Dillon's "first day" and other stories...

So Dillon had his first day of pre-school... a mommy and me class taught through the city of Whittier. He had so much fun!! He made a apple tree, played with the toys, and loved circle time. It was so much fun to see him singing and dancing to the songs, and following along with hand motions to the rhymes!!!

He cried because we had to leave to pick up Anna at school. He was probably a little tired too... so much for him to take it!!! He loved it though, and I treasure the time I get to spend with just him.

Anna continues to delight us in unexpected ways. This morning she was eating her usual bowl of Raisin Bran, dry... no milk. She first picks out all the raisins and puts them in her spoon to enjoy a huge mouthful of sugar covered raisins! Today she said "look Mom, these are bugs! I'm eating bugs!!" She is so cute!!!

Then, when Dillon and I picked her up from school, she came walking toward us, as fast as she could (no running inside), with arms open wide. Expecting a hug, I knelt down. "Dillon, I miss you!!" she cried, as she hugs Dillon!!! Then I got my hug. So sweet!!! I think Anna misses Dillon more than he misses her!! He loves all the mommy time. She would love it if he were there with her!!! I love how they bond!! So precious!!! =) =)

The history of zero...

I was just reading my textbook that I use for my Biola class. I had to laugh!!! It has sections called "Highlight from History". Listen to this. "It required thousands of years of mathematical thought for the concept of zero to emerge and its importance to be recognized."

It only took Anna 4 years!!! A few days ago, after repeated warnings about teasing her brother, she was asked to sit on the "obedience chair". When she still did not obey, I said, "Ok Anna, you will sit there for five minutes if you do not go now." "Not five minutes, Mom... three minutes". "Anna, NOW!", I say. She thinks for a second, finally on her way to the chair, and says "Zero minutes Mommy, Zero minutes?" =) =) She is a budding mathematician, no???? =) =) She definitely understands one important aspect of Zero!!!

My daughter... the artist!!

My daughter is a budding photographer... and artist!! She loves taking pictures... our computer is filled with pictures of her toys and Dillon and mommy from the waist down... she is getting better, though... and seems to have a creative flair!!

She drew her first official self-portrait today!! Also notice the "dog" next to her... with the pointed ears. =) Anna also seems to have inherited my tendency to being a perfectionist. I always have suspected as much... but tonight I was given a clear picture of this characteristic. She was coloring on the chalkboard, and I suggested that she drew a picture of herself. Before now she always refused... saying "I can't"... and any coaxing just made her frustrated. Tonight, she even tried to get me to "do it"... "mmommy, you do it..." she says. I encouraged her to try... and she did...YAY!!! =) I told her that even though it didn't look right... it was ok because she was still learning how to draw. She even carefully erased one eye and drew it again... because she didn't like how it looked. It is so convicting to see your own traits modeled by your children!! I am reminded... maybe this is a little like how God views us... that He understands that our attempts to live a Christ-like life are "ok, even if they don't look quite right, because we are still learning". After all, we do need a Savior... we are far from perfect!!! =)

and a few of her photos...

Pretend Peaches?

Our dialogue went like this...
(Dillon) I hungry!
(me) You are hungry??
(Anna) Peaches! peaches!
(me) We have some real peaches!!!
(Anna) It is ok if we have pretend peaches?
(me) laughter...=) =)

The background...
Anna first would only eat canned peaches. As she grew older, she would eat real peaches. But...the peaches in the store are not the same as fresh picked ones, and so Anna often prefers the canned variety... or in this case... "pretend" peaches. How cute!!! I love to see her reasoning skills!!

A prayer for my sister...

...and other workers around the world.

Today my sister left for South Asia to begin her work in linguistics. I was so excited that this vision she has treasured for so many years is finially becoming a reality!! Yet I am going to miss her!!! So today I begun my class at Biola...(for those of you who do not know, I teach two math classes on Tues and Thurs at Biola) with a heart heavy with emotion.

We spent the first 5 minutes of class in prayer for my sister and other workers around the world. It is so amazing to be able to pray with these students, who I know so little, yet we share this strong common bond. As they offered prayers for those they knew who have left home and family to work in other contries and cultures, I was rejoicing for their hearts and for the amazing work these workers do. My students are all future teachers, many of them desire to teach overseas... I could sense the passion in their hearts. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach in this environment, that reminds me of God's truth, and I am a grateful for the opportunity to meet students who have such a passion for God and for touching the lives of chilren.

First day of school! =)

Anna started pre-school today!! She seems so grown up…she got dressed in her new clothes all by herself…which she usually does, but this time... right away without being asked more than once! She walked into her class, barely pausing to say goodbye. When I picked her up, she told me that one of her favorite parts of the day was the stories. =) =) They heard the story of the duck, and the duck had also gone to school. Whew, I am so thankful this first day of school went well for Anna!!

Dillon was sad to leave Anna in this new place. So sweet!! =) =) We had fun playing games…or playing with the games, really, the whole morning!! So different than Anna!!

one more story....
A sweet exchange between Anna and Dillon: “Anna, Look, look!” “What a beautiful picture Dillon!” I love those moments!!! Thank you Lord!! =)

simple delights....

Well today, in the midst of the morning rush, I had finally sat down to breakfast. Dillon reached over and held my hand…”Pray, mommy”. How sweet! He motioned to Anna, “Anna, pray”. I love it!!! I love witnessing those simple moments when they reach out to God, in their simple way. How often do we get busy and forget the simple prayer?? =)

And Dillon…what a cutie!! He picked out Thomas the train underwear…my hope is that he will want to use the potty soon!! He wanted lammy to wear the underwear!!! He was so tickled that he squealed in delight!!

Enjoy the story...

Hello dear friends and family.

So often I want to know the end of the story… my attention is fixed on what is going to happen. When Anna was born, I kept wondering what she would be like as an adult, where she would live, what she would be doing. When I was in college I wanted to be married, to have a career, to know what that was like. Soon after I started work I wanted to be at home with children, I wanted to know what that would be like. It was hard to enjoy the process…to enjoy the story. God somehow finds value in this process of life. He is teaching me to enjoy this process. To relax and play with Anna and Dillon, instead of planning for what we would do next. Even when Jesus came to earth, the Jews wanted the end of the story, when He would come in triumph and judge the wicked. That was not God’s agenda. Life is a process, and God wants us to learn from this process. My encouragement to you? Enjoy the story.

I hope you will enjoy hearing our stories, and that you will share some of your own!!