Saturday projects with Daddy

Almost every Saturday Micah asks his Daddy if they can build something.  Usually he agrees and they come up with something, anything to build.  A few weeks ago they made these letters.  Last week they made a little wooden chair.  The projects usually consist of whatever materials we have on hand, thus they are typically built for the joy of building, not for usefulness or longevity (such as the letters!).

I love that Stew takes the time to build things with his kids.  Regardless of the project itself, he engages his children, does what they love to do, and finds ways to teach them about life while they work.  They all love it - Stew included.  We are pretty excited that we will have a garage and a yard when we move and be able to continue (and increase) their "projects".

This week's project?  New flooring in the dining room of our new house.  Our landlord agreed to let us tear out the carpet and install laminate instead.  We all agreed that small children and carpet in the dining room was not a good combination!  So while Stew works, I'm sure Micah will be helping as much as he can, and maybe the rest of us will play in the backyard.  So excited to move.  Less than 10 days!

Micah's first rock-climbing adventure

Finally, Stewart's dream for his little boy came true - they went rock-climbing.

Stew and our friend Paul rigged up a safety harness for him.

His Daddy climbed right alongside him.

Micah loved it.  This was early September and he's still talking about climbing.

Stewart's wish came true.

He has a new climbing partner.  Eventually.

birdhouse

Over the long weekend, Stew and Micah built a birdhouse.  Micah loves working on a project with his Daddy, especially if it involves tools.  That evening all he would talk about was the birdhouse -- it didn't even matter that we'd spent all morning out at the petting zoo/farm!!

after-bath hair-do's

Often after Micah has his bath, he and Stewart emerge from the bathroom with creative hair-do's.  Some times Stewart does his hair to match.  They are always full of giggles and so proud of their creativity.  So far I've seen a fohawk, a comb-over, a Jim Halpert 'do (from The Office), and most recently...

I just love how much fun they have together!

ah, bliss

This is about as good as it gets:

 my handsome husband tenderly caring for his newborn daughter, while doing the dishes!

the view from my window

There was quite the action going on outside my window on Monday evening.

First there was the building of armor,

then came the displays of manliness,

a short fencing match,

and a little boy, who although he looked adorable in his armor, was very unimpressed with the situation.  (If only you could see his face!)



And now, this morning those two were back outside in full armor.

Except this time the little one seems to be having much more fun.

when Daddy dresses Micah...

It seems fashion is not my husband's strength.

On a cool, cloudy day he has Micah wearing short overalls with white socks pulled up and crocs.  Oh boy.

Despite bedrest, I'm thinking picking out Micah's clothes is something I can still do, and really should.  I think he looks like a hobo today.  Stew voted for pirate.  Either way, I think I will take some time to sit on his floor today and put together a few outfits for my boy.  So he is fit to be seen in public, you know?!

who is sufficient for these things?

   "The future looms before many a new father in a new light, with the sometimes terrifying realization that this job may very well shut out the fulfillment of cherished ambitions.  How will be climb the professional ladder now with so many other demands on his time and strength?  Worse yet, can he even keep chin above water, manage to bring in enough to house, clothe, and feed these small people who have such big needs?  And what about . . . and what if . . . ?
   "A true man will certainly be brought to his knees in contrition and helplessness as he looks into the face of his newborn child, a human soul for whom he is now to answer to God.  Who is sufficient for these things?  An honest man knows he is not ready.  Everything depends on the attitude with which he receives his burden from God--with resentment and a desire to evade it as much as possible, or with gratitude, accompanied by a frank confession of fear, reluctance, or whatever negative feelings may arise, then prayer for help to do the job right, for grace to do what he cannot do without it.  He has God's promise, 'He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge' (Prov. 14:26 NIV)."

               -Elisabeth Elliot in her book The Shaping of a Christian Family, pp. 132-133.