I think he's bored...

So, a week or two ago, (when it was QUITE warm, mind you...) Ollie said he was going outside. He put on a hat, jacket, jeans, boots, and gloves.

I asked him if he was SURE he needed all that on...and he assured me that he did. Whatever.

A few minutes later, he asked if I would get him a sled. "No." I said. It was seriously 80 degrees out!

He asked me to come watch him a couple minutes after that...and this is what I found:

The Emerging Church: Good Or Evil?

Okay, so I normally don't get into politics or deep theology on my blog...and for good reason. But a friend sent this article about the 'Emerging Church' from Christianity Today, and I thought it was well-worth reading.

There is a lot of controversy over this movement. Some people think it's evil. Some people think it's great. If you are wondering where you fall on that spectrum, or if you've never heard of it and would like to know more, please read. It's well worth the read.

Oh, and the author is the one who wrote this incredible book--one of my new favorites!

And WE thought it couldn't be done!

Yep, you guessed it. Lily's hair can OFFICIALLY be 'done'. Not much in the front, mind you--but look at these DARLING piggies she can now sport!!!

More Potty Talk

Ollie's newest past time is sitting on the toilet. And reading.

Thanks to some friends, he now has a fascinating new book to read:

Ollie's Words of Advice...

on the topic of 'Women'.

1. Playing 'hard to get' by running away and crying is a good way to get a hug and kiss from a girl.

2. Telling a girl that you're married to her is a great way to make a best friend.

3. Take a bath with your friend. And then tell her, "Thanks for taking a bath with me." Good bonding time for all.

4. Hide your best shovel and bucket while playing in the sandbox--you wouldn't want your lady friend to take your best tools!

5. Go to the bathroom with the door open. The girls REALLY like that.

6. Pull out all your best 'potty talk' around the women. It makes them melt. If you can incorporate anything related to 'pooping', 'tooting' or making belching noises--EVEN BETTER.

Follow these simple steps--and the ladies will be putty in your hands.

(But don't be surprised if mom and dad give you a 'talking-to' for #6...)

Nature Walk

Friday evening was the perfect opportunity for a nature walk. We drove up to North Newton and walked along the creek on the path behind Bethel College. Such good memories from college days! The kids loved it--and it really wore them out...


Ollie walked or ran the entire time, asking at each hill, "do you think we can climb up this tall mountain?"
And, what's a little boy, without a stick?

Lily was carried at first, then decided she could do this all on her own, thank you very much. So we let her...

Quotes from the Day

All from Ollie. All from today.

"Mom, I'm running to the paint store. I have to get some oil."
Me: "Well okay, but hurry--it's almost supper!"
"Oh, it's okay. I'll just stop at Braum's."

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"Mommy, I'm sorry. I'm running late tonight."


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"Daddy, I exalt you."


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"Someday, when I'm an animal, I'll swim in that creek."
Joel: "What kind of animal will you be?"
"A duck or a goose."

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"Daddy, I really enjoy spending time with you."

What We've Been Up To...

Wow! What a busy, fun week. We've been taking full advantage of the beautiful spring weather--and we've been...

Painting...

Relaxing...
(nice, Joel...nice)

Playing Guitar...


Running...


Scootering...(thanks Gma and Gpa Smith!)

Bunnying...


Laughing...


Crying...

Sitting on Mommy's head. (No joke, she got a book, backed up to my head, and sat. Twice.)
And eating. Cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. And candy. And cake.


Oh, and now that Ollie's 3...

He gets to chew gum.

And hopefully, no more of this!

Happy Easter!

What it's all about:


The other stuff:
Dying eggs...

Playing outside...
(can you guess which one Joel decorated?)
Flowers finally here!

Ollie's 'Friend' Birthday Party

This year, we decided to move Ollie's party to the Rec. Center. It was a super place to have it--swimming, basketball, food...and did I mention, I didn't have to clean my house?

Here are some pictures--we got to spend some fun time with many of Ollie's friends!




There were more little friends there--I didn't do a super job of capturing everyone--so sorry if I missed you!!!