I’ve always been amazed at the things that my kids come up with, and last Thursday was no different. I was reminded once again, though, that it’s all in the timing! The kids were playing in the other room and Jason and I were sitting on the couch in the family room. It was one of “those conversations”…you know the ones…that hint at some “alone time” later in the evening. I looked over at Jason with the ever-so-popular “babe, I’m not really in the mood today’. All of a sudden Abbie pops up from behind the couch and announces, “I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but I know something that will get you in the mood!”
And this is what ensued…
Abbie & Peyton with their cousin Corban
Christmas is always a fun time. Our kids are still young enough to think Santa is real (although Abbie is really thinking things through this year). But the whole idea of “Santa” has made for some interesting conversations in the Gordon household this year.
The other night Peyton came into our room with a very important request for Jason.
P- Dad, can you add something to the list?
Jason- What list?
P- The Santa list.
Jason- Um, okay.
P- Childrens.
Jason- What do you mean, childrens? Like kids?
P- Yes, kids. I want you to put a baby brother on the list.
I guess this is the year they will realize that they don’t get everything on their list!!!!
Filed under: Family, God, Quotes | Tags: Abbie Gordon, Church Planting, kids
So far, one of the most interesting things (on a personal note) in our church planting journey has been to watch our kids through this entire process. Our church planting journey has been unique in the fact that we are planting a church in the same community that we have been ministering for the past 3 years. That fact has proven to be confusing at times for the kids. But, we have had the opportunity to have GREAT conversations with them about why we are doing what we’re doing.
When we partnered with Connexion, we were still meeting on Sundays at our Linnwood campus (which is being used for administrative offices, our Hispanic service and some outreach events). When we launced at our Downtown Campus, the kids were getting a little confused–where we going to work at another church? It opened the door to talk about why we are worshipping in a non-traditional venue. It really has opened their eyes…that not everyone “goes to church” or knows who God is or that He loves them.
On the way to Connexion on Sunday, Abbie says, “Mom do all kids go to church and learn about who God is?”
Me- No Abbie, they don’t. That’s why God wants us to share that with the people we know.
Abbie- Well, I think Macy goes to church. She has a cross on her good luck charm bracelet.
Me- Maybe she does Abbie, but there are a lot of people that like to wear crosses on their jewelry. That doesn’t mean that they know God or how much He loves them.
Abbie- (Very seriously) Oh… Well maybe I’ll ask her.
Peyton- You should ask her to come to our church Abbie. Then she’ll know about God…
Abbie- Peyton, she’s only in 1st Grade…she can’t drive there herself!
This week we are having Kidzone Summertime at church (our version of Vacation Bible School…just a little different). I was interested to see how this week went with our kids, since they are in different classes for the first time, since Abbie is a “big first grader” now.
So last night as the evening is coming to a close, Jason and I are talking with some of the parents and volunteers in the hall, and one of the women that is helping in Peyton’s class comes up and jokingly says… “I need to have a talk with you two”. She goes on to explain how Peyton was sitting next to one of the girls in class, gently elbows her and says, “You’re hot!”. A couple of times. Nice! Real Nice!
So, Jason talked to him a little bit last night, but I wanted to talk to him myself this morning. In re-telling what the teachers told us he said, he stops me to correct me… That’s not what I said, Mom. I said…”you’re a hot baby”. Oh great…even better!
So I begin to inquire…what does that mean, Peyton…when you say you’re a hot baby?
It means Hello!
So we continued to talk about how that really doesn’t mean hello, and he has decided that when he wants to say “hi” to a girl…he’s going to say, “Hola!”. Okay…
And the best part…I ask, so Peyton…where did you hear that?
From Uncle Justin…when we were in California.
I’ll remember to thank him the next time I see him. 
Filed under: Family, Quotes | Tags: funny, grape, purple, Quotes, sunday, tinkerbell
Sunday mornings are always quite hilarious at my house. For some reason, when the kids know Dad’s at church for the morning, michief is just beyond the horizon. This morning, though, was a bit different. The kids got along. They actually ate their breakfast. They didn’t get into anything they weren’t suppose to. The house was actually still clean when I walked out the door. Seriously…amazing.
There is usually something funny coming out of Abbie’s mouth. Maybe I noticed it more this morning because I wasn’t frazzled…who knows. As I was helping Abbie get ready this morning and doing her hair, here’s a few quotes from her mind.
- Mom…I’m not really a big fan of green. But, green is Tinkerbell’s color…so, I guess it’s okay…but I’m still not a big fan.
- Mom, I’m afraid people won’t be able to tell us apart today. Why Abbie? Because our hair looks the same (we have a similiar haircut). Maybe you could…you know…just not do it so pretty today, okay?
- What shoes should I wear today? How about your purple sandals, they will match your shirt. Oh, yeah! I’ll be all purple, like a grape. That’s good…grapes are real fruity…and I am REALLY fruity, Mom.
Oh, she keeps me laughing!
I remember in my earliest days of motherhood, when I would bring Abbie into the bathroom doorway in her carrier while I took a shower-just in case she started to cry. Somehow, the idea of not being there if she needed something or if something happened just weighed on me. But, she was always fine…and eventually I was comfortable letting her play while I got ready each morning.
That was then…and this is now.
This morning was such a good morning! The kids were super helpful and getting along great! The beginnings of a wonderful day. I made breakfast, loaded the dishwasher and then headed for the shower.
Not even half way through, Peyton comes running into the bathroom- Mom…there is an older man at the door and he needs you.
Me- Is it someone you know?
Peyton- No…
Me- Listen to me carefully, Peyton…go to the door and tell him I will be there in a minute, and then close the big door (the one that is always locked). I’ll be right there.
So as I’m trying to get the last of the shampoo rinsed out of my hair, thinking…(1) if this is some salesperson I am going to be really upset. And (2) Peyton and I are obviously going to have to have another talk about the door and strangers. As I’m finishing up…Abbie (our worrier) comes running into the bathroom in a panic.
A- Mom! Peyton is talking to a stranger! He said he needs in our garage! (At this point I realize it’s our Culligan guy, bringing salt for our softener…my mind is eased a bit).
Me- Abbie, don’t worry…I’m on my way.
I rush out, grab my robe and open the garage for the poor Culligan man, who is apologizing all over himself for the interruption. In the meantime, apparently Peyton thought he should get dressed for this stranger…and did so from the bag of clothes for our upcoming garage sale. I walk back into the living room to see Peyton in a SKIN TIGHT long-sleeved polo and shorts. It’s an 18-24m shirt. Peyton is 3 1/2 and wears a 4T…yeah, it’s a little tight.
I explain that it is too warm today to be wearing long sleeves, and go to get the shirt off of Peyton’s head. No go. I have him take his arms out to give me more slack. Nope. At this point, Peyton realizes he is stuck and starts panicking! I realize the only way out is to cut his shirt off. How he got it on, I’m not sure…but it was NOT coming off! After reassuring Peyton that I was not cutting his head off…only cutting the shirt off of his head, all was well again.
Oh…what can transpire in the time it takes to take a shower!!! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!
Filed under: Quotes
So the quote of the week came about this weekend as I was standing at the stove preparing a meal. I hear Peyton run into the other room and say, “Daddy, can you help me get this girl naked”?
Yeah, that’s right. I’m pretty sure that’s something you should never say to your dad. Luckily, Peyton was playing Barbie’s with Abbie (hey, my brother played Barbies with me and turned out just fine!). But I think Jason
will be just fine never hearing those words again!
Filed under: Quotes
My kids continue to amaze me by what comes out of their mouths at times. Here are a few tidbits from the weekend.
Peyton and I were driving out of the circle drive at daycare and he says, “Hey, there’s Katherine’s mom. She has a mustache”.
Friday night, Abbie and I are sitting (read-slouching) on the couch watching something on TV. She starts patting my stomach and lifts my shirt up to look at my belly button (she has this facination with belly buttons). She grabs my stomach and pretending my belly button is a mouth she says, “Hello…my name is Mr. Fatty”. Yeah…real nice! Back to the gym I go!
Last night we were heading out to pick up Peyton’s new bike (he’s super excited). As we drove over the railroad tracks, Peyton exclaims, “Woah. The tracks tickled my boy parts!”.
Oh, the observations.
One down, one to go. Abbie’s fever is gone, and she was able to return to school today…just in time for her Valentine’s celebration and Fairytale Ball. Everyone in her class was able to dress up as their favorite fairytale character, and Abbie chose Sleeping Beauty.
Jason called me this morning at work to tell me the scene that I missed. I had laid out her clothes before I left for work, but she was still asleep when I left. She got ready and she and Jason were heading to the car to go to school. Jason opened his door, and Abbie just looked at him and said:
“Isn’t anyone going to help the princess into her carriage?”
Pictures to come…
Filed under: Quotes
Peyton had a really hard time going to sleep last night. Really hard…like he was up at 10:30. So I took him into my room and laid down with him. I know, not a good thing…but I was desperate, and he always falls asleep in there.
After about 3 or 4 minutes of just laying there, he looks up to me and asks, “Mom…when will I be old enough so I can date someone?”
After about a minute of non-stop laughter, I told him to go ask his dad (who was in the office across the hall). I hear him repeat his question to Jason, whose response was, “when you’re about sixteen”. Peyton comes back into the room and as he’s climbing over me says, “Daddy says when I’m six.”
Yep…heartbreaker in the making.
