Pumpkin Patch 2012 Outtakes

One thing I can always count on when it comes to taking pictures with my family is humorous outtakes.  The ladies working the pumpkin patch got a good kick out of watching us.

Share in the fun.  

"What?"

"Seriously?!" 

(His favorite word. When did six year olds get so sassy?)

"I'm way too cool for this."

Sigh. No caption needed here.

They really tried to cooperate here, putting their arms around each others shoulders so sweetly.

This is a typical example of our home. 

I'm giving them the business.

Directing.

Bossing.

Kris is having fun. 

Typical.

Pumpkin Patch 2012

I used to beat myself up that I had not started traditions like most of the other moms I know.  Then I realized that none of their children where under three, and I relaxed my expectations of myself in that department.  I have, however, started (and kept!) one tradition for the past several years.  The pumpkin patch!  We always get at least one good picture of each of the boys and our family.

Beautiful blues on my mini-Kris

Happy boy, always a smile. Just not usually for the camera, so this is his only picture.

I had to put several of Judah so I could show - OH. MY. GOODNESS! - how "big boy" he has gotten.  I gasped when I looked at the pictures.

This is not a picture of a baby.  This boy is so grown up. My heart just broke a little...

But not so big boy he wasn't still interested in the fun stuff.

Nashville!

Kris and I spent this past weekend in Nashville visiting family, attending a wedding and enjoying tasting every bite of food that we put in our mouths.  It had been a while since that last happened, so we really lived it up.

My cousin, Heather, is much better at capturing moments than I, so I am freely admitting that I did not take a single one of these photos, and I stole every single one of them off her facebook page.

After Heather picked us up from the airport, she took us to a YUMMY meal at Loveless Cafe.  Let me just tell you, a BLT with fried green tomatoes is an excellent way to start a vacation.

 I had a great time getting to know my cousin better.  She's a really neat person, very kind and fun.  And, she gives a mean massage!

 Raeanna's house is beautiful, and I love seeing her in her own space. Being with her reminds me of all the reasons I always admired her growing up and still do.  She's strong, generous and nurturing.

 One of the many yummy meals we ate out.  Kind of dark, but if you look closely you can see the absolute satisfaction on my face of having a meal I didn't have to cook, didn't have to clean up after and didn't have to make anyone sit down during.

 Kris' cousin was married in Nasvhille, so we got the chance to get pretty.  Only, no one mentioned to me until the day of that the wedding was being held outdoors.  And it was COLD!  My Florida dress was not appropriate, and Raeanna had to step in and save the day.  The dress is new, and the rest is a mix of hers and Heather's.

 Kris.  That's all I can say about the shoes.  He is my love.

After our trip home (we were supposed to land in Daytona at 1:30, but didn't actually even leave Nashville until 2:00 - Booooo, Delta), I seriously needed another one of Heather's massages and another Mimosa.

Next time!  Thanks, girls!

My Love

I know I'm one of the lucky ones.  I met and married my perfect match.  He's kind, unselfish, generous, gentle, brave, funny, easy.  He loves me so unconditionally.  He chooses me even when I'm being difficult or selfish.  He enjoys being with me more than doing things by himself.  I am his first priority after Jesus.

And that's another thing.  He loves Jesus.  He seeks out God's truth and applies it to his life.  He encourages me to do the same.  He's unafraid to tell someone who God is and what He's done for him and our family.  When he struggles, he knows how to encourage himself in the Lord.  When we disagree, he allows the Holy Spirit to show him where he's wrong (and let me just be honest in saying that most of the time I'm the one who is wrong).  When our family needs an answer, he is faithful to pray and seek one from God.  He's the real deal.

Kris, when you were born 34 years ago, God was happy.  He was happy that He would have you as His friend, and He was happy that I would have you as mine.  You are my most precious earthly treasure, and I love you!

Puppy Dogs

We always check on the boys, give them a kiss, before we go to bed at night.  They are often in amusing positions, holding hands, cradling each other's heads, Eli's foot in Luke's face or Luke's finger in Eli's ear.  This night was no exception.

I remember shortly after Eli was born a mom of two teen boys in our church telling me that her boys were like puppy dogs, always moving and many times rolling around on the floor together.  I can say the same thing.

I love my little puppy dogs.

My New Boots

I hope I look half as cute when I wear them.

Judah's First Day of School

Judah started preschool on Wednesday at the Methodist Church preschool where Luke and Eli went.  He'll go three mornings a week while I'm helping Kris' mom a bit at her office.

Where Eli would happily stay home with me for the rest of his life (and has recently put a request in that Kris quit his job so he can stay home with us too), Judah has been itching to get in the classroom since he was old enough to squirm out of my arms and dart past the teacher to play with the other kids (while I was still outside trying to pry Eli off of me, since it was actually his class).

Judah's first day of school, he wheeled his little backpack behind him right into the classroom, with barely a look back in my direction.  Mr. Social Butterfly.

He was completely uninterested in pictures.  I managed to sneak some at pickup, but as soon as he figured out what I was up to he put a stop to it.

Heeeeeyyyy!

 Mama, no!

 I'na see!  I'na see!  I'na see!