Cousins

Growing up, I didn't have any family living next door.

Or in the same town.

Or in the same state, even.

We took looooong road trips 

to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

usually around a major holiday.

So we were lucky to get to see them twice a year.

That's why I think it is such a blessing to have family

just right around the corner!

We are so lucky that Mark and Tara live just about a mile from us -

perfect for borrowing tools, a cup of sugar,

or a few moments of conversation.

There have been times when we thought the other might move away,

but thank goodness God has kept us all together. :)

Since we are so close, it is fun to get our boys together often.

They are at an age where they are really starting to notice each other.

Jaxon and Max love to...

Ride in the car

(Only moments before this picture was taken, these two were giggling like schoolgirls!)

Or on a train

Not look at the camera

Take baths

 Read stories

Eat together

 
And just have fun!

A friend told me about this Laurie Berkner song
which talks about two bumblebees named Jaxon and Max.
What a fun coincidence!

I like to think it's a tribute to our dynamic duo. :)

Every day I am grateful for Mark and Tara

and the wonderful example of Christ-centered parents they are to us.

I am especially glad that we live so close

and that our boys - and now Madelyn! - and future children

will grow up not only being cousins but friends too!

Book of the Month: October

Based on a recommendation by my friend Katie,

I decided to pick up this book at our church bookstore.

[image via]

It was a fabulous book,

and I second her recommendation!

Nika's story is absolutely amazing 

and her upbeat perspective was such a blessing.

I have never lived with a debilitating illness, 

or suffered from a stroke which left me paralyzed,

or worked through therapy to learn everything again as Nika did 

(all by the time she was my age, no less!).

I can only imagine I would not be the encouragement to others

that Nika was in these very undesirable circumstances.

She truly made the best of it!

This book is a true testament to God's work in Nika's life,

and it really made me think about the ways my Heavenly Father is writing my story. :)

Weekly Wows

Two weeks ago, we had a free Saturday (the first in a long while)

and decided to make a trip over to the 

Japanese Festival at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

The chilly weather didn't deter us - we had lots of fun!

 

This guy broke 12 bricks with his hand - 12 bricks, people!
He made a really loud grunting noise when he did it and it scared Max. :(

The only casualty was a shoe in the koi pond...

and I have a feeling it won't be the last. ;)

We also recently went to the zoo with my friend Linsday
and her adorable daughter (who is about one week younger than Max).
The four of us had a great time watching all the animals
(they were really active that day)
and we even got to see the baby rhino!

 

This past Wednesday I celebrated my 29th birthday - crazy!
Since future Halloweens will probably be spent

running all over the place with little goblins in tow,

we decided to take it easy this year, which was perfect.

Clay did take me out to dinner at a local fondue place the next night
(I've always wanted to try one of those) and it was soooo yummy!

 

I've also got a gift certificate for a massage I need to schedule... ;)

Max tried his first popsicle the other day (yes, in November)

 but to be fair, I was trying to ease the pain of a busted lip.

 

 He ended up covered in melted blueberry yogurt,
which I think means he liked it.

Ever wondered what happens when you forget about spilled oil in your oven?

Well, we found out on Sunday...

One crazy, smoky mess (which your child thinks is fascinating).

Good thing it was cool outside since we had to open all the windows!

Yesterday, I saw this weirdness at Target:

Can someone please explain?!!!

What's wow-ing you these days?