My Carbon Copy

Today as I gathered up my boys and energy to go to the grocery store I had a blog post all lined up in my head titled "It was a Suicide Mission." We were heading out right after lunch...historically for us a tricky time to get out and do stuff since it is right before nap time...and I was predicting the worst. I even had this genius little phrase lined up for my post (predicting I would write this while they quietly took their naps)...their peaceful slumber belied the fact that they behaved like wild banshees at the store...isn't that clever?! Haha!

However, the boys did amazing at the store and not one melt down happened. It could have been because Johnathan found a quarter on the ground as we entered the store and I (bribed) rewarded him with letting him pick out his own small treat...or it could have been from the $5 toy Johnathan just so happened to really want that he saw on the kids aisle that I went ahead and got "for his birthday" but then let him start playing with right away. Regardless, the (sometimes dreaded) trip to the store was more than pleasant. Success!

While we were finding all the items on our grocery list I ran into my carbon copy. Seriously, it was uncanny. Both of us were about the same age. Both of us had an older toddler boy in the shopping cart using one of those cart seat cover things. And, both of us had our same age babies in our BabyHawk baby carriers! It was pretty funny because I've never seen anyone else shop like I do...with a baby attached to me and another in the cart...and I just had to say something to this woman who looked so much like me! We laughed about how alike we looked and gave each other kudos for getting our shopping done with kids in tow. Wishing each other luck we parted ways to continue our shopping.

I bumped into her on our way out and she was all smiles with two happy kids just like me. I wonder if she encouraged her son to behave with the promise of jelly beans in the car too...probably not. ;)

So, now as I write this my baby, who was an angel at the store, is loudly protesting his nap and my sweet almost 3 year old boy is somehow sleeping through it all. Bless him! This just proves that you can't predict what's going to happen even if you do have a catchy little blog post ready to record it all.

Happy Thursday...and happy almost birthday to my big boy who turns 3 tomorrow!

*Grace*

"Arnen"

There is so much I could say about this sweet girl...Arden...what a wonderful gift and blessing she has been to us these last 5 years. It's funny, when we moved here five years ago I was excited about getting to know my aunt and the fam better...little did we know that they would become some of our dearest friends...it's great when family are friends too, isn't it?! But back to Arden...

She has the sweetest spirit and just adores our boys. She is Johnathan's favorite girl and when I asked him recently who he thought the prettiest girl he has even seen is, without even hesitating he said "Arnen!" He really does love her and I know she loves him just as much too.

Arden is the greatest helper. She really is like a little mother and knows how to handle our boys really well...even when they are in a less than cooperative mood. She is a wonderful playmate and is very imaginative, and we have a great time over at her house hanging out with her.

Arden is a blessing and a dear friend. I've had the joy of meeting with her and her friend on almost a weekly basis to do a study together. I have really enjoyed doing this and have loved getting to spend some quality time with her on a deeper level.

There really are so many wonderful things I could say about this sweet girl, or should I say young lady...but most of all I just want to say that Arden, I love you. Our boys love you and we have been so blessed to have you in our life. You are amazing!

Here is our sweet "Arnen" out on a lunch date with me and the boys.

We {LOVE} you, Arden!!!

With a thankful {heart},
*Grace*

I am Thankful for a Hubby That...

...loves me, all of me, just the way I am...but also one who will help me with my shortcomings! ;) I'm thankful that I have a husband who is faithful and a forever friend. I am thankful for a hubby who is a wonderful father to all our precious children. And I am thankful that my sweet husband of 8 years is a man striving after God. Happy 8 Year Anniversary, sweet love of my life!

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Today is our 8 year anniversary...8 long (in a good way!), wonderful years! In honor of our 8 years together we took a mini vacation this past weekend...with the kiddos! Nothing like celebrating marriage with the fruit of your marriage, haha! It really was wonderful tho...and lucky for us we had a fantastic hotel room and were able to have some time all to ourselves after the boys went to sleep!

We planned activities that were centered around the boys, and we had a blast too. They were both great and immensely loved our "baycation" as Johnathan called it! We spent most of Saturday at the Houston Children's Museum...which was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! It was totally awesome and had so much to see and do. Johnathan loved it and they even had a special floor dedicated to 0-3 year olds so even Eli was able to have a great time!

Sunday we went to the zoo and had another wonderful day. Some of the animals were a bit sleepy so we didn't get to see them in action too much, but it was a fantastic zoo nonetheless and one of the better ones I've been to. Johnathan especially loved that he and the big lion shared the same name!!!

Besides the museum and zoo we hit some hot spots to eat including the Cheesecake factory and Rainforest Cafe...which Johnathan loved, of course...and we even scouted out a local place to eat that was delicious. On the way out we just had to stop by Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Kids...I love getting their magazines in the mail but had never been into a store before...they were both just as good or better than looking in the magazines!

We had a wonderful trip and here are a few photos of our "baycation" in Houston...

*Grace*