i have a boy who loves me

My son believes wholeheartedly that I can do no wrong. Though I've given him example after example to show him that is not the truth, he quickly takes the blame for any mishaps and declares my perfection. Seriously. How he is blinded to my many faulty steps I take before him is beyond me.

According to my Kaden...

... my food and cooking are the best that there is. He declares it upon every snack, meal and treat he consumes. "No one cooks as good as you, Mom!" To him it is a simple fact that cannot be debated - we've tried.

... I am the best mom in all the world. He tells me often how nice and kind and loving I am. He thanks me often for being his mom and states proudly, "I'm so glad that God made me your kid!"

... I am beautiful. He calls me lovely, beautiful, amazing. He smothers me with hugs and loves to cuddle with me. He greets me often with, "How is my lovely mother today?" And tells me frequently that I look beautiful.

... I am a hard, hard worker. It actually bothers him that I "have to" work so much and he gets to play so much. He is my most willing chore-doer and my most eager helper and my hardest worker. If this mama needs a job done, I know who to call!

... I get all the credit for his life. "Thank you so much for deciding to marry Daddy and no one else because I really like being alive!"

... my disappointment in him is earth shattering. As a kid who is quite impulsive in his words (saying things like "that's freakin' weird" to dinner guests and "what's up peeps?" to his friends, classmates and siblings) I do often have to express my disappointment in his word choices. He quickly tears up with remorse and authentically apologizes. And I had better respond quickly with hugs and words of love or else he'll think I've rejected his apology and no longer want him living in our home!!

... my whereabouts in another 10 years will determine where he will go to college. He wants to be close to me always, close enough to visit me often when he's in college. He also states that he will visit me when I'm old and in a wheel chair too. I will take it!

I undoubtedly treasure these moments... these fleeting, priceless words. I know it won't be long until his eyes are opened to my many faults, when I am the farthest thing from "perfect" in his world. Oh how I cherish today and this little boy who loves me.

kaden's first love

While his twin brother had his life plans laid out by the the tender age of 3, my Kaden just couldn't quite figure out who he would marry or what he would make of his life. This fact bothered him and made him feel "behind" his brother. He would always resign to "just marry mommy because I love her!" Awww, thanks bud.

One can imagine his excitement when he finally found a young lady with whom he wanted to marry, at the age of 6 and a half. Out of the blue during a waffle breakfast on a lazy Saturday morning, he declared to all, "Yes! I finally know whom I'm going to marry! Hey, Kylee - will you come to my wedding?" I appreciated his fine choice of a sweet little girl of some friends of ours, but informed him that he needed the father's permission first to be allowed to marry her. "Well then, I'll talk to him and I'll get all dressed up in wedding clothes too!" He chose the words by himself, and practiced multiple times throughout the day. He even allowed me to video one of his rehearsals, with his chosen attire on as well.

The next day he got himself dressed up and we ran into the young lady's father in the hallway at church. He grew a little shy when attention was drawn to his tie and suit coat, but when the father knelt at Kaden's eye level, he was able to mumble through the words he wanted to say. I believe the father was taken a little off guard, but he was very kind in his response. "Well, that would be nice, but let's wait another 20 years or so. She does really like you guys and talks about you a lot." Kaden smiled big as we walked away. Upon joining the family in the van, my confident son gave a report, "Well, I have to wait like 20 years, but otherwise, she likes me!!"

silly summer sayings

* My boys have tubes in their ears and, therefore, wear ear plugs and "head bands" when they swim. One day, Colson said to me, "I know why fish don't have ears! If they got ear infections and had to have tubes, the head bands couldn't stay on their heads for swimming because they are too slippery!"

* I was teasing Colson one day and he looked at me seriously and asked what that kind of teasing was called. "Sarcasm," I answered. He smiled and responded, "Mom, I know that you're just sarcastinating!!"


* While Colson was shooting hoops one day, I told him he was getting stronger with his shots. "That's good, because I need to beef up for the NBA!"

* Colson has very soft cheeks that everyone loves to "pet", though it sometimes annoys him. One day, he decided he'd make the most of it and stated, "Sure! You can pet my cheeks, if you pay me a quarter!"

* When Elle first came to our home, everyone was absolutely smitten. One day while Colson held her he said, "She is just SO cute!! I want to hug and squeeze her so tight, but I don't want her to break!"

* "Mom, I already know how to drive - I know how to steer, I know what the right pedal and left pedal do, now all you have to do is show me how to turn the car on!"

* "I think God is like 100 of my daddy!"

Kaden is my ever confident son... let me give you some examples:

* "Mom, I don't know what happened, but I suddenly have so much energy that I'm really good at soccer and can make so many goals!"

* While in a large, empty room at church, Kaden was singing away and then stopped to state, "Wow, I sound good!"

* One Sunday we stayed to help collect the communion cups from the sanctuary. After we finished, Kaden declared, "That was sure nice of us!"

* Kaden is a mama's boy. I love it. He still believes he will marry me one day. Love that too. As Jim was heading out to work he gave me a quick kiss good bye, to which Kaden replied, "Hey, Dad! Don't kiss my wife!"

"I plan to work out every day! Whatever it takes to get a full college scholarship!!"

* Kaden loves little Elle. Once while she was a bit fussy he said, "Just put her in my arms, Mom, she likes me!" Another time, he asked if she could pleeeeeeease sleep with him in his bed.



* One day out of the blue, Kylee said, "Mom, look at my pimples!" I looked at her confused as her face is clear as can be. She was pointing at her eyes... she meant pupils. :)

* Kylee was the first of the kids to get a cavity and was quite upset, refusing to eat all candy. Once the cavity was filled, she allowed herself one little treat. Kaden was surprised, "Kylee, what about your cavity!!" Kylee rolled her eyes a bit and stated, "Kaden, don't you remember, I got a refill!"

our fish

Colson and Kaden won a gold fish in kindergarten during their last week of school. They were so excited!!! They named their goldfish Toby and loved him to pieces... for the entire 30 hours that he lived in our home. Toby didn't make it and the boys were devastated. It was a very sad day with many tears. The boys held a very touching and somber ceremony for their beloved fish. These boys are so very dear to my heart.

the perspective of cole

My boys tend to think that being an adult is pretty cool, because you get to "tell people what to do." I explained to them that it's not always easy as there is a lot of responsibility when it comes to being an adult.

Colson asked, "So, what does it feel like to be an adult?"

I started with the joys of being a married to your best friend and having precious children to love and adore, and then talked about all the responsibilities of raising a family, having a home and managing finances as well.

"Boy," Colson sighed hard, "I'm sure glad that when I grow up I won't be a woman!"

I was so confused by his statement and with a furrowed brow asked curiously, "Why not?"

"Well, because you have to work ALL of the time, Daddy only has to come home and work on the weekends!"

****

I received a call from school that my boys had arrived without winter coats. I had an engagement in the morning and wasn't home when Daddy took them to school so I wasn't sure what had happened, but hurried the coats into school as soon as I could return home to fetch them.

After I picked up the kids from school, I said, "I can't believe Daddy forgot your coats today!"

And Colson piped right up, "Mommy, you shouldn't blame Daddy. It's not his fault, it's our own fault because he told us to get them on and we didn't do it."

Alrighty then. :O)

Kaden's dinnertime prayer

"Dear God,

Thank you for this lovely food, 'cuz so many people in this world do not have food and I wish that they did. I know I say that every night and it might get kinda annoying, but I'm gonna keep saying it every time until all the people in the world have food, because I really want them to. So, please give them food. Thank you. Amen."

how boys play

One afternoon, the boys were quiet for much too long... which usually makes Jim and I a little nervous. They are not quiet boys. So, I set out determined to find them, preparing myself for some sort of mischief.

I discovered them playing quietly in the basement and was surprised by what I found. Never before had the boys found interest in their big sister's "things". Today was different.

I returned to Jim who was curious to know what his boys were up to. "They are playing Barbies." I answered, which left him shocked and confused. "Don't worry," I started, then explained what I had found...

before I forget...

I have a precious little book that I have used to write down all the sweet and silly things my kids have said over the years. I don't want to forget. However, since I began this blog, I have found it much easier to record such sayings here. Someday, I plan to transfer all their sweet and silly words from the blog into my little book, but until then, at least I know they won't be forgotten.

****

"Dear God, thank you for the opportunity to do foster care because a lot of kids don't have moms and dads to care for them and I love that you gave us that job to do." -Colson

****

Daddy was on a business trip and Ky was missing him like crazy. While eating breakfast, a large buck came galloping through the back yard and Ky declared, "Oh, I wish daddy was coming home riding on that buck to join us for breakfast!" What a sight that would be!!

****

On a very wet fall morning, Kaden looked out the sliding glass door and sighed heavily. "Mom, I really wanted to play outside today. Do you think we could dry off our grass with a towel?" Hmmmm, that might be a little hard to do with a 0.6 acre lot!!

****

Colson was asking me questions about my wedding day and the limo that we drove off in. He wanted details on the limo, but I couldn't seem to remember much and told him I was probably too distracted because I was so excited to be with my new husband. He cocked his head and asked, "Was daddy like your new toy?"

****

At bedtime, Ky so sweetly wrapped her baby doll in "swaddling cloths" and cuddled her up next to her in bed. At that moment, she decided that baby Emmy, whom she has had since she was 2, needed a middle name. She decided it would be "Kirsten" based on the American Girl books she was reading. I said all 3 names together and told her it was pretty. "But," Ky didn't hesitate, "soon, when I get married, she will have a new last name." Oh, baby girl, I know it will be here before we know it, but I hope it will take a long time to get here!

****

"Thank you, God, for this delicious food. And thank you for my mom, because if I didn't have my mom, I couldn't say 'thank you' for this delicious food!" -Colson

****

A friend of mine who had a baby came over to visit. Kaden was interacting with the sweet baby girl, then asked her mommy, "So, is she your forever baby?"

****

After watching The Blind Side with the kids, Colson asked, "Can we please adopt a boy who plays football?"

****

Kylee and I were running errands and drove past a cemetery. "Mom, when I die, will you bury me there, or in the back yard?"

****

I have been so excited to help out with the kids Christmas program at church again this year. During an evening rehearsal, I had told the boys there would be childcare for them at church while mommy helped. When we pulled up to the church, Colson exclaimed, "I'm so excited to go into foster care!" I reminded him it was child care, not foster care and he replied, "Oh, that's right, we're foster carrying Tiny!"

****

After our Thanksgiving dinner, I was pulling the remainder of the meat off the turkey to make a soup. Kaden looks at the carcass and states, "Yep, he is dead!" A little later, he came back and stated, "Hey, mom, can we just wrap up our turkey and save him for next year?"

the best medicine

A joyful heart is the best medicine.... Proverbs 17:22

Yesterday, while my son received a plethora of medication throughout the day for medical issues, I was the one who received the best medicine of all. I was with my Kaden. And when I am with Kaden, I laugh. He has this way about him, making things light and humorous when the mood around might be otherwise. So, despite the ups and downs of the day, my heart was filled with joy and laughter from my son's words, attitude and antics.

As we departed for Kaden's ear surgery before the sun even dared to rise, Colson and Kylee were sobbing tears of sorrow and fear. Colson wanted to go with his brother and be there for him. He wasn't sure about going to kindergarten alone either. Kylee was afraid for his surgery and thought she might miss me too much. Kaden took in the scene and declared, "Hey guys, now don't worry. I'll just have Mom call you and tell you if I died or not, OK?" Giggles erupted from all.

Kaden and I drove off in the dark and as we passed his elementary school he declared, "Good bye, Dixon! Have a great day without me! I might even miss you, but I'll be back tomorrow!" A few moments later, he thought that he'd better call to make sure his brother and sister were no longer sad. "Hey, Dad, we're driving straight along to my surgery. How's my brother? Is he still sad? Well, would you pass him the phone, then?" (slight pause) "Hey, Colson! Don't be sad for me, alright? I'm gonna have a great day!" (another pause) "Oh, that's sweet. I love you too, brother. Is Kylee there? Could you pass the phone to her so that I can make sure she's alright? Thanks." (another pause) "Hey, Ky! You're not still crying, are you? Well, I'm sending lots of hearts to you, then... know why? 'Cuz hearts stand for love. L...O...V...E... LOVE. There you go, I sent you all my love! Now, do you want to hear a joke?" On and on he went, trying to make his big sis laugh with ludicrous knock-knock jokes that made absolutely no sense. My heart was full and smiling. The love between siblings has got to be one of the most beautiful, sweetest things for a mama to see.

Kaden had fun with the nurses and made them laugh with his enthusiasm and humor. When he received medication to make him sleepy before anesthesia, he declared with a sparkle in his eye, "You can try, but you can't make me go to sleep! I'm gonna stay awake and watch you!" Within minutes, my boy was drowsy and drooling in my arms. I don't even think he was aware that I laid him on the stretcher, kissed him and whispered 'I love you' as they whisked him away.

However, when I was allowed to join him in recovery, he was at it again. "Mom, this is crazy!" he started, while sucking away at a popsicle. "They said they put tubes in my ears and I told them it was impossible!! I don't remember a thing. Nope, they can't make me leave until they put those tubes in!" He enjoyed a couple more popsicles as we waited, not totally convinced that the surgery even happened. But, even so, when he was well enough, we were escorted to our car, blankie and teddy in tow. He called Daddy. "Hi Dad! Well, I'm alive. Yep, I didn't die. So, I guess I'll see you in a little bit then!"

As we got home I expected my little man to rest for awhile but, instead, he ran upstairs and came back down all decked out in basketball gear. "I'm gonna play a game, Mom. You gonna come out and watch me?" I had fun cheering him on for some time before GI issues that had been problematic for Kaden all week started to interfere with the game.

Once again, we were off to his pediatrician and my dear one kept the doctor and nurses both laughing and on their toes during the testing, X rays and assessments. It was determined that some dietary changes and short term use of medications would help his problem for the time being, and further treatment could be discussed at a follow up appointment, if the problem ensued.

While we were in the store purchasing his medicine, Kaden caused many heads to turn as he studied the box of an enema that I had added to our basket, "What in the world is going on!?!?! Why are their naked people laying down and why are they putting that THERE?????" I wished with all my might that Kaden knew how to speak in a soft whisper. I had no idea that the box had pictures on it to aid in proper usage. I tried to quiet my son, but he was baffled and couldn't stop asking about it as I tried to hurry through the store. "So, you're gonna put that thing in my bottom? That's crazy! Are you sure you're supposed to, Mom? Are you sure you know how?" On and on he went. I stopped being embarrassed and just laughed at my son and all the attention he was drawing to himself.

Once we rounded up the other kids, Kaden had to tell them about the most important part of his day. "Guess what, guys? Mom has an appointment with my bottom tonight! Can you believe it?!"

My goodness, Kaden. You sure have a way about you. Thank you for choosing to infuse laughter and entertainment into everything you do and say. You bless my life immensely. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for you.

crack me up and warm my heart

Colson was looking contemplative when Daddy asked him what he was thinking about. "Well, I think I know why we're called 'human beans'. 'Cuz, first of all, we're human and then, when God looks down at us from heaven, we look so little that we look like beans!!"

****

When at a doctor's appointment checking on Kaden's ears, the doctor asked him, "Why are we here?"

Kaden didn't miss a beat, "I'm here for Jesus!" and threw his hands up in the air.

(every day as I drop them off at school I ask, "Who are you?" "To Whom do you belong?" and "Why are you here?" ... usually the answer is "to love and serve others", but "Jesus!" works too!)

****

I was sick in bed one morning and Kaden could not handle it. He came in multiple times with 'Love' cards, water, peanuts, anything he thought would help me to feel better. He told me, "Mommy, I love you so much! I will love, love, LOVE you forever. You will always be the one girl that I love for always!" I mentioned to him that one day he may have a wife that will be the girl just for him and he stated, "Well, then, I'm gonna bring her over here and show her my mommy and tell her everything you did for me when I was a kid. Then she'll love you too!"

****

Another morning Kaden came into my room dressed as a policeman. "Mommy, I am going to be your policeman and protect you from all the mean guys there are! And when I grow up, I'm gonna be an army guy so that I'll keep you and all of America safe from the mean guys, OK?"

****

Kylee was awarded a trophy for placing in her first meet. Of course, we're proud of all her hard work, trophy or not. Her childlike innocence shone through when she came home from school one day and asked, "Mom, I told my teacher that I got a piston cup at my meet and she told me I could bring it to school and show her. Can I?"

****

While driving, I pushed the button to close the back windows where my boys were sitting. Immediately Colson asked, "Mommy, could you please open my window?"

I explained to him that it was getting a little too cool for windows to be open and he listened before stating, "Well, then, I don't know how I'm going to get my fingers out!" His poor little fingers had been closed in the window! My poor baby - he was polite and patient all the while. Needless to say, I felt terrible.

****

The kids know that we don't have a lot of say when it comes to the future of our baby girl. We've talked about the different layers of government and their responsibilities in the past, but it still surprised me one morning when Kaden came to the breakfast table and asked, "So, Mom, what does the government have to say about our Tiny?"

****

Apparently, the President and I were on the same freeway at the same time on the same day in the same city. I was a bit concerned when I saw all the police vehicles lining the entire freeway and every single exit and entrance. Then I saw lines of fancy, black, shiny cars and remembered that Mr. Obama was to be making a visit to one of the local factories that day and it all made sense. Ever since that day, the boys always ask me when we enter the freeway, "Mom, do we get to see the government on the road again today???"

Kaden's bedtime prayer

"Dear Jesus,
Thank you for this beautiful day...
well, actually, it rained a lot and wasn't really beautiful,
but thank You anyway.
And I love foster care!
I think it's kinda silly that everyone wants
the Root kids to take care of their babies,
but I sure do love it!
Please send us lots and lots more foster kids.
And please give us a new car like a limousine so we have room
for lots more kids - like 100.
In Jesus name,
Amen."

Eternal princess

Foster care requires sacrifice by every family member. There are times when I ask the kids to help keep the baby happy so that I can finish up dinner... there are moments when my children can't have their needs met immediately because I am in the middle of feeding or changing or rocking the baby... there are several trips taken to the county for Tiny to have visits with her parents... and, with a baby often in my arms, I can't always run and play along with the kids as I would like, though I am sure to make the most of the times without a baby in my arms.

On one occasion, the kids were playing in the basement and I asked Kylee to please hold and entertain the baby so that I could complete dinner for the family. She had a moment of hesitation when she realized that she would not be able to continue playing as she was, even though she absolutely adores Tiny. I understood Kylee's predicament, because I am often interrupted from my tasks to care for the baby's needs.

"Sweetie, I know it's not always easy to have the baby to care for. We all have to work together as a team and I really appreciate when you help. Do you know that God see's all the times when you love Tiny above yourself and meet her needs before your own? He knows, Ky, and He rejoices."

Kylee's eyes suddenly grew wide and I could nearly see sparkles glittering within them! "Mom, when I get to heaven, will God give me jewels in my crown for the times I'm loving Tiny?" She asked with a broad smile.

That's my girl - always wanting to be a princess, even in God's eternal kingdom.

ailments

During the speech evaluation I scheduled for my boys last week, Colson failed his hearing test. Since my boys have struggled their whole lives with fluid filled ears, infections and tubes, it did not surprise me. When we were at the pediatrician's following up, Cole was asked if he was having any other problems. This was his answer:

"Yes, I'm havin' lots of issues. When I look up into the sky to see an airplane, the sunshine makes me sneeze. When I eat too much my tummy hurts. When I run a lot my breaths get fast. When I sit on the toilet for a long time my legs start to hurt. Those are my issues!"

The pediatrician and I both laughed quite a bit at his list of concerns ... and were also amazed at how in tune to his body he is at 5 years old. Silly little guy.

2 is not enough!!

After having our little toddler for the weekend, the kids decided that taking in 2 kiddos was just not enough. "Nineteen!" the boys declared to be the perfect number for our family to provide a home to. "Nope, we don't have a car big enough for 19 kids!" I argued. Well, I should have known better. They quickly navigated their way through some vehicles online that should take care of transportation issues. These were there favorites. Silly boys. They even have a house in mind with a driveway long enough to park such a beastly vehicle... and they discovered a snow plow for sale that should take care of plowing such a long driveway in the winter months.

come again?

After using the bathroom at the center where our baby has visits with her parents, we were returning to the lobby to wait when I heard Kaden's familiar voice behind me ask the receptionist, "can I empty your garbage?"

When she looked at him confused, he continued, "Yah, well, we were in the bathroom and the garbage is really full so I want to empty it for you!"

She let him... and then he went ahead and cleaned the play room for them as well. :O)

****

"How was school today, sweetie?" I asked as Ky got in the car after school.

"Good, Mom. We had library today, but I was totally a browser!"

"What??"

"Oh, I have 2 books to turn in, so I could only browse today."

Right. Got it.

****

As I was helping the boys into the bath this morning, I noticed several scratches, scabs and bruises on Kaden. "Goodness, Kade, what happened to you?!?"

"Oh, yah, I just like to hurt myself a lot of times by falling down so that I can learn how to be tough. So, I make myself fall down and get hurt and try not to cry. And I don't!"

Never heard of such an exercise. Must be a guy thing?!?!?! Is this normal?

****

I overheard the boys talking as they dressed in their room, "Hey, we almost look like twins!" Colson declared as he assessed their similar outfits. Maybe not that funny, kids say that a lot, I know, but I don't think I've ever heard my identical twins say that to one another before.

too cute to forget

Colson is into trucks lately. His favorite this week is the Ford F150. And wouldn't you know it, in the middle of Cabela's today was a huge Ford F-250!!! The boys went nuts! They got into the truck and explored, which was a dream come true!! When I opened the back cab, Colson surprised me by declaring so very excitedly, "Oh yah - and this is where my kids will ride!!!" Not something you normally hear from a 5 year old boy, I don't think.

"Your kids, huh?" I question him, "How many kids do you think you'll have?"

"Oh, three," he states very matter of fact, as though he's planned this for ages, "An 8 year old girl and two 5 year old boys!"

"Really?!? And do these children of your's have names?" I ask curiously.

"Yes, Caitlyn with a 'C' for the girl and the boys will be Tommy and Joey - twins like me!"

***

As I was trying to respond to some emails I was oh-so-late at responding to, Kaden came up to me, all decked out in army attire, and asked, "So, Mom, do you want to have fun with me or do you not want to have fun with me?"

Hmm. There is no choice. We spend the next hour running around playing "army man" outside - throwing sticks, running, yelling and kicking trees.

***

Colson found a pair of boots he hadn't worn for awhile and wanted to wear them. As I helped him tie the laces, he informed me, "These are my workin' boots. I wear them when I'm doing work in the bushes and stuff."

"Really? What kind of work do you do in the bushes?" I am curious.

"Oh, well, I cut down trees and things."

***

Kaden has started to figure out his plans for his future. He told me today what that consists of:

"When I'm 29 I'm gonna play for the Milwaukee Bucks. At 39 I'm gonna coach the Packers. Then, when I turn 49 I'm gonna join the army, but I'll have to say good bye to my kids and that will be sad. But, I only want to be gone 3 times. And when I'm 69, that's when I'll be a missionary pilot in Africa."

sweet sillies

At the bank today, the bank teller looked over the counter with wide eyes and asked, "Are you boys twins?"

The question always makes me a bit nervous, because my boys don't necessarily like to be called "twins". They prefer to be referred to as "brothers", "the boys" or their first names, and are not afraid to tell people so. It started at 2 years old and only recently will they not act mortified or offended if people call them twins... thankfully.

Today, however, Kaden said, "Yep, we're twins."

The bank teller then asked, "Who's older?" Silly question, I think. Apparently, my boys do too.

"We're the same age - we're both 5!!" Kaden states seriously.

"Well, one of you has to be just a bit older, right?" she continued.

Colson catches on and explains, "Well, Kaden came out first, but I'm bigger 'cuz I stole all his blood."

Laughter breaks out not only from the bank teller, but also from the line behind us. I try to briefly explain Cole's prime location on the placenta, but it really didn't matter. Smiles and laughter abounded in the building thanks to my boy. :O)

****

During gym practice, the coaches were assessing an issue one little girl was having on Ky's team. One coach stated, "I wish we had a doctor or something who might know what this is for sure."

My sweet Kylee thought she could be helpful and offer my services, "Well, my mom's a doctor, want me to get her?"

They decided they really didn't need a doctor, but thanked Kylee for her offer. It wasn't until later in the evening while we were home doing homework that Ky told me about her conversation with the coaches. Jim and I laughed and then explained that there was a big difference doctors and nurses.

"Well, Mom is smarter than some doctors though, right, Daddy?" That's my girl! :O)

****

After Biblestudy, as I usually do, I asked the boys what they learned in class. Kaden pipes up right away, "We read about when Jesus told his disciples that he was going away to another country."

"Oh really?" I ask and smile, knowing full well that Jesus was telling his disciples of His departure to heaven. "What country was that, Kaden?"

"Oh, man, I can't remember. I don't know all of the countries from those Bible days, Mom."

Dear Mom and Dad,

Wyh cood we not have a dog? I know I have to be 10. I cood take it on waks and Colson cood make it food and Kaden cood play with the dog. All the kids can cleen the poop and pee up.

Love,
your sweety Kylee

Just for fun

I was browsing through some old home videos and found this from a couple years ago. I was doing my best not to laugh as I recorded the kids. This is part of what makes motherhood so fun. Ky was almost 4, Colson was 2.

I love you

I love you as many snowflakes as there are.
I love you as much as the pine needles on all the Christmas trees.
I love you as big as the whole wide world.
I love you as long as it takes to count to a billion.

- To mommy,
love Colson