Trying to keep the boy busy.....

A bunch of the neighborhoods in our area have had garage sales this month and it has been great finding fun things for the little guy! I found this for Sam and it will take him a while to learn how to do it but he found joy in exploring it. Jacob found a football but that was about it! I did find a few vintage treasures and put them back for Christmas presents for Jacob.

Sentimental Sunday.....

I have been pining to go to the ocean. I know, I know I was just there a few weeks ago! Actually I am really wanting to escape to Destin for a short family vacation. I have been there twice in the early fall and it is just perfect. No crowds, beautiful mild days, great rates on lodging and it is one of our favorite places in the US. If my husband could take the time off from work I would be game to try and squeeze it in because it is to cool to enjoy. This picture was taken Oct 2008 when we went for a family trip there.

Oh, how I love a garage sale find!

The neighborhoods in our area are having their fall garage sales and it has been so much fun! Jacob found a football that he loves, Sam got some new toys and clothes and we found a few home items. We could stand to have a garage sale too but after doing it the last time we decided we would rather Freecycle, Craigslist or offer them for donation. Today I went out in the rain to hit some sales but the great part was that people were very willing to make great deals since it was likely going to be a off day due to weather. Got Sam the cutest Christmas Pj's too!

Sam.....

It is so much fun to see the bents and uniqueness of your children as they grow. Sam loves music and dance. He is all about finding the beat and start to move. He sings on his own and gets giddy when we sing to him. He loves the piano and drums most of all.

Sam has had a language explosion the last few weeks. Prior to that he had maybe about a dozen words that he said and now it is probably 4-5 times that at least. We were keeping track of his words but with the sudden burst we have lost count! It is so sweet to hear him.

He has a sweet disposition that is a gift and treasure to our family. We are not sure who he got the dance moves from but we all celebrate with him and he thinks we dance beautifully!

He tans really easily too. If you look at the picture you can see the bottom of his arms are really tan and much darker than his chest. He has the prettiest skin tone. His hair grows super fast and he needs it cut every 3-4 weeks! I need to learn to cut it because it is a job to keep up with.

Brother time.....

Brother time is precious and a gift. I am reminded often when Andrew is here that in just a few months he will be off at college and not able to stop by for these visits. That makes my heart sad as I know Sam won't understand that but it also makes me savor today and the blessing that it is to see the sweet connection they have.

Sweetness.....

I love Trae for so many reasons! The fact that he brings us yummy cupcakes is a great perk but there are far great blessings. Btw, the caramel apple one (with the stripes) was the best! His unconditional love is the best and sweetest gift of all.

Our evening out.....

Sorry no cute kids pictures but we took a bunch of pictures from our evening out at dear friends daughters wedding. Jeff and Sarah had a beautiful ceremony and very fun reception. We got to visit with our Highway team and enjoy a splendid buffet. Their cakes were very, very good too! Howard wished we had brought Sam. They are so gracious and accepting of him and that blesses us.

Weddings.....

We are off to a wedding tonight! Oh, how I love a wedding. The truth is I love marriage and I think a wedding is a beautiful way to start your lives together. I am a cake snob so I am often thinking about what kind of cake they will have too! This picture was taken at our wedding. That day was such a gift from God and blessed by the others in so many ways. That was almost 5 years ago and I often thank the Lord for the gift of my husband and our marriage. I am a blessed woman.

A special visit....

We went to San Antonio to visit Traes dad and Mama Sylvia on Labor Day weekend. We were blessed to get to also see Aunt Hattie and Trae grandmother while we were there. Sam was so precious with her. Even at 20 months of age he knew she was fragile and treated her with such a sweet gentleness and respect. Grandma and Grandpa had lots of fun toys that Sam had much fun with too! Sam loved playing out in the yard with Grandpa Mason in the sprinklers. Looks like grandpa loved it as much as Sam did! Mama Sylvia is an amazing hostess. There home is warm and inviting and yummy cooking is her gifting. She blessed us with full tummies and her sweet heart.

Big shoes to fill......

Sam enjoys putting on shoes. Actually any shoes are game but I love it when he steps into his daddy's shoes. They are big shoes to fill in so many ways.