Scenes from November

We had looked forward to the party on November 19th for a while. It was at Norwood Stables, and there would be horse rides and a petting zoo. Also, I had received some super cool horse-riding boots for Kate and knew just what she would wear to the stables. I couldn't wait to see Kate's face when she saw a real horse for the first time! This is what I got:After a while (like 30 minutes), Kate warmed up to the goats. They were more her size, and it helped that we could enter the paddock and sit on benches to get acquainted with them. When I gave Kate a brush, there was no turning back. She had found her joy. Funny thing: One of the goats hopped up on the bench with me and was so sweet, just sniffing and nuzzling my ear... Then, OUCH! That goat took the earring right out of my ear and spit it out on my lap! What the heck? Well, in an efffort not to scare Kate I just nonchalantly put the earring back in my ear and went on petting that goat and talking to Kate. It wasn't until later when I was telling someone what happened that I first wondered, "Maybe I shouldn't have put the goat-saliva covered jewelry back in so fast? Do goats carry diseases?" I had a good laugh about that one. I'm pretty sure that petting zoo goats are up on all their shots. So far, no weird symptoms. Okay, on to Thanksgiving! My mom and I went shopping NOT for Kate, and ended up pretty much just buying her clothes. We found this amazing purple number at my favorite store, Crazy 8. The hat is from babyGap.

We had a fried turkey for the first time this year, provided by Ben's dad: 

 

 And of course we had a rosemary-olive oil roasted turkey made by me.

Which do you prefer? Roasted or fried? I really liked them both.

Well, now I'd like to leave you with one final disconcerting image:

Three Boys Downtown

Pure Love

Most of the time our boys pray the same thing: Thank you prayers. For the day, for mom and dad and brothers, for baby, for food...

But lately Noah's prayers have been ending differently. He's been erupting into loving praise. Here are some of the things he's said:

I love you, God, very, very much. More than anything or any human.
Thank you especially for you and everything you love, and you love everything.
Thank you that you're mighty and can do anything you want.
I could never forget you.
You are my hero.

These are sweet moments between a five year old and the Lord. I know they touch His heart; they sure touch mine.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

He asked me tonight if he knew everything about God. "No, you don't," I said, "I don't even know everything." Noah: "Will you teach me everything you do know?" I told him that was my job as his mother. Whew, the calling is a high one, isn't it?

This child loves God. I pray that I can shepherd his little heart into a deep, trusting relationship with Jesus. I pray that as he grows he is protected from false doctrine and spiritual deception. I pray that his love for God continues to deepen and that the things of this world will continue to pale incomparison to His glorious Light.

Friends, pray with me. And pray that he can influence his more pragmatic brothers toward a passion for the Lord. Pray that his more pragmatic brothers can influence him to a steadfast faith undisturbed by circumstances.

Overheard at Our House Today

Noah: Moooom, how much longer til I can go back to heaven? I really want to see God! Do you think He'll give me a hug?

Me: That's the first thing He'll do when you get there!

{Noah smiles}

Cutie-pie Noah Strikes Again!

We have a running joke in our family that Noah is a carnivore because he loves to eat meat. The other day I laid down with him for a nap and he was being especially cuddly and said,

"Mom, I'm not a carnivore anymore; I'm a lover, because I love loving on you."