My New Job

      I can't explain how thankful I am for my new job, which started at the end of November.  The list is long for all the ways it is a blessing.  Caleb and I get to be together, which also makes it more possible for me to do OTHER things in the evenings (friends, having people over, time on the computer without missing out on time with him...and he's okay with it, cook, etc).  My stress level is also a million times less, and I get to bless Brady's parents by doing things to make their life a little easier once they are off work.  They both work from home, which is also nice since it gives some adult interaction when we're home a lot.  

Of course the #1 toy- boxes!!! Here's our new little buddy, Brady!  He's almost 19 months and we love him like crazy already! He's a sweet little boy, full of energy and  excitement!  We're all so happy that even with an 8 month difference the boys have really bonded and get along well.  Of course they have their conflicts, but over-all, they just love each other!

 Doing crafts isn't the favorite thing yet, but we still try it out now and then!  I can't wait til it's more fun for them since I really enjoy doing it with them.

 But there's so many other great things to do as well!  Last month we made gingerbread men, and we've made muffins a couple times now.

And the best part...taste testing!  Brady tries everything from flour, to baking soda to the batter.  He's so funny.  Once we get to the finished product, he's not as interested in trying it. :) 

Enjoying the Christmas gifts they got for each other!  

 Another highlight is getting to go on "field trips!"  Here's just a look at one of them.  We go to a couple libraries and their events, to parks, and will be starting a play group that we met on accident last week.  I'll post some more pictures later from going to the fish hatchery, a mini-kids-town, and another park.

 This was a great tree!  The branch came down from up high almost to the ground so Caleb could bounce on it.

 See...I'm there too! :)

 And so much beauty in the area!  Yes, we need rain, but it's honestly still hard for me to pray for it since I love the sun so much!  I often feel like I'm dreaming when it's January and sunny! :)

I'm a happy mama and wife these days!  SO thankful, but also realize that this might just be for a time, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts! :)  THANK YOU GOD!!!

Just Caleb

Thanks for the tie and vest Aunt Cindy! You never know when they'll come in handy! :)

 And for the cool towels Grandma and Pa-Pa!

 I find Caleb here, doing this more and more often. :)  I love how he brought the baby seat on top of the chair.  It' still out since he likes sitting in it.

 Curious George is his favorite lately. 

 A little relaxing like Daddy in the living room. :) 

And a little crazy hair after his bath.  I love this boy, but definitely accept all prayers for wisdom and discernment each moment.  He's certainly asserting his will these days. :)

Holiday Fun!

We've had quite a bit of fun with Caleb this season since he takes active part in everything and talks all about it for a week afterwards...or longer! :) 

 We met Matt after work to get our tree and enjoy some hot chocolate.  He wasn't quite sure about the cup, since they are usually for Daddy.  I told him it was like a candy drink, and so he tasted it and was quite pleased.  He's doing a thumbs up with me here. :)

 He was more excited about finding snowy ice than the trees!

 And decorating was pretty fun too!  I was surprised that he was more interested in the green and red balls than any of the unique, toy looking ornaments.

 Good memories.  

 We ran across Santa at the library the other day as well.  He wasn't quite sure about him, but wanted to say hi and get a candy cane.

Although he looks disgusted and scared here, he couldn't stop talking about Santa for a long time.  My favorite part was at night time when we were thanking God for things, Caleb said that he wanted to see Santa to tell him "Thank You" for the candy cane.  So we're still in search of Santa to tell him Thank You, and every time we go by the library he thinks Santa will be there.

 Christmas lights were one of the first things Caleb noticed once it hit December.  He started seeing any lights at night time and saying, "there's Christmas."  The other night we went with Aunt Beth, Joshua, Zoe and Oma to see the lights at Dovewood Court and had a great time!

 Caleb's favorite is Frosty! 

 I got all excited about this picture since it has most everyone, and everyone looks so happy....oh, wait! Except Matt. He said he thinks he had just tasted the fake snow and everyone was laughing at him.

 LOVE MY GUYS and having fun with them during the holidays!

  More than anything, I'm enjoying coming to know Jesus, our KING, more and more with them, and experiencing His life in our family more each day!  This is the ULTIMATE Holiday Fun for me! 

Baking Fun!

I love baking during the holidays since it's fun and I can give what I make away and not eat it all (although I WANT to, it wouldn't be best for me. :) )This year was fun since Caleb really enjoyed helping out.

 He takes his work very seriously. :)  Dropping Oreos into the blender.

 Notice the change of attire. :)  He "casual potty training" right now and had an accident. :)  He decided just playing with the blender was pretty fun.

 YUM! and Pretty I thought. 

 I started to see art as I was baking.  Melting Marshmallows.

 Bummer, I forgot to take pictures of everything else.  I think I got lost in enjoying the things made out of chocolate.

 We made gingerbread men with the little boy that I nanny (haven't gotten permission to post pictures of him yet).  Caleb LOVED it!

More holiday pictures to come!  

Fairy Tale Land

Another FUN day with Grandpa and Grandma!

 This day we headed to Fairytale Land!

 A little fuzzy but I love that it captures the fun they were having!

 On our way up to Owl's house.  We were at the park exactly a year ago and it was fun watching Caleb do so many thing, like climbing the stairs, all by himself!

 Mommy can still have fun too! :)

 I think this is Rabbit's hole.

 I just like this picture of Caleb walking with Grandma.

 This picture makes me laugh every time I see it.  I think it looks like Caleb had a MAJOR potty accident down the slide.  Ooops! :)

 Love my baby! 

 Our crazy family! 

 Little more fun and crazy! 

 I love that Caleb is balancing on one foot too. :)

Great day!