Halloween 2012

This was a first for me this year. In the past I was always anti-scary but they're getting older and cute and cuddly just doesn't fly anymore. It's cool though...they're boys. 

So vampire it was. 

 Cole went as a Marine. He's proud of his daddy...a United States Marine. Camo paint is something that cannot be rushed. Seriously. 

 Mummy Dogs for dinner. 5 min prep 15 min in the oven. I was going for a theme here but I didn't realize how easy these would make cooking that night.

 Nate went as a mini Marine. This costume was actually Payton's from 2 yrs ago. I just cut off some of the arms and legs.  I was more concerned with his warmth since he was strollin' his way around this Halloween. His one piece fleece fit perfect underneath. Happy warm baby = brothers get more candy

 We hit the entire subdivision. They carried the small pumpkins but I had one large bag on the stroller for them to "deposit" their candy into. I weighed the bag....12 flippin' pounds! 

Now I have all this candy to torture myself with. ;)

Ruffle Scarf...a tutorial :)

Here's the pattern

Any yarn (approx. 300 yards) 

Any needle (use whatever is recommended by yarn)

Gauge not important!!

Cast on 20 stitches

Row 1: k20

Row 2: k8, turn, k8

Row 3: k6, turn, k6

Row 4: k4, turn, k4

Repeat all four rows to desired length

For a more finished look sew ends

and here's ME! explaining the "turn" :)

Farmer's Market

For an art supplement I ordered from kiwi crates. Each month they send a box with 2 crafts and all the supplies. This was perfect, I just don't always have the time to come up with new cool crafts. This month was Farmer's Market. Not only was it crafty but we turned into a math lesson! 

Just hangin' around the house

I swear one of my favorite things about having boys are the funny things I find around the house.

Darth on my purse hook.

Dinner time or as Cole wants to call it...Operation Fat. (chicken soup does not make you fat)

Who knew Patrick had a thing for cake stands and jadeite.

Sippies, gnawed yellow crayon, and vintage embroidery...yes please!

 And who knew Abe had a thing for camo?!

Keep it comin' boys!

Nothing is wasted

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 

1 Corinthians 15:58

I love this. No work done in HIS name is wasted in light of eternal glory. So today I will think on this verse as I wash the dishes, change poopie diapers, clean the toilets, and all those other "less desirable" daily tasks. To God be the glory in all things! 

1

Happy 1st Birthday Nate! This year has flown by but yet we can't remember a day without you. You have made our family complete :)

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Grace

I always find it so amazing when you read a passage of scripture that you've read countless times but this time it's as if a blinder has been lifted, seeing it for what it really means. No longer is it just words on a page but it's something beautiful that wraps around your heart.
It's a verse that's words are plain but its story...it's one of love.

" And Peter remember the saying of Jesus, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." - Matthew 26:75

When first read my feelings are pity for this man, a friend denying his Savior. There's a disappointment and a self-evaluation...would I turn my back as well?

Here's a quote from the commentary on this scripture. "The true Peter is seen not in his denial but in his repentance. This account reminds us of not only our own weakness, but also the richness of divine grace." This scripture is not highlighting this man's failure but instead illuminating the beautiful GRACE of our SAVIOR. 

I am no better than Peter. Each day in my sin I turn my back. In my fear I deny my savior. But the beauty of it all is that in REPENTANCE there is GRACE. An unending love story of divine forgiveness. 

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Good reminder!

This verse hit straight home for me this morning.

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for  to you I lift up my soul."


Psalm 143:8

10 years ago...

I went on my very first grocery shopping trip as the new Mrs. Cox. Among my purchases was a can of Ham & Bean Soup. 

Fast forward 1 year. The unexpired can still sat in the pantry. By this time we purchased our very first home. The can made the journey with us.

 Fast forward to 2005. The can is now expired, but I can't throw it away! It was a piece of nostalgia. I decided to hold on to it a little longer...just for laughs.

Let's fast forward again, to the present. We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and the can still sits in my pantry. I don't know if I will ever throw it away ;)

 *disclosure. This is the only expired can in my pantry. I promise you I am not a hoarder nor am I a gross person. We will never, ever, ever eat the soup.

YES!

Just ooozzzeesss FUN!! :)

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Out Back...in bullets

*This is our backyard. 

   *I struggle with it. 

 *It is the size of some's patios.

                    

*I have 3 boys who need space to RUN and DIRT to dig in.

*They run up and down the sidewalk.

*They dig holes in my flower bed :\

 *It hurts my heart.

  *This is when I need a good shake. 

*How can I be so foolish?

 *I have much more than most.

 *So much more.

(p.s. just noticed the crushed Diet Dr. Pepper can...just trying to keep it classy)

Recipe for crazy

 Dash is a bird dog. But we can't just limit him to birds. Pretty much anything that moves, he wants to chase it. 

Oddly, we have had a major bunny boom in the neighborhood. They are everywhere and it is driving Dash NUTS! He spends his time inside running from window to window. He's got cotton tail on the brain. 

Now let's add an orphaned baby robin to the mix. 

Dash's new routine - window, window, chick box, window, window, chick box. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. 

Aerial? She can't be bothered. 

Memorial Day

When I think of those that have served our country and lost their lives doing so, I grieve. For the young lives lost but also for those left behind. Especially their mamas. Undoubtedly I know the almost hurting love a mother has for her child. The moment you see that tiny face they own your heart...forever. 

 Then they grow bigger and it feels as if that love grows deeper. Roots down deep into your soul. You see that baby face change into the face of a young man and it engulfs your heart with pride. 

This Memorial Day I watched my boys play in the sprinkler. Something so sweet and simple but never to be taken lightly.

To the Brave Ones past and present, those who have laid down their most precious gift, I am forever greatful. Because of their sacrifice I can watch my children play without worry or fear. I can worship my God without inhibition. My simple thank you will never be enough but I will always offer it. 

But we must not forget their loved ones left behind. Those who taught early on what it meant to be brave. To be courageous even when facing danger. To be loyal their country, one that holds freedom for all close to its heart. Those that loved and supported. Those that lost and grieve. My prayers are with you always. Thank you. 

"Greater love has no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

                                                           John 15:13

*Stop on over at my husbands blog. He wrote a beautiful piece on Memorial Day. www.tomatersandwich.blogspot.com

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Man and his dog

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Collossians 3:15

Rain

Maybe I'm strange but I love when my kids get to play in the rain (sans the thunder and lightening). 

There is something just so refreshing...renewing about it. About 20 minutes before it began to pour they were sitting at the dinning room table just plain frustrated. Math does that to you sometimes. 

I sent them out, one of the many beauties of homeschooling. I know when my kids brains shut off. 

Ya know I've heard kickball has cured many any ailment. It does wonders for mathitis (wink wink).

Peanut butter and jelly

Why is it that when my babies wear jeans, workboots, and a baseball hat they look so much older. (sniff sniff)

 They are 13.5 months apart. Those first few months were C.R.A.Z.Y! Honestly...I don't remember much. We were on survival mode baby! 

But I am so incredibly thankful though that the Lord planned it that way. He has knit their hearts together. I hate to even use the term best friends because even those kinds of friends can come and go. 

 But these boys, they are like peanut butter and jelly. 

 Love them to the moon and back!!

 And for good measure...a picture of the very dirty dog they brought home for me to wash. :)