Sayonara Summer of 2014!

Nothing like eating popsicles on a hot summer day

Posing by the sunflowers we planted by seeds...one is finally blooming!

Sweet Baby Caroline at just 1 week old

Great Grandma Anderson and Cousin Chase admiring Caroline

We didn't see pirates this cute at the Blackbeard Pirate Exhibit

Just like his shirt says, "Monkey See, Monkey Do"

Crazy how my last blog posting was over Memorial Day weekend and here I am posting again Labor Day weekend.  Summer of 2014 zipped by faster than any summer I’ve experienced; this truly must be a sign of getting older.  Speaking of getting older, Tim and I both had birthdays over the summer to celebrate: my 33^rd and his 35^th.  We also had our 13^th wedding anniversary on August 25^th.  We celebrated our anniversary earlier in the month of August by taking a trip down to our favorite vacation spot: OBX.  Although it rained the entire weekend we were there, we still enjoyed exploring all of Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.  Tim’s parents (Grammie Pam and Papa) watched Chase and Gabe for us as it’s a rarity we get time to ourselves with our busy work schedules.  As crazy as it sounds, we were almost happy it rained while we were in OBX as it forced us to do things we normally wouldn’t do, like spend more time sight-seeing while driving on the island, shopping, trying out different restaurants, and even attending a Jars of Clay concert (it just so happened they were playing in Manteo the Sunday night we were on vacation).  Time is fleeting, so I’m thankful Tim and I were able to see past the dark clouds during our vacation and still make the most of it.

Unfortunately, that August 3-day vacation is long gone and we’ve been back to the grind for a month now.  Work has been unusually hectic for us ever since we returned from vacation with Tim and me both working long hours.  I’m thankful we’re both off from work today to enjoy the Labor Day holiday.  We had one last day at Smithfield Swim Club; it was a bittersweet day as the pool emptied its freezer to give out free ice pops knowing that kids wouldn’t be there to eat anymore until next summer.  However, I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we survived another summer season. 

Chase reached so many awesome milestones this summer! He can now ride his bike without training wheels.  He can also somewhat swim; he’s surely not an Olympic swimmer, but he’s leaps and bounds better than last year.  We enrolled him swim lessons in early June and it helped him get over his fear of being under water.  He can now swim under water and go down slides.  We still need to work on his surface swimming, but again, we’re proud of him for as far as he’s come in one summer.  He’s also learning how to play soccer on the Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation League (I believe his team is the called the “Thunder”). His first game is next Saturday.  Go #5! He starts Kindergarten (K5) at Faith Outreach Education Center (FOEC) tomorrow.  This isn’t a huge shock for him since he’s been attending FOEC since he was 3 years old.  We’re excited to keep him at FOEC for another school year.  I’ve had many people ask me if we’re going to put him public schools eventually.  My current response to that is we’re going to pray about it and let God pave the way one year at a time. 

Since my last posting, Gabriel is still not blooming as much as I had hoped with his speech.  I had his speech evaluated at CHKD and it was confirmed that he is a little behind in his development; however, insurance wouldn’t cover speech therapy sessions for him since there is no medical reason to attribute his speech delay.  In other words, Gabe’s hearing is fine and he is on target with all other developmental skills for his age, so there is no medical disability involved—in which case, I’m beyond thankful!  So, I’ve taken the more laid back approach in not stressing over it and trusting that he’ll start talking when he’s ready.  He recognizes various objects, points frequently and can understand most commands.  In the meantime, Chase still does enough talking for the entire family to make up for whatever Gabe isn’t saying. 

On a sad note, we had to say goodbye to our almost 14 year-old yellow lab Dexter back in July.  Age had taken its toll on our beloved pet with several health problems continuing to compile and erode at his quality of life, so we knew we had to do the right thing and send him to Doggy Heaven.  Although it was painful to say goodbye, we’re relieved to know he’s no longer suffering.  Tim and I had Dexter cremated and spread his ashes at sea while we were on Ocracoke Island.  It was a peaceful and symbolic way to have our final goodbye since we used to take Dexter down to OBX with us all of the time when we were younger.  We’re nowhere near ready for another furry pet anytime soon, but we did get 3 low maintenance goldfish to brighten Chase’s spirits.

On a happy, happy, happy note (because I can’t end this blog on a sad note), many congrats to my sister Laurie and her husband Ken as they welcomed their sweet baby girl into the world on August 22^nd: Caroline Rae Stephens!  She’s healthy and beautiful.  I was able to hold her for the first time on Saturday.  What a blessing it is to have a newborn baby in the family again.  Although we let one family member go in July (because in my family, pets are considered family members), we were blessed with a new one in August.  “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

Memorial Day 2014

Spring has sprung on by us since my last blog posting and here we are marking the unofficial beginning to summer with Memorial Day. Chase and Gabe are a year older now and we survived their birthday bash at Chuck E. Cheese’s. Thanks to our family and close friends for making that a special event for us! Gabe wasn’t too thrilled about Chuck E. Cheese himself, but Chase was in Chuck E. Cheese’s face the entire time trying to talk to him—so funny to see the difference in their personalities!

Obviously, for anyone who knows Chase, it’s easy to point out he’s the outgoing, talkative child. He concluded his K4 school year and is already enrolled for Kindergarten (K5) at FOEC for the fall. In the meantime, he’ll have summer camp to keep him busy June-August. I’m amazed at how much he learned in K4. He knows the entire alphabet and can write upper/lower case letters and sound each letter out. He can sound out some short words, which means reading is just around the corner for his next milestone. He’s also showing a lot of interest in music, particularly the drums. Grammie Pam and Papa got him a real drum-set for his birthday (I still secretly believe it’s payback for all that Tim put them through with the drum-set he had growing up). Believe it or not, I’m still sane with all of the drumming that goes on under my roof. I really think with good instruction, Chase could have some talent. There’s nothing sweeter than hearing a 5 year-old banging the tar out of drums while singing, “I really love Jesus, I really love Jesus.” I can’t tell him to stop because he’s making a “joyful noise” to the Lord!

Another funny Chase moment was just the other day when I was at Wal-Mart. Those “people of Wal-Mart” emails/pictures are no exaggeration! We saw a man playing the air guitar in the hair-care isle to whatever classic rock music that was playing over the intercom. He was dressed like a normal man, but his hair was hot pink and pulled back in a pony tail with matching eyebrows drawn on his face. He also had on make-up and very dainty earrings. It took every ounce of energy I had to act normal when he walked past me and not laugh. Chase, on the other hand, came right out and asked me, “Mom, is that a boy or a girl? It looks like a boy, but his hair and make-up look like a girl.” Fortunately, the man-woman-whatever didn’t hear Chase’s remark. During the same Wal-Mart trip, the cashier who rang us up was a dwarf and Chase said, “Look Mom! That man is little like me! How come he didn’t grow any bigger?” My reply was that God makes people in different shapes and sizes. Thankfully, the dwarf just smiled and didn’t take any offense to Chase’s comment. Children are so sweet and innocent, but yet painfully blunt at times!

As for Gabriel Lee, I’m thinking I should have named him “Chase” too because I sure do have to chase him around frequently. Gabe also has quite the personality. He’s giggly just like Chase and starting to develop an awesome sense of humor. I love the deep, belly laughs that come out of young children—especially when it’s something so simple making them laugh like that. Gabe is very strong for his age and in the 95th percentile for height. He’s slightly below average for weight since his most recent growth spurt made him much taller and slowed down his appetite. He still eats much better than Chase, but he’s gotten pickier over the past few months. He’s slightly behind the benchmark for talking at his age. I personally don’t think there’s anything to worry about because he’s as smart as a whip and I know he understands way more than he can communicate. However, his pediatrician still recommended a speech evaluation and a few therapy sessions to jump-start him with talking so I’m going to entertain it to see if it helps. I truly feel the main reason Gabe isn’t talking is because he has Chase and everyone else to do all of the talking for him. He can still say “Mom, hi, bye, uh-oh” and a few other words. I have a feeling all of a sudden he’ll just take off with talking and then I’ll miss these quieter days.

As for Tim and I, we haven’t had much time to unwind lately. We had our niece Bella all weekend since my sister Laurie was out of town for a wedding. Needless to say, the boys keep us busy enough without adding an extra child to the picture, but we made the most of the weekend with having Bella. The kids played in their sandbox and on the swingset, rode bikes and the Gater, went for wagon rides, got in the hot tub, played in the sprinkler, watched a few movies, and even went to a mud bog for the first time yesterday. Tim has been working overtime (12-hour days at times) and trying to keep up with yardwork, keeping the cars washed and running, and tending to whatever other home projects that arise. Then, there are the normal household chores that I do, like laundry, cooking, cleaning, packing lunches, etc. I’m just now slowing down enough to update this blog and download some pictures that were taken of the children on Good Friday (courtesy of JJ Faulkner Photography). I’m certainly not complaining because we’re blessed to have the health and means to maintain what we have and keep our family going with our full schedules. I foresee a busy summer ahead of us, but hopefully an exciting one to build memories.

In conclusion, I owe a special thanks to those who have sacrificed their very own lives for the sake of our country. My gratitude continues for those who are still serving our country today. “Greater love has no one than this, than someone lay down his life for his friends.” –John 15:13 Happy Memorial Day to All!

Put a Little Spring in Your Step!

Chase and our "Snowman" (or pile of snow with a smiley face)

An icy walk around the block

Valentine Day Flowers from Tim

Gabriel trying on Tim's shoes

Snow angels

Just retired this balloon yesterday and made Chase laugh by sucking in the remaining helium and talking funny




Gabe all bundled up

 Finally, spring is here! I’m hoping winter storms are a thing of the past this year. We definitely had our snow fix over the past few months. I took off from work a few days to enjoy snuggling at home indoors with the boys and to avoid having to drive on the icy roads. Tim took Chase sledding on one of the snow days and I made an attempt at building a snowman with Chase on another snow day. Both times, Chase had to be forced to come inside so he wouldn’t get too cold or frostbitten. On the other hand, Gabriel wasn’t a fan of the snow this year. He just fussed the entire time he was outside and looked like Randy from the movie “A Christmas Story.”


Needless to say, we’re looking forward to warmer days ahead of us. The boys and I have already spent countless hours outside on the warm days we had tucked in between the frigid ones. They both (Chase as the driver, of course) like to ride the Gater together around the yard and the neighbor’s swingset is still a big hit. If not playing outside, they’re big on watching cartoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Last Avatar Airbender, Peppa Pig, Popeye, and Scooby Doo. It can be a struggle to get Chase pried away from playing outside or watching TV long enough to do his homework, but he’s gotten better at it. He continues to do well in school, with just a little over two months left of K4.

Gabriel isn’t talking much yet, which surprises me since he has his older brother chattering nonstop. However, he’s gotten his motor skills mastered a bit too much. He’s a climber, runner, jumper, etc. His main speeds are on and off, but I thoroughly enjoy the rare times he still wants to snuggle in my lap. His hair is really sprouting and it’s just as blonde as it can be. I’m not sure how much he weighs, but he’s definitely a lot heavier since my last blog post. He’s outgrown 18-months and even some 24-months clothing. Fortunately, we have all of Chase’s hand-me-downs for him to wear. He has slowed down some with his eating (which is normal at this age) and has shown a few picky traits, but not to the extreme that Chase does.

In contrast, Chase is still my string bean and as picky as ever when it comes to food. I still keep hoping the day will come when he’ll venture out and try new foods, but until then, I’m thankful he’s healthy. I can’t believe he’ll be 5 years old in just a month! And, my baby isn’t a baby anymore as he’ll be turning 2! It looks like we’re in for another Chuck-E-Cheese’s birthday party (yay for the kids, but “aaaah” for the adults). Before then, we have Easter to celebrate. Just as I always do, I’ll leave you with positive thoughts and a Bible verse:

As flowers come in bloom this spring, look at their beauty and reflect on Matthew 6:28-29: “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

“Hoppy” Easter! (corny, I know!)


Winter 2014

We did a smaller Christmas tree this year, but that didn't stop Santa from coming! 

My little Christmas Rabbid...love those two front teeth!  

These boys love this John Deere!

Christmas stocking with goodies

Our photogenic Chase

Pop and Gabriel on Thanksgiving Day

Happy 2014 to all of my family and friends!  Time sure is not stalling as we’re already two weeks into this new year.  We ended 2013 with a peaceful Christmas spent with family.  When I say “peaceful,” I don’t mean that it wasn’t noisy and a little hectic at times with the typical hustle and bustle you get with a 4 year-old and 20 month-old.  However, it was just nice to spend time with family, to veg out a little, and to have some time away from the daily grind of work (and school for Chase).  Most of all, it was nice to reflect on all of the blessings another year brought. 

Chase and Gabe are by far two of the biggest blessings in my life.  Spending time with them is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.  Although I tried not to spoil them and shower them with too many toys over Christmas, the rest of the family made up for whatever I didn’t get them.  They have more toys than I know what to do with and they have no excuse to be bored.  It still blows my mind how Gabe would rather play with all of my Tupperware containers than the many toys he has scattered throughout the house.  I recall my sisters and I doing the same when we were kids.  Now that we’re in the dead of winter, the days are too short and cold most of the time for us to spend much time outdoors, so all of these toys (and Tupperware) come in handy to break up the monotony of being indoors.

So far, this winter has been unpredictable with the fluctuating weather.  We’ve already had a 70 degree-day in January with temperatures in the teens and 20’s less than a week prior to that.  We’ve all had minor colds, but no major illnesses (praise God) in spite of the varying temperatures.  Both boys are still healthy and growing.  The only doctor visit we have scheduled for the future is Gabriel’s 2-year check-up (not until April), and hopefully we can steer clear of doctors otherwise.

Along those lines, I wish all of you a healthy conclusion to this winter.  The next time I type a blog update, I hope we’ll be getting ready to kick off springtime!  Chase is already planning his birthday party.  He doesn’t realize that April is still a few months away.  No sooner did Christmas end did he begin asking about Easter and his birthday.  He continues to do well in school and has the best handwriting in his class.  He’ll soon enough grasp the concept of time. J

Some highlights from the holidays:

-         Chase’s school play at FOEC was amazing!  Chase and his classmates dressed up as Christmas toys (Chase was a Power Ranger), and the whole point of the play was to emphasize that Christmas isn’t about anything materialistic—that it’s about celebrating the birth of our Savior.  The music was so cute and the kids did a fantastic job.

-         Tim and I got to go to the range with my dad and try out Tim’s new Christmas gift (a Beretta).  Afterwards, we had a few hours to ourselves at Wal-Mart and ChickFilA…yep, we sure know how to have a romantic day to ourselves!

-         Gabriel is starting to say “Mom,” but the way he says it is hilarious.  He sounds like Cartman from South Park saying “Mom.”

-         Tim fixed Chase’s John Deere Gator that had been out of order for quite some time.

-         Laurie and Ken got married on December 29^th—Congrats to the newlywed Stephens!  Gabriel was a total mess at their reception and kept running back into the kitchen area of the restaurant.

-         Chase and Bella had many fun outings, including ChickFilA, Christmastown at Busch Gardens, Chuck E. Cheese’s, and the Bouncehouse.

Of course, there will be more highlights in 2014 to share in the future.  In the meantime, whether your new year has started out good or bad, make the most of the new beginnings God gives you.

“Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” –Lamentations 3:23 

November Rain

Chase and our scarecrow in camo

The cutest monster I've ever seen

Go, Go Power Ranger!

Chase holding the pumpkin he picked out from the pumpkin patch

What a happy monster!

I didn't know monsters mowed grass!

November Rain

I’m typing this blog update as it’s raining outside and in the mid-70’s.  It hardly feels like the first day of November with the warm temperature and humidity, but we’re already halfway into fall.  The past two months flew by between church and company picnics, October birthday celebrations, going on FOEC school field trips to Disney on Ice and the pumpkin patch, travelling to a funeral, celebrating Halloween, and just keeping up with the daily grind. 

A couple weeks ago, my great uncle Richard (“Dick”) Armstrong was called to his heavenly home.  Tim, the boys, and I travelled up to Staunton, VA to attend the funeral and visit family.  Even though funerals often have a solemn aura, it was more of a celebration of life and family reunion for us.  Chase got to play with cousins that he normally doesn’t get to see and some family met Gabe for the first time.  We also got to soak up the mountain air and see the leaves just starting to change color this season.

Last night, we celebrated Halloween with Tim’s parents joining us for trick or treating.  Gabriel was dressed up as a blue, furry monster (some people called him the cookie monster, others called him “Sulley” from Monsters Inc.).  Chase was the red Power Ranger.  Much to my surprise, both boys hung in there without any meltdowns for well over an hour trick-or-treating and racking up more than enough candy. 

One of my favorite highlights from the past month:  Chase is learning to pray!  He prayed for my mom one day when her knee went out on her.  Lo and behold, God heard and answered Chase’s sweet prayer and my mom’s knee went back in place for her within seconds. 

Although Chase and Gabe have their sibling rivalry moments, Chase is really proud of his brother when we’re out in public.  He never misses an opportunity in a grocery store to introduce strangers to his brother.  In fact, Chase never misses the opportunity to talk in general!  He is quite the chatterbox and isn’t shy at all.  I’m enjoying seeing the differences in personalities between Chase and Gabe.  Chase is the sensitive, cautious, and outgoing child.  Gabe can be shy, but he’s more of a risk-taker and doesn’t seem to get his feelings hurt as easily. 

With the exception of seasonal allergies and an ear infection for Gabe, both boys have been healthy.  Chase weighs in at the 40-pound mark, with Gabe trailing by about 15 pounds.  Chase is starting to eat a little better, but is still the picky eater of the two.  Gabe, on the other hand, still eats well and isn’t nearly as selective with trying out new foods.  Both boys are still in great sleeping patterns with Gabe settling down for the night between 6 and 7 and sleeping until around 6 the following morning.  If I hear him stirring before 6, I just let him entertain himself in his crib for a while.  Chase goes to bed around 8 and usually sleeps until around 6:30 (slightly later than that on the weekends). Chase doesn’t nap during the day and Gabriel’s naps are starting to shift later towards the afternoon hours.  I’m thankful to have two sleeping beauties! 

Speaking of being thankful, it’s already that time of year again with Thanksgiving right around the corner.  I’ll take the time now to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving month and to encourage all to reflect on their blessings.  I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t admit that I fall short of being thankful for all that I have from time to time, but I’m really trying to make an adamant effort to appreciate God’s enduring love that has carried me through so many obstacles. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever….” –Psalm 136

Farewell Summer of 2013

Although this fire truck is a hand-me-down from our neighbor, it's been a huge hit with both boys!

Sitting in the shade (Gabe has my cell phone in his hand, which is a big NO-NO!)

Enjoying the sprinkler on our back deck while the weather is still warm

LOVE moments like these cuddling with my boys

Chase posing on Daddy's John Deere

My, oh my, where did summer go?  Although we still have a couple weeks left of the official summer season, the unofficial season ended after Labor Day as kids went back to school and pools closed for the year.  Chase started K4 at FOEC (Faith Outreach Education Center) the week before Labor Day and already has a fun-filled year of learning mapped out including Bible stories and field trips.  There’s nothing that warms my heart more than turning on K-Love (Christian radio) in the car and hearing Chase sing along to some of the songs since FOEC often plays K-Love over their intercom. 

On the other hand, Gabriel’s schooling occurs at home with me constantly telling him a firm “no” when he tests the waters.  For instance, he is obsessed with the home phone and TV remote controls in spite of the many toy phones and gadgets with buttons we have. Why is it that kids still prefer the real thing over the toys? And, why do parents and grandparents still get suckered into buying the toys?  Ha. Ha.  I have to admit it can be hard being firm with Gabe at times since he’s always sporting his dimply smile.  Needless to say, he’s growing and trying to figure out boundaries right now.  Other than a few rough nights due to his molars coming in, he’s been content and healthy all summer.  He survived the rounds of shots like a champ back in July and has his 18-month check up in October.  He’s still eating well and has been drinking from juice boxes all summer.  I’m impressed he’s not like most toddlers his age who will just squeeze all the juice out; he actually knows not to squeeze the box and has mastered drinking out of a straw; but, his challenge is to figure out how to put the straw back in the box when he pulls it out.

Most evenings consist of me coming home from work and not even being able to change out of my work clothes and bring my bags in the house since the kids start playing outside as soon as we hit the driveway and get out of the car.  Chase has really enjoyed riding his Lightning McQueen bike all summer.  Gabe loves pushing around the bubble lawnmower (even though the bubbles don’t come out anymore) and his fire truck.  I usually have to carry them both inside kicking and screaming so that I can fix dinner and get them ready for bed.  Gabe still goes to bed pretty early (around 6:30), but Chase has been able to stay up a little later now (no later than 8 on weeknights). 

Summer was a little hectic with my work schedule and other challenges.  We never made it down to OBX this year, but managed to squeeze in a few trips to Huntington Park.  Fortunately, Chase got to do plenty with the FOEC summer camp.  We tried to enjoy things locally, like going to the pool here in Smithfield, enjoying the park 5 minutes from the house, strolling around the block, playing with the sprinkler right in the backyard, sliding on the slip-n-slide, etc.  The bottom line here is that you don’t have to go far from home to enjoy a season, especially with children.  One thing I enjoy as a mom is how Chase and Gabe constantly remind me to enjoy the simple things in life with their sweet innocence.  We could all benefit from viewing life through a child’s eyes.

Summer Freedom

Batman Brothers in their PJs

Having Fun with Bubbles

Chase during his last week of school on Fashion Disaster Day

Beachbum

Daddy and his co-pilot

Victory walk after coming in first racing go-karts

Here we are at my favorite time of year: good old summer! Thankfully, this blog posting finds all of us healthy after wrapping up spring with colds, allergies, and a double ear infection for Gabe. We celebrated Mother’s Day, Chase’s graduation from K3, my mom’s 60th birthday, and Father’s Day in the past few months. Chase is well into Summer Camp at FOEC, and has already done lots of fun activities, such as going on trips to the Bounce House, Bluebird Gap Farm, the zoo, bowling, etc. Chase had his first fishing experience with Tim and Papa this June and caught several perch. Aunt Laurie and Bella also took him to the beach at Huntington Park last weekend and he had a blast. We’ve also visited Smithfield Swim Club a few times this year. Chase still isn’t a swimmer, but I’m hopeful Tim can work with him more as summer continues. Tim has already introduced Chase to go-karts and the taste of victory, which has caused him to ask me during every car ride on the real road why I’m not passing the car beside me…life is a constant race for Chase. One thing is for sure; Chase stays on the go constantly and has no excuse to be bored this summer.


Gabriel is over 14 months old now. He’ll get to weigh in and endure another round of shots (yay!...sarcasm intended) during his 15 month checkup in July. Weighing him at home, he comes in at a whopping 22 pounds. There’s no doubt I have a hearty eater, which is refreshing after dealing with Chase’s picky eating habits. Chase is only 38 pounds at 4 years old, so I have a feeling it won’t take long for his little brother to catch up with him. Gabe is for the most part a happy baby. He started walking right at a year old and now he’s hard to keep up with as he toddles through the house trying to keep up with Chase and even climbs up the stairs at times. I definitely have two children who are all boy as their two speeds are unconscious or running. During their conscious hours, they laugh at their own burps and farts…nothing funnier than seeing a 14 month-old laughing at himself hysterically while he’s passing gas.

In addition to soaking up the sun’s rays this summer, I hope to soak up each and every one of God’s blessings—including the small ones that are often overlooked. I’m enjoying the simple things in life, like going for evening walks with the kids once it’s not so stifling; Chase rides his Lightning McQueen bike (with training wheels) while I stroll Gabe. I love just watching the expressions on their faces as they absorb their surroundings and breathe in the fresh air. My challenge to you is to do the same this summer. As we celebrate the 4th of July and the freedom of our nation this year, acknowledge the freedom we have in Christ too.