Ice Cream in May

Yes, I know these (like the last post) are more than a little late, but I thought they were cute enough to share anyway! I feel the need to take a picture any time I catch my kids being cooperative!

Build-a-Bear in Kentucky

Laura and I took the kids to Build-a-Bear while on our annual trek to Kentucky. The kids had a ball. Unfortunately, I only managed to get my camera out one time the whole weekend. :(

Lightbulb Moment

This morning, I sat down to read "The Storm" to Jared from his devotion book that we read together. At the end of first paragraph, I read, "Jesus fell asleep." Jared looked over and said, "I can read this story along with you." He left the room and returned less than a minute later with "Read-Aloud Bible Stories, Vol. 1." He scanned the contents and found the story titled, "The Wind that Obeyed." He proceeded to read the story to me....and it WAS the same story!

I love that he not only knew the story, but knew which of the four books that it was in!

These precious books were gifts to Jared from the Sockwells when Evie was born. They have been much-loved by our two eldest children!

Mother's Day Weekend

Here's a photographical recap of the weekend's highlights.


Child on slide + broom = spotted face. Thankfully it wasn't worse than this!














Look at these beautiful little people! I could gobble them all up!















Teresa took a ride in a 2010 Camaro. Zoom!!

Open the eyes of my heart...

Here are two great conversations from today...

#1 Jared, talking to Evie, "You're gonna have to wash that pink off your toes. 'Cause when you die, you'll look weird in heaven with pink toes." YEP, true story!!!


#2 Evie: "I don't want it to rain."
Mom: "You'll have to take that up with God; I'm not in control of the weather."
Jared: "Yeah, Evie. Mom's not in charge of everything. She's not in charge of when we die, 'cause when she dies, we might still be here and she won't be here to be in control. God is the only everlasting person, He'll be here forever and ever."

Some sand-and-water fun!

We headed to the deck yesterday afternoon for some sand-and-water play. It was hard to resist the 65 degree sunshine (where was that rain the weather people said we were gonna get?). Madison had such a good time, just being happy and saying, "hi" on the phone--to no one!

This is my favorite picture of the day! I wish that cute smile could last forever!

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall

I had the chance to go shopping at IKEA a couple of weeks ago. Here's an adorable mirror I picked up for the little princess who lives at our house.

Little Mommy

Here's a video clip of Evie pretending to change Jared's diaper---a new fascination around here! It was so cute that I grabbed my camera and asked them to do it again!

Just who's in charge around here anyway?

We were watching "Creation Proclaims" this morning (me, Scott, Jared & Evie) and discussing how God gave Adam dominion over the animals of the earth. I asked Jared, "Who's in charge at our house?"

His reply was priceless, not to mention accurate, "Daddy is, on the weekends, or when Mommy's asleep or gone for the day or not at home."

Painting Easter Eggs

The kids had fun painting eggs on Saturday. Really, there is nothing else to say! (thanks, Mom, for taking pictures!)

Okay, so maybe Madison didn't have much fun...

Ladybug Shoes

Evie's outfit was built entirely around those shoes! I picked them up on sale last year in Mansfield, OH, when James & Charity were visiting...Love 'em!

A ride in the Lowe's truck

Jared was over the moon when he got to ride in the Lowe's truck with Daddy. Scott had to rent one of their trucks to bring all of our new shower stuff home.

The Code of Jared

Yesterday we read about Hammurabi during history. The Code of Hammurabi is the first written set of laws, that we know about. We decided it would be fun to create the Code of Jared today.

Here's what he came up with (I corrected only the spelling):

1. I should not have to do my school work
2. When I do not get a sticker I should get a surprise and when I do get a sticker I should get a surprise
3. Do bad and be ready to not share (the exact opposite of a Bible verse we learned recently)
4. If it is raining we should go play out to the yard
5. When I do something bad I should not lose a privilege

Just had to share!

Evie's New 'Do

After much debate at our house over Evie's bangs, I took her for a haircut yesterday. Her bangs were long enough to go in her ponytail, but her hair is still too fine to stay up! So, we went short for the summer. Daddy thinks it's a little too short and our neighbors think she REALLY looks like her mommy now! :) I think it's cute even if it is short. She likes it, too, and that's what counts. NOTE: It was cuter this morning...before church & nap! :)

A political rant

I was ranting in front of Jared this morning about Obama's desire to require students to participate in community service works. I mean, really, mandatory volunteering?? What planet are our officials from???

Anyway, I told Scott I am about ready to put a sign in our yard that says, "The Government is Not Allowed."

A few minutes later, Jared appeared with construction paper and pencil. He said, "I'll write 'is' and 'the' and you write 'government, not, allowed'."

A political activist in the making! :) Hope he stays true to his conservative roots!

This one's for you, Beth!

After racing out the door to meet friends at COSI.....Scott stayed home sick all day (which meant he did NOTHING).....got home with exhausted & happy kids, so we continued to play instead of work. By the time I thought about dinner, here's what I had to deal with first! :)

What a feeling!

Yes, Evie reminds me of some early eighties dancer in this first photo! Jared was taking pictures last night with his digital camera (courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa). He insisted that we download the pics and post a few on our blog.

I love you!

Madison started saying "laaav you" a few days ago. This morning when I got her up, I said, "I love you." She replied, "laaav you mommy."

Totally made my day!

Dinner at Jason's Deli (in Ohio of all places!)

Jason's Deli has finally arrived in Dublin! We are beyond excited. Jason's was a staple in our Texas lives. It was Madison's first Jason's experience, so I felt the need to bust out the camera for some photo fun. Jared ended up with soft serve on his glasses and Evie was just plain messy!

New Shoes for Madison

Now that spring-like weather is here (it comes and goes...), I thought it was time for Madison's first pair of everyday shoes! To say she likes them is an understatement...she carries them around the house like her most prized possession. Way too sweet! Aren't they cute shoes?