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Since we last met... 

I bring you May 2013

 Beau graduates from preschool!

 June 2013

 "small"group vacation!

 July 2013

 August 2013. Eleven years married!

 Giant toddler in the baby seat

September 2013. Kindergarten and 2nd grade begin

 October 2013. This lovely lass has her golden birthday. Love her.

There you have it, mom. You can stop your "gentle reminders" now :)  Six months of nothing summed up in some snap shots. It's been a really great half year. I will leave it to your imaginations to write in the details.  We are blessed. Truly.

One year and (ahem) 17 days ago...

This baby was born. What a guy! I can't believe my baby is one.  That year went by in a flash.  Seriously. And I saw him everyday!

We had a sweet little get together to celebrate Brooks turning one with Grandma Janie and Papa and Grandma Sally and Grandpa Dave and even cousins Emma and Ella!  Brooks even showed his fledgling walking skills during the party.  He is now full on walking and barely plays with toys anymore. His major self-entertaining includes picking up somewhat large objects and walking around with them and dropping them in random places only to pick up something different to walk around with. One year olds are a hoot.

Spring Loaded

I love this time of year in general, but this year has felt especially golden throughout and now that it is officially spring and we've been treated to a few cooperative days, I am encouraged and inspired. 

There's so much that I often think or experience and I say to myself, "blog fodder!" but I am so undisciplined to sit and write.  I used to write all the time! Not just on the internets, but in journals and notebooks and emails and letters.  With an embarrassed lump in my throat I admit that I used to be a writer. Now I feel a bit numb and awkward as I sit here and try to pick out some words to say. Blah. 

Don't call Dr. Phil, though! I'm not depressed or anything, I swear! I am a reader still. Maybe its just a season.  

Anyway, this is all very droll, so lets talk current events shall we?

 Brooks tries frozen yogurt for the first time! He made this face every few bites. So funny

 Easter egg hunt at Grandma Janie and Papa Dave's house.  What a spectacular Easter Sunday! And in March too!

 Bradie clowning around. No literally. "mom! I want to dress like a clown! Can I use your shoes and Dad's tie?" Um, okay. Also, please note: those dolls on the black shelf and the black construction paper on the wall represent the angels at the tomb of Jesus and the rolled away stone. In the convoluted mire that can swallow up days of mommy hood, its nice to see that SOMETHING is getting through.  There IS fruit. By the grace of God. Amen!

 Speaking of fruit...um, yeah.  Beau is pretty special, folks!

 This guy is 11 months old. I know, CRAZY!  Where'd the time go, I'd like very much to know? He's getting all kinds of personality up in here. Such a fun stage.

Proud owner of five teeth. Numbers one through four are visible here. Number five is shy and hiding stage right :)

I wish I knew of a flowery, more expressive way to say it, but I'm at a loss: I just love my little family. I'm just so thankful.

Beau5

Beau has been signing his name, in print or while typing, as Beau4 for the last year and now its time to update!  I can't believe our little buddy is five.  I can't imagine life without this all-boy boy.  I would not know about the satisfying experience of Lego building.  I would be far less versed in weaponry. I would miss crossing the street with my traffic-cop-in-training. I wouldn't know the joys of tackle hugs. 

Beau you are a wonderful boy.  I hope that you will always find a way to sit down with your mama for the occasional grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch that we both so appreciate. I hope to be an example of grace for you to follow since you are still a little miffed when things don't happen with justice perfectly measured.  May this childish bent fuel a mature passion to see people treated with dignity and empathy.  

Oh, our Beau.  You are loved!

wheeeeeee!

Brooks likes to swing.  Beau likes to spend lazy days in his jammies. I like these people a lot.

I feel the delicate steps of raising a daughter are approaching. Quickly. More quickly than I feel ready.  But I think feeling ready, or rather not, is an excuse.  Because I am equipped. I was a little girl, an awkward preteen, a self-conscious teenager, a young newlywed and I now I am pretty sure I am a woman.  So here I am.  It wasn't perfect, or always pretty, but I succeeded.  So I am equipped to lead my sweet girl through this.  I am not sure what will require more grace, loving her through the trials growing up or reliving all the stages as I do so.  God help me.

Here's a sweet little article, an encouragement to use my words wisely.  What you say and how you say it can make all the difference.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-bongiorno/teaching-my-daughter-to-love-her-future-body_b_2490815.html