40 is the New 30

Rob threw a dinner party for my 40th (wow...it feels strange saying that) birthday. We had a great time dining at Maggiano's with my mom and several good friends. Afterward I wanted to go dancing but some couples had to get home for sitters, Melissa and Ryan had a long drive and the rest of figured we should go somewhere close to home so we didn't have far to drive afterward. I know, I totally sound like the old 40 but life changes when you have little ones...and you're old. We went to Connolly's. No dancing, just a lemon drop shot for Rob and I from Chris.

Jesus Loves Me

Tonight at dinner we got on subject of the happiest days of my life. I recited April 3, August 17, September 10, July 29 and February 1987. Tyler asked what happened in February 1987 and Rob replied "that's when mommy asked Jesus into her heart". Tyler said "I asked Jesus into my heart too" and then we noticed Ryan was looking up and mouthing something we couldn't make out. I asked what he was doing and at first he was a little shy but finally he said he was asking Jesus into his heart too. I felt that Ryan was ready to do this back when Tyler did but we didn't want to rush him. I asked Ryan if he wanted daddy to help him say a prayer so he could ask Jesus to live in his heart forever and he said yes (while chewing a chicken nugget). When he finished his bite (almost anyway) he repeated after Rob the sinner's prayer. I could feel tears welling up around my eyes and the joy that filled my heart was enormous. Thank you God for loving us and for sending your Son Jesus to die for our sins! We are eternally grateful.

Play dates and neighbors

Today I attended the first meeting of my second mom's group. After searching for mom's groups a few years ago and coming up with nothing I guess I'm making up for lost time. Within a week I found and joined three mom's groups. I'm already feeling a little overwhelmed (albeit elated) at our FULL calendar. I know I'll probably need to drop one of them so I can better focus not become flakey. Oh and did I mention I agreed to be the secretary for the mom's group I attended today.

At dinner tonight I heard a knock on the door. Luckily I was the only one that heard it so I quietly answered it (without the barking dog and screaming boys) and found our sweet neighbors Adam and Ryan at the door. With baseball bats ready they asked if the boys could come out and play. These boys are two years older and our other neighbor Brandon is three years older but the boys all have so much fun playing ball together. This was a big deal for Tyler and Ryan to have the BIG, cool kids in the neighborhood invite them out to play. I don't think I've ever seen them finish their dinner so fast and be totally okay with skipping dessert. Rob is still out playing with them now as I write this.

Sweet little Ethan is down for the night. I am constantly amazed that he just won't sleep during the day. I know it's my fault for always being on the go and never establishing a nap schedule with him but it's just so hard to stay home all day when you have older ones. I love getting out of the house and having fun with the boys but sometimes it's just too much for Ethan (and the rest of us). Every night I realize I am completely worn out but in the same breath I also realize (to quote one of my favorite bands from the '90s) "These are the days". Thank you God for these days!

First Tooth = $5

Tyler lost his first tooth on Saturday! He was roughhousing with some friends that were over for dinner and came up to me after he realized his tooth got knocked/fell out. Following the trail of blood (not much really) I found his tiny tooth on the carpet. After the excitement wore off he started to cry saying he didn't want to lose his tooth. I explained that it was time for it to come out so his new tooth had room to come in. He seemed okay with it after I told him that God picked the time for his tooth to come out.

In the morning I heard him calling out my name. Sitting at the top of his ladder when I came in his room, he excitedly told me the tooth fairy left him five dollars! I know this could get expensive with three little ones losing teeth so we explained that losing your first tooth is a really big deal and that's probably why he got so much. Rob still remembers getting a quarter for his teeth and I remember getting a silver dollar for mine...whew inflation!

Charlotte's Web

Today was the first summer movie of the season. I took all 3 little Levins and they loved it! As I wheeled the stroller into a spot I looked to see Ethan's face lit up and very excited at the sight of Wilbur the pig. He was so happy...for a few minutes at least and then it was overstimulation and an overdue nap that made for some fussing. Ethan and I spent more time walking in the hallway than watching the movie but overall it was a great time. The big boys sat with their friends Sydney and Graham and Ms. Chris. Thank goodness for Ms. Chris!

Proud Mom

So I'm sitting at Tyler's game Tuesday night when I hear someone behind me say "the best catcher on the team is #11...Tyler". I must say I was so proud! Then as he was getting ready to bat during the game, one of the dad's said "this guy is a player." It's so fun watching Tyler play because he plays with all his heart and it's also fun to hear others comment on his talent. Of course I think he plays well, I'm his biggest fan but it appears Rob and I aren't his only fans.

Tyler also has a new nickname on the team. Not a new nickname to him but one that his coaches have recently learned. As Tyler was running to join his team to practice just prior to the game, I called him "T Money", a nickname he's had since he was a baby. One of his coaches overheard me and now all the coaches call him that too.

Amazing Love

Tonight at dinner Rob and I were talking about getting baptized. Tyler said "I want to get baptized too". Rob said "that's great but there are a couple things you need to do before you get baptized". Of course Tyler asked what so I went on to explain that after you accept Jesus as your Savior you can be baptized. I know he understands Jesus died for our sins and he knows about baptism so I asked him if he's ever said a prayer asking Jesus to come into his heart. He said he hadn't but that he wanted to right then. So Rob led him in prayer as he confessed his sins, thanked Jesus for dying for his sins, asked Jesus to come and live in his heart and have the Holy Spirit fill him. WOW! So amazing and so wonderful that Tyler understands this and LOVES JESUS so much! The "thing" I want most for my sons is that they know and love Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him all their days. I am so grateful that the Lord has given our boys the opportunity to know and love Him. I pray that all our sons will make this same decision and will be great witnesses for the Lord.