Welcome to my World

Alot has happened since I posted last! Like my birthday! I am kinda silly in the fact that I think I need to be spoiled on my birthday. But now that I am 31 (!!!) I still like to be spoiled, I just don't want to think about my AGE! I still feel like 21 at heart! I even got some trendy glasses to prove to myself that I am not an old fogey! I will have to post pictures of these! haha Anyway, life goes on even when I am having a pity-party. JJ just had his 2nd violin recital on Sunday! He has improved quite a bit! He has only been playing since March, but he knows five songs by heart. I love this video of him because he has his mouth open in concentration! He said that he was having fun up there! So, that's great! I would have been TERRIFIED at his age! I had to shed a couple tears when he was up there! What happened to my little baby? I guess I am a typical mommy. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

Well, there is definitely something good about homeschooling! We got into the aquarium for $3.00 a person! Actually, there are lots of great things about homeschooling, but this is a monetary one. The boys are really into sharks and alligators and such, so this was just down their alley. We saw some pretty crazy things, like a goliath grouper, mini seahorses, and a fish that looked just like seaweed! Isn't our Creator amazing? The boys were in their element! (he reason I keep saying "the boys" is because we left Joanna with Grandma Nolt) I wish we would have a family picture, but the one that the aquarium took would have cost us $16! Yikes! Anyway, enjoy some pictures of our day !

This post is dedicated to my WONDERFUL husband on his 29th birthday! I just can't say enough about how I am BLESSED beyond measure with a husband who is SO good to me and the children! My list for my dream husband included: -a godly man with a passion for things of God -a spiritual leader -good singer -athletic -someone who will stand up to my strong personality -handsome -great character -desire for excellence in all areas -tall I am blown away that God gave me a man who is above and beyond my expectations! In all areas but one: he is not tall. haha But at least he is taller than me and this was the least important thing on my list! Brendan is very gentle and patient with us. He is dedicated to discipling his family in the things of God. He is passionate about reading and memorizing scripture with our family. He helps me with practical things around the house. He helps me take care of the children by dressing, feeding, playing, etc. His greatest desire is to see his ...

Ben turned 4 on August 24! We had a cake for him on his day, but we went to a kid's museum with the whole family for his and Kaelin's birthday (Jenn posted those pics). He is so thrilled to be 4! Then we celebrated Joanna's 1st Birthday with the whole Gang on Saturday night! It was quite a wild party with all the running and shouting children! Joanna just nonchalantly ate her cake as if nothing were different! She hardly even got messy! We babysat for Kaelin and Reece on Friday while Randy's were on their cruise! The kids had a blast! My handsome hubby making music... and his handsome son learning the finer points of holding a violin (I never knew how difficult it is!) Our oldest is finally learning to ride a bike on his own! And our school room is in mommy and daddy's room for now...They are really loving school! Ben and JJ are both starting Kindergarten!

We went to the beach on Friday night. It was really windy and it rained a little (Thanks to Tropical Storm Fay), but it was perfect temperature-wise. We took some pics of the children and this is the only one that was presentable! Joanna is going to be 1 year old on September 5, so we took some photos of her. Plus, she's just so cute. Here she was munching on some sand. Yum! Brendan and JJ, enjoying a Father - son moment!

When Brendan's brother Doug and his family were down in July, we took some family photos...here are some of the best! Moriah (14 mos) & Joanna (10 mos) Lindsay (8) & Allison (5) Brendan's folks (Mel & Miriam) with the Grands The Cute Couple the Whole Gang (in back: Brendan, me, Andy, Sheri, Doug) (in front: Ben, Sam, JJ, Mel & JoJo, Miriam & Moriah, Lindsay and Ally)