Guess what I hear first thing every. single. morning?

“Can I hold Martha?”

All the kiddos ask. All day.  But Sarah usually meets me at my bedroom door or just climbs into my bed.  The girl doesn’t waste time, you know.

I just love the gleam in Sarah’s eye. Hmm, I wonder if I should be afraid of what she might teach Martha? Giggle.

Be still my heart…..

So often throughout my day, my children bring me to laughter. Maybe they did something silly or goofy. It is possible they did something cute and they don’t even realize it. Today was one of those days full of such encounters. I decided to post a few here since my memory can’t be trusted to last until tomorrow.

November birthday season is upon us and I had no idea what Hannah would like. Today I decided that I really  needed to figure out a plan for her. Please note that Hannah has had a stuffy nose for the past few days. Not even a full cold; just a stuffy/runny nose. It is driving her crazy!!

The Runny Nose Princess

She would like me to make her a small pillow. I asked a few questions to make sure I understood her. She wants a small pillow “like Bekah’s purple one with flowers”.  Hmmm, interesting. Why exactly would she want a small pillow? Her response, “Well, once both sides of my big pillow is covered in snot, I can use the little pillow.” Gotcha. A back up pillow for when the snot content is high.

I decided to be brave and ask one more question. What color would you like your pillow to be? “Hmmm, I think I will have to look through your fabric.” Well, alrighty then.

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In an effort to fit us all around the dinner table, some of the large, heavy wooden chairs have been replaced with folding chairs. It allows for a bit of elbow room for everyone. Hannah sits in one of the folding chairs and has an issue with squatting in her chair instead of sitting. She needs a bit more height on her I think.

Tonight, she was squatting again and Eddie wanted to remind her to sit like a lady and eat her dinner. He asked her, “Hannah, do you need a booster seat?” I think he thought she would say no and sit down. However, she said, “Yes, yes I would like a booster seat.” Completely serious and without a moment’s hesitation.

Never mind we have two in booster seats, I just happened to have a third one in my closet. We bring the booster seat our for Hannah. Suddenly, Miss Sarah decided to join in the conversation.

Miss Contentment

“I don’t like my seat. I want one like Hannah’s”

I tell Sarah that she needs to learn to be content in all things.

Miss Almost 4 year old says, “I like my big bear. I like my bed. I like my bag. But I don’t really like my little bear.” All said with a sweet smile and thoughtful expression.

Well, it looks like she is trying to be content in all things. Needs a little work on desiring others seating.

Reasons for many giggles, smiles and laughter

Not a Box is a simple book with pencil drawings of a rabbit and a box. Well, a rabbit and his Not a Box. These little books really capture the essence of a child’s imagination that can turn a box into a mountain, a pirate ship or a burning building. In just a reading or two, the children will be shouting, “It’s not a box!” as you read.

What child can resist an empty box?

And sadly, some of us must admit we are just too big to get in the Not a Box.

I found them. Together, of coursed. Thankfully they did not have Sharpies, scissors, water or other means of mass destruction. They only had a book.

Precious, aren’t they? I love watching them grow and play together.

And of course, Mr. Cuteness decided he needed to climb up the triple bunk. Thankfully he stopped in the middle. And thankfully his sister kept him safe until I could grab him.

He was very proud of himself and was quite upset when I wouldn’t let him stay. Tough cookies, Mr. Cuteness.

Need a break from the heat? Grab a popsicle and cool off.

If you are not a pro at popsicles, I’m sure an older sister will be happy to give advice.

So eat quickly, or she might decide to help you finish it!

And I’m still trying to understand why my older daughters gave the youngest one a red popsicle.

Sarah loved Sam from the moment she saw him. I felt I was constantly saving him from her love. Now it has become this…

And….

They are so precious! And they are constantly into something! Wouldn’t trade a moment of it. The best of friends….double trouble…..

**Bonus Feature**

Lydia (aka LuLu) is part of another Double Trouble but she is also a sweetheart…here’s what I found after everyone was in bed….

I love you, too, LuLu!

It is easy to see the potential for strength in “never meeting a stranger”. Sometimes it might be a bit more difficult to see the strength.

Sarah Bear was 2 when Sam was born. There was great concern voiced over her “not getting to be the baby long enough” or “how jealous she would be”. Those concerns were quickly proven to be false. Sarah fell in love with Sam immediately. She could not get enough of him.

Once, when Sam was  a few weeks old,  he woke up from a nap. Sarah heard him first and she is quick! She went into the room and moved a laundry basket full of clothes to the pack -n – play. Then grabbed him out of the bassinet and placed him in a football hold to take to Daddy. She is really quick! Thankfully both of them survived the incident. However, Sarah still enjoys putting him a football hold.

She can’t help it. She loves him. Completely. Without restraint. He is her Sam and if he is around, she is with him. He does not always appreciate her devoted attention. I spend a great amount of time directing her to other activities besides Sam. There are days I get frustrated that she won’t just leave him alone!

Today, a thought hit me. What an amazing, devoted love she has for him. My older girls joke about Sarah calling Sam when he is grown and married. They think she will still call him her booger bear. She probably will.

I pray that her focused devotion turns to Christ. What an amazing strength that will be. To be so devoted to Christ that all those things trying to pull us away have no appeal. From the time we get up until we lay down our heads, we are looking for the Savior. Maybe I need to pray that I can be as determined to be with my Savior as Sarah is to be with her booger bear.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways

Psalm 119: 1-3

But when it does happen, I’m so thankful to catch it.

Quiet and still all at the same time. Priceless.