Brax, Brody and Everleigh

We're all still here, alive and well. I think that this is probably the longest stretch that I've ever gone without updating the blog. I'd like to be able to attribute my lack of posting to some monumental event, but in truth, it's been more of a combination of little things. We've been busy, I haven't taken many pictures, and my internet wasn't working for a short while. Those things, in addition to a lack of motivation, led me to the non-blogging stretch that is now coming to an end. So, what's been happening over the last month? I'll fill you in on a few highlights. One thing is that Brax had his three-year physical (I know that it was several months late, but insurance only pays for one physical a year and last year I waited to take him until after Brody was born due to bedrest and all of that... but I digress...) His stats were as follows: Ht-37 1/2 inches (40%), Wt-35lb (75%), BMI-17.4 (88%). They no longer measure head circumference, or I'm sure that it would be large. In addition, Josh went on a hunting trip to Illinois with his Dad, brother and some friends. So, Mimi came to town to stay and visit with the grandbabies. Mimi and Papa extended their visit through Thanksgiving and helped serve up a yummy feast that we all enjoyed. So that about sums it up. Here are a few new pictures.....

Here's a cute pic of Brody playing doctor (or nurse. I am not gender-biased when it comes to the medical field :) This is actually one of Dr. Brax's new favorite games. He likes to check us all out and use things like his syringe (which he calls a sy-wrench) to give us all shots. And, on a good day, Brody is allowed to participate as the doctor and not just the patient.

Mimi brought Caden over the other morning and my boys introduced him to the "drums." This is a favorite activity at our house. If loud noises send you into a frenzy, please stay far away from our kitchen. Brax and Brody know where each and every bowl reside, and pull them out for band practice almost every day. Caden loved joining in the fun. They've been thoughtfully considering offering him a position as "backup drummer."

Mimi got a big kick out of watching them have so much fun (and then she went home and settled into a dark room with her headache medicine :)

Yesterday I got the crazy idea to shoot some pictures for our Christmas cards. The kids simply weren't in the mood, so the photo shoot didn't go exactly as planned (as you can see from the picture below)....

However, I did get a couple of cute shots of Mimi and Papa with the boys...

We hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. At the end of the day I get to lay my head down on the pillow knowing that I live in a country where men and women willingly sacrifice their lives so that I can be free. I get to snuggle up in bed next to the wonderful man that God hand-picked to be my partner in this life. I get to wake up each morning to my children crying, screaming and running through the house, knowing that some parents would give anything to hear these noises. I get to have a flexible career that I love and that challenges me. I get to share life with an amazing family, extended family and friends (that are like family). I get to serve a loving God whose hand touches me and those around me each and every day. What it all boils down to, underneath all of the external mumbo jumbo, is that we have been blessed. I thank God every day for all that He has graciously given me. Hope that you and yours have a wonderful week!