My sweet Savannah posed for a picture with my Kitchenaid. In the background, Buddy is asking if he can eat the butter he just swiped from the bowl. (How many times do I have to tell them not to put their fingers in that bowl? I mean that is seriously dangerous, right?)

Here is Buddy eating the butter after I told him not to put his fingers in the bowl. Yum! Ummmm…maybe not…why do kids like to eat plain butter?

Poor little butter-eater, now he is punished and has to sit on the rug for a little while.

In the meantime, Savannah licks the bowl like Pooh Bear with a “hunny” pot.

Now after the ETERNALLY LONG thirty-minute wait for the dough to chill in the fridge, we have the dough rolled out and ready for making people! Aw! The little butter-eater is so cute! He and Pooh (I mean Savannah) did such a good job cutting out the cookies!

Hmmm…I wonder where the missing appendages of these cookies went?

These guys safely made it to the cookie sheet! Isn’t it cool how the chandelier reflects in the pan? Adds a touch of elegance (or maybe I’ve just inhaled too much flour).

All baked and ready to decorate! I did put the icing in a decorator bag for the kids to use, but it quickly became obvious that it would not work. So, I just gave them a bowl of icing and let them have at it. It was much more fun that way! (Oh, and I made my own powdered sugar to make the icing! Just whirl granulated sugar in the blender. Isn’t that great?!)

“Mom, can I eat this?” That’s one of Buddy’s favorite questions. I’m so glad he asks!

Ta da!!!! I love that “I’m so proud!” look on Sweet Pea’s face.

Now it’s time to eat them up before they run away!

CUTENESS!

Zoe Ruthann (12 weeks) and her cousin Lillyann Elizabeth (9 weeks)

We’re all safe, by the way! Blessings on your day!

I had a blast making Buddy’s cake. To give credit, I was inspired at familyfun.com. I used all icing instead of candy and cookies to decorate. I also found a yummy buttercream recipe that uses all butter, no shortening (yay!). Note for future reference: give your reputation to God before eating black icing. :)

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1-3

And now to Caleb’s first third birthday party… Yes, one with the kids here, one with Nana and PawPaw, and one with Grandma and Grandpa. Yep, that kid really rates! The latter two will be closer to his birthday (Nov. 6). We had this one closer to the other little boys b-days.

When Caleb was born, three other little boys were born within a month of him, so we had a party in the park for the boys. It was such a nice day! Here are some pictures with commentary by me, of course.

Cowgirl Savannah riding a pony!

Lil' cowboy enjoys his brownie!

Savannah and Buddy with their dear Auntie Mel!

Us at the lakefront! Zoe is sleeping in the stroller behind us. She's not too interested in canoe races.

Ok, so now, are you ready for a super burst of cuteness??? Here’s our little Zoe with big smiles and curls!

You have to admit: that is majorly cute stuff! I was going to take a nap, but I just got a burst of energy from it!

Caleb walking into the kitchen points at the roast beef on the counter and proclaims, “I DON’T WIKE CHICKEN!!!”

Mommy (that’s me) says, “Caleb, go stand in the corner.”

Later…Mommy says to Caleb (who is standing in the corner), “Caleb, what did you do wrong?”

Caleb says calmly, “I said, ‘I DON’T WIKE CHICKEN!!!!’”

Of course, Caleb had to eat his roast beef at supper, even though he doesn’t like “chicken”.

And while Caleb and Daddy took off for the woods in the evening, Savannah and Zoe enjoyed their first “chick flick” together.

Aren’t Saturday’s lovely?

She’s six weeks old now. (Yes, true confessions from a very occasional blogger. :) Zoe is such a peaceful, sweet baby. We are thoroughly enjoying her! Caleb and Savannah have taken to her so well. Savannah is a kind little helper with her. She loves to kiss and hug her and pick out her clothes! Zoe’s funny newborn expressions make Caleb roll with laughter.

I’m enjoying my children so much, and thank Jesus for blessing me with them!

I can’t even begin to tell you the wonder and joy of feeling her move around. It blesses my soul to know that she is well, and I treasure every day with her. I just love to arrange myself in just the right positions to feel her move. Those positions are laying on the couch and sitting at the computer. Too bad I can’t do those all day!

Savannah and Caleb are so excited about baby. Savannah keeps hugging my belly and saying, “I love you, Baby!” She will be four in July. How much more fun can it be than to have a four year old with a new baby sister!

Caleb loves baby too. He takes good care of the baby dolls in preparation. That is, when he’s not playing with his cars, which he plays with just about all the time. I never had brothers growing up, so I had no comprehension of the bond little boys have with their Hot Wheels. Do they outgrow that? For some reason, I don’t think so.

So, are you interested in what’s going on in my brain right now? Maybe while you read you can say a little prayer for me. I’m SUPER analytical, and even the simplest things run through my head over and over. Please, don’t laugh if they seem like they shouldn’t be a big deal. I have a talent for making mountains. So, here’s the list:

• Spring cleaning – Oh my, infinitely long list of cleaning to do…
• Potty training – Yes, Caleb, and I hoped it would be done before baby girl arrived. My God is a God of the impossible!
• Beds for my kiddos – Buddy needs a bed and needs to be trained to stay in it before baby comes. So, I’m shopping. There are so many options – toddler beds, bunks, loft, twin singles… We need to fit baby and two little kids in one room. Any thoughts?
• Homeschooling – Savannah will be four this summer, and she is already itching to learn all the time! Praying for wisdom in choosing resources, taking it in God’s pace, and not being completely terrified by my inadequacy.
• Blogging – I’d love to do more, and I know some of you are begging for more!
• Child training – Oh pray for me! Consistency, patience, love, patience, creativity, patience, gentleness, patience… Did I mention patience?

So there you have it! Ah, I feel better just writing it out. Hope my ramblings show you that I love you my friends. Have a very blessed day in the Lord!