I just can't get away...but I made something pretty! :)

Adam is giving me a little break from the kids and is watching them this afternoon and letting me do whatever I want to do (I'm a lucky girl). You would think I would jump at the chance to go shopping, exercise, hang out with friends, or go out for coffee...all things I love to do KID-LESS. But where am I? At home! I can't seem to pry myself very far away from them for very long. Don't get me wrong, there are still a few hours of the afternoon left so I may still go get coffee and have a great quiet time, but I have enjoyed being home doing my own thing but still able to hear Haven's little voice (ok, BIG voice!) and Roman's cute giggles! So what have I been doing? I made a cute summer wreath that I have been wanting to get done for weeks. What do you think?

Princess Dance Camp

Haven is my little dancing machine! She LOVES to dance & she LOVES princesses so we (meaning I was super pumped & Adam cautiously agreed) decided to sign her up for Princess Dance Camp. Haven was joined by her cousin, Kamryn, & her friend from church, Millie. There were four 1.5 hour sessions. Each session a different princess joined them to help teach them some simple dance skills and to do a craft with them. What fun the girls had!

There was only a little window to look in during the actual sessions so I wasn't able to get any pictures of her actually dancing.  Oh well!

Mille (sitting in white & pink), Haven (standing in yellow dress), & Kamryn (standing in lt. pink leotard)

with Cinderella

Haven & Cinderella

The girls with the "purple princess"

Haven with the "Purple Princess"

Ariel with the girls...Haven is in awe!  :)

More Ariel

Ariel and Miss Haven

Cute picture of the girls lined up

Jasmine with the girls

Jasmine and Haven

Haven with her buds, Stella & Millie!

Roman 7 week pics, Haven 33 months

With Haven we had pictures taken at 6 weeks old so I was planning to have Roman's taken at the same age.  Well, we didn't get around to it until he was 7 weeks old.  I know that is only 1 week difference but at this young that makes a huge difference!  Anyway, poor guy.  I have a feeling with two kids I will always be "getting around to things" a little later!  :)

Roman at 7 weeks 1 Day old! (June 18, 2011)

At this point he had JUST started smiling about a week and half earlier.  How precious it was to capture some smiles!  He was beginning to really concentrate on people more and enjoyed people talking to him and cooing at him.  He had also been sleeping at night for about 8-9 hours since 4 weeks old and began sleeping at night in his crib right at 7 weeks.  He actually preferred his crib over his cradle.  It was kind of hard to move him to the crib from our room, BUT not too hard since he slept so well!  :)  He is a delight and I couldn't imagine life without him!

Haven was feeling left out!  :)  Haven is about 33 months here.  She is beginning to learn to identify some letters (H, O, A, B, Q).  Very random, I know!  She can write an H and is very excited to do so.  She can count to about 15 consistently but to 20 with help.  She talks talks talks talks talks!  :)  She asks many questions about everything.  She loves princesses and is beginning to participate in more complex imaginative and pretend play.  She loves to sing, swim, play outside, dance, and just be silly.  Haven is full of personality and sass!  We wouldn't change one thing about her!  We love her so much!

Just looking at these photos fills my heart with joy.  I can't believe how blessed I am to have two beautiful, healthy babies!  I am so thankful!

"Children are a gift from the Lord: they are a reward from him."  Psalm 127:3

June Happenings

June was a delightful month full of celebration, many firsts for Roman, lots of outside fun time, and more family time than normal.  I approve!  :)

Roman is growing and changing every day!

Sisterly/Brotherly Love

Haha

The next pictures break my heart and make me want to laugh all at the same time! 

One big highlight of the month was that my "Mother B's" (dumb college nickname that I won't explain) came to meet Roman, celebrate his birth, and shower me with gifts and good times!  The five of us have been through soooo much together!  We have gone from being 19 year-old crazy college girls to all being married and four of the five of us due to have kid #2 this year!  All of our friendships have been through ups and downs due to distance, life changes, etc. but we have continued to be a constant in each other's lives.  I am truly thankful for each one of these girls and the impact that they have had on my life!  I am sad that Sarah (who lives in Spain) couldn't be here!  It wasn't the same without her!  Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend!  Love you girls!

Chrystan & Cohen (& baby boy due in September)

Laura (& baby girl due in October).  She is holding Haven & her 1 year old daughter Hannah was napping.

Jill & Katelyn

Me & Roman

Missing:  Sarah and Talia (& baby girl due in September)

They took me out for Sushi!  WE ATE SOOOO MUCH!  :)

Another highlight was that the daughter #2 was born to Adam's cousin Mitch who is married to my childhood best friend, Stephanie.  Haha.  Figure that one out.

Elliette (Ellie) Michelle Lee

Elliette and Haven....not sure what my daughter is doing here

Pajama Time!

Haven and her friend, Lauren, at the Zoo

Roman is learning to read!

He is very smart!

Roman is handsome!

And started smiling this month!  :)

Still handsome

and more handsome

Des Moines Arts Festival

I just love the arts festival.  I love all the people (I have always loved large crowds...although Adam could do without), music, food, and, of course, ART!  We had such a great time!  Haven loved doing all of the little crafts they had in the kids area.  She also thoroughly enjoyed running around the sculpture park, rolling down the hills, and learning how to do a somersault!  She has such a zeal for life!   

"I did a FLIP!"

My lovely little family!

June was also full of walks!

One of the 16 combinations that my stroller can have.  I love my stroller! 

Roman is beginning to enjoy looking at and playing with toys!  Haven always makes sure that he has a companion to play with.   Today it was Cinderella.

Roman wears his first baseball cap (of many I'm sure!)

This picture just cracks me up.  haha

Haven loves her babies!

And her mommy!

Roman loves life!

Happy Father's Day to ME, I mean Adam.  Haha.  Everyone wins with this gift! :)

Father's day was a GREAT day!  We headed to church and then up to Adam's grandma's for lunch.  We then spent the evening at my parent's house.  I am thankful for all of the dad's in my life!  Most importantly, I am thankful for my husband!

Adam has given me the best gifts anyone could ever ask for...his unconditional love and two beautiful children!  He has led our family and been devoted to the Lord.  He works endlessly to provide for his family, serve the Lord, and serve others.  He has a gentle spirit but knows how to keep me grounded.  He has been a champ through all of my emotional ups and downs during pregnancy and mothering.  He has stuck by my side and encouraged me in all areas of my life.  I am so thankful that the Lord brought him into my life and I am honored to be his wife!

More to come from June:  Princess Dance Camp (oooh!) & Roman's 7 week pictures!