Today, B-boo turned 15. I can't believe she'll be driving soon! Last night we kept it low and had a few friends over to help her celebrate. I think they had fun!
One of the girls made her this cake; from scratch! Isn't it adorable?
Another friend brought her this amazing cookie cake. I didn't even get one bite!
There was fashion!
And silliness
And scariness!
And lots of smiles!
I still can't believe she's 15!
She has really gone bonkers this time! We're sitting here watching "Bones" together and B-boo turns to me and says,
"If I'm ever murdered, I want you and Punky to do everything you can to make sure I'm on this show!"
I cannot believe she said that! Then she says,
"Punky has connections. She's a producer!"
(I'm sorry, Punky, but you've helped feed the monster!)
Chicken Noodle Butt was talking to someone the other day. He mentioned something about pirates. She couldn't understand what he was talking about. He said his pirates. She asked him again what he was talking about. He leans over and whispers to her,
"We're not supposed to talk about our pirates."
Through fits of giggles, we figured it out. He was talking about his privates, not his pirates!
As we were driving on a raining highway the other night, B-boo noticed some *hobos* in a tent in a ditch off of a nearby frontage road. She has a heart for these people and has even started a ministry for them. I'll do anything for this child, but it was almost dark, pouring rain, and it'd been a very long day.
This morning, B-boo, the Talented One and I were driving near the area on our way to his weekly Bowling league. Conversation went something like this:
B-Boo, "Hey, we should go drive by and see if the hobos are still there!"
Me, "You're crazy! Hey, did you remember the coupons."
B-Boo, "Yes."
Me, "I figured you did. You're the responsible one. If you ever did anything irresponsible it would probably be because of your brother. (the Talented One)"
Talented One, "I like Hobos."
B-boo & I crack up.
Me, "Your twin needs to shave his face. He's getting hairy."
Talented One, laughing. "I told him two weeks, but he thought it was three weeks without shaving, so I let him. I want to see what his face looks like."
Me, "You probably did say three weeks, but thought two weeks. He'll probably laugh thinking he's grown more hair than you!"
Talented One, "I only shaved my chin. I'm keeping my soul patch."
B-boo & I crack up again.
"You're WHAT???"
Talented One, "My soul patch. That's what Pastor M calls it."
After we were done laughing, the conversation carried on. But I probably shouldn't share it; it had to do with my mammogram post and well, we should really move forward now.
Incidentally, the Talented One & his Twin had an interesting encounter with a *hobo* after they were done bowling. I've yet to hear the full story, but I know it involved them receiving a hand made cross in return for their generosity. God is good.
When Chicken Noodle Butt first came to live with us, he had nightmares. We would pray with him each night. B-boo started praying with him to dream of dragonflies and butterflies. Now, when we pray with him before bed, we always ask God to give him dreams of dragonflies and butterflies.
In our family of 7 children, we draw names for Christmas gifts. This year, Chicken Noodle Butt drew B-boo's name. When I took him to pick out a gift for her, we walked around and around while he commented on how she would like chocolate, or jelly beans (she doesn't), or bubble gum for a bubble gum machine. The list went on and on and on. Just when I was about to give up, he found a beautiful butterfly necklace for her; but he didn't want just the butterfly, he had to find a dragonfly, too. So, as we searched through the necklaces, we finally found the last dragonfly. He wanted us to help him write for B-boo to dream of dragonflies and butterflies on her wrapped gift.
And so, he found the perfect gift for his cousin; from the heart. And she was touched.
But the story doesn't end there. You see, he has a serious addiction to video games. Yesterday, when it was time for everyone to get off the Wii and clean their rooms, he threw a major tantrum. I am talking a rollonthefloorkickingandscreamingforthreehourstantrum. Because he was going to play the Wii and that was that. He's had fits, but this was the biggest we've seen!
When all was calm again and he had finished his room, he came up to me and apologized. Later that evening, I was exhausted and sore; partly from the Wii and partly from raking 1/4 acre of leaves. I went to bed. And he crept in and said he might see scary things. I reminded him to dream of dragonflies and butterflies. And then, he decided he was fine but that he needed to pray for me and tuck me in. And so, he prayed to God and asked Him to help me to dream of dragonflies and butterflies.
I said, "Thank you for tucking me in tonight."
He replied, "You're welcome."
And he went to bed and dreamt of dragonflies and butterflies.
I just love those proud mama moments! Tonight was one of those times! We've been planning our Children's Christmas concert for a few months now. Not only do we have a fabulous director and amazing helpers to go with it, but my whole family ended up pitching in tonight. It was so cool!
Earlier today, the Smart One was asking if he could miss youth to attend the concert and what was everyone else going to do. I told him we were all going to be doing something in the concert and we'd love to have him come and support us by watching. He went a step further. He took it upon himself to gather some friends and pass out the programs. He didn't seem to think much of it, but I did.
B-boo worked hard helping us to not only make props, but make sure they were organized, working, etc. And then she went on to take photos, too! I don't know what we would have done without her these past few weeks!
The Talented One almost made me cry! He agreed to play the piano for us. Not one to play in public and certainly not in front of an audience, he played beautifully! Seriously, I wanted to cry. The compliments I received on his playing after the concert were too many to count. What a gift he has been given!
Then there was the Drama Queen and the Princess. They sang their hearts out! It was so good to see the Princess be able to manage herself on stage. What a moment! And she sang her trio so well. I was able to see how far she has come in the past nine months. Wow!
And the Drama Queen. Well, she is that. Another child with a God given talent; what a voice! Listening and watching her sing was so much fun! She really got into her songs and just let herself go tonight.
And then, there was my hunny bunny. He is the most amazing man! He has spent countless hours putting together the sound, lights, and staging for us. If I haven't ever said how much I appreciate him, I'm saying it now! I appreciate you, honey!
So, tonight I'm exhausted, but I'm going to bed with a smile on my face. I have a GREAT family. I do. I really do.