Projects

Though neither of us are particularly skilled, Danny and I both love home improvement projects. In almost 10 years of marriage we've owned 4 houses, none of which were in bad shape but all of which were quite bland. We've expended a lot of time, sweat, and money (that old adage - it will take twice as long and cost three times as much as you'd planned - has sadly been proven true more times than I'd like to count), but have turned each condo/townhouse/house into a home we've truly loved. I've even learned a thing or two about painting, electrical, and tiling along the way. So for Father's Day, I tackled a project Danny had been dreading: outdoor lighting. The materials had been decorating the shelves of our garage for several weeks, but when all was said and done, it only took a few hours to coerce them into decorating the yard instead. Best part of all: we actually came in under-budget! I'm pretty excited about the way it turned out, and that we now get to enjoy our backyard all evening. Then to top it all off, Danny's aunt gave us these beautiful lounge chairs, which only needed a little TLC to shine (Dr. Teak's TLC, not ours, thank-you-very-much. I'm not that ambitious!). Just in time for a fun summer outdoors!

What bottom?

So I'm thrilled to say that Reagan has taken after her brother in the potty-training department. Pretty much just decided one day that she liked the toilet and has been happy to use it ever since. She's even been dry most nights since then, making for a very grateful mama! Truly, the hardest part of this process has been finding undies that fit. Funny that they just don't make underwear for a 6-12 month-sized rear! We went with pull-ups for the first 6 weeks or so simply because they stayed on, and finally had to ask my MIL to tailor some "Doras" for her. Yes, the girl has custom undies! And as you can see, even after skillful alteration Reagan just doesn't have the bulk to fill them out. Rough life, I know.
(And no, I don't usually let the kids run around the yard in their underwear, but she's just so cute!)

5!

Five years ago tonight, I was sitting in a hospital bed waiting for the birth of my sweet baby boy. Based on his knowledge of the excruciatingly long labor I endured with Alyssa, my doctor was at home napping. He only barely made it back to the hospital to help us meet Parker at 1:11 a.m. on the 24th. That blessedly short labor was only the first of innumerable ways Parker has brought joy to our lives.

As a baby Parker was truly easy - a great sleeper, quick eater, and basically happy kid. He was a fun toddler - quick to learn to walk and climb, and from the beginning, 100% boy. As a preschooler, Parker easily adopted the role of big brother, becoming Reagan's greatest source of affection and annoyance. Now only weeks away from beginning school, he has made daddy his new favorite and loves nothing more than a date with his papa. Part of me is sad to lose the top spot, but it's so fun to see Parker become more and more like the men I most love and admire. I hope and pray that, like them, Parker will learn to love, serve and enjoy our Savior, and that he will make not only his mama, but also His God, smile.

Finally Free!

Today was a fun day of "school," saying good-bye to friends, eating pizza, playing water games, and later going to Up with the grandparents. As much as Alyssa loves school, she's even more excited about being home and we're thrilled to have her here!

World's Cutest Ringbearer

or at least so thinks this mama!

My new toy

So I finally jumped on the SLR bandwagon and am loving it! I was just missing too many shots of my babies in action, thanks to a super-slow point-n-shoot. Now I'm busy trying to figure out how to take full advantage of all this camera's features. For those of you who are photography veterans out there, what are some good resources for beginners, online or otherwise? I'd love to learn more about Photoshop too. For now, I'm having fun experimenting, and driving Alyssa, Parker and Reagan crazy with my demands for subjects.