Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Under Pressure

I think this post is accurately titled, 'Under Pressure,' for many reasons...

First of all, I am feeling so much physical pressure as this baby boy gets ready to make his way into the world. The doctor said his head is very low, which is not surprising. Sometimes it's hard just to get up and walk at all!

Jason is taking on a big project overhauling the youth center at church this summer. It's currently being gutted and he's of course enlisting my help with the design of the new youth space, including painting some murals before the youth start back on the regular schedule in September. The youth ministries makeover also includes changing the ministry 'brand identity,' including new logos, brochures, business cards, t-shirts, etc., all of which I also need to complete by the fall. Oh, and did I mention I also need to take photos of the youth to be enlarged into canvas prints that will also adorn the new youth center?!? Hmmm....not that I have anything else going on right now ;) It normally would be a fun project, but I have so many jobs to do, which leads me to the next task...

I have so many design jobs going on right now, including a church brochure that I've been putting off for months and feeling rather guilty about not having it done. Who wants to make a church wait, right? And all of the current projects have upcoming deadlines, as if the baby coming isn't deadline enough! I'm really starting to think that my inability to say 'no' is perhaps a curse! I just hate to turn down work and love what I do. But I do wish I had more time to do it right now. And heaven forbid I let someone down...the thought makes me cringe. Why did God have to make me a people-pleaser anyway?

On top of everything else, our goal is to get our basement drywall, the drywall that has endured extensive water damage, fixed in time to get the basement repainted and cleaned before baby arrives as well. I definitely don't need or want a drywall or painting project going on in the first days of having a new born at home when the basement is currently our only living space.

Under pressure for sure!

On a happier note, as the optimist in me would rather focus on anyway, we got all of our windows tonight which will start being installed tomorrow. One step closer to getting the outside of our Extreme Home Makeover completed! Next will come the siding and stone!

So, things have been busy and a bit stressful, but I am hanging in there and trying not to let my hormones get the best of me. Believe me, when things like what's seen in the photo below are happening in the midst of trying to work on the design projects that are overflowing my desk already, it would be easy to begin to feel a little overwhelmed.


This activity was accompanied by slamming doors and uncontrollable laughter & screaming, the noise of which is not accurately expressed through the photo. Makes it a little hard to concentrate when you're trying to get some work done on the old computer *smile*

Your prayers that I would maintain patience and sanity would be great appreciated, really!
I pray that all of you are having a great summer and finding some time everyday to enjoy a little of God's beauty that surrounds us this summer season. After all, I know that's all the timeout I need to get re focused for...what else...more work!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

35 Weeks


I am 35 weeks pregnant and had another doctor's appointment yesterday.
All the normal checks were done...blood pressure, weight, tummy size, etc.
My blood pressure was low...like, really low. I always have very low blood pressure, but yesterday it registered 90 over 65. I'm not really sure what that was about, but after assuring them I was fine, they let me slide.
I am still not gaining any weight, but I think I got a pass because my doctor looked back at my chart and recalled that I didn't gain weight in the end of my other pregnancies either. And really, who has much of an appetite when it's 90 plus degrees outside?
Not me.
My stomach size is still measuring small for this point in the pregnancy, but as I've mentioned before, that's also normal for me despite the large size of my past babies. For this reason, I will have an ultrasound at my next appointment to estimate the baby's size.
My doctor also made it clear that even though my due date is August 4, this will be a July baby as he would not want to risk me having another 10 pound child. So, I'm not sure the date, but I will be induced at the end of July if this little boy doesn't decide to come out on his own.
That's more than ok with me, except for one detail...
Please pray that everything will happen naturally so that I do not have to be induced. I had to have pitocin {a drug that helps to bring on regular contractions} with both Gabe and Chloe, and that drug makes the contractions almost unbearable without pain medication. I haven't had an epidural with any of my other pregnancies and I don't plan to have one this time either. But the thought of going through pitocin-induced contractions without pain meds brings back a lot of painful memories. So your prayers would be appreciated!

Only about 4 weeks to go...it's almost July!

Happy Birthday Jason!



A little poem in honor of Dad's birthday,
from the kids...


Ever since my life began,
I realized, dad, that "You da man!"
I saw your wisdom, your courage too,
And I learned I could rely on you.
Your tolerant nature is really great;
Nevertheless, you don't hesitate
To let me know when I've been bad;
It can't be easy, but that's being a dad.
You're strong, smart, fun,
you're filled with love--
A man of God, gift to me from up above,
So here's a greeting from your biggest fans:
Happy Birthday, Dad, 'cause "You da man!"

We Love You Dad!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

It's currently 91 degrees outside. The summer heat and humidity are surely upon us!
Translation: perfect day to be in the pool.
The boys have swim lessons every night this week. But the storm that blew through, and I mean blew as in 85 mph winds, caused last night's lessons to be canceled.
So to make up for the disappointment of canceled swim lessons, we went to town and got a small pool.
And although it's small, this little pool delivers quite a fun filled time! It even sprays water out of the frog's head, which the kids quickly picked up on and referred to as the frog's pee. Chloe was screaming and yelling, 'Ewwww mom! Pee!' Thanks for that boys!

Anyway, I took a few photos, big surprise :)



Notice the kids' eyes...all squinting. They all have blue eyes like mom and dad, meaning they all have very sensitive-to-the-sun eyes.
And boy is it bright out there today!





Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Gang Signs


They look innocent enough, don't they...



But is it possible that my two sweet little boys have joined a gang?



Seriously, lately I cannot take a photo of them without both boys flashing some sort of gang sign.



Really, what's the deal? Where do they learn this stuff? Honestly, Jason and I do not go around flashing gang symbols...not on a regular basis anyways.



But maybe it's not a gang sign after all. Maybe they're doing the Texas Longhorns hand signal, 'hook em' horns?'



Or, maybe the sign language sign for love?

I think we'll just go with that.

Friday, June 19, 2009

From the Inside Out

Yesterday I decided to change things up and shuffle the order of the blog music. The result...I have fallen in love with a favorite song all over again.
'From the Inside Out,' by Hillsong, is a song I first heard last year while Jason and I were on a mission trip in Nicaragua.
{Click here to see the first of several posts about our trip last summer. This first post is a little background about the trip. Then check out the archives from August of 2008 to learn about our actual trip while in the country.}
We rode in vehicles from the city our plane arrived in into the depths of the country's mountains. Our guide, a young Nicaraguan man with such a heart for the Lord and His people, had one cd for us to listen to. There was no radio reception in the mountains, so that one cd played over and over again as we drove nearly four hours one day and five hours the next. And this particular song on the cd penetrated my heart and left a lasting impression. Our guide actually had it in Spanish too, which is truly beautiful even though my Spanish is sketchy. For me, sometimes music transcends language barriers and although I may not understand the words, the music moves my heart.

Listen to the words and be silent before the Lord. If you listen with your heart and mind open to Him, I think it's inevitable that He will move you through the words.

How can I not be moved, be brought to tears, as this song reminds me of all the times I've failed, all the times I've sinned, yet my Lord forgives me every single time. His grace is more than sufficient to cover any multitude of sinful things I do, sinful things I think.

His grace alone is enough.

My prayer today, as the song says, is for any pride that causes me to hold any part of myself from Him to fade away.
I want my prayer every day, every minute, to be to give my Lord control of my heart and my soul so that He may consume me from the inside out.
Let me embrace justice, embrace grace, and reflect nothing but Him.
I want the cry of my heart to be to bring You praise Lord from the inside out, in everything I do.
Amen!

Here are the song's lyrics...

From the Inside Out

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Chorus 2x
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Baby Fever

Baby fever has struck!
I just got back from taking a meal to a friend who had a little boy a few days ago. Holding her very cute little guy made me long to hold my own little guy, who is currently kicking at my ribs. I'd much rather be holding him than having him kick me!

It's becoming more real to me...only about 5 1/2 more weeks until I'll have a newborn in my arms. I can't wait to hold him, smell him {love that newborn smell}, look at him and listen to him. There's nothing that compares to holding your newborn after nine long months of waiting, sickness, aches, pains and more sickness.

I have gotten all the baby essentials ready that I can. In the midst of an extreme home makeover {click to read about our project,} there's only so much you can do! But Jason did find the bin of newborn boy clothes that had been lost...big relief! With two big brothers and a clothing addict for a mom, this little guy has no need for any new threads! I've washed, dried and folded his entire wardrobe for the first three months of his life, gotten his co-sleeper bedding washed and the bed set up, and gotten out the infant car seat for cleaning.

There are a few loose ends however.
I am still needing to locate this in my packed away books...

I give this book credit for both Cooper and Chloe sleeping through the night so early on. I didn't have the book when Gabe was a baby, and he was a terrible sleeper and very colicky for the first few months of his life. Coincidence? I tend to think not. I'd recommend this book to any new mother, and plan to re-read it to refresh my own memory.

I also have to get a new one of these before the baby arrives...

For me, a bouncy seat is a life saver. I used a bouncy seat with all three kids. They all loved the seat, and I loved it too. It was so nice to have a place for baby to be entertained so that I could have my hands free to do some work around the house. The seat also worked wonders for soothing a fussy little one off to dreamland. Unfortunately, three kids is all our the seat made it through, as it is now broken {if I remember correctly, the boys are to blame for trying to sit in it with their baby sister...oops!} So, I will have to be getting another one.

But all in all, as far as I'm concerned, bring on the baby!
My fever is a risin'!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Remembering the Flood

One year ago, our local community was flooded.
Not just a small flood.
This flood destroyed buildings, businesses, homes, and left many people displaced.

One year ago, Jason and I celebrated our anniversary apart, as he was dealing with the flood as a county supervisor. {Not that I'm complaining about not celebrating our anniversary given the circumstances. Believe me, with the flood occurring, our anniversary was the last thing on our minds.} I remember he was gone from home a full 36 hours straight, and didn't sleep at all during that time period as there was so much to do. His time was spent filling sand bags, wading through flood water trying to save our county jail, and making the decisions for our county that a county supervisor is required to make.

He also was dealing with things like this...


Yes, this is a toilet in the basement of our county courthouse that was overflowing with backed up sewer and flood water at 3 a.m.
Not a pretty picture!

I thought I'd share a few of the flood photos we captured last year at this time. It's really a surreal feeling when looking back through these photos. Hard to believe today, that only a year ago water invaded our town.

Anyway, here are just a few of the flood photos from our local community. Many were captured while tooling around the flooded streets in a motor boat!









Saturday, June 13, 2009

33 Weeks


{ The above photo is courtesy of 'Rubberball,' a royalty free stock photography website, and is not me ;) Just thought I'd clear that up.}

I am now 33 weeks pregnant.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday during which my doctor wanted to do a Fetal Fibronectin test. I had never heard of such a test, but apparently the test is able to pretty accurately predict preterm labor. If positive, the chances are good you will have a baby within the next two weeks. If negative, chances are this baby isn't making its world debut for at least two weeks from the test date.

This test was ordered due to the contractions I've had since coming down with pneumonia. Since I've never had a preterm labor before, my doctor is thinking the test will be negative and the baby will hold off. We're hoping the contractions are just a result of the dehydration I've been experiencing and that my efforts to increase fluids will alleviate any problems.

My doctor also informed me that I'm still measuring small for 33 weeks. No surprise there. I've measured small with all my pregnancies. In fact, I measured small with my first pregnancy all the way through, and as I've mentioned before, Gabe ended up weighing 10 pounds when the doctors had estimated I'd be having a 7 pound baby. So, as with my other pregnancies, I will be having another ultrasound at 36 weeks to more accurately estimate baby's size. I was on the verge of requiring a c-section with Gabe, and we would like to avoid that if possible. After all, who wants to have another 10-pounder?!? Definitely not me!

One other fact I learned during my appointment is that baby's head is very low. That was not a shocker to me, as I can feel the pressure every time I walk. Could this be a sign of a sooner-than-later birth? As the doctor said, time will tell.

All in all, everything is looking good. Our baby boy seems very healthy. And although I am still very tired, anemic and recovering from my recent sickness, I am reassured that I can make it to the end for the end is drawing near! After all, the Lord has helped me this far. I think He can bring me the rest of the way. Only a handful of weeks left!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Happy Fourth Birthday Cooper

Our sweet little Cooper turns four today!



Born on our fifth wedding anniversary {Yes, today is our anniversary too! See the previous post.}, Cooper has been a joy ever since. He was my sweet little snuggler, as seen in the photo above snuggling with mom shortly after he was born.
Cooper was the easiest of my three labors thus far, and has been a pretty easy child from the start. With the exception of a few months of extremely terrible two's, Coop is a boy who loves to please and see others happy. He is kind, sensitive and a bit goofy too. Cooper can break out into laughter at the drop of a hat, for no reason at all, and that laughter is contagious! Pretty soon everyone around him is laughing with absolutely no idea why.

I think all our children seem to really 'fit' their names, but perhaps Cooper fits his name the best. He's light-hearted, sweet and easy going, all the things that come to mind when you hear the name Cooper.

Cooper can often be heard asking, 'Why aren't you smiling at me?' He loves positive reinforcement and can't bear to think that someone could possibly be upset with him.
Cooper also often says things like, 'You're my best mommy in the whole wide world.' And he's so genuine, you can just tell he truly means it! That kid can melt my heart with a smile.

Cooper already has so many 'girlfriends' and loves all of them! He's really going to be a heart breaker, and is completely oblivious to it. To him, he's just a good friend. He already has mom a little worried!



Cooper, happy fourth birthday! You are so loved and have been such a wonderful blessing to our family. God knew what He was doing when He brought you into our lives!

Nine Years Together



I always love to hear how two people fell in love. A good love story, one that lasts and endures, is timeless. I thought I'd share our story with you on this special day. I know this is a long blog post, but what can I say...there's a lot of love between the two of us to share.

It was on June 10, 2000, that Jason and I were married in front of over 400 guests at an absolutely beautiful ceremony. Our wedding came after about five years of dating.

I moved to our small Iowa town from an even smaller Iowa town when I was a freshman in high school. I have to say, I hated it here! I missed my old friends, my old school, my old life. I couldn't see myself ever finding happiness in this new place, and I just wanted to move back 'home.' Thus is the trials of moving to a new school when you're fourteen years old and a girl. Yet when I look back on that move, I thank God I moved to this new place, for if I hadn't I never would have met Jason.



It was during my junior year of high school that we met. We were positioned in assigned seats directly across from each other in our American Literature class. And let's just say, for me anyway, it wasn't love at first sight. I actually thought he was a bit obnoxious, which I later discovered was just his way of trying to get my attention. Regardless, he was apparently trying a little too hard because I was not in any way interested in this cocky teenage boy.

I actually started dating one of Jason's close friends instead, and found myself spending a lot of time at Jason's house where we'd all go to hang out after Friday night football games. It was then that I got to know the real him, not the teenage boy who was trying to 'show off.' We became good friends, and our relationship progressed from there. {Don't worry, there was no scandalous cheating or two-timing involved. My relationship with the current boyfriend ended before Jason and I started dating. And Jason even asked this friend's permission to date me...what a gentleman!}

It's actually kind of ironic that our relationship began while we were still in high school because as a youth pastor, Jason preaches to his youth to wait and date when you have the purpose of finding a spouse in mind. So often it's very difficult to date as God would intend when you're just so very young and immature, as most teens are. But regardless, God managed to use our relationship for His purposes from early on.

Looking back, there are many reasons I think we met so young. I became a Christian the summer before I met Jason at a Bible camp a friend had invited me to, and I was full of new wonder of God and questions about Him. Jason had thought he was a Christian, but had never really understood what it meant to truly surrender to Christ, nor had he made the decision to follow Him with all of his heart. That is, until the following summer when I 'drug' him to camp with me, the same camp where I'd professed my faith the summer before. It was there where Jason saw the realness of God, just as I had at that same place, and His heart really began to yearn for all things God could offer, growing further as He attended Iowa State and got involved in a campus ministry there the next fall. We've both been growing in our faith as individuals, and together, ever since.

And now, over nearly fifteen years after we first met, we have so many memories together. We've experienced good times, and not so good times, as all couples do. But we have always surfaced together, thanks to the bond that binds us in our faith in Christ. He truly is the third person in our marriage, sitting at the throne of our lives. Without Him, I hate to think of where we might be. Because anyplace except at the center of the Lord's will is nowhere I want to be!

What can I say about my husband. It's hard to know where to begin, because in Jason I see so many attributes that any Christian should long for. Jason is strong, yet compassionate, seeing the best in others when all that is seen by the sinful, naked eye is just that, sin. He is able to reach out to those others might not give a second thought and love on them, just as Christ would.

Jason is a forever child at heart. I don't know how many times I've heard parents of the youth Jason ministers to say how perfect it is that Jason is a youth pastor. No one could be better suited for the job. He gets right down on their level and relates to those kids like no one else can. And they respond, seeing in him a man of God who is someone 'cool' they strive to be like, yet someone who also possesses the wisdom that only comes from a maturity in Christ. Jason has allowed God to work through him as a pastor to youth and so many have benefited from his God given gift of relating to teens. It's a beautiful sight to see him interacting with his youth, it really is.

And for me specifically, Jason is a better friend than I could ever ask for. I know I can always count on him to be there for me. He comforts me when I'm hurting, makes me laugh everyday, and loves me unconditionally, even on those days {dare I say it} when I may tend to be a bit less lovable than others. He makes me feel beautiful, inside and out, just as God made each one of us in His own image. That's how Jason sees me, and in turn, helps me to see myself. He encourages me in all I do and has helped me to humbly use any skills God has given me to glorify our Maker, even when I feel inadequate to do so. He truly believes in me.

I really could go on and on, but for your sake won't. In conclusion, I'll just add that I thank God for giving me the perfect husband who meets my every need. No, I'm not saying Jason is perfect, as he would be the first to admit. Nor am I perfect, not by a long shot. But together, we are perfect for each other, matched by God. In many ways we're opposite, but in the most important way, our faith, we're truly one in Him. And I know the best is yet to be!



I love you Jason, and look forward to what our life together has in store. As long as I'm with you, I'm where I belong.

And thank you all for allowing me to boast about my husband for awhile. He really does deserve some praise!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Out of Commission

Out of Commission. That's exactly what I've been for the past several days.

As Jason informed you all in his blog debut, I have been very sick with pneumonia and two ear infections. {By the way, isn't my husband the best! First of all, Jason hates writing, so for him to write a special post for me on my birthday meant so much! Secondly, I am so blessed to have a husband who cherishes me, just as I cherish him. Jason, your sweet words brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face just when I was feeling my worst. Thank you my love!}

I hate to jinx myself, but I do believe I am finally feeling better. I have received some much needed rest thanks to grandparents helping with the kids {THANK YOU ALL!} Their help was so appreciated, as Jason ended up getting sick with a sinus infection, and Chloe sick with bronchitis. We've basically been a wreck around our household. So far the boys have remained well, so that's a big praise, and I'm praying that we are now on the road to recovery.

So, thank you all for your prayers.
And thank you all for the many 30th birthday wishes! I still can't believe I'm actually the big 3-0! It seemed to pass me by without much thought, as the pneumonia was in full swing on my actual birthday.

Speaking of my birthday, I did receive a wonderful gift from the kids that I have to share with you all...

Do you see it there on the fireplace mantel?
Let me show you a little closer...


I had edited this photo right after Chloe's birthday and added the saying, 'Friends. Forever & Always, No Matter What.' The kids {and Jason} gave it to me on a canvas for my birthday. What a perfect gift!

As far as my gift from my wonderful husband, I will be getting this...

It's a Nikon 18 - 200 mm lens. This has been on my 'wish list' for awhile, along with a new camera to replace my failing D70 I purchased back in 2003. Right now the lens will work into the budget much more comfortably, so I will keep saving for the Nikon D300 SLR and for now have my D70 fixed {under factory recall} for the fifth time! {Hopefully it won't take a month to fix this time :( }

Despite the recent illness, I had a blessed birthday. I am in awe of how God provides just what we need when we need it, as He has done again through this sickness. Now I'm praying for a healthy remainder of this pregnancy, and a healthy addition to our family in under 60 days!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Angie's 30!!! (written by Jason)

As I start out I want to let you know Angie has been quite ill the last three days or so. This last trimester is proving to be more challenging than the second, Angie has become dehydrated and has a bit of pneumonia that has kept her down... however she has gone to the doctor and has some meds, now she is on the road to recovery.
We must, however, pause to consider was it the pregnancy causing these problems or Angie's old age. See today Angie turns 30! And while I passed this milestone nearly a year ago Angie is just beginning to experience the sweet thirties. So, due to this remarkable event, I wanted to let her, and all you, know how special she is to me and the rest of the family.
At first I thought I could do a similar post to what Angie did for Chloe. Ya know a special 'Angie'ism' for every month she is old, and while that is quite possible to come up with 360 special attributes about Angie it seemed that such a post could be very lengthy. So I won't use any cute acronyms or write a song to the tune of BINGO (though I think I could swing it,) I will however share with you how blessed I am to have Angie for a wife.
If you regularly read the blog you know how caring Angie is, her heart is wonderfully huge and her concern for those in need is great. I remember our trip to Nicaragua a year ago and how Angie would love on those children and do what she could to minister to them though the language barrier was there. But, as cliche as it sounds, love is not restrained by language. This is but one example of Angie's caring for others.
I suppose it goes hand in hand with caring, but I must mention how great of a mother Angie is. Just these few days with her out of commission I am reminded I have no idea how to do all the daily things Angie does. For instance Gabe (6) was wearing Cooper's (3) shirt all day today, I didn't have a clue. And when it comes to Chloe's hair... Dad do it, not a chance! Again the examples go on and on.
Now to me, she is exactly what I need to keep me straitened out. I have more than a slight tendency to take on more than I should, Angie helps me to be balanced. I also need motivation at times, so Angie 'motivates' me to get things done (or else.)
When I think of all the things I do, I know I could not pull them off without Angie by my side. I thank God for her constantly. And that brings me to the final attribute I want to share with you, she is God's child. This is the most important attribute Angie or anyone could ever possess. It is because her life is hidden in Christ Jesus that she is able to do the things she does so well. It is her relationship with God that allows her to truly love me even when I'm being a complete bonehead. It is her understanding of what Christ has done for her that gives her the heart to care selflessly for others.
I am so blessed to have Angie for a wife and friend. I love you baby and I hope this is a great day for you as you make everyday great for the kids and I. Happy birthday... and feel free to edit for gramatical errors :-)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Last Day of the School Year, 2008-2009

{Taken June 1, 2009.}
Gabe on his last day of Kindergarten.


{Taken in August, 2009.}
Gabe on his first day of Kindergarten.


{Looking at these photos just goes to show how much Gabe has changed in the past year. He looks like such a big boy compared to the first day of school photo!}

Gabe came home from his last day of Kindergarten yesterday with his cap and diploma. He's officially a Kindergarten graduate! And, not only did he graduate from Kindergarten, but he did so with 'honors.' Gabe was awarded the Outstanding Citizenship Award. He was not expecting to receive this honor at the awards assembly at school, so needless to say he was very excited!

This year really has flown by.
Gabe is now a first grader.

As for Cooper, he finished his last day of three-year-old preschool and will be in the four-year-old preschool program in the fall. Cooper also came home from his last day of school sharing his success. He explained that Mrs. Ferguson told him what a good boy he was for never getting his name on the board all year long. {When kids are naughty at preschool, they get their name written on the board and have to sit with their heads down during play time and possibly, if the 'crime' was bad enough, they miss snacks too.} Cooper was so proud of himself for being so well-behaved at preschool.

Since our school district's grant funding went through, the four-year-old preschool will be state funded next year, providing free preschool to all four-year-olds. Cooper will go to preschool every morning, Monday through Thursday. And, Cooper will get to ride the school bus in the morning with his big brother, as the grant also provides transportation for all four-year-old preschoolers. It's an understatement to say that Cooper is excited about riding the bus, just like big brother!

The boys are looking forward to an exciting school year next fall. But, first things first...an eventful, fun-filled summer vacation!

Expect many t-ball, swimming and outdoor fun photos throughout the summer, in addition to before and after photos of the Sanders Extreme Home Makeover project with our goal being to finish the outside {sans the garage} by mid August. And lest we forget photos of our new little baby boy to arrive sometime in the next few weeks to come!

We will definitely not lack for excitement this summer vacation!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Like Father, Like Son

I guess that old saying couldn't be more true in our household.

Like Father...




Like Son.




When I go to the park, I don't take just three kids.
I take four.
Soon to be five!

Need I say more?