Oh Brother

I find myself muttering "Oh Brother, brother" a lot.

This is just a brief snippet. 

Of course he has to be in the middle of their game.

  

 Caught red handed, but oh so cute!

Even goes for the camera strap

He was also caught unrolling a roll of toilet paper b/c someone left the bathroom door open.

He loves the dirt in my potted plants.

Will chew any shoe left on the floor.

Tears mmagazines to pieces and then eats them.

Pulls out plates from dishwasher and licks them, if I am loading or unloading the dishwasher.

The list goes on!

Oh Brother, where is the littlest brother now :)

At least I have 2 spies to help me.

Love Letter

I have not been the only one to receive a gift recently.
Mason received his 1st "love" letter.
Actually I received it from the girl's mother b/c she was quite embarrassed by it, but her husband who is good friends with EJ, insisted she give it to me.
The whole thing cracks EJ and I up.
The letter was actually written by her 2 older sisters and it was most likely their idea and their words. Evidently Mason is talked about a lot by this little girl. Her sisters must think its pretty funny.

When I read him the letter (reworded it slightly and did not call it a "love" letter). He said "that's nice. She probably likes me b/c I am good at art."

Ha! I have a feeling this won't be the last one he receives. If only they would continue to come via the mother ;)

One present, a multitude of gifts.

Yesterday at Wellspring, I received this painting as a birthday gift from my small group. 

Our group doesn't typically do gifts for birthdays, so I am humbled and a bit in shock. I have experienced a myriad of emotions since then.

Apparently, something I said on Fellowship Day really resonated in my friend, Jenn's heart. So much so that she commissioned my friend Courtney (out of town) to make this painting for me. God is so gracious to use me to minister to my friend Jenn.

That is not all! The gift was not from Courtney and Jenn alone. Jenn asked our small group to contribute to the gift, thereby blessing Courtney's family as they raise money to bring their boys home from Rwanda. That is a gift to me all on its own.

Ironically, when I first read Psalm 16:6 for that week's lesson (see Fellowship day link above), I wanted to skip over it. I wasn't sure I believed it. Because at that time, I was processing a recent "diagnosis" about my neck/back pain. A diagnosis that doesn't really change anything (and I am not sure I believe). So I was struggling to see my "pleasant places" and I was doubting my portion and my cup. But God met me there. Over and over again, He has been faithful in my weakness to shine brighter, revealing more and more of himself. Praise God!

This painting no only gives me a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness to me (to us all). But I also have a reminder that he can use me in my weakness, to write on someone's heart. And I will also think of my small group ladies who have made this an incredible year at Wellspring.

My cup runneth over! Thank you friends! It is so sweet to be known and loved.

Picky Eater

I am in denial that I have a picky eater on my hands. I am trying to ignore it. But it is becoming more and more annoying. He has grown tired of most of the easy to eat solids. Cheerios are not cutting it for breakfast. I thought by handing him a spoon and putting them in milk I might trick him. It worked for a few bites. The spoon is really helping, can you tell?
He likes a smorgasbord. He eats a few bites of almost anything, but not enough of any 1 thing to fill his belly. He is small for his age, so I am curious what the Dr will say in 2 weeks. Perhaps he is not picky, just a light eater?
I did introduce Peanut Butter today. No ill effects yet. He did eat it. So for now, maybe I have another option.
Throwing food off the tray has started. Fun times!

More Celebrating!

We had a great dinner at a new mexican restaurant. 

My Margarita was delicious! 

Good thing, b/c I had been secretly thinking about it all day long :)

 

This dessert (store bought) was a big hit.

An almond pound cake with a custard (?) layer and topped with beautiful fruit!

The boys were wired! I don't even know who took these pics.

Tips and Deals

Be sure to check out Living Consciously. 

Don't miss the steals deals!

I for one can't have too much organizational help.

Me and My 3

It was a great birthday!

EJ brought home pizza per my request. No cooking on my birthday!

We had cake last night with our homegroup.

A sneaky balloon drop off by my sister during bible study.

Tonight we are all going out to dinner with my parents and Lissa and Alex.

Feeling Rich

And not because my oldest son gave me $.33 for my 33rd birthday.

He worked on this card for 2 nights before lights out in their bedroom.

He was so excited to give it to me that he asked last night if I wanted it then or to wait until today!

Owen is not usually super affectionate. He reserves his hugs, kisses and "I love yous" for when he really means it. I know this won't win as many hearts and can often come across as rude, but I can appreciate his sincerity. If he says it, he means it. I am pretty reserved in this area too. It's astonishing how different Mason is and I don't think we have done anything differently. Owen and I both have a lot of work to do in our love languages, but this card is an awesome step for him. He really has been so excited for MY birthday. Last year, he could have cared less. I have been praying for his heart to soften towards others and we are seeing some changes. So today, on my 33rd birthday, that is the best gift this mama could ask for!

I must be special if he was willing to draw girlie flowers :)

Fast Asleep

Mason is not our best sleeper. He never has been.

But he played hard today. He fell asleep with the lights on.

With his 2 favorite possessions nearby, a book and his "baby."

Sweet Dreams, sweet boy!

The Inside Story

Owen recieved this paint by number kit from his Aunt and Uncle for his birthday.

It's pretty complicated looking, but he is up to the challenge. He loves art.

While he was painting he said to me in all seriousness without even looking up, "I can't believe VCU and University of Richmond are in the Sweet Sixteen." I had to keep from laughing. He might be "doing" something else, but he is still thinking about sports. I have no idea who is in the Sweet Sixteen, but I'll take his word for it. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Singing a New Song

I am feeling it heavy this morning. The hurts of so many I love. I am feeling it and I know that there is not a thing I can do but lift them up to the only One who can remind them they are LOVED. He is the one that must meet them.

I missed Wellspring yesterday, but I am still learning.
God gave David a beautiful song (Psalm 57) when he was deep in a cave fearing for his life.

Does my song reflect that there is so much more waiting for me in heaven?

We can not wait for life to be good, to sing. We do not have to be happy to sing. We sing because we are free and in return He brings the joy. The joy that is so much better than any solution/outcome to what life brings.

This song came to mind and I hope it stays there all day!

Sweetness

This morning, Ryan was a sleepy head. Even the flash wouldn't wake him.

Happy Birthday Lissa

Today is my sister's birthday!

She and mom and I spent the day together doing what we do best- shopping!

And we enjoyed a nice lunch! Thanks Mom!!!

EJ took off the afternoon and picked up the younger two from Wellspring. Isn't' he the best!

The family celebration actually occurred Friday night.

Don't worry we had a more exciting cake for her. 

This was for the boys benefit before they went to bed.

Mason kindly blow out all her candles before we'd finished singing.

 Here's the real deal.

Happy Birthday Sis! I sure am glad you live so close and we can celebrate (multiple times ;) together. Don't worry, 30 really isn't that bad!

Owen is SEVEN!

A few months ago EJ and I decided that we wanted to give Owen a "real" bible for his 7th birthday. Now that he is reading on his own it seemed about time for him to have his very own. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE, this Bible, but we wanted him to be able to learn the books of the bible, see individual verses in scripture, etc. (this picture was taken right after he opened it)
We also knew that he wasn't going to jump for joy when he opened it. We wrote a short note in the inside cover and included Psalm 199: 105, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
I prayed as I wrote the words and wrapped it up, because I wanted him to see it for the treasure that it truly is. Just as we expected he was initially disappointed. Baseball or football cards would have been more up his alley. But I think the note inside helped him understand and perhaps realize it was a special gift.
We read from it last night. This is the one we got. It was recommended to us. It does still have some pictures and stories featured. I think it's a good transition. He is definitely still enjoying the pictures.
Tonight when I went into their room to start the bed time routine, I found him thumbing through it's pages looking for where EJ left off last night. Be still my heart! And he carefully put it in his bedside table drawer to keep it safe.

Owen- Happy 7th Birthday! We love you so much. You have handled becoming a big (again) brother with much grace. Ryan adores you and lights up when you get home from school. You are doing great in school and are still nuts about sports! Mason spends most of his time trying to keep up with you on the ball field. If only you knew how much he looks up to you. Daddy and I enjoy cheering for you from the sidelines. You aren't our little boy anymore. Some days I catch myself just staring at your face in awe of how you've changed. We are blessed!

7th Birthday

The expression on his face is priceless!

Yesterday, we a great day celebrating Owen and he enjoyed every minute of it.

 

I have a 7 year old son! Please!

His party started at our house. We had cake and ice cream and he opened his presents. 

My family was there, a neighborhood friend and our dear (to all 5 of us) friends the Cassadas.

Then we loaded everyone up and headed to a ball game.

JMU played VCU on his birthday. It couldn't have been more perfect.

We choose the sunny side (for warmth) without realizing we were in opponent territory.

The VCU fans got a huge kick out of listening to the kids cheer for JMU while sitting directly behind  VCU's dugout. Oops! When the sun left our spot, so did we. We joined the JMU fans on the other side.

The kids were such "great" fans, that a JMU player gave the kids each a baseball. 

That was Owen's favorite part!  

I had given all the kids a purple horn to help with the cheering. At first they used them like megaphones. Then they figured out how to make a REALLY loud honking sound. OOPS, my bad! Their cheering was not appreciated by everyone, the VCU coach sent an usher over to ask us to stop. Clearly his players won't be able to handle the major leagues.We were a little stunned. Needless to say our cheering died down A LOT. It was almost as quiet as a library or a golf tournament. So serious.

Hot Dog!

Today the kids enjoyed their own baseball game.

It was such a treat having our friends for the weekend. They drove 2.5 hours each way just to share in Owen's celebration. Courtney and I managed to cram in some great conversations that blessed and encouraged me so much. I am so thankful for her friendship! And it is such a joy watching the kids when they are together.

Birthday Morning

Saturday morning Grandma, Sir and Owen went and picked up bagels to bring back to the house for his birthday breakfast. 

When they arrived home a special surprise was waiting for him.

EJ and I deliberated at the store for 1 HOUR about which bike to buy and which size. Well, when he saw how big it was he was really nervous. He reluctantly gave it a trial ride and we all agreed it was too big! He didn't seem too disappointed to pick one out himself. Oh well, live and learn.We didn't waste any time returning it and he came home with a different bike that he is much happier about. Of course I didn't take a picture of that one.

School Treats

Owen and I made cookie ice cream sandwiches on Thursday for his class to have at lunch on Friday.

 Can you tell he was not interested in getting a picture with me?

 My mom came too! She took the pictures and walked Ryan around to keep him happy.

Oh No He Didn't

Oh yes he did. He climbed up the stairs. What?!?!

 

Don't worry my mom was right there to catch him.

EJ said, "well did you tell him no?" 

Mom and I looked at each other and I said, "oops, I was too busy taking pictures."

I'll have plenty of opportunities to say no, right?