Blue Tie, Purple Tie

Tonight we had the missionaries over for dinner. We love the missionaries! We haven't had them over in a while, so the boys were really excited. I didn't realize how excited...

About half an hour before they came, and right after Daddy came home, they were running, wrestling, laughing, etc. all before they came over. Holy cow! They were more excited than I anticipated! When the missionaries arrived (and dinner was still cooking... oops!) the boys were all smiles and chatter. The Elders sat down and were instantly bombarded with super heroes, dinosaurs, kids sitting next to them, and more. Bless their hearts, they took it all in stride.

The boys mostly called them "missionaries" or "Elders" occasionally, but Gavin went a tad further. The Elders dress in dress pants, white shirts, ties, and their name tag. The only real distinct feature is their tie. Gavin took hold of this and started referring to them as "Purple Tie!" and "Blue Tie!". Seriously. It was their name. And it was adorable.

The night was full of adorable antics and some embarrassing moments (like Gavin putting his half-eaten sandwich on Purple Tie's sandwich). James really came out of his shell and was so sweet talking and asking questions (his best were "What is your favorite food?" and "What is your favorite treat?". So proud of him making conversation!)

I love that my boys recognize something special about the missionaries. I am so grateful for their dedication to the gospel, to sacrifice two years to serve the Lord. I've always had an admiration for the missionaries and it never ceases to amaze me the special Spirit they have.

Trying to Grow Up

Brad has been growing out his facial hair more lately. He'll shave maybe once a week, but more like almost two weeks. He used to do it every few days. So having more constant facial hair is kind of new(er) to the boys. Of course, the one to notice it is Gavin.

Tonight, while I was prepping dinner, I could hear Brad out in the front room with the boys. Gavin asked him (in a kind of flabbergasted way), "What is this on your face?" Brad laughed a little and told him it's his beard, his facial hair. He then told him one day he'd have facial hair too... in about 12+ years. After a slight pause, Gavin goes, "Can I have it? Can you put it on my face? Put it on my face!" We both busted up laughing. Gavin was missing the joke and started very adamantly telling his daddy that he needed the hair on his face! Oh, man. Too funny.

Don't worry, son. You'll grow up one day.

Nighttime Surprise

This week has been nothing short of crazy. To prove so, we put off Gavin's birthday shopping until yesterday and by doing so, the wrapping of presents until last night (which is an improvement! i'm generally doing them the morning of...). All of our wrapping things and the presents, except tape, are in our bedroom to keep out of the reach of little hands. I go upstairs and I find this:

At some point, probably soon after I put the boys to bed, Gavin had decided it would be best to fall asleep in mommy and daddy's bed. But not tell them. That would spoil all the fun. All I could do was laugh... and quickly turn off the light. I got Brad, took the picture, and daddy hauled him off to bed. It's things like this that just melts your heart and make you love them more. I don't know why, but it certainly does! 

Quiet Time

Sometimes, you just need a break. This last week has been kind of hellish for me, and I was getting easily maxed out.

On Thursday, I just needed some quiet. I've heard of several moms who do "Quiet Time" and they have their kids play in their room, color by themselves, read books, do puzzles, all by themselves so there is some down time for mom. Well, I have kind of tried this and my kids are not ready for it yet. Boo. They are waaaay too dependent on me. But this day, I desperately needed to just read a book and have some "me" time without any interruptions. Mind. Overload.

James was coloring (which means the other two want to as well, naturally) and kept hopping off his chair, "Mommy, look at this drawing!... Do you know what this is?... Look at this one!" I love James and his drawing- he is dang good and creative. Love love love it. But not at this time. I told him, "James, mommy needs quiet time right now. I need you to go color by yourself and save your drawings to show me later. I just need some quiet time."

For at least ten minutes I got it. He was even whispering to Gavin to look at his drawings. Then he comes over to me, a tad tentative, and says, "Mommy... I think hugs are quiet." Melt my heart! I give him a hug, which puts his whole face in a smile. Then he goes, "I also think cuddling is quiet." and just cuddled right up to me. Oh, sweet boy. Love him.