. I got to spend time with Nora and I felt I got to see Ethan grow a little bit as he saw new things for the first time. And when you put Nora and Ethan together you see how very much like brother and sister they really are.
I can complain about many things. I could probably complain on cue- but not that night. It was perfect!

Oh, the Conversations

Today was a day that ended with me thinking how stickin' blessed I am to have Ana, Ethan and Nora. Putting all three together you sometimes get more information than you intended to know OR you end the night with your stomach hurting from laughing so hard. Tonight, my day ended with ALL my stomach muscles hurting. And even with moments I couldn't breathe. 

Nora, Ana and I were sitting in a circle in Ana's room. Ethan was off defending his Skylander's from the evil forces. The girls and I decided to play a game where you draw a card and it has a family question for you to answer. Some of the questions consist of; "do you know how your mom and dad got engaged" or "what is a smell that reminds you of growing up" You get the picture. Nora draws a card to ask me the question. It read; "If you could have one wish come true- what would you ask for?" Ana went first and said; "I would ask for 65,000 stacks of cake just for me!" Nora and I busted out laughing. And this was an excellent answer from Ana because she loves cake! Now, let me paint a picture of Nora. She is sitting the circle, very prim and proper & with her school uniform on and says; "that is spoken like a true first grader." I literally fell back on the floor with tears in my eyes. Nora is in the fourth grade and she sounded like she was twenty!! Good Grief! Oh what a night it was. I love those girls so much!!

This next story happened last night. The newest thing for kids to do is make these rubber band type bracelets. They were cute last year but now they are a little pain in the neck because you turn and there everywhere- floor, between the couch cushions, on the beds and so forth. Ethan is pretty tidy with his room. However, Ethan will keep a gum wrapper someone gives him and treasure it always. But it will be kept neat in his room. He doesn't mind messing it up with HIS toys and when HE does. But cluttering his room with "girl"toys is not acceptable to Ethan. I get that. So last night Ana had left tons of the rubber bands on his floor in his room. It wasn't that many but enough she should've cleaned it up. Ethan looks at Jimbo and says; "I am tired of Ana leaving her things in my room. I'm gonna beat her little butt ass!!". Well, at first we were so caught off guard that we all laughed in silent. How, where, when did he get this? So Jimbo spoke to him about how that is not a nice thing to say even if she did leave her things in your room. Hopefully, this will be the last butt ass conversation we have. 

Chatter

Today was a great day with super great attitudes. These days come very rare when we are home all day. It usually consists of fighting, "your breathing my air", and the best one "your not my friend". But today, I heard some blog worthy conversations. I peeked into our sunroom where Ana and Ethan were playing on the Wii U. Ana was playing a game and Ethan was encouraging her. I heard him say; "Ana you are rocking this game". I grinned and chuckled to myself. How cool to have a brother/sister relationship. I often wonder where God will lead each one of them. I am beginning to pray that all three continue to have a close bond regardless of age or miles put in between. They are all three amazing children with personalities as big as the sky. And how I pray God will keep them together to not only be who they are called to be but to be there for each other. 

Great quotes from the week

Ethan- Jimbo had told Ethan to hurry up and get in the bath tub and Ethan's response; "Hold on and save your horses". We laughed out loud and said don't you mean "hold your horses" and he replied; "yep, that too." 

Ana- In response to what I asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. "I want to be a teacher and then come home from work and make dinner for my children". I asked how many children she wanted to have. Ana- "I want to have six children". Mama- "How will you take care of all six children and still teach school?". Ana- "I will send them to high school".