Anika

So I think being the firstborn, BJ continues to get a lot more exposure on the blog- big triumphs, learning to put his head underwater, riding a two wheeler, etc, but Anika is pretty stinking cute herself.  Right now she speaks in short choppy pharses.

While watching me do an exercise video:  "Mom.  Run.  Push. Stroller."  She's worse then Pedro in guilt tripping you for an inside workout.

When she's stuck home with mom instead of everyone else:  "Bro?"  He's gone baby.  "Daddy?"  He's gone too.  "Work (knowingly)"  "Angie" she's not here  "Mister Josh"  He's not either.  Just stuck with your mom.

Daddy has been priming her lately for the favorite answer.  "Anika, who's the best"  Big grin "Daddy"  (Although tonight, Angie stayed for dinner-which isn't her normal lately.  Her answer on who's the best?  "Angie" then laughing and watching Daddy's reaction)

Picking up any phone and saying "Hello, hi, hello, hi"

She wants so badly to be a big girl, she was heartbroken all week while BJ got to stay at church for VBS and when we went to pick him up and see the final songs, she insisted on finding him in the crowd to sit or stand by him (and he sweetly welcomed him, although mom was asked to go back to the back :))

The other thing is she is so quick to apologize. I'm sure this is just because she wants to get on with playing, but after 30 seconds on the steps she was "trol" [self control] and is ready to say "rorry"

Last thing, not a speech thing, but needs documentation.  Her "help" while making brownies resulting in a laxative in my coffee pot. Her affinity for all things lotion- sunscreen all over her, vaseline everywhere- 4 days to wash it out, and motor oil on the carpet- but that's another story :)

What a sweet blessing she is to our lives.

Stand strong

BJ got to attend VBS this year at our church.  The theme was Kingdom Rock and all about standing strong with whatever comes your way.  He had an absolute blast and came home singing songs and talking about everything he learned.  I'm so thankful for Godly adults and teens in his life who take time out of their day to help with this amazing week.  One day, Angie and I were discussing a mouse that has decided to join us in the house the last few weeks.  He's been a bugger to catch and has eluded a 3 adult chase through the main floor and no less than 6 traps filled with PB (big step seeing as BJ is allergic).  I was saying it is dumb that I'm scared of a little mouse, and BJ pulls me close as says quietly in my ear, his secret "Mom, next time you see the mouse, you need to stand strong"  Yes, buddy I will, but can you hold my hand when we see it?

So Blessed

I was getting discouraged about my job, and then I had 2 super fulfilling work days in a row.  Praise God!

I worry about raising my kids right and doing the right thing- and they knock my socks off. Praise God!

I worry about financial burdens and working hard pays off in blessings from God!  Praise God!

I worried about the right person to watch my kiddos, and God blessed us with Angie for the last 21 months.  Praise God!

Why do I even bother to worry.  Now if God could please, please, please take care of the mouse in my house :)

Raising kids is tough, anyone who says differently isn't a parent.  And even though I totally support Brandon's job, it does get tiring at times when he's not home (heck, it's tiring when he is home).  But there are nights full of doubt and full on exhaustion.  It makes me really thankful that my hubby comes home- that we aren't separated by months of deployment or by heaven's gates.  But sometimes things happen and you think, "God, that is better than I deserve."  Tonight was one of them.  I thought Anika might be ready to potty train a few months back and so we started- for about an hour and a half, after which we gave up.  But I think despite her young age, my biggest mistake was telling BJ to stay out of our way.  He is a great big brother.  So when we decided to try again this weekend, I asked for his help.  He high fives, he congratulates, he asks if she's "clean and dry," reminds her of stickers and prizes and explains everything to her in great detail.  "We're going to put you in a diaper tonight but don't worry, you can wear underwear again in the morning and go potty in the potty and get prizes."  Sometimes she wants her space but usually she wants her brother.  I (along with help from my great Nurse Kathy) got a bag of prizes to reward her efforts and stickers for being dry.  All weekend long BJ wanted stickers and prizes too-which probably helped prove to her what a big deal it was to get them.  The prizes are all "girly things" like bracelets and necklaces, but to BJ they are prizes worthy of attaining.  Lately, when Anika comes to pick out a prize, she picks one out first for BJ.  And since she is giving it to him, sharing it with him, I haven't discouraged either one of them.  But tonight, at dinner while BJ was praying, he thanked God that Anika wanted to share a prize with him.  Melts your heart a little.  He wore his blue sparkly necklace around all night with Anika.  Then, after we had put her to bed with her big brother speech "There are no scary things, no loud noises, Mom and I are here, and you are safe," he came downstairs and asked for the prize bag.  I asked why, and he said "I want to put this necklace back in the prize bag for Anika so she has more prizes for going potty on the potty."  Really God, some days I am not a good enough parent to deserve his tender heart.  Help me to learn to cultivate it well.

The kids together at Harmon Park in Kearney

 The next few shots show the laughter and fun they have together. . .

 My sweetheart son