The sweetest prayers are the simplest!

"Dear God,

Thank you for the trees, God.

Thank you for the flowers, God.

There are no flowers.(you look up at us confused)

(Todd inserts thank you for the soon to be flowers, so the prayer will continue.) 

Thank you for us, God.

Bless Mommy, Daddy and Camden.

In Jesus precious name,

Amen"

Camden, Mommy and Daddy are so proud that you are praying on your own. In the beginning, you repeated what Daddy and Mommy would pray. Then, when you learned prayers at Victory, you would say those. I loved hearing those prayers, but couldn't wait to hear you start praying on your own. We can tell you are still repeating what you have heard, but my heart is just overflowing to hear you pray. You even have a special position you lay in on your bed when when pray. Once or twice, you have asked to kneel by Mommy and Daddy. We love this special time with you before bed!

Phone games

These two will play Angry Birds together on my phone for what seems like forever! Almost every night, Camden asks to play and or seed Todd playing and will climb up in his lap to watch. They get so excited when they get 3 stars and this is what Todd taught Little Man to do. I love my boys!

Meant for me

Do you ever get the feeling the sermon was meant just for you? I feel that way often and today was one of those times! Even during worship, the lyrics of one of my favorite songs spoke to me once again:
"God I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You, You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do ..."
You see, we are to a significant point with our adoption process-ready to have our profile shown and commit financially in a big way. I have been really struggling with fear and doubt-mainly to do with money. Todd and I have always tried financially wise, and it scares both of us to make this commitment. I want to know exactly how we are going to pay for everything and that we will be able to afford it all after we adopt. My sweet mother-in-law used to tell me, Andrea, don't worry so much about the future that you miss today." This is one of those times I wish I could talk to her because she helped me "enjoy today!"

Well, our church has been doing a series called ARISE and today's message was Arise to Abundant Living-Rising Above Today's Economy. Here are the 2 points I need to remember: Listen to God. He owns it all and God has a good plan, so don't worry-instead believe. It was like a burden was lifted off my shoulders. I don't have to worry about it because God has a plan. I just need to believe.

Snow Day 2013

Our first snow day of this school year was today. Our day will filled with making French toast, pretending to be Buzz Lightyear and Captain America, watching reviews on Mommy's computer and playing Angry Birds StarBurst(Star Wards) on Mommy's phone and most importantly, naps! Camden did go outside with Daddy for a little bit, but it was too cold to stay out for long. Just a perfectly relaxing day at home with my boys!

Love his mean face, especially with a chocolate cookie mustache! 

We are still getting our money's worth from this Halloween costume...look at  how short the pants are! :)

Thanks, Grandma ,for the Camden size shovel! 

Sam Who Never Forgets

This morning, I was telling Todd about getting an email from Sam and Camden walked in the room. He said "Who is Sam? Who you talking about?" Well, I paused for a second because sometimes explaining to a four year old is just not that easy. All of the sudden, his eyes lit up and he says, "I know Sam." I said, "Oh you do?"(again thinking no, he doesn't, but it is not a battle I want to fight-so I will just agree with him). He said, "Sam, Sam who never forgets. You know my book you read." He went running in his room to find it. Sometimes, I am just amazed at him and how much he remembers. It is moments like this that remind me why we make time to read to him every single night. I hope he loves to read just like his Mommy!

Just a side note: After Camden got the book, the teacher in me wanted to check his comprehension. So, I asked him what Sam never forgets-and he made my little teacher heart proud when he said to feed the elephant. 

Lincoln's Bowling Party

I just love these two best buddies!

Lincoln's birthday is exactly 1 month and 2 days after Camden's-on Valentine's Day, in fact. His party was at the bowling alley this year. Camden had never been bowling, so this was a first! He did really good except with waiting his turn. So, the games I have on my phone came in handy. I love that the boys still love each other and get along so well. It helps us that Rachel and Matt are fun too! :) 

Happy Valentine's Day

I have a student teacher currently, so I was able to sneak away for a while to go to Camden's Valentine's party. He was super excited that I could come. His class was so good. They played games, did centers, had carpet time, exchanged Valentines and then had lunch.