I'm just a baby!

Ruark will not just go in his room to sleep, it's been that way as long as I can remember. We always hold him and either sing or read or watch a movie until he goes to sleep. So the other night, it was LATE we're talking 11:30 late! He was running around like a "wild bill barnio" as Grandma would say. So finally we decide we're going to put him in his room, close the door and let him cry until he's tired enough he'll go to sleep. So we put him in his room say good night and close the door.

The wailing and screaming and door pounding starts. Then from the other side of the door in a very angry clear voice we hear "it's not fair, I'm just a baby"! Chase and I started laughing and before you know it we brought Ruark out and put him back in bed with us. We sure love our Ruark, and we are so happy he's growing into such a wonderful little boy!

Summertime!

Summertime...and the livin' is...easy?

Easy is not the way I would describe life right now. Life with a 19 month toddler boy sure brings challenges. I spend most days watching him play on the jungle gym, or jumping on the trampoline. We bought him an electric police car that he finally figured out how to drive, and thinks it's pretty cool taking off around the neighborhood.We try to make sure to schedule play dates with his friends...he's still learning how to share :)

Summer has been VERY different around this house! For starters, CHASE IS HOME! In our 6 years, this is our FIRST summer together! It has been such a great experience having our family together! I don't know how we ever spent so much time apart!! It has been a big adjustment not having our summertime income, but we have been blessed to have work in our other companies and we are doing just fine.

We had a surprise birthday party for Chase last month! We all came down with the stomach flu just days before his birthday, so it was a great cover to act like I didn't have time to plan anything for his birthday. I asked Chase to run meet my mom to give her some paperwork, meanwhile all of our great friends showed up to help me transform our house into a birthday extravaganza. After the party we all headed over to play laser tag at Leo's place, which was a fantastic ending to the day. When we were heading home, Chase told me that it was the best birthday he'd ever had. My sweet husband never asks for anything, I'm so glad that I did a little more for him this year because he deserves it! I am so in love with this man of mine!

My birthday was just a few days ago, most of you know Chase and I are exactly one month apart. Usually I love having carrot cake so close together, but this year the idea made me sick! So I asked for a birthday trifle!! Oh it was TO DIE FOR!!! I think that will be my permanent wish! Chase kept saying he was sorry he didn't go all out for my birthday, but it was wonderful! Chase cleaned the house and took care of Ruark, meanwhile I was able to read my book, take a long bath and just enjoy our little family. I can't believe we're already 24! Time is going by so fast, I feel like I can hardly catch my breath!

Our Best Friends

A few weeks ago, our best friends moved to NY. We sure do miss them like crazy! Our lives have been so intertwined for the past 4 years, home doesn't quite feel like home without them. So here's some of my favorite moments caught on camera.

We found an old wig under the seat of the van :)This is my husband's SEXY face :) No wonder we only have one baby ;)

This is from Ruark's blessing, Dixie was only a few months along in this picture.

Ruark used to climb on Dixie's lap and touch her belly when she was pregnant, and Alex would kick Ruark, they were friends from the start. Halloween last year, Ruark would hang out around the crib and reach in to touch Alex :) it was so cute.

Thanksgiving at our house

Finally Alex got big enough, so we gave Ruark more of a chance to play with him. Ruark climbed in bed with Alex and they snuggled up for a few hours.

Halloween the year before Alex, I however am not dressed up because I was sooo pregnant and we spent all day moving into our new house.

Dixie: I'm sure you're going to kill me for putting this one up :)

Our little buddies, they sure are going to miss seeing each other all the time!

My Bestie :)

I just realized Alex isn't looking at the camera, oh well at least you and I look good Dixie! This was about 5 minutes before my tears started flowing and I had to say goodbye.

Ben & Chase the night before Ben headed out

We are so thankful we have such great friends! I know our friendship doesn't end here, we'll be friends forever! Love you guys, good luck in NY!