Picky Picky

I never in a million years imagined I would participate in a fantastical (just watched "Ramona and Beezus") football draft. Especially not a "faux" football draft with a 6 yr old and a 3 yr old. It was EJ's idea! We didn't actually do anything with our picks. I was a little disappointed! I am sure my team would have been the best :)

Owen's Superbowl prediction

Green Bay 31 Steelers 28

Not too shabby!

Just Because

I could watch him for hours on end!

He LOVES getting around on his own.

He explores all day long.

More Treasures

One more bit about treasures. 

This child carries this box of "treasures" all over the house.

 The treasures of the day.

The items may change from day to day, but he totes it everywhere. It comes up with him for "nap" time. It joins us at the counter during Owen's homework time. Fortunately, it does not go in the car, except when we are traveling over night ;)

It's his way of keeping things all too himself (not in a mean way, more for protection). 

He shares a room with Owen and apart from his bedside table drawer (which holds more treasures) he really doesn't have his own space. And now that Ryan is crawling and getting into everything he can't just walk away and assume things will be where he left them. Somehow he even knows if something is missing. Amazing!

I love it! I don't think this qualifies him for an episode on "Hoarders" so I am not too worried.

Treasure Hunt

"You are my Strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek. You are my All in All."

I have been singing the words of this song to myself a lot lately. I have been needing His strength. Not in the emotional sense, but for actual physical strength. My body has not been feeling well, for a long time actually. If you have followed this blog over the years (I can't believe I've been writing since '08) you may recall the saga of my jaw/neck and shoulder pain. Well, the pain is still there, usually everyday, some days are better than others. I don't write about it and I don't really talk about it much anymore. I don't totally know why. Maybe it's because if I am sick of hearing myself complain, I assume others would be too. It really doesn't help me to talk about it, in fact most of the time it only makes me feel worse. (So far, Drs, don't know what is wrong)

Anyway, today I really stopped and thought about the words to the song. You know how when you sing a song over and over again the words can lose their meaning? Well, I got to the second part, "You are the treasure that I seek..." and it struck me. The treasure that I have been seeking is not Him, but instead the end to my pain, my healing, a cure. (Not that there is anything inherently wrong with wanting to feel better!!!)
That was not all. He was not done with me yet :) He brought to mind some other treasures. Treasures that for awhile might seem great, but in the end they fail me and only lead to disappointment. The treasures I am seeking do not satisfy once and for all. Only He has the power to do that. I am not sure I really believe that. At least I am not living like I believe it.

Do not fear! My gracious God did not leave me here for long. The song continues,"when I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup,You are my All in All. Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name."
Tonight, I read to the boys, "Treasure Hunt" a story from their children's Bible. Perfect, right? So, I get to the end and it says, "Coming home to God is as wonderful as finding a treasure!...God had a treasure, too, of course. A treasure that was lost, long long ago. What was God's treasure, his most important thing, the thing God loved best in all the world? God's treasure was his children. It was why Jesus had to come into the world. To find God's treasure. And pay the price to win them back. And Jesus would do it - even if it cost him everything he had."
See this is what I was missing. I am the treasure too! He has not forgotten me. Even when the pain in my neck makes me believe otherwise.
And upon remembering this very truth, I felt at home again!

Outside

Another reason I do not like playing football I can't play with my hands in my pockets. Soccer, however at least at their level, allows my hands to stay toasty warm :)

Mason puts up with so much. I feel for him. 

I pray he is not permanently scarred from the injuries and frustration of being littler.

I pray he has more compassion for Ryan although I hardly doubt it.

 

He doesn't stay down for long!

 

And this little one... could he be any sweeter?

He hardly moved, I think he was a little confused.

His hat was his only frustration.

I am not ready to let him romp around in the dirt and eat leaves.

I'll save that fun for a warmer day.

 

 I promise he gets plenty of love despite the past 2 posts.