Goodbye Joy and Endurance, Hello Green Cattle

In the midst of us packing, moving, starting a business and raising 3 boys, I dropped the ball on blogging. We knew we were going to start a business website/blog so I figured I would just wait until that happened and blog again on our new site. And I got hooked on Bravo during naps and everything else pretty much fell by the wayside. I love looking back at old pictures and videos and I'm disappointed I couldn't keep Joy and Endurance going. However, I love our new site and am going to try really hard to consistently update it and limit my cable TV habit. Hope you'll enjoy our new site too and follow our story there!!

New house and a new restaurant

Here are a ton of pictures from our house and our experience at Joe's Crab Shack last night. They were a little freaked out from the shark, singing and flashing lights but they ended up clapping along at the end. We were also very surprised when the check came because this sweet older couple sitting next to us had picked up our tab. I've never had anyone do that - I guess they could tell that we don't get out much!

Samuel's room

Luke's room

Ian's room

Upstairs

Kitchen

Staircase

Living Room

Mudroom

Playroom/Mom's Office

Kitchen

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Half Bath

Laundry Room

Back Porch

Front Porch

Dad's Office/Guest Room

Scary Shark at Joe's

New PJ's

We have been so busy lately and I haven't had time to blog about anything. The boys LOVE getting new pj's (although they are very particular about them) so I made time to take a few pictures of them in their new matching pajamas - same size and all!

Birthday Buddies

Sweet baby Ian turned ONE today. I can't believe an entire year has come and gone! All three boys have changed so much in the last 12 months. I remember worrying tremendously if Ian would fit into our family and if his presence would hurt my relationship with Luke and Samuel. Obviously I adore him and can't imagine our life without him. I could go on and on about Ian, but a few of my favorite things are his infectious laugh, gigantic appetite, chubby wubby hands and feet, his velvet soft skin, how much he loves to cuddle and be held, his adoration for his brothers, and his attachment to me and his dad. What a wonderful/fulfilling/crazy/hectic year we've had with him!

The twins were in school today so Ian and I enjoyed most of the day together. Ian had a long and peaceful morning nap, followed by leftover cold pizza in front of Young and the Restless, then some afternoon errands. Tonight we celebrated the birthday buddies - Ian (1st) and cousin Paige (20th) with a few gifts and a barbecue dinner at Birdie's house. Other than the twins being sick (after ONE day at school) we had a good 1st birthday!

School is in session!

The boys all started school this morning. Luke and Samuel go on Tuesday/Thursday and for now, Ian is going just on Tuesday. They all did better than I expected, although I'm pretty sure it will get worse before it gets better. Samuel, the family man struggled the most, but ended up having the better day of the two. Luke is not a fan of nap time even at home so I can imagine that was a challenge for his teacher! I spent all 6 hours picking out lighting, faucets, paint colors, etc. I had a very long list (which has been keeping me awake at night) so it felt great to get that accomplished. Next week, when the boys are all sick, I need to remember how great and productive today was!

Almost ONE

My uber talented friend, Summer, took these pictures of Ian last weekend in Dallas. My sweet baby will be ONE next week and I really wanted some pictures of him at this age. He had just woken up from a nap and I didn't pack many cute clothes for him, but I LOVE these pictures and they capture Ian perfectly. He is so much fun and I am so very thankful for him!