Coming Into Her Own

I took Jenalyn shopping and for the first time she was very particular about her clothes. It was fun to watch her decide her own style. She was very much into accessories. Her two new shirts came with a scarf and a necklace. She was so excited, when we got home she wanted to do a fashion show for me. I think she looked radiant.

Laundry Help

Tienna likes to help with the laundry. By "help" I mean empty the laundry baskets onto the floor, creating more work for me. Good thing she's so cute, eh?

The Key Holder

Today was an epic day in our household. Today Corbin became a holder of the Sacred Key of Justice. It was forged in the center of a dying sun. Given only to those with the purest of hearts. The holder has a great responsibility to do good.

After he received this key and was told of it's power, Corbin's whole demeanor changed. He takes his responsibility as a Key Holder very seriously. He has taken absolute care of the key. And he has been a better listener than ever (YAY!).

Later tonight Corbin thanked daddy for the key. But daddy told him that he didn't give him the key. "The key saw the good in your heart and it chose you, Corbin!"

Before bed I overheard Jenalyn say, "Corbin, I'm so glad we have a Key Holder in our house."

We have a hero in our midst.

I love that it makes him feel special. And I love that it gives him a sense of purpose and a desire to be good. He gave me a big hug and said, "The key holder is at your service, mom." (melt my heart!)

(The key came in the mail along with a "win a car" mail spam and Jason and I decided to give it to the kids to play with. ...and then it erupted into this big, major thing. I think Jason read too many comic books when he was little. Oh, and The Key is sacred, so Corbin can't talk to anyone about it. Please don't mention this to him.)

Fabulous Fourth

We had a rockin'-awesome 4th of July weekend!

We had a BBQ with Nancy, Cassie, Dale and Grandpa John.
We had Grandma 'Nee and Grandpa Jerry all to ourselves for 2 days.
We spent a night at the beach house with extended family.
We saw fireworks in Depoe Bay on the 3rd. In the cold, blustery wind.
We saw WHALES just off shore! (finally! I've waited SO LONG!)
We climbed 114 stairs to the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
We saw fireworks in Harrisburg, carrying on tradition that was started with Jason's mom, so many years ago.
Yes, it was a good holiday. I'm grateful for my family. My heart was full-to-bursting before we even saw the fireworks. Which, I love, by the way!

Eight Months Old

I can't believe she's 8 months already. She's practically a toddler now. She's so active.


She sleeps through the night, she has 5 teeth and eats almost anything I give her. She crawls, pulls up to standing, waves, giggles, smiles, and melts hearts everywhere.