every captive thought

Brad made the boys night last weekend by surprising them with a backyard camp out complete with roasted marshmallows. James said, "This is the best night of my life!  I have the best Daddy in the world!" I honestly expected the boys to get cold and want to come in within 30 minutes.  They surprised me by staying out there until about 11:30.  Brad and I brought them in, put them in bed and I kissed their cold cheeks that smelled like campfire and roasted marshmallows. The rest are just some random pictures that I love.   Katy Jane after she found out she has to have surgery.  Bummer.  The princess is not happy. Katy Jane loves playing Mommy. She does NOT like having her seat stolen in my lap first thing in the morning by one of her brothers.  It's just rude. I don't know if it's worth all this....but ya know...if you're going to be dramatic, BE DRAMATIC! Have I mentioned how crazy I am about this guy lately?  

We had our yearly visit to our favorite pumpkin patch.  I love to see how the babies change each year. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

As I mentioned, James wanted a blueberry cake for his birthday. He loves blueberries crazy style. This is the cake he chose. Beautiful, right?  A 3 layer lemon and blueberry cake.  I looked at the recipe and thought, "Hmm...involved, but I can handle it." I spent most of my morning making it.  James was thrilled.  He "supervised" as I carefully followed the recipe and placed the blueberries exactly where he wanted them. A little taste test of batter met his approval. I put it on the table and ONE SECOND after taking this picture... This happened.   And then this happened.  He was heart-broken.  Finally the whole thing just slid right apart and off the cake pedestal.   But you know what?  It sure did taste great.  We sat right down on the kitchen floor and ate it. And because I had several sinks full of dishes to wash from the cake disaster, I took a picture and then turned a blind eye when I saw them doing this. ...

Yesterday was our precious boy's 6th birthday.  My sweet James, what a joy you are to us.  Always.  Always sunny, always cheerful, always helpful, always loving.  I love to hear how sweetly you talk to Katy Jane, you're so kind and patient.  I love when you and Jude are laughing so hard while you're playing.  I love how you love to search for bugs. I love how you have a plan for the day the moment you wake up.  I love to hear your sweet prayers. I'm hanging on to these little boy years with you.  You are growing up so fast.  You look taller everyday.  You still want me beside you all the time.  You still come snuggle in my lap in the morning.  You still want me to watch you do a wheelie, admire your bug collection, and play candyland a million times. You love to cook with me and still claim you want to be a chef when you grow up.  You also say that you will always want to live with me and Daddy and that you will cook...

What a fun day we had with our sweet Judie Bug!  I love celebrating this boy!  Nana and Papa took him and James for a special birthday lunch then came home for presents and cake.  Jude's cake choice this year was chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles.  Yep...my kid for sure. Sweet Nana and Papa. Jude got a NEW Captain America costume and shield because the one from last year was literally falling apart at the seams. Jude had worn it until it could be worn no more.   Chocolate chocolate chocolate cake time! His new big boy bike! One of Jude's requests was for us to wear party hats.         Now both my guys can ride their matching big boy bikes together! Sweet little Jude!  Happy 4th birthday!