Busy Bringing Up Boys

2012-01-03T05:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we said goodbye to the Shockleys until we see them again Memorial Day weekend. It was sad to say goodbye, but yet good knowing this will be our last time to live away from them! See you soon Shockleys!! We love you!

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Location:Shockleys

Halloween!

2011-11-10T11:00:00.001-08:00

This year we got to celebrate our first Halloween with Abigayle & Sullivan! We started off the night at Noonie & Papa's house with chili for Dinner and off to trick or treating!
Max was a Ninja this year. He created his own costume and seemed to enjoy doing it! His favorite part was the harness full of swords!
Sutton was a dirt bike racer and even got to borrow Max's bike that looks like a dirt bike-to use as his prop while he went around the neighborhood!
Luke was superman. He didn't really want to be anything but once he caught onto the idea that candy was given out at every home, he was running from house to house. Somehow he walked away with the most candy!
Before the night was over we went to see the rest of the family at Sarah's house! It is so wonderful having Sarah & Sage live in Tulsa with us! Life is good!!

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Sutton and the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

Sutton and I had a great day today going to the pumpkin patch with his class! We rode the hayride, the kids fed the animals and they got to play in the maze of hay! We left with a pumpkin and headed to the park to have a picnic! It was a great day!

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Max the attack, after his football game

2011-09-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

Max and his team, the Metro Patriots, just won their football game 25 to 6! They had a blast and I got a quick picture of him after the game! Max, we are so proud of you for trying new things and working hard to do your best! We love watching you learn and cheering you on! We are your biggest fans!!

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Max at the Dinosaur Museum

2011-09-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

Max and I went with the whole 2nd grade of Metro to Norman to see the Dinosaur museum today! It was fun and the kids had a great time! Max is being silly in this picture standing beside his good friend Toby!

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Sutton and his John Deere

2011-09-17T18:09:00.001-07:00

Well it has been a long time since I posted to the boy's blog but I just keep forgetting and when I get on my computer to work, I usually don't have time to update the blog. But my sweet mama showed me how to update the blog from my cell phone!

So I am going to make a bigger effort to update often with pictures and stories of the boys! I want to be able to look back over time and have written memories of our day to day!

This is a picture of Sutton in the backyard. He put the dog food tub in the back and rode around 'working' in the backyard for a good hour! He is such a worker bee and my little cowboy! Love you Sutton!!

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Papa John, Grandma Dee & Grandpa Max

2011-03-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

This last weekend we had more family come to town! Papa John, Grandma Dee & Grandpa Max came up to see us last Saturday for Max's Basketball game. I always love getting to see our family...it just does something good for my heart. We have LOTS of great family and we are blessed when any of them can come "play" with us! Max had a great game and made 4 baskets. He does a great job on defense and is really learning how to play the game! He told me so far it is his favorite sport :)

Sutton is dying to play a sport...we couldn't find him a team to play on, so if nothing else, we are going to let him go to a soccer "class".

After Max's game on Saturday, Greg took both Max & Sutton to Stillwater for an OSU basketball game. They had a ball and the best part was that they got to spend the day in Stillwater with Papa John, Gma Dee & Gpa Max! Papa John spoiled the boys with hats, bears and treats at the game. I love that the boys are getting to make such great memories with our family. I want them to know our family intently and love them deeply. After the game, they ate dinner at Eskimo Joe's (which is a big treat for the boys). It was a fun day for all! Lots of great memories!

Luke and I stayed in good ole T-town because, well, Luke doesn't really enjoy sitting still for games. I enjoyed my one on one time with him. He took a nap and it was a good productive business day for me while he slept!

So thankful for our family and all of the miles they put on the highway to come see us!

Gigi comes to Stay!!

2011-02-19T19:34:00.001-08:00

This weekend Gigi came to see us (Pops was at a conference in Houston. We missed you Pops-you are loved!)

I brought the boys home from school and Gigi was already at the house waiting for us. I usually like to have my home in better "order" when our family comes to stay, but I have had a crazy week. Gigi had started to get the kitchen organized and was doing dishes (my love language :)) She watched Luke & Sutton for me so that I could take Max to a birthday party. I really appreciated the help because I really desire to have one on one time with the kids. It was a great time for Max and I. After the party, we headed home to see that Uncle Sage & Jacque were there to eat dinner and play with us. Gigi bought us dinner and we had a great relaxing night hanging out together and talking...we enjoyed talking so much we stayed up too late!

Saturday morning Greg and I woke up to giggles and talking coming from the family room. Gigi had all three boys in there playing...and I am pretty sure Luke was bossing her around :) Luke is in a bossy stage where he just tells the adults how high to jump and when to do it! We enjoyed a lazy morning together and then went to see Max's bastketball game. Max had another great game and made 3 baskets. He was upset though, he wants every week to be his best game. He is really good at hustling and defense in the game. He is having a lot of fun and getting great exercise! Gigi had to go home after the game...we will miss her, but LOVED getting to have her here! Next week we get to see Papa John and maybe Gma too.

After naps, we went to ride bikes with our friends the Fullingims at their new house, and our neighborhood FeatherStone. We have met there a few times to ride bikes and it's so fun. It was a beautiful day today...a great day to ride bikes and play with friends. Greg spent the afternoon at church, helping to referee the Upward games...so he came to meet us at FeatherStone. We couldn't stay long because Greg and Max were headed to OSU for a basketball game. Max & Sutton rotate who gets to go, and this time it was Max's turn.

Tomorrow we will go to church and then to lunch with some new friends from London who have moved to Tulsa, Andrew & Belinda Love. Then we will go to my parent's house to hear more about a new upcoming movie called "Home Run"...we will learn more about it tomorrow, but I am sure it has to do with recovery and a Christian life....

The weekend isn't over and I already feel like we have had some good family time, and a good relaxing day! Off to do some laundry. When I put Sutton to bed, he said..."Mom, what are you going to do now?" I said, "Laundry, I need to get my chores done". He said, "You better get some rest, you will be tired". Oh, I have to write this down about Sutton....this morning he brought me Greg's bodywash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. He told me that he wanted to go upstairs and take a shower. I explained to him that I needed him to stay downstairs in case he needed me to help him, or if he got hurt (slipped and fell). So, he took a shower in our bathroom. He is in this phase of doing things just like his daddy. He mimmicks what Greg wears, how he acts, and Sutton's nature and personality is just like Greg. Sutton wants to know how things work, how they are made, etc. So, watching him get ready, take a shower, fix his hair, brush his teeth...anyone who knows Greg well knows that he is a clean, well groomed man. And, so is his son. Sutton even told us that Max didn't shower and was going to stink! (Max was going to play basketball, so we let him skip). The final touch was Sutton saw Greg put on a watch...and within minutes, Sutton brought back a watch for me to put on him :) I am blessed with a great husband...and he is a great father to our boys. The boys long to be like him, to be with him and to please him.

Today was another good day....I am thankful!

Good Times

2011-02-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't posted in a long time....all of my boys keep me busy. They are growing up fast, and this weekend we had some fun times that I wanted to write down.
Saturday started out with Max's basketball game. It is so fun to see him excel in basketball and have fun doing it! This week he made 6 baskets at his game and as he was recounting the game to me he told me, "I kept making baskets because of the fouls" but what he really meant was that he was making the baskets because he was getting the rebounds!

Later that afternoon, Greg took us to see "Megamind" at the movies. I have taken the boys to the movie before, but not with Greg because we usually go a lot in the summers. I had a "lightbulb" moment when we were in the movie theatre.....Greg had Luke on his lap, Max was between us and Sutton was on my lap. I realized that the boys were finally old enough for us to be at the movies together! The last few years we have had to split up to do things because Luke (& Sutton) still needs naps, etc and although it is just a part of our life right now, it was so neat to see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that we'll get to start doing more as a whole family!! Our napping days are not over, but it was fun to know what is in our near future! After the movies, we went to eat dinner...so it was a special night for sure!

Sunday we went to church...we have missed church because of our crazy snow weather lately...we were all eager to go to church and worship! It was a great day...we went to eat lunch with my family and then had Lauren over to play for the afternoon. The weather was beautiful..the boys stayed out to play for hours on end. I looked out the window multiple times to see the boys, Lauren and Greg having snowball fights with leftover snow. It had to have been at least 50 degrees, but we had so much snow that it's still EVERYWHERE! We made cookies and got their Valentine's ready for school the next day. Then the best part...Greg took me to dinner for Valentine's Day to McGill's. Our first date was on February 13, 1998 so I always love thinking back to our first date and especially going out on a date! It was a great time for us to talk...uninterrupted!

My love tank feels full....my boys are so special, growing up so fast! I love each of them and where they are right now!

Sutton is growing non stop....Max is still a head taller than him, but Sutton is shrinking the gap between how much they weigh. If our scale is right, Sutton weighs 55 pounds and Max weighs 61! Sutton is still very much into tractors, especially John Deere. He is learning how to write his name, write his letters, and do "homework". Sutton wants to play sports, BAD...but we can't find a soccer team for him to play on. He has gone to all of Max's sports for years and is ready for his turn! He likes to be funny and tell stories. He loves to wrestle with Max...funnies part is he likes to do the football stance and he says "down, set, hut hut hut hut" then he runs full speed at Max! Their size is close enough (and Sutton is strong enough) that they are a pretty good match for each other. His favorite songs right now are "Twinkle twinkle little star" and "Itsy Bitsy spider". It's funny because I often forget that although he is big, he is still 4 and likes thing that little boys like. Sutton and Luke are home (without Max) on Tues and Thurs...the neatest part about it is that Sutton effortlessly steps into big brother role, and takes Luke under his wing. It is really neat to sit back and watch it take place.

Luke is 22.34 months :) I still like to count him in months because it helps me stay in denial that he is almost 2! AHH! My Lukie is such a pumpkin...he is talking more and more every day. The other day the boys were all playing chase...they stopped for a moment and Luke started signing "more, more" I LOVED it! How neat to watch him communicate without being able to speak all of his thoughts! He knew he wanted to keep playing chase...so he did what he knew to get that done! He can say "Mats (Max), Sus (Sutton), doggy, he lists all of his grandparents by name...the other day I swore he said "Jacque" when she was over. He still does a babble talk that is funny. He loves trucks and books! At nap and bedtime, he loves to read about 3 books or so. He goes to Victory Christian a few days a week and he loves it. His teacher tells me that he is good at picking up his toys! That's a Grunewald!! Oh and he likes Elmo...it's funny because I can still see that Sutton is at the end of liking Elmo...and Luke is just learning about Elmo! He can say Elmo..I am thinking that his 2nd bday may need to be an Elmo party!

Tonight when I put them to bed, Greg was still at work, so I put them to bed all separately so I could have some one on one time with them. It was a great weekend that I want to remember. I worry that my days will run together as I get older (cause they already do) and I want to make sure that I put aside some time here and there to jot down our day to day life.

And now....off to spend some time with my honey. Happy Valentine's Day my little men!

October Part 2

2010-11-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

How in the world did he get so big? Gosh, feels like just yesterday I had Max in the wheelbarrow with a pumpkin....my time flies! I like the natural birth order that happened here. These boys are good buddies, I think that is my favorite part....my parents instilled the value of family being your best friends into my life...and so I am passing it along.

We took the boys to the pumpkin patch...actually twice in one day because the first time Sutton threw such a fit, I made it a teaching moment and we left without a pumpkin. We went home, took a nap, and tried again...this time with Dad! I love this place because they have lots of stuff to do and look at for FREE! They had a maze out of hay that the boys loved. It was so dark in there that the second time they went back, they took their flash lights! The wheelbarrows were fun...pumpkins in...pumpkins out. They did a little re-arranging!

Hello! Saying "cheese". Luke was too little last year to crawl around the pumpkins, so I had fun watching him explore!

Can't have a perfect picture every time :) This was the best I got...

This is the corn maze...this one wasn't free, but it was very pretty to look at!

A sweet lady took our picture, love fun family time!

Oh, this picture just cracks me up! Greg and the big boys were outside mowing the yard while Luke was inside with me. Luke just walked back and forth between the windows & the door to watch the boys & his daddy. Greg walked by and saw Luke watching them...so he swooped Luke up & put him on his shoulders. Sweet daddy! LOVE this one...look how he is ducking his head so that the tree branches don't knock him in the face! I think he is trying to catch eye contact with me in hopes I will get him down...

Greg has one hand on Luke and one on the mower....good times!

October-part 1

2010-11-05T18:10:00.001-07:00

LOVE this pic! Luke is saying "cheese". This is a new thing for him...pretty cute! This one says it all!

Painting pumpkins....mommy thought the pumpkins would last longer if we painted them versus carving them! So, they each got to paint one...

And, Luke got to color his....

More pictures to come....gotta go read with Max

I don't want to forget....

2010-09-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

Life is good...and lately I have been trying to slow down and take it all in. I am constantly reminded that the time with the boys is flying by, and I want to make sure I make the most of each moment. Max, you love football! I will say that I have had a hard time watching you get tackled, but you are learning so much and having a blast! Each week you are improving, and most importantly having fun. At the last game, you made a great tackle and your name was called over the loud speaker. I felt my heart leap and was so proud of you! I am always proud of you, but I feel proud watching you grow, learn and enjoy something new! Our sweet Metro friends....Ethan, Luke, Max & JP. Sweet boys! And great football players :)

Luke...goodness gracious how are you already 17 months old? I LOVE your curly hair....you are such a beautiful little boy! You have found your voice and you don't mind SCREAMING to let me know if someone is bugging you, or if you want something. You have also started talking a lot...you say mommy, daddy, bubba, more, bubbles, doggy, ball and more. You babble a lot and it is super cute because it's like you really have something you want to tell me. My newest favorite thing you do is you sing! OH, I love hearing you sing. You sing a song that if only I could understand you, I think you are singing the same song over and over. When I sing to you, I ask you to sing with me and you do...except we are singing two different songs!~The bear in this picture is your favorite...I gave him to you so that when you went back to school you would have something to "cling" to. You love this bear and you like to take him everywhere we go!

Hello First Grader! Max, goodness you are learning so much already! Your reading skills have really improved, and you have worked hard to be where you are at! I am so proud of you! You read 7 books to me last night because you wanted to fill up your reading log, so you could take it back to school and get more stickers. I have learned that you are more competitive than I realized....but I see it pushing you to be a better person, and that is a good thing!

Hello Sutton Grant! My little worker bee. Today Sutton, Luke & I went to meet Randy Kay at a new listing. We pulled up and realized that the house had a water leak. Sutton immediately said, "Mom, you should have told me so I could have brought my tools". Ahh! He is so funny, but he really means it. He LOVES going to our listings and working on stuff!

Sutton you like being at Metro again. This year you have Mrs. Olsen and she has been a great fit for you. You are meeting new friends and learning about your colors, shapes and alphabet. You can count really high, you know your abc's and love to sing to me. You hear Max reading, so yesterday you tried to read a book to me. You kept telling me to teach you how to read. This week I went to meet you and Max for lunch at school and you would have thought you all won the lottery with the look of suprise on your face when you saw me. It was such a fun treat to suprise you, and to sit with you while you ate lunch. Both of you had a hard time leaving mommy, and I have to say that I remember having a hard time leaving my mom too. When I picked you up from school yesterday, you said, "Everybody what was your favorite part of the day?" So I said, "Getting to see you all at lunch". Sutton says, "Me too, but I almost cried when I had to leave you...but I didn't". Then Max chimes in from the back seat, "It's okay Sutton, I cried when mom left me". It was a cute moment....sweet boys I love you!

This picture is to remind me to write down what a blessing Greg is. Boys, I want you to know how much I love and admire your daddy. I hope you can become a kind, loving, caring man like he is. Your dad loves you all so much! Greg, you are a wonderful husband and father! I love you...

Colorado Camping Trip

2010-08-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hello girls! What a beautiful picture of you all! We had a great time visiting Greg's grandparents in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a few days! Uncle John is so good with his nephews....he loves them all and takes such good care of them. We love you Uncle John!

Gma, we loved getting to be with you and just hang out together! Thanks for suprising us and coming on the trip!

My first trip to Colorado during the summer was a blast! I was nervous about it, I will admit. But my sweet family helped make our camping experience amazing! We went with the Grunewalds, and were so suprised to find that Gma & Madeline were coming with us on our trip too! This is a picture of Max, and his great-grandfather Max fishing. Max (mine) thought we were really trying to catch our dinner and was so sad to leave empty-handed!

Here is my father in law John pointing out land to me...we were being silly and dreaming about buying land there! It was beautiful!

Uncle John & the boys! This was at the campsite "gameroom". Papa John brought over some $$ for the boys to play video games...they had so much fun.

The mountains were gorgeous. I have never been during the summer and loved seeing the mountains at a different time of year!

Luke & his great-grandfather, Max chillin' by the campfire. Luke was such a great baby...he took his usual naps in our cabin & was such a joy to be around (as usual).

We celebrated the summer birthdays. Somehow Gma got cut out of this picture, but her birthday is in August, so we celebrated those too! Grandma Dee is amazing...she had a cake made and brought it out (along with presents) to celebrate. It was so fun!

It's a tradition to make sailboats, or boats, on the camping trip and then have a race to see whose is the fastest. Sutton & Greg were working hard....

I love this picture because it shows just how magnificent the trees are, and how tall they are compared to Sutton!

Here is our family stopping to take a picture while they boys fished. They started out without a real hook, but it wasn't long before they switched out...which meant the rest of us had to be careful not to lose an eye!

Great grandma Dee & Great grandpa Max playing with Lukie!

Great pic of Papa John holding Sutton while Uncle John fishes in the background.

Grunewald family..I love you. Thanks for planning this special trip for us. I loved being with you and the boys had a blast! Great memories we will always have! Thank you for everything!

Happy 4th Birthday Sutton Grant!!

2010-08-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Sutton! We had a great time celebrating you and your birthday! We made cupcakes for your party, but I decided that we could eat a few early:) When the boys sat down for lunch, they had been playing swords. I just had to catch a picture of my warrior and his sword! Cracks me up!

You would think having that down your back would be a little uncomfortable....

After breakfast, we all covered up with sunscreen and headed to the pool. We went to the pool twice on Sutton's birthday...once after breakfast and another time after naps. We packed a picnic and stayed out there. It was a great family day!

For breakfast, I made sausage balls. The boys were helping me and we decided to make Sutton one huge sausage ball since it was his birthday. We put candles in it and sang to him...but the food was still hot and it slightly melted the candles!

Thanks Aunt Dallyn for our "Happy Birthday" plate! We use it often!

Sutton loves everything John Deere! I bought him this shirt and we were saving it for his birthday. So the morning of his birthday, he brought me his shirt and asked if he could put it on!

Happy Birthday little guy! How are you already 4 years old? You are such a great addition to our family! I love your spirit of adventure, and how you love all things having to do with building, mowing, digging, etc. You are strong, and passionate about how you feel. You love to be independent and do things on your own. You take very good care of your little brother. You love your older brother and play with them both very well. Today you told me that you love God. I smiled at you and you said, "What? Does that make God happy?"

Yes, love. It makes God, and me, very happy!

First Grade Football

2010-07-23T20:52:00.001-07:00

This year marks a lot of "firsts" for us...Max lost his first tooth, and then a second. He is starting first grade, and we are now in a new sport...football!

Max is excited to play a new sport, and we are having a blast watching him! I will admit that it was hard to let him go...his first practice was stressful just getting him out the door!

Max, you are growing so much! All of our friends and family have been commenting to me about how much you have grown lately! Tonight at dinner, you had two bowls full of soup, strawberries and for dessert, I laid out a plate of three cookies for you and your brothers to share. I came back and you had eaten all three! You told me before bed that you were hungry again...I think big grocery bills are in store for our future! We love your school, because it feels like an extended family. There are less than 60 kids in your grade, so we have grown to know and love the families that go to school with you. Seeing you all dressed up in your football uniform makes me get a lump in my throat....gosh, you are growing up way too fast!

Tonight, we had a great talk, and I am reminded of how sensitive you are. You have been asking both Greg and I to take you to get a gift for Sutton's birthday...you are always thinking of other people. And, you are very black and white on issues. I like that about you though...you have strong convictions of how you think things should be....

Here's to a great year in First Grade and in a new adventure with Football! We love you sweet guy! For all of our family that may want to see games, we don't have a schedule, but heard they will be on Saturday mornings...stay tuned!

I don't want to forget this....tonight when I put you and Sutton to bed, you started crying. I asked Sutton if he hit you, and he said, "no, I was just checking on him because he was crying for no reason". So I asked Max further and he said, "I don't want Sutton to turn 4 tomorrow" (and the bawling began). He told me that he liked how Sutton couldn't say the ABC's correctly, and that he liked him the way he was and didn't want him to grow up! (Note to self: maybe I say the things of my heart outloud....). The best part was, as Max is saying this to me, Sutton interjects "see, I told you he was crying for no reason"

Ahhh, the sensitivity of a 3, almost 4 year old!

Look who is walking

2010-07-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Lukie...you went from walking 2 steps to literally taking 20 steps. So crazy how that happens. And now you are not content being in your stroller, or in your highchair. You want down...you have recently become a screamer. However, you are doing really well with using sign language to tell us what you want. You sign "more", "thank you", and sometimes "milk". You will blow kisses at us, that is my favorite! Yesterday your brothers and daddy were wrestling and they let you join in. It made me so nervous, but you LOVED it! You would get in the middle of them and just roll to your back and laugh! I love to see you enjoy life! You currently love raisin toast and milk. We just found out you are allergic to milk, so you drink soy milk now. Max & Sutton went with me to the store last night just to get you your special milk. I thought it was so sweet because Max knew you needed something special and went to get the exact one you use!

Max asked me the other day if you could stay a baby forever, because he loves seeing you as a baby! I told him that the more you grow, the more you all can play together!

Luke, you love the splash park! You really like anything that we will let you do on your own. You are finding independence and you love it. Gosh, it's hard to let you grow up. I want you to need me forever!

I am so thankful for you, my littlest man. Each of my boys brings me such happiness. I know God is my true sourch of happiness, and I am thankful for my little gifts of each of you!

Happy Walking Lukie!

Family Pictures and more

2010-06-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

I just got my cd in the mail today with all of the pictures that Charity took! Thank you Charity! I love all of the pictures and will be plastering them all over our home!

If you missed my last post, here is the link if you want to go see them all..You can see them here: http://catphotography.zenfolio.com/p583669341

More Pictures

2010-06-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am a sucker for pictures of my children! My college friend Kizzy, has a sister that is raising money for adoption..and to raise money she has been taking pictures. She is a fantastic photographer! We met her last Friday night in downtown Tulsa and I just LOVE how these turned out!

You can see them here: http://catphotography.zenfolio.com/p583669341

Greg and I did not plan on being IN any of the pictures, but she took one of all of us, and I really liked how it turned out!

Thanks Charity! You are one talented girl!!

Soccer and family

2010-05-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Max just finished his soccer season and our last game was fun! Papa John, Gma, Jordan and John came up to see his last game! Max is blessed to have so much family that comes to watch him play his sports. We left our chairs at home by accident, so the boys were sitting in the stroller...kind of cute! Here is most of Max's team after their last game and the two WONDERFUL coaches, Coach Dan and Coach Ryan! We have played with this group of boys for a few years and have come to have them all as great friends!

Here is a group picture after the game! Notice how tall John is! Not so little anymore....

Hi Gma! We love you...thanks for making the long trip to come see us! Thanks for letting Luke get his snacks all over you :)

Hello beaver teeth! I can say that because you get your big teeth from your mommy! You are a sweet little guy...you have started SCREAMING lately and it is really embarassing! I always made fun of my sisters when their kids were screamers, so I guess this is my payback!

Here is Papa John...Luke has a lot of facial features from Greg, and John. The cute dimple in the chin is a family trait...and Papa John has one to match :)

Sutton is such a trooper as he is always going along to Max's stuff. I can't wait until he gets to do stuff...and he can't wait too! He loves hanging out with the older boys and is sure to snag a snack at every game!

Sutton's Mom

2010-05-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day...it makes me feel so loved when the boys make me their little homemade gifts. Sutton's teacher asked them a few questions about their moms, and here were his answers:

My mother's name is: Laura

She is very special to me because: she likes me

My mom is very pretty. She has: Blue eyes and Red hair :)

She loves to: play with me, my brothers, and Dad

I think she's the best at: laundry

My mom is smart! She even knows: about cleaning

If I could give her anything in the world, it would be: cookies and cupcakes

To me, my Mom is as pretty as a: Toy

This made me smile!

Greg and I have three GREAT women in our lives who are our mommas and we are thankful for each of them...

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mommies, and grandmas out there! You are loved!

Luke's 1 year old pictures!

2010-05-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, we went and met Quincie to get some pictures taken of sweet Luke (and his brothers). I figured if we are all going to be there, I wanted to get a few shots of all of the boys together! I love how Quincy takes pictures, and how she is able to capture the kids in their element :)

You can check out our pictures at www.quinciescreations.com and click on proofing. Then type in "laura" in the password and you will see our pics!

These pictures are my mother's day gift and I LOVE it! Thank you Greg!!

Birthday Boy

2010-04-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday (yesterday) to our baby! I can't believe he is one already. Disclaimer on this photo: the scab by his eye is from Sutton...he did it on accident and cried when he realized he hurt his brother. Poor Luke...I think when he gets older he is going to be a pro at wrestling. He already tries to get in on the action!

All of my boys have the best eyelashes...I love Luke's eyes, and his cute "toothy" smile. Oh, and the cheeks with dimples...those are yummy! We have two family parties this weekend to celebrate our little man, but yesterday we did a few things as well. We took him to get his first donut...got him some donut holes. He liked them, but he was acting sluggish. Then we went to swim class for Sutton and Luke was cranky the whole time. I realized later he was getting a fever and that his ear infections were coming back. So, he spent the second half of his birthday napping in his crib. But, we'll make up for it this weekend.

Luke is almost walking...he crawls around everywhere, and he does it quickly. He loves to pull up to stand on anything. He babbles and says a few words. He says "dada". I will ask him to say "mama" and he will say back "dada". He thinks it is funny and we do it over and over again...

Luke loves his brothers, and they love him. Lately both Sus and Max will pick him up by the armpits, from behind, and walk him somewhere. It's quite dangerous, and I have asked them to stop, but it's also cute to see them trying to care for their little brother.

He is in the 30th (ish) percentile for both weight and height. I kind of like that at this stage of his life, he is small. Helps me not to be so sad that my baby is growing up!

Happy Birthday Lukie! We love you!!!

Lost a tooth....

2010-04-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Max lost his first tooth on our trip to Great Wolf Lodge this weekend. He has had a few loose teeth for a few months now and I keep thinking it will happen any day. Well, we ate lunch one day and he just cried as he ate because he could feel the tooth "crunching". I remember that feeling....

During naps, I heard him whisper, "Mom". I went over to his bed and he showed me his tooth. He was so excited...I could just sense his self pride! Most of his friends at school have already lost a tooth, and I could tell he was now finally so excited to be like them :)

Here he is later that day at the pool...enjoying life with one less tooth! Greg was teasing him and told him that we needed to make sure the tooth fairy knew where he was...that maybe we should go online and register to make sure they knew we were out of town, and to come see us at Great Wolf Lodge. Well, Max totally went with it and decided he would wait until he was home. So tonight, I brought it up again to see if he wanted to put it in his toothfairy pillow. He started crying...apparently he didn't want the tooth fairy to take his tooth. Don't worry...I wrote the tooth fairy a note asking them to please leave Max's tooth, along with the money :) And the "toothfairy" (ies) were arguing at our house as to whether Max should get a quarter or a dollar. I know kids whose tooth fairies have given them up to $5 per tooth, so I didn't want Max to feel like the toothfairy didn't like him :) I know, it's stupid. As I write it, I realize how stupid it is...gosh why do I worry about such little things?

We had a blast on our trip...got some cute pictures of the boys playing that I will post later. I just didn't want to forget to write down Max's first lost tooth. Love you sweetie!

Bowling...

2010-03-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Spring Break! We have had fun playing over Spring Break...but as one of the mom's from school said, Spring Break is hard work! On St. Patrick's day, we took the boys to dinner and to bowling! They had so much fun...poor Luke was SO tired so I took him home a little early so he could rest. I love this picture because you can see the bowling ball flying through the air! Sutton pretty much threw it! So Greg had to explain it to him after that. They have this neat ramp that they let little kids use since the balls are so heavy. So after this incident, we used the ramp and just rolled the bowling ball down. Oh, and they have bumper guards that are so fun because even the adults don't have "gutter balls".... :) My favorite was Greg actually made a strike that bounced off the guards and then knocked all of the pins down!

Hello cute boys! Thanks Greg for taking us out for a family night on the town! The bowling alley even had games, go carts and tons of fun stuff! We'll probably go back lots!

10 months old

2010-02-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, my baby is almost 10 months old...gosh I can't believe it! Luke is 19 pounds 5 ounces and I have no idea how long :) He is such a sweet baby, but changing more every day. He loves food, and wants to eat what we are eating. He is crawling everywhere and is a wiggle worm when you hold him. I love holding him, rocking him, and feeding him his bottles. When I feed him a bottle, he plays with my hair or touches my face...and it's such a sweet time :)

That brings up a funny story...the other day I got in the rocker to read Sutton a story and he told me to scoot over in the chair. I told him that I couldn't...and he told me that my bottom is too big! Well, he is right, but come on buddy!

I love this pic of Luke...the red spots on his face are from him rubbing his face...he was tired and you can see it in his eyes. I love the swirl in his hair...and you can't tell in this picture but his hair is turning curly! It's so cute.... And this picture made me laugh out loud! I love his teeth! So maybe he did get a few of my qualifies...one being BIG teeth! I love his dimples in his cheeks and his chin! Oh sweet boy, you are a treasure. We love you Lukie!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have been going through and sorting all of my pictures from Christmas...wow I took a ton! And I found a few that I wanted to post really quick. This year and last year I got ornaments so that I could put our boys in a frame with the year, so that I would have an ornament with their picture for every year. I loved how this one turned out! Hello Lukie! Oh he is growing so fast...8 months old now and is crawling! He will even crawl to me and tries to pull up on my legs...not to standing, but trying to sit up from crawling. He sits up so well, and LOVES his big brothers!

Here are the boys Christmas eve before they went to bed....my mom got all the grandkids matching jammies (well, the young grandkids that is). We got lots of new jammies for Christmas this year...nothing better than something comfy to sleep in, especially when they are cute too!

Luke sitting up with his stocking experiencing his FIRST Christmas! We let him sleep in a little since he wasn't awake when the big boys woke up. It just seemed wrong to wake him when he was sleeping so peacefully!

Lots more pictures to come....

Happy 6th Birthday Max!

2009-12-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th Birthday Max! Gosh, it seems crazy that we have a 6 year old at our house...time does really fly by! This year has been filled with lots of fun and GROWTH! Max is growing leaps and bounds...literally we buy him jeans or pajamas and he grows out of them in a month! But, we are so glad for his growth! Here he is blowing out his birthday candles at a party for his friends at our house. Here is our little man hanging with the ladies! Our sweet friends, Sydney, Audrey, Max, Ashlyn and Claire! These girls are all very sweet!

Here is Luke, Nathan, Max & Sutton! I love how Sutton adores Max's friends and wants to be a part of all they do!

We are blessed to have such wonderful family! Here is Max with Gigi...she drove 4 hours to be with us for his birthday!
Here is Sutton with his Gma...getting some good loving! Gma & Gpa drove a few hours as well!

Here is Gpa with Lukie! All of our kiddos got lots of loving from their grandparents! It's always so good to see them and share life together!

We took donuts to Max's class before we left town for Colorado. His teacher let him sit in a chair at the front of the room and all of the kids got to ask him questions about his favorite stuff. My favorite question was one child asked, "What is your favorite fruit?" Max assumed they meant fruit of the spirit, and he said, "Love". His teacher and I just looked at each other and smiled! He is a very sweet, thoughtful person. Greg and I were just wondering if he will be a minister someday...or maybe a man who has a passion for God's word. Either way is good with me!

My mom introduced this donut place to me...it's so cool! So we just HAD to get donuts that spelled out his name! It was fun and I know at the end, Max felt special!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We started out with my family on Thursday and then on Friday, Greg watched 6 kids so that my sister Molly & I could go shopping. We had a great time. Then we headed West to see the rest of our family, Greg's side. I am sad that I forgot my camera because I don't have any pictures of our fun time with the Grunewalds!

We went to see them at Greg's aunt & uncle, Darren & Polly. It was so fun to have everyone together...and especially our newly college bound sister Jordan! Sutton played outside with his Gpa most of the time...the boys loved seeing everyone, but our time was too short! We will get to see them again soon, and are looking forward to it.

Then we headed to see Gigi & Pops for a day, and they sent me these pics so I had to share. Sunday after church (and naps) we headed to the farm and got to cook hot dogs and ride the four wheeler.

Here is Max & Pops.....we had a great time at our cookout!

Our boys with Gigi & Pops. Luke just stayed in his carrier because it was much warmer!

This picture is SO bad of me, but I had to post it because it's a great memory.....

Here are the boys cutting out biscuits with Gigi....

Oh I love matching jammies! Don't these boys just look so much alike? Love it! And I can't believe how big Luke looks. He has started crawling and is getting 4 teeth on top!

Hot Dogs Update

2009-11-16T19:14:00.001-08:00

Look what I just found....this is a picture of the "hot dogs" apparently paused while the kids were at school.....ah good times!

Hot Dogs

2009-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

This game is lovingly called "hot dogs" by our boys. Greg and I just smile and laugh inside when we see the socks come out to play hot dogs. We don't know quite how this game came about, but I love their creativity in it. So, the "hot dogs" are the socks. The white plastic spoons are used as the "flippers". These tool boxes are sitting at the bottom of the stairs in the entry way and they try to flip the socks (from upstairs) into the tool boxes. So, if you look closely you can see the socks on the stairs to the left...but they usually sit at the top of the stairs to the right and flip the socks down.... :)

Kind of weird, but so funny! The other day I went upstairs to get something on a day that both of the boys had gone to school....and I found socks all over the stairs and realized they had been playing "hot dogs".

Greg asked me to take a picture so that we would always remember....glad I took the pictures because I'm smiling now just remembering!

How City Girls Roast Marshmallows....

2009-11-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

After trick or treating on Halloween night, we decided to make some smores. Papa was out of town on a hunting trip with his brothers (or this would have never happened). Mom started to go outside and light the fire pit when she got this idea. And I have to admit, I don't blame her for doing this. (Greg, this may explain some of the things I do).

So here is my mom and Grandy...blowing out their burning marshmallows over the gas range :)
Two peas in a pod! When I saw this, I ran and grabbed my camera. Love you mom! You are so much fun!

Funny faces

2009-10-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we got lots of great pics, and some really funny ones. These pictures make me laugh because it's just a time in our life that photos of all of us smiling at the same time are just hard to come by! This was towards the end of our "photo session" with aunt Dallyn...and you can see Luke has lost it (and he never recovered) and crazy Sutton at the bottom seems to have made a gun with his hand....or something! I am cracking up at him....of course, Greg and I didn't know the faces he was making until we got the pictures back, so that made it even funnier! What a nut!

Notice sweet Max smiling perfect in every picture....and crazy eyes Sutton!

It gets better........oh I hope you got a good laugh!~

Thankful

2009-10-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! Hello sweet family of mine! I am so thankful for all of my men....

This picture was taken by my talented sister in law, Dallyn. She did a great job! We met her in Stillwater for Homecoming and made a quick change out of our OSU clothes into something better for pictures. Thank you Dallyn for helping us! It was funny trying to get all of the kids not only looking in the same direction, but smiling. So, this was the best I could do. I will post some others soon. There are some that I love but Sutton is squeezing my neck so tight that it's not too flattering :)

We have been busy enjoying life. The boys are all growing so fast...too fast. Luke is 6 months old now, and has just started going to his "school" a few days a week. He seems to like it, and I love his teacher! He has two teeth on bottom...and has started saying "da da" and "ma ma". It's few and far between when he talks, but we've heard it!

Sutton is doing well. He loves preschool and his teacher Ms. Staires told me yesterday that she just can't punish him because he's so darn cute. She said he gives her that look...(I knew what she was talking about). He is such a good little guy...and goes along with most everything. But, he'll put up a good fight if he needs to!

Max is learning to read...it's great to watch him learn. It's like we are watching the wheels turning in his little mind. Today he is staying late at school to do art class. He has really been into art lately and was excited to get to do this special class. He still is in soccer, and last week had his first soccer goal! I wasn't there because I was home with the younger boys...sad to miss it! But, so proud of him! He wants to play basketball, so we are signed up for our church!

Sutton just woke up from nap, so gotta go!

Kindergarten Picture

2009-09-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? I can't believe Max is in Kindergarten! We just got back these pictures last night and I am amazed at the young man Max is becoming. He is learning so much at school. He told me his vowels the other day, and I apparently forgot that "y" is a sometimes vowel! So he is already teaching me. :) Max is playing soccer again and really seems to like it even more than last year. He has become more aggressive (in a good way) in wanting to follow and kick the ball. He gets to play with some of his good buddies from school, so that is also fun. And, Greg and I have loved getting to form friendships with these parents.

Oh we have got to get Max into some type of music or instrument. He can still listen to a song a few times and know it. His current favorite is, "While I am waiting". It's a song about praising God or serving Him while we are waiting on Him. Max literally belts it out. He told me the other day that he wasn't going to practice it again because he didn't want to make me cry!

I love seeing how God made each of our children so different. Greg and I often dream about who they will be and what gifts God has given them. Whatever they do or become is fine with me, but I do want to build confident men.

Love you Max...and I love seeing you grow and change over the years. It's hard to swallow and I do get a little sad watching you grow so fast. But my mom & dad always taught me to look at the good...and the good is that you are growing into an amazing little man. Your dad and I are proud of you!

Best Buddies

2009-09-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

I was going through my pictures and found this one....oh this is good stuff. So let me explain...Blake and Molly were over and Blake was going to take all four boys to the splash park so that Molly and I could have some quiet time with Sadie & Luke. Our boys are constantly asking to do things just like the other one. For instance, sweet Owen wanted to cut his hair short like his cousin Max...and it does look adorable on him. And this day, Max asked me if he could go to the splash park without a swim shirt on like Owen gets to. So, I told him yes he could but he needed to put on sunscreen. Apparently, I got a little carried away and when he stepped away from me, I realized he had WAY too much on. Molly, Blake and I just died laughing...the kind where you almost wet your pants...tears were rolling down our eyes. Oh, and Owen insisted he had on sunscreen on too! You can see sunscreen on the wall behind them...it was rubbing off on anything they got next to. So my next bright idea was to put them all in jackets (in the middle of the summer) so they wouldn't get sunscreen all over my car. So off they go to the splash park with their heavy sunscreen and jackets! Poor Max, he can't see he has so much on!

I love that these boys are friends, and that they have life to share together. I think it is such a special blessing that my best friend and I have sons so close in age...and even more that they love each other so much. The last few times they have left one another, one of them cries. Molly & I always tell them that we understand how they feel....we remember crying when I went to college, or came home for a weekend...or even today when I get to see her and then have to leave her again. It's a bummer to say goodbye but I am thankful that she is so close and we get to meet up again soon!

Cooper and Sutton are good buddies too, but their little personalities are different and they play more independently. I think Sutton more wants to compete with Cooper...it's funny because he talks about Cooper all of the time. The funniest part is that Cooper is so coordinated and athletic so Sutton will try to make comments about how Cooper can't do this, or that. But in all honesty, Cooper can swim laps around Sutton, ride his bike in circles around him, etc so it's funny that my little man is talking smack!

I love you boys....what a blessing you all are! And with Greyson and Luke right behind you....gosh I am scared what you four might do to those young ones!

Burdened Heart

2009-09-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

A highschool friend of mine needs your prayers. Her name is Brandi Phillips and she is the mother of a sweet little boy named Pierce. Pierce has been battling cancer for over a year now, and at two years old, his little body has fought hard but the cancer is quickly moving to different parts of his body. Pierce's mom and dad were forced to make a decision about Pierce's treatment, and with the doctor's advice, they have brought Pierce home to Tulsa and ended treatment. (The cancer continued to grow and spread even through aggressive chemotherapy)

So Pierce is home now, with his mom and dad caring for him. My heart has ached for them as I can not imagine what they are going through. I have been asking God to lay things on my heart that I can do for them....and one that I know we can all do is to pray for them.

I remember when Max was sick and I felt "the peace that passes all understanding" that the Bible tells us about. I remember one of my friends asking me if I was really okay, and although it was hard, I remember just feeling peaceful. So that is what I want to ask God to supply to Brandi & her husband Scott.

I ask that you pray for their marriage. They seem to have a great relationship, but I can only imagine the stress this would put on a marriage, so join me in praying for a strengthened relationship.

Pray for Pierce's comfort. He is on a morphine drip to help with the pain.

Pray for their strength to get through the days ahead.

I tried to attach one of his pictures for you to see. He is a pumpkin, and truly a hero for all he has gone through. And I know God has used this little boy to touch many hearts for Him!

And today, no matter how hard your day is, do me a favor and don't complain. Don't complain about what you do or don't have, or how things aren't going your way. But instead, join me and let's count our blessings. Let's thank God for our family, friends and our health. And let's pray for Pierce, Brandi and Scott.

Thanks.....

Feeding Luke some cereal

2009-09-03T21:50:00.001-07:00

Feeding Luke some cereal
Our pediatrician recommended working on rice cereal with Luke every once in awhile. So the boys and I tried it the other day. Here is Sutton feeding Luke...they each got to try while I laughed! Luke will be 5 months old September 13th! My how time flies.....
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Both of the boys did a good job feeding him, and as you can tell, Luke LOVED it! :)
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I love this pic....one because the boys look so similar (and have such sweet smiles) and two because Luke can't sit up yet. It just makes me laugh! The highchair looks so big when you have a little baby in it...
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Nope, I don't think he likes this. I wouldn't like it either buddy....we love you!
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First Day of School

2009-08-25T18:47:00.001-07:00

Max started Kindergarten last week and he is doing so well adjusting to the new schedule. He is a little tired when I pick him up, so we're trying to get everyone in bed early at night to make sure they get enough rest. Max has an incredible teacher who loves Jesus, and is excited to teach the kids not only an education, but said she will teach them about Jesus every chance she gets. I am excited about that! Here Max is with daddy just outside of his classroom on the first day. I did cry a little...especially the night before. But I could tell he was ready, and that helped me deal with the transition. He was getting bored not being at school, so I am excited for him and for what this year has in store for him. Sutton started preschool at Metro, so he and Max will be at the same school and we LOVE that! They are in the cafeteria at the same time and can see each other from across the room. Sutton just loves his teacher, Ms. Staires. Max had the same teacher when he was in preschool. Actually when we went for enrollment, Sutton asked me why he couldn't just stay there that day! He is so funny...lately he has said some words wrong and I don't correct it because I think it's hysterical. He tells me to "honk ka corn" which is really "honk your horn". He loves it when we honk the horn. The other day I said I was going to make pancakes and he can't say it, and says "picnics".

This is the boys leaving Chapel on their first day of school. At chapel they explain all of the rules they have and what they expect from the parents and children. Then they end with praise and worship....it'll make a grown man cry to hear a chapel full of children praising our heavenly father. My only saving grace was having Sutton with me because he was singing with us, but had a three second delay to his words. So it made me chuckle inside. Max looked up at me and smiled when he heard him as well. NOTE: They are holding hands here....these guys are good buddies!

This is at chapel, just giving a little love! I have to say that I love them wearing their uniforms...they look so cute! We got new school shoes, and did you know that you can run faster with new shoes on? Yep, it's been proven at our house :)

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-08-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

We have been able to do LOTS of fun family filled things this summer, and going to Great Wolf Lodge was one of them. I heard about this place from my sister Molly, and we decided to go when we went to Dallas to visit Max's doctor. This place is so neat, that pictures just can't capture all that is there. We had a BLAST and will plan on going back every year! At night, they have storytime and the boys loved it. They had sent us an email telling us to bring pajamas and slippers, so we had fun getting everyone in their pjs!

Here we are at story time, waiting for it to begin! There were TONS of kids there...SO fun! Max had his spiderman slippers on and Sutton had his Elmo! Sutton looked at me and said, "Hey you didn't fix your hair!" I cracked up because he was so right! The bad thing about short hair is there's no quick or easy way to pull it back....but I didn't care!

Here we are after I got in the lazy river with the boys. We asked a random lady to take our picture. Poor Luke was a little hot because they keep it warm in there so that you aren't freezing when you come out of the water. Overall, he was a trooper and a fabulous baby!

Hi baby Luke! Sweet thing....he lived in the stroller, in the baby bjorn, or in my arms. It was so fun just holding him and enjoying family time together!

My boys in the lazy river...having so much fun! This place is amazing! They even have slides for adults that Greg went back to ride by himself when the kids went to bed! I love that he enjoyed it so much!

Max loved what he called "monkey bars" and was so proud of himself for being able to do this. There were a few times that Greg would take Max to ride the slides that only he was tall enough to do. And I would take Sutton to play in the kids area, with Luke strapped to me. I wore a swimsuit thinking that I would never see anyone there that I knew....well, I was wrong! AHHH! This body is not swimsuit ready :)

This is Greg and Sutton in one of the outside pools and we are waiting for Max to go on the monkey bars....

Here is our room! It was so fun....they had bunk beds for the boys with a tv in it! They thought it was so cool. Around the wall, is our part of the room, but it was fun to have it a little divided and for the kids to feel like they had their own area. This place has thought of it all! For coffee lovers, they have a Starbucks INSIDE the hotel!

Here is where we stayed (and Luke too). The bunk beds are on the other side of the wall. We had a blast at this place, and highly recommend it to anyone. My biggest piece of advice is to go during the school year....prices are more affordable and I assume less people.

Construction and Tractor Party

2009-08-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

I let the boys pick out what kind of theme party they want and Sutton told me he wanted a "tractor" party. The word tractor gets used for a lot of stuff around here, and since I am a girl, I call most machines a tractor. However, we did get a really cool book from Gigi & Pops that explains all of the different "tractors" so hopefully I will be able to call them the right names soon! Sutton got a "tractor" for his birthday...it was a combined present from some of his grandparents and us. He LOVES it! And, as you can see, Max loves it too!

Here is the cake that I homemade...just kidding! Sutton loves "banilla" cake...I love how he says it and I don't correct him :) I love the look on his face....

Sutton, your brother Max got you this present. He picked it out just for you and was so excited to give it to you. You love playing with bubbles and mowing the lawn with dad. So, this is a bubble blowing lawn mower. Max asked me about a month before your birthday if he could get it for you. I loved how he was thinking of you, and what you would want.

We got a pinata that had trucks on it and the kids each got a few chances to take a good whack at it. They had fun. I gave them construction hats to hold the candy in...I thought this picture was so cute because they are just standing there with their hats waiting for the pinata to burst so they can get candy.

Someone finally hit it hard enough, and Greg just started dumping the candy on the ground for the kids. It was like a parade! We had a blast and were so thankful our friends and family could join us!~

Birthday Boy!

2009-07-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Sutton! Gosh, it came so quickly! I truly remember in detail the day before you were born....my stomach was nervous just waiting for you to arrive. And here we are, in the blink of an eye, 3 years have passed! You are so much fun and a joy to be around. On your birthday, we woke you up and let you open your presents from us before daddy left for work. We got you a new OSU jacket since you outgrew your last one, and you wore it all the time. Here is Max sporting his new OSU jersey. We got one for both of the boys so when Sutton opened his present, I went and got Max his to try on. It fits perfect and shows just how much this little man has grown! Max is starting Kindergarten this year....it looks like we have a year of change ahead of us :)

I love this picture for a few reasons. 1) Sutton has mis-matched pajamas on. We can't get him to wear matching pajamas very often. Look closely and you can see his blue striped shirt and orange motorcycle pajama bottoms (with an OSU jersey on top!) 2) The toy he is opening is a tool box...he LOVES tools and can work a wrench, screwdriver or hammer really well!

Here we are at the donut shop where Sutton wanted to go for his birthday. This place has the coolest donuts. They have donuts shaped in letters, swords, fish, basketballs, footballs, dogs...you wouldn't believe it and they are decorated as well! (Luke is in his carseat on the floor....poor baby!)

If it wouldn't have been his birthday, I would have been annoyed....but he was so funny staring at the case of donuts...trying so hard to decide which one to have. And with that cute look on his face, I suddenly found more patience :) Happy Birthday my little friend!

Baby "Uke"

2009-07-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pics of baby Luke in his new onesies! As you can imagine we have lots of baby clothes, but since Luke was born in a different time of year, I actually needed to buy a few onesies for him. And yes, I bought him a shirt that says, "I love mom!"

Our little baby Luke is growing up....and around here he gets called "Uke" by Sutton. It's pretty cute! Luke is doing well, he smiles and giggles with us, and at the funny faces we make at him just to get him to do so. It feels so good to be a family of 5 and so good to be a mommy to these boys.

Summertime Movies

2009-07-07T19:20:00.001-07:00

Each summer our local movies offer FREE movies for the kids, so if the movie is free, then you have to buy popcorn and pop, right??? We have been to a few this summer and have enjoyed the time. I took my camera the last time we went so that I could get a few pics of our time there. After this movie, Sutton enjoyed running around and going from seat to seat.....and eventually got stuck in one! Check out the look on his face :) Here are my little movie buddies...and another friend of mine that you can't see is Haley. She is our babysitter that comes over to help me out (and keep my sanity). I like to call her "Best Friend Haley"....because she does help me so much!

I asked my niece Ann Marie to take this picture of me and the boys. I was holding Luke through the majority of the movie to keep him quiet, and was enjoying our snuggle time. When another little man of mine wanted to snuggle too. It reminded me that although Sutton is getting older, he does still want to be cuddled, and even sometimes treated like my baby (but don't tell him I told you) I have noticed this more since Luke has joined us....and that's okay and totally normal. I don't mind it one bit, I actually enjoy knowing that he needs me and loves my hugs and kisses! We sat like this for a good hour....and my body was numb, but my heart was full!

Taking off the training wheels

2009-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I kind of decided that Max needed a little encouragement to get his training wheels off. So one night when Uncle Sage came over for dinner, Greg took off Max's training wheels....and thus the invention you see below. It all started because Greg was trying to keep up with how fast Max was peddling, but was having to run next to him....so he came up with this idea to have a "handle" behind him and help hold him. It was a great idea, but the clips snapped off within a few trips around the garage. These are just a few of the things I love about Greg....he's a problem solver, that's for sure. And little Sutton is just like him. The other day, Max said, "Sutton, you're going to be a fixer! You like to fix four wheelers, and dirt bikes...you like to fix stuff!" I love to see how the boys take after their dad on stuff like this....

Here is Uncle Sage helping "Eggbert" with his helmet. Sorry Sutton, but you look so cute and so funny in a helmet! I think we need the next size up! We love having Uncle Sage around here...he lives in Tulsa now and we love any and all time we get to hang out with him!

Greg was getting Max all ready for the "ride". We knew he would probably bite the dust a few times, so we were trying to get him all padded up. Yes, those are gardening gloves that he is wearing :) The boys and I had just planted flowers and Max wanted to wear them....good outfit!

This guy....

2009-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy. I love his baby cheeks and the cute way he talks. I love how he still wants us to carry him and how he likes to cuddle when he wakes up. I love how he is so physically strong, yet is a sensitive little guy.

I love the funny things he says. The other day when the boys woke up from nap, Max's hair was crazy. Sutton took one look at him and said, "Max, your hair doesn't look so good!" I laughed out loud because it was so funny coming out of his mouth. Of course, that hurt Max's feelings so we had to talk through it all. But, Sutton really is a character.

Sutton, you love your brothers. Right now, you are wanting to follow in Max's footsteps in everything he does. You love four wheelers and motorcycles, even though your momma has tried to keep you from liking it! But, you all do have it memorized that you have to be 31 years old before you can ride a dirt bike. That's how old Daddy was, so that is our rule! We got you a motorcycle shirt and you want to wear it every day...or at least every day that your Elmo shirt is dirty :)

You notice four wheelers and dirt bikes everywhere we go. We went to the pool and you saw one in the parking lot AND insisted we drive by to take a look....so we did!

You love candy (but it sounds like "tandy" when you say it). You like to wake me up in the morning and ask for a snack or "befast". You love for me to sing to you. Your favorites are Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Jesus Loves Me and The Monkey Chased the Weasel. I sing all three every day at naptime. You love for us to scratch your back and then spell your name with my finger across your back.

You love to jump on the furniture! You jump from the ottoman to the couch over and over. Then you push them further apart to test your jumping abilities. It's actually quite funny to watch.

I took you all to the movies this week and you seemed to love it. I don't know if it was the snacks and pop, or what, but it was fun watching you have fun. You are wanting more independence and love it when you get to do things by yourself.

You are a pumpkin. I called you "babydoll" the other day and you looked at me and said, "Babydoll?" I tried to explain that it was a nice name and that I wasn't being mean...but you were offended :)

I love you little buddy. I can't believe you are almost three! I have always said with you that I feel like I have been ripped off! You have grown up way too fast!

Our Boys....

2009-06-04T19:46:00.001-07:00

You know, when you see and are around your children every day, you don't seem to notice how much they grow. But when I take pictures and look at them, they all seem bigger.

Luke has grown over three pounds! Last week he was 10 pounds 5 ounces! He has already started to outgrow a few outfits.....

My Dad sent me a neat text the other day and told me to pray that my boys would always have this great relationship with their dad. They LOVE their daddy, they love being with him, are sad when he leaves...and their daily ritual is to run to the front door so that they can see Greg's car pull away and go down the street. So, I have started praying that this relationship not only continues, but blossoms and grows year to year. Then I started thinking about the relationships that exist and will exist BETWEEN the boys themselves. I do pray that they become great friends, and can be there for one another for many years to come...

Max & Sutton are best buddies, and for the most part, get along well. The biggest struggles come when they are trying to figure out who gets the toy they are fighting over... And Max...you want to hold your brother every second he is awake. And when he's asleep, you want to know why he sleeps so much and when you can hold him again. If I just let you hold him for literally a minute, you are good. Sutton, you only need about 30 seconds or less. If Luke cries, you tell me, "Mom, he wants milk!" You crack me up!

Last few days at school

2009-05-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

The last week of school, we had lots of fun things to go to with Max's class. It's been fun getting to know new friends this year, and I always enjoy getting to know the parents. This was the "fun day" at Metro and the kids got to play games and jump on the Jupiter Jump. Sutton, Luke, Noonie and I went to watch and be a part of it all. I am trying to get IN more of the pictures so that one day the kids will know that I actually was around :) So here is a pic of me and my big boys....little Luke was in the stroller. I love this pictures of me and Sutton. Ever since Luke came, I have noticed that you are a little more clingy to me. And, I don't mind it at all :) I love all of your kisses and hugs. You are always asking me if I am going to leave you. I promise to never leave you little guy! Sometimes I forget that you are only 2 (almost 3) and because you are so tall, I treat you like you are older. You always keep us laughing with the things that you say. The other day we were in the car and Noonie was driving. A sports car came up next to us at the stop light and you said, "Race them Noonie!" And you didn't stop there...when the light turned green, you started chanting Noonie on! You said, "GO GO GO! (And then you somehow added in the OSU cowboys) GO POKES GO!" Mom and I were laughing so hard....I literally had tears in my eyes!

I love this picture! Here are some of our sweet friends...Danny is next to Max, and Chandler is on the end. The best part is that the first time I took this picture, it only included Max and his friends. I had done a close up shot....and when I zoomed it out, I saw Sutton standing on the end...wanting to be in the picture! So I crack up when I see this, because it reminds me of a little brother who wants to be included. And for the most part, Max you are good at including Sutton!

Happy Anniversary to me!

2009-05-28T08:15:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday was our 9 year anniversary and it was a great day! We have been together for over 11 years though, which is also exciting and amazing! Boys, I hope you can grow up to be just like your daddy. He is such a hard worker, but at the same time, has learned how to juggle this family of ours.

We went to dinner at Copelands and as we were leaving, I asked a stranger to take our picture. I wanted to document our day...every anniversary is special. And this year Luke accompanied us on our date night. I just couldn't leave a 6 week old...not just yet! Actually, Greg had to rock Luke the entire meal and at the end got up to walk him around so I could finish.

We even took Luke to the movies with us....he was perfect and it allowed us a great time together.

Greg, you are an amazing husband and father. Thank you for all of the time and effort you give our family. Thank you for your desire to lead us, to provide for us, and take such good care of us. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life, or a better example for our boys. I love you honey!

Mothers Day

2009-05-16T20:49:00.001-07:00

My computer desktop has a picture of me and the boys last year on Mother's Day at church. It amazes me to think that last year I had no idea what this Mother's Day would be like. I had no idea that I would be a mom to three little boys! We stayed home from church together and it was nice to just relax...although I know we missed out on something great at church. Luke was just four weeks old, so he and I wouldn't be going anyway and it was nice to have Greg and the boys join us at home.

Here is a picture of just a few of my Mother's Day gifts. I wanted to take a picture in case over the years some of these great gifts get lost or ruined :) Max made this frame at school and they gave them to the moms at the Mother's Day tea. I also got a homemade bracelet (shown below), a tootsie pop flower and a flower picked from the backyard and put into a jar. Max, you made a comment that I wasn't as excited about your gift as I was with what Daddy gave me. So I made a point to put all of the gifts out on display in the kitchen, just to make sure you knew how special they were to me.

You also drew a family picture, and I had to pick out which family was ours at the Mother's Day tea. And, you filled out a fill in the blank chart about me and my favorites....all of the moms had to read the sheets and guess which one was theirs. Max, you knew everything about me (except my weight and height...apparently I weigh 6 pounds and am 5 inches!) You said I was 31 years old, that my favorite color is red, my hair is gold :), my eyes are green and my favorite food is popcorn (we have popcorn for snacktime a lot). Once I saw the sheet, I knew it was me. It made me feel good to know you knew the answers.... Here we are on Mother's Day and we snagged a quick picture! You can't see Luke very well, but the only other picture I got of us had Luke with crossed eyes!

Here is Max's class at the Mother's Day tea and they are singing songs to the mommies! Max is on the front row in the green shirt. The moms got to pick out their children's clothes that day, and Max was sure to let me do it. They had us wait in the hall and then our child escorted us into the room and to our chair. We were served snacks and all of our gifts. It was such a fun day....my how quickly you are growing up little man!

Well, I only have about 4 shirts that fit me, and I decided to wear my green one so we could match! Cheesy, I know....

Max, I love watching who you are becoming. You made me feel so special and loved. Thank you to all of my boys (including my sweet husband) for a great Mother's Day.

Greg got me a set of pedastals to go with my washer and dryer. I have been wanting them and he surprised me with them on Mother's Day. They even came in early so we got to go pick them up and he had them installed that night. I LOVE them!

Most of all, I love my sweet family.....

Sweet Face

2009-05-10T18:06:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I caught this sweet face! Luke was drifting in and out of sleep....and he kept smiling. Somehow, I caught him smiling and looking at me at the same time. This picture just melts my heart. I can't believe I am the lucky momma of three boys! Luke, I love how you have the cleft in your chin like Daddy and Max...and you have dimples in your cheeks like Daddy and Sutton! You are quite the combination my little guy!

Luke, your brothers can't get enough of you. They wake up and run downstairs to our room to see you, kiss you and they fight over who will hold you. Max knows how to calm you....and when you cry Sutton will say, "Mom, Luke wants you!....He is cying!" (The way Sutton says it is so cute because he leaves out the "r")

You are adored and loved little Luke! I still can't believe you are here...It's like I am living an awesome dream.......

Family Pictures!

2009-05-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

We asked our friend to come over and take pictures of our newest little man, and our family together. It's fun to see our new family of five. Quincie is the one who took our pictures in the fall, and my favorite part was how she caught the boys just being themselves.

So, it didn't surprise me how absolutely patient and creative she was when she took these pictures! You can see our proofs at www.quinciescreations.com
Click on "Proofing" then put in "laura" as the password.

I will have to "talk" to Quincie because there is one on there of me that is SOOOO bad! Don't worry, you'll find it :) Greg and I died laughing! So, the parents don't look the greatest...but we love how she caught the boys in their true state!

Notice how Sutton is so intently looking into the camera...she told him to watch out for the monkey in the camera. We cracked up because you can tell he is really looking for that monkey!

Thanks Quincie! I love that our moment in time was captured forever!

2009-04-25T21:41:00.001-07:00

It usually takes me awhile after surgery to be able to hold my kiddos.....so this is the first time that I actually held him.... Here is Greg showing Luke to me again. I had seen him in surgery, but I was a little pre-occupied and they wisked him away pretty quickly. In this picture, I still can't lift my arms, so Greg is holding him for me. It always amazes me to see how alert they are after delivery....look how wide open his eyes are!

Oh, this is my favorite! When Max was born Karissa (my lifelong friend) was one of our nurses and she put Max's footprints on the scrubs that Greg was wearing. So when we went to have Sutton, Greg wore the same scrub shirt and she put his footprints on the shirt as well, just below Max's. With Luke, they put his footprints on bottom. Greg put each boy's name by their footprints and their date of birth. I think we should frame it!

I gave Molly my camera (I think) and she caught this picture. I asked someone if they told the boys to hug and they said no. (There may be another story to that...). But I love this picture....

More pics

2009-04-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

I have so many favorite pictures from Luke's birth...these are just a few. I love this picture because it shows Greg's happiness! This is when he is showing Luke to Max & Sutton (and the rest of our family & friends who were there) for the first time. I love how you can see Greg's smile from behind the mask... And here you can see Greg & our great friend Karissa is on Greg's left. Karissa has been at all three of our boys' births! She is a nurse at Saint Francis and has always made a huge effort to be there with us. It always comforted me to know she was there....I have more pics of her to come....

Apparently, Max & Sutton were banging on the windows of the nursery....they were so excited!

Sorry honey, but I had to share the picture of you in your hunky hair net. Everytime we have gone in for a c-section, I can always see the concern for me in your eyes. You are a great comfort to me.....and you still look cute even in that hair net!

Here we are just before surgery....we tried to talk a lot about mom being in a hospital bed and even went to the hospital the weekend before so that we could show the boys around and make them feel more comfortable with everything. I really think it helped because they weren't scared to see me in the bed or anything. One last family picture with just the four of us! Notice their cute "Big Brother" shirts....

More of my favorite pictures to come! It would only let me download a few at a time.....

Baby Luke

2009-04-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

How cute is that face? Oh how wonderful it is to see our precious baby face to face! I have tons of pictures that I want to add, so I'll have to do them little by little. This picture was from the day we left the hospital. I love this picture because it shows how much Luke resembles his brothers, but yet has his own look too. I know I'm biased, but I think he's adorable! I love his dark hair and skin. I love his dimples on his cheeks and his chin, just like his daddy.

The addition of our third little man makes our family complete. The other day I was in bed and soon was joined by Max & Sutton. As Max held Luke and Sutton was in my arms, it felt so good to have our family of boys! Greg walked in and just laughed!

Boys, you have the greatest daddy. He gives you every extra second of time he has...and more. He's always coming up with some fun thing to do, or some place to take you. You are a joy to both of our lives...and we have so much fun ahead of us.

Luke, welcome to the fam! We are so happy you are here....Thank you Lord for this sweet blessing!

My Dad

2009-04-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

My mom sent us a text tonight saying the doctor came in to release them to go home, and they were packing quickly! It's amazing to think that he had open heart surgery on Monday and is going home on Thursday! He did remarkably well the whole time!

I want to be the kind of person that my dad is....he cares SO much about other people. On Monday as we sat in the waiting room, we had to have seen 50 or more people come and go wanting to check in on him. This was just during his surgery. We had family, friends, church members....they were all there to support their friend. It was overwhelming and yet so awesome at the same time. It makes you look at your life and think, am I loving others in such a way that they would care so much about me? Or, is my life all about ME?

And before he went to surgery, he said "This is a Win/Win. If this is God's time for me, I get to meet Jesus today...and if not, I get a whole new start" And I knew he really meant it...REALLY. I didn't want to talk about that part, or even acknowledge that it had gone through my head, but there he was ready to stare it in the face and even talk about it. I want to be like that....

My dad is so amazing....he has done so much. Yes, he has accomplished a lot. But more than that, he is just an amazing, God loving, person. He keeps life in perspective...and lives a life of purpose.

My favorite part of his recovery in the hospital was when he wanted to get up and start walking. They had a walker for him and it had a bell on it. It was like the little bell that we had on our bikes and would ring it when we rode down the street. So here dad is trying to make a lap around the nurses station, all the while, ringing his bell! It cracked me up and the nurses loved it too.

Dad, I am so thankful that God put YOU as my dad. I am so proud to be your daughter. I think you are an amazing father and husband. Just from watching, it appears that this surgery has brought you and mom closer (if that is even possible). When I was in the ICU with you one day holding your hand and talking to you, mom about knocked me down to get to you. I LOVED it! She knew I had my time with you and now she wanted hers :) You all are best friends and forever mates. I can't wait until Greg and I have shared as many years together as you all have!

Lord, I asked you to protect my dad and I thank you for your provision. As I prayed for him, all I could imagine was angels being in the operating room with him....

Thank you for reminding me to TRUST....

Please pray......

2009-03-31T14:21:00.001-07:00

Turn your speakers on so you can hear this song. I added a song to my blog so you could hear the song by Natalie Grant, "Our Hope Endures". I heard the song on the way to church a few weeks ago, and God brought to my heart a sweet friend that has had more than her share of heartache. I had heard this song before, but had not paid attention well to the words.

My favorite part is this....the song says, "Our Hope Endures the worst of conditions, it's more than our optimism. Let the earth quake, our Hope is UNCHANGED!"

Wow, that really hit me.....

The song goes on to say..."Emmanuel God is with us! El Shaddai All Sufficient....we NEVER walk alone! And this is our hope....."

So if you fast forward to today, you'll find my family grateful. We found out yesterday that my Dad will have to have a heart bypass on Monday. My dad is the picture of health....and this is a shock to all of us. However, we consider this all a blessing. We are so thankful that we were able to find out in advance of any problems.

So this song now means even more to me....MY hope endures the worst of conditions! I CHOOSE to have hope....I know my Dad is in God's hands....and my God loves my Daddy more than me! How could it be? But it's true!!!

When I went to college, my mom and dad left verses all around my dorm room, and this one was on a post it note right by my bed in my mom's writing. This is a slightly different version that someone gave me, but I will always remember it....

"I will not worry about anything, but I will pray about everything and thank God He hears me. I cast all cares on the Lord because He cares for me, and I let the peace of God which passes all understanding keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

So, mark your calendars and pray with us! My dad's surgery is April 6th...and the following Monday, April 13th we will get to see our little Luke in person. Today we got to see him on the ultrasound....he was moving, breathing, and he has HAIR!

Please pray for our family....it's going to be a crazy few weeks.

I hope this song blesses you like it blessed me!

What a great hope we have!!!

Sutton the Swimmer

2009-03-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today we took Sutton to swim class....we've been going since February in the hopes that we can get him well on his way to swimming sometime during the summer. I find the issue even more pressing since all of our parents have pools. IF he was to fall in, I want him to at least know how to get out. And then there's the issue that I will have three kiddos this summer at the pool, and I would like to know that Sutton has a head start on swimming.

I have been so impressed with Miller Swim School....if you will make the commitment (and it's a commitment) to keep your young children in swim class, they can have them swimming by 2 years old. But, it has to be once a week for a year, maybe less depending on the child. Last year in Sutton's class, there were lots of kids swimming that were 2 years old. But, those parents had kept them in lessons for a long time.

Anyway, so that has been my plan. I wish we would have kept him in classes after the summer......so we picked back up in February and he is getting better and better.

Here's a video from today....he actually swam on his own! He didn't go very far, but hey, we're so proud of him. And HE is so proud of himself! He has asked me to watch it over and over today...probably 30 times he has watched it and I'm not kidding!

Click the link below and you can see our little swimmer!

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=CEFr2uh9PYhstzB807sL&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED

Luke Update

2009-03-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Little Luke man...I realized that the last time I wrote you a note was when we found out who you were! You have done a lot of growing since then, and you're almost ready for your arrival! It's amazing to feel you move inside of me...and sometimes you move so much that it makes me feel sick to my stomach! I think you move more than Max or Sutton did. And since you are my last pregnancy, I am trying to soak up every minute and enjoy it.

I am curious...REALLY curious....who will you look like? Red hair, blonde hair or brown? Are you bigger than your brothers? The space we are currently sharing feels very tight! I keep wondering if you are breech, like your brothers were. I feel a lump in my ribs and I don't know it it is your head or your bottom!

I have enjoyed our time together, but I am counting down the days to see your sweet face in person. We have your room ready....we have tiny little diapers, your new diaper bag (with your name on it!) We even have your stocking ready for Christmas....all we need is you now....

Your brothers have been waiting for you for a long time, and they don't understand why it is taking so long for you to get here. So the other day we went to the store and bought a white poster and made a "Countdown to Baby Luke" poster. We wrote a verse from the Bible on it, and then wrote down how many days we have left until you get here. Every day, we go to our chart and mark off. I told your daddy that I didn't know if it was more for mommy, or for the kids. He said it is for all of us. We just can't wait to meet you!

Dr. Thompson said we can see you on April 13th....the day after Easter. So, as of today that is 24 days away! I am trying to keep myself busy so that the time passes quickly.

I saw this mom today who had three little boys. I wanted to tell everyone that I too would soon have three little boys....I did get to tell one lady that sat next to me. She asked, and I gave her an ear full!

So, little man, we are praying for you. We look forward to seeing you soon. We pray for your safety, and your health.....

Love you always,
Mom (& Dad)

Too Sweet.....

2009-03-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today Max had soccer practice and I went to watch. I have been trying to lie down and rest because little Luke is giving me a run for my money. But, tonight I met Greg at practice and brought the boys.

Well, at the end of the day, I always try to find out what the best and worst part of each day was. It's just a way to get us all talking....and it's funny because Max usually asks us what ours are too. But, that's another post....

So, I asked him at dinner tonight, "what was your favorite part about soccer tonight?"

And he said, "When you and daddy were holding each other and watching me play"

It so shocked me that I didn't know what to say. I guess I expected him to say something about actually playing soccer. But, he loved seeing his mommy and daddy love on each other! Wow....so amazing!

I looked at Greg and he said that Max had told him the same thing in the car on the way home.

I have always heard it said, but this just proves to me even more, that we HAVE to let our kids see us be affectionate with one another. They need it, it makes them feel secure...

And who knows, it may be the best part of their day!

I love you Max....you, my sweet, are a pumpkin!

Boy parts....

2009-02-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

Since the real reason that I do this blog is to keep up with the funny things the boys do and say, then I have to write this one down so that I don't forget.....

Today we went to swim class, then to run some errands and got to meet Noonie for lunch! It was such a great treat. We pulled into the garage and I always get out, shut the garage door, and unload my first armful of stuff from the car. I was going back to get Sutton out of the car and I saw Max had come over to get him out first.

And this is what I see....Max is standing in front of Sutton, pushing down on the button (located at Sutton's crotch) so that the five point harness will unlatch and he says,

"Sutton, hold on, this will only hurt your penis for a minute."

I DIED LAUGHING!

That is one friend taking care of another......good stuff!

Sharing a Room...

2009-02-16T21:59:00.001-08:00

Just before Thanksgiving, we moved Sutton into Max's room so they could start sharing a room. I figured the longer we gave them to get used to each other before our baby brother gets here, the better. They have loved being roomies...and they are so funny! They know that it doesn't matter how early they get up, they can't come downstairs until the clock says 7:00. Just this morning, they both walked downstairs to our bathroom, and the first thing out of Sutton's mouth was, "The clock said 7". (He has heard his brother say that quite a few times)

So here are our two little men....I took this one morning when I came upstairs to get them. (Hence Sutton's crazy hair!) You can't tell from this picture, but the "S" in Sutton has been removed from the wall MANY times...and because it is red, it works as a great crayon! Did you know that if you rub it around on the wall long enough that red will show up on the wall? It's really cool! :)

Do you know what this is?

2009-02-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, Sutton gave up his pacifiers, and this was one of our ways of celebrating! It all started after Christmas when Greg and I were talking about when to take away his pacifiers. I always think it is harder for me to actually do it, than for the kids to give them up.

So I mentioned to my friend Carrie who watches Sutton that we would be taking them away soon. He is 2 1/2, so I knew it was time....

Well, Carrie called me back that same day and said "Sutton has something to tell you". Well, apparently after nap they had a good talk about how he was a big boy now, and he told her that he wanted to throw his pacis in the trash! So they threw them in the trash can, and he was calling me to tell me about it!

Well, I knew now there was no turning back. So when I picked him up, I told him we could give the other pacis to Patrick (our children's minister at church) and he would save them for baby Luke (wink, wink) or we could put them in the mailbox so they would be mailed to the hospital.

You may wonder why I made up weird stories, but I had always heard that it is best to get the pacifiers out of your house so that your child doesn't ask for them over and over AND so that as a parent, you aren't tempted to change your mind.

Well, Max immediately told Sutton that the mailbox is dirty and that would get lots of germs on the pacis....so he nixed that idea. (Someone remind me not to have older brothers around when I am explaining these same options to Luke one day)

So Sutton decided to gather all of his pacis to take to church that night and give to Patrick. Only problem was I neglected to call and give Patrick a heads up. Apparently, he handled it well and went right along with our plan. Thanks Patrick! So here they are...Daddy took them to buy a big tub of ice cream so we could all celebrate Sutton's big accomplishment. I stressed about this for literally months, and within a few days, he never mentioned a pacifier again.

Sutton, we're proud of you buddy! You are such a big boy, and you don't need those stinkin' pacis anymore!

Super Heros.......

2009-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Sutton! Well, the hat is a little small (for starters) and I think the costume looks more like a gymnast suit than Spiderman's real duds! Buddy, I think you need about 4 sizes larger for it to fit right. Notice the knickers?

Before Thanksgiving, we decided to move Sutton into Max's room. They made the transition really well, and they have loved rooming together. I have really noticed them becoming better friends, as a result of sharing a room. It's been really neat to watch! So this was the day that we were moving their stuff, and they decided to dress up in some old Halloween costumes. As you can see, the costumes are MUCH too small! And a little bit revealing! But when they put them on, I just died laughing and had to get my camera!

Max you cracked me up because you also were in denial that your costume was too small. It was so tight that when he went to sit, he started choking! And he also is apparently sporting some knickers......

Our New Family

2009-02-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

We like to do "crafts" at our house....I think Max got that word from my friend Carrie! She is really good at crafts. This day Max made our family out of index cards. With a little glue, some stickers and crayons, he made each member of our family.

So please notice me...the large one on the left! And notice that he drew a baby in my tummy! Then notice Greg next to me....he told me that daddy is tall (hence the long legs!) I'm not going to take it personally that he made me three times the size of daddy! (Or at least I'll try not to!) Here is our whole family together....mom and dad on top. Max and Sutton are next and then baby Luke is at the bottom! I like how baby Luke made it into the picture twice....he's both in my tummy and a baby outside of my tummy!

I put these up at my office, it's hanging on the wall behind my desk. I love looking at it, and I crack up when I see it! Oh, and I show it to anyone who will give me a few minutes to tell them about it.

Thanks for the Craft Max! I love it and wanted to take pictures so that I would always remember our family!!!

Our "Concerts"

2009-02-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

We like to keep the music on almost all day.....it makes us in a better mood (or at least mommy!) And we often like to have our own concerts....you know...where you grab a "microphone" and sing into it. Well this was a jammy day, so I let them stay in their pajamas most of the day. We sang songs and just hung out. After our concert, the boys wanted to get on the couch. I thought it was cute how they got on there together....reminded me of Molly & I on the front porch when we were little (wish I had a picture of that!) Notice: Max's microphone is still in hand... So here we are singing our hearts out in the kitchen....I didn't catch Max because he was blinking...no, he has his eyes closed folks! He's really into this! Sutton grabbed a spatula, but he calls them a "broom". Don't know quite why though.......

Max is really into music. We made a game where when a song comes on the radio, we try to see how quickly he can name it. It's amazing how quickly he picks up music, lyrics and the tunes.

Thank you Quincie!

2009-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

We went to meet Quincie at the park a few weeks ago and I just loved it! We got to let the boys play and just be themselves and capture them having fun. This set of pictures may just be some of my favorites because it caught them playing....and I will be able to remember them in their everyday lives.

Thanks Quincie! I just love all of the pics!

Starting so soon???

2009-01-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

Last week we were in the car running errands, and my sweet nieces were in the car with the boys and I. We had great discussions in the car that day, mostly about questions on the Bible, or how many wise men were really there when Jesus was born....it was good stuff!

On the way to take the girls to my sister, Max went into a "talk" about how he didn't like having a brother. My heart sank because that's all this little man will have. But before getting too emotional, I asked him what he meant and quickly realized it had nothing to do with "brothers". So here is our conversation:

Me: What do you mean honey?
Max: Well, brothers are loud at night and they wake me up....
Me: Well, the next time Sutton is being loud at night, I can come up there and talk to him. Don't worry, we will teach him to be quiet at night, okay?
Max: Well, last night I was having a beautiful (he really said beautiful) dream and I was just about to kiss the girl when Sutton screamed and woke me up!

Okay, at this time, the girls and I just DIED laughing! We could not believe what we were hearing! Lauren and Ann Marie started "calling" who would get to tell their mom! Lauren said, "I get to tell mom first".

Max continued: See we were at the castle, and the dragon was there and I was just about to rescue the girl!

Sounds like a scene from Shrek to me! I don't know where he got it, but sure it could have been from a movie or something. When I told my friend Carrie she said they had watched a movie like that at her house....so that could be the culprit as well!

Either way, it was too funny!

Transformers, Spiderman, Star Wars....

2008-12-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a great Christmas and have TONS of pictures. But in the meantime, I have been meaning to post this one on Max. This year at school he learned all about Transformers and Star Wars...he already knew some about Spiderman (although he has never seen the movie because I think it is way too scarey!) But, he is really into superheros!

Max, this day I found you with all of your superheros lined up on the fireplace and I believe they were fighting! You have such a great imagination! For Christmas, you got a Star Wars helmet from Santa that disguises your voice (you love it!) You got lots of Star Wars super heros, more Transformers and a Spiderman belt.

You are growing so quickly. For so long, you were smaller and your little body was working overtime to catch up....but you're there now! You are just as tall as your peers, and you have had constant growth for years.

You are growing physically and spiritually. The other day you came to "big church" with us and we had communion. It was perfect timing, because you asked TONS of questions. My favorite was when we had the grape juice and you leaned over to ask me if "there was blood in my cup". It's a smart question, since Jesus did die for us....but it was funny at the same time. A friend of ours went forward asking to be baptized and saying she asked Jesus in her heart. So we talked about that. I told you that you could have communion when you asked Jesus into your heart. (This was all happening when daddy and I tucked you into bed...we were talking about our day) You just quickly said, "Well, I have asked Jesus into my heart over and over again". You have said that to me before, but it still shocks me that you say it. The other day we were at Noonie & Papa's house. I had asked you to help your cousins pick up the toys, and you were doing a great job. While picking up, you found a pretty pink bracelet and you went (without me noticing) to Noonie's desk, and wrapped the bracelet in paper with tape. Then you tucked it in your pocket and came over to me. You told me you had a present for my birthday. When I informed you that my birthday was a LONG way away, you said, "Ok, I have a present for you....you're gonna cry!" And he was right...I didn't cry, but it was so sweet that it made me get a frog in my throat! See, in his mind, I am the "girl" in the family....I am the only one who would want such a bracelet (that is probably one of my nieces' bracelet....). He has done this to me before and brought me pink plastic rings and stuff. I like being the only girl in the family....I think this is going to serve me well in the future! Even if nothing changes, I still feel SO blessed to have these little men around me!

Max, I love your personality. I love your heart. You are a sweet little man, who is growing up before our eyes. I hope I can remember every little fun story or funny thing you say. You are a treasure!

Forgiveness and Stuff

2008-12-07T19:16:00.001-08:00

To my sweet children...to the two boys I have OUTSIDE my body and to the little man that is growing inside me. God has been revealing some great stuff to me lately, and I had the thought today....that I want to make sure that the one thing I get right as your dad and I raise you, is to make sure I tell you and teach you about God and his son Jesus.

You know, I try so hard to make your birthdays so special, and to have fun everyday...and to teach you how to write your name or sing your ABCs, and to take trips to the zoo, to have fun family days, to sing, to play, etc...I usually feel inadequate in all of it and compare myself to other moms to make sure I am doing you a good job.

But, I have to make sure that the ONE thing I pass along to you is that you believe in Jesus. I have to make sure that I make this #1...that I show you what I have learned...what daddy has learned and how God is still teaching us through what we go through and the people we deal with.

The last six months have been a lesson for me in forgiveness. I have been thinking about how to write this and how to "sum up" what my experience was. Here are the nuts and bolts...because if I forget to tell you this story in the later years, I want you to have a record of what I learned...

Through our work, we have had some frustrating people to deal with. And the offenses seem to keep growing. Over time, my heart started growing bitter....my dad (your Papa) told me that I needed to ask God to help me deal with my bitterness. That stung my heart...but I knew he was right. And I did ask God (half-heartedly) to help me...and I saw the bitterness lessen, but still heavily there overall. Another frustration came and there was my bitterness again...because I still had more to learn about forgiveness.

I can't tell you all of the details to the story in this post, and it doesn't truly matter. But, the idea is the offense left me feeling beaten and left for dead in the street. You know...I have forgiven many people over the years. But, usually under the terms of someone asking for my forgiveness, and then me saying, "Yes, I will forgive you." But, I have not had to forgive someone who hurt me, may still be trying to hurt me, or didn't care they hurt me. Now, that one is harder....

So to make a really long and amazing story short, my dad came to me and said...."God wants us to go make this right....to reconcile...to forgive..." Huh??? Okay, dad..I know you are right but gosh this stuff is hard! So there my dad and I sat, we made a list of the verses in the Bible where God asks us to forgive, to reconcile...no matter what. You know, it didn't say that they had to deserve it. Matter of fact, it said that we had to forgive 70 times 7 times. Funny thing is that after about 2 forgivenesses, we're impatient. Or at least I am.

The most amazing part is that my dad was showing me, at 31 years old, that we BELIEVE our Bible is truth. Not only do we believe in it, we must "believe" by acting on it. And since our belief is so strong, we do act! Even when we don't feel like it, even when they don't deserve it. We do it because God commands it!

I started thinking of all of the relationships in my life where I had shown "conditional" forgiveness. The one that came to mind first was with your dad in our marriage. God used this incident to show me that although I may not "believe" Greg deserves my forgiveness, it doesn't matter....I don't technically deserve my salvation, not in any way at all.

This forgiveness was amazing! God used this to shake me (in a good way) and I hope to never forget it. And I want to make sure I pass this on to you boys. The other day we were decorating the Christmas tree and Sutton broke a special ornament Max had made for us as a little boy. Max was devistated...literally, he told Sutton "you broke my heart". And Max, you really meant it. You were heart broken. But, God reminded me about my lessons in forgiveness and it was so cool! I told Max that it was okay to be upset....but that God wants us to forgive Sutton...even though we are upset and it doesn't feel like he deserves our forgiveness. I was so thankful that I had truly experienced my new understanding of forgiveness. I saw the rage and anger in Max...and through our talk, I am hoping that I taught him a small sliver of forgiveness. I hope that in weeks, months and years to come that I will be reminded to tell you more.

So, Daddy and I may not get this parenting thing perfect....actually, we'll probably screw up lots of times. But, I want to be transparent with you in our faith and to teach you what God says.

Guys, I love you and just wanted to make sure I wrote this down so that I could share it with you. I can tell you the whole story...and about how scared I was to "forgive". My knees were literally shaking....but we did it! And God has healed my heart.

Love you,
Mom

Sutton's Smile

2008-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this picture! Sutton, you are so funny! I found this picture off of my sister's blog and just loved it so much that I wanted to save it! I started this blog so that I could print it off for the kids and show it to them when they grow up. It's a great way for me to "journal" our everyday life for them. So, here are a few things that have been happening with Sutton lately:
1) He loves to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and today he told me it was his favorite! Papa told him we would give him candy if he sang it for us....he did sing a little and we did give him candy!
2) Max likes to sing "Our God is an Awesome God" so Sutton has started joining in with us....he just says "Awesome God" over and over again. I don't care...he has the main part right...and I love hearing him sing! This is my little guy that used to tell us "No thank you" when Max and I would sing in the car. So, the good news is he is starting to come over to our side....
3) He LOVES his big brother! When he wakes up, he looks for "Matts"...when he goes to bed, he wants to talk to "Matts"....you get the point, on and on....Oh, today you were helping me with laundry and you found your "unerwear"...you told me that you wanted to go show "Matts" and off you went running! I am laughing right now because you are just so funny! Daddy said tonight at dinner that we used to think you were going to be so quiet and shy! Boy, were we wrong! You are quiet when you are in large groups, but around us, you are just perfectly yourself! And we love watching you change and grow!
4) You all share a room now and you love it! I love hearing your little voices on the monitor...you sound like girls up there talking in your room.

Luke William Grunewald

2008-11-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Today, we got to see our 3rd SON on the Ultrasound! I just caught myself smiling as I write this.....

Luke, we are so excited to meet you in person. I feel you move inside of me, and I can't wait for Daddy to feel your kicks too. Today was so much fun as we went to the Imaging Center...and we took your older brothers, Max & Sutton with us! They loved seeing you on the computer, and Max was especially enjoying the sound of your heartbeat! Max has told me for the last few months that you were a boy...and today we saw it for sure!

Today after the ultrasound, Max said this to me, "Mom, you know...God knows what we need..and he gave us another brother. See, when you have two brothers then God knows that you need another one..." (I wanted to cry....I love hearing things out of a child's mouth!)

I was thinking today....God has entrusted us with three boys, who we wish to raise as Godly men. I wonder what kind of plans God has for them....I wonder what they will decide to do in the future. Either way, boys...Daddy and I love you....we are so thankful and grateful that God decided we would make good parents for you.

I asked the kids today at lunch what they are thankful for since it is Thanksgiving tomorrow....Max quickly told me, "My baby brother Luke!"

That sums it up....Luke, we are so excited to meet you in April! Max thought today was "the day" and asked me if he could hold you. Soon enough, we will be holding you. And, I wonder....who will you look like? Will you look just like Max & Sutton? Or will you look totally different? I can't wait to see you! We are 18 weeks pregnant, so we've got more time to be together....but I'll be counting down the days until we can hold you!

Praying for your health everyday!

Vroom! Vroom!

2008-11-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

Oh Sutton...you crack Daddy and I up! You LOVE to ride Daddy's four wheeler (going really slow!) with him.....and you would ask for him to take you for a ride literally everytime we went to the garage! Greg just sold his four wheelers and is saving to get a new one some day....but Sutton cried when he saw the four wheeler loaded in the back of Greg's truck. I don't think he knew what was going on, but we thought it was so funny!

This is a four wheeler that is controlled by a remote...but since we broke the remote to it, Sutton has enjoyed using it to "ride" around the house. As you can imagine, it doesn't work too well. When I found him playing, I ran to get my camera so I would always remember!

Something is odd here...

2008-11-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

At our house we have a rule that pacifiers and blankets stay upstairs in bed....but this day I found Sutton laying on the kitchen floor with his blanket AND his pacifier. I thought it was cute and then I realized something....hmmm if you are old enough to wear underwear do you think we should still use a pacifier? (Don't worry...I know the answer!) But, I'm still fine with him having it until 2 1/2 years. I do think it's a little funny though!

So Sutton, way to go on wearing underwear and going potty (most of the time) in the toilet. Now, we just need to work on that paci!

Love you little budddy!

Cousins!

2008-11-18T10:36:00.001-08:00

I love this picture! We don't have all of our cousins in here....don't know why! I think Ragon had already left the lake and headed home for nap...and Greyson was still in his momma's tummy. And Cooper....well he was probaby running around scoring soccer goals somewhere! The kids were playing at a VERY old tree house that my sisters and I used to play on growing up. And then uncle Sean was helping them swing on the rope....they had a blast!

I am looking forward to lots of family time with all of our families over the holidays...and lots of fun memories. I thought about making a list of fun things I wanted to accomplish...instead of putting up the tree, making a fun night of it with the kids and making cocoa like we did with my grandma Jo Jo every Christmas. I don't want to get so busy, that I forget the fun in it all. I have Christmas music playing right now!

Baby Grunewald

2008-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

We got to hear our little person's heartbeat this week...and it's always so great to hear that sweet sound! It helps to solidify the pregnancy in my mind when I get to hear the heartbeat....I have felt a few flutters of movement, but always like to be reassured the baby is doing well. We are now 17 weeks and will find out who the next addition to our family will be on November 26th (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!) I think we have decided to take the boys with us. We took Max to one of the ultrasounds we did for Sutton, and it was amazing to see how much he understood. And, how much going to the ultrasound helped him understand even more. He talked for months (and still remembers) going to see Sutton "on the computer" as he would say it.

I do think it will help the boys to know if they are going to have a little brother or sister. To name them, to start talking about them, and to start arranging our house to accomodate just one more little munchkin.....

Thanksgiving week the boys will be moving to share a room, and they are really excited. We have been talking it up, but I'm still a little nervous. I shared a room with Molly growing up, it helped create a great friendship between us, taught us how to share, and we just had fun. Of course, we fought some....but sharing a room brought us so much more good than any bad. I picked Thanksgiving week because Max is out of school almost the whole week, so that gives us a week of them staying up giggling/talking in their room and not going to bed on time. I know there will be an adjustment period with this. And then with Christmas right behind, it will give us even more time to get used to it. Since the baby will come in April, I wanted Sutton to not feel like he was being pushed out of his room. So overall, this felt like the best thing for everyone!

After MUCH thought, we have decided on what we want to name the baby. If it is a boy, we have decided on Luke William. Luke has always been a favorite name for me, and Greg loved it too. I actually tried to get my friend Sheridan to name her son that...but now am glad it didn't work out for them! (You know what I mean Sher!) We decided on William because my father in law's name is William and Greg's mom's maiden name was Williams. So we thought it had some neat family ties, either way. For a girl, we have decided on Reese Katheryn. We have both liked Reese (that was a favorite if Sutton was a girl too). And Katheryn...well that name has LOTS of family (Greg's mom's middle name, his grandmother's name, and my sister Molly's middle name) So we are thrilled to have that decided!

So many people have asked if we were trying for a girl...so I just HAVE to say....That no! We were trying for another baby....we are thrilled to be parents of boys. (We actually like our kids...) Yes, it's a little loud and crazy sometimes....but we will be thrilled to find out either way. Sorry, I'm just tired of hearing people say to me they want me to have a girl. I just want to have a healthy baby. Don't get me wrong, it would be fun to experience the difference between a boy and a girl, but since I have no control of that, I just have refused to think much about it. I think it is well intentioned...but does that mean that if we have another boy that this child is not as special? No way! Just today, I probably had 3 people tell me they were praying for a girl, or something to that extent. And I guess it just hits me the wrong way......If we find out we are having another boy, I hope everyone shares in our excitement. That is not a disappointment to me! God knows what is best for us.....

To end on a happy note (sorry I'm so "emotional") we had Max's birthday party and invited his friends from school. This was his first year to invite school friends and he was so excited. I will download the pictures and put some on here. And Sutton, oh I need to do a post on him. He is talking so much now....and (drumroll please) has been wearing underwear for over a week now! We just crack up listening to him talk and the things he says. Tonight at dinner after Greg prayed, he said he wanted to pray. So we all bowed our heads and Sutton said, "Max not praying". I looked up and he was right, Max was trying to eat! Little stinker! So we got it together and Sutton prayed....Dear God....Dear God (he said it a few times in a row) then prayed listing each of our family, "Pray for daddy, pray for mommy, pray for matts (max) and pray for dutton (sutton)! Oh little people, you bring great joy to our lives! Love you bunches!!

Water, water, water!

2008-11-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that Max was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus at 10 weeks old. Part of DI is that he is constantly thirsty! DI means that his kidney doesn't respond to a hormone put out by his brain, and therefore his kidney depleats his body of hydration. So, he takes a medication to help him not be as thirsty, drinks TONS of water and goes to the bathroom often. When I explain to people how much water he drinks, they just can't comprehend it. You'll have to experience first hand just how much water he can drink before you will believe it. For years, we would get up in the middle of the night, to change his diaper, fill up his water cups, etc. Actually, Greg did it more than me...he's a good daddy! Around 3 years old, we noticed Max was waking himself up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! So we started putting TONS of water bottles by his bed at night so that all he had to do was get up to go potty then head back to bed. So this night when I put him to bed, I just laughed when I saw all of the cups! And I thought we should take a picture of it. I really wanted to show our pediatrician Dr. Raley because I thought he would think it was funny! So here is a close up of all our cups! There are a total of 15 cups, most holding at least 7 ounces up to over 16 ounces! We're thankful that Max's major complications were "cured" by surgery. So a little bit of medication and lots of water is something that he can for sure handle. I just wanted to document these pics so I could show you one day Max!

My first tree!

2008-11-05T21:01:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed how our house is layed out, more than I realized I would. Our backyard is so small that I can be in the kitchen doing dishes and see the majority of the backyard. (I love that!) I have found that if I let the kids play alone and I intentionally don't play with them, they play better together AND such creativity comes from the things they make up.

This day I was letting them play in the backyard by themselves and Max came to get me. He told me that I needed to get my camera because he was climbing his first tree! So funny! So I of course ran to get the camera to capture this moment! Today Max was not up to par, because he was sick. But tonight I found this picture and loved it! He looks so big and grown up. Max will be 5 in a month....so hard to believe! We are having his family birthday this weekend and he is so excited. So this post is to my oldest "little man"...who is now SO into Transformers, loves to sing and is a really sweet older brother. We love you Max. Happy early Birthday!

Potty Time

2008-10-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry....but I just HAD to do it! I just had to share this picture....actually I took many more but this one was the most decent...since this is the internet! I found them sitting on their potties like this, and couldn't resist to take pictures! But I just had to show you what it looks like when two little buddies go to the potty at the same time. Sutton has now graduated to the big boy potty. And, this mom knows how to get him to go potty....as long as you promise him some type of candy or treat, you can usually get "results". Max, this whole treat thing when you go to the potty, has really confused you. You have asked me why Sutton gets candy when he goes potty, and you don't. So, now I have started giving you candy too, but only when Sutton goes in the potty. This has worked in my favor, because I get lots of cheerleading and encouraging from the sidelines!

Love you two little men! You crack me up!

Baby Names

2008-10-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long time since I posted last. We've been busy around here. I have lots of great pictures to add....

But in the meantime, I wanted to ask everyone to give us some good baby names. With the boys, we had names picked very early on...and we both loved their names. This time, we have come close on girl names, but a boy name hasn't been a fit for either of us. So I thought I would ask for help!

Okay for a girl, Greg likes "Gabby" and I like "Reese". Remember people, our last name is Grunewald....so you have to be careful what you put next to that name. Sorry Grunewalds, I love you...and our name! But, I'm just being honest! :)

So I told Greg we could name a girl Reese Gabrielle...notice how my name came first. I know it's selfish....sorry honey! We can talk later about that....

Chances are we are going to have another little man around here, so I find it very necessary to get a boys name decided.

So, here are my rules about picking a name: (I am aware that I am weird...it's okay!)
1) Needs to be somewhat unique, not an extremely common name. But not weird like "Cocoa"
2) Needs to go with Sutton and Max.
3) Can't start with an "S" or "M". (I love the name Sam, but I don't want it to be Sutton, Sam and Max...like we forgot to make Max's name start with an S).
4) Oh yeah, and it has to sound good with our last name.

Okay, that's all of the criteria. And yes, I know I am high maintenance. Actually I wasn't totally aware of it until a few years ago when a sweet friend of mine sweetly told me....she was laughing. And since then, I agree!

So, this high maintenance momma is asking for your help! Let me know what you think!

Growing, Growing, Growing

2008-09-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

We went to see Dr. Raley yesterday and got the boys' measurements. I wanted to put them on their blog so we could look back one day and see where they were.

Max weighs 41 pounds and was 42 inches tall! He has grown so much over the last year. This year he is in the P-4 program at Metro and goes three days a week. He loves it and we really like his teacher. Last summer he learned how to swim all by himself, so this year he conquered the diving board. He loves doing all kinds of crazy jumps off of the board....he will give you options of what he can do: spiderman, kung fu panda, you name it. He recently asked if he could start playing soccer again, which we'll probably do. He has started writing his name well, and is interested in learning to read. I will point out words like "cat" and everytime he sees it, he will say it. He is learning spanish...and he makes up some words that he calls "spanish".

He's a great singer and his favorite songs are, "I am a friend of God", "Here I am to worship", and "Our God is an Awesome God". Oh, and aunt Molly, he knows that the last one is one you like! Or, it's at least your solo! Max, you're such a sweet guy. You love your brother...you help him get his drink, play with him and you all love to wrestle! Today you were on top of him and I tried to warn you that one day he'll be big enough to get you back! You are very excited about mommy having a baby. The other day I told you I would wrestle with you, and you told me that you couldn't wrestle with me because there was a baby in my tummy! You don't LOVE to play outside, but we're working on it. You told me the other day that only girls play outside! We got a new little trampoline from your Papa John and Gma and you really love it. You are a pumpkin!

Sutton, oh my littlest man you are fun! You were 34 pounds and 35.6 inches tall! You are such a strong guy! You are so fun and we like watching how you and Max are alike, and different. When you were born, it was like the doctor was handing us a sweet baby that we had already seen before! You looked just like your brother...but you all have different (both sweet) personalities. Sutton, you LOVE motorcycles and dirt bikes! Daddy got a dirt bike this year (mom approved, but she cried!) Ever since he got the dirt bike, you call every motorcycle a "BIKE!" And you scream it at the top of your lunds. You like to make the noise of a motorcycle with your lips! You are so funny when you do it! And, just in case you wondered, there are a lot of "bikes" on the road. So we have had lots of talks about making sure they ride safely on bikes. So when they have a helmet on, we will hear from the back seat, "Bike....safe!" Not kidding! Sutton you LOVE for mommy and daddy to hold you, to carry you like you were 1 and only weighed 15 pounds! And, I like holding you, but at 35 pounds, mommy gets tired easily! You love to play outside...anytime and all the time. You were my fun little guy that would just stand by the back door and ask to go out and play. You love riding your four wheeler, and you love riding with daddy too! You love trucks, planes and all of that fun stuff. You are an independent player...you love to play in the play room all by yourself, but you like it when "mommy play" too. You're not a fan of music as much as Max is. When I turn on the radio (pretty loud) in the car, you will yell "No thank you!"

We are going to put you back in swim school...they say since you are 2 now that if we stick with it, that you can learn how to swim. So we are not going to wait until next summer, we are going to go ahead and enroll you this entire year so that we can be ready to go for next summer! You have started to like the pool, but you make mommy nervous since you don't know how to swim yet!

You like dogs...today you went back and forth between Maggie and our next door neighbor's dog. You kept asking me, "play with dog?" I would tell you yes, you would walk to the fence but couldn't see their dog, so you would come back over to Maggie. You went back and forth over and over again....

Right now you go to Carrie's house M, W & F and you love playing with Lydia (you say Lee-ah), Tyler, Sydney and Max after school. You get upset on the days that your brother goes to school and I get the idea that you will love to go to school next year because your brother will be going!

You love for me to sing you songs when I rock you at nap or at bedtime. When we finish singing, you say, "more songs". It just melts our hearts so we sing more! You have done so well in your big boy bed...soon you will move into Max's room so we can make room for the baby! You all shared a room at Gigi and Pops the other day and you loved it.

We love you two boys. You are so fun! We love being your mom and dad....we're not perfect, but we are trying to be the best parents possible. We pray you forget our mistakes and that our weaknesses won't be passed on to you! We thank God that he gave us the two of you!

Love, mom and dad

Hello, Onstar? I locked my kid in the car, can you help?

2008-09-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's true. But, I didn't actually lock Sutton in the car, he locked himself in. Okay, here's the scoop. It was a rainy day, ALL day today! We ran a few errands to the doctor and to Wal-Mart. I was so proud of myself for the idea I had to get into Wal-Mart without getting drenched. I put Max on my back and carried Sutton on the front and put an umbrella over us! It was quite a site, I'm sure.

So, anywho...we were back at home, after naps and Sutton wanted outside. We couldn't go outside because it was still raining....so he kept saying, "Play garage". He loves playing in the garage. He sees Greg out there working on things, and he wants to do the same. So, I decided that I would take him in the car, I had just received our new zoo membership decal for my car and thought we could put it on together. I got in on the drivers side and picked him up to put him on my lap. Then I realized that the decal needed to go on the passenger side. So I left Sutton there, went to the passenger side and put the decal on. We sat in the car for a few minutes and it got really hot (at least to me). So I told him we needed to go back inside and play. I get out of my side and walk straight over to get him and I hear....THE DOORS LOCK! I ran straight to his side of the door and pulled to find it was truly locked. I got scared but I thought....stay calm, we can get him out.

Well, we have OnStar, so I thought okay I just need to call OnStar and they can unlock the car. But all of my stupid OnStar info was INSIDE my car! AHHH! So I call Greg...he is looking it up online and said he was having a hard time finding the number. People, I will admit that I was starting to lose my cool. Sutton didn't really figure out what was going on. He actually walked back and forth between the front and back seats, opening the DVD players, etc. I could see sweat coming down his forehead. I knew he would be okay, but I wasn't willing to be very patient about it.

So, Greg gives me the number and I call OnStar. The nice lady on the phone says, "Is the car in the open or in a garage?" Um, it's in the garage. "Okay well, it may not work, but let's try it". So she sends the signal, it doesn't work and we go to plan B. Now by this time at least 8 minutes have passed. That may not seem like a long time to you, but when you're sweating bullets because your kid is locked in the car, it seems like FOREVER! So the lady tells me she is going to call 911 and get someone over to unlock the car. I said, "Do you know for sure they can get the car unlocked?" She said NO! So, she calls 911 and I call Greg again.

Greg is telling me places to look for extra sets of keys, driving home and in the meantime the firemen arrive in their truck! WOO HOO! (Side note: by this time I am sweating so bad that I had Max get me a hair band to pull my short hair into a pony tail! Oh yeah, I'm sure I looked great! But I didn't care at all!)

The firemen can tell that I am a little flustered. He told me that they would work on getting the door open and for me to keep looking for any sets of keys. Right then Greg called to tell me about another place to look. Max and I go running to check and they were there. By the time we get to the garage, the firemen were opening the door to Sutton! Yeah! Poor little man was sweating so bad. We had put his pjs on to play in, and they felt damp. Anyone who is around my littlest man often knows he sweats anyway, on a normal day. So to be stuck in a warm car, he literally had wet hair.

The firemen were so nice and they asked the boys to go see their truck! I apologized for having to call them, and they kindly told me to call anytime.

Lesson learned, I am going to start bringing my keys INSIDE the house, or at least outside of the vehicle. And Greg said he would make me a spare key, AND now I know where a spare key is!

I had to apologize to my honey for not being so nice....I was impatient and willing to do whatever it took to get him out. Not so willing to be calm.....

You knew it was coming....

2008-09-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, you that know me well just know that I can't stand to keep my mouth shut when it comes to politics. Or actually, I don't love politics...no it makes my stomach turn. But, I do love having an opportunity to have a say and to vote on the future of our country! A good friend of mine sent this to me and said she is actually making t-shirts out of this! (Don't worry, she does it for a living, I bet they will be adorable!) I do love Sarah Palin and I love the excitement she is bringing to the McCain campaign. I will admit that months ago I was not all that excited about John McCain but as he was my best choice, I started listening and learning about him. IF you will take the time to educate yourself on John McCain, if nothing else, you will be touched, amazed and inspired by his story as a prisoner of war for 5 years. What absolutely breaks my heart the most is to see that even to this day, he still can't raise his arms above his shoulders because of the abuse he suffered as a pow. You will notice that he can hardly raise his arms...appearing to be really stiff. But as I think of the personal sacrifice that he made for me, and for my family, I can't help but want to honor him.

I just wanted to post this image to let you know where my loyalty stands...not that you care! This upcoming election is very important and I hope every family takes it very seriously to make their vote count. Just do me a favor, if you aren't going to vote, then don't complain in the future about how you don't like this or that. And if you become passionate as you learn more, use that passion to encourage others to vote...to educate themselves. We have no excuses!

I'm praying for John McCain to be our next president...and Sarah Palin has shown to be a great fit for him. One great point my democratic sister said to me the other day was that Sarah Palin is the only one out of McCain, Obama and Biden that has Executive Experience. The office of President of the United States is an Executive position. Becki reminded me of a little history lesson: we have three levels of government 1) Executive, 2) Judicial and 3) Legislative. John McCain has had over 20 years experience in Legislative, I believe Obama had about 173 days. But neither of them have had the Executive experience that Sarah has had through her office as Mayor and Governor. So, I believe she's a great fit and will prove herself to be an incredible asset.

And, now....stepping down off of my soap box! Have a good day!

Sadie Skielar Shockley!!!

2008-09-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Wow!~ What a crazy day we had yesterday! Molly & Blake got a call from their adoption agency that they had been chosen by a birthmom, and that the baby was born on September 3rd! Molly took the boys to school and off to the hospital she went!

We hope to head to OKC tomorrow to meet our sweet little niece, but until then we are just stalking Molly's blog so that we can see her pictures! She is adorable! Check it out for yourself at: http://www.shockleyfamily.blogspot.com/

Sadie's birthmom named her "Skielar" and Molly & Blake really liked the name, so they made it her middle name! I think it is very fitting and will be very special to Sadie that all of her family was a part of creating her sweet name!

Please continue to pray for the coming weeks, as they await for court dates, etc. God is always in control, so we will not fear. Thank you Lord for this awesome sweet gift!

Trip to the Zoo

2008-08-30T16:10:00.001-07:00

We renewed our membership to the zoo, so we headed out on Tuesday to go play! We went with Stephanie and Abby Kate Qualls and had a great time. Even before we left the house Max was reminding me that we needed to get some bread to feed the fish and the turtles. They sit at the entrance of the zoo and you wouldn't believe how big some of them are. SO, I need to explain why Max has this "ensemble" on! He loves these two belts...actually he loves all belts! So this day he put one belt on his head and one around his waist. Then he clipped his coin "wallet" onto the belt. It was quite a look. Oh I am sure people wondered about his "outfit" but I wanted him to be able to enjoy whatever it was he was doing....BUT, I had to share it with you!

Max, I love your creativity. Daddy and I are amazed at the things you come up with...to play with, the games you make up...you are very creative! Sutton found the Polar Bear and thought he was really neat! I liked this picture of him just enjoying the view! Poor bear must have been really hot, it was very hot that day! Sutton, you were funny today! You loved getting to run around and not being stuck to the stroller. However, my handy dandy stroller came in handy when they were tuckered out...they were so heavy I was literally sweating from just pushing them!
Here is a cute pic I took of Stephanie & Abby Kate while we waited for the train to take us back to the entrance. We had a good time, but I can't wait for it to get cooler, and we'll go more often. I can't put the picture that Stephanie took of me and the boys, well because it looks like I am holding them both down just to get a picture....so I decided to leave you with a more pleasant picture instead!

First Day of School

2008-08-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

Last week we had Max's first day of P-4 (or Pre-K) he gets confused if people ask him if he is in Pre-K. He will tell you no, then explain that he is in the P-4 program...it's the same thing though. He has adjusted well to school and loves his new teacher...and so do I! Sutton was a little leary and thought I was leaving him, so he stuck to me like white on rice! I didn't mind though because I'm not quite ready for that little man to grow up. It's hard enough to think that Max will be in school everyday next year, let alone thinking of Sutton starting. Daddy takes Max to school when he goes, but I wanted to take him on his first day to get pictures and send him off. So we took some pictures with Dad before we left! Thanks Greg for taking the time to be with him on the way to school and get his day started right!
I was trying to document every move he made...but I won't bore you with all of those pictures! Here Max is in his new class, hanging up his backpack. This year, they all got a locker and he was really excited about that!
We had one of the moms take a picture of us before Sutton and I left. I can't believe my first baby is getting closer and closer to real school. Wow, how time truly flies! Max, Daddy and I are proud of you. We're proud of who you are, and who you are becoming. Your heart is changing...you are learning and understanding so much about Jesus. You have become a great friend to your brother...although you still fight (today it was about who could talk to mom first!) You are my favorite 4 year old! Right now we are working with you on how to say your "th" like in something, or think. Those two letters together really stump you. I think it's kinda cute, but Daddy reminded me we need to teach you how to say it right. I love you little man!

Big Brothers....

2008-08-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

We found out Sunday morning that we are pregnant! I have had a hard time keeping a secret for days.....we didn't tell any of our family, but we just sent them this in the mail....

We wanted to do something fun.....

Although this is my third pregnancy, I still get a little nervous and pray that the baby will be healthy....everytime negative thoughts cross my mind, I keep lifting up a prayer and asking God to bless this little one....and everytime I feel a little nauseated...it just makes me feel good...sickness is always a good sign.

Some people can keep a secret until they are in their second trimester...not me! Greg and I decided that we would rather share our happiness and ask our family and friends to pray with us over our new baby.

Today I asked Max to get dressed and handed him some clothes, and he said, "I can't wear that today, I am going to wear it when we go to the hospital". I asked him what he meant and he said that he wants to wear those clothes when we go to the hospital to have the baby! Uh...Oh...I told him it was going to be a LONG time until we would go to the hospital.

Sutton on the other hand has no clue.....

Big Boy Bed

2008-08-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, my "little man" is getting older. He climbed out of his crib a few weeks ago and then this week I came in and found his crib rail had been lowered. My belief is that he tried to get out and it may have "sank" a little because of the excess weight....

Today we went to see Molly and I asked her about the bunk beds (we have the same ones) and how hard they are to take apart. It's a set of bunk beds and you can separate them into twin beds. So, after I heard how easy it was...I thought to myself, "self, you can do this!"

My brilliant idea was to see if Stephanie and I could just separate the beds real quick and move it to Sutton's room. So when she came to pick up the girls, she graciously agreed to my idea....but as you can imagine the bed wouldn't fit between the door. So, we took off the rails thinking that it would fit.....nope, we had to take it completely apart. By that time, we were fully committed to the project! An hour later, we had the bed in his room and set up! Thank you aunt Stephanie for helping!

Tonight we put our little man to bed in his big boy bed. When I rocked him, he pointed to his crib and said "bed". (The crib is still in the room because I have to take it apart to get it out of the room). I told him that he gets a big boy bed now. It's amazing to me that he is old enough to be in a big bed. I went to check on him tonight and he was fine....sound asleep. I threatened and told him if he gets out he will get a spanking. I sure hope he doesn't try....it will break my heart to have to spank him...but I will do it. It reminds me of my mom always saying as she spanked us, "this hurts me more than it hurts you". I never understood that....gosh I do now!

Some cute things about Sutton...today we were playing in the front yard and he came up behind me, lifted my shirt and gave me a zerbert on my back! I died laughing because it caught me off guard.

We were at the museum today and he found the fish tank. I didn't realize that the tank didn't have a top on it and it was at a kids level. Sutton found a stool and I looked over to see him trying to spit in the tank! He kept saying "fish, fish!"

Today was a good day.....

Adoption.....thoughts from a loving momma

2008-08-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today I was looking at all of my favorite blogs and saw my younger sister Molly's post about "adoption etiquette" that she posted. She relays some great information that we all need to be aware of...what not to say, and what to say...and how to re-shape our mind and thoughts regarding adoption.

Please take a moment to read what she wrote...it's great stuff and serves as a constant reminder of us as what to say to families that choose to adopt. http://www.shockleyfamily.blogspot.com

Years before they adopted Owen, both Molly & Blake had a heart towards adoption...even in high school, they would talk about wanting to adopt and share their dreams with us of what they believed their family would look like.

So in the meantime, I have had some good coaching and conversations with Molly about what to say, etc. But, even me being well intentioned, I'm sure I have said something to a family that made them cringe inside. Which brings me to why I decided to post about the same thing as Molly.

I wanted to pass along one additional nugget that Molly touched on in her post.....we MUST respect and honor birthparents. Molly & Blake taught us this from day one....they taught us that it doesn't matter the circumstances behind the adoption, it doesn't matter who did what, why it is happening, etc....the point to focus on is this: this loving birthparent decided to make the ULTIMATE sacrifice and give their child something they could not offer. This part can be the hardest for most people...they cast judgement upon the birthparent...and the real deal is, it's not for us to judge.

Have you ever stopped and thought about how absolutely hard it would be to let someone else parent your child? Have you ever stopped to think about how these mothers go into the hospital knowing they will walk out empty handed? Have you thought that they leave the hospital in pain, and their milk will come in...without a baby to nurse? Have you thought that they must stay awake endless nights thinking and praying for their child?

I have...and it hurts.

So, the point of all of this is to say...why don't we collectively make it a priority to help change the image of birthparents and the judgement that is often cast upon them? Why don't we view them as heroes? Because they are...they should be treated as such. Because the other option would have been to parent the child...even though they knew that they couldn't provide (for whatever reason, it doesn't matter).

We have been blessed to personally know Owen and Cooper's birthmom. I will forever love her! I hope to see her again someday. But, if I don't for some time, she is a hero to me....she has given the ultimate sacrifice...and I know it hurt her to the core. My, how she loves these boys....and we love her.

Thanks Molly for reminding us.....love you sister!

Sleeping in the Closet

2008-08-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

Well, my honey is gone...he is doing great things in Africa on a mission trip with our church....I am so proud of him and can't wait to hear all that God has done and shown them.

BUT, in the meantime....I've been a little anxious at home by myself. Okay, that's not a totally true statement.

People, I'm scared over here!

It's okay...don't worry...I locked the doors, the alarm is on and I live in a safe place but there is just something different about having my husband, my protector home with me.

Last night, I ended up sleeping in my closet. Needless to say, I didn't get much good sleep. We were painting our bedroom so the blinds were down, so I didn't feel comfortable sleeping in there where everyone could see in...made me feel vulnerable. And, every other room in the house didn't make me feel much better. So, the best idea I came up with was my closet. Picture me....with my comforter and two pillows curled up like a baby in my closet! Yep, good times.

Tonight I got scared and my brother in law, Sean came over to walk the house and make sure there was not a "boogie man". We didn't find a boogie man, but he did help me feel so much more comfortable and he prayed with me before he left! He's such a great guy.

All of this may sound so dramatic to you...sorry! I don't like to create drama...but I'm just a big weenie. And, I was wanting to prove to myself that I am a big girl and I will be okay. Well, I have been okay..this is our 7th night without Greg, but I'm still a weenie.

So, here's the best part...Sean encouraged me to write down my feelings and let Greg know just how much I have missed him, how much comfort he brings me, how safe he makes me feel, and any other mushy gushy ways that I have missed him.

So, I am ready for my husband to come home. I miss him. I miss the comfort he brings me. I miss talking to him each day. I miss seeing his smile. I miss seeing him at the office. I miss our date night. I miss worshipping with him at church. And most of all, I am sad that I am missing out on a spiritual journey he is experiencing. He will have a changed heart...from what he has seen and experienced.

Greg, we are so proud of you and hope to be able to grow from your experience too! The boys miss you like crazy. Sutton was kissing a picture of you in his picture book today....we love you honey!

Update: This is Carrie, Laura's amazing friend. I am sitting in Laura's bed right now. It's 12:45 am. Yep, that's right. I came to spend the night with the weenie!!! My hubby will be gone soon so she will be returning the favor!!! I hate staying alone too.

Mission Ghana

2008-07-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday Greg left our house at 5:30 am and my precious dad took him to the airport, to leave for a mission trip to Ghana, Africa. He will be gone until August 4th...so I am asking that you pray for him, for the team, and that God would do His mighty work in the people!

Greg is so excited and they have prepared for this trip for literally 6 months! One of the women on the trip made a blog so that we could keep up with them on their mission...so if you want to follow them, it is: http://missionghana.blogspot.com

So far, we know they have arrived safely, and when they got there, they literally started "working" without sleep! The latest post said they had eaten dinner and were off to sleep.

Ghana is 5 hours ahead of us on time, so if it is 11:00 am here, it is 4:00 pm there. Our church is asking everyone to stop at 11:00 am every day to pray for our team. So, I'm asking you to join us!

I am proud of Greg, and proud of him for his faith...and for acting on his faith...I know God will bless him and touch his heart! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Birthday Boy!

2008-07-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

This week my "baby" will be 2 years old! We celebrated his birthday this weekend with our family and we had a great time. My mother in law made a great point...we now have so many kids with just our family that we don't have much room for more! I looked around and she was so right! We had 8 kids and they were all cousins...and then when you add Sadie (coming soon) and Greyson (coming in November) we're a full house! So, it was fun to look around at our growing family. And baby Abigayle made an appearance, so I will post some pictures of her sweet face too! Today, I just wanted to look back at the day Sutton was born. I feel so blessed to have him in our lives. He is a very fun little man....he's shy at first, but will open up once he gets to know you. Sutton doesn't like to be the center of attention (but his mom and Max sure do!). Sutton is a loving, cuddly guy but he loves to wrestle! He loves swords...matter of fact the other day he told me to go back home to get his sword. But, it sounded like this..."Mom, home, sword." I knew what he meant...I speak Sutton!

This is a picture of Max at the hospital holding his new brother...I love the look on Max's face. I love how big the pacifier looks in Sutton's mouth....
I don't know if it was Karissa or Greg who took this picture, but I just love it! Greg is standing in the baby nursery to bring Sutton out to show them and this is our family waiting on the other side of the glass to see him! I love the look on Max's face! And, you can see the joy on everyone else's faces too! This is the stuff that we miss as moms, so thanks to whoever took this pic! I have another one of Max that is really neat but I can't find it. If I find it, I will add it too!

Here is my sweet cheeks! He is obviously a few months older...but I loved this one! He still looks the same to me now...just older and still bald!

Sutton always had this "deer in the headlights" look on his face and this picture reminded me of it. His eyes were always so wide and open....when he was awake, he was awake. Sutton, you were a great baby. Sometimes you slept so much that I thought something was wrong with you, but you're just a great sleeper. Today, at 2 years old, you still take a 2-4 hour nap a day and you sleep 12 hours at night. You still let me rock you at night and you like me to sing you songs. The other night daddy and I both got in the rocker and cuddled you. I sang you a song and when I was done, you just whispered, "more". Our hearts just melted. So now every night you have started saying that to me....you like me to sing to you. And, I will be honest, I love it too! The other night daddy snuck you to bed before I could get my cuddle time in, so I went in and got you! I know one day you will be too old or too big for me to rock you at night (unless I want to be the psycho mom in the book, "I'll love you forever")

Happy Birthday little man! You are a sweet treasure! Thank you Lord for allowing us to parent him. Help us to know daily the steps to take to bring him to you. Give us patience in our parenting, remind us to slow down, and give us a great memory to remember these little blessings~

Sant Fe Trip

2008-07-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I started this blog so that I could write down what we do and share it with our kids one day. So, boys...I wanted you to know that I adore watching you all love on one another, take care of each other and desire to be with one another. Sutton, you have started waking from nap asking for "Mats" (that's Max!). Today you found Max's drink, knew it was his and brought it to him. It was a sweet gesture from such a little person...You boys are really growing close in your relationship and I love watching it. You are at a great stage and play very well together. You do have issues with sharing, but you are learning...

We went to Santa Fe with our family and had a great time seeing all of them. I caught the boys on the bench at the park together and wanted to share these pics.

Sweet Max, I love how you take care of your little brother. You have your hand on his head in this picture and it looks like you are talking so sweetly to him. You are such a sweet little man. For Sutton's birthday, you helped me wrap his presents, stuff the pinata and the other night you stayed up late to help daddy and I work on Sutton's train! The next morning you woke up and looked at the train first thing to see our progress. You said to me, "Mom, I'm so proud of you for working hard on the train. You did a great job!" Oh, you are so cute!

The Shockleys

2008-07-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

Well, my mind and thoughts have been about my younger sister Molly and their upcoming arrival of a baby daughter at the end of this month. Molly & Blake have been chosen again to parent a sweet child....we can't wait to meet her. They have named her Sadie Kate Shockley! Is that not the cutest name ever?

Owen and Cooper are so excited, especially Owen...he is so cute! The boys are and always have been advanced in EVERYTHING! Seriously, they both walked at 7 months.....they have both talked very early. They are both very athletic....and I mean VERY. Owen, at a young age, could run and kick a ball while he was still running. Talk about coordination! Since our boys are similar ages, I'm always amazed at what the Shockley boys are up to...and wondering how far "behind" my kids are! Greg and I have even started calling Cooper "Super Cooper". Actually, the boys' pediatrician told Molly that they are both advanced and to be careful of her expectations on other children....I think that is hilarious! So, I had to tell you all of that, so you would understand these pictures.

We went swimming at my mom's and I was standing beside Cooper when he jumped in. I screamed at Molly (I was about to jump in and get him!). She calmly looked at me and said, "Oh, he can swim now!" WHAT??? NO WAY! People, this sweet little man is about 18 months old in this picture! Are you catching my drift? So when I see this picture I crack up and smile thinking of my super Shockley boys! Wanted to pass along the pictures.... Here he is swimming...yes he's wearing a life jacket but he's still swimming and holding himself upright. Amazing! So, little Shockley boys...I love you...we all love you and we can't wait to see your new sister!

Good buddies!

2008-07-08T19:44:00.001-07:00

The other day I walked into the family room and found my little men cuddling on the couch! I told them, "Don't move....I'm going to get my camera". You know they are going to start rolling their eyes at me, the older they get. Actually, Max told me the other day to put the camera down!

Sutton is reaching out to give me his pacifier because I told him to please take it out....they are so cute and so fun!

Babies, Babies, Babies!!!

2008-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

This family is all about babies lately! My older sister Becki announced a few months ago that they are expecting baby #2 and we found out last week that it is a BOY! His name will be Greyson (love the name!). He will get here sometime in November to join our rowdy bunch of BOYS! We are so excited. The amazing thing is that the doctors told my sister she would never have children of her own. But, God had different plans. Last February, we welcomed Becki's first daughter Ragon....this November we will welcome our second little miracle, Greyson!

PINK is for baby GIRLS! Molly called this morning and had Owen leave a message on my cell phone...it said, "We're having a sisser" (that's what it sounded like!) We will be welcoming a baby girl to the family sometime at the end of July! We can't wait to meet this little bundle of love! Owen and Cooper are adorable. They sent out an email with a picture of them in front of a dry erase board that said, "We're having a baby sister". Check out Molly's blog at http://shockleyfamily.blogspot.com to see their announcement and keep up with their news. Please pray for the baby's birthmom as she gets closer to the birth. Please pray that God will give her strength and comfort. We are so blessed to be a part of this!

Thank you Lord for all of these sweet miracles!

Pee Pee in the Potty!

2008-06-16T19:21:00.001-07:00

My little Sutton is growing up! He will be two years old July 24th...gosh how time flies. Well tonight we were getting ready for bath and Max was going to the bathroom before bath and the thought crossed my mind that I should get out the little potty just for Sutton to start seeing it. I thought we could talk about it and just have it around for the next 6 months. I'm not a mom who pushes potty training on my kids...Max did it when he was ready and he never turned back. So again, I wasn't thinking anything would happen....

Sutton wanted to sit down on it...so I helped him. His body is a little bigger than most kids his age so it was a little bit of a tight fit to get him on the little potty. He sat down, I told him what to do and nothing. I told him I was proud of him and good job for trying. He stood up, looked in the potty and decided to try again. We went through this exercise about 7 times and then I told him to sit down and I would get a book to read to him (thought it would help him relax). As I went around the corner to get a book, Max said, "Mom he did it!" Sure enough, I came back in and there was pee in the potty (and a few other places!) So there we sat in the bathroom praising Sutton for his job well done. He loved it! So he sat down again and went another time! At this time I was in shock because I just wasn't expecting this at all. I don't think by any means that he is ready to be potty trained for good, or has this thing down. BUT, I was proud of him for doing it and excited to see him so proud of himself.

So, we did bathtime and everyone (even Max) got M & Ms for going pee in the potty! So after bathtime, Sutton sat down on the potty and went again! By the end of the night, he had gone 3 times! When he went to bed, he kept trying to say, "M & Ms". I told him he could try to go potty again in the morning and get more candy! Max's school gave the kids one M & M each time they tried to go potty. It worked really well for him and he got it down in no time. Don't worry, we don't normally still give him M & Ms for going to the bathroom. But, Sutton will get them for a little while as he is learning. He is like his momma and we'll do anything for food, especially chocolate!

I wish I could post a picture of him on the potty because it's so cute....but since this is the internet, I won't.

Here's to the next 6 months to fun times at the potty!

Being a mom

2008-05-08T11:03:00.001-07:00

This week Max and I have had some great talks...and I was overcome with emotions just listening and talking to my son. We have this Bible, it's actually a boy's devotional Bible (they have them for girls too). Anyway the front of the Bible has stories that the mom reads to her son and the back of the Bible has stories that the dad reads to his son. It's really neat. So, you read the story, then there is a summary that reminds the boy how he can grow up to be a man of God and the last part is where the mom (or dad) relates the story to his/her life. It gives you things to talk to your child about and it is so amazing.

So on Tuesday at Max's nap time, we sat down and the story was about the book of Revelation and how God told John about what Heaven would be like. At the end, the mom and her son were supposed to talk about Heaven, anyone they knew that had died and gone to heaven, etc. Well, that just opened the flood gates........I could just see his mind working...I told Max about my grandpa Paco (my mom's dad) that he had never met who would be there, about my grandma JoJo (my dad's mom) and about our friend Lauren from church...and our dog Gus. (Yes, I'm not sure if animals go to heaven...but for his purposes I told him they did). Anyway, it was amazing to watch his little mind work. I told him that you can only go to heaven if you ask Jesus into your heart. He immediately said, "Mom, I have asked Jesus and every time I ask him, He says YES!" My heart just melted. Oh, I'm not sure he gets it all...but he is getting it...little by little God's love, plan and purpose is being revealed to my son, right before my eyes.

So we continued our talk, and he suddenly got sad thinking about his dog Gus. He wanted to know all of the details again...How did it happen? Where is he now? He even told me that if he knew Gus wasn't feeling bad that he would have put an ice pack on him to make him feel better. (Oh, the sweet heart of a child). The questions went on and on....Does Gus still have paws? Where did we find him dead? Then he broke out bawling. There I sat, my heart just breaking in front of him. We cried together and when I laid him down, I was so thankful for our talk....for those special times we get to share. I wanted to write it down so that I will always remember him...and never forget our sweet talks.

The next morning, he came downstairs with his Bible and a ceramic cross. He had bookmarked the story of Jesus dying on the cross. He asked if we could watch "Jesus of Nazareth" and read his Bible (at the same time). I wish you could have seen it...he sat on the couch, the Bible in his lap with his ceramic cross close by. He pointed to the Bible story and said, "Look at Mary, she looks mad." I told him that she wasn't mad, but that she was sad because her son was dying. Then my four year old said to me, "But mom, she shouldn't be sad, she should be happy because Jesus will rise from the dead." I told him he was right, but that Mary didn't know that yet. So, there we sat watching the movie and me ready to read as the story and the Bible came to the same point in time. (Yes it was interesting and definitely overstimulating!)

This mother's day, I am so blessed to be a mom. Yep, it's the hardest job I have ever had....but when I am having a hard time and feeling like I could be more patient, more loving, etc I remind myself of what an incredible blessing it all is. The other day we were in the car...Sutton was having an unusual bad day (actually he was very overtired) and he decided to scream in the car from Stroud to Tulsa. After about 30 minutes I thought I was going to go crazy. Just when I thought I was going nuts, Max said to me, "Mom, you're a really good mommy". It came from nowhere and I KNEW God had intervened for me! So, when I have bad days, I just remind myself that these little men will not be with me forever...they will grow up and to cherish every day we have.

Happy (early) Mother's Day to all of the mommies I know!

Incredible Pizza!

2008-04-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Max's favorite treat is to go to Incredible Pizza. He has literally asked us for almost 6 months! I have been trying to balance the idea of teaching him that we can't always have what we want but also to have fun and let him have a treat. So, I told him that it was expensive and that we needed to "save up our money" so that we could go. I want to teach him that he needs to work hard to get things, and that not everything will just be given to him if he asks for it. Although I would love to just fulfill every wish and desire, I don't think in the end that it will help us to raise him the way we feel God wants us to. SO, here we are...finally at Incredible Pizza. Max had a blast, he could hardly eat dinner because he was so excited! (Yes, I overanalyze things..)

Sutton found "Whac-A-Mole" and loved it. It was perfect for his height. Max and the girls helped him play it as well. My sister met us at Incredible Pizza, so here we have Max, Lauren and Ann Marie. I had watched the girls for the day and this was our treat after everyone played so well together. These cousins have a blast being together!
Sutton didn't like that he was supposed to stand at the end and roll the ball. Apparently, he prefers to get up close and personal with the skee ball machine!
This playground is so much fun. Max is up at the top...look close...Greg would send balls up through the tube and Max would shoot them back out through the little machine. Then Max got smart and went up and down the slide to get the balls when the tube was broken.

Palm Sunday

2008-04-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

On Palm Sunday weekend, Gigi and Dallyn came to see us and we had a blast! We got to play outside and put up Max's soccer goal that he got for Christmas from Papa John and Gma! Sutton loves bubbles and notice that he is trying to blow one in this picture. Yes, I know he is using the wrong end of the wand, but I can't seem to convince him of that!
Max and Daddy in action putting together the soccer goal. For the record, Gigi and Dallyn were much better help that mommy. I was cold....so I was hiding on the porch where the wind couldn't get me!
Aunt Dallyn and Max!
Love this picture!!! Gigi in the middle with Dallyn on the right. The boys loved having them here to play with us.

Still working on this....

2008-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Max has been putting on his own shoes for a long time now but we still find him everyone once in awhile with feet like this! I looked down and just had to capture the moment! I buy his shoes big so that we have room to grow, the only negative is that they are apparently big enough that they can be comfortable on either foot!