Life is Precious

Peeing in the Yard

2012-01-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Boys will be boys, right?! Oh my, it's always an adventure.

Last week, we were outside taking in all the sunshine we could before the rain started. The boys are doing great playing together and need my help less and less everyday, so I took a book with me. Now, you must know, the yard is boy safe, so when Ben wandered off around the corner I didn't think too much of it. When he was there for a couple of minutes, I asked Thomas, "What do you think Ben is doing?" Thomas ran off to go see.

Now, when it was quiet for another few moments, I got up to go see for my self.

I found Bailey, Thomas and Benjamin all gathered around the birdbath. Bailey was drinking the water. Now, it hadn't rained yet, and I hadn't watered. It was almost as if Thomas could read my mind and knew I was wondering why there was water in the birdbath.

Thomas announced, laughing, that Bailey was drinking my pee!!!

I freaked out inside. All girlieness screaming over the grossness of the situation. Bailey stopped with my outloud, "NO!!" Thomas was laughing. Benjamin was watching.

With a calm voice, while thinking am I really saying this outloud, "Thomas, it is not funny that Bailey is drinking your pee."

We then had a conversation about the proper places to go pee. His little brother is watching after all!!

Boys are an adventure.

Benjamin Alexander is 18 months

2012-01-24T07:19:00.001-08:00

Taking this opportunity to share all the things I love about my sweet little one and to jot a few things down so I don't forget. Using this space to help store some memories!!

This sweet little boy continues to be a big blessing and a challenge that God uses to grow me closer to Him. Benjamin is a big mix of sweetness and craziness all mixed up into one.

He loves to laugh, give hugs and even kisses. He will be playing across the room, run over give me leg a quick squeeze and then go back to playing. He loves to play with trains, cars, really anything with wheels. He can be seen and heard quite often driving a car around. He likes cars/trains so much, that they are almost the only thing he will stand still long enough to watch! Thomas asked to watch a Thomas the Train show last week and for the first time, Benjamin sat down and watched. He will "mowmow" with the train whistles and excitedly point them out. He also gets excited to see animals on the screen as well, but not as much as trains and cars.

It is the best to be seen by Benjamin after he hasn't seen you for awhile. He'll scream, clap his hands, laugh and even sometimes do a little dance as he is running towards you. It melts my heart to see him do this everyday when Jared walks in the front door. Grandma Matlock is often blessed with this reaction as well when we go over to her house on Wednesdays. He gets to spend the whole morning with her so I can go to Bible Study. I get the reaction as well, but not nearly as big!

Benjamin is just as cute as can be when he shakes his head "no" with a sweet little smile on his face when you ask him if he needs clean buns, ready for bed or if he wants to go somewhere. He hasn't quite figured out to say yes, so generally, if he doesn't say no, I know it's a yes. He can also say "hi" and every so often, we'll get a "peas" out of him for please. My favorite part of the day is dressing him. He is quick to put his arm down his long sleeves now and as his hand pops out the end he smiles and gives the hand a big, "Hiiii-eee!" As if he hasn't seen it all day. It's so funny and so sweet. He's other funny trick is getting this big cheese smile on his face. We call it the "cheeseburger" smile and is a favorite to all who know him.

Benjamin is a great eater and loves pretty much everything. However, it's hard to keep up. Just because he liked it the day before, doesn't mean he'll like it again today. The few things that seem to be constant are mac n' cheese, avocados and pears. I'm so glad he's a healthy boy. Well, except for the macaroni!!

Benjamin loves his big brother. He will now follow him all over the house, wanting to do whatever Thomas is doing. He wants to play cars with him, sit in the chair with him and "help" Thomas with whatever he is doing. This is the hardest part for me. Knowing when to make Thomas play with him and when to let Thomas have his space. They are usually pretty good about sharing, but we've had plenty of good screams! Thomas can always get him to laugh more than almost anyone else.

Benjamin loves to wrestle, be tickled and play with his "button." Almost the second I hit the floor, Benjamin is all over me trying to take me down so he can flop on me and climb all over. He has the best laugh when he is being tickled and it's so easy to get him going. Benjamin seems to have a thing for his belly button. It's almost like a nervous habit or a way of self soothing. You will often find him standing there, holding his shirt up and playing with his "button." IT's kinda sweet.

Sunday was a day that warmed my heart as his mommy. A friend who was in the nursery with him, caught me after church. She wanted me to know just how sweet he was. She said he's so sweet with the other children, plays well on his own, does what he is asked and doesn't scream when others kids take toys from him. Things I don't always get to see at home. I do always see him sit down on his bottom when I ask him if he wants a snack. He learned that in the nursery!!

Benjamin, you are a sweet-sweet blessing to me. I am thankful for you everyday. I love you more everyday. I pray that you will be gentle with your toys, with your brother and gentle in your words. That the Lord will fill your heart for a longing for the things of His Word. That you will love Him and long to serve Him. I pray that the Lord will show me how to be your mother.

Thomas, Little Brother's Watching You

2012-01-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Oh the power a big brother holds.

He is the example. The leader. The cool one to be just like.

He has the eyes and the faith of a little brother watching his every move. Studying. Taking it in. And trying to be just like him.

Yesterday this was made so much more clear to me. Thomas was jumping up and down in joy over something with the legos. Benjamin was excited it to. He stared with a concentrated look at what Thomas was doing. Then, tried it for himself.

We were puddle jumping, Benjamin wanted to see just what Thomas was doing and then do it. He followed Thomas wherever he went. He tried his hardest to keep up. He ignored my callings, my words and my help. All he wanted was big brother.

Oh Thomas, please be a good leader. Please be one that Benjamin can follow. He will watch what you do and follow that above what I say. Please know that he is watching and love him enough to do always do what is right. Be an example that your little brother can follow.

As I write these words, I know Thomas will fail. I know that the only example we can rightly follow is God. How often am I like Benjamin. I get distracted and fascinated by friends or leaders, that I take my eyes off of God, ignore His wisdom and His calling, just to follow the latest and greatest.

Oh Lord, help! Help me to follow you. Help me to listen to your voice alone. But for when I fail, please give me godly examples to follow!

My Husband is the Best

2012-01-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

This last weekend, Jared surprised me with a night away! He had purchased a great deal for a night in a Sacramento Bed & Breakfast and arranged for his parents to keep the kiddos! It was the best 24hours ever!!

Now, you have to know that he bought this back in August after a long (i'm sure pms driven) "conversation." My husband is so gracious to me and so patient with me. How many of us girls whine and complain at some point that, "I wish you would...", "If only you would...", and even, dare I say it, "I would feel loved if you..." (Thanks to that 5 Love Languages book!!)?

Well, I was doing that big time. By God's kindness, it turned out to be a good conversation that lead to us establishing some new habits. It also reminded me that I need to be willing to do whatever I am asking Jared to do. I need to make sure I am loving him as he would like. Serving him. Putting him first out of love. It was a convicting conversation and I'm so thankful that in the end God used it to soften my heart and change me.

So, all of that to say, that Jared bought this overnight from Living Social back in August and had yet to find just the right time to cash it in. The expiration was coming up, so he just jumped in with both feet and picked his next 3 day weekend! It was great timing and boy-oh-boy did I feel loved!!

We dropped the kids off at 3:00 at a friends house, so thankful to them for taking the boys hours before my in-laws were available. It gave us the whole afternoon to get started on our relaxation. We checked in to the lovely B&B by 3:30. Now it was kinda funny driving up to the place. If you know downtown Sacramento, you know it's not known for it's safety and beauty. The area was a little sketchy, but this place was definitely a retreat tucked away. It was a modern, upscale looking spa that was also a B & B.

Our room had a giant, beautifully made bed, a luxurious looking Jacuzzi and even a cozy fireplace. We took a few hours to relax, then headed out to a late dinner. We didn't even eat until long after the boys were in bed! Imagine that!! Then we had frozen yogurt and didn't get back to the room until 9pm! (this is crazy late for us folks!!) We then popped in a movie and managed to stay awake until almost midnight. It's amazing how relaxing it is to go to sleep knowing little boys will not come tip-toeing into your room the next morning. So, when we still woke up after 7 the next morning, we were thrilled because we didn't have to move. We popped in another movie while we waited for breakfast to be brought to our room.

After our breakfast in bed, we headed downstairs for the massage that Jared had signed us up for. Relaxing continues. Then we took our time getting ready and headed out for an afternoon of shopping and lunching at a leisurely pace. Yes, ladies my husband is amazing!!

My favorite part of our 24hr getaway, was the chance to have many conversations with out interruption. I was able to ask a question and get the answer with in the same hour. My ladies bible study had had one of our elders come in to answer questions on male leadership. This sparked all sorts of questions in my mind that I needed to ask Jared. Knowing he is not a man of many words, I typed up an email full of all my questions so he would have time to think about them before our time away. What a help that was. We were both able to think through things and have great conversation. Over all our meals, our time driving and just hanging out, we were able to look at the email and answer a few questions that were deeper than, how was your day.

This time away was the best we've ever had. What a blessing it is to have a man that truly loves me and seeks to be the man, the husband and the father that God has called him to be. I love him! I am so thankful for him! I need to remember that Jared is a blessing from God everyday!!

Thanks Love for a wonderful getaway!!

What did you do with your Christmas vacation time?

2012-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

We did another project.... Always lots to do around here! The picture below is from when we first moved in. The previous owners had put in a pellet stove. We were never able to use it because it got so hot and Thomas was so little. When we did use it, it was after he went to bed. It warmed our part of the house while he froze in his room. So out it came. That was probably 3 years ago.

We were left with this hole:
We've had it behind the piano, the desk, a sofa... all sorts of things. We were wanting to remove the beams down, which you can see above, but not wanting all the work that was involved with that. However, we wanted better use of that space. Our house is fairly small and with 2 growing boys, any floor space we can have is appreciated!

So it was decided to turn the whole into an entertainment center!

Destruction and re-do started the day after Christmas. All signs of Christmas decor were down and in the garage by 11:00 when my Dad arrived to help with the work. All the men were ready to go!

Benjamin couldn't get enough of the work and was seen all day long with either a broom or a dust pan in hand.

Day 2:
Time to rebuild the walls and put up sheet rock.

End of Day 2:
Lots of progress!

Day 3: Just a few things done. Primer, shelves prepped and then off for a date night with some friends. We couldn't spend his entire week off on just this one whole!!

Day 4 was spent in Roseville having more fun!

Day 5: we're cutting it close because the next day we'd have a house full of people!
Jared did the finishing work of baseboards, shelf installing and finally all the electronics put back in!

So far, so good! I've spent this week tracking down pretty baskets and things to make it look more organized and pretty!

I love my hubby and dad!!

New Year's Eve

2012-01-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

It was another year for the party pooper party!

It all started 2 years ago when I was pregnant and didn't have the energy to stay up late. We invited another family to join us and had a great dinner and lots of fun playing games while the kids played.

This year we decided to try it again. With kids it's hard to stay up until the new year with other families. The kids can't make it, so they get crabby, but where do you put that many kids to sleep!! So, we decided to host the "Party Pooper Party" and ring in the New Year east coast time. Yep, at 9. But take a look!! It was a great night!

Fun was had by all as we squished into one room for some fun games.

Even the kids got in on the action.

The Rauch's put together some fun "MInute to Win it" like games.

This one was bouncing ping-pong balls into an egg crate.

Everyone brought their favorite pizza toppings and meat, we provided the dough sauce and cheese.

Each family built their own pizza and there was plenty to share.

We had 6 families: the Rauchs, Coulters, Crouches, Kiles, Sanas and ours

Proof that the kids had lots of fun!!

We could hardly see any of the floor!!

Papa's Birthday

2012-01-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

My poor dad, his birthday is right around Christmas and all too often it gets skipped over. This year, half the family had the flu, so the big steak dinner, kid free at Ruth's got canceled. We waited until after Christmas, but before the New Year and all gathered at Bucca's!! Yummy and Fun!!

He we are!!

Papa's how old?!

Can't miss out on the singing!!

Yummy Stuff!!! Go for it, Dad!

He decided to share it with us : )

After:

(don't worry, he shared!!)

Christmas Day

2012-01-05T13:56:00.002-08:00

What a joy to celebrate Christmas Joy, Christmas Day, Christ's Birth on a Sunday!! Sure, it made things a little more scrunched, the morning a little rushed, but to be in church and sing of His glories on a day to celebrate His the coming. The coming that meant our salvation!! Glory!! I feel like I should, like I could end this post right there... but alas, the pictures!! Hopefully, He was honored in our celebration.

Sweet Thomas!

4 and a half years old

snuggling his spiderman he received from Grammy Berry

With his superhero shirt

The boys checking out their Christmas goodies

and Thomas already hard at work in his notebook.

Sweet Benjamin

at 17months

also, holding Thomas' spiderman

At Church, all dressed up for Christmas Sunday

Took the opportunity to snap a picture with a good friend

My family,

my beautiful boys and my wonderful husband,

what more could a girl want!!

We enjoyed an amazing dinner, mostly prepared by my in-laws.

BBQ'd lamb, mashed and scalloped potatoes, lots of veggies and delish rolls!

Lots of time after for playing games, football, naps and talks over coffee

My Grandma's Table

2012-01-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Shortly before Christmas, I received a wonderful gift. My Grandma's kitchen table. Like so many kitchen tables, it is so much more than just a table. It's a table full of memories. To me it will always represent the love of home. You only had to walk a few steps into my grandma's home to know it was a house full of love. You could see the love of family. The love of funny little things. The love of making your home nice, a place where people want to be.

Her refrigerator always had pictures of the family. She had a timeout doll placed in the corner of the kitchen, just because it made her laugh every time she saw it. And the table, visible within the first couple steps of entering the house, the table now in my home, was always decorated for the season or the holiday (and the far corner was always scattered with cards and pictures ready to go in the scrapbook she was working on).

She loved to decorate this table. Always thrilled to show me the new item she had purchased and ready to tell me where she bought it from and how good a deal she received. It was so much more than simple decoration thought. It was filled with her love to do something nice in her home. To make it warm and welcoming. To make it special for all who entered. Not just special, but nice. My grandma appreciated the nice things in life, but not in a way that was covetous or prideful. She just wanted things to be done nicely and was always so kind to make sure to share those things with me.

More than decorating your home and making it nice though, this table represents the love of family. When I think about it, I hear my cousins laughing, the aunts and uncles discussing lively and loudly whatever current event was taking place. I see smiles all around. I feel the coziness that comes from family being close. I remember the lunches I ate with Grandma on my trips back into town. I can picture her having little conversations with Thomas and just smiling a smile that showed absolute joy as she sat there and just looked at my babies.

A kitchen table, this kitchen table will remind me always of the very essence the Lord filled my Grandma's character with. She showed me that my love for the Lord and His Word needs to flow out of me in a way that spills all over my family. She was just simply content with the life (the wonderful and the horrible things that filled it) she was given. She knew it was all a gift from God and she allowed Him to fill it, she chose to fill it through Him with love.

I only hope my grandchildren can someday look at my silly old kitchen table and think the very same things. That God would help me to be the mom and the grandma that just simply loves her family through and through.

My first opportunity to begin this came this year on Christmas Eve. My sister ironed my new tablecloth, a gift from a friend with a pattern similar to the Spode plates I know my Grandma liked, I placed her Christmas salt and pepper shakers (empty!!) on the table, pulled out her gold silverware, the glass bowl in the top left was hers, the place mates she gave me years ago and delicately placed it all on the table with her love in my heart!

My dad and my sister prepared the meal with fun, joy and love (as they are much better cooks than I) and we sat down as a family to enjoy the fun!

I'd like to think that my Grandma would be pleased to have seen this and even more pleased to have been there. She would have been tickled pink to know all her things she had passed to me were being used. I can see her now, in her famous expression, a tilt of the head, saying, "oh, well, oh my..."

I love you, Grandma!!

Christmas Eve at Home

2012-01-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

This year I had the joy and the priviledge of hosting Christmas Eve at our home. We traveled to Roseville for Thanksgiving, so I announced that they could all (my sister's family and my parents) travel for Christmas. They went for it!! So the party began Friday when my sister and crew arrived to begin the preparations. Mom and Dad were arriving on Saturday at 11 and we had a lot to do before they got here. Groceries to buy, a house to clean and presents to wrap!! Audra in all her preggo-ness was a huge help, as always, I couldn't have done it all without her!

Friday, I finished the cleaning, ran some errands and Audra and I wrapped the gifts. Then we my family headed over to my in-laws for Christmas presents with them!! It was a beautiful dinner and hope to have pictures from that soon!!

Saturday morning we woke up, made the coffee and got right to work. Our first trip (with all 7 of us) was off to the Chinese Market for some fresh fish and crabs. I should have had the camera there! Live crabs, lobsters, fish.... the boys loved it! We picked our 4 crabs and some other shellfish and headed back home. The crabs made it to their final vacation destination... the bathtub (yes, i scrubbed it first!!) Where they were able to be observed and fight with their little crab friends (they were super feisty!)

Benjamin was not a fan of all the fighting and excitement!!

Thomas was all too ready to be they one in charge of watching them and had all sorts of stories ready for Grammy and Papa when they arrived!!

Well, as a pleasant surprise, Papa's Sleigh full of presents arrived right on time! Presents were unloaded, snacks eating and the opening began.

The Byers' Family

Ross & Audra (30or so weeks preg.)

Ethan, 16months

Strike-A-Pose shot

created by Ethan

My very own Matlock Men

Jared, Thomas 4 1/2 & Benjamin 17months

Here's Benjamin with his favorite gift, a mop and broom.

Seriously, he was so excited and didn't want to put them down!

Asking Papa for some help!

Ethan got his very own wagon!!

He was thrilled with the wagon, not too sure about all the excitement

Surprise, surprise, the box was just as exciting!

The boys all got matching jammies - which Thomas thought was the coolest!!

They looked so cute and we thought it would make a precious memory to get a picture of them in the wagon. Who would have thought it'd be so hard to get half-napped, well snacked, over stimulated kiddos to take a cute picture... oh well. maybe next year! Still a good memory!

After presents, we ate dinner, cleaned up, at dessert and then headed off to Christmas Eve service. It was a great day. A true celebration. Left me so thankful for the wonderful family I've been given and so thankful that we can be under the same roof together and all get along!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-16T06:36:00.001-08:00

Then:

& Now:

About 9 months later, the good old laundry basket it still bringing loads of fun!

What do you do before 7am at your house?

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well, we take the trash out in the rain.

Take turns getting a good look at the sun rise, in the rain,

put on a sock puppet show, complete with the puppets tickling, talking and singing,

(here's stripee)

turn in to toilet paper, mummies,

then bust out of them and make a big pile.

oh and just so you don't think we are too creative that early....
we also watch cartoons and can hardly take our eyes off them for a picture!!

yep, it was an early morning here in the matlock home. pray for me!!

The Train

2011-12-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Jared set up the train this year. This is a train that has been in his family for generations. His Grandfather had one and started one for his dad when he was young. Jared remembers playing with it around the bottom of the Christmas tree all growing up. Something he looked forward to every year. We have set it a couple of times since we have lived in Vacaville and he and Thomas have enjoyed it together.

He was excited to get it back year and let Benjamin in on the action. I gave up decorating my table so the boys could have it set up for some fun with Daddy. Well, it was a huge hit!! Thomas loved getting to play with Daddy's legos (he had a few special ones stored away with the train), micro machine's (also a bit of his collection reserved just for Christmas time) and of course the train, complete with his dad's horses and buildings. The boys loved it all.

Benjamin loved the train, he surprised me with how much! So much that he figured out how to get himself up on to the chair so he could sit at the table and watch it. Most days I would find him there on and off through out the day. He'd call me over, point and say "ahh" his word for just about everything, but with the use of his handing pointer finger, I knew just what he wanted. I don't know how to hook up the train compartments together, but occasionally I would give it a shot, get it as best as possible and he'd be thrilled - until they came apart.

Monday, he spent most of the day there. The train was going on and off all day. At the end of the day I was totally over it, but I found him like this:

sitting in the middle of the table, waiting (mostly paitiently) and pointing. I couldn't resist. I turned it on and snapped a few pictures. (you can see him holding a blue piece in hopes that i'd hook them together)

Then it happened. The train crashed with a loud bang to the ground!! Falling into 3 pieces. My heart broke. Benjamin was crying. Thomas just wanted to see just what had happened. I wasn't looking forward to breaking the news to Jared. Thankfully, he just smiled, shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess it was too soon after all." Thankfully he was able to fix it and then we packed it up and stored it away for next year.

I know this is way too long of a post on a train, but it's a part of our family heirloom history. A special piece of our history. Memories with a special treasure. This is after all the best place for me to store moments like this, so thanks for reading along!

Live Nativity!

2011-12-13T18:34:00.003-08:00

Jared's parent's are attending a church here in town that has done a live nativity for the past 27 years. It's a musical that is performed outside and the open area is made to look like Bethlehem. They have a live camel, donkey and even the sheep. It's great!! The boys sat through the entire hour long performance, thanks to the snuggles on Grandma's lap and the entertainment of the animals.

Afterwards, they got to go down and meet and feed the animals. They loved it!

We bundled them up nice and warm, complete with a layer of pj's underneath. We stayed cozy with blankets and the cookies and hot chocolate that was served. A fun family tradition.

Sweet times

2011-12-13T18:34:00.001-08:00

Our baking is done!! And every year it's more fun as I get to enjoy it with my boys. I tell you, Christmas is wonderful in and of itself, but what a joy it is to experience it with your kids. Just another reason they are a blessing.

But back to cookies... I made up 2 recipes on Tuesday and then saved all the real baking for Thursday. My Mother-in-law was available to come help out, so I snagged her and set the whole day aside. She came over just after lunch and we jumped in. Her and Thomas went to town decorating and making Gingerbread Boys and Girls, while I worked away on a few other things. It was so much fun to watch them enjoy this experience, a first for both of them.

They put buttons, smiles and cute trim on each and everyone. Just as they were almost done I realized that Thomas was going to town decorating most of them and it looked as if he had. They had brains and bones and globs of stuff all over the place. What a fun surprise that was. : ) Honestly, I wasn't at all upset, just surprised. That was so much more special than if I had stopped him and made him do it like the pretty picture. He and Grandma had had so much fun and they were way cuter than I could have planned.

He then added a fun outline all around him. This was in the beginning before he really got into it. It was such fun packing up the ones he decorated and handing them out to all his friends. They knew Thomas had made them just for them.

Even Benjamin got in on the action after he woke up from his nap. Yes, Linda is brave. Her motto is, "you're not having fun unless you're making a mess!" And oh how right she is!!

Here the boys are a day or so later having more fun with the candy canes. Benjamin wasn't sure how he felt. I thought he polished off a big chunk, only to find it stuck to his pant leg!!

So many sweet memories made with my precious boys and family this year around the kitchen!

Advent Calendar

2011-12-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not really a calendar, but it's been a big hit with the boys this year! It's an advent book. Everyday we read a verse and a few sentences and then add a character to the scene. A great way to set aside the time each night!

Christmas at the Matlock's

2011-12-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas decorations! They were down and up as fast as they could be.

This year I added a new sewing project to the list of things to-do, thanks to a friends fun find online. A tree skirt! I chose 4 fun prints and sewed away!! I'm even making one for my sister and if you know us well, you know that is quite backwards!!

I've collected snowmen and trees over the last couple of years and spread them all out over the fireplace hearth.

Last year, my mom passed on the family nativity scene. I'm loving having it in my home and seeing how excited to boys are to check it out.

Of course, you can't forget the stockings. Our fireplace is out of commission and behind the TV, so we got as close as we could!

Gingerbread Men 2011

2011-12-05T08:14:00.001-08:00

Thomas is just growing up all over the place! He was a huge help in making Gingerbread Men this year. He helped with the rolling, the cutting and putting them on cookie sheet with a spatula even. He didn't break a single one!!

So much fun!! He got to cut the boys and I did it the girls. His favorite part was giving one a belly button. He had so much fun he then made us a family of belly button boys! Lots of love and laughter went into these guys.

After nap (Benjamin sure sleeps through a lot!!), Benjamin got to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Thomas announced that they were better then he hoped they would be and with that bit off the poor guys head. Complete with, "oh know, I lost my head!! Oh know, where did it go?!" Papa Berry should be proud!

Enjoying the Tree

2011-12-05T06:41:00.001-08:00

When the boys wake up right at 7, it's just a little dark out still. So before I went in to let them out, I made sure to leave all the lights off and just turn on the tree. Benjamin hadn't seen it all decorated and we didn't enjoy it with Thomas in the dark. So sweet to see them walk out, mouths open and a little in awe of the beauty.

So thankful for their sweetness, innocence and pure enjoyment of the simple things in life.

We have a tree!!

2011-12-05T06:27:00.001-08:00

As tradition would have it, we broke out the Christmas decorations the day after thanksgiving and decorated as many corners of our home as possible. The boys loved exploring all the trinkets and snowmen. I loved getting out all our special, Christmas items that hold so many memories.

Benjamin was fascinated with these little red balls. Only one met the floor. We put the rest away.

Thomas took this picture and now I'm so glad he did. This is a special little pile to me. A memory of a ceramic tree made by my Grandma Stansberry. It sat on the hutch every Christmas since my very first. In the last few years, it made it's way into my home. Well, this year when the box (a hair dryer box from the 80's), we found it in pieces. I cried. Literally shed tears over the loss of this memory (of the tree and my Grandma) collected a few of the lites, the star and a little bird and Jared took it away. So silly how close we hold items to our heart. However to my defense, when I told my sister she cried to (who cares if she's pregnant, it made me feel a little less silly)

More fun stuff, though. Here's our special tree that we rescued from the OSH lot!! It's been crazy windy this past week, so all the trees were still wrapped. Our choosing wasn't quite as fun as all the trees look the same when still in twine. We chose one that was a little open, but leaning against the rest. It's definitely the tallest tree we've had and it was even nice and full.

Benjamin was fascinated with the lights.

Thomas couldn't wait to check out all the ornaments as they came out of their wrapping.

This year Thomas got to stay up after his brother went to bed and help hang the tree. He felt so grown up and special with this extra time. He kept talking about how exciting it was and how big he is.

He was actually a big help with the lights and happy to hold them and lead me around the tree. I'm the light hanger, it drives Jared nuts. He gets so crabby, it's kinda funny! Thankfully, he was more than willing this year to finish off the top since my short height couldn't reach the top of our very tall tree.

Obviously, this is just a moment before Benjamin was taken to bed. He wanted to be like big brother and hang the lights as well. He took two big piles and stuffed them inside the branches.

Thomas couldn't wait to place the star at the top. He saw it and knew right away where it was suppose to go and just innately knew it was his job.

We had lots of fun hanging the ornaments and telling Thomas about the special memories that so many of them hold. (Looking at the picture you can see a few of the clusters and see just how high I can reach. Jared's level is just a little empty!!)

What a special memory decorating the tree was this year. So sweet sharing and starting this memory with Thomas. The little conversations, the laughter and just the excitement of sharing the newness to him and the joy of seeing him grow up.

Cling to Jesus with Childlike Confidence

2011-12-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Cling to Jesus with Childlike Confidence

Just read this article and it was a reminder for me, I wanted to share with you. How many of us as mom's cling to our own strength. I can take care of the kids today. I can keep this house all picked up. Take care of the Christmas to-do list. Visit friends. Laundry. Floors. The Dog. and oh yeah, have my husbands dinner on the table by 6. I can do it. How often do I forget that I can do nothing in my own strength, but only in HIS. This is my flaming sin. Fighting my own pride. Wanting my own way. May I cling to Him today.

Click on the link above to read the short article.

Holiday Boutique

2011-11-29T08:01:00.001-08:00

Mother's of Faith (our mom's group at church) hosted it's 4th annual "Holiday Boutique." We host it in the home of the Veliquette's where we also have our mom's group meetings. It's a wonderful day that gives the ladies a chance to show and sell their goods and just a fun day to get together.

That being said, it was our best and worst year. I think it was one of our best years as far as vendors went. We had a wide variety of items and more hand made stuff than in the past. However, it was one of our worst turn outs. There was a boutique downtown, which helped us the first year. This year our signs between downtown and the house were torn down. There were 2 other events also going on. And it was freezing!!! It was the first cold, damp weekend of the year, so I'm guessing no on wanted to leave their house. Oh well. Always changing and learning and applying to the next one.

Mothers of Faith hosted a bake sale table.

We made $85!!

Amy did hair bling and feathers.

We had the Kile girls with homemade Soy candles

Janell with Blessings

Home decor and such made by the Christian card company, Dayspring

Tammy with Pampered Chef

Denise with Gigi Hill

Hannah & Ashlynn with the cutest, fooffiest tu-tus

Christ with Turkey Pumpkins, candle holders (see them hanging in the tree)

Rachelle & Alison with "Up-cycled" Aprons, Turkey Cake pops and photo albums

(the aprons were made out of dresses they purchased at goodwill)

Jen with her clutches, pillow slips and quilts

Monica & I with stocking stuffers and kids busy bags

A new friend with frame holders for your jewelry

Finally, we had Melanie in the front yard with her and her husbands beautiful Metal Art.

Metal plaques for the yard.

The room all set-up. It's such a wonderful event! If you're interested in a table for next year or saw something you'd like to purchase, I can help you with that!

Getting Started on the Christmas Fun

2011-11-29T07:01:00.001-08:00

Part of our list was getting the house ready for Christmas, but by Saturday after a busy turkey day and two full days of list crossing off, we were all ready for some fun! So we met up with some friends for Sushi and then headed out to Silveyville Tree Farm. Thomas reaction, "oh good!! I've been waiting forever for this!!" And after he announced that it was as fun as he thought it would be!

We went out to Silveyville last year, but didn't really take advantage of all the fun stuff. It was pretty busy, full of people playing, eating the free popcorn all snuggled around the fire and getting their trees. It is a tree farm where you can go and cut down your own tree. We opt out of that and stick with our OSH parking lot tree, but it sure is fun to walk through the trees smelling in all their goodness!!

Thomas loved all the trees and found so many ones he liked!

He just discovered Sonic the Hedgehog thanks to a friend at school. He wanted to run "sonic fast" through the trees, up and down the aisles.

Ben simply wanted to push the stroller all by himself.

We stood here and watched the quads pulling trees go by and their little sleigh/wagon ride go by as well.

A favorite spot for the boys. All sorts of hanging metal that you can bang away at.

Then we climbed the hay horses and rode for awhile. Ben's rediscovered his tongue.... he cracks us up!

Family shot for the fun day!

It was so good to get out as a family and just have fun!! It was a great couple days off together to just enjoy the boys as they are growing up, play a lot, cross a bunch of things off and just feel the blessings of all that God has given us!! We even took the boys out for a late night dip in the hot tub!! They thought it was pretty cool to be out back, in the dark, at bedtime. A super crazy-cool treat!

Fall is Finally Here

2011-11-29T06:49:00.001-08:00

So last week we were pulling into the driveway and Thomas exclaimed,

"Look Mom! It's fall!!"

He was so excited because in his mind fall happens when leaves fall. He doesn't understand that it's the entire couple of months, not just the times when the leaves fall. It's sweet really.

Well, little did he know that falling leaves would get to be picked up. He was super excited to help Jared rake. He'd get to use his own rake!!

So, while Jared was off part of our fun was raking leaves. We made it through one tree in the front yard before we filled the yard waste. That worked out great because the other one had just started. The lawn is once again covered.

Anyhow, check out the family fun! Even Benjamin got into the fun!

What fun is raking leaves if you can't throw some around a little!

He's such a hard worker. It's amazing how much energy he has. He just bounces from spot to spot, raking and scooping.

Benjamin was assigned the first round of smashing down the leaves in the trash can.

When Thomas momentarily slowed down, Benjamin was excited to get a turn with the rake.

Love this sweet little boy!! (yes, he's still in his jammies)
Check out Thomas expression in the second picture. It looks like he's explaining something to Jared. "Well Daddy, what about that leaf?!"

Thanksgiving with the Family

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001-08:00

This year we continued the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with my parents and Jared's parents. We all came together at my parents house in Roseville. Audra cooked the Turkey & Dad bbq'd a tri-tip, the rest of us brought the yummy side dishes. I tried out a sweet potato puree which is going to be a new tradition!!

Thomas has joined the olive on the fingers club!

The little ones had fun playing with Grandma Matlock

Yes, Ben still gets a bottle and with a funny nap day, he wanted this over Turkey!!

Grandpa M. and Thomas having fun!

These 2 are just a month a part and were so much fun to watch. They had the best time playing through the gate.

Then you throw Thomas in the mix and it gets even more crazy. We made them sit still for a picture and a quiet moment!

Having fun reaching for each other, poking and shouting and yes, even kissing...

Dish duty after dinner, I snagged a picture of my boys with both of the Grandma's!

Another attempt at a cousin picture... someday I'll get a good one!

Birthday Fun with Grammy Berry

2011-11-25T12:12:00.001-08:00

My mom's birthday was this past week and we took her to Davis to celebrate!

We started at the Habit for a yummy hamburger, one of her favorite things. Then off to the arboretum for a walk and some playtime with the ducks.

It's not a birthday celebration or special trip out without a scoop of ice cream! Yummy!!

"That's what I want, Grammy!"

Thomas loved his chocolate fro yo!

Ben's favorite thing was pushing his stroller around. This entertained him for a long time. (ps didn't realize how long his hair was until his hair cut and now looking back. yikes!)

Happy Birthday, Mom!! We love you and are so thankful for your part in our daily lives!

I've Got a Belly Flopper

2011-11-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

There's something special about a Dad's day off! Jared took today off to add to his Thanksgiving celebration and oh what a great day it's been. We got a little extra sleep this morning (oh! I didn't tell you, Benjamin's sleeping til 7 some mornings and 6:30 others, but more on that later!) and took our time this morning. Jared went off to the gym and I hung out in PJ's with the boys.

Benjamin loves to wrestle, I mean he LOVES to wrestle. His favorite part about it is belly flopping on whoever he's wrestling. If i get on the floor, whether it's to pick something up or to sit down, he's right there with me, pushing me over so he can crawl all over me.

This morning, I was sitting on the sofa and made the mistake of leaning forward. In an instant he was behind me trying to push me over. Next thing I knew, Thomas was joining in the fun. So enough of that... we collected all the pillows in the house and made a giant jumping, belly flopping pile. It was TONS of fun.

My morning was filled with laughter and shouts of joy!! When daddy got home, they were ready for round two!!

Even Bailey got in on the action.

The rest of day has been filled with crossing things off the list. I'm taking a break from cleaning the playroom to share our great day and enjoying the Christmas music on Pandora. Jared and Thomas are getting the Christmas decorations down and hanging lights. Benjamin's napping. We've already raked leaves, jumped in leaves, taken care of outside toys and had a yummy warm lunch. Such a great day!!

Sweet Moments on a Hard Day

2011-11-22T14:51:00.001-08:00

I have a big post running through my brain that I just can't seem to post. My sweet beautiful Grandma went to glory just a short 4 weeks ago. It was the most difficult joyful situation I've ever been through. I have so much about that week, her service and her that I want to share and just get down here for memories sake, but today is not that time. soon.

In the meantime, here are some pictures that I love from those days:

The boys looked so cute and so big in their dressy clothes, I just had to get a picture. They were more than happy to climb all over the rocks for me to get a few.

We had a luncheon and managed to get all the little ones in close for a picture! There are 24 great grandkids (missing a few here), all under 9. There are such a fun group of kiddos. The babysitters that watched over them for the service were impressed with our sweet little group! : )

There are also 5 more on the way! So we couldn't miss out on the photo op here. L to R: My sister, due in Feb, Oldest cousin, Monique due in Feb, Nicole, due in Feb., Cyrena due in April, Molly, due in May. All, but Audra, with their 3rd child. Grandma knew all were coming and could tell you their correct due dates just the week before.

My Thomas and his buddy, Timmy. Always have such fun together!

This day was such a tribute to the love shown and given by Grandma. A testimony to the love that the Holy Spirit filled her with and that grew out her love for the Lord! Such a beautiful blessing!!

Cheap, Easy & Fun Ideas

2011-11-22T14:43:00.001-08:00

I love finding fun, cheap and creative projects to do! I found this one on etsy and on pinterest. It's called a Burlap Tie Wreath. I was hoping to get a new wreath for Christmas decorations this year and thrilled with the natural look of this one. I was even more excited when I realized it would be cheap to make!!

To make:

Cut burlap into 1inch strips that are either 6 or 8 inches long.

The top one is 6 and bottom is 8, not much of a difference.

Tie each strip on 12" wire wreath.

You can see the wire wreath below. I found it at JoAnns for $2.49. I used just under 1.5yards of burlap that was $3.99 a yard.

So project total was $8.50 plus tax, and that's without sale or a coupon! (which I had both of!)

I wanted to use some color, so I bought a 6inch wreath and some cotton fabric and here is the result:

Have fun!!

What Fun 2 Boys Can Have

2011-11-18T06:34:00.001-08:00

I love that my two boys love to play together. Yes, they fight all the time. Play tug-of-war over a favorite toy with one screaming at one end and the other trying to explain to the screamer why he can't have it. But they also play together and love it. I love the sound of them laughing together. Trying to out "silly" the other and cracking up in the meantime. Thomas, not always, but often, will try to include his brother in a game that he's playing. A couple of weeks ago, he wanted Benjamin to join him on the hot tub. The idea made me nervous, but I couldn't resist Benjamin's little joyful face of wanting to be a big boy and Thomas desire to teach his little brother some "big boy stuff." They had the best time fighting the bad guys (the tree branches) and playing swords. Their laughter was out of pure joy. Their play was a blessing to my heart. And I got a good workout following Benjamin all around to keep him safe.

Thomas has a few favorite songs he loves to watch on the computer. Benjamin can often be found trying to peek over the desk just enough to see the screen, bouncing along to music. This morning, Thomas grabbed Benjamin by the hand, brought him over and held his hand and they bounced along together.

Thank you Lord for these sweet moments to remember in the tug-of war moments.

My Sweet Little Boy Grew Up a Bit More Yesterday

2011-11-18T06:21:00.001-08:00

It's amazing just how a little hair cut can change a person so much. My sweet Benjamin went from being my sweet baby to a toddler yesterday. All because he got his hair cut. I truly feel like I'm mourning the loss of the end of my baby days. (It actually surprises me how much this affected me!) His sweet curls representing all things baby are now gone and we move ahead into toddler days. Nothing really changed in him, it didn't actually make him any older. It's like it just made me see how he is growing, that he's not a baby. His hair really was getting to long, passed his shoulders when wet, I knew that, but oh how cute he was! My husband said it was time, so I lovingly went along with it. In the end, he does look super cute and I'll embrace the fun that's ahead!!

I grabbed a few sweet pictures of his curls the night before.

Here he is with his before shot! We're at my Auntie Bonnie's shop in Fremont. The shop where I've been going since I was a little girl. (It was the day of her 25th anniversary party!!)

He loved the water bottle and being sprayed by Auntie Bon-Bon. He thought she was pretty funny. And he sat their quietly and happily holding the bottle.

He did so well. He loves to have his hair brushed. It's amazing, he can be throwing a little fit after bath and as soon as I comb his hair, he's instantly quiet. (huh, tells you something about that fit, huh!) Notice, he's now holding a hair brush, that kept him happy the second half of the hair cut.

Ta-da! Welcome big boy!! As soon as Benjamin was done, Thomas asked/told Bonnie, "Now I think he needs something out of the cabinet." pointing to the cabinet where the ring pops and mini m&m's were. Thomas proudly walked Benjamin over there and was so excited to get one himself.

He really is just so cute!

2011-11-15T06:35:00.001-08:00

[Y]ou don't really know a person until you know what moves him most deeply. It makes no sense to say that we know God when we are not acquainted with his strongest desire and with the goal that guides all his actions. But if we don't know him, then we can't worship him and we can't imitate him. In other words, if we are to be faithful children of our heavenly Father who worship him and imitate him as we ought, then we must answer [this question]."
-Pastor Jon Piper, http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-biggest-question-in-the-universe

Such a great reminder for me today over on the desiring God blog. You see, our women's retreat this year was so good. A great time of remembering how great our God is and to really have a relationship with Him, we have to know Him. If we want to know what He wants for our life, we have to know who He is. When we pray for others, we have to know the one that we can pray for and give peace beyond all understanding. I was reminded of what an amazing and awesome God we serve and there is so much about Him that I don't remember half the time or even know. If I truly knew Him like I should, how would I be able to do anything other than worship Him with every step I took. My prayers would be more specific, more personal and worship more heart felt. That is my goal between this year and next, to get to know the Lord, my God in a truer and deeper way.

So off I go to dig deep into His Word and enjoy the book Desiring God, by none other than Jon Piper.

Busy Bags!!

2011-11-10T07:01:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have seen these over on facebook, but wanted to share them here as well. A friend and I made up busy bags for a craft fair our church just hosted. We had some left over, so wanted to offer them to you all.

Busy Bags are bagged activities meant for educational, independent activity for toddlers up to Kindergartners. They encourage learning and fine motor skills. Take a look and let me know if you'd like one or even all three!! They are $5 each or I can do $12 for the set (plus $2.50 for shipping).

Button Snake:

learn colors, shapes and stringing the shapes on

Popsicle Color Matching:

Use these to teach your children how to match up their colors and placing the stick in the pouch.

Shapes and Number Matching:

Count the shapes and match to the written number on the clothespin. Use fine motor skills to clip the clothespin on the circle.

Harvest Festival

2011-11-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

I was at the pie table all night, so this is the best picture of what i got! But aren't these two buds super cute super heros!?!

The harvest festival at church was another great success. We had the biggest crowd I've ever seen there. Everyone came out with their friends and family for a chili cook off, pie baking contest and yummy potluck. The kids had a great time playing games, running around with friends and filing their bellys with candy. I love it!!

Mom's Group hosted the pie contest again this year. We had 10 people enter and I hear they were all wonderful!

An Animal Parade

2011-11-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Pre-School is so much fun!! Thomas' school did a little Halloween thing last Friday. They had been studying the Rainforest, so they wrapped it all up with an animal party and parade. It was so cute seeing what everyone came up with an the seeing the kids all dressed up. Thomas got to be a snake! Another free costume from Audra's neighbor. He loved wearing the head thing around the house, but apparently it was too silly for school. Check out the red-eyed tree frog in the background. His costume was my favorite! You should have seen his hands and feet! Thomas' little friend A was a cute pink bird. Complete with big pink feathery wings. Loved it!

They had a tiger pinata all were able to hit a couple of times. Back in class they had pumpkin stories, projects and cookies to decorate. There was even a mom in the classroom to help with the carving. I was able to stay and help for the morning and loved every minute! It was so neat to see Thomas interact with the other kids, do his work with great focus and even been silly with his friends.

A Spidey Halloween

2011-11-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

This year's Halloween was actually a lot of fun. Actually, the older the boys get, the more fun most things are. Thomas has talked on and off about what he wanted to be since last year. First, he wanted to be a rat. Yep, a rat. No, I don't know where he got that idea, except that we had a mouse in the house last year. I told him the only good rat was one in a trap. So, then he was going to be a rat in a trap! That would have been fun! However, he got over it. phew!! In the last couple of months he has discovered the fun of super heros, so that's what he wanted to be. I thought I'd be stuck paying lots of money for something for one night (some of you may remember from last year, I hate spending money for costumes!). Then, surprise! Audra's wonderful neighbor gave her a whole bin of halloween costumes. Thomas found all sorts of thing to choose from and Spiderman was the final decision!

He got to dress up for both our churches Harvest Festival and Trick-or-Treating.

Benjamin, being the younger brother not yet old enough to have his own opinion, got to be Spiderman's Spider (thanks to a new friends creative suggestion). He has a spiderman shirt on and then homemade legs. (yes, I know spider's have 8 legs, his arms count for 2 of them it was just too hot to wear the red shirt underneath)

Heading up to Grandma & Grandpa Matlock's for some trick or treating. They were both very into this whole thing this year.

Ben was excited to share his balloons. Thomas patiently waited for his treat.

We were then off to go around G&G's court. Just the right amount!! It was extra fun getting to go with Jared's parents. More to enjoy watching the boys!

brothers, underwear & popsicles

2011-11-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

I love my boys! I love seeing them love one another!! I recently captured just some of their many sweet moments together (and none of their not-so-sweet moments!).

They've discovered a show that is narrated tractors and big trucks doing their work. It's hilarious what fascinates kids!! Benjamin was enamored with it and the two sat happily on this bench together for almost the whole show

Later that day, while I was folding laundry, these two boys became superhero-underwear-heads. There's so much you can do as underwear heros, Thomas informed me and then the two went on to show me. I LOVE it. The creativity and just the simple fun.

Hero Pose (look how serious Thomas is)

Underwear-head Superheros can ride bikes,

and play T-ball. They can also run, race, jump, dive, clean up the playroom, eat dinner, have snack, but not take baths!

More outside fun!! Since the weather has stayed extra nice lately, we've enjoyed many Popsicle and usually outside. When I saw them sitting against the door, sharing, laughing and enjoying their treat together, I couldn't help but snap as many photos as I could get before the moment was over.

I love these two sweet heads!

More Fun Changes

2011-11-01T05:30:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago now, I got the urge to paint again... I'd been wanting to add Duck and Goose to the walls in some way since Thomas was little. I mentioned it to a friend, showed her the picture and she encouraged me to go for it! So I did!! I was excited with the results, but shockingly, am still not done! The two little friends are still missing their little eyes...

But this painting sparked another project. While we're at it, lets put the boys into one room and make Benjamin's room into a playroom. It'll just take a second... ha!! It took two days!! And with the crazyness of life in the last month+, I've still yet to have the room clean enough to snap a few pictures!! The boys are loving it, and aside for the changes it's made to the sleeping schedule, I'm loving it as well.

Another fun change was the wall over the couch. It sat empty for several months after we rearranged the house, yes again, because I couldn't find anything just right for it. The mirror was my inspiration. I had it over the fireplace, but decided to spray it and move it over the couch, but what to put with it. I wanted some large art, was the original plan. But I lacked the cash and couldn't find anything that I really loved even if I did have the money. Finally, someone suggested a grouping and reminded me of the collection of yellow plates I had. My sister was here for the afternoon, so we ran off to HomeGoods, spent $14 on the white squares you see and were back to my home to see what other goods I had laying around. I was so excited to find several little treasures that could be combined to make this display. There are a few changes I'd like to make to it when time is available, but for now I'm loving!

Cake Pop Fun

2011-10-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Had we not undergone this adventures with friends, it would not have been fun!!

Thomas saw a picture of pirate cake pops on the front of a family circle magazine and asked if we could make them. I'd been wanting to give them a try, so I agreed.

We bought the supplies and enjoyed some friends to join us. I'm so glad I did. She's super crafty and enjoys baking. I do as well, but I've learned so much from M. With this project I learned again that I am not patient. They did turn out great and I might try them again, but with different supplies. What do you think?

First, you bake a cake, crumble it and then mix in some frosting. Then shape them into balls, harden them in the fridge, dip them in melted candy and then decorate. Well, i think I used too much frosting, so they didn't harden enough, the candy was soft or thin enough so the balls fell off. The best part was decorating them with the sprinkles and watching the boys have fun.

They each got to sprinkle several and then make a pirate. They enjoyed it, but I think they had more fun playing and eating sprinkles!!

I really like how the sprinkles look. So fall-y and cheerful!! There were way too many to eat, even between our two families. So we took them to church and had the boys share them with their Sunday School class.

So next time, I'm trying almond bark and less frosting!! What have you all done?!

What's Ben Been Up To?

2011-10-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Alexander is now 15months old. He is hilarious, full of personality, my sweet little stinker and just plain fun. He loves to go "crazy" in his car seat and high chair by waving his legs and arms as fast as he can, just because it makes us laugh. We see his personality in that fact that he has very clear opinions on things, especially what he does and doesn't like. He loves bananas and clearly shares when he wants one. He is a super sweet heart, but we've seen his stinker side too. He loves to tease people, especially his brother. He'll offer something and then quickly snatch it away. He thinks it's funny to run away when he's called. All sorts of stinker-y things to work on and train. He is constantly exploring and looking for new things to do.

He's learned several different signs, but mostly just uses the all done sign for when he is done, wants to go somewhere, wants more or is just plain excited about something. He is making all sorts of noise. If he wants something he does an "ahh, ahh" kind of noise. He woofs/growls for all sorts of animals. He laughs when he's happy and even has a sinister laugh when he knows he's being sneaky. He loves to hide and play hide-and-go-seek. His favorite spot to hide is in our bathroom cabinet. He is happiest outside. It doesn't matter where, or what he is doing, he just wants to be outside.

He's eating everything and appetite seems to be growing. He loves to feed himself, unless it's yogurt, apple sauce or ice cream. He likes help for those because we can give him bigger bites and just doesn't have the patience when it's something yummy to do it himself. He loves to read. I found him today in front of the book shelf surrounded by books that he was quietly looking through. We must read Duck and Goose 20 times most days.

And since picture updates are a lot more fun, here you go:

He's having fun making friends. He gets so excited when his buddy comes over to play.

It's sweet watching him run off to get some toys to share with his friend.

He's super helpful. He watches his big brother bring groceries in the house for me

and the other day when it was just the two of us, he decided he wanted to help.

He put a bag around his arm, after looking to see which was the yummiest, and tried to bring it in.

When he didn't get very far, he dragged the grapes out, or at least was trying to.

At that point, I realized he was safe and ran two bags in the house. When I got back I discovered him just as you see him below. He got what he wanted, sat down and went to town.

He makes all sorts of cute, funny faces. This is his tired, half hearted smile. I thought it was pretty cute and even a little funny looking!

He loves to eat and only stops to sleep. I pushed his nap back a little too long one day and he just fell right to sleep on his own.

This picture is full of all sorts of stories! See the green ball right by his left shoulder? He has continued his love for balls. Rolling, throwing, bouncing, just about anything. And the underwear? Well, that's because I was folding laundry and big brother decided it was time to be the underwear-superhero brothers. (more on that later) Finally, the hair. It's hard to tell really well in this picture, but it's gotten pretty long. I can't part with it. First of all, Thomas never had this much hair. Second, it's cute and curly. I just plain love it!! I think it's bound to stay this way for awhile!!

So, that's Benjamin in a nutshell!! He's a pure joy!!

Life Right Now

2011-10-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

So life with little ones is an ever changing process. Just when you get into a good grove, a new routine and think things are settling in, something happens to change that. Well, it did and it is! Benjamin developed this lovely mouth-sore virus. It was awful people! Crazy high fevers, crying, crabbiness, late nights, early mornings. All things joyful! I felt so bad for the poor little guy, oh and of course bad for me as well. There was nothing we could do to keep him happy for very long. Poor me, I mean, poor baby.

Well, he's mostly recovered, I'm almost over my self pity. Honestly, I'm struggling. As a lingering effect of Benjamin's virus, he is still waking up between 5 and 5:45 am. Now, I've gotten into the habit of waking up with Jared around 5:15 and come to love my quiet mornings with time to read my Bible, maybe get in a little work out and just to simply enjoy a quiet house. Well, Ben's need to be up early has left me missing that and in a bit of a funk. I'm sure I'm a pure joy to live with : ). (sorry, babe!)

Today, I really felt the brunt of it and started wallowing in self pity. Right where I'm suppose to go, right? It took me back to the months after Benjamin was born. I had been setting aside my time to meditate, arrange my daily schedule to make time for the Lord. Why was He now letting the kids mess up my schedule? Thomas isn't napping so I can't do it then, when will I get my time in? Why would He take that away from me? Yes, I went there. Then I realized, He wouldn't. He will never take away our time to do what He asks of us, "to meditate day and night." It may be harder some days, even seem impossible, but He will always provide a way for us to be faithful.

So, I sit here determined to find a way. The obvious answer came from deep down and from my husband. "Well, we can do that instead of watching shows." Yes, Lord, I heard the reminder. "Meditate day and NIGHT." Yes, my so-called perfect schedule has been re-arranged. I'm learning that's the life of a mom. That's what it takes to be a mom that wants to "walk like Jesus." So, Yes Lord, I will listen. I will make that time. I will do my best to be faithful. I will thank you for stretching me and testing me. Help me to be found faithful!!

That's where we are at today. Ever on this journey He has us on, ready for what comes around the curve. Hoping that it won't be too bumpy, but praying for strength and courage if it is! I know we have some rough road ahead and Lord, may I be found faithful!!

Church Family Fun

2011-10-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, our church hosted a family picnic at a local park and it was lots of fun. We all brought our own lunches, the church provided dessert. There were games, a treasure hunt for the kids and even two craft projects. It was a great time getting out into the sun with the church family.

What a blessing it is to be able to enjoy the fellowship and conversation with church family. It's sad, but it's not to often that we can all get together to just hang out. So times like these are very special!

Here's Thomas working away on his project.

Benjamin was extra sleepy and got in some extra special snuggles with Mrs. Kile. Gotta grab those before the girls swipe him away!

Benjamin later got in on the project fun!!

And even some sports action!

See, those girls got him!! We love you girls!!

And here they are for our Sunday morning fun! We love to go along with Jared for worship practice. It gives the boys some extra time to be with other families that are there getting ready for church. Thomas has his very own job of putting out some toys in the nursery and making sure things are ready. It's important to us that they be apart of the service of the church. We're hoping to build in them a love for God's people and ministry at the church.

Update on Soccer!!

2011-10-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Thomas is my soccer stud!! He is doing great. We've had a few weeks where he didn't want to go, even one where he cried when we got there, but as soon as he's out on the field he has a blast. I love watching him play. I love seeing his competitive side. I love seeing him try his hardest and really give it his all. However, my favorite part is totally un-sports related. I love hearing him laugh. Last time he kicked the ball, foot went right over the top and he went smack down on his bum and I could hear his laughter clear across the field. Another time the ball got taken from him and he took off after the kid with the happiest and silliest laugh. Makes my heart happy!

For the most part though, he's very serious. I can tell he's thinking about what he's doing. He'll frequently hang back not too far from the goal, making sure he positions himself between the ball and the goal. He's not to shy to go for the ball, but isn't so aggressive that he always gets it. He's scored several goals now, I think 5, and has stopped a few balls as the goalie.

Here he is in Week 4. He's the one with the red socks and blue hat.

He loves how they have to put their foot on the ball when they are waiting around and listening to coach.

Here he is heading straight for the goal

And here's sweet Benjamin! He loves to cheer for his big brother.

Yep, they are matching... Thomas' idea!

Week 6: again with the red socks!

Three of his biggest fans!

It's hard to see him here, but he's right in the middle running his heart out towards the goal.

Last week after practice I asked the coach how she thought he was doing. She encouraged us to keep it up. We'll keep him with these guys for another class or two just to build his confidence. She said he really gets it. Understands the point and what to do, which a lot of the other guys don't yet. Hmm, that made me proud! yes, i know she may have said that to all the other parents, but I'm taking it!!

Our Family

2011-09-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here we are. Our family of four has grown and next year there will be one more on my sister's lap!
This was a great trip and I can't wait to have another trip. It's just fun to all be together.... at least for a couple of days anyways!

I LOVE Apple Hill

2011-09-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

As part of our family trip to Tahoe, we went to Apple Hill!! I love that place. I realized (or maybe just finally admitted) that I'm sentimentally attached to Apple Hill. I think it makes me feel close to my Grandma Stansberry who passed away 10 years ago. It was with her that I first went, it was one of our favorite things to do with my Dad's family. I loved being there with her. It's a tradition we have carried on now, something I did as a young girl that I get to do with my children. Pretty soon I'll have a picture of them at 10 in the pumpkin patch with their cousins, just like I do with mine. That makes me feel very sentimental about Apple Hill.

However, if you've been there you know just how beautiful it is there. How fall-y it smells there. How clear the air is up there. How full of all things yummy and appl-y it is there! Anyhoo... onto the day there this year with the family...

We almost didn't think mom and dad were going to make it. Dad's had bad back problems for the last several years. Bad enough that he can't walk long distances, so they invested in a "Papa scooter". Benjamin was thrilled to help Papa get it all ready for the day!

Our first stop is always Fritters at High Hill! I can remember enjoying those since I was 9!! We enjoyed them outside overlooking the hills and the fish pond.

A new favorite tradition is a trip to see the farm animals at Apple Ridge. All three of the boys got to feed them this year.

Thomas loved getting to show the little guys what to do. He found a young goat that none of the others would let eat. He was patient enough to work hard until the little guy got to eat while Uncle Ross distracted the other big guys.

Ethan thought this was so cool

I guess Benjamin didn't technically feed one... he wanted to eat their food...

Thomas got to run through the hay maze, which he looks forward to. It's hard to believe that this was his 3rd year to go through it. It's now stacked 3 high, which made it a challenge for him and a little too scary to do on his own. If I hadn't been able to see over, I would have been scared too!!

My Happy Family!

Walk Like Jesus

2011-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Mom's Group, oh wait, Mother's of Faith (our new official name I just haven't gotten use to) has officially began it's 5th season! I've been dying to share about it here, but there seems to be less and less time these days for blogging. I did want to share a little bit about what 's going on in this part of my life.

This year, our group has changed. I've been given full responsibility of leading/running the group. In addition to the leadership, myself and another gal, are doing the teaching. Talk about a stretching experience!! The leadership part is great because I have an awesome group of 5 gals that I work with. The teaching, well even with Hannah's help, that is stretching! We asked each other last week just why we thought we could do this. However, we know this was prayed over and that we are doing this with a bunch of support. So, off we've gone!

We selected a great book, Give Them Grace, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. It's a great book! It's an awesome book! It's a deep and hard book. It totally made me look at everything I've been doing as a mother and stop and think. It's left me wondering and wishing I could start over! (ok, maybe that's a little bit of an exaggeration). It's all about gospel-centered parenting and taking every opportunity, every punishment, fight and praise worthy thing my boys do and turning it back to Jesus. Sharing with them the grace He gave us on the cross. Sharing with them that we can do nothing apart from what He has done for us. All we have and all we are, the glory goes to Him. It's great. It's a wonderful way to live. It's hard. And it's convicting!! and I HAVE to teach it, which means I have to live it! yikes!! Thankfully, I've gotten to see God's grace through it all. Pray for me!

We've had two lessons so far. Hannah introduced the book last week and I took the first week to talk about our memory verse for the year and share our theme for the year. what it is and why we chose it.

I'm really excited about the year and while I'm scared, I'm really excited about the teaching. I excited for the opportunity to teach and to learn. I look forward to sharing about the journey on this blog as well! So, keep an eye out for the logo above. I'll stick it in whenever it's a MOF (Mother's of Faith) related blog. There really is so much to share!

Our Time at the Beach

2011-09-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Our condo was a short walk, really it was just on the other side of the building in front of us, so we had to take advantage of it! I could have spent all day there!! We only had about an hour though... I made sure we made the most of it!!

Thomas loved it!! He loved running around, touching the water with his toes and showing off.

When he realized we were all hanging out in chairs, he headed off to get his own. I thought it was cute to watch him be a big boy and get his own. It was a challenge to him. He was smiling and I could see the determination in his face as he did it. The rest of the group felt sorry for him.

Everybody smile!!

(missing: Papa and Ethan, we left them behind to nap away)

A trip to the beach isn't complete without someone getting buried. Thomas was totally up for this!!

Playing in the sand. Benjamin didn't mind the sand at first, but as soon as he could get in a chair he did and no longer wanted anything other than his hands to touch the sand. It was so funny!! He looked so uncomfortable, but he was so happy just pouring it hand to hand and dusting it off.

We thought he was finally getting uncomfortable, but no, he wanted right back to where he was.

Thomas went in a little more than this, but not much. Check out how empty it was. Tahoe mid week in September is awesome!!

Benjamin eventually made it down to the sand and the two went to town belly crawling across the sand.

Stansberry Style Camping

2011-09-27T06:18:00.001-07:00

Or perhaps I should say "Reeder Style" as our family camping style has definitely taken after my mom!

When I told people we were going to Tahoe for a couple of days with my family, most responded with, "Oh, where are you camping?" I told them we weren't really camping, that this would be our own style of camping. And I'm just fine with it!! This was so not roughin' it, any of this (even mom) would say that. It's how we do family vacay together. You'll likely never catch this group camping, in the traditional sense, together. I, however, had all sorts of fun pointing out how we did our camping!

The hike to the lake: Approx 3 minutes with steep inclines

Sunset watched with the feet in the pool, to the sound of waves crashing on the lake shore and the family laughing, awesome!

Our tent: see it has a slanted ceiling! This place was awesome! It slept 12 people between two lofts and 4 bedrooms, complete with 4 full bathrooms. You can see Thomas and I at the very top looking out over the 3rd story loft, his secret sleeping place. Then below us is the second story with it's own loft, 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Then, downstairs was the kitchen, living/dining room and the two master bedrooms. Not a five star establishments, but so not roughing it! (the room service didn't even know how to make a bed or do our dishes, come on, sympathy folks! : )

"Stansberry Style" Paddle Boating:
Yes, I know this is not a paddle boat. Jared and I had thought it'd be fun to go for a paddle boat ride and when we mentioned it all were on board. So Thursday morning after a yummy egg scramble for breakfast, we packed up the kiddos and walked down the beach to the rental place. Well, Mom, the head director and camping expert, saw pontoon boats listed. The decision was made, we would all ride together. After all we would get farther faster and get to see more for our hours rental. I sound sarcastic, I know, I am so grateful for this executive decision!! The ride was awesome!!

Thomas and Grammy got to be the lookouts and tell us what all was coming and happening on the shore.

We all got to hang-out, talk and just enjoy the beauty of God's creation so awesomely displayed in Tahoe

All three of the little boys got to drive the boat (and all 3 of the men took turns as well)

Ethan totally conked out for a peaceful nap, which helped keep the peace later

Back at the cabin, there was lots of room to spread out, rest, play games and get the toys everywhere! Just what vacation is all about!

Our camping trip most certainly included exploration. Benjamin and Thomas loved exploring every nook and cranny of the condo, especially climbing the secret stairs up to the secret room.

More proof that it was roughing it for some of us: Jared had to do dishes. That by his definition is neither camping or vacay.

and finally, having to put the furniture together. they do work even on their vacation

Finally, an example of a happy camper, packing all the necessary supplies back up in all the necessary bags! I love my Mom!!

More to come!! Our afternoon on the beach and trip to Apple Hill

Cooking Again

2011-09-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we had another cooking day!! At my house this time, which is lots of fun!! This time my sister came down (our second time together) and helped me introduce this whole thing to my friend Tiffany. It was a whirlwind of a day and very successful I might add...

So, here is the collection of "pantry" items that were used during the day. Yes, we used a little bit of everything. The leftovers were saved or split up between the three of us. Audra and Tiff are in the background deciding what order to cook things in.

A glimpse of the beginning... a cutting board, bowls and a recipe book. Where it all begins!

"Mom, what can we do now?!" The sweet little one year olds found lots to keep them entertained and busy between their naps.

Days totals:
$111
14 recipes which will give me at least 20 meals plus leftovers
Sesame Soy Sirloin
Beef Bourguigon
Blackjack Steak
Cheese Steaks
Salisbury Steak
Urban Garlic Chicken
Chicken Curry
Shredded Salsa Chicken
Honey Lime Chicken
Chicken Breasts in Phyllo
Swimming Rama
Tex-Mex Chicken Fingers
Apple and Cranberry Pork Loin
Raging Garlic Pork Stir Fry

YUM-O

Cousins on Vacation

2011-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last week the Stansberry family headed out for a 3 day vacation together. Our first family vacation since we've been married and had kiddos. It was a great time! Complete with family bonding, silliness, yummy food and even some relaxation.

The three boys had so much fun together. Thomas loves playing with his cousin and Benjamin, too.

We had to get the family shot on the porch. I was determined to get a sweet one of the three, but it proved to be impossible.

Ethan was too busy poking Benjamin

Then, when you finally get the little ones looking, Thomas decides he needs to see if the little ones are looking forward. You know those oldest kids.... keeping everyone in order.

Thankfully someone captured this sweet moment. A morning story while waiting for breakfast!

Another great opportunity for a family picture! However, they had a wagon, sand and the lake to check out... Oh well! We made great memories that are coming soon to the blog!

Irrefutably Kissable!!

2011-09-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

If you think this sweet one is as kiss- ably cute as I do, leave him a smooch in the comments!!

It's hard to believe this sweet one is 14 months already. Yes, he's as sweet as he looks in the picture above and as mischievous as he looks below!! More on him to come soon!!

So Silly

2011-09-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Already, Benjamin wants to be just like big brother. While Thomas was playing soccer last week, his beloved hat was with us. Benjamin loves to put on hats, not wear them, but put them on.

While at the park, he discovered a new way to put one on... head dive right into it!

He just cracks me up!! Himself as well.

My Soccer Stud

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thomas started soccer last week and fully enjoyed it!! I was a little nervous. I was entering a world of the unknown. I've always had friends that played soccer and now friends with kids that played soccer. I never did. Sure, I kicked the ball around and maybe played a few games with some friends, but not more than that. Now as a mom of two boys, I knew the world of soccer and all things sports was waiting for me!! Now that it has arrived, I'm pretty excited.

It was so much fun (and stressful!) to walk down the shin-guard and sock aisle and see all these options. I had no idea where to even begin. Between Thomas and I, we figured it out! He ended up with shin-guards with the strap (he wanted the ones without and informed me we could just hold it on with string, duct tape or a rubber band!) and some awesome red socks!! Because I dutifully waited until 30 minutes before the class started to go and buy some (partly because I waited until 2 days before the class started to sign up and the ones from Walmart were horrible!) we were now running late for his first practice.

We arrived to the field with just enough time to figure out how to work the shin-guards and get the socks on and find out his normal shoes would not work and send him out with the team.

He was a little disappointed when he learned in the car that there would be a coach and lessons. He thought he was just going to the park to kick the ball around with new friends. Opps!! Thankfully he is much more resilient than he was even a few months ago and stayed with the coach without complaining. He seemed hesitant when I first walked away, but by the time I was a few steps away and peeked over my shoulder he was stretching with the coach with a smile on his face.

Soon it was time to kick the ball around! What a joy it brought to my heart to see him out there having fun and loving it. He's a hard worker. He watched the coach, focused on the ball and had a look of determination on his face. He was going to do this and do it well.

He's in a class of 4/5 year olds and is one of the tallest out there (not by much, they're all within a few inches of each other) and with kids that have played before. He was able to catch on quickly. Thankfully, this is a learning group and not competitive. He's in a class called "Just for Kicks." Not quite in city league with real uniforms. We figured it would be a great place for some experience. I was happy to see that the coaches and the set-up was really organized and very friendly.

But back to class, as you can see they ran around, all with their own ball and practiced kicking across the field.

I got him to look at me for a picture, but seriously got the "why are you bothering me" look!

Here he is with his green shirt. They split up for the last couple of minutes for a scrimmage against each other. Doesn't he look cute!! He even got to play goalie!!

So here he is, my big soccer stud! All red in the face from some great soccer plays!!

These Two Have Such Fun

2011-09-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

I love watching my boys play together. I love the sound of the laughing and being silly. I love seeing the way that they communicate. It's so sweet to see Thomas teach Benjamin things (usually). I love the names Thomas has for him.

Benjamin is no longer a baby. He's a walking, babbling toddler and it's so much fun (usually). These two are wrestling and just having fun together. Outside is there favorite place to be. Together is usually better than alone. I can ask Benjamin, "where's Thomas?" and off he goes, looking for his big brother. It makes me understand my younger sister a little more and wonder what the two of us were like.

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last couple of days:

Thomas wanted his tent set up and immediately invited his brother in. They loved having toys in there and just chatted away. So sweet to hear that from the other room. Made me grab the camera and sneak up before they knew I was coming. Those shots didn't turn out, but thankfully they let me grab this one.

Benjamin has just recently shown an interest in books, so he was thrilled to find the collection that Thomas had left in the room. Being boys, this quiet lasted mere moments, but it was sweet!!

I'm loving all this fun with my boys and continue to love the relationship developing betweent the two.

A New Toy

2011-09-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

Benjamin LOVES the vacuum. I can't just say that he likes it because that is a total understatment. He LOVES it. He's so excited when it comes out. Today he was complaining, almost crying because I wouldn't use it. When it was turned on he went and hid, but peeked around the corner to watch it and was so excited to see it turn the corner. He gets frustrated that he can't push it, but keeps on trying. We have a small electric vacuum kinda thing that he will get into the pantry any chance he gets just to play with it. It's cracks me up!!

So this weekend after I cleared out some of his old toys at our garage sale, I replaced it with the obivious, a vacuum!! He could hardly contain his excitment when he saw what was next to him in the shopping cart. It's been a great success and very popular. I got these pictures just a few moments after he had spent 5 minutes vacuuming the kitchen. He walked across the room moving it forwards and backwards just like he sees me do with the real one.

He was happy to just hangout under the table pushing it around.

He then rested agaist the cabinet when he finished. Just him and his vacuum hanging out!

Now, if only I can get this love affair to carry on when he can push the real one around. p.s. why don't they make the little ones to suck things up.... hmm... maybe that's why...they'd suck things up!!

Time For Tea

2011-09-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

The last three years, our church's Women's Ministry has hosted a Ladies Tea. It's always a great time of fellowship including a lesson and entertainment. This year was lots of fun. I was able to play greeter and welcome the ladies as they arrived and make sure they found their seat. I also played table hostess to our young ladies. You see, each table is hosted by a different woman in the church. We bring our own china, table linens, silverware, glasses and centerpieces. It's quite a bit of work, but lots of fun to put our fancy stuff to work!

We meet in a home where we are able to seat almost 60 people in one room!! It's so much fun to see all the different tables and how they are decorated.

This years entertainment was a wedding dress fashion show. Women lent their dresses to be worn by our young ladies. Some of them were over 30 years old. It was so fun to see all the different fashions and to see just how tiny the brides were!!

Here's the table I decorated. I was able to use plates that my aunt gave me, candle holders, linens and glasses from my Grandma and our wedding decor as a centerpiece. Such fun to put it to good use!

Learning All the Time

2011-09-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

I loved this moment with Thomas. He's so excited to learn and to put stuff into practice. He took a stack of note paper and just went to town making lists and drawing pictures. He informed that he was working on his list. Opps, wonder where he got that?!

Anyways, just thought it was extra great with the Buzz wings on. Growing up, but still such a little boy.

Benjamin is learning a mile a minute as well. Here he discovered big brothers nose, or beeper as we call it. why a beeper? Well, when you push Daddy's nose, he says "beep!!" It started with Thomas! : ) He was fascinated with the holes underneath as well.

And here's our big boy walking. He's getting all around the house walking, walking, walking. He was on the move in this picture. Notice all the lovely drool as well.... Yes, I do try to use bibs. It's just non-stop!! He has cut two more teeth and I think he's working on molars now. Oh the joy!

Life is Best Lived with Friends

2011-08-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Especially when they are friends that encourage you to live for the glory of God!!

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago when us 3 college friends got together for breakfast. We missed having Megs with us as we were all together, but what fun to see our little ones play. We only had a couple of hours together, but were excited for the time we had. Laura made us wonderful pancakes, Kristine brought the fruit and I made an egg casserole. The kids were thrilled to all eat at the table together, the husbands were happy to talk "computer geek talk" and us girls just enjoyed the conversation between bites and kids interrupting.

It's such a blessing to live life with friends that have been around for life. We have been together for all the major events of our adult lives. Weddings, births and big birthdays. I am so thankful God has allowed for these girls to be in my life for over 12 years now and pray it continues for many, many more!

Benjamin in all his sweet glory

2011-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

This picture could be described in So many ways:- Why you don't let a 13 month old feed himself...

- Not having fun unless you're making a mess...

- Gotta get messy to learn on your own...

All I know is he had tons of fun and was much happier than when Mom was holding the spoon!

A Brand New Kitchen!!

2011-08-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well, not really, but I do have nice new cabinets!! Thanks to my dad, my ever-so-patient husband, an awesome babysitter and a friends sprayer, we got the job done!

So, I failed to take a good before picture, but here's what I did get:The old ugly doors all lined up and ready for some primer, after we spent an hour or so cleaning them.

Dad getting the sprayer already! This thing was awesome. All 18 cabinets and 4 drawers done in 20 minutes.

The painted frames:

Ta-Da! Clean, white and fancy new handles!

Still to finish the handles on this side, but I'm loving it!! You should see how bright it is in there at night. Such a wonderful difference.

Why My Husband is WONDERFUL

2011-08-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the many examples of why I'm married to a wonderful man! Let me explain,

This was taken on a Monday. He took the day off of work so he could be there for Thomas' first day of Pre-School.

We are in the dr's office. A place no one wants to spend their day off, where he was more than happy to come in and meet the doctor instead of running around outside or just staying home.

I was making a phone call at the time. One not entirely necessary to be made at the time. Benjamin wanted to crawl around on the floor, he picked him up and let him awkwardly push the stroller around. Thomas wanted a book read, so he gladly kept him entertained as well.

I am so richly blessed. God has given me a wonderful husband who is a wonderful example to my two little men.

Thomas' First Day of School

2011-08-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here they sit, all ready for some cozy time before Thomas heads off to his first day of school. He came running out of bed excited to announce that he was going to school. That excitement lasted all morning and thankfully all the way into the classroom.Here he is, back-pack and all!! He picked out his shirt and Old Navy just for this very day. (Doesn't B look already to go as well!)

Here he is walking onto the campus, looking like a big boy!

Thomas is in the yellow room with Miss Tiffani and Miss Patty.
We got to spend the morning hanging out in the classroom with him. We checked out the toys, the play dough and the sand table. Then the parents left for an orientation and came back and met them at the playground just 45 minutes later.
Thomas loved it and was more than ready to head back wednesday, friday and lots more, he informed us. The reality of this didn't sink in for me until friday when I dropped him off and then had to figure out what B and I were going to do for three hours. We managed, but sure did miss him. I'm back to talking to a little guy that can't respond!

Lessons From the Playground

2011-08-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

We all know our children not only learn in the classroom, but also on the playground. In fact, they might even learn more on the playground some days. Now that Thomas is in Pre-School I'm sure I'll be posting this lessons somewhat frequently. So keep your eyes out for these as I'm sure they'll be entertaining.

So, as Thomas was getting in the car today he began chanting, "missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me!" He then informed me he learned that from a friend on the playground. Not moments after he told me, I hear another child not to many cars over chanting the same, "missed me, missed me, no you gotta kiss me..."

yes, thank you to the sweet little one that has filled my home with such a lovely chant to be repeated over and over again... wonder what my son is teaching others....

A Party For a Special Little Boy

2011-08-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated my nephew's first birthday!! It was so much fun, we made a weekend out of it! We headed to mom and dad's on Friday, played with some friends Saturday am, I head to party central at noon to find a way to calm, pregnant mommy of the birthday boy (my normally not calm sister) ready for me to do "whatever." So we relaxed for awhile and then got into the decorating, set-up fun! Here are the pics I got on my camera:

Our last minute centerpieces:

It was a space theme, that's a start that's crooked.

We re-used B's birthday banner and made and "Ethan" out of starts (not photographed)
The birthday boy enjoying the bday meal:

This beautiful cake was made by Audra's friend, Lauren. It was amazing!! Ethan really did love it, he was just upset to find out the whole thing wasn't for him!
Much happier now!

He enjoyed the cake and even the singing. It was so cute, he kept clapping for himself.
The birthday family! Ethan's showing off his cake:
"Yeah, presents!!"

What to play with first?

Yep, those are my sweet boys and yep, they are matching! I loved it! They're having fun here bouncing with Papa!

Mother's of Faith Summer Fun

2011-08-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

MOF had a great summer. Just 5 things planned and organized, but we had a great turn out every time. We went to Fairytale Town, had a swim day at the Veliquette's, had a bra fitting (yes, a bra fitting down by a woman in our church who works for a fabulous company. this was our biggest hit!!) and a swim day at the Kiles and then a trip to our very own Nut Tree here in town. We wrapped the summer up with a family BBQ/swim day this past Sunday after church. I love this group of families, such a great group God brought to our church!!

Unfortunately, I forgot the camera most days, but did catch one!

Benjamin enjoyed this day the most! He was able to play with the big kids!

Most of our kids hanging out!

A special train ride even!

Future Musician?

2011-08-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Benjamin loves music!!! I mean, look at this picture! He gets into it!!Whenever it's playing, he's bobbing his head. Whenever he can, he's playing on the piano. He loves to sit on the bench and go to town. If it's closed, he'll head over, push it back just enough to get a few notes. Maybe the music is in his blood?!

Mama's Favorite Camp Pictures

2011-08-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fun Around Camp

2011-08-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

Mt. Hermon really is a great week. It's the week we get to spend time with Jared's sister and family. There's always been a long drive between us, so Mt. Hermon has been our real time together the last couple of years. This year was extra special because with Jared's parents living close and being retired, we've gotten to see the cousins several times. They spent several school breaks here in town!! They made for some great relationships to really grow between the kids, making being together extra fun. Also, this week was important because they have now moved to Alaska!! So exciting for them, but we already miss them!! But, back to our fun week. Here's a snap shot of the fun things we were able to do!!

Coffee break between sessions every morning!! They are famous for their yummy camp-made donuts!

Water balloons at the cabin brought extra fun most days. Then the last morning they had the joy of picking them up!

Eating time!! Linda has always done an awesome job of keeping our belly's full. This year her and Ron didn't join us until Wednesday, so Aleta and I took over the job. Lots of mouths to feed as all these kids have gotten bigger. We are so thankful for this cabin with such a large patio with room for us all to sit together!

We even got Drake in on the cooking one evening!!

Lots of time to hang out all over camp!

Aubree got us to pick black berries one day after lunch. Super fun, when we weren't getting poked!

Tackling Drake was definitely a highlight. Thomas loved having his big cousin around!

The ropes course! Jared was super excited to get to go on this this year. He went on it with his nephew and 2 nieces making it extra special. Here are he and Kailyn going down the zip line.

The creek! This is my personal favorite. We spent two days down at the creek. The second time we were there for over an hour exploring, moving rocks, playing in the sand and crossing it to get to the waterfall.

Here's our family after some fun at the creek. Caught this pic before crossing the crazy bridge over the creek. This was a huge accomplishment for me. I did it without too much fear inside. I still didn't look down, but I wasn't shaking inside either!We can't wait for next year!! Praying Aleta and family can make it down from Alaska!

My Heart is Full

2011-08-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have to interrupt this Mt. Hermon blogging to share about my sweet Thomas.

Last night I awoke to shouting down the hall, "Mommy! Mommy! There's a worm on my pillow!" was being called out a midst tears. It was so sad. I think he was mostly asleep and had obviously had a dream. I checked out the pillow, flipped it over and convinced Thomas that all was well. He crawled back into bed and asked me to stay with him. I sat and got him all snuggled in and rubbed his back.

I heard him mumbling, but couldn't understand. I asked if he was talking to me and he said, "No, I was talking to Jesus." Tears came to my eyes at his sincere sweetness and my heart was filled. This was the first independent faith I've seen come out of him.

He's been asking to pray at dinner time and closing his eyes to pray with me through out the day and even paying more attention to stories and repeating answers through conversation. He even saw Mary at Costco! : ) Recently, he memorized a verse at Mt. Hermon. I'm trying to encourage this and praying God would give Thomas a heart that longs for Him.

Thank You Lord for these little gifts, even if it's at 1am!!

Benjamin & Mt. Hermon

2011-08-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

These two are some of my favorites. It's later in the week when he decided he wasn't afraid of the cold water. He desperately wanted across the creek to Grandma and the other kids!Monday:

He just couldn't wait to get in and play!! He found great entertainment in this bark. The joy, giggles and the smiles made all the dirt worth it!

Tuesday: Breakfast at the big table with the family

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, He loved all the noise, people and watching Thomas play games and ride rides.

Wednesday: His first attempt at the cold water in the creek. He was SO not into it!

But later he found some stumps to drum on which he found oh so fun!

Thursday: He discovered that maybe the creek wasn't so bad. He finally made it across to Grandma with Mommy's help and was so happy!
He even got to share in the fun at Thomas' little beach area. He would climb up the hill just to slide down. He would go down as far as he could until his toes or his bum were in the water. Oh yah, that was a mess too!
Friday night, our last night, making more of a mess. This time with some Joe-Joes

It was a great week!!

Thomas & Aleeyah

2011-08-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Two peas in a pod!

T & A are just 3 weeks apart and have the best time together. His cousins don't live very close, but with Grandma M. here in town they've been around somewhat frequently. So over the past year these two have really grown to love eachother. We spent Friday helping them pack up then the following Sunday we all headed to Mt. Hermon. These two spent the entire week together. In the same cabin, playing at child care, spending most free times together, with almost no problems. We didn't have to break up a single fight. They found all sorts of things to do together all around the camp, it was so sweet to see. And to listen to them, well that was just entertaining!! Here are a few pictures of their week together:

Heading off to Day Camp, by the end of the week they were leading the way!

Eating S'mores we made halfway through the week with all the families

Playing games during free time. They were very serious about this one:
I love these two!!
Encouraging one another on wall climbing:

Their traditional matching Mt. Hermon shirtsHanging out with one of their favorite persons, Grandma

Crossing the creek, their favorite adventurePlaying on their beach

Let the Mt. Hermon Stories Begin

2011-08-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

We've been back from vacation for a couple weeks now and I think I'm ready to start posting some fun blogs!!

We had a GREAT week of fun exploring and enjoying Mt. Hermon and hanging out with family. We squeezed in so much fun to one fast week. I spent the week before packing, doing laundry and baking and cooking meals. I had all sorts of yummy treats ready to be enjoyed and several meals planned and ready to go.

We came home from church, loaded up the back of the truck (we had way to much stuff to fit in the back of the Pilot) and joined in the trip south with Jared's sister. We took one short detour through San Jose to see my cousin and we were at the cabin by 5:00 that evening.

When the truck was unloaded, I realized that none of the meals I had prepared were defrosted, so off we went to pizza. It was vacation after all, time to be flexible.

Monday morning everyone woke up ready to go and fill the day with fun!! The first thing on the list after lunch (the morning was filled with day camp for the kids and meetings for the adults. this week was hosted by Dallas Seminary and they brought in some great speakers) was climbing the wall. This was Thomas' first year to participate in this activity. He wasn't so sure about it!

Here he is on the practice wall. He did pretty good, but certainly wasn't sure it was so fun.
Aleeyah loved it! She's the same age as Thomas, but with older siblings, much more adventurous.

A even wanted to climb the big wall!
Here she is with her older sister climbing the extra high side.

Thomas gave it a good shot, but didn't get too far. He wanted Daddy to do it with him, but didn't understand that Daddy couldn't get to him with all the ropes. I was proud of him for trying.

Lots more stories to come!

home schooling?

2011-08-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

i've always looked forward to being a classroom mom. to playing an active role in my children's education. to being the mom that works in the room, makes snacks and goes on field trips. that's been my biggest complaint against home schooling my kids (well that and all the work). however, lately i've been coming up with all sorts of exciting things i could do if i home school!

what in the world?

the Lord has changed my heart in the months since benjamin has been here. He's grown a love for my home in me. He has refocused my priorities:

1) God, of course

2) my family

3) my home

4) my role as Mother's of Faith leader

He's aligned my desires and my to-do in that order. with Thomas starting pre-school next week it has me thinking more about his future schooling. not sure where the Lord will be taking us, but faithfully praying. i'm considering things i never thought i would consider before....

we'll see!!

so much to blog...

2011-08-05T16:25:00.001-07:00

so little time when there are:

snails to watch

Mt. Hermon to explore

Creeks to walk in:

Vacation to pack for:

Cakes to bake:

Vacaville Discoveries

2011-07-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

We've been in Vacaville for almost 4 years now and I'm still finding things to discover!! I am so thankful for my mother-in-law because most of them are because of her love of the outdoors and fun things to do. She was a school teacher for many years and Jared has often told me of their many adventures in the name of education and discovery.

Last week, knowing how she enjoys an adventure, I decided it was about time I check out Larry's Produce stand, a local favorite. It's way out in the middle of no where with great fresh produce and prices you can't beat, as I have heard for at least 2 years now. The stories were true. The produce was fresh and beautiful and the place was crawling with people on a Wednesday afternoon at lunchtime. (and it was way to far out for people to just pop by on their lunch break!)

We had a blast. Linda pushed a curious Benjamin around in the stroller, while Thomas and I pushed around a wheel barrel to gather our goods in. We found all sorts of great deals! Cherries, apples, peaches, plums, makings for some fresh salsa and the cheapest, most delicious berries ever!!
We found this great tractor out in back near the fields, along with this fun chicken we just had to get a picture with!

Thanks Linda, for helping encourage our sense of adventure!

A Busy Month

2011-07-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

I think July is always going to be a busy month for us. Two birthdays, our anniversary and family camp. Somehow it makes for a very fun and very busy month. Jared and I have been blessed, in all the fun we've managed to get away most years for an anniversary trip. This year, I left the planning up to Jared. He was stressed, but he did a great job!

He booked us a nice little room at a bed & breakfast in Placerville Thursday and Friday night with plans to head to So Lake Tahoe on Friday. It was great!

We stayed at the GlenMorey Inn. A three room bead and breakfast, one of the oldest homes in Placerville, just across the road from downtown and only 5 minutes from Apple Hill. We got their late Thursday night and had time just the two of until lunchtime on Saturday.
We spent all day Friday (after the luxury of sleeping in) in So Lake Tahoe. We had a wonderful lunch at a nice restaurant over-looking the Lake, did some shopping, played a game of miniature golf and enjoyed the God's great beauty displayed along the road. (that road is way too curvy and narrow in some spots. I seriously thought we were going to fall into the lake!!!)

We headed back to Placerville for a yummy dinner and a show. The inn keeper is also the assistant director at the community theater in Coloma and they were running a new melodrama written by a young girl. He did a great job of selling us on the play over breakfast and we were excited for the experience. I'm not quite sure how to describe this experience....

So, it was a melodrama, which I guess is generally an audience participation event. We were to cheer for the hero, boo the villain and ahhh for the heroine. Heckling was also an option. The best part was at the end. It's part of a melodrama for the villain to say, "curses, foiled again" at the end of the show and when this occurs, we were to throw foil balls up on the stage. Hilarious! It sounded like something we'd never done before and quite entertaining.

So, we pulled up to the theater, an old cabin in the middle of a neighborhood with 2 cars in the parking lot. When we walked in there was the other couple from the Inn and one other family. Oh wait, we were greeted in the parking lot by two of the characters asking us info so we could be introduced as VIPs at the show. We weren't quite sure what to expect when the show finally began.

The theater was really cute inside, very little town and quaint and made the experience extra fun. Check out the foil ball in Jared's hand.

So the play took place in a circus. The ringmaster's daughter (whom he didn't know he had with his long lost love) came looking for him. His twin adopted daughters, twins connected at the booty, were the villains constantly plotting how to get rid of the real daughter. The cast was rounded out by all the circus favorites, the strong man, the bearded lady, the fortune teller, the scardey-cat tattoo man and the mime, who instantly fell in love with the daughter. It was hilarious and very entertaining. It truly was an experience getting to participate and made it an experience we won't soon forget!

The Villians

The rest of the cast

It was a great time away. Made me thankful for my wonderful husband and so thankful for the fun we have together!!

oh the joy cookie dough brings

2011-07-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

yes, i introduced benjamin to cookie dough. on the floor. by the dog. opps. guess i'm not up for mother of the year.

he loved it. he used his little finger to get it clean. he even managed to keep the dog away. don't worry, i put the dog out after i got the picture.

yes, he cried when i took it away. when i got the beater out the next day he was so excited!!

welcome to licking the beaters clean club, benja-bub!

Swim Lessons

2011-07-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Fears were conquered the past two weeks. These two best buds were content to sit on the side of the pool and play with their toys, content to never put their faces under. Mine, I know, would in fact scream if water got into his eyes. I'm telling you fears were conquered!At the end of the week, this is Thomas going under to get the ring.This is Thomas floating on his back without flailing, arms out, toes and tummy out and even lasting for more than a few seconds.This is one happy little boy who loves the water. (check out the other happy swimmer!!)And a certificate to prove it!

Maybe next summer we'll get over the fear of the water shooting playground... one thing at a time!

Benjamin

2011-07-19T06:22:00.001-07:00

enough said!

More on Thomas

2011-07-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Like I said, Thomas cracks us up. The boy talks non-stop. Seriously, non-stop. Since his imagination has kicked in it's usually about some show or movie "that you can't watch on TV, I dreamed it up." This last Sunday he spent almost the entire drive to Roseville telling us and describing to us the "Thomas Bird" that likes to shop at Target. Hilarious!!

Two of my favorite stories lately involve his Grandma Matlock.

He spends most Wednesday with his Grandma Matlock and they have many great adventures, read stories, visit the library and I'm pretty sure they've been to all the parks in Dixon, most in Davis and have plans to start on the Vacaville parks.

Well, a couple of weeks ago she told me about his run in with a cat in the backyard. He was enjoying his cutie (an ice cream sandwich) in the backyard and Grandma had to get something from the house. When she returned Thomas relaxed his body from his stone stiff, frozen position and burst into tears informing her that he had just seen a bobcat on the fence. She reassured him that it was just a neighborhood cat and that there were no bobcats in the area. I remember talking about bobcats in the mountains, but i'm not quite sure where he got the idea they lived in Dixon. He know laughs about this.

The other day we were turning the corner when Thomas dramatically announced that "that man was going to kill himself on that white stick!" I of course was totally taken off guard having no idea what he was talking about. He's been talking about the lines in the road, signs and different vehicles, so I had no idea what he had just seen. I asked him what he was talking about, without giving him a chance to answer and informed him that it wasn't ok to joke about or talk about people killing themselves. Thinking he was prepared to tell a story about it. Later down the road I asked what he had seen. He said, "the white stick with the smoke coming out of it." Ahh, the light bulb came on. The man was smoking. I told him that was a cigarette and asked him where he heard that. He informed me Grandma had told him.

I informed him that she was right, not knowing what else to say and how much more information was necessary. We agreed that it was yucky, he would never do that or ride a motorcycle!

When I later asked both Grandma's about this, neither one remembers the conversations but figured it was possible. Jared and I figure we could have said it as well.

These kids hear everything!!!

another quote from a blog

2011-07-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

... "it is not in getting the rules right or in defining all of the rules and theology that will make our children want to serve God. It is in laying down our life for them, serving them, listening to them, loving who God made them within the context of a call to holiness, that will secure in them a desire to love God with all of their hearts. By seeing our love, they will more easily understand and receive God’s love, as it will already be familiar to their hearts and brains."

from Sally Clarkson, http://www.itakejoy.com/if-you-want-your-child-to-love-god-dont-go-by-the-rules/

Something I too have been thinking about. It's all about our love for the Savior that they see overflowing and spilling all over them.

A Favorite

2011-07-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready to head out to family camp and I can't wait. In preparation, I've been baking and preparing meals to make the eating time easier, faster and less messy. We'll have 5 kids anxiously awaiting some yummy treats and my favorite to take are

Peanut Butter Bars

2 c. confectioners' sugar

2 c. graham cracker crumbs (or rice krispies)

1 c. smooth peanut butter
1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 c. (12 oz.) milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Have ready 9x13 inch baking pan. Mix confectioners' sugar, graham crackers, peanut butter and butter in medium bowl until well blended. Scrape into ungreased baking pan and press into even layer. Spread melted chocolate over top. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until chocolate is firm. Let stand 10-20 minutes at room temperature before cutting into bars. Freezes well.

Super easy and super yummy!!

Four is Fun

2011-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

I love this boy!! It is just so much fun to have a 4 year old. He talks non-stop and asks way to many questions, but to hear his curiosity and his crazy imagination is so much fun!! Almost every time I ask him to do something, it is responded with "why?". This drives me crazy, but I'm trying to patiently reminded him to obey right away and then ask why. I realized he really wants to know, most of the time it's not just a stall tactic. With this questioning, I've also reminded that he has a sensitive heart. Many times, I've reacted with impatience and angrily sent him away. When he's done with time out, or completed his task, he returns to me telling me "You scared me."

Now, this does several things to my heart. First it makes me sad, I can see that my over action hurt his feelings and realize that he doesn't need my strong reaction to obey. Second, I am reminded that a little bit of fear for the parent is necessary and a good thing. I am also realizing that he has a sweet sensitivity that can also be a blessing. Hopefully he will be sensitive to our teaching and we will get to avoid major issues. Hopefully, it's a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a calling to repentance and a desire to follow the Lord.

I'm reading a book called "Give Them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica. The purpose of the book is to teach parents to guide their kids in all they do to see how the Gospel affects all parts of our life. Everything we do leads back to Christ's death and forgiveness of our sins. It's convicting. I want to parent in this way. Now that Thomas is 4, I can have more conversations with him. I want to take advantage of his sensitive heart and disobedience and use it as an opportunity to share the gospel with him.

Raising kids is such a blessing from the Lord!! He molds us through it, both the mistakes and the blessings. Hopefully we will be able to do it in light of the gospel and I pray that the Lord will help and allow Thomas to understand!!

Well, this post turned out to be more on the serious matters of my heart for my oldest son. I'll have to share soon on his silliness and imagination.

Growing Up

2011-07-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Benjamin is growing a mile a minute. He suddenly has figured this out and thinks he is much bigger than his mommy does!! He proves this by trying to feed himself. He blocks my hand when I try to put the spoon in his mouth. He's actually pretty good at it.

Here he is at his birthday dinner enjoying that pizookie. We let him try and he managed to get most of it in his mouth.

He's seen Thomas eat popsicles several times. He wasn't interested in my help, so I just set it down on his tray. When I looked back a couple minutes later, he was eating like a pro.
He's also learned to drink with a straw all by himself. I thought the juice box was out of his reach, but evidently his arms are growing to. He got the box and drank away. He's not a big fan of the sippy cup, but does enjoy anything through a straw.

Again, with the straw. He was determined!
He's also fascinated with music! I find him quite a bit poking away at the big piano and his little play one.

He will reach to see and do just about anything, especially if he sees the rest of us interested in it. He loves to take things in and out of containers, open and shut doors and drawers. He will take a toy and put it inside the tv cabinet, close the door, open it back up, pick up the toy, show us and then put it back away. I love watching him explore and learn.

As far as walking, well he seems to be completely uninterested. He can walk like a pro with a push toy, a stool, the laundry basket and just one finger or a pant leg, but seems to have no desire to do it on his own. He's a speedy fast crawler, he's almost running when he crawls. I thinking he's decided why do that walking thing when crawling is faster. I'm trying to figure out why I'm in such a hurry for him to walk. I'm pretty sure this boy will keep me on my toes and chasing him everywhere. So I think for now, I'll enjoy the slower pace of life!!

A Toy Story Pair

2011-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

I had to post this picture. When Jared's sister was here for Father's Day, the kids decided to dress up. A is Jesse and then we have T as Buzz. They were having the best time until we asked to take their picture. : )

babies?

2011-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

no, this is not a hint at future things. this is just a perfect example of me using this blog to record things for my own memory. it's the safest place to put things and not lose them. however, it's also a cute story i think you all will enjoy.

so, we were shopping in costco yesterday and i told thomas i needed to go to the medicine section because i needed some medicine. his response. "why mommy, are you going to have a baby?" i stopped. actually i froze. and asked "why would you say that thomas?" he said it was because he wanted another baby, a baby brother baby.

hmm, where do these kids get these things.

my final response, "i think that's something you should pray about Thomas."

this kid just keeps them coming. i really must get more of these down!!

i'm working on recording a prayer so you all can hear him, so sweet!

Celebrating Benjamin's 1st Birthday

2011-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

So we celebrated his birthday again on his actual birthday. We actually got to sing to him right after midnight. We were at some friends house and by the time we got home, it was his birthday, so we sang him back to sleep.

Saturday was all sorts of fun. We celebrated the birthday's of two sweet girls with a great pool party. We then took a rest at home and then out to dinner!

Here he is hanging with some of his favorite people!

The big kids were riding a quad around the court and Benjamin was fascinated! and yes, Thomas is talking in a super girl mic, it was a girls party.

The not so happy birthday boy, not so happy about having to wait for his food.

Benjamin loves cups. He loves drinking out of straws. He loves to put it in and out. When he lost the straw because it feel on the floor for the 10th time, he tried his finder. He now knows that's a bad idea.

Checking out his very own birthday Pizookie!!! Loved it!! Fascinated with the candle.

Again with the straw....

He loved it!!! and got extra messy trying to feed himself with the straw and the spoon.

Time to face forward!!! He's exhausted after his big day.
But the fun didn't stop. Time to open up presents in PJ's. Thankfully he's only 1 and could wait since mommy hadn't wrapped or bought it until the end of the day!!

He got 4 more cars to go with the track that Grandma bought him and he LOVES them!

Learning to Share

2011-07-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

These two little ones are just weeks apart. They have always played nicely together. Well, up until now anyways. Suddenly they have developed their own opinions and are showing their ownership of toys. Benjamin has always been considered the "bully" because of the difference of their sizes. Ethan's always been small, Benjamin big. Well, Ethan has certainly caught up and more than capable of standing up for himself.

Here they are with the ball

The piano:

The birthday ball:Poor Ethan was a little confused with this one. Mom and Dad had just bought it at Target and he got to play with it all by himself. Then he was informed it was Benjamin's new ball. What gives?

It's going to be lots of fun watching these two grow!

His Laugh is the Best

2011-07-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thomas has a great laugh and I have yet to find a video that perfectly captures it.

I wasn't going to let the same thing happen with Benjamin's! He is the happiest baby and generally easy to get laughing, especially if you can find his tickle spot. One group of people that is particularly good at getting Benjamin to laugh hysterically is the Kile Family. Pastor Jon got Benjamin going just after he finished his birthday cupcake and we got it on film!!

A Common Scene Around Here

2011-07-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

It is a blessing to a mother's heart to see your children enjoy one another. As you can tell, I love it, since I've blogged about it multiple times over the past year. It really is though. I want these two little ones to love one another, to like one another and to enjoy being together.

Recently, they've enjoyed sharing seats. Benjamin will try to get in the seat with his big brother or we catch Thomas trying to lift Benjamin onto the sofa with him (yikes)!

Here they are recently at a wedding.

Then, this past Sunday hanging out before church.