Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal.

In all seriousness, "Mom, can we deck our hall with fallen jolly?" - Lincoln.

____________________________

Also, my in laws are cooler than yours. 

Boone tells Bible stories...Hudson corrects.

I absolutely love that my boys all share a room...right now. Most days it's a lot of fighting naps or one another, but some days we get these sweet bonding moments. Rebellious giggles knowing I've asked them to be quiet, or sneaking into each other's beds, making forts etc.

Right now I'm eves dropping on them in their beds as Boone (5) is telling his brothers the story of David and Goliath. Hudson (3) keeps interrupting with corrections: "No! He swinged the slingshot around and around like THIS! And then he CHOPPED his head off like this!" 

Boone just concluded with an impressively improvised song about a sling shot.  Hudson: "Wait, did Goliath get a big bleed on his forehead?" 

Johnny went in to read it directly from the Bible. Boone: "Oh! Goliath had a spear? Was it like Loki's stick?"

 I love my boys.

Happy 7th Birthday, Lincoln!

Lincoln!

Today you turn seven. SEVEN! That is so close to ten! When did this happen? I'm not ready for this! What a year it's been. 

Some highlights of six:

- You learned to ride a bike! Like, first try without training wheels, you took off! I'll tell you a little secret. Daddy turned to me with tears in his eyes and said "I'm just so proud of that kid! He picked it up so quickly!"

- You learned to read! I love hearing you sound out words without my help. 

- You lost your first tooth! Two teeth in fact. 

- We got a trampoline and you've mastered flips!

- You grew like three inches. Maybe more! Hardly gained any weight tho! Skinny man.

- You can't get enough LEGO...anything.

Those are just a few changes that come to mind. Some things haven't changed all that much, to my delight. You still love to snuggle, you kiss me goodbye in front of your friends at school, you like to dance with me and hold my hand. Your favorite foods are still spaghetti and cliff bars. 

Your most recognizable love language remains quality time. I enjoy our dates more than you know, and I apologize that they don't happen as often as we'd like.

Your dad and I could not be prouder of the young man you are becoming. Your awesome groove, you're attention to detail, and your goofy humor pail in comparison to your love for people. You are kind and generous. My heart swells when I watch you play with Dixie. You are gentle and she adores you. When you pick her up and she goes limp in her big brothers arms? It's her happy place. (Oh...You're still praying for another baby sister. Good luck on that one.)

Nothing makes me prouder than to be your mom. You bring vibrance and excitement to my days.

Lincoln, our first born son, Daddy and I pray for you every day. For your health, for wisdom, for a heart that loves Jesus. We pray for the girl you will eventually share your life with. We ask the Lord to guide your steps clearly, and we hope you always seek His will before your own.

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

I am so lucky to be your mom. Let's see what your seventh year brings!

Love you, Lincoln Log.

Mommy 

Dinovember

I wish I could say this is an original idea, but alas, there are no more original ideas these days. It is, however an 11 month anticipation of magic and awe. 

My kids don't believe in Santa. We don't do the "Elf on a shelf" thing. Our goal in December, is to keep our focus on Jesus' birth and the celebration that comes from his life. 

Last year, my sister showed me a blog post about Dinovember and I knew we had to do it! Lincoln is turning 7 next week and I am clinging to his innocence and naivety as long as I can. To my surprise, Dinovember has made his eyes sparkle in wonder at the thought of their dinosaurs coming to life and getting into mischief while they are asleep. They were, after all, warned last Christmas.

November came, we all knew that something would happen, we just didn't know WHAT! To our surprise...

If you look closely, those naughty dinosaurs colored ON the table. I was expecting to hear whispers of "Oh no. Moms is going to be sooo upset!!" But instead, the following morning Boone immediately said with a smile "it's ok mom. I'll clean it up for them." 

Lincoln insisted that one of the dinosaurs tails looked different, so he must have frozen in a different position. I love that as a now SEVEN year old, he's so into this! He's star player in 1st grade and informed us that he's bringing the magic dinosaurs to show and tell.

They picked up some new surprise "cousins" along the way! 

Happy Halloween!

The bobbies caught the robber and there were some tears...but no shoes...and some denim cut-offs because mommy forgot the pants.

Just a few things I want to remember

I want to spend a day vacationing in Huddy Buddy's 3 year old brain. He blurts out the most off topic thoughts whenever there is a conversational lull. Here are a few I remembered to take down: (now, picture him putting up his fingers pressed together hand in a matter of fact "hold on" motion to prove his point. Now every three or four syllables, raise your voice like its forming a question)

- If a snake swallowed our ball, or licked our ball, we could just wipe it off. 

- I know that uncle Jason jumped out of an airplane with a "marachute." Then he just floated down. 

- If I gave a little bite of my marshmallow to a big giant, they might become nice giants and like it.

- "Nemo, chemo! That rhymes! Baseball faceball!!!  Faceball??"

_________________________

Lincoln (7) and Boone (5) bicker. Like, a lot. When they aren't wrestling it out, they are actually pretty funny to listen to:

Boone: "No! Lincoln you can't do that with the nerf bullets! It's against the law!"

Lincoln: (slow and somber, he's totally serious) "We don't have a law."

____________

Boone: "God knows everything. He knows how far England is"

Hudson: "And we could even run really really fast to it, and we'd be there."

Lincoln: "No. We'd have to fly."

Bone: "God could make people fly."

Hudson: "Only parachutes fly."

Stop packing, mom!

Kids, seriously. I'm trying to pack. I know I'm forgetting things. I need to tidy up, finish laundry, prep lunches, leave "I love you, I miss you" post-it notes around the house. But you want me to snuggle and play instead!! Oh wait! You will be fine if I leave the house a mess? If your clothes aren't picked out, ready to grab and go? If I don't remember to put a surprise "Look at the moon at the same time as me" note on your pillowcase? Your chubby little arms reach for me to "hold you, mama." To be present. I'm leaving soon, and with completely capable sitters. So let's soak up more snuggles, play trains and listen to Frozen again. Who cares if I forget something. San Diego does have a Target.

What's that stinkin' smell?

Hudson put on Papa's readers: "Hey! Do I look stinkin' cute? (Sniff sniff) Hmm...What's that stinkin' smell? Hee hee hee"

Oh and Boone just asked if he could take a graham cracker to hit the road. 

A three year old's family portrait.

Hudson asked me to draw him a family portrait. Apparently I did it wrong, so he showed me what he meant. #nailedit

I think he portrayed our personalities well on paper. Spot on.

First grade spelling fail!

I'm totally letting him turn this in!

All Before Eight AM...

"Mom when I grow up, I'm going to be a dinosaur. But not a mean one. Just a nice one. If there's only nice dinosaurs, they don't have teeth and they only have tongues. We can only lick you. We lick. Like this (demonstration). We can break our teeth out (tries). And when dad...um, daddy...my dad...your husband is gonna be a nice dinosaur, he's gonna be nice. Like a nice little one like me." - Hudson (3) wakes up like this.

>>>>>

"We made a sign for Mrs. P because it was her birthday. We sang to her and yelled 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' She was turning 60. That's cool that she's still alive when she's 60!" - Lincoln (6) on the Principal's birthday yesterday.

>>>>>

"You sir, are stuck." - muttered Hudson (3) to his underwear while trying to turn them right side out. 

To Boone, on your first day of school.

Boone, today was a milestone.

I knew going into this, you would have the hardest time adjusting. It took months, (years, even!) of attending church Sunday school, before you would walk in bravely, without tears and bribery from dad and me. All summer we've been talking, praying, preparing you for today. Kindergarten.

Luckily, you'd been placed with Lincoln's kindergarten teacher from last year. You've played in the classroom on "bring the family" days. You were so excited, bouncing down the hallway as we went to find your line. All month you've been assuring me how courageous you would be, knowing deep down, the fear that comes with making new friends, and strange surroundings. To say I was proud wouldn't adequately describe my emotion.

As I stepped away to escort Lincoln to his first grade line, where his friends were eagerly waving him over, dad said your eyes filled with tears and you buried them in your tiny palms. Consider his heart sunk. Daddy told me later he could relate all too well. I can too! You are just like me, sweet boy. As a little girl, I was so fearful of new environments. Even the regularity of Sunday school left me in tears. Every. Week. Sound familiar? Daddy introduced you to a sweet little boy, standing shyly by. Quickly we discovered "shy" was the wrong adjective. I hope that "chatty" will be your new best friend! 

As dad and I walked you to your classroom with the other students, I spied you taking deep breaths, trying to maintain your dignity. It was then, my heart broke, hugging you one last time before I left. As your mom, I want to protect you and keep you little, meanwhile desiring wholeheartedly for you to bloom and grow into the man God created you to be. It's a conundrum.

I'm sitting in the car, eagerly willing time to pass, to hear how many new friends you made. I have no doubt you came out of your shell. You are my shy, social, little man. Can't wait for our "first day of school date" this afternoon! 

Our prayer for you this year, is that you blossom both academically and most importantly spiritually. That you seek your strength and courage from Jesus. 

Our next memory verse: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9.

I love you,

Mom

We left in such a rush I didn't get to finish the sign!!! But you get the gist. ;)

Skinny Beast!!!

Everything he says is 10x cuter because of his chipmunk voice!

Happy 5th Birthday, Boone!

Happy 5th Birthday to my creative, chivalrous, beautiful Boone. You bring unspeakable joy to our family, and have kept my heart captive since the day we met. I pray over you: boldness, wisdom and a heart that continues to follow Jesus. // May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. //

Happy 3rd Birthday, Hudson!

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill.

Happy Birthday, gummy bear! "You are my best scene."

Family Rocker

By far my favorite gift from Dixie's birthday was handed done by her Guppy (my mom). Originally gifted by Dixie's great great grandmother Addie Jackson. We spend most mornings climbing in and out of it. 

Bravery Pills

Sensor Issues

It's the first day of summer break. This morning, I surprised the boys with a new Pixar game for their xbox. 

From the other room, I am listening to them "play" with the kinect for the first time. Boone is having a hard time controlling the sensor. Lincoln is having a hard time controlling his patience. I told them if I heard one more argument, the game is going off.

B: "Lincoln!!!!! You are making me mess up! You don't want me to play!! You don't like me!"

L: (thru clenched teeth) "YES I DO!!! I LOVVVVE YOU! JUST LIFT UP YOUR HAND!!!" 

Unrelated. Yesterday was a big day!

And Dixie decided to stand on her own for the first time!! (14 months old, annnnd 15 lbs)

Anger management

Boone (4): "Oh, Lincoln. I'm sorry I accidentally made a crack in your new bouncy ball."

Lincoln (6): "It's ok. Just go put it back where I had it."

Me: "Wow! Link, I'm so proud of you for not getting upset! That was very mature and gracious of you."

Lincoln: nodding "Yeah, well, I just can't get upset. My throat hurts."

Morning kisses

Lying in bed, snuggling with the 2.5 year old.

Me: Hudson, can I have a kiss?

H: Hmm...not yet.

Me: (pause) Now?

H: No. Not yet...I gotta stretch first. (Loooong fake stretch) Ok, now you can.

Smart.

Me: "I'm thinking of a number between one and ten. Whoever guesses it gets to throw away Dixie's diaper for me!" 

Hudson: "Two and a half." 

Smart boy.

9 years

My heart beats to the tempo of jazz. Music is in my blood. Every early memory has a soundtrack. Maybe it's because I grew up with the most gifted pianist I've ever known, and my childhood bedroom shared a wall with the piano. Maybe because my mom has the vocal silkiness of some of the best jazz singers who ever lived. We often jammed and worked out 3 part melodies, while my sister played stand-up base. Maybe because I played cornet for 7 years. Maybe because Mr. Vigus, my elementary school band teacher strengthened and nurtured my skills as a musician and gave me a love for jazz band! Maybe because I did musical theater and studied jazz and tap dance. Music is in my blood, my soul. No wonder I married a drummer 9 years ago today!! We bought this cd on our honeymoon so naturally we've been listening to it. All. Day! 

Exes and Ohs...

Someone lost at human tic-tac-toe during naps. And someone else got in trouble for sneaking a marker into bed...

To Dixie on your first birthday

To my little Dixie,

Today you are one. One whole year. For three hundred and sixty five glorious days, I've been your mom. I still get giddy when I tell people about "my daughter." The word still sounds surreal. You, my dear, are a longtime desire of my heart. My daughter. 

Just in this last month, your spirit has blossomed. Your laughter is contagious. No one is able to let you laugh alone, so we all join in! You are changing too much every day! Slow down! Although you're tiny, and you still wear clothes fitted for a 3 month old, your humor is beyond your age. Do I sense a leaning towards daddy's dry humor? Perhaps. I'm ok with that!

Oh my goodness, you are so girly! Dressing up in frilly skirts makes you squeal. And you are dramatic...your feelings get hurt, and you break out that lip quiver thing? I mean, come on! Who can keep from scooping you up when you combine that with those big, brown, eyes?

Sweet Dixie. You are both desired and adored. You will be forever cherished by us, someday by your husband, but most importantly, by Jesus. The strongest desire your dad and I share, is that you seek your praise and affirmation from Him. I hate to tell you this, little one, but people will hurt you. I wish I could protect your tender heart forever.  

In the hustle and busyness of this day, I promise to stop and be still with you. I admit, I am kind of obsessed with you. I'm sorry if the staring bugs you, but I can't promise it will stop anytime soon.

Hey, so let's put on your pink party dress and celebrate the color and joy you have brought to our family! It's your day, little one!!!! You are the cherry on our Gillespie sundae! 

Happy Birthday!

Mommy

Date night!

The face is saying "MOM IS LETTING ME HAVE ICE CREAM????" Tonight was date night with the first born so he got to pick out what we did. My heart melted faster than his unhealthy, sugary, dairy treat!  He told me, "[A girl] gave me her number so I can call her. I think it's just because she likes me." However, he did also tell me that this was the best date EVER! That's right, you forward little girls at school. I'm still his number 1!

Discovering your children's love language.

This weekend, I was talking to a dear friend about how some of my kids love languages are much easier to recognize than the others. She asked me about Lincoln's and I really had to think about it. First born, first year in school. At lot of changes have affected him this year. It's been a bit harder for us to connect. We used to have regular dates, but with each sibling we add to the mix, our special one on one time has been rare. Not cool.

This afternoon, he was playing quietly outside while the others were napping. I finally had a 2 hour window, perfect to finish laundry, prep for dinner, and cross out several chores that have been piling up. As I looked out the window, I saw him sitting quietly on trampoline, enjoying his snack in the sunshine. My heart filled with joy and jealousy. Without hesitation, I sprinted out to him. He bounced me on the trampoline, we cuddled, giggled and he filled me in about his day. I love hearing his stories about kindergarten...I hope this becomes a regular after school date.

Quality time. This is his language.

View from the trampoline, little boy in my arms.

Breakfast Bar Blues

This morning, the boys were wondering what I was packing for, and the following conversation is what I witnessed.

Hudson: "When I'na big man, I can go on an airplane wiff Ashwey and Gena too."

Boone: "When you're a big man you can do whatever you want! You can have a breakfast barrrr...you can take a breakfast bar to wooorrrrk...you could even have 2 CLIFF BARS!" 

Can you tell I've been limiting their intake of morning snacks? If I had a dollar for every breakfast bar request I received in my half awake state this morning, I'd be able to fly them ALL on an airplane...wiff Ashwey and Gena.

Do they have Apple care in heaven?

I love Kindergarten

Write two sentences to tell what you would buy if you found a pot of gold.

Dixie's thoughts on Costco

Today, my mom put me in this cold metal stroller thing. I don't get what the big deal is, but she insisted on taking pictures of me. I was cool with it for awhile I guess. But then, I thought it would be freakin' hilarious to test her one handed Costco skills. It was pretty funny if you ask me. Just to mess with her, I would start wailing whenever she tried to put me back in. Boone and I had a good laugh about it later. Hudson just kept eating samples. She said I couldn't have any until I grew some teeth. Whatever that means. 

- Dixie

Ten month old wears seven year old clothes!

This is kind of a surreal moment. About 7 years ago, I was newly pregnant.  I always dreamt that I would have a little girl. Although we did not yet know that we had been blessed with a boy, I bought one outfit for "her." It was nothing pricey or fancy, a pink striped tee and some denim cutoffs to celebrate those 2 glorious lines! This morning, Johnny found the outfit still with tags, in a box. It's been waiting for her...surreal.

You're my best!

The English language is hard. I get it. The boys have recently been confusing "favorite" and "best." Watching a film: "Oh this is my best scene." Hudson: "Oh FANK you Wincoln. You're my best!" or "Oh mom, I wuv you. You're my best fwiend, aaaand guppy's my best fwiend, aaaand gramma's my best fwiend!"

I tell each of them that they are my favorite. I have a lot of favorites. Their big beaming eyes immediately fill with joy and they get an extra boost of enthusiasm in their actions. A common love language they share is definitely words of affirmation. 

I just told Hudson he was doing a great job at something. "I am?? Woohoo! Am I your best??" Usually, the etymology goes uncorrected, as I find their little quirks endearing.

This week we are memorizing Colossians 3:23-24. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

It's great having a Bible verse that makes parenting more fun. Always do your best, do it for God! We are His best scene. ;)

Nudey Brew

Giant Muppets

This kid's got a way with words

Making memories (that apparently last forever)

This morning we had to make an emergency diaper run to Target. Like, seriously, desperate emergency. I don't know why you needed to know that. We made a quick run to Target. There. Anyway, I hardly buy the kids a treat or "souvenir," so that when I do, it's a very big deal. 

We saw The Pirates: Band of Misfits on DVD for five bucks. I vaguely remember taking someone to the theater to see it. It's finally raining, and Friday, on a 3 day weekend. There. Justified.

When we picked Lincoln up from school, the little boys couldn't wait to tell him the plan. Go home, get in cozy clothes, snuggle on the couch with popcorn and apples and watch our new PIRATE MOVIE!! This was his response:

"Oooh! I remember that movie! I actually haven't see it, but you took Boone to see it at the movie theater when he turned 4? Yeah. Four. I stayed home and watched something else...hmm...oh yeah. Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Can I be the Pirate Captain and Boone can be the monkey?"

How does he remember these things?? That was 18 months ago!

On a more serious note...

Today I became more passionate. This topic has never felt so close to home, I admit I've been living blindly. The Bay Area is a great place to live, but there's so much I don't see, in my spoiled, middle class, suburban lifestyle. It's trickling into my city, the fastest growing global crime. It's weighing like an anvil on my heart. Sex slavery. Now, I could call it "human trafficking" which is what it is, but I think you can agree that it doesn't sound as serious.

Sure, we've all seen the movies, signed the petitions, run the 5k's, liked the "stop human trafficking" posts on Facebook. Hell, some of you even repost! Congratulations. Stop kidding yourselves. This nightmare is spreading like wildfire. Liking a post, "bringing awareness" (although great) is not fixing the problem. Get involved.

Slavery exists here in the Bay Area. I got a call this morning from my husband who is working in a pretty bad part of Oakland, where he is bombarded by soliciting prostitutes on a daily basis. Of course, as a loving, wife, hearing about these occurrences made me uncomfortable, which I now admit, is an incredibly selfish emotion. 

Johnny was leaving a job site this morning and, as he was walking to his truck, a girl approached him. I say "girl" because she could not have been older than 16. Having a new baby girl himself, he felt his heart break. He did not feel disgust, but urgent sympathy. After immediately declining her "offer," he continued to walk to his truck, but noticed the shivering, barely covered body. He began to offer her his jacket, praying he could show her some Christlike kindness. Before she could answer, her huge pimp turned the corner. He violently strutted towards Johnny, angrily cussing him out. Fearing for his safety, he thought it best to lock up his tools and drive away.

That's when he called me, trying to process his sadness. I could hear the angst in his voice as he pondered what he could have done to help. She was a child. He saw her as someone, a treasured being. I'm insanely proud of him. Would you want to be seen talking to a prostitute? Why not?

After I hung up the phone, I had a very different slew of emotion. Anger, sadness, urgency, hope, excitement. It's time to get involved. 

A few months ago, we did a 5k for human trafficking in the Phillipines, and while that is great, it's happening here. Now. These are our daughters, nieces, foster children, friends. Young girls are being targeted, introduced and hooked to dangerous narcotics and then sold. Purchased. Slaves. Are you angry yet?

I urge you to pay attention, get mad, but most importantly, take some freakin' action! A quick google search will provide information, resources, and  opportunities to help! Remove the rose colored glasses. This is happening under our noses! 

I don't know yet the extent of what I can do, but I vow to you, the Gillespies are getting involved.

Now I'm curious...what DO they eat in heaven?

Boone (4): Mommy, will there be school in heaven? 

Me: Nope. In my mind, I imagine it'll kinda be like summer vacation forever.

B: Will there be stores? 

Me: I doubt it. We'll just have to wait and see!

B: Well, what about food? 

Me: Hmm...I bet there will be food. Probably the best tasting food you've ever had.

B: Soooo...Chinese food?

Two going on fifty

Hudson (2.5) was struggling, attempting to retrieve a wedged diaper from the new box. I wasn't paying attention to his shouting for me because, let's face it, when you have four kids you get pretty good at tuning out certain noises, whining, shouting, etc. I finally heard the following:

"Mom! Mom! Mommmm! WE HAVE A PROBLEM HERE!!!!"

 _____________________________

The two bigger boys have a notable obsession with being ninjas. Hudson, however, is a parrot, mimicking their actions, taking on their desires as his own. They dress head to toe in one solid color, becoming that ninja. Boone is usually the red ninja, Lincoln blue, and Hudson's favorite color is always green.* 

*He picks the Green Lantern in superhero play, the green dinner plate, the Green Thing-Ding (daddy's ongoing nightly made up story character).

Anyway, the boys were doing their interpretive da-- ninja moves the other night, and I asked Boone if he wanted to take a karate class. 

Boone: "YEAH!! I wanna take a karate class!"

Lincoln: "HEY! I WANNA take a karate class!!

Hudson: "I WANNA TAKE A KERMIT** CLASSSSS!!!" 

**Again, green.

 _____________________________

Another humorous Hudson happening occured at the park the other day. Johnny offered him a dried apricot. The child took it in his hand, looked it over inquisitively, and nibbled a hesitant bite. 

H: Chew chew chew chew. Pauses. Tilts head. Furrows brow. Nods, "Hmm...not bad." Walks away. 

Two going on 50.

Ho Ho Ho

I love them.