The boys did very well with the time change (I expected them to get up around 5:30AM "new time", but they got up closer to 6:30 -- yeah!). They were very, very good at Mass. Jack and Thomas were very quiet (Jack was intent on trying to read the stained glass windows during part of Mass), and Peter actually laid his head down on my shoulder when he got tired and fell asleep for half an hour -- no fussing or crankiness, he just drifted off -- it was one of those sweet baby moments that I treasure, especially because I know there probably won't be too many of those left in the months to come.
It rained a little here and the weather was cool, and I made applesauce in the crockpot which made the house smell like fall :). Then we had a good dinner, and put some bluegrass music on for the boys while they cleaned up their toys. Jack was dancing like Steve Martin (spot on!) and Thomas was doing a darn good Pappy O'Daniel impression from O Brother Where Art Thou. It was just a very pleasant day!
We also had a good Halloween on Friday. Jack, Thomas, and I made popcorn balls from Grandmom's recipe -- they loved it! David came home from work early and we watched Superman, ate pizza, and tried to get the boys to dress up like Superman using an Indian blanket from Grandmom as the cape :). Thomas and Peter were willing, but Jack wasn't having any part of it. He was amenable to dressing up like a Dodger, though! It was simple -- no trick or treating or Halloween parties, but we had a good time.
This week will be busy coming up -- on Election Day I'd like to take the boys to visit Jesus at Adoration for a little while (our church is having a special day-long Adoration), even if we can only stay for 10 or 15 minutes.
Like Kim mentions in her beautiful post, we pray that the election results -- both the presidential election and the many propositions across the nation -- are in favor of the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Sometimes Jack hears David and I talking about politics, and asks what it's all about. I've explained that there are two men running for president (aka "Boss of America") and we want one to win and not the other. He asked if the other guy was mean, and I thought about it for a second and said "Yes, he doesn't think babies who are in their mommy's tummy are real people". Jack looked over at Peter, who was in my lap trying furiously to bat at my plate with his chubby little hands, but who was IN my tummy only 4.5 months ago. It was a powerful moment as I watched him process what I had just said.
For Jack and Thomas, Peter has been part of our lives, a real part of all of our lives, from the moment that they knew I was pregnant. To think that anyone could deny his personhood all that time in the womb is ridiculous, and even Jack at just 4 years old, knew that. It's funny -- I've always known where I stand on this issue, but having to distill it down to its simplest form for my 4-year old really hit home for me -- who in their right mind could think a baby in its mommy's tummy isn't a person? And, more importantly, who would want such a person as boss of our country?!?
Let me close by saying how grateful I am to my children for the joy they have every single day just in being alive, and for their way of making the important things in life seem so simple and clear.
--------------------------
Thomas makes a slightly wary Superman.
This Superbaby has a superpower for rolling all over the floor, seeking out crumbs and forbidden Big Boy Toys.
A hint of a shadow of some eyebrows perhaps? He does have an impressive eyebrow furrow, regardless :).
This family bleeds Dodger blue.
Peter, just seconds before attacking Thomas's "Buddy Bear". 
Helping to make popcorn balls on Halloween!
Jack does the dirty work while Thomas conducts quality control.
Thomas doesn't approve of the level of stickiness involved.
Jack dives right in.
Last but not least, Elmo on a pumpkin!
2 comments:
Brilliant pics. I would really like a copy of your four men in Dodger blue. That is a great picture.
It truly appears like motherhood is really your forte. You seem to be enjoying to the fullest, teaching and nurturing the boys. What a most handsome crew you have there.
We can't wait to see you, whenever that may be.
We are very excited about Thanksgiving and playing some WII.
What a glorious vocation HE has blessed you with. Rejoice and be glad, for you are truly blessed.
Love to all
Wheetah,
That's an awesome response to Jack's question. I love your kids!!!
The pictures are adorable!! I can't get enough of them! Even though Thomas is a wary Superman, he is still Super cute, and I definitely am detecting some eyebrow action from Peelo.
And the Dodger picture? Priceless!! Quite a handsome brood!
Post a Comment