Backyard Reading Time

After I put Annabelle down for her nap, I read to the boys out of a chapter book before putting them down for their quiet times. Most years by this time the mosquitos are already in full force in our backyard, but not this year. The weather has been just perfect, so we've been out in the back as much as possible knowing our time is quickly coming to and end. Here the boys have set up our reading blankets and are off playing waiting for me to come down. I am trying to breathe deep and take all of this in. I'm going to blink and their childhood's will be gone. These are some of the moments I never want to forget.

Aunt Julie Turns 26

Bites for Belle

Annabelle found a bowl on the table with peanut butter still in it. She went and got her play fork and knife and went to town. This is how I found her.

I had an entire day of spring cleaning scheduled one Saturday, but decided the night before that I would not be motivated if I didn't have some motivator to keep me going throughout the day. I can keep a house tidy, most of the time with no problem, but cleaning it is a completely different story. So, in light of my long day ahead, I caved and made some donuts. It had been a long time since I had made them. So long, that Annabelle hadn't ever had any. She was quite thrilled her time had come.

She even shared with Daddy. Now that's true love!

I'm so glad I've always got some cuteness around here to practice my photography skills.

A Living Hope

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Babbling Betsy

This little girl has blown us away with her vocabulary. She is consistently saying 7 and 8 word sentences now. I never realized how awesome it is to be able to have a toddler be able to communicate so well. Instead of screaming her head off when needing help, she can simply say "Mama, please help me..." or "Annabelle have wet diaper."

Hearing her say "I yuv you so much, Mommy." or "I yuv you so much, Daddy!" sure has a way of melting our hearts over and over again. But, our favorite is hearing her sing songs. She's got the most adorable little voice and to hear her sing is just precious. We basically think she's pretty special no matter what she does or doesn't do!

Old Friends

Some dear old friends from our Marine Corps days were in town for 2 weeks while the husband was taking a course at UVA. When we parted ways in NC in 2006, I had a 5 month old, and they had a 2 day old. Now we've got 5 between us. God is so good! We packed in as many play dates as we could in those 2 weeks. It was such a huge blessing to spend such precious time with these friends. What a special gift.

Maymont

 

Snapshots Of Our Sugarplums

I will never get old of these precious faces.

In their Sunday best.

Mama loves stripes.

Our superheros!

Getting into position for the underwear game.

Our knights protecting their princess.

Celebrating Sam's Savior Day!

It has already been a year since Samuel committed his life to Christ. We celebrated with a date with just Samuel, Mommy and Daddy out to Chipotle and then to Barnes and Noble to get the Heaven is for Real for kids book. It was such a wonderful time. We came home and sang to him and then had cupcakes.

Joe for one was thrilled to eat cupcakes.
I used to same recipe I used for his birthday.

We had a hard time figuring out what to call this day. We've heard spiritual birthday mostly, but a dear friend came up with the idea of calling it "Sam's Savior Day" and we loved that.

Filled with awe at God's goodness to Samuel and what he's blessed him with at such a young age. Praying that his heart will only continue to grow with love for his Savior.

Sugar and Spice

Snow Storm

The kids waited all winter long for a major snow and 7 or more inches finally came one Monday morning. It was Annabelle's first real snow and she loved it. She kept repeating "I yike this noo (snow) Mommy!"

The party stopped when this happened!

Once she realized hot cocoa came afterwards, she was okay.

So glad we finally got some snow. Now, spring is welcome to come!