These Days...

One thing I enjoy about living in the States, is the emphasis the country and its people put into their holidays.

Today was Memorial Day...

a time to honor and remember American Service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending this nation. It is important to keep up with these traditions, so that our children won't ever forget the why we celebrate these special days.

American or not, I am thankful for my freedom!

It feels like summer here in Altus! Temperatures have been HOT HOT HOT in the 90's already. At least it cools down at nights still (which I know will change very shortly). Ben bought some watermelon yesterday... Bella loved it!

Today Ben was craving a DQ dipped cone. So yes, we drove 45 minutes to Chillicothe, TX to get dipped cones from Dairy Queen. We also stopped at the local pecan store for some yummie treats. My fave= the chocolate turtles (the cheapest you will find them anywhere $5.95 for a whole bag full)... So much for cutting back starting June 1st... I just couldn't help myself.

As you can see... Bella loved her DQ ice cream too... Who needs a spoon, when you can just smash your face right into the bowl????

Baking Cookies!

I have been craving the worlds best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies lately...

So yesterday Isabella and I (Ethan too) made a whole bunch.

Bella girl was in fine form (and obviously has the same liking for cookie dough as her daddy) and helped me mix all the ingredients together and eagerly watched as the cookies baked.

I let her eat some of the batter at all the different stages... she was in heaven, especially when I put in the M&M's.

It was a little humorous, because as soon as the cookies were done I gave her one... and all she wanted to do was take out and just eat the M&M's. Silly girl! I offered her one today, and she didn't even want it! Haha... I guess she liked the dough better. Oh well, more cookies for me!

A Busy Day

Like most days... yesterday was a busy day. The only difference is, yesterday I had my camera out and took some pictures.

Here are some photos from our busy day:

An impromptu visit wtih Maddie and Julie. Julie brought some fabulous muffins (Bella loved them, as you can see from her messy face).

The girls showing how old they are/going to be: 2

We went to the park. Ethy man was tuckered out...

What a cute little (I mean BIG) boy... Just look at those CHEEKS!

While Ethy was napping, Bella and I enjoyed some strawbees (Bella's way to say strawberries) and watched the air planes go by.

Getting ready for Bed. Before I headed out to teach spin, I read stories to our little ones and had them BOTH in bed by 7:45... Ethan slept WITHOUT EATING (only woke up twice for a susu intervention) until 7:35 this morning and Bella until 8:05. I love having kids who like to sleep!!!

What a HAM!

THREE MONTHS OLD!

Can you believe this little guy is 3 months old!

I cannot! Time just continues to go by so fast.

This little guy has totally gotten to our hearts. We love Ethan so much.

Isabella has really taken to him in this last little while. It's so cute.

Here are some of the things that Ethan is doing these days:

• Really cooing and talking
• Starting to laugh and giggle
• Smiling A LOT... although it is hard to get it on camera (you have to be right up in his face to make him smile)
• Finding his hands and bringing them to his mouth
• Is drooling way too much for a 3 month old (I really hope he's not teething already)
• Has been sleeping at least over 8 hours a night for the last 2 weeks. A few nights in there he has even gone up to 11 hours. It sure is great to have kids that like to sleep!
• Ethan still likes to take a bottle 30% of the time, especially in the afternoons. It's a bit weird!
• Still love to be swaddled
• loves to have blankets up around his head to fall asleep (Bella was the same way)
• Has just graduated to size 2 diapers... and his little fuzzy bunz are starting to get a little tight around his thighs
• Only poops once a day (on most days)
• Loves to kick his legs and wave his arms
• Still has the worst smelling gas for a baby (wonder where he gets that from!!)
• Is starting to bat at this toys
• He weighs 13lbs 5.4oz

Here are some of his 3 month Shrinking Bear Photos... There were just so many cute ones, I had a hard time picking out the cutest ones... So I am just posting them all.

Ethan's Baby Dedication

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

So now I give him to the LORD.

For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."

And he worshiped the LORD there.

1 Samuel 1:27-28

On Sunday we had Ethan Dedicated in Church.

It was a special time for us as a family, especially to have my parents there.

Before the congregation and before the Lord, Ben and I committed to bring Ethan up according to God's ways and God's word.

We want Ethan to know that God loves him. We want him to know Jesus as his Savior and have a personal relationship with him one day.

But for now, we promise we will do our best as parents to raise Ethan and Isabella in a godly way, prayerfully committing them to the Lord and to raise them not according to our own ways, but to the ways of God.

Here are some photos from church..

Isabella was clearly NOT cooperating for pictures!!!

Grandma and Papa come to visit!

My parents were here for the week.

It was great to have them here to visit again.

Our time flew by super fast.

Isabella was in HEAVEN! She and Papa went to the park 5 times together and numerous walks down to see the airplanes.

My mom helped me get things in order around the house and even helped with a Baby Shower I hosted on Saturday. It was so nice to have the help!

Thanks so much for coming to visit Mom and Dad. We love you. See you soon!