Original Sin

Brady's little life has been filled with firsts - first steps, first words, first ice cream cone. Last night was his first lie. It is unreal how kids don't have to be taught to do wrong. No one had to show Brady how to hurt Mac. No one had to teach him how to be disobedient... and now lies. Here is the story. We are working on potty training which is a very long and tedious process. (side note: there is nothing funnier then hearing potty training stories of adults that you know - P.Tom shared a good one today about Andrea and I laughed out loud). Every time Brady uses the potty he gets a treat (positive reinforcment) - which is 2 M&Ms. Well he is a sugar freak. The kid loves all things sugar. So he was begging me for another treat and he had just used the potty 2 times within 10 minutes so I knew he was working the system. So I said "you only get M&Ms when you use the potty" - so he said "okay" and went upstairs, rustled some things in the bathroom and came out saying "I did it, I went potty" -- Well the boy does not yet know how to pull down his own pants but he knows how to lie. Thanks Adam.

Travel Travel Travel

What a great trip - we've had so much fun and connected with so many old friends. It's been so great hanging out with PJ and Kim and we got to see some friends in Chicago - From old youth group friends like Don Champion to college floor friends like Ischee and one of my girlz like Jenni - it really has been great. It is a little stressful taking care of everyone and everything too - we'll be back to PA on Thursday -- or Friday!

Ah Vacation

So we went on vacation last week and we are in MI this week with a few of my favorite people in the whole world. Vacations are a funny thing. I really felt like we needed to make some fun family memories at the start of all this crazy travel, so to OC we went. We stayed on the boardwalk which was fun and they had an indoor pool which Brady loved. He has become quite the swimmer. He owned the pool. Since school was in session and it was mid week there weren't many people which made it seem so weird. Brady is at an awkward stage. He loves to have fun but he hates for the fun to end. Every time we transition activities it like Whine Fest 2007. When we were at the zoo he never wanted to leave any of the animals. It was like I had to drag him along whining. Then in OC we went in the Kite Loft and everything he saw he wanted to play with all day even though there were much cooler things to see and do. I know he just doesn't understand but it gets so old. Brad thinks that perhaps that is the way we are with God sometimes and he has to drag us along to the bigger and better things. Who knows, I just think the terrible twos are really tough. ug.

Where do they learn these things?

Today Brady impressed me with 2 new things. CLA has a new ministry Kiosk thing with a touch screen video. I was intriged and wanted to look at it. There was a world map up and the first thing Brady said was "see Greece" and he pointed to the general area in which we would live. I was so impressed, he picks up on things so quick. Also recently he has been uber into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. So we downloaded some of the songs off of Utube so he could watch online when it wasn't on TV since it only comes on at 8.30am and we don't have DVDs yet. So there are only so many times you can listen to Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggidy Dog when you fell like you are about to go insane. We have to keep asking him "How old are you Brady?" and he reminds us, "TWO!!!!!" Anyways, I was trying to do something really quick on the computer and of course he wanted to watch Mickey Mouse and I was trying to ignore him so I could just check on this bill real quick - so he grabbed my chin and turned my face toward him real close and said "Mommy, Listen to me, watch Mickey Mouse" it was so funny I just about feel over. I must have done that to him before but I don't remember and he is just picking up on everything - unfortunatley.

My first Pentecostal handshake

When we were at Lancaster First on Wednesday I received my first Pentecostal handshake. It was an awkward moment for some reason. We had a great service with such a great group of people who were really receptive and inspired by what we shared. It was a great night. Following the service there were serveral people who talked to us and commited to pray for us and then it came. During this iteneration time I have been truly blessed by the generoucity of God's people. We want them to believe in us and the call God has placed on our heart. However my family history makes it so contrary to everything I have grown up with. Every time you give my parents something, or do something for them the say "you don't have to do that" or "you shouldn't have done that". They are doers and givers and not takers --- but the thing about that is it is a blessing to be the giver. So when everything in me wants to say to that sweet generous lady "no you don't need to give me that $50 bill we're fine" -- the reality is that - yes we are missionaries and need every penny and why take from someone the joy of giving. It's just like we never out grow fighting over things, whether it is a toy or the remote control, the biggest piece of pizza or the check after dinner. Perhaps it is just human nature.

A Monumental Day

No picture will be added to this post for obvious reasons but I just have to write about it. I end this day on a most joyful note. In fact I do not remember the last time I was this joyful. It was a monumental day in the life of young Brady and a day of rejoicing for the hope of tomorrow. If you are wondering what could bring these feelings upon a young mother well there are many but this one takes the cake. Tonight Brady pee peed on the potty for the very first time. applause! He was so proud, I was so proud, it was a beautiful moment. I pray there will be many more such moments in the days and weeks to come, but for now I rejoice in this great accomplishment. Perhaps when he graduates high school or college, or gets recruited to play QB for some high ranking college team I will be more proud but for now I can't even imagine it.

Kiss it and make it better

Here is another thought provoked by the wonderful life of Brady Sebastian (corresponding picture to be added tomorrow). The other day Brady was doing some wild jumps in the tub, splashing water everywhere. One jump was especially out of control and he crashed his nose against the bottom which sent the tears flowing. This was a clear sign that bath time was over so I got him from the tub and wrapped him in his towel and tried to console him. "Hurt nose" he said "Kiss it". Oh it was so cute, so as the tears flowed, I kissed his little nose and some how it was majic and all the pain was gone. He stopped crying and we proceeded with the evening. It is so amazing what one little comforting kiss does for that little boy. Afterward you can ask him "all better?" and he'll say "better" -- and it is totally over.
In some ways it makes me think why does it take me so long to get over stuff? When I hurt myself I want to whine about it for hours... Like the other day when I burned my neck with the curling iron - there is nothing quite like burning your own flesh that ruins your day. What is it about getting old that takes the power of a kiss away?