The M&M Story

First, the stitches. About a week ago during one of Max's evening soccer practices, we had quite the event. B fell and bumped the back of his head on the play structure. Lots of bustling parents and plenty of tears later, we arrived at Missouri Baptist Hospital to quickly learn that a few stitches were necessary for my very brave five year old. We spent many a minutes (almost two hours) watching Bugs Bunny/Road Runner, singing songs, and telling stories while we waited for the doctor to perform the procedure. B was brave, brave, brave with only a few tears. Mommy, on the other hand, cried plenty. But there was a popsicle at the end of the evening and lots of snuggles (and piggies) when he got home. On another note - here is the conversation that ensued this evening: M: Mom, did you know that I'm 7 and I still sleep with a stuffed animal? S: Do you think that is good or bad? M: Well, it's bad. No, I mean, I don't know. What do you think? S: Did someone say...

Tonight we had a rough night. Everyone was tired and basically I waited way too long to do the bedtime routine, mainly because all of us have screen addiction - we are into learning computer games around here as incentives to finish homework. Okay...so...as Max was in the bath and I was frustrated with several behavior issues, I said to him, "Please stop being sassy - I think you are reading too much of Calvin and Hobbes. (he loves it because there is a tiger - i'm not so fond of the attitude)" His response: "Oh, I was sassy way before reading Calvin and Hobbes." After baths, I needed to view a video for tomorrow that had Brian in it - Max wanted to watch it. He crawled up next to me, put his hand on my back (and kept it there for the whole video) and said, "It's okay if you get sad Mommy, I'm right here."

While playing Mario Kart online (with good friends): M (who is baby luigi): "You better not mess with a baby!" M and B: "They are kicking our butts!" Not sure where they learned that one....

I Am a Rock Star by M. Maynor I am a rock star! Master of the skull. I believe in God forever and ever and ever. Not for three or four or five or six days. I do it every day in my life.

Okay, I know, it's almost the end of July. Better late than never, right? Well, I'm not a huge Mother's Day fan. But my own mother is and she has trained my boys by teaching them to make cards, to be sweet and do loving things for me on that day. So, it's morning, and of course, I'm up before anyone else, and I'm busy making coffee when I hear Max sort of running down the hall. He's usually not so exuberant in the morning, but I didn't think too much about it. He asked if I had made my coffee yet (now, I was curious - that is never a question I usually get in the morning) - I said I was working on it but it would be a few minutes - heating water, etc. He hovered around me and finally said, "why don't you get my vitamins out?" At this point, it was clear he wanted me to do something specific, so I complied and opened the cabinet to get the vitamins - and out fell a gorgeous homemade card. He beamed. Apparently, in the middle of the nigh...

Painting Like Michelangelo Originally uploaded by smaynor Briggs and best buddy Luke are preparing to paint Bible stories while on their backs under a table, just like Michelangelo did when he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel - gotta love Mrs. Burzinski. I need to organize pictures of his art and then I'll post all his work.

a quick stop before le pain de quotidien Originally uploaded by smaynor I had the privilege of spending a few days in London with one of my roommates from college. She and her family live in Surrey, where life moves a little slower and 4:00 tea abounds. My friend and I traversed the great city, seeing Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the Portrait Gallery, Portabello Road Flea Market, Parliament, and a host of other glorious sites, one of which was a stop at the communal table--Le Pain de Quotidien. An afternoon at Windsor Castle, a morning at Stonehenge, High Tea in London--I'm amazed at the intricacies of story throughout our fragile world.

Rockin' Out Originally uploaded by smaynor Sometime in early spring, there was a concert in my living room. Snagged this great shot of the keyboard player.

Going back a few months, both my boys entered odd digits this year. In lieu of birthday parties, each one had a "date" with me--Max to see Cirque Dreams at the Fox and Briggs to the new wing of the Magic House. Max, though he was seven, still wanted to sit on my lap the whole show, his favorite part being the "tiger" acrobats--these ridiculously strong men who climbed up each other (only strength, no props) to be a four person tower. We went with my best friend from high school, Kristen, and her family. At some point, she said to me--"Connor (her 10 year old son) would be in Tim's lap if Tim would let him." Little boys.... Briggs could not have been more excited to explore and learn at the Magic House. Just yesterday, we were invited for a Free Night with our church, and Briggs "explained" everything to Max--I think he will be running the country someday. More birthday pics to come.

So much to share: Birthdays Spring Days Trips New Endeavors Mother's Day surprises Last of school days Will do so. Very Soon. Lots of pictures.

Thank you for all the prayers for Max. We are not out of this yet - but at the very least, we see some healing and maybe not as many little pox places as before. He's in much better spirits now. I sometime marvel at God's creation as I look at my two boys - so different and so complex. I've been doing a fair amount of reading on learning styles in order to best support the both of them. As I've discovered, they learn in completely opposite ways. You can only imagine homework time. Last week, Briggs brought home two books that he wanted to read and promptly sat on the couch and read them. Max brought home an invention - a water catcher that he'd made out of recycled material during center time - and promptly went outside to try and hook it up. Briggs invents more homework. Max doodles all over his spelling sheet. I LOVE my little guys!

Please pray for Max. He has a type of pox virus that is wreaking havoc on his immune system. In order to treat it, he is very uncomfortable, and it seems to be leaving little pockmarks, which could be permanent. Please pray that God would heal him completely and that there would be no permanent marks. Thanks.

In the middle of wrapping paper and gifts this Christmas morning: B: Max, I always want to love you. M: Well, when you love me, you always knock me down. (as in a hug) A lovely Christmas celebration this year. I was blessed to see my little boys love on each other and love on others. And as I've reflected on this season, I'm humbled to see God's redemptive hand in so many corners of my life. Recently, M shared with me some thoughts about Brian, how he missed him and what Brian must look like now that he was in heaven. And then in his quiet, reflective way, he expressed his love and trust and respect for a special friend of ours, a man whom he's known since he was born (and who knew Brian). In his own words: "I think of him like a dad." Rather beautiful and graceful of God, I must say. He's faithful to the big picture of Christmas and to the small picture of each individual child that He calls His own. Have a very Merry Christmas.

my little family Originally uploaded by smaynor I rarely get a family picture as I tend to be the photographer, but my mom graciously offered and I like this one. Merry Christmas all.

first day of school Originally uploaded by smaynor A little late. First day of school for M and B. First grade, full day. JK, three full days. Rock star brothers.

IMG_4128 Originally uploaded by smaynor Halloween fun. Fire Pit. Turkey Dogs. Costumes. S'mores. Candy. Fellowship.

This past Friday, November 7th, marked the three year anniversary of Brian's Homecoming. And my family is together, happy and healthy. What a testament to my Father, whose promises are faithful and true, and to His perfection and plan for a life that seems chaotic and scary. This year I experienced peace. Deep breathing peace. Yes, I miss Brian, probably always will, but it doesn't ache so intensely anymore. It's restful and quiet, a graceful tugging every now and then on my heart, not an iron grip, squeezing tirelessly. As I reflect on the past three years, I see just how big of a mess I was. To those first months when life felt like Tom's Twister. Focus, breathe, take a step forward, wait I'm dizzy. To the first year, then the second, when reality stampeded over my life, and I did everything to avoid broken bones. To today, the beginnings of the fourth year without my sweet Brian, when I'm hopeful for new beginnings and new endeavors. Life is but a...

milky way galaxy Originally uploaded by smaynor One afternoon this fall, M designed his own version of the Milky Way galaxy. What you can't see are Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. They are in the bottom right part of the patio, just a little too much out of my range for the photo. What surprised me was that he knew all the planets and in order. Love my spatial/visual child.

I'm all about finding grace in every moment of my life. A monumental endeavor for a task-oriented, approval-addicted person such as me. That's why I decided to make it priority. And I just finished _Grace Eventually_ by Anne Lamott and _Sin Boldly: A Field Guide to Grace_ by Cathleen Falsani, two extraordinary reads by two extraordinary women. It took me 27 years to finally grasp any sort of understanding of grace. I distinctly recall driving home in LA traffic - down Veteran Avenue in Century City, when I began weeping. I mean pull-over-to-the-side-of-the-road weeping. Only one other moment like that have I had and that was about cancer and Brian and dying and saying good-bye. Uncontrollable crying. Headache-will-soon-follow crying. Freedom crying. Full of Grace crying. In that beautiful moment did I understand that there was absolutely nothing that would change my standing with Christ, stop trying to do and just begin to be. Of course, that moment so etched in m...

Days have flown. Time is disappearing. Deep breath I keep telling myself. School started weeks ago and I have yet to download pictures from my camera of the two snazziest boys I know. Everyone is doing well, though I think they would rather be half day. Both have complained at how looong the day is - oh, honeys, it is only beginning. We've got jobs, allowances, and strict bed times (which I'm currently trying to enforce EVERY night between negotiations). We have soccer practice, homework, and new friends. Ahhhh, elementary school. I used to think it was easier, but I'm not so sure about that - all the kids to filter, work to do, and bosses to manage, sans the mortgage and cost of gas.

The Meme of Fives Game My friends Amy and Deb both tagged me for the Meme of Fives Game. Here goes... How it works: 1. Post the rules of the game at the beginning. 2. Each player answers the questions about themselves. 3. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read the player's blog. 4. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer. What were you doing five years ago? I was a mother of only one. What are five things on your to-do list for today? 1. make lunch for my little peeps 2. finish Sin Boldly 3. work out 4. finish laundry 5. draft baby video What are five snacks you enjoy? 1. almond butter and pretzels 2. apples 3. trail mix, all sorts 4. energy bars 5. grapes What are five things you would do if you were a billionaire? 1. Take a deep breath and smile once again at God's provision 2. Give to...

Yesterday as we rode in the car listening to a CD, M pipes up from the back. M: Hey, Mom. I know what that means. S: What are you talking about, buddy? M: The song. It was the VBS CD. The song currently playing, which I assumed was the one he referenced, was "Never Let Go" If I recall the lyrics correctly, they go something like this - "Never Let Go, never let go, oh, Lord, you never let go. Oh, Lord you never let go, thru the calm and thru the storms. Oh, Lord you never let go of me." M: The Lord never let go of Luke. S: (I'm thinking Luke Beachy and trying to guess what in the world he's going to say) Luke who, honey? M: You know, Luke when he was in the snow storm. He was, of course, referencing the great hero, Luke Skywalker, in his near death experience on the remote planet of Hoth. What a little dude. Love that he gets it.

On a swingset, singing to his friend: "Mommy doesn't have to push me anymore. Mommy doesn't have to push me anymore. I can pump! I can pump! I can pump!"

Wow. I can't believe how quickly the glory of summer slips into my memory. I have a stack of photos to load of flickr from our summer. VBS, Colorado, trips to the pool, swimming lessons, play dates at the park, lightening bugs, staying up late, ice cream, bike riding, visiting friends. We've had a good one, filled with laughter and activities and experiences. We've discussed God's Word, seen a ghost town, and hiked through the jungles of St. Louis. Now we move to apples, football games, cozy sweaters, and campfires. The beautiful inns of this life. With school in sight, we've begun to brush up on our math facts and reading and have already purchased new school shoes. M is going to 1st grade and full day! (Deep breath) And B, he's off to JK. Seems like only a moment ago they both had sippy cups and a brand new Piggy and Tiger.

It's been awhile. I'll catch up on our happenings at another time, but a quick note about Briggs. Recently, we went swimming at a friend's house and all of a sudden Briggs comes over to me, in angst, showing me something which looked like a splinter in his hand. He pulled it out and then started wailing. I wasn't sure what was up - splinter in the water? He kept crying, " I have a water poke. I have a water poke." He did calm down, but there was a little spot, small, but a spot resembling a bee sting. And sure enough, a few minutes later, a bee was hovering next to the wall.

A friend recently shared this Puritan prayer with me. I can't get it out of my mind. Christ Is All O lover to the uttermost, May I read the meltings of thy heart to me in the manger of thy birth, in the garden of thy agony, in the cross of thy suffering, in the tomb of thy resurrection, in the heaven of thy intercession. Bold in this thought I defy my adversary, tread down his temptations, resist his schemings, renounce the world, am valiant for truth. Deepen in me a sense of my holy relationship to thee, as spiritual bridegroom, as Jehovah's fellow, as sinners' friend. I think of thy glory and my vileness, thy majesty and my meanness, thy beauty and my deformity, thy purity and my filth, thy righteousness and my iniquity. Thou hast loved me everlastingly, unchangeably, may I love thee as I am loved; Thou hast given thyself for me, may I give myself to thee; Thou hast died for me, may I live to thee, in every moment of my time, in every movement of my mind, in every pulse...

I've been praying/looking for a loft/bunk bed system for my boys for over a year. Of course, retail they are almost cost prohibitive, but I've been fairly consistent in checking craigslist. Well, I finally found one - right price, right wood, right size. The whole deal. But, of course, I needed a truck. A couple phone calls and no truck later, my sister-in-law, Melanie, offered to help me. Mind you, this includes all four children because Uncle Peter works on Saturday. Well, I figured it would be an adventure if anything. We hit a couple of garage sales and actually found a couple of treasures, meaning things we would never buy in a store and really don't need, but want. I had emptied out my van, including all my seats, so all the kids piled in Melanie's car and I drove my empty van out to Fenton. No need for endless details, but the bed pieces did all fit in the van, and we made it all the way back to my house with no issues. We sent the children to play and...

While riding in the car: M: Hey, Briggs, did you know you are my best friend? B: But I'm your brother. M: Brothers can be best friends. B: Okay Before bed: B: Mommy, I'm going to love piggies even when I get big. S: Sure, buddy, of course you can. B: I'm going to love them when I get old and then go to heaven. S: Okay. B: (a lip is quivering) They do have piggies in heaven, don't they?

B: Mommy? Did you know that if you eat an apple seed, you will turn into an apple in 10 weeks? S: Really, buddy? Where did you learn that? B: Lillian told me. S: Well, I'm not sure where Lillian learned that, but I'm fairly sure you will not turn into an apple if you eat an apple seed. B: Yes, you will. Lillian told me. The power of a 5 year old.

Picnic Originally uploaded by smaynor Yes, I kiss these cheeks all the time. This past week M had soccer camp at WCA. LOTS of kids, most of them older. When I said good-bye the first day, I leaned down to him and said, "buddy, I have to go now. Can I give you a kiss or just a high five?" I didn't want to embarrass him in front of the sea of children playing soccer. His response? Better than I expected. "Both."

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit with amazing old friends from my days at Camp Soaring Hawk and to say goodbye to one my heroes, Heno Head. A name that I've known for most of my life. A man who has inspired, encouraged, and taught so many about the love of Christ. And now it is close to the time when he will go Home, safe and sound into the arms of His Father. The truth is I want to be like Heno Head. I want to persevere despite adversity. I want to know and remember the names of those to whom God calls me to love and minister. I want to serve faithfully all of my days. And I want to deny self in order to see great movement in the Kingdom of God. Not that God gives us everything we "want," but He does give us those beautiful people and beautiful experiences to see and know Him better. Heno was twice beautiful to me. And I'm sure to many, many more.

Love these three Originally uploaded by smaynor Trucks and dirt. What else is there?

My Birthday with my four little people Originally uploaded by smaynor My dear friends surprised me for my big birthday, but not before my niece and nephew showed up with homemade cupcakes and pictures. Apparently, Lillian thought I needed some cake. On her initiative, we all enjoyed delicious cupcakes (with jelly in the middle) for an afternoon snack.

Birthday Presents from Gran-nan and Aunt Linny Originally uploaded by smaynor With much extended family in Texas, I guess it was inevitable that we'd attain a couple cowboy hats.

Lillian Originally uploaded by smaynor My beautiful niece.

three cool studs Originally uploaded by smaynor Both B and G want to be like M. I often wonder if M realizes the power he has.

Cardinals Day and B's 4th birthday Originally uploaded by smaynor Just a little late. Briggs on his 4th birthday, which just happened to be Cardinal Day at school.

M likes to button the top button on all his polos. I asked him why. "Because it's cozy."

B: "Thank you, Jesus, for the universe and for the world. And thank you for the jungles and the oceans. And thank you for our world. And thank you for our houses. And thank you for kitchens and for food we eat. And thank you for stores and the boxes. Amen."

I recently saw Jersey Boys at the Fox Theatre. Wow. An amazing performance. So many songs. I came home and immediately downloaded the greatest hits. Of course, my children have now been introduced to Frankie Valli and "Walk Like A Man." Every time the song comes on, they start marching around singing it. So, so cute.

Several days ago, my dear friend Amy tagged me and now I have to list seven things about myself that maybe nobody would know. Thanks, Amy. I owe you one. The problem I have, though, is that my life is ridiculously predictable, and I'm not sure I have seven interesting, obscure facts about my life. And anything really intriguing isn't something I should post on this blog. But, I'll give it a try. 1. I have a fear of heights. I like to think I'm brave, but I'm nothing of the sort. 2. I dated/hung out with/whatever you want to call it (for a brief while) the star of _A Christmas Story_. He was all grown-up but still had those glasses. 3. I cry in movies, even the stupid ones like _Ten Things I Hate About You_. It all began when I was three and my parents took me to see _Snoopy, Come Home_. Apparently, I was so wrecked by Snoopy's departure that they had to leave the movie before it was over. I also cry when reading books aloud to my children, even simp...

At CCS for B's class last fall.

Yesterday I took the boys for their yearly check-ups. All is well in the land of boyhood. M smartly sits in the 65th percentile of both height and weight and has good eyes and ears. B is a little more on the lighter side--50 in height and 25 in weight--but has excellent eyes and ears. He cried when he got his shots, and I told him he was so brave. He gasped between sobs, "No, I'm not brave!" I hugged him SO tight and said, "Yes, big boy, you are brave - you got the shots - you did it. That's brave!" He didn't buy it at first, but later in the car, I reminded him of how brave he was. He smiled and said, "Yes, I was."

I find this whole blog thing fascinating yet absolutely terrifying. When Brian started this years ago, it made sense to me. A writer, a techie of sorts, sure write a blog. The man didn't say much, but he sure could create a symphony (he'd probably say a folk song or two) on paper. Me, I'm more of a comic book type, with bubbles and characters and shallow, incomprehensible thoughts. I'm more of talker, as many of my friends will attest. At first, I was okay with it, write on the blog, for those far away, for those close by, stories of the boys, stories of your faith, anything that came to mind to share. But as the years have moved forward, I find it more and more challenging to really write anything of consequence. Maybe it's the last weeks, as I've faced fear after fear and realized how crippled I really am. Shouldn't I just write of God's glory? Of His beauty? Of His perfection? I recently thought to myself, "if I only read my Bible an...

B LOVES Aunt Nealy Originally uploaded by smaynor I just love this picture of Briggs. Something about the smile. And the eyes.

The IPhone Mini-lesson Originally uploaded by smaynor We grew up on Star Wars, Atari, and the invention of the cordless phone. Our kids will grow up with HD 3D, the WII, and the IPhone.

I'm not sure who reads this blog...but I did just put up a bunch of new pictures on flickr of birthdays and day trips. And more are coming, so feel free to browse.

IMG_2958 Originally uploaded by smaynor When we went to LA, we took a little trip on our own to the Long Beach Aquarium. It has an amazing Pacific Ocean exhibit, in which we found Nemo in several different tanks.

In the past several days, my eldest has shined in his exhibition of responsibility. 1. Friday morning, Max got dressed, put his shoes on and brushed his teeth without any prompting. 2. Today he did the same thing. This time it was for church. 3. This afternoon his water bottle was in the car and he asked if he could go get it (before bed). He took my keys, opened the car door, got it out, closed the car door, and reset the alarm. And then handed me the keys. He knew what button to push and everything. 4. Last night at dinner, his paper napkin got all wet. We didn't have any more in the basket where we keep them, so he went downstairs to where I store them. I fully expected him to show up with only one. Instead, he brought up a handful, put them in the basket, and brought over a couple to the table to make sure everyone had one. 5. Last week he offered to clean the house.

Happy Birthday Boys Originally uploaded by smaynor Before we went to CA, Nana surprised the boys with treats from Cookies by Design. Piggies and Tigers, well, they are favored around the Maynor home.