Happy Monday.

We are fresh off a fabulous weekend.

Saturday took Buck and me to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama-Ole Miss game. The last game we went to together was Alabama-Ole Miss two years ago when I was pregnant with Small Fry. Last year, the four of us went to tailgate before one game, and Buck and Fawn went to a game for some quality time. Saturday was a beautiful, early fall day. We watched great football, ran into old friends, and visited with some of Buck's extended family. And, the boys were in fabulous hands at home with a new babysitter from our church.

Date night in T-Town.

Despite our semi-late night Saturday, we were up with the dawn and the boys Sunday. Church and Sunday School were great; Fawn is doing so well in big church until the children are dismissed and I just love having him with us. Buck let me escape to the grocery store and the library without children. While I loved the peace and quiet, I missed my little sidekicks. They sure do keep things exciting. We had dear friends from law school over for dinner Sunday night. It was fun to catch up with them and love on their newest addition -- a precious three-month old little girl.

This morning the boys were ready for pancakes (see, we do eat breakfast at home!).

Buck gave hugs and kisses goodbye, and then I heard him holler from the basement: "Belle, we've got a problem." I got the boys situated with breakfast and headed downstairs to Buck and our Honda's dead battery. It's a pretty old battery -- I vividly remember getting it changed two days before Fawn was born. Buck was in a bit of a hurry -- this was before 7 a.m. and he was meeting a lawyer he works for to drive to an out-of-town meeting. I told him to just take the other car and I'd get one of the grandparents to take the boys to school. In true Buck fashion, he just handled the situation himself. Though dressed to the nines, he pushed the Honda out of the garage, located the jumper cables and was quickly on his way. Whew.

Back to normal Monday routine -- getting the boys ready for school. While I packed lunches, Fawn built little Legos at the kitchen counter, and I thought Small Fry was playing with the larger Legos. "Thought" is the operative word. While he was building Legos, he then decided to do some artwork. With a dry erase marker. On our wall.

Let me present, Small Fry Picasso:

He was so proud. Thank goodness for Magic Erasers; while it's not quite gone I'm making good progress.

Never a dull moment around these parts with these three boys!

Moving On.

This week my parents moved -- a local move, a "downsize" to a house that will be great as they age gracefully. It's a bit odd, as their house had been the hub of our family for the past fourteen years. They moved back here the summer after I graduated from high school. It was the house I came home to all the years of college, the house I stayed in for our wedding, the house Buck and I lived in one summer of law school, the house that welcomed their first two grandchildren (Fawn and Small Fry).

But, it was never really "my house" -- I just didn't spend enough time in it to feel attached. So I am much more excited for them than sad over the change. Their new house is precious -- and perfect for their current needs. I know we will quickly fill it with new memories (once they get all their stuff unpacked, that is!). Buck and my sweet sister-in-law were actually much more sentimental over the move than my brother and I were. Buck thinks it's because he and my sister-in-law really got to know our family in that house, and it's just more etched in their memories.

To celebrate their move, we had one last family dinner. Dad manned the grill. Have I mentioned he can cook? I mean really, really cook?

Check out his white BBQ chicken. Delicious. Buck had two full plates of dinner. He says that if my Dad cooked for him all the time he would weigh 300 pounds.

Sweet Small Fry is obsessed with Pops (my dad). He was his little helper on the deck.

Wow.

Inside, we got out the dominos for the first time ever.

What have we been waiting for?

Minutes and minutes of fun.

Fancy.

And, of course, my brother had to get in on the action. He is a child -- like not just a child at heart -- a child. Fawn finds him to be a perfect playmate. 

Happy Fawn.

Love this picture of Small Fry and his Daddy.

All smiles and so much excitement for Mimi and Pops! We wish them many years of happiness in their new home. When's the first family dinner?

Flashback...Last Day of Summer.

Old iPhone pictures, but worthy of a post nonetheless because it was such a fun morning with my boys on the eve of the first day of preschool.

We started the morning at Magic Muffins. I know it appears that we eat breakfast here ALL. THE. TIME. That's because I generally don't whip out the cell phone for pictures of pancakes at home. My boys consider it a "treat", a special morning. And, it's a treat for this mama too because I don't have to make (and more importantly clean up!) breakfast. In all fairness, we do frequent this neighborhood bakery. The boys' favorite -- chocolate chip muffin tops!

The weather was gorgeous, so we hung out outside for a few minutes before heading to the library for story time. Fawn was so excited for story time -- I've been taking him to this same story time once a week during the school year since he was eight months old. That's four years! He was a little sad at the thought of not being able to go after the first week because he is in school on story time day. But, I think he realized after this day that he's "outgrown" story time -- he was one of the oldest kids in the room. Small Fry and I are enjoying our one-on-one time. But, it's a bit odd to not have Fawn with us. So glad we had one last go-round.

Small Fry saw his brother playing on one of the library's computers and had to have a turn himself. He was "talking" on the mouse.

Still "talking." Glad big brother was around to help him out.

Then we headed to Byrd Park in Vestavia. It's one of Fawn's favorites -- after some park time and a picnic, we took a walk on the loop that surrounds the park.

Too sweet. Fawn is constantly amused by Small Fry's antics.

Small Fry insisted that Fawn push him on the swing before we left.

Sweet big brother.

Crazy toddler.

Because it took me almost a month to post this, I have NO IDEA what we did in the afternoon. Ha! I have a notoriously bad memory, one of the benefits of the blog is capturing these memories before they escape me. 

Sweet, sweet boys, thank you so much for spending the wonderful summer with me. I am so proud of how you have both adjusted to school. You are thriving and it warms my heart. I hope you have a fabulous school year. And, I cannot wait to spend next summer with you!

Welcome to the Mini Lodge.

Labor Day 2013, our first weekend as a family in the Mini Lodge. The Mini Lodge being a circa 1990, single wide trailer that we purchased for Buck's family farm. While not the Southern Living-styled, wrap around porch, giant stone fireplace cabin that I daydream about, the Mini Lodge is a gift from Buck to our family. And not just a monetary one. Buck has spent the better part of his weekend free time since May procuring, moving, cleaning, and furnishing the Mini Lodge for us to enjoy in the years to come.

It looks just like any trailer -- white siding, long and skinny. There's a small deck at the entrance door. There's a little entrance way leading directly into the kitchen. It's safe to assume, based on the build up of grease and grime, that the kitchen has produced its fair share of delicious southern meals. The kitchen is much larger than I expected from a trailer -- plenty of space to store and cook everything I will need to keep my boys happily fed. There's even room for a long, picnic-style table that my in-laws gave us from their old lake house. The kitchen flows into a den that is just ready for football watching Saturdays. There are two smaller bedrooms and a shared bathroom. In one bedroom we have bunk beds from my in-laws, which Fawn has claimed as his room. In the other we have a sleeper sofa from my parents and a portable crib for Small Fry. Our bedroom, a joint effort of hand-me-downs from both sets of parents, and bathroom are off the other side of the kitchen. It is the perfect amount of space for our family of four.

We took the last big load of furniture and furnishings Labor Day weekend and got to work settling in. The boys were in heaven; the farm is probably Fawn's most favorite place on earth. It was Small Fry's first trip to Pickens County, Alabama, but he was happy as a lark all weekend. I got to work on additional cleaning. Buck had already cleaned the place once and then hired someone to clean the place. While I might not be as tidy as Buck (he knows when you move something on his desk), I am clean. I can spot a mess, and once I spot it I have to clean it. I washed walls, cleaned out cabinets, wiped down light switches and knobs. Though time-consuming, it was easy, productive work. I'm not done yet, but know I can knock it out in one more weekend.

While there is a bit more work to get the inside just how we want it, there's nothing but perfection outside at the farm. Simply put, it's God's creation on display. We went on golf cart and four wheeler rides around the pond and property. I watched my boys look on in awe as their daddy, their hero, operated a front end loader. The boys saw more butterflies than in the butterfly house at the Birmingham Zoo -- and giggled in delight as they chased them. We inspected dragonflies, watched birds, and admired Doc's growing orchard. And that was just in one day.

We threw balls in the yard, while we listened to the Alabama game, and Buck grilled ribs. The boys dug in dirt and got so dirty that Buck stripped them down, hosed them off, and deposited them directly in the bathtub while I made dinner. While I was putting them to bed, Buck was getting the boat ready for our next adventure. And, he captured this:

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. Martin Luther

We got up early Sunday morning and headed a couple miles down the road to a landing on the Tombigbee River for a boat ride in the Bass Tracker (the very same boat in which Buck and I got engaged eleven years ago). While Small Fry was not thrilled with the life jacket, even he couldn't quibble with the scenery. If you've never seen an unblemished river, you must. We enjoyed a cool, breezy morning, watching fish jump, cows wade on the riverbank, and more green, lush views than I've seen in quite some time. Brave Buck navigated us through dead rivers and oxbows to get to the back side of the property. We saw a brave doe swim across the river. And, despite our assurances that it was just a log, Fawn is convinced he saw an alligator. We saw a white crane spread its wings and take flight. "No mama, that's not a crane. It's an America swan," Fawn said. 

After some nature watching, it was time for some joy riding.

And, much to Fawn's delight, Buck decided it was time for our boy to learn to drive. If I could have bottled up the look of pride on his face I would have.

When it was time to head home, I was sad to leave -- and now that I'm home, I'm ready to go back. I'm married to a man that is truly wild at heart, as the saying goes. And, together, we are raising two boys. This is what I want for them -- to see God's creation and have absolutely no doubt as to His existence. I want the farm to be a place where they are rooted and at home, but also where they can be boys -- wild, crazy, loud, dirty, adventurous boys. And, thanks to Buck -- his planning and doing, literally his blood and sweat the last few months, we are making that a reality. One day I might get my wraparound porch cabin, but if not, that's okay too. I am blessed, we are blessed, by this little slice of heaven that we share together.

Nineteen Month Update.

Small Fry has absolutely blossomed this month -- it has been a joy to watch. He went from single words to really talking. I had forgotten just how much fun this stage is. He is so interested in the world around him and is a little sponge. 

He loves to dance and tries to sing. Dance parties are an almost daily occurrence around here -- as are sing-alongs. He mimics just about everything he can and is really starting to give commands. He can be quite bossy; his favorite thing to tell people is where to sit. We oblige now, but I hope we're not creating a monster!

He loves Mickey Mouse, and calls Goofy "Hot Dog" because of the song. He loves to find Fawn's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and then hold them while I sing the old school theme song. And, much to my heart's delight, he has really taken to books. His favorites are Brown Bear, Polar Bear, Dear Zoo, Swing, and I Love You Baby.

He's a total cuddlebug still (thank goodness!). His hugs and kisses are heart melting. When I leave him in his crib for nap or bed he always asks for more hugs and wraps his arms around me just as far as they can go. And, when I greet him in the morning he throws himself into my arms with the sweetest little grin.

Small Fry has had a huge month -- between his first real haircut, to our mountain trip, to starting school! He just seems so much more grown up than he did a month ago. He talks about the animals at the zoo as he observes them, really plays at the park, and (wait for it...) pays attention at story time. He and Fawn are playing together on a more interactive level, which both seem to be enjoying. Today, they played Simon Says with Fawn giving the orders. While Small Fry didn't get that he wasn't supposed to do something if Fawn didn't say "Simon Says", he eagerly did everything Fawn requested.

It's not all rosy -- he is showing glimpses of the terrible twos. Diaper changes, clothes changes, and getting into the car seat can be quite dramatic. But, to his credit, he is very easy to calm down after a meltdown. Plus, he's just growing into his own and asserting some independence. He's a fun little fellow -- charming, hilarious and oh so loving. What a joy!

July and August iPhone Pics.

Laundry makes me tired too.

Bubble bonanza.

Hours of bubble enjoyment this summer.

Baby Bumblebee.

Growing up so fast.

Courtesy of Lulu while Buck and Belle were in San Fran.

McWane Science Center fun.

Castle climber.

Dino digging.

Goggle wearing.

Crazy brothers.

Summer fun.

First Day of School.

I woke up this morning with my stomach in knots. When I reported this to Buck he responded with "You know that you're not the one starting school today, right?" Obviously! But, this mama bear was worried for her boys. Worried that Fawn would have a tough transition after such a long break and so much mama time. Worried that Small Fry would have a tough first day away from the nest.

We ate a big breakfast -- the 4K classes don't have snack time, and I didn't want Fawn to be starving by lunch. Then we headed outside for some obligatory first day pictures.

I asked for smiles and thumbs up. This is what I got. This lack of enthusiasm did nothing to help my nerves.

Sweet brothers on a big day.

This little guy had no clue what was about to happen.

They are not fighting -- they are giving each other a "boom."

My big four-year old.

Cannot believe it's his last picture in front of the welcome sign.

I dropped off Small Fry first on Fawn's insistence, and Small Fry lost his mind. We'd been talking up school and teachers all week -- and Small Fry would say "skoo" and "teeher" with a big smile. When he actually got dropped off and realized he was without his Bubba and Mama, he quickly melted down. The sweet ladies (who took care of Fawn in the nursery and have taken care of Small Fry) assured me he would be fine and to go on my merry way. Then it was Fawn's turn, and he was a champ. He seemed thrilled and didn't look back.

One of my close friends who works at the church texted me about 9:30 to let me know that Small Fry was happy and doing great. I wasn't worried, but it was great reassurance.

I picked Fawn up first, and he was in a great mood. He about tackled me in the hallway with the biggest, sweetest bear hug. I asked him if he liked his teachers. "Mommy, they are AWESOME!" he said in pure enthusiasm. We went to the nursery for Small Fry and passed a nursery worker who Fawn loves. "Fawn, how was your first day?" "It was great!" he said. Beyond thankful for a great experience for my boy.

Small Fry was screaming when we got their to pick him up and when he saw us that got even worse. They assured me that he just started crying when babies started getting picked up. Totally understandable -- I know that will get better. He seemed perfectly content on the way home and before his nap, though -- so I know it wasn't too traumatic. 

Off to a good start, and hopeful for an amazing year! So thankful for the kind, loving women who will spend so many hours this year shepherding my boys.

Sunday Finest.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17.