as a mother of boys...

you learn a lot about trucks and tractors and all kinds of things with motors,

and throw the football outside on most afternoons,

and get orders from the quarterback in training,

and take pictures of daddies bonding with their sons,

and clean up a lot of messes,
this one was instigated by boo, the original powder man

and take them to ball fields,

and try to keep the little one from getting beat up,
it's ok ty...one day you will be bigger than him

and put little boys back in bed for nap time,

and treasure the days they love their mommy most,

and rest when they rest because its full throttle when they are awake!

though life is constantly in motion, i love every minute
that is unless they are crying at the same time. :)

the L in labor day...

stands for lake burton as far as i'm concerned.

and lots of lake activities like boating...

loving on little ones...

learning how to snap beans...

swimming with daddy...
(mommies don't get in water that cold)

sliding into the big water...

trying on goggles...

jumping in the big water...

and jumping some more...

getting some nana cindy and laurel blake time...

wearing life jacket diapers...
i'm just glad i don't have to change this one!

and turning purple and shaking from being so cold...
but loving every minute.

and all of this fun wore little ty bo out! he also got lots of good grandma time with three wonderful grandmothers taking turns holding and loving on him. and aunt kyle also had the magic touch. she always got him to sleep. he was very well behaved and even slept well while we were there. i think ty i trying to make his mommy out to be a liar from all the bad things she says about his screaming and nightly sleep habits.

we enjoyed a great weekend on lake burton once again.
thank you barrys' and kafskys' for putting up with us. we love you all.

raider football cutie!

boys will be boys

eli loves to be naked and ride on anything with wheels. here he is enjoying the weather last night and singing about deer. can you see his pretend microphone?

Nana's birthday

This weekend we celebrated our sweet Nana's birthday. She has been such an inspiration in my life. She is very loving and caring and never wants to see anyone get their feelings hurt. I guess thats where I get it, Chris. Nana has always given out the best hugs. She has six granddaughters and two grandsons. She has taught her granddaughters how to be a true southern lady. She is so hospitable and refined. She dresses well and keeps a super clean home. And most of all, she loves Jesus and reflects His love on all she meets. She can make anyone feel welcome. I hope to be more like her one day. Here are a few pics from the day.

Nana's great grands. Ty, Ella, and Eli

Big bro, Little bro

Nana and Ty

Nana blowing out her candles.

big boys

this is a mommy reminder post...

ty...you have been growing up so fast. i can't believe you are going to be 3 months this week. you love to sit up and stand up, with help of course. you are very alert when you are awake and can sleep through just about anything when you are asleep. i thank your brother for this. he has trained you well since he doesn't allow your nap time be a peaceful quiet time like his once was. you even slept through the whole pep rally on friday...band, loud rap music, and all. oh yeah, and the whole first half of your first official raider game. you love to smile and coo and squeal. you love to play on your play yard. and you love to take walks in the jogging stroller with your brother. but you are also a hot box. you scream when you get just a little bit hot. you sweat a lot and get really mad in your carseat if the air isn't on full blast. i'm sure you will love fall. most people say you love like your granddad, boo. even his mommy, Nana says that. you are a chunk and love to eat. your favorite place to be is in someone's arms swinging or rocking or in your swing.

eli...in just a few short months you are going to be turning two. it feels like yesterday we were in the hospital getting ready to celebrate your birth. you are becoming such a sweet big boy. i love hearing you talk and sing through the house. sometimes i think you feel life is one big musical. you love to sing about deer and apple juice and playing randomly throughout the day. sometimes you even hold up your hand like a microphone (you get this from your daddy!) you are starting to sleep in a big boy bed and sometimes you do wonderfully. other times, you just want someone to be near. you have a small obsession with balls, trucks, and tractors. you like to play with your baseballs, footballs, and golf balls. you even like to watch these sports of tv and call out when you see them. you love to also call out when you see big trucks, fire trucks, or any truck that looks like boo's truck. i love to hear you yell "mama" or "daddy" when you are looking for us in the house. and it melts my heart when you sing Jesus loves you with daddy and me before bed. i am praying you come to love Jesus at an early age and let Him lead your life. you have such a sweet, energetic personality and i can't wait to see what you grow up to be like.

this is where i found eli sleeping the other night.

in other news...we had our first raider game of the season. we enjoyed tailgating before the game with this family, this family, and a few other friends who aren't a part of the blogging world. it was lots of fun letting the boys run wild and play before the start of the game. eli enjoyed the game though he didn't want to sit still in the stands. ty slept through the whole first half in nana cindy's arms. the second half was watched from the tailgate of our car in the end zone. mere and rob were there to help us cheer the raiders to victory!!! yes, thats right...we won the game! chris is very excited and we were too. we hope for many more friday nights with a w.