What's Under There?

Yesterday the boys were playing in the kitchen and living room while I put laundry away.  Bennett was looking under the fridge saying "Memm-emm" over and over.  I had to go see what was going on!

This is how I found the boys.  They had tried countless spatulas and wooden spoons to get what I determined was an "M & M".  Here is what I heard while I watched and let them have their quest...

Logan: "Mom, Benny said there's an M & M down here so we're trying to get it out"

Benny: "Memm-emm!"  (Then Bennett got his own spoon to help)

Logan: "No don't, Benny, I will get it" (spoken like a true oldest-child)

Logan: "Ewww...I don't want this dust" 

Mom: "Yeah, its dirty under there...let me just grab that dust...oh and hair...yuck" (mom is mortified and needs to clean under fridge)

Logan: "Oh, I got it!  Its not an M & M.  Its a VITA-MIN!"

Okay, I guess I felt a little better that the kids were searching under the fridge for a VITAMIN and not an M & M, but still I felt a little of the mom-guilt (I mean, how hungry ARE these kids if they are searching under the nasty fridge for food?!).

They quickly retreated back to reading books after the let-down of the treasure under the fridge being just a vitamin.  I will be cleaning under the fridge and stove this week.  :)

Benny loves to read these books all by himself.

An Ending...

leads to a new beginning.  That is my mantra this week as we experience some endings to our 8 years on Young Life staff and our 15+ years of being involved since we were each high schoolers impacted by Young Life.  Half of our lives have included some sort of involvement in YL - making this change a big one.  Though we will still be in Eau Claire, see friends and leaders and kids from Young Life, we recognize this week as an ending.  We are excited for the new beginning that will bring us to in a couple weeks.

Last night was John's last Young Life Club.  The boys and I went along.  It was a perfect ending.  It was a great night of laughs, love, fun, and chaos...just as Young Life should be!  It was great closure to hear John's talk last night and bookmark it in my brain as closure from this chapter.

Guitars practicing before club.

The boys had no trouble making themselves at home and enjoying their special snack.

Nothin' like a little Bieber Fever!  Logan and Bennett both sang "Baby" and danced!

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without a couple crazy characters in the house...

John took time to tell the kids about our journey to switching jobs and about our heart for each of them.  It is sad, but its mostly exciting because we get to follow along on this journey God has set before us...not knowing what's in store.  We have been privileged to see lives changed through Young Life and to walk with kids on their own journey - whatever that may be.  We have been blessed by each of them.

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

1 Thessalonians 2:8

The Cutest

When John leaves for work in the morning, he gets several rounds of "hug and a kiss!" from each of the boys.  They can't wait to give their best bear hug and wish Daddy "a good day".  Then they rush to the window to wave goodbye.  This is my favorite thing in the morning - watching the wild boys be so sweet.  They wave yelling "Bye!  Bye!"  and then go back to playing.  I'm so excited for the next phase of our life that is about to start...John will be a whole person, able to love the boys like never before and we'll be a healthy family.  What a great adventure God has us on right now...

Shaggy to Suave

The boys really needed haircuts this week!  Don't you agree?

I've been taking them to my salon for a good cut but moods and attitudes made it a little difficult.  I've had some guilt over their not-so-great cuts, but I think I'm over it (almost).

Its Official!

Can you see what the big change around here will be...?

More to come...

William is 3!

Our very good friend, William, turned 3 last week!  We spent his actual birthday with him and then got to celebrate this weekend at the Children's Museum!  It was a fun family outing - there hasn't been much time for us as a family of four the last couple weeks, so this party was a special treat!

Logan at the water exhibit

Handy Benny

We got to see lots of friends at the party!

The boys love pizza!

The Eiselt boys were quick to move in on the cake.

Kelly throws a great party!

"Ta-da!"

Performers!  We spent the rest of our visit in the "showbiz" wing!  These boys are quite the performers.

Dressing up.

Of course, Daddy couldn't get away without being in the "show".

So cuddly!

Thanks for a great party, William!  Happy birthday!

Mommy-Bennett-Day

Just like Logan and I had a special couple days last month, Bennett and I got some time together while Logan took his turn at Nana's house on Monday.  Bennett and I enjoyed our music class together, some errands, a long nap, and plenty of playtime!

B and I playing in the "sand".

Thanks Nana (and Papa, too)!