Blocks, Matchbox Cars, Tea Parties, School and Tattoos

I thought I would post some snapshots of our daily happenings around here...since in the midst of the tough stuff there is a whole lot of joy & normal too...

The month after we moved here, Steve built some large wooden shelves in our storage area.  With the remaining wood, he cut up blocks (squares, rectangles- small & large, and triangles) and then he sanded the sides of each and every one for his sons to enjoy.  All of those blocks filled a huge rubbermaid tub to overflowing and the boys were thrilled.  At that time, Caleb was 3 years old and Luke was 18 months.  That was almost 7 years ago.  Let's just say that those blocks have proven to be the very best gift our children have ever received {we're talking earthly gift -obviously}.  No bells.  No whistles.  No batteries necessary.  Just blocks of wood.  But they have gotten more use than anything else that has entered our home.  Hands down.  And they still do. 

Those blocks have become hundreds of massive towers over the years.  They have become as many fancy houses and architectural masterpieces.  They have been forts for stuffed animals and garages for cars.  They have been safe "rocks" to jump to when they could not touch the "lava" {carpet}.  They have been ramps for trucks, weights for blankets and lifts for race tracks.  And they have served as a stage for the kids' countless performances.  Below is a picture of one of the shows that Luke & Chloe recently put on for us.  Only a portion of the blocks were used, but Steve, Caleb, Mia and I were invited to the event {audience chairs provided, of course}.  We watched matchbox cars launch down tracks, through block tunnels, under the couch and around again, while the train made loops through the action.  The pictures can hardly capture their enthusiasm.  I only wish I had taken more over the years...

The next photos are from Chloe and Mia having one of their many, many tea parties.  More often than not I am invited too which is a wonderful privilege.  It has been a great place to talk about manners and table etiquette and just enjoy time with my girls.  Chloe makes sure we have tea {or water}, a snack and usually a Bible study too.  That cracks me up since clearly she has seen many a Bible study accompanied by tea and a snack.  Is there any better way?  =)  Mia is always happy to join in and generally attends in princess wear.

Oh how I hope they never end.

Another of the girls' recent passtimes is playing school.  Chloe plays an excellent little teacher.  She has number work, map work, reading, sounds and puzzle words.  She even uses a little bell to announce to all of her students {Mia} that it is time for snack.  Mia is eager to work on her letters and color so they make a great team - most of the time.  =)  Chloe & Mia are only separated by 10 months, a few inches and 1 pound and they are sisters in every way.  It really is such a joy watching them play with one another and teach one another.

The next photo is one I just snapped this morning before we headed out to church.  The girls both wore purple in honor of their pal, Alaina.  You see, Alaina's FAVORITE color is purple and today was her birthday.  They were thrilled to greet Alaina this morning with happy birthday hugs and she was, of course, wearing purple too.  The simple joys.

Finally, this last photo is for my dad.  Caleb and Luke were at a birthday party Friday night with one of their favorite pals.  They ended up with a bunch of tattoos from the tiny arcade at the pizzeria where they celebrated.  When the boys returned home they were excited to show me all of their new treasures...especially the tattoos.  Luke really wanted to put them on and take a picture just for Boppa {he knows how much Boppa loves despises tattoos}.  I asked them to wait until after we did some family pictures we had scheduled for Saturday morning {big THANK YOU Christy}.  Not five minutes after Christy left, Luke walked out with the tattoos in hand.  The next thing I knew Steve and the boys disappeared into the bathroom and these were the tough guys who returned.  Sorry Dad!  I think you have made quite an impression.  They would never dare get the real thing and have to face you.  :)

Until next time...

Grateful for the crew that the Lord has entrusted to us.