the Zoo.

We went to the zoo last week. The boys loved seeing all of the animals- especially their favorite ones, elephants & giraffes. Andrew decided that instead of taking his afternoon nap on the way to the zoo that he would just cry the entire way. He was just a gem the entire time at the zoo and he didn't fall asleep until 5 that afternoon- a record for him for sure.

There is a pregnant gorilla at the zoo. It was just precious to see her stomach carrying the baby. She walked over to the glass directly in front of us and laid on the ground. The momma gorilla just stared up at us while she was resting. I love how creative God is- simply amazing.

Diego.

There is a Dora & Diego show playing at the zoo right now. We didn't go to the show, but what a great surprise to see a huge picture of Diego. Hunter talks about Diego and to Diego many times during the day. I just love this picture of H looking up at Diego.

Strawberry Farm

The strawberry farm was on a farm that had cows, chickens & goats. The boys loved seeing the animals- especially the goats and the precious goat kids. The picture of Andrew doesn't even begin to show just how dirty he was from eating his ice cream & strawberries.

Strawberry Picking

We went to pick strawberries last Friday. Nathan joined us this year, which was great since Hunter wasn't too interested in the strawberries. Andrew on the other hand, was in heaven. He loves fruit and really loves strawberries. As soon as he figured out how to grab the strawberries, he was just giddy that he could eat so many. Thankfully, I remebered to put the boys in red. Too bad Nathan didn't follow my advice to also wear red-Andrew covered his shirt and shorts in red juice. I also remembered to pick the berries early this year, so we hit it at peak ripeness and they are so delish.

Granny's

The red chair the boys are sitting in was my dads when he was little.

My grandfather made this for my mom when she was little.

Hunter's favorite thing to play with when he is with Granny is her cane.

The boys and I went to visit Granny this week. It was fun to see things that my parents had when they were little. Granny didn't have any toys, but it was fun to watch the boys explore and use their imagination.

Spring days

Mr. Independent who tells me "I do it" and "I get it".

Just enjoying a beautiful day outside with 2 of my favorite boys!

Side note: Blogger is driving me crazy with the wrong spacing. Oh, to not be a perfectionist. If you are familiar w/ blogger and can help- please leave me a comment or email me. Thanks.

Our moms

So blessed to have these two amazing mothers (and grandmothers) in our lives. We love you!

Mothers.

Amazingly grateful that I have the privilege to be the mom to these precious boys. What a gift!

10+ Real Helps for Really Busy Moms

Ann Voskamp

1. Life is not an emergency. Life's a gift. Just slow.

2. Now is not a forever grace but amazing grace.

3. Sometimes the slowest way is the fastest way to joy.

4. Laughter is the cheapest, holiest medicine.

5. Motherhood is a hallowed place because children aren't commonplace.

6. Homemaking is about making a home, not making perfection.

7. Believe it: I have all I need for today.

8. Slow. Children at play. Hurry hurts kids.

9. Love is patient.

10. The art of really celebrating life isn't about getting it right - but receiving Grace.
This can be seen in it's entirety at A Holy Experience.

And an amazing article : For the Mother who fears Failure

"There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

Jill Churchill

One Thousand Gifts

I can't say enough about this book. One Thousand Gifts has been life changing for me. The author, Ann Voskamp, has a beautiful way with words, mixing poetry and prose. She wrote the book after a friend challenged her to write down 1000 gifts in her life. She reveals many things off her list, but it is far more than that. She encourages you to "live fully right where you are".
I have begun my own list of things I am thankful for and already it has made me look differently at hard situations and everyday life. God is shaping my attitude to be one that is much more gracious.
I highly encourage you to read this book, if you haven't already, and to start your own list of things you are grateful for.

She also writes daily at www.aholyexperience.com

Got Milk?

We do! I thought it was a bit riduclous just how many milk cartons we have in our fridge- so I decided to take a picture. Nathan drinks Lactaid and Andrew still has to have soy (hopefully not much longer!). Hunter and I have regular milk- and sometimes I drink his 2%, but much prefer skim.