Such a Neglectful Mother

This afternoon, Philip had asked for a drink and snack. I first told him that I would get it for him in a minute. He asked again a while later but that time it was getting closer to dinner, so I said he'd have to wait. I was working on the computer when he walks into the office behind me. I turned around and couldn't help but laugh. He was drinking water out of a rinsed out Ranch salad dressing bottle!! We always rinse out the plastic recycleable items and set them on the counter next to the door to the garage. The next time Matthew or I go into the garage, the item goes into our recycle box. I suppose Philip thought this washed-out Ranch bottle would do in a pinch so he stuck it under the water spout in the front of the refrigerator to fill it with water!! My silly, silly boy! I told a friend and she said, "Well, he's resourceful. He would make a good survivalist."

My big little man

Today Philip had his first dental check-up!! He had gone with me and Matthew for our last two check-ups so was fairly familiar with the surroundings. However, I did not believe how extremely well he did. Philip was such a brave little guy, but I suppose to him, Miss Stephanie, the hygenist, really wasn't doing anything more to him than we do every night before bed. Well, actually we don't stick a mirror in his mouth to look around, nor a vibrating, round toothbrush with cherry toothpaste, nor a water sprayer to rinse his mouth, nor "Mr. Thirsty" to suck left-over toothpaste and water out! Stephanie said she has a son two days younger than Philip and it was obvious as she spoke to him just like I do (explaining everything in funny ways). I was trying hard not to tear up as I watched my little guy hardly blinking (i.e. he was in a tv coma watching Sesame Street on the flatscreen tv hanging from the ceiling!). This was definitely a milestone and he soared right over it. I know there will be days when he feels insecure and clings to me, but today I felt so proud and was just praising God for giving Matthew and I the wisdom to raise such a great little kid!


Looking quite excited to be at the dentist!


Miss Stephanie cleaning Philip's teeth.


All done and just waiting for Dr. Ray to come check his pearly whites.

Opinion Poll -- My Hair

So I've gotten hooked on "America's Got Talent" over the last few weeks. Sharon Osbourne is one of the judges and my "opinion poll" question is: Should I dye my hair the color of hers? My hair was this color for a time in college; I was trying for a Julia Roberts-like red but it came out burgundy/maroon instead. I really did like it as it gave me a glamorous feel. This being said, I am now 10 years older, a wife and a mom. Do those things disqualify me from dying my hair an off-the-wall color? Let me know. Thanks!!

July Recap

July seemed to fly by with Vacation Bible School at the start and swimming lessons at the end. Here are all the pictures I took before, after and in between which I wanted to post but never took the time.


We spent July 4th with several families from church at this great little cabin. Felt like we were miles from home and a hundred years in the past; actually just 15 minutes from home!


How exciting to all the kids to see a horse up close!


And even better... to get to ride! This was Philip's first time on a horse.


Go Philip!


Yeah, now it's Braewyn and Daddy's turn.


Miss Kelly was helping Braewyn practice her riding.


When it was Philip's turn again, he hesitantly let me ride with him. I had a great time, but just couldn't walk for a few minutes after getting off (having Braewyn really left me with a sore right hip).


Finally it was fireworks time and our baby girl did NOT like it!


Philip however loved the show and especially getting to hold his own sparkler.


We had a great afternoon and evening with our friends. Surely wore out the two little ones in our car.


This was only 5 minutes down the road.


The next weekend we attended a birthday party for our neighbor and Philip's friend Anna Grace (she came to VBS with us) at our city's Science Museum. Here Philip waits in line to touch a snake!


Braewyn didn't want to stand in line but preferred just to walk around all by herself. (Thanks Jessie for this great picture!!)



In our random mornings home this month, we did fun stuff... like make jello! The kids had never had it before (as far as I remember) and Philip enjoyed sucking it up through a straw (college cafeteria habit I had from days long past). You should really try eating jello with a straw. Great sounds!


Also, we brought out the playdough one morning while Braewyn napped. My friend Julie gave us these cool playdough accessories! We love them, Julie.


One Saturday night, the air felt just right to spend some time at a local park.


It's great watching them "play" together.


Braewyn didn't seem to be a big fan of swings tonight.


But Philip and Matthew sure did like them.


Yes, this was a Mommy posed shot. Pretty cute if I say so myself.


More fun for Daddy and Philip.


The kids were wearing down. We got Braewyn to quickly sit beside Philip for this shot but Matthew was only steps away. I love how you can see their little reflections!


Philip wasn't in the mood for photos anymore and wanted to be left alone!


One last chance to climb as this rock was up in the parking area.


Philip received this chair from Aunt Elise and Uncle Arden for his first Christmas (he was 11 months old) and now it fits Braewyn just right!


Philip was excited to see it again too as it had been tucked away in the attic for some time. Not sure if this is a good fit. Yes, there were some sharing issues to be resolved over this chair at first. Then Philip no longer wanted it, but we had to repeatedly tell Braewyn to sit down as she discovered how fun it was to stand up in it! Crazy girl.


I came down the hall to find this scene one day. So sweet.


And this is another scene which I just had to share. Maybe we should enroll Braewyn in clown school!


And then came swimming lessons. This picture was from his first day.


Looking quite the little swimmer in his cool shark goggles!


Off the group walks. My baby is getting so big. This will be him walking into an elementary school in just a few years. I'm not ready!


And finally... here's Philip at 12:15pm on the last day of swimming lessons. I was leading my last day of the "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" Bible study so Ruth Ann took Philip to swimming lessons and then dropped him off at the church. I drove myself and the kids home at noon. Philip walked into the livingroom and laid down on the couch. By the time, I had carried a sleeping Braewyn from the car to her crib, Philip had fallen asleep too. He slept on the couch until 2:30pm!! Those two weeks of swimming lessons can really tire a boy out!!

Thank you Lord for ALL the many blessings July brought to our family.