BIRTHDAY BOY

"Mom, I think we should definately have a party this year. To celebrate me." And boy, is this kid worth celebrating. I promised him whatever he wanted if he'd only agree not to have a birthday and get older - even a pony, which I thought would do the trick. But he was determined to turn four, and so, finally, we conceded.

Max is perpetually cheerful and full of fun. He is complimentary and affectionate, making him a favorite with his aunties ("Oh Auntie Kafryn, your hair looks so beautiful today!"). He idolizes his Uncle Pug, loves football and rodeo, and has a skull made of steel.

We sure love this kid. Happy 4th Birthday Max!

THAT'S MAX FOR YOU

Max to Nick: "Daddy, do all animals have red blood?"
Nick, "I think so. Like us."
Kathryn, "Ya, Max, because humans are animals, too."
Max, after processing that for a moment, "Oh, I get it... because we're Jesus' sheep!"

I'M IN LOVE

Finally, now that he's 15 months old, Little Sammy has learned to walk and say "Mama." Who would ever have thought that hearing this little man pant down the hall calling me would completely melt my heart? You'd think that kind of thing would wear off after four kids, but sometimes I just walk in circles around the house answering him so he'll keep calling. I wish I could freeze him just as he is - perfect.

JACKISM

Jack's fascination with all things Egyptian led to an interesting discussion about their religious practices, particularly one pharaoh's decision to go monotheistic and exclusively worship the sun god Aten (it's a long story). Jack was quiet for a while after I explained how it all worked, and then decided quite conclusively, "Well, if I were going to chose only one god to worship, I would definitely chose the God of Rain. You know - drought, famine, starvation... it doesn't seem like they needed any help with the sun living in a desert."

Good point, Jack. I bet old Amenhotep didn't think of that.

THE KING STILL REIGNS

Yesterday as Jack and I were working in the kitchen, I said, "Do you know what we're missing? Christmas music! We can't make lunch without Christmas music!" To which he replied, with a very teenager-like groan, "Oh Moooooooooom, PLEASE! Not Elvis again."

Excuse me? That boy got a quick lesson in showing the proper respect for The King, and was forced to listen to "Blue Christmas" multiple times as pennance. I don't think anyone can say they've achieved adulthood without being able to do a fairly decent rendition of this song, Elvis style. I think I proved my point... at least there will be no more complaining THIS Christmas season!

THOU SHALT NOT!

Just when we thought they weren't listening to morning Bible study...


...discovered in somebody's journal.


...and the midget David, with the ill-fated Goliath - the morning after a dramatic reenactment for Family Night.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Okay, I'm the first to admit that I'm biased. But isn't this the cutest face you've ever seen? Sam turned one - with a mixture of excitement from his siblings, and a little sadness from me. How did my baby get so big this fast? I so clearly remember having him just 12 short months ago - he has been the BEST thing for our family. The other kids are in love with him, and he returnes their affection (mostly). With a big gap in his front teeth, a gymp one foot/one knee crawl, and a huge head relative to his skinny little arms, this kid is one darling package. And Sam is a total ham - he makes goofy expressions all the time, and just waits for you to notice and laugh. When he hears the other kids laugh at something, he joins in just to be a part of the gang. We know his brothers and sister will teach him lots of tricks in the years to come, and we can't wait to see what becomes of The Sam.

We sure love you, Babe Sammy. Happy 1st Birthday!

KATHRYN SPEAKS

I've been reading James Herriot with the kids lately, which is a little over their heads, but we all love it. Last night's story included this passage, "...[I] then gave her an antitetanus injection to eliminate any risk of later infection," and asked the kids what that meant. Kathryn confidently explained, "It means he gave the horse a shot so the sore wouldn't get infected." I asked her how she knew that. She cocked her head to the side, rolled her eyes, and in a "duh" tone, said, "Context!" That is so Kathryn!

ANNOUNCING...

...the commitment of Nick and Miriam to the P90X way of life. In consideration for our gentle readers, we'll spare you the "before" pics, and just reveal that the above appetizing picture is all too true. We're actually enjoying our mornings together, sweating with Tony (the host) and wondering if we can, in fact, look anything like these folks on the videos. See you around Thanksgiving, hopefully new and improved!

JACKISM

Jack, assigning family members to play roles in 'The Lion King,' "We'll need the fatest person in our family to be Pumba." Then he walked over to me, squeezed the back of my arm, and declared, "Yep - you'll do." Thanks, Jack. It's an honor.