30 and 3

No that's NOT just a goofy way of saying 33! It's true that Craig and Andrew both celebrate birthdays the week of Thanksgiving and you guessed it...Craig is 30 and Andrew is 3. The other day Craig said, "Andrew, did you know I am 10 times your age?" Crazy isn't it?

Anyway...I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are ready for Christmas. As you can see, Andrew got a Little People nativity from us, so we're getting in the Spirit of the Season.

Splashes of color

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It is so rare that we get really good color change around here though. However, this year is spectacular! Last Saturday we took a drive up to Fayetteville where the color is always a little better than here. It was so pretty and we went out on the lawn of Old Main (on campus) to let the boys run and watch all the squirrels and to snap a few pictures. We didn't get any of all four of us that were good enough to suit me. I'm kind of particular about that and it's such a challenge to get everyone looking up, smiling, not squinting or blinking......ugh......it makes me tired just to think about it! But we did get some good ones of the boys, of Craig and the boys and of me and the boys. I suppose we could do some superimposing! LOL Anyway, it was a fun time none the less and I really enjoyed the stroll down memory lane!

Nothing like it!

There is nothing like playing in fall leaves! So fun!!

Rescue Heroes

Well I know it's a bit early for Halloween pics, but the boys spent most of Saturday playing in their costumes and had a ball! Joshua wanted to be a Fireman this year and poor Andrew gets Josh's Police suit from last year. He's happy with that though! And how convenient is it that they go together so well!! : )

We're on our way...

Fireman Rescue

Afternoon Toons

I'm sorry it has been so long since I've posted. I keep waiting for exceptional picures to share. I decided to just go ahead and keep it real though!! : ) This is what the boys do about every afternoon. Ahhh...I remember the carefree days of childhood, coming home to Mom's fresh baked cookies and sitting down to watch Sesame Street before heading outside for chores. My brother always teased me about watching that and Mister Rogers because he thought I was much too old for it. But don't you know he was right there beside me, watching it too! Most likely he was just procrastinating.....but he was watching it none the less. And he's 6 1/2 years older than me!! So WHO is it that watched kiddie cartoons way beyond the acceptable cartoon watching age?! Truth be known....you can still find us both watching cartoons when we get the chance!

Where'd the froggy go?

Andrew and "Franklin" hanging out, watching the new fishies.

Tickle, Tickle, Tickle

This is a Cat Lover!

Best Friends

We had a little impromptu photo shoot tonight. The boys came in each wearing a hard hat and carrying every toy tool they have! One was wearing a tool belt and the other carrying a tool box. Out of all the shots I took though, this was my favorite. (Even though you can't see any of the items I've just described!) These little guys just love to play together! It is so sweet to see them hug after Josh comes home from school and to hear Andrew say, "Josh, did you learn all of your colors?" Of course Josh knows all of his colors already! But that's what Andrew asks, none the less. I am so thankful for them....we are certainly BLESSED!

A.D.

J.R.

I think Josh looks SO grown up in this picture! He is upon the threshhold of that line between being small enough to hold and too big to hold. It makes me sad and yet so happy (I guess the word is bittersweet!) because I will miss him being little, but I am so very glad that he is healthy!

Lovin' life

What chocolate donut?

Dimple Face

Fun at Home with Mommy

Here are some closeups with Andrew! I just love seeing all those cute details in the faces of my sweet boys...

School Has Begun

Well I just got back from dropping Josh off at his first day of Kindergarten. He was so excited and didn't have a bit of separation anxiety.....which I never expected that he would. He's a very independent little guy and loves school. He was excited to see many of his friends from last year and it sounds like there will be several new friends too. I am thankful that he is not too shy and can adapt well. That is such a wonderful blessing and makes it much easier on me! This picture shows how he looked when I left him.....he looks like he will have a great time, doesn't he?

10 Years of Wedded Bliss

This was taken at our "surprise" dinner at Falls Creek on July 27. Notice the girls in the background.... There were nearly 50 more youth surrounding us and as strange as it felt to be the center of attention like that, I know that it was an awesome testimony to those kids to see us there for them on our special day and the fact that we've achieved something very rare in this day and age. A marriage of 10 years and still going... Lord help us be a stable example of your Love to these precious youth.

Silly boys

Here are two favorite pics of the boys. Andrew has his hat on backwards and Daddy's boots on the wrong feet! Josh is being goofy as usual! I have several good close up shots of Josh. Andrew is harder to get close up because he moves right as I take the picture. I love close ups....so I will try to get some more. I am thankful to God for the gift of two handsome, healthy boys. Even as frustrated as I can get, I love them more than words can express.

Camp, School and other musings...

Well it has been one week since our lives changed. Falls Creek went very well and Craig got things started off on a good foot. All the kids and adults seem to be happy that he is the new youth pastor. It looks like there are the beginnings of a whole new dynamic in the group. One that is respectful and loving. We are excited to see what God has planned.

It was nice to see Craig on our 10th anniversary. The cooks planned a little party for us...it was sweet. They decorated a table outside and let us eat our dinner together while the kids watched and blew bubbles at us!

On a different note: school will be starting soon and Josh will be in kindergarten. It's hard to believe my little boy is a real school boy now! He can be so funny. He came in here a few minutes ago with the best laugh....he was wearing a wig that Craig brought home from camp. (I think one of the kids got it while playing bigger or better.) It was hysterical to see my little pale face kid in an Afro!

Andrew is doing well too....I think he is going to miss his big brother when he goes to school. They have gotten to be better friends this summer. I'm hoping that Andrew will enjoy some time not having to fight over the toys though. He has gotten so big! This summer he has gone from being my baby to a big boy....although he still wears diapers! I'm not too hung up on getting him potty trained though, because I know it will happen when he's ready and I learned the first time not to try too soon. Saves us all so much frustration!

Well...I better go get some things done so I can go grocery shopping. Thanks for checking in with us and please do leave comments so I will know you were here!