Fishing with Daddy

Eli loves to fish.

I remember how excited he would be about going fishing with the boys and other youth leaders when we lived in Baltimore.  Even if he didn't catch anything, he would come back home from a trip feeling relaxed and accomplished.

We live about 2 miles from a great fishing spot here in Nashville, and my uncle has a boat...so Eli has had numerous opportunities to fish on his summer break.

Well, the other day, Eli decided that for an early 3rd Birthday present, he would get a fishing pole for Emmanuel.  We made our trip out to the store, and E chose a Spiderman fishing pole.  He was so excited about his fishing pole and his tackle box!  Eli taught him how to use his pole before they set off on their big adventure.

About an hour later, I came back to get them, and Emmanuel greeted me with a great big smile and 1 of the 3 brim that he caught.

And, even though these trips might not be as relaxing or refreshing for Eli, I have a feeling that the memories made will be a greater benefit than any "quiet time" by the lake.

Taste of Music City

One of Emmanuel's favorite events during the summertime is the Taste of Music City.  I'm not sure what he likes best...splashing in the water downtown....

...or tasting all of the food.

Reese thoroughly enjoyed himself as well.  One of his favorite things to do is to chew on bones...rib bones happen to be his favorite.  

 I couldn't wait to try the pork belly lollipop fro Tayst...it did not disasspoint!

And, Emmanuel used his very last tickets to buy ice cream, which he shared with his baby brother!

We had a lot of fun!  Thanks to our non-pork-eating friend, Joe Ella, for coming out with us and not being too overwhelmed about the level of pork that we consumed!

Let the Countdown begin!

Reese will turn 1 in 20 days.

These last few months have been amazing.  He has become a little man faster than any of us ever expected.  He is making his place in this family, and we are so happy that he is here.

He said "mama" on April 9.  It was his first word.  He said "dada" on April 14.  And, he started calling Emmanuel "brother" a few days later.  Unlike most kids who choose a word and refer to everything as that word...Reese was very clear that when he said "mama" he was talking about me.  When he said "dada" he was talking about Eli, and so on.

He took his first steps right before he turned 10 months old, but of course, I was the only witness (Eli was at work...Emmanuel was asleep), so no one believed me.  He walked to Eli on May 20th, and then it became "official."  He has taken steps here and there everyday since then, but he still prefers to crawl.

He is a total flirt...most of the time.  He loves attention, and will smile or talk to anyone who is in his face, unless, of course, he's not in the mood.  He has very strong opinions and emotions.  He is incredibly determined.

He has 8 teeth, but I'm pretty sure he's cutting his molars.  He loves being outside (like his big brother).  He loves putting any and everything in his mouth.  He's very loud...and loves to clap his hands.

He does not like to cuddle, he loves his daddy, and always looks for his brother.  He continues to love to eat savory dishes over sweet, and I imagine having coffee with him when he is in college as he tells me about his favorite dishes to cook because, of course, I want my boys to know their way around the kitchen.

He loves other babies and kids.  He's got a great little playmate in our neighborhood, but anytime he sees a little one, he gets excited.

I look forward to his 1st birthday with great joy.  I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Jesus that he got me through this first year of parenting a two year old and a new baby with a husband who was working a new job and going to school at night.  I am tired, but I am thankful.  I am thankful that we have some playmates for the boys.  I am thankful for my neighborhood walking buddy (who has an almost one year old, too!)  I am thankful that I did not lose my sanity.  I am thankful for grace.  I am thankful that my mom reminds me that staying at home is important and that I won't get these years back...even though it is a huge sacrifice for our family financially and puts whatever career I might have dreamt of having on hold.  I am thankful for my MOMS Club (we are 70 MOMS strong and most have multiple kiddos).  I am thankful for my closest friends who are far away, but who never hesitate to check in, even from across the pond.  I am thankful for Eli, who has endured more than I could imagine and who never gave up.

Well, let the countdown begin.  Happy" soon-to-be" 1st Birthday, Reese Martin.  I can only imagine what the next year holds!

School's out for the Summer!

Eli finished his first year of teaching ELL (English Language Learners) and his first year working on his second Masters degree!  Hallelujah!  We are so thankful to the Lord that he had a successful first year.

As one of their end-of-the-year projects, his students wrote children's books for Emmanuel and Reese.  I brought our kiddos to Eli's class so that they could present them with the books.

We were frequent visitors during the school year, and grew very fond of Eli's students.  Several of his students tested out of ELL or will be mainstreamed with consultation (which is a great accomplishment), so there will be new faces in his classes next year.  I am really proud of all of his hard work.

I tutored a few hours a week for Preston Taylor Ministries (PTM) at the Park Avenue/Crosspoint location.  I had the great privilege of working with 20 kids in grades K-4 on developing their reading skills.  PTM does amazing work here in Nashville, and it was such a blessing to be a small part of the puzzle.  Emmanuel and Reese enjoyed hanging out with my older kiddos for our last party.

The oldest girls

The boys acting silly! 

E did not expect all of the girls to surround him at once! 

We have had quite the year, and we are excited about what is to come!