feeling thankful

So the other day was one of THOSE days-

(Disclaimer: Actually in this pic all 3 boys were having a really good time.
Caleb decided he wanted to take the picture rather than be in it right before I took it,
hence the stressed out look on Brian's face as he tried to climb down on his own.
I just thought it portrayed how I feel some days rather well.)

both boys woke up too early,
neither napped very long,
and so both were clingy and very ORNERY.
AND
Brayden didn't sleep very well during the night,
so I'll admit I was a bit tired and ORNERY as well.
The culmination of the day was a trip to the library that did not end well,
at all!
Just ask all the library patrons!
I was SO glad when Brian got home.
He's so awesome with the boys!

(Please don't misunderstand-
I absolutely LOVE being a mom to my boys,
and I wouldn't change my life for ANYTHING,
some days are just a little,
or LOT,
crazier than others.)

Yes, I realize I sound a little whiny;
and honestly I feel a little whiny
especially after reading this blog the next day.

It's not only an awesome giveaway
but also a celebration of a bravery that I truly admire
and admit that I severely lack.
Some days I 'm counting down the hours (10-12 hours) until my sweet hubby gets home,
let alone 7 months or longer.

After reading Jessica's story and being reminded of many other circumstances like hers;
I would just like to say a big THANK YOU to her
(and all other military spouses)
and her husband
(and all other military personnel)
for their sacrifice and courage to serve our country.

Update

So I have a TON of pictures that I would like to share
that tell the story of our family for the past 4 months.
BUT if I ever want to actually finish a post enough to publish it,
I'd better just stick with what is current.

My house constantly looks like a tornado passed through it,
or rather 2 tornadoes!
Brayden is now 10 months and LOVES to get into everything,
literally!

And if wasn't hard enough to keep up with him crawling-
Now he's walking!
And loving it as you can probably tell by the huge grin on his face.

I love this picture of the cute guy!
He's such a sweetie,
is all smiles
and takes his big brother's "loves" like a tough little man.

Caleb is 2 1/2.
That should say it all!
He loves playing outside-
the mud was just a bonus.

He loves wrestling with his dad.
(Even Brayden gets in the action.)

He loves doing "new tricks":
Jumping off the couch,
jumping on the bed,
(yeah there's a lot of jumping happening at our house)
and doing somersaults.

Look at those BIG smiles.
Got to say I love my life!
But then, who wouldn't when you have these cuties to look at everyday!

Halloween

Some fun Halloween pics:

There's a new Sherriff in town.

Our little football player.

My boys and the scarecrow they made.

My Adorable Boys

Ok so at least it hasn't been 8 months since the last post, only 5.

Life is good.

My boys are so fun-and so stinking cute!

Brayden is growing so FAST!

He has such a sweet personality.

My handsome Caleb.

He is so curious and creative-

definately keeps me on my toes.

Caleb absolutely adores his daddy.

(Note his constant companion Mr. Bear.)

Brian ran a half marathon.

(A lot farther than I will ever run!)

Waiting for Daddy to finish running his half marathon.

Why I disappeared for 8 months

1st
We bought a house last September.
So between unpacking,
organizing,
cleaning,
morning sickness,
and no internet
well I just haven't taken the time to blog.

2nd
And most importantly
On the 1st of May we welcomed
Brayden
into our home.

We are so
happy,
excited,
over joyed,
thrilled...
well you get the picture!

He is such a little sweet heart!

Brayden in the same outfit we brought Caleb home from the hospital in.

Our 2 little boys-
both miracles,
just in a different way.

And yes, Caleb adores his little brother-
perhaps a little too much at times.
I love being a mother!
And, wow, do I love my boys-
all 3 of them!!!

Playing at the park

Caleb enjoys playing at the park.
Below are some fun picts with dad.

He prefers, though, just staying in the stroller and continuing our walk.
(Gets upset when we try to take him out of the stroller.)
Why?
I don't know,
But I think it's because there is so much to see while we walk.

Trying to get picts

Caleb is 13 months!
Below are picts of me trying to get a good picture.
It's kind of funny, at least he thinks so.
Seriously, he is such a character that he constantly has me
laughing and smiling.
He makes each day an adventure that I treasure!




Finally he sat still long enough for me to snap a couple.
I love how they turned out.
They show his cute, sweet personality.

Playing

The first weekend in August we went to Brian's family reunion at their ranch.
It was a lot of fun and Caleb had a really good time.
Below are some fun picts of him:
1) Playing peek-a-boo...
2) with cousin John

3) trying to give cousin John hugs
(According to Caleb you have to PULL the person close...

...and then you can hug them.)

I love Caleb's hugs.
They are usually very enthusiastic-
which I think makes them all the better.
Poor John, though, he was a very good sport.