Parenting

I should start off by apologizing for not doing a post about our trip down south as promised. There are tons of pictures on Facebook so check them out there for a full update :)

I've been thinking lately how life with kids is not alway a cake walk. Especially right now while we are potty training a very stubborn little boy (but thats another story).

I came across this and wanted to share with all those other daddies & mommies out there who seem to be in the same boat we are in "survival mode".

I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.

--read the rest of her post here.

These two stinkers mean the world to me :)

Even if they might just one day give me lots of grey hair.

And make me so mad steam is blowing out my ears.

But in all seriousness, I am thankful they call me mama.

Here's to taking in these moments.

Happy 20-dozen

It's a NEW YEAR and hopefully a new start for me on blogging. I have been a little MIA, but hope to be seen more on the blogging front than the last couple of months.

LIFE: thats my only excuse for being absent. BUT the more I think about it, this is my "online scrap book" which I want to keep up. These two crazy, silly kids of ours are growing WAAAY to fast for this mommy & daddy, and there are so many precious moments we want to remember.

One (of many many) examples happened over Christmas while visiting our families. You see my immediate family has had this tradition for many years of going to the mall the day after Christmas. We are people watchers (I know shocker to all those who actually know my family :)) and actually enjoy crowds (we're weird...my husband thinks we are out of our minds ;)). I guess I should rephrase that last sentence--everyone in my immediate family enjoys crowds except my sweet Daddy. This year and last he tagged along only to push the boys around which he really enjoys. Just like last year, this was his job. Eli, Caleb and Big K were glued to each other while mom, linds, shaffer and myself were on a mission. Anyways back to the whole point of this story...Dad's pushing the boys around when he looks down through the plastic covering where he can see them. Dad see's Eli hold Caleb's sweet, soft hand. Okay that right there is just about the sweetest thing ever if I do say so. Dad said Eli was just a chatting away with Caleb. Who knows what he was telling him. Some days I wish I knew :). Then Dad see's Eli lean over and give Caleb a kiss. Such a lover our little boy is! Dad keeps pushing them and steals a glance at them again to see that sweet little Eli with his chubby finger up baby Caleb's nose. If you know Caleb he is our calm, carefree baby. Who knows how long that finger had been there, but he was tolerating it. When Dad told he this I just cracked up and then thought oh the things Caleb will endure having a big brother like Eli.

Such a fun story to remember.

So here's to the new year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family of four!

This last picture was done by a sweet friend Camille. www.scbphotography.com

Stay tuned. More to come from our adventures home!

How Quickly Time Passes

From the day we first met him

To now (almost 4 months later)

He is truly a beautiful gift from the Lord, and we are so very thankful for every day with him.

We love you little brother!

Mae

Lots of Pictures!

Geez its been too long. Let me catch you up!

We went to a corn maze a couple weekends ago with some friends. The weather was perfect & Eli had a blast. It was pretty far out but totally worth the drive. Both boys did well except for the fact that they both had accidents out both ends. Come to find out Eli had a horrible stomach bug that he decided to share with Daniel and myself--no fun!

(picture overload)

And last night we took the boys out for just a quick trick or treating trip. Long story short I didn't get home at the time expected and here they have certain hours you can go. The reason why it was quick.

Eli was a train conductor, Caleb was a precious tiger, Madie was an Auburn football player (or she wore the jersey) and I was a cowgirl ;).

Look how ADORABLE!! I am a little bias though!

There is so much more I want to share...but it seems so little time. Maybe I will get around to really updating this thing.

Big Brother Eli

Lately this blog has been Little Brother heavy due to the fact that Big Bro doesn't really cooperate when trying to take a picture. I was able to snag a few pictures the other day and thought they were cute.

When I say "smile for the camera, Eli" this is the look I get followed by a cheeeeeeese! I think this is in the middle of cheeeeese.

Superman (my brother) & Aunt Linds (his wife/my sister-in-law) got this trike for Eli last Christmas. He is big enough now to enjoy it.

This boy is such a great Big Brother :)

I heart him

I can't get enough of this chubbiness!


And he's not even two months yet :)

Flashback

I love this picture of Eli and myself that a friend took when he was 9 months old :)

Happy Friday!!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!!

Big brother wouldn't cooperate for a pic.