{Mama Recommends}

In the wake of all that has happened in the last few days, I needed to focus on something simple and good. As a Mama, one of the sweetest times in my day is when Jackson and I are reading books together. There is sweetness about sitting together and reading book after book and watching him react to the narrative and illustrations. I'm pretty sure there are some families who would give anything to toss aside the laundry today and read to their babies.

Over the past year we have read some of the greatest children's books. I cannot take credit for these literary treasures. Trip is the one who goes and searches the shelves for great books. When he had exhausted that search method he started using the internet to search out even more. I am so grateful for his joy at finding these books.

We have been blessed that our library has a great children's section. If your library doesn't carry one of the books below, REQUEST it! You'll be delighted to add it their collection.

So, without further adieu...

Click, Clack MOO: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Rescue Bunnies by Doreen Cronin

Knuffle Bunny Series & The Pigeon Series by Mo Willems
~actually ANY book by Mo Willems is a "must read"

The Bear Series by Karma Wilson

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Loren Long has a collection of books that he has authored as well as others that he has simply illustrated. If he is ANYWHERE on the cover of the book, CHECK IT OUT. Among our favorites are the Otis series, Drummer Boy, Toy Boat and Windflyers.

Brian Lies has a clever "Bat" series.

Lasso Lou & Cowboy McCoy by Barbara Larmon Failing

J. Klassen has two "Hat" books that are hysterical.

The Snowman Series by Caralyn Buehner

Here Comes the Train by Charlotte Voake

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

...and finally, our favorite book from this year ~
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

I could have listed 100 more books, but these were among our favorites. If you have one that you consider a "must read", please let me know.

Happy Reading!

The First Christmas Pageant

For weeks we have listened to Jackson sing the cutest songs in preparation for his preschool's Christmas pageant. He was so excited to have us come to hear him. He must have asked me ten times today, "Mommy, are you sure you can come hear me sing?!" And each time, I would assure him that this was a special night and we wouldn't miss it.

Before tonight I had never had the chance to be in the audience and anxiously await the entrance of my child in a program. As a teacher I was always concerned that my class would be on time and that they would do well. But being on the the other side of such an important event at a school was so special.

As his class entered I could tell that he was anxious to find us. Trip and I dropped any sort of "cool" facade and waved wildly making sure he knew we were there and that he found us. Once he saw us he had the biggest smile and, if possible, more spring in his step.

I have looked forward to a night like tonight ever since Jackson was born. I love everything about the Christmas season. But the chance to see and experience it through the eyes and mind of a child makes you truly stop and reflect upon what Christmas is really all about. 

~ Luke 2.11~
For unto you is born this day in the

 city of David a Savior, 

who is Christ the Lord.

Henry {6 months}

I find it completely inappropriate how fast these first six months have gone. I cringe to think that the next six months will go equally as fast. The thought of placing a candle on a cake makes my heart just race.

I find myself savoring the time in this stage more so than I did with Jackson. Part of me loves the simplicity that our lives are right now and part of me knows the milestones that are lurking around the corner.

Speaking of milestones...

Mr. Henry, the only big change this month is your determination to crawl. You have a shuffle and scoot thing going on right now. But, like you brother, you seem to only know REVERSE. This frustrates you terribly and you roll your way to the intended target. Don't tell Jack, but while he was at school you rolled your way to one of his firetrucks and squealed with joy as you grasped it for the first time.

You are a traveling champ. The Thanksgiving trek to Ohio was, dare I say, enjoyable because of how well you did in the car.

You love to eat. Peas and apples are among your new favorites. And it shows! Two more pounds and a half an inch in growth. Your still hanging off the top end of the chart in height, but you made it on the chart in weight.

What I love most about you is your smile and your laugh. You are so ticklish. If I need a good Henry laugh, I know exactly where to tickle. And the laughter of little boys in this house is such a wonderful sound.

Henry, you are such a joy to us. We have treasured these first six months with you and we look forward to what the next six will bring.

Henry {5 Months}

I am a little behind on Henry's five month post. It's for good reasons though. We had a very special AWNT come visit us for a few days and we were distracted by the fun. But alas, Henry is 5 months, 5 days today so before the month sneaks away, I wanted to post a few pictures and remember a few details.

Henry, at five months you are 27in long and 14lbs 6oz. 

{We grow 'em long and lean around these parts.}

You are in Size 2 diapers.

You wear 6-12mo clothes if they are separates 

& 9mo if they are one piece.

The biggest change this month was the introduction to food. I am using Super Baby Food again and unlike your brother you had an aversion to avocado. And not just a "meh, I don't really care for this" kind of reaction, a THROW EVERYTHING UP kind of reaction. Message received little man. No more avocado...{at least for a little while}. After that initial sadness, you have eaten everything else with great excitement. Sweet potatoes and bananas are real winners in your book.

After you finish nursing we always take a few minutes to read together. You have developed a love for books. And the best part is that you have started to "help" me turn the pages. Brown Bear, Brown Bear keeps your attention from the first to last page. And you think the way I read Moo, Baa, La, La, La is a riot. {You. Are. Welcome.} The joy you get from books is so special to me. Your big brother was the same way and he reads at least 5 books every day now. So, I am looking forward to rereading all of the special books with you!

Henry. Oh Henry.

You are such a lovebug.

I am so grateful for your sweet spirit. 

I am looking forward to what this next month has in store for you.

Trick or Treat?

{The following post is brought to you by "Hooked on Phonics".}

Everyone who knows me gets a real chuckle by the way I say, A-U-N-T. Don't get me wrong, I like to be funny. But this particular opportunity to provide humor to others has always been lost on me. 

I say A-U-N-T ~  "awnt". 

The rest of you yahoos say ANT. 

Why?? For the love of all that is good and phonetical do you slaughter 

a lovely title to so many ladies and reduce them to bugs? WHY???

Let's review similar words, shall we?

Gaunt

Flaunt

Taunt

Speaking of that last word...oh I get taunted. Among those taunts are being told to read a book where the author uses pants to rhyme with AUnts. And the latest tricky act was done by my sister-in-law. And the treat??? She used my sweet baby to harass me. I mean...honestly.

What is that marching across my baby?? ANTS!!!

LUCKILY I think a lot of that crazy woman. In addition to silly pranks with phonetically sad words she also has provided not one, but TWO adorable pumpkin outfits to my kidlets.

Jack in 2009

Henry in 2012

The boys today...

Looking Back

Today, NINE years ago I went on a first date with good 'ol Trip Radtke. To commemorate that special date I am guest blogging at Re{de}fining. The blog belongs to my dear friend, Jenn. She is doing a series on motherhood for the month of October.  She asked me to share the journey that God chose for Trip and me to become parents.

Many of you already know Jenn because of the faithful prayers you offered for she and her family as her daughter Charlotte had her heart surgeries over the last few years.

So, why don't you go on over to her blog and read our story and then snoop around and check in on how God has been answering their prayers for both Charlotte, and her big brother, Sam.

The Sunday Funnies

I decided to start Henry on some solids this week. Let's just say it didn't go over too well. I don't know if it was the avocado or the idea of his mother shoving a spoon in his face, but Mr. Henry had a few thoughts on the matter.

Before:

After:

I think we'll have to try again in a few days.  

Maybe.