"Mommy, pray on me. Pray on me, Mommy!"

Used by permission by Krista Yoder

"Mommy, pray on me. Pray on me, Mommy."  The words of my 2-year-old as I rocked him a little before putting him to bed last night. These words made my heart sing. I pray out loud over my boys often when they are having trouble calming down, stopping crying, trouble going to sleep, or if I'm simply holding them. Sometimes it's a short prayer like "Lord, thank you for my blessing." Sometimes it's a longer prayer. I know that my husband, Brian, also prays over them. This however is the first time Dominic asked for the prayer! He's listening, he's learning, prayer is becoming important to him, and as he said the other day, "God is my fwend."

The Funny Side of Parenting

National Center for Biblical Parenting
www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission

Never Having Kids!
We live in a fast-paced world with microwave ovens, drive through restaurants, and quick-serve everything.  It does something to the way kids think.
A little girl said to her friend, "I'm never having kids!  I hear they take nine months to download!"

On His Deathbed
Mr Jenkins, on his deathbed, knew the end was near. His nurse, his wife, his daughter, and his two sons were with him. He asked for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder be in place to record his last wishes, and when all was ready he began to speak:
    "My son, Bernie, I want you to take the Mayfair houses."
    "My daughter, Sybil, you take the apartments over in the east end."
    "My son, Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the City Centre."
    "Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the banks of the river."
    The nurse and witnesses are blown away as they didn't realize his extensive holdings, and as Bill slipped away, the nurse said, "Mrs. Jenkins, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have accumulated all this property."
    The wife replied, "He had a paper route."


Taking a Walk with Newborn Daughter
One afternoon I was walking on a trail with my newborn daughter in the stroller. I chatted to her about the scenery and the weather as we went along. When a man and his dog approached, I leaned over and half whispered, "See the doggy?"
Suddenly I felt a little silly talking to a baby as if she understood me. But just as the man passed, I noticed he reached down, patted his dog and said, "See the baby?"

Precious Gems

Ruby's (5) description of how the eclipse will happen today... (in a very excited voice)"He (God) is going to take the moon, and place it over the sun without His hand even getting burned!!!" 

 

She said, "I found this frog in the pool filter and I kissed it and it didn't turn into a prince...what a rip off!"

 

Read about Miriam and Moses' trust in God for devotions tonight....after the pharaoh refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt and all the water turned into blood, the land filled up with frogs and gnats and the hail killed all crops.  I asked the girls, what do you think they were going to do?!.....
Lindsey: (raising her hand) Easy. Frog legs and leftovers.   

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman
Thanks to the ladies who allow me to include their children's precious quotes and actions!

Olivia (6) was so precious this morning. We had a lighter "school day," so I was letting the girls play while I was trying to get some cleaning done. Some days I tire easily (expecting 4th child) and today was one of those days. I would work a little bit, then sit down. Livy could tell I was tired so she came and offered to mop the floors for me, then she said, "Mama, can I vacuum? I'd love to vacuum!" Then she proceeded to vacuum cheerfully. Also, yesterday we started reading out of her "Bible reader" for her phonics lessons. I had prayed so much about using this curriculum because I didn't want her to get frustrated with reading, and thus, have a bad attitude towards the Bible. However, it has had the opposite effect. She is SO excited about her Bible. She wags it around everywhere, she even sleeps with it. :) She begs to read it to me, and wants to learn new words so she can read the upcoming stories. :) I praise God for this sweet girl, and the obvious ways I see Him at work in her life. To Him be glory!!! ~ Lori in Virginia

So it was back to school night for Jacob (14). I noticed as we went into each class Jacob's seat was in the front of the room...being my child I knew exactly why (talking).
As we walked out of the last class I said, "Jacob, you need to stop talking so much."
He asked, "How do you know I'm talking too much?"
I said, "Because you are in the front of every class and you are my child."
We got home and that boy of mine came to me and gave me a big hug and said, "Mom, thanks for understanding." ~ Jill in Virginia

Malakai (8), flabbergasted: "Mom... Is it REALLY true you get paid for your work!?"
Me: "Yes."
Malakai: "So why don't you come home with LOTS of dollar bills!??" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Vintage Dictionary Southern Sayings

by Lois Breneman - 2016

One of these sayings reminds me of two of my nieces. Years ago their mom told them, "Grandma is coming to visit in two weeks!" One of the young nieces asked, "Is it the 'Bless your Little Heart' grandma or the 'Hum, hum, hum' grandma?"

Also, after John and I visited our daughter's home one week several years ago, I mentioned to her how I noticed our granddaughter (5 at the time) was saying, "Oh my goodness" a lot, and I thought it was so cute. Joy said, "Well, you know, Mom, she just started saying that since you're here!"

Sweet Tea and Cornbread

https://www.etsy.com/…/…/vintage-dictionary-southern-sayings

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.
 

Amiya (8): What's a mayor?
Dad: It's the person who runs your city.
Malakai (8): I'm confused! Why does a girl horse run a city?!
Dad: What?
Malakai: Isn't a mare a girl horse?

Justin (13) is on a class trip this week and Ryan Elizabeth (8) asked me, "Are you glad you only have one kid to take care of?" Then she adds, "Except you have the wild one!!!" ~ Joy in Georgia

Amiya (8) accommodating a sleeping dog (holding the dog on her lap): "I'm not used to sitting still this long." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Home Sweet Home
Weeds/wildflowers have taken over.
But gotta take a child's perspective.
Kortni (3) says:  Mom, they are so pretty. Thank you for planting the seeds!!! ~ Amanda in Virginia

If you give your kids a laundry basket and ask them to fold their clothes, they might leave some of it inside out.
And if your husband puts the same kids on the bus in the morning, one of them might come home in the afternoon with her shirt still-inside-out.
(And unsnapped in the back.)
And all you can do is thank God for clean laundry. And for the kids who are wearing it and who folded it all by themselves, mostly without complaint. And for a husband who lets you sleep in. ~ Jennifer in Virginia

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.

While visiting our son's family earlier this month, I noticed Daniel (8) standing behind his daddy and Pawpaw, looking from one to the other with a very concerned look on his face. Then he asked them in a serious tone of voice, "Does baldness run in the family?" They told him it does. Poor fella! Then his Pawpaw asked if he'd rather have brains or hair, to which Daniel answered, "Hair." He probably realizes he already has good brains, since he seems to be following in his pawpaw and daddy's footsteps with a budding mechanical engineering ability. ~ Lois in Virginia

Amiya (8) to her twin brother:  "You're mostly my brother, more than my friend."
Malakai (slightly offended): "But I can be all the way your friend AND all the way your brother." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Flipping radio stations...
Malakai (8): "I like the rap song."
Me: "I didn't hear any rap songs."
Malakai: "It's the Chick-Fil-A rap song."
Me: "I've never heard it. How does it go?"
Malakai (exasperated): "You know, Mom, the sound the Chick-Fil-A wrapper makes?" ~ Danielle in Alabama

My granddaughter (2) saw white blossoms on trees as we were driving and said, "Look! Snow in the trees!" ~ Julie in Virginia

Gigi (Grandma): "Kids, you're on part of the old Santa Fe Trail!"
Malakai (8): "Huh? What? Santa takes this road?" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Mia (7): "Carter (5), there are two things you should know about sharp curves and bikes. First..." ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Malakai (8): "Mommy, every time I see you, you look shorter...and more beautiful!" 😍 ~ Danielle in Alabama

Precious Gems

2011

"Savannah, drink your milk, because it makes you healthy and then you don't get sick easily."  Savannah (3) replied, "Actually, Mom, sanitizer does that." ~ Lauren in Virginia

Karlie (2): My nose is running!

Mark (Daddy): Where is it running to?
Karlie: To Nina and Papa's house! ~ Meagan in North Carolina

Mark (Daddy): Do you like the blue team or the white team?
Karlie (2): White team!!
Karis (3): I don't like the blue team or the white team; I just like pink!! ~ Meagan in North Carolina

Sam (5) said, "I don't need to have birthdays anymore ... because if I don't get bigger anymore, then what's the point in having a birthday?!?" ~ Tiffany in Colorado

I was working outside and Eva (3) said, "Mommy, I've got a job to do."  I asked her what she had to do and she said, "I've got to tell people about Jesus." ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Tonight Eva (3) said, "Mommy, I know how to get rid of stage fright.  You go out on the stage, close your eyes, take a deep breath, then blow, and it blows the stage fright away."  I love being a parent! ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Wit and Wisdom from Wee Ones

This is a wonderful, fast-reading book by Eileen Rife that you will most certainly enjoy!  I did! Eileen has been receiving the Heart to Heart Newsletter for many years.  Her book is a great read!  As Eileen says, "Kids can take us right to the heart of God, one way or another."

http://www.amazon.com/Wit-Wisdom-Wee-Ones-col…/…/152286010XT

Wit & Wisdom from the Wee Ones: A whimsical collection of endearing quips & quotes

Kids can take us right to the heart of God, one way or another. When they provoke frustration, we breathe a silent prayer for grace. When they incite giggles, we hear…

AMAZON.COM

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems! 

 A young family with two daughters (ages 5 and 7) went to both the viewing and memorial service of the beloved grandma.  At the memorial service as the girls saw their grandma for the second consecutive day, lying in her casket, they asked their mother, "Why is Grandma wearing the same dress again today?" ~ Jeri in Illinois

I had to laugh the other day when our granddaughter, Ryan Elizabeth (8), came bouncing down the stairs while we were visiting, then said, "Now what was it I came downstairs to get?" ~ Lois in Virginia

We recently spent a week with our daughter's family and I helped our granddaughter, Ryan (8), with sewing projects she had bookmarked to make from a book we gave her earlier, "My First Sewing Machine Book."  Her daddy said I should teach her how to sew clothes for her American Girl Doll, but I told him I thought that might be a little difficult for her since smaller clothes are more tedious to sew.  Ryan told her daddy, "I need to learn the basics first." ~ Lois in Virginia

A little girl was in a submarine with her family, looking at the underwater fish, when she very seriously asked, "Where's the mermaid?" ~ Jeri in Illinois

Two little boy cousins were playing together during our annual family get together.  The older cousin was rather puzzled about why his younger cousin kept calling him "Table."  When asked, the little boy told him he thought that was his name!  The older cousin told him, "No, my name is Trey!" ~ Barb in Ohio

Savannah (8) came home from school yesterday and said she had to borrow a recorder in music. I was surprised because I had made sure she had hers in her backpack. She said, "Yeah but when I pulled it out to play it, it had Playdoh stuffed inside it." Well played, Brooklyn (5), wrecking your "Type A" sister's life since 2010. ~ Lauren in Virginia

This girl...I sure do love her! She blocked the sun from my eyes this morning and I said thank you!  She said, "Just doing my job, Mom." ~ Meghan in Texas

Today Mia (7) was talking about her new baby sister (that she alone knows about) and she told Carter (5), "When my baby sister gets here I am going to share a room with her, so you can just start sleeping in the basement." ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

This evening Mia (7) told me she didn't think she was going to eat supper tonight. Why? I asked her. "Because it's white rice and I only eat brown."  Mia, this is brown rice, I replied. "Ohhhhh! Well then, I'm eating supper tonight!" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Savannah (8): "Mom, dad was going to get you these other flowers and I was like "Dad, her favorite is yellow roses and you should know this so let's shop over here." Bahaha I love my little clone. (I got yellow roses, for the first time in 10 years of marriage.) ~ Lauren in Virginia

Mia (7): "Mommy I have a bug bite." Where Mia? "On my leg."  What part of your leg?  "The fat side."  What?  "Well, the top is the skinny side and the back is the fat side."  And now we know! ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman
Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.
 

I woke up the kids and answered all the who's, why's, and what's of getting up "early" (we've gotten spoiled sleeping in). I headed back to my room to finish getting ready and Malakai (7) comes running after me: "You forgot something, Mommy!"
I stopped and turned around to a kid with his lips puckered up: "You forgot your good morning kiss!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Mia (7) talking to Carter (5) about wishing on a dandelion. "Wishing on those flowers doesn't work. I have been wishing for a horse and a baby and I haven't gotten either!!" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia 

Malakai (7) singing: "Ohhh, tidings are covered in joy, covered in JOY! Ohhh, tidings are covered in joy!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Me: "Amiya, if you turn your knife over it will be easier to cut your food." Amiya (7): "You're brilliant, Mommy! I sure am glad you were born."  (pats me on the shoulder) ~ Danielle in Alabama

Logan (7) told his teacher that he has fleas. (Translation: dry skin) ~ Amanda in Virginia

A Boy and His Boots

A kindergarten teacher was helping one of her students put his boots on. He had asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on. When the second boot was on, she was nearly out of breath.

 

She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as they worked together to get the boots back on – this time on the right feet.

He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.”

 

She bit her tongue rather than scream, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?” like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.

 

He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.”

 

She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again.  She said, Now, where are your gloves?”

 

He said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots…”

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman
Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.
 

Our son, James, and his wife, Emily, were putting Raelle (2 1/2) to bed and praying with her, which they try to do together most nights. Raelle was pretty wound up and jumping in her bed while they prayed.  Soon she bumped her head on her crib.  She tried to be quiet while they prayed, but then couldn't hold back any longer as she said, "Oh, owl!  Owl!!!  "I bumped my idea! I bumped my idea!" ~ Lois in Virginia

 

Mia's (6) thoughts on being Mary in the play Sunday and not having a real donkey to ride. "But how will Mary get to Bethlehem without a donkey!?! And then how will baby Jesus be born?!?!?!? We need a donkey!" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

Malakai (7): "Hey, we're eating the same snack. It's like we're twins!"

Amiya (7): "We are twins." ~ Danielle in Alabama 

 

Eva (8) is running lines with Mia (6) for the play tonight. Eva: "Mia, say it with expression. Mia, you have to have passion. Mia, don't mumble. And, when you sing, don't yell.  Sing." We shall see if all this coaching pays off. ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

"Mommy! Did you just take a shower?" (no)
"Then why is your hair so beautiful?" (It is?)
"YES! It looks beautiful!" (Leans in closer to touch it) "
"WHY IS IT WHITE? It's turning white! You are turning into an old lady!"
(And that was not from the kid who a few weeks back told me I would be old soon and then die....)
He finished with, "Maybe you should just turn it green like Anne did..." ~ Elaine in Virginia

 

Tonight at the super table the girls were talking about all the different things they can do. Carter (5) piped up and said, "Well, I can breathe out of my eyeballs." He then proceeds to shut his mouth, hold his nose, and blow air bubbles out of his eyes. "See, I told you I could breathe out of my eyeballs!" Where do kids figure this stuff out?!?! ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

Gave kids the 'ol "God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth so you can listen more than talk" speech.
Amiya (7): "I wish God gave me 2 mouths instead." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.
 

Mom: Today is Veterans Day. Do you know what that means?

Ryan Elizabeth (8): "It's a day to thank those that risked their lives and became vegetarians." 

Mom: Thank you to all you vets! (vegetarian or otherwise)! ~ Joy in Georgia
(Ryan is my granddaughter! ~ Lois)

 

Malakai (7): "Mommy, we're learning a song for the army people."
Me: "Oh yeah? Is it just for the Army or a different branch?"
Malakai: "It's for all the branches. The Army, Military, Jolly Ranchers, Navy...all of them!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Camden (5): How old are you, Mommy?
Aiden (8): She is 29 - almost 30.
Camden: Wow that's almost 100!
Aiden: No, it's not! If she was almost 100 her face would be all wrinkly and her cheeks would be sagging down her face.

Thanks, boys! ~ Bethany in Virginia 

 

So Camden (5) was really into writing his sight words and his name tonight and when he showed me his paper I told him how good of a writer he was. He then looked at me very seriously and said, "Mommy, I am not just a writer I am an illustrator and author." This boy never fails to amuse me. ~ Bethany in Virginia 

 

Deep thoughts by Annalise (4):

"Mommy, in a minute you will be old, and then you will die, right?"

On the lighter side, she also wants to know what color God is, but she can't see him because he is invisible.

An honorable mention from dinner last night, when she said she liked the chicken and her brother told her it was fish, she said, "You can call it chicken OR fish, because fish is MADE out of chicken..." ~ Elaine in Virginia

 

Malakai (7) ordered "Rooster Nuggets" at lunch today. Thank you Chick-Fil-A for humoring him with a "Well yes sir, we do have rooster nuggets!" He said they were softer than the others! ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Malakai (7): "People in Mississippi kinda sound like they're from England."
Wes: "Oh yeah? Why is that?"
Malakai: "Well, the way GiGi talks sounds British. Like when she says, 'Hey Y'all!'" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.

Mom: Why did you kick your friend at school? That isn't acceptable.
Brooklyn (5): Well...like...I knew I couldn't punch.

This kid will be the death of me. ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

I love that my girl asked me how to "increase the tempo" of the windshield wipers.  She's mine, for sure! ~ Jennifer in Virginia (Note from Lois: Jennifer is a "Musical Mom!")

Malakai (7): "Mommy, are hush puppies something you give to puppies to hush them up...like when you're watching football or something and they just keep barking?" ~ Danielle in Alabama
 

My children's take on fair food:
Mia (6) ~ "That food made my tummy angry, Mommy. Can I have some broccoli instead?"

Eva (9) ~ "That corn was $4.00 an EAR!!  I told Daddy, 'You can get 5 for a $1.00 at Food Lion.'" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

I told Malakai (7) to sit down & calm down for a minute. His response while wiping the sweat from his brow: "Oh, Whew, I need to let my strength settle for a little bit!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Madison's (3) plan for the day: "First I will go potty, then we will go to the grocery store, then we will eat lunch, then I will play 'play doh', then I will go to bed, then I will wake up and play soccer, then God and Jesus will pick us up and we will go up in heaven." ~ Lauren in Virginia

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all the moms who have given permission for me to share these precious gems!

Chloe Beth (5): "Mama! I know what a home phone is!  It's one of those strings with a can on each end that you talk into, right?"

Well.....almost..... ~ Amy in Virginia

 

We're driving down the road and Charlotte (4) says: "Mommy! I see a horsey, no it's a pony, wait no it's a unicorn...nevermind it's just another cow."

No unicorn sighting today. ~ Promise in Virginia

 

Jeremiah (10): When I see those big hair wolf spiders it gives the jiggles! ~ Sarah in Virginia

 

So, I was getting Natalie ready for bed and Austin (about 5 at the time) comes in. Here's how the conversation goes down.
Austin: Hi Natalie. Aren't you just happy as a Clarke.
Me: (Trying my best not to crack up) What was that buddy? Happy as a what?
Austin: A Clarke.
Me: A Clarke? What kind of Clarke do you mean?
Austin: You know. Like Jennifer Clarke (his mom's sister).
Me: Oh, I see. But it's not Clarke, Austin. It's lark. It's a kind of bird that sings.
Austin: Well that doesn't make any sense!

That was two nights ago, and it still has me smiling. ~ Emily in Virginia

Malakai's (7) soccer shoes are too small for him. I was apologizing because his feet hurt. 

He says, "Well, it IS kind of your fault because you keep making food and I keep eating it so my feet are growing too much!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Currently lying next to Jocy (7) --
J: "Mom! I have nothing to do except play with the floating dust....What is it? It looks like it is going somewhere important. Like a board meeting." ~ Beth in Ohio

 

Me: Were you good today at school?
Brooklyn (5): Well, like, I was good sometimes.
Me: Did you go to time out?
Brooklyn: Like only two times.

Bless it. ~ Lauren in Virginia

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman
Thanks to all the moms who allowed me to include their children's quotes in Heart to Heart!
 

Malakai (7): "Mommy, will you button my very top button? I don't want the girls to see my chest." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Maddie (6): Mom, I am so glad you teach us to chew with our mouth closed, because when others don't it's just GROSS!
Me: See there are reasons your daddy and I teach you what we do so you grow up to be a well-mannered adult.
Maddie: Yes, and I'm just sooooo glad you teach us to brush our teeth because we don't want all yellow funky teeth!
My thoughts: Well some of it's sinking in, but I just don't have words for all that she says to us!!! ~ Jessica in Virginia

 

Malakai (7) upon walking outside this afternoon: "Sheesh!  It feels like steaming hamburgers out here!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

We're driving over the Mississippi River, and Dillon (3) says, "Going by to see Mr.Sippy?!?" ~ Tiffany in Virginia

 

Aiden (9): Mommy, when I grow up I'm going to open a restaurant and you will get to come see me and eat dinner with me every night. Camden will be my security guard.
Camden (5): Oh sweet!  Aiden, will you give me a gun?
Aiden (9): Well, duh!  Your job is to protect all the money we will make.
Mason (3): Yay!  Food!
Aiden (9):  Camden you're probably going to have to guard the food also from Mason, but don't shoot him.  He's cute. ~ Bethany in Virginia

 

Amiya (7) praying at dinner with friends: "Dear Lord, thank you for our customers that came to eat dinner with us..." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

At Walmart while talking with the young lady ringing up our groceries: She's telling us she's saving for college and wants to be a teacher or open her own bakery so she can be her own boss.
Malakai (7) says: "Well, you'll still have a boss because God will always be your boss."
She thanked him for that reminder and told him he was a very philosophical little boy. ~ Danielle in Alabama

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all the moms who allowed me to include their children's quotes in Heart to Heart!
 

I had an atlas, you know the paper type, out today and was looking over states and different routes to take. Eva (8) and Mia (6) came over to where I was and Eva proceeded to explain to Mia that, "back in the old days people had to use maps on paper instead of their phone's GPS, whenever they wanted to travel." She then said, "Were you alive during that time, Mommy?"
Yes, kid, I was!! ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

Conversation talking about original sin.  Wes (Daddy) asks if there are any questions.
Malakai (7): "Which one is heavier?  A double decker bus or 18 wheeler?" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Last night, my mom tucked Samara (5) into bed, since her flight to go back east would have me taking her to the airport at 4 something this morning. Samara was crying, and said that she was going to pray that God would make the plane's batteries not work before Mamaw got on the plane. We felt bad for Samara, and kind of chuckled at what she said she would pray for.

This morning, Mom and I were up and ready to head to the airport when Mom received a text that her flight was cancelled. Why? Because it had been struck by lightning last night, and it needs maintenance before it can be flown again. Since Mom is flying standby, she is "stuck" here for another couple days.

Samara is totally delighted that Mamaw will be here for her sixth birthday party after all!!  (She had already made a gorgeous Elsa cake for her party!)

Be careful when a little girl commits to praying! God takes those prayers seriously! ~ Diane in Montana

 

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all the moms who allowed me to include their children's quotes in Heart to Heart!
 

I love the sweet time at the end of our day. We all pile into Peyton's room (mostly because it's gated) for our devotions and prayer time. Logan (7) asked to pray tonight (a first for him!!) and this is how it went:

"Dear Jesus, Please make it be sunny tomorrow. Today was too much rain, and I want to swim. Please help MawMaw's foot to get better. Help us to be good and not fight, and to be nice to each other. Good luck, Jesus!"

Oh how I love his precious heart! Had to stifle a giggle though as he closed his prayer with "Good luck, Jesus." ~ Amanda in Virginia

 

At a beautiful outdoor wedding last night with the cicadas buzzing away. They paused and about the time the bride and groom were starting to exchange rings you could hear the buzzing start up again. Malakai (7) whispers loud enough for those around us to hear: "NO! Don't do it!!"
Unfortunately, those guests didn't realize he was talking to the Cicadas... Not the bride and groom! ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

A conversation with my twelve year old while on a bike ride through the soccer fields (next to where they have filled in our city pool):
Ella - Someday they will be turning this land into an industrial complex, and while they are digging, they will hit concrete and say, "Wow! I think this is a pool. They used to use these before the IPod 60 could regulate the humidity around you to feel like you are in water." ~ Beth in Ohio

 

The boys were playing with blocks yesterday and I was down the hall listening to them. Jeremiah (3) hums or sings constantly. It's like he has his own soundtrack playing in his head so yesterday I couldn't help but smile when he broke out it with "God's not dead! He's surely alive! He's living on the inside roaring like a lion!" ~ Heather in Virginia

Our memory verse for today is, "Be nice to one another without grumbling or complaining." One of our five-year-olds said, "Be nice to one another without crumbling or playing." ~ Elizabeth in Virginia
 

Backseat conversation. Amiya (7) making up a story about a Queen (lives in Alabama) who had 3 sets of twins.
Malakai (7): "Whhhoooaaa that's a WHOLE lot of child birthing going on!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

So we're driving down the road and my daughter is remembering the wreck we were in a year ago, and we are talking how the firemen come every time you wreck. She remembered that when she was crying the firemen comforted her and said it was okay to cry. She then asked me, "Well, since he was so nice, should I marry a fireman?!" ~ Jessica in Virginia

 

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all those who have given permission to include your children's precious gems in Heart to Heart and on my blog!

This morning during family devotions we were talking about God's love and reviewing how happy and lovely the Garden of Eden was and then how everything changed and they were miserable and sad and life was so terrible. I asked them,"What happened?"  My Gabriel (5) doesn't miss a beat...and with solemn eyes and a dead serious heart says, "Then they got married!"  Yep folks. Setting a great example and modeling a wonderful marriage apparently. ~ Lauren in Virginia

Amiya (7): "Mommy, you know that story in the Bible about King Solomon that had 700 wives? That's a lot of good night kisses."
Malakai (7): "Yeah, I think he had lipstick everywhere!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Standing at the counter, I took my allergy medicine this morning.  My son, gleefully announced to the household, " Mama's taking a nap today!" (Perhaps I should look into other medications...) ~ Rachel in Virginia

My daughter, Mara, who is battling cancer, shared a sweet moment with me yesterday as I took her to a doctor's appointment.  Her six-year old, Samuel, warmly placed his hands on her cheeks and said, "Mommie, you are beautiful and wonderfully made!" ~ Madeline in Virginia

Dillon (2): "Hey Mom! I wanna go outside and play tennis with my baseball club!!"
Oh how I love him. ~ Tiffany in Virginia

Emily (2), eating warm banana bread, said to me, "Mama, this bread is horrible. More please." ~ Rachel in Virginia

Jake (3) while riding in the van: Bank you for my crate.
Me: You're crate?
Jake: Yeah.
Me: What crate?
Jake: the one you put me in when I was a baby.
Me: you mean your crib?
Jake: yeah, my crib
Me: oh, you're welcome. ~ Jenny in Ohio

(After moving to a new home) Brookie (5) opened the front door wearing her nightgown and yelled at the new neighbors that she loved them and hoped they sleep good tonight. Glad we got that out of the way so they don't think we are a nice normal family. ~ Lauren in Virginia

You know you're having a tough day when you're running to the parking lot and your pants fall all the way down to your knees. Thankfully, she's only five. And thankfully the giggles that came afterward made the embarrassing mama moment totally worth it. ~ Amy in Virginia

Trying to play tag with Malakai (He's fast!)
Malakai (7) says: "Mommy, I'm like a jaguar and you're like a moose!"  ~ Danielle in Alabama

My daily trivia with Benjamin (4):
Benjamin -Cats chase mice, what chases cats?
Me- Dogs
Benjamin - What chases dogs?
Me- umm bears maybe?
Benjamin - what chases bears?
Me- how about a lion?
Benjamin - what chases a lion?
Me- I don't know. A cheetah.
Benjamin - What chases a cheetah?
Me- Nobody because he is the fastest.
Benjamin -......Cheetahs eat Cheetos
Yes the fastest animal in the world eats Cheetos, therefore they must be good for you right?!?! ~ Heather in Virginia

A (fairly typical) one minute conversation with my twelve year old:
Ella (12) - I think you should have another baby.
Me - Really. You seem to enjoy your younger sister so much (sarcasm).
Ella - It wouldn't be annoying until I was already out of the house.
Ella (cont.) - And I will be taking a gap year when I am 16.
Me - You can't take a gap year when you are still in high school.
Ella - I can't do it when I graduate. 2021 would be a terrible year to travel across the country because of the predicted cicada infestation. ~ Beth in Ohio

Took hubby to dinner for his birthday. Amiya (7) opens her napkin and finds two forks.  She says: "I know why they give us two forks...so when we drop one on the floor, we have another one!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Amiya (7) and Malakai (7) pretending to be dinosaurs.  Amiya is the mom and Malakia, the baby...
Amiya: "We're going to move to Alaska."
Malakai: "But it's so cold there, I don't want to go there."
Amiya: "But God can use you no matter where you go...you could be meat for another animal..." ~ Daniel in Alabama