I promise I will update the blog!

I was working May - July, pregnant and sick, and just all-around busy. I've been a hot mess for the last 3 1/2 months. Updates starting shortly!

This little monkey is going to be a BIG BROTHER!!! 
Tyler and I are both really happy and exited (and a little shocked) that we are pregnant, especially since James took over 3 years to show up.  But, Gods ways are not our ways, and He knows what is best for us. Plus, I think he has a great sense of humor. 

Maggie has just embarked on a big adventure! She flew from Nashville to Seattle with Gramma Sue for two weeks of Gramma Camp. I can't wait to hear Maggie's mousy little voice on the other end of the phone tell me all about her exciting days!!! I miss her already. 

Videos from Vacation Bible School

The music this year for VBS was awesome! Maggie loved dancing to it every day.

This is from Tuesday, Crazy Hat Day. Maggie's in the yellow. Sorry these are a little blurry. They don't upload wonderfully from my phone to youtube.


Here's Friday's hip-hop style song, which Maggie LOVES! (yellow hoodie, pink fedora)


Here is Maggie on Sunday night still dancing along with her VBS music CD. She must really love it to know I am videoing her and to still dance.

Vacation Bible School is here!

Having a great time at Vacation Bible School this week!

I am into EVERYTHING

James is not walking on his own yet, but that doesn't stop him from getting into everything, touching everything, etc. These days he must think his name is "No James". "No James" often results in crying, screaming, screeching, throwing things on the floor. Poor buddy! If he could just talk it would be a lot easier.

Pushed the stool to the counter. Making dinner is a full-contact sport these days!

 He figured out the water dispenser on the fridge- no stool needed. We've all had to learn to lock the dispenser or he gets water EVERYWHERE before you realize what he's playing with.

 Like right here. Picture doesn't really show it, but he's nearly 1/2 wet.

 And he also helps unfold all your laundry. Perfect for those stress-free, nothing to do days when all you want to do is fold your laundry twice or more.

 And he also likes to elephant-crawl (that's what we call it) toward the dangerous parking lot and away from the soft grass and playground. FYI- no cute chunky babies were in any danger whatsoever. There was only one other car in the parking lot.

 The stool also works well in the bathroom. Thankfully his arms aren't long enough to reach the faucet, yet.

 And a quick progression of climbing onto the couch. Just to love on his sister. Also called "Ma-uhm! Get him off me!"

 

 

James is so wonderful, but he is one mighty handful! By the time I get him in bed each night I am worn out from all the playing, supervising, guiding, scolding, mess-clean-upping, feeding, entertaining and diaper-changing. Trying to enjoy the overall theme of his childhood as opposed to "every minute" - I don't enjoy his crying at me every night as I try to make dinner, or any time I have to correct him- but I can't imagine our lives without him! He still makes my heart melt and is a daily reminder of God's' amazing, overwhleming blessings to me.

Memorial Day Fun

We went to a birthday party for one of Maggie's friends on Memorial Day. It was a nice break from working so much.

It was HOT! About 100 degrees. Right away James was getting hot.

 Maggie had lots of fun tying water balloons.

 So, uh, the swim trunks I pulled out of some awesome hand-me-downs for James are too big. As evidences here by the major saggage. 

 Yep. Too hot. Clothes came off. Nothing wrong with a nearly-naked baby at a 6 year old girls' birthday party.

 Maggie scooched over for a quick hug.

 "I know I can push this dump truck to that cool place over there so I can play."

 I made it!

 ... and I gave in and let Maggie have an entire can of grape soda for her very own. She nursed that thing for an hour, I am not kidding!

 Uh oh! Wet swim diapers (from the kiddie pool) and dirt don't mix.

 Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "dirty diaper", doesn't it!

 Maggie having the time of her life playing with a bunch of kids her age (the girl next to her is several years older, not a giant 1st grader).

 After getting hosed off, he needed some cuddle time with Alistair and his mama. And what is UP with that vein in my forehead. I swear to you it only shows up on iPhone photos.

 Did you know that "Maggie, it's time to go, find your flops, please" is code for "go cover yourself with sand in the sand box?!" She was having so much fun, it was sad to make her go home with us!

Things James Puts on His Head

Videos for the Grandparents

Here are some recent iPhone videos I've taken of the kids.

Maggie making James laugh. Best noises ever.


Singing a cheesy pop song while listening to her iPod. Does not understand we can't hear the music.


Mr. James has learned to climb. He didn't stand on the table this time, but that's what normally happens if I don't get there soon enough.

This weekend Tyler replaced he battery in my old iPod that died 5(!) years ago. Maggie had asked about having one and this was a cheap and easy solution! 

At church she made Daddy a special thank-you card. The "a lot of work" part is in reference to all that he has to do when I am working on weddings. She was being very sweet.