Gobble Gobble

I'm thankful for shrills and shrieks. That reminds me that my children are having fun as they wreck havoc in our living room.

I'm thankful for open-mouthed kisses from my gummy baby! That tells me he is absorbing his surroundings and practicing with his own twist.

I'm thankful for extra quilts and sweatpants. I don't lack clothing or shelter.

I'm thankful for my husband. He is the man that takes time to invest in his children AND changes a dirty diaper or two. He encourages me and keeps me in check...usually in the same sentence!

I'm thankful for phrases like "bwu momas" and "pwease" and "wove u." Affectionately dubbed the toddler, Samuel is blooming into a big brother, a loving son, and an ecstatic cousin.

I'm reluctantly thankful for dirty dishes. For though I do not possess a dish washer, I never lack hot meals to feed my loved ones.

I'm thankful for overcrowded closets oozing with toys, shoes, and clothes. This allows us to tidy up, strip down, and dust off. There are many in want and many in need 365 days a year. Hopefully we can pass on the Peace that passes all understanding to a deserving family and some toys too.

Even though we face an uncertain future with the loss of Tim's job this autumn, we are surrounded by friends and family.  My children may never know how many newspapers I've scoured or coupons I've clipped. I rejoice in the golden consignment sales I've cruised when Christmas morning arrives and my boys have "new" toys to explore and warm winter clothes to wear. I accept the challenge of "free dates." THEY do exist and can be just as much fun to keep the fire alive in my marriage. Love covers all.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Nursing Cover

I heard about this great deal from my friend Stephanie and I just had to share it! Udder Covers is offering a free nursing cover (you pay shipping) with the coupon code cousin2.  Who can pass up such a cute offer???

David turns 1... where did the time fly?

Yee-haw ... David's birthday was a grand success!!!

All the cowboys and cowgirls!

...happy birthday to you...

"who me? what's going on here?"

Now this is the new style to wear your hat....I'm sure the trend will spread like wildfire! ;)

curious and helpful big brother

somewhat distracted as David takes in all the animated new toys!

appreciation that he has been let loose on sugar...RARELY happens at home!

helpful and charismatic cousin of the boys, Miss Imy!

that's chili around this birthday boy's mouth,
which he managed to slosh all over mommy too!

a cowboy feast

David's very own Thomas the train... now we have to convince Samuel of this first!!

Daddy and all the helpful party guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the new toys

Refilling his "tin cup" the way only a real cattle rustler knows how

Family Pictures courtesy of Amanda P.

A quick rinse

So David LOVES the water. Be it  bath time, pool, washing hands, rain, dog bowl, puddle...you name it he goes for it. So I should have known that quick wash down on the counter was impossible to maneuver. My goal was to wash hands, feet, and face. Toss the pajamas on and make the bedtime routine quick and painless.When David saw the tiny sink full of water he refused to sit on the towel like a good little boy. He wanted all in!!! SO I yelled for Tim to get the camera and took pictures of my jelly roll squished in the bathroom sink as happy as a lark....

After I let the water out, he communicated in no uncertain terms that he was NOT happy about the loss of water. I never doubt what David is thinking or feeling. This kid is very expressive in everything that does!!!