Proud to be an American

This weekend is the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America. I say America because it wasn't just the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the people of New York, or politicians. It was an attack on all of us. An attack on the ideals, values, and freedom that America is built upon. It is true that life goes on, and it must, but to forget is a travesty. To forget means to forget about those that perished in the attack, those that gave of themselves to save those they could, and those that volunteered to risk their lives to protect our freedom. It means to forget those that have fought at any time for the freedoms we continue to enjoy today. It means to forget the the sacrifice.

As I was driving today I noticed that many schools, fire houses, and places of business had OUR flag flying at half mast this weekend. It moved me. Reminded me that patriotism is still alive. Reminded me that although it seems as though many of us have forgotten what it means to be an American that there are some who have not forgotten.

I guess I wanted to write this to simply say that I have not forgotten. I haven't forgotten that we are fighting a worthy war. I haven't forgotten the men and women, my friends and family, that are protecting my freedoms on a daily basis. I haven't forgotten that we are built on the principles of God. A holy God. The one and only true God. I haven't forgotten the blessings that He has poured out upon us. Day after day. Year after year. We don't deserve His favor, but He shows it anyway.

On this 10th anniversary I ask you to remember. Say a prayer for our service men and women. Thank God for all that He has given you. Given us. Given our country. Ask Him to continue to watch over us. May His peace be with you and your families. God bless you and God bless the USA!

Just a Swingin'

With temperatures in the 90s and 100s over the last several weeks, we have spent most of our time indoors. However, last week we had a nice break for about 2 days with slightly cooler temps (80s) so we took advantage of it and headed to the park for the evening. Naomi loved the swing, which also happens to be Levi's favorite thing to do as well. Here they are smiles and all...

Silly Faces

"Do you want to see my silly faces?"

and now Doggie joined in.

Bad at Posting

Lately I have been very bad at 1) taking pictures, and 2) posting the pictures I actually do take. However, I have taken a few here and there that for whatever reason I haven't uploaded to post. Here is a little taste.

Naomi is rolling around everywhere! She is trying really hard to crawl, but hasn't quite mastered it just yet. This day she roller herself right under the TV cabinet.

At Levi's 3 year check-up the doctor noticed a heart murmur and sent us to a pediatric cardiologist to have it checked out. Levi wasn't too sure about it all. After being hooked up to all these cords and an ultrasound of his heart, the doctor told us it was just an innocent murmur and nothing to worry about. We have to go back in 5 years to make sure it hasn't developed into anything more serious. Can't believe Levi will be 8 then!

The is crazy man being what I like to call bucket head. He is so much fun!

So Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A was well over a month ago, but I'm just now getting around to posting this picture. Aaron's sister, Cara, dressed him up. I think she did a pretty good job. Just wished I had gotten a picture of the whole outfit. He definitely enjoyed his free meal!

Bugaboo Shout Out

Just wanted to give a shout out to Bugaboo Prints! I won this print from them 2 weeks ago and love it. They have lots of cute prints, so check them out!

Cabin Trip

A few weeks ago we took a weekend trip to my parent's cabin in North Georgia. We had a great time getting away. We hiked to a few waterfalls, went to the park, visited Brasstown Bald, and watched a few movies. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Some of the waterfalls had little rock formations someone had made.

View from Brasstown Bald

Naomi and the notorious fox.

Waterfall. Can you see Aaron & Levi?

Big Brother Sweetness

Levi is proving to be one amazing big brother. Naomi has not been sleeping well at night. Usually she wakes once at some point and it only takes a little snuggling and she is back asleep. I'm hoping it is due to teething, but we'll see. Anyway, Sunday evening I was woken up around 2am to hear Naomi crying. When I woke up I noticed the living room light was on, so I go to investigate. I walk around the corner and look into Naomi's room to find that Levi has crawled into the pack-n-play with Naomi. He has given her a pacifier and is telling her "Its okay." She actually seems calm and almost asleep. That is when he saw me and said "Mommy, Nome's crying." So I pick them both up, give Levi some juice, and send him back to bed (after I tell him what a wonderful brother he is). Naomi is back to sleep and in bed by 3am. When morning finally arrives I decide to sleep in since I had to get up with the kids. Around 7:45am I hear Naomi crying again so start to get out of bed, but before I can I hear my bedroom door shut. I get out of bed and walking into the living room to hear laughter coming from Naomi's room. I head that way only to find that Levi has crawled in bed with her again and they are laughing. When I walk in he says "Mommy, you awake?" To which I reply "Yes." Realizing that he thought I was asleep I ask "Did you shut my door so she wouldn't wake me up?" He looks at me and says "Yes." How sweet is that? I definitely have one sweet little boy.