Daniel turns 3

Another birthday, another year. Another wonderful reason to celebrate. Daniel is 3 today! (Well, September 29th to be exact)  A little rougher around the edges but for the most part a joyful three year old.  I have definitely seen the feistiness come out over the past year and he really likes to stir things up.  He gets the biggest delight out of taking things from David and letting him chase after him, crying- like the world has come to an end. (Feisty).  He burps at the table and loves to gargle his juice.  (Feisty). He runs through the house naked, yelling at the top of his lungs; obviously showing off his manhood with pride. (Feisty). This feisty boy however, has the softest, sweetest kisses and shows his tender side when he's sleeping quietly enjoying the comfort of his pacifer (I haven't had the heart to take it away cold turkey), and still on occasion will ask to "hold me".   He potty trained almost without any intervention and has been sporting his undies for a few months now. 
He knows four Bible verses and almost always asks to say grace at meals.  He loves going to "school" (day care) and his Sunday and Wednesday classes at church. He's not very shy and will try just about anything.  We went to the springs for the first time and he jumped off the tree swing without hesitation and has learned to drive their 2 speed tractor like a pro.
He celebrated his birthday with dinosaur cupcakes at school and a spaghetti dinner with grandma and papa Stalnaker that evening.  And, more cake.  He got a new bike but isn't interested in riding it but will wear his helmet when we go for walks.  He carried his #3 candle around the house for the whole week and seemed to enjoy his glorious moment when he blew it out, realizing that he was a new number now.   He still thinks his birthday is going on, because he is still getting cards in the mail and wants to eat cake and ice cream after every meal. 

                                                        Showing off his new fireman boots. These boys have been
                                                        5 pairs of boots since they started walking! The walkway he's
                                                        standing on, Brian made when he was doing cement in the pole barn.
                                                        All the boys have their names and hand prints in it.  Love it! We'll be
                                                        it up when we move one day.                             

                                          Daniel's First Easter 7 months

8 months

Daniel is a riot is all I can say.  He is tough on the outside but so sweet on the inside. Every day is a new adventure with him and I cherish each one, praying we will have many more and praying ultimately that he will come to know Jesus.  Happy Birthday Snugglebug.

Family ties that bind

Went to Pt. Charlotte to celebrate my mom's 67th birthday.  It was difficult to get away during this weekend, but it was important.  My brother Mark and his wife Mie, pronounced (Mee-ey) were here from California. After spending a few moments with them, I couldn't believe it had been 2 yrs. since I had seen them.  The east/west coast is so hard.  It seems when I am ready for the day to end and my head hits the pillow, the "west coasters", (my in-laws included) want to talk. I can't blame them, when I lived in Arizona, I was the same way.  It's weird but when you're the one out there, it seems like you're on another planet and it's perplexing to me that a whole other world is going on, or has ended 3 hrs. ahead. 
Anyway, we had a great time being together for my mom's birthday.  I think she really cherished her celebration and enjoyed the excitement that surrounded her.  We actually were able to get a family picture with all of us and the boys tolerated the many takes that insued. I made her a mocoa cake that turned out good, but I thought a little heavy on the coffee flavor.  She seemed to like it thought, which is what counts and I enjoyed making a new recipe. For her gift, we got her a pair of sapphire earrings to match her necklace I had gotten her a few years ago.  She seemed really overwhelmed by them and kept saying how beautiful they were.
We took the boys to the harbour, which is a cheap, easy, and closer alternative to the beach.  However, we found out in an untimely manner that there was warnings for bird droppings.  Apparently, the seagulls are nesting on shore and spending more time than usual hanging around. Great.  After we just waded and swam in the water for the past hour.  Thankfully, nobody got sick and the next time I guess I'll have to be more adventurous and head to the real beach.  The boys did see a big crab hanging out on the dock, which they thought was way cool.
It's always weird going "home".  I have a lot of memories there growing up. Many aren't that good either, especially the high school years,  b/c of my old boyfriend.  In some way it feels like a healing process each time I go back and I thank God over and over for bringing the man I married and replacing those not so good memories, with new healthly great ones.