Olivia's 18month docs appointment was today. She's pretty normal.  59/58% height and weight. 3 shots. Barely cried at all, but Luke was there to immediately pray for Jesus to heal her boo boos and that she wouldn't feel bad from the shots. Taylor was hiding behind the desk. 

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Religion is what you have to do, relationship is what you choose to do. -Hillsong NYC Carl Lentz

Religion existed before Jesus came, Jesus came for relationship, to reconcile sinners to his father. That's what Christmas is about. Thank you Jesus for coming to save us.

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Luke and Taylor were outside yesterday playing for hours while Nick and I worked on our dining room project. They came in all excited saying that they were pretending to be good pirates who knew The Lord and they were working together as a team to fight satans army. They had the longest sticks they could find as swords. 

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Olivia digs the easy bake treats. Pretty sure she's eaten 90% of them. 

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(After sitting to reflect on where things went wrong, Luke asks if he can go talk to Taylor in her room, I hear this...)
Luke: I was wrong for pestering you, do you forgive me?
Taylor: Yeah, I was wrong for stabbing you in the back with my wand, do you forgive me?
Luke: Yeah. Ya know Taylor that really hurt. You shouldn't stab me in the back just cause your mad.
Taylor: Well just cuz your king doesn't mean you can go and bust up my castle. That was mean Luke.
Luke: Well you coulda asked nicely instead of stabbing me.
Taylor: Yeah I guess. Can you just play King/Queen nice with me now?
Luke: Yeah, get Olivia a crown too.

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Olivia was playing and had Taylor's doll house bed and she put a little doll in it. Covered it with a blanket, said night night, prayed for her (in her own language)  and then said Amen. 

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Sweetest thing ever... Taylor was sitting on her bed crying because she was being disciplined and Olivia goes into her room and hugs her while whispering and then said Amen and kissed her. She loved Taylor's response so she kept praying over her again and again and again...so I called Nick in to see and Luke came in too and she starting praying over all four of us, from one person to another over and over. #sweetprayerwarrior 

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Since Olivia's been praying in her own language, Luke decided he wanted to teach her to say a simple prayer. I adore the excitement of Luke and Taylor as they watch her learn especially when they teach her. #sweethearts

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Olivia's reading the bible to Taylor. 

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Which is more encouraging for your child to think? For them to think, I can never be used by God like my dad, or if God can use my dad, he can use me! -Paraphrased from Sacred Parenting.

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Taylor made breakfast for herself, Luke and Olivia this morning. Peanut butter toast for her and Olivia and peanut butter bagel for Luke. #gettingbig

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Olivia prayed tonight at dinner: thank you momma, daddy, Luke and sissy. Amen. 
Today at Target as usual she was fist bumping, high fiving and saying HIIIII and BYYYE to everyone but today a sweet older woman caught her attention and Olivia asked her for a hug. She melted this lady's heart and she kept hugging her over and over, then Taylor hugged her too, Luke hid and the lady said she made her day. 

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Send Luke and Taylor off for naps and they come out together with grins begging if they could read their bibles together before they fall asleep. Taylor has slept with her bible for at least a year now and pretends to read it knowing Esther inside and out but now she can pick out lots of books of the bible and she devours reading the action bible along with the audio. 3 times a day she reads it, she goes through the entire bible in a week and just keeps rereading it. She almost always chooses it over anything else for her free time. Luke now started sleeping with his bible. I hope they never lose their love of Gods word. 

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Homeschooling two 5yr olds while potty training a 19 month old=craziness.

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And she is insisting she wants on the big potty lol stinker. ------------------------- The sewer guy came and Olivia literally held a 5 minute conversation with him. She was telling him to come in, see our dog Ali, to come see her sissy and Luke, fist bump, high fives, said thank you and bye bye and a bunch of gibberish in between. The guy was laughing at her saying she's full of herself.  crazy girl. ------------------------- So today for school Olivia colored paper, then ripped it up and threw all the little pieces away. Over and over. All by herself. She kept herself entertained longer than my ideas.  At least today. ---------------------------- Taylor is such a sweetheart. Yesterday she was sick and was vomiting.  I didn't think anyone else was going to get it but this afternoon I started.  Nick and Luke were at hockey so she made her and Olivia pb&js, brought me a trash can, prayed over me, asked Olivia to pray over me, asked if I needed anything, kept making sure I was okay and kept Olivia entertained til Nick got home. #blessed #meltsmyheart  #growingup --------------------------------------- Moments like these make every bit of staying home worth it. Story time we read about Solomon and when the Queen of Sheba visited him, how he became proud and then started building temples for his foreign wives gods and how he went from being so wise to being foolish. This led into the discussion from Luke on how much we need to depend on Jesus to keep from being tricked by the enemy. Which led into detailed discussion of the crucifixion and how much Jesus suffered and how hard it was for God to put his son through that, talking about how amazing gods forgiveness is for us and they brought up the criminal on the cross who believed in him before he died and got to go to heaven. Taylor even talked about Judas and how she thinks he made his heart right with God before he died. They talked about Jesus being the only sacrifice that can save us and what people had done before with sacrificing animals but now, with Jesus, when we believe in him, his sacrifice is once and for all done. Their eyes light up talking about it, Luke literally jumps up and down with excitement and Taylor's eyes sparkle and then Luke says, mama, remember that song, nothing but the blood of Jesus? And then they held my hands and started singing it over and over. What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus, what can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus...." Of course I start crying, realizing that they just laid the whole gospel out with some serious passion and emotion and I barely had to talk. I frankly couldn't get a word in, between the two. They begged to keep singing together in Luke's room before going to nap. I love these moments because they remind me what's important. Pointing them to their messiah and watching them learn to live it out. ------------------------------------ Taylor: Mama, when you die, can I have these heels? (Wearing my highest heels and a smile) lol --------------------------------------- Prior it was always....when I grow up can I wear our clothes/shoes? And I guess since she feels like that's taking forever now she asking if she can when I die. lol ---------------------------------------

Olivia got her first bloody lip. She didn't even cry but sweetest thing ever, Luke immediately laid his hand on her and prayed for Jesus to heal it. Then Olivia wanted to hug him several times. #sweethearts
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Now Taylor cracked her head on the headboard...overheard this from the next room...
Luke: Ya want me to pray for your head Taylor?
Taylor: Yes.
Luke: Dear God I pray you'd heal Taylor's head in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Taylor: Thanks Luke. Now can you dance with me?
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I've been letting the kids use my bathtub (that has jets)
Luke: Mom! Why didn't you turn the planes on? (Took me a few secs to get what he was saying lol)
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Kids sang "O praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead"....All the way home.... 
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I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give her to the Lord. For her whole life she will be given over to the Lord.” And we worshiped the Lord there. (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
We dedicated Olivia Eliana Bair to The Lord today. Can't wait to see what God has planned for her life. She lights up a room with her presence. Luke and Taylor also took today very seriously. As Olivia's big brother and sister, they are serious about teaching her about Jesus and pointing her to Him. #feelingveryblessed and thankful for family and small group family that we have who love on her. — with Lona Emenheiser and 15 others.
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Tonight is the SECOND night ever that Olivia has slept in a crib. AND that crib resides in Taylor's room. I miss waking up and seeing her cuteness asleep. I miss her right beside my bed period.  Taylor's thrilled. 
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Went to change Olivia and she handed me the diaper and said "diaper" then handed me a wipe and said "wipe"! She tries to actually use the wipe herself though. Lol
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I adore that Olivia says "hey you" with a big grin, to Luke and Taylor when she sees them after naps and I hear it first thing in the morning from her.
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Breakfast, A day and a half of school schedule and baths for all 3 kids done by 10:30am. #neverhashappened
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(Yesterday nick took off work and we planned to go to Dutch wonderland, was scheduled about a month ago.) get all packed up, arrive when they open and...it was closed weekdays since Tuesday  so we went to the fair.  so today we can go for a few hours after nicks meetings...)
Me: (to kids) Hope it's not real busy today at Dutch wonderland.
Luke: Why Mom? Don't you wanna learn to be patient? Cuz it would be better to learn to be patient then to play games and do whatever we want.
Taylor: We're really good at being patient all the time, but not always.
Lol
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(Luke wanted to play hockey on his roller blades and be a goalie on them for the first time. He was super upset with me that I wouldn't let him wear his goalie mask with his roller blades. (because it's not a real one) He was doing great, kept saying how hard it was and his legs hurt but he kept going and didn't want to quit and was blocking LOTS of shots the stinker....then he fell on his butt HARD!)
Luke: MOM, that HURT!
Me: Sigh, Guess you should probably just give up hockey.
Luke: MOM! That's the meanest thing you've ever said to me! I'm NOT giving up.
Me: I didn't think you would.
Luke: Then don't even say that.
(later I decided he was stopping too many and I flicked it up in the air in)
Luke: MOM!
Me: What? That was pretty cool huh?
Luke: Mom, that's prideful of you.
Me: I'm excited, I never scored like that before.
Luke: I was a good score but you don't need to be so prideful about it.
(this kid is no joke, so serious, 24-7, I try to make him laugh while he plays...told him he should play for the "stinkerpots" and I'd design a jersey with a skunk playing hockey on it.  He was amused for a second)
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So today we learned that Luke is the same height as most emperor penguins.
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Every morning first thing Taylor puts in Danen Kane as she gets dressed, brushes her teeth and makes her bed. She dances all the while of course. 
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Olivia wouldn't smile this morning which is really not like her. It didn't last long but them I saw she has two upper molars peeking through. Explains her pacifier obsession the last few days.
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Taylor: Luke, stop peeing so loud , you're gonna wake up Olivia. 
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I was holding Olivia this morning, As I was talking to Taylor about her attitude and eye roll, and I look down and see Olivia pointing her finger at Taylor and she said, go! I thought to myself, "do I do that?" Then I saw my finger...really? Lol I seriously didn't think I pointed my finger. I know I say, Go! Lol I saw Olivia do that to Taylor before and assumed it was from Taylor. Lol
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Olivia just woke up and I hear Taylor reading her an alphabet book and Olivia keeps saying, wooo weeee.
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Olivia is trying to help me set up tables and chairs for life group. Scary. She knows what to do. She's pulling the legs out on the tables, then once I set the table up she went to get the folding chairs... Pushed tables and chairs around. I guess she's watched me every week, she's a smart cookie but scary how she thinks she can do everything! Yesterday she was on Luke's bed standing and bouncing and giggling. 
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Luke is talking to Olivia about her anger
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Taylor: Dear God, I just really want to thank you for this great day to just like hang out and fellowship together with mommy and daddy and as a family, in Jesus name I pray, Amen. (I think this was her shortest prayer in a VERY long time, but cracks me up how she uses the word fellowship)
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(While eating lunch)
Taylor: I can't wait to meet Esther in heaven.
Luke: I can't wait to meet David. Mom, when can we go to heaven?
Taylor: Only God knows Luke. It's gonna be so much fun.
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Luke: (to Taylor) You should never make fun of someone's name. That's one of the Ten Commandments.
Taylor: I know.
(The Lords name in vain?) lol
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Taylor: (holding her real bible(no pictures) from Laura Ferry and Danny Ferry) Momma, I read my bible before I fell asleep for nap. Did you hear me? Yup I read from creation the whole way to Joseph and then I got tired.
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I felt bad for Taylor because Olivia kept waking up crying last night but every time, I'd hear Taylor, "It's okay Livy, it's okay sweetheart" and then she'd sing to her until she'd fall asleep or until I'd come in. I'm not sure she was even completely awake.  #sweetgirl
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Luke: Momma, I don't really like spankings but I know that being disciplined is gonna make me a better warrior for God. That's what my bible storybook said. Momma, when's Jesus coming back anyway cuz I'm ready for him to take care of satan.
(Yesterday we had a long discussion on the ways we can hear God, the bible and how we hear from the Holy Spirit, and how he created everything just by speaking, his questions are the best) #spiritualconvoswithluke #godswarrior
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(Listening to Taylor and Luke play) Luke: I'm telling you Taylor I'm allergic to dolls and babies. I'm serious.
Taylor: You are not.
Luke: I'm not kidding. (I think he truly thinks he is as serious as he was lol)
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Luke: Hey momma. Sharks are very different from fish. Fish have oxygen inside them that keeps them from sinking but sharks have big livers with lots of oil that help them from sinking and fish have bones but sharks don't and sharks eat each other. Isn't it crazy momma how God made everything so different? Like he just decided and said it and bam all these amazing creatures. We could never just make a great white. Gods just crazy.
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Olivia just gave me her shoe and said "Shoe on, un huh", shook her head yes and pointed her foot at me. Lol
--------------------------------
I love listening to Taylor sing worship songs as she falls asleep so far today it's been a sampling of Bless The Lord O My Soul, Blessed be your name, Waiting here for you, Glory to God and now she's singing "I love you Lord" over and over....  how God must love it.
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Put Olivia down for nap yesterday and she said, Love you. 
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Taylor: Oh my gosh mom, Elijah is seriously almost allergic to girls. Like, every time the girls get near him, he starts for real like coughing.
Luke: Taylor, he's just faking it.
Taylor: I don't think he is. I think he's seriously almost allergic.
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Luke: can I have more appetizer?
Me: Have what?
Luke: Apple tizer.
Taylor: Apple Cider Luke!
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I seriously never realized how much I said seriously until I had kids. Seriously a lot.
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Olivia got a scratch on her leg and she kept pointing to it so I prayed for it and now she keeps saying, boo boo amen. 
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And Olivia figured out how to open doors.  #notgood
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Luke and Taylor decided that they want to build their houses next to ours when they get older so our families could always play together and share stuff.
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Kids are in bed and I'm Listening to Taylor reading Esther to Olivia from her real niv bible. I hear her turning the pages. She's going into a lot of detail and drama.
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So I told Luke to stay out of the mud with his brand new sneakers or just put his old ones on and when he came inside, I'd clean his shoes. He didn't want to change them so then after he came in I heard water running so I go into the bathroom to find him pumping hand soap inside them and filling them full of water. Lol
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Daddy came home for a sec and he was giving kisses before he left and Olivia started puckering and making kissing sounds and then started kissing everyone. Lol 
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So I'm thinking after this weeks sermon that we should put literal "Good Seed" and "Bad Seed" buckets in our home that we fill through out our day.
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(Taylor watching rhythmic gymnastics)
Taylor: Momma, this girl lost her mommy and daddy.
Luke: Ih no, who would she live with?
Me: She would have to live with someone else.
Luke: But what if they're mean?
Taylor: And who would even do her hair. (Priorities lol)
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Taylor: I love your birthday!
Luke: Did you like the presents we got you?
Me: Yes but you know what my very favorite present is?... That I get to be your momma and that God gave me you guys as my kids and daddy as my husband.
Luke: Momma, that's not good. We shouldn't be your very favorite present. Jesus dying on the cross for your sins should be your favorite present. You shouldn't worship us as idols.
Taylor: Relax Luke, she can like both.
Luke: But she should love God more. Anything else above God is an idol. (I love these kids)
----------------------------
We were talking about how God makes us like valuable jewels. Ezekiel 16:7a NLT(def don't go past a. Lol) and Luke starts talking about how God also made us like sheep, and how we get lost and need a shepherd which is Jesus. 
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Passed an ambulance with its lights on and Luke and Taylor both prayed for the person in the ambulance that they would know Jesus and that God would heal them before they even got to the hospital and Olivia keeps saying Amen!
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(Convo in car )
Kids: I wish we could live at the beach until we go to heaven.
Taylor: then we could see Jody every day! Jody Bair
Luke: she's a stinker pot.
Taylor: no she's not.
Luke: yes she is. She wrestles me like daddy wrestles me.
Taylor: I love Jody.
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I walk into Taylor's room and Taylor's sitting on her bed with her shoe off and Luke is kneeling by her with his hand on her foot.
Me: What are you doing?
Luke: Taylor said her foot hurt so I'm praying for it.
Taylor: Isn't that nice momma?
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I won't soon forget today. It was one of those days that will stick on my mind. I will probably laugh about it looking back but being that it's still today, I'm a little emotionally spent. Luke had to have a cherry angioma removed from his face and he did awesome and was very brave, but they had trouble getting it to stop bleeding so they kept cauterizing it and honestly I don't usually get grossed out but it started bothering me because of the smell and fact that it was my son. I had told Taylor not to watch but my original plan failed to distract her because Olivia was insisting to be held and I was also holding Luke's hand. Taylor passed out and hit the back of her head and was quite a mess. She turned really blue and I can't get that image out of my head and that it seemed to take forever until she woke up. She couldn't see me at first and was screaming when she woke up. Luke wasn't done and tried to sit up worried about Taylor. It was quite a scene. It took longer than expected so we hadn't had lunch which I think made matters for Taylor worse. She was emotionally a mess and remembers seeing all the blood which I didn't think she could see because Luke was up high on a table. I thought going to Cracker Barrel as a special treat would snap Taylor out of her mood but after I had the kids out of the car, she started screaming and crying that her head hurt and she just wanted to lay down. Then Luke started crying because we couldn't go there for him being so brave, then Olivia started screaming and crying because it seemed like the thing to do. The few minutes of screaming in the car passed, I almost cried myself but I was so relieved when we got chic fila and Taylor got some food/sugar in here and she felt better. Then they were praying for one another and sharing a kids meal with each other and Olivia and talking all about what happened. And Yesterday Olivia threw herself down because she didn't get something and got up with a bloody nose which bled quite a bit. The tough thing with her is she doesn't want to slow down. I've seen enough blood for 2 days. This kinda day reminds me that having kids makes my heart very vulnerable. Love them to pieces and it hurts to see them hurt. Was a little emotionally traumatized today. The amazing thing is God loves them more than I do and even though they are His, he trusts me take care of them for a short time. God help me. I would have done some things different today looking back.... Like eating an early lunch and making sure Taylor didn't see her brother bleeding but at the end of the day I'm just thankful I have them.
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Taylor had her bible tonight and she was asked Luke bible trivia.
Taylor: Who was John the baptists father?
Luke: Zechariah
Taylor: Let me see if that's right. Right. (Pretending to check)
Taylor: Who became King Xerxes queen after Queen Vashti?
Luke: Esther.
Taylor: Let me see, right.
Taylor: Who told the storm to calm and it obeyed?
Luke: Jesus.
Taylor. Right.
Taylor: Who was eaten by a fish because he didn't obey God. Starts with a J.
Luke: Jonah.
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A day later I can really be thankful for many things yesterday. We learned that numbing meds work on Luke! Praise The Lord he isn't like his momma in that way. We learned that Taylor doesn't do well with the sight of blood, needles, etc. Good to know for the future! So glad that it happened with a nurse right there who knew what to do and that made things way easier for me. Olivia didn't flip out when Taylor did. Luke didn't see Taylor unconscious. (Which is what bothered me) It's over. Everyone is fine and it's hilarious to hear Taylor talk about it and Luke's proud of himself for how brave he was. And I love that they pray for each other and love each other so much.
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Taylor's thrilled because Olivia just said sissy really clear .
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Last night we were eating ice cream cake and Olivia was mooching off of Taylor and I and by the time we finished Nick sat down to eat his. She kept opening her mouth wide for Taylor and I and I told her it was all-lee-all. She kept pointing to my bowl, saying ut-oh, all-lee-all, then running to Nick hitting his leg, signing more and saying, uh-huh and opening her mouth wide. She repeated it over and over until Nick was done.
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Taylor: when is it gonna be Christmas?
Me: Why?
Taylor: cuz I miss Lea.
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We go to Community Bible Study on Wednesdays and last year Luke talked a lot about a Spanish speaking boy in his class and how he doesn't understand him and it seemed to frustrate him because there wasn't many boys in the class. Now this year, Luke pretends to speak Spanish while he's playing and wants to learn it. Wednesday, he started telling me some Spanish words this boy taught him. I asked how he was learning the words and he said he asked him. Lol How cute is that?
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Taylor: Look mama, I do arabesques when I open doors.  #shedancesthroughlife
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I love that Luke and Taylor get SO excited for story time every day. I told them they could pick from their school books today and Luke literally started jumping up and down. 
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I think it's crazy that Luke and Taylor were looking at their candy and remember what pieces they got from who. Crazy kids.
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After Olivia bit her lip when she tripped Luke and Taylor immediately prayed for her. And Luke couldn't get over how tough she is because she barely cries. But the best part was when we were praying over the kids, Olivia hugged Taylor and "prayed" over her, babble sounding just like a prayer and then she said amen and gave her a kiss.  precious.
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Olivia just said, "Thank you mommy" when I gave her a cracker. 
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Luke and Taylor have been collecting little bits of change, mostly pennies and they've decided to combine their stashes to see if they would have enough to go eat at Chilli's. Lol
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Olivia is cracking me up today . She just gave me crayons and paper, pointed her finger at me, said sit and then said Please and handed me a crayon. Lol
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I was changing Olivia and she said, "Ewww, that stinks, poo wee", held her nose with one hand and started waving her hand with the other. Lol (exactly what Taylor does)
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The hockey helmet has become a permanent fixture on Luke's head. I caught him "checking" himself in all his gear up against the window watching himself in the reflection.
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Olivia just pulled up a chair for me, said, SIT Momma DRAW and handed me a crayon. Lol
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Kids folded a whole load of towels for me without being asked and they were teaching Olivia how to fold them too. #sosweet #theyweresoproud
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Last night we asked Livy if she wanted to pray for Taylor. She went over to Taylor, hugged her and started whispering like she was praying, said amen, then kissed her. Nick and I cracked up. So cute.
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It was so cute that Olivia gave Turner a kiss last night. Seriously, she adores him. 
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Taylor: momma, how many times am I gonna dance?
Me: What do you mean? Like in your life?
Taylor: yeah, in my life.
Me: I don't know, why?
Taylor: well I wanna dance until I'm 99, then I'll probably be old and stop.
---------------
Went to get Olivia up from nap and she said, "I'm sleeping" with a big grin on her face.  I often say, Are you still sleeping? Then this morning Taylor wanted to watch her nutcracker ballet and Olivia kept pointing to the tv and saying "ballet!"  she was ordering us around to "sit, color and draw" too.
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The lady bug named Jesus stayed in its plush habitat all day yesterday but this morning he's gone.
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This morning I woke up to the sound of tracing paper and coloring. Def a change from hockey on the laminate. #morningboy
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Kids are counting in Spanish this morning and Olivia is trying to join them.  Taylor's been teaching her john 3:16 too. 
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Olivia has Taylor's purse over her shoulder, she's telling us all bye bye, hugging us and trying to get out the door. Lol
-------------------------
Luke: mama, first there was Adam and Eve, then the people who rode those old trains and hockey players with no helmets, now there's us.
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Luke: (bedtime thoughts by Luke Bair) so like before Jesus died and people killed animals for their sins, were they thinking they were sharing with God? Cause I don't think God needs dead animals, he's God.  #lovehowhethinks
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Taylor and Luke: Olivia said she wants her ears pierced.
Me: How did she say that?
Taylor: we asked her and she said yes.
Luke: She did mom
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Last day of kindergarten 12.12.13!!!!!! I got out of the shower and the kids had gotten their stuff out and completed almost all of their work for the day. Then they made my bed!
---------------------
Apparently Olivia watched me clean the toilet today because I saw her go into our bathroom, lift the lid, get out the toilet bowl cleaner, and was acting like she was pouring it in the toilet. Then she was looking at a book with some illustrations in it and she saw a ballerina and said, mama, BALLET!!!!  She doesn't miss a thing. Nick and I were saying, seems like she understands everything everyone is saying and doing and she wants to be a part of it all. 
---------------------
Luke played a video of two baby lambs on the tablet and Olivia said, "Awe, baaa baaas, sooooo cute, awe!"
----------------------
(I asked Nick what he thought of something I bought and saw his expression...)
Me to Nick: Don't say anything smart.
Luke: Daddy is not smart!
(We had just been discussing the multiple meanings of smart but nick about choked on his drink:))
------------------------
It's amazing to think that Jesus willingly left heaven where he was lord of all, with powerful angels obeying his commands and saints worshipping him, in a place of splendor and peace, to humbly be born as a helpless infant in a stable knowing he would suffer persecution, rejection and a horrible death, all to follow Gods plan to save us and give us life. At any moment he could have called it off and an army of angels would have saved him but he didn't, he suffered and died that we may have the chance to choose him and live. If that isn't love, I don't know what is. I pray that what Jesus did provides my heart with enough wonder and amazement to far outweigh any holiday traditions or substitutes of this world. Jesus you are enough for me.
---------------------

 

Snippets

While grocery shopping Olivia reached down into the cart while strapped in, and twisted off two caps off of two different containers of soy milk. Seriously, this girl. Then the sample lady ended up giving her about 10 samples of greek yogurt because Olivia kept adamantly signing MORE and the lady couldn't say no. She's also moving things around to step up on, trying to get into the bathtubs, sticking both arms and legs through the railings to the basement.

Snippets

Olivia decided this time at target that she didn't like facing backwards in the cart. So even though she was strapped tight she pulled her feet up and squirmed and twisted until she got facing forward to see and grab stuff... Then she wiggled to stand up. Mind you I was watching and that strap was tight the while time. #stinker
---------------------------------------
(Luke first thing goes straight to see Olivia)
Luke: Its your birthday Olivia!!! Happy Birthday!!!! Momma, she doesn't look 1? She still looks zero.
----------------------------------------
Luke insists on writing his name out of hockey equipment. And cut and paste scraps must cut in a way to make nets and hockey sticks. #homeschool benefits
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If I play classical music Luke and Taylor endlessly pretend, play and dance. So cute.
-----------------------------------------
Taylor: (holding play cell phone) momma, Grace just called me and she got caught.
Me: Got caught doing what?
Taylor: By Pride and Self Pity. Luke, we have to go rescue her!!!
Luke: She's at Capture Babylon! Lets go! We can save her! (Running into another room) — with Grace Rubadue.
-----------------------------------------
Olivia is hilarious. We were praying before breakfast and she's yelling...AMEN! AMEN! Then I change her dirty diaper and she's pulling our wipes and handing them to me one by one and saying THANK YOU! Then she starts trying to wipe herself. She'll be changing herself in no time! Lol
-----------------------------------------
Luke: (last 2 mornings when he sees Olivia) Hi, ya big one year old!!!
------------------------------------------
Well I know Olivia can drink from a cup. She drank some bath water from her bath cup and was quite surprised that it was very different from pretending to drink. 
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Olivia's been pushing the chairs around while standing including the ones the kids are sitting in. Who needs a walker? Lol crazy girl.
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Olivia loves blueberries! She keeps signing more like crazy.
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Taylor slept in until 9am and now is singing at the top of her lungs... Waiting Here For You... and dancing.
------------------------------------------
Luke: Taylor, you don't know about hockey.
Taylor: Yes, I do Luke. You talk about it ALL the time and I've watched Miracle lots of times.
------------------------------------------
Taylor just informed me that she thinks that her, Grace Rubadue, Anna, Ashlyn and Mikayla Steele should choreograph a dance to Waiting here for you and dance in front of the church. 
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Olivia had black beans, carrots, peas, corn, potatoes, wheat bread and mandarin oranges for dinner.
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Luke: Someday Momma, I'm gonna be bigger than you.
Me: Ya think?
Luke: Yup, kids and babies grow a lot faster than adults.
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Taylor: (referring to Olivia) You need a cage for that girl!
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I say they should make swiffer dry cloth knee pads and mittens for crawling babies.
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Taylor just shushed me because I was too loud when she was on her play cell phone. Really? Then she smirks.
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Had an in depth hour discussion about pride with Luke and Taylor during lunch. #ilovemykidsandtheirquestions
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Olivia had her one year appt. and was having a blast until the shots.  she didn't cry for the first but when she saw the second one coming she knew what it was about. She didn't cry long but was offended for a bit.  75th for height (which makes us chuckle) and 65th for weight.
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Kids are drawing pictures for each other. Luke drew a rainbow and ballerina for Taylor and wrote, I love you and taylor said thank you but her tone wasn't the most thankful so we practiced saying it until it sounded nice, now Taylor's drawing hockey players for Luke and she said the flyers were scoring on the United States of America. Luke says, How are you gonna have someone score on my favorite team? Taylor: But you like the flyers. Luke: Not better than the United States of America. (Miracle) Luke: Where's the tape on their sticks, they need long sleeves, where's the mask? You want my goalie to get hurt? Taylor: Momma! Luke's not being encouraging to me! Luke: Mom, I'm trying to help her make it right. Taylor: You should be thankful. Say it thankfully Luke! (On and on and on....)
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It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
Frederick Douglass
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Olivia: (pointing to Luke's dirt bike man) Bay-Bee!
Luke: I told you Olivia, it's NOT a baby, it's a dirt bike man.
Olivia: Bay-Bee!!!
Luke: No Olivia!
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Olivia is very much a part of school time. Saying Amen when we pray, doing motions with verses, singing and dancing to worship and putting her 2 cents in with answers.  
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I adore that Olivia fits perfectly on my torso. During Taylor's recital I realized how much Luke and Taylor have grown. Holding them on my lap...their head is beside mine, on my shoulder now instead of tucked under my chin. #theygrowsofast
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I find it hilarious that when Olivia signs MORE she often looks like she's frantically calling for a timeout.
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Luke: (comes up to me showing me the inside of his wrists)
Momma, look at my brains! Wait? What are these called?
Me: Veins?
Luke: Yeah, look at my veins!
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Was talking to Nick on speaker and Olivia starting waving and saying Daddy Hi!
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July 15-We have a walker. Olivia's walking in between Nick and I. #babygirlisgettingsobig
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Every time we pray Olivia says AMEN really loud.  
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Olivia ate an entire mango herself and a lot of cheese and bread
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Olivia handed me a little people lamb and said BAAAA BAAAA  then she hands me a ball and says A BALL? 
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(In the car Olivia was raising her hands in the air)
Taylor: Luke stop giving her high 5s, she's praising The Lord!
Luke: She wants to gimme high 5s Taylor. See?
Taylor: That's not what she's doing.
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Olivia is smiling and laughing in her sleep. Must be a good dream. 
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(Luke and Taylor were playing tic tac toe)
Luke: Just pause it okay? I gotta go pee.
Taylor: Okay.
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Taylor praying for Madison:
Taylor just said, I love you Madison for your great love and kindness and your love for God is as sweet as honey. You are my friend of joy and The Lord loves you and you are my friend. Rejoice in The Lord!!!! you have done my work and I'm proud of you. The kindness and loveliness you give is as sweet as honey. I love you my friend dear Madison. The Lord rejoices for you! I love you and you love me too. Because of your love for me, you've done the things I wanted you to do. You've loved others how I have loved you. Don't run from The Lord Madison. I'm praying for you. Jesus died for you Madison. We will live in a house of The Lord together one day in heaven. I love you Madison. The Lord is so good and he loves us forever. Lord your love is so amazing. As sweet as honey. I love you Madison. (I think psalms might be her favorite book.  I was having trouble typing and keeping up) — with Sarah Santana.
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Olivia's saying SHOE and trying on my shoes. Lol
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All this royal baby stuff reminds me of how amazing it is that even though we can't control what our inheritance on earth is. Jesus made a way for us to share in his eternal inheritance as children of God. Just like the royal baby hasn't done a thing to earn it, we only have to believe and receive the gift God offers us of salvation. The royal baby may have earthy reign in his future but the king of kings will reign forever over all and we can have such an intimate relationship with him to call him both Lord and friend.
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Olivia is pointing to everything and saying, unhuh? Wanting to know what everything is. So cute. And she just repeated. BELLY.
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Taylor: God is so BIG. I might be scared of him in heaven. Won't you Luke?
Luke: You won't be scared of God. He'll be bigger and stronger than anyone.
Taylor: I know. I can't imagine. It'll be cool to sit on his lap.
Luke: Yeah. That'll be fun. Isn't it crazy that even when we do really bad things that when we ask God to forgive us and we really are sorry, that he will and we still get to go to heaven?
Taylor: Yup. If you believe in Jesus. I can't wait to ride Jesus' horse.
Luke: People who kill people and are mean and steal stuff. If they decide to love God and ask him to forgive them, he will. Even really bad people. And even they can go to heaven. God knows what's in their heart and he knows if they really are sorry and if they love him. And he forgives them like it never happened. Now they might have to go to jail here and stuff but if God wanted to get them out with angels like Paul he could but it's crazy that he forgives us like that. It almost makes me so happy thinking about it that I wanna cry. Like cry cause I'm so happy. God is so amazing.
(he made me tear up as I was driving) 
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Taylor: Luke, you're the best hockey player ever!
Luke: No I'm not.
Taylor: Well you're the best kid hockey player ever.
Luke: No I'm not. I haven't even played a real game yet Taylor.
Taylor: I don't care. I still think you're the best hockey player ever.
Luke: I'm not Taylor.
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You're the One who conquers giants.
You're the One who calls out kings.
You shut the mouth of lions.
You tell the dead to breathe.
You're the one who walks through fire.
You take the orphan's hand.
You are the One Messiah.
You are I Am.
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Olivia's vocab keeps growing. She's saying apple now and thank you is much clearer. Gook for Luke. And she still screams DADDY which is hilarious.
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The fifty million white ball thingys on English muffins... Are they really necessary to tge taste? I mean we love our English muffins but they get everywhere! Lol
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Yesterday, Luke and Taylor decided to make our bed for us to surprise us. They were so proud of themselves and it looked great. Last night I went to get in bed and our sheet was stuffed under the bed.   them.
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Luke and Taylor have it worked out that Taylor will play ref and blow the NHL whistle and make calls while Luke plays hockey if Luke then lifts Taylor when she does ballet. 
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In the car like and Taylor were dancing silly with their arms up and bopping around to the music and guess who mimics them perfectly. She was trying to sing the song too. She wants to be a part of EVERYTHING they do.
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Every time Luke and Taylor get up from nap they come to me and hug me. Olivia now knows this and she lays her head on their chests and hugs them sometimes before they get to me.  they eat that up.
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Olivia's on a roll this morning. Luke walks in and she says "Guke"!!! Then "Awwww" as she hugs him. Says "bobble?" Wanting her bottle. Then "diaper" as I'm changing her. Then she starting repeating "GOAL" as Luke was playing hockey and "Hey you" and "Hiiiiii" when Taylor walked in. Then, "Momma, up." Crazy how much she's talking.
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Luke is cleaning his hockey sticks with a wipe. Lol
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When Luke plays hockey, Olivia starts yelling, GOAL!!!! GOAL!!!! GOAL!!!! Lol
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Really weird to turn around and see Olivia walking toward me with a huge grin. Taylor's sitting at the table trying to color and Olivia keeps pushing her chair around with her in it. Lol
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I forgot Taylor used to have a big gap between her front teeth like Olivia.  Weird how you forget these things as they change.
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(Luke wakes up and walks in)
Olivia: (ear piercing shrieking)
Luke: Hiii Olivia.
Olivia: (giggling and leaning in for hugs) Awwww.
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Snippets

Last night nick watched a Tim Tebow thingy and Luke just showed me a picture of a football player that he drew for "Daddy's friend Tim Tebow that plays football and believes in Jesus" lol

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Taylor's 18month bathing suits still fit. Her and Olivia may be sharing clothes soon. Lol

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Ballet pics for Taylor tonight. Girl is ridiculous about the hair and makeup. She walks different as soon as its done. Def a girlie girl.

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(Luke drops the Lego monster truck he made and pieces go everywhere!)
Luke: mommy!!!!!!!!!!
Taylor: Luke. Calm down. God didn't make Legos to last forever. They are supposed to come apart. That's how God created them to be. You can't get upset Luke. That's what they are made to do.

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Pretty sure Olivia's crawling speed has doubled in the last couple days. Stinkers quick.

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Olivia's finally showing signs of teeth. Maybe before she's 1. Four white spots. Looking like a top tooth is gonna break through first.

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I just asked Olivia where her baby was. She crawled across the floor while saying over and over, baby, baby, baby....then she picks it up and hugs it and says, awe, baby

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Luke: Taylor look at the monster truck I drew.
Taylor: wow, Luke, how did you do that? You have a gift from God! That's amazing!
Luke: No one even helped me Taylor.
Taylor: that's a gift from God Luke!

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Taylor: mama, I think I do want a big girl bed like Madison has. (Twin) (with Sarah Santana)
Me: Really? I thought you said you wanted to stay in that bed (toddler) forever?
Taylor: Well, yeah. I do wanna stay in this bed forever. You're right.
Me: Even when your married?
Taylor: (smirk) yup.
Me: How is your husband gonna fit in that bed with you?
Taylor: Don't worry, mama, it'll be fine.

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Taylor: maybe when Wayne Gretzky comes over he'll be goalie with you.
Luke: Taylor, he doesn't like to play goalie Taylor, he's too good at scoring, he doesn't play goalie.
Taylor: Did you ask him?
Luke: No but is rather have him on my team to play.
Taylor: Well he's your friend right? So invite him over.
Luke: Well Taylor, we might not get to see him but he is my friend. He's like a really awesome hockey player.
(How cool would it be if he could play hockey with Wayne Gretsky?)

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Luke wanted to try roller blading again so I thought I'd set up the sprinkler for Taylor to keep her occupied. Luke roller bladed and I ran him up and down the driveway. He was getting scared going fast down the driveway and couldn't stop a few times so he was done. I told him to take his roller blades off while I helped Taylor with the sprinkler. So I'm trying to adjust a line of sprinklers while holding a baby and Luke comes running out completely naked asking if he could get in the sprinkler too?! Kids never cease to surprise me or make me laugh. #sonowihaveakidstreakingstory

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Sweet things ♥ when I pick Olivia up she hugs me, says Awe and pats my back. #cracksmeup she's also been saying "me, me, up" sometimes says, "ma, me, up"

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Apparently Olivia prefers Luke to any teething toy. He thinks its funny she's biting him but once those teeth come in he won't. Taylor used to bite him and left nasty marks.

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Taylor's supposed to be napping but instead I hear her belting out "Whom shall I fear" at the top of her lungs. She puts some verses in about loving each other and helping each other too. :)

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Dear laminate floor, I'm sorry for the beating you take when Luke watches NHL's Best Moments. I'm sure you cringe when that DVD goes in.

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Taylor: Some super Herod are good and some are bad right, Luke?
Luke: Yeah, some try to act like they are God and stuff and that's not good.
Taylor: You're one of Gods heroes right Luke?
Luke: Yeah, I don't think I'm God. Thinking in God is like an idol and I know Gods way bigger and stronger.

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Luke: Mama, do you know that Jacques Plante changed the game of hockey?
Me:(trying to figure out what the name was) Really?
Luke: yeah, he was the first goalie to wear a mask.
(Sure enough, guess he knows his goalie history)

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( I showed Olivia a picture of Taylor in his costume)
Me: Look it's sissy as a lambie.
Olivia: Oooooooooo, baaaa, baaaa.
(Luke and Taylor's jaws dropped lol)

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One of the cutest things to listen to is Luke and Taylor talking about her recital. Luke is just as excited to see her and the show as she is to be in it. He's very concerned about the Pride character. He wanted to know every detail of her dress rehearsal. They've been talking about it non stop.

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Luke:(first thing this morning) Are you ready for your show!?!?!? It's tonight!

Taylor: Yes! Let me pick out what you're gonna wear Luke cuz you need to look sharp!
(She then picked out everyone else's outfits for tonight lol)

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So cute how excited Luke is for Taylor's show. He just came out w his belt and argyle socks. "Should I wear these socks tonight momma? Will they look sharp?"

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Luke: When you get off stage Taylor, I'm gonna give you a big hug!
Taylor: And flowers right?!?!
Luke: Maybe, I don't know.... (Smirk)

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Was almost hit head on today. I was sitting in the middle turning lane waiting to turn left into the same road that an oncoming car was turning right into, the car behind him impatiently went around him into the middle lane headed right at me. Luckily we didn't hit. Heart was pounding because I saw it coming and there was nothing I could do, guess he just couldn't see me behind the truck he couldn't wait behind. Good reminder that a 2 seconds faster isn't worth dying. (Sigh)

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Luke: momma, can I get Olivia a hockey stick for her birthday. Cuz she really likes mine and then mine wouldn't distract her.

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Me: What was your favorite part of your recital?

Taylor: All the dances Grace was in. She dances so beautiful and she's so pretty. And giving her flowers.

Me: She beautiful on the inside too because she loves Jesus.

Taylor: Yeah but God made her face on the outside really pretty too. (Lol)

Me: Which show did you like best? Friday or Saturday?

Taylor: Friday because Saturday I got smushed by the bunnies when I was hugging Grace.

Luke: I don't like that character pride but he sure is a good flipper. (Lol) that was crazy.

Taylor: I know right?

Luke: I didn't like when he threw Grace down. That was mean. He must have been listening to satan.

Taylor: He was just pretending Luke.

Luke: But he did throw her.

Taylor: Wasn't Grace beautiful Luke?

Luke: Yeah, she's my favorite.

Taylor: I thought I was?

Luke: Besides you I mean. — with Grace Rubadue.

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After Friday and Saturday of being at central high school from 5pm-11:00pm... On the way home Saturday night she says, "momma, I miss ballet, how long do I have to wait to go again?" Then Sunday morning when she woke up she immediately asked to see the DVD of the show. When I told her we have to wait to get them, she literally cried. #someonelovesballet

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I told the kids they could pick a movie. I said it was Taylor's turn to pick..., so she picks Miracle. Luke's rubbing off. I asked her why she picked that and she said, I love that movie! Best hockey movie ever.

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Luke: Taylor, ballets too hard for me. It hurts when I do a split.
Taylor: You mean when you wear jeans?
Luke: Yeah, it hurts. I like hockey better.
Taylor: if you wanna get better at splits, you gotta practice.

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I love that Taylor sings herself to sleep by singing worship songs. Just now though she was in there dancing too. #busted

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Took the kids to toysrus for Luke and Taylor to pick out something for Olivia for her birthday. We got to the baby doll isle and Olivia went nuts. Squealing, saying baby, baby, awe!!!! Taylor handed her one and she screamed when I took it to put it back. She was in baby heaven in that isle. Was hilarious.

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Olivia just tried to eat a bug. Must take after Taylor who ate a stink bug at about her age lol