I hear ocean waves.....

I have the beach on my brain. I won't deny it. We live in Florida, but the beach is just a bit too far to visit too often. After putting Jacob down for his nap I hear ocean waves. I stop and look around wondering what that sound is and realize he's playing with his "ocean sounds" toy in his crib. I'm packing up and heading to the beach for a couple of days to do some scrapbooking with 7 of my girlfriends! I'm super excited to get started on Jacob's book, spend time with my friends, eat some yummy food, swim, walk on the beach and get away for some quality time with my Savior. I'm excited to go recharge my batteries to be the wife and mom I know God asks me to be. I know I'll be more excited to come back to my precious family a little fuller.......I'll post a couple pics from our time away once we get back.

Playdate with friends

Here are a couple of pictures from a playdate with our pastor's sweet girls. They got to come play while their older brother had an appointment. We love adding fun to our days especially when it includes sweet friends.

Another first

Today Megan and I took Jacob for his first haircut. I can't believe he already has enough to be cut. Meg didn't get her first cut until she was 2! He was a little wiggly, but he did great. Since I was the only adult I could only get a before and after--no action shots. I love these milestones....I even got a little teary thinking today it may be my last first haircut for my babies. Who knows what God has planned....

Hump day

Today is hump day in my mom's radiation treatments. She has done well. So well, that her mom and dad have gone home to care for my grandmother's brother and sister each in the hospital. She isn't having to take the pain medication at all and only gets dizzy during the treatment because she has to lay flat on the table. She is taking time before heading back to work on June 30th. The doctor feels great about the surgery after seeing the pathology report and felt they made the best decision by going with the mammosite treatment. I've been truly amazed at the advances in breast cancer treatment as I've been educated through her process. It's incredible to see what they can do now. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for my mama. God is FAITHFUL.

Megan's first trip to the dentist

She's three. It was the first trip to the dentist and she was FABULOUS! The hygenist let her watch me first and help along the way. Meg suctioned the sugar bugs out of my mouth and sat like a champ while they tickled her teeth. She then got to choose a prize from the treasure chest.....it's a frog tattoo.

Papa and Gan Gan come to visit

Well, my dad and stepmom have just left after their long weekend visit. We went to the pool, Sea World, Worship Gathering, out to eat and just hung out. I think they enjoyed their afternoon naps while the kids rested. A true time of rest for them. Once they arrived home however they discovered that the fridge had gone out, thawing all their food, a water pipe had flooded underneath the house and they left their fountain running and burned out the motor! They needed that rest to stay up until 2:00 a.m. to clean up that mess!!!! Hope that doesn't deter them from visiting again. The kids had a blast, Jim and I got to enjoy a rare date night and Megan and I went to the dentist. (more on this later)

Jacob's Horse & Megan's Princess and Castle

I love when people love my kids! It's a way that God loves on me. A sweet friend recently got Jacob a gift for his first birthday. It's a lovey/animal/blanket type thing and his is a horse. (Megan received a puppy for her first birthday from this same sweet friend) She didn't want to leave Megan out so she got her a little gift too. It's a princess and castle that grow once put in water. My sister in law tried this project once and realized that it takes up to 10 days for the critters to grow, so we knew to be patient this time! Megan woke up each morning and naptime asking to check to see how much the princess and castle have grown......

Educational Day at SeaWorld

We have started taking pretty routine trips to Sea World and had our most educational trip to date when Jim was able to go with us last Sunday. Jim had not gotten to view the whales and dolphins behind their exhibits before so while checking out Shamu I hear Megan ask "Oooh, what was that?" I then hear Jim's response "I think Shamu went poopy." (If you've been following my blog then you know our life is all about poopy right now--potty training) Megan was most fascinated and still will tell you about this two weeks later. We then went over to the dolphin exhibit and interrupted what Jim and I could only guess was the middle of their mating season. We promptly distracted the kids and left, not wanting to have to think of a story to explain that one yet! The picture is one of the marching band on stilts--our first time to hear the parade of drummers!

Update....

So, it's been a while since I posted. Life's just been busy and I admit I'm trying to focus my attention on my family rather than making time for "computer stuff." On June 1st Jim and I celebrated our 11th anniversary. Each year is truly better than the one before and I am so blessed to be married to my man. He's my best friend, he makes me laugh, he loves me for me and challenges me to be a better me! I love him!

On the same day my grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday. Since we live so far away now we weren't able to travel, but my cousins played a song for her during the worship service (harp, piano and 2 violins). All the family had traveled in, stayed at a hotel and just showed up on Sunday morning. She was shocked and thrilled! Later this summer she and my granddaddy will celebrate their 60th anniversary! What wonderful milestones to experience.

We are now getting into our summertime routine, loving being involved in our Sunday Worship Gatherings, working on new small groups and just loving on the people in our church family in general. We truly feel God is moving us toward something great here. Please pray with us as we look forward to what He has in store for us all!

My mom (and the rest of us) would appreciate your prayers as she undergoes her surgery today. We're hoping that the lumpectomy will be all that has to be done followed by the 5 day radiation treatment. I'll keep you posted on her condition/healing. My brother and a good friend of hers are there today and my grandparents are coming to stay with her to help (cook, clean, drive, etc....)

We're looking forward this weekend to a visit from my dad and stepmom. It's fun to have company because it really allows us to explore a little more of Orlando--make sure we take time to enjoy what's around us. There's so much to do. Plan your trip, we have a new futon and air mattress......

Blessings to all!