E Turns Eight!

E turned Eight on the 22nd and how fun it was to hide his new bike in the back of Joe's truck and have Joe bring it in after Ethan unwrapped the "lame helmet" we gave him. You could just see the thought behind his expression, "is that it? This lame helmet??" When Joe walked over with the bike I think it took a second to register.... "I got a new bike!" We had a great time with Uncle Mike, Auntie, Caleb and Emily and Ethan's good friend Grant from school. Thanks for making his birthday so special guys!

Happy 8th Birthday E!
There are a few more pics on flickr including our first family dinner....at the table....not cereal!

By his side at every big event... Ema-lish-ous and Jackers!

And of course it does not take long for him to get a chick on the front of his new bike?!!!

Make a wish! But after receiving a new bike and Joe his new best fishing buddy I don't know what else a boy could wish for!

Ahhhh sweet silence!

EE got to celebrate turning eight at school by bringing an item to share with the class... his item of choice, Peppercorn Sauce, Jacks' bunny. She was a big hit!

EE's 2nd Grade Class, how cute they are!

This Time... To Good IS True!

Those of you who are Rascal Flatts fans will recognize those lyrics! And that is exactly how I feel! Here at Last!!!! Well I have to share that God has truly out done himself in this situation... I am sometimes at a loss for words when I think of all He has done bringing Joe here to Bellingham. Everything concerning the transition has gone so much better than expected. We found a house right out here in Sudden Valley that he can rent a room in. The kids are surprisingly receptive to him and loving his company-!! He has the touch with the boys laying out "new family rules", providing them with a sense of security that was missing without the presence of a man. I have done the best as I could being a single mom for the last three years but I can see now that so many things happened for us flying by the seats of our pants! How fun it is to have a partner, a companion, a helpmate! We have been able to enjoy many fun things as we enter this new phase of adding Joe to our family, kayaking, walks at Boulevard Park, soccer, bb gun shooting practice, wrestling, and the list I am sure will continually grow! I thank God for this relationship; I could not have planned for a man more perfect for us myself! Please pray for our family as we continue to embrace change, change that is ohh so great, but regardless change! I can honestly say I have never felt more loved or more secure in so, so, long! Here are some family pics from our first week together!

All About Jack...

DSC_0315.JPG, originally uploaded by Bare Feet.

Considering the significance of this day I decided Jack is worthy of his very own back to school post! After kindergarten round-up, kindergarten orientation, kindergarten assessment and kindergarten meet and greet Jack was shocked that today was actually the day! Can you blame him??? That was a lot to endure to get to the real deal! I teared up as I watched him leave my side and join the other kids in the line. With all the parents watching as theirs did the same it was pretty emotional. To see him join the kids, eager to get started was soo cute! Then being a mother of three, the emotions quickly went to "good bye by sweet boy to Sweeet I'm Free!!!!!" I'm proud of you my little Kindergarten Boy! Here are a few more pictures because it was soo cute!

We are very excited about Mrs. Young!

Back to the Books

We (with dad's help) gathered our supplies... Click

We ate our breakfast...

and we went to school!!!

And in seeing these guys off I let out a huge sigh of relief, I am one happy mommy!

Ready for SECOND grade, "where are my friends and when is recess?!"

My little kindergarten boy!

And a sassy little FORTH grader!

Little school girl, today I was as happy as Christmas morning!!!!

And we are off to what is going to be an amazing year!

Summer Camp Saved Me...

Thank Jesus for summer camp! I was really nearing my wits end with Ethan, the tail end of summer proving to be too much. Then a friend reminded me of the wonderful camp right down the street. What was I thinking, I should of had him here three weeks ago!!! I can't say enough about Fircreek. Waterfront property and talking constantly about the fruits of the spirit? What more could I ask for?! During the time spent at camp this week Ethan was able to inner tube behind a boat, kayak, jump off the Aqua Jump and climb the rock wall, all very adventurous! Most importantly he learned a little bit more about Gods character! Ethan loved every minute of it and I loved the peace and quiet at home!! It was an excellent break for both of us... Thank you Fircreek!

It was the end of the day and I loved all the sun kissed, exhausted faces...

This picture reminds me of good ol' fashion summer camp, I hope he made good memories!

Samuel & Company...10 Days Old

What a great job I have got going... This was such a fun shoot. These three are adorable! To see more go to Amy Fields Photography. Thank you to all my friends who are referring people to me for pictures!!! I appreciate it so much!

Yip and Yap...

We biked a mile into the North Lake Whatcom trail to jump off the rope swing yesterday. Because of the many waves from all of the boats, the water at the bottom of the drop made the rope jump seem a little intimidating! We found this little spot to swim instead. The boys of summer are sure cute and it is a good thing because lately their behavior is not!

Camera Fixed!

I am so happy, I was anticipating a long send-away repair. The genius guy at Quicksilver fixed it while I watched, what a relief! I just love little bed head boy in the mornings... So back in business!

Mt. Baker day hike...

During Joe's last visit we decided to spend the day up at Mt. Baker, what a beautiful day! I am still trying to wrap my brain around this relationship. We get along so beautifully! God knew exactly what we needed. I feel so blessed to be able to spend this quality time together and although the kids and I were starting to feel like a complete, whole family with just the four of us, it feels so incomplete when Joseph has to return to NV. Please pray for all the details, if everything goes smoothly he plans on joining us in Bellingham in two to four weeks, I can't wait!!! During his visit he was able to take Ethan and Jack fishing, we took the kids to the fair and had to return home during the drive to a ferry ride for naughty behavior... Not mine, Ethan's... Sadly this will be it for pictures for a while, I dropped my camera at the fair. Big Huge Bummer. When my camera is busted, it takes a bit of my joy away. Here is to a speedy repair!