Hey Mom, What's for Breakfast?

Cool hair buddy! :)

How Christian Wears His Silly Bandz

I think Christian enjoyed this silly band more than opening his gifts.

Christian was introduced to the fad of "Silly Bandz" by his cousin Logan at Christian's birthday party. He was absolutely enthralled with the various shaped plastic bands. My mom bought him some for the flight back to SC, but we did not end up needing them and I put them away for our next trip. His enthusiasm for silly bands has not yet waned. Even our neighbors have been sneaking them to Christian. He likes to play with them and put them in containers and then retrieve them. Currently, Christian likes to barely tuck the bands in his mouth keeping them in place with his teeth and then leaves them hanging out. Not quite sure what this is all about, but I think it is kind of funny. Here is Christian doing just that with 2 purple bats and an orange pumpkin.

Swan Lake in the Fall

Now that the weather has been cooler we have been venturing back out to Swan Lake. Here are a few pictures from our last outing.

Daddy's DVD Book

Steve sent Christian a cute DVD of him reading "Goodnight Gorilla" last week. The USO allows deployed military members to record and send a book home to family. Before his departure we videotaped Steve reading a few books and C watches them on the computer, but I think he was surprised to see Daddy on the "big screen."

Fall Days

Just a few pictures...

From our morning walk on Saturday (C just loves wearing his hood, can't you tell?):

Okay, this is better:My friend Emily reminded me about this fun tradition of "Booing" the neighbors...it has been fun to see the signs popping up in the windows in our neighborhood:

Pretty leaves in the backyard (I may have to actually buy a rake!):

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we went to a pumpkin patch not far from our house in the empty lot behind a church. Christian loved playing in the straw, feeling the bumpy pumpkins, and I think just enjoyed the big mass of orange. There is a real pumpkin patch on a farm not too far (we went this past summer.) Depending on how the week unfolds we may just have to go there too.

We chose a small little pumpkin from one of these bins...oh so cute!

Sunglasses

Christian's new favorite activity is trying to put on my sunglasses. Usually they end up haphazardly on top of his head.
I am enjoying spending time with Christian (even though the days are sometimes SO long) and it is such a joy to see his sense of humor developing.

Columbia Getaway

This past weekend, our kind neighbor, Leigh invited us to stay overnight at her condo in Columbia. So nice to get a little time away! Leigh is a big USC Gamecock fan and has a great place right by the stadium. Look at the views from the balcony. I would say it is a Gamecock fan's dream. We also went to the South Carolina State Fair (which was just on the other side of the stadium) and enjoyed the animals, a few rides, food, and people watching. There was a lot of activity and it was a perfect day for the fair. Mmm, deep fried butter anyone? Christian enjoyed the ferris wheel.

Daddy Bear

Christian loves his "Daddy Bear" (as I call it, because it normally wears an air force dress uniform.) And yes, Christian found a pacifier, which he hasn't showed interest in since he was 8 months old but now can't seem to live without...

A Treasure on Loan from Above

Seeing Christian sleep comes few and far between anymore. The other day I needed to wake him up from his nap before he spoiled his bedtime (which kind of happened anyway.) I was able to sneak into his room and steal a few photos before waking him. Aren't they just so peaceful when they sleep? :o)

Fall Foliage and Late Blooms

Pretty trees turning in our neighborhood:Another late summer bloom in our front yard:

Christian on yesterday's morning walk (with a tube of toothpaste):

Shoes

In Colorado I got a lot of "teasing" for not putting shoes on Christian. He wore socks in the winter months as a baby, and now that he is starting to "walk" around a little more he does wear them when we go out or if we are outside. But before then...he just didn't. With a hot summer and sticky humidity, who wants to be in socks and shoes?

Keeping Focused

I will admit that this week has been a little rough. Thankfully, Christian has been a good boy, and everything is going smooth around here, but emotionally I have just been a little down. I really miss Steve, and I miss having a partner and a daddy for Christian. A group of pilots just returned from their deployments and instead of being joyful for them and their families I have regretfully been envious. I know our day will come, and it will be filled with celebration when Steve returns, but until then it is just tough being alone. Please pray that I will have a more heavenly perspective on hard days and that I will find my true contentment and hope in God alone.

While working on my Bible study last week, this verse just jumped off the page. How appropriate! My focus has been on my needs instead of a pure focus on Christ Jesus.

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer."
~2 Timothy 2:3-4

Fall Blooms

It may be fall, but these beauties are still blooming in our front yard. I'm not sure what they are, but I love the fresh white.

Bad Hair Day?

Talk about bed head. C woke up with this mohawk 'do the other day. :o)

We Love You

Steve's mom had a great idea and brought this sign to Christian's birthday party. We all love you Steve and miss you!