O-R-E-O!

We rarely have store-bought cookies in our house. Mainly because of my love for baking my very own; fresh from the oven, homemade cookies just cannot be beat. However, last week I bought some Oreos. I don't even know if my kids have ever had Oreos... maybe at church or at a friend's, but not here. So, when I pulled out a couple after lunch today I was shocked when Jonah said, "These are the cookies you put in milk." "What?" I said. And again he repeated himself, "You put these cookies in milk." How does he know that? Of course, I then poured each of us some milk for these cookies. I guess advertising works- and he was right, they are the cookies you put in milk. Yum!

We're missing...

...this guy!

We're coming to the end of a 12-day span that has Daddy away for work and boy do we all miss him. The boys have been fantastic, but tonight Noah had a sad moment and he quietly began crying. I asked him if he missed Daddy and he said yes. So, we called Jas, but Noah couldn't stop crying enough to talk. About 10 minutes afterwards, he looked at me and said, "I can talk now." So, we called back and he was so happy to have some quality phone time. It was too sweet.

We can't wait for you to get home, hon. We love, love, love you. Mommie needs some sleep- and a hug- and your "tough guys" are ready to wrestle and fight!

Merry Christmas... in July

Christmas in July cards...now a tradition in our family! Merry Christmas! Stay posted for our annual "Christmas" letter!

Grandma Visits!

Jason's mom was able to come for a visit from Virginia to spend about two weeks with us. We had a wonderful time. The boys loved all the play time and special outings... playing checkers at Cracker Barrel,
a little shopping at the mall,one of several new Bionicles (compliments of Grandma),a trip to the zoo,icecream at the zoo,climbing at the park,looking at snakes at the nature center,swinging at another park, playing with the new lego set,going out for icecream after the movies,learning the states with the new puzzle,playing in the river, opening "belated birthday" gifts,splashing in the fountain downtown,more icecream, racing cars on the track,making cookies,and playing in the new pool!

And, for the 4th of July weekend, we headed to McCall and...went on a beautiful hike, had a picnic lunch,played with sticks,skipped rocks,enjoyed silliness and shopping in town,played in the lake,
and ate some more icecream!

Oh, and we watched some great fireworks over the lake, too! What a busy and fun time! We made some wonderful memories. She spoiled us all (Jason and I even got a date night!)- thank you, Grandma! We love you!

Now you see why I'm having to adjust back to our "normal" routine! :)

Cycling

Our oldest turned four last week and we got him a bike. He was thrilled! Here are some pics from his first ride...

While I was walking beside him, he looked at me and said, "I ride just like you and Dad, Mom. I ride just like you and Dad." They watch everything we do, don't they? He was so very proud.
I'm sure we'll be taking off those training wheels before we know it!

The only thing better than riding his bike, is riding his bike with some of his favorite buddies...

The Graduate

Well, I'm back from celebrating my baby brother's high school graduation. Glad I was there to witness it- otherwise I might not have believed it! The year that I started college, Mark started kindergarten- so I often remember him as that cute, blond-headed 5-year old. Time flies, doesn't it?

Congratulations, class of 2008!

It was so good to be home with the family for a long visit. More updates to come... I promise.

The Greatest of These is Love

Seven years ago yesterday, I married the love of my life. It's been quite the adventure these past seven years- a master's degree, two babies, four moves, a few job changes- several of these transitions simultaneously! What a busy season of life, yet a wonderful season.

We spent a quiet, relaxing evening at home last night (without the kids) enjoying a wonderful dinner, and looking back through scrapbooks of our life together. It was such an amazing reminder of all our blessings.

It's been fantastic, but I believe the best is yet to come. I love you, hon. Happy Anniversary.