It's July??

Seriously? Where did June go??

Jessica came over today. Yeah us! Jessica has been my friend since the dawn of time. And the dawn of time began in Jr. High. It's hard to believe that it's been something like 18 years that we have been friends. Anyway, it's so hard to get together with her in the Summer. With her girls going to their Dad's and her working and babysitting schedule combined with my working and babysitting schedule, it just wasn't happening. I was so excited when Jessica offered to come and see us today. She didn't have the girls, but we will take her anyway.

We have a fun closet that has been turned into a little playroom that is known as the clubhouse. It's very popular with all the kids who come over to play. Even my Visiting Teacher's little guy can't wait to play when they come to visit. Jess and I had the boys up there and they were in heaven. Sam kept answering Barbie's phone in our play hotel. He was too cute sitting on the hotel dangling his fat little feet. He's actually light enough to get away with it.

While sitting up there today, I got the urge to get it painted especially looking at these pictures. Those are the sweet Grandma's grandkids handprints and I haven't really had the heart to paint over them. I really want it to be painted like a secret garden. Funny thing is that I have no drawing or painting talent.

It's fun to have Jessica over even though we don't do anything exciting. We hung around my house making cookies (even though it was 101 degrees outside) and laughed at the boys playing together. In true teenager style, I did Jessica's hair and makeup then went shopping. After we came home we snapped a few pics of her 'cause she looked so pretty. Check it out! She actually posted some.

Thanks for coming to visit Jessica! I can't wait to get together again.

Just because......

Just because we bombarded Aunt Jessie at the last minute, just because she is awesome like that, just because baby bottoms are cute, just because we have so many pictures of Sam and just because we wanted more.

Blessed with good friends.

Been playing with Jessica today. Jessica took lots and lots of pictures of the kiddos for me. It's my Christmas present. I know!

How lucky am I?

She promises that she will have some edited soon to share. I am so excited!!

Generosity

I have been blessed with many generous people in my life. These are just a few.

My sister-in-law Megan - otherwise known as Dee-Dee or Mrs. Nowitzki. Picture artfully taken by Jake. She is fun one that girl! She gave me the shirt of her back. Literally! We came for dinner a few weeks ago and she was wearing the most darling pink button down shirt and I just loved it. I couldn't stop loving it. She made an excuse that it didn't fit her that well and gave it to me. Right then and there. I couldn't believe it and I was so excited!! It's darling and I love it just as much as the leopard print ballet flats that she got me from Target. As she says, everyone needs leopard print shoes. I get tons of compliments on my new duds and I don't care if Ryan makes fun of my cute shoes. It's nice to be spoiled Dee-Dee!

Jessica has to be one of the most generous people that I know. Everytime I visit her house, we always have dinner, take pictures and bake something yummy. Then she sends me home with goodies. Most times it's bags of clothes for either Mia or Sam. Sometimes a plate of her famous peanutbutter cookies. And big things like the Bumbo chair that we loved for Sam. Just this last trip, she insisted I borrow her old camera until I could get a new one. It's just so Jessica. Always giving never expecting anything in return. She is a true friend. Thanks Jessie-Becky! I promise that I will take good care of it. Because of Jessica, I was able to take this picture of the kids all freshly bathed reading together before bedtime. They were so sweet reading together. I love Fat Sam's fat finger pointing like his big sister was. I love Mia's little feet and Jake's concentration. That old camera of ours would of never taken the picture. The flash doesn't work and the fact that it randomly saves some pictures and not others.

Then there was the random stranger at Walmart. Jake has a huge jar of pennies that are just burning a hole in his pocket. He desperately wanted to buy some Pokemon cards with all of those pennies. Thinking that there was a money counting machine at the store, I let him bring them. As luck would have it, there wasn't one and we ended up counting 423 pennies out at a empty checkout. While counting, a sweet women walked up to me and placed $20 by the jar and said "Please, just take it." and quickly walked away. I was surprised by it and ran after her to give it back. She was crying and hugging her baby. I told her that I couldn't take her money and she said through tears that she couldn't stand to see us counting pennies to buy groceries. That she had been there and it had been hard. It was so sweet. I gave her a big hug and told her that she had a big heart and explained about Jake wanting to buy the cards. I can imagine her walking by and seeing the few groceries in our cart and all of us working together on counting out sets of 10 pennies. I can imagine her remembering the pain of financially tough times and her intense desire to help. I have thought about her often since then. I hope she isn't embarrassed by her actions. They were so thoughtful.

All these women have touched my life these last few weeks. Their example shines bright to me. They remind me to bless others with my time, talents and extra goods. I share the stories here so I will remember them and so their example can shine through into your lives as well.

I have been blessed with many generous people in my life.

Happy October

Been playing at Jessica's house!

9 months!

I can't believe this little guy has been with us for 9 months already. It's going by too quickly. Before I know it, he will be toddling around here causing major havoc. Samalicious, you are still a content little guy. Happy to be quiet and watch the action. You are content with one little toy. You really love the games that Jake and Mia play with you. They like to tickle your feet and bounce your tummy to make you giggle. It's a tiny little baby giggle. You especially think fake sneezes are hysterical. You are giving giggles out morenow and we can't get enough of them.

You roll, and roll, and roll again all over the place. You are starting to find your knees. You either push up on your hands or get your knees under you. Never at the same time. All the better. We aren't in any hurry to have you crawling around. It's that much closer to walking and that means you won't be our squishy little baby anymore.

You have four little teeth. The top two teeth just popped out these past weeks. You look too cute with those little chipmunk teeth poking out. You love to sing and your babble. Sometimes, you will lean over and very deliberately say "Dah!" as to say "Hey, s'up?" then you flash your toothy grin and squinty nose and we can't help but laugh.

You love your reflection in the mirror and give yourself plenty of kisses. You love to play "beep" and "bonkus" with Dad. Those are your special tricks for him. Daddy says you are a Mama's boy. You love to snuggle with Gram and she can almost always get you to sleep.

We love you more and more everyday! Our Sammy boy-boy. I can't imagine our life without you.

Love, Mom

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Tonight was Mattie's 1st birthday party. We had a good time playing over at Jessica's house. The kids are getting along so well and don't ever want to leave when it's time to go. Thanks to Jessica for the pictures of Sammy boy. Since my camera is out of commission, I am thankful for the few quick shots she got of him. Even if he is all dirty.

Happy Birthday Mattie!

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My niece Brianne called tonight and announced that is expecting a girl at the end of January! We are very excited! She has had a special name picked out since she was 8 years old. I am not going to post it since she doesn't want it jinxed. She said tonight that if anyone near her named their daughter that, she would have to move far, far away. Brianne is the best little mommy ever. She is so calm and her little guy Davis is the funniest little man. I have many girly projects that I want to get done for your new baby! Congratulations!!

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Another niece Kaylin, has started her own blog. Check her out here. Her husband Jason is the one that took those fabulous pictures of Mia. She's such a fan chickadee. I think that you enjoy her blog too.

Phew, that's a big post for me. Have a good night!