John Henry left a note for his little sister on his bedroom wall.
It’s taped above his skateboard and reads, “No Anna you cannot tuch it my skatebord X.” I can only imagine that the “X” at the end means he isn’t playin’ around.
These kids. They make me smile.
X,
Dusty
Filed under Kid Stuff
Last week, Anna got into trouble at Pre-School. When I found out about it, I let her know that she was in trouble, and I would have to tell her dad about it. John Henry, self-appointed Sheriff of Moral Order, also got involved. Here is how the conversation went.
Me: Anna, I’m going to talk to your dad when we get home. This is unacceptable.
Anna: (Crying) NO! Don’t tell Daddy! Don’t tell Daddy!
Me: Anna, I can’t keep this from your Daddy.
John Henry: Anna, the Bible says we should not keep secrets from one another. [A bit of a stretch on the truth shall set you free.]
Anna: (Sobbing) Well, my Bible says different things!
I could not help but laugh. Her Bible says different things. Oh, how we all, at some point in life, pretend our Bible says something different.
Her quick wit didn’t save her from being disciplined.
But, it almost did.
Have you ever been unable to discipline your child because of his or her wit? I bet you have!
A few quotables from my dad I try to live by:
1) Nothing good happens after at midnight. Wherever you’re going to be, be there by then.
2) Vengeance belongs to God. Not me.
3) His mercies are new every morning. So should ours be for others.
4) Never let her cut grass. Well, that’s what he told Kris when he asked for my hand in marriage. I remind Kris of this. J
5) Everything is going to be okay.
Happy Birthday, Dad. We love you big.
And, so do John Henry and Anna:
Filed under Kid Stuff, life, Randomness, Uncategorized
As I was taking John Henry to school the other day, he noticed how small the trees were around us. We had just spent time in Georgia where the trees are tall, lush, and plentiful. This fact can, often times, make me critical of Oklahoma’s lack of vegetation.
“The trees aren’t like that here,” I told him.
“But they’re growing,” he said.
His response stayed with me the rest of the day.
But, they’re growing.
How often we look at situations – specifically people – with a critical eye. I recently heard my dad talk about blurred vision and how we often try to focus on both worldly and heavenly values. Matthew 6:22-23 says, “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”
Our critical eyes can allow darkness to fill our body. I don’t want to have blurred vision. I want to be able to look at people with His eyes. And, when I do, I just might see that they are growing.
Filed under God Stuff, Kid Stuff, Spiritual Journey
The title is clearly lost if you don’t read in your best Forest Gump voice. Here are a few more photos from the Takle Family Spring Break 2009.
Kris’ response to this shrimp boat was “I’ve got twelve Jenny’s.” We were told by a tour guide that the shrimping industry will be obsolete in ten years due to the ease of today’s farm-raised shrimp. Kind of sad, huh?
This thingamabob does something with cargo ships. Lifts the boxes? I really paid attention. Well, I did pay attention to the fact that it was shipped to Amelia Island from Singapore already assembled. Okay. It’s a boring picture, but you have to admit that it’s pretty impressive. Yes? Or, maybe when you are consumed with a 4 year old who only wants to wear purple now, you’re easily impressed.
Back at the grandparents’ house, Anna discovered her inner Audubon with a little bird watching.
And this one finally got his hair cut short.
Memories were made. At one point, I looked at Kris on our getaway and just said, “We are so blessed.” I’ve had my share of struggles. But, scripture reminds us to rejoice in tribulation, because it produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. And, hope does not disappoint. Had I not endured a broken heart, there would be no Anna Takle.
You see how good God is?
Filed under gratitude, Kid Stuff, Randomness
For more than twenty-four hours, Kris and I searched for his wedding band.
“The last time I saw it, it was on the kitchen counter,” I told him.
“I know. Me, too,” he agreed.
So, we searched. And, we searched some more. Until finally, we had exhausted all of our options.
All save one.
The morning that followed our search mission, Kris cornered Anna.
“Baby doll, have you seen daddy’s wedding ring?” He gently asked her.
“Hmmm. I think I have. Let me check. YOU STAY RIGHT HERE!” She ordered.
A few seconds later, Anna hand delivered Kris’ wedding band. He praised her, but also told her how special the ring is to him.
Later that morning, I followed Anna into her room, and asked, “Where was daddy’s wedding band?”
She pulled a little box out of her school backpack and showed me where it had been resting.
“Anna, did you take daddy’s ring to school?” I asked her.
“Yes! I wanted to show my friends!” She said.
So, she did. And, we know that there is, indeed, a God of the universe, because, that circle of love made it back home.
I pray years from now, she shows that same ring to her friends, and says, “My parents are great examples of what love, pursuit, and commitment are all about.” Except, I hope she tells us this time J
My kids make me laugh. Here are some of their recent quotes.
John Henry: “Everybody was born in a hospital except Jesus.”
Anna (When I told her Nan was on the phone to talk to her): “Tell her I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
John Henry (In response to Anna telling him a boy at school bit her): “I don’t usually use my anger, but I will use it on him if he does it again.”
This next quote is courtesy of one of Anna’s pre-school teachers. Here is the conversation that followed when Miss Audra informed Anna that her cat was pregnant:
Anna: “Can I have one?”
Miss Audra: “Sure! What color?”
Anna: “A rainbow sparkly kitty.”
Miss Audra: “I don’t think my kitty will have rainbow sparkly babies.”
Anna told me that Miss Audra’s cats have not “hatched out yet.” She has also invited her pre-school teachers to come to Cabo and Georgia with us. They told me they are very excited.
Aren’t kids the best ever?
Filed under Kid Stuff
I love reading to my kids. And, they love me reading to them. Partly because they love to hear a good story, and partly because it prolongs that kiss goodnight followed by their bedroom door closing gently. I’ve read everything from “Goodnight Moon” to them when they were infants, to every single Mercer Mayer book as toddlers. We’ve taken a pig to school and a mouse to the movies. Eric Carle made us appreciate the butterfly’s metamorphosis. David McPhail has charmed us with favorites like “Mole Music.”
“The Kissing Hand” saw my first-born off to his first day of Kindergarten. And, “The Giving Tree” still makes my eyes water.
We’ve progressed from me reading Dr. Seuss to John Henry reading Dr. Seuss. The book fair loves us. And, my Barnes and Noble member’s card has more than paid for itself.
When John Henry saw me reading my own book the other day, he queried, “Does your book have chapters?”
“Yes,” I told him.
“Wow! I want some chapter books!” He decided.
He didn’t have to ask for “chapter books” twice. So, off we went in search of new books. With chapters. And, I decided to begin reading chapter books to them at night. John Henry picked out his own to read himself. I chose the classic, “Charlotte’s Web” to read to both of them. Each night I read one chapter – sometimes two – to them. The anticipation that builds from night to night on what Wilbur is going to get into or what that wise, old spider is going teach is just plain fun. And, great bonding time.
We’ve planned a “Charlotte’s Web” party once we finish the book which includes the movie and popcorn. No party is complete without Junior Mint and Sour Patch Kids. Of course, you already knew that. Then, we’ll be onto our next chapter book. And, our next book party.
What are some of your favorite books you read to your kids?
Filed under Kid Stuff, Motherhood, parenting
Every once in a while, I do a little work. Oh, settle down. I don’t like get CRAZY with it or anything. But, I do have a few responsibilities with my husband’s company. And, sometimes, I do them J
Yesterday morning, Anna was begging to make Kool-aid. The whole “in a bit” response just wasn’t satisfactory. So, while I was on the phone with an aircraft financing guy (see? I’m kind of vital to our business) I peek into the kitchen and see this:
I tried my darndest not to laugh while discussing biz-ness. She used a little medicine cup to pour the sugar in. Cutest evah.
Seriously. I am in love with this girl. Head over heels in love with her. I love her determination. I love her mad dancing skills. I love her.
Thank you, Jesus, for letting me be Anna Takle’s mommy. You’re the best.
Filed under gratitude, Kid Stuff, Motherhood
Anna not only has some mad negotiating skills, but she also has some dangerous moves on a dance kitchen floor. All was going well in this dance number until it was interrupted by a minor wardrobe malfunction. And, well, she’s a perfectionist. She quickly ordered that I stop taping immediately. Actually, she just said, “Don’t click it yet!”
Just watch. You’ll see what I mean. And, you’ll see one of the many reasons I am so blessed.
Have a great weekend!
Filed under Kid Stuff
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