Thank You

Thanksgiving is up there as a favorite day for me, and for Matt too. So much has changed for our family in the past 6 or 7 years. The holidays come on quickly and are a bit of a whirlwind with children. Add a bunch a birthdays to this time of year and the loss of precious loved ones, and it is one big giant roller coaster of emotions. Incredible highs and some pretty serious lows.

But I can say one thing without any doubt. I love taking a "Time Out" on Thanksgiving. Taking time to be with family. Taking time to be thankful for all the big and not-so-big things in our lives. Taking time to just BE. And for those reasons, I say, "Thank You."

Thank you for quality {crafty} time with the boys.

Eli was thrilled about the idea of sewing each of the leaves onto the garland.

Jude was not a very good helper when it came to making the pilgrim hats.

Thank you for our health.

We got up early and head out for the Turkey Trot with Aunt Kristi, Uncle Steve, Aunt Z, and Uncle Matt B. It was Eli's first 5K, and he did it! He ran the first mile in about 10 minutes and walk/jogged the rest.

Endurance Imaging captured this awesome shot of him running...not sure I'm allowed to post a copy here, but I'm giving them all the credit!!!

Thank you, Aunt Kiki and Uncle Steve for keeping up with him/sticking with his pace. He was beyond proud of himself and kept saying all day that he was so proud to have finished.

Thank you for time with amazing family. 

Such genuine love and real fun.

Both Eli and Jude love spending time with the extended family out at their lake property. 

Cousins! It is all Jude could talk about on the drive home as he was exhausted from the fun day. Over and over he would say, "cousins."

Thank you for God and His beautiful reminders of goodness and grace.

Thank you for family traditions.

We put up the tree and decorated it the Friday after Thanksgiving. Both boys were excited to be in on the action this year.

Now, if we can just keep Jude's hands off of it. I think he is starting to understand as he told me today, with a wag of his finger, "No, no touch."

Thank you for the Gators pulling off a win in that crazy, intense game.

Ok, maybe that one didn't deserve to go on such a thoughtful list, but it sure will make living in enemy territory a lot easier this year.

The boys and I watched it with Grandma and Grandpa while Daddy and the rest of the gang went to the game. We took advantage of halftime and got outside just before sunset for some much needed wiggle time.

So glad when it was finally over and we could safely celebrate the victory. Go Gators!

As usual, so much to be thankful for this time of year....and all year long. When days are long and I'm feeling ragged, I need a little nudge to take the time and realize that I am truly thankful. For the big things and the little things. 

Paint & Celebrate

After planning and preparing for the big day, it was finally time for Jude's birthday party.

It was a beautiful fall morning to celebrate our big 2 year old, and he was ready. We were thrilled to have friends and family come out to paint and play with Jude.  Even Pap Pap and Lil surprised us by driving up for the big day. What a treat!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the painting and the spin art (via our almost-never-used salad spinner....awesome!)

The snacks and decorations were perfect touches to the beautiful day.

The playground got a lot of use when the kids were not creating.

My attempt at a rainbow cake was a success! It turned out just as I had hoped.

Jude loved his party....and only had two melt downs. Hey....it's his party....he can cry if he wants to. Thankfully, there was plenty of juice for him to double fist and get back in the party groove.

What a big day for a boy who is ready to take on the world. No matter what.

He's been sassier than ever. Ever since he turned 2.

Are those pesky 2 year molars to blame? 

Or his crazy big brother? 

Either way, his is still as cute as can be and no matter how sassy he may get, I am still a puddle of mush as soon as he flashes me one of his many smiles.

We all love you, Jude! And once again, Happy Birthday to YOU!

Hall of Fame

Congratulations, Pap Pap! Congratulations on your induction into the Florida State League Hall of Fame! 

What an honor!

So happy that Matt was able to take off from work to drive down to be there for the ceremony.  What a special evening.

You go, Pap Pap!

A Camping They Did Go

Over Veteran's Day weekend, Daddy took Eli on his very first camping trip....just the two of them. They headed west to a State Park for a one night adventure. Eli was beyond excited and did very well.  Daddy sent me pictures throughout which is exactly what this Mama wanted. I felt as if I could see the pure joy on Eli's face in each picture. I could tell he was having a ball! From setting up the tent (serious business, ya know?), finding new plants on the "hike", getting to use Daddy's pocket knife (...but not the actual knife!) to "carve" some wood, cooking hot dogs and s'mores over the fire, sleeping in the tent, and waking up for some yummy waffles and hot chocolate at Waffle House.

First campout = a success! I have a feeling there will be more as Eli (...and Daddy!) is already planning them. But this time, he wants Mommy to come too. 

Jude's 2!

All week long, I have found myself looking at Jude and wondering, "How in the world he can be 2 already?" I can hardly believe it is true.

Monday was his big day, and it was a fun one. Jude woke up to lots of singing from his brother and Daddy. He donned his birthday crown with pride, and we were quickly out the door to meet up for a Veteran's Day breakfast and parade with friends. 

A parade, just for the birthday boy, right? He was enamored by all of the bands, fire trucks, and armed vehicles. The birthday boy waved his flag with gusto!

From there it was on to lunch with Daddy and later a Chik-fil-a birthday dinner complete with presents, cupcakes and family. Jude was adorable in every sense of the word celebrating his day. He was excited to blow out his candles and tell those he wasn't too shy to talk to that he was "two." 

He had no clue what presents were, but I think he knows now. He honestly loved each thing and was not too overwhelmed. Eli was a super helper when it came to opening each gift. The water table from Mommy and Daddy was a big hit. We let him play inside with a blanket underneath with an inch or two of water. He managed to get soaked, but had a ball. 

One very happy, and wiped out 2 year old. Once the birthday boy ate some icing off of his cupcake, he was done. This Saturday, he will get to celebrate with some more friends and family at his party. He's still a little clueless, but that is ok. It is bound to be another fun day for our sweet and silly two year old.

Some two year old fun facts and stats:

• At his 2 year old appointment....just like his brother....he is still a little on the short but stocky side. 30th percentile for height (almost 34 in.), 70th for weight (almost 30 lbs), and 95th for head. He is rocking and rolling with his language and development. Cried for 45 seconds after his shots, but his "Elmo shoes" (a.k.a. slippers he got for his bday that he won't take off for much...) quickly got his mind off of them. Our little rock star.
• Loves to play with: cars, construction trucks, airplanes, trains, and any and all balls. He loves to be outside running, climbing, throwing, kicking, digging, etc. He really likes to read books, do puzzles, and has recently become and iPod Touch pro. 
• Favorite shows...when he will sit still to watch: Bubble Guppies and Blue's Clues....and every once in a while Micky Mouse or Elmo.
• Talks a lot, and quite clearly. Knows his shapes, counts into the teens and loves to sing his ABCs. He is starting to ID letters and is close to spelling his name....he's got the J-U so far. He has several favorite phrases: "I like __(fill in the blank)__.", "That's cool!", "Did you see/hear that?", "Oh my goodness!", "I fine/My OK.", "I do it!" I love the fact that he will still use signs a little as he talks, but has dropped most of his sign language. 
• Impressive coordination and fine motor skills. Writes well with a great pencil grip, loves to color and paint, can stack 14 blocks, lines up his cars, kicks, throws, and bats with great accuracy. He is working on catching now.
• He adores music and sings along to his favorites as we drive around in the car.
• Prays the blessing with us each night very sweetly.
• Has some pretty good manners so far. He will say thank you and 'cuse me consistently. He picks up toys well and likes to sing the clean up song while he does it. 
• Has recently picked up some serious pouting and fit throwing skills. Despite being able to communicate well, he forgets all of that when he is frustrated and isn't getting his way. He has also learned some "big boy" bad habits from his brother such saying "No fair," "Go away," etc. He is learning that there are consequences when he does not choose to listen to Mommy. He knows what time out is, will often go on his own when he needs a break, and says sorry to get out.
• An adventurous eater....for the most part. Loves fruit, meat, snacks, and sweets. Is a bit pickier when it comes to veggies and breads. Still has a bit of a sensitive stomach. He drinks chocolate almond milk due to a possibly dairy issue and that he dislikes plain milk. 
• Is so close to being ready to potty train and is successful without pants on, but as soon as we put underwear on, he wets them every time. I think it will be soon though....maybe? Finger's crossed!
• Hates nap time and will play play play in that crib until I go up and lay him back down again. Bed time is a piece of cake because he is usually so tired from the lack of a good nap.
• Super cuddly and loves his stuffed animals...he calls them his friends.  

Jude, thank you for blessing our family for the past two years. We love you very much! Terrible Twos and Trying Threes, here we come. Go easy on us, please!