Some projects last a long time...

I bought these picture frames last November and had been wanting to put them together for a long time. Since I didn't know which pictures I was going to use, the framing guy talked me into cutting my own mats. He said as long as you can measure it is not too bad. WRONG!!! I was always pretty good at math and all of my measurements were fine, but when using the blade it's very difficult to cut straight lines, and then when trying to double mat, it ends up being completely off with the first cuts. Anyway, I finished the project on Friday and I hung them up that night, so out least they are out of the corner of our bedroom. Even though a few mats will need to be redone (probably by a professional) at least it's pretty much complete.

Drew's driving...

Drew and Knox's great Mimi bought them a truck. It is amazing! The boys are having a wonderful time using it. We've been driving it in the yard, and down our street. Since our street is a cul-de-sac it's perfect. We picked out a two seater so that Knox could ride around with Drew. Since there is a seat belt, Knox is already riding along and loves it. Since getting this last week we have had to find time at least once a day to take it for a drive. Here is Knox trying it out while I was putting it together. He was a big helper!

Both boys in the assembled truck. We had to wait 18 hrs. for the battery to charge for the first time, so we kept the truck inside for the boys to sit in.

Drew gives his truck 2 thumbs up.

Here is Drew driving Knox around in the yard. There is a real radio in the truck. It picks up a lot of stations. As soon we turned it on the first time it was tuned in to our local Christian radio station which we listen to all of the time. Drew asked me for CDs for his truck, and I had to break it to him that it wasn't a CD player.

Driving down our driveway

In the yard

Knox Turns 1!

It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since we met Knox. This year has been filled with so many wonderful moments. It's hard to remember what life was like before Knox was here. I feel so blessed with our family. Enjoy some pictures from his special day (week).

Here is Knox on the morning of his birthday waking up. Knox LOVES scrambles eggs, so I made him eggs with cheese, and of course he had his morning banana. (both my boys have a banana every morning!) He was also trying milk for the first time, and he is not a fan. Neither was Drew and he still isn't.

I needed to move the straps up on Drew's car seat so they were playing with it. I don't know why it's so fun to be in your car seat when you don't have to be. We had a cushier car seat for Drew (Britax), but I passed it on to Knox and ended up buying Drew a less expensive car seat that converts to a booster (etc.) I have been very pleased with it.

Knox's party was a lot of fun. It was very casual (and so easy to plan for). I made the cakes and we ordered pizza. We had a few friends and family come celebrate. It was perfect for a 1 year old birthday party, and I had nothing to stress over.

Here's our family picture before the party got started.

Knox received a kitchen for his big present from us. My mom found a great one at a yard sale that was like new and the boys have LOVED it!

Here's Knox with his apron on.

Here is when the kitchen was brought out. All of the kids flocked to it.

These are some of my dearest friends Christi and Tara. I'm so blessed to have them in my life! Of course they were there to celebrate with us.

Here is Drew with a few of his friends, Rae-Rae and Landon (who are brother and sister)

Knox was checking out the kids eating and I was planning on not giving him pizza for his dinner. I thought "he's too little to have something so unhealthy", but when he saw it that was it. He made it very clear he wanted to try it and he scarfed it down. Now that he likes pizza it does make it easier when we have our weekend family pizza/movie night.

I found invitations on sale and they had a frog on, so that became our theme. And when I say theme, I mean what the cake was going to be. I found a simple frog cake design on line and I was able to replicate it. Then I just made a small cake for Knox to dig into (which he didn't). Oh, well.

Family picture with cake.

He only ate what we fed him with a fork. He liked the cake, just not the mess.

Knox openning up some presents.

Easter

Happy Easter! This year for Easter we went to church and after naps headed to Andy's parents house for a dinner and Easter egg hunt. It was a lot of fun!

Mommy and Drew coloring eggs on Saturday. Drew did have fun (even thought it doesn't look like it in this picture)

I saw a sign for an Easter Egg hunt at a church here in town, so we made a drop-in.

Here's Drew with his basket. I thought about getting a new one for this year (since this is last years basket) but then I thought where will I store another one? I also just got a basket for Drew. I know I should be fair, but really does Knox know at this age?? He won't know until someone points it out to him one day. So no one tell him please...

Drew with one of his match box cars. He LOVES vehicles of any kind.

Here he is with his bases I found at the dollar store.

Drew and Knox on Easter morning riding their 4 wheeler together. They LOVE this four wheeler. Knox won't use his walker to walk, he leans over the 4-wheeler and pushes this instead. Thanks Mimi!

Happy Birthday to Drew

We had a wonderful time celebrating Drew's 3rd birthday. It's hard for me to believe that my baby is already 3. (and according to Drew he's not my baby, but my big boy). My parents, brother and sister-in-law came into town to help us celebrate. Because Drew is so into cars and trucks we had a car themed party and invited several of our friends. Other than being a little hot, we had a great time.

I've always wanted to decorate a cake, so this year I decided to take a crack at it, and made Drew a racetrack cake. I was really happy with how it turned out. Here's Drew playing with the cardboard racetrack that Uncle Eddie and Papa (my dad) created for the party.

Drew and Knox enjoying one another as usual. They are so sweet.

Here is Drew decorating his car at the "detail shop".

Here is a picture of the "detail shop". We had stickers, foam sheets for license plates, headlights/taillights, etc.

Here's a picture of the cars before the kids decorated them. I spray painted 11 diaper boxes (that I had friends collecting), 11 steering wheels, 44 tires, cut out 44 circles for lights, and then gave my family the privilege of helping assemble them when they got into town. :)

Here is Drew blowing out his candle.

Our family! (and the back of our house)

Mommy and the boys before the party started.

Mommy and Knox

The kids lining up for the car race.

On your mark, get set.....GO

Drew after his race with his medal. (couldn't find trophies)

Drew with some of his friends. We went inside to open presents to try and cool off a little.

Drew with one of his presents, an apron with his name on it, which we've already gotten plenty of use out of since Drew likes to help me in the kitchen.