An identifiable thought

I've been doing my devotions (when I can grab the undisturbed sit-down time) through this book.  12 days in, it's been really good.  Beth had me slowly reading through Luke 2.  It wasn't the passage highlighted, but God highlighted it in my heart. 

Luke 2:48b

"Son, why have you treated us like this?"

This was Mary's question of the young Jesus who stayed behind in Jerusalem and was later found by his freaked out parents in the temple.  Jesus' answer to her question was "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  This is so often my question of God.  And I guess it's routed in some serious entitlement.  "God, why have you treated me like this?  Why did my baby wake up 3+ times last night, followed by my  other 2 children?  Didn't you know that I needed the sleep?"  (just one of the numerous current examples).  And Jesus' response is often the same; a challenge to see the bigger picture!  His greater purpose that reaches far beyond my current circumstance.  I guess my heart was encouraged too.  So often Mary is credited with the "treasured up all these things and pondering" (Luke 2:19,51).  Something I'm not very good at doing.  Glad to know she was still human.

Monster Trucks

That's right, Saturday Austin and Ethan went to the Monster Jam!

Here they are modeling their protective ear gear!  Unfortunately no cameras (with detachable lenses) allowed inside the arena.  So this was the only picture from the historic event.  But Ethan sure loved it.  And, you guessed it, it has become the theme for every piece of art, story, or creation!  He's requesting a Monster Truck birthday cake!  (The boy's a dreamer; just planning 5 months out!)

A boy and his feet!

Since the womb, this little guy has loved to keep his feet soles together.  Kinda curious how long this flexibility will last!

I just took him to his 4 month check up yesterday.  He's my chunkiest baby yet; 15 lbs 9 oz (75%) and 26 inches (80%).  He's sure growing fast.  He's rolled over (both directions) a couple times and has mastered grabbing things of interest with his hands.  It's amazing how fast they change!

Growing friendship!

These two are growing a sweet friendship.  Yes, she loves on him in an over-the-top kind of way, but he is growing more and more accustomed to it.  And I think he really likes it!  She loves to hold him and often request for Mommy to take their picture together. Thus the shots below.  It's fun to watch her talk to him.  She knows how to make him laugh and smile!  I have mental pictures of her sitting him at her tea parties and her teaching him in "pretend" school.  The day is quickly approaching!  Until then, it's cuddles on the couch!

Mr. Giggles

Elias is changing and developing so fast.  He is definitely the grinniest little baby I've ever seen.  There is nothing like a baby's giggles and kisses to wash away the stress of any day.  I just couldn't hog them all to myself.  Hope you enjoy the joy that is pouring out of him!



 And then his aggressive love:

My 2 month old chubs

I can't believe he is 2 months old!  More and more I feel like I'm getting to know who this laid back little one is!  He really is so willing to go with the flow.  He's even given me several full nights of sleep! 

At his 2 month appointment he weighed in at 12lbs 6 oz and 24 1/2 inches long! 
He's done some serious growing! 

Class is over

That's right, the 5 weeks of my photography class have come and gone. It seemed to go so fast. I'm so glad I took it. I actually feel like I understand my camera more now. And I can see improvement in the pictures I'm taking. So it was worth it. These are the pictures I took for my homework on landscape, abstract and black and white.
Just cause everyone asks, the red one is of a water fountain spout on a jogging trail in town.