New Growth

So for any of you out there who know me well, you know that I cannot grow a plant to save my life. Apparently being home with the kids has changed that a little. I decided to try to grow 2 different vegetables this summer in our backyard; sugar peas and tomatoes. I picked up some seeds, pots, soil, said a few prayers and planted away. Well, no surprise to me my peas did not make it...However, my tomatoes are doing great! I can't believe that I have grown these from seeds. The kids think it is really cool to have tomatoes growing in the backyard. Although Jonathan keeps telling me that he is not going to eat them. Jaden on the other hand is very excited for the tomatoes to grow!

We even have a little tomato growing. When I showed it Jaden and told him we have a "little baby tomato" he asked, "Where is the mommy and daddy tomato?" I think it is good for the kids to see where their vegetables are coming from. Next year we plan on growing a bunch of different vegetables along the side of our house.

Here is our baby tomato!

The boys needed hair cuts and Jaden decided that he wanted his hair cut like his brother. I think he looks so much older with his new do!

Here is Jaden showing off his new hair!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summers as much as we are!

Summer Fun!

This summer has been very exciting for all of us. We have spent a lot of time with friends, out in the sun, and taking short trips (mostly into Michigan).

We picked up a motorized Corvette for the kids in a garage sale this year. It has turned out to be one of the best purchases we have made for them. All three kids really love spending time in it. They love to "drive" next door to race with Sienna and Dylan.

Jonathan's Cub Scout troop went on a fishing trip. This picture shows you one of the 10 fish he caught this day. It was a wonderful first fishing trip.

Makayla has been enjoying all of her time outside this summer!

Makayla and I were hanging out on the towels while the boys were in Lake Michigan during one of our day trips.

Some of the Indianapolis Colts football team players came to South Bend for the St. Joseph County 4H fair. We waited in line with Poppy and Mamaw to get some autographs.

Here are the two players who signed the boys caps and Makayla's coat.

The boys also road on some of the rides.

I think Jonathan was hoping he could take off in this one.

Jaden thought this train was pretty cool!

The boys also took swimming lessons for the first time this summer. On the last day of lessons, Jaden's class got to jump from the diving board for the first time. He did a great job jumping. So good, I was not able to catch him in the air, he was too fast.

Jonathan was cracking everyone up with his theatrics. This time he jumped, he yelled "I believe I can fly!"

During one of our play dates Makayla really enjoyed playing with Emmarose. She was giving her a kiss in this picture.

During the same play date, the boys were all going through the sprinklers.

Look at how much Makayla likes the sprinklers!

Look at how much all of the kids love the sprinklers!

This picture sums up our feelings on this summer so far! Hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as we are!

Catch-up Post

Okay, I know I have been really really bad about posting regularly so here is my catch-up post...


This was one of the first times I took Makayla to get her hair done. We had a few braids put in the front and the rest done in "twist-locks" It was really cute. Unfortunately, it took about an hour to do the first time and 2 1/2 hours to do the second time and only lasts about 4-5 days. This was not something I found would be a good use of our time. Not to mention the amount of patience that was used by both Makayla and me...


I LOVE this picture. I think Makayla looks like she is saying, "How many times to I have to tell you..." to Jonathan. Either that or she was thinking about the time it took 2 1/2 hours to do her hair like this!


I have had a lot of people ask me how big we can get Makayla's hair. This was the night I took her twist-locks out. As you can see, we can get it pretty big!

I mentioned in a previous post that Jonathan was racing int he regional Pinewood Derby races since his car was the 3rd place winner from his pack. At the regional race, Jonathan was asked to hold the American Flag during the Pledge!

Mother's day 2010 was spent at the park having a picnic, blowing bubbles, racing RC cars, and playing basketball. It reminded me of my first Mother's day when we took Jonathan (10 months old) to the park.

Here are the boys sharing the RC car. (I think we need to get another one, Joe thinks we need two more so he can play too...)

This gets us up to the present...I took the kids to Target to get their pictures taken since I had a coupon. Of course the coupon worked as Target wanted and I spent way more than I intended to on pictures. They are just so cute, it is hard to pass up! Jaden is starting to be able to pose and look like a big boy in his pictures now.

Jonathan still knows how to ham it up for the camera!

Makayla is just a natural!

This is one of my favorites. As you can see from the look on her face, so is not as innocent as she would like you to believe! :-)

All my babies. I cannot believe how fast time is going. Jonathan is now 7 years old, Jaden is 3 1/2, and Makayla is 21 months old! Where does the time go???