Tummy Stuffers - A great gift for a 2 year old (sponsored post)

My two year old loves to fill things and dump them out and fill them again... and dump them again... It seems to be a common stage that many two year olds experience.  As Azariah approached his second birthday, we were presented with the opportunity to check out Tummy Stuffers.  I have to admit, I thought they were kind of silly at first.  I also knew that my boys would love them.

Guess what: Azariah (and the other boys) love this alligator! In fact, it was one of the few toys I packed to keep my boys entertained during a youth convention while I worked as a vendor.  This little guy held all of their toys and scrunched up to fit inside their special toy trunk!

The boy's play trunk, ready to go to youth convention.

He gobbled up toys and spit them back out.  He chased little boys around to gobble them up.  He even worked as a hat!

Azariah, wearing the Tummy Stuffer as a hat!

Our alligator was out last week when Azariah's therapist was over to work on speech.  She adored him and used him with Azariah to prompt some words!  I never thought that our Tummy Stuffer would also work for therapy, how excellent!

Whit considers fleeing the scene

While our kitten is not so much a fan of the Tummy Stuffer, I think it's a fantastic gift option for toddlers and preschoolers!  Christmas is coming, who is on your list?  I'm positive that my 3 and 5 year olds would love to have Tummy Stuffers of their own (in fact, they've already told me which ones they wish for)!  Tummy Stuffers sell for $19.99 plus shipping and handling.  13" seat pets come with a free 8" buddy (for a limited time)
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2 year old: On Adoration

ad·o·ra·tion

   [ad-uh-rey-shuhn]  Show IPA

noun

1.

the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.

2.

reverent homage.

3.

fervent and devoted love.

Devoted love, honor: Adoration!

I'm learning it from my kids.  This weekend Crackers was showing his adoration of Poppy (my dad).  Not only does he love to talk to Poppy, he just loves being around him.  On Saturday we spent the day with 85 members of my dad's family.  I LOVE New Year's Day for that very reason.  Crackers sought out his Poppy.  He was more interested in watching Poppy eat than playing with the other kids.  Just look at this.

I want to be more like my 2 year old.  This little guy wanted nothing more than to sit on his knees and watch the one he adores.  (Nana tried to take him out of the kitchen and he just went right back to the same place).  

I'm just not good at being still and watching.  

He devoted his time to watching Poppy.  I want to devote my time to watching God.  I want to learn to truly adore God.

My boy ignored the whole world of activity around him so he could LITERALLY sit at the feet of my father.  Wow.  I can't even ignore the phone long enough to read a Bible passage some days.  

When we get close to "Poppy's house" my boys get excited.  Crackers yells and cheers, "Poppy's House!"  I don't do that with God's house.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Luke 18:16-17

I've had plenty of conversations with people speculating about what this means.  I think my kids know.  They get it.  Somehow they understand adoration so much better than we do.  

Lord, help me learn from my children, who so effortlessly display their love for others.  Help me learn to take the effort to truly adore you.

Adoration