Letting the cat out of the bag...

Last summer, I lost a baby to a miscarriage. It was not the first miscarriage we had experienced so we were extremely cautious about telling a lot of people that I was pregnant. But, because I had carried that baby past the 12th week, we started telling those closest us that we were expecting. Then, around the 15th week, the doctor realized that the baby no longer had a heart beat and hadn't been growing for a few weeks. It was a devastating loss. One that hardened my heart a bit.

Then, this past February, we realized that I was again pregnant. We were extremely skittish about telling anyone and I've been holding back from posting anything on my blog announcing that #3 is on the way. But, I'm now in my 28th week and things with this pregnancy are going pretty well. I've been more sick than any of the others but that keeps me optimistic that things are ok. We now know that we are having a boy...one that will make 3 boys for our family. I'm officially due on October 22nd. And, no...we haven't named him yet. We're struggling with the name of this little guy. I just had to let the cat out of the bag.

My Sister's Wedding

My sister, Jennifer King married Anthony Norton on Friday, July 10th at Lost Arrow Resort in Gladwin, Michigan. The weather was perfect with the sun setting as the backdrop for the ceremony. Our boys carried fishing poles in the ceremony with rings tied to the ends. They did such a great job! It was a beautiful day.

My whole family...the day after.

Check this out!

So much fun. Love this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

***Sparklers***

Swim Lessons

Caiden and Dawson took swim lessons for 2 weeks in June. Caiden made huge strides in his swimming and now loves the water more than ever. Dawson is still a little more reserved about being in the water, which is totally ok with his momma until he can really grasp the basics. We took the lessons at Ms. Sue's in Smyrna. It was a great experience for us.


Here's Caiden doing his back float.


Caiden and Dawson showing off their certificates & hand stamps.

CMA Music Festival with my Sis

My sister Jen and I attended our 4th CMA music festival in June. As usual, we had a wonderful time. By Sunday night, we were exhausted, sun-burned and fell asleep with the sound of music ringing in our ears. Can't wait to do it again next year Sis!




Brad Cotter and I.


Lady Antebellum (and some fan in the white t-shirt).

Caiden's first playoff game and trophy ceremony

Although Caiden's teeball team, the Detroit Tigers, lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs, they still came in 2nd place overall. He was so proud to have gotten a trophy.




His entire team...thanks coaches for all your guidance this season!



All tuckered out on the short ride home.

Papa's Birthday Surprise

Caiden and Dawson's Papa was extremely surprised at his 60th birthday party. We had so much fun planning it. I think it was at least an hour before it really sunk it that it was HIS birthday party. Here's the photos to prove we had fun!


Papa arriving at the party. We had to coax him out of the vehicle.


Everyone waiting to see the special guest arrive.


Enjoying the festivities.


The food and the 60s era theme.

The lawn ornament...a replica of Papa's first car (well, almost!).

Where has the summer gone?

Wow! I just checked my blog and realized that its been almost 2 months since I posted anything. I guess that's a good indicator that we've had an extremely busy summer. I'm going to post lots of updates on what's been happening but just to give you a sample of all the stuff that's we've been involved in since the first of June...here goes:

- Papa's 60th birthday party
- Caiden's first teeball playoffs
- CMA music festival with my sister
- Swim Lessons for Caiden & Dawson
- 4th of July fireworks on July 3rd
- My sister's wedding
- Redecorating the boys' room
- Trip to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

Whew...what a list!

We also experienced some tragedy in our lives since the first of June. Our pastor's son, Gabe passed away on July 4th from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier that morning. Even though Gabe was only 17 years old, its been amazing to see the legacy he left behind. He was truly a kid who walked with God and lived for Him daily. He was a kid that you hoped your kids model after. I have watched his parents and family grieve tremendously over his loss but also rejoice that he is in heaven with Jesus. Their faith in God has been an amazing lesson in humility for me. Gabe always wanted God to be glorified by his life and I believe that is happening.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8