Grandpa's Orchard...

Jude and I had so much fun in Grandpa's orchard last week.
I don't get very much quality time with this guy
because he'd rather be with Daddy if given the choice.

Mama enjoyed it...

Always on the lookout for an airplane.
He loves them and can spot 'em instantly.






















































He was so horrible to me a couple weeks ago.
He would just whine, sob and scream all day, every day. But as soon as Daddy walked in the door he was all smiles. One night I told Lyle I'd had it and needed a break. I locked myself in the bathroom all evening and read my book. When I finally emerged, all soggy from my bath, Jude looked at me with the sweetest smile on his face and said, "You. Look....Pretty, Mama!"
He hates it when I'm upset with him and knows exactly how to turn me into a puddle of goo in a mere instant. Works every time. It would do Daddy good to learn a thing or two from him.
Little monster...

Bebe

Surprise!

Or not…

For those of you who haven’t heard the news yet...

We are expecting again!

And we are overjoyed.

This Bebe should be here sometime in early June. And even though I’ll probably not make it that long I’ve decided to call this little one our “June Bug” until it makes an appearance, as I am determined to save the surprise until I can hold it in my arms and see for myself whether it be boy or girl.

This is a large leap of faith for us and we are trusting that God will provide for the many needs that are a result of welcoming this baby into our world. I know we are loved and taken care of and I can honestly say that I’m not the least bit anxious. God has burdened my heart deeply to have this child. And I am convicted. The excuses I could give for not having another child are petty and selfish and cannot begin to compare to the joy of a brand new soul and the hope of sharing eternity with it.

I thank God for this new life and cannot wait to meet another one of my babies...

***Did you notice the poll in my sidebar? Don't forget to vote!***

Does anyone remember him?

Isn't he beautiful?

And now...

Isn't he beautiful?

Camden,

you glow.
You are a joy.
It is a honor to be your Mama.
Happy Birthday, Big Boy!
I love you.

As you turn 4...

You love everyone as if they’re your best friend.
You are never shy and no one intimidates you.
Your self-confidence is outstanding.
Your smile, radiant.
You twinkle and shine like no other.
You are so very joyFULL.
You tell Mama every day that you love her.
You love Jesus and know that He loves you.
You love to tease and love to be teased.
You are strong willed.
You are academic.
You are tender.
You are amazing.
You are our very big BOY.

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday Tess!

This girl has the most beautiful soul.
I have yet to find its match.

For all of you who didn't know her back when she was cuter than a bug's ear,
Or for those who did and would like a trip down memory lane...

September...

Just one of the boys on our way home from checking the mail last night.
We could not ask for more bea-u-tiful weather!
Have I mentioned before that this is my favorite time of year?
Lovin it!

Spidey Tighties and Princess Panties

In the throes of potty training.
Yes, we are.

The last of the twin "milestones" that have filled me with dread.
(You know: pregnancy, nursing, NOT sleeping through the night, walking. All the things you cringe about when you imagine it in a double dose.)
Had I known how easy these two would make it,
I would have done this months ago.
But, then, maybe it wouldn't have been this easy months ago.

I thought it sounded easier to tackle one at a time.
I tried Gwyn 1st. She seemed the most ready for it.
But after days of doing great she would suddenly decide she wanted nothing to do with it and refuse to go in anything but a diaper. After all, that's what Jude still got to do.
And Jude, not to be outdone, started begging to go on the big potty like Sissy got to.
So "double the fun" it was.

Only, they've done GREAT!
Easier than Camden was by himself, if I'm being honest.
Yes, I practically live in the bathroom.
And they still have accidents.
And Gwyneth still gets spittin mad she can't go standing up,
like her brothers get to.
And I pack a bag full of unders everywhere we go.
But this time the constant rivalry these two share seems to have worked for MY benefit.
And just maybe it'll be the same with things like schoolwork...

I'm not holding out any hope.
But for now I'm reveling in my new-found freedom from changing diapers and having this milestone crossed of the dreaded list.
Not to mention the $$$ saved on diapers.

Oh, yes.
It does feel grand.