Learning From Big Brother

I found this picture tonight as I was trying my best to go through the thousands of pictures I have saved over the last few years and get them saved to disc and put away into a safe place. This is truly an undertaking, but I must get started. I just love this picture, because it pretty much says it all...I mean look at the smile that Katie has as Sam is teaching her all about dialing a cell phone!! It is an old phone and no it doesn't work, unless I believe he were to dial 911, but I think we are safe for the moment. We have been astounded the last few weeks at how much Kate is learning from Sam and how much she watches his every move. She mimics his noises, words and actions (some of which are not so cute)...but nonetheless it is amazing how quickly they learn. I am having to be so careful in my disciplining strategies with both of them, because I know that they are both so aware of when the other gets away with something. I really think that Sam gets a real kick out of my saying "no touch" to Kate as she reaches for the dog bowl or starts heading for the stereo receiver. Somewhere in that little mind of his, he is thinking, "I sure am glad it's not me for the moment." He has always been the one who has to put just one finger on something to test the boundaries and from the looks of things, I think that Kate will be giving him a run for his money. I know for a fact, they will both be giving me a run for mine!!

Mama said "Dang"

So, it seems that somewhere in the past few days, I said something that I shouldn't, or at least something that Sam doesn't think I should have said. Just yesterday, Sam was having lunch and out of the blue says, "Mama said Dang." I must have looked confused, because he said it again and again, until I started laughing a little and asked him what he was talking about. Of course, he is two and cannot really explain to me when or where he heard me say "dang", but in his little mind, I obviously needed to ask for forgiveness. So, I did and he said "ok". You might be thinking to yourself why in the world did Loran say "dang" of all words. I admit, I am thankful I didn't say something else that he feels compelled to exclaim to anyone who will listen, but for those of you who have seen the movie Joe Dirt, you will know where this phrase comes from. Joe Dirt is a movie about the adventures of this redneck, starring David Spade. It is probably one of Rob's favorite movies of all time and during his adventures he is known to use "Dang" as an explicative. Well, I guess, the phrase has stuck and whenever it is appropriate, Rob and I both tend to drop the big "d" word. It is hilarious how Sam gets stuck on something and can't get it out of his mind until something new can fill its place. I took the kids to Target today to do some quick shopping and while rolling through the aisles, Sam must have told every person that we passed that, "mama said dang". The looks on the faces were priceless and most everyone chuckled, especially the moms who were thinking that they too had experienced a "dang" moment and was remembering their own child repeating it back to them or to a total stranger. I have to laugh and appreciate these moments of such pure innocence and curiosity, because I am sure that as he grows older and more aware of his surroundings that he will be questioning more than my slip of "mama said dang".

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, so that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29-32

Racing & Relaxing

Rob and I got away this weekend to Charleston without the kids! Rob's main reason for heading to the coast was to participate and help coordinate the LowCountry Volkswagon Cycling Team's annual bike race. It was a beautiful weekend and the race was a total success. Saturday races were held at I'on and Sunday was at Hampton Park. Rob raced very well and even won some$$! Always a good thing, right?? I got a chance to rest a little and sleep in until 7:30, yah! I mainly got an opportunity to do some running around that I normally don't attempt to do with the babies. It was great fun and a blessing to get to revisit our old hometown. I felt a little sentimental crossing the bridge and visiting some our favorite restaurants, but overall I was chomping at the bit to get back home on Sunday to get resettled and see my sweet children. It does a soul good to rest and rejuvenate and it also makes you appreciate what you get to come home to. I do love being at home with our children and wouldn't change a thing. For those of you reading this, thinking that " I can't believe we didn't even know they were here", we'll we are sorry for the discreet visit, but honestly it was so last minute for me to come along, that I didn't get a chance to call anyone. I really just got up each morning, went running, drank coffee, shopped a little and watched Rob race. Next visit we promise to see everyone! Also, I got to visit the new James Island campus for Seacoast and it ROCKED! I loved it and thought everyone organizing the service was great and Nate's band was terrific. Those of you who can, should go visit! Well, hope everyone has a great week!

We ran into our friends, Carmen & Frank Avinger! So great to see them!

Happy Birthday...Do again??

So, it is more birthday photo ops and more video footage, but I couldn't resist. Just endulge a mother's heart and see how precious we think he is. This video is quick and to the point, but I can tell you that after you watch it, you will know why. At the end of the candles being blown out listen for Sam to tell us "do again." So, what do you think we did? That's right...we did it again and again and again!! He is only 2 once, right??

Here are some other pictures of the 50" Elmo balloon that Nana & Papa brought over as a surprise!! He loves it! He dances around the house and puts Elmo on his shoulders, just like Daddy does him. It is very fun!

It's Birthday Cake People and I'm 2!!

(Be Sure to Turn Off the Music Player before watching...Press Pause!)

We can hardly believe that it has been 2 years since God blessed us with Sam. So much has happened and we are amazed some days we have made it this far without cracking. Being new parents has been a wild and exciting ride for sure and has taught both Rob and me a TON!! For instance, I had no idea that a newborn was capable of projectile vomiting a good 3 feet at every feeding and still meet & exceed every growth marker out there. Reflux was especially humbling. Rob was not aware that a baby was capable of holding his poop for 5-6 days and was definitely not expecting the measures we had to endure to get him to finally go...phew!!

We have been overwhelmed with love and adoration for Sam from the moment he was conceived, but we grow more and more in love with him daily now that he is becoming a person and showing such determination and zeal for life. He is always "testing" us and seeing just how far he can go without repercussions. He is so thoughtful and smart and has an extremely tender heart. He doesn't like it when anyone is expressing pain or crying i.e. Kate. He covers his eyes and looks away anytime she cries...it is quite endearing. He loves to be outside and to "go higher" in the swing and really enjoys dancing and playing the guitar. There are so many moments that I wish we had the soundtrack to, in order to preserve the innocence and outright craziness!!

We will forever cherish the moment his precious life was given to us by our Lord God and will raise him to love the Lord to the best of our ability. In our daily prayers we pray that he will be a mighty warrior for the Kingdom of God. Sam, we love you and wish you the happiest of birthdays a little 2 year old boy could ever have. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

40 Days and Nights at The DeFoor House

1. Kate is crawling up a storm and even faster when being pursued.

2. Sam is talking up a storm and making 4 and 5 word sentences!!

3. Rob just participated in a bike race and got 3rd place...Yay Rob!!

4. Loran just started running again after a long hiatus...really sore:)

5. We just unpacked the last of the last of our moving boxes (3months later.)

6. We have found a new church home (Shannon Forest Presbyterian).

7. We all miss Charleston, but are loving the Upstate.

8. The pollen count here is unreal already and we have runny noses.

9. We have also found an awesome small group and love it!

10. Rob is working hard getting our playset ground cover all ready for spring.

11. We have two birthdays coming up (Sam will be two and Kate will be one!!)

12. Sam attempted his first swimming lesson (didn't love it, but we will try again next week.)

13. Our culdesac is almost complete...one more house to finish it off. (good riddance red mud.)

14. We have taken away all videos from Sam...(we have a strategy...we'll let you know the outcome later.)

15. Rob and I attempting to have date night once a week, where we turn off the tv and computer and solely focus on us:)

16. I am hooked on American Idol ( I love Brooke White & Michael Johns)

17. Kate would prefer to eat all foods on her own and is well on her way to success.

18. Kate has 6 teeth with four bursting through any day.

19. Rob has moved his office 2 miles from home vs. 40 miles...much easier commute.

20. We are looking for a good home for our Bichon (any takers???)

21. I am becoming more and more convinced that vaccinations are linked to health issues (autism & other issues).

22. The Holy Spirit has shown up just in the right moments lately and given me beautiful answers to my perplexed mind. ( I guess I am finally listening).

23. Sam & Kate love to dance and play guitar to "Our Song" by Taylor Swift...I love Taylor Swift

24. Sam's favorite snack right now is "bears"...or animal crackers

25. Kate's favorite snack are puffs.

26. I definitely don't have pregnancy envy when I see a beautiful pregnant lady...which translates into knowing we are set with two babies...for now:)

27. The kids love to hear daddy play guitar and dance around the den.

28. Kate is still splashing so much in the tub that if Sam could express his angst he would for sure tell her to get her own tub.

29. Sam's favorite book is "I'm a Big Brother" by Ronne Randall & Kristina Stephenson

30. Kate is busy checking out "Happy Baby Words"

31. My biggest challenge right now is finding time for QT...imagine that??

32. Sam is obsessed with Veggie Tales...one of the reasons for the disappearance of all the dvds

33. I always tivo The Ellen Show, mainly because I love the dancing and funny games segment

34. Rob always tivos anything cycling related.

35. Our next big project around the house is to clean out the garage so we can fit both cars in.

36. Sam's favorite saying is "Watch Mommy" when I am cooking in the kitchen.

37. Sam's favorite time of day is "Ticky Time" in the morning when Rob rough houses and tickles Sam until he is about to pass out.

38. Due to neighborhood construction, Kate takes naps in our closet!!

39. Even though Rob and I have 3x the amount of closet space than before, our closet still looks to be busting at the seams.

40. Rob's latest conclusion : Upstate Dirt is much heavier than Lowcountry Dirt!!

The Paradoxical Effect

Well, it is Sunday morning here at the DeFoor house and normally we would be hustling about getting ready for church, but not this Sunday...we are recovering from several things around here...snotty runny noses, hacking coughs, swollen lymph glands and last but not least something called the Paradoxical Effect. Some of you might be wondering what in the world the last thing is or some of you might be painfully aware of it if you have ever had a sick child who has had an adverse reaction to some medicine. For those of you who might still be scratching your heads, let me explain.

The Paradoxical Effect: A paradoxical reaction is when medical treatment, usually a drug, has an opposite effect to an effect normally expected. An example of a paradoxical reaction is when a pain relief medication causes an increase in pain. Some sedatives prescribed for adults, actually cause hyperactivity in children.


Both of our kids have been round for round this winter with "the crud" as I like to call it and this time has definitely been the worse. Our little Kate has really had it bad with a cough that shakes her entire precious body with each spell. I finally broke down and took them to the doctor and we discovered that she had some fluid behind her left ear and that we needed to go ahead and treat it for safety precautions. If any of you know me well enough, you will know that I am VERY conservative on giving antibiotics and prefer not to at all costs, but I felt with the trifecta of symptoms she was experiencing we had better bite the bullet. Anyway, in conjunction to the antibiotic the doctor recommended to give her some benadryl to help dry up all the "crud" and give her some relief. Well, after last night, we have discovered that she doesn't respond to Benadryl in a very "typical" manner. Most children I guess get very drowsy and sleep more soundly with a drug like Benadryl, but not Katie. She was bouncing off the walls or at least the rails of her crib into the wee hours of the morning. It was like she was on speed! Whew!!! She finally crashed sometime around 2:00am and then was up again at 6:30ish. She is usually a very good sleeper, but with this cough and benadryl reaction she has been giving most insomniacs a run for their money. The beauty of Kate's personality is that no matter how little sleep she gets or how yucky she feels, she just keeps on trucking with her very sweet smile and personality.


Well, we have learned new things this weekend and definitely been given a test in patience and determination, but I just know we are on the road to recovery and a healthy spring!!

How You Live (turn Up The Music) - Point Of Grace

Verse 1:
Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want But want
what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Verse 2:
So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Bridge:
Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin

Verse 3:
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E'en when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Bathtime Mischief

Bathtime around our house is always a hoot...now it usually wears Rob and me slap out, but nonetheless it is always FUN! As you can see from the pictures we still have to put Kate in her own separate tub inside the big tub to shield her from the shenanigans of her brother, but she loves it because this means she has free reign to splash as much as she wants in her own "private" tub. Sometimes Sam just looks at her like "listen girl, you are going to have to control yourself." Another reason I love bathtime with the babies, is because they smell so amazing afterwards and I will forever treasure that aroma. I will be sad when they stop letting me lather them up with lavender scented lotion. To be honest, bedtime rituals is probably my favorite time, because they both become so cuddly and sweet when their eyes are growing tired. They both love their beds and enjoy crawling in and cuddling with their "lovies". Hope everyone has a good week and Happy Bathing!!

Reverend LeRoy Cleveland

January 17, 1920 - March 8, 2008

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

Loran's grandad "Pappy" claimed his heavenly citizenship on Saturday. It was a hard day and a joyous day all in one. We are saddened at our loss, but comforted in knowing he is living with Jesus and we look forward to the day when we can join him in his heavenly home. He spent his life serving others always and was an example to us all in how to live a life for our Saviour. He was a retired Baptist minister and brought joy and happiness to us all. We love you Pappy!!

Our New "Park"

Well, it's almost that time of year where we are about to celebrate the birth of our two wonderful babies!! In April Sam will turn 2!! In May Kate will turn 1!! It is amazing to me that we are the parents of these two beautiful children. That news aside...my parents (Nana & Papa) decided to give birthday gifts a little early and also decided to give one enormous gift for the both of them and for me (mama)!! You guessed it... a new playset or "park" as Sam refers to it. It is so awesome and a great way for Sam to get plenty of exercise while we are still relegated to being home in the mornings while princess Kate is sleeping. He loves it and can go up and down the ladder a thousand times to slide and never grow weary. We feel so blessed to have a big fenced yard for him to run around in and be safe or at least as safe as an almost 2 year old can be. Nana and Papa are heroes in our eyes and Sam and Kate's. What a terrific birthday surprise and one that will get lots of mileage for sure.

Our Little Diva

Katie's latest fashion statements have been the "off the shoulder" variety. When Rob went to get her this morning, she was already sporting her new look. We don't know exactly how she manages to get one entire arm out of her pajamas, but she does and the look is beginning to grow on us. Check her out...

Having Faith in Your Children

About a month ago, we enrolled Sam(22 months) in Kindermusik (http://www.kindermusik.com/). For those of you who don't know what Kindermusik is, it is a program offered to children of all ages to accelerate learning through music and movement. We immediately knew this was something we wanted to try, mainly because Sam has always been enamored with music from birth, but also we really felt it necessary to get him involved in some structured social time with other children his age. Since I stay at home and haven't put him into any Mom's Morning Out programs, he wasn't getting any time to be social. We have also been in limbo with play groups since we moved, so it was time!! It is a Fantastic program, with super teachers who are ready and willing to show children the beauty of music!! Sam is in the class for 18months-3 year olds. We go on Monday evenings at 5:45, so that Rob can be home to hang with Kate while we are gone. They have their own little guitar lessons during this time, but that is an entirely different blog. Anyhow, our first night didn't really go as planned or I should say as I had envisioned. We got to the classroom and there were children all sitting in the floor with shoes off tucked away in their little cubbies and they were playing with blocks. Well, we took off our shoes and then Sam ran for the tupperware box of blocks, picked it up and dumped every last one out onto the floor. I felt like saying, "it's our first time, he usually doesn't do this." But in actuality, he does do this at home all the time. There is not one bin, box or basket that hasn't been completely ransacked at home. It is just what he does. He isn't being malicious, he just wants to get it all out there to check it out. After the "pre-class" activity, the teacher got everyone in a circle on the floor and instructed the children to sit in their mommy's or daddy's lap and we were going to sing the "hello" song. Let's just say that sitting in my lap wasn't on Sam's agenda. He would rather have openend up the teachers cabinets, bang on the storage containers, pull the blocks off the shelf, try to open the door and rip off his socks. I attempted to put him in my lap, but his curiosity was for sure taking precedence. At this point, I am thinking to myself " I am the mother of THAT child, the one that misbehaves and doesn't listen. This can't be happening, ohhh but it was. The rest of the 45 minutes was truly spent chasing him down trying to channel his energy and to keep him from disrupting. The real kicker was when the teacher wanted to do "slow" movements and my child was running from wall to wall with excitement. I was so rattled by the end of the class that I wasn't sure whether or not to cry or scream. On the way out I apologized to the teacher and she assured me that he would figure it all out in a few classes and not to worry. Well, worry is what I do best, so of course I was worried that somehow in the course of tyring to "train him in the way he should go" I had somehow failed. I knew that my little man could behave and listen, but somehow this behavior had vanished. I got home and cried a little to Rob and then we both hit our knees in prayer, that we would be enlightened in how to help Sam. Well, over the next week, Sam and I worked on listening, moving slow and fast and also a few other things that I won't go into detail about. In the car on the way to the 2nd class, Sam and I prayed that God would give me patience and give him open ears to hear the teacher and a happy heart to play with the other children. After some deep breathing on my part, we headed into class. There they all were with shoes off and playing with some animals this time. Sam went straight to take off his shoes and then slowly went over the the kids and joined in without dumping all the animals out into the floor. He was listening and doing the movements slow and fast (fast was definitely better for him), but nonetheless did them when the rest of the children were doing them. I was so proud of him! Here was the child I knew participating like a big boy and really having fun!! At one point he looked back at me as if to say "hey mom, look at me, I am doing great." At that moment, I felt blessed to have such a sweet and vivacious little boy to raise and enjoy! Having Faith in our little ones is important and having Faith in God to be our guide is the most precious gift!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Happy Valentine's Day...Love you!!

A quick Valentine's message from our little cupid! We all send our love and wish everyone a day full of love and laughter.

A Couple of Videos...Enjoy!

REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE MUSIC (press pause) before playing videos.

Here is a quick snip-it of Sam loving on Kate. He is so sweet with her, but a little rough as you will see. She seems to take it in stride though.

Ok...first, please excuse my singing (thank goodness Randy, Simon & Paula aren't around.)

Sunshine and 50...We'll Take It!!

A glorious day in January...I can already feel Spring Fever coming on!! I love it when it's crisp outside and the sun is out. The kids love it too and we took advantage of it today. After lunch we headed out into the back yard for some vitamin D. A blanket and a few toys did the trick for Kate and Sam ran around from one end to the other. Their both sleeping right now so I think it was what the doctor ordered for sure or at least mama!

Kate loves to massage Sam's head. (i.e. poke his eyes and pull his hair)
Hooray for Sunshine!!!

We might even make it to the park after naps!!

Almost Crawling...Sort of??

Kate has been cheered on by everyone to motivate her to crawl, but for right now she is most satisfied with the backwards military crawl. She's mobile and for her that is all that matters. Quite honestly, she is content just sitting up playing with her toys and watching every move that her big brother makes, which is ALOT these days. I can already see her strategy...slow and steady wins the race or at least keeps her out of harms way (sam) and trouble from mama. She is 8 1/2 months old and has an award winning smile and personality. Watching her grow is such a delight!!

Look Mama...Bubble

Just yesterday the kids and I went up to our neighborhood park to get some fresh air. It was cold and I didn't put gloves on Sam so our visit was short and sweet. As soon as we got there he wanted to swing, so swinging it was!! It was about 4:30 in the afternoon and as he was leaning back to get the full effect of the swing he looked up into the sky and said with great excitement, "Mama...Bubble." I looked up and there in plain sight was the moon. Right then and there I realized that we had never had a discussion about the moon. Probably because we put them to bed at 7:00 and are rarely outside to discuss the moon & stars. Shame on us!! Anyway, I took that moment to tell him about the moon. He seemed quite excited to give it a name and talked about it the rest of the afternoon and it was the first thing he wanted to tell daddy when he got home. I thought it was very insightful and imaginative for him to make that connection, but I glad that he now knows about the moon. I can't wait for the next teachable moment...tomorrow!!

Blessings Big and Small

Blessings are sometimes given to us and we don't even recognize them. One of my 2008 New Year's Goals is to take time to stop and acknowledge all of the blessings that the Lord gives, especially the ones that I may not want to acknowledge at all, for instance sickness. The reason sickness comes to mind is because over the last 5 weeks one member of our family has either been catching, enduring or running from some form of a cold. It has been the darndest thing, just when I think we are in the clear, somebody starts sneezing, wheezing or coughing. Having said that, I have had time to discover the blessings that are uncovered during "sick" times. I have had more opportunities to hug, cuddle and kiss my babies in the middle of the night than ever before. I have had no guilty feelings associated with running for my bed as soon as I can get both babies down for a nap or bed. I have learned all sorts of patience within myself when I thought I had none left. The thankfulness I feel that it is ONLY a cold and not some terminal illness. The funny memories of watching Sam and Kate both laugh when mommy and daddy blow their nose. The blessing of seeing Sam hug Kate (probably passing on another germ:)) The blessing of grandparents helping out and risking getting sick themselves in order to preserve some of my sanity. All in all it hasn't been that bad at all, but I am glad for the moment for the blessing of a well family on the horizon! The two blessings in the picture above take the cake for sure!! Many blessings to you....

Two Tiger Fans just having Fun!!