What I've Learned This Summer

It is the last day of July, which around here means summer is coming to a close. Not weather-wise, of course. It'll be hot 'round here for another month or two.

But school is starting in 2 weeks, so we are soaking up our last days of summer!

Thought I'd join in with Emily (where we talk about the bigger things, but mostly the little things and the even more trivial things on these occasions) and highlight . . .

What I've Learned This Summer

 1. I've heard it before, but I've never tried it. Why? Not a clue. But we will never have another beach trip without bringing baby powder with us! That stuff takes off the sand faster than you can say "Yippee!" I know, because I did that with a squeal and some jumping up and down!!

2. And speaking of the beach, I posted this pic on Instagram about a little perspective I gained. . .

Way and I were bowled over by a wave. Just sitting on the beach. He tasted his first gulp of salt water and was quite stunned! But just as quickly as that wave left, he was smiling and saying and signing, "Go! Go!" because he was wanting more! He loves the ocean! Lord, when things interrupt our days and stun us, may we all learn to "roll with things" and bounce back easier like Way, thanks to You!!! 

 3. Something surprising I learned? I never thought a TV show could be truly inspirational and bonding. Don't get me wrong, I've seen and watch some great shows. Shows that are uplifting or teach me something about humanity in a couple of messages. But I wasn't prepared for family of 6 to gather around the TV in awe of so many amazing people. Do you watch American Ninja Warrior? I know it's been around for a few years, but our boys are just the age to be aware of it and we heard about it from friends at the finale of last year's season. We've been waiting with baited breath til the start of the new season this summer, and it hasn't disappointed! 

Our boys are outside every single day creating and attempting ANW courses to complete. They are obsessed with getting in shape and even more inspired to get a "6-pack!" And while we are thrilled with their interest in health, I'm even more touched by their hearts. They've been moved to pray for one of the families on the show! If you haven't seen American Ninja Warrior. Check it out. Family friendly and on prime-time. That's rare!

4.  We are blessed to have boys who like to read. Some more than others, but there's not a day that's gone by this summer, where they haven't been plopped down somewhere immersed in a book! This has been our first summer to record books they've read. They are excited to add a new book to the list as soon as they've reached The End! I had no idea a list to tally the books we've tackled could bring such a sense of accomplishment!

 I know there's more that I've learned, but I'll stick with these 4 for now!

FYI Friday: Let's celebrate! The future is bright!

It's tough getting back into the swing of things, say not posting for a month, and knowing where to start. But, I'd say a perfect way to pop back into the ol' blog is an FYI Friday! 

Here's what you need to know . . .

1. Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated on 3/21! Why 3/21? Because individuals with Down syndrome all have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Interesting little tid-bit, yes? And celebrate? Yes!! We celebrate because we love people with DS! We celebrate to inform and to spread awareness! There are so many incredible things going on to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. All kinds of Random Acts of Kindness activities, parties, National meet-ups at various locations and some really cool campaigns. I'd highlight them all if I could, but I'm especially excited about . . .

2. Ruby's Rainbow. Ruby's Rainbow is an organization that grants scholarships to adults with Down syndrome for college, enrichment or vocational classes. They believe that learning doesn't have to stop after high school and they want to help individuals with Down syndrome reach their highest potential!

Who doesn't want that?? And have you heard about their 3/21 pledge? Ruby's Rainbow is setting a goal of raising enough money by March 21st to grant educational scholarships to 21 Rockin' Recipients! How amazing is this? So promising for the future for individuals with Down syndrome!

3. I have taken the pledge and donated $21. Will you read more about Ruby's Rainbow? Will you take the 3/21 pledge?

Sure, our little Waybe is still in a crib. We aren't sending him off to college just yet. But we are all about supporting organizations who believe his future is bright!! Hope you will too!! Take the #321pledge here!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!!

FYI Friday: What I Learned in January

We are a whole month into 2015! It's time to share what I've learned so far this year. Or, at least share what I remember that I've learned! Ahem. . .

What I Learned in January

1. I'm sold on bullet journaling! Have you heard of this? It's a way to make lists, take notes, organize and plan all in one spot! This is right up my alley! Just seems to flow with how my brain processes! I am SO excited! Just got my journals yesterday! Yep, it's those little, exciting things in life. . .

2. And speaking of exciting, I've been feeling a stirring to create around here. I've discovered and bought into the idea that we are all artists. Painting. Photography. Writing. Drawing. Crafting. Singing. Loving. It's all art. So, for my first creation of the year, I decided to figure out how to make a book wreath! A little whimsy, a little art, a little love. I'm thrilled! Thanks to Myquillyn and her book the Nesting Place for the inspiration!

3. And because I've been inspired to create, this past weekend I took my boys out on a little photography adventure. I love photography and getting behind the camera. Last year, I did a whole lotta photo snapping behind my phone instead of my big, real camera. So, in the theme of creating art, I decided it was time to grab my big ol' trusty camera again. But . . .with helpers. I gave my boys a mission and let them be the artists with my phone. We stopped at different places around our city and each one had a turn to snap. They were lying on their backs, perfecting the camera tilt, and framing their shots well! Even if a finger snuck into a frame! What did I learn from that? I need to let my littles have more control at times. More freedom. More room to create and imagine. They aren't little robots. They don't always have to have boundaries and rules. They need space too. Boundaries and rules are good and certainly needed. But, looking for an opportunity to give them space to imagine is something we will continue to do!

4. I don't have the perfect segue from creating space to our doggy, but I have learned something about our Glory this month. She's the perfect addition to our family! Oh sure, we rescued Glory back in November. We were smitten! But for me, she kinda quickly added one more being to our mix of 6. She was like adding a 5th child. And she was work. But then we sent her off to puppy school for 2 weeks. I was afraid I'd get used to not having a doggy again. And I did. I eased back into the 4 children is easier than 4 children and a doggy. And truthfully, it is. Oh, but then. Glory returned home from puppy school this week. I'm not sure what she learned. I've already cleaned up an accident in our house. She still doesn't sit on command. Or come to us when called. But I know what I've learned. Glory sure is loved! The boys were elated to have her back. Miles was telling strangers in the grocery store that we were getting our doggy back! I had a rough couple of days getting used to keeping up with her again. But the snuggles and her carefree bopping around the house and the seeing the love our boys have for her (Hubby included) warms my heart so much! She's another being in our house, but she brings joy! I love her and I'm happy to have her back home!

5. And finally, speaking of doggies. . .Super Bowl weekend is here! You know there's a big football game on Sunday night and I'm pumped!! I'm guessing you are pretty aware that with the Super Bowl comes the often discussed, super hyped commercials! I'll admit, I'm one for surprises. I certainly don't want to watch the commercials ahead of time. But it seems, there are many who do! My Hubby, my dad and my sister have all asked if I've seen this commercial. Nope! However, I'm excited to see it! Looks like Budweiser and their little doggy and Clydesdales are back with what is being touted as the best commercial this year! Certain to make me tear up! Watch below if you are ready, but I'll be waiting until Super Bowl Sunday!

Have a Super weekend!

Linking up with Emily to share what we've learned!

FYI Friday--the light will shine on | Day 31

By now, we've carved and scooped out our pumpkin! We've talked about how the seeds and goop are like our sin. We put a candle in our jack o' lantern and talked all about God's light shining in us! I will forever love this pumpkin metaphor! We have our costumes ready (and even right now, one of ours has a new costume he doesn't even know about yet--sure to thrill him--because as he walked out the door he just wasn't sure what he was going to dress as and didn't make a fuss) and our 4 year old couldn't be more excited to be Batman and tell everyone Trick or Treat! He's been talking about this day for a good month!

Yes, October 31st is here! You know what else that means? It means, it's time to put some flannel sheets on our beds! Earlier this week, we were playing outside in 80+ degree weather, record warm temps, but tonight we have a freeze warning out as it's supposed to be in the lower 30's! I love it!!!!! Bring on the flannel sheets and the fire in the fireplace, a couple of blankets and some warm tea. I am in heaven!

Oh, October, you bring such inner warmth and happiness! But before, we move on to November, one other thing marks the end of October. Today is the end of my #write31days series! Is that the end of blogging? Of course not! This light will shine on! I've been doing this for years now! That was actually part of the reason I decided to jump aboard the Write 31 Days series--I've been blogging for years. I was just feeling a smidge stuck and I was in a writing rut. I thought writing for 31 days would be a way to awaken my writing.

I'll tell ya, it was challenging for sure. I think by Day 3, I was ready to quit. How could I write for 31 days about light? But Hubby spurred me on. He usually does. Anyway, I was really inspired by writing for the series and I'm so glad I did it! I did miss 5 days, I think. Some of that was due to travel and some was just due to life. I knew it wasn't the end of the world if I missed a day, but I tried hard not to skip. I also followed some other bloggers who did the same and enjoyed several series. If you write and have ever even thought about joining the #write31days series, I think you should try it next year! If you missed any days in my series on light, just click here to find the links to each day! Check out Day 3, FYI Friday spotlight on Down syndrome, Day 10, Lighten (and Brighten) it up, Day 14, A light shining halfway around the world and Day 16, We are lightweights, they were some of my favorites!

Thanks for reading through 31 Days of Light! 

I'm still writing, so stick around for a while and join me!

Fall books for your littles (and a giveaway)! | Day 18

They say it's not how you act when you win that matters, but how you act when you lose that counts. Or something like that, right?

Ugh. I'm coming off fresh from a Baylor Bears loss. #4 goes down to an unranked team. Bummer. And, what I really want to do is kick and cry and pout, but my sweet and wise and amazing Hubby, who also bleeds Green and Gold, encouraged my boys (and also me, it turns out) to handle ourselves in a much more positive way. Plus, he said we'll get em next game! So, tough loss, guys, but we still love you, BU!!!!

So while this was us last week, when we were in Waco, at McClane Stadium for our amazing win over TCU, we are not looking like this now!

And just because I want to throw in another pic from that game, I'll also acknowledge that I missed my FYI Friday post I had planned for yesterday. You could say I was asleep on the writing. . .

You just melt me, Buddy!

But anyway, moving on. . .

I intended for yesterday's FYI Friday to be about fall books for the littles. A little light reading! Wink!

I was inspired by our recent trip to Target where Luke was eager to use his recent birthday gift card. While he was busy finding his perfect item, I was glancing at the end of the aisle book display. There were lots of Halloween type books for children. Several board books, lots of character books (think Dora and Clifford do Halloween) and a couple of counting pumpkin books.

We don't own any of them, but as I glanced through them, they don't hold a candle to our 3 favorite Fall books we do own! You ready?

Our Fall Faves--3 books for your child's library

1. The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz -- We absolutely love this book! Our oldest was given this book as a birthday present when he was 3 and we've laughed and eagerly awaited the first seasonal reading of it each year since. Maybe because Chad reads it with the best voices and enthusiasm around, but I also think it's because it's kinda endearing! You can make a lesson out it, I do, or you can just enjoy it for it's rhythm and rhyming and happy ending! Just a fun little book to have! *I do need to add that though the pictures are whimsical, and in my opinion not scary, there is a skeleton in the book. Just FYI.

2. P is for Pumpkin, God's Harvest Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin-- This book has cute childlike and colorful Fall illustrations as well as a rhyming text. I'll admit that our 9 year old might be past this book, but it's definitely one our 6 and 4 year old can read and enjoy! A gentle remind of the Lord in this beautiful season!

3. The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs-- My personal favorite for the season! I just love how the Farmer in the story grows his pumpkin, cleans it out and puts a light in it, and it is compared to how God grows us up, washes our sin away and gives us His light! So simple for young children and yet such a miracle for all of us!! This is the sweetest Fall book around!

And okay, here's why this could be even more exciting to you. . .I'm going to give a copy away to one of you! And even more exciting than that? I'm not some huge blogger, where you might have a 1 in 888 chance to win! If you leave me a comment on which book you'd choose to win, and maybe some other sweet comment (think, Poor Baylor! or You have the cutest family! :) ) you will probably win! Don't get me wrong, I'll do this the fair and square way. . .like put names in a hat and have Hubby draw or something like that. . .

Because it's Saturday afternoon, I'll keep this going to Tuesday at noon. Afterall, I can't wait too late into the season to send your book to you! Happy reading!

Lighten (and Brighten) It Up | Day 10

You must have had a tough week to deserve a special treat like this.

"Like what?" you are all asking. Um, hello, like me!

This is not your normal red-headed chocolate-loving snow-obsessed blogger. I'm visiting all the way from my own little corner of the interwebs, cookingonthebrightside.com.

Yes - this is Lindley's sister Mary. Affectionately known (and vice versa) as Biffer.

Last week, my Biffer asked if I'd be willing to chime in for a guest blog while she and her precious fam were off to cheer on their Baylor Bears (Sic 'Em!) and, of course, I accepted.

If you're just now tuning in, my Biffer is in the midst of a 31 day writing challenge on...LIGHT! Seeing it, being it, eating it (this is where I come in) and living it!

Over on my blog, I love to share recipes that I've used to help me...well, lighten up. Like a lot of people out there, I've struggled with body image and weight. A few years ago, I really made a commitment to get back down to a healthy weight. The hardest part was sticking with it because I love food so much and I get bored dieting. Ugh - the dreaded "D" word. Who can be satisfied with a plain piece of chicken and some lettuce 5 days a week? Not this self-proclaimed foodie! So, I took some of my favorite recipes, sought out some new ones, got a little creative, and proceeded to lighten them up. It worked, so now I love sharing some of the recipes that continue to help me work towards my goal. 

Now, as you may be well aware, my Biffer loves her some quinoa. I have also tried a few recipes with it (like some delicious Buffalo Quinoa Cakes I shared on my blog) and am also a huge fan. It's packed with protein, which makes it super filling. So today I'm going to share a new favorite recipe of mine that just fits in perfectly here on Our Morning Glories - Mexican Quinoa Casserole. Consider yourself warned, you might be seeing something you've never seen on this blog before...cheese! But don't worry, if you're a crazy person like my Biffer and you don't like cheese, you can leave it off. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize the toppings, so if you have a big family with one kiddo who doesn't like cheese and a hubby who doesn't like olives, no problemo since all of that gets added post-baking. See below - my version, so the hubby could enjoy his olive-free:

Mexican Quinoa Casserole (4 large servings)

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 cup, frozen yellow corn

1 small bell pepper, chopped

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup chopped green onion

1 cup shredded fat-free Cheddar cheese

Cilantro, black olives, salsa, sour cream, etc. for toppings.

Heat oven to 350. Begin by rinsing your quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Add to boiling water (use directions on quinoa package for amount), boil for 3-4 minutes, reduce heat and simmer until water absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

In a large skillet, heat oil and add garlic. Cook 1-2 minute and stir in frozen corn, chopped bell pepper, chopped tomato, cumin and chili powder. Saute 5-7 minutes until softened.

In a large bowl, add cooked quinoa, cooked veggies, black beans, green onion and lime juice. Stir well and add to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and bake 15-20 minute until cheese has melted...you know, if you use it.

This is a great dish because, as I mentioned, it's versatile with flavors. It's also versatile with portions. I noted it's 4 large servings because I divided it into 4 servings when I made it, and the husband and I each at 1/4 for dinner. The other half was divided up into four super light lunch servings, which made me the envy of co-workers heating up their frozen meals. 

Well, that's all I have for you today. Hopefully you'll give this light recipe a try and enjoy it. Feel free to pop by my blog any time for some more delicious recipes.

I hope y'all have a great weekend!

XOXO,

Mary

FYI Friday: spotlight on Down syndrome | Day 3

Imagine
Imagine yourself standing on a stage in a pitch black auditorium. You put your arms out in front of you and you can't see your hands waving in front of your face. You spin in a circle and you aren't able to touch anything. So you still yourself and breathe. And pray. Then, bam! A spotlight shines down on you. And then slowly, your eyes begin to adjust . . .

Reality
Two years ago, my husband and I were in the doctor's office for the big 20 week ultrasound of our 4th baby! It was exciting, as they usually are. We were able to see our baby's heartbeat and see our baby squirming around. But, the technician kept looking over and around the baby's heart. I could tell she thought something wasn't quite right. She brought my OB in. Sure enough, something wasn't quite right. They found fluid around our baby's heart. More tests were needed to rule out a few things and to let us know whether our baby would need surgery right away. We were sent to a high risk doctor who wanted to do more testing. We had to wait several days for the results.

The moment I received the phone call from my doctor, the lights went out. Not literally. But I knew when I heard his voice, instead of a nurse's voice, he was going to deliver big news. He told me that our baby had Down syndrome.

Fear was my darkness. My heart was racing and I couldn't see a thing. I was alone in the darkness for the two minute phone call and I was scared. I didn't know anything about Down syndrome. Would our baby be okay? Would we be okay? What would this look like for our family?

Thankfully, our story did not end there. It didn't end with fear. We were not kept in the dark.

Instead, the darkness and fear of a diagnosis of Down syndrome was forced out by the light of the Lord and the blessing of our newest little boy, Way! He was here! He was real and squishy and needy and sleepy. He was just like every other baby, but he was ours!

What should you know
Dpwn Syndrome Awareness Month is a wonderful time to shine a light on Down syndrome. But here's the thing. I might be able to tell you some technical details about Down syndrome that you don't know. But is that what I really want you to know?

No. I'm not concerned whether or not you know that Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a third copy of chromosome 21.

It's not what you should know, but it's who you should know! All life is precious! Our little boy with Down syndrome is a gift from God. All of our boys are, in fact. But often, a Down syndrome diagnosis brings about fear in people. It's the fear of the unknown. I know. I felt it. It was dark for a little bit. But the unknown doesn't last forever! The light of these blessings, these people, shines through.

In a world today, where prenatal testing often ends lives because of fear, I want you to know someone with Down syndrome. I want you to see that life is good and life is precious! People aren't suffering from Down syndrome. Today, people with Down syndrome are thriving!

I can't possibly tell you all the amazing things Way has added to our life. He's so much more than a diagnosis. He's our little boy---full of joy, and smiles. Determined to be noticed and determined to have anyone in the room with him sing the Itsy-Bitsy Spider with hand motions! Way is not Down syndrome. He is not fear. In fact, there's nothing more peaceful to me than cuddling him in my arms at night, after singing Jesus Loves Me in the dark. Way is a bright shining light!

This month, it's good to be aware, but it's even better to know! The Lord designed our little Way and the Lord makes no mistakes!

 Psalm 139:13-14 says,

"For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

FYI Friday: Sharing the Favorites. . .

Happy Friday!!!

I say that with the most sincere heart! My hubby arrives home today from being gone 10 days for business travel, AND some of our dearest friends are traveling into town for the weekend, so we couldn't be happier! We've had the start of school and minor adjustments to our routines and attitudes and I'm waving the white flag already!

But, while we've had rough patches in each day, we've also had sweet spots too! And if you've been around here long enough, you know I like to keep it real. I'm not afraid to share the rough and tough. But today, I'm ready to share the good! Don't we all need a little good right now?

Hoping this FYI Friday encourages you, inspires you, or brings a smile to your face! Or even better, all of the above!

1. These. No, I'm not talking about my white legs (hey, I'm a red-head), I'm talking about my new running shoes. Yep, running. Haven't done it in way too long, but I love it and I'm so excited to have a new routine that is allowing me to take better care of myself. Yes, I get sick of hearing the "Take care of you" message that society preaches, but to some extent there is truth behind it. Our bodies are vessels for the Lord and taking care of what He has given us is important. I haven't been doing that. But I'm back at it!

And all of that being said, I have a new favorite band/artist/group that has been added to my running playlist! Do you know Rend Collective? Oh my goodness. I love them! And their album, "The Art of Celebration" released in March of this year is amazing! Just listen to "My Lighthouse" if you haven't heard it. Absolutely added to my playlist! In fact, I think I'm going to make a Rise and Shine playlist for my boys. We've been struggling with the grumpies in the morning since school has started. This CD will surely get you moving and focused on Him! Pumped!!!

2. And speaking of mornings. Perhaps one of the reasons I struggle with school and love summer so much, is because of the rush, rush, rush in the mornings that comes with school. But truly, it's not just in the mornings. It's sitting at stoplights. Come on, hurry up. It's waiting at a dr.office. It's in the beginning, middle and ending to our days. Rush, rush, rush. Well, this post, What We Miss When We Rush, by Lysa TerKeurst, speaks volumes to our Rush, rush, rush syndrome, and reminds us that we should slow down and embrace each other and each moment we are given. We are all made for a purpose. I especially loved this because every dime that she receives this week from her new book, The Best Yes (which I ordered) will support special needs children. Check out the story at 99 balloons (but be prepared to have tears streaming down your face).

3. And still speaking of mornings and school. Have you seen the "Baby Got Class" video? Well, my sister shared it with me yesterday, thinking I could enjoy it while eating Bon-Bons and propping my feet up. As soon as she sent it, I did just that. Well, I propped my feet up, but didn't have any Bon-Bons. Just a video to make you laugh this Friday. You're welcome. Check it out here. It will leave you in stitches.

4. And since I'm speaking of stitches, let's talk Stitch Fix. (See what I did there?) I received another fix! I don't think I've had a bad fix yet! Have you heard of Stitch Fix? Oh my! I love it! It's an online Women's Personal Styling site. Basically, you answer some questions about your style and professional stylists will pick 5 items they think you will love and send it to you! Just $20 for a styling fee, which is refunded to you if you keep just 1 item in your box. Plus, you will get 25% off the entire fix if you keep all 5 items! It's a box o' goodness! If you feel inspired to check it out, use this link and we both benefit!

5. And because my sister rocks the awesomeness, she sent me the video of Hugh Grant's dance moves in Love Actually to cheer me up, as I sent my boys off to school. We have a 3rd grader, a first grader, one in PreK and even little Waybe is going 2 days a week to a special needs preschool! Cannot believe it. So, my sister knew just what I needed, and it turned out to be the Love Actually dance scene. I mean, come on. Who doesn't smile at this? Even if you've seen it, you know it will make you smile. Just watch it again. We so love it! No, Way didn't watch it, but he did love his first day of school! And he made a face like his Mommy does while watching the aforementioned dance scene! :)

 

6. And finally, if you are local, don't miss the 7th Annual Forrest Spence 5K, this Saturday at Overton Park! It's not too late to sign up and you can do so here! Our family will be there supporting our friends, in honor of their first son, Forrest! Learn more about the Spence's story and all they are doing for others, because of Forrest and through the Lord's strength!

And now go--Enjoy your weekend!!

FYI Friday: Way is 2!!

And just like that he turned. . .

Do I always start birthday posts like that? Because it's true. Every year that comes 'round I am amazed how quickly time flies!

FYI, our little Waybe is 2 years old! I look at him and feel so blessed that we've had him in our arms for 2 years now! I can remember his birth story to the detail and I love it!! Isn't it nice how we can forget the pain of childbirth once a little time has gone by? Actually I remember that too, but especially love that little Way was our only boy to come on his own! Glory!!! And obviously my favorite part of the story is having him here with us!

This year of Way's life has been full! He's had tubes (again) and heart surgery and he's now scooting around and finding fascination with almost everything! He's intrigued by the dishwasher--what toddler isn't? He's also turned into a tornado and in a flash he can empty a toy box and spread its contents all across a room!

At the same time he's happy to be moving, he's still so very content staying put and even happier not to work too hard! We've had some turnover in therapists (with people moving or changing jobs) and we had a therapy break after surgery, so Way has had a little set-back. He's easy-going and laid back, and while I'm thankful for that so far, our job now as his parents and advocates is to make sure Waybe is stretching and reaching his full potential! So with a new schedule and new therapists around the corner, I'm prayerful and hopeful this next year of his life is going to be awesome and one of growth in many areas! And now a letter to Way. . .

Sweet Waybe,
We always start everyone's birthday off with a birthday photo and sing Happy Birthday. You were wondering, "What in the world is going on here?" So cute!

We had breakfast with balloons and your brothers had the best time bopping them around the house! Luke wasn't with us today, he was out of town, on his way to London (yep), but he wanted to celebrate with you yesterday! He made sure we had cupcakes yesterday too, so you've actually celebrated your 2nd birthday twice!

 

We kept things low-key this year, which was nice, and actually what we all needed! It's been a busy summer!  You loved us singing Happy Birthday, and let Daddy put some icing in your mouth, but that was about it. Still not wanting finger foods, quite yet!

 

We had fun opening presents with you, too! Your brothers were especially helpful! And once the toys were out, Miles and Charlie even taught you how to use them! And while my camera flash kept boycotting the event and some of these aren't the best quality, I think you can see that we all had fun celebrating with you, Way!

 

Little Waybe, you hold our hearts! There isn't a day that goes by where someone isn't trying to elicit giggles from you--and when we get those giggles, it's like we've won the most treasured prize! Not a soul likes to see you sad (which happens occasionally) and often brothers jump to turn your frown upside down! Hope you won't be too spoiled!! 

You have a few signs under your belt--"More", "All-done", "Doggy" (maybe your fave), "Car", "Bye-bye", and sometimes ball, milk and pray when you want to use them! You especially love showing us the motions to "Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" so we will all spring into action and sing them right along to you! You love your Puppers (lovie) still and seeing pictures of loved ones and babies. You are learning how to blow kisses and will give and accept hugs by leaning in (and kisses too)! You are growing right before our eyes!

Way, you are a true gift from the Lord! He created you and made you perfectly! You have so many people who love you, but know your Father in Heaven loves you even more! Happy, happy 2nd birthday! Thank you for your smiles and laughter that melt us, and your unconditional love that encourages us! We love you with all our hearts! Love, Mommy (and Daddy and your brothers)