Falling leaves

Took the kids to Red Clay State Park today. Even the drive was breathtaking. My favorite moment was standing by a natural spring creating a crystal clear creek with the red and yellow leaves falling down on us like snow. It was amazing.

enjoying the drive

Picnic time!

Nina wading in the water

Target Success!

I wanted to note that today we had a surprisingly successful Target experience!  Nina was good. Nathan was good.  The cashiers were so nice.  There was no line.  One cashier helped unpack and repack all my stuff, she played with the kids and even managed to get Nina to interact happily with her, they even accepted my expired coupons.  It was magical. :)

Nathan's Room

I had so much fun putting his room together. I have a few more ideas for it but for now it is complete. The best part of it is... he LOVES it. When he wakes up he points to everything making the cutest little faces of excitement. Nina is enjoying it too and we've started trading off which room we do the night prayers in.

Hung Daddy's hockey jersey up for some matching sports memorabilia.  This is also the jersey David was wearing when I met him, and then he wrapped my engagement ring up in it when he proposed.  

I also made the rugby striped pillow the giant teddy bear is resting on.

Not a clear picture, but it does capture them playing together upstairs in brother's room happily. =)

Baba Visits

Last week my dad came to town to keep us company. He was extremely helpful playing with the kids reading to Nina over and over. He even babysat a few times while I ran errands or went out with David. Here's a few pics from one of our adventures.

Dedication at Chilhowee

Nina and Nathan's Dedication 10/14/12 Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Brumbaugh

Wooden benches, changing leaves

What divine scenery.  

Nathan wiggled, Nina whined

Sitting still is hard sometimes.

Mike spoke on Kingdom living,

Sharing words from a similar setting.

On a mountain side Jesus spoke

Words to the tattered, torn, and broke

Words to the rich, proud, and strong

Each probably heard as He went along.

Here I stand with a baby boy in my embrace

In Daddy's chest our little girl buries her face. 

Such gifts from God I can not claim.

They are not mine to keep, but to train.

I pray that I may be strong and wise.

Mostly that God will never leave our side.

I pray that he will hold them in his hands

That they will serve Him and seek his plan.

Help them both to be bold and brave.

To fight for those whose voice is enslaved. 

And may my own heart and actions teach 

love, humility, righteousness, and peace.

Matthew 5:3-10

'Blessed are the poor in spirit

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Letter to My Son

My Dearest Nathan,

Being second born there will probably be less recorded sentiments and photos.  There will probably be less free time for me to lavish attention upon you.  For this reason I tend to get these elaborate plans to demonstrate how much I love you.  =) This week I decided you deserved a proper room.  The nursery I initially made for you on the first floor has been abandoned and your crib moved upstairs back in February.  And while you have been very comfortable up there, I felt the need to intentionally create a space upstairs for you.

I've had fun being crafty, although I'm not sure how much fun you and Sister have been having being dragged to every craft store and department in town trying to choose fabrics and colors.  You don't ever complain though. You sit patient and content in the stroller and you send every lady in the store gabbing about how cute and sweet you are.  You grin at each new acquaintance with such enthusiasm!

In short I hope you like your new room.  It is coming along nicely and you seem to already be enjoying the changes we've made. I love you little boy.  I love your smile.  The way you burst with laughter and your eyes sparkle whenever I get down on the ground to toss the ball with you or give you a big tickle. I love how good you throw.  I love the way you toddle through the house so skillfully and steady.  I love the way you toss the big pink ball up the stairs just like Daddy.  I love the way you are learning new words and trying to communicate with us.  I love your lean little waist and squishy thighs.  I love your teeny neck and big baby cheeks.  I love the way you bury your head into the ground (or our stomachs) when you laugh. The way you climb into your little chair in the living room. The way you run to the bathroom when we say "toothbrush time." The way your hair curls on the back of your head.  Sweet dreams little boy, your room is one step closer.

Mama

pennant bunting I'm making to run along those long bonus room walls.  kind of going with a rugby look since you are so drawn to sports equipment! 

Enjoying the fall weather

Ever since vacation to the Smokey's I've been trying to take advantage of this gorgeous fall weather and get the kids outside more.  We've been going on "hikes." Which consist of less than a mile usually. Haha. I wear Nathan on my back (in Bojana's Deuter Kid Comfort II I'm so in love with) while Nina trails behind at her own pace.  I always pack a little lunch of sandwiches and fruit and we find a lpicnic spot and the kids play with sticks, acorns, and dirt while they munch.

Last week we were pretty much attacked by ducks during our picnic lunch, Nina found a caterpillar on her own, we learned about acorns, we learned about pollution. There is always a little adventure.  Today's adventure ended in Nina being too tired to walk and I had to pack her and carry Nathan in my arms back to the car.

My favorite thing about these days is there is almost no crying, almost no whining, almost no meltdowns.  The kids nap wonderfully afterwards and they wake up HAPPY.  Much different than our excursions to the mall or the grocery store.

Some pics from today: