Casting out Demons

I have 2 boys. 2 adventurous boys that keep life...interesting. When Leighton joined our family, I felt certain that she would cancel out some of the crazy. After all, aren't little girls suppose to be made of "sugar and spice and all things nice"? Leighton, however seems to have been born with an extra helping of spice, hold the nice. 

Case in point: I was helping Leighton get dressed for Mother's Day Out this morning. 

I had selected an adorable shirt with a cat on it. Leighton loves cats. 

The shirt had lots of pink on it.  Leighton loves pink.

The shirt had really cute ruffles on the sleeves. Leighton, apparently, hates ruffles.

Like really hates them.

She threw the fit of all fits in protest of wearing this shirt. I made the mistake of picking this battle and wasn't going to let her claim victory. So as she flailed about, I firmly put the shirt on her and escorted her to the car.  We spent the first 10 minutes of our car ride screaming and crying about this ruffled shirt until I finally started praying out loud.  I asked the Lord to help us right then, to restore peace to our car and in our lives.  When I paused in my prayer, Leighton responded, "I don't need any help!" I informed her that she did and then proclaimed: "In the name of Jesus, you will not talk about this shirt anymore." And that was it. The battle was over. The tears stopped. The yelling ceased. Praise Jesus! 

This moment was the closest I've come to seeing an instant miracle.

 I prayed.

God answered. 

Just like that.

It felt like the demon of willfulness had been cast out of my little girl and peace had been ushered in in its place (at least until the next wardrobe battle). Kidding. Not kidding.

In all seriousness though, this whole episode was such a pointed reminder for me.  How many times do I get caught up in my willfulness, my anger, my selfishness, and rebelliously declare: "I don't need help!" Yet nothing could be further from the truth. I have my own ideas about what my life should look like, and when God has other plans, I can throw my own little fit. But God, in His infinite love and mercy, puts my shirt (my spiritual armor) firmly on and escorts me on my path. Only when I stop protesting, stop kicking and screaming, does His peace settle on my soul, and I discover that I'm where I'm suppose to be. 

As I argued with Leighton this morning, I had reasoned: "I'm older than you and have been around a lot longer. I would never have you wear something that wasn't good." Isn't it the same with God? He is so much wiser, has been around a whole lot longer, and would never allow something that wasn't ultimately for our good. I'm incredibly grateful that God can use even 4-year old tantrums as a mirror to what needs to change in my own heart. I'm also thankful that when we call on Him, He is faithful to answer.

"And call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Psalm 50:15

Life With Three

So, it's been over a year since I've posted.  My boys are still crazy, but we've added a little lady:)  I'm not going to start with her though.  Today is Middle Child Day, so I will begin with Levi.


Levi is 2--not the terrible twos, more like the bi-polar twos. He can be quite delightful.  We are potty-training, and by that I mean, now I change his underwear instead of his diapers.  Levi does thank me when I clean up his accidents, but that does not make the experience more enjoyable;) 
Levi is our cuddler, and "Hold you me, Mommy!" is his mantra.  He is Lyston's shadow and loves his baby sister, "LaLa." Levi is our night owl.  You can hear the pitter patter of his feet for about an hour after bedtime and his squeals of delight as he tries to sneak up on you.  Happy Middle Child Day, Levi!  There will be no "Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!" for you.  Marsha would have just gotten bitten;0


Lyston is a constant source of entertainment.  We have started him on an allowance because he kept pestering us to do chores to earn money.  Lyston suggested we "pay him in a pattern--like round money, dollar, round money, dollar." He ran around the house saying, "I'm money hungry!"
Lyston keeps me accountable and serves as my comic relief.  One day, I was frustrated because we were running late (a regular occurrence.)  Lyston says, "You shouldn't get too mad mommy because Santa Clause is watching you.  Then, he proceeds to sing "Santa Clause is Coming to Town."  You never know what's going to come out of his mouth!
I was changing his sheets the other day and found a toy golf club in his bed.  I asked him why he had a golf club in his bed.  Lyston replies, "I don't know.  Why don't you put toys in your bed?"
I can't believe he will be starting Kindergarten in less than 2 weeks.  Hondo ISD will never be the same.


Leighton is my promise from my Redeemer.  I still remember the call last October giving me my test results:  Your baby is healthy with no foreseeable disorders, and it's a girl!  I literally dropped to my knees, while sobbing hysterically and praising God.  He had granted me the desire of my heart!
On April 4, 2014, I was at a rehearsal dinner, for my sweet friend Alexie, when my water broke (a first for me.)  3 hours later, Leighton Emarie Blanks made her appearance.  She is 4 months old and doing wonderfully! I am saddened that Leighton doesn't have her sister, Kinley, to play with, but I look forward to the glorious day when my girls will meet each other.


Life with 3 kids is never dull.  Grocery store trips resemble a traveling circus.  Yesterday, people even gawked and laughed when they saw me with a baby strapped on, my toddler in the shopping cart, and my 5 year old running down the aisles, attempting to play hide-in-seek.  Oh, and don't forget the groceries that were piled so high in my cart that they began to overflow and fall off the side (some intentionally thrown off by Levi.)  These people only got to see a preview.  They did not see me trying to load my car with this ridiculous amount of groceries when I forgot to take out the double stroller in the back of my Tahoe.  They did not see us arrive home and observe Lyston somehow puncturing the milk gallon with a tricycle so that milk started squirting everywhere.  These spectators also didn't get to view me nursing a baby and simultaneously trying to control where my two-year old aimed his pee. Life with 3 is an adventure, but it's a beautiful adventure.  I am so thankful God allowed me to be Lyston, Kinley, Levi, and Leighton's mom.

Laughs with Lyston

This past week, I've tried to jot down some Lystonisms.  So, here's a glimpse of life with Lyston:

Friday--As we are reviewing letters, Lyson is struggling with one:  "Satan's just not letting me think of it."

Sunday--I am trying to get Lyston to pick up his toys and attempt reverse psychology: "So, you don't know how to pick up your toys, Lyston?"  His response, "No, I just don't want to."

Tuesday--Lyston begins the day by inviting me to come on his honeymoon and ends the day telling me he is going to "robert" me and take my cash. 
At dinner, Lyston is using his fingers instead of his fork.  Matt says, "You need to use your fork.  When you start school, all the other kids will be using a fork at lunch."  Lyston replies, "Well, I'll be eating a sandwich."

Wednesday--In the morning, the toilet is making strange sounds after Lyston flushes a bunch of paper down.  "Well, I'll tell you what, Mama.  We can let Daddy investigate the potty when he comes home." 
At lunch, Lyston tells our vertically challenged waitress, "You're not tall at all.  You're little.  You need to eat more spinach."
Before his bath, I tell Lyston to put his clothes in the hamper.  He responds, "I was just about to suggest that."

Today--"I love you, Mama.  I love you more than you love me.  I love you the most!"
Not a chance, baby.  Not even close........

Lyston is rowdy, stubborn, and just plain crazy, but MY SON IS AMAZING! 

Updates on my crazies

Crazy #1
Lyston, now 4, will finish his last day of Mother's Day Out Thursday and begin pre-school next year.  Where has the time gone?!?  I will attempt to borrow prisoner monitoring devices from the local authorities as a beginning of the year gift for his teachers.  Everyone, start praying now for those unsuspecting souls.
Lyston has decided on a career as a florist/hot dog vendor.  He has also declared that he's not marrying anybody when he grows up and will be living with us forever.  Matt says Lyston is correct if by "forever" he means 18.  Right now, Matt has recruited Lyston as his engineer/inventor sidekick.  Matt's newest creation: the buggy cart

Lyston's t-ball season will be over in a couple weeks.  He enjoys randomly running to the pitcher's mound, putting his head between his knees, and the snacks after the game.  I don't foresee an athletic career ahead of him.

I will say that Lyston has made a fantastic big brother.  He's such a helper with Levi (who thinks Lyston is hillarious!)  He's also very protective and constantly tells people, "don't mess with my bruder."

 

 

 

Crazy #2

Levi finally traded his crawling in for walking and has been waddling up a storm.  His favorite word is still dada:(, but he's also added mama (occasionally,) eye, and uh-oh.  Levi also speaks German fluently, at least that's what we're calling his babble.

Levi enjoys climbing up and standing on the dining table.  He is a talented tupperware cabinet interior decorator and is also an expert at trash digging.We have high hopes for his future.

 

Levi was never interested in pacifiers but sucks his thumb when he's tired.

 

I thank God for these crazy, sweet boys.  In the midst of a world full of tragedy, I delight in the blessings He has entrusted me with for now.  Let us live each day for God's glory!

 

 

 

 



The kids

Levi
In less than 2 weeks, Levi Clif will turn 1.  Where has this year gone?  The boys do not really favor each other in looks, but in actions...I'm beginning to worry.

Levi's not walking yet but has no problem getting around.  His hobbies include: climbing everything in sight, screaming at Lyston if Lyston is in mommy's lap, and saying "dada" repeatedly when asked to say "mama."

 

Lyston

Lyston is Lyston.  Those who told me that he would start calming down as he grew up were apparantly just trying to make me feel better;) Lyston keeps us laughing though, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.  The other morning he was getting dressed and realized he hadn't put any underwear on the night before under his pajamas.  Lyston told me, "I didn't have underwear on.  I just slept in my weenie." 

We go on walks, and with this hot weather, Lyston likes to find shade and take frequent sitting breaks.  Last time, he insisted on bringing his "furniture" with him (little plastic chair and bucket.)  Lyston sits in his chair with his bucket next to him and his water cup in the bucket.  He will make an excellent beach bum. 

Lyston likes to tell us about the many things he will do when he's "a dolt"(adult.) Lyston has decided on a career as a construction worker.  He also plans to have many kids, so he can spank all of them.

 

 

Kinley 

On Sunday, February 3rd, it will be two years since Kinley passed away.  For those of you who have lossed a love one, you know the pain never goes away.  It just changes.  Our music minister has asked me to sing in church that morning.  He wasn't aware of the signifigance of the day, and I almost declined.  However, I felt like maybe there was a song I needed to sing, a word God wanted me to share.  The song I've chosen is "Not for a Moment" by Meredith Andrews.  The chorus goes:

"After all, you are constant.

After all, you are only good.

After all, you are sovereign.

Not for a moment, will you forsake me."

That's the message I want people to know.  Our circumstances change.  God doesn't.  His character isn't dependent on my situation.  The God I serve sent His Son to die for my sins.  This same God gave me three beautiful children and took one of them to live with Him.  It was before I was ready, but it wasn't before He was ready. 

God didn't leave me to deal with my grief.  He's been there every step of the way.  He's still here walking me through each day because I miss Kinley every day.  I hope wherever you are at today God's presence is felt and that you are able to rest in His sovereignty.

 

 

 

 

Poop

While this post contains more than just poop, who could resist such a catchy title?  I will be getting to that a little later.

Since my last post, Lyston has started soccer.  It's so rewarding knowing Lyston has found his life long passion.  I know, as his mother, I'm partial, but I really do believe Lyston is the best water-drinker on the team.  He drinks the most water by far (as proved in last week's game where he went to the bathroom twice in the span of one hour.)  Lyston has an intense dedication to the game as seen in this photograph:

 

He's the one sitting on the ground playing with grass in case you missed that.  Even though Lyston's interest in kicking the ball is lacking, he loves his coaches and shouting "Rattlers" at the end of the game.

 

Mother's Day Out has gone better for Lyston this year, not near as many timeouts.  He did go once this week for peeing on the playground (I thought we were past this.) The best part is that he told his teachers that I had said he needed to do that to water the grass.  What?!? 

 Lyston is quite the ladies' man.  Most of the little girls flock to him and call his name when he walks in the door.  It will take a special young lady to tame him in the future:)  I'm praying now.  Lyston told me that one friend doesn't have a daddy.  He said we should go buy her one since they are $5.

 

Levi is doing well and amazingly still alive after Lyston's attempts to pick him up and bury him with stuffed animals.  He's almost 9 months and crawling everywhere.  I've caught Levi in the dog's crate and crawling out the front door. He loves pulling himself up on everything and has even stood without holding on for a few seconds.  Levi finds Lyston hillarious (imagine that.)  We love our chunky monkey!

 

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for...the poop story.  Matt was on the floor playing with the boys when he tells me he thinks Levi's diaper needs to be channged.  I said I'd get to it in a minute or that he could do it;)  A few minutes goes by, and we notice Lyston is no longer in the room.  I go to the bathroom to investigate.  There he is on the potty, and the room smells like poop. He then informs me that he had pooped in his underwear (I thought we were past this too.) I ask him where he put the underwear.  Lyston points to the dryer which is running because I had been drying one of my shirts (he restarted it on his own.) I open it up, and there are his nasty underwear, my now nasty shirt, and one nasty smelling dryer.  Thankfully, my amazing mother-in-law told me to scrub it with water and vinegar, and the odor finally went away.  She claims this never happened to her, but I wonder what secrets of Matt's she's keeping.  This would explain so much about our son.  Just saying;)  When I asked Lyston why he pooped in his pants, he simply said, "the poopoo disobeyed God."  How can you argue with that?

 

 

 

 

Life with Lyston

Life with Lyston is many things but dull is not one of them.  Sometimes, I think God answered my prayers for an extraordinary life through this one crazy boy.  Lyston kicks the flavor of the day up to extra spicy.  No mild for this child.

Last night, I was in the kitchen cooking when I hear Lyston whoop, "Gitty-up, horsey."  I look over to the living room, and there's Lyston riding his designated horse--his 7 month old brother, Levi.  "Lyston, you never ride your little brother," I admonished.  Never expected to be saying those words one day nor most of what comes out of my mouth these days!  Levi seemed unfazed by his brother's actions. You learn to adjust in this house, whether you want to or not:)

This morning, we're getting ready to leave for BSF, and, as usual, we can't find Lyston's tennis shoes.  We searched everywhere to no avail, and Lyston ended up having to wear his crocs.  I had become very frustrated and apologized to Lyston when we were in the car for getting upset.  Lyston, the wise one, says, "Just take a deep breath, mom." I ended up finding his shoes when we got home in the laundry basket.  I guess he wanted them washed.

Not only does Lyston offer excellent advice, but he's also developed a strong prayer life.  While we are searching for his shoes, Lyston prays out loud for God to help find his shoes.  The best demonstration of his prayerfulness was right before Matt was going to give him a spanking.  Lyston bows his head and starts mumbling about not letting Daddy give him a spanking.  Matt tries to talk to him about the reason he's getting a spanking.  Lyston says, "Shhh, Daddy.  I'm praying!"  Lyston's prayers were not answered affirmatively that evening. Although, almost.  Sometimes it's so hard disciplining with a straight face.

Lyston has started back at Mother's Day Out.  Levi stays home with me.  So far no timeouts and no peeing on the playground.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed! 
We started back at Bible Study Fellowship today.  Lyston has his own class, but a class hasn't opened up yet for Levi.  So Levi got to come with me today.  He made his presence known by spitting all over me, tooting horrendous odors, and grunting loudly while pooping. I guess Levi has to compete with big brother some how!
All that said, I love my boys and thank God for choosing me for this adventure.  It may not always be pretty, but it's sure not dull!