Sheet Music??

Boone's in the back seat, softly singing an improvised ballad to a fussy Dixie. Hudson interupts. 

Sighing dramatically, "Uuuuhhhh! Hudson! Now I can't remember what page I was on!!"

Unbuggable

As he was getting ready for kindergarten this morning, Lincoln asked if he could wear his purple and blue shirt. I said of course he could and it was one of my favorites. "Ok, mom! Mine too!"

In the car he asked if his hair looked funny, as he was attempting to flatten one wild piece in the back, formed perfectly by his adorable cowlick. "No, it looks fine. Why?"

L: Because I don't want the kids to laugh at me if my hair sticks up.

Me: (Confused at his newly discovered self conscienceness) Have they laughed at you for that before?

L: No, but they did laugh at me for wearing this purple shirt. Cause I'm a boy and it's purple.

I welled up. Not gonna lie. Not because he had been picked on, but because I was looking in my review mirror at my little boy, almost 6 years old, wearing that same purple shirt. I chose my words wisely. I put on my biggest, most joyful grin. I explained that it would have been easier for him to not want to wear it again because of the mean remarks from his peers, but I was so proud of him that he was choosing to stand up for himself and wear it again! I asked him what he does when someone picks on him, expecting him to say "tell the teacher." Nope. "I just ignore it!!" I laughed and told him that if it continues and he feels hurt by people it's ok and sometimes good to tell the teacher. In this situation he chose to turn the other cheek. He chose to be "unbuggable" to quote my dad. 

When I picked him up, I asked if anyone commented on his shirt and he said, "Well, just one girl laughed and pointed. But I just told her to sit back down on her rug square." :)

Dance Party In Heaven

My heart just exploded. During songs, snuggles and bedtime prayers tonight, Hudson didn't want me to leave because he was afraid. The bigger boys told him that he didn't need to be afraid because God was always in their room with them, and everywhere they go. Lincoln told him that God is even on the playground with him at recess!

It was in that moment that we had a beautiful, Spirit led moment of prayer while Hudson sincerely asked God to live in his heart!!! We then explained to him that the angels were rejoicing in heaven, dancing and having a party because of his decision. Hudson reacted by jumping up and dancing to his own music. He kept saying "I love God, mommy. I love Him." I will forever cherish these moments with my sweet little ones.

Dixie's First Word...?

The little girl is hitting her milestones notably quicker than her big brothers. At just five months she is trying to crawl. You know, the whole getting up on her knees and rocking back and forth thing? Lincoln had such a large head, he didn't even roll over until six months! 

Like the boys, however, I have a feeling she will be an early talker. Hudson (2) just ran up to me and excitedly squealed "Mom! Mom! I just heard Dixie say 'jooga'!!!!!! Haaaa!!!"

Made me think of Friends "She said 'gleeba'!" 

Car Games

Forgot to post this yesterday so here is a double post! It's ok. They are sort of related topics.

My heart wells up when I spy on my boys interacting joyfully with one another. This particular happening made me giggle. (Note: I was going the speed limit, so no judging!)

We were driving on the highway last night at dusk (my favorite time of day. Totally unimportant to the story, but I'm trying to paint a picture here!). The radio was on, I had tuned out the jabberings in the back seat. Suddenly, my attention was captured with the sound of Boone shrieking "YAY! You got this! You got it!! Goooo Lincoln! You totally got this!!! WOOOOOHOOOO!" I caught a glimpse of Lincoln in the review mirror, eyes wide and intently glaring down the car we were passing. Boone, "Ok, now get this one!! I'll pass the one out my window." It didn't take long to realize that they were mind controlling the speed of our car to pass by traffic. (Too bad our back windows are tinted. I would have loved to see the drivers reaction.)

I could not help but mess with them a bit and slow down on occasion. The looks of disappointment on their faces were splendid. "Oh well, Lincoln. It's ok. I forgive you. Just get this next one!"

Ok, now for today's post.

Lately, Lincoln has been fascinated with naming the different types of cars we pass by. "That's a Chevy. A Honda. Oh! Mercedes!" His favorite being a BMW. Boone has been trying to learn from his big brother, repeatedly asking "What kind is THAT, Lincoln? Look! I know that one is a Ford because I see a blue oval!"

On our way to get Lincoln from school just now, Boone pondered about a big truck pulling a trailer. Hudson, (just turned 2!!) who hasn't showed any desire to paticipate in the game, replied with a mouthful of apple and a dash of sarcastic matter-of-factness, "Uh, that's a Toyota."

Gillespie Train

This has been going on for 10 minutes. "Look mom! We're a train!" Poor Hudson keeps getting derailed. 

Chapter Kindergarten: Round One

We just dropped Lincoln off at his first day of kindergarten. Since we did preschool at home, this is a super big deal. First time in a new place, without any familiar faces, for a lengthy amount of time.

Last night he laid out his new clothes in a perfect, neat, little pile. (It took us several failed shopping attempts to find jeans skinny and long enough for the bean pole.) We woke up early to make our favorite vegan chocolate chip pancakes, starting the day off right. Not quite sure how the traffic and parking situation would be on the first day of school, we arrived early and parked on a side street. It was wonderful having daddy with us. We all prayed together, praising God for this wonderful new adventure, thanking Him for divinely pathing the way for Lincoln to get picked for such an amazing school.

When we got to the entrance, we immediately made friends. Another mom with three little boys (5, 3, and 1) enthusiastically introduced herself and her husband. Seeing our brood, they seemed relieved to meet another young couple, possibly crazier than themselves! We snapped pictures of our shy boys together, giggling at the possibility that this could be the start of a forever friendship. (She is still close friends with her kindergarten bestie!) 

When the teacher greeted them at the door, Lincoln adoringly kissed daddy and me goodbye, hugged Boone tightly, and bravely went into his new, exciting classroom.

After one more kiss was blown his direction, we began walking back to the car. I was waiting...expecting to burst into tears. I believe that my sheer joy and excitement for him outweighed any fear or anxiety I had prepared myself for. That's right folks. I DID NOT cry! You may not believe me, but I speak in truth.

What will I look forward to most this school year? The seven minute drive to school. During this time we will pray together. I will always encourage him to try his best, but most importantly to live and love others, looking to Jesus as his example. This boy. I'm tellin' ya. He's going places.