update

I've been meaning to update you on my book club.
So far, I've really enjoyed reading this book.
It's refreshing in a sense at how simple it is in nature.
But how it all comes back to my relationship with Christ.

How to be kind.
How to forgive.
Being loyal to those not present.
How to love each other.

We put so much effort into things that are disposable in this country.
Our jobs, our appearance, material possessions, etc.
We forget that what matters most are those we have committed our life too.
And to invest the time and effort into building those relationships.

It got me thinking a lot about what I want my family to stand for.
To love each other.
To worship together.
To pray together.
To help each other.
To believe in each other.
To wisely use our time, talents, and resources to bless others.

I read a lot of books.
Some I start with high hopes and stop reading because I either don't agree with what they are saying or they are completely wacky.
Others I eat up and finish them as soon as I can.
This one is taking me a little longer than I thought, but it's nice to be a part of a book club forum and read others thoughts and reactions to what I just read.

So taking my time probably is a good thing.

It helps me really absorb the material...
which as I get older is harder and harder to do!

Friday Finds

I...

Really wish I could sew my own clothes!

Isn't the tie dress amazing?

I bet I could take a dress & make my own version of it...

hmmm.

Brandons turn

He had my camera.
Here's his story.

















Backseat hand holding.
Gush!





Oh my!





Self portrait!





Oh hi!

Alone

(Don't you love when you take a picture that looks like a great screen saver? Because I do.)

Today was good.

I woke up, had coffee & watched District 9

(...who thinks of this stuff?).

Brandon was at school.

Ayden with my mom & Lucas was asleep.

Moments alone in a quiet house...are like manna from heaven.

I can sit in my pj's, with unbrushed teeth
and just do whatever my heart desires.

Then Lucas wakes up, and I still haven't showered.

What stay at home mom showers before 10 anyway?

Happy Birthday Brandon

You always make sure to remind us how beautiful life is.
To look at the moon & stars.

You've got an amazing heart.
You cry if I cry.
You open my door.
And you offer me your coat if it's cold out.

I want you to know that I love you more than words can say.
And I thank God everyday that he let me be your mommy.

Have a great 8th birthday!

Love Always,
Your mom

8

Tomorrow is your birthday!

I really can't believe you are going to be 8.

When I look at you my heart skips a beat.
You are such a beautiful person,

you have a heart of pure gold

and

you'll do anything for a laugh.

(Like the floppy fish dance we love so much!)

I love you Brandon.

 

Thru the eyes of Ayden

Thank you son for capturing the many faces of me & lucas.

Things I found that I love...

Have a great weekend!

Cupcakes

Today we made over 30 cupcakes for my soon to be 8 year old's (yikes) class birthday party.

There's just no better way to celebrate. Really.



And speaking of cupcakes, Here's the cupcake we had on valentines day.
(we meaning Kyle & I - alone - for one good solid hour. Boy was that seriously needed & appreciated. I almost forgot what alone felt like.)



The cupcake was chocolate with rasberry frosting & lil' chocolate heart sprinkles. So sweet.
Thank you Augies!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thankful

I can't begin to express how seriously thankful I am today.

How I woke up feeling like a little part of the world had been lifted from our shoulders!

Ayden has been pretty darn sick for about 6 months now

 and honestly...

we were fearing the worst.

Yesterday he was tested for Leukemia and Lymphoma and the results were negative!

I can't begin to express to you how our hearts felt at that moment.

All the long nights & trips to the emergency room,

were worth it... to hear those precious words.

We just embraced our family.

And celebrated his health.

We got home & Kyle & I just starred at each other...

so, so thankful that our boy was okay.

A horse, of course.

On Valentine's Day, we went to a BBQ for my mother in law's "30th" birthday (I think she'll like that).
The weather on Sunday was amazing.
I forgot how much I missed the sun shining, and the feeling of the warm air on my skin...
but I'm just not ready yet.

Because my legs are big & white.
And I really like not having to shave unless I really "have" too.
And the "have too" usually happens maybe every 2 weeks.
My poor husband.
He didn't realize he married an albino werewolf, but boy was he wrong!

(note: I really didn't intend to write a post about my horrible grooming habits, I promise.)

But all in all, the day was beyond beautiful.

And the kids got to visit a new horse that moved into the neighborhood.

Brandon tried feeding the friendly horse a carrot...But I think he was a little scared once he saw the carrot whip past his face & the horses' teeth go straight for his hand!
By far the funniest moment!

Happy Birthday Nana!
We are so lucky to have you in our lives.
We love you!

Homemade Oreos' People

I made these!

Hands down one of the best cookies I've ever had.
The filling will make you do back flips!
But arm yourself with a glass of milk.
They are dunkers!

Have a great weekend!
I am cleaning house like a mad woman to get ready for company tonight. 
I am making this.
Wish me luck!

love.

Creepy Things

I was putting a few items into our safe, and I came across this...

a postcard from Catalina signed by OJ Simpson...

in our safe?

I ask myself, who is going to steal this?

And why are we keeping this safe?

I'm sure my husband put this in here for a reason.

I'm guessing, he is hoping that one day, ONE DAY this lil' baby

will be worth some money.

I'm thinking that one day, is very far away.

But I love my man for keeping this around.

It's pretty funny but pretty darn creepy.

Dear Mom.

This is what my 7 year old left me...

As parents, we work so hard to build foundations of love, compassion & kindness in our kids, and so when we see it

in action...it makes it all worth it.

His heart blows me away.

This is my kid!

Good things

A succulent in the windown sill,

A thumbsucker,

and a new high chair.

3 months

Today you are 3 months old.

Your smile brightens the room

and melts my heart.

I can't believe that I get to hang out with you all day!

Now, I am stepping away from the computer to get ready to watch LOST!!! and eat some Dharma chocolate chip cookies!!!

We like to Party...

So, we had a baby food making party!

Why not right?

We're young, have loads of babies (who need to eat) and so why not get together & make some baby food!

We cooked for about 3 hours and made a ton of baby food.

And...my blender died in the process.

RIP dear friend.

You've been with me for a long, long time...

it was sad to see you sitting in my trash can.

Overall, the day was eventful to say the least.

Some moments will be etched into our brains for eternity.

It was one of the wildest parties I've been too in a very long time!