Random Pictures

She promptly fell out of the cupboard right after taking this photo.














Owen's towing service.
















Is your baby hyper-mobile? Does she get into everything? Try basket-full-o-toys.

"Camping" pictures

I thought Matt had taken more pictures than this, but here's what we have from the backyard camping adventure.

Owen assisted with the tent set-up, and even helped tear-down.

He's asked at least once a day since then if we could go camping again.

Backyard Camping

Matt took Owen camping in the backyard Monday night. Owen helped Dad set up the tent, and then ran inside for blankets, Bobs, and sleeping bags. He was not too excited to come back inside for dinner (we had planned on a picnic outside, but the wind started up).
Owen zoomed through dinner & raced back outside. When Matt didn't come immediately after, Owen came running back hollering "Dad, are you coming? Dad, camping? Daaaaaaaad?"
They finally settled in & wouldn't you know, it started raining! Then pouring!
I brought out pajamas for them, and they read books and talked until Dad finally told Owen it was time to sleep.
Eden and I slept in, and then woke the boys up at 7:15 a.m. (Yes, that's considered sleeping in at our house.)
Owen had so much fun. He's such a great kid. Can I tell you a few of the reasons why he's so cool?

• He's earnestly polite. We taught him "thank you", but he learned "you're welcome" on his own. He says "bless you" when you sneeze or cough, and rarely forgets to say "excuse me" when he burps or....*gasp* farts.
• He's an encourager--he'll pat me on the back and tell me "good job, momma" during the day. He also tells me at dinner time "Good dinner, momma." He picked that up just listening to his dad--this makes my heart explode. Last night, he said it over & over & over. He apparently really liked the spaghetti.
• He's sensitive to other's needs. When friends come over, he wants to take their shoes (Owen thinks bare foot is the better way to go, & I agree), give them water, and make sure they're happy.
• He loves to laugh & make other people laugh. He can be very silly at a second's notice.

I'm stopping myself, because I know this post could go on forever. I'll post pictures from the camping trip as soon as I can find where the camera got stashed.

Another list because I'm tired

More random thoughts.

• Any time a political ad or news story comes on the television Owen gets very excited, and starts shouting "McCain, McCain, McCain!" He doesn't seem so excited about Obama. I have no idea why my son has these political preferences--we haven't talked with him directly about the election (afterall, he is only 3). I haven't shared with him who I plan on voting for, but it's apparent his decision is made up.
• Matt's home after an exhausting, and physically draining trip. He had a great time, but says he'll never do that climb again. He was home for a few hours, and then had to go to work. It's been 4 straight days of no husband/dad for dinner & bedtime hours. Two nights of sleeping alone. Yeah, it could be worse, but I'm not used to it & I haven't slept very much in the last couple days.
• Aunt Billie and cousin Emerson spent the day with us on Saturday. Emerson is already bigger than Eden, but he is SUCH a cutie! Eden and Emerson had a lot of fun staring at each other, poking each other, and chewing on each other's toys.

Random List of Thoughts

• Matt leaving for annual "guys-only" trip today.
• Made granola bars that are super-healthy for CF kids, and great for rock-climbing hubbies too. (Owen approved, and is currently gobbling it up.)
• Obsessed with www.thepioneerwoman.com --wish I could remember to take pretty pictures while cooking like she does & post my recipes.
• Eden now has two pearly whites, and LOVES chomping on cheerios.
• Owen will spend hours swinging from the clips we hung from the porch rafters (see videos below). Thank heaven Matt set that up before leaving for his trip.
• Hoping to get some projects done this weekend. We'll see how it goes.
• Starting a new Bible study at my home for moms.
• Totally excited about Sarah Palin being named VP running mate for McCain.
• Planning on a movie date night with Owen tonight. Cookies and cartoons HOORAY!

Hanging Out

New Look

A friend led me to www.thecutestblogontheblock.com for free blog backgrounds, and I found this one. What do you think? I'm jazzed about it!