7.26.2012

4th of July

I just love any occasion to have a themed day with Carver. Though it was a little crazier this time, we were able to do some fun things together to celebrate the 4th of July.

Red, white, and blue pancakes with strawberries and blueberries.

4th of July Coloring Sheet

Baking Cupcakes!

At the park with Mommy (and no baby!)


Carson in his cute shirt made by Nana.
Nana and Carver

Nana and Carson
Snack time


Dinner!
Carver's first time seeing fireworks-- I took him out to see them at camp. He was mesmerized.







7.24.2012

Father's Day

Clearly, I am super behind in updating the blog...




This year was an extra significant Father's Day for Daniel, at least I hope it was :) We were newly a family of four, which I think made the day extra special. We were together getting to bond with this new precious boy of ours and Daniel was officially a father for the second time. It was tricky to do any major celebrating that day with camp in full swing, and life unpredictable at home....

though it was a BIG day for both us and the boys-- we had Carver and Carson dedicated during the Sunday morning service.

I've been frustrated that we hadn't participated in a dedication for Carver previously, but I actually like that it worked out for us to do them together. It was a memorable moment, where we, as parents, publicly affirmed our commitment to raising our children to love the Lord, to honor Him, to live for Him, to love others, and to really focus on bringing them up as Christians.






We are so thankful that God has blessed us with these boys and we both take this huge responsibility very seriously. It often feels overwhelming and I wish I didn't make so many mistakes-- but at the end of the day, the most important thing we hope to instill in our boys is to love and serve the Lord. What else really matters?


I am so thankful that Carver and Carson have such a incredible father. I am thankful that Daniel picked me, that we love each other, that we share these amazing kids, that we are committed to our marriage and to this task of parenting, and that we are a team in all of this craziness.

I am thankful for the example that Daniel will set for them. I am thrilled that I married someone who can build anything, fix anything, and do just about anything. I am excited that Daniel's wealth of knowledge of so many things will be passed on to the boys.

The summers are incredibly long. We spend very little time with Daniel, and it is sometimes a struggle not to resent how little time we really have together. But when I struggle I am reminded of how many things we have to be thankful for. I know that Daniel works so hard to provide for us, but more importantly, he is continually committed to answering the call that God has placed on his life-- ministering in exactly this way. So, when I am frustrated, or overwhelmed, or just really miss him, I know that it is ultimately for a greater good.

Daniel is a blessing to all of us-- we are lucky, really, really lucky.

7.10.2012

Family Time

 
There is an interconnectedness among members that bonds the family, much like mountain climbers who rope themselves together when climbing a mountain, so that if someone should slip or need support, he's held up by the others until he regains his footing.
PHIL McGRAW, Family First


I was SO blessed to have Lyle's family and Courtney's family visit with us and meet Carson during his first weeks here. There is just something about watching the people you love most love on your children that just blesses me in indescribable ways. The stress of having a new baby, and Daniel not being home, and just feeling completely overwhelmed has been tough. Having my siblings take the time to visit was a serious help to my mood and emotional well-being. I love them. A lot.

Now if Daddy can schedule a visit  we will be complete :)

Playing at the park with Lyle, Holly, and kids...







Goats on the Roof! (But no pictures of goats...how did that happen?)

Gem Mining!





Anna Kate and Carson


Lunch in Helen-- Carver thinks Anna Kate is HILARIOUS!


Lyle, Holly, Bailey, Will, Tommy, and Anna Kate.

Carver has a special love for Lyle. Delia did too. This makes my heart feel full...
Uncle Lyle brought donuts!
Uncle Michael spent a lot of time bonding with Carver while playing with toys and reading (and re-reading) books.

He has a serious obsession with Julia.


Lunch at the Dillard House-- first corn on the cob.