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.