Budding Theologian?

This morning on our drive to church, we were listening to KLOVE (our usual Christian music station) and Brandon Heath's "Leaving Eden" was playing. There is a phrase in the song, "one more step away" that is continuously repeated throughout. In the song, Heath describes how we have left paradise (Eden) behind, as evident by the news, but then we are going somewhere. We are going towards our "home" in Heaven.

While listening, I hear Lily from the back seat say, "Mommy, I know what they are walking away to." A little confused, but curious, I turn down the radio and ask, "What's that Lily?". And Lily responds with "In the song, they are walking away to God. Because that is what we do! We walk towards Jesus because he died for our sins!"

Although I know she had the symbolism confused a bit within the lyrics, I felt that it was truly amazing how she put that all together! At 5 years old?! I'm very happy to know that she is really listening and thinking about these lyrics and their meaning to her.

For those not familiar with the song, here are the lyrics:

"Leaving Eden"

(One more step away)
Headlines read like a warning, we're under attack
(One more step away)
I just waved to a stranger, he didn't wave back
(One more step away)

And if it weren't for my TV I wouldn't know what is real
(One more step away)
My doctor can't do a thing for how I feel

Feels like I'm leaving Eden
Feels like I'm leaving Eden

People are losing their homes to hurricanes
(One more step away)
Old lady living next door forgot her own name
(One more step away)

Teacher is hiding her Bible but at least she's got a job
(One more step away)
My local Salvation Army just got robbed, oh

Feels like I'm leaving Eden
Feels like I'm leaving Eden, oh
It's like I'm further away with every step I take
And I can't go back 'cause I'm leaving Eden

I'm going, going home
I'm going, going home
There's no place, no place like home
There's no place, no place like home, home, oh

When you're leaving Eden
When you're leaving Eden
It's like I'm further away with every step I take
And I can't go back 'cause I'm leaving, leaving Eden

I'm going, going home
I'm going, going home
There's no place, no place like home
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Food Coloring

The other day, I made the mistake of unlocking my spice cabinet. I walked away for 3 minutes and a certain little someone got into the blue food coloring!

Normally, he laughs when I try to discipline him for doing something wrong. This time, he really knew he was in trouble! Just check out those eyes!

And the hands! Those were the worst! (small view on the right) We were headed to church that night, so I anxiously started Googling "how to get rid of food coloring on skin". Thankfully, it was non-toxic and I was able to remove all but around his fingernails.

Needless to say, the food coloring is now stashed in a new, undisclosed location.

Paradise Park

Last week, Lily had a preschool field trip to Paradise Park in Lees Summit. It is a huge play place designed for kids of all ages. They specifically have a "edutainment" section for the younger ones. Since there were two preschool classes attending, Lily was placed in a smaller group and each group made a rotation to the different "stations". The theme for the day was centered around the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. This was such an awesome place! A great way to learn and burn off energy in this cold weather at the same time.
Lily enjoyed herself so much that we stayed an extra hour after the class left so she could spend some time with her friend Chloe.
She is already asking when we can go back!

matching letters to make words

the "theater" section where they placed the letters on the alphabet tree

the art room- making a palm tree with coconuts

cooking class- making a palm tree with apples and pretzels, and icing for the letters to stick :)

one of Lily's favorites- the grocery store
checking out

running the pizza shop

water play

Jackson- 15 month update

Well..there is only one way to describe Jackson lately, and that is "crack-up". He is consistently doing silly things or making funny noises that make us laugh. And we love it! This "skill" of his has come in handy when he is in trouble too. Although we are becoming more firm with him on setting boundaries, he is always testing the limits. I am convinced that is "Daddy's gene" and not mine :).

He had his 15 month Dr. appointment and is measuring in the 75% range for height and 25% range for weight. Long and lean...just like his Grandpa B!

Jackson has become more "chatty" within the past couple of months. Along with his staple, "ba" for ball, he is starting to say "uh oh", "og" or "gog" for dog, "ra-ra" for Sarah (both aunts!), and his Uncle Bill taught him "ho ho ho" when we were visiting for Christmas! We have been working on animal sounds too and that has been a riot. His facial expressions make it look as though it is physically hurting him to make the animal noise! He is very serious about it too! It is obvious that he sincerely wants to learn how to talk, it is just not coming as quickly to him as his gross motor skills.

And speaking of which, Jackson is not lacking skill in that area! He is running, attempting to hop, and climbing. It is truly amazing what this boy is capable of! He is also learning to eat with a spoon and is still improving this skill. There have been many a mess to clean up, but I keep telling myself it will come with time. I introduced crayons to him (the large ones) and he is learning how to hold the crayon and draw (although very aggressively!). And, if I am successful at keeping it out of his mouth, that is a huge plus.

Jackson can identify all of his major body parts and is able to complete simple tasks, such as "take this to the trash", or "put this in the shoe basket" or "laundry basket". He really enjoys having some responsibility. Go figure...he's a Bolinger boy!

He is still an avid fan of the "paci". I have a real feeling that getting rid of it is going to be a much more difficult task than it was with Lily. The look of pure joy on his face when he finds, not one, but TWO paci's in the house is priceless. He typically sits down and alternates them one after the other. If only that was a necessary skill to learn! :)

We are really enjoying this age and watching him soak everything up like a sponge. He and Lily are becoming more like playmates- chasing each other around the house and playing blocks (meaning Lily builds a tower and Jack knocks it down immediately). Lily is still enjoying being the "big sister" and teaching Jackson new things, however, now that he is mobile, he is starting to enter into her territory. Ah...sibling rivalry is on the horizon! :)

The spoon

Today, after much hesitation and delay, I introduced the spoon to Jackson. My delay in doing so was purely my own hang-ups with mess and cleanup. I am realizing more that I really lucked out with Lily being in daycare. They did most of the dirty work for me!
I decided to start with oatmeal. It clumps easily and sticks better to the spoon, so I figured that might be a good starter for Jackson.
All was going well....slow, controlled movements by Jackson and many smiles as he started to figure it out. I helped him with his first bowl and started to see that he was somewhat getting the hang of it.
Then, I made the mistake of turning my back for a few minutes to get some housework done. BIG mistake...



Yep....it will be bath time after breakfast today! At least he had some fun! Such a stinker!

California Christmas 2011

We spent a week in California this year over the Christmas holiday. We had such a great time with family and friends, and of course, an action-packed week full of activities! First on the list was the "Polar Express" train in Filmore, CA. Grandma & Grandpa treated us to a ride to the North Pole to see Santa! The kids had fun drinking chocolate milk, eating cookies, and ringing their special bells given to them by Santa himself! All aboard!

Getting ready to leave the house for the train. The kids were instructed to "wear pajamas".

We also visited with friends...

The Castro family came over

Lily and Madison had a great time getting to know each other

Jackson and Dyllin had another chance to play. This time on two feet!

The cousins decorated sugar cookies with Grandma...
Christmas Eve dinner with the Prunty family...
Christmas morning...

On the church lawn...
Eating her "Happy Birthday Jesus" cupcake...

Enjoying his gift from Aunt Sarah & Uncle Bill...
And, an overnight trip to Santa Barbara to visit with our Knode family...

Carousel ride

meeting baby Eliza for the first time!

a trip to the Santa Barbara zoo!

We had such a great visit in California this Christmas! One major event I failed to mention was our trip to Disneyland! Because I have so many pictures, I decided to make that it's own post. Stay tuned!

Disneyland 2011

This was the "day of all days" for our Christmas visit to California. Our gift from Grandma & Grandpa was a trip to Disneyland!! Lily LOVES the Disney princesses and we thought this year would be the perfect year to give her a chance to meet them! Although we went on one of the busiest days of the year (Dec. 26th), we all had a great time! Thankfully, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Bill have Disney passes and knew when and where to go. So we had a plan and were able to see and do much more than we would have otherwise. As I looked at Lily's face throughout the day, her expressions were priceless. As we were riding on Casey Jr.'s train, she said "Mom, this is the best day ever!" As an adult, it's easy to forget what a magical place Disneyland is for kids. Watching her experience it for herself brought back so many memories...

Here they are, cousins in matching track suits, ready to tackle Disneyland!

Beautiful Christmas decorations! The tree was enormous and so pretty!

Grandma is ready! Waiting for the park to officially open on Main St.

Riding It's a Small World. Although he doesn't look it here, Jackson really enjoyed the rides.

So excited!!

First mission was to "meet the princesses". Here's Lily, waiting in line (she was 4th!). Wonder what she is thinking?

With Grandma and her autograph book and pen from Aunt Sarah.
Funny thing, both Grandma and Aunt Sarah got emotional as Lily approached the front of the line. And I did as well when she was talking to the princesses! It must be the "little girl" in all of us that knows how special this was for her.

She immediately gave Ariel a hug, her favorite princess.

Talking with Ariel about Christmas

One final hug!

Meeting Belle

Such a sweet picture

Mommy & Daddy got to go on Space Mountain

On the Mark Twain boat
Riding Winnie the Pooh...he loved it!

Riding Casey Jr. train

Even Daddy had a good time!

It was nearly impossible to meet all of the princesses in one day, so we decided to take Lily to the "Princess Coronation" ceremony so she could at least see some of the other ones. Here we are waiting for the ceremony to start.

This was funny. This is "Sir Frederick" and he was just pacing around the stage before the show started- probably to let the parents know there would be a show going on. I didn't think he was anyone of importance, in the princess world, but Lily did not agree. She was convinced he was a Prince and needed to have her picture taken with him and an autograph.
And here is "Lady Maryann"...I think. Can't read her autograph very well :-)

Learning how to "princess wave" and dance

Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty

While Daddy, Lily, and I were at the coronation, the rest of the family saved seats for the Christmas parade. We headed over there straight after the ceremony and they had great seats! Lily and Jackson loved seeing all of the characters!

With Aunt Sarah...eating a little popcorn snack

This was the souvenir that Lily picked out. It's amazing what varieties they now have of the "Mickey ears". And, of course, Lily wanted the princess ones! It even has a veil attached to the back :)

As we were leaving the park, we got to experience "snow" on Main St.! It was a fun way to end the evening!

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for a very memorable trip to Disneyland! Lily continues to talk about it and I'm sure she will for years to come!