#23 - #38

Counting the ways He loves...

* for a little boy who kindly wants to fix something of mine that has broken...and proudly announces that he is capable of such a job because, "He is just like daddy."

* for a husband that is a hero in the eyes of his little boys.

* for 52 inches ....52 inches he stands this year with a head full of wavy, blonde hair. He is kind. He is inquisitive. He is smart....loves baseball and playing with friends.... He has measure in this world. He is special. He is loved.

* for the way the little one's eyes light up when he tells a funny story at breakfast ...and for that silly, little sideways smile he does when he is being goofy.

* to be in the season of life where I hear them speak the word "mommy" as thousand times a day.

* for the smiles that dashed across their faces as they awoke to the first snowfall of the season.

* for the way he laughs while he reads a good book.

* for do overs ...we can all use a good do over every once in awhile.


* for coffee...my friend, I count you twice :) Ha!


* for Legos and moments spent pouring over them...together.

* for this guy...I am wild about this man. Thank you for him.

* for good friends to run with and beautiful trails to run on.

* for little treasures left in my running shoes ...and for discovering them before stepping in.

* for the joy that set them a twirl in what seemed to be a toilet papered Target parking lot.

* for friends and their little people...well... and of course for puddin'.

* for projects like Operation Christmas Child and organizations like Samaritan's Purse and Compassion International.

the idea...

(you might want to pause the music at the bottom of my blog page before you push play)

1000 Gifts

Recognizing the blessings.

Gratitude: #1-21

* for dates with my little man...sharing a few moments of sweetness and digging into a good book together.

* for the serious demeanor of the biggest of our small ones...and how that focus might serve him well in adulthood.

* for kid's hot chocolates and yummy pumpkin spice lattes being served in the same place...to be enjoyed together.

* for the way this one can fill a room (and a heart) with joy...what a gift.
* our huggable tornado and his zest for life.

* for dirty bath tubs and the little boys that fill them with dirt.
* for clean babies with silly hair dos.

* for a bond that runs deep.

* for the opportunity to spend  moments with them celebrating.
* for kind and gentle teachers that love my babies like their own.

* for the technology that keeps loved ones close even though they are far away.

* for cheese balls who love cheese balls.

* for fun ideas like the boo game.
* for silly moments spent super sleuthing around my neighbor's and friend's houses and hiding in shrubbery with my boys....making memories.

* for strong and healthy children that can run and jump...and do with joy.

* for the blessing to watch a childhood friend become a mommy... and the opportunity to spend time with her little girl...(and for matching cheerleading outfits.)

* for a neighborhood full of little people.

* for yards filled with laughter.

* for after school football games played in the chilly fall weather.

* for being surrounded with great friends, young and old.
* for His grace that never ends.

Sneak Peek at Family Pics

We had family pics taken today. Here is a sneak peek I snapped on my phone quick. Do you recognize these two jokers?

School Supply Shopping

Xavier just told me he, "Can't wait to use these." Then he asked me if super glue was on his school supply list...because he would love to be able to use some super glue. Really Buddy?! Ha!... I bet you would!

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Rollin' Out and Truckin'

The love of my life just ran off with my baby in a truck! I knew when I married my trucker man, that this day would come. I had no idea it would be so soon!

My trucker boys...just as happy as can be to be truckin' on a Friday night. I think I even heard the big one say to the little one that it was a beautiful night for a drive...that seems about right. Ha!

It was hard to tell which one was more excited for the trip.

Safety first! If only every truck driving man could have a Hummer red booster seat :)

And off they went...heading north with a truckload of pancake mix to be delivered early tomorrow morning...just in time for pancake Saturday :)

 

I hope they have the BEST time on their first, of what I am sure will be many, truck trips together. I can't wait to hear all about it. Have fun sleeping in the truck boys!

Camp

These two goofballs are off to camp for the next two days.

WHAT....is a mommy to do without these guys?!

Don't Wash Off My Happy Face!

I went to help the little one get ready for bed the other night...

He was very curiously begging me to not wash off his happy face.

 I understood what he meant once I saw this. Ha!

Moosey, your JOY is the kind that never washes off. Love you BIG, little buddy!
Also, thanks for showing me how your belly button can talk. Who knew?!

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Double Ear Infection

Tiger blood or Adonis DNA?

That has been the question of the week at our house.

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How We Survived Winter

 We survived another winter...Here is how we did it.

The little guy played in an indoor baseball league...And he made sure to dress the part.

We also watched X play basketball for a million Saturdays in a row....and had the best time doing it!

The hubs and I met up with our good friends for a great weekend in Chicago.

Our current baby turned FOUR! Wowza! How do they grow up so quickly?!

 I got to help this first grader and twenty-five of his classmates roller skate in gym class.

Let's just say that the extra PTO money for the helmets and wrist guards was well spent...as at any given moment there were more children on the floor then there were standing...and yet all of the children seemed to be having the time of their lives! Go figure.

 The number of kids in glasses count rose to 2...as this one received his first pair of what he likes to call, "Spectaculars!"

This one came home from school one day with broken spectacles and a broken face...and a curious little smile about how it happened.

 I left them unsupervised for 30 seconds and this happened. Of course, right!

What could go wrong with this genius plan?!

 

Lego Ninjagos have taken over the house.

X's basketball season wrapped up with an awesome awards night!

 A million weeks of basketball ....and we were truly sad it was over. Who knew!

 This baller got all hyped up for awards night.

We made it to a St. Patty's parade.

These two love them some good parade candy.

Come on, they can't take it from strangers...

but taking candy from people soaked in green beer seems totally appropriate. Right?

This one has been gearing up for warmer weather and perfecting his swimming skills.

The back float is not necessarily his thing...

...but he is all over the deep end jump!

This little cutie stopped by for a visit while her momma was off choreographing the local high school musical. Ruby Grace, if you ever run away from home, you can come live with us. :)

The Pitman boys convinced their parents to drive them out from Cincy for a weekend.

 Despite chilly temperatures the kids played outside most of the weekend and had the best time, of course! These little jokers left close to 14 lbs. of dirt in my bath tub...which seems about right. Ha!

 Lastly, this one learned to tie his own shoes!!!

Wow! Be still this mommy's heart!

We now have a six year old, first grader that can tie his own shoes and spike up his own hair. Ha! Funny, because he now has a mother that finds herself tempted to march him right back to the Christ Hospital in Mt. Auburn, Ohio, wrap him in his PBK baby blanket and rock him. Geez, apparently I turned into a sap over the winter. Ha!