In addition, we went to Orlando on Saturday and took LOTS of pictures at Samantha's 1st birthday party. Samantha is Val's (my BFF) daughter. Here's the link.

Eden turns 11 months

Eden turned 11 months old on Tuesday, the 21st. She is crawling all over the place and pulling up on furniture (finally!). I still don't know if she will be walking by 1, but that's okay! Here are a few cute pictures of her. Also, Tommy turns 3 tomorrow!! I can't believe it! I'll put up some bday pics for him after that. Today we are taking Celeste over to the community college to find her classes because she starts tomorrow. Wow! I can't believe it! I'm very proud of my high school student earning college credit. She's so smart!

A recent picture

This is Eden (almost 11 months!), me, and Tommy (who turns 3 next week!).

I have another great blog post for you to see. It's from my momys friend, Amy Scott. Her blog is just a wonderful masterpiece. (Quite unlike mine!)

Today we're doing some school, running some errands, and Jamie is getting a hair cut. (Believe me, he needs one!) Saturday we'll be driving to Orlando to visit my friend, Valerie, and her family. Last year we had babies 5 weeks apart. Her daughter is turning one, so we're going for the party. We haven't seen each other since May, so it will be nice to go! I'll try to post some more pictures and updates soon.

An encouraging word

We have just started our homeschooling year today. I'm doing a slow start week. It's very hectic! I was quickly checking some things and found this post on Girltalk. It was very encouraging to me. Much of what we do as Christian, homeschooling mommies is among the mundane. Your reward is in heaven, Ladies! Reread all of Psalm 127. And while you're at it, if you homeschool, read Deut. 6, too!

I have LOTS to do, so I need to go! My heart is here with you, but my children are needing my attention in this current season. Blessings!

Wedding Meme

My friend over at Olive tree just did this in honor of her anniversary. I thought it would be fun to do it, too! I've been thinking about what to do for our 10th anniversary this December.

1. Where/How did you meet? We met at a police Christmas party. My brother, a sgt. at the time, invited me. Stu's roommate was on the squad, but Stu is not a police officer.

2. How long have you known each other? 10 years, 8 months

3. How long after you met did you start dating? Right away! We were quite taken with each other.

4. How long did you date before you were engaged? 4 months

5. How long was your engagement? about 7 1/2 months

6. How long have you been married? It will be 10 years this December.

7. What is your anniversary? December 6th (Love that Christmas Wedding!)

8. How many people came to your wedding reception? Best guess would be about 90.

9. What kind of cake did you serve? It was yummy regular wedding cake made by an awesome local lady. Just beautiful and delicious! We had a chocolate groom's cake, too.

10. Where was your wedding? At First Baptist Church

11. What did you serve for your meal? We just had snacks as our wedding was in the afternoon. We paid for the wedding ourselves, so we were trying to keep it light.

12. How many people were in your wedding party? There were just 4 (2 of my friends and 2 of Stu's) and then Celeste was the flower girl and Jamie was the ringbearer.

13. Are you still friends with them all? We are still in contact, but don't really have close relationships any more.

14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? Yes, I think we both did.

15. Most special moment of your wedding day? After the wedding, back at the bed and breakfast our whole wedding party was staying at, Stu was just so sweet to me. It was all decorated for Christmas and just beautiful. It was so good to finally be married.

16. Any funny moments? My son, the ringbearer, practically ran down the aisle and plopped himself in someone's lap when he reached the front of the church. He was 3 1/2.

17. Any big disasters?Not a one.

18. Where did you go on your honeymoon? We never had a honeymoon. We had one night at the bed and breakfast. I would love to have one some day.

20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change? The location of the reception. I couldn't book where I wanted it.

21. Greatest strength as a couple? We're committed to our relationship. We've been through hard times in many ways, but have stuck it out and are still in love.

22. Greatest challenge as a couple? Not enough time alone to enjoy each other.

24. Describe your wedding dress. It was long-sleeved and off-white. My friend beaded it for me. It was just beautiful! (I'll try to add a picture)

25. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Roses that were flame-tipped.

26. Are your wedding bands engraved? Mine is not, but his is. It says "One of Two" on the inside.

(The pics at the top of the post are: Our little wedding party, Stuart in his tux, Me and my little brother, Me in my dress, and Jamie.)

I am sitting here in a moment of relative silence. (If you don't count the toddler who's waving his baby sister's blanket in my face and saying, "This was Eden's," over and over.) We are going to pick Celeste and Jamie up at the airport this evening. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. My family will be whole again. I feel like I can get on with my life now. Summers are always a mini-depression for me. It's hard to adjust to having them gone. It's not like they grew up and moved out. That will be different. I am just praising God today that I will enjoy their company once again!

Goings on: Eden has not been sleeping well at night. She's been up a lot. I think my milk supply may have fallen off. Or it could be just a growth spurt. I increased her solid food intake in the hopes that she just needs more calories. I don't want to stop nursing now. She is 10 1/2 months, so I'm not ready yet. (I've never gotten past 3 months, so this is amazing!)

Toddler is now dancing on his sister's blanket in front of me and exclaiming, "Ow, ow!" I don't know why. We'll be starting school probably on August 13th. I need to get more books, but am waiting on closings. Please pray for my husband's business. The Lord has certainly blessed us with several new home listings, but we need for them to sell in order to support the family. I covet your prayers! Okay, off I go to get ready for the big kids!