So.Exhausted

But, in a good way! We had an amazingly fun 4th of July weekend! Before this weekend I had all but decided that 4th of July isn't fun after having kids. All the fun stuff happens outside and outside isn't good for babies in the middle of the summer heat. Let alone with all the smokey, yuckiness. But, lo and behold (that's for you, Pastor!) we had so, so, so much fun!!!



Friday Eric had been telling me for weeks that he was going to be working, but Thursday night told me that he, actually, could take it off. So, we met Jody and Jaiden (who just turned 3), my mom, and my grandparents at the park for the annual pancake breakfast. We made it just in time to be served sausages by our local congressman (Wally Herger, my dad's favorite!) and get our picture taken by the newspaper man. Judah, Samuel, and Jaiden then got matching temporary tatoos and went "fishing" for cheap toys. Jaiden decided he didn't want his and Samuel tried to put his back, but we made them keep them. Ha! After that they all played at the park (Caper Acres) until Eric all the sudden decided he wanted to leave and got up and started walking out. Crazy guy! He said it was hot and he was done. Ok.



We went home and Samuel, Silas, and I took naps. Then, we headed to our Pastors for a bbq. The boys swam in the pool, Judah even went in the spa, I chatted with the girls, we ate yummy food, and didn't leave until 11pm. The boys were so happy the whole time (as were we), so we just stayed until they put on the Matrix. We missed the fireworks (we had planned to be home way before they started), but the company was a lot more fun, anyway.

Saturday we all slept until super late, got ready, and went and had lunch with my dad and sister. Came home and we all took naps (I think....I was sleeping). Then, we got up and got ready to set up for Peter and Brooke's baby shower. It was my first ever co-ed shower, but I think it turned out really well. I think the guys were actually liking the games.

Today was craziness! I woke up, got ready for church, went to church, had my most favorite lunch ever (eggs benedict from Grilla Bites, I meant to take a picture, but completely forgot. Next time!), dropped Eric, Judah, & Samuel at home, went and taught my class at 3, left at 4:25 to get to my class, went to my class, picked up the boys, went to another bbq, and finally got home around 9. Gave the boys a bath, got them ready for bed, and now they are all finally in bed, Eric is getting stuff ready for work tomorrow, and I am exhausted and ready to "hit the sack" myself! Now you know why I'm so tired. But, it was WELL worth it! So.much.fun!

Happy Father's Day!

To my father-in-law: Who is the father to my amazing husband. Who taught him hard work and how to support and love his family. Who always encourages him in his business and supports our family in everything we do (along with my mother-in-law). And, Grandpa of my 3 boys. Who nurtures them and loves them and changes all the poopy diapers when they're at his house (so I hear).

To my dad: Who always made sure all my needs were met, who paid for my schooling, and my discipleship training school to Australia. Who made sure he had a good talk with my husband before he married me. (haha) Grandpappy to my 3 boys. Who is always thinking of them and spoiling them with fun finds. (A bike trailer, kids picnic table, bike, etc...)

To my husband: The best Papa in the world! Who loves our boys unconditionally. Who is always playing with them, getting them another drink of water, taking them to work with him, and saying their prayers at the end of the day. Who makes it possible for me to stay home with them because of ALL of his hard work. Who believes the best for us and trusts God in everything. Who sets an example to our boys and gives them vision for the men that they will one day become.

I love you!

Sunbathing Boy

Wow, Silas is already 10 days. It is flying by. Although, as cliche as it is, it feels like he's always been in our family. Judah and Samuel ADORE him and don't really give him any personal space. He doesn't seem to mind much, though.

We went to his first well baby check-up at 6 days old. He was up to 8lbs, 5oz (the doctor was impressed by that) and 21.5 inches. He's a good little eater and it shows! He's sleeping great at night. Up every 2-3 hours, but he eats fast and then goes right back to sleep. He had a little jaundice, but like the other boys recovered quickly. We had to have him sunbathe, though. That's what the picture is from.



Judah and Samuel are adjusting well. They haven't had any problems at all, really. I'm adjusting well. I'm still a little sore and tired when I do too much, so I'm trying to remind myself that he's only 10 days old and to take it easy. I think jumping right back into life and deciding that it's going to be easy has made things so much easier. My friend, Brooke, and I were talking to about how the outcome of some many things in our life (everything?) are based upon the decisions we make and our mindsets. If we think, "Oh, this is going to be hard," then it usually is. If we think, "Oh, this will be easy," then it usually is then, too.

Hilarious!

My sister in law, Kim, is in town for a few days. It was so fun hanging out with her last night, as the last time we saw her was in October. The highlight for Eric (other than seeing his sister) was playing with photobooth on her laptop. Eric said he took about 30 pictures...it was the first time I'd ever seen him take pictures of himself!
Kim- I hope we see you again before your big day!!

The Family


The Boys


And, my personal favorite!

Just Like Christmas!!!

Well, I haven't mentioned this before, but WE ARE MOVING again! (Yeah, this will be our 6th place in the almost 4 years we've been married) Jenna and her family are moving into a bigger rental house and need someone to take over the lease of their duplex. We have been wanting a bigger place for awhile, but with Jenna (and fam!) moving out it all worked out so perfectly. We're so excited! Yay! It is 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with a garage, a backyard, and my favorite part of all...washer & dryer hookups (and we already have a washer & dryer). We'll be moving in in about 3 weeks, which is definitely going to be coming so quickly. Our last official day in this apartment is Samuel's birthday. I cannot believe that my BABY will be one in a little more than a month-April 30th. We'll be busy with moving, the next weekend we'll be in the community baby shower, then Samuel's birthday party. All fun and exciting stuff, though!

So, with our upcoming move and Judah with my mother-in-law I decided to organize Judah and Samuel's old clothes: boxing up stuff that's too small and getting rid of stuff I don't want. I knew that I had a few things for summer that we had bought at the end of the season sales last year. But, when I found the box I didn't realize how much stuff. Judah has lots of old shorts and t-shirts that will fit Samuel perfectly this year, lots of his stuff from last year still fits, and then we have all the new stuff for both of them that we bought super cheap.

This afternoon Samuel and I went to Lowe's to check out these things called Wall Pops that I want to get for the boys' rooms. Judah is going to have a big boy room!! He got a new train table and bedroom set (craigslist!) and Samuel will finally have his own room. And, Eric and I will be able to sleep in peace. Right now Samuel is in our room and he wakes up when Eric rolls around. Now Eric can roll around all he wants (ok, within limits...I will be there, too) and Samuel will be able to sleep through the night in peace. After Lowe's we went to Old Navy where I found two matching ADORABLE shirts (it's not this one, but similar. I can't find the one I bought.) for the boys to wear on Easter. I think they'll look super cute with jeans or khakis.

More Perfect Weather Pictures

We went back to the park again today because I really wanted to get some pictures of Samuel swinging. Caper Acres is the only park I know of in Chico that has baby swings. And, Samuel LOVES to swing!! My grandma came along with us and Eric met us there later. Then, we all went out to lunch to La Comida.

This baby loves to swing!


Look at those teeth!


Lots more teeth and lots more laughing


In the sandbox. This boy is TOO BUSY for pictures!


Grams pushed Samuel while I chased Judah. He can run FAST now


The Band: Judah on keyboard, Grams on xylophone, Samuel on tambourine

Sweet, Sweet Boys!

Saturday morning we went to Farmer's Market with the intention of getting Girl Scout Cookies. Ha! It worked and I FINALLY got a box of Samoas (chocolate, caramel, and coconut). Judah, also, got his very first balloon animal. He chose a weiner dog on a leash. Unfortunately, the leash popped before we left Farmer's, but we went back and got another one. Then, the weiner dog (who he named "weiner dog") popped in the car. Leash #2 hasn't popped yet, though.


Roundhouse Ronny making Weiner Dog for Judah!


Samuel asleep in stroller, before Weiner Dog popped (it's dark because we were in the parking structure)

Then, we went out to lunch with my dad (Grandpappy), my sister Miranda (Aunt Reni), my grandma (Grams), and Bill (Bill). It was SUCH an amazing day yesterday, in the high 60s and low 70s (as it is today), so I wanted to get the kids outside. After their nap we headed to the park. Judah's goal: go down the slide as many times as possible. Mama's goal: get some cute pictures!


"Hurry up, I just want to go down the slide!"


Such a happy baby!


Family pic!

After the park we headed to Trader Joe's where I bought two more boxes of Girl Scout Cookies: Samoa's and Thin Mints. I finally started my period after 10 months, so that explains it... (I always hesitate sharing stuff like that, knowing my dad reads this blog. But then, I just can't resist)

Today we had church, went out to lunch with our friend Cindy, and then I took Eric & Cindy back to church for post-encounter, brought the boys home & put them to bed, and I'm about to read my Bible. Time to myself. Yay!

He's a Policeman!

I'm so excited! Last night I got my Palm Treo 700p (Yes, I'm very technical now). It was a difficult journey to get here (lots of complications with the order, sent to the wrong address, etc..), but well worth the wait. I'm having so much fun figuring everything out. Saving names and phone numbers with pictures, the calendar, surfing the web, checking my email, and next I want to figure out how to use the mp3 player. It also connects to the computer, so I can use them together.


He looks so grown up sitting with the kids!

Yesterday Eric only had to work for a few hours, so he got to come with us on a Police Station Tour. It was with the Chico Mother's Club, so it was funny that Eric was there, but noone one seemed to mind. At the Fire Station Tour several other dads went, so I expected it this time, but oh well. The tour was really fun and interesting, but probably would have been better (for me) without 20 kids 3 and under. The whole time someone was screaming or crying, so I couldn't really hear what Officer Trudy was saying. My favorite part was the dispatcher room. It was interesting to see how 911 calls come in. Eric and Judah's favorite part was checking out the police car.


In the backseat?!?!

After visiting the fire station Judah would always call himself a fireman. But, now he says, "I'm a policeman!"


Happy he's not in the backseat!

In about 3 weeks we're going to have a booth in a big Home, Garden, & Antique Show. We've been busy gearing up for it. We've ordered banners, new business cards, and postcards. We're really excited because thousands of people will be there, but we're also not quite sure what to expect or how it will work. I'm sure it will be great, though! About a month after that we're going to have a booth in a Community Babyshower, so we have some busy months ahead with Announcing Yours.