Update!

Been a long time but we are going to re start the blog! So much is happening. I'll start with just posting a bunch of pictures! Cole was born 9 12 12!!!

Catching up!

So a lot has happened since I last blogged. Luke is now in preschool receiving services for his social, speech, and fine motor delays. He has an amazing preschool team consisting of 5 people. In January we had Luke evaluated through Child Find our counties school program for early childhood. it was a surprise to hear he had need of all services, but a huge blessing that he will be receiving so much special attention through great individuals. He has been attending now since the end of February and he is now beginning to love it. It is only for 2 hours and 45 minutes but that is plenty of time for him. Lydia is growing like a weed and talking like crazy. She is my snuggle bug and loves being the center of attention. Drew has been traveling a lot and we have been staying busy with fun activities during Luke's 2 week spring break. I am still working part time at Legacy Counseling and feeling especially blessed to be able to do what God has called me to do and still be at home most of the week. Thank you for those of you who have been praying for us and Luke. We have already seen God answer specific prayers in very obvious ways and we are so thankful that we can entrust Luke into the Lord's hands. He is such a special boy with so many talents and gifts. Since he turned 3, it is as if he sees the world through new eyes now and he is beginning to take part. So thank you for your prayers. Our wonderful church family here is so special to us and we don't know what we would do without them. So that is my update for now. I am going to try and get back into blogging more regularly again. it is a great way to keep up with my own life let alone sharing it with family and friends. So until next time.

The Park in the Winter

Luke and Lydia love to be outside, and we are fortunate enough to have winters that are not always freezing. So we often get to enjoy outside during November and December. It sometimes snows every other day but melts quickly. Lydia is becoming a risk taker at the playground so it always keeps me on my toes when we go to the park.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo November 2010

We have an annual pass to the Colorado Springs Zoo. We love it there. All the animals are up close, and the zoo rests in the side of a mountain. It doesn't get any better than that. We try to go as much as possible. So here are pictures from our latest trip.

Children's Museum November 2010

I finally took the kids to the Children's Museum to check it out. It was rather expensive but fun. I do not know if I will go back, it was probably a once a year kind of outing. So here are some pictures of the fun day we had.

Reformation Day

Here are some of the pictures I got from Reformation Day/Halloween. I like to call it Reformation Day to keep in mind what our family is celebrating. Reformation Day (for those of you who don't know) is the day the Martin Luther first posted his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Church which marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation and the long journey that led to getting God's Word into the hands of the common man. Before that the Bible was only read by those in high authority in the Catholic Church and they spread a lot of myths and rituals that covered over the truth of the Gospel. Many died for our freedom to know Christ and for that we celebrate Reformation Day. That is way too short of an explanation but will have to do for now. So here are some pictures. Luke of course would not wear a costume for the second year in a row so that resulted in him wearing his VT jersey again.

Visiting Mommy's Office

So I have been way bad about blogging. Partly because I have been working, partly because I have 2 active little ones that never want me on the computer, and lastly because I have had trouble uploading photos for some reason. This is my attempt to catch up over the past 2 months. So daddy brought the Luke and Lydia into visit me at my office and Lyida loved the kids chairs (just her size). And just a side note: Daddy also dressed her that day (:

I have been so busy lately, I have lost all time to do anything but juggle everyday life. My kiddos are growing so fast, and I want to hit the pause button to treasure the moments a little bit longer everyday. Lydia is 14 months old and Luke is turning 3 in January. I can hardly believe how fast it has gone by. They are such a joy. Luke is getting sweeter everyday. I used to think, wow I hope I can handle this strong-willed boy, but now he has so many more moments of obedience and sweetness. He takes time to cuddle now where it used to be only time for moving and doing the next thing. Lydia is starting to talk a little bit more everyday. She is always ready to cuddle with mamma and has recently opened a special place in her heart for daddy. She is fearless and keeps me laughing. Some of my favorite things lately for the two of them are:
1. Lydia walking around talking with her hands flailing. Very important conversations take place!
2. Luke wanting to help mamma and daddy cook
3. Lydia taking off in a run across the room for no reason; just because she can
4. Luke singing the ABC's
5. Lydia saying "ohhmen" formerly known as "Amen"
6. Both Luke and Lydia doing pray hands
7. Luke saying long repetitive prayers and ending with "Jesus pray Amen" (shortened version) of "in Jesus Name we pray Amen"
8. Lydia loving a bed and pillows of any kind to dive into
9. Luke coming to say goodbye to mamma or daddy as they leave for work yelling down the street "love you daddy, love you mamma, see you in a few minutes"
10. Lydia learning how to go down stairs backwards
11. Luke giving Lydia hugs
12. Lydia putting her favorite blanket up to her cheek
13. Luke learning to go pee pee in the big boy potty
14. Lydia eating at every meal more than Luke or me sometimes (:
15. Luke saying "I'm so proud of you" when he takes a bite thinking he will be allowed to be done
16. Lydia walking in a squat position just for fun
17. Luke being a big helper and carrying in groceries with mamma
18. Lydia wanting to get into every cabinet and empty its contents
19. Luke always wanting to brush his teeth so he can eat the toothepaste
20. Luke and Lydia cuddling before bed watching a movie with mommy and daddy

These are a few of my favorite things that I hope I will never forget when they are old and grown. I am glad I am taking the time here and there to write my memories so I can look back a few years from now.

This summer my family traveled to Ocean Isle Beach. Drew and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary. My grandparents had their 60th wedding anniversary and my father celebrated his 80th birthday with all of our family gathered together.

Some things I am looking forward to: my mom graduating from nursing school in December, our trip to DC in January to see my parents and sister. the Fall season in the mountains, running my first 1/2 marathon in October, continuing my counseling at Legacy, and Luke starting pre-school in January.

Covergirl LashBlast Mascara

I recently received a sample of Covergirl LashBlast mascara as a bzzagent. I love it and it is affordable. I doesn't clump the lashes toether, and it makes them look full and long. It is even in a cute purple tube. You should try it out.

Lydia is 1

Lydia turned 1 today and I am so much more emotional about his then I was about Luke turning 1. I don't have any idea why, but I cried today. It just seems like she is still a baby and 1 makes her seems so old. I know it is ridiculous but I couldn't help it. With Luke he was just so ready to be a big boy and already seemed so much older than he was when he turned 1. But Lydia has not been in a hurry to be a big girl and I think that is why it has been harder for me. I don't want to let go of that baby just yet. She is comfortable to let me hold onto it so I will. We are celebrating tomorrow so more pictures to follow. Just a quick look back to my 4th of July baby last year.

2 days old!