In one last installment of "What have we been up to?" posts, I've got some random pictures that can do the talking...

The kids have definitely been enjoying the backyard at Nana and Papa's

Last week was Amelia's first day of preschool! This year she is going Mondays and Wednesday 9-1. 

The only time you can capture a good picture of this boy is when he in fact is actually captured. We have a lot of pictures with him in his high chair.

 As the previous picture can attest, Jack was in need of a haircut. So, Dad gave him his first big boy hair cut.

He is a dad of many talents-barber, doctor, you know

We recently got to meet our new cousin, Mae and Amelia loved to sit and hold her.

This was a dangerous little picture at clearly had to be snapped the instant the boy was sat down. Hence, no time to try and get a better smile from him. In a few short months Jack and Mae will be chasing after each other. It was great to see and catch up with some family. And I think we finally started feeling settled here at my parents' house. We had our pre-con meeting this week and the house has been officially started! And if all goes well, (here's hoping) we will be in before Thanksgiving!

I'll be sure to flood the blog with picture updates!

Goodbye

Well, on August 10th we said 'goodbye' to our first house. 

It had been a good home for the past 3 1/2 years. 

We are currently living in the basement apartment at my parents house. Although we've crammed into an even smaller space, it is a nice arrangement for some temp housing. We are actually building our next house due to be done mid november ... Lord willing.

I couldn't help but think, as I cleaned out each room, what all the Lord has done for us in that house. The echoes of many dinner parties with dear friends, or late night discussions, our kids' first steps and first birthdays...truly the Lord has been faithful.

I have kept rocks from significant places in my life as a reminder of that faithfulness. So, Amelia helped me choose our rock to remind us of Corsican Circle and how our gracious Father had blessed us there.

Jack's 1st

August 4th, we celebrated Jack's first birthday.

Of course we did a football theme including ticket invites.

Yard line cupcakes

the football smash cake, frosting less for our milk intolerant toddler

Concession stand items

decorations

 Present from Mom and Dad... he loves playing ball

 

enjoying some of his presents. It was a struggle to get some good pictures of this wild guy. He was hardly ever still.

 Cake time

Birthday Boy enjoying the cake

Our little man continues to entertain and exhaust us. He has changed so much. We pray God will use him in a big way. 

Amelia's Backyard BBQ

So... this is a month late, I realize that, but we've been ... let's just say pretty busy. So I will try and catch you up with all that's been going on.

Last month, we celebrated Amelia's 4th birthday! (WOW) She wanted a "backyard bbq" and I tried to deliver. The party was scheduled just 2 days after my mom had foot surgery so we ended up having it at my parents house. I thought their big yard would lend itself well to a backyard party... and then it rained all day. So, inside we went. Here's a few pictures of the party...

Smores cupcakes on the "fire"

(it looked cooler in person)

Food table: there was pulled pork sliders, hot dogs, fruit. chips, salad on a stick, corn on the cob

blueberry lemonade and pie pops

about to blow out the candles

enjoying her marshmallow frosting

reading cards (what 4 year old does that?!?)

She was excited about the books she got.

sporting her new headband 

Mom and Dad decided to get her some fish... She was really excited. Not surprisingly, they didn't last long. Birthday present FAIL

Since it was raining, we played our yard games in the basement. We played a few games with most people, then the 3 kids did some bag races.

action shot

it was intense.

We had a fun night even with all the rain. Can't believe she's four.

One Year

Happy Birthday to our never holding still-never sleeping big boy, Jack Sterling! It's been quite a year but we both  made it out alive... which is more than I expected most of the time :).

 Nicknames: Skunky, Monkey, Snakes (don't ask...)

Favorite book: "How do dinosaurs say Goodnight." the only book he'll sit still for

Favorite Cartoon: "Super Why" He does like sportscenter too!

Favorite food: Pork products, frozen blueberries

Favorite toy: any ball

Favorite activity: bathtime with sis

Least favorite activity: getting dressed

He walks everywhere now. He will get into anything. He doesn't really have any words yet... but he gets his point across. He still loves to be around the action. His curly hair and dark brown eyes will melt your heart.

Love you, Jack and we are excited to watch you grow!!