Abiding in the vine

We did a little garden experiment this year. We started with just old egg cartons and pumpkin seeds.

Now, a few months later, they are taking over the yard! I have to go out daily to pull the vine back to our side of the fence. Otherwise, I'll be hosting my own pumpkin patch come October!

But, the amazing thing is, we are actually getting pumpkins. I originally did this thinking it would be a good lesson in how things grow for the kids. I also thought it would be kind of cool to grow and carve our own pumpkins for Halloween. But, in the process, it's been a good reminder to me. Kevin and I went to a marriage retreat weekend back in May (thanks again, Grandma Sheryl!) The message that stuck with me came from John 15: 5.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

This vine taking over my backyard is reminding me to make time for reading my bible, praying, praying with the kids. My days are full as a mom and wife, and I don't want it be for "nothing." But, I know when I put God first and find time to pray, read my bible, and listen to Him, I am receiving life and will bear much fruit as a mom and wife, making my days matter for the kingdom of God. 

This lesson has been lost on my kids! So far, it's been your typical 5 year old "bathroom" humor!

Growing Up

He's 2 1/2, though most people think he's going on 4! The past few months have brought big changes to little brother. The greatest being his new big boy room. We went with a train theme, thinking little boys love trains, that should be easy! Well, unless you want Thomas plastered to your walls, it is NOT easy!

So, after many weeks of work, here's the final outcome! It's all been made by yours truly and I like the final  outcome. I have a few more small touches to finish, but he's happy and that all that matters! Now, if I could just get him to sleep past 6am!

The other "big boy" item is wearing his "unnerwear". He's nowhere close to being potty-trained, but at least it's a start in the right direction. Here's his cute little "elmo bum".

Off to sleep- 6am comes quickly!

I promise this is it for tonight!

I guess I'm on a roll now! Trying to get caught up from 3 months of no updates. So, here are a few of my favorite photos from recent. I promise from now on, I'll be limiting the updates to one a day (or less!) If not, the kids and house will be completely neglected and then there will be nothing else to blog about!

Wrestling with Daddy!

Wearing his homemade t-shirt!

The day we put Max down

Sporting his mohawk!

He wrote this all by himself! The sweetest message!

California Dreaming and Arizona Sweating!

Back in June, we spent 2 weeks visiting family in Arizona. We did a little road trip to California to get a little beach time. Here are some favorites from that trip.

6:45am Skinny Dipping in Grandma's Pool!

With Grandpa on Father's Day

One of my all-time favorites!

On the Pier at San Clemente Beach

Coronado Island

Our 30 inch pizza at Mission Beach

Mini Golfing with the boys!

Gotta love that belly!

Boys and their cars!

Every 2 year old should have a cell phone!

With Grandma at the Aquarium

One way to cool off when it's 115 out

Don't you love the expressions!

All the cousins at the Chocolate Factory

Chocolate anyone?

At DQ with Granny

Monster Trucks Rule!

We spent our Saturday night at the Monster Truck show down in Colorado Springs. Nothing could be more boy than that! The boys loved watching the trucks demolish the beat up cars, the dirt bikes fly through the sky (with one breath-taking crash), and the countless wheelies. Though I never would have thought of myself as a "Monster Truck Mom", I had just as much fun as the boys! One of my favorites was when people took their own beat up cars out and ran it through the course. Maybe I'll take the XTerra out in a few years!

We'll remember the ear plugs next time

Pretty glad we sold the dirt bike after seeing a guy crash on this jump!

This car didn't make it too far before smoke was coming out of it's engine!