Happy Father's Day!!





The boys love their Grandpa! My Dad & the kids were too sweet walking together at the fair today, but there was too much background chaos in this photo. I had fun discovering the blur tool



Austin was awesome when he got chosen as the volunteer for Calamity Jo's magic & comedy show. I loved watching him laugh & interact with her, it was great!

More Contemplations on the Sweetness of it All

We are in the midst of potty training again! Thankfully (and to my great surprise), it's going way better than it did last time-- I am so proud of Jake!!!

And, since I linked to that old post above, I thought I would just provide a little house update as well. I am happy to say that it is off the market! We decided to stay here and add-on after the baby comes. If that doesn't work out, we will deal with it at the time. But we're happy with our decision for now. Our house is tiny (the boys already share a room!), but we love our yard, neighborhood, and town. We have room to add two bedrooms and still have some yard for the kids & BBQs, so that seemed a better option. We'll see what happens!

And, keeping with the theme I guess, here are some more photos of the boys playing with Kevin. He works so hard during the week, that I just absolutely love seeing him with the boys on the weekends. They are so cute together, and these boys adore their "Dada."

Kevin pulled out the T-ball gear and played some ball with the boys. Austin was so cute... every time he hit the ball (with Kevin's guidance), his face lit up and he got a huge smile... laughed a great big belly laugh, and went running after the ball. I want to imprint these moments and sounds in my memory FOREVER!!!!

And sweet Jake loves playing ball with Dada too... I can't believe how well he catches!!!

Sometimes he holds back his smiles in a way that reminds me so much of Kevin, the mysterious & seemingly shy Kevin that I met in High School. Jake will be smiling all over, but then pulls himself back inward a little, sticking his tongue behind his lower lip and quietly giggling. It makes me a little sad because I want him to smile and laugh freely! I've been telling him how much I love his smile and when he laughs. And I've also been more cognizant of how I sometimes don't smile or laugh as freely in the moments with my boys. Sometimes I'm so tired or preoccupied with other things (making meals, changing a diaper or disciplining (er, teaching), or whatever), that I give my "half-there" smile or laugh. Oh, it has felt sooo good to realize this, and live more fully in the moments!!! I can't get over the sweetness of it all!!!!

And a little bit of GUY-time in the yard... there was plenty of rolling laughter as they rough-housed around in the grass, rode on Daddy's shoulders, kicked the ball, and ran back and forth around the house.

I hope these boys always know just how loved they are by their Mommy & Daddy. We have been talking about it a lot lately... just how it is so beautiful, these boys. And how excited we are to meet and hold and love our newest addition. He is already so precious to us.

Sorry for the mushy-gushy posts lately! Well, kinda. Because when I make my blog into a blurb book, the kids might read it and feel a little bit happy. I know I will!

Oh, and before I go... here's a peek at what I've been up to last night and this afternoon. Birthday invitations! (Ignore the squiggly white lines, my attempts at hiding my personal information.) It's been so much fun to pull out paper, scissors and adhesive again.

This project inspired me to organize my photos (again). I got some really cool monthly dividers at Office Depot today on clearance... Office supplies truly make my heart sing... Markers, white out, and, OH! Those little colored sticky tabs and sticky notes? Pure joy!

For me, NESTING ALWAYS BEGINS WITH PHOTOS!!! I start out organizing photos, making lists of outstanding scrapbooking layouts, and then embark on some major catching up. Because you have to catch up before you have another human being to document the life of!!! The nesting quickly moves to the address book (both computerized and handwritten), then to lists of emergency contacts, allergies, etc. And then to the home... where it settles indefinitely until baby comes. This is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy.

Enough randomness for the evening. I'll try to write a post that's not about ME some time again in the future. haha

A Beautiful Morning with the Family

I don't have time to write anything because it's kid's bedtimes, plus time to clean the kitchen and prepare for work tomorrow-- and I'm hoping to hit the grocery store after kids are asleep and before Kevin goes on his bike ride. It's going to be a busy few hours! I'm dreaming of a quick ColdStone run too, but not sure that will happen. Sad! Those dang sugar cravings...

Beautiful day, wonderful company

Sweet, sweet circumstance

I love my guys!

I will cut/paste a little blurb I wrote on Facebook under one of my Austin photos, though, since the blog is a bit more permanent, and I often take excerpts and put it in the boys baby books when I write about them & their stages.

Our Austin-- 18 months- He will charge straight into the water regardless of how big the waves are... this boy has *no* fear! I love his adventurous spirit-- he has such a love for life and he is just refreshing! But he sure keeps me on my toes!

Sorry I haven't done much here- I'm dying to get the Easter post off the page because I don't know how to make the music stop, but it slows the page loading! I will find the time for the blog eventually, I promise!

Daddy's Boy

I debated whether or not to download this video for a few reasons.

1. Some might see this & think we are putting our child at risk by allowing him so close to the lawnmower.

2. My husband actually whistles at our son (like a dog) in this video.

3. At the end you can see me sticking my foot out to steer my son away from the mower.

Just so you know, the foot made no contact with the child. No children (nor feet) were injured in the making of this video. It was simply loving motherly guidance by foot, due to the arms full of 23 pound 7-month old and the oh-so-important video camera. If you're more concerned with the paternal whistle... well, I don't know what to say about that one. Honestly, I don't know where that came from- But it sure worked! Maybe it was to out-sound the loudness and deepness of the lawnmower's roar. Yah, if that makes any sense I think I'll go with that one.

P.S. There were a number of other reasons. Top of the list would be, "that's not what my voice sounds like, is it!?!" Haha And bottom of the list would be, "what is my son wearing!?" and "this is kinda random and pointless." But you know, none of that is important.

Our Wednesday

THESE THINGS MADE ME SMILE TODAY...

*~ A large Zebra Mocha (from the drive-through cafe) and Quiet Time while in the beach parking lot with two well-behaving kids in the back seat... ahh! Good start to a day!

*~ Watching Jake run back and forth at the beach with GLEE, laughing. This made me smile ALL OVER!

*~ Smothering Austin with kisses, and noticing that no matter what he is doing, every time I kiss him, he smiles. Even when he's entranced by a toy, and I just kiss the back of his head, I notice a quiet little smile come over his face... that is the sweetest thing!!!

*~ Our new book, especially the last line, which has made me tear-up every single night for the last week: "I love you through and through... Yesterday, today, and tomorrow too."

*~ A quick straightening-up of the house, where I only did 50% of the work. Did you hear that?!? I only did HALF of it! My hubby did the other half!!!

*~ Two kids taking two long naps at the same time!

*~ Having lunch ready when my husband came home from running errands, and sitting together as a family to eat.

*~ Sneaking a big, fat, inappropriate kiss (from my hubby) when our visitor was in the bathroom. Then acting like nothing happened when he came out!

*~ Watching Jake follow Kevin around the yard as he was mowing the lawn, back and forth, Jake follows him-- every strip of the lawn!

*~ (ETA) For the FIRST time since his birth (7 months ago), Austin had a day completely free of reflux! Oh momentous day! (I'm adding this one on Thurs, didn't want to speak too soon.)

*~ This: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

*~ Experimental baking ... Putting Oatmeal Cookie Dough into MINI-CUPCAKE trays! Yummy!! Oatmeal cookie cupcakes! (And then eating about 4 of them while they're still hot and gooey, oh so good!)

*~ Sneaking a peek at my husband outside when he's not looking, and seeing that he is emptying the ashes out of the fire pit with JAKES TINY YELLOW SAND SHOVEL!

*~ Being humbled by these blessings, these lives that are such a part of mine.

I love days like these...

Disclaimer: they're not all like this!

Wedensday's Memory Verse, and other random thoughts

Oh no! My brain! The more verses I add, the more I mix up the locations! (Ephesians 4:29, no, 4:13, no, 3:17...)



So I'm still reviewing each one so those locations can sink in, but I'm going to press on and add another one this week.






My bulletin board is full, but I can't bring myself to remove any of the verses because I love them so much!!!



So here it is, I really love this one:



"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)





This one was the runner-up:



"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1Peter 1:13 (NIV)



(If you want to memorize two this week, help yourself, but I sure won't!) I love that this (2nd) verse is a call to action. I'm working on self-control. Controlling myself in finances, controlling the words I speak, and controlling my emotions/frustration. I'm telling you, that last one, I can't do it without God! I can't do a lot of things without Him! Since I had Austin, my life has changed. Of course in the obvious ways, you know, being a mommy-of-two. But my world has seriously been rocked, and I'm so thankful for it, because it's caused me to realize (again) that I'm not in control and I can't do it without Him. I don't want to! I had been crying out for years and years, that I felt far away, that I had distanced myself and didn't like it but couldn't get back to how I used to be. He hears and answers-- in His time and in His way! Yes!!





I haven't posted in a while, (for a few reasons.) My maternity leave ended so I'm back to work, and I also have the new goal to not use the computer when Jake is awake. So when I do use the computer, I'm often on for a quick moment to check emails and read the blogs of a few friends (new & old!) And of course, I always manage to find a random topic (or 7) that need(s) to be googled and researched thoroughly. What did we do before the internet!?

So I haven't had much time to post. Which has prompted me to think about this blog a bit. I didn't intend to be a blogger. I especially didn't intend to write personal things on here! I debated whether I should continue it and what direction it should be going. I really do love it. It's a nice outlet, a nice record to look back on, and a great community of friends.

Through reading and getting to know you all, my friends!, I've grown so much. Although I love using this space to reflect on and record the joys and blessings in our lives, the other stuff is just as much a part of the journey. It's through struggles that we learn and grow.

SO, (conclusion to my rambling), I've decided that if I'm going to write anything personal in this place, I want it to be real, so I need to post even the harder things. Still, I'm not sure how often I will be divulging such personal glimpses of myself. I'm not great at that. We'll see. I just can't go around posting Bible verses without exposing the fact that I don't always live up to the ideals I have for myself and my family! I'm just an ordinary girl, trying to live my life to His glory. And definitely learning as I go, as we all are.



So for now... I'll just be writing whatever, whenever- and sharing pics of whatever, whenever.

And I'll try not to think about who is reading and what they may think! You all have been such a great support system and source of encouragement and inspiration! I thank you for that and maybe by allowing myself to be more open, I can be the same. If nothing else, a reminder that you aren't alone. (Say, when you cry like a baby over spilled milk, literally. I've totally done that!) LOL

And to remain true to my blog's original purpose... pics of MY BOYS!!!!! I love 'em, I love 'em!!!
BTW, these little guys are more fun/interesting/captivating than anything I have EVER written!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

(& 1st time painting!)

A day with my boys

Pictures from a pretty perfect day!

Yesterday I couldn't get Kevin to wake up and go to the beach with us, so after making breakfast, I decided to pack the kids up & just get out anyways. We went to the drive-through coffee shop and then headed to the beach. {P.S. I converted my double stroller to the configuration for two bigger kids, and it works... Austin is big enough, so now he can look around instead of laying flat, yay! Pics to come.}

Anyways, we went on a nice brisk walk and then I set Jake up with his sand toys while I spent some time doing my devotions. Then, the sneaky little woman that I am, I called Kevin and woke him up, telling him how CUTE his boys are at the beach, how much fun they're having and how beautiful it is, and doesn't he want to meet us there, pleeeeeeeze!? (How could he say no to that?!)

We don't get to spend much time out as a little family, so Im' always happy when we are. They were so cute playing at the waters edge, so I had to sneak up on them to get this pic with my camera phone.

Later in the afternoon I did a bit more sneaking... I looked out the window to see Jake "helping" Daddy fix the sprinkler and it was just the cutest thing ever... so I had to sneak up on them and get these pictures. (P.S. E, thanks for helping me remember how to spell "cutest"!)

Isn't Jake so darling, with his little wrench-thing all *ready* to go?

To my So.Cal. friends, can you BELIEVE how hot it was yesterday!?!?! It was like summer!!!! Absolutely beautiful!!!! So both babies were sleeping and I decided to put on my bikini (SCAREY! I have outlawed bikinis since giving birth to my second child! At least for the time being... I have some major work to do before I can sport one in public!), but I put one on, nevertheless, and layed out in my backyard. OOOOHHHHH MY GOODNESS! It was soooo heavenly!!!! Tanning oil and all, I felt like I was about 18 years old! The hot sun, breeze, peace & quiet, relaxation... it was almost unbelievable. I even spent a few minutes reading Life&Style, catching up on my girls Brittney, Lindsey & Angelina. (Shhh... it's our little secret!) I usually get the scoop on this important news when I work because these mags are lying around the breakrooms and stashed in drawers at the nursing stations, but I'm feeling a bit uninformed since I've been on maternity leave!

And, so he doesn't feel left out, and because this picture is just so dang cute... Here's Austin doing tummy time.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!!!
{{Aren't they cute in their matching shirts?}}

*~I don't have anything interesting to say (do I ever?), but I have some family pics to share!

Jake and Auntie Annie & Uncle Tony at Anna's b-day Hoe Down Party

And here is Jake playing with his special blocks that Grandpa *made* for him!!! He loves them!

Baby Finn, (my nephew, Chris & Jarlaths sweet baby boy).

Romans 12:1-2

WOO HOO! I finished my 2nd diaper today...

About the performance, I LOVE IT! It is sooo soft inside, and when it was wet, I couldn't even tell by touching it! It's the *least* bulky AIO diaper ever, and super absorbant. I'm not bragging... I didn't do anything except follow directions on a pattern! I think the material makes all the difference though. This combo is just perfect for us right now~*

P.S. Kayla pointed out the downward slant of my tabs in the picture where Jake is wearing it. (Previous post.) They actually do fit right, but that was just me being rushed... he was squirming so I put it on as quickly as possible and he hit the ground running (toddling). That's how most of our diaper changes go... as quick as possible... sometimes cotton hanging out from around our covers, most of the time the pants or shorts don't get put back on... Miss Preggo here is having a hard time maneuvering this little guy against his will- he's strong & my back & tummy are killing me! (And since he's so much more mobile, most of the time he doesn't want to waste his time with diaper changes... wants up the minute you put him down!)

P.S. Check out this picture... Jake must know that the housework is getting a bit harder for mama... he's trying to pitch in and do some sweeping! (It was so cute! He was moving it back & forth, so adorable!)

Sweet Daddy Time!

It's a BOY!!!!

So, I won't post the spread-eagle ultrasound picture, but suffice it to say that I saw *it* the moment the ultrasound panned down... I'm officially out-numbered, no question about it! So my shopping trip tomorrow isn't going to be as fun as I thought (no pink), but my wallet is going to seriously thank me!!!! That was going to be expensive, having a girl. I am in love with the idea of Jake and a little brother, but it also terrifies me that I may never get my girl. I was hoping to get it over with so I didn't have to wonder anymore. See, Kevin wanted 2 boys, and now he has them. As far as he's concerned, we could be finished having kids and he'll be totally happy. How will I ever get him to try for a girl!?! I have time to think on that one though. I am soooo not getting pregnant again any time soon!!! I just got used to the idea of being pregnant (last week!), and now I have this to wrap my mind around... a household full of boys! It'll be a great adventure. Honestly, from my human and most secret place in my heart, I was disappointed (though it's even embarrassing to admit it)... but for a second, and then I remembered how Jake is my STAR and I love him so much, and that God put this new baby boy in my life at such a "surprising" time and it was all destined to happen the way it is- and that does bring me joy. I'm so excited about this baby (finally!) It's a BOY!!! A precious boy!!!!
As long as I can stop re-living all the visions of the "its-a-girl ultrasound" that I was having!!! Why do we do this to ourselves!?! LOL And it's time to put on the BLINDERS when I walk into the baby stores... I forbid myself to look at the girl clothes! It's too dar n cute!

I just spent the last 15 minutes creating a post with a nice little blurb about our day and some mommyhood realizations... and then it got deleted!!! It's WAY past my bedtime, so I'm not going to re-write it. Maybe later!

P.S. Bloggers- have you ever done that? I have a habit of highlighting my work and making a "copy" just in case anything goes wrong -timed out connections, etc- But with blogger, if you are highlighting (sp?) and you go past your text, everything disappears. It's happened to me at least 5 times so I'm really careful but this time I messed up. I was actually highlighting to make the font bigger and change it's color. Oh well! So here are pics from our beach outing today. I'm heading off to bed! Have a great Thursday!

Happy Super Bowl!

Did you guys eat as much junk as we did in our house!?!? I'm going to have to workout every day this week just to work-off the appetizers, nevermind the pizza dinner and ice cream dessert! YUCK!!! (With a capital Y!) I started drinking A beer but after thinking about all the calories I had consumed, I decided I didn't want to waste any more on something I didn't really care about! It's not like I really *wanted* to have some beer... it's just Super Bowl Sunday and we were eating all this cheesy bad food so it goes well together. But I had to give Kevin the rest of mine because I couldn't bear the thought of those worthless calories! (Not a calorie counter by any means... but you have NO IDEA what JUNK we ate today!!! We did enjoy it though!)

I had to capture this picture with my camera phone... Kevin thought this was so funny, he sent it to a bunch of his friends from work. Daddy was being a bad influence! LOL (Disclaimer: he did not get one drop in his mouth! I don't want Jake getting a taste for THAT!!!)

So *who* won the game!?! haha I'm so *not* interested in football. I did like watching them slip all over the place but that boring after the first 20 minutes. Kevin had to call me back to the couch whenever the commercials came back on. (My tradition! Last year I watched it alone... I fast-forwarded through the game and watched the commercials!)

Daddy's Boy!

and our little All Star~*