More on Boys Being Boys...

These Matlock mini-men are into all sorts of things these days...

Pulling weeds

 Thomas has a list of chores to work on now and Benjamin likes to get in on the action as well.  Look how proud he is, and how he checks to see what Thomas is doing as well.

Playing in boxes

Check out this sweet smile


Hiding in cabinets

 Ben discovered our bathroom cabinet just like Thomas did when he was this age.  When they really get into this game it'll be forever before they have had enough.  It so fun to hear them laughing and talking their own language and just being brothers.

I just read this blog on "Training our Boys to be Men" and was instantly excited and a little afraid that I have to raise men!!  How do I do this?!  Could thing I'm married to a manly man who can teach them.  but here's to sending them off onto all sorts of boy things and boy explorations....

Oh Lord, please keep them safe, teach me not to worry and trust you through the broken bones that may come!

My Precious Little Ones

I find myself looking at these precious faces and pausing more.  How does time go so quickly?

How is it that the Lord chose to so richly bless me?

Their love blesses me everyday!

Their love for one another fills my heart to overflowing.

Boys Being Boys

This past weekend we were given the opportunity to get away overnight.  We jumped on it!!  It was in the beautiful Anderson Valley at a timeshare location.  We weren't able to get in until 2, so we took the day to moosey on over that way.  We stopped for lunch in Santa Rosa and then wondered through the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.  It was just a couple of acres big and perfect for our hour of time to be wasted!  What a waste it wasn't!!  It is so wonderful to enjoy God's unique creation through the eyes of my boys!

They love to run and jump and explore.  Thomas found this great big fountain and ran straight over to inspect it and Benjamin was a little slower.

Later we found this giant cactus that had an empty center.  The boys loved checking out the inside.  It was like a secret cave full of things to discover.

I was reading some signs when the boys waundered off with Jared and found a comfy spot to sit and watch the world go by.  As soon as I turned the corner they all said cheese, they knew I'd want a picture since I'd been snapping pictures all morning.

We walked down the downtown street a little bit and found a path that went along the creek.  It was beautiful.  God's beautiful creation mixed with a man made path that just accentuated the beauty instead of taking away from it.

There was a boat ramp that we walked down and the boys were thrilled to find some sand, sticks and stones to play with.

Jared loved this look out part and insisted I go out there with the boys for a picture.  Really he just wanted me to walk out over nothing-ness because earlier I totally froze on the bridge!!  Nice guy, huh?!  I'm glad I did because it was beautiful!  (I know, it doesn't look high at all... it was though, I promise!)

Later I took a moment to just watch my baby stroll along.  He's such a big boy now.  It was a moment of joy to my heart!!

Here he is checking out things mountains taller than he is.  He was fascinated!

The rest of the time away was great, but this is where the picture taking stopped so you'll just have to believe me!

We got the keys to our place, explored downtown Windsor and spent about 45 minutes in a neat little toy store.  We had dinner in the condo made up of microwave dinners for the kiddos and safeway soup for us.  Followed up by homemade cookies and ice cream!!  We played cards with the boys and just enjoyed being a family, which is always extra special when you're away from the distractions at home.  I feel asleep early and Jared watched some funny TV.

The next morning we took our time getting ready and made it (a little late) to church.

I'm so thankful for this unexpected gift.  It was so much more than a free night away!

Peeing in the Yard

Boys will be boys, right?!  Oh my, it's always an adventure.

Last week, we were outside taking in all the sunshine we could before the rain started.   The boys are doing great playing together and need my help less and less everyday, so I took a book with me.  Now, you must know, the yard is boy safe, so when Ben wandered off around the corner I didn't think too much of it.  When he was there for a couple of minutes, I asked Thomas, "What do you think Ben is doing?"  Thomas ran off to go see.

Now, when it was quiet for another few moments, I got up to go see for my self.

I found Bailey, Thomas and Benjamin all gathered around the birdbath.  Bailey was drinking the water.  Now, it hadn't rained yet, and I hadn't watered.  It was almost as if Thomas could read my mind and knew I was wondering why there was water in the birdbath.

Thomas announced, laughing, that Bailey was drinking my pee!!!

I freaked out inside.  All girlieness screaming over the grossness of the situation.  Bailey stopped with my outloud, "NO!!"  Thomas was laughing.  Benjamin was watching.

With a calm voice, while thinking am I really saying this outloud, "Thomas, it is not funny that Bailey is drinking your pee."

We then had a conversation about the proper places to go pee.  His little brother is watching after all!!

Boys are an adventure.

Thomas, Little Brother's Watching You

Oh the power a big brother holds.

 

 He is the example.  The leader.  The cool one to be just like.

He has the eyes and the faith of a little brother watching his every move.  Studying.  Taking it in.  And trying to be just like him.

Yesterday this was made so much more clear to me.  Thomas was jumping up and down in joy over something with the legos.  Benjamin was excited it to.  He stared with a concentrated look at what Thomas was doing.  Then, tried it for himself.

We were puddle jumping, Benjamin wanted to see just what Thomas was doing and then do it.  He followed Thomas wherever he went.  He tried his hardest to keep up.  He ignored my callings, my words and my help.  All he wanted was big brother.

Oh Thomas, please be a good leader.  Please be one that Benjamin can follow.  He will watch what you do and follow that above what I say.  Please know that he is watching and love him enough to do always do what is right.  Be an example that your little brother can follow.

As I write these words, I know Thomas will fail.  I know that the only example we can rightly follow is God.  How often am I like Benjamin.  I get distracted and fascinated by friends or leaders, that I take my eyes off of God, ignore His wisdom and His calling, just to follow the latest and greatest.

Oh Lord, help! Help me to follow you.  Help me to listen to your voice alone.  But for when I fail, please give me godly examples to follow!

Then:

& Now:

About 9 months later, the good old laundry basket it still bringing loads of fun!

I've Got a Belly Flopper

There's something special about a Dad's day off!  Jared took today off to add to his Thanksgiving celebration and oh what a great day it's been.  We got a little extra sleep this morning (oh!  I didn't tell you, Benjamin's sleeping til 7 some mornings and 6:30 others, but more on that later!) and took our time this morning.  Jared went off to the gym and I hung out in PJ's with the boys.  

Benjamin loves to wrestle, I mean he LOVES to wrestle.  His favorite part about it is belly flopping on whoever he's wrestling.  If i get on the floor, whether it's to pick something up or to sit down, he's right there with me, pushing me over so he can crawl all over me.  

This morning, I was sitting on the sofa and made the mistake of leaning forward.  In an instant he was behind me trying to push me over.  Next thing I knew, Thomas was joining in the fun.  So enough of that... we collected all the pillows in the house and made a giant jumping, belly flopping pile.  It was TONS of fun. 

 My morning was filled with laughter and shouts of joy!!  When daddy got home, they were ready for round two!!

Even Bailey got in on the action.

The rest of day has been filled with crossing things off the list.  I'm taking a break from cleaning the playroom to share our great day and enjoying the Christmas music on Pandora.  Jared and Thomas are getting the Christmas decorations down and hanging lights.  Benjamin's napping.  We've already raked leaves, jumped in leaves, taken care of outside toys and had a yummy warm lunch.  Such a great day!!

What Fun 2 Boys Can Have

I love that my two boys love to play together.  Yes, they fight all the time.  Play tug-of-war over a favorite toy with one screaming at one end and the other trying to explain to the screamer why he can't have it.  But they also play together and love it.  I love the sound of them laughing together.  Trying to out "silly" the other and cracking up in the meantime.  Thomas, not always, but often, will try to include his brother in a game that he's playing.  A couple of weeks ago, he wanted Benjamin to join him on the hot tub.  The idea made me nervous, but I couldn't resist Benjamin's little joyful face of wanting to be a big boy and Thomas desire to teach his little brother some "big boy stuff."  They had the best time fighting the bad guys (the tree branches) and playing swords.  Their laughter was out of pure joy.  Their play was a blessing to my heart.  And I got a good workout following Benjamin all around to keep him safe.

Thomas has a few favorite songs he loves to watch on the computer.  Benjamin can often be found trying to peek over the desk just enough to see the screen, bouncing along to music.  This morning, Thomas grabbed Benjamin by the hand, brought him over and held his hand and they bounced along together.

Thank you Lord for these sweet moments to remember in the tug-of war moments.

These Two Have Such Fun

I love watching my boys play together.  I love the sound of the laughing and being silly.  I love seeing the way that they communicate.  It's so sweet to see Thomas teach Benjamin things (usually).  I love the names Thomas has for him.

Benjamin is no longer a baby.  He's a walking, babbling toddler and it's so much fun (usually).  These two are wrestling and just having fun together.  Outside is there favorite place to be.  Together is usually better than alone.  I can ask Benjamin, "where's Thomas?" and off he goes, looking for his big brother.  It makes me understand my younger sister a little more and wonder what the two of us were like.  

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last couple of days:

Thomas wanted his tent set up and immediately invited his brother in.  They loved having toys in there and just chatted away.  So sweet to hear that from the other room.  Made me grab the camera and sneak up before they knew I was coming.  Those shots didn't turn out, but thankfully they let me grab this one.

Benjamin has just recently shown an interest in books, so he was thrilled to find the collection that Thomas had left in the room.  Being boys, this quiet lasted mere moments, but it was sweet!!

I'm loving all this fun with my boys and continue to love the relationship developing betweent the two.

A Common Scene Around Here

It is a blessing to a mother's heart to see your children enjoy one another. As you can tell, I love it, since I've blogged about it multiple times over the past year. It really is though. I want these two little ones to love one another, to like one another and to enjoy being together.

Recently, they've enjoyed sharing seats. Benjamin will try to get in the seat with his big brother or we catch Thomas trying to lift Benjamin onto the sofa with him (yikes)!

Here they are recently at a wedding.

Then, this past Sunday hanging out before church.

Brotherly Love

There sweetness melts my heart. Lord, may they always love each other, watch out for one another and love you! Thank you for the blessing of brotherly love. The blessing to see it and watch it grow.Car trips, even just across town, are the perfect picture of our family. Jared and I trying to hold a conversation in the front seat, competing with the noise in the back seat! These two boys can make all sorts of noise, both happy and sad. At times they are complaining. Sometimes they are fighting, thankfully that is rare! Most of the times they are talking to one another and even nicely sharing. The best is when they are laughing. Just being silly, almost trying to out laugh one another. At the end of great family days, you will hear silence. Each one snuggled up and sleeping.

I love our family car. We remind each other when the current noise is too much, that these are precious, fleeting moments.

Box = Fun

These two can have fun with just about anything. The dining room table is often a pirate ship, the kitchen table a hide out. Who knows how many things a box can be!! This particular day it was a boat. Thomas was trying to see just how far he could push Benjamin. Both were laughing and just having a grand time!
I think Benjamin is wondering why Thomas has stopped and explaining that he can't possible push him as fast on his belly. Bailey is patiently waiting his turn.

Brothers & Cousins

I love watching these boys have fun together!!

They were so excited to sit on the futon with Thomas as he shared his snack. Like a flock of ducks... give them one and the move in for more!!

Happy Boys!!
Thomas and Benjamin thought it was great fun to hang out with Bailey on his bed. They sat there just laughing and being silly.
This was after they had finished playing in Thomas' room. They came to see what else they could find. Thomas sweetly helped Benjamin get some letters and keep the music going. (no, he's not always sweet about it!!)

Post-morning nap fun. Thomas still likes to hangout in B's bed after his nap. though it was so sweet until i saw he had stolen all of b's blankets, filled it with his toys and just left b a corner. oh well, they both had fun!

The Sun is Out!!

and we are playing in the pool. Thomas got this pool from his grandparents for his birthday and it promises lots of summer fun. It wasn't really hot enough for a swim, but non of us could resist.

Thomas loved it right away and found a zillion different ways to go down the slide. Benjamin got in for a little, but wasn't a fan. He preferred to be on the side looking in and splashing.

These two sweet boys have so much fun together. Starting to see Benjamin attempting everything that his big brother does.

My big boy! Couldn't help but think back 4 years when I got this great other great shot:

(he's almost exactly ben's age in this shot!)

Loves to be silly for the camera.

Sweet, sweet Thomas

Ben is getting so big, so fast. He loves this ball, any ball really and will chase it anywhere!!

Enjoying the warm weather!