Girls can tend the lawn too

Grass...not as tasty as it looks.

magdalene's first graham crackers

I think she likes them!!

'Psychotic Jockey'

i

Yay...I figured out how to add videos!! And this one, I think you will all agree, is a classic!

Precious Pair

Okay, I'm a little biased. But really...has there ever been two such gorgeous darlings??

Like I said...My buddy

The Big # 3

Oh my...our little boy just isn't so little anymore. Three years old!! And what an event! We went to the zoo, went to the pool, opened gifts, had blueberry pancakes, and have been playing with all the new stuff ever since. No wonder we are all a little wiped out by this celebration. All that and I am still reeling from the fact that another year has gone by. In a way it seems like yesterday we were seeing that first little + sign. But also, strangely it seems I've spent an eternity with my boy... I know him through and through (although I still sometimes wonder... how in the world does he come up with this stuff!) Thank the Lord, I have been able to spend my days not only marveling at the big 'moments' of his growing up, but also just living life - going through the daily mundane alongside this remarkable child...my buddy!

Strollin'

We love our stroller!! Okay, so Gideon has his 'tough man' face on but clearly Maggie is having a good time. And... what a workout for Mama pushing about 50 pounds up our super-inclined streets!! Oh how we do love our walks; Magdalene takes in the scenery while Gideon and I talk about every subject you can imagine! (what is that plant called, where is that cat today, who lives in that house, do you see any cows?? - the boy is like a sponge!!)

Gorgeous Girl

Memorial Day

The first summer pool outing...wow!! Well, safe to say that Gideon is over any small fears of swimming that might have lingered from last year. He must have lapped that pool a dozen times, not bad for a two-year-old in spider-man floaties! Meanwhile, Magdalene was not such a big fan. As you can see, we found a nice shady spot where she could recover from the trauma. As huge as Gideon has gotten in a year, I was kinda glad that Jake was on the other end of his leaping in the pool.

New boots

Actually, these boots are about 2 months old. I bought Gideon and myself a pair during the really wet season, so that rain or shine our yard work could go on. I went ahead and got Gideon's 2 sizes too big so he could get them on his little 'hobbit' feet by himself (the way he prefers all things these days). Anyhow, for the past month no matter where he goes, no matter what he wears on his body, this is his footwear. Yes they have caused a few tantrums and a few butt-whuppins, but that boy loves his new boots.

Growin' up and prettier everyday

Oh how the time flies & not much extra for blogging!! My sweet Magdalene is being weaned this week. I mistakenly thought it would be as easy as it was with Gideon. Ever the high-maintenance baby, Maggie refused plain formula. After much taste-testing and experimental concoctions, we discovered a few drops of molasses per bottle suited 'her majesty's palette. (Thanks to 'Granna' for the winning recipe) So we are over that hump, only now I have to learn to adjust. I always thought these women who cried when it was time to wean were crazy. I mean 'hallelujah I'm free at last' is more like it right? Well come to find out I'm not quite as tough when it comes to my darling girl. However, after only one day of real boo-hooing and a couple of 'cheat' night-time nursings, I think I'm letting go as well as any 'Mama' can be expected!!

Posin'

Just us girls - and yes her eyes are turning brown - I'm just sure of it this time

Fishing

What a big event - Gideon's first real fishing trip. He and Jake were invited to go with the Browns. I was sure that zipping across the lake in a fast boat would terrify any 2-yr-old. Not this one!! They had a blast, and caught a good load of catfish.

Connor

Today is the first I've blogged since our little nephew arrived. Shane is quite the proud Daddy of course. And Connor himself is just perfect - as both parents have told me! I can't wait to get my hands on him & let him meet his cousins!

Mouth full 'o' grapes

that's my special boy

Almost 5 months now

and what a beauty!!

Getting a break

1st blog in a while... last week was a long one to say the least. Magdalene is teething already, and totally miserable. So she and I have been a little cranky-functioning on very little sleep. This tends to also bring out the worst in Gideon. He has been quite a monster, probably the worst week of 'terrible twos' I've ever experienced!! Needless to say I am a little frazzled and in need of a break. 'Papa Donny' to the rescue!! He came and captured the boy yesterday and is keeping him a few days. Of course each time I've called to check in on them Gideon is just being an angel... typical. Meanwhile, Maggie and I are not quite sure what to do with so much peace and quiet. So pretty much we just sleep...A Lot. Looks like Gideon is really suffering and missing us bad, huh?

Little Miss Maggie Belle

Today Gideon is stuck inside - it rained all night and our yard is a swamp. This is not a good thing for a busy little boy. Yesterday we actually got out in the rain for a while. I figured everyone that drove by was wondering if I had run out of ritalin!! Gideon was zipping through the puddles in the gutter, making dinosaur noises. That's just him - all boy! I had to strip him down to his Elmo undies to come inside and it occured to me again... he is growing up so fast. So today, all cooped up, he has created himself a workstation out of every stool and chair we own. When I asked him why he was precariously standing on one of the stools, he informed me, "Mama, sometimes I have work to do."

Our blue-eyed boy

gideon's 'pony'

just learning

I am so behind the times. This is the first blogging I have ever done, so please forgive whatever mistakes I make. Anyway, I have some friends that have set up on this website and it looks like a good way to keep up with folks and show off recent pics of the kiddos!! Hope I get the hang of it soon.