Going Out. . .

We were all ready to go out last night. . .

and then someone (me) wondered where Cambria was. . .

we found her in the bathroom with her pigtails pulled out. . . (she was lettin' her hair down)

. . . and applying mascara. Honestly, I feel that she did a pretty good job considering her age and dexterity development!

Last Night

Two Years Old!

Kisses for Mommy!

She's eating peanut M & M's now. . .

Birthday party with Daddy at MFD- photography by Rob and cake from Aunt Rochelle!

Four Years Old!

The Recycled Firehouse

My little sisters made this fire station for Jacob Daniel and Cambria. . . the attention to detail is amazing!

Check out these cops!

The ladder actually extends and is made out of foil / saran wrap boxes.

Gotta love those bystanders. *rubberneckers*

Spot the firehouse dog. (spray whipped cream lid for the dog's body)

The firehouse has bays in it, but of course my camera couldn't do that justice.

Firefighter with hose about to put out the fire!

My personal fave, the sign.

With Joy

I'm loving this verse today. . .

With joy you will draw water

from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 12:3

Iowa Basketball Game (Or, 'what is the source of your conflicts?')

These guys should all be really happy. . . Iowa fans that they are. The whole day reminded me of this verse: "What is the source of your conflicts? Is it not your pleasures, which wage war among your members?" (James 4:1) One was in a tizzy because he was going to miss the starting line up because some people don't move fast enough; one was fretful and frustrated about the tropic temperature levels in Carver; and one ended his fun afternoon ticked off about the confusion of meeting his ride in post-Iowa game aftermath. (It doesn't really matter who was who.)

I believe this was the only time Iowa was ahead. They didn't have such a good day either.

Keep watching for Daniel's report on how I handle too much fun. . .

I'm Wishing for Summer

Jacob Daniel

There he is, after almost twenty four hours of contractions, pitocin, and frustration. It all melts away seeing the little man that we'd prayed for!

I remember. . .

The nurses fussing over Daniel; they felt so bad for him, he'd been up all night, poor guy, here, why don't we make up a bed for you on the couch. . . *eye roll*

Me: "This is just not that bad! I don't know what all the fuss is about! Women must just be real wimps about this!" RN: (probably hiding her laughter) "Probably your contractions aren't truly bad then, if that's what you think."

How hungry I was. . . even the tuna sandwich commercial on TV looked good to me and I hate tuna! Beef broth and lime jello just didn't cut it!

Me: (twenty one hours into it) "I can't do this! Give me some Demerol! No, I don't want to do it natural anymore! Natural isn't working!"

RN: (as Josh Groban begins to bellow You Raise Me Up) "It's Josh! Now that's empowering!" I think she was relieved to finally hear something secular from my music selection.

Never forget. . .

Daniel's tears as he held his son.

That thank You, Jesus was all I could say, over and over.

His little face.

Precious, precious boy!

Cambria Faith

I am thinking about my babies today because their little birthdays are coming up next week and I am remembering. . .

It has been so much fun to have them exactly two years apart because it's easy for me to compare what Cambria is learning to what Jacob learned at that same age. Some things are the same (loves to say no: eleven months) but some things are so different! (Jacob Daniel walks at 14 mo. . . . Cambria at 10!)

Cambria has been such a joy from the very beginning. I love how cheerful she has always been and the way she flew into our world. . . even my doctor wasn't prepared! She is funny and optimistic and stubborn and tenderhearted. She loves being a girl. She loves her daddy. She loves her brother. I look at her and thank God that He didn't listen to my request for "just boys, please!" What a gift from God.