Too Much Veggie Tales?!

We were driving home from church today and Tyson was telling me about how some of his friends were having a rock throwing fight. I start to tell him about how important it is to never throw rocks at people even if you think they won't get hurt, when Ryan interrupted us and asks, "Mom, what if it is a giant walking talking pickle, then can I use a sling shot and throw a rock at it?" I had to laugh. I told him if he ever came upon a giant walking talking pickle he could throw a rock at it.

I find it interesting that even though we have told him the story of David and Goliath numerous times, the thing that comes to his mind is the DVD of Dave and the Giant Pickle. It makes me wonder how many other things my television is embedding into my children's minds.

I'll Take a "Whippin"

The other day for dinner I had made a new soup recipe to use up some of our excess Zucchini from our garden. I had gotten the recipe from my sisters blog, it was called vegetable chowder. When we sat down to eat the tears started flowing followed by questions about how much they had to eat, and why do I always make such disgusting food that I know they won't like. Jeff reminded the kids that dinner was nothing to cry about, and I reminded them they wouldn't get Family Home Evening treat if they didn't eat. Tyson quickly volunteered not to have the FHE treat if he didn't have to eat it. I told them they had to eat it even if they didn't want treat. Everyone had finished eating their assigned amount except Tyson who was trying to gag it down, but was having difficulty doing it. As I was doing the dishes Tyson asked, "Can you whip me with a belt instead of me having to eat this?" I told him I wouldn't have the heart to do that, but if Jeff would than he could take a whippin instead. He quickly went and got a belt and told Jeff to whip him with it so he didn't have to eat dinner. Jeff told him he couldn't do that to him either; Ryan quickly volunteered to do the duty. He took the belt from Tyson and gave him a good pop on the behind. Tyson was shocked at how hard he hit him, as was I when I heard the snap. It got Tyson out of eating his last two bites, so he was OK with it. I wonder sometimes what kind of food issues my children will have when they get older! They already tell me when they become parents they will never make their kids eat yucky dinners.

Has It Really Been 12 Years?!

It is hard to believe that it has been 12 years since we had Emily. When I look back over the past 12 years, I wonder where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday that we brought Emily home from the hospital. You always hear people say, "enjoy your kids while they are young because they grow up fast." I remember thinking about that when my first two children where little and I thought it doesn't really seem to go by that fast, but now I know more of what they mean. Emily has been such a blessing in our lives. I can't imagine this family without her. She is mature beyond her years, and sometimes seems to be more of an adult than me. If I were able to pick exactly what I would want my first child to be, I am possitive I would pick her. I am priviledged to be Emily's mom, and I look forward to the next chapter in her life.

I sometimes wish time could stand still. I enjoy having my children young. I always worry about the unknown, and unfortunately for Emily she is the one who has to do the unknown first in our family most of the time. I am looking forward to watching her grow as a Young Women. I am thankful for the church and for the organizations that it has to help guide our children through their teenage years!