Nine!

Testing

The BEST Christmas Cards Ever

We have already received well over 50 Christmas cards this year. They are all beautiful and I cherish them all. However, this year, I’ll admit that there is one that blew them all out of the water. It will be hard to top it. EVER.

Thomas came home from school the other day and was looking glum. I asked him how he was. “Mom, I made you a Christmas card, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. I wanted you to think it was from Heaven, not from me. I’ll just show you.” He pulled the following card out of his backpack.

 

That was just the cover. I opened it to read the inside:

He said there was a coat he had drawn and stuck in the card but it fell out.

Just look at all the thought he put into that. Look at all the FAITH. Look at all the COMPASSION. Can’t you just feel it? It is  from Heaven.

Today I was cleaning off the table and I found this little gem Veronica had written:

Look at the sentiment. Look at all the LOVE. Look at all the UNITY.

Every week for school Mass, they have to fill out their offering envelopes. If they don’t give money, they are supposed to offer a good deed. I guess they forgot to take theirs this week. I was tickled to find them today:

Life isn’t always flowers and butterflies, but when you take a moment to have faith like a child – to at least listen to what faith is for a child – then even amidst the struggles, life is full of beauty. I don’t bring up Julianne and David very often. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t need to. On their own, these two make the thread between this life and the next, between earth and Heaven, between every member of our family strong, tangible and comfortable.

Infinity–Turned on It’s Side.

EIGHT. 8. Yes, that’s the symbol for infinity (∞) turned on it’s side.

Not quite infinity ago, but an 8 year old’s lifetime ago that we welcomed and said earthly good-byes to our Julianne and David. 8 years ago that their life became ∞ in Heaven.

Another infinity of nights (exaggerated for literary purposes here) on a magnesium sulfate drip in the hospital. Another infinity of nights with a man who loves me infinitely sleeping next to that hospital bed in a chair. That symbol loops around and gives brings us back around to the infinite love of our children – our hellos to their siblings. One in an infinity chance that we would have a second set of boy girl twins. One in an infinity chance that they would look so much like their older brother and sister. An infinite amount of love and respect these children show for two siblings they have never crossed paths with, at least not on this finite earth.

This year we celebrated a little differently. After stopping by my mother’s house, who shares her birthday with Julianne and David, we went to Madison to celebrate with Judson’s parents. I'm so glad we did.

Veronica and Thomas prepared their “notes” to be sent those infinite miles to Heaven, via balloons.

Thomas drew hearts…

Veronica drew angels: a boy and a girl (gril).

Daddy Gayle let the balloons go with us…

…while Mama, in all her strength, cheered us on.

Before we left, we thanked them for sharing in our celebration. (We made them sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ for goodness sake!) Daddy Gayle welled up a little and thanked US. I guess it should not surprise me. It is their infinitely flowing love that brings smiles to Veronica and Thomas’s face, that can make my husband laugh from his gut, that can make me forget I once was not a part of this family. Daddy Gayle thanked us for the opportunity to hold our babies. There are a finite number – a very small number of people who held my firstborn children. An even smaller number who held them while they were living. I’m so blessed that this man and woman who have experienced, seen, and loved many things in their 90 and 86 years would still cherish that experience.

When we left, we went to the cemetery on the way home. We had our second round of birthday cupcakes and balloon releases.

Veronica and Thomas are unabashed about correcting people who mention I have two children. They are proud to tell people about their brother(s) and sister(s). So of course, really knew how to party with cartwheels and dancing!

And so, just a few days later, Thomas was asked to write a personal statement for his reading class. He shared this:

(Funny thing is that he didn’t have title or the last sentence. He was a little distraught over needing another sentence. I said, “you may want a sentence about who “they” are. I don’t think the reading teacher knows you have a brother and sister in Heaven.” He looked at me like I was crazy, but heeded the advice anyhow.)

Just love the closeness of my family. Even if we all can’t physically touch. But, it’s nice when we can…

Veronica’s phrase sums up the infinite intimacy of it all: “I love you permanent.”

Snug as Two Bugs on a Rug

This spring we finally got rid of the toddler beds. The kids share such a tiny room we weren’t sure how to configure it with two beds. Thomas had long outgrown the crib mattress, however.

In hopes to keep them in the same room – and keep the larger room for the playroom – we got a loft. We put a second mattress under it on the floor in a trundle frame. The weeks leading up to the loft were full of fun anticipation. Thomas did NOT want to sleep on the top bunk. Veronica did. This did not stop Thomas from using things to his advantage. Whenever things were not quite going to his liking, he’d tell Veronica, “I won’t let you sleep on the top bunk…” She’d immediately relinquish power to him.

When the loft was installed, they picked out their own sheets. Thomas the Train and Transformers for Thomas, Dora and Butterflies for Veronica. Veronica slept well on the top for a couple weeks. Then, she got sick. She wanted to sleep on the bottom. Thomas wasn’t going up, so we padded the hardwood floor for her and she snuggled up. Once she recovered, she then started having attacks of fear at being on the top bunk. So, MONTHS have gone by with Veronica sleeping on the hardwood floor. Sometimes she’d have a quilt under her, but often she drifted off of it.

I wasn’t about to force one of them to sleep on the top. How do you choose? Who do you “punish” by making them scared all night? Nevertheless, my daughter sleeping on a cold, hard floor was wearing at my conscience as well. Today, I’d had enough! I moved around some carpets and furniture to make it work. In the process, Thomas had told Judson he wanted to sleep on the top bunk. The room needed a rug anyway, so I kept at it.

Tonight, Thomas climbed up proudly onto the top bunk. Veronica cozied up to the “arrangement” she’d made on the bottom bunk of books and stuffed animals. It seemed it was smooth sailing, until lights out… Veronica was devastated that she could not see Thomas. (The loft sits quite high). She tried laying on the floor, but she could still not see him. She asked him to come down near her, he didn’t want to. After listening to Veronica’s angst, I asked Thomas if he would sing to her so she could hear his voice. He happily offered 5 songs. When the songs were over, Veronica was back out sobbing that she couldn’t see him and she needed to know he was there. I told her to go back and ask Thomas if he would snuggle with her for just a little bit. I warned her it was his right to say no. Within five minutes we never heard another peep. We went in to see what the resolution: Two sweet, loving soul mates, BOTH on the floor.

HUKD ON FONX (HOOKED ON PHONICS)

Last week I saw the following picture on the table. I was surprised that Thomas didn’t know how to spell his middle name. I was also surprised that after all the writing Thomas has been doing, I couldn’t figure out what he was spelling. I asked him about it and he told me he didn’t draw the picture or write the caption. Veronica did.
This little superstar has been sneaking in more and more words into her repertoire of reading. I didn’t realize she was starting to spell. It’s only natural as she “teaches” her stuffed animals – reading to them, instructing them.
Then, tonight, I looked through her school folder to find what she’s been writing during her free time at school.

“Instructor is Thomas Kring. R is for Riley.”

“My Number Book

My favorite number

2 rows of yellow

3 rows of blue altogether

1 rows of pink”

“Circle the big one”

What’s in a Name?

This week’s religion homework is to talk about where the children’s names came from. We’ve been discussing it most of the week. I even typed up a paper for them to remember this information. They have proudly taped these to their walls and made binders (all of their own idea) with these sheets (below).

Tonight as I picked the kids up from school, we talked again about their meanings. We talked about the history of St. Veronica. Thomas insisted, "When I'm married and I have a wife who has a baby, we'll name her Veronica. And when she's 5 she can tell her teacher that we named her after her Daddy's sister who is a special girl."

 

THOMAS

RILEY

 

THOMAS

• My brother’s name is David Thomas. He was named after
• Thomas Riley: Mama ‘s (Daddy’s mother) brother. He was very special and helped take care of Mama when her mother died when she was 5.
• David Riley: This was Thomas Riley’s son. He was Daddy’s favorite cousin.
• Thomas means “twin.” Jesus’s apostle Thomas was a twin.
• Daddy’s Confirmation name is Thomas, after St. Thomas Aquinas.
  

RILEY

• This was Daddy’s mom’s last name before she got married.
• Daddy’s middle name is Riley.

Daddy’s name is Judson Riley. He is named after his Grandfather, Judson Riley.
Mommy’s name is Christen Marie. She was born very close to Christmas, so she was named after Jesus Christ and Mary.

VERONICA

JANE

 

VERONICA

• St. Veronica was a very special girl who was kind to Jesus when the soldiers were being mean to him. She was very brave and wiped the sweat and blood from Jesus’s face while he was carrying his cross. She was rewarded by Jesus. He put an image of his face on the veil she used.
• Veronica means “true image.” I look a lot like my sister Julianne. My parents also hope to teach me to show others the love of Jesus. They hope to make me show his image.
• Mommy & Daddy are big fans of Elvis Costello. One of their favorite songs of his is "Veronica."

JANE

• My sister’s name is Julianne Jane.  She was named after
• Julianne: Grandma’s sister was very close to Grandma’s age and her best friend. She died before Mommy was born.
• Jane: My brother and sister, David Thomas and Julianne Jane, were born on Grandma’s birthday!

Daddy’s name is Judson Riley. He is named after his Grandfather, Judson Riley.
Mommy’s name is Christen Marie. She was born very close to Christmas, so she was named after Jesus Christ and Mary.

Wordful Wednesday, December

Veronica

Someone in V's class must be talking about other holidays... V keeps running around the house yelling, "April FOUR!

---

On 12/18… Veronica came out of her bedroom, well after bedtime, every 10 minutes for over 2 hours. She was amazed she learned how to snap and had to show me.

---

Me: Veronica, you are becoming a wonderful artist.
V: I know. Aunt Dawn taught me.

---

Thomas

Thomas's Joke for the night...
Why did the bubble gum cross the road?
Because it was stuck to the chicken's foot!

---

While watching The Little Drummer Boy, “Bad guys don't usually sing, right Mom?"

---

T: Mommy, I wrote you a book. (Hands me a folded piece of paper with scribble on it.)
Me: Can you read it for me?
T: It's called "Cutting for Stone 2". No, "Cutting for Stone 3." It says, "They were cutting for stone, and when there were no more trees, they did not cut anymore.”

---

All Together Now…

We were discussing which adult was going to take the kids to the library this afternoon as we both felt under the weather.
V: I know. You can both stay here and rest. Thomas and I can go by ourselves.
Me: Who's going to drive?
T: Well, I don't know how to get to the library (we were speaking of Glendale), so I guess Veronica can drive.
V: But if it's our library (Irvington), I don't know how to get to that one, so you can drive.
Case closed.

---

Early in the morning, snuggling in bed with me...
V: I'm so energized!
T: I'm so hydronated!
V: What is hydronated?
T: It's when something falls off your head.

---

Speaking about his friend who plays very energetically, "He needs to be careful with my toys. They are very delicatated."
V: What does 'delicatated' mean?
Me: 'Delicate' means that they can get hurt or break easily.
T: Yeah, because they are made in China.

Wordful Wednesday, November

Veronica

V's response to her friend who has a strawberry allergy: "Well, I'm only allergic to alligators.”

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You know when the kids spent the entire weekend with Aunt Peggy. Veronica, telling me about where she bought her new "motor"(bi)cycle... "You don't live in my town. I got it there. I live in Brown County.”

---

I was telling Veronica to be patient as I was older than her before I could snap my fingers

V: I'll be able to when I'm 62?
Me: Yes. How old do you think I am?
V: 23.

---

Thomas

Responsibility? I'm a Star Wars character - not a wild goose chase!

---

Mom, can I ask you a question? Why do hunters... Well, you know... um... Well, why do they.... You know... well... Let me think of a question.

---

My favorite Thomas word right now: "Poinky"
It seems to translate to pointy or pokey.

---

All Together Now…

V:I'm sooooo permanent!
T: I am haberjized!

When you wish upon a star…

I was showing Veronica something outside when she spied the first star of the evening. I explained wishing on a star to her. She told me, "I only wish that Julianne and David could come down."

Ah, my third-born preemie doesn't even know that today is the 6th anniversary of the day we buried our 1st and 2nd born preemies. Ironic how all this falls into prematurity awareness month...

Wordful Wednesday

Thomas

While listening to “Werewolves of London with kids,” Thomas interjected, “Werewolves travel to Africa.” I asked him, “Where did you learn that?” He replied, “Costco. But no, they travel to Egypt. Not Africa, I think.”

---

 

Veronica

“Mom, how do you spell ‘a-ok’? I already have an ‘a’. What's next?” (I make her figure out each letter, then...) “What's after k?"

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This is Thomas. He is crazy.

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We're playing school. When it's grown-up time we go to Disney World and color.

---

Judson was cracking himself up.

V: Why are you laughing?”

J: I'm laughing at something that was funny to me.

V: Why's Mommy not laughing?

---

Convo

Conversation after they were in bed.
T: What do you call a monster that can't hear?
V: Thomas, do you want to play flashlight school?
T: Sure!
V: OK, I'm Mrs. Eaton.
later, chanted, T: Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Eaton, go away.
Together *Giggles*

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• “Oh my Heavens!” – her new catch phrase.
• I love you through and though!

 

Thomas

• Judson asked Thomas if he was finished getting ready for bed. (He’s easily distracted, we have to remind him to complete a task many times before it gets started). His response this time was, “I’m reading a book by accident!”
• Mom, that’s REALLY tall. Taller than a building, taller than a tree, taller than a skyscraper. Taller than Uncle Thad.

 

Both

They are really pulling for their birthday to be ASAP. The other day they were planning their birthday party in the car. Thomas wants to have his at Chuck E Cheese. Veronica would like to have hers in the school cafeteria.

while playing, Thomas picked up a girl toy and made it talk…

V: THOMAS! That sounds like a girl voice, not a boy!

T: Well, Veronica… I am a boy. I only have boy voice parts. My voice looks like this, see? (sings syllables)

V: You do it like this Thomas. (singing, “I love you.”)

T: I am a boy. I can’t do a girl voice.

And the winner is…

POOPY-POOP!

That’s exactly how they put it, often.

• And the winner is poopy-poop.
• Poopy-poop.
• Let’s make a poopy-poop sandwich.
• …and the variations are endless.

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

Heard from the other room… “Dangit. DANGIT! Mom, you have to come here NOW!” I asked, “Why can’t you come here?” To which she answered, “Because I said ‘dangit’, That’s why you have to come now.”

While pretending to be a puppy, Veronica told me, “My name is Gorgeous.” Think she got this from Pa, who insists his name is ‘Good-lookin?”

chicken paddle = doggie paddle                      magnastics = gymnastics

“Mom, one time I saw someone reading a book when they were eating an apple. Could I try that?”

“Mom, you forgot to turn on your bling sneegle!” (turn signal)

 “I really like this song. Do you hear that bass, Mama?”

Thomas

During prayer the other night, this came out: “Angel of God, my Guardian Dear to whom God’s love commits me beer.”

A couple weeks ago Thomas told me, “mom, my name is not ‘Thomas’ anymore. I want you to call me ‘Super Thomas’ all the time now.” The other day when I called him ‘Super Thomas’ he said, “You don’t have to call me that anymore. I really like my name. Call me ‘Thomas.’”

“I love to sing beautiful songs to girls.” (After I complimented his singing to me!)

“Mom, I know why my wrestling moves are so hurty. It’s because she (Veronica) was born first and when I came out I was so long. That gave me a lot of energy.”

hang-a-bur = hamburger

Both

After going outside, Judson returned and said, “It smells like burnt toast out there.” To which Thomas asked, “What’s bird toast?” Veronica told me,

“Mom, it smells delicious out there. Want a taste?”

We made mailboxes for outside our bedroom doors this week. They have been making each other a lot of mail. Veronica was complimenting Thomas on what he had drawn her, telling him how much she’d treasure it and what a good job he did. Thomas came out of the room and I said, “You guys are good buddies.” Thomas replied, “Yep, that’s why we LOVE being twins!”

I love how “modest” these four-year-olds can be. When complimenting them, Veronica will nonchalantly say, “I know.” Thomas will answer in an exasperated tone (as if this is the most basic piece of information everyone shoud know – I’m awesome), “I knooooooooooooooooooooooooow.” To never lose that self-confidence…

Veronica: I want to be a pony!    Thomas: But I would miss my sister.      Veronica: No, you won’t. I’ll be YOUR pony!

A Walk on the WILD Side

Thanks to the Children’s Museum and the Ft. Wayne Zoo partnering up for a couple weeks, we were able to go to the Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo free of charge. I had heard wonderful things about this zoo in the past. and Oh.My.Goodness. GREAT zoo!

321Family, Flesworthy, and the Kringalings caravanned our group of Wonder Twins (plus the fab “baby” Caroline) and got up close and personal with some wildlife.

 

 

We also encountered some wildlife more common to the Indianapolis region…

There were some great interactive stations for the kids.

I wish I could say that all our time was spent marveling that we were walking the same path as the kangaroos, or that birds were swooping at our heads, but the truth is, six four-year-olds together is quite wild. So wild, we don’t even need to look at the exhibits – we’ll just live the wild life!

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• After decided that she wanted to play the older sister, “I’ll be six. Is that when you have white hair?”

Thomas

• toy reaction (toy section - at Target)

Both

After an ultimatum about them exiting their room “one more time” after bedtime, Thomas creeps out with a self-portrait. “It’s me, Mommy. So you won’t miss me when you are at work.” And Veronica? She sneaks out to sign “I love you” and blow me kisses. I didn’t stick to my threat.

Quiet… Artists Hard at Work

The kids are usually busy once we put the “down” for the night. We figure we usually chat in bed before we go to sleep, they probably need to do that, too. So as long as it doesn’t sound like they are reflooring their bedroom, we usually don’t put up much of a fight about it.

Tonight’s activity must have been creating works of art and hanging them with the vinyl cling decorations on their walls. I got a sneak preview of the exhibit when I checked on them later in the evening.

The Start of Summer

Summer days are meant to be shared with friends, like the 321 Family.

Having ice cream cone(s) on the deck.

Playing in water outside: watering plants, using water guns, running through sprinklers, and of course…

 

making muddy water “hot chocolate.”

Today

Today was another special day in the life of a child.

First trip to Disney World? Meeting Santa Claus? Loosing your first tooth? Getting a pony?

No.

Better.

Today, we had another play date with a celebrity.

Today, Marek came to our house.

Marek – the kid both my kids talk about constantly. The kid of which Veronica randomly asks what he would be doing at that moment. The family we have to pretend to be when we play. The kid who comes to our house in his Robin Costume.

Thanks for the fun. Thanks for the aftermath, too, Marek. I was in the middle of this, relishing every breath with two heads on my chest for over an hour. Felt as sweet as it did four years ago.

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• Veronica was being quite bossy to Thomas, giving him many potential consequences for not eating his dinner. I explained to her that her input was not necessary and that she was not the boss. She looked at me with genuine surprise and said, “Oh, I forgot!”
• “You need to hide somewhere I can’t find you. I’ll show you… Hide here. Now I’ll go count.”
• She’s so proud to be Grandma’s pal, “Grandma, I’m 61.”
• “Hey! A baby cow is a calf – just like a calf-ateria at school!”
• I asked, “What song would you like me to sing to you tonight, Veronica?” She replied, “It’s something very special to me. It’s something we haven’t sung in a long time.” I questioned, “What is it? (I was very curious as she has asked for Rudolph EVERY night, sometimes twice, for the last 18 months.) Her answer, “You have to be quiet when I ask you. It’s very special to me. It’s… Spiderman!!”
• Playing in the tub, I overheard her say, “You make everything difficult and I’m so not nervous by you! You’re everything I’ve always wanted. I love you, Papa!”
• “Our friend, Jesus; and our sister and brother, Julianne and David; and Santa – they are the only ones who can see us right now. Right, Mama?”

Thomas

• We were playing Uno with Wheel of Fortune kids’ meal cards, so Thomas was making up things as he went. Stacking the deck (not to win, just to have his favorite looking cards). He said, “I want the ‘well done’ card.” (Wild?) When he won he was quite proud and said, “Yeah, but I cheated you.”
• “Mama, is this mine from when I was a little boy?”
• He’s been quite interested in “tip, tap, toe.” (tic, tac, toe)
• “Daddy, I like this book, Hop on Pop. Daddy, sometime can we hop on you?”
• “You know why Pa, Curt and Uncle Danny are so silly? Because God made them that way.”
• “Mommy, is daycare too exciting for us? Is it too happy for us?”
• One morning Thomas woke to find scratches all over his hand this morning (probably from playing in the bushes the day before). He said, “Someone thought this was my boo-boo collection, but it’s not. It’s my boo-boos.”
• While watching Veronica singing as she rode away on her bike, “She’s an exciting girl.”
• “It’s not a very school day because I’m so sleepy.” Translation: I’m tired because I was up at 4 am asking if tomorrow is Christmas and then very upset because it’s so far away. That, and I look for an excuse not to go to school everyday.
• “My head is dizzy with words,” said as he spins around and collapses on the couch… His response to my criticism of his whining.
• Reading, “Jesus loves me, this I ka-n-ah-wa” I interject, “That ‘k’ is silent, so it says ‘know.’” His response, “That’s crazy! That’s not very nice to do!” I think my boy understands phonics just right.
• Passing by Julianne and David’s gravesite, “Wait, Mommy. We have to say a prayer. Thank you God for giving Julianne and David  up to Heaven. I love Julianne Jane and David Thomas. Amen.”
• One night at bedtime, Thomas asked, “Mom will you ask God to fight the bad guys? ALL the bad guys?” I answered, “Thomas, God can hear everything you so, so he just heard you ask.” Impatiently, he said, “Will you just ask Him already?”

Both

K: We’re heading to Bethlehem.
T: OK. Take care of Him and He’ll grow a long time.
V: I’ll get his bed ready.
**************************************
V: Mama, could you please sing me one more song?
Me: I already did that. It’s time for bed.
V: But, I’m scared and I need one more song. Can Thomas sing to me?
Me: Yes.
V: Can you ask him? (I ask)…
T: Long pause followed by a sigh… I can sing her 12 songs.

A Matter of Life and Death

Last week Veronica came home to tell me that one of her classmate’s father had passed away. I was amazed that I had to hear that from her, but she was adamant about it, and was just so matter-of-fact about it. I kept probing, amazed that she didn’t seem phased by this. I asked, “Aren’t you sad for [your classmate]?”

She looked me in the eye, and simply said, “No, [classmate] can still talk to him.” She was mistaken – it was her classmate’s grandfather. However, her perception of it made me catch my breath.

The other day, Thomas ran out into a parking lot. I sat him down to have a serious discussion with him. I hadn’t ever brought up death before, but just getting hurt didn’t seem to make an impact on him. So, I said, “but you could die!”

He looked at me and calmly said, “I want to go to Heaven to see my brother.”

I am amazed at their acceptance of death. It is truly a faith-driven peace. Of course they don’t know yet the heartache of losing someone they love. They only know the joy their brother and sister must have living in Heaven with Jesus. Living a life of love and watching over those they love. Together.

This last interaction with Thomas terrified me, of course. We have glorified Julianne and David’s existence in Heaven. After all, isn’t that our goal – to obtain eternal life with those we love, with our Lord? We want them to know their brother and sister and not be sad about it. However, I don’t want to make Heaven a goal before their time… I explained further to both of them that Heaven is where we want to be, but not before God wants us to be there. We won’t all go at the same time and although I’m happy Julianne and David get to live in Heaven where we will someday join them, I do get sad that I can’t hold them. I would be sad if I couldn’t hold Thomas and Veronica. They seemed to understand this. (And, I admit that I reverted to the, “If you get hit by a car you may not die. You could be hurt very badly and have to be in a hospital for a long time.” – This seemed to work too.)

I do try to dwell on their amazing acceptance of faith, family and Heaven. I am amazed at how proud Thomas is to have a brother. How Veronica feels special that she has a sister and TWO brothers. Thomas has even been able to deal with some new separation issues by knowing he can talk to his brother in his heart. Veronica feels she is not alone because her sister can see her. One night, Thomas told me he would be alright because his brother would rub his back.

These two can tell you the story of Good Friday through Easter. They can tell how how horrible it must have been for Jesus to be nailed to a cross. I had tried to share as little as possible about what was going on, but they kept asking. And, they wanted to hear the answers. They accept the answers. They are also excited to tell the story of Easter day (and why the Easter Bunny decides to celebrate).

At Christmas, Veronica and Thomas were happy that Julianne and David were able to be at Jesus’s birthday party with Him. They seem to be happy to know that their sibling get to participate in another exciting celebration in their own way. They are excited to share with these people they don’t even know… but yet they do.

I have never seen God, but I know Him. He talks to me in many ways. He speaks to me even louder when he shows me how Veronica and Thomas can reach for something unseen, grasp it, love it, hold onto it and want to understand it daily.

He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:14-16

I have lost two children. Two children have made the realization of being a family with four children possible. Their faith makes my faith grow stronger. Our faith keeps our family strong.

As we approach Easter, I am so thankful to know that we are given life beyond this one. As rich as this life can be, it’s a life that will only be richer – shared with all those we love and without the hurt of this world.

***********************************************

Postscript and invitation:

At the same time, I am reminded at those who love this special family we have. Those who have supported us through our ups and downs. Those who love our family in it’s entirety. It really is overwhelming. I’m excited to celebrate this the week after Easter through the March for Babies. A cause where God has given us people who use their resources and knowledge to work toward giving families chances. I walk for all babies. You can join me here: http://www.marchforbabies.org/kring

Tonight’s Bedtime Conversation

Me: What song would you like me to sing to you tonight, Veronica?
V: It's something very special to me. It's something we haven't sung in a long time.
Me: What is it? (Great anticipation on my part as she has asked for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer EVERY night -sometimes twice - for the last 18 months.)
V: You have to be quiet when I ask you. It's very special to me. It's .... Spiderman!!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T: That's a gaggart.

V: Mommy! Thomas said gaggart and that's a bad word.

Me: No, it's not a word.

T: What does it mean?

Me: It doesn't mean anything. It's not a word.

V: It's a bad word!

Me: No, it's not a word at all.

T: It's not a bad word.

Me: It's just not a word.

V: It's a good word?