February

An Uncle is better than a Superhero.
Josh rocks.
He reads stories. He shares his Cheerios. He gives kisses and hugs. He goes to the park. He goes on walks. He introduced the kids to Phineas and Ferb. He thinks Dave Ramsey is awesome. He has common sense and he uses it (I am beginning to think that is a lost art form). He shows wisdom beyond his years.
He has grown up to be an amazing man. One who loves his family. Calls them. Spends time with them and cares about them. Now he is ready to serve our country.
He is an amazing role model for our kids.
We are so grateful he is part of our lives.
We are so proud of him.

Breakfast. Zoe was so sad to see Josh go. She kept asking if he would be in his room (and why mommy didn't clean the room for Josh...I use it for storage/guest room now). We talked about him moving and promised to buy her a map.


So happy together.

Josh and the kiddos. Wyatt has started to get excited when Josh sends video texts. He will just carry my phone around and smile at the video...blowing kisses and waving. Neither of the kids seem to realize that I play the same videos over and over every night.

Everything is more fun with Josh.


Play dates with the twins: Since they are moving, we have been spending a lot of time hanging out. Zoe is really struggling with everyone moving away. It happens. One day, it will be our turn to move. In the mean time, we are going to get a map and put pictures of our friends and family on the map where they live. If you have any good ideas for the map, let me know. All of the "people" need to be movable since I don't want to have to buy a new map every time someone moves.




I am an aunt for the 4th time. Charlotte Baker was born this week. Greg, Danielle, Paton, and Charlotte will all get settled at home soon hopefully.

Josh is moving from Georgia to Texas. Round trip to Columbus, Ga in three days. We are forever grateful that Kevin was allowed to use vacation even though the calendar at work was full. God works in amazing ways to provide. The kids were awesome. We drove 6 hours on Thursday and then sat for 3 hours for the dinner and graduation. Then Friday we drove 3 hours and then 3 more hours today. Last night, we stayed at Kevin's parents house, so Kevin and I went on a post bedtime date. It was much needed. Now we are home and trying to avoid getting in the car. Kevin is at work today. Tomorrow is church and work. We need a vacation to recover from our "vacation".

The Epic Castle
While on our "vacation", Kevin and I built a diaper cake for a shower Karen is going to at church. It turned out really well. And Kevin did a lot of the work. He is an amazing man. What guy is like, "I could go out, or I could help my wife build a castle of diapers for my mother" and picks the castle. Only the most amazing man in the world.

We have been looking for a preschool for the kids. Thankfully, Kevin got a 2nd shift spot again during shift bid, so we can wait until October to decide. Some of the preschools will be full by then, but we will have to trust that God will have the perfect place for us when we need it. If we need something this summer, we have a few options prepared for those 10 weeks.

Classes: Physics and Chemistry are both coming a little easier. Amazing what practice can accomplish. And as a side benefit, I am going to start tutoring a student in 1st semester Chemistry. I had been trying to find a way to get a part-time job or find a way to bring in a little extra. Tutoring never occurred to me. My professor from last semester asked if I would be interested. It provides both extra money for our family and extra practice/studying for me in Chemistry. We are hoping to have my summer class schedule soon and my acceptance for fall classes so I can register for those as well. Study, study, study. Practice, practice, practice.

I am still volunteering at the children's hospital but now volunteer at a free clinic as well. Proving that where there is a will, there is a way to squeeze more into our schedule. I am really excited about this opportunity to serve our community. Even if nothing becomes of my dreams, I have a gained a greater appreciation for all the things God has provided for our family.


Zoe has a visit with the ENT in a few weeks. It has been a long ride since she had her tubes put in, but if all goes as expected, the tubes should have come on out their own prior to our visit. She is talking up a storm and learning a lot every day. We continue to work on sensory exploration and calming techniques every week. She loves to play dress up, dolls and cars. Her favorite thing is to go get Wyatt up from his nap so she can play with him. She is the best big sister anyone could want (Josh you can feel free to contest this since I think I was a pretty awesome big sister).



Wyatt is 17 month old (despite the fact that I have been telling people he is 18 months since Christmas since I am bad at math). He is getting to be such a big boy. He is running and climbing. He even likes the play place at Chick-fil-a, which Zoe has decided is "too big" for her to climb on. He can sort-of reach the buttons on the elevator when we are out. Zoe ensures that she and Wyatt take turns. He loves cars, his glowworm, his Owen Bear, and Buzz blanket. He is so different than Zoe, yet they are so much alike. I am the luckiest woman ever.


Kevin's parents will be visiting next weekend and my parents are coming the weekend after that. We are looking forward to spending some time with each of them. Our summer plans should be in place in the coming weeks.


Look at all the beauty in your life, and be happy. (source unknown)