Monday, July 27, 2009

The blessing.....

One of my favorite blessings to me is relationship. I know that my children will not always be with me and the foundation we build is important. Andrew is my sweet firstborn. He is very mature, articulate, a thinker, very smart, honest and a gift to us. He is unique in many ways. I treasure him and as my first son he will always hold a treasured place in my heart. At 17 years old his time is short with us at home. That makes me sad. However I know as him mom our relationship can last a lifetime but as he grows older the pulling apart happens (as well as it should) and I get to see the incredible young man that I knew was always there.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

One of the things we love about Sam.....







Sam is so easy to love. He is simply adorable and our gift from the Lord. We are blessed with 3 gifts from above and their unique bents keep us busy in the parenting arena. When Sam was born he always appeared to be in tune and taking in the world around him. We (and others) noticed it from day one. For the first 2 months he was all about mom or dad. He knew our touch, smell, voice and preferred us over anyone else. While I am sure we are still at the top of his list it has been wonderful seeing how much Sam enjoys others. While we were at our family camp he spent a lot of time being held by others. He loved it and seemed to take in and enjoy each one. We can see for sure that Samuel Ace is a people person at to the core!!!

Friday, July 24, 2009

A week of newness!!!




A big week at our home! Jacob turned 12 and is asking for a cell phone! Mom said no way! And Sam is starting to sit up. He is really very physically strong and sitting up was a breeze for him. He can still topple over but it doesn't seem to phase him. As for our biggest boy....Andrew started a prep course this week for taking his PSAT test this fall. It is across town therefore summer is basically over for him. He has to rise early, commute to the class and still work his job too. It will all be worth it. I am reminding him of that. It is a priority to me to raise young men with a good work ethic. Go boys!!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Pine Cove Family Camp 2009








Tyler Texas is where you will find us mid July each year. We have attended Pine Cove Family Camp since 2005 and it is one of our very best weeks of the year. It is an amazing place where the Body of Christ comes together and it is a beautiful thing! During the week there are activities galore, speaker sessions, relaxation, worship, long talks with friends and family, picnics, theme nights and so many other things that make this our favorite place on this earth. Sam was a trooper too. It was his first year at Pine Cove and he really enjoyed all of the counselors and attention. He loves being out in nature too.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Summer


Summer is both busy and carefree in our home. We do have less things scheduled yet with 3 kids in 3 stages it is never too dull! We are enjoying snapping some shots of everyday life.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Sweet Sam....

Has his first little cold. We are hoping and praying it stays little. There isn't anything you can give one that young (steam, warm baths and possibly saline drops to help with their nose) so we are loving on him and trying to keep him comfortable. Daddy is home today so that helps to have extra arms and love for our boy. He is napping now. 5.5 months of breastmilk and this is the first time he has gotten under the weather at all. PTL! Pray for our Sam that he is better very soon.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

In other words.....

I often uses pictures with my post. I know I am very visual and look to look at photos and it helps me feel connected with others. However, this week my laptop died. PTL my wonderful husband has all our pictures backup on a hard drive and also on his computer but for now I don't have any to post with. So I may not post as often until I have pictures to do so with. But for now I will give a update and details of what is going on with each of us.

Trae-The Leader of our pack.

-Trying to find balance between a busy career and a full family.

-Looking forward to our family vacation this month.

-Determined to figure out what is attacking his beautiful zinnias out front in the flower bed.

-Blessed by friendships and glad he got to connect with one of his favorite friends this week who was in from out of town.

-Handles most of the bedtime duties each and every night!!!


Julie-The Keeper of our home.

-Thankful for her new laptop after my old one died.

-Loving having a break from schooling middle son. This teacher loves her summer break!!!

-So thankful for her husband who provides for our family, goes out and works hard everyday and has it in him to tuck the kids into bed each evening. I am one blessed woman!!

-Has enjoyed hitting a few garage sales recently with Jacob and Sam.

-Really wants to learn to make cute cupcakes. Their is a Hobby Lobby nearby maybe I will sign up for a class.


Andrew- Our firstborn, steady and all around talented guy!

-Our own personal Mac genius.

-Working a full load this summer at QT. He works about 30-37 hours a week and is very creative in earning extra money by selling things on Ebay.

-Will be taking his prep PSAT classes in a few weeks.

-Has a wonderful church that he goes to with his girlfriend. It is part of their Saturday date night. :) Now that makes a mama smile.

-In preparing Andrew for being out on his own (in 2-3 years) he now does all his own laundry!!!


Jacob-Our lover of life!!!

-Searching for friends to help fill the lazy days of summer!!! Was blessed to be able to go to Six Flags last week with a family friend.

-Has already gone for a week of kids camp at Pine Cove. Is going with his dads church next week for a few days to a Jr. high church camp.

-Is always searching for change to save up for our garage sales.

-Enjoying looking up old hotwheels on the internet.

-Wants to know when he can start doing his own laundry!!! He wants to be like big brother!!!!

Sam-Our something special boy!

-Love his new exercauser mom picked up a yard sale for $5 to keep up in the study when we are hanging out up there.

-Enjoys watching Baby Einstein on DVD.

-Is liking his cereal and has it 2 times a day now.

-Rolls over....both ways.

-Stayed at our church this week for 4 hours and did really well. It was his first time and they said he did so well, never fussed and enjoyed himself. That made it so much easier for mom to enjoy her break too.