Our Handyman

Last week a friend gave us a toy tool set for Benjamin so this week I cleaned it up and let him play with it. HE LOVES IT! Mostly because it's a bunch of new toys that he's never seen before but it was sure fun watching him stick them ALL in his mouth. I took some photos of our little handyman to share!

To the Cabin

This weekend we went up to our friend's cabin in the Tobacco Root Mountain Range and had ourselves a grand 'ol time! (This is in fact the same cabin we went to for our honeymoon!) We only stayed one night this time but it's always nice to retreat into the mountains for some fresh air, a little exercise, and an amazing night's sleep. Brian had the best time out of all of us as his day was filled with lighting a couple fires (isn't every man a pyro?), hanging out with a good friend, shooting his bow for the first time at an awesome homemade target, hiking, riding the four-wheeler, fishing, smoking his beloved pipe, reading, and of course eating. Ben and I had a good time also but the little man was fairly fussy for some reason so we didn't quite get out as much. Our day consisted of helping Shannon with a sewing project and thus hanging out with a good friend, going on a hike, cooking, crying, and taking care of dirty diapers. I guess some of that just comes with being a mom, huh. No complaints here... we'll make it up there again this summer I'm sure and it's then that I'll demand a ride on the four-wheeler! This was Ben's first "mountain" experience so of course I took a few pictures to share with you all. Thank you Klem Family for your willingness to always share your cabin with us - WE LOVE IT!

All Sprawled Out

I have been enjoying my son so much lately and just can't help sharing it with you. We really need to have another child soon so Ben doesn't end up getting spoiled beyond correction! In the mean time, I'll go ahead and keep making nearly every post about my little man. Here he is out for the count during one of his naps the other day. It's so fun to see him growing and maturing - he doesn't even need to be  swaddled anymore (except for at night) and no longer do I rock him to sleep. I just lay him in his crib and then off he goes to slumberland. This was not necessarily by choice as I do kind of miss that sweet time of sitting there holding him and studying every inch of his person. But he was ready for the transition... so we made it and I rejoice in the Lord that he is quickly growing into a  young man. Praise God that he is gracious and our prayers are already being answered!

Bouncing Boy

Ben LOVES to bounce in this Johnny Jump-up! It actually belongs to the Koenen's but it is so much springier than ours so Ben likes it a lot more. I just thought I'd share this fun little video that we took yesterday.

March of Dimes

Yesterday Brian and I (and Ben of course) joined some NWE work friends and participated in our first March of Dimes walk for babies. It was so nice to be outside on such a beautiful day but Brian and I are both very out of shape and were not quite ready for the 4 mile walk that ensued. Even so, with some sore feet and muscles we made it the whole way carrying the tail. I think the fact that we got free food at the end was a bit of motivation for us to finish (pulled pork sandwiches non the less)! Ben slept most of the way but when he was awake I think he really enjoyed himself. Any time he gets into his stroller he's usually pretty happy.

To top off the day we stopped at the grocery store on the way home and picked up some steaks to throw on the grill along with some ice cream for dessert! Brian, being the wonderful husband that he is, cooked us a delicious meal of grilled seasoned steaks with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and blue cheese with sides of broiled asparagus, and fresh baked rolls with homemade jam... and of course wine! (OK - so he had a little help!) It was all unbelievably tasty. I LOVE our Sabbath meals!!!

A Beautiful Day

Yesterday was such a beautiful day. Not only was it the Sabbath, but the weather was great and it was mother's day so I was treated extra special! After church Brian and Ben took me out to lunch and then we went to the park for a bit and laid in the grass... so relaxing! Then, to top it all off, we went uptown to get some Huckleberry ice cream from the Pickle Barrel and went on a little walk. I could not have asked for a nicer day! 

Mother's Day Brunch

Lord of the home, your only Son

Received a mother's tender love,

And from an earthly father won

His vision of your home above.

Teach us to keep our homes so fair

That, were our Lord a child once more, 

He might be glad our hearth to share,

And find a welcome at our door. 

- Anonymous

The Park

After church on Sunday we decided it would be fun to take Ben to the park; so that's what we did. (After our Sabbath nap of course!) We threw the stroller in the back of the truck and away we went. There are a couple parks fairly close to our house so we chose the one by a big pond with walking trails and of course a swing set. Here Ben got to swing for the first time and go down some big slides with Daddy. He seemed to enjoy himself although his facial expressions are a little hard to read sometimes; let's just say he wasn't crying. After "playing" for a little while we decided to go on a walk around the pond. As we were half way around a cold breeze came upon us and since Brian was in shorts we started walking a little faster - we knew it was going to start raining soon. A little further down the trail we decided to do a little jogging and after quickly running out of breath, losing control of the stroller, and almost bouncing Ben out onto his head we decided it would probably be wise to stop and resume just walking. Thankfully we made it back to the truck just as it starting raining... not just raining but DUMPING! In any case, we had fun and enjoyed the fresh air.