simply grateful

Our little guy turned 2 this month and I am sooooo behind doing anything about it here. There are no excuses...but I couldn't let another day pass! Elijah is such a cool little guy. He has this warm, laid back personality. He is learning new words like crazy. He loves his sisters and beams when they are around...especially if he gets to do something to help them. He loves his family. He loves Elmo and Thomas. He loves to sing and prefers to sing alone. He will tell you so! He also loves to read books, dance, and run to chase Makayla. We praise God for this little joy! We had so much fun going to camp to see Daddy for a few hours! The kids loved it and we hope to join him next year. I just love this photo that Stevie took of us! On another note, our little Karissa is now 6 months old! Can you believe it? Thank you so much for checking in! I will try to do a better job updating! We are going to the beach for July 4th, so I'm sure we will have some fun photos next wee...

Our family was so excited to get free tickets to Carowinds, the local amusement park! We couldn't wait to go. Makayla is all about adventure and squealed with delight throughout the day. Elijah was a little more reserved, but seemed to have fun too. Actually, after a very "spinny" ride, he was not interested in going on any more rides. Makayla couldn't get enough! (Notice the background on this one.) Poor Elijah...later we found out he had an ear infection. But here he is, looking oh-too-sweet with his daddy. Is he David's "mini-me" or what? I love my guys!! And here is sweet little Karissa. She is so good to just go along with the flow of things...most of the time. She mainly hung out...no rides for her yet...other than the stroller. We had such a fun time! We just love our time together as a family. I am sooo blessed beyond measure!

I have never felt more like a mom before. David and I have been going on nightly walks/jogs with the kids. It has been such sweet family time and has made me really want to get back into running again. Sunday, I had been home all day with the kids because Elijah had a stomach bug and we didn't want to infect the nursery. Karissa and Makayla stayed home too because we figured that they might be carriers. All David had to say was "why don't you go for a run...alone". " Really?!? Are you sure? ok - bye!" And after a quick change, I was off. I didn't do my usual..."Well, I could take the baby...or I don't really need to..." nope. I was gone. I didn't realize how desperate I was for a break. David must have been surprised by my reaction too. He laughingly said it was like Forest Gump..."Run, Forest, RUN"...he said that I was going to run and run and never come back. He sounded a bit nervous. I assured him that I would be b...