A is for apple!

So far today has been much better. Noah and I spent alot of time together and I think he was wanted that. It amazes me how with every book I've read, class I've taken, combined with wisdom from friends I trust, wisdom from God and even some of my own wisdom, I often find myself without a clue of how to handle Noah when he disobeys. How does that happen?

This week I started something new with Noah. I decided to focus on one letter a week and then find things today throughout the week that I can reflect back to that letter. We memorize a verse that starts with the corresponding letter, find items in magazines that start with that letter and go on a scavenger hunt around the house for things that start with that letter as well. Today we went to storytime and took out books that start with that letter too. So far Noah seems very into the whole idea. So for this week we have been all about the Letter A!! If you have any other creative ways to teach and have fun in this way let us know!

My Prayer for Today!

Since Noah was 11 months old I have said every month has been my favorite age. The past few days not so much! At first I blamed his disobedience on the time change and gave him grace in areas that I normally don't. Last night when I left for work Noah was crying and fussing and acting very clingy. Not like him at all! I called Phillip while I was at work to ask how Noah was doing. Phillip said "He's been great". Hmmmm!
I was convinced he was tired, not feeling well, teething or something. But since with Daddy he was sweet and obedient, I had to recognize that some of the behaviors I have been seeing the past few days was disobedience. Today, Noah and memorized Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fallen short." I explained to Noah that we ALL sin, he does, Mommy and Daddy do, everyone. We talked about how disobeying Mommy is sin. I realize that Noah does not completely understand, but he is expected to repent and ask for forgiveness when he disobeys. I need to remember that when I allow him to disobey and make excuses like he's tired, he's teething, he doesn't feel well, he's hungry etc etc etc. That I am sinning. My prayer today has been God show me where I need to be more consistent and when to give Noah grace, I am sorry when I am not consistent, Lord please forgive me. If I expect Noah to do it, then I need to as well.

Peace Out!

We had tons of fun today! We started at our neighborhood "Fall Festival" and worked our way over to our church for "Trunk or Treat". Noah was interested in one thing... Dancing and part of his dance moves include running. We were finally able to persuade him to take a break from the "dance floor" for some games, hot dogs and trick/trunk or treating. As you can see from the pictures Noah was a Hippie, complete with Tye dye, bell bottoms and peace sign galore! He was certainly a hit! We are so grateful to Grandma Hilda for creating his fabulous costume.
We ended with a late night over at Pop pops for what else but a cookie!
When we finally got home around 9:30 Noah was still wanting to go go go! Playing with his peace sign necklace saying "peace sign peace sign!" Sorry for all the pics but I couldn't pick just one!
Happy Halloween!

My Mom Rocks!!

We had a blast today at Berry Patch Farms! We joined our MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group for a morning hayride, pumpkin "picking" and a picnic lunch. Noah was mesmerized by the calf and goat saying "cow! cow! cow!" over and over again and the red tractor (emphasis on the "k" in "trackter"). I have been saying for the past 8-9 months that Noah is so sweet, obedient and just an all around HAPPY guy. Today, although that does remain true, I noticed he certainly his an opinion is getting stronger and stronger, especially when it was time to go. Noah is usually okay with a 5 minute warning. We say "Noah, 5 more minutes to play and then it is time to clean-up/go whatever the case". I think today something clicked for him and he DID NOT want to go. I am realizing each day how important it is to stand firm when it come to a battle of wills! It is so hard, but in the end Phillip and I know that what we follow through with today will bless us in the future.

Fun with Wes!

This weekend Noah hung out with his good "older" buddy Weston. The boys are exactly 1 week apart. It is so sweet to see how they relate to one another and enjoy playing together.

Dress up? Hmmmmmmmm

Most of my close friends know that I am not a fan of dressing up in costume for any reason. I think the same applies to Noah. Last Fall Noah was the cutest elephant. A few weeks ago I attempted to fit him into the same costume and he was not happy keeping the hood/hat on. Yesterday Phillip's mom brought over a costume that resembles either a dinosaur or a crocodile. We both weren't quite sure. Noah was not having it! For a guy that is VERY happy go lucky he was very unhappy. You'll have to check back next week to see what costume we come up with and what Noah will agree to wear. So stay tuned!

I am so grateful!!

This morning as we drove into the church parking lot (for my MOPS steering meeting), Noah got so excited saying "my church, my church". He then went running straight into his classroom and right over to the toys. I am so grateful that he loves going to his church and looks forward to playing with his friends. When I went to get him from his room after my meeting "his teachers Mrs Pinson and Mrs Carr" (Ann and Shannon two moms that I respect and love dearly), commented on how happy Noah is and how nothing seems to upset him (although I have been told this before, coming from these moms made it extra special). For an instant I thought to myself well he is not always happy and sometimes things do upset him. But, the reality is he is happy and full of joy most of the time and he rarely gets upset. He truly is a AMAZING!! I am so grateful!