More gymnastics!

Sorry, but I tried and tried to get this clip rotated

and couldn't figure it out. It is just too cute not to

post...so if you don't mind just turn your head sideways!

If anyone knows how to rotate it let me know!

Thanks Aunt Kimberlee

Thanks to Aunt Kimberlee's amazing bargain

shopping skills, Lainey has a new Dora car.

To say she loves it is putting it mildly! Thank you

Aunt Kimberlee!

Nadia, Mary Lou, Shawn, and Lainey Grace

Lainey and I have started a mommy and me gymnastics class at the Little Gym. Now, I realize I just might be living vicariously through my child, but she happens to love this class!

The bars are her favorite. She says "wut monkey bars." She's learned a few skills on the bars, but mostly just hangs like a monkey. She thinks this is great fun. This day was direction day. The kids learned to walk forward, backward, and sideways on the beam. Each class ends with balls and bubbles. Nothing better for a two year old!

Full of Questions

Well, it's official. I have a 2 and 1/2 year old. What a blast. Sure, there are moments of testing boundaries and the occasional tantrum for no reason I can see. But what a wonderful season of learning, growing and changing.

Tonight, on the way home from an evening of painting our new house, Lainey asked "momma, who's that guy" at least 10 times. She is curious about everything. Touching, observing, and exploring. Her new favorite way to end each statement is, "I do it all by self." She is not kidding when she says this. The girl has a serious independent streak. One that even her momma admires.

Before each nap and bed time, Lainey wants to hear 3 songs. "Jesus me" (Jesus Loves Me), "us" (Zaccheus) and "bus" (Wheels on the Bus). For the first time today, she sang every word to Jesus Loves Me. I was so thrilled I almost burst into tears. I have been singing that song to her since she was a day old. To hear her sing the words "all by self" thrilled my heart.

Lainey has quite a sense of humor and cracks me up on a daily basis. A couple of days ago she told me she was hungry and wanted to eat some cheese. I asked what kind of cheese she wanted and she looked at me like I was crazy and said, "yellow." Her expression seemed to say what other kind of cheese is there momma?

Happy Birthday Little Man!

My nephew, Isaiah, turned one a few weeks ago. Jamie, Lainey and I were there to celebrate with this little cutie that I affectionately call "little man." I, of course, think this is the most fitting name for him. However, Uncle Jamie prefers "tank." He is one active, tough, little boy that I love dearly. Happy first Birthday!

A Visit with Dear Friends

During Jamie's 5 years in youth ministry at Pisgah, our church had a partnership with Bethel Baptist Church in Botosani, Romania. Jamie traveled there twice and I visited once on a mission trip and we were blessed to get to know the pastor at Bethel, Cristian and his wife Lidia Mihoc. When we were in Excelsior Springs last weekend for Isaiah's birthday party (blog post of this coming soon!) we were able to see them again and introduce our little girls to each other for the first time. Jamie and I are so thankful for their friendship and love hearing about how our God is at work around the world.

Lainey and her Romanian cousin Deborah. Cristian and Debbi at the park

Cristian and Lidia

Lainey and Debbi were instant friends. Lainey asks at least once a day where is Debbi?

Lidia and Debbi taking a break from the swings.

Little girls and their Daddies. Precious.

Holding hands again. Such sweet, little friends.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Last week we celebrated Jamie's lucky birthday, 9/9/09. It was a great day complete with a visit to a classic car museum, a seafood feast, warm apple pie and a new Wii. Jamie and I had a little tournament that night. I think he beat me in every game...no such thing as beginners luck for me! I am so blessed to be married to Jamie. It was wonderful to celebrate his 28th.

Happy Birthday sweetie!

Attempting to bowl

Jamie's favorite, warm apple pie

Our seafood dinner at Landry's