Cold Beaches and Warm Friends

Today we needed to get out of the house. It was beautiful and warm outside. Where did we go? The beach. Sadly for us the weather turned on our way there and most of the time I spent with our towel wrapped around me trying to stay warm.

The boys didn't seem to care, though. Until they got cold... then we had to leave. No sympathies for cold Moms around here.

We then got to have dinner with some friends and stay out after bedtime. It was definitely worth it! Aren't those kids adorable??

What a Day!

Yesterday there was another knock at my door. I'm starting to get used to this!
This time it was another super special delivery! I opened the door to a white styrofoam box from Omaha Steaks.

Can a girl get any more spoiled??

Jeremiah couldn't help himself. He opened it right up! We found steaks and chicken and burger and potatoes... and the crowd favorite around here: Hot dogs!!
The person who sent this amazing gift to me I have known my entire life. I miss seeing her quite a bit.
She passed along through my Mom that she had sent this to let me know that she's thinking about me and the sacrifices I am making.
Now here is where I try not to cry (even though you wouldn't see me even if I did). It's so easy to feel like you become invisible during times like this. There are a lot of organizations out there doing what they can to help families back home and that's great. For me, though, it is a whole different animal when someone I know personally recognizes the struggle we're going through as a family.
I'm not sure what else to say other than Thank you, Mary, for this amazing gift. It means so much more than just help with figuring out what's for dinner. I'll be thinking of you every time we eat something you sent... and I can't wait to start because I hear this stuff is delicious! You are amazing!
Oh and P.S.

The dry ice that came in the box was a lot of fun too!

My Presents

Today I got my anniversary presents from Phil!

I was a little excited...
Can you tell Jeremiah took that picture? He was on a chair... I crouched down. We made it work. 
He had also sent me a card a while ago and they all came at once in the mail today like he had planned it that way all along. The card made me cry. He's good at doing that. I think part of him enjoys making me cry.
He sent me the nicest most comfortable sheets I've ever slept in. I think I might just stay right here in bed all week!
Oh... shoot. Boys. That's right.
Well, guess I'll have to get up in the morning anyway.
He also sent me a remote for my camera. Happy day!

Josh helped me try it out.

So did Jeremiah... though not willingly.
He had just woken up from a nap he didn't want to take in the first place. Can't really blame the poor guy for having a Mom who won't stop taking pictures of him.

Mr. Hew and Storytime

This is Mr. Hew. He teaches a storytime every so often at the library we go to. He's Jeremiah's favorite. He can't wait to see him every week (even though he's pretty shy when it actually starts). Today was Jeremiah's last storytime for the year. It was bittersweet but he was glad to take a picture with Mr. Hew (even getting to wear Mr. Hew's hat!).

Flowers

The other day I was talking with Phil on the computer and feeling guilty about needing to actually take care of the things that needed to be ironed that were piling up on the couch when there was a knock at the door. "Great," I thought, "another person selling me bug repellent or all purpose cleaner." Oh the joys of being a stay-at-home Mom.

It wasn't, though! It was my good friends carrying flowers from Phil!
Now, there's a bit of a back story. The FRG did this as a fundraiser and I knew it was coming. I had even told Phil about it in passing before he happened. I never though he would sneak around my back to have the girls do it for me as well! I was so surprised! My husband rocks!

Aside from that... here's a little bonus. Pictures of the boys after their haircut this last week.

Jeremiah's sense of style leaves a little to be desired... but he's 3. He has time to improve his orange with baby blue color combination sensibilities.

Joshua and Arthur. Not sure if you can tell, but Josh's shirt is completely covered in dog hair this morning. That's just how we roll these days.

"Jingle Bells"

Jeremiah and Joshua both had a small obsession with this song at Christmas time. Jeremiah still busts out with it from time to time... in his own little version. 

Where's Stanley?

The boys have been really into Look and Find Books lately. So with that in mind, Stanley decided to play a game with the boys. Your job is to find Stanley in these pictures (some will be easier than others).

Stanley says, "Drink lots of water! It's HOT!"