pantyhose

As I'm all dressed for work in a black sweater, grey skirt, and black pantyhouse, my oldest child observed:

"Mom, your legs are black like mine!"

ponys, pigs, and princesses

What do (My Little) Ponies, pigs, and princesses all have in common?  They are a few of Lydia's favorite things - and I think it has to do with her favorite color - pink!

Several weeks ago, Lydia discovered these pjs in a bin of hand-me-downs from a friend.  She put them on, gave a twirl, and my little girl transformed into my little princess!  She has worn the pjs every day since.  And I do mean every day.  She calls it her "pretty dress".  I obviously require her to get dressed when we go out and about, but on our way home, when we turn onto our street, she starts talking about her jammies.  I barely unbuckle her from her car seat and she's off to change.  By the time the rest of us get in the house, we find a trail of shoes, jacket, and shirt up to her room, where she is already back in her princess jammies.

Lydia has been telling me for at least 6 months that she wanted to have a "pony birthday", but this week she announced a change of heart - she will have a princess birthday complete with frills of pink and purple.  Have I mentioned I do not like the whole fair-tale princess thing?  But I like this one who feels so pretty in her princess pjs!


backyard adventures

I am of the belief system that kids need to play outside, even when the weather isn't sunny and warm.  Brett is always chomping at the bit to go out and play, Reggie agrees with a little coercion from Brett and I, and lately Lydia will only go if I absolutely require it.

From the kitchen window, I love to watch the boys having their backyard adventures.  They run around, roughhouse, play with sticks and balls and hide in the brush...they found a hose and ran circles, each holding on to an end, then making it a telescope...just being boys. 

It's not all that new, except Lydia's not playing too.  The three are always playing together, almost like a single organism with three parts.  But as a general observation, I'd say Lydia is Brett's best friend, and Lydia is Reggie's best friend, and Lydia has two best friends.  The boys are SO different - they look different, have very different personalities, and different interests.  Only time will tell how their relationship will emerge, but it warms my heart to see my boys bonding over dirt, hoses, and backyard adventures...all because the little girl doesn't like to be cold.

orphan sunday

Creation Groans from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

On the first Sunday of the month of November, National Adoption Awareness Month, churches across the globe will take time to recognize the 15,000,000 orphans hoping for a safe place to sleep, a full tummy, medical care, and the love of a forever family.

That doesn't seem like it should be too much to ask.