Photo Challenges

Sweet @ The Paper Mama:

Share @ The Trendy Treehouse:

 

Sweet Shot @ My 3 Boybarians:

Let’s Talk About Noah

Teaching my children about God’s Word and hiding it in their hearts is one of the most important tasks I have as a parent. There are so many ways to teach and engage children so that they learn God’s Word, and I want to share a video of one way with you. The video is Ella talking to her dad about one of her favorite Bible stories right now: Noah.  We talk about something like this almost every night before Ella goes to bed, and Ella really loves to talk about these different stories and things from the Bible. Teaching children about the Bible doesn’t always require a formal lesson; rather, it can be something as simple as a conversation.

Let's Talk About Noah from Lisa on Vimeo.

Growing Up Too Fast!

People say it all the time, but it is so true – the older I’ve gotten the more quickly time seems to pass. Time seems to pass even more quickly now that I have children. The fact in and of itself that I have children and not just a single child only emphasizes how quickly time passes to me.

Ella amazes me everyday with something she says or does. She’s not a little baby anymore {and hasn’t been for a long time} but as she goes about her daily activities, it is hard to believe that 2 1/2 years ago she was just a little helpless newborn in my arms. In a five minute span yesterday Ella proved just how “grown up” she has become.

By herself, Ella got up from her nap (from her special palette in our bedroom so she doesn’t disturb Troy during his naptime), took off her diaper panties (aka pull-ups – she’s potty trained, but not fully nap- and night-trained), threw her pull-up away, went to the bathroom by herself, got panties out (although she grabbed them from the dirty clothes pile, ha!), got a clip for her hair, put on a “necklace” (my headband, lol), and came into the living room to see me. When she got in the living room she promptly asked me to put the clip in her hair, help her with her panties, and to get her milk out of the fridge for her.  She also got her play phone out, and started acting as though she was calling someone. It is so crazy to me, that 2 1/2 years ago she couldn’t do anything really by herself, and yesterday I’m watching her do all those things (although little things, still amazing to me). Watching her grow up has been such a blessing, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey as her mother.

Happy 9 Months Troy!

Happy 9 months Troy!

You are quite the little boy! You love to stick things in your mouth; in fact, you are constantly searching for something to grab to put in your mouth whether it is grass, Ali’s fur, a straw in one of our drinks, or Ella’s book. You give us a good challenge because we have to make sure everything is out of your reach!

Although you haven’t been that vocal (unless you count crying) up until this point, the month you suddenly decided to babble up a storm. You talk and talk and talk! I am pretty surprised because Ella talks enough for both of you! You said your first word this month: dada! You still haven’t said mama, but you most definitely know who I am! One Sunday you were really vocal during services. Many folks commented on how talkative you were . . . hopefully you weren’t too much of a distraction! The day you turned 9 months old,  you signed “more” for the first time.

You really love your people, and you don’t like when anyone leaves the room (especially me!). The older you have gotten, the more you have enjoyed playing with Ella. Y’all tolerate each other well, especially considering how young you both are. I love watching y’all play and laugh together. Ella loves to go get you up from your naps. When she hears you peeping over the monitor she asks with great enthusiasm “Can I go talk to Troy?” She even brings books into your room to read to you when she goes to get you up.

You love to be outside, and, just like Ella, you can be very sad, but quickly have a mood change when we take you outside. Too bad it is SO hot these days!

You are really little (0th percentile for weight and 5th percentile for height), but the doctor said you are very strong. You are really difficult to hold at times because you are SO wiggly. You might get that from your mom.  

You started crawling this month. You get up on your hand and knees and rock, then lunge forward and belly flop. You have gotten quite fast at your “inchworming” Although you still need assistance to stand, you seem very strong when you hold my fingers to stand or stand in your walker.

Troy inchworming from Lisa on Vimeo.

Troy @ 8 Months

Quarterly Top Five of Ella and Troy

 

   

Neglected

I never thought that I would have a harder time updating my blog in the summer than I did during the rest of the year! Our summers are generally much less cluttered with regularly scheduled activities, but, because we have less stuff scheduled it seems like we do all sorts of other things! The past few weeks have been unusually busy with two weddings, a garage sale (yay for getting rid of clutter!), and the birth of my first nephew! We’ve also been making an effort to do some de-cluttering and organizing in our home, as well as transforming a second living area into a playroom. Troy also turned 9 months old about a week ago (where has the time gone??).

(Ella holding her baby cousin!)

I hate neglecting my blog, but I’m also thankful for the time that I’ve had to do so many wonderful things these past weeks. I also decided it was time for a blog makeover in the middle of all of this (and I’m not even close to finishing yet!).  I cannot wait to share some of the projects we’ve been working on in our home. I also cannot wait to get back to regularly reading all my favorite blogs as well (I’ve gotten to read a few things here or there, but not like usual). I’m so thankful for the community of friends blogging has opened up to me!

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July. If you live in United States, never forget the blessing that it is to live in America!