Having more fun

Andrew "hamming it up" for the camera.

Luke likes to push the stroller in the driveway. Peek-a-Boo!

"I'll have what he's having...I think"

Random thoughts

Just read in the newspaper yesterday that there is finally an end in sight, hopefully with all the answers. The producers of LOST (on ABC) have said that only three seasons remain. The show will air its final episode in 2010. I've never been so addicted.

I've gotten eight pages done in my scrapbook over the past two days. I'm quite proud. I'm not completely caught up yet, though. The most current date in my latest album is October 2006. I think I need to plan another scrap party with the gals from church.

Only two weeks remain before school is out for the summer. I think we're going to be visiting the pool quite frequently. Maybe it's time for swimming lessons for Andrew. I'll keep you posted. I might decide to wait one more year since I'll have a one year old next summer rather than a newborn.

Found some friends from college tonight. You know those mass emails that one person sends to you with the listing of all their other friends in the TO box? What fun to catch up and chat online.

The weather has been amazing here. It's been warm and windy. I love it! I hope it stays like this for a while 'cause it sure feels good to a fat pregnant woman.

Luke is starting to talk. He's able to say, "please, juice, out, stop, and bye-bye". He's been using a fork and spoon since turning one four months ago. He likes to eat the top of cheese off of his pizza slices and peel apart the bread on his PB&J sandwiches, making a huge jelly mess. I think it helps that he hears and sees his older brother doing and saying these things.

Andrew is starting to really rebel against naptime and bedtime. I am SO consistent yet he still cries and puts up a fight at his bedroom door when I close it. He shares a room with Luke and I guess Luke has gotten used to falling asleep with Andrew crying. Eventually, Andrew makes his way to his bed, pouting, but I wonder when it will ever change. He's three.....I still think he needs a nap or else he falls apart by 6:30 at night. If not a nap, he needs quiet time....away from me.

It's late....bed is calling.

Amy, my crazy friend

I've known my sweet and crazy friend, Amy, for six years. She and I have a fun friendship. When we see a cheesy church sign, we call to record it on each other's voicemail. We always laugh histerically when together or when we're chatting on the phone. She teases me about how I joke with telemarketers (sp?) and I like reminding her of her happy love for her husband, considering they have five children, all before she reached the age of 28. She now lives a little over an hour from me in Atlanta but we still take the time to see each other when we can. Her second born, Samuel, wrote the journal entry below. I thought it was so cute that I just had to take a picture of it. Maybe Amy will put it in the scrapbook to embarass him one day.

Having some pain

I've been having some pre-labor contractions this morning. They have been with me off and on for about two hours now. Makes it hard to walk and talk and keep up with two little ones. I've still got 9.5 weeks left so I'm not worried about anything.....these contractions just hurt!

Blogging

After reading Amber's and Crissy's blog, I sometimes feel that I need to write more spiritual postings. I tend to lean toward posting pictures of the family and simply typing about "the things we did today." However, I am thankful God has blessed me with such a wonderful family and that I am able to stay at home with the boys. That's my life and it is good. Glorifying God is the purpose of life and I pray that I am living and speaking truth to my children and husband as well as enjoying Him through the blessings he's bestowed. So, here are a few pictures of my boys enjoying life while doing "their thing".

Blooming

Here's what's blooming beside our house.

Who are the "people" in your neighborhood?

We had a nest with four baby birds in it over the past month. They have all moved on and left for college, I guess. They left behind a nasty nest and a lot of poop on our front door and stoop. Mitch had the delight of cleaning it up a few weeks ago. However, as Andrew and I were watering the plants on the front porch this afternoon, I discovered ANOTHER nest - this time in the hanging fern. It contained four eggs. Andrew is super excited about it, although he's upset he can't touch the eggs. We can't wait for them to be born and now we know why we keep seeing the same bird fly back and forth from the porch to a small tree in our yard. I'll keep you updated.....

Bathtime Buddies

Luke and Andrew enjoy bath time. Here they are giggling at each other because they both just wiped off their bubble beards.

GA Renaissance Festival

Mitch and I want to take a day to visit this. Anyone ever been to one similar? Tell me about your experience. Is it worth the ticket price?

Home at Last

Home! It's so sweet! We got to do all the things we planned to do with the boys while in Chattanooga and Atlanta. Today, the highlight for Andrew wasn't visiting the CNN Center or going to Bicentennial Park or seeing old friends but rather riding MARTA - one of the cheapest things we did (and had to do). Anyway, I promised more pictures so here they are!

Chattanooga

We decided to proceed with our vacation plans and bring the boys to Chattanooga. It seems it was a good idea because their sickness has passed, finally! Yesterday we visited the Tennessee Aquarium where we saw beautiful sea and river live. Today, we took them on a train ride at the Tennessee Valley Railroad , where we rode through the mountains, over bridges, and through tunnels. They loved it! While there, we were surprised to get a sneak peek of Thomas, who is in town making a three day stop for all the children. After naptime today, we went swimming in the indoor hotel pool. I think it's been their favorite treat so far! Tomorrow, we are taking them to the Creative Discovery Museum so look for more pics to come!

Sick

Both boys are sick.
Fever comes and goes.
No appetite.
Whiny.
Clingy.
Sleepy.
Pedialite.
Vacation is booked for tomorrow.
Don't know if we'll be able to go.
Postings might be few.

This Afternoon

This is what's happening at our house this afternoon.

This morning

This is what's happening at our house this morning. How many legs can you count?

Provision

To copy my friend Crissy S., I have also decided to write a post about God's provision. We have finally moved into a house that we love, suits our size, and is affordable (?). After putting the boys to bed last night, Mitch and I started looking through some old photographs from his childhood. It was funny to recognize pieces of furniture in the background of the pictures. His parents have held on to a few of the items from the 1970s. It caused me to look around my own house and count my blessings. I made a mental list of all the "things" God has provided for our home (free of charge):

2 leather recliners from Matt & Heather
2 new end tables from the Morris family
2 new lamps from John & Peggy
a secretary desk and rug from Reggie & Carolee
a china hutch from Mitch's parents
a 4 piece bedroom suit (queen) from Mitch's parents
a round oak dinner table, that seats six, from Mitch's parents
a love seat from Mitch's parents
a couch from Hoke & Amy
a treadmill from Hoke & Amy
a computer desk from Sara & David
a curio cabinet from my sister
two cribs from Kirstin
a highchair from Kirstin
a changing table from Kirstin
a twin bed from Dorothy and Emma
a chest of drawers from my grandmother
a chest of drawers from Quinn & Kim
a chest of drawers from the Sizemore family
a hope chest given to me by my parents
a twin bed from George and Robin
a quilt rack from Billy & Kittie
a washer and dryer from a co-worker in Birmingham
a gliding rocking chair from Tim & Nancy
a patio set (table and four chairs) from George & Robin
a charcoal grill from Mitch's parents
a large clothes hamper from Luther & Sue
a 32 inch color TV from Mitch's grandparents
millions of toys from friends & family
bags and bags of clothes from friends & family

I think we only counted two things that we actually purchased. Our house has been furnished in love!

Mud!

Luke likes playing in the mud. I like letting him be a kid.

Outside Play

The weather was warm this afternoon.....captured all the fun on camera.

Our house guests are growing! They flew away just after snapping this photo. There are four in the basket but you can only see three. You can also see all the bird poop they've left on my front door!

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream $.31 scoop

On Wednesday, May 2, Baskin Robbins will be selling ice cream for only $.31 a scoop. Click here for more information. Funds will go to support The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation .

Victims of the VT Tragedy

The New York Times has posted a pictorial directory of sorts on the victims of Monday's tragedy at Virginia Tech.

I passed!

I drank the dreaded glucose drink yesterday to be tested for gestational diabetes and passed with flying colors (scored a 91)! Glad I've never had to endure what it's like to be pregnant with diabetes. I am very thankful.

My midwife cleared me to go on a four day trip with my husband when I reach the 36 week mark. It's an eight hour drive so she suggested we fly. Gotta find two cheap tickets out of Atlanta to Memphis and back. She said that she wants to really start things rolling when I get back from that trip since I'm doing the VBAC thing. They don't want me to get too big. I'll be drinking lots of herbal tea, going on many walks, and doing whatever else she "prescribes" so that this baby might make an early (yet healthy) appearance in the full term stage.

Like Father Like Son

A little blurry but adorable, nonetheless.

Lazy Brothers

Gosh, I just can't put my camera down! My boys are just too cute....but I'm just a little bias.

Hide-N-Seek

"Mom and Dad invited our friends from church over tonight to talk about some stuff from that thick book Dad likes to read out of. Amelia came with her mom and dad so we decided to sneak away from the grown-ups and play hide-n-seek. As you can tell, Mom found us!"

Where's Waldo?

Another great post by the gals at Girltalk.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR WIFE PULLS OUT THE "HONEY DO" LIST.

Party celebration

Today was Andrew's third birthday party. I took way too many pictures but here are some of my favorites.

All in a day's work

Andrew and Luke wishing they were
tall enough to see the baby birds in the hanging basket.

Andrew waters the flowers while Luke watches.

"Our secret hiding spot. Shhhhh! Don't tell Mom!"

Free Cone at Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's will be giving away a free ice cream cone this Tuesday, April 17, from noon until 8:00 p.m. You can get in line as many times as you want! Click here for more information.

Our New House Guests

For about a week now I've been hearing a sharp shrill every so often when sitting in the great room. At first I thought it was the fan above that just needed some oil but while we were in the front yard playing Monday afternoon, Mitch found the source. Apparently a mother bird took a liking to our front door hanging flower basket and decided to build her nest there for her babies. Andrew was very intrigued by this find and asks to see them every day when we get home (Luke is soon to follow in his footsteps up the porch to get a view). Here are our new house guests.

My lion & monkey

This was taken with my cell phone so it's kind of blurry, but aren't they ferocious?

"I sure do love my boys!"

Easter Birthday

Today is Andrew's third birthday. We're having a party for him next weekend but still had a small celebration for him by eating cupcakes tonight with our small group from church. Also, Meme and Pop came over to join us for lunch and gave him an Indian headdress and drum. We had our family picture taken in our backyard. Andrew's eyes are closed and Luke wasn't in the mood but we all wanted to get out of our dress clothes so we could take an afternoon nap.

Easter Bunny Brawl

My kid beat up the Easter bunny (it's Andrew's cousin, Ethan, in the suit).

Emily's party

Andrew shares the same birthdate with his first cousin, Emily (four years apart, however). Tonight we took the kids to BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP where Andrew made a Koala bear with a hockey outfit while Emily made a "girlie" bear. Here, the cousins are enjoying the other party goers as well as showing off all the new presents. Andrew's party is next weekend...more pictures to come.

Peeking & Vacuuming

Picture taken during Andrew's naptime struggle of not wanting to sleep in his bed but rather on the couch. Luke was curious and decided to investigate (Luke loves taking a nap).

"Why is Andrew crying? I want to give him a hug.

Why can't I touch him?"

Picture taken when Andrew decided he wanted to help me vacuum the car tonight before his bath. We're leaving tomorrow on a short visit to my sister's house so I wanted to get the gook out of the floorboards and seats. Check out his underwear! He had a blast and was the best sweaty little helper ever!

How many egg hunts...

How many egg hunts can we go on this Easter? So far, we've participated in two. This morning we hunted eggs inside the sanctuary with my MOPS group and all the children (it was raining outside). The kids enjoyed it but it was short....it takes 15 minutes to hide the eggs but only two minutes to find them all! Andrew and Luke love the candy inside the eggs the most!