Anticipation

These days are spent in anticipation. Yes, anticipation of the cutest baby girl you will ever see, but that is not what I am talking about. Anticipation of our family vacation! When we scheduled it months ago, we knew it would be hard to make it to the 2nd week of August, but reality has set in. All the youth trips are over, summer is on the downhill slope, and we spend every day wishing we were on the beach! Soon enough I will hear the soothing background music of the ocean and watch my boys spend long days in the sand and water. I hope to snag a few moments away to read on the porch and capture some quiet moments with my husband. (I think we said 6:30 is gonna be the boys bedtime!) No, but right now I spend my days imagining what that week will be like. Soon, I will know exactly what it will be like, no more imagining, no more anticipation.

Summer Fun

YYeah, I know. Ladykillers.

Perfect Form.

Buddha Belly.

I own the shallow end!

Kentucky to New Jersey

While Ed was in Peru, we decided to go visit some people. We had a great week, but mommy was very tired and ready to have a husband again! We first went to Kentucky to visit the Gurneys. We hadn't seen them in a year, so it was good to catch up and let our boys play. Between the two of us we have boys ages 1, 2, 3, & 4, with two babies on the way. They are having a girl, and we still don't know what we are having.
Our weekend was full of sports, bikes, bastketball, and a slip n slide! We left there and went to Maryland to see my dad on father's day. The highlight was that we had crabs...yum!

Then we met up with friends from church and went to my grandparents beach house. The kids had a great time playing on the beach and we also went on the boardwalk. More pics coming soon!

Can't get enough of these guys

Micah running circles around the defense.
Micah sprinting over to get snack...the best part of 3 yr-old soccer.
Baby C before he got his mane cut. To say the least...he loves the camera.
Baby C on his Birthday May 16th.
Caleb after throwing down his first chocolate cake.
Just Caleb being Caleb.
Probably watching Micah.

Doe, a deer, a female deer...

One Year Ago...

When I found out I was pregnant the second time, I wondered how could I ever love a child as much as I love Micah. After all, he was my first child. I experienced everything with him as the first. But once Caleb was born, it all became very clear to me. And that is the wonder of having children. It leaves me just in awe that the Lord would not only cause this all to happen, but to allow us to experience the indescribable joys that come with being the parent of a child.

Today is Baby C's birthday! My dear sweet Caleb! From the day he was born, it was very apparent how God had created him different from Micah. But I loved him just the same! Caleb is sweet boy that loves affection and loves his mommy! As much as he loves to be with the people he loves, he also loves to wave at others. Caleb is my first strong willed child. From the day he was born, I knew he was stubborn and wanted things his way. I love it because it is the way God made him. That is what God will use to shape him into a man and the Lord can use that character trait for His purpose. Even the other day, as Caleb through his first real temper tantrum, I couldn't help but laugh at this little boy displaying his very strong will!

Caleb,
I love you more than you could every imagine. Every night I check on you as you are sleeping and it is absolutely one of the sweetest things I will ever see in my life. God has placed you in my life and our family for a reason. We love you and commit to raising you in Truth and Love. Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Happy 50th Mom!

Today is my mom's 50th birthday! She is an amazing woman and I am so glad to be able to spend it with her today! She is a great mother, grandmother, friend, wife, etc. She wears many many hats and is good at all of them. On top of all that she is going back to school for a different degree! But more importantly my mom loves the Lord more than anything, and throughout my life I have watched her hold to the Truth and allow that to lead her life. Thank you for being an incredible example and a wonderful mom! Here's to 50 more years!