What Kyla Says

A little background before you read ahead...

Kyla loves dogs.  Every time she sees a dog she pats her leg and says doggie.  Sometimes she will add the "woof, woof".  Kyla doesn't get any animals mixed up with dogs anymore.  I would say that a dog would be her favorite animal.

Setting: Hardware Store

Interaction:

I noticed a man walking a Chiwawa.  The Chiwawa was dressed in clothes and was shaved pretty short.  As the dog got closer I leaned down to Kyla and said "look" as I pointed towards the dog. Kyla paused for a brief moment and said, "meow". 

I just about died laughing to myself in the store.  Luckily it wasn't loud enough for the dog's owner to hear.

Poem

 “Therefore!”

How often in the dark of night doubt casts a shadow larger than
         the real and present trial I am facing?
How often on the course of life I’m called by Christ to run with faith
         but feel my weakness to sustain the pacing?
How often do we each endure our seeming so misunderstood
         by those we seek to love and serve or care for? 
And in such moments as described we’re tempted to remove ourselves
         without reviewing Heaven’s message, “Therefore!”

Now “Therefore fight,” but not as ones supposing they but beat the air,
         when every step you take you tread down serpents!
And “Therefore serve” as He who came “to serve and not be served,” He said;
         and doing so defined our call as servants!
So “Therefore!” loved one, sing down doubt and run with patience in the race,
         (so few of us have striven “unto blood.”)
And bear the yoke He’s called you to, reminded you are partnered with 
         The Burden Bearer—Jesus, Son of God.

In Him each promise is “Amen”; with Him you’ll find again—again,
         that in your weakness His strength will suffice you.
So “Therefore stand,” strong in the fight—Lift up your eyes, behold the light
         lest shadows, fears or weariness entice you. 
The course you take was charted by The Planner, Who has said, “My plans
         contain your future hope of My rewarding.”
So stay the course, wear the yoke; embrace the Cross, and “Therefore, child,
         you’ll know the joy that’s coming in the morning!”

                                                                                                                       Jack W. Hayford
                                                                                                                       April 13, 2009

Milestone Dinner

We sat down for family dinner last night after a really LONG day.  Kyla has learned the word no and likes to say "no, no mommy".  Hmmm??  We have tried to not use the word "no" a lot, but we know that it comes out occasionally.  Yesterday was a record breaking day with lots of tantrums and battles of will.  The moment Jason walked in the door I was relieved that I finally got to do something besides battling it out with Kyla... make dinner!  I don't like to use the word "battle", however sometimes that is what my day feels like.  It is a constant conversation of "do it my way". 

I made Italian Chicken, couscous, and green beans for dinner. We have begun to transition Kyla to eat what is on the table, rather than making her a whole new meal.  There are times that she gets her own side of pasta or veggie, but I purposely made a dinner where I knew she would eat two out of the three menu items.  Meat is not something Kyla has taken a liking to.  She will eat it mixed into things, but not on its own.  So, I mixed chicken pieces into the couscous and set her plate in front of her.  Her first words were "thank you".  ON HER OWN, no prompting.  Then she started to pick the chicken out of the couscous and asked for more chicken.  She ended up eating half of a chicken breast, 1/2 cup of green beans, and a 1/4 cup of couscous.  She ate like a champ!  After dinner I had forgotten how hard the day was.  I am was excited to see her eat chicken on her own and using her manners that we are teaching her.  Sometimes I feel as if my parenting goes right over her head, or that she doesn't care.  This showed me how much she gets things.  

(I am tempted to cook this meal every night, however I think Jason would appreciate variety.) 

Dear Averie...

I had so much fun playing with you this week.  I was so excited when my mom told me that you were coming to visit.  I love having friends to play with.  Here are some pictures of the things we did together. 

I loved playing in the dirt with you.  Although it was a little cold outside, I was sure glad our moms let us play a little longer after our walk.  I think our moms got too cold, because we didn't play outside for long.  Maybe next time you come down the sun will be out and it will be warm.

Can you believe all the things that we got to push around my house.  I know that we had a hard time sharing when you first got here, but eventually we figured out that we could push our babies in the stroller and the shopping cart. 

I also loved playing the "night, night" game.  It was fun to pretend that we were sleeping on the big pillow.  Good thing we didn't have to take a nap for real. (Side note: both of the girls wouldn't lay down for their afternoon nap...too much excitement.)

Bath time and bed time were so much fun!  I have never gotten to take a bath with another friend.  It was a little silly when our mommies put our hair up in a hairdo like alfalfa.  Then we both got into our jammies, got our milk, and read some books with my dad.  My daddy's noises made you laugh a lot.  My daddy can be silly sometimes!

 

After a good nights sleep, and waking up early we finally got to play!  YES... the toys were back out.  Thanks for playing with the barn and the farm animals.  It was a good thing I have two horses so we could both have one.

It was almost time for you to go, and we were getting a little sad (side note: grumpy/tired would be better words).  It was a good thing we got to play with the stereo and turn on some kid music.  It was so much fun to have a friend to dance with.  Thanks for being my DJ.

I was so happy to have you here at my house Averie!  I hope we can always be good friends!

After you left I kept asking for you.  My mommy told me that you left and had to go to your aunt's house and visit Gavin.  I missed you so much that when my mom left the room I figured out a way to climb on the table to see if I could still see you outside.  

Thanks for a fun sleepover Averie!  Cannot wait until I get to see you again.

Love,

Kyla

Happy Easter!!

Family Photo

Took this picture while on a family walk around the neighborhood.  Kyla insisted that her monkey be a part of the picture.  Kyla's monkey is her best friend.  Because I don't have as much time as it would take to give you the story of Kyla's monkey, so I will save it for another post.

Thanks Emmy for teaching Mommy!