A song of prayer

Each night when we go through our nightly bedtime routine, we help the boys with saying a prayer. Sam's are usually prayers of thanksgiving, as are Jack's peppered with requests for forgiveness. In the last week or so, Sam has elected to sing songs at prayer time. The first couple of times it was "Jesus Loves Me."

The other night he threw in "Jesus Loves the Little Children," then promptly transitioned directly into "We Will Rock You."

A Web of Smiles

Are you sure you can trust this smile?

P.S. this is what happens when you combine just the right PJs and super cool swimming toys.

Emmy Time

I guess when you think of Emmy, this little statue may come to mind. But in our family Emmy has much bigger meaning. That's the name my sister has earned from her loving nephews. We were expecting a visit next month when her school takes its spring break, but she and her husband made the decision to come home last week to spend time with family after the loss of my brother-in-law's grandmother. While no one was thrilled with the reason they had to hurry home, we have all been enjoying their time here.

On Tuesday, Aunt Emmy and Uncle Jonathan came with me to pick the boys up from school. Jack & Sam had no idea I'd be bringing visitors along with me to school. Jack was excited to see "my Emmy!" It was also pajama day at school, and he just so happened to choose the Lightning McQueen pjs a certain aunt & uncle sent him for Christmas as the attire for the day.

We were overjoyed to have Emmy spend part of three days with us. We also had some wonderful weather and enjoyed lots of great time outside. Wednesday night Josh's R.A. class was studying about a missionary in Germany, so Emily agreed to talk to the boys and field questions about Germany. Questions like, "are you afraid of Germans?"

We were sad to see Emmy leave on Thursday, but are looking forward to some more time together before they head back next Thursday.

Battle Tested

This weekend was full of lots of fun as the four of us got to spend a great deal of it together. Friday was dinner and a movie, and Saturday included two parties. Of course the hit was the sixth birthday bash for our pal Britton. There was a crew of eager soldiers, and the immediately got ready for battle.

They were eager to conquer the fierce obstacle course.

After their successful completion, they were sporting their hard earned battle helmets and dog tags.

This is a battle tested squad, and they had such a wonderful time. Thanks, Brit! Hope you had a wonderful sixth birthday, buddy!

p.s. Sam was a fan of the cake pops, too!

thankful thursday

This week I am thankful for the sunshine we enjoyed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Just when I thought I couldn't take another day of dreary rain, the clouds parted and we headed outside.

We enjoyed some time on the swings, climbing, sliding and monkey bar crossing. It was just what we needed.

We even broke out a toy Jack had received for his birthday from Aunt Lisa & Uncle John. We hadn't had a chance to enjoy it yet between the windy days and the soggy days, but (as you can see) Wednesday was the perfect day for a little stomping.

Weeds

When is a weed more than a weed?

When you find a a folded and taped piece of construction paper in your four-year-old's backpack and it's filled with "flowers for mommy."

C is for Cookie

On the heels of my apple post, here's another recent treat (courtesy of dad's most recent stop at the grocery store!)