Okay, brace yourselves! Toby continues to keep us entertained with the funny things that come out of his head via his mouth. I’m sure I can’t do justice here to his little voice and phrases but I’ll give it a shot. Getting ready to read to the kids from the Bible, Mark asked what we read yesterday. Toby answered, “about Moses when he was on the ark.” Sitting on the couch with Toby– me studying, him watching Discovery Channel with Mark: “Momma, I’m a little bit twisted.” Can you tell me more about this, Toby? “In the head, because I want to do that job” (there was a preview for Deadliest Catch that apparently described fishermen as a little twisted in the head?). Last night eating ice cream at Lain’s (the same ice cream we frequently eat): “this is the best ice cream I have EVER eaten!”. Between 9:00 and 10:00 every night when he should not be getting out of bed: “I have to tell Mommy something. Mommy, when I’m in my bed I feel like . . . (big pause here while he makes something up). . . there’s lava all around me (or a tiger looking at me, etc. etc.)”
This last one may bring tears to some eyes, but I think there are some grandmas who will be glad of them anyway: “I forgot to tell Grandma that I miss her in Mongolia, I wish I could see her here.” I don’t know which Grandma he was thinking of, but I think he feels the same way about them both so I didn’t ask who he meant at the moment.
Grandma’s have been on his mind for awhile now, and Aspen, too. He also just realized this week that he didn’t get to bring his big fire engine with him to Mongolia. Some of these things have made it a difficult week as we’ve watched him start to grasp what it means to be living in another country, but we praise God for His presence that gives us such joy and peace and for His promises, His love, and His faithfulness that give us hope for our own lives and for the people of Mongolia. The blessings He has for Toby and Annika are far beyond anything we can imagine so pray for us to help them understand and for them to see God’s goodness in all of it.
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October 5, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Donald K Wood
Tell Toby I just fed Aspen, but because it is early or she is too full, she didn’t eat, but will do so when we go to church. Then she sits in Grandpa’s blue chair and drools on the seat until she hears us come home. I understand about transitions and change, so I can pray better for Toby and Annaka and all the folks in Mongolia who are settling in for the last of a Sunday evening.
The Cubs lost!
Illinois trounced Michigan in the Big House.
Arkansas is not having a good season but Missouri is number 3 in some polls.
We hit 41 degrees this AM but know you have been 15-20 below that level already.
Love to you all and hug Toby for grandpa. When the Grandmas get up, I am sure they will have comments too.
October 6, 2008 at 1:48 am
Terrill Lambert
Tell Toby that the big fire engine is in good shape and misses him. It is fitting in nicely with Mackenzie’s toys, but misses being played with by Toby. It has not seen any active duty since y’all left. I think it would LOVE seeing some action in Mongolia. Ask Toby if he has noticed any pretend Mongolian structue fires that need Toy fire engine attention. We love you guys and pray for you always.
October 6, 2008 at 10:30 am
Linda
To Toby especially. Grandma sends a big hug to you. Toby Mommy or Daddy will have to give it to you, but I hope to come soon and give you one from my arms. Toby you are the one who gives the best hugs. I remember your hugs. Tell Mommy and Daddy that we are praying for each of you. I hope you have a very special week.
Love, Chicago Grandma
October 6, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Sarah
Toby,
Sorry to hear about your missing of Aspen. To ease your burden, I want you to know that the deportation of Betsy to Mongolia has begun. She should arrive (albeit frozen) in mid-late December. Merry (early) Christmas.
Will wore your really really cool space sweater last week and loved it. Thanks sooooo much!
Is there anything you want from here that we can easily send to you, Toby?
xo
sbk
October 7, 2008 at 2:18 am
Sharon
Tell Toby that Grana/Grandma (since he thinks our names are interchangeable) thinks about him all the time and prays for him too. Grandpa and I saw a row of 15 great-big dump trucks parked all in a row. They are woking on a new highway in SE Missouri. And our house is looking like it’s really going to be a fun house for kids and grown-ups. There will be lots of woods and dirt to play in, well, hopefully, the dirt will be gone when Toby comes to visit.
This Gramma misses the Toby hugs too. NOBODY in the whole world gives hugs as good as Toby does. I miss hearing you tell stories too, Toby. Could you perhaps have a little story ready to share with us the next time we Skype?
Tell Annika that I miss being able to rub lotion on her feet and listening to this mostly serious young lady when she giggles. Your cousins all miss you a lot too. Love G&Gpa
October 7, 2008 at 9:28 am
Amy
Toby, Aspen is a great dog. Abby often misses her, too, and she didn’t even live with Aspen. I’ll find Abby looking sad and ask her what’s wrong. She says, “I miss Aspen.” Of course, I think that may be her way of saying she misses Toby and Annika, too. She asks for prayer for you two every time prayer requests are taken at church or homeschool co-op.
I’m so glad that God is with you and with us also. That means that we are together in the Spirit. Isn’t that awesome?
Love you all.
October 7, 2008 at 10:54 am
Elizabeth Heredia
Toby,
It sounds like you and your cousin Michael are a lot alike at bedtime, even if you are hours apart. Both of you seem to get attacked by lots of strange and scary things that didn’t seem to exist earlier in the evening, and that become very big in a little boys mind after a few minutes in bed….
I am very happy you and your dad get to watch Discovery together. I bet your dad is, too. If Charlie could make an origami fire truck that fit into a box, we would sure try to send it to you!
Are there fire trucks that are on the street in Darhan? I hope there is no lava and no tigers!
Lots of love,
the Heredia’s
October 12, 2008 at 4:14 pm
mongoliawoods
Toby says yes, there are fire trucks here in Darhan. There were fireworks this weekend b/c of local elections and we got to see them from our front windows, but then the next night we heard fireworks and a firetruck, but didn’t see it that time. The only tigers are toys and on certain blankets, and no lava because there are no volcanoes here, Toby reports. He has found some toy structures in need of large fire engines, but he has learned to manage with his multiple small fire engines and plastic firemen (spiderman sometimes helps out, too).