So - Chris has built a watchtower - aka a swingset/slide - in our backyard. It is such a beautiful day outside that Isaac, Lacie and I just had to go out and play. After awhile of chasing each other, swinging and so forth - Lacie decided it was time to eat. So she and I retired to the back patio while Isaac braved bugs and climbed the highest heights. It was a lot of fun to just watch him play and use his imagination. While my mind was drifting off into the sweetness of the moment - baby girl in my arms, little man playing quietly in the yard - I thought I heard Isaac say something. Now apparently some of our neighbors were outside working on their backyards at about this same time and Isaac was in fact addessing them. As I tuned in - I heard him loudly exclaim from the top of his tower - 'Hey, you soooo naked!!!' To which he followed up with - 'Nnnnipples!!' (A discovery we have recently made in our household and that he loves to point out whenever in view!). Now to answer your question (because I know that you have one) - no - I did not run up to verify if in fact one of our neighbors happened to be without clothes. Instead I just tried to control my giggles, called Isaac down, and explained that such discoveries should not be yelled out. He just smiled and went on his way. So let this be a warning - if you go walking around our house without your clothes - you WILL be called out!

Several weeks ago, I wrote about being challenged by our church to go love on someone for Christ. This week I got to follow through on my request to my friend to paint her daughter's room. I was very nervous about it and Chris calmly sat me down and reminded me that I wasn't going over there to make her fall in love with Jesus. I was going because I have fallen in love with Jesus. That reminder quieted all the nerves within and I found myself excitedly making my way to her house. It was a very long two days of painting, juggling the kids, and trying to sneak in some moments just to talk and laugh with my friend - but it was worth it. I love my Jesus more than I can express and keeping in mind that I was doing this out of that love for Him - just made it a sweet time! And as you can see from the picture of my little man that was taken while we were there - he had a pretty sweet time too. (You boys will do anything to impress the girls!!) Thank you all for the prayers and I just ask that you keep praying for my friend.

Last weekend Grandma and Papa Cinnamon were here (and Grandma Great) - and they helped Chris build a swingset/slide for the kids. And just yesterday, Chris put all of the finishing touches on it. Now for those of you who don't know - we have a motto in our home - 'Go big or go home!' I am proud to say that my Christopher has upheld this creed to it's full extent in regards to this slide. Do you remember the movie 'Crocodile Dundee' where he says 'That's not a knife. This is a knife.' and he pulls out this mini-machete from his back pocket? Well, everytime I pass by my living room window I can't help but think of that line - only I have tweaked it to say 'that's not a slide...this is a slide!' It is huge, but Isaac absolutely loves it and it's massive size (especially in comparison to his little frame) doesn't frighten him a bit. Me, on the other hand...I get 'seasick' on the swing. :) It's awesome though - all are invited to come play!!

Some friends of ours are having a baby today (we're praying for you Clay and Erin). This is the third baby to come about at the Journey Church in the last few months. Apparently, my son has been exposed to too many pregnant women. We were playing today and I started to tap a rhythm on his tummy. He quickly grabbed my hand and said 'don't hit the baby'. I sweetly replied -  'What?!?!' 'Mommy, don't hit the baby in my tummy'. Yes, it is time to take this boy to a monster truck rally, a baseball game - something. Oh, dear...

At Blackbaud, where Chris works, there is a pond in the parking lot. Chris sent me these pictures today. If this is what's going on outside - what on earth is happening inside? No wonder the poor boy is so stressed!!