A catch up post

At the end of May, Jon and I went to see the Turkey vs. USA soccer game in Philly with Nikki and Eko. It was unbelievable and it exceeded my expectations. I greatly underestimated soccer fans. Wow! The chants could be heard miles away. I thought it was a really wonderful feeling to cheer, "U.S.A!" I think as Americans we get caught up in the politics and everyday living that we are accustomed to. Really, we are LUCKY! We have the best country in the world and all the freedom we could wish for. My parents taught me that at a young age and I love when I am reminded of it. Okay, off my soap box I go... Go USA!

enough said...

bean bag toss face

Turkey and USA are both red so we had feuding T's on...

your seeing this clearly... soccer fans are fun

Fun Times Photo Update

Soo cute, he loves helping his daddy!

This is my favorite Jake face. I'm doing something that mommy thinks is really cute!

Sneaking off with mommy's crocs

"Cheese Mommy"

Jake hanging with his buddy.. feeling chilly!could she be cuter?Just a wee taste

hey... he was thirsty!

The Latest

Summer is so simple. A simple day is my favorite kind. Lately, our days have been filled with blowing bubbles, going to the park, taking dips in the pool (well Jake cannonballs in), eating on the screened in porch and simply loving the weather! We also took a trip down to B-more and Alexandria to see my family for Sean's first birthday. I cannot believe he is one. I can remember the day my sister and I found out she was pregnant like it was yesterday. What a joyful day that was. We looked at each other and just began to cry, mostly from joy, but there was an unspoken understanding that sometimes only sisters have. We missed mom and wished she was there. God blessed us by having us be together to share that special moment as sisters. I will never forget it. I have absolutely loved sharing mommy-hood with Nikki this past year. Happy Birthday little Sean... my sweet sailor boy.

playing balloons with Uncle Mike

Nikki's cute sailor theme

Uncle Eko attempting to keep things neat and tidy

didn't last too long...my cute little bro

Yes, Sean is in a sailor's suit... custom made with his name on it.. ADORABLE!!!

Attempting to teach Jake some chores, putting his plate in the sink!

Graduations and messy situations...

This past Sunday my step brother graduated from high school and will attend Columbia U. in the fall. Go Christian!! Jake and I went down for the graduation ceremony and party. I was such a proud parent that day. Jake was AMAZING. He literally sat for over an hour in a hot gym and was forced to be almost silent. I never thought in a million years we would last more than ten minutes. So, proud of my little man.with his very much adored pop popI know this is blurry, but this is when Jake was allowed to cheer...my cute sista!

Yesterday, Jake was not feeling 100%. So, I decided to distract him with a little fun painting activity. Against my better judgment I went outside to check a paint job of my own. Mind you I literally went outside onto my porch, touched a piece of wood and came right back in... what 30 seconds??? This is what i found... caught red handed...

then it went in the mouth... AND we're done...

Lastly, I have been working on some fun home projects and have finally completed both. The first was inspired by sister in laws, I copied the idea completely. It is a fabric covered bulletin board that I then framed with trim. Well, Jon framed it with trim, but it was my idea! hehe The second I saw in a Lowe's do it yourself magazine. They had a few examples of how to make your own headboard. One of bamboo, the other metal and lastly the one I loved fabric covered plywood. I then did a little research to find fancier version for my guest room. Taadaa!Very proud of myself, I made my own fabric buttons. It was SO easy too!!

Round' Here...

We are growing up quick around here. Jake is now in his big boy bed and sleeping very well! It is amazing actually. He was truly ready and it shows. I am a little sad to have an empty dusty nursery, but in time... We are also in the pool again every day and Jake is back to his old tricks. He LOVES the water and is now,"swimming." He doggy paddles a few feet and loves when we are not touching him and he is just treading water. I am so proud of him and I love that he is a water baby like I was. We also got a farm membership for the summer and fall. So, far it has been great and Jake is really enjoying it. Today, we had a wonderful day as a family. As Jon put it, it was a mommy appreciation day... love my boys!!!

So, he doesn't have the position right yet, but he is loving his BIG bed!

My little park ranger

kisses for mommyWorking hard at the pretend work shop

So sweet

Jake," Here ya go goats... follow me! Your welcome"

Thankful

When you hear of someone struggling and you are praying for simply their life... you gain perspective. Life is precious. I have known this for 7 years now. Today however, I am acutely aware. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the little things I am thankful for. May I never forget...funny one to start with, but... PACI.. enough said!

first time yoga session

a time when he fit in a bouncy seat

family involvement

trying to be just like daddy

when he fit into a drawer

first snow fall in jammies

sick days when he could only eat toast and snuggle with me in his robe