Sharing Praise

Like most parents we know, Josh & I are firm believers in praising and rewarding good behavior. It usually means we have to punish bad behavior, but we try to praise for a lot of things that may seem silly to folks without preschoolers or who are so far removed they've forgotten what it was like to have little ones. Anyway, I don't even notice it anymore. Pouring out praise for simple tasks done well just happens now. So, I always get tickled when I do happen notice our sometimes silly celebrations.

This morning, I was running around the house doing laundry and other things. I typically do so dressed in my shorts and a tank. Then, if we run out anywhere I throw a shirt on over my tank. So, just before we were about to head out to run a few errands I told Jack to get his socks and shoes on. I then went and put a blouse on. He came into my bathroom and said with a surprised tone, "You get dressed?" (As if I wasn't before, I guess?) I told him I did. He then said, "Let me see you!" as he touched my leg as if to get me to turn around and face him. I obliged and he promptly praised me, "Good job, mommy!"

My heart was warmed. I'm happy that this is something he's learned from me and Josh. It also reminded me that he could have just as easily said, "hurry up, mommy" or "go find your shoes." May my conversations always be seasoned with praise and thanksgiving so he might mimic those words.

Can't get enough of this...

My sweet little sister's countdown is dwindling. Soon she will be reunited with her hubby who has been stationed in Cuba for the whole first year of their marriage. As I've mentioned, the biggest drawback is less than two weeks later they both leave for Germany...to live! We've been loving our outings to the splash park and love her day trips to visit. We were thrilled to get another visit from her this week. The boys are getting lots of cuddling time in.

Thanks for stopping by and tolerating all the drama that was our Monday! We love you, Em!

Happy 34th, Umple John!

This week my big brother turns 34! We were thrilled to be able to celebrate with the whole family on Saturday evening. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Carraba's in Athens. This is my best group shot and the birthday boy isn't even looking!! Oh, well!

Jack was pretty good for having only had a 25 minute nap. He has always loved croutons and after he had exhausted the slim supply from everyone's salads, we had the waitress bring him his own bowl. He must have been pretty tired because he laid down in his chair. Every couple of minutes we would all spot this little hand pop up from beneath the table to grab a crouton. His daddy couldn't resist and had a little bit of fun with him, moving his bowl around a couple of times. Everyone giggled quietly as his hand marched around the table looking for his bowl. Then, a lemon slice and calamari found its way into his bowl. Feeling something strange and wet in his bowl, his head finally popped up!

Jack found a burst of energy and relocated to his "Umple John's" lap just as a birthday dessert arrived. He again made his way toward that same lap when we headed back to my parent's house for a birthday cookie with candles.

It's a Splash!

On Friday, Stacie, a dear friend of mine invited the boys and I to join her and her nephews for a day of swimming. Stacie lives just outside of Athens and had a furlough day. She has spent several of her past furlough days by visiting us in the Sham, so we were glad to make a trip to see her this time. Mom took care of Sam, while we headed to the pool. As usual, Jack was a little fish, splashing and kicking. He loved chasing and swimming away from the big boys. Gavin showed us some incredible moves off the diving board, and Grayson gave jumping a thought. And what trip to Athens would be complete without a trip to Chick-fil-A? Thanks for including us in on your fun.

Where?

...else can you expect to find not one, but two Rex flashlights that roar to intimidate everyone you come in contact with (after all you are the mean guy)?

...and smiles as contagious as these seen almost every minute of the day?

...and you can jump and swim all day long?!

...and practice your vertical leap for a few good hours?

...then show off that said vertical to one sweet, but uninterested Baby Cat?

...and cruise the streets in extreme style?

...and chill out and lounge as you please?

...and search for treasures far and near??

At Cissy's, of course! We visited my sweet friend Kristie last Friday afternoon and spent the weekend being spoiled and entertained. Jack had a blast during his action packed weekend and is still talking about "Cissy" and all the fun we had. Thank you so much for having us. We can't wait to come back again soon!

itty bitty

Last Friday the boys and I journeyed to an old stomping ground over in South Carolina. Neither of the boys ever really called it home, but Josh and I spent three memorable years there. Of course our fondest memories are of life-long friends we made during our time there. Two of the best being Chandler & Sara Todd. Chandler and Josh started residency in Greenwood at the same time, and he and his wife Sara lived two doors down from us on what we affectionately called Residents' Row (since 5 residency families occupied the street.) Sara often hosted our weekly ladies' bible study; I recall many nights of movies, games and poker; and they kindly hosted Josh for nearly two weeks when we sold our house and moved our things to Habersham (Josh still had several days of work left in Carolina). So, they are special friends indeed.

We were so excited to learn several months ago that the Todds were welcoming a second baby. Their first born and ours are separated by about six weeks. The last few weeks have been clouded with a bit of uncertainity and stress for our sweet friends as they learned their baby on the way had some growth restrictions. We were so relieved to learn of his safe (albiet small) arrival about 2 weeks ago. After a brief stay in the NICU, baby Caleb was cleared to come home last Wednesday. I was so excited that we would have the opportunity to meet the new baby on our trip last weekend. Jack & Noah enjoyed playing while I got to visit with the new mommy of two. The big boys were so silly pretending to nap in Noah's bed and then "wake up!" We are already looking forward to seeing our sweet friends again soon.

Operation Heal Mema

Last Thursday we headed down to Athens to visit with Mema & Pop and help play nurse to Mema as she recovered from gall bladder surgery. While we waited for Mema & Pop to return home from the hospital we hit up a local park. The park's playground is aptly named "World of Wonder." Despite the heat, Jack had a ball exploring this new and different playground. His favorite was bouncing on the bridges. Somehow poor Sam managed to drift off to sleep in the extreme heat. He was a trooper for sure.

After the park we headed to my parent's house to help with Operation Heal Mema. Pop headed back to work for a few hours while we destroyed the house. I'm guessing Mema was still so groggy from the anesthesia that she didn't hear all the ruckus. Thank goodness, because after laying down for 20 minutes Jack said, "I done my nap." He doesn't do so great with napping/sleeping in unusual places. After a while I made dinner, and then dad got home. Soon my sister arrived with her dog, which thrilled Jack. He had a ball playing with him. He also easily convinced Pop to play some baseball in the front yard. We left Friday morning and headed toward Greenwood, South Carolina to catch up with some old friends. My sister stayed home with mom; so I guess we left her in good hands?! ;) No doubt quieter hands!

Make Ya Wanna Jump, Jump!?

the little things...

Sam is quickly creeping up on the five month mark. I would say in Jack's first five months of life, I probably caught him & Josh cuddled up napping/watching tv no fewer than two dozen times (and at least half of those I ran to get the camera).

These days Josh's time at home is typically monopolized by big brother and leaves little opportunity for baby siestas on daddy's chest. Josh's afternoon off is on Tuesdays, and he often uses it to catch some zzzzz to make up for the all-nighter he pulls in the ER on Mondays. Well, since Monday was our anniversary, he took the night off...smart guy, huh? So, he wasn't sleepy on Tuesday afternoon...but when Jack took his nap as usual it looks like Sam found the best spot in the house...cuddling with daddy!

Beach Trip

We had such a wonderful time at the beach last week. I've finally gotten some of the best of the week posted online, so take a look at how we filled our week!

Seven

Yesterday marked seven years of marriage for me and Josh. I can't decide if I can't believe it's been seven years or if it's more unbelievable that's it has only been seven years. Since we dated about five years before we married, it's hard to remember a time when we weren't together and a part of each others' lives. But, I don't remember life being this sweet, fulfilling, exciting, funny and complete. Thanks for making me so happy! Love you, Josh!

Want a Ride?

Enjoying the Sand & Shore

Here are a few photos from day one at the beach. Taken by dear old dad. We just finished breakfast and are about to go hit the shore again. (Sam's still asleep!!) Might have to go wake him up so we can get our ocean enjoying started.

Anyway, Josh & I won the first game of golfshoes in dramatic fashion Saturday evening. Yesterday was full of beach time, picnics by the pool, shopping, seafood, homemade ice cream on the beach followed (eventually) by fireworks. Jack couldn't wait up :(