Myrtle Beach

Last week Matt took off work and we took off to the beach. We went to South Carolina and spent the week with his family. It was of course nice to get away and let Cale enjoy some of his "firsts." We went swimming immediately when we arrived at MeMe and PaPa's house. I couldn't get Cale's clothes off and swim diaper on fast enough as he was trying to literally jump in the pool...he LOVES the water.

Ella made herself right at home as well.

Riding on the bouncy horse that used to be daddy's.The next morning we left for the beach...here is our first touch of sand...

Still checking it out.

DIVA...

Cale did A LOT of this...And again...

I couldn't even get his wet clothes off fast enough before he passed out as I was changing him. No, he didn't stay there, Matt took him inside.

Going to dinner.

Eating watermelon with PaPa...this is tradition. We used to do the same thing with Papa John when we were kids.

Cale and PaPa

My little "brownie berry"

Knocked out on Uncle Josh...you know you are really sleeping good when the paci just sort of hangs in limbo:)
Obviously, we had a great time and enjoyed the beach and our vacation very much!

Father's Day

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.

~Sigmund Freud

Happy Father's day to my wonderful husband, my dad, Papa John, father-in-law and the rest of the dad's out there. Your's truly is such an important job and we appreciate all that you do!

Sweet memories...

Six years ago today, Matt proposed. What a special and wonderful day it was, I've been remembering it all day...what he did, what he said, how I felt. He asked me earlier if I had it to do over again would I say the same. Without a doubt, I absolutely would. Yes, to his request was one of the smartest things I ever did. There are few things I would do differently if I could...that is most definitely not one of them! I'm so blessed the Lord put him in my life and so thankful that he wanted to spend forever with me.

Because of that one question we have grown and matured as a couple and doubled as a family. I guess it really is just a testament to our Lord's best laid plans. Neither of us knew at that time what He had in store for us, but I'm so glad we followed His will.

Nine months...

Wow! I can't believe that my baby boy is nine months old already! He is so happy and growing so quickly. He is wearing an 18 or 24 months and size 5 in diapers. He "commando" crawls around the house sliding on his belly with his arms and feet. He WON'T get on his knees. He would prefer to walk (or run), but hasn't figured that out yet. He stands well and bounces as long as he is holding on to something. I'm in NO hurry. He says, "da da", "ma ma", "bye bye", "hey" and "ba ba" which is either bite or bottle or basically just put something to eat in my mouth. He eats everything and LOVES it. Matt gave him his first hamburger the other night and he ate it like it was covered in chocolate. He eats two helpings at dinner and usually finishes off whatever Ella doesn't eat. He still jumps, smiles and squeals through meal time, some things haven't changed. He lights up when Matt walks in the room, but cuddles and loves on me as if he was still newborn. He laughs at everything Ella does, even if she is just standing there. He watches her like a hawk and she is so good at calming him when he cries, especially in the car. He has two teeth on the bottom and is cutting his third on top. He has great hand-eye coordination, always has. He can grab something, hold onto to it, pass it from one hand to the other and throw it ACROSS the room. He uses his left hand a lot, but it is still early to tell...this would be about the only thing that he got from me if he in fact turns out left-handed. He is definitely "Mr. Recessive." I think he and Ella are finally beginning to favor each other, but are still completely opposite. She is very nurturing toward him and helpful to me. She is even understanding when he pulls her hair though we are trying very diligently to teach him that "girls don't like that"...he just laughs! We sure do love our son and baby brother. With two, there is never a dull moment, but is a little easier in that they do entertain each other most times. Running errands, however, NOT easier and will WEAR YOU OUT!! Happy nine months, Cale. You are such a sweet boy, we love you like crazy!

Thoughtless Thursday...

Cale's dedication and Mother's Day

We had Cale dedicated this weekend on Mother's Day. Mine and Matt's families were here for the weekend and everyone else came in on Sunday for the service and then lunch at our house. It was a special day and we had a wonderful time visiting with everyone and celebrating such a special event and holiday.

Uncle Josh with the man of the hour before we left...he was SOOO sleepy!

Mommy and big sister.Uncle Zach and Ella.

Josh, Cale and MeMe

Our family.

My first Mother's Day as a "double mommy"!

Four generations of women (and Cale)

The reasons the day was so special! It's extremely hard getting a quality picture with two!!!

The cake

Papa John, Harriet, Honey and Gran having lunch.John, Zach, Carlie and Jesse having lunch on the porch...it was a beautiful day!!

Cale and his great grandfather.

Honey and Cale. My mom was such a lifesaver this week. She came down early to help with the kids and help me get everything ready around the house before the big event. There were even several times I got to go shop or run errands BY MYSELF, which was so nice and much easier! I couldn't have done it without her and I'm so very thankful for her...I love you, mom!!

Ella loving on Papa before he left.

This year I got my first homemade Mother's day card. Of course I cried and this is what it said...

"To Mommy,

Thank you for making me breakfast and changing my diaper. For kissing my boo boo to make it feel betta. For giving me your chicken sandwich even though you are hungry. Thank you for loving me like crazy. We love you very much!!

Ella, Cale and Daddy"

More from Matt

Since posting the pictures of the canvas paintings that Matt did for the play room there have been several inquiries about his artistic ability. No, that's not the only type of painting he does. Yes, he can do pretty much anything and no, painting isn't his only medium. SO, I thought I would post some of the other things he has done most recently for your viewing pleasure. Plus, it gives me the opportunity to brag on him a little bit, which I'm sure he feels I probably don't do enough!

This one he did for a friend after his trip to Alaska.

This one he did for SoSo of her own fly fishing reel and fly.

This he did for a friend and made the frame.

This one he did for a friend of her house.This he did for a friend for his wife of one of their wedding photos.

This one he did for his boss and his son.

And, this one he did for me the first year we were married for my birthday...

There are others, but these are all the pictures I had. He did a baseball theme for Zach, an Auburn collage for John and a portrait of our dog for my mom. It's hardly fair that he is the provider and provides all the talent in the family. I decorate and take care of the kids...but, I'm not complaining!!