In the eye of the beholder . . .

So, last night Greg took Benjamin on his weekly grocery run. Yes, my stud-muffin hubby does the grocery shopping to help me out. When they got to the check-out line Ben about fell out of the shopping cart trying to get to the picture of Mommy . . .

For those of you who didn't just fall out of your computer chairs laughing hysterically . . . My sweet boy thinks I'm beautiful. Not just pretty, but look-out-world-Jessica-Simpson gorgeous. And that makes me happy. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Pumpkin Pie Perfection

This really is PERFECTION. My next door neighbor Sharon made it for us, and my mouth is watering as I type . . .

Pumpkin Pie Perfection

1 29 oz. can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 package yellow cake mix
1 cup butter or margarine (melted)
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 (if using glass dish 325 degrees). Beat together first seven ingredients and pour into a 9" x 13" pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top. Pour melted butter over cake mix and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake 1 hour.

Seven Prayers A Day

I can't take credit for this splendid idea. I am copying a sweet mom that I'll probably never have the privilege to meet. You can check out Angie's amazing Blog at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/. I hope you're as inspired as I am!

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring Cameron and Ben word of your unfailing love, for they have put their trust in You. Show them the way they should go, for to you they lift up their souls." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen children, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help them bear with others and forgive whatever grievances they have against others. Help them forgive as the Lord forgave them. And over all these virtues, help them put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach Cameron and Ben the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach them that they can do everything through him who gives them strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "Cameron and Ben, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give Cameron and Ben clean hands and pure hearts, and let them not lift their souls to an idol or swear by what is false. Let them receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Let them be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that Benjamin and Cameron will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that they may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which they shine like stars in the universe as they hold out the word of life-in order that they may boast on the day of Christ that they did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Risky Business

Something about this wild and woolly boy reminded me of Risky Business . . . Maybe it's the sunglasses, maybe it's his dance moves, or maybe it's potty-training and all the tighty-whities. Nothing makes him happier than waking up from a nap and sitting at the kitchen table with a chocolate straw. Nothing makes me happier than just watching, memorizing, my Benjamin.

Trick or Treat!

Current Stats

The Diva had a check-up this morning. Yes, she boo-hooed when she got her shots, but otherwise had a great appointment. Cameron weighed in at 14 pounds 9 ounces, and measured 25-1/2 inches long. She's a tiny girl, especially when compared to Ben!

She LOVES . . . applesauce, evening walks, bubble baths and snuggling.

She HATES . . . peas, prunes, taking naps, being alone.

Nicknames include The Diva, Moonie-Girl, Missy, and Baby (Ben's favorite).

She is trying to sit up, loves to blow bubbles, talks (squeals) constantly, and is ooching backwards and rolling over to try to get to (Ben's) toys.

She is a busy joy.

Baby Dedication

This weekend we had the privilege of dedicating Cameron at our church, Woods Edge. It is incredible to stand up there on that stage and have the congregation pray for you, support you, as you take on parenthood.

Benjamin thought the bright lights were a little intimidating, but loved snuggling in his Daddy's lap during the service (and he acted like the perfect gent, go Ben!). Cameron stole the show and squealed and cooed the entire time, in true diva-fashion. And speaking of fashion, she wore the same christening gown that I wore when I was six months old.

We selected a Bible verse for Miss Cameron, and I hope and pray that she writes it on her heart.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Tagged!

I got tagged by Miss Amy to post the sixth picture from my sixth photo file. And lucky me, it's one of my favorite pictures . . . Baby Benjamin at seven days old, can't believe how tiny he was.

Love bugs

Hand-me-downs!

Sweet Jennifer, thank you so much for the hand-me-down Step & Play Piano. Doesn't it remind you of the piano scene from the movie "Big"? Ain't nothing like a toy that can pacify a tired baby, and the silver lining . . . it only takes three batteries! We promise to love it fiercely, and then pass it on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Girl's Day In

Amy and Sarah came over the other morning for a Girl's Day In. Sure was fun. The hi-light was watching Sarah practice her pirouettes in her Tinkerbell costume. I made the mistake of calling her Sarah, and was gently reminded that she was Tinkerbell, not Sarah, and her mother was now Belle. What a doll! Amy took a great picture of me and Cameron, for which I'm so thankful, as I have maybe two pictures of us together! Love you, Friend!

Cameron Elizabeth

The diva is nearly six months old! And guess what folks, her night-time habits rival that of the fussiest newborn. But oh my stars, we love this child. Ben is such a fan of his baby sister, and has taken great pride in (literally) teaching her all about swings, exersaucers and most of the baby toys that we've recently hauled out of our attic. She is in no way scheduled, although I'm certain she would benefit from a little routine. Life is chaos here, and it's wonderful. It really is wonderful.

Share and share alike!

Up, Up & Away!

Love these pictures. Especially love how Ben looks worried, as if his daddy might not catch him! After each catch, Ben would (purposefully) tumble to the ground then jump up for another round, screaming for "Moren". Yes, he has added the letter "n" to the word more. Milk is also known as "Nilk" in our house. Silly boy. Be still my heart.

Tea Party

One of Paige's favorite things to do is have a tea party with Big Daddy. Ben jumped right in, and served lots of 'hot tea' to his customers. He even blew on it for us so that we wouldn't burn our tongues!

Promised pictures

Getting back in the groove

We're home! HOME!! And I'm a home-body, so I'm delighted to be back. The power was restored Friday, but Greg already had plane tickets to come spend the weekend with us in Midland, so we had a final hurrah before scooting back.

Our trip to my hometown was so wonderful. Really, really a much needed vacation to my home-away-from-home. We had such a good time. Many, many pictures to follow.

We're getting back in the groove. The fridge is slowly but surely getting re-stocked. The giant piles of laundry are shrinking. The front yard, well that's another story. But soon it will be cooler, and maybe this is the time to plant a crepe myrtle. Always wanted one.

Pictures from the storm. The sweet squirrel hunkered down (sorry, couldn't resist) for the second half of the storm in his little house right outside our breakfast room window.