Too funny to not share....

Daniel Isaac and his very loud robot (thanks Uncle James and Aunt Hilary) came bursting into the bedroom this morning to wake up Noah David and me. He jumped up on the bed, much to Noah David's delight and declared, "I have lots of stories to tell you, Baby Brother, but first I'm going to teach you something!" (He usually tells Noah David and me 2-3 made up stories each morning to start our day...) He then proceeded to explain to Noah David that, "We all have lots of bones in our bodies. All in our bodies. And they are hard. See, touch!" And he wanted Noah David to feel how strong his bowed out chest was. So then, I began to review bone names with him. First I taught him sternum, since that's what he was so proud of. Then I pointed to my collar bone and said, "Do you remember what this one is called?" (He's known "clavicle" for a long time now and corrected a nursery worker once who told him his knee was a "knee cap" saying, "No, it's your patella.") He grinned and said, "Yes, I do remember. It's your uterus." ??????? I BUSTED out laughing. He says the funniest things, but this by far was one of the funniest.

Daniel Isaac amazes us in many ways. He is so so so sweet and loving to Noah David and teaches him things all the time. WOW, I'm so thankful for these 2 boys!!!!

Happy Birthday, Sir Daniel Isaac the 3 year old!

Sir Daniel Isaac, the valiant warrior!

Sir Daniel Isaac and Sir Pops sword fighting...yes Pops is dressed in a full knight costume.

My two handsome prince knights with Princess Mommy! (And yes, I do teach them to call me "Princess Mommy"...I'm hoping it will stick.)

Daniel Isaac, Princess Mommy and his friends about to blow out his candle!

Princess Grandmama and Sir Elijah

Sir Daddy and Sir Noah David

Princess Nana (yes, she, too is in full princess costume) and Sir Noah David

Princess Claire and Princess Anna Gail

Sir Monkey Miles and his Royal Squires, Lee and Kyle ; )

Sir Holt playing with the popular robot toy Sir Uncle James and Princess Aunt Hilary gave Sir Daniel Isaac!

Sir Piercey Pie ever so sneakily getting finger-fulls of icing and gum drops...who could resist those big brown eyes anyway, though??

Sir Daniel Isaac the 3 year old riding his new scooter!

Sir Pierce and Sir Holt in their capes (yes, Heather made one for each child and they were awesome!) getting their royal tattoos.

Princess Caroline...isn't she a beauty?!?

Daniel Isaac's Castle Cake!

Wow, aside from the fact that I am still in denial that my baby is THREE years old, we had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday! He was a delightful host, and was thrilled to see his friends, hug each of them and encourage them to get a tattoo and hat. Pops and Nana (my parents) dressed up as a knight and princess and played the roles...it added so much fun! Several children were slightly terrified of giant Pops dressed in his knight gear swinging Daniel Isaac's sword around, but Daniel Isaac loved it!! Heather made pink fluffy princess capes for all the girls and red capes for all of the little knights. The girls got princess hats and the boys got knight helmets. We had so much fun celebrating the wonderful 3 years of our courageous knight! Daniel and I are so thankful for the incredible opportunity and privilege it is to be Daniel Isaac's parents.

Gratitude

I fully intended this post to be done "in time for Thanksgiving"; however, it's ALWAYS a good time to express gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for, and there is truly no way I could ever get it all down in one blog or even a million, but here's a small summary....

1. The loving, saving Grace of Jesus Christ. It's in Him alone that I find satisfaction, security, love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation. He enables me to live life to the fullest and is truly my Rock and Foundation.

2. The compassionate, patient, loving, gentle, strong, manly, hot husband the Lord has given me. He is such a tender, sweet daddy to our boys and such a strong, loving leader to all 3 of us. He spends time explaining things to Daniel Isaac in the detailed fashion that Daniel Isaac so desires; he plays with him and teaches him all types of things that are going to come in so handy for DI to know! He is so tender and loving with Noah David...he straps him in the baby back pack and does the dishes with him, rakes the leaves with him, and just carries him around for fun. The glimmer in Noah David's eyes for Daniel screams, "You're so cool, Daddy!" Daniel is a one-of-a-kind leader for me. He's so wise in the way he communicates with me, and he is so strong in his presence and provision for our family. I could brag about him all day, but he is truly one of the greatest gifts Jesus gave to me, and I'm so thankful for him. He models Christ's love for His Church to me in an indescribable, wonderful way.

3. Daniel Isaac...where do I even begin? This child keeps our jaws dropped...sometimes in amazement of his mental capacity....sometimes in complete dismay and confusion in how to respond to or answer one of his many questions. Daniel Isaac is full of energy and life, and loves for everyone to "be together". He is a leader...both at home with his brother and at school. He is hilarious and creative and imaginative. He very much wants to know what is correct and right, and even if he eliminates himself from following the rules at times, he will ensure that everyone around him is doing so. He is courageous and strong and coordinated. He is very loving and very freely displays his affection and "I love yous" to Daniel, Noah David and me. His beautiful blue, inquisitive eyes and deep dimples that are especially cute when he chuckles are just incredible. I am in constant awe of our Lord and constant gratitude to Him for letting me be Daniel Isaac's mommy. It's an amazing opportunity.

4. Noah David...where do I even begin again? Who knew that a 5 month old could bring so much joy? His butterball round cheeks and double chin are enough to make my heart melt, but then he beams his bright glittery-eyed smile at me all day, and I just can't help but squeeze and fill his face with kisses all day! He is so snuggly and loves to be "right there" with everyone. His feelings are deeply hurt if he wakes up and I'm not right there with him. I love how he sings/talks himself to sleep as I walk or bounce him....it's such a precious sound. He is alert and aware of all that goes on around him. He giggles freely and often. He adores Daniel Isaac and Daniel, and he shares his big toothless grin with anyone who will first share a smile with him. He is content and relaxed. I am so thankful to be nursing him...may sound weird, but the Lord has taught me so much about His goodness and provision for me through this experience and bond with Noah David. He is so chubby and long and survived RSV like a champ (HUGE THANKS) His fuzzy white-blonde hair is so soft and beautiful. I stare at him and think, "Thank you so much, Lord for giving me the chance to parent this angel." He is a blessing to say the least.

5. My family

Dad...well, he's as loving and generous as he is loud and crazy! He is amazing to constantly be getting the family together, cooking and facilitating family time...yet so flexible. He is such a steady, Christ-like leader with so much wisdom and patience. We admire and look up to him so much and are so thankful for his influence in our lives.

Mom...well, she not only lovingly monitors all of our well-being and sees that we're all taken care of but she keeps us all laughing! She is always thinking of wonderful, thoughtful things to do for us and make us feel special, and takes such good care of us! She endearingly spends every Wednesday with Daniel Isaac transforming into a 3 year old herself I imagine for at least part of the day, as she crawls, hides, plays t-ball, etc. with him. She's so warm and sweet....we're all thankful for Nana and her love and encouragement!!

John David..."Babo", as we all call him now...ever since DI couldn't say "Uncle Brother" and instead called him "Babo". Daniel Isaac can't get enough of Babo and the many useful life lessons he learns from his uncle....all about guns and other very boyish things that I don't even pretend to understand. He is super loving, fun and gentle with Noah David and Daniel Isaac and has the patience of Job when it comes to DI's persistent and eagerness to play with him. He's got "the touch" with Noah David, who already adores him. We're so thankful he and Jess are back in town and close enough for us to see all the time!

Jess...is the perfect fit for John David AND for the Andrus family...bless her and Daniel. :) She's so sweet and patient and loving with the boys...both of which adore her. I don't even like calling her my sister "in law" but I do to refrain from people being confused that she's married to my brother. She is a dear friend and is so loving and understanding. Jess is genuine and as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I admire so much about her and am extremely thankful to be a part of her and Babo's lives!

Hannah..."Hannah Ba-noonie" as Daniel Isaac calls her....no clue where that name came from. Hannah is hilarious. She brings so much life to every family gathering. She says the most hysterical things that I laugh about days after she's said them. She is fashionable, creative and has beautiful taste. I love her hand-me-downs. She is an extremely fun playmate for DI, and has a special touch with ND and bouncing him to sleep. She is a beautiful gift and a blessing who I love so much and am so thankful for.

6. Daniel's Family (also "My" family)

Papa...what's not to love? He's so loving and gentle and fun! He's always been so easy to spend time with, and his laid back personality is a wonderful, warm characteristic. He loves his grandbabies and it shows! He's always open and willing to listen and has provided great advice and wisdom to Daniel and I over the years. We don't leave Papa's sight without several "I love yous", and we're so thankful for him in our lives!!!

Grandmama...is one special lady. She is a gentle, loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She helps with the boys so much, and I don't know what we'd do without her! She is a blessing and encouragement. She has taught Daniel Isaac so many wonderful things and is so patient with him...she, too, I imagine transforms into a 3 year old some days, crawling around on the floor with Daniel Isaac. We love Grandmama and are SO thankful for her!

James..."Uncle James" is a wonderful brother, brother-in-law and uncle that we love a ton. We're so glad he and Hilary are back within easy driving distance. His pursuit in the knowledge of the Lord is awesome, and he's an over-grown playmate/jungle gym for Daniel Isaac. We love Uncle James and are thankful for him!!

Hilary...Aunt Hilary is such an encourager and complement to James. She is a wonderful homemaker and takes such good care of her boys (and girl on the way). We're so thankful she's back close by and for the precious angel growing in her womb! I strive to be more organized like her and am hoping it'll rub off! :) We are so thankful for Hilary and the blessing she is to the whole family.

Elijah...His sweet big brown eyes make the ladies melt, even if that's not his intention. His precious "new walker" walk is too fun to watch, and it's even better to watch him proudly carry around an item (just about any item...the larger the better). His love for shoes is especially marvelous, and his little life is a tremendous blessing to all of us.

7. My friends....I am convinced I have the best, most wonderful friends in the world. Whether I've been friends for 15 years or 2 years, I have been given the best friends that I can be real with, talk openly with, be encouraged by...they love me in spite of me! It's really wonderful blessing to have friends I can depend on for prayer, unconditional love, encouragement and LAUGHTER. I'm SOOO thankful for my friends.

8. Our home...while it's not the best-kept or most organized, it's warm and safe and comfortable. I love it. I love raising a family in it and coming home to it. Such a blessing.

9. Work...while I don't work much at all these days, I am tremendously thankful for the work I do get to do with Lifeline. It is such an incredible, humbling opportunity to work with families pursuing adoption and with birth mother who are considering adoption. I have the most incredible, Christ-like boss and co-workers (yes, including my hot husband), and it's such a wonderful opportunity to play a role in bringing orphans to their forever families. God is good, and I'm SO thankful to Him for giving me this "job" that's so much more than that!

10. Communication...this sounds crazy, but I'm so thankful for e-mail, phone calls, text messaging, g-chatting, etc. It's an amazing way to stay connected to friends, fellow moms, family...I need community, and I'm thankful to have so many means of communication at my fingertips.

I really could go on and on, but I'll stop for now and go work on folding the pile of clean clothes that awaits me. God is so good, and He has supplied me with WAAAAY more than I could ask or imagine. To Him I give all my thanks and affection; He is my everything. Thank you, Father! Happy Thanksgiving, and may everyday be filled with gratitude for the abundance of HIS blessings!

Growing!

ND and Daddy...one of their favorite ways to hang out!

Noah David snug as a bug in the "pouch".

Matching Spiderman p.j.s...doesn't get much cuter!

Noah David had a GREAT 4 month check up. His feelings were very hurt by the shots he received once again, but he settled down after nursing and took a great nap, waking up happy as ever. He weighed 18 pounds and 4 ounces and was 26 inches long. He's in the 90th percentile for height and OVER the 95th percentile for weight! He is still exclusively breast fed, but we will probably start trying cereal, bananas and a few other soon since he's showing some interest and has great head and trunk control. What a sweet chunk of love he is!

He continues to be laid back in his personality. He smiles constantly and giggles a ton, which has got to be one of the BEST sounds our Lord ever created! He adores his big brother and grins with an extra twinkle in his eye whenever he hears his voice. He sleeps really well...snuggled right up to Mama, which I adore. Daniel Isaac has been joining us in the wee hours in our bed, too, which has been a special treat to have all 3 of my boys right there with me. Daniel is just as much of a "snuggler" as DI and ND, so it's HEAVEN for me!!!

Daniel Isaac continues to be the epitome of a wonderful big brother. He covers Noah David in kisses and hugs. He immediately runs to his "rescue" when he whimpers or cries exclaiming, "He wants me!" or "He needs some milk, Mommy!" He sweetly rubs his head when Noah David is asleep and is so gentle and loving. He even asks when Noah David is asleep, "Mommy, pleeeease can we wake him up? I miss him!" The Lord has put it in the heart of Daniel Isaac to be a big brother and a leader, and it's a blessing and joy to be their mama!

Children of the Covenant

September 20, we had the amazing blessing of having Daniel Isaac and Noah David baptized. It was a wonderful day filled with family and friends surrounding us. One thing that stood out to me was that Grandmother (my Dad's mom who is 92 this month), Dad, myself, and then Daniel Isaac and Noah David were all present. Three generations of Believers and baptizing the boys with the Faith that they, too, will one day follow after our precious Savior. Daniel and I, along with our church family and family, seeing the symbol of baptism as the promise of the New Testament Covenant for the boys was a gift.

I am forever grateful for how my parents loved and taught me the Scriptures and about the Lord and His Truth. They provided every possible opportunity for me to grow in Him all throughout my childhood. I became a Believer at a very young age and was nurtured in my relationship with Him over the years. It is mine and Daniel's earnest prayer and desire that our boys walk with the Lord and do not know a day of rebellion...that their lives would be surrendered to Him and lived for Him and His Names' sake....that we would be Christ-like in our actions and parenting, and that our home would be full of His love and grace and an aroma of Him to everyone around us. By His grace!

I wish I had pictures to share, but we took them on a different camera and don't have them on our computer... : (

I Shall Not Be in Want & President Batman

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want." ~Psalm 23:1

Daniel Isaac has been one of my greatest teachers...from the moment I found out our Lord was knitting him together in my womb and continuously since. I have had several of our wonderful family members ask for ideas of what he wants for Christmas and his upcoming birthday. So the other day I asked him, and he matter-of-factly replied, "Anyfing. I already have chocolate milk and gummie bears." (Which means "nothing"...he just gets those words confused.) So later I asked him again, "Baby, what do you want for Christmas and your birthday?" He raised his eyebrows and said, "Mommy, I already told you. I don't want anyfing." What a beautiful lesson on contentment from my son! He is content in all that our Shepherd has provided him. He is not looking around at what he does not have but rather happy as a lark with what he does have and with what has been provided for him. The Lord is his Shepherd....and he is not in want.

President Batman

We were eating dinner at Moe's with my family the other night, and Daniel Isaac pointed to a poster of Gene Chizik on the wall and said, "Look Daddy, it's President Obama." Daniel said, "No, that's Gene Chizik; he's the Auburn football coach." And Daniel Isaac, cocked head and eyebrows raised replied, "Well, he sure does look just like President Obama." Not sure where he got that from and why he was on such an Obama kick...but later in the evening he told my sister, "You know what? President Obama is Batman!" So later I asked him, "How do you know that President Obama is Batman? Did somebody tell you that?" He said, "No Mommy. I finked (thinked) of it all by myself. I just used my imagination. And he is Batman." So for those of you that didn't know, the secret is out...our President is Batman.

Indoor Ideas for Fun...

1. Take pictures of really cute, smiley, chubby babies.

2. Bake with Mommy...especially if it involves chocolate.

3. Leap from the furniture. (Probably not the safest...but one of the most fun.)

4. Help get the corner cob webs on Daddy's shoulders.

5. Build a ramp/obstacle course for your match box cars on your train table...ending with the cars landing in the cement truck mixer. (DI enjoyed this more than it appears in the picture...and he came up with this on his own.)

6. Climb up Daddy like a monkey on a jungle gym.

7. Watch "The Little Rascals" online for free, and then do your very own Alfalfa hair-do.

8. Put on your really cool Spiderman swimsuit and play with bath foam (found on the same aisle at Wal-Mart as bubble bath, inexpensive and smells good, too!)

Two Month Check-Up...blood, sweat and tears

Noah David (and Mommy) survived his 2 month check up...but not without blood, sweat, and tears. Noah David doesn't "bleed well", so he had his 3rd PKU done in addition to 4 shots on Thursday. The PKU started it with a heel prick and then about 5 minutes of the nurse trying her best (very sweet nurse, too) to get enough blood for them to test. Following those tears, Noah David had worked himself into a good sweat, and then had to have his 4 shots. I believe all of this hurt his feelings as much as it hurt him. It is terribly sad to see, and after about 5 long minutes of consoling and nursing him, he calmed down. He had a slight fever and didn't feel well the rest of the day, but today he was all better! Whew!

Despite all of that, he is a healthy, growing boy, and we are so thankful! He weighed 15 pounds and 8 ounces and is 24 and 3/4 inches long! He's in the 90th percentile for height and 95th percentile for his weight. BIG BOY! We love our pediatricians, and are thankful for a wonderful staff to go along with them!

I could not help but think about how the Lord must feel when He allows necessary pain in our lives, knowing that there are long term benefits and that it's for good...and for His purposes. I could never imagine just standing there trying to soothe Noah David getting hurt if I did not believe and know that he was being hurt for his good and for his protection. As an infant, of course, he does not see this or know this. Just as we, God's children, do not see and cannot see all that God has in store and planned for us. Pain is necessary in our journey as Believers, to help us grow, to keep us healthy, and to keep us reliant on the Almighty Father we serve. As tough as it may be, and as much as we may cry, sweat, and bleed over this...be encouraged, our Father loves us dearly, has a plan, and sees far more than we can imagine.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving us like you do and for caring enough about us to allow difficulty in our lives for our good and ultimately that we may serve and glorify your Name!

Noah David...talkin' and smilin'

Noah David's personality is absolutely precious, and we are enjoying him so very much. His face lights up with a bright smile all day long...at the sound of his big brother, Daddy, seeing something he likes, after eating, and "just because". He "talks" to us, as well when he hears us having conversations, he joins in wholeheartedly with coos and other sweet baby sounds. Of course, it's hard to capture quickly enough on video, but here's a little glimpse into the precious sounds and sights of sweet Noah David.

As I laid in bed the other night, just staring at Noah David, as I so often find myself doing, tears streamed down my face as I pictured our Lord literally weaving and knitting him together. I looked at each finger, his beautiful long curled eye lashes, the peach fuzz on his forehead, his wavy strawberry blonde hair, his pudgy cheeks, his precious chin that looks like it was carefully placed in the middle of his double chin...and I just wept in awe of our Creator and how carefully He crafted Noah David. I thought, "He knows the exact number of peach fuzzies on his head!" He has a beautiful plan for Noah David, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to parent him. Daniel Isaac continues to adore and show such sweet affection to Noah David (who he now calls "Chancho" since his "cheeks are so chubby, Mommy"). Daniel Isaac and Noah David are such gifts to us, and we are in constant awe and gratitude to our Father for giving them to us.

Our Family's Hero

This picture was taken on our wedding day. My white knight in shining armor...and he still is. Daniel and I met in high school and dated a little over 5 years before we were married in January 8, 2005...that means we will have been together 10 years this January! What a gift from the Lord it is to be married to my very best friend. As a husband, he is loving--constantly and consistently. He is gentle and strong. He is patient beyond belief. He is an incredible leader and loves the Lord in such a real way. Daniel is and has been my hero for nearly a decade now.

And now I get to watch him be our sons' hero. Daniel Isaac adores his daddy tremendously. He wants to dress like daddy, shower like daddy, shave like daddy, swim like daddy, be strong like daddy, grow up big and tall like daddy, work like daddy, etc. The list goes on. He is so amazed by his father and so blessed to have a father on this earth who loves and ministers to him so much like our heavenly Father. I get to witness Daniel's love and patience with Daniel Isaac day in and day out. He teaches him, and Daniel Isaac learns. Daniel is absolutely 100% Daniel Isaac's hero.

Noah David is also discovering Daniel as his hero. He responds to Daniel's voice with a huge grin...eyes full of excitement. Daniel is so loving and gentle with Noah David, rocking, bouncing and swinging with him to comfort him. Noah David especially likes Daddy's whistle and lights up like a Christmas tree when Daniel whistles for him...he only does this for Daniel's whistle. Daniel is teaching Noah David that he is there, he can trust him, he will take care of him...just as our Father in heaven does.

How thankful I am to have such an incredible leader and best friend. Daniel is our rock. Our boys are so blessed to have him as their role model and as their teacher and shepherd. I am praising our Lord for the gift of Daniel and the hero he is to our family!

Daniel Isaac's First Day of Pre-School!

Daniel Isaac had a wonderful first day of school today. He calls it "Sunshine High School"...it's actually Sonshine Preschool at First United Methodist Church. Daniel Isaac felt the need to sport his official Sonshine Preschool t-shirt, and we're in the process of explaining that while it is a t-shirt with his school's name on it, he does not in fact need to wear it every day to school. He has two really sweet, loving teachers and a classroom full of fun boys and girls. He was very proud of his lunch box and the ability to wear his own back pack. He is also glad that Barney is a part of his classroom and talked to him the entire way to school this morning. (It's actually just the Barney stuffed animal with me doing the Barney voice and DI carrying on a lovely conversation with him...can we say imagination?) I am looking forward to seeing my sweet boy continue to grow and learn.

A day at the doctor...whew!

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Noah David had his first doctor check up yesterday. He is doing GREAT. He weighs 12 pounds and 8 ounces and is 23.5 inches long! He's gained 4 pounds since birth and grown 2.5 inches, and he has really good head control. He also shared some if his delightful, toothless grins with her and showed off his sweet ability to follow voices with his big, bright blue eyes. What a joy he is! Brother Daniel Isaac came along and "helped" Noah David understand what all happens at the doctor. Daniel Isaac explained to Noah David as the nurse was taking his temperature, "Noah David, that's a thermometer to take your temperature. It doesn't hurt; don't be scared." Daniel Isaac also felt the need to be completely involved in the examination and in the blood extraction from Noah David's heel during his PKU test. Thankfully, we have a very wonderfully patient pediatrician and nurse who helped and tolerated all the input. Sweet Noah David did not appreciate the one shot or heel prick, but after some nursing with mama, he calmed down. He fell fast asleep in the sling on our way to check out.

I had requested Daniel Isaac's immunization record that's required for him to start "school", only to find out that he was behind on several of his shots. SO, since he'd been for his 2 year check up in February and it was somehow overlooked, they agreed to just give him the 3 shots while we were still there. Noah David in tow in the sling, and my large (32 pound), very energetic Daniel Isaac who'd already been at the doctor for an hour and a half returned to the waiting room. Thankfully, Daniel Isaac didn't ask why...as he is very tickled by the oversized "funny chairs" that he was counting. I sent out a text to several to PRAY for DI as he was about to get shots, and boy was the Lord ever so present! The nurse was AWESOME and really quick. She did great at being discreet with the needles. Daniel Isaac didn't even shed a tear...he only poked his bottom lip out and said to the nurse and to me, "I didn't want the doctor to do that to me." He was SO big and so brave. He was rewarded with peppermints, lunch at CiCi's (his favorite), and Daddy brought home a rocket for him!

God is so good to us...all of us. I was a bit concerned at how DI would do at the doctor all morning with Noah David in the first place. But the Lord TOTALLY took care of that and worked in Daniel Isaac's heart. He listened and obeyed and was so sweet and well-behaved. I was then really nervous about Daniel Isaac's reaction and how I would be able to really comfort him while Noah David was in the sling right there with us. The Lord did it, though...He totally filled Daniel Isaac with courage and held him for me. Why do I waste so much time and energy worrying about if and how the Lord God will take care of us and meet our needs? He had it all worked out and all planned, and I need only trust Him and His provision...whether or not I can "foresee" how He's got it all worked out. Thank you, Father, for always taking such good care of us and providing for all of our needs. Thank you also for Noah David and Daniel Isaac who are growing so healthy and strong!

A few of my favorite things...

If you've ever been to our home, you'll notice our walls are splashed with the brilliant, bright colors of some very special art work. A very dear friend of ours is an incredible artist and has shared some of his work with us. It's hard to capture it's full beauty just from taking pictures of it and posting it on a blog, but I hope you can get a glimpse into all the life his art captures!

Rainy Day Adventures

It's pouring down rain outside, and I'm home all day with a really sweet newborn and a really sweet, energetic 2.5 year old...what to do?  I know!  Build a FORT!  We had a GREAT day last week inside all day long!  Daniel Isaac's imagination is in FULL SWING, so it is quite compatible with our rainy day adventures!

Special Friends, Special Time

Race, Heather, & Baby Eli



Eli's christening was last Sunday, July 27 and was so special. Sweet Eli was his bright-eyed happy, delightful self as usual. A special song was sung by the congregation just for Eli after he was baptized. All of the precious "Cannon Balls" (Caroline, Pierce, Holt, and Eli) were dressed in all white and were beautiful. We are so thankful to be a part of these precious children's lives (and their parents aren't so bad either...) Thank you, Father, for the beautiful masterpieces you have created in children!

Fishin'!

Daniel Isaac, Daniel, and Papa all went fishing together for the first time Saturday.  Daniel Isaac caught the only fish and was so proud!  Three generations of good ole Saturday fishin'!  My little boy is growing up way too fast...

From the lips of children...

I have a few Daniel Isaac sweet stories....

#1

Last night when we were in the living room...I was feeding Noah David (as usual...sweet little boy who's always hungry).  Daniel Isaac said, "Mommy, will you hold me?"  I responded, "I would love to hold you, and I will as soon as Baby Brother finishes eating."  So then he gets his "soft blanket" and brings it in there and wraps himself up in it and announces out of nowhere, "Mommy, when I get big like Daddy, I'm going to marry you!"  Of course tears filled my eyes and I said, "That's so sweet, Baby.  What will Daddy do, though?"  And he very confidently responded as he had it all planned out, "Daddy will sing while you and me dance!"  I know that the days of Daniel Isaac wanting to marry his mama are soon to pass, so I'm soaking up every second of this sweet child and the love that he shares so innocently.  

#2

Daniel and Daniel Isaac were eating breakfast at Chick-fil-a Saturday morning, and Daniel started eating his food.  Daniel Isaac declared, "Daddy, we didn't pray!"  So, Daniel said, "You're right, would you like to pray?"  And Daniel Isaac said, "Will you help me?"  So Daniel Isaac very seriously closed his eyes and bowed his head and began praying, "Thank you God for our food, for Daddy and for Mommy, and for Baby Noah, and for my house...."  

He again reminded us at church this morning before digging into our refreshments that we needed to pray.  This time he said, "God our Father, thank you for our blessings.  Thank you for Mommy and Daddy and our food and Baby Noah and our house and my shoes...."  He had a much longer list that I cannot remember, but it sure was sweet.  If I adore hearing his sweet voice thank our Lord, I just wonder how much more our Father in Heaven adores our thanks and praises.  And it really is true that as in Psalm 8:2, the verse painted in the boys' room, says "From the lips of children and infants, You have ordained praise." 

Thank you, Lord, for the sweet ways you use Daniel Isaac to bless me and praise You!  

Noah David...

Sweet Noah David!  He smiles so much...especially after eating and especially right when he wakes up in the morning.  He has a wonderful disposition and is so bright-eyed and curious about the world around him.  He is really relaxed and "goes with the flow".  He loves Daniel Isaac and already "perks up" and follows Daniel Isaac's voice (which is usually quite loud and enthusiastic).  We are enjoying his precious life so much.