Bedtime blessings

For baby heads that smell like Johnson's & Johnson's, and birdy mouths seeking out a bottle;

For the heaviness of a sleeping little angel resting in my arms, and the sound of a contented sigh as I lay him in his crib;

For big boy heads that smell like sweat, and crooked smiles that light up my heart;

For the unexpected hugs during bedtime prayers, and the "I love you, too";

I'm undyingly grateful!!

This made me happy!

I smiled as I read this blogger's post, knowing that the respect and manners we are teaching Jacob (and eventually Eli) are not outdated and backwoods, but wonderful, kind, thoughtful, and selfless acts that show the love of Jesus in a world that needs it! Enjoy the read...I know I did!

"Staples" at Derfwad Manor

Sing-along (part deux)

Quite a few months ago, I posted a video with Eli singing along with me.

Well, last week we recorded a new duet. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I've heard some Grammy Award buzz :) Check it out for yourself!

The blog fodder...he keeps it coming!

Tonight, we were all just hanging out for some family time before Jacob's tournament game. Eli and I were staying home since the game began at 8:00pm (past the little guys bedtime).

We were all gathered in our bedroom. Eli and I were playing, Jacob was practicing guitar, and Matt was changing into some warmer pants for the cooler evening weather. He lives in shorts!

I made a random comment about Matt's red underwear. I'm sure it was something along the lines of "check out the red drawers!"

(Please forgive me for airing your laundry, honey--ha, ha, "airing your laundry"--I crack myself up.)

Anyway!

So, Jacob said, "What if he went to the ballgame like that?"

"Oh, no!" I said. "I don't want to be fighting the women off with a bat!"

Cue Jacob:

"Why, to make them stop laughing?"

OH,

MY!!

Please join us in prayer!

After a phone call with my mom this morning, I headed over to Nate's blog. According to the doctors, Tricia's chemo is not doing what is was hoped to do and a new spot has appeared. Please join the hundreds and hundreds of people praying for this family! We trust God in this and every situation!

Family Visit

We had the privilege to visit Matt's family in PA this past weekend. Matt's dad hadn't seen the boys since Eli was a week old, and Grandma hadn't met Eli at all. Matt's sister, Mary, and her husband, Iain also came in with their little one, Callum. It was so nice to finally meet that cutie in person! Here are some great photos from the trip



The car ride was better than expected, but still took quite a long time with little Eli (almost 11 hours to get there and almost 10 hours to get home). The foliage in the mountains was gorgeous, but as I was so ready to be done with the car ride, we did not stop the van to take pictures. So sorry!

We had a great time and can't wait to visit again. Family fun is the best!!

On the Road Again

We are away visiting Matt's family in PA this weekend! We are having a blast getting caught up and playing with cousins. I'll be posting some great pics when I get home. Until then, take care!!

If you're happy and you know it...

...clap your hands! Check out the video Matt caught this morning while I was serving at church. He had to do the"stealth videotaping" since Eli has become acutely aware of cameras and refuses to continue to do the cute things we try to catch on film. The video is kinda long, but I just couldn't bring myself to cut it! Hope you enjoy!

We heart birthdays!

My family loooooves birthdays!!

When Matt joined up with our family, he was quite surprised by the emphasis made on birthdays in our family.

We are known for the "birthday week," theme parties, and assuring that even adults celebrate with cake and candles, ice cream, and a song!

Birthdays are the best!

Last week was Jacob's birthday week and we celebrated.

On his actual birthday, Tuesday, Jacob woke up ready to open his present. It was a little big to be wrapped, but he seems to love his new bike. Boy, was it needed. He has grown so tall that his old bike looked like it was built for a toddler.

Later that day, Jacob's mom, stepdad, Matt and I took the birthday boy out to dinner. He chose to go to Kaze, the local Japanese restaurant. We love the food and Jacob loves watching them cook right in front of you. It certainly looks nothing like what he sees when I'm cooking :) After dinner, we headed home to have some homemade cheesecake per Jacob's request.

On Saturday Jacob celebrated with a lego themed party with his mom's and stepdad's families. You can find out all about it at his mom's blog.

Then on Sunday, we had a Steeler's football party with my family. We missed Matt's family (they all live out of state), but look forward to seeing them this month!! We enjoyed cake (even with all the melted frosting) and ice cream. Jacob had a blast opening presents. His final present was the hit of the party. Matt and I had decided that Jacob was finally ready for his first pocketknife! Boy, was he totally thrilled!! Of course, with the changes in society, we had to discuss the when and where it can be carried. Matt also gave him a little lesson on knife safety. Thanks so much to everyone for everything (including the support over the cake catastrophe)! Jacob is truly blessed!!

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

Early detection is the key to survival. Please, perform monthly breast self-exams, get yearly clinical breast exams, and beginning at age 40 get yearly mammograms! Protect yourself.

In honor of my mom and my aunt, both breast cancer survivors!!