Variety: The Spice of Life

The personalities in our house vary as much as the orders I get for meals each day.  With four children that all seem to be as different as night and day, we have some very interesting dynamics at play in our lives.  My firstborn, Nathanael, (aka Nate)  is a true people pleaser.  He knows when and where he should say things and can appear “fine” in front of strangers.  At home, on the other hand, he wears his emotions around his neck like a neon-lit billboard.  When he is happy, he shines brighter than the sun in July and when he is down, you can mop the floor with his bottom lip.  As a “tweener,”  this seems to be intensified exponentially.  This morning was not good for Nathanael. Worried over world hunger? - No.  Nervous about a math test? - Hardly.  Pimple on the horizon?- Not quite.  No, this morning Nate had no clean boxers.  The fact that he had to choose between “whitey-tighties” or boxer briefs caused a MAJOR ruckus and a breakfast filled with pre-teen sighs and eye-rolling.  After our prayer on the way to school, (which I honestly hoped would make him feel a little guilty) he did blow me a kiss when he got out of the car - I guess he’s not quite too big for his britches – although I can’t say as much for the BVD’s.  

Where you can read Nathanael like a book, you could read books and books on Philip and still not quite understand him.  He is my little enigma.  That may be one reason all the little girls like him – he’s got the mysterious thing working for him.   The other day, Philip came home and said so-and-so liked him.  Every time he looked up from his work, she was staring at him.  To make things worse, she’d take out her chap stick and begin applying it to her lips while smiling at him.  He was disgusted.  I wrote so-and-so’s name in my little book of girls who won’t be calling our house asking for Philip anytime soon.  Philip is mostly quiet and mostly loud.  Philip is a strong leader and an eager follower.  We call him the peanut butter in our sandwich of kiddos – he’s sweet and salty at the same time.  Philip is the perfect blend of black and white and keeps us guessing all the time. 

Anna Elizabeth is definitely like big brother Nathanael in that she is very emotional, but lacks his sense of proper and responsible showing of these emotions in public.  She’s kinda like one of those roller coasters that takes you up, drops you down, loops you around, and then does it all again in reverse order.  She is gregarious, precocious, and not the least bit modest.  The other day, some friends from our life group dropped something by our house.  Anna Elizabeth was upstairs having just stepped out of the bath.  When she heard that her friend Noah was at the door, she made a bee-line for the stairs – Wayland barely stopped her before she descended upon him completely naked and dripping wet.  Yesterday was Anna E’s annual checkup.  The doctor was asking her an assortment of questions and the whole time she is sitting there in her panties and the little gown they give you (hers was hanging off both shoulders)  doing stretches.  She asked him a little later, “So, Dr. ______, how do ya like my panties?”  Nathanael and I were horrified, and the poor doctor’s ears turned red.  We have had many talks about lady like behavior and modesty – I guess we still need to work on it.  Anna Elizabeth is the most sweet and tender, lively and spontaneous little girl I’ve ever known. 

Luke is still a work in progress.  He is very keen on all the happenings around him and seems happy to take it all in.  Although his speech is somewhat limited, he communicates very clearly through his own made-up language (consisting primarily of noises that represent words) , a few signs, and facial expressions and sighs that eerily resemble big brother’s.  Lately, Luke loves puzzles – namely, a dinosaur jigsaw puzzle meant for ages 6+.  He brings it in the living room, dumps it out and then tries to start putting it back together.  If you try to help him, he gets really upset.  He is sure he knows where each piece goes.  He takes two pieces (that don’t really go together) and puts the end that juts out into the open side.  He then raises his fist and pounds them together to make them fit.  Seeing his success, he raises both hands in the air like a football referee and yells “Nut-noun”  (which actually means “touchdown”).  He loves being the baby and craves independence at the same time.  He has a smile that can light up a room (even with his missing tooth) and those beautiful baby blues are a great disguise for lots of two-year-old mischief.

I cannot help but praise a God who created such a variegated assortment of personalities.  I’m so thankful He blessed our life with the four that would cause us to completely depend on Him for the nurturing and development they need.   

shootin guns

So Landry decided to play the classic “young uncle” role and get the boys BB guns for Christmas this year.  Keep in mind, these aren’t your basic Red Rider BB guns, but rather composite stock high power BB guns.  Thats one of those presents you usually check with the parents on first.  But I’ve got to say, I’m glad he did it.  If we still lived in Texas, Nate would already have a .22 by now and Philip would have had his first BB gun for a couple of years now.  There are some things you don’t think about in “Suburbia”.  The boys and I found a neat area about 5 minutes from our house to go target shooting.  It’s an old rock quary that has a few ponds on it and it runs right next to the White River.  We have seen rabbit, cranes, ducks, all sorts of birds (no Great-Gran, I won’t shoot anything other than sparrows), and even an unidentified water creature we shot at for 30 minutes last week (unsuccesfully).  It’s sure to be the site of many future adventures.

   

It’s been fun teaching the boys gun safety and mixing in some life lessons along the way.  It’s a proud moment when you see your sons growing up right in front of you.  They are truly making the transition into young men – and I couldn’t be more proud of the Christ-like young men they are becoming.

I’ll share a couple of funny stories from last weeks “hunt”.  We had managed to scare off about 50 ducks without even getting a shot off when Philip noticed one duck had decided not to fly off – but it was on the other side of the pond, about 80 yards away.  We started hiking around the pond – having to backtrack a lot to get around the streams feeding into the pond.  When we finally got to the other side (making A LOT of noise mind you), we discovered the duck had mysteriously disappeared – meaning it had heard us coming for 20 minutes – and flew away when the boys were still well out of range.  Philip had run ahead and was on a finger of land extending out into the pond trying to get a shot at the mysterious water creature (probably a beaver or muskrat).  He was having trouble with his BB gun – but Nate and I could not help him because we were on another finger and had water between us.  I was yelling instruction to Philip trying to figure out what was wrong.  All of a sudden, the gun went off – harmlessly in the other direction.  Philip looked over at us with a sheepish grin and said “Oh, I had the safety on – I didn’t know that meant you couldn’t shoot”.  I guess I should be proud that he had the safety on while he was hiking through the brush – but I apparently didn’t do a good enough job in the safety training stage.  The other funny story involved Nate getting frustrated at little brother every time we saw a few birds in a tree or up ahead on the ground.  True to their personality, Nathanael would take a cautious, stalking approach to get closer – while Phil would run ahead “guns-a-blazin”.  Nate finally got fed up with Phil running ahead and messing up his opportunity to get a shot off.  He said, “Philip, your just completely blood-thirsty” – which I would have to agree with.  For those of you with more than one child, you know what I am talking about when I say that the biggest blessing is seeing how the different personalities make up the dynamics of the home.  I’ll be sure to keep you all caught up on all the safari adventures.

 One last story: while eating out at Abuelo’s Thursday night after Anna’a party, I had a classic Wayland moment.  Keep in mind that Anna’a party was Cowgirl themed.  We had a fantastic waitress taking care of us – in fact, I was really impressed with her attention to detail.  In particular, one of the times she came over – she made the comment (while looking at me), “Well, I guess there must be a new Sheriff in town”.  I thought it a bit odd that she would make this comment right in front of my wife, but chalked it up to flirtatious flattery aimed at increasing her tip.  Imagine my embarrasment later - when I discovered that Nathanael had secretly pinned a toy silver badge to my front pocket (one of the goody-bag handouts from Anna’s party) and I had been walking all around the restaraunt looking like a Texas Ranger wannabe (boots and all).  My family, and the waitress, all had a VERY good laugh at my expense.  (By the way, the waitress got a 20% tip)  

“We are Texas Rangers! Our jurisdiction is wherever we happen to be!”   -Augustus McRae (Comanche Moon) 

Five Years Old!!!

Our baby girl turned five today.  We are so thankful God gave us such a boisterous little princess to balance out the flood of testosterone that tries to rule our home.  (Anna Elizabeth has no trouble ”holding her own” against three sometimes overbearing brothers and an occasionally obnoxious father – it’s amazing to see her in action.)  This birthday marked her first “big” party – you know, the kind actually more for the kids than for the parents.  We had it at a place called Recreation Unlimited.  It is a showroom for top-of-the line playground equipment, basketball goals, and playhouses (it even had several train tables – which was a big plus for baby brother).  There were about fifteen kiddos running around playing chase, swinging, sliding, shooting hoops, etc. and none of them were doing it in our home, which was absolutely worth the price.  Anna cleaned up on gifts, and gave Oscar-worthy performances showing her excitement and gratitude for each one she opened.  I can’t imagine where the drama comes from?!?  Happy Birthday, Anna E. – we love you more than you’ll ever know!!

      

Half-Sorry

I love to hear kids say things that are just so blatantly honest that they crack you up.  Philip is probably our most uninhibited in his comments.  He is just the type who says what he thinks and doesn’t really consider the effects on anyone else’s feelings.  I remember when I had my hair highlighted a couple of years ago.  I came in, and Wayland and Nathanael gave out the usual “looks good” compliment.  Philip, on the other hand, walked into the kitchen, and with all the emotion he could muster, said “WHAT did you do to your hair?”  “Philip, I thought you liked it blonde.”  I replied.  “Not THAT blonde!!!  It looks really bad.  I mean, really bad, mom.”  It honestly didn’t bother me – not coming from Philip, but Wayland promptly removed him from my presence to chastise him.  A few minutes later Philip returned and said “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, mom.  It just looks really bad.”  I couldn’t help bursting into laughter.  

A few days ago, I was bathing Anna E. and Luke.  They were having a grand ol’ time, splashing and spraying each other, their mother, and the rest of our bathroom.   After warning the kids to try to keep the water in the bathtub at least a dozen times, I finally said “If you get that water out of the bathtub one more time – you’re getting out!”  Anna Elizabeth gave me a sweet smile and said, “We’re sorry, momma.”  She waited only a couple seconds before she added, “Well, just half-sorry.  It’s really fun!”  Again with the laughter.

It made me think of me and God.  You know,  I get in the car and encounter an unintelligent or unexperienced driver and after calling them “crazy” or “stupid” I say, “I’m sorry, God.  Please help me be more patient and gracious.”  It only takes someone pulling in front of me a few seconds later and unfortunately, I repeat the same behavior.  I guess “half-sorry” runs in the family.  It reminds me of Phillippians 3:13-14…”No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Gone – Gone

That’s what Luke says now when you ask him where his tooth went.  Kaleesha and I had decided that we will approach the loss of our beautiful baby boy’s tooth the same way that you have to attack most unexpected developments in a family of 6 - with humor.  That is, until we figured out that Mr. Luke was being a little sensitive about the whole thing.  I was finally able to snap a photo of his new look. 

Up to that point, he had not been receptive to the idea.  He would not even look at himself in the mirror when Kaleesha tried to show him his “gap”.  Well, I am happy to report that the shock has worn off and now he thinks it is funny.  Now when you bring it up, he will squint his eyes and wrinkle his nose with that big smile of his and proudly give you a big toothy (uh-mm) smile.  We catch him in still moments exploring the void with his finger.  We were able to debut the new look at Nate’s play on Thursday night and I found myself paying close attention to people’s reactions when they saw him for the first time.  The common response was “At least it wasn’t the permanent tooth” – to which I concur.

On a separate note – while I was driving this week, I was reminded of one of the real blessings about living where we do now.  Having grown up in the desert of West Texas (acknowledging that it has a beauty all it’s own), Kaleesha and I really appreciate the season change here in the Midwest.  Its commonly said that West Texas has only two distinct seasons: “Hot” and then “Hot and Windy”.  As much as we have loved the winters (and the snow they bring) here in Indiana, we have learned to truly appreciate the spring and the “new life” that comes with it.  Very soon, we will be re-mulching the flower beds, re-planting the Impatiens (the only flower that excels in the shade of our wooded lot), and giving up our “sun-room” as the leaves on the trees choke out the light.  There is a spiritual parallel in the shedding of the harsh winter months - giving way to the birth of the beauty that comes with spring. 

     

It will also be interesting to see if I won the war – or just the battle with “The Mole”.  Rest assured, if I end up having to deal with one of these demon creatures again this year, I will keep you all updated.  For those of you who did not get the news back in November - I beat what I hope was the “momma mole” to death with my shovel.  It was a proud moment indeed - and now I regret not taking a picture of its life-less body to post on the blog.  I am also disappointed that I did not cut it into little pieces and mail it to all it’s little mole family members (Soprano-style) as a warning that my yard is off limits.  For those of you in West Texas, think very large, ugly prairie dog – that digs tunnels all through your yard killing your newly planted grass.  Sorry – it was very traumatic.  

“What’s good for me might not be good for the weak minded.”  -Augustus McRae (Lonesome Dove)       

A Star is Born

 

“Phenomenal!”  “Two thumbs up.”  “Superb!”  That is just a sampling of the comments we heard tonight about Nathanael’s performance in Schoolhouse Rock, Live!  I’m sure many of you remember the Saturday morning show and may also remember “Bill,” who Nathanael played brilliantly.   Allow this mom to brag just a bit on her very talented son.  He had a solo (“I’m Just a Bill”)  in addition to singing in the Ensemble, and he truly lit up the stage.  While he did his best to “break a leg,” instead, he only came up with a jammed thumb.  Last night, while he was playing baseball with his buddy, he did a number on it.  We spent this afternoon at the doctor’s office and running for X-Rays on a very swollen, bruised and immobile thumb.  We were relieved to find out it wasn’t broken, and Nathanael did not seem the least bit phased as he did his thing on stage.  His voice was strong and smooth, and his moves were suave.  (Do I sound a little like Paula?)  I hate to say it, but a few moms even mentioned what a great catch he would make for the girls.  Needless to say, we were overwhelmingly amazed and very proud of our son.  From the time Nathanael was a baby, he and Wayland would practice tackling, wrestling, throwing balls, etc… but we always wanted our son to be able to appreciate the arts as well.  It did this mom’s heart good to see her all boy, rough and tough son on stage singing, grooving, and having a terrific time.  I’m so thankful for all of my children and their many different talents and strengths.  Nathanael radiated on the stage and I want to be sure and give God glory for that.  It is amazing to see the light of Jesus shining through your children and being able to praise Him for it.  Nathanael had a great opportunity to show that he was “a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”  (Isaiah 61:3)  Way to go Nate, we really do think you’re great!!!

One Tough Dude

Well, after a sleepless night and an early morning, we are so sad to say that little Luker has lost the tooth.  When they went in to do the root canal it was evident the damage to the tooth was too extensive to save or repair it.  Wayland and I are thankful that Luke is okay, but really sad that he is now toothless for the next 4 or so years.  The dentist was amazed that Luke had made it through the weekend because, evidently, the nerve had been exposed the whole time.  She called him “one tough dude.”  I’m thanking God that He kept his pain manageable and gave us all peace through this situation.   When Luke gets his two-year molars they can make him a partial that would have a plastic tooth on it – it would be strictly cosmetic, but I’m sure it would make for a pretty smile!  Thanks so much for praying for us all – we are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends. 

Prayer Request

If you read the last post, you are aware of our incident Friday night.  This morning I took Luke to the pediatric dentist and she was very concerned about the tooth that is chipped.  It is actually broken into several different fragments and she said when they break off (which could evidently be anytime) that the nerve to the tooth would be exposed and it would be very painful.  She wanted to do an emergency root canal right then and there, but Luke had already had breakfast so we are scheduled to go in at 8:00 am tomorrow morning.  The office was having a hard time getting the paperwork and insurance in order and the nurse informed me that they do not do many procedures like this on children this young, (what a way to ease a mother’s heart, huh?) but that it was important for them to try and save the tooth because other problems could arise from him missing a tooth for so long.  Anyway, please pray for Luke to respond well to anesthesia, and that no infection or other complications would result from the procedure.  We are asking that God’s peace that passes all understanding would encompass Luke’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7) and also that big brother would not carry any guilt or condemnation about this situation.  We have assured him that this was an accident and that accidents happen, but this has bothered him quite a lot.  Thanks so much for caring and for praying.  We’ll keep you updated!!!

E.R. Visit Number…???

This has undoubtedly been the LONGEST week I can remember in a very long time.  Last weekend Wayland, Philip, Anna Elizabeth and Luke joined me by catching whatever yucky virus I had.  It was one that completely put you flat on your back and made you feel like you had been run over by a truck.  Wayland had to leave town Monday morning, and with Philip home from school until Thursday, it made for some very long days at our house.  My only excursions were to CVS and the doctor…not exactly fun-filled outings in my opinion.  Well, last night was going to change that.  Philip had an All-Star basketball game and although he was still feeling a little puny, he decided to play.  After the game, we headed out for a bite to eat and then to Target to pick up a few things.  We were in the sporting-goods section (always have to make a stop there) and Anna and Luke wanted to try out two little trikes that were out.  Luke was having a little trouble with the pedaling, so one of his big brother’s (who asked to remain nameless)  gave him a hearty push and sent him off down the aisle.  The next thing we knew, Luke was sprawled out on the floor (the trike on top of him) wailing.  When Wayland picked him up, there was blood coming out of his mouth and we soon saw part of his front tooth was missing.  We made a bee-line for the car and decided that we better go to the E.R. (a favorite and familiar place for the parents of four) to make sure everything was okay.  They cleaned him up a little and surmised he had two very fat split lips, several loose teeth, and a good sized chip in one of them.  Other than that, he seems fine.  We will be going to see the pediatric dentist on Monday and she should be able to tell us if he will end up losing any of those little teeth in the near future.  Our beautiful baby boy (he truly is beautiful) will now be sporting a hockey player’s smile for the next 3-4 years until the permanent teeth come in. 

Kids Say the Darndest Things

So, we’ve all been passing around a really nasty virus at our house.  Only Nathanael seems to have dodged the bullet so far (please pray that he stays well as there are only 9 days till his opening night in Schoolhouse Rock Live!)  Anyway, last night we were running low on painkillers & cold and cough medicine so (since Wayland was out of town) I loaded up all the kids and headed toward CVS.  Philip was feeling really bad yesterday and was still in his pj’s and having chills as we rolled out of the garage.  When we were almost to the store, he began rocking back and forth while moaning.  I was concerned and asked what was the matter.  “I really have to go to the bathroom!!!” he said.  “Well, you’re just going to have to hold it – I’m just running in to get a couple of things.  I’ll be right back.”  “MOM…I can’t hold it.  I really have to go!”  About this time I catch something out of the corner of my eye.  An empty water bottle.  I tell Philip if he really has to go, he can use the water bottle.  He’s a little incensed and tells me just to hurry.  I’m gone just a few minutes (Nathanael is in the car watching over everyone).  When I get back, there is an air of excitement and apparent giddyness in all my children’s eyes.   Philip has used the water bottle – and amazingly enough, hasn’t spilt even a drop.  “This was really a good idea, mom.  It’s helping keep me warm now.”  Despite the fact that it’s kinda gross, I laugh.  Anna E. starts to cry because she wants to tee-tee in a water bottle too.  Philip must be feeling a little guilty about the whole thing, “Hey mom, if we get pulled over for anything, I’ll just hide the bottle, okay?” Okay?!?  “Or, I could just tell him that it’s, ummm…wine.  It really kinda looks like wine, doesn’t it?  I’ll just tell him that you needed some wine to take with you while you were driving.”  Okay, this was apparently a bad idea on so many different levels – where does he get this stuff?  (By the way, if any of you are wondering… yes, we did discuss the issue of drinking and driving, and no…I am not an addict.)