Broken

Today Kedrick said that daddy is "broken" and only Jesus can fix him. I'm not sure why he thinks daddy is broken. Maybe because daddy has been traveling a lot and Kedrick doesn't like it when he is gone. Or perhaps it is because we pray for daddy more frequently when he is absent.

I told Kedrick that he is absolutely right! We are all broken and only Jesus can fix us. It was a great opportunity to talk about ways we are broken and how we desperately need Jesus to help us become whole.

Kedrick is very wise for such a little guy!

Letters

I started formally teaching Kedrick to write the letters of the alphabet this week. We started with 'K' and 'E' - since they are the first letters in his name. He did so well!

But Kedrick's favorites, which I didn't teach him, are 'H' and 'L.' He figured those out himself. He writes 'H' everywhere and says "Holland!" Then he draws 'L' and says, "Liv!"

I'm not sure if it is because Liv and Holland are some of his favorite friends, or because 'H' and 'L' are easy letters to write. Perhaps it's a little of both.

Hop, hop, hop, hopping!

Victor started hopping on one foot today. He's been practicing for months and could do it while holding on to something. But today he did it all by himself, hands free!

Potty Dancing

At the risk of embarrassing myself, I'm posting this video. Yes, it is me in the background, singing an original composition, made up on the spot, out of desperation and boredom.

We've been working FOREVER on potty training. Both boys are completely uninterested, although Kedrick is absolutely capable. They often say, "I don't like to use the potty." In fact, they say it every time I encourage them to use it (every 20 minutes or so).

It doesn't matter what crazy things I do to make it fun (constantly making a fool of myself) or how extravagant the bribe.

Regardless of their complaints, in this video it seems clear they are having a good time. I particularly like the shoulder moves.

There were no Tootsie Rolls given out that day. Although, I now often hear the song being sung by the boys as they play. Pretty catchy...in a really horrible way.

Tribute to a Friend

Phillip

1981 - 2009

My cousin unexpectedly passed away this week. Thankfully, my mom just saw him when they were on the east coast last month. She took some great pictures.

My heart is broken, and I know it is nothing compared to what his parents are going through. Please pray for his parents, his sister, his girlfriend, and for those who were close to him; that God's grace would be abundant and that they would turn to Him who is able to comfort their hearts and wipe away their tears.

My Giant

The kids have taken to calling their dad "Giant."

Sometimes, it is affectionately, "My Giant."

If I slip up and refer to Damie as "daddy," Kedrick will correct me by saying, "He's not daddy. He's my giant and he's my friend."

Golfing and a Broadway Performance

A couple days before the 4th, we made the long drive out to Kuna to visit the kid's Granddad and Nana. Every time we go to their house, it's like Christmas. Jeanie is great at finding good deals on clothes for the boys. What a huge blessing! The boys also received fireworks, toys and sparkly Independence Day hats.

Riding with Granddad on his tractor (riding lawn mower).

One of the toys was a little golf set. The kids played golf in the backyard. Victor is a natural. I think he may be the next Tiger Woods. Seriously.

They sang and performed for their grandparents, bowing and taking their hats off after each performance.

It finally happened...

I knew the day would come. The kids both woke up tired and grumpy. Kedrick was upset and whining about something...I can't remember what, it happens so often these days. I gently disciplined him.

Kedrick looked up at me with big teary eyes and sniffled, "Mom, I don't like you."