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

snippets

(I wake to the slamming of a hockey stick...)
Luke: I was playing hockey in the basement and ya know what mom? I started getting tired but I wouldn't quit, I persevered! It was hard work but I kept going. Do you know that hockey is exercise mom? You use your legs like this and your arms to slam the pick like this. I'm going back down to practice more hockey.
#hetalksamileaminuteinthemorning #obsessedwithhockey #everydayhewakesandcomesoutofhisroominhisgearskatingonthelaminate. Lol
Taylor: (woke up from slamming in the basement) is Luke playing hockey again?
Me: Yup.

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(Luke often talks about not worshipping idols, he's passionate about it and the other day I was explaining to them that an idol is ANYTHING that you love more than God and that we have to be careful not to love anything or anyone more than God)
Luke: Mama, its not good to worship idols is it? If I were to get you a real robin bird (he thinks I like them based on the fact that red is my fav color and they are named robin lol) then you'd have to be careful not to worship it.
Me: right.
Luke: Ya know I love God even more than hockey? And I LOVE hockey so I love God a crazy lot. I love God more than anything. Even the things I love a lot like my red wings shirt.

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Olivia is raising her hands and doing motions along with the kids for one of their memory verses. "The earth is the Lords, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1"

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Olivia's vocabulary is increasing. Dada, mama, hi, buh bye, baby, nigh night, book, ut oh, awe, and she's signing "more"... She was saying gook for Luke but can't get her to do it anymore.

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I was so excited to have the lawn mowed for the first time this year. :) Taylor however literally cried because of them mowing her weeds that she thinks are so beautiful.

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Luke: Mama, if the Hershey Bears win, do they get Hershey Kisses? (Best case scenario for Luke, hockey and chocolate)

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Well if we want the kids to eat well, I guess we should have tbone steaks, homemade French fries and corn more often.

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We're all praying and Olivia just repeated Amen several times. :)

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Wish it didn't seem to go so fast. I will say though...it's been awesome to be a momma to them for 5 years. So thankful for them and who they are becoming. What a blessing they have been.

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I told Luke I'm no longer playing goalie without pads. He responds in a very serious tone. Mom, God has not given you a spirit of fear. But of power, love and self discipline. You don't have to be afraid of getting hit. (Yes, yes I do) lol

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Luke (on his birthday morning, runs and looks in the mirror) Mom! I still look 4, I don't even look 5!!!! (He was seriously frustrated, i told him he has a whole year to grow to look 5) lol
Taylor asked daddy first thing, do I look taller today? (He said yeah!)

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Last night I played hockey with just Luke as Taylor and Olivia worked on a puzzle and we seriously could not stop laughing. It was so much fun. I don't know why but when he gets super intense and is fighting me for the ball, it cracks me up and when I start laughing, he starts and we giggle the whole time. At one point he said, mama, why do we laugh do much playing hockey and you're silly mama. I don't know but I love it. One on one time is always so precious.

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Nick and I were reflecting on this past year last night and thinking about what all God has done. In some ways it's been the hardest year yet and at the same time the blessings have been overwhelmingly worth it. In this past year... We've built a house and moved, had our third child, Nick took a different full time job, started a second job as our children's pastor, I started leading intentional moms ministry, and we started a weekly life group with 7 families, and I started homeschooling Luke and Taylor. All pretty big life changing things, Gods been so good to us through it all. Blessed.

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Me: Luke, can you stop playing hockey and be quiet for awhile? I have a headache this morning.

Luke: Well, why didn't you ask me to pray for it? Can I pray for it mama? Dear God, please heal mamas headache in the name of Jesus, Amen. And please do it quickly so I can play hockey. Amen.

Taylor: Please heal mamas headache in the name of Jesus for our party and for my ballet when I'm a lamb! Amen!

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Thinking on this this morning...Grace through faith, anything we add to faith is no longer grace and contradicts Ephesians 2:8-9. Faith that Jesus died for all sin now and forever, he paid the price in full. His blood was enough for all sin in the past, present and future. Let that motivate us to live lives pleasing to him instead of lives filled with fear, guilt and condemnation. Those who believe in what Jesus offered us on the cross are FREE!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 NIV)

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Luke and Taylor were arguing over where to sit for school and Luke insisted Taylor was sitting in his chair to irritate him.
Me: Is your name on that chair?
Luke: (laughs) No, but Gods name isn't on it either and it's really his chair. #God owns it all #stinkerpot

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Luke: If I was gonna make you a bracelet, it would have flowers and ballerinas and princesses in it.
Taylor: I love ballet more than anything!
Luke: Taylor, that is not good, then ballet is an idol. You should love God more.
Taylor: I do not worship idols Luke.
Luke: Sounds like you do. Cuz you said more than ANYTHING!
Taylor: I didn't mean more than God.
Luke: Well that's what you said.

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Taylor: I think today is beautiful out because its Mothers Day and God wanted to make it pretty for mommas. :)

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First thing this morning Olivia gave me a card before I was even out of bed. Well, nick handed her a card and she got really excited to hold it, and when I say "thank you" she hands me what she's holding... So I said, thank you and tada, she gave me her first card ever. ;) ♥

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(Kids playing with Olivia while i make a bottle) Taylor: We're pretending Olivia got hit by a car.
Me: Well that doesn't sound very nice.
Luke: Mama but were praying for her on the way to the hospital.
Taylor: Yeah, and were taking her to the hospital so Jesus can use the doctors to heal her.
Luke: And I already put the guy in jail who hit her.
Taylor: Yeah and we will pray he will know Jesus and change his attitude.
Luke: Okay now we're at the hospital, Olivia time for a shot.

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Taylor: I saw a bunch of Althouses yesterday when I was on stage. Mark and Jean were up w Adin and then I saw Sue and Katie...they were everywhere! Susan Hendrickson Althouse

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God is in the room.
BE AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE
What would you do differently if God was right there observing your house for the day? He is, every moment. He sees it all. God, help us be aware of your presence like never before so we don’t forget you are right there in our presence.

In almost every complaint lies the foundation of thanksgiving.
BE THANKFUL.
Argh, those loads of laundry, this mess, and the weather is cold. The laundry and mess mean there is someone you love around you to make things dirty and you wouldn’t care about the weather unless you were well enough to go outside to enjoy it. If God took away the burden, he’d also have to take away the blessing. God, help us to be
thankful and be aware of the blessing behind the burden.

God chose YOU to be your kids mom.
ASK GOD FOR HELP.
God chose YOU knowing all your flaws, knowing every mistake you’d ever make. He still trusted you to raise HIS precious child. God knew what you needed and what your child needed when he put you together. Instead of comparing yourself to the other mom who you think could raise your kids better, remember God chose you. Ask him to help you grow and mature as you approach each day and trust that he will answer your prayer as you seek him with your whole heart.

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Luke is eating cucumbers identifying the different moon phases as he eats it lol

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Happy Birthday! I was so hoping to see you guys tomorrow but Olivia's sick. :( I hope we can all hang out again.

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Our casual compliance with sin is often as much a forgetfulness of God as it is rebellion against God. -Sacred Parenting (about being aware of Gods presence, God is in the room)

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Luke: Mama, wouldn't it be cool if we could invite Wayne Gretzky over to play hockey. We could go pick him up at his house and bring him here.
Taylor: Luke, he doesn't live in our world.
Luke: Yes he does, he didn't go to heaven yet, he's still alive.

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{In the middle of doing school with 2 kids and a sick baby who wanted held, nick calls to say he locked his keys in his car. I know he felt bad asking me to run him the key but it actually completely brightened my day because I couldn't stop laughing at Luke and Taylor's reaction.}
Me: Daddy said he locked his keys in his car so we gotta go help him.
Taylor: Let's GO Luke!!! We have to go save our Daddy, hurry get your shoes on!!!!!
Luke: We will come save you Daddy! {running like maniacs and getting ready to leave the house faster than ever, we all get in the car to go as they are still pumped up to save Daddy...}
Taylor: How are we gonna get Daddy out?
Me: He locked himself out of the car not in.
Luke: Well where's he at?
Me: Rutter's.
Luke: Like the gas red and yellow Rutter's?
Taylor: We better get him fast, he's in danger.
Luke: Mama, we gotta get there fast but don't go over the speed limit cause we don't wanna get pulled over. Just go the speed limit, okay Mom?
Me: Yes Luke!
Taylor: It's okay, if you get pulled over, we'll just tell them we gotta go fast cause we need to save our Daddy!!!!
{give Daddy key, kids acting like heros...}
Taylor: He sure is lucky to have us, huh?
Luke: Seriously, what would he do?
Taylor: He'd be stuck at Rutter's forever!

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Cracks me up when I tell Olivia "no", she looks at me and asks the question, "no?" Or when she hands me a book, "book"? I adore how she says "Aweeeee" all high pitched when she sees something in a book or when she hugs me, a baby or stuffed animal. Or when she says, "Whewwwwwwwww with a big grin when she stands up...love this age, she's learning so much.

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{kids are playing hide and seek and Taylor can't find Luke so...}
Taylor: Luke, you're hiding some where that's not safe, you better come out...

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{Luke walks in first thing this morning completely naked with a very concerned look on his face}
Luke: Mom, I can't even find all my hockey balls and pucks.
{I smirk} Mom, it's not even funny, I'm serious.
Me: I think they are in the garage. You should probably find your clothes first.
Luke: It's not funny mom, what if they are lost? {walks away on a mission} {that was really hard to take seriously} :)

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Taylor: Mama, you're a really good mommy.
Me: I try to be a good mommy. I'm not always but I try.
Taylor: Well I think you're the best. You're the best mommy I've ever had!

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Realized while doing laundry that Taylor's been wearing tights that are Olivia's size. Lol

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Luke: Isn't it cool that the first letter if my name looks like a hockey stick? (He's now writing his name on his schoolwork with a hockey stick L)

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Luke and Taylor had their yearly checkup. Taylor's still not even close to being on the chart for height or weight...but she's growing steady! stinker made a little scene about having to get a shot. Luke was brave and all proud of himself being 30secs older and going first. Haha love my goofballs.

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Olivia Loves avocado!

Snippets

Today we were reading the Highlights magazine and there was a story about a girl being a star for the week at school and she got to make a poster and present a bunch of things about herself. She was nervous about it so her brother gave her his lucky rock to keep in her pocket. She presented her poster to the class and got scared and then reached in her pocket, felt the lucky rock and finished because she felt better.

Luke: that's kinda like worshipping an idol mom. That's dumb. Why would she trust a rock instead of God. Why didn't she just pray and ask God for help? That's what we should do when we're afraid.
Taylor: Yeah anyway. The rock isn't even alive and gods alive and he can help us with anything. What's with the rock mama???
#lovelukesdiscernment #ilovemykids #2tim1:7 #luckyrocksarenomatch4God

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Didn't know an almost 5 yr old could get this sweaty. Was playing hockey w daddy.

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Luke is refusing to wear socks with the puffy lettering on the bottom because he can't skate on the floor. :/

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This morning on the way to church all three kids were holding hands and singing "whom shall I fear" (angel armies) ♥ well Olivia was squealing. :)

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Luke slept with his hockey stick tonight. :)

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Olivia thinks Luke is hilarious. All he had to do is look at her. He's rubbing his nose on her ear like Eskimo kisses and she's cracking up giggling. ♥

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Luke picked 3 flowers for each of his girls. :)

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Nicks playing soccer with the kids and Taylor keeps stopping to pick dandelions lol

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Nick: (to Taylor) If you'd stop picking flowers we could play.
Luke: cuz you don't pick flowers in soccer.
Taylor: (Happily picking flowers lol)

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(Playing soccer while Luke is way faster)
Taylor: I will never give up, I won't quit! #love her
Luke: Good job Taylor

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I love watching my kid learn. They had to color a boy in 4 different outfits using 2 colors. Luke colored quickly one with a green shirt, blue pants, one with green pants, blue shirt and one with all blue and one with all green. Taylor didn't want to do what he did so she made the one with striped green and blue pants. :)

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I get out of the shower and hear Luke and Taylor whispering but didn't see them. In Taylor's closet w the lights out playing

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Blindfolding again today for school. Kids had to draw a person and write their name blindfolded and then do it without the blindfold. No lie. Luke's almost looked identical. The boy draws so many hockey players he can do it with without looking.

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 Everyday, I put Olivia in a swing w me in the bathroom when I shower and when I open the shower door to get out, she starts squealing, clapping and waving at me. :) #socute #confidencebooster #happybaby

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When Olivia hears, "No, Olivia." She immediately squeezes her eyes closed tight and says, "No, no no no no no no." Lol I think she's either not making eye contact w me and talking back or she's praying to God to help her learn that's a no. Lol ;)

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Luke's playing hockey while singing loudly, "Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me...." #lovemykids

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(Today as we were in the car)
Taylor: Mooommmmm, there's a stink bug on the ceiling.
Me: Where? (hoping its not above my head lol)
Taylor: mommy! It's right there... (Voice shaking)
Luke: (speaking softly but firmly and looking her in the eye) Taylor, God had not given you a spirit if fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. You don't have to be afraid Taylor. It's okay.
Taylor: There it is mom, now you can see it! (Above my head)
Me: okay....(grabbed a piece of paper, opened the moon roof and scooted him out)
Luke: Mama be careful driving.
Taylor: YES MAMA, YOU DID IT!! Great job mom!
#2timothy1:7

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(Arriving at CBS) Taylor: Momma! Look at those birds on top of the cross praising Jesus for dying for their sins!!!

snippets

Luke: Ya know what's amazing mama? When bad people ask Jesus for forgiveness and Jesus saves them! Ya know that guy who shot jimmy needs to tell Jimmy and God that he was wrong and ask for forgiveness. That guy needs to change his attitude and ask God for help. {he then puts puts his head down on the table and starts praying for god to save the guy who shot him and that god would heal Jimmy's hand...then Taylor prays the same and thanks god that JJ still has a daddy and that That guy would change his attitude.)
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Apparently Olivia could reach her entirely FULL bowl on the table. Sigh s.t.i.n.k.e.r.
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The morning started with the dog puking all over the floor, then Luke had diarrhea on the toilet, Olivia dumped her entire bowl of food that I thought was out of reach and now I'm trying to get silly putty out of Taylor's hair. And now were on bath 2 because Luke pooped in the bath.
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Craft for school... Unit theme/ I don't quit, I persevere! Taylor was saying this peddling up the hill yesterday on her bike :)
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Olivia's saying "book" very clearly. :)
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Didn't know an almost 5 yr old could get this sweaty. Luke was playing hockey w daddy.
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Luke is refusing to wear socks with the puffy lettering on the bottom because he can't skate on the floor. :/
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This morning on the way to church all three kids were holding hands and singing "whom shall I fear" (angel armies) ♥ well Olivia was squealing. :)
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Luke slept with his hockey stick tonight. :)
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Olivia's squealing and laughing as we feel the breeze :)

Snippets

No matter how many times I say graNOLA bars, Luke and Taylor both still say graNOVA(luke) and graNOVER(taylor) bars. {cute}
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Taylor: Luke can you get me a band aid and put it on for me?
Luke: Sure Taylor.
Me: Taylor, you need to stop picking at that cut or its gonna scar.
Taylor: That's okay, it'll go away when I go to heaven.
Luke: Yup, there won't be any boo boos in heaven, nothing hurts, everything will be healed.
Taylor: yeah mama so don't worry.
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{Taylor giggling during prayer}
Taylor: I'm trying to stop but my mouth keeps laughing.
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Luke and Taylor often ask for a snack before breakfast while I'm feeding Olivia. It cracks me up that out of everything they have to choose from in their snack bins, they pick red peppers and cherry tomatoes first thing in the morning.
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{car}
Me: I really wish I could get rid of my headache today.
Taylor: I just prayed for you in my head, mama.
Me: thank you!
Luke: I thank you God for mamas head and I pray Jesus that you would heal it in the name of Jesus, amen.
Me: thanks Luke.
Taylor: ya know mama, you sure are lucky to have all these kids to pray for you. Soon Olivia will be able to pray for you too and then you'll have 3 kids praying for you! That's a lot of prayer.
Me: God knows I need a lot of prayer.
Luke: that's why he gave you so many kids mama!
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Kids are pretending they are in college and they are going to each others colleges (their rooms) to tuck each other in to sleep at night. They said after nap at college they can have chocolate. Luke's college is called Hockey Chocolate College and Taylor's college is called Ballet Chocolate College. They had play money out cause they said their college costs a lot. Lol
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Just listened to Luke and Taylor in the bath tub having a discussion about whether we should love satan or not.
Taylor: Ya know, I don't think I love everyone.
Luke: you're supposed to love everyone Taylor.
Taylor: well... I just can't love satan.
Luke: well I don't love the things satan does but I still love him cause God created him.
Taylor: I'm still not sure God wants us to love satan.
Luke: we're supposed to love everyone Taylor.
Taylor: I just can't do it. Mama, what do you think, are we supposed to love satan? (Now my gut reaction to that question would be no, but having listened to the conversation I was kinda not sure lol... Never once thought about it, only that we should avoid satans schemes and avoid his voice and concentrate on Gods truth...hmm)
Me: well satan is an angel not a person, right?
Taylor: well I love Gods angels just not satans angels.
Me: I think God wants us to focus on Him and how awesome, big and amazing he is and keep from focusing on how evil satan is.
Luke: yea, cause Jesus is gonna destroy him anyhow.
Me: I'm thinking God just wants us to love Him so much that we have the ability to love everyone else the way we should. {whew, seriously, this is 4 year old twin conversation, Olivia's gonna learn a lot Quick!}
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Olivia's fav thing to say is, "huh?" Lol hilarious.
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As women we define HAPPINESS by:
the way we look
the way we feel
the man we're with (or the next one we're with)
how romantic our husbands are
the behavior of our kids
how successful we are in our career
the material possessions we have, car, house, clothes
the success of our ministries
who approves of us
...if only this, if only that...then I'd be happy...
But happiness is based on circumstance and we're not in control of any of the above circumstances. There isn't one of these things above that couldn't be taken from us in this life and then where does that leave us. We lose jobs, we get old, people pass away, no man is meant to fill a void that only someone perfect can. Fulfilling the purpose of the very one who made us brings us joy. Joy regardless of our circumstance. The relationship we have through Jesus is eternal. Nothing and no one can take it from us, not even death. Loving Him and following His plan is the only way to fill the void we try to fill in our quest to be "happy". His promises and love for his children never fail and they last forever. We work so hard at trying to stuff all these far from adequate things into the HUGE void that can ONLY be satisfied by a holy, perfect, loving, all knowing, sacrificing, gracious, forgiving, powerful God.
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Luke: {giggling} Olivia! You can not put my elbow in your mouth, now stop pestering me! :)
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Olivia crying in the car trying to fall asleep....Luke was rubbing her leg and Taylor says, "It's okay Olivia, God is on your side." She stopped crying, Taylor: It worked!
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Luke and Taylor are making houses out of hockey sticks, putters and baseball bats. :)
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Taylor: I'm upset that Luke didn't want me to sit next to him today and Landon said he had a plan, his plan was good, he said that he could sit on one side of Luke and I could sit on the other but Luke said no.
Luke: I'm trying to make new friends Taylor. I was sitting next to the new boy who doesn't know anyone.
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{Luke and Taylor running to me arguing}
Luke: It wasn't on purpose!
Taylor: He hit me!
Me: What did you do before he hit you?
Taylor: (sighhhh)
Me: And did you guys talk about it before running to me?
(Sighs)
Luke: Taylor I was wrong for hitting you, do you forgive me?
Taylor: Yes. Luke I was wrong for sitting on you, do you forgive me? (Lol)
Luke: Yes.
(Hugs and running off to play)
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Luke and Taylor's interpretation of Tchaikovsky Swan Lake is quite a complement to each other. Luke squatted, squalking, and flapping his wings and Taylor tip toeing gracefully, doing pirouettes and arabesques.
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Me: Be careful with that marker guys, I don't think it's washable, so if you get it on you, it might not come off.
Taylor: Its okay mama, it'll come off in heaven, there all things will be made new.
Luke: Yeah but you should still be careful Taylor.
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Why is it that Luke and Taylor all the sudden look older. Like kids and not little kids. :/
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Taylor: When can we invite Danen Kane over? Cuz he's never been to our house and we don't have a cat now.
Me: What made you think of Danen Kane?
Taylor: I was just thinking about him. Maybe I should make him a card that says, great job singing and invite him over. Would that be okay mama? — with Danen Kane.
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Luke and Taylor were watching the Easter video and singing OH OH.... And Olivia started singing OH OH. :) when they looked at her and congratulated her, she started squealing :) #lovemykids
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{I just cut my finger and this is what happens}
Luke: can I pray for it mama?
Me: yes, thank you.
Luke: Dear God, thank you for mamas finger and I pray in the name of Jesus for you to heal it. Amen.
Luke: Mama, can I get you a bandaid?
Taylor: Can I get you a bandaid, cuz he got to pray for it!
Luke: Ill get the bandaid!
{both running to the bathroom}
Me: Taylor, let Luke get one this time.
{hear them arguing over what bandaid I should have... Hello kitty or buzz, Taylor runs out first w a hello kitty bandaid peeled and ready}
Me: Didn't I say to let Luke get one this time?
Taylor: but mom! He's trying to make you wear a boy bandaid and that isn't right.
{Luke runs out w buzz band aid peeled and ready}
Me: Taylor talk to Luke.
Taylor: I was wrong for getting mama a hello kitty bandaid when she asked you to get one, do you forgive me?
Luke: yes Taylor.
Me: Luke, are you trying to irritate your sister by getting me a boy band aid? Am I a boy?
Luke: (Laughing) No.
Me: Talk to your sister.
Luke: I was wrong for trying to irritate you Taylor. Do you forgive me?
Taylor: Yes, Luke.
{they hug and Taylor sneaks a kiss}
Luke: Taylor can you please not kiss me after putting that lipstick on. {Chapstick}
Taylor: but you LOVE kisses.
Luke: No I don't!
{they run off to play}
(Since it was bloody I went with the first one handed to me. However I'm not sure what the right answer would be. Haha #parentingishard. Lol I probably would have gotten a dif one to promote peace since their motives in choosing were stinkerish lol had I thought about it. And of course Taylor says to Luke, I told you shed want the hello kitty. For which Taylor had to say she was wrong for bragging...offering her another kiss opportunity... #neverends )
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Olivia just said Gook for the 3rd time today when Luke came to her. Seriously? Taylor used to call him Huke.
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Luke: Oh my goodness Taylor, you're gonna love Olivia's outfit today, it looks soo cute!
Taylor: (walking in) I know Luke, I'm the one who picked it out for her. You love it, don't you Olivia??? You are so pretty.

snippets

{An hour after bedtime}
Luke: (comes out) ya know mama, I was thinking, ya know king Nebuchadnezzar? He used to worship idols, but then he decided after what happened with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that he was gonna worship the one true God. What the world was he thinking mom? I mean, idols aren't even real and Gods like huge and very real and God could do anything and some statue just sits there. I hope he asked God to forgive him for that. Bet he tore down the idols then and worshiped the one true God, huh?
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Taylor is seriously the MOST encouraging person I've ever met and thoughtful person I've ever met. She's constantly saying, great job mama, Olivia you did it!, you're good at that Luke, on and on... She has things ready for me before I even think to ask, gets diapers, wipes, bibs, if she sees I'm going to cut up something she gets the cutting board out...all day long... As I'm walking out the door... Mama, do you have your keys? Don't forget your phone! She seriously shares things especially food no questions asked. she gives me her last piece of a special treat, we always tell her... its for YOU! I love her to pieces. Some days her little lack of focus and attitude drive me nuts but wow im so thankful she is an amazing little girl.
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I asked Luke and Taylor to match socks while I vacuumed, they were dancing back and forth from the laundry basket to their matched pile singing the song they made up about heaven. I'm pretty sure every time they sing it that make it up on the spot but they take turns singing and sing all they know about heaven and how they can't wait to live there with jesus someday. {love when moments like this happen following a very frustrating dinner of complaining and taking 2 hrs to eat, thank you Jesus! Lol}
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As Olivia blows snot bubbles she's intently watching Taylor's nutcracker performance.. Taylor runs into her room for all the props she needs for different dances. She's legit, doesn't mess around. All or nothing. Lol
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Before bed conversations w Luke and Taylor are the best. I often hear Taylor singing to Jesus until she falls asleep and tonight and came out to tell me she was talking to God and looked up at him and said she loved him THIS MUCH {stretching out her arms as wide as she could} and she said she asked him to heal her running nose for ballet tomorrow. :) Luke's conversations often consist of him ironing out what's right and what's wrong and they often consist of talking about how big, fast, strong and all knowing god is and how he's always right with us. I am so blessed to watch their faith and blessed to see them loving and knowing God more each day.
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Luke is hitting himself in the head w a ball and falling over to make Olivia laugh and she's laughing hysterically at him.
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Luke and Taylor went to pray before we started school and Olivia folded her hands just like them and they both yelled, mama! Olivia's praying for the first time!!!! To which Olivia started squealing. #lovemykids
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(Sweet sound) Taylor's been singing to Jesus as she falls asleep for nap and at night. :) last night was away in the manger.
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(Sweet sound) Hearing Luke and Taylor talking about bible stories and looking at bibles together.
9
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Kids are learning today about things that God created vs things that people made.
Me: Who made a house? God or people?
Luke and Taylor: God!
Me: Why do you say that?
Luke: Cuz God made the trees that made the wood that made the house and God made people who built it.
Taylor: yeah God made EVERYTHING!!! Cuz we couldn't make anything without him!
(Well I've def driven home that everything comes from God. :))
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{car} Luke: Ask me what 10+10+10 is. 30!
Me: what's 10, 4 times?
Kids: 40!
Me: 10, 5 times?
Kids: 50!
So on and so on.... Then...
Me: what's 10, 2 times?
Taylor: tooty!
(Busting out laughter)
Luke: that sounds like booty!!!
Bahahahah (crazy kids)
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I love that Luke and Taylor insist on praying over Olivia before bed. So sweet. They always thank God for her and pray she gets good sleep, that angels watch over her and protect her and other things get added in like for her to love god w all her heart, and for protection spiritually, mentally and physically, for her to become a beautiful princess for God, etc.
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After lots of hunting for an area rug we found one at Lowes. So then the question was how do you get an 8x10 rug in the car with three kids? Had to unwrap and unroll it in the parking lot and fold it up. Lol Then as I'm moving furniture around and figuring out how I want it, I was hot so I took my sweater off so i had a tank on. The kids go into their rooms and put what they call muscle shirts and shorts on to help me move furniture. They came out flexing telling me they were ready to help. :)

Luke: Mama, ya know how much I love you? Up to God and back! :)
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{Luke & Taylor have some random bug and I checked taylor to see if she still had a fever and she did...}
Taylor: WHEN am I gonna be healed?
Luke: Let me pray for you....{prayed} okay now it should take about ten minutes. :)
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{let our dog out this morning and we heard him barking. Our neighbor dog was walking down the road}
Taylor: Ali that was not very nice to bark at Kevin's dog. You need to be nice and be friends with him. He was just trying ti go home. Can you try to be nice next time, Ali?
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Luke and Taylor are running around the house and Taylor keeps falling...saying ouch...Luke asks her if she's okay. She says no... Her "whatever" hurts... Then he prays for her "whatever" to be healed and then helps her up....this has just happened about 10 times. Lol
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{after Taylor was not staying RIGHT with us in the store, Luke started crying because he was so frustrated that she was purposely walking very slow and looking at things to irritate him}
Luke: Taylor if you don't stay right with us I'm gonna have to hold your hand.
Taylor: You aren't my parent Luke.
Luke: It's my job to protect you and I don't want you getting lost. So you need to stay with us.
Taylor: Relax Luke.
Luke: Taylor it's my job to protect you so I'm doing my job.
{then the ride home}
Luke: Taylor you know I was just trying to protect you in the store.
Taylor: I know Luke, you're a nice brother.
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Luke: We hadn't seen Danen and Mike in a long time. We really missed them. :) {instead of the kids usual bible audio CDs they requested their new Danen cd to go to bed to. I hear Taylor clapping...wonder how long it'll take to fall asleep to. :)} — with Danen Kane.
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{overheard Luke and Taylor talking about what all the kids were dressed up as at the harvest party and then Taylor mentioned an adult...}
Taylor: And Tyler was a Viking...
Luke: Who's Tyler?
Taylor: You know Tyler and Sarah, he's friends with Philip, worships with Philip, plays the guitar, he just got married to Sarah, Luke you know who Tyler is.
Luke: yeah, I thought you meant a kid.
{this sounded like a grown up convo to me. Lol} — with Sarah Hornberger and Tyler Hornberger.
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This morning Luke was so cute talking with Olivia. They were giggling at each other, she was squealing and smiling and cooing at him and he was playing with the little bit of hair she has and telling her how cute she is.
{ then Taylor gets up and they start arguing over who she talks to more}
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There's currently a mouse in our pantry and I am NOT okay with that. I screamed when I moved something in there and it almost ran over my hand, woke Taylor from her nap....she comes out....okay MOM, what should I do? (I LOVE that girl!) (standing in a very serious stance like she was about to take off on a race)....Told her to wait there and tell me if it comes out while I get something to stuff under the door so Daddy can get it when he comes home. First downfall I've discovered of living in a field. :/ {chills}
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Taylor's trying to teach Luke ballet positions in the shower. Lol
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Pretty sure I lost a little more sanity today. #realizingregistrationoverdue #thelubecenter #twokidswnolunchandnonapswaiting(seriouslythinktheywerethemostpatientkidsevertoday) #oneinfantneedingfed #twokidshavingtopoopwhilefeedinginfantinthewaitingarea #daughternotclosingdoorinwaitingareawhilepooping #finallyconvincingmanagertoletmegotomomostofeedkids #rapmusiclyricsinrestaurant...ilovedhowyoulookblazed #afternocellcallandthreeandhalfhourslater...sorrynoregistrationcardinyourgloveboxwedidn'tdoanythingtoit #gotowheremycarwasparkedandcantfindit #walkaroundtheentirebuildingtofinditwithtwofouryearoldsandaninfantcarrier #getintomycarandfindtheregistrationunderonepaperinglovebox #nothingaccomplished #cost$18foronechickennuggetmealoneapplejuiceandoneceasersaladatmomos #kidspassoutonthewayhome #babyneedsfedagainandfindsheshaddiarrheaalloverhercarseatandshecuthernosefromasnaggednail :(
#allthemousesfault #didntstopandpraysoonenoughandgotcaughtupintheonethingafterthenext. :/
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Told Luke this morning were going to a place called Chocolate World and his eyes and smile got huge! :)
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Got Taylor a new pair of sneakers and Luke looked at my dead seriously concerned. Luke: Mama, is she gonna be able to run faster than me now?
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Taylor's been playing with a lady bug this morning and she keeps talking to it and giggling... Calling it lil lady. Lol
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Luke and Taylor are arguing about whether Olivia is gonna be a ballerina or a street hockey player. Clearly she only has two choices. ;)
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November 17
Yay for rice cereal Olivia. First time trying it out.
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Best sound: listening to Olivia, Luke and Taylor ALL 3 giggling hysterically.
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Luke just convinced Taylor to help him clean up his room because he needed a helping hand and two are better than one in everything they do. Lol {Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.}(Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIRV)
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Kids are gagging because I'm making sauerkraut.
Taylor: Seriously mama, why would anyone eat that, it smells ridiculous.
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Luke and Taylor used a half a bottle of shower gel while I was tending to Olivia. They smell good.... But they are sliding all over the place in the shower.
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{Luke playing goalie}
Luke: Mom, when you say, Score! When you score, that's kinda like bragging and I don't really like that.
Luke: mama, its a good thing I like playing goalie cuz you don't like getting hit, do ya mom? { speaks the truth}
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