Happy Easter!

The boys had their Easter pictures today. I love Portrait Innovations, but I stuck to my guns when discussing what I wanted to buy. Of course, I could have spent lots of money; all the pictures were great! I settled on these 2 poses, though. The one of Stephen is for his 4 year old picture. I love that the boys' birthdays match up so nicely with holidays! Enjoy...and Happy Easter!!!

Our Next Baby!

This morning we bought a new van and later in the morning saw amazing pictures of our newest addition! After much debate and thought, we finally settled on a Nissan Quest which we bought off Craigslist. We used the Dave Ramsey method, and I feel like we got a great deal! Plus, I love the van, and that's a big deal 'cause I'm not really into being a "mini-van Mom." The ultrasound was great, and I kept thinking back to Psalms 139 and God's amazing creation. Thankfully, the baby looks healthy, and we are right at 18 weeks. The technician could easily tell if it was a boy or girl, but we closed our eyes, so we wouldn't know! It was hard, but Jeremy and I have decided to let this baby be a surprise. It makes the due date more exciting (and seem longer away!). Enjoy the glimpses of God's newest, amazing creation in our family!

Little feet


Covering his/her face








Little hand

Soccer Season Is Here!

How dare I blog about Caleb's boo-boo and leave out Stephen's first soccer practice and game of the spring season! That's why you're getting 2 posts in 1 day! Unheard of...but don't worry, it will probably be another 2 weeks before I blog again!=)

Last Thursday, Stephen finally had his first soccer practice. The previous 2 had been cancelled due to rain. He's on a team with 2 of his friends from church, James and Andrew. We've been really excited to get the season going!

Just 2 days later, on Saturday, Stephen had his first game. They handed out uniforms, and we were a little dismayed by the jersey color! Wow! Could it get any brighter!=)

Stephen started out the game a little timid, but he warmed up pretty quickly. By the end, he had scored 3 goals! We were very proud of him (and would have been even without the goals!). It's so refreshing being outside on Saturday mornings and watching him run around! Thank You, Lord, for Stephen!


Stephen's first practice (wearing last season's jersey)


Number 5...which he somehow got again this season???


Jeremy and Caleb enjoying practice (prior to the boo-boo, of course!)


THE JERSEYS! And getting a little guidance from the coach


Warm-ups


Pre-game huddle

Just In Time for Pictures

Yep...I've got Easter pictures scheduled for next Tuesday. Caleb gets his stitches out on Monday night! Unbelievable!

Last night while I was fixing dinner, Stephen and Caleb were playing together in the living room. They were laughing it up and running everywhere. It was such a sweet moment that I almost got my video camera. I'm used to hearing them struggle and fuss over who had what toy. Last night was different...

Until I heard a loud bang and deafening cry from Caleb. I walked around the corner, and Stephen immediately said, "I didn't do it. I didn't do it. I didn't do it!" Even now, a day later, I'm not sure if he really "didn't do it." Guess I'll never know. What I do know, though, was that Caleb was bleeding terribly, immediately over his right eyebrow. I picked him up, laid him back in my arms, and grabbed some toilet paper to apply pressure.

Stephen followed me upstairs as I looked for the phone to call Jeremy. I could tell this not just a cut but more of a gash. Jeremy immediately came home and in the meantime I got us an appointment with Caleb's pediatrician. Stephen kept following me around handing me bandaids, Caleb's blanket, etc. It was sweet but pitiful. By this time, though, Caleb had stopped crying and was ready to play again. He bounced back very quickly.

At the pediatrician's office, the Dr. immediately said that it was too deep and long to "glue" back together. He sent us to an urgent care down the street that specializes in children. Jeremy dropped me and Caleb off (he doesn't do well with blood; Stephen's the exact same!), and he and Stephen headed to McDonald's for dinner. My half cooked meal sat on the kitchen counter til I was able to finish it last night around 10 and put it in the fridge for tonight.

The Dr. there last night was actually the wife of my favorite Dr. at the boys' pediactrician. I was glad to see someone that I trusted. She gave me the option of letting her stitch Caleb up or take him to the ER where they could put him to sleep and do it. She was a little fearful that at Caleb's age he wouldn't be still, and we'd end up at the ER anyways. After thinking for a little while, I decided it was worth a shot to do it there.

They cleaned Caleb up really well and put a numbing medicine on him for 15 minutes. I distracted him with books and stickers while the medicine settled in. Finally, they laid him on a bed with a bright light shining on his face. Two nurses held him on one side while I, and the Dr. working on him, held the other. Honestly, I could barely watch. My stomach has not been super strong this pregnancy. I did my best to talk to him, though, and he was amazingly cooperative. It wasn't until stitch number 3 that he lost it, and I was glad to pick him up and comfort him in my arms.

We go back next week, and they'll take the stitches out. I can already tell he's gonna have a nice scar, but hey, that only makes him fit better into our family. We are all scarred up!=)

He slept well last night and has been his playful self today. I still feel sorry for him when I see that boo-boo over his eye. Admittedly, I've tried so hard to protect him over the past few weeks. He's the exact age Stephen was when we had the wreck, and I've struggled to keep him from suffering. While this was minor in comparison, God reminded me that these boys are His. That every day I've got to let go. I've got to give them to Him and trust Him to take care of them. I know His plans aren't easy, but they're always best. It was amazing last night, though, being able to pick Caleb up and comfort him. How I longed to do that when Stephen was this age.

My thought before falling asleep was, "When will I ever be normal?" Will stuff like this ever not be a big deal to me? Will my mind ever not race back to 2007? Doubtful. And the truth is, I don't think I want to be normal!=) I want to cherish being a Mommy. I want to love comforting my children when they need it. I want to be different no matter how hard it is! That is what God has called our family to! And we'll celebrate it even in the stitches!=)


Boys will be boys!


Stephen showing off Caleb's boo-boo!


Stephen was in rare form this morning when I tried to snap some pictures of Caleb. He was being so silly for the camera!



More of my silly boy!



Pitiful, happy Caleb! What a blessing!=)

Our Long Date!!!

Jeremy and I had wonderful "date night" thist past Friday night. Here's how it went:

We drove down to Graham on Friday and had lunch with my Mom and Maw-Maw who took Stephen and Caleb home with them. Jeremy and I then headed back to Durham. He had told me to pack a bag when we left, but I had no idea where we were going.

My first surprise was the beautiful bouquet of flowers he had ordered for me. We picked them up on the way to my next surprise. Next, we headed to a nice hotel in Raleigh and checked into our room. It was very beautiful (and according to Jeremy not too expensive!).

For dinner, we went to the Cheesecake Factory. Since I've been pregnant, this restaurant has been one of my cravings. I love their cheesecake, of course, but their parmesan chicken with alfredo sauce is even better. Over dinner Jeremy and I talked about how gracious God has been to us throughout our marriage. We reminisced on how He has abundantly met our needs and wants. No one in this world could understand God's provision quite like Jeremy and I understand it together. When our waiter brought us the bill, he told us that our entree was free since it had been prepared wrong (and yes, I was totally nice about this) and took so long to come out. Jeremy and I just laughed again at God's provision and tipped our waiter extra!

We then headed to the Summit for a marriage conference with Paul Tripp. It was so awesome! There were over 600 people there. Both Jeremy and I learned so many new things and were reminded of a lot of other things we had forgotten.

On Saturday morning we woke up and headed back to the Summit for the second part of the conference. Again, Paul Tripp was great, and the Lord revealed many things to both me and Jeremy. I am thankful for this time of growth for both us.

After the conference, we went out to eat with a newly married couple whom we have been mentoring. The Summit has a great mentorship program for engaged couples that carries over into their first few months of marriage. Spending time with these two has strengthened mine and Jeremy's marriage, and I'm confident God has great things in store for them.

At this point in our weekend date, I was tired!=) I could have headed back home and napped for hours on end, but we still had a little while before picking up the boys. There's a golf course right across the street from our home, and Jeremy has been itching to play it. The weather was perfect on Saturday so off we went. Jeremy played 9 holes, and I walked with him. Yes, I got a little tired towards the end, but it was so much fun! It reminded me of our "golfing days" back before we had kids. I admit that I'm looking forward to rejoining him on the course again in the future!=)

We picked up the boys later that night and headed back home and well, really, back to reality. I sure love our boys, but it is so much different without them. Marriage is hard work, especially after you had kids. But after our long date, it was worth it!=)

I'm not digging this picture of us, but it's the only one we took!=)

Forever!!!

Yes, it's been forever since I've blogged, and here's my excuse...NOTHING! Seriously, I have been busy (like everyone), but I have no great reason for why it's been about 2 weeks since I've last blogged. A brief catch-up would be...

Stephen and Caleb have been their normal, silly selves. Caleb has started to (finally) enjoy reading and is picking up a new word (or sound) almost daily. Stephen has been playing with his Thomas trains again more recently and is gearing up to start spring soccer this week. We love that it's getting warmer!

The "new baby" is growing, and I'm officially 15 weeks. We had an ultrasound a week ago, but it was, of course, too early to find out if this little one will be a girl or boy. We go March 26th for another ultrasound and will hopefully find out then. As of last week, I'm finally able to feel this baby moving. It is such an amazing thing! I've avoided maternity clothes as of now but know the inevitable will be here soon!=)

This past weekend I completed Basic Leader Training with Weight Watchers. I can finally start leading a group of my own and am excited about the doors the Lord opens. This should be another tremendous way to help people, which is what I love (and very flexible!).

I'll post some pictures as I know they are much more interesting than what I write!=) Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Joy is clueless when it comes to playing catch!


Enjoying the sunshine (and dogs) a little!


Sweet Caleb!


A homemade pizza we made (and trust me, this wasn't Weight Watchers!)


Kisses for everyone!


My crazy boys!


Getting ready to leave for church


Our new baby...It's a picture of a picture which makes it more blurry. You can see the baby's head on your right and little body on your left.