In July we had our pictures taken by Dave Ward. He’s taken our family pictures for 3 years now. We love his photography and would highly recommend him.

Joey did a great job at getting E to smile. I tried but the big happy smiles are at Joey.

Joey and E looking at an airplane

A kiss from Mommy

And the family shots – I really wanted train tracks in our picture and they turned out great!

While E was at Grandma’s house, I spent time painting the bathroom

with Pumpkin’s help.

I made Lasagna-Stuffed Garlic Bread (minus the garlic) for dinner. It was yummy. E enjoyed it too. (If I make it again, I will probably use less cream cheese or maybe try ricotta cheese instead.)

I spent time with my two favorite boys

and made this delicious, easy and healthy strawberry-banana ice cream. Without an ice cream maker. You’ve got to try it!

Then we gave E a bath in the tub like a big boy (without the rubber duck he usually takes a bath in) and he wanted to “crawl” in the water. It kind of scared us. When we were done Joey said “let’s not try that again until you are two or three”.

Isn’t he just so stinkin cute?

After we put E to bed, Joey helped me do the second coat of paint in the bathroom. I really like how it’s turned out so far. I’m almost done!

All in all, it was a great birthday!

A year ago I held your hand as you went to be with Jesus

and it was bittersweet to see you go.

I miss you!

I wish that you were here to see your great grandson grow up and cover him in your prayers.

I miss sitting around the dinner table and laughing with you.

I miss eating desserts with you.

I miss seeing you wag your finger and hearing you say “Gene! Now you stop that” when he’d crush a Diet Coke can in his hands.

I miss your long prayers.

I miss your cards and seeing your handwriting.

I miss your stubbornness and perfectionism.

I miss playing games with you and so much more.

I think about you often and hope to tell E all about you one day.

Thank you for:

• Loving me
• Putting up with me
• Working hard to support our family
• Being an awesome daddy
• Supporting me in the things I am interested in
• Being willing to read parenting books
• Watching E so I can run errands, cook, clean or just take a break
• Helping us manage our money and save (something I didn’t see coming)
• Loving my family
• Flossing
• Fixing all my computer needs
• Back rubs
• Teaching me about God’s glory

and last but not least…thank you for keeping me laughing

I love you so very much!

Friday, February 11th would have been my Grandmother’s 87th birthday and this Thursday (February 17th) will mark a year since she passed away. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. My mom, my sisters, E and I went to the cemetery this weekend to visit her grave and eat an eclair in her honor.

It was a little chilly and windy so I made sure E had a hat and jacket on. I also put shoes on him.  Granny would be proud.

I’m not sure about E’s face. It might be because of the sun. He doesn’t like the sun in his face.

My mom brought a cookie and eclair for Granny and E wanted to try the cookie so of course she helped him.

One little taste won’t hurt, right?