The Little Rajah

Our family has taken to calling Isaac the Little Rajah.  Since he's the smallest person in our household, he has become quite spoiled.  An often heard phrase at our house these days is, "He's the Little Rajah.  Give him what he wants."

What's that?  You want yet another graham cracker?  Why certainly.  Oh, you want to take off your clothes and put on your p.j's in the middle of the day?  Well, let me help you change.  You want to read that book right now?  No problem, just let me put down this spoon.  The others don't need dinner right away, do they?

Even Joel and Jude (generally) give Isaac what he wants.  They're quick to surrender a car or a toy horse in deferrence to the Little Rajah.

The Little Rajah has also discovered that if he flashes that deadly little toothy grin of his, he can pretty much absolve himself of any wrong doing, especially when he's caught in the act.

Now that the Little Rajah is nearly two, it's time to start cracking down on the "I'm-a-prince-so-give-me-what-I-want" behavior.  Too bad he's so darn cute.  It makes it awfully difficult to follow through, even with the best of intentions. 

Paul's First Camp Out

Paul went on his first camp out this past weekend.  He went with his dad and his Boy Scout troop.  Being that it's December, it was cold.  We gave Paul the sleeping bag we had gotten him for Christmas before the camp out so that he'd be well prepared for the below freezing temperatures.

All in all, Paul did very well.  Matt, confident before leaving that the whole camping thing would all come back to him and he'd take to it like a duck to water, didn't fare as well.  Thirty years between him and his last Boy Scout camp out  has wrought some changes to his body.  He felt every bump under his sleeping bag and sleeping pad.  He heard every sound at night.  And it was cold.  Very cold.  He hardly slept the whole weekend.

Both Matt and Paul loved the meal that was served on Saturday night.  One of the Scout leaders prepared a turkey in a garbage can.  Charcoal and chicken wire were also involved.  Matt said it was by far the best turkey he's ever eaten.  I'm guessing anything would have tasted good after a day of hiking in the cold.

Sunday morning, Matt prepared a huge breakfast for the men--scrambled eggs with ham, fried baby red potatoes, sausage and banana bread.  (The boys were in charge of their own meals, with the exception of Saturday's dinner.)  He also lead the troop in a devotional time before they packed up to head home.

Matt looked liked he'd been through the wringer when he returned on Sunday.  Paul excitedly told all his siblings about the great time he and his dad had.  Except for a few bug bites, Paul is none the worse for the wear.  It might take his dad a few more days to recover, however.

Road Trip Sans Kids

Matt and I were able to get out of town for a couple of days over the Thanksgiving weekend.  Once again, Matt's parents were spectacular caregivers of our kids.  The kids are blessed to have grandparents who love spending time with them.

Matt and I enjoyed a dinner at a favorite German restaurant on Friday night.  We hadn't eaten there in at least ten years.  The place was still there with the same owner.  The only thing that had changed since we'd last visited was the name.  I even had a coupon, which made the meal that much tastier.  We were both stuffed when we left the restaurant.  Everything tasted just like we remembered it.

The next day, Matt and I toured four or five different thrift stores. I was able to find quite a few items on my list, including a light winter coat for myself (Land's End) and skirts for all of the girls in the family.  Yes, I do have a very good and patient husband.

We also went to a guy store.  It was filled to the brim with hunting, camping and fishing stuff.  Plus it had toys.  What a combo--my boys would have been in heaven, had we had them with us.  Matt was in heaven, too.  He purchased a mummy sleeping bag for Paul.  Amazingly, I found something I wanted there--a pair of forceps.  They were in the fishing section for $1.99.  I can't even count the number of times I've wanted one of these doodads to solve some little predicament around the house.  The next time a small toy falls down the bathroom sink drain, I'll be ready.

We also visited the mall that day.  It was crazy busy, as we expected.  I really wanted to visit Williams-Sonoma (a potato masher for $50? seriously?) and Crate & Barrel.  Matt bought me a couple of mercury glass votive holders.  They look just as pretty on our mantle as I imagined they would.

We ate at a place on Saturday night that had been visited by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.  I ordered some sort of fiery pasta dish that they had served Guy when he came.  Needless to say, after we finished our dinners, we went straight to the drug store to buy some Zantac.

Sunday morning we attended a local church service and then we headed home to see our kiddos (and to rescue Grandma & Grandpa).  We came home to a decorated tree, complete with repaired lights and a bunch of little ones that were awfully happy to see their Mama & Daddy.  There's nothing yummier in all the world than toddler hugs.

Matt and I were so appreciative of this time away.  We got to really talk (not just chat) about a lot of different things.  We kept referring to Abraham (whom we are studying right now in BSF) and the incredible faith he displayed even though he could not see how everything would turn out.  The Lord blessed our time together, for which we are grateful.  He truly is the Giver of all good things.