Almost August?

Is it really almost August? I can't believe how fast this summer is flying by! We haven't really done a lot, outside of doing fun things around our community and taking small day trips here and there. But, wow, this summer is really flying by; I can hardly believe it. HOWEVER- we have a lot of vacationing left, before our summer is officially over. 


What will we be doing, you ask? 


Well, this Thursday marks ten years with my amazing husband! And the first anniversary post I wrote was for our 6th Anniversary. Four more years, and two kids later, and we are celebrating ten years of (mostly) wedding bliss! 


Oh-- and he's taking me to NEW YORK CITY, this week, for an adult only vacation!!! :) Not only have I never been to the Big Apple, but I've been begging Andy to take me there for years! I can't wait to spend 5 days alone with my wonderful husband. Look for us on one of the morning shows-- we are going to be one of those goons holding signs and waving our arms hysterically! :) 


And then-- two weeks later, we are taking a "family vacation" (or we are tagging along with Andy on a business trip) to Raleigh, North Carolina. While daddy works all day, the kids and I will be poolside or wandering around North Carolina. 


I feel so blessed. So many things for which to be thankful. So many blessings. So many unknowns, yet we are taken care of, everyday. We are truly blessed and I am truly thankful. :) 


And what would a post be without photos? boring, right? :) Here are some for your viewing pleasure: 

Did I mention Andrew now has his Masters degree? I am very proud of my Master (Jedi). 

My girlie is now 19 months old! 

    

My beautiful sister is doing so well, since her hospital stay in March. I'm so glad she's still here with us, to celebrate special days and spend time together!

Adam starts Kindergarten in a month. eek.

He's HOT...and he's MINE! mwhahahaha. 

Marshmallow eating, in our backyard, is very common in the summertime! 

My Matty turned 4. He loves his cousin VERY much!

My sister has stayed with us, while home from college, this summer. We will all miss her VERY much, when she goes back to school. 

Well, that's what we're up to! What about you? 

Happy Birthday, Matty!

Dear Matthew-

Oh dearest Matty, four years ago today God blessed our family with you. You entered this world, after one heck of a journey. We endured months of sickness together. Months of sickness that didn't matter the moment I held you in my arms. 

Over the last four years we have had many challenges, illness, and moments where I thought they were our last. But God has blessed us with another day with you. Today, your Birthday. 

I pray for you, sweet Matthew, daily. I pray that the Lord will help your lungs breathe, help your mind flourish, and help your heart love Him. 

You are turning into quite the young man, Matty. You ask intelligent questions. You are witty. You are charismatic. You are funny, without knowing it. You are sweet. You have a tiny temper. You love to build legos. You love to watch Star Wars. You love playing outside. You love your brother and sister. You still tell me you love me and want hugs, daily. I am blessed by you. 

Matty, may this year help you grow and become and even better young man. 

I love you, Buddy! Have a happy day and a wonderful year!

Meet Kronk

The month before Adam was born we welcomed Kronk into our home, because our previous model had seen better days. With a child on the way, I needed to be practical about my surroundings and I certainly needed a change. I needed a strong, charismatic and reliable companion to aid me throughout my adventures. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that my new companion Kronk, would become such a vital member of our family. 

He has spent the last 5 years and 9 months, putting up with a lot from our family. He has traveled many miles with us, he has endured being slobbered on, thrown up on, soiled by milk/juice sippies, kicked, mud filled, mud covered, being pushed beyond limits, and other stressful acts. However, no matter how rude or harsh we are to Him, he remains faithful and true. However, we do love him so. He is bathed regularly, and we even freshen him up, after he has been soiled by one of the children. We give him the yummiest of liquids, to fuel his need for speed. We truly DO love him. 

Little does my buddy know, that we are contemplating his replacement. 

I know that it doesn't seem fair to replace something so important and loved by our family. But the time has come. His old age is debilitating and is leaving us with bills that are unacceptable. It's not uncommon for others to kick their loved ones to the curb MUCH sooner than we are with our dear Kronk. I am sure there are others out there who would agree. 

So, with that being said, I introduce you to Kronk: 

I'm not sure what I'll do without him. 

We brought home all three kids in Kronk.

He has taken us on many family trips. 

He has made it through many hard times. 

He is a fighter. 

But he's also a teenager, and well... teenagers are trouble.... we have spent far too many nights scolding Kronk for acting up, than I care to count. 

Therefore- It's time. It's time to say goodbye. 

Time to upgrade to a newer and shiner model. 

Farewell, ol' friend! Farewell!