Paper

So I have a problem. I love love love scrap booking paper. Not for its intended purpose b/c I don't scrapbook, but b/c it is so beautiful. Don't get me wrong there are definitely some tacky and ugly paper out there. But a lot of them are like little pieces of art. Today I dragged the boys to this amazing paper store. Owen actually came up with 2 reasons for needing special paper. How can I deny a boy after my own heart? So he bought one sheet with a motorcycle on it for his "place mat" at school (for snack time). And another lighthouse sheet for pictures of him and Joshua at the beach. (Surprise, Surprise) After 20 minutes of multiple trips down each isle (the boys were thrilled) I selected only 2 sheets. I was good, sometimes I just buy it b/c its pretty and I already have plenty unused. I am very excited about my new project. It is for our bedroom makeover. I won't be starting on it right away but I couldn't resist. If it turns out like I hope, it will be an easy gift idea.

Here is a project I did awhile ago.

Owen

I met Owen's new Preschool teacher last night at Parent Orientation. Miss Holly is her name and she was delightful. I think it will be a great year. There are 3 other boys in the class which is a huge relief b/c there seems to have been a shortage of boys born in 04. Each parent/couple was asked to introduce themselves and describe their child in one word. Owen's word...
so·cia·ble -adjective (dictionary.com)1. inclined to associate with or be in the company of others. 2. friendly or agreeable in company; companionable. 3. characterized by agreeable companionship: a sociable evening at the home of friends.

Not to be confused with outgoing. Because he isn't really that outgoing until he knows a person well. We joke, but its true that Owen's worst fear is being lonely. He is constantly saying "wait for me", "who else will be there", "we need a bigger family", etc. He loves planning social gatherings, hosting parties and eating with other people. He rarely wants to go somewhere with just EJ if Mommy and Mason aren't coming or vice versa.

As you can see from this video. The apple doesn't fall to far from the tree. The man in front trying to get more "air" time is my dad! The little guy in the tux is Owen at my sister's wedding.


We love this about Owen, however we do worry that he too easily "follows the crowd" He is always wanting to do what others are doing. I know it is every one's nature to desire what others have or to constantly compare ourselves to others (I am very guilty of this). Our prayer is that he would desire God's fellowship and companionship first and foremost. We are never lonely with God as our Father. He promises to meet us wherever we are. In fact, He waits for us and desires time with us. "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Homage to Joshua

This is a picture of my sweet son's bedside table. Several months ago, my friend Courtney was kind enough to send a picture (far right) of Owen and her son Joshua. Owen has kept it on his bedside table ever since. Over time he has found other pictures of the two of them and insisted that they all be displayed together. I think its so fun that the pictures encapsulate their whole friendship starting at just a few months old. Joshua is 6 weeks older than Owen and they have been great friends since the start. Even though they live 2.5 hours apart, each refers to the other as their best friend. I couldn't be happier. Joshua has an amazing family and we are delighted that Owen will witness Joshua's family loving God and living each day for Him. What a treasure!

It's Wednesday already!?!?

Having EJ home on Monday has made the week fly by. I keep thinking it is only Tues. We did finish painting on Monday. EJ asked if I posted a pic. There still isn't enough to see. After all the wall color is just cream. Plus, Candice Olsen (my favorite designer of HGTV) hasn't made an appearance to accessorize and give it her amazing touch! Of course her work crew and outlandish budgets would also help. So I'll leave you hanging for a little while longer. I know you can hardly stand it ;)

Last game

Today marks the end of 43 summers of a Richmond pastime. and we were there! What a game. Thanks dad for getting us tickets. I don't think I have ever seen the stadium so full and the crowd so enthusiastic. Remember how mom and dad stopped by for a surprise visit? Well the game they played to go to was cancelled so we used their ticket vouchers for today's game. Thankfully we went early this morning to cash in the vouchers b/c the game was sold out! If you don't know much about the Richmond Braves, you need to know that this is very rare! Wish you could have been there with us Dad and Mom.

The boys had fun. Mason's first baseball game and he did much better than I expected. Especially considering he is always on the move. A soft pretzel helped extend that sitting time :) He danced and cheered to the music, clapped his hands and waved to anyone looking.
We will miss the R Braves!