my dad.

Life without a daddy is fortunately, a life I've never known. He's always been a fixture in my life. Firm. Strong. Wise. Funny. Counselor. Consistent in character. Compassionate. I remember him crying with me the first time I didn't make cheerleader. I was 15. I remember it vividly. Sitting on the bed beside my bedroom window, bawling. Because at 15, this was my passion. And for whatever reason, it was oh-so-important to me. And for whatever reason, he understood that and sympathized with my hurt. So as I sat on the bed in sadness. He was on his knees in front of me. Not sharing his wisdom. But just crying with me. This same father had been at each football game to watch me cheer since the 3rd grade. Football season is cold and lengthy travels were often involved. But he drove my family and they all sat together on those cold, steel bleachers each Saturday afternoon or Thursday/Friday night and watched me do my thing. I would bet, that over the years, he watched a billion pretend tryouts from his recliner as mom critiqued my form. I never remember a roll of the eye or an annoyance that I was blocking the TV. In fact, he probably turned it off in those moments. He also coached my little league basketball team. We stunk. But I loved my coach! Every track meet, volleyball game, choir concert - I never had to wonder if my dad would show. With all of my extra-curricular activities, he just never missed one. (And for the record, neither did my mom, but this is all about FATHER'S DAY!) I'm learning more and more that what I had growing up is not all that common.

He's also still the man I go to when I need an unbiased, level-headed opinion or some wise, biblical counsel. He has become one that Jeremy's goes to as well. That has warmed my heart to see my favorite men connect in this way. And he is definitely the man that Holden runs toward full speed when Papa J walks into the room. So as Father's Day approaches, I can't help but think of my sweet dad. The protective and gentle father of 3 girls. Dad, I'm thinking of you this week and celebrating who you are to me. So grateful! So grateful! So grateful - that God made you mine. And now ours. You are a blessing to me and my family! I love you! And HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! (a wee bit early.)

big pool!

We FINALLY had our first big pool experience of the summer. We thought we had a neighborhood pool when we found our house in Texas. But we were wrong. Soon after that small disappointment, I came to the realization that I probably wouldn't be able to take both of the boys to a big pool by myself. Not this year. So this summer we have been hanging out our little backyard pool. But this weekend we headed to a wedding in Oklahoma. We stayed overnight Friday in Nowheresville, OK. The perk was that the hotel had an outdoor pool. And Friday afternoon when we arrived, we had the pool all to ourselves. Holden started out a little timid in the water and then we couldn't stop him from jumping in. The boys had a blast splashing around.

new shoes.

so proud!

little road trip.

This past Monday morning, the boys and I headed to Papa J and Nana's for a visit. We were able to spend several days enjoying the company of Nana during the day and both grandparents during lunch and in the evenings. The boys enjoyed a morning at the outlet mall, an afternoon in the backyard pool, some time on the tire swing and lots of moments of cuddling with some of their favorite people. All the while daddy back home, worked and worked and worked and worked. We enjoyed our visit and it is always a comfort to know they are just a little over an hour away. That's just a cat nap for those boys that ride in my backseat. Here those boys are STRETCHING to hold hands. Cute. :)

Some current details about this boy:

It's about Holden today and some of the things he's doing.
1) He's into tissing (aka kissing) boo-boos or owies. He uses those terms interchangably. I kiss his and in exchange, he offers to kiss mine.

2) It seems his vocal volume is just turned up a notch. Everything he says is a little louder than what I like to think is normal. So when I ask him to whisper (normally because Pax is sleeping and we are close by) he whispers the word "bubba" and then goes back to his loud volume with his other words. :) Today he threw his sock monkey in his crib and told me "muntee seepin". Little Pax had also gone down for a nap about the same time as the sock monkey. So as I carried Holden downstairs, he was talking in his sort of loud volume, saying things like "side" (meaning he wanted to go outside to play). When I told him to whisper in my own hushed voice, he whispered "montee". Made me laugh and kiss his cheek (for the umpteenth time that day!)

3) Occassionally he'll watch a little Tom and Jerry cartoons. He laughs at the most appropriate times. It's just funny to me that his little brain already gets it.

4) He is suddenly a whiz at puzzles. Last week as Jeremy and I were cleaning up toys and Holden began "yelping". And suddenly he started placing puzzle pieces correctly in their spot. We were amazed. We haven't been working on this. I think we just gave up on it several months ago. Apparently, he decided that he was finally ready for it.

5) He is now tall enough and smart enough to lock and unlock the deadbolt on the front door. Not the best timing (for me) for this type of growth spurt. :)

6) When he colors, he hands me a colored pencil and asks me to color with him. He wants to include me in his masterpiece. But he normally scribbles over whatever I have done. :)

7) He loves to sit in a "yap" while you read to him. He will bring me book after book and ask me read to him. One of his favorites that he always chooses is Goodnight Moon. To which he repeats "ni-nite moon." It's always a special time to cuddle up and read.

8) He can blow his nose FULL FORCE. And currently, since I have 2 snotty boys, only having to suction one of those boys is fabulous.

And those are some accomplishments and funny little things he is doing at 2 years.

brothers.

I have mentioned how Holden and Pax are playing together now. It's a fun sight to see. At least for Jeremy and I it is. Holden likes to crawl around as if Pax is chasing him. And Pax sort of does chase him scooting around on his belly. They make each other laugh all of the time. And they are constantly mimicing one another. Holden thinks he needs a teether since Pax has one. Holden is now putting EVERYTHING in his mouth because he sees his little bubba doing it. Holden acts silly and shakes his head and Paxton does it too. They are quite a pair. A little evidence below of the brotherly bond.

The daily after breakfast game of peek-a-boo. Sometimes this goes on long enough for me to unload the dishwasher. And they end up laughing hysterically at one another. (as shown in the picture.) Yes, they find themselves pretty funny.

current song of my heart.

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You’re my Portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You’re my Portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need

For the past month or so, we have been singing this song at our church. I love it. I love music and lyrics. And some lyrics just speak to me in certain seasons. And the statement I bolded is rough. I sputter and choke it out each time. And I'm almost positive that line always comes out squeaky from my mouth. Yet I sing, while hoping and praying that I truly believe those words: I believe You are all I need. And it makes me wonder how I would respond if my perfect, little world came crashing down.