Harvey's Garden on Labor Day

On Labor day, Brandon and I took the boys to Harvey's Garden in Winchester. It just a pretty piece of land with large rocks and and then smaller rocks walkway. Beautiful place to play and Malachi loved crawling on the rocks. I am sure Jonahbug will enjoy the climbing soon enough. Here is some of my favorite photos from the day.

OK here is one more for kicks....the joys of being a little boy in a small country town

OMG

Ok - no one have a heart attack but I am actually updating our blogspot. I am going to do start current and hopefully, eventually go back and update past events like my son's first birthday! Enjoy.

To start with - my first canning experience...

The other day my good friend Stephanie helped me can my first to quarts of tomatoes. From my very own garden. Have you seen prettier jars of tomatoes? I don't think so. I am so in love with these canned tomatoes we may never eat them. Don't worry Steph you will get your jars back eventually. ;)

A Wonderful Visit with Grandma Bernie and Wally

spiderman and superman

Watch out big brother - little brother is catching up.

God's Beautiful Promise

Lunchtimest

Jonah is learning to feed himself...it all started out well - he was so nice and clean and staying that way. I thought I should have given him a spoon a long time ago. Then he just dug in....

EASTER 2009

For EASTER 2009, Brandons' Dad and Ann and his sister Lyndsay and her entourage came down for food and easter fun. So much fun! So much food and so much chocolate!

Open publication - Free publishing - More Easter

My Little Computer Guru's

COUSINS

This past weekend, our cousins/nephews came to Tullahoma for the weekend (Corey 8 and Noah 3). We always have such a blast when they come to visit and Malachi loves the constant entertainment. Brandon and I feel very blessed that Lyndsay and Jason trusts us with their babies. We can't wait for some girl power - Little Vandie, Auntie Candi is waiting. :)
Enjoy the photos

Brandon reading Saturday night

Candi reading Friday Night (Brandon video taped me singing the Thomas book but I will spare your ears and not post the video)

and yes....we let the little monkeys jump on the bed. :)

Sleeping Arrangements:

Noah insists on sleeping in Malachi's bed alone which works out well because Malachi wants to sleep on the floor with Corey.

Getting Ready for Church on Sunday Morning....

Above is a video slideshow of the boys get togethers in the past so you can see how much they have grown and how close they are as cousins.

Fun Photos of my Adorable Boys

Sleeping with the Turtles

Lately, nap times with Malachi have been a bit of a struggle. Its so difficult and such a battle to get him to take a nap but if we don't make him take a nap by the time Brandon gets home from work Malachi is a nut. Seriously, he is quite difficult without a nap - so for now, I do my best to get as creative and lenient as possible in order for this 3 year old to get a nap.

That being said Malachi has become obsessed with this infant inflatable turtle bathtub/pool thing. So for one week he napped in it everyday. Brandon snapped some pictures one afternoon when he got home.

Great Grandfather and Grandmother Gilmore

My boys and I have had the pleasure of being able to visit with my father's parents lately. We try to go there once a month to visit and help with some of the cleaning. It has been such a blessing for me and my babies to get a closer relationship with them. As you can tell, my boys love them.

Visit with Papa, Grammys, and Uncle Bubby J

Baby Dedication

On Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Grace Baptist Church in Tullahoma we dedicated both boys to the Lord. As our Pastor pointed out, its more of a dedication of us as parents. During the ceremony we promise to raise our children in the most godly home that we can. We promise to raise them in church and strive to teach them about the Lord every chance we get and more importantly show them in our everyday activities. It was a special day for all of us.

Great Neighbors: November 16, 2008

We have been blessed with WONDERFUL neighbors on Linda Lane. All of our neighbors are great but Jeff, Shannon, and Tanner Cole have definately taken us under their wings. We are so thankful for them. They have been friends, teachers, babysitters, loaners of tools, last minute missing ingredient store, and so much more. My favorite thing about all three of them is how much they love my boys!

Malachi's 3rd Birthday - November 15, 2008

For Malachi's 3rd Birthday, we had a small party of family and neighborhood friends. Obviously we had a "CARS" theme. He was so excited to see all of his McQueen and Mater decorations.

Above: Nana and Papa Mac with the boys

(Candi's Mom and Stepdad)

Grams and Papa Kretz with the boys

(Brandon's Mom and Stepdad)

GG with Malachi

(Brandon's Grandmother)

Grams and Papa Visit - November 2

Grams and Papa Kretz came to visit - We had a great time. Look at our cute boys in their coordinating outfits. :) Brandon says one day they will resent me for that. Until then, if I am not going to have any girls - my boys are going to look gooood. Papa, Brandon, and I were there too - we just didn't make it into any of our photos. Maybe next time.

Halloween 2008

On Halloween, I took the boys to the Hands on Science Center in Tullahoma. They had lots of fun activities for the preschoolers. Jonah had fun hanging out in his chair - while Malachi and I explored the HOSC.

Below is a picture of Malachi's class at Grow In Grace Preschool at their Halloween Party

Weekend At Nana's

This weekend - Motorcycles...

Next Weekend - Tattoo's

Just Kidding - Malachi and Jonah went to my Mom's at the end of October. It just happened to be the same weekend that my Uncle Mike dropped in from Missouri to say hello. It took Malachi a while to warm up to the Motorcycle but then he was begging for a ride. But once my Uncle Mike gave in...he was looking for Nana asap.

Funny Story - When Uncle Mike arrived, he looked at Malachi and said "Well, who do we have here?" Malachi patted his chest and said "Me, Malachi" Uncle Mike responded by patting his chest and saying "Me, Mike". Two Peas in a Pod. :) I am thankful whenever my kids get the chance to see their Great Uncle Mike - I have always been quite fond of him. He is definately interesting and he makes my mom so happy when he comes and visits. Which is good for her health.

More pictures of their weekend at Nana's.

We Are Alive!

OK - So I know it has been forever since I have blogged - I will try to catch up over the next couple of days. In order of occurance.
All has been well, just a busy time of year. Jonah is growing like a weed and Malachi, with his big boy haircut (pix to follow), seems like he should be going to kindergarten tomorrow.
Thanks for not giving up on me yet.