Greenwood Freedom Festival 2010

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year.
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. It's warm outside, there's a sense of community, and family gatherings. One such gathering was this past weekend at the Greenwood Freedom Festival. We met up with my SIL Denise & her kids at the parade. Then the kids had a blast jumping in the bounce houses. And I got to enjoy my favorite summer treat: Lemon Shake-up!

That night we got back together and watched the fireworks. We wondered how the boys would react. They did great! Ty sat on Montana's lap the whole time and kept saying "boom" and "more". Drew watched the show as he drank his bottle.

I love fireworks, but what I found out that I LOVE even more is watching my kids watch fireworks.

Drew is 3 Months

Drew turned 3 Months Old this week!
He is such a joy. I just love to rock with him and stare at his beautiful face. He smiles all the time :)
Today was Father's Day. 2 Years ago, on Father's Day as well, Ty got his first taste of cereal. So I thought it'd be fun to let Drew try today too. He wasn't too sure what to do at first. But Ty thought it was pretty funny to help.

Cool Pics for a Hot Summer

photos by Sara Pead

Such Hams

Oh, I love these boys. They keep me laughing...

Ty has been wearing "big boy underwear" for a couple of weeks now. The other day he insisted on putting on another pair on top of his pajamas. Can you tell he dressed himself?

Drew, laughing and cooing at his doggie:

I tried to see if Drew was ready for his Bumbo Chair today. His look says it all.
"What are you doing to me Ma?"

The other night Dennis & I went to see Shrek in 3D (obviously my pick). It was pretty cool actually. And we were impressed with the cool glasses they give you. Ty's modeling them for you here:

So Blessed

As I walked down our hallway tonight I could hear a few of the most precious things; lullaby music playing in Drew's room as he drifts off to sleep, and Ty in his bed talking to himself. I stood there for a few moments just listening. On our walls are pictures of Ty, Drew, & Riley. I felt so full & blessed. I recalled that just a short time ago, I spent many moments crying in that hallway, outside what was supposed to be Riley's nursery. It's amazing where God has taken me in just a short few years. From the pit of desperation to such fullness.

Just this week, I was a recipient of a random act of kindness (although I truly believe that NOTHING is random). I was having breakfast with a few friends and our kids, when the waitress came over. She handed us each a small card with scripture on it, and told us that someone had paid for our meals. What a cool surprise. As if that wasn't cool enough, my scripture card contained the very same verse I had been studying that week:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

So tonight, as I stood in the hallway listening as my two precious boys drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but remember that verse again. God knew these plans all along. He had good plans for me. Even when I felt my darkest, He gave me HOPE and a FUTURE.