Lovin' Halloween?

O.k. so for those of you daily blog stalkers, I have greatly disappointed you. However, for those of you who are slackers like me, you'll be right on time. These were obviously taken at Halloween. Grammy from CA was here, and enjoyed the festivities with the boys. Daniel didn't enjoy them as much. We took the kids to the fall festival at one of the Baptist churches in Gainesville. Our church didn't do their usual "trunk or treat" so we tried something new. David only wore his entire outfit for this pic and then stayed with the jacket only. Good thing grammy took the pic quick. I don't generally like Halloween. It seems like a lot of pressure to come up with the "coolest" costume and I am not that creative, so I get frustrated easily. It usually happens that I come up with an idea and then spend the entire month of Oct. looking for stuff to do my own costume and then I totally drop the ball b/c I can't find what I am looking for. I think I've decided to go with the ready made deals. This event took place before Brian and his mom left for Brazil. As you've already read, I struggled a little bit with them being gone. I've recovered and hence that is why this month as flown by and I am getting to you all now.

single mom

Well, I've managed to make it 6 days w/o Brian. I didn't realize how much I'd miss him. It's definitely harder with the kids now. But the boys are handling it well. David talks about him being on "the big bus" every day. (they took a charter to Miami) My heart leaped when I heard his voice (he was able to call)for about 60 secs. Wed. night. He and the team are doing o.k. The day to day routine is pretty much the same, but the evenings get lonely. I don't like being at home at night by myself. I am sort of a scaredy-cat. I pray everynight, and place my trust in God; that's all I know to do. I wondered if He was hearing my prayers lately, though. David has been waking so early now b/c of daylight saving time but yesterday 4:30 was a little much. I've been sensing the need to get up early to pray & study but....... I had difficulty getting him to cooperate and go back to sleep and then Daniel was wide awake (they share a room) so I gave up and stuck my head in the Bible and prayed and would you believe those boys went back to sleep at 6 and didn't wake up 'til 7:30. I was so excited and appreciative. My mom came up today so I could work, it was really good to have her there. We had time to hang out and take a walk with the boys. I know good will surely come from this season of time, and I pray that Brian and the team our doing great work in the Amazon. We are not "here" for our luxury and this is a good reminder of that.

Thought this was funny of David. We were at the costume store, hunting around, and he found these bull frogs. He lined them all up on the floor, about 6 of them and then didn't want to put them back. I got quite a kick out of it. The boys enjoy being outside so much, that's all they ask for all day. Their new thing is pushing each other in one of their dump trucks. Silly boys! Here, mommy and the boys are at Sesame Street Live. They both really liked it (for about 30 min) and then.....

Anyway, just a little - 'this is what we're doing now. Now, I am off to bed. Long day. Brian's mom comes tomorrow. Can't wait, we miss them all so much.

Surviving the "Terrible Two's"

Well, a much better week it has been. David is still trying at times but the past few days we've managed to love on each other a little bit and mommy is learning how to cope much better. I am reading a very interesting book about child training and the author argues against the "world's view" about stages. He says they don't really exist and states that the Bible doesn't recognize them. He also goes to say that if parents implement this biblical principle,and refer to the Bible for instruction, then their children never go through them. I am still coming up with an opinion about this but I have figured out little "tricks" that seem to simmer down his tantrums and when all else fails, out of desperation, I pray with him. This really gets him quiet; he'll stop his ranting and look at me perplexed and listen intently. Works every time. (so far) David has also "graduated" to his toddler bed and actually staying in it. He wasn't too keen on sleeping in the full-bunk bed, even with the cool truck sheets. So, I decided to break his crib down to the toddler setting. He as adapted so well, we feel very fortunate. On dilemna though, is regardless of what time he goes to bed, he wakes up ~ 5:45- 6:00 am most mornings. It's been very frustating and we debate on how to respond to it, which is stressful. However, praise God! The past two mornings he slept 'til 7:00. Whew. much better. Quick note about Daniel: he's a little sweetheart, but a monster in disguise. He does the funniest, wackiest things and has no fear. Climbing on everything, digging in the dirt (eating most of it) and going down the slide almost by himself, he'll even push David on his big wheel. He has the best kissing cheeks ever and he and David love to chase each other around the island in the kitchen. Me and the boys are getting prepared for daddy to go on his mission trip to Brazil next weekend. It won't be fun, but we know God is going to bless all of us for being obedient and the people of the Amazon will also be blessed.

I will bless the Lord at all times ; his praise shall continually be in my mouth . Psalm 34:1
This is my "motto" lately. It seems God thinks I need to build my character a little more. David is really giving me a run for my money. It seems his acts of rebellion are "normal" but golly he is a booger sometimes. So, much needed prayer is keeping me in check with my mouth and not losing it somedays. I swear I think he's hormonal. One minute he's up and the next he's way down. Daniel on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine (unless he needs food). I can't believeDavid is almost 3. He seems to be getting so big and such a great helper, he thrives on it. Tomorrow mommy is going to be solo for about 24hrs. I actually feel a little nervous, it's weird. Brian is going down south to do some tractor work and I decided to stay home, to keep the trip quicker. Anyway, I am looking forward to a little quiet time but will miss my honey much more.

Birthday Boy!!

I can't believe Daniel turned one this week. These pics are of David helping make cupcakes for Daniel on his actual birthday, Monday. David seems to enjoy helping and gets a delight out of eating the mixers, of course. They had a great time eating there cupcakes and wearing there "homemade" party hats. We had a bigger party Sat. and enjoyed the company of friends from Sunday School and even their babysitter Kaley came. Daniel did everything right. He loved his Elmo cake and really loved chowing on it. He got an Elmo from grandma and papa, which was the highlight of his day. He dances in circle when Elmo sings and laughs at all his messages. I am taking him for his official pictures this week. I guess I should give him a haircut, huh?

.....another honeymoon?

Life is hectic. Everyone is feeling the crunch right now. For a much needed "holiday", Brian and I were blessed to go away, alone for the night a few weeks ago. Thankfully, my mom came up to watch the boys and we were off to Amelia Island for the night. For those of you who don't know where that is, it is an island off the Jacksonville coast. After getting there, I found that it didn't really seem like an island, but rather going a few blocks past conveniences of home to more conveniences of home. I guess it was like Key West but not as tropical and only a few miles off the mainland vs 7. Anyway, we hadn't been there before so I thought it'd be cool....something new. The homes are beautiful, Victorian style- we went on a self-guided tour on our trusty scooters. I hadn't been on a scooter since..........who knows when. I almost crashed getting out of the parking lot but soon got my bearings and was off feeling frisky and free. We ventured to the fort, which was cool; a lot like St. Augustine and shopped (for 15min) along the main drag. I was in ONE store for 15min and according to Brian that was enough. Oh well, I didn't need to spend any money anyway, but it was fun to look. Our B&B had a quaint back porch where we hung out in the afternoon and caught some of the Gator game. It was quite relaxing. We could actually hold an adult conversation and enjoy munchies without having to share. Great, I tell you. The other details I will leave alone. Let's just say, it was nice to see each other like newlyweds again. Believe it or not we both were ready the next morning to get back to our little tikes. So, after a predestined worship time at the local church, we were off again.....this time back to parenthood. (still blissful).