The Holland Family

Joseph had his 3rd birthday this past Tuesday. After having 2 friends over in the morning, we spent the afternoon mowing the lawn together (he received a new toy lawn mower as a gift from his old man). Then we had some friends over that night to celebrate. One of the upsides of Katrina is that mail has been delayed. He has been getting presents each succesive day since Tuesday. His little 3 year old brain thinks that its his birthday whenever he gets a birthday present. So he has had a 5 day birthday so far. Ah, childhood.

Everyone once in a while, the boys and I give Hallie a break and have “man time”. This past Tuesday was man night. We went to the two most manly stores I can think of - Home Depot and Best Buy. Here are the boys enjoying lumber and big screen televisions.

The week at the beach was a hit. Seaside was beautiful. Only one day did rain prevent us from beach attendance. All the rest of the days were gorgeous. Joseph absolutely loved both sand and sea (especially the sea). Will loved primarily just the sand but thankfully kept it out of his mouth. Alas, work starts back tomorrow. Oh well. At least we had one successful vacation this summer without a hurricane or car wreck messing things up.

It is a joy to my heart to hear Joseph memorize and recite the truths of our Christian religion. But sometimes, I’m reminded that it will be a while before he fully understands the truths he is memorizing.

1.) When reading the Bible at family devotions, we’ll often play the “Good or Bad” game. For example, “Joseph is John the Baptist good or bad?” Or, “Is Ahab good or bad?” Well on the particular occasion of asking about Ahab, Joseph immediately answered correctly, “Ahab is bad.” But then he redounded, “But Whom Christ is good.” “Whom Christ?” I said with confusion. Then I remember his catechism question. Q. What did God the Father guarantee in the covenant of grace? A. To justify and sanctify all those for Whom Christ died.

2.) I asked Joseph the question, “What is God?” He responded correctly with, “God is a Spirit and has no body as we do.” But then he had a follow up question, “Daddy, is God lonely? Doesn’t he have a family like we do?” Again, I was confused until I read the answer to the question again. “God has no body/ nobody as we do.”

3.) Last night Joseph learned a new question. Q How can you be saved? He answered with a characteristic two-year-old slur, “By trusting Christ alone for my salivation.” Surely there is Biblical truth there for a two year old who loves food.

So after a long bout of 100 degree days which were far too hot to play in, some rain came in with a cold front. Hallie decided to send the boys out and relieve some of their cabin fever. I love this picture because it encapsulates both boys’ personalities. Joseph is singing and picking up mud to throw. Will is simply trying to make the biggest splash he can. Ah…boys.

This is what the Caravan ended up looking like…

Everyone is recovering nicely. Joseph is growing continually frustrated that both wrestling and chewing are not allowed for his mending jaw. We go to the oral surgeon on Monday and hope for a good report. Honestly, we’re hoping he will say Joseph is healed and can begin his normal rambunctious life style again. We’ll see…
On a different note, Will has begun to use a spoon. A big step for baby-kind. Of course, there still comes the point that his frustration brims over and fingers quickly replace his newly developed homosapien skills.

Well, we make the long journey tomorrow to VA! We’ll leave early in the AM and hopefully take advantage of some sleeping boys to get some miles under our belt. This is actually my first visit to Lynchburg in close to 8 months. It will be good to be with family again. Praise God that this trip will be undertaken in a mini-van! I’m looking forward to the extra comfort.

Well, the Holland family was supposed to be in Panama City Beach, FL next week at our yearly RYM conference. Alas, Dennis arrived before we did and called the whole thing off. So we’ll be in not so sunny Jackson next week instead of at the beach. Joseph is espeically sad as he was looking forward to both riding on the “big green bus” and swimming in the ocean.

Not a bad 4th. We woke early this morning in excitement of a morning at the pool with the Balls. Samuel is Joseph’s little friend, who invited us to a morning at the neighborhood pool. Joseph, in a fit of joy, changed straight out of his pajamas into his bathing suit. We were at the pool by 10. I’ve spent many a day in my teenage years as a swim instructor so I decided today to do a mini swim lesson with Joseph. The first lesson is always getting comfortable with the water. I’d say Joseph learned it. The favorite activity of the day was Joseph jumping into the pool, where it is over his head, and sinking like a rock until Daddy pulled him out. I’d decided to see if he would freak out if I didn’t pick him up immediately. Nope, just stayed there, submerged and all, waiting for me to pluck him out. There is something to say for our childhood trust in our daddy’s. Will didn’t take to the pool as well, though he absolutely loves baths. He has some time.
We spent the evening at a neighborhood 4th family celebration, replete with patriotic flags, hats, streamers, confetti, and other paraphernalia.
Happy Independence Day to all! May God bless America!