Halls over here like…

Life can get busy and inundated with even good things. Currently we have a lot of good things going on! We’ve had fall trips and visits from family , tackled a backyard remodel (that was nothing short of exhausting but oh so dreamy), Justin’s playing every sport there is (per usual) and also rounding out his final classes of his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Go babe!!), the kids are in all different directions… growing, thinking, learning, exploring, and we’ve had lots of fun fall to-do lists. We’ve spent time at pumpkin patches, pumpkin play dates, Busch Gardens for some fall fun the littles always look forward to, and of course round out that with viewings of The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and some spooky halloween pajamas and theres our list of fall favs in a nutshell. Sundays are full of worship at church, followed by long naps and football… and it’s the season that chili is in the crockpot as we speak. The leaves are finally beginning to turn and fall… which the kids love… and the weather is superb for nights around the fire pit with a warm blanket.

It’s the time of year that I feel goes faster than usual, and let’s face it… time seems to be flying by. The days get shorter, the sun goes to bed earlier, my kids wake up taller every day, and I feel myself stretching every minute out of the day to accomplish tasks. Which is why I have to often stop and remind myself that my to-do list can wait, and to make time just to enjoy our babies growing, our friends, and each other. So we’re spending time focusing on making important memories, and forgetting all the rest!

Addy is conquering being 4 and fabulous at the same time. She’s loving pre-school at The Little Gym Wonderkids program again this year, she dances pre-ballet at a local studio and adores it, she’s really into singing and music and hopes to be in the children’s choir this year and her favorite things are unicorns, princesses, and anything sparkly (that much has stayed the same!) This girl has a heart of gold, she loves to show Josiah the ropes, and is such a caring and compassionate 4-year-old. She’s beautiful, and brave, and sometimes a bit high-maintenance… just like most girls are. I love her all the more for her opinions, and preferences, and her hilarious sense of humor. <3

Josiah is working hard to be independent and keep up with his big sister. They are undeniably the best of friends, and I love their amazing bond and closeness. Josiah has mastered potty-training, virtually on his own. (MUCH different than big sister’s style 2 years ago!) He’s most adorable in his super hero undies, and totally rocked potty-training like a boss. He’s always busy climbing, jumping, building, or racing his trucks and cars. He loves to work with his tools with Dad, and do any number of projects. He also totally loves to “grill” with Dad. He takes such pride when he helps accomplish tasks. The best news about my 2-year-old going on 20 is that he had an amazing follow up at the Oncology/Hematology office! His blood work, though still abnormal, appears to be “stable” according to the doctors. He has not had significant drops in the levels they’re monitoring for 3 months (combined with the favorable results of his exploratory procedures in August) so he was given six months to be a normal little boy without procedures, poking and prodding, doctors appointments, bloodwork, and all of the other stuff we’ve been through the past year and a half. It’s a welcome sigh of relief for us! We are claiming healing of our little boy, and continue to pray him through this. One things for sure, this guy is tough. No doubt about it. 🙂