late summer pics

So, a friend graciously reminded me that it has been 2 months since my last post...bummer. So, here are some late summer pics.

Oh, and one more funny Grace story...today she told me she wanted to be a Daddy. When I told her that wasn't what God wanted her to be, she told me she didn't want to be a Mommy. I decided to ask why. She told me she didn't want to go up and down the stairs. Ha

Grace-isms

Grace is three, so it's been so fun to hear the stuff that's come out of her mouth....here are a few "grace-isms" from the day.

We were out on a family bike ride (the kids ride in a stroller thing pulled by Nate). My tire went completely flat, so he went home with the kids to get the van while I walked my bike until he got me. She said, "Mama, I can fix your bike."
Me: "Oh, really. How would you fix it?"
Grace: With tape.

She was also telling me that she made a friend at the play area...though I can't remember who she is talking about...
Me: Was she nice to you?
Grace: Yes. She knew I was precious.

Then, Nate and I were in the van, headed to the mall, where she told be that she would get married.
Grace: When I get married, he will be white.
Me: Maybe. He could also be brown, black, or any other color. Just make sure he loves Jesus (Great teachable moment...)
Grace: He will be brown.
Me: What makes you say that?
Grace: I like your brown necklace.

Happy B-day Rebekah

Usually, Grace is ready to belt out the birthday song, but she was a little tentative here...anyway, Happy Birthday, Rebekah. We miss you and love you very much.

Pics from Florida

We went to Florida in order to spend time with a few college students that are at a training program in Jacksonville. We got to go to the beach, water park, and plus hang out with college students a lot! After that, we went to Nate's parents and spent time with cousin Hannah, which was a highlight for Grace. Here are a few pics!

Downtown with the Grandparents.

So, here are some photos of when my parents were down for Memorial Day. I love the pic of Sam with Jopie (the dog). He doesn't prefer her too much. Grace is a different story. She loves that dog to pieces. Anyway, I love this pic of Grace's hair on the slide.

Favorite Color.

So, Grace's conversation starter has been "What is your favorite color?" Although it comes out like "What your color is?"

She is fine with all responses except two. If someone answers pink, she says, "No, that's my color." If someone answers blue, she says, "No, that's Sam's color." Well, two nights ago, she asked her friend David, and he of course, answered blue. She corrected him saying, "No, that's Sam's color, but you can share pink with me." So, pink is now officially open to others :-)

We love Cousin Danny

Here are my kiddos with their cousin Danny. He comes to hang out with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My kids (especially Sam) can't get enough of him. Danny is going to be a tough boy because of the amount of "love" he receives from these two.

This past week...

So, we went to Spencer and also to Sioux Falls last weekend for a wedding. This first photo is of Grace with her two older cousins. She loves thoses two....and drum role....she now has another new cousin, Simeon Eugene...born May 8. (Pics will come later).

The second photo is my parents with the Iowa City grandkids...Grace, Sam and Danny (my bro's little dude).

This third photo I took on Monday. It's kinda funny...we just threw sticks in the water and watched them float away...for seriously an hour. It was great. I fought back the temptation to make a phone call, text, or do anything else because I just had a sense that this was something so sweet and simple that I needed to enjoy every minute of it.

Hope you enjoy!

Easter Fun

I love these pics. The first one is of Grace and her friend, David at an Easter egg hunt. Then, I love this pic of me and my boy...isn't he handsome? Then, there are the four children who went on an Easter egg hunt at david's grandma's house. We had a great time...

Hidden Acres getaway

We got away for 24 hours to Hidden Acres. It was supposed to be longer than that, but with the threat of the storm, (which never really came) we left early and spent the rest of our time off at home. We still got to go to Hickory Park (BBQ place in Ames), look at horses and go swimming. I love this last pic of Sam....He looks like such a little dude. Sorry it is sideways...

Grace's B-day

So here are a couple of pics from Grace's b-day. The dress is what she calls her "party dress" that she got to wear all day. And of course, we got a birthday cake (thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hobert) for Grace....pink with flowers. She had a good birthday celebration...we started the day off with choclate chip pancakes...can a day go badly after something like that? Anyway, it never even crosses our minds that it's April Fool's Day...who really celebrates that holiday, anyhow?

My kids are growing!

So, this is a post without pictures, but I thought I would let you know that Sam is walking now, and somehow, he even runs a little bit...like when I leave a door open and we both realize that it's open. He totally takes off and I have to chase him.
Grace is really turning into a fashion diva. Yesterday, Sunday, I had a sweatshirt on and she said, "Mama, I don't like that shirt." But, two days prior to that she told me she liked a different shirt I had on. Today, she told Nate, "I like Mama in brown." Does it really begin this early? Is she going to be the kind of kid who will make sure I look cool? Who knows. She really does have definate opinions on fashion :-)

New Wagon!

Sam and Grace got a new wagon from Grandpa and Grandma Hobert! Here are the pics. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

Sam's birthday week!

So, Sam had a birthday week. Because Nate was gone to New Orleans during his birthday, we celebrated with my parents on the actual birthday. Then, I hosted play group on Wednesday and made cupcakes for his birthday. Then, when Nate was back in town, we had one more celebration. Our boy is made of cake! Here are some fun pics. I will post some of Grace's birthday pics....her birthday is coming up this Wednesday!!! I will be sure to post some pics of Grace's time celebrating.

Nephew Danny is born!!!

My nephew was born on March 5th, and I must say, he is quite adorable. You will notice my little stud-o didn't make any of the pics...he had a cold :-( But, be rest assured, you will see pics soon because we are having "Birthday week" for Sam...he gets 3 parties in one week...he'll be made out of cake by the time we're done.

So, Daniel came into the world at 7 lbs 15 oz....he has long, very strong legs and a whole bunch of brownish hair that sticks up so cutely. (If that's not a word, I'm declaring it one now). He is so precious, and I look forward to Grace and Sam having another great cousin!!!!

Dedication, Mother-in-law, & Cousins

"Play with Phin and Isaiah." These were Grace's words starting each day when she woke up. She had a blast as the Kroesches (Amanda's sisters fam) joined us for the week. I honestly enjoy seeing them enjoy each other so much.

Amanda's mom also joined us on Thursday and helped a ton and as you can see with Sam enjoyed her stay.

The family pic is taking @ parkview right after Sam was dedicated today. We read from 1 Samuel 3:21 which says "And the Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and there he revealed himself to Samuel through His word." We pray that God would be gracious and do just that as this little dude grows up.

Don't judge me...

So, as the title suggests, don't judge me....these are still Christmas photos being posted. These are obviously, the kids with their stockings....as well as Grace dressed up as a bird at her grandma and grandpa Meyer's house...she loved it!!! I will try to post more photos soon!

Christmas Pics...a little late

Life has been full, but I wanted to post some great Christmas pics. Sam is with his Grandpa Meyer in the first picture. Sorry this is so short, but I know that some of you wanted to see recent pics. I will try to update later.