What do I know

Tyler and I were chatting just now and he mentioned seeing Colby's teacher this morning. One of the parents had brought a bird in to show the class, so I asked Tyler, "Did you see a birdie, too?"

"No, he's not birdie. He's parrot."

Heartbreaking

Mom throws boys off overpass: link

It just breaks my heart to think of those poor little boys, wrestling with their mom, trying to keep her from hurling them off the overpass. Why do children have to go through things like that? Some of us, myself definitely included, are so naive and have led such sheltered, priviledged lives. I pray those little boys can find some peace and hopefully the Lord one of these days.

Indiana Jones versus the Knight: a one-man play

Man, this was one of those times I wished I had the video camera rolling. Colby has always loved playing with swords, and has recently gotten to be a fan of Indiana Jones (not because of the new movie, but because we found him some old choose-your-own-adventure books about Indiana Jones at the library book sale; however, I digress). Thus, it wasn't surprising when he asked if I wanted to watch a show (starring himself, of course) about Indiana Jones fighting a knight.

First he started out with his Burger King crown on his head, giving his horse (which looked a lot like his bicycle) a bath. He explained how he was on the search for the Key of the Gold Treasure or some such reward. Only problem was, *someone* always got to the treasures before him.... Indiana Jones!! He went on to explain, quietly in my ear, that Indiana Jones had found the brush of Samson before he'd had a chance to get to it (thanks, Veggietales), so he had to quickly find the gold treasure. Off he went into the house, me assuming he was looking for treasure.

To my surprise, he came back out with his cowboy hat on. "If you want to ask me what kind of hat I have on, go ahead," he prompted. Taking my cue, I did ask him. "It's a fedora. Have you seen a knight anywhere around here?"

Oh my, I could have died laughing. Not only was the fedora comment classic, but it just struck me as so clever for him to play *both* parts in the show. Usually his opponent is quite imaginary, so I think this marks a definite shift in his imaginative development.

Note to self: keep that camera rolling.

Different point of view

A lot of times in Christian circles we hear talk of how believers in other countries have a more genuine faith than those in America, since their faith is tried and tested by so much more persecution than we face.

Tonight we met a pastor from the Philippines who had a different take on it. After commenting on the lovely mansion that we were meeting in for Bible study (the hosts do have a really large house), he said that in his country, they have a saying about Americans. In their view, American believers have a more genuine faith since, having most material things provided for, they have less reason to rely on God; most people in his country turn to the Lord because they are poverty-stricken.

Just goes to show there are two sides to every coin. Praise God that He meets the needs of each of His children, no matter which side they fall on.

March forth

Well today is 3/4/08, March fourth. In one of my parenting magazines, I read last year about a family who uses the day as an opportunity to "march forth" and make a new or positive change in their lives. Though reminiscent of the dreaded New Year's resolution, I think it's a pretty clever idea. And I like clever.

So for us, we are going to march forth with getting our finances in order. We have some debt hanging over us, and while we have the money to pay it off, we tend to spend our money instead of paying off the debt. We have a new budgeting system set up, and we're really motivated to be rid of this burden.

What about you? Anything you need a little extra motivation to march forth and get going on?

Going too far

Sorry, but this is taking things too far:

LOS ANGELES (AP) - An Eagle Rock schoolteacher doesn't want any bugs squashed in her classroom, so she's appointed a student insect monitor to take wiggling, creepy critters outside.
Melodie Conrad's be-kind-to-bugs effort is getting praise from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is giving her its Compassionate Teacher Award.
The Eagle Rock Elementary School & Magnet Center teacher says there's simply too much violence in society, adding, "I just wanted to be careful that they're exposed to just the opposite in this room."
It's not a matter of creating bug activists. Conrad says she is aiming to instill a sense of respect for life.
---

Anyone want to venture a guess as to where she stands on abortion? Hopefully my hunch is wrong.

PS- If PETA gives me an award for anything, ever... please put me out of my misery.

aaand one more....

Here's my new favorite, the Finding Nemo gang. This will be my last purchase for a while; we need to get serious about paying off some debt. But I have more than enough to tide me over for a little while anyway. :)

This one plays "Over the Waves"

Marlin and Dory are on springs, so they "just keep swimming"

I love how it looks like they're swimming on Mr. Ray's back

The latest addition

Plays "You've Got a Friend in Me"

The globe is inside the TV

Love the black & white for the "Woody's Roundup" episode

Colby and George's Curious Adventure

Prologue: For being a good listener at school this week, Colby got the priviledge of bringing home Curious George, the class "pet" for the weekend. Our task was to chronicle our adventures with George. What follows is our part of the class notebook containing all of George's adventures. The handwritten notes have been typed beside each photo for your convenience. Enjoy. :)

Original artistry by Colby. Can you tell which one is George?

We were so excited to finally meet Curious George, since we are big fans of his. We watch his show and his movie, and of course read his books. We know he is a good little monkey and always very curious, so we knew it would be a great weekend! Welcome, George!

Colby & Pooh bear with Tyler & Elliot, having fun with George

Colby and George played some quiet games like puzzles and Uno and Legos.

George was reminded of his jungle days when he saw the palm tree.... BUT... he got a little *too* curious and dumped out all the Legos! Silly George!

George slept in Colby's cardboard castle during the day, and in Colby's cozy bed at night.

George dreamed about sword-fighting bananas at night (don't worry, George at the bananas before they could get him).

In the morning, George was happy to see we had bananas for his breakfast.

It was a cold, stormy day, so Colby, George and Tyler made a tent and had a picnic lunch inside the house

Turns out, George really likes music. He spent time listening to daddy's ipod, and even tried playing a song himself.

For a special treat, our whole family got to make banana splits with George. George wanted to give Colby a tiny squirt of whipped cream, but OOPS! George got a little too excited again.

We all got to play one of Colby's favorite board games, Disney SceneIt.

(George let mama win)

We made sure to include George in our family devotions and told George how much God loves him. Colby prayed that George wouldn't be a naughty little monkey the next day at Sunday School

George was on his best behavior at Sunday School, where he met Colby's buddy Ethan and his teacher, Mr. Gabe.

George got to meet Colby's great grandma when she came to babysit.

So many fun times were had with George, we couldn't even fit them all. We hope sometime George will be able to come visit again!

Thanks Mrs. Lopez! We heart George!

One reason of many that I love him

This, my friends, is the kind of man I dreamed of all my life. A man who loves his wife and cares for her needs. A man who provides well and sacrificially for his family. A man who teaches his boys about being strong enough to lend a hand or give a hug. A man who serves his Saviour whole-heartedly. Yes, a man who would share his ipod with a monkey.

Brian is that kind of man, and he's mine all mine.

~more monkey business to come; stay tuned~