17 Months

Today marks quite a day in the history of our sweet Joseph. Not only is he celebrating 17 months of life outside the womb today, he is moving on from the world of nursing.

Before he was born, I prayed that we would have no complications nursing and that he and I would have a very strong bond from the beginning. Boy, did God come through. Little did I know I wouldn't have a hard time making it to a year nursing, but that I would have a much harder time weaning him.

We were very blessed, but now it seems like a natural time to move on.

Here's to the next phase of growing up, Joe Joe! You are such a blessing from the Lord.

Berry Picking

In all the hustle and bustle of packing, a few days before we moved I decided we just needed to drop all forms of responsibility and head to the hills... to berry pick of course!

Our downstairs neighbor was up for the adventure so we all took off... We had a wonderful time, even if we didn't come home with very many berries. It's never about the quantity, but the quality, right?

And, boy those berries were yummy!

Thankful Thursday

We are thankful...

~ We had such a great birthday celebration for Samuel. Still can't believe he's three.
~ Daddy comes home tomorrow! He's been gone all week for the USMC.
~ It's been a very fun and productive week.
~ Our friends brought their babies home!!!
~ My new sewing friend, Kim, and our sewing adventures.
~ The fabulous fruits and veggies that have been available lately. Summer food is great!
~ Next week at this time we'll be in New York with lots of family.
~ We got a (new to us) stove and dishwasher from our wonderful friends. And they work great.
~ We got a new camera and love it, just in time for Samuel's big day.
~ My poison ivy is almost gone. It was very yucky.
~ All four of Joseph's teeth that he was getting came in with no discomfort.
~ It has not been a very hot summer.

Birthday Photos

Right after daddy woke him up on his birthday.

Eating his favorite: chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes.

Opening up presents.

He got a motorcycle! That's all he wanted for his birthday. A 98 cent present! He's so easy to please.

Party pictures.



Showing off his birthday shirt. A new tradition in our family.


Samuel had such a great birthday celebration. Thanks to all of our friends and family who made it so extra special.

Samuel Turns Three

We had a fabulous day filled with lots of trucks, race cars and most importantly a motorcycle.

Tomorrow is an even bigger day with his party.

Looking forward to updating when we have more time with some pictures.

Thankful Thursday

We are thankful...
* In the rubble of our recent move, we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Rooms are starting to clear out and things are finding their new home. It's starting to feel like home.
* Our station wagon was broken, but was able to be fixed (for free) because of a recall.
* We have the best neighbors EVER. Our street is the street that I've prayed about for years that our children would have growing up. Our street is the street where the parents sit outside and chat while the children all play from yard to yard on a dead end street. Out of all the neighborhood kids, Joseph is the youngest and Samuel is the oldest. Everyone else so neatly lines up in age between them. It's been a great experience so far. We're so excited to be here.
* Andy is loving his new job.
* We've finally been able to unpack enough to have room to get to the boys' walls again to paint them. We hope to work on them tonight. It's a project I've been very excited about doing.

What are you thankful for today?

The Results Are In

I'm so sorry for not being able to get online yesterday and post the winner of the giveaway. I'm sure you all were on the edge of your seats all day :)

We now have internet in our home, thanks for our fabulous neighbors who are letting us use their wireless internet.

I know most of you will be shocked to know the results... but they are...

(drum roll)

Samuel is currently weighing in at 26 pounds and
Joseph is currently weighing in at 28 pounds!

Yes, Joseph is 19 months younger and weighs more than his (almost) 3 year old brother. Shocking I know. They fooled you all, but my dear friend Gillian won with guessing Joe at exactly 28 lbs and Sam at 30 lbs.

CONGRATS GILL! I'll send you your gift card through email :) Happy belated birthday. Enjoy.