Henry and Cricket

Surely those of you with older children will laugh at me for saying this, but they really do grow up so quickly! Henry is just three years old, but he amazes us with the "big" things that he does and says. This morning for example, I was down the hall with Jonah, and Henry decided he was ready for breakfast. So he grabbed out a bowl, filled it with cereal and milk and sat down to eat. I was so impressed! He didn't even spill the milk--quite a feat for a three year old! Then when I joined him at the table, he put down his spoon, folded his hands, and said, "Mommy, we need to pray!" What a sweetheart, huh?

It is so fun to watch Henry with Cricket (the new kitten). First thing in the morning (and then about 8 more times during the day!) Henry runs out to check on her food. He wants to make sure he takes good care of her. He also changes her water about 8 times a day, just to make sure it's clean. She's such a mellow kitten that she endures all the 'loving' that both my kids give her. Such a very fun pet!

Uncle B is back in Montana

Uncle Brian went home yesterday. We had a great visit and were so glad to have a full week to spend with him! The time really went by so quickly--and we miss him already. The boys really would love for him to live closer.....maybe we can get Brian to move down here this fall! (That's what Sam and I are hoping, anyway!)

After we took B to the airport, the boys and I went to the Dallas Zoo for the afternoon. We had a scary time at the McDonalds that is right beside the zoo (two prostitutes-isn't there a better place for them to put on their make-up than the bathroom at McDonalds???-- And a lady absolutely screaming at her kids in Spanish in the play area), but then we had a really fun time at the zoo! They have tons of things to look at and lots of ground to cover!

There is a great carousel that the boys rode twice. The second time we all sat together in a little thing that looked like a nest (and it spins around like crazy!)--I thought Joey was going to get sick! We walked around for a few hours and then hopped in the car for the drive home. There were a lot of construction delays between Dallas and home, so it took longer than it should have. But that worked in my favor, because the boys both crashed and enjoyed nice long naps the whole way home!

Isn't Sam a handy guy?

The shop is done! Sam worked all day on Saturday (my brother Brian's birthday, by the way!) and got the building done. There are still little things to do, but it is up and standing and secure! He had help from Brian, and also Dave Hasz. Thanks guys! Oops, almost forgot-Henry, too! He's always very helpful in moving tools and drinking the lemonade for the boys! (He calls it sharing!)

I'm so impressed with my husband! Not only does he do incredible things (like build a shop), but he does them in record time! He's a keeper!

Brian's b-day was pretty fun. We had a crew over here for a feast of lasagna and blueberry cake. Dave and MaryBeth, David and Beth and kids, Jon and Kelly and Jordan made up the group. We really wanted to have the Smith's out, but hesitated because of their recent sickness. Didn't want to send Brian home with stomach flu!

Henry especially loved having his cousins over, and can't wait to have them over to play again!

The Builders with Bandanas

My husband said a few weeks ago that he was going to finish a few specific projects and then take a "break." The truth about Sam is that he really can't go that long without some sort of project happening. So he has been slipping over to his parent's house to help with their projects.

The break has officially ended. Sam started work on his shop yesterday, and today all four walls are already standing. Tomorrow, he plans on placing the trusses and sheeting the sides and roof. Knowing my husband, the whole thing will actually be done by tomorrow evening. All I know is that I'd better be prepared with a big jug of lemonade!

Uncle Brian and the arrival of Cricket!

Uncle Brian is here to visit! We picked Brian up from the airport this afternoon and welcomed him into one of the hottest days of the year here in East Texas! So far he's handling it very well. He will be here for a week to visit and also to celebrate his 30th birthday on Saturday! The boys were very excited to see him, as they have really missed him since we moved down here.

Today is actually a very exciting day for the boys.....not only did Uncle Brian come to visit, but they also got to bring home their new kitty! We "adopted" one of David and Beth's kitties. We met them for dinner tonight and they brought the cat for us to take home. Henry is thrilled! Another sleepless night for him, I'm sure. He'll be way too excited to do any sleeping! We've named the kitty Cricket, and she seems to be settling in nicely. So far, Elmer isn't really sure what to make of her, but after a little hissing, he doesn't want to get too close!

Happy Anniversary!

Today, Sam and I have been married seven years! It seems like only yesterday that we met. And yet, we've been through so much and learned so many things about each other, that it seems as though we've known each other our entire lives!

Who would have thought that we would end up in Texas? In the early years of our marriage, we talked about moving to Colorado, Alaska (at least Sam talked about it!), and Washington, but never did we mention Texas. Even a year ago, we would have laughed if someone said we would be living in Texas soon! But God had greater plans for us than we even acknowledged. He always does, doesn't He?

Being married to Sam has been a fun journey. He always makes me laugh, even when I don't want to. He never lets me be a grouch. He puts up with my morning cheerfulness and my insisting that breakfast is a fun meal. He encourages me when I'm feeling down and makes me feel important. Sam teaches me forgiveness and mercy, things that don't come as naturally to me. He eats ice cream with me at night, and makes runs to dairy queen when we need blizzards. He adores our children. He listens patiently when Henry is telling him a story, and Sam always has a kiss for Jonah when he asks for one. He always has time for his parents. He can accomplish more in a 24 hour period than most people get done in a week.

I love you Sam, and I always will. I thank God every day for bringing us together and making us a family. I am so blessed to be your wife.