4th folder, 4th picture

So, in following with the trend I have seen lately on friendly blogs, I have dutifully found my 4th (open the 4th folder in your photos, pick the 4th picture and blog about it!) I'm not sure how this one ended up being there. I suppose it has something to do with the way we name our folders. I expected something from long ago... something I could reminisce about. But actually this is relatively recent (located in the folder titled "Brendan 2 years".) It was a fun filled weekend spent in the company of good friends not long before Aubrey was born (November 14th, 2008)


I like to call this "beautiful!" A picture of the beautiful place I live, with my beautiful friends, and our beautiful children (and my beautiful pregnant belly that is being hidden by a baggy sweatshirt!) From left to right there is Kian and Tracey, Joey and Stephanie with baby Andrew, Brendan, myself and my unborn baby girl. Missing in this picture are the three jogging strollers that we used to push the three toddler boys up the mile long hill to the picturesque top of the beautiful Pilot Butte. And as I look at this picture I think of the value of friendships. These girls mean the world to me and without them I would be lost. The bonds that have been created between both ourselves and our children will hopefully last a lifetime and I truly believe that it was God's purpose for us to be a part of each other's lives.


As far as the beautiful view. I stand in awe each time I come to this place, at the beauty that surrounds us. The hard work and effort of pushing yourself to the top truly pays off when the sun shines on your face as you bask in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, hilltops and trees. I am truly blessed that this is the place I live... my home... and I have no desire to ever leave!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

For those of you with small children, I had to post this book and I highly recommend it! Bill Martin Jr. is the son of Bill Martin, author of the popular Brown Bear, Brown Bear (and all of Brown Bear's friends...) We went to story time at the library yesterday and this was one of the featured stories. Brendan was not only completely intrigued by the story, but truly enjoyed each time the catch phrase was repeated (the story teller would point to the audience and we all would reply with "chicka chicka boom boom!") The story is a creative take on the abc's as each letter climbs to the top of the coconut tree, falls down, and climbs back up again. A fun and silly way to get your kids started on the alphabet. I am contemplating either buying it or checking it out from the library as Brendan keeps reminiscing about the story and the phrases. It's such a joy to see him at this age of discovery and learning!