Ordinary Days

Not to much has been going on around our household these days. Last week was so beautiful. We spend every moment outside. After a short walk of picking up sticks Kaden said, "That was a great adventure Mommy!" I didn't even know we were on an 'adventure'! Just a simple reminder of how much the ordinary, every day activites matter!

This week started out to be rainy and dreary. It was a welcome change from our being outside 24/7. I was able to catch up on some never ending laundry, cleaning and then read and do some crafts with Kaden.

Ethan is growing up so fast. He is crawling up the stairs, pulling himself up on everything and even beginning to stand for a few seconds on his own occasionally. He is now drinking out of a sippy cup, eating mashed potatoes and fruit. With all that said he still has NO teeth. I think were going to get him fitted for dentures next week!

Busy Boys

Yesterday, Brian started building the boys a tree fort in our yard.

Kaden is always excited to be working with his daddy..... Here he is making sure that the progress so far is level.

Ethan is most entertained by putting everything in his mouth! He still has no teeth. I'm thinking that he will be walking before his teeth come in!

He loves it when you squeeze his cheeks together...he always lets out a little laugh.

Truth from a Child

Have you ever noticed that some of the most valuable lessons we have learned in life have been from a child?
The words spoken by Kaden are still ringing in my ears, "Mommy, don't worry about _________" (You can fill in your own specific person or thing).
So I thought to myself, he's right. Why do I worry about these things when God has already told me, "Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in the barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are." Matt 6:26

Instead, I need to quiet myself before Him and allow his voice to penetrate my mind and heart. He is all around, in everything we see.

"So give your attention to the created order. Look at the trees, really look at them. Take a flower and allow it's beauty to sink deep into your mind and heart. Listen to the birds-they are the messengers of God. Watch the little creatures that creep upon the earth. These are humble acts, to be sure, but sometimes God reaches us profoundly in these simple ways if we quiet ourselves to listen." Celebration of Discipline" Richard Foster

Isn't it time that we begin to let go of the hold that others and things have on us, and begin to just rest in what God promises.

What a precious and timely lesson taught by a two year old.

Inner Harbor and Back

This week the weather has been absolutely beautiful. We have been outside every waking moment. It's wonderful!
We took some time away on wednesday and headed down to inner harbor. Mom and Dad came down in the morning...we drove down to Hunt Valley and then took the train into the city. Kaden was very excited and really enjoyed the ride sitting with Pops. (for the 5 minutes he sat.....no we do not have a miracle 2 year old...yes he did fuss at least half of the trip)

We had lunch at Johnny Rockets and then walked around. It was very relaxing and good excercise. Pops got the most exercise pushing the stroller with the brake on!

Grama also had a good time pushing the stroller. As you can see, Kaden always makes things more interesting!

Ethan was very happy to be enjoying the nice weather and soft grass.

Now That Stinks

We've had a very busy weekend around here! The weather was beautiful, so of course that meant doing yard work, planting a few flowers and already spraying for weeds.
Pops and Grama came down friday afternoon in the RV! It was there first official camping experience in the trailer. It started off a little 'wet', when a water jug splashed around in the back of the camper...Pops had a fit. It was funny! I can tell already that there's going to be a lot of good camping stories in the future. They spent the night so that I was able to help Brian with the numerous retreat groups that came in on Saturday. That kept us busy from morning to evening.

Kaden and Ethan had a great time with Pops and Grama. They played, went for walks, read books and then my favorite....Kaden showed Grama his earthworm collection. In a container there were a few worms and dirt. It had been sitting on our picnic table for about three weeks. I guess it had filled with water and the worms had got all gnasty....needless to say with the water and the heat, it was not a pretty sight or smell. And what made matters worse is that the 'liquid' had spilled all over Grama and Kaden. I heard it took a couple had washings to get the smell to go away! Good times.

Today we have tried to stay low key and relax...tomorrow starts a new week.

Fish, Fish and More Fish

Brian has been doing some fishing.

Kaden is so proud when he is able to be with his daddy and see the fish!

Brian's going to have two good fishermen when these boys get older!

I see alot of fish fry's in our future!

How The Days Go By

The week started off a chilly one....so we put some logs on the fire and had a weiner roast.
The weather changed so much the next day! Kaden went from a jacket and toque (canadian word for hat) to just underwear! Here he is with the salamander that Brian found for him.

He is such a kind boy! The lizard now lives in this house on our front porch. Today we spent the day at Mom and Dad's. Kaden had Pops so tired out he could barely keep his eyes open. It must be exhausting being retired!!

We also had supper with friends. It was a really nice day!