The Kitchen Timer is My Best Friend

Yep, this is happening! There is nothing cuter than a tiny bum wearing big boy underpants. Potty training this week has been going much smoother than expected and I am so very glad! He is extremely proud of his big boy underwear!  If you hear me say no to commitments a little more than I'd usually say yes, It's probably because we are still working on this potty training thing and are not ready for many adventures out yet. ;)

We've Moved

Hello friends and family!

It has been quite awhile but with good reason.....we've moved!

We now live in a beautiful 113 year old house in the City of Portsmouth. We are quite happy with our little historic gem and have been settling in quite nicely. So if you thought I had dropped of the face of the Earth this last month, nope I've just been inside here setting things up and getting used to our new schedule. :) I promise to post more pictures soon but I have had certain time constraints on my schedule this week that have not allowed for much picture taking....or blogging. Stay tuned for my next post on that. For know, I'll leave you with some pics from our weekend. We (Nick) worked on refinishing some siding and we attended a Native American Pow Wow.

(You can't see me because I am in a lawn chair enjoying the view, a cold beverage, and NOT having to scrape paint. My husband is so very good to me.)

 

He is getting so big and so cute! "Dutch" seemed to really enjoy himself at the Pow Wow.

Watching a dance competition at the festival.

Group shot! (I love how Gabe  is just STARING at him, lol.)

He loves his Wendy soo much he has to squish her face!

 

Little Hands

To the little person who stole my makeup bag and hid it yesterday,

Don't worry, I'm saving up stories kiddo....LOTS of stories. I know concealer looks like war paint......its not. Your future wife will be kept in stitches by all the stories you're giving Mommy.  You won yesterday and Mommy had to go out with ZERO makeup on. Bravo munchkin, Bravo! God made you adorable for a reason. :)

Love,
Your  Makeup-less Mother

(Just a few pictures from our afternoon outside and fence building. See Below.)

Why ponytails and messy faces?

Hi there! My hopes for this blog are that friends and family whether because of distance or busy schedules will have a way to stay better in touch in the day to day of our lives. 

So what is up with the title of the blog? On a typical day you can find me in a ponytail and my children with messy faces.There is something about a messy face that tugs on my heartstrings. An immediate response of thankfulness wells up in me after every meal when I see their sweet faces covered in gook. God has been so good to me!

Happy Birthday Grandaddy

 

Happy Birthday Grandaddy,

91 years is an impressive achievement and blessing to those of us who love you. I just wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am to have such a wonderful man to call MY Grandaddy and how richly you have blessed my life. You have always been a quiet beacon of light directing me toward heavenly things since I was a child.

Thank you, for showing me that a man should display both strength and kindness.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of a carefully chosen word.
Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Thank you for showing me that loving God and loving your family go hand in hand.

Thank you for the beautiful example that you and  Gran have given me of what a Christ centered marriage looks like.
Ephesians 5:28-29 "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church," 

Thank you for reminding me of God's goodness even when earthly troubles and cares can seem to heavy a load.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."

 

I love you so very much Grandaddy. Happy 91st birthday!