A few Sidney videos.

Not much going on this week. Last week however, we had a time with Sidney and her teeth cutting. Yes, you read right, she is FINALLY cutting more teeth after cutting her first 2 SIX months ago. She is 1 1/2 (practically) and only had 2 teeth! I was genuinely getting worried. Anyway, she has cut 1 on top and I am sure there are more to come. I have never been so happy to have a cranky girl... They had lots of fun playing with this box.


Conner is listening better to some extent. He is still trying to "be the boss" at times, but his daily spanking tally is down dramatically right now. He even let me camp out in his room last night on his bunk bed! fun!

The kids had a blast 2 weeks ago at Nana and Papa's house. I just realized that I hadn't posted anything about that. I took the week off from everything that week. ALL 3 went. Ben and I were back to DINK days (double income no kids). It was great. What freedom. I did miss them, but I didn't miss having to wipe down counters 3-4 times daily or having massive amounts of laundry to do. I even allowed myself to sleep in one morning!!

anyway, here is another video for Ava to enjoy!

Linlee's Big Day

On May 20th (my 9th wedding anniversary), I was putting the kids to bed. We read a story about a little boy who decided to ask Jesus into his heart. I had talked with Linlee about this a few time and had told her that if she ever felt like she was ready to do that, just let me know. I was putting Conner in his room and Linlee had gone out into the hallway. When I came out to put her to bed, she said she had something to tell me. I said ok and she said that she had just prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. I was so excited for her but also a little hesitant due to the fact that she is only 5. How much could she really understand right? Even though we had discussed it at length. We talked for a while, but she seemed sort of embarrased. That is one thing that I never want her to be is embarrased to talk to me so I just dropped it for the night, not wanting to push her. We talked briefly about her decision over the next few days. One night I decided to just push for the reason why she was embarrased. She told me that she thought that she might be too young to make such a decision. "that is something that older people usually do..." I was thinking to myself, "that answer tells me that she understands and is more mature than I thought." I reassured her that she was ready and that it is the most exciting and important decision she could ever make. She shouldn't be embarrased, but excited and anxious to tell others. The next day she told me that she had prayed the prayer again and wasn't as bashful this time!! We rejoiced!

She attended a backyard Bible club a few days later at a friends house. After the Bible lesson, Linlee raised her hand and said that she had something to tell everyone. She proceeded to share her exciting news with a few friends that she knew, some she didn't and some of their mom's. I wasn't there, she did it all on her own. I was touched that she felt that joy and wanted to share it. Since then I have observed her confessing a sin after I got on to her for not listening (which is rare.). She did it very discreetly, but I noticed. That really did my heart good. My doubts about her age are gone and my heart rejoices.

We met with the children's ministry leader and she went through all the in's and out's with Linlee, after that we set a date for baptism. She was baptized July 5th and both sets of grandparents were able to attend. I was able to help her get ready and it was a really special time. I was in awe of her bravery and excitement. I would have never been able to do that in front of that many people when I was her age or even older. Thank goodness she is not shy like I was!!

Here are a few pics from her special day!







Afterward, we went to eat at Jason's Deli (her new favorite place) and the next morning, I sadly and happily sent all three home to Nana and Papa's house for the week. Oh what to do with myself!!!

Waterslide Fun

Our Connect Group (aka ss class) had a social this Saturday. The host was brave enough to make it a family affair. I didn't get a head count but there were 35 + people there and at least half were children. Linlee was the oldest (she is 5). Ponder that one for a few minutes.....brave people!! They all did great though and no major catastrophies. Here are a few pics

There were kids literally climbing the walls. :)





Pretty girls

Sid got in touch with her rapper side...

For Ava

Ava loves watching sidney videos on here so I have to put new ones one occasionally. enjoy!!


Avery came over to "swim" yesterday. Look at those curls!! love it!

Just pictures

 

 

 

 

Fun in the Sun

I have been really busy lately so no blog time. We had a full week of VBS last week and I am just recovering. WOW!! A room full of very active (23 to be exact)4-year olds really made me appreciate the fact that I only have 3 kids!!

After catching up on house stuff all week, I took the kids to the playground and waterpark this morning. We got there at 8:30 hoping to beat the heat, but it was still very hot. They really enjoyed the water this time!!

 

 

Avery was able to come for a little while as well and had a blast!

 

 

Sidney had her 1st juice box (actually fruit and veggie)today and was fascinated by it. She loved it!


She has some of the funniest faces....



Getting Sid's new pool ready for this afternoon.

Just odds and ends

Sidney is getting very comfortable with her walking skills. She will take off all over the house on her own. As soon as anyone else besides our family is around, she gets really shy and won't walk on her own. She takes the "I will ignore them and not look at them and maybe they will disappear" approach. It takes her a few minutes to warm up to people these days. She is still a very happy girl, but has become a major mama's girl.

 

We are enjoying the summer. Our neighbors have a pool which we have visited a few times already. Their girls are 7 and 9. Linlee and Conner just adore them so it has been a great distraction for all of them to get to play together. It should be a great summer. Already very HOT!! I pulled out our kiddie pool today and am getting it ready.

The day after Conner's party where we had a turtle visit, I spotted another one on our front porch. Don't know what the draw is, but we seem to be a magnet for critters.