PEEK -A-BOO!

I came around the corner the other day and this is what I found - two little munchkins popping out of the laundry hamper "Surprise!". I love the fact that they are starting to actually play together now. Caleb is also starting to say all kinds of new words like, "nana' (banana), "mo cheeth" (more cheese - which is his favorite right now), juith (juice), shooths (shoes), and all kinds of other cute phrases that I can't at all remember right now. There's also a lot of
"plgbvvspalkapoiejalkjieo" that none of us are real sure what it is but Caleb is very sure! I'm hoping that Caleb will actually be able to carry on a conversation soon, to help take some of the "conversation time" with his wordy older brother.

But then along with the cute playing together stage - there comes the training time of how to play together nicely. Some days there is a lot of grunting and squealing on Caleb's part, and a lot of giving back, helping him find something else to play with, and learning to walk away before there erupts a fight! It's a lot of work, but all worth it to walk in and see two little brothers sitting together in a little recliner. They do love each other so much, and I'm so thankful to watch that love each day!

Well, I spent this last weekend painting my kitchen and living room. It's amazing how filthy your walls get with two little ones. It was definitely an undertaking and I volunteered for the job, because I love to paint (theoretically, but not at the moment) and frankly I'm just plain faster than Adam! So my great husband Adam toted the kids around while I was busy at home. I think I painted for about 20 hours over a 2 day period. Needless to say, I was pooped and my whole body hurt from constantly staying in one position. It looks so great though and I'll post pictures when I have a couple more touch ups done. I actually had fun for the most part, just being alone and listening to podcasts of all my favorite preachers and listening to great worship music. I told Adam I think I needed a break to myself, because I would have enjoyed shoveling maneur at that point! Adam enjoyed the first day of kidwatching - but I think the second day they gave him a run for his money! I'm so thankful to have a husband who always supports and helps whenever he can - that is definitely not the norm. We even got to stay a couple of nights at a local family's "missionary house" that they provide for missionaries on furlough. It was open at the time, so we spent a couple of nights out there away from the paint smell. It was so relaxing and it was encouraging to see such a lovely home with so much love put into it, reserved specifically for those in ministry. What a beautiful heart that family has! I should have taken a picture of it - but give me a break - I WAS a little pooped!

When we got back to the newly painted house - Adam and I got on our usual spree of changing all the furniture around in our living spaces. We think we are a little obsessed with the whole changing things in our home because a few times a year we just have to switch stuff around. We did a little counseling session with ourselves, and we think it's just our need to see a concrete and visual improvement quickly. For those of you in ministry, sometimes those feel few and far between, so I guess that's how we cope! I guess that's better than a straight jacket or drugs! A good reminder that God always knows what we need, whether great or small! We're still convinced we're a little crazy though!