#2 Minister

Max is learning to serve. However, I have to say it’s a service that’s not always wanted. Seems he’s building a ministry of sorts within our house, traveling from one bathroom to the next. Yes, he’s a #2 Minister.

If you have to “take care of business”, he often times magically appears and pulls up a stool to keep you company. He even brings his own books as to not make you uncomfortable or self-conscious. Although, he often asks you to read because you are a captive audience.

I’ve seen his ministry flourish with his older brother. It’s not uncommon to see Max retrieve books, toys and even remove his brother’s socks upon request all while Luke is… er, um… pre-occupied.


So, the next time you invite us over and you need to excuse yourself to use the facilities, beware if the door cracks open. It may just be our young pastor of poop calling, doing a little outreach work. -- Merk

Atlanta - Part One

In an attempt to break out of the winter doldrums, I'm going back a few months to our trip to Atlanta. We go there every fall to visit my family. The boys love it. Here are some highlights from the trip.

These are real pictures. We were the last ones off the plane in Atlanta and the pilots invited them to sit in the cockpit. I thought the hat was a nice touch.


They actually have fall in Atlanta and the Luke couldn't get enough of it. Here he is admiring a tree.


My Gran has a great backyard. This is the swing that my Papa built for me when I was a little girl.



Gran reading to the boys. She's so special to me. Luke and Max love her as much as I do.

I've Got Nothing

I don't know where I've been for the past two weeks, but it obviously hasn't been on the Internet. I don't know what happened or how I let so much time go by. So, in an attempt to put something on my blog I came across these pictures from early January. Notice the shorts and t-shirts. Hard to believe, considering how cold and dreary it's been lately.

Anyway, these are some pics from when my Dad and Karen came for a visit.

More presents.


The boys adore my Dad and this picture is pretty much what went on all weekend.


I don't know for sure, but I think he secretly likes playing with their toys.


What a sweet twosome. Max wouldn't take a nap that day because he was afraid of being away from his Grandpa. He finally passed out in Dad's arms.


This has nothing to do with my dad's visit, just Max being silly. Notice the sunglasses are on upside down.

A Few More Christmas Pics

Cousin Harley giving Max a haircut.


Ready to join America's Team.


Tired lion.


It's hard to find a place to sleep at Babbie's house.


Luke and Max with Gran.

Animal Planet Gone Wrong

Have you ever watched a seemingly harmless show on Animal Planet only to realize a little too late that the beautiful lioness that you were pointing out to your children is about to do something terrible to a poor, unfortunate animal? You know how it goes…you’re watching and then all the sudden you’re scrambling for the remote while at the same time jumping up to stand in front of the tv so your children don’t see the bloodbath that’s about to happen.

Well, we had a real-life showing at our house this afternoon and my children had a front row seat. Here’s how it went down.

We were playing in the den when we heard our dog Scout making a lot of noise on the back porch. Obviously I went to the window and just as I pulled back the curtains, there’s Scout grabbing a rat in her mouth, twisting and shaking it as she is doing the death dance. I screamed at the kids to move back, but of course they didn’t. I ran outside and made her drop the rat, but I was too late. The poor thing was seriously hurt and it was clear, it wasn’t going to make it.

We called Animal Control and they took it away. Of course, Luke was standing in the windowsill to get a better view of the recovery. Then he asked for a better look at the now-dead rat in the cage as it was being carted out of our once peaceful home. He asked the guy, “Is it dead?” He said, “Sorry buddy, I think he is.” Then Luke said, “Okay.” And that was it.

I’m still not going to let my kids watch Animal Planet unsupervised, but they seem to have a better grasp on the circle of life that I thought they did.

As for Scout, she’s gained newfound respect from Merk. He’s so proud of her. Finally, she got her dog card.

The Christmas Season

We survived. Although it was busy, chaotic and at times a little insane, we made it through. Here are some of the highlights.

A few days before Christmas, we decided to take in the lights. We made it all the way to Deerfield and sat in traffic to see what was supposed to be an amazing light display. Unfortunately, one street in, we hear Max say, “I have to poo-poo.” That was the end of the light show.

On Christmas Eve, we got the kids all dressed up and took them to the Christmas Eve service. They were very excited, but 10 minutes into the program, they both fell asleep. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but I had hoped to get them to bed early so Santa could come.

Speaking of Santa, Luke was so excited, he couldn’t sleep in his bed. He literally slept in the doorway so he wouldn’t miss anything. Very cute.


Santa finally came. I don't know who had more fun. Luke and Max are at the perfect age and we loved watching them take it all in.



We had a great morning. My family came over early for breakfast and to watch them play.


Later we ate dinner at my Mom’s house and Max spilled water on his pants. Thank goodness it was warm, because even on Christmas Day, Max found a way to run around without clothes on.


To top it off, we finished our Christmas with a trip to the emergency room. On Friday, Luke and Max were playing swordfight and somehow, Max picked up a non-sanctioned and approved “sword.” Three hours later Merk and Luke are sitting in Acute Care. Thank goodness for Dermabond.

All in all, we had a great Christmas. We hope you did too.

Taking A Breath

For me, this is the best part of Christmas. I know, Christmas Day is still three days away, but for me, this is it.

It’s the quiet, the calm before the storm that I enjoy so much. Everything major is done. Presents have been bought, wrapped and are sitting under our tree. Cookies have been baked and baked and baked. The house is clean. Cards have been sent and received.

All the hard work is over and I can sit and reflect. It’s when I look at my kids with wonder at how God created them. When I look at my husband with gratitude for who he is and not what errand he can do to help me out. When I can savor my family, who I know will drive me crazy before Christmas Day actually arrives.

This is the day when I really appreciate the meaning of Christ’s birth and what that means to me. When I sing Christmas Carols with gusto and feel joy in my heart. After today, I have a hard time sifting through the chaos. Not that I don’t have moments throughout the Christmas season, but only when it’s really quiet am I able to listen and really worship.

So today I’m listening. Tomorrow I will be running again. Family will be here. Cooking will begin. Gifts will leave and more will arrive, begging for a place in my home. The kids will be tired and overwhelmed.

So, Merry Christmas to my dear friends and family. If you’re reading this you know how much you mean to me. My prayer for you is to experience quiet in the midst of the chaos and the joy of Christ as we celebrate his birth.