Video dump

I've been meaning to upload several videos and post them to the blog for a couple of weeks now, but the few times I tried, the internet was working incredibly slowly. Today was a success, though! Here are some videos of the kiddos in action...

This first one is pretty self-explanatory, but Riley's saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Daniel's mom started working on it with him back in May, and at the beginning of this month he said it all on his own!

 

The other day I walked in the room to find Riley using his incredible imagination and playing the 'violin.'

 

Riley is still very successful at making his sister laugh! He can say the simplest thing (as you'll see in this video!) and she'll let out the cutest laugh! We were in the church nursery here.

 

And then last night we went to the elementary school's playground. Here's a video of Ella swinging for the first time and then Ella and Riley enjoying some of the other fun toys.

 

 

I'm so thankful for the ability to take videos of these sweet ones as they grow and learn!

Monday favorites

Today was a good day. We've had some ups and downs around here lately, so to be able to sit down at the end of this day and deem it as "good" is a blessing. I wanted to record some of my favorite things about Monday, September 17, 2012.

1. Daniel took off work this morning. I love it when he does this - just on a whim decides to take some time off. Most weeks he works way more than a "normal" job would require, so it makes my heart happy when he recognizes his need to rest and slow down a bit. Also, last night after much prayer and discussion, we decided to implement a new discipline tactic with Mr. Riley - which would start today and I was a little unsure as to how he'd respond to it (really wanted some reinforcement here).

To say the first couple of months into the 3's has been challenging is a bit of an understatement. I have been on the verge of tears several days thinking, "I just want my sweet, non-argumentative, obedient 2-year-old back!" I know, I know - I'm sure this is all a phase and "this too shall pass," but sometimes in the midst of the craziness I wonder if we'll make it through. His tantrums have definitely become more frequent and a lot more intense. So, last night after the kids were in bed, Daniel and I (completely worn out and at a loss as to how to handle our son) plopped down on the couch and poured out our hearts (okay, so maybe I did the pouring...the pastor is a bit weary on Sunday nights) to the Lord. And then we talked about a new way to handle Riley's fit-throwing. Riley loves to watch t.v. Now, when I say t.v., I'm talking about dvd's like VeggieTales, Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends, old Looney Tunes cartoons, etc. His normal routine is to watch something for a little while in the mornings while I'm cleaning up around the house, and then he and Daniel usually watch part of an old Disney movie or other video when he comes home from work. So, we decided to take away t.v. completely for a day. And guess what? No fits today! There were a couple of times when a fit could have started, but we quickly reminded him what would happen if it did (no t.v. again tomorrow) and he quickly stopped. We'll see how tomorrow goes! Like I said, though, I'm thankful Daniel was home this morning to help diffuse any possible problems that could have arisen due to a new routine.

2. Riley's prayer for Daniel's Peru trip. Daniel leaves this Friday to lead a team of 5 back to Huayacundo Arma, Peru. He hasn't been there since April, so he's just a little excited! We're excited for him as well - and excited that we get to go to Little Rock and stay with Daniel's mom for the week, as opposed to staying home by ourselves! Anyway, this morning at breakfast Riley and I were talking about Daniel going to Peru. I mentioned that we needed to pray for Daddy as he gets ready for his trip. Riley immediately stuck out his hand (signaling he wanted to pray right then), so I took it and he began praying. "Father, thank you for my daddy. Thank you that you're going to keep him safe when he goes to Peru. God, please let him tell many people there about Jesus. We love you, Father. Amen." Um, I'd be lying if I told you my eyes were dry when I opened them after that prayer! I could just see God's face light up with a smile while listening to His precious child pray.

3. Ella's observations and waving. Little miss is quite the observant one! She loves to point to people in pictures around our house. Her favorite right now is a family picture of the 4 of us that's in our front entryway. Every time we come out of her room she sees it and begins to point and giggle. I love it! And then just today, she started waving! It's the cutest thing to watch. She especially likes to wave to her brother, trying to get his attention. She was doing it tonight and Riley was so sweet - he just kept saying, "Hey Ella!" and waving back. I LOVE to watch them interact! Brings tears to my eyes many times a day!

4. So this next one may not have been a favorite from the day, but it was absolutely a first for me! As Riley does many times throughout the day, he ran to me this afternoon and said, "Mama, I need to go tinkle!" So, I took him to the bathroom. The particular bathroom we went to in the house has a sink directly across from the toilet, so after I put him up on the toilet (it's way too tall for him to stand), I just leaned back against the sink like I always do. The next thing I knew, there was tinkle on my lower leg. That's right, apparently he wasn't quick enough in pointing it down, and the tinkle shot across the room and sprayed me. Oh, the joy of having a boy! :)

5. The FALL-LIKE weather! Love it! Today felt so wonderful! This morning the 4 of us walked to Dollar General to get deodorant. They were having an amazing clearance sale, and we ended up buying a TON of stuff for $33. It was incredible! Anyway, about the weather. We actually opened the windows in the house today for a while and enjoyed some fresh air because it was so cool outside. Now, remember, this IS Texas, so when I say 'cool,' I'm talking in the 70's. But, it felt so nice!

6. And probably my favorite part of today was spending this evening going for a walk and enjoying a picnic at a playground with my 2 favorite kiddos. Daniel went with a friend to Dallas to pick up a vehicle (not ours!!!), so we were on our own tonight. Riley's really been wanting to play at the school playground, so since school was out for the day, I thought it'd be fun to walk up to the school, eat and play. And fun it was! Both kids had a blast.

Enjoying his picnic

Fun times...but a picture's never quite complete until the 4th member is present!

Right after taking this picture, Riley looked at me and said, "Mama, I need to tinkle!" He and I both went to the bathroom before we left the house because I knew there wouldn't be anywhere around there to go. I said, "Riley you just went!" And his response, "But I need to go again!" So, I looked around to see if anyone was close by, and then my son may or may not have christened a small section of the kindergarten playground. :)

Riley spent 90% of his time on this "motorcycle" - and the neighborhood around probably heard his "vrooming" sounds :)

This is THE largest 'baby' swing I have ever seen! It was her first time to swing, and she loved it!

No, I didn't let my 9-month-old go down the slide, but I did let her sit at the bottom :) She wanted to be like her big brother so badly and go down that thing! One day, sweet girl!

A perfect picture doesn't come along very often, but I think this one comes pretty close to being perfect! Also, you'd never know they were brother and sister, would you?! HA!

Look at that tongue!

I don't think I will ever get tired of pushing these two around town! Ok, so maybe physically I do get a little tired sometimes, (or as Riley says to me while we're walking up a steep hill, "Mama, this is a good workout!") but I love walking with them and watching as they 'take it all in.'

7. And last, but certainly not least, I love the beauty God gave us on the way home. I couldn't help but praise Him for reminding me through creation that yes, there will be storms in life (ie. difficult moments of parenting, trials at church, etc), BUT He is always there and will always bring beauty from ashes, joy from pain. (Isaiah 61:2-4)

Birthday celebration

I grew up in a home where birthdays were a BIG deal. We always got to pick where we wanted to eat, what kind of cake we wanted (my all-time favorite was an ice cream cake that looked like an Easter basket - my birthday was on Easter that year), and we were given several presents to open.

My experience and my husband's were a bit different. Birthdays just weren't that big of a deal in his family. And that's not a problem for me...now. I'll be honest, it's taken a little getting used to. What I have definitely seen since we've gotten married is the disgusting selfishness that is deeply rooted in my heart. The problem with making big deals out of birthdays is sometimes you can let it go to your head, and then you come to expect that everyone should make a huge deal out of the fact that you were born. Don't get me wrong, I am all for celebrating another person's life and the fact that God created them. My personal problem (which I didn't recognize until the past couple of years) is that I felt as though the world should revolve around me on my birthday. As a believer, the world should NEVER revolve around me!

So, I had an idea a few days before Riley's 3rd birthday in July. I decided that a new tradition in our family should be to do something for someone else on each of our birthdays. Because I didn't think of this until right before Riley's birthday, we didn't go all out in planning what we were going to do. But, he did help me write and send a card to a lady in our church who was going through a difficult time. The plan for future years is to think far enough in advance to plan something really special we can do for someone else.

Now to the point of this post...Daniel's 32nd birthday! I'm so thankful that his birthday was on a Saturday this year. He had one short meeting planned, but other than that, his day was completely clear to just rest - which is what he needed and wanted! I didn't even bring up the subject of him doing something for someone else on his birthday because honestly, as a pastor, he does stuff for other people all. the. time. He needed a day where he could just be.

The sweet people across the street in the housing complex he visits most every Friday gave him a little surprise lunch the day before his birthday. I was told of it ahead of time, so the kids and I were able to help celebrate.

Riley helping daddy blow out the candles

Ms. Darlene - the sweet lady who planned it all AND made all of the food.

Riley was working so hard to finish up his carrots so he could have a piece of cake!

Ella's favorite part of birthdays are the balloons!

And then it was time to help daddy open presents

Me and my girl

As I said earlier, the actual day of his birth, Daniel didn't do a whole lot. He slept in until about 10 (I'm pretty sure my body would go into some type of shock if I tried to do that at this point in my life...one day it will happen again!), so while he was sleeping, the kids worked on a card and I baked him a cheesecake - the only thing he requested.

I had never made a homemade cheesecake before, but it really wasn't hard and it tasted amazing! Daniel said, "It if wasn't hard, there's really nothing stopping you from making one of these again real soon!" Ok, honey, I get the hint! :)

The rest of the day consisted of french toast for lunch (per Daniel's request), watching part of The Hunger Games (thanks to Netflix), leftovers for dinner (I asked him what he wanted for dinner and he said leftovers!), and a nice family walk.

**Side note: As we were getting ready to leave for our walk, I remembered I hadn't yet given Daniel the one small gift I'd gotten. His big gift (combined with Father's Day) was a new electric drill/screwdriver set, but Kohl's had some shirts on sale I thought he'd like. So, I said to Riley, "Oh, we need to give Daddy his present!" Riley said, "What present?" I said, "The shirt I got him." This conversation took place while Daniel was in the garage doing something. When Daniel came back in Riley ran to him and said, "Daddy, you need to open the present from Mama. It's a new shirt." And that's what I get for telling the 3 y.o. what his daddy's present was! :)

Riley insisted on not riding in the stroller and walking the whole way. Mr. 3-year-old certainly doesn't withhold his opinion these days!

Our "typical" route is to walk to the school and back. When we got there, Daniel said we should let Riley go out and run on the football field. Riley LOVES football, and he loves to pretend like he's playing. He got so excited when he realized we were going down onto the field. I bet he ran up and down the whole thing 3 or 4 times.

I know it's blurry, but I thought this picture was kind of neat.

Sister and I stood on the sidelines and watched until she decided she'd had enough and it was time to go home! I'm pretty sure the whole neighborhood around us could hear her expressing her opinion.

I'm thankful for a husband who doesn't think the world should revolve around him - on his birthday or any other day. The Lord is constantly using him to teach me! I'm also thankful for quiet, restful days that always come right when we need them.

Ella's game

A fun game played by Ella after dinner tonight. Riley bought it hook. line. and sinker. I wonder how many more times that will happen!

I've gotta preach!

For months now, I've been hearing about the Jesus Storybook Bible. Several friends with kids have it and have talked about it, my mother-in-law asked a while ago if we had it, and it seems like everywhere I turn someone is saying how amazing it is. So, when I had to place an order for some nursery items at christianbook.com a couple of weeks ago, I decided to finally order a copy of this children's Bible for the Bramlett home.

Our copy arrived in the mail last week, but we didn't have a chance to sit down and read any of it with Riley until last night. Daniel read the first story to him (Creation) and he loved it. He's heard the story before, but the way it's told in this book is so unique! It kind of reminds me of a Message version of the Bible for kids.

Once we read a story to Riley, he's gotten to where he wants to "read" it back to us. He did this last night for Daniel. Then, throughout today, I caught him on several occasions picking up the Bible and "reading" it out loud. He didn't know I was watching, and it was so precious to see. He kept talking about how special the book was and how God wanted us to read it. 

Fast forward to our conversation at dinner tonight...
R: I'm not going to TeamKids tonight. (that's our Wednesday night children's program)
Me: Why not? You love TeamKids!
R: I can't!
Me: Why?
R: I have to preach!
Me: Huh? Preach?
R: Yeah, I have to preach. I can't go to TeamKids.
Me: Who are you preaching to?
R: The people at church.
Me: Oh, the ones Daddy preaches to?
R: Yeah.
Me: Well, that will be a nice break for daddy, won't it?

And that was the end of the conversation. I thought it was cute, but didn't really think much about it.

So then it was time to leave for church. As I was gathering all of our things (side note: I look forward to the day when I won't have to carry a diaper bag anymore), Riley said, "I need my Bible," and then he picked it up off the counter. I said, "Your Bible? Why do you need it?" And he said, "Because I'm going to preach! You need a Bible to preach."

And out the door he went with his Bible tucked safely under his arm.

As we walked in the back door of the church, I said, "So where are you going to preach?"

R: In there. (pointing to the sanctuary)
Me: Oh to the adults Daddy's with right now?
R: Yes!
Me: Well, okay. Let's go in and let them know!

At this point, Daniel was in a prayer meeting consisting of about 6 people. I hoped they weren't in the middle of praying, and quietly opened the door. Sure enough, there eyes were open, so I told Daniel that Riley was there to preach. Daniel looked a little confused and said, "Really?" I said, "He brought his Bible! He's ready!"

So Riley walked right in there, stood in the middle of the circle, and began "preaching." He started by talking about Jonah and how he was swallowed by a fish because he disobeyed God. He then told a little about creation, getting most of it right but a little confused at times. For instance, some of the planets were named "Taco" and "Cici." Not sure where that came from!

Once he was gone and safely in his TeamKids class (yes, he took his Bible with him), the adults in the prayer meeting could not stop talking about how precious his 'preaching' was. One lady said it made her day. I'm so thankful that our little man not only recognizes the importance of God's Word, but wants to share it with others! Oh, how I pray this continues throughout the rest of his life!

Will she eat?

The title of this post is a question I often find myself asking about our sweet, little girl. I never had to ask myself this with our big boy! He was born a tiny 6 pounds, but he very quickly put on weight and has been very healthy ever since. Don't get me wrong, Ella is quite healthy, too. She has the most squeezable thighs! But, ever since birth she has been VERY picky about when she'll eat and how much she'll allow to go between those lips. It has made getting her on a consistent schedule a bit challenging at times.

I think it would make me sick if I knew just how much formula we've poured down the drain because I've made a certain size bottle thinking she'll drink it all, and then she's only taken half of it. And then there's the jarred baby food. Feeding her baby food is a moment in my day when I'm reminded why God made babies so darn cute. She or I may still not be here if it weren't for that adorable face! I kid...mostly! :)

I've affectionately labeled Ella our 'moving target.' I was never good at darts. I don't think I've ever hit the bulls' eye. So, when I'm expected to get a spoonful of a liquidy substance in a small, round hole, it's a bit challenging. Then add the fact that the face which is holding this hole is constantly moving - it's near impossible, and things like this happen...

But, hey, like I said, she's a cutie! AND I got a great picture of her two bottom teeth! :) That's green beans on her forehead, by the way. She, obviously, could care less where the green beans ended up. And before you judge me for trying to make her eat green beans baby food (which Riley would not touch!), she actually loves the stuff! It's her second favorite - absolute favorite is squash. If it's been a tough day for me or I'm in a hurry, I grab that squash. Anyway, the reason the green beans made it to the forehead yesterday is because she was nearing the end of her predetermined time with the jarred food. Apparently, she knows in her head how much she's going to eat, and when she's done, she's done. The helpful thing for me is that I don't really need to wonder if she's done or not. The video below will show how our 9-monther communicates when it's time to move on to bigger and better things (i.e. her bottle).

So, if you ever find yourself bored and in need of some entertainment, head on over to our house during meal time and you're sure to get a few good laughs! I'll warn you, though, you may want to wear some old clothes - you never know what kind of food may end up where!

23 backwards

That's how old this man is today.

And who is this man, you may ask. Yes, this is my husband, the pastor of FBC Hughes Springs, the father of my children. He also thinks he has a chance in Hollywood. This past Wednesday night he was asked by the guy speaking to the youth to dress as a "thug." The guy was talking about appearances and how people aren't always on the inside the way they appear on the outside. He had Daniel come to the front and none of the youth knew who he was! When I saw him a little while later, he was so proud of himself! He said, "Babe! None of them knew it was me! Hollywood, here I come!" LOL!

So, maybe he shouldn't quit his day job, but I'm thankful he's such a good sport and a willing volunteer.

32 years ago he was born, and the Lord took 26 of those years to mold and shape him into the man I came to know as my "other half." That, he truly is. I joke with him all the time about us being "one." On many occasions I have picked up my phone to call him and my phone has started ringing because he's calling me. "See, we're one!" I say. And he just laughs. But I know he believes it, too. I look back on the years pre-2006 (the year we met), and I know the Lord was using our life experiences (good and bad) to prepare us not just for one another, but for the task He had for us as a couple and family.

And to say I am grateful is an understatement! IF we could ever pay the Lord back for the blessings He's given us (which, I know, this will never be possible!), I would owe Him SOOOOO much just for Daniel alone - not to mention our two precious babies, our supportive and loving families, our church family, and the list goes on and on.

So, as with everything else in my life, all I can do, Lord, is say THANK YOU and promise to use the blessings you've given me for YOUR glory! Thank you for my best friend and the love of my life! Thank you for creating him and choosing me to be his bride! Thank you for calling us to serve you TOGETHER!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

Happy Birthday, my man! I'll love you 'til the day after forever!