Fun Playing Outside...

Brayden had a great time today playing with "Bith Bith".....I think they played with every toy we had outside...(and in)!! But they had a good time doing it! Brayden was adorable trying to teach her how to bat (can you tell he goes to most of Chandler's practices!) Later he got to play with Bradley and then Avery for a bit...

I am starting to get a little sad that we are leaving our Bray on Saturday for a week...I just have to believe he will be okay... This trip is going to be alot of fun for us to have some time away with just Chandler in Mexico. I just looked at the resort we are staying at, it looks unbelieveable!

We just found out that Chandler gets to play on Second Base in this Saturdays game - which is a big deal for majors...I am so proud of him!

We planted 2 Trees!

Brayden, Chandler and I planted 2 trees tonight at a local park...we had a blast.One was a hazelnut tree that Chandler named "Nutty" and the other a willow tree that Braydenand Chandler named "Cutie". So, now our plan is to go visit them once a month....

Tonight meant alot to Chandler and I, because the Giving Tree is one of our favorite books,

so planting a tree together, that will grow as Chandler grows...gave us alot to expand on, talk about...about the Lord and all he gives us and what we can give the world as a Christian, we can make such a difference, beginning with a small tree...with a giving heart that loves the Lord.

So, now I am off to wash Chandler's clothes, including his shoes for school tomorrow..did I

mention that right before we left He fell in the creek...my boys!

Our weekend trip to Ohio

The boys and I left early Friday morning for the 6 hour trip to Ohio, they were both very well behaved. We made it in time to pick Noah and Gianna up at their school, which is alsothe same school MeLynda teaches 4th grade at. Afterwards I took them all for ice cream while MeLynda ran a couple of errands...we had a really good time together, being silly, talking and playing. The kids love being together....and I love watching them. The kids are all beautiful inside and out, you can tell MeLynda and Mike are doing a great job, I just wish we lived closer, to be a part of their everyday lives...that's why I cherish small things like taking them for ice cream.

Oh and after that, someone hit my car...small dent...oh and did I mention, I took Chads car?

Saturday was Gianna's First Communion. The ceremony was beautiful....I cried during most of it (while 38 pound Brayden was asleep on my shoulder) She looked like a mini- MeLynda in a bridal gown...taking a big step in her life and faith. She is growing up so fast, truly I never thought these days would come, but they are and I am so thankful we were there! The reception was at the Country Club. Despite feeling bad MeLynda did a great job with the decorations...and everyone had a great time. Gianna's day was very special, everything about it was beautiful!

So with that, we love you all, thank you for letting us be a part of such a special day. Gianna, you are an amazing person, just like your mom...and as usual leaving was tough but we can't wait to see you again. soon.....

Our weekend trip to Ohio

Happy 63rd Anniversary to My Grandparents!

I wanted to wish a Happy 63rd Anniversary to my amazing grandparents! They have 9 children and raised us...so really they had 12 children...they also have 32 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Gosh! How blessed we are to have them. They are a very important part of my life-Truly, I try to live by their loving example daily. Their love for me is what has made me what I am today....So thank you Grandma and Grandpa B...for who you are, what you stand for and most of all for what you have been to me. I pray Chad and I will have a wonderful marriage and abundant life, just like you do, on our 63rd anniversary!! I love you both, very much!!

Saturday was a day of many "Firsts" for us!

Saturday was an exciting day around here....I ran my first 5K (with my sister Julie!),Brayden had his first sporting event-soccer and Chandler played in his first major league baseball game(we were so proud of them both!)....It was a busy and very exciting day! We were so blessed to have perfect weather for it all.

Brayden's New Boots

Brayden just got a new pair of boots! He won't take them off, he even has been sleeping in them.
The funny thing is that he kept telling me that Calliou has these boots and then sure enough
on that days show, there Calliou was, hopping around in his froggy boots too!!

Mara's First Kiss!!

My beautiful niece, who is only in Kindergarten, just got her first kiss yesterday. She was at hockey practice and one of her team mates kissed her...on the lips!! Right in front of my sister! I can't believe it!!
Who wouldn't kiss this face?

Brayden's In a BIG Boy Bed!!

Our baby boy, almost 2 1/2 years old, is sleeping in a big boy bed...just like "brudder" Chandler. I have dreaded this day, another marker- showing that our little man is getting bigger. Chad and I just stared at his excitement as he jumped around his new room, tears filled all of our eyes...even Chandler's too. We all took our turns giving him kisses, he wanted us to stop because he couldn't wait to get to bed(I could have waited years!)He even said his goodnight prayers! I worried all night long, but as one of the picturs shows...he slept well and didn't fall out!

They grow up so fast. You wish you could hold on to every moment, almost stall their growth! Protect them from all the bad...only let them see the good. But each day I try to trust in God's plan for them, slowly trying to let go of the grip....for Bray it's a bed, for Chandler it's a sleep over outside of our home. My boys are my world...including my biggest boy, Chad!

Love you all,

What we have been up to lately.....

Brayden had a fun playtime with his friend ....who loves dirt! Brayden couldn't understand that! He would ask every ten minutes to have his hands cleaned!

Big Brother Chander spent the night out last night...so little Bray, (that can get out of his crib)...got out really early this morning and headed straight for Chandler's baseball bag..this is how I found him when I woke up......

We went to a wine and cheese with some friends today. The kids had a blast! They got to taste some great food, pet sheep, dogs, cats, a pony, hold a lamb...and most importantly, I went home with some great wine!

My Duck and Dragon

Here is a small slideshow of the boys in their animal towels from Heather Taylor. We had a really good time taking the pictures...
They are my pride and joy, my life, the reason for my smile....and the cutest duck and dragon I have ever seen!

An afternoon on the Downtown Mall!

Clare and I woke up early to take Athletic Conditioning at ACAC, and wow am I sore today!

Afterwards we met the dads and boys at the City Market- there were alot of vendors there.

Then all the kids got to play at the discovery museum and have lunch at Bagby's.

And yeah, Ben is walking...he was so proud of himself!! As we all are!!

Busy afternoon....meant long naps, yeah!

Oh, and Aunt Ju Ju, Brayden says thank you for his bubble bath

and he was very good for the sitter, Adrienne!

Happy 10th Anniversary Heather!!

Just wanted to wish my dear friend Heather,

a Happy 10th Anniversary.

Here is a photo of some goodies I took to her getaway spot this morning! Julie Anne did an awesome job arranging the flowers!

I pray you have a great time, Congratulations and I love you!

My First Post, I am so excited!

So, I have been wanting to do a blog for awhile! Somehow I have sort of composed one.
(with the help of alot of friends, thank you!) This blog will certainly be a work in progress.
But this is a start!!

The boys and I just returned from a 7 day trip to Ohio without Chad. Though we really missed him, we had a great time!! We left Sunday after Church- it took us 6 hours- we actually made it to (the end) of our Butler Family Easter dinner! We had a very busy week that - it was suppose to be restful!

On our trip the boys had a couple of firsts....Chandler roller bladed and went in their hot tub...Brayden climbed out of his playpen, discovered his shadow and roller skated! He also developed an OCD of checking between his toes! It was so nice to see my sister MeLynda, Mike and the kids (Noah, Gianna and Mara) The kids all played so well together. They enjoyed taking care of thier baby cousin, Brayden. They are growing up so fast! So now we are home, despite my car battery dying in Ohio the day we were suppose to leave!