mixed up words

Don't you love the funny things kids say?!?! Caden has some things he simply can't make his mouth say and a few things he still calls the wrong name. It makes me smile every time he says them.

I bet you have no idea what a "trote camole" is, do you?? No guesses?? It's the shiny little machine that changes the volume and channel on your TV. That's right, Caden can not get his mouth to say remote control. It comes out "trote camole" every time. Cute for the moment, but I'm guessing not so much for the long term! :)

chores

Okay, so no one really likes to do chores, right?!?!? WRONG! We've found a certain little guy who really likes doing chores, well certain ones at least. Today he wanted to vacuum his bedroom, so we let him have at it. Don't mind the surfboard print shirt with camouflage slippers in the midst of fall! It's all about your state of mind! Also, ignore the naked bed. We were washing sheets. Pray the novelty of vacuuming doesn't soon wear off. I could get used to a boy who likes to clean!

man this thing is heavy!

concentrate!

don't forget behind the door!

how does this work?!?

so happy!

so sad. . .so sweet

I know many have already posted about Cora's Playground dedication ~ the overwhelming, heavy sadness and grief that weighs on our hearts and minds as we think about why this precious playground exists coupled with the tender hope and trust in the Lord as we are grateful to all those who worked tirelessly to make Cora's Playground a reality. I just wanted to remember this evening which reaffirmed that Cora's life and legacy are living on for those little people who get to play on Cora's Playground.

Caden has been begging for a week or so to play on Cora's Playground. Tonight I told him we could go early to Cubbies and play a bit before Awana started. He loves the playground, but I want him to know more and understand why he gets this really great equipment to play on at church. Here's our talk as he played tonight:

ME: Whose playground is this?
CADEN: Cora's
ME: Why does Cora have a special playground?
CADEN: She died and we want to 'member her.
ME: Was Cora big or little?
CADEN: Little like Jensen (our nephew who is 9 months old)
ME: Where is Cora now?
CADEN: In Heaven with God.

I left our conversation at that for tonight and praised and marveled that in some small way he understands that Cora's life has deep meaning for those in our community and church (and the world).

As he continued to play awhile, thrilled that I'd given him some bonus time on Cora's Playground, he constantly squealed, This is best playground! I love to play here! This is so cool! (his highest compliment).

I can't imagine what Jess and Joel and their families have endured in the past few months. I know they'd give anything to have their sweet Cora back in their arms, but I know too my experience with Caden tonight touches on the lasting meaning of Cora's Playground. I hope that in the years to come as Caden gets too big for the actual equipment, he grows in his understanding of the value of Cora's life and legacy in bringing people to know God more deeply.

hiatus . . . no more

I've been gone, but hopefully not forgotten. The summer (which I thought was busy) has given way to full blown, crazy busy autumn. We're loving the great weather and enjoying trying to keep everything we've got going, well going. School is very busy for me right now with lots of projects, mentoring a first year teacher, and working on a few district level projects. Doug is busy working and keeping up with home repairs, golf, and of course Sooner football. Caden is in pre-K and talking constantly about anything and everything. He is in Cubbies (Awana) this year and doing youth league bowling on Saturday mornings. He's eager to be his beloved Sam Bradford for Halloween and looking forward to his 5th birthday in November. So our blogging hiatus is now officially over. And though the pictures below are a couple of months old and Caden has since lost his mohawk (his choice for those of you thinking I forced the issue); they are too cute not to share. Thanks to Megan for taking them back in early August!

new do

I am NOT normally fond of what I like to refer to as extreme hairstyles, but Caden asked for a mohawk (and secretly I've thought it might be cute on a little boy, but certainly not so on a rebellious teenager), so Doug and I decided to let him try it once at four in hopes that this will tame his future fourteen year old self. Here he is after his shower last night without the hair spiked up. I'm a teeny bit shocked every time I see it, but I do think it's kinda cute especially when it's "done".

playing in the rain

This afternoon Caden and I did something I've ALWAYS wanted to do, but never done . . .we played in the rain. Caden was reluctant at first and gave every excuse: He was cold. Our feet would get dirty (he likes to be clean). Daddy might run over us (we were in the street . . . the quiet, very dead end street with no intention of staying out long enough for Daddy or anyone else to run over us). I finally convinced him. We splashed and played barefoot in the rain and puddles. It was cold, but so much fun! So worth us both getting that experience (especially for free!)! Here's the aftermath.

dripping wet on the porch

a smooch for MommyI love how happy we both look

time for a hot shower!

oh joy! oh joy!

We've got a big boy! Caden is finishing up his first independent shower right now! I couldn't be more thrilled! I tried last night to get him to take a shower, but all I got for my efforts was tears, hysterics, and protests!! Tonight, Doug tried and we now have clean boy who just this second as I write this, shouted, "I want to do that next time!" Then he came running in here and PROUDLY announced, " Mommy, I tooked a shower all by myself!!" Here's the proof of the pride he clearly feels about accomplishing this.