Mother's Day

Despite having to work all weekend, we had a very relaxing mother's day. Noah was sweet and kissy and loving. I remember 4 years ago conceiving noah on this day. Amazing how fast it has gone by and how much we all have learned and grown, especially in the Lord.
While putting Noah to bed tonight and saying goodnight to daddy, noah also called out, "happy mother's day daddy!"
very sweet!

Where's the mustard??

So Noah has a play kitchen in his room.. as I was putting away his laundry, I asked him to please clean up all of his play food. He opened his little fridge and pulls out mustard. Real mustard.. from our fridge. I don't know how he got it in there as he cannot reach to open our fridge (freezer on bottom type). I have no idea how long it has been in there either. So I just laughed (what else could I do?) and asked him to go show daddy. So as Joe is processing all of this, Noah's answer as to why he had it in his fridge was because Gus (his play toy tractor from cars-named himself)--
"Gus had to drink it." ok... makes sense.

first cousin sleep-over!

Noah spent the night over his cousins Emma and Leo's house today. "uncle Becky" as noah calls her graciously accepted to keep noah as plans fell through for Noah to sleep over nana and papa's house. They had a great time and even got to make icecream sundaes! Noah slept in Emma's bed and Emma slept in her mommy's bed. Noah and emma also shared a nap on the couch together.

Little Encourager

Today while Joe was working hard writing a paper for grad school, I brought him something to drink. When I walked back into the room, Noah asked what I was doing? I said I brought daddy something to drink. To which Noah replied, "Good job MOM!! You shared with daddy!!"
These are the moments I want to remember for all time. I walked over and placed my forehead against his and said, "thanks Noah, it feels good to hear you encourage me." And then he just did his cheesy grin and nodded.

He really feels good helping other people. Last Monday a friend left her daughter's backpack in the room we were in for a MOPs meeting at church. Noah and I tried to bring it to her but she had left. Noah was proud to carry it and place it back where we found it. Later we emailed and let her know it was there. As soon as Noah woke up from his nap that afternoon, he immediately recalled, "Mikayla left her backpack and I helped carry it." Again with the nod and smile. He really thrives on encouragement.
The following Wednesday, after my Mom's Bible study at church, a boy was crying in the room we were all hanging around in after class. His mom had to leave the room momentarily and asked me to watch him. Noah saw that he was crying and offered him his grapes. When this 3 year old child would not take it because he was crying, Noah gladly helped him accept it by gently placing one into his mouth!
He really has a heart for helping others and I hope that I can help foster that by setting good examples for him.

Noah also loves to help us around the house. Here he is helping dad bring Paris outside.

and here he is helping dad bring the garbage out to the curb.


He happens to be wearing his very cute rain boots, but he often just put on his furry crocs, or "cracks" as he calls them...

Jesus in my belly

Next to Noah's bed is a small picture of Jesus holding a baby lamb in his arms.
Noah talks to him and I suppose he feels comforted that here is a picture there of him.
This past week, Noah has been scratching at the picture and pretending to pick Jesus up with his little fingers, and with the other hand raises his shirt, places Jesus in his belly and then lowers his shirt down. He does this without saying a word. I asked him what he was doing and he just talks about other things. I find this very unique because a few days ago my friend told me that her two year old tells her that she wants Jesus in her belly! Andrea will ask, "Abby, you mean Jesus in your heart?" and Abby replies, "no, Jesus in my belly." So the thought that another child so close in age would do the same thing has me wondering what is going on in their sweet little minds?

Noah's Prayers

Last night as I was putting Noah down for bed we talked together for a while. We talked about how we went to the park that day and he played with his friends. As we said our prayers, I asked Noah if he would like to pray for a baby sister or a baby brother. He said, "yes, oh wait, not yet." Then he went on to say the most remarkable thing, "I have to pray for Emma." He closed his eyes, folded his hands together and said, "Dear Jesus, Emma was sad today, she was not happy. She was crying by the road and I want her to be happy. She got a bad boo-boo. Please make her happy. and please put a baby in mommy's belly. thank you, Amen."

I just started to cry and I could not stop. I kissed him all over his little forehead. "mom, are you sad?" he asked. "No!! I said noah, these are happy tears!!!"
I told him how sweet he is, and how blessed I am to be his momma. I told him how I prayed so much with Daddy to send me a baby and God blessed me with him. He has such a tender heart and is so loving. It struck me how much God loves me to send me such a sweet child. He was so concerned for his friend Emma that he felt compelled to pray for her on his own. He initiated that prayer. I am so thankful for him and blessed to call him my son.

Easter Sunday

Today Noah had such a fun day rejoicing with family celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. We also celebrated grandpa's (papa as noah calls him) birthday. Noah had a good time playing with Emma while Leo just mostly hung out playing solo with Noah's train table. We had our first kiddie table here that Noah and Emma ate at and I am sure Leo will join them next year.
I read the rest of Noah's bible story and he was very excited to see that Jesus was ok and how everyone in the story was rejoicing and happy to see Jesus alive!

Nana has had her first hip replaced and looks absolutely amazing! I really think noah is relieved to see her walking around better these days. Just a few more weeks until the next side will be replaced.