Parenting for Dummies-part 1

When you're babysitting a friend's toddler, and you're letting him play with play-doh. . . . . .

don't ever step away from the area, even if it's "just for a minute" to change your own baby's diaper.

Let's just say. . . . . "Lesson learned." :)

Out of the mouths of babes....

As we were driving in the van today the boys were listening to a new kid's music cd.

All was quiet.

Then out of the blue Henry says:

"So Mommy? God must be, like, even smarter than me."

Wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

There is a situation in my life which I have been struggling with lately. I have asked friends and family for advice but to no avail. It is constantly on my mind, and I am finding myself in a bit of a funk trying to figure out what I should do.

Tonight I wasn't consciously thinking of this situation, but I guess it isn't far from my mind. Anyway, I came across this verse and was immediately convicted. I've been trying to solve this dilemma on my own. I've been so caught up in the details that I've completely forgotten to ask God what HE would have me do.

Oops.

So this evening, I am spending some good quality time with Jesus. I'm not sure that I'll get the answer I want, but I do know I'm going to the one who can give me peace!

When they think nobody is watching....

....boys will be boys.

Happy Birthday Jonah!

Samuel Jonah Jonah Jo-Jo Joey Jo-Bear Bear Bubba

Our little Jonah is three years old today! He is the happiest little boy that I know and always brings a smile to those around him. Jonah adores his big brother and little sister and has already established himself as the peacemaker of the family. He is easy going, obedient, funny and full of love. Jonah's greatest joy is being carried around (he is always saying, "Can I carry you?" It's so cute that we don't want to correct him) and sitting in laps. Jonah is blessed with a very tender heart. We are so thankful to have this sweet, funny, lovable little boy in our family!

at birth

six months

one year oldtwo years old
my big three year old!

Happy Birthday Jonah! We love you so much!

Weekend recap

We had a BUSY weekend.....whew!

Even though Jonah's actual birthday isn't until Thursday, we had a great party for him on Saturday. His friend Miss Linda (a zoo worker who just loves Jonah) put on an amazing (and free!) show at the zoo with some great little critters to pet/touch.

Then we played in the sand, saw a few animals and moved on to the party at home. Here we played pin-the-tail-on-the-lion,

enjoyed an elephant birthday cake,

and the kids all jumped on the trampoline, played with the bubble machine and tossed frisbees and footballs around. It was chaotic, loud and FUN! :) Jonah loved it all and had such a great time!

On Sunday, Henry was invited to a birthday party for one of his friends. We would have skipped it (it started at 3 and we had superbowl plans!), but Sam changed our plans, invited everyone to watch the superbowl at our house and Henry, Bridget and I headed to Chuck E Cheese for the party. That is Henry's favorite place in the world, so he definitely had a great time! (Henry is the one in the picture with the blue visor on. We made those at Jonah's party, and Henry hasn't taken his off yet-three days later!)

Then we headed home to host our last minute superbowl party! We had fun enjoying the company, eating way too many snacks and watching out for good commercials. Oh, and watching the game too, ha ha!

Jon and Kelly stayed awhile after the game for a few rounds of Guitar Hero (I'm pretty much a rock star!) and to play cards.

And here are just a few more pictures from the zoo!