Clorox and Joy: Two Random Thoughts

I know that I am not the most intelligent person in the world, but sometimes I wonder how I could have graduated in the top 10 percent of my high school class and with a pretty high grade point average in college. Monday Justin and I cleaned off the front of the house (the porch rails and siding, using a mixture of clorox and water). I had already done one whole side before I realized that I forgot to take of my wedding band, thankfully this is only the one I wear when I am working out or just around the house, it is not my diamond ring. I looked down and realized that it was totally black, dug, clorox bleaches everything, including silver. I have also for the past two days endured some very soar and sensitive fingers. I guess next time I should wear gloves it I don't want to the clorox to eat away at my finger tips!!!
Sometimes I wonder if I am even capable of being a mom! God always reminds me that no I am not capable of anything apart from Him!!

This morning the Lord has again reminded me of my lack of joy in Him.

Psalm 4:7 says:

You have put more joy in my heart

than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Do I find more joy in Christ than in all the other things of life? Lately my answer to that question would have to be no. God is convicting me of my lack of joy and passion for Him. I am thankful that His mercies and promises are new every morning.

Fun Around the House

This month I am trying really hard to stay in the budget, it seems that every month I always go over, even when we are out of town. I keep wondering where all the money goes? I have been more diligent about staying home more and trying to be creative about what we do. Karis has had a good time playing in her fort (these where always a hit when I was growing up). Karis enjoyed reading all her books in her fort and tried taking a nap in it but that didn't work.
Noah has recently become intrigued with Calvin. He is always intently watching Calvin, trying to find the right time to pull up on him or grab him! It is very amusing to watch Noah interact with Calvin. I am so thankful that Calvin is so good with Noah, just like he was with Karis.

Karis' photographer debut. What a sweet close up of her brother!!

Karis decided that her feet were cold one day, it was only 98 degrees outside!

Noah and Calvin interacting through the door.

Karis reading in her fort. I am so glad she enjoys reading as much as her parents do!

Karis and I are starting our fun "school" this week. I am ready to be on a bit of a routine. We will still go to the pool a few more times before it closes, and do a few more fun summer activities.

God has really been teaching me these last few weeks. I get so overwhelmed thinking of how to "school" Karis. I don't have these manipulative's, I don't know what to do, I can't do this, why is it so hard to think of an activity for a three year old, etc. I have really had to lay down my perfectionist side and realize that Karis is only three. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Sometimes I just want to be more creative and have other talents than I have. I have to remind myself that I can learn new things and that my talents can aid in that, I just have to be patient and willing to try new things. I am thankful for the talents the Lord has given me, and I am continuing to learn how use them in different ways.

Knobs: Noah's new discovery

I never in my wildest dreams thought that a knob, any knob, would be something one of my children liked to chew or suck on. Noah has recently discovered every knob in the house and will anything he can to get his mouth around it. I have seen him put his body is very crazy positions in order to get his mouth around a knob, in the bathroom, kitchen, on the computer armoire. Does anyone have any explanation for my son's fascination with knobs, it's not like he doesn't have toys to chew on!! Here are a few pics to show you how much fun he is having!

The knob in my bathroom, he is just about to get his whole mouth around it.

"Look Mommy, this is good!"

The knob on the computer armoire is too high for him, so he wil pull himself up in order to get his whole mouth on it.

When I tell him, "no, no," this is the face he makes at me most all the time.

When I thought about the things I would have to clean, babies bottoms, spit up, hands, mouths, I never once thought that I would have to daily sanitize the knobs on all the furniture! Boys are so much fun!!!!

Choc-o-later

Did you know that a calculator is actually a "choc-o-later." Karis has recently been very excited about playing with our choc-o-later. It is so funny to hear her say it and laugh. Kids are so funny. I was trying to think if she ever ate a piece of chocolate that looked like a calculator, but I can't think of any time. Maybe that is really what she hears when I say calculator.

Growing BOY!

Noah will be eight months old on the 10 of this month. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone, he is everywhere and into everything, so unlike his sister. By this time she wasn't even crawling yet! He has been crawling since five months, pulling up on everything (including Justin and I), and is now transferring from one person or thing to another. He really enjoys pulling up on Calvin! I am amazed at how fast he can get somewhere and into something, like the dog food. His other favorite thing to do is chew or suck on knobs, like on the kitchen cabinets or drawers. Where did that come from? Frustration is now becoming evident when he can't get somewhere or a toy he wants. Karis is learning to be helpful with him, even though most of the time she just wants to take out his paci or take the toy he is playing with away. God is good, and the kids are learning to play together a bit. There is just so much playing a three year old can do with an eight month old!!

Noah's favorite time, BATH TIME! We always know when Noah is happy, his mouth is open wide!

The pack-n-play is a great thing for Noah when we are outside. He likes making funny faces.

Our little man standing up. What a sweet boy!!

Computer Crash

Our computer has crashed and my wonderful husband is trying to fix it. I am on his laptop at the moment, so I just wanted everyone to know that we are all doing good, listening to Noah jump in the jumper and Karis is doing a puzzle. I will be back in the blogging world once our computer is fixed or we get another CPU. Our week has been good, lots of fun with friends and family. Have a wonderful rest of the week, and I hope to be back online soon!
We asked Karis who broke the computer, and she said, "God did." Maybe there is a lesson in there about our reliance on the computer to communicate with others, maybe we should get back to the old way of communication: the phone and letters!!

Who am I?

I have been thinking a lot lately about who I am in Christ. Reading, Because He Loves Me, is reminding me of finding my worth and success only in Christ and what He has done for me on the cross. All of my accomplishments and successes are only that because Christ has paid my penalty of sin on the cross, what a freeing and challenging truth to mediate on daily. It is freeing because it reminds me that my self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love can only truly be found at the cross. The gospel should bring all these to light as only found in my Savior who loves me. It is challenging because it reminds me that ALL things are related to the gospel.
My identity for most of my life has been found in relation to someone else. I was "Coach Adams' daughter, Shawn's sister, Mrs. Adams daughter, Jeanna the athlete, then I became Justin's wife, for awhile I was Coach Childers' teacher/coach for two years, then I returned to Justin's wife, Karis' mom, and now I am the pastor's wife, and Karis and Noah's mom."
My identity is still in someone else, Christ. Every dirty diaper I change, every time I discipline my child, every dish I wash, bathroom I clean, floor I mop, etc, these are all things that I do bearing the identity in Christ. If my day seems mundane or ordinary, it is because I have allowed the world to try and dictate who I am and not who Christ says I am.
I am so thankful to be able to go to the Word to remind me who I am:

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." (Romans 4:7-8)

Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

... and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that...he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6-7

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. I this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

These are only a few verses that have really reminded me of who I am in Christ and what His love has done for us. Sometimes staying home and raising my children leave me to feel like I do not have a my own identity, I am only the wife, mom, maid, cook, disciplinarian, etc., but Christ is my all, so I don't need any other identity but His. Hallelujah, what a Savior!!

Calvin likes to slide!

We discovered a few months ago on our own slide in the back yard, that Calvin, our dog, likes to slide. We thought it was so funny and had a great time watching him. I thought you might enjoy seeing Calvin slide with Karis. This is at the park down the street from our house. Justin, Noah, Calvin, and I all went for a walk, and Karis rode her bike, thus the helmet on her head. Lots of times at home when she is riding her bike, she won't take her helmet off when she goes to do other things. I hope you enjoy this, it really is a funny sight!

Texas Summer 2008

I am glad to be home after our two week and four day vacation in Texas. We had a wonderful time with both our families and with my mom's extended family. We flew into Houston on Monday June 23 and were met by my parents. They let us borrow their car to for our time with Justin's family on Orange. We shared a brief hug and kiss and were off to Beaumont to see Justin's sister, Courtney first. We then spent the next few days in Orange at Pop Pop and Grammy's house with Aunt Courtney.
We ate good Mexican food, went to the water park, and visited Mamou and Papou as much as we could. Noah meet his great-grandparents for the first time and slobbered and spit up on everyone! Here are some pictures from our trip. We already miss you all!


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More to come later from our time with my parents and the family reunion.

Sitting Up, Crawling and Learning to Share

My sweet Noah is moving way too fast for this mommy. As I have shared before, he is totally mobile now, crawling, sitting himself up, and going after whatever he sees. The word "no" has now become a word in his vocabulary. Not only is he mobile, he is now teaching his sister how to share her toys. Karis loves having Noah around, as long as he isn't messing up her toys or playing with them. She is having to learn that her toys are not hers, they are God's, which she tells me all the time except when Noah is trying to get them. I am enjoying seeing them interact. Karis really wants to teach Noah how to do things, she just wants him to leave her "creations" alone.
At six months old, aren't babies just supposed to be learning how to sit up? I am going to have to start baby proofing everything pretty soon, he is already crawling into the kitchen. I never really had to baby proof anything with Karis, she didn't get into things. I can't remember her opening cabinets or getting things in the bathroom, I think Noah is going to be my explorer!
What a blessing these two children are. I have learned so much from them, and God continues to show me His unending love as He gives me love, patience, and wisdom in raising these precious gifts from Him!
We are getting excited about our trip to Texas in just five more days!! I cannot wait to see everyone and let them meet Noah!

Recent Pics

Here are two recent pictures. Noah is sitting up pretty well, with help from the Boppy or a pillow behind him. Karis is having fun interacting with Noah now, she likes playing with anything he is playing with and reading him books! It is fun to watch them interact, especially when she tells Noah no for some reason. I have to constantly say, "is it kind to talk to your brother that way?" She usually says, "no, mommy, I'm sorry Noah."

Karis helping Noah sit up.

Noah decided that he would just sleep on Daddy while we were reading to Karis before bed. It must be nice to be able to sleep anywhere.

JOY Part I

I have really been struggling the last few weeks in having joy in all situations and all during my day. I searched the Bible for verses with the word "joy" in them, and God pointed out some sins to me and encouraged me with His Word. Here are a few things I was reminded and learned about joy:
1. Joy comes from being in God's presence-
"in your presence there is fullness of joy" Ps. 16:11
"you make him glad with the joy of your presence" Ps. 21:6
2. Joy comes in the morning-
"but joy comes with the morning" Ps. 30:5
This really convicted me to get up earlier to have an unhurried time with the Lord before my children wake up. Lately, I have felt rushed in my time, and it causes me to already not be joyful because my time was interrupted. This also goes with point 1 because if I don't have an unhurried time with Him, than I am not resting in His presence.
3. God should be our "exceeding joy."
"to God of my exceeding joy" Ps. 43:4
4. Joy comes from praising God.
"Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous." Ps. 35:27
5. God's creation shows us joy.
"beautiful in elevation is the joy of the earth" Ps. 48:2
"you make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy." Ps. 65:8
"The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills girl themselves with joy" Ps. 65:12
6. God's Word should be the joy of my heart.
"Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart." Ps. 119:111

Wow, I was so reminded of how joyless I can be when things are not going the way I think they should be. Who am I question anything when even the creation sings for joy to the Lord! I am so much better than I deserve, thank you Lord for reminding me of my need to be in your presence all the time. I will not exude joy if I have not spent time with my Savior.

Stop Noah Stop!!!

My precious Noah is growing up so fast, literally. He has decided that a five month old should be crawling already, or attempting to. I am not ready to have him every where, but I guess that I don't get to decide! He is such a sweet boy and a joy to be around. I love watching him and Karis interact, he really loves his sister. I also am enjoying that he is now on an eating schedule pretty close to ours, only four bottles a day with two baby food meals. He loves to laugh, roll over both ways, grab anything and everything in his path, and smile. What a blessing he is to us! Here are a few recent pictures of our almost 6 month old!

I just thought this was cute, him sticking out his tongue.

"Stop Noah, Stop!" I am not ready for this!!

What a sweet smile and how much more precious to know that he is smiling at me! Being a mom is so much fun and such an incredible blessing.

Sweet retreat!

This weekend, I had the special privilege of meeting my best friend, Michelle, in Williamsburg, Virginia for some girl time and shopping. Michelle's birthday was Saturday, and we were both blessed to have someone watching our children so we could have our girls weekend, which this will probably be our last one for a long time since they are moving back to Texas in a few weeks. Last year, Michelle and I spent a whole day seeing the historical sights of Williamsburg, so this year we decided to forgo the sights and just shop. We were both very successful in finding some things that we needed and getting a few things for the kids for next year. My favorite steal that I got was a pair of jeans for Karis from the Children's Place for $4.45.
We spent a lot of time talking about what God has taught us these last few months. What a joy and blessing to see how much has grown both of us since we first met at Sam Houston State University over 10 years ago! We will both celebrate our 9 year wedding anniversary this year.
I was also blessed by my wonderful husband this weekend. He did a fantastic job keeping the kids while I was gone. He was so joyful and loved spending time with them by himself. Thanks Justin for serving me in this way, a few days away always brings a new and refreshed perspective.
Thank you Lord for a serving husband and Michelle. Thank you for renewing my spirit and giving me new patience and joy to raise my children. Thank you for reminding me that our time is short and to preach the gospel to myself and my family everyday.

The Word

I read Mark 2 yesterday during my time with the Lord, and I was floored by verse 2, "And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them." My first thought was WOW! Jesus is preaching about Himself. In John 1:1-3, 12, John tells us that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Can you imagine listening to Jesus preach the Word to them. He was standing there preaching the gospel, Himself, to them. How in the world could the disciples and the people listening to him understand all that He was proclaiming. Oh, how joyous it will be to stand and listen to our Savior one day just like the people did when Jesus was alive on the earth.
I long for the day to see my Savior, the Word, face to face.

Mother's Day Surprise!

I was very surprised on Thursday to receive a double jogging stroller from the UPS man. I asked my husband for one a few months ago, and wow, was I excited. Karis and I put it together that night. On Friday morning, I loaded the kids in the stroller and set off for my first jog. When I started jogging, the front swivel wheel started shaking terribly. I knew something was wrong. To make a long story short, we had to get a few new parts for the stroller. What a wonderful surprise. Karis really likes it because she gets to sit by Noah, and he really enjoys pulling her hair!



What a blessing it is to have a husband that helps me do something that I enjoy, exercise. Thank you Justin for the jogging stroller.

On Sunday morning, Jonathan Brooks, an elder and associate pastor, did a tribute to mothers during our second Scripture reading. He made a comparison between mothers and pastors. He said,"Mothers cannot take the credit when their children get saved or produce fruit in their lives, that only belongs to God, but mothers get blamed for everything bad that happens." I thought that his quote was exactly right. I will never be able to take credit for my child's salvation or sanctification because it is an act of God alone. Thankfully, I do get to teach Karis and Noah the gospel everyday by living, speaking, and learning more of it everyday myself. What a privilege to teach them of their greatest need, Jesus, our Precious Savior. I really had to look into my own heart and see if I was cherishing Him like He really deserves. Oh that I would never take lightly the sacrifice of our Loving Savior. His grace is the only reason I can be the mother I need to be to point my children to Christ. How desperate I am for Him!

This and That

My two little ones have grown up so much in the past few weeks. Noah is now rolling over from his back to his tummy, he has been rolling the other way for a long time now. He is awake a lot more and is really enjoying playing with his sister, more like watching her play, sitting and listening to us read books, and jumping in his johnny jumper. He is also starting to wean his way off a bottle, which is nice. He is adjusting well to the cereal and I will start some veggies and fruit tomorrow. I am enjoying our days as we play, cook, clean, and laugh. Karis is also growing up and being such a helper. I have a hard time cooking dinner these days without my faithful assistant. We baked homemade honey wheat bread this week, and she had the best time. Here are a few pictures of our last few weeks.

Karis is helping me make dinner.

I am trying to get Karis to have free playtime in her room by herself. She was very quiet the other day when I was cleaning. This is what I found when I walked by her room. She was building a castle, who knew it was going to take every toy and book she owned to make it right. She had a blast, and we had fun cleaning it up. I am thankful that she is usually a very good helper when it is time to clean up.

Here's another: Can you guess who?

I am going to leave this one up for comments. We will see who can tell which is Noah and which is Karis! Try to guess before looking at the date on the picture!! Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad, you are another year old today. God has given us another year with you. I am so blessed to have you as my dad, and my children are so blessed to have such a loving Papa John. Thank you for being constant throughout my life. Thank you for always listening and offering your wisdom. I pray you have a very special day. WE LOVE YOU and wish we could be there to celebrate your birthday!

Papa John with all his girls!

Papa John with his first grandson.

Karis sang you happy birthday this morning, sorry she didn't want to sing it on the phone! She said, "I love my Papa John, he is 20 years old today!"

My Big, Brave Boy

I took Noah for his 4 month appointment this morning. He is actually 5 months in just eight days, so I really call this his five month appointment. He weighs 15 lbs. 10 ounces and is 26 inches long. He has gained two pounds and grown three inches in the last two months. Wow, what a growing boy. My pediatrician said he is off the charts on both weight and height, which means is good. I am going to start feeding him cereal tomorrow.
(Just a little inside joke for those of you who don't know how unprepared I was for motherhood the first time. When Laura and I were talking about giving Karis cereal, I asked her if she meant Cheerios! She laughed at me and thought I was joking, but I really wasn't, I had no idea that they made baby cereal! So Laura I promise that even though Noah is a big boy, I will not be feeding him Cheerios just yet!)
I also found out that I have a very brave little boy. When he got his three shots today, he only cried for about half a second after the last one and then started laughing and cooing at me. Where did this child come from, he is nothing like his mom or sister when it comes to shots! I also found out that he has an ear infection in both ears. He had no symptoms and has been very happy the last few days. God is good, and I am thankful for well baby check up, especially when you find out that your baby isn't well at all!

Sweet Sounds

I am not feeling totally up to par today, with the weather changing from hot to cold everyday. As I was sitting checking my email, while Karis was playing beside me, I heard the sweetest sound. Karis is singing her own version of two different songs, this is what I heard:
Why should I gain from His reward, I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.
What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This went on for a about 10 minutes. Oh how precious is the sweet singing of my three year old. I am so thankful that she knows such Christ-centered songs and that those are what come to mind when she is playing. The Lord always seems to know how to make me smile despite myself. We serve a loving and amazing God! Oh, how my children continue to teach me more of Him without even knowing it.

Random Pictures and Day Off!

Here are a few random pictures of Karis and Noah. The Brooks let us borrow their Bumbo seat for Noah. He looks pretty funny in a purple seat, but whatever. He will only use it for a short time.

Karis decided Noah needed her "night-night" as his hat. He wasn't so sure about it.

This was the first time we put Noah in the Bumbo seat, he was almost 4 months old.

About a month ago, Justin watched Karis and Noah and gave me the day off to go shopping. I had a wonderful time by myself and the trip was very profitable, I got a few things that I needed. Just built Karis her own throne out of blocks. When I came home she was pretty proud it. I am so blessed to have a husband who understands my need for alone time, just to get away, if even just for a few minutes. Thank you Justin for always serving me in the area and for always be eager to watch the kids for me. I love you!

"You're doing a good job, Papa John!"

Last week my parents flew in on Saturday for a week long visit. Since Justin was gone to Together for the Gospel, my parents decided it would be a good time to come. It was great having their help with two little ones. My dad took on a BIG project while he was here. He put together a wooden swing set for Karis and Noah, who will be enjoying his baby swing her pretty soon! My dad did a great job being patient with Karis as she tried to help. I will let the pictures tell the story.
I do have one thing to say though. The boards were not labeled in the boxes, so my mom and I spent an hour or so labeling the boards. Maybe next time I have a suggestion, Justin and my dad will listen to me!! My dad spent most of Monday-Wednesday working on the swing set.

Karis is helping Papa John hold the nails and bolts. She now knows what bolts, screws, and washers are. Every time Papa John hammered or used his wrench, Karis had to use hers wooden ones to help. It was very sweet.

This is one of the many awkward positions my dad had to get in to build the swing set. Karis thought it was pretty funny, Papa John on her level. She was very encouraging the whole time he was working on the set, she must have told him, "you're doing a good job, Papa John," about twenty times.

Amma is also getting down and dirty in this picture.

On Wednesday, the finished product, without the tarp on top. Justin and my dad did that later after he got back.

Karis is really enjoying her new swing set and I really enjoy being able to just let her go play outside by herself.

Just a random picture of Noah, he wanted Papa John to know that he did a great job!

We did some of our usual things like go shopping, eat at Dick's hot dogs, and hang out while they were here. My mom got a bad sinus infection and spent most of Thursday in bed. Thankfully, she was feeling better by the time they flew home on Saturday. We already miss you and are so thankful for your visit. Thank you dad for the putting together the swing set. Thank you Mom for just being Mom and being here. We love you both so much and can't wait to see you in June!

Happy 30th Birthday, Justin!

The BIG 3-0 has finally hit you babe (5 months before me). I cannot believe that we have known each other 10 years now, and we will celebrate our 9 year anniversary later this year. PASSION is the one word that always comes to mind when I think of you. Your passion to know, share, and love Jesus Christ is what drew me to you. Your passion for God's Word has overflowed into my life, our children's lives, our church family, and countless other lives. Thank you for holding God's Word in such high esteem and reverence. Thank you for leading me in having a passion for Christ in all things. To say I am blessed to be married to you is an understatement. God has blessed you with such a wonderful gift, to preach His Word, thank you for doing that for the last 10 years of your life. I enjoy walking along side you as we take this journey of leading your flock together. I love you, and I pray that in 10 years, the one word that comes to mind when I think of you is still the same!

Short trip to Maryland

Sunday after church, we backed up the Blazer and headed for a short trip to visit the Tombrella's in Maryland. It took us about 5 hours to get there, so we made it in time for dinner. We had a great meal and let the kids play until bed time. We then stayed up til after midnight talking and laughing. We have so much fun with our best friends. We are so blessed to have them in our lives for the last 10 years. The kids played great together and got along so well. On Monday, we took the kids to an indoor play place, called Little Sprouts. The kids had a lot of fun, and we did too!

Karis is riding on the roller coaster car!

Joel playing with the train set, while Karis and Samuel are jumping in the balls!

Samuel and Karis playing in the tree house.

Noah had a blast in the excersacuer. He got to see what Karis' excersaucer was like!

This is just a funny picture of Karis riding a fish.

We had a very fun trip and are sad that we won't see our friends again for awhile. God has been so good to allow us to grow together these last 10 years! We look forward to all He is going to do in our lives for the next 10 years. We love you guys!

Pop Pop and Grammy are Here!

I don't know how many times Karis asked me on Tuesday, "Pop Pop and Grammy here?" Every noise we heard, or every time Calvin barked, she asked me the same question. She was so excited about them coming to visit! We had a nice visit and did a lot of things in just two full days. They arrived Tuesday night, and of course, Karis went crazy like she always does, showing them everything and jumping on her trampoline like a mad woman. We spent Wednesday and Thursday hanging out, eating out, and shopping. Here are some pictures to tell of our adventures!

Noah was very excited to meet his Pop Pop and Grammy. They both enjoyed feeding and holding him a lot.

On Wednesday morning before our trip to eat at Dick's Hot Dogs, we took Karis to the new Gillete park. It was a little colder than we thought, so we didn't stay long, but she had a lot fun while we were there. She is going to be an avid rock wall climber!

Sliding down the colorful slide!

Karis decided that she would drive the car and let me sit in the passengers seat.

We climbed up on Noah's arc. She thought it was funny that the boat was named after her brother!

Resting with Pop Pop. After eating lunch, the guys played golf, and we took the kids home for naps. After they woke up, I made dinner and Justin and I went to church. It was strange being at church without the kids, I think I have forgotten how to have a real conversation with someone, where I can actually give them my full attention without wondering where my child is and what she is doing! That was very nice of Pop Pop and Grammy to watch the kids for us.

A sweet picture of the grandparents and grand kids. On Thursday, we went out to lunch, then did a little shopping. We went to Rocky Mount to Red Lobster for Justin's early birthday meal from his dad and step mom. We also were thankful that Pop Pop brought his suburban so we could buy the kids swing set at Wal-Mart and bring it home. My dad is going to have the fun task of putting it together in a week when they come for a visit. Noah surely enjoyed his lobster!

We had a wonderful visit, even though it was quick. I know that Karis always enjoys seeing her grandparents, and Noah really loved being held and talked to so much! Thanks for the visit. We will miss you until we see you again at the end of June!

(Grammy, I am not sure why we didn't get any pictures of you with the kids, that is defiently not a reflection on how much fun they had with you!)