Sawyer Sentiments

"Every morning I look at you, the first time I see you, I think you're very, very beautiful."

Sawyer sentiments spoken to me this morning. Love that kid!

Coffee Date w/ THIS Guy

I love getting spend time bonding with my big kid over coffee. ❤️

Bird Joke

Newest joke a la Sawyer:

Q: What do you call a bird who watches over another bird"s eggs?

A: A babySITTER.

Because birds sit on eggs to hatch. Lol

He came up with this while playing Angry Birds: Fight.

His mind, it just never stops.

More Jokes a la Sawyer

This morning he shared two more jokes with me. He said he made them up... and I believe him.

Q: What do you call it when you're drinking (using a straw) water and eating berries?
A: A straw-berry

Q: What do you call it when you're drinking a soda and eating almonds?
A: A coconut (coke 'n nut).

Eavesdropping On My Boys

As I was sitting in the living room, I could hear the boys talking in the playroom. I heard a discussion about God that went something like this:

Sawyer: Dempsey, did you know God is invisible?

Dempsey: What?

Sawyer: Yes! He's sitting right next to you.

Dempsey: Yeah.

Sawyer: isn't that awesome?

Dempsey: Yeah.

Sawyer: We can't see him.

Dempsey: He died for us. All our "sims" are gone, Soya.

Sawyer: That's right!

There was more exchange but I didn't catch all of it. I absolutely LOVE that these boys talk this way about God. So free. So real. So full of wonder. So faith-filled. It warms my heart.

Lord,

Thank you so much for reaching my children at a heart level. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for walking with my Sawyer from such a young age. I pray that Dempsey will accept Jesus in the near future as well. I am grateful for the grace you lavish upon us so lovingly and without end. I pray that my boys will grow to have a deeper understanding of WHO you are and that it carries them through joyful times and times of sorrow. I pray that my children will have an impact on this world that is Kingdom-bringing and life changing for everyone they meet. Amen

The Owlet and His Friends by Sawyer Kenagy

The following is a story that Sawyer wrote for his 3rd grade homework assignment on owls. Enjoy.

Seven month-old Jack was waiting in his nest for his parents to bring him food for breakfast. There are two other nests in nearby trees with one owlet in each one. After Jack eats his breakfast, he hears a slight owl sound in the foggy morning light. And then he hears a sound of owlets in the other nests.

He isn't old enough to fly yet and neither are his friends. He is looking forward to meeting his friends so he can talk and play with them.

Then Jack says to his mom, "Can I visit those other nests?" She says, "Of course!" So he goes over to 8 month-old Arthur's nest. He tells Arthur that, if his parents will let him, he would like him to go to Lindsey's nest. His parents say, "Ok", so Arthur and his parents go along with Jack and his parents to Lindsey's nest.

With the help of each other's parents, they play a wonderful game of Hide and Seek. All three owlets were friends and lived happily ever after. 

Kite Joke a la Sawyer

While doing bed time routine tonighy, Sawyer told me this joke he made up:

Q: What do you say when flying a kite is really easy?

A: This is a breeze.

I swear, this kid is wicked smart. I am amazed at how good is it with jokes! I love how he breaks down walls between people with laughter too.

Before Bed Story

My heart be still. These boys have so many ups and downs throughout the day and just when you think all the goodness has turned to tears, wailing, self-loathing, and that "fake" cry seasoned parents know all too well... THIS!!! Pirate Vader reading There's a Wocket in my Pocket to Little Vader. When Sawyer finished reading he received a round of applause from Dempsey. It was precious. Family dynamics are a trip.

#brothers #kenagyville #vaderjammies #piratehat #drseuss #theresawocketinmypocket #reading #life #school #emotions #boys #bestfriends #worstenemies #myboys #myheart #blessings #messyhousehappykids #gotobedsoDaddyandIcanhavesometime

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Wisdom and Giggles

Giggles
As I sit at the computer, I can hear Sawyer telling Jake something. He can hardly get it out because he's got the giggles. Something about Barbie and it not really being Barbie... I love when Sawyer is full of the giggles. It's contagious.
Jake later confirmed-
Granddad got a call today. When he hung up he told Granny, pointing to himself, "Yeah, they were wanting to talk to Barbie."

Wisdom
On the drive home tonight Sawyer shared a thought. Here's the gist of the conversation:
S: I can see that I'm not ready to be an adult.
Me: Really? What makes you say that?
S: My personality right now.
Me: What about your personality makes you think you're not ready to be an adult?
S: Mercy. When you're a parent you have to be tough so you can teach your kids. I can't do that yet.

Amazing Capacity of Heart

I swear... this kid has an uncanny ability to love and has always been so connected to the Lord and His ways. I am so thankful that I get to be his mama.

Today he really stepped it up a few notches. He and his bro were at Granny's house today. She isn't feeling well. Sawyer encouraged her to rest, lay down, drink plenty of water. He even helped Dempsey finish his potty business so Granny could rest. All at 8 yrs old!!

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Pomegranates

Sawyer says, while eating a pomegranate...

"It's like eating tart teeth."

Considering what they look like, I can't say he's wrong. :-)

Flies and Ethical Questions

Hard moments when your 8 yr old gives a convincing argument for NOT killing flies.

See, we had DOZENS of them in our house yesterday. Don't know how they got in or when... but they were in. Instead of taking my kitchen towel and whacking them all into oblivion or opening doors/ windows in the hopes that they would fly OUT of the house... Jake and I chose to close the windows, thus trapping them between the glass and the screen.

Sawyer, our sensitive one, doesn't think this is fair. His argument is this:
Just because I don't like something or it annoys me, that doesn't mean I get to hit, swat, or murder things (points to brother). So, why do you get to kill flies?

Um.... crickets....

Ear Study

Today our classroom was outside. It's a beautiful day and little did we know that being outside was the best place for today's assignment.
Sawyer started learning about the EAR at Friday School last week. He learned about the parts of the ear, sounds, and made a telephone out of yarn, paper cups, and paper clips. He really enjoyed showing that to all of us and using it with us.
Today we worked on his homework packet for Mrs. Jones. Lots of writing, listening, and more writing.
He used his ears to take in sounds from all around us. From airplanes, to a creaking playhouse, to birds chirpibg, and Mommy jabbering. It got a little tough to describe the sounds!
We had fun talking through this assignment and we shared giggles as well.
Such precious times spent teaching my boy!

Here are some photos from today's class time.

Deep Chats

I just LOVE reading Scripture to Sawyer and discussing spiritual things with him.

I read Mark 3 to him and then we discussed things from him fearing he only "half" believes he has salvation to me telling him he tried to explain to me what he remembered about Heaven when he was 2 1/2 or 3.

Sometimes he feels half of him doesn't believe he's saved because he feels he has to "do" more. I got to explain (again) that there isn't any more he can "do" because you don't earn salvation- it's a gift. You just have to accept it.
He asked "Then why don't some people have salvation?" I told him, "Well, when you are given a gift, you have the option/ choice to refuse it... and some, sadly, refuse the gift."
He just looked sad at that reality.

Lord, thank you for wisdom. Thank you for these precious moments with my Sawyer. I am so grateful that you blessed me with him and that you knew I needed him. Thank you for encompassing my existence. Please help me to guide this young one in Your ways and along the path YOU have marked for him. Amen

Analogies

Sawyer, after rough-housing with me and brother, brings this and asks

"Can we PLEASE do more of these?!"

Third Grade

Sawyer the THIRD Grader! He was so excited about Friday School his eyes welled up with tears this morning. This kid FEELS so deeply. ❤️

Mrs Shirley Jones is his teacher and they will focus on science. He will also have music and PE (with Mrs Jones' son, Cameron- who was in Jake's HS small group at WACC).

Mark 1 & 2

This morning I told the boys, "When I finish doing the dishes we're going to read Scripture."

I grabbed my Bible and we three sat on the couch to read and listen. I explained to Dempsey that what we were reading from was the very Bible his videos talk about. They have watched all of the What's in the Bible episodes and love them.

When I told him we were going to read the Bible he commented "Hey, like Grampa and Sawyer do." Melted my heart.

We commenced reading Mark 1. We were able to discuss baptism, driving out evil spirits, and healing leprosy.

I stopped here, thinking one chapter was a fair amount to start with. I was right as far as Dempsey was concerned. Sawyer wanted to keep reading.

Sawyer and I continued through Mark 2. We talked about Jesus healing a paralytic, fasting, and the righteous compared to "sinners".

Sawyer said, "I love these stories."

I love that he loves learning about Jesus!!

Tune Bouncing

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EARLY Morning

Woken up by Sawyer at 3:30am. Poor kid had a bad dream. I didn't need to get out of bed. He got some water, prayed, went back to bed.

Digestive tract got me out of bed. I noticed Sawyer left lights on in the kitchen and living room so I turned them off.
Scratchy throat kept me awake.

4:30am I decide to get out of bed so my coughing doesn't wake Jake. I gathered my things and went out to the living room. As I set my stuff down on the recliner a head popped up from the couch.

STARTLED!

Sawyer had made his bed on the couch. He was still awake. Perhaps this is why I could not sleep- I was meant to be with my boy.

We oiled. Serenity & Wild Orange.

I made us tea. Me for my scratchy throat and him for his nerves/ mind.

We talked.

He loved on the white cat, Lakota.

4:45am Sawyer decided to do his cat chores to get them out of the way. So, I can hear him cleaning the litter box and replenishing their food & water. Sweet boy. Outside, in the dark A.M. he goes out to throw trash away.

I don't know if he will stay out here with me and sleep or if his bed will draw him back.

Take That, World!

Raising a gentleman!

Morning Compliment

"You look beautiful, Mom.... I bet all the people at work will admire you."

Now this, THIS is the way to treat women!

A New Joke a la Sawyer

What do the people of Nazareth say to the people in a different city when they were talking a lot?

Why do you Babylon about such things?

This is Love

Sawyer reached as far as his arm would reach so that he could give me this thoughtful note.

"I love you, Mommy."

On the back were two hearts by Sawyer and a green contribution from Dempsey. I assume it is a line of healing and love.

Sawyer said, "I want you to have this so you feel happy because being happy will make you feel better."

Such tender hearts! I am BLESSED!

Reading Time

Sawyer is reading to Dempsey from The Jesus Storybook Bible. They decided on the story about Jesus being tempted in the desert.

Sawyer: Dempsey, do you see the snake?!
Dempsey: Yeah!
Sawyer: Do you know who the snake is?
Dempsey: No.
Sawyer: Say satan.
Dempsey: Satan.
Sawyer: Do you remember at Granny and Granddad's house, the God guy and the Bad guy?
Dempsey: Yeah.
Sawyer: The snake, he's the bad guy.
Dempsey: Ooohhh.

I love brotherly conversations. It warms my heart to hear and watch Sawyer teach Dempsey. Dempsey just eats it up, too.

Brave Boys

I am so proud of my boys! They handle fear and scary situations with grace and better composition than most adults.

I know a lot of that is due to WHO they are but I am going to assume some credit for this.

Why?

Because I heeded some wisdom from my mom and applied it to my children.

My mom always used to say it was important and good to "front load" kids with information. Information about what was coming. Warning them of pain that was coming, sensations that were new/ strange to them. Expressing my expectations of behavior and character.

Why is this a wise method? Simply because it builds trust.

Trust? Yes, trust.

Imagine someone telling you "It will be fine" or "It's not going to hurt" or my personal fave "There's nothing to worry about." As if one person has any clue as to what the other MIGHT be feeling in any given situation.

So, apply any of those phrases to a situation of getting a tooth pulled. Instead of preparing the child for what was to come people lie to them. That doesn't build trust.

Not me. Not my husband. We have always given what other adults think is too much information.

Examples from Kenagyville are as follows:
Dempsey getting a stitch on his forehead. I told him there would be pain. It WILL hurt for a little while and then all better. I explained the needle and suture process. He cried, a little bit. He was prepared. He held so still and took deep breaths. I was impressed!

Sawyer getting his first tooth extracted. I explained what was going to happen. When what I explained actually happened, he was confident and prepared. We built trust.

Dempsey getting his head stapled. Sawyer getting his head glued. Dempsey getting drops in his eye. Sawyer having his hearing tested.

Moral of the story- don't treat children as if they are dumb. Equip them with knowledge and prepare them for REALITY. It works. Not only does it work, it also makes the medical pros go "wow... I've never had a kid this calm..." :-)

WACC VBS

Here are some memories from this week at VBS @ WACC.

Beyond his Years

Jake sends me the following in a text message yesterday during church-

 And Sawyer answered Bryan's question "What are some gifts God gives us?" His answer was "Free will."

Boom!

Father's Day

Jake was razzing Sawyer about something.

Sawyer's remark was "I want to tell you to stop but it's Father's Day."

Clearly, Father's Day means Daddy gets a bunch of free passes.

Botany

Sawyer declared, during a van ride, that he wanted to be a scientist.

I explained that anyone who studies science (at any age) is a scientist.

He said he likes chemistry but wants to study "the earth".

We had been discussing poison ivy. He wants to see the real thing.

So, I explained that the study of plants is called botany and the person who studies botany is a botanist.

He said, "Then I want to be a botanist."

Well, okay then.

Long Gone

Sawyer jumps up from the table and exclaims "It's gone!"

What's gone?

"My tooth!"

Come here, let me see it.

[I look in his mouth...]

Yep, it's gone. You ate it.

[With wide eyes and the beginnings of a panic attack, he starts breathing deeply.]

It's okay. You will be fine.

"Oh good." He finishes his dinner.

How his tooth fell out and he ate it without knowing, I will never know. But, rest assured, I will notify the Tooth Fairy of this at once so she won't follow her magical tooth finder into the sewer. Ha ha ha.

We will NOT be trying to retrieve this lost tooth either!

"... but you're... Californian..."

Sawyer: Mom, what's it called when people kiss and then their tongues touch?

Me: French kissing.

Sawyer: French kissing?

Me: Yes.

Sawyer: But you're not French, you're Californian.

Me: *chuckling*

Such A Giver!

Sawyer cane into the kitchen with a $1 bill. He proceeded to tell me "I think I want to give this to Dempsey."

I just hugged him and affirmed his generous heart.

He went off to gift his little brother. I heard him say "... It was the only $1 bill I had in my Give envelope."

When he came walking back down the hallway he said, "I feel so good after I give" as he exhaled.

Ezekiel's Shows

While watching What's in the Bible w/ Sawyer and Dempsey we learned about prophets. One of them being Ezekiel.

They focused on the warning Ezekiel gave where he tied himself up EVERY DAY and laid next to a miniature set of the city. They explained how he was only allowed to eat a LITTLE bread that was cooked over DUNG!

That made for a "fun" discussion. :-)

Beyond Generous

Twice today Sawyer has brought me his GIVE envelope seeking permission to give a person money from it. Both times I told him no on the basis that those people have their needs met by God and they do not need that money.

We talked about the people around us who God has chosen to leave some of their needs unmet so that we might step up and be the hands of feet of Jesus to meet their needs.

He looks at me, from a criss-cross seated position, GIVE envelope in hand, and exclaims "I want to give! I just have to give!"

What if each of us wanted to give so freely and so generously? Imagine the perfect place we would live in.

I think Jake and I will sit down and set up some guidelines for Sawyer to follow in his giving. Not as a way to restrict his spirit but more as a way to guide him in good stewardship of the resources God has blessed him with. We'll let him know that giving is GOOD and if we are not careful/ mindful about our giving it can actually have a negative effect.

This kid challenges me so much! Today it wasn't with his questions or excessive word usage... no, it was challenging me to take inventory of how I do or do not give.

Lord, thank you for Sawyer! Thank you for placing such a generous spirit within him. The size of his heart challenges me in many ways. I pray that you will help Jake and I to seek your will for Sawyer so that we can guide him on the path he should go. We want him to remain generous, Lord. But we also know that generosity does require some level of discernment. Please bless Sawyer with the wisdom and discernment he will need to navigate life with the gifts you've placed in his care and person. Amen

Love, Loss, and a Lesson

This morning started out swell. Sawyer went into his "Give" envelope (Dave Ramsey students will get this). He pulled out a $2 bill that my best friend gave him for his 8th birthday.

He said he wanted to take it to church and put it in the offering box, if there was one.

He has such a generous spirit!

He held onto it during the car ride to church (WACC). When we arrived he put it in his pocket. The boys bounded off and up to the playground, since we were extra early to church. After about 10 minutes of playing he came to me slightly panicked and told me "I lost it!" He showed me empty pockets.

My heart sank while at the same time I got angry that he had been so careless. I tried not to scold him but I know my body language communicated intense frustration. Poor kid.

He said he had looked all over the playground and even looked over at the parking lot to see if it was on the ground. It wasn't.

I walked back to the van from the playground and checked under vehicles, in our van just to make sure, and walked back to a dejected Sawyer.

I just shrugged and said, "Oh well. It's gone, Sawyer."

We are praying that the Lord will bless it wherever it is and wherever it goes. We are praying that the Lord will guide the heart of the one who found it as well and that it will be "offered" for good.

Sawyer's heart was broken. Mine broke because his broke. He was so excited to give it away and he wasn't able to.


Lord, help me to have a right heart when I use this as a teaching moment. Please mend Sawyer's heart so that this won't serve as a deterrent from him giving to bless others in the future. Please multiply the worth if this $2 bill as it circulates through the world. Give us a way to make sure Sawyer's next offerings are not lost. Amen.

One Effect of Mormon Missionaries

I was doing dishes in the kitchen just now when Sawyer came in to chat. He shared his idea of us, our family, doing a job together. This job consisted of us inviting people to church with us.

He said we would start with our neighborhood and when we were done with that we could start inviting people who come and use Cal High's field for sports.

I asked him if we would make money doing this job or if we would do this in addition to our current jobs- WACC and Parkville. He said we would do this as well as keep our current jobs and we would not make money doing this.

One reason he wanted to invite more people to church was so that they would give (tithe and beyond) and help people who are in need (homeless).

Another reason was to help people serve our community and come to our church to watch services. We would clearly "tell them what time the services are".

I asked what the services would do for the people who came. He said, "I think they would encourage them to give and learn about God."

Where did this idea come from?
"It just came into my mind and I thought it was a good idea. I remember some teenaged boys (Mormon missionaries in WA) who wanted people to serve their own community."


Lord, you are so good! You have placed a disciple-servant heart in my Sawyer. I just pray you will give me and Jake the courage to step out of our comfort zones so that your will/ plan might be fulfilled through Sawyer. Amen.

Hymns

While watching Little House on the Prairie, Sawyer says "I remember hymns. Two different times. One at Daddy's gym, when I did devotions, and one time at Grampa's new church."

ECC

Tonight at check-in we had diffulcties. Erin G. (Children's Dir) remarks "I just love your son." Why? "He is a great kid, always has funny say."

I shared that "he lost his joy at the park..." She says, "What kid says that?" 😊

Lord, thank you for using my Sawyer to entertain people and touch people wherever he goes. May he always seek to bring you glory with his existence, gifts, abilities... Amen.

Prickly Face

Feeling Daddy's prickly face, Dempsey says "Hey, Granddad has that too!"

My Kind of Creature

Sawyer: This might be inappropriate to say, but girls are my kind if creature.

Me: Why is that?

Sawyer: Because they are beautiful. Some boys think they're ugly and some think they're pretty. I'm one of the ones who thinks they're pretty. Women too.


Lord, I am pleading with you to provide a lady worthy of this man-boy. I pray she has all the qualities to compliment my son and knows how to love him the way he needs. May she be so lost in you that he can only find her by knowing YOU, Lord. May she be of pure heart and willing to hold out for the gift that is Sawyer. Amen

"I Met a Girl"

Sawyer just got back from grocery shopping with Jake​ and he HAD to tell me about this "beautiful girl named Kylie (Kylee maybe)" he met.

She's the same age, same grade, birthday in the same month as Sawyer- just a few days before- and she goes to a local public school.

Sawyer says "she shocked me... she was just so beautiful."

He met her while he was loading up the conveyor belt at the grocery store (Jake had stepped away to get another item).

I love how social my Sawyer is!

Lord, please help us to nurture his ease with strangers in a healthy way so that we caution him for his protection but don't stifle is innate trait of loving those he doesn't know. I pray that YOU keep your hand of protection on him as he goes through life doing Kingdom work. Help us to see who he IS and not only who we WANT him to be. Thank you for the blessing of being his parents. Amen

Re-Wedding

Sawyer came out of the kitchen with his mind on Jake and I celebrating the day we got married. He called the event a "re-wedding".

He talked about having rainbow colored towels. I clarified if he meant rainbow towels or single colored towels but all the colors of the rainbow. He meant the latter.

He talked about collecting the rings and giving them to Jake.

Something about rolling out a carpet-like thing through the living room ending at the TV which would be decorated.

I think he mentioned pictures too.

Such a sweet and thoughtful boy. He really is one of a kind!!!

Lord, you blessed us so richly with Sawyer. Thank you SO MUCH! May we continue to help him foster his interests and Christ-like qualities. Amen

Art

Learning about Marc Chagall.

A Linguist? Okay.

Yesterday, on the way to his play date, I asked Sawyer two tough questions.

#1: What is the most important thing to you in this life?
#2: What subject (I listed several as examples) do you think you could study for your whole life and never get bored?

The answer to the first one came with grunts and the phrase "That's a tough one, Mom". After some deliberation he said- "My family. All the people in my family." I love that answer. It was totally his, not coached at all. I didn't even give examples for this question.

The answer to number two was a little tricky and required some thought. When he broke the silence, his answer was "Languages. I want to learn all the languages. I want to be able to say all the words I know in English in all the other languages." Amazing!!! He followed up with this "A scientist. I want to be a scientist who studies languages. What are those called?" I told him, "A linguist." He says, "I want to be a linguist." Well, okay then. Guess we need to invest in some Rosetta Stone sets and I need to brush up on my American Sign Language and Spanish skills.

I absolutely LOVE that he came up with languages as the answer to question number two. I can tell he put thought into it as well. I wish I could open his brain and see that thought path because I'm sure it would enlightening.

Today we were in the car coming back from the Aquarium of the Pacific. He added some information to the idea of what he wants to be when he grows up. In addition to a linguist, he added famous and make millions of dollars. I'm not sure if we can roll all three into one but if anyone can... Sawyer can!

Sawyer Does WACC's Family Matters for 3/8/15

Sawyer is no newbie when it comes to being in front of the camera. If you don't know where he got his start, click here. Anyway, two weeks ago Josh (the service producer) asked Jake if he (we) would be alright with Sawyer doing the Family Matters segment for an upcoming weekend. Jake and I discussed it and decided it could be a fun opportunity for Sawyer. Plus, when someone seeks out your kid, for qualities you want to foster, it's that much harder to find a reason not to.

Man! I wish y'all had been in that sanctuary when this aired. The laughing and applause rang out. If you missed it, don't worry. I'm sharing it right here.



This is only a glimpse of the character our Sawyer is turning out to be. We love him and we are so proud of his abilities, heart, character, and overall being. God surely blessed us with this kid!

More Tooth Problems

PRAYER FOR SAWYER

He will most likely be having yet another tooth extracted tomorrow in the 8am hour.

He told me his tooth felt like it was "moving". I checked it and saw it was CRACKED across the top.

He's doing fine. There were a few tears, but they were more from a place of "why me" than fear.

Me, on the other hand. Moms know what I mean. That feeling of failure because "I'm supposed to be taking care of this little person and their [teeth are falling out]!!!"

So, while you're praying for Sawyer, please pray for me too. A little.

Valentine's Day at School

I found these adorable valentines at iheartnaptime.net. 99% of kiddos give out candy on Valentine's Day. I like being the 1% who doesn't. So, when I saw these I KNEW they were perfect for us.

This fish bowl paper says "So glad we're in the same school".

Sawyer spent time signing his name. We didn't address them to specific kids, making them easier to pass out. Efficiency, you know.

A Pure Mind

Sawyer and I are having a good discussion about Phil 4:8.

A new, older, friend of Sawyer's does not have the same guidelines our family has and that was made pretty clear today. At the park this new friend was talking about an app/ game callef Five Nights at Freddy's. He was describing it to me and all sorts of flags were going off!

I looked it up. IT'S A HORROR GAME!! Hello. No child should be playing this! It's rated 12+ too.

Clearly this boy's family does not have the same boundaries and goals for his mind as we do for our boys. That makes me sad.

This situation provided a really good teachable moment for Sawyer. I was able to show him Scripture that talks about the things we are supposed to focus on and have him see that the game in question did not fall in line with thise things. He realizes this and we will work to help him be strong and stand firm against temptation and potential peer pressure.

I love my Sawyer's heart and mind and I will gladly battle the darkness for them!

Lord,
Please protect Sawyer from outside influences that are not in line with your will. Help us as his parents to guide him and encourage him on the right and narrow path. I pray you stand with him against things that can rob him of any part of his innocense. Fill him up with the amount of salt and light he will need for this battle. Help us all to be gracious and firm with this boy and his father. Most of all, help us to point to You and bring You glory. Amen

Feb Awana

So proud of my Awana boy! He was asked to be a flag bearer again AND he got another jewel for his memory verse.

"Bof of you"

In the car, on their phones, waiting for Daddy to get done with his dr appointment, I hear "I love bof of you" from Dempsey.

Sawyer repeats the sentiment.

Dempsey repeats.

This repeats a few times amid some giggles.

I love these moments!

2 More Sawyer-made Jokes

Q: What did the tired boy say to the other boy who didn't want to play with him?

A: come yawn (like come on)

------

Q: What did one cape say to the other cape when it said "I don't think I'll be useful."

A: I know you are cape-able!

These gems are what Sawyer told me tonight (2/1/15). I LOVE THEM! I love him!! His brain amazes me.

Getting Credit

My guys were fixing to start a game of Spiderman Uno. The offered me a spot on the floor to join in the game but I passed on account of there being dishes to clean.

Sawyer came to me in the kitchen and said, "It seems so unfair, mom."

Me: "What does?"

Sawyer: "That Daddy seems more popular but you're doing so much work and not getting any credit. So, I can give you [a hug] to show I appreciate you, and I can say things I enjoy doing with you. I enjoy playing Monopoly with you, playing Uno with you, talking with you..."

Me: "Well, thank you, Sawyer. That means a lot to me."

Sawyer: [smiles] "You're welcome."

He really does get it. He may not always acknowledge it- he is human after all- but the times when he does, and does it of his own accord, I know it's straight from his heart.

Lord, what you are working out within him is blessing us. Thank you for the privilege of being Sawyer's mom! Amen

Punctuation

"I got to use one of my favorite punctuation."

What is that?

"A hyphen."

A Day in the Life

I had a doctors appointment this morning. The boys ended up accompanying me because the sitter arrangements fell through.

Buckle up boys, life is about to get REAL!

This appointment was for a physical. Yep, a COMPLETE physical. You ladies catch my drift?

Praise God for iphones and obedient (in this instance) children.

They sat in the room, in a chair and on the floor, while I had my physical done. Not too many questions were asked and none that I couldn't answer.

After the doctors appointment we went to Ruby's for lunch with Jake (who was also at the doctors for his own appointment). I love being able to be spontaneous with the whole family.

When we finished lunch, the littles and I drove over to Puente Hills for Toys R Us. The boys were each gifted a gift card for Christmas. Dempsey chose ANOTHER Dusty Crophopper figure and refused to consider anything else. Sawyer chose two sets of Legos, which each came with a coupon for Legoland (he's pining for a trip to Legoland for his 8th birthday). So, Sawyer's purchase has a dual purpose. I made extra, extra certain he would have chosen THOSE ITEMS even if they didn't come with the Legoland coupon. He assured me he would have.

Dinner Question to Dad

Sawyer and Jake are eating a favorite meal called Life Goes On. Jake's family used to eat this specific meal while watching the 90s show by the same name. That's where the meal affectionately got its name.

This particular meal was complete with sesame seeds on the buns.

Sawyer innocently asks "If we plant these seeds will we get hamburger buns?"

Love the learning process!

Sawyer's Valentine

Yes, it's just January 8th. Yes, Valentine's Day is still over a month away. Yes, Sawyer already has a request.

CUTEST THING EVER!!

His friend, Samantha, already has her opinions and wants and is brave enough to act on them. Sam is a super sweet girl that Jake and I both adore. Her family is part of our small community of friends and we love them.

There is an on-going discussion amongst the kids in Sawyer and Samantha's homeschool class about marriage and boy/girlfriend relationships. All the parents do our best to set good examples, have good discussions, set appropriate boundaries, and let them be kids as best we can. It's a dance, for sure.

Here is what Samantha's valentine request looks like. Precious!

Learning Something New

Learning something new this morning. Sawyer's question was "what's it called when you can't smell?"
Here you go:
Hyposmia [high-POSE-mee-ah] is a reduced ability to detect odors. Anosmia [ah-NOSE-mee-ah] is the complete inability to detect odors. In rare cases, someone may be born without a sense of smell, a condition called congenital anosmia.