Mock Lions

Wyatt was playing with some "Chronicles of Narnia" characters/figurines

he was playing with 4 small lions and 1 HUGE lion - Aslan

Wyatt: Mommy they (meaning Peter, Edmond, Lucy and Susan) are about to run into the "mock lions".

Me: Mock Lions? What is a mock lion?

Wyatt: These small lions.

Me: Why do you call them mock lions?

Wyatt: Because. They are NOT Aslan.

Probably many of you know that Aslan is the Christ figure in CS Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia." Wyatt is deeply drawn to Aslan. He is powerful. (which he adores) But he is safe. (which he loves even more) Wyatt is deeply engaged with the series and pretty much claps, rejoices and sighs a huge relief at the mention of Aslan's name.

In the very same ways I am drawn to Christ. But how often I have a "mock Christ" in my life. I am drawn to something that is not Christ, Himself. An idol - be it anything that takes the place of Christ, my husband, household responsibilities, a friend, a friend's approval, my children, "my time", money, etc., etc, etc.

I pray I have the discernment to see those "mock-Christs" as quickly and easily as my four-year-old.

Ducks

Wyatt: There's the daddy duck, with his beautiful green neck.

(pause) The mommy ducks don't have beautiful necks.

Me: Do you know why God made them that way?

Wyatt: Because! (laughing). Girls don't have green necks!

later:

Me: Yes. But the mommies are brown so that they can blend in with their surroundings in order to protect their baby ducks.

Wyatt: from what?

Me: A bigger animal. like a wolf.

Wyatt: well. will the wolf get the daddy duck?

Me: It might with that big ole green head.

:)

Thanksgiving

George Washington signed the "Thanksgiving Proclamation" on October 3, 1789. This was the nation's first presidential proclamation, calling the nation to set aside a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to God. By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, andconstitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789." NOTE: Shortly after the Thanksgiving Proclamation was written, it was lost for 130 years. The original document was written in long hand by William Jackson, secretary to the President, and was then signed by George Washington. It was probably misplaced or mixed in with some private papers when the US capitol moved from New York to Washington, D.C. The original manuscript was not placed in the National Archives until 1921 when Dr. J. C. Fitzpatrick, assistant chief of the manuscripts division of the Library of Congress found the proclamation at an auction sale being held at an art gallery in New York. Dr Fitzpatrick purchased the document for $300.00 for the Library of Congress, in which it now resides. It was the first official presidential proclamation issued in the United States. my sister, Kayne sent this info to me in an email and I'm so thankful she did. Oh how I love to learn about the reverence for the Father that our forefathers displayed in their hearts, their work and their lives.

Treasures

I am always desiring to have good resources for teaching my kids the bible.

And I need all the help I can get!

So I thought I'd share a few of favorites - truly treasures.

They have helped me so much in having really sou

nd conversations with Wyatt about the Lord, Jesus and the Bible.

He has grasped a sweet and truthful understanding of Jesus' supreme role in the Bible through the teaching in these books.

We began with the BIG PICTURE bible (which I highly recommend) We read through cover to cover many times. Wyatt learned a ton and it really helped develop a good base for biblical truths.

The Jesus Storybook Bible points to Jesus in every story. I really like that. It helps Wyatt have a more complete picture of Jesus in the bible - and me to explain and answer his many questions about that. It also comes with an audio cd - so your kids can listen while they play or you drive. Very very good.

Discovering Jesus in Genesis is just that. It goes into great detail on where the worlds' need for a Savior originated. Each story lays out very clearly how the Savior would be the worlds' answer to sin and disobedience.

Discovering Jesus in Exodus - same wonderful content - but in Exodus.

ABC Bible Verses is great for memorizing verses with Wyatt. We've been loosely working on them since the summer. He's memorized very well - the verses A-K.

Big Truths for Little Kids - an EXCELLENT resource for complicated questions Wyatt has asked and still asks.

What is God?

Where is God?

Can you see God?

Who wrote the Bible?

Why did God make you and all things?

The answers are biblically based truths and they are easy for Wyatt to remember and repeat.

I heart Learning Time.

For our learning time on Thursday we tried a new activity.

We Made Cookies!

Wyatt really enjoyed it. And ofcourse, I did, too - I absolutely LOVE icing!

rolling the dough

cookie cutter

licking the (blue) icing...

ice away...

sprinkle time!

they were so yummy!

When Wes came home, we gave him a plate with a big heart cookie that said

"We Heart You Daddy"

Conversations

I love it when I get to see Wyatt make connections in his head.

He really enjoys learning about animals.

We had this conversation recently.

(while playing with a cheetah and frog)

Wyatt: The cheetah found a dead Tree Frog.

Me: Oh no. Did he kill it?

Wyatt: No. It was already dead.

Me: Who killed it?

Wyatt: The leopard.

And another for fun:

Wyatt: Isn't it great that we get to have a cookie?

Me: Yes. You did a great job in learning time today.

Wyatt: You did a great job teaching me, Mommy.

:):):)

And another one on Halloween night:

(while trick or treating)

we passed several houses that had bones, graveyards, skeletons, zombies, etc.

Wyatt: "these people have 2 choices. They can decorate their houses - good or they can decorate their houses - bad.

If they choose to decorate them good that would be for God.

If they choose to decorate them bad that would be for Satan.

These people have chosen to decorate their houses for Satan."

we had a long talk later that night about the truth in what he said

and also the importance of timing.

:)

What I'm Thinking About...

"And they sang a new song:
'You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.'"

Revelation 5:9-10

A Tiger in the Grass!

Wyatt dresses up every day. He loves to pretend to be different animals- especially a tiger. When we watched Swiss Family Robinson, he wore his tiger costume for the whole movie (in honor of the tiger that eats the pirates). He loves to pretend. And on this day, I was able to capture some pictures of him doing what he loves to do. :)

creeping up...

telling me what he is about to do...

"leaping on rocks"...

showing me his paws...

discovering another animal...

ROAR...

taking a break...

"the tiger is resting"...

Why I Love my Job:

my very own wild thing

Walker's camo boots and beanie

dress up

boys playing outside

fingerpainting

sweet little moments like this

and this

my very own soldier (protector)

their brotherly love

Carolyn Mahaney paints a beautiful and realistic picture in her book, "Feminine Appeal" on being a full time mommy.

I've often struggled to say with confidence at an adult gathering

"I'm a mom".

But I'm growing in that.

And its becoming more natural to say that with assurance and security.

For I am exactly where I need to be and where these boys need me. There is no better call on my life (other than wife to my husband) than to love and nurture these two boys.

And I am thankful for the call.

Walker Outside

Walker is enjoying playing outside.

this is his big, happy face

I have a big pot with soil in it (needing a plant) and Walker loves to stick his hands in it and dump the dirt out.

And he loves to hang out next to the chairs (where I sit)

We live right next to the pool. I suspect the boys think it is "ours".

He does a lot of this.

And gathering leaves, dirt, etc.

and this...

and recently, this.

My boys are very in to hiding.

I love that you can see his little eyes.

Halloween

We had a really fun day. We all carved the pumpkin. Then put on on some costumes. Then went over to a friend's house and ate dinner/trick or treating.

cutting the pumpkin...

seeing inside the pumpkin...

taking the pumpkin insides out...

Walker's turn...

after we carved the face, we painted it...brown!

painted, carved pumpkin!

and lighted.

we were invited to a friend's home to eat dinner and then go trick-or-treating. the boys were great in their costumes. They were fully in character all night.

Wyatt: roaring

Walker: grazing (food)

peek-a-boo

ROAR!

sweet smile.

sweet face.

ROAR!

sweet.