sweet

I don't have a picture for this post. I know. Annoying. But, I just had to share this before I get distracted by all the things I've been working on today [2 boys with stomach bug, canning beans, baking rolls, cleaning house, laundry, race director stuff... just to name a few!] I just couldn't wait for my camera to upload all the cute pictures I took yesterday. Hopefully I will make it to that part of my list tomorrow.

Elliana had been taking her [longer] nap for the day and I hadn't heard a peep from her. I knew she would be waking soon, but didn't want to rush her, I had plenty to keep me busy. I stepped into my room, barely peeking one eye around the corner. I was expecting a quietly slumbering baby, but instead, from across the room I was met with a giant grin and a wave. A WAVE! And then a giggle. It was so adorable. I wish at that perfect moment of sweet babiness I could replay what I saw and share it all with you. This girl just melts my heart. Over. and. over. 

Happy Birthday Tanner!

It is hard to believe that the little boy that started our family is turning 11 years old today.  We couldn't be happier with the boy he is.  His cautious temperament compliments his brother very well and keeps them evenly balanced.  Being the oldest, his younger siblings look up to him and follow his example as is evident in the below pictures. 


(Ella is watching Tanner out of the corner of her eye)

He doesn't complain (much) about being the big brother even when it means he has more chores to do or is asked to watch his little sister for mom.  Making his younger siblings is very important to him.  Joseph often waits anxiously for Tanner to get home from school and asks Tanner to play Legos with him.  He is even willing to play dolls with his sister(s), but may not approve that proof was taken or that it is being shared with the world...

While he is a great soccer player and a brick wall keeper, we are most proud  of his strong faith.  Saturday night he quickly came down with a laryngitis-type illness that caused pain and difficulty in breathing.  His first request was "Dad, can I get a blessing?".  Of course, he isn't perfect and is a champion teaser, but he is definitely perfect for us!

Happy Birthday Anson!!

The boys in front of a Palmetto tree

Today is Anson's 9th birthday, so we thought we should share a couple stories of what makes Anson special to our family. 
Friday afternoon, our neighbor asked Anson if he would help him with a "really cool special project".  Anson asked permission and then went back outside to go help him.  An hour later, he came home and reported that the neighbor had been hunting quail and wanted Anson to help him clean the birds.  Dad asked Anson what he thought of plucking the feathers and cutting open the birds.  He said he told our neighbor "I don't think my church would let me do that"!  But he hung around to watch the process anyways.  We never thought our church could be an excuse in such a way!  Our neighbor was very nice about it, but Dad went outside and clarify anyway.  In fact, he gave Anson some quail meat!

Another recent event in the life of our brave Anson...
A few weeks ago, we didn't have any plans on a Saturday afternoon so Tanner, Anson and Dad threw the bikes in the truck and went downtown to ride bikes.  We started at the SC State House and rode through the USC campus to Williams-Brice Stadium where the Gamecocks football team plays.  A roundtrip of about 6-7 miles.


The boys are on their bikes by the gate

On the way back, Anson's bike lost control of him and the handle bar jumped up and got a piece of his cheeck.  Tanner was more concerned than dad and rode back really fast to help his brother.  Before long, the blood and tears made for a great photo.

 

Then, a few minutes later, his bike lost control again and Anson went down on his arm.  More blood and a little more pride in this photo.

 Fortunately, Mom was going to see our favorite Dr. Max that afternoon, so he took a look and let Anson experience acupuncture!

After the pain went away, Anson wanted to make sure that the bandages on his arm and face were very visible for church and school.  He wanted to wear a short-sleeve shirt and didn't want to change the bandage on his face because the one he had showed a little blood still.  He loved the attention he received from his friends and probably hopes his scars never go away.  That is our Anson Call!