Tag Archives: Kid Stuff

November 11, 2009 · 6:00 am

Do You Trust Your Heart?

Anna has been talking a lot about God lately.  And, asking a whole mess of questions.  Kris somehow diverted her attention the other day by teaching her the names of the bones in our legs and arms. 

“Okay.  I don’t want to talk about bones anymore,” she told him.

Kris’ interruption of a bone discussion has nothing to do with this post or the fact that Anna has been talking Jesus.  I just found it kind of funny.

I’ve noticed Anna saying repetitively, “God trusts our heart.”

I haven’t the, well, heart, to tell her that’s not really the case. 

The old adage, “follow your heart” isn’t really good advice.  If I’m honest.

Our heart can make us do CRAZY things.  We can follow our hearts right into adultery.  Right into questionable situations.  Right into a MESS.  Can I get an amen?

Cindy Beall wrote a great post on this very topic.  She referenced this Proverbs 4:23 scripture:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Not only should we guard our heart, we need to LEAD our heart.  My heart can tell me that I have inappropriate feelings for another man.  Do I follow that?  Or do I lead my heart based on what God says about those feelings? 

So, I try to first guard my heart against things that aren’t of God.  Then, I lead it accordingly.

I’m not exactly explaining this to Anna just yet.  For now, I’ll just nod and say, “Uh huh.”  But, I’ll certainly teach her this principle before she enters her teen years and some dingleberry guy attempts to capture her attention.

Then, I’ll remind her, “Lead your heart, Miss Takle.” 

And, it’s highly doubtful that her daddy will change the subject to bones then.

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November 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

Dancing With the Sister.

JH - Anna Lake Hefner

Anna:  Johnry, will you please dance with me?

John Henry:  No, Anna.

Me:  Come on, John Henry.  That’s a sweet big brother thing to do.

John Henry:  No video, okay?

Me:  No video. 

John Henry:  Okay.  Only for a little bit.

So, they commenced to dancing. 

And, it’s a memory that can only live in my heart. 

I mean, as if I would have videoed my children for the sole purpose of blog material. 

Right.

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November 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

Double The Fun.

What up party people?  Oh, perhaps, that’s just us.  We celebrated Anna’s 5th birthday and Kris’ 36th birthday this weekend.  I was actually scheduled to be induced with Anna on Kris’ birthday, November 8th, but my little girl had a mind of her own and came one day early. 

That mind of hers, it has not changed.  And, I’m sure she is thrilled she has a day all to herself.  She was quick to inform us that birthdays mean you “can do whatever you want.” 

I tend to agree.

Her day only went uphill after waking up to this.

Anna - bday pony

Kris moved the beauty to the living room, and I’ve kindly asked it be replaced back in Anna’s room.  I cannot continue to nearly pee my pants every time I walk by the animal.  I have enough trouble with that when I sneeze for crying (or sneezing) out loud.

Kris had a lovely day yesterday.  However, I do feel a tad sorry for him.  It’s rather difficult to enter the spotlight once Anna’s show has concluded.  But, he doesn’t seem to mind.  He’s pretty fond of his 8 pound 5 ounce birthday gift. 

He’s also pretty fond of John Henry.   And, I do have to share a picture he drew for Kris yesterday. 

JH - pic to Kris wp

This made me laugh out loud.  I did ask Kris’ permission to share his sweet gift.  He said, “It’s okay since my confidence level is pretty high that my feet clearly do not stink.”

Funnnny. 

I appreciate the Shrek-like feet even more than his appropriate, possessive use of “Dad’s.” 

Annnnd, that’s all I got.  Or have.  Or whatev’.

Just so completely happy Kris and Anna Takle were born.

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November 6, 2009 · 8:28 am

What Will Five Look Like?

Anna - Supergirl

Dear Anna,

Tonight, when I gently tuck the covers around your small frame, it will be the last time I kiss my four-year old daughter goodnight. 

Because, when you awaken tomorrow morning, you will be five years old.

Five.

Will you still refuse to wear tennis shoes if they are dirty?

Will you insist on being Super Girl for Halloween for a third year in a row?

Will you continue to sing the majority of the thoughts that run through your mind?

What will five look like on you?

I do know that no matter what, you will continue to make me laugh.  You will continue to be one of my greatest sources of fun.  You will continue to know exactly what you like and what you don’t.  You will continue to ask questions. 

You will continue to grow in the knowledge of your King.

Anna Takle, I love the way you love your big brother.  I love your boldness.  I love your determination.  I love watching you learn to love God.  I love how you melt in your daddy’s arms.  I love the way you rub my growing belly and talk to a little brother you’ve yet to meet.

I love every single day with you. 

And, I can’t imagine one second without you.

You are joy illuminated.

I love you birthday girl.

Love,
Mom

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November 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

And, We Also Know Noah Built An Ark.

Nan - Anna Grand Day

Anna (to Nan):  So, there was this man who did not like Jesus.  He put people in jail if they talked about Jesus.  Then, a bright light made him not see.  Then, he loved Jesus. 

Nan:  Are you talking about the Apostle Paul?

Anna:  You KNOW that story?

It’s kind of like that song re-make that your kids are surprised you know.  ‘Cause, it’s like a re-make. 

But, I do love hearing stories from the Bible told by my children.  So, one day, they will not only know that story, it will be written on their hearts.

To always be reminded of His faithfulness.

His provision.

His sovereignty.

His presence.

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.  Joel 1:3

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October 8, 2009 · 6:00 am

Teachable Moments.

My sweet seven year old came home from school yesterday a little more solemn than usual.  His sober demeanor eventually turned into a seemingly sour attitude.  By this point, I was pretty much over his crabbiness that was even evident in his silence.  I addressed his current position and told him, “There is no reason for your sour attitude.”  After all, we leave for the beach in a few short days.  Life is good for him.  What gives?

As I watched him attempt to compose himself, the thought of asking him what he may be feeling occurred to me.  There ya go, Mom. 

“John Henry, is there something bothering you?”  I finally engaged him.

His response flowed so effortlessly.  A friend had “told a lie about (him).” 

“He said I told him to write on the smart board, and I didn’t.”  He went on to explain.  “He tried to make something he did all my fault.”

I loved on my son and sympathized with him.  I told him how I know that hurts. 

After bedtime readings, we prayed.  I told John Henry we needed to forgive his friend. 

“How do I forgive him?  What do I do?”  He asked.

“You choose to still love him and be his friend.”  This was the best way I knew how to explain such a powerful act to a seven year old.

I reinforced with him that it was okay to still feel hurt.  But, he couldn’t let that hurt affect his friendship.

What if I had never asked John Henry, “Is there something bothering you?”  Perhaps, it was the Spirit’s prompting.  No matter what, I’m glad I didn’t just let it go.  I’m thankful I engaged my son.

Otherwise, I would have failed to acknowledge that he was hurting.

 And, I would have missed a teachable moment on forgiveness.

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October 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

There Is No Vaccination For Moments Like These.

I had every intention on writing something deeply spiritual – a recent heart check, if you will.  But, the only words that seems to glide off of my fingertips are ones of PLEASE, DEAR JESUS, MAY I NEVER EXPERIENCE A MOMENT LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN WITH ONE ANNA TAKLE.

It’s no secret it’s flu season.  Believe me, it’s NO secret.  The entire state of Oklahoma has consumed the majority of the distributed flu vaccinations.  And, I’m not talkin’ H1N1.  Just the old rag-u-lah flu shot.  When my pediatrician’s office called yesterday to inform me they were cancelling my kids’ Wednesday appointment due to “We are slap out of ‘em,” I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. 

As it turned out, the local health department was hosting their first free clinic yesterday. 

Do you know what free means? 

It means everybody and their uncle would be in line for the vaccination.

So, I waited.

And, I waited.

With my two children.

In the misty rain.

And, I was not leaving there.

Without.

A.

Flu.

Shot.

John Henry was first up.  He sat calmly and never peeped.

Then, Anna.

Sweet Jesus, then Anna.

Put on a display that I could never describe….no actor could ever portray….no eye has seen…..no ear has heard….

What the entire city of Oklahoma and surrounding counties heard in those ten minutes.  TEN. 

Finally, the nurse offered an intra-nasal vaccination.  Quite frankly, I’m no fan of this method. 

But, I no longer had an opinion.  I just wanted to get out.  And run.  Far, far away. 

I let the very patient nurse administer the intra-nasal vaccine.  And, I ran.

To McDonalds.  Because, I promised.

It is moments like these I become so profoundly aware that motherhood is not for the faint of heart.  It’s hard.  It’s a constant questioning of a mother’s decisions.

It’s a mission to point my children toward Christ.

To cultivate character and respect.

To decide whether or not to call in reinforcements to hold down one four year old for a vaccination or choose another method.

It’s just hard sometimes, friends.

Are there days I would love to go back to my twenties and be childless and fancy free?

Not. A. One.

Besides, I would have never heard, “Mom, I don’t want a blue shot!”

Now, somebody pass a cinnamon roll, and y’all have a great day.

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October 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

Wish I Had A Clever Title For This Post.

I asked Kris last night if he’d guest blog today.  His creative juices were just all dried up after slaving in the kitchen all day.  Seriously.  All. Day.  He cooked lunch and dinner, and he made another batch of these sinful pastries in between:

Cinnamon rolls wp

Sorry ladies, he’s taken. 

Sooo, ya got me today.  Surprised?  I thought not.  It is my blog. 

Our weekend consisted of soccer games, church, cinnamon roll consumption, and lounging in PJ’s all day on Sunday.  Anna head-butted the same boy for a third time during her game.  Kris politely suggested to her coach that he not put the two of them on the field at the same time.  Kris also seems to think Anna isn’t getting enough play time on the field.  (Which, I’m pretty sure she’s getting equal time to her other teammates, but Kris lives in Daddyville.)  He expressed this to her coach as well.  “She is little domineering and intense on the field,” her coach responded.

Domineering?  My four year old?

Whatev’.

In better news, Anna has been wearing undies to school every day.  And, that’s somethin’, right?  We’ve also recovered from her using her “hitting hands” at school.  Oh, wait.  Did I fail to share that one?  Her teacher called a couple of weeks ago to inform us Anna was using her “hitting hands.” 

“Anna, who are you hitting at school?”  I asked her.

After naming one boy, she concludes with “And a bunch of other people.  I don’t know their names.”

Nice.

Kris and I did the appropriate sit down, talk it out, and work it out with her on the issue of “hitting hands.”  We are pleased to announce the Spirit has set her free. 

So far.

That’s our weekend and Anna Takle update.

Now to you!

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September 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

Time To Lock Up The Scissors Again.

Wow.  God is really birthing more in me than just a baby right now.  Just as this tot is growing by the day, I really feel that God is working some really cool things inside me.  Oh how I wish I could disclose all that incredible stuff right now, but, quite frankly, I haven’t the energy.  Not today.  Yes, it takes more energy to share from the deepest parts of me than it does to show you pictures like this.

Barbie horse

Anna loves to role play with her Barbies and their horses.  Of course, it IS her game, and she tells me exactly what my Barbie character should say when I play with her.  Her storyline began to concern me when she suggested that the Barbies pretend their parents were dead.

“Uh, Anna, I don’t like that story.  We’re not playing that,” I told her.

“Well, then.  Their parents are invisible,” she compromised.

I wasn’t certain where this thought pattern was coming from, but I ceded and let her live in Annaville.

We continued to play when I noticed she had gotten creative with the scissors again.  Notice the horse’s mane.  Or lack of mane.

Then, I saw noticed where she had cut one of the Barbie’s bangs.  This just settled the age old question within me of “should I cut bangs or not?” 

Um, not.

To be honest, I don’t LOVE playing Barbies.  Especially, when my Barbie never says the “right things.”  My four year old reminds me it is her game, and subsequently tells me everysingleword to say. 

But, I play anyway. 

I’m hoping that if I play with her now, she’ll come to me later. 

I have to deposit, deposit, deposit into my children.  I’m sure to make a withdrawal down the road and have to say “I was wrong.”  So, I need to invest as much as I can.

So, I become a safe place for her.

To come to me for anything.

And, with anything.

Know what I mean?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go talk to my invisible parents.

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September 18, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Blast From The Past.

JH - airport chaos

Above are the items I retrieved from John Henry’s shorts pockets while going through airport security almost two years ago.  I recommend checking children’s pockets before walking through the metal detector.  This was the same trip where Anna, only moments before, pulled her pants down while walking through.  For no apparent reason. 

Because, she needs no reason.

So friends, you’ve been warned.

Have a great weekend and may your team win.

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