good friends, good times

Our good friends, the Lemlers came over this weekend to visit. We always have such a great time with them and are reminded how precious friends are. 

Isaac and Alaina Grace watching 'Tangled'

Laneybug on the swing

Joshua is such a good brother

friends

smile!

kiss bye bye

the boys-- Isaac, Matt, Doug and Joshua

the girls--baby Alaina, Steph, Staci and Alaina

pOtTy progress

Isaac hasn't had a big desire to use the bathroom. After many unique and fun attempts to get him to use the toilet (two different potty seats, treats, examples, kid books, etc) I realized that this is a battle I will not force. When he is ready, he WILL do it. He is smart and resourceful and stubborn.

I was making dinner and Matt was coming in from outside yard work when our son came around the corner and quietly said, "I need to go potty."

I looked at Matt and questioned, "What did he say?!"

I ran Isaac into the bathroom and there was a tiny amount of #2 (so he started and stopped himself--very big!) I sat him on the toilet and went to his room to get another diaper. Before I could make it back I heard my son yell proudly, "I did it! I did it! I went pee and poop on the potty!!"

And he did!

I gave him a handful of marshmallows and made a sticker chart to encourage him. He has been 'successful' a number of times now and I made him a sticker chart so he can see how well he is doing.

We are so proud of his little accomplishment, whatever it may mean.

Not toilet trained yet but on our way!

love, multiplied

This is a collection of photos my mother-in-law took with her new camera. Alaina is 10 days old here. I was worried before she was born at how I could adore another baby any more than I adore Isaac or how I could manage to share my love with two kids....God is so good and I know nothing. I didn't have to split or divvy anything up. He just gave me more room in my heart.  There is just an abundance of joy and love He bestows to ordinary parents like us and His grace covers all of our shortcomings and doubts. We are so thankful the Lord allowed us to grow and raise these two beautiful, sweet blessings. I will say these pictures are my new favorites--especially with both my children...

Thank You Aunt Brittany

We just wanted to share our appreciation of my sister who came down from Missouri to help us out for two weeks. She was such a big help and gave Isaac some much needed one-on-one attention. It was fun to have her here and the day she left, we realized how much we miss her =)

my little cupcake

potty time

silly kids

siblings

"Thank you for our sign Isaac!"

We love you Aunt Brittany! (& Uncle Justin)