so I am thankful...

It's too bad that I only focus on what I am thankful for once a year. Not that I'm ungrateful the other 364 days of the year, but it's so easy to remember to be thankful when there has been a whole day set aside for the sole purpose of giving thanks. I hope to look back on this particular blog in the future so I can reflect on what I am most thankful for.
This is the first year we have had Thanksgiving in California since we've been married. I'm so happy to be back here, even though I miss my friends in North Carolina with a passion! It has been such a blessing to see our parents so often, and our boys will be able to grow up close to their grandparents.
I have been blessed with two amazing children. Benjamin is a bright, happy, goofy, funny two and a half (almost three!) year old who likes to do puzzles, build with blocks, sing "Jingle Bells," and count to 100. Noah is only two and a half months old, but his personality is already appearing: he is calm, sweet, talkative, smiley, and pretty easily pleased. He likes to play with rattles and hold onto plastic rings. What mom could ask for more??
My husband is amazing. He works all day, and comes home not expecting a warm meal on the table or the house to be perfectly in order. Instead, he helps me clean or cook or do whatever needs to be done. He is my partner. Tim is also the best dad - my favorite time of day is Benjamin's bedtime, when daddy reads to him from his little toddler Bible and they pray together. It warms my heard. I love hearing him talk to Noah, who coos right back (clearly saying "daddy" right??).

Our parents are wonderful - they are so excited that we're back here and come see us (and the grandkids) often. It has been such a blessing and tremendous help to me when they come visit or when we visit them - usually meaning that I get some much needed sleep after Benjamin gets up! We love you.
Friends, I am thankful for you. Thank you for all your phone calls, emails, cards, and notes. It has meant the world to me to know how much each of you cares. Those of you who are far away, know that I think of you often and you are all in my prayers. I hope we manage to keep in touch! Those of you who are now nearby, I am so happy that we have gotten to see you more often. I hope it continues!

I am so thankful for God's mercy and grace. I am thankful that we have plenty of food, a place to live, and clothes on our backs.

I am thankful.

day at the zoo

What's better than a Grandpa surprise?! Not too much, according to Benjamin.
Today the five of us went to the L.A. Zoo. Here are some photos...

baby sounds

For those of you (like myself) who can't get enough of ADORABLE cooing babies, here's a video of Noah from November.


And because I can't get enough of Benjamin, here's a little video of him showing off a few of his skills.


Also, watch the basketball game today...because Benjamin says so. :)

A good weekend

We had a really nice weekend here. It ended up being surprisingly busy!

Saturday Tim went in to work for Math Day, a big contest the math department at Pepperdine put on for local high schoolers to win prizes. He came home with a new shirt. Benjamin and I did some crafts - and I'm looking for more, so if you have any good craft ideas for a 2 1/2 year old, pass them on!

Sunday morning we went to church - we have been attending Cornerstone. We have been so blessed to find a place that we feel at home - the music is wonderful, and we like that the pastor is intelligent and doesn't shy away from tough topics. It helps that Benjamin LOVES it - the very first time we went he ran right into the two year old room and played with the kitchen, and has felt loved by the workers every week. He now asks to go to church and they gave him a little Toddler Bible on Sunday. So sweet.
On the way home, we stopped to check out a little shopping area, where we enjoyed the Christmas decorations (on an 80+ degree day...), rode a train, walked around, grabbed a quick lunch, and got gas for $2.23. I was happy to talk to my friend Ivey on the phone for a bit too! My friend (since kindergarten!) Alex came over on Sunday afternoon. Benjamin quickly decided she came only to visit him. We had dinner at In N Out, and he would only sit next to her, not with mom or dad...
My boys:
Me and the kiddos:
Alex got a good photo of all four of us...
Tomorrow Tim and I are going to see Wicked, and I am so excited! I've heard great things about it. My dad is coming to visit this weekend. Life is good!

giveaway

Enter this if you're a mom!

two months

Noah is two months old today! The pediatrician report: 12 lbs, 11 oz, 24 1/2 inches (75th and 97th percentile, respectively), and his head is 15 1/4 inches, which is the 22nd percentile. He's healthy, with a little dry skin (so she gave us some dove soap samples and aquaphor, which is the best dry skin cure ever). She said he looks good and healthy and was surprised he's so long (given that his parents aren't extraordinarily tall...). Noah loves to smile and coo, especially at his goofy mama. He did really well with his vaccinations, falling right to sleep once I put him in his carseat. Oh, and the outfit he's wearing in the above photo? It's size 3-6 months. Benjamin wore it in this photo [sidenote - how ADORABLE is Benjamin in this picture?!]. He was SEVEN months old:
If you enjoy reading the blog, leave a comment. I'm just curious who reads! :)

fall photos

It's sunny and cool outside today - my favorite! I had to take a few photos of the boys, since Noah loves to show off his smile [and occasionally will do so in a picture] and Benjamin is adorable as always. This past weekend was busy, and I'm looking forward to a more relaxed week full of puzzles, books, possibly working on my scrapbook if both boys are asleep at the same time (sometimes I'm lucky!), grocery shopping, and hopefully catching up with some friends!

lots of love

Some new photos...
What a cutie pie!
On Friday we went to James and Christina's wedding. Tim was the best man.
Yummy wedding cake:
Us with the newlyweds:
A photo of us! Without kids!
Cutting the cake:
Tim with his high school youth pastor:

Happy election day!

Not that he does much, but here's a little video of Noah. Note the electric hair...

Now go vote! And get free Starbucks coffee and Ben & Jerry's ice cream.