Fall Flowers & Silly Stories

I have been working hard on Reese's fall flowers. I wanted something festive and beautiful with berries and flowers, and I'm pleased with how they turned out.

A close family friend of ours went to Heaven recently, and I've been thinking a lot of how David is with Reese. He was a young father with two children Zach and Colson's ages.

Heaven just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.

This is one of my favorite beach pics of Zach. ; ) He has been such a riot lately...

*My parents were here for the Razorback game last weekend, and Zach started calling my mom "Buns." Her grandmother name is Bunny, but for some reason he shortened it. He walked around the house saying, "Bun? Buns?" It was so funny. We'll see if it sticks. ; )

*In school he learns a Bible verse each week (well, tries to at least!). Yesterday in the car Z and I were saying Ephesians 6:1, "Children, obey your parents in the LORD, for this is right." He was so precious saying it. Music to my ears! Then he says, "I don't like that part. I don't like that part." I said, "What part?"

He said, "Obey your parents."

What in the world!? It was kind of funny and not so much at the same time. Jason and I are really working a lot with him about instant obedience and saying all the "magic" words. I guess sometimes it's just hard for a little guy.

*This morning I took the boys to Walmart. While we were shopping an employee opened a ladder right beside us, making a very loud noise. Zach turned to her and said, "That hurt my ears, LADY!" She smiled and said, "I'm sorry," and he said, "That's ok!" Then as we were leaving the aisle he said (just to make a point I guess), "That hurt my ears again!" I don't think she heard that time thank goodness.

Zach talks from the minute he wakes up from the minute he falls asleep at night. At.the.top.of.his.lungs. It's just the way he talks. I have no idea where he gets this from. ; ) Jason and I barely get a word in.

Thankfully, Colson has some time while Z naps to talk to me.

I treasure this time with my baby boy.

I love my kids. ; )

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27

Happy Monday

For You have made me rejoice, LORD,

by what You have done;

I will shout for joy

because of the works of Your hands.

Psalm 92:4

Thanks for the great pics, Mere!

Have a blessed day. ; )

Cards

I shared about Reese's blessing ring last year and thought it would be neat to show how much it's grown. It's still in the same place so I see it several times a day.

I used the same pattern of ribbons throughout the cards, but after Reese's first birthday I used a ribbon with cupcakes on it.

People have been (and still are!) so faithful to us. Sending us cards on significant days, regular days, holidays and days in between. Thank you!

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay...

Hebrews 10:36-37

the Beach

I know, it's fall right? Well, Jason's family postponed their beach vacation (again) this year for me. Well, actually for Colson. ; )

Zach loved the "grass"

Our little fam

I still can't believe we have two boys.

Us with our newbie. ; )

My boys and me

We laugh because Colson is starting to look so different than we do. His skin is lighter and his features have changed so much. Sometimes he still looks like a chubby baby Zach though. ; )

We have to put diaper cream in one of his chins because there is a sore there. It makes me sad, but it's kind of funny at the same time!

J & Z

Gran & G-Daddy with their grandsons

Papa & Gigi with their great-grandsons

The fam

We had a wonderful ten days! I loved seeing the boy cousins together. So sweet.

It's good to be back and really start fall now. ; )

I'll be happy to answer Colson's nursery questions soon. It was Reese's room before Colson's, so it's a very special place for me. I'm so glad you like it.

For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you...are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6

Colson's Room

Finally! The nursery. ; )

Colson hasn't slept in his crib yet, but we are going to try it soon. I've liked having him in our bedroom, but it's time to move. I hope he likes his room!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Reese's Name Gallery #23

Thinking of my little girl this fall...thank you for these sweet pictures.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Psalm 5:11

Prep?

I've always folded Zach's collar down when he wears polos, but I thought I'd try it up this time. What do you think? Ha! I kind of like it. I'm not sure what Jason thinks. ; )

My little handsome man

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him.

Psalm 127:3

Announcing...

I mailed Colson's announcements Friday and could not WAIT to share them with you! He was eight days old in these pics, and he already looks so different. Lisa did an amazing job as always. Thanks, Lisa!

Colson in a basket on the red trunk. Ha! I'm SO glad we went with red. ; )

I am thrilled with how they turned out!

From the day Colson was born the song "Great Are You Lord" has been playing in my head over and over. I love it. It sums up just how I feel about our new little man.

The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken away! May the name of the LORD be praised.

Job 1:21

Look Who is Two Months!

Colson, you are the best baby! So content and happy (as long as your belly is full). ; ) You eat all the time. Ha! Zach calls you "his baby" and loves to show you off to anyone he sees. He's a proud big brother.

You are growing so quickly, and we are enjoying every moment. I don't know what we would do without you. We love you, sweet boy.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

School Days

Zach started school this week. Yea! He loved every second, and when I picked him up he said, "I played in the playroom." He has also been marching a lot, so I'm sure he does this at school, too. Ha!

Quick smile before Jason took Z for donuts on his first day. ; )

I have thought a lot this week how glad I am it's not this time last year. Now I have this cute face to spend my mornings with while Zach is playing and hopefully learning something, too.

Sweet thing.

Colson had a big week as well. At his two month check-up he weighed two more pounds than Zach did at this age. He is also in the 100% for weight and height. He was all smiles before he got his shots. ; (

He looks like he is saying, "I have a secret!"

Thanks for the tips about getting Colson to sleep through the night. It's neat to hear what works for different people. I love new ideas! It's Friday so this means Jason is on call. ; ) Yea!

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever--forsake not the works of Your own hands.

Psalm 138:8

Michelle Duggar

Michelle Duggar did a wonderful job speaking at MOPS today. She talked about building Godly character in your children. It's truly one of the most important things a mom can do!

Five of the oldest Duggar girls played their violins for us. Beautiful music.

Their camera crew was there, and somehow Shannon and I ended up sitting on the front row. We may be on tv if today even makes their show! Ha. I had Colson with me so I was crossing my fingers he would do well. I did not want to make a scene. Thankfully he was a perfect baby right up until the end. Good boy! Big sigh of relief.

Michelle, me & Colson

We had a few minutes to ask her questions, and I really wanted to ask how you get a newborn to sleep. Since she has nineteen kids she has to be sleeping to keep up with them, right?! I didn't get a chance though.

Oh well. ; )

Five hours of sleep each night are killing me. I think it's time to break out the rice cereal.

It is good to praise the LORD...

O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning

and Your faithfulness at night...

Psalm 92:1-2