Just us..

Just a couple pictures of our days...

 The family brushing their teeth - even Erik chimed in using mom's toothbrush.

Guess it's a great teether and cleaner for his two little wee teeth.
Katelyn loves brushing her teeth. Every time she reminds us. I'm so thankful for that, cause I didn't relish the thought of making a child brush their teeth every night. She inspires me!

On a side note, I went to the dentist a couple weeks ago - first time in like 8 years.. :)

It was good, and feels so good to have that done again. I tried to remember as they chiseled away on my teeth, that it was like a "spa day" - a few minutes of pampering while James watched the kids... 

Though my gums hurt more than were relaxed. :)

Katy and Mamma (as she calls me)

With our "medals" after evening service last week. Even though she was in the nursery with me that evening, she still got to get one of the crafts made (and forgotten) by a couple other children.

Katelyn was most insistant that I wear one too.

First time we actually matched. :)

Big Girl

 Kate is becoming such a big help around here.

Here's she is learning to feed Erik for mommy.

It was a pretty cute sight. Erik cooperated quite well, opening his mouth and the right time, until taking the spoon away from Katy.

 I canned some red pepper jelly, and with the rest of the cut up peppers, Katelyn bagged them for me to freeze.

Little "miss cheesy" grin.

It's so neat to have her help more, with her enjoying it.

She is mommy's big help in:

-help set the table - putting the forks and knives beside the table

- is pretty good at putting her toys away

-put Erik's diapers in the garbage

-pushing the stroller and other such adorableness to "help" mommy.

Eight Months

The chubbers at yet another month.

Erik's latest and greatest:

Enjoying more diverse types of veggies and fruits (avocado, carrots, oatmeal & more)

Weighs in at more than 22 lbs.

Loves bouncing on the trampoline

Starting to cuddle more before/after sleep time

Dances to music

Adores watching and laughing with Katelyn

Played peek-a-boo on his own. (pulled the blanket over his head over and over to my "peek-a-boo".
It was terribly cute!)

Gets into lots of stuff.... :)

But life is soo fun. (most of the time)

Kate's Arrangements

When we come in from our walks, I ask Katelyn to put her shoes by the door...and she does it.

Exactly as I've said.

And I smile as I chuckle.

Sweet obedience, and so cute. Even if they get in the way once in a while. (I am starting to teach her to put her shoes beside the door...)

But I think I might miss this sight: two little girl shoes adorning our front entry.

Just another moment in time - to remember.

At last...

...she has ribbons.

Two years was worth the wait.

Date Night

Date night time = fun

This time I got to take my guy on a date to dinner at Caseys and bowling in town. We had a lot of fun.

Don't ask me why we picked that night to go bowling - right next to a league... ouch. I was feeling rather  put in my place, and not quite in bowling attire - but we laughed a lot... and I did manage to beat James for once... :) (which means he was to get the dessert for us)

{Us two}

At home where we had our ice-cream dessert...a lovely evening with my man.

Much thanks to Nel who watched our little ones, which included one crying little boy... :)

Off she goes...

Sarah just left the Windmill for her last year of midwifery - one year at Ryerson in Toronto.

I'm so excited for her. She's worked so hard, and it's neat that she is almost done.

In less than a year, she's a Canadian midwife.

I walked to the Windmill just as she was finishing up her last day - for forever maybe?! :) - at the Windmill to get a couple shots of her there. :)

Then as we left, she escorted us out. :)

New seasons await...

Peaches & Soccer

Peaches are one of my favorite things about late summer.

James brought over 20 gallons home for us to can one Monday morning. Thankfully, he did the peeling, and I did the jam making. (I so do not like the time peeling takes-he is way more patient than me) :)

From this...

...to this. I'm thankful for the availability of peaches here. Such a treat.

Katelyn did her own type of canning that day. (at least her bear is the right color) I think that bear is praying for mercy. :)

Then after a crazy morning of canning, we went over to Williams for a soccer game with some other friends. James and the others had a blast, while another mom - Shelly - and I went to the park with the kiddos. After a while, Katelyn, Erik and I watched the game for a bit. Katelyn got to "help" play for a second.

Cheering for daddy.

Giving Daddy a kiss after his second whack on the head that afternoon.

Just a lovely productive and fun Monday.

It's a good kinda day.

What Makes Me Smile...