Canoe Trip

A few weeks ago, Tim and my brother took the four boys on a canoe trip for the morning.

Wesley and Drew enjoying lunch

before getting in the canoe-Wesley was not too thrilled.

After some time in the boat, Wesley decided to take a little snooze on Daddy's leg.

Now, I'm having fun!

Drew and Will

Ah...that nap was refreshing!

Notice all of the boys hanging on for dear life!

Uncle Tim and his boys

Cutting and Sewing

Tim and I cut Graham's hair today-yes, ourselves. We decided he needed a low-maintenance haircut for the summer. It's short and it's drastic, but it will grow back. At first, I was kind of shocked, but it's growing on me. Best of all, it's free!

After all of Tim's hardwork in the bathroom, I added a woman's touch with curtains I made. Now, the bathroom is really complete!

I am glad my Husband is not a plumber

After months of sweat, cracked hands, dusty furniture, tools strewn about, late nights, and frustration - Tim is finally through with the bathroom project! Let's just say that I am in no hurry for him to start another project! I do want to say he did a fabulous job, and I feel like I'm in a spa when I'm in my bathroom. It looks awesome!

Emotions

happy

mad

scared

sad

Purple on His Paintbrush

The other day Graham asked me, "Do God and Jesus have paintbrushes?" Perpy would say, "Yes! God's been busy with His paintbrush." We are enjoying the beautiful colors of Spring and praising God for His beauty and creativity.

Can Anyone Relate?

I just looked out the window and what I saw put a smile on my face. Graham was pushing Wesley in the red firetruck Cozy Coupe on the sidewalk in front of our house. (Don't worry-Tim is outside with them.) Both boys were grinning from ear to ear and having a great time with each other.

Lately, it seems that I have been the referee around our house. Wesley goes around saying, "Mine!" while Graham tries to take a toy from him or initiates a wrestling match that Wesley doesn't really want to be a part of. Don't mistake me. They love being together. Wesley's always following Graham around and doing whatever his big brother does. Graham wants to be with Wesley, too. I guess it's a typical sibling relationship. It just seems that whatever one brother has, the other one wants, too.

For the moment, I'll enjoy what I just saw. Brothers happily play together, husband contentedly washes his car, and wife is able to have a few quiet moments to herself.

Oh, gotta go...I think I hear someone crying.

Snack Time

Asleep in the Hall

Tim put Graham to bed the other night. Later that evening, we walked down the hall and found Graham asleep on the floor right by his door. I guess he was afraid he was going to miss something. :)

Easter Morning

A beautiful song that we sing at our church:

Father, we are Your children,

born of your Spirit,

and by Your Spirit we cry

Abba, no longer orphans,

No longer fearful,

Freely we come.

The word of God made flesh,

The hope that lights the world,

He was the sinner's friend;

The Truth, the Life, the Way.

And by His sacrifice,

We're adopted and set free,

He brought us to Your side,

And taught us how to pray.

Into Your Presence,

Perfect Acceptance,

Dwelling secure.

Beautiful mercy,

Drawing us closer,

Calling us yours.

Father, we are Your children,

Born of Your Spirit,

And by Your Spirit we cry

Abba, no longer orphans,

No longer fearful,

Freely we come.

The Duck Park and other adventures at Perpy's

We spent this Easter weekend with Perpy at her house. It was a quick weekend trip, but we were so happy to spend some time with her. She and Graham decorated a bunny cake for our Easter dinner dessert. This was a tradition that Tim used to share with his grandmother when he was little. Another highlight of the weekend was chasing the ducks at a park close to Perpy's house. Now, every time we visit Perpy, Graham wants to go to this park so he can feed the ducks. What fun memories we made!

Buddies True and Strong

"Big brother, little brother, buddies true and strong.

Life is truly twice as fun since he came along.

Big brother, little brother, our adventures never end.

We'll always have each other and you'll always be my friend."

taken from Big Brother, Little Brother by Marci Curtis

We just got this book in the mail through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and I love it!! It makes me smile every time I read it. I may have put this on the blog before, but I just had to use it again.

Some of the best moments in my day are listening to the laughter and giggles of my boys playing together. We have our share of arguments, but it's all worth it. I pray often that their friendship will continue to grow. I know God uses them to teach both of them how to love. I pray as iron sharpens iron, they will spur each other on to a greater faith in Christ.

The boys' favorite spot

In the creek behind our house

with their daddy

Happy Birthday, Tim!!

We love our daddy!

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

I am so thankful to have friends in my neighborhood that are stay-at-home moms. We've been getting together about once a month this year to celebrate different holidays and let our kids play together. They are a great group of moms and I enjoy the friendships close by. Today we went to an egg hunt in our neighborhood. Graham loved it. Wesley was not that into finding eggs, but he did enjoy the snacks.

A Morning in the Mud

On Saturday, my brother and his sweet family came over to our house for a little work and a little play. The work was done by the two Tims and the play was done by the four boys (I think Kimberly and I did a little work, too.). Tim helped Tim in our bathroom. I want to say it is coming along very nicely. I can't wait to show you pictures of the final product soon.

Since we've had some rain lately, the creek had water in it and there was plenty of mud to be found. Graham couldn't wait for his cousins to come over so they could go out back. He definately got the muddiest followed close behind by his cousin, Drew. my attempt to get a shot of all four of them

This picture gives you an idea of how much fun Graham had. The degree of enjoyment is measured by the amount of mud on his clothes.

Drew was fearless. Watching him reminds me of Graham a few years ago.

What makes my son's heart happy...

Flip-flop season has begun, and Graham is sooooo happy. He would wear these things year round if I let him.

This picture is especially for Jenn. She got him this lawn mower for his first b-day. Jenn, what a great gift it has been! He still loves playing with it!

Michigan Friends

A few weekends ago, we drove up to Michigan for a quick weekend visit with friends. It was such a great time watching our kids play and catching up with dear friends. We also enjoyed visiting our old church and seeing lots of wonderful people we have missed. Although the weather was a little cold and dreary, our hearts were warmed by the love of old friends. Friends from church, Sybille and Brian, ate dinner with us on night at Marie's house. They brought their beautiful daughters, Anna and Kate. Graham and Kate developed a quick friendship, and he's hoping that she might come visit him in Tennessee. :)

Marie and Joe with their kiddos, Maddie, Jack, and one on the way

Graham and Wesley with Maddie and Jack