The Orchid

On the window sill in the dinning room there sits an orchid. My mother-in-law left if for me to care for while she is overseas for the year. It had a few blooms on it when she left and has bloomed another time since she's been gone. Now as we await their arrival, just a few weeks from now, it is in full bloom yet again. It is absolutely magnificent. I am in awe of a God who has created such a delicate, intricate and beautiful flower. Isn't He good?!

Birthday Catch Up

Joey gave me a Birth-week this year instead of a Birthday. It was so much fun. The first day he watched the boys while I got a pedicure and then he took me to the mall and bought me a two new shirts. Then on Tuesday he took me to the Seattle Art Museum and we got to look at a exibit showcasing some impressionist painters. It was really great. On Wednesday my actual birthday I went out on the town with some close friends and we had a GREAT time laughing, eating good food and enjoying yummy drinks. My favorite drink was a "Jade Martini" I don't know if they have it anywhere else, but it was lovely! Thursday there was a BBQ at our house, it was a lot of fun to have more friends over, play some volleyball and stuff our faces with hamburgers! Friday we left to go camping in eastern/central Washington. All in all it was an EXCELLENT birthday. I am so blessed by my great hubby. I have to tell you though one of my favorite parts was the little notes he left me each morning to tell me what the day held. What can I say I am a sucker for love notes :-) Here are just a few pictures of the week. Better late than never :-)

Here I am opening the Wii that Joey got me for my birthday. It has been a fun addition to the house!

Yep, I'm officially 30!

Sitting with the boys (l-r Thomas, Josiah and James)

Benson on our camping trip, he had loads of fun.

Josiah loved playing in the water where we were camping. It was a great trip.

Out With The Old, In With The New

For Mother's Day Joey got me a new kitchen faucet. I suppose he also got a new kitchen faucet for his Mom for mother's day too, since we live in their house while they are overseas. Anyhoo, the old faucet leaked, was gettin' kinda worn down and really just needed to be replaced. It was a great mother's day idea and I was super excited to have it installed.
Life being what it is, Joey just got an opportunity to install it this weekend, just in time for my birthday! So, now we have a brand new kitchen faucet! YEAH!!!

Old faucet.

Josiah and Joey working on the sink. Too cute!

The New faucet! Ain't it purdy?

You may have noticed that I mentioned above that Joey got it installed just in time for my birthday...yep, thats right its my birthday. Today actually! So far it has been one of my best birthdays ever. Joey has given me a "birth-week" instead of just one day this birthday is lasting all week. I've gotten a pedicure, new clothes, a trip to the art museum and so much more. It is really too much and I am overjoyed. But there is one more thing I would really love for my birthday...I'd love to know who all looks at this thing. So, if you can and would, please leave me a quick note saying Hi or whatever and maybe how I know you, or if I don't how you found my blog. That would top off my birthday just right!

Thanks, you all are way too good to me :-)

It Has Begun...

I knew that having boys would mean "wrestling mania" would eventually be a part of my daily life. I had no idea it would happen so soon.

A quick roll and Benson is down...

Using his amazing strength, Josiah holds him down as he quickly moves to his feet...

Throwing his leg over Benson's head, Josiah maintains his position of power...

Benson moves his arm in desperation trying to stop the inevitable...

Benson is no match for Josiah's raw power. He uses all of his weight to pin Benson's shoulders to the mat...

1...2...3...Its over. Josiah has won the match.

The victor celebrates with a quick kick to his opponent's head. Off camera of course so the judges can't see it in the instant replay...

Oh buddy, what have I gotten myself into?!!! :-)

Our Happy Little Man

Last week Benson turned 8 months old! I can hardly believe it. It doesn't really seem all that long ago that I was lying in a Moroccan hospital wondering if we'd had a boy or a girl (they didn't tell me right away, I had to find out when Joey finally got to see me again - 3 hours later!!!) Time sure does fly!

Benson is growing up like crazy. He is officially a mover when he sleeps. He fell of the bed yesterday for the first time. I guess that means he'll have to start taking naps in a crib. He is sitting up just great and seems anxious for movement. We got him a good old school walker at goodwill a few days ago. He doesn't quite know what to do with it, but he's figuring it out.

The greatest thing that has happened is he's started to poop regularly, so he is SO much happier!( I know you're thinking - is she really going to talk about poop? Gross. I know, but I'm a mom, its just something you start talking about, and even get excited about! Sad, but true.) So thanks to the help of a fellow blogger -Mck Mamma, and some advice from a good friend - Mel, Benson is just a more regular kid. He isn't nearly as fussy and he is laughing all the time. I could tell you more about his new found regularity, but I'll spare you the gory details :-)

Ya, so that is the story with our little man Benson. We sure do love having him around and are so glad that God blessed us with the little guy. Life would be so boring without him!

Yum, Yum, Yum

Today Becky, Joey's sister, brought over some yummy treats that she and her daughter Esther had made.


Josiah loved them as you can tell!


Thanks for the treats Aunt Becky!

oh, so thats what they look like!

So, I just looked over my past posts and I realized I haven't posted any pictures of the boys in quite awhile. They sure are a changin' and a growin'. So here are a bunch of pictures from the past month. Enjoy!

Cheesy Grin

Bert & "Ernie"

Dramatic pose for Father's Day

All the boys together

Dad and Josiah having lunch

A boy and his dog

Don't be fooled, his face isn't dirty, he just got in a fight with the driveway.

Swinging at the park.