Our pictures are here!!

Our amazing pictures from Matt and Kate Altmix have arrived (even sooner than we thought!) We couldn't be more thrilled to have pictures of the FOUR of us! Stephen is usually always behind the camera! Also, to have pictures of just me and Stephen. That tends to never happen! We were also SOO thankful for our Aunt Rylie to come out last minute to help with the kids so we could take the pictures!! Matt and Kate did an amazing job capturing the joy, energy, and love in our family! Thanks guys so much!!! We LOVE the pictures and will cherish them forever! The shoot was a lot of fun! As a treat, I let the boys have popsicles for the last shoot, knowing it would be quite a mess, but they LOVED it! :)

Living Gracefully through Thanks

A journal entry from the past:

Thinking this morning about my please vs thanks score. How much am I constantly saying please......this & please......that to God? (a lot)

How quickly do I want out of difficult situations, phases, and challenges? (a heck of a lot)

How much, with all my asking, am I stating that I value my own comfort over God's glory? That I choose MINE over His desires for my family, the condition of my heart, the maturity of my faith. (guilty)

God is not most concerned with my comfort. Nope, He is concerned about my heart - about who I am. He disciplines as a father who delights in his son. By giving thanks in all things, even in the Refiner's fire, my eyes become focused on the things of substance - of things eternal, not of the immediate gratification. (OK yes, I would look really cute in a pair of Frye boots and they would never go out of style, but I've decided I can live with out those.....well, maybe)

In giving thanks, I release my grip on what I THINK I deserve. Do I really want what I (think) I deserve ANYWAYS? I know that wouldn't be good! With a heart of gratitude, I take the focus off myself, and am able to be an effective reflection of God's glory. The pity parties just muddy it up.

God, forgive me for how much I am focused on self comfort. Help me to be more mindful of THANKSGIVING, especially and even today.

Shortage of "Lego Guys"

One day I kept stepping on these little "Lego Guys". Their body parts were strung all over the house, as if there had been a terrorist attack. I stepped on legs, and in agony accidently kicked the head so that it rolled under the oven. AKA black hole of dog hair and lost Cheerios. What good is a headless Lego Guy? I decided just to get rid of these little plastic torture devices. Little did I know, those were prized possessions by 4 year olds and their friends. We had some friends over, and the entire time was mostly spent fighting over the one "Lego Guy" we had left. So, I decided to improvise, and made my own "Pipe Cleaner Guys". It seemed to work for the moment and at least their little parts weren't falling all over the place, causing melt downs left and right! Now, I am the official "Piper Cleaner Guy" maker - and can spend mornings making the entire Marvel team. Oh the fun of having boys!

More on Beckett

My little cowboy!

Super Beckett!!
Can he even see out??
Batman and Robin!!

Adler is definitely full-on Batman obsession mode! And Beckett is following close in his foot steps! It's hilarious to watch these too run around our house in capes, masks and super power belts! I guess this is the princess dress-up phase my friends with girls have all gone through. We go to the grocery store, Target, YMCA, etc looking like this! It's fun watching their imaginations take them on missions to save the world! I believe that one day, they just might!!

Locked out

So, I discovered the hard way that we hadn't updated our "hide-away" key with our new locks! By my mistake, the kids and I got locked out of the house. I could get the door open, but I had locked it with the hotel lock. So, without much further thought, I decided to kick the door in! Adler was devastated I had broken the door, and laid on the floor crying for about 5 minutes. Beckett just stared in wonderment. Luckily, I didn't do too much damage, so I think Stephen was actually a little impressed. Project time this weekend!

A shout out to our Elijah Beckett

I've loved watching the personality of our sweet Beckett Boy develop over the past 18 months. It's so interesting to me to discover ways that he is like his big brother and ways that he is different. Beckett Boy, this one's for you!

At 19 months Beckett is not the "soft spoken"child we thought he was going to be. Of course, he had to learn how to be heard over Adler's killer lung capacity screams, so our idea of having a "quiet child" quickly died. But, I say, the louder the better! :) Don't tell the boys I said that!

He definitely has a few strong favorites:

1) Balls - which he says with perfect southern drawl "Bawl". But more specifically, golf. Loves playing golf, watching golf, and trying to play golf on the Wii.

2) Music - we have a lot of dance parties at our house. For a while, it was how mommy took showers and got dressed. Now, it's a common occurrence, especially if everyone is crying at the same time and Mom has tried everything in the book! His top request is Black Eyed Pea's "I've Got a Feeling" (or he calls it "Good Night"), his second choice is Michael Jackson's "Beat-It". He is also a really great dancer and can already master the "stink face". It might just be the cutest thing you've ever seen! See stink face below:

3) He's a wee-bit particular. Doesn't like messy hands, wet diaper, likes to put things "back" where they belong. He's a great helper at cleaning up.

4) He's thoughtful, especially when it comes to Adler. Finds Adler's cup, glasses, special toy, etc and brings it to him.

5) He's smart! I'm always amazed at how much he understands of what I'm saying. I'll say, "Beckett, I'll be right back" and step out of the room and brace myself for screaming..but I hear his little voice say "Alright" instead. What? No screaming? He understood and believed me? Impossible!

6) He's tough, but still sensitive. Needs a kiss when he bumps his head.

7) Like his brother, has a deep voice. Love it!

8) Loves his Daddy and always cheers and runs to him when he walks through the door. What a homecoming!

9) The boy has curls for the girls!! Love running my fingers through those ringlets!!

10) If I'm holding him and he really wants my attention, he's gently take my cheeks into his little hot hands and turn my head to his so he can tell me whatever it is that he wants. It might be my most favorite thing he does.

11) He's growing up too fast! Never played with a baby toy, went straight for the match box cars! Totally skipped Thomas the Train and is on to Batman!

12) Makes my life and our family richer and fuller! We love you Beckett Boy!!

Stephen's website!

Did we mention Stephen has his new site up!? It looks awesome!

Scenes from the Hunton home

Adler & Beckett just today:

Scene 1:

Adler: With underwear at ankles in back yard

Daddy: Adler, what are you doing?

Adler: Pooping!

Daddy: What!!?! Get in the house! That's disgusting! That's what dogs do, you're a boy!!

Adler: Oh

Scene 2:

Mom: Walking into kitchen, noticing Beckett sitting in time-out chair, whining.

Adler: "Mom, I put Beckett into time out"

Mom: Adler, you are not supposed to do that. Beckett, you can get up.

Adler: But mom, he's not listening to me

Beckett stays put in time out, still whining

Mom: Adler, you are not in charge and you are not to put your brother in time out, no matter what

Adler: Well, he's not obeying

Mom: Beckett, you can get out of time out, you are not in trouble

Beckett stays put in time out, still whining, looking at Adler

Mom: Adler, tell Beckett he can get out of time out

Adler: Beckett, you can get up now

Beckett gets up

Family Photo Shoot

We finally had our family photo shoot we've been trying to schedule now for what seems like forever!! We have so many wonderful pictures of the boys, but not many of the four of us together. And not many of Stephen and I. So, we waited for the amazing and talented Kate and Matt Altmix to have a break in their busy photography wedding schedules. I was super stressed about what to wear, how to dress the boys. This sent me on a terror to DSW, H&M, Target, and finally, Rylie's closet. (which turned out better than the stores mentioned) So, the night before the shoot, Rylie and I played dress up- or she played dressing up the big sister in desperate need. This is what I love about having my sister in the same city! :) And only 15 minutes away at that!! We can't wait to see the pics from The Altmix team and will be posting them as soon as we get them!

Bad Blogger

So, when looking at my last post, I realized it had been 3 months since I last updated the blog! The summer just flew by for us! Here are some things we did:

May:

Kristine hosted a baby shower for Bonnie Presley

Stephen had 3 weddings

Adler finished his t-ball season

Beckett started running

Kristine took a "patterns" sewing class

Stephen had a "guys" weekend up in the Georgia mountains

Stephen went to Las Vegas with his Dad and brother

Adler took swimming lessons

Kristine and Stephen went to a Josh Rouse concert

Kristine had her tonsils out - Neanie and Grandpa came to the rescue to help with the boys

Beckett had a cardiogram for his "innocent heart murmur" (everything is OK)

Aunt Rylie moved to Atlanta and a few weeks later got engaged!! We are excited about Uncle Bryan!

June:

We had two close friends have babies (The Zugaros and Presleys) Welcome babies Jack & Bennett!

We celebrated our 8 year anniversary

We took a trip to the lake with our friends, the Gertz

Stephen went to New York to present his photo work to some ad folks

Adler had his progress check on his eyes and had a good report

Beckett had his eyes screened for the same condition Adler has, everything was fine

July:

We hit the road on 7/1! Our first stop was Vicksburg, MS to spend time with Kristine's grandmother. We continued on to Texas to spend the 4th of July with both our families, including Kristine's sisters and their significant others! On the 6th, we flew to LA and had a 5 hour lay-over before our flight to Fiji!!! (more on this later) The kids stayed in Houston with the grandparents for our 8 day trip! We had a fantastic time and everyone did great!!

Stephen got a staph infection promptly after our return, which delayed our trip back to Atlanta a few days. (returned on the 19th)

Neanie came to town for an Aunt Rylie wedding extravaganza weekend! Aunt Shelley came too!

Kristine hosted a baby shower for Lani Gertz

August:

We had two close friends have babies! The Gertz and Claytons! Welcome babies John David and Jake!

Adler pooped in his room and smeared it all over his floor and walls (couldn't leave this one out)

Adler started pre-school

We had a super fun weekend visit from our sweet friends, The Wells! (more on this later)

Stephen went to Nashville for a few meetings

Adler started tennis lessons

Adler developed his obsession with Batman and Legos

Beckett follows close behind his brother, but still loves balls (especially golf), Diego, Woody, and Lego blocks

Beckett had his 18 month check. He is 50th percentile for height and head, and 75th for weight (the boy likes to eat)

Aunt Shelley accepted a job in Atlanta and moves next month!!

Summer Time!

I can't believe summer is already here! Here are some end of the school year pics:

Adler and his "Best friend forever"...

Beckett and his "best friend forever", Jude Fountain

Beckett has loves to brush his hair and teeth!

Meghan and I at the Norah Jones concert!
Adler playing his first round of golf with Daddy!
Aunt Rylie and Aunt Shelley! We are so excited Aunt Rylie is engaged! And living in Atlanta! Now we just need to get Aunt Shelley here!
Here's where we found Adler one night...he had gotten out of his bed and fallen asleep in the hallway, also with his Build-A-Bear tent and his Build-A-Bear dogs inside. This is also how he likes to sleep...with one arm in the pillow. We are not sure what this is about, but he has be be able to get his arm in the pillow or he gets upset..strange
Big Boys!

Adler playing T-Ball! He really did great!
Daddy was the Assistant Coach
Team Huddle
Ready to bat!
Cheering Squad

Picture Update

Some pictures to catch you up:

Me and the boys at Chick-fil-A on a Friday night that Stephen was out of town. It was quite the event. Dinner, an appearance by the Chick-Fil-A cow, himself, playground, then ice cream. All for $13. Thanks Chick-fil-A! Note Adler insisted on wearing my sunglasses.

Beckett liked the polynesian sauce.
Sweet ba ba

After church, on a Sunday Stephen was out of town, I took the boys to Piedmont Park for a walk, playground, then lunch at Willy's Mexican. They were tuckered out!
Adler at swim lessons at the Y
Shelley's bday gift I made. Not sure if you can tell, but it's a travel kit for make-up brushes. It rolls and ties on the end. Happy 24th Aunt Sha Sha!!
Another victory
Thought this was funny - Adler must have taken this picture of me and Stephen still in bed. This is probably what we look like every morning to him..."Adler, it's 6am!!" Also, you can see the head board I made!
At the zoo with the baby panda
Boys on the train
Thumbs up! Adler wearing his "Rock the Creek" fundraiser shirt sent from Neanie
Sweet Beckett sharing his cookie with Cookie Monster Adler
Alder and the ladies at the zoo
My sad canopy, I couldn't get it straight. It looked like we were on the Oregon Trail
Swim lessons again
Still in the beginning stages, but a skirt I'm making in my sewing class
At the Sweetwater Festival...cupcakes saved the day and bought me about 10 minutes of sitting down!
Aunt Sha Sha came to visit! Couldn't get both boys to look at the camera at the same time! :(
The make-over
Girls trip to Amelia Island for the weekend
We drove through Savannah on the way back and stopped at Paula Dean's restaurant for some deee-lish!



Adler's Kid Rocks class at the Y - here they are doing the yoga pose..sorta
Easter egg hunt at school
Beckett and Grammi
All geared up
Stephen re-did our deck!
Adler and Aunt Rylie at the zoo (we go to the zoo a lot)

Would have been considered a victory if wasn't at the optical store....I carried him in from the car and just laid him down on the chairs while I dealt with the glasses.
Beckett thought it was funny too
T-ball, yes, this is when I realized it was time for a hair cut