Happy Fall Ya'll!

Our Little Spider and his pumpkin

I'll take a hug with all 8 arms!

Wrigley dressed up as a Dog. Payton's costume complete with Thomas slippers (great for warming up after our trick-or-treating adventure).

See all my legs?!?!?!

The "Baker" with his "Bun in the Oven" Don't worry, there's still time to get the dishes done before the timer goes off!

Everyday

The view from our back pourch....Autumn is here!

Tucking Froggy in for "Night-night"

Saddle up your horses...or whatever you have handy.

Really COOL bubbles!

Can we pick it! YES we can!

It's hard to believe that three years ago, our most precious gift came to be with us. We had no idea the kind of JOY he would set in our hearts, and how big our love really is. I am so blessed to get to be Payton's Mommy and see him changing and growing into the kiddo (for now) God wants him to be. He has had personality since day ONE, but now it's coming through so clearly! I am still wondering if I will ever stop saying, "he's so sweet and precious" twenty-seven times a day. He just fills up my heart.

Payton has many interests these days and keeps himself quite BUSY! He LOVES choo-choo trains and playing them with Mommy and Daddy. He likes to play alone too. Often we hear his sound effects coming from his bedroom, as he directs the trains and chugs them along. He also loves to play with any kind of BALL! He is particularly into FOOTBALL these days and wants to learn all about the game. Mommy says he'll make an excellent kicker ;) He loves to kick the ball into whatever "goal" he establishes and shout "touchdown" with his hands in the air! Lately he has taken to singing. He likes to sing along, but will even sing alone, when he is listening to music in his bedroom. His favorite is "Bullfrogs and Butterflies."

We are so blessed with a child that has such a tender heart. He really desires to please his parents. Our prayers are that that will translate into a loving relationship with his Heavenly Father. He is a wonderful helper and loves discovering things he can do, "all my-ba" (all by myself). And yet, a nice long cuddle with Mommy and Daddy is never too far away, and for that we are thankful! We hold him close, and dear to our hearts. We know God has big plans for our little Payton, and we love watching them develop! Next stop.....BIG brother!

Some highlights from the Birthday Celebration: October 8, 2011

Choo CHOO! Playing on the train.

Feeding the baby goats at the Orchard. He was irritated that Mama kept trying to steal her babies food. He told her, "no, no Mama. Food for baby."

Farmer Payton

Giddy-up!

The first taste! (Red) DELICIOUS!

A beautiful day in the Orchard!

Payton was a good apple picker! He ate his fair share too!

BOB the Builder construction party!

Birthday boy!

Knockin' em out of the park! He's quite a slugger!

Socks

I always pictured my mom like the sweet, little, old lady I met this summer-at a FAMILY camp in southern Indiana. It was her socks that first drew my attention- of all things. She had delicate, lace-like cotton socks she wore with her dress and leather loafer shoes, and a dainty sweater over her shoulders. Her hair was shoulder length, dusty gray and pulled to one side in a pretty barrette.

She fully engaged in the music, front row- but particularly, and visibly enjoyed the old hymns. She would close her eyes, letting tears flow at will, raising her hands in worship, in such an eternal light.

I think I always imagined Mom growing old in her seat at camp (or church or wherever), wearing delicate cotton socks with her loafer shoes and a dress (and probably panty hose too). Letting her hair finally gray. Smiling, through tears- no doubt, singing joyfully along with ever-familiar hymns. Growing old with Jesus. Letting her TRUE colors, even the gray ones, shine through.

I couldn't keep my eyes off of her- mostly her socks! I kept wishing my Mom and her goofy socks were still around to enjoy this blessed part of life- the gathering of Holy people in His presence- at Family Camp. A place she told me about over and over ( in another era and another place), but I never got to experience her THERE. I place I am certain she drew so near to Him that she felt like she was already in her eternal glory. As good as she thought it could get, but not so.

I think I'm still clinging to that mental image of MY Mom. Maybe that's how she looks today, in heaven: sitting by her savior, pouring her worship out at His feet, her true self shining through fully- even her delicate (or not), lacey, socks and graying hair, loafer shoes and a dress. Just HER: fully known, and fully accepted- even in her socks.

Whenever I think of so many old hymns, I can still hear her voice singing along with the piano as she played, sweetly to her savior, even when the music is a little too high, always longing for her eternal home.

"I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand"

"Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today."

"I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name"

"Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today."

"He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead "

"Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today."



"When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"


"Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!"

What kind of baby is in Mommy's tummy?

One of many recent sweet moments with my son....
Today after nap he climbed up into be with me. He cuddled me and chattered about for a few minutes. As often he does, he brought a random conversation into existence. It all started with a pat on my tummy- or there abouts and his sweet little "baby, mama's tummy."
I replied, "Yes. There's a baby in mama's tummy." He nodded and smiled to affirm that I was correct. I asked if he wanted to give the baby a kiss. He promply leaned over and kissed my leg. We both giggled and he remembered that the baby is not, if fact, in mommy's leg. So he kissed my tummy sweetly.
I asked, "What kind of baby do you think is in Mommy's tummy?"
His reply: " Payton." Interesting. :)
I explained that there isn't another Payton, only one, but a different baby. So I clarified, "Do you think the baby in Mommy's tummy is a boy, like Payton or a girl, like Mommy?"
"Payton."
I asked, "So you think the baby is a boy?"
he turned his head to the side slowly, just like he always does when he's contemplating something. "No. Baby Hannah."
At this point I was wondering if he understands that Baby Hannah (my little daily visitor this semester) is in fact a GIRL. But I said, "No, baby Hannah isn't in my tummy. Do you think the baby is a girl, like baby Hannah?"
"No." He promptly replied. "Payton."
Which I took to mean, "A boy?"
A deliberate nod and smile.
Then I inquired further, as he was loving this challenging conversation about baby. "What do you think the baby's name should be."
"BASKETBALL!"
Hmmmmm. Everything he loves, wrapped up in one word, of course! Why wouldn't he want to name his baby brother or sister Basketball.
I giggled and said, "That's a funny name. What else could we call the baby?"
Another turn to the side and a thoughtful moment. His conclusion, "Hosanna!" with another quick tummy pat and off he went.
I was left in wonder. "Lord, save us." It has been his 'word' since Palm Sunday. Paul preached on that very meaning that week. He came out of the nursery knowing that when Jesus rode the donkey into town everyone shouted, "Hosanna."
I wondered if it's a good way to think of our baby during this time. "God, save us." Use this child as you have with our dear son, to save us from our own stupidity, from selfishness, from trying ot do ANYTHING on our own. God save us.
I think everytime I feel my ever-pooching tummy, I may just think to myself, "Hosanna, God save us," and remember that He did, that very thing, for me, and for these TWO sweet little ones He's intrusted me with.

More Counsins...am I seriously an only child?

This has always been a great picture spot. Missing a few...three to be specific. :)

This one is all about soakin' up the 'boy-ness.'

Reasons I think Ila is SOOO cool:

1. She's smaller than me

2. She laughs at me

3. She likes my stories

4. She doesn't have a lot of hair- so she doesn't notice when mine's all messy

5. She stays in one place so I can keep track of her

6. She lets me hold her hand

7. When I don't want to be with her anymore I walk away...and she doesn't ;)

RACE DAY!

Wind pictures- another memorable Kansas pastime

Keepin' the cows in

We had a great time in Kansas too! Spent some extra time with Ava, Ema, Ila and Aunt Andrea. We had so much fun! We had races down the cellar hill and Ava taught Payton how to count to three! Ema was a big fan of pushing Payton around the flour in a cardboard box...he loved it!