Forgiveness

I would be a big fat liar, and not a convincing one, if I said that I didn't occasionally yell at the boys. I don't like it, and I try not to, but it still happens. So Vince and I butted heads a lot this weekend. It was pretty much the worst Mother's Day ever. After one particularly heated disagreement, I was telling Vince that it's not okay to be disrespectful to mommy, and he said, "Mommy, I don't like it when you're angry with me." I said something like, "I know honey, I'm sorry I got frustrated and yelled." He said, "Mommy...we should pray together."

And as I listened to my not-quite-four-year-old pray for Jesus to forgive us and to help us be "kindly" to each other, my heart melted a little ... or a lot.

Tonight he came out of his room to have one last hug and kiss, he looked at me meaningfully and said, "Mommy, you the great mommy ever." I can't help but think he's confused about what that means, but it's heart warming to think that Vincent's love for me is unconditional, just as mine is for him.

The Cup Song

We have a favorite song to sing at bedtime. I have been singing it to the boys almost every night since they were born. My mom sang it to me and my sister growing up, and it has always been a cherished memory for me. Vincent has memorized it, and wants to sing it on his own...on camera. I am convinced that he's just thinking of more and more bedtime delay tactics, because it started off with me singing it to him, then he wanted to sing it with me, then he wanted me to let him try on his own. Here is his rendition, in two parts. I hope you find it as adorable as I do. Here are the words, because his words are not exactly right. ;)

Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy
And then I heard my Savior speaking,
"Draw from the well that never shall run dry."
Fill my cup, Lord.
I lift it up, Lord.
Come and quench this thirsting in my soul.
Bread of Heaven,
Feed me til I want no more.
Fill my cup.
Fill it up and make me whole.

"Nuffin"

Anthony made a little Easter basket at MOPS yesterday, and there were a couple eggs with candy inside. He insisted today that I must not "break" (open) the eggs. So he disappeared for a while and came back chewing something that was running down his chin. "Anthony, whatcha got there?" I said.
"Huh?" such a boy response.
"What are you eating, Mijo?"
"Nuffin." he said, convincingly. In fact if I hadn't seen the evidence dribbling down his chin, I might have believed him.
"Are you sure about that? Are you eating something?" I was giving him every opportunity to tell the truth.
"Nuffin."
"Nothin' what?"
"Nuffin."
"Anthony, I think you have something in your mouth, and it's okay, but can you tell me what it is?"
"Um....nuffin." I think he thought I was going to make him share.

He was probably right. I had already dipped into the egg without his knowledge.

The Greatest Show on Earth

I took the big boys to the Circus today -- well, the other circus, because let's face it, this house tends to get pretty circus-like at times. I am a complete moron and I totally forgot the camera, so the only pics I have are from after the show, with the boys sporting their (astronomically-priced) loot. But they prohibited flash photography during the show anyway, so we wouldn't have gotten many pics at the arena. Vincent had the time of his life. He was captivated pretty much the whole time. This was the first time he had been in an arena and he did pretty well with it. Anthony was more interested in climbing the stairs (no surprise there) and running back and forth down the aisles.
It was such a fun show. There were all kinds of animal tricks: elephants, horses, dogs, & cats. There were acrobats, and daredevils, motorcycle riders (they rode around in a crazy round cage sideways and upside-down), a trapeze guy, of course clowns, and much more. Vince desperately wanted to do a loud whistle like me, but he settled for shouting "woohoo!"

Silas stayed home with the babysitter, but he got a consolation prize ;)

Anthony picked a motorcycle and Vince picked a twirly light-up toy.

These hats came with the cotton candy. Usually I don't give the kids super-sweet stuff, but this seemed like a perfect time for a special treat like cotton candy. Turns out they don't like it! It's nice to know our efforts to teach them to choose healthy foods has been effective.

Silas is 3 months old!

Silas turned 3 months last week. Today I took the kids out to Mariah & Eric's house for some good outdoor play and to have Silas's 3 month pics done. We all had a blast and once again, Mariah took some awesome pics for us!