Our Caity-bug is Home!

Caitlyn is finally home, and I did exactly what I knew I would do as soon as I saw her: I started crying like crazy! I know she's eight years old, and I know it's time to let her spread her wings a little bit, but I missed her terribly! So did Kylie, and that was evident by the fact that she hasn't let her sister far from her side since Caitlyn returned.

Earlier today, we made Caitlyn a "Welcome Home" sign, and the kids had a blast decorating it. Caitlyn loved it too! She's pretty tired from the past week. All the candy, long days, lots of playing, and a cabin full of girls resulted in little sleep. Needless to say, she still talked a mile a minute the whole afternoon telling us all about her big adventure. She told us all about how her cabin got the "Dirty Sock Award" two days in a row for a messy cabin (no surprise here if you knew what Caitlyn's room looked like half the time!). As punishment, the girls had to clean up the cafeteria after all the kids had eaten lunch. She wasn't too happy about that part! Caitlyn was really excited to get the chance to sing in front of the whole camp before our preacher spoke at chapel. That's probably a couple hundred people! She of course didn't bat an eye to it. She amazes me with her confidence. I don't know where she gets it! All in all, we've gathered that she had a fantastic time, and can't wait to go back next year! Wait just a minute..... mommy needs to recover from this year first! :D

Nothing Does You Better Than a Good Belly Laugh

Luke is changing so quickly! He is a mere few weeks away from turning one year old! I can't believe it's here already. He is so close to walking, but has yet to take the plunge. His crawling is still reminiscent of a zombie crawl, and people get a kick out of it everywhere we go. He is almost completely weaned, and actual has adjusted extremely well. Luke is very adept at the sippy cup, and enjoys being free to roam while getting a drink at the same time! :) Our baby boy is getting bigger by the minute it seems.

Yesterday, Luke was looking out the back door...his favorite place these days. And he started laughing really loud. I thought maybe Kylie was tickling him, but when I got to him, there was no one else around. He was laughing at our crazy dog playing in the rain! I got it on video, and thought you might enjoy it too. (Note to self: I really need to scrub down our back door!) Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty for a healthy baby boy!

She's Got Wings

Monday morning, Caitlyn went off on her first true adventure away from home......church camp. I keep telling myself that she's eight years old.....and then I think, she's only eight years old! She's with adults that I trust, but there's just something about the first time you send them off to camp that rips your heart out. Caitlyn has been so excited preparing for this trip over the last week. We've been labeling all her clothes, packing bug spray and sunscreen, and trying to get everything to fit in her duffle bag! I was excited for her, but at that same time anxious about it. The worst part is that there is no phone service where she is, so phone calls are nonexistent! At first I really didn't miss her too terribly bad, and I thought that the week may not be as torturous as I had imagined. After the first 24 hours though, it started to kick in. Now I really miss her, as do Kylie and John. Kylie is especially struggling with her being gone. Kylie has never slept by herself in her room for more than one night. Her and Caitlyn have shared a room for Kylie's whole life. One of the biggest things about Caitlyn being gone is that it is much quieter. :D Caitlyn is a talker! She will be returning Friday afternoon, and you can be sure that we will be in the parking lot waiting for her. Maybe the kids and I will make her a "welcome back" sign!

Wordless Wednesday - He's Getting So Big!

Monday Morning Funnies

Help Me Win!

WARNING: The following is a shameful plea for help to win a $100 Cozi sponsorship!

Okay, here's the deal. I really want to win a $100 Cozi sponsorship! So, if you will go here to my "Top 10 Reasons I am Excited to Stay Home with My Family This Coming Weekend" post on My Four Monkeys and leave a comment, I would really appreciate it! I'll even give you 5 extra entries in every current My Four Monkeys giveaway! Just be sure and leave a separate comment on the giveaway posts for every entry.

So comment away and help me win! Thank you!

My Fridge Surprise

Last week Jeremy took the kids fishing while I met with my friend, Pam, and tried to nail down VBS details for this year. When I returned home that night, there was a plastic bag in the fridge. I just assumed it was a box of night crawlers, and left it be. Now, over a week later, the bag was still there and my curiosity got the better of me last night. I opened the bag and looked in. I wish I hadn't!




Yes, those are dirty socks next to the box of night crawlers! Gross, disgusting men........that's all I'm going to say about that!