17 years apart.....

Sam and Andrew have a sweet, sweet bond. Sam has these sweet smiles that are warm, endearing and a little longer than he gives to anyone else for Andrew. Andrew told me once that he wished we had Sam about 5 years ago because he hates the thought of leaving him so young. Andrew very likely won't be local when he goes to college so I think we are both savoring these times. Of course Sam has no clue and just enjoys the brother visits he has. 17 years apart but a love and connection that is a gift and warms this mama's heart.

Sentimental Sunday.....

Jacob is all about the game. He loves movement, sports, playing the game and sweat! Although he loves to tell me that he doesn't smell!!! He activity level often brings the need for 2 showers a day but he tries to convince me it isn't needed. He loves being apart of a team and giving it all he has. I love that about him! These pictures were taken at family camp 2009.

Fresh herbs....

Fresh herbs add so much to cooking. The flavor it adds can't be beat and I wish I could figure out how to grow them year around. Perhaps I could with our mild Texas winters but I haven't tried yet! We love salads and I am blessed that my husband thinks I make a mean salad. I am thrilled that this summer Jacob started eating tomatoes too. He prefers them on a taco or a sandwich but that is progress and this mama is very pleased with that. This was a simple summer salad that I made with fresh tomatoes, havarti cheese, fresh basil and some salt, pepper and a dash of garlic.

A day in the life of Sam.....

Life with a toddler is very busy!!!! It is a balancing act to keep him busy and safe and do everything else that our home and family involves. He loves to focus on new things and finds great enjoyment in discovery. He loves anything to do with water! He loves music too. He sometimes wants to stay in his bed after a nap or in the morning so he can listen to his music a while longer. Bubbles are one of his very favorite things too. He will try and turn anything long into a bubble wand with hopes of it producing those beautiful bubbles! Our days are full and busy but beautiful and priceless at the same time.

Sentimental Sunday....

August 2005 we got engaged! We had a 3 month engagement after dating for 2 years. This picture was taken the evening we got engaged. It wasn't a huge surprise to me as we had fasted our relationship for the month of July (to seek direction from the Lord) and once he showed us both to move forward we did and have never looked back.

With all this catching up to do.....

With all this catching up to do I had to put something current on the blog! These were taken today and Sam just turned 19 months old yesterday. Jacob was with his dad and we went to church, dinner and to Target. We came home and tried to capture the last bit of sunlight out front and although our lighting isn't great we were pleased with our shots. To top it all off when we got Sam out of his seat he had soaked through his diaper and his shorts and was still smiling! He is one very happy boy and we are so very blessed!!!!

Summer visits with loved ones.....

We were blessed with a visit from Dad and Mama Sylvia earlier this summer. Grandpa Mason taught Jacob how to shoot flies and Mama Sylvia baked an amazing dinner for us!!! We enjoyed connecting with one another and Trae and his dad enjoyed going to catch a movie too. We are very grateful that they are able to come up to this part of Texas several times a year! Having relationship is a incredible blessing and gift from the Lord.