We're Ready for Spring!!

So, we are ready for some spring weather!! The sun was calling us this afternoon. We spent quite a bit of time this afternoon outside and enjoyed the freedom of the sun! :) Several times I saw Jake lying on the ground staring at the sky soaking up the sunshine. Enjoy some sunny smiles! :)

Quickly enjoying the beautiful day!!

Merrill Teller says more winter weather is on it's way - so we hurried outside after Jenna's nap to soak up the sun today! I ran in to grab something and the phone rang - so Emily took advantage of an unsupervised camera - here's the world through her eyes!

Jenna rode the tractor solo this afternoon - she even sort of figured out how to push down on the pedal to make it go. She was making grunting sounds and squeeling with joy as she drove all over the yard! Look out Grandpa - here she comes!

Paint update

I feel a little silly posting so many pictures of the house, but I think I'll like having the documentation someday when we forget this process. We're so deeply involved in this right now that I can't even imagine forgetting all these steps, but I'm sure the "newness" will wear off after we begin life there...

Our bedroom:

Kids' bathroom, girls' room - I missed capturing the other wall in their room - the other three are a pale yellow...

Blue and Orange - of course this is Jake's room:

Standing in the dining room - looking at the front door (and Pat, SOOO glad we're going through this process together!)

View from the front door:

We were a little bold with the red wall - I love it!!

Random kid shots

I love these kids so much - none of these pictures are really anything special - but I have such fun playing, laughing and watching them develop friendships with one another - that's what these pictures make me think of! Great memories!!

Jake loves coffee cake

notice the blue sleeve peeking out of the sweatshirt

he likes to pick his own clothes and dress in layers!

crazy morning hair!!

Emily has begun to do her own hair - this creation is one piggy tail on the side, the clip on top only held a tiny bit of hair, the rest was just down!! I have to wonder what her teacher thinks each morning! : )
Emily also likes to pose for the camera...

Jenna is going to be our clown!!

Before Paint

We went to the house this weekend with our camera - to document what the place looked like before the paint went on - the painter had already been busy staining and spraying the woodwork all week - I was amazed at how those two steps really made a dramatic difference in how things looked!

The girls' room:

Jake's room:

Kitchen - this shot is actually from before the painter had done any staining - the counters aren't even all the way complete in this one
Kid's bathroom and the girls' room in the background:

Our bathroom:

Kitchen and dinning room view from the front door:

Birthday Party

Jenna's birthday party was simple, but lots of fun - the kids provided plenty of intertainment! My parents were kind enough to host us again since we are still a bit crowded here at Pete & Marilyn's! :) After a yummy supper of sandwiches and soup, we sang to Jenna while she happily watched us all. She enjoyed her cupcake, but I couldn't bring myself to let her feed herself!

Jenna got a couple of balls! She squeals with excitement when we play ball together! This one is squeaky, smells like vanilla and very tactile with pokey bumps all around!

A new book, big blue ball, and the promise of a new outdoor swing in the spring for her to fly in at Gramps and Grammy's!

Both Jake and Emily got a pillow for recent birthdays from my Grandma Myrtice. Jenna has such fun playing with theirs that Grandma made one for her - she has already really enjoyed hers too.

Jenna got a new towel from Grandpa and Grandma - what a cuddler after a bath now! :)

Time Flies!!

Just "yesterday" we went to the hospital eager to meet our third child! Jenna Lynn happily and calmly met this world and has been filling our world with joy, laughter and full hearts ever since. Jenna, you make our lives complete in so many ways!! :) We love you and are proud to be allowed to raise you into the young woman God desires!!

What a blessing to be your Mommy!
Happy Birthday my little one!

Hooray!! I'm one! :)