I'm going to have to disagree.

This guy's tag says "Realistic!"

Really? Is that the actual color of brachiosaurus? The texture? No?

Well then, they must be referring to the size.

Birthdays

I’ve had a few memorable birthdays. I have a vague recollection, like a 20 second mental video clip, of my second birthday in Ohio. My grandparents gave me a plastic Little Tykes swimming pool, complete with built-in steps and slide. Someone rolled it out and leaned it against the side of our gleaming white garage. I had a birthday at McDonald’s once, and we threw bean-bags into the mouth of a big purple Grimace character cut out. I had a party at Interskate in Lewisville. I had slumber parties, where my friends and I made ridiculous home videos that we thought were hilarious. My friend Amanda and I had a party together when we turned fifteen. Now THAT was hilarious.

But today, on my twenty-ninth, I want to talk about a different kind of birthday. A better kind of birthday.

Yesterday was my brother-in-law, Trevor’s birthday. His spiritual birthday. Yesterday, he went to church with us and heard an amazing message presented in a creative way. Trevor has been to church with us before, and because of that, I’m sure that he has heard the Gospel before. But yesterday, he came to church with us and, for the first time, received it.

Now, I know that you’re supposed to keep your head bowed and eyes closed when the new believers are asked to raise their hands. But I just HAD to look. My spirit was jumping up and down at the sight of Trevor's raised hand. I had to look.

I’m a sinner. What can I say? And, while I’m admitting my hand-looking issues, I should admit that this isn’t my first time to peek down the aisle.

At an Easter service in 1993, my brother Adam and I both prayed the invitation. We’ve never talked about it… I only know about Adam’s salvation because I looked down the row, past all our family members, during the closed-eye hand-raising. I am so thankful that I looked up and saw Adam’s hand that day.

I cannot fully express the joy I find in knowing that these brothers of mine are also brothers in Christ. These are birthdays that I will give thanks for and celebrate each and every day!

Soda Pop

While storms raged outside, the boys and I stayed inside mixing up a new summer treat: Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda Pop.

Parker found this recipe in Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes. That boy LOVES to read. He will read just about anything, from babyish board books to biographies, and always cover-to-cover. He has even read (and retained some of) the Periodic Table of Elements from Hydrogen to Ununbium. So, naturally, as he was reading through every page of this children’s cookbook, he picked out a few things that he would like to try.

Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda Pop Recipe

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate (thawed)
3 ice cubes
1 cup soda water

1) Squeeze juice from a lemon and measure 2 tablespoons into a glass.
2) Squeeze juice from a lime and add 1 tablespoon to the glass.
2) Add everything else and stir. Enjoy!

Yield: 1 serving (easy to make more!)



This was fast, easy, and delicious! The real win is that you are using apple juice concentrate instead of sugar.

The boys had fun and loved what they made. There’s even talk of opening a “Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda Pop” stand. So if you’re in my neighborhood this weekend, and see a table and a couple of little boys out on the corner, stop by!

A Great Morning

Today when we sat down for our picnic lunch, I was a bit frazzled from a morning of household craziness. So I asked Jackson to lead the prayer over our meal.

He thanked the Lord for our food and then, to my absolute shock and confusion, he genuinely thanked Him for letting us enjoy a “great morning.” That’s where I lost track of J’s prayer and branched off on my own.

Eyes still closed, I thought, “WHAT? Great morning? Who here had a GREAT morning?” And I twisted my face into an expression that Parker apparently found hilarious. His giggles snapped me out of my mental sidetrack and I looked up. The boy was cracking up and soon, so was I.

J totally lost focus, so our prayer closed with a quickly chuckled “Amen” from all three of us. I thought I should explain myself, because J was looking pretty confused. It's not every day that people burst into laughter while he prays.

I’m sorry Jackson. I made a face and Parker saw me. He started laughing, and then I started laughing. I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Why did you make a face?

Well, you thanked God for our "great morning." The dog pooped on the floor. You boys fought over Lincoln Logs, locked each other out of the bathroom, and complained the entire time we worked outside (which was only thirty minutes but felt like an eternity). The dog pooped on the floor. AGAIN. You fussed about popsicles, and Parker just got his mouth washed out. Which part made this a “great morning” for you?

I don’t know… Just getting to be here with you, I guess.

That is the best thing I have heard all day. Thanks, bud.

That Jackson is one sweet kid. One sweet kid who spends part of each day driving me out of my mind. But at least we can all laugh about it!