'The Bed Bump Up'...

Eleanor bumping up to the crib in the girls' room (though she's not actually in it...weird)

Then, Noah bumping up to the toddler/big boy bed

I think he'll make out okay...(if he manages to actually stay in it, that is)

My two men

16 August is a big day around here - an anniversary and a birthday...

My big man:

So, 11 years ago Toby and I managed to get through our 'I do's without laughing, the pastor got Toby's name wrong (who's Gary Gayner??), and off we went on our adventure that is marriage...

Fast forward nine years...

My little man:

4.45am. I wake up in a puddle, realizing that the little man is coming a little early. When the midwife examines me, she is distracted by the FOOT she has never felt before! So off to the hospital for one of the more relaxed, fun-filled c-sections the hospital has enjoyed. And in the end, here we are, two years later.

Thanks, Tobes, for 11 years of laughter, love, prayer, joy and babies. I love you more now than ever, seeing you not only as husband and friend, but father and teacher, as well. You are God's greatest blessing to me, and I am honored to be your wife. Where ever you go, I will go...

Thanks, Noah, for 2 years of sticky cuddles, slobbery kisses, awful diapers and more bumps and bruises than one could think possible. You are beautiful, and I adore you. Now, please stop climbing everything!!!

By the way, my husband is very clever. He makes switches and button boards for his little boy for his boy's birthday, and can even make it look like a car! Pretty cool, even though he still can't find a steering wheel for it...

A little light reading

Watching one child enjoy a book is a blessing, watching 3 enjoy a book together is joy itself.

Some lovely, dear people

Now, of course I am biased, but I happen to think that everyone should have someone like the Rannebergers in their lives. That is, of course, if they can't get the real thing...

After church we went to their house for a sweet time of food and fellowship. All afternoon, they fed us, played with the children, allowed us to nose about their lives, took us on walking tours of their property, furnished us with produce from their garden and prayed for us. One could not do better...

Snuggle buddies, all afternoon!

There was some excitement/nervousness when George got out the archery stuff, but no need to worry - it was only Kelly who had a turn at target practice. That being said, there's plenty of concern in giving me a bow and arrow. Fortunately, God was good to us and guided my arrows to the target, sparing us all injury.

Going visiting...and staying at home

We drove up to New Jersey last week to do a bit of visiting with my beloved sister and her wonderful family...

Cousin Amy has the BEST STUFF!

My handsome nephew Derek making over my beautiful Eleanor

Cheif mischief-makers...
...and their up-and-coming apprentice