Happy Birthday Sam

Sam turned 5 last Thursday. We stretched out his birthday by having a party with one side of the family Wednesday, a friend down on Thursday plus the other side of the family party, and two friends down on Friday. His favorite present was a scooter I bought at a yard sale! And yes, I am that cheap...I mean, frugal! He even asked me where I got it, and I said somewhere nice. He exclaimed, "You mean Wal-Mart!"

Eli's birthday is this week. I can't believe that! When you start at 7 months, time flies by. He's loosing that baby look with all 7 of his teeth showing. July was very rough with Eli, and we now know that he had an ear infection. He is still cutting teeth too, which seem to really bother him. Anyway, he is a different baby now that he's had medicine, and we are so thankful he feels better.

Last week, we were blessed to have a family from church offer to take Sam and Cora with them for a day at a state park after church. They knew Eli had been sick, and we were just plain worn out. It was WONDERFUL! We had a whole afternoon to relax/do odd jobs. Eli took a 4 hour nap since the house was so quiet. And Sam and Cora had a blast with their friends. It reminded me that there are so many small things we can do for others to bless them. I am now on the lookout for ways to bless our church family, will you join me?

We also had the pleasure of swapping babysitting with another church family. They kept our three kids one Friday night in June so Josh and I could have a date. Then we kept their two kids (yes we got the better deal:) last week for a night so they could go out. The kids have a great time, and mom and dad don't have to feel rushed. Best of all...no paying a babysitter at the end of the night!

I am in the midst of some major house cleaning to clear spots for school stuff, so its back to cleaning I go!