Something new....

Sam is always up to something new. He keeps up hopping for sure! His new thing is when he wakes up from his nap or in the morning he takes off his shirt in bed. He is pretty proud of his accomplishment too. I am just hoping he doesn't learn to take his diaper off too! If so we might have to start using duct tape. :)

Thankful......

Life is full of the big stuff and the daily stuff. This year we have a good dose of both. I always describe myself as more of a daily girl but celebrating the milestones have been fun and we have a few more coming our way! Today I find myself pondering the little things, the things that make up the daily and wanted to share a few things I am grateful for.

1. I am so grateful for a child that sleep in. The baby will sleep til about 7:30 or so. Honestly, he isn't my best sleeper but I am grateful that he isn't a early bird! Those of you without kids might think that sounds early but just ask a parent with a 6AM riser.

2. Hand me downs! We have been blessed with being given hand me downs from a friend or two and what a blessing it is. Between those blessings, yard sales, resale stores and some good sales we don't have to spend much on growing boys! There is even a great resale store for teens in our area and Jacob loves it. He doesn't mind paying full price retail and that gives him a chance to use gift cards he has received. :)

3. Texting and email has become such a great thing for staying connected with my oldest. No, it doesn't take the place of a visit for dinner, quality conversation face to face but this is about being thankful for the little things and I am grateful for the option to connect.

4. Great blogs, message boards and online options! As a sahm for 19 years I have found those things to be a great outlet for staying connected. They don't replace real connections but they do bless my day and I have grown and learned much by seeing a glimpse into the lives of others.

5. The desire to create is a huge thing as a homemaker and I love the endless possibilities. I am determined this year to learn to make my own thin crust pizza from scratch and also make very yummy cupcakes!

6. That God tends to details in my life. That isn't a small thing at all but I love that God cares about the minor details and works them out and for my good. Life is busy and full and somethings just pass me by. He shows me what to let go off and handles things that might not even hit my radar.

7. Spring time! It just always brings a sense of new and I love that. The older I get the more I find myself ready for the warmer weather too. Wishing I had planted some bulbs last fall so we could watch them bloom.

8. Favorites.....I love that we have our favorite mexican spot, favorite place to stop for dessert, favorite place to get great produce, date night comfy chairs at Barnes and Noble (we joke that we would pay to sit in them and read but we seriously would if we had to) and things that fill our days with favorites.

9. Getting to plan a vacation! This year we aren't taking any vacations outside of family camp but I am having a huge hankering to plan something for next year. I love the research of it all and knowing we will get that special time away.

10. A husband that will take our kids outside and to the park so I can take a nap in silence. He likes to sleep in (I really can't sleep in) and I love a good nap!

Good brother time....

We listen to music a lot. I have a CD that I play often while cooking or cleaning and one small part of a song has a harmonica in it. I was shocked at Sam once day because when that part came on he held his hands to his mouth and pretended to be playing a harmonica. I had no idea how he knew what that instrument sound was but knew I would need to find him one soon! We discovered Jacob had one in his room while organizing his room and it would soon be his. When I played it the first time in front of Sam his expression was priceless! He came running to me and signing and saying, PLEASE, PLEASE so he could have it in his hands. It took him a few minutes to get the hang of it. Andrew seemed to have the best tricks to teach a little one quickly. The harmonica is such a delightful little instrument and perfect for a mobile little guy.

Spring break and silly things our toddler does....

The boys are all on spring break this week. They are all ready and excited for a break! Jacobs is packed full and that is just the way he would want it. Hanging out with friends, going on a youth outing at the senior citizen home, brother time and a overnighter at grandma's house. Andrew has major senioritis so you can imagine how glad he was to have the week off and once you return to school after spring break of your senior year it is all down hill from there! Sam and I are hoping for some spring cleaning and visits to the park. Sam has been so silly lately. He loves to drape Trae's clothing on himself. He does it and just giggles. He also takes his own socks and put them on his hands and arms during naps! He loves to play with cherry tomatoes too. Sometimes they get smashed but he sure enjoy them in the process.

Dreaming.....

No more monkey's jumping on the bed....

No More Monkeys Jumping On The Bed is one of Sam's favorite books. He even shakes his finger and repeats the words just like the mama does to her monkeys! He loves to be read to but equally loves to sit and read on his own. This chair is in the playroom and he appears to have picked it for his reading spot.

My very, very favorite brownie!

Brownies are really not my thing and german chocolate has never been my thing.....until I tried this brownie. I bought it for Trae once because he loves brownies and german chocolate. He did really like it but I tried a bite and it soon became one of my very favorite desserts! They are from a grocery store which is pretty impressive. Good thing this grocery store is about 25 minutes away! If you are ever near a Market Street and like brownies you must try on of these or another variety they have. Best $2 dessert around!